[It seems it's the end of the weekend again and I have more to type up from my gameplay this last week. Thanks for viewing vonmistont & Archevious!]
Day 5 - March 28 - Epeshe
At dawn we buried our dead. Among the score of peasants, we laid to rest our village chieftain. Dying by a lucky shot from dirty thieves seems wrong for his station. Especially so far from home. The regulars seem unperturbed: to die in battle at the end of a lengthy career is never ignoble.
Before mid-day the party is underway again. The departure was bittersweet owing to a sudden and
fir fierce friendship between the militia and my men. And also
oddly mercenary: the peasants brought out what they could spare to
repay gift us for an "invaluable service." Food
and money for butcher's work; the men will rejoice. (Again)
Further, I fully expect a sudden increase in red-haired children after last night's celebrations.
---
We've arrived at Chelez, another small village over the eastern ridge as we were told. Perhaps they too need our "invaluable service."
The people of Chelez seem much more numerous and healthy than those of Epeshe. They're equally nonplussed at the sight of a roving warband, however. The three other nobles and I seek council with the(ir) village elder. The elder of Chelez complains of a "decimating" war and
the his "decimated" cattle herd. He knows few words in our language, and uses them "excitably." The elder eventually asked us to obtain three "excitable" heads of "undecimated" cattle, but doesn't specify where or how or whether we should bring back cows for milking or
bulls studs for breeding.
Soon the elder was all "melodrama" for cattle.
but I disbanded the meeting and
vowed never to return took the advice from his caretaker to head for the city.
---
Two developments on the road to the city:
Rumors of "heroic affairs" has reached my ears,
confirming coinciding with my theories about future Villianese bastards. I talk with the accused soldier privately and he more than accepts his new reputation. He even has a new nickname: "The Big Heavy." I considered my readings of the arts of war and decide the matter is below my station. (Frankly, I just don't know the language to punish him for a good deed.)
I also believe that with the dead village chieftain unable to vouch for my position, power has shifted in favor of the other nobles. They certainly whisper and huddle and glance
suspiciously in my direction enough.
---
Evening - Yalen
We arrived in Yalen several hours after departing Chelez. Our
ban party has disbanded for the night. At dawn we plan to make use of our newest intel. The town of Yalen is ruled by Lord Gutland, but we are merely outsiders and have no entry to his hall. However, the daily business of the town is overseen by an
sw amiable commoner. Local trade has been trampled by bandits and war profiteers and common thieves. In response the town's guildmaster has hired our "professional looking" party to enforce peace in the near countryside. He also mentioned that the local smiths and tradesmen barter primarily in "denars" for any
raw materials "recovered" from outlaws.
Such detail was not uncovered easily:
Day 6 - Yalen Wilderness - Dawn
The mountainous terrain was unforgiving, but we've tracked and trapped the first group of outlaws. The hazy
thoughts feelings from the morning's herbs were still whispering and the beautiful moment wasn't lost on me.
Not a single man fell against the bandits. In fact, two soldiers showed exceptional
ly poise and at the behest of the other nobles I gave them field commendations.
---
Our (victorious) return in Yalen was shortlived; a nobleman's daughter kidnapped! Two of my nobles, still fresh from battle, have renamed each other Crunch and Bang and they want blood. (I let them)
they ready the troops for a second march. The guildmaster urges a careful diplomacy; the ransom will be exchanged in territory unfriendly to the Rhodoks and their mercenaries.
---
I hope to concl Noon
The bandits agreed to the exchange. The Big Heavy agreed to be our emissary (for reasons I claim no knowledge of). He returned with the girl unharmed, but while I waited with bated breath Crunch and Bang quietly convinced the troops that we'd placed our enemies between us and our employers. Clearly, with hostile territory around our flanks and impassible mountains across the left we were left with only one choice. They escalated their rhetoric until no man was left thinking of diplomacy. Against their silver tongues I stood no chance.
Crunch and Bang, twins I've realized, commanded our movements, while The Big Heavy handled detail for the girl. Against my better judgment I joined the front line.
Perhaps our reputation preceded us. This party of outlaws brought horses down on our line. I was shaken, but we held the high ground while the archers shredded their cavalry.
---
Again, we've destroyed or scattered all of the bandits without losing a soldier. I regain my authority to march us home.
---
Evening - Yalen
The atmosphere is one of weary exuberance. The entire bandit campaign took less than a full day and for our troubles we've been rewarded greatly. Enough denars to cover our expenses for another week and even
negotiate enough to compromise on backpay. Two, healthy packhorses have been readied with food and supplies in our name. The guildmaster presented me with fresh paper and ink and a contract.
to for He very nearly wrenched my body out of shape with handshaking and backslapping when I agreed to deliver eight barrels of ale to his cousin in the far northeast. It was made clear that this cousin was full of money waiting to be exploited. Behind winking eyes and itchy palms the guildmaster explained the favor was so great that he would send us off with
ten barrels of ale.
"Tonight, we dine in Yalen," I overhear one of the twins.
