"Perhaps they can be tempted with our special gift box, or if not, I can conjure some illusions or weaken them with some of my other spells."

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 658):

"They come! a score or more of them, several with horses and pack animals."

"Gift them with their special surprise first, then, we show our teeth!"

"Let us try and distract them, while the shaman works to bring Akitsu-sama to our aid."
Iskander adds.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 661):

further south along the road, you can hear the jingling of horse harness and some rough voices.

Chye remains, in case diplomacy or muscle is needed.

20:20, Today: Iskander rolled 9 using 3d6.  stealth ~ 16.
Iskander vanishes, hiding in a spot he can observe from.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 663):

a long train of men approach, three on horsback, two of which have banners matching the shields and surcoats of all present, a golden sheaf of wheat on a gaudy red and black check.

Tactics rolls for those viewing, or the best of Per-1 or soldier

23:03, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 7 using 3d6.  soldier ~ 13.

23:03, Today: Iskander rolled 8 using 3d6.  soldier ~ 13.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 667):

The leader is a better armored man on the lead horse. the two with the banners don't look like they know how to use a spear. the men are lightly armored, except for the head and torso, except the leader, who also has gauntlets and better torso armor.

They all carry swords and shields, although the two with the banners can't ready anything.
The others also carry bows.

The leader points at the barrier, and raises his hand for a halt.

Ales attempts to formulate tactics to handle the incoming train of soldiers, but funds their formation confusing.

04:27, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 16 using 3d6.  Tactics 12.

"How are we going to handle the stream of leeches? Shall we attempt to reason with them, or shall I move into position and begin casting spells?", he asks to Chou and the rest of his group.

"Let us first see how they react to our barrier."

As he speaks, Chou-Zhen gestures with his left hand, and a small ball of crackling energy forms in that hand.  He locks his gaze on the horseman without a banner.

[Private to GM: 13:12, Today: Chou-Zhen Mou rolled 12 using 3d6.  Lightning, roll to cast (15) (correct dice).  Starting to aim.]

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 670):

The leader says something, and walks his horse back a little. Four men pour between the bannermen, forming a two by two group with shields readied and swords out, as several men behind take a knee and draw bows, preparing to arc their arrows over the horsemen before his men advance further he calls out "Who dares to obstruct the King's road?"

00:49, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 4 using 3d6.  diplomacy ~ 13. crit!!!

Chye replies to the pointed question, in his penetrating voice:
"We were here delivering tradegoods from Northport, to return with rice. During the night, the village was attacked by several strange creatures, and ghosts. These are what remain of our hasty defense. It's good you arrived! we don't know when they'll strike again. Perhaps tonight!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Wed 11 Mar 2020.

Iskander waits and listens, from his hidden, soldiered, position.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 672):

"That sounds like it was a suitable thing to do. Now lower the barrier and fix the road so that we may pass. Those trade goods, and the rice are taxable, as Baron Pequenaud rules here, not Mabinota of Northport."

Chye nods at the mounted man, and turns away to face the villagers, with a wink.
"Lower the barricades, for their horses."

Ales quietly casts Mystic Mist on the villagers and the adventuring group. If these goons attack, he wants them to have a disadvantage right away.

20:56, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 12 using 3d6.  Mystic Mist 14.

"I am unable to quickly remove the wall -- the magic to shape the stone is too exhausting."

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 676):

Opalescent fog envelopes the village... cost on that?

Ooc: I'm using 8 FP.

Hoping to keep the ruse up, as long as possible, Chye calls out, as the mist engulfs them.
23:02, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 7 using 3d6.  acting, default from performance 14 -2, 12 or less.
"The ghosts are back, and in greater force. They come in the mist!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 680):

"I call bullshit! Ready and fire on my command!


You hear a creaking, as of many bows being drawn...

16:36, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 7 using 3d6.  acrobatics ~ 14.
Chye dives and rolls for cover!