[Story] Rebirth of Brevoy - The Trading Post : Act I

[Shadow0136]

Lina's Worries As the group prepares to separate, Lina finds herself sitting as Darian attempts to dote on her. "No, but thank you for the offer of tea. And I'm fine right now Darien, and I was planning on coming along to use my magic to aid in the repairs." She then stood up and began to head over toward the door, and it was obvious that she had a limp as she moved slowly but deliberately across the room. However she does stop to turn to the group "Just to let all of you know, I may not be much of a fighter to help deal with the bandits when they arrive... but I am a healer, so should any of you be injured later on please come to me or have me come to you so that I can offer help." She pauses to let that sink in, but then Cornith takes the conversation and she starts to grow uncomfortable. At the mention of poison she grows tense and nervous, unsure of how to respond to such a thing. And as he angrily headed out she quickly moved to the side.

[SolarDragon]

Erdrath The magister's eyes open wide in suprise at the admission, and he sweeps his eyes round the room to watch that reactions. "Well, that is certainly interesting, I can not imagine that being a common substance-which suggests... unusual connections. But, we must remember, he has a charter-he would not have been given the charter without confidence in him carrying it out. I think we can trust him as far as the bandits go, but I think we should watch him with caution beyond that." He looks round again. "Now, if we are out of suprising revelations to reveal, I think we should focus on a plan... I get the impression we're going to need one."

[Geldar]

Our Noble Warrior By this time into the discussion, Darian has his masterwork carpentry tools out of his pack and he's taking a quick inventory. Well I don't suppose Corinth's substances could make my hammer drive nails any better could they? Maybe something to rub onto my thumb when it gets hit for being in the way? He smiles as he speaks, hoping to lighten the mood slightly. Assuming our friends waltz right through the front door in the morning, perhaps best we have fighters and warhorses up-front. If they've no horses of their own, that alone gives us a possible advantage. If we can grease the ground of the gateway with something - oil, perpetual Grease spells, etc. - we could possibly create a bottleneck and squash them as they try trickling through. Anything to take away their mobility; after all, they have to come in to us, not the other way around. Darian looks around at those remaining to hear him, his tone growing ever-more confident. If we've any area-effect spells or alchemical substances, those could be launched from atop the walls; and we want to deter any ladders or anything they might use to besiege us. Satisfied his tools are fine and intact for future intended use, Darian continues. I'm trying now to speak in terms of worst-case scenarios. Which is good, but I still suspect we may be giving these bandits a bit too much credit. We shall see, I suppose.

[Kadaver]

Makin a plan. Doin the plan. " Aye thats true Darian. But I am afraid that we might face a force greater than our own. If this were the case, I'd like the fort to be able to close around us. I'd hate to expect a small party, find an army, and hide in a fort full of holes." Red followed the ambitious healers lead. He was eager to be out of the store and look around the compound once more. It was now he would choose to learn about his companions. The fort was in a state of uselessness, it would have to be repaired. " You will be a great deal of help I am sure Lina. Keep us healthy, and we will all return the favor. " Mathias smiled brightly at the young woman. He was unconcerned with her faults, merely expected greatness from her. She was sent here for a reason, just as he was, as the paladin was, as the wizard. Though as another of their companions stormed away, Red did fear for the unity of their group. " Awlright. Now everyone. We must choose to be time efficient here. I am unsure whether we should expect a massive force or just an enforcement party. Should our walls not stand by the time that the force arrives, we will be overran. I believe our first objective should be to make sure that the walls will stand. We need to search them for holes, cracks, too much leg showing, I don't give a damn. Since master Darian has vouched for his hand in the fine art of carpentry, I believe he should lead that effort. Meanwhile, I'd like everyone that isn't awkward or grew up in a chicken house to walk around this gods blasted place and see how the people are." Mathias's quick fingers pinched more of his smoking weed and tossed it into the pipes bowl. Puffing quickly to not loose the ember he had already created. Continuing, dark grey smoke would stream from his nostrils for a few moments as he spoke. " And we need ehm to fight. Oleg's right. Do not under estimate these bandits. Evil or dumb, they wield blades and arrows, we are immune to neither. As many people stayin that'll raise a blade to the bastards will help." Dull green orbs would float over the party." Finally, we must have a watch." Red stuck a thumb up towards the tower. " At all times. Bandits are sneaky and clever, and just as vicious." Soon after Mathias's own eyes would travel up the tower. For a few moments, Mathias felt the nag of something. His stomach turned, pleading to him that something was amiss. With a frown, the ranger shrugged it off as anticipation jitters.

[Storm]

Main Dining Hall The time of day waning into dusk, the orange glow mixed with hues of pink rays envelope the Old Fort situated near Rostland. Corinth takes the time to inspect the grounds and fortifications of walls, trajectory angles from his long bow and the shadowy recesses of visible hiding spots. There are carts near the entrances to each of the four guard towers, the buildings have passage all around them as clear movement can be made from behind one building or the next. There are also the guard towers to keep in mind. From this vantage, if the bandits were to arrive inside the gate of the Fort without the gate being down, then they could easily be surprised. Not only would they continue to enter and not think twice about why the entrance is shut would easily give them the impression that everything is on the up and up. If the gate were closed, more protection to everyone inside would occur and the party would have every advantage against the raiders, except surprise. Remember Oleg mention that they very rarely kept the entrance closed was a quick reminder of this strategy. There were also wooden walk ways in front of the buildings and could be used as elevated cover and concealment. Bundles of hay are situated in the northwestern part of the Fort near the stables and walking around the Forts upper ledges upon the wooden and creaky walk way, movement would alert to the trap. If a trap is sprung, then one, most or all would have to hide and wait as if on que. Oleg and Svetna continue to tell that there is no love lost with this group. He will personally see to it that their bodies be hung on the side of the wooden walls as a reminder to those that feel it necessary to rob, steal or loot their place of business again. It is easily gaining closer to supper time and all of the merchants, crafters and performers attend the main dining hall. Oleg doesn't spare any expenses as the walk in the brisk cool nights air is briefly over shadowed by random campfires inside the Fort. The Main Dining Hall is a elongated building that rests upon the eastern side and takes up most of the eastern wall. The room is crowded with seated people, shoulder into their food and raising tankards of grog. The hunters of the area have caught wind of Oleg's protection and have donated swine to roast on the open pit. The roasted boar is accompanied with mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and pork gravy. There are hunks of cheese wheels and artisan bread with an occasional goblet of red wine being consumed. As lanterns light the room, the smell of pipe weed and rough smell of the natural earth and campfire come from most of the inhabitants of this room. Clearly they are mostly outdoors men and their rough exterior does not show through from some casual conversation and small talk.

[SolarDragon]

Erdrath Before the group separates, Erdrath has a sudden thought. "And how quickly can we shut these gates?...What watch do you wish me to take?" Erdrath then stays with Lina and her protector, spending his time in quiet meditation unless anything more is required of him.

[Totentanzen]

The plan Corinth walks into the dining hall looking for whatever part of his charter is there. Upon arriving he grabs a little bit to eat with a nice cup of grog. He looks to his "friends" as he speaks, "So…What is our plan? Are we closing these gates or not? Do we wait for surprise or do we fortify." He looks around trying to gauge opinions. "Personally I always preferred the surprise route. You can catch them off guard, and route them before the battle even begins. Not to mention you can typically deal the most damage on someone when they don't expect it. Seems like Oleg hasn't had a choice to put up much of a fuss without risking getting his arse ripped apart. What I am thinking of is we have a watch at all times, the second we catch winds of the bandit we set up positions within the fort in hiding places. Once the bandits are within our reach we strike." Upon that being said corinth goes back to his meal and waits for a response from the others.

[Geldar]

Help Us! Darian Danster reflects on good points his team brings up that he himself had neglected. Ah yes, the gates! Fine call, gentlemen! Well, if in fact we are assuming an element of surprise, I think we would do nothing different than usual. Yes, I think the proverbial jig is up if our banditry friends arrive and see the doors closed tight. Why this place exercises such an open-door policy under the circumstances is beyond me; but be that as it may. Darian continues his strategic speculation. I propose Konstantin and myself be upon our steeds, position ourselves forty-five degree angles facing into the gates, each on opposite sides of the fort a distance of forty feet away. Far enough that our bandits won't see us until they are inside the gateway, and close enough that we can charge into the fray at the first bandits to enter. As I mentioned before, it might be a nicety if we could somehow grease the ground in the gateway, inhibiting their movement. What does that sound like to our magical and trickery types? He looks at Eldrath and Corinth particularly with his last sentence. The noble crusader takes another drink of crog, each movement if his arm to take a sip creating a slight clanking sound from his armor. I will gladly take the watch after Corinth; so, the third watch. When I'm not on-guard, I'll be sleeping in a quarter or on the floor near Lina, of course. The final words and actions of our paladin are most unexpected indeed. Darian reflects briefly on Mathias' words, namely that other able-bodies inside the fort should help in the effort. With quick action and no warning at all, Darian jumps on top of the table and in a loud voice addresses everyone in the dining hall. Everyone, everyone, may I have your attention please? Thank you. Tomorrow, bandits come. They've come before, and they'll keep coming. My companions and I have arrived here to give you aid, to hopefully help stop the terror from happening again. But we need your help. This is your fort. We ask that you help us in taking up arms and protecting it! He looks around and lowers his tone to a more half-hearted, almost jovial speech. Now, I look around this room...and indeed, some of you look like you'd chop off your own hand with a sword before the bandits could even get close. He smiles, hoping for some break of laughter at his deprecating remark. But I know there must be some among you who can fight. Someone who is possessing of will and wherewithal to take up arms against the oppressors! I ask of you good people: help us! If any among you can fight, come to our table, here. If you need weapons, we have some among the group of us; and perhaps Oleg has a blade or two lying around. He smiles and nods at the shop-keeper. Please, think on this. He stands slowly and carefully down from the table. Any odd looks he receives from his party are met with a curious look and a What?

 

Dice Diplomacy Check:

1d20+9

(4)+9

Total = 13

[Storm]

Inside the Main Dining Hall Hushed murmurs come from the outdoor men as no one will stand against them. It seems they are frightened just as much as the Leveton family and they will not raise arms against the bandit. While your speech was well met no men stand to offer their help against this menace. One of the men does stand to address you, he is a burly man with a full beard and curly black hair with a red and black plaid shirt and suspenders. "Surely you cannot ask us to risk our lives. We are simple people who have coin to make and families to take care of.All we can offer is this meal for a gratitude and thanks." Oleg does stand up and makes a toast to all of you. " We salute you, adventurers of Rostland! Here is to your safety and well being!" It does show that maybe somehing a little more would have helped your cause. A few of the men seem a little swayed at your speech but not enough to risk their lives for you.

[Totentanzen]

Crushed Wills & a Fiery Spirit Corinth mumbles to himself "Never could trust humans, always just in it for themselves." He remembers he is indeed amongst humans though and immediately apologizes. "I am sorry my friends, it has been a while since I worked alongside humans and I have had many an experience with them. Please forgive me." Corinth began dwelling on many of Darian's comments and then a an idea sprung into his head. His head immediately shot up "Darian! I don't know about making the ground slippery but if there is one thing I do know how to do it is to make a trap! If we were to cover the ground in front of the gates with lamp oil and cover it up a bit with straw we could light it on fire! The bandits make there way in and as they realize what is coming with your charge one of us can release an flaming arrow into the ground trapping their escape. If we organize it correctly it should be no harm to the fortress in the slightest. Between your charge, the fire, and out onslaught they will not stand a chance!" Corinth, being very proud of himself, looks to his friends to see what they have to say.

[diabloblanco18]

A More Personal Touch After listening to Darian's speech and its unfortunately tepid response, Konstantin gives the man a sardonic smile and gets to his feet. He walks up to the most vocal of the outdoorsmen and looks him over appraisingly. "Good sir," he says in a voice suited almost to speechmaking, "you put yourself in mortal danger every time you go out into the wilderness to ply your trade. Surely the bandits do not limit themselves to robbing honest folk like yourself once every month? They take everything they can lay their hands upon, and if Oleg he said earlier that he doesn't have this month's paymentcannot pay them what they demand...well, where does that leave you and your family? Neither Darian nor I are asking you to fight in the thick of the combat. We will do that. But we are not infallible or invincible, and if the worst should happen, you must be armed and ready to protect what is yours." Konstantin looks around at the room full of people, making sure that this man understands that it is his courage or cowardice on display, and only his. Then he turns back and asks, "Will you fight?"

 

Konstantin is targeting the outdoorsmen's de facto leader here, with the idea that if he can be shamed into fighting, the rest of them will fall into line easily.

Dice Diplomacy:

1d20+9

(16)+9

Total = 25

[Geldar]

How to Set a Trap While Konstantin speaks with the woodsman, Darian continues strategic discussion with Corinth. Your plan is interesting, and just might be effective enough. But how do we keep the fire from setting the fort a-light?

[Shadow0136]

Lina to the Rescue! When Darian asks how to keep the fire under control, Lina jumps into the discussion "I can conjure water with my magic, and I will keep a close eye on the fire if need be to stay ready in case it starts to spread."

[Kadaver]

Mathias the Red Mathias puffed silently on his pipe. The forest green hood pulled up over the chestnut locks and shadowing the rangers face. Periodically, the pull from the pipe would warm and glow, illuminating his decidedly disappointed look. These people would be a support that would make defending this fort so much easier. Anything they could do as a party would be multiplied when supported by such a group of people. Mathias feared that he should fail, and that these people would find the edge of a blade. Green eyes flicked over to his companions as they spoke. Frowning slightly as Corinth spoke, but listening as he and Darian spoke. " I fear the fire might prove damaging if we use it too often... It might work for a one time use, but I think it would be wise to avoid damaging our walls as much as possible. " " I believe we should be able to handle the initial contact easily. I hope it to just be a small party that we can bring in, trap, and detain. Hopefully this will allow us enough time to do repairs or construction to allow us to fight a larger force, which they'll send as soon as they realize their collection party is missing. " Mathias looked up as he blew a smoke ring into the air. Watching it float for a moment before speaking again. " We will need defenses we can use when we are defensive. The catapults are going to be useful, but I believe we should also have something to use on the walls. At least something to deter our enemies from just ramming the gate. "

[Shadow0136]

Lina's Speech Lina has been quietly listening up to this point, unsure of how to go about planning such a defense. But even she understood the necessity of the hunters and other various men around the table. And so she stands, albiet leaning slightly against the table and she starts to speak "I understand that many of you fear these bandits... but will you truly lie down and wait for them to come for all that you have? You may be able to appease them with small offerings now, but what will you do when they want more? When they begin to see that they need not fear any of you and begin to demand the food that you bring home to your families, or even worse, if they demand your wives and daughters for their sick entertainment!? What will you do then, as you would have given up on everything else by then... And I can say to you now, that should you allow them that power, they will continue to make greater demands until you have nothing left except for your blood..." Lina's eyes sweep over the outdoorsmen as she continues "I will give you this one choice, cower before the bandits or take up arms alongside us. Either way blood will be spilled tomorrow, maybe mine for I will be joining these men to defend this place and all of you, although I know that death will not be my fate should we fail... While the bandits will be merciful and slay any men who fight.. they will have more vile ideas of what to do with a woman... So I ask that all of you take some time to think, and ask yourselves are you ready to give up everything to those men..? Or will you have the courage to say NO, and protect what is yours!?"