Yeah, it seems we've lost our DM...
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Seems we are just waiting on Narkari then *sits and twiddles his thumbs*
Are we waiting on Narkari to post, or someone else?
well that's a bummer Alan, we've barely just started and already losing you, but as usual, real life comes first. Good luck with... whatever it is you're doing :p
Ahh, well fair enough Narkari. As long as this keeps going and picks up a bit eventually :)
As the sleeping bandit awakes and stumbles to his feet Twist-Leaf again attempts to bring a hefty branch down upon his skull.
Seeing the bandit keep his feet despite a sharp blow to the head Twist-Leaf continues to thrash it's branches at the fellow.
Only when the bandit finally goes down does Twist-Leaf turn to the other groggy foe, stepping up to put him between himself and Ranzo.
Alendiri meanwhile, moves over to where the sentry fell, stowing his bow as he moves, and should the fellow be unconscious as expected, starts to climb the ladder to take his place, seeking the high-ground.
wow, so many ones...
Gah sorry Endrance, I know that's your name but the mind really does play tricks on you when you're not paying attention. No worries Narkari, we all get busy sometimes.
and a nice shot from Ranzo at least :) As to coup de grace, what Endurance said, he's not really stealthy, if the sentry noticed our appearances he would have noticed an ambulatory tree sneaking up on the camp, so I had him wait further back in the trees.
and our luck continues... a 5 and another nat 1. He had +9 to hit ffs... That was probably the only way he could have missed...
As the alert goes up Alendiri swiftly shrugs Ranzo's arm off, taking a half step away from the man to free some room for him to draw his bow, which he does, swiftly drawing, aiming and losing it at the sentry with that fluid grace that elves are so admired and envied for.
Alendiri simply takes a moment to sigh as the shot goes wild, before whipping around, pointing at the furthest bandit he can see across the low fire, calling out to Twist-Leaf in Treant A short crashing through the undergrowth precedes his arrival as he lumbers with impressive quickness (for a tree anyway) up to the sleeping bandits and brings his branch crashing down on one of them.
Alendiri nods, not having to affect too much of a tired gait with how little sleep they ended up getting last night. He does however stick his shoulder under Ranzo's arm as if he's helping him out, making sure to stand on the man's off-hand side. He whispers instructions for Twist-Leaf to shadow them in the treeline and charge the target he indicates when he signals. He also pulls the hood of his cloak up and makes sure that his ears are hidden against at least a cursory glance, then starts walking with Ranzo
Alendiri was uncertain of the need for further delay, but as long as they struck soon then he would accept it. He would be glad to be done with it, and only hoped things would go as smoothly as planned. "If we can sneak up on them while they sleep then we may have no need of Endrance's spell." Alendiri observes softly.
Hmm yeah, does seem fairly active for 4am :p
As Quentin finally approaches the camp Alendiri follows as close as he dares with the others, before hunkering down, bow ready to go for when Quentin is able to subdue the sentry or is found out.
I'm okay to wait if it's only going to be a couple days. As long as it keep moving after that
Hah! Well good luck and congrats for when you read this then :p
For everyone's convenience: The Map We are approaching from the upper right.
When Alendiri notices Quentin's attention to Jimmy he edges his horse a little closer, joining in the questioning, relating a bit about himself as well. While he doesn't mention any dates or timeframes Quentin and Jimmy may start to get a feel of just how old the elf is. He is pleased that someone besides himself is willing to treat Jimmy as more than just a prisoner, and in an effort to empathize with the 'boy' he relates some tales of his own 'vigilante' activities in the Grungir Forest against loggers and others who would harm that place. As they are preparing for the assault the next day he checks to make sure Jimmy is not too uncomfortable where he's been tied, before stringing his bow and taking his position beside Ranzo, Twist-Leaf slightly ahead and off to the side of them.
I guess he could try and ride the donkey...
Alendiri simply nods and thanks Oleg for the offer. He had picked up on the concern himself and would have done it anyway, but the store credit is an appreciated incentive. After ensuring everything is ready for traveling the next day Alendiri has an early night and is likely up before Ranzo. He didn't normally wake quite so early, but it wasn't too much of a stretch for him. After a quick breakfast and a look over the horses they were to take Alendiri settles down out front beside his companion to meditate, returning an hour later ready to go.
Combat Table:
Round:
Initiative: AC: 16 HP: 10/10 Saves: Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +5 Conditions:
Spells prepared:
1st Level
Tracked resources:
He rides quietly the next day, keeping an eye out around them as they travel, trying to get a feel for the environment, and talking frequently with his companion as it trots along beside the horse, though about what is indistinguishable. When they camp he eats meagerly and goes straight to his blankets, volunteering for a later watch, though his unsleeping companion settles down to watch the entire night. He wakes when it is time for his watch and spends it once again in quiet communication with his companion, only easing his vigil once the others begin to wake giving him a chance to meditate once more. As they prepare to move out he readies himself, before looking towards the others. "I have come to an understanding with my companion. Ranzo you asked of his name previously, as simply as I can translate it, you may call him Twist-Leaf. He should be able to recognize it, though his understanding of the common tongue is still extremely limited."
Fast track eh? Cool... Hmm, I was also going to point out Jimmy needed one, but uhh, it occurs that my treant only has a move of 30, and I don't really see him riding :p either...
Alendiri nods, the bandit only confirming what they had been told yesterday. "Very well. The first time you came you took Svetlana's ring. What was done with it?"
Alendiri would prefer to head out now, but he knows what you soft city types are like :p
Travel time is going to be at least 8 hours due to a plains and a forest hex being between here and there, so I suggest we either get a couple hours of travel done tonight to give us some time to scout the place tomorrow and then attack early the next morning (about 4amish or so when sentries are likely to be most inattentive), or certainly leave early tomorrow morning, rest when we get close and attack at 4am.
From memory it is 12 miles between the two farthest points of a hex and takes approx 3 hours to traverse one hex on horseback. I'm sure Narkari will post that stuff soon :)
Alendiri looks rather surprised when Ranzo asks him of his treant companion and takes a few moments to recover before nodding. "As I said before, he is unlikely to understand you, he does not know the tongues of men, but you are welcome to try. I am certain he would appreciate the fresh water even so, just sprinkle it over his trunk and roots." he advises the man. He watches Ranzo as he tends to the treant, considering as he leans lightly on his new bow. He waits until Ranzo returns and then silently moves with him to the targets he had set up. The bow seemed adequate to Alendiri, the Elf returning to the others with Ranzo. He would have had one previously, but the shortbow had been sufficient in his previous life. He knew since he had left the relative peace of the Grungir forest however, that he would see much change to come. "So our plan then is to attack in the early morning, and to do so disguised as the returning bandits?" Alendiri speaks up at last, having watched the discussion silently. "If we are taking one of the brothers with us then someone will need to shadow us on foot, or else we will need to leave him behind here." he observes turning to Svetlana as she makes her presence known We will almost certainly return here from time to time Svetlana." he agrees, and then suddenly frowns as he looks at her. "Excuse me..." he murmurs, appearing distracted as he removes himself, walking over to where the brothers have been left. "Jimmy." he calls as he approaches. "Have you and your brother participated in all of the raids against Oleg and Svetlana?"
Alendiri nods twice to Ranzo, hefting his new bow and like Ranzo stringing it, giving a few practice draws. It seemed everything was sorted here now, and unless told otherwise he will speak to his companion with a voice that sounds not so different from the creaking of branches and rustling of leaves. Released from it's task the treant heads back out into the morning sun, and settles itself in the ground once more, while Alendiri head outside the gate to put together some practice targets.
About the other equipment, how about we give it to Oleg to sell for us and he take a commission? I think everyone will be happy with that. Yeah that sounds good to me...
Alendiri listens as the bandits divulge their information, gesturing the others over to listen if they don't approach on their own. When the bandits finish up with the final piece of info Alendiri smiles. "Well, that should certainly be useful information." he says, glancing at the others. "If you behave this well then we should have no problems at all." he informs them. "Jimmy, Logan. One of you will be coming with us to act as our porter, and so we can keep an eye on you. The other will be staying here with O'Brian under Oleg's care. If either one of you tries to escape, or do any harm, theft or other unlawful conduct to anyone, then the other will be executed immediately, and we will track you down and execute you also. Same goes for you O'Brian, if you are found to be doing anything unlawful or try to escape then you will be tracked down, and your sentence will be carried out. You will all serve for a minimum of 6 months in order to repay Oleg and Svetlana. If you work hard and behave then you will be released. If you do not then you will continue to serve until Oleg judges your debt repayed. Do you all understand?"
Stag's Head Amulet (20gp), 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, 1 Potion of Shield of Faith +2, & 50gp. 3x Longbows, 2x Shortbows, 78 shortbow arrows.
"Well I'm no great diplomat either, but if necessary I can handle such negotiations..." he agrees with a thoughtful expression. He nods to Endrance as the man comes up, the declaration that the prisoners could be executed without any sort of authority had seemed problematic to him as well. "We can discuss this with Oleg further later. For now let me attempt to... clarify the agreement we wish to make with the three." If noone else steps forward to voice an opinion then Alendiri will step forward, to speak with the three in a more normal tone. "As Ranzo said, we have been given the authority to execute bandits when we find them. The charter we have been granted however, is not without some leeway." he looks over the three, giving them a chance to respond. "You have asked for more than your lives, and we are prepared to give you more, but you must prove yourselves trustworthy. If you agree to our proposal then you will have your lives and your freedom."
As long as we get some cash for them :) I was just holding off on grabbing the longbow until Alendiri had brought the subject up, but we handle that out of character anwyay :p
Alendiri indeed follows Ranzo back out, and immediately frowns as the man reinterprets his suggestions, or at the least alters it somewhat. "That is not what we discussed Ranzo..." he says softly, resting a hand on the man's shoulder so as not to display a divided image to their prisoners. He looks out over the prisoners, wondering what sort of response they would get from Ranzo's modified proposal.
I'm fine with that a little way down the road Ranzo, but at first level all those items you're wanting to gave away come to... 414gp that's mostly the longbows and horse admittedly (75gp each) but it's still a fair bit of cash. I'd suggest keeping the horse and tackle and 3x longbows at least(I'm taking the 4th), but that's just me being greedy :p
No worries Narkari, we've been keeping ourselves busy discussing our policies :p Anyway Alan, that sounds good to me.
"It seems that we are more or less in agreement then." Alendiri observes. He glances at Endrance as the man asks if any of them know the area. "I have traveled through this area in the past, but much has changed since then... I am an able woodsman however, so I believe with the information we have I should be able to locate this camp." The elf is quiet for a few moments, looking into the distance. "This is what I suggest we do. The two brothers have been uncooperative because they fear for their lives. We promise them their lives, and eventual freedom if they will serve for a time, honorably as the claim they are. To ensure this, we leave... O'Brian was it? We leave O'Brian and one of the brothers here with Oleg, he can tie them up and keep them locked up until he can get some manacles or the like, and we take the other brother with us to be our porter. We make it clear to them that if either one of them tries to escape, or do harm to Oleg, Svetlana, or ourselves, then both their lives are forfeit. If one escapes his brother will pay the price for him. Does this sound agreeable?"
Sounds pretty good to me Alan. So any items are considered owned by the party until someone buys them from the party? I did something similar with a previous group and it worked alright (though was a fair bit more bookkeeping), though when we bought items from the group we only paid half market value (same cost as having the item crafted, which is going to happen in Kingmaker) The only other thing I'd add is that bandits caught lose all right to their property, which goes to either us, or perhaps when we get there, to the kingdom (or if we can find it, the original owner depending on the case)
"Except this is not only about the camp. Our charter states that we are to punish unrepentant banditry. I have no love of their kind or what they do, but if they can be reformed then they should have the chance. If they prove untrustworthy, then I will hang them myself." Alendiri's voice is firmer now, not deliberately argumentative, but that of a man ready to stand his ground. "We need not send them anywhere, they could be held here, and work their debt off for Oleg. If they cause him trouble, then he or one of us carries out the charter. It seems to me that they wish only to be reassured of their lives and safety should they cooperate; with all the threats being made I understand their hesitance to accommodate those who would maim and torture them."
Yeah I don't think we need to get too heavily into precise details, just a general policy. It seems like we're all on the same page more or less, I just like to try and keep things generally even as far as character wealth goes, basically like Ranzo said, but when we split cash if someone is lagging significantly behind everyone else we give them an extra share or the like. A party fund for resurrections, healing/restoration style stuff is also a good idea. As for Bandits, I like the idea of working off their debt, and if once we get to kingdom building they've proved themselves willing to reform then Alendiri will be happy to offer them a place in our kingdom. Basically whenever we run into bandits, we give them the chance to surrender (possibly after a few round of roughing them up), and if they don't we kill em. Any bandits that are knocked out before we ask for surrender, we rouse and offer them their freedom in exchange for a period of service and renouncing their bandity ways, if they refuse then it's the rope. If they accept the offer of service for freedom and we find them involved in banditry or other unlawful behaviour again, then we hang them. Also this is for the general bandits, their leaders are another matter entirely, and I would suggest be addressed on a case by case basis. My thoughts anyway, feel free to comment :)
I think I may be playing Alendiri a bit too Lawful but he would like to discuss some issues like what to do with the Bandits, loots, and get things like that out in the open before we get too far into things. He's old though, so he does prefer to talk then just act hastily :)
"They stand to gain their life and their freedom Alan." Alendiri observes as he stands. "I suggest that we discuss this matter inside. I will ask my companion to watch over the men. If the others seem willing to discuss the matter then Alendiri will call his treant friend to stand over the captive bandits with instructions to incapacitate them should they start to get free of their bonds, or otherwise try and escape, and will relay this is common to the the other charter bearers. If necessary he points to the dead bandit his companion slew if they need proof of the Treant's abilities...
Wow, we have three people with +0 perception, and two people with +9. I guess that works out more or less okay... :p Ahh, ignore my latest post then Narkari, get to it when you can :) (I'm going to actually be playing Pathfinder today anyway :p)
Alendiri walks back over to the two bandits leaning against each other, crouching down close to them. He peers at the two of them closely before speaking "Who are you looking for? I'm afraid the other two were killed." he gestures to the two naked men in their underclothes laying still on the ground where he had left them. "If they were also your kin then I am sorry. If you wish to avoid their fate however then I suggest you cooperate; if you are helpful, and swear to turn from your current path, then once we have sought out your camp and dealt with the bandits there we will release you." the Elf's voice is soft, almost kind; he is no man of great words but he is compassionate when he can be.
Alendiri shakes his head slightly as his fellow charter bearers posture and strut for the prisoners. He meanwhile moves quietly away, speaking with his companion quietly for a minute or two, before rounding up the horses and mule should they have strayed, and leading them back within the gate. His companion meanwhile curls several small branches around the dead bandit, and drags him within the walls, laying the leader 'Happs' out next to him as well, before heading back outside the gate and digging his roots back into the ground to enjoy some of the morning sun. With the horses in the stable-though with their tack and gear still on them for the moment-the elf moves out and starts to strip the dead, making a tidy pile of what he finds. He pauses as he pulls the amulet off of the leader, turning it over in his hands, glancing up at Alan as the Wizard grabs a vial from the pile. He doesn't comment, tucking the amulet into a pocket, and resuming his patient work as he moves on to the living guards as they regain consciousness, taking off what he can without unbinding them. With that complete, Alendiri will attempt to capture Ranzo's attention, and draw him away from the prisoners. "I found this on the one I believe they called Happs." he observes, pulling out the silver amulet. "I suggest you ask them of it's significance during your questioning."
"Let us just tie them up for now." Alendiri suggests, agreeing with Ranzo's proposal, even if he would have kept things a bit simpler. "There is no need to make hasty decisions." He looks to Oleg then, waiting for some rope so they could secure the two unconscious bandits before they regain conciousness, his own rope back in his bag in his room.
Alendiri glances at Ranzo as he takes charge, and then looks to the indicated bandit, giving a nod, moving over to see what he could do. He didn't need to check the one his companion had downed to know he was gone.
Alendiri shakes his head as he stands again. "There is nothing I can do for this man."
As Endrance fells three of the bandits with one spell Alendiri glances around and then stows his bow on his back, before lowering himself to the ground. "That was an impressive spell Endrance" he complements the Magus. "Are they dead?" he asks as he draws close, crouching down beside the nearest and feeling for a pulse.
Combat Table:
Round: 2
Initiative: 16 AC: 16 HP: 10/10 Saves: Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +5 Conditions:
Spells prepared:
1st Level
Tracked resources:
As Ranzo charges up and attacks the bandit holding the horses, Alendiri's treant companion raises it's thick branches again, bringing them crashing down at the same man should he still be standing.
Leaving a bloody smear... Alendiri inside draws and knocks another arrow, and fires at the now fleeing bandits, aiming for one of the unengaged ones so as not to endanger his friends. He was trained with a bow, but was not much of a warrior, so did not wish to risk harming them.
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