The home and business of Oleg and Svetlana Leverton - the trading post buy and sells most things -  although it doesn't have a great stock and may need to send back to Restov for an item.  It also does duty as an Inn, providing accommodation, simple meals and bottles of ale or cider.

One of the corner towers, containing a single room 20' high, is used as accommodation for the local guard.  Three footmen and their officer, Keston Garess.

A second tower, with ground and upper rooms - provides accommodation for Henry on the upper floor, while Borric, Rikka and Brother Bart share the ground floor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Sat 10 Sept 2016.

You can see one of Keston’s men up on a watch tower, reporting on your progress as you approach Oleg’s.  Zack, and a stranger, are at the coral - ready to take horses and help get then settled after their long week of work carrying you guys around.  There are more horses that you would have expected in there as well.  One in particular seems bigger and more powerful than the others with a beautifully brushed coat, tail and mane.

Inside the outpost, even though it is close to dinner time, the yard appears to be full of people waiting to see you arrive.  Henry  sits on one of the tables with his feet on the bench, and signals for you to come forward and make your reports.  He speaks quietly to a well dress newcomer that stands to one side.  He is a striking man, middle aged but tall and well-built still, with an expensive looking sword at his side.

Bai was happy to be back to the outpost, a roof over her head would likely do her some good in relieving her of the soreness she'd gotten sleeping on the ground and riding as much as she had these last few days. She'd done her best not to complain about it, but she couldn't understand how everyone else seemed fine with it, day after day. An outcome of the lottery of birth she supposed. As the group got closer and closer to the outpost Bai's eyes seemed to get wider and wider as she saw how many people had shown up, the more people, the more chance for some new stories after all.

Once she'd given control of her mount over to Zack and the stranger, Bai made her way to where Henry and the other man where situated. She muttered to herself and patted down her clothes to make herself a bit more presentable and spoke up. "Mr. de la Maistre, Sir." She gave them both a polite nod, making sure to call Henry by a more formal title until she knew better who the other man was, though he did get a warmer smile than the stranger. "I'm here to report on the findings of our survey." She pulled out her journal and laid it on the table next to Henry, showing them the mapping they'd done. As she spoke she took her time to give a brief overview of each day, accentuating the notable events such as the trapper and his traps, the fey, the temple, the bandits, and so on. She took heed to make sure that each of her companions were noted for their times where they stepped up and excelled in his service, taking care to leave out the disagreements they'd had, the missed shots, and the general sourness that had shown up as the days pressed on. Finally once she'd finished the tale of their expedition, and shown each of the maps as she did, she flipped to the last page and outlined the inventory of what they'd brought back. The goods taken from the bandits as well as the bandits themselves.

"I feel that it would be imperative that we move to establish some amount of diplomatic relationships with the fey through these contacts that we've gained. In so far as the banditry of the area is concerned, it seems we have a mutual goal, and there could be a great deal more we could learn from them. Though, of course I will leave it to your discretion on what path is taken next."

Bai Kao rolled 19 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy.

Cyrus rode into Oleg's and was in awe of the large, well groomed horse. Surely its rider was of some import. He handed the reigns of Shadow to Zack and retrieved his gear. Rather than stowing it in the watch tower that had served as his bunk, he carried his saddlebags over to the tables. He watched Bai address Henry and begin to review her notes.

He was intrigued by the newcomer's stature and sword, and boldly approached him saying, "I am Cyrus Ondari, one of the deputy marshall's appointed by Marshall de la Maistre to explore this land. That is an impressive blade you carry!" Cyrus's facial expression gives away his eagerness as he continues, "Am I right in assuming the noble steed in the corral yours as well?"

The bit of food did Pipre well and she washed it down with a swallow or two of herbal wine that helped soothe muscles or, at least, soothe the reception of their complaints. During the meal she told Yolen, and any of the other bandits who would listen, what sort of situation they should expect upon arrival at their destination. The choice they would face and the company they would be in.

When the other group shewed up Pipre gave a smile and said her greetings while gently explaining that they had not made camp or had rest that night before.

As everyone arrived at Oleg's she was happy to take a moment to use a rag and some water to wash her legs. Walking through trackless places had made her shins sticky and dirt had caked on so the simple act of cleaning that off invigorated her quite a bit. Pipre made her way to the central meeting area as Bai was finishing her report and Cyrus was introducing himself to the stranger.

Pipre didn't have any similar business and the things she wondered about could wait. Small things such as if there were any interesting ingredients gathered in the interim and if the shipment had arrived. Those things could wait. For now she sat down with a freshly rolled cigarette, a wedge of smoky cheese, and a bottle of warm ale.

Zorah took her animals to the stable and saw the magnificent horse.  "Beautiful."  She muttered before apologizing to Puck.  "You're much better Puck."  The horse wandered into the fenced in area.  "I didn't mean anything by it."  Zorah called after Puck.

She turned to Zack.  "How have you been Zack?"

Out by the corral horses are turned loose and given their head “Evening Sir.  Good evening Ma’am.  Evening Zorah, I’ve been good, thanks.” Zach responds as each of the horses are left in his care.  The well-groomed horse is clearly King of the Coral though.  Bigger and stronger than the other animals, it looks like he is checking them out as they are released into the pen.  Vik’s horse gets a slightly longer look, although the magnificent beast doesn’t make any move towards the animal.


Bai lists the achievements of her group and explaining what happened at the various points on the map, and describing how well each of her team have done.  The three-way fight between the bandits and the Fey seem to catch the attention of the attention of both Henry and his guest, although it is Henry who speaks.

”There are Fey in the forest, then.  We weren’t sure whether that was just a rumour.  And they defend themselves capably.  You took prisoners from the Bandits that the Fey left alive, but one escaped. However, the Fey let you live and agreed to talk with you again.  Excellent.  Well done, Bai.  Well done all of you.  Bai, you will lead our expedition down there shortly.  Anything else any of you would like to add?” he says addressing the rest of that group.

”Keston?  Take these prisoners around the back of the stables, and make sure they have something to eat and drink.  I will deal with them later.” And Keston, along with one of his men, move the bandits are out of sight.  A few moments later Keston reappears - although the man stays behind as a guard.

As Cyrus speaks the newcomer turns politely, but only responds briefly.  ”Good evening Cyrus.  Yes, Fleetheart serves as my mount.” but then Pipre catches his eye, and a fixed look crosses his face.  Perhaps the way she dresses makes her look more like a bandit than a deputy marshal attention, although it might just be the skimpiness of her clothes or even the smoke from her cigarette – who knows.  But then, he turns back to the map in front of Henry and points briefly at something on it.

”And your group?  How did you fare?” he addresses the question generally towards those of you who explored and mapped the hills.

Valoria found it strange to be so happy to be at Oleg's once more. It was a meager way of living compared to how she had grown up. Still this place was kinda like a home...for now and she was glad to be back. Having Zack take her horse, Valoria carried her backpack with her.

Valoria waited as Cyrus made small talk with the newcomer and by the look of him, he seemed to be of noble birth. Still she waited her turn to speak after Bai gave her report. Once asked about how the group fared, Valoria stepped forward. Taking out the sketchbook she had detailed the map, Valoria place it before Henry. She gave him a detailed explanation of each day of travel.

“My lord, Henry de la Maistre, we have done very well. The small wooden fort by the river would make an excellent secondary base. I would suggest placing a very small garrison there just so it is not retaken by bandits. Also...” Valoria then placed The Taldan Expansion before Henry. “The book claims that there are metal deposits worth mining between the hilly area and the forest. Something prehaps to keep an eye out for, my lord.” Valoria gave a small bow of her head and waited for his response.


OOC: 00:04, Today: Valoria der lin Lebeda rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge (Nobility). On the new guy. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Thu 29 Sept 2016.

Zorah stores her things and returns to the stables where she watches the impressive horse for a bit longer.  Provided it does not show aggression towards Puck or Murdock Zorah attempts to get a closer look at the animal.

08:59, Today: Zorah rolled 22 using 1d20+14.  handle animal.
08:59, Today: Zorah rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  wild empathy.
I didn't know which would be more applicable so I rolled both.

Andalon listened quietly as Valoria reported what they had found. The hermit Bokken on the plain to the east, the palisaded fort by the river, the old ferry rope across the river, the cave in the hills where the monk/hermit Quern had been slain by gargoyles and the lookout hill marked by a lightning-struck oak tree. Only when she was finished did he add a note of caution.

"I would advise returning to that fort in strength, my lord, at least at first. I am not convinced we will find it unoccupied when we return. It appeared abandoned when we arrived and we had to scale the wall to enter, true enough. There was only the one half-orc there and he signed his own death warrant by attacking us from ambush instead of calling out to us as we explored the place. But I suspect there may be others who normally dwell there, including a wizard a bit more advanced in that art than any of us are.

"We still have about half of our allotted area to explore and we could include a return visit to the fort to confirm whether it is still unoccupied," he suggested.

Henry listens to Valoria’s report, and then Andalon’s additional comments thoughtfully.  ”I think the priest is right, Ferdinand.” he comments to the Knight, ”Although I think I shall question the prisoners before I make a final decision on that.   Keston, Bart -  please make sure the prisoners are awake and able to answer my questions.  I will call when I want them.”

As the two leave, he turns his attention back to the rest of you.  ”This is Sir Ferdinand Ledkno, who has come to collect a report for the First Swordlord. Apparently the council are concerned about this area and intend to settle it.  Sir Ferdinand informs me that if we resolve the bandit problem, I might expect to be given another charter to settle the area.  Those of you who decide to stay on and help me complete this new task, will be richly rewarded with land and titles, if you so choose.  Although we would have to carve those new estates out for ourselves.  There is no need to make decisions about that yet.  As yet, there is no certainty of any new charter or rewards,  Nor, even, that it is something that we can achieve with the resources to hand.” and he holds his hand up to forestall and discussion or declarations yet. 

”But for now, is there anything you can tell me about these prisoners before I question them?”

Sir Ferdinand nods in approval, but stands passively with a slight smile upon his face.

Percy is pleased enough to leave the report to his comrades in arms and to take a seat by the fire where he can shrug off the borrowed armour he's had on his back these past couple of days and relax in comfort.

Stretching out his legs, the young gentleman gives a sigh of pleasure, untroubled for the moment at the thought that they'll soon be heading back out into the wilds, since with the promise of another charter there now seems even greater urgency to deal with the 'bandit problem'.

As to lands and titles ... Percy came on this expedition more to get away from the angry husband of, a chance encounter shall we say, than out of any urge to shower himself with riches ... though he dares say his mother would be pleased should land and titles come his way.  Something to think about, perhaps.  Just not now ...

"I know that two of the bandits, George and Yolen, were part of a smaller, less bloodthirsty band before the Stag Lord consolidated everything. Detak, the half-orc, was pretty upset with us since they forced us to take down his brother and he didn't come voluntarily. Don't know much about Spike but he was compliant," explained Pipre, in her usual smoky, fraying timbre. She was somewhat distracted by Ferdinand's frequent glances in her direction.

Cyrus smiled at the words of cautious optimism Henry spoke of carving out their own lands and titles but could tell now was not the time to discuss his desired outpost. When Piper mentioned that two of the bandits were half-orcs, he saw a flash of an image of the attacker in the tunnels below the fort. He had been a half-orc and Antlion had been convinced he had at least a few other friends who must have called the outpost home.

He spoke up saying, "It could be nothing more than a coincidence but it might be worth finding out if this Detak and his brother had a base of operations in the area our group explored. It wouldn't solve the riddle of the spellbook but it would explain at least 2 of the assailants partners in crime."

"That would be something to find out, especially since reconnaissance of the camp on the river we cleared previously shewd there was also a mysterious old woman. It could be that the forces at the fort you all found were called down by Kressle to retake the river encampment, since it is crucial to the path towards the Stag Lord. Without that ford one would have to risk a crossing in strong current or make a detour through fey lands."

I think I got this right, lol.

Keeping more to herself, and having pulled her cloak well over her features, the woman keeps more to the back of the others, seeking only a place to rest her back and close her weary eyes. On the walk from the stables, she has pulled her gloves on tightly, having retrieved a fresh pair from her bag and now stood listening to the discussion of titles and lands with about as much interest as a fish would have for land as opposed to water. Such things would do her little good and would only invite more attention to a woman who does her best to keep low-key.

"A woman in red." Aris'ta recalls allowed, suddenly. "With at least enough assurance in her safety, or the skill in her companions, as to wear something so likely to stand out among such dull scenery." She observes, her voice sounding tired.

Andalon quietly asks Lolli to fetch the items of woman's clothing that were found at the fort; a cloak, a robe and a brocade gown, a box containing a wig and a vial of perfume, a fine dagger in a scabbard on a silk belt, a silver and amber bracelet and matching necklace.

Then he asks Aris'ta, Bai, Pipre, Zorah or Rook to explain a bit more about their mysterious woman in red.

"Did you actually see this woman in red at some stage, or hear about her from someone?" he asks. "I wonder whether your half-orc prisoner, Detak, will recognise the woman's clothing we found at the fort with the spellbooks? Perhaps he could tell us something about the wizardess, if it is the same person.

"You said the half-orc had a brother who was killed in the fight against you? If he is indeed from the fort I wonder whether the rapier-wielding half-orc we killed was also a relative or friend of his?"

Zorah leaves Puck and Murdock to 'play nice' with their new horse friend.  He didn't seem likely to play , but Zorah was under delusions he might warm up to the others given time.

The druid reaches the discussion just as the red cloaked woman is mentioned.  "I saw the woman."  She speaks up.  "Well, Wilson saw her technically."  Zorah describes the woman in as much detail as she can to the others.

Cyrus spoke up again, "Will showing the brothers gear that they knew was being guarded by their friend or brother inspire trust? I would be less likely to speak if you showed me Valoria's gown and books or your shield. I worry we if we give them too much information they will reveal less."

"That is certainly a possibility," Andalon agreed. "We can keep those clothes out of sight unless needed. Henry needs as much information as we can give him so he knows what questions to ask the prisoners to fill in the bits that we don't know yet and confirm whether our guesses are correct or not. But from what has been said about the half-orc so far I don't hold out much hope of him becoming a loyal and trustworthy ally in future."

Valoria raised a hand to Lolli if she came forward, intent on keeping the grown and jewelry in her backpack. "No need to get those items out." Valoria then looked at Henry and added her opinion to the matter. "If there is a wizard, who is working with the bandits, he or she is only slightly stronger than I. From a brief glance at the spellbook in question, I would also say that the original owner was an illusionist." She than takes out the captured spellbook and lays it on the table so Henry can take a look at it. "No spellbook, no spells is the common rule of thumb for wizards. Although, with your permission I would like to study this tome further, I would just need a small loan for some supplies. It would greatly give me some insight into this wizard....also, there is some...personal news to to be announced after business has been concluded, my lord.

Percy smiles fondly at the contrast between Bai's exact and orderly report and the more random recollections of his own companions, though he's happy enough that Valoria and Andalon have missed nothing of import.  Likewise he leaves the discussion as to what to tell or not tell the prisoner in order to extract a tale of truth to those who have more experience of such things.

He does not, however miss Ferdinand's glances at Pipre, though he is unsure whether the young woman is discomfited or amused by the knight's attentions, though if the former, it is incumbent upon a gentleman such as himself to intervene, if subtly, so as not to embarrass either party.

With a groan, Percy straightens, pulling his legs back under him as he sits up, bestowing a broad grin upon Pipre.

"Yet again, you seem to have proved most convincing," he compliments her, "Henry's guardhouse will be full of all manner of bewildered miscreants if you keep this up !"

"Alas, the one rascal we did meet was so rude as to not even give us chance to implore him to mend his ways, preferring to throw his life away rather than listen to reasonable entreaties !"

Waving off Andalon's questions to those more informed then herself, she goes back to keeping her eyes as alert on those about her, a feat she is finding it increasingly hard to do. A gloved hand rises to cover a yawn as she listens to others interject with thoughts here and there. The newcomer is of no interest to her, though she admits somewhat begrudgingly that he peeks her interest and isn't unpleasing to look at. Like most men she encounters, his eyes seem drawn to more pronounced features of the fairer sex and that is something she does not mind.

At Percy's interjections, she pauses a short glance his way. He's a man she recalls seeing, but has no memory of ever speaking to. It isn't that surprising really, since she is more mindful to keep to herself then to employ the company of others, though beyond the dark shadows of her hood, she lofts a brow of comical interest, before snorting and shaking her head.

Perhaps she had fallen asleep and missed it. Did humans really act this way? Jordaen had been as much a recluse as herself, but he had spoken of gatherings being... a sigh left her and she closed her eyes. Rest, it seemed, was not for the weary just yet.