Naen stows her morningstar and shield. Pulling her healer's kit from her backpack, she moves quickly to the side of the wounded bandit leader.
"This wound is within my skill to tend, but the arrow has pierced deep. Stay still and cooperate, and you may yet live."
Heal check:
"If I say anything I am a dead man anyway..." The bandit leader manages to get out before he passes out from the pain.
Naen stows her morningstar and shield. Pulling her healer's kit from her backpack, she moves quickly to the side of the wounded bandit leader.
"This wound is within my skill to tend, but the arrow has pierced deep. Stay still and cooperate, and you may yet live."
Heal check: 1d20+10
You were able to stablize and stop the bleeding.
"If I say anything I am a dead man anyway..." The bandit leader manages to get out before he passes out from the pain.
Naen completes her work, dressing the wound. She does not ask Carmichael to move his foot from the man's chest, working around it gingerly.
"Perhaps he will reconsider with some rest. I trust one of you has a means to restrain him?"
Chiron steps up to the unconscious man, his massive sword resting lazily on his shoulder, and upends half a waterskin on his head to bring him around.
"Pharasma calls for you. Answer our questions and your friends there may yet wait a while for you to join them in the bone-yard."
"Desna light your way, if it is right that she should do so."
Chiron quickly plunges his sword point through the bandit's throat with practiced hands. It is obvious he is none too fond of undue suffering.
Chiron looks up. His eyes find Naen's.
"I'm sorry."
Can I get someone to roll intimidate for me?
Carmichael presses the foot in deeper if the man should wake before being eviscerated.
"Talking is your only option. If not we feed you to the goblin, he'll eat anything.. even toes and feet one by one while you're alive enough to watch."
Looking up with a faint helpless smirk to H'vok, Carmichael shrugs and returns to the task at foot, slamming his boot against the open wound.
-
Should the brigand die by steel. "You just killed a helpless prisoner. Not that I fully disagree but even that man's life was worth more then an I'm sorry and a bag to keep your blade warm in while we're shopping. There may have been other solutions then the quickest one..."
Looking between Chiron and Carmichael the bandit leader is visibly shaken..."I...I...he will kill me if I give him up. I can tell you there are many creatures of glasslands, swamp, and forest."
The bandit leader braces himself expecting that the information he could give was not sufficient to spare his life.
William speaks up, having watched everybody else's wide variety of ministrations. If I may, sir... what is your name? Regardless of his answer: I wish our meeting could be in different circumstances. I am William Flynn. Not to make too fine a point of it, but it looks as if Master Chiron here is ready to kill you right now if you do not talk to us. If you do talk to us, there is a chance that you will live. We can send you north to live among the nation of Brevoy, or anywhere else. We could pretend (Insert Name Here) died here, if you like. We won't tell anyone. It would give you an opportunity to live a new life, free from forced banditry and the rough life of the Greenbelt. I know several families who could use a good farmhand. It's rough work, but honest. All we ask in return is that you let us know who put you in this situation. We can set it aright.
---------------------------------------------------
William politely asks Carmichael to remove his boot from the man's chest. William also asks his looming, menacing companions to take a step back to give the man a chance to think and aid diplomatic relations.
When the bandit offers his small bit of information, Chiron shifts half a step back and lowers his sword the tiniest bit.
When William begins to speak, Chiron is visibly impressed.
This human is remarkable indeed. He understands far more than his years should allow.
Seeing that William seems to have things under control, and that the bandit's attitude is changing due to Williams words, Chiron backs away five feet and sheathes his sword. He looks to Naen.
"It would be easier for him to talk if you could stem the bleeding, priest. Does Milani grant you this power? If not, I will do what I can for him."
Chiron opens his satchel and begins rummaging: probably for first aid supplies.
Hav'k while sometimes rash is not foolish and knows better than to openly trust the bandit.
Havok walks over and crouches down when he speaks to the bandit.
"I honestly prefer to just kill you, but my partners seem to want to spare you. I want direct instructions as to where we need to go, or I will kill you anyway."
Hav'k then ask the rest of the party then any of them bring writing utensils. "Maybe our new friend can help us make a map to where we need to go."
He then directs his attention back to the bandit.
"How long will it be before you are expected back at your camp, and how many are there? I also need an estimate of how many are expected to return here when you don't show up in time."
Chiron produces a map-making kit from his satchel.
"I am a cartographer, I will get us a good map if he'll cooperate."
"It would be easier for him to talk if you could stem the bleeding, priest. Does Milani grant you this power? If not, I will do what I can for him."
Chiron opens his satchel and begins rummaging: probably for first aid supplies.
"Milani does indeed grant me the gift of healing, but I am hesitant to call on it when I am confident my own skill will suffice. I am gracious for your offer of aid, but I have this well in hand."
Naen works diligently while the others converse with her patient.
My new companions are men of strong words, but will the bandit be truthful?
Naen watches him intently, hoping for, but not expecting, a truthful answer.
Carmichael raises a brow politely as Flynn and H'vok weave their own crafty magic. "It seems we are a team of .. many skills indeed."
He steps outside gently, to call his familiar to fly overhead and report geographical landmark and if there is any life on the roads or that can be spotted elsewhere.
Perception - Familiar: Raven - vocal speech
Fly - Familiar
Should the animal return and report any distances, people or landmarks of familiarity, Carmichael stands contemplating his knowledge of the terrain and it's people.
Know: Local
Havok walks over and crouches down when he speaks to the bandit.
"I honestly prefer to just kill you, but my partners seem to want to spare you. I want direct instructions as to where we need to go, or I will kill you anyway."
Master H'vok, please. The stakes have been made abundantly clear to {Insert Name Here}. There is no need to threaten him further. Please, just take a step back. I would certainly be more willing to talk if I didn't feel like I would be executed regardless.
Hav'k then ask the rest of the party then any of them bring writing utensils. "Maybe our new friend can help us make a map to where we need to go."
I seem to be short a pencil, but I know alot about the Geography around here. Perhaps I could help.
You are right I should have called for a Sense Motive as for rolls go ahead and offer them up knowing that I may or may not actually use them. And yes these bandits were meant to be flimsy more of the minion type (p.s according the the gm campaign these guys only had 8 hp and an AC of 10.)
Your raven returns but has nothing of interest to report, except a grove of trees about 200 yards outside the fort.
"Name's Happs, I myself am not opposed to making honest work as a way to atone for my life of banditry. I cannot tell you exact numbers, he has us split up into camps. I don't know his name, only have seen him from a distance. All I can tell you is he wears a steel helm with antlers on the top, much like this pendant." He hands William the medallion with the head of a steel stag. "All I can tell you is I have met with one other leader, and I can tell you that her camp is somewhere to the southwest. There be many foul creatures out there I myself have be victim to mischievious fey creatures." Happs says looking around at everyone hoping this information has indeed spared his life.
"Name's Happs, I myself am not opposed to making honest work as a way to atone for my life of banditry. I cannot tell you exact numbers, he has us split up into camps. I don't know his name, only have seen him from a distance. All I can tell you is he wears a steel helm with antlers on the top, much like this pendant." He hands William the medallion with the head of a steel stag. "All I can tell you is I have met with one other leader, and I can tell you that her camp is somewhere to the southwest. There be many foul creatures out there I myself have be victim to mischievious fey creatures." Happs says looking around at everyone hoping this information has indeed spared his life.
Naen peers into Happs' eyes as he speaks.
Sense Motive:
Chiron nods upon hearing Happs' story.
"It is good to see wisdom in you human. No further harm will come to you so long as you remain trustworthy. We'll get you to safety if that is what you wish."
Chiron nods upon hearing Happs' story.
"It is good to see wisdom in you human. No further harm will come to you so long as you remain trustworthy. We'll get you to safety if that is what you wish."
With his mischievous side returning Hav'k grins, "Darn it, I was going to play with him some more."
His demeanor then changes to be more serous.
"Were you supposed to return the stolen items to the main camp or the secondary camp? How long until you are supposed to get the items back to someone in charge?"
Hav'k then pulls the party off to the side.
"We basically need to know if we should wait here or go to them. I don't want to leave Oleg alone here, nor do I want to travel with less than a full party. They spared 4(?) just to harrass an old man. I am sure the numbers are greater at the camp."
"Nice work everyone, this information is exactly what we need to begin our search. We worked well as a team, especially under duress. That bodes well for our future."
Korvus finally returns to secure Happ's former comrades in arms, while his raven pecks the eye from a dead man's socket. "I'll feed you later Shard. Shoo." Leaving items of worth piled on the counter at Oleg's, he asks the man where an appropriate spot is to give these bodies a final resting place then responds to his companion's suggestion.
"Good point Hav'k, we must be sure to find you new playmates whom won't jeopardize what's been won here today." Carmichael's voice is firm yet ends in a calm relaxation.
You are right I should have called for a Sense Motive as for rolls go ahead and offer them up knowing that I may or may not actually use them. And yes these bandits were meant to be flimsy more of the minion type (p.s according the the gm campaign these guys only had 8 hp and an AC of 10.)
"Name's Happs, I myself am not opposed to making honest work as a way to atone for my life of banditry. I cannot tell you exact numbers, he has us split up into camps. I don't know his name, only have seen him from a distance. All I can tell you is he wears a steel helm with antlers on the top, much like this pendant." He hands William the medallion with the head of a steel stag. "All I can tell you is I have met with one other leader, and I can tell you that her camp is somewhere to the southwest. There be many foul creatures out there I myself have be victim to mischievious fey creatures." Happs says looking around at everyone hoping this information has indeed spared his life.
William accepts the medallion, and stands a moment, lost in thought. Fey. Here? Of course there would be fey in the forest. In an area known as the Greenbelt. In any wilderness, tamed or not, they make their homes. How did that song go? ...
Realizing that people are staring at him, he shakes off his reverie. Assuming his read of Happs is that of honesty (or genuine fear), he responds like this. Thank you, Happs. Do you suppose you could show us where in the southwest they camped? How did you know where to find Oleg, or did you just have a separate camp? Thank you for working with us. Those who did this to you will not go unpunished.
After more contemplation, William offers the following. I suggest you flee northeast. You will come to a settlement in a day's travel named Yaltus. Speak with Marcus. He is a farmer, and always in need of help. He can put you to good use.
If it sounds like he's holding out on us, William will stare at him inquiringly and wait for him to continue.
"Name's Happs, I myself am not opposed to making honest work as a way to atone for my life of banditry. I cannot tell you exact numbers, he has us split up into camps. I don't know his name, only have seen him from a distance. All I can tell you is he wears a steel helm with antlers on the top, much like this pendant." He hands William the medallion with the head of a steel stag. "All I can tell you is I have met with one other leader, and I can tell you that her camp is somewhere to the southwest. There be many foul creatures out there I myself have be victim to mischievious fey creatures." Happs says looking around at everyone hoping this information has indeed spared his life.William accepts the medallion, and stands a moment, lost in thought. Fey. Here? Of course there would be fey in the forest. In an area known as the Greenbelt. In any wilderness, tamed or not, they make their homes. How did that song go? ...
Realizing that people are staring at him, he shakes off his reverie. Assuming his read of Happs is that of honesty (or genuine fear), he responds like this. Thank you, Happs. Do you suppose you could show us where in the southwest they camped? How did you know where to find Oleg, or did you just have a separate camp? Thank you for working with us. Those who did this to you will not go unpunished.
After more contemplation, William offers the following. I suggest you flee northeast. You will come to a settlement in a day's travel named Yaltus. Speak with Marcus. He is a farmer, and always in need of help. He can put you to good use.
If it sounds like he's holding out on us, William will stare at him inquiringly and wait for him to continue.
"Well once I get the money from Oleg I take it back to my camp and then an 'emissary' for the boss comes and picks up the money. But the camp to the southwest is about 3 days travel and in the middle of two rivers. I know that there are 3 separate guard 'towers', but that is all I know, only been there once."
William and Naen you can tell that he has told you the truth and that it is all he knows.
"Name's Happs, I myself am not opposed to making honest work as a way to atone for my life of banditry. I cannot tell you exact numbers, he has us split up into camps. I don't know his name, only have seen him from a distance. All I can tell you is he wears a steel helm with antlers on the top, much like this pendant." He hands William the medallion with the head of a steel stag. "All I can tell you is I have met with one other leader, and I can tell you that her camp is somewhere to the southwest. There be many foul creatures out there I myself have be victim to mischievious fey creatures." Happs says looking around at everyone hoping this information has indeed spared his life.William accepts the medallion, and stands a moment, lost in thought. Fey. Here? Of course there would be fey in the forest. In an area known as the Greenbelt. In any wilderness, tamed or not, they make their homes. How did that song go? ...
Realizing that people are staring at him, he shakes off his reverie. Assuming his read of Happs is that of honesty (or genuine fear), he responds like this. Thank you, Happs. Do you suppose you could show us where in the southwest they camped? How did you know where to find Oleg, or did you just have a separate camp? Thank you for working with us. Those who did this to you will not go unpunished.
After more contemplation, William offers the following. I suggest you flee northeast. You will come to a settlement in a day's travel named Yaltus. Speak with Marcus. He is a farmer, and always in need of help. He can put you to good use.
If it sounds like he's holding out on us, William will stare at him inquiringly and wait for him to continue.
"Can Marcus handle him? Can we even trust him enough to know he won't warn his buddies that we might be paying them a visit? I say we hold him until we take care of at least the minor camp. At least he won't be so afraid of retaliation, and he will be less inclined to act against us."
Hav'k then focuses on Happs.
"What can you do besides fight?"
"I do not think he will betray us, for to do so would forfeit his life. I believe Master Oleg might give him a few days worth of food and send him on his way."
" As for the grove he speaks of, I know it and can lead us there. That would be the logical choice as our first move."
William nods slowly. Marcus can take care of himself and his own. He knows well the penalty for banditry - he was one himself, once. I do not think Happs is lying to us. Master H'vok's suggestion makes sense, but I will not take Happs to another bandit camp when he fears for his life. Nor will I leave him at Oleg's for a week for one of them to potentially take advantage of the other. Today, I think we trust in people.
William looks at Happs. He knows his life is forfeit if he continues banditry. If we find him at the camp, we deal with him by the charter.
I suggest we have a light meal, send Happs out, and depart for Master Chiron's grove.
"A fine plan master Flynn."
Chiron smiles proudly.
I like this one. Finally a human worth the exile.
"I do not think he will betray us, for to do so would forfeit his life. I believe Master Oleg might give him a few days worth of food and send him on his way."
"It seems he has already taken much from Oleg. I will offer him supplies from my provisions."
Naen removes four days worth of trail rations from her backpack, and presents them to Happs. She gazes at him, her eyes narrowing.
"Today, Happs, you dodge your sentence, but know that if harm comes to Marcus or any under his care, we will not hesitate to find you and carry it out. We give you your freedom in trust. Make the best of your second chance, and perhaps we will meet again some day, as allies."
Diplomacy:
"And perhaps you could tell me the names of your former comrades, so that I might say a prayer to bless their passing."
Assuming Happs gives her names, Naen will perform a blessing of Milani over the other bandit's corpses.
I suggest we have a light meal, send Happs out, and depart for Master Chiron's grove.
"Yes. I am ready to set out, but I confess it has been some time since I ate a well-cooked meal. Let us be swift about it."
"I guess I have been outvoted. Happs, some deity is smiling upon you today. Do not forsake the blessing. Did you and your comrades bring horses?"
"Seems all our kissing and kicking did some good after all." Washing his hands clean from blood, Carmichael wrinkles his nose. "Given the materials and heat I'd say a quick meal could be fashioned for m'lady and the rest of you marksmen." He shifts his weight to stand and shakes both hands dry.
Cooking-Need be.
"No colt or filly to rest my saddle on, but if there is room on the donkey lets grab some cooking supplies for the road; should the rest of you also not carry the stock."
Korvus asks Oleg about frying pans, tools, spices, meats, grains and vegetables, and pays for a practical amount (several days) need be from what the outlaws left or from his own remainder.
"The grove is indeed a solid lead." The sorcerer's raven jumps up his lower arm to perch upon Carmichael's right shoulder and whisper's something quietly into his ear. "The terrain appears clear from a bird's eye view of the passage between this location to the Glade."
Yes as you search their bodies you find 6 longbows, 4 longsword, and 2 short swords as well as 80 arrows. You also see that just outside there are 6 horses and a cart.
"Aye my chaps had names, but as to what they were I can't remember. I would say call them all Steve," Haps says with a smirk.
"Given the materials and heat I'd say a quick meal could be fashioned for m'lady and the rest of you marksmen."
...Sorry for that. Couldn't resist.
"Aye my chaps had names, but as to what they were I can't remember. I would say call them all Steve," Haps says with a smirk.
Naen grimaces, and turning from Happs, she walks among the bodies, performing an invocation over each corpse. Naen refers to them as "fallen soldier" rather than by name.
We will not have time to conduct a proper burial.
"Oleg. We must depart shortly. Could you see to funerary arrangements for the fallen? It need not be more than basic."
"Given the materials and heat I'd say a quick meal could be fashioned for m'lady and the rest of you marksmen."...Sorry for that. Couldn't resist.
"Aye my chaps had names, but as to what they were I can't remember. I would say call them all Steve," Haps says with a smirk.Naen grimaces, and turning from Happs, she walks among the bodies, performing an invocation over each corpse. Naen refers to them as "fallen soldier" rather than by name.
We will not have time to conduct a proper burial.
"Oleg. We must depart shortly. Could you see to funerary arrangements for the fallen? It need not be more than basic."
"Aye, we can. Should you require anything else please let me know."
Yes as you search their bodies you find 6 longbows, 4 longsword, and 2 short swords as well as 80 arrows. You also see that just outside there are 6 horses and a cart.
Horses! Now we can all match pace with Master Chiron! I imagine Oleg can get a good bargain for the two extra horses, too. William greets the horses, and checks to make sure they are prepared for riding. (He makes sure they have saddles and stuff.)
He then glances at the bodies and notices a discrepancy. You number five, yet you have six swords, six horses, six longbows, he says to Happs. Did you lose one of your number before you got here?
Yes as you search their bodies you find 6 longbows, 4 longsword, and 2 short swords as well as 80 arrows. You also see that just outside there are 6 horses and a cart.Horses! Now we can all match pace with Master Chiron! I imagine Oleg can get a good bargain for the two extra horses, too. William greets the horses, and checks to make sure they are prepared for riding. (He makes sure they have saddles and stuff.)
He then glances at the bodies and notices a discrepancy. You number five, yet you have six swords, six horses, six longbows, he says to Happs. Did you lose one of your number before you got here?
"Well, the extra horse, sword, and longbows, they come from a chap up the road a bit."
"Well, the extra horse, sword, and longbows, they come from a chap up the road a bit."
"A chap up the road? A lookout?"
Naen approaches the horses.
Must we ride? It makes little sense not to, with the horses here. Which is the gentlest? Naen's eyes fall on a young mare, standing patiently...almost perfectly still. Perhaps you.
Naen takes the horse by the bridle, and leads it around in a circle.
Will you bear me in my travels? Naen strokes the horse's snout, then looks down the road. As much as I would love to tarry here, we should move soon. She leaves the mare's side and and walks promptly to Carmichael.
"I have not had the chance to say much to you...Carmichael, is it?" Naen's mouth curves into a half-smile. "You are a spell caster and a cook. We are most fortunate to have you. That is a beautiful bird. I may have missed its name." Naen looks into the raven's eyes. Strange, the manner in which it stares back. What runs through the mind of a bird?
After a moment lost in thought, Naen's eyes dart back to Carmichael. "I am no cook, but if it will not cause complications, I would like to assist you in preparing the meal. Time grows short."
When he finishes his meal, Chiron canters out to inspect the horses.
When he finishes his meal, Chiron canters out to inspect the horses.
1d20+3
Chiron you are able to tell that while these horses are not combat trained they are trained for bearing riders and carrying heavy loads. They are very broken in and are easy to ride.
"These horses are good. They will bear you all well so long as they are not attacked. If anyone needs a leg up, I stand ready. Otherwise, we should be off."
"These horses are good. They will bear you all well so long as they are not attacked. If anyone needs a leg up, I stand ready. Otherwise, we should be off."
Naen, having finished eating, follows Chiron out to the horses. With little grace, she hoists herself on to the mare she had been admiring.
Naen looks at Chiron, trying to meet his eyes. "Back there...when they came rushing in...I froze. I am sorry. I am trained in combat and have seen stand-offs, but not battle. Not until today. Nevertheless, the next time, I will be ready. Maybe I have shown you little reason to believe that, but I give you my promise."
He likely wishes I had never come. I do not blame him. Yet, Milani would have me begin something in these lands. She would have me restore hope to its peoples. I must not fail in this.
"You are noble and kind to stand by me even when I am fearful. If I was short with you before, I apologize. I am grateful for your leadership and your skill." Naen looks to the road. "I am ready to depart."
Chiron places a large, leathery hand on Naen's slender shoulder.
"“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it. You stood there Naen. That takes courage. I know you will find yourself in good time, never rush it."
Chiron smiles at the young lady.
"Keep your heels down as you ride and you'll have an easier time."
*wink*
"These horses are good. They will bear you all well so long as they are not attacked. If anyone needs a leg up, I stand ready. Otherwise, we should be off."Naen, having finished eating, follows Chiron out to the horses. With little grace, she hoists herself on to the mare she had been admiring.
Naen looks at Chiron, trying to meet his eyes. "Back there...when they came rushing in...I froze. I am sorry. I am trained in combat and have seen stand-offs, but not battle. Not until today. Nevertheless, the next time, I will be ready. Maybe I have shown you little reason to believe that, but I give you my promise."
He likely wishes I had never come. I do not blame him. Yet, Milani would have me begin something in these lands. She would have me restore hope to its peoples. I must not fail in this.
"You are noble and kind to stand by me even when I am fearful. If I was short with you before, I apologize. I am grateful for your leadership and your skill." Naen looks to the road. "I am ready to depart."
Chiron places a large, leathery hand on Naen's slender shoulder.
"“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it. You stood there Naen. That takes courage. I know you will find yourself in good time, never rush it."
Chiron smiles at the young lady.
"Keep your heels down as you ride and you'll have an easier time."
*wink*
"Thank you, Chiron."
Naen nods humbly, then looking down, tries to push her left foot deeper into the stirrup. She nearly loses her balance as the mare turns in a tight circle.
Chiron places a large, leathery hand on Naen's slender shoulder.
"“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it. You stood there Naen. That takes courage. I know you will find yourself in good time, never rush it."
Chiron smiles at the young lady.
"Keep your heels down as you ride and you'll have an easier time."
*wink*
"Thank you, Chiron."
Naen nods humbly, then looking down, tries to push her left foot deeper into the stirrup. She nearly loses her balance as the mare turns in a tight circle.
After a no-doubt delicious meal (what did we have?), William will go around Oleg's and buy some last-minute supplies. Among them, he asks for a bedroll, a lantern, some oil, some rope, some writing materials, a waterskin, and a few more day's worth of trail rations. He goes about stowing these on the back of the horse he picked out, a chestnut mare he has taken to calling "Brownie". It looks almost as if William did not pack for a long-term adventure.
Oleg, are you interested in buying what the bandits had?
Another thing looks like it is bothering William. They said they took the sixth horse from someone down the road. Should we return her?
Let us deal with these bandits as soon as we possibly can. Fortune and Milani willing, we will have much more time for exploring what the Greenbelt has to offer.