The Twin Peak River Bandits

[Atmosphere]

Raids, threats, and hostilities have increased along the Twin Peak River where groups of bandits, vagabonds, deserters, and sell swords of little moral fiber have seemed to organize under an unknown leader. Spy and scouting reports fill the halls of all factions that this group shows little interest in anything but food, coin, and the enslaving of others. These activities have increased the black market across the land filling in needs of food and slaves to those who dare to work with such a criminal element.

Last Rumored Strikes:

> A small Exigo Caravan heading from Mirakus Post to Aquor
> A small orcish settlement, southwest of Mossdale Forest
> A small Exigo Caravan heading from Aquor to Unknown
> A pilgrimage of travelling Myrkulite Priests heading to the Necropolis
> Several small gnoll settlements in Viridale Forest
> Kidnapping of refugees around Aquor

[gamestarmike]

Tyranus hears of the rumors and a look of anger crosses his face.

No one harms the people of this valley while im around, the Hero of Viridale needs to put a stop to this menace. If I can free the captured people my fame can increase and Lady River might make me another belt! I wonder if these are the same bandits I dealt with at the fork? I remember them saying their leader was someone named Meridan but I might be mistaken, whoever it is I will put a stop them! Fret not people of Sundren, yer hero is coming!

[cmosier]

"They wish to test their desperation against the reputation of Blackwood guarded caravans? This will not do..."

[Peridan]

Rumor has it that the former Legionnaire has put out posters in connection to the bandits:

Citizens of the Valley,

My name is Praesus Valerian, former Legionnaire of the Second Legion. I'm looking for adventurers, trackers, and warriors to hunt down these parasites, and hang them up.

There will be no reward, no pay for this job. But if you have the skill, and you have something to protect from the crimes against Sundarian law, and basic humanity, meet me at the Second Wind to make your mark.

Praesus Valerian,
Former Immunes of the Sundarian Legion

[sonuvalich]

High Arcanist Sandro looks up from his work and frowns at the messenger relaying the information

"If anyone is going to profit from enslaving the refugees in Aquor it should be this Enclave! And since we have promised not to do that, this travesty of justice cannot stand! I wonder if these are the same bandits who tried harrying merchants when I tried to entice business here...perhaps it is time for me to stretch my legs and get some fresh souls for my research. Fetch the Hound and my apprentices, we have work to do."

[Intrepid42]

Unheard within the Stouthammer Brewery, a stout figure mutters as he pours over his ledgers and reports, copper vats looming behind him in the dimly-lit interior.

"By Brodan's Beard, Noland, no sooner do the Legion patrols pick up, then those thrice-cursed ale-thieving scum shift their attentions north. Blast it, looks like Exigo might start shifting some caravans to the east road to the Gate. We'd best start on some more Dark Ale for the Legion."

He shifts uncomfortably in his chair, then returns to his paperwork.

[Atmosphere]

In Lord Toadface we trust.

A recent purge of an illegal slaver camp by the heroics of an assortment of individuals has recently made trading with the ever snowy cities of Aquor and Whurest Hold less difficult, though still an issue. The hunter's cabin these foul bandit types held is now up and operational again, giving new jobs to hunter and rangers around Aquor and adding a little extra to the fur and game meat trade within their market place. The formerly enslaved are said to have traveled with a squad of Blackwood sell swords, lead by one Lord Hellstrom himself, to Mirakus Post. And a captured deserter is to be tried for her actions in the fair floating city of Sundren. Rumors of these bandits still plague the land as people continuously question their movement and agenda.

[Atmosphere]

And the story continues...

With recent attacks on bandit territory, blood covered banners arise with crude drawings of a buck's skull. All sorts of low lifes and the morally flexible have been seen travelling to the old Exigo post. Its whispered among vagabonds and cheap harlots that a series of raids are being planned by bandit leadership throughout the valley.

[Kitsunestume]

Upon receipt of such rumors, James makes a few updates to his map and prepares some papers.
"Westward. Rather impolite of them to occupy our property as I was developing plans for it. No matter, perhaps a selection of these plebeians are seeking productive employment in this challenging present. I suspect that the weight of nobility shall not be an assistance this time around."

The following is posted at the Mirakus Bazaar the next morning:

The Exigo Corporation is offering compensation, starting at One Hundred Stags, to any individuals to report verifiable unauthorized occupation or appropriation of ExiCorp Property. Upon receipt of a verified report, additional compensation may -at the Corporation's sole discretion- be awarded for successful intercession of the reported matter.
Information or queries are to be directed to Artifax J. Frazer, Exigo Offices, Mirakus Post.

Sincerely,
The Management