Session 24

General Summary

Waterday, Richfest 6, 591 CY

Morning

Travius and Tronus return to the keep to apprise us of their conversation with Steffan. We bring our concerns to Astar. He is introspective for a moment and then says "I have been reflecting on what's going to happen now that the balance of power has shifted slightly. We lost more of our men-at-arms than the bandits. They outnumber us two to one. On the other hand, they have little ability to feed or heal themselves." He went on to say that he has mixed feelings about Steffan, and hopes he doesn't bear any resentment towards the town for the incident where he beat Nate and was placed in stocks.
Astar asks if we sensed if Steffan wants to take over the town. I express my concern that he would do so ultimately, as he believes might makes right. If at any point he sensed weakness in the townsfolk faction he would assert his dominance over them. He assured us otherwise, but I don't believe him.
Astar says the bandits have no spellcasters, though they once had a warlock who died.
We tell Astar that we plan to head to Critwall and inform the Knights of the Holy Shielding of Ringland's existence. Astar says Iuz seems so overwhelming. They've been there for seven years and have only fallen further behind. He asks if "that thing" is still out there, and Dominique says it is beyond the barrier. Astar asks if it can return and I counsel vigilance. He worries it will bring the forces of Iuz to the town and I tell him I don't believe it is in good standing with the creatures Iuz employs.
Astar says he must commune with his god on these difficult questions.

Evening

We convene the council. Neither Steffan nor Brakken show, though a burly man armed with an axe is present to represent the bandits. He speaks crudely to Dominique who responds by casting Hold Person. We are able to get from him that his name is Nolf.
I inform the council that we intend to ride out tomorrow to see if we can find aid for this council in safer lands.
Trant rushes toward me and says we can't leave as they need us here. Norric confronts Trant with his own cowardice in the battle with the demon, and he accuses us of cowardice himself, fleeing them and leaving them to die. I explain that we leave to find a long-term solution for their problem.
Harmon tells Trant to calm himself, and that they can't hold people against their will. We have done enough for them, Harmon says. Trant stalks off to the corner and sits, head in hands. Harmon asks what we intend to do. I explain we will look for the Knights to bring some relief to them. Harmon says he feels we are resourceful enough to pull it off, and he's grateful for the time we've spent with them. Orsun clasps my shoulder and says he is eternally grateful. They will provide us with what supplies they can. Harmon says he will write a letter of introduction to the Order for us. Astar will help him.

Earthday, Richfest 7, 591 CY

Morning

Astar brings us the letter, which summarizes the last seven years as well as our service to Ringland. Both Astar and Harmon have recommended us in their respective official capacities.
We are seen off by the council, save for Hetman Trant who is absent. A large crowd gathers to witness our departure. Nolf observes at Brakken's side. They appear to be in a good mood. Steffan seems none too pleased by our leaving. The majority of the bandits are with Brakken.
Tomas runs up to me and reaches his hand out and grabs my leg to hug me. I dismount my horse and hug him back. I tell him he's been brave and ask him to keep watch on the town while we're gone. Krista hugs Dominique, who tells her to keep watch over her mom.
Tomas whispers in my ear that he's going to shank Brakken. I tell him not to, as that is too dangerous. Tomas says that Brakken won't know what hit him, and I say we need to be more subtle than that, and that we have plans. Tomas replies that he thinks Brakken is scared of him and assures me he won't act unless Brakken attacks his father.
We ride out. Children trail after us for a while before breaking off. Harmon rides with us for a time. When he learns that we haven't been in that direction he says we will run into more patrols the closer we get to Critwall. Iuz's defenders are primarily hobgoblins in that area. We should avoid Scragholm Island at all costs. The trolls there have a tendency to come to the mainland, and even pray on Iuz's forces at times. He rides with us for a couple of miles before riding off on patrol, bidding us blessings as he heads south.
Dominique sends Snowfall into the air to find us an abandoned farmstead. She first finds one that is occupied so that she might observe the inhabitants and use them as a basis for her Disguise Self. She finds us an abandoned farm and Thormyr uses Mend to repair the wagon.
Snowfall returns to Ringland and we plan to have Dominique speak through it to explain the plan to Steffan.
Dominique reaches Rosa through Snowfall and explains that we need her to communicate to Steffan that we haven't abandoned him. She gives him the basics of our plan. She advises us that there isn't a place for us to hide effectively in the town. She also tells us he's meeting with the council right now.
Dominique confers with us. We plan to have her tell Tomas to stay in the house so Dominique can assume his form. I will cast Invisibility on Norric so he can sneak in and then use his stealth to hide. Then I will cast it again on myself and Thormyr. Maar will cast Pass Without Trace on all of us as well.
Rosa tells us that she doesn't think anything will go down until Brakken is sure we have left. We elect to stay at the farmstead and wait until we can speak to Steffan through Snowfall.

Afternoon

Dominique sends Snowfall toward the keep and sees Steffan and a couple of his thugs come out. Brakken and Nolf come out as well. Between the two groups is Astar, who seems to be mediating. As Steffan is talking to Astar, Brakken reaches for a weapon. However, Nolf convinces him not to act. Trant is in the doorway. He looks on in concern, but locks eyes with Steffan, as if they had some sort of understanding. Brakken and his companions head off after speaking with Astar. Nolf, however, speaks with Steffan heatedly and points at the stocks. Nolf departs, and after some time Steffan and his thugs do as well. Steffan holds the bag of finger bones in his hand.
Steffan and his crew cross the bridge and are in a defensive posture. They head toward Rosa's place. There are bandits spread about the village, their loyalties uncertain. Snowfall waits in Rosa's house as Steffan enters. Through her familiar Dominique explains the situation to Steffan.
She asks about the impromptu council meeting, though Steffan points out it wasn't a council since Harmon hasn't returned. The meeting merely confirmed that Brakkus and Steffan are still at odds. He thinks Brakkus will move against him soon. Dominique asks if there is a place we could sneak into town and hide. He says maybe the shrine or the keep. Steffan feels Astar is a neutral party desiring only peace.
Dominique sends Snowfall to the keep. She is able to find her way in, but interrupts an awkward conversation between Trant and Astar. She says she is merely checking in. Trant asks if they are returning and she says no, which angers him. Trant and Dominique debate the merits of Steffan as bandit leader until Trant leaves. She then confers with Astar. He is worried the situation is deteriorating. Astar feels the shrine is our best bet for hiding in. She explains our plan is to help Steffan when Brakkus moves against him. Astar finds Steffan easier to work with, though he wishes to avoid bloodshed. The door to the shrine is never locked.
Snowfall flies back to Steffan's house and informs him that we are infiltrating the village and will be staying in the shrine. Dominique will come to his house disguised as Tomas.

Evening

We approach the town, making efforts to stay concealed. In the distance we can see Harmon entering by the south gate. We see the two guards atop the towers flanking the gate aim their bows at him and fire.

Report Date

04 Jun 2022