Kallum studies the three newcomers. "Be sure our quarry is dangerous. They already killed two of our partners, I'm more than a little suprised, pleasantly so, that these two made it back" he adds, gesturing to Dobin and Al'lan.
"Say, did either of you two know what happened to the dwarf?"
After taking a long drink, Dobin begins to tell their story of escape and what they learned about the bandits.
"Well once I realized that either my companions had run off, were dead or had surrendered I threw down my hammer and gave myself up. Those bandits were not very gentle with Al'Lan and myself, but we were still alive. They have a Boss somewhere else, which makes me think that this might have just been a raiding party and there is a main camp hidden somewhere else. There also seems to be some division within the ranks of the bandits, as some seem not to fear this 'Boss" figure and actively speak out against them. Also they seem to know the strength of your forces here in the keep...you might have a spy within your fortress!"
Stopping for a breath and drink, Dobin hears Kallum ask about the dwarf.
"No idea what happened to him. He hightailed it off into the forest. I am surprised he is not back here with you!"
Humans polluting the waters with reckless abandon. They need to learn to be better stewards of their actions and the dangers it can have on the land around them.
"True. I seek a new place to call home, and maybe get more of my kind here to make a village. Mine was taken from me by foul deeds and magics. So I hope with time I can find a lake or river with the right land around it to provide the right conditions to build" She says with pride and a smile.
She then hears the conversation and nods."I see arrogant idiots, who think they are superior to those who live beyond these walls. How audacious of them. Maybe a few more of there deaths will curb their pride and admit defeat." She says with confidence.
She turns back to the priestess and holds out her hand awkwardly."I am Drusilla Orizorwyn, daughter of Lord Xolin Orizorwyn, pleasure to meet you. Apologies for the awkward handshake, I am not used to human greetings." She says slightly humble at the last part, as she seemed to see the priestess as a worthy companion. It may change but she would hope not, this human woman seemed ambitious and eager to spread her faith.
Ralina accepts the elf's hand with a welcome, but saddened smile. "I'm Ralina Biggins. Sorry to hear about your home. Perhaps one day, that wrong can be put right. In the meantime, I hope that you find that place to build, and then maybe we can spend an afternoon fishing."
Listening to the tale of those who had been captured she nods quietly at Drusilla's assessment. "Arrogant, indeed. But perhaps not wholly unfounded if there are more camps and they've a spy inside the walls." She turns to the bailiff. "My lord, I know the mission has changed but I would still volunteer to join a new party to deal these bandits. It would seem Petra grants us an opportunity to build upon the efforts of these brave adventurers. A chance to strike while they may be weak and still in some disarray." Her hand reaches up to touch the holy symbol hanging around her neck. "A should the immortal three smile upon us, perhaps we will discover who this boss is and what their plans may be."
The Bailiff listens intently to Dobin, a furrow forming on his brow. At the mention of a possible spy within the Keep, his expression darkens, and he shifts his gaze around the room, his jaw set as if already forming his next steps. His eyes flick to Al’Lan, expecting perhaps more detail, but he quickly turns his focus back to Dobin, who has indeed earned his attention with such critical information.
“Seems like you’ve gleaned quite a bit from your time with them, Dobin,” he says, his tone carrying an undercurrent of respect. “Your insight into the bandits’ organization will be crucial as we move forward. And this ‘Boss’ character you mentioned... I’m not in the habit of letting such threats linger on my doorstep.”
As Ralina and Drusilla offer their voices to join any expedition, the Bailiff gives them a firm nod of approval. “You both make a good case. Given the urgency here, I see no reason to waste time.” He casts a sweeping look over the group of adventurers gathered in his hall. “By your own choice, you’ve come to serve the Keep. Well, here’s your chance.”
Noticing the Cleric's hand on her holy symbol, his gaze softens slightly, a hint of approval showing through his otherwise steely demeanor. “A follower of Petra, are you? Well, perhaps the Immortal Three are watching us closely this day, granting us a chance to strike against these brigands before they grow bolder."
He pauses, as if appraising their willingness and determination, before continuing, “These bandits are too bold for their own good, and it’s time to remind them that we do not take such intrusions lightly. I’ll need whomever of you willing to step forward, to approach this mission carefully. If there is a spy within our walls, you’ll want to tread with caution.”
Turning to Kallum, he adds, “And keep an eye out for that dwarf as well. He may be more valuable to this search than we realize.”
With a final glance around the room, he asks, “Any other willing hands here, speak now. Because as soon as Dobin and Al'Lan are recovered, I want this expedition out there, making their way to this... Highwaymen encampment”
"I ask only for the weapons and armour to continue our crusade against these bandits. They took all that I had when we were taken prisoner, but I will forget any payment or rewards if you could supply me with arms and armour. My oath you will have and my pledge to remove these parasites or die trying...I will not surrender a second time!"
"Yes I will do this. I will commit my bod to this task in hopes my soul will achieve its desires" Drusilla says as she gives a slight head tilt bow to the others, and then deeper to the bailiff.
"I shall endeavor to do my best to make both you and the immortal Petra pound of my service." Ralina says solemnly after receiving the bailiff's nod of approval.
Bailiff sir, I'd like to add that the bandits says that the strong of your forces are comited to the caves. That's why they move around so confident. One of them Said that "the boss was in the T..." but he was cut off at this point. Don't know if this helps.
like Kallum, I ask only for weapons and armor and some rations. I want to correct this mess.
"You sure you're good to go, Al'Lan? That was Dobin that was asking for weapons and armor." he says half jokingly.
Turing his attention to the Bailiff he adds, "That being said, I wouldn't mind something a bit more stout than a dagger and sling if you're inclined to be handing weaponry out."
Drusilla snorts and then laughs." I'm happy to go, but yeah you guys need something aside fists to fell and faces to shield..." she looks at al'Lan and giggles even more"...Especially the pretty one" she then looks to Ralina.
" Still shocked it was an Elf who was one of the victims. Wonder where he is from? Though.." she stops to look oflver Ralina and then smiles." He isnt the only one id like to know better." she let that hang as she looks about then follows up.
" Baliff if I may make a humble suggestion. Do you have some gear in your armory these men could use to aid in this instance. And return or exchange for better seized weapon and armor." she says placing her chin in her hand. Thinking it a possible comprimise, so they may not loose potential up front profit. Profit she knows will aid her in her further growth and steps towards settling a nee land for her wayward kin.
Earing Kallum words, Al'Lan turns to his friend with a tired but good humor smile - Yeh I'm fine Kallum, just need half an hour rest and a hot meal and I'm good to go.
Turning to the newcomers and adds - Nice meeting you ladies, you're more then welcome and I'll be in debt to you if you help taking care of these bandits that killed my friends but be sure to know it won't be easy and will be dangerously mortal
The Bailiff listens to each request with a patient but scrutinizing expression. At Drusilla’s suggestion, he raises an eyebrow, though he directs his attention back to Al'Lan and Dobin.
"You two will be outfitted with clubs and shields, two javelins each, a backpack, waterskin, and a week’s rations. That will be enough for now.” His voice is steady but firm. “These supplies aren’t charity—they’re an investment in your word. Return with proof of your resolve against these bandits, and then we can discuss more."
"I’ll need you all in fighting shape before you head out again. Take two days to rest and recover fully.”
With a final glance over the group, he adds, "These lands need stability, not more empty promises. I’ll expect results when you return.”
--------------------
Dobin looks like he is about to say something, but clamps his mouth shut and gives the Bailiff a curt nod.
"Thank you for your trust. I shall return this gear once my own has been recovered."
With that he leaves to rest, heal and prepare for the trials ahead.
[ooc]Healing: now at 6 hp
"Oh, I'm certain we'll all get to know each other quite well as we spill blood together." Ralina says in reply to Drusilla, her voice suddenly quiet and solemn. "Surely it is as the tales of the Three relate, it is such adventures and deeds that truly forge our spirits in the Immortal's image and form the lasting bonds between people that define our very being."
Listening to the bailiff's words she nods in agreement at the need for the others to rest, and the group's need to be successful in this task. To such an end, the acolyte of Petra spends the next two days meditating at a small shrine, practicing her footwork and form, and listening for any rumors, tales, or other useful information shared among the travelers, laborers, and others frequenting the inn and tavern. Her eyes and ears are especially keen for anything that might speak to who this mysterious bandit boss could be and his possible intentions.
The morning of the first rest day, Ralina speaks to the bailiff's aide about acquiring a map of the region.
"It won't do for us to be wandering around without a good idea of where we are in relation to the Keep or other important landmarks." She says. "Surely you've got something as the military administrators for the area? If I could just copy it into my journal, that would be enough." She adds holding up a small scroll case filled with parchment and several small sticks of charcoal. She is sure to note any rumors or other information she's gathered in regard to specific locations on her copied map.
Finally there is a quick trip to the supplier's where she picks up a small cook pot, dried tea, utensils, a good woolen bedroll, and oiled cloth tarpaulin and stakes in case the weather turns.
The Bailiff's aide glances at the scroll case Ralina holds up and nods thoughtfully. Before he can respond, Dobin, Kallum, and Al'Lan share that they already have a map of the area, marking several recent caravan attacks.
As Ralina makes her way around the Keep to gather her supplies, she takes in the various establishments with a discerning eye. Beyond the Inn she’s already familiar with, a sturdy, stone building houses the smithy and armorer, its roof rising higher than the neighboring structures. Here, the sounds of hammer against anvil echo as the blacksmith works, framed by bellows and tools lining the walls.
Further down, a modest yet well-organized trader’s shop offers an assortment of goods—everything from armor and basic weapons to the exotic, like rare woods and spices. She also spots a low, unassuming building marked as the Loan Bank, where a sign by the door advertises secure storage and loans, "Under Protection of the Keep.”
Finally, she reaches the provisioner’s—a tidy establishment run by a man named Ellias, as she learns from a passerby. Here, she picks up a woolen bedroll, an oiled tarpaulin with stakes, a small cook pot, dried tea, and a set of utensils. These cost her a total of five gold pieces, leaving her well-prepared for the road ahead.
The two days pass quietly as the group rests and recovers in the Keep. Al'Lan and Dobin regain some of their strength, and Ralina takes advantage of the time to get her new equipment in order. At the dawn of their departure day, a faint mist lingers over the courtyard, cool and fresh with the scent of Spring, as the group gathers at the gates.
The Bailiff stands waiting, his expression stern yet measured. He nods to each of them as they prepare, his gaze holding steady as he addresses the group.
"May your strength match your word,” he says, his voice clear in the morning air. “Let your actions speak for themselves. I’ll be expecting you to return with news."
With a final nod, he steps back, giving them a clear path forward. The sky overhead lightens as dawn unfolds, casting the Keep in a soft glow. With new allies at their side and their path set, the group heads out into the wilderness, stepping into the quiet promise of the day’s first light.
"I would assume you three know the way?" Drusilla says as she is geared up and ready to go when needed.
Kallum nods. "Yeah, we can find our way back there without too many problems. The problems will begin when we get there."
Dobin nods in agreement.
"They were not making too much effort in covering their tracks before we ran across them, but who knows if they will continue to be sloppy or not."
He swings his club a few times and hefts his shield. While more armour would have been nice, he will make do with what he has!
Yep between the three we should get us there. I just hope they're still there, they may have join the boss wherever that is... Well, thinking of it, if they did we should try to track them and find out where the boss is.
Following the bailiff's words, Ralina bows her head and offers a quick prayer.
"Petra grant us strength to smite your enemies. Bless us with wisdom so we may see the truth and bring justice. Fill our hearts with courage so will not falter in the face of death." She pierces the tip of her thumb letting a drop of her blood fall upon the head of her warhammer. "Petra, upon my life blood, I swear to see this task done in your holy name."
With a final solemn bow to the bailiff, she follows the others through the gate and into wilds.
When the conversation turns to their quarry, she looks to those who fought before. "I would venture that they might have fallen back into their sloppy habits." She replies to Dobin. "It has been three days since you fought them, that is a long time for such men to maintain a level of alertness or security that they aren't used to keeping." Then a frown clouds her face. "But if there really is a spy in the Keep, that might change things drastically. We must move fast and hope we beat wbatever news the scoundrel may be able to send. And we should be extra vigilant ourselves." She adds glancing at Al'lan. "If they have been forwarned, they may set tracks or tricks to lead us into an ambush."
Drusilla has her crossbow in her arms. It is holding a bolt but is not taught. She would need to crank it, but when she did she could fire.
"I prefer that they are ignorant enough to go back to more lax defense. We can hopefully draw out a few subdue them. Then maybe strike a different location, if we don't make incredible headway in the initial assaults'" Dru says, letting herself look at the others.
"What are everyone's strengths and weaknesses"She asks looking at the others.
"Personally I am more comfortable at range. Though pressed I can use my Mace."
"The main strength is their numbers. We should have know when we say how many there were not to approach them. We also had a great deal of bad luck."
Dobin grimaces as he recalls their previous meeting with the bandits.
"I see. Maybe start a fire near there camp? or the appearance of a fire? I do not like doing that to these woods, but new growth will come of it and it will rid the area of them."
"We also can make use of the confusion and eliminate them on our own terms" Drusilla says thinking as they walk.
"Derbs, no Dobin right? What is your specialty?"
"I am a ex-soldier trained in hand to hand combat using a wide variety of weapons. I joined this band to help reduce the number of missing and dead travellers in the area....and almost became one myself!"
Looking at the map provided by Dobin, Kellum and Al'lan, Ralina points to the red X's located along the road. "What are these red marks?" She asks of those who had already faced their foe once.
When Drusilla asks about her capabilities, the young acolyte pats her warhammer. "I am most capable with my trusty hammer, although I will admit most of my experience comes from the temple practice fields." She says slightly ashamed of her lack of true blooding. "I've trained enough with my sling to know what to do, but my aim is poor. Father Ricard always said I should carry a shield and build the strength in my legs so I could charge in close as quick as I can."
"So, are we on the path to the cave you both were being held?" She asks Dobin and Al'lan. "Seems a good place to at least get a look at how many we face now and what their routines might be."
The red marks are locations where caravans were attacked, Ralina. We went to the first location - says Lan pointing to the map - then we followed tracks of the bandits to SE... - after some moments of thinking Lan adds - we eventually loose the tracks on a stream and camp for the night. They spotted us at this point, I think. Padreco saw some torches coming in the direction of our camp and retreating before actually coming to close. We follow its direction the next day, find their camp and decided to spy on them. That's when thing got all f#@ked up - Lan ended their tale with a mix of feelings crossing is face from sadness to fury
With a face harder then he intended, Lan turned to Drusilla and answered her question - I prefer to use a bow or a sling but I'm almost as good with it as with a club. Since I lost my bow the club and shield will do it.
The party sets off at a steady pace, following the ill-kept road. The quiet rustle of leaves accompanies them as they reach the first red “X” marked on the map - a site where a caravan once met a grim fate. Broken wooden crates and scraps of leather bags lie scattered, now half-buried beneath weeds and moss.
After taking in the scene, the group resumes its southeastward course, retracing the steps of their last venture. About three hours later (mid afternoon), they start feeling the ground becoming softer underfoot as they descend toward lower ground. The landscape begins to shift subtly; patches of damp earth and muddy trails appear more frequently, and a faint, musty scent rises from the soil. The air grows heavier, carrying hints of decay and stagnant water as the terrain starts to resemble wetlands.
A low mist drifts over the landscape, clinging to the ground and thickening with each step they take.
Actions?
"So maybe bring some out with bait and we use ranged weapons to pelt them from the trees or in well defended position?' Dru says as she continues walking along her crossbow ready. She seems to see the how the others went wrong.
"Or we hunt and attack a smaller group."
Noting that only one of the three locations marked on the map had been investigated, Ralina nods her understanding as Al'lan describes what happened before. Her boots beginning to squelch in the mud, she frowns at the surrounding land.
"Of course they'd take refuge within the swamps. And this mist means we could easily end up wandering in circles if we aren't careful." She says with distaste and frustration as the earth pulls at her feet with each step. She slogs along in silence for a short while, contemplating the map in her mind. As she thinks, she stops every few minutes to gather any small flat stones she can find. Once she has a dozen or so, she places pairs of stones atop each other to mark their path along the muddy trail. If they change direction or take an alternate path she'll add extra stones to mark the direction. One for north, two for east, etc. Finally, she turns to Al'lan.
"You say you lost the trail at a stream? Was it this one here?" She asks, running a finger along the wide line of the well marked river on the map. "I'm curious because if they could spot your camp from a distance, I might assume they were on some kind of high ground. Above this muck would also be a more likely sight for something more permanent. From what I can tell, there are really only three possible spots likely to work." She points out the hill sketched on the map directly south of the keep, followed by the one to the east between the river and the road. Finally she lands on the small rise almost directly in line with their current southeasterly direction. "This third location seems like a good candidate nearly surrounded by the river and wetlands, but with tamarack nearby to provide firewood and hunting. And it's centrally located along the road compared to where the attacks occurred."
She waves a bug from her face and ponders Drusilla's suggestion. "If they spotted a camp before, they are likely to do so again. We could gather enough branches and moss to stuff a couple of cloaks to make like a pair of travelers sitting or sleeping at a fire." She pats her cookpot. "We could even put water to boil with a little aromatic tea. One of us might have to stay to tend the fire, but then the rest stay out of sight. Seeing only a pair of travelers, I'd bet they'd risk a few slinking from their hiding spot to get an easy boon."
Dobin frowns as Drusilla speaks of ranged attacks.
"That was our first attempt, but try as we might our missiles flew everywhere but at the enemy. By the time we changed our strategy, they were already among us and we were outnumbered."
Kallum chimes in. "Fighting at range would've worked if we all would've been smart about it and fired and fell back instead of holding our ground, but too many of our company decided melee combat was the order of the day and died for that decision."
" So a controlled ranged retreat. Maybe with aid of traps to goad them." she says as she looks at the others.
" May hap we scout an area to set up, send in and bait them to come for us, and then when we shoot them,after they spring the trap. We retreat fire, retreat to a secondary point of our choosing. Preferable narrow So our Meleers can get in there and do some damage with added protection. Shoukd one get through we return to fire and retreat." she says in a semi haughty tone.
" Though that would be ideal. The cause choas would work. Though we have nothing to do that with yet. "
" Any ideas around these tactics? Maybe figure out how to set fire to thier camp? Or smoke them out. Maybe even attacking supplies?"
I agree with you Drusilla, I think we should not run into them like last time. They will overrun us. First find a place we can spend the night, then find them, then try to see what we're against, then decide what to do. Having some ideas up our sleeves beforehand is a point to our side and you have several. I have no range weapons I can only engage them in melee though
Dobin listens to the priestess as she breaks down her thoughts. This makes him think, as well, that she seems to know a lot about how to trap bandits. He smiles as she suggests a trap using dummies and a fire.
"That is a fascinating thought. I would volunteer to keep the fire going and interact with the dummies to make it look like a small group camping while the rest of you readied the ambush!"
" Now if we take into account our lovely Ralinas' musings we can figure out approximately where this group is. We should confirm and the. Spend some time for.ulating a series of strategies and plans. So, lets find a place ro set up a temporary camp and inspect the map and mark the best possible location for the base"Drusilla says looking to Ralina with a smile
Blushing under the sudden attention and compliments of her companions, the young acolyte greets the praise with a shy smile as she sets out another pair of stones. On the temple practice field her musing were more often met with a rap across the knuckles or sharp criticisms from Sister Lydia. It was a new thing to have others take her thoughts seriously.
"Well, if you all agree." She says her squishy steps just a bit lighter. Looking around at the soggy landscape her shoulders shrug even as she slaps at another insect. "Having spent more time in the tunnels and taverns of Silver Creek than the wide open outdoors, I've no idea where a good spot to camp might be. I'll leave it to those more accustomed to the ways of nature to figure such things in order to keep our blankets dry." She says looking to the two elves.
But certainly not wanting to be considered a slacker in her own contributions, she starts adding any thick clumps of moss or branches of suitable shape and size to her load so they can be put to use in the camp dummies later in the evening. She remains conscious of outside prying eyes, and so does her best to make her gatherings look like just another wanderer scrounging materials for a fire in the night.
It bugs me that we haven't find signs of the bandits yet and it's gonna get dark soon with all this mist. I suggest we find a place to spend the night and decide the watches rotation and where're we'll all be. Dobin will be close to the fire and we must decide where the rest of us will be.
"Well let's get these dummies made up and the fire going before it gets too dark. And maybe get those other piles of tinder together so we can get more light if needed."
Kallum nods and begins gathering kindling and smaller bits so that fires can be started.
The group sets to work immediately, each member contributing to the ambush preparations. The terrain is a challenge; every step into the swampy ground threatens to swallow their boots, and the damp air clings to their skin as they labor under the fading light. They fashion crude dummies from spare clothing and branches, propping them near the fire in a semblance of resting figures. Dobin keeps the fire steady, its light flickering off the surrounding trees and casting long, distorted shadows.
Drusilla and Al'Lan position themselves at a distance, their vantage points chosen for clear sightlines. Kallum and Ralina remain closer to the camp, crouched in the underbrush, weapons at the ready. A few scattered bundles of oil-soaked wood and torches are placed strategically within reach of the main campfire, though the dampness of the area makes their efficacy uncertain.
As the last light of dusk fades and darkness takes hold, an uneasy stillness settles over the camp. The only sounds are the crackling of the fire and the distant hum of nocturnal insects. Hours pass, the tension mounting with every passing moment. Then, faintly at first, the sloshing of water reaches Drusilla and Al'Lan’s ears. The sound grows louder—a slow, deliberate movement coming from the opposite side of the camp.
The darkness reveals nothing, but the noise persists. No light accompanies the movement, only the steady, ominous sounds.
Tucked on a bed of tamarack branches just beyond the light of the fire, Ralina silently recites the litany of Petra's Parables to herself as she keeps watch through the night. Her many hours spent in prayer under the watchful eye of the priests providing good training for the long, still, silent vigil. As she watches the stretched shadows of the fire dance among the trees, her mind soon forms them into the great heroes Halav, Petra and Zirchev fending off the hordes of the beast-men during the final battle.