Oleg seems relieved that you intend to purchase what meager wares he does have to offer, and processes any transactions you wish to make with a renewed vigor. He seems much kinder than the gruff man you had met him as just the day before.
The rest of the day resolves uneventfully, with the bandits being sent back to Restov with two of the soldiers, and Kesten and the remaining soldiers setting up camp just outside of the trading post. Svetlana has another excellent meal prepared for you all, and you likely find easy rest in the cozy guest beds.
(Unless anyone had anything specific to do, make your purchases and we'll move on to the next day.)
"You can have the camping gear I suppose, you'll be needing it. Let's just call it an investment in our continued business so that you can survive out there."
(There will be a sleeping bag and 1-person tent for each of you)
"That seems fair," Oleg replies. "I suppose ya'll will be making it a habit of coming back here. I can't say I'm thrilled with the extra traffic, but I am in your debt. Feel free to stay here anytime, free of charge. I can't give you free stock, as I do still need to make a living, but I can offer you my services once my supply has been replenished. I have a little bit left over I can sell you now, if you need."
Oleg can sell you up to 2000gp worth of whatever items at the moment.
The bandit replies, "There's only the one camp, aside from the fort. We have about eight more folks there, plus the leader of the outpost, Kressle. Not sure how many's at the fort, but we've always got a few men shipping stuff back and forth between the two locations; usually whiskey for the Stag Lord."
Kesten squints at Sonia, reassessing her as he comes to a realization. "Hmm... Steinhardt, was it? Aye, I trust our kinship ought to drive us forward through these lands, estranged though it may be.
He looks at the amulet with curiosity, but doesn't have an answer for what it could be. "Maybe our bandit 'friend' here has an answer for us. What say you, villainous scum?" He grabs the one conscious and bound bandit by the collar and pulls him face-to-face.
"Th-the Stag Lord, it's his symbol," the bandit stammers. "I can tell you more, please just spare me," he begs.
Kesten nods, "I will vouch your compliance for your trial, should your information be useful. Go on."
The bandit continues on to explain that the Stag Lord is a terrifying and powerful man, uniting the rabble and the outcasts of the Greenbelt to rule the Stolen Lands for himself. The party that has been raiding Oleg's is from an outpost camp located two days' travel South of Oleg's along the Thorn River. Further south, where the river's mouth meets the Tuskwater, is the Stag Lord's fort.
Upon hearing your response, Kesten drops the bold act and seems relieved. "Lose the "sir", just call me Kesten. Looks like you made it here before us; we were told there was an exploration party being sent out."
Eyeing the bandits, he gives an impressed nod to you. "Seems you handled yourselves well against these ruffians. I will send two of my guards back to Restov with them." Without a moment's hesitation, two of the guards step forward and retrieve the three bandits, returning their fainted Pokemon to their Pokeballs.
"The rest of us will remain here to protect this establishment as we have been ordered. As I understand it, your duties involve exploration. Please do not worry about this post on your travels, it is now under my protection. I have faith that you will bring back any further bandits you encounter, so that they may meet proper justice back in Restov.
Each of your Pokemon gains 6 experience, and each trainer gains 2 experience.
In addition to Happs' bow, you find he is wearing a silver amulet shaped like the head of a glaring Stantler. All three bandits have p1200 each on them.
Svetlana gets right away to mixing up some medicinal bandages from her stock. (You and your Pokemon will heal 3 injuties and be restored to full health).
As you are deliberating on what to do with the bandits, there is a sudden creak from the gate entrance as the cart is shoved out of the way. More bandits alteady? No. Five men and women dressed in the guard's regalia of Restov, one man of whom is clearly the leading superior, march into the grounds of the trading post.
The stocky commanding officer shouts, "I am Kesten Garess, hired by Restov and charged with guarding this post. If you mean these good traders harm, then I will have to cut you down." There is a kind of tired annoyance to his threat, but he shows to make good on it by drawing his sword.
The Levetons, who had been watching the battle with fear and awe from the safety of the storehouse, quickly bring out some rope at Faraday's request. Oleg shakes his head in amazement at your accomplishment, while Svetlana holds back tears of joy.
The bandit's opportunistic punch lands squarely in the back of Faraday's shoulder as he rushes past, resulting in a backfire of electric discharge leaving the bandit paralyzed.
The helpless Happs cannot act in time to save himself from Faraday and Tesla's assault. He drops to the ground, unconscious but still twitching with electricity from the combined electrical attacks.
The remaining bandit, seeing his leader and party fallen, drops to his knees and surrenders with his arms up, begging to be spared.
Sonia slices into the duo, giving the right bandit a rude awakening. He reacts by striking back at her with a piercing blow with surprising ferocity. Spending 2 AP to make Sonia Vulnerable vs. this attack via a feature. Chip Away:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0 Damage:2d6 + 10 + 9 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 + 9 = 28
He then steps away from her towards Happs. Disengage as a Shift.
Happs dodges away just in time to avoid Ohmvi's valiant charge.
The left bandit braces himself against Ser Drilbur's scratch. Then, seeing the Pichu charging for Happs, he swipes at it and rushes to intercept. (Using the Intercept action)
Right Bandit Sleep Save:1d20 ⇒ 12 Enemy bandit is fast asleep.
The left bandit rouses from his rest with agonizing shouts of pain as Sonia slices into him. Despite her hearty blows, however, he appears to be rather resilient. Quickly taking in his surroundings, the bandit kicks the one with the bow next to him back awake, shouting "C'mon Happs, we can still take'em! Wake up!"
Happs slowly opens his eyes with a groggy stare that becomes suddenly alert as he remembers what is going on.
Ohmvi attempts to follow Yarek's orders, but isn't close enough to another Pokemon to carry out a tackle. He moves closer to the Zigzagoon on the right.
Happs moves away deftly, avoiding any potential attacks as he flees, then takes aim with his bow again, this time targeting Faraday.
Bullseye:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 8 Damage:2d6 + 10 + 9 ⇒ (2, 5) + 10 + 9 = 26
The cart creaks into place in front of the gate, blocking the exit. The bandits react quickly to the sudden commotion and leap into action. "A trap? So those sniveling traders found someone to stand up for'em. Make them regret it!" the center bandit wielding a bow shouts. His Poochyena growls aggressively at Sonia.
Breaking Ties at 10:
Dr. Agathis: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Ser Drilbur: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Middle Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Ser Drilbur: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Middle Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Breaking Ties at 5:
Yarek: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Sonia: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Left Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Left Zigzagoon: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Right Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Right Zigzagoon: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Poochyena: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Yarek: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Right Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Yarek: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Right Bandit: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Final Initiative Order:
Odonatus @ 15
Middle Bandit @ 10++
Ser Drilbur @ 10+
Dr. Agathis @ 10
Tesla @ 9
Faraday @ 6
Right Zigzagoon @ 5++++++
Left Zigzagoon @ 5+++++
Sonia @ 5++++
Poochyena @ 5+++
Right Bandit @ 5++
Yarek @ 5+
Left Bandit @ 5
Ohmvi @ 4
It is only a couple hours past dawn that the bandits arrive. They call out over the walls to the Levetons to open up, which they hastily do without a fuss. Once inside the gate, they command the seemingly helpless traders to retrieve their goods. You hear the door of the storehouse open and shut as the Levetons seeming comply, and the bandits have a hearty laugh of triumph.
After a tough afternoon of training and a bit of rest, Svetlana has dinner prepared for you all. After dinner, each of you (may) eventually retire to the guesthouse across from the Levetons' abode (the roof of which Oleg had been working on earlier). The beds are simple, but comfortable, and you get as easy of a rest as you can knowing what you face in the morning. Dr. Agathis awakes before sunrise (and the rest of you may as well, if you wish).
"Unfortunately, I don't think that will be an option," Svetlana explains. "They have us pile up the supplies out here in the yard for them to take. We could certainly use the storehouse to hide in once the fighting starts, though."
Each of you who trains your Pokemon will earn them 2 exp.
Oleg shakes his head again. "Those boards are set laterally and cut from whole logs, not much taking those off without disassembling the whole stable. I tell you what though, the space between the stables and the inner wall of the fort is narrow enough you could probably hide back there with ease."
At the mention of training, Oleg urges you to be mindful of the property and suggests to train in an open field just outside the walls of the trading post. After finishing up his second bowl of stew, he gets back to work on repairing the roof of the smaller building across from their home. Svetlana begins clearing the table and washing the bowls.
Oleg shakes his head at Faraday's question. "Only the front door, though I reckon you could hide on top of the roof. Seems difficult and dangerous though."
"No need to send a message. When they don't return to their camp, I'm sure the rest will investigate. No need to tip them off. Our resources are scarce, but we'll keep you fed and boarded while you're here if you continue to protect us." Oleg adds, his previous gruffness replaced with a hopeful confidence.
Oleg is quick to offer his own suggestions, as he has been mulling over what to do about the bandits ever since their arrival. "I say you jump'em! They won't be expecting anyone here besides us. You can hide out in the stables and then leap out once they come in to collect what's left of my goods." He seems rather pleased with himself for concocting such a plan.
Svetlana is also quick to offer her aid. "I'm no nurse, and this is no Center, but my poultices are rather potent. They expire too quickly to be of any trade value, but once I mix them up and apply them, you'll be feeling right as rain. If you really can fend off those bandits, I will be glad to repay you with my services."
Oleg adds, "You're welcome to the camping gear as well, if you can really pull this off. I can't say I'm not worried, but you've convinced me there's at least a chance. I'm not too fond of whatever reason Restov's got you expoloring the Greenbelt, but if that means solving my troubles, then so be it."
Oleg's face turns even more sour at Sonia's questioning. "Oh, they didn't tell you, did they? Great, just great! I ask for guards, and what do they send me? A bunch of misfits without a clue!" Oleg's neck is straining with pent up stress as he continues. "Bandits, of course! They've been coming up here every month for the past three months, causing a ruckus at my post and taking whatever they want. Nothing I can do to stop them, and Restov's been dragging their heels on sending help." He glares at you all with contempt.
Svetlana, ever the sweet counterpart to her husband's gruffness, hums a soft tune as she sets out steaming bowls of deliciously-smelling stew for everyone. Despite her joyous demeanor, a crack of concern is visible on her face as Oleg recounts the unwanted monthly visitors.
At the raucous call of Faraday, the hammering stops abruptly. There are a few minutes of silence before the gate swings outward to allow your ingress. Standing to greet you is a stout, middle-aged man with a stern expression and a kindly-looking woman who seems excited for your arrival; quite obviously Oleg and Svetlana Leveton, as they have been described to you before.
"Hmph. So this is all Restov could spare for our protection? I suppose you'll have to do," Oleg says with an indignant huff.
Svetlana is quick to curtail her husband's rudeness with a welcoming gesture. "Please, come in! I've prepared a hearty stew for you all. I'm sure you're tired after such a long trek!"
Following Svetlana, you pass between what appears to be a large stable to your left and another smaller building on your right. Around the corner of this smaller building, between it and a much larger building that appears to be the Levetons' home, is a crackling fire pit with a large pot brewing above it, as well as a massive outdoor dining table. Svetlana encourages you to sit as she doles out bowls of soup from the pot. Oleg sits impatiently, rapping his knuckles against the sturdy surface of the table.
The four of you and your Pokemon continue on for a few hours down the lightly worn path towards Oleg's Trading Post as you converse. You get the notion that not many people make the trip down this way, and begin to wonder why someone would build a trading post so far out of the way to begin with. It is not much longer until you can see the wooden walls of the post, which looks more like a fort than a place of commerce. As you approach the closed gate, you can hear the faint sound of hammering from within the walls.
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
So reads the charter you have been granted upon departing for your adventure with your new allies. Along with the charter, you have each been granted a magical tome to aid in your exploration, called a Pokénomicon. Many similar groups were formed and sent to other locations with charters of their own, each full of volunteers like yourself looking for a new life away from civilization. The sorting of each team's members was quick and chaotic, leaving little time for pleasantries among the confusion.
Now that you are away from the bustle and headed down the southern path to Oleg's Trading Post, you have some time to catch your breath and get to know each other. The early morning air is still crisp with the slipping grasp of winter, but already the life of oncoming spring can be seen among the sparse vegetation.
