The fort looks to be sturdy, though it is no more than a palisade. The logs are thick, but weathered. When you pass through the gate, you find that the interior is rather large, and contains several restored buildings. An empty wooden cart is covering most of the open space in between the buildings. Two wooden tables are situated between two of the buildings. A man, clad only in a leather apron and linen breeches, is busy hammering away on the roof to the building on your right. Sweat is running down his face.
The smell of a pleasant stew is in the air, and you see a plump woman carrying a great cauldron out from another building. As she spots you, she heaves the cauldron on top of one of the tables, and approaches. "'Ello there! You mus' be th' ones we's been waitin' for. Can't say 'ow 'appy we are t'finally get some 'elp. Ah made sum stew, ah reckon yeh must be 'ungreh?"
She leads you all to the table before you have a time to speak, her presence rather commandeering, but she is gentle enough all the same. "Name's Svetlana, an' m'ubbeh up there's Oleg. Get yehr fat arse down here, Oleg, an' say 'ello to th' people!"
You can hear a grumble from the roof as the hammering stops, and the man disappears behind the building. Momentarily afterwards, he steps into view, wiping sweat off his forehead with his arm. "Welp, 'bout time they sent someone. Name's Oleg. Best eat up yehr stew or Svetlana will rage like a 'arpy."
Kragath listens intently to Rorgrym's description of his faith, and when their hosts make their appearance, Kragath bows humbly before them and says, "Greetings, sir and lady. It is an honor to be here. I am grateful for your hospitality. Ingle, tend to the cart so that it is out of our hosts way, if you please.". Kragath then follows Svetlana to the tables.
"...your bedroll makes an excellent cushion."
"Now why didn't I think of that?" he mutters, looking genuinely confused. Shaking it off, he goes to join the others in greeting the dwarf.
Smiling slightly at the paladins choice of words, Ingle gives the dwarf a minimalist bow as he is introduced. Renowned alchemist, he muses. ...one day, indeed.
Overhearing the conversation between Rorgrym and Jonas a smirk comes to the alchemist's face. Is he clergy then? One would expect more of a sensible outlook from a dwarf. Well, let's hope he keeps his faith close like the paladin here. The last thing I need is to be pestered about some ridiculous deity for hours on end. With a shrug, he puts the thought away. We'll just have to see.
The smell of stew catches the half-elf's attention and he looks around with renewed interest. Greeting Svetlana and Oleg distractedly, his preoccupation with the stew grows further. It's Kragath who brings him back.
"Ingle, tend to the cart so that it is out of our hosts way, if you please."
Looking somewhat dissapointed, the half-elf says, "Of course. Business before pleasure and all that." Ingle goes to take care of the cart, moving it out of the way as much as the tight quarters will allow. "I suppose I should see to the horse as well," he says to himself, trying to work out how all the buckles and straps work.
"I say, sir Oleg," he calls out, having deciphered the tack. "Is there room in the stable?"
As Ingle calls out in regards to the stable, Kragath suddenly remembers he is still leading Simaron, and right to the tables at that.
There you go again, Kragath. Won't it be nice one day when you lead Simaron into a formal court and make a proper fool of yourself!"
"Yes, I nearly forgot! Thank you Ingle! If you have the space, we have several horses that need stabling for the night. Also, some beds, if you have any to rent out?"
Rorgrym stops talking as the approach the building and hear the sound of hammering on the rooftop. Drawing a deep breath, Rorgeym shouts, "Hoy, Oleg! Envoys are here!"
Turning back to the group he says, "Sorry for rambling on. I have had few opportunities to discuss my faith and got a bit carried away there. Hope I didn't bore you."
After Oleg and Svetlana come out Rorgrym says, "I'd take his advice. Not because of the harpy thing though; her stew is just really good."
Turning to Kragath, Rorgrym gestures over to the west, "Stables over there. Don't know if the wagon'll fit...or what he'll charge you for it. Though, just a suggestion, I'd tie the horses to the wagon and care for them after the meal. Oleg hasn't been open with me but I get the feeling, now that you're all here, he's definitely got something to get off his chest. Sooner the better I think."
Gathien listens with interest to the dwarf's tale, feeling a sense of familiarity when the dwarf mentions the idea of a "real" religion.... and then stiffens somewhat at the dwarf's warning. As directed, he ties Raenar to the wagon, rubs his nose and heads inside, Perhaps the plesant party of the journey has just ended...
As he walks in, the smell of the stew first reaches him. ...or perhaps not-- Rorgrym's assessment of the stew may be quite accurate...
Before sitting, Gathien pauses to greet his hosts, "Well met, Svetlana, Oleg. I am Gathien, and I would be delighted to hear the tale of how we can help -- especially over a bowl of stew."
As they are walking into the fort Jonas tells Rorgrym, Don't worry about going on about your religion. I wouldn't have asked if I hadn't wanted to hear about it. I'm sure we will get more time later to discuss it. He cranes his neck around to look at the forts defenses, taking in it's tactical strengths.
As the couple introduce themselves, Jonas smiles and nods to both of them. He repeats the introductions that Kragath used outside. We are happy to be here as well, I assure you both. I for one have spent many years on the border to these lands, and I have seen for myself how difficult it is for honest folk like yourself in these wilds. I'm just happy the Swordlords have agreed to increase their commitment to the protection of the people here. While we are eating this fine meal, would you be so kind as to share where you feel you need the most help?
Diplomacy if appropriate (+1 rank, +3 class skill, +2 Chr, +2 traits)
Kragath ties Simaron to the cart for now, whispering to the horse, "Don't worry, friend, if I have a roof over my head, I will insure that you do as well." He gently strokes the horse's nose, then returns to the table as Jonas finishes his inquiry. Kragath takes a seat next to Jonas at the table and awaits the couples answer.
Ingle gives the so-far-nameless heavy horse a pat on the nose. "It looks like you'll be joined to this cart for a bit longer." There is a strangely uncharacteristic hint of compassion in his tone. Spotting Kargath's approach, he clears his throat and turns his back on the horse and cart, brushing the dust from his hands.
Overhearing Kragath's words to his own horse, the alchemist says casually, "It seems you've grown attached already." He offers the paladin a smile and a nod (of approval?), before heading toward the dining area.
Going to join the others at the table, Ingle chooses a spot and settles his gangling form. I hope he doesn't need help repairing the roof, he thinks, listening to the conversation. But he offers the host couple what he hopes is a cooperative look, as he reaches for a bowl.
"The road has been pleasant thus far. Allow me to introduce our companions. Ser Jonas, of House Medvyed. Peregrine Fetch, a Mage of Divination. Ingle Farwen, renowned alchemist, and Gathien Toran, a mighty warrior."
Kragath gestures in kind to his frIends as he introduces them. "And, what, may I ask, is your name Ser Dwarf?"
Peregrine bowed from his saddle. "Peregrine Fetch, of House Fetch, at your service." He said this with the slight tone of someone correcting an error, but smiled slightly as he did.
With the stiffness of a day spent on horseback, Peregrine climbed down from the dabbled grey gelding. He frowned as he looked down at the road dust that had accumulated on this clothing, with a small sweeping gesture and a quick word it began to gently fall from his clothing in a neat ring around him. In short order his clothing was once more spotless and he stepped out of the dusty circle.
As he listened to the cleric explain his faith to Jonas, Peregrine looked around the fort-cum-trading post with a calculating gaze, trying to suss out its possibilities and potential effectiveness as a base of operations. Though after a day one the road, even Peregrine had to admit the smell of stew wafting through the air was distracting.
Peregrine nodded politely as he was introduced to Oleg and Svetlana. "It appears you have quite a sturdy home here this wild place. I am very much looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the area."
I'm just happy the Swordlords have agreed to increase their commitment to the protection of the people here.
Rorgrym frowns a bit at hearing this.
"It appears you have quite a sturdy home here this wild place."
Rorgrym's frown deepens. For a moment, he tugs on his beard and appears as if he's about to say something but he just shakes his head and goes back to eating.
Ingle takes a sip of the stew, glad to have a hot meal. And it was quite good as well. But he can't help noticing the odd mood of the dwarf as the conversation went on.
Setting his spoon down, the half-elf regarded Rorgrym for a long moment. "I'm curious. Is there something you wish to say, friend?" Without waiting for an answer the alchemist reaches for a slice of bread.
At Kragath's introduction, Oleg only grunts. Svetlana bows softly, and murmurs a soft thanks (and a reprimand to Oleg) as she gestures for you to sit down. When Ingle inquires about the stables, the man speaks up. "Got lotsa space - but we have ta charge ya. Two silver links a night. An' if yeh're sleepin' under our roofs, ta'll be 'nuther five links a night."
As you continue your chatter of introductions and offerings of help, Svetlana and Oleg exchange glances. Svetlana asks quietly, "Yeh dun' know... wha' we need 'elp with?"
As none of you can deign a reply, Oleg grows stale and storms into his house, a flurry of curses thrown your way. "Sum'times ah never rem'mber why ah married th' man... We's got a bi' o'a bandit problem. Keep extortin' our trade goods, threatened ter take off m'usband's 'and, an' takin' me away for yeh-know-wha'."
"Ah reckon yeh shoul' eat yehr stew 'fore it grows cold. But ah 'ope we can rely on yeh fer help..."
She does another bow, her expression solemn, as she enters their house - leaving you to think.
Kragath watches as their hosts leave the table, then turns to his companions wide eyed, "Well, it would seem we've made a good first impression."
Kragath then turns his attentions to their new comrade, and hands to him the charter. "While we have a moment, I would ask that you sign the charter we have been given for our mission. The Council of Restov would like this to be as legal as possible, and your name on the charter offers you a certain level of legal protection as well as insures you receive full credit for the deeds we accomplish here."
"While Rorgrym tends to that, let us discuss our mission. We are tasked with the exploration of the Greenbelt, but more importantly to put an end to any banditry we come across, and it would seem we have found some already. I think we can all agree that our first step is to insure the security of this trading post, so that it will be able to function safely during our exploration of the region."
Kragath returns his attentions slightly to his stew as he awaits his companions responses.
Gathien's eyes widen and his expression shifts as his hosts storm out. He looks to his companions with a shocked expression and heated cheeks, and says in an almost pleading tone "I didn't mean to offend. I just wanted to know what we could help with."
When the paladin starts the discussion, Gathien slowly settles back into himself. "Perhaps this is why they were so explicit about bandits in the charter. I would agree that exploration, while important, is less urgent than dealing with this. However, it might be wise to get whatever information we can from our hosts before we make any plans...."
"Well, it would seem we've made a good first impression."
Ingle chuckles. "Extraordinary."
Casting a look at the halfling, he says, "Don't feel bad. You can't help being offensive. But you do have a point."
Turning to Svetlana, his spoon paused halfway to his mouth, he asks, "Details would be most useful. What more can you tell us about these ruffians?"
Rorgrym glances blankly down at the charter in front of him; his thoughts clearly elsewhere. "Oh, yes, of course." He hastily scrawls his name on the charter. He frowns as he looks down at it. Rather reluctantly, he passes it back to Kragath.
Turning back to the main conversation, his face shows a bit of concern. "I knew bandits were in the Stolen Lands but I hadn't realised they had come so far north, nor with such confidence to deliver such threats. If they can threaten here, they can threaten the South Rostland Road. I agree this immediate threat needs to be dealt with first, we can hardly explore while constantly looking over our shoulders."
Kragath rises from the table, "I will see if I can attend to this situation, as well as see what they can tell us of these bandits."
Kragath then approaches the door of their hosts home, and knocks. When the door opens, Kragath bows.
"My apologies to you if we have offended you. But trust that the Council of Restov did not send us here blindly. We were aware of bandits in the region, however, we had not been informed that they had ventured this far North. We had expected that your trading post had yet to be grievanced by their actions, and had hoped to remedy the problem before such a situation arose. If you could tell us more about what you know of these bandits, such as the directions they traveled, their number, and how well they are armed, I swear to you that we will do all in our power to bring an end to their lawlessness."
Peregrine pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Well, that was not conducive of anything."
Shaking his head, Peregrine hitched his horse while the dwarf signed the charter. Already though, he was turning over how they might handle the situation in mind. Coming back to the table he gave voice to some of his thoughts. "We need to look for a pattern. Is is the same group? How often and how regularly do they come? Are there any other people in this area that they may be preying upon?"
It is Svetlana who opens the door and her expression is half an irritated frown, and half a smile. She opens the door, when you see Oleg, with an embarrassed flush and an ashamed scowl, standing behind. "Sorreh," he says quietly. "Th' bandits are bleedin' us dry - ah sent a raven ter Restov a fortnight ago, an' thought yeh had been sent ter fix it."
"What me 'usband's tryin' ter say is, we'd appreciate yehr help." Svetlana exits past Kragath with pride on her comely face.
"Th' bandits attacked th' first time three months ago. Threatened t' burn down th' outpost an' steal Svetlana fer their pleasure, if we di'n't give all th' furs an' trade goods we's got. They's been here twice more. We's been bled dry."
"First time they came," Svetlana says, "They was fifteen, lead by this 'ag o'a woman. 'Ad two 'atchets, she did, almost took off Oleg's 'and. The whore took me weddin' ring..."
"After tha', s'been less o'them. Second time, was a man, 'e came with six o'em. Last time, they was five. Ah reckon they should be 'ere sometime during th' evenin'."
"They always enter th' front gate an' start loadin' up from th' wagon o'er there," Oleg continues, pointing at the great wagon in the middle of the fort. "We's not put th' stuff there yet, but we were plannin' to after supper. Ah reckon an ambush could take care o'them. After what they's done, ah want ter see sum' blood, ter be 'onest."
Kragath listens carefully to what Svetlana says about the bandits, and when both she and her husband finish speaking, Kragath states, "Then we haven't much time. Oleg, I wouldn't bother with trying to load the cart now, in fact the lack of goods being there could keep their focus away from us at the start. Do they usually arrive on horseback or on foot?"
Kragath then turns to see how the doors operate. Also, he looks at how high the walkway is around the outer platform. "Ingle, Peregrine, when the time comes, it may be best for you both to take cover on the walkways on either side of the gate, taking cover until we spring the trap. Jonas, if you and your steed could take cover outside somewhere, perhaps on along another side of the wall and await a signal, you could come in behind and block their escape. Gathien, you could signal him and let him know when the bandits have all their attention on the interior of the fort, then move along the walkway into position behind them as well."
Kragath changes his line of thought briefly to Oleg and Svetlana. "Oleg, when the time comes, it may be best if you and your wife take cover inside your home until it's all said and done."
Kragath then turns to Rorgrym, "I know that you have just recently joined our group, Rorgrym, but how do you feel in joining me in playing the part of the bait?"
Oleg shakes his head as Kragath begins to explain his plan. "Ah reckon yeh shouldn't be visible - prob'ly best ter hide in th' stables or th' 'ouse o'er there. If they spot any o'yeh, they migh' jus' set th' fort on fire if they can. Ah'd rather not take any chances."
Kragath nods to Oleg, "This is your home, so I shall protect it to the best of my abilities, and to suit your wishes. We will take up a position within the guest house, so as to be able to provide defense to you and your wife, if necessary."
Kragath tries to appear as if the dwarf's suggestion goes over well with him, but a close eye can easily see that he is not keen on the dwarf's request.
And with nobody to cut off an escape from the fort, one of them can easily go warn the rest of their group, and then they come and set fire to your fort. I do not like the idea of trying to spring an ambush on a foe with all our forces clustered in one spot. Not enough threatened area on the field of battle.
"It's a good idea overall, though I admit I'm not fond of having Ser Medvyed outside the walls, were he to be spotted it would all be over. I think that Oleg here is right, it is probably better no one be visible, it will make them more wary. Might I suggest that we close one of the doors at the gate, and leave the other swung open to its widest extent. You and Rorgrym can hide behind it, then simple step around and cut off their escape. I'll barricade myself in the stables, that should give me a command of the courtyard. If we're lucky they may dismount to start looking around before they realize anyone is here, that would be the perfect opportunity."
Kragath appears releaved when Peregrine adds his voice to the planning, "That is a splendid idea, Ser Fetch. In fact, my goal for Jonas was to allow him to both cut of their retreat as well as be able to use his experience in mounted combat to his advantage. However, if lies in wait in the stables, he could ride out once the trap is sprung to provide that portion of the trap, while I await behind them in the gate as you suggest. If Rorgrym stays with me, we might even be able to shut the gate door behind them before they can react, sealing them in. I would still like to take advantage of the our terrain, so if Ingle could contribute from one of the walkways that would be marvelous. Gathien could come from within the guest quarters too, and then we'd essentially have them surrounded."
It is obvious that Kragath is thinking as hard as he can to come up with a strong battle plan to attempt to overwhelm their foes. He begins walking around the courtyard, observing the various structures and positions within.
"I might suggest that Ingle lay down and cover himself with an old tarp, or canvas, the the like. It would not do to have them simple turn around and spot him. Then he can spring up at the appropriate time and...do whatever it is that he does."
Ingle listens to the battle plans, his face a mixture of concentration and, perhaps, nervousness. His hand instinctively goes to his bandolier, nervously fidgeting with one of the many vials there. At the mention of the walkways overhead, he looks up and nods solemnly. A good idea. Fire from on high, as the saying goes.
"A good plan, dear fellows," he says, trying to sound more casual than he feels. "Might I suggest one change though. Perhaps Oleg should go ahead and fill the cart with whatever it is they expect to see there. Perhaps then they will not be on their guard so much, and may even dismount to begin loading the goods. That will give Kagrath and our stubby new friend here an opportunity to close the gate and thus signal the rest of us."
He tries to take another bite of bread, but finds it difficult to chew, setting the rest back on his plate. He looks around at his companions, wondering if any of them share his trepidation.
Jonas frowns in thought. Of course I am fine being inside the fort, and yes I prefer to be on Maelstrom. I do think it is very important to take one of these men alive to question him about where the rest are. We are going to need to protect these folk from reprisals, and I believe that this is best done by breaking this group. That can be done by attacking them quickly at their camp before they even know we exist. Maybe we can even find Svetlana's ring.
"Assuming this is the same band, I think there's useful information there -- they sent strength the first time, to make their point and to reduce the odds of being challenged... and have been sending fewer and fewer since then as they establish the "habit" of their collection.... Which means that tonight's collection party will not be the whole of the band.... Which is good, but it does mean there will be issues to deal with later, as well... Which, to be fair, we can discuss later"
Gathien listens to the plans, and then nods at Ingle's suggestion, adding "Making the wagon appear to be loaded is an excellent suggestion -- and we could change the trigger of the ambush. I imagine that I could squeeze behind a crate or under a fur and leap out to join the battle."
Gathien smiles at Jonas' comments, "Indeed, that would be one of the 'issues for later' I was referring to. A prisoner could tell us where to meet their companions - allowing us to strike when they don't expect it... especially if we borrow their livery in our approach."
Responding to Jonas, Kragath comments, "Certainly. My hopes are that we can overwhelm them and perhaps convince a total surrender. I do not expect this to be the case, however, but I do intend to take at least one or two alive."
To Gathien, Kragath says, "If you are comfortable hiding in the wagon, that is a good idea."
"I do think it is very important to take one of these men alive..."
At this Ingle grimaces slightly, a thought occurring to him suddenly. For all my concerns, at the first threat of actual banditry my mind goes immediately to killing. Am I no better than I feared some of these others might be? He considers this for a moment, debating whether to say anything.
Finally, he sighs, looking none to happy with himself. Turning to Gathien he says quietly, "This was a rather short and all-together unorthodox trial."
Heaving himself up, he goes to the cart to retrieve his pack, and, more specifically, the alchemical kit it contains. This he returns to the table, pushing his half-eaten meal aside to make room.
Rorgrym nods at hearing each suggestion. "Of course I'll help however I can. The plan seems a good one. Though, we may need to improvise quickly if the bandits come in numbers greater than we expect." Rorgrym surveys the scene outside the gate. "Our biggest advantage if surprise. After three months, they can hardly be expecting any trouble."
0: Create Water, Stabilize, Guidance
1: Bless, Magic Weapon, Obscuring Mist
Gathien says, in a reassuring tone, "I believe the first goal is to stop them from doing additional harm - and sadly we may need to use lethal force to do so... The test will be how we treat them once we've stopped them." ... though he's unsure if he's reassuring himself or Ingle (and, for that matter, why he'd want to reassure *Ingle*?)
Ingle nods at the halflings words as he works at measuring out components into a small vial. "I am afraid to say that 'lethal' force is all that I have at my disposal. Difficult to incinerate someone into submission. Which is to say, it works every time." He laughs without humor at that, finishing up his concoction. "But you get my meaning."
Slipping the newly created extract into one of the slots on his bandoleer, he offers Gathien a nervous grin. "Thank you, though. You make sense." And lest the barbarian think that Ingle had gone soft, he added, "I would say that, being as you'll likely be in the heart of things once they begin, to remember to duck where appropriate. But since you're in a perpetual state of ducking, I guess that may be unnecessary."
"Well, we's puttin' out goods either way - if we don't, they said they'd take Svetlana, an' bugger that, they ain't takin' me wife now o'never. If yeh wanna 'elp, then we won't spent t'long."
He walks over to the building between their home and the stables, finding a silver key from his pocket. Unlocking the door, what's inside is scarce. "Reckon' with two o'yeh we'll 'ave it done in five."
And lest the barbarian think that Ingle had gone soft, he added, "I would say that, being as you'll likely be in the heart of things once they begin, to remember to duck where appropriate. But since you're in a perpetual state of ducking, I guess that may be unnecessary."
Gathien laughs, "Wise advise, Duckie."
He then turns to Oleg, "I'm more than happy to help you with moving things and loading the wagon.. Have no fear, I am much stronger than I look."
I'll help. Jonas says as he stands up from the table. Before he leaves Jonas looks around at his associates, his face grim. The realities of the nature of the Stolen Lands and our mission here is going to come as a rude surprise to some of you. We are the only law these people have. There is no one else who will stand up for them. There is no one else to serve as judge, jury, or executioner. The rightful rulers of this place gave us the authority to act as those roles here. I'm here to protect them and others like them, not to protect the criminals.
At Oleg's request for help, Ingle looks at his companions. "If you don't mind I'd like to go top-side a have a look at... well, at things."
Returning his gear to his pack, he slings the thing over one shoulder and nods grimly at Jonas. Climbing the ladder, Ingle sets his pack aside and peers over the wall into the gathering gloom. No sign of trouble yet, he thinks, feeling somewhat relieved. Scanning the horizon once more to assure himself, he returns to his pack and retrieves his blanket. This should do to hide under.
With that, he looks down into the fort, estimating distances to various landmarks. Fifteen feet to the wagon, twenty more to the stable doors. Hmmm, a bit far for accuracy. Just have to hope for the best, I suppose. He pulls one of the vials from his belt, feeling it's weight. "I say," he calls out, holding up the vial, "these are not what one would call precision weapons. My apologies in advance should I happen to..." May be better not to go into too much detail on that just now... He cleared his throat and returned the bomb to its place on his belt.
Gathien's nostrils flare slightly, "If you doubt that I am here to protect these people, Ser Jonas, then I would say your impression of me is most mistaken. If you think that I have anything but contempt for those who try to use size and strength to take from those who are smaller than they are... well, suffice it to say, I've seen far more of that mentality than I'd ever care to, and am quite pleased to have been given the strength to do something about it... However, I am rather certain that these good people need defenders and hope -" --far more than they need headsmen.. especially eager ones.
Gathien stops speaking suddenly and shakes his head, lifts a pile of furs and carries them out to the wagon.
Kragath also helps to quickly load the cart, and takes an opportune moment to speak to Gathien alone, "I think Ser Medvyed was making his comment to Ingle, if I'm not mistaken. I very well could be though, my thoughts have been turned more to the unsavory business at hand."
You heave the furs and stock into the wagon. It looks to be a sultry amount, yet when you're finished the storeroom is big, and empty. Oleg wipes sweat off his brow as he glances your way. "Well, all up t'yeh now. Me'n Svetlana'll 'ide in th' 'ouse. G'luck."
You fix your preparations and lie in wait...
The full moon is the light of night when the laughter bellows; the whinny of horses can be heard right outside the gates, as well as a gravelly voice. "Welp, looks like old Oleg managed ter get everythin' out in time. You know what ter do."
Five men, astride on horses, trot into the plaza; they are all wearing hoods, though the glimpse of their faces reveal little but plain features. Two of them are carrying torches. Bows are strapped on their backs, and blades hang from their leather belts. They surround the wagon and dismount. One of the men, the one with gravel for voice, barks orders.
"Part o'me keep hopin' they'll forget," one of them laughs, "Wouldn't mind a night with that wife."
"Hear ya... an' those ju-"
"Shut it," the leader growls. "The woman's mine."
The banter continues as they maintain a slow pace of tying the furs and barrels to the horses...
Hepps
Bandit 1
Bandit 2
Bandit 3
Bandit 4
Average: 2
Kragath
Gathien
Ingle
Jonas
Rorgrym
Peregrine
Average: 12
COMBAT ORDER
1. The Kragath-Jonas Company (WIP title - you'll have to discuss your official name)
2. Bandits
Kragath looks to Rorgrym and nods, then begins to quickly close the gate. As the gates near a close, Kragath peels off and stands to protect Rorgrym, brandishing his sword and shield. "By order of the Council of Restov, this banditry will cease! Lay down your weapons immediately! None of you need die this night!"
Gathien keeps hidden in the wagon, feeling the trickles of doubt coming to him while he waited. He kept working to push it down, and yet, it was almost as if he could hear his father screaming in his ear, telling him he could never be a warrior.... What if I can't do this? What if we fail? What will they do to these people, and after us giving them hope... He finally closed his eyes and started taking deep breaths, trying to use the concentration excercises his father taught him to silence these thoughts...
And then, he heard the approach of the bandits...and anticipation flooded through him, combining with his worry. He felt goosebumps rise as they closed, even as a small beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his nervousness increased ... until he heard the comments about Svetlana.
No, she is not. And she never will be.
Feeling one of the men starting to pull on the furs making up his hiding place, Gathien tenses up, preparing to spring out, but waiting for the signal and hoping that he's not found first.
At Kragath's shouted warning, Gathien pops out from under the furs, his axe in hands, glaring at the three bandits, happy to be on the wagon for the extra height.
Pulling himself totally free of the furs, Gathien reaches deep inside himself and feels the fire burning within... and releases it. His pale skin reddens as the power flows through him, and burns away all the doubts and fears in his mind, leaving only a a beautiful clarity of purpose. In the void, there is nothing but the whispering of the flames, and his enemies, and his purpose. He snarls slightly as he swings again...
Gathien says something unitelligible, as if speaking in an ancient language, and then repeats himself in Common, "Aye, surrender, lest we cut you all down.
Jonas waits a moment to give the bandits a chance to surrender, assuming they do not he takes a deep breath and spurs Maelstrom into a charge, aiming for the leader. As he pushes through the stable doors he yells. Svetlana shall never be yours whelp!
What in the blazes is Gathien doing?
Longsword Power Attack:
Ingle huddles beneath his blanket, feeling both nervous and bit foolish. At the sound of the bandits laughter, a shiver passes through the half-elf and he wishes, of all things, that he had thought to use the restroom beforehand.
Peering through a fold in the blanket he watches as five men enter the fort and dismount. So far, so good, old boy. He pulls his newly created extract free of it's strap and, as Kragath makes his pronouncement, he rises to his feet, shrugging off the blanket. It takes him a tense moment to ascertain what is happening. Shouts to surrender, Gathien taking a swing, Jonas bursting from the stable...
Popping the cork from the vial with a practiced flick of the thumb the alchemist downs the contents quickly. Discarding the bottle he pulls another from his bandoleer, searching for a target that won't endanger his friends or set the cart afire.
Bomb: (+20 truestrike, -2 range penalty)
I certainly hope that's a hit... :P
Damage: Fire, and 5 points in surrounding squares for splash.
Upon hearing Kragath's voice, all of the bandits panick; they look around, trying to discern the location of the voice, when Gathien storms out of the wagon. The look of horror on the closest bandit is all the halfling can see when the first swing of his axe misses - and with the second swing, the expression stays as the head rolls off his shoulders. The body falls over with a nauseating thud.
Before any of them can even scream, Jonas rushes out of the stable. The tip of his lance sinks into the soft flesh of his lower throat. With a soft gasp, the leader collapses, blood pumping out of the horrendous wound...
"Surrender, ah surrender! One of the bandits drops to his knees; the other two reach for their swords, scowls on their faces.
"Shut it," the leader growls. "The woman's mine."
"No surprise that they had no intention of leaving the couple unharmed. These aren't city toughs full of false bravado. These people are killers and rapists; ruthless men."
Kragath peels off and stands to protect Rorgrym, brandishing his sword and shield. "By order of the Council of Restov, this banditry will cease! Lay down your weapons immediately! None of you need die this night!"
"Doubt this lot will listen; especially with that..."
But Rorgrym does not get to ponder further. Rather startled by the sight of the halfling bursting from the wagon screaming unintelligable warcrys Rorgrym thinks, "Well, that's that. Best to finish this quickly." Hefting his trident his moves into the fray.
Jonas swings his lance on those bandits who do not surrender, Just surrender and we may not have to kill you.