Narkari's page

My fiancé is in the air force and is here for a few weeks. We have been visiting a lot of family and I have work in the morning until afternoon usually so most of my time has been busy. Don't have the book I me everywhere so cant dm unless at home. Will try to post tonight.

The camp erupts in pandemonium as the fight begins and spells and arrows are spread throughout the camp. The sentry watches as a arrows flies near him and hits the wooden outpost. A splash of acid hits the wood beside him and begins to ooze some of the wood away in plain view of the party. The sentry has the thunderstone in his hand when a bolt and then arrow strikes his chest by Alan and Ranzo as he commands the group. The sentry opens his mouth into a scream before falling down on to the floor of the watchpost and he is out of view. A ladder is seen below near the gear that leads up to the watchpost.

The treant misses his target who is now awake and not completely aware of the situation stand up from being prone for a attack of opportunity. None of the bandits you have seen sleeping are wearing armor.

Posting this in the morning before work. Sorry again for the lack of activity. May have problems in post that will try to check later. Have a new job and family home from military so have frightening busy week with only a few moments of computer time a day.

Hey. Just got home and had a long day. Will be sure to post tomorrow. I'm sorry for making a deal about posting when I cant seem to post once a day myself. I will be sure to post tomorrow morning. I will not be disappearing so while it may take me a day at times to post don't think I'm pulling out.

Map

This is the map. I would say you are next to the campfire near the K1. The two bandits are still sleeping until their round. They are near the pile of sticks on the map. The sentry is still in K2 and you dont see the rest of the bandits from where you are.

Before I get people asking me questions I thought I say why I posted what I did on the gameplay thread. I thought your plan was going quite well until you decided to walk right into camp. None of you rolled disguise checks or stealth checks to hide who you were or roleplayed that you were trying to hide your appearance other then Alendiri hiding his ears and Ranzo acting as if he had a limp.

I rolled for Quentin as he did not make another bluff check and I rolled a one. If he had succeed he may have come down before noticing everyone not being people he knows but that did not happen. As a sentry he is suspicious of everyone and can be assumed to always be having a ten on perception. He is close friends or associates with the bandits and this only adds to his perception.

Anyway, battle has started so please I'll be using the initiative I rolled earlier. Hope no one is mad if I appear to be the "evil" DM.

I don't see why not. Doesn't say it has to be lethal damage.

Quentin's Bluff1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Sentry Sense Motive1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

The sentry seems bored when the man who appears to be Happs and gave a slow nod before turning over to look at the approaching group. Quentin can clearly tell something is wrong when the guard eyes widen as he looks between the group and can tell some of these men are not the other bandits. Quentin may make a believable Happs and his disguise is nearly perfect but the man is not blind. He can clearly tell that the men with no hoods are not their guys as they have no disguises. He appears confused at first as if wondering why Happs brought these unknown men with him but opens his mouth.

"INTRUDERS! INTRUDERS!" he yells and goes to his pouch as if to grab a object.

The sift spell reveals no traps or hidden items. It seems all the loot the bandits have acquired are simply stuffed in crates and chests with no protection under the tarp. After exploring the rest of the camp he notices three more bandits at K4 sleeping. A tent is currently pitched with another campfire nearby. Kressle is no where in sight.

When Quentin returns he notices that the two men that were playing cards are gone and that two men are now sleeping in bedrolls near the campfire. One of the men now asleep was the sentry that had welcomed him earlier. It seemed that the group arrived right after the sentries were switched off and this was why the two men from before were awake this early in the morning.

The new bandit peeks over the rail of the watchpost when he returns and simply goes back to looking bored while keeping watch. Their is little to no sound coming from beyond the east watchpost other then the sound of water and snores.

Ah, I do see that now. I do make mistakes at times so thank you for pointing that out. Ill correct this a bit in my next post.

It's no longer 4am. You said you awoke at 4am in your camp which was outside the woods. The bandit camp was a few hours away. Its more around 7am

Perception:1d20 ⇒ 15
Sense Motive:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

The sentry turns towards Happs and lowers his guard by dropping his weapon and giving a wide grin and hustles Happs over to the bottom of the watch post. When Quentin approaches the camp he notices tents,firewood, food and other supplies are under a canvas tarp below the watch post. Two bandits are sitting lazily around the campfire while the sentry opens his mouth to speak to who he thinks is Happs.

"Sounds just like that bastard. Always slowing us down. The boss is over by the wagon talking to Neik. Migh ta been replaced!" he laughs to himself as if he had made a great joke.

Quentin Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

As Quentin comes closer to the camp he does not hear or notice any more bandits from beyond the trees but this does not mean that they are not simply spread beyond the camp.

The man speaks again as if just remembering Happs other question. The other two bandits near the fireplace seem to be playing cards against each other and while gazing at the scene once they resumed to their game.

"Everythin quiet here. Did ye all get lots of valuables? Was that lass any good?" he snickers while leaning against the rail of the watch post to look down at Happs.

We should wait for Quentin. I don't want to move to far ahead without him and while I could take control of his character I think it be easier for everyone if we wait a day or two. Enjoy your special day Quentin. No need to hurry.

3rd day of Pharast, outside of Thorn River Camp.

Jimmy is appreciative of Quentin conversing with him and acting like he is a equal. He starts to the view the man a bit better and this may come in handy later on. For now, the former bandit converses with the man and elf and does not seem very upset when tied to the tree.

The group travel for a few more minutes and come across the camp that was described in great detail from the captured bandits. To view more the group must come closer but one guard on each watch post is visible from a distance. They do not seem alerted to any presence as of yet but may notice if the group or someone approaches.

If approached, the Thorn Ford camp is noticeably large, and well defended by numerous platforms placed in trees. The camp itself is about 60 feet from the Thorn's north bank- a path winds alongside a shallow creek that leads directly to the campsite.

Ranzo:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Alan:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Alendiri:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Endrance:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Quentin:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Kressle:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Bandits:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Combat has not started at the moment. Initiative is for future reference. Will wait for your all to come closer or Quentin to try out his disguise. Map of area is listed in discussion.

True. I had not thought of your companion. I suppose you could tie him with rope to a horse but he might not take kindly to that. You all will be much slower now though.

I'm going to be pulling Rosalyn. I cannot think of a good backstory or personality for her. Hope you all have a great time.

Jimmy lets Alendiri know that the ring was still in the bandit treasure horde as far as he knew. They hand't delivered anything to the Stag Lord yet so it should still be at the camp. Oleg overhear Alendiri asking about his wife's ring and offer's 1000gp in store credit for the return of the ring. He explains that she doesn't show it but the theft hit his wife hard and he would grateful for the return of the ring. He gives a small description and heads off to his own business.

The adventuring party packs their horses gets ready to depart the Trading Outpost. Jimmy decides to come with the group as he wishes to keep his brother safe and wouldn't mind making sure Kressle is dead. Now that he has "switched sides". He wants to make sure she can't come back to kill him. The party encounters nothing on their journey to the Bandit camp or that night but sleeping and guard watches.

It is the following morning and has been two days since the bandits arrived. The group it at the foot of the woods and are only a few hours away from the camp. Jimmy lets the party know that if they are gone for another day the other bandits may get worried.

Rolled for encounters and nothing. Oh well. You are close to the Bandit Camp. Go wild. :P

Yes. I will be rolling for you all when you are not activity searching. I will let you know if you spot something if you encounter anything. You disguise is in place and I will note that down. You are taking one of the brothers with you so unless you want him to slow you down you will need a horse for him or to ride with one of you.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that we are on the fast track for experience and for the first encounter you earned 150xp each.

Jimmy turns towards Alendiri and nods his head before opening his mouth to reply. "We have. When we first came to this joint we had a much larger group but it slowly dwindled down. Logan and I liked getting out of camp when we could..."

Sveltana nods to the group and Ranzo's response and goes back to the trading post. It seems that she is going to start making some food for everyone.

O'Brian lets Quentin know that Happs was a crude and -foul-mouthed man but didn't know much about him personally. The only new information he gives is that it appeared that Happs was sometime the lover of Kressle, the leader of the bandits in the area.

As the day progresses the group discusses their plans for the following evening and decides to leave early the next morning.

Unless told otherwise I have posted that you guys have chosen to leave the next morning. I have no problem with changing this if the group decides to leave that night. Their is always a chance of random encounters so for the next few posts please roleplay riding to the camp. If you would like to make more plans or wanted to make actions for the previous day you may post it in the discussion. Just wanted to push us forward.

Oleg paid full price for the equipment he bought off you guys. He was feeling generous. Alendiri is correct that each hex is 12 miles. On horse back it takes 3 hours to travel the plains(1 hex) and five hours for the woods(1 hex).

I understand. Just give a heads up if you expect to be too busy. I wont be surprised if we don't hear from you after your wedding for awhile.

Happs had the strength composite longbow on him and the stag amulet. He was known to always have a green cloak on.

Good work Alan.

Just a shout out to Quentin. If you do not post tomorrow I will start looking for a replacement. It's been three days with no word or excuse.

I do have a question for feats. Do you allow the Leadership feat. Also, I would like to know if it is ok to take the Dervish Dance feat from the Inner Sea World Guide.

I'm thinking a half-elf ninja. Dotting for now. I will post a character In a few hours

Piper.

This is the Piper. It's a third party race of Super Genius Games. I also love fey and one of my favorite games was when I got the chance to play as a Pixie.

Wow. This thread really exploded while I was away. I should have my Bard/Ninja done soon. Not sure on race. Might just stick to standard human. Would you allow a fey race or fey template? I've been looking at a third party race called the Piper also and wonder if that would be allowed.

All of the men nod and look relieved that their injures will be looked at.
The brothers, Jimmy and Logan speak to one another and discuss who should go with the group. While neither look forward to separating from each other they seem to accept they have no choice. O'Brian leaves to his assigned task while Oleg goes to oversee the man. He seems displeased that the bandits were not all killed but accepts that he will at least get free labor out of it.

"After you take care of the bandits. Please come back. Now that we don't have to worry about that group of men we should have much more traffic of trappers and such and they could have information about the area to help you all. " Svetlana points out to Ranzo. She wishes to help them but also would like them to check up on them if their guards did not come to help keep and eye on these new indentured servants.

You guys have 475gp in store credit. Oleg is unable to give you money at this time because he does not have the money on him. Now you all are tasked to explore and map out the greenbelt as part of your charter. In the players guide for Kingmaker their is a hex map that you will use to show where you have explored. Exploring a entire hex will take much longer then simply traveling through it.

The Greenbelt.

This is a map of the greenbelt. To make this easier on you all we will use letters and numbers to list each hex. From Left to Right simply go A1 to A7 on the top, B1 to B7 for each layer of hexes and so on. Only count the full hexes. Oleg's Trading post is in B5 and the Bandit's Thorn River Camp is in D4. I'm going to post and then we can move forward to you all start traveling towards the camp.

I'm going to let you guys post a bit more and tomorrow I will post more campaign related material that will prove useful here after I get off work. In one or two more posts we will move forward to you traveling to the bandit camp .I'll post i the rp thread tomorrow also.

Dotting. This looks very interesting. I'm thinking Bard/Ninja for a master spy feel but I'm not sure yet.

The men are silent for a moment and seem to look at each before making hand gestures to each other. Its filled with shrugs, pointing and facial expressions. They seem to ponder over Ranzo's request but seem much more open after Alendiri straightens things out.

Svetlana looks a bit taken about from Quentin question and shakes her head while whispering back to him. "We don't have anything like that here. We could maybe build one or order it if needed. We are still in building stages here. My husband I think could take care of us as long as they aren't given weapons but.....I'm not sure."she didn't think she would ever like the men. They had stolen her wedding wing their first visit after all.

One of the brothers finally speak and by the tone of voice he seems a bit more open. "Names Jimmy and this body next to me is Logan. You already met O'Brian." he replied giving the frighten man a sneer. "Well, I suppose we will give you that information. I just hope you keep your end of the bargain. Now where to start...."he sighs as if truly wondering where to start.

"O'Brian was new so he didn't know as much as me. Our boss is a monster of a man. Calls himself the Stag Lord, he is a deadeye with a bow, and I saw him crush a prisoner's hand to mush in one fist. Come to think of it, I've never seen him without his creepy stag helmet on;some of my friends think he ain't got no face under it,but not me, I think that creepy helm is his face!"

He relays some information you have already heard but he also gives a lot of new things that will definitively help the group out such as the guards having Thunderstones to alert of intruders and that the Stag Lord is a drunk. They have apparently been gathering a lot of shipments of alcohol to be shipped to the Stag Lord. He tells of rumors that the Stag Lord is even being controlled by a old man too. He lets out a gem that may prove useful later on and he hopes it will help his brother and himself.

"It's hard keeping track of who working for the boss, so we use a master phrase as a sort of password to get in to the fort on the northeast shore of Tuskwater. Unless it's been changed recently, the current phrase is'By the Bloody Bones of St.Gilmord, who wants to know?' And no, I have no idea who St.Gilmorg is."

"I told you how to get there! I can't do anymore! I swear!" O'Brian pleads to Ranzo. He hand't been lying about how to get there. As far as he was concerned if they killed those bandits and not him it only make him safer. He liked living thank you very much.

Svetlana goes to speak to the group while they are discussing what to do about the prisoners. She overhears what they are talking about and while she doesn't much like having the men that wanted to steal from them nearby she does see the benefit for free labor if the men were truly willing to change.

"We hopefully should get the group of guards we asked for soon. I don't see much problem as long as they behave. We could always use more help building this place up." she replies. She takes a small basket out and gives it to Ranzo.

"This is a gift for helping us. It isn't much but we hope it helps"

Sorry for not posting today guys. Had a busy day. I'll be posting now and maybe we can get moving. :)

Both of the now awaken bandits look at the elf and look at each other as if silently communicating before one of them opens his mouth to speak. "One of those men you killed was a close friend. We ain't going to answer anything unless we are promised more then just our lives. We aint killed nobody and we ain't afraid to die."he repies and then spits on the ground.

They all listen to the threats by Ranzo. While the bandit who has so far promised to answer all their questions looks visibly scared the others only appear grim as if their fates are already decided. "It seems like you folk are worse then us lot. We ain't ever torture no one. We might have better information then that coward O'Brian but we at least have some honor..."

O'Brian the bandit who has been the most helpful so far has told the entire truth as far as you can tell but it does seem he only gives the bare minimum to the questions asked and does not elaborate unless specifically told too. The brothers refuse to betray each other and agree only to talk if they are allowed supplies to travel and both their lives. They seem to be telling the truth about knowing more then O'Brian but were lying when they said they were not afraid to die.

Cannot take ten on this perception. Sorry.

I have a busy day ahead so I will be unable to post until tomorrow afternoon. I'm sorry for the delay and will have a large post for tomorrow.

Quentin. There are only 3 bandits. The talkative bandit and the two brothers. The talkative bandit gives up the information you ask but doesn't volunteer information unless specifically asked a certain question. The two brothers refuse to give any information if it means the death of the other. Due to your sense motives you know that the talkative bandit is speaking the truth.

Where is your camp/fort: Thorn River Camp is a few days ride away.
How many are you: There are eight bandits and Kressle. Some leave at times to gather good and patrol.
How is the camp/fort laid out:Map.
Do you have a look out, where are they?: K2 and K3
Any special defenses: Yes, but he doesn't know where.
Any special surprises, traps, hidden treasure, etc.: Yes, he doesn't know where.
Who is Kressle, how is he armed?. Kressle is a she and is the leader of the bandits of this camp. The Stag Lord(The leader of all bandits who has a fort somehwere further in the greenbelt) chose her personally to take control of this area. The amulet you found is the symbol of the Stag Lord. She wields handaxes.

Does anyone or Oleg have paper, so we can have a perm copy of the map and camp?: Yes he has paper. Map above.

I could answer those questions here if you wish or in character with you asking the questions. It's up to you all.

No review for Niek? Is he that invisible? I suppose he is a bard after all.

"Oh, this is worth 20 gold pieces." Alan remarks about the Stag amulet.

The lone bandit gives a small sigh of relief as Endrance backs off but is soon shaking in his boots once more when Quentin takes the stage.

"I'll tell ye whatever you want to know! Promise! Just ask! Jus't don't kill me! "

This pleading of the thug makes the the other two more aware as they find themselves alive and awake. They attempt to struggle against the binding to escape even if they are half naked and injured. It seems these two thugs are bit more keen on escaping then the sniveling coward who wishes to spill his guts to the group.

Escape Artist:
Bandit 1: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Bandit 2: 1d20 ⇒ 10

They both fail utterly and slump against each other. Their injuries only looking worst after they struggled against the rope. Both mens faces become stubborn and it seems these two wish to keep their mouths shut.

If you want better information your gonna have to ask better questions. :) These men aren't the smartest if the lot.

Here is my submission of Niek. A Hippie Bard that loves life and to love. Who wishes to change the city he lives in to a city of love and peace.

I am very interested. I am thinking a Bard but I will dot for interest until I can come up with a concept.

Oleg nods to the adventuring group and runs into his storeroom to bring out enough rope to bind the bandits. In Oleg's his head he is already planning out hanging some of the bandits bodies to warn off other miscreants away from his trading post. He hands the rope over to Ranzo.

"That should be enough for the three. Can't thank you all enough for this. Your welcome to stay free of charge for as long as you want. We will even provide for the meals! My wife was putting together a small reward for you all too. I'll go let her know what has happened."[b] he replied eagerly as he almost skips to the trading post where Svetlana awaits to hear what has happened.

"I tell ye anything yall want! Just don't kill me! I got kids to feed! I'll tell ya everything. About Kress, Happs, and I'l...ill..take ye to the camp! I promise I will!"

Round 1

Quentin's acid splash lands on the bandit as he attempts to flee. He lets out a scream of pain as the acid starts to burn him but continues to try to run. This only motivates the rest of them to run faster. They don't make it. Endrance shouts out and cats his spell. His color spray hits all of the men. Tactical decisions or experiences fighting arcane casters were not on these men list.

Bandit 1 Will:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Bandit 2 Will:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Bandit 3 Will:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Rounds:2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Two of the bandits drop unconscious while one attempts to continue running. He is shot by a arrow from Alendiri and falls to his knees. Noticing he is now alone and that the man who killed their leader is between him and freedom the man promptly surrenders. The young treant attacks the man first and brings him to a halt. The bandit falls to the ground dead from the attacks from the treant before Ranzo can make it to the man.

Oleg ducks his head out from his hideout and looks around the carnage with a grin beginning to cover his face. He looks quite satisfied with the bodies.

Battle is over. Good job everyone. I will list experience in my next post.

Next post is done. Well done everyone. The traps and Ranzo's natural 20 took care of most of the danger. It seems you all just have to clean up mostly now. :P

If everyone posts and Endrance has not posted I will take control of him for the round.

No one is in the way of the trap Alan and you went last because for the initiative roll because I rolled a 2 for you. Also Bandit 4 is not in the line of fire he is outside the gates with the horses.

Surprise Round.

Initiative:
Happs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Bandits: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Quentin successfully completes is spell and the thugs are so surprised they seemed stunned at the appearance of men. Before the hooded man has any time to react, Endrance attempts to close the gates which is met in failure but the bandits realize what is being attempted. Oleg runs for cover as the battle begins.

"OLEG!! What do y' think you are pullin' here?! Y' know Kressle will have y'r head!"

Happs, the hooded man, grunts in pain as a arrow sticks into his upper chest. He attempts to draw his weapon but his life his cut short when Ranzo attacks him and neatly cuts his arm off. The body of the hooded man falls with a thud. The thugs stare for only a moment before they attempt to flee through the still open door. They are met with the 'twang' of the Arrow traps going off.

The lone bandit outside screams as a actual small tree unroots itself and attempts to slam into him. The bandit dodges and turns to look at the rest of his group either down or bring attacked by a volley of arrows of which all seem to hit.

The bandits inside are 1,2,3. They are not attempting to fight but flee. When it is their turn I will show this. Thanks to your planning and natural 20s you took out most of the trouble. We will now begin Round 1!

1st day of Pharast, inside of Oleg's Trading post.

The sun is a hand's breath in the sky when the two on the roof first spot them. As they get closer they can make out five men on horseback, leading another horse, and a mule. The lead one is as Svetlana described, a hunter wearing a hooded leather jerkin. They ride their horses quickly across the hills stopping outside the fort. As they are dismounting the group can spot one of them grinning from ear to ear, "I'm glad we got on Kressle's good side, eh? We get to be the first ones to have a go with Oleg's wench. 'bout time she let us bring her 'spoils' back with us."

One of them looks past where Ranzo is crouched, with no sign of noticing. He takes the reins of the horses and stands outside. The other four walk through the gates, the last is carrying a length of rope.

Happs stops within ten feet of the trader, it had been worked out the night before, that Oleg would lure them in, "Oleg, your wares are starting to come short with Kressle. She's decided to take an extra tithe this month. Call out that pretty wife of yours, or we burn this place to the ground."

Oleg is looking considerably less distraught then Happs thought he would be. Standing straight he puts his hands to his hips and calls, "It's time to bringer her out!"

The bandits look around a little warily, some putting their hands to the hilts of their shortswords. Kidnapping a woman is nervous work.

Time for the fight! Here's the initiative. Post your actions in any order. I'll straighten them out when I do the summary of the round after everyone has acted. If you attack someone who's already dead I'll just have you attack the next target. etc. Please include attack rolls and damage assuming you hit.

Ranzo 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Alan 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Alendiri 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Endrance 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Quentin 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

If no one objects, in my next post I will move to the morning of the next day. I'll wait a few hours before I post.

Svetlana stays in the background and lets the group discuss their plans. She knows little of such things but is glad that these men decided to help them.

"We only have two crossbows. The bandits have been taking most of our stock so we don't have much. We will provide what we can to help."she replies to Alan before he takes his leave.

Turning towards Ranzo she gives a nod and begins answering the other questions.

"We have plenty of lumber to build with. It's just....wont they notice these things when they ride in? " Svetlana din't know a lot about fighting but she thought it just be simpler for them to ambush the bandits from the stable or guest house.

That is fine Alan. By taking a 20 your check is fine and the materials needed for a trap like this are here. I have the same question as Alendiri though. Will these trigger with a wire when they enter or by yourself activating it.

I understand. Was going to contact you soon but glad you checked it out. Hope you feel better soon too.

Also, you may change your language Ranzo. Better to get it out of the way now before things really get started.

Story wise. You may continue to plan what you all will do gameplay wise or here. I will be moving time to the next day soon.

She nods at Ranzo and opens her mouth to speak once again. "They always enter. They often bring a extra horse or two to carry everything. Back to their camp I assume, sir."

Realizing the group will help them the women takes a small sigh of relief and thanks the men repeatedly. She even brings some wine out and offers it to them. She will have to discuss with her husband a suitable reward if they are able to take care of the bandits.

"We aren't fighters. If I wasn't here, I'm quite sure my husband would have tried something foolish.....but no sir. We are simple folk here. I told you all we know about them."

Svetlana was quite glad her husband was not in the room. If he was in the room and learned they originally had not known of the bandits he would have been quite angry.

Meanwhile, she would answers all the questions she could. This was their only hope was finally being free of those ruffians. Even if one of the men thought she was not being truthful.

" They have come each time within a hour of sunrise on the first day of the month. We usually have our "taxes" ready because they seem eager to leave for their camp in the Greenbelt......A day's ride away I would assume."

She turns towards Alendiri and recounts the time they arrived the first time.

"There were a dozen the first time sir. Ten were quite clear to be simple thugs but the other two....Oh reckon they scared me they did sir. A cloaked man with a bow and a women with two hatchets. The miss did most of the talking and she quite clearly almost cut of my dear Olegs hand with her hatchet. She took my wedding ring right off and tossed it too her men....."she replied looking distant and frighten. As if the telling of the tale had taken her back to that period of time. She took a deep breath and continued on.

"They didn't have so many the next few times. The hooded man came with six the second time and four the last month. I believe they think we been had and given up but we haven't! No sir, not for a moment."

"One moment..." she announces to Alendiri. It appears she wishes to wait for the rest of the adventuring group to arrive.

The lady continues to serve the group as they start arriving to the dining hall. A large stew is set out with a fresh out of the oven baked bread to join it. A pitcher of water is set out for the travelers as Svetlana ponders on how to start her tale.

"Bandits have been taking all of our trade goods and furs for the past three months. They threaten to take me and burn down the fort if we don't hand over everything. We don't have any guards here and we have been asking to have guards of some kind to arrive but they have yet to be sent. "she pauses to take a breath and looks at the men with a worried face. It is a clear sign that these people are quite desperate for help.

"They come at the beginning of each month....which is tomorrow. I beg of you. Please help us. We can give you free room and board for the night."