The group has been assembled at the city gates. Earlier, the bunch had been summoned by the local mayor. Eletor was asked by his church to go help the mayor with whatever he needed. Merric simply showed up because there was a summons in the Tavern that suggested there is PAY involved. That said, this same summon drew Julia's attention and from the looks of it, when she arrives, there is a small group of people for her to potentially lead. The holy man looks like business with a large falchion on his back and a glaive in his hand, so he might not waste Julia's time with preaching. The halfling is equipped with a sword and leather armor. The dwarf is wearing hide armor and... well hey, he's a dwarf.

The meeting was simple and brief, describing that the army is spread thin, so they need any help they can get at the East Gate. Apparently there have been regular attacks there from some band of rebels. Mostly human, but led by a half-orc. Pretty much, the goal is to protect the gateway.

The group is lead there by the captain of the East Guard. Once he gets there, he says, "I am leaving this gate to you. Should be simple. We've held them off every time because the gate is sturdy. They're just noise makers, really. So just make yourselves at home." he casually waves a hand at the gate and turns to walk away. "I gotta be somewhere, so unless you have any important questions, I'm heading out."

The dwarf has a distinguishing feature.  His beard is green.

"Yeah.  What's the pay?  And who's in charge once you go?"

His voice sounds more like a bear than a person: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QkjDunNuPM (At the 4:00 mark)
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

In reply to Greenbeard (msg # 2):

A steely-eyed woman surveys the group, taking the measure of each warrior, then fixes her gaze on the captain. "Right," her commanding voice cuts the air, enthralling the small crowd, "Just leave this to me. I'll whip these pantywastes into shape in no time. No one's getting past this gate while I'm around!"

  It must have been bad if the Church was calling him specifically.  Either 'we need all the help we can get' bad, or 'We don't want to risk a proper servant of Kord' bad.  Eletor would have come either way since you can't solve every problem in the world by being nice, as much as he'd like that.

  "As you say, forces are spread thin.  But what particular task are you filling in for that calls the Eastern guard captain away from the eastern gate?"

  Since Eletor isn't hostile towards Julia, she might actually manage her Intimidate roll against his oh my nevermind.  "Well, I do admit I am somewhat thin compared to most given this task.  It has not stopped me from silencing evil by removing lips so far though, so I manage with the tiny waist"

OOC: Initiative 6.0
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:29, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Merric rolls his eyes when Julia calls the group pantywastes. Especially given there is a dwarf. Eletor's comment lightens Merric's mood a little and he even giggles from it.

The captain looks back at the team, smirks, and says, "You all figure out who's in charge. As for pay? You'll be getting a 100 gold reward at the end of your 48 hours. You get a bonus 1 gold for each rebel you kill, or a bonus 50 gold if you squash whatever rebel force invades, whichever winds up better money for you."

He then looks at Eletor. "I'm going to the North Gate... their captain died, so I'm filling in until they get the replacement. Which is in 48 hours. Which is why you're here. Anything else?"

Merric says, "How do we work the gate?"

The captain says, "Instructions are on the desk in the left tower."

It wasn't the pantywaste comment that tweaked Greenbeard.

"The lass looks eager to take charge.  Guess time will tell if she's more bark than bite."

He sizes her up then looks at Cpt. Northeast.  "Those numbers for the team as a whole?  Or each person who survives?"

In reply to Greenbeard (msg # 6):

Rather than insulted, Julia seems almost pleased by the backtalk and the way her usually overwhelming presence has left the group unfazed. With her hand moving to rest on the pommel of her sword and a slight tilt of her lips she replies to the Dwarf, "I'm no idle braggart. You'll see just how much bite I have once there's reason to unsheathe this blade."

At the question of money, she raises a sculpted eyebrow and listens attentively.

  "That would be a good reason, so far as the loss of a fellow captain can be a 'good' one."  He considers the gate, figureing that they will probably need the instructions troubleshooting section 'how to close the gate after it has been broken open', than standard closing directions.

The captain answers greenbeard, "For each of you. So you will each get a minimum of 100 gold." He heads off unless someone stops him.

Merric looks back at the others. "I'm gonna go read." and he heads for the tower.

With nobody stopping him this time, the captain gets on his horse and gallops off. Just as the group is heading for the gate, they can see a large group of people walking towards the gate. The captain is now out of hearing range. The gate starts opening on its own!

Perception DC 14: A human woman seems to be at the top of the gate, working the gate opening device.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:07, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Greenbeard points.  "A human woman seems to be at the top of the gate, working the gate opening device."

He readies his sling.  "Not likely I can hit her from here, but worth a shot."

Greenbeard's sling hits the lady, knocking her out! Even as the lady falls, the half-orc leading the large group charges in and hacks at Merric with his greataxe, hurting Merric badly! The guards he had right behind him stand at the gate to make sure nobody gets to the gate workings or stops the advance.

---

Berzerker v Merric. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 14
Guards double-move to stand guard

Merric HP: 28 - 14 = 14

"Alrighty, here we go..." Greenbelt mutters, facing the enemy.

He raises his warhammer and a bolt of lightning arcs from the sky to the attacking commander!  KABOOM!  Greenbeard's hair is now a staticy mess.  He steps forward, a guttural growl accompanying the unsettling sounds and sights of his joints popping and flesh re-shaping itself.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Julia draws her sword with a flourish and turns to Merric, her words supplying him with renewed vigor. "Steady on your feet, short-stack! Hurry to that tower and get on that gate! You were on your way there anyway!"

With ice in her eyes she regards her enemies, dashing around to flank the commander with a well-placed slice to his side, and drawing his attention by creating an intentional opening in her stance.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:36, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Greenbeard literally doesn't look to be in any shape to be making an attack, his left arm falling off and growing legs, but he hammers the commander upside the head with his right arm(s?)

"We crave flesh!" his says, his now multiple high-pitch voices speaks.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

The large group of people armed with clubs charge in! Two of them hit Jilia, but one misses. Another passes her, much to his dismay as he gets cut down!

---

Rabbles attack! 1 passes Julia and gets downed by her.
3 use a charge. 2 hit, 1 miss. 4 damage each.
The others just double-move.

Julia HP: 24 - 4 - 4 = 16

  Some people say Avengers are offputting.  But then most Avengers tend to stay in one piece, or at least not have separate bits of them crawl off when smiting things.  Eletor putting the enemy commander between himself and Greenbeard is purely a strategic action and in no way cowardice.  After all, he's still the same distance away from the guy... Guys?

  He steps up, not even bothering to brandish his Falchion as he carves s bloody gash right through his armor.  "You will Fall, it is as simple as that."

---

Move: shift.
Minor: Oath on Commander.
Standard: Pass At Arms vs Commander, Hits. 18+3 DMG.  Let's Julia Shift.

Commander HP: 45-21= 24/66 Bloodied
This message was last updated by the player at 06:10, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Merric deftly steps around the half-orc and does some magic hand-signs before swinging his sword at one of the rebels. Green flames burst on his sword and then shoot out to all the enemies, catching them all on fire! Most of them collapse. "I trust you guys to finish the leader. I'll hold the line here."

---

Greenflame blade hits rabble. dmg doesn't matter.

Human Guard 1: 47 - 3 = 44
Human Guard 2: 47 - 3 = 44

The commander says, "What the Hell?! You aren't the military! Guards!" He swings his greataxe at the bunch and misses, then steps back one, but didn't get far enough to sate Greenbeard's power! He gets struck by lightning. "HEY!"

The guards use their halberds to strike at Merric and Julia and hit both! Merric gets hurt badly again.

---

Half-Orc attack crit fail. Guards attack Merric and Julia. Hit(20)! Hit(21)!
 dmg to Merric: 13
 dmg to Julia: 7

Half-Orc HP: 24 - 4 = 20

Merric HP: 28 - 13 = 15
Julia HP: 16 - 7 = 9

Greenbeards four limbs and head separate and turn into five adorable green wolf cubs!  They howl a cute wolfy chorus together as the torso mass turns into a huge swarm of green butterflies!  Deadly butterflies!  They swarm the enemy as the wolves bound forward and begin to feast on the bodies of the falling enemies being sliced up with razor sharp butterfly wings!

Julia bears the cuts of her enemies spears with gritted teeth, turning the grimace into a feral grin as she licks blood from a gash on her forearm. An aura of bloodthirst surges from her as her wounds begin to heal themselves. She bellows a menacing laugh amidst the chaos. "I seem to have found myself in interesting company! Come at me, then! This battle has only just begin!"

She darts toward the commander, feigning attack in order to create an opening for Eletor, shouting her order to strike.

The last two guys with clubs turn tail and RUN for it! The one next to Greenbeard manages barely to dodge the wolf snapping at him. "SCREW THIS!" the rebels say as they run.

---

Minions double-move RUN outta there.

  Eletor faces the Commander, as behind him explosions of green fire, green wildlife, and red blood fly everywhere.

  "You picked a really, really bad day for this."  Alas, his pantywaist arms botch the melee basic.  But then he's back to striking true as he gives the commander a matching wound for the last one the Avenger inflicted, Julia probably encouraged by his actually being able to hit things again.

---

Standard: Leading Strike vs Commander, hits.  11 DMG.  Julia gets +3 DMG rolls to her next attack Vs Commander.

Commander HP: 20-11= 9

Merric steps up to the guards and swipes at both of them! One dodges, but the other gets sliced!

---

Sword Burst v guards. Miss(10) Hit(17)!
 dmg: 5

Guard 2 HP: 44 - 5 = 39

The boss says, "I'm... not... done!" He hacks at Julia, missing, then reaches for something in his pocket, turning to run farther into the city and SLICE! off comes his arm! "NOOOO!" and drops dead, (or at least dying) spraying blood from where his arm used to be.

---

Attack missed. Tried to move, provoking AoO. Julia hits and does 9 dmg.

Boss HP: 9 - 9 = DED

The guards turn to run and Merric swipes at them, slicing one in the back! But they just keep going!

---

Guards run. Merric takes the AoO! Hit Guard 1 (17)! Miss Guard 2 (13)
 dmg: 5

Guard 1 HP: 44 - 5 = 39

"Insecticons!" the butterflies squee with their tiny voices, "Merge!"

As they coalesce into the torso, the puppies turn into bear cubs!  http://www.bearfamily.com/green/greenbear.jpg http://www.allgraphics123.com/...luck/good-luck16.gif

The bunch of them then leap together, a strange metal-grinding sound accompanying their merging into a huge yellow primeval bear with a red shirt!  It gives chase after the fleeing baddies!

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
http://i.imgur.com/Kl7vWmw.jpg

---

This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

After cleanly slicing the commander's arm off, she steps up to his bleeding, prone form and finishes him off with a downward thrust through the heart. "The only place you're going is straight to hell!" She punctuates the last word with a twist of the blade, then pulls it out, wipes it clean, and re-sheathes it with a methodical and calculating grace.

  Eletor makes a quick gauge of distance, and figures he can't nail a parting Holy Laser for just for the sake of it.  So he turns back toward the arm impaired, fallen, and impaled body of the commander.  "Nice work Julia.  I told him he would fall, but I am not picky how."  He kneels down to look for whatever it was the commander was trying to take from his pockets, before he was suddenly and violently disarmed.

  "While I check for whatever he thought was important enough to turn his back on your blade, could someone else go up and close the gate and secure whoever that woman was?  Without eating her, hopefully."

Aaaand since the druid is chasing the enemy, Merric rushes off to grab the instructions and find the woman. Soon, Merric is at the top of the tower and calls out to Greenbeard. "Greenbeard! Come back so I can close the door!"

The commander apparently had a stick of dynamite on him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:23, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Greenbeard gives up the chase, lumbers back, then turns back to his relatively normal looking Dwarf form once inside the gate.

"Close away, Fireblade!"

He looks at the carnage.

"This had better count for the extra 50."

Julia sneers when she spots the dynamite. "Tch, the coward thought he could use that to get away? Don't make me laugh." She surveys the carnage with a gleam in her eye. "It's too bad these weaklings couldn't give us more of a challenge. Well fought, gentlemen!"

Merric nods and closes the gate. "I'll be down soon!" he calls down to Julia, having heard little of what she said and wanting to hear what's going on.

Soon, Merric makes his way downstairs. "The lady at the top of the tower is tied up. She'll be OK... whoever she is. But she looks like a normal civilian. So what's going on down here? I saw you examining the half-orc."

He looks around at the dead bodies... for a moment, his expression shows pity. Then it hardens to a stern expression.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:51, Fri 21 Feb 2014.

Suddenly one of the dead humans starts to move.  At first you think you didn't finish him off.  But then you realize...someone's under the corpse.

"Hey!" you hear a squeaky voice say.  "Get this stiff offa me!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Fri 21 Feb 2014.

Greenbeard lifts the body off the squeaky voiced one.

"There ya go."

"I'm glad to see your bite matches your bark, lass," he comments to Julia, "Though I got the impression that stick of dynamite you found on the commander wasn't intended for getting away."

His eyes look in the direction of where the the commander was facing just before he died, searching for a significant target.

Greenbeard discovers a large eared mouse in a colorful Jester's Motley smiling back at him.  It took him a while to realise that the field mouse-like face is his fur and not make-up, with one ear grey, one ear black, brown hair poking out of his tri-pointed hat, and green eyes.

"Heh, thanks, pal." the Jester Mouse says as he gets up and dusts off his costume. "I thought there was something fun going on and got late to the party.  And then one of your victims fell on top of me.  Heh!  Whatta way to start an adventure."

He then blinks for a moment.  "Oh!  Introductions are in order!  Name's Johnny B Cheezer.  Pleased ta meet cha!"

---

Opening Character Sheet:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/FoxFireDnD4ED/Johnny+Briz.pdf

Julia crosses her arms and grunts at Greenbeard's comment, her nose upturned as if to say, 'Well, what did you expect?'

She eyes Johnny skeptically, hand moving toward the hilt of her sword. "And how are we to know you aren't part of this rabble? Give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you where you stand.!"

Johnny, like a typical mouse, follows Rule #1:  When in doubt, be cute.  He gives her the most heart-melting puppy dog eyes and goes, "Because I'm too cute to be rabble."

Julia looks as though an entire cartload of manure is being held under her nose. She turns away unable to bear looking at this disgusting creature, hair fanning out dramatically behind her.

"I see. There's no way this weakling could possibly have been part of a rebellion. Get lost, ratty, before you hurt yourself on something sharp. A battlefield is no place for the likes of you."

Merric also looks in the direction Greenbeard indicated. There, the group can see the Mayor's home. Merric turns his attention to the only one shorter than him and blinks. A jester outfit... mouse. His stern expression goes to one of confusion. "....surely, you kid, Julia." Regardless, he puts himself between Julia and Johnny.

Then the mouse jokes. "OK, Johnny, where do you live in this city?"

Johnny shakes his head.  "Oh, nah, I just got here a couple days back.  Been going from tavern to tavern living up each place before I get thrown out."<green> He then taps his chin.  <green>"Come to think of it, I tend to get thrown out of them just after I make enough coin to get a room there. He then shrugs. "I still don't know why?  Everyone there likes my performances."

Greenbeard doesn't know what to make of the strange new arrival, but it's not like he's one to talk when it comes to "strange," so he doesn't comment.

"Gunna have to agree with Julia, there, little one.  Unless you're no stranger to violence or the savageness of combat, you'll likely not find us good company."

He gazes back at the target.  "The mayor's home.  Well.  I'd say that deserves a bonus to the pay we were promised.  But I suppose we'll have to wait here to find out either way.  Abandoning our post even if the coast is clear wouldn't look good.  Anyone here happen to be good at negotiating for bonus pay?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Fri 21 Feb 2014.

As if to illustrate that he's no stranger to fighting, Johnny makes a dagger appear out of nowhere and balances it on his finger for a moment.  Before throwing it dead into the Half-orc's still open eye.

"Aw poo." Johnny says.  "Didn't know he was an orc.  The smell's gonna take weeks to wash out."

  Eletor considers his options for who can carry the dynamite for now... Okay, there is the Halfling who causes fire explosions... No.  The Dwarf who turns into a pile of butterflies... No.  Julia?  Maybe, depends on how good that armor is.

  Then Johnny shows up and gets put to the top of the list of 'who not to give dynamite to'.  "The only good thing about the fact this rebel had dynamite, was that their reliance on insiders to open the gate mean there is even a gate still standing to close."

  To Johnny, he says "Did you miss the butterflies and puppies killing people while under that body?  Still, I would prefer not to kill people just in case with no actual crime known.  If you are willing to give some active help against the attackers, you are welcome."  After all, he wasn't exactly a first choice of beheading slavers when he started doing it anyways.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be useful," Johnny said as he bounds toward his new friends.  "You'll find I'm more than just a cute face with some daggers."

Julia yawns at Johnny's display, obviously unimpressed. "Just leave the negotiations to me, Greenbeard," she says, smirking and patting the hilt of her sword. "I'll make sure we get what we're due. Eletor, why don't you hang on to that," she says, pointing to the stick of dynamite, "It might come in useful later."

"And as for you," she eyes Johnny over her shoulder, not deigning to give him her full attention, "If you're staying make sure you stay out of the way if things get rough. Until you've proven yourself in the heat of battle you're not worth my time."

Merric's eyes look about, as if scanning the area to be sure there are no threats. Finally, he turns to look at Johnny and says, "Nice knife work. And don't worry. He's only a half-orc. So the stink will only last half as long and is only half as potent."

He looks at Julia. "It makes sense they were after the Mayor's home. But we should probably find out who that woman is and how she got involved. As our only living prisoner, she's our only source of information."

At that, Johnny looks over to see the prisoner, and then scratches his chin, and then, with a snap of his fingers, heads over to the prisoner.  Not to interrogate at first, but just to stir up idle chit chat.

'maybe she'll warm up to me enough to talk,' he thinks as he walks over, leans against a wall and starts talking.  "Interesting day, isn't it?"

---

Note to DM:  You can have this go however you want at your discretion.

Greenbeard cleared his throat at the mention of puppies and butterflies but made no other comment.  To Julia's offer he smirks, glad to see she is willing to stick her neck out for the team.  He raises an impressed eyebrow at Jonny's display, recognizing it for what it was.  Greenbeard nods to Merric, watching Jonny take initiative.

"Would look good we took initiative in questioning her, yes."

  Eletor's main worry is that Johnny has apparently no idea what he's throwing his daggers at.  Hopefully there is no 'aw poo, I didn't know that was the prisoner' later.  But it's low level, so Eletor still has some optimism.

  "Right, I shall hang onto the boomstick then."  On that note, he heads up to make sure the mouse doesn't fall over knife first during questioning.

Merric watches the mouse.

The woman wakes up. She looks to be in her 40's and gasps at the sight of the mouse. Then looks around and sees all the dead bodies. "....." She looks back at Johnny. "I'd say a pile of dead bodies at the city gates count as interesting, yes. My head hurts..."

Johnny offers her a drink from his wineskin, which he pulls out of somewhere in his motley, nobody has yet to find any pockets yet. "Maybe this'll help." He says.  "Perhaps I can ask you what brings you so close to said pile of dead bodies?  I could assume that they looked worse when they were alive, and these guys'll attest to that."

The lady gives Johnny a half-inquisitive / half-disgusted look. "You got a problem with human faces, mousey? Sure, some of them's ugly, but there was a handsome one or two in the mix."

"Your head hurts because I hit it with a rock," Greenbeard explains, "Why were you helping the rabble?"

Johnny makes his Puppy Dog eyes again, noticing the mix of curiosity and disgust.  But he returns to 'normal'  (Normal for him, that is) to say, "Well, I'd guess they'd be handsome if they're not trying to kill anyone."

The lady glances at the dwarf. "Why should I tell any of you?" She then looks back at Johnny. "I mean, you're cute and all, but my reasons are pretty personal."

Merric says, "Well you realize you are going to be tried and likely executed. However, if you cooperate with us, we can see about making your sentence not involve execution. See... so far, we're the ONLY ones who saw you opening that gate. And even then, it could have been a mistake."

Julia unsheathes her sword and walks over to the prisoner. She kneels down in front of the woman, examining the blade without paying her much mind. It's very sharp, and very shiny. "We're also the only ones who know you're alive after aiding a bunch of rebels in storming the gate. If you met with an unfortunate end during all the chaos, no one would be the wiser..." She finally fixes her icy gaze on the woman, blade slowly nearing her neck.

  Fortunately, Eletor is not a Lawful Dumb Cliche so a little proactive dishonesty for one that did not try to kill them directly is fine, if it actually gets results.

  Threatening to kill a prisoner on the other hand, is a bit more of a grey area.  "While true Julia, I would prefer she makes herself useful alive than saving the hangman some effort."  There hadn't exactly been time to give the girl a standard 'surrendering after you are beaten does not count' warning.

"I can see that you believe yourself in the right," Greenbeard comments, "I'm not surprised.  I got that same impression from the others.  Especially the commander.  If you believe your cause just, wouldn't it make sense to let it be known?"

Johnny just raises an eyebrow at Julia, who had her sword at the prisoner's throat.  "No more caffine for you, ma'am."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Fri 21 Feb 2014.

Merric isn't sure about Julia. The girl throws threats and insults around like a drill sergeant. But this prisoner DID just open the gate for an invading force. That's high treason.

The woman gulps and says, "My cause is my own. The half-orc had his own just reasons for hating the mayor. But my reason for hating him is because he cheated on me."

Merric looks furious. "YOU ENDANGERED THE LIVES OF THIS ENTIRE DISTRICT OVER YOUR HATE FOR ONE MAN?!!"

The woman cringes and says, "N-no! Not really... their only goals were the mayor's home and destroying some of the supply buildings!"

Julia looks away with a frown. "Tch, how petty. I suppose you spared no thought for whatever pedestrian or child might get caught in the crossfire. You disgust me." She stands, sheathing her sword and turning away from the prisoner. "Unless you've some information that's actually of use to us, we'll just turn you over to the guard and let them decide what to do with you."

  Eletor sighs, but manages not to facepalm or snort.  "The problem with that sort of plan, is that it is never just one person who is hurt."  Also, exploding someone just because they cheated on you.  That's a bit extreme but he's not going to get into that right now.

  "Considering every gate is in need of guard and suffering casualties, trying to find just what is pissing so many people off would be for the best.  Unless the Mayor is just very, very incapable of keeping it in his pants."

  Half-Orc thought he was the one, but now what is half is his heart broken in two?  Well, also his arm count, that's also been cut in half literally.

"Petty?  Perhaps," Greenbeard says, a look of understanding turned toward the woman, "But natural.  It is not uncommon for an ant or bee to risk the entire colony because of mating issues."

Your druid is showing.

"So what was the half orc's cause?"

That alone was enough to send Johnny rolling off to one side, causing him to continue the roll so that he ends up right side up.  He looks back at Merric.  "And no more caffine for you too."  He then returned to the woman.  "You on the other hand need more places to get your coffee.  I have an extensive list, though most of them won't let me in anymore.  Don't know why."

Merric turns to Johnny and opens his mouth to speak, but thinks better of it and leans his back against a wall. The woman says, "The half-orc's name was Grunt. Says he was rejected by society for being born and never stopped being hated. Well he came to find out he wasn't alone... there were others in the city who were tired of the way they were being treated. Basically, this was a whole group of people down on their luck. Grunt said he wanted to kill the mayor to send a message to the leadership that they won't tolerate the kind of oppressive procedures that were going on. For him it was racism. For his band of humans, it was likely other things like death taxes that starved a family, laws that prevented them from perusing careers as guards, and other stuff. But all I know is Grunt was their leader and was aiming to change things. He figured the war that's going on would eventually distract the city guard enough and sure enough, he heard the East guard were about to be recalled to the North. So he thought the lazy guards would be here... none of us had any idea the city would hire powerful adventurers."

"Unfortunate for you, more unfortunate for them," she gestures to the dead bodies. "Too bad I'm only here for the gold. I care nothing for the political machinations of this place unless it'll pad my coinpurse. However, since you've been so cooperative, I suppose the least we can do is let you live."

  "As harder as it can be to deal with such problems without killing the apparent source, at the very least the Mayor and surrounding government could not simply use your attack as an excuse to disregard your claims or worse, an excuse for them to worsen your situation.  I do not know how well anyone will fare today, but you at least, have a chance to not throw your life away without changing anything."

"I wonder if had they seen who was defending the gate, would they have changed their minds?" Greenbeard ponders aloud, "Or would they have considered us less of a threat than lazy gate guards."

He looks down at the half orc and the others.  "Find rest in the earth.  You can no longer suffer the injustices for which you gave your life to repay."

He looks to the others.  "If not for the disenfranchised or the people of the city, we owe it to our employers at least to let them know that their policies, if continued, will cause this sort of problem to recur.  May they choose the wise response to such knowledge."

 There was a long awkward pause before Johnny said, "....oops."

 

 "I don't think turning herself in would be much of an alternative etiher," Johnny says, "Although there should be alternatives to what just happened."



"Indeed," Johnny said, standing up.  "Even one of these incidences is one too many."

Merric looks at Greenbeard and then to Johnny and nods. "Yeah. This needs to end." he looks at the woman. "We'll be turning you in. The fact you are the mayor's wife, ironically, will probably save your life."

He then looks in Julia's direction. "Any way you wanna go about this, Julia? We got another 47 hours. One of use could go report this."

Julia nods to Merric. "You seem to have her well in hand, so I suggest you handle turning the... lady... in. As you said, there are still nearly the entire two days we were hired for left on this watch, so I suggest we settle in for the rest of it." She punctuates the end of her sentence by propping herself against the wall and proceeding to polish her sword.

  Eletor nods, "It would not do to stop one attempt, only to have another notice us leave and try without us here."  Whether or not their end targets deserved it, the Rebels seemed a touch too dumb to pick their targets so carefully.

"Be sure to mention a well-deserved bonus," Greenbeard asks of Merric.

He heads to the gates to take first watch.

"Yeah, definitely," Johnny replies as he pulls out his own twin daggers to inspect them, clean then off, and even juggle them for a bit.

Merric heads off with the lady.

While he's gone, a carriage pulls up. Out steps the Lord of the city. He is tall and thin. But even at his height, he doesn't step down from the carriage. Simply comes to the door and looks down his nose at the group. "So... you're the mercenaries the Captain asked to help, eh? Settling in nicely, I see... a nice, cushy job for money-grubbing opportunists, no doubt."

Julia responds with what can only be called a feral sneer, gesturing at the multitude of dead bodies being cleared away. "I suppose these corpses are somewhat cushy, but a little bloody to make decent furniture in my opinion." No rebuttal on the money-grubbing comment because a spade is, after all, a spade.

  "Well sir, we have already stopped one attempt of hopeful rebels intending to end your life."  He pulls the Dynamite from his robes, and asks "Would you like the Dynamite they intended to do the deed with my lord?  I hear such things can be quite the conversation piece among the nobility."

  What person wouldn't like free dynamite?... Wait, we're thinking in terms of most players aren't we?

Greenbeard simply salutes without comment putting on his best poker face.  What he wants to do is to offer to light the little "string" at the end of the "candle" before Eletor hands it over to the lord.  But Eletor up and spoiled that little fun by calling it dynamite.

"I take it back.  We don't owe it to them."

"Cushy?"  The jester mouse looked around seeing all the dead bodes.  "I don't think this is what I have in mind when I think of 'Cushy,' sir.  I was thinking something a bit more plush, with ample cheese and wine.  And plenty of girls for me to impress."  He gives an impish smile.  "Of course, juggling lit dynamite sticks would be a great conversation starter..but said conversation had better be pretty short."

"Ah yes... a gift. Very well." he waves a hand and a guard goes to collect the stick from Eletor. "I see the dead bodies; I am not blind. But you are not on the front lines, where the bodies go as far as the eye can see. Nor are you risking your life for anything more than money. Enjoy your job! For unlike the soldiers deep in the trenches of war, you get to live."

"Why risk our lives for a country not our own unless there is something to be gained? Let the men on the front lines have their patriotism and honorable deaths. I find no shame in living to fight another day with a heavy purse at my side. You yourself do not seem to find mercenary work so shameful that you would not hire us to defend your city in time of need, good sir." The last word is almost spat rather than spoken.

  Eletor, shining example of manners.  At least, by comparison.

  "I am certain that there will be those among your hardworking soldiers who survive the trenches, my lord.  Just as I am certain I was requested to take up this task by the church for a reason."  Good or Bad reason is still up in the air, but still.

Greenbeard can't add anything to Julia's very good point.  So he just looks for something to get rid of this pest.

"One of our company took a prisoner you might find of some interest," Greenbeard adds, "The one who opened the gates for the would-be invaders.  You'll likely find her in custody of the north gate commander."

Johnny just looks around.  "We're doing this job just so we can breathe?  What kind of job is that?"  He leans toward the lord.  "You don't choke the lives out of everyone who's down on his luck at the time, do ya?"

He then heard what Greenbeard said and nodded.  "You'll know more about everything from her, I guess.  But I fear that there's going to be more where all this..." He waves both his motley-covered arms around the carnage. "...came from, unfortunately."

To Julia, he answers, "Pff... were it MY choice, you would not be here. However, I can not defy a royal decree that all able bodies are permitted. Though..." he briefly glances at the dead bodies. "I will at least give you that you are able bodies."

The Lord looks down at Johnny and says dismissively (and almost with pity), "...I shouldn't expect you to understand half of what I say. You need money, so it goes to follow you lack education."

He looks to Greenbeard. "Ah... a useful comment. Very well. I'll let you get back to your... trophies." that last part said with disgust as he enters the carriage and it takes off.

As soon as the carriage has suitable distanced itself, Julia sighs. "Strutting peacock. That soppy milquetoast wouldn't last a second in battle."

  "Most leaders that last any stretch of time would not, Julia.  Just as those who most preach the downfall of Evil in Kord's name do so from a temple.  If only because the ones who last any length of time avoid more battles than they take part in."  Sword and Sorcery setting expectations aside.

  "Does not mean you are wrong, of course."

"Yes.  Many hive queens are good for little more than eating and laying eggs," Greenbeard agrees, "But with enough pheromones and displays of power an new queen can supplant the old one."

He gazes in the direction of the front lines.

"But I get the feeling that a new leader won't replace this one in time for this hive to survive.  I'm thinking it might be wise to make tracks after our payment."

Johnny visibly facefalts the Lord's comment.  He even tries to sell it by shaking his leg.

"Lacking Education, he says," Johnny mutters as he gets back up after the Lord leaves.  "You don't believe what you have to learn to be a Licensed Fool."

He looks up to Greenbeard and nodded.  "Good plan.  Besides, I don't think I'm welcome much into the taverns in this town anyway."

Merric eventually returns and looks annoyed. "...thanks for sending that snobby guy my way, guys. If it was a practical joke, it wasn't funny."

"So he was just as endearing to you, eh?" Julia places her thoroughly polished sword back in its scabbard. "Any news from the guard?"

  "Is it not worth knowing who one is protecting, Merric?  Of course, we have not met most of the townsfolk come to think of it."  Nah guys, this City should totally burn because the Lord in charge is annoying.  Wait.

Greenbeard's mindset is more "doesn't matter how nice they are, no sense in burning with them."

"I'm sure we'll all have a good time laughing it up when we hear of his untimely end," Greenbeard predicts, "But more importantly, what news of a bonus?  Also, we were just discussing the possibility of leaving once we have our payment.  I get the feeling our survival might depend upon a prompt change of scenery."

"Trust me," Johnny replies, "None of my practical jokes are that bad.  And yes, I think a change of place would so us all some good as well."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:14, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

Merric nods. He looks at Julia, then looks at Greenbeard. He answers both, "We get our bonus after the job's done, but we DO get our bonus. As for what our payment concerning catching a traitor is? That is undetermined. It's just our word against hers and she's of decent status. We'll be lucky if we don't wind up punished for hitting her with a rock."

Even as Merric says this, the distant shouts of an army and many screams can be heard coming from the north.

Julia wastes no time in drawing her sword, and moves toward the sounds cautiously, searching for a vantage point. "Looks like trouble followed you. On your guard men!"

  "Well, I suppose most would not expect to have to guard a gate from the inside.  Though I am beginning to sense a pattern."  Guy in charge of gate leaves them, attack.  Lord leaves them, bigger attack.

Greenbeard is very much ill at ease by this latest turn of events.  He hasn't been paid yet!

"Didn't think an example of why I figured it wise to relocate would present itself quit this soon.  Wonder how possible it would be to join the ranks of the invaders if battle turns to their favor."

"And Mice," Johnny says as he pulls out his twin daggers and gets ready to fight.  And then he heard what Greenbeard said.  "Are you sure we want to fight these guys?  Who's the diplomatic type?  And would they like profesisonal entertainers with big ears?"

The invading army are all orcs. They appear to be chopping down everything, anyone and everyone in their path; man, woman, and child. Merric puts on a serious expression and says, "I'm not working for an army of merciless filth like them no matter how much I'm payed." his sword's runes briefly glow with an accompanying hum like that of a charging electronic machine.

There are so many orcs, they seem to be continually spilling in.

Johnny's eyes grow wide as he sees the orcs coming at him.  "I stand corrected"

He then bounded/climbed up to the roof of a nearby building, where a big Ogre was waiting for him!  He immediately took his dagger and rushed the big buy, dealing the first blow of the dance.

---

Attacked with Sly Flourish; rolling a 21 vs AC.  Hit for 22 damage including sneak attack. (1d4+7+2d8)

Merric charges the front line and swings his sword with green fire in its wake! The orcs deftly dodge, however, and look ready to retaliate.

  "Hmm, odds that seem completely overwhelming.  What would Tempus Kord Do?"

 Survey says, Smite one of the frontrunner Orcs into submission with a flash of eyebrow removing radiance.

Greenbeard turns into a pile of puppies that belch lethal butterflies at the enemy.  Five orcs go down.

"It's a pitty you die so easily..." one of the puppies yips.

When Julia gives the order, another ankle-bites an orc, but is unable to slay it with its little puppy attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:19, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

The ogre slams its club down on JB, who manages to roll with the hit enough to soften the blow to a mere cracked rib. The orcs, meanwhile, swarm the heroes! It is an overwhelming assault and is hurting the heroes badly.

---

Johnny HP: 22 - 12 = 10
Greenbeard HP: 30 - 5 = 25
Merric HP: 27 - 10 = 17
Julia HP: 27 - 15 = 12

Johnny let out a slight EEK in pain and annoyance when the orc connected, and could feel a bit of blood in his mouth.  He decided discretion is the better part of valor.

He whipped out his dagger in an acrobatic flash that drew blood again as he wall jumped off the orge and away from his reach, he then bounded off the roof and rolled his way to ground level, hoping that someone would come and back him up when the orge charges his way down.

---

Acrobat's Blade Trick (Encounter Power) hits for 7 points of damage and allows a shift of 1.  He then moved down the side of the building (using the 'Difficult Terrain' rule) and made his way to ground level.

Merric swings his sword to the orc behind him. "That's what YOU think!" and BLAM! an explosion of green fire burninates all the orcs who were attacking the rest of the team. "We NEED to fall back!"

  Eletor says from in front of the door to the guardhouse,  "That would be a good idea, but I would rather not leave you two all alone to be swarmed... As onesided as you are making the fight look as it is."

  The Avenger switches up for his Glaive, and uses it's reach to dispatch the Orc pressuring Julia.

"Arf! Arf!" the puppies arf as they scurry between and around the halfling's feet to be behind him.

The ogre leaps from off the roof and slams down onto the ground below! "RAAAAWRG!!!" But the mouse he was aiming to squash JUST manages to roll out of the way!

The orcs swarm even more, and Merric is nearly taken down.

---

Merric HP: 17 - 15 = 2
Greenbeard HP: 25 - 1(5-resist4) = 24
Eletor HP: 32+4 - 5 = 31

Johnny just barely registered the presence of the falling orge before he was rolling away for his life!  Just barely missed, his momentum and adrenaline caused him to swipe out at the monster.  At first he only found air, but he was able to stand down, calm down a bit, and try again, this time connecting.

---

Shifted 1 prior to evade being crushed. First Sly Flurish was a miss.  Action Point.  Second Sly Flurish hits for 16 points of damage

Merric swings wildly with one last burst of energy... and misses. Then gets smacked down by an orc, unconscious. Just as an orc is about to smack Merric down, the orc gets the smackdown by Julia! Merric takes the chance to tumble between everyone's legs and rush for the tower. "Thanks, Julia! I'll open the gate, guys! Catch me when you get out!"

---

Merric HP: 2 - 5 = -3
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:46, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

  Eletor sees the Ogre land between his allies and their (soon to be) exit.  "Well then, let's see if a cliche saying is true or not.  Either way, you will fall."  The Avengers impales the Ogre where it's favorite ale processing liver should about be, he draws his blade and leaps past his enemy with a spin, his blade sparking against the ground as it circles back around to hack off the Ogre's leg at the knee, sending it crashing down.

  "Well, that was certainly a hard fall.  Some truth to that saying."

  TL;DR:  Thank you, Avenging Resolution from turning failure into victory.

  EDIT: 18 minions and 1 Ogre so far, it seems.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

After felling the ogre, Julia holds the line till her last shred of dignity disappears, then runs like hell after her men, mumbling curses under her breath all the while. Her blood-spattered face is grim, mouth twisted in a most unladylike snarl. She tends to her wounds on the run and though the aura surrounding her is murderous, it still seems to lend a strange strength to the wounded in the party. After a few tense minutes spent calming her nerves, she takes a deep breath and asks, "How shall we proceed now? I sure as hell didn't go through all that just to come up empty-handed at the end of the day."

The puppies dog pile one another and merge into the familiar green-bearded dwarf.

"I'm still alive.  All things considered, I'd call that a personal victory.  Nice swordplay there, you three."

Merric says decisively, "We get backup. We escaped and managed to get past the enemy army; something I'm sure the king wishes his soldiers could have done to go get help. So we make our way to the nearest settlement. Though I doubt we'll make it on time..." He stares at the ground with his hand rubbing his chin in thought. "We need to find SOME way to use the fact we're outside of it to our advantage."

  "Difficult to spend one's pay when dead, or get paid when your place of employment is sacked.  We will have to settle for survival, likely something the rest of the guards can not enjoy."  He looks to Merric, "That depends on if there is anyone even willing, this is not a popular place at the moment."

"Allright," says Julia, "Merric's right. We find the nearest settlement, see if there's anyone there of use, then mount a counterstrike. If the odds are so far against us that they're insurmountable, we leave with our lives and count that at least as a victory of sorts."

"I had a feeling that hive wasn't long for this world..."

Greebeard sighs.  "Sometimes I hate being right.  On to the next it is.  Don't suppose any of you know the way?  If not, I could always try tracking us one down with my nature know-how."

Merric nods. "I had recently come from the city east of here. But I'd vote we go south. It's less likely to have been in the path of the invading army."

  "Every gate has likely been attacked.  Though I lack a better suggestion for which way to travel.  I am interested in what makes south safer than East, for future reference."

Julia thinks for a moment, "It would depend on the size of the enemy's forces. If they had large numbers then an assault from all sides would make sense. And it did seem as though the guard were anticipating something coming in from different parts of the city. I think we should be on our guard no matter which way we head from here." She looks to Greenbeard, "What say you? Do you have some instinct that can guide us to a safer hideout?"

"There's a dense forest to the southeast.  If we can get there, it would provide good cover from the prying eyes of an army as we travel.  I agree caution in any direction is wise."

Merric nods. "Southeast it is." Merric looks up at Eletor. "I had heard the army attacked from the north."

The group heads southeast to the forest. The deeper they go, the denser it gets until it's almost as dark as if it were night time. A pack of wolves begin to walk near the group, having surrounded them, but they walk alongside rather than going in for the hunt or whatnot. Greenbeard senses this is not a hungry pack looking for food.

  Eletor may not be trained in the ways of nature, but past experience has shown that if animals are not already attacking then things should be fine.

  Unless they are simply waiting until the Elk get at them first.

Julia looks wary of the wolves, but seeing the relative ease of her comrade decides not to push the issue. As the forest grows denser and the going slower, she lets out a huff. "How much more of this damnable shrubbery must we cut through until we reach civilization?"

"Let's not forget that this 'damnable vegetation' is the reason why we can travel unnoticed by an army."

He takes note of the wolves and gives them due respect.  If they look like they wish to communicate, he'll make an effort to try and figure out what they have to say.

The wolves communicate that the woods are dangerous, but guarded by a fellow druid who sent them to escort Greenbeard and his pack.

Merric says, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you, eh? Well I doubt we'll reach a settlement before nightfall, to be honest." he glances. "What's with the wolves?"

  "I would save any cutting for if the shrubbery attacks first." Which could happen.

  Honestly he doubts these wolves would be as dangerous as certain green butterflies anyways.

Julia shrugs. "They don't seem to be attacking us at any rate, but they are staying close. What do those nature-senses of yours tell you, Greenbeard?"

"Hmm...  The wolves communicated that the woods are dangerous, but guarded by a fellow druid who sent them to escort me and my pack.  Presumably to the druid.  Assuming they're telling the truth.  Just because they haven't attacked yet doesn't mean we should believe what they say.  But worth looking into I think."

Up ahead, the group does, in fact, see what looks for the world like a druid (and a clearing behind him).

http://wallpapers.rosegalaxy.c...Forest-wallpaper.jpg

"...welcome, brother." he says in greeting to Greenbeard. "I am known as Brook, the Mosswalker. What brings you to my forest."

Merric says, "Invading army of orcs up northwest."

Brook keeps his eyes fixed on Greenbeard.

  While it does not make for an interesting post, Eletor does think it is probably best to leave the conversation to Greenbeard.  In case mosswalker has a habit of attacking people with bees who interrupt his convorsation.

"Thanks for the welcome, Brook," Greenbeard replies, "Name's Greenbeard.  Invading army of orcs up northwest to answer your question.  And if it wasn't clear, the same is true of each of my friends here."

Brook looks the group over before saying, "What is it you seek?"

Merric says, "Aid for the kingdom that's being invaded."

Brook looks to a bird that flies down to his hand and chirps at him. Brook looks a bit distraught and looks back at the group before saying, "If you are looking for another army to the south, all you will find is burned lands. Or to the east. Or the west. Or north. The birds have told me all the land is in peril and this army much larger than you may have originally thought."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:35, Fri 25 July 2014.

"Damn," Julia bites out. "I think we've stumbled into something far beyond the scope of a small band of mercenaries."

She bites her thumbnail, gritting her teeth. "Is there nowhere else we can go for aid?"

  "Oh.  I suppose it makes more sense why that priest had a genuine smile when he asked me to deal with this."  Note to self, collect on that platinum coin owed ASAP if he survives all this.  Just on principle.

"Grave news," Greenbeard says, "But I suppose in a forest such as yours escape to the Feywild is an option.  Perhaps there we can find aid.  I'm impressed the orcs managed an army so vast.  They tend not to get along with one another well enough for that.  Most creatures do not for that matter."

Brook says, "To the Feywild then. Be warned; it too is a dangerous place. But at least there, you won't have an army after you." he waves a hand to a tree that then opens up to reveal a portal to a beautiful glade. "I will see what I can do here. May nature find you the fittest."

Merric goes to pass through the portal. Not much else options at this point.

Julia looks skeptically at the portal for a moment, then, head held high, strides right on through. On the way past, she inclines her head to Brook sincerely. "You have my gratitude."

  "Thank you for at least giving us the option." Eletor steps through the portal, because of all the good reasons mentioned for heading into the place with even more nature that may try to either kill them, or be highly passive agressive.

  Figures Eletor learned Draconic instead of Elven as leftover traits from when he was an Ebberon character.

"You also," Greenbeard answers Brook with a nod, "Don't suppose you have a map we could use, do you?"

He'll head on through the portal either way.