The gates swing inwards, opening along a 90 degree arc.
The evening passes uneventfully. Oleg awakens everyone before sunrise, so that you can all get into your places. Breakfast is a simple affair, eggs mixed with bits of spiced sausage served with unlevened biscuits. Svetlana also brews up a strong dark tea to keep your minds sharp and alert. Once finished, it is time to take your places.
Bisimone takes her post atop the wall, settling down into a comfortable position, hidden from the outside world by the outer wall. Flynn hides himself inside the barracks, better to jump the enemy from behind. Kieran and Xan take up position inside the shop, watching over the fretful couple and assuring them all will go as planned. Adreccam and Simondale take up guard positions behind the open gate doors, shadowed from the heat of the day and ready to close the doors at Keiran's shouted signal.
A few hours after sunrise, horses and low voices can be heard approaching. Shortly after, a group of men pass through the gates, calling out to Oleg, Tax and tariff time, old man.
THe group ties off their horses to the posts outside the stables, as Oleg comes out to meet them. Hope you've done better than last time, you fool, or we may have to take the difference out on your old lady, har har har.Now, get us some grub and be quick about it.
As Oleg re-enters the shop, the men take seats at the tables, four men to the table closest the stables, two others with the one you think is Happs at the other table.
Keiran and Xan count to ten, then swing open Oleg's front door, out into the light. Surrender scum, or face Brevic justice.
At the call, Bisimone drops a sleep spell over the table closest the stables. Adreccam and Simondale begin shoving against the outer doors,
Flynn jumps out, eager to make a good impression upon his new partners.
The table of bandits feels the effect of Bisimone's spell.
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Two of the men collapse, the others look to their companions, stunned and confused.
Initiative Rolls please, thus ends the suprise round.
Flynn is ready with daggers drawn.
Initiative
Bisimone casts one more sleep spell at the first table, hoping to not catch her own group in the effect. She then moves to guard the closing gates as per the plan.
Flynn, go ahead with your sneak attack. You can reach one of the bandits at Happs' table with a partial charge, but not Happs. Remember suprise rounds are single actions only.
First
Second
Third (asleep 1 minute)
Fourth (asleep 1 minute)
Fifth
Sixth (Backstabbed by Flynn)
Happs
First
Second
The remaining bandits at table one slump over and fall asleep.
The signal! Adreccam thinks excitedly. "Heave to, Chelaxian!" Without hesitation, he puts his shoulder into one of the doors.
Adreccam, with a heaving grunt and strain, manages to push the door closed in the suprise round, but only just barely.
Flynn flings a dagger at the bandit sitting at the table next to Happs.
Keiran will obviously wait until after Bisimone casts her sleep spell.
He draws is longsword and points it at Happs, "Your days of banditry and tomfoolery are numbered! Face me now, you vulgar smelling, tick ridden daughter of a steaming lump of cat excrement!"
Cavalier challenge issued as a swift action (I get +1 damage vs. Happs, and +1 attack if Happs attacks anyone other than me).
At this point, Keiran will lean over to his friend, "Xan, I think I just heard him call your mother unwashed swine...", and then stand back as hulkamania here goes apesh!t...
Flynn flings a dagger at a bandit, nearly killing him.
Keiran and Xan issue challenges to surrender and ready to attack any that do not surrender.
Bisimone sleeps two bandits.
Adreccam shuts his half of the gateway.
Simondale struggles to close his gate, shutting it half way.
Strength check
Initiative roll
The bandits are taken completely by suprise, and do not act in the round, save stare confusedly at what is happening.
Round 1 Initiative order
20 Flynn
18 Keiran
14 Adreccam
13 Second
13 Fifth
8 Simondale struggles with the gate, but the momentum from the suprise round pushes the gate nearly closed.
7 Bisimone (sleep spell affects First and Second)
7 Happs
6 Xan
6 Sixth (wounded)
5 Third (sleeping)
5 Forth (sleeping)
0 First
Simondale, you managed to close the gate at the end of Round one, congrats. The dice roller has been brutal lately.
I've noticed my feeds fail to update if trying to update at one of those times Paizo is down, and fails to find missed posts, once reset. No worries, and welcome back to the game.
Flynn moves up next to Happs, trying to position himself on the opposite side that Xan is charging from so to give Xan flank when he attacks. Flynn attacks Happs, catching him flat-footed.
Flynn ignores his wounded foe and skirts the end of the table, stabbing Happs in the left breast/shoulder as he attempts to jump up from his bench.
The wound is deep, having sliced easily through the weaker armor beneath the joint. Happs' look of fear turns to terror as he realizes the ploy to allow him to surrender was just that, a ploy. Men, save me. This fight seems to be to the death, his.
Keiran will walk up to Happs, sword drawn, and demand his surrender. He will ready an action to strike if he or any other man does anything hostile from this point on
Xan will see if Happs surrenders, he will then ready and action to charge and attack if he so much as twitches towards Keiran. He will ignore the bandit
Adreccam's eyebrows raise when he sees Flynn fling himself at Happs. Ferocious little guy, ain't he?. In two fluid movements, Adreccam unslings his shield and draws his longsword. The early morning sun glimmers dully along the blade. Quickly, he sizes up the brawniest of the bandits still awake, edges closer to him, and watches him closely for any signs of impending violence. "Ahoy-hoy," he calls to the man softly. Turning, the bandit finds himself staring at the point of Adreccam's sword. Adreccam meets his eyes and slowly shakes his head. If Kieran fails to convince Happs of his folly, then the archer is about to suffer the sudden bloody loss of a compatriot.
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Simondale stands with his feet firmly planted and shield raise. His free arm is outstretched directed at the nearest foe; his fingers form the holy fire horns of Sarenrae.
In a firm and commanding voice he says Come at me and face the faith of the face of Sarenrae. He then begins chanting a prayer of redemption by combat, as if he were about to unleash a spell of holy power.
Summary of Round 1
Initiative order
20 Flynn - Jumps out and moves stabs Happs.
18 Keiran - Moves to cover Happs and demands surrender. Readies attack.
14 Adreccam - Double moves to reach the combat zone, 5'step from Fifth, weapons ready, acting menacing.
13 Second - Jumps to his feet, looks defensive, falls asleep thereafter. (sleeping)
13 Fifth - Jumps to his feet, looks defensive, wary of Adreccam. p p p...Parley?
8 Simondale - Pushes closed the gateway. Moves to corner of barracks building, attempts to look menacing.
7 Bisimone - Second sleep then moves to guard gate.
7 Happs - Wounded, looking feebly to his men and his attackers, drops his bow, collapses in his bench, sobbing for salvation. Don't kill me, don't kill me. (wounded severly)
6 Xan - Seeing Happs is covered, takes cue from Adreccam and threatens Fifth menacingly. The man is literally shaking in his boots, lowering his weapon.
6 Sixth - Gods help me, tha bastitch stabbed me. (wounded severly)
5 Third (sleeping)
5 Forth (sleeping)
0 First (sleeping)
On Bisimone's turn she will call out Hello... Guys... Is it over? She will try to sound sweet and innocent.
Xan will laugh and say, Yes, my lady. I do not believe that any of them wish to continue with this folly. He looks back at the group, hefts his axe a bit higher on his shoulder and says unless any of you wish to get a very close hair cut. I can take about a foot off the top of each of you? He smiles and looks bored as if either would please him.
Flynn draws his shortspear and readies to attack Happs if any of the bandits tries anything funny. (Doesn't give up.)
Talking to the bandit that Flynn threw the dagger at, Careful what you say dog. Unlike your upbringing, I know my father. And quit whining, I didn't stab you. I stuck you, like the pig you are.
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Kindly remove your weapons, and kick them away. Simondale orders the brigands.
Aside, to his fellows We must first secure them- irons or chains if we have them, rope if that's all we can muster. Then we should seperate them and see what information they can give us about their boss and his holdings. After that, the gallows if they're uncooperative, or turn them over. Simondale says the last sentence loud enough to ensure he's overheard.
The bandits do not seem interested in continuing hostilities at the odds they face. Happs drops his bow, muttering curses at his men for having failed to pay attention. I told Kressle I needed better men than this lot. The wounded bandit, Sixth, scowls and growls, but makes no other comments towards Flynn. Frik, frak, filth, fundersnut. The last standing bandit, Fifth, drops his weapons and speaks, Aye, by the River Freedoms, I meet ye an' swear this oath, I will raise no harm when met in kind. I will answer ye truthfully if'n ye speak true to me in kind.
Oleg comes out readily with a large coil of rope, and a handfull of rags for gags. Will this do to bind them? We have no manacles here. If you wish to interrogate them, perhaps the barracks will be private enough, or the stables? Clearly he does not want any of the men inside his shop and quarters.
It is short order to bind the men. They are hog tied and gagged in the courtyard. I will assume Simondale binds the wounds on Happs and Sixth, but other than basic first aid, he will not attempt to heal their wounds, at least not yet.
Checking your warrants, you easily find Happs' poster. You also find that First appears very similar to the poster for Gehen Tarr, save First has a small scar on his left cheek. The others do not fit the descriptions on the posters you have, though they could be charged on the general writ against banditry, with the testimony of Oleg and Svetlana against them, though they would have to get a good look at the men.
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Aside from the villains, Simondale suggests a little interrogation technique popular at the monastery. First, we blindfold them, lead them around so they're lost, and have them balance on a wooden beam a few inches off the floor of the barn. Around their neck we fasten a noose, hung above them. They believe they face execution, however, there is not enough tension to actually hurt them.
... a little interrogation technique popular at the monastery.
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A harmless prank used to haze new acolytes. It may scare them, but it will not harm them. We were told to remove our boots while blindfolded and stood above a pit of burning coals. At the high priest's command we were to jump down onto burning coals. The coals, of course, were not warm. The prank was meant to heighten our fear and to test our loyalty.
Adreccam pulls out the writ for Happs and sticks it in the man's face. He smiles maliciously.
"Now see here, Happs. I know you ain't got what it takes to be a literate man, but I'll bet you recognize the man on this piece o' paper. Tha's right! It's you!" Adreccam yanks the paper back, straightens up, and squints at the writing in mock consternation. "Oh blimey, Happs. It says right here that you're wanted for brigandry by the crown of Brevoy himself. Good on ya for gettin' the notice of King Noleski hisself!" He moves his finger down the writ. "Now it goes on to say that the penalty for brigandry is death. Hmm, sad, sad. Ah, but the real kicker is, this flimsy little piece o' paper says the bearer can mete out punishment as he or she sees fit." Adreccam lowers the paper and stares intently at Happs. "Well, Happs, that's not good for you and your men, because we're all of an inclination to put you to death. 'Course, I'm thinkin' you're not an idiot, and saving your own skin is sittin' front row in your mind right now. So, why don't you tell me a story -- a true one, now -- about you, outlaws and brigands and the Stolen Lands, and your boss, the Stag Lord." The warrior sits down on one of the barrack's beds, leans forward, and puts his head on his two upraised fists. He resembles nothing so much as a child waiting impatiently for a parent to tell him a bedtime story. "Speak up now, Happs. Tick-tock goes the clock."
Keiran will stand back and see what Happ has to say in response to Adreccam's.. prodding.
Look, it's not like you think. The Stag Lord and his army of black hearted fiends are the worst lot you can imagine. I need some assurances before I let loose telling secrets on that soul sucking monster.
Does/did "Fifth" reliquish said freedoms when he took up banditry?
Does/did "Fifth" reliquish said freedoms when he took up banditry?
Actually, Freedom Six allows for banditry, but does not protect from brigandry. It actually encourages banditry over theft, as it gives the victim the right of challenge and defense. Brigandry, in their view, is armed theft with intended violence, and punishable as normal in the River Kingdoms, as long as you can enforce the punishment.
River Freedom Four implies that any River Kingdom citizen is bound to live under the laws of the land he is in. Of course, not being in Brevoy, he may feel he is not bound under Brevic law, and not in violation of law four.
River Freedom Two covers oaths and oathbreakers, and is the second most important River Freedom. A true citizen will hold to their oath, or die trying.
Xan will be guarding the prisoners...sharpening his massive and beautifully made axe.
Bisimone will resign herself to guarding the rank and file prisoners. She will ask whoever is helping guard the prisoners, except Xan, Make it good and sharp, please, dear , to sit the prisioners upright, backs to the stable wall. She will then ask Oleg if he recognizes any of the men, and how so? She will do this out of earshot of the prisoners.
Oleg informs Bisimone, in a whispered tone, which she shares with her outside companions...Second and Sixth have been there from the beginning. They have taken a hand now and again slapping myself or others that were here around, drawing blood a time or two. (brigandry) First, Second, and Fourth have also been here, helping load goods stolen from us and others, but never hurt anyone that I saw. (banditry) As for Fifth, I haven't seen him before. He's never been here with the others. Sorry I can't help more with that one.
The men are truly nervous watching Xan with his ax. They also seem slightly intimidated by Bisimone, and her take charge attitude. It must have something to do with the story Oleg told of the woman, Kressle, being a hard case, and rising quickly amongst the Stag Lord's ranks.
Happs speaks when he realizes the two men are simply staring him daggers. I'm sure you've heard the stories by now, how the Stag Lord has a dark priest and evil wizard in his employ, doing his bidding. It ain't natural what they do. He pauses to gauge your reactions, seemingly assured you know the stories.
A few of us ended up in his service at the point of a blade. Most of the others, they do it willingly, eager to take part in the debauched orgies of murder and cannibalism he holds at his fortress. He's crazy, and he ain't natural. He swallows and looks around cautiosly before continuing.
Those casters have ways about them, they seem to know when someone's about to turn on them. Maybe it's the oath-swearing you take when you become an officer with his army. Maybe it's the tokens they make us wear. He nods down to the silver Stag Head pin you see holding his cloak.
I don't know, but I'm more scared of what they can do to my soul than what you can do to my body. You want me to spill the goods, you have to protect me. He leans close and whispers, attempting to cover the pin.
Kill those guys out there, dump my pendant down the well, give me a blessing from your priest, and I'll talk. Otherwise, kill me now and I'll stand before Calistria and take her lashes with pleasure.
He gulps hard at that, licking his lips to moisten their nearly parched appearance. Do what you will.
I'll also assume everyone, save perhaps Simondale, is familiar with the River Freedoms and their importance in keeping the River Kingdoms from falling into complete anarchy and ruin. I'm not saying a bandit is necessarily beholden to the Freedoms, but few will risk openly quoting them and then break them.
Bisimone motions for Simondale to assist her, as she approaches Fifth. She and the priest manhandle the bandit to his feet and hop-step him to the table.
Nodding to Flynn, Would you be so kind as to check our other guests, to make sure they are secure and comfortable. Gentleness is not necessary.
Turning to Xan, she smiles and gives a little wink. Don't worry my dear, soon you will get your chance to make that big shiny ax sing and crack.
Gesturing for Simondale to kindly remove Fifth's gag, she leans down and stares coldly into the man's eyes. In a soft dry whisper she says, You called on the River Freedoms earlier. Do so now and mean it, or you will suffer at my hands for days. I will hold to my honor as firmly as you uphold yours. Now, what is your name and where are you from.
She then straightens up, never releasing his eyes from her gaze. Intimidate check
Not hearing the conversation Bisimone had with Fifth, the other bandits react to the words she had with Flynn and Xan. They seem to be visibly shaken, and extremely nervous about their futures.
Fifth, shaky and uncertain, speaks to her and whoever else chooses to listen. My name is Seamus, Seamus Stulk. By the River Freedoms, I swear to you I will speak no lies provided you speak no falsehood back to me. Further, I will cause no harm unless you intend to cause harm to me. He glances at Simondale, Xan, and Flynn, attempting to gauge their demeanors, before quickly returning his gaze to Bisimone.
I am a minstrel hailing from Riverton. I fled my home when it was discovered I would not bend knee to Hanspur, instead following the flow of spirits that is Cayden Cailean. Nearly a month ago, I stumbled into the company of these men and their leader Kressle. When she found I was good with song and story, as well as a fine cook, she spared me, provided I would serve with her men. She sent me on this raid to acquire better provisions than what they usually bring back to her larders.
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Sir Stulk, your fate is now in your own hands. What you choose to do over these next few days will surely determine your fate. Should you renounce your deeds and endeavor to set forth a right thinking and goodly acting life, we may yet find a way to ensure your redemption. First, we shall need an accurate report of where this Stag Lord holds his court, what his defenses are, and how strong his force is. You help us, we'll help you. I promise you that if you aid us, I will fight the others to keep you from the fate of your fellows on the gallows. Simondale says loudly enough for the others to hear.
Looking dour and resigned to his fate, Seamus responds to Simondale, still never fully taking his eyes off Bisimone. Then I am afraid goodly sir, my life remains in peril. I have not yet seen this Stag Lord, nor been to his fortress. I do know that in roughly three weeks time, Lady Kressle is due to send her tithe and tariffs to him, and that others in her camp make that monthly pilgrimage. About her and her encampment I have more information, but on the Stag Lord, I have only rumor and hearsay gathered from my fellows and the others back at camp. Such may well not be accurate, nor is it something I can give oath-worthy credence.
Bisimone fixes the bandit again with her cold dark stare. Seamus, give me and my men what information you can on this mangy b$!@~ Kressle and her pathetic little band and perhaps Simondale will not have to be slain for his insolence. Bisimone shoots Simondale a quick furtive wink and smile. Leaning down she continues, Your life is not yet forfeit. Serve me well and you will live to toast Caydean once more.
Quickly turning on heel towards the other prisoners, she fixes them with her steely countenance. Think well on your next few minutes of life. The Stag Lord and his whore Kressle may be frightening, may be fearsome, but they are not here. I am. Let me assure you, they have nothing on the pain, the terror, and soul crushing torment I can dispense upon you. You will beg for my huntsman's axe before I am through with any of you who defy my wishes.
Turning to Xan, clearly enjoying her own performance she walks over and runs her fingers lightly over his mailed chest. Dearest, Please give these wretches a preview of your prowess. She whirls back to face the bandits. Show them I will grant mercy in death should they not seek it through honest answers. She nods towards the pile of half cut cordwood near by.
Intimidate check to demoralize the bandits.
The other bandits clearly loose hope at Bisimone's words, their eyes bouncing back and forth between her and Xan. They nervously await his next actions.
While the group conducts their various interrogations, Flynn piles up and takes stock of the gear taken from the bandits. He finds the following:
7 Riding Horses
2 Sturdy Work Horses
7 Saddles, Blankets, and Bridles
2 Pack Saddles, Blankets, and Bridles
6 suits of Leather Armor
1 suit of Masterwork Studded Leather Armor
6 Longbows
1 Masterwork Composite Longbow (Strength +2)
120 Arrows
20 Masterwork Durable Arrows
7 Shortswords
1 Dagger
14 days of Trail Rations
2 vials of Alchemist's Fire
An unlabeled Potion bottle
A Potion bottle labeled with a rune and Erastil's symbol
Happs still wears a Silver Stag Head Cloak Pin
A total of 95 gold pieces
Also, at this point in the game, you have each earned 1435 XP. This includes combat and role playing bonuses accrued thus far.
Oleg is clearly excited to see this victory over the bandits, and he and Svetlana are busy in the kitchen preparing a special meal for this evening.
You soon may want to consider what to do about the bandits. A few ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
The empty midden pit might be dug deeper to provide a cramped holding cell until you can prepare something more permanent (*you can always make the prisoners do the digging).
You might send one or two out to cut saplings, under guard, and enclose the storage shed into a cell (*may take more than a day's work though).
You might simply bind and gag the men for a few days, but long term care issues will arise from such abuses (*not that it may matter much, they are bandits).
Execution is warranted and legally acceptable, as long as you have reliable witness testimony (*which Oleg and Svetlana provide against all save Seamus).
You might let those that aid you go free (*if you can trust they won't run back to Kressle and alert her to the danger).
Bisimone fixes the bandit again with her cold dark stare. Seamus, give me and my men what information you can on this mangy b$&#+ Kressle and her pathetic little band and perhaps Simondale will not have to be slain for his insolence. Bisimone shoots Simondale a quick furtive wink and smile. Leaning down she continues, Your life is not yet forfeit. Serve me well and you will live to toast Caydean once more.
Quickly turning on heel towards the other prisoners, she fixes them with her steely countenance. Think well on your next few minutes of life. The Stag Lord and his whore Kressle may be frightening, may be fearsome, but they are not here. I am. Let me assure you, they have nothing on the pain, the terror, and soul crushing torment I can dispense upon you. You will beg for my huntsman's axe before I am through with any of you who defy my wishes.
Turning to Xan, clearly enjoying her own performance she walks over and runs her fingers lightly over his mailed chest. Dearest, Please give these wretches a preview of your prowess. She whirls back to face the bandits. Show them I will grant mercy in death should they not seek it through honest answers. She nods towards the pile of half cut cordwood near by.
Intimidate check to demoralize the bandits. 1d20+10
Your wish is my command my lady. Xan says with a courtly bow. He goes over to the stacked wood and finds the largest piece he can. He sets it upright and without bothering to use a splitter for the wood, whips his axe over his head with merciless speed and brings it down upon the wood. The wood nigh explodes from the might of the blow, splinters of wood flying everywhere. When the air clears you see that the axe has not only shattered the wood but has buried itself a foot deep into the stone below upon which the wood was placed. Xan leaves the axe there quivering, letting his prowess do the talking for him.
Between Bisimone's speech, Flynn's rough treatment, and Xan's impressive display, the bandits seem to have lost all nerve in supporting their former masters. First, Second, Third and Sixth are mumbling excitedly, nearly screaming, into their gags, feebly attempting to gesture against Flynn's taunt bindings, all eager to be the first to spill the beans on life as one of the Stag Lord's minions.
Only Fourth remains steady, his eyes not on the others, but instead on Simondale, assessing the lads movements, guaging his features, watching him intently.