"Apologies to all, I didn't see them approaching...."
You're not alone there, Faen, Graham replies. I missed them until it was too late myself.
Alvis tiredly sits down as the animals flee. At Teela's activity Alvis says, "Are you sure Teela? You took a bad hit; you need rest too. I'm not going to recover my favor today, with my rest broken. I doubt you are too. Anyone else need care? I can work on them as well."
He shakes his head, "It's no one's fault. As those horrid things retreated, even with my vision and not trying to hide, they were hard to see, the blend in this tall grass."
Gloomily Alvis says, "I feel it's needed that I say this once more, this is a ridiculously dangerous mission, we have not yet reached the true edge of the Stolen Lands, yet I have nearly died three times in less than a week. Perhaps I'm unlucky but I don't think so. I have a mission to do and many of us have made a pledge to take bold risks for a great gain. Some have not, but everyone here should think about their commitment, I'll not bring it up again. Know in your heart what you truly want before going forward. And with that may Abadar bless you all whatever you decide."
And with that Alvis will either treat any not cornered by Teela, or slide off to a fitful rest, or take his watch if Teela does not insist.
"I'm fine. Those wounds are already healing over. Thanks for that. You go get some rest. I'll wake Graham and Quintessa for the next watch so that you two can make your rites in the morning." she points to Alvis and Velas.
Treating Faen, Teela gave up on conversation, given that Faen had a leather belt in her mouth most of the time. Instead, she opted for some quiet, calming hums. Every now and then, Teela asks Faen to hold the needle threaded with her own stitching material so that she can throw some more wood into the fire. Once she loses her patience and performs the magic, she packs up and sits down.
"So what's your story? What are you running from? The gangs in Nivakta? What did you do to them?" She tries to keep the woman from thinking about the healing pains and keeps a conversation going as she looks around for movement.
Faen does her best to remain still for Teela's ministrations, but patience and discipline were never her strong suit.
Wincing from her various hurts, Faen leans forward at Teela's questions, "Well, my da was a bit of a scoundrel and thief before he met my ma. That's when he went straight and became a Tinker. Well, my ma got sick, so we left the road and settled down....but my da's past came and found him! Took his life and took his tools, they did. But, I saw the tattoo on one of them that fled! Tracked him down to Nivakta....took back what was mine. He was too drunk to kill....I guess I have standards. " she finishes with a smirk.
"What about you...are you all her Majesty's retainers?" she asks, indicating the sleeping Quintessa.
Quintessa rolls her eyes, placing a firm hand on Graham’s shoulder to keep him from shifting about. "Honestly, Graham, if I wanted to heal a moving target, I’d have taken up archery instead."
She tightens her grip slightly, ensuring he stays still as the magic does its work. "Now sit, be quiet, and let me fix you before you go limping around like some tragic hero in a bard’s tale."
Once the healing is done, she beds back down again, hoping to not be so rudely interupted this time.
Graham grumbles, but quietly, and lets Tessa finish.
Once the watch shift is over, he settles in, though he notices every sound as he tries to grab some sleep, the sound of low conversation finally acting as a little white noise to let him close his eyes.
"I am uninjured, thankfully. But it appears several of you took some vicious wounds from those creatures. Here, let me help."
She moves to Graham first, putting her hand gently on his shoulder. "They are gone, sit down and relax for a moment so I can asisst."
The group rests and licks their wounds after the surprise attack by the territorial hunters. They are happy to be all still upright, but a bit shaken by the experience. The light rain continues through the night, making the uncomfortable camping experience even worse, but somehow they all rest and sleep enough to be restored somewhat in the morning. No other incursions or intrusions happen in the night.
The next day, 2 Pharast, is overcast and grey. The rain has thankfully stopped but the sun is mostly shaded by the heavy clouds. The group breaks camp with a plan to continue on the road. Gregori says his thanks to the team, and shakes hands with everyone, fast in the camaraderie that comes with a shared near-death experience. He soon leaves heading back to the east and the relative safety of Nivakta's Crossing and eventually Restov. Your team on the other hand, moves west, farther into the wilderness and unsettled regions of the Stolen Lands.
The next day passes without event, the monotony of the narrow trail through the tall grass wearing on you a bit. Eventually though, you set up camp again, getting a fire going, and putting up tents. The night of 2 Pharast also passes without event and soon enough it is dawn of 3 Pharast.
Faen does her best to remain still for Teela's ministrations, but patience and discipline were never her strong suit.
Wincing from her various hurts, Faen leans forward at Teela's questions, "Well, my da was a bit of a scoundrel and thief before he met my ma. That's when he went straight and became a Tinker. Well, my ma got sick, so we left the road and settled down....but my da's past came and found him! Took his life and took his tools, they did. But, I saw the tattoo on one of them that fled! Tracked him down to Nivakta....took back what was mine. He was too drunk to kill....I guess I have standards. " she finishes with a smirk.
"What about you...are you all her Majesty's retainers?" she asks, indicating the sleeping Quintessa.
Teela ponders Faen's response, and her own as she scratches the soil with a dry twig. "Well, I guess that makes us both girls on the run. Someone thinks I owe them money." she chuckles. "I don't. But with them thinking I do, I might as well be. They are with a very sketchy crowd."
She break the twig and tosses it into the fire, then points to Quintessa. "The blueblood needed some wardrobe work. We started talking throughout the process. You know the deal. "What's the dress for?" and the like. And she said she's moving south, so we struck a deal - She takes me with her and I keep her garbs in order. I like to think I can work a needle." she points to the attempted stitches on Faen's skin and smirks. "Well... Most of the time, anyway."
When she wakes up, Teela will try to get Graham and Alvis to take 20 minutes to look at their injuries while others pack up. She bids Grigori goodbye and wishes him luck.
Graham 10 min
Alvis 20 min |
Treating Alvis goes well, but not so much with Graham. "Let's ride for a while to get away from the beasts here, I guess? Then I will look at you again, Graham. Can you manage?"
Graham 70 min |
Other than that, she seems eager to arrive to the trading post as soon as possible.
Faen looks over Teela's handiwork, and shrugs, "Well, it's done the job! My da was always saying that scars are just a reminder of something worth remembering...good or bad. I'm alive...and so are you...so that's a good thing! "
She then pulls the small case of tools from her belt and shows them to Teela, "This is what all of the fuss is about...it's meant something to a lot of people I think..."
Alvis does his morning rituals as usual and with faint protest submits to Teela's ministration. "I could do this or just use a spell. Okay. Go ahead."
While camping he makes sure that all fire holes are dug out so the flames aren't viewable as far as otherwise. If wood is available, he puts several small fires about to discourage and channel any attacks. Any wood needed that is too wet he dries by Abadar's divine grace.
As everyone prepares to leave Alvis says, "From what little we've heard I'm thinking we're likely to reach the trading post sometime today. We will need to approach cautiously. These horses will be worse than useless in a fight. I don't know the status of the post, but the abandonment of that fort plus the ominous message left leaves me worried that we may be too late. How do we go about this?" Alvis leaves off there with a worried frown on his face.
All the injuries from the fight with the thylacines are healed up, and spells returned after the uneventful day of riding. When the dawn breaks on 3 Pharast, Alvis shares his concerns that they may get to the trading post too late. In any event, the team saddles up and follows the narrow track that passes for a road west. The weather is clear but windy, the northerly breeze making it colder than it should be. The team bundles up against the invasive wind, the grass along both sides of the road waving and bending erratically.
About noon on that day, you see ahead and slightly to the south, another wooden built structure, not that different from Fort Serenko. It seems to have a wooden palisade wall around it, but this structure has a tower at each corner and what appears to be a catapult mounted atop each tower. No flag flies here but there does seem to be activity in and around the building, as a few cows graze outside the walls. From your position west and north of the building, no gate is visible.
Beyond the post, the green line of the Narlmarches, a heavily forested part of the area you are to explore and clear, lies waiting.
As everyone prepares to leave Alvis says, "From what little we've heard I'm thinking we're likely to reach the trading post sometime today. We will need to approach cautiously. These horses will be worse than useless in a fight. I don't know the status of the post, but the abandonment of that fort plus the ominous message left leaves me worried that we may be too late. How do we go about this?" Alvis leaves off there with a worried frown on his face.
Velas nods grimly as Alvis voices his concern. "We can hope for the best but need to be prepared for the worst. Bandits or worse may already occupy the trade post. Perhaps a few of us approach on foot. Use the signal whistle to call to the others. One for trouble; two for approach? I'm willing to be part of the group on the initial approach."
When the trading post comes into view, Velas halts further movement. Noticing the clear signs of movement and farm animals, Velas looks for signs of who might be the current 'owners' of the post.
Teela raises her hand. "I'm coming with you. Someone to talk your way out of trouble. I'm taking the horse, though. You should probably do that too, so we make an impression of actual travelers."
Graham looks perplexed. It's a trading post, isn't it? Surely they're expecting folks to ride up to the gate. That's what folk looking to trade do.
Velas feels like he has a pretty good view into the compound from the road. Peering at the fort, he can see a couple of people, looks like one man and one woman to him, inside. The man seems to be atop one of the buildings, using a hammer and nails to repair the tin roof. The woman seems to be feeding chickens in the interior yard of the post. There is a gate he can see from here, but it faces to the south, not north or east along the road. The gate is about 30' wide and it appears to be open at present.
"Yes Graham, if they are the honest traders, if bandits control the place then it would be unwise to be mounted." Alvis replies. Expanding he says " Our horses are not combat trained; they likely would flee at any trouble and may buck you off. Just be ready for that."
After taking a long look at the fort in the distance, Velas feels confident that only two people are currently present.
"I make out two people - a man and a woman - going about their chores, it looks like. Caution may still be warranted, but I think we finally Oleg's."
He nods to Teela. "I'll follow your lead and let you do that talking."
Once the party decides if everyone is riding on together or who is staying back, Velas rides next to Teela on the approach to the post.
As the group towards the compound, a few more details become clear. The wooden palisade walls are 10' high with the towers on each corner of the rectangle rising another 5' or so above that. Catapults, which seem to be unmanned, sit atop each tower. The palisade walls seem to be in good repair and show evidence of fairly recent mortaring between the posts. Some of the posts appear to have been recently replaced as well.
The whole facility isn't very large, roughly rectangular its about 100' north to south, and maybe 120' east to west. There is a wooden gate over an archway in the southern wall that seems to be the only entrance. The gate is currently open.
It appears there are 4 roofed structures inside the compound. One appears to be a stable, and the other a covered outdoor storage area filled with haybales and the like. The other two seem to be dwellings. An empty buckboard wagon sits in the main courtyard.
Other than the two, man and woman, Velas saw from afar, no other people seem to be easily visible. And that pair, are busying themselves with everyday chores oblivious to your approach, it seems.
Quintessa reins in her horse alongside Velas. She gives him a quick glance before speaking in a confident tone. "I'll ride up with you, Velas. First impressions matter, and I'd like to ensure we introduce ourselves properly."
She then turns to the rest of the group, giving a quick nod of reassurance. "Let's approach as travelers, not as a warband. If this is indeed Oleg’s, they’ll be far more welcoming if we don’t look like we’re here to storm the place."
"Alright." Teela smirks. "Strength in numbers, then." She looks towards the encampment and gives Caramel a soft kick with her heels. with a soft "Hya!"
She rides to the nearest gate and declares "First!" with a satisfactory smile on her face. She does not pass the threshold of the encampment. Much like a vampire, she stands just outside, looking in with the intention of announcing their presence. "Hello there! We're looking for a trading post in these parts. Supposedly managed by a couple, I think?" she looks around. "This place seems to fit the description..."
She leaves the sentence hanging in the air, waiting for a response.
Quintessa rolls her eyes as Teela races ahead. "Of course." she mutters under her breath, nudging her unnamed horse forward to follow.
As she reaches the gate, she draws her horse to a stop just beside Teela.
Clearing her throat, she speaks up, her voice carrying the practiced grace of nobility sprinkled with warmth. "Good day! We mean no trouble, only trade and conversation. If this is indeed Oleg’s Trading Post, then we’ve traveled quite a ways to find it."
She glances toward the two figures, gauging their reaction before adding with a hint of amusement, "I do hope we haven't arrived unannounced."
Faen follows the others, but keeps quiet , here eyes darting here and there, pulling up at the gate to survey the yard and walls and the couple her companions were greeting.
Alvis is much reassured by Velas' report. A quick conversation follows with Teela impulsively setting off for the post. Following after Alvis grumbles quietly, "She's either going to conquer this land or get us all killed."
As they pull up a tranquil scene of domestic bliss greets them. Alvis leans forward letting his Key of Abadar dangle forward saying, "Blessings of Abadar for prosperity be upon you. I am Alvis here to deal with banditry and other ails."
The man, who starts climbing down a wooden ladder from the roof of one of the buildings, is a stout fellow with a hint of pudginess. He is not especially tall, and has brown eyes, hair and beard. He is younger than you would've expected. When he reaches the ground, he moves to stand protectively in front of his wife. He is sweaty, though the day is cool, and his manner is aloof and a bit gruff.
"I am Oleg Leveton. This is my wife Svetlana. Welcome to our trading post. Come in, take a rest. Your coming is known to us."
Svetlana curtsies primly, and Quintessa notices she has some familiarity with that difficult-to-get-right maneuver. She seems genuinely warm and excited to see you. "You must stay for dinner, and stay in the guest rooms. It is too late to continue on the road, yes? I have lamb stew and fresh bread, and will open a bottle of wine if you partake. Then you must tell us about this charter and your mission here. We have had some trouble it is true..."
"Nothing we can't handle," Oleg says quickly. "I must finish repairing the roof. Will be in for supper when that's done. Feel free to use the stable, if you're staying." He turns back to the ladder. "Lodging is 5 pennies per person per night, includes breakfast and dinner. Stabling is another 2 pence per stall, includes feed and water, and a complimentary rubdown. There's six of you, so by my reckoning, that's 4 sails, 2 pence per night. You can pay Svetlana." He starts back up the ladder.
Svetlana rolls her eyes at the her spouse's brusqueness, and shows you the stables, and sets you at the outdoor tables. Bringing food and drink soon enough. She speaks quietly when you are all sitting, "Pardon my Oleg. He won't say it, but he's glad you're here to help us, as am I. You are just in time also. We expect visitors in the morning to take their monthly "tax collection". Don't tell Oleg, but if you help us with them, I will let you stay and eat as long as you like -- no charge. Maybe even a reward for service, yes?"
Graham has been silent through the entire exchange, but is grateful enough to get off Horse and grab a bite. He ignores the plate in front of him when Svetlana mentions visitors and "tax collection." I suspect, by your demeanor, that this visit on the morrow isn't expected to be a pleasant one. It's a shakedown, isn't it?
Teela nods at the pair, dismounts Caramel and pats the beast's snout. "Good job! Let's find you a place to sleep, buddy. You've earned a nice rest."
She starts pulling the horse into the yard and stops a few feet away from Svetlana. "Not to worry. Cavalry's here, as they say." Teela turns around to point to the riders. "Lady Quintessa, scion of House Orlovsky. Faen Cymbril from a proud line of craftsmen. Alvis Naylamahal, servant of the First Vault. Graham Snodgrass, our own blademaster. Velas Galla, the man of mystery." she barely holds back the laughter, then points to herself. "And last but not least, Teela Sedichi, a humble seamstress. Pleasure to meet you, Svetlana." Smiling, she does her signature mock curtsy and looks after Oleg, who is now halfway up the ladder. "And your caring husband, of course. Lovely place you have."
After the horses are situated and everyone is gathered, Teela pulls out a lute from seemingly nowhere and starts strumming for the fire to have something to dance to. She listens to the conversation intently as she does so.
Alvis nods at his further introduction by Teela and helps with the horses. He joins the table as Teela starts her musical support. "Fine place this is, and I see your husband's worthy industriousness to bring everything here up to its full potential. I also note that those 'Tax Collectors' are but bandits with airs. But what happened to your guards? Killed or run off?", Alvis inquires with a bluntness equal to his insensitivity.
Faen's own self-introduction is forestalled by Teela's. But , she pays it no mind, attempting to mimic Svetlana's courtly curtsy.
She nods at both Graham and Alvis' question on the 'tax-collectors', opining "Sounds more like a protection racket to me...."
Svetlana sighs and nods when you describe her visitors differently. "Not protection, just armed robbery," she says. "The woman who led them first time threatened to burn down our business if we did not give them all our furs and trade goods we had. There were 10 criminals, a man who led them who wore a cloak and a bow, and this woman. She threatened to lop off Oleg's right hand with one of her hatchets. And then she took my wedding ring right off my finger, and tossed to one of her henchmen saying it was 'payment for not shortening Oleg's reach.'"
"And I'd kinda like to have that ring back," says Oleg who has come up behind where you are sitting. "Matter of fact, I'd give 50 gold crowns of credit for trade goods if you could get it back for my Svetlana. Course, they might have lost or sold it by now, so who knows." The large man comes and sits next to his wife, giving her shoulder a little squeeze in the process.
Mrs Leveton gets up to serve dinner, and returns with a tray heavy laden with bowls of thick lamb stew, and a basket full of bread which is still warm and soft. A bell of fresh butter and ears of corn complete the meal. A serviceable red wine also appears along with actual fine cut glass goblets which seem out of place in this wilderness outpost.
"Will you help drive off the bandits when they return tomorrow?" Svetlana asks hopefully
Without stopping her song, Teela nods to Svetlana. "No, no. I got it. No shame in calling things what they are - goons." She turns back to the fire. "I have some experience with the type, but taking someone's wedding band is just pathetic. So that's all there is? 10 people? The charter made it seem like the woods are riddled with highwaymen." she seems surprised. Perhaps even disappointed. The music stops for a moment. "I didn't even meet them and I already want to bust their kneecaps and snap their elbows."
She starts playing again. "How long have you been here? Were there multiple groups, or just this one?" and then she has a moment of recollection. "Oh, and did you happen to get acquainted with one Jhod Kavken? Supposedly headed for these parts a year or so back, and his brother is worried."
Graham doesn't even wait for Tessa to say yes. We'll be happy to drive this lot off, he says, though, it may invite more trouble for you if we do so from within the walls.
He glances at Teela. I'm certain there are more than just the half-score they sent here – there are other places to extort, after all. And this sounds organized, more than just a random band. Graham remembers something just then. Did one of them go by Happs or Happy, or some such?
Quintessa listens as Svetlana recounts the bandits demands, her expression shifting from measured neutrality to a quiet simmer of anger as the details emerge.
Threats of maiming, robbery, and the outright audacity of taking a woman's wedding ring for sport!
She meets Svetlana’s and Oleg gaze befor turning to Graham as he readily volunteers the group before she even has a chance to say anything. "How very forward-thinking of you, Graham."
She leans back, tapping her fingers against the stem of her goblet before looking at the Levetons. "We were sent here under charter to deal with banditry, and it seems fate has already delivered our first opportunity. Of course, we will help you."
Then, fixing Oleg with an expectant look, she adds drly "That said, I do hope you have some information beyond counting to ten. If we are to deal with this lot properly, we’ll need details. Patterns of arrival, their approach, where they seem to come from, how armed they are, and whether they are the type to fight to the death or cut their losses when the fight turns against them. You've dealt with them more than once? Tell us everything you know."
Alvis follows up with, "All good and wise questions, sorry to bombard you with them, take your time. I'd like to add if the guards were neither killed nor run off, did they join the bandits or did were they promised and never arrived?" Alvis is not taking the hint.
Gazing down at the meal, "Excellent food, most unexpected so far out. Are there farms nearby? I can hardly believe this quality of food could be transported so far, so fresh."
After helping stable the horses, Velas quietly but intently listens to the conversation. Being so new to the group, he knows it's not yet his place to speak up. Plus, all of his questions were already asked.
When Quintessa asks about specifics of how the bandits approach and their demeanor, Velas looks around fort for choke points, place to hide, and good vantage points for ranged attacks.
Svetlana and Oleg do their best to answer the multiple questions. She says, "They have been here three times. The first time it was the woman with the hatchets, the man with the bow and cloak -- I do recall she named him Happs -- and1 10 others. Second time it was Happs and 6 men. Last time it was Happs and only 4 men. They seem to think we are easy pickings it seems. "
Oleg says, "Each time they have come here, they came out of the south, and arrived within an hour of sunrise. I expect they have a camp somewhere south in the Greenbelt, maybe within a day's ride from here? They told us they would be back in 30 days exactly, and that's tomorrow. Except for the woman leader, they all had bows and knives. We did not see any other weapons or magic. The woman who led them seemed clever and fierce, but Happs seems rather stupid and brutish."
"We have learned," Svetlana says sourly, "To have our tribute out and ready. It keeps them from ransacking the place, or it did the last time. We have not fought with them ourselves, so we don't know their resolve. Oleg always bristles when we have to give over our trade goods, but I don't think him alone against even four would end well for us."
"I would fight to protect my wife and property," says Oleg bristling now, "But Svetlana begs me not to, so I have not raised a hand against them so far. They must think me weak and an easy mark...I have written away to Restov asking for soldiers to be sent to aid us, I am told my letter was received and help will be coming, but there has been no one to arrive but you so far. Word is that Fort Serenko is abandoned now, so any armed support is farther away than ever. That may be why the bandits are so emboldened these days."
Svetlana smiles at Alvis' praise of the food. "We grow our own or trade for ingredients. We have some livestock and a small garden. If you think this fare is acceptable, you should try my moon radish soup! It is Oleg's favorite. But alas, we have not had the time to go and harvest moon radishes -- the nearest patch is miles south of here. If you can help with the bandits, maybe you can go find us a supply of moon radishes, yes? I would make you the soup, and pay for your time, if you did."
Neither of the Levetons have met or even heard of Jhod Kavken.
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Velas does not see anything as a means of defending the trading post that isn't already obvious. There are catapults on the towers, there is a gate that can be barred from the inside. There is a wagon that could be used in a variety of ways. The wall is sturdy and in good repair with no obvious weakness to it. There are no nearby trees or rocks to hide potential attackers behind, and fields of fire from the walls seem clear. That said, there are not many defenders and no source of water if there were a prolonged siege, and the structures are all wooden so could be burned by a determined assault force.
Graham nods and catches Teela's eye, then does the same to Tessa, as Svetlana mentions Happs. These brigands are definitely the same as those that stole from Gregori.
He notices Velas looking about and nods. An excellent idea. Let's see what's what after we let these kind folks go to bed tonight.
We can sadly confirm that Fort Serenko has indeed been abandoned, Graham says. And visited not long ago by someone who signed the guest ledger – of a fashion – with a stag skull.
Oleg nods but seems disappointed at the confirmation. "As we feared. The troubles in Brevoy affect us even here, in the middle of nowhere, where we tried to escape them."
Svetlana says, "The bandits who have stolen from us wear the symbol of a stag around their necks. I have seen it on every one of them so far. Made of silver, like skull with antlers sprouting from it. I suppose those are related?"
Alvis listens to the sad tale of fallen justice. He replies, "Bandits have become increasingly emboldened since the fall of house Rogarvia. As ruthless and often oppressive as they were still bandits had good reason to fear them. Now with conflict between factions growing bandits are all too often ignored." Alvis misunderstands Oleg to mean the guards were supposed to be here but never came because only the most overconfident people would set up in a hostile frontier without them.
A touch of anger enters Alvis' voice, "And this use of a bloody or deskinned stag as an insignia of theirs is a direct blasphemy against the Stag God. Though not of my personal devotion, none the less he is an ally of Abadar and their shocking impudent impiety is further proof of their degradation. They must be removed; the question is how?"
Looking around Alvis remarks, "If they come inside unsuspecting, perhaps we can ambush them, bandits deserve no honorable treatment."
Quintessa listens, taking in every detail from Oleg and Svetlana’s account. The name Happs is now tied to two offenses, one against Gregori and another against the Levetons. That’s enough to mark him as a problem worth solving. The mention of the stag skull iconography only deepens her concern, especially after what they found at Fort Serenko.
At Alvis’s suggestion of an ambush, she nods slowly. "Indeed, ambushing them inside the walls would be the most effective strategy. These bandits have come here thrice before, taking what they please without consequence. That has made them complacent."
She glances at Svetlana. "They believe you’re cowed. They will not expect a fight."
"If we engage them in open combat outside the walls, we risk them scattering, or worse, returning with reinforcements. Buuuut if we let them ride into the yard as they have before, let them dismount and start taking stock of their tax collection... well." A wry smirk appears on her lips "That’s when we strike."
"Well..." Teela steps in "...we are justified, both morally and by law, to either cut down or hang them. That's why we're here to begin with." she shrugs nonchalantly and takes a bite.
"What? It's in the charter. So let's just ambush them and be done with it. How fast can those gates close? Or... someone could hide outside and block their retreat."
"Quintessa's suggestion matches my thinking. Oleg and Svetlana set their 'payment' around the wagon - maybe on the far side from the gate so they have to enter deeper into the post. Ranged combatants either up on the walls or behind buildings. Up close fighters like Graham and myself hide in one of these buildings. We spring the trap all at once. Oleg and Svetlana stay well out of sight in their quarters."
Velas walks around the yard as he shares his thoughts. "Maybe Faen or I hide in the wagon and ensure they can't quickly retreat."
Velas turns to Oleg. "Do you have any provisions that could be of use? Ropes, leg traps, or similar?"
Svetlana shrugs, "Your plan seems sound, but if Oleg and I are not in the courtyard when the brigands arrive, won't it seem suspicious? I mean, we have been there to greet them on their other arrivals."
Oleg considers Velas request. "I have a bit of rope in the storeroom maybe 70' all told. I don't have any traps at present, but there other weapons and gear, if you wish to look. Of course, I would need it back after...I can always get more or different things, but not be the dawn tomorrow.
To Teela he says, "The gates are hinged, and I keep them oiled. With just the two of use, we can close them, but not quickly, If there were others to help, they could be swung shut in a matter of seconds, but barring them would take longer."
Alvis looks about imaging what the bandits would see if they came in and noticed a potential problem. In a slow thoughtful voice he says, "We'll have to make sure there is no sign of us as they enter, especially our horses. If they pay any attention at all and spot six mounts, then if they not become suspicious idiots all they would be. We cannot count on them being very stupid, however convenient that would be."
"I can stand behind a gate so as to not be seen, I'm fairly strong and could try closing it. On the other hand maybe, we just attack all at once and kill or capture them before they can run.", Alvis shrugs as he talks, silently asking what they think.
Graham can't help but smile at Teela's casual remarks regarding the bandits. My thoughts exactly.
He ponders a moment, brainstorming as well. Have you barrels? he asks Oleg and Svetlana. Empty will do, though filled with pitch or oil would be better. Obviously we would use whatever we get from the brigands to recompense for what we might need to use.
Oleg takes you inside the residence and unlocks a door that is a storeroom. Inside is a pile of furs and hides, probably 5gp worth, that he indicates is the tribute he plans to give to the bandits.
Also in the room are two barrels filled with drinking water, a half-barrel of lantern oil, three common lamps, a dozen candles, a week's worth of firewood, a hooded lantern, cookware, 70' of rope, a tent, and enough food (mostly cheese, hard bread, and dried venison) to last two weeks.
The adjacent room has a suit of leather armor, a heavy wooden shield, two hand axes, five javelins, a longbow with two dozen arrows, a scythe, two spears, two minor healing potions, one lesser antidote, one lesser antiplague, six torches, two weeks of rations, and a small locked strongbox that he does not open.
"Use what you think you need," Oleg says. "Return what you can, but if you use up things like oil defending us, no charge."
"If we don't want to risk slow closing of the gate, we can try something else." Teela speaks again. "If we have enough rope, I can try to make a net out of it and use that to stop their retreat. I assume they all walk into the yard when they arrive, yes?" she looks to Olek and Svetlana. "Use some sort of pulley system with barrels as counterweights to spring it before we pounce from hiding."
"I think Teela's idea with the rope netting makes the most sense to me. Seems like hiding behind the gate increase our chances of being spotted before they enter." Velas sighs audibly and shrugs. "Maybe we are overthinking the bandits running away. The bandit leader - that woman - will suspect something is amiss soon enough anyways."
"I agree that we are overthinking their retreat. Our focus should be making sure they never get the chance to flee in the first place. The gate is an option, but if we fumble closing it or they spot us before they enter fully, we risk them bolting before we can even draw blood. If we want to lure them in, we need to commit to it properly."
She looks at Teela. "I also like the idea of the net trap. It's clever and subtle, and if it works, it neutralizes several of them at once. Between that and us being in position before they realize what's happening, we may not even need to bother with the gate."
Turning to Oleg and Svetlana, she continues, "I assume they dismount when they come in, yes? If so, then we hit them the moment their feet are on the ground and their weapons aren't in their hands."
She casts a glance toward Graham and Velas. "Ranged attackers on the walls. Melee fighters hidden in the buildings. When the trap is sprung, our archers strike first. Those of us in melee charge in before they can react. If possible, we take one alive, preferably this Happs character. I’d like to know exactly where their camp is and how many more of them are out there before we go storming off into the Greenbelt like overconfident knights in a bard’s tale."
Her eyes settle on Oleg once more. "As for the furs you're offering as tribute, we should still lay them out as you normally do. If the bandits don’t see them waiting, that alone could tip them off that something’s different. The goal is to make this seem like every other time... until it isn’t."
Quintessa leans back, finally taking a sip of her wine. "We need to finalize positions and be certain everyone knows when to strike. The last thing we need is one person jumping early and ruining the entire plan."
Her gaze flicks over the group. "So. Who’s doing what?"