We will be starting outside of the largest town in the area, Bascombe. Bascombe is led by the halfling Calmus Tallfellow of Bascombe. He took/added the town name as part of his title of Baron of Bascombe. Calmus has held the town for about the last 10 years & (my shorthand for 'and') is a rather benevolent ruler.

We start during the later spring time, farmers are planting in the fields. The air is still a bit cool during evenings & early morning.

Everyone lives in Bascombe & owes the baron 10 days of duty time during the spring. You all meet for the first time during the first day of road clearing & maintenance. Depending upon your skills & abilities, you could be hunting for food, assisting in physical road labor, etc as needed.

During the noontime rest of the 4th day, Knight Richard Rathborne, a human, arrives with 2 soldiers & an assistant with 3 hound dogs. The knight's manor house is a few miles away.

The knight speaks with the road boss/leader & then from horseback "Greetings all. My men are chasing down a group of bandits, the Bloody Hand on the other side of yonder hill." He points to a series of tall hills some hours away by foot. "Svenner (the road boss) will lead some of you into those hills to trap those bandits & keep them from escaping. I am sending Kelper (a halfling) & his hounds to help you chase them down. Depart immediately. Kill them all upon sight. I am returning to my men."  He then departs, a knight of few words.

Svenner chooses all of the characters as his party to chase them down. With a fast pace, you can reach the hills by evening. The Bloody Hand is a group of poachers, bandits, horse thieves & other ruthless badness. They have been in the area for some years & appear to have grown in size the past couple of years. Svenner gives you a few minutes to gather your gear from the supply wagon & then sets out.

How fast do you wish to travel ?? Ponder a marching order, including Svenner, Kepler & his hounds. Any other plans on bandit hunting ?? Svenner is more of a work boss than a soldier. The Bloody Hand should be considered quite dangerous. I would like to finish character creation by this Friday.

Vrigori shows up ready to go. He's wearing leathers, and has a sword and dagger at his side. The hilt of the sword hints that the weapon isn't that impressive, but the scabbard is nice, even though it doesn't seem made for the sword. He's also got a dagger, and a pouch of sling pellets clanks at his belt. His backpack isn't bulging, but it seems plenty for his skinny frame. He's clearly no warrior.

"I'm happy to join you all," he says, "but I'm not going to pretend I'm some kind of warrior. I'll be trying to stay out of the way, but I'll get in a jab or two, if I live that long."

---

No preference on location in formation, but he's not much good as a point man.
I couldn't afford both armor and thieves tools, but he can still try to sneak and climb. With a little luck, he might be able to get in a backstab.

I'm hoping the hounds will lead us. If anyone has infravision, they can go in front.

Birahu is excited about the hunt for bandits, as he was training to be a knight, he was well equipped and ready to go! He donned his armor with some help from his friends, got his pack, sword, dagger, and spear and he was ready to go! He practically ran up to join the team to hunt for the bandits. He had a black cloak over his chainmail, he cut a valiant figure, almost dashing! The only mar on appearance was the viscous scar running from the corner of his eye to his lip! "Are we ready to get moving guys? Man this is a great opportunity to make a name for ourselves!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Thu 27 July 2023.

Arandyl wipes the beads of sweat from his forehead as he watches the knight and his entourage approach. He appraises and admires the man's steed, figuring it could pull a plow all day long without much effort.

After the knight's words he is one among a few chosen to soldier for the knight. Arandyl is no fighter. Never killed more than a buck in the highlands. Certainly not another being. At first he thought about refusing, but something about the mission calls to him. Shaking his head, amazed he is going to do this thing, he gathers his bow, quiver, satchel, and waterskin from the wagon. It is all he posesses in life after-- no, no dwelling on it now.

Those called to duty gather together. "I am named Arandyl." He says for those he has not met in the last four days of road maintenance.

---

(OOC)
Arandyl will not volunteer for a point position, preferring to attack from a range position, if at all. He does have infravision, so an argument can be made for leading point in the darkness to be resolved by dueling charismas. With that said, I include a CHA roll.

Arandyl rolled 15 using 1d20.  Persuasion (CHA).  Failed roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Fri 28 July 2023.

It is noontime, so fill the waterskins, munch a hunk of bread or cheese  ....

Gwydion is a bit slow to respond to the summons of the knight, but he does come. When pulled off the road crew, he dons his mail hauberk, ties a pouch containing sling stones to his belt, and hefts his spear. "Bandits? Sounds dangerous. We'll need to use care if we're outnumbered."

Realizing he hasn't spoken to most of the others much, and hearing Arandyl introduce himself, he also adds, "Call me Gwydion."



OOC: I'm also an Elf, so I have infravision, and decent if not great AC (crap roll for starting gold). I could take point, unless our brave Fighter would like to do so.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Fri 28 July 2023.

Vrigori will fill his waterskin, but he doesn't have rations. If this takes a while, we'll need to hunt.

Also, Vrigori is lightly encumbered, but I expect he's still not the slowest.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:57, Fri 28 July 2023.

"I am called Birahu, I will take point if you want." he tells the others. He takes food for now and later and refills his waterskin too!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Fri 28 July 2023.

"Well then, there you have it." Arandyl says before biting into a chunk of cheese. He breaks off the end of a loaf of bread as well. What he doesnt eat now, he can eat later in the evening. He begins filling his waterskin. "Birahu is point."

I like how some are posting with their AC & HP. I think that's line 2 of your character details.

Present marching order:  Birahu, then possibly Arandyl.

Gwydion will take the second position behind Birahu.

Present marching order:  Birahu, Gwydion, Arandyl.

3 more positions to fill. Thoughts on where Svenner & the hafling with the hounds should be ??

Arandyl scrutinizes Svenner closely, wondering what type of man he is and where he should be placed in the party's group.  He does the same to the halfling and hounds.

"Hey Svenner.  You a fighter?  You ever done something like this?" Arandyl asks, curious as to what skills the man brings.

---

(OOC) We need some information on the guys.

"The halfling with the hounds can come up front to let the dogs lead the way, he can be behind me for protection. You want up front, or toward the back Svenner?"

"Me, a fighter ??" Svenner seems to turn this over in his mind. "Nay, not a fighter. I know the local region & carry a pair of daggers for protection. I direct the men doing their annual service on roads & grounds. And help settle disputes. I can be near the front if needed up there."

He carries a waterskin & 2 days food in a sack. 2 worn looking daggers along with a general purpose knife & small axe.

Kelper the hafling listens to Svenner's conversation with Arandyl.

"What or who are we tracking Sir Fighter ??" Kelper seems a bit confused. "I was told by Knight Rathborne to help track down any Red Hand fugitives with my hounds. Knight Rathborne's men are chasing those bandits in our general direction. Any that you do not kill, I am to aid in tracking them down. I only have this stout stick & cooking pan." Also some cooking utensils, waterskin & a sack of (probably) dried meat for the hounds.

"Perhaps towards the end for me & my hounds ??" Kelper has no problems keeping up with your walking, the hounds tend to rug him along. The hounds are quiet, but sense they are going to be chasing something.

"Alright Svenner, your up there with Birahu and Gwydion." Arandyl says. "Followed by myself and the others. Kelper last."

"Surely a tracker and hounds should be up front? Are the blind to lead the blind?"

A woman joins the group, clad in chainmail and bearing shield and mace. There is a prominent holy symbol around her neck.

"One day you may need a healer, but for now I can at least tend your wounds with bandages. 'Tis better than nursing clumsy road clearers, I hope. I am Zenia."

"Well met madaam Zenia." Arandyl says to the woman. "I am Arandyl. I agree that a tracker would be great thing to have up front, but alas, we have none unless your hobbies include such activities."

"Greetings, I asked the halfling with the hounds to come to the front to track." he tells them, shrugging his shoulders.

Marching order:

Birahu, Gwydion, Svenner, Arandyl, Vrigori ??, Kelper & hounds.

Clayton is super busy & may join in later.

Thusly assembled, you begin walking towards those 'yonder hills.' I am assuming a somewhat fast pacing to get there before darkness falls. Grasses & trees have turned green, the air has a spring crispness to it.

Upon reaching the first hills, a half moon rises above the horizon. Clear skies make for a cool night. Set up camp for the night with the last hour of daylight ?? Push inwards into the evening & then stop for the night ?? Start a fire ?? rest on hilltop, valley between the hills ??

"Let's stop before it gets too dark. I wouldn't think we look like good prey for bandits, but they might think we do in the dark. We can set up on a hilltop and keep a good lookout."

---

Is that the absolute best idea? Probably not, but we don't much information for judging what the best answer would be. I offer a not-unreasonable idea. If you want build on it, great, if you want to reject it, offer your own idea and I will build on that.

"If the hounds trail at the rear they will only pick up our scents, surely? Better Kelper has them up the front, to track the bandits. And an early camp sounds like a good plan - if we start early on the morrow, we may find the bandit lair and surprise them while they sleep, or at least make a plan along those lines."

Zenia still had words of wisdom to share, although the trek up the hills had left her rather out of breath.

"We have no bandit clothes or other items to give the hounds the scent. They can't track what they don't know."

"We can set a guard on the hilltop to see, but as a party, WE would be seen. We'll set camp below the hilltop, protected from the wind, with a sheltered fire for warmth and cooking in the night. Sheltered so it is not seen good folks, we don't want to advertise ourselves." Birahu says to his new friends.

In reply to Birahu (msg # 25):

"I'll take the first watch, then."

In reply to Gwydion (msg # 24):

10 XP for the hounds general idea. I'm working on XP amounts. This will do for a starter.

In reply to Birahu (msg # 25):

10 XP for the camping idea & being seen. I am working on the XP amounts.

In reply to Vrigori (msg # 26):

10 XP for the camping idea & being seen. I am working on the XP amounts.

Gwydion helps set up the camp.

Once the camp is arranged, he sits and hums an old Elven tune to himself as he eats some bread, an apple, and some dried fish. "I will take the first watch. I do not expect much trouble, but we should be careful."

"Vrigori already volunteered for first. Gwydion, want last instead? Or another. As a warrior, my sleep can be broken up, I'll take a middle watch."

"Last will do"

Arandyl helps with the camp's setting as well, gathering necessary wood to burn and stone to shelter the fire.

"Excellent.  I shall get some good sleep then if the watch is covered." Arandyl says, looking for a spot to rest after the camp has been arranged.  He has no bedroll, so he chooses a spot with the least amount of rock or root and lies down.  He uses his pack, of course, for a headrest and keeps his gear close to hand.  Once situated, he will begin resting his eyes while listening to the mutterings around the campfire.  Hopefully, he is lulled to sleep soon.

"I'll take 2nd or 3rd watch, wake me when it is my time." Birahu tells the others and lays in a soft spot on his pack, wrapped in his cloak.

A quiet but cool night passes by. No guard on the hilltop ?? You could sit just under the crestline & carefully look over at random times.

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 35):

That would work, or sitting on the hilltop so you don't stand out on the horizon.

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 35):

Yes, there was going to be a guard on the hilltop.

Gwydion will patrol around the hill, just below the peak. It will help him keep an eye on things from all directions, and also help prevent him falling asleep.


OOC: No sleep immunity for elves in this edition!

Rising early, Arandyl opens his spellbook and begins his morning ritual of memorizing his one spell.

The second person on watch notices a few faint campfires way off in the distance. One would assume they are the knight's men signaling their positions to each other ...

Next day starts briskly, I assume Arandyl awakens everyone at sunrise ?? I assume Birahu explains what he saw last night, referencing them in the morning light. Laying some branches out pointing towards the lights he saw ... It would appear the knight's men are in a rough line advancing towards you, possible a few days off. Plans for today's movement ??

"I saw several campfires last night out on the plains in that direction. I placed a few branches on the ground pointing in the general directions. They looked to be a day or more away, probably the knights. I do believe we're to continue on and locate the brigands."

Birahu eats his rations and gets a drink of water, then packs anything he has used over the night back in to it's proper place. Then he waited for the others to get ready to go on.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Tue 08 Aug 2023.

"Well if everyone can have a quick bite to eat, might we be off? There is a chance the bandits will slow their pace for us, but 'tis doubtful. The sooner we are off the better."

Zenia immediately turns to her rations and wineskin upon completion of her words.

It appears that we are off once breakfast is done.

I will ask if the elf Gwyion does his MU spell study during breakfast ?? Does Zenia have any clerical duties / ministrations after waking up ??

Moving along along thru the hilly region is fairly easy for a small group. Just after noon time, you all hear the hounds give some soft whining noises. Kelper brings them forward, stopping at each PC to whisper "They have scented something."

I will assume everyone stops in place, quietly. At the front of the line, Kelper has the hounds sniff about, they point to your right, up slope thru some pine trees & brush.

The elves will note that a breeze is gently blowing up over the hill top.

"Be mindful." Arandyl whispers lowly, unslinging his bow and reaching for an arrow.  "We will not get help from the knights till the morrow."

Gwydion prepares his spell for the day before he eats a quick breakfast.

OOC: Since I didn't use it the day before, do I still have it prepared? I don't plan to switch it out. But if you'd like, I can prepare spells anew each game day.

________________

When the hounds pick up a scent, Gwydion stows his spear, which he often uses as a walking stick, in a frog* on a harness across his back and prepares his sling. He loops one end over his index finger, and holds the other between ring and middle fingers, with a stone in his left hand ready to drop into the pouch.

"Up and over? Or circle around?"


*"frog" is the technical term for a belt or harness loop for storing a weapon!

Birahu stores hos spear as well, and retrieves his crossbow and loads it. Prepared to defend, he's ready to go. "Want to go over, or around?" he asks the others.

OOC: Which direction is the wind blowing - toward us or away, upwind or downwind of the trees?
And Gwydion, you should still have your spell memorised - it only leaves your mind when you cast it or consciously choose to replace it with another.

Zenia clutches her holy symbol and concentrates while she mutters a morning prayer to her god, then is good to go.

"Through the trees, no?"

Birahu leads the way up the hill toward the trees! Crouched over to cut his target size.

Slow and cautiously, Arandyl follows the lead of Birahu, an arrow nocked in his bow in readiness. If the brigands are atop the hill, they will have a tactical advantage, but there is naught to do about it.

Arandyl glances at the hounds to see if they have changed their behaviour.

Vrigori follows near the rear of the group, a pellet in his sling and ready to fly.

In reply to Gwydion (msg # 45):

Thank you for the terminology used & a definition !!

I have no issues with retaining your known & unused spells overnight. I dare say a few minutes to "brush the cobwebs away" from overnight. I don't recall reading anything about this in particular.

The breeze blows over the hill in front of you, then down over/around you. Thus making you downwind. This is about 200 yards upwards, a semi-gentle slope. If everyone is willing to take their time, watch their steps, no need for a stealth roll.

The hounds appear well trained, they all "point" upwards. Kelper & the hounds bring up the rear. Svenner stays back with Kelper. Svenner steps in someone else's footprints, as best he can.

I will post what I believe the combat sequence is. Please note that MU that move cannot spellcast. Since you cannot see anything worth-while at present, no problems there.

Birahu takes it slow and easy, keeping his eyes open for trips and snares and other such traps. He was also wary of pits, he hated pits!

Zenia also takes it slow and steady, staying behind Birahu. She has her sling ready for any danger.

2 out of 5 are in sneak & creep along mode. Svenner takes note of everyone, he's definitely not a sneaky person. Kelper appears to do so easily, hunter as well ??

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 55):

The thief is sneaking, almost instinctually.

3 out of 5 have made it stealthily to near the crestline. The 3 up there can barely hear what sounds like someone whittling.

It would be nice to know which three
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sat 12 Aug 2023.

Birahu is one of them, he's in front.

Zenia, Birihu & Vrigori  have mentioned moving upslope.

I've heard nothing from Gyndion about moving ...

Arandyl has asked to be removed from the game. I may open it up to new players.


Zenia, Birihu & Vrigori = your next movement or actions ?? All three of you were just under the crestline. There are bare bushes, trees & some boulders along the top that you can see.

Svenner, Kelper & the hounds are about half way up the slope & stopped for now.

As the party moves up toward the top of the hill, Gwydion decides it might be best to get into a flanking position. He moves off to the right of the party, circling the hill rather than moving up it, and trying to remain as stealthy as possible while doing so.

OOC: Sorry for the late post. I've been a bit busy lately. I'll try to post more often.

OK, Gyndion is moving along the right flank. Gyndion, at ground level or upslope a bit ?? Just trying to clarify.

I will hold/pause the game for a moment. Any conversation between Gyndion & the others before you left ?? This allows for some planning, etc. Then we will move along.

I may restrict content until everyone meets up again ... I generally do not mind if the party splits up, its that you will be separated for awhile.

Gwydion lets the others know he's flanking before he goes. He whispers to the group, "I'll go around to the side. I may catch them unawares."

He will move slightly upslope, at a roughly 45 degree angle to the base.

With that done, we return to play. All but Gwydion were just under the crest line, Svenner, Kelper & the hounds were half way up the slope while Gwydin moved to the right & somewhat upslope.

Birahu crouches as he advances and tries to keep the boulders between him and their foes for cover.

In reply to Birahu (msg # 65):

Vrigori does the same.

Zenia follows along with the others, while making sure the warriors are in front of her also.

From just under the crest, you hear a semi regular sound, like someone is whittling. Very quietly done, but Birahu & Vrigori can hear it. I assume Birahu or Vrigori hand signals this to Zenia.

Birahu turns and puts his finger to his lips to let everyone know to be quiet, he cups his ear, and points up the hill to signal he can hear someone. He then creeps forward a bit, straining his neck to see over the rise if he can.

How long will Birahu look about ?? A more quicker approach, roll 1D20 less than your Wisdom value (not the modifier, but your actual Wisdom die roll). Success, Great. Failure, nada seen, lots of cover down there ...

Vrigore & Zenia, if Birahu fails his roll, you may also take a look & make the same roll.

Birahu strains and looks for a minute or so, but settles down with a disappointed look as he sees nothing from his vantage point!

---

08:21, Today: Birahu rolled 17 using 1d20.  wisdom. Wis 12, Failed.

Vrigori snaps a quick look, the ducks back. "Yeah, I think I saw somethin moving over there." He gestures vaguely. No one else sees anything clearly in that direction.

---

08:35, Today: Vrigori rolled 14 using 1d20.  Check vs. 8 Wisdom.

He actually doesn't see anything of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

Correct for both, nada seen. Could be gone ?? Could be better hidden ?? No sound at present. The previous noise did come & go a bit.

Frustrated by the lack of information coming from in front of her Zenia slowly moves up to join them, and then takes a close look for herself.


22:42, Today: Zenia rolled 6 using 1d20.

OOC: Success!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Mon 21 Aug 2023.

Zenia & her elven eyes ... 2 semi hidden prone figures seem to be looking towards the west, your left. The figures are somewhat left of your group. Hard to say what race, definitely medium sized, worn drabby cloaks that blend in a bit with the terrain. About 50 yards away.

Zenia moves her eyes about to the west & sees partially obscured trail remnants. A good surveillance spot for these two. From the west would be the knight's personnel as they sweep along.

Zenia can wiggle down slope a bit to whisper this to the others.

You all hear nothing off to your right, where Gyndion moved off to.

Forgot, Zenia take 20 XP for finding both guards. Take another 5 XP for also seeing Gwydion off to your right moving slowly along the ledge. It appears she has not seen the 2 guards ...

All, any plans here ??

Vrigori shrugs at the others. They'd made no plan and they don't know who these people are, but they can support Gwydion should he attack or get into trouble.

Birahu begins to edge up behind the rocks, trying to close the distance to the presumed enemy, trying to make sure they don't escape to warn their friends.

In reply to Birahu (msg # 80):

Vrigori shrugs again and follows.

OK, slowly moving upwards is no problem for you 2.

Zenia, moving to watch over Gwydion ??

Back at the crest line for Birahu & Vrigori ??

Zenia laterally to watch Gwydion ??

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 83):

OOC - That sounds about right to me.

And then Birahu ??

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 85):

Birahu will move around quietly to the right behind the rock, at as low as he can be, peeks around to see what he can see.

It takes a moment, but as Zenia said, 2 humanoids, prone. Downslope, 30 yards I believe ...

Once located, you see the rear-most person rise to a kneeling position, looking about.

You also notice that the humanoid in front, about 10 feet from the kneeling one, does not notice his associate moving about.

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 88):

Birahu will pull behind the rocks except an eye to see what is going to happen. He keeps very still so as not to be noticed.

Both Birahu & Vrigori see Gwydion seemingly speaking something to the kneeling man, who stands & turns towards Gwydion.

The kneeling man stands & says "Friend ??" to Gwydion. This noise causes the other man to turn & say "Who are you ??" towards Gwydion. He then proceeds to draw 2 throwing daggers ...

We may be moving into combat sequence ...  I can roll to determine which of 3 groups may move next: Birahu & Vrigori // Gwydion // The 2 humans below ... Let me know what your next actions will be.

Birahu will hold long enough to see what Gwydion does next before reacting to it, he may have it all under control.

In reply to Birahu (msg # 91):

Same.

You both see the one turn to the other & yell out "No, he's my friend !!" as he rushes towards his associate.

Both of you now see Gwydion off to the side, standing still.

I will assume Zenia stands up & sees all of this as well.

Zenia does indeed stand and observe all this, but immediately begins to walk toward Gwydion, expecting matters to escalate.

Zenia, about 50 yards away at this time. You could still opt to run if you wish.

 All of you see one man pausing to listen to his associate. They engage in a tense discussion. I will make a deciding roll in the next tactical turn for a resolution of their "discussion" ...  Both are quite agitated.

Everyone, any actions for the next tactical turn ??

I am giving Zenia the chance to run towards Gydion during the present tactical turn.

Zenia does indeed decide to run and join Gwydion.

Half way to him Zenia.

The other 2 ??

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 98):

Vrigori wouldn't be much good in a straight, close-up fight. He'll stick to what shadows the trees offer.

In reply to Zenia (msg # 97):

Birahu tries to use the shadows too, to get much closer, too far away to just run up without losing the wizard. He moved fast though, just in case he was needed.

Just clarify for Birahu & Vrigori. If you are going to run, down hill, there will be no cover, you are out in the open. You are simply moving too fast, but will get halfway to the arguing pair.

If opting for sprinting, you are going to need a Dex roll to avoid slipping, tripping, sliding, etc. Here I would allow triple movement rate for sprinting as a DM discretion which will get you to the pair, but unable to take any other actions.

Opting for cover will take a while to get there, I'm going to say 2 tactical turns if you push it. This would mean Dex rolls to remain in cover with out making noise. 3 turns if moving slowly using cover.

Birahu & Vrigori can clarify for me if they want to. Right now, I assume Vrigori is sneaking his way around, so 3 turns. Birahu is running downhill. Feel free to alter if needed.

Zena is opting to run.

Gwydion is standing still.

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 101):

Birahu will sneak with Vrigori for the time being, unless they attack his comrades, then he will sprint!

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 101):

None of those options sound worth trying for someone with my set of ability scores.

All I want is to get to a position where I have cover and can use my sling for support. I have no need or desire ever to get close to this situation. I actually have Move Silently and Hide in Shadows as a thief, but I won't roll them unless asked to. I see no particular reason to try to be stealthy here anymore, though.

So, at least some protective cover, and close enough and with enough visibility to use my sling. Though if that comes with a risk of hitting my ally, I won't use it.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Thu 07 Sept 2023.

Sounds good for both of you !! So long as you move slowly, no need to roll for the turn.

Waiting for Gwdion to take his action ...

Looks like Gwydion is standing about ...

The 2 lookouts, if you will come to a consensus & look to Gwydion.  They hear Zenia running towards Gwydion & see her. However they move towards Gwydion, no hands on weapons.

"Friend, my companion wishes to know why you are out here in the wilderness ??" Says Whittler to Gwydion.

I'm bringing Gwydion back to the group.

Svenner & Kelper are now at the top of the slope looking down. For the moment, no one is looking in that direction.

Gwydion notices Zenia rushing towards him and the two lookouts. He holds a hand up to her, to stay her or at least slow her down.

The Elf addresses Whittler. "My friends and I were sent out to look for you. We have some information that there may be a traitor in your midst. We're here to help."

Zenia stops in her tracks, and holds her hands (with mace and shield respectively) out wide.

"My friend speaks truly. It is fortunate we found you."

Birahu & Vrigori continue on their quiet process of circling the 2 unknown humans.

"A traitor among us ??" the 2 humans look at each other ... Perplexed, just standing there. Then one says "We must tell Broche."

Gwydion feigns hesitation. "Do you think it's wise to go to Broche right away? It might spook the traitor... Well, maybe you're right. Zenia, can you call the others?"

To Whittler (who hasn't actually been addressed by name out loud yet, so Gwydion doesn't yet know what to call him) and his fellow lookout, he adds, "Don't be alarmed, friends. I came with a fairly sizeable party. It's not safe out here in the wilds."

Zenia, how loud do you wish to speak or yell ?? Birahu & Vrigori are presently out of sight.

As Zenia looks around, she sees Svenner & Kelper on the slope crest. No sign of the other two.

"Sven, Kelper...tell the others to come forth. We have found them."

Zenia makes it sound like a rescue effort has taken place, rather than a hunt, in the hopes this will soothe any fears the guards might have.

Svenner, Kelper & the hounds walk down to the group.

Birahu comes out and walks down, this might make it easier to kill them than sneaking up on them!

Gwydion puts a hand on Whittler's shoulder and announces to his party, "Friends, this is my good friend who work for Broche. I've told them of the traitor in their midst, and they say we should go inform Broche directly. If we're ready, I think they will lead us where we want to go."

He hopes his new companions will get the hint.

"Thank the gods we got here before the traitor could strike!" Birahu follows along!

Vrigori stows his sling, but keeps a pellet handy. He's happy to follow along.

As everyone is coming together, the non-charmed one recognizes Svenner & bolts away. He sprints towards the path a few of you saw earlier.

It takes Svenner a moment to realize whom he just saw ... "Targ ??"

Kelper is busy trying to restrain the hounds from taking off after the running man & they start barking.

In order to sequence any events/actions, please roll 1D20 + your Dex mod. Targ starts everything by springing away ... I'll sort everyone's actions by highest to lowest.

"Loose the hounds Kelper!" Birahu tells the dog handler.

Gwydion turns to Whittler and puts up his hands. "I don't know what this is about. Could your companion be working with the traitor?"

"After him!" calls Zenia, either before anyone else acts or hopelessly later after everyone has already acted.

Well now,

Targ initiated the scene by acting first. His normal initiative will be after Birahu.

20 = Birahu whi yells out to Kelper "Release the hounds !!"

{15 = Targ sprints down the ledge, slipping but rebounding along as he darts away.}

12 = Gwydion / Whittler / Svenner / Kelper = all act simultaneously. Gwydion asks Whittler if his companion is working with the traitor. Whittler shrugs, he doesn't know about that item.

Since Whittler is charmed, Gwdion effectively controls him, so same initiative.

Svenner stares after the departing Targ. Kelper unleashes his hounds ~ who bound off barking & yelping after the moving Targ. Kelper will follow after the hounds.

Zenia = yells out "After him !!"  Not sure if Zenia also takes off after him.

Zenia & Gwydion would be the nearest to Tatg when he bolts off.

Next round ... Continue with same initiative.

Zenia stays exactly where she is, leaving the chase to others.

Birahu takes chase! "Get the traitor!" he yells!

Birahu, how dast ?? Going to let the hounds chase him down, thus walking ?? Running just to keep him in sight ?? Or all out sprint to tackle, catch, whatever ??

Never a spellchecker when you need one. Dast = Fast for Birahu ...

In reply to Aslanii (msg # 125):

As fast as little feet take him. The dogs will get him way faster, but I'm giving chase too.

Zenia stays put & Birahu jogs along after the hounds. Svenner folows after Kelper. Vrigori & Gwydion ??

Gwydion stays put. He thinks managing Whittler, and trying to gain information, is more important than chasing down the fleeing bandit. "I think we'd better consider our options. Hopefully, that man is stopped before he can warn the traitor. But there may be more traitors than we suspected. What can you tell us of Broche's men?"

My apologies, the Chromebook would not log on at the hotel because it used a simple password which the Chromebook found unacceptable, thus suspicious. My cousin has no wifi/internet at her camp ...

So, we have:

Birahu = stomping along after Targ, following him. A runner following a sprinter.

Targ sprints along, easily making a Dex roll to avoid tripping.

Gwydion & Whittler standing together, talking. Whittler is upset that his companion is a traitor. "Please don't hurt Targ, he is a nice fellow, for a thief."

Svenner & Kelper follow the hounds.

Both hounds attempt to bite Targ, but unsuccessful. They bay & bark now.

Zenia stays in place.

Round 3 ...

Birahu continues to chase after Targ! He figures the dogs should bring him down soon enough!