Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
Viewing the Captives
Morning
It didn’t take long to spot the captives, the forms of three bodies bound and gagged, tucked away into the shadow offered by the sheer side of the hill. Blood stained the ground all around the base of the slope, but no corpses were evident. Aside from looks of terror on the face of a young girl, they appeared unhurt. But it was her wide eyes and tear streaked cheeks that drew instant emotion from Ellice, who grabbed Desrik’s forearm, being the nearest to her, and squeezed tightly.
Adelror could feel her emotional pain and quickly formulated a plan to best utilize his abilities, with the rescue and safety of the captives foremost in the Cleric's thinking!

First, he went over to Elberon, pulled out the stones in his hand and blessed them, to provide the Wizard with 3 more potent missiles to use in his sling, when it was time for battle!

Thankfully Adelror came to him and he was distracted from his self-pitying. In his hand, Elberon noticed, were three large stones. When the Duskarn reached Elberon the cleric cast a spell upon the three rocks and handed them to Elberon.

“I am afraid Adelror that I may not be best suited to carry these, I have never even used a sling before I have only read the instructions to use such a weapon. I will however try my best, Thank you.”
Adelror nodded, for he had seen such a look in an untested warrior's face before. He had also heard the uncertainty in the voice of an untested warrior, before going into his or her first battle!

"Have No Fear!

"Yer Heart Will Give Ye Courage!

"Ye Be Not Alone!

"Ah Dell Roar Be Confident In Yer Ability!"
The Duskarn Cleric of Dareen gave Elberon a friendly slap against the Wizard's left arm with his now empty right hand, then turned his attention to Bailox, Desrik and Ellice.

He stood before the trio, explaining what must be done, at least from his own experience from rescuing slave captives from the Orc Breeding Pens!

As quickly and as simply as he could explain, he shared his plan that he would accompany Ellice to help free the captives. He would give her the knife from his left boot, so she could cut the ropes that had the captives bound.

Besides, it would be best for the traumatized captives to see a familiar face, which may or may not prevent them from crying out in relieved surprise, alerting their captives.

He could also tell that Ellice probably had no intention of staying behind, so he may as well provide her with something useful to do!

Adelror pointed to his 2 Throwing Axes, also explaining that they could be given to one or more of the captives, to help defend themselves, once they were free!

Adelror would brandish his Long Sword, protecting them as they made their escape!

He would make sure on the strength of his blade and the life of his own blood, that no captor would be able to harm another innocent ever again!

Satisfied that they understood his plan, he then approached the Druid Ja'aron to share his plan, while thinking to himself from past experience:

Always good to know who you are going into battle with for the first time! Especially if they have a better plan!

Bailox nodded in approval as the plan came together. Now came the part that suited his warrior's heart the best: once the plan was made and the strategy known, he was free to give in to the call of the battleblood and surrender himself to battle.

His next few minutes' work was clear in his head. He selected a vantage point with a clear line of fire to the enemy. He jammed a few arrows point-first into the ground for ease of access when the fight began. He quickly strung his long bow and tested its pull: sweet and as familiar as a lover's caress. He pulled his swords loose from their scabbards for ease of drawing. He made sure his shield was stout and free of defect. He made sure his hunting knife was within easy reach in case the fighting got extremely close-range. And then...he let the righteous rage take him. As with most of the Highland warriors of Haervath, he had learned to channel it, to let it hone his senses to a keen edge. With the white-hot fire burning through his every fiber, he took position with a glare at the enemy force that could have almost killed them as surely as any arrow.

He held rock-still in position, bow drawn and ready to fire, as his companions finalized their own actions.

I am Bailox Steelbringer, warrior of Haervath. I am deliverer of justice. I am Death incarnate.

I am the bringer of your end.

Ja'aron was huddled by the stones, thankful that Mae had proven so resourceful in her scouting mission. The little critter had become a dear companion to the half-blood, in truth she was more family than any other he had known aside from his mentor back north in the grove.

What would you say if you saw me now mother. Is this the course you would have me take?

Ja'aron listened to other's courses of action and it seemed as though a defensible ring would be formed by the captives after ranged attacks plucked those that they could to thin the ranks.

"The land shuns violence for the sake of violence. Though it bares fruit for the victor who shows prowess in survival, strength in arm and cunning in mind. I know little of combat, but I will lend my strength as able. May we fall upon this rabble like wolves in the night. May the Great Mother guide us to victory."

(Ja'aron will ready actions from behind the safety of the stones.)

Order of Events: cast Shillelagh on staff:

(Wait for original ranged barrage etc / surprise round to happen / cast entangle on the settlement aiming to end the rather large radius just in front of where the captives are (leaving a clear unhindered area between their position and us and encasing most / if not all of the camp)

As the combatants move in to fight, Ja'aron will move in to free prisoners, readying a 'light" spell to blind any who would try to do them harm, trying to quickly usher them out of harms way as best as possible from the relative safety of the stones."

(Enter combat with staff only as a last resort to save prisoners and aiming to knock out not kill if he can help it )

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
The time for planning had come and gone, and the time for action had arrived, though bravery did not come easily to each and every. Adelror’s unrelenting bravado did good for bolstering the spirits of the uneasy, however, and courage, even if only for the moment, came to the heart of the unseasoned spellcaster.

Elberon and Bailox readied themselves near the hilltop with bow and sling, ready to unload a barrage upon the unsuspecting, while Desrik and the Duskarn prepared to rush them for close quarters, though Adelror made it clear he was going to head towards the captives while his companions occupied the thugs. Ja’aron would begin in a more supportive role, as he invoked his wildland magics to empower his walking staff into a cane of much more power.

When the war priest attempted to arm Ellice and bring her in on the rescue, the lass was quick to return the blade to him. “I can’t fight, and I won’t be of any help out there.” She crouched behind the rocks, wringing her hands together. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to get in the way...”

Bailox was the first to strike, releasing the arrow he held notched to bowstring and unloading the feathered missile into the clearing at the brigand seated closest to the captives. Far from a bullseye, the shot still struck home and buried itself halfway deep into the thigh of the thug, drawing a cry of surprise blended with pain from his lips before it was silenced by a tiny glowing sphere cracking across his temple, knocking him from the rock he sat atop and sprawling him out across the snow.

Despite Adelror’s encouragement, the wizard possessed no sling, but the stones were easy to handle and lightweight, and the Dur’amani was certain he could throw far enough. For his lack of confidence in a conflict, Elberon pitched the first of the stones with remarkable accuracy - or perhaps just dumb luck - and brought some measure of success to their ambush, for dropping the man closest to the frightened prisoners allowed some breathing room for his companions to make their move in.

His shorter legs carried Adelror much more slowly than Desrik’s swift limbs did, but the duo emerged from behind the rock cropping and raced towards the leeside, ready to help the captives to safety. The element of surprise had left their adversaries slow to react, but they were now beginning to get to their feet, weapons appearing in hands and steps being taken to intercept the Syln and Duskarn pairing. But they were already halfway to the prisoners by this point, and then the aid provided by Ja’aron Birch appeared.

From his hidden position behind the rock grouping, the Druid called out to green once more, and the grass itself still yellowed from the fall, answered his plea. Creeping upwards through the dusting of snow, the ropy strands began to wrap themselves about the ankles of the unsuspecting thugs.

Finding their movements impaired, they fought back against the binding plants, pulling hard against it, and even going so far as to chop away at the growing strands with sword blades, but most were too quickly snagged, and all of the men, save for one, found themselves cursing angrily as they became firmly anchored to the ground.

The gnoll, too, found favour amidst this unusual assault, and having cast aside its hunk of meat and picked up a heavy bladed axe from the ground beside its seat, ripped through the snaring grasses with relative ease and began to stalk towards Desrik and Adelror.

Having nimbly stepped out of the reach of the binding plantlife, the lone escapee turned a rough looking shortsword about in his grip, seeming unable to quite grasp what exactly was taking place here. After a second’s thought, he seemed to decide that attempting to drive off those closest was the best plan, and began to trudge through the impairing grass strands towards the hostages.

His spell having worked with great success, Ja’aron slipped out from his hiding spot and darted in to lend a hand to Desrik and Adelror, arming another one of his divine tricks for the oncoming. Between the three of them, there should be no problem in trying to make a safe escape.

From over his head, Ja’aron faintly heard another arrow zip through the air to streak past the shoulder of the gnoll as it tromped through the reaching grasses, snapping its jaws, still moist and reddened from its gruesome meal. For the luck of his first shot, Bailox’s second failed to find its mark, and the big brute presented a challenge he’d been lacking since the Unity. Dropping the bow to the ground, the warrior drew his broad sword and began to advance down the hill to meet the beast.

His confidence up from the first shot, Elberon selected a second stone and wound up, hurling the precise missile at the bandit free from the snaring battleground. Like Bailox before him, however, the wizard misjudged his shot and the stone thudded harmlessly into the snow by his target’s boots. So much for beginner’s luck...

Seeing that Adelror was about in position to help the prisoners, and with Ja’aron on the way, Desrik stopped himself between the bound victims and the approaching bandit, his sword in his hand, and advanced on the brigand. Brandishing his blade, the mercenary fell into the familiar motions, testing the range with the weapon before taking a testing swipe to draw out his opponent. Watching as the responsive guard to his lure, the talented swordsman launched a quick inward strike, slipping beneath the robber’s defense and parting the leather of the man’s armour. He yelped in pain, trying to regain his stance, and pressing a palm to the gradually thickening crimson streak across his sternum. Mercenaries needed to fight. This was where Desrik thrived.

With his companion shielding him, Adelror reached the captives unimpeded, and quickly drew his knife to cut their bonds away. Lacking pressure from their foes, the dwarf wasted no time in severing the ropes, pulled away the split cords and throwing them clear so none would trip on them when trying to get up. Confusion beset the cleric, however, when the first response of the little girl was not to inquire about Ellice, but rather, to leap into the arms of the older woman, Esther. “Mother!” She sobbed, terrified by the fighting that had erupted in the clearing.

“Its okay Hannah. We’re going to be okay.” The straw-haired woman clutched the girl protectively. At least the name of the daughter remained the same... If names were all correct here, Norman turned to face his bearded rescuer.

“You’re here to save us?”

Adelror nodded, and the man pushed himself to his feet, shaky due to the stiffness of being tied up and prone for a few hours, but was able to help the girls stand as well. The Duskarn drew one of his marked throwing axes from his waist, handing it over to the Syln, for at the very least, courage could be derived from being armed against one’s assailants.

While the creeping grasses continued to anchor the feet of the muggers in their midst, another had managed to pull himself free, severed strands falling away from his ankles as he took high steps to try to move through it to join his companion currently engaged with Desrik. Even though free from its bindings, the twisting and gnarled plantlife was awkward to move through, and he was still fifteen feet short of being able to reinforce his partner. However, it seemed he did not require immediate aid, for even with blood trickling over the beaten leather of his armour, he pressed the assault on the warrior. Feinting a quick step to the left, Desrik followed his movements and prepared to parry, but the goon quickly moved back to his right, a little quicker than anticipated, and pressed in close to take away the reach of Desrik’s longer weapon. Right in his face, the mercenary knew he was at a disadvantage, and tried to backpedal to make some room, but failed to get clear before a familiar burning feeling crept up the left side of his body. A quick glance down revealed his flank had been pierced by a few inches of poorly-maintained steel. With his free hand, he shoved the bandit back and reassumed his fighting stance. While the Unity had taken away his need to fight, it had also left him with a little more blood in his body. This could take getting used to again.

Ja’aron saw that his Duskarn companion had managed to release the captives, and was beginning to move back towards the rock cropping to get them to safety. The Druid was close to meeting them halfway, and Desrik had engaged the nearest bandit to them, leaving a clear avenue for escape. But he was also in position to see the cruel hit slipped in from close, and saw the man stagger from the hurt behind it. He had just the thing for moments like this, and called out to his natural forces once again, this time channeling up a golden glow inside his clenched fist. Focusing on the bandit before Desrik, he cast forth his hand and opened wide, as though throwing a stone. A bright flash erupted in the face of the thug, who cried out in anguish and stepped back, raising his free hand to clutch at his face. Ja’aron knew his toss had hit home, and turned his attention back to receiving the captives, placing a helpful hand on the back of the mother-daughter embrace and helping to ensure they didn’t slip and fall on the uneven ground.

The gnoll had managed to exit the restrictive boundaries of the grasping grasses, and was moving in on those attempting to bail their prisoners. But the scarred beast, clearly one who had seen his share of sword edges and arrowsheads, possessed a savage appetite. It, like Bailox, was built pretty well from the ground-up for battle, and like the big fellow charging down the hill, sought the biggest, toughest challenge on the field. The Syln had the same idea in mind, and the two rushed each other, weapons drawn and ready to go.

Broadsword met the haft of the double-bitted axe, and the two brutes jockeyed for the advantage, shoving against each other in a contest of brawn. For being several inches at the disadvantage in height, Bailox held his own against the beast, growing his own warrior’s snarl in the crimson-flecked maw of the hyena-like creature. His survival skills kicked in to break the stalemate, and taking advantage of their close quarters, Steelbringer launched a quick headbutt, cracking his forehead into the snout of his foe, splitting its sensitive nose and driving it back a step. He capitalized on this, carrying his momentum forwards and unloading a heavy sword stroke that caught the thing on the thick, layered animal hides that draped its torso and shoulders. While the edge of his weapon failed to spill the innards of the beast, he drew a clean slice low on its stomach. The satisfaction of his attack was short-lived, however, as his follow-through left him momentarily exposed, and the long arms of the gnoll didn’t need much to wind up that axe. Bailox clenched his jaw against the pain as a tremendous impact struck him on the back, just clear of his swordarm. His sturdy scaled armour prevented the jagged edge of the mighty axe blade from severing his arm at the shoulder, but the concussive force behind it was like being hit by a falling tree, and nearly knocked him flat. Bailox, however, was made of sterner stuff than that, and rose up tall once again, making some space between the two with a cautionary sword pass, to which the gnoll responded as expected and backed up a few steps. His entire upper body hurt from the swing, but he was intact, and there was blood on his face not his own. This was the stuff Bailox Steelbringer was bred for!

Elberon, from his vantage point just above the rock cropping, was able to see first-hand now what his two drinking friends were capable of dealing with, both on the offense and what they could receive, and it was clear now how both were able to deal with the heroic amounts of drink the night before. Those two were made for physical punishment, and seeing what they could handle served to help the wizard along. Taking a few steps closer for a better shot, he turned the final blessed stone in his fingers before eying the brigand now on the way to join the fight against Desrik. The farthest toss he’d be making, but he wound up and threw anyway, watching the stone arc through the air like a comet. A great whap sound split the air as it struck the center of the man’s chest, and Elberon knew it was not from the strength of his throw, but rather the enchantment upon the missiles that would have produced such a fierce impact, especially given the way it stopped the man in his tracks for a moment, clutching a hand to where he’d been hit and causing him to look around for a moment before his eyes locked onto those of the wizard.

He hurt, but one of the most important things in battle was not showing you hurt, and Desrik readied himself to take down the bandit before him. With sword ready, he took a step forward before halting suddenly as a bright flash encompassed the face of his opponent, causing the man to reel and cry out in anguish. Not entirely sure of what was happening, the mercenary saw that, even beneath the covering hand, bright light glowed from the thug’s eye sockets. But an advantage was an advantage, and he wasted no time in exploiting it, gripping his sword in both hands and delivering a savage blow into the side of his neck, very nearly severing the head from shoulders, and dropping the body to the ground in a spray of blood.

The captives were slow to move, having been forced to sit in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time. But Adelror possessed short legs, so he wasn’t the fastest on his feet, either, and the pace was easy for him. With his sword drawn, he protected their flank, positioning himself to the outside of Ja’aron as the Druid arrived to aid them. Evacuation was going smoother than anticipated, he saw as Desrik felled his opponent a few long strides away from where they stood. Ten or so feet to his left, Bailox and the brutish gnoll traded blows, the two giants testing their might in a punishing display of weapon and muscle. Two bandits lay dead, and one more was moving in on them from within the grasping grass, whom the dwarf could easily engage with a couple quick steps. But safety to the prisoners was priority, and seeing Elberon at the top of the hill was as good as a beacon light for the safe zone. Between he and Ja’aron, it took little to get the three up and over to safety, but, while ready to hand them off to Ellice and prepare to help his companions, something seemed out of place. Neither Duskarn nor the half-breed could spot the young woman. From the look of it, she had fled the scene.

(OOC: FINALLY got this done. So here we go...

Two dead bandits so far, and the gnoll has taken some hurts. One is free and getting close to Desrik, and the other four remain bound up in the Entangle spell zone.

Desrik and Bailox both took something of a beatdown.

Desrik: 11/18 - Pierced left side; minor bleeding.
Bailox: 12/22 - Upper body damage; doesn’t feel like bleeding, sword arm is a bit shaken up. Not sure the condition of armour on his back. Bones do not seem broken.

Elberon has thrown all three of his stones.

Ja’aron has used three of his four spells thus far. Staff is currently bearing Shillelagh.

Have fun folks )

Bailox's entire body hurt, but the pain was a distant thing, in the back of his mind, walled off behind the rage of battle that burned through his veins like molten lava. As he stared into the soulless eyes of the beast before him, he cried out to Atlam.

Give me the strength to end this beast! If it is your will that I die today, at least grant me the satisfaction of taking it with me!
Without a thought of retreat or surrender, Bailox gave a mighty roar and pressed forward.

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
Engaging the Enemy
Morning
With his companion shielding him, Adelror reached the captives unimpeded, and quickly drew his knife to cut their bonds away. Lacking pressure from their foes, the dwarf wasted no time in severing the ropes, pulled away the split cords and throwing them clear so none would trip on them when trying to get up. Confusion beset the cleric, however, when the first response of the little girl was not to inquire about Ellice, but rather, to leap into the arms of the older woman, Esther. “Mother!” She sobbed, terrified by the fighting that had erupted in the clearing.

“Its okay Hannah. We’re going to be okay.” The straw-haired woman clutched the girl protectively. At least the name of the daughter remained the same... If names were all correct here, Norman turned to face his bearded rescuer.

“You’re here to save us?”

Adelror nodded, and the man pushed himself to his feet, shaky due to the stiffness of being tied up and prone for a few hours, but was able to help the girls stand as well. The Duskarn drew one of his marked throwing axes from his waist, handing it over to the Syln, for at the very least, courage could be derived from being armed against one’s assailants.
There was no time to ponder upon the lineage of Hannah and Ellice, for the captives were not yet out of harms way; therefore, the Duskarn was duty bound to lead them to safety, away from the field of battle, while Bailox and the rest of his companions spilled the blood of their new found enemies!

The captives were slow to move, having been forced to sit in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time. But Adelror possessed short legs, so he wasn’t the fastest on his feet, either, and the pace was easy for him. With his sword drawn, he protected their flank, positioning himself to the outside of Ja’aron as the Druid arrived to aid them. Evacuation was going smoother than anticipated, he saw as Desrik felled his opponent a few long strides away from where they stood. Ten or so feet to his left, Bailox and the brutish gnoll traded blows, the two giants testing their might in a punishing display of weapon and muscle. Two bandits lay dead, and one more was moving in on them from within the grasping grass, whom the dwarf could easily engage with a couple quick steps. But safety to the prisoners was priority, and seeing Elberon at the top of the hill was as good as a beacon light for the safe zone. Between he and Ja’aron, it took little to get the three up and over to safety, but, while ready to hand them off to Ellice and prepare to help his companions, something seemed out of place. Neither Duskarn nor the half-breed could spot the young woman. From the look of it, she had fled the scene.
The Duskarn War Cleric of Dareen had to make a quick decision!

No longer was the dwarf certain that Ellice was a frightened friend; for she may prove to be a Doppleganger, or something much worse!

He had heard tales told by the more experienced of his War Clan, but now was not the time to allow his imaginations to run wild and uncontrolled.

Motioning to Elberon and Ja'aron to keep close guard around the rescued former captives; the War Cleric pushed aside any wild thoughts pertaining to the absence of Ellice, choosing to advance towards the visible enemies, with sword drawn, placing himself between the former captives and his fellow guardians, should any of the enemy slip past either Desrik or Bailox and threaten the lives of those who were now free from the immediate clutches of the evil doers!

OOC: Adelror stands ready to either join the fight, or come to the aid of Bailox with a Healing Spell (to restore lost Hit Points), should the tide of battle turn against him!

Elberon stood behind a boulder with Bailox, who silently stared down into the valley. Elberon had decided that he would just follow Bailox's cue, after all the warrior was much better versed in combat than he was. He expected Bailox to pick out the most dangerous looking target and shoot his arrow at him then once the arrow had struck, providing it hadn't killed the unfortunate adversary, he would throw his magically imbued, and now glowing, stone at the same enemy.

Bailox loosed. The battle had begun. The arrow flew true and embedded itself into the thigh of one of the bandits. It was time for Elberon to have his turn at a missile attack. With a deep breath elberon threw his stone as hard and as accurate as he could. It flew as true as the arrow and struck the grizzly looking bandit on his temple, knocking him from the rock he was perched on. Elberon was elated, he never would of thought that he could hit an opponent, especially from this range.

Bailox drew another arrow from his quiver and notched to his bow, Elberon grabbed another rock from his pouch and held its cold surface in his palm, ready to launch it once more at an opponent. Bailox loosed his arrow, but this time it sailed wide of his target, the gnoll. What a fearsome creature, Elberon thought. While lost in this thought Bailox had dropped his bow and was now running into the melee, broad sword drawn. Quickly he realised he was still gripping the stone tightly and with a shout Elberon threw with all his power, however he kept his promise and missed, just like Bailox had.

Now Bailox had gone Elberon felt very alone standing on the hilltop. He controlled his breathing and remembered Adelror's words prior to the battle and regained some courage and held his ground, once more taking a stone from his pouch.

As Elberons eyes scanned down at the enveloping chaos below he noticed that both Desrik and Bailox had been injured by their opponents and was impressed at their mental and physical fortitude. Clearly Desrik needed some help as another bandit was approaching to reinforce his friend, it was a long throw but if he hit it would be worth it. Elberon hefted the stone and threw it straight and true, it ended up hitting the shuffling bandit in the chest forcing a stagger and a few steps backwards. Elberon clenched his fist in celebration, but then quickly remembered himself as the bandit locked onto him forcing Elberon to submissively look away, to afraid to hold his glare.

The prisoners were ambling along at the foot of the rise and were getting close to safety. Adelror motioned towards the approaching bandit who threatened the group of escaping prisoners and Elberon took his message to be 'come and help' so Elberon did he ran down the hill at a slight jog, meanwhile casting armour upon himself in case he were to get in trouble.

Ja'aron was mindful of the fragile state of the captives as he ushered them behind the safety of the rocks, and he scanned over the battlefield ahead of him, to see his companions unwavering in their determination to see justice done.

It only occurred to him when he noticed the distinct lack of Ellice that something was wrong. The young girl Hannah had claimed another woman as her mother, and now Ellice was nowhere to be found. The half-blood's ears twitched in tune with the wrenching of his gut.

What if this was nothing more than a hoax, or a trap?"
The initiate knew he had exhausted much of his magical arsenal already, and had but one spell left at his disposal. He watched the Duskarn re-enter the fray, and knew the safety of the captives fell on him. While he did not like the idea of leaving the others behind, the captives were far from being out of danger so he coaxed them onwards, further away from the encampment and on their way back towards Graffton.

Keeping a watchful eye out for anything at all that approached the group as they traveled, Ja'aron approached Esther and inquire about Ellice.

"Ma'am pardon the inquiry in such dire times, but do you know of a woman named Ellice? (describe her physical appearance etc) It was she who fled to Graffton and alerted us of your plight, it was she who mentioned her daughter, Hannah was among the captives and spurred forward the rescue mission. Yet here we have gathered you all and she is nowhere to be found where minutes earlier she was at the clearing with us."

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
Blades had clashed with their adversaries, and the first blood of this crew of rescuers had been shed for the sake of their cause. But even though a powerful start had been established, most particularly with the quick save of the captives from right within the boundaries of the crudely-formed campsite, it looked as though things had a ways ahead to carry on to the finish.

Bailox and Desrik, swordsmen by trade, had both been injured in the fray. However, despite blood and battering, the two held their ground solidly against the odds that looked to rapidly turn against them, as two of the thugs managed to tear themselves free from the ensnaring grasses and roots of Ja’aron Birch. With swords brandished, the pair picked their way clean from the worst of the net and moved in to try to press the advantage of numbers. The other two, however, were unable to find release from the grasping strands underfoot.

Staying by the sides of the captives to ensure their safety, Ja’aron took advantage of their distance from the battlers to try to hurry them on towards the roadway, and hopefully entirely clear from harms way. Distance provided room to talk, and even though danger was still nearby, the well-mannered Druid posed a few questions upon the woman, whom he identified as Esther. With a quick description of Ellice, as well as a rundown of how she arrived in Graffton, but the question was meet with a look of confusion upon the straw-haired woman’s face.

“My apologies...but ser...I know not who this is.” She spoke around deep breaths as they made haste across the snowy field. “I mean... I’ve known people who...look like that. But none with us. Just us three here.”

The Druid, keeping himself positioned on the side of the conflict, even as the sounds of it quieted down beyond the hill as the moved away from it, turned his gaze to the white landscape around them. Somebody making an exit should be easy to see. This didn’t seem right, that she should be able to vanish as she did. Nothing about this seemed ordinary! Perhaps answers would appear later, and for now, merely focused on getting the three as far from harm as possible.

Back in the battlezone, Bailox and the mangy gnoll continued their bout, attempting to reposition themselves to gain the advantage on the other. The beast was a fierce warrior, Bailox knew this. But with a great roar, the burly Syln surged foward, swinging a mighty slash for the gnoll’s neck, but his broadsword was stopped short again by the solid axe haft and the brawn behind it. Before he could retract the weapon, however, the shaggy creature caught the blade with the beard of its axe and pulled hard to the side, pulling Bailox off balance. The soldier couldn’t find his footing quickly enough before he realized what was going on, and braced himself as the gnoll reeled him in across its front, stopping him short with a hard shoulder butt that caught Bailox solidly in the chest, and though he kept his grip on his sword, it knocked the air from his lungs and sent him staggering. He turned his head in response to some feral snarling from his foe, and dropped to his knees just in time to get beneath a horizontal slash that whooped through the air just over his head. He had a brief moment before the gnoll would be in position to defend itself, and he managed a quick inward strike to the hairy thigh of his attacker. It barked in pain, taking a step back which noticeably favoured the injured leg, and raised its axe high to bring down upon Bailox, who was not yet in an ideal defensive position. But the veteran warrior was not without his maneuvers, and slid to the side just in time to avoid an overhead strike that hit the ground with enough force to tell him that his head, and likely much of his upper body, would have been split from the blow. Like a charging bull, Bailox gave a great battle shout and pumped powerful legs to carry him into the beast, ramming his sword halfway through its middle and out its back.

The axe fell to the ground with a dull thud, and, shoving the heavily bleeding body away from him, so did the dying gnoll. A mighty foe beaten, Bailox took a step back to catch his breath, eyes on the next two challengers that made their way towards he and Desrik, who looked to be doing the same as himself. Even though they were the two still standing over their fallen adversaries, the Unity had left swords and skills dulling with inactivity. But, battle was a honing stone, and edge would return before long.

Elberon and Adelror, having done their part in helping the captives flee, now moved in towards their friends, Elberon weaving spell strands into a thick coat to encase his body, though the inexperienced wizard was yet uncertain as to what contribution he would be making to this conflict. The cleric beside him, however, knew exactly what he would be doing, and conjured up a gift from Dareen. A warming glow enveloped his hand, and, arriving at his companion’s side, lay a hand upon the forearm of Bailox. The warmth dissipated, and the hurts of the swordsman grew a little less intense at the touch of the cleric, who took a step clear of the giant and held his sword at the ready, eager to meet with the bandits before them.

While the idea had initially been to gang up on the two warriors, the brutish gnoll now lay dead on the ground, and Bailox, his executioner, stood a little taller after the healing touch from Adelror. And even though the remaining two bandits had successfully pulled themselves from the clinging grasses, they moved not to join their partners, but rather, towards the opposite end of the entanglement. Piling up on one or two opponents had seemed like a good idea, but when the odds were fair, the prowess of the warriors slew the morale of the goons, and they, too, stopped well away from the group and instead beat a hasty retreat around the limits of the overgrowing grass.

(OOC: Bailox took down the gnoll, and none of the bandits made it within range for an attack to be made for their escape. Still, they’re having to go around the far edge of the Entangle zone, and are easily within range if they are to be rushed.

Bailox, Desrik, and Adelror are side by side, and Elberon is right behind them. Ja’aron has gotten the captives close to the roadway, and with his escort, a move back to town can easily be begun.

Desrik: 11/18 - Pierced left side; minor bleeding.
Bailox: 14/22 - Upper body damage; doesn’t feel like bleeding, sword arm is a bit shaken up. Not sure the condition of armour on his back. Bones do not seem broken. Pains are subsiding due to healing.

Sorry this took so long to get in... Work has been a nightmare lately)

Bailox stood over his defeated foe, panting with the exertion of battle. Thanks to the Cleric's healing touch, his pains throbbed but were not debilitating. He knew he would have to have his sword arm looked at soon. But he gave a savage grin, knowing that feeling the pain meant he was still alive to feel it. He gave thanks to Atlam for the reward of victory, even as he took in the sight of the remaining brigands fleeing the scene.

"Ja'aron!" he called. "Get the captives back to town, with haste! See that their needs are tended to!"

He turned to those next to him. "Our immediate task is complete, but you all know that we need answers if we are to prevent this from happening again. We need at least one of those cretins alive. Do we chase them, or does one of you have some mystical means of stopping them? I, for one, would very much like to get them back to town to interrogate at our leisure. A night's sleep, some hot food and a cold flagon of ale would not be remiss, either."

Unsure as to whether any of the nearby companions had a means to bring down the fleeing curs, Bailox ran for his bow, nocked an arrow, and made haste back to where the companions stood. Taking aim at the leg of one of the bandits, he stood ready. "Tell me now if you have another means to stop them! If not, I stand ready to loose!"

(OOC: Bailox is standing with bow ready and aimed, trying for a shot in the leg on one of the runners if none of the others has a ready takedown tactic. Anybody that has a way to take one out alive, now's the time, feel free. I'm just assuming here that we need to catch one for interrogation. I'm also good with having the chipmunk shadow them, or any other tactic that will lead us on to the next links in the chain of nastyfolk.)

Adelror could not envision allowing these scum to escape without further vengeance, especially if it meant endangering other innocents at a time in the not-too-distant future, if they were allowed to flee with their worthless lives!

He had made a promise; albeit, to some type of unknown entity who was not what she said she was, but the honor of the War Cleric was at stake; so he ran off in pursuit of the fleeing vermin, as fast as his short legs could close the distance!

The sword of the Dareen War Cleric was thirsty for the shedding of blood, whether or not Bailox or anyone else was wont to do the same!

"Cowards! Filth! Vermin!"
OOC: Adelror hastens after the fleeing men, ready to spill their blood with his Long Sword at the ready!

If they manage to outrun him, the Duskarn War Cleric will turn his attention to one or more of the brigands that Bailox manages to subdue with a well aimed arrow!

He is ready to play 'Good Cop, Bad Cop'; desiring to question them about where they are from, where they are going, who they serve in whose employ and why they ambushed the wagon, killed one of the men and what they intended to do with the other captives?

If there are two injured and unable to move, the War Cleric is ready, willing and able to run one of them through with his sword, to get the other one to talk freely!

He will also debate with Bailox or anyone else about holding one or more of them prisoner, willing rather to run his sword through their dark hearts for their evil deeds!

This should loosen their tongues with the needed information!

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
Ja’aron Birch was not a great warrior, most especially not when his battle potential was compared to that of Bailox or Desrik. In a case such as this, however, his talents that made him more the supportive type were preferable, in that they kept him out of the fray, and allowed him to make an escape with the freed captives.

Though the extraction had gone reasonably smoothly, at least as far as the Druid could tell, the question of who Ellice truly was, as well as her purpose in this entire affair, made little sense. Perhaps if they had been led into a trap, the logic, however cruel, would stand. But to lead somebody into a rescue situation and then vanish? That was where something seemed greatly amiss.

Still, what mattered was that the three were safe, and were rapidly regaining their mobility after having been bound and seated for some time. Ja’aron found little difficulty in getting them moving at a good pace, and they were on the roadway before long, headed northward to the safety of Graffton.

A small shadow flitted across the ground, so quick that the Druid almost missed it. But he turned his eyes skyward and picked out the soaring shape of a red tailed hawk. Glorious in the sky, its wings spread wide, it circled above. A field hunter, likely searching for a midday meal. But when Ja’aron looked at it, the raptor banked a tight corner and entered a short stoop straight at him, and though it dropped maybe fifty feet before flaring its wings and turning that speed into a quick rise, it screeched off a piercing cry that split the cool air.

Tseeeeeeer!
With fanned wings, the hawk turned a wide curve and flapped off to the north, its small form quickly becoming lost in the distance. But, from what Ja’aron could tell from this strange moment, it had started off following the roadway.

(OOC: Instructed by Kaelyn to carry on with the escape, so on the road to Graffton it is.)

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
One Hour South of Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
Before Bailox’s powerful voice had even bellowed the instructions, Ja’aron had already beat an exit with the captives in tow. By the time the big warrior had retrieved his bow from the hilltop, he was able to see the quartet had reached the roadway and was turning north. A good sign, that his companions were able to look to where they could serve their purpose and to act without direction.

Notching an arrow as he ran back to the others, the warrior demanded an alternative to his plan, should there be one. But no voices rose, and he drew back on the bowstring, sighted down the shaft, and loosed for the nearest fleeing target. And though the missile streaked smoothly towards the brigand, he had failed to lead the shot a sufficient amount, and it sunk into the snowy ground a step or two behind its intended mark.

Adelror wasted no time, and with sword drawn, charged off in pursuit of the bandit Bailox had shot at. Though his shorter legs provided him absolutely no advantage in the chase, the Cleric would not be stopped from attempting to fulfill his pledge. He easily skirted the creeping patch of grass that Ja’aron had coaxed to growth so as not to become tangled in it himself, and barreled on.

Not to waste the chance, Bailox drew another arrow, this time aiming a bit further ahead, and let fly to the wind. Though his target had gained some ground in between shots, this one carried more promise, and pierced the hip of the thug. With a cry of anguish heard from the archer’s position, the man toppled to the ground, most certainly the victim of a shattered hip bone.

Now, even though the others had made enough ground to flee into the distance, they at least had one captive to interrogate, and the almost comical sight of a fallen bandit being run down by an angry dwarf wiped the urgency from the chase.

No longer a foot race, Adelror slowed up his pace and stepped over the thug, placing his sword edge to the man’s neck, and looked down to his pained face. Unshaven, a scar across the cheek, short curly black hair. Ordinary in appearance. But ordinary in intention? Ambition? Cunning? They would find out.

The dwarf seized the man by the forearm, hauling him to his feet and drawing a yelp of agony from him. Rough, yes, but pain was good for making one talk. A walk on a shattered hip would be a good warm up, and with his sword menacing the man’s throat, he found him reasonably cooperative in the walk back to the others, where Adelror dumped him unceremoniously into the cold earth underfoot.

Brown eyes glared up at the four standing above him, looking from one to another to assess his captors.

“What ya want from me?” He growled from behind clenched teeth, though if this was an effort to be tough, he certainly was not in position to be doing so.

(OOC: Interrogate as you please. His left hip has an arrow buried in it, and he’s presumably been softened up some by Adelror hauling him back to the position of the others. PM me if you’ve got something specific you want to be trying.)

Bailox let a terribly insane and savage grin creep onto his face and started shaking, seemingly uncontrollably, as if he were in a mad berserker rage. He also let slip a sly wink at Adelror to let the Duskarn know that it was just a ruse and that the mighty warrior was well in control of his faculties.

He slowly crouched until his face was at eye level with and inches from the wounded bandit's face. With the madman's smile still in place, Bailox began quite conversationally. "And now, my friend, there are questions that you are going to answer for us. If you answer them truthfully, I will grant you the mercy of a quick death, unlike you gave some of those others. However," he added in a meancing rumble as his glare sharpened at the brigand, "should you lie, or fail to answer," and as he said this he slowly reached down and grasped the arrow's shaft that protruded from the villain's hip, "I will pull out your entrails with my bare hands and eat them while you are still alive to watch it. Your death will come only when I have squeezed every last drop of pain and agony from you. Do you understand?" And with that he gave the arrow shaft a small but firm twist.

Bailox had to admit that the bandit's scream was quite satisfying.

"Now, you will tell us: why did you take these people? Who put you up to it? Where can we find them? How large a force do we face? What sort of defenses do they have? Answer now, and answer truthfully, or before this day is done you shall beg me for a thousand deaths."

(OOC: Anyone else in the party, as usual, feel free to chime in with any questions you want answered or that I may not be thinking of, or with whatever you wish to add. Bailox is willing to inflict whatever pain is necessary to loosen the brigand's tongue. The visions of the brutalized victims is all the motivation he needs. Next post will be dependent on the outcome of the interrogation.)

Deysor Twenty-Fourth, 1121
Graffton, Irvala Province
Brandost
To one for whom a good night meant the ability to watch the stars strewn throughout the blackened heavens and feel the grassland breeze through the hair, the prospect of four permanent walls and a roof that placed a drastically nearer sky over one’s head was a bizarre concept. But, it seemed to Seluume that such was the heavy norm among Syln - or rather, for just about anybody but the wandering Mith’ganni.

Such places left her feeling uneasy, for who in their good mind would voluntarily eliminate the splendor of a live lunar map, a visible history of their origins, their salvation when the Gods found their world once again?

But then...the way of her people was not the only way, and perhaps that was a part of why Anaara had sent her forth to seek aid against the approaching storm. Or, at least, the one that the Eravairene had begun to speak of. Growth was important in a changing world, one in which events both good and bad could instantly reshape the lives of those within it. If one chose to cloister themselves in the ways of the past, then a new turn of the world may leave them behind.

Still, whether in a hovel of a town like Macartt or Firdale,or in a larger settlement like that of Val Myan where Anaara had first found her, the idea of putting lids on homes just didn’t sit right. And now, her journeys had brought a new clump of houses onto her horizon. Though snow still blanketed the prairie grasses, Seluume was a being of the grasslands, and could recognize domesticated fields when she came upon them.

Another town of farmers...
With the midday sun climbing to its early Spring apex, and the warmth of the season beginning to creep its way into the day, at the very least, her travels had been in favourable conditions for one who walked the roadways. While she had yet to find anybody of value to contribute to the approaching needs of the Eravairene, the freedom to walk was a splendid bestowment to one who, even of half-blood, was made to roam. Every day upon the snow-dusted paths was a chance to stretch her legs, both physically and spiritually, and pleased the Mith’ganni within her.

Westward, the roads had led her, and thus far there had been few-to-none who met the profile she sought. Dark times had been forecasted over Brandost, and Seluume, like the other Marked of her order, had begun the search for those whose arms and talents may be rallied to press back the tide when it may rise up. But while farmers may have the heart to lend themselves to a greater cause, supplementing food was their strength. It was rare that one was suited to wield an axe to hew bone rather than timber.

The easternmost homes in the settlement before her grew larger as her swift stride carried her nearer. Ahead of the slender elf, the roadway forked to the south, presenting a potential avenue to continue her search if this, too, proved fruitless. But for now, this place would be inspected, like all the rest before it.

A weather-beaten signpost spiked the center of the road forking, with the southern direction long-since broken away. The west, however worn, was still legible to the careful eyes of Seluume E’Aluinil.

Graffton
(OOC: Finally went for it. Welcome aboard, Nimu. Its a touch overdue, but here you go. Backwrite as you like, as I know you’ve got a whole wealth of material you’ve crafted for this character. Looking forward to seeing your start!)