Ariana goes up to Anchard and places a hand on him.
Cure Light wounds
Looking at the bandit who only NOW is surrendering, Mileana smirks a bit. "You were already offered mercy and you chose to attack us anyway, even without the support of your friends. Tell us everything you know about this 'next ambush spot' and who you expect to be there... and I'll let you live." Of course, she does not say that she will let him GO. That's another matter entirely, one that she has her own ideas about.
She glances towards Anchard after hearing Arianna casting a spell, curiously. "Let me know if you need further healing. I did pray for such magics for the day."
Darian, your life belongs to us to do as we see fit, the rules of violent conflict are very severe but we all must follow them. You can choose to tell us, and we may let you live, but we already know now that there is another ambush, so what makes you so sure your life is worth the information? I have a counter offer for the terms of your surrender.
Anchard holds his blade toward the bandit ex leader. In addition to giving us the information you'll also give us your valuables, our pick of your equipment, and you'll help draw out the would be ambushers that you claim are ahead. If you do this, we will let you live. Fail or refuse and we do not have an agreement. So what say you Darian? Please answer yes or no only, you've wasted my time enough. Anchard finishes his proposal by lowering his weapon and withdrawing from the circle of allies that have him surrounded. Anchard readies to cast daze on him if he refuses by reaching for a weapon.
"I daresay a boy daft as he might not even make sense of what you say." Wendell was obviously unamused by his antics.
Darian raised a brow to this, all of it and then took off his pouches, along with his backpack and his equipment, laid down his weapons until he was in nothing but his outfit, which was of poor design anyways, probably worthless.
"Here's everything except my clothes, I need my clothes right? I mean..." He takes off his shirt and leaves his pants on. His pants looked worn, though his shirt looked newer.
"That's everything of value right there," He stated.
Zulan called Beza back to his side. The hunter wondered at the sanity of the bandit as his actions to this point had not made sense.
"You were asked where the next ambush will be and how many bandits will be lying in wait and you did not reply. We are waiting for your answer or you forfeit your life." Zulan's arrow was still pointed at the bandit.
Beza snarled at the bandit.
Once the bandit has stripped down to his pants, Anchard slumps over in his saddle, "Healing would be much appreciated. Also, if someone would be so kind as to take Darian's things and load them into the cart. I'll account for his things while he goes over in detail as to where the ambush is and how he plans to lure them out."
[ooc]Loot tracking would be good. Perhaps in the campaign tab. Makes things easy anyway.[/occ]
Shavel simply shakes his head in mild disgust at the man. Looking at the rest of the bandits, Shavel laughs. "Just remember this the next time you decide to try and take some people on. And if I were you, I'd operate a little further from the capital. Last thing you want would be a line of soldiers coming for you, yes?"
“The next ambush…” He kneels down and draws out the map of the road, it curving some at one point before he points out the ambush spot.
“They’ll be dressed like clerics, pretending to be part of the clergy, and honestly it’s my enemy Rafael, so the only way to distract him would be to attack him, I’d need my weapons for that and some healing… He’s smarter than I am sometimes, have to say the clergy thing was a good idea, should’ve stolen it. They’ll have a ‘broken’ down wagon,” The bandit stated.
The mixed man's ears perk at the man's reply. "Why is the only way to distract him an attack? Is he that hasty to rush into things?" If that's the case, a particular feint might work well.
Content for now to let the others do the talking and ask their questions, the Aasimar sends Rygas back to the cart where he had been stationed before, while commenting quietly. "It might be a wise thing, to make sure that this ones friends have actually departed, and are not lurking nearby to 'rescue' him when our guard is down."
That said, she will move to Anchard and call upon her goddess grant the boon of a light healing.
"Even if a preemptive attack is the only way, you're a fool for thinking you've earned you're weapons back, Darian"
Anchard waits for someone to relocate Darian's belongings over into the cart. Looking at the rough map Darian drew in the dirt with his hands,"Maybe this bandit rival will be more amicable towards us in exchange for Darian? Other than knowing where and how they plan to rob us, we don't know how many of them there are, if their numbers are much greater, perhaps we can simply do our own trailblazing around these bandits. Maybe travel through at night using the safety of concealment? Only 'one way' Darian, is a hint that one lacks imagination and creativity. It is also the reason you are in the situation you are in now."
Shavel sighs. "Let's move on then. 'Anna', you should be near the center of the troupe. I'll ride lead, though someone else should accompany me. Soon as we find the fake clerics we let them know we are ready for them and for them to relent lest they taste my blade."
He looks at the others. "And surrendering Darian might make them more amicable, agreed Anchard. Anyone care to tie him up. And gag him, I'm sure he'll be a loud one otherwise."
"If the other bandits don't want to take him off our hands... I'm sure there are some guardsmen along the way that would happily take a bandit off the roads." Mileana says, for her part not moving to bother tying up the bandit, instead she moves to mount her horse once more after having cast a bit of healing upon Anchahrd.
Then she turns and looks around once more. There are still other bandits that 'left' but could be lurking nearby, so she stays alert, eyes more on the surroundings than her companions.
Zulan stowed his bow (and arrow in the quiver) on his back and took the hemp rope from his pack and began tying up the bandit named Darian. Beza drew closer in case the bandit attempted to attack Zulan. The hunter took the map the man had been working on and handed it to Shavel.
"This one has not yet answered Wendell's question, so I leave his mouth free so he may do so. Then I shall place the cloth to quieten him."
Once the bandit was hauled up into one of the the carts, Zulan mounted his horse and responded to Shavel, "I shall ride up front with you. Beza will move alongside Anna."
Zulan employed his honed skill to guide the group safely forward.
Occasionally the hunter scanned his eyes across the surrounds, hoping to note anything unusual or threatening.
Darian huffed as he was tied up, their plans to get past the next bandit ambush sounding great but on the same note it sounded terrible to him. They were right though and if they gave him up, well it would work towards their benefits.
There are no more bandits on the roads today, and the other bandits, you manage to pass who leave you be. They know that they don’t want to attack the group.
“I’ll be sure to ride in the middle of the group, thank you Shavel for advice,” She said before moving her horse to the middle of the traveling caravan.
As the day continues on, and you travel further there is not sign of any bandits or any other enemies on the road. It would be best to tie Darion down and ensure he is secure before getting some rest. Please let me know who takes what watch.
Mileana will volunteer for first watch, as she will be praying at sunset for her spells regardless. Before doing so, she will cast one more healing spell upon Anchard, to make sure he is fully healed from the trials of the day.
After setting her tent up, she will direct Rygas to guard as well, since he does not need sleep, but of course a more... adept person should also be on watch. Also, the skeleton is commanded to attack Darian should he try to escape.
While on her watch, Mileana will sharpen her scythe and tend to her gear for any small matters of mending or maintenance that are needed (Mending Orison cast as needed).
"Thank you Mileana, you are gracious as you are wise."
"I suppose can be on guard duty with Skyscribe and Rygas for most of camp, seeing as I require little meditation to restore my stamina and mental status."
Anchard will talk with Darian to stay awake through the night to keep an alert watch. Any hours of light that permit Skyscribe to see will allow him to to circle camp from high above to warn us of incoming travelers or any unwelcome guests.
Anchard admits he doesn't favor turning Darian over to his rivals and wants to learn more about where Darian has been and his past exploits.
"Thank you. I strive to hold both of those qualities." Mileana smiles brightly, settling down for the evening and hopefully a meal before sleep. "Rygas is very limited, without my direct intervention. But for simple tasks, he is quite tireless. Unlike... before." an amused giggle escapes her before she glances towards Darian. "Of course, for a bandit who was so crass as to attack us even given those circumstances... he will probably be better off in the care of the guards in the next town we cross. Unless he can convince us that another fate is more to our benefit..." but then she is quiet, tending to her nightly prayers.
After ensuring that Darion is tied, he makes sure Anchard is fine with taking such a long watch alone. If he does, Shavel beds down. If not, he will take last watch.
"Thank you Shavel, but it's fine. Skyscribe and I like to try and be at least of somewhat use."
Arianna helped set up the tent for the party, it would take about an hour to set up as it was big enough for the entire party.
Shavel approaches the princess and sits next to her. "So, is it a safe assumption that this will be your first foray this far from the castle without a retinue?" He pulls out some dried fruit and a sliver of salted meat and begins to nibble at it. "I must commend you for it. This will be a dangerous journey and it's chances of failure are fairly high."
With a soft grunt, Mileana puts her scythe down and the whetstone she had been sharpening it with. Walking the short distance to where Shavel speaks to the princess and she speaks quietly. Making quite sure to pitch her voice low, so as not to carry to the prisoner tied up not far away. "It's best to guard your words my friend. We do have company that should not be privy to our private affairs. Unless we are going to silence him for good." A pleasant smile flashed towards the princess, she then turns and goes back to her sharpening, humming a quiet tune to herself.
"Fairly high? Not with me around. The only failures I have are with wine-soaked crepes; the damned harvest this year was too acidic." The chef chuckles a bit in the proximity of Shavel and Mileana, trying to lighten the situation. "I imagine our work together is meant to breed success, not waste our efforts; at the very least, a bit of travel never did anyone any harm."
Wendell didn't have absolute confidence in his statements, but he was betting he was right - after all, for such a diverse group to be selected, there had to be something special about them. "I wouldn't worry too much about the chap. If he has a lick of sense about him, he knows we're his ticket out of that rat nest he called home a while ago."
"Agreed, Sir Almant. Our chance of success is better together, but you never know. Things happen we cannot predict."
He looks at Mileana and nods at them. "And you are right. I should have made sure they were unable to hear. I apologize."
"Well it definitely is Shavel, I have to say things are going quiet 'well' so far... though I'm hoping we have better luck soon... though praying isn't a thing I normally do," she said before she added some more touches.
"Anyone willing to help with setting this tent up?" She questioned and then looked to Mileana.
"And sadly Shavel, Mileana does have a point... I would rather we not have to silence him for good but it is unwise for people to hear of my private life," She stated and then look to Wendell.
"Speaking of your crepes, do you think we could have one of your great meals tonight Wendell?" she asked and then chuckled about his comment about the bandit.
"Indeed, though still, I'd rather not let people know of my affairs."
After securing his horse with the others, Zulan, with Beza beside him, moved silently about the camp site ensuring all was as it should be, aiding any companion where necessary, circling the perimeter and noting where to set up watches over the course of the night. He collected wood for a fire (having heard 'Anna' ask the cook for crepes).
Mileana can help with the putting up of the tent, though she's not familiar with such large contrivances, having brought along a much smaller one in the gear Rygas carried. "It is best to make sure even now to be wary of what is said around whom, even now. If we get in the habit now, then it will be easier to stay in it, when we are in more populated areas." A bit of grunting is involved in hefting heavy canvas, or stretching it out to where it needs to be to be supported by stakes and ropes. A shake of her head slightly at all the effort, but thoughts are kept to herself.
"As Wendell said, our task is meant to be a success. But sooner or later forces will move to hinder us. We still have much to learn about one another and working together... I just wanted to remind, that we are not alone now. It is easy to forget such things when the tensions of struggle have faded in the warmth of a fire." All the while, Mileana's smiling a bit and not adding any venom to the words, rather pleasant in her whole speech but at the same time, pitching her words to not carry far through the quiet of the night.
Shavel nods. "And again, I apologize. Excuse me..."
Somewhat embarrassed by his faux pas, he stands up and walks over to Zulan. "Do you need any assistance, Sir Khoza?"
"You may call me Zulan." The warrior's voice was low.
The shiny woman was talking again and Zulan was only half listening for his attention was on the surrounding space, on watch for intruder or threat.
He had laid the wood down for the fire and kindled it, watching as flame took and grew, ready for the cook.
"I am scouting the area to secure the camp for the night. You may take the east perimeter and I will take the west and we will meet in the middle. If you see anything out of the ordinary, signal me. I will do the same." The hunter's golden eyes were bright, even in the dusk. He gave one firm nod and then moved away, on quiet feet.
Beza stood from her crouched position and licked her paw. She looked at Shavel and then at Zulan and padded quietly toward the hunter.
"Why, I'm sure I can throw something together, my lady. I am not back at my kitchen, of course, but I will make do!" Excited to have a job of his specialty, Wendell sets to work making something scrumptious out of their sundry ingredients .
"Viola! I call it Pathwalker's Potpourri"
He takes a bite of it and grimaces. "Ugh! This simply will not do - fit for the dogs and nothing more. I'll need more practice before my work in the field is fit for us. Forgive me!" Incredibly ashamed, the man's snippy demeanor immediately inverted itself threefold.
"No worry, the sticks from the rations are more than enough for me, their taste still better than what I'm used to back home especially as of most recently. There is also the versatility of magic spicing through Prestidigitation.
The princess walked over to try the Pathwalker's Potpourri and though it didn't taste like his cooking back at the castle, she could at least 'adjust' to it.
"It's not all that bad... I mean, you're a better chef than I am," She stated, and to ensure he knew this she took another bit of the stuff before she got back up.
"I must help finish setting up the tent, though maybe you could try again, father did provide us with quite a bit of food outside of trail rations, and there's always hunting as well.
Shavel hears what Zulan has to say and nods. "The east it is." He steps towards the east, but remains in sight of the camp, eyeing for any intruders or brigands.
As well, there will surely be somewhere along the way to resupply if we do start to run low." The silver haired Aasimar says with an easy smile. Eventually the large tent is assembled, though her contribution was likely not the most productive, she did actually make an effort to help even if it got her hands a bit dirty. Can't be shown up by the princess after all.
Once her bedding is arranged, she excuses herself to step into the tent and tend to her prayers for the night.
There is nothing to be found in the east or west of camp other than animals scurrying around. If you would like to hunt them please feel free.
Arianna herself heads into the tent and sets up her bedding before eating some rations herself if Wendell doesn't try to cook again, from there she will try and sleep.
Zulan met with Shavel in the middle and in low tones informed the elf that he and his tiger had not spotted any threats during their scouting, only heard the movement of animals.
"Beza and I will go hunt for tonight's meal. You may join us if you have the skill."
Shavel nods but puts a hand up. "I'm good for guard detail, but hunting is not something I picked up well. I'll work on that, don't worry, but for now you may be best for this, Zulan. Thank you though.
Staying back, he keeps his eyes open for any possible threats.
Zulan manages to catch a deer that was roaming around with the help of Beza. This will be good enough for the entire party for a few days actually.
@ Shavel, you notice that the bandit is trying to escape his bindings.
"Good kill, Beza." Zulan, pleased, smiled through the darkness at the tiger.
It was a good catch and kill. The deer meat would last a few days and feed them all. Zulan lifted the limp body and placed it across his shoulders and together with Beza made their way quietly back to camp.
Once there, by the fire, the warrior began to efficiently skin the creature, and cut the meat into manageable portions. He tossed Beza's raw portion to her and she ate it in one quick bite.
Zulan handed the deer meat to the chef, Wendell. "Cook this tonight. We eat a little and the rest we carry and cut up as we camp over next few days. Or salt what remains and keep wrapped in cool place. You are cook ... you have good knowledge."
Zulan you successfully skin and gut the deer to ensure that nothing becomes contaminated. You are sure of this when you hand the meat to Wendell.
Anchard will talk with Darian to stay awake through the night to keep an alert watch. Any hours of light that permit Skyscribe to see will allow him to to circle camp from high above to warn us of incoming travelers or any unwelcome guests.
"Darion, I notice you are not speaking with me. Is there something the matter? You've been ignoring me and squirming for some time. Are the ropes too tight? Are you hungry? Are you having second thoughts about anything?"
Darion looks up at him and shrugged some.
"Yeah, yeah the ropes are too tight," Darion replied