2. Bandits On The Road

The PCs encounter two wagons. The lead one is a traveler's home or "vardo" (a small house on a wagon bed) followed by a cargo wagon. Each wagon is pulled by four horses and driven by a two-man crew. Six more men ride horses alongside, and two dogs lope along with them, tongues lolling. All of the men are wearing what appears to be normal clothing. A close look will reveal that the dogs show some signs of a recent fight, as do some of the men, and that the men wear leather or chain mail armor under their clothing. These bandits have just captured these wagons. The owners are tied up inside the vardo. Their bodyguards of relatives who volunteered to help them move are miles away just getting loose from ropes (they were tied up and left behind). The bandits will try to trick and attack the PCs if success seems likely; otherwise they will try to pass by peacefully. All of the horses and wagons belong to the merchants inside. If rescued, the owners will be grateful and offer a 500 gp reward, which is most of the money they have with them. They were moving their small household when ambushed. If the PCs kill or rob the merchants, there is a good chance they will later be recognized and reported as bandits if they keep the wagons and horses and remain in the area. The horses are detailed in case they become a target. Bandit Leader, Human Fighter 2: AC 15, AB +2, #At 1 shortsword, Dam 1d6, Mv 20', Sv F2, ML 8, XP 75 HP 9 Bandits, Human Fighter 1: AC 13, AB +1, #At 1 shortsword, Dam 1