"Aye.. should've had you. Getting soft here."
She tsks as she misses again, and prepares for Green's next strike.
Green:
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Kressle is found near the housing set up for the hunter team selected by Norton. She is helping their spouses build a vermin fence around the tiny gardens between their shacks.
Kressle shows up as your mounts are readied for your day's exploration.
Furiel finds Kressle flirting with a new arrival. "Alright take a walk, love. Official business." "Evening General. I was feeling a little useless, but doing fine now. How can I help?"
"I don't know... It is possible he joined Sal'dor and the Bloodbands, but there are also these Magpies that I know very little about. He may have left the Stag Lord's fold completely. I would assume Akiros would have a better idea."
She nods but cuts her reminiscence short and answer simple. "Old soldier? That sounds like Falgrim." She looks to the table where Furiel is examining the enchanted items... she points to the sword the grizzled veteran had been wielding. "This was his sword... and this... " she points to the eagle cape "Is very much like what the woman who claimed to be Budgie's mother wore. The style, cut, and fabric is identical... except it was black." "No Dovan was not here. He is a mad deluded fool... a lean Ustalavian with long black hair, and dresses like he shares a wardrobe with a witch's apprentice. One of his henchmen - Hruska, was with me. He had a big mouth. Hruska made it clear Dovan is known to be a master swordsman, a tactical genius, and a loyal toadie to any who will amass an army for him to play with. Wherever he is, he is pushing for war with someone."
"I am fine, thank you." "There were considerably fewer men here today than when I was here. From what I've heard, that was the work of Akiros. When he replaced Dovan as second, he sent most of the forces here away." "I don't know the men who were north of the gate, but I knew many of the greycloaks. The best of them would only sit and watch while atrocities were committed against the weak ...or temporarily vulnerable. Falgrim did save my life once... but he waited until well after it was in danger to utter the word to spare me. Still... he held it over my head any chance he had to bring it up. Noble Falgrim...I tell ya.. I'd spit, but this is your fort now."
Kesten nods to Green and takes his leave. Kressle comes into the room. As she passes Ta'de-win she smiles. "You fought with great power and restraint north of the gates. You might not be one to tell folks what to do, but... I.. well heh I gotta lot ta learn." she grimaces awkwardly like a chronically-pouty teen trying to tell a parent they are grateful and proud, and hoping implied humility is enough.
Green: "If it should come to that, let someone else take care of him. It seems important to Ser Valertis, if one of you were to ignore his request it might do more damage to your alliance than Errol's mouth could."
Kressle responds to Green... "I know nothing of the man. If he was sent from the fort to the Narlmaches then he was trusted enough to serve the Stag Lord, but not enough to keep around. The Stag Lord rules largely by fear, the thugs closest to him seem to thrive in that environment. Errol does not seem like his type. What that tells us, I have no idea... "
Kressle responds to Green "Mites... Rook found mite tracks leading away from one of our loot stashes. The tracks led east into Sal'dor's territory. I assume the kobolds took the loot from them." She shrugs.
Kressle takes a couple strides along the riverbank and slashes with both axes at the bandit fleeing knee-deep in the river. She yells out to the group after she misses... "I'm losing one!"
Kressle speaks to Norton... just loud enough for him to hear. "I'll cover the flank. Be careful." She then moves along the edge of the Thorn River while drawing both hatchets.
Just as Norton finishes setting up the tent, Kressle walks up. "Perfect. Thank you. Be sure to wake me before the battle starts this time." She climbs into his tent... Mikmek crouches stone-faced next to Furiel, spear in hand.
Ta'de-win: "So what are we lookin for? Way I see it, we have either anywhere along where the path is next to the river and hide in wooded hill to the east. Or set up at where the path and river split ... right before the old camp. Second choice sounds better, but they may be more cautious the further they get from their own territory... If you are thinking of before the path and river split, there are a couple decent deer stands for ranged."
Kressle nods, stands, and shimmies her armor into place. A quick word to the others.. "We won't be long." and she follows Ta'de-win to the door.
Ta'de-win:Grundy's story:
"I hadn't thought of Rogar and Papa Grundy's feeling toward the swordlords... " She is quiet for a moment as you walk to the horses. "He blames the swordlords for his wife's death. He heard her crying out one night, and walked in on her with one of them in an old field shack. Grundy ran him through with his own blade. Grundy's wife went crazy... turns out it was more than consensual. Said she loved him and then threw herself on the blade in Grundy's hand. Two friends of this guy came around looking for him. Grundy killed them too, but they messed him up pretty good. I didn't know him before then. He's been like this for as long as I've been around." Kressle secures her weapons... "How far in should we go? Mount up or walk?"
"These folk have come to rid us of our unkind ... master. They are good people, and have considerable power. I would appreciate it if you could give them some of your time."
Kressle looks across the clearing. There are the remnants of a wooden fence in a vague rectangular shape, and other scattered abandoned pieces that appear to be being slowly reclaimed by nature. "Ah... I see where we are. I've never come this way before..."
The fat crow flies out from the far side of the clearing, and lands on a still standing lantern pole near the fence in the middle of the little vale.
Kressle returns in her old armor and handaxes on her hips. "Gods, it feels good to be back in my armor." She mounts up, and Alice lifts Mikmek into the saddle with her. "I feel the rush of anticipation... without guilt clawing at my guts... without the hate, the rage. Without the - Kobold! Stow that pervy tail before I hack it off."
Kressle nods "Grundy has been having problems with goblin looters. Might have been one of his old radish fields, Rillo and Bunyon have helped him ... "
"Sal'dor's connections are unclear to me, but what Green says is worth a thought.... I think he finds ways to coerce these factions, rather than recruit.
"Like I said before, that's who we thought you were. Either someone sent or set up by Sal'dor, or even someone hired by the Stag Lord in response to some deception by Sal'dor. I don't know ... the more I think about it, it just doesn't add up. " She faces Norton directly. "I don't see the Bloodband being a challenge for you, but if the Magpies have sided with them ... or they have some .. friggin army of monstrous midgets that owes em a favor, you might wanna try ... diplomacy. Just try to keep from owing him a favor yourself."
Kressle is visibly shaken. "The Magpies are the Stag Lord's spies and assassins... She left how many hours ago? She certainly has gotten back to his fort by now... " She takes a breath.
Kressle's ears perk up ... she wheels around the unfinished stable toward Budgie. "Did you say flying witch? I have not heard of this. Budgie! Why haven't I heard about this?! The Magpies know we are here!"
Kressle frowns when Norton brings up Sal'dor. "He controls the Bloodband of the Kamelands. What exactly he does for the Stag Lord... I'm not sure. I've wondered that myself ... I found his words curious so I kept the note. I find it hard to believe he has the influence he claims. I have even heard that he holds some connection to some nobles of Northern Brevoy..."
Kressle looks to Mauersberger - who gestures with a 'he's the boss' expression...
"Ser Ambrosi ... one more thing.. " She glances over toward Budgie and speaks quietly.. particularly when speaking Budgie's name "Budgie's mother is dead ... I don't know who that woman was, or why he accepted it so easily. Budgie's dad, Papa Grundy, told me about it himself ... its a tragic story, but its not mine to tell." She wipes her hands on her pants and stands. "Goodnight Ser Ambrosi" sense motive diplo: you do not detect anything to give you the impression she is being anything but genuine. You detect no sign of deception or malicious intent (from what little you have seen) from any of the former bandits this evening. She seems to take your words and actions well, and start to see you as a person rather than 'generic hero noble X'
"Like a holiday, heh. Well ... I've been working, but living easy out in the woods wasn't so easy. Wasn't much for bein in charge, but taking charge is sometimes the only way to ... I don't know what anymore. Don't care." She takes a handful of food and picks bitefuls with the other hand. "Heh .. things have been good, Ser Ambrosi, thank you for asking. How was that?" She shows a half grin, and continues eating.
Kressle finally gets her last bite down and sees Svetlana, Olegs wife exit the main house.. Kressle swallows and responds to Jaestra "Mites? .. naw .. don't know where. Somewhere east of the Thorn River camp, and within walking distance for a mite. They've stolen from us a few times. Including your ring, Miss ... " .. cocking her head toward Svetlana.
Kressle having just entered with the gnomes and Mauersberger -- who had determined they needed something to eat before setting up the tents -- walks to the map and points to a spot roughly 2 hexes south of the Thorn River camp, and half a hex east .. "Should be 'bout there, I believe .. not real good with maps, but should be 'bout right."
The gnomes salute Vorik (mimicking Kesten's fist to heart salute) in response to his request, Kressle nods "Yes sir" Mauersberger assists them setting up the tents.
Kressle nods "I gave him that amulet .. he did not know the meaning of it. Those amulets were for the Stag Lord's original forces."
You travel for several hours .. the bandits are quiet for the most part. On an occasion when Jaestra happened to be riding near Kressle, the former bandit leader spoke .. "I was wondering. Wondering about the man who wore that amulet before you.. He is dead, I assume?"
A couple minutes later you hear a voice off to the east southeast, and movement through the brush of at least two .. "Coco rico roooo! Wakey wakey Kressle!" calls out a bullfrog voice with an Ustalav accent
Kressle looks Vladimir up and down "Well that's what you get today.. Ask me again tomorrow, if I still live, and I might be in a better mood.
...Oleg was a fool to come out here .. and clear-cut our woods to build his eyesore. If I let him get away with that .. who will follow me? .. what keeps that mite-suckling rat Sal'dor from taking my territory?
Jaestra's reaction seems to catch Kressle off-guard a bit .. she recovers "Don't worry little lady. I accept my punishment, beats eating brush dog every night and having to listen to Rook and his private moments on watch .. And I wish you luck for when you face the Stag Lord. Because it's gonna take more than a pretty bow and good intentions. Interrupting this delivery will draw His attention sooner than you might think. His eyes will be here in days... Her tone becomes a bit more dramatic.. "If I were you I'd burn this wood to the ground .. you leave sign .. He will find you.
Vorik - Detect Evil Sense motive:
You do not detect evil. She seems to regret her words even as she speaks them. Her body language and expression suggests she realizes your assessment of the battle was accurate .. Kressle clears her throat .. she looks at Jaestra as if trying to read her face .. "Very well. I'll do what I can."
The two gnomes nod at Jaestra - cradling their hands, and thank Vorik for the potion and drink. They inspect each others' wounds with emotionally detached curiosity. .. Bunyon notices Vladimir's skeptical gaze .. smiles and waves with two fingers. Kressle lowers her head as Vorik approaches. She hides her face but her whole body looks clenched. She waits a moment before answering Vorik .. "You have beaten us. Out here the strongest lead... " she stops and is quiet for a moment. "I renounce my previous life. I'll bend a knee .. but not lick a boot - if that is the price of living."
Kressle licks her dry lips. She awkwardly attempts a self-sure slightly seductive look toward Peregrine as he studies her. As he speaks, she seems to just notice the blue cloaks on the attackers .. she looks around and sees Happs's amulet on Jaestra as well. Her mask slips again..
"Oleg!" finding strength in Oleg's reaction. "Found someone to fight for you, I see. Your sweet wife must feel so safe now with some real men around.." she looks around "..and where is Happs .. I would very much like to see him - speaking of real men.."
"Dandy archer friend? You mean Happs? If you think I care what he has to say... I was done with him anyway.
You move out .. it is a quiet ride out of the woods. A few hours later you come to where you saw the crow and entered the woods. Several of the bandits shoot a glance in that direction as you pass. Kressle speaks up "Mind if we rest a bit? .. I think my wound may have re-opened."
Kressle seems unresponsive. It is not clear if she is even listening until she finally speaks.. ".. another gnome .. I'll make you a deal gnome. Tell me the names of those who betrayed us. Tell me this and I will answer your questions. My story is my own.. I will not share."
The uninjured bandit at the south, drops off the platform onto the wagon below .. the crocodile disappears as he starts casting again. The other one hobbles over to the edge of the platform and reaches into his satchel. The gnome at the crossbow (center platform) yells "I'm out! I'm out! ..Kressle I'm out!" and throws up his hands .. Kressle angrily hurls her right hand hatchet at Norton the hatchet flies straight at his face .. he moves to block it and it ends up catching him in the shoulder. She reaches in her belt pouch with her now free hand..
The bandit near the campfire who had scrambled to the logs, finishes rummaging through the gear stowed there. He stands with one vial in his hand and two more tucked in the crook of his other arm. With a startling *Whap!* a crossbow bolt catches him in the throat .. he tries - arms moving in slow motion but vials not .. a gout of flame envelopes the area around his feet as he falls. Kressle, still confident, focuses on the wound delivered to Ta'de-win, judging her next strike when she is blasted again .. her cocksure demeanor starts to slip .. leaving just primal rage. The gnome crossbowman was starting to grow a bit concerned .. his "boy" (as he called him) was no longer next to him to load the blasted crossbow. ... No his "boy" was just swatted like a fly by a 12 foot tall green orc and was now hanging, coincidentally, by a broken limb on a broken limb of the tree .. While contemplating that and lining up his next shot, "up jumped the devil" big girl with claws reaches up and slashes at his shins .. nearly making him 4 inches shorter .. The crossbowman at the south platform grins at Rogar's double take when the crocodile appears. He admires the creature for second as Rogar fires a quick shot directly at him that catches him square in the chest. He leans on the crossbow mount for support .. Murak knowing the source of a man's threat bites at his throwing arm as he reaches for another dagger. She gets hold of his elbow, crunches, and snaps him down, sprawling him on the bench .. Kressle grips her hatchets tightly ready to strike when Norton rides up. He swings just wide of her but his threat hits home .. "I WILL NOT FAIL!!" she screams, soaked from Ta'de-win's bursts..
The gnome and other bandit on the platform see Green recover and flinch when Furiel throws the flame between them .. "Casters! Casters!!" The female bandit leader who had just finished slinging her satchel gets blasted by a focused wet gale of wind .. "GRRAAaaHH!" She turns her head futilely trying to shield herself. The bandit kicked at Alice tries to quickly pull up his pants and backpedal .. there is a sound like arrows hitting fruit as Alice strikes into him. The bandits on the southern platform notice Rogar turn his bow on them and prepare to fire back. Norton flays into the arm of a bandit giving him another warning.. The bandit leader calls out "Don't listen to him .. we have them!!"
"Fight! Fight! Real fight! Juice up and Gimme some light now!" a woman's voice hollers from underneath the platform. You hear a couple softer voices, and torchlight appears from on top of the platform revealing two bandits.. and a second platform now visible from the south, with at least one bandits visible.
The female bandit buckling up underneath the platform kicks the other unprepared bandit, pants still around his ankles, toward Alice before reaching down for the rest of her gear. Another torch flies through the air .. this time from the south platform that lands about 15' south and west of Alice. The bandit (O-6) that had fallen from Rogar's first arrow, hurriedly pushes it through, grabs and gulps a nearby vial.
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