Davor makes a short trip to the temple of Gorum, to recieve a holy symbol and a blessing before returning to the inn he has paid for already and goes through the motions of lifting up the furnature to train for tomorrow.
The next day he makes sure to arrive early, wearing his armour and having his symbol hang outside his armour for all to see. He has his sword out and hefted on his shoulder as this 6' 4" half-orc doesn't appear to realize he's looking more intimidating that he's meant to be. He gives a nod to all those who arrive, waiting to leave and enter the Stolen Lands.
Ragnor looks over the fort as the group approaches. Our home away from home at least for the next little while.
"Do you think they'll have feather beds?" Agnatha laughs. "I knew when I started out on this little expedition that we'd be camping under the stars a bit, but I guess I never quite figured what that would do to my back after a few days." As Agnatha talks, Sonja, the little bird, flitters to the old wooden fort and back, excitedly chittering small details about the fort to Agnatha.
Feathered or not a bed sounds wonderful to my aching backside as well. Seeing the little thrush fly to the fort and back his curiosity gets the better of of him. Does Sonja have anything important to convey Agnatha?
Feathered or not a bed sounds wonderful to my aching backside as well. Seeing the little thrush fly to the fort and back his curiosity gets the better of of him. Does Sonja have anything important to convey Agnatha?
"Unless it involves the words 'hot' and 'mulled' I do not consider it important. Why do they make the mornings so cold the country anyway?"
"Well, you are in luck Caelius. Apparently there is a delightful breakfast prepared for us. Complete with mulled wine and cider. Oh wait. I misunderstood. Sonja has just found a lovely supply of termites. I don't suppose that will do, will it?"
"Well, the place appears formidable enough for rooting out bandits.. despite the naturally uneven nature when using palisades... and it appears that the building's third post... from the left... leaning a little.. maybe only five to ten degrees... Ah, yes termites could explain some of the disrepair." He acknowledges
"Some warm food, warm drink, and a warm bed would be most welcome. After we eat.. or during.. I guess either works... we can discuss our planned pattern of searching the expanse that we have been comissioned to explore." His eyes light up with the idea of creating a formula.
Davor makes sure to take point, heading straight over to the fort as he trudges through the soil, however he keeps his one good eye focused on the surrounding area as he makes his way ahead, hoping not to be caught off guard.
Perception
He draws his sword as he moves not knowing what the man said and preparing himself for a possible trap.
Ragnor laughs heartily slapping Caelius on the back. How does mulled termites sound Caelius.
"Friend Devor, no need to show these folks steel. We'll be staying for a bit so we want to make a nice peaceful impression. That said caution is rarely unwise. So how about you let me take point. You flank me and I'll cover your bad side in case things go sour."
@Ragnor. "I've eaten worse. Dry them in the sun they are not half bad. You have to be pretty hungry though."
Ragnor is surprised by Caelius's direct answer and it shows in his voice. Can't see you eating termites sounds like theirs one hell of a story there I would love to hear it when we have the time. Ragnor falls back so that he is following behind Davor confident in his ability to cover both Davor and Caelius if anything should happen.
Tarith follows along behind Caelius and Davor.
Never had meself a termite before, though I imagine they would be nutritious in a pinch. Not so sure I'd like the crunch of 'em though.
"Well gentlemen we, armed for battle and walking in formation, must present a most appearance face. I was under the impression that these," Agnatha gestures to the fort, "are the good guys."
Holbrecht, looking rather pointedly at the three humans in the group, suggests, "Maybe someone should speak up and introduce us, it might break the tension... maybe not Davor, though... just don't want to send a bad first impression... nothing against him personal like.... folks just may not get him."
"HAIL THE FORT. We are travelers from Rrestov seeking shelter. May we enter?"
Caelius and presumably Davor will head towards the open gate.
Davor stands at ease by resting the blade up on his shoulders, still ready to draw if things do go sour.
"Who was this man talking to? For all we know he is allied with the bandits and there's a trap waiting right in there." he looks to Caelius and then to the gate, approching when it opens as he is warey of these people here and wishes to remain suspecious until he's seen proof otherwise.
A 10' high wall surrounds several buildings as you enter the trading post, a 20' watchtower stands at each corner of the pallisade. Atop each watchtower sits a warped and rotted catapult.
Immediately in front of you is an empty, roofed pen surrounded by a wooden fence. Behind that enclosure you notice three deep pits dug into the ground, with the smell of compost wafting up from within.
To the left what could only be a stable stands with one it's doors ajar.
To the right stands a non-descript wooden building, several faded handbills, nailed to the wall, flap lazily in the breeze.
Between this building and what you assume is the main house a pair of wooden tables and benches flank an open fire pit.
A single story wooden building stands in the northeast corner of the compound. A wooden ladder leans against the side of this building reaching up to the roof's eave.
A man stands, warily in front of this building, his arms crossed, one hand still holding a small hammer. As you take in your surroundings the man clears his throat and in a loud voice says "Welcome, strangers. My name is Oleg Leveton, what can I do for you?"
Davor remains looking over with his sword out, but still relaxed on the shoulders. He looks to whoever may have the order with them to present to Oleg.
"We're here to sort out your bandit problem." Davor says bluntly with a grin, waiting for the one with the charter to show Oleg proof and that they were sent by the sword lords.
Ragnor steps forward and offers his hand to the man Its good to meet you Oleg I am Ragnor we are here on orders from Restov to explore the wilds south of your trading post and as Davor has said bring to justice the bandits that have been raiding this area. I am not certain if we were expected or not but we have a charter from the Sword Lords that you can examine if you feel its necessary to validate our claim. Ragnor looks to Tarith I believe you were entrusted with the charter Tarith. looks back to Oleg Lodging and a meal would be welcome Oleg do you have room enough for all of us.
Oh, yes, of course. Tarith steps forward with the charter and hands it to Oleg. While Oleg looks over the charter, Tarith walks over to the handbills, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Are you aware that your catapults are in a sad state?" Holbrecht asks, his attention caught by a machine that needs fixing. "I'm sure it wouldn't take much to get them back in decent working order.... such simple machies they are.... but so effective... just one of many marvels whose necessity in war saw them designed... maybe discovered only for the need to kill and destroy." He muses, contemplating the impetus for such an invention.
He then has a revelation, that he decides to share "Wouldn't ballistae be far more suited to the defense of a small outpost at the edge of the wilds? I'm sure the precision, ease of use, and finding appropriate shot from the forest would make thenm logistically more viable as well."
As an afterthought he mentions, "Uh, Hello, my name is Holbrecht, by the way."
"Oh Holbrecht, I don't think the man is much concerned with catapults, or other siege machinery. Perhaps, Mr. Oleg, you could enlighten us as to your troubles. I suspect my friend Davor is particularly eager to help."
Diplomacy:
"Welcome, strangers. My name is Oleg Leveton, what can I do for you?"
Right now friend Oleg, I can use a warm bed, a hearty meal, and some hot water to wash the road dust off. After that there will be time enough to speak of troubles.
Caelius approaches Oleg offering his hand in friendship. It is only the deeply paranoid who will notice that the hand Caelius offers will force Oleg to shift the warhammer to his off hand.
As you begin to explain, the expression on Oleg’s face begins to change from suspicious, to weary resignation, to finally something akin to hope when you begin to mention helping out with the bandits. As Oleg switches the ball-peen to take the outstretched hands and begins to explain the situation a young woman pokes her head out from the doorway of the main house much to Oleg’s consternation.
Oleg shakes his head fondly and turns to Ragnor ”As I was sayin’, we’ve been expecting you. A local trapper told us that you were comin’. I had hoped that you were the guard troop the Swordlord’s had promised to send, but you didn’t look like no soldiers, so one can’t be too careful ‘round these parts.”
Ragnor sees the young woman poking her head out and looks back to Oleg. It is perfectly understandable Oleg You have people relying on your protection. Have the bandits been giving you trouble or are the troops coming to secure the roads?
Davor notices the woman and assuming that is who he called down to he sheaths the blade, relaxing as he listens in on the conversation.
"Soldiers would make a large target, whilst we are a smaller and harder to spot in the distance." he pauses for a moment looking over to the woman and raising a suspecious eyebrow. "And you are?"
Tarith reads the handbills to see if they are of any importance before walking back over to continue the conversation.
Several of the bills are faded beyond recognition but some of the more legible ones look interesting.
At Davor's increased scrutiny Oleg protectively wraps an arm around the young woman shoulder's. " Ya see, about six months back, the Swordlord's gave me and my wife, Svetlana, here a charter similar to yours. 'cepting we were to rebuild this here old fort and do with it what we see fit. We started this trading post, buying furs and other things off the hunters and trappers on commission. We'd store them in the pen until there was enough to make sending them to the city worthwhile and the folks hereabouts wouldn't have to waste time travelling to sell them when they could be out hunting some more.
Then three months ago a dozen armed bandits showed up and threatened to burn the place down with us still inside if'n we didn't give them all the furs we'd stored up. Once they were inside, their leader, a mean looking woman named Castle, or Kressle or Something like that..."
"It was Kressle. I'll never forget that name as long as I live." Svetlana adds, fearfully.
Oleg hugs his wife closer to him as he continues " Yeah, Kressle. Anyway she and this rough looking fellow, Happs, told us that if we didn't give them everything we stored up when they came she would take 'Lana and give her to her men for their amusement. With that dead , cold look in her eyes I believed her. Then she pulled one of the wicked looking hatchets from her belt and nearly lopped off my hand with it. Thankfully I pulled my hand back just in time."
At this point Oleg seems to get a choked up,as Svetlana places a hand on his shoulder "That b+@## pulled Svetlana's wedding ring off of her finger and tossed it to one of her men "in payment for not cutting off my hand" she said."
" For the past two months they've shown up a little after sunrise on the first day of the month to collect their 'taxes'. At first it was that Happs fellow with about eight of 'em. Then last month he showed up with only about six of his men. That's why when I saw you I thought you may be them, come a day early. I just wasn't sure."
"Well, that's not good at all. How are you expected to perform your appointed duties at this outpost when these lawless thugs come and take what they did not earn?" Holbrecht replies.
Then makes a realization "Did you say, first day of the month...after sunrise... thought we were them... a day early?" he wanders off into thought before it hits him. "They will be here tomorrow, and now we are here, but they don't know that. We could suprise them, we should lay out a plan!"
He climbs down from Sledge's saddle, and takes out his paper and pen to start scribbling notes about the fort itself. He begins to wander around the interior, not even noticing if anyone is with him on his idea.
"Well, that's not good at all. How are you expected to perform your appointed duties at this outpost when these lawless thugs come and take what they did not earn?" Holbrecht replies.
Then makes a realization "Did you say, first day of the month...after sunrise... thought we were them... a day early?" he wanders off into thought before it hits him. "They will be here tomorrow, and now we are here, but they don't know that. We could suprise them, we should lay out a plan!"
He climbs down from Sledge's saddle, and takes out his paper and pen to start scribbling notes about the fort itself. He begins to wander around the interior, not even noticing if anyone is with him on his idea.
Davor seems enraged at what was said about the thread of those two and more so at the thread of Svetlana being given over to the bandits. He gives a smirk at Holbrecht.
"Just what I was thinking."he agrees with the dwarf, glad that they can agree on something. "Smaller numbers each time suggests more and more confident. Possibly only four this time. I'd like to wait by the entrance, hidden and then charge out at the one you call Hobs. Would you like me to take his head and stick it on a pike? A warning to others like him and this Kressel." he makes sure to look over his symbol of Gorum making sure there is no rust. "Best we set the trap if they are already on their way here. Cowards are likely to run if we head out after them now."
Tarith walks back over to the rest of the group and speaks up. I cannot wait t' see their faces when they realize they've got some competition tomorrow! Perhaps I should sharpen me blade...
Tarith then walks over to Holbrecht in order to help with planning and preparations.
Listening quietly for several minutes as the men plan their assault, Agnatha finally bursts out: "Is that how it is usually done? We all just hide and then charge out at the bandits?" She pauses, appearing confused and slightly embarrassed."I don't know much . . . Okay, I don't know anything about fighting, but we don't want any of them to get away, right? Could we lure them into the fort and lock them inside? I think I might be able to put some of them to sleep or blind them or something . . . " Agnatha trails off, looking worried, as if she feels that she has overstepped some boundary.
Tarith nods approvingly at Agnatha's suggestion. Agnatha, that is a brilliant idea! If we are able t' capture one, by putting him t' sleep, we can interrogate him t' find out more about their leader and where they are operating from.
Listening quietly for several minutes as the men plan their assault, Agnatha finally bursts out: "Is that how it is usually done? We all just hide and then charge out at the bandits?" She pauses, appearing confused and slightly embarrassed."I don't know much . . . Okay, I don't know anything about fighting, but we don't want any of them to get away, right? Could we lure them into the fort and lock them inside? I think I might be able to put some of them to sleep or blind them or something . . . " Agnatha trails off, looking worried, as if she feels that she has overstepped some boundary.
"I will leave the plans up to you for now. My sword is yours when you need it." he bows to show respect and then heads over to the handbills.
Tatzlwyrm (Know: Arcana due to dragon type) (+3 from wis to identify it's weaknesses giving me 15.)
He stares at the one about Tuskgutter and removes the handbill.
Walking back to Oleg he has the handbill in his hand with the title of Tuskgutter.
"What is this Tuskgutter? A animal? magical beast? abberation?" he asks interested in this creature and not knowing what it was. "This creature's head would certainly make a conversation peice. I would like the pleasure of handing you it's head."
"So your interested in Tuskgutter, are you" Oleg says with a chuckle "He's a fearsome beast, a wild boar. Some say he is as large as a horse, other say larger than that. Many a trapper has tried to catch him only to have their snares snapped or their traps broken. He lives somewhere in the forest south of the Thorn river. Seeing the handbill in Davor's hand, Oleg chuckles again " Old Benzen is still sore about his encounter with Ole Tuskgutter, I see. Well, good luck with that"
Listening quietly for several minutes as the men plan their assault, Agnatha finally bursts out: "Is that how it is usually done? We all just hide and then charge out at the bandits?" She pauses, appearing confused and slightly embarrassed."I don't know much . . . Okay, I don't know anything about fighting, but we don't want any of them to get away, right? Could we lure them into the fort and lock them inside? I think I might be able to put some of them to sleep or blind them or something . . . " Agnatha trails off, looking worried, as if she feels that she has overstepped some boundary.
'You are right Agnatha charging may not be the best plan. Then again we do not want them to escape. hmmmm'
Caelius turns slowly in place carefully examining the courtyard.
'yes that just might work....'
'Oleg, how to the thugs arrive? On horseback or on foot? And have they ever left sentries outside the trading post?'
That is terrible, we will make sure they pay for what they have done. Is there a place you can hide or wait when they approach that will keep you both safe? Ragnor listens intently to the Levetons answer before talking to Agnatha about potential plans to capture the bandits. I am able to cast color spray between that and your sleep enchantment we should be able to bring down the majority of the bandits if we can get at them while they are bunched together. I will have to get close to be affective So I will trust you to strike first before moving in to try and finish off the remainder of enemies.
That is terrible, we will make sure they pay for what they have done. Is there a place you can hide or wait when they approach that will keep you both safe? Ragnor listens intently to the Levetons answer before talking to Agnatha about potential plans to capture the bandits. I am able to cast color spray between that and your sleep enchantment we should be able to bring down the majority of the bandits if we can get at them while they are bunched together. I will have to get close to be affective So I will trust you to strike first before moving in to try and finish off the remainder of enemies.
Sorry Ragnor, but we want them to come into the trading post. to do that evrything has to look normal. Oleg, I assume you are usually here when they come? If so you will want to be in the usual spot when they arrive.. Now about those doors..How do they close and how heavy are they?
Caelis' head snaps around to Ragnor
"Right you can do magic, what other tricks do we have up our sleeves"
Caelius looks at Agnatha and Holbrect.
"No no no, I am doing things in the wrong order again. We need food and rest and clear heads to plan. Oleg if you and your lovely wife could find us some rooms to freshen up and perhaps some food.
Davor thinks for a moment on the plan, nodding as he thinks on this.
"If the doors are leaver activated we can cut the rope to slam the doors close. If we have to push I volunteer to push one of the doors and someone else pushes the other, the two of us closing the doors before they get out." he thinks this over and looks to the group. "I have some magic. I can cast judgements to make myself more powerful and spells such as shield of faith and wrath." he grins as he moves over to the doors and attempts to close one, wondering how long it'll take and if it's possible to close the doors of if he and another member will have to block the way with blades. "If we can't close fast enough, me and someone else should block their escape, making sure they don't get out of here." making his knowledge known he marches over to the doors and begins to push or if leaver, attempts to close it that way.
Davor thinks for a moment on the plan, nodding as he thinks on this.
"If the doors are leaver activated we can cut the rope to slam the doors close. If we have to push I volunteer to push one of the doors and someone else pushes the other, the two of us closing the doors before they get out." he thinks this over and looks to the group. "I have some magic. I can cast judgements to make myself more powerful and spells such as shield of faith and wrath." he grins as he moves over to the doors and attempts to close one, wondering how long it'll take and if it's possible to close the doors of if he and another member will have to block the way with blades. "If we can't close fast enough, me and someone else should block their escape, making sure they don't get out of here." making his knowledge known he marches over to the doors and begins to push or if leaver, attempts to close it that way.
Excellent. I was hoping to use you, Ragnor, and Tarith as the main force. We will want you all close to Oleg and near the focus of attention. Agnatha, Holbrecht and myself are better used from farther away..."
Ragnor considers Davor's words. I would be happy to stand with you Davor. If we let them pass by we can then hold the entrance against their escape. It may even provide me the chance to use my spell without running in to the middle of them. If Lady Agnatha strikes first we may be able to take out the bandits without resorting to steel. Ragnor turns to Caelius I am not crazy about that idea but I won't stand in the way of a man if he wants to be a part of defending his home but it is not something I would see forced on him.
"Well, despite the weight of the doors, given ropes and pullies I can rig up a device that would allow one person from either of those catwalks beside the gate to pull closed both doors with one rope." He states matter of factly, pointing to the catwalk that runs right up next to the gates themselves. He doesn't even look at the group, just his notes. "Perhaps, I can scavenge the parts I need from the unused catapults, let them serve a purpose before they crumble into uselessness."
"Yes, we will need them to believe that all is normal, or get them all inside the fort first. To that end we will need the assistance of the inhabitants, so that we may remain unnoticed until they enter." Again he takes on the air of clarity, that he tends to not show at other times, while planning. Almost as if in a trance. Absently, he agrees with Caelius, as if brushing away an assistant. "Oh, yeah, eat and drink are required, it will give me time to compile the numbers anyways."
I will gladly volunteer t' block the way out. Nothing will make it past me axe! Tarith pats the handle of his Dwarven Waraxe fondly. I suggest our more arcane companions disable at least one bandit, so that we can question him once all is over.
Tarith's stomach rumbles and he turns to Caelius. You are right. Perhaps we should talk over dinner!
"Well, despite the weight of the doors, given ropes and pullies I can rig up a device that would allow one person from either of those catwalks beside the gate to pull closed both doors with one rope." He states matter of factly, pointing to the catwalk that runs right up next to the gates themselves. He doesn't even look at the group, just his notes. "Perhaps, I can scavenge the parts I need from the unused catapults, let them serve a purpose before they crumble into uselessness."
"Yes, we will need them to believe that all is normal, or get them all inside the fort first. To that end we will need the assistance of the inhabitants, so that we may remain unnoticed until they enter." Again he takes on the air of clarity, that he tends to not show at other times, while planning. Almost as if in a trance. Absently, he agrees with Caelius, as if brushing away an assistant. "Oh, yeah, eat and drink are required, it will give me time to compile the numbers anyways."
'Good, we have our door closer.' Quietly to Holbrecht, 'Holbrecht, can you really do this and have it working by morning? If a single bandit escapes and they return in numbers we will be lucky if they simply kill us. So be absolutely sure this works, all our lives depend on it. There are other options if you think there is a chance that the parts are too decayed or the door too heavy.'
All right, our goal has to be to keep the bandits in the box made by the barn the wagon the table and the strange building with the boxes in it.
Holbrecht will be on the walkway by the door doing his magic with the ropes. Holbrecht do you see a way to rig the doors to lock as well?
Agnatha, four questions. One how effective is your sleep trick? How close do you need to be to use it? Can Sonja give us some warning when the thugs approach? Finally do you have any other tricks up those lovely sleeves? I am hoping we can keep you out of sight on a rooftop but still close enough to effect the thugs in the square. maybe we can provide you with some oil flasks to liven things up if things get difficult.
Ragnor, Davor, Tarith. You guys have the tough job. I want you in position to act if the sleep trick fails or fails to get everyone. I think the barn would be a good place to start from but that leaves Oleg on his own at the main building. Where do you want to be?
I can see myself in one of two places. Either with Tarith and ground team or on a walkway letting my crossbow lend a hand.
Anyway that's how I see this playing out. It could all go terribly wrong though. I suggest we put any plan we come up with before Oleg and Svetlana. If we fail they will face rather horrible consquences..."
"No Tarith, we do not want anyone alone and vlunerable. That is a mighty axe but you can only kill so fast. If there is a concerted rush at the gate you will be overun. You are good but four on one odds are only to be considered when you are the four."
'Good, we have our door closer.' Quietly to Holbrecht, 'Holbrecht, can you really do this and have it working by morning? If a single bandit escapes and they return in numbers we will be lucky if they simply kill us. So be absolutely sure this works, all our lives depend on it. There are other options if you think there is a chance that the parts are too decayed or the door too heavy.'
"I am a Brigh Acadamy student, I was professionally trained in the mechanical arts. Through my training, I can mend any item in from it's broken state. I'm sure that given enough block and tackle, and rope, they can close. The problem would be how well I could hide the rope system itself, if someone could turn it the color of the sky, either through paint or magic it would help."
Holbrecht will be on the walkway by the door doing his magic with the ropes. Holbrecht do you see a way to rig the doors to lock as well?
"Well, if I use one of the stones from the catapult as a counter balance, then the gate may only be opened by removing the rope from the stone, or lifting the stone itself. If the gate is closed by dropping said stone on the outward side of the wall, then only someone from without could undue it, or someone atop the wall cutting the rope. Oh, I can also Animate Rope to make it help pull or act accordingly."
"I haven't really ever tried casting the sleep spell before. But it should work. Maybe. The book says it will. . . . and sometimes it doesn't work on some people. What were your other questions? How far do I have to be? Let me see." Agnatha gets out her book and starts flipping through it, listening to the conversation. "One hundred feet. I have to be within one hundred feet. I can do lots of things besides put people to sleep. I can cast a dazzling, blinding spray of color. I can charm a man, and not just through my personality. I can summon an animal to help you fight. I can hurl spears of wood, make you bigger, create an illusion . . . I just can't do it all in the same day. . . " The bird twitters. "Oh yeah . . . Sonja can scout around. That shouldn't be a problem Unless they are really paranoid, a bird should not seem out of place around here."
Haha, Caelius, I am not such a fool t' think I could hold stop them all by meself. I figured Davor would be right there with me. I think together we'd stand a much better chance. I have a bag of caltrops with me which we can scatter in front of the door. I can't cover the entire door this way, but it can help to slow down a fleeing bandit, or at least force him into a choke.
Haha, Caelius, I am not such a fool t' think I could hold stop them all by meself. I figured Davor would be right there with me. I think together we'd stand a much better chance. I have a bag of caltrops with me which we can scatter in front of the door. I can't cover the entire door this way, but it can help to slow down a fleeing bandit, or at least force him into a choke.
That is a good plan but I see a possible flaw. If you and Devor are down by the gate and the bandits are in the box it will take you a few moments to reach them. I would hate to think what a group of bandits could do in that few moments. Where if you are in the barn or in the main building just inside the door, you can reach the box much more quickly. However if you were in the building with the cots you could move either to protect Oleg or to into the fight hopefully tying down the leader or other strong fighter.
Ah, yes. I see the wisdom in your plan. Let it be so! I will station meself in the barn.