Routing the Bandits

A Quick Bite

With Sebastian taking over the oversight of the group's new headquarters, the party returns to the Canopy for a meal, which they share with Eliza Pennygleam, who seems oblivious to the happenings of the night before. On their way, they note an increasing number of Alderheart and surrounding perch citizens assembling in a plaza, presumably in preparation for the impending counter attack on the Bandit Coalition.

After some small talk and pleasantries, along with a primer on the nature of their business being offered to Eliza in hopes of garnering her custom, the four present members of the party set off the join the assembly. Phoebe's continued absence is noted, though it does not immediately raise any alarm.

A Progressively Angrier Mob

At the plaza, a diverse group has assembled, and the Perch Guard captain from the previous night's defense, now identified as Perd Flapley, exhorts the assembled citizenry to take the fight to the bandits. He seems unprepared, but tensions are high, and people are fed up.

As the assembly proceeds down to the forest floor, plans are made, and bravado is bandied about. Perd leads the group into the woods as night falls, using some secondhand knowledge and a confusing map to direct the column as best he can towards the only likely place for a bandit camp.

The party deftly maneuvers their way through the wood as the now mob-like group fans out through the forest, opting to attack the main bandit forces rather than tag along. The remainder of the procession, no longer able to control their anxiety and excitement at the thought of taking back their wood, rushes off haphazardly.

Danger at Every Turn

Yarrow's meditative premonition from the previous night plays itself out as a mysterious force glides through the trees, leaving only wind and leaves in its wake...barely a moment later, a bandit lookout ahead is alerted, and silenced equally as quickly with two well placed arrows. The sniper's location is a mystery.

The party reaches the bandit camp, and fights their way through the forces. Yarrow, ducking inside a nearby tent for cover, is nearly cut down when she unwittingly steps in to the tent of Karr Merridan, brother of the late Frey Merridan, whom the party had slain only days prior.

A Victorious Retreat

After a grisly and hard fought battle, the party emerges victorious. Perd is nowhere to be found in the aftermath, though a Strig knight appears to have taken his place, rallying the citizenry and managing to clear the other, smaller campsites in the area.

As the party rests, Cadwyll appears on the scene with no more warning than the rustle of leaves. He informs them that while he is pleased with their success, they will be required to attend an emergency session of the Birdfolk Council on their return to Alderheart. Despite his appreciation of their combat skills, he admonishes them lightly for risking their business venture by putting themselves into danger so readily before vanishing back into the woods as quietly as he came.

With the stars high overhead, the party returns to Alderheart…