Meanwhile at Oleg’s a couple of new adventurers think that they also may have a hand in taming the green belt.

New players can post here and get to know the proprietors and the garrison and resident witch.

Oleg:
“Does anyone know the words to the song old Dan Tucker?”


"Fine I was tring to break the ice.  It seems that officially we are soon to be under seige, the Staglord is raising an army and recruiting bandits from all over the greenbelt.  We need to upgrade defenses as much as possible and any who wish to join with the seargeant at arms and the men to defend the fort.  The pay for up to 10 raw recruits is 1 silver a day.  Those with expereince can be hired the day of the assault with the price to be negotiated with me based upon your skillset."

The new PC's to this thread are currently at Oleg's and can post here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:40, Sat 16 Nov 2019.

Arthua Winter rode into the Trading Post. He wore studded leathers and had a few weapons. He appeared to well prepared for travel with a small tent tied to the saddle. "I'm no bandit. I've come from Restov. Thought I'd test my skills here in the wilds before I head back and challenge one of the swordlords."

Oleg:
"A future swordlord!  What god timing for us as we have heard the Staglord is planning to gather his men and lead a full out assault on my trading post.  We are hoping the heros of the Greenbelt return soon and we can convein a war council and decide on the best defense and offensive strategies."

"What is going on here? Why is there a need for a war council?" Arutha seemed concern, "Who has declared war?"

Oleg:
“The leader of the bandits, he used to raid us for supplies but was stopped and his bandit camp was destroyed now he wants to wipe us out so he can rule over the lands.”

Taluntain has been on the road for weeks to Oleg's post and he has grown tired of sitting in the wagon and sleeping in a tent and eating stale trail rations. He was looking forward to some comforts of an inn.
He had his cowl to his cloak down and he was lightly tugging on the reigns urging the Delphine onto the main the gate to what he can assume Oleg's outpost. He came upon what he could tell was the the owner and a man having a discussion. He will than dismount and lead his horse walking over to the people in conversation.
In a very elegant almost sing song like tone he will say, "Hello, I am Taluntain Marara I have come to Oleg's for what I was told to exploring some wild land. May I ask where I can stable my horse and settle in. I would so enjoy some fresh food and a comfortable bed."
He looks around and starts to notice that the outpost seems to be getting ready for a siege or an attack.
"Are you expecting an attack because I have not run into any armies or scoundrals on my ride in."

Just then the guards ring the cowbells after a moment one calls out to someone that the heroes have returned.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:17, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

Octavia walks her horse into the trading post, looking at the banners and the new faces. She approaches Kesten if she can see him.  "We have scouted the lands and have settled the issue with the Sootscale kobolds.  They have agreed to a peace treaty."  She looks over the new people who are here.

"What has happened in our absence?"

Tauron is happy to ride along with the others not saying much

Oleg
“War is at hand!  The stag lord has had enough and he is marshalling his forces to wipe us out his nice and for all.”

The young one handed girl adds in
“It is not too late to send agents into his fort to kill them before they march.”

Drezghl raised his fist in salute to the defenders of Oleg's trading post.  He dismounted near the gate and walked his horse to the stable. He fished out a silver piece from his pocket and gave it to the stable boy along with the reins.

"This mount has served me well. Take good care of him.", he said.

Filarion was content to brush and clean his own horse. He felt better able to collect his thoughts while he did so, but before he could, a thought occurred to him.

Coming to the others he says, "We need to martial the kobolds. I volunteer to ride Linta to get them if we have the time. How far out are they Oleg?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:59, Wed 11 Dec 2019.

Octavia frowns at Filarion.  "We need to find out what is going on, how Oleg and the post knows about the Stag Lord's movements, who these people are," she jabs a finger to the newcomer.  "Then we council and decide our next actions."

"We may have little time. Humans are notoriously hasty in their actions, so we must make a decision quickly as well."

“Taluntain? Is that you?  I am glad to see a familiar face.”

Oleg
“That’s easy enough.  At first he was quietly recruiting and we would just hear a rumor, but then wanted men from Restov came through looking for directions.  A spy went down to find out more and reported back they are net driven to burn us out.”

At that moment a man rides up with another lanky and wild brown haired man swung across his saddle

It becomes apparent that you know both men, the rider is the Hunter Vellek and the apparent deceased is none other that Bokken the potion maker....

Tauron looks over to Vellek.
Although I could see me an Bokken may have developed issues I did not wish him dead.
What has happened?

Octavia handed off her horse to the stablehand, a storm on her face as she watched the horse and rider come closer. Tauron already asked what was on her mind, so she waited to hear what happened.

Vellek pulls up and dismounts he steps gingerly on his bad leg; he brings the potion maker onto the ground....

“Bandits killed him.  I came by just as they were torching his hut.  I took down four of them before the rest got away.  The bodies are still out on the plains.  I took their horses out from under them and finished them off. The rest got away.”

Vellek is a well known hunter and his bow skills are legendary; but the tusk of a giant wild boar has left him retired; though he is a great Boyer and fletcher... x

“I am returning the remains of an engineer Davik Nettles to Brevoy for burial: should this man also be taken?”

"How long ago and which direction did they travel?",Drezghl asked.

He had not met Bokken but knew that he was a vital asset to the community. His murder could not go unpunished.

Vellek:“They rode away fast; and have at least two days lead on you.  They will reach the fort before you catch them.”


Oleg: “So no potions to be had in any near time frame.”

Svetlana emerges at the commotion and puts her hand over her mouth...
“Bokken!...I hope you have found your peace.”
She kneels down by his body.

Imira comes out from her perch on the roof and she calls for someone
“Erky!”
At the call an older gnome lady comes out from the house...,
She grunts and grumbles
“My name is Esmerelda; not Erky...”

Tauron turns to Oleg.
I am sorry.  I can only make scrolls for spell casters at the moment.
However I have started to study the ways of making potions.
Soon I hope to do this.

As this man's Vellek's words, Octavia frowns hard. "The fort?  You know where this Staglord is held up?"

Vellek
“Just rumors mostly, so no exact location.”

Imiria
“I sent a scout that way and can tell you it is a fort similar to this one; according to a certain easily distracted bird...”
Esmerelda
“I make remedies, concoctions and potions.”
Imiria
“Not now ancient one.”

Svetlana
“We should bury him.”

Tauron turns to Esmerelda.
Hello.  My name is Tauron I am spellweaver and study magic.
He turns to Imiria and smiles.
And I hope I can be call brother in kind to Imiria.
If you have time when I am here.  Could I help you and learn from you.
I love to be able to make remedies, concoctions and potions.
If that alright with you.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Tue 31 Dec 2019.

Esmerelda
“Bah! You going you cannot master the breadth or lore of an herb witch so fast as that! “
She taps the side of her bulbous nose
“I can smell when the remedies ready and children too.”

Imira
“Go back in and tend the fire.”

Oleg
“I think the old gnome is daft a bit; perhaps something that happens to all potion makers at some point.  Imiria says she’s one of her kind and she keeps her nice to everyone..”

Imiria
“Was there a specific potion you needed perhaps?”

Tauron smiled at Oleg.
The scroll master that taught me magic scrips always had a black tongue.
Wetting your pen with ink on.
He shakes his head.
Knowing what I know about some of the plants and root that can be used for medical.
Some are not the most healthy to mess around with when heated.

Oleg scratches his head
“Beats me about some of this, but my wife wants a man buried and I recon that’s something I have to do.”

"I'll help in that Oleg," Filarion chips in. "Then we can decide what to do. Give everyone time to process."

He then moved off to remove his armor to do just that.

Oleg
“I know just the place for a small private cemetery: flat rock!”

Oleg takes a cart and rigs one of the horses to it and loads a couple of shovels as well
Vellek helps to load the body but he looks exhausted....Imiria helps the man perhaps her missing hand and his injury is something she relates to; or perhaps it is her gift for healing.

Knowledge local DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You recall both Oleg and Svetlana talking about the large piece of granite nearby as a picnic spot before the bandit raids started...

---

Vellek
“Thank you lass for looking out for me.”

Imiria
“You’ve a fever I am putting you to bed and feeding you soup. Maybe you can stay on as a watchman.”

Knowledge nature or arcane DC 13

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
If Svetlana becomes a witch there might one day be a coven in the stolen lands

---

OOC:

In reply to Tauron Alphmellon (msg # 35):

OOC:

Imiria and Tauron eye each other as what seems like flirting is going on

As discussion starts Oleg heads out to flat rock with the cart to bury Bokken.
Any going to the burial site are free to do so....


Svetlana invites you in
“Come in and warm yourselves and get some food, the stable hands can put your horses away and tend your gear.”

Drezghl accepted Svetlana's offer and stepped inside.  He found a spot near the fire and sat down with a sigh.

Octavia will walk with the group to the burial site, if only to speak a few words to ease this man's passing to the life beyond.

The burial site is just atop a small hill barely away from Oleg’s
Oleg considers the rock and finally proclaims
“We shall bury him North by Northwest, and reserve other segments of direction for others.”




Inside Svetlana’s kitchen it is very similar but the gnome which is tending a couple of coffee pots with stems sticking out of the top..
she sniffs them in turn trying to determine which one is ready

Filarion tried to relate to the humans, but it was a little difficult for the elf to grasp. Death was such a far off concept and humans seemed to die so readily that he didn't quite grasp the idea of the loss. He understood the formalities, but not the emotional impact. He just kept quiet and tried to absorb the experience instead.

Once it was over, he collected his things and then watched the others to see what they wanted to do next. There was a siege coming and it feels like they are not ready for it.

Having listened to all that is going and getting caught up he almost miss Tatyana's greeting. He turns to her and says, "Well hello Tatyana it is a been awhile and it is nice to see you. I see that the lure of adventure has brought you out here as well. I will attend the burial but we should keep an eye out for any attackers."

Taluntain will have his gearl stowed and his horses stabled. He will grab some food really quick and head out with the funeral procession.

“Indeed! I have a charge for you as I have agreed to take an engineer Back to brevoy.”


“I have a charter and am planning to give it to you.”

In reply to Tatyana Dec'lan (msg # 45):

Taluntain tries to hid his excitement, "A charter for me? Let me see I can review it on our way to the burial."

“I wanted to announce it in front of everyone so it is a matter of public record.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:17, Fri 17 Jan 2020.

Meanwhile at flat rock cemetery father Johod recites a poem

“Make me no grave within that quiet place    Where friends shall sadly view the grassy mound, Politely solemn for a little space,    As though the spirit slept beneath the ground.  For me no sorrow, nor the hopeless tear;    No chant, no prayer, no tender eulogy: I may be laughing with the gods--while here    You weep alone. Then make no grave for me  But lay me where the pines, austere and tall,    Sing in the wind that sweeps across the West: Where night, imperious, sets her coronal    Of silver stars upon the mountain crest.  Where dawn, rejoicing, rises from the deep,    And Life, rejoicing, rises with the dawn: Mark not the spot upon the sunny steep,    For with the morning light I shall be gone.  Far trails await me; valleys vast and still,    Vistas undreamed of, canyon-guarded streams, Lowland and range, fair meadow, flower-girt hill,    Forests enchanted, filled with magic dreams.  And I shall find brave comrades on the way:    None shall be lonely in adventuring, For each a chosen task to round the day,    New glories to amaze, new songs to sing.  Loud swells the wind along the mountain-side,    High burns the sun, unfettered swings the sea, Clear gleam the trails whereon the vanished ride,    Life calls to life: then make no grave for me!”

Henry Herbert Knibbs, from Songs of the Trail, 1920 This poem is in the public domain and does not require permission for use

Octavia nods at the words, feeling that she had nothing to contribute to such heartfelt words.  Once they were done, she was in a dark mood.  For now, it was time to convene a war council.

After the words are spoken and the hole covered over; Tatyana allows her friend to read over the charter
Once the full group comes to talk I am sure the whole thing will be resolved

The funeral procession returns to the fort the work done....

Svetlana has been busy making a large meal for the entire group.


The war council meets.....
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Tue 21 Jan 2020.

Tauron make sure his two animal friend have something to eat and drink.
Then he turns to Svetlana.
Food and some water would be most welcome.
The elf follows the other in and rests.
He decides to leave the burning of the dead to others.

After his food he thanks Svetlana.
Then leave to find his friends.
With the two of then Tauron goes up and looks over the land from the battlements.
He gets his bow out and shoots a few arrows in practice.  The elf skill is passable.
The two animal decide to have little go at each other as often happen.
Turning to tell them off and behave Tauron misses his step and falls over landing oddly.
Laying there for a moment Tauron looks at one of the catapults.  Having not really notice it before.  From this odd angle a memory of his past and book he read came back to him.  The book was not his own and he been reading it up side down by accident.  His own book at time was just to boring.

For a while the elf just lay there.  Thinking about it.
He then get up and say to himself more than anybody else.
I wounder if.  He start tinkering with the object.
Finding the whole process fascination he absorbed in what he doing until the sun does down.  His two little pets seem happy to help him as he goes along.
With a little bit of personal magic as well.


OOC:
17:36, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Engineering check.  (ok the dice roller just been nice to me for once).

Tauron examines the seige engines

Flash of insight


The war council gathers; the witches still going over the tea kettles

PM.

Oleg
“I call to order the meeting of the war council to address the concerns of the defense of my trading post; also known as the fort of the Greenbelt.”

Kesten (the captain of the guard)
“My men and I shall guard the walls and the gate to the best of our ability.”

Father Johod
“I shall put off finding the lost temple until after this seige; my prayers, Magic, and healing ability shall be in defense of this place.”

Imiria and Esmerelda
“We too will be to help in our way and after a fashion.”
Knowledge arcane or nature DC 14

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The two have grown closer you suspect they are forming a coven

---

"I still say we include the kobolds," Filarion tried to add to the conversation. "Does anyone have magic that could reach them? If we're under siege, they could attack them from behind and break it before he have to hold out for so long."

Oleg
“Yes we should include the kobolds and mites at least the representatives of those races in the general area.”

Svetlana
“A pressing question is will the heroes be here when the seige comes?”
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 15:05, Fri 21 Feb 2020.

Tauron explains he can fix the catapults but will need new large peace of wood and would need help getting it from the local area.  He can however find the right tree to do the job.

Oleg
“That certainly sounds like you all will be here for the seige.”

Our future is pointless if we cannot keep this place safe.

The captain of the guard:
"If you are certain you can get the catapults up and working two of the men at arms were sons of a woodcutter,"

"I will help defend this post. If we don't have the magic to get the kobolds and mites, I will volunteer to go rally them. I can take the kobold to Mikmak at the spider's lair. Hopefully he'll have magic to do it."

Drezghl watched and listened from a corner of the room for several minutes.  Finally he spoke up.

"I have fought and bled, and felt the touch of the darkness defending this place. I will not be driven away.  While Filarion rides to gather our allies, we will prepare for the siege. There is still much to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Mon 24 Feb 2020.

Imiria pipes in.
“Erky err Esmerelda will go with you she needs to collect some herbs from the forest as well.

Oleg
It is decided then and a calculated risk that the Staglord will be in a weaker position when he arrives here than if his tort was assaulted by the heroes without our support.”

Father Johod
“It is always wise when a community sticks together.  I can assist with a few spells, chablnnels of energy and such.  Are there any spells I should consider or ones that will work against us?”

Svetlana
“It’s true archers hate spells that limit visibility, but summoners love them.”

"Without know what we will be dealing with," Filarion says to Father Johod, "healing would be the best route. Then anything that would mitigate fires. We're in a bundle of wood after all. Then, if you have the strength, anything to protect from arrows would be a great boon." Filarion twitches, his need to move overpowering him with excitement, "If I'm to be back in time, I need to leave soon."

“I will be leaving at first light and I am passing my charter of exploration onto Taltain Marara; an old friend whom I trust.”

"Tatyana. You know that this place needs every available fighter.  Your talents would of great help. Are you sure you can't stay for just a bit longer.", asked Drezghl.

"No the deal I made with the Resrless Spirit, was to allow us to take his bones to Brevoy in exchange for safe passage, though we all know he will not rest until the staglord's corpse is thrown into the river."

The others look on inquisitively but Father Johod nods his head....

Father Johod agrees
"Aye if you made a deal with a restless spirit it is best to hold fast to the bargain, thank you for sharing the details of that event, I shall pray for the man's soul."

Oleg
"Going to have to agree no sense in keeping haunted bones here, nope, not a single reason."


Imiria and Esmerelda are curious raise their eyebrows....
"The fates may be read in the way the bones fall, yes and augury might portend the future of the battle."

Imiria: "Esee you have to go help collect herbs when they look for the trees to repair the catapults,"

Esmerelda: "Drats!"

"In that case, Tatyana.  I bid you safe travels.", Drezghl replied.

Tauron looks up from playing with his two animal friends.

Good Luck Tatyana Dec'lan.

The evening passes uneventfully

The group that is searching for trees sets off the same time Ms. Tatyana Dec'lan...regrouping with Mikmek the kobold and Crackjaw the mite..:

Both offer fond partings to the lady

"Come on, Tauron.  Let's go find your tree.", Drezghl growled.  He turned and walked to the stable to get his horse.

Tauron gets up and follows.
Sounds like a good idea to me Drezghl.

The small herb witch Esmerelda is considering the way to the woods.

Two of the men at arms have mounted their horses as well you believe it is the cousins Clint and Harry with the name Eastwood, it does make sense that their families are in the woodcutting business given the family name.  They have axes packed with the saddles.

Neither one looks inclined to offer the diminutive witch a ride to the forest...

Esmerelda
“Tell me what tree, ash, elm, yes, do you seek?”

"I don't know.  Ask the elf.", Drezghl replied.

He reached down and offered his hand to the gnome.

"Climb up here.  Can't have you walking."

I think we go for a good strong ash tree please.

Tauron answered.

The wagon will hold a good number of logs for the catapults.
The witch levitates up to get on the horse with Drezghl

She closes her eyes and points towards the woods....
“I sense some trees.”


If someone wants to roll perception or other rolls please do so....

Tauron tries to help.

OOC:
17:30, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  Know: Nature.
17:29, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8.  Perception.

The journey out over the smooth plains presents no signs or hints of trouble

The little witch points over a shoulder like a living weather vane directing the team to adds the radish patch just by the forest itself.

Tauron

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The weather looks stable over the next few days

---

Taking the lead from the little witch Tauron puts some effort into looking for food for the group and making sure they safe in traveling along.

OOC:
15:10, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 23 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 14.  Survival.

Drezghl assists as well, figuring that any game that they can harvest will be denied to the attackers later.

----------

09:41, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20.  Survival - foraging.

In reply to The Spirit of the Land (msg # 78):


"Hold on, here we go."

Drezghl gives his horse a kick and heads in the direction indicated by the gnome.




09:43, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Perception - find trees.

It is a half days ride across the plains F2 to the forest E3

The plains are quiet near Oleg’s and there are no signs of trouble.  The cart moving swiftly with only cutting tools, rope and block and tackle
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

Drezghl scanned the horizon for danger as they traveled. Seeing nothing he relaxed a bit but still kept an eye out for game.

"How did you come to be at Oleg's?  You weren't there before we went on our last outing.", he asked the witch sitting behind him in his usual gruff voice.

---------------------

00:08, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 11 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 2.  Perception - danger around the group.
00:09, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  survival - watching for game. 
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

Esmerelda
“I came seeking the girl Imira as she is the coven seed, I am certain soon at least one more witches may arrive, possibly two to form a quarim and it is she will lead us all.”

"Imira. She has a strong will.", Drez said.

"When we first arrived at Oleg's, a group of bandits attacked,  We fought them and I was badly wounded.  I remember the darkness washing over me and then Imira pulled me back to the light."

Esmarelda:
"Yes ahe is a child of the light; if it is possible we will save her from the dark fate that awaits her; though I myself are not light but more in the shade of grey."

"What is this dark fate you speak of?", Drezghl asked. His voice had a hint of concern.

Into the woods
“Why the girl is a changling of course; unless an unbound coven forms she will transition into a hag.”


********
Along another path the other group heads out to obtain the help of the kobolds and mites
Mikmek
“Hope we can get some aid for the fort.”

The mite chitters and Mikmek translates
“He asks if the big spider might be helpful?”

"Hmmm.   Never knew about that kind of thing.  I suppose you best find another witch to form your coven quickly.", Drezghl replied.

"How much further is that tree?  We have other things to do.", he asked.

In reply to The Spirit of the Land (msg # 90):

Not wanting to waste much time, Filarion sets a pretty stiff pace. Not a full run, but not a trot either. Just fast enough to get the most distance without risking running Linta to death. "I'm sure the beast with be useful," he says on response, "I just don't know how the rest of the fort with react."

Sorry. I completely forgot about the dm's response. It's been crazy here.

Into the woods
The little witch points ahead into some very dense growth indeed

This area near the river is not only dense and dark it is a bit foggy from the water nearby
“I smell the presence of the fey.”




Riding for the mite and kobolds lairs
The miles go quickly and you expect to reach them tomorrow before midday

Tauron is happy to ride along with his pets.
He lets the other talk not really wanting to say much himself.

Filarion is busy watching the road and the area around him to start much conversation. This was still wild lands and anything could happen. He isn't ride to not speak at all, just busy.

Into the woods
A dark ghostly figure shambles forward out of the mist.

The horses spook and the men at arms turn a bit pale in their faces

About that time a shriek comes out of the fog as well


The ride to the kobolds
Nothing occurs as you make your way to the kobolds



Tauron
Which group are you with?

Drezghl drew the throwing axe off of his belt.  He looked around carefully, trying to find the source of the shriek.


10:15, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 25 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 16.  Perception - Source of the shreik.

OOC:
Tauron is in the group looking for the wood for the catapults.
As he is the one that can fix it.

Into the woods

The shrieking appears to have come from a hollow log about 20 paces ahead of you..

The ghostly figure approaches as well, but is still 30 away wrapped in fog that seems to be getting thicker and thicker....

Drezghl kicks his horse and starts to walk it backwards.

"Stay where you are!  Come no closer.", he shouted at the figure.


--------------------------

OOC: Tauron?  You with us?

Tauron kicks his donkey and follows Drezghal.
I do not like this.  More ghost in this land than human grave yard has.

The elf does his best to calm his animal friends.

The preparations at Oleg’s continue
The captain of the guard is short two men due to the logging trip to repair the catapults
Imiria is hammering the highest places and helping to recover bent nails and make minor repairs, she is also taking part in the night watch along with Oleg himself

Svetlana continues to cook enough to feed an army

This is the meanwhile at Oleg’s thread...

New Octavia jumping in :)

 Octavia’s father was a woodcutter, but she had left this life behind a long time ago and had no interest in rekindling it.

 She decided to stay at the fort and help organise the defence. Morning we got rituals and prayers. Then review of the fences, walls, gates, parapets. Before lunch she spent an hour with the garrison reviewing battle commands and honing their archery skills.

 Come lunchtime she went to Oleg:
  “Do you have a clear idea of how fast they could be upon us? I rejoice that we may have reinforcements from our new or old allies, and working siege engines will be a great addition, but I fear that Gorum may test use by throwing us into battle before we complete our preparations...”

EDIT: Moved to correct thread "Into the Woods"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:18, Sun 17 May 2020.

Jereth rode into camp on his horse, his lance at his side. He glanced at the fortifications around, noting their lack, and also seeing the potential argument developing around Eilyne. He pulled his horse to, and dismounted, moving towards the man on foot, whilst leading his horse.

Oleg shakes his head vigorously,
"No but Imiria sends out her bird every day to go see if they are still days away, and so far they are not yet on the march, we expect a two day warning before they arrive."

He points the the girl on the roof of the building...before continuing to make repairs on the old fort...


The new arrivals are greeted with a raised eyebrow and taking in both of them he decides they are not bandits...

The girl on the roof waves at you and a young boy comes to take your horse with his hand held out for payment....
"Greetins Sir, I'm Nicolas I take care of the horses."

Octavia was glad to hear that they had a bit of time ahead of them. Two days was not much by any stretch of the imagination, but at least they would not have to fight a losing battle in a matter of hours. She left Oleg to his preparation, making a mental note to review the parapet defences later in the afternoon.

This time of day, she knew she could find Svetlana in the kitchen. More so now as she had made it her mission to feed not one but a few regiments if need be. She admired the woman for her dedication and hard work. It seemed nothing would spoil her spirits. She also knew the value of a full stomach when one readies for battle, but she was concerned about rationing. That was not what she wanted to talk about though.

She found the stalwart woman stirring over a cauldron, and waited for a moment, observing her art, before she interrupted.
“With all your hard work, you deserve a medal Svetlana. I am not quite in a position to hand those, not yet at least. Who knows, I may sometimes be Field Marshal of the Green Belt...”
 “I digress... there’s something we recovered in our latest journey, which I think will bring a smile to your face, even if it isn’t a badge of valour.”

Octavia rummaged through her belt pouch. Her hand grazed the cold metal of her breastplate. The breastplate that once was in Svetlana’s family, and that she was now wearing with pride. She produced a small metal ring and handed it unceremoniously.
  “I believe this is yours. I cannot say I look forward to wearing one of those, but I understand how it means so much to you.”

She would welcome words of thanks, but immediately would add:
“It was a collective effort, and we have a great team here. Your father’s armour has protected me well. Who knows, without I may not have come back from our excursion to bring you this... so thank you.”

Upon coming out of the kitchen, she took note of the newcomer who was leaving his horse with the stable lad. She waved a military salute but decided not to crowd him just yet.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Mon 18 May 2020.

Tears well up in Svetlana's eyes as she sees the ring between your fingers,..
"Where on earth did you?  I mean thank you I thought it was gone forever."

Meanwhile the stable hand and all around horse tender is busy working.

The guards look ridicoulously scarce with only one of the currently on watch, they are severly short handed with two of them off collecting wood for the catapults,

The thin waiflike girl, the witch Imiria continues to stand on the highest place on the roof waiting for her strange bird to return
The men talk about it and say that she claims it is a mocking razor crow but you have never heard of such a specimen...

As you notice her she seems to always notice when someone is looking at her and she turns towards the onlooker...you also know that she herself had a hand cut off by Kressel the leader of the bandits...

Original PC's know she was assaulted and was going to be working at Oleg's for the bandits....


Svetlana
"You must be hungry what can I get for you?"

He handed his horse's reins to Nicholas.

"Very good. Be careful with him though, he can be a bit enthusiastic sometimes."

His eyes flickered briefly.

"Good food can be found inside, I'm assuming?"

“Yessir just follow your nose,”

The boy takes the reins and coin and points to the kitchen

 Octavia just walks out of the kitchen as the newcomer walks towards it. She figured it was as good a time as any to introduce herself, and she was about to get some food herself.

  "Good morning. Have you just arrived to Oleg's Trading Post? I'm Octavia."

 "Where did you ride from?"

 She did not mean to sound too inquisitive, but also wanted to dispel the doubt that newcomers may be envoys of the bandit chieftain. Without seeming too paranoid, she thought she should at least ask a few questions.

Jereth eyed Octavia up and down.

"Too far, right now. Let me eat, first."

He did seem more concerned for his horse right now then anything else, watching his horse until it was safely stabled.

Odd fellow... she thought.

Ocatvia looked the man up and town, taking note of anything that could be seen as banditesque. She let him through to the kitchen, but immediately went around to talk to the guards and perform what could be construed as a background check, trying to establish where the man had come from, when he arrived, and whether he was carrying a charter... the usual routine check.

She sent on with her day, offering a bit of armour and weaponry maintenance to whoever needed it, but also enquiring about anyone with knowledge on the subtle arts of tanning rare pelts. Surely there would be trappers in the area?

Octavia remembers Vellek the retired trapper and friend of Bokken the potion maker; who was very well respected before his injury by the over sized boar tuskgutter

There was another trapper Peter that they had met briefly at Oleg’s

Octavia tried to find the man Vellek, asking around the trading post f anyone had seen him.

She had a few things to ask of him actually.
 Firstly, request that he joins the battle to defend Oleg’s trading post. They could use a good bow on the rempart when the bandits arrive.
 Secondly, ask if he would lead a team to set up traps and snares as additional defence.
 Lastly, she would ask if he had experience in tanning rare pelts. This was obviously not a priority in the present situation, but nonetheless something she wanted to do.

Oleg
“Vellek is probably at Bokken’s but, if not Bokken would know where he is.”

Isn’t Bokken dead? I thought it was Vellek who had found him and brought him over for a burial.

Oleg falls silent realizing that even his small world is in a state of constant change
He goes right back to his chores without saying anything else

One of the men at arms notes
“Someone has been at the hut I’ve seen smoke from that direction.”

There was nothing about him that looked particularly banditesque - he wore good armor, and carried himself like a knight.

He made his way into the kitchen, to give himself some food. Time enough to find out what was happening after that.

 Octavia was a bit surprised to see Oleg so dumbfounded. There seemed to be something afoot, and she needed to know more. Vellek would be a great asset for their defences, and if she had to spend a few hours to track him down, it would be time we’ll spent.

  “Nicolas! Please prepare my horse, will you. I need to ride out.”

 She looked around the courtyard to see if someone would be available to ride out with her —someone she could trust in case she ran into trouble.

 The priestess gathered her pack and arms, and made ready to go.

Once he had eaten, he returned to his horse, to look quietly at him, whilst then looking for someone in charge.

"What's going on here? Why the panic and unease?"

He was clearly new to the area - or a tremendous actor.

Octavia was walking out of the stables, fully geared in breastplate armour and carrying a greatsword. Her gauntlets were hanging at her belt, adorned with symbols of Gorum the Master of Battles. She was leading a young brown mare.

While she had no mandate, she looked, for al intents and purposes, like someone in charge. The true masters of the trading posts, though, would be Oleg and Svetlana.

“We have received news that the bandits who dwell south of here are coming after the trading posts. They had ransomed this place before, and did not like the resistance that came with the arrival of chartered explorers. They will probably be here within a few days, with arms and who knows what sorcery.”

 “Are you a chartered explorer? If so you can join the effort to receive them. To be honest, if this place falls, your charter would not be worth the paper it’s written on.”

“I’m riding out to seek reinforcements, would you care to join?”

She looked the man up and down, wondering how much of a good idea this was. She seemed satisfied with what she saw.

He tapped his fingers slowly, until Octavia mentioned the magic word 'riding'.

"We'll see if you can keep up with me, whilst riding."

He murmured.

"Which direction were you planning on going?"

OOC: Unless I miss my guess, none of the new characters are chartered explorers - don't think any more charters are given out currently.

The stable boy brings out the horses

He places everything where it goes and runs the belt around the horse
“Beg pardon, I have not the strength yet to properly sinch a saddle.”

 Octavia gives the young lad a hand to pull the saddle in place. Strength is not something she lacks, rivalling in build and height with most men and a few orcs.

 She adjusts pack, weapons and gear on the saddle and mounts up, with surprising ease given how weighed she is, with breastplate and chain.

  “Let me reassure you, I won’t be able to keep up with you whilst riding.”

 She patted the neck of her horse and added: “This young lady is sometimes rumbustious, but she’s not cut for speed... at least not when she’s burdened with me, and if I want to make it back with a live steed.”

“We’re riding to Bokken’d hut. Not too far out. I understand Vellek the trapper should be there. I would like for him to set up snares and pits around the post. Bolster our defences in anyway we can.”

“Do you have a name?” she finally asked, looking the newcomer in the eye.

A slight smile from Jereth.

"My name is Sir Jereth. My own horse is well... different. Let us go find this trapper then, to ensure he is safe and well. After that, we will see." A frown. "These bandits, what do you know of them?"

Along with his scimitar, he picked up a lance as he mounted his horse with practised ease.

The journey to Bokken's hut is not so far as one might think, just far enough to be a day trip there and back, even at the pace of walking or a cart might take.

The hut appears as abandoned as ever, however sitting on a stump out front you find Vellek drinking away his troubles, his never quite the same leg propped up on a shorter stump...

"Join me in a drink." It is a statement not a question....

During the short ride.

 Octavia rides alongside the newcomer and his “different” horse. As promised, she kept a careful and reasonable pace.
“So tell me, Sir Jereth. What brings a nobleman to these uncharted territories?”

At the potion maker’s hut.

 The priestess dismounted, not quite as elegantly as the more experienced horseman. She walked straight to Vellek, placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, and simply nodded.

She grabbed whatever would pass for a stool, and sat with him.
“A drink it is then. What is on your mind?”

Octavia Cassiana rolled 12 using 1d20+06 with rolls of 6.  Diplomacy Vellek
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Fri 29 May 2020.

A smile towards Octavia as they rode.

"I am no nobleman. Let's just say the rigors of city life do not suit one such as I."

He paused when offered the drink by Vellek though, and held ups his hand.

"Surely drinking is not required, we merely wish a discourse."


OOC: 00:23, Today: Jereth Adris rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  Diplomacy.

Octavia replied to Jareth with and intrigued smile.
  “At the trading post you introduced yourself as Sir, which I took to mean you had titles to your name. Are you a then a knight or clergyman?”

“I understand the appeal of a wild land. City life did not suit me either —not that I experienced it too long.”

sorry GM, I hope you don’t mind the dual temporality!

"Much the same getting revenge on them who killed Bokken and maybe even making sure that his mad brother is found as he is said to be dangerous."

He drinks a bit more

You are pretty sure the old man makes many such plans, but little follow through...

The young priestess enjoyed the drink offered by the trapper, steep as it was. Gorum’s holy saga said nothing about alcohol, or even sobriety, and she had a taste for it. Besides, her fighting style was more about passion than precision, and a shot of strong spirit could be helpful in this department.

“Flavourful mixture. Is it Bokken’s? It would be fitting that we drank his special liquor to send him with farewell to the other world.”

 “I did not know he had a brother... will you tell us more about him?”

“In a time like this, we may need dangerous people... see the leader of those brigands has decided that he has finally had enough of meeting resistance from Oleg and Svetlana... he is raising an army to take the trading post down. We will, obviously, take a stand. From my personal perspective of course, it is a test out before me by the Lord of Battles. You may see it as an opportunity to avenge the death of your friend and rest his soul.”

“We could use a strong bow on the parapet, and a parapet for that matter... will you stand with us Vellek?”

Octavia was a bit carried away by her discourse, and hoped that the enthusiasm would be contagious.

Glancing over to the old potion maker’s cabin, she wondered if there was anything left there that could be useful for the upcoming confrontation. Alchemists were known for their explosive decoctions ... but maybe other empowered liquids would be found there... the thought  suddenly occurred to her that this was maybe what the bandits were after when they called for the poor Bokken...

“Aye it tie Bokkens store of brews he was not just a potion maker...Yes we shall drink to him.   It seems the madness was a curse upon both he and his brother, his manifest in mostly good with some oddities his brother likewise was mad but extremely dangerous I was told with wild hair a big fat and a tambourine Bokken never gave me his name, but he said he has fed his beast human flesh of defeated foes....”

“To Bokken.”

He takes a big drink
“Prop me up somewhere on high and I can shoot arrows!”

“ I’m sure we can arrange that. We’ll even find you a solid tower shield.”

 “And we can talk about this odd brother of Bokken once we are at Oleg’s.”

 “Is there anything worth salvaging from the alchemist’s hut?” she asked.

 Without a response from the mostly drunk trapper, she would suggest that she and Jareth visit and search the little house.

Jereth frowned at the talk of going through the hut.

"Maybe it would be best if good Master Vellek offered us anything from his hut, rather than ransacking it?"

He frowned, looking thoughtful.

"Don't feel obligated to fire arrows by any means, but if you wish to do so, your help would be appreciated."

 Octavia raised an eyebrow.

“This is not the trapper’s hut, it belonged to an alchemist name Bokken. He was killed by brigands recently, and his belongings will be left to scavengers if not attended. Any valuables can be kept at Oleg’s until a next of kin is identified.”

“That is, if the bandits have left anything.”

She was hoping Vellek could point them to any supplies that Bokken may have left there hidden.
“We will look into the case of the missing brother later on, Vellek. I also have a job for you in the next weeks. Have you ever tanned a Winter Wolf’s pelt?”

The hut contains the furnishings you would expect including an iron cauldron for brewing potions a work bench (table) shelves and rows of equipment, a comfortable chair, a bed and a larder with lard, flour, sugar, oats, honey and other food items....

Empty potion bottles are in racks by the fireplace but there are no potions

Vellek hands you a couple of scrolls
One is Bokkens deed to the land
The other is his will

The deed is nearly 40 years old
The will is more recent

Octavia searches the place but decides not to spend hours on it. She grabs a large canvas bag and stuffs it with whatever is likely to spoil or attract scavengers if left there.
  “Let’s bring the food back to Svetlana. There are always mouths to feed at the trading post.”

 She accepts the parchments and glances over then quickly, before packing them away.
  “Thank you. We should ride back to Oleg’s. Grab one of Bokken’s special spirits, I'm sure people will want to have a drink to his memory.”

She asked Jareth to share some of the load on his superior horse, so that they make it back to the trading post faster.

“Master Vellek, do you know much about setting up snares, pits and the like? If we have a few days to prepare for the bandits, I want to make the most of it.”

  ooc: can’t remember if something was said about Bokken’s remains?
I’d suggest we arrange for a proper burial.

Vellek
“Yes I am a hunter and trapper by trade.”

He loads up some bottles of drink....

The salt, flour and lard are in cloth sacks and are about 40 pounds of supplies

 Octavia suggested they share the load between the two horses. Vellek would ride his own horse.

 On the ride back, she talked little. As they arrived within sight of the trading post, she came to a halt to observe the land.
  "What are your thoughts, Master Vellek? They are likely to arrive from the South, but we shouldn't make it to obviously fortified, lest they simply go around it... unless we make it our plan to trap them in the woods to the East of the post?"

 "What about you Jereth, you look like you have a military bearing, any thoughts?"

 She grabbed a piece of parchment from her pack, and scribbled some notes about the land surrounding the post.

  ooc: do we have a map of the area around the Trading Post?

"Aye defense and such, I recall several battles where the appearance of an obstacle was enough to funnel the enemy to an area....but let me tell you a story about that....built the sturdiest thing you could imagine for 10 feet about a hundred meters out then brought it in and made a fake one 150 meters long that wouldn't stop a light breeze, but left the sturdy thing out for the enemy to inspect up close, they went around and never even knew..."

He laughs heartily

 Octavia laughs loudly at Vellek's story – though really she was just humouring the old trapper. Tactics are one thing, but she did not consider theatrical antics to be a proper way to wage battle.

  "Well, that is certainly one option!," she simply said.
  "Let's ride to Oleg, and see what the others think. We probably won't have much supplies to build traps, snares, or obstacles. I hope the others come back with enough timber to build a proper fence in a few key positions."

 Unless Jereth had anything to add, she would ride towards the trading post, leave her horse with Nicolas and head to the kitchens to hand the supplies to Svetlana.

“Those were the days....”
Suddenly the old trapper seems a little Archie Bunker to me....

Pours another drink

Jereth just shook his head. This trapper was gone at this point. He remounted and headed back to the trading post.

 Octavia rode to the camp and left her horse with the stable boy.

 She went to the kitchen to leave supplies with Svetlana.

 She settled in the common room and started reading the paperwork from Bokken's hut. The deed of his land, and the will he had written. Hopefully that would shed some light into Vellek's mysterious brother story.

 At some she met Jereth again:
  "You have skill at arms, evidently. Do you also know how to use hammer and saw? We are looking to reinforce the battlements, the ramparts, maybe build a few traps if our master trapper sobers up. Can you help?"

Oleg is doing his best to get major repairs done on the fort

Svetlana is cooking up a feast a potato and moon radish mash is definitely boiling in a cauldron over the fire

Imira is looking about and helping Oleg with minor magic the mending spell repairing things here and there as Oleg hammers.

The sunlight creates shadows around the pair
Perception DC 16+

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Imiria’s shadow seems much bigger than Oleg’s

---

DC 22+

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The girl has a large hulking shadow

---

 Octavia observes the pair as they work around the fort for a couple of minutes. She wants to help, but mostly she seems puzzled, or even concerned by something.

 After a while she walks to meet them near the wall.
  "Good work you're doing, mind if I join and lend you a hand?"

 She's not the best with a hammer or saw, but lifting things or cutting with an axe should be easy enough.

 As they work she asks in a confidence tone:
  "Say Imira... I can't help but notice your shadow is different from mine or Oleg's... I mean no offence by it, but do you know why this is?"

14:44, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  perception shadows.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Fri 03 July 2020.

Imiria
“Certainly my mother was a hag, I am a changling and some such things have an umbral unmasking that is a shadow that reveals their nature as it were.  I am not hiding it at all.  Esmerelda and I are fighting to create an unbound coven so that I can remain as I am and not become something else.”

She shrugs her shoulders as if everyone knows


Somehow later a very drunk Vellek arrives at the fort
“Wasssat smell?”
Eyes the kitchen...

  "That is very interesting! I know little of the ways of witchcraft, but if there is any way I can help you find help, or prevent this unwanted transformation, do let me know."

 The tall priestess gave a hand where she could while Oleg worked on fortifications. Carpentry was not her trade, but wherever brute force and calm composure could be useful, she would be there.

 As the old trapper walked to the kitchens, she caught up with him.
  "Master Vellek, let's have some food, sober you up, and talk about setting traps and snares."

“Yes we need the heads of two bags of different types in order to make the item.  So should you come across one.  Also other rare ingredients such as trolls blood can be useful for other things, most rare elements are precious with the right knowledge...that’s Esmerelda’s speciality.”

Oleg notes the girls shadow and shrugs
“Girls magic is healing, helping, sleep and such; white magic if I ever seen it!”

  "The heads of two Hags, and the blood of a Troll?! Well that is certainly an updated treasure hunt from Moon Radish and Huckleberries..." Octavia was surprised that the very young woman was so flippant about it. But then maybe growing up as a Hag's offspring made you more open with these things.
  "If a malevolent Hag crossed my path, I will make sure to bring you her head," she confidently said. "Same for the Troll blood."
 She nodded to Oleg's words, and caught up with Vellek in the kitchen.

  "Some hearty stew to resettle your guts, and a slice of heavy bread to fill you up. Very well. Now let's talk pits and snares: how do we go about it? I have to confess my ignorance in these things."

Imiria
“Fortunately we have one head already so only two are still needed.”

Svetlana serves lunch outside today due to the nice weather

Seeing as the trapper was mute as a carp, possibly due to his inebriated state, Octavia decided to give up on the snares and traps idea for now. She ate in silence, obviously concerned about something, but did nothing about it.

 After lunch she decided to ride out and check on the others in the woods, as in her understanding they should have been back already. She rode out wit great haste, hoping nothing bad had happened to them.

Vellek had eaten and promptly passed out as he is slumped over
Mashed potatoes dribble down his chin...

Octavia waits as the stableboy saddles her horse..

Octavia and Jareth have no problem following the wagon tracks
They also soon discovered the first tree harvested and ready for transport.
Cutting through the woods they first heard a lot of commotion like logs rolling....

Exit to
Into the woods to find wood

Meanwhile at Oleg’s fort Imiria has found some volcanic rock (pumice stone) and created a single rock wall about the size of a door right against the back wall of Oleg’s.  The black stone forms a low wall in the shape of a coffin, in front of the door...

Although it looks like something sinister she fills the area with a bed of wild flowers and ivy in sconces up and around the door

Once back at the fort, Octavia starts organising actions: get the lumber where it’s needed, find a few people to help out prepping the logs, and give Tauron a good workspace for the war machines repairs.

She was intrigued by what Imiria is doing behind Oleg’s house. She observes for a moment, wondering where the odd rock type came from, and trying to piece together what she was trying to achieve. She couldn’t really make sense of what she was seeing though, so she asked:
  “Hi there... what are you doing? You seem to have skills that we could use to reinforce the defences of the fort...”

Imiria
“No this is a fairy garden a place for friendly fey to stay when they visit us, and other rare herbs a fey garden may grow .”

She brings out a warm berry pie and sets it in the garden

Esmerelda
“How did you?”
Imiria
“I found the pieces and restored them, fortunately I did not build this from scratch....there is a mystery here for certain a powerful fey most likely but just a hint.”
Esmerelda
“Like smelling children?”
Imiria laughs “Something like that...”

From: Into the woods to find wood

Eilyne hopped off of the logs when they reached Oleg's and entered the gate.  She began to look around, seeing how much it had changed since last time she was there.  The place was much more heavily defended for one thing, and there were the catapults they needed the wood for.  She kept wandering around until she saw Imiria in the back with Octavia and Esmerelda.

What Imiria was working on was quite fascinating and after a moment Eilyne recognized it for what it was.  She smile slightly as she remembered what this was but that smile turned to a troubled look as she remembered who she would have been with at the time.  Eilyne squared her shoulders and said, Well made Imiria, I think that may just draw in our two visitors from our journey back and any allies they might be able to find to aid us.  Who knows, maybe some will even choose to stay here."

Strange lights and music come from the garden and half of the pie is gone...

Esmerelda points to the container of harvested nature spirits

Imira nods and she releases the tree spirits into the plants of the garden
“It is seeded for Leshy so perhaps.”

Eilyne watched with delight as the lights floated out and devoured half the pie as the little-folk ate it.  They were so adorable and she moved up to sit on the ground near them and began to speak to them.  She hoped they would come out to see her but knew it might not happen.  Without worrying about it Eilyne kept up a steady stream of dialog in Sylvan.  She spoke of her adventures in the area and about turning the tables on that evil huntsman using his own traps against him.  She also brought a few seeds from her garment floating out to slam into the ground and bury themselves in hopes they would take root and grow as a gift for her "kin".

A tiny Long stemmed pipe appears with a spark to light the dried leaves within.
The tiny fey dragon Perlavish appears...
“This is a fine nest....I believe I smell fresh baked bread, butter, honey and jam!”

 Octavia was slightly annoyed by the focus of their preparation on entertaining the fey and the shenanigans. She made a point not to show it though, as her strategic mind was on the battle, and she knew very well that their fey allies could mean the difference between flawless victory and bloody defeat.

 She walked away from the leshy garden –or whatever it was called– and joined Tauron to set up the war machines workshop.
  "Can I help you with anything? I'm not much of a carpenter, but I can wield a hammer or an axe, and lift beams or bend joists all day long."

The men at arms are all busy with axes to trim the logs by removing all the bark, they appear to be looking forward to lunch.

Imiria is offering them water from a bucket with a ladle

Eilyne smiled and said, "Hello again Perlavish, I'm glad to see you decided to join us."  Eilyne sniffed the air and then nodded in agreement as she said, "Yes, the smell is wonderful."


While Eilyne was speaking with the fey she noticed Octavia giving her the stink eye for not helping with things she didn't know how to help with and sighed.  Her gaze went back to Perlavish and she said, "I should probably find something constructive to do to help out and I have a fairly good idea of how."  She rose gracefully and waved goodbye to the faerie dragon as she took her leave.

Eilyne strode with her graceful walk towards the front and where Octavia was and said, "Where do you want some walls?  They won't be big walls but I can put some low ones out to break up lines of movement and provide some cover if you hunker down behind them.">/Darkgreen>

To show what she meant Eilyne began to gesture and caused golden hued energy to form around her hands.  The energy latched onto a seed from the plants she wore for clothing and pulled it free before slamming into the ground where the energy remained attached.  She then gestured and made a rising motion causing a thick bush to rise up..  It was about five feet high and wide several inches thick.  It couldn't take much abuse but it would block lines of sight and movement until it was taken down.

Looking at her creation Eilyne turned her gaze to Octavia and said, <Darkgreen>"I can maintain seven at once and can dismiss one and replace it with another with a few seconds effort."  Eilyne focused and the bush she made collapsed into so much mulch and she quickly, a matter of a few seconds, generated a fresh one to show what she meant.  She had obviously slowed the creation of the first one to show the process more clearly.  Her demonstration finished Eilyne looked to Octavia expectantly.

Tauron set about getting the wood in the right place and starting the process of repairing the catapults.  He does however keep and eye on Eilyne, the witches and fay.
The elf wanted so much to join in but as he was only one that seemed to understand the catapult so he knew where his time must lay.

He set about his work.  As Octavia Cassiana comes and joins the elf he answers.
A extra strong set of hands is always welcome with a project like this.
The truth is I am new to this.  Like most things I read the books but never really got my hands dirty.  Or more to point was not allowed to.  What make this even more funny is everything is up side down.

He grins at her at bit.  Then as a passing point he asks.
How would you feel if your in the middle of a battle with someone and out of nowhere your bitten.  You turn to attack what had bitten you and you see nothing?

 Octavia was not thrilled to see Eilyne come towards her with questions. Somehow she expected it would be a waste of time. She was positively surprised to be wrong on the occasion. The demonstration left her genuinely impressed, and she responded with an appreciative bobbing of the head:
  "This is really good... on its own it may be too little to make a big difference, but if you combine it with traps, we can herd our enemies to where the trouble is. It is even better if it appears at the very last moment, I don't think you   should lay them on the battlefield before the enemy is upon us. The effect of surprise will be a useful ally..."

 "Thanks, I think your talent may translate well in the battle, and complete the array of skills we have. Most people here are simply inclined to arms... your art seems more subtle."

 

---

The priestess did not like what she heard – Tauron knowing about his craft only in theory did not bode well for an imminent battle. They had not time for trial and error. However she admired that he was ready to act nonetheless.
 "Well... let's hope that we can het one of these machines ready as early as today, so we can try them on dummy targets before we have to use them in battle."

 "I hope you'll manage to get the wood in the right place..." she added without realising the innuendo.

With a totally straight face Tauron answers.
With your strong hands to help guide me I am sure I can get it into the right slot snugly.  Then we can let rip and see what sort of pounding this wood I got can give.

However when Octavia not looking Tauron catches the dryad and witch's eyes and give them a little smirk.  The easy going druid often found the cleric hard to relate to.  She was way to up tight.  A thought crossed the elf's mind.  Had Octavia ever been hugged.  Let alone had a kiss of affection on her lips.

Now Tauron witch / druid nature came out.  If they survived this he would find someone to hug the cleric and give her a kiss.  Tauron would be happy to do this himself but he was sure Octavia would not go for it.  So he is going to have to find someone else.


OOC:
Sorry but I had to give an answer like this.  You did set it up for me.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

I knew what I was getting into :D  The idea came from the first line in your previous post, couldn't help reading into it...

 Octavia's eyebrow rose in suspicion as she noticed the pattern to Tauron's choice of word. She may have blushed ever so slightly before setting out to work.
  "Well, let's get to it," she coughed, and turned her back to the elf to focus her attention on the debarking of logs.

Svetlana calls for meal time and Oleg breaks off working.

Svetlana and Imiria bring food for the two guards who remain on watch along the ramparts


The first catapult gets finished and being on wheels and with a working pivot point can change angle and elevation in minor adjustments
15 degree field left and right, three notches up or down

Octavia is happy with the progress, and moves to sit at Svetlana’s table with a large smile and a sweaty brow.
  “Thanks for the food, Svetlana. Hearty stew makes fierce warriors. On battle day we’ll have to opt for a lighter meal though. We don’t want our soldiers sluggish.”

She did not mention the innuendo incident again, but came back to Tauron after the meal with a proposal:
  “Shall we try to hit something with the catapult? I would hate for the actual onslaught of the brigands to be our first training...”

Svetlana points to her work board
A large sheet of dough is there
“I am making enough hardtack to last a month and pemmican to go with it.  I will be on other duties should the battle come.”

Imiria settles in for lunch
“So big rock slingers?”

Octavia asked two guards /soldiers to gather logs or hay sacks to form a suitable target. She instructed them to take a wheelbarrow and install this target a few hundred feet outside the main gate, slightly off centred.

« Come on Tauron, let us try this machine of yours. I hope the practical exercice will prove your theoretical knowledge reliable!  »

Imiria offers a smile to Svetlana
“Fear not should the lasting seige not happen the trail rations can still be sold to explorers.”

She turns to the discussion of the catapults
“I believe we could stockpile stones quickly and effectively with but large eggs and a caged cockatrice...”

Sense motive DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You long ago realized that her independent spirit makes her think of solutions that she with only one hand could achieve by herself

---

Knowledge arcane/nature DC 14

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You know it is a real creature that would indeed ossify eggs

---

Tauron stands back and looks hard at his work.  Looking it over carefully.
Any one watching him would see that the odd rustic elf for once had the rare look of a learned elf thinking things through.  Tauron back in his days of studies.

He joins the others for food.  Like most of the time when he is with the other witches he is quite and listens to them.  Show them a great deal of respect.

He also does not repeat his smutty comments again.  Letting things slide, for now.

Getting back up and walking beside Octavia Cassiana.
It would be foolish to not test the catapult out.  Not only do we need to make sure it works but we need to set range markers.  No point in firing a arrow into the sky when you being charged by a land animal.  No point in firing rocks over people's heads when you need them to hit the creature.

The elf does his best to set the catapult up to be fire.
When everybody's clear he fires it.

OOC:
Got no idea what I should roll if anything for firing the thing.
This is test run anyway.
15:01, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Sense Motive: .
15:01, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15.  Know: Nature.

Drezghl watched as Tauron launched the large stones off into the area surrounding the keep.  After each shot he rode out on his horse and drove in a stake to mark the impact.

ooc - Ranger markers are a good idea.  Maybe try launching multiple smaller rocks rather than huge singles. several 20 lb rocks vs a single 100 lb rock.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

 Octavia listened to the young Imiria with an quizzical frown. She asked candidly:
  "What do you mean stockpile stones with eggs? And what is a cockatrice? Some sort of petrifying monster? Like a Basilisk?"

 "In any case, I would say eggs are more valuable than stones... but if you have access to and control over such a monster, I see better uses for it on the battlefield!"

 The priestess was already imagining catapulting a cockatrice —whatever it was— in the middle of the enemy ranks!

 She was happy to see Tauron and Drezghl putting their differences of opinion aside and focusing on the task ahead.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 10:44, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

Eilyne nodded in understanding at what Octavia asked of her and said, "Of course, all you have to do is tell me where and when you want them.  I can handle the rest.  And you don't need to be concerned about whether I can fight, I may prefer to avoid it but I can when I need to."

With that the lovely "dryad" said, "I'll be around if you need me," and began to walk away with a swinging swish of her hips.  Eilyne paused when she heard Tauron speak and his innuendos and burst out in a fit of snickering as he practically propositioned Octavia.

When it came time for food Eilyne went in to eat with everyone.  She took a seat where she could find one and began to eat hungrily.  The food was rather good and she found herself enjoying a meal with people for the first time in a while.  She flirted with some of the guards, and anyone else who seemed interested, until the meal was done.

As everyone went back out to work Eilyne wandered towards the catapult and listened to what was said.  She noted that Imira's comment was inventive.  She quickly understood just how inventive the woman had become.  "That is a fun idea, not sure one cockatrice would be enough though."

As Tauron and Octavia got ready to finally test the catapult Eilyne smiled naughtily and said, "So test it already Tauron, or don't you have the stones for it."

Eilyne Groveborn rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Sense Motive.
Eilyne Groveborn rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11.  Know (nature).

Esmerelda
“"Behold and see, that which sprung from the egg of a cock, hatched by the death adder. The glance of its eye sufficeth to turn to stone any living thing that standeth before it. Were I but for one instant to loose my spells whereby I hold it in subjection, in that moment would end my life days and thine..." Therewith came forth that offspring of perdition from its hole, strutting erect on its two legs that were the legs of a cock; and a cock's head it had, with rosy comb and wattles, but the face of it like no fowl's face of middle-earth but rather a gorgon's out of Hell. Black shining feathers grew on its neck, but the body of it was the body of a dragon with scales that glittered in the rays of the candles, and a scaly crest stood on its back; and its wings were like bats' wings, and its tail the tail of an aspick with a sting in the end thereof, and from its beak its forked tongue flickered venomously. And the stature of the thing was a little above a cubit.”

Citation: In The Worm Ouroboros, Chapter 4, King Gorice shows a cockatrice

Imiria
“Not at all it is the bite of a cockatrice that sets things to ossify or fossilize.  We could both find and return one from the fey garden.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Wed 07 Oct 2020.

 Octavia did not quite get why a cockatrice was needed. Surely gathering stones from the nearby river would be easier than petrifying eggs. She left the witches to their antics and started gathering tones of suitable size for the war machines, aiming for the 50-80lbs range so they would be easy enough to carry on a wheelbarrow, and two men could easily load them on the catapult.

 The question that was on her mind was more about how they would fire the catapult, make their aim true, and destroy the enemies. Stocking ammunition would be pointless if they cannot hit the mark.

Svetlana chimes in
“I respect it is part of your nature to ponder the imponderable as illustrated by the story of how may a mortal man slay the kraken, given a narrow window of opportunity or how a chaos cloak and wheelbarrow are notable assets to breach a castle, but perhaps you lot can leave off confusing the others?”

Tauron is happy to join in with Eilyne Groveborn flirting.  It is clear the elf enjoys the company.  And in answering her words on stones.  Oh Eilyne I think my stones will be able to handle it.  However once this is all over.  As a kindred spirit of nature I would love to see your skills with the wood and stones I have.
Then with very big grin on his face.
Once Octavia Cassiana is personally satisfied they work properly.  When your as long lived as my kind you learn to not be jealous and to share with those that are appropriate to your nature.

Turning to the fellow witches. I will leave you to decide what to do with the idea of the cockatrice.  I carry on working on the catapult but if you need my help just call.


Tauron carries on working on the Catapult to make sure they work well and to set up targeting areas so he know where the rocks will hit.

OOC:
I never got clear answer to how well the catapult is working?

For shots with catapult 1d20 + BAB + Dex modifier....-2 per range modifier.

Vellek helps out by firing long range and even flight arrows to gage distances...

With the catapult happily fixed, Octavia decided to move on to the next item on the list: get siege engine ammunition.

She still did not quite understand how the cockatrice would help in this department, unless they happened to have a patch of pumpkins or watermelons to petrify, so she did it her way: heading out to the river with a donkey cart, and collecting appropriately sized rocks with which to play.

If she found heavy dead stumps or other similar projectiles, she would bring them as well.

A couple of guards rested after the night’s watch agree to assist with rock gathering

Imiria is in the kitchen making what looks like blue candles...

Tauron carries on his work making sure the catapult works and fixing any other wooden defenses around the fort.

Turning to Octavia Cassiana.
I think, I may be the one to fix the catapult but I feel someone else would be better at using it than me.  I be better off using my skills with a bow and healing others when needed.  Also using my animal friends to spot any surprise or odd attack the bandit have prepared.

I think someone has a hawk out scouting? Maybe some guards or scouts aswell?


Theo hums along the path happy with a job well done. Bringing back the requested creature in just a week, and in good condition too, having managed to placate it with rabbit and transplant it into a barrel with minor difficulties. He still had to stop to feed it or it would get cranky every other day, but all told it had been a unbridled success.

Practically skipping along as he rounds the bend/hill bringing the fort into clear view.

He pauses for a moment noting the fort's dramatic activity and changes, as Tyson brought the dog-cart to a stop and panted. Something was going on, but things appeared to still be in order. Taking the skip out of his step, he resumed his steady approach eager to show the results of his trail.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Fri 06 Nov 2020.

As you approach one of the guards comes out and swiftly intercepts you..
“State your business.”

About that time a wagon load of rocks, two more guards and some adventurer rolls in slowly behind you
The wagon creaking under the weight

"Theo Foster, Plant scholar, bringing the requested Fern to Esmeralda." Pointing to the barrel on the left of his cart. Dog perfectly oblivious to the guards, and one the glass containers rustling on the cart rustling. Seeing the questionable glance, "I was just here last week.. Perfect, nothing catches fire and no one remembers your name, typical." Sighing, tossed his bag of sling bullets over the barrel only for it to get snatched out of the air in a yellow puff by tendrils, pulled down, and subsequently tossed back out in disappointment. " Scary Plant business for the Scary witch." This was a clearly different reception then his last visit.


Theo Foster rolled 12,2 using 1d20+8,1d6 with rolls of 4,2.  Sense Motive vs Guards.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Fri 06 Nov 2020.

Surprisingly the guard nods immediately
“I’ll fetch ms Esmerelda right away, sir.”

He practically runs back to the fort...as if a beast were at his heels

The result is the small witch coming to the gate and waving you in
“Open this gate you buffoons, we got things needed for defense and a load of rocks..., useless men!”

The witch turns and goes back inside

The two gates swing open new hinges holding both in perfect position...

Theo whistles the dog forward into the gate, intent on parking it by the stables. He flips the opens the lid on the rustling container as it passes, following the dog and unsaddling once it's out of the way. A plant tendril barrel reaches towards the stables windows and is promptly whipped back by animate ivy climbing out of the tank.


Theo didn't know what to make of the situation the whole place seemed to be preparing to fight a army, but there weren't any armies nearby to fight against? Tyson would love nothing more then to help with pulling the quarry wagon, but there wasn't a quarry in the area either though? Nothing made sense here, he had only been gone a week but everyone as confused and busy. Esmeralda hated errant questions so he would have to ask someone else but there were a few faces missing too.

Dog free, and wagon propped up, Theo looks around for a friendly face to question if Esmeralda heads off to do something else.

[Language unknown: We! Oer Setardeau.]
[Language unknown: Her! Uneve Terwheyin.]
[Language unknown: Intin! Hi Ectsaneen.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

A young one handed girl approachs you he smiles a friendly smile ..
“You must be the one Esmerelda encouraged to seek out certain plants.  Come they belong in the garden, now.”
Just to clarify Esmerelda talked you into it and you never met Imiria until now...if you want to flesh out the detail of that encounter you can via private message....unless you want to do a historical thread to cover it...

“I am Imira, and you are?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:08, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

Theo found himself walking towards the fort with company. A woman in heavy armour, accompanied by two guards, were escorting a donkey cart back to the battlements.

  “Hi. I take it you’ve visited Svetlana and Oleg before. I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Octavia, priestess of Grum. You are ?”

The woman was of impressive stature, and spoke matter of factly, though in a friendly enough tone. She eyed the dogs, as if appraising  the danger or potential they would represent on a battlefield.

It was a big dog, muscular, well breed but a dog none the less, and far more trusting then leery. It also barely acknowledged her or the cart's presence except to follow Theo around the burdened wagon, devoted to it's task and little more, clearly enjoying the exertion and unconcerned with the company.
Max Danger Level: Oblivious to it's own size.
" Theo, Theo Foster, Botanist from the Restov College." He was a short man, but kept a motivated pace once could describe as normal in a taller man. He didn't appear to be much of a fighter, but he was a healthy lad. +0 strength, +2 Dex, +1 Con modifiers "Hasn't everyone? Their the heart of the whole region. Admittedly my visits are usually only for supplies and the odd repair, but I have a delivery for one of their more eccentric guests today." swinging his cane up to his should, and tapping it at the barrel on the left behind him.

-------------------------------------------------

Smoothing down Tyson's fur, " I'm Theo, are you sure about keeping it in a garden, it's not really a domestic variety. I wouldn't even have considered bring one to anyone with a lesser reputation. The Ivy Plant on the wagon has entered the barrel and started a full blown plant wrestling match, Wobbling the barrel around on the wagon.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Sun 08 Nov 2020.

A crow flies in and takes itself a perch on Imiria’s shoulder...
The creature caws a couple of times and accepts a treat

The girl frowns...

 Octavia smiles and pats one of the dogs on the back.
  "Beautiful creatures... do you breed them? This could be useful for the future of the region."

 She had only a mild interest in the dangerous looking cargo.
  "I guess you are working for one of the witches then. Very good, they had a lot of potential, and need all the help they can get. One of them asked med to bring a Hag's head as a trophy, to be used in some ritual. Let me know if you know where to find one!"

 She shrugged as their route split. She was going towards the catapults to deliver the stones.
  "I'll see you around, Theo Foster. We're expecting a visit from a score of brigands, so if you care to give the scum a lesson, you are welcome to join our efforts."

Tauron is happy to join in with Eilyne Groveborn flirting.  It is clear the elf enjoys the company.  And in answering her words on stones.  Oh Eilyne I think my stones will be able to handle it.  However once this is all over.  As a kindred spirit of nature I would love to see your skills with the wood and stones I have.

Eilyne rolled her eyes at the play on words but smirked slightly as she said, "Hmm, we'll see about that but first you must prove they are worthy of such handling."


When the new arrival showed up with his cart and his dog talking about plants Eilyne's attention was caught immediately.  She wandered over to see what was going on and joined the others with the newcomer.  Eilyne's leafy garment rustled as she approached and saw the new comer.  She looked him over a moment and then saw the dog.  Eilyne had few run ins with dogs in her life and she wasn't sure how to react with it.  She did, however, know one thing.  Dogs like marking their territory on plants.

Eilyne gave the dog a stern look and said, "Do not confuse me with a plant you can mark dog, Remember that and we should get along fine."  Whether the dog understood her or not Eilyne didn't know but she had at least tried.

Eilyne returned her focus to the new comer and said, "I'm called Eilyne, I heard something about you have plants with you for Esmerelda?",<Darkgreen>  The leaf clothed woman seemed very interested in teh plants and asked, <Darkgreen>"What kind did you bring?"

"Good to see you back. Who is this new human?", Drezghl said to Octavia.

He began unloading the largest of the stones and made ready to haul them up to the catapults.

  "A 'botanist' from Restov. I think it means he studies plants. He has a beautiful dog with him.”

 She unloaded the stones with Drezghl and added:
  "I'm eager to see what this catapult can do... shall we try it?"

 She knelt and started drawing on the ground with her dagger, what was a crude and not all too accurate map of the fort.
  "Let's set up dummy targets over there, where the brigands are likely to be when –if?– they do attack."

  "And start throwing stones!" she added with a smile.

   Octavia Cassiana rolled 9 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 5.  try catapult
 That's probably not very good
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Wed 11 Nov 2020.

Tauron looks over the newcomer and his dog.  Seeing that Esmerelda had ask for the mans help Tauron decide it was not his place to get involved.

So he carries on his work on the catapults and other wooden items of defense around the fort.

Imiria
“They are coming, or more correctly a first wave has left the fort and are headed our way.  Filarion is not at the fort or was not when the contingent of troops left.  Forty troops, wagons of pitch, a few commanders.  Plenty are still gathering under the Stag banner.”

Tauron looked over at Lmiria.

Wagons full of pitch you said Lmira.  Would they be open wagons?

Theo, theo right?  Your an alchemist right?

To Octavia Approaching the Gate:


Chuckling, "Bought him from the kennels down in the Halfling district, they have a way with the beast, probably because they see eye to eye. Used to get rented out to pull plows I was told. All he cares about are eating, sleeping and working. Basically in dog heaven the whole way out here, and every day since, well except when it rains."

"Aye the short one, can't tell if she joking about children to keep up a image or not. Playing the evil witch to scare people off is one thing, but isn't severing heads a bit too much for joking around?" shaking his head, "Aren't Hags just elderly women villagers get tired of. I'm beginning to wonder how senile she is, She spent half the morning ignoring me, then just demanded I go collect this beauty, like I was indebted to her."


Theo Foster rolled 11 using 1d20+7,1d6 with rolls of 1,3.  Knowledge Nature, Hags.
Theo Foster rolled 25 using 1d20+7,1d6 with rolls of 13,5.  Knowledge Local Bandits.


Waving Octavia off as he unsaddled Tyson, mutters "That can't be right, the bandits around here are just people running away from hard work or life. Risking their lives to attack this place doesn't sound like them. Oh, no it doesn't does it boy. There ya go, go find some dirt to roll in or something."


------------------------------------------------------------

To Eilyne Regarding plants:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ej...=jpg&name=medium

"A Hungry one, I didn't catch a rabbit to feed it this morning and it's got quite a mood. Roofus is wearing it down right now, I can call him off if you want. But like I said this isn't plant you'd keep in a garden, It's the kind that wouldn't think twice about drinking you. The old Tri-Colored Dozer, Elfs use it in medicine sometimes but they always hunt it, never grow it."

At Eilyne's prompt Theo will whistle Rufus out of the barrel and let her examine the plant, which would promptly try to poison and eat a normal person, or horse. Or she approach the two warring plants herself. (Rufus is a mute, ornery, and has a temper but is enjoying his wrestling match).

Rufus -> https://www.d20pfsrd.com/besti.../plants/creeper-ivy/

------------------------------------------------------------

To Tauron:

"I dabble in it, often I find it the best way bring out the potential of medicinal plants, and sometimes even useful in it's own right when handling difficult or toxic plants." Looking the Elf over, "First week in the expanse? Old Bokken can get you anything Slev doesn't have. We don't have much around here besides each other to count on."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Tue 10 Nov 2020.

Eilyne didn't think she'd heard of a plant like that before but it wasn't a huge surprise.  Given that it was rather predatory the leaf clad woman shook her head and said, "No, Rufus can play with the plant all he wants to.  I might look at it once he's worn it down first."

"Imira, how long do you think it will take fore them to arrive?", Drezghl asked.

“Three days, I am sending my bird to locate Filarion and other allies, though it is unlikely he will get to help in defense of the fort.”

Theo goes to the wagon and takes out the tries to lift the barrel out of the wagon, failing comically as it's weighted with plenty of soil and a medium creature. Stepping back he concentrates briefly follows by a whistle, and monstrous Ivy Vines erupt from the barrel wrapping around it, lifting it, and giving tendril legs. It stumbles ackwardly behind Theo as he walks (10 feet per round) towards the garden indicated by Imira.

The preparations continue ....

Of the witches only Imiria is seen frequently though you catch sight of the gnome Esmerelda
When she is in the garden or tending an assortment of tea kettles on the fire in Svetlana’s kitchen

Imiria casts ant haul on anyone moving heavy objects around the fort

Towards the end of the day she sends her raven on a scouting mission...

Imiria
“It is my hopes my familiar being better instructed in observing bandits report better results and better information for the final moments of preparation.”

She hugs Svetlana and then plants a kiss on the cheek of a scowling Esmerelda.....


The hardtack bread is finished and stored both around the fort and everyone is given enough to be 10 days of rations

Barrels full of water are likewise topped off.....

Octavia tried to carry on the exercise of adjusting the aim on the catapult. She suggested Drzeghl and Theo tried as well, as she wasn’t particularly gifted at the art of siege engine.

 “Tauron,” she called out. “Can you repair an other one of those?”

 While one catapult was good, the ability to cast a volley of stones seemed even better.

In reply to The Spirit of the Land (msg # 210):

Drezghl continued hauling rocks to position near the catapults. He figured that this would be the best way to help with preparations for the seige.

The raven returns
Imiria
“The bandits arrive either tonight or they will choose to lay siege at first light!”

The men at arms do the most sensible thing and turn in to be rested and awake all night...
They set cots near battle stations

The bird continues to inform Imiria of the situation...
She looks troubled, furrowing her young brow and biting her lower lip

Imiria
“We have a problem, the bandits have a prisoner, bound gagged and blindfolded... We suspect a spell caster so a group might need to go out and.,..”
The elder gnome Esmerelda cuts in “Kill the wizard and drain his blood..bring it back for the bath..”

Imiria rubs her brow with her remaining hand
“No!  Free the wizard or help him escape, as long as he casts no spells against the fort.”

As Theo finishes the transplant, He finds the mood is still serious around the fort. People whispering, yelling, and flitting about more then a murder at a Wolfsbane bush. The interment thewip and jostling of a catapult above his head draws his attention.



Making his way up the fortification, Theo Pips up. "Begging your pardon Priestess Octavia, but if  at first you don't suceed, nor the next 5 times, I've found it prudent to find a distraction and come back to it. I've got some fresh mint leave you can put on the kettle." Why she called herself a priestess but dress like a guard captain was a bit beyond Theo, but it never hurt to be prepared out here.







Rufus has found the other sunset facing wall and latched on like a normal ivy bush true to it's ambush predator roots, effortlessly crawling up, over, and down the wall Much to any guards displeasure.
Tyson is busy being a lazy dog anywhere someone won't trip over him and someone will give him the time of day.

Imiria walks away to confer with the ladies in the kitchen and herbalist distillery

Tauron carries on his work turning to the second catapult and tires to fix it.

Calling back to Octavia Cassiana.
I will do my best to get both catapults up and running for the attack.

Octavia smiled at Theo and accepted the tea gladly.
  “Unless in fair games of combat, I have nothing against a bit of performance enhancing decoctions...”

She hoped the infusion would do a bit more than just taste nice and fresh.
If the botanist should ask, she will give him a lecture on the cult of Grum, starting with core principles and spanning clergy accoutrements.

—

She replied to Tauron:
  “I shall help you, but I fear the brigands’ haste might make our best not enough...”

With the Tea Brewed, Theo goes to inspects the first Catapult for himself, Eventually untying the knot and pulling all the spooled rope off the catapult for inspection. Finding the outlayers to have been discolored by exposure to rain, hardening the rope and undermining the entire system. It was salvageable but would need to be replaced much sooner then normal, and perferably pine coated to water proof the new rope. Reversing the rope, Theo starts putting the unyielding hardened rope first around the coils, so he could use the more elastic inner layers where the leverage happens.

Problematically it was much easier to unwind the rope then wind it back up correctly by himself, and he rather quickly finds himself stuck between trying to keep the rope coiling neatly while rotating the shaft.

Oleg is busy reinforcing the walkways under the catapults and ammunition

"Tell us more about this wizard, Imira.", Drezghl asked.  His voice was calm and soft.

"What can you tell us about him? How do we find him?"

Drezghl finds Imiria sniffing one of the numerous tea kettles boiling over the fire...
“Not much actually a wizard or maybe sorcerer that the bandits managed to capture who likely they intend to use against us in the coming battle.... pretty sure it’s too late to stop that from happening.  She who hesitates is lost and all that....I believe we will endure the attack that comes, though some will indeed be lost....”

The evening meal is served early and everyone feels the impending attack..

As evening begins to set in you can see a group of riders far beyond arrow range
The newly wakened guards cry out and point...
“Riders to the west!”

During the day, Octavia has essentially fasted, busy that she was testing the first catapult and assisting Tauron with fixing the second one.
Come evening she enjoys a frugal meal, not indulging in Svetlana’s cooking too much. There was nothing worst than fighting on a bloated stomach. Actually there were many worse things, but on this specific topic she chose to stay lean and if not hungry, at least wanting. She kept a fruit near at hand to chew on before the battle commenced, as they knew it would.

She did not know what to make of this sorcerer business. Gents of magic were known to be deadly on a battlefield, but she did not understand why one would keep their arcanist blindfolded until the battle... it’s not like a hawk that one keeps in the dark until the hunt begins...

In any case, when the enemy was spotted at the West, she asked around:
“Is this what we were expecting? Or some new twist of fate? Maybe allies sent by Fillarion...”

She climbed on the parapet to try and make out a standard or colours, but the lack of light made it difficult.

---

Octavia Cassiana rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17.  Perception Riders .
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

Just then a volley of five Magic Missiles streak unerringly towards the men on the walkway...
The force dissipates before the missiles hit anyone

Esmerelda
“The bound wizard has come, a favor he did casting from beyond the spells range, expect a powerful spell! Duck and cover!”

Rufus has made his way over to the eastern side of the wall for shade at Dm's digression, Realy to pick up a meal if anyone tries to climb the walk nearby and they look remotely suspicious.


Does Octavia the player not get the hostage situation, or is it character blindness? I'mma assume the later, and she isn't mentioning outloud.

Theo Foster rolled 16 using 1d20+2 ((14)) Spellcraft.
Theo Foster rolled 15,2 using 1d20+8,1d6 with rolls of 7,2.  Sense motive vs Witch(s).

Theo should have gotten the first 2-3 seige engines operational with a bit of physical help. Let me know if you need more rolls.

-------------------

Theo is walking out of the inn with warm stew and a bread loaf when the lights streak, lighting up the wooden walls with a ??? glow. He hadn't though anyone would want to or care to attack the only trading post in the region, this was just ridiculous nonsense.

5 streaks was bad news, the most he had ever seen someone accomplish was two, and that mage was a bit of a prodigy. There no telling what kinda arcane horrors could be sent there way, but the witches maintained they knew the fellow and he was holding back.

What did they mean he didn't want to attack them, or that he wanted to submit in fear.
Theo Whistles (Rufus: Come command) getting back in the cover of the Inn.



Rufus Rustles on the wall, agitated.

Imira
“Unlikely the wizard did a favor the brigands knowing naught of magic bid him attack and he told them it was too far, and he had to prove it to them.”

Using his keen eyes Tauron studies where the wagon with pitch is.

He also asks if the alchemist has a timed firebom?

OOC:
Could Tauron work out if he can fire an arrows or two into the pitch wagon?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

Thus far only four bandits and one wizard have been sighted
Where are the other bandits is a great question.....

The bandits advance still at extreme range.
Vellek calls out
“Longbow men with flight arrows, take aim now.”
Pauses to see who wants to fire at that range....

“The wizard is the target?”
Pauses for a reply
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

Tauron grabs his bow take aim at one of the bandits.
In answer to question.  If we leave him alive and free him he may help us.
If he powerful enough to fire a group of magic missile I think he be able take few hits before he dies and they will be able heal him up again.
If he know we not trying kill him he may turn on them if gets free.


14:18, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Attack bandit with bow.
14:25, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

Vellek’s arrow flies true as well hitting the same bandit (as Tauron) who falls off his horse..
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

When the call of riders went out, Drezghl grabbed his longbow and two quivers of arrows.  He ran up and took his place on the wall with Tauron and Vallek. He nocked an arrow and waited for them to get into range.

Aiming at a random bandit he let loose with an arrow and quickly followed it up with a second.

-------

OOC-

15:16, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Longbow - Random bandit.
15:18, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  damage.

15:18, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 21 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 15.  Longbow - Random bandit. (Rapid shot).
15:18, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Damage.

Octavia was not much of an archer, but she used a sling with efficiency when needed. She climbed on the parapet and tried her luck, aiming for one of the bandits. She was not quite clear on the wizard, the magic he displayed seemed potent but missing due to range seemed like a stupid mistake...

She released one bullet but it flew wide. She had supplies though, and would keep firing until the enemy was upon them. A wizard in her experience was best dealt with in melee combat anyway.

“This seems like a small patrol...” she said to the others.
“Keep an eye out! They may be trying a diversion to bring their troops closer while we are focused on the West!”

She did as she said, and perused the horizon for signs of the other bandits.

---

hit AC7 with range penalties...

With preparations finished and news of the imminent attack and then the sighting of the first "wave" of attackers, Eilyne knew that the time for play was over.  She went to the walls and moved into her designated position while waiting for something to come close enough to attack.

I can't do too much until they get within 120ft, even then I will be taking a chance since I will be exposed for the round to hit at that range.

Two bandits go down at extreme range, and a thick fog conceals the remaining two bandits and the wizard....
Spellcraft DC 11

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Obscuring mist

---

The thick mist rolls forward towards the walls of Oleg's to a place it thins out at close to 50 away....
....it is impossible to see through


Although no one spots any other bandits from other directions, a plume of smoke is on the plains to the South,,,,,

Tauron calls to the others. Hit them with catapult make it lose stones.
That should upset them hiding in the mist.

OOC:
Tauron is only +3 with it.

 Octavia thought this was the perfect opportunity to try the catapult indeed.

 She pocketed her sling and ran to the war machine, commandeered a guard to assist her, and tried to fire a pile of loose stones, each the size of a small squash, towards the obscuring fog.

Roll BAB + Dex to hit

 Maybe it was a lucky shot... but then maybe Octavia had found herself a passion and a talent for artillery. She had never been much for ranged combat, but maybe it was simply than the shafts thus far had been too small.

ooc: omg can one crit with a catapult?
Octavia Cassiana rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  confirm critical hit ??
Octavia Cassiana rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Catapuuuuult.

The dice roller is alive.

Theo should have gotten the first 2-3 siege engines operational with a bit of physical help. Let me know if you need more rolls.



Tyson squared away, and the world not ending. Theo goes back  into the fort.

Theo makes his way to the east wall ramparts, to Rufus.

Theo Foster rolled 19,5 using 1d20+7,1d6 with rolls of 12,5.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

The reaction from in the fog is dead silence ...

The waiting goes on but eventually the fog lifts and there unpaid out is the bandits, horses and wizard
No one moves

Tauron looks to see if their are any other bandits to be seen.
As he does he nods to Octavia Cassiana.
It seems all our hard work has paid of.

Theo was on the far wall, preparing a bouncy body formula and keeping watch, after about a minute he made his way over to the south wall to clean what he could from the smoke.

If nothing else, as the momentary victory rings out, if it rings out. (Assuming the smoke does give any information to react to or distribute over the minutes long wait.) Theo and Rufus will leave over the wall to administer to any wounded.

The investigation of the corpses finds:

the wizard, no sign of any of the normal trappings you might expect to find on a wizard, only a spellcomponent pouch of exceptional quality.

The bandits have only standard gear, the saddles and bridles off the horses, and of course some miscellaneous items....

There is no activity in response to your activities around the bodies

"Let's get a team of horses to drag the dead ones inside the gate.  If they lay siege for a while, we may need the meat.",  Drezghl suggests.

The men at arms gently pick up the wizard...
"I saw a flash of arrows like lightening coming for my eye, and the wizard who cast that magic did it from too far away, there is no way he mistakenly spared my life."

The other guard nods in agreement As he too had seen his death streaking towards him with no escape....



You find two bags of caltrops, a bottle of strange liquid and a couple of horns made from horn

At their words Tauron double check the wizard in the vain hope that somehow he not totally dead.

Roll a heal check....

DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The wizard is covered with wounds in various stages of healing...

---

DC 16-20

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The wizard appears very much dead

---

DC 21+

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You have heard stories of wizards using magic to feign their deaths,....

---

Tauron looks the wizard over.  Oh yes, divine and arcane just stupid names.  Magic is magic.

Tauron undoes the wizards bonds.  Casts Stabilize on the wizard.  Picks him up.
Now your coming with us.  And we have two very nice witches in the fort.  So you can either wake up and agree to join us.  In return you get your freedom.  Or stay dead.  Then we can hand you over to the two ladies.  I am sure they will find some use for different parts of your body.  You where a wizard after all.

Tauron chuckles to himself. I think I may have spent to much time around Esmerelda.  Some of her views seem to rubbed of on me.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

Octavia held the fort, eyes on the horizon and to the south in particular, while the others ventured out to retrieve bodies and loot.

She was still enjoying he satisfaction of her lucky shot with the catapult.

As they came back, she asked:
“What is the deal with his wizard then? Should he not be in binds, or better even dead?”

Tauron looked at Octavia Cassiana.
We are not sure what the status of wizard is.  However the one thing we do know is he no longer a prison of the bandit and is free.  I going to give him to the two witches.  I sure they work out how alive or dead he is.

Esmerelda claps her hands together
“Quick hang him by his heals over the tub, quickly now so the blood collects.”

The guards are pretty sure this will make sure the wizard is dead, but the idea of a literal blood bath is freaking them out..
They make no move to follow the instructions

Wouldn't stabalize stop most bleeding

Theo Rolled a 16 heal check using 1d20+6,1d6.

Theo didn't care what Tauron did with the bodies, as he had already determined them to be dead. He moves on to studying the surroundings to figure out what is going on with the any remaining bandits.

Theo Foster rolled 15 using 1d6+14 with rolls of 1.  Take 10 survival check, Used inspiration die.


Rufus takes claim of a horse corpse, reluctant to let fresh carrion go.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Tauron puts the body of the wizard down and cast detect magic on it just see if wizard had cast spell on himself to look like he is dead.

The wizard appears dead from the impact of a large rock...

Tauron

Imiria comes out and points her finger in Esmerelda’s face touching her nose

“The bandits have set camp at the place I was held hostage where the forest the plains meet the Thorn River.  That is where the pitch wagons and bandits are....It is well the wizard died before casting pussiant magic upon us.”

She points out a flowerbed of the garden...
“We can place him in the empty bed and cover with heavy stones until we know for certain.”

Octavia gathered the troops and said:
 “We should focus on the threat at hand. Keep this one in shackles if he’s not dead, keep him in a fresh space otherwise.”

She turned to the witches:
“Do you have powers to set fire to this pitch wagon you mentioned? Or if not, could you fashion an incendiary projectiles to throw with our catapults?”

She turned to the botanist:
“Theo, maybe you can help with this — you have an understanding of things alchemical, right?”

If anyone wanted to spend more time on the mystery of this wizard, she would leave it with them, but as a military person she had other more pressing concerns.

Eilyne was please they had overcome the initial attack though the wizard was...odd.  Dead, undead, faking, who knew?  The thought of placing him in the garden under some rocks made a lot of sense though and she said, "I'm sure the plants there could use the fertilizer so why not?"

Esmerelda
“Flaming arrows into the camp seems the best first course of action, one of us could cover your approach with fog if you like.  Imiria perhaps this time...”

Imiria
“We may also recover the spell book of the wizard, unless it is held at the fort.”


Svetlana
“True it would be best to burn the wagons far away from here, but not set the forest ablaze.”

Father Johod
“This might be a great chance to strengthen our community.”

 "Flaming arrows into the camp sounds good... do we have very long range arrows? Master Vellek can maybe help with this. Otherwise, we could try the catapult. It is good for throwing heavy stones at a reasonable distance, but maybe we can use it to cast a volley of light flaming projectiles at a greater range."

 As evidenced by her armour and weapon of choice, Octavia was better suited and looking forward to the art of melee combat. That is where she would serve her god best.

 But in the meantime, weakening the enemy at a safe distance was a great idea.

Tauron added.
I can levitate.  If you can get me into the forest at the right distance I could float up to the tree tops and drop arrows down on them from above and be hard for them to attack be back.  I may need someone to spot for me however.

"Levitate is an option I suppose... long range fire arrows may be easier though. Any ideas in that area?" said Octavia.

Theo Knocks on the gate to be let in, having trailed the bandit's path for an hour. His plant monster drags off the horse corpse to find the sunward facing wall of the fort to leisurely mulch at.

Approaching the war council, Theo reports
"I'm not sure what to make of it, I don't see any tracks leading away and all the tracks leading this way are accounted for unless someone was actively hiding their presence. Seems foolish to attack the fort, let alone with less then a handful of men and a unwilling wizard.

Also I found this hidden back a ways where they last broke camp, I think he took it off his captors but never got a chance to use it." Presenting an awkward looking key of unusual metal.

This whole thing was giving Theo a migraine, why would bandits attack the only place in the region that could supply them with manufactored goods, and haphazardly at that.



Scratching his head, "Well it's not all that different then making torches, the trick is making them hard to put out.. Wouldn't it be easier to go for the wheels? If they can't move the wagons they'll still have to defend them. I'd certainly be in a pickle if my cart's wheels broke.  Do we even know why the bandits are acting out all of a suddenly? I though they were mostly content to exist outside the law and raid the odd trader for things they needed."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Mon 25 Jan 2021.

 "As far as I know, the so-called stag lord has had enough of Oleg and his merry band stepping on his toes. There may be other reasons, but it should not distract us from the fact that our mandate in those lands was to get rid of banditry. I will no ask questions if murderers and thieves start acting foolishly. They may be going through a rough time, but it's not going to grant them mercy or empathy from his one." she patted the almost comically large sword at her side.

  "Now, to other matters. Yes, immobilising the wagons and being able to claim their content is a better option than wanton destruction through fire. If I can get close enough and have cover, I will gladly destroy a few axles in a skirmishing move before moving to kneecaps, hips, and other joints."

 To any who had seen the priestess fight, this made sense. She had a knack for targeting, hitting, and splitting joints in a manner that was as efficient as it was hard to watch for anyone who did not have a background in butchery.

Esmerelda
“So your not going to just burn it all down?”
She asks with disappointment

"Never say never," Octavia replied with a sibylline smile.

"We will try the subtlety of axle breaking, but if it fails we can move on to arson."

A knock rang out on the gate to the trading post and when the gate was opened, a young dwarf wearing finely tanned hide stood before the gate. He was leaning on his staff and a hammer could be seen at his belt.

The dwarf's beard was braided and the braids were held in place with small leather bands with a simple gem of varying color on each braid.

"Ho there. I hear there be bandits in these parts that need to learn a lesson or two. I have come to aid in the effort to settle these lands and expand trade throughout the area on behalf of the mountain dwarves of the Nomen Heights. If you'll have me, that is."

A small older gnome female is the first to acknowledge your presence
Esmerelda
“A cleverly disguised miniature male Medusa would be safer than a dwarf.  Hide the ale! Tis a dwarven seige.”

A very young girl with only one hand shoo’s her away
Imiria
“Pay her no mind, she is getting long in the tooth, but she is still the finest herbalist in the land.”

Dods shook his head laughing at the woman's statement about dwarves.

"I've heard worse. Thank you for opening the gate. Now, where are those that are out to hunt bandits? I would like to hear the plan."

Octavia welcomes the newcomer with a handshake.
“If you’re here to hunt bandits, we welcome the assistance. I would typically ask how we know you are not one of them, but you really do not seem like the type. What is your skill and trade, Master Dwarf?” she asked.

Part of the answer could be inferred from his accoutrement and equipment, but she would really rather hear it from the proverbial horse’s mouth.

Dods smiled at the question, “My family mines, crafts and sells jewels. I do a bit of the selling and crafting but I was born to Thunder and Lightning flows out of my veins. I am still finding my way in the storm but other druids have guided me this far.”

Theo isn't thrilled by the prospect of a druid, archaic fools that are. The best of them were misguided but astutely competent, the worst had deranged fixation on exalting whatever they fancied beyond anything else. The fact that there was another person calling for bandit blood didn't sit well with him either. Theo moves off to Esmerelda, "May I borrow some of the sap and fruit from your garden? I can make a paste that will eat right through the wagons."







https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchineel

It would take Theo about 115 hours to craft bone paste, if he rolled 11, 80 hours if he rolled a 20, Under normal rules. Would need hand wave from dm to shorten it to 1-2 days with exotic materials.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Thu 28 Jan 2021.

Tauron walk slowly up to the dwarf.  His swan and dinosaur following behind.
Both of which seem to be seeing who can make the nastiest noises at the dwarf.

Well.  From my understanding does not your race like to pull things from the earth and set them on  fire.  Not plant things and add water to help them grow.  That must be a culture shock for your family.

Tauron smiles.

Turning to Oleg Tauron says.
You may want to change the name of this place to Oleg's nature reserve.  You seem to have a witches coven and a druid circle in the creation at the same time.

Turning to the two creatures by his side.
Now you two stop it.  I know he looked funny and smells worse then some of Esmerelda's brews but somehow he is one of us so be nice.
The two animals stop their hissing at the dwarf.  Looking at him a bit oddly.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Thu 28 Jan 2021.

Dods smiles once again, these people and their stereotypes. "Aye ya' tall lanky elf. There are dwarves that mine and smelt the ore they pull from the ground. If there weren't there wouldn't be none of your precious gold, silver, gems and weapons. But not every dwarf is a miner, just like every elf isn't a treehugger. Some of your kind live beneath the ocean, others in the desert. Dwarves aren't quite as varied."

"And the land gives in a portion that can be harvested and we return the energy in kind. Dwarves dig into the ground but they build structures to hold it up as well."

"I am not here to defend the dwarven people, or myself, but I am a druid of the storm and have an interest in stabilizing the lands in the Green Belt for the betterment of my people and those that live here peacefully."

The dwarf is gruff, but not rude in his response. At least he doesn't think he's rude.

The gnome witch Esmerelda points her finger at Theo
“Your not old enough to be messing with bone paste, and you best to form it out of doors...fortunately for your hide I already have some.”

Imiria ignores her
“Welcome master dwarf, who’s heart belongs to the wind...”

Still smiling Tauron says like a teacher talking to group of students.


Wind On The Hill
No one can tell me,
Nobody knows,
Where the wind comes from,
Where the wind goes.

It's flying from somewhere
As fast as it can,
I couldn't keep up with it,
Not if I ran.

But if I stopped holding
The string of my kite,
It would blow with the wind
For a day and a night.

And then when I found it,
Wherever it blew,
I should know that the wind
Had been going there too.

So then I could tell them
Where the wind goes…
But where the wind comes from
Nobody knows.

By A. A. Milne.

And come dear dwarf, admit it to one that noise, when nobody looking.  You sneak up and give them a hug.
I will not tell.  We know the tree do talk, you just have to know how to listen.

"That's a mighty fine poem, Mr. Elf. I like trees. I have no problem with hugs and if a tree saved my life, I'd be hugging it." He hoped the elf would let that be enough. "I must ask, what is your name and are you a druid as well or some other sort of witch?"

Tauron extends a hand to Dododir.
I am called Tauron Alphmellon a scalar of one of great Elven Wizard University.  However I could never understand why magic was split into arcane and divine.  In truth all things are worth studying if you have the time.  Personally I find studying with Eilyne Groveborn and Octavia Cassiana most enjoyable.  He winks at Eilyne.
But as labels help.  Yes I am both a druid and a warlock.

Dods shakes the elf's hand and says, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He turns and says, "Now are we going to find some bandits or what?"

Priestess Octavia had remained fairly quiet, mildly amused by the classic dwarf/elf banter. Even though these two were far from the archetypes of their race, she thought. When the storm druid asked the best question of the day, she rose to the occasion though.

« I have been wondering the very same thing, Master Dwarf. We had a brief skirmish earlier today, which ended with a surprisingly accurate shot by yours truly. But I was lucky... do you know anything about war machines? I won’t suggest that you should — you’ve made it clear that you’re not the average dwarf. »

Still, having an actual artillery engineer would be good— so far the machines were fixed by a druid, serviced by a botanist, a manoeuvred by a cleric...

Looking to the horizon in the direction of the bandit encampment, she mused:
“I wonder if we could hit them from here... maybe with long range projectiles? »
<

Theo isn't skilled in disguise, but we have magic users.  Combined with Octavia's distraction, Theo thinks he could slip in and   sabatoge the wagons bad enough a carpenter will need to replace axels to move them effectively.

He still not keen on the whole slaughter bit, but it wasn't his place to condone it, just to judge it.

Business concluded, Theo rejoins the conspiracy proper.

Weighing Octavia's suggestion, "Probably not from here, not without sight past the horizon, a tall hill, and a perfect wind. If you knew where the camp was, you could probably land some stones in it from a good ways through the treeline. Would probably have the same effect as dropping stones in a ant hill though, enough to startle and anger them. Enough a small guy like me could probably slip in while they chase you too small to fight, but clever enough to 'fix' things."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

Oleg joins in the discussion.....

He unrolls the map thus far created....
"Sounds like the main bandit force is holed up at the Thorn river camp, where you lot defeated bandits before.  It is a full days ride just to get there, and not sure if it is best to wait on them or to try and keep them contained where they are...."


For reference on the hex map it is the area directly near the E4 designation on the map, where the river comes into the plains.....
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

Drezghl walked over where the dwarf and elf were talking.

"Yes, we will be finding bandits or they will come to us. Sooner rather than later I expect."

"I am Drezghl", he said and offered his hand.

Dods held out a hand to Drezghl and said, "Pleasure to meet you. We have to make a choice, do we want them to attack here or do we want to take the fight to them. Assuming we know where they are, that is."

Imiria sticks her soft young hand out as well.  Her other hand is simply a stump nearly fully healed from the axe of Kressel the bandit leader who was formerly in command at the original thorn river camp....

She does her best to describe the camp the way it was....

"The Thorn Ford camp is relatively large, and well
defended by numerous hidden platforms placed in the
trees. The camp itself is about 60 feet from the Thorn’s
north bank—a path winds alongside a shallow creek that
leads directly up to the campsite. This path continues for
another 200 feet north of the camp before turning into a
standard game trail."


"The bandits created this semi-permanent
campsite by cutting themselves a small clearing. Tree
trunks and logs serve as chairs, all centered about a stonelined campfire. A heap of kindling and smaller sticks lies
nearby. The bandits generally prefer to sleep under the
stars, but a number of folded tents are stored under the
platform for wetter nights."

"To the East and West wooden platform 20 feet off the
ground gives a great view of the campsite and the trail to
the west. A rope ladder allows access, but if pulled up to the
platform, access from below is possible by climbing one of
the nearby trees.  Tents, firewood, food,
and other supplies were kept under a canvas tarp below the Eastern
post. The bandits keep their loot under all of this, hidden
from casual view."

'The bandits used thick logs lie positioned alongside
the forest trail. Bandits sometimes use the logs as cover or
roll them across the trail to create obstructions.  There was also an old, broken-down wagon sit the bandits occasionally use it as part of a set-up
to dupe travelers."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:48, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

Svetlana pipes in...

"Yes I remember we drew a picture of it."

Link back to this game

“This hardly sounds like a fortified position... though I guess the platforms could be a problem.”

She pauses to think for a moment, then adds:
“Abandoning the strategic advantage of the fort is risky, and certainly not the smart thing to do. On the other hand the bandits could be waiting for reinforcements from other camps, or unlikely allies. I’m wondering if a skirmishing party would be a good way forward. We could harass them and force them to move when we are ready to receive them. And if they don’t, they will have to accept their losses until we strike again.”

She looked around l, her gaze meeting first Drezhgl, then Tauron.
“What do you think?”

"I remember the sentries on the platforms with thunderstones for alarms. That made things difficult. After we killed them all there last time, the Stag Lord will have stronger fighters and be even better prepared.", Drezghl said plainly.

"Harassment could be a good strategy. We can do that with low risk of injuries. Make them post extra guards. Lose sleep. Wear them down.  Maybe get close to the camp and run off their mounts to put them afoot."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

More rag tag strangers were showing up, and just getting accepted into the war council. Theo didn't mind more people in a fight, but he wasn't a fighter. Just strong enough to scare off/creep out a handful of people when needed. It didn't even sound like they were driving off a bandit raid anymore but actually attacking their stronghold. This really wasn't his kind of activity, so he decide to meander away to the general store unsure of what do about it. Maybe someone would find something for him to do, or leave him out of their madness, Eitherway he could do with some shopping. After all that was the second reason he had come here, it was the supply region of the area.

Oleg...
"Seems like we will be able to send a scout out to get a look at the bandit camp and even givr updates on a daily basis.  The tiny fey will make that trip for small pies from Svetlana and Imiria's crow will do it for eyeballs."

Tauron turns to the other witches.
Do any of you ladies have the spell Embrace Destiny.  I am not great with a bow but with that spell I can became a really nasty sniper.  I can levitate so I can make life in the platforms hard and fire down on them.
Our friend over their. Pointing to Theo Foster. Can you make stink bombs or fire bombs that go off when they hit the ground.
He then turns back to the witches.  What about you ladies.  Can you make something that if dropped into the camp would make living their miserable.  Like diseased ridden things.  My swan could drop them into the camp.  I am sure if explain what to do.
Knowing her she enjoy doing so it.