"Greetings good sir! And, Svetlana is it? I am Eadric Cuthwulf and these are my comrades. Durn, Vanion, Ellaria, Obi and Bellis," gesturing to each in turn as he makes the introductions.
"While it is true that we have traveled here from Brevoy, I'm afraid that indeed, we are not your promised guards. That is not to say that we aren't capable of providing you with some measure of safety. As Durn has pointed out already, we have been commissioned with exploring the area and ridding it of banditry. In fact I have a pressing issue in this regards."
Eadric removes the locket, taken from the murdered man and women, from around his neck and shows it to Svetlana.
"Do you know who these people might be?"
Durn nods his head, and then shakes it slightly with a smile when he notices Eadric leaving out Lupus in his list.
Bellis leaves Eadric and Durn talking to Svetlana and wanders over to the older man working on the supports. "Greetings in the name of Erastil my friend!" she climbs up on top of the roofed pen as well.
"Seems like a lot of work to be done here? You look tired, here" Bellis lays her hand on the mans leg, removing the weariness and aching of the day, fully rejeuvenating the man in an instant. "If I may ask, why do you need soldiers? I would have thought there would already be some at an outpost"
Wearied, Ellaria breathes with relief when the group first sets eyes upon Oleg's trading post. The last few hundred meters are the most hard but also the best while Ellaria thinks of the cozy bed, hot water and warm dinner she and her friends will receive in the post. The last few days were difficult for her, as she was absolutely unaccustomed to living outside in the wild for so long. Eadric's wounds and the growing dissension between him and Lupus weren't simple for her to accept, and she kept thinking about what would become of them, especially during another close fight such as they just had.
During the initial talks between Oleg, Svetlana and the other group members, she wanders around in the small courtyard, looking for anything interesting or unusual and keeping her ear open to the conversation.
"Greetings good sir! And, Svetlana is it? I am Eadric Cuthwulf and these are my comrades. Durn, Vanion, Ellaria, Obi and Bellis," gesturing to each in turn as he makes the introductions.
"While it is true that we have traveled here from Brevoy, I'm afraid that indeed, we are not your promised guards. That is not to say that we aren't capable of providing you with some measure of safety. As Durn has pointed out already, we have been commissioned with exploring the area and ridding it of banditry. In fact I have a pressing issue in this regards."
Eadric removes the locket, taken from the murdered man and women, from around his neck and shows it to Svetlana.
"Do you know who these people might be?"
Svetlana: "Oh Oleg, these aren't the men Restov promised us, what are we going to do?" A slight tear begins in Svetlana's eye before she steadies herseld and continues, "Well I guess the gods will what the gods will. Sniff, well let me have a look at this locket. On no, that is Danis, his wife Jules, and their daughter Imiria..are they...dead? I knew the bandits would get them. They are a plague in this area, you must help us!"
Oleg yells over from the pen: "Enough women, you bring our troubles to travellers and guests. Think no more on our problems, Svetlana can prepare a warm meal and we have meager yet dry accomodations for you if yo are so inclined?"
Svetlana: "Yes dear, you are right, they walk in the door and they are immediately accosted with our problems. Please come over and sit down at the tables and let me know if you would like something to drink, maybe an ale?" She shows you over to the tables and goes off to get a few things before you can ask her any questions.
Bellis leaves Eadric and Durn talking to Svetlana and wanders over to the older man working on the supports. "Greetings in the name of Erastil my friend!" she climbs up on top of the roofed pen as well.
"Seems like a lot of work to be done here? You look tired, here" Bellis lays her hand on the mans leg, removing the weariness and aching of the day, fully rejeuvenating the man in an instant. "If I may ask, why do you need soldiers? I would have thought there would already be some at an outpost"
1d20+7
"Thank you for Erastil's blessing, we have too little of that around these parts." He looks less weary, at least physically. "This is actually a trading post, not a military outpost little one. Brevoy hasn't had much use for us, at least until the supposed promise of guards in the last communication. We came here a couple of years ago with a charter to start up this trading post where an old military outpost used to be. No one bothers us much, just the way I like it."
You can tell that he isn't telling you te whole story about no one bothering him pretty easily.
Lupus ignores the intoductions altogether instead choosing to wander the perimeter of the fort examining the worthiness of the defenses. Healso examines the gates to see if they would hold in an attack.
The name of the little girl resounds within Eadric's mind. "Imiria... Imiria... Imiria!"
Eadric puts on a stoic expression, "Yes Svetlana, I'm sorry to report that goodman Danis and his wife fell victim to bandits upon the road a few days ago. We found no sign of the girl. Do you think that she was travelling with them? What were they doing upon the road? Do they live nearby? Do they have family nearby that we can notify? Do you have any idea where the bandit's camp is?"
The flood of questions pours from Eadric's mouth. He pauses for a moment before concluding, "I need to find out if these vile men have taken Imiria, and if so, I must punish them for this and all the evil that they have wrought upon the world! By this I swear!"
Svetlana's pleas rekindle a fiery rage within Vanion which threatens his composure. He turns to Oleg, and fiercely interjects, "These bandits are not your problem alone anymore. We were commissioned to clean up all the bandits plaguing the Greenbelt- and we plan on doing a thorough cleaning," he adds with an ominous smile.
Vanion then places a reassuring hand on Eadric's shoulder, while saying, "And as my friend Eadric here has pointed out, we already have our first quarry. So if you wouldn't mind telling us everything you know about the bandits in the area, we will begin to disperse the rabble."
Oleg: "Bah, I hear a bunch of vinager and piss coming out of your young mouths. The fact is the bandits own this area. Imagine a hillside cover with dates and those dates are thieves and killers, that is the Green Belt in this area. Unless you are willing to start a war with these pieces of pigshit, don't bother and just accept our hospitality. Now if you are willing to run the gauntlet, I will sit down with you for a fine meal, my wife is an exceptional cook as you will soon find out, and tell you our story."
Oleg tosses his hammer to the ground, gets down and stares at you intently.
After Lupus surveys the the perimeter of the fort he approaches Svetlana.
"Pardon my interuption Miss my name is Lupus Nequam I am also travelling wiht this group. I am wondering how you are able to remain unscathed out here in the wild with no guards and bandits roaming freely? I would think your little trading post would be a prime target how is it you remain unscathed by their actions?"
After Lupus surveys the the perimeter of the fort he approaches Svetlana.
"Pardon my interuption Miss my name is Lupus Nequam I am also travelling wiht this group. I am wondering how you are able to remain unscathed out here in the wild with no guards and bandits roaming freely? I would think your little trading post would be a prime target how is it you remain unscathed by their actions?"
Svetlana looks up at Lupus, her eyes tearing a little again before speaking, "If you think we are spared of their actions you are sadly mistaken, we came here to get away from the evils of men only to walk into some of the worst evils you can imagine. But I will speak no more of it until you answer Oleg. Only then will we tell you more of what happens in this forsaken land..."
You can't help but be touched a little by Svetlana's innocence, seemingly shattered by the events around her. Oleg on the other hand seems to you like a man on edge, like a man who might make the last mistake of his life, you have seen many such men in Restov, and they usually don't live much longer.
Looking at Svetlana sympathetically Lupus nods."I understand that you must face many challenges out here. I only meant that I am concerned knowing how these kind of men think that you must be in constant danger."
Turning to Oleg "Oleg I believe that is exactly what we intend to do is to cleanse this area of the vermin whether it be beast or man. However, these men are often notoriously difficult to bring to ground and we will need all the help we can get to accomplish this task. If you will guide us I am sure we will happily bring war down upon the rabble infesting this area." with that Lupus waits patiently for his response.
Ellaria keeps quiet while Lupus keeps bragging about them starting a war and cleansing the bandits around. It simply doesn't sound probable. More likely, they could kill or manipulate the leaders into fighting each other or some other trick of subterfuge. Waiting for Lupus to finish, she approaches Oleg and says, quietly:
"I'll be happy to enjoy your hospitality and hear your story, Oleg. I can't promise we'll solve your problems, but we will try to".
I could use a hot meal Oleg, so I guess I'll help rid you of these bandits as a fair trade.
Realizing that we may not be the first group of 'saviors' promising to eradicate the bandits, tame the Greenbelt and 'save the day' that Oleg and Svetlana have encountered, only to be disappointed, or worse, Eadric decides a change of tact might be appropriate.
"Yes. A meal sounds fantastic."
Eadric slips the locket over his head and tucks it inside his shirt before joining the others at a table.
Not that you could tell, also you have seen Lupus walking around the outpost while you were initially talking, appearing to be snooping around. He may have a better intel on any other people or travellors at the fort.
Not that you could tell, also you have seen Lupus walking around the outpost while you were initially talking, appearing to be snooping around. He may have a better intel on any other people or travellors at the fort.
Not that you could tell, also you have seen Lupus walking around the outpost while you were initially talking, appearing to be snooping around. He may have a better intel on any other people or travellors at the fort.
True between the two of you you should be able to make a pretty good evaluation of the outpost.
"Any food you could provide would be fantastic Oleg" chimes in Bellis with a short bow, she is exhausted, dirty and weary but still doesnt forget her manners. "Do you need any help at all preparing the meal Svetlanna?"
"Any food you could provide would be fantastic Oleg" chimes in Bellis with a short bow, she is exhausted, dirty and weary but still doesnt forget her manners. "Do you need any help at all preparing the meal Svetlanna?"
Svetlana: "Of course dear, I can always use help when it come to preparing a meal for a large group such as this. Come this way."
She leads you into a building in the back right of the outpost where fairly meager living quarters are located. A decent kitchen is there though and Svetlana sets about putting you to work, peeling potatoes, cleaning carrots and celery while she starts to cook up some beef."You folks look like you could use a hot meal, a nice vegetable and beef soup shall do you wonders. So what really has you out here, only a couple of you look like you could fit in this wilderness?"
To Oleg:All right Oleg we'll hear your story at dinner then, what else needs doing around here until then? I figure whatever they're making it'll take a couple of hours, and I can not sit about relaxing when there's work to be done.
Ellaria turns to Oleg, trying to restart the conversation with him. "So how old is this place? When have you come here? Why? Do a lot of travelers pass around here?". Seeing his face, she slows down and lets him respond.
Eadric seconds Durn's offer of lending a helpful hand wherever needed, while suggesting, "Do you need any firewood split or the like?"
Oleg: “No more time for talk, I have extra hands, now it is time to get some work done.”
Oleg puts Eadric to helping him fix the pen while he sets Durn, Obi, and Lupus to fixing one of the walkways that has some rotting boards. He is not sure what to do with Ellaria but lets Eadric know that perhaps she can help with the food for the evening.
As you work with Oleg, you figure out that he doesn’t talk much, likes to work hard and seems to appreciate the small things. Bellis comes out several times to bring water to the group except for the one time that Svetlana brings out some. It is obvious that his earlier outburst at her was something abnormal, he is obviously love-struck and the moment they share taking a break, it appears to be mutual. After some time you actually determine that Oleg isn’t as old as you first thought, just weathered by the climes and a hard life.
After about 4 hours of hard work as Svetlana starts to ready the dinner table he comes over to survey your work, “Men who can work hard do not often get repaid in kind. I appreciate your work today, you saved me a good 3 days work. Now lets get down to some grub.”
Svetlana in the Kitchen with Bellis and Ellaria: “Never mind Oleg, he is just a proud man and doesn’t want to be beholden to anyone. We will tell you our story over dinner. So Bellis you are a priestess of Erastil? We pay him a little homage, but there is so little time around here. We know he appreciates our hard work more than any prayers we can offer. she looks to Ellaria I was a lady in waiting before Oleg stole me away. She was just the wife of an important merchant, but she was not kind. Oleg loved me from the moment he saw me and after a time I began to return the big oafs affection. It was him who sold me on coming out here. I do hope you can really do what you are promising. The bandits have run off most of the decent folk with their murdering and worse.”
She continues talking to you through the afternoon, asking many questions about the both of you. She seems very talkative. Most likely she doesn’t see many women out here.
You settle in for a warm meal of delicious hearty beef-vegetable soup, cheese, fresh bread, and even some wine! All is good, with your weariness, probably some of the best you have ever tasted under the circumstances.
Oleg: “Well dear, you are the one for words and want to tell it so go ahead.” He relaxes and seems to settle in.
Svetlana begins, her musical voice drawing you into their story: “We came here almost two years ago with a charter to re-build this old fort into a trading post. It was a hard start, this had been abandoned for some time. The only business we really get are the few farmers that lived north of here, a few merchants traveling the South Rostland Road, the hunters, the trappers, and the local hermit, Bokken who we trade the occasional magical potion with. It is a small life, but one that we are good with. For the first 12 months, things were pretty routine. Sure the bandits didn’t make anyone’s life easy, but they weren’t murderous. I imagine some of them even came here to trade occasionally. Over time that seemed to change though. Where once you might get robbed, now they would as soon murder you. 3 months ago they came down on us. 14 of them. They threatened to burn down the trading post and abduct me for their own amusements back at their camp unless we handed over all of the furs and trade goods we had accumulated over the past month from hunters and trappers. Since then the bandits have returned 2 more times, each time within an hour of sunrise on the 10th day of the month. The bandits made sure we were ready each time, they seemed to be in a rush t get back to their camp. I can only guess that it might be about a day’s hard ride away from here.
The first time they came there were 12 common criminals, led by a woman carrying two hatchets. She did most of the talking and made sure we were clear with our instructions. She had a black humor and way about her and was sure to make it clear what would happen to me should we resist. Poor Oleg, I am sure you would have given your life that first day if it wasn’t for me. She didn’t seem a fool though and was definitely in charge of the group. On top of the goods they took she was sure to take my wedding ring as well as payment for not shortening Oleg’s reach. Accompanying her was another man, he seemed more of a Brut and probably would have had his way with me then and there if not for the women threatening his manhood.
When they came the second month, only the man came with 9 of the common scum. Then last month he came again with only 6 of his men. We expect them to come again on the 10th day of Gozran. I believe that they think us cowed, which I guess in truth we are. We were hoping that your arrival was the guards that we had been promised, but now I guess you are now our only hope. If they take our goods again, we will be ruined, we can’t continue to live like this in fear and with barely any food or stores to keep us going. Now that you know your odds do you still wish to help us?”
So we have a day to prepare? What say you Wardens?
Eadric feels reinvigorated by the manual labor, fine meal, pleasant company and the single, tantalizingly slowly savored, tankard of wine that he consumes with diner. After hearing the story of Oleg and Svetlana and upon hearing Durn's query, Eadric pounds the table with his fist as he responds in a confident tone, "I think it is time we taught these cowardly villains a lesson! They shall pay for their crimes, those known, and those unknown, this I pledge! What say you Oleg? Are you ready to set a trap for your unwelcome 'trading partners'?"
Eadric asks Oleg to describe in detail how the bandits usually go about their business when they arrive at the outpost. Do they enter the outpost? All of them? Do they typically dismount? Do they leave a lookout? Where do you conduct 'business' with them? What do they do with their ill gotten gains? etc etc.
While preparing the meal, Ellaria stands in the kitchen, unsure of what and how to cook or prepare food, as she never needed to prepare food or cook by herself. Her halfhearted attempts in trying only made her look for awkward, so she settles down on sitting on a stool and fetching things for Svetlana and Bellis.
During the meal, she enjoys the warm food while listening to Svetlana's story. Although she is much less passionate in dealing with the bandits and would prefer doing other, more interesting things, such as exploring, she accepts as a fact the necessity of doing so. After Durn's single question and Eadric's loud declaration, she says quietly: "I'm surely not an expert on tactics, but the way I see it we have two options. First of all, the situation will obviously end in a fight. Otherwise, they could simply come back with more of their friends, and what we can do with 6 bandits we cannot do with 20 or 30. Either we pull them in, then close them inside and attack mainly from above, or ambush them on their way in or out, which is the option I prefer. In any case, the ambush way seems better also because it isn't connected to Oleg directly, so it's less likely to cause retribution acts against them. They will also be laden with their loot from here, which will make them easy targets".
Oleg:"I am not much of a fighter, but I am not afraid to help set an ambush. You will need me to help set the trap, if I do't show my face, they may think something is wrong. In the past the thieving scum have dismounted and walked their horses into the fort. Once in, they usually come over and take all of the stores from the pen and load them on their horses. It is the building directly north of the entrance at I14 on the map on the shared google site
They should easy to ambush, and don't worry about me, I plan to hang their bodies from the fort walls as a warnig to all other bandits in the area that we are not an easy target!"
Svetlana:"Oleg, don't get any ideas about being a hero, let these people do their jobs, once the fighting starts I expect you to protect me, not get yourself killed by these evil men. I imagine you wll be more of a hurt than a help for these folks anyways, trying to keep you alive."
Eadric's youthful enthusiasm aside it's a pretty simple plan. Let them come in and think it's business as usual then we attack, preferably with their hands full of goods, this way they won't have any weapons in hand. We keep one alive if possible to learn where they came from, or I track them back to their home. Simple, like a rabbit snare.
"Youthful enthusiasm?! With all due respect, might I remind you Durn, that this isn't the first time I have seen combat action against bandits. I've seen "simple plans" in action before. They rarely unfold as hoped. Without proper planning, things can go all kinds of wrong in a heart beat. When the livelihood and lives of good people like Oleg and Svetlana hang in the balance, not to mention our own, I would rather make decisions with all available information and plan accordingly.
Now, with that being said, I agree with your and Ellaria's assessments for the most part. I think that we should lay in ambush within the outpost. Everything should appear as normal up until the moment we spring the trap. It is imperative that non of the bandits escape. We should also en devour to capture at least a couple of them alive. They will be invaluable in providing us with information regarding their activities in the area as well as the strength and location of their encampment. For these reasons I think it is too risky to confront them on open ground or when they are mounted.
What I had in mind is very similar to what you have proposed, but I think we need to think about the details. Oleg should greet the bandits as normal and begin the exchange of goods. We could move yonder wagon to block one of the two gates to ensure only one gate is used. When the bandits are pre-occupied with Oleg, Lupus and Obi should move from a place of hiding behind the sleeping quarters, to shut the other gate, blocking their escape. At the same moment Durn and Ellaria should attack from a hidden position nearest Oleg, say from within the barn. Bellis and Svetlana should remain out of sight within the house, until Durn and Ellaria launch their attack, when Bellis then can join in attacking the bandits. Vanion and I can hide behind the barn and join in as soon as the trap is sprung.
Ellaria and Obi, if you have any sorcery that will incapacitate the bandits without killing them, this would prove most helpful.
Durn, you should have your horse saddled and ready inside the barn, in case we need to chase down any bandits that manage to escape. You should make sure to use that mighty bow of yours to drop whoever seems to be the leader as quickly as possible. Seeing their leader out of the fight should weaken the rest of the cowards will to fight.
Lupus and Obi, it is important that the gate be closed before we reveal ourselves and stay that way until we have brought these brigands to their knees. We cannot afford to allow even a single bandit to escape. It is best if we keep our arrival a secret for as long as we can. Keep the element of surprise on our side.
Oleg, while I admire and understand your desire to met out punishment and show the world that you are no longer under the thumb of villainy, I think it is best if you do not risk your life this day. Any victory we might achieve would be for naught if you or Svetlana were to be killed. Your wife needs you. You should make for the house as soon as the fight starts, and ensure Svetlana's protection. And as for hanging the bandits upon the palisade for all to see? I would think that unwise. Without a permanent garrison to protect you, goading the bandits can only lead to additional troubles. I agree with Ellaria, we should attempt to remove all suspicion of your involvement in the disappearance of the bandits. At least for the time being anyways. We could release one of the pack animals the bandits bring to carry goods and attempt to make it look like they fell victim to some wild beast upon the road. The horse should find its way back to their encampment on its own, wouldn't you say Durn? Bellis?
Does this sound agreeable to everyone? Anything I have overlooked?"
Depends on the training of the horse... typically a horse will wander to where there is food, unless it's trained to return home.
The youthful enthusiasm comment goes to your flowery additions that aren't needed. Where I come from action speak more than words. If I had copper for every vow and pledge you've made on this trip I could buy a farm, and not a small one at that. Durn will clap Eadric on the shoulder with a smile to show him he is making light of the situation.
That aside your plan is sound, but why don't you use my horse, and this way you can put that lance you've been carting around to good use. This way we don't have to break and spend the time getting mounted to chase any that manage to run.
Ellaria and Obi, if you have any sorcery that will incapacitate the bandits without killing them, this would prove most helpful.
*SNIP*
Lupus and Obi, it is important that the gate be closed before we reveal ourselves and stay that way until we have brought these brigands to their knees. We cannot afford to allow even a single bandit to escape. It is best if we keep our arrival a secret for as long as we can. Keep the element of surprise on our side.
"I do have a spell that can knock people out, but..." He trails off, about to say he would have to get close to the bandits, when he thinks of the necklace Eadric is wearing, and the little girl that may still breathe. A child captured, her parents dead.. his hand slips under his scarf, tightly wrapped despite the fact he is inside, to rub at his neck. His eyes start to burn grimly, something that seems out-of-place on the normally shy halfling.
"To save the young one.. I'll do whatever is needed.
Vanion listens intently as the other's discuss the plan for dealing with the bandits, trying to learn anything he can. When Eadric poses his question, Vanion considers for a moment, and then speaks up, "Most of what you have said sounds good. I'd just make a few suggestions to add on to what you have said.
"First: Oleg, can you have your people securely bar the doors to the rest of the buildings when they are hiding? It wouldn't do if some bandit got the bright idea of leaving our killing zone, entering a building, causing more damage inside, and putting innocents at risk, now would it?
"Second: I think that I should take Lupus's place in closing the door. He'll probably be much better off hiding somewhere trying to set up his own surprise attack. On the other hand, I have a really good voice, so when we get the gate closed, I can yell out so everyone knows when to attack simultaneously.
"With this, I think the bandits will be dealt with like lambs led to a slaughter," Vanion finishes with a wicked grin.
In the kitchen with Svetlana
So Bellis you are a priestess of Erastil? We pay him a little homage, but there is so little time around here. We know he appreciates our hard work more than any prayers we can offer.
"Indeed he does. Hard work and practicality make better homage than prayers and abstract philosophy ever did! Why, even back in my own community it was always these that did the praying" she says holding up her rough worked hands "...but I always made sure to recite the dawn's break blessing as the sun rose. Even ol'deadeye has a little bit of ego" she says with a wink.
At the dinner table
Bellis devours her soup hungrily, delighting in the heat steaming off the soup and the soft bread melting in her mouth. Thanking Erastil in between mouthfuls she makes sure to finish every drop and crumb.
Once finished she kicks back on her chair and listens intently to everything everyone has to say. Svetlana's story fills her with concern and anger at the way her and Oleg have been treated but she also begins to wonder why the bandits suddenly changed into murderous thieving thugs and whether this woman was the reason.
Pondering this whilst the others discuss plans of ambush and retalliation, she snaps too as Eadric starts to get all fired up. Not again she thinks, catching Svetlana's eye she smiles and rolls her eyes. She lets Eadric finish his rant and listens to the others before responding, smiling at Obi's growing confidence.
"Ever the soldier eh Eadric? she says with a smile "I have a few points though, first, while I know guarding Svetlana is important, why pick me?? I want to smite some bandits too! you'll have finshed them all off by the time i get there!" Laughing she continues, "secondly, I say let the b*stards hang..." her smile is gone only to be replaced by a stern frown and a solemn dark expression. "These vile thugs have terrorised the landscape long enough. Murder, violence, theft, why, you two are practically slaves to these villians! she says her voice rising. "Need I remind you all that penalty for bandit activity is "execution by sword or rope". We should let them all hang and as for a permenant garrisson, is that not us? We may not be soldiers or under orders but we are still here to cleanse this bandit menace as per our charter"
She lets this last comment hang in the air...a solemn reminder to the groups duty.
Eadric looks silently at Durn for a moment, before breaking into a hearty laugh.
"I do tend to run long in the mouth don't I? And, aye, it would be a large farm indeed!"
Eadric returns Durn's slap on the back in kind.
"Now where were we? Ah yes. I was always under the impression that a horse would return to its' home eventually. Stopping for a quick bite to eat along the way not withstanding. Anyhow, we can address that bit after we dispatch with the riff raff tomorrow. As to your generous offer of the use of your horse, I feel it might be a tad cramped within the fort for it to be effective. What? With the 8 of us, along with the bandits, their mounts and the pack animals they are likely to have with them, I am thinking a mounted charge might be tough to pull off. Never the less maybe we can consider switching places, but I would think you would be best at controlling your mount."
Turning to face Obi before speaking, "That is precisely what we need. You do your best to take a few of them out if you have the chance."
Noticing the slight waver in Obi's voice, Eadric attempts to instill confidence in the young sorcerer, "If you were ready to stop an angry and out of control paladin, a couple of lowly brigands should cause you no pause! I have the utmost confidence in you Obi! And just remember to keep Lupus between you and the pointy sticks of the bandits!" Eadric adds a smile and a wink at the end.
With that Eadric addresses Vanions suggestions. "Excellent suggestion Vanion. Barring the doors is a good idea. However, I think that 'we' are Oleg's people at the moment!"
Eadric rubs his chin thoughtfully before continuing, "And yes, perhaps you and Lupus could switch positions. Your shout could indeed signal the start of the attack. Perhaps Lupus would be better suited using his bow from the above catwalk, assuming he can stay hidden easily. He will also be able to use his position on high to signal te bandits approach."
"Yes. Excellent. We make a great team don't we? Any other suggestions?"
Oleg:"We can figure out what to do with any of them that survive when we get to it I guess. We are willing to go along with whatever you decide, but I agree, getting them all inside may be better...now that I think on it I think Svetlana may have missed something. She normally is not around when they come, just in case the other man gets som ideas. One them them actually does stay with most of the horses just outside of the gate. They dismount there and bring in one pack horse and load up the goods on that one animal and then leave. Sorry about that. Hopefully they will do the same this month."
Turning to face Obi before speaking, "That is precisely what we need. You do your best to take a few of them out if you have the chance."
Noticing the slight waver in Obi's voice, Eadric attempts to instill confidence in the young sorcerer, "If you were ready to stop an angry and out of control paladin, a couple of lowly brigands should cause you no pause! I have the utmost confidence in you Obi! And just remember to keep Lupus between you and the pointy sticks of the bandits!" Eadric adds a smile and a wink at the end.
"Anyone between me and 'the pointy sticks' could be knocked out too. And you weren't so out of control you couldn't stop yourself and go sit outside to calm down.
"I won't say I'm not afraid, but Imiria has been captured, and her parents are dead. I know that story well enough to guess how it might end, with shackles around her wrists in some market most vile."
The stables would be able to hold such a charge, and the horse is not yet battle trained. I just haven't had the time, so she'll respond to you. Either way it is of no concern to me.
Upon hearing Bellis' protestations Eadric responds, "If you feel slighted my good cleric, I apologize. And if you feel that strongly about wanting to spill blood, then you and I can switch positions if you wish," he adds with a grin.
"I have a feeling that this trap we spring is only the start of bloodshed. Not the end. We will be whipping up a hornets nest of trouble when these bandits fail to return home. There will be plenty of opportunity to spill bandit blood in the future!"
"You do not have to remind me of our sworn duties Bellis. I intend to put every bandit I can lay my hands upon to the sword! However, unless we plan on staying within the confines of this outpost for the foreseeable future, putting Oleg at the top of the bandits hit list seems like a poor strategy. We are to explore the area as well. Who will protect them when we aren't here?"
"I think that we should keep the element of surprise for the moment. Keep them guessing and unsure. Calling their wrath down upon this outpost accomplishes nothing positive I can see."
Oleg:"We can figure out what to do with any of them that survive when we get to it I guess. We are willing to go along with whatever you decide, but I agree, getting them all inside may be better...now that I think on it I think Svetlana may have missed something. She normally is not around when they come, just in case the other man gets som ideas. One them them actually does stay with most of the horses just outside of the gate. They dismount there and bring in one pack horse and load up the goods on that one animal and then leave. Sorry about that. Hopefully they will do the same this month."
"Well then, I guess we have a job for Lupus. Do you think you can handle the lone lookout left outside the gates Lupus? They cannot escape or we will lose all advantage!"
"Anyone between me and 'the pointy sticks' could be knocked out too. And you weren't so out of control you couldn't stop yourself and go sit outside to calm down.
"I won't say I'm not afraid, but Imiria has been captured, and her parents are dead. I know that story well enough to guess how it might end, with shackles around her wrists in some market most vile."
"Well Vanion? Can you handle closing and protecting the gate while managing to keep out of Obi's way?" he adds with a smile and a wink to both Obi and Vanion.
"And Obi. Do not underestimate the influence your actions had in diffusing that unfortunate incident in the tavern. I know it takes great strength of character to stand by ones convictions in the face of personal threat to ones safety. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for."
The stables would be able to hold such a charge, and the horse is not yet battle trained. I just haven't had the time, so she'll respond to you. Either way it is of no concern to me.
"It would appear that I am to switch places with Bellis... so..."
"And just in case Lupus fails to take out the sentry outside the gates, your prowess with the bow and your obvious skill in the saddle trumps my lance for a quick end to the ensuing chase."
Oleg: "Of course you could just station at least one archer on the wall to shoot both at the man outside the gate to support your man outside and then switch to any within. I wouldn't underestimate these men. They are a tough looking lot so don't pull any punches with them or leave anything to chance. Of course they are pretty confident so I wouldn't expect them to try and flee until some of their number has fallen."
"I am loathe to leave anyone alone outside the gate, even Lupus," Eadric comments with a mischievous grin!
"It would be a terrible blow to our chances if he were to be spotted prior to the bandits entering the fort. Given the advantage of surprise I would hope to gain, Lupus could fire upon the sentry from within the fort, from his position upon the battlement. Once he has dispatched with the sentry he could then turn his attentions to helping us within. Even if he fails at first, he should have ample time and opportunity to get a few more arrows in the air before the bandit mounts and flees out of range. With Durn ready to run the cur down should the bandit make good his escape from Lupus' aim, I'm confident that we don't need to split our forces."
Eadric looks to the others for confirmation of his thoughts.
Upon considering Oleg's suggestion further, Eadric offers, "Perhaps it would be wise for Obi to be ready to use his magic to disable the sentry as well, just in case?"