“Of course!” Svetlana responds to Alyssa’s question about supplies; “It is slightly embarrassing, wish we had more. For protection we have a leather armor and a heavy wooden shield, a couple hand axes, several javelins, a longbow with a partial quiver of arrows. We do have a scythe for harvesting, but I have seen similar used to protect oneself from an attacking animal, and a couple spears.”
She stands and thinks to herself; “There is a hermit not far from here, Bokken, that specializes in alchemy. I believe that we have a could healing potions , a potion that acts like armor , and two antitoxins. There are many things in those woods that would want to poison you if you walk near their home.”
Giving herself one last moment to think; “Then we have some traveling things for the hunters who pass through like torches, trail rations, and furs.”
“Seems like you all need to get to know one another more and I’ll go check on Oleg. Please do help yourselves to more stew, wine, and water. I’ll bring more out when I get back.” Svetlana heads off into their home.
As you continue to share thoughts and ideas you begin to check out and make sure all the gates and doors work, along with their locking mechanisms. They do. The gates have a large log that acts as a door bar. From the weight of it you’d assume that unless there was help for Oleg, most nights its fixed in place by something lighter. It seems heavier than what Oleg and Svetlana could do alone.
I could probably throw a spear if need be, but have no other ranged weapons. I wonder if this Bokken has flammable items we can aquire. Plus how far away is he?
"I have my longbow. The javelins will be useful for attacking them at range. Lis, you or Larelle can make use of those." Rhiann says looking over at her sister and the druid with the Fifi. "If you can do that with plants to trap them, is there a way to make it mostly happen just inside, so that we aren't all having to deal with it?"
"Not a bad idea. If they're like other bandits I've come across, they're arrogant, not used to people who can fight back, so they'll probably all come in, fill of swagger, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to have someone watching the area outside the gates." Rhiann says while checking the first of the catapults, trying to determine where the problem might lie.
Rahaal, feels a touch of relief, hearing Rhiann speak confidently of dealing with bandits before.
Nodding, she says, "The lawless so often are fools. It is wise to use that to our advantage."
Turning to Liz, Rahaal adds, "Using plants to hold them in place sounds potent indeed! You are more than a gardener, I see. I think I've read of that spell, but not yet witnessed it. What god, art, pact, or school or arcane study is the source of your power?
"And that makes me realize, are there other talents–of yours, or others of us–that we should be aware of in our planning? In a fight, I want to understand all our resources and liabilities.
"As to myself. I do carry a light crossbow, and all young priests of Abadar learn the basics of it. I won't pretend I was ever a particularly good shot, though I'm better with that than a blade or longspear.
"More importantly, the resources you can bank on me to bring to the table are the ability to call on Abadar's fair blessing, that he might improve each of ours' accuracy, to provide healing if it is needed, and to give lawless foes a taste of Abadar's stern displeasure with injustice–a taste that may cause some to pause for a crucial moment, either in fear or remorse."
"Svetlana, thank you again for your hospitality. I can't begin to say how much I needed that stew!
"As we prepare to mete justice out to the bandits, and their mockery of honest taxation. You should have your ring back! Toward that end, you mentioned their leader is a woman, and deranged. How is she best recognized, from a distance? Perhaps taking her out will break the band as a whole.
"How many bandits did she have with her, the last few times they came? And how were they armed?"
"And that makes me realize, are there other talents–of yours, or others of us–that we should be aware of in our planning? In a fight, I want to understand all our resources and liabilities."
"Nadyra and I can bring some additional magic to the table as well. You should ask her for details on her options - from what I understand, she gets her powers from the land, and I know she is able to provide some healing and some blessings to us all, not unlike the one you said Abadar grants you as well."
"As for me, I have a small amount of magical power as well. I don't know many spells yet, but I have a couple that could prove useful to our fight against the bandits- I can try to cloud their minds for a brief moment, and can conjure a magical layer of grease on a surface or item - if we go with Liz's excellent idea of trapping them with plants, I can try to use that to disarm any that try to fight back with ranged weapons."
"Speaking of which, I do have a crossbow with me as well. Can't say I'm a particularly good shot, but can resort to firing it if my magic proves innefective."
Put grease under their feet? Perhaps trap them between my vines and your grease. As for my art? Well I guess I have a green thumb of such skill that plants honor my requests. I have no real formal schooling of magic.
"I'm pretty quick on my feet, good with a knife, and I can be pretty sneaky." Larelle chimes in.
With the party on their own in the courtyard of this trading post the discussion of what to do when the bandits arrive in two mornings.
Rhiann’s curiosity takes over and she climbs up to give one of the catapults a look over. She can tell that it has been around thirty years since these have seen any proper care and service. The metal that is holding the wood together is rusted, pitted, and broken. The wood is rotten and broken. You also see that the ropes that are used to engage the catapult are dry rotted. Even though they are in extreme disrepair, Rhiann believes that they could be made new. The lumber could be harvested from the trees to the south, the metal brackets could be forged in Brevoy or Restov, and the ropes could be purchased. Though this would take time.
When Svetlana returns, she returns alone; “Bokken? Traveling by foot you could arrive there before nightfall. There isn’t a road but there is a footpath that has formed over time.”
As Rahaal brings up the party’s aid, and her ring, Svetlana holds her hand where the ring was; “Thank you, it would mean the world to us.” with the mention of the woman who took the ring, Svetlana looks shaken. “They all look similar. Wearing leathers and furs. But she has two axes that she was not afraid to use. The first time there were twelve of them, seven the second time, and this past time there was only five.” She looked ashamed; There was nothing we could do. Oleg would have fought them if I wasn’t here. The gods only know what they would do if they attacked us.”
Rahaal nods with sympathy as Svetlana tells the story. "There is nothing to be gained by throwing one's life away. You two did the right thing, both by going along when you needed to, and by calling for help.
"Tell me, if you would, what you would expect the bandits to do when they arrive, based on the last two times?"
Alyssa nods in agreement with Rahaal's reply to Svetlana. "I agree with Rahaal - It's a good thing Oleg didn't try to fight five bandits alone. But you can tell him we've been discussing how best to use each of our talents and I think we've come to a pretty good plan on how to handle them when they arrive." Alyssa smiles at Svetlana "This time will be different. This time they'll be the ones unable to fight back."
"Rahaal's questions are important, however. The more we know what to expect from then, the more effective our plan will be."
Hmm.. I have a horse but do not ride well if we head to Bokken. Since we have two days we could make a journey to see what he has.
“The second time the bandits came,” Svetlana starts in; “we barred the door to keep them out. But then they started lighting their torches and threatened to burn the trading post down. Once they came in;” she looks to the house and lowers her voice; “they did beat Oleg. I thought they were going to kill him.” Svetlana holds her stomach as if she is going to sick up.
“Once they are in the leader tells us to bring out any supplies we have and place them on these tables. If he thinks it’s enough then we load up their horses and go.” looking to Rahaal; “If you want to spring a trap I’ll make sure you are up before dawn. I’m already up then getting breakfast ready. Some mornings we have trappers ready to eat before heading south again.”
A little time passes and Oleg comes out from their house; “I know Lana told you what we had. If you could use any of it dealing with the bandits, it’s yours. They would have taken our stock if you didn’t show up.” pouring himself some wine; “I am sorry I let my frustration get the best of me. Taxed to death in the city and threatened death if we don’t pay the taxes here…”
"Do not worry, Oleg. We understand how stressful these attacks have been for you." Alyssa gives the man a calming smile before continuing "I do hope you can rest a little easier now that we're here. Like we told Svetlana, we have been discussing a decent plan on how to deal with their next visit."
She then looks back at the rest of the group. "Assuming they act similar to the previous raids, I think we should let them come in and make their demands first. We wait for Oleg and Svetlana to "go get their supplies", getting them clear from the grounds, and that's when we spring our trap."
" Agreed, though I'd leave the gates open. Given how badly they reacted to them being closed before, trying to close them while they're inside4 will likely leave whoever's doing it an open target for them. Better everything seem nice and compliant until it's too late." Rhiann adds.
"And if any of them do try to run, well, I'm a fair shot with a longbow, and unless they're on horses, whe can run them down."
The stalwart warrior's eyes speak of her fierce resolve for the upcoming confrontation. "I promise you both, you won't have to go through something like that again, and they'll regret their actions." she says to both Oleg and Svetlana
If we ride to Bokken we should all go. We are in a new land and if disaster happens on the trip we will need to support each other.
Oleg and Svetlana remain silent as you plan your trap, but when you speak of keeping the gates open or closed Oleg speaks up; “By the time they arrive the gates are normally opened. I don’t know if it would make them think differently or not, but it wouldn’t be what is normal.”
Svetlana turns to Rhiann; “They do have horses with them that they ride in on. Coming at dawn and having horses makes us think that they either camp just within the tree line or that their basecamp isn’t too far in.”
When the conversation turns to traveling to Bokken’s Oleg speaks up; “If you go today, be prepared to camp under the stars. His hut doesn’t have much room for himself let alone visitors. Though, leaving today would give you more time to get back and set up before the bandits come back the following morning.” Oleg gives you clear directions on how to get to Bokken’s. It seems that you shouldn’t be able to get lost no matter when you go.
"Then If we are going to pay a visit to Bokken, We should get started as soon as possible. I don't want to risk any delay causing us not to be here on the bandits come." Rhiann says after considering their options.
You are not incorrect, Angus. Bokken might have items that will be useful for us, for healing and offense depending on what he can create.
Rahaal pictures walking six hours today (likely ending in the dark), only to sleep on the ground...walk six hours back tomorrow...and then wake before dawn to fight some mounted bandits–and shudders.
She tells herself, 'Rahaal bat Qajif v’Sawai, you have always worked hard, as your parents taught you. If this is what it takes to serve Abadar, you're going to suck it up.'
'Yes', she argues back, '...but do we really NEED to go?'
Rahaal is relieved when Angus (who surely won't have his stamina questioned) asks the same.
"Liz, I have no skill in crafting alchemical items, but I come from a merchant family and we often bought and sold them...enough that I know how expensive they can be. I pray that our charter becomes a profitable enterprise, over time, such that we can consider such things minor expenses. Until then, do we know exactly what we'd hope to buy? And how much we have available to buy it? If you have an item in mind, I may well know the market rate.
"I am open to going on this supply run if we agree there's something crucial to our plan, and that we can afford. Otherwise, I wonder if we are better off avoiding whatever beasts or bandits might ambush us in the woods, and instead stay here, making what preparations we might, and making sure we are fresh when the bandits arrive.
"What say you?"
"No, it isn't. They have already been escalating things, and if the last time ended in a beating, the next time could be far worse if we aren't here to stop them." Rhiann says with a meaningful glance toward Oleg, her gaze trying but unable to avoid settling on Svetlana.
"We can go an see the hermit after we deal with the bandits. Right now, the safety of this outpost is our priority." she says resolutely.
Larelle was very familiar with her sister's current tone of voice, and that look she got that made the muscle in her jaw tighten.
"Besides, depending on how things go, after dealing with the bandits, gold for alchemical stuff might not be a problem." she chimes in with a chuckle, shrugging with a grin when her sister gives her a look.
Liz ponders the words of Angus,Rhiann and Larelle before replying. You certainly make good points and I agree. Let us decide how we will arrange ourselves defending against them? We certainly should work in pairs.
"Well, I'm not exactly a great shot either. But my magic spells don't have much range - don't think I can make them work from more than about twenty five feet. Don't really like the idea of being that close, but casting to further hinder their ability to fight back might be more useful than missing shots with a crossbow. Maybe I could hide inside the stables and cast from there?"
"Speaking of additional magic to stop them from attacking, I might be able to place them under a sleeping spell. My power is... A bit limited, however, so it might not be much effective, unless the bandits have particularly weak minds."
"I should be able to cast it from a larger distance than Alyssa's spells, but it takes a bit more time and focus to do so."
My entanglement has a long range so I can hide on the battlements or inside of a house to cast. Entangling and then casting sleep would be a string combination.
"I'm a fair shot with a longbow, so I'll take the spot up on the battlement. Remain hidden until they come in. Besides, my armor gives me better odds against them shooting back." Rhiann points out.
"With the javelins, I can take the other side of the wall. If they aren't dumb or crazy, they should give up pretty quickly." Larelle adds.
As the party decides to focus preparing for the bandits, Oleg and Svetlana continue to go about their business. They are more than welcome to help you with anything you need and any questions that you may have.
The evening comes you realize that you haven’t seen Svetlana in a while. She eventually appears from their home with a tray; “A trapper came by earlier today. Traded some furs, but also had extra rabbits. Hope your hungry.” On her tray is three roasted rabbits. “Oleg is bringing out the potatoes and carrots.”
After the meal Svetlana cleans the table and brings out two bottles of wine; “These are a sweet wine. A merchant came through and had mulberry wine.” she offers everyone a cup that wanted to try.
Oleg moves to Angus; “If you are able to help me with the door bar I can show you all how it works.” He says in a way not assuming what you know or don’t.
Evening comes and Svetlana shows the girls the bunkhouse.
Rahaal happily eats up her share of rabbit, potatoes, and carrots. When offered, the wine, she nods enthusiastically.
Sipping it, she thinks, Well, it's not Qadiran Syrah, but it's...something. And why else would I travel to these Northern wilds if not to sample and enjoy the local wares, such as they are?
As they discuss strategy for the battle to come, Rahaal says, "My only concern with having Alyssa–or any of us–cut off from the others is this: what if the bandits all descend together on the stable when they see someone casting from within? Will we be able to get to her aid quickly enough? Or are we better off keeping together, with the more martially inclined of us in front, and the rest of us further back?
"Or Alyssa and Nadyra...perhaps you two, along with Liz and I, can all be up on the wall? That has the advantage of us staying in fewer, larger groups. And perhaps it will be easier for folks on the ground to join us on the wall, if the need arises, since I believe Liz can keep her entangling vines away from the stairs to the wall more easily than she can the path between the stable and Oleg and Svetlana's home.
"For myself, if I can stay within thirty feet of the bandits there is more I can do to make them feel Abadar's stern judgement...but then I only have the capacity to protect a few nearby companions from it, when I channel Abadar's judgement upon people, so it's best if I don't have more than three allies near me."
"I think having too many people up on the wall leaves a vulnerability to being attacked with bows or crossbows, which we don't know if they have." Rhainn points out. "If you cast spells, the further away you can stay from the front line, the better, or at least make sure someone with a weapon is in front of you."
"OK, you clearly know horses better than I do.", Rahaal admits.
"And it's true that–if they get caught in the vines–bows may be our biggest worry. Alyssa, I'm familiar with the spell you mentioned. It's quite potent! It's not one that the Master of the First Vault grants to his faithful, so I'm glad you know it.
"If the vines are as successful as we hope, perhaps you can use it to target bows directly? I know that would be one bow at a time, but perhaps you could start with the leader? Or just be ready to frustrate the first bandit to try to shoot a bow? And if some fall to Nadyra's Sleep and to "
Liz shares her rabbit with Fifi so the pooch has a full tummy after so long traveling and listens to the others talk.
Pleasantly surprised, Rhiann tucks into the meal, enjoying it thoroughly, and appreciating the flavor of the wine, noting that Larell had a second glass, but not saying anything.
Listening to the planning, and chiming in, they had the basics of a solid plan. Granted the second things kicked of, there was a pretty good chance it would all go to hell, but planning gave them something to get back to amid the chaos, and this group seemed to have good ideas, though it was pretty easy to tell who'd been in an ugly fight before and who hadn't.
As the night winds down, the warrior gratefully carries her gear to the bunkhouse, selecting a bottom bunk of one of those closest to the door, and making sure her bow and quiver were right at the side of the bed.
Svetlana smiles to Angus and nods; “I will get them. I save scraps like that for the compost, but Harbinger is more than welcome to have them…” she begins to head off and pauses; “Shoot, I am so sorry. I don’t know where my mind is going. You wanted an apple for her too?” Svetlana heads off to retrieve the treats for the horses.
The conversations begin to wind down as the day’s ride is beginning to catch up with each of you. Settling into the bunkhouse or stable, once your head hits the pillow sleep rolls over you.
Morning comes and you already hear stirring out in the courtyard.
Walking out you see that the doors to the trading post are open, and Svetlana has breakfast going. Sausages in an iron skillet, apples, and bread. Your nose also brings your attention to a kettle just off the fire to keep warm, spiced tea; “Mornin! Oleg has already went off to the well to get water for us and to water our mule. He said once you were up he would show you where the well is for your stay.” gesturing to the food; “Please help yourselves!.”
Waking early, as is her habit, Rhiann sits up, pulling on the clothes from the previous night but opting to leave her armor, while buckling on her sword belt. Quietly slipping out of the bunkhouse, she heads into the courtyard, seeking a quiet spot.
Once she finds a decent place, the fighter draws both of the blades on her hips, working through a series of basic drills to warm up, before bringing both identical, intricately detailed swords together, connecting the base of each slightly elongated hilt, and twisting them with a click, the interlocking of the weapons combining to form her preferred weapon, a two bladed sword.
Starting slowly, she works her way through increasingly intricate sword forms, shifting between offense and defense, the weapon a blur of deadly steel as she practices her movements, her pale skin working up a sheen of sweat despite the early morning chill.
After about an hour of intense training, she heads to the well, gathering water to wash up and changing her clothing before donning her armor and joining the others for breakfast, noting that Larelle had finally gotten out of bed and was busy tucking into what smelled like an excellent breakfast.
"Morning everybody!"
Elizabeth rose with the sun and washed herself before heading out with Fifi who frolicked around the Trading Post sniffing at all the new smells.
Settling in a quiet spot, Elizbeth quietly sat and closed her eyes, whispering under her breath as she engaged in her daily prayers until she felt the soft rush that told her that she was answered.
Rising, Elizabeth headed off to join the others in breakfast and was soon joined by a small but fierce ball of fluff.
Waking up after a restful sleep and seeing some of the others already up, Alyssa quickly joins them at the table, digging into the delicious smelling breakfast. Moment's later, Nadyra comes to the table as well, having finished her daily meditation.
"Did everyone sleep well tonight?" She asks the others cheerfully, between bites.
Rahaal arrives at the morning meal after saying her prayers to the Master of the First Vault.
"I slept...much better than I have the last several nights. Svetlana and Oleg, your beds are a blessing. Thank you!"
Trading Post Map
Stolen Lands Map
As Angus catches up to Oleg, he gets a view of plains of this countryside butting up to the Narlmarch Woods. This is the “Stolen Lands” that he and his companions have been sent to explore, map, and settle. Stories have been told time and time again about these lands being settled but fallen back to the wild. What did they do wrong, what can we do differently one might think.
The two retrieve water filling two large water pots, collecting roughly 60 gallons of water. The cart creaks as Oleg’s mule pulls it along a worn path back to the trading post. “Last time it rained I notices a leak in the stables. I need to path that before the rain season begins.” Making sure the water is stable secure; “It’s been a process of repairing or replacing the thatching of each building. I wasn’t able to get it completed before winter came.”
~~~~~~~
As Rhiann completes her training, she turns and sees Svetlana watching the woman train. “Your work with your swords is mesmerizing. Only a few travelers have trained in the morning like that, but none with such a unique blade. I’ve never seen two swords connect to make one weapon.” Waiving the fighter over; “Come on and sit down. I am sure you worked up an appetite.”
~~~~~~~
As everyone wakes and arrives at the tables to eat, Svetlana is there to serve each of you; “I hope you slept well. There is plenty to eat, help yourself to what’s there. I have several chores to get to, but if there is anything you need please let me know.” She sets off about her morning.
Oleg fills a plate and sits with the group; “Are there any supplies you need for the morning? We don’t have much but we can help with what we have. I doubt we will have a merchant travel through today, but we can send for supplies as merchant’s travel through.”