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Our Heroes:
Lady Rose Medvyed (CG f human swashbuckler [bravo]) The aspiring queen.
Helena Thorne (True Neutral f changeling inquisitress of Hanspur) Rose's adopted "twin" sister, now widowed.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot (CG f Toragdan dwarven wizardress)
Raga Silvertail (NG m Ashavan witchwolf 2-handed steelbound fighter)
Dex (CG m emberkin wizard [spellslinger]) from Alkenstar
Aarin (True Neutral m human Calistrian slayer)
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This is Oleg's Trading Post. The last bastion of civilization on the frontier. Oleg’s trading post is surrounded by a wooden palisade that stands 10 feet high. At each corner of the palisade are 20-ft.2 watchtowers, each armed with a run-down catapult left over from the site’s original use as a border fort.
Rose Medvyed is happily pestering her sister.
Helena Thorne: "I know it's nice to have me back, but must you, sister?"
Dhurharen looks about the area, seeming unimpressed with this shabby shack of a trading post. small beginnings, she supposed. as long as it can get her what she wanted, it will do
Rose Medvyed: "Yes, I must. It's been years since we've been so close. No one knows where you went, and it's absolutely delightful to have you back. You should be happy I'm not hugging you still."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Hmph" is her only reply to the two sisters pestering each other.
Helena Thorne sighs and pats her sister on the head, "Yes, i'm rather glad you're not hugging me still."
Dex: "Can't say this is the nicest place I've been. Then again not the worst either. Least there are no magic storms billowing out gods know what."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Magic storms? Really?"
Dex: "Yeah kind of thought they were a more common thing. Guess its just my homeland that they are."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot shakes her head at the silliness. It could be arranged though if they felt homesick. "Well then, shall we see what this shack has to offer?" She gestures to the trading post like it might offend her.
Aarin "Let's do."
Helena Thorne: "Yes, let's see what it has for us."
Rose Medvyed quickly grabs her sister's wrist and drags her along into the outpost. Helena Thorne just accepts this, like a cat on a leash.
Svetlana Leveton is bustling across the yard from the stables when Dex slips in. "Ah, a new visitor! Welcome to our post. You must be weary from your journey. I have a good stew cooking and fresh baked bread...or perhaps you seek more liquid refreshment?"
Dex: "Hmm all of that sounds pretty good."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Greetings. Some refreshments would be nice, thank you. What else does the post offer?"
Rose Medvyed: "Food would be great! I haven't eaten... since morning." She said with a nod.
Oleg Leveton climbs down from the roof. "We have a selection of goods to be traded, and accommodations available here, and stabling for your horses, if you've left them outside. Just 5 silver links a night for a comfortable bed out of the elements, 2 for animals. Food and drink included, either way."
Dex rubs his hands. "Sounds fair enough now where is this food and drink at?"
Svetlana Leveton: "In the dining room, or I can bring it back to the larger tables if you don't want to be so crowded."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Food to start with for now."
Helena Thorne: "I'd love some stew. What ingredients are in it? Rabbit?"
Oleg Leveton: "Unfortunately... we are expecting less welcome guests in the morning. The past three months we have been raided by bandits."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot moves into the inn to go sit at a table for the food.
Svetlana Leveton: "Some rabbit, some quail, carrot, potato, leeks, some foraged seasonings."
Aarin "What can you tell us about these bandits?"
Dex perks up upon hearing bandits. "Do tell more."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Bandits?"
Helena Thorne: "Would you care for me to hang them?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: ''Or fry them?" She says with a maliciously gleeful smile.
Oleg Leveton: "Yes. There were a dozen, the first time... 8 the next, 6 last time... I... couldn't stand against so many, and what they said they would do to my Svetlana if I resisted..."
Raga growls under his breath "I should have known. They never stop. Even here. You say they are willingly coming? And even announced this? I wont mind being there to welcome them." He sighs "Apologies. Yes. Food and bed would be nice. And any raw meat would be fine. I'll skip on the vegetables"
Aarin "We've been chartered by the swordlords to put an end to banditry in this region."
Dex: "Well sounds like you have a problem and it just so happens we can solve it."
Aarin "I assume you would have no objection if we start with your unwelcome guests?"
Oleg Leveton continues in a low voice as Svetlana goes inside to retrieve the food. "It would be quite welcome, yes... and while they may not have it on them... they took my wife's wedding ring. It's a plain brass band set with a pearl."
Raga: "I take it it has more than monetary value then?"
Helena Thorne places her right hand over her left, "We'll get that back for you. I know how much they mean to someone in love."
Dex: "If we find anything like it I'm sure we would be fine with handing it over."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot lowers her voice to match Oleg's. "Aha. we will get it back for you if we find it."
Oleg Leveton nods. "The day she accepted it...and all that went with it was one of the happiest of our lives... and they took it... as though they mean to take all it represents as well."
Aarin "If we find it we'll be sure to return it to her."
Oleg Leveton: "If you can recover it, you'll have a thousand gold credit here. With the bandits, I don't have much coin to hand, at the moment."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Credit works for me. Means we don't have to spend the money to start with."
Oleg Leveton: "Svetlana, she puts on a brave face, pretends not to mind."
Aarin "Can you tell us anything else about these bandits? Who were they lead by? How were they armed?"
Helena Thorne takes off her gloves, a simple copper ring adorning her left ring finger before she draws her nail file, giving her nails some maintenance as the food was prepared, "If my wedding band was stolen, I'd have someone's bloody throat."
Oleg Leveton: "Would that I could... but she fears losing me more. I could not put her through that pain of fear."
Rose Medvyed: "Sounds like a fair exchange to me! Besides, its not like Bandits can stand against the power of a sisterly bond." She said wrapping her arm around Helena's shoulder.
Raga: "Brave is good. It means you are willing to face your fears. And when tomorrow comes, we will see if they face theirs."
Dex: "I've taken care of bandits for less in the past. Besides we have to do it anyway. Can't just let them do as they please in our area of operations."
Raga: "I say we take one alive. Who best to give a bit more details of their operations here than on of their own?"
Helena Thorne: "I'll....try not to kill all of them, Raga."
Raga: "Helena, just make sure you stay in such a way that I am between you and them," he warns with a warm smile.
Svetlana Leveton returns with a large tray of food and drink which she slides onto the table.
Helena Thorne: "That's no good, Raga, I need to be in arms length to....Oh, thank you."
Aarin "Bandits are cowards by nature. If we kill their leader and most of their number the surviving few may surrender with little resistance."
Oleg Leveton: "Yes, the bandits appear to be archers in the main. They certainly carry longbows familiarly. They were led by a man called 'Happs'."
Rose Medvyed: "Happs? What can you tell me of Happs? How often do they come by? Maybe we can ambush them?"
Oleg Leveton: "They....aren't expecting trouble. Each time, their guard seems lower."
Svetlana Leveton: "They have come once a month. Tomorrow... they are expected."
Dex: "Hmm a ranged battle sounds fun. I doubt they've seen anything like I have. perhaps its time to show them."
Aarin "Is there any way we might prepare your outpost for the attack, without alerting them to anything amiss? Traps we might set etc?"
Dex: "How does the usual shakedown go down? Perhaps we can stage a ambush."
Oleg Leveton: "If you can protect us tomorrow, I have 50 gold you can share out, and a few potions. And we wouldn't dream of charging you for room and board."
Raga: "I am not much for stealth or ambushing, I will simply stand by Oleg's side, if he wishes me there."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot nods along with what is explained of the bandits "I'll be just fine with a ranged battle."
Helena Thorne: "I'd hope we could possibly rehabilitate at least one of them, I know my husband'd still be around if he'd changed."
Aarin "We will do our best to protect you. Your wife should remain inside where it is safer though, just in case."
Rose Medvyed: "How many come by each time Oleg?"
Oleg Leveton: "As I said, it has been two less each time. First there were a dozen, last time there were six. As for traps... I am afraid we have not been able to maintain the catapults... and I do not know your capabilities."
Dex: "So we should expect at least 6 but be prepared for a dozen."
Raga: "We should expect and prepare for at least six, we can not expect a pattern"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "I can start by seeing if we can fix any of the defenses already up, that might help"
Aarin "I don't have much experience firing catapults in any case."
Rose Medvyed: "It sounds like a pretty standard pattern, but I suppose that's fair." She said with a shrug. "I think though, we should make sure we can block their exit."
Helena Thorne: "Is it possible to draw them inside and close the gate?"
Raga: "Perhaps flammable things?" he looks at the dwarf.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Ooohhh, yes, fire! Hahah, Now your talking!"
Oleg Leveton: "If they see us in the courtyard, they should come in easily enough... but then there would be archers able to fire on my wife."
Raga: "As stated, perhaps your wife should stay inside"
Svetlana Leveton goes around the table to massage her husband's neck. He draws one of her hands forward to kiss her fingers.
Helena Thorne's expression softens as she watches Svetlana.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "And if we get a catapult working, maybe between that and the ranged people here, we can take them out before they even enter""
Svetlana Leveton: "I suppose.. he could say I am sick, if they ask."
Aarin "I'm afraid we must ask that you greet them as usual so as not to rais suspicion Oleg."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot starts digging into the stew and drinks with a smile.
Dex: "i think a working and manned catapult would tell them whats up before getting in range of all of us."
Aarin "You should find cover as soon as the fighting starts."
Oleg Leveton nods. "I can run for the stables. That door is normally left ajar. "
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Give me a minute, let me see if there is much to work with up there first."
Raga: "I believe we should wait on fixing the catapults, time and resources are not on our side. So for now, standard way is to just lure them in, and just box them in"
Aarin "I will take position on the palisade, Dex I suspect you will want to take the other side."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot moves up to the catapult with a loaf of bread still in hand, to investigate what is left of the old things.
Dex: "If we are worried about Svetlana's safety and think her absence would cause them to be wary I can always cast an illusion of her. Though once they got close it's be apparent its not her."
Aarin "An excellent idea Dex."
Aarin "Those preferring to engage in melee could perhaps use this cart to hide."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot yells from her vantage point "I can cast from up here!"
Dex: "How stealthy are our melee people. I don't think the cart offers much for concealment. Might be better for them to wait inside the building until a signal is given."
Helena Thorne: "I'm fairly stealthy if I take my coat off."
Oleg Leveton: "I don't know... the wagon has a two-foot bed, if you're good at holding still and we threw a canvas over you, they might take you for the goods they come to collect."
Raga: "I do not like the idea of hiding, but if the group deems it best, so be it, i would rather wait outside with Oleg"
Aarin "I think that should suffice."
Helena Thorne: "And when they look in....I claw out their eyes."
Oleg Leveton: "I don't wait outside for them. I've always been here, in the courtyard."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Sorry, can't make hide or tail out of that thing.""
Aarin "One person should not raise too much suspicion, you may just appear as a traveler. We should not appear as a force though."
Aarin "Surely the bandits expect that you occasionally have guests."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "I'd like to be on the wall when they get here. I'm not too much for frontlining."
Oleg Leveton: "On occasion, yes. Your the first that hasn't cleared out when we've warned them of an impending attack, though."
Raga: "I will have a cloak on, and hide my weapon, but close"
Rose Medvyed: "I'm going to go for the simple solution, and hide in the wagon. Do you have a tarp to throw over it?"
Oleg Leveton nods. "Of course."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot returns to her food, a little upset she couldn't fix the big catapult. "Maybe if I stand at the ladder? Will they be suspicious of that? Otherwise I'll start at the wagon as well"
Oleg Leveton: "They haven't really looked up at the wall, since the first time they were here."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Someone will need to be able to close the gate though, when the fighting starts, to keep them inside so we can take care of them without one running away and warning the others. Good, I'll sit on the wall then. They might not even notice my if I lay down"
Oleg Leveton nods. "That seems reasonable."
Raga: "Settled, I will wait here, at Oleg's side."
Rose Medvyed: "I will be in the wagon."
hurharen Smeltfoot: "This is good stew Svetlana. A good hearty meal"
Svetlana Leveton smiles. "I am glad you enjoy it. And that I am able to help you keep up your strength for the morning's exertions."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot continues to munch away while listening to the rest of the plan, sipping at her drink in between. "They won't know what hit them, hehehe."
They sleep well that night in the guest house's cozy bunks.
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The next morning Raga nurses a mug of water in front of him, no need to consume alcohol on the verge of battle. Our heroes take their chosen positions. Four bandits approach on horseback, and leading two more as well.
One of the bandits points up at Aarin, half-hunkered behind the palisade: "Hey! Who's that!?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot silently sighs at the blunder. Maybe he could pretend to be a visitor...
Aarin fires at the bandit pointing at him. "So much for the stealthy approach."
The bandit looks down at the feathers protruding from his armor, touching the fletching.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Never mind..."
Dex sighs. "There goes that plan."
Raga: "Well, there goes that idea..." as he starts to stand, his features begin to rapidly change and contort, fur sprouting almost all over his body, and his legs crack as the bend in the wrong direction, he picks up his sword, and growls "Time to do our duty."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot pops up and her hands glow green before a bolt of acid speeds it's way to the nearest bandit. Happs Bydon looks down as a ball of acid eats into his arm. The bandit with the arrow in his chest attempts to turn his horse. The horse jerks his head and bucks, dislodging the bandit.
Another bandit gets down from his horse and charges in. "Looks like we'll be getting extra booty this time... fools think they're going to resist."
Happs Bydon has a larger hole eaten into his leg by a second ball of acid, courtesy of the dwarven wizard. A third bandit slides off his horse and moves in below the gate, drawing his longbow, firing up at Helena, his arrow striking her side. Oleg Leveton recovers from his shock at the early start to the fight and Raga's transformation, and flees into the stable. Happs Bydon is shot through a shoulder, but maintains his seat on his horse. Rose pops out of her hiding place in the wagon, and leaps at the bandit approaching the stairs with blade drawn. The bandit screams as he takes a gash across his midsection from Roses's blade. Raga sees that the one already inside is being taken care of, he launches himself at the one who just entered the gate, which is promptly sliced in half by a hand-and-a-halfer.
Happs Bydon: "You may have killed one of my men, but I'll gut the lot of you like rabbits. Flee while you can!" He shoots at Raga.
Raga licks his lips "Mmmm, rabbits," he laughs loudly "You should follow your own advice little man."
Dex looks at the man who is clearly the leader of this group of bandits. "Guess it's time to mete out some justice." He holds his musket up to take aim. As he does so magic from his spellbook seeps out as it surrounds his gun and rests on its barrel. He then pulls the trigger. A loud Bang rings out as a flash of fire bursts out of the gun and a new hole appears in Happs' body. Happs Bydon topples from the back of his horse, smoke rising from his chest.
Rose's bandit falls limp as an arrow briefly pins him to the stable wall before the arrowhead breaks off and he falls to the ground. The bandit with an arrow through his chest who'd fallen off his horse struggles to his feet and starts to run. Dhurharen Smeltfoot stumbles and falls off the ledge in her haste to get down from the wall. Helena fires at the fleeing bandit, hitting high on the right side of his back. He staggers as the arrow hits. he keeps staggering forward 30 feet as Aarin's second arrow sails over his head. The horses are stomping nervously. Helena looses a second arrow, which strikes between the fleeing bandit's shoulder-blades. Raga stomps on Happs's chest to staunch the bleeding.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot huffs as an arrow appears in the bandit as she tries to run him down, killing him. And instead drags the body back for checking over and disposing of later "Kill steal."
Aarin "Not a bad outcome considering the poor start."
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Oleg Leveton: "Is...is it safe?" his voice echoes from the stable.
Helena Thorne: "All dead and accounted for."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Yuuup"
Aarin "The bandits are all dead save one prisoner."
Once the body is inside, Dhurharen goes out to start leading the horses in to the stables.
Rose Medvyed: "What are we going to do with the bodies?"
Oleg Leveton: "Thank you. I don't know how long we could have survived, with them raiding every month." He sets down a purse and 3 labeled potions on the table.
Helena Thorne: "Well, I know what to do with our prisoner. Get me a bucket of water and a rag, please."
Svetlana Leveton goes to the main house to get out the cloth and bucket of water assuming they'll be wanting to clean up.
Rose Medvyed: "Are you going to bathe him?"
Helena Thorne: "I'm going to treat him to Hanspur's blessings so he may share his bandit secrets with us."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Hush now, all is over" She whispers to the horse as she leads him in.
Rose Medvyed: "I... what's a Hanspur?"
Dex: "I'm not sure but it sounds a bit sinister."
Helena Thorne: "Hanspur is my great patron who shall guide us to victory. Oh hush, sister, it's purely for our host's good graces that I do this."
Rose Medvyed: "I... don't believe you."
Rose and Helena manage to corner a horse between them as they discuss the virtues of interrogation techniques. Dex's dances back out of his range. The dwarf's second horse dances around her, and the rest of the herd.
Helena Thorne: "Rose, you know I'm a good person, would I do something to torment a soul?"
Rose Medvyed: "I... why? I don't think this is the right way! He got an arrow and... a hole blown in his chest. Isn't that enough?"
Helena Thorne: "I'm just going to fill his lungs with the same grace that filled Hanspur's."
Oleg Leveton: "You're... you're planning to drown a prisoner!?"
Dex curious as to what these two are talking about approaches.
Helena Thorne: "Simulated drowning is a blessing, he shall live."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Maybe we start with something a little less excessive? If he doesn't cooperate, then we can do that?"
Dex: "Shouldn't we try talking to him first before doing something drastic like that?"
Helena Thorne: "You must understand, I merely want to bring him further into Hanspur's good graces."
Rose Medvyed: "It's cruelty! No one should be cursed to drown, but... no one should be cursed to live in a world where they get raided every month. Fine, but you do this at an unholy hour when I'm unaware. That's my only demand."
Aarin "Do what you must to get the information we seek from him."
Helena Thorne: "You have my word, sister."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot looks at Oleg and his wife. "And maybe not in front of the good people here."
Dex: "I don't think I can let you near the prisoner alone now that I know what you plan. I'm all for killing and rooting out evil. But not if it means drowning our captives."
Rose Medvyed: "I still say... we try and talk to him before we resort to torture."
Happs Bydon is very near death. Violent efforts are more likely to kill him before he can say anything.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Agreed."
Helena Thorne: "Torture? You wound me sister. I do nothing to him I have not done to myself."
Rose Medvyed: "Someone should keep watch though, I assume the others will come looking for the leader when he doesn't return this evening."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "But tie him up first would you? Then we can get him awake again, ask questions politely like civil people."
Rose Medvyed: "Oleg, do you have a Pole we can tie him to?"
Dex: "So what? I know I can hold a small flame to my hand and not be worse for wear but I don't go around doing that to others."
Oleg Leveton: "Would tying him to the fence in the pen work?"
Dex: "Is the Pen sturdy?"
Rose Medvyed: "Yeah, granted... he's so injured I don't see him going anywhere. I just don't think we should give him the luxury of a good place to rest."
Oleg Leveton: "Sturdy enough. I don't think he'll be able to break loose."
Dex: "Then lets tie him up and then we can begin talking to him without torturing him."
((End session 1))
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Oleg Leveton: "And I'll just string up the others from the south wall as a warning to the rest." He starts dragging a corpse toward the south wall, then moves the ladder from the East wall to expedite the project.
Dex: "Bit barbaric but I suppose it is fitting for these lands. Something I hope we can change soon."
Svetlana Leveton: "Bandits unfortunately understand only force. If the show of force dispensed warns others away ... it seems our best chance when wandering heroes are not visiting."
Dex: "I figured that. Which is why I say its fitting. Though I certainly don't look forward to the smell a few days later from them. Perhaps once we rid the rest of the bandit gang and maybe a few more then we won't need such measures."
Svetlana Leveton: "It should not be so bad on the far side of the wall, in the meantime."
Rose Medvyed: "You know, I hadn't thought of asking this. How many bandit groups are there? Is this a case of this one being the lesser of all evils?"
Raga nods in agreement. "Yes, send the right message. Let those around you know that you have had enough of bandits, and such actions will receive the same meeting of justice."
Svetlana Leveton: "We cannot be sure how many others there are. We were not on conversational terms."
Oleg Leveton: "Doesn't matter if there are greater evils out there if the 'lesser' would see us starving."
Dex: "True evil is evil. Lesser or greater they still need to be dealt with."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So..., Is anyone good with a little healing? We'll need that guy awake enough to ask questions from."
Rose Medvyed: "I'm just trying to figure out how dire the situation is." She said with a shrug. "So... do we let our prisoner rest, or slap him awake now?"
Dex: "The faster we can question him the faster we can deal with the others."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "I think slapping would kill him right now..." She looks at the barely alive bandit skeptically.
Raga he chuckles "Shaking awake it is then, just stand by in case he is a bit frailer than expected"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "With what? I'm no healer!"
Dex: "Same here. I got no healing magic."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "I can help get him awake, but not much else, so no hard treatments."
Rose Medvyed is by no means a trained healer, but she was willing to give it a shot. She picked up a few things from her parents.
Happs Bydon groans as he awakens to pain.
Raga waits patiently as his comrades treats the bandit
Raga then looks at Happs as he comes too "Did you enjoy your beauty sleep little man?"
Happs Bydon's palor from blood loss hides any from fear.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "There, that should do it" She stands back to be out of reach, and holds her hammer ready, just in case.
Happs Bydon struggles with his bonds.
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Raga: "No use, and even if you manage it, I can promise you, you will wake up in bonds once again, and perhaps with a few extra scars. So I suggest, stay still and answer our questions."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "You sure you want to do that? You gonna die fast if you try and run."
Happs Bydon 's eyes dart to and fro like the trapped animal he is.
Rose Medvyed: "I don't think he'd survive another fight."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "True enough"
Aarin: "Oleg is currently hanging your comrades dead bodies from the wall. If you don't want to join them I suggest you cooperate."
Raga: "I am not very good with words, so my questions may be out of place, perhaps someone more suited to talk to a prisoner will be helpful," he looks down at Happs, "I usually only deal with corpses after a fight"
Happs Bydon licks his lips. "What...what do you want?"
Rose Medvyed: "We want information."
Dex: "Well the location of the rest of your bandit buddies is one."
Raga looks over at Svetlana "Perhaps some water for our guest. He may be a good for nothing bandit, but I will not let people think I treat others the same way their kind does."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Maybe some numbers of forces, a base layout would be nice too." She lists off on her fingers.
Dex: "And any information on any other bandit gangs in the surrounding area."
Happs Bydon: "I came from a camp...not sure where the rest are. But all the bandits in this region answer to the Stag Lord."
Rose Medvyed: "Who is the stag lord?"
Happs Bydon laughs. "Never met the man, personally, Kressle's the one who brought stuff back to his base."
Raga: "At least we are getting somewhere" he grunts, leaning against a post.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So the question then is, who is Kressle; and where can we find her?"
Happs Bydon: "Kressle's a bandit born and bred. I was her second, at the camp. Near where the Thorn River enters the woods."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: She taps her hammer in her hand out of habit more than intimidation
Happs Bydon: "...or leaves the woods, I should say."
Dex: "And she would know where to find the other camps and this Stag lord?"
Raga: He lifts his weapon up and straightens out "I guess we have our next destination"
Happs Bydon: "If anyone does. Y-you're going to let me go now, right? Now that I've told you what you wanted?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Another matter. What did you lot do with this nice lady's wedding ring?" She looks over at Svetlana.
Aarin "Let you go? No we let you live."
Oleg Leveton: "You don't expect me to keep feeding a filthy, greedy, thieving bandit here, do you?"
Raga laughs loudly "In fact, yes, I do. For now he is a prisoner, and he should be treated as one. If you think you want to treat him like he did you, are you better than him? I will pay for his rations, if that is an issue."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "No, we don't. But we can't let him go warn the others, at the least."
Happs Bydon: "Still at the camp. Unless Kressle moved it on."
Aarin "I was thinking he should be sent to Restov."
Oleg Leveton: "But death is the penalty for unrepentant banditry. He doesn't sound very repentant."
Aarin "But I suppose that would be out of our way just to have them kill him there."
Raga: "I say we give him a day or two to think, then I will be glad to bring down the axe on him."
Dex: "He does sound like he only regrets being caught." He looks at the bandit. "If we did let you go what would you do anyway? I doubt the others would accept you back especially now that you gave us information."
Rose Medvyed: "I'm with Oleg, but... if he can be genuine about an attempt to start a new life, I'm not against it."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Or hammer, like a watermelon" She smiles in Happs's direction
Aarin "We do have a charter to execute bandits by sword or rope."
Raga he turns to his companions, his tone a bit more serious "If we are to one day rule this area, we should at least conduct ourselves as leaders. I do not know how things are usually done, but unless a red flag was displayed, I do not plan to kill prisoners on the spot or on the same day they were captured
Happs Bydon licks his lips again as his fate is discussed. "Settle down somewhere... far away."
Dex narrows his eyes at the man. "Sure you would."
Aarin "Try to sound a little more convincing next time."
Raga: "Yes, a lifelong bandit will simply roll over and settle down somewhere, I highly doubt it"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Aha, yeaaahh... I don't believe you."
Rose Medvyed: "I mean, he sounds like he is being serious."
Raga: "You haven't dealt with bandits before, have you Lady Rose?"
Dex: "Remind me to play a game of poker with you later, Rose."
Rose Medvyed: "I stayed in the city mostly. Until I uh... got chased of the dueling school for being too brash."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "No he's not. But I agree with Raga on this. Give him a day or two to clear his head. If not, he's dead."
Rose Medvyed: "Don't worry Happs, I believe there is still some good in you. You just have to show it first, and try to get over bad habits."
Raga sighs as he stretches a bit "This was tiring, they even made me lose my composure for a bit. Time to relax" with that his knees once again make nasty cracking sounds, his eyes and muzzle melts back into a human face, as his fur also recedes, leaving him with skin and hair on his head.
Dex: "I guess there isn't much harm giving a few days as we decide what to do with him in the long run. But yeah I'd recommend you think of something sincere to do if we let you go. I don't want to have to hunt you down again later."
Happs Bydon swallows heavily, making a show of settling in against the fence post.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: She hardly pays the changing any mind, having seen it many times before. "So, you have your options, Mr. Bandit. Change your ways for good and help out, or we end it fast and painless. Your choice, and no lies."
Rose Medvyed: "I think adding the threat doesn't help. I think he knows what his options are without us holding a Knife to his neck every time we speak."
Raga: "Yes, I believe our little mr happs here knows exactly what he should be considering for the next day or so."
Dex: "And try not to cause these people any more trouble while you're here."
Raga: "I won't mind facing them here again, we have a bit of home ground advantage, but taking the fight to them, while they are unprepared is a good choice to make."
Oleg Leveton: "Sounds like it's around 25 miles away as the crow flies... and they're not crows. It's taken them longer than this to steal my goods, in the past. And do you really think the bandits push themselves getting back?"
Dex: "Sounds like we should prepare for a small journey then."
Aarin: "The horses will come in handy then."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "At least we have horses."
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Svetlana Leveton approaches over lunch. Rose Medvyed eats her fill. A good fight always worked up an appetite. Then... she was going to move back over to try and convince Happs to changes his ways some more.
Svetlana Leveton: "Oleg's been through so much, these past few months. I'd very much like to make him some moon radish soup. Unfortunately, the moon radishes... they are rare. If you can bring a good supply... I could pay 250 crowns."
Raga stands up "Welcome lady Svetlana, please, would you like to join us?"
Raga: He looks around for a moment "Where would we find such radishes?"
Aarin "Where would we find these radishes?"
Svetlana Leveton laughs. "I thank you for your kindness, but I'm no noble. Just a simple woman, making a life on the frontier with her husband."
Dex: "Do you know where we can find them? I am afraid i don't know this land very well.
Raga chuckles as he looks at Aarin
Svetlana Leveton: "I am not sure... there are none growing around the post, or I could harvest them myself...but you are going out, so your eyes can stay open for them, yes?"
Aarin "I will keep my eyes open m'lady, but how will we recognize these radishes when we see them?"
Dex: "I'll be sure to keep an eye out. I know I don't look it but I consider myself somewhat of a chef as well. I'd like to try cooking with that ingredient as well."
Svetlana Leveton gives a detailed description of the leaves.
Aarin "If we happen to see these radishes we will bring you some."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "We will keep an eye out for these radishes. "
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After lunch, Aarin goes in search of supplies. "Oleg, would you happen to have a quality backpack in stock? Something better than the standard fare."
Oleg Leveton nods. "I keep a few on hand. The hunters find them helpful in their travels."
Raga looks at Aarin "If you struggle to carry things, I will help you with your load, if you so wish?"
Aarin "Thank you Raga. I think I can manage for now, but I will keep your offer in mind. We can also consider keeping non-essential gear like extra rations with the horses."
Dex: "If we are heading out I'd like to rest fully so I can have all my magic ready to use."
Raga: "Camping gear should stay yes, unless we decide to go camping without said horses, which I do not mind"
Oleg Leveton: "If you think you'll want more potions, you can check in with old Bokken... not the sanest man around, but he has some skill with alchemy and brewing potions."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Oh? Where might we find this ..Bokken?"
Oleg Leveton: "He has a hut, about 14 miles south-southeast."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So guys, shall we stop off there for some potions, then head to this camp?"
Raga: "From what i heard, it is rather out of the way, but potions will come in handy, in case the camp is larger than what was told"
Rose Medvyed: "I'm not going to say no to being prepared." She said with a nod.
Dex: "Sounds like it might be worth it."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So, we go now, stop off at the potions and then head for this camp, and rest up just before we reach it? Sound like a plan you guys?"
Raga: "I say we haste ourselves to Bokken, get the supplies we need, then we attack the bandits from the woods, coming from the plains will be expected I think. Or at least, they may have scouts."
Yet, as they consider on setting out, they fear giving the bandits more time to prepare their defenses...or a second assault on the Trading Post.
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As they pass through the forest, Raga's saddle suddenly becomes slippery.
Raga: "Gaaaah!" he simply slides off to one side, and lands very loudly away from his horse. He growls loudly as he slowly gets up and steadies himself "I really hate riding on horses, the only reason I'm doing it now is for speed sake..."
Dex: "If only you could shift into a little puppy then one of us could carry you instead."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot rides along, trying to figure out which of the trees might make good wood for various crafting projects she has planned.
Raga: He shoots Dex a glare "That is very insulting, please refrain from making such remarks again."
Rose, Raga, and Dex notice a greasy sheen on Raga's saddle that hadn't been there when they started out.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Raga, please try to stay on your horse? I know it's hard but see, even I'm managing."
Raga: "Dwarf, i am not in the mood for jokes" he growls again, as he looks at the substance on his saddle "Who did this?"
Rose Medvyed: "Hmm... how did that happen."
Only now noticing the sheen on the saddle since it was pointed out, Dhurharen's baffled. "Huh? What is that?" She casts detect magic and studies it.
Dex gets closer to the saddle and takes a look.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "It is a grease spell, which means the caster is nearby!" The grease evaporates.
Aarin dismounts. Dhurharen Smeltfoot starts looking around. Dex does the same.
Aarin "Show yourself, prankster."
Raga: "So some hidden person or thing deliberately dismounted me?" he growls then shouts into the forest "Show yourself, coward!"
Rose Medvyed: "Dhurharen, your boots."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Huh?" She looks down to see that a vine has been tied under her horse, each end attached to one of her bootlaces.
Dex (Sylvan): "I have to say that was a pretty funny trick. You got the furry one good with that one. Perhaps now you can show yourself so I can see the mastermind of such a thing."
Rose Medvyed (Sylvan): "Is it Fey? Don't be be so callous. They're trying to have fun." She said in a chastising tone. "Hello? Can you come out? I found them a little funny. Stay by me and I'll make sure the mean one doesn't hurt you."
Raga: He looks from Dex to Rose "Some gibberish you speak there then? If you know what is going on, speak Taldane!"
The woods stay quiet.
Aarin: "Fey."
Dex (Sylvan): "Indeed I think pranks as good as these deserve some gifts. Especially since I don't want one played on me."
Rose Medvyed let out a hum. "Come on now. We're plenty nice. Maybe we can talk and share some information with one another. We're looking for big bad people who make their homes in the forest. People who don't like Pranksters. We'll help to get rid of them for you."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "What are you lot on about? Fey?"
The silence somehow grows expectant... then a tiny draconic figure with butterlfy wings appears on a nearby branch.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Oh, that."
Dex: "Ahh. I take it your the mastermind of these tricks?"
Perlivash: (Sylvan): "It was a good one, wasn't it? What sort of gifts do you have?" The dragon cocks its head. (Sylvan): "The vine-lace was Tyg's."
Aarin looks around for a second creature. A second tiny figure appears next to the first. This one has the upper body of an elven lass and the lower half of a cricket.
Dex (sylvan): "How about some nice food? I am somewhat of a good cook if I say so myself."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Cute" She says in an unimpressed tone; setting about untieing herself.
Raga checks his saddle again before trying to get on once more. Following where the rest were looking, he now sees the creatures. His comrades were smiling, no weapons were drawn. They must then not be hostile. But he was now in a sour mood "Since you can speak their language, it seems, I suggest you tell them I am not in the mood for games"
Aarin "Do you speak Taldane?"
Perlivash: "We've picked up a few Taldane words."
Dex (Taldane): "Oh don't be so glum Raga. They were only having a bit of fun."
Raga: "Fun? By dismounting me? You do realise we have a bandit camp to go to? Bandits that tried to kill us and our hosts? Or perhaps you would rather sip tea, or tree sap with your new friends while bandits have free reign in the region?" he starts to make his way forward again.
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "We didn't know you were going to do something about those awful bandits, did we Perlivash?"
Perlivash shakes his head. "We did not."
Aarin "Do you often play pranks like this? Perhaps on bandits that pass this way?"
Dex: "So I take it they have been causing trouble for you lot as well?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Yes, while annoying, it was harmless fun. But we should get moving again. And yes, we are going to take care of those bandits"
Rose Medvyed still spoke Sylvan. "He's just being a grump. I think he is very tightly wound up."
Raga sighs deeply before turning to the two "Then perhaps, before making a situation worse for all those involved, try to make friendly contact. What if we were so inclined to slaughter you the moment you appeared?"
Perlivash: "Do you think you can handle eight of them? That's how many are left when one of the little groups are out."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "We should be fine, since they don't know we're coming, we can catch them by surprise."
Rose Medvyed: "Where are their little groups?"
Dex: "I think we can. But if they are causing trouble for you as well maybe we can work together to take them out."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "If your friends didn't sound like they knew how to take a joke, do you think we would have shown ourselves?"
Perlivash laughs. "They're slow and stupid. They can't catch us." The pair swiftly fly around the tree to demonstrate.
Raga Silvertail: "People lie," He states, as he traces a scar on his face, before dropping his hand again "People lie very well."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Good to know that."
Aarin "We're a bit outnumbered perhaps but I think we can manage. Of course any assistance would be appreciated."
Perlivash: "But what sort of gift were you wanting to share? You said something about them...I'm sure."
Dex: "Indeed I imagine with two master pranksters like you we could get a upper hand on them."
Aarin "I'm afraid I have little to share except food... I could give you a silver coin."
Perlivash: "Is it a shiny silver? Not tarnished?"
Dex: "I myself have very little to offer at the moment besides maybe a nice cooked meal and some shiny metal balls. But if you help us and give us some time I'm sure we can get some spectacular gifts from that trading post for you."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Do you know what the camp looks like? I could draw you a map. You don't want to be fooled by their sneaky watchposts."
Aarin "Oh yes you can practically see yourself."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot sighs and fishes around in her purse for the shiniest silver coin she has. "Will this do?"
Raga Silvertail: "As my friend have promised thing..." he looks at them "with out really knowing what they promised, how about i offer something from the bandits, once they have been taken care of?" he sighs again "I do not like making a promise, even indirectly, i can not keep"
Perlivash grins draconically, fluttering over to Aarin.
Aarin offers a shiny silver coin as promised.
Perlivash takes it delicately in one of his talons. "Thank you."
Dex: "A map would be nice. It would allow us to plan a bit better on how to deal with them."
Aarin "A map would be much appreciated."
Tyg-Titter-Tut hops to the ground, and busily makes a crude map from fallen twigs and pebbles. "They spend most of their time by the fire, but there's always a bandit in each of their little towers. They like to cover them in sneaky-nets that have leaves tied to them."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Is there a way to sneak up on them from behind?"
Perlivash: "That depends on how sneaky you are."
Dex: "Hmm doesn't look too fortified but those towers will be a problem. Do you think we can have some help from you two to distract them? Maybe play a couple tricks on them so we can get in close?"
Aarin "Stealth didn't work particularly well for me last time."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot looks to the others. "Anyone good at that sort of thing?"
Aarin "This tower is a good distance from the fire, and on the other side of the river."
Aarin "If we take out that bandit first it will even the odds a bit and force them to bottleneck at the crossing."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "I could make all the plants grow up and try to grab a bunch of them! That would be funny, wouldn't it? Can you imagine their faces? ...but the towers are too far apart for my plants to reach both."
Aarin: "If you play your vine trick on those at the camp fire that would slow them down and distract them."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Could you do one and your friend another?"
Raga Silvertail: "Hmm, I am not really one for doing things in the dark, confronting your enemy head on is how I am use to doing things"
Dex: "what about your friend. Can he do anything to maybe distract one of them for a while?"
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "I should be able to play it on the sentry near them as well."
Perlivash: "I can make a picture... but I don't think twisted bandity-thoughts...do you know what sort of moving picture would distract one?"
Dex: "My worry is that while we are taking care of the first one the second could warn the others."
Raga Silvertail: "They are greedy" he notes.
Perlivash: "Or maybe I should just put him to sleep... that's always distracting."
Aarin "I like this plan. You entangle those near the fire while we engage the far tower, then pick the rest off as they struggle free."
Raga Silvertail: "Sleep is good. Yes"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Sleep will work great. So sleep one, entangle the others?"
Raga Silvertail: "That sounds like cheating, at least let me confront their commander."
Dex: "Hmm maybe we could lure them into a trap instead. Have a illusion of a merchant or rich looking traveler near the road for the sentries to see.
Aarin "I say we approach from the west side of the river, even if we have to circle around a bit."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, with my current equipment, i am probably no better than the average citizen."
Dex: "I'm not much of a swimmer."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Eeehhh, I prefer not to get wet, if possible"
Aarin "So it seems we must approach from the ford."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Or through these woods, on the North and East....if you don't want to go around."
Aarin: "What if we circle around and approach from the south, but still on the same side of the river?"
Raga Silvertail: "We need to make sure we negate their home ground advantage, yes"
Aarin: "That still puts us nearer the far tower without having to cross the river."
Tyg-Titter-Tut flutters her wings. "Rivers don't matter so much to us, but you're land-bound."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So you two can take the guy on the other side of the river then, while we take care of the rest?"
Perlivash: "I should be able to help him take a nice nap."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "That would be great."
((Session 2 ends))
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The evening of Sarenith 5th approaches as our heroes sneak towards the bandit camps, the tiny fey flying ahead invisibly to spring their tricks once our heroes are close enough to take advantage of them. Perlivash casts sleep on the lone sentry on the far side of the river, and he slumps over, and starts snoring. Tyg-Titter-Tut casts entangle and plantlife engulfs the east watchpost, with its sentry, along with the entire campsite, and then some. Only two of the eight bandits (one north of the fire, the other to the south) manage to avoid being snared.
The bandits draw their bows and look around, arguing over whether they see attackers or not. Raga charges through the greenery, though its thickness slows him some. Dhurharen Smeltfoot moves closer, casting mage armor on herself and hiding Agate back under her cloak. The bandit on the watchtower draws a bow and fires down at the dwarf. Aarin moves to take out the bandit in the far tower.
Dex: "Perhaps you should let that one sleep while we deal with his awake friends first."
Rose Medvyed takes cover behind a fallen tree and shoots an arrow into the chest of the bandit directly north of the campfire. The bandit shrieks in pain and fear as the arrow hits. Dex moves up as magic gathers around his barrel and settles on it. Kressle pulls a handaxe from her belt, and hurls a dagger at Raga. It twangs solidly into one of the watchtower's support posts.
The bandits shoot at Raga, save the nearest, who draws his sword in anticipation of a fanged arrival, who instead gets snagged by the overgrowth, and is slowed by the need to tear it off him. The bandit on the east watchtower shoots nearly directly down at Raga. Dhurharen Smeltfoot tries to move close enough to hit the bandit in the tower, but gets stuck in the roots and vines herself. The bandit on the near watchtower takes one of Aarin's arrows through the shoulder and shrieks in pain. Rose Medvyed shoots the northmost bandit again, and he falls with two of her arrows in him. Dex walks into the vines without getting stuck. Then he takes aim as magic concentrates into his gun and then fires at Kressle seemingly harmlessly hitting her head, charming her. Kressle while feeling a sudden surge of affection for the white-haired spellcaster, retains her loathing for his more bestial ally, and as no requests have been made, she throws another dagger at Raga, missing once more.
The southern two bandits fire at Raga, hitting him. The others fire at Rose, missing her. The fallen bandit stops bleeding. The last bandit, seeing that Raga isn't moving, sheathes his sword and draws his bow.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot struggles against the vines, but to no avail. "Ughhh!"
The bandit in the near watchtower throws down his bow and raises his hands in surrender. Aarin fires at the bandit that had just traded a sword for a bow. The arrow hits the bandit's neck, and he falls, starting to bleed out. Rose Medvyed moves her aim on to the bandit northeast of the fire, hitting his arm.
Dex: "Hey Kressle perhaps you can ignore these others for a minute and give me a hand at the river? I need a hand lugging water and maybe you can help an old friend out?"
Kressle: "Love to, but these weeds are a bit in the way, and I don't think these others are going to let us wander off."
bandit (east of fire): "Boss? What're you talking about? He's with them! They're trying to kill us!"
Dex: "Nonsense we have been good friends for ages. Otherwise how else did I know exactly how to find my friend here?"
Kressle pulls out another throwing knife, and stands there, looking confused. The other bandits fire without such restraint. The first two at Raga, and the others at Rose. Try as he might, Raga could not break the vines, seems like they have grown wary of his strength.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot try as she might, was stuck. Aarin finishes off Rose's second target with an arrow to the gut. Rose's aim shifts around to the east, but misses, thrown off by the fire's smoke.
Dex: "So how about it Kressle. Lets let our friends finish their little spat and you give me a hand and I'll make a nice meal for us all once its over." He gives a look at his allies. "Doesn't that sound like a good plan?"
Kressle: "That does sound nice..." She easily bursts her bonds, now that she's trying to, and slogs out of the bespelled area.
Kressle: "You said over by the river, didn't you?"
Dex: "Yes I need a good amount of water if I'm going to prepare a meal for us all. I'll let you handle that as I try to figure out that everyone would like in the stew. I'll meet you there in a little bit."
The bandit that had remained free sees the way the battle's going and makes a run for it.
Aarin "Let him go."
The escape-ee's neighbor struggles against the vines, then fires at Raga. "I'm going to at least take one of you out with me!"
Snapping the angry vines, Raga pushes forward to the fire. Try as she might, Dhurharen was going nowhere.
Aarin "Guess we're going clockwise." The archers' latest target looks down at feathers sticking out of his chest. Rose misses badly.
Kressle moves towards the river, humming softly....and surprisingly in tune. Dex looks as Kressle moves away then once she is gone he moves closer to the southern stuck bandit and lets off a shot with his musket, who is rocked back by the blast. The bandit which got clear of the grig's spell vanishes into the woods. The archers' target fires at Raga, and misses. Dex's target throws down his bow and raises his hands.
Raga Silvertail shouts out over the fighting "We have them, lower the magic!"
The plants swiftly dwindle to their usual size.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Finally!"
Rose Medvyed is goes over to the western tower and starts scaling it. Kressle keeps humming as she calmly fills a waterskin.
Dex reloads as he looks at the remaining bandits. "I suggest you all surrender now. Your boss is on our side and as you can see some of you already have. Those who don't will be killed." He raises his musket once he is finished reloading.
The last, wounded bandit throws down his weapon, face pale.
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After sliding down the smooth beam supporting the watchtower, "Ooh boy, gonna be at this for a bit." She said with a huff. Rose decides to climb a tree instead, so to secure the sleeping sentry. She 'deftly' climbs up the tree. From the top, and with all the grace of a duelist jumps into the tower, where the bandit is still indisposed. She takes the time to deftly tie him up, and well... now she had to get back down. "Mmm... this is a conumdrum." Of course, there's a coiled rope ladder sitting next to them on the tower.
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Alric-the-bandit calls down from the near watchtower: "What are you going to do with me?"
Raga Silvertail: "Come down here so we don't need to fetch you!!" he calls up as he painfully rips the arrows from himself. He sits down on one of the logs, breathing a bit heavily.
Aarin "What are we doing about her?" he points at Kressle from over by the fire.
Dex: "She is harmless for now but my magic is not gonna last awhile. As the leader she would have the most information out of all of them. Perhaps I should question her while my magic is still in effect."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, if you believe its going to wear off, call me over and I'll knock her out."
Aarin "Sounds like a plan. The rest of us are going to have a nice little chat around the camp fire."
Alric kicks the rope ladder stowed in a coil on his platform, and it unrolls to the base of the tower.
Aarin "You lot form an orderly line nice and peaceful like to be tied up."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Lets tie all their hands and feet for now, and sit them down for a nice talk."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "You do that, we'll get on with these."
Dex: "I'll let you all deal with them. I'll go and talk to her alone for now."
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Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "You coming down willingly?" She calls up at Alric.
Raga helps to tie up the bandits.
Alric: "You...you aren't going to kill me if I do?"
Aarin "I will if you don't."
Alric swallows nervously....but decides cooperation is in his best interest.
Aarin ensures the prisoners are all properly secured. Only three are currently conscious.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "So, who would like to spill the beans first, then?"
Handren-the-bandit: "Wh-what beans?"
Aarin "Well here we are again with a bunch more o' prisoners, and a charter to deal with bandits by rope or sword."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "They're tied with rope, right? That's one way."
Raga Silvertail sighs "Yes, but i stand by my statement to not kill prisoners outright, we give them the same option as Happs, 2 days, or they face the rope or my sword."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "And the beans I meant was any useful information about your Stag Lord."
Handren: "The head man? He's a mean drunk he is."
Svengald-the-bandit: "Half the man he was, though only a fool'd say it to his face."
Alric: "No, he's got no face! Just that terrible stag-skull!"
Raga looks from one to the other "So a coward and a drunk, yet you serve such a beast? Pathetic"
Svengald: "You don't understand! He's meaner'n a troll with a toothache! Deadlier, too!"
Raga Silvertail: "Seems that's how he got you, pure intimidation from a coward. And you are worse, for believing the lies he told. I suggest you help build this land, rather than destroy"
Handren: "I've seen him put an arrow through three merchant's guards before they had time to draw..."
Alric: "And then there was the time when he pushed my horse out of the way when it was blocking the gate..."
Raga Silvertail: "Yet, you say he is a drunk. And he hides his face. Stories can run wild. I believe he is nothing more than a man, and men can be killed. But unlike him, we are more forgiving" he points to those around him, "None here were killed, we accepted your surrender. I truly hope you decide to help, for I do not wish to put someone to the sword who is not an opponent in battle"
Svengald shifts nervously. "What sort of consideration would the password win me?"
Raga Silvertail: "That you wish to help, and hopefully on your way to denounce your previous actions and atone for banditry," he turns to him.
Svengald: "It's '‘By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?’ And no, I have no idea who ‘St. Gilmorg’ is.”
Raga Silvertail: He chuckles "That is quite the password, are you sure?"
Svengald: "It's given in response to asking 'who goes there?' Guess the Stag Lord figured no one not in the know would refuse to answer so elaborately."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, if this is true, and it works, then perhaps there is hope for you yet my friend" he gives him a toothy grin.
Svengald: "The fort has a few watchtowers that are kept manned... and anyone who doesn't keep to the path in has to deal with zombies springing from the ground."
Raga Silvertail: "The undead? well, that sounds very... boring. Slow and shambling. Are these controlled by anyone?"
Svengald : "I... don't think so. Heard it was like that when the Stag Lord moved in."
Raga Silvertail: "Well then, I guess that is another thing we have to make sure to clear out. Can't have those things around."
Svengald : "I...don't suppose I've shown enough good will to an honored skinwalker to let me go?"
Aarin: "Not bloody likely."
Raga Silvertail: He tilts his head "Hmmm, you know what I am then, do you? Not many do, especialy ones who are, uneducated. Most just scream werewolf and either run or try to take my head."
Svengald : "Sure, I was raised in Pitax, but my da was from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings...or one of 'em. He told lots of stories about his homeland."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, I would like to hear these stories he told you. Maybe confirm some of them too" he chuckles "But releasing you, I can not. Not until I am sure about your intentions once released"
Svengald: "I'd certainly like to heal up... and stay out of trouble."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Well, as my furry friend stated, we need to be sure of your motives, that you don't just sing this tune to save your own hides."
Raga Silvertail: "Same here, but at the moment I do not think either of us will get that grace."
Handren: "If you've already made up your minds about us, how can we convince you?"
Dhurharen tends to Raga's wounds.
Alric: "You'll be wanting to recover our - " he hesitates, considering his words. "ill-gotten gains? They're hidden under the supplies below the near watchpost."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Well, that's a good start, my friend," and heads on over to investigate.
Raga Silvertail: "Is that so, much appreciated. Speaking of, there happens to be a ring we are looking for, one that was taken from Oleg's wife, would that be in that pile?"
The east watchpost shelters a tarp with covers tents, firewood, food, and other supplies. A cache of more interesting goods is under them. Dhurharen rummages through them.
Once Dhurharen gets back with the few items she could carry, Raga holds the music box up in one hand, the earrings in the other "We had a deal my tiny friends, you can have one or the other, as promised." He doesn't look around, knowing he wont be able to see them anyway.
Still holding the items up, Raga looks at the bandit "About that ring. Know anything about it?"
The grig and faerie dragon fly in from the treetops. The bandits stare at them.
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "What's the box thing?"
Perlivash: "Silver! We take the shiny silver bracelets! There's one for each of us!"
Raga Silvertail: He looks at the two, and takes the box in his hand "Well, you wind it up like so" he winds it up "Then you open it up" he then opens it up to show them. A cheery little tune plays.
Svengald: "Which ring is that, again?"
Raga Silvertail: "The ring from Oleg's wife you took"
Svengald: "Huh... if it's not here it must have been in one of those bags the mites got to yesterday. Sneaky little pests were fleeing through the trees before we spotted them and they got clean away."
Raga Silvertail: "Mites? What do mites look like though? Never seen one."
Handren: "Probably headed back to that lair under the old sycamore. They mostly only had bits, so it didn't seem worth the trouble of squeezing in there.."
Raga Silvertail: He then turns to his tiny new friends "Well, which will it be?"
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Mites are blue little gremlins. Very wrinkly, very ugly, very mean."
Perlivash: "The shiny bracelets!"
Raga Silvertail: "Sounds very unpleasant already" he looks at Tyg to make sure they both agree, before he hands it to them "I am glad we could offer something you liked, and once again, thank you for the help"
Tyg-Titter-Tut smiles, and holds up a hand for Raga to slip a "bracelet" over it. Raga Silvertail does so, trying not to be too rough with the little creature. Tyg-Titter-Tut grins delightedly. Perlivash slips his "bracelet" on as well.
Raga Silvertail: "I do not know your culture, we arent married now, are we?" he chuckles.
Tyg-Titter-Tut laughs. "Oh no! Of course not, silly man!"
Raga nods with a grin and turns to the bandit who mentioned the sycamore, "Where is this sycamore?"
Alric scratches his head. "From here? It'd be just about 22 miles, nearly due west. That'd be close enough you couldn't miss it, at least."
Raga Silvertail: "I have to say, so far, you are doing great for yourself, things are looking a lot less bleak for you."
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Dex moves over to Kressle near the river. "That should be enough water for now. Perhaps you and I could talk while the others all get comfortable back at camp. It's been awhile since we last talked and I'm curious as to what you've been up to."
Kressle smiles at Dex. "Of course, dearie. Looks like you've been taking care of yourself." She would lean in to give Dex a kiss on the cheek. "As for what I've been up to... rather charmed the Stag Lord... you know about him, of course? He set me up as one of his officers. Put me in charge of this outer camp. Gave me this lovely badge of office, too." She holds out her silver Stag-skull amulet for his inspection.
Dex: "So I heard. What can you tell me about this stag lord? What kind of person is he and where might I find him? Perhaps i could meet him and see about becoming an officer myself. Then we could spend more time together."
Kressle grins. "What a lovely idea. Might go better with my introduction, of course. He's a tough one. Likes his drink. Real expert with a bow, could outshoot all of your friends put together and in half the time. Strong, too. Once saw him crush a prisoner’s hand to mush in one fist. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen him without his creepy stag helmet on."
Kressle: "He has a heart somewhere, though. He keeps a prisoner locked in the fort's cellar. Old man. The Stag Lord has him heal us when we really need it, but he gives us all the creeps... Of course, some of the men thinks the old man is the brains of the operation, and the Stag Lord is just his puppet."
Dex: "Sounds like a interesting man. Where might I be able to find him if i wanted to meet? Do have a map or possibly could draw one for me? I'm staying at Oleg's so directions from there would be best."
Kressle: "From Oleg's you say? You want us to lean on him for you? The old fort's about 44 miles South, and slightly west from there, on a hill at the shore of the Tuskwater, between where the Skunk and Shrike rivers feed into it. When we go down there, you should follow my lead... I'd hate to see zombies spring up to tear off your handsome face."
Dex: "No need to bother Oleg I already got him under my thumb. Its me after all. I know how to get what I want. And how many other officers are there besides you? And where might I find them as well? I'd like to meet the people you've been working with."
Kressle: "There are three he keeps at the Fort with him... think he said something about other camps, further south of the fort, but I wasn't paying much attention, since it didn't concern me."
"Only caught my ear since they'd likely have guards from Mivon after 'em, and so I was glad enough to be posted where there's no competition."
Dex: "That was always like you. Know anything about these other officers or if he has any magic users in his employ? I'd like to know if I have any magical competition in these areas."
Kressle: "Well, as I said, the old man in the cellar's something of a healer. I don't think any of the others have anything but speed and strength on their sides. Might want to watch yourself with that Dovan, though. Swift and vicious as a swinging snake he is. And simple Auchs is like his faithful hound. Then there's Akiros... the Stag Lord's new second. Brooding sort of fellow. Understand he's prone to rages."
Dex: "Anything more I should know about this stag lord and his keep?"
Kressle shrugs. "Nothing that should be an issue when you're coming in with me." she smiles coyly.
Dex: "I imagine having you along solves a lot of issues. But lets say I were to happen to need to go alone. Anything i may need to know, Just in case. One does not know the future and I like to be prepared."
Kressle pouts at Dex. "You want to go alone? Are you trying to make me jealous, dearie?"
Dex: "Not at all my dear. Its just an in-case situation. I don't see me going there without you my dear. But if I were too for some unknown reason I'd like to know all I need. Like what if your were to take ill and become unconscious? How would I be able to seek this healer the stag lord has to save you my dear?"
Kressle: "Oh... I hadn't thought of that. You always were so thoughtful. You'll want to stay directly on the winding path up the hill because of the zombies I mentioned. Then when the sentry challenges you from the watchtower, you'll want to give the password. ‘By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?’ "
Dex: "That is quite unique response."
Kressle: "Aren't the best passwords?"
Dex: "True I doubt many would guess such a thing. Now i think that's all i need to know about the stag lord. Lets talk about you some more. Why did you end up joining him? Why become one of his bandits?"
Kressle: "Well, after the Mivon guards caught my parents, I was fleeing north when I ran into some of his men. They thought I was a harmless victim to be used." She pats the handles of her axes. "After two of them lost hands and fingers, they turned and ran. I followed them back to the Stag Lord's Fort. The Stag Lord was impressed with me, and killed the men who would have abused me. He gave me a home, far from the Mivon guard, and a position of authority. What's not to like?"
Dex: "I can see the appeal when you put it like that. But have you thought of another way. A way that doesn't involve doing the things those bandits tried to do to you?"
Kressle: "Another way of what, Dearie? Times like this, I'm afraid I don't understand you at all, fond as I am of you."
Dex: "You know a less bandity way of life. Less making victims more preventing them. Being the hero rather than the villain."
Kressle: "Now dearie, you know that's not how my parents raised me. 'Looking out for others is just asking for an arrow in the back.' And they proved it well enough covering my escape."
Dex: "But they did so to let you live. To have hope for the future. And though it is true looking out for others may indeed lead to a few arrow or knives in the back. But its worth it in order to help others be able to see the future and live their lives. Besides those who are strong like us. Are gonna need a bit more than a few arrows or knives to take us down. And a few more scars just make for some better stories."
Kressle smiles at Dex, leaning in. "You really think I'm that strong?"
Dex: "I have faith you can be. Should you chose too. And you'd be surprise the strength you will find looking out for others. Especially when they also start looking out for you."
Kressle looks down. "...the way my parents did."
Dex gently raises her head. "So you could live and have a future. A future you can chose. To help give others the same chance or take that chance from them."
Kressle: "I want to believe you, dearie....but that's just not how the world works....is it?"(edited)
Dex: "That's for you to decide and to believe. But know this to be true. Should you do indeed decide to change your path on life. You can count on me to help you on it. So when you are looking out for others and an arrow comes for your back I can be there to block it."
Kressle: "But... that would mean you'd be hurt!"
Dex: "I'd be a small price to pay to protect someone else trying to do good. Besides wouldn't be the first time I took and arrow for someone or the last. And i know there are people out there who have and will do the same for me."
Kressle: "But how can it be worth it, suffering someone else's rightful pain?"
Dex: "Knowing you spared that someone that pain rightful or not. Knowing that your actions helped out another and that they may end up helping out someone else down the line and so on. It is not something so easily understood by words."
Kressle:"Especially since that doesn't sound like any of it would help me. Is there any better way to understand it? Or is this just some madness that has taken you?" She pauses thoughtfully for a moment, then continues. "I mean, I can appreciate some rules... can't find marks with no one on watch, after all. Especially if I'm the one making them... but suffering and getting nothing in return?"
Dex: "Its not always without reward. And it's not about suffering for nothing either. Though the reward is not always monetary or apparent right off the bat. Sometimes its only the trust of a comrade or gratitude of a stranger with some small gift of sorts."
Kressle looks confused by this. "What sort of reward is trust... or gratitude, dearie?"
Dex: "Something your not used to I'm guessing. It's nice to know that others are watching out for you as you are to them. To know they will try their best to make sure you survive as well as them. Can you say your men would do that? Or would they sooner surrender or run when things look bad?"
Kressle: "Of course they'll run for it if we bite off more than we can chew. Dead bandits steal no treasure. What else could be expected?"
Dex: "Hmm true. Can't expect much different from bandits. Now let me ask you something completely different. How loyal are you to this Stag lord? You think if a better offer came along you would accept it?"
Kressle considers this carefully. "A better offer, you say? Why wouldn't I take it? We're talking about one that really is better, right dearie? Not some sort of trick?"
Dex: "Depends. What is the stag lord giving you now and what do you usually do?"
Kressle: "I do whatever I want. Lead my men to take what we want from the soft ones who are fool enough to come through these wild lands. I keep him stocked with the drinks he prefers, and a small cut, and he sends me more men as I need them, and helps with some of the more troublesome beasts in the area... like that owlbear of his."
Dex: "And what would happen should you lose your camp and men? As unlikely that would be I am curious as to how the stag lord would veiw that."
Kressle: "He certainly wouldn't like it. But as you say, dearie, it's quite unlikely. I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to give him that news."(edited)
Dex: "And what would you do if you had to? Would you go back or do something else?"
Kressle: "I'm sure I could find another cushy spot...and just remember to keep moving more. Be less of a target than a static camp."
Dex: "But what if you were offered a new job. Kind of the same as you do now but also different. Instead of preying on the "soft people" who wind up here you prey upon the other bandits. Being able to keep what you get from them as well as getting paid to do it in the first place. Does that sound like an appealing option?"
Kressle frowns. "I don't know...bandits are more likely to put up a fight. And if they've had a bad few weeks trying to rob them is just embarrassing for everyone..."
Dex: "That may be true but as I said anything they have would be a bonus. And what's wrong with a bit more of a challenge than a few merchants and travelers. Certainly be a better test of your skills and strength."
Kressle laughs. "That's a good one, dearie. The problem with testing strength is what happens when you fail. I prefer picking targets I know are safe...for me."
Dex: "Can't really fault you for that I guess. So have you had any good hauls lately? Anything special you may have found?"
Kressle: "Nothing terribly noteworthy, I'm afraid."
Dex: "Any interesting marks or spots you keeping an eye on in the area?"
Kressle: "Other than our arrangement with Oleg? Stag Lord was rather pleased with that. He's been wanting to be acknowledged as an actual lord... and nobles do take taxes."
Dex: "Yeah besides that place. Which reminds me do you happen to have his wife's ring? They offered a reward to people staying there should they come across it. If you have it I could return it collect the reward then your men can simply get it bcak from them again later."
Kressle: "That would be the ring Happs brought back last time... It was in one of the bags the mites made off with yesterday. The sentries who allowed that are being given a day to decide whether they forfeit their cut for the next month or head after them to get the stuff back."
Dex: "This area been known to have a mite problem? Or just a random occurrence?"
Kressle: "Oh they've had a lair under a big old tree for quite some time. One of my men peeked inside the entrance, but said he wasn't interested in climbing around such cramped quarters."
Dex: "Hmm any other nests or lairs like that in this area that you know of? Fey, beasts or other things.”
Kressle: "Hmmm...we've seen kobolds around, but I'm not sure where their lair is. Mostly they've been in a clearing a bit to the northeast."
"Rather nasty boar to the southwest, too... nasty enough to have earned a name from the local hunters. Tuskgutter, they call it."
Dex: "That is good info to know. Should I find myself in those areas I'll keep an eye out for them." Dex moves a bit closer to Kressle. "Don't you think we should get a bit more comfortable? I imagine being in armor and lugging those weapons all the time can be sort of tiring. Think you can take them off for awhile?"
Kressle smiles. "I was starting to wonder if you'd ever ask, dearie." She'd start taking off her armor, first. Her instinct is to keep her weapons ready to hand.
Dex: "Isn't that a bit better? I always found armor to be a bit too confining and uncomfortable. But i guess for you its necessary to have."
"I'm well used to it. My parents even gave me a set they took off a halfling when I was a child."
Dex: "I know this will seem to an odd request but will you let me tie you up?"
Kressle: "Quite odd. Too much like a prison transport. I like to stay in control."
Dex: "Perhaps I should explain it more. In my travels I came upon a sort of good luck ritual for couples. One of the steps involves me binding you. But ill untie you when its done and we can do the steps leading up to it then decide if you want to continue. Also after im done you will need to do them to me."
Kressle smiles widely. "A ritual for couples, you say? Where do we start, dearie? "
"First with this." Dex opens his pack and pulls out a small containier of honey. He puts a bit on his finger and brings it to her mouth. "To represent the sweetness love can bring."
Kressle would smile, and slowly lick it off. "Nearly as sweet as you, dearie."
Dex pulls out another thing from his pack. A small peice of horseradish. "This represents how bitter love can be at times." He moves it towards her mouth.
Kressle takes a small bite of it, wrinkling her nose.
Once again returning to his pack, Dex pulls out a piece of dark chocolate. "This is how it can be both at once." He once again offers up the piece.
Kressle would eat this more cheerfully.
Dex pulls out a cloth and makes a blindfold out of it. "This shows how love can make us blind." He will then move to put it on her.
Kressle chuckles, and allows it.
Then Dex pulls out a rope. "And finally this shows how tight love can bind us." He will then begin tying her up as tightly and securely as he can.
After a moment, Kressle asks "What comes next, dearie?"
((End of scene started in session 3))
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Dex: "Well now my dear I say we drop the act. My spell should have worn off by now and you aren't that convincing of a liar."
Kressle: "Fine. Now that you've got me at your mercy, the least you can do is introduce yourself. Can't believe I" she falls into muttered grousing. "I'm certainly not going to keep calling you 'dearie.' "
Dex: "Its a shame. I did find it kind of cute but very well. I am Dexter Griff, but everyone just calls me Dex."
Kressle: "Griff it is, then."
Dex: "If that's what you prefer. Now If you don't mind I'm gonna carry you back to the others." Dex packs up her gear then goes to pick up the tied up Kressle and carry her back to the others. Princess carry style.
Kressle struggles, rather ineffectively being all tied up, but sufficient to make it clear she does mind. She also invokes colorful language involving goodly deities engaging in unlikely acts with demons, goats, and once, a tree. She then makes connections between these and Griff's own ancestry.
Dex: "Hmm not the worst i heard but certainly pretty creative with a few of them there. And for all I know some of that could be true."
Aarin "I could picture Erastil doing that."
Kressle would continue in this vein for some time, working in her other captors (by description, as she doesn't know their names).
Raga Silvertail: "Just say the word Dex, and her mouth would do a lot less," he growls at the now tied up bandit "She is getting on my nerves."
Dex: "Aww let her vent. She is really quite creative with her insults."
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Aarin: "Let me have a look at that potion, I've seen that silly wizard do this enough times..." He casts detect magic and studies it for 18 seconds. "Ha, take that you old coot, I did it, I can see the aura, and you said I would never amount to anything."
Handren: "The old coot... that'd be your teacher? Ran off because he'd never pass you on, did you... now there's a familiar story."
Aarin "My story is probably more familiar than you realize."
Handren: "It's how I fell into banditry. Three days out from my village, and I was given a 'join or die' speech. After that... I thought there was no going back, so I decided to be the best bandit I could."
Aarin also studies Kressle's actions, drawing no conclusions he wishes to share.
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Dex: "Hmm think we can make it back to Oleg's before nightfall? Or maybe we should prepare to make camp."
Aarin "Hmm think we have enough time to make Oleg's by dark with these prisoners? Or should we make use of their camp?"
The light has noticeably dimmed, though one would not expect a sunset to be visible through the canopy. The clouds overhead take on a purple tint.
Raga Silvertail: "If we do make camp, we best make sure none of them try something, this is quite a lot of prisoners."
Aarin: "Lets put the prisoners in one of the watch towers and take away the ladder. That plus being tied up and stripped of gear should make escape difficult."
Raga Silvertail: "Ï will take the midnight watch" he looks at the tower they plan to 'house' their prisoners "And I will be over there," he motions with his head to the base of the tree.
Svengald swallows heavily. "I, uh, don't mean to complain, sir... .but I don't think we'll all fit up on one of the platforms. And Brishan, Arsinic, and Nik are hurt pretty bad..."
Aarin "I could kill them instead."
Raga Silvertail shoots a glare at Aarin before he continues "Then we will put you all in a pen of sort."
Aarin: "We'll split them 4 to a tower then."
Raga Silvertail: "The towers are bit far from each other, do you plan to have 2 stand watch per shift? I do not mind, simply wondering about what you are thinking."
Aarin "There are 6 of use, plus the fey. 2 per shift, with 3 shifts should be doable."
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Dex moves up to the Fey. "So are you two gonna be staying with us this night as well? Or are you planning on leaving after I make us all dinner?"
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "We hadn't really planned past then. We could be persuaded to stay...maybe for a song? Are any of you musical?"
Aarin: "I'm afraid my singing would only drive you away faster, maybe even attract some monsters."
Dex: "Hmm I am not. But perhaps one of the others are. But what if i were to offer you some nice silver pieces to help us keep these bad men and woman in check until we get them to Olegs. Plus I'll make extra sure your meals are delicious."
Perlivash: "Oh, the bracelets are plenty-nice silver. Maybe if none of you can sing, Tyg should treat us to a dance!"
Tyg-Titter-Tut grins. "Do you think our new friends like to dance?"
Raga Silvertail nods at this suggestion "That is a rather good idea, entertainment to celebrate our victory and to help lift the weight of post-combat is most welcome."
Dex: "I wouldn't mind to try."
Tyg-Titter-Tut strums her legs together a couple times, watching for their reactions Her leg-music sounds surprisingly like a fiddle.
The bound bandits who are awake find themselves compelled to try to dance. Alric falls over, and continues to attempt to dance tied up and on his back. Aarin cannot resist the urge to dance...and is surprised that he puts on quite an entertaining performance. He doesn't appear to mind despite the performance not being entirely voluntary. Dex doesn't feel compeled to dance but does so anyway. Perlivash dances through the air, laughing. The little floating coalition of gems known as Agat leaves the shelter of Dhurharen's cloak and joins in the fun, the light of the fire making the area glitter with the reflection off of it. Raga Silvertail smiles as he sits back, relaxed, and enjoys the show. Tyg-Titter-Tut keeps playing for them for a minute.
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Dex: "Ahh that is quite a beautiful song. But if I am to feed everyone I'll need to get started on dinner." He gives the tied up dancing Kressle a look. "Shame. I could actually use that assistance you gave earlier right now."
Kressle spits blindly, being blindfolded. "I didn't give anything. I was enchanted."
The aroma of Dex's cooking this evening, smells good with hunger's sauce, but is hardly gourmet quality.
Raga Silvertail's ears twitch and he then faces the ford. "There is something over there, be careful."
Dex looks where Raga is facing.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Here, let me take a look at those," she gestures to the axes.
Raga Silvertail starts to move toward where he heard the sounds "Be ready, just in case."
Aarin nocks an arrow. They see a middle-aged man in hide armor approaching the camp, a silver bow and arrow amulet plainly visible over the armor.
Jhod Kavken: "Hello the camp?"
Aarin; "Speak, are you an ally of the Stag Lord?"
Raga Silvertail: "Identify yourself," he calls out
Jhod Kavken: "Not unless that's a name for Erastil peculiar to this region. You can call me Father Jhod."
Raga Silvertail lowers his sword and approaches the old man "Are you a follower then?" As an after thought he adds "I am knows as Raga Silvertail."
Aarin "I'm afraid someone rather less benevolent has taken on that title for himself in these lands."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Good axes these, masterworked." She puts them away and turns to the stranger, not too worried. He hasn't acted aggressively so far.
Jhod Kavken: "I'm a priest of Old Deadeye, yes." He gapes as he sees Raga clearly. "You...you're a werewolf!" He starts to scurry backward.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Father Jhod, you really think such a mixed bunch as us would keep the company of a werewolf?"
Raga Silvertail sighs and waves at the man "Really now, you too? This is going swimmingly, and a mere bandit knew what race i am, but a man of the cloth doesnt? I need to start wearing a sign or something"
Aarin "Don't worry, he's had his shots."
Jhod Kavken: "What... is this some illusion spell? A curse to make him look like a werewolf?"
Raga Silvertail decides to not give the old man a heart attack, as he shifts back to a more welcoming form. "There, better now?"
Jhod Kavken: "A... a bit... Are... are you quite sure the rest of you aren't lycanthropes as well?"
Dex: "Have you heard of shifters? They a somewhat similar to were beasts but less inclined to fall to their savagery."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Pfftt. How about never." She waves her hands in Ragas direction. "He is a shifter, not werewolf. Big difference."
Aarin: "Not last I checked, though Dex does have fleas."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "More cuddly and personable" She jokes and shoots Raga a silly smile.
Raga Silvertail: "First of all, not all werewolves are savages, the same as not all humans are bandits" he sighs again "Thoughts like these give people like us a bad name."
Svengald: "The skinwalkers are quite honored among the Ulfen, actually. And they're a buch of heroes who've caught themselves a pack of bandits."
Dex: "Well I am not really human either but I am not a lycanthrope. I know that."
Jhod Kavken: "Hope you won't take offense... for a chance meeting in such a place as this." He casts detect evil to verify stories.
Raga Silvertail sighs again as he simply wanders back to the fire.
Aarin "None taken, I'd have shot him first."
Jhod Kavken moves in as the spell quickly reassures him Raga is not an evil werewolf... and gets close enough to verify the non-evil nature of those who are free. "That being the case... it looks like you've been a bit roughed up. Could you use some healing?"
Dex: "Perhaps you'd like to join us, though I do warn we have some guests. Not very pleasant ones who would probally rob you if given the chance."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Don't worry Raga, we still like you." She turns from their guest to the others. "So, anything else you want me to look at?"
Jhod Kavken: "Well, I did approach because I smelled your cooking...and it is most generous of you to offer to share."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Yes, some minor healing would be nice, good sir. Trade for a meal by a fire?"
Jhod Kavken: "That would be nice." He comes in and looks them over. "It would be most efficent to channel you all to full health. But if you deem it unwise for your prisoners to benefit, those who are healthy could stay here while the injured come a few steps away?"
Dex: "And maybe look over our 'guests' Make sure they will stay alive for now."
Raga Silvertail: "I will stay here, they did give me a bit of a workout getting to them"
Aarin: "Might as well include the worst of them in the radius as well."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So long as they are tied up properly"
Raga Silvertail looks over to Jhod, "When you are done, maybe if I can ask, some extra healing this way, I took a rather nasty hit."
Jhod Kavken raises his Erastilian holy symbol, and a 30 ft. radius dome of golden light washes out from him, closing wounds as it passes.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Thank you good sir. Now how about that meal?"
Jhod Kavken: "Of course. Just one moment... I'm afraid dinner must wait a few moments more, kind lady."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot rummages in her pack, digging out a bowl and spoon, and heads to dish up some food for Jhod. "No worries, I'd prefer my furry friend a little less holy." And she chuckles to herself.
Jhod Kavken goes over to pray for Raga's healing, setting a hand carefully on his head.
The last of Raga's wounds fade away, he gets up and slaps Jhod on the shoulder "Ah, much better. Thank you, friend"
Jhod Kavken: "Y-you're welcome." He returns to the campfire, accepting the proffered food. "And thank you."
Once they were done, Dhurharen heads over to Jhod and hands him the bowl. "There, as agreed, food for healing."
Dex: "Fraid its not as good as I wanted it. But I was not expecting having to make so much for so many. My poor spice supplies are all used up now. And the food still tastes a bit bland."
Jhod Kavken: "Oh, I'm sure it will be find, son." He takes the food and settles on one of the fallen logs to eat it. "Is this what brought you to this wild land? Bandit hunting?"
Aarin "Indeed, the sword lords have declared open season, even gave us a permit."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "In a way, yes. It's only one of the things we are here to do"
Dex: "That and set up our own barony."
Jhod Kavken: "I don't suppose you've seen a ruined temple of my patron in the area? Only, a vision sent me in search of it. It would have been guarded by a large, angry bear."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Nope, no big angry bears seen so far."
Aarin: "A temple to Old Deadeye, no but we have only just begun to explore the area. In fact we really should start exploring more thoroughly once we get this lot back."
Jhod Kavken nods. "It is a holy trust for me to slay the beast, and restore the temple. If you were to aid me, I would certainly be obliged to provide any further healing or spellcasting you need without charge."
Aarin "Wouldn't do to not know know what lies in our own barony. If we, or you, discover such a temple, we would be happy to aid you in defeating such a danger."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Indeed. And it would do no good if a big angry bear is around to terrorize people in the area. We would have done it just for that."
Dex: "I don't see why we can't help. Getting rid of a dangerous beast is something we would need to do anyway to keep people safe."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Does this vision of yours give any hints as to where this temple might be?"
Raga Silvertail: "A beast in a ruin, well, there we go, our list of chores grow."
Jhod Kavken smiles towards the heavens. "Only that it lies somewhere within the wild lands of this forest. I....had the impression that it was near the north end. But I might be mistaken."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Well, that narrows it down a little"
Jhod Kavken then adds something under his breath.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "What was that last bit? Didn't hear it"
Jhod Kavken blushes. "Nothing important."
Jhod Kavken shrinks away from Raga, hiding in his bowl of food.
Raga Silvertail he taps his ears "Some things don't simply go away with my changes. Come on, out with it, still many hours till dawn, lets share a bit."
Jhod Kavken: "So I've made mistakes in my lifetime. Can any of you say you never have?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot:"Who hasn't?"
Jhod Kavken nods in a mollified fashion ot Dhurharen. "Exactly."
Raga Silvertail: "What mistakes? So you misheard, or misunderstood something, how does that make it bad?"
Jhod Kavken: "When you're investigating murders... mistakes can have serious consequences."
Raga Silvertail: "No one is perfect, no matter how they wish so. But think of it this way, you are in a new land, start new then"
Jhod Kavken: "I ...was hoping to."
Raga Silvertail: "You should say 'am' not was."
Jhod Kavken smiles in a relieved fashion.
Raga Silvertail thinks for a bit "So, you are an investigator of sorts?"
Jhod Kavken: "Not a very good one, as it turns out. But my...old village... had no one else to turn to."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, you could be of use to us in that regard in the future. Dont sell yourself short."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot turns to their bandit 'friends' "Any of you know of such a temple with a bear?"
Raga Silvertail shrugs "I am rather new to the area myself, besides, temples are not really the way we do things"
Perlivash: "Big cave? Stag carved in the cliff above it? Scummy pool out front? Growly bear inside?"
Jhod Kavken gasps, "You have described my vision exactly!"
Perlivash nods. "We know where it is. You were a few miles off."
Raga Silvertail points to the mini-dragon "And there you go"
Dex: "Helps to have fey as friends."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Mind sharing with the rest of us where it is?"
Perlivash points. "Oh, about 9 miles that way."
Raga Silvertail he looks at the gathered group "I am going to get some rest, wake me when my shift comes. I want to get these folks to Oleg's before we try to trek down to the temple, and also, to get rid of a giant bear."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Making friends gets you much more than not doing so. Thank you friend"
Perlivash returns a draconic smile, bowing graciously.
Dex: "Indeed When we get back to Oleg's I'll make sure to prepare you all a meal much better than this. Hopefully they have the spices I need."
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Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Anyone mind if I take last watch?"
Dex: "I need uninterrupted sleep if I am to regain my magic."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Same. So the two of us need to either take first or last watch"
Aarin: "I guess me too."
Brishan: "I suppose...were we to promise to not try to escape, you would not believe us, no?"
Aarin: "No."
Dex: "Would you?"
Brishan: "Ah, but you virtuous heroic-types are to be better persons than we lowly bandits, no?
Raga Silvertail: "zzzzzzzzz"
Dex: "But not foolish. Or at least most of us aren't."
Aarin "Who said I was virtuous?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "We also don't work on blind faith in people we were fighting with only hours ago."
Brishan sighs. "I thought not."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "You're all still alive, that gives you time to make a change at least." She sighs and gets up. "Suppose someone has to give you lot some food."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot makes her way to the food, and starts to dish up for their captives, before taking them each a bowl. She adjusts their bonds, keeping their hands tied together, but allowing enough range of motion for them to eat. "No way you are making it to Oleg's with empty stomachs."
Dex dishes up for and spoon-feeds Kressle.
Kressle: "Well. At least you're keeping one promise, Griff."
Dex: "I always keep my promises. Or try to at least."
After Arsini and Rollan struggle vainly... the others decide to eat their suppers as politely as possible. Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Eat yer food peaceful like and I won't have to dirty my hammer with your brains" She warns those that struggle. "Or become shredded by our shifter friend. Pick your death." She shrugs.
Rollan and Arsini settle down as they realize the truth of her words.
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The next morning (Sarentith 5th) they set out. Kressle is trussed across the back of Dex's horse, her hands and feet tied together below its belly. The other prisoners are strung together, with a length of rope hobbling their feet so they can walk but not run. They return to Oleg's through the forest.
Around midafternoon, Brishan, who had carefully frayed his bonds on rocks and broken branches in passing, finally snaps them, and runs off to the left. Aarin quickly raises his bow and fires, his arrow thwacking into a tree 20 feet to Brishan's side. Dex casts charm person but Brishan shrugs it off and keeps running. Aarin fires again, and Brishan tumbles down into a ravine with an arrow sticking out of the middle of his back.
Raga Silvertail shakes his head. "And here I thought we had a good arrangement with you, I do hope the rest of you do not do something stupid."
Dex brings Father Jhod over to check on the would-be escapee, finding him with a broken neck and impaled on the jagged stump of a broken-off root or sapling.
Dex: "Well that's dead." Dex walks away.
Jhod Kavken: "Yes... yes he is."
Dex: "Yeah I wouldn't want to go out that way," he says to the bandits as they get back.
The remaining bandits, except for Kressle express whole-hearted agreement, with the three who had volunarily surrendered emphasizing how helpful they've been.
Dex: "Well as long as you all don't try to escape you won't need to share his fate."
Alric: "Escape? No.... no need to do something silly like that. Whole forest of new leaves to turn over and all that."
Handren: "Wouldn't dream of it. Not if you're serious about us having a chance to keep breathing."
Svengald: "Never could run that fast..."
Dex: "What about you Kressle? Put any more thought about finding a new line of work?"
Today, Kressle's speculations turn to Dex's probable descendents considering the types of creatures she expects he will be able to breed with.
Dex: "Charming as always I see."
((Thus ends session 3.))
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The grig and faerie dragon melt into the woods as the party reaches the edge of the forest. The party nears Oleg's early on the morning of Sarenith 7th. As the party approaches they can see glints of metal from the watchtowers, which resolve into armored guards as they draw near.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot holds her hammer ready in one hand. "What is that?" She pitches her voice for those nearby, not the silhouettes ahead.
Raga Silvertail shrugs as he puts away his blade "More visitors, I think. Oleg is having a great day, and I think we are about to make it better."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot snorts a laugh at Raga's comment. Raga Silvertail takes point as he strides closer to the soldiers at Oleg's. Dex keeps his gun loaded as they approach.
As they come within 50 feet, the tabards over their breastplates become visible. They bear the crest of red and yellow checks, with a tree in one corner, and a sword in the diagonal.
Raga stands and calls out to the ones in the towers "Who are you? and what is your intent?"
Keston Garess: "Keston Garess. I lead the guards dispatched by Swordlady Jamandi."
Raga Silvertail: "Jamandi you say?" he calls, "We are the people sent to tame this wildlands!"
Keston Garess nods in confirmation of the Swordlady's name. "You match the description of the chartered enforcers Oleg described, yes. You appear to have had a successful hunt."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot relaxes a fraction at the news, but stays on guard.
"That we did."
Aarin "Good, someone else who can deal with these prisoners."
Raga Silvertail: "That's good to know, didn't look forward to another fight." with that, he leads the group towards and into the outpost
The gate opens easily.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot urges the horse forwards to enter the outpost. Once inside, she helps to lead the prisoners to where their friend is tied.
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Raga Silvertail calmly gets off of the horse, stretching a bit "Good to be back on the ground. Now, lets get this lot settled, shall we?" Once the bandits are secure, he goes to find the leader of the soldiers.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot gets off her horse, and after tying the prisoners to the posts, turns to Oleg. "Oleg, my good man. any chance there is some of Swetlana's delicious food around? And what is with the soldiers?"
Oleg Leveton: "Aye, Svetlana's sure to keep food ready with all this company. And the guards were sent from Restov. Seems someone actually read my request for help after all...and answered it. They just would have been a little late..." he clears his throat "...were it not for your heroics."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "None such heroics. We were merely doing our jobs"
Svetlana Leveton: "I am so glad you made it back safely... and against such odds as we see, no less!"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Oh, and this is Father Johd" she motions towards their extra guest
Dex: "Well we managed to enlist some more help from some of the locals."
Svetlana Leveton smiles. "Pleased to meet you, Father. Won't you sit down? Just a few coppers for a fine meal."
Jhod Kavken: "That sounds lovely, child. Thank you." He takes a seat at one of the tables.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot goes to stable her horse, and then returns to sit at the table. "For your healing of us earlier, I'll pay for your meal today, Father."
Jhod Kavken smiles. "Thank you. I have so missed home-cooked meals."
Agate floats about the table, curious at the happenings as Svetlana lays out a fine spread, and the others discuss logistics and question the prisoners by the pen.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Thank you, my dear. It looks lovely." She says at Svetlana.
Svetlana Leveton smiles. "I am glad you like it. I do my simple best with meat traded by the hunters, and the produce from our small garden. It would seem we should expand that, as there will be some more mouths to feed."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Well, you'd have some extra hands to help with that as well."
Svetlana Leveton: "This is good, with those extra hands disarmed, though I do not know that I would feel safe with them, even so, were it not for the guards."
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The pen seems rather small, once all the prisoners are led within.
Dex: "Hmm, I think we need a bigger pen. or maybe an actual jail."
Aarin "Or less prisoners."
Dex brings Kressle over. "It looks like its gonna be a tight squeeze for now."
Raga Silvertail: "I saw suitable jail cells when we first explored the place, we can use them"
Oleg Leveton: "Jail cells? What are you talking about? There's never been a jail in my post! ...until now at least."
Raga Silvertail: "Those holes with grates at the back of your establishment, those could hold a few of our guests, could they not?"
Oleg Leveton: "You mean the middens? I don't see how prisoners could be fit down there. They're only three feet deep."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, we could always have them clean it out, dig it a bit deeper, and there you go, new cells while we wait for them to decide how to proceed with their lives. It is but 2 days"
Oleg Leveton: "Clean it out? But then where would the composting for the garden happen?"
Raga Silvertail: "It is but a small delay in gardening friend Oleg, and if they do decide to work off their debt, you may have an extra hand here to help with work."
Aarin "Perhaps this Keston Garess, could be persuaded to escort these fine men back to civilized prisons. Or at least to face trial before the gallows."
Oleg Leveton: "Why would they be facing trial? You have the charter to dispense justice, and you caught them after all... are they denying being bandits?"
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Raga Silvertail walks over to Happs, he then moves him to the middle of the post, then addresses him "You have had an extra day of leeway Happs, so here I ask, what have you decided?"
Happs Bydon: "Just get this farce over with already. I'd rather be dead than put up with another day tied up in the mud and the straw."
Aarin: "You heard the man. He'd rather be dead, I'm willing to oblige."
Dex: "He does seem unrepentant. What of you others? How do you all feel?"
Raga Silvertail shakes his head, "I stated I will be the executioner, so be it" with that he draws his sword "By the right given to me, I hereby sentence you to death, due to banditry."
Dex: "Perhaps move him out of the post. Would rather not make mess in our host's home."
Alric: "I was thinking I'd rather go to Restov and study the law... surely better to be on the other side of its reach."
Aarin: "Then pay attention, you're about to get a crash course in law."
Handren: "I was dragooned into being a bandit... I always wanted to get back to carpentry, but never got the chance."
Raga hauls Happs outside the post, and beheads him with a broadly arcing downward swing. Kressle sheds a few tears as Happs is dragged off, and launches into speculations on a witchwolf's ancestry that do not involve a curse of lycanthropy.
Svengald: "I don't want to die... but I was never taught a trade... never been so good at begging for training either."
Dex: "Its not too late too learn a trade."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Who needs to beg for train'n? I could use a hand when I forge things. Sound interesting to ya?"
Svengald: "Do...do you mean that? You'd do that for me?"
Raga Silvertail walks back in, somewhat covered in blood. He cleans and sheathes his sword. "Never a nice thing to do. But the law is what it is"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Hey Raga. You're dirty. Come here for a second"
Raga Silvertail: "No need, for now I may be dirtied up a gain, all depends on these folks we have gathered so far" he chuckles "I'm starting to feel like a collector."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot turns back to Svengald "Ya, I would. Makes my life easier, and smithies are always in demand small settlements"
Dex: "I find your joy at killing others a bit disturbing. even if they are criminals."
Raga Silvertail: "Joy, in killing? Perhaps on the field of battle, yes, it is rather thrilling, but I do not really enjoy killing a helpless enemy."
Aarin: "Lady Smeltfoot, if you are going to do some work at the forge, could I persuade you to craft me a light chain shirt?
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Gimme materials and I'll get right on it after lunch." She turns to Oleg. "You do have something I can use as a forge, right?"
Oleg Leveton: "I do have an anvil and workbench set up in the stable... mostly for farrying, you know."
Aarin: "I have the bandits' gear here to trade with Oleg. I'll be sure to get the materials you need."
Dex glares at Svengard. "Just know if this is not sincere and you try something nothing will stop my bullet from reaching you." A small spark of magic travels across his gun.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Oh stop with the theatrics Dex. He gets the picture. It's not like I couldn't smack him upside from Friday to Monday if he tried something"
Svengald pales. His voice remains steady as he replies. "I understand."
Turning back to Oleg, Dhurharen says "Great! Anything you want done while I'm at it?"
Oleg Leveton: "The upper left hinge on the stable door's come a bit loose... would you mind taking a look at it?"
Raga Silvertail: "I have a request for our dwarven smith, but it can wait for now."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Sure thing. Always do what you can when the coals are still hot."
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Raga Silvertail waits patiently as the bandits each give their reasons to not be executed. He keeps his peace for now.
Arseni: "I blame my parents. What do you think happens when everyone calls a boy 'Arsenic' from the time he can walk?"
Rollan: "Least you had parents... I was orphaned when I was five...or so. We lived on a remote farmstead. I was just lucky the bandits took me in and trained me up as one of them."
Dex: "I didn't know my parents either. But I suppose I wasn't also raised by bandits. But that still doesn't give us an answer of what you will do. Just need to make things clear."
Nikolai: "This is the chance of your life, Rollan-lad. Take it."
Rollan: "Yes, Da."
Nikolai: "As for me, I've never known any trade but fighting. First as a soldier, but my lord was on the wrong side of a war, and that turned those of us who'd survived out...and it was a short hop to banditry."
Raga looks down at Nikolai. "I too am a soldier."
Nikolai: "Then you understand. If I've kept a claim to any goodness, it was in persuading the lads to look after young Rollan."
Dex: "Well how does working with these fine fellows for now sound? Then after working for a new ruler in these lands once we claim them."
Nikolai nods. "If you think you can trust me with a blade in my hands. And my boy to follow my footsteps?"
Raga Silvertail: "Indeed, I can imagine what it must have been to lose your war, whereever it may have been. And I do think in keeping the boy rooted is a very good merit I will not over look. As my friend Dex here suggested, stay here at Oleg's, we will need people to keep an eye on the place while we are away"
Nikolai smiles. "There now, Rollan... I told you it would all work out."
Rollan returns the smile. "Yes, Da. I'll do my very best to make you proud of me."
Aarin: "I wouldn't trust any of them with a blade. 'Course I wouldn't trust them around hot coals either but you do what you like."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot mutters under her breath "Pessimist."
Dex: "Well we can't arm you just yet. But if you show us you're sincere I think you will make a fine soldier for our new land."
Nikolai: "I suppose I could tend your horses for now? That's a start at a return to honest work, at least."
Most of the prisoners now start to look hopeful that their bonds will be released. Kressle has been continuing her tirade against Raga and all his kin, rather loudly.
Raga Silvertail: "Hmmm, she sounds like she quite likes my people, do you think I should take her to my room? I'm sure she will enjoy some rough play" he stares right at her, as he mentions rough, he grins and makes claw motions with his hands
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Tsk, tsk. Not in front of children, Raga."
Kressle struggles futilely against the ropes and spits in the general direction of Raga's voice.
Raga Silvertail: "Well, in that case..." he grabs her, and throws her over his shoulder.
Dex: "What are you doing now?"
Raga Silvertail: "I am going to have a private talk with this fine young lady"
Alric: "Might not be the best, coming from you. You just executed her lover, after all."
Raga Silvertail: "Do you want to talk to her? She has time, but at this point, she seems very unrepentant."
Dex: "Yeah perhaps leave her here. I don't really trust you alone with her at the moment."
Raga Silvertail cocks an eyebrow "What do you mean?" He does put her back in the pen.
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Dhurharen Smeltfoot "So any other requests? While I'm at it. Gona start works as soon as the forge is up to temperature."
Raga Silvertail: "If you can perhaps craft a similar weapon as this, it would be most welcome, especially if it is finely made by yourself."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Dwarven made is always of fine quality."
Aarin" "I was going to see about a fine set of lockpicks but I can see Oleg about that if it is not within your repertoire."
"In any case," Dhurharen gets up and heads over to Raga. "You're still dirty" Her lips pull in a sneer at his stained attire, and she raises a hand towards him. "Be clean." She presticleans him.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot heads on over, and unties Svengald, keeping one hand on her hammer. "Up you come boy. Learning starts right now."
Svengald: "Yes, m'lady." He follows her meekly.
Dhurharen guides him towards the forge, proceeding to create the needed items, starting with a simple hinge for the barn door. Svengald watches closely, drinking in the process.
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Dex looks towards Arseni. "Arseni was it? What do you want to do?"
Arseni: "Living would be a start. I really like the sound of staying alive. I should probably stay away from alchemy...and cooking...and anything else where I'm likely to hear those stupid accusations Just. Because. Of. My. Name...."
Aarin: "Have you considered changing your name? Or perhaps a nickname..."
Dex: "Could take up a nickname. Or an entirely new one altogether."
Arseni: "You'd...let me change it? Only I joined up with old Cragger, and he'd never let it drop, and no one would ever call me anything else..."
Aarin "You remind me of a man I knew named Pillbug. Pretty sure that was a nickname as well."
Dex: "What about Arni?"
Arni: "Arni sounds... much better. I'd like that a lot."
Dex: "So, Arni. Now with a new name; what d'you want to do with it?"
Arni: "It... well... I know it's not really a way to make a living... but... I always wanted to be a painter."
Dex: "Its a more honest lifestyle at least. You any good?"
Arni: "Not particularly...but then, whenever I got my hands on any paints most of it ended up on my head with taunts about who I'd been planning to poison with it...Made practice rather difficult."
Dex: "Well I'm sure Oleg may have some supplies for that or can order them. And so long as you swear to leave banditry behind for good and not to harm innocent people again I'll happily buy them for you to get you started."
Arni stares up at Dex in disbelief. "Now you're just putting me on, right?"
Aarin "Right?"
Dex: "No I'm serious. A few art supplies is a small price to pay to give a man a new path in life. Besides if he one day becomes a famous artist I can brag I was the one who got him started."
Arni looks at Aarin. "Can he be serious? I mean... people just aren't like this."
Dex: "Then I'll just have to hunt him down relentlessly to make up for the possible mistake. And i won't be anywhere near as kind as I am now then should that happen." Aarin "I'm sure that will be great comfort to the families of any he kills in the meantime."
Aarin "And if he becomes an infamous bandit you can brag that you are the one that set him free."
Dex looks at Arni. "But it wont be a mistake would it?"
Arni pales, shaking his head hard enough that one might fear he'd break his own neck. "N-no, I swear..."
Dex: "Then should we not kill everyone here including the guards and ourselves just on the off chance one of us could go off and become a bandit king and kill many people? Besides for now he will be under watch to see if his intentions are true like the others."
Aarin "Not all, only those with a proven history of banditry."
Dex: "Well for now lets give him a chance."
Aarin "Your call, I enjoy saying 'I told you so.'"
On being freed, Nikolai and Rollan set to work stabling, grooming, and feeding the horses. Handren goes to Oleg to ask whether he has need of a carpenter at the moment. Alric stands beneath a guardpost and eavesdrops. Arni thanks Dex profusely, and once paints, paper, and brushes are obtained, would set to work on his technique.
Aarin takes position on the wall, and while guards keep an eye on the outside, Aarin keeps an eye turned inward.
((Thus ends session 4.))
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At the forge, the making of a simple hinge to replace the old one was going well for Dhurharen with her new apprentice. Every so often a request to 'hold here' or 'bring that' is heard and heeded between the hammering of metal on metal. By the end of the day, the hinge is beautifully made and there are a few nails as well for the carpenter to start working on.
Svengald asks questions, while the metal is heating, wanting to know how she knows when it's ready, or if the fire's hot enough.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot patiently explains the answers with practical demonstrations as they go, using this easy task to go slow so he could see what she was doing, even giving him a go at doing a nail on his own by the end of the day. She wasn't expecting him to get it right first time, but it does give him a feel for what it is he needs to be doing.
Svengald's nail would have turned out well, if it weren't for the odd angle at which the shaft attaches to the head.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Not bad for a first try. We'd make a smithy out'a ya yet." She pats him hard on the back with a laugh.
Svengald smiles at the praise. "Yes, m'lady!" he bows awkwardly at the friendly thumping.
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Handren is set to repair a minor leak in the stable roof. Nikolai, Rollan, and Alric dig Happs' grave. Keston Garess assures them that it will be quite instructive.
Helena Thorne spends her time sharpening her nails whilst everyone hurries about their tasks, humming a sadly sweet tune.
Rose Medvyed practices her swordsmanship quietly and away from the others.
Helena Thorne: "Your swordsmanship is becoming as quick as your wit, sister."
Rose Medvyed: "I've never had the quickest wit, so I'm going to take that as a jab." She said turning to Helena and sticking her tongue out at her.
Helena Thorne pulls her gloves back on and walks over to Rose, "I only mean to say you're improving, sister." She'd pat her on the shoulder.
Rose Medvyed turned her head away in a childish gesture. She was doing her best to be difficult, going so far as to turn away from Helena with a harumph. Eventually though, she'd turn to hug her sister, like a child that hugs a cat that is prone to scratching them.
Helena Thorne: "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe Raga deserves a treat for his hard work." She'd walk out, a piece of raw spiced meat in hand for the friendly wolf-man.
She finds Raga taking the time to look around the outside of the post, just to make sure there are no gaps that need to be filled or reinforced, and finding that all is well with it.
Raga Silvertail looks over as Helena walks up to him "Greetings, I hope you are doing well?" he looks at the meat she has with her "Hmm, smells good, is that for me?"
Helena Thorne smiles, holding the meat up to Raga's face, "I'm doing fine, this is for you, for being such a hard worker." She'd pat him on the head.
As he takes the meat from her, Raga muses "Best get the big ones out for this delicacy." He he then shifts into his wolf form and begins to dig in. Between bites he chuckles, "Human teeth aren't so good for eating."
Helena Thorne chuckles, reaching a hand to scratch under his chin after he's finished eating, "My, my, you've such an appetite, Raga."
Raga Silvertail: "I am not your pet, you know this right? Neither am I a dog?"
Helena Thorne: "I know, but your fur just feels too nice not to touch...And it reminds me of better times."
Raga Silvertail: "Very well, but please refrain from doing in other's company, this kind of attention is usually reserved for..." he coughs a bit "Closer companions"
Helena Thorne: "I'll be sure to remember, Raga."
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Dex takes some time cleaning and polishing his gun before going over to Oleg and asking to see his spices for sale.
Oleg Leveton leads Dex back to the storeroom, and opens a many-cubbied box, with spice pouches in the cubbies.
Dex: "Hmm yes I'll take a good quantity of each of these. Just in case I have to make a meal for more than a few people."
Oleg Leveton: "Ten gold crowns."
Dex: "Sounds fair." He hands the gold to Oleg. "And how much do I owe you for the supplies for our would be artist?"
Oleg Leveton: "Five gold crowns."
Dex hands over the coins. "Small price to pay to hopefully turn a persons life around for the better."
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The next morning, Sarenith 8th, most of the party departs to explore their way down to the Old Sycamore, in hopes of retrieving a certain ring, whilst Dhurharen remains behind, teaching Svengald and forging gear for her allies.
The bulk of the party comes across a solitary hut on the plains, a copse a few hundred feet away, and campfire burning outside its door, tended by an elderly man with staring eyes and wild hair.
Dex: "Are you Bokken?"
Old Bokken: "Yes-I-am! Who-are-you? What-do-you-want?"
Raga Silvertail: "We are from Oleg's," he states.
Dex: "He said we could buy potions from you. that you are somewhat of an alchemist."
Old Bokken: "Potions-yes-I-sell-those. Have-a-few-on-hand. Minor-and-middling-healing. And-for-tolerating-this-heat." Old Bokken twitches as he talks. Tilting his head back and forth in an almost avian manner.
Rose Medvyed just stares at Bokken, and then shifts her gaze to Helena.
Raga Silvertail: "Hmmm, those healing ones could come in handy. Curious though, why do you stay out here, especially with all the bandits about?"
Dex: "Indeed I'm surprise they haven't raided your place for your potions."
Old Bokken: "Bokken's-not-silly-enough-to-live-on-a-road. Bandits-never-find-me."
Helena Thorne meets Rose's gaze and shakes her head.
Raga Silvertail: "I still don't think its very safe here all alone. Why dont you perhaps move down to Oleg's? I'm sure your business will do much better?"
Dex: "Especially since there are guards there now."
Old Bokken: "At-Oleg's? All-those-people?" He shakes his head frantically. "Wanting-to-take-my-home-are-you?" He glares at them.
Raga Silvertail: He peers behind Bokken, very obviously "I do not wish to take your home, old man. I have other requirements for something to be my home."
Old Bokken retreats into the doorway, grasping either side of the frame. "It's-mine, y'hear? I'll-sell-my-potions, take-orders-for-them, but-I-won't-be-run-out-of-my home."
Helena Thorne sighs, "We're after many things, but your home isn't one of them, Bokken."
Raga Silvertail: "As my companion states, your home is yours to keep mister Bokken, we simply wish to buy some potions"
Old Bokken: "Potions. Yes. I-sell-potions. You-have-the-crowns?" He lets go of his doorframe.
Dex: "If you prefer to live out here alone that is your choice. We just thought we'd offer another option should you want it."
Old Bokken: "About-the-potions. Fangberry-juice-improves-the-taste. There's-a-thicket. 55-miles-southwest-of-Oleg's. Bring-me-a-supply. I'll-take-a-quarter-off-the-price-for-a-month-after."
Rose Medvyed: "That doesn't sound like a bad deal." She said, adjusting herself on her horse. "Granted, it seems we keep getting a growing list of things to achieve."
Dex: "Only to be expected. We are trying to establish our own land. That's not a simple or easy task."
Aarin "All the more reason we should get started crossing some items off our to do list."
Helena Thorne: "Hanspur's grace will see us through these tasks."
Raga Silvertail: "Tasks are expected yet, and in so doing we learn more of the land"
Dex: "Something we can get back to once we are done our shopping here."
Old Bokken: "So-you-wanted-all-three-healing-potions?"
Dex: "Yes they would be good to have."
Old Bokken: "You-have-three-hundred-and-fifty-gold-crowns?"
Dex: "I'm sure among us all we do."
Aarin "Too rich for my blood."
Helena Thorne: "I can personally afford one of the minor healing potions."
Dex: "Not when its making sure you have enough blood to keep living."
Helena Thorne smiles sweetly at Bokken, "Surely you can offer a discount to us ladies in order to keep us safe in these wilds."
Old Bokken: "Three-hundred-twenty-five-crowns-for-all three?"
Helena Thorne: "I'm sure we can afford that, Right everyone? How much for just the minor healing, Good Bokken?"
Old Bokken: "45-crowns-each?"
Helena Thorne plops 90 crowns in Bokken's hand, "Two minor healing potions, please."
Old Bokken stares at the gold in its pouch for a moment, then turns to retrieve the potions, the money pouch vanishing in the process.
Helena Thorne pools her coins with Dex's and Raga's for the better potion as well. Old Bokken looks quite happy with the pile of gold poured into his waiting pouch and jerkily produces the stronger potion.
Raga Silvertail: "Friend Bokken, perhaps, if you could prepare one of the more potent healing potions, I would be grateful, and obviously pay when I return"
Old Bokken nods. "Never-bad-things-to-have-on-hands-are-those."
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As they near the old sycamore (around 3 in the afternoon of Sarenith 10th), they are greeted by a pair of familiarly tiny figures. One cricket-like, and one draconic, as well as a dwarven artisan, who distributes their commissions among them.
Raga Silvertail: "Ah, our mischievous friends, what brings you here? So far from your home?"
Dex: "Ahh hello friends. Good to see you both again."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "You got rid of the nasty-men! That must be a nice change."
Perlivash: "It sounded like we might have a chance to be rid of the vermin infesting this tree. They outnumber and outmass us quite a bit, and play all sorts of -mean- pranks. We thought maybe we could help you."
Dex: "Your assistance would be appreciated. We have need to get rid of them as well."
Dex: "So any idea how many of them are here and any other creature we may expect to find?"
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Lots! And they play with nasty-nasty vermin." She wrinkles her nose. "Big nasty bug-kinds."
Raga Silvertail: "That sounds like an epidemic waiting to happen." As he speaks he readies himself to go into their lair.
Tyg-Titter-Tut hops down to point out the narrow entry-shaft. Roots run along and through the shaft, providing plentiful hand and footholds.
Dex: "Hmm looks like a tight fit."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "For you biggunses yes. Not for me and Perl."
Dex: "Well shall we head down?
Raga Silvertail: "Ready? I shall climb down first."
Aarin readies his bow "I'll cover you."
With that, Raga slowly makes his way down, already feeling the walls wanting to crush him. The shaft splits to the left and right, five feet down. Foul trickles drip down the right side into channels carved into the floor of the chamber below. Loud whams echo from the left. Raga opts for the right-hand passage. The others follow him.
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The wet-looking floor of the large cavern he enters is crisscrossed by several shallow trenches, each containing trickles of putrid-looking fluid. Six foul mounds of compost and dung lie heaped about the room, each studded with small spherical eggs. At the far end, a mite sits on a stool next to three 6-ft.-long centipedes, which are eating something bloody out of a bowl. The space is only 5 feet tall in some places, in many others, roots and stalactites hang down.
One of the giant centipedes rears back and hisses as our heroes enter. Tyg-Titter-Tut turns invisible, and flies down for a better look. The mite screams something incomprehensible while pointing at our heroes, then turns to flee.
Rose Medvyed: "That can't be good."
Dex takes aim and fires a bullet at the southern bug. The noise echoes from his shot which flies over the invertebrate's back. Perlivash flies in, but stays out of the way, knowing mindless creatures are immune to most of his powers. The southern giant centipede charges Raga, bouncing off his armor. Aarin fires an arrow and a ball of acid at the rearing centipede. The acid eats a hole through its chitin, and it falls. The third centipede scuttles in to bite at Aarin, who manages to dodge. Dex steps to the side, away from the centipedes, reloading his musket. The other centipede bites Raga, who shakes off the poison, and retaliates with a low sweep of his falcata, bisecting the centipede.
Aarin "Bit crowded in here no?" He shoots the last centipede with arrow and acid, though the acid flies wide as it falls.
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Two caves below, 8 mites, and a giant bug... all getting ready to fight." Her voice echoes from the air.
Aarin "Rarely have I wished to be small like you my little friends."
Perlivash: "It has its advantages." He perches on Aarin's shoulder for a moment.
Aarin: "Well I doubt they will come to us."
Raga Silvertail: "We should make sure this room is cleared before we go on."
Dex: "Well we know what to expect ahead."
Aarin "I don't see anything, lets go."
Dex: "hmm i think i hear them coming for us. Get ready."
Raga Silvertail: "Sssshhh, something, probably one of the mites, is heading upward" he holds a hand up
Perlivash: "You brought cruel cold-iron, yes? You knew that fey awaited here in hostility."
Raga Silvertail shakes his head, but he does point to his larger than average sword, "I hope this makes up for it."
Dex: "I've made a few bullets out of it. I had five. four now."
Aarin "I did, but more because I like to be prepared for anything."
The footsteps stop. Still nothing is in sight.
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "We could go other way? Surprise them again?"
Aarin "Here kitty kitty..."
Raga Silvertail: "Perhaps, but unless you know of another way, I do not see how."
Tyg-Titter-Tut points over to the left passage leading from the entry tunnel.
Dex: "We can try."
Raga Silvertail nods as he goes to the indicated passage.
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On climbing in, he sees a pair of mites with a makeshift catapult, which one is using to hurl a caltrop which the other tries to catch in its mouth. Three workbenches clutter the floor, and the top foot of this chamber is also cluttered with roots and stalagmites. The others are crowded behind him.
Aarin looses arrow and acid, which both slam through the nearer mite. It falls onto its catapult. Dex fires widely again. The remaining mite howls in anger and casts a spell. Dex's limbs start shaking. Rose Medvyed moves over the short workbenches and tries out a thrust against the remaining mite this time. This proves to be more effective in the cramped confines as she opens a wide gash across the mite's belly as her dueling blade pulls back, and the mite falls to the ground.
Aarin "Please allow me a moment to compose myself."
((Thus ends session 5))
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Dex: "So deeper in we go."
Raga Silvertail: "The sooner this den of pests is removed, the better."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "So how's the new gear work'en for 'ya boys?" She asks upon joining in the cramped area.
Raga Silvertail: "I can not say as of yet, the cramped space makes it very difficult to swing any form of weapon, I am thinking of switching to my dagger" he grumbles
Aarin: "Your craftship is excellent."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot takes a bow. "Why thank you Aarin"
They hear screams of pain and terror from below.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "I think we might need to hurry."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, that is rather expected," he grumbles, descending.
The walls of this egg-shaped cavern are obscured by thick tangles of long, pallid roots among which are tied four kobolds, 3 obviously dead. To the east, the chamber opens into a wide, root-filled chasm.
A group of six mites are joyously tormenting a captured black-scaled kobold, and are thus distracted. Raga Silvertail moves forward, combat is one thing, but torturing is another. He swings through the closest mite.
Dex whispers. "Quickly lets take them out while they are distracted." Dex then prepares a shot and descends, followed by the others.
Dhurharen moves in, swinging her hammer at the back of a mite's head, catching it in the roots instead. One of the mites turns to attack Raga with a dagger. He dodges. Tyg-Titter-Tut invisibly flies ahead to watch the chasm. A second mite turns to attack Dhurharen, grazing her leg. Dex moves past her, casting color spray on the clustered mites. Only one of them falls. One of the mites goes around its ally, pinking Dex's arm. Yet another mite swings and misses.
Still frustrated by the lack of mobility down here, Raga swings at the second mite close to him. It dodges behind a root. Aarin takes down the mite in front of and Dhurharen with an arrow. He badly wounds the one in front of Dex with an acid splash.
Having been thwarted by the roots once with her hammer, Dhurharen goes to magic "Fine, be that way." Dhurharen Smeltfoot moves back one step to cast.
Perlivash breathes out a green-tinted mist on the cluster of mites, who simply blink it from their bulging eyes. Raga's mite darts from behind the root, trying to stab him again. Raga Silvertail scoffs at the feeble attempt to bypass his defenses. A mite darts forward to attack the "fleeing"dwarf. The mite in front of Dex flees eastward, smoothly switching to climbing through the roots as it hits the chasm's edge. Raga Silvertail cuts down the mite trying to harm their dwarven companion. Aarin chases the mite to the chasm's edge, firing on it, but the roots crowding the area block the arrow. Dhurharen Smeltfoot waves her hands about and a bolt of acid splats into the roots as her robes catch on the roots, fouling her aim. The mites remaining conscious attempt to flee. Aarin takes a swing at it with his gauntlet, whiffing just above its head. From the north end of the chasm, a giant whiptail centipede scurries through the roots.
Aarin has just time enough to call "Crap, backup!" as its jaws lunge in to close on him, and he falls to the ground, his eyes rolling back in his head. Dex moves well back and shoots a hole in the centipede's side. Raga Silvertail moves in, hopping over the centipede's whipping tail, and swinging his blade to try and kill this over sized insect that seemed to have felled his companion, his falcata bouncing off the stalactites and nearly jerking out of his hand.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot sees the big new enemy and decides it's time for something more than an acid splash. Following her incantation a bolt of force shoots into the centipede. "Take that you worm!"
Tyg-Titter-Tut makes the roots grow out to catch the nasty bug. The giant centipede attacks Raga, who cries out in pain as the teeth bite deep into his flesh. Dex reloads his musket. Raga Silvertail once again tries to position himself and his blade bites through chitin-armor and into the centipede's guts. Perlivash fishes out Raga's potion and feeds it to him before he's bitten in half. Raga Silvertail nods his thanks to the little dragon.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot seeing her companions were in the way, was left with only one other option. He incants and gestures, and an acid splash flies into the huge centipede. Raga Silvertail once again winces as the creature bites him, its tail lashing over Dhurharen's head. Frustrated and in a lot of pain, the skinwalker strikes at the crawling thing again. Perlivash darts around to retrieve a potion for the fallen Aarin, who promptly crawls back out of the way.
Given her two allies grave injuries, Dhurharen steps up to give the worm something else to target. "Time to turn up the heat!" A cone of flames washes over it.
The giant whiptail centipede lunges out to bite Dhurharen, and whips its tail across Raga, who struggles back to his feet. He takes another swing at the creature and his falcata bites deep into the chitin-wrapped flesh. Having run out of bigger spells, Dhurhraen goes back to her cantrips, doing what she could, though the cramped space once again throws off her aim with her acid splash. The giant whiptail centipede bites the dwarf with its burning magics, and fails to trip Raga. Dex fires again. The shot takes down the giant centipede. Its corpse tumbles into the chasm.
Raga Silvertail calls, "Potion! or any form of healing for a smith! Now!"
Dex: "Well that could have gone better. But at least it's not any worse."
Aarin casts infernal healing on Dhurharen.
Dex: "Now lets take care of these other mites."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Now? Are you sure? What if they have other big nasties like that?"
Aarin "May I suggest we regroup to heal our wounds and return later."
Raga Silvertail: "I am with Tyg, best make a tactical withdrawal."
The surviving kobold whimpers in pain, flailing frantically in its bonds.
Dex looks at the mites. "Well this one is knocked out only and those ones look to only be stuck."
Aarin "If we free you do you promise not to attack us."
kobold: (Draconic) "Agreed. Release me, or end my torment!"
Aarin angrily puts an arrow in the unconscious mite's eye at point blank range.
Dex (Draconic): "What are you all doing here anyway. I didn't know kobolds were in the area."
kobold (Draconic): "Free me or kill me. I will not answer while bound."
Aarin cuts the kobold from his bonds. The obold falls to his kness. (Draconic) "You have my great thanks for your mercy."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "I suggest we get to the surface before my holding-spell wears off."
Dex: "Seems we need to get out of here for now. Care to join us up top for a little chat?"
The kobold nods and they all start climbing out, save those who can fly instead. Dhurharen Smeltfoot gets up, glad to see the big centipede was down, and follows the others above ground, keeping a weary eye on the kobold.
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Mikmek the kobold (Draconic): "You asked why I am here. These blue fiends stole my tribe's sacred statue. We were sent to retrieve it. Many treasures could be yours if you aid me in returning it to Shaman Tartuk."
Aarin (Draconic): "Where might we find this shaman Tartuk?"
Dex (Draconic): "Why is this statue sacred and why did the mites take it? Well we did rescue you. Surly that's worth some trust."
Aarin (Draconic): " "Once we've had a chance to recover we intend to return and exterminate these mites. How will we return your statue to you if we don't know where to find you?"
Dex (Draconic): "And some more assistance would help make that happen as well. Maybe your shaman or other tribesmen could provide that."
Mikmek (Draconic): "Shaman Tartuk brought the sacred statue with him when he came to his tribe. The spirit inhabiting it performed wonders. It is of white bone...dragon winged, but not dragon faced. Tartuk says the creature is father to the great dragons who gave rise to our kind."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot listens along, but holds her tongue.
Mikmek: "Once the statue is recovered... then maybe I can trust my people's fate to you, not just my own life."
Aarin draconic "Yes, yes, now we know what to look for. Now tell me how we should return it to you or I shall be inclined to sell your stupid spirit to the nearest merchant and be done with it."
Mikmek roars his outrage.
hurharen Smeltfoot "Hey, watch what you say, and listen what is said."
Mikmek: (Draconic) "Do you think I would abandon my mission to outsiders?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot (Draconic) "Pardon my friend, he knows not how to listen sometimes. We will return it if we find it"
Dex: "Don't think that's the way to go with this Aarin. Mikmek, excuse my friend here. We wouldn't think of selling such a important item for your tribe. We are just hoping to meet with this shaman to maybe heal our wounds so we can get back to our task quicker and maybe rest in a safe place."
Mikmek nods to Dhurharen, mollified. "Shaman Tartuk would not share his wonders with those not of the tribe, perhaps could not without the sacred statue's blessing."
Aarin: "Do you intend to wait here then outside this mite lair until we return?"
Raga Silvertail takes hold of his sword at the roar, then looks at Aarin. (Taldane) "What did you just say?"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot (Taldane): "He's being an idiot, Raga. They want us to look for a religious statue the mites stole from them, and will tell us where to take it once we have helped to retrieve it; when Aarin here said if he doesn't tell us where to take it, he'd sell it to a merchant." She proceeds to translate for Raga.
Raga Silvertail sighs and put his hand to his maw. (Taldane) "What a way to start relations with native people"
Aarin (Taldane): "Only by a loose definition of people."
Dex (Taldane): "Doesn't hurt to get on the good side of the natives. I'm sure these kobolds may know secrets of the area."
Raga Silvertail (Taldane): "Yes, simply because they look different," his demeanor takes a bit of dark undertone.
Dex turns back to the kobold. (Draconic) "So no healing but your tribe could provide us a safe place to rest so we can come back fully charged and able to get rid of the mites and take back what they stole."
Aarin (Taldane): "I have no issue with his appearance, but kobolds are as a rule, evil."
Mikmek (Draconic): "I do not think Chief Sootscale would let soft-skins wander freely in out lair, or to learn the way past our defenses."
Raga Silvertail (Taldane): "Perhaps ask if there is a neutral ground we can meet up and discuss things?"
Aarin (Taldane): "I would prefer to return to our own 'base' and receive healing from our own clerics in any case."
Dex (Draconic): "Perhaps if he would speak to us he may. Could perhaps lead us to a closer and safer location then bring your chief there so we could discuss it face to face. I could even prepare a meal for all of us during it."
Mikmek wracks his brain. (Draconic) "I cannot think of an easily secured place between our lair and here."
Raga Silvertail (Taldane): "Then let him return, tell his chief we will meet back here in a day and we will get what ever they are looking for."
Dex (Draconic): "Perhaps just a closer place then. I'm sure we can make it safe enough. We can send some of our more wounded members back to get healed while the rest of us can stay and meet with this chief. If you think he'd agree to meet."
Aarin (Draconic): "Do not stress your brain too hard. We shall go to our own people for healing and return. Meet us here if you wish to have your statue back."
Mikmek (Draconic): "Too far. Two days' time."
Dex (Draconic): "Hmm that is a problem. Guess it would be better for us to go back and heal then come back after. But what would you do? Come back with us or stay here alone?"
Mikmek (Draconic): "If I am to arrange truce with chief, I would have to return. Or I can stay with you and return triumphant with the sacred statue. Fight beside you, even, with a weapon my size."
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((Start: Session 7))
Keston Garess calls out as the party returns and the sun sinks towards the horizon. "Caught a kobold this time, did you?"
Aarin "Freed him actually."
Raga Silvertail nods at this. "This critter was a P.o.W, so we decided to free him."
Keston Garess: "Just keep an eye on him. Scaly blighters have a tendency to claim anything they find that they take a fancy to is theirs."
Raga Silvertail: "I think he has more pressing matters on his mind anyway."
Keston Garess: "Just so it stays that way.. for his own good."
Raga Silvertail: "I need to rest before we can continue.. and perhaps a bath..."
Aarin "I'm more concerned with healing than a bath."
Svetlana Leveton: "A bath can be arranged... a tub in the guest house, and you can respect each others' privacy, yes?"
Jhod Kavken: "Ran into some trouble, did you?"
Raga Silvertail: "Very big, and not to mention we had to fight it in very cramped spaces, my blade and arms kept hitting rocks and dirt."
Aarin "Nearly got squashed by a big bug."
Jhod Kavken: "Sounds like a thoroughly unpleasant excursion. Would all the wounded gather round?" Once they do, Father Jhod raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft. dome, twice.
Raga Silvertail was at least feeling less sore, but he was definitely looking forward to a bath and some rest.
Dex: "So how have our guests been since we left?"
Oleg Leveton: "They have been... surprisingly docile, if underfoot."
Aarin: "Thank you, Father Jhod."
Raga Silvertail: "Yes, but we know why now, and if we sort this out, they will hopefully not bother us again."
Jhod Kavken: "it is good to be able to use my gifts where they are needed."
Raga Silvertail turns to Jhod "Much thanks, but could you spare a bit more of your healing, my wounds were... grievous."
Jhod Kavken: "Of course, my son." Father Jhod raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft. dome for a third time.
Raga Silvertail: With that the last of his wounds stitch and heal up, leaving his body physically restored. "Thank you once again, we are blessed to have you here. Now, time for a bath, and then some deserved rest. I will be ready to take on those pests as soon as able"
Arni is working at the other table, the cuffs of his sleeves smudged with paint, and a paper depicting the front of the Leveton's home... at least the proportions are right.
Svengald approaches Dhurharen. "Welcome back, m'lady. Do you think you'll have time for more lessons while you're here?"
Nikolai and Rollan get the visitors' horses stabled and cared for as they come in. Handren is squaring a post at the workbench.
Aarin "I am eager to return first thing in the morning."
Alric is plying the female guards with legal questions.
Svetlana Leveton bustles to the kitchen to retrieve platters with bowls of stew, and baskets of fresh-baked bread, and jugs of ale and milk.
Oleg Leveton would set up a bath if people still desired a nice soak. Dex would go for a nice soak after making more cold-iron balls for his musket.
Aarin buys a Small cold iron spear for Mkimek, who is surprised by this generosity. He grips the shaft firmly, running through a jabbing drill.
Mikmek (Draconic): "The mites shall dread its bite!"
Aarin (Draconic): "Do not make me regret it creature."
Raga Silvertail: "At least it looks like the little lizard can fight."
Mikmek (Draconic): "I have no intention of it."
Mikmek doesn't appear to understand Taldane.
Dex: "Looks like he only understands Draconic, Raga."
Raga Silvertail: "Not my problem" he shrugs "Maybe I'll learn the language eventually."
Dex: "Well if you want to learn it I can teach you."
Raga Silvertail nods at Dex. "When there is time."
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Sarenith 11th dawns.
Svetlana Leveton serves pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausages for breakfast. There is also a portion of raw venison for Raga.
Raga Silvertail hungrily chows down. When he is done, he wipes the little bit of blood from his muzzle "Can't go into combat on an empty stomach," he chuckles.
Svetlana Leveton noticeably avoids watching Raga eat.
Raga Silvertail: He cocks his head at her. "Am I disturbing you?" he asked puzzled.
Oleg Leveton: "She will not like watching the eating as of wild beasts. When she was but a slip of a girl," he sets his hand at waist height, "a pack of wolves killed one of her family's cows as it was brought to market. They counted themselves lucky to escape the ravenous creatures."
Raga Silvertail: "Ah, then I will apologise, perhaps if I eat somewhere else?" he offers an apologetic bow.
Jhod Kavken: "Or perhaps you could use knife and fork? Or is there a reason you think being able to take a more beastly shape excuses you from table manners?"
Raga Silvertail: He chuckles and opens his jaw "These are better for the meat we eat, Have you tried eating raw meat with human teeth? Very taxing"
Jhod Kavken: "Of course not. I like it properly cooked. But that's beside the point." He uses his silverware to cut his sausage into bite-sized pieces pointedly.
Raga Silvertail: "Hm, customs. Where I am from, most of my people eat like I do, very seldom do we see... cutlery... of that sort, but I guess I can give it a try in the future"
Svetlana Leveton: "it would be... much appreciated."
Raga Silvertail: "Let us be on our way" he excuses himself.
And so once more the party sets forth to do battle in the cramped caverns.
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Their tiny friends appear nearby as they ride up to the sycamore around 2 that afternoon.
Aarin "Be on your toes. The creatures have likely had time to regroup and prepare since our last venture."
Raga Silvertail: "Indeed, but I really hope no more giant centipedes"
Aarin "You and me both."
Raga Silvertail chuckles and nods, and the party descends into the mite's earthen lair, Aarin casting light as the darkness closes in. To the left, they find two mites working at the benches, bending nails into caltrops. One looks up and attemtps to fill Raga with fear, but he easily shrugs it off. Aarin hurls an acid splash through its chest. Tyg-Titter-Tut vanishes. The remaining mite comes around the benches to attack Aarin, its dagger is turned by armor. Perlivash hangs back in case he's needed. Raga Silvertail raises his falcata and brings it down. The mite is cleft in twain.
Even in these cramped spaces, at least the little pests were rather easy to squish, Raga reflects. "Come on, we are wasting time," he growls as he moves ahead.
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As they advance to the next chamber, they find 6 mites flaying the three kobold-corpses which are still tied into the roots.
Raga Silvertail thinks, They need a new hobby.
Mikmek leaps down, roaring his rage at this desecration, bumping his head on several roots on the way down.
Aarin (Taldane): "Stupid lizard."
He climbs down, swinging his axe at a neighboring mite, a stalactite intercepting it. The mite entangles its dagger arm in the roots as it turns to attack.
Aarin: "Bring it, ugly."
One mite stabs feebly at Raga. Dhurharen jumps down also lands badly.
Aarin (Hallit): "Clumsy dwarf."
The flames roll forth from Dhurharen's hands. Two mites fall screaming, while the third tries to hide behind Raga, getting only half his hide seared. Irritated by the one trying to use him as a shield, Raga swings at it, his blade passing just to its left as a stalactite deflects it. Dex climbs down to the north side of the fray, after a false start. The mite's returning stab is turned by Raga's armor. Mikmek stabs one of the southern mites through the back, his spear-tip protruding from its chest. He briefly hoists his spear over head in triumph, swiftly turning on the one to the north.
Aarin (Taldane): "Ya bother me kid."
Aarin cuts into his mite's ribcage, but it stays standing. The half-scorched mite stabs at Raga. The slashed mite trips on a root as it lunges at Aarin, landing sprawled on its face. Dhurharen remains on guard as she shoots an acid splash through its head. A mite turns to nick Mikmek, who falls unconscious, thanks to the bumps on the head. Dex fires and the bullet flies over the mites' heads. Aarin drops his axe, draws his bow, and with an acid splash melts a hole through the chest of the half-scorched mite. It falls to the floor. An acid splash from Dhurharen eats through the last mite's head, clearing the cavern.
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Aarin: "Should we track back to the other chamber we saw before?"
Raga Silvertail cautiously walks over to the edge of the deep and ominous chasm splitting the passage to see if there are any other surprises down there. The chasm is a few yards wide, and twice as deep, but thick ropes of tangled roots fill the entire area. The passage continues on the far side of the chasm, and between the two ledges, numerous loops have been tied into the roots to serve as hand- and footholds. The gigantic corpse of the whiptail centipede is dully reflective along the bottom, in Aarin's light
Tyg-Titter-Tut's voice speaks from what still looks like thin air. "Maybe? No more centipedes... but mite-thing was standing over mound... egg-things were pulsing."
Aaring looks over the fallen as he listens. Mikmek's chest continues to rise and fall.
Dex: "Sounds like a possible hungry swarm could be born soon."
Tyg-Titter-Tut: "...so maybe stop, maybe avoid?"
Raga Silvertail: "Hmm, it seems down and forward is an option though." he reports his sightings.
Aarin "Stupid lizard. Well I'm not wasting healing magic on him. Unless someone else wants to play doctor I guess we'll have to come back for it."
Raga Silvertail: "I suggest we just make sure he is safe, perhaps hide him in the overgrowth?" Perlivash chuckles. "Tyg is good at overgrowth. We could stay here, and watch?"
Raga Silvertail nods at the suggestion. "Please make sure he doesn't die"
Perlivash nods his scaly head.
Raga Silvertail: "Let us forge on." He asks one of their smaller companions, "When we are across, just have a lookout so our escape route isn't compromised please."
Perlivash: "Of course."
Raga starts across the loop-holds. When halfway across, one of the loops gives way as he puts his weight on it, and Raga falls. He manages to land on the centipede's corpse, softening his landing.
Aarin whispers, "Told you we should have gone around."
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Raga swiftly makes his way up the easy slope on the other side to find a room that has rows of wooden pegs lining the earthen walls, some hung with tiny, filthy cloaks. In the center of the room stands a rickety table held together with twine, covered with a filthy red-checked tablecloth and heaped with mounds of dirt and twigs and gravel, apparently arranged to form some sort of map. Sitting at the edge of the map, weighing down a scrap of paper, is a bloodstained ivory statuette of what looks like a crouching reptilian devil. A bulging burlap sack sits under the table. Around the table are gathered five mites, one of them sitting across a giant tick's back.
Grabbles the tick-rider garbles an order and the giant tick pounces on the witchwolf.
Raga Silvertail: "Gaaaaaah!" he growls out, as the tick's mandibles latch onto him.
The nearest mite steps in with its dagger, which is turned by Raga's armor. Aarin's projectiles whiz past the tick. Dex fires, and his bullet cracks into its thorax. Raga's arms sweep down, knocking the tick's mandibles off him. A mite attempts to fill Raga with a sense of doom from the far side of the table, but Raga brushes it off. the other hurls a dart, which pricks his arm like a pin.
Tickleback bites Raga again, but the witchwolf twists, preventing it from latching on. Mites throw two more darts into Raga's shoulders, tiny pinpricks to the gashes opened across his side by the tick's mandibles. Aarin takes more careful aim at the tick, his arrow punching a hole through the chitin just behind its head. Dex reloads his musket.
Raga Silvertail yells out as he swings his falcata. "I think the relic is here!" His blade sweeps through the tick's legs, and up into its thorax. The rider rolls off and to its feet as the insect falls. Dhurharen's acid splash flies wide. A mite behind the table throws a dart when bounces off the back of one trying to stab Raga.
The former tick-rider continues whistle-speaking (Undercommon), draws its dagger, and attacks, missing Raga, though another manages a paper-cut-like slash. Aarin's acid splash strikes the former tick-rider in the shoulder. Dex fires, his bullet flying wide. Raga squeezes against the wall to his left and tries vainly to splatter the small blue pest. Dhurharen's acid splasheats through the nearest mite's chest. The mite across the table hits Raga with another pinprick, and the mites cheer triumphantly as the wolf-man falls. Dex suddenly feels his pouch somewhat lighter. A mite ducks out of the line of fire from the far side of the chasm. Aarin fires his bow and follows the arrow with a splash of acid, which shoot into and through the former tick-rider.
The cheers abruptly break off as the mites stare at Grabbles's still form. Dex reloads. Something pushes open Raga's mouth, and a liquid pours into it, after which some of his wounds close, bruises fade, and his eyes open. Dhuraren drinks her potion. Dex follows Raga's path across more closely than he'd like after a loop also breaks free in his hand, and he falls to land on the giant centipede. Raga struggles to his feet, and steps in to swing at a mite, blade turned by the roots and stalactites. Dhurharen Smeltfoot poises herself to cast if she spots a mite. The remaining mites flee upward, one propelled by Dhurharen's magic missile, and a second cut down by Raga's falcata as Dex climbs up toward the table-room.
((End session 7))
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Dex and Raga investigate the contents of bag and table. The ivory statuette is being used as a paperweight. The parchment it sits on has been scrawled in an unknown language, but appears to be a pair of lists.
Raga Silvertail: "My understanding of languages are rather limited, so this paper I have no idea what it is about, but I believe this could be the idol thing our lizard friend was looking for?"
Dex: "This thing is indeed curious but I'm afraid I can't make heads or tails of it."
Rose Medvyed: "We should pack it up and take a whack at it later, or see if our friends know anything about it."
Dex: "Maybe Oleg has some books and insight that might help. But I doubt our scaly friend would like that detour. I think he would want to get the thing back as quick as he can."
Rose shrugs. "There isn't much that can be done about it then, I guess."
Dex: "So I think we should head back to Oleg's to get our friend some treatment and maybe learn more about this thing as well.
Raga Silvertail: "Yes, back to Oleg's"
Dhurharen Smeltfoot nods along with the statement.
Rose Medvyed: "I'll throw myself on that fire, he can ride with me... provided he doesn't wake up."
Dex: "If you want. I wouldn't mind but i can barely keep myself on the horse as is."
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They reach Oleg's around 8 that evening, as the sun touches down on the horizon.
Dex: "Jhod we have need of your magic again. And your knowledge after that."
Raga Silvertail: "We aren't the spelunking type of group," he chuckles.
Jhod Kavken: "Erastil's blessings are there for all who seek to build up communities in the wilds." He raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft dome. "I am afraid that caves are rather common lairs for the evils which plague this world." He adds with some concern. "It worries me that you return from such in poor health."
Mikmek groans and stirs, as the healing energy washes over him.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Thank the kindly."
Raga Silvertail: "While we wait, may i once again ask for aid, even though my body is rather robust, it takes longer to heal up"
Jhod Kavken nods. "Of course." He twice more raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft dome.
Raga Silvertail: He once again thanks the cleric "Much appreciated. I should invest in better armour," he muses as he leaves.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot perks up at that. "Better armour, you say?"
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Raga Silvertail: "Indeed, but when I have the funds, I will request a suit of armour from you."
Dex: "And as for the knowledge. Can you tell me what you might know of this." He motions to Dhurharen, who pulls out the statuette, setting it on the table.
Mikmek jumps to his feet as the statuette is brought out. (Draconic) "Old Sharptooth!" He hesitates "Shaman Tartuk will not be pleased that smooth-skins have touched it."
Dex: (Draconic) "Couldn't be avoided. You were out and we needed to come back here to heal you."
Turning to their little friend, Dhurharen says, (Draconic) "Well, we needed to touch it to bring you and it here, otherwise it would still be under that tree." She also translates the conversation.
Mikmek: (Draconic) "Shaman Tartuk is not understanding. His wrath is terrible, as are Old Sharptooth's curses..." The kobold's tail is very still and he seems to shrink toward the ground.
Dex: "Well it will be us that would pay for it since there was nothing you could do to prevent it. Though your shaman doesn't need to know if you don't tell him."
Raga Silvertail "In the morning we will set out and hand over the idol?"
Mikmek stares up at Dex. (Draconic) "You think... he could not know?"
Dex (Draconic): "Well as you said his power is gone when he doesn't have this relic so how could he? Besides we will tell him only you touched it after we got it back from the mites. So relax and rest. You took a few nasty attacks there."
Mikmek: (Draconic) "Just healing power... angry power is always there."
Dex: (Taldane) "So Jhod, any idea what that is?"
Mikmek: (Draconic) "Maybe... maybe chief know what to do?"
Jhod Kavken: "Not exactly, but it looks rather devilish."
Raga Silvertail: "Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't kobolds revere draconic creatures?"
Jhod Kavken: "That's my understanding, as a general rule."
Raga Silvertail: "Glad I remember some information, so then, this devilish thing you mention, that seems out of place, doesn't it? For kobolds I mean"
Dex: "I thought it looked more devilish than draconic as well, and for how our friend described its use."
Jhod Kavken: "That it does. Though I can't say why this tribe is different..." He frowns, and casts detect magic "But I can tell you that there's nothing magical about this statue. There's no way it is granting anyone extra powers."
Dex: (Draconic) "We will talk with your chief tomorrow after we all rest."
Raga Silvertail: (Taldane) "Wait, the kobold said something about healing magic being gone without the statue, does this mean that their shaman uses it to channel? Like a cleric?"
Mikmek reclaims the statuette carefully. (Draconic) "Very well."
Jhod Kavken: "It could simply be that their shaman has been lying to them. For his own reasons. Because that statue is not the symbol of any faith I've ever heard of."
Dex: "I think it is as Jhod says. Their shaman is lying to them. but I don't know why."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "We can ask him when we get there, no need worrying about it now" she shrugs.
Raga Silvertail: "Well, not a problem then, I was simply trying to understand" he shrugs.
Dex: "I suggest we keep our guard up around this shaman though."
Dex (Draconic): "What can you tell me about this shaman? And that relic? Where they always in your tribe?"
Mikmek (Draconic): "Purple-scaled Shaman Tartuk brought Old Sharptooth to our tribe a year ago. Every week he sacrifices a bad kobold, and Sharptooth's spirit-servants claim its soul, and its scales turn yellow, to show they had displeased Old Sharptooth, and were unworthy of wings. His talking bird told us that the loss of Old Sharptooth's statue displeased him, and that our tribe would wither and die if it were not reclaimed. "
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Dhurharen Smeltfoot turns to Oleg's wife "Svetlana, ma'dear, is there a chance to get some of y'er lovely stew? I'm famished after t'his long travels"
Svetlana Leveton smiles as she dishes out stew. "But of course. I am glad you all made it back in time for dinner."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Thank y'a kindly."
Raga Silvertail: "Well, Oleg, we did find something you may be interested in," he fishes out the ring.
Dex: "I think its something one of you got taken away."
Oleg Leveton smiles, holding out his hand to accept the ring. "Wonderful news! And I imagine you've already been planning how to spend your reward, yes?"
Raga Silvertail taps his armour, "Indeed I have."
Svetlana Leveton blushes as she turns and catches sight of the ring.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot smiles at the couple, glad they could have helped, but instead of saying anything, turns to look around the fort. "Where be my apprentice? Wa'na ask 'em if he been practic'n"
Oleg Leveton on receiving the ring turns to his wife, falling to one knee as she holds out her hand, and returns the ring to its rightful place. Svetlana leans down to kiss her husband thereafter, as he stands into her embrace, which he returns.
Raga Silvertail: "I think Oleg and Svetlana needs to have a night to themselves. Go rest and we will clean up."
Svetlana Leveton blushes as she overhears this. "Most thoughtful of you."
Oleg Leveton nods to Raga. "Yes, thank you." He doesn't take his eyes off his wife as he sweeps her off her feet and carries her into their home.
Raga Silvertail: "Well, that crisis has been solved, marking it off, then bed... and then we seem to be going to meet with the kobolds. Hope it goes better than with the mites"
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Jhod Kavken replies to Dhurharen "Svengald is resting on the wall. He likes to watch the sunset."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot nods in thanks to Jhod and heads over to the wall. "Oi, Svengald! Get down 'er, will ya?"
Svengald turns as he's called. "Ah, you're back, m'lady." He makes his way along the wall to the ladder and climbs down.
Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Good, Wanna learn t'make horseshoes? Some'th you'll be mak'n plenty of as a smithy."
Svengald nods. "I'd like to learn... been practicing my nails... then Handren uses them in his projects."
Dhurharen Smeltfoot claps Svengald on the back. "Good on ya, lad. Now lets get to mak'n someth'n else tha' be useful."
Svengald dutifully follows his teacher back to the forge. Dhurharen Smeltfoot gets started on the next project to teach her student, and starts stoking the fire. Svengald watches carefully, helping with the bellows.