If something comes up for another rp, be sure to let me know. It would be good to work with you all again!
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We could give it a go. Is be glad to keep the group together. Though we've only posted a short time, I'm enjoying the writing!
One more bump for the kids...
Please say no...this group is shaping up nicely. :)
Shonden nods ascent. "It is our actions based in faith that pronounce the goodness of Erastil. One of those is understanding the need for community." He reigns up a bit to ensure that the three are riding alongside one another, his own mount a step behind so Kalima and Joanna could address one another if need be. "My father has stories from his past regarding the motivations of those who, as you say, put their faith in self achievement, how people have used their achievements or their faith as a way to force a worth upon others that diminishes them." The paladin looks to Kalima and with all honesty in his eyes and meaning it he says, "I do not say this to offend your belief system. I only say that on both sides of the argument, when there are those who think their will and accomplishments are above those of others, there can be evil at the heart. Just as when those who claim to know the heart of their god will do unspeakable evils in their name to satisfy their own ends." Shonden shook his head, frowning deeply with concern over using the right words. "As I said, it is in the actions based on the person's faith that we see the true face of their beliefs and more importantly, their heart. I think it speaks well of this group that we sought for repentance from the band of criminals earlier." He sits back in his saddle, somehow tired from the effort of finding the right words. At last he adds, "I'll say one thing for my faith in Erastil; knowing that there is something bigger than me out there with wisdom beyond my comprehension is comforting."
"I mean no disrespect when I say you remind me of my mother." Shonden smiles in return as he admires the arrowhead carving. Nodding respectfully, he hands it back to her. "My mother was a great woman, the very person who brought me to the faith, and the spiritual leader of my village up until her death. Aurina Entbriar was a cleric of Erastil, an Ulfen woman who carved her way from the Land of the Linnorn Kings as she followed the call of our god." ”After she met a local hunter who would become her husband, Aurina did not slow down. She even rode the caravans to and from Brunderton with me in her belly.” The paladin thumps his knee against the boar spear where it is holstered in its saddle loop. "This was her weapon, one she brought down from the lands of her birth and taught me how to wield as soon as I was strong enough to lift it.” He switches his longbow to the other hand and draws the spear from its loop to hand to Joanna. Upon it are Ulfen carvings and symbols of Erastil of varying aspects. ”She ran through a gnoll with it two weeks before she gave birth to me. I guess what I’m saying is, you’re calling by Erastil is not limited by being male or female, it is only limited by whether you choose answer or not." Shonden eyes Joanna with respect and camaraderie. ”I will admit though, my father always disliked seeing my mother throw herself into danger on so many occasions. But he loved her enough to respect her wishes. When he saw me off on this adventure, one thing he said stands out in my mind now. He said that the blood of my mother was strong in me. Perhaps that’s why I’m finding myself more and more compelled by this next chapter of my life. To be active in Erastil’s service, to take the fight to the enemy…”
Shonden settled in for the ride, scanning the trail ahead and feeling that same excitement he experienced as he led Max away from his home village alongside his father. Well, that was part of the excitement. Wouldn't the wilds of the south hold a stronger need for community than in the cities Shonden's father so hated? With boggards and worse lurking in tangled brush of the Stolen Lands, a sense of community was all the more important. Yet these bandits sought to tear that apart so they could keep decent people like Oleg and Svetlana under their boots. And there was the other side of Shonden's excitement; the potential of vanquishing a group of villains so dedicated to evil that they're willing to steal and threaten the well-being of others. Shonden was actively meeting out the will of his god in hunting down these vile people! All his life, Erastil had shaped him to serve, and Shonden did so willingly, often blindly with the expectation that his mother or father or Erastil himself would reveal his true calling. Here, the presence of strangers, on the edge of the world he knew, Old Deadeye's aim was true. Every step he took on this adventure was a deeper lesson of what it meant to serve his god, what it meant to be a paladin, what it meant to be true and good. Shonden smiled broadly, anticipation in his eyes and a stronger beating to his heart. He muttered prayers of thanks to Erastil and continued his search of the surroundings. He moved his horse over towards Joanna and nodded greeting. "If it's okay to ask, how long have you followed Old Deadeye?"
Cool, thanks. Guess I'll be using it in the approach to the camp to try and ferret out the lookout.
Question for the GM:
Shonden coaxes Max over towards Kalima and the ornery horse. "If I might be of assistance..."
Shonden thanks the young bandit and rests a hand on his shoulder. "This is a new day...the first day of the rest of your life. This will be hard, your servitude, but on the other end of it you'll find yourself a man. Thank you for accepting a different way, may Erastil watch over you and bring you bounty." With that, the paladin climbs into the saddle and awaits the rest of the group.
"Yes, hard labor has been effective in Brunderton." Shonden adds. "Those who've attempted robbing the caravans or merchants in that area often find themselves working in the foothill mines under the watchful eyes of the dwarves." He heads into the stable and begins saddling up his horse, making sure his gear is straightened and going over the horse's condition. "What do you think, Max? Ready to go riding into danger?" The horse snorts in response, thumping the straw-covered ground with his right hoof. Shonden smiles and strokes the horse's neck. "Thought so. You keep an eye on me, I'll keep an eye on you, eh?" His boar spear goes into the leather looping at the side of the saddle, the acquired short sword Shonden affixes to the saddle horn so it's within reach. Work completed, Shonden leads Max by the reins and heads into the gathering area. "As soon as we have our information, I'm ready as well."
We're keeping the rations, right? Just in case the game in the south is elusive? Plus, what about the horses? May be good for a pack animal or two, or even scouting. Though I may be the only one in the group considering mounted combat...
Shonden examines the arrow fletchings, nodding agreement. "Agreed. Once we know their numbers and set up, we should go immediately." Over towards the loot pile, he lifts one of the short swords. If no one objects, he'll collect one as a backup weapon. Then he turns to Myrdul. "I'll be glad to teach you the bow, Myrdul. "
"I have plenty of rations, but I would be glad for some of the longbow arrows...perhaps a bundle of 10 or 20?" He asks quietly. He wasn't sure about the alchemist fire...would that mean the bandits would have one in their employ? The other objects...he would be glad for whatever was left. The village of Lankemshire had been generous to him. Shonden clasps his hands behind his back, eyeing the amulet out of curiousity...was it something of Erastil? on the amulet.. "As for the bandits' vengeance, we may he able to avoid retribution against you by doing as has been suggested and taking the fight to the enemy."
Shonden returns from the stable and sits down with the group. "If we know when this group is due back at the camp, perhaps disguising ourselves in their garb so we can get close? Joanna has already shown the effectiveness of her gifts from Erastil in disguise." He shrugs and considers that if there were 50 of these bandits, then being in the midst of them may not be the best idea in the world.
Shonden moves forward and smiles up at Myrdul. "I'll be glad to handle this work with you, Myrdul. Perhaps these animals will get along with Max." In answer to Myrdul's unasked question, Shonden clarifies. "Max is the horse I rode in on..." The paladin's smile broadens as he recalls the old saying his father used. In context of the share of any provisions, he glances over his shoulder and offers his response. "Anything you deem is my share I'll be giving to Master Oleg and his wife." He looked about the place and considered what it took to hold it together and pay the bandits once a month. His gaze settled on the remaining bandit, the young man who seemed willing to turn over his life to a better path. "I'm sure they can use the additional coin along with the service of this young man." He makes for the stable, watching with admiration as the big warrior seems to be getting through to the animals. . Before he enters, a thought occurs to him which causes him to turn again. He is beginning to enjoy being on the offense against evil. Especially after serving on the caravans to Brunderton...always on the defense...sometimes never knowing when the attach would come. "I'm in agreement regarding the next move against these bandits. We need to hit them now if possible. How many are we dealing with in that forward camp to the south?"
The other side of the coin is finding out what's available out here in the sticks. With no major city in the area, we're kind of at the mercy of our surroundings. With that in mind, I see the group-think idea is a great one. Work with what we have within the confines of a planned structure.
Something turned over in Shonden's stomach as he watched Myrdul carry off the two bandits. A cloud settled in the pit of his guts, turning and thundering. Do I question the gift Erastil has given me? Dare I not trust his wisdom in showing me the evil lurking in their souls? There was a meaty thump as Myrdul smashed their heads together when they wouldn't cooperate. Another turn inside Shonden's middle. If I doubt the accuracy of my god's judgment by standing for some kind of irrational mercy in those two's cases, I'd be going against the very wisdom I prayed to Erastil for only moments ago. Shonden rubbed forefinger and thumb into the corners of his blue eyes, squeezing them shut for a moment as he whispered another prayer. Erastil, I beg you, give me strength and comfort and fortitude to follow your will! The young paladin took a deep breath and turned to the remaining bandit to see his response to their questions.
He prayed to his god, begging Erastil for the wisdom to judge fairly. That chill came over him like a cold wind through the trees. Shonden pointed to the youngest one...by the gaze Old Deadeye he was only a couple of years his junior! "This one, his words ring true...the others, they have given themselves over to their darker natures. Our charter calls for the death of unrepentant criminals...Erastil help me but these three qualify." Shonden looked into the eyes of the young, frightened bandit. "She's right, you know. A better fate than death. Your life hinges upon the honesty of your words. Tell us all that you know of the group you serve..." he paused, face growing grimmer. "...that you served; where they call home, their numbers, everything...and you may escape the hangman's noose. There's a special place in hell for those who traffic in lies and mystery. Don't force us to speed you to that destination because you lied."
Shonden nodded to Kalima. She might be right. Who better than the victims to decide their fate? He saw the still form of the leader. Did that make Shonden and the others the executioners? In answer to Myrdul's question, "Yes, Myrdul. Erastil has given me some measure of insight."
"Mistress Svetlana said that guardsmen were promised to this location. If they are coming, these men can be turned over to them for trial..." Shomden finished with the first thug and moved to the next, then looked to the others. "I'm not qualified to pronounce judgement...to deem guilt...I can sense evil upon them if I focus upon Erastil...but I've not been trained as a barrister or a cleric.. I couldn't judge where their hearts could go...have any of you been trained?"
Shonden glanced at the fallen man then returned to his knotting. "A shot thru the lung, one thru the heart...he has died for his misdeeds... One cannot prey upon the helpless for long and not expect judgment."
He readied his next shot, arrow aimed for the chest of the next man...but he couldn't loose. These men are helpless, how would I bring glory to Erastil by shooting them in such a state? But Erastil heard his question. Shonden's sister in the faith provided the obvious solution. In response, he threw his bow over his shoulder and leaped forward to assist Joanna in tying up the remaining bandits. "Myrdul watch them closely...if they awaken from their sleep before they are tied up, I want you to threaten them to hold still or you will smash them with Krasa. We need information from them about their home south of here." He cast a quick glance to Derakor and Kalima. "If you two can do the same...make sure they don't try to continue the fight if they awaken..."
At 16 - Shonden, boar spear slung over his shoulder, moves out of the barn to K9 and line up a shot on the leader...
are we into normal initiative yet? is the surprise round over?
Never fume it that way but we can give ita whirl!
Shonden knocks an arrow, sighting in on the man who'd spoken to Joanna/Svetlana. Ready to loose once Kalima's spell struck.
Shonden's Shot at the leader on his turn in the surprise round
crud
She does remind me of my mother, inventive and fearless., but pragmatic. "Not ridiculous at all. A good thought, but that might mean losing the advantage of your bow in the fight. But the disguise could be useful..."
"They can hide in the stables while I hold the doorway? I can fire into the midst of the melee and avoid hitting any of you."
Yeah, exactly! At first what I thought was naive enthusiasm, turn out to be psychotic avarice! Who knew?
Shonden sighed and shook his head. Criminals coming from the south. Just where they were going if they followed the directions of the Charter. "I'm of the mind to draw them inside. Maybe even have Myrdul drop in behind them and close the gates to the place to prevent their escape. Have Kalima attach first, then a volley from Joanna, Derakor and myself, then close in on them for hand to hand combat..." he gestured in the direction where the couple had departed. "We keep them hidden. If silence is all that welcomes these bandits, they may be more likely to come inside. We can use the structures at the rear of the outpost, the strongpoints on the wall, I'd even be willing to make ready in the stables across from the center of the outpost. I can shoot well at distance, or accurately up close if needed." He looked around to the rest of the group. Erastil had some method to drawing them together at this place and time. "It is not coincidence that we all arrived today, just in time for the bandits to make their annual collection. We are the trap and snare for these thieving jackals. Old Deadeye is surely behind our timeliness."
I wouldn't mind uploading my own avatar too. The more I look at the one I've chosen the more I think he looks like a maniac.
"Yes, a big danger." Shonden responded. His father's words came to mind. "Trust is something earned, not spoken. If they do offer surrender and they do speak repentence, I'm not sure how much those words can be trusted from them."
"Ever done something you regretted, Myrdul? When you regret it and want to make it right, it means repentent. You use the 'un' when that's not the case, when you're not sorry and you'll never change." He looked at Myrdul, figuring it was important he got it right this time...in the slight chance these criminals really were sorry. Shonden needed to focus. Making a simple mistake like getting the word wrong just becuase he was too distracted. This early in his adventure and he was already making a lot of mistakes. "Sorry Myrdul, I made a mistake. Repentant means sorry, unrepentant means not sorry."
"Unrepentent, it means feeling sorry for what you've done, but also making the efforts to change the direction of your life from wrong to right." Shonden looked down at his own hands, blue eyes going distant with memory, wondering if he could tell the difference between those who had the capacity to be truly repentent. Out on the road between his village and Brunderton...the bandits he and his father had encountered...human, boggards... As much as Shonden wanted to have an open heart about the natures of bandits, as he'd said to Derakor, he didn't hold out too much hope that they would prove to be repentent...or even just sorry.
For the first time since they're meeting, Shonden's eyes darkened. "I've dealt with bandits who've preyed upon my own home, Derakor. While I share your hope that some may be reasoned with, it is a slim hope. In my experience, there are hard times to which people are driven to desperate acts, and there are those who search for hard times because they desire to express the evil in their hearts." Shonden remembered the Claw Brothers back home...how they'd taken children for what they had called collateral. His parents had been part of the group who'd gone to reclaim them...they had told him many years later why there had been so many tears in the village upon their return. Shonden ground his teeth but acknowledged Derakor's point. "Let us see what is their history and numbers and behavior...but I will not hold my breathe for folks who prey upon innocents on a schedule."
Shonden nodded, contemplating. A magic user...archers at the corners...Myrdul strikes at their heart...then we collapse upon them.... "A good plan, Mydrul. Your attack would throw them off balance. Joanna also has the right of it. Master Oleg, we'll need you to identify their leader for us. We can have Mistresses Kalima and Joanna on one platform, one to cover the other. Derakor and I can use corners forcover, take them by surprise..." He paused and looked concerned. " But we'll need a way to draw the bandits into our trap...get them inside the walls so Kalima's magics can do their work." "We draw them, hit them with magic, then a volley. Myrdul attacks them as a falcon from on high, then we close in with spears..." He looked about the gathering and waited for other ideas.
Shonden chastised himself for not having thought the matter through more carefully. He'd just given his pledge to two perfect strangers without even asking more about what was going on! What a fool! He nodded thanks towards Derakor and then frowned at his own ignorance. The young paladin leaned in closer for was eager to hear the proprietors' responses to Derakor's questions. In fact, Shonden studied Oleg a bit more closely, coming to a conclusion that he'd have to be more careful in the future.
Something tugged at to Shonden's mind, something in the way the man on the roof had looked at him in response to the greeting. A jaded feeling in the man's bearing akin to Shonden's father on occassion.
Kalima's words stirred in Shonden's mind. He looked to the others. "Part of the Charter explains we are to deal with bandits and other criminals. I would say those who passed through here prior to this day were doing a disservice to their sworn oaths." Shonden looked to the proprietors, solemness in his tone. "I pledge my bow and spear to the defense your lives and this outpost. This I swear before the stern and mighty gaze of Old Deadeye."
Ahh, the gauntlet has been set. I'll have to dig through and find something cool for my pc too! But the pic is really cool.
I've tried drawing my pcs in the past, but stick figures just never do them justice!
Shonden smiled broadly and reached over to pat the mountain of muscle on the shoulder. There was something about the warrior that reminded him of the stories mother would tell of the homelands of her Ulfen heritage. "Yes, Myrdul, we should help. But let's hear more about they're situation. This way we know how best to help." "You say you're expecting guards, what kind of trouble have experienced?"
Diplomacy Check -
Shonden smiled in the direction of the man with the hammer, offering a wave of greeting.
Shonden smiled in appreciation of Joanna's boldness with her faith. He tapped his symbol and bowed. "Good fortune and abundance shine on our endeavor." In a way, Joanna reminded him of his mother so mamy years before; so strong and confident in her faith that it carried her in all things. Shonden would be pleased to travel at the side of this woman. For the others, the young paladin felt a thrill of adventure and providence to find such diversity of character.
Okay, for the paladin, Shonden is a hunter by nature, so he likes to view things from afar, get the 50,000 foot view sort of speak so he can make a reasonable assessment of how to approach a given situation. Now he's not so wise, so not all of his observations are on the mark. For instance, his first instinct upon approaching Olegs was to make sure he unstrung his bow as to not appear threatening. Was that wise in meeting strangers? Shonden enjoys conversing versus conflict, so I upped his Diplomacy so he can leverage his likeable personality and good looks. Should that not work, then he can adapt. Same in combat. He'll favor the longbow in homage to his deity, but as the distances close with the enemy, he'll switch to the boar spear then to the pick. He will favor the bow for long distance (Far Shot), and can feel confident firing into the mix (Precise Shot) and then can hold the line in close range firing (Point Blank Shot). As he advances, he'll look to ramp up the archery with Focused Shot, Weapon Focus and Rapid Shot. In addition, he'll look towards inproving his Diplomacy for social occassions and Riding skills/feats to possibly divert into mounted combat. The rest I think will develop as we play the game.
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