The night passes by quietly. The weather has improved through the day with the overcast skies clearing. Sêlune is a waxing quarter so provides a small amount of light through the streaky clouds. Erbert hears a pack of coyote in the distance during his watch. They do not approach to his relief. The morning comes and the sun rises for a new day.
----------------------------- Day 5 -------------------------------
The dawn arrives to your cold camp. Each of you rouse from your sleep to greet the day. A quick survey of camp reveals that the night has passed without your being discovered by any purported bugbears or half-orcs. But, the two bandits are missing!! A quick search about the camp shows that they are nowhere to be found. Olea laughs out loud, "You are terribly incompetent! I would have all of you flogged." She sits smiling and clearly in good spirits.
Bronk is looking about after Olea’s outburst with a furrowed brow and semi-bared teeth. He moves close to Erbert and says something to him.
Kragen says to the group, while gaging Olea so he does not hear her insistent drivel. "All prisoners were accounted for when i ended my watch?" "Anyone know what occurred with the 2 red cloak brigands?"
Chadwick, please complete this search quickly. There are more significant threats we need to deal with. I think we should focus on bringing the captives of these bandits to sanctuary safely and getting the remaining prisoners to justice, as they have no interest in redemption. Then, we return our attention to Cradock and this Black Spider.
Thankfully, it was just the folks who surrendered and provided us with information, not Olea; her feedback on our incompetence would be missed for the rest of the trip to the stockades.
I concur they aren't high value captives, but they could gather others. Mostly wanted to check to make sure they hadn't rolled or slithered into some nearby bushes while still bound.
Don't let me slow you down, I can catch up quick enough after my search!
"Agree with Trolkarl, the local authorities can round them up at a later date." "Let's break camp and get moving"
As Kragen is rolling up bedroll and gathering his belongings. Saddling the horses and then assisting Cleggor and Bran onto mounts, same for Olea and Tholin while checking their bindings.
Hoid, to the group, “They will not be seen or heard from again, certainly not as brigands. I am certain of it. I am sure that my prior warning to them, before we went back on our word, left an impression with them. I will hold my end of that bargain if they return to being brigands.”
Leaving the escaped bandits to their own fate, you again travel towards Shalecliff. The outlying farms become more abundant and the familiar road comes into view. You get some strange looks from passing travelers. None stop you to inquire about your captives or the goblin traveling with you. The town walls come into view as after noon becomes evening. You can see the watch fires being lit upon the walls. They will be closing the gates soon. You arrive at the NW gate.
The two guards on the ground in front of the gates approach, spears in hand. "Ho there! Gates are closing for the night. You can enter in the morning."
You can see two additional guards atop the gate house armed with crossbows. In addition, there are guards on top of the two nearby towers.
Chadwick, while pulling off his helm to allow his flowing hair and dazzling smile to be seen.
Good sirs, we are traveling with the weary and wounded which we saved from the red cloaked brigands. If you could kindly let us enter we would be most grateful that these poor souls don't have to spend another night sleeping rough. It would also do my soul good to be able to offer prayers and tithe in the church of Tyr.
Persuasion 6
Ugh, and that's with a plus 4 modifier. Wait, does his charming smile give him advantage?!?
The guard gives Chadwick a stone faced stare as he puts on his peacock display. He begins to turn back to the gate house then stops, "Wait, what did you say about 'Red Cloaked Brigands'?"
We managed to track down the base of operations for the villainous red cloak bandits that had been raiding this area. In addition to saving some captives, we managed to take out most of their band.
We captured their leaders too, so hoping to be able to turn them over to the local authorities for justice for their banditry and murder.
The guard gives Chadwick a stone faced stare as he puts on his peacock display. He begins to turn back to the gate house then stops, "Wait, what did you say about 'Red Cloaked Brigands'?"
Good thing he is not French... Things could get smelly!
The guard stands, blinking for a minute. He recovers and turns to the gate house, yelling, “Send for Sherriff Snow!”
He then looks you all over. “You lot defeated the Red Cloak Bandits?,” he sounds unbelieving. Seeing Bronk he takes a defensive stance, spear lowered in both hands, “What is this? Should I kill it for you?”
The other guard takes a ready stance as well. Bronk reacts by taking a step backwards and putting hand to his scimitar hilt.
Sherriff Snow should deputize this little goblin. It is as accountable as anyone standing here for bringing down the Red Cloaks. He has proved most trustworthy.
We call him Bronk. The wizard can interpret if you have any questions for him. But please treat him as you would treat the rest of us.
These prisoners, on the other hand, are both very dangerous threats and should be treated with caution.
Trying to out persuade Chadwick without the goldilocks, and reassure the guard that Bronk is no threat
The guards keep between you and the gate house. The gates remain open. You wait. The sun descends below the horizon and twilight develops. The sky has cleared now and a gentle, cool breeze blows. You see the people of Shalecliff returning from fields as you wait. Their homes light up with fires and lamps. Children are running about the open grass playing games. Olea grunts through her gag and writhes about on the horse. "That one has some fire in her," the guard comments.
A middle-aged man with thinning brown hair and brown eyes walks through the gates. He is wearing chain mail and has a round shield across his back. A dagger and longsword hang from his belt. "Well, Aaden, what have you asked me here about?," he asks in a calm, smooth voice. The guards stand to attention. The one who has been speaking with you, Aaden, answers him. "Sherriff Snow, these people...and goblin...have asked to enter town as we were closing the gates. They claim to have information about the Red Cloak Bandits. Those two," pointing at Olea and Tholin, "are prisoners. Sir."
The Sheriff listens to the guard's report and chuckles a bit, "That is quite a tale, Aaden. Do you believe them?"
Aaden seems to be surprised at being the target of the questions. He stammers a bit as he answers, "Th...They seem like a rough group, Sheriff. Traveling with a goblin no less." He pauses to collect himself. "I would allow them in town. But, would keep them in the citadel over night to question."
Again the Sheriff listens to the guard and nods. "That would be a prudent way to approach this. Let's see what they have to say." He turns to the group of you, "I am Galvan Snow. Sheriff of Shalecliff. Who speaks for you?" He waits to see who steps forward. "What is your business here in Shalecliff? Please tell me more about your doings with the Red Cloak Bandits."
Kragen says to the group, while gaging Olea so he does not hear her insistent drivel. "All prisoners were accounted for when i ended my watch?" "Anyone know what occurred with the 2 red cloak brigands?"
All prisoners were accounted for at the end of my watch.
“Well met Sherriff Snow”“Thank you for taking the time to meet at such a late hour.” “My name is Kragen Gravelbeard of the Delhalls clan of the Galena Mountain Dwarves” “My comrades and I were recently contracted by Cleggor Stonejaw”, nods to Cleggor “to protect some goods on their way to Shalecliff from Luskan” “while transporting the goods, we were attacked by a band of brigands that included individuals with Red Cloaks and one Craddick the Coward, Half-orc.”
”after fending of the attack, we successfully transported the goods to Shalecliff and found that Cleggor Stonejaw had not arrived before us”, “we were met by his brother, Magnar Stonejaw and were asked to search and find Cleggor.”, “we accepted this offer and begin our search south, eventually finding a trail from our previous encounter.” “We found a hidden cave system containing many goblins and a Bugbear.”, “once we dispatched the evil, we recovered this man.” nods to Bran “and this Goblin”, nods to Bronk “whom had been captured and tourtured”, “Bran being a comrade of Cleggors, along with Bronk, assisted us in finding the Red Cloaks camp northwest of shale cliff” “we engaged the camp, rescued Cleggor and Ballodon” nods to each “from the encampment and captured their leaders” nods to Olea and Tholin
”we request admittance to the city to rest, recover and return Cleggor to his brother, Magnar”, “we also remit Olea and Tholin into your custody to hold them accountable for their crimes against the people of this region.”, “of note, there are some lower level brigands or red cloaks whom escaped our capture, we leave it to you to round them up.”
”will you kindly allow our party to rest and recover tonight?”, “there is a warm meal and libations waiting for us at Fotruns!” Gestures to his comrades.
Cleggor speaks up from horseback after Kragen finishes his tale. "Sheriff, I am Cleggor Stonejaw. This capable company was hired to escort my wagon load of goods to Shalecliff for my brothers and me. I departed ahead of them to arrive earlier. My guard, Bran," nods to Bran, "and I were attacked by savage goblins and taken prisoner. We were both tortured by the goblins and their bugbear and half-orc leaders. I was then taken to the Red Cloak Bandit Camp and tortured further by the half-orc and these two prisoners." He points to Olea and Tholin. "They are savages and deserve to have their necks stretched." He glares at the two prisoners. "Happily, this company came to the camp and freed my and another prisoner," pointing to Ballodon. "We have travelled directly to Shalecliff for protection and to deliver these brigands to justice."
Ballodon nods along with Cleggor's story in agreement. "I am Ballodon Hammertoe, of Mirabar. My employers hired me to seek out who was behind the raids on trade caravans traveling to Luskan and back. The Red Cloak Bandits are those responsible. They captured me during my scouting before I could return to Mirabar to raise a sufficient force to eradicate their menace. I was held captive for several days. I was not tortured, but was held against my will and mistreated during that time. This goblin," he points to Bronk, "fought on the side of this company of warriors. He was effective and unwavering in his deeds against the bandits. He should be considered ally, not foe, which is something I am surprised to say about one of his kind. I swear upon Honor," he puts his hand to the head of his warhammer, "that what these two dwarves have told you is complete and true."
Galvan stands there listening and takes a long pause to consider what he has been told. He looks each of you in the eye, especially Bronk. Bronk returns his look evenly, without blinking. Galvan turns to Aaden, "Sometimes, people will tell you the truth. No matter how strange it sounds." He then turns to the party. "I will lock up these two," taking the reins of the horses carrying Tholin and Olea. "Your horses will be at the livery just inside the walls tonight. Jotrun's is a good choice. Good food and company there. I would like for us to meet again there tomorrow to talk further."
He leads the horses into town. The guards part, allowing you entrance into Shalecliff. The gates close after you are inside.
Watch schedule randomized, except for a Chadwick’s blindness:
Chadwick
Kragen
Bronk
Erbert
Gneuman
Trolkarl
Hoid
The night passes by quietly. The weather has improved through the day with the overcast skies clearing. Sêlune is a waxing quarter so provides a small amount of light through the streaky clouds. Erbert hears a pack of coyote in the distance during his watch. They do not approach to his relief. The morning comes and the sun rises for a new day.
----------------------------- Day 5 -------------------------------
The dawn arrives to your cold camp. Each of you rouse from your sleep to greet the day. A quick survey of camp reveals that the night has passed without your being discovered by any purported bugbears or half-orcs. But, the two bandits are missing!! A quick search about the camp shows that they are nowhere to be found. Olea laughs out loud, "You are terribly incompetent! I would have all of you flogged." She sits smiling and clearly in good spirits.
Bronk is looking about after Olea’s outburst with a furrowed brow and semi-bared teeth. He moves close to Erbert and says something to him.
Kragen says to the group, while gaging Olea so he does not hear her insistent drivel. "All prisoners were accounted for when i ended my watch?" "Anyone know what occurred with the 2 red cloak brigands?"
Chadwick will investigate the areas that the red cloaks were in, looking for the remnants of their bindings and tracks.
Investigate: 9
Survival: 9
It's a shame, but these things can happen.
Chadwick, please complete this search quickly. There are more significant threats we need to deal with. I think we should focus on bringing the captives of these bandits to sanctuary safely and getting the remaining prisoners to justice, as they have no interest in redemption. Then, we return our attention to Cradock and this Black Spider.
Thankfully, it was just the folks who surrendered and provided us with information, not Olea; her feedback on our incompetence would be missed for the rest of the trip to the stockades.
I concur they aren't high value captives, but they could gather others. Mostly wanted to check to make sure they hadn't rolled or slithered into some nearby bushes while still bound.
Don't let me slow you down, I can catch up quick enough after my search!
"Agree with Trolkarl, the local authorities can round them up at a later date." "Let's break camp and get moving"
As Kragen is rolling up bedroll and gathering his belongings. Saddling the horses and then assisting Cleggor and Bran onto mounts, same for Olea and Tholin while checking their bindings.
Hoid, to the group, “They will not be seen or heard from again, certainly not as brigands. I am certain of it. I am sure that my prior warning to them, before we went back on our word, left an impression with them. I will hold my end of that bargain if they return to being brigands.”
EDIT: added in a negative.
Leaving the escaped bandits to their own fate, you again travel towards Shalecliff. The outlying farms become more abundant and the familiar road comes into view. You get some strange looks from passing travelers. None stop you to inquire about your captives or the goblin traveling with you. The town walls come into view as after noon becomes evening. You can see the watch fires being lit upon the walls. They will be closing the gates soon. You arrive at the NW gate.
Map of Shalecliff
The two guards on the ground in front of the gates approach, spears in hand. "Ho there! Gates are closing for the night. You can enter in the morning."
You can see two additional guards atop the gate house armed with crossbows. In addition, there are guards on top of the two nearby towers.
Chadwick, while pulling off his helm to allow his flowing hair and dazzling smile to be seen.
Good sirs, we are traveling with the weary and wounded which we saved from the red cloaked brigands. If you could kindly let us enter we would be most grateful that these poor souls don't have to spend another night sleeping rough. It would also do my soul good to be able to offer prayers and tithe in the church of Tyr.
Persuasion 6
Ugh, and that's with a plus 4 modifier. Wait, does his charming smile give him advantage?!?
The guard gives Chadwick a stone faced stare as he puts on his peacock display. He begins to turn back to the gate house then stops, "Wait, what did you say about 'Red Cloaked Brigands'?"
We managed to track down the base of operations for the villainous red cloak bandits that had been raiding this area. In addition to saving some captives, we managed to take out most of their band.
We captured their leaders too, so hoping to be able to turn them over to the local authorities for justice for their banditry and murder.
Good thing he is not French... Things could get smelly!
The guard stands, blinking for a minute. He recovers and turns to the gate house, yelling, “Send for Sherriff Snow!”
He then looks you all over. “You lot defeated the Red Cloak Bandits?,” he sounds unbelieving. Seeing Bronk he takes a defensive stance, spear lowered in both hands, “What is this? Should I kill it for you?”
The other guard takes a ready stance as well. Bronk reacts by taking a step backwards and putting hand to his scimitar hilt.
Please relax.
Sherriff Snow should deputize this little goblin. It is as accountable as anyone standing here for bringing down the Red Cloaks. He has proved most trustworthy.
We call him Bronk. The wizard can interpret if you have any questions for him. But please treat him as you would treat the rest of us.
These prisoners, on the other hand, are both very dangerous threats and should be treated with caution.
Trying to out persuade Chadwick without the goldilocks, and reassure the guard that Bronk is no threat
Nat 20 = 25
The guards keep between you and the gate house. The gates remain open. You wait. The sun descends below the horizon and twilight develops. The sky has cleared now and a gentle, cool breeze blows. You see the people of Shalecliff returning from fields as you wait. Their homes light up with fires and lamps. Children are running about the open grass playing games. Olea grunts through her gag and writhes about on the horse. "That one has some fire in her," the guard comments.
A middle-aged man with thinning brown hair and brown eyes walks through the gates. He is wearing chain mail and has a round shield across his back. A dagger and longsword hang from his belt. "Well, Aaden, what have you asked me here about?," he asks in a calm, smooth voice. The guards stand to attention. The one who has been speaking with you, Aaden, answers him. "Sherriff Snow, these people...and goblin...have asked to enter town as we were closing the gates. They claim to have information about the Red Cloak Bandits. Those two," pointing at Olea and Tholin, "are prisoners. Sir."
The Sheriff listens to the guard's report and chuckles a bit, "That is quite a tale, Aaden. Do you believe them?"
Aaden seems to be surprised at being the target of the questions. He stammers a bit as he answers, "Th...They seem like a rough group, Sheriff. Traveling with a goblin no less." He pauses to collect himself. "I would allow them in town. But, would keep them in the citadel over night to question."
Again the Sheriff listens to the guard and nods. "That would be a prudent way to approach this. Let's see what they have to say." He turns to the group of you, "I am Galvan Snow. Sheriff of Shalecliff. Who speaks for you?" He waits to see who steps forward. "What is your business here in Shalecliff? Please tell me more about your doings with the Red Cloak Bandits."
All prisoners were accounted for at the end of my watch.
“Well met Sherriff Snow” “Thank you for taking the time to meet at such a late hour.” “My name is Kragen Gravelbeard of the Delhalls clan of the Galena Mountain Dwarves” “My comrades and I were recently contracted by Cleggor Stonejaw”, nods to Cleggor “to protect some goods on their way to Shalecliff from Luskan” “while transporting the goods, we were attacked by a band of brigands that included individuals with Red Cloaks and one Craddick the Coward, Half-orc.”
”after fending of the attack, we successfully transported the goods to Shalecliff and found that Cleggor Stonejaw had not arrived before us”, “we were met by his brother, Magnar Stonejaw and were asked to search and find Cleggor.”, “we accepted this offer and begin our search south, eventually finding a trail from our previous encounter.” “We found a hidden cave system containing many goblins and a Bugbear.”, “once we dispatched the evil, we recovered this man.” nods to Bran “and this Goblin”, nods to Bronk “whom had been captured and tourtured”, “Bran being a comrade of Cleggors, along with Bronk, assisted us in finding the Red Cloaks camp northwest of shale cliff” “we engaged the camp, rescued Cleggor and Ballodon” nods to each “from the encampment and captured their leaders” nods to Olea and Tholin
”we request admittance to the city to rest, recover and return Cleggor to his brother, Magnar”, “we also remit Olea and Tholin into your custody to hold them accountable for their crimes against the people of this region.”, “of note, there are some lower level brigands or red cloaks whom escaped our capture, we leave it to you to round them up.”
”will you kindly allow our party to rest and recover tonight?”, “there is a warm meal and libations waiting for us at Fotruns!” Gestures to his comrades.
Cleggor speaks up from horseback after Kragen finishes his tale. "Sheriff, I am Cleggor Stonejaw. This capable company was hired to escort my wagon load of goods to Shalecliff for my brothers and me. I departed ahead of them to arrive earlier. My guard, Bran," nods to Bran, "and I were attacked by savage goblins and taken prisoner. We were both tortured by the goblins and their bugbear and half-orc leaders. I was then taken to the Red Cloak Bandit Camp and tortured further by the half-orc and these two prisoners." He points to Olea and Tholin. "They are savages and deserve to have their necks stretched." He glares at the two prisoners. "Happily, this company came to the camp and freed my and another prisoner," pointing to Ballodon. "We have travelled directly to Shalecliff for protection and to deliver these brigands to justice."
Ballodon nods along with Cleggor's story in agreement. "I am Ballodon Hammertoe, of Mirabar. My employers hired me to seek out who was behind the raids on trade caravans traveling to Luskan and back. The Red Cloak Bandits are those responsible. They captured me during my scouting before I could return to Mirabar to raise a sufficient force to eradicate their menace. I was held captive for several days. I was not tortured, but was held against my will and mistreated during that time. This goblin," he points to Bronk, "fought on the side of this company of warriors. He was effective and unwavering in his deeds against the bandits. He should be considered ally, not foe, which is something I am surprised to say about one of his kind. I swear upon Honor," he puts his hand to the head of his warhammer, "that what these two dwarves have told you is complete and true."
Galvan stands there listening and takes a long pause to consider what he has been told. He looks each of you in the eye, especially Bronk. Bronk returns his look evenly, without blinking. Galvan turns to Aaden, "Sometimes, people will tell you the truth. No matter how strange it sounds." He then turns to the party. "I will lock up these two," taking the reins of the horses carrying Tholin and Olea. "Your horses will be at the livery just inside the walls tonight. Jotrun's is a good choice. Good food and company there. I would like for us to meet again there tomorrow to talk further."
He leads the horses into town. The guards part, allowing you entrance into Shalecliff. The gates close after you are inside.
Chadwick to Galvan
"Be wary of the lass, she's a spell caster and handy with a sword. It took several of us to bring her down, and she won't hesitate to kill to escape."