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Sorry as well Autumn, I know how hard such times are from when my parents took ill. Also my health is none too good. The news from my doctor leaves me with some unpleasant choices and a difficult road ahead, so I'm going to be a slower for a while at least.
Torek starts at Autumn's request and says, "Oh, yes I'll look at the these tracks, see if they're changing course." Tracking roll: +2 if human, +2 if forest terrain. Torek tries to think of what might be the specific place they could be headed for.
Torek looks over the very convenient camp with both respect for those he's following and a bit of suspicion. He replies, "Yes Larin, some of the horses we're riding were thoughtfully supplied by bandits, after a bit of convincing." He turns to Autumn, "This party ahead of us is led by at least one person the really knows the woods, as good or better than we are I'd say. Perfect route for a mounted group. This campsite as well, is outstanding, only a fool or a very suspicious person would decline the invitation. On the other hand, being very suspicious, I wonder if they know we are on their trail and are preparing an ambush, this place would be perfect. Go to deep woods, attack from a two, three points and our backs would be pinned against the cove. Given how far ahead they seem to be, I'm likely oversensitive here but maybe we should patrol a bit." Torek waves out at the surrounding forest. "With the sun setting and the deep gloom of a heavy forest, Autumn only you could check out the nearing best rally point for a night attack on this campsite. I could go to the edge and look for sign around the perimeter. Everyone else could set up for the night. Or we could go elsewhere and have a much less comfortable night. What does everyone think? Or am I just thinking too much?"
Torek smiles back at Autumn and says, "Indeed, I hope these are bandits it would make things easier to whittle down as Sir Titian says. But we do need to keep in mind we don't know who they are or what they want for sure, so lets go cautiously." Tracking roll: +2 if human, +2 if forest terrain. I think both modifiers apply from looking at the map, it seems to lead deeper into the woods.
Torek looks over the camp and the conversation behind him strikes a thought in him. Torek returns to the other but says, "These riders may be bandits in the Bandit Kings services. On the other hand we have no positive proof. Others people, if they came by here, could be curious as to what happened and investigate it. We should be careful of assumptions, we still don't know all who could be interested in these lands. The River Kingdoms lie south of us and even with the risk some might travel through." Torek answers, "Both Autumn and I are good trackers and I'm experienced in following human foes or friendlies for that matter. It shouldn't be to hard. I guess we should do it in case they are a force for our enemy as Larin suggests."
As the party closes in on the bandit camp, Torek's sharp eye's spots fresh hoof and footmarks. Torek holds up his hand to stop the group and falls back to them saying, "'Ware ambush, fresh hoof and footmarks, human sized, and I think the graves are a little too unweathered, though not really molested with, maybe to check who was dead, perhaps?" Torek scans around looking for signs of anyone present or for traps. Spot trouble, ambush or traps. +2 if human +2 if forest terrain. While doing this he asks the same of others, "Everyone, stay in group, but look about for sign of ambush or traps, as I'm doing, if we see nothing threatening then we can take a closer look." If he spots trouble he alerts the group to it, if not he will do a more detailed check/search of the camp, up close. Check out the camp for traps or any other info he can find. +2 if human +2 if forest terrain. With that out of the way, he'll attempt tracking to note whatever information he can find from them about who and where they came and went, their numbers and compositing he can tell. Tracking roll - +2 if forest terrain. Any information he gets he'll tell the group but won't follow the tracks without consultation.
Torek, seeing but not noticing the undercurrents, "I'll stay too, if possible, way to much to do here, even after that problem is gone." As they move out of the gate and head towards the former bandit camp crossing, the route of which is overseen by the kobold scouts, Torek thinks about what Herger said. Slowly Torek says, "Yes he should, if he could but maybe he does ... sort of." Torek, looking concerned, continues. "The Kobold King owes us nothing and his settlement is (what?) maybe 25 miles from the upstart bandit chief. Yet here he has scouts about 40 or so miles watching us. What if he has a deal or even a case by case trade in telling our murderous bandit lord whatever the king wants to offer? It could be of benefit to both; I suspect the kobold king would love nothing more than to have all the 'longshanks' kill each other. I wonder how long it takes for these scouts here to run back to their master and report? I guess two, more likely three days, less if they have mounts. Autumn have you seen any signs, tracks or anything that these scouts have any mounts? We might be out of position to tell."
I'm not sure we want to take that much time. That's lot of area and some of it way out of the way. I'm being slightly meta here. When I realized that we had explored less than half of what we should, I thought may be we needed to check a bit more out before triggering the post-Stag Lord era. So I looked for in character justifications and I made it that Torek wants to really hide well, hoping to surprise the rascals out there. Maybe we find an ally, or least a bit more on the trip. But I wasn't thinking of checking everything out, a bit harder to justify because we would literally be all over the map. But, Autumn, you have a point as well, what does everyone think?
There is a lot to explore further in. If we do go deep into the forest, the only question is do we go slightly northwest to get one more area in before heading southish? The reason I'm saying this as the map has north as the upper left diagonal and it's messing with my brain. So so we travel to the hex directly left of the hex with the former bandit camp, which has a river crossing there, and then move down the map through the unexplored areas? Or do we head more directly on the left side of the river there popping in and out of unexplored and explore area, staying in the forest areas? If we do the former we will start by moving slightly north at first and then move south and southwest towards left (south/southwest) side of the watchtower staying within the forest till we think we are as close to the tower as we can get while still being in the forest. That's very complicated sounding, never have I wished for this to be face to face; it would take 10 second to explain if I could just point to the hexes I mean. And why do it the first way? It would make the revealed area of the map more regular in appearance and help my OCDness. Edit: And to clear, which I'm not being, I'm agreeing with Autumn, who's agreeing with me. I think I've confused things enough. After crossing Thorn river we head to the left hex next to the former bandit camp and work our way down. That's much easier to say.
Torek looks at Larin in surprise then with a bit of embarrassment saying, "My dourness may have mislead you a bit, we are few in number and the outpost not much more. This outrageous bandit king may have a dozen men left or a hundred and the latter bad indeed. The Kobold King seems to rule only a single place or may have a few sub-chiefs elsewhere but I doubt he could raise more than 100 to 200 warriors, they seem to live only by hunting, gathering, and, raiding. Both do, so there forces could not be all that large, just large compared to what we have to work with." Torek gathers his thoughts, "Our charter says we are to explore no further than 36 miles west and east of Oleg and 60 miles south. That's. - " Torek pauses and mumbles to himself then continues, "Over 4,000 square miles. Of which we have explored maybe ... 2,000 square miles, less than half. And by explored we mean we glimpsed the tops of forest trees or hills, or mountains, through misty vistas from many miles away as we road our horses by." Torek shakes his head, "Don't think I'm making fun of your lack of knowledge, I blame myself for being unclear about this land the stolen lands are much larger than this, over a hundred miles east and west of us and more than 100 south to Mivion. Say, Oh about thirty or thirty five thousand square miles in all. These are savage lands, uncivilized in the slightest way. We must 've missed more than a few groups in the area alone and we are not in the deep areas of these land. I think there will be many more tribes and clans and families of many things. We have fought trolls and I suspect we'll see giants and many other fell beings before long. This area alone I suspect has many more ... call it powers or people than we know ought of. There is room for dozens of small groups, families and tribes and clans. In total their number would be formidable, enough to break every army sent against them. That's why there is no real control over the land just across the river from Restov. Any time they try to make a large permanent settlement it is raided to death by the many tribes there. This area seems almost empty by comparison and now I wonder why." Torok stops and says, "I'm talking too much; to sum up, all that we have met have little real control of this land, that's why they raid so much. There will much more to see when we really can closely explore. Hope that helps put things into perspective, something I need to keep in mind."
Torek returns the smiles to everyone but it fades as he contemplates the journey ahead. Quietly he talks to everyone, "We should set out indeed but maybe we should consider going deeper into the woods at first. I'd consider moving a fair bit west southwest of the crossing the bandit's tried to claim as their own, (we need a better name for that). Why well, if I were this criminal chieftain, I'd try to keep an eye on this place, if I could. A spy here, or a scout nearby, and then I had a thought. The Kobold King has scouts watching as we know. It occurred to me that we know nothing of any relation or deal, these parties may have with each other. It may be none, or hostile, or perhaps they have a small cooperation. Human bandits raiding other humans simply benefits the King, they bother each other and not him. I not saying it happens but it could. If we go deep we would be harder to track and we lead them to believe we are working on other goals. Then we turn more southernly and go to about where the base is to the east/northeast of us. A direction less likely to see us. We still emerge from the forest but we may find a more concealable route to close in and then follow our previous plan. It would take longer though. We do you think? We'll discuss it on the way, it'll be a while before we need to decide." Torek leads the group out into the wilderness again heading for the crossing, wary for bandits and other hazards. Spot trouble before it spots us. +2 if human +2 if forest terrain. Get along in the wild, avoid hazards, make speed, adjust for weather conditions, find a good camp site. +2 if forest terrain.
"Hope you're right Brother Herger, but this situation here has been odd all along so ... expect anything?" Torek trails off uncertainly. At Herger's rather fatalistic remark, Torek is cut off by Autumn's chiding remarks. "May Ol'Deadeye guard you brother, we stand all as one but it is important that you stand for your son and as Erastil direct devotee. It's clear to me, you are a future Elder, and already a father. Your son could manage without you at his age but it's better he has your guidance for many years more. And for all of us. Still your point that you may not be always able to bring Erasil's divine aid to us, for whatever reason, is something to consider, still it won't be cheap. Bokken isn't a generous man." Torek says the last a bit sadly.
Torek replies to Larin, "That's the rub, we really don't know there could be six or sixty in there, very disciplined or rabble. Take our best shot, it's all we can do." Torek nods to Autumn's reply, "The problem is hiding the reserve force, we want to tempt them out and send a force for a smaller group. But with the height of a fort they can pretty well see for miles. How do we conceal our numbers and still be close enough to each other to support?" Torek looks at his breakfast with a bit of surprise then ruefulness, "Yeah, think too much, eat too little, got focus on the now."
Torek mulls over Larin's ideas. "That may have possibilities, they acted quickly at the last attempt. Taking a patrol out could be helpful, but then they are even more alerted. Still our options are few. Perhaps, in the daytime I could lookout from the forest see if I can note anything and if they give chase with reasonable numbers I lead them to our ambush point, if not I vanish into the woods; I can make it very hard to track me there, if I wish. Likely those sent will be warriors this would be warlord trusts more than most. I know time was brief before leaving Autumn but do you remember how far the fort was from the treeline? Any guess as to the numbers that gave chase?" Torek starts planning not always the best thing...
I haven't. The slow pace may be the cause, my bad. I hope to get back in the flow. Something always seems to come up; like yesterday I couldn't sign in. Finally got it resolved, but I might not have tried again for days. I'm going to try to be better. As for recent absences I hope everything is reasonably well for them and everyone. The year seems to be starting out a little better ... let me not jinx it by hoping for more.
Back in the recent past. Torek nods at Autumn's words. "Oh, i agree there was little else we could do about this but it does seem that every time we go farther than a day something comes up that stops us from getting near the root of the problems here." He sighs, "Perhaps you're right, we should leave it in Erastil's hands. But you know I worry about things I can't control, I get it from Mom as you also know." Present Torek expands on Herger's words. "Competent bullies is right. But this bandit chief sets his men to tasks that seem such men would not do or do well at. Like building an outpost. Hard work that. That implies a great hold over his men or great foolishness on his part. We don't know which, given the numbers we have already killed or captured; he either is low on warriors or has a surprising amount of support. What is trying to do implies the latter but he may just be overly ambitious. In any event expect at least a low cunning." "Aye Autumn, that's the rub. A forest of knowledge out there but we have but one leaf. How to plan with so little known? His men will be prepared, we must be too. If things were different, if we were different we could pretend to join him but by now he should have some idea of us. In any event he seems to have a policy of having recent recruits prove themselves in the field under trusted lieutenants. A wise way of things truthfully." Torek shrugs, "I wish I had a clever thought but I don't. Play it as we can perhaps something will occur on the way."
Larin hope everything goes well. Happy Holidays Everyone!
Torek assists with the hunter and doesn't demure at another return to Oleg's. At Larin's most pertinent question though he finally pipes up. "That is the key question, we keep being diverted from any task we set by various needs. That's not to say it isn't necessary just that we are making little progress." Torek continues, "Once again we are faced with many choices and once again I will say that if we try to chase them all, that strongly risks failing all." Torek ends with "I think we must place removal of this false bandit king as our first act. That should help to make our endeavors here easier, though far from easy. Yes that means not getting to the settlers or hunt for the temple or anything else we might do for some time. However we are not being swift on those tasks now anyway. Well, I've said enough, time for all to be heard."
Torek breaths a sigh of relief as the large boar collapses. Chuckling Torek says, "Yes, boil it enough and even its tough muscles will cook soft, well softer." Torek looks quizzical and then says, "Didn't someone say that they wanted this beast dead? This seems to be what was described. Maybe we should take the head? Hmmm, not easy to preserve it though I suppose we could smoke it overnight." Torek looks up to the sky to see if the weather will hold. Predict weather. He follows up with "That will take time, do we camp here?"
Round 3 Torek breaks from his long silence with a prayer, "Ol'Deadeye guide my shot and finish this fell beast." Range increment of 110' apply -2 for each increment after the first.
On a 20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical Damage. Add to total Damage. Critical X3
Sorry to have been away so long. It's been difficult for my family and all my attention has been elsewhere. My niece spent weeks bouncing in and out of the hospitals until the doctors could do no more. No further surgeries will be safe. Progress will be very slow at best, taking months to years or never to regain the health she had. Don't mean to be a downer which is much of the reason I didn't post this earlier. Lately however she does seem to me improving a bit, getting around on her scooter, and being a bit more active. So there is some hope for improvement. @Titian Glad to hear your stepson's better, may full recovery be swift. I'm starting to read the stuff I missed and will see about getting back in. Thanks for your patience.
I realize the I'm sounding like a broken record now, but I am sorry for all the lack of posting here. As a minor point I've been ill myself but the big problem is my niece is back in the hospital and the family is freaking out, myself included. It's not good but it will be a while before we know more details; the doctors are still doing a long evaluation. I'll see what I do about posting in a bit.
After seeing that the battle didn't draw unwanted attention, Torek thanks the departing guests and prays, "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may Ol'DeadEye. Protector of Hearth and Home, hold you in the palm of His hand." Torek agrees, "Everyone okay? Let's hit the road then." Torek gathers up his bow and goes to his horse and rides off scouting in the lead. Spot trouble before it spots us. +2 if human +2 if forest terrain. Get along in the wild, avoid hazards, make speed, adjust for weather conditions, find a good camp site. +2 if forest terrain.
Torek prepares to attack when the Troll topples over force him to swiftly jump out of the way. Torek take a swift look around the battlefield and sighs with relief that no one was too badly hurt, as Herger takes care of Arlain. He walks over and picks up his dropped bow, "That was quick, thanks to you our new friend, your strikes made the difference over our last encounter." Torek starts a longer look about saying, "I wonder if we have attracted some attention in this area, I'll check around." Spot anything about we should know about.
Round 4 The area in front of Torek is now crowded with friendlies so Torek calls upon his early training in Acrobatics drops his bow he moves forward one hex drawing his blade and the does a slithering tumble behind and past Arlian to each a clear area from which to attack. Roll to avoid AOO from Trolls 10' reach, Single roll because troll only gets one AOO attempt even with multiple opportunities. Step forward to enter threatened hex (no AOO) consume 10' movement to enter Arlian's hex and start Acrobatics leaving threaten hex one, Continue movement out of threatened hex Arlian is in and go to Troll side. End next to Troll, success no AOO, failure 1 AOO from troll possible. Torek pops to his feet besides the troll and attacks with his longsword in a short deep cut.
On a 19-20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical damage. Add to total Damage. Critical X3
Thanks everyone for the good wishes, it helps. My niece is doing considerably better; she is out of ICU/hospital and is in a assisted living facility and will be for weeks to months depending on how events play out. She is still very weak and vulnerable and being separated from her family is hard on her; she is still isolated from all but staff. A new infection right now would send her back to square one or worse. The family is still coping with consequences but progress is being made one day at a time.
Round 3 Torek looks over the battlefield as Arlain and Herger engage the near troll and Sir Titian the far one. With few options. Torek moves northwest and leaps the stream. A successful leap puts him on land to Arlian's front and left, otherwise he will land in the stream. Base 10 DC for 10' running long jump adjust as needed. Modifiers for ground condition as per GM's call, I'm guessing -2 to -5. If successful Torek mutters, "Bit of bad luck there; it's not flashy but it worked." Torek, unable to reach the troll and attack, holds his position, bow still in hand to deal with whatever happens next.
I'm still slow at posting right now. My niece has been in intensive care for two weeks now with outcome uncertain(Not Covid related either). I have been giving support to my sister and to my niece's husband and children at this time. I do want to continue but I'm very drained right now so posting will be light. The game should proceed as all see fit and I hope to return to a reasonable schedule soon.
Torek having already dismounted, moves up to Autumn, bow in hand, and lets fly at her target. Range increment of 110' apply -2 for each increment after the first.
On a 20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical Damage. Add to total Damage. Critical X3
Torek is about to warn everyone to work together when Herger picks his target and attacks; Torek closes his eyes and mutters a quick prayer. Autumn points out the river could work for them. Torek agrees, "Yes, let's see what they do; I guess they want us to charge them, so do ranged attacks, if possible, if not wait to counter-charge if they charge. If they retreat keep pushing them back until we reach the stream. That would make it possible to cross with some safety. Focus fire all on the same target, if we can immobilize one, the odds improve." As Torek speaks he dismounts and places Hope under Frostbite's protection. He then starts to prepare for archery. He notices Augustina place herself centrally, and she raises her banner high to inspire those present. Torek calls out, "May Erastil and Cernunnos bless us now!" with a bow to the flag.
Torek replies to Larin, "I'd like that too, problem is can we do enough wounds quickly? I'm a fair archer, Autumn is excellent, Brother Herger is good, but even combined I doubt we could overcome troll healing. Also they are not animals, they are clever enough, they would run or charge. A prey animal, well a cruel but often used tactic is to wound and track to let them slowly weaken from blood loss. Again that won't work on them. So can you with your magics and a bit of Erastil's favor with bows, do enough to bring one down in oh say half a minute or less? Maybe we could get ahead of them and set an ambush? If we had very high ground that might give us enough an edge to prevail. Keep thinking on it though, it's not bad thought just hard to do."
Torek shrugs, "About as good a plan as we can do at the moment." Torek continues to calm Hope down. "Hope's still a bit spooked, I'm not sure how she'll react if any Troll smell comes by. If we get close I should dismount." He looks at the others, mounts up, "As ready to ride as I can be but I not sure I'd fare much better than Hope or Frostbite. Those Trolls are powerful." Torek nods at Augustina's on point question, "A very good point, I'm not sure we could tell, one seems bolder than the other but that doesn't mean much. Maybe we go for whatever is in the weakest position. Or it's just pick one and pray for the best. Erastil protect us all." Torek lines up with the others, looks back to see if all are ready, when so he leads the group out.
I apologize for not posting this earlier, I've been ill the past couple of weeks. With what little energy I had went to RL matters but I should have made all of you aware of this sooner. The issue is not Covid related, old issues are resurfacing. I will be slow in posting for a while. Please bot or otherwise action action if I do not post in a reasonable amount of time.
Torek as he settles down Hope, gives a little chuckle at Autumn's tease. "Yeah, mighty trapper of rabbits and minks. Giants not so much, slipping I guess, didn't bring any Troll traps. Or really any for that matter. Are there Troll traps? Eh, probably." Torek turns a bit more serious, "I did a bit of thinking on this before the charge, but the only thing I could think of was a pit trap and lure them in. But that's a mighty big hole to dig. But you're thinking right, we have to beat them with brains more than brawn. We need to chew on that thought as we ride." Torek turns to the healers and asks, "How much healing can we expect for today? If we fight again someone is going to get very hurt even if we do better." Torek stops as a thought strikes him, "To stop them running, I don't think our goodly knight would appreciate the thought but caltrops might serve. Big enough to hurt small enough to be hard to see. What to make them of? Usually wire but I don't have any."
Torek thanks Herger for Hope's recovery and listens to the grim tale of the newcomers. He sighs, and says, "I am sorry for your terrible loss. May Erastil bless you and stand for your son in the Boneyard. Bringing justice the murderers is proper, how much aid we can give is uncertain in the light of this fight where we did not do well. Our skill and gear seem very little compared to need. Have you a means to create fire as a weapon against them? We barely struck any blow, and they only fled from you. They feared us not at all and it appears rightly so. At least we need to plan better see how we could fight more effectively together. If we try brute strength, boldness, and fury against them again, we fight their battle their way to our detriment." As Hope stumbles to wakefulness in confusion and fear, Torek attempts to calm her, and them to clean her of the blood that abounds. Not sure of the DC. Base is 10. Might be riding but he isn't really riding her either. Torek says to Herger, "I'm sure they are easy to track, can we keep up with them without horses or do we take our horses and only dismount when near again?"
Torek readies himself to roll out from a stomp or claw from the troll when the troll abruptly flees at the stranger's voice. He warily sits up and goes to Hope as Herger heals. She stops bleeding but it's well clear the Hope is still badly hurt and far from awaking. "Is everyone okay?" Torek looks about as stranger approach and the others talk about perusing. "We need to think a bit before chasing after them. At the moment I see no way we could win against them, and throwing our lives away would be worse than pointless." Torek turns to the newcomers, and says, "Greetings and thanks for the timely arrivals; once again it appears we are favored, thanks to ol'Deadeye and yourselves. I'm Torek and my companions here will be available in a moment, except for Hope. Can you revive her Brother Herger?"
Round 2 addendum. Torek tries to move Hope out of the troll's vicious attack but fails. Hope's screams of agony are cut short as the troll all but tears her apart. She collapses almost dead.
With no time to act Torek reflexively kicks out of the stirrups and tries to soft fall to the ground away from Hope. Soft Fall, no action needed per riding rules. Success at DC 15, failure means taking 1d6 damage. Will land prone.
Round 2 Torek sees Frostbite go down but can do nothing to help but launch an attack. He first directs Hope to attack (free action) with him as rider. Fight with Combat Trained mount DC 10. Free action. (Much easier than directing an attack without rider).
On a 19-20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical Damage. Add to total Damage.
On a 19-20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical Damage. Add to total Damage.
As Hope's hooves crash down on the Troll huge hide, Torek swings his blade with all his might.
On a 19-20 attack roll, if this would hit apply critical Damage. Add to total Damage.
Torek sees the tree blocking any charge he could make but his horse is very maneuverable so he gallops towards the troll in the open and faces towards the trolls flank leaving the back area open for another attempt by Sir Titian. Riding Hope he hustles, weaving around the tree he narrowly avoids Autumn lining up her shot and stops at the troll's right flank. Given the troll's height Autumn should have a clear line of fire with her skill. Need two moves to do this arrives with neither himself or Hope having any actions left.
Torek follows Sir Titian pulling up on the right of him, he intends to follow him in his charge but will stop when he reaches the target as he is not trained to gallop by. He will attempt to reach a flanking position. "Yes, Sir! The Troll in the open is the target Sir?"
"Sir Titian it appears that our line of charge is blocked, do you want to come pass that tree to Autumn's left or close with our friend and slide past? I don't think I can reach the trolls straight quickly anyway." Torek still intends to follow Sir Titian's lead.
DC 15 control combat trained mount without holding the horse's reins. Free Action.
Seeing the Trolls' response and hearing Autumn, he tries to bring some order to the charge, "Sir Titian take the lead, I'll join you, everyone else with riding horses be ready to stop and dismount before attacking. Do not take an untrained horse into combat, please! And, ... not sure about Frostbite being ridden into a fight. No more time, fight!"
Torek tentatively start to discuss a plan when Herger takes off after the trolls. "Herger wait we need a plan to work together." But he is talking to the wind, and chases after Herger; Torek feeling he is left behind again when he tries to form a united force against enemies, the lack of focus fretting his nature terribly.
Torek nods at Autumn words, then answers Sir Titian, "I see two together moving west, that's the way the loggers would go to get wood. They seem to be moving quickly and ... like with some urgency. They are up to something, but what we do not know. Given their speed I'm not sure I could keep up without a horse, and I doubt they'd be happy to see us following them. Not sure what to do or even what we can do. Two trolls would be very hard to deal with." Torek continues to watch them seeing if he can determine anything else.
Torek is scanning the horizon as his spots something unusual in the distance. Autumn stops the group and asks about it as Torek raises his hand in a hold gesture. "I'm not sure yet, they look large and humanish, savage as well. Hmmmm ... maybe - " Torek pauses to think about what he sees.
Torek, smiles wryly, saying, "You're welcome, Autumn, I've seen how good people can fall, and I saw the struggle same as I had. But you have a great heart, I'm sure that what comes will be out of love, for everybody." Torek rides forward but then, catching his name falls back. He listens for a bit with but a few comments. "As Sir Titian says, these are very wild lands, filled with predators, with two and four or more legs, some with wings. All the kobold parties were well armed; it didn't look to me like just for hunting, for protection too. And if I had the men, and the bandit chief might, I'd plan an ambush; I think it possible, likely at the ford, it seems to be the only one close to Oleg's. It will take about two days to reach the ford, after that maybe a week give or take to get to the watchtower. It may go faster now that we know the route better, but we need to be wary." "We'd be glad to have you all. These land are wonderful in many ways, and settlers already trying to make homesteads here. But I fear overconfidence, that last attempt, better supported, ended disastrously. It's why we have trod lightly as possible here."
Torek rides along satisfied with Master Larin's explanation of his skills for now when Autumn moves up and requests to ask if she could question him. Torek, slightly puzzled but cooperative says, "Of course Autumn, what do you need?" Autumn explains, [b]"Well, what to do after, that has no easy answer. I intend to stay out here if possible, doing what I can to help. Exactly what will depend on how things are after we remove the bandits. There is more going on than we know so..." Torek pauses to think then continues, "As to Mom, I'd like to bring her out here if we can get settled in with some security. That may be a while." Torek then laughs, "I'd love a cooking contest between Svetlana and Mom. Mom's apple pie, yeah she lives the stereotype, it amuses her, versus Svetlana's wild blackberry. Maybe a pie eating contest?" Torek's smile fades a bit, "That ... that is the dream, I'm working toward it. But it's a long road to get there." After a few beats Torek asks Autumn, "How about you? You mentioned a few things a while ago but given what you know now, have you any further thoughts?"
Torek's eyebrow shot up at Herger's comment then relaxed as it became clear it was about his past experiences. Torek sees that he needs not say anything and concentrates on leading the group to the old bandit camp/river ford area. They have a stop for a mid-day meal, and then stop again shortly before nightfall to make camp, unless something else happens.
Torek scans the area as he is always doing on the trail. He spots the cleverly hidden kobold scouts. After the briefest pause, he lets his eyes slide over them, giving nothing away, but does look backwards a bit to see how the group is doing, catching Autumn eyes pause for a second looking towards the knoll, and move on. He nods slightly, and drops slowly back. In a quiet conversational tone, he tells the group, "Don't stare, but Autumn and I spotted three kobold scouts well-hidden under the big shrub on the knoll. We know that the king kobold keeps tabs on this settlement, I'd do the same in his place. They shouldn't be any trouble but we'll keep a subtle watch for them. Just ride as normal." After any replies he slowly pulls a bit forward to continue holding point.
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