The joys of non-metal armor as well as a high STR mean for once, level one spread includes a tent for himself.  "Perhaps if there is anyone stalking us, they intend to wait until we are asleep.  For once there is the luxury of taking watch at night.  Would you prefer to do so now or later?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Wed 23 Nov 2011.

"I could really use the rest," Jake says, "So I'll go 2nd since you're offering."

Before long he's out like a light.  The night is uneventful save for the occasional sound of a nocturnal critter scurrying about.  Jake takes his turn or turns at the night watch depending on how the pair work things out.  At the first light of dawn the silence is broken by the sound of a military bugle call.

[DC 1 Perc check to notice the sound came from the direction of the giant hole.  DC moderate (no take 10 allowed) to know that the call probably came from at least a mile away.  DC hard to know it's just under 2 miles away, right at the mouth of the hole. ]

Jake sits upright and glances around.

"Guess that would be the Dwarf army," he whispers.

  "If you can not hide an army, then announcing it's presence in the wilds is not an unreasonable way to discourage approach.  Would this make us unreasonable people for doing so regardless I wonder?"

  Hoal sets about packing up for continued travel, after breakfast unless Jake's desire to reach their destination outweighs the desire for something other than cold rations.

OOC Style: Moderate Perc pulled off.

"Assuming discouraging approach was the intent of the bugle call, I guess," Jake answers with a shrug, "I figured it a wake-up call."

Breakfast is had without snag, and before long the sound of axes chopping down trees can be heard ringing out from the Dwarf camp.

"I suppose if any elfs live in the area they'll likely be upset... even if the forest is doomed to death from lack of water now that the hole is drinking up the river.  Or the hole fills up in time, and the forest downstream is in no natural danger.  I'm curious what they're up to, but I guess going around is the only safe option if that elf from earlier is to be believed about how aggressive these folks are."

  "There is a difference between a willingness to face adversity and needlessly seeking it out you appear to grasp.  I can only guess as to what immediate use the felled trees are for, though a way down for so many people will not make itself out of nothing."  Rituals and short duration utility powers aside.

  If the dwarvs are making a giant wooden horse and/or Rabbit though, Hoal may turn around and leave.

Jake nods.  "I usually don't think of Dwarves as being heavy in the usage of lumber, but you've got a point there."

About then a scream for help can be heard coming from the edge of the woods!  What appears to be a gnome is running for his life and is being chased by two armed humans!

  "Well, this is somewhat unexpected, yet familiar."  After all, everyone has been going on about Dwarves, not Gnomes and Humans.  On the other hand, panicked victim fleeing from something is as standard as it gets.

  Of course, Hoal is impressed the Gnome has escaped for however long they had.  5 Speed vs 6 speed? (Of course, some bandits do tend towards the heavy stuff).  "Would it be futile to ask if these circumstance can be talked through?" he calls over.

OOC Style: oh my, Crit Initiative, 20.

"Help me pleeease!" the injured gnome screams, running for his life toward Hoal and Jake, "They'll kill me!"

"Stop that thief!" the humans holler!

"I take it that would be an affirmative," Jake surmises, reaching for his knife, "Important detail: The humans didn't deny they'd kill the little guy."

---

gnome init 12 + 8 = 20
bandit init 9 + 6 = 15
jake init 3

Gnome is using a double move at 5+2 speed, meaning he's granting CA.  The humans are running too, so also granting CA.  He will pass by Hoal who will have an opportunity to AoO the little guy if he chooses.

Gnome Skulk HP: 26 (Was hit earlier by human attack.)
2 Human Bandits Level 2 Skirmishers
Medium natural humanoid XP 125
Initiative +6 Senses Perception +1
HP 37; Bloodied 18
AC 16; Fortitude 12, Refl ex 14, Will 12
Speed 6
m Mace (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+4 vs. AC; 1d8 + 1 damage, and the human bandit shifts 1
square.
rDagger (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
Ranged 5/10; +6 vs. AC; 1d4 + 3 damage.
M Dazing Strike (standard; encounter) ✦ Weapon
Requires mace; +4 vs. AC; 1d8 + 1 damage, the target is dazed
until the end of the human bandit’s next turn, and the human
bandit shifts 1 square.
Combat Advantage
The human bandit deals an extra 1d6 damage on melee and
ranged attacks against any target it has combat advantage
against.
Alignment Any Languages Common
Skills Stealth +9, Streetwise +7, Thievery +9
Str 12 (+2) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 11 (+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int 10 (+1) Cha 12 (+2)
Equipment leather armor, mace, 4 daggers

Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker
Small fey humanoid XP 125
Initiative +8 Senses Perception +2; low-light vision
HP 34; Bloodied 17
AC 16; Fortitude 14, Refl ex 14, Will 12
Speed 5
mWar Pick (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+7 vs. AC; 1d8 + 3 damage (crit 1d8 + 11).
R Hand Crossbow (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
Ranged 10/20; +7 vs. AC; 1d6 + 3 damage.
Combat Advantage
The gnome skulk deals an extra 1d6 damage on melee and
ranged attacks against any target it has combat advantage
against.
Fade Away (immediate reaction, when the gnome skulk takes
damage; encounter) ✦ Illusion
The gnome skulk turns invisible until it attacks or until the end of
its next turn.
Reactive Stealth
If a gnome has cover or concealment when it makes an initiative
check at the start of an encounter, it can make a Stealth check to
escape notice.
Shadow Skulk
When a gnome skulk makes a melee or a ranged attack from
hiding and misses, it is still considered to be hiding.
Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Elven
Skills Arcana +10, Stealth +11, Thievery +9
Str 8 (+0) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 12 (+2)
Con 16 (+4) Int 14 (+3) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment leather armor, war pick, hand crossbow with 20 bolts
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

  "If you would be so kind as to ensure the Gnome does not go anywhere Jake, I shall attempt to make the others more open to reason."

  Hoal draws his sword, which ignites with Emerald fire.  "You shall have your wrongfully stolen property returned if the Gnome possesses such, but not from their corpse."

---

Minor: Draw sword.
Standard: Readied Action; Greenflame Blade, if Humans attack (within melee range). More crap rolls, rolled a 4 = 12. so would miss.

Hoal HP: 25/25 S 8/8 V 6

"Aw hells," one of the bandit says.

"Distract him, I'll get the gnome," the other says.

"Flaming sword?  No, YOU distract him, I'll get the gnome."

"Fine we get him together."

They charge Hoal and swing their maces.  One fails to do damage, but the other scores a glancing blow and uses the momentum to safely shift to be next to the gnome hiding behind the swordmage!

---

Both charge.  1 hits (free shift as part of BMA hit).  3 damage.

Hoal HP: 25-3=22

"In other words if you flee we can't protect you," Jake clarifies for the gnome, "And defending yourself combat wise may also improve your chances."

"Thank you so much!" the gnome says.

He steps back and fires a crossbow bolt at the one that was next to him, hitting him in the shoulder!

Jake points his dagger at Hole and the swordmage emits a sonic boom, giving him a little more magical protection!

---

Gnome deals 5 xbow damage.  Jake fail roll of 5.  But eh.  Thundering armor auto buff.

Bandit 2 HP: 34-5=29
Hoal AC: 19+1 = 20!

  Hoal was more referring to the fact the Gnome may be almost deserving of such anger, but kind words could be the better choice ensuring the Gnome did not flee.

  A longtime practice in calm expression and vagueness allow Hoal to merely look like he is preparing himself to deal with the closer to Gnome bandit if they try anything.  This is true, but it also glosses over the fact no explosion has occurred when he was expecting one.

---

Minor: Swordmage Mark the Bandit by Gnome.
Standard: Swordburst vs both bandits:  BS roll of another 4, and a 2 (which is what Peter rolled last).
I crit my initiative purely to waste my luck didn't I.

At least one of the Bandit's can't attack anyone else without (after their attack resolves) getting a melee basic for their troubles.

"What the hells did he just do to me?!"

"You mean that thunder thing?  You didn't look too hurt."

"No the other thing!  That compels me to attack him!"

"No idea what you're talking about.  But Isn't that what we were going to do anyway?  Just flank and don't miss."

The two shift to flank with each other against Hoal and attack in unison!  One of them get past Hoal's defenses and ring his bell quite soundly!

---

Dazing strike x2 v AC20.  One juuust hit with a roll of 14 and CA.
damage
1d8 +1d6 +1
2 + 3 + 1 = 6 wooow

Hoal HP: 22-6= 16 and dazed.

The skulk steps back and another crossbow bolt at the second bandit and hits!

"Dangit!  That little thief hurts more than this green flame sword guy!"

"Right.  Kill thief first."

"ACK!" the gnome screams, getting ready to run for it!

"Remember you're on your own if you run," Jake reminds, "And I'm a healer."

He points at Hoal and arcane runes fly about mending his wounds some.

A chill then surrounds the bandit but does nothing.

"Jeez, I didn't think I'd have to pull all the stops on this one..."

Jake does some gestures and an arcane portal opens... and out pops Robbie!

"WRA!" the robotwarforged yells, swinging it's arms at the now flanked bandit!  The attack connects!

---

Gnome BRA hits!  7 damage.  Jake drain speed encounter fail.  Minor to healing infusion, minor to daily summon Robbie.  ACTION POINT to attack.  Hits!  7 damage

Bandit 2 HP: 29-7-7=15
Hoal HP: 16+8=24
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

  Some would curse, some would make an angry face, Hoal when faced with personal failure and unimpeded (if weak) attacks upon himself?  He sighs.

  Well that and a calm swing sword that seems to strike both bandits upside the head without the blade quite touching them.  "It seems we have similar luck in battle, perhaps it is a sign we should all stop this before we degrade to hurting ourselves in the process."  Note to self, thank Jake for the healing when less busy.

---

  Standard: Sword Burst, Hits both bandits.  Rolled a 1 on DMG <.<   Force 5 DMG


Bandit 1 HP: 37-5= 32/37
Bandit 2 HP: 15-5= 10/37

Hoal HP: 24/25 S 8/8 V 6

"I'm really starting to hurt a lot here," the one bandit complains.

"Well now the sword guy is starting to hurt too, so...  sword guy!"

"But... healer!"

"Dangit!"

The one shifts out of flanking from between Hoal and Robbie and the other shifts to flank with the one who just moved and the two attack the sword mage, but this time their maces fail to penetrate his defenses!

The gnome fires and misses.

"I think your logic is falling on deaf ears," Jake mentions.

He steps forward to be next to Hoal and stabs at the second bandit's groin with his dagger, but his blade is stopped by armor and he only does blunt force damage.  Which still hurts!

"OW!  I'll kill you for that!" the bandit threatens.

---

Magic weapon hits!  6 damage.  +1 to Hoal's to-hit, and +2 to damage.  I just realized that's the same bonus as the fighter daily villain's menace on a miss.  Not bad for an at-will.  No wonder Kyle and Fletch spam it.

Bandit 2 HP: 10-6=4

  Hoal makes a note that Jake follows the combat pragmatism outlook once they actually start swinging.  "Perhaps they will be more willing to listen to reason when unconscious.  If not able to reply, they can not argue either."

  That said, he takes a step back, and engulfs the bandits in swirling flames...  This whole Sword Mage thing, how much of it uses the actual sword? And this is considering the fact Hoal is Assault Aegis Mc 'uses Melee basic'.

  Regardless, that's one Bandit down.

---

  Move: Shift.
Standard: Flame Cyclone Vs both bandits, Clean hit, and Thanks to M-Weapon hit....
DMG, rolled ANOTHER 1... but M weapon pushes me up to 11 Fire DMG.
Minor: Swordmage Mark remaining bandit, in case that wasn't already marked bandit.

Bandit 1 HP: 32-11= 21/37
Bandit 2 HP: KO!

Hoal HP: 24/25 S 8/8 V 6

Kyle and Fletch spam M-Weapon, also because it has a LOT longer range than their Implement powers via crossbows.

"Bill!" the remaining bandit shouts, "Aw hells."

He smacks Hoal with a parting blow, and shifts back to run.  Just then a bugal call sounds an attack as several mounted dwarves charge toward the group from behind the trees!

"Take them alive!" the leader shouts.

"Well that's an encouraging order," Jake comments, dropping his dagger and raising his hands, "Innocent young bystander here!  Hooded guy's with me!  I should point out he's injured!"

"Oh no!" the gnome gasps as he dives for cover in the tall grass.

---

Hoal HP: 24-5=19 OOPS!  Forgot I took a feat that adds 2 to heal potency.

---

Hoal HP: 25-5=20
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:29, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

  Hoal is totally implicating the Gnome if they try to bail on them and these Dwarves can't notice them.

  "I was wondering if this would attract attention."  Really, he was more impressed none of the Army had been trailing the Gnome and Humans in the first place.  He sheaths his sword, that's almost as good as dropping it right?

"Psst," Jake whispers, "Raised hands.  Might help."

The bandit runs for it, but gets caught in a net.  The leader dwarf keeps an eye on Jake and Hoal.  The gnome takes quite a bit more to find amid the tall grass, but they eventually catch him.  The two who fled are tied up and slung over horseback as is the knocked out bandit.

"Surrender your weapons and come with us," the leader says.

Jake complies with a smile.  "Thanks for the help, sir."

The leader gives him a skeptical look.

  Hoal eyes Jake, considers their advice, but refrains from following it.  At least for some moments they have a legitimate reason for ignoring Jake.  One can hardly hand over their weapons if their hands are raised above their head.

  The Genasi reluctantly parts with his longsword.  His Dagger on the other hand, is handed over with a straight face.  If the dwarves want to hear sarcasm regarding the risk a small dagger holds, they can think of some themselves.

"No conversation till we get there," the leader says.

Jake shrugs and keeps quiet.

"Private Anvilring!  Ride ahead and inform the commander.  We will wait for him at outpost Charlie."

The group is taken to an outpost in the woods that overlooks the road.  A short wait later and an impressive looking dwarf decorated with a couple medals arrives.  The cavalry leader gives him a quick report from his perspective where he labels everyone as "intruder."

"We heard the gnome intruder's scream for help and investigated but there was no one there when we arrived, so we searched the area..." for example.

The commander grunts "Hmm," in reply then dismisses the cavalry officer.

"So what's your side of the story?" he asks Hoal.

  Hoal nods, "These two men with demands of 'stop thief' were in pursuit of the Gnome, with more broad request for help.  I did draw my weapon, but had hoped to sway all involved into a less violent resolution.  The gnomes innocence or guilt was still in question, and remains so.  To be certain if they possess no stolen goods upon them that these men would describe, if you can spare the men send one to examine where they hid until you discovered him."

  Hey, if Hoal had a straight minute before a chunk of Army located him, he'd take that minute to stash the goods too.  And he's not even a thievery related class.

"Mmm," the commander grunts.

He points to one of his soldiers.  "You.  Make it happen."

The soldier salutes and marches off.  The commander then looks at Jake.

"Anything to add?"

Jake nods all smiles and says something in Dwarven.

The commander snorts and slowly shakes his head.

---

Diplomacy: 9-1=8, heh.  +2 for speaking fluent, if a bit off-accent, Dwarven.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Fri 16 Dec 2011.