Bandit Raid

My practice and focus eventually finds an interesting noise disrupting it: the sound of hoofbeats pounding against the ground. Almost in some odd defensive reflex, I find myself snapping shut, donning my disguise as just being a tree again. Admittingly, a guise that probably seems less convincing now that the disturbance in the earth from my previous movement was leads straight to me. Fortunately, it seems these figures don't seem to make any note of it as they get closer, letting me get a good look at them. They appeared to be soldiers of some manner of description. They didn't have standardized equipment, but they definitely came ready for a scrap. Amor on the lighter side, mostly studded leather and, for the lucky few, a metal helmet. An eclectic mix of weapons, but a lot seemed to be carrying at least two. Presumably, a main, and a backup.

They pause some distance from the village, there horses briefly rearing up as they come to a stop. one at the tip of the formation begins shouting something while waving their axe around, appearing to use it as a point pointer for emphasis. I assume they're in charge-they have the distinction of wearing chain mail, and their mount looks like the beefiest of the bunch. Well, frankly, it might be more accurate to say it was the least shabby of the bunch. These were definitely not some prized thoroughbreds they rode.

At the instruction, they begin moving, spreading out. It looks like they're doing their best attempt to encircle the village I overlook, but they aren't exactly a big unit. By my own count, even forming a single rank at would look sparse. These guys might be dressed for a fight, but they certainly don't act like they're actually expecting one. Especially with the noise. While they move, they make no attempt at all to quietly get in position to allow for an ambush. Quite the contrast, several of them hoot and holler as they begin taking up positions, as if they want to be known about.

Then it hits me-this isn't an invading army taking some podunk village. This is just a grand armed robbery. Things make much more sense through aren't. They aren't going for military readiness-they're going for shock and awe! Encircle to make them feel trapped, loud to make yourself known...

Which, of course, leaves me with the ever important question: