[Game Thread] Part Two: The Attack on the Thorn River Camp

[Shadow0136]

Originally Posted by Belros

Idea Charlotte thinks for a moment before saying "When we all return to the Trading Post I was thinking of having the two of you work on strengthening the walls and possibly constructing a more permanent residence for yourselves and myself. Since it appears that we shall be here for an extended period of time as I explore alongside my companions, and it would be preferable to have a sturdy home base to return to and rest." Turning to them she asks "What do you both think of the idea?"

[Belros]

Agreement Volkan and Mikel look at one another as they weigh Charlotte's proposal. There is a moment of reflection shared by both men although know words are spoken. Together they both nod. "That sounds good. We can help build up the Post, make it more defensible again, and offer what help we can defending it if need be. It will be good to do honorable work again," says Volkan. Mikel nods his agreement and the men feel encouraged by having something to look forward to once again.

[Togot]

Kai remained quiet as the group approached the camp, and after arriving, but his thoughts were anything but silent. now he was working beside three men who were formerly enemies. It would be some time before he got a good night sleep again with them around. Still, Bren had proven himself a trustworthy sort. Perhaps the other two would as well.

He listened to their conversations as they all walked. At the monastery, monks rarely talked to one another this much, and even when they did it was always in hushed, polite voices. These people seemed incapable of shutting up.

He was unsure what to make of the elf. She didn't seem dangerous, but where was her companion? Kai

Dice perception:

d20+6

(7)+6

Total = 13

looked around, suspecting another ambush.

 

Stat Block - Kai Name: Kai knee high, Level: 1, Class: Monk, Race: Halfling HP: 6/10, Initiative: +4 Speed: 30 Senses: Perception +6 AC: 15 Touch: 15 Flat: 11 CMD: 15 Fort: +5 Refl: +7 Will: +5 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 18 Con 12 Int 14 Wis 14 Cha 10 Condition: Normal Left Hand: Nothing Right Hand: Nothing Magic Items: Everburning torch

[Geldar]

Flashback: Darian Vanderan. (BUMP...CRASH...) Our cavalier virtually tears the bandit camp apart searching for Svetlana's wedding ring. He promised Oleg that he'd reclaim it, and his inability to locate it is disappointing to say the least. Maybe that wench Kressle ATE the ring, just out of spite. With the camp completely rand sacked, Darian works to load-up as much of the camp equipment as he can for transport back to Oleg's Trading Post. Maybe Oleg will give us store credit for some of this gear, and at least make good use of parts of it. Darian gives the camp Dice Perception: 1d20+5 (2)+5 Total = 7 one more good search before getting ready to mount Hardbiter to leave. Also, he takes time to welcome the party's latest traveler with a chivalric smile, one that only a good cavalier can give.

 

Actions and OOC Searches the camp, loads up as much mundane gear as we care to carry back. Gives a kind look to the elf (I'd speak to her, but at this point I don't know if she speaks Common, and I don't know nuthin' 'bout no Elven lol).

 

Stat Block Name: Darian Vanderan, Human Cavalier, Emissary archetype HP: 8/13, Init: +5, Speed: 30ft. AC: 21, Touch: 13, Flat: 18, Fort: +4, Refl: +3, Will: +2 Stats: Str 19, Dex 16 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 10 Condition: Normal Right Hand: Longsword Left Hand: Heavy Wooden Shield

 

Stat Block Name: Hardbiter, Horse (N Large Animal) HP: 14/14, Init: +4, Speed: 50ft. (33) AC: 16, Touch: 10, Flat: 15, Fort: +3, Refl: +3, Will: +0 Stats: Str 16, Dex 13 Con 15 Int 2 Wis 12 Cha 6 Bite: +3 attack, 1D4+2 Hooves (2): -2 secondary attack, 1D6+1 each Condition: Normal

[Belros]

Saying Hello Despite the best efforts of Yarro and Darian, the friends are unable to find anything resembling Svetlana's ring. Apparently it is just as Volkan and Mikel say and the ring was part of the stolen goods the mites took a few days prior. While Volkan, Mikel, and Bren are busy digging graves for their former bandit companions, Yarro moves over to address the elf that speaks with Charlotte. The ranger looks at the noble character of the young elf and assumes that she probably speaks Common. "Greetings," he begins, "I am Yarro. I know you may be confused with us coming into the camp along with Volkan and Mikel," the ranger points to the two former bandits, "but I assure you, we are not like those who were here before. Volkan, Mikel and the young man Bren have renounced their former ways and joined with us." The young ranger pauses here to make sure that the elf is tracking with him and comfortable with him continuing. "Volkan and Mikel mentioned another elf that was with you. They seem to fear him but yet I see no sign of him. Can you tell us, who is this other elf and where might he be? Do we need to fear him?" Yarro hopes that he can make the young elf female feel at ease and trust them.

[Jinro]

Sad News Ayami turns to the man who had suddenly approached her as well, and she takes a step back and turns slightly to keep her eyes on both him and Charlotte as she says "You don't need to fear him... Malekith is gone.. he... left me here last night.. I didn't know he was gone until I woke up to no one watching me.." Her voice is sad, and her shoulders fall at the mention of the other elf being gone. "I'm not sure what to do now.." She admits to them.

[Geldar]

Darian Vanderan. Once he's loaded up as much of the mundane gear as he can, Darian walks up to the elf and introduces himself; in the most chivalric way possible, of course. Well met. I am Darian Vanderan, dragon cavalier from Brevoy. I see you've met some of the others. Do you require any aid? Do you have rations? Because we've many if you need them. Once introductions are made and after Ayami has spoken, Darian grabs is shovel from Hardbiter's burden and sees about helping the bandits dig graves. A lowly task indeed; but, necessary.

 

Actions and OOC Speaks to Ayami. Helps dig but keeps his weapons close at-hand.

 

Stat Block Name: Darian Vanderan, Human Cavalier, Emissary archetype HP: 8/13, Init: +5, Speed: 30ft. AC: 21, Touch: 13, Flat: 18, Fort: +4, Refl: +3, Will: +2 Stats: Str 19, Dex 16 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 10 Condition: Normal Right Hand: Longsword Left Hand: Heavy Wooden Shield

 

Stat Block Name: Hardbiter, Horse (N Large Animal) HP: 14/14, Init: +4, Speed: 50ft. (33) AC: 16, Touch: 10, Flat: 15, Fort: +3, Refl: +3, Will: +0 Stats: Str 16, Dex 13 Con 15 Int 2 Wis 12 Cha 6 Bite: +3 attack, 1D4+2 Hooves (2): -2 secondary attack, 1D6+1 each Condition: Normal

[Jinro]

Nervous Ayami makes sure to keep a bit of distance between herself and Darian as he gets even closer than the other two, she waits a moment before replying to him. "I... should be fine.. thank you.. and I have some food, I'm just.. not hungry.." She then sighs in relief when he takes a step back, trying to calm herself as she asked him "What do you all want from me?"

[Belros]

The unfolding day Volkan, Mikel, and Bren work diligently digging graves for their former companions. In short order each of the three men are sweating heavily from the difficult work and the rising sun bringing the full heat of day. Not far off stands the Halfling monk, Kai, a stoic statute that surveys the scene and provides a watch over the group. For hours he doesn’t move. His hands folded across his chest, his feet firmly planted in a ready position, the only thing that has moved for hours are his eyes as they scan the surrounding trees for any sign of danger. Other than his shifting eyes, the only other sign that he is anything other than a stone statue is the sweat the slowly beads on his bald head and slides down it. After a time Yarro disappears into the woods to search around the group and find any sign of the other elf. After speaking with the elf Ayami, Darian removes his armor and weapons and joins the three men in digging. The work is not too bad for the first couple of feet but then the soil gets much harder for the final three feet or so. The men work through lunch, stopping only occasionally to refresh themselves with water. In late afternoon the men complete the five graves and unceremoniously put the wrapped bodies of the bandits into the fresh graves. With a deep sigh they then begin filling the graves with dirt once more. A couple of hours later the solemn task is complete. Volkan and Mikel find some stones that can serve as markers while Ursion takes some parchment from his pack and begins to write. “To all those concerned, here lie the bodies of Kressle and five of her cohorts, killed for their banditry and lawlessness. May this serve as a warning to all that this lawlessness will no longer be tolerated in the Greenbelt.” Ursion finds a suitable stake to drive in the ground and nails the parchment to the stake. “That should hold until the first rain comes anyway,” he says. Sitting on fallen logs, crates, and other debris around the stone circle where the campfire is at night, Volkan, Mikel, Bren, and Darian catch their breath and try to cool off from the exertion of their work. Their shirtless bodies glisten with the sweat of their work as they are warmed by the afternoon sun. After relaxing for a few minutes, Mikel rises from his seat, drinks another long draught from his waterskin before setting it aside and then says, “Well, I’ll see to fixing that wagon now then.” As he does so, Yarro finally returns to the camp with a horse trailing behind him. The animal is obviously of well-bred stock and has a fine elven made saddle and other trappings on it. “I assume this belongs to you,” he says to Ayami. “I found her in a little glade not too far from here, hobbled so she couldn’t go far but enjoying the grass and water nearby.” Ursion looks to the sky and guesses that there remains about two more hours of daylight. “I suppose we should camp here before heading to Oleg’s in the morning?”

 

Ok, please continue to converse with Ayami and work out what you want to do next and all that but I wanted to move things along a bit. There is still the unanswered question of Ayami and what you will do with her, etc.

[Geldar]

Darian Vanderan. Before preparing to dig himself a hole, literally of course, Darian finishes his exchange with the party's latest encounter. Originally Posted by Ayami "What do you all want from me?" 'Want?' Well, nothing really. We arrived here to put-down the bandits, and now having done that we intend to head back to our base fort as soon as possible. But you say, your friend is missing? And he gave no indication of where he might be going? Darian spends some more time talking with Ayami. Then, with the daylight he has left, he begins searching for Dice Perception, looking for tracks: 1d20+5 (15)+5 Total = 20 Dice Survival to Follow Tracks: 1d20+5 (10)+5 Total = 15 any signs of where Maliketh may have wandered off to; willingly, or worse.

 

Actions and OOC Speaks to Ayami. Looks for tracks.

 

Stat Block Name: Darian Vanderan, Human Cavalier, Emissary archetype HP: 8/13, Init: +5, Speed: 30ft. AC: 21, Touch: 13, Flat: 18, Fort: +4, Refl: +3, Will: +2 Stats: Str 19, Dex 16 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 10 Condition: Normal Right Hand: Longsword Left Hand: Heavy Wooden Shield

 

Stat Block Name: Hardbiter, Horse (N Large Animal) HP: 14/14, Init: +4, Speed: 50ft. (33) AC: 16, Touch: 10, Flat: 15, Fort: +3, Refl: +3, Will: +0 Stats: Str 16, Dex 13 Con 15 Int 2 Wis 12 Cha 6 Bite: +3 attack, 1D4+2 Hooves (2): -2 secondary attack, 1D6+1 each Condition: Normal

[Shadow0136]

Helping out As Darien took over speaking with Ayami, Charlotte takes a quick look around before coming back and asking Ayami to sit with her and talk quietly. As the men get close to finishing up with the graves she heads over and asks if it would be safe to light a fire. If they say that it is then she would light a fire and begin cooking dinner for all of them. As the men all come back over to rest and drink she finishes dinner and says "Before you start working again come grab some dinner.."

[Jinro]

Uncertainty Ayami sits off to the side, unsure of what to do with herself at the moment surrounded by all of these people. So after thanking Yarro for returning her horse to her, she hesitantly helps Charlotte with the cooking.

[Belros]

Leaving camp Charlotte's meal provides a welcome respite from the work of the men and certainly refreshes them all. Having skipped a noon meal to get their work complete, the men attack the food with ravenous hunger, thus leading to little conversation during the meal. After eating, Volkan and Mikel fix the wagon in the remaining light of day so that the group can head back to Oleg's in the morning. They keep the two medium-sized tents up for the evening, giving room for Charlotte and Ayami in one and four of the men in the other while rotating their watch. From trying to track the movements of Malekith, Darian, Charlotte, and Yarro are able to patch together that the elf made no attempts to hide his movements toward the little glade where he apparently had his mount and Ayami's as well. Once there it appears that he and his mount simply disappear. They are unable to find any tracks leaving the glade and have no idea where the elf went from there. All agree that he is quite the capable woodsman and if he didn't want to be discovered that he wouldn't be. All the same, everyone remains on alert throughout the night in case the elf returns. 7th day of Gozran - Moonday During the night clouds roll in, obscuring the moon, but otherwise causing no problems for those sleeping or those on watch. The night passes without incident, everyone able to get some rest and recover a bit +1 HP gained for those woundedfrom their wounds. As dawn breaks through the Narlmarch a light rain greets the companions as they get moving breaking their fast and then dismantling the camp. The tents are broken down and packed on the wagon along with any other items of value and interest to the group. All the while everyone remains alert for sign of the other elf. In time, Volkan and Mikel manage to hitch four of the horses to the wagon. It takes a while as the animals are not used to actually pulling the wagon but the two men turn out to be capable horsemen and able to get them hitched and ready. "We'll drive the wagon," offers Volkan indicating he and Mikel, "Unless anyone objects?" As none of the others appear eager to sit on the flat bench at the front of the wagon, the two men climb aboard and moments later the creaky wagon begins making its way out of the woods. Volkan had told them earlier that the wagon was too large to make it all the way north on the game trail they had come down so he leads the wagon along another trail almost due east. What was a cold night and cool morning begins to warm as the sun rises in the east. A couple of hours later the group exits the Narlmarch Woods and finds themselves in the rolling hills of the Kamelands with clear sky ahead of them. Volkan turns the wagon north and the group picks up the pace as they head toward Oleg's with he Narlmarch to their left.   The group continues north throughout the day, Darian with Kai riding before him and Ursion leading the way, Volkan and Mikel driving the wagon, three horses tethered to the wagon and following along behind, and Charlotte and Ayami guarding the rear. Yarro ranges all around scouting and keeping a watchful eye out for trouble. The group sees nothing much of interest as they travel over the rolling hills dotted with hilltops of occasional trees, hidden valleys, small caves, and other geography natural to the area. They see no other travelers, no sign of other bandits or other dangers, and nothing else much of interest other than hill after hill for the rest of the day. 8th day of Gozran - Toilday Another cold but uneventful night passes as the companions camp along the edge of the Narlmarch, having made it out of the hills the previous day. A cold wind blows through the night promising a colder ride in the morning but once again the group is fortunate in that they have Gain +1 HP for those who were woundedno trouble during the night. A cold frost greets everyone in the morning and they quietly and quickly break the camp and pack up to move out once more, knowing that by dusk they could be pulling into Oleg's Trading Post once more. All the same, the going should be much easier for the day as they have moved out of the hills and into the fertile Rostland plains that everyone is so familiar with.

 

Going to stop here for the moment to see if anyone wants to post or have anything to add. If not, I'll drive us on to Oleg's...

[Geldar]

Darian Vanderan: The Open Plains. Snort...nay... Darian Vanderan, cavalier of Brevoy, quietly continues his ride across the open landscape. Hardbiter issues an occasional snort or a hiss; otherwise our equestrian cavalier remains rather quiet. He speaks if spoken to, for the most part, but his mind just seems...occupied. ...Like he just vanished. Whenever the party stops for camp, Darian helps with cooking and setting-up tents. And, he makes certain his steed receives proper attention; grooming, food and water etc. But our cavalier seems different somehow; more focused perhaps, or perhaps his mind lies elsewhere. Maybe he's just looking forward to resting in a guest room at Oleg's Trading Post, where the beds are little more than hard wooden slabs with a blanket. But at least they're warmer than the forested ground on these cold Gozran nights. When the party prepares for the last leg of their ride back to base, Darian maintains his pace. And he continues his way of staring ahead blankly, or keeping his mind occupied with The Gold Fisted-knows-what. It could be either one. ...Like he just vanished.

 

Stat Block Name: Darian Vanderan, Human Cavalier, Emissary archetype HP: 10/13, Init: +5, Speed: 30ft. AC: 21, Touch: 13, Flat: 18, Fort: +4, Refl: +3, Will: +2 Stats: Str 19, Dex 16 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 10 Condition: Normal Right Hand: Longsword Left Hand: Heavy Wooden Shield

 

Stat Block Name: Hardbiter, Horse (N Large Animal) HP: 14/14, Init: +4, Speed: 50ft. (33) AC: 16, Touch: 10, Flat: 15, Fort: +3, Refl: +3, Will: +0 Stats: Str 16, Dex 13 Con 15 Int 2 Wis 12 Cha 6 Bite: +3 attack, 1D4+2 Hooves (2): -2 secondary attack, 1D6+1 each Condition: Normal

[Belros]

Back at Oleg's Volkan smiles and thanks the gods for the cool afternoon breeze that blows from the north across the Greenbelt Plains. The day has warmed up considerably and with the sun directly overhead the breeze keeps it from getting too hot on the plain. The rickety old wagon jostles he and Mikel as they sit on the hard bench driving the team of horses. Mikel dozes next to him and Volkan wonders how the young man can possibly sleep with that much movement going on. Reaching into a pouch at his side, Volkan removes another smaller pouch and opens the drawstring on it. He pulls the pouch up to his face and takes a long, deep breath, smelling the strong but sweet aroma of his Galtan chew. He pokes Mikel away with his elbow and holds the pouch out to him. “One last chance,” Volkan offers. “No, thanks!” responds Mikel, turning his nose up at the chew. “You know what that stuff does to me.” Volkan smiles as he takes two of his fingers and pinches together the dried leaves inside the pouch working them together into a ball before plopping it into his mouth. The last time he had offered Mikel some of the chew, the only time Mikel had ever tried it, the young man spent the remainder of his guard duty outside the wall of Isarn throwing up his lunch. Volkan had never seen before or since anyone ever as green as the young man that day. “Suit yourself,” says Volkan before a long stream of black spit shoots out of his mouth to darken the Greenbelt soil. “That’s the last of what I took with me when we left Isarn,” Volkan offers as the two men sit and sway with the passing wagon. “Maybe this Oleg can get you some more,” responds Mikel before putting his head down and trying to get some more sleep. Volkan grunts in response, his thoughts returning to Galt, his former homeland and the day he and Mikel left their capital and their home. Soldiers in parts of the various revolutions of their homeland, both men had always served their masters with distinction and loyalty. They were called to do many things that neither of them really liked or agreed with but many times it was better than having their heads getting to know the Final Blades of Galt in an intimate way. But that all changed the day they were ordered to arrest their captain, Nigel Alain, a man who was a good and loyal Galtan. But this day he had angered the wrong people or an old enemy had come into favor, whatever the reason he was to be arrested and Volkan and Mikel knew what that would mean. So they orchestrated a plan to help their former captain escape Galt, only their superiors had anticipated this and set a trap for them. Volkan’s own son, Quinn, a rising star in the Galtan military had been deceived to believe his father was part of a new insurrection seeking to overthrow Citizen Goss and his government and was sent to arrest he and Mikel and Nigel. Volkan’s heart broke that day he had to raise his sword against his own son. He would have preferred to die at his son’s blade than have his son believe him a traitor but that would have also meant death to Nigel and Mikel. So he defended himself against his flesh and blood, his only remaining relative after the death of his wife. Volkan can still hear the curse of his son against him after leaving him disarmed and wounded as he and Mikel and Nigel made their escape. Volkan prays that one day he will be able to make his son see the truth and bring them back together but for now he and Mikel have been trying to simply scratch out a living after having parted with Nigel months ago. Mikel grunts and wakes up after the wagon runs over a large stone. “Do you have to hit them all,” he says to Volkan in jest. “I don’t know how much more my back can take of this.” The young man reaches back and rubs at his back while also adjusting himself on the bench. “How do you think it feels to an old back like mine!” responds Volkan. “Just quit whining.” And so the day continues on for the two former soldiers, accused traitors and revolutionaries, and now former bandits as the sun crosses the sky above them in their trek north toward Oleg’s Trading Post. A couple of hours before dusk the worn and weary group makes their way through the gate at Oleg’s bringing the spoils of their encounter with Kressle and three of her former bandits who hope that new lives can be forged in the harsh Stolen Lands. Once inside the walls of the post Oleg, Svetlana, and Elizabeth rush out of the main building to greet them. It is obvious that they are all quite glad and relieved to see the group. Elizabeth rushes over and holds the stirrup of Charlotte as she dismounts and then ignoring all decorum gives her mistress a large hug. "Oh, you need a bath, my Lady, she whispers to her, "but I'm so glad you are back." Oleg moves over to talk with Darian, Kai, and Yarro as they dismount. "Kressle? And these newcomers?" he asks with a nod to Volkan and Mikel just getting off the wagon. As Oleg speaks two other newcomers come into the courtyard, one a beautiful young woman in a green robe and the other a middle-aged balding man dressed as a priest.