IN Character Chat :

Ludwig: "I'm gettin' too old for this."

Herr Johannes: "Hehe, Ah, so used to galavant like this I assume master Ludvig?"

"Yep, ve made it indeed Jacqueline, here to rescue you from certain death, made our way into the fortress.  All the way to you.  All clearly part of the plan. Hehe"
"So how wide is the tower anyways, and what am I wearing, it is so dark I can't even see my own clothing or equipment, did they take my belt?  Here someone check!" I chuckle to myself."

"But seriously, don't worry all, I am sure things will work out."

"Is there a window from this tower?  Has to be an arrow loop somewhere around here? That way we can keep an eye on the fiends, or perhaps rain silent justice on them from here?  Eh my expert archer friend?  Or are you retired?" {To Jacqueline} I wink at her in jocular levity.

Jacqueline: "You could say I'm retired, since they took my bow!"

Ludwig: "This place couldn't be more than 15 ft. across I'd think. Not the roomiest place for this many people. Things are gonna get hard when someone has to use the latrine!"

Jacqueline: "There's a couple arrow slits 20 ft. up. You can't really see them now cause it's night, but they're there."

Herr Johannes: "Nonsense Ludvig, I am sure I could pee out that arrow slit from down here..." I laugh heartily.

To Jacqueline: "Well, I guess we will have to find your bow to bring you out of retirement!"

"20 ft up?  That is quite a ways, how far up is the open hatch up there would you say?  Maybe one of us could use the old holes in the wall where the stairway was to climb up the wall?  Maybe if we make a tower of people part of the way that would help?  What is the surface of this wall like?  How hard do you think it is to climb?"
"So how have you been since Brant knocked you out Jacqueline?   I had seriously hoped he did not just poison you, but thought with finding Ludvig it was unlikely he did that to you.  How well did you know Brant before this?"

Ludwig: "You ask far too many questions at once. I already forgot everything you said before the last!"

Jacqueline: "I didn't know Brant at all, obviously. I was with you and the others, remember? But he has at least some sense of courtesy - gave me this nice little room, didn't make my manacles too tight, and didn't see the hairpin I use as a lock pick! So I'd say I'm doing alright."

Herr Johannes: "Hehe!  Getting to much for you Ludvig?!  Don't tell me now this is too much for you!" I reply to Ludvig jokingly.

"Well, after the revolt was resolved, I knew we had some free time for ourselves and thought you might have met him in that time.
Wow, how courteous of the betrayer.  I mean this room is nice and high up.  Ah, get your manacles undone already?  Maybe one of you could help me with the ropes on my hands?
Yes, I suppose they were not all bad to us, leaving my armor on and also leaving the knife in my boot."  I mention to Jacqueline quietly with a smile of smugness.

Jacqueline: "They're not off yet," she said as she took the hairpin out of her auburn hair. "I didn't want to do it too soon. It would have been awkward if they came in and found my manacles off, you know? Give me a couple minutes."

{Jacqueline: Take 20 Open Lock = 27 ~ Success. The manacles clicked open.}

Jacqueline: "The door to this thing can only be opened from the outside, and though I'm pretty agile, I'm not much of a climber. Do you think you or Hadric could climb your way out of here? You might have to take you armor off for this one."

Ludwig: "The walls are rough, like you'd expect of such an old place. Though climbing might not be too hard for a young lad, 30 ft. is a long ways to go." He sighed. "Sure wish I could cast a spell or two."

Herr Johannes: "Hmm, could one of you help me and Sir Hadric with our ropes first?  The knife is in my right boot."

"Make that, could Jacqueline help me with these ropes?  Since her hands are free it seems the safest.

Hehe, that is true about the manacles.  But now with us all here, I even think we would have a reasonable chance if we all ganged up on the guard when he cme to get us, assuming they do that soon.  I actually think Jaqueline would be best with the knife, hitting them where it hurts {sneak attack} while Sir Hadric and I keep them occupied or even grapple them in an attempt to keep them from speaking.  Are there any rocks on the floor in here or loose stones, that would help with knocking them out.

Hmm wait..., they left my gauntlets on even!  It hurts quite a bit to get punched in the face with a steel gauntlet you know.

Don't you have a pair on as well Sir Hadric?"  I whisper in hushed tones with the others.

Jacqueline: "On it," she said as she freed you from your binds.


This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sat 01 Apr 2017.

Character Chat Continued:

Herr Johannes: "Thanks!" I whisper.

"Hmm," I sigh to myself questioning:
"I did just realize something, what good is it if one of us climbs up to the opening then has to leap over to the opening and climbs out?  Like towers are made to have one entrance typically.  How would we get from the top of the tower to the interior of the castle where someone could unlock the door for us.

Also, I might be good at climbing, but Jacqueline is the one who can pick locks, or was this door locked in another way from the outside?"

I examine the door, "I wonder how difficult it would be to destroy this door?  If it is pretty old, we might be able to force it open, did anyone see what they use to keep if shut on the other side?"

"I believe Sir Hadric would be best suited for this climb if we are to undertake it.  {Due to his higher speed and higher strength}.  Also, to a limited height, we could help catch you if you fall or you might be able to catch yourself if you are agile enough {actually strength and jump skill}.  Also, even if the room is 20 ft, your feet would only get to be 13.5 ft up or so, since your head is not going to be against the ceiling I would think, which is still high, but not bad."

Post Actions:

I take my knife back from Lady Jacqueline and cut Hadric's bonds.
I examine the door, seeing how hard it would be to destroy it or what the mechanism holding it shut is like.  Could I pop the pin out of the hinges with my knife?

"Hadric, if you climb, tell us what you see outside the tower.  We will keep a guard by the door.  Jacqueline, could you keep an ear out for any guards coming closer?  I also think you should take this knife, stick it in the ribs of anyone who attacks, I will flank them with you, with my gauntlets." {and you sneak attack them}

I hand my knife back to Jacqueline and ready an attack against the first enemy through that door after completing my other tasks.  "I suggest you ready an attack against the first enemy through the door as well Jacqueline, unless you have something better to do?"

"Oh by the way Jacqueline, did you have any hidden weapons you forgot about on you as well?"

"We should try to get out of here soon for the councilors sake."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Mon 03 Apr 2017.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 49):

Hadric looked around, a bit bewildered at the array of events. He fondled the dagger in his hand, helm expressionless as ever. "Ill go take a peak through the murder holes." he said, sliding the knife in his belt and beginning his armored climb.

22:46, Today: Hadric rolled 10 using 1d20+6 ((4)).

if i have time, I choose to take a 10(16) on my check.

Stars shone through the square-opening in the ceiling, like a window into the universe. To an astrologer, the glistening constellations might have held some esoteric meaning, a enigmatic clue to their futures, but to prisoners confined with a crumbling tower, they meant light. Although it wasn't much light, the stars at least gave them a dim, black-and-white version of the world around them, as though they had stepped into another dimension entirely.

As though yearning for those same stars, Hadric stepped before the wall, gazing upward, and began to climb. Yet, beneath all his armor, he had a difficult time. Gripping a rough stone, he pulled himself up, trying to find places for the toes of his steel boats, but he slipped soon after and landed hard on his back.

"Are you okay?" asked Jacqueline worriedly.

Hadric grunted, both in reply to Jacqueline and venting his own frustration. Breathing in deeply, he lifted himself off the ground and tried again, but the challenge did not get any easier. For the first three minutes, it didn't seem like he was getting anywhere, climbing up five or ten feet only to slide back down again. It wasn't until after substantial practice and learning a few special places to put his feet that managed to climb any higher, taking the party almost by surprise when he made the 20 ft. to the arrowslit in the wall. There he gazed out into the courtyard of the fortress.

quote:

Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Hadric, rolled Xd20 with rolls of 17,14,16,10,13,15,10,16,3,3,7,2,10,11,20,6,18,3. Climb Checks.

"What do you see?" said Ludwig in a hushed voice.

"Come back down first and tell us," added Johannes. "Slowly now."

Nodding (though the gesture was lost in the darkness), Hadric began to lower himself downward, retracing his steps, but only made it halfway before he slipped yet again. However, through a stroke of luck, he managed to land on his feet before collapsing onto his side, avoiding damage from the fall.



After they had helped him up, Johannes asked, "So what's out there?"

"Not much," replied Hadric in a gruff voice. "Two men on walls, separate. Nobody else. All in the tents I think, probably a sleep. Everything's dark. I don't think we'll see anyone til morning."

"I see," murmured Johannes.

While Hadric laid to rest from his exertion, Johannes went up to the door and examined it. It was made of a dark, heavy wood, definitely a recent addition to the ruin; and the hinges were not easy to get to. Clearly, the bandits had some idea that this door would be used to protect something valuable, whether it was loot or, as in this case, people. Even so, he guessed that if he and Hadric worked together, perhaps they'd be able to break it down, but probably not without attracting every bandit in the fortress. Johannes glanced back at the small narrow room they shared, their lack of weapons, their lack of escape, and did not like the odds in that scenario.

He glanced up at the opening in the ceiling.

"If only we could get Jacqueline to the outside somehow. If I remember right, they had a padlock on the outside. . . If only she could get out there to pick that. . ."

"Even if we do get out of here," said Ludwig, "There's still the bandits to worry about. I don't think we could take them all at once. Is there someway we could catch them where their numbers don't matter so much?"

"Or we take out Brant," suggested Jacqueline. "These bandits are deserters, right? Cowards. Without their leader, who's to say they'll keep their wits?"

"There's also the gap in the wall," muttered Hadric. "We could just get what's ours and escape through there."

"Good ideas, from all of you," replied Johannes.

He took a moment to contemplate hard.

"Hmm. . . I think I've got a plan. . ."

IN Character Chat :

Herr Johannes: "If everyone appears to be away or asleep at this time, I think it is best we get out of this tower now.  From the size of the tents you described it makes me wonder where everyone is sleeping?  Likely some are sleeping in the same tent as the councilor.

It seems strange that this door is so difficult to unhinged from the inside, I thought they would have left them within to protect the stuff inside from the outside.  Hmm, regardless, I think our best option is to get Jacqueline outside to undo the lock, and if a guard comes near, she might be able to slit his throat with help from one of us.  She could very likely slit the throat of those sleeping.

I do think we could get Jacqueline out the top if I stood on Hadric's shoulders and then Jacqueline climbed up the human ladder.

What do you all think?"

Jacqueline: "I'd rather not slit anyone's throat unless I had no choice. But as for getting out of here, I wouldn't trust myself to make the rest of the way to the top. . . Hmm. . . Do you think Hadric could carry me?"


Herr Johannes: "Hmm, does anyone still have their packs?  Or equipment belts or sword belts or any belts of any kind?  We could probably make an improvised rope and use that Jacqueline!  That way Hadric could climb up then hook it to something or hold it while we climb up, which is a lot easier."

"What does everyone have on them?  We could even use cloaks or coats to make this improvised rope"

{This is a serious question, do we still have any of our equipment Ryan?  You said they only took our weapons, does that mean I have my pack on me still or my belt of equipment or even my sword belt, (but without a sword now).  A typical sword belt is over 6 ft long.}
{Probably was unclear, but my question above was a tongue in cheek question to the dm}


Ludwig: "Oh, right. Yea, you seem to have all your things and clothes - just no weapons by the look of it. Guess they wanted to hurry off to bed."

"Woah, it is pretty dark in here, so dark it was hard to tell what I had on my back.

Well, in that case we should be set!

Did you have your pack as well Jacqueline?!

What do you have in your pack Sir Hadric?  Any rope?!"

7:32 pm
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:34, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

I search through my pack expectantly for a rope or other useful climbing tools...
finding only 2 torches, some chalk, a hammer and a blanket, but not a rope, grappling hook, or pitons.

{NOTE: Standard issue equipment includes (from the vault page):
Backpack
Bedroll
Blanket
Candle
Case, Map/Scroll
Case, Wooden
Flint and Steel
Fishing Line & Hook
Flask
Hammer
Mug, Clay/Metal
Parchment
Pouch
Rag
Ration
Sack
Sealing Wax
Sewing Needle & Thread
Soap
Toothbrush
Torch
Waterskin
Whetstone}

"Hmph, I guess I moved my rope and grappling hook to my horse or had others carrying them.  Drat!"

"Didn't you have some on you originally Jacqueline?"  I look around her for her pack hopefully.  "Was there any equipment they left on you of use perhaps? like especially a rope and grappling hook?"

What about you Sir Hadric? have any rope on you coincidentally?"

"Regardless, if everyone has at least their standard issue equipment that would give us 2 to 4 blankets and those could be tied together, and a hammer used as a hook to secure above by its hook being wedged in some part above.  Also, if we do not have enough blankets, I have 3 belts on me.  My sword belt is over 6 ft long, plus about this 5 ft one for my cloak and 4ft one for my equipment.  Add to that the straps on our backpacks possibly.

Thus, I think Hadric should take off his armor and climb to the top with the improvised belt and hook in hand.  Climb out the hatch as quietly as possible and secure the hook or even just hold the rope (LAY ON THE TOP OF THE TOWER, DO NOT STAND).  After that I will lift Jacqueline to the rope if it does not reach, like have her sit on my shoulders and then push her up as long as I can while she climbs.  After she gets to the top she could wait until the guard passes and climb down the tower to the walkway on the wall, use the rope if necessary, or better yet, if the rope is long enough, just use the rope to climb down right to the ground.  Make sure you watch the guards movement and do it on the opposite side of the tower as where they are at.  Hadric can hold the rope while she climbs and then pull it back up after she is on the ground and keep it out of their view, maybe drop it down to us in the tower so we can immediately begin taking it apart and put it back in our packs, if he thinks he can climb down the tower's outside to the top of the wall without being seen.   Then Jacqueline picks the lock on the door and we are free!  We might need her to go get our stuff back too being she is the quietest.

However, 1 step at a time, but we are best off getting out of this at night, while most are asleep.

If we could kill the guards on the wall that would really help, if anyone know how we could do that quietly."

My actions follow what I suggest above:
1. Search my pack, and all others with us, if Hadric minds, he needs to search it himself.
2. I make an improvised rope if I do not find an actual one and
3. ask Hadric to climb up with it after taking off enough armor to stop the penalty from climbing, leave on the helm if you want.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

Crickets chirped steadily in the night, a symphony of nature that traveled from the distant woods, danced over the pond in echoes, and wove its way into the cold, stone tower, their prison, wherein the party of adventurers devised a plan of escape.

"They took my backpack and stuff," explained Jacqueline. "I imagine they didn't take yours only because it was late. I bet they'll come for it tomorrow."

"All the more reason to escape today," replied Johannes. "What do we got that we can make a rope out of?"

The party pooled together everything that seemed ropeworthy, which ultimately amounted to four blankets that they gathered together in the center on the room. However, this still did not seem like enough until Johannes, in a noble sacrifice, took off his own belt and added it to the pile, now struggling to keep his pants up for a good cause.

"Let's see what we can make with this," said Johannes, catching the waistline of his trousers as they began to slide down.

Sitting in a circle around their collected resources, they tied the five articles together, and then finally with a hammer at the end as a makeshift grappling hook.

"This next part is up to you," encouraged Johannes as he handed the coil of improvised rope to Hadric, who grunted in reply.

Hadric then removed his armor, though leaving on his helm (It occurred to Johannes that he had never gotten a clear look at Hadric's face thus far), and put the coil over his shoulder. And for the second time, he began his ascent of the wall.

Without the burden of his half-plate, Hadric's ascent was significantly easier and faster than before. Though in several places he struggled to find an adequate foothold or place to grab, not once this time did he slide back or fall from the stone face. In only a minute, he had worked his way up to the ceiling and pulled himself out the trapdoor opening above, becoming free.



There Hadric wedged the hammer-grappling hook into a stone, but even so, he didn't trust it and held onto the makeshift rope anyway, lying flat on his stomach. The belt, which composed the end of the rope, dangled about ten feet above the ground, out of Jacqueline's reach.

"Jacqueline," said Johannes assuringly. "I going to lift you up. Are you ready?"

Jacqueline glanced up at the dark tower and looked a bit nervous, for from that angle the tower seemed like a cave leading to some darker unknown. The tinge of nervousness on her face did not fade as she returned his gaze and nodded. "Yes."

"Okay." Swiftly, Johannes grabbed her legs and lifted her into the air.

The speed of the rise gave her a brief feeling of dizzyness, but, as Johannes had hoped, her balance and reflexes kicked in, and she grabbed hold of the hanging belt. Then, as her hot-bloodedness banished the nerves, she began to climb.

Hand over hand, Jaqueline made her way up the makeshift rope, watched tensely by all parties involved. But it was near the top, upon reaching the very last segment of blanket, that the knot between two of the blankets began to unravel and slide apart.

"Jacqueline!" cried Johannes in a hushed voice, doing his best not to shout.

Jacqueline placed her hands around the last blanket as knot just below unraveled, and the lower blankets fell and fluttered to the floor, leaving her legs dangling in midair while her hands clung viciously to the final strand. Hadric then whispered something to her. Johannes could not make out what it was, but Jacqueline was soon calmed and, to his great relief, pulled herself up the remainder of the way. She practically threw herself out the trapdoor opening and upon the top of the tower, mentally exhausted from her dangerous climb. But regardless, she'd made it.



Breathing a sigh of relief, Johannes sat inside the tower with Ludwig as Jacqueline and Hadric disappeared from view, initiating the next part of the plan.

In the waiting silence, Ludwig sighed and spoke, "You know, this wouldn't be the first time I've been taken prisoner."

"You've been in such dire circumstances before my friend?" asked Johannes.

"Indeed. Though I was a sailor at the time. However, that story I don't often care to tell, to friends or strangers."

"Was it that horrible?" said Johannes, offering his sympathy.

"Not at all. In fact, I dare it was the opposite," replied Ludwig, to Johannes' bewilderment. "It was an experience so wondrous and bizarre, that I dare not share it, for others would simply think me mad, or imaginative. Though I think there is a part of me that really wants to, otherwise I would not have alluded to it just now." He chuckled at his own strangeness.

Their exchange was interrupted by the sound of clicking at the door, and after a moment, there was a click louder than the rest, and the door slowly swung open. And there standing at the other side were Jacqueline and Hadric. Jacqueline peered in with a big smile on her face.

"Congrats boys. You're free."

IN Character Chat:

Herr Johannes: "I definitely want to hear that story Ludvig.  You might he surprised to hear about the adventures we have been through."  I whisper, too intrigued to leave the comment without a response.

Ludwig: "I'm always game for a story. . . when we're not in such danger!" he adds smiling, speaking in whispers.

Herr Johannes: "Looks like it is time for us to write another story of adventure this very moment," I reply with a smile.  "But after, we shall have time to recall this tale."

6:39 pm 21APR2017

As I see the rope begin to slip and Jacqueline nearly fall, I tense, holding my breath without thinking about it, preparing to catch her...

A moment later I am quite relieved to see her successfully climb out of the tower.  "Phew," I can not help but exhale.

"To our work then," I speak to myself as I begin collecting the items fallen from the rope and later the remaining items dropped back down by Hadric (the hammer and last blanket).  As Ludvig begins speaking to me I roll the blankets up quietly, reattaching them to our pack, and replacing the belt to my waist.  Glad to have my pants once again stable, I return the hammer to its place in my pack.

Interested, I turn to hear Ludvig and reply when I again become completely silent holding my breath, as I hear the lock jiggle.  Once again, I am relieved to see Jacqueline and hear her voice.  "We made it this far" I mention to myself.

"Quick! Everyone come back into the tower.  We need to plan in here while the guards patrol the edge.  Did any of them see you?  I would guess not by the lack of alarm in the camp I whisper to my friends.

As we gather to discuss the plans, I lead the discussion in the next step of the plan.
"As far as I know, Hadric and I have not practiced sneaking like you Jacqueline.
First we need to do a recon, know what we are up against.
This is going to be up to you Jacqueline, we need you to sneak to each tent and see if you can find our stuff as well as the councilor.  We need our weapons to fight back, and the councilor, obviously, to save him, and keep them from threatening to kill him if we retaliate.  He also told us of a document which is essential to this mission.  It is, according to him, more key to this mission than the councilor himself.  We must retrieve it lest the Pirate Lords have the excuse to all war against our new nation.
Next we need to decide if we can escape the camp or if we need to stay in this tower and wait for them to come get us, in which case we surprise them with a sharp blade.
If we can escape together, we could avoid combat perhaps and aim to fight the men at a better time.  This is a time for discretion, but let me emphasize, do not shy from your duty- if the opportunity presents itself for you to kill any of our enemies in their sleep without jeopardizing the mission, do it.  Each one that is dead leaves less chance that we could lose or lose the councilor.
If we were to fight, it might be possible to do it without retrieving the councilor first, but that is risky.  They may see him as a valuable ransom, but also, will likely prefer to kill him over losing their lives.  If they kill him though, they lose their bargaining chip, so perhaps it is less of a concern than I give them credit.  I mean, if they kill him, they have lost their ransom and their way to force us into anything, I mean, he is dead, so why would we not hesitate to gut every last one of them?  Especially after killing our friend like that.

Now if you find the document or any weapons you could easily carry without making noise, by all means bring them back here.

Be especially careful of the guards on patrol and of anyone who might be awake, for sure take note of them.

And note, that the councilor is in the tent to our south, I am almost sure, I would say check there first for our items.

Now, what say you all?
Do you think you can do this Jacqueline?"

...
After we discuss, I don my pack again and keep my boot knife drawn.
"All here with a weapon, let me see it.  If you do not have one, use a hammer.  Jacqueline, I would rather you go with this knife out there if you need it.  Do you still have your armor, or did they take it?  I assume they missed it since it was a part of your clothing so cleverly?"

...
"Let us pray before you go Jacqueline, we need God's help, let us not think that this is merely by our skill, but by His grace and favor that we succeed.
Dear Father, give us success in this endeavor, let Jacqueline be silent as the moon rise and unseen as the darkness, let her foot not slip.  Help us Lord, we need your help, we cannot do this without You.  We know that you need only breathe in our direction to succeed.  Jesus, be our faith to know that You hear our prayer and '...if we know that you hear us, we know we have the things we desire of you.' In Jesus name, amen."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Fri 21 Apr 2017.

"I won't make any promises," said Jacqueline. "But I'll try my best."

Jacqueline stood within the dark tower, appearing more like a silhouette than a human being. In the meager starlight, her auburn hair had lost its color, seeming to the eyes like a charcoal shade of gray. The whole world had lost its color in the night, and made them feel like they were in another dimension. In that other dimension, Jacqueline accepted the boot-knife from Johannes and twirled it in her hand; it wasn't nearly as balanced as a proper dagger, but she knew there was no point in being fussy.

"Alright," she murmured. "Here I go."

Jacqueline approached the door, opened it, and peered outside. The night was still, and the bandits – at least most of them – were still fast asleep. Gathering her nerve she took a step outside.

Suddenly a bandit on the walls shouted at the top of his voice. "ALL AWAKE!!!"

Jacqueline felt a terrible shake ripple through her, feeling startled like a cat when a pan falls and strikes the ground, and, much like a cat, leapt back into the safety of the tower. Feeling his blood become hot, boiling even, Johannes rushed toward the door and slammed it shut. A plan instantly began to form in his mind: 'Perhaps they could hold out in the tower, or let in enemies only one at a time? That might work. . .'

But as they waited for the impending consequence, hearing the bandits rise suddenly from their tents and hurry out into the courtyard, a realization slowly began to dawn on those within the tower: It wasn't Jacqueline they had seen!

Outside, they heard none of the footsteps come near the door of the tower but instead hurry in the opposite direction, toward the gate. It became apparent that the bandits had no suspicion they were in the process of escaping, nor that their door was unlocked. Curious at this new development, the party crowded next to the tower door and pried it open a thin crack, like children peeking into a forbidden room.

Out in the courtyard the bandits had lit a number of torches and planted them in the ground, restoring light and color to all within their radiant touch. The party could see the bandits were no longer alarmed but now standing calmly between the tents, with Brant Roiben at the fore, staring at the gate. A sense of expectancy hung in the air. But they did not have to wait long before their expectancy was met, and they heard the sound of horse hooves echoing off the stone bridge; and finally, three mounted riders strode into the courtyard.

"Pirates," whispered Johannes contemptuously under in his breath.

Even though the party's view was somewhat blocked by the small crowd of bandits, the strangers, being high on their mounts, were plainly visibly, and it was not much of a mystery what they were. One, who now strode up to Brant, was pale-skinned and had a cleanly shaven head, along with thin beard around his mouth whose ends had been braided into two dangling strands off his chin; this man wore a bright red outfit with gold trim, almost offensive in its colorfulness, and two swords hung conspicuously at his sides.

The next rider was black, and a woman, likely hailing from the jungle isle of Noanatu, with strange (and permanent) dot-like bumps decorating her face and skin, her hair that of dredlocks of incredible size; and most demanding of their attention was the fact she was practically naked, wearing nothing save for a roughspun skirt with her breasts hanging for all to see. Yet, she not have the appearance of a slave or prisoner, riding on equal ground with the man in bright red and gazing at the bandits with an expression of contempt.

Finally there was the third rider, a Shan-taiese man adorned in dull-blue plate armor; his oriental features were accentuated by a thin black mustache, the rest hidden by a matching helm. And strapped to his back was a guisarme whose blade rose into the air like a flag.

The diverse group of strangers stopped before the bandits and dismounted, with Brant waiting at the fore of the bandits, as their leader. Within the tower, the party watch the scene raptly, with no sound or comment passing between them.

"Why, 'ello Brant. Long time no see, aye? 'appy to see us?" inquired the man in bright red clothing, a cheerful but 'off' smile on his face.

Brant looked distinctly unhappy, but his voice maintained a respectful tone. "Anshil. . ." he greeted dryly. "We weren't expecting you until tomorrow."

"Well, tough. We be early," replied the man. "And that's a good thing, aye? The great almightly Pirate Lord Ishtal asked ye to fetch a lil Treaty, and we be here to pick it up. Now, catch me up to speed. Ye got our goods? And what be the fate o' that poor ol' councilor?"

Brant frowned. "Yes, we've got the treaty. We've also got the councilor in the tent, alive but almost dead, and his companions are being held in the tower. . . We were hoping. . ." Brant coughed. "We're planning on selling the lot back to Herrod for a ransom, getting a bit more for our hard-work."

"Well," began Anshil with a provocative smile. "That ain't really your call, ain't it now? Now that I be 'ere. Small wonder you be un'appy we're so early. Don't want to lose out on your extra buck, aye?"

Brant straightened up. "It is my call. The official agreement was only to get the Treaty of Elsex. As for the councilor and the rest, your words were exactly, and I quote: 'Do whate'er with 'em'. And thus, I'm doing 'whate'er' I see fit."

Brant's resistance only seemed to fuel Anshil's pleasure. "Well, since they didn't die in the fightin' and all that like I figured, I'm gonna get a bit specific, aye?" Anshil paused and smiled, giving the chance, hoping in fact, Brant would be defiant, but Brant only glared angrily. Anshil continued, "Ishtal likes a clean job 'o things – no folks with stories to tell, aye? That's how ye get places in this rough ol' world we live in. So, we're gonna cut the throats of e'ery one 'em. Simple and elegant, as I say. But, first things first: Where be that Treaty?"

"Bring us our gold first," demanded Brant, not moving.

"You'll get yer gold when got ourselves a Treaty."

"Gold first," repeated Brant.

Anshil started to look irritated. "You don't wanna get on the Pirate Lord's bad side now do ya?"

Brant leaned around Anshil and gazed as his companions and the horses. "I don't see a chest," he said, returning his gaze to Anshil. "Where's our money? . . WHERE'S OUR MONEY?"

Anshil smiled a wide, evil smile. "Money? Din't you 'ear anythin' I was sayin'? . . . Ishtal likes to make o' clean job o' things."

The implied meaning was not lost on Brant nor his colleagues, and in that moment, Anshil brought out a sword and thrust it at Brant, but Brant had already drawn a dagger and parried the strike. All present, save for the black woman who carried nothing, simultaneously drew weapons and charged each other.

The courtyard was flung into battle.

Outside the tower, the courtyard was flung into chaos. The pirate, apparently called Anshil, and his samurai companion fought with weapons against the bandits, unabashed at fighting multiple foes at once. Between Anshil's dual blades and the samurai's polearm, the bandits struggled to land a blow on their opponents, opponents who seemed to have no trouble landing a blow on them. It also became clear that the black woman who accompanied them was some kind of witch. Small green lights appeared and danced around her while she chanted at a particular bandit, a bandit who suddenly started screaming and fell into a fetal position as though he had become surrounded by nightmares.

Knowledge Adventure ~ The pirate Anshil is a Swashbucker of Very Difficult caliber; he appears skilled in dexterous two-weapon fighting. The Shan-taiese man is a Samurai of Very Difficult caliber; he is focused upon AC and protection. The black woman is a Shaman of Very Difficult caliber; she is skilled in enchantment spells.

Within the tower, Johannes turned to his companions. "Now's our chance. We can rescue the councilor now while they're distracted and get out of here; I believe he's in the south tent. We'll figure out how to get the Treaty later, but, for now, lives come first."

Jacqueline and Ludwig nodded while Hadric consented by silence.

Johannes put his hand on the door. "Alright, everyone together now. . Ready? . . Go!"

The party burst out of the tower and dashed into the open. And immediately, a bandit staggered in front of them and died, clutching his gut. They took one look at the newly-made corpse and recognized him as the grappler who had wrestled Johannes earlier this night. However, his stomach had been torn asunder by a polearm, and it seemed that he had tried to flee from the battle in the fleeting moments of his life. They did not stop to mourn.

Hopping over the body, they continued running across the courtyard. There was no doubt at least some of the bandits saw them, but they had more pressing problems to deal with, a matter of life and death. The party funneled through the flaps of the tent and into the interior, as though it were a haven from a storm outside.

There, they saw the councilor lain on a mat, his injuries bandaged. Ludwig paused at the entrance, one hand holding open a tent flap, casting glances between the councilor and over his shoulder.

Finally Ludwig faced the party and said, "Keep the councilor safe! I'll be right back!"

"Wait!" cried Johannes.

But it was too late. Ludwig took off at a dash somewhere outside, amidst the fray.

"What are the odds he's saving his own hide?" muttered Hadric to Johannes.

"None," replied Johannes firmly. "Ludwig's not like that. Anyway, let's check the councilor." He knelt by the councilor and shook him lightly. "Councilor Rodinger? Can you wake?"

The councilor opened his eyes. "The Treaty," he murmured weakly. "We have to recover the Treaty."

"First, we're going to save you," stated Johannes.

"No," answered the councilor. "I-. ."

"I'm back," said Ludwig hurriedly, who appeared at the entrance of the tent with a brown horse. "I only managed to get one. We can get the councilor out on it."

"Good work," said Johannes. "You'll go with him."

"I- I couldn't," began to reply Ludwig. "Leaving you all behind?"

"I'm not giving you a choice," answered Johannes, who then cast a nod at Hadric.

Swiftly, Hadric gripped Ludwig at the waist, lifted him as though he were an infant, and planted him on the seat of the of horse. At the same time, Johannes and Jacqueline lifted the councilor and put him across the horse's back.

"Remember," said Johannes reassuringly. "You're the driver. We're the bodyguards."

"O- Okay," reluctantly agreed Ludwig.

"The Treaty," rasped the councilor to the party. "It's in Brant's shirt pocket!"

"Understood," replied Johannes. "Now go!"

Johannes slapped the rear of the horse and the creature took off at a gallop. The horse ran between Anshil and Brant and the bandits, who leapt back from each other to avoid being trampled; and Ludwig and the councilor continued their gallop through the gate, onto the bridge, and away from the keep. Brant stood stunned for a moment as he realized what had occurred, as well as that the party was now by the tent.

"Our prisoners; the councilor! - They're escaping you fools!" he cursed at Anshil.

"They're time will come," replied Anshil, a smile still on his face, who then lunged forward and resumed the fighting.

Johannes spoke to his companions. "Alright. Our mission is to retrieve that treaty. Defeating all our enemies is second to this, even forgo-able if it seems unlikely. In God's name, we shall succeed! Let's move!"



This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Sat 29 Apr 2017.

IN Character Chat:

{I examine all our enemies to see what equipment they are wearing and using (Bandits and 3 pirates alike).

I also examine the tent (while we were in it).  Was there any discarded weapons or armor in there (and thus not on our opponents bodies)}

"Wait a moment party, and observe our enemies, are any using different weapons or armor from before they slept?"

I speak to my fellow party members.  "Everyone! Prepare yourselves for battle!  Do what ever you need to prepare this round.  Stay in cover this round if you can and attack only if someone advances on you or you can hit them from cover with ranged.

Our most imminent threats are the 3 pirates, Brant, and the bandit behind us on the wall (6).  The pirates look like adventurers, and definitely look like they have the upper hand.  There is no reason to engage yet, no clear shot, except maybe Jacqueline.  We are best off to prepare this round, while they wear one another down.

We should also avoid that bandit," I point to the one on the wall (6).  "Or convince him the real enemy is those fighting Brant.  If he won't listen, we drop him, you could climb to him Hadric, I might reach him with my lance, Jacqueline with her bow."

{I also do a knowledge adventure check on the bandits remaining and Brant.  (I know some were checked before, but which was which?)  Need to know especially for bandit 6.}

***see updated description in second post above (post set 13, Ryan post #2)***
This message was last updated by the player at 02:46, Sat 29 Apr 2017.

"Hadric, Jacqueline, Once again, our main threat is the pirates and the bandit behind us {6}.  Get to cover and prepare to attack.  I say again, I believe it is best to not appear as a threat until later rounds, no reason to take any injuries early, let them fight it out.

I believe our best route to victory is to let them wear themselves down and kill most everyone left, especially the way those pirates said they would try to kill us if they live.  The biggest threats again are the 3 pirates, especially the witch, Brant, and the bandit on the wall behind us {6}.

Hadric, I believe it would be a good idea to climb the wall behind us and prepare to move around to attack the black witch from behind, likely easiest and safest to climb where the wall has been broken down, gives you more hand holds and a place to brace against, unless you left a rope on the tower.

Jacqueline, make sure you stay hidden, in preparation to attack and making it harder for enemies to see you.  I would say ready an attack on the bandit behind us or try to hit one of the 3 pirates if you can.  If the bandit behind threatens us, I want him dead.  {Unfortunately it might be tough to sneak attack him, since I believe he is a rogue}

And by the way, I have quite a few flaming oils we could dose our enemies in or burn whatever is around them with, if we want to sit back and fire, with Jacqueline, from ranged, Hadric."

"Though, I am going to try to convince that bandit behind us to listen to reason and fight with us against the pirates rather than against us, so maybe he will at least not attack us, seeing the wisdom in fighting together against the pirates."


Actions:
I call to the bandit on the wall: "HAIL! You there on the wall!  We share the same enemy!  If you want to live, listen to what I am saying, we will help you fight the pirates for our freedom!  Is not your life more important to you?!  You can always get more gold right?  We will not fire on you if you let us just fight the 3 pirates who came to kill us ALL, remember, you just wanted to sell us, but the pirates wanted to kill ALL OF US!  We heard their treachery!  We do not want to die either!  Look at how many of your compatriots now lie dead, through a terrible death, do not let that happen to you as well, kill the witch!  We will fight with you against them!  Let us fight together against them!"


I examine whatever foes I can with my knowledge of enemy combatants:

I move to O5, to my blessed mount, Fury, via N7-O7-O6-O5, while I draw my lance.
I attempt to fast mount Fury: fail

This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Mon 01 May 2017.

The clang of weapons rang into the night.

Johannes felt the trembling clink of his armor as he burst from the tent, ran a few yards from the battle, and threw himself on seat of his steed. Upon drawing his lance, he paused a moment to shout at the archer on the ramparts, to persuade him not to fire; and the archer, weighing the threats at hand, grimly nodded in reply. Johannes took some satisfaction in this, knowing that arrows would not be hailing on their backs (for the time being).

Jacqueline, having been reunited with her bow and armor, also sprinted from the tent and positioned herself by the outer wall of the tower (their old prison) putting distance between her and their enemies as well as keeping an eye on the torn section of wall behind her, in case there was need of a hasty escape {Moves to R10}. There, she primed her bow and aimed toward the pirates. For a brief moment she felt bitter at Johannes for requesting not to shoot at the bandits, since their backs were turned oh-so nicely. But she was aware of her weakness of not always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Accepting this, and trusting, she fired off a shot at the Samurai instead, the person she thought she'd be most likely to hit. However, the arrow missed and soared narrowly over his shoulder {Jacqueline misses Samurai}.

Seeing the arrow, Brant glanced behind at the adventures in anger, and then turned his angry glare upon a fellow bandit, wielded a spear. Brant roughly grabbed the bandit by the collar of his shirt.

"Take care of the prisoners!" he shouted, then shoved the bandit toward them.

Stumbling and slightly bewildered at the request – for Brant was mad if he thought he could do this alone! - he nonetheless turned and marched toward Hadric, thrusting out his spear. The spear pierced Hadric in his side, who groaned at the pain and stood dazedly amidst the fray {Bandit 4 deals 9 Dmg to Hadric}.

Meanwhile in the battle, the pirates demonstrated a powerful understanding of tactics. The Samurai took the center of the field, seeming to keep his opponents at bay with the threat of his guisarme, while Anshil retreated around and assaulted the bandit on the southernmost edge, lunging forward with his rapier. At the same time, the Witch chanted some sort of unknown spell, and her body became transparent, as though she had become a ghost. The orc on the ramparts aimed a crossbow at her and fired, but to his utter shock the bolt instead sailed harmlessly through her and stuck into the ground, as if he had shot through mere air.

Anshil having re-positioned away from him, Brant Roiben, too, backed away from the fray, tossed aside his sword, and pulled out his lute. Then he strummed a brief song:

"Night is silent on the new moon,
When the sky is covered wholly by cloud,
But tonight the moon is wholly full,
And thus this night will be wholly loud!"

The last word of the song became supernaturally loud, as though amplified in a great valley, and burst amidst the pirates. The sound caused the Samurai, Witch, and Anshil to cringe in pain for a moment, but Anshil alone staggered in place, finding himself stunned! {Brant deals X Dmg to Samurai, Witch, and Anshil; Anshil has been stunned}.

Encouraged by this small success, the other bandits fought their hardest. One, wielding a falchion, struck Anshil and dealt damage to him {Bandit 2 deals X Dmg to Anshil}, and his companion, wielding a battleaxe, did the same {Bandit 1 deals X Dmg to Anshil}. The remaining bandit swung at the Samurai with his mace, but the blow glanced off Samurai's formidable armor {Bandit 3 misses Samurai}.

The trace of hope ran through the bandits, that perhaps they could turn the tide of this battle.

And the fight raged on.

quote:

Bandit 1 (Human) - Badly Wounded - Studded Leather, Battleaxe, Light Steel Shield
Bandit 2 (Human) - Badly Wounded - Chainshirt, Falchion
Bandit 3 (Halfelf) - Barely Injured - Splintmail, Mace
Bandit 4 (Human) - Injured - Leather, Spear
Bandit 5 (Orc) - Uninjured - Chainshirt, Crossbow
Bandit 6 (Elf) - Uninjured - Leather, Longbow
Bandit 7 (Orc) - Dead
Bandit 8 (Human) - Dead
Brant Roiben (Human) - Injured - Studded Leather, Shortsword
Anshil (Human) - Injured - Unarmored, Rapier, Rapier
Samurai (Human) - Barely Injured - Fullplate, Guisarme
Shaman (Human) - Barely Injured - No Items

Johannes - 77/77 HP
Jacqueline - 60/60 HP
Hadric - 39/77 HP

This message was deleted by the player at 04:34, Mon 01 May 2017.

Seeing Anshil stunned, I hastily call out to Jacqueline. "Jacqueline! Quickly, move behind me to be in range to strike at Anshil. He is stunned, and he will make for easy prey! He is, after all, the one who said he would like to murder us.  Strike swiftly!" {Move behind me, likely behind the tent (O6) so you are within range to sneak attack (within 30ft) range with your bow.}

Seeing Sir Hadric momentarily dazed, then to my alarm, attacked, I respond to him as well. "Sir Hadric! What is going on?!  Defend yourself!  Disarm that spear man, or move back to climb the wall to flank the witch.  Above all, awake!  Do not stand there!"

Next, I call to the man in front of us with the spear who attacked Sir Hadric.  "You there with the spear, what do you think you are doing?!  Your compatriots are fighting for their very lives against these Pirates, and you turn to fight us?!  Did you not hear what I told your friend on the wall, the Archer?"  I speak, almost spiting the words sharply as I motion to him, with my mailed hand.  "We will fight with you against the Pirates, but if you attack us we will defend ourselves.  Originally you wanted to capture us and ransom us, but these pirates wanted to kill us all, they are both our enemies. We will fight with you against them, but only if you do not fight against us. If you choose to fight against us, we will attack you and you will die."
{01:31, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Diplomacy check, on Bandit 4 (Spear man); RtP.}

And finally I act.
I move my mount a step closer to Sir Hadric and reach out my hand to him {OP-76}.  I lay my hand on him and pray briefly seeing his wounds.  "Take heart Sir Hadric, we will come out of this victorious.  By Jesus stripes, ye were healed!"  {I lay hands on him and heal him 6 pts}  then with my remaining move, I move to switch places with Jacqueline and hug the wall {at RS-98}.

Provisos: I only do this if Hadric successfully disarms the spear man or I am otherwise able to do it without provoking an AOO (like if he provides cover to prevent it, if soft cover does prevent it) and that I do not cause Jacqueline to be prevented from her shot or sqeeze with her square.  Otherwise I give priority to Jacqueline, skip healing Hadric, draw a javelin, and throw it at Anshil.  From what I understand it is allowable for me to move, then heal, then move, as long as it is less than a single move action.}  I prioritize my move to RS-98 and take total defense if I have the actions available.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Sat 06 May 2017.

Johannes' cheek pressed against the white fur of his horse. It was funny, he thought, for he had rarely ever felt his horse's fur, usually contacting it with hands encased and isolated by metal gauntlets. It had a soft, silky feel, not as bristled as perhaps the horses of this world – fur fitting for a creature of the divine planes.

Johannes thought this in the few moments it took for Fury, the fitting name of his horse, to gallop across the courtyard as he clutched its neck to keep low and protected, trusting it to guide itself while he could not see. Fury reared up beside Jacqueline in the shadow of the tower, the cries of weapons and people alike flooding the air, leaving not a single space silent.

Once in position, Johannes immediately stood up straight, pulled a javelin from his quiver, and hailed it across the battlefield. It soared nearly forty feet and landed in shoulder of the pirate Anshil, who did not react in his stunned condition {Johannes deals 6 dmg to Anshil}.

Jacqueline, using her new skills in rapid shooting, fired off two quick arrows. One hit nothing, but the other, too, struck Anshil, sticking into his leg as a new feature of his appearance {Jacqueline deals 12 dmg to Anshil (Sneak Attack)}.

"Yes!" squeaked Jacqueline with a small fist pump.

"Ha – haa!" Johannes bellowed at the same time, glowing at their mutual success.

But though he was pleased by their gains, his mind was slightly disconcerted about the welfare of his companion. Even in the midst of battle, Hadric stood in a dazed state, as though he had been caught in a dream from which he could not wake.

At the front lines, the Samurai backed up and thrust out his polearm, which tore across the arm of the Half-Elf bandit {Samurai deals X dmg to Bandit 3}. Though the strike did considerable damage, the bandit realized that the Samurai, whose face had donned a quiet smile, did not attack with nearly as much strength as he could have – truly, the Samurai was toying with him! The bandit felt thoroughly intimidated {Bandit 3 is now Shaken}.

Nearby, Anshil ceased to be stunned and uttered a taut groan at his newfound pain. He then glanced at his rapiers, which had fallen to the ground, and at the enemies surrounding him.

"Goddammit," his muttered bitterly, taking a step back and leaving the weapons behind. He then looked over his shoulder at the Witch and barked, "Kali! Just do it already!"

The black woman, nigh naked and as transparent as a ghost, nodded darkly and began to chant. Her voice echoed through the courtyard, rolling of syllables in some unknown jungle language. Mixed with magic, her voice seemed to defy all laws of nature, becoming loud farther away while becoming quiet closer to her, and then the opposite case the very next moment. The notes were ethereal and chilling, leaving its own humanity behind.

Johannes looked up, his attention caught by a new star in the sky. It was small, glistening, one in a million, but he could have sworn that it wasn't there before. And then it got larger, fast. Within a second, the dot grew to incredible size, and landed upon the earth in a bright, sustained pillar of flame. The blinding fire engulfed Brant Roiben and several of the bandits, hiding them from view, while the shear ferocity of the pillar caused the ground to tremor and quake beneath their feet, waking every sleeping creature for miles.

The pillar of flame finished, sinking into the earth from the sky, but several of the bandits, including Brant Roiben, had been set ablaze. One screamed and howled like a wounded wolf before collapsing, the other was turned to ash, and Brant Roiben crumpled silently onto the ground, his body two now fuel for a modest fire {Witch deals X dmg to Brant Roiben, Bandit 1, Bandit 2, and Bandit 3 – Brant Roiben has died; Bandit 1 has died; Bandit 2 has died}.

Only one bandit remained standing, the Half-Elf, who frantically patted out the fire on back. When finished, his eyes darted in horror at the burning bodies of his companions - he dropped his mace and turned to flee for his life.

He bumped into the other bandit holding the longspear, exchanged shocked and frightened looks, and kept running. The bandit with the longspear, seeming dumbfounded, just stared at the massacre and did nothing – not even blink.

Up on the ramparts, the Orc began to move closer to the tower, trying to get to a safer place now that his position was compromised, but stopped to shoot a bolt a Anshil, only grazing his target {Bandit 5 deals X dmg to Anshil}. On the eastern rampart, the Elf fired two arrows long distance across the courtyard, and both, to his satisfaction, landed in Anshil{Bandit 6 deals X dmg to Anshil}.

Anshil had now become badly wounded, but he was far from dead.

Anshil's earlier humor had turned to rage. "Okay, now you're really starting to piss me off!" he spat.

The fight had become vicious.

quote:

Bandit 1 (Human) - Dead - Studded Leather, Battleaxe, Light Steel Shield
Bandit 2 (Human) - Dead - Chainshirt, Falchion
Bandit 3 (Halfelf) - Badly Wounded - Splintmail, Mace
Bandit 4 (Human) - Injured - Leather, Spear
Bandit 5 (Orc) - Uninjured - Chainshirt, Crossbow
Bandit 6 (Elf) - Uninjured - Leather, Longbow
Bandit 7 (Orc) - Dead
Bandit 8 (Human) - Dead
Brant Roiben (Human) - Dead - Studded Leather, Shortsword
Anshil (Human) - Badly Wounded - Unarmored, Rapier, Rapier
Samurai (Human) - Barely Injured - Fullplate, Guisarme
Shaman (Human) - Barely Injured - No Items

Johannes - 77/77 HP
Jacqueline - 60/60 HP
Hadric - 39/77 HP

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:49, Sat 06 May 2017.

Run!

The two bandits in the courtyard broke into a full-fledged sprint away from the pirates.

Even the spear-wielder, who had previously been caught in a stunned state of disbelief, had been roused by his Half-Elf companion and joined him in a desperate dash for the eastern wall. Together, they fled past Hadric and Johannes and came on the verge of escaping through the broken gap in the stone.

Bandit 4 moves to T7; Bandit 3 moves to S7
Hadric has an optional Attack of Opportunity against Bandit 3.
Johannes has an optional Attack of Opportunity against Bandit 3 or 4.

Johannes opened his mouth to speak, to inspire, and to command the archers on the walls, but his attempt was late as the Orc Bandit aimed and fired his crossbow at him, as though trying to cover the escape of his allies! Swiftly, Johannes dropped behind the side of his horse, using it for cover, and the bolt sailed inches over his shoulder – for it would have certainly hit him if not for the protection of his steed. Dissatisfied with his shot, the Orc then moved away from the pirates and closer to the tower, out of view from Johannes.

13:54, Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Herr Johannes, rolled 29 using 1d20+10.  Ride Check. Cover
Bandit 5 misses Johannes; Bandit 5 moves to Q14

The Elven Bandit on the eastern wall, however, had more resolve, and fired two arrows across the courtyard and into Anshil, hitting him cleanly with both shots. The Elf smirked with pleasure at his accuracy and as Anshil entered a Near Death state.

Bandit 6 deals X Dmg to Anshil

The fight raged on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Thu 18 May 2017.

Post:

"Jacqueline!  Move and shoot my lady, move and shoot!  Perhaps we can take down Anshil, unless you think you could hit the witch?  Stay in the shadows and shoot the targets (among the pirates) most open to you."  I speak more quietly to her now, since she is beside me, (others need a listen check to hear).  "Stay in the shadows and prepare to grab the document off of Brant's body, but do not move up to him yet, let us cover you and do not get too close, in case that witch has more area affecting spells.  Stay hidden if you can, but keep sending arrows at our adversaries (the pirates), do not shoot the bandits, they have been allies so far.  I would suggest moving up along the north wall, but honestly, you are the expert at stealth.  Do not risk yourself too severely, we might have to just kill our enemies.  Keep shooting though.  Maybe even ready to shoot that witch if she starts casting another spell, but that is only if you think you can hit her, I do not know what she cast that the bolt of the orc earlier went through her without hurting her."

Now I address the archers on the wall, loud enough for the other bandits to hear.
    First the Orcen archer: "HAIL!  Orc with the crossbow!  Do you not see we fight the same enemy!  Listen to me, your Elven companion has already considered the options and we have decided to be at truce!  See how I do not attack your companions even though they leave themselves open to our attack?!  We (my friends and I) are not your enemies!  You might have tries to capture us earlier, yet these pirates say they will murder all here!  We have a common enemy!  Let us work together that we might have VICTORY!  Isn't that what you want?!
 To live on with another tale of cunning victory!?"


    Next the Elf on the wall, also loud enough for the other archer and the other bandits: "Good work! Let us cut off the head of the snake, we must end the enemy leader who has been seeking our demise.  If you can hit the witch, do it as she casts a spell, that is when she is most vulnerable!  Else, their leader is wounded badly already!  Keep on the pressure!  Let your friends' not die needlessly!  We shall all strike together!  Remember we all share the same enemy, those pirates!  LET THEM HAVE IT!"


I address the men who were in front of me who were cowering, but loud enough that the archers may hear, calling them to courage {I intentionally let my aura of courage affect them on any will save against fear of our enemies (my courage inspires them)}.
"YOU THERE!  Why do you turn to run?!  Did you not hear that these pirates look to kill you, that does not mean they will stay their hand if you flee!  You must turn and fight!  We will fight beside you!  Else these pirates will hunt you down, you and all your loved ones!  Do you have children or wife or lover!  Do not let them be endangered!  We must stand and fight, lest we all are chased.  Where will you run to?!  You know how pirates operate!  Turn and fight like men!  See your compatriot on the wall!?  I point to the elf.  He has chosen to fight with us against our mutual enemy!  I implore you for your own sake to do the same!  Then we may all live through this battle!  FOLLOW ME AND WE WILL DEFEAT THESE PIRATES TOGETHER!  REPENT FROM YOUR FEAR, AND FIGHT!  This is the moment that will define you, they will give you no quarter!  Choose COURAGE!
     But if you will not listen to me, step aside!  STEP ASIDE NOW!  MY QUARREL IS NOT WITH YOU.  See how I let you pass without attacking you!?  I could have, but I gave you mercy for your friend on the wall's sake!  Do not attack me or my friends or you WILL SUFFER WRATH, FOLLOW ME INTO BATTLE OR STEP ASIDE LEST I TRAMPLE YOU!  IF YOU DO NOT MOVE, I WILL CRUSH YOU!  LET US FIGHT THE ENEMY TOGETHER! DO NOT ATTACK US THAT WE MAY COVER YOUR RETREAT IF NOTHING ELSE!"  After this I rear my horse preparing to charge, whether they help or not!


"Sir Hadric, Let the bandits go, their freind has helped us, they may yet turn and fight like men against our enemies.  You and I shall charge our enemies and lay waste to them!  LET'S DO THIS SIR HADRIC!  HAZZAH!"  I nod to Hadric, charging our enemies.
At this, I lower my Lance and hold it well to drive it through the heart of Anshil, my horse's hooves thunder forward to unleash fury upon the wicked.

"...When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. "When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?"

Actions:
1. I charge forth to JK-98 and attack Anshil (I have Ride-by-Attack in case him being to my left is an issue).
2. I use 3 power attack, thus putting my AR at a +9 (7BA+2STR+1HighGround+2Charge-2PwrAtk),

3d8+24 (3d8+6 for Charge, +18 for Pwr Atk) for damage.

If I am able to charge before Sir Hadric does, I do so.
If I am attacked, I most definitely take cover from my mount (+10 Ride).

This post was on my birthday originally :D
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Sat 20 May 2017.

Hadric breathed deep, the helm felt heavy on his head. His wounds fresh. He glanced up at the Paladin astride his horse. The knight knew he owed this party a debt, and that this fight could not be won by traditional means. Brandt's body lay in the center of the field. Whatever the party was protecting was on him, and getting it from his corpse would not be easy with these warriors attacking them. He looked ahead at the mighty samurai and locked eyes with his visor before charging to take his long weapon from him.
He knew he could not best him. But he could slow him down.

Hadric charges to I7(reach weapons threat area)
To avoid the body, jump check (dc 5)
17:40, Today: Hadric rolled 20 using 1d20+10 ((10)).
As soon as I am in reach, I attack the weapon Disarm(
17:42, Today: Hadric rolled 40 using 1d20+22 ((18)).

Johannes bellowed a battlecry into the night as his boots struck the thighs of his steed and launched it into a gallop, and he streaked across the courtyard like a white comet. His lance came to a still amidst the powerful and rhythmic motion, a simple branch floating on a rapid, a leaf in the wind. And the tip struck Anshil in the chest, sending his arrow-ridden body straight to the ground and to the grave, where he laid on his back without a care having suddenly left mortal cares behind {Johannes deals 37 Dmg to Anshil; Anshil has died}.

Hadric sprinted alongside Johannes with his flail hungry for combat, reaching the frontlines of the battle {Error: Cannot Charge}.

And seeing the way open, Jacqueline took the opportunity to move up the field. Like a cat she dashed along the north wall, keeping in the shadow of the moon, and stopped not too far from their objective – Brant's body – waiting anxiously for her chance. There, she swiftly armed her bow with an arrow and fired through an opening in the battle, a clear shot, but the arrow soared past her target of the Samurai and missed bitterly {Jacqueline misses Samurai}.

The Samurai glanced at Anshil as he fell into the oblivion, but Samurai's expression was not one of shock nor sorrow – it was disgust; the kind of disgust that told much of the warrior's philosophy in an instant: If you are weak enough to die, then you deserve to die. The Samurai then took a step forward and thrust out his guisarme against Johannes, sending the barbed point into Johannes' shoulder {Samurai deals 11 Dmg to Johannes}; and again, the Samurai attacked a second time, seeming to now try and used the hooked side of the tip to catch Johannes' leg, but this strike he missed {Samurai misses Johannes}.

Chanting echoed from behind him, from the Witch, a soft and eerie feminine voice that sent chills down the spines of Johannes and Hadric. There was a tinge of fear at what was to come, and that fear was soon consummated when the sky split asunder, and a pillar of flame engulfed them. In those moments, they were blinded by the light and scorched by the heat, as though they had gone to hell and back in the blink of an eye {Witch deals 54 Dmg to Johannes; 54 Dmg to Hadric; 0 Dmg to Fury (Mount)}.



The flames sank into the earth, and Johannes coughed viciously. He had taken a great deal of damage, but he was still able-bodied; and he was relieved to glance down and see his steed unscathed.

"Hadric," shouted Johannes as he recuperated, "Are you okay!? . . Hadric!?" Then he looked Hadric's way and saw the warrior, strewn upon the ground, in stillness. "HADRIC!"

The Bandits did not take much inspiration from this. The Half-Elf who had been running eastward escaped out the broken wall and finished his flight, but his companion, the spear-wielder, halted. Perhaps it was something that Johannes had said, perhaps it was the mention of family or children or simple fact there was no real escape, but he halted and slowly turned toward the battlefield, with surprise on his face at what he himself was doing. Evidently shaken, he timidly walk back across the courtyard, uncertain he was making the right choice.

The Orc on the wall, however, did not agree with him. Not wishing to stick around, the Orc leapt off the wall away from the courtyard, and the adventurers could hear a faint splash as he landed in the water of the pond.

But the Elf stayed! His face stoic and undeterred, he fired yet another two shots across the courtyard at the Samurai, the first arrow hitting its mark while the other barely missed and broke on the stone wall behind him {Bandit 6 deals X Dmg to Samurai; Bandit 6 misses Samurai}.

It was the dead of night, and the night mother had coming calling for many.



This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Sun 21 May 2017.

In Character Chat:

Jacqueline: "I'm going in! You guys just get out of there!"

Herr Johannes: to Jacqueline - "Understood!  I will help Hadric!  GodSpeed Jacqueline!"
               to Hadric - "Hold on Hadric, we are going to get you out of here safe."

Post:
With the strange fire from some sort of sky diety, I am convinced to not say from heaven, came a piece of sudden insight.  It suddenly dawned on me, as the flash of lighting will illuminate the earth a moment which it struck.  The reason this witch is wispy and transparent is because she is in some sort of spirit form.  Only if our weapons were imbued with magic could they touch our wicked opponent.  Even then only half the time could we strike her incorporeal visage to mar it.  The only one among us with a weapon such as this is myself, and no one else in our party.  This left one option, retrieve the document and escape into the darkness.  If we scatter with the wind, they will likely lose us in the night, as much as this witch seems a child of the night.
     With the revelation of the form of our enemy came another realization, I have only heard of it in obscure texts, but some spell caster's can learn a way to sort of stretch their abilities, in a sort of sudden burst of strength, if that is what you call it in magic.  To suddenly maximize the abilities of their spell, at great effort, like only once per day.  Even if that was it for now, her form makes her too dangerous, and Hadric needs help!  We must retrieve the document and fall back.  Better to live and fight another day.  I must help Hadric, I was the one who commanded him to charge with me, I will not leave him behind...

I must begin to tell the others of this realization...
"EVERYONE, I understand now!  The witch is in some sort of spirit form, unless your weapons are imbued with magic, focus all your attacks on the Samurai!  Or if you can fight magic, counter-spell her!
     Spearman!  We need you!  Cover us (the woman with us and myself)!  Hadric is in trouble!  We need to hold them off until we can fall back together!  Her ability to cast such strong magic is not unlimited, but still dangerous!"  I speak to the man behind me {I continue to allow my aura of courage to help him, as seen in my small speech below}
{02:25, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Diplomacy check, on Spearman; RtP.}
   "Keep those arrows flying archer from on high!"  I call to the half-elf archer on the wall in gratitude, waving my arm to him in approval of his keen aim.

I speak to our enemies, "In the name of the living God, we will prevail for He commands his Angels concerning us!  You will harm us no more in, Jesus name!  He remembers His people and He hears our cry from on High!  You, O'Lord, send help to us.  Your angels are here to defend us now!  They hearken unto the voice of His children, and I declare in Jesus name, No harm befalls the Lord's anointed!  You shall not be able to lay a hand on us anymore for the Lord Himself protects us!  Fear will not take us!"  I pray to God, steeling my soul with His power.  {I am not sure if this could be a free action of anysort Ryan, like if it could be a diplomacy or an intimidate, other than that, I will use this for its intrinsic value or even a spell if possible!  Since I was unsure, I rolled a diplomacy: {<Goldenrod>02:21, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Diplomacy check, against Enemies; RtP.}</Goldenrod>}

I 5ft step forward with Fury to 98-IJ
I then attempt to fast-dismount my mount: DC20... missed by 1, but, at least, mounting and dismounting do not provoke AOO
{02:23, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Ride Check, for fast dismount (Armor Check applied); RtP.}
I dismount thus to J7,
and lift Hadric to my mount's back, ahead or behind the saddle, while Fury is giving us cover (no AOO behind cover).

Fury attacks our enemy, while I dismount/with the remaining actions.  He takes a full attack if that is allowed, since he only took a 5ft step while I took actions.  If you could Please roll for that if it is legal :) (AR: 1d20+7)
Single attack:
{AR: 02:45, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  AR by Fury, against Samurai; RtP.
DMG is 1d8+4 if needed}

{OOC: I tried to research each action I took here, to verify its legality.  Actually found some other stuff in the meantime, like that some said a mount with 6 int is treated like an NPC and you use diplomacy in place of handle animal, not ride.  Interesting, still have to research that one better though.}
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Sat 10 June 2017.

Johannes slid off the back of his horse while beckoning it between him and the Samurai, blocking his opponent from a line of attack.

"Fury! Cover us!" coarsely bellowed Johannes as he landed beside his fallen companion, Hadric.

Johannes knew his mount did not understand the words, but the creature certainly understood the feeling – the desperation for protection, the need for a moment, all of them caught on the border between life and death. Fury heeled on his hind legs and assailed the Samurai in a flurry of hooves and biting. Most of the horses blows were absorbed by the Samurai's armor, but one, the very first, struck true {Fury deals 9 damage to Samurai; Fury misses Samurai; Fury misses Samurai}.



Meanwhile, Johannes dug his arms beneath the body of Hadric. To his great relief he could still hear Hadric breathing inside his helm, the rasp echoing within the iron shell. He knew that all he had to do was get Hadric out of here – if he could merely get Hadric out of the fortress and over the bridge, away from all this, it would be certain that he would live. With this thought ingrained in his heart, he lifted Hadric off the ground and slung him over the saddle of Fury as the beast finished its assault and resumed standing on all fours.

"Another moment," whispered Johannes to himself. "A few more seconds is all we need."

He then glanced behind and caught a glimpse of Jacqueline as she dashed and landed beside the body of Brant, her auburn hair messily falling over her face as she began searching his body. Her hands dug speedily though his shirt and, within a couple seconds, pulled out a sealed document. A bright smile came over her face, and she returned Johannes' brief gaze with a silent confirmation of success – the Treaty of Essex was in their hands.

Now, all they had to do was leave with it alive. They knew that if they could cross the water and get into the woods, they would be safe, able to disappear forever into the night {Objective: Leave the battlegrid}. In all likelihood, Anshil was their enemies' tracker and skillmaster; but with him dead, the forest meant freedom. And freedom meant victory.

The Witch and Samurai had no intention of making it easy.

Hastily, the Samurai backed away from the reeling and violent mount of Johannes and thrust forward his guisarme twice, attacking the creature. Both blows cut through the hide of the horse's wide chest {Samurai deals 8 damage to Fury; Samurai deals 9 damage to Fury}.

The Witch, however, saw Jacqueline. Reaching out her hand, she muttered an incantation, and Jacqueline began to feel cold – very cold – as though the blood was freezing in her veins. Her limbs visibly shivered{Witch deals 7 damage to Jacqueline}.



But the bandits could not be forgotten.

Finally rousing some courage, the spearman hastened up to the frontline and lunged his spear at the Samurai. He missed, but, for the first time in the course of the battle, the spearman did not seem shaken by this and held his footing with a trace of pride {Bandit 4 misses Samurai}. The archer backed him up and fired two arrows across the courtyard; the first of these missed, but the second found its way past the neck of Fury and into the neck of the Samurai instead, dealing excellent damage {Bandit 6 deals X dmg to Samurai}.

The Samurai appeared Injured, but the battle was far from certain.



This message was last edited by the GM at 14:40, Sun 11 June 2017.

As the deeds of the battle occurred I observed them and considered within a sort of sanctuary of calm in my mind, not reacting, just observing.  Though, it was only a small moment in time, the thoughts were rather complex in nature, occurring in an instant in my mind, but displayed in many lines when expounded upon:

Witnessing the wounds against Fury both surprised me, angered me, and relieved me.  It surprised me that he was actually hit, being he was amazingly able to avoid being hit in even circumstances such as a pillar of flame {here meaning the Samurai got above a 21 on both attacks}.  It angered me to see my mount injured, which is also amazingly rare.  But it relieved me in that it was more minor wounds than I expected, which relived me that a blow was not delivered as devastating as the pillar of flame was.

The witch's attack had a similar effect upon me though.  I was thankful to see the attack was minor in comparison to the fire that fell, but angered to see Jacqueline hurt.  Whether the attack would have a lasting effect or not did give me some pause, but now is not the time to be concerned about such things.  One step at a time and no reason to worry about things which one does not know.

Thus my mind returned to our task at hand:

Realizing the incorporeal state of the witch, the wounded's condition, and most importantly the death of their tracker, I begin to prepare for our next best option: escape to the woods.

I spoke to Hadric, "You are going to make it out of this man, this is not our last battle together."  I did not know how well he heard me, but I know he did.  I was not going to give up on him, and would not allow him to give up on himself. {Diplomacy Check?}

"Jacqueline!  Get yourself out of here!  As fast as you can!"  I wave my hand toward the break in the wall when I meet with here eyes.

"Spearman!  Prepare to withdraw, we must move back, not for fear, but to cover our wounded.  Keep up the fight!"

"What a shot!" I exclaim as I see the arrow hit well into our opponents neck.  I look into our opponent's eyes, with searing determination, after he sustains the hit.  "We will not be stopped, in His Name!"  As I act I look in the eyes of the witch and command her.  "Enough witch!  Enough of your vile magic, in Jesus name!  You will cease!" {Nat 1, but I mean she is already an enemy, right?}


Actions:
After I lay Sir Hadric over my mount, I attempt to fast mount my horse as I stare down our opponents, keeping an eye on them (No AOO for mounting).
{Fail: 18}


I then proceed to move my mount my mount, Sir Hadric, and myself away from combat, straight back:
from 98-IJ To 98-TU (of further back if I can, I assumed the square my horse left was rough terrain from the body though?)
{spur mount: NAT 20! so it normally gives plus 10ft speed (thus why I moved 60ft, unless the nat 20 would let me move more! :D)}


I take cover from my mount if he attempts to attack me on an AOO:
{1d20+13, DC 15}
Or if he tries to attack my horse I use my mounted combat feat if he gets past Fury's AC:
{1d20+13, replaces AC of mount if higher}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Sat 24 June 2017.

Johannes could feel his heart beating. His body pulsed in his steel shell of armor like a chiming bell. It seemed like the whole world could hear its thump. Thump. He threw himself on the back of his horse. Thump. He grabbed and snapped the reigns. Thump. Fury began to gallop forward. Thump. The Samurai swung out his guisarme and wrapped its hook around Johannes' neck.

Johannes felt the hook slip beneath his helmet and enclose his windpipe, and, as Fury continued forward, his body began to lift off the saddle. Time grinded to a halt.

This is it, thought Johannes. I'm going to die. . .

As his body began to float, on the brink of being dismounted, memories flashed before him: Hadric, Jacqueline, Brant, Adwonis, Dwalin, Imbellem, Mikael, Alldyde, Steyus, Marcus, Taisiya, Larlben, Keldan, Pyrra, Elora, Zinvaris, Darus, Biff, and. . .

Rysan. . .

I can't die. . . not yet.

In that second, a thousand prayers came to his ears, and he tightened his legs around the body of Fury. The hook of the guisarme pressed against his neck, but his legs held on, tensing his muscles beyond anything before. And the guisarme was pulled right out of the Samurai's hands.

Fury galloped forward at blazing speed, carrying Hadric and Johannes across the courtyard. Johannes grabbed the guisarme dangling from his neck, inadvertently carried with him.

"Go!" Johannes rasped to his steed, to Jacqueline, to everyone, though voice was non-existent after such a trial on his throat.

Jacqueline, now in possession of the Treaty of Essex, sprinted alongside then ahead of Fury and slipped out the crumbling gap in the wall.

"No!" shrieked the Witch, whose ethereal voice sent tremors into the earth. Her ghostly body was then wreathed in flame, flames which spread from her in indiscriminate rings of death, and did not cease to do so. The ground was lit aflame. The spear-wielding bandit was lit aflame, and perished. Even the Samurai seemed alarmed and retreated from her.

The elven bandit-archer saw his role in this fight was over. Putting away his bow, he spread his arms and fell backward off the wall, gracefully disappearing into the water.

Johannes did not tarry. Guiding his mount, they burst through the crack in the wall, breaking off several bricks as he landed on the shore, and, finally, leapt into the water. Jacqueline dove alongside them, and they swam together, reaching the midpoint of the pond. Something in the courtyard exploded. Waves rippled through the pond as though it were an ocean caught in a storm, and a great pillar of smoke rose from the ruin.

The adventurers reached the other shore and watched the fire overtake the keep, overpowering the walls, burning the vegetation, and billowing from the old tower that had once been their prison, now seeming like a smokestack hard at work. For a little awhile at least, for some distant world, there was a new star in the sky.

"Johannes! Lady Jacqueline!" cried Ludwig, emerging from the woods on a horse.

"Ludwig! Where is the councilor?" asked Johannes.

"Safe. I hid him in the woods and came back for you. I'm glad to see you're alive."

"How do you fare?" asked a different voice, one of a soft tenor. The elven bandit appeared, whose clothes (like theirs) were soaked from the swim.

"Well enough,"  replied Johannes. "With some thanks to you. Your help back there was greatly appreciated – crucial even."

The elven bandit held out a hand, offering a handshake. "My name is Sfinn. This may be abrupt, and perhaps unnecessary, but let there be no hostilities between us."

Johannes accepted his handshake. "Agreed. In fact, any who fight alongside us like that I would even call my friend."

"Come!" bellowed Ludwig, rearing his horse. "Let us escape with haste!"

And as the blaze engulf the keep, crackling loudly, the battle-worn adventurers fled into the woods, and were swallowed by the night.

***

3 Days Later...

Ludwig stopped the horses as the carriage broke over the crest of the hill. "There it is."

Before them laid the city of Deon's Rise, the capital of Perdane. It was nowhere near as large as Herrod, in terms of sheer size and population, but Herrod could not compete with the city's grandeur. Stone building upon building, spires upon spires, terraces upon terraces – all imbued with elegance and history. Certainly, few other places built by man could rival it.


Councilor Rodinger stepped out of the carriage, his arm in sling but his spirits bright. "We made it. For awhile there, I didn't think we would."

Johannes, too, stepped out of the carriage. "I had faith," he said cheerfully. He walked to the two-horse team at the front of the carriage which, oddly enough, had one horse of brown color and the other white. Johannes rested his hand upon the white one. " Thank you my friend for pulling this extra burden." Johannes fed him an apple, which Fury gladly ate.

"Do you see any pursuers?" called out Rodinger.

Sfinn, the elf, leaned over Ludwig from atop the carriage. "Our trail is clean, Sir."

"I'll second that," added Jacqueline from the back.

The councilor nodded proudly, then chuckled. "It's funny. I started with one crew, yet by the end of the journey, ended with a very different-looking one. . . Speaking of which, where's Hadric?"

"He's in the carriage, isn't he? Hadric?" said Johannes as he peered into carriage. It was empty. A feeling of alarm washed over Johannes. "Hadric!?" he shouted loudly.

"What?" replied Hadric as he stepped from the woods. "Can't a man take a piss without anyone thinking he's been kidnapped?"

Everyone laughed.

Councilor Rodinger turned to them. "I'd like to give my thanks to all of you. This journey was a Victory, a Victory that almost wasn't. It was unorthodox, with many unexpected disasters, but each one was somehow surmounted as it came, thanks to your wit and your passion. This mission was meaningful for the city-state of Herrod. By bringing me and the Treaty of Essex here safely, we will be able to establish our new Republic legally here in the Kingdom of Perdane – ensuring Herrod's safety and stability for the foreseeable future. You will be able to travel the world at ease and in comfort, knowing that Herrod will be a stable and welcome refuge for its citizens, including you whenever you grow tired and weary. Your reward for this mission will be waiting for you at the Representative of Herrod's Office here in Deon's Rise. You may also address letters to me there if you ever have need of doing so in the future. And so I say, Congratulations."

You have completed the quest!