Part 1: On the road to Milborne

[Rod the Worm]

Listening gladly to the music, Hasta helps in whatever way she can with the stew.  No fancy elf food this - stews are a familiar dish for her.  If there's nothing she can do, she takes out her guitar, unwraps it and tries to play along as best she can if they don't mind.

[PaulH]

Garrick checks the area around the hut, then takes a quick 'slash' behind a bush.
He then enters the room - rather wet - his mis-buttoned breeches suggesting his delayed arrival.
As he enters he quietly covers up his spell component pouch as he takes off his wet cloak.

He nods to the hosts and extends his right hand -

"Hello. My name is Garrick. I see you've met the others - sorry, just got taken bit short in the tree line. Thank you for your very kind hospitality.".

Garrick looks for place to sit and hums along with the music.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Old Kleggy scowls at Hasta's untutored pluckings but Brud applauds her efforts. Clapping, laughing and giving her a good pat on the back. "Hahah," he cries, "she may be small but the girl's got spirit! Why, she'll be even better with a little practice inside her."

Aldred plays on for a bit with Brud drumming along. When dinner's ready everyone eats and sits around the fireplace sharing tales. Most of the woodsmen's talk is of brigands on the roads but Brud recalls an old tale. There was once an evil cult of Nerull, the death god, in this area. They once had a stronghold in a forest far to the north of here. They were hunted down and eradicated by a noble knight, Lord Parlfray, who's son, or grandson - he's not quite sure, now rules over the area of Harranshire from Parlfray's Keep.

As the evening draws on people begin to get tired and nod off in the small cabin. Sometime later that night Garrick finds himself awake. Old Kleggy has re-entered the cabin and heads for his bunk. It's a late hour for a stroll but the old boy's clearly had something disturbing on his mind all day. Well Garrick's too tired to look into it now but he remembers the fact for later.....


In the morning folk rise and a rudimentary breakfast is served (very rudimentary). The three woodsmen announce that they'll be taking their logs in to Milbourne today and they'd gladly accept the company of a bunch of armed fellows such as yourselves since times are hard what with bandits and scoundrels out to rob any who travel these parts. They go outside to load up the cart with timber while the rest of you gather up your belongings and prepare to leave.

[Woojitsu]

Not really believing that bandits would choose to attack such a well-armed group, Shen nonetheless spends the time to check the draw on his bow, make sure that none of his arrows were warped by the rain, and ensure that his sword is loose in its scabbard.  Finally, satisfied that all of his gear is in order, he steps outside to join the others.

If the woodsmen are not yet finished loading up their haul, Shen offers to help.

[PaulH]

Garrick will ask then put his bulky backpack on the cart. (His 'special' tools are on a special belt around his waist. The spell component pouch hidden, but readily available on his belt).

Garrick will walk behind the cart, drawing his cloak around him to keep out the cold. He'll wile away the time chatting to whoever's nearest.

[Rod the Worm]

Checking all her equipment is safely attached to her, Hasta takes up her quarterstaff and walks alongside the cart, swapping stories with Aldred and Brud.  Kleggy just seems a bit unapproachable to her.  Mindful of the warning last night, she keeps an eye on the surroundings for any sign something's amiss.

[Chrysalis]

Kharsis thinks he might remember something about Lord Parlfray. Maybe his family even had a visitor of this name when he was younger. Or was it Arlfray, or Parlbay? He doesn't remember very well.

However, as he rides slowly at the head of the group, his head is full of knights in shining armor fighting evil monsters of Nerull. Sometimes, it's almost if he can hear the battle resound further in the forest...

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Kharsis does indeed remember something about Lord Parlfray. There was indeed a hero of that name who drove out a bunch of death cultists from Harranshire and then settled down there. He'd never had much reason to doubt the tale before, nor to believe it, but this was living proof that adventures and heroes really did happen. He remembers hearing that the current Lord Parlfray is a peaceful man. In fact, oh yes, that was it, one evening he was on his way to chapel and he had passed a mansion where some rather frivolent party was taking place. As he'd passed the window he'd heard a young woman with a very shrill voice exitedly explaining to her friend that Lord Parlfray's son was young and single, and not only that but that he was an only child and so likely to appreciate affection. The two girls seemed quite exited at the prospect impressing their virtues upon the young man if only they could persuade their respective fathers to visit such an out of the way place. They must hurry as such an eligible young man was likely to be snapped up if they weren't quick about it.

Meanwhile, back in the present, the three woodsmen haul their handcart along the road towards Milbourne, the Lyrchwood on the left of the road continues to stretch on. There's no need to ask how it got it's name as the predominent type of tree is fairly evident.

After about three quarters of an hour the cart comes to a halt witha bump. Cursing Brud goes round to the side to inspect the wheel. It's just ridden over a submerged tree root a bit too hard and the wheel's come loose. Old Kleggy curses and spits, walking round to watch Brud's efforts to get the cart in working order once more while young Aldred fidgets and looks into the woods nervously.

Deep amidst the foliage Kerrig scowls, "no don't look this way. Bugger, he's seen us boss, what do we do?"

"Might as well go for it before the idiot blows our cover" growls Kerrig's master.

Two arrows fly from the forest. One thuds into the side of the cart and the other lands sticking out of the pile of logs protruding over the top of the sides.

With a swagger a burly man dressed in hardened leather armour strides from the treeline, a rather large club in his hands. Letting the club swing gently from side to side he says "alright boys, so you've brought them right to us. Good job."

Straightening Brud and Kleggy grab heavy logs from the cart to use as makeshift clubs and try to look fierce (something old Kleggy seems to have no problems doing). Aldred forgets to grab a log 'till a sharp kick to the back of his calf from Kleggy reminds him. He stands there nervously holding his lump of wood.

The ringleader scans the group quickly and picks out Hasta. "That's the one" he says, indicating her with a gesture of his bludgeon, "I want her alive!"

"But what about the others?" asks Brud?

"Kill 'em, every last one," snarls Kleggy through clenched teeth.

"Garlan?" Brud asks the ringleader. Aldred trembles.

"No witnesses" scowls Garlan, clearly annoyed at an underling letting his name slip.

Beyond the treeline Kerrig and Lentan draw their bows back and take aim....

Okay folks, it's battle time.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Round 1:

Shenaistos smiles as he strides towards the woods and around the cart. "You'll regret this" he declares as he lets loose an arrow at Garllan that strieks the cart's side instead.

"Brud, Aldred," cries out Hasta, "what are you doing? Why would you attack men of the cloth?!"

Brud advances slowly around the side of the cart. Kharis directs his horse towards the woodsman and levels his spear at him. "This is not your fight Brud" he ceclares.

With a slightly lopsided cocky smile Garrick strides around the cart and speaks a few magic words. Flashing colours spray from his fingertips and engulf Kleggy, Aldred and Garlan. Spying the arcane gestures Garlan turns his head aside to shield his eyes. Kleggy is too busy glaring at young Aldred to recieve the full brunt of the blast but the young lad's eyes glaze over and he slumps to the ground.

Scowling Kleggy steps forwards and swings his club at the grinning elf but his eyes are still recovering from the colourful blast and his blow swings wild.

Whilst Amras moves towardas the cover of the trees, Godric calls out "come on Thorgrin" and moves up to support Garrick. Thorgrin trudges forwards pausing only to hurl a short throwing spear at Garlan which wings the man's armour, clipping his shoulder and notching the hardened leather plate as it passes.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Round 2:

Advancing swiftly Shenaistos fires off an arrow that sinks into Garlan's thigh. The man cries out in anger as much as pain and, raising his club above his head, he rushes the elf. Suddenly there is a whoosh and a thunk. An arrow from Lentarn's bow shoots over the elf's shoulder and embeds itself in the great club that was about to crush his skull into jelly. Garlan stops and stares in diebelief. He didn't even see the elf load! Shaking his head to clear away any more residual blurriness from Garrick's spell, he steps forwards and prepares for battle.

Kerrig's arrow also flies true, catching Thorgrin in the shoulder. Grunting the dwarf advances upon him, hefting his axe above the shoulder and raising his shield defensively.

Seeing a horse bearing down upon him Brud backs off, the tip of his club dipping. Kharsis goads his steed past the simple woodsman and turns to face the club wielding Garlan. Backing up a few paces Garrick utters some sorcerous incantation once more and old Kleggy slumps to the ground snoring. Godric walks over to him bearing rope with which to secure the hostage. Hasta moves closer to the fight, clearly intent on using some short ranegd spell, or getting a good view of someone to do something precise.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Round 3:

Seeing the club up close Shenaistos realises he's in some pretty serious danger and Garlan's got a mean glint in his eye. Dropping his bow he franticaly draws his sword and grips it with both hands. He hews desparately at the bandit who parries his blows with the massive club. Despite various heroic tales he's heard, Shenaistos realises that spearshafts and clubs are more resistant to a sharp sword's edge than he'd been led to believe and he feels a jarring sensation run up his arms as the weapons collide.

At a word from Hasta, a strange saplike liquid bubbles up to the surface of the club. Garlan looses his grip and it slips through his fingers as he gasps dumbfounded, then curses in anger, spitting hatred at his would be victims.

As Godric begins to bind the snoring Kleggy, Brud starts towards his workmates but stops suddenly as a cry echoes out across the scene. Kharsis sways in the saddle, an arrow from Lentarn protruding from his side. The horse rears and whinnies. Settling it the wounded rider steers his horse towards Garlan and Lentarn, struggling to stay upright.

Drawing his sword Kerrig charges out from behind the tree making a beeline for Thorgrin. The dwarf raises his shield but there was no need as the bowman's sword barely clips the corner of the shield on it's way downwards into the ground. In answer the dwarf raises his axe and hews downwards, catching the man across the shoulder and chest. Kerrig drops, his cry of horror cut short. As his life's blood bleeds out into the dirt it is clear his end is nigh. Thorgrin gives this little though 'though as he turns and stomps towards Garlan.

Garrick moves towards the woods and speaks some magic phrase again. Lentarn begins to feel weary and before he knows it he has slumped against the tree snoring and slowly sinks to the ground.

Seeing that he is the only man standing Garlan surrenders. The remaining sleeping brigands are quickly trussed up good and propper but Kerrig's a lost cause (unless someone wants to try and administer first aid before he bleeds to death).

While the three woodsmen bore only logs and wore thick winter clothing (equivalent to padded armour of inferior quality), Kerrig and Lentarn each wore professionaly made padded armour and were armed with a longsword and a longbow. Kerrig has 18 arrows remaining and Lentarn 17. Garlan himself wears leather armour and had his big two handed club. They also have a grand total of 17 gp and 50 sp among their possessions (someone might want to add that to the party stash).

Brud is clearly sorry for his part in this whole affair and hangs his head sheepishly. Garlan curses him, calling him weak, pathetic, useless and wishes he'd never hired the burly woodsman for an important matter like this.

So, quick battle status should folks want to heal their wounds. Kharsis has suffered 8 damage and Thorgrin has been wounded for 6.

[PaulH]

Hi

I'll go & try to staunch the dying bandit's wounds. Ask if our Cleric can cast an orison (heals 1 pt) to stabilise him.

If no-one disagrees, I wouldn't mind the bow & some arrows. Don't need the armour or other weapons - hopefully I won't be in melee combat.

Cheers
Paul H

[Squigface]

Sure, I'll heal him :) A list of items would be cool, so we could divide it up betwwen us.

[Balgin Stondraeg]

Sure, I'll heal him :) A list of items would be cool, so we could divide it up betwwen us.

While the three woodsmen bore only logs and wore thick winter clothing (equivalent to padded armour of inferior quality), Kerrig and Lentarn each wore professionaly made padded armour and were armed with a longsword and a longbow. Kerrig has 18 arrows remaining and Lentarn 17. Garlan himself wears leather armour and had his big two handed club. They also have a grand total of 17 gp and 50 sp among their possessions (someone might want to add that to the party stash).

Yeah it would wouldn't it? :p

[Squigface]

Ok, ok, teach me not to read everything :Doh!: I second the notion that we add the money to the part stash.