Varen doubled-down on this course of action. He had other options, but he didn't want make things too hard on himself.

"Have you considered what is going to happen to you now? Your employers will not look kindly on the matter of me besting you, and will easily believe you have confessed all the details to me. How do you think they will react? What is the consequence of failure for you?

If you help us, if you help me, I promise you protection from them."


OOC: Let's first try a duping attempt. Varen is not very good with it, but perhaps this circumstance (mildly injured, at high disadvantage in combat) might be helpful in the persuasion.

Duping is presently at +25.

09:36, Today: Varen rolled 85 using 1d100+25 ((60)).

Well, that's a decent roll. Let me know how it turns out.

In reply to Varen (msg # 53):

He seems to hesitate.  "They're...they're really tough..."

The boy seems to be wavering.

So in a straight roll, he won, but only by 2 points.

I think you are correct:  the situation, particularly with the wound you dealt him, does give you some leeway.  But I don't want to handwave it through since it was close and Duping is a skill that is meant to be very unreliable.

So.  I am going to invoke the Near Miss rule on page 73 of the rule book. Usually I would only do so for All-or-Nothing rolls.  But I think it's justified in this situation.

Keep arguing your point, however you wish.  Make another Dupe roll with a +20 bonus.  If I beat you on that roll, we're done.  If not, you'll have Duped him.

Thanks.

Interesting idea. I will read that rule once I get home tonight.

Varen could see that the young one was wavering. He could not imagine what sort of company he had stepped into, or what sort of deals he had to make, or why. What would convince such one as himself... and then it dawned on him that perhaps human politics could make something like this happen. Hoping that his involvement was with a 'political' faction and not with a 'criminal' one, he continued with his ruse. After all, there was no way any of his contacts could ever know what was going on here. Varen was just letting this young elf dig his own grave with his own fears.

"They might be tough... think you can take them on alone?... or would you rather have some help?"

Varen sheathes his sword and extends a hand to the young elf before him.


OOC: Ok, here we go. Rolling Duping at +45

14:12, Today: Varen rolled 89 using 1d100+45 ((44)).

This is an ok roll, but it is still possible for him to beat me.

In reply to Varen (msg # 55):

You are correct.  Not the best roll.  Unless I fumble.  Which I did.

This kid...

The elf boy blinks.  And then he starts to cry.  He glances down at his arm, and soon he is sobbing.  His shoulders shake.

After a moment, he catches his breath.  "I hate it.  I hate them.  I hate what we do.  But I can't get outta here.  I can't leave Macy."

He starts blubbering again.

This is getting rich. =)

"Why don't we head back to my boat and you explain everything to us. If I can, I'll help you and Macy get to safety. There is always a way for things to work out. Come."

Varen waits patiently for the young elf to gather himself. He remembers being this young, although that was many seasons (many! seasons!) ago. This one must be especially young.

"Tell me about them as we walk. And tell me about Macy."

As they walk, Varen thinks about how someone so inexperienced could possibly have gotten caught in a situation like this. He must have lost his parents early, or perhaps been kidnapped or taken the wrong turn. This stripling should not even be out of an elven village yet, far less be acting as a spy for what might be a band of brigands. There was a good chance to make things right here, to stop whoever is behind this and to help this young elf. Varen thought things were looking up. He was in good spirits.

But he was still careful. He didn't let the young elf out of his sight.

As he began on the road back, he picked up the elf's axe but rested the haft on his shoulder instead. He didn't return it to him.

OOC: Alright, all's well that ends well, and unless this kid is better at Duping than Varen, this course of action looks alright to me. Is there a skill that can tell if you are getting Duped? Bamboozled? =)

In reply to Varen (msg # 57):

He walks beside you, leading the horse.  He finally stops crying after a bit.  He wipes his eyes with the back of the hand that isn't holding on to the horse's rein.

"Sorry.  I'm...I'm Aldo."

He says this in a very tired voice.  The boy sounds much more exhausted than he looks.

"Me an' Macy...she's my sister.  We're from a village up in the Blue Duke's lands.  Our...our folks. And most of the elders.  They all got killed by the Mourning Cloaks.  The Cloaks...they said we hadda work for 'em.  They took Macy away.  And she's all I got.  So.."

He shrugs, watching the ground, not meeting your eye.

"I gotta do what they say.  And they told us we gotta ambush this caravan.  They want us to kill everyone and take the stuff."

He grabs the reins tighter.  "Sorry. But I gotta...She's my sister."

Varen listens to the young elf's story. Not the best outcome for a kinsman, considering the possibilities out here in the world.

"Aldo. Well met. My name is Varen. I hail from Ishhadel in the Shaothyr.

The Mourning Cloaks stormed your village and took everyone prisoner? Look, Aldo, I know I can trust you. You have courage. You already demonstrated that when you fought me. You are capable, since you are out here scouting. And you consider the well-being of others before your own, especially your sister. There is nobility in that.

Here is what I propose to you, if you are willing to trust me. I want to create an ambush for the ones sent for this barge, and capture or kill them all. Preferably capture them so they face a magistrate and go to prison. If we can get these out of the way, there will be fewer guards in your village. When that is complete, we will make our way to your village and free them. But it is important that we know as much as we can from you about their numbers and their weapons. If you know the layout we can surprise them and make it that much easier. We'll get Macy out of their hands.

But first, we need to deal with these. And it may take a few days for me to finish my agreement with my current employer. If you help us, I am sure he will treat you well, specially knowing your circumstances.

What do you say?"

Varen extends his hand inviting him to accept the agreement.


OOC: Diplomacy Roll
20:34, Today: Varen rolled 31 using 1d100+15 ((16)).

Ouch! This is terrible. Well, he still needs to make a Resistance Roll.

In reply to Varen (msg # 59):

Aldo keeps his eyes ahead as he listens.  He wipes his eyes dry.

After a moment, he mutters, "We both know I'm not brave.  And we both know I don't know what the hell I'm doing."

He sighs.  "I'm your prisoner.  So...I'll go along with whatever.  But please.  Don't let them see me.  If they think I got captured or am betraying them, they'll kill my sister."

"Aldo, what do you mean? You fought me! If you had not been brave, you would have run. But you stood your ground. That's bravery. And you did it for your sister, so I know you have heart. You could use a bit more practice, but you did well for your skill. Don't underestimate yourself."


"That's it, though, Aldo. I don't want you to be my prisoner. I want you to be my ally. I understand the position you are in, and I want to help you get your sister back. You won't have to do any of this any more if we succeed. And, not to understate the issue, by doing all of this we are also helping my employer and keeping these people out of business.

It's a path that benefits us all.

Are you with me?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:01, Fri 05 Feb 2021.

In reply to Varen (msg # 61):

He stops and looks at you.  "Honestly?  I don't know what to think these days.  I'm...

"I appreciate it.  Really.  But...the Cloaks are strong.  Really strong.  Teth and Viyor especially.  I just..."

He shakes his head and starts moving forward again.  "It's hard to have hope when it's been beaten out of you once.  Ya know?"

You can try another diplomacy roll after a while.

You can see the camp up ahead.  As you come into sight, something large suddenly steps in front of you.  It's Rosa.  She glances at you, then at Aldo, and nods.  "Sellows is waitin' for your report."

Sellows is squatting with Gantry and the Rockdust ladies by a small fire that's been set up.  He sees you and stands quickly, trotting over.  He nods at Aldo.  "Who's this?"

Varen nods to Rosa with a smile and moves along. "Thank you."

Approaching the camp, Varen presents Aldo to the gathered folk. He nods politely to the dwarven ladies.

"Sellows, this is Aldo, the elf who was spying on us. A group called the Mourning Cloaks invaded his village, took them prisoner, and are holding his sister hostage. He is willing to work with us if we can help him get his sister out of there. I believe this to be a reasonable course of action and a good outcome for all involved: we can get rid of this bandit group here, making passage safer for everyone, and we work to remove the Mourning Cloaks from his village.

Aldo here is willing to tell us what the plan was if we can hide him for the foreseeable future. He fears that if they know he was captured, they might kill his sister outright, or, at the very least, threaten her to get him to cooperate with them. But I think Aldo can help us to ambush the bandits and we can turn the tables around on them.

I know this is moving fast, but I think we if we take the opportunity that is before us, we can solve this bandit problem quickly... and permanently."

After Varen finishes explaining his ideas, he waits for Sellows' reaction.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

In reply to Varen (msg # 63):

Sellows seems to consider.  He glances Aldo's way. "What's the name of your village?"

"Slow Mound."

Sellows sighs.  He nods at you to follow him, leaving Rosa to secure Aldo.

After making sure you and he are out of Aldo's ear shot, Sellows shakes his head.  "Slow Mound is up in the Duke's land.  We're about ten days out from it.  And Gantry isn't gonna want to get involved.  You might be able to talk to some of the others about goin' with ya after the job is done.  But gettin' the caravan to Green Bluff is gonna be priority number one.  Sorry.

"That bein' said..."  Sellows scratches his chin.  "I'm completely down for takin' this bandit group out.  I'd like to capture whoever is in charge of it.  Why in the hell would a group operatin' out of Slow Mound target us?  I can sell Gantry on that.  And if we take out this bandit group quick and get to Green Bluff in a hurry, These Mourning Cloaks won't know their boys failed."

He chuckles.  "They can't be too tough.  They've named themselves after butterflies after all.

"Think you can talk the kind into giving us troop strength and details on who and where these guys were plannin' to jump us?"

Varen leans in to hear, and follows Sellows' words with attention.

He nods, "I was not expecting us to slow the caravan for the bandits, but I think if we treat this young kinsman right, he will work with us. He is young and inexperienced, and is only acting out of desperation. If we offer him safety, a good promise of action, and a chance to recover his sister, we can get the Cloaks after this 'shipment' is safely delivered. Besides, it would also pay in reputation in the Duke's eyes if we can get rid of them at some point. Might even make for a good name for Gantry, and bring in more business.

But... you are right. First things first. Our commitment right now is to Green Bluff."

He pauses for a moment to consider.

"As for what next, I think it would do us well to try to ambush the ambushers. We can get a measure of how strong they are, and if we capture a few, we can get even better information from them.

And you do have a point. Ten days out is a long ways away for bandits to be operating. There might be something more going on here. Perhaps someone's out for vengeance."

He leans a little bit closer, and adds.

"Aldo mentioned that he overheard that their goal to was to kill everyone on board. I don't think regular bandits would be that murderous. They might have been paid off to assasinate someone. And if that is so, this might be more political than just plain stealing cargo for profit. I hope I am wrong. You may need to warn your passengers."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

In reply to Varen (msg # 65):

Sellows frowns much more deeply.  "Hmmm.  Kill everyone?  I would think they'd want to take Gantry hostage for a ransom.  And definitely the two Rockdust ladies.  But maybe they don't know they're with us..."

He shakes his head.  "It just seems odd.  The rest of us I get.  But killing Gantry is like giving away a bag of coins.  I can't see bandits doing that."

He glances Aldo's way.  Rosa has tied his hands together, but they are in front of him and she's allowing him to set near the guard's fire.  Moontoad is examining him.

"See if you can pump the boy for more information.  Anything.  But especially about how many there are."

He grins evilly.  "Then...let's talk about next steps.  I have an idea."

Varen nods in agreement with Sellows, and returns to Aldo by the fire. He watches Moontoad work.

"Aldo, feeling better?"

He picks a spot to sit down and nods to Moontoad as she cleans Aldo's cuts.

"It is as I suspected, Aldo. We need to follow our agreed-upon responsibilities first. For that, it would be useful to be able to fend off that ambush you talked about. We'll keep you hidden until we can return to get your sister. But for that, we are going to need to know where they planned it and how many hands they are bringing to the fight. If we make sure that no one returns, then no news will go back to the Cloaks, and they will send another group out to find out what happened. That will thin their numbers out and we'll have an easy time getting your sister out from the village. But it is a long ways, as you know, and it will be a while before we can get there. That is to our advantage, however, as news of whatever happens here will take a long time to get back to them, if at all. This gives us plenty of opportunity to come up with a good plan without arousing any suspicions.

Can you help us with a place and numbers?"

Varen hoped that Aldo was beginning to trust them. He didn't like the idea of keeping him bound, but he could not expect everyone else to trust the man who was trying to walk them into an ambush, no matter what tragic story he was telling. He would have to play along and hope that Aldo was good on his word.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

In reply to Varen (msg # 67):

Moon Toad gives him a kind smile while she treats his wounds as you talk.  She seems to be trying to help you encourage him.

Aldo glances at both you and her and sighs.

"We were gonna hit you when you came ashore to camp tonight.  They said they knew where you guys planned on stoppin'.

"There's five beside me.  Three of 'em are just the ones who swing the swords.  Pervis is their archer, and he's really good though.

"But you probably need to worry most about Kina.  She can do magic.  I don't really know what kind or such.  But she can make you hurt by looking at you and sayin' some words."

He swallows in a dry throat.  "I know that for damn sure."

Sellows frowns when you tell him.  "How in the hell do they know our itinerary?"

Varen looked at Sellows, then scanned the collected crew and guests of the barge.

"Sellows, I don't think is a common highway robbery. If they know what we have planned, maybe there is a spy among us. Just consider this: I have no idea what the exact itinerary is. How many would know this? And who would be able to give it away?"

Varen considered the possibilities. There was a chance this was political. There was a chance this was a vendetta against a single person, or group. Who would want to kill everyone on a barge? Granted, the passengers were of value, but it would bring more to take them for ransom than to murder them. Unless, of course, the price for their lives was high enough. And who would want them dead? And who would have enough coin to make it worth someone's while? And they have a mage.

"We are going to need a plan. How many can we count on in this fight? I can bring a bow to the fight, and a blade as backup."

Waiting for Sellows to begin to build a battle plan, Varen mused to himself,

... for someone to give away the itinerary, they would have had to know it before they left... and who would have had a chance... wait!... Castor?... would he have given the details away in order to have his life spared?... his debts paid off?...

Varen's eyes scanned the assembled crew. Where was Castor right now? He kept his suspicions to himself until, and if, he got enough evidence to show he needed to be a suspect.


OOC: Just checking to see how Castor is doing, and any 'unusual' reactions. Varen will make sure to keep both eyes on him during the coming hours. If he's the 'mole', then Varen will want to make sure that news of Aldo's defection does NOT make it to the Cloaks.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Thu 18 Feb 2021.

Sellows sighs, looking at the ground, and shaking his head.  "Damnit.  Yeah.  I think you're right. Shit."

He glances around to make sure no one can hear the two of you.  "Frankly.  Everyone who's ever sailed with Gantry knows our route.  We tend to take the same one each year.  And for the river part of the trip, there are only so many places you can stop.  There are sections of the river you can't beach on."

He glances around the camp.  "I don't know if Gantry told the Rockdusts about the itinerary. I can't see where they would care other than how long the trip took.  But he may have.  I'll ask him.  I don't know anything about their guard, Alber.  Never laid eyes on him until an hour before we set out.

"Ryx, Rosa, and Moontoad have made the trip with us several times.  I...I hate to suspect any of 'em.  But I suppose I have to.  Ryx and Rosa are cousins.  They've been trying to bring their family up here from the south for years.  They have a big family and they want them all to resettle up this way.  That takes a lot of coins.

"Moontoad's family also has some money issues.  Not sure how severe though.

"That leaves Gantry.  Can't see him sabotaging himself.  And Evens."  Sellows glances at the young gnome.  Evens hasn't spoken much at all on this trip.  He's seated by the campfire now, ignoring everyone else as he studies a ledger.  "Gantry just hired him this season.  He's not the most social of sorts.  But then again Gantry keeps him hoping.  So the guy doesn't have a lot of time to be friendly." Sellows shrugs.  "He mostly keeps to himself.

"I guess we have to count Castor too.  Even if he isn't here, he woulda known our itinerary from past trips.  He could have sold us out and then...well.  I don't know why he'd let himself get beaten up.

"I would agree that you're really the only one who wouldn't be suspicous.  If you were somehow involved, that kid would be dead now.  At least that's what I'd think."

Sellows sighs.  "What a mess.  You.  Me.  Ryx and Rosa are the fighters.  Moontoad mostly knows healing.  I guess we could count Alber.  But if any of the names I just threw out there are a spy, that changes our headcount."

The halfling stares at the sky.  "For now, rest up. Don't say anything to anyone but keep your eyes and ears open.  Lemme talk to Gantry and see what he wants to do.  I'll come find you tonight when it's your turn at watch.  We can talk about next steps then."

Castor is still, as far as you know, back in town.  He said he would catch up.  But as of now, you haven't seen him.

If you want to interact with any NPCs, now is a good time.  You can approach two NPCs of your choice and chat 'em up.  Otherwise, I will move us on to your watch.

Thanks

OOC: Oh darn. I didn't remember that Castor was not on the boat. My bad. That might make him slightly less of a suspect, but still, a suspect.

Before Sellows leaves, Varen adds one more observation.

"There might be a silver lining to our situation. When I ran into Aldo out there, he attacked me first, but I was able to quickly overpower him. I have to admit it was luck as well a skill. But I can tell you this: he lacks preparation, perhaps some skill. If the Cloaks have sent him out as an spotter, and they trust him and his skills, that speaks ill of their overall competency. If this is in any way true, I think that our ambushers will be ... how can I say it... not much of a threat. If we can ambush them, we will be able to overcome one or two of them before the rest can react. That will make the fight easy. And if any spies in our midst try to warn them after that, we should still have the upper hand."

With those words Varen nods to Sellows and proceeds to meet Ryx and Rosa.

OOC: Going to talk to the guards. Can you tell me where they are and what they are doing? Don't want to make any mistaken assumptions here.

In reply to Varen (msg # 71):

Rosa seems to have pulled Aldo duty.  She's leaning against a tree, watching him as Moontoad feeds him some bread.

Ryx is patrolling along the river edge.  He's keeping an eye on the boatmen.

Varen walks casually to the barge's edge and onto the shore. He picks a spot where he understands Ryx will walk by again.

When he's in casual earshot, he'll look at him and ask,

"Ryx, have you been in the guarding business for long? Is it a lucrative endeavor?"

In reply to Varen (msg # 73):

Sorry.  Thought I had posted my response Monday.

Ryx raises and eyebrow and barks a chuckle.  You've obviously said something really funny.

"Keep walkin' while we're talkin'.  I like to keep my perimeter clear."

He starts walking inland, forming a square around the camping area.

"You gonna retire and live rich after this job?  You think we're getting paid any better?  Funny guy."  He turns to left in a precise manner, having reached the end of his boundary going north.

"So?  Whaddya wanna ask me about?  I doubt you just wanted to shoot the shit."

Varen stepped up to the grix's tempo, and began to walk the perimeter with him.

"I am new to these lands, and learning. You are here with your sister as guards, not rich, I suppose, but you do it anyway. It provides for enough coin that shelter and food need not trouble you. The same for me.

I have been wanting to get a measure of how others train in sword craft. My mentor taught me many things, and while I've had a good teachers, I would rather not make any unnecessary mistakes too many times, or even once. Learning the styles of these lands will help me with that.

I'd like to learn of your sword craft, so that I can see the different styles. It pays to be prepared, and to remain in practice.

How about a practice bout? After your shift?"


OOC: No worries, I've been out of things for a while as well, work being what it is.

In reply to Varen (msg # 75):

Ryx gives you a side look, eyebrow raised.  He finally barks out a laugh.

"Didn't see that comin'.  You struck me as more the I-prefer-to-shoot-at-you-from-a-distance type.  Serves me right for making assumptions, huh?

"Sure!  I get tired of always sparring with Rosa.  But you know I'm more of an axe man myself.  That alright?"

He gives you a grin.

"What's gonna happen with that kid?"

Now it was Varen's turn to smile.

"That would be correct. I am as practiced at the bow as I am with the blade, and, to be forthright, it is my preference. The thing with bows is that your target does not often strike back. But with blades, you always have to expect an upset customer."

He grinned at the simplification of the realities of warfare.

"I would gladly see your axe craft."

Looking back at Aldo, his expression turns more somber.

"He's a good kid, stuck in a bad place. His sister was taken prisoner, and his village taken for hostages. He looks like he's willing to help us out. And he is kin, so I am glad to help him. I hope that his information is correct. If so, I'd like to see him freed and on his way. But for now, he's with us, watched, and hopefully safe."

Turning back to Ryx, he adds, "And what is Rosa's preference of weapon?"