"Beautiful, yes." The centaur looks over naen with an appraising eye.Another fledgling human out to reclaim the stolen lands? Why do the humans rush themselves so? Am I to play wet nurse I wonder?
"Beautiful, but deadly. What god do you serve, priest, that would send his faithful into danger so young?"
"I serve Milani, and she has indeed set me on this path. But do not think me incapable. I've trained extensively with the militia in Brunderton, and I've tended to many wounds. I've buried many dead. Do not think me so young." Naen seems surprised at her own words.
I sound like her. Would she laugh? Would she be proud? She always said my life would not be one of peace. She always insisted that I be prepared. Am I? Naen shrinks from Chiron's gaze and scratches at her forearm. Her birthmark. Does it burn, or do I imagine it?
Naen's armor shows age. The scales do not possess the sheen of polished metal; they have faded and rust licks at their edges. The splinters on the surface of her shield are apparent. Many of the spikes on the head of her morningstar are bent. On a seasoned warrior, this armament might seem perfectly attuned to its wearer, but on Naen, it appears a contradiction. It has been tested in many battles, but clearly not by the young woman who has recently donned it. She shifts awkwardly under its weight.
Naen's boots are cracked with mud, and burs hang from her clothing. Her brown hair is unkempt. A hooded half cloak, deep crimson in hue, hangs on her shoulders, contrasting sharply with her pale skin. The solemn features of her face attest to her determination, but uncertainty lurks there as well.
H'vok looks at Naen. "We need to polish that armor up and also the weapon. The appearance of well cleaned armor and weaponry signifies discipline, and enemies are less likely to attack a disciplined solder." You need to look the part of a soldier, instead of just looking like someone that is carrying a soldier's equipment.
William stands about 5'9 as well, with a thin frame of about 150 lbs. His piercing blue eyes dart about constantly, taking everything in. Though his body is slight, his skin shows a hue and resiliency from one who's worked in the sun. He is dressed in black boots, woolen breeches, and a plain white shirt, with a brown belt and a traveling hat. He wears around his shoulders a cloak, of decent make, lined with white and grey fur. Boiled leather protects his torso, and he wears a dagger on his hip and a longbow over his shoulder. His face wears a broad, somewhat mischievous smile, which I mention again, because it hasn't left his face since you met him.
Of course, Master Chiron, I forget myself. I have the nerve to call myself a trapper, and you've been doing it longer than I've been alive. Forgive me. I caught the furs that I wear on this cloak, but I'm afraid my career pales in comparison to your own. I look forward to learning something about the craft from you.
H'vok looks at Naen. "We need to polish that armor up and also the weapon. The appearance of well cleaned armor and weaponry signifies discipline, and enemies are less likely to attack a disciplined solder." You need to look the part of a soldier, instead of just looking like someone that is carrying a soldier's equipment.
Naen scrutinizes H'vok, lost for a moment in memory. I was so little. They rushed me inside and locked the door. Goblins, they later said. They called them beasts, yet this one is civil. Such strange folk in these lands. But if he is to be my ally...
"Aye, friend. I would welcome that, if you can spare some polish and a moment to instruct me."
"Fair enough. We can start today after we eat dinner. If anyone else needs the help you are invited to come also."
He then changes his tone to one of an inquisitive youngster as opposed to a hardened soldier. "Do any of you know how to cook?"
"I serve Milani, and she has indeed set me on this path. But do not think me incapable. I've trained extensively with the militia in Brunderton, and I've tended to many wounds. I've buried many dead. Do not think me so young." Naen seems surprised at her own words.
Milani, Milady? William enjoys the alliteration. I have known some priests of her church. Though I am quite partial to the Eternal Rose myself, friends of Milani are friends of mine, Miss, ... What did you say your name was?
After everyone speaks H'vok introduces himself "My name is H'vok, and I am here for the same reasons as the others. Well actually I am here to also prove that I can be an asset in the attempt to settle this place, and to be alive to tell the tale when it is done."
William regards the hobgoblin with some curiosity. Master H'vok, I hope you will not mind telling us the story someday of how you came to live in human lands. You are an odd sight in these parts, but I have no doubt that one with the perseverance to live among such as us will make a fine ally.
With a smile on his face H'vok replies, "I will tell you someday, but there are others that I have to tell first. They do deserve to be the first to know exactly how it came to be. It is an interesting tale, and not one I am always proud of. I am not a bad man though, just a man born into a bad situation which became a good one. That is all I can say for now."
"Fair enough. We can start today after we eat dinner. If anyone else needs the help you are invited to come also."
He then changes his tone to one of an inquisitive youngster as opposed to a hardened soldier. "Do any of you know how to cook?"
Ah! Though I wear no metal that needs polishing, I would be interested to see how it is done. You never know when it might come in handy.
As far as cooking goes, I'd be happy to try my hand at it. I confess to no particular experience, but I'd like to learn.
To Naen: "Milani is known to me and I begin to see the path she has laid before you. When I said you were young, I did not mean age, though you have far fewer summers than I would hope anyone have before they prepare themselves for fighting. I meant 'untested'. Indeed it seems all my new companions are...young." Chiron nearly whispers that last word. He does not sound disappointed though. Could it be that the centaur has accepted an unspoken challenge?
To William: He is confident. And yet humble. A rare human indeed."Please do not be offended, Trapper William Flynn. In my culture, one is given an honorific name befitting them. Mine, is Starwatcher for that is what I do. I merely question because, if 'Trapper' is a name you wish to go by, I will help you earn the title."
To H'vok: "I am Chiron. I expect you have heard of me? If so, you will have heard of my attitude toward your kin. This is a warning: I swear to the Great Dreamer that I will treat you fairly and honorably for so long as you prove worthy of the sentiment. Do not think me ignorant. I have lived a long time, and I have seen good-hearted goblin kin. But, I have also seen some of those same goblins use the trust of humans against them. I pray the Starsong will sing a song of honor for you H'vok.
To everyone: "I am in favor of the adventurer that keeps his gear in good repair, but in the stolen lands, over-shinning armor is indicative of wealth and the bandits thriving there would kill you for a soleless boot. Keep your things tended, but be mindful of how you shine."
As the the trees and words converged around the building, a young blond human arrived. He smiled, rather enjoying the eclectic mix of races and personalities.
Carmichael is a lean muscular man, with his sharp, bright eyed features darting from the exuberance of youth to the centered wisdom of age. He wears a dark brown cloak with green inside lining, a dark blue vest, hazel leather breaches and large boots and gloves. The style is that of a Sevenarches dweller accompanied by the lean elegance of Elven living. Sevenarches being one of the river kingdoms in touch with nature yet at odds with one another.
Arriving to greet the wide variety of conversations, he spoke warmly with a light smile.
"Greetings all. Oleg, Svetlana. My name is Carmichael Korvus, a chef from the Kingdom of Sevenarches. I am here to answer this call to arms, with a frying pan. My specialties lie the culinary, magical and diplomatic arts. Rather the last two are what I advertise, the first one's just a perk."
As his arms moved to gesture, his cape swept gently behind, touching the mossy earth.Welcoming each member individually, he finally turned to ask.
"Pardon my immediacy, but what exactly is the call requesting of such a .. party? We'll need a name if we keep that up."
Milani, Milady? William enjoys the alliteration. I have known some priests of her church. Though I am quite partial to the Eternal Rose myself, friends of Milani are friends of mine, Miss, ... What did you say your name was?
William seems very kind. I will appreciate his company.
"I'm afraid I've not yet said. I am Naen Tesrec. It warms my heart to learn that you know of Milani" Naen glances toward Chiron. "And that you do as well. The devoted of the Everbloom are spread thin. I have only ever known one other of her clergy, and that was my mother." A smile has begun to form on Naen's face, but she quickly hides it.
"I guess those who had shiny things before did not know how to use them. It is not enough to shine the armor, but what is important right now is that we have a chef. Yeah, I do like to eat. It is one of my weaknesses."
H'vok seems to be a strange mix between one who yearns for battle, and the mischievous kid who would steal a pie off a window sill if nobody was looking.
"It is my great pleasure to know you Naen Tesrec. I hear your mother was an extraodinary woman. You wear her armor well, cleric of the Everbloom. May Desna light your feet as you seek Milani's way."
To H'vok: "Pride comes before the fall young H'vok. Do not be so arrogant to think that you hold secrets unknown to those that go before you. We will all be tested. Likely sooner than we'd like."
At Carmichael's arrival:
Another human? At least this one has some age behind his eyes.
"I give you good greeting Carmichael Korvus. To answer your question, it seems we are to undertake the cartography of the greenbelt and erradicate any unsavory presence therein. As for the former, I can map the earth as well as the heavens so long as I have some helpful hands. If it happens that we must remove threatening persons from the region, I promise that I will not falter in that duty. However, in the heat of battle I cannot answer for your safety." Chiron scans the group. "I have explored the greenbelt the whole of my life, and it has become something of an unsavory place. Have no doubt, great danger awaits us in the woodlands. Now is the time to withdrawl if you're not up to the task. If you choose to remain, steel yourselves."
Scratching his chin while glancing up at the silhouette of leaves, Korvus turns his jaw and watches H'vok.
"Well if we are to face death, let's do so smiling with a full belly. This way both us and the creature whom find us wanting are mildly contented."
His eyes glance to William, Naen and Chiron.
"Hmmph. It's the dangers that await us which turns my tongue to tease for such tales. I'd have hope our host could shed some sunlight on the quest, but with company this widely balanced perhaps my pet raven will have less to feed on."
With that said, a crow's caw resounded from the branches above. Korvus's body language indicated a general openness, yet desire for more information. "Oleg, does the master have any magical playthings? A wand suited to the charming locale."
"It is my great pleasure to know you Naen Tesrec. I hear your mother was an extraodinary woman. You wear her armor well, cleric of the Everbloom. May Desna light your feet as you seek Milani's way."
"Thank you, Chiron."
Could he really know of my mother? I did not guess her reputation would reach these lands. She often talked of the illustrious history of the Tesrec line, but she herself was not widely known. Was she? She did travel these lands in her flight from Galt. Or perhaps it is simply the Chiron knows much. Yes. That must be the case. He watches and listens, more than most. That is apparent.
Chiron scans the group. "I have explored the greenbelt the whole of my life, and it has become something of an unsavory place. Have no doubt, great danger awaits us in the woodlands. Now is the time to withdrawl if you're not up to the task. If you choose to remain, steel yourselves."
"I am ready."
Naen takes a deep breath, then turns to the others, nodding courteously at the the newcomer, Carmichael.
Scratching his chin while glancing up at the silhouette of leaves, Korvus turns his jaw and watches H'vok.
"Well if we are to face death, let's do so smiling with a full belly. This way both us and the creature whom find us wanting are mildly contented."
His eyes glance to William, Naen and Chiron."Hmmph. It's the dangers that await us which turns my tongue to tease for such tales. I'd have hope our host could shed some sunlight on the quest, but with company this widely balanced perhaps my pet raven will have less to feed on."
With that said, a crow's caw resounded from the branches above. Korvus's body language indicated a general openness, yet desire for more information. "Oleg, does the master have any magical playthings? A wand suited to the charming locale."
"A wand ya say? Those things never seem to make it to me out here, but I do have a few potions of sorts, should that peak your interest, young master."
Just as Oleg answers your question there is a heavy pounding at the door."Open up you wretched old man! I do believe that you owe us a little something."
Oleg's face drains of all color and his face turns to you almost pleading for you to do something about the situation. Upon which Oleg goes to answer the outside door to the old fort.
Who might this be?
Naen looks at the others imploringly. She adjust her armor and puts a hand on her shield.
Naen looks at the others imploringly. She adjust her armor and puts a hand on her shield.
Chiron steps up, even with Naen. He doesn't look at her, but he hopes his presence is soothing.
1d20+4
Who might this be?
Chiron due to your expertise in living in the greenbelt you know that these are bandits coming to shake down Oleg for protection money.
A smile appears on H'vok's face. He just can't decide if he should shoot them with the bow or stab them with the scythe. He eventually opts for the bow.
"If one of you gentlemen thinks you can talk them down go ahead, but I am honestly hoping they don't listen to reason just so I have a good reason to put an arrow into 'em."
Drawing his bow and knocking an arrow, Chiron bellows at the bandits through the closed gate.
"You at the gates, mark me well! I am Chiron and I tell you truly, if you enter this place under threat of violence, you will find more than your fair share! Oleg's post has come under new protection and to take it you will pay a high price indeed!"
Chiron lowers his voice to his companions.
"Do not trade blows with them if possible. If it comes to a fight, by Desna's light we will win, but more will come. Do not be careless with your lives and spare theirs if you can. It is not for us to be judge and executioner."
"Do not trade blows with them if possible. If it comes to a fight, by Desna's light we will win, but more will come. Do not be careless with your lives and spare theirs if you can. It is not for us to be judge and executioner."
Naen nods at Chiron, and pulls her shield from her back, securing it on her arm.
Hav'k smiles and concentrates on Chiron's last sentence as he thinks to himself, "Chiron must not have read the charter".
It is not difficult to tell Hav'k has decided to hold his tongue, and also had his thoughts stirred by Chiron's comments.
Oleg smiles at the support shouted by Chiron. With a little more confidence he moves to the door to open it to the bandits.
To Chiron: I will consider your words and your offer carefully, Master Chiron. I hope to excel at what it is needed of me, but I have an interest in just about anything. I will gladly learn trapping under your tutelage, and anything else you have to add. For now, it might be best to call me... student.
To Naen: Pleased to meet you, Miss Tesrec.
To Carmichael: Hello, Carmichael. It's nice to meet you! I'm glad you bring some culinary talent to the group. He nods to Naen. Otherwise, we might have had to start up prayer services after we ate.
To Oleg: Is this, erm, all of us? I would have thought there would be many willing would-be adventurers with similar motives and aspirations as ours here. Are we simply the first to arrive?
Finally, when the bandits arrive, William nods at Chiron's instructions, and readies his bow. You see a momentary flicker of doubt cross his face, but he steadies himself and aims carefully at the door. He takes a position on Naen's other side.
As the bandits enter the trading post, Chiron lets fly against whichever brigand seems to be in charge. He aims low, hoping to catch the criminal in the gut: something painful but not immediately deadly.
"Surrender! Your chief has fallen. I will do what I can to save him, but only if you throw down your arms now!"
Initiative:
The bandits pour in to the fort and as they enter Chiron lets loose and arrow that hits the leader in the gut, while it isn't lethal it does cause a severe bleed due to which he passes out. The rest of the bandits are shaken, but one of them speaks up.
"If we come back empty handed it will be the death of all of us, at least this way we have a fighting chance!" Upon this speech the rest of the bandits steel themselves and get ready for a fight.
Initiative:
Initiative:
How many bandits are there? Do we have a map?
1d20+2
How many bandits are there? Do we have a map?
There are 4 more bandits that are drawing their longswords at this moment.
Initiative: Nice shot.
Chiron knocks another arrow and trains it on the bandit who spoke.
"I warned you..."
"This is wanton violence! Stand down before I'm forced to kill the lot of you!"
Hav'k takes a shot at the one that is talking, assuming he is the next in command.
attack roll:
damage roll:
edit:Hav'k is so excited about getting his first chance to prove himself that he release the arrow before he is ready.
Chiron knocks another arrow and trains it on the bandit who spoke."I warned you..."
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 6
"This is wanton violence! Stand down before I'm forced to kill the lot of you!"
If the bandits have yet to attack when Naen's turn comes up:
Move action, Naen pulls out her morningstar. She then makes one final plea to the bandits:
Diplomacy:
"If you indeed act under duress, abandon your course and perhaps we can aid you. Do not throw your lives away needlessly!"
William has nothing to add to the pleas of his teammates. If they don't look like they will relent, he will fire at the "new" leader. He will stand fast by Naen and get another arrow ready.
Korvus focuses his will and steels his mind in the desire of releasing a path of magical grease before their opponents.
"Hold fools."
The man hopes Naen's words will have new cause for effect without the force of horizontal momentum to carry their courage.
1d20+5
Korvus focuses his will and steels his mind in the desire of releasing a path of magical grease before their opponents.
"Hold fools."
The man hopes Naen's words will have new cause for effect without the force of horizontal momentum to carry their courage.
Yes grease can be lit on fire with a spell like spark.
Ok round 1 recap:
Oleg opens the door and just then Chiron lets loose an arrow that strikes the bandit leader in the gut, causing him to pass out from the pain and the bleeding. H'vok a little too eager to prove himself useful to this lot lets loose an arrow before properly set and the arrow lands in the soft earth. Carmichael casts grease upon which the bandits fall down upon the arses. Following which William lets loose an arrow which strikes the improvised leader right in the heart killing him instantly. Naen ever the diplomat readies herself and her taunt fails to dishearten the bandits. Three bandits remain.
Bandit initiative:
Round 2
Hav'k relaxes can becomes one with the bow. The second arrow flies.
If the new leader is still up or they have not surrendered then this is my attack roll.
Attack:
Damage:
The arrow's path is true, and it sinks deep into the flesh of one of the mercenaries.
Arrows flying from multiple sources sink true and the last bandits are killed before a word could be uttered. Now all that remains is the moaning bandit leader who lay bleeding on the floor.
Oleg feeling very brave indeed turns to the dead bandits,"Tell him, I won't pay him another copper!"
Then turning back to the new adventurers, "You have my thanks and anytime you need you need a room you shall have one and my best stable for you Master Chiron."
Swiping a knuckle over his mouth, Korvus looks to his companions and then Oleg. "Wonder if any of these unfortunates know what bodes for us out within those woods.." He begins to loot the dead brigands and check for vital signs while avoiding the melting charcoal slag. Upon finding their leader alive if no other attempts the task, Carmichael acknowledges the need for other more remedial skills.
"Now's the time for the healer's touch and those words of kindness.. Though." He steps on the bandit's chest lightly, digging in a boot heel. "I could always pry for a little information a less delicate way." The human tilts his green eyes to pierce the bandit's own gaze.
"Oi. Next time you see a four legged man and enough arrow shafts to turn your body into a tailor's cushion perhaps it would be best to hold off the traditional charge and screaming. Though I know it has worked so well for you in the past.." He pauses for any questions or conversation from the party.
Diplomacy
Know: Local
"Outlaw, what dangers lie out in these woods? Speak now and we shall apply the healing you desperately require."