I chat with the group about how we should now proceed, after finding the crates all empty and the elevator to be the apparent secret door.

{see Channel 4: The Pier; (Part III - the elevator)}

"Perhaps we should have someone keep watch while we discuss. Actually on that note," I consider to myself before taking charge, "I need 2 people on watch now, 1 at each entrance, stay in ear shot. We will all keep discussing until we are ready to make a decision. In the mean time we need to be ready for people coming up the elevator and people coming from outside the warehouse.
     If either of those things happen, make sure to get a look at what is down there or who is coming. The rest of us need to move to a more hidden place in the warehouse. Just because there is no one here now, does not mean there will not be soon.
     Mikael, could you take the back door here?"


I move to be above the crate {next to the 3 on the map} to the left of the lever. I motion for the rest of my squad to do likewise (get by or behind a crate, yet close enough to still chat or listen). "Everyone stay vigilant" I say to my squad. {do spot and listen checks for anyone approaching etc.}

I speak to Imbellem about more ideas, "Would a smoke screen be an option possibly?"

I ready an action to hide if the elevator starts to go down or people enter the warehouse.

I stay aware of anyone approaching the warehouse. I stay vigilant.

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja: {23:03, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 21 NAT 20! using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ. 23:03, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}]

"well, I'm not the quietest or the most vigilant, but I'd guess I'm the best fighter here" Dwalin says confidently"So if you want I can go stand near the door in case of attack."
I ready an action to attack if someone finds us" If the others don't oppose it, Dwalin walks to the door and peers around the side, taking cover from the outside. His Darkvision cuts through the darkness with ease.

"Thanks, Adwonus," Lady Jacqueline whispered politely. She kneels down and readies herself for the lever to be pulled. Crouching carefully, she awaits for the lever.

[Private to Herr Johannes: {00:00, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 13 using 1d20+8. hide check.
07:43, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Knowledge History. How the lever functions.
07:42, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 22 using 1d20+8. Search Check. Checking the lever and its functions. }]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Tue 19 May 2015.

Imbellem lifted his morningstar and swung wildly, causing him to spin in a circle as though he were performing ballet. “No no no, not like that,” commented Zinvaris. Imbellem stabilized after the momentum had run its course. “You, sir, are in dire need of my assistance. First, don’t swing like a madman - it leaves your shoulder exposed for ages. Here.” He demonstrated with his rapier a slow figure-eight motion. “Transfer the power to your next swing. Now try again.” While Zinvaris gave Imbellem lessons at the side of the room, the others deliberated about the elevator and what exactly to do next.

“We could go down, swords at the ready. Direct, fast, and might even catch them with their pants down,” Dwalin stated. “That, plus position crates on it for cover?” Mikael added. Imbellem chimed in from afar, “We could all hide in the crates and go down! They’d never know we were inside- Ow!-” Morningstar slipping from his hand, it landed next to his foot, and a spike poked his toe. “Pay attention now,” Zinvaris said to Imbellem with a smile. Pyrra spoke, outlining their main options, “The choices are clear: continue or leave. And I don’t think we’ll find another way down that’s any easier, if any.”

“Well in the mean time, let’s keep watch while we figure this out,” said Johannes. People took guard positions about the room. There was one last idea, but it was unfortunately (or perhaps wisely) left unfinished, “I know! We could all put on dresses, then- Ouch!- stupid thing.” [Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: You discern that a flip of the lever will activate the elevator and lower the platform. Judging by the length of the chain, you reckon it goes rather deep - perhaps twenty feet. There must be a decent layer of stone between you and the lower level.]

[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Adwonus mozied to the end of the warehouse near the front and gazed out the entrance at the moon and stars. It was a clear night to see them with almost no clouds in the sky. The sight of stars had always awakened in him a sense of forgotten peace, followed by longing, then by anger. There were, afterall, so many memories. . .

***

"Dat star be Tonhon, who fight snake king. D'ere be his knife." She traced her finger between the glimmering dots. The child at her feet watched and imagined the pictures as she drew. In his mind, the stories came to life. She told him how Tonhon swam to the bottom of a deep swamp. There he summoned the snake king from the muck with taunting insults, and, angered, the snake king rose and tried to strike him. But Tonhon was clever. He'd brought with him the bark of the Mungnum tree whose sticky sap could trap animals to it forever. Tricked into recklessly attacking, the snake king bit into the bark instead, gluing down his own fangs, and was then easily killed by Tonhon and his knife. Tonhon, a mythical hero of the Kanui tribe, had many such adventures.

Adwonus loved these stories. He looked up at his mother; she looked a lot like him, except for the skin. Her's was almost black. His was green. Cause she didn't have orc blood, she'd say, but she loved him all the same.

The night was warm, as always, enveloping them like a blanket. Like all on the island, neither Adwonus nor his mother wore clothes – there was no need – the thought simply never occurred. Instead the tribe wore ornaments: beads, bones, and shiny metal things that passing ships and strangers brought. Of course, Adwonus rarely saw strangers or the other tribefolk. He wasn't welcome in the village, nor his mother. They'd say hurtful things to her, about him, and throw stones if she didn't leave. So they lived by the cliffs and sea in a hut of their own. It was farther from food, but Adwonus liked it here. He liked seeing the stars.

"See two bright ones? D'ey Gurkle's eyes." Adwonus knew this one. "D'ey watch you. See d'ey shine? Dark scare you, you look at eyes, and d'ey keep you safe. No harm come you." Adwonus gazed up at the two stars; the left one twinkled blinking on and off, but the right one shone steadily. They say that's cause Gurkle once came down and helped a tribal chieftain fight back a pack of leopards but not before taking a swipe to the eye. That worried Adwonus. Would if he needed help when Gurkle was blinking?

"What dat mum?" Adwonus pointed at a white dot low in the horizon, right between the black sky and black sea. She squinted and said, "Dat not star. Dat ship comin' here. Tradin' wid village in mornin' like d'ey do. Now no more story. Sleep sleep." At that, Adwonus and his mother walked back into the hut and laid down on the grass heap bed; curling up against her breast, he slept. That night he dreamt he was Tonhon fighting the snake king. It was a little different than the story. In his dream, the snake king had horns.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin stood by the front door and gazed out at the dark sea. The moon and stars shone overhead, their reflections lost in the black, shifting waves. Although he’d seen the sea many times now, it never failed to remind him he was in a strange place. Dormania had no seas. It seemed that he was cursed to roam the strange places of the world and never return to his homeland, for his folly quest was no closer to ending than when he started. Despite having come a long way. . .

***

Dwalin swung his axe again and again, hacking away; he was started to get tired. The vines easily separated beneath the edge, but an axe was too damn heavy for this. "Cursed jungle." Somehow, insulting the plants made him feel better. He was far from his homeland, having left Dormania months ago. After the Goblin War, Dwalin could only think of his father's death, and those yellow eyes, those laughing yellow eyes. They were burned into Dwalin's memory forever. He'd see them at night; he'd see them during the day. Damn those eyes.

To him, there was no real choice but to pursue, and to leave the mountains with its rugged foothills, ravines, and snow-covered peaks; and the dwarven halls, caves and cities beneath them. Such was his home where the air always cool and refreshing in his lungs, where he knew every type of rock and pine – but now there was jungle. . . hot, humid, god forsaken jungle. It'd taken a long time to reach Shan-tai, but he had to take the long way around Da'ak, the orcs along Dormania's southern border. Here, Dwalin recognized none of the plants, animals, or birds, and even the very earth was different. He detested it.

But he learned Nerkyl had come this way and where he was going. He was prepared to endure anything, and any distance, to slay his father's killer. While the goblin hordes of Cathyria had moved on to other mountains, their shaman had headed south. Why a leader like Nerkyl would separate from his tribe – Dwalin didn't know. In fact, he didn't care. Vengeance was the only thing on his mind. There would be no rest for Dwalin in life as long as Nerkyl still lived. So he persevered.

Bpaa'Dohng – that's where the goblin was headed, and so Dwalin was too. What Nerkyl was going to that port city for, Dwalin could only guess – passage on a ship perhaps. That'd be a pain, Dwalin thought. He was only a few days from the city now, from the eastern coast, but in between him and there was a thick, tedious jungle. Dwalin swatted a mosquito on his neck, "Damn bugs!" He looked at his hand and saw a small droplet of blood; the insect had managed to steal some before being noticed. Dwalin felt another bite into his thigh, and what's more, this one hurt like hell. He glanced down at his leg – there was an arrow sticking out of it. That explained the pain.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:30, Tue 19 May 2015.

Jacqueline studies the lever mechanics awhile and then snaps her fingers. "I got it!" She waved the others over to gesture at the lever. "If we flip the lever, it lowers the platform. And judging by," she turns and looks up, "the chains, this platform goes pretty deep. There's probably a decent sized layer of stone between us and any lower level, guys." She sighs conclusively, folding her arms. "There's no way they could hear us-- unless Imbellem does anything crazy." She smirks and giggles.

[Private to Herr Johannes:
06:33, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Listen check, anything below the elevator or intruding sounds from outside?
06:32, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 27 using 1d20+8. Spot check, anything from outside the building?
06:29, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Search check; any additional info about the lever functions.]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:36, Fri 22 May 2015.

"When is the last time I did something silly, my lady?" asked Imbellem Jaqueline as Zinvaris easily dodged a wild swing from the 'graceful' cleric. Purely accidental, but it was a good thing a professional was teaching him, a man of less skill would have been seriously wounded by this point.

While the others spoke about what to in the case of the elevator, the tone was mostly silent, except for the occasional burst of laughter from Zinvaris or clunk of Imbellems weapon on his armor or the sound of skin on skin as he repeatedly struck himself of accident.

With a resounding especially loud thump, Imbellem let out a squeak and knelt over facing Zin raising his hand asking for a momentary break. Following his "Figure Eight" motion of proper swinging, the sweat Imbellem had worked up had caused him to lose his grip on his rather bulky weapon. Though it had a wrist strap for just such an event, he did not factor in the sudden change in weight and followed through his swing, punching himself with a fair amount of gusto in the crotch. Zin began to laugh uncontrollably as imbellem hobbled over toward the group to regain his breath...And for the lingering pain to subside. Covered in sweat, self inflicted bruises, and miscellaneous wounds, he sat on the cold floor, and tipped over on his side for a moment of respite.

"That... I mean I'm grateful for his help but... Lord above..." He rolled slightly to the side to see the lever, and lines on the floor that relieved how large the elevated platform was. Though nobody at this time would take him seriously, he threw another suggestion out in the open, gritting his teeth as he sat up again. "Why dont we lower it with nobody on it? Maybe-" he exhaled swiftly to try to get the tone of his voice back to normal, "Maybe set a torch or some sort of illumination on it so we can see how deep the rabbit hole goes. If its clear, we can follow it, but we were all here to do a recon mission, Nobody should get hurt. Putting someone on the lift before we know how deep it is, or how many men are down there seems silly to me-thats all I have to say." That was it, all of his serious attitude for now. He stood again slowly, and made a few short hops and turned back to Zin, determined, and walking in a slight zig-zag pattern. "Ay, better grab that thing a bit tighter," Zin said through his smirk as he walked back to learn proper fighting technique, seemingly by forcing it into his mind through pain and sweat.

"Good thing im a doctor..." Imbellem said to himself, "Thought I ruptured something for a minute there..."

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 25):

Trapper glared around the room, and shook his head at Zin and the Priest. It was no time to be screwing around. The half orc shrugged and started pushing crates onto the elevator in a randomized pattern, allowing for maximum cover for the party. "Someone help with these damn crates, lest you want to take a pirates bolt to the gut," he barked.

"Hey I'll give you a hand Adwonus, I could use a break..." he said looking over at Zin with a raised eyebrow and a grin who in return shot him a sassy expression, "A man can only take so many self inflicted injuries before he needs to distract himself, just let me know where you think they should go." Imbellem goes to assist the Trapper.

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem Tueri rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Sense motive Adwanus, setting us up?
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Listen check situational awareness
Imbellem Tueri rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Spot check situational awareness. Man bad rolls...

Imbellem Tueri rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Sense motive Zin, Malicious intent against the party.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Sense motive for Adwanus, Malicious intent against the party.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Sense motive Pryya, Malicious intent against Mikael (or any member of the party)

Imbellem Tueri rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Spot check (when lowered) for threats.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Listen check (when lowered) for threats.]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Fri 22 May 2015.

I turn to the group after our discussion, apparently having come to a decision. {See Channel 4: The Pier} "It seems the elevator goes rather deep from what Jacqueline tells me- the chains appear to be quite long. We don't want to send a team down there without support. It appears we are all going down there."

"We need to move these crates into a well defensible position on the elevator, we are not sure which side we might be attacked from. Those of you on watch, stay on watch while we load this- someone might want to relieve Dwalin so he can use his muscle to help us move crates.
     I think we should set the crates on the perimeter because attacks could come from any angle. We could leave a small space for us to sneak out too between a couple crates. Take note that a lot of these crates are a full 4-5 ft square which would allow us to take full cover possible, giving the less sneaky types an advantage there. I think we put it into a semi random pattern but really like a wall around the outside of the elevator. 2 Crates high in some places. Then we will all have to squeeze in the middle."

I help move the crates into a position around the edges of the elevator, creating a sort of wall around the exterior, but leave a small space for us to sneak through between 1A and 2A.

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:

I stay vigilant while moving crates.

{00:06, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ. 00:06, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 2 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Fri 22 May 2015.

Crates scraped across the wooden floor as the more muscular members of the party pushed them onto the lift. “Let’s put a crate on each corner and then use the lids in between,” Johannes directed. Working together, they put their plan into action, and as the last crate was pushed into place Imbellem spoke, ”Wait, guys, wait. Would if - just hear me out now - would if we made like a fort.” “A fort?” Pyrra commented snidely. “Yea,” Imbellem replied, vigorously nodding his head. “Where we take off the unneeded sides, leaving only the perimeter?” “Yea.” “A fort, seriously?” “Yea.” “How childish.” “Yea!” “Let’s do it.” "Woo!"

His companions all either nodded their consent, shrugged their shoulders, or a lazy combination of the two. Quickly, the group began their work and pried off the all the sides which hindered their movement about the platform until all that remained was a crude wall surrounding the edge. They looked upon their finished creation with satisfaction. In truth, it uncannily resembled a child’s construction with the furniture in his familiy home, but it was the best they build with the material at hand, and with that in mind, they were satisfied. Mikael opened a middle wall, previously a lid, and announced, “All aboard.” Any who were not on the lift then filed onto the platform. “Alright Jacqueline, hit it.” She pulled the lever.

Immediately chains began to move at great speed around the mechanism at the base of the lever, and, with a lurch, the platform started its descent. Accompanying this was a flush of excitement and anxiety amongst the party as they comprehended the magnitude of their action, of entering a pirate stronghold. After a few moments, their heads submerged beneath ground level. Cold stone soon surrounded them on all sides while the platform steadily lowered into the ground. It was apparent that the shaft through which they descended had been specifically built for this lift. For ten feet all was dark; and then, light appeared at the base of the north side, an opening.

Another ten feet down and the platform ceased, settling into place. Stone walls enclosed them on three sides while the north expanded into a massive chamber. The size of this chamber startled the party, for it not only dwarfed the warehouse above in space, but easily encompassed the area of several buildings which stood on the streets above. Crates, boxes, barrels, rolled up carpets, and weapon racks were just a few of the vast assortment of objects in the room. A number of men, six to be precise, had been arranging crates not far from the party, but their work had been interrupted by the sound of the lift, to which they now gave their full attention.

“What the fuck,” a pirate loudly murmured at the sight. Despite a hasty whisper to crouch behind the wooden walls of their fort from Johannes, the occupants of the room were clearly unfooled. It was with dismay that Mikael didn’t see a lever for the lift nearby. The surrounding pirates aimed crossbows at the crude stronghold.

One of their number was very different from the others in terms of appearance, for he wore a lavishly embroidered yellow doublet that even a nobleman would be envious of. He stood at the fore and spoke to toward the interlopers, his voice indicative of intelligence, “Well, you folks are either lost or stupid. Don’t you realize where you are? Come now, let’s not waste time. Weapons down and give up. That, or die.”

[Combat Rounds: Enabled]



[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Sense Motive ~ They aren't acting strangely in anyway aside from Pyrra's frequent glares at Mikael.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:08, Sat 23 May 2015.

I stand up straight. Keeping my spear in hand I rest the end of it on the ground and I address the pirate in yellow. "Of course we realize where we are! They told us this place was in disorder, but I didn't expect this sad excuse! Now put down your weapons. We were sent here to oversee this location and you half-wits for the upcoming events. We were told we would be met up top. When we saw no one in the building, we came down prepared for intruders in fear that we had been compromised here. It looks like you lot are in some need of order." I let out a deep exhale. "Leaving the entrance void of any kind of patrol. Are you all a bunch of fools! What if we had been intruders?" I point with my spear to Johannes. "This is the new lead here. You'd be wise to put down those crossbows."

{14:43, Today: Secret Roll: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 28. Bluff, convincing the pirates we are allies; MQ.}

I keep my self straight to try and show our authority. My right is holding my spear up right on the ground. I try to determine the man in yellow's attitude towards us and if he believes my bluff.
{15:06, Today: Secret Roll: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 22. Sense motive, man in yellow.}

I stay vigilant of my surroundings, looking and listening to everything around me.
{14:44, Today: Secret Roll: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 15. Spot check, inside the stronghold.
14:43, Today: Secret Roll: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 23. Listen check, inside the stronghold; MQ.}

[If my bluff is unsuccessful]
I switch places with Jacqueline.
I kneel or crouch to be fully covered by the barrier.
I assign my dodge to the enemy in F8
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Wed 27 May 2015.

Imbellem contained his shock at the sudden shift in personalities with Mikael, he had never head him talk with such convincing authority. Kinda weird really. Following his lead, He stood up as straight as he could, trying to look a touch crazy as he was standing next to Johannas at the time. Perhaps they would think he was more dangerous than he was based on his standing location and facial expression. Shield and Morningstar in hand, eerie grin across his face, he prepared himself in case of Mikaels amazing speech not going over quite well. He looked at the man with the yellow coat, recognizing him as leader. He looked at Zin in front of him, and then Pyrra behind him, making a swift click and finger flick to symbol for them to switch places in case of attack. Her bow was best utilized along the wall with Jaqueline.

Imbellem touched his finger on the wooden cross on his wrist which hid behind his shield, and said a quiet prayer to himself, "Abba father, the time for battle may be at hand, I ask in your name to defend myself and these good men and women with me, as it says in the 59th chapter of the book of Psalms, 'Deliver me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who would rise against me.' I ask that, should the need arise, you hold the man in yellow if he orders an attack upon us, if he does not, I pray that you allow me the ability to lift my hand toward him, or any who advance upon us to hold them in their place, to keep them from moving, and allow us to remove the head of the serpent to disband his followers... Amen."

His eyes opened again, he he waited to see if the need arised, the man in yellow would be held where he stood.

[Should Mikaels bluff not work, I cast hold person on the man in yellow, take a step back, and kneel down for cover; should bluff be successful, Hold person would be held off until the moment of my choosing]

[Imbellem Tueri rolled 23 using Listen check situational awareness .
Imbellem Tueri rolled 18 using spot check on the men, armor, weapons, fighting prowess.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 using Spot Check on Surroundings.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 using Sense motive man in yellow, believing Mikael]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Tue 26 May 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 31):

Trapper kept himself from rolling his eyes, instead he glared at the sea dogs around him, eyes on the crossbow bolts. His greenish mits gripped his double axe tight, hoping the bluff had worked. He knew they wouldn't have much time to do this...

00:35, Mon 25 May 2015: Adwonus Swillman rolled 12 using 1d20+5 ((7)).(sense motive)

00:36, Mon 25 May 2015: Adwonus Swillman rolled 10 using 1d20+4 ((6)). (spot)

00:37, Mon 25 May 2015: Adwonus Swillman rolled 4 using 1d20+3 ((1)).(listen)
this dice roller hates me lol
I also prepare myself to crouch(for cover) if the bolts start flying.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Tue 26 May 2015.

Lady Jacqueline murmured a prayer under her breath and took a look around. "Yahweh, hu ha Elohim," she whispered Hebrew. She glared, waiting for a signal.

[IF the bluff doesn't work:
1. I want to sneak attack the leader.
2. Ready to switch places with Mikael.]

[Private to Herr Johannes: 21:08, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 21 using 1d20+3. Sense Motive, following Mikael's bluff.
21:07, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Listen Check. (Any other pirates?).
21:07, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Spot Check.
21:30, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Spot Check. Hidden Weapons on others?
21:30, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Search check. A lever to pull us back up?]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Wed 27 May 2015.

I stand at the ready as the elevator is lowered. Taking note of the feet we descended (was it 20ft or 30ft Ryan? I was having a tough time understanding). I speak to myself a recent verse I memorized.



After the words of the pirate in yellow, I am still in a fighting stance and I whisper to the others, "Pyrra, switch with Zin. Zin take my space, I am taking center. Pyrra, send an arrow in that yellow coat's eye if this does not work. Zin switch places with Pyrra if they charge us. Both of you kneel after our counter attack to take cover if this act fails." {see diceroller for diplomacy, natural 20... CORRECTIONS Mechanical language: Zin 5ft step back, ready an action to do what you think is best, Pyrra move to front left, ready an action to (sneak) attack the leader in yellow, if the bluff does not work.} When Mikael speaks I stand up straight and step over to take Imbellem's place, he moves to the back. If necessary, I precede him, forcing him to the back- I am the most important here (playing my part as the aloof officer). I have a displeased angry look on my face. I eye everyone of them with disgust, but also examining all their equipment (see following). I stay my tongue from insulting them or shouting verses while Mikael speaks for me.

If the bluff does not work: I ask for the person in the front left to switch with me if they are melee (like zin) and I draw a javelin, throw it at the leader, and take a knee, preparing for the next attack. I use my remaining move action (if it was a ranged user in the front left square) to ready an action to switch with who ever is in the front left at the time, if we are charged or advanced on with my guisarme still in hand (thus providing a threat 10ft away to stop an advance (or hurt them) If they will not leave the front left square (of our elevator), I will not squeeze with them, and will stay where I am. (if this does not make sense ask me... lol) {CORRECTIONS: I ready an action to draw a torch from Dwalin's/my pack and out it in my belt.}

I stay vigilant of my opponents intents and actions- if they call for reinforcements or attempt to draw a hidden weapon on us, or prepare to attack. This is so I can react as soon as possible, because I am aware of their aggressive action or reinforcements as soon as possible.
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{21:14, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.
21:14, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 21 NAT 20! using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}]

I examine every pirate individually, assessing their class and combat skills, starting with the leader (in yellow), then going 1 by 1 from our, the player's, left on each of the remaining visible pirates.
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{I examine to see what their equipment is (weapons and armour) -as well as- do Knowledge adventure checks - see below}]

I also do my best to look over our enemies for hidden weapons.
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{21:14, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, hidden weapons on pirates; MQ.}

{21:07, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), pirate 5 (right most); MQ.
21:06, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), pirate 4 (right of yellow coat); MQ.
21:05, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), pirate 3 (2 from left); MQ.
21:04, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), pirate 2 (1 from left); MQ.
21:04, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), pirate 1 (left most); MQ.
21:03, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), Yellow Coat leader; MQ.}
]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Wed 27 May 2015.

At only 4'3'', Dwalin can only listen to what is being said, as he isn't even as tall as the crates. He when he hears the pirates voice, he stretches on his toes and lifts himself up the rest of the way with his hands on the top of the crate in an attempt to at least examine the foes. He starts with the pirate at the far left and looks at each one.


05:22, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 18 using 1d20+7. knowledge adventure.
05:22, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 27 using 1d20+7. knowledge adventure.
05:22, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 13 using 1d20+7. knowledge adventure.
05:21, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 15 using 1d20+7. knowledge adveture.
05:21, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 15 using 1d20+7. knowledge adventure.

If the pirates don't believe the bluff, he lowers himself down and takes out his axe. in preparation for a melee attack.

Mikael spoke with a confidence and command that shocked his companions, a drastic change of countenance from the soft-spoken elf they knew. Imbellem looked toward his friend and made a mental note to never get on his bad side. Endowed with a subtle new respect for Mikael, the party devoted their attention to the pirate leader, waiting to see what happened next. His reaction was not what they expected. He was smiling, looking pleased.

“Not bad mate. You’re a man after my own heart - an excellent bluff! Now if you weren’t about to die, I might’ve offered you a job. But come on, at least put a little more effort into it; this is insulting. A wall made of our old crates, heavily armed, clearly ignorant of our ways - you can’t possibly be this stupid? But then again, I suppose you must be for willingly coming onto our turf. O’well. If you survive, come talk to me. Shoot ‘em up boys.”

“They’re not buying it!” cried Adwonus. “Duck!” Hastily, he knelt. Much then happened simultaneously in a few intense seconds. Imbellem’s lips raced with prayer as he tried to step back only to bump into Adwonus, unable to move back farther. Caught in the middle, a wave of concern fell over him as he realized that Dwalin, being so short, didn’t block his view of the pirates at all. On the other hand, he felt a deep and unrivaled satisfaction as he saw the pirate leader prepare to fire his crossbow and never shoot; either the pirate was being hesitant, or his prayers had been answered.

At the same time, Jacqueline fired an arrow at the pirate leader and shot him square in the head {Critical Hit ~ 18 Dmg.}. Thrilled at her shot, she swapped places with Mikael who immediately crouched and took shelter behind the wall. Next to him was Dwalin who held his axe at the ready.

Pyrra and Zinvaris, seeing the need for better positions, changed places with each other, dashing past Herr Johannes who had pulled out one of his javelins. And then came the wave of bolts.

The crossbows all sang as they launched a fleet of bolts toward the party, barely visible as they speeded toward them. A couple thudded into the wooden fortress, the wall serving its purpose {P3 misses Imbellem; P5 misses Pyrra}. But several sailed overhead and into the limbs of party members {P1 deals 6 Dmg to Jacqueline; P2 deals 10 Dmg to Imbellem; P6 deals 7 Dmg to Pyrra}. Only the pirate leader didn’t fire. Although he held his crossbow to his shoulder and aimed at them, he strangely continued remaining still.

Adrenaline ran high.



[Private to Mikael Vaeltaja: Mikael
Sense Motive ~ Safe to say he didn’t buy it. This guy seemed to be uncannily familiar with such deceptions.]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem
Examine ~ P2, P3, and P5, the men closest to the Pirate Leader, all wore leather armor and held large crossbows; they had longswords on their belts. P1 and P6 however wore no armor at all, one being in a vest, and held smaller crossbows; they had long thin swords on their belts. The Pirate Leader wore a yellow doublet (of which you were very envious) and possibly some padding beneath it. Aside from his crossbow, he had a long thin sword at his side.]

[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Adwonus
Sense Motive ~ Safe to say he didn’t buy it. This guy seemed to be uncannily familiar with such deceptions.]

[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: Jacqueline
Sense Motive ~ Safe to say he didn’t buy it. This guy seemed to be uncannily familiar with such deceptions.
Spot Check ~ You don’t see a lever nearby. Odd. There must be one somewhere!]

[Private to Herr Johannes: Herr Johannes
Spot Check ~ You randomly notice that many of the nearby crates have been recently brought here, especially the ones closest to the elevator.
Knowledge Adventure ~ The Pirate Leader, who appeared very difficult, was a Swashbuckler. P3 was a Fighter and handled his crossbow very well. P6 was a Rogue and held his crossbow uncomfortably. Both appeared challenging.
Examine ~ P2, P3, and P5, the men closest to the Pirate Leader, all wore leather armor and held large crossbows; they had longswords on their belts. P1 and P6 however wore no armor at all, one being in a vest, and held smaller crossbows; they had long thin swords on their belts. The Pirate Leader wore a yellow doublet (of which you were very envious) and possibly some padding beneath it. Aside from his crossbow, he had a long thin sword at his side.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin
Knowledge Adventure ~ The Pirate Leader was a Swashbuckler, very difficult in rating, and was surrounded by three fighters: P2, P3, and P5. These men were challenging. P1 however was a rogue, also challenging. P2 was an open book to you. Fighter, level 4, he was specialized in crossbow and longsword, carrying both; no doubt we was able to reload quickly and shoot precisely when needed.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:40, Wed 27 May 2015.

    Imbellem looked Stood in shock for a moment, not quite sure what had happened. He had felt something nudge him slightly during the barrage of bolts from the crossbows. He lowered his arms, which he quickly flung up to his cover his face when he noticed a rather unpleasant sensation in the meat of his left shoulder. He looked down and noticed a bolt had taken up residence in the clerics arm. He stumbled for a moment as he saw the blood begin to pool around the entrance wound 'not yet, no shock, hold it off' Imbellem thought to himself as his legs began to buckle, using his adjacent arm, he reached behind his shoulder, he felt the tip of sharp metal now coated in his blood, sending a cold shiver down his spine as the pain shot though him like lighting causing him to wince loudly and bear his teeth. Lucky for him, the bolt had made a clean shot though and didnt hit bone or vital muscles. But even so, the pain was extraordinary. He stumbled to a knee trying to ward off the shock for as long as he could, lest he pass out at a bad time. The foggy sounds were broken as he heard a voice behind him, "Ah shit, they got you" Adwonus said in an unpleasantly dry tone.

   Imbellem snapped back into reality. "Heh, yeah, its not so bad though, reminds me of the last time I got shot actually." he said with a chuckle, shock passing and pain beginning to take hold. "Oh yeah? and how did that one feel?" the orc-blood asked with a joking tone. "Sucked then, sucks now." Imbellem said, shaking his head quickly. As he shook, he noticed the hunter, he was wounded, by the looks of it for quite some time too. "Woah hold on, what happened to you? Youre more wounded than i am and i literally JUST got shot!" Adwonus huffed, not wanting to admit his state out of pride and perhaps a touch a stubborness. "I have an idea" Imbellem said, drawing the trappers attention, "How about I heal you a touch, and you run out there and give the charming fellow whos bolt this belongs to my reguards." Large sharp teeth gleamed in the torchlight with a smile, "I think I could do that for you" He responded with a grin. Imbellem placed his hand on the trapper, the wooden cross fell and began to dangle in front of the green face, who looked up with a raised eyebrow. "Just shut up and let me do this, youll thank The Lord later when youre not dead." Adwonus chuckeled again and lowered his head slightly.

  "Abba father, With just one touch from your Almighty hand, You have healed the sick and raised the dead. How amazing is your rule over all on earth. How powerful is your love. By your great sacrifice you bring us hope and forgiveness. By your stripes, i ask for the healing of this man. As I stand in the crimson blood you have shed for all, I thank you for your gift given to him, and thank you for your overflowing wellspring of life, health, peace and happiness.
amen."


  With a thick pat on the shoulder the cleric nodded at the trapper, who held his axe just a bit tighter. "Now if you dont mind, I think id like to sit a moment, catch my wind. Ill join you in battle shortly" Imbellem said with a smile as he turned to witness the actions of the others. "you wish, youre not getting out of this, aid the attack you lazy man. You only got shot, you're not dead" Pyrra dryly, but with a hint of intensity verbally jabbed toward Imbellem. He looked up to her, and noticed a small trail of blood beginning to drip down her arm. Figuring it was best to not argue with an injured, and incredibly temperamental elf, who also happened to be a woman. He had learned his lesson in the past not to argue with a grumpy, slightly injured elf woman. Imbellem firmly grasped his morningstar. "Well, cant argue with that can I? Just Be sure to not shoot me in the back... Seriously though. Please dont." Pyrra exhaled deeply as imbellem chuckled to himself, weapon and shield ready for action. He loosened the wooden cross from under his cloak letting it dangle as the cleric offered a simple prayer of protection for those he fought with and for their safety, "The light of God surrounds us, The love of God enfolds us, The power of God protects us, The presence of God watches over us..."

[Imbellem Tueri rolled 13 using 1d8+5 Heal light wounds on Adwonus. As optimally as we can get out into the battle field, I move after the archers have fired to J6 via G3-G4-H5-I5-J5-J6, Mace and Shield prepared]

[Private to DM Ryan: Ryan, in my post where it said I knelt down, it was purely storytelling, not an action. Hope this clears any problems up]

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Herr Johannes; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
Imbellem Tueri rolled 18 Heal check on man in yellow status of injury
Imbellem Tueri rolled 22 Heal check on self status of injury.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 14 Heal check on Pyrras status of injury.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7  Heal check on Jaquelines status of injury.

Imbellem Tueri rolled 14 Listen check situational awareness.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 20 Spot check situational awareness.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Fri 29 May 2015.

The moment Mikael leaves the fort, Jacqueline steps back (to H3), pulling her arrow tightly. Glaring down at the leader, she looses the arrow to fly foward into its target (sneak attack, as he's being hel). Watching her party leave, she slides the door shut. She crouches down, pulling another arrow out in preparation for the next turn.


[Private to Herr Johannes:

20:01, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 6 using 1d6. Damage.
20:00, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Hide check. Behind the door. NATURAL 20.
19:59, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 8 using 2d6. Damage.
19:50, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Attack roll. Hitting leader.

Total of 15 damage. I forgot a +1.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Fri 29 May 2015.

{in Progress}
https://youtu.be/774YtS6iqT0?t=40m25s

     I try to walk to the center, but I bump into Imbellem. Just as this happens a wave of bolts is loosed in our direction, I quickly turn away as the bolts pass by or are stopped by wall or compatriot. I see a bolt protrude from Imbellem's shoulder and graze Jacqueline's arm. The tip is still clean, before blood has begun to run down it "Enough of this bluff!" I often find bluffs to be foriegn, a custom not native to my homeland, where battle, as gruesome as it is, has a sort of order to it. I have noticed in these foreign lands that rules of war are different... rather to be more accurate, the 'real world' has shown me that rules in war are often discarded. Is there place for rules in war? Is that where honor lies? I ponder to myself these events which make me assess the codes of chivalry in the face of absolute depravity and vile deceit and evil. Where is the place for truth and honor in war... I decide later is better to ponder these ideals.

I see around me those who are depending on me, my brothers and sisters, 'he who stands with me shall be my brother...' - I see the wounds and blood, I see the chaos about me, my friends in danger, our disorder - they are trusting me, they are risking their life upon their trust of me.
I know what I must do.
     My blood begins to heat, my heart beats strong, I know my purpose...

"AND THEY SHALL KNOW NO FEAR! STEEL YOURSELVES MEN AND WOMEN OF THE CROSS!"

My voice begins to bark orders almost without my effort. The orders pour forth directing the course of the violence to stay back the onslaught of evil. FURY courses through my veins at the sight of my freinds injuries. The words from the pirate leader are like chaff in the wind to my ears. I stand up straight and speak confidently:
 "MY GOD IS THE GOD WHO SAVES!
    THE SOVEREIGN LORD HAS RESCUES ME FROM DEATH! REBUKE THE WICKED AND MOCKER O LORD, LET THEM NOT PROSPER BEFORE THEE! HE COMMANDS HIS ANGELS CONCERNING ME, MY ENEMIES COME AT ME ONE WAY, BUT FLEE BEFORE ME 7 WAYS, EVEN THE MEMORY OF MY ENEMIES WILL BE ERASED! BURN HERETIC!"

I observe the leader frozen as he was about to fire- the Lord has given us the advantage! "THE BATTLE IS THE LORDS!"

I shout to my friends over the sound of battle:
"QUICKLY, WHILE THEY RELOAD! WE ACT!
PYRRA! LOOSE A VOLLEY UPON THEIR LEADER {P4} let them PAY FOR YOUR WOUND, AND SLIDE OPEN THE DOOR, WE ARE GOING IN!
DWALIN! let loose your warrior spirit, it is time, the talking is over, let the battle begin, charge and knock over that scum to the right of the leader {P5} on my order-
MIKAEL! Trap that pirate to the left {P1} CHARGE!!
JACQUELINE! SHOOT THAT YELLOW COAT AGAIN {P4}! DON'T STOP UNTIL IT IS OVER!
IMBELLEM, heal Adwonus and follow us out- that wound will have to wait. Make sure that little man to the right {P6} DOES NOT FLANK US.
ADWONUS you and ZIN put the squeeze on these archers! ADWONUS, attack the man left of the enemy leader! ZIN get through this line and position yourself behind them, move past the leader, he cannot move!
I will show that leader who we are.
FOLLOW ME!"

I hear the arrow loosed, the door is slid open. The warriors pour forth like burning lava upon our foes, consuming the wicked!

"ON ME! CHARGE CHARGE! CHARGE!
GAAAAAAAAA!"

{Exact order of things:
Remember to include in your post what precedes your action that you do- i.e. what you do it after. Ex: After Pyrra opens the gate I ...
1. PYRRA: sneak attack the leader {P4}, Slide open the 'door' (crates in front of Dwalin), kneel back in your square {F3} and take full cover to prepare for next round...
2. MIKAEL: stand from kneeling and move to D6 via the path G3-G4-F5-E5-D5-D6, don't forget to assign your dodge (to P1 likely) and have your weapon drawn.
3. JACQUELIN: shoot the yellow leader {P4} with your bow for a sneak attack, don't forget the +1 from under 30 ft :) ... after we exit the strong point your orders will continue ...
4. HERR JOHANNES: I Drop my Javelin. I then move to H6 via G3-G4-H4-H5-H6 and I attack the yellow leader with max power attack - see rolls below.
5. DWALIN: CHARGE P5, knock him over if you can, make sure your charge ends in G7 so you don't block Jacqueline's subsequent arrows. Also, add any knowledge adventure checks you missed- 1 pirate right? (Dwalin can go before Mikael, only if he does not provide cover to the pirate leader for Jacqueline's arrow)
6. IMBELLEM: cast cure light wounds on Adwonus and move after the archers have fired to J6 via G3-G4-H5-I5-J5-J6.
7. ADWONUS: Stand from kneeling and move to F7 via G2-G3-G4-F5-F6-F7. (You are providing a threat for AoO for now and covering Mikael until you can use a full attack next round)
8. ZINVARUS: Move to F9 via G2-G3-G4-G5-G6-G7-G8-G9-F9 (Double move, with a tumble check) or if P5 is prone and you think it is less dangerous, leap over him and move to the same space. you know more about tumbling - just don't forget that if P5 is prone, you could avoid attack better, and their crossbows are out, thus they don't really threaten any squares around them- or if they do it is with an improvised melee, unless quickdraw allows you to draw a weapon not on your turn, which seems illegal... Do what you have to get to F9. Do more if your discretion warrants it, but be in F9 by the end of your turn! We need the flank and threatened squares.
9. JACQUELINE CONTINUED: close the crate door by sliding it shut again, then kneel and take full cover to prepare for the next round.}

I stay aware of my surroundings as well as I can during the battle to understand what is going on, that I might direct our course of actions.
[Private to GM: {23:51, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.
23:51, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}]

I move to H6 as specified above and attack the leader.
[Private to GM:
AR: 1d20 +(4 BA) +(2 STR) -(4 PWR ATK) = +2
DMG: 2d4 +(3 STR(2 Handed)) +(8 PWR ATK) = 2d4+11]
{23:51, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 [Private to GM: using 2d4+11]. DMG on Yellow Leader (P4); MQ.
23:48, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 17 using [Private to GM: 1d20+2]. AR against Yellow Leader (P4); MQ.}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Fri 29 May 2015.

I look away from the man in yellow back to the group. "So maybe I'm not as quite as intimidating as I thought I was. Ah well, to battle!"

Once the gate is opened I ready my spear in hand and stand from my position. I move into position to pirate 1 to the space D6. Taking the route G3-G4-F5-E5-D5-D6. Approaching pirate 1 I shout, "You are mine!".

{I also assign my dodge to P1.}
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Fri 29 May 2015.

In reply to Mikael Vaeltaja (msg # 40):

Trapper leapt up from his crouched position, invigorated by the healing. Hadn't experienced magic in a long while. He dug the rush. The half orc grinned a bit, relishing the chance to do some damage without any complications. He charged up (to f7) spinning his double sided axe to build up momentum for a powerful stroke. He rushed passed the others through the little opening, saying no words. Instead he focused a moment on the stunned and hit pirate.
22:34, Thu 28 May 2015: Adwonus Swillman rolled 20 using 1d20+6 ((14)) heal check
(if the guy is dead, I shout to the archers, that he is)
Trapper soon closed the distance between him and the bowmen. He'd had enough of arrows lately.

Dwalin surprisingly holds his axe to the side and instead raises his shield high in front if him. His runs towards the pirate to the leaders left and thrusts his shield into him.

00:21, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 21 using 1d20+3. trip if attack is successful .
00:19, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 11 using 1d20+9. attack on P5.( I used the wrong bonus it's actually +9)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Fri 29 May 2015.

Once the gate was opened, the adventurers flooded onto the battlefield while arrows hailed over them in a mighty blitzkrieg; Johannes shouted an endless stream of battlecries as they charged. Pyrra and Jacqueline, releasing simultaneously, shot two arrows straight into the chest of the pirate leader {Pyrra deals 17 Dmg to P4; Jacqueline deals 15 Dmg to P4}. Immediately they took cover behind the wooden walls, and once the last adventurers exited, sealed shut their personal fortress. Pleased with her own shot, Jacqueline was on the verge of congratulating her co-archer. But then she remembered who she was.

As the arrows struck, Dwalin uttered a roar and charged toward the pirates like an angered rhinoceros; he was an intimidating sight to behold. Once close enough he thrust his shield outward in a powerful manner, a blow that’d take any man off his feet, but the pirate toward whom he aimed hastily staggered out of reach {Dwalin misses P5}. With an impressive grace, Zinvaris then dashed past Dwalin, past the pirate leader, and spun into position behind the enemy line. Herr Johannes followed close behind and closer still with his guisarme which he swung toward the immobile pirate leader. With satisfaction and some surprise, he cut off his head {Herr Johannes deals 16 Dmg to P4}. As though freed from some grip, the lifeless body collapsed on the ground.

While Adwonus joined the front line, Imbellem and Mikael engaged separate enemies on the edges of the fray. The group was now fully engaged with the pirates, and the sound of weapons filled the room. One pirate (P2), confounded by the fact he was suddenly surrounded, foolishly fired his crossbow {P2 deals 10 Dmg to Adwonus}, and was instantly met with retribution {AoO: Adwonus deals 8 Dmg to P2; AoO: Zinvaris deals 3 Dmg to P2}. Whether or not it was deliberate or from the pain, he dropped his crossbow and stumbled backward, pulling out a longsword while doing so. At the same time, another pirate (P1) also tossed his crossbow aside. He then pulled out a long thin sword with deadly swiftness and closed in behind Adwonus, cutting him across the back {P1 deals 11 Dmg to Adwonus}. To Mikael’s consternation, he moved with such agility that there was no opportunity to stop him.

Center of the fight, two pirates (P3 and P5) watched their leader between them fall. Apparently they were used to seeing death, for they scarcely batted an eye at their headless comrade; one even snorted a brief chuckle. Together, they stepped back and fired their crossbows straight ahead. Although Dwalin was only grazed, Herr Johannes took a bolt to the knee {P3 deals 2 Dmg to Dwalin; P5 deals 11 Dmg to Herr Johannes}. Both visibly reloaded their crossbows.

With a look of apprehension at the battle in the center, the last pirate (P6) tumbled away from Imbellem and disappeared around a large stack of crates.

It was at this time the party heard a faint laugh from Mikael, humored by some irony. He spoke, “Hey guys, I found the lever for the lift. It was just over here behind this stupid crate!”

The battle raged on.


_{(Note: Triangle in lower left corner indicates a crossbow on the ground.)}

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem
Heal Check ~ No doubt the man in yellow is dead. Pyrra is injured. Jacqueline is Barely Injured. Imbellem is Barely Injured. See Game Mechanics to learn what these statuses indicate.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin
Knowledge Adventure (Nat. 20) ~ P6 was a level 4 Rogue, challenging, with some skill in light weapons. Undoubtedly he could draw a sword with deadly swiftness it he needed to.]

[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Adwonus
Heal Check ~ The pirate leader was Near Death after the two arrows pierced his chest. Herr Johannes dealt the killing blow.]

"There is nothing more powerful than the hearts of men." ~ Sir Rysan


[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Adwonus poked the fire with a stick, and a thin whorl of smoke rose out. A crab sizzled on a big stone atop the wood; Adwonus had caught the crab himself and was proud of the fact. His mother squatted next to the fire. "Need more stick wood," she uttered. Adwonus, eager to please, then bound like a small fawn into the nearby jungle. Inside the dense verdure, the sky was completely hidden beneath a bright green canopy. Vines draped over the trees and between branches like spiderwebs. It was through this that Adwonus, frequently pushing aside leaves bigger than himself, searched for dry sticks along the forest floor.

Voices suddenly echoed through the thicket, yips and yells that weren't far away. Adwonus perked his head. They sounded like Kanui battlecries. The young half-orc set down what sticks he'd gathered and sprinted toward the sounds, but approaching at an angle from which he might best avoid being seen. Even though he was a child, Adwonus rarely felt afraid, and so curiosity dominated his decision-making at times when fear would, and perhaps should, have led him otherwise. Hearing the sounds were close, he climbed up a nearby tree with the speed and adeptness of a monkey, a well-practiced skill for inhabitants of the island lest they be caught by wild beasts. Finding natural holds along the bough of the tree, Adwonus made quick work in reaching the upper branches. From here he could see a portion of the sky through the canopy; plumes of smokes rose in the direction of the village.

Realizing the danger and with thoughts turning to the safety of his mother, Adwonus was on the verge of climbing down from his post when he caught sight of tribesmen running through the lush jungle and drawing close to his tree. He froze in place, immobile like a sleeping panther, even though he doubted they would see him this high up. In times like this his green skin was a boon, for he easily blended in with the large tropical leaves of the canopy. However none of the tribesmen bothered to look up and appeared desperately more concerned for their own safety, sprinting away from the village in haste, and some unseen danger.

From the trees behind them, nets and bolos were flung towards the tribesmen, and almost all found their target. Of the ten or so Adwonus had seen, only one escaped his net and continued running toward the cliffs, shamefully leaving his companions behind. Not that he could've helped them, for armored men appeared from the trees in hasty pursuit, having chased them thus far. Adwonus wouldn't understand what he was looking at for years to come. The metal breastplates they wore were entirely new to him, and he immediately assumed it to be their skin. The scene reminded Adwonus of a tribal hunt. Wasting no time, the armored men seized their human prey and bound them with ropes, the same way a tribeman bound a boar.

Suddenly, one of the tribesmen escaped his bonds having cut himself free with a knife. Leaping to his feet he must've known there was no escape, for he then ran at one the armored men crying the battlecry of the Kanui and waving his knife in the air. This only lasted a few moments. When the tribesman reached his foe, the stranger pulled out a sword (the largest knife Adwonus had yet seen) and cut him down instantly.

More tightly Adwonus gripped the branch of his tree and closed his eyes, naively hoping Gurkle would come and protect him.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin groaned, more out of annoyance than agony. The end of a long, crude arrow stuck out of his leg. The feathers were made from some tropical bird, and compared to dwarven arrows, it was terrible quality. But Dwalin supposed it hurt all the same – he could testify to that. Gripping the shaft, he unceremoniously plucked the arrow out of his thigh. Dwalin momentarily scoffed at the rough stone they used as an arrow head. Realizing the absurdity of his commentary, he then mentally scolded himself, "Only a dwarf would judge craftsmenship while being attacked. . ."

And indeed he was being attacked. Voices yipped and howled near him; not speech, but high-pitched battlecries. Bushes rustled as a number of humans ran through the jungle thicket, moving much faster through the forest than Dwalin ever could. Dwalin ran anyway. He shoved aside vines and brush and forcefully pushed his way through. He wasn't entirely certain what direction he was headed now, but that mattered little – it was opposite of the people behind him.

An arrow flew over his shoulder. He glanced back. Yelling, yipping like dogs, the group of humans behind him looked tribal and primitive. They wore little more than loin cloths, perhaps only compensated and the red and gray paint all over their bodies. Many had body piercings, done with bones, rocks, and more scarcely metal. Some had piercings on parts of the body Dwalin never realized could be pierced. All his life, he'd only know the humans of Feldauris to the southwest, and those of Cathyria in the north, and they were plain as plain could be. This was something bizarre.

Dwalin pushed aside a leaf as large as he was. His breath was thin, heavy – between the heat and his short legs, he was already exhausted. Realizing that running wasn't a realistic option, Dwalin pulled out his axe and spun to face his pursuers. "Let's see how they do against a real weapon." The savage natives howled louder as they saw their prey giving up and charged toward him with spears. Dwalin met the first to reach him with the head of his axe, the dwarven way of saying hello.]