On the road to...

[Lyrehc]

Has anyone else been stopped by a band of outlaws who demand that you pay tribute to them who have an association to the Sword of Merzekk?

[shadowblack]

No, and I see no reason to believe that such an encounter exists.

[Snake]

What is this suppose to be?

[Snake]

lol WOW I just encountered this.

An unexpected encounter...

While moving through Southwest Tysa , on your way to Hawklor, you encounter a band of rugged highwaymen...


There's something vaguely-unsettling about the bold demeanour of the band of nine highwaymen that have ridden in your path in what is an obvious attempt to waylay you.

The leader of the rugged group moves to the front of the company and regards you with a solemn nod. He promptly orders you to pay him tribute -- in the amount of 100 gold -- so that you may be afforded safe passage through the region.

"It's our blades and our backs that keep the likes of you safe in these parts," he says as he studies you closely.

Suddenly, your eyes are drawn to the man's leather waistcoat. Three diagonal marks have been scratched onto the breast of the worn leather armour -- it is the unmistakable symbol of Harn Longaxe.

You realize immediately that these bandits are in league with the notorious outlaw.

Pay the bandits 100 gold...
At least 100 gold tokens are required.

Refuse to pay them...

Attempt to flee...

Attack the bandits...

With 4 choices to be made, some testing is to be made.

[Snake]

If you choose to Attack the bandits--------

you will face Highwayman (8)

After you defeat all 8 you will receive

XP +64 You've been awarded a total of 64 Experience...
64 xp applied to general...

You turn to confront the leader of the bandits, only to discover that the cowardly brigand has taken flight.

As the fleeing brigand disappears from view, you conclude that you will have to be content to let him go.

Despite his escape, you take comfort in knowing that this particular band of thieves will no longer plague this region.

After you see this text, you will then be able to do the following.

Not far from the scene of the attack, you discover the camp used by the band of brigands.

A quick search of the site turns up the following...

In my case nothing but 7 common weapons. And 160 gold.

With no sign of any more highwaymen in the immediate vicinity, you spend a few moments checking over your equipment before once again resuming your journey.

[Snake]

Has anyone else been stopped by a band of outlaws who demand that you pay tribute to them who have an association to the Sword of Merzekk?

By the way, I was traveling to Hawklor when I encountered this so it seems that you can encounter this in Hawklor. I've also had encounters in these locations: Trithik, Graldok, Port Hallik, The Longspur Downs, The Ruins of Yir-Tanon, Deadwater Shoals, The Old North Wood, Kurthyl Rise, Fogbough Forest, Mirgspil, The Copper Woods, and Thanevale as to what I've tested.

[thingirl]

You can encounter them on the way to Thanevale. I fought 4 and found an uncommon artifact.

[shadowblack]

I renamed the thread.

[Snake]

I renamed the thread.

Good choice on the name of the thread.

[Snake]

I just had an enounter in Graldok but this time the payment choice was only 25 gold.

[texlaw1992]

Shadowblack, you owe Lyrehc an apology (lol).

I encountered them twice in Thanevale so far - I assume at some point we meet the leader. 7 each so far.

I got a common artifact the first time, then Ildaria killed me, so I lost it. Oh well.

[thingirl]

I saved after my encounter, so I didn't lose it after she killed me 10 more times after that. Unfourtiatly, that was the only BMs I got from that battle...

[Snake]

I've had 8 every encounter so far.

[texlaw1992]

I think you get 8 if you attack, otherwise just refuse twice and you get 7.

[Snake]

Thats just it. The second encounter I did just that twice and still got 8.

[texlaw1992]

Well, then I don't know why. Let's see how the third encounter goes.

[shadowblack]

So there really is a new encounter (and one that is not listed in the Finder). Sounds like a reworked - and more rewarding - version of the old bandits encounter. Maybe a sign of more travel encounters to come? I sure hope so...

Shadowblack, you owe Lyrehc an apology (lol).
who have an association to the Sword of Merzekk
That's what made me doubt the whole thing. Has anyone seen anything that suggests the bandits have anything to do with that particular sword?

[texlaw1992]

The encounter includes a link to an encyclopedia entry about a bandit lord. Click on it and it says he's interested in the Sword of Merzekk.

[Lightwielder]

I got attacked by 5 Bandits on the way to Talinus. Didn't seem to be related to Merzekk. I think that the Gamemaster has implemented a danger system to traveling. I like it, 'cause it adds realism. Adventurers don't just travel around without attracting attention.

[Snake]

So there really is a new encounter (and one that is not listed in the Finder). Sounds like a reworked - and more rewarding - version of the old bandits encounter. Maybe a sign of more travel encounters to come? I sure hope so...



That's what made me doubt the whole thing. Has anyone seen anything that suggests the bandits have anything to do with that particular sword?

The encounter includes a link to an encyclopedia entry about a bandit lord. Click on it and it says he's interested in the Sword of Merzekk.

The name of the Lord is Harn Longaxe.

[Lyrehc]

Sorry - I didn't copy the info before going to the next screen or I would have included that in my spoiler too.

Oh - and FWIW - Nils Egan is the only one of my characters to have this encounter and he's the most developed. I've played Axxera since shortly after I posted and she hasn't been stopped once despite traveling from hill to dale and back again.

[Snake]

During my third encounter, this is what happens.

You're somewhat surprised when the rugged band of five highwaymen give you a wide berth, making no attempt to waylay you. It seems you've earned a rather fearsome reputation among the various groups of brigands that prowl the wild -- a reputation these outlaws seem unwilling to put to the test.

Ignore the bandits and continue on your way...
Attack the bandits...

Despite their initial wariness, the five highwaymen appear willing to engage you.

As you bear down on the rugged band, the leader of the brigands retreats to the rear of the mounted company and angrily orders his men to dispatch you.

Without delay, the four mounted robbers ride forward to meet your attack!

You will fight 4 if you have the above text.

XP +64 You've been awarded a total of 64 Experience...
64 xp applied to general...

You turn to confront the leader of the bandits, only to discover that the cowardly brigand has taken flight.

As the fleeing brigand disappears from view, you conclude that you will have to be content to let him go.

Despite his escape, you take comfort in knowing that this particular band of thieves will no longer plague this region.

It seems that the encounters are giving detail into what the bandits seem to think of you.

[Snake]

This is my 4th encounter.


Despite their initial wariness, the seven highwaymen appear willing to engage you.

As you bear down on the rugged band, the leader of the brigands retreats to the rear of the mounted company and angrily orders his men to dispatch you.

Without delay, the six mounted robbers ride forward to meet your attack!

Please continue...

[zmflavius]

I've been wondering...does anyone think the GM is trying to restimulate road travel with these road encounters?

Because a lot of adventurers nowadays only travel within armoured coaches...:p

[Snake]

I think he is trying to steer us away from other things in the game and giving us this to keep us busy for the time being.

[Oldschool]

Shadowblack, you owe Lyrehc an apology (lol).


And a heaping meal of http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/crow.jpg is on the way. Nice to see I'm not the only

connoisseur of such "delicacies". ;) Although it's definitely not a rare delicacy in my case more of a Sryth staple.

Here's the encyclopedia description for Harn Longaxe. Also the infoid descriptor/term is harn

Harn Longaxe
One of the most feared brigands to roam the wilds of the North Broadlands over the last decade or so, is the notoriously-cruel outlaw, Harn Longaxe.

In recent years, owing to his 'wanted' status, Harn has taken to hiding out in the remote, wilder portions of the Kingdom .

From what is believed to be a series of hidden bases, the brazen highwayman continues to lead a growing collective of bandits that prey upon travelers in all corners of the realm.

It is rumoured that Harn is, for some reason, obsessed with finding the Sword of Merzekk .

[Snake]

Just got a common artifact out of my 5th encounter.

[Snake]

Ok after numerious traveling, I have come to the conclusion that the encounters are rare. After an hour after my last post, I've traveled exactly everywhere, but have not seen an encounter since.

[spencer]

No, and I see no reason to believe that such an encounter exists.

Shadowblack, I have a lot of respect for you as a person and a player, but I have to say that the post above was out of line. Here we have a new player getting to post something first about a new (or, in this case, new and improved) encounter and you basically say that you don't believe them. I am not going to try and suggest what you should or should not do, but I did want to comment on this particular post.

[billydakid]

You guys meet these bandits by just riding your horse around? I can't find any of them. Or did ya take your coach?

[thingirl]

Use the TRAVEL button. It sems quite random and rare.

[billydakid]

Ok TG thanks thats what i've been doing riding my horsey by using the travel button. None yet for me. Dang I want to beat up the bandits.

[Glowworm]

Finally found one. Seems they can take place anywhere.

An unexpected encounter...

While traveling through Tanonwood , on your way to The Ruins of Yir-Tanon, you encounter a band of rugged highwaymen...

[shadowblack]

Shadowblack, I have a lot of respect for you as a person and a player, but I have to say that the post above was out of line. Here we have a new player getting to post something first about a new (or, in this case, new and improved) encounter and you basically say that you don't believe them. I am not going to try and suggest what you should or should not do, but I did want to comment on this particular post.
Well, that's because I really didn't believe them - maybe because the whole "has anyone else..." thing reminded me of this post (http://www.srythforum.com/showpost.php?p=31243&postcount=9) (and the last line in particular). My initial reaction was along the lines of "Bandits interested in the sword of Merzekk? Yeah, right! What's next - random peasants?" It seemed that unbelievable to me.

And the quoted texts didn't really help since there was nothing there to suggest a relation with Merzekk.

[solitu]

Random traveling encounters are cool, but not when you're hurrying into an MP... Today I missed a killing-blow, probably because of them...

[shadowblack]

Look at this:
An unexpected encounter...
While traveling through The Longspur Downs , on your way to The Copper Wood, you encounter a band of rugged highwaymen...


With growing apprehension, you watch as a band of eight highwaymen ride into your path in what is an obvious attempt to waylay you.

The leader of the rugged group moves to the front of the company and regards you with a solemn nod. He promptly orders you to pay him tribute -- in the amount of 100 gold -- so that you may be afforded safe passage through the region.

"It's our blades and our backs that keep the likes of you safe in these parts," he says as he studies you closely.

* Pay the bandits 100 gold...
At least 100 gold tokens are required.
* Refuse to pay them...
* Attempt to flee...
* Attack the bandits...

Notice something missing? If not, compare my text to the text Snake quoted earlier. I suspect the reason is that I have not yet completed a certain event that starts in Trithik...

[Oldschool]

Was in a hurry not paying attention with Virago and clicked "continue on" or something so I can't be sure.

But first she's had the encounter several times compared to a few to none for my other characters.

Again can't be sure but it seems like she didn't get the usual text where she was approached but she may have came upon there camp. It definitely wasn't a flee option I clicked - about the time I realized it wasn't and it seemed different it was too late.

Normally I'm not that haphazard but I was going back to Talinus to restock her BoPs from the On the Road to Hawklor and trying to run Voltan before I gotta go for the day.

[thingirl]

I just had an encounter where they asked for 50 gold.

There's something vaguely-unsettling about the bold demeanour of the band of five highwaymen that have ridden in your path in what is an obvious attempt to waylay you.

The leader of the rugged group moves to the front of the company and regards you with a solemn nod. He promptly orders you to pay him tribute -- in the amount of 50 gold -- so that you may be afforded safe passage through the region.

Suddenly, your eyes are drawn to the man's leather waistcoat. Three diagonal marks have been scratched onto the breast of the worn leather armour -- it is the unmistakable symbol of Harn Longaxe.

You realize immediately that these bandits are in league with the notorious outlaw.

* Pay the bandits 50 gold...
At least 50 gold tokens are required.

* Refuse to pay them...

* Attempt to flee...

* Attack the bandits...

[Snake]

I just had an encounter where they asked for 50 gold.

There's something vaguely-unsettling about the bold demeanour of the band of five highwaymen that have ridden in your path in what is an obvious attempt to waylay you.

The leader of the rugged group moves to the front of the company and regards you with a solemn nod. He promptly orders you to pay him tribute -- in the amount of 50 gold -- so that you may be afforded safe passage through the region.

Suddenly, your eyes are drawn to the man's leather waistcoat. Three diagonal marks have been scratched onto the breast of the worn leather armour -- it is the unmistakable symbol of Harn Longaxe.

You realize immediately that these bandits are in league with the notorious outlaw.

* Pay the bandits 50 gold...
At least 50 gold tokens are required.

* Refuse to pay them...

* Attempt to flee...

* Attack the bandits...

I have had 5 encounters so far and I've had this one. I have also had one where it was only 25.

[Snake]

Just had my 6th encounter. Nothings changed in the text though.

[Snake]

ok this is my 8th encounter and it does indeed change.

I chose to attack the bandits and this is what happens.
Much to your dismay, the rugged band of highwaymen take flight as you approach, scattering themselves throughout the immediate area in a desperate bid to escape.

After a quick and fruitless search, you realize that the bandits are indeed gone.

[thingirl]

Has anyone talked to Moonwolf (or whatever that bandit we meet after Lists of Twaldin is) after these encounters? I know he's not behind them, but he probably cought wind of this...

EDIT: Nothing.

[Snake]

It seems that we might meet the Leader of the bandits himself soon.

[shadowblack]

Seems like the amount of gold they ask for is random and not related to how many times you've met them or how many bandits there are:
- a band of eight highwaymen, 100 gold
- a band of six highwaymen, 100 gold
- a band of five highwaymen, 25 gold
- a band of nine highwaymen, 75 gold

I quit without saving after each encounter, so technically each one is my first bandit encounter.

[Snake]

After you kill them, after about 3 or 4 encounters they want even ask for a tribute because they are scared of you. On my 8th encounter with them I went to attack them but they all ran away from me. I didn't battle them or nothing.

[Snake]

This is my 9th encounter.

You're somewhat surprised when the rugged band of seven highwaymen give you a wide berth, making no attempt to waylay you. It seems you've earned a rather fearsome reputation among the various groups of brigands that prowl the wild -- a reputation these outlaws seem unwilling to put to the test.

Ignore the bandits and continue on your way...
Attack the bandits... I chose to attack

Much to your dismay, the rugged band of highwaymen take flight as you approach, scattering themselves throughout the immediate area in a desperate bid to escape.

After a quick and fruitless search, you realize that the bandits are indeed gone.

Please continue...


I just had my 10th encounter and no change in text.

[Oldschool]

This is my 9th encounter.

You're somewhat surprised when the rugged band of seven highwaymen give you a wide berth, making no attempt to waylay you. It seems you've earned a rather fearsome reputation among the various groups of brigands that prowl the wild -- a reputation these outlaws seem unwilling to put to the test.

Ignore the bandits and continue on your way...
Attack the bandits... I chose to attack

Much to your dismay, the rugged band of highwaymen take flight as you approach, scattering themselves throughout the immediate area in a desperate bid to escape.

After a quick and fruitless search, you realize that the bandits are indeed gone.

Please continue...



I just had my 10th encounter and no change in text.

Well let's try this again and hope "mother nature" cooperates. Another summer storm blowing through which knocked the power out just long enough to turn the computer off.

After reading this (missed the way earlier one - oops) this is what Virago encountered earlier I'm sure since she's had way more encounters than the guys.

[thingirl]

Well let's try this again and hope "mother nature" cooperates. Another summer storm blowing through which knocked the power out just long enough to turn the computer off.

Ha! Memphis is getting thunderstorms too! Not sure how long I have power, but since we didn't loose power any time last weekend (that I'm aware of)... But still, now that I've posted that...

Oh, and Alanne just had her first flee encounter.

[shadowblack]

Well, this is interesting:
There's something vaguely-unsettling about the bold demeanour of the band of five highwaymen that have ridden in your path in what is an obvious attempt to waylay you.

The leader of the rugged group moves to the front of the company and regards you with a solemn nod. He promptly orders you to pay him tribute -- in the amount of 25 gold -- so that you may be afforded safe passage through the region.

Suddenly, your eyes are drawn to the man's leather waistcoat. Three diagonal marks have been scratched onto the breast of the worn leather armour -- it is the unmistakable symbol of Harn Longaxe.

You realize immediately that these bandits are in league with the notorious outlaw.

* Pay the bandits 25 gold...
At least 25 gold tokens are required.
* Refuse to pay them...
* Attempt to flee...
* Attack the bandits...
This is my second encounter with the bandits (I killed the first group I encountered yesterday) and for the first time the text mentions Harn.

[Snake]

Yep. I've already don'e that encounter.

[billydakid]

the bandits are afraid of me to the point they haven't shown up once. They must have heard of my reputation well efore hand lol.

[Oldschool]

Some musical accompaniment.... ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TD_pSeNelU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QexOuH8GS-Y


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TD_pSeNelU)

[texlaw1992]

Billy, it's not your reputation keeping them away, it's your BO (lol).

I've only run into them three times thus far - I need to keep looking.

Edit: Wow, my thousandth post.

[scout1idf]

I just got hit when I arrived at the Copper Wood to fight our favorite lady....

Talk about bad timing. I would have paid them 75 Gold each if they would have joined in on that fight, but instead I killed them first, then her.

[billydakid]

And Texty wonders why he'll never see a tome.

[texlaw1992]

It looks like they'll stop running away longer if you just refuse to pay them twice instead of attacking them. Some have posted that they've run away since they attacked the bandits three times in a row. I just had my fourth encounter without them running away by just refusing to pay.

[Snake]

Yea but I have nothing but encounters where you either attack or ignore the bandits. I have Ignored them instead of attacking them but have not encountered the tribute any more.

[Oldschool]

Has anyone paid them?

Although there are a few mechanics (RoI, PGs) where not saving still counts I doubt this is one.

Also is it AG only?

[zmflavius]

Finally!

An unexpected encounter...
While moving through The Hart Hills , destined for Mirgspil, you encounter a band of rugged highwaymen...




I got 5 highwaymen.

[texlaw1992]

At encounter 5 they stopped demanding tribute, just attack or flee.

I attacked and got 8. Somehow after a few more encounters, I think they'll stay clear.

[Lyrehc]

In case anyone is interested, this encounter can show up for brand new players too. I had an alt who hasn't done anything except the church in Hawklor and she got stopped.

[thingirl]

And a while after they start running, you'll start getting some bandit encounters where they fight.

[Oldschool]

In case anyone is interested, this encounter can show up for brand new players too. I had an alt who hasn't done anything except the church in Hawklor and she got stopped.

Good to know. Could be very challenging for new characters - what was the to hit roll needed?

[Lyrehc]

Good to know. Could be very challenging for new characters - what was the to hit roll needed?

I'm not sure how to tell what that would be at whatever range, but you can see what Sorcha Falcon has from my signature link - all bandits were 3+ to hit.

[Oldschool]

Thanks. That's good considering they're random it could make it harder for low level characters and discouraging for new players if not.

[scout1idf]

So far, besides Scout, Ulric is the only one to get stopped (twice in fact). He doesn't do any more than the girls (CHR only).
rgba(44,224,33,0.3)
Tonight, Scout got stopped then Ulric's second hit both while doing the CHR runs.
rgba(44,224,133,0.3)
The girl's are starting to feel left out. At least Allura got an 8xp to AS&P reward from her CHR run to compensate.
rgba(44,224,233,0.3)

[Scarbrow]

Ive just encountered for the first time, they were 3@48 (lowest I could get).

I'm going to test a bit with the non-AGs.

EDIT1: It seems they are indeed rare, but only after the first encounter. On my first encounter (each of them, since I don't save between them) they appear quite quickly when I depart from Hawklor. I've also found some of them with references to Harn Longaxe and some without (both types on first encounter), some groups of 4, 5 and 8, and demands from 50 gold. After the first one, I traveled for dozens of nodes without finding a single highwayman.

[Oldschool]

Could be completely coincidental but I was going back to an MP with Hawk after being slain :mad: and encountered them (from Hawklor to the Copper Wood btw). I inadvertently continued on my way or ignored them (whatever the option is). Purely as an rp move I quit and reloaded and got the same exact encounter - this time attacking them.

[Scarbrow]

I've just confirmed the non-AG players also get this encounter.

The highwayman are 7@33, 7@34, 12@25, (that is 9+ at MR 30) with 35-40 SP. I've also seen 6@34, which may indicate some slight variability.

If you are defeated, they kill you, so low-level starting characters, specially non-AG ones, could do better by paying.

AG characters will be alright once they get Goblindoom, provided their stats are average-high.