On the Beach...

All the bodies where buried and the smell of cooking meat of ram and crab filled the air. As night fell and the only sound was the waves of the sea and the fire of the camp. Anstice had found a patch of wild blueberries, some perfectly ripe (enough, for herself and 2 others). Her eagle had been gone for many hour, but returned with a small ram (enough for himself and 4 others). Finally Eleni had found crabs along the beach (enough for herself and 4 others). Their was more then enough food for everyone.

OOC: Anstice, you have enough blueberries to use for spells if you wish.
Feel free to RP as much as you want, before turning in or taking watch.

Watch order for the night (if any)?

Checks for using the star?

Marching order for the next day ( if you survive the night). ;)

"I can take first, or last watch, all of the time. I'm a wizard and need my rest for regaining spells." He says to the others.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:29, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

As darkness fell Aetius began taking advantage of a smaller chunk of wood and the expanse of sand to slowly start trying to map out approximate locations for this place based off the boat's destination, the placement of stars in the heavens and the point when the storm itself hit. He looked up from his scrawls occasionally to keep an eye on the rest of the group and joined when portions were being distributed but otherwise was largely focused on getting his calculations correct. When Yngvar mentioned the need for consistent rest he nodded and added, "Similar situation for myself. While I can disturb it it will mean less magic the following day and it's not recovered till things change."

OOC: Hit a 27 on Knowledge: Geography after confirming with the DM that would work too

Marching order put me wherever.

"I can take any watch" Cassandra said "Fluffy is good at keeping watch though" she petted her Wolf. "He's a lot better at it than I am. And I won't be able to do much we are attacked other than waking everyone. "
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

Garvarius gave thanks to his goddess as the smell of food filled the air. Eating some of the ram and crab, with a few bites of berries filled his belly and made him tired. Looking up into the stars, he noted a few constellations, but left much of the work to Aetius, who seemed to have greater knowledge.

"I can do the watch at midnight, the girl can get her sleep. Cassandra, is it? If your parents are still alive girl, I will do what I can to get you back to them. Where they on board?"

OOC: Garvarius rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Profession Sailor.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

"It may behoove us to double up some of our spellcasters on the twilight watches. Arachne will set up a space 15' wide at the tree line directly out from the fire. With some leads that will enable her to sense if they are disturbed. When stars are well out, with a few minutes I can tell if we are in the area of any maps I'm familiar with." he says as he makes a whistle and points to the trees. Clearly the spider is aware of this command.

Anstice returns from her gathering with 6 special berries. She shares what food she has with everyone else. Though Ensuring the eagle gets to eat its fill from the Ox since it is his prey. "Is anyone hurt. Each of these six berries will feed a grown man for a meal as well as heal minor cuts and bruises. Anyone that is only minorly injured can have one first. We can split the rest of the Ox, berries and magic berries among the reminder of us. For those that have greater injuries I can heal them directly. I can also make up to 4 gallons of fresh water if we need it. As for rest and watches I must do my devotions at midnight to my Goddess so I will take the watch either just before or just after that."

Anstice looks to Cassandra as Garvarius asks about her parents assuming that the women would be able to speak the tongue of nature she speaks in Sylvan, "I will not reveal your secret if you do not wish it. I would suggest you trust these people as for now it is all we have. The decision is however yours."

"These are violent mortals" Cassandra said quietly in the same language "they scare me almost as much as the slavers. They would as soon pillage and despoil the dead as slay another for glory. Have you not heard their words and seen their actions?"

"I wish to give them no excuse to see me as different. As yet another thing to exploit and despoil. I am not sure that I am safer with them than in the wilds.. But I know not where I am or how to return to my sisters. I stay with them because you are with them. And I at least trust you as you are a priestess of a Goddess that I respect."

"Which watch do you want me on?"+

Garvarius began to wear a face of confusion, as two of his newfound companions began speaking a language that he had never heard before. He had not heard many tongues, when he grew up in Sparta. Yet, since running from his homeland, and being a sailor on a ship, he has heard many languages, and although he did not know them, he knew what they sounded like.

"Anstice you speak this girl's language? Why does she not answer my questions? Is she kin to you?" A look of curiosity, more then suspicion grew on his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

"Oh I am sorry" Cassandra said looking embarressed "There was so much talk going on I didn't realise you were talking to me.  This isn't my normal language so unless I concentrate sometimes I don't understand it properly. It wasn't deliberate"

"It's very kind of you to offer to help. My family wasn't on board the ship. I was captured by slavers and carried on the ship as cargo. I'd like very much to get back to them, I miss them terribly."

"No the priestess isn't my Kin. But we respect the same Gods"

Malvolo was using the wreckage for a crude covered oven. When he was done there would be 20 crude, ten pound bricks of silver, deceptively small for their weight. He would laugh in delight as he wipes sweat from his brow, "It may not look like much but there was quite a value of silver in that rock."

He makes no show to hide a curious glance as he overhears Anstice talking in another language. After a moment he smiles warmly and goes to assist with cooking. He doesn't remember enough to make outstanding meals but he can at least slowly and carefully cook things to a decent fair, or he makes an excellent second set of hands if someone else has profession chef to treat it. "I have a small cut, it will heal overnight. I admit to being unwise to the nature of the wild places... But I have made something of a devotion to Athena in my life though war is the least of her aspects in my mind. I'll take a shift that ends in the morning. Yngvar I think we have enough people to double up on watches, how about you join me?"

"That would be fine, Malvolo is it, and if you need help. I'm an excellent cook and brewer, but will get better." he says to the ladies that made the meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

"It's the tongue of nature and priestess's of nature. Most who have such strong bonds to animals as she and I do speak it." Anstice explains a bit trying to remove some of thr confusion from others faces.

She gives one of the six special berries to Malvolo on closer examination they appear golden,"Better to heal the little cut quickly. Also the berry is food blessed by Artemis. It will serve as all needed for a full day and will only last until tomorrow afternoon."

She takes a deep breath and considers the watch problem, "We should attempt to have a person with martial skill on every watch. I will take the watch that would end at midnight. Perhaps Cassandra you can take the one that starts at midnight. Allowing a warrior to join each of us." Anstice was also attempting to set up so Cassandra would have a her awake and mediating for the first hour to help her feel comfortable with the another person.

OOC:The retcon with the berries was after a clarification with the DM on how they work
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

"If there are three watchs and ten people" Cassandra said counting "then roughly three people a watch. And perhaps four on the dawn watch because that is the hardest"

"I have little to contribute in the area of martial skills. I do not possess or want a weapon. Weapons are tools for the destruction and killing of others. But I can at least do my bit"

Looking mildly like he was making some progress if his glances skywards were any gauge Aetius might have seemed to be paying no attention to the rest of the goings on as conversation continued. However that was evidently proven not to be the case as he strolled over to eye Malvolo's work as the completion was announced, nodding appreciatively at the effort, "Who knows, if you're fortunate there might be chance to examine more of the rocks around here when there's a path back to civilisation. Perhaps there's a fair range of the metal nearby."

Anstice's advice about the berries earned a nod of agreement, "Wise advice. While a night's rest might have you feeling hale and able to press on if you get your injuries taken care of now it means that should anything happen during the night you're better able to face it."

He made a brief mental note about the girl's remark about this not being her native tongue which coupled with the one she and the priestess spoke in was interesting. Foreign slaves were far from uncommon but with her language of choice being not one of another land but of those who favoured nature narrowed down possibilities. He had minimal interest in it though, people's matters that led them onto the ship were of far less importance than surviving the aftermath of it wrecking.

"I'll take a berry. A few of the stone pieces found their way onto my head during the skirmish." she says, parting her hair to show a moderate gash from the falling rock. "For watch overnight, I am happy to support wherever I am needed. I recommend if someone is not particularly observant that we double up watches, and the suggestion of a warrior in each is also wise. Come morning we travel to the river and then upstream until we find something more interesting. She passes the crab around to anyone who wants some, eating a little bit to savor the flavor of the meat. "I am happy to be in or near the front while we travel, best way to stay between any aversaries and our less robust companions. Alternately I can be a rearguard as well, though my preference is the front.

To Cassandra "Weapons can be used for that purpose, and often are. They can also be used in warning or delivering justice. A properly brandished spear can end a fight in more than one way. Fighting is becasue diplomacy broke down somewhere along the way. I believe weapons are necessary in life, even if only to defend. However, I respect your choice to not harm others. It is not an easy road to lead."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

"You can deliver a warning with a word. And 'Justice' is just another way of saying 'revenge' or vengeance. As my Elder Sister says 'There is no Justice, there is Just Us'. If your 'Justice' involves sticking a sword into someone, then I think my words described it well"

"The Gods have picked you for their tool, as is their right and pleasure. That is clear. A tool that will be used to bring destruction and violence all around you. I think your sword will be sheathed in blood and kill many things before the God's tire of this game. It will have little to do with 'diplomacy failing' and far more to do with providing amusement"

Eleni listens closely as Cassandra explains her beliefs. "You are correct that many confuse justice and vengeance. I also prefer words to swords and spears, but like earlier, I think there are times where weapons and violence are warranted. The responsibility we share for exhausting the alternatives to fighting are an important one to bear. We have differing philosophies but I am happy to have someone who both understands the value and facility of true peace with us. She explains, ending with a soft smile at her companion.

Garvarius smiled as he heard the words of the young girl and Eleni. Cassandra was honest, young and naïve. "In nature the lion kills with tooth and claw. If not for the strength of arms, we would be in Hades now. Many gods, beast and men prey on the weak. The weak expect the strong to protect them, and if you get strong enough...they may even call you a hero. Many heroes end up dying, protecting the weak, as they sit in their ivory towers with their strange...philosophy. It happens all the time."


"First watch, I suggest we have Yngvar, Aetius and myself. Second watch, Cassandra, Anstice and our best warrior Eleni. Third watch could be Malvolo, Gerakas, Pantelis and Theoros. Are all agreed?"

This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

Mal nods and consumes an offered berry of healing, "The stone and bones commanded by Ares earlier are hardly a force to be reasoned with. There can be no sin in answering. Though, in the future we may meet such as could be reasoned with. Then I'll hear your ire and support your argument, Cassandra. Education and kindness are some of my core beliefs.

To that end, if Arachne catches something of at least cat size in her webs, she will come back to camp and alert someone by tapping your left foot. She is supremely intelligent for a spider but, still a spider. She has a decent but childish grasp of the common tongue."

If no one mentions location, taking 20 will pass the Sailor check (even if there is a -4 for lack of tools) and taking 10 will net him the History check. He would share all this with the party freely.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

As the sky darkness, Aetius marks a few constellations in the night sky. During the early weeks of spring, the most widely recognized constellation at nightfall is Orion, standing upright in the southwest. Then he compares them to the other seven prominent constellations associated with springtime, Ursa Major, Boötes, Cancer, Leo, Coma Berenices, Virgo, and the Hydra. Using each in relation to the other and given how mush sailing to they had from Troy, Aetius's keen mind is sure they are on the island of Ameíliktos. He shares this knowledge with the others. Malvolo, remembers reading and hearing of this island and shares what he knows about it. (The island of Ameíliktos, (Made for this game). you would know that this island is a colony of Troy, but has suffered under heavy pirate and bandit troubles recently. There is a small village somewhere on the island called, Néa Elpída.)

The night watch goes on without any trouble and as the sun begins to raise, the party begin gathering for the days travel ahead. As some of the party has eaten the golden berries that where blessed by Artemis, they are free from any hunger or thirst (for 24hrs from eating them). As the sound of the waves slowly disappears, replaced by the sound of the river, birds and the soft wind through the trees, bushes and grass, the party moves on.

As the party moves on, they caught the smell of death up ahead. Eleni being the first to notice it. They then spot a man tied to a tree with a sign around his neck. "To those who fail to pay the tax of Sun." The older man (40s), had been tied to this tree for a week, maybe two. His eyes and tongue where gone, likely feeding the nests of crows. Maggots crawl in the empty eye sockets and mouth. (Any who have at least 1 rank in the Heal skill would know that this poor man was beaten mercilessly, before being tied to the tree).

While no stranger to the pungent smell, she still covered her nose and mouth as she moved up to look over the dead man. She then turns around to face the party. "Anyone opposed to helping pull this man down and building a large fire? I don't want to bury him here near the river and the tree roots will make digging a grave quite difficult I suspect. I am open to other suggestions if someone has any. Have any of you heard about the tax of the Sun before? It seems like it might be a shakedown by the bandits mentioned earlier. Either way, we should remain vigilant. she says to the group before turning back and assessing how to get the body down gently.

Anstice rests as best she can before and after her watches. It was a night of very strange dream. Stories told at her mothers knee play across her dreams interspersed with the voice of a goddess offering power in exchange for service. The dreams at a few points nearly beceome nightmares of the aftermath had she said yes.

As they come to this strange warning sign. Brutal and horrifying to just leave the dead to rot as a warning, "I agree with the fire and let us deal with the dead first. I will consider on the tax of the sun."

Now Cassandra really knew that she was in the realm of mortals. Her face went a little white and obviously she was deeply uncomfortable with the whole thing. Not just the old man himself, but what this represented

"I didn't see this yesterday" she said obviously "But I took a different route. Let's hope there are not more" given her slight build she wasn't much suited to the task of 'dealing with the body'. "I will go ahead and see what I can find. Hopefully not missing another thing as obvious as this..."

She walked into the bushes and was gone

OOC
A few questions

• How big is the river?
• Are we talking a mile across, 100yds across or something you can jump across?
• What is it like: white water or gentle snaking oxbow you would find at a large estuary

Yngvar pulls out a very sharp dagger and holds the body against the tree as he cuts the rope off of the body. He gently lowers it to the ground and stands back. "Are you sure it wouldn't be better to bury him beneath stones instead of the fire of a pyre. The smoke will give us away, or do we care?"

Listening to the information others had about the island Aetius was relieved to hear it at least was settled, though problems with raiders added to the possible threats they would be facing. Quiet during his watch hen he rose the following day with initial slight confusion at his surroundings before he remembered where he was, shaking his head and helping break camp.

As they drew close enough to the body to get a clear look at it he shook his head, expression as disgusted as many others. The question of what the tax might be earned a one-shouldered shrug, "Could be a range of things. Bandits using a grandiose term, a tithe for an area devoted to Helios, some creature or another that lays claim to a region and uses that as a term for passing through."

OOC: 14 on the Knowledge Religion

"That is a good idea Yngvar. I think the stones will work great, and the river should have plenty for us to obtain easily." She says to him as the assists in lowering the body and removing the sign. She then begins collecting stones for the burial.

"We shouldn't leave him this way. I'll help gather up some stones, and then we can bury him." Garvarius began gathering up stones, while looking towards Anstice, before dropping his gaze. The golden berries triggered something in the savage man, like a dream...or a memory. As they worked, Garvarius smiled to himself. "My mother use to take me and my brother into the forest. We would eat fresh berries and my mother would make some golden. I was only a boy of four or five back then. I had forgotten, until now. That was before...the Agoge."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Malvolo tried to inspect the body and account for the manner in which it was hung. He investigated even the tree and its position... The direction the man and sign had faced. "Taking him down at all is something someone will notice. This is a border. How closely watched, I don't know. They don't seem the type to let a long time or space go unobserved though. We are officially on a clock though. They will likely see this as a disrespect. I'm inclined to approve as there seems little intelligence in such an example as this."

He began marking symbols in dirt considering further possibilities.

Pantelis had been quiet mostly since the day before. Though he gladly had taken his part at the end of the night to help with watch and as the sun had risen he played a soft low tune on his pipes to wake everyone. Happening on the sight of the suspended man he shakes his head, "I know there are those that mark their territories and show punishments for law breakers, but it still sickens me. Of course I shall help take care of the dead in any way possible."

As he then watches Cassandra go off into the forest surrounding he murmurs low to himself in the sylvan tongue, "I hope she learns to trust us, this alone proves there is more danger here than we know."

Anstice looks over at Garvius when he mentioned the Agoge, "Garvarius are you from Sparta? I was raised at the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia." Anstice helped how she could thinking back of her time there, "My teacher and effectively mother would do the same with berries. Eventually she taught me how to make them myself." She smiles at the thought, "She would tell me stories of her husband and sons. Until something happened and she stopped. I never understood why." As she remebered old times the training in religions came up. Perhaps the subconscious thoughts would bring her further ideas.


OOC: Knowlege Religion 24

An hour pasted by and the poor man that had hang from the tree of woe, was put to rest under stones. By now the sun was high, just about noon time. With the few hours of travel from earlier, the group made ready again to continue up the river.

As the group moves up the river they begin to slowly begin walk up a worn, dirt path that seemed to follow the river. Then almost without warning, arrows come flying out of the woods. Ambush! Spot or listen checks, DC 12 Please. This is so you may act during the surprise round. Also, Initiative rolls please.


OOC: A DC 20 Knowledge Religion check will tell you that the tax of the Sun, is the call of the priests and worshippers of Apollo. One must pay gold to the priest or offer a family member to be "offered" to Apollo (consumed sacrificially). As every human as a tiny spark of divinity in them, gifted by Prometheus, that gift can also be consumed by a hungry deity (like a juice box, or in this case wineskin).

Looking in Pantelis' direction at the remark about displaying lawbreakers Aetius shrugged, "Seeing criminals punished swift and fair is one thing. It deters others and shows the citizens that the laws are enforced rather than offenders set free. The condition here though is to horrify more than any of that it seems. As authoritarian as it is for an island as small as this it seems more than simply excessive."

Listening to others talk of their time prior to the shipwreck with interest he did do the same, merely paying attention as he continued to examine their surroundings. Fortunately enough for him while not especially sharp of eye he did catch enough of a warning in the undergrowth that he was prepared for the incoming arrows even as he called out a warning to others.

OOC: 13 Spot/Listen (same modifier) then I proceeded to call my Initiative roll a Listen one.

23 Initiative
AC 17
HP 11

Cassandra was in front of the party, scouting for ambushers and things, when the ambush happened. So wasn't around when the arrows began to fall upon the others.

Hearing the sounds she was at first shocked. How had she missed the ambushers? Had they teleported in like the skeletons and stone men? Had they had invisibility spells? or jumped out of pits. Simple hides would not have concealed them from her as she was on the other side of them

Feeling a failure and useless she returned to the scene of the ambush. Not able to do much other than watch and hope that her critical failure as a scout wasn't going to cost some of these mortals their lives.

Spot 28, initiative 10
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Anstice sees the attack but is slow reacting to the information.


OOC:
Init: 2
Spot;18
AC: n:14 ff:13 t:11
Hp:10/10

This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Having heard Atieus' reply, he caught a Sleight movement in the underbrush. He only hesitates momentarily, thinking it may be Cassandra returning.



02:09, Today: Pantelis rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

02:09, Today: Pantelis rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Spot.

Malvolo had been happy to share the information that the 'Sun tax' may well pertain to Apollo calling for gold or divine spark. Since they already had Ares admit involvement in their troubles, possibly Poseidon and Zeus as well. He was not even aware of the arrows as he considered a sad estate of ones ganged up upon by the entire pantheon... but they were surviving... which suggested the gods were not -really- trying. Arachne tapped his left boot and he looked down at the spider. Their shared link merely let him know danger was about... So he began casting Shield but it may not help him against an initial volley.

OOC: failed sensory of himself but familiar got it. Empathic bond. Initiative 15

Eleni's training kicks in with barely any conscious thought. While she can't see any of their attackers, the sounds of the bowstrings are unmistakable. She quickly drops to a knee and grabs her shield and spear. She then scans for the source of the arrows.

OOC:
Spot: 8
Listen: 12
Initiative: 21
AC: 19 (Fighting Defensively)

If she can locate the source of the arrows she will move towards the nearest one.

06:48, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Listen.

06:47, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 21 using 1d20+7.  Spot.

06:46, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

Yngvar casts Mage Armor on himself at the first sign of trouble, AC17.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

The centaur was not talkative. His hangover was as immense as his mighty frame. He cared not for a hanged man, not burying it. But someone shooting arrows at him? That had his attention!

---

Spot: 19
Initiative: 10
AC: 16 HP: 13 (0/5 Damage pool)

18:43, Today: Gerakas rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Initiative.
18:42, Today: Gerakas rolled 19 using 1d20.  Spot.

Garvarius knew that he had said too much, but that even more questions flowed through his mind. "Yes, I am Spartan.....My mother grew up in the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia before leaving to become my father's wife. I heard she went back there after my father was killed, and my brother and I where taken for the Agoge."

It must have been his thoughts of the past that took him unaware of the ambush.


OOC:
10:07, Today: Garvarius rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
10:07, Today: Garvarius rolled 8 using 1d20.  Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Tue 31 Jan 2023.

Ambush! Most miss, hitting the ground around you. Yet some found their mark. Theoros fell off his horse, bleeding from an arrow to the neck and two in his side. He cried the word, "Phthiotis", before death took him.

Out of their trenches comes out the enemy, hidden by the cover of bushes and trees you see men and women armed with bows, one bald man wears an amulet of the sun. With them is a woman, a priestess of Hera. This priestess has striking features, luxurious robes, decorated in peacock feathers and has a sadistic look in her eyes. She carries a peacock fan and her breastplate shows the symbol of Hera on it. Thick leather boots and a well-traveled expression and intimidating glare marker as one not to be crossed. This priestess spoke to the bald man. "Just as my goddess foretold. Remember Kimon, there is a priestess of Artemis among them, She's Mine!"

OOC: Please post Initiative, AC and HP on the bottom of your posts. As well as attack and damage rolls. For those who made their Spot and listen, take your surprise and 1st round actions.

Priestess of Hera: AC 17, HP 19.
Kimon (The bald man): AC 14, HP 11.
Thugs (all the rest): AC 13, HP 9.

If you finish off a enemy, describe it. Combat is a roleplaying opportunity. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

Map with #, thanks to Eleni. :)


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:14, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

Suprise:

Anstice reacts slowly but with a plan in mind. She smiles at the cleric of Hera claiming her as the primary enemy. She speaks to the forest and the very trees that had provided the Priestess of hera cover for an ambush began to wrap around her and the bald man next to her. This over grown danger extends backward behind there foes limiting there ability to escape furthering east.

OOC:
Standard action:Cast Entangle target out past my foes so the center is 40 feet away from both Priestess of Hera and the Bald man. DC 14 reflex save or entangled.

Normal Round:

With the enemies escapes cutoff Anstice moves onto getting herself ready for the battle. She pulls her Shield off her back and raises it in her defense. Seeing one of her allies laying on the ground dead or dying she decides to focus more on ending this quickly by aiding the other She calls a blessing of Artemis to aid her allies in the battle.

OOC:
Standard:Cast Bless (+1 Morale bonus to Attacks and saving throws against fear)
Move action: Ready Shield


Init: 2
AC: n:16 ff:15 t:11
Hp:10/10
This message was last edited by the player at 05:51, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

"What is the sense of fighting us? I mean sure, you got one I guess... " Malvolo wonders aloud as he moves ten feet north. He knew that their luck at ambush would likely embolden them  so he began to tell a tale a common epic that taught the lesson of being careful what you wish for because it may be your biggest problem.

The spider at his side flung a fast web over the nearest thug.

OOC: move 2 sq N.
     Action: Inspire Courage (+1 to attacks/damage and saves vs fear/charm)
     Arachne's web hit! (Escape DC 10, break 14; AC10 DR5/-, vulnerable fire)

Initiative 15
Arac    Hp8/8 AC18
Mal     Hp7/7 AC20

Eleni springs up and moves up towards the bandit closest to Cassandra. She thrusts her spear at the bandit, looking for a weak point in the armor. Finding a weak section, the spear tip finds flesh and draws blood. "Lay down your arms if you wish to hold onto your lives!" she says to the bandits.

OOC:
HP: 10/10
AC: 17

Move N2 , E2

Attack roll: 14
Damage roll: 7

As Pantelis sees the enemies emerge from the brush he grabs his bow. Stringing and loosing an arrow at the nearest enemy, it goes wide. He mutters a quick curse and readies another arrow to fire again.

OOC:
Initiative: 3
HP: 7/7
AC: 17

Attack Roll: 7

Gritting his teeth as the arrows fell downing one of their number and sending a disgusted gaze Malvolo's way at the man's indifferent dismissal of it Aetisu headed a moment seeing as the group was strung out but not long. Better to suppress their ranged efforts here as much possible and trust the others to clear them elsewhere.

With no other suitable targets nearby he rested a hand on his own chest as he cast his spell and began to stride forwards, growing in size until he towered above those attackers he stood before even as Anstice's magic cut off any path to retreat behind them. His chain lashed out at the bald man the priestess called Kimon, driven by substantially more mass than usual, with enough force that it drove him to the ground without much slowing, whether unconscious or dead it was unclear. Snapping it back Aetius looked coldly down at the others, eyes flickering between them as he waited for them to act.

OOC:
23 Initiative
AC 15 FF 13, T11
HP 11

Surprise Round
Standard: Enlarge Person

Round 1
Standard: attack on Kimon. 18 to hit, 16 damage.
Move: Draw weapon, move in front of bandit in D11 putting all of them in my 15 foot reach and the priestess, Kimon and the nearest 2 bandits in range even if they take a 5 foot step away


AOO info for DM for whoever provokes one
Max of 3 per round, I will save 1 for the priestess casting within my reach or moving within my reach, whichever comes first. The other 2 will be used as soon as a chance comes
Attack Bonus +5, 2d6+5 damage

This message was last edited by the player at 10:00, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

Yngvar moves to I7 and casts Color Spray to get the three in the back! DC14

08:21, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  initiative.
AC 17
HP 8

The large Otter that was Cassandra at that time looked at Fluffy and indicated with a chittering what they were to do. Having failed terribly in finding this ambush she wasn't going to let it kill the mortals. She wasn't much use in a fight, but perhaps she could harry one or two of the archers. At the least stop them from shooting their arrows.

While she was about as effective as might be expected in combat, Fluffy was an absolute terror. Ripping into one of the archers, smashing her to the ground, and to Cassandra's absolute horror biting the archer's throat out. She desparatly hoped that it might be enough to make the Archer's flee. Or maybe she'd be able to distract them enough to keep the other's safe from their arrows...


Spot 28, initiative 10
Assumptions: Fluffy isn't affected by the Bardic song, but Cassandra is. The bless spell works.  I edited them in (the +1s and +2s) but made them obvious in case the assumptions are wrong.

Suprise round	Result
Cassandra 9 +2	Fail
Fluffy 23 & confirm crit 18	7 damage
Trip from fluffy	14 to be opposed by a str or dex check
Location	Fluffy M9, Cassandra L9
Normal attack	Result
Cassandra 8+2	Fail
Fluffy bite  17	2 damage. Total damage is 9. So dead...
Fluffy trip	17  to be opposed by a str or dex check
Location (5'steps)	Fluffy L9, Cassandra K9
Attack of Opportunity (in case)	Result
Cassandra 19+2	Damage 3+1
Fluffy 12 +1(bless)	Damage 4

This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Garvarius was slow to react, but as the attack was unexpected. His spartan training had dulled a bit if this lot got the better of them. Still then he saw one of their score fall, he drew his longsword and charged the nearest foe, calling on the power of his rage!

OOC: Garvarius rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  attack . (Miss).
AC: 12 (Raging)
HP: 17/17

Aetius with spell; and chain enlarged himself. As the now giant lumbered forward the sound of his chain cut the air. In a whirling slash, the chain cuts through Kimon's leather jerkin like butter. Blood and gore flies out from the man, as he in vein, tries to keep his gut from falling out. He slowly falls to the ground in a heap after a second, still holding his entrails in a puddle of his own blood, dying.

Eleni springs forward find a home for the tip of her spear and the bandit drops her bow and draws her sword, as they begin a dance of death.

At first Garvarius was slow to react, but he rushed the enemy in raged. The bandit dropped his bow and drew his sword, their sword rang through the air loudly as they crossed blades.

Malvolo tried to Inspire Courage as his spider at his side flung a fast web over the nearest thug.

Yngvar moved closer to the bandits, casting Color Spray. The bandit in the web vomited on himself before going into unconsciousness, but the other two bandits where able to steel themselves.

Cassandra was not a warrior, but in a way her wolf was. Her wolf ran toward the nearest bandit who had no chance. Falling to the ground, the wolf ripped the bandit's throat out, in a horrid spray of blood and blood mist. The wolf was now covered in blood as it looked up at towards the next foe.

Violeta screamed as she moved towards Aetius, who punished her for trying (Hit, 15 damage), But the Priestess of Hera just kept moving forward. Missing with her war-fan, she lifted up her Gauntlet, that seemed now to glow with a sickly green fire. Punching him in towards his heart, as the smell of burning clothes, chest hair and flesh made a sinking odor (10 damage to Aetius). The two other bandits by the body of Kimon, take shots and again, Aetius makes one pay the price (10 to bandit) (6 damage to Aetius). Yet one arrow finds it's mark and Aetius, the giant, falls to the ground. The priestess of Hera stands over Aetius, her face a crimson mask of her own blood points across the field and screams. "Anstice!"

Pantelis fires a shot that goes wide and Anstice casts an entangle spell that the other priest rips through like wet paper.

Finally the last bandit takes aim and sends an arrow right through the heart of Gerakas. Looking down at the arrow, the centaur smiles as he drops his axe. "Piss and tits! What a way to...." Gerakas then falls over, greeting death.


In Olympus...

Both Athena and Ares look over reflecting pool of water viewing the battle below.

"What's wrong Athena? Did you not say that these mortals, where better then other mortals? You said that these mortals could be heroes...Do you still say so NOW Athena. Look at your heroes!"

Athena remained silent and continued watching the reflecting pool of water with great interest.


OOC: Aetius, you are at -5 hp and are in bad need of some healing. Perhaps we could have a soliloquy from Aetius, as you hang between life and death. You (and only you) can see Hermes standing over you, offering you a hand up.

To the rest of you, battle on!

Initiative Order
23. Aetius (Dying)
21. Eleni
20. Garvarius
15. Malvolo
12. Yngvar
10. Cassandra
7. Bandits
3. Pantelis
2. Anstice
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:30, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Cassandra's EEWW over Fluffy's violence... perhaps she should rename him... was replaced with a 'Oh Gods' when she saw one of the mortal's fall. This was her fault. If she'd done her job properly... Even the savage bite of Fluffy didn't distract her from that.

Still she could at least help here. And far more effectively than in combat

Relying on being small to avoid being hit she moved next to Aetius: being careful not to be too close to any of the ambushers. There was a blur of reality shifting as she transformed back into her human form and she quickly chanted the words of healing, focusing her will on the magic that was needed to channel it. This place, despite the current violence, was full of Earthpower and it was not hard at all to channel it

OOC

Action	Result
Cassandra Move action	Move to E7
Cassandra Swift action	Change form to human
Cassandra Standard action	Cure Light Wounds 8 hitpoints back to Aetius
Fluffy
Move to L10
Bite 15	7 damage
trip 6	Well... maybe...
Attack of opportunity 14	6 damage

This message was last edited by the player at 10:25, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

Barely managing to repress his own scream in kind as the priestess seared his flesh Aetius concentrated as best he could through the pain but the addition of an arrow slamming into his body was enough to down him. Despite that there was a grim smile on his face as he dropped. There were after all far worse things than dying in battle. Of course he would have preferred one of old age surrounded by loved ones but he had not chosen the right path in life to end up going that way and accepted that early on.

Unconscious as the fight raged on he became aware of an offered hand, an invitation to move on to somewhere where what few concerns remained in his mind would be things of the past and for an instant he almost took it. A small kernel of stubbornness made him hold back though, part of it his own wish not to die and another part the words of a determined instructor reminding him that he could leave the fight when it was over and not before. And that particular battle that had brought him to this point had been a way off being done yet.

The decision however was made for Aetius a moment later as a sensation of warmth dragged him back to painful though notably less painful consciousness. His eye flicked open to see Cassandra over him even as the noise of combat rolled back into his ears and he offered a grin to the girl, "Thank you." Rolling slightly upright he he turned his gaze again to the nearby archers as he tried to get to his senses again.

OOC:
23 Initiative (so no actions this round because I am past it when I get conscious again)
AC 11 (melee) 19 (ranged) FF 13, T11
HP 3
Currently Prone

AOO info for DM for whoever provokes one
Max of 3 per round
Attack Bonus +1, 1d4+3 damage (unarmed, so my attacking armed people will provoke AOOs on me if they can reach and are armed with melee weapons)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

Malvolo always hated the tides of combat. He was a scholar. He had honestly thought the priestess Anstice and some planning would see them through well. Now there was only so much to do. He, and his spider moved to try to stop the priestess of Hera.

A web splashed into the dust and Malvolo released a roiling ray of sickly green light that was so far off it may well seem like it was just to draw attention than be his last attempt to nullify her for protracted frame. Whether it was finally a loss of the exterior he was so practiced to hold, the short run to ensure Arachne was safely in range to throw a web... but one thing was certain he was now largely exposed. Well, that and the fight was not going as he had imagined. He issued challenge, "Stop attacking children!"

OOC: moved SE to F8, miss Ray of Enfeeblement. Arachne misses with web.

Still 7hp, 20ac and 8hp 18ac

Yngvar drove his short sword through the heart of the now prone and unconscious bandit! Then he looked up for other quarry! Seeing the priestess, he moved to intervene, then thought better of it and drew his crossbow!

Eleni sees the nearby bandit is surrounded by her companions and figures they have that in hand. She sees the one without any pressure and moves towards them, twirling her spear and shifting the momentum in a strike down at the bandit, channeling divine power into the strike, driving the spear through the shoulder deeply before ripping it out in a flourish.

OOC:
AC: 17
HP: 10/10

Attack: Hits AC 18
Damage: 10

Move: K-10

This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

Garvarius grits his teeth at the cries of his comrades. Seeing the Priestess of Hera Garvarius charges her with all his might. "Sparta!"

OOC: Garvarius rolled 9 using 1d8+7.  Damage on Priestess .
Garvarius rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Attack roll + rage + inspire + charging.

Anstice watches as the battle, seeing the enemies to the north collapsing under the onslaught and moved into range to engage the southern group of enemies. Pulling out a Javalin as she moves to setup for her opportunity.



OOC:
Standard:Draw Javalin.
Move: Move to D6

AC: 16 Touch:11

HP:10/10

Pantelis looks around, two allies down, not a good thing. He lets another arrow fly, this one strikes true hitting the thug directly in front of him.



OOC:
AC: 17
HP: 7/7

23:56, Today: Pantelis rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Damage. (Inluding +1 for point blank shot)

23:54, Today: Pantelis rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  attack roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

Eleni seeing the one bandit without any pressure and moves towards them, twirling her spear and shifting the momentum in a strike down at the bandit, channeling divine power into the strike, driving the spear through the shoulder deeply before ripping it out in a flourish.  This nearly killed the rogue out right, but then the wolf of Cassandra runs up, Fluffy sinking his jaws in the the bandit finishes him off.

Yngvar drove his short sword through the heart of the now prone and unconscious bandit! Then he looked up for other quarry! Malvolo released a roiling ray of sickly green light that was so far off it's mark.

Garvarius grabbing his sword in two hands runs toward the Priestess of Hera screaming at the top of his lungs, "Sparta!". Violeta tried to react but it was too late. In a flash of steel and blood, Garvarius sliced her head clean off her shoulders. The head rolled for a few feet before stopping.

Relying on being small to avoid being hit Cassandra moved next to Aetius. she quickly chanted the words of healing, focusing her will on the magic that was needed to channel it. This place, despite the current violence, was full of Earthpower and it was not hard at all to channel it. Aetius felt warm, new life enter he's whole body. It stopped the heavy bleeding and pulled him back from the brink of death. His eye flicked open to see Cassandra over him even as the noise of combat rolled back into his ears and he offered a grin to the girl, "Thank you."

Pantelis let another arrow fly, this one strikes true hitting the thug directly in front of him and he falls to the ground dead. Anstice pulled out a Javalin as she moves to setup for her opportunity.

The last two bandits, seeing both their captains killed horribly, drops their bows and threw up their hands, one falls to their knees. "We surrender, don't kill us please."

The battle was over, but the battle field was a wash of bloody grass and gore. intestines punctured, the smell of copper blood, excrement and urine begin to fill the air.

OOC: The battle is over, but what to do with the dead, your fallen comrades and the prisoners?


Teasure
Total coins: 617 gold, 124 silver.
6 longbows
1 Masterwork longbow (str +2)
7 shortswords


Priestess of Hera's Items
Breastplate
Gauntlet
Luxurious robes, decorated in peacock feathers
War Fan
2 Rings
Scroll, not magical, looks like some kind of list, but in a code

Theoros
His horse, Astera
Heavy Warhorse
2 shortswords
Explorer’s Outfit
Backpack
Bedroll
Belt Pouch
Flint and Steel
Grappling Hook
Hempen Rope (50 ft)
Tent
Waterskin
Winter Blanket
Sling Bullets x40

Bit and Bridle
Military Saddle
Saddlebags

Gerakas
Greataxe
Lance   

Eleni approaches the two who surrendered and kicks away their weapons before looking them over for any more. "If it were up to me, I would tell you to make your way to the nearest port and never return. However, you did not just attack me. Rather, you took shots at my companions, some of whom are a lot less forgiving than I am. If you swear to never take up arms against another person again, I might be able to convince them that my method of being rid of you is the best. It would go a long way for you to tell us why your group sought to try to slay us and what they are doing on this island." she says. Her tone is neutral, with a layer of sincerity behind it.


OOC:
SPOT CHECK: 16
DIPLOMACY CHECK: 28

Hauling himself back to his feet and hefting his chain again in the same motion, though with a notably pained grunt Aetisu looked over what remained and turned his attention to the surviving attackers first as they dropped their weapons and surrendered. For a moment his grip tightened on his own weapon as he considered the easy choice but he relaxed a moment later reluctantly, "Fine. Anyone got some spare rope? I'd bind them myself but right now I'm not really suited for finesse. Of course that also means if they give you any trouble and I have to step in..." He did not finish the sentence, leaving it to their imagination about what might happen if they gave whoever stepped up to handle that.

Not looking away he jerked his head sharply back, "Someone mind confirming if there's any hope for our fellows?" He was reasonably certain about the answer to that but he wanted to be sure. There was always a chance. Once the surrendering attackers were bound Aetius turned his attention to the fallen but by then those with better expertise than him would already have been able to confirm the unfortunate truth. Looking Eleni's way he sighed, "I suspect this time it will need to be a pyre and if it warns anyone we're coming well, we can ensure they regret causing us trouble." Turning his attention towards Anstice he added, "Though if there's anymore of those berries I'd appreciate them. And if anyone's got a needle I'd be thankful for that later, this shirt is going to need some serious patching."

If none of those better able to deal with animals had done so by then he made the effort to try to deal with Theoros' steed, given the earlier fight it was clearly close with its' master and unlikely to be not discomforted by his passing. But with others much better suited it was unlikely his efforts would be needed. As the examination of the fallen concluded he looked with interest at the discovered scroll before turning his attention to their former attackers as Eleni questioned them.

OOC: Decipher Script any help with the coded scroll?

Yngvar casts Detect Magic on everything in the pile to see if any of it is magical. "Everything extra can go on my mule to carry for us, I suggest we take care of Theoros and the Centaur, Gerakas and leave the rest to rot."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

Malvolo looks at the surrendered foes after he blanches a moment and says, "I suggest they be bound rather than killed... After they bury the dead. Manual labor is good for the soul and stronger souls make better decisions in life than trying to kill people they don't know. Then they can give us directions to a nearby settlement.

How are you all holding up?" he adds looking at the remainder of the original team.

"It looks like several of us need some healing."

"Good idea, they can bury the dead, my back is not up to that. Theoros and Gerakas were warriors, were they not? I don't know their abilities, hardly knew their names, they died too quickly. I'm a wizard that is good with locks too, but not real stealthy"

"I managed to avoid injury during the skirmish, though I will need to clean my spear. While manual labor is indeed a good way to reflect on ones choices, I think we might be better off trying to get out of the wilderness. To that end, I think the pyre is a better option, for all of the dead. Just because they chose poorly before the end does not mean we should mistreat their remains. Hades will judge them appropriately once the arrive.

"I don't think we will need to bind them. They understand we are able to end them at any time, it's why they surrendered. Having them help build the pyre is fine, and then we leave them behind. If they attempt to harm us again, they know the consequences."

"Ahhh, you are wise for your age. Are you a priestess too? My memory sometimes needs pounded in." he smiles to her, she was very pretty.

"I...I'm sorry" Cassandra said and took a look at the dead people. All of them her fault "I thought I was doing a good job scouting. I tried... But I just didn't see them." there were tears in her eyes as she looked at Theoros and Gerakas. "I'll... Oh Oh... they are really dead aren't they?"

"I... I'm not a very good healer. Tomorrow maybe... After I greet the dawn"

"You two, get to gathering wood and building a pyre, we don't intend to tarry here forever."

"It's okay Cassandra, none of us are very good at this yet, but, if we live, we will be. How old are you girl? You look as though you should still be with your mother. I'm not trying to be disparaging, but you look so young to be out here alone."

Shrugging at the insistence to not bind the two as his spell wore off and his form shifted to his normal size Aetius did not remark, simply waiting nearby for the interrogation to conclude. As long as both were unbound they needed to be watched since fleeing was still well within their abilities and that meant wasting enough people to catch up with them on staying close to both as long as they were not restrained.

To Malvolo's remark about how people were holding up he replied dryly, "Nothing a few days bed rest with a sympathetic physician would not solve. Unfortunately I don't see that happening any time soon so I'll manage as best I can for now."

At Eleni's suggestion they leave the captives behind he exhaled slightly before nodding, "With a weapon each though. You leave someone unarmed in the wilderness you should just kill them yourself." And if you leave two with one weapon between them then eventually there will be just one. Either the one with the weapon or the one that did not fall asleep first. But he did not mention that.

Glancing Cassandra's way at her comment he shrugged, "You got me on my feet before Hermes had chance to guide me onwards, I'd say you're doing better than most. As for missing them no scout is perfect."

"Nothing quite that formal. I have a little schooling from the priesthood, but primarily I am a witness and vessel for justice. You need not worry, we all forget things from time to time and need a friend to help. I was fortunate to have skilled teachers."



"I agree with you. It would be cruel to allow them to be defenseless against the wilds. Once we are ready to depart, please ensure they have one dagger each, and no more."

Putting away his bow for now, Pantelis begins helping gather wood for the funeral pyre. As he is gathering he listens to the others talk and pipes in, "I have no qualms letting them live, though if we leave them after this I would feel safer disarming them so we know they are less of a danger at our backs."

Seeing Cassandra begin to shed tears he speaks to her in the sylvan tongue as he has heard it spoken to her before, "Unfortunately young one, it can be a cruel world when the gods decide to mettle in mortal affairs. You did your best and none of us holds you to blame. Our dead were warriors and died warriors deaths so there is no shame for them, and you are braver than you think, risking yourself to come heal a fallen companion."

Anstice doesnt join the conversation on what to do next. First deal with the downed and dying then move onto what to do next. The first step in that process was triage decide who could be saved and who couldnt. Allowing the others to deal with the prisoners she starts that process. Dropping her javelin and then removing shield as she works she checks on Garvious then Theoros doing a quick evaluation of each if its clear they are beyond her chance to aid she uses some water from her water skin and sand putting a Theta on the head of each dead person. She then moves on to her downed enemies checking each those who are on the brink she does what it takes to stabilize them and give her time to work on each later. Once she has the situation in hand for emergency triage she speaks up her hands covered in blood of both enemies and allies alike, "I have the magical potential for one more major heal left until midnight, though if its an emergency I  can break into my emergency supply of scrolls.  We have finished off the berries from last night though if we can find a fresh source of berries I can make more."

Malvolo shook his head, "I can tend our wounded. I have a broad range of knowledge, I can assist with anything we need done.

If these bandits know where a town is and swear to not be trouble for us again, we can weigh the value of information. " Arachne's head was sort of aimed between the two who surrendered she clicked or tapped her own chitin as if to remind them she was nearby. She cleaned up the missed web. Keeping perhaps a 40' distance to the brigands.

"She can feel their walking on the ground from there. If they behave threateningly or try to run off she will make noise, and her webs can be thrown further than that."

With their companion not giving information to the group after casting Detect Magic, and that same companion having slain a bound and unconscious opponent... Malvolo also decided to cast Detect Magic and look over the goods. Perhaps there was nothing to say, so nothing was said... He wasn't going to jump at people without evidence.

Garvarius cleaned off the blood from his sword before putting it away. His Spartan rage winded him for a bit, but after a few moments he was able to regain his breath. "I'll go find some berries if I can."

OOC: Going on a berry hunter.
Garvarius rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Survival.

In reply to Garvarius (msg # 78):

All magical Items

Breastplate +1 Magical

Gauntlet (Fist of Hera. +1 Flaming,  Unarmed Damage equal to monk of your level).

Cloak of Charisma +2 (Luxurious robes, decorated in peacock feathers).


Ring of Mind Shielding

Ring of Protection +3

Scroll, not magical, looks like some kind of list, but in a code.
Decipher Script for the coded scroll DC 20

"If it offends someone, sorry, but I generally slay my enemies who try to slay me, if you wish, next time I won't. I didn't really and don't really consider them defenseless, they wake up. Next time I will simply bind them for your judgement. I could use either ring, preferably the Ring of Protection, but there are many here that could use it, especially Cassandra."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:22, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

"Please don't" Cassandra said quietly "There was enough bloodshed and slaughter here already. Enough of your enemy were slain"

"She was just a person following her leader. Just a person who probably had no choice about she did and didn't do. She had a mother and a father. Perhaps children who now will be homeless thus having to resort to theft and banditry to survive."

"And worse it harms you when you slaughter like that. Each one damages a bit of you. Takes away a little piece of your humanity. Until there is nothing left"

Yngvar takes it all in and says nothing at first, then he thoughtfully said, "As you wish, I will try to be better than the gods, who would gleefully slay us all. I'm truly sorry. Who wishes the care of Astera? He is a trained heavy warhorse. I have my Rosy the mule, she can carry the extra until we use it or sell it. How much money do we each get?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:23, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

Pantelis walks over to Aetius trying to read the scroll, as he does he comments, "A few of these items are useful to a number of us. Though I would have no qualms giving the protective ring to Cassandra."

As he gets to Aetius and peeks at the scroll it takes him a moment or two, "Maybe try swapping these two letters here as the real intended lettering?"

09:10, Today: Pantelis rolled 19 using 1d20.  Decipher Script Aid Another

"Thank you" Cassandra reached up and kissed the side of Yngvar's cheek. "And don't speak too loudly against the Gods" she whispered to him "They are listening... I would not want to loose you too. Like the others"

She shook her head at the offer the ring. "Most kind  friend Pantelis, but I ... I was responsible for this. For the death and destruction. If I had found it and steered around it we would not have Theoros and Gerakas lying dead on the floor. I do not want a trophy to remind me of it. And ... And ... I do not despoil the dead." the last was said in a kind of horrified whisper as she saw what was going on around her

"These items might be the difference between life and death for us, the living. The dead can't use them any more, Why throw them away so we can die?" Yngvar tries to reason with Cassandra and any that felt the same as she did. "Do as you will though, no one will twist your arm to go against your beliefs. I have no such qualms, I hope to live a long time, though I might not. If I were to die, I expect you all to use my stuff as best you can."

Brow furrowed as he alternated his attention between the scroll and captives Aetius did not register Pantelis' interest till the satyr commented on the transposition, looking up with a wide smile, "Ah I see. It's reliant on the calendar principles. So the letters swapped follow the same sequence until the year concludes, looping back and repeating!" Looking down he exhaled, "This may take a while. And unfortunately I don't have a beach to do my working on this time."

Glancing back in confusion as Cassandra mentioned despoiling the dead he looked at the bodies then around at those dealing with the remains in clear confusion before turning his attention her way, "Who is despoiling the dead?" Unless she had some strange belief that removing possessions was some strange manner of violation he was utterly baffled about what she could be talking about at this point, having missed her earlier comments at the beach about the same given his lack of understanding about the tongue she spoke then.

Anstice looks at Cassandra, "Do not take responsibility for the actions of others. Had you noticed the ambush perhaps they would have struck you instead or they would have caught us in an attack later where reaching them would have been more difficult. You are responsible for your actions. An example of a great action is rushing to Aerius side the priestess could have killed him before I could get there. Take credit for the good things you did and not the bad things someone else did."

Anstice looks around at the others as they discuss loot, "Most of the items wont do me much good. The two rings I could use but both are nice and generally useful.I belive those in the thick of battle deserve the ring of protection and the Ring to protect the mind, should go to someone that would benefit from being harder to detect the truth about. I will how take the flint and steel mine appears to have been washed away in the wreck."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Sun 05 Feb 2023.

Malvolo shrugged, "I am not much of a fighter, but I could see a heated hand coming to be a useful tool. Anything would be useful to me but I'm not going to take something from saving someone who gets into the enemy's path to save lives. As such I'll be preparing an enlarge spell and healing spell from this day forward. I feel like my ability to conceal or withdraw the truth from others is sufficient currently. I am planning to increase my fields of knowledge and craft since I can make a fair attempt at anything. A specialist would out do me of course... But I can aid anyone so skilled to enhance their results or be a whole separate avenue of approach." he offered.

As if finally recognizing something he says the young girl's name with a raise in pitch, "Cassandra, you remind me a little of a... forest dwelling girl- I know. I'm actually seeking fortunes to buy rights to a swath of wilderness her home is in. I wish to make a natural gardens preserve and keep her -home- safe. She has been my... dear friend for some time. I bring back songs and poems as well as knowledge from the world beyond her forest home. She too does not typically care much for the danger that strangers bring, desiring peace most in the world. I think you might like her very much indeed."

The prisoners did their best to set up a funeral pyre. Once it was done the bodies where set on it and (with the permission of the group), lit ablaze. The fire start slow, but soon it's smoke raised far into the heavens. The bandits Tito and Melua took a knee before the group. "We swear to never thieve again. We don't understand why you are letting us go. You could kill us or make us your slaves if you wished to. The village of Néa Elpída lays ahead. Just keep going north."

Garvarius returns with a few pints of loganberries for Anstice. The group continues to look over the magic items, having just dealt with their dead. With some help Aetius and Pantelis decode the letter. From the church of Hera, it is a hit list for the clergy. Their are names, possible locations, and prices. A few names have already been crossed off, but by Anstice's name is a bounty of 20,000 silver prices, dead. Hercules, is at the top of the list with an impressive 2 million silver price bounty, dead or alive.

It was obvious to Yngvar that Cassandra didn't recognise the value of his argument. And to Aetius that Cassandra was just upset by the looting of the dead. But since the others were set in their way she just let them get on with it

"I was searching ahead" she said sadly to Anstice "It was my responsibility to find these people, and I failed in it the job I undertook. Sure these people are the murderers, but if I had done my job properly I would have found them, and then we could have avoided them. Or at least been forewarned. I do not find guilt in their death, but I would not want a momento of it. I thank you for your kind words though. And as you say I will try and think of the good I did"

There was a sad smile "Still we are past this now. Those of us that are here are stronger than we were. Let us try and enjoy the day instead of dwelling on the past"

She listened with intererest to Malvollo's tale "It's always nice to meet other people" she said simply "Perhaps when we get home you can introduce us to each other"

And then to the group as a whole "If the village of Elpida is ahead, I will go scout the path to it. Hopefully I will do a better job this time" she headed into the bushes and vanished from sight

Spot 21, Hide 28


This message was last edited by the player at 10:18, Sun 05 Feb 2023.

Once the bandits set to on making the pyre Aetius joined that effort, still with a pained wince or two but without any complaint. He made a point of ensuring their fellows were the last on the pyre and those with a sharper eye would spot he left a couple of coins on the eyes of those two once that was done. Looking to the others at the bandit's remarks that they were surprised by being let go he shrugged and answered for himself, "I'll happily kill someone in combat. Slaying a foe who surrendered does not sit right with me though."

Once the code was deciphered and shared with the others he looked at Tito and Melua with renewed interest, "So how did you all end up crossing paths with this priestess? I could believe that she might have found Anstice here with the guidance of her deity but if you all accompanied her rather than were recruited here that suggests a fair-sized vessel." If they were locals there were other questions he planned to ask, for example who might be behind the Tax of the Sun victim they found earlier.

When the berries arrive she quickly blesses perhaps it's her distraction by the events going on or the time between picking and actual casting but the goddess provided only 3 berries from this casting. She hands one to Aetius. Her eyes widen a bit as something clicks from the deciphered script, "One thing the clergy of Hera do is keep a list of bastard children of Zeus and other problematic gods for death or removal to some other place. This list is full of children that it is believed are children of Zesu. Hercules being the prime example. It appears that there is a diffent marking next to my name though."

Yngvar helps with the Pyre too, and quietly listens to all of the various conversations going on around them. So it seemed Anstice was a daughter of Zeus, Yngvar was glad none of his parents were. The gods did to much evil in the world and were not worth worshipping. Yngvar paid a little homage to the Titans, but not much, mostly lip service. He was very interested in magic, knowledge and time though, and would master them one day if he could.

It didn't take long for Cassandra to return. She walked out of the bushs and greeted Fluffy who she'd left behind for the scouting trip

"The trip there is light woodland with a river going through it. I am nearly certain that no one could have an ambush for us without magic"

"The village itself is poor and destitute. It has only a dozen or so houses. There has been fighting: the wooden longhouse is in ruins, and the mill ... a waterwheel mill ... was burnt down. It didn't look like that was 'yesterday' though. There is an old inn... maybe a waystation. And there is a blacksmiths. I took a look at his work and only saw simple things. No weapons"

"I didn't see any guards around the village. Either set by the villagers or others"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 05 Feb 2023.

In reply to Aetius (msg # 90):

Tito and Melua replied to Aetius's questions. "My lord, she had a meeting with the Sun King at his temple, giving him some gold and a message. Kimon was overseeing the town, when a few warriors of the Sun King showed up with the Priestess of Hera. This was a few days ago. Don't know how she showed up. Anyway, Kimon and the rest of us guarding the town where sent to help the priestess find someone on her list. That's all we know my lord."

"Perhaps you could tell us where the town is" Cassandra said with a pleasant smile "And you mentioned the Sun King. Could you perhaps tell us where he lives, and a little about him."



Diplomacy 30!

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 95):

Tito and Melua replied to Cassandra. They point towards the direction of the town, she had just scouted. "We don't know where his temple is, only Kimon and a few others have been there. I saw him once, a few months back, when he attacked our village with his warriors. He killed the Trojan Mayor and burnt down our mill. Said all that wanted to live needed to swear faith to him and his father Apollo. He wears golden armor and a horrible golden mask."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:27, Sun 05 Feb 2023.

Eleni listens to the Tito and Melua and sighs. She had wondered if they had been pressed into service and is glad the group was willing to spare their lives. "Okay, it sounds like we might have to decide what we are going to do if we run into more agents of the Sun King or Kimon. I wonder if we aren't here to restore the town to it's normal state, where tyrants don't send people to their unnecessary deaths like today. Either way we should figure out what we want to do." she says to the group. To the two prisoners "Thank you for providing that information. I understand you had little choice in the matter.

OOC:
Today: Eleni rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Sense Motive on the prisoners' story.

In reply to Eleni (msg # 97):

Eleni feels that they are telling the truth. One of the prisoners points to the pyre. "Kimon, he was killed at the start of the battle, gutted like a fish he was, by that large chain."

"Yes, it was unfortunate he did not heed my warning to drop his weapon. I meant that there might be those still operating under his previous orders." she says. "Aside from the golden mask and his alliance with the priestess of Hera, what else can you tell us about the Sun King? Anything that might help us rally the town?"

As the discussion turned to a badly damaged village, and only one person on there side seriously injured she cast cure light wounds and speak, "Going to the town could have us being met with suspension involving initial violence. I will heal you now Aetius so we are as close to full potential as we can hope to be." Offering her glowing hand out to him to heal 8 damage.

She looks at the others, "I think we should make for the village and see what we can do to help. For now just setting up a good Reputation might be the most helpful."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

Malvolo nodded, "Restoring the mill and helping protect the town would likely go a long way. If any of you are schooled in engineering we can maybe work together to come up with lists of improvements and supplies those would need.

Tito and Melua can probably spread word we intend to help. The Sun King isn't using good politics or rulership if this is how he handles his resources... Though perhaps there is a larger settlement on the island from which we could get aid. Arachne is a great companion but she is terrible with maps."

Garvarius looked at Anstice, wanting to ask if she perhaps knew his mother. Yet it seemed not the right time for such questions. Stepping aside and pulling out the giant bastard sword from the stone spartan, Garvarius begins to practice his art. The sword was still too heavy, but in time he would learn to wield it. He was getting stronger, hopefully it would be enough to save those...that needed saving. "We should go to this town. It seems the gods wish to see us take on this Sun King. If we live long enough, we may rid this land of a tyrant."

"I think you are still thinking of these two as 'enemies'." Cassandra said quietly "They were forced into this: they had no choice. Their village is in ruins. Their leader is dead. The children I saw dressed in rags fishing in the village are probably theirs. The Sun King is your 'enemy' not these people. They are just trying to live. To survive. In horribly difficult times. I think you should return their belongings: their lives are hard enough as it is"

"Even if the whole village stood against you, they would have no chance. So they will just accept your presence and hope to survive should the Sun King hear of it"

"I am not sure there is much value for us to stay in the village. It will cause more suffering and pain to these people when the Sun King hears that they sheltered his enemies. Anything you would want to learn from it, you can ask these people here. Except perhaps for 'where is the Sun King' and a ten minute stay would accomplish that"

"The longer we stay the more suffering we will bring. If we stay long enough to repair the facilities such as the Mill then the Sun King will send forces to fight you. And there will be more suffering in the village. More of them will die."

She nodded at Gavarius "Yes let's go. And then immediately leave. I would be hesitatant to stay even a single night in it. Given how violent the last two days have been: I would hate to see more orphans or dead children"

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 103):

Garvarius looked down at the girl who spoke. "To live is to suffer child. All we can do is try to reduce it. Death has always been with me. My father, Demetrios, a great man and a great warrior died in battle when I was a boy, receiving a grave with a headstone. All spartan child are, reviewed at birth. If there are defects, or anything wrong with the child, they are discarded, thrown into a pit to die."

"Luckily, me and my brother where not thrown into pits. Still, I was large for my age, so they took me at five and my brother, Demetrios the younger for the Agoge. In my country, Cassandra, the Agoge is warrior training, nothing short of torture. Designed to turn a boy into a warrior, a spartan killing machine, or kill the child trying. Death among the Agoge trainees was all too common."

Garvarius paused for a moment, looking down, but then continued. "Many years pasted, and one day a spartan trainers killed my brother, for stealing a waterskin to quench his thirst during a hot training day. He cracked my brother's skull with a stick, while beating him...That was how it happen...my first rage. I grabbed a rock and smashed his head in until he had no face. For that I am wanted by Sparta, and exiled. My mother, I think is still alive at the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Will I ever see her again I do not know. I don't know where you come from girl, but it seems you are not similar with the horrors of this world. I hope you can one day return to your peaceful lands."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

"Of course it is Garvarius. And I am sorry for your pain, and I thank you for your wish. I too wish to return to my Sisters, and it would be a pleasure to introduce you to them"

"Even though life can be suffering as well as joy,  we don't have to add to the suffering do we? I feel we don't have to make it worse for the people that we meet"

"That village is working for the Sun King. Not out of choice, but because they were forced into it by murder and violence. We ourselves have slaughtered many of the warriors and defenders and adults in that village. Because they attacked us, not because we were bad people. But if we settle there... if we spend any time there... then there will be more violence there. There will be more suffering"

"We cannot control the Sun King's actions. But we can control ours. And through our actions we can choose whether to bring more disaster to that destitute village, or to leave it alone. Time is a great healer. The best thing we can do for that village is deal with the Sun King, and leave it alone to heal and repair itself"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:33, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

Looking up at Cassandra's return and the news she brought with her which combined with the bandit's information painted a clearer picture of what they were dealing with. The only thing he said at first was to Tito and Melua, "Please, don't call me lord. Aetius is fine."

Chewing the granted goodberry and exhaling with relief as Anstice's magic healed him even further he nodded her direction, "Thank you." As the exchanges over what might or might be the best action going forward commenced he moved over to Astera, muttering a few quiet words to the horse. While not her rider the animal at least was hopefully well trained enough to not take a chunk out of anyone else approaching. He was no mounted warrior but the animal would be coming with them as they left, at the minimum it would need someone keeping an eye on it. If they were lucky perhaps after returning to the mainland it and Theoros' belongings could be returned to his family.


As people examined the assorted items he looked at the gauntlet thoughtfully after some of the group identified what they were. Nodding at the gauntlet he mentioned, "Those are fairly uncommon, forged by Hephaestus himself it is said and an uncommon sight outside of Hera's clerics and those who have slain them."

He did not remark on Garvarius' tale, given what he knew of the Spartan's little of it was surprising and while callous their methods undeniably produced formidable warriors. It was still more brutal than he would ever be comfortable with though. Turning his attention back to the group he spoke up, "While it's admirable to want to assist the village by getting some of their facilities back in order and I'm certainly in favour of it Cassandra has the right of it that our presence there will attract the attention of this Sun King and cause problems for the village. If things are as bad as Cassandra says the villagers would only get caught up in the fight rather than be any assistance."

"That said I would imagine our arrival and word that we killed the priestess would be fine incentive for any more directly serving this Sun King there to try to take a message. So a visit would likely not be a bad idea, with the more subtle members of our group lurking outside to watch who departs and where they go."

Turning his attention back to their two captives he asked, "Can you recall how many followers the Sun King had with him when he attacked your village? And are there any other settlements you know of on the island?"

When Garvarius mentions his father Anstice's head snaps around in suprise. The story he is telling of a husband dead and youngest son taken early is one she heard before. The name of his father she had also heard. Speaking softly she says her adopted mothers name, "Garifallia..." Looking at Garvious, "Is your mother Garifallia?"

In reply to Anstice (msg # 107):

Garifallia, is the name that pierced his ears from the past, it had been oceans of time, almost what seems like an eternity since anyone spoke that name. Distant boyhood memories, so long and distant ago they seemed almost like dreams, flooded his mind. Garvarius slowly turned around and looked at Anstice. "Yes...that is my mother's name...Does she live?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

Cassandra held her breath waiting for the answer. Fighting the temptation to say something. To be involved... But this was between Anstice and Garvarius: two mortals that she quite liked now. It was a moment of tension: was it going to prove the 'life is ashes' theory of Garvarius, or bring some joy instead?

Enui was a problem for herself as much as the Gods, and it was this kind of very mortal drama that brought a spark of excitement into her oh so long life.

Aetius's plan was excellent. Far better than her own. She'd volunteer to be one of those 'subtle people' after this current little scenario played out. But for now she was watching with rapt attention.

Eleni raised a curious eyebrow at the surprising relationship between some of her companions. It truly was a small world they lived in. She felt her own divine connection strengthening since meeting these people, and was unsure about it. Shifting her train of though to the village, she says "We do not want the village to suffer, but they might be able to help us or at least not harm us without any pain being put upon them. Most organizations like this fall apart if you remove the head, so I think a plan to facilitate that is preferable. Otherwise it is likely some of our number will remain hunted."

"Yes she lives. The last conversation she gave me a message if I ever met her son." Anstice  takes a deep breath and attempts with limited success to match Garrifallia's tone when she spoke the messege, "Bearbug, I found another sibling for you. Be the warrior you are called to be, no matter what Sparta says. "   Anstice wondered if the druidess knew more then she let on when she pushed her out of the nest "I guess that makes you part of my adopted family."

Garvarius was struck dumb for a long few seconds. He stared at her, a gigantic gasp of near unbelief left his lungs. Then suddenly, Garvarius quickly moved and grabbed her up with both of his mighty arms, not in combat, but embracing her, in brotherly love and affection. Swing her around off her feet, he put her down gently. Holding her for a long, second before letting her go. "Thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Tue 07 Feb 2023.

"Remember this moment of joy Garvarius" Cassandra said happily "When all seems dark. Life is suffering and it is joy. I am delighted for you both"

"It's a good idea Aestius. There must be so few adults left in the village now: There are only a dozen huts and the Sun King killed many, and we killed many, that I doubt if they can be ... ah ... exploited is perhaps the word I am looking for... to help us significantly." Cassandra was a little sad Eleni had so little compassion, but perhaps she didn't understand the situation yet. Eleni had been in her 'good people' list. "A place like that struggles to just find the food to feed itself normally, never mind when most of the men folk... and now women folk... are killed by the war that rages over their head"

"I'll be happy to watch and look for any messengers rather than come into the village"

Malvolo considered things for a few moments, "Congratulations to you both! Finding family is another blessing on our journey.

We might have a place to rest with relative warning there... But until the threat of the Sun King is ended trying to rebuild them is likely to be met with some amount of resistance. If we knew the location of the Sun King's lair or person then we might be able to not go to the village at all. We have enough hunters and foragers of skill among us still I think. I don't want to bring more trouble for the village. If the Sun King has no sufficient ship then at least having him out of the way would let us set about construction of our own with less issues."

Yngvar listened to all of this, glad for his companions to find each other. The village was depleted of people it seemed, no true resources. "My guess is they don't even have enough to keep their stomachs full, we should accept nothing that would harm them. Do what we can to help, then leave and hunt down the Sun King and slay him. If we can. Agreed Malvolo."

"So, how we going to divvy up the items we got today? I agree, we should give the swords back to the town guards for their protection, though they will probably be killed for failing and letting that priestess get killed. There is the Amulet and the rings in particular we need to decide who gets what. It will impact us against the Sun King evil too I'm sure."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Tue 07 Feb 2023.

One moment she reached out to check on Garvarius the next she is spinning in the air a huff of air escaping as her breath is thrust out. She staggers slightly as she is returned to her feet looking at Garvarius, "Thank Artemis, She must have guided us in our travels." Eyes watering in happiness.

As Cassandra argued that there were so few adults there as to be of no help to their goals and going would only hurt. Anstice shook her head passion taking over her thoughts, "If you find a wounded person bleeding from their leg. Doing nothing will certainly mean they are not injured more and they could live or die. If you intervene instead of dying from blood loss the tourniquet could cause the loss of a leg and die from the resulting infection. The person that stopped to help is not responsible for the death then because they helped. If children are in danger of starvation the choice is between letting them die from starvation or help and maybe they die in violence because we aren't strong enough to protect them afterward, I would help them. To do nothing because something bad might happen is cowardice. " She motions in the direction of the village and continues, "Just because you don't see the death. Just because you avoided the violence that might have gotten someone killed doesn't mean that death from starvation is better or more appropriate. We can help them survive, and fight starvation and there enemies.  Doing so secures a safe place for both the villagers and ourselves. We could fail and that could be death for us or the villagers. Better to try and fail than do nothing and hope things get better. Artemis is a huntress. She acts against her foes, how can I do any less." This time pointing to the headless body of the priestess of Hera and then to the gutted Kimon. Taking a deep breath she focuses on bringing her own emotions under control. Leaving a moment for someone else to speak.

"I got an idea, I'll take the Amulet of Natural Armor +1, it protects me a little in combat, which I sometimes wade into, Anstice one of the rings, probably the Ring of Mind Shielding to protect her from the gods, Pantellus gets the Cloak of Charisma +2, and Eleni gets the Ring of Protection +3. When we get more, the others will have a chance to get them so everyone has something to aid them against the dangers and evils of the world."

Cassandra had little interest in the items that had been pillaged from the bodies of the slain. Instead she responded to Anstice's passionate plea

"If you were to emulate your Goddess, Anstice" she observed "you would have to hunt and slay any villager that saw you. Male villagers especially. Recall the tale of the man that saw her, and she turned him into a stag and hunted him. It is death for any mortal to see her, men folk she is especially cruel to"

"That aside she would not stay in the village to help the people farm for food, she would go out and hunt the enemy down. She is Artemis the Huntress"

"Me: I don't like to look to the Gods for exemplars of how I should behave. I do do what my heart tells me. Right now me heart is telling me that we have been attacked twice in two days. That your name and location is on a list that has been given to many to find and slay you. Anyone near you... us... will be caught up in the violence caused by our presence. Will be slain."

"Your heart is telling you to help the vllagers"

"Perhaps it's possible to find a way to help fulfil your desire to directly help the villagers, and not wreck more havoc upon them. Artemis the Huntress might well fetch food for the village, but she would not lure her enemies there. No one would see her. It would mean that you could not hunt the Sun King, and bring an end to the root of the problem. Stopping the violence for the fifty villages that are being brutalised, not this one."

"But perhaps it would bring more joy to your heart"

Smiling appreciatively if somewhat surprised at the connection between Garvarius and Anstice as others spoke Aetius looked at Eleni's remarks about the organisation of priests hunting people in outright confusion before speaking slowly, "The head of the church of Hera is Hera. While I admire your confidence your belief that that is a head you can cut off is misplaced."

Resisting the urge to sigh, not least because his still healed wounds made him unwilling to be overly critical, Aetius observed, "Exploited is likely not the word Cassandra. Just as despoiled was not for the bodies earlier. Hopefully someone can join you on watching for any leaving after our arrival?"

"Unfortunately Malvolo I can't see many alternatives for gathering information. I suggest we leave as swiftly as we can but I don't see an alternative to stopping there if we are after further information both about this Sun King and potential ways off the island. But if people disagree I'm happy to listen."

Yngvar's casual assumption of their surviving attacker's inevitable deaths in front of them made him once again bite his tongue but he did nod absently at the suggestion of returning their weapons. If they were taking these people back to their homes there was little reason not to. Similarly Anstice's assumption that their presence would improve the villager's situation earned a shrug, "I would suggest we see the situation first. I would be reluctant to linger there though."

"Tito and Melua, take your swords and go home. Cross us again and it won't turn out well. The rest of you, let's get picked up and straightened out and head for the village, then figure out what to do once we get there. Sound like a plan for now?" he says to the party around him. "I don't want to linger there either Aetius, I want to get off of this island."

"I think the words were right, but they are just words" Cassandra said after thinking about it. "The action was to pillage and loot the bodies of the dead. I think it's wrong. You all think it's right. I'm not trying to stop you or change you. When we find something pretty that wasn't from a dead body, a momento of something I feel good about, I will be as keen as the rest of you to take it"

"But more importantly, I can think of one alternative, Aetius" Cassandra said cogitating over his words "I still think your plan is the best... But I was thinking. Notice that in this village there was one person who knew where the Sun King was, and now he is dead. Kimon was his name I think"

"Let us pretend for a while that this is the Sun King's way of working. If that is the case the next village we go to... their leader will know where he lives. And perhaps no one else"

"If we head upstream we will find another village. There will be a leader. We can capture that leader with minimum violence. Thus we do not cause that village the same problems that we have caused this one. And then we can ask him questions... Some of us I am sure have the kind of magics that can do that simply"

"With a river this large, the next village will only be a few miles away. I can be there and back in a few hours: I travel faster alone. Why don't I go looking now to scout it out, and see what is there. I can meet you back at this village"

Raising a hand at Yngvar's words to the pair of captives Aetius glanced at the two, "If you could wait before doing anything he suggested. Nodding at the wizard he said, "We're still asking some questions and if we do end up travelling the same direction as them it is ultimately safer for all of us who are going to move together. If we can hold off on any rearming of anyone or departing till we have a consensus though that will be best."

To Cassandra's remarks about pillaging he answered, "Pillage while better than despoiled is also incorrect because pillaging is the deliberate  use of force to take something with the violence and the theft tied together. The violence is initiated with the ultimate intent of taking the possessions of those attacked. Pillaging as an act of self-defence would involve actively baiting people into attacking you so you could kill them and take their possession. Difficult but not unheard of though I've been fortunate never to meet anyone who did. Unless somehow you believe we tricked them into ambushing us?" Aetius' remarks were detached, the manner of an absent interest rather than any particular passion with the slightly rote manner when providing the more specific details that seemed rooted in some manner of learning. A moment later he added, "But that is a moot point since I suspect your feelings about that are more rooted in your background. So arguments based off definitions are pointless."

Listening to her presented hypothetical scenario he looked at her in confusion for a moment he considered listing all the things that were an issue about that idea but eventually shrugged, "It's entirely possible there are other villages along this river. If your plan is to meet us back at the known village your scouting is planned to avoid us needing to go so it may be pointless though."

"Leaving the gear is just wasteful. If we are unable or unwilling to use it, then gifting it to the village or selling it is a better choice than leaving it here to rot. I understand the desire to respect the dead, but they are on their way to final judgement and cannot use their worldly possessions anymore. Better they be used to help the living." she says.

She nods along with Aetius as he articulates his thoughts. "We are of the same mind. I do think it better to travel as a group, especially since there is a chance of more aggression towards us. Yngvar has a good point in not wanting to remain on this island. Especially true for those whose name might end up on one of those lists."

Malvolo nodded, "At least a short visit may also yield the locations of several nearby villages or camps not tied to this river and inadvertent clues at direction of the Sun King. I think he may be behind much of the piracy in the area but that is conjecture.

Detractors or benefits of isolation aside... The island needs a leadership change. The people here should manage decently -assuming they are native or nearly.

I agree we would be best served, and the island generally, by us being away from here. There are a lot of steps between us and that undertaking. I too would like to leave as many people alive in our wake as possible I acknowledge the need to kill sometimes though." He strapped on the Hand of Hera and tried to control- lower- the intensity of the flame by willpower. "I would love to use this to warm drinks and cook potatoes..." while he might be a bit disappointed if it comes to merely binary function, it would just mean more careful use of the on/off function of the flames.

In reply to Eleni (msg # 99):




Tito and Melua replied to Eleni. "They say, he is the mortal voice of Apollo on earth. Those that tried to fight him, when he first showed up where killed horribly by his spear. They say Apollo has given him power, to rule, smite and destroy. He rides a horse of fire, like a log that was in the fire for too long. His followers murder or kidnap people in the night. The village is grabbed by fear....all of us."





"The Sun King had 14 warrior with him, when he first attack the village. 10 seemed like just normal bandits, but a few of them where a little scarier. Kimon being the least of his officers. Then there are the Sun King's four horseman. Nasos the warrior, Ganiadis the sly one, Vasso the Cyclops, and lastly, the Warrior Princess, Xanthia of Troy (DC 15 Know: Nobility). The village of Thalassinós Ánemos is said to be beyond the mountains to the north. That is all we can tell you. We know no more."

As the pyre is going and discussions are turning in other directions Pantelis voices his opinion, "Heading towards the village could be a decent idea. If anything, if we can settle any encounters there peacefully, we could help them rebuild and potentially use the place as a sort of home base for now. Perhaps, and this is just me wondering, I know I had expressed mistrust for these two, but if the rest of you believe their story, then perhaps, we could use them to help us enter the village more peacefully?" He finishes with a statement that is also a question.

"I believe they have been honest with us. The have shown no signs of deceit while I have been observing them. I am comfortable taking their statements as true." she replies to Pantelis

"As I am a person not accustomed to the language you might be right. My understanding is that the normal usage of 'pillage' is 'to take goods by force'. And" Cassandra pointed to the dead bodies "It seems force was used. You are all agreed that it is OK to loot the dead, and somehow 'wasteful' not to. I'm not trying to stop you, even though I think it disrespects the dead"

"We are a chaotic group. Half the people are talking about going to the village, half not. I propose to go up to the next village to find things out. I'll return along the path alongside the river. I should be able to find you. I hope you have decided by the time I return. And perhaps appointed a leader"

"Come on Fluffy... we have some scouting to do"

Anstice shakes her head. Letting her mind clear a bit and responding, "The goddess Artemis has many aspects and does a great many actions including saving babies in the forest. As you say though the discussion of what she would do doesnt directly help, because my options are limited to my abilities. My understanding is Aetius, Malvolo, Eleni, Yngvar, Garvarius and Myself wish to at least go to the visit and make decision on what to do from there. Cassandra belives that would be a bad choice. Pantelis seems to think its a good idea to travel with the surrendered attackers. So shall we make for the town with them and we can decide further from there. We can travel slow and gather food on the way as a way to make our presence less of a negative."

Listening to the summary from the two locals with a frown, especially when they confirmed the sort of numbers that likely remained, his eyes widened slightly at certain points and when they were done he asked, "An actual cyclops or are we talking more a one-eyed man here?" None of the other names got any recognition on his face though he did make some careful mental notes.

Listening to the others continue to discuss matters he seemed particularly relieved at Eleni's confirmation there appeared to be no falsehood with those they dealt with he believed at least there appeared to be some consensus about heading to the village even if whether or not they stayed was another matter. At this point he had already made his thoughts clear on that, that lingering brought danger to the village. But with Cassandra's description Anstice seemed adamant to at least see this and wasting time arguing over the finer details here was foolish when at this point they still lacked information.

As Cassandra continued to accuse them of pillaging he sighed and repeated himself, "Pillage means that the violence and theft are tied together Cassandra. When you use it what you are saying is we attacked them because we desired to take their possessions via violence. There is no separation of the two acts, the violence is carried out with the intent of acquiring the possessions. So you are saying we pillaged a group we were unaware of until they ambushed us."

Once she had headed off on her scouting he looked back to the others, nodding agreement with Anstice, "We seem to be agreed to head to the village but split if we remain. I stand by my opinion that we endanger them by staying whereas if we visit, get what information we can and then leave with them able to tell any of the Sun King's followers our route of departure it minimises the risk. But ultimately we need to see it first." Looking towards their captives he nodded in the direction of the taken weapons, "I'd say now is a good time to follow Yngvar's earlier suggestion, if you want to rearm yourselves." To the rest of their group he added, "As I say, after we arrive there it's possible people will leave to carry a message to the Sun King or his fellows. If we keep an eye out for anyone doing that and note their direction hopefully we'll be able to find out more."

Sharpening his blades, his longsword and the giant sword he had yet to master to wield, he stopped for a moment and looked up at the rest of the group. "We should go to the village then. We can decide then, rather to go or to stay. My blades are sharp and ready for battle, I found a new sibling today and we have twice been tested by the gods, and come out victorious. It has been a good day. Although we have lost two comrades, they are in the Elysian fields in Hades by now. Let us go my friends and my sister, it waste time just sitting here and our destiny, spun by the fates awaits us."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Wed 08 Feb 2023.

Yngvar gets ready to travel, he is getting anxious about this place and wants to leave!

The group moves on, and as the sun begins to set in the east you come across the village of Néa Elpída. About a dozen or so hovels, dot the village. There is a burnt down waterwheel mill and a large wooden longhouse, now in ruins. The only buildings of significance is a old looking inn and a blacksmith's work grounds.

The children who where out playing or doing chores, stop and look at the party of newcomers with a mix of fear and wonder. Some run to their hovels, most likely to tell their parents. Wood smoke from fires used for cooking fill the air. Some villagers who where lucky are boiling fish from the river, others are boiling leather shoes and belts and eating it. The people look poor and destitute, some look sickly. A silence falls over the village as the people just look and watch the heroes.

The blacksmith, who was finishing up his work stops and looks at the group. Only a young boy has a look of happiness, as he brings a catch of rabbits, going into the inn, he comes out a few minutes later with a jug of wine.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Cassandra didn't enter the village. None of the news that she had was urgent. She'd explored the main ways out of it, and had found a nice tree that she could wait in watching to see if anyone left. Fluffy was waiting patiently for her at the bottom of the tree


OOC Well not my most successful scout.
Hide (with presumably positive modifiers from being up a tree) 27
Spot... not so much. Not much you can do with a natural 1

Malvolo shook his head, "We should have hunted and foraged before coming into town..." As it was, he adjusted his traveling cloak and fixed his eyes on a leather eater. "Come along. It isn't much but I can use some magic to make your leathers taste better. It doesn't really make it go down easier... What did you do before the Sun King's men came?" he worked the cantrip while talking with people. "What is your favorite food? I have had some impressive meals in my day but those seem long past. I can't promise it is great flavors but I can make them better than most boiled raw leather and I have enough of this magic for everyone..." He tried to build report. Some might recognize the gauntlet as he cast spells and chatted but he made no point of drawing attention to it. Instead he measured their needs and desires, flavored food with magic, and took requests for short stories while trying to learn more about the Sun King.

Take 10 on GI for 20 if allowed, if not -Malvolo rolled a 4 on the die +10.  Gather Information. Anything else there should be moot.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Anstice kept her eyes on the traveling as they traveled hoping to notice a source of food. Sending her Hawk to hunt while they traveled. If she notices an opportunity she will break away to take advantage of it.

As they arrive at the village she starts looking around for obvious injured and then focuses on getting a head count and figure out how to help. Sending Thelma to watch hunt while she head to aid with the injured.

Yngvar was unhappy when he saw the village. It was terrible what the so-called Sun-King had done to 'his' people. He needed punished! The people were starving, eating their own shoes. They needed to help or the people would surely die. If they could get the Sun-King and his men in 2 or 3 groups, they could defeat them.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Eleni looks around the village and sees the poor conditions it endures. She moves slowly about as they enter to try to get an idea of how long the place has been in this state and the rough population supported here. To her companions she says "It just won't do for people to eat leather. Are we able to spare any food or can we spare a body or two for hunting? These innocents should not be left in this deplorable state if we can help it."

Walking along with the rest of the group as they made their way to the village Aetius was fairly certain it was not going to be a sight to improve the day and when they finally got a clear look at it he was unsurprised to be correct. Cassandra's assessment of the situation looked to be accurate. As others headed into the village seemingly doing what they could he looked to the pair that had attacked them before and were currently travelling with the group, "I know you said the mayor had been dispatched, is there anyone else who heads your village now?"

As Aetius speaks, Yngvar snaps out of his thoughts and pays attention to the answer.

He pulled some food out of his pack to feed a few, how many were there? And could they feed them all? Hunting and fishing and planting crops was the only way for them to survive. Were there enough to do all that was necessary?

"I can go hunt immediately. I was going to ensure no life threating issues existed before I went to do so. Tomorrow I can take the older children along with me and have them learn some of the skills of hunting and gathering. Teaching is the key to survival here."Anstice wondering where she would be most helpful, "Tonight I will prepare to make additional berries of Artemis. It will buy time."

"I will help cook, and can teach them to cook and brew as well. If there is any grain about. Rebuilding the mill needs to be done too." he says to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Looking to Anstice and Yngvar at their remarks Aetius suggested in a mild tone, "Perhaps we should not decide that we can make decisions about what these good people will and will not be doing when so far we've not even had a conversation with them." Especially the notion that they would somehow be permitted to decide what happened with the youth of the village as though they were somehow not a bunch of strangers who at this point were not even welcome to linger. As he waited for a reply from either Tito or Melua he regarded the villagers quietly as they reacted to the sudden arrival of a heavily armed mob. Given their last experience with similar was likely when the Sun King stopped by he could understand more than a slight amount of trepidation.

"That is a good point, we are not the ruling body of this land. Perhaps we should just offer our assistance and allow them to decide? If they decline, at least it will have been their choice. I will offer to help heal their injured so those more suited to providing sustenance can focus on that." she says to Aetius, in a similar quiet tone.

Approaching Tito and Melua, she says "I am not sure who is supposed to be in charge of the village now. Could you help by introducing us to whomever that might be so we can offer our assistance with the conditions here? We don't feel like we should push it on you, but we do feel like we can help make things a little better. Possibly by teaching some skills and getting enough food for everyone for at least a day or two."

As Cassandra sits from the view of a nice tree, the rest of the group tries to get a handle on what suffering goes on here. Malvolo shook his head and tried to help while gathering information. An old man raises his eyebrows, not happy with the forward nature of Malvolo. "I don't need any of your magics. I'm not bread, wish I had bread, but you can't butter me up boy. Leather is leather." He finished cooking in a hurry, just to get away from the group, taking his poor meal into his hovel.

Anstice sent her eagles into the sky and it returned later with a large rabbit. Anstice looked at the villages, and saw malnutrition everywhere, but no real food to treat it, besides what one could get from the days hunt.

Tito and Melua replied the Eleni and the group in general. "The Sun King take all the cattle, burned all the wheat fields of the outlining farmers. Took all the gold, silver, copper. Killed the Trojan Mayor and the miller, burnt down the mill and longhouse and stole all the flour that remained. If their is one who is seen as or could be a leader, it's big Dusty of Rhoades. That over there is his inn."

OOC: Guestimating the population you would think around 50 or so souls.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:54, Fri 10 Feb 2023.

Pantelis had been taken aback at the state of the village, somehow it was worse off than he imagined. The food supplies he had on himself were meager in comparison to his guestimation of the occupants of the village. "While I wish we could help these people today, it seems this village needs a good deal of help more than we can currently offer," he says somewhat sadly.

He looks towards the inn, "Some of us should go talk to him, not only about rooms for the night, but he may be able to point us in a good direction. I have a feeling there will be conflict with this sun king, as the only way to really help them seems to be to restore what was taken."

In an effort to lighten the mood some, he slips his pipes from their place at his side and slowly begins a tune of hope and better days. Feeling out the reactions of the people as he plays.

OOC:

06:08, Today: Pantelis rolled 21 using 1d20+13.  Perform (Pipes).
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Fri 10 Feb 2023.

Anstice looks around gathering herself before readying herself to hunt into the night. She is a priestess of Artemis and doesn't fear the night these people need food now, "I will go now and attempt a hunt. Maybe I can catch some prey while its coming to the river at nightfall to drink. I will return by midnight. I may have to sleep in some in the morning to recover. Goddess of the hunt grant me guidance and good fortune on this hunt." She speaks a prayer before vanishing into the wilds.

OOC: Survival roll for finding food. 04:29, Today: Anstice rolled 29 using 1d20+12 ((17)).
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Fri 10 Feb 2023.

As numbers became clearer Aetius shook his head sympathetically at the sight since these sort of numbers meant they were outside what even all of their number hunting would be able to manage to find. Not helped by the fact that the nearby area might already be low on foraging options given the state of the village.

Looking Eleni's way after their two former attackers vouched the information about the innkeeper, as the others made their various efforts to interact with the rest of the locals and Pantelis suggest they see this Dusty person, he nodded towards the inn, "You've a decent eye for deception and a friendlier demeanour than me. And I can watch your back for if there's more working directly for the Sun King around." Her refusal would see him heading to the inn alone but, ideally in company, he made his way to the building, stepping inside and letting his eyes adjust to the change in light for a moment to take in the interior.

Eleni watches the priestess go into the woods, a little concerned she is going alone. It's her choice, and she seems at home there. Eleni justifies to herself. She nods when Aetius speaks and smiles at the compliment from her companion. "That is kind of you to say. I will be happy to talk with Dusty of Rhoads, and see what we can do here. A second pair of eyes is always a good thing to have when learning about a new place and people." she says to him, and walks next to him towards the inn.

Seeing the priestess of Artemis walk off to hunt at night, he was sure that she could take care of herself, but having lost so many loved ones, he can never be too careful. He also didn't know where the girl had run off to. Cassandra had been scouting, and he was also sure that she was also safe, as she seemed much more confident and wise then most people her age. Garvarius nodded to Eleni and Aetius. "Even the strongest amount I should not be alone. I will return with the priestess as soon as the Hunt is over."

Catching up with Anstice with his newly acquired longbow, he gave a small smile. "May I have the honor to hunt with you tonight?

"Help and company are greatly appreciated. If the goddess grants us large game the help to bring it back will be most helpful." She smiles at Garvious as they make for the forest to find game heading for water before they retire for the night.

As the last bits of day turn into dark, Pantelis begins to place his pipes. Talking around some of the outside cook fires begins to stop, as many turn to look at the Satyr. A few smiles can even be seen, as many here have never seen a Satyr, nor heard such music for some time, if ever. His performance softens the mood bit, at least for a time. Even Cassandra who is resting in a nearby tree, can faintly hear it.


Aetius and Eleni walk into the inn and they see more than a few villagers inside. A large brick fireplace is cooking fish and rabbit as they was the fair that could be caught today. A large old man is praying over a empty wooden barrel of wine, giving prayers aloud to Dionysus. This Old Man looks to be in his sixties and is scared from head to toe. As he finishes his prayer, the sound of fluid, can be heard filling the barrel. Lifting it back onto the rack, he begins filling the mugs of many waiting villages with wine. As he looks up, a small smile crosses his face as he sees Aetius and Eleni. "Free wine baby. All to the power of Dionysus, if you will?" 


Working together, Garvarius and Anstice where gone for only a few hour before getting a very large deer. Dressing it and binding it to a long stick to make it easier to carry, they return to cheers and shocked disbelief at the sight of what had to be at least 200 pounds if goods meat and organs like heart and liver.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

OOC: Garvarius and Anstice you have not returned yet, but will by the next GM post. Please regale us with your hunting tale and perhaps talk about your "shared" mother. :)

Anstice leads the hunt using the trees as cover but staying near the river. Moving slowly and methodical checking the ground for animal sign. Looking for a trail that big game would use to reach the water to drink. As darkness falls and the moon rises her body tenses and her focus narrows. Finally she steps out of the shadow of the trees into direct moonlight and stops. She looks up letting the light of the moon bathe her face. Closing her eyes she reaches towards the moon with a single hand. She remains like that for longer then a minute swaying slightly. Her eyes snap open and she turns 170 degrees looking down and taking off with speed on the trail of something. Finally she stops in a patch of moonlight, "I believe our prey will pass here. The goddess has given us fortune but we must not over hunt. Even if there are more then one animal we only take one. We cannot possibly carry more then that and we are to far from the village to bring help back in time. I will leave you the first shot." Drawing forth her sling she loads it and set up to wait for their prey to return from the riverside.

Cassandra was still up the tree. Her goal was to see if anyone left the village and she planned on staying here until dawn

Eleni smiles at the cheerful fellow. A little bit of hope and wine would go a long way with the villagers. "Hello, I am Eleni and this is my companion Aetius. We are part of a larger group that washed ashore on this island. We made our way there with Tito and Melua's guidance, after a brief skirmish with the Priestess of Hera and her entourage. We would like to help improve things around here if we can, and wanted to speak to someone in charge to set it up. A few of our company are out hunting right now and hopefully will find some small game to help feed everyone, and several of us are passable healers as well. We even have a musician to help lighten the mood, he's playing outside currently. We also heard that a lot of your livelyhood was taken by the Sun King, and would like to know more about his holdings and operations here, if possible." She makes no move to drink the wine, but will pass her cup to another villager without one if offered.

Taking in the other villagers Aetius' gaze moved on from them to the bartender, an eyebrow raising at the sound of the barrel refilling only for comprehension to dawn at the man's words, "While I appreciate the god's generosity and yours not for me, thank you." Glancing back to confirm Eleni had followed and see if their two former ambushers had also accompanied them.

With Eleni making the introductions to his relief he listened to her summary of matters in silence, lips briefly pursing at her description of the exchange as a skirmish. With dead on both sides that was underplaying it. But he trusted in her ability to handle the matter better than he and rather than remark he simply watched for the reaction of others in the room while the bartender was her focus.

Nocking his arrow, he followed Anstice through the cool night breeze and the light of the moon guiding their way. They moved quietly and smoothly as the sound of the river covered any little noise that might arise from their approach. As they stopped in a patch of moonlight, Garvarius nodded to her words. They waited there for a short few moments in time and noted how the priestess moved so naturally in the wilderness, much like the way his mother use to in memory. Seeing a herd come forth, Garvarius noted the biggest one. This was a gift and he made note to only fire at one. In one smooth action, Garvarius fired at the deer.

Malvolo thought it odd that a child would be so content with a bottle of wine for rabbits. The trade didn't seem right... He didn't want to make a scene about it but was quite curious.

He felt their team had now had more definite interaction with what felt like half the pantheon, not even knowing of the influence of the barkeep, than he had had in his more than twenty two years. He wondered what happened to draw the gods' attention -ire it seemed.

Being a teacher and philosophical man Athens was the only home that afforded such free thought. Athena was his de-facto patron. He was warming to Hestia and Demeter as well given their circumstances.

He envied the Satyr's apparent success at gaining some endearment from the people. At least someone had some small favor... He would wait and see how things went.

Yngvar found the cooking area and helped with the cooking of food for them all. He helped a lot with spices and stirred the pot and added anything he had to add.

Pantelis finishes his song and seeing the smiles takes a slight bow. Afterward he takes up his pipes again and begins another song, this one a soft and soothing tune suited for eating, one that would not be out of place in the households of nobility in far off Athens.

OOC:
21:39, Today: Pantelis rolled 30 using 1d20+13.  Perform (pipes).

After the two hunters brought back the kill they made, Yngvar built the fire up and salted the meat to taste and added a few spices as well, there would be a feast tonight at least. When all was done, he helped the women clean up and found a dry place to sleep the night. He was worried.

It was nice to hear the noise of merriment. Cassandra suspected it had been a long time since the village folk had been so well fed and happy. She was of course aware that with them staying there, the chance of the Gods sending violent forces here was much greater, but if they were lucky nothing would happen tonight

In the meantime she kept up her watch

Anstice watches Garvarius's arrow find its mark in the chest of the animal. She follows it up with a stone from her sling. Finding a strike on the flank of the animal. She doesn't break cover as it starts away. Focusing on seeing how it moves and deciding how far its going to be able to flee with injuries. As it stumbles and falls about 100 yards away she moves towards it pulling her dagger to slit its throat before starting to setup for field dressing and preping the animal to be ready to move it, "That was a great shot Garvarius." Moving through the preparatory work quickly and efficiently. Its clear she has done alot of hunting and preparation in the past.

Dusty gave a hard glare at the two new comers, giving them a look up and down. His smile turned, faded away as the offered wine, blessed by Dionysus, was rejected. Not really hearing any true questions, but a line of statements, he turned his back on Eleni and Aetius. "There is the door, get out....and take your Sun King trash with you (pointing to Tito and Melua)." A smile slowly grew back on his face as he began helping other villagers to free wine and what little food he had.


Garvarius and Anstice returned to the cheers and tears of joy from the many of the villagers. They begin cooking the deer at once and as the night went on a small feast of deer began and as Pantelis played on his pipes, people even began to dance. To many, it was the greatest music ever heard in their lives. As villagers began to cut off pieces of meat, the group knew nothing would be left by dawn. Two young women sit close to Pantelis, watching him lovingly.


OOC: Feel free to post as if your in the space time now. Things are a bit timey-wimey, but I'll work it out in post.

Exhaling slightly at Dusty's reaction to the pair who had surrendered Aetius shrugged, "It's your inn. And given these two surrendered shortly after Kimon and his other fellows were slain I don't think they'll be considered amongst the Sun King's followers by any of them anymore." Despite saying that he indicated for the pair to follow him. Getting them outside and remaining with them would not be a good look for him but giving Eleni space without them to work was more likely to get things going in the right direction Just like mentioning the fate of the most significant of the Sunk King's people hereabouts would hopefully get her a second chance at a first impression. Of course she might think it better go give the man some space first but that was down to her, the best he could do was minimise distractions.

Once out there he looked to the others putting their various efforts in around the village and shifted his direction to put himself away from the inn and any clear throughfares to take a seat. Looking between Tito and Melua he spoke, "Where did the Sun King recruit the pair of you then?" That was not the last question he asked but he kept his tone mild through the quiet interrogation, looking to try to actually get some idea of the pair that they were likely going to have to keep company with for a while longer given the reaction of the innkeeper. While he did that he kept an eye out for any who int eh wake of the group's arrival who was heading outside of the village, given then had the possibility of heading off to inform others.

When the hunters returned or any of the others he travelled here with looked like they were in need of assistance he rose to check if his help was wanted. Otherwise outside of the conversation with the pair he kept himself apart from anyone else.

While he cooked, salted and spiced the food, and afterwards when he helped the women clean up, he kept a friendly conversation with the women. Asking about their families, their children and husbands. How many were lost when the Sun King came and all about those events too. He was saddened by the loss and the destruction and how the idiot left them all with nothing to die. He asked if they planned to stay here, or move to the next town up the river

"Artemis has graced us all with the gift of her Sacred Animal. Let it sustain all who need food. I implore you all to make sure that those that need food get some as well." Anstice focus as the feast begins is keeping the hide in good condition. Pulling it aside to act as the offering to Artemis from this Hunt. As she works she eats one of the berries trusting them to feed her and allowing the starving villagers as much as they can enjoy. She asks one of the women, "Is there a person among you with skill in the care and creation of works of leather. I wish to turn this hide in an offering to Artemis to thank her for her aid in the hunt this night."

Malvolo was glad for the people. There was an extraordinary amount of work to be done yet if this village were to be saved. Much less the whole island... That even assumed the island was home base for the Sun King, though it would make sense to be the case.

Arachne spun her glassy thread onto her loom, occasionally stopping as though her attention were grabbed for a moment. Malvolo spread his bed roll. He ate some of his own rations to spare the food for the village as well. Night was approaching and villagers likely took up rooms in the inn.

It prickled in his mind a bit but he had no doubt they would confer in the morning about what to do next. They had arrived with little sun left after all. He hoped he remembered everything that bothered him in the morning, and they were all alive.

Eleni gives Dusty some room as the others leave. She wasn't ready to give up, and hoped they would be able to help these people. Once those present had the opportunity to get the wine, she re-approaches Dusty. "I apologize for the earlier offense, I merely wanted to be at top condition if more agents of the Sun King arrive here. If you are still offering, a cup of wine would be lovely. The Sun Kings minions attacked us here, and thus he is not our friend. If you have any information that might help us rid this island of the Sun-King it would be most welcome." she explains. She tries to appear contrite and apologetic.

OOC:

23:14, Today: Eleni rolled 34 using 1d20+16.  Diplomacy.

Cassandra was still outside the village watching the merriment from her tree. And watching for anyone slipping away, or any outsiders coming to attack

Garvarius smiled with a little bit of pride as Anstice and himself brought back the deer for the village. Has he sat by the fire where it was cooking the smell of the meat made him hungry, as Yngvar seasons the venison as it cooked. Still, he waited until the villagers had their share, before partaking in some of the meal. "Yes, we were blessed with a good hunt...Yngvar, where did you learn to cook?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

Yngvar just smiled in reply, "Here and there, since I was knee high." As he cooked, he consoled the widows and orphans, building a relationship with the women and kids. He hoped for a warm night of snuggling, the air was cold to his bones last night and he didn't want a repeat. Body warmth being the object, not sex. That he didn't care about at the moment.

He fetched and carried for the women, taking care of them and then helping to clean up.

As the night carried on, the stars shined in the dark clear sky above. The smell of wood, meat and wine came to pass, and Pantelis played on his pipes to the adornment of the village. Malvolo sat back and eat some of his on rations, while Anstice, Garvarius and Yngvar prepared the deer. One of the women named, Dorothea, a old Tanner by profession takes the hide from Anstice. "We will make a worthy hide for Artemis."


Tito and Melua shrugged to Aetius, "Kimon forced us to do it. We should have asked Dusty for help, but we where....scared. Kimon knew not to mesh with Dusty and Dusty always hid himself away when the Sun King came around....We didn't want to do it, but it was better than starving." The pair spoke each in turn, finishing off each other's sentences.



Dusty looked up at Eleni, staring at her eyes for a moment before relaxing. "Ok baby. Let us drink together and talk about the Sun King problem....where the river springs forth, high on the mountain top, there is a temple. Hard to get to I hear. I myself thought about taking on this Sun King, but I'm retired and well passed my prime. Do you think you can stand against him and his horsemen?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:12, Tue 21 Feb 2023.

Listening with interest and a measure of sympathy Aetius noted, "You won't be the first or last to make mistakes, especially while hungry." That the bartender was capable enough to keep one of the Sun King's underlings in check while also being able to avoid the the fellow when he was around was telling. His attention focused again on the matter of them being fed which of course would be the logical tool to keep people loyal who were enforcing the Sun King's will. They would need to be anyway to be in fighting shape. But that would suggest then that if there was not a supply of food here then there must be some provided on a regular basis for Kimon and any others who had worked with him.

"Where did the food Kimon provided you with come from? And for that matter which house was his?" There were still some possibilities for hunting down information from here even with the fellow who had the most already dead.

Cassandra was still up her tree checking that things were alright

As the day begins to dawn, Tito and Melua take Aetius to Kimon's home. Ransacking it, you find 78 Rations. Hardtack, dried meats and fruits. A Spyglass, Masterwork Short Sword, 83 Gold coins and 6 Deep Blue sapphires.

The birds begin to sing, the village begins to slowly get to the bussness of the day. You find yourselves well rested and ready to continue your journey if you so choose.

OOC: game on! :)

Eleni takes the drink and has a sip. It's surprisingly sweet and catches her off guard. She expected cheap watered down wine, but this could be served to nobility. "I think it is my responsibility to ensure the imbalance here is corrected. In this case, they means letting your people prosper by removing the Sun-king problem. Any information on his numbers, his assistants and their abilities, and any details on his temples layout would be very helpful. I can't promise we will succeed, but I will try to help. I don't think he will let my companions and I leave after taking down some of his people. I think we wrecked here for a reason, and this just might be part of it."

Yngvar woke from his sleep and tried to unentwine from the two widows that spent the night in the comfort of his arms. They had crawled under his blanket to keep warm and to comfort their grieving. He had done his best to comfort their losses, they were good women and did not deserve the trouble the Sun King had brought them. He would take them to the next town if they wished, later, or they could rebuild here. He would leave them a little gold to help.

He spent an hour with his spell book to prepare for the day.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Thu 23 Feb 2023.

The following day, relieved to find confirmation that Kimon had left the food here, Aetius informed the rest of the group of that discovery, leaving it to those who the locals were more at ease with to distribute the food within though he did note that it might be wisest to bury any gold or jewels the village kept hold of till they needed it. Aside from that he suggested taking the the spyglass and weapon with the group, the latter because it seemed leaving weaponry about the village was only likely to attract negative attention if found by the Sun King or any of his fellows.

Taking no food for himself from the find he did pass a couple of day's portions on to Melua and Tito but otherwise in the morning he was waiting on the arrival of Cassandra to see if any had left the village while she watched or Eleni to see if Dusty had been able to give her any more information since thus far it seemed none of the others had found fresh details for them to pursue in their time here. Otherwise he passed the time preparing to leave, returning the assorted gear that had been taken off overnight back to Astera, Theoros' steed, finishing preparation of his own magic for the day and once everything else was done working his way through a slow series of drills a distance away from the general crowd of the village.

A sleepy Cassandra came in for breakfast. She'd tried to stay awake the whole night, and had mostly succeeded, but it was always hard to be sure when you were the only person watching. Grabbing a bite to eat she relayed the news about what was upstream

"Not a lot found. No habbitation that I found between here and the mountains." she shook her head quietly at Aetius's unasked question. "I didn't find any clues to where the Sun King is. Sorry."

Malvolo would want to get a move on as soon as they had any tactically relevant information on the Sun King's minions, "Once we secure safety then a broader analysis of resources and damages versus possible improvements can be done. I imagine there are other villages similarly troubled by the local tyrant. The people can work together to help each other and undoubtedly new resources will be found as the island is secured." he pressed for ending the Sun King and horsemen as quickly and as safely as possible then they could assess larger issues and get people the help they needed efficiently.

He helped heat breakfast foods and start morning fires with limited exposure to the flaming gauntlet while Arachne wrapped up the last of yesterday's threads into a fairly small rectangle.

His next statements may assume some additional conversations with Dusty but
"No one else found him either but if there aren't any large groups in wait up river, with an better timeline of how often and how long ago this place was attacked or demanded tribute from... We get something of an idea of how much they likely move around and just how far they may go. At least we can start watching or investigation of their nearest stronghold."

When Anstice prepared at midnight she focuses maximizing food production for the day. As people start discussing what to do next and what the plan is she speaks up, "I think a day or two more here would be helpful. Well we cant fix everything I have a theory of how to give them a short term solution to help with the food problems while other issues are dealt with." She reaches into her pack and pulls out a full size fishing net, "I want to see If I can set this up as a trap on the river. The river cant support 50 people by itself but it could be used to give them a consistent source of food for awhile. Meaning the hunting and gathering on other fronts might hold them out longer. One Deer is a good band aid but I cant rely on that kinda support from the goddess every hunt. "

Yngvar helped the women in preparing breakfast for everyone, leftover meat and bone from last night would start a nice stew, with some roots and vegetables it would be delicious.

"If anyone needs me, let me know, as long as we're here, I'll make myself useful with cooking and such."

Cassandra listened to the others. Nodding at Marvello's comments on strongholds "I can certainly do a bit of looking around in the next couple of days. If there's anything significant within... twenty miles of here... I should find it"

"It's good of you all to help these people. They certainly need it. Just remember that being here will attract attention. And then they will get caught up in the fight. And ... well ... you know what will happen when that happens"

"I think I'll catch a nap until noon: I've been awake all night. Then I'll go do some more scouting."

Rejoining people as they gathered in the morning Aetius was unsurprised by Cassandra's confirmation she had not found anything more about the Sun King, though he did ask, "See anyone head out of the village and fail to return? They're the most likely to have headed out to share information."

Those continuing to talk about securing the place earned a furrowed brow before he shrugged, "Food was enough to keep the Sun King's direct servant and five troops fed for close to a fortnight. I'd say that seems like a minimum window for them getting visits, if Kimon had fewer soldiers directly under him then the area might be checked in on less regularly. So Cassandra's concern is correct but we might have a window to work in. However the priestess visiting here may mean it gets more attentions sooner" He looked to Tito and Melua to be corrected on any of that given it was purely a guess at this point, "That said our presence here is adding close to a dozen mouths to those who need feeding and I'd imagine the immediate area has been hunted fairly thoroughly. Anstice's idea has merit but we likely would be wise to take advantage of our numbers to hunt further afield too. Ultimately we might be better advised to move on to minimise the trouble we cause."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

"I would prefer to move on sooner than later, but, if we are spending days then Arachne and I can inspect the mill and can clean it up a bit too. Maybe it will be mostly superficial damage... Who knows? If there is real structural damage though then we may have more work than can be done before we get rid of the Sun King and his tyrant band..." he spoke, then asked some locals if they could point him to the burned mill.

He hoped most of it was stone and would be in working order, as he feared for the water wheel he assumed provided most of the force.

It had not taken Pantelis long to drift to sleep during the night, it had actually made his heart glad to have brought some smile to these people's faces. As he had awoken shortly after sunrise, he made his was to the rest of his companions staying quiet while they talked. Finally he decided to voice his opinion, "It would seem to me that even children of Zeus, such as mighty Hercules, must rest from time to time. Yes I agree us staying at this village draws them more danger, but we should consider a couple points. First we still have no clue the actual location of this Sun King, hunting him blind is not a good thing for us in unfamiliar territory. At least one more day to let Cassandra do the scouting she seems intent on, and for us to plan more may be the best course. The other consideration is, in this day that has passed it is not unlikely word may have already reached him of the defeat of that priestess of Hera and if he knows of that he is likely already setting plans and traps as I am sure he would have known one of his own was travelling with her."

High on a mountain...
Cassandra used her ability to change shape, and scouted ahead in a way no one else in the party could. What she saw living on the lower slops of the mountain was a boar, large and powerful. It moved, eat by the river and seemed to be almost guarding the path forward. As the day went on a dust cloud could be seen in the distance, many miles away. It seems a large group, on horseback where headed towards the village, likely to get there by morning the next day, if they stopped for the night.


Back at the Village...
Some of the widows followed around and worked with Yngvar, as he cooked throughout the day. Malvolo looked over the mill and thought about what was needed for repair (Knowledge Engineering, DC 15). The heroes where able to get some rest in general and the village where able to catch more fish from the river with Anstice's help. Finally, dawn came and Cassandra returned from her scouting to the rest of the group.


OOC: Game on. You are all together now.

Malvolo set Arachne in a tree and cast a summon monster spell to call a celestial spider of her size into the tree as well... He gave them instruction to spin their cloth as much as possible in the time the summoned creature had... It wouldn't even remain long enough to use more than half its webbing for the day, but half a day closer to the goal was still half a day worth of precious silk.

18+3 Engineering 22
He made a list of what needed doing for the mill. Having the list might mean hope, it would certainly mean they have goals available should they decide to stay to rebuild their village.

"I don't want us to stay a second day. I have no problems with coming back after we handle the Sun King and his lieutenants. We need to stop their damages before people and places can heal."

Perhaps a couple of hours later Cassandra walked into the village and greeted Fang who she had left behind. She moved over to where she could see a few people gathered together

"Trouble coming" she said. She doubted if anyone would be surprised. "A large body of horsemen coming. If they ride in the dark they will be here ... it's a guess ... midnightish."

"Now interestingly I saw a 'challenge'. A giant boar in our path forwards. It had an aura around it: like it was guarding the path onwards" she didn't add that the boar hadn't detected her, because that was obvious: she was still here and not dead on the floor. "I feel it's likely that one of the Gods has placed it there as a Trial for us, and thus I doubt if it will trouble the horsemen."

"To me that feels like two separate challenges. Obviously if we stay here the village will be ruined and devastated by the attack. Most wild animals, I get on with. It might be possible to befriend it with honeycakes and the like. I am certainly willing to try it. I think though we should face it after the horsemen. If it goes wrong, it will be a fight. And a fight with it may leave some of us wounded" or dead... Like their two former comrades ... but she chose not to say that. "Leaving us in a poor condition to fight the horsemen"

"There are woods here. Horses perform poorly in rough terrain. My feeling is that we could lure the horsemen to follow us. Perhaps we can avoid fighting them, but even if we can't we can pick the terrain we fight on. Then when we are rested and recovered we could approach the boar"

Eleni helps out as possible with the assessment and repairs, even just staging wood. She doesn't have the head for mechanical things like some of the others, but her strength can be used effectively if directed. When Cassandra returns she listens intently, and is concerned about the safety of the village. "I think we need to intercept the horsemen away from the village. I don't want to risk them being caught in the crossfire or be put in a position of danger. I agree we can meet them in the forest, which will be more helpful for us overall. I would like to try and convince them not to attack, but like most bandits I do not expect them to listen to reason. If you guys all stand in the forest nearby, I can stand in the road and try talking first. Hopefully they will see reason and not choose bloodshed."

Listening to Cassandra's summary of her scouting expedition Aetius' expression was wary in the wake of that. Like others who had spoken his immediate concern were the horsemen who represented an impending danger rather than a future challenge and he glanced in the direction Cassandra had scouted for a long moment, "I found a spyglass amongst the other items in Kimon's dwelling, we can possibly get a clearer look at their numbers if there's a viewing point along where you scouted Cassandra."

"Aside from that I think people have the right of it, we're better having this confrontation away from the village. If we head out now and find a suitable point along their required route to confront them then that might be the wisest choice. After that we can work out our next steps from there."

"I agree, if the confrontation is here, they will take it out on the women and children."

Looking at his sword, Garvarius nodded. Agreed, we should ambush them not far from the village, but far enough to avoid the deaths of innocent women and children. If we ambush them, at least we will have the element of surprise, which may help to counterbalance if they have Superior numbers."

"I think I'll go back and find out more about them. They were a long way away and going there might have added two or three hours to the time get back here to warn you about them" Cassandra explained "I don't think I can add much to your plans to fight them" she was obviously uncomfortable about the talk of deliberate violence. Of planning to kill and butcher other people, even bandits. But didn't make any big deal of it: she'd started it after all. Something that had left a bad taste in her mouth, but it was better than letting the bandits into the village

"The spyglass is a good idea. If you have someone watching for them it might give some advance warning" Cassandra was obviously not considering the idea of using it herself but thought it was a good idea for a 'lookout'.

Nodded with a troubled expression, "Maybe we can utilize the burned fields, if there are some to the north then watering ditches and loose soil might make for that difficult terrain too. I don't want them missing us entirely and venting their frustrations on the village. Most of their ilk are likely taken from similar villages and indentured rather than living the life they choose. I will seek to minimize death. Though I make no mistake a good cuff to the head and a little spilled blood hit many lessons home in my life."

He was eminently worried about a 'sly' lieutenant. It might seem to be anyone from the boat to here. He shook his head and moved past the data paralysis to pay attention to the group again.

Seeing Cassandra's obvious discomfort after she gave her report and started listening to the planning going on, "Cassandra, that is a good idea for you to go try to keep further eye on them but please be careful and do not take any unnecessary risks. Try to come back here as quickly as possible, though this time since you know there is real danger out there, take your wolf with you. I think we would all feel better knowing you have another to watch your back."

Turning to the others, "Perhaps we should warn the villagers as well or at least their defacto leader. He may have some insight as to where we can set a defensive position."

Nodding as a consensus seemed to be reached Aetius rolled his shoulders absently before holding out the spyglass for anyone interested given Cassandra did not seem to express interest in the role of lookout, understandably given her previous day's efforts, "I'd suggest then someone takes Astera and the spyglass, finds a place a good distance out and observes their approach before heading to rejoin the rest when they stop or get sufficiently close. I'll do it myself if no-one else is able."

Looking to Eleni he nodded agreement with Pantelis' suggestion, "You've exchanged the most words with Dusty, I'd say he's their closest to a leader right now. If you advise him of what's coming and our intent that will likely be best. Should we fail then " Sending a sideways glance at Tito and Melua he added, "You two are likely best making a choice, trying to remain here and improve the local's opinion of you or joining us on our own efforts. I suspect we'll be the riskier choice to stay with if I'm honest."

"Thanks Pantellis. Good advice. And... I am touched by your words. I will take care. But I am safer without Fang. Fang cannot travel as I can. When you go somewhere Fang will stay here and then he can track you and lead me to you. He is far better at that than I am" she nodded approvingly at Malvelo. Sure it was going to be violent, but perhaps the Gods would be satisfied with a bumps and bruises rather than disembowlings, beheadings and maimings

Yngvar, when he saw all of the others gather, took a break from cooking, handing his spoon to an elderly woman that knew what she was doing, to check in.

"News? They coming here to kill us now?" he says with a grin, "I think they are getting ahead of themselves, I don't intend to be on the receiving end."

Eleni nods in agreement to Aetius. "I'll let him know our intentions and recommend they prepare as they see fit." she says before returning to the inn and approaching Dusty. "Hello friend. I bring a bit of sour news. There is a group of riders approaching from the shrine. I suspect they are loyal to the Sun-King and we intend to catch them before they get to town. In the event we are not successful in getting them to turn around or stop, then you should decide how you are going to handle things should they come here. We'll do what we can to help." she tells the innkeeper.

Cassandra headed out of the village and vanished into the undergrowth

"If our goal is to limit movement. We just need to catch them in natural growth and I can create it anywhere. If we wait for morning I can prepare tonight to have more disruption and support. As far as battle plan goes what do we want to do exactly. I can probably surround most of them in plant matter similar to what I did to the Priestess and Kimon which will limit movement but we need to be willing to have the fight at range and not close with them while they work there way free. I also believe I can create additional hazards in the form of ice or focus on increasing others attacks or defenses while we wait for them to close." Anstice looks around at the others seeing how they react to the ideas.

"I don't have many spells, but can shoot with a crossbow."

"I will prepare spells I can use to daze a target... Arachne can throw web nets. I suppose we could have kept more in net form for people to use, but I lost a lot of silk in the storm. It will take months and I have been eager to recreate stock," he lamented. "The island's care is more pressing but I hadn't thought... I'll try to keep one from acting until Arachne can properly bind them in a net. In a pinch I can enlarge us and she could net a horse sized target, if someone sees the need."

"We've enough longbows now to engage them at range but if we're close enough to talk a collection of mounted soldiers will be in range to reach us when things turn to violence. If we're just going to ambush them then I'd rather hit them at their camp when they've dismounted and taken off their armour to rest, however we've not confirmed yet these are the Sun King's forces yet so we'd be unsure they're foes. As such I think that's not an option."

Nodding Anstice's way he added, "I'd say if you can pin down any that lack ranged weaponry it's to our advantage. Fighting them in smaller groups is almost always going to be better."

It was just before dawn, still dark, but the glow of the sun behind the horizon could be seen. Birds where just beginning to awake and sing before the sun. The rogues entered the clearing that was to be the ambush spot. They where not riding their horses, but leading them through the rough, thick forested area. Now was the time to strike...


OOC: Here is the map for this field of war...You will all get to act during the surprise round regardless if you beat enemy Initiative, which is 15. If you beat enemy Initiative go twice, for both the surprise and 1st round.

Forgive me for not making a formal post, but it's my fourteenth straight day of work and I'm falling asleep as I write this before bedtime. Thank you all for your understanding. Game on.

Nasos the warrior, AC 20, HP 20
Ganiadis the sly one, AC 17, HP 26
Vasso the Cyclops, AC 14, HP 39
Thugs (all the rest): AC 13, HP 9


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:58, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

Cassandra was up a tree. High up the tree where there was lots of foliage between her and the bandits making it hard to see, and giving her protection from their arrows. There wasn't much she could do in the way of 'fighting' but at least she was here if there were problems
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

With the ambush triggered and them thankfully unseen by the advancing foes Aetius cast a spell to enlarge himself, swelling into a larger size ready to engage them, the undergrowth he was using for cover shoved aside as he did so. Advancing forwards with chain whirring he sent it sweeping at the closest bandit, the now oversized chain sweeping them off their feet into an unmoving pile on the floor before he brought the weapon back to his grip as he weighed up the next possible target.

OOC:
20 Initiative
AC 15 FF 13, T11
HP 22

Surprise Round
Standard: Enlarge Person so I should take up cells G16, F16, G17,F17

Round 1
Standard: attack on bandit in I/J11. 19 to hit, 12 damage.
Move: Move closer to the bandits, occupying squares
J13, I13, J14, I14

AOO info for DM for whoever provokes one, reach is currently 20 feet (increases to 10 for Enlarge person, doubled by reach weapon)
Max of 3 per round, I will aim for those advancing towards me first
Attack Bonus +5, 2d6+4 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Tue 07 Mar 2023.