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

[Shadow0136]

The Return Charlotte has been listening to the two men who now worked for her as she rode beside them. As they enter the fort she smiles as she sees Elizabeth rush over to her, dismounting from her horse before being surprised with a sudden hug. She whispers back to Elizabeth "I think you're right, and I'm glad to be back." When the two separate she answers Oleg after clearing her throat and standing up straight "Dead, and these two men swore themselves to my service. They are Volkan, and Mikel." She introduces the two men. "They worked for her in the past, but I will vouch for their honesty myself. They helped us find the camp and free Ayami here, as well as warning us of the warrior who captured her."

[Geldar]

Darian Vanderan: Back at the Trading Post. Hardbiter and his heroic rider pull into Oleg's Trading Post. Ah...'tis good to be back... Indeed, the wooden fort that is Oleg's Trading Post is a sight for our cavalier's sore eyes. Darian looks forward to getting about necessary tasks around the base, now that the bandits have been, for now, deposed. Oleg, Charlotte.m'Lady speaks true. All that remains of the vile Kressle is this amulet, same as the other bandits of her ilk, and a humble marker at her miserable grave--- Darian cuts his bold statement short, observing the two newcomers in his presence; not to mention lady Elizabeth and Svetlana. Svetlana, I only regret that...we were unable to locate your wedding ring. I am sorry. Ah Miss Elizabeth, nice to see your fair face again. Oleg, I hope all is reasonably-well with you. Looking at the Forry's latest additions, he remarks in his usual chivalric manner, Ah, what have we here? New arrivals to the Trading Post?

 

Actions and OOC Speaks. After we chat a bit Darian will stable Hardbiter for a while; 'tired horsey' and all that.

 

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

[Aviatrix]

Introductions Amber greets the returning group, who appear to know Oleg, Svetlana, and Elizabeth with a smile and curtsy before saying "It is a pleasure to meet you all, my name is Amber, and I am simply a traveler passing through on my way to find my great-grandpa's homestead in these lands. If you have been out there, have you seen any abandoned buildings? Or an old farmhouse and barn perchance?"

[Jinro]

Awkward Feelings Ayami dismounts and stands a bit off to the side, looking around at the little fort and its vast differences from the home she was used too. When she is mentioned Ayami nods and politely greets the owner of the trading post and his wife before she returns to fiddling with her possessions in her bag.

[Belros]

Greetings abound Oleg takes in the information from Darian and Charlotte. His brow furrows as Charlotte mentions Volkan and Mikel. The Rostland trader is not one who welcomes or accepts change quickly so having the men around will take some getting used to. At least the two men were never part of a group that came to collect "taxes" from him. Of that, they should be thankful. "Things have worked out with Bren so far," offers Oleg, "I suppose I should give these two the same chance as we did him. Having two more hands around will make the work go a bit faster at the least. Besides, Kesten Garess and his soldiers have arrived so if they cause any trouble he can deal with them." Yarro stops from unfastening the girth on Tahlla's saddle as he hears the name. "Did you say Kesten Garess, Oleg? Brown, curly hair, black eyes?" "Aye, that'd be him. He came with three others a few days ago from Restov. Sent here in answer to our request for help. They rode out earlier to scout around, won't be back for a few days. You know him young Ranger?" "Yes, I believe I do," nods Yarro. The young ranger then gets back to the task at hand in taking care of his mount though there is obviously much going on in the mind of the ranger as he works. "Thank you for looking for my ring," replies Svetlana to Darian. "I'm sure you did your best. You never know, it may show up some day. I'm just glad you all are safe and back with us. We will have a grand celebration tonight! I promise you that!" The young woman smiles broadly at everyone and then turns to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, can you help or do you need to help Lady Charlotte? We have much we need to do to get ready." Svetlana then begins to make her way toward the main building again, her mind running through all the preparations for the celebratory feast she plans for the evening and hoping that Elizabeth will be able to help her. "You'll have to be a little more specific," Ursion says to Amber, "the countryside is dotted with abandoned farmhouses and barns. People have been trying to settle and tame this land for quite some time now. Your ancestors place could be any one of hundreds out there." The dark sorcerer moves on then, leaving his horse with Bren to be cared for. "You'll have to forgive Ursion's curt manner," Yarro says to Amber, "his mind is preoccupied with a search of his own and his own frustrations from it. I'm Yarro, nice to meet you." Moving over to stand before Darian and Charlotte, the other newcomer introduces himself, "I'm Jhod Kevken, priest of Erastil and traveler to these parts. I heard of your charter and was intrigued in seeking you out and offering what aid I can in your quest. I'm not of the exploring or adventuring sort but can offer you divine aid and advice if needed." He bows before Darian and Charlotte in greeting. The man is in his mid to late forties and balding with a thick mustache and long sideburns. He has brown eyes and a warm but tired smile.

[Togot]

Kai spoke very little during their trip back, having nothing to say. He spent much of his time in quiet contemplation of recent events. The bandits were now defeated; one less threat in the belt thanks to him and his companions. He was still unsure how he felt about recruiting the survivors, but then dead men could not atone for their past misdeeds.

Upon returning to Oleg's and seeing even more new faces, the Bald halfling greets them with a firm nod, and listens to the conversations of others until he feels the need to contribute to them.

 

Stat Block - Kai Name: Kai knee high, Level: 1, Class: Monk, Race: Halfling HP: 8/10, 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

[Belros]

Celebration As the last rays of the sun fall below the western horizon and darkness settles over the Greenbelt, there is merriment inside the walls of Oleg’s Trading Post. Hardbiter, Tahlla, Lucy and the other mounts rest comfortably in the stalls eating their oats and hay after being brushed and groomed. The Greenbelt Charter companions are also freshly cleaned and groomed, having washed away the dust and grit of their journey north to Oleg’s. All that remains now is to satisfy their own hunger and thirst. Sitting at the tables and chairs outside of the main building of Oleg’s, the fire in the pit holds back the encroaching chill of the Gozran night while everyone’s spirits remain high. The door of Oleg’s opens and Svetlana and Elizabeth exit carrying large trays of food. Svetlana puts down a tray of roasted duck that graces the centerboard. It is seasoned with safe, ginger & rhubarb sauce. Around the edges of the tray are carrots, beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Elizabeth puts down a tray that is filled with baked lamb with tomatoes, olives & garlic oil. Svetlana returns to the building and comes out a moment later with other smaller trays filled with fruits, other grains and nuts, and loaves of fresh bread. Once all the food has been set on the table Oleg comes out with a large keg of beer in hand. He sets it up near the tables and quickly taps it. “Caydenbrew,” he tells the others, “Imported from Taldan not long ago. I traded for it with a merchant on his way north to Restov.” Svetlana comes out of the main house once more with several bottles of what appears to be whiskey which she sets down on the tables. “Volkan, Mikel, you may enjoy what Svetlana just put on the table, Oldlaw Whiskey from Molthune. The same merchant threw in a few bottles of that which I’m sure you will enjoy.” The single-malt whiskey was made from a distillery that was centuries old. The smooth rye whiskey is a favorite of soldiers everywhere and Oleg knows this. “Well, what are you waiting for? Dig in!” The trader then takes his seat at the table and after serving his plate begins passing food to the others.

[Geldar]

Darian Vanderan: Dinner with Friends Old and New. He attacks his meal with mighty abandon; our cavalier from Brevoy. Oh, the corn will not evade his grasp, nor the gravy from his steadfast reach! Truly, Darian is happy to be back at base, to enjoy a warm bath and good company with old friends. And our newcomers seem to fit-in just fine too. In betwixt mouthfuls of roasted mallard, Darian speaks to Amber. Originally Posted by Amber "---have you seen any abandoned buildings? Or an old farmhouse and barn perchance?" There were no barns or other buildings that we saw. And I was Yeah right; what, didn't I fail like every Perception check I ever rolled going out there? LOLpretty perceptive to such things the entire time. Darian pauses, while his other companions perhaps roll their respective eyes. And then he looks at him across the table.

Darian Vanderan: The Bandit Bren. Oh no, not this time, sir! If eyes could convey thoughts, the young bandit-turned-protector would hear quite clearly the stern warning from our young cavalier! There they were, two hungry warriors. Literally. I mean, the duck was great and all but---Svetlana, no dessert yet???? Please! And there it sat. The prize. Oh, they ate a'plenty of biscuits between them; enough for a small battalion to have cleared the entire Greenbelt by now. But now, there was only one left. Bren perhaps saw it first. The ' tell' in his eyes gives the bold cavalier just enough time to take-in the direness of his situation. The time is right. The time is now. Moving Dice Initiative: 1d20+5 (9)+5 Total = 14 as fast as he can, Darian reaches for the biscuit. An epic struggle between two seasoned trenchermen; that much to be sure. And our intrepid cavalier is full from a fine meal in the end.

 

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

[Togot]

After cleaning up, Kai inspects the wound he received from the arrow. It was healing up nicely, but even if it wouldn't leave a scar, he considered the blemish on his skill to be unacceptable. More and more his short comings were becoming apparent to him, but Kai would not be ashamed of them, he would simply work to rectify them. He couldn't keep up with the horses, so he would have to work harder on running. He was at a disadvantage fighting at a distance, so he would have to work on that as well.

At dinner, he eats quietly and drinks on water or milk, not wanting to numb his mind with alcohol. When he and several others are done, he approaches Bran.

"If you wish to continue your training, meet me in the yard tomorrow at dawn."

He then approaches the Darian. "If it would not be to presumptuous of me, I would like to borrow a bow and 5 arrows."

 

Stat Block - Kai Name: Kai knee high, Level: 1, Class: Monk, Race: Halfling HP: 8/10, 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]

Darian Vanderan: With Kai Knee High. Darian is just about to turn in for theevening, when Kai approaches him with an interesting request. Of course, Kai. Here you are. He nods to his halfling companion as he hands him his longbow and five arrows from his quiver. He remains silent, respecting the monk's stoic manner to which he's grown accustomed. In the morning, our cavalier goes to the stable to tend to his steed for the new day. But he glances out the door at Kai and Bren from time to time, curiously observing their training exercises.

 

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

[Togot]

Kai graciously accepts the weapon and goes about collecting five quarks leftover from the meal. Before bed he securely places them over the arrow heads,and in the morning checks to make sure they are still firmly in place before heading out to the courtyard. He does his morning stretches and exercises as he awaits Bren. When his semi-pupil does arrive, he offers the weapon to him.

"Today you are going to work on your aim, by shooting at me."

The halfling walks thirty paces away and turns, taking up a defensive stance. "I am ready."

 

Stat Block - Kai Name: Kai knee high, Level: 1, Class: Monk, Race: Halfling HP: 8/10, 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

[Belros]

Drinking and Dancing As always the food that Svetlana serves is exquisite. Darian and Bren embark on their customary battle to see who can or will eat the most. The challenge comes to a head with the realization of only one biscuit remaining. As each eyes the biscuit with the hope that the other doesn’t see them, Darian finally makes his move but Bren is 23 Initiative for Brenmuch too fast for him. Darian’s hand scrapes against the empty plate and manages to only retrieve crumbs while Bren looks across the table at him with a large grin on his face just before he plops the last buttery biscuit into his mouth. At the end of the table, Volkan stands to refill his tankard with ale to find the keg empty. He lifts his tankard in the direction of Oleg and begins to sing: “Brings us in good ale, & bring us in good ale, For ourHere he gives a nod and salute to Svetlana blessed lady sake, bring us in good ale. Bring us in no brown bread, for that is mad of brain, Nor bring us in no white bread, for there in is no game, But bring us in good ale. Bring us in no beef, for there is many bonies, But bring us in good ale.” “Ho! Yes!” claps Oleg as Volkan finishes his song. “Well done! More ale it is!” Oleg stands with a broad smile upon his face and enters his abode once more. A few minutes later he returns with another keg of the Caydenbrew. As they share the meal and the festivities, all the companions notice a change with Oleg. At least for this evening, the gruff master of the trading post appears downright jubilant. The defeat of Happs and his crew followed by the death of Kressle has apparently brought a relief and optimism to the man that they have never seen. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts with the Rostlander but for the moment at last he is enjoying himself. Refilling his tankard and wetting his pipes once more, Volkan makes a motion to Mikel who moves away for a moment and then returns with a couple of musical instruments. He hands a viol to Volkan while he holds a lute. Both men check the tuning of their instruments for a moment before starting into a rousing song. “Room for a lusty lively Lad, dery dery down, That will show himself blyth be he ne’re so sad, dery dery down, That cries a fig for poverty And takes all troubles patiently, Will spend what he gets, And drink more than he easts, That never means to vary From good fellowship free, If thou such a one be. I’ll drink to thee kind Oleg!” Everyone joins in singing the lively ditty about the ideal drinking companion and the type to avoid. Oleg appreciates the salute at the end and raises his own tankard in salute to Volkan. “How about a dance?” Volkan asks then. “Oh yes, please!” says Svetlana as Volkan and Mikel then turn to playing a tune for a common Rostland carol. Oleg takes the hand of his wife and leads her out into the courtyard. “Come on!” says Svetlana to the others. Bren rises and offers his hand to Elizabeth while Yarro moves to entreat Ayami to dance with him. It takes a moment for Ursion to get his head out of his own thoughts and worries before moving over to ask Charlotte to join him. In a moment, all those that wish to are gathered in a circle holding hands. Alternating male and female they then began moving clockwise in a circle with the delicate and intricate footwork of the dance. They clap and stomp their feet where appropriate to the tune and though some are a bit rusty or unfamiliar with the dance it is easy to pick up. After a couple of turns everyone is laughing gaily and enjoying the fun in the cool night air. Volkan and Mikel are capable musicians and play a number of rousing songs for them to dance to. The evening continues on with ample opportunity for the companions to get to know the newcomers and relax after a stressful and difficult week.

[Jinro]

Outsider Ayami joins in with the festivities along with the rest of the people at the fort, though she is a bit hesitant to take part fully. She accepts one dance before politely excusing herself to return to her seat. After which she sinks back into her seat, poking at the fruits and vegetables on her plate as she thinks quietly.

[Aviatrix]

Pouting Amber was swept up in the festivities, singing the songs and swaying with the tunes. She sips at the ale as the two bring out instruments, and finds to her sadness, that she has been left alone without a dance partner unless the goodly knight, lonely ranger, or the little monk ask for her hand as a dance partner. In case they don't she sits back and picks at her own food as she watches the others dance and enjoy themselves.

[Shadow0136]

Dancing Charlotte accepts the sorcerer's hand and steps over to join the dancing, showing her grace as she easily sets the pace for them and making the switching of partners look easy. She sees from the corner of her eyes that Elizabeth kisses Bren's cheek before the switch, and gets an impish grin as she becomes his next partner, repeating the kiss on his other cheek as the next switch happens.