"We've been betrayed."

Councilor Rodinger leaned forward in the carriage resting his elbows on his knees. The sight of verdant forest moved briskly past the windows, never showing the same scene for long. Although everyone in the company was a trustworthy person, deemed enough so to escort Councilor Rodinger on his journey to Deon's Rise, he spoke in low tones nonetheless, as though it was simply the proper way to speak on this subject matter.

"You see," he continued, "It turns out that many of the soldiers for the citystate of Herrod were on the payroll of the pirates, including a number of its officers. After the Pirate Lord was slain and his organization collapsed, some of these soldiers deserted their positions and never came back. And rightly so I suppose, for they would have assuredly been arrested. The Pirate Lord was probably planning to use these soldiers the secure his position in Herrod after he overthrew the government. Fortunately for us that didn't happen."

The carriage vibrated as it rolled steadily along the dirt road, drawn by a team of two horses. Periodically a branch from an overhanging tree scraped against the side of it, or even peaked into the carriage through the window to nearly strike one of its occupants, though only for a moment, and always just missing. Councilor Rodinger, though late in years, bore an ever confident demeanor and was well-liked by most who met him. His only flaw some might say was his tendency to be too serious about things, but others saw this as a strength in a politician. It had been a few days since they left Herrod, and only a couple of hours since they diverted from the main road onto a less used one. This had the benefit of being safer and more secure since they were less likely to run into other travelers this way. But, of course, it came with the downside of being more overgrown (and a tad less comfortable).


Herr Johannes was particularly uncomfortable as he road his horse beside the carriage listening in through the windows, and as a result, bore the brunt of many branches. Occasionally he fought them off with sword and shield, perhaps getting a little more enthusiastic about it than was called for, as he imagined them to be 'wicked foes'. Inside the carriage, Jacqueline and a new hire named Brant rode with much more ease. Usually they walked beside the carriage as it traveled, but during their last break stop, the Councilor had invited them inside. He continued,

"We started to get reports of increased banditry in the northern territories, so it's reasonable to assume that some of the deserted troops have turned on the state of Herrod and choosen a life of crime. In this way, they have betrayed the state. Still, it's safer to come this way, on land to Deon's Rise, rather than by sea at this time. Although Herrod's Pirate Lord has fallen, there are still seven other Pirate Lords out there influencing the other seven states that make up the Kingdom of Perdane; and it's a good bet that if one of their ships were to stop us enroute, we would never get there! And it's imperative that we do. Afterall, we've just reorganized Herrod into a republic. It's important to establish new ties with King Owendir and assure him this doesn't mean we are declaring independence from the Kingdom, among other things. However, this is my job. You just need to get me there."

Councilor Rodinger straightened up and leaned against the back of the seat, looking satisfied with his explanation. "So there you have it. You asked why we we're taking this awful road and it seemed only proper, as my escort, that you know the full details. I know it's a pain, but it's only until we exit Herrod's northern border and cross into Langsley."

Sunlight from the late morning peaked at a slant through the trees and blinded the corner of their eyes. Thankfully clusters of trees provided the occasional shade and relieved them from squinting (though perhaps Herr Johannes felt differently about the trees!). As Councilor Rodinger concluded speaking, the carriage noticeably started to change in speed. The Councilor took notice as well. "Do we seem to be slowing down to you?"


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Thu 25 Feb 2016.

Before the departure...

As the adventurers gathered their gear, Trapper could not keep his gaze steady. He strapped his leathers, loaded his pack, and grasped clipped his dagger to his belt. At last he grasped that trusted vile double axe, running his thick green thumb over it's notched and razored edge. In his other hand lay a letter, pristine and tan in the parchment that encased it, save for a thin cut where the paper had been cut and the seal broken. The half orc listened to the song of the sea outside the walls and turned to the others. His brow was heavy with the weight of all that had been risked in the past few weeks. He spoke soft and stern as ever.
"I cannot go with you on this run. That last fight told me some things. I proved my loyalty to this city, but it is not MY city. I have known this, and now with Steyus out of power, I am free. I think it's about time I did somethin' selfish. Pyrra has called for help. I expect none of you to come with me, but I intend to answer it. But I'm not doin' it just for her. I trust the lot of ya to escort this man to safety, but durin' this time o' transition, I need to up and leave. I don't know if I will ever look upon any of your faces again. If I do, I hope it's on good terms. May Obad-Hai watch over you on the road."
As the last of his words retreated from his tongue, the half-orc lowered his cowl, letting his scars see the sun. He walked off from the castle battlements, winding his way down towards the harbor with a heavy pack and perhaps, the slightest hint of a spring in his step.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Thu 25 Feb 2016.

Jacqueline snapped her attention back to the party, blinking for a moment. She had let her mind wander for what felt like a month. She let the words of the Councilor sink in as she then also noticed that the carriage was slowing down. Her brow flattened, as she grabbed for her bow. "Can't be too careful, Councilor," she mouthed. She kept her ears and eyes ready for action.

Actions/Battle Relevant Portion:
I sheath my sword and draw my lance with my shield ready in preparation for a fight. Clad in my new armor after purchasing it and other supplies at the tournament, I am prepared.  I look ahead to see if I can tell what is going on. I call to the carriage driver, "Driver! What is going on?"

Inner Thoughts:
After the recent tournament I feel frustrated and filled with anger.  I long for combat, for the chance to fight in battle once again where the prize is more than gold.  In combat the price can be blood.  I seek to use my skills in combat to crush the opposition to the righteous God.
     The tournament left me with a lasting anger, similar to the one that I find often present in my heart.  One present because of my warrior soul? because of my frustration with the ever present evils in this world? because of my hatred for the wicked? I know not.  Hopefully, one day I shall.  In the mean time, I need to remain focused and controlled.
     Yet for the time being, I do often wonder about the barbarian tribes near my homeland.  I have seen them fight before and seen them as volunteers in the army.  The one I met at the tournament makes me especially consider again, what would it be like to harness this anger, this rage as they call it, and use it for battle.  Could it be possible for the a disciplined and ordered member of a paladin order such as myself be able to harness this rage and use it for the destruction of evil?  Could I wipe clean the world of wretched with my wrath, or with the greater wrath of God?  Does His wrath for the wicked still exist, yet with Christ's Crucifixion?  I often have wondered this.
     Is there a way I could understand the rage I witnessed the barbarian from my homeland fly into?  Can it be yet controlled?  There must be a sort of divine fury that is accessible in battle.  I must know...  My foes in that tournament showed me most importantly that we much conduct more rehearsals, more drills, more training.  It was helpful in that and this anger drives me on.  There is no place for this sloppiness to remain.  We must assess what went wrong and how we can fix it.  I do not chalk things up as coincidence.  I do not believe that saying: 'well, you win some and you lose some.'  That is an excuse, and in combat you could be dead.  I believe there were turning points in our fight, we needed to not allow ourselves to be separated, and likely the defensive option would have been superior, simply sitting in the fog.  fighting in formation, maximizing our defensive position and limiting the enemy's ability to charge.  Maybe, I will face them again in combat some day.  The paladin fought well, and was an honorable opponent.  If I ever meet him in this material plane I plan to talk with him and train with him.  Perhaps, even travel with him for a time.

In the past to trapper:
{see next post (I ran out of time since I had to get my car out of a rut)}
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Sat 09 Apr 2016.

The carriage slowed to a halt. Councilor Rodinger knocked on the interior of the carriage and called out, "Driver, what holds us?"

"A man, Sir," said the driver, who was an aged and worldly fellow in his forties named Ludwig. "Lyin' in the road there."

Jacqueline and Brant beckoned the dignitary to stay put, slipped out the side doors of the carriage, and went beside Johannes who strode on his steed. All three gazed down the road, where no farther than twenty feet away indeed laid a man, face down in the dirt. They cautiously approached closer.

The man was wearing half-plate armor, which failed to hide a bulky physique underneath, and a charcoal-gray helm that encased his entire head, leaving no skin visible; beside him lay a heavy flail, as though he were carrying it when he collapsed. At first, the adventurers thought he was dead, for the smell that drifted from him was enough to make them wrinkle their noses, but upon hearing a kind of rasping breath echo metallically from inside the helm, they changed their presumption.

He continued laying unceremoniously on the dirt.

[Private to Hadric: You had just run from an ambush, from bandits who had sprung a trap on another road not far from here. Being outnumbered four to one, you ran, but they gave you chase. Only after eluding a near capture by striking one on the cheek with your flail, no doubt costing him some teeth, did you make your escape, crossing through rivers, untamed forest, and climbing a high ridge – and finally, reaching another road where upon you collapsed from sheer exhaustion for an emergency nap.]

In reply to DM Ryan (msg #

As the travelers approached the collapsed man, he twitched a bit, and with a movement unbecoming to a man of his stature rolled back to his feet, clutching a massive flail in both his hanDS. His armor was nothing special, battered and well used, the pack at his back was of torn and patched leather, hanging almost empty as did his waterskin. The visored helm glanced at the travelers, wordlessly judging them. A moment passed, and his weapon was lowered, releasing a small tinkling from the steel chain. He looked up at the party, waiting for words.

As I see the man in the dirt I immediately begin to take action.

"Jacqueline! You take cover near the carriage and ready yourself to shoot this man if he proves hostile.  Cover Brant while he checks him.  Keep an eye out for enemies waiting to ambush us.  [Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: whispers: <Red>Does he look familiar to you? {Could you please do a spot and listen, ready an attack, take cover, and do a knowledge (local), knowledge (nobility royalty), knowledge (adventure) if you got it, and maybe knowledge (history)?, my knowledge (nobility royalty) was a 4 :/ and I do not even have knowledge (local).}]

Brant! you are going to check if he is alive.  Be cautious. [Private to Brant Roiben: Whispers: and check if you know him. {i.e. do any relevant knowledge checks}]

I will take up position near the carriage to guard Councilor Rodinger.  I can move the fastest to engage an enemy from here if the councilor is in danger.

All, watch for enemies nearby, in case of ambush.  Lets move quickly, the faster we get this accomplished, the less we are exposed.</Red>"

I listen closely and look around for enemies nearby, keeping my guard up.
{13:44, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Listen Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.
13:44, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 2 (nat 1) using 1d20+1.  Spot Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.}

I take position next to the carriage of Councilor Rodinger

Before we begin moving, I notice the man has begun to get up!  I watch him a moment as he stands.  After seeing him lower his weapon, I pause a moment, then answer, seeing we all are in silence.

"Hale! Sirrah, are you in need of assistance?"

[Private to GM: I study his equipment and person to see if he be a man of war or a man of personage or at all related to a faith?
(Examine Check - further equipment etc.)
{14:44, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Adventure), on man in dust; RtP.
14:47, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (History), on man in dust; RtP.
14:47, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty), on man in dust; RtP.
14:46, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Religion), on man in dust; RtP.
}]

Reply to Adwonus Before We Left:
I turn to face Adwonus as he prepares to leave.
     "I know it was a rough road Adwonus and we did not always see eye to eye, but we still fought side by side at the time it mattered.  You knew we had enemies which we needed to all band together to fight.  you were the one who helped us see that and push for us to fight against the greater enemy, I want to thank you for that friend.
     I understand, in this time of transition with whatever debt you had to Steyus paid, I think it is time for you to pursue some of your needs instead of those of others.  You might not be of this city, but I am sure you will always be welcome here.
     Pyrra needs you, I would be coming with you if you asked if my duties did not keep me here.  I think you understand that I am needed here to escort the councilor.  Go to help Pyrra, she helped fight with us, I could not see her ask for aid to only be left without help.
     I am please to be able to call you a friend after all this Adwonus, and I do hope to see you again.  May God watch over you as well.  Send us a letter as soon as you are able, we will want to know that you and Pyrra are alright.  I believe we will see each other again soon."

With that, I put my hand on Adwonus shoulder and speak a parting blessing, "God Bless you friend, Godspeed!"

Jacqueline nodded and did what Johannes asked, taking cover by the carriage and readying her bow with an arrow in place. She didn't quite pull it into place, trying to see if she recognized the fellow's face or his armor. When Johannes spoke, she took the time to view their surroundings, checking for any hidden persons off the trail.

[Private to Herr Johannes: 22:19, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  Reflex Save. NAT 20, if in case we get attacked, I wanna know I can dodge, haha.
22:16, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 25 using 1d20+9.  Hide Check.
22:16, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  Spot Check.
22:16, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Listen Check.
22:15, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Sense Motive.
22:15, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge Nobility/Royalty.
22:14, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge Nature.
22:14, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge History.
22:14, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge Local.]

Brant eyed Johannes somewhat wearily, then hopped off of the cart. He casually strode up to the figure seated in the road, idly adjusting the strap on his shoulder that held his traveling guitar as he went. He stopped a few feet away, judging by eye the distance he could safely stand at to keep from losing a kneecap or two. "'Ello mate. Are you alright? Sittin' in the middle of the road ain't the place for ya, saavy?" As he spoke, he glanced back at the cart. "Can ya tell me what happened to ya, or do ya need some water to wet your throat first?" He asked, taking a half-step to his left to block Jaqueline's line of fire.

In reply to Brant Roiben (msg # 9):
The massive figure tilted his head a bit eyeing the man before him before speaking. His voice was gravely and low to the earth, "you are no bandits. It would seem the light still touches me. I... Rested here. I've been in these woods near a week, I don't remember trees here... Only folk I've seen have been theives.. I've killed a few. Couple hours past I was ambushed by a group. Gave one a taste of my mace and ran... But if you offer water, I will take it..."

Brant stooped and held out a waterskin to the prone stranger laying in the road, who tilted it and drank. When finished, he pushed it away and began to lift himself up. Brant offered a helping hand, but the man ignored it, as though determined to do as a simple thing as standing on his own. He straightened up, a few joints audibly cracking; upright, he towered over Brant by half a foot.

"Thanks," rumbled the stranger, who, even though he tried, couldn't seem to make his tone any less harsh.

Knowledge Checks {Herr Johannes; Jacqueline} ~ His old and tattered belongings didn't betray a connection to any of the noble houses, nor some other affiliation, but they did confess him as a pure fighter with strength as his foremost resource.

"So ya escaped some bandits, eh?" said Brant conversationally, while Johannes and Jacqueline remained by the carriage, watching with a great deal of apprehension.

"Yea," said the stranger. "Not sure how long I've been sleeping though. Ran a long time." Feeling more awake, he examined the well-guarded convoy from beneath his dark helm. "What's all this?" he inquired.

"Just a little pleasure trip mate," said Brant, a ruse which wasn't intended to fool him, but rather, convey the message that it wasn't his business to know.

"I see," he answered simply, understanding the meaning yet deciding he didn't care so much. "Well, you better-"

"DUCK!" screamed Jacqueline.

They didn't even question it; both Brant and the stranger ducked, and an arrow flew right over their heads and into a tree across the road. They heard rustling footsteps coming closer from the woods, and a shout: "E's over 'ere!" They were under attack.

Brant glanced at the stranger as he un-crouched. "Seems you were followed," he said blandly, as though this happened all the time.

The stranger turned to face the bandits alongside Brant, swinging his flail threateningly toward them. "Yea," he muttered, "They must have a serious crush on me. . . especially after my crush on one of them."



Map Notes: Squares entirely covered are dense vegetation which can be stepped into as normal, but cost quarter-speed to step OUT of (this means you can't 5 ft. step out either). Squares half-covered or more functions the same, but cost half-speed to step OUT of (this also means you can't 5 ft. step out either). Squares less than half-covered are considered open and is just the picture being bulky.

As an example, Herr Johannes on his horse could move from DE-34 to EF-45, which would cost 1 square of movespeed. But if he moved from EF-45 to EF-56, this would cost 2 squares of movespeed because the space E5 is more than half-covered by vegetation.

Left of the road is a low wooden fence about 4 feet high, as seen in the picture in the first post.

[Private to Herr Johannes:
Examine ~ You didn't see any new possessions.
Listen ~ A man approaches from the woods! After the arrow, you notice a total of three!]

[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde:
Sense Motive ~ So far, the stranger hasn't said anything to give you pause, though he seems rather uncharismatic.
Spot & Listen ~ Three men approach from the woods!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:07, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

The armored lunk regained his footing as the arrow soared above his battered helm. He snapped his expressionless visor the nearest bandit, and charged,(bandit 1 is target)
He connected with the target, wrapping his chain about the bandit's leg.


10:04, Today: Hadric rolled 14 using 1d20+13 ((1)).melee on touch ac
If 14 is greater than touch ac,
rolled 16 using 1d20+8 ((8)) trip. Check vs bandit str
If bandit fails he is prone and attacked
rolled 18 using 1d20+11 ((
Damage 13 using 1d10+6 ((7)

Talking, Thoughts, Contingent Considerations:
It seems my desire is granted with the attack.  I knew this felt like it could be an ambush.  [Private to Brant Roiben; DM Ryan; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: Rule 1 of mounted operations: -do not stop- this is what made me question this man in the road.  The arrow above his head would seem to verify his story however, so he appears to be just as in trouble as us, if not more so.  For now, it seems we are both on the same side.]

"TO ARMS! If these bandits wouldst attack us all, then let them taste our steel!  TASTE OUR WRATH!
Brant or Jaqueline, stay with the carriage, attack from there if you can.  I am going to move in for combat.  Watch for others that we might not see yet!  The worst mistake is to underestimate your opponent, for all we know there are many more."

[Private to Brant Roiben; DM Ryan; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: Did you recognize this armor clad man {knowledge local}? Do you trust his words {sense motive}? Do these bandits look like evil men to you, or just angry commoners?"]
{Ryan: Do we get a free reactive spot check or free examine check?}

[Private to Brant Roiben; DM Ryan; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: I realize, before we lay waste these attackers, I ought to take a moment to confirm this armor clad mans's story, before I draw blood and deliver death, it would be worth a moment to confirm:
when I approach closer to the bandits I look more closely at their faces (examine check), do they appear brigands?  Or more farmers who are angered?  Like what weapons and armor are they using? What colors and clothes do they wear?] [Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: That should tell me all I need to know.] [Private to Brant Roiben; DM Ryan; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: I seek to see if these are professional highwaymen, criminals worthy of our fury, or mere peasants angered that a man at arms perhaps wronged them (justified in their cause)... I would guess the former, being they made no effort to announce themselves or ask our aid in capturing him.  If they appear to be mere angry commoners or other plain fold (like town guard or pitchfork wielding peasants, I stay my lance, else they taste mine fury.]  [Private to GM: If I do not get a chance to look, or it would cost an action, I just attack then.]

I prepare my lance for its first real use in combat.

Actions:

I move to I/J-9/10

I attack bandit 3 with my lance (10ft reach)

[Private to GM:
00:06, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  AR; on bandit 3; RtP (-2 PWR ATK).
00:10, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  DMG; on bandit 3; RtP (+2 PWR ATK).

Reactive Knowledge Checks:
Examine Check on bandits
00:12, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Nobility&Royalty); Bandits; RtP.
00:12, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Arcana); Bandits; RtP.
00:11, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (History); Bandits; RtP.
00:10, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Religion); Bandits; RtP.
23:58, Yesterday: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Adventure); Bandits; RtP.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Tue 24 May 2016.

As combat began to erupt in the forest, the slender man stood up straight and began to drone a deep, thrumming note. The sound carried farther than one might expect to come from the lungs of one man, his footstep keeping in time echoing unnaturally throughout the trees. The air grew thick and warm and heavy, as if the area had been put under a large blanket. He stopped after a few seconds, but the note continued after him. "That's enough, lads."

Actions: Cast calm emotions, centered on L9

"Three men total, Herr!" She quickly glanced back at the man, and murmured to Johannes before he ran off, "He hasn't said much to give me pause, but he's not a very charismatic fellow..." Something about Brant made her feel certain about the three enemy men that were about to attack: there 'doom' was coming. But she couldn't quite put her finger on it. He seems a little too confident... She steadied her bow, the string not yet pulled back, waiting for someone to be within sight. She slowly moves [half speed into C6] and prepares herself to be quick if in case someone attacked Johannes. "I don't want to have to kill anyone..." she muttered. "But I would be willing to pin someone down to stop them from hurting my allies."

[Private to GM: Ryan, I want to shoot someone only if they attack Johannes.]

[Private to Herr Johannes: 22:37, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Move Silently Check.
22:37, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+9.  Hide Check.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Fri 27 May 2016.

Sunlight leaked through the branches, casting bright trails onto the leafy floor. The sun was especially blinding being set in a cloudless afternoon sky, which made the forest's shadow seem especially dark, like a black silhouette broken by white cracks. But the dark patterns across the ground shifted here and there, and changed permanently, as men charged through breaking twigs and leaves in their wake.

Clanking with every stride, the armored stranger, Hadric, charged and swung his flail in a low, scythe-like sweep, aiming for his attacker's legs, the chain whistling as it soared. But his foe leapt over the spiked, steel end and evaded it {Hadric misses #1}.

Herr Johannes quickly joined the fray and dashed through the treeline until he broke upon an enemy. He reared his horse threateningly and glared down at the foe who would seek to ambush them. His enemy pointed a longsword upward to keep the horse at bay. Johannes noted how confidently his opponent held his weapon, how proper his fighting stance was, how tightly buckled his boots and leather armor were. Although there was no tunic to say it, he bore the signs of a trained soldier. The soldier's face was chiseled, serious, and seemingly dirty, being three days unshaven; and he gave no sign of giving quarter. Johannes guessed the soldier a deserter.

Swiftly he glanced at his supposed armored ally; his ally's foe {1}, having just evaded an attack by flail, was dressed the same as his own foe, though wielding a bow in hand, a sword at his side. Johannes looked for the third and saw a similar appearance through the foliage.

Discerning his enemy hostile and dangerous, Johannes took his lance in hand and thrust it down at the man. The lance stuck his enemy in the shoulder through his leather armor, leaving a darkened red stain to leak down his side; he grunted in pain and held his sword more tightly, his knuckles white {Johannes deals 9 dmg to #3}.

Johannes prepared for the retribution to come, readying his defense, but the counterattack never came. Instead he heard a rhythmic voice through the trees originating from back at the carriage, a voice he recognized only barely as Brant Roiben's, though the pitch was abnormally low. Nonetheless, it soothed Johannes strangely, though only in a small way. What he felt however, his enemy seemed to feel ten times more.

His opponent lowered his sword, his battle-ready expression gone, and replaced by a content smile, as though he were enjoying the pleasant, summer day.

"Why fight?" he {3} said calmly. "Seems pointless doesn't it?"

"I agree," said another {1}. "Let's let bygones be bygones."

"What's the matter with you two!?" rebuked the third man in the rear {2}. However, he quickly realized what was happening. "You've been bewitched!" he exclaimed. "Snap out of it!"

"Snap out of what?" asked his ally near the armored stranger. "Everything seems just dandy to me."

"That's how you something wrong! When in the hell do you use the word 'dandy'?!?" he answered fiercely. The other shrugged uncaringly.

He {3} looked between his two comrades in disbelief, then, cursing repeatedly under his breath, "Dammit, dammit, dammit," he turned and ran.

"Hey, wait for me," said the soldier near Johannes as he departed at a casual jog (Johannes may choose to take an AoO).

"Me too," said the other. Hadric, also feeling to be in an unusually good mood, let his foe run off, something very uncharacteristic of him.

Back near the horses, Jacqueline watched Brant chanting the low rhythmic tone in fascination. "That's quite a trick," she admired.

Brant winked in reply and kept on chanting.

{Combat Rounds Ending}



[Private to Herr Johannes: Knowledge ~ Your checks did not yield any additional information.

Notes~ A reactive spot check will always happen automatically if someone is trying to sneak up on you. Examine isn't a check, but simply something you can do; think of it as a magnifying glass that you can point at something for extra details.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:25, Mon 30 May 2016.

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 16):

The armored man grunted a bit under his breath and watched the figures dart into the brush. His armor softly groaned as the grip on his flail tightened and relaxed. A deep breath was released and he spoke slow and deliberate. "Let them run. Cowards. I bet they come back at night to jump us. We'll slay them then. That is... if I can walk this road with you... tis been some time since I witnessed magic such as that." As he waits for the group to respond he simply states, "forgot to mention my name. I am sir Hadric."

Clearly recognizing something is amiss, I look around at my comrades with deliberate concern. 'What is going on here!?' I ask to myself. In disbelief, I question aloud, "Is this some sort of ruse?!" Regardless, I know what will happen if I allow these enemies to leave.  Unless these enemies minds' have been altered permanently, which I have no certainty in, and even doubt, this is only a scouting party who will soon bring many more foes upon us.  We must end this here and now.  There is no room for hesitation. The decision having been made in my mind, I take action, hoping my friends will realize how crucial this is and will stand with me in my decision.

I strike at my foe as he turns to leave, exposing himself.

There's no time to fully explain to them, if we wait and allow our, now strangely inocuous, opponents to escape it could mean facing later a force which could endanger our mission, and endanger our very lives. There is no room for misplaced mercy, or more accurately weakness.  Mercy upon our foes comes at the expense of the protection of our friends, at the safety of our mission. So many don't understand the purpose of the good soldier, who fights for what is right.  We don't shed blood for the sake of shedding blood, we do what's necessary to stop the unnecessary shedding of blood.  We ply our craft in some of the most dangerous and unforgiving scenarios men have ever faced in history... so that others may live.  This is the purpose of the soldier who fights for honor, for justice, for what is right- For those worth protecting.  I have no question in my purpose or my goal.  I have no question in what I'm fighting for.  I will not hesitate.

[Private to GM: {01:30, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 10 using 1d8+5.  AoO; DMG (1 PWR ATK ) enemy deserter (3?); RtP.
01:28, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  AoO; AR (1 PWR ATK) on enemy deserter (3?); RtP.}]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Jacqueline furrowed her brow and peered quizzically at Brant. Uncomfortably, she shifted her gaze at Johannes before-- HE'S ATTEMPTING TO STRIKE! Her eyes widened, anticipating the foe to turn at any moment. White knuckles pulled into place, but she was careful not to aim just yet. She wanted to make sure he needed her help first.

[Private to DM Ryan: Only if the foe returns fire will I aim and shoot an arrow.]

Brant's eyes flashed with a sudden fury as he held his hand out towards Johannes, fingers splayed. His voice echoed eerily again as he chanted a swift verse in an arcane tongue, anger tinging his words. Mercenary tactics, ruthless bloodshed. Cowardly... "Ya should 'ive me ye weapons, for safe keepin'."

Actions: Cast Suggestion on Johannes

[Private to GM: {Am I in range of Brant's spell? I know it is close}]

I am mostly focused upon my task, but hearing Brant's words give me momentary pause.  What is he talking about?  I look around a moment in the midst of my attack, seeing all the others around me suddenly drained of their ambition...  Does no one else really understand what we need to do here?

I make a plea to the fellow fighters around me. "Are none of the rest of you going to fight?  With me!  Lets stop this scum before they return to their camp to bring back who knows how many allies!  STEEL YOURSELVES!  Are you going to leave me helpless Lady Jacqueline!?  Sir Hadric!  As a fellow knight, you must see the danger of these adversaries!  Let your retribution fly!  For the sake of your lives!"  Then I understand... seeing their inaction, they have lost their will to fight, either by magic, or by some other apathy.  What is wrong here?!  It must be magic, like Alldyde, which means there might be an enemy nearby I do not see, our situation may be perhaps even more dire than I had perceived!

Then I feel it, the arcane tendrils, like smoke begin to assault my mind.  Stealthily they arise to constrict my mind... pulling on me to give in.  I turn my head, calling on my will to resist this feigned sleep.

{I make a will save to resist the spell (presumably)}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Herr Johannes, crying out with righteous fury, readied his lance for a deadly blow, but then suddenly halted his arm mid-strike.

"C'mon now. Give yer weapons here," continued Brant Roiben, now smiling as he plucked away at his lute.

"Good idea," agreed Johannes, turning his horse around.

The bandit Johannes was pursuing, along with his two companions, fled into the woods and were soon hidden by the foliage. Meanwhile, Johannes casually rode up next to Brant and began handing over his weapons: His lance, guisarme, sword. . . It wasn't until he had finally handed over the knife hidden in his boot that the spell broke, and Johannes lit up with rage.

"WHY DID YOU STOP ME? THOSE WE'RE EVIL-DOERS!" he roared.

"We're not here to kill bandits!" Brant snapped back. "Our job is to get Counciler Rodinger to Deon's Rise in one piece – and nothing else. We don't need you picking fights we don't need!"

"DON'T NEED!?" Johannes continued. "THEY COULD COME BACK FOR US IN OUR SLEEP!"

The argument continued for another five minutes or so, with neither of them concluding on a happy note. Finally, amidst the tense silence, Hadric spoke.

"So. . . can I travel with you folk for a bit?"

"Sorry," replied Johannes. "But no. Each of one us was carefully selected for this mission for our trustworthiness, and we can't just blindly accept strangers in our midst, who could easily be our enemies. We were happy to help you in your time of need, but I'm afraid this is the most we can do."

"Alright. I understand," grunted Hadric. He turned and started to walk down on the road on his own. He took one step, two steps, then passed out, falling face first into the dirt.

The adventurers all exchanged looks.

After hulling Hadric onto the driver seat of the carriage, next to the driver Ludwig, they began moving again. They traveled north for the rest of the morning and afternoon, stopping every couple hours to give Hadric something to eat, who they'd found out hadn't eaten in four days. As they had hoped by taking the backroads, they never met another traveler, nor did they run into more bandits. Eventually dusk came, sending a fiery orange streak across the western sky, and they found a nice clearing beside the road to make camp.

They made a fire, food, and refilled their waterskins in a nearby pond, preparing for another day of travel to come. Brant performed a song on his lute while dusk turned to night and the fire crackled; Jacqueline straightened the feathers of her arrows; Johannes tended his horse; and Hadric slept. Councilor Rodinger and Ludwig drank lightly from a bottle of wine and discussed the merits of goblin architecture.

All was peaceful.


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Mon 16 Jan 2017.

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 22)
Hadric Awoke in the morning, bundled in furs. He felt his energy returned to him from the water and rest. How many days had he wandered the forest? 3? 5? Everything was different. He had no memory of trees here. It had been a barren field when he had been dragged to the tower? Had it not? But there was no tower either, only ruin. The warrior shook his head off. He inhaled, smelling himself and grimacing. It was still dawn, and the others had not yet woken. He rummaged about camp, pilfering a bar of soap from one of the packs that lay strewn about. He had just had the strangest dream of a cursed island. There had been a rider in black atop a great dead horse. The others had  been there too, and they had helped him. The warrior contemplated this as he bathed himself in a nearby creek. he soaked the clothes he had taken from the tower and after a good twenty minutes he felt clean again. He armored up, covering what was left of his visage in the battered helm as he headed back to camp. By then the others had begun to stir as he clanked back.
"I understand you've been picked for this task, but I must tell you, these woods are a terrible place. I may have not shown it yesterday, but I am a capable warrior. I have no master, no creed, no place left. If you would give me the duty of accompanying your party, I would be thankful."

After we selected our watches and I finished mine (insisting I was first, angered by the recent argument) sleep took me, and without my resistance.  I was exhausted, it felt like we had been travelling for so much longer than we had, for months.  The journey had become arduous it seemed, was I awake or asleep?  I could not tell... the sleep was deep or was I awake in a dream?  All seemed amiss.  Throws of torment began to arise in my restless sleep.  Something was holding me to the ground, something was strangling me, I could not breathe... the fall kicked the air from my lungs, smoke surrounded me!  Where am I!? I shook my head around, trying to stand.  I slipped, falling in my armour.  A voice called me to follow after him! I did not know what was going on, I looked around and saw the man we just met in armour, a barbarian of a familiar resemblance, our priest or acolyte -Imbellem, and a short... gnome? in robes.  We were in another place, the ground charred... was there some sort of explosion?  Where are we?  Wait, I am wearing my armour?  I went to sleep only wearing a chain shirt for armour, as was my custom?

...

Though I was still in shock from the ...explosion?  The thorns within my mind began to lift, and the blade within my heart dissolved though now my surroundings seemed to now carry what death was within me, what chains bound me?  I was becoming a free man within a dying land?  death drained from me, yet this land hmm...
-THEN SUDDENLY-
"GET OUT OF HERE! FOLLOW ME QUICK!" a sprinting man stopped to tell us a moment trying to drag us with him.

...

The group of us was in a courtyard, a cry came from the battlement!  "HAIL, THE ENEMY APPROACHES! TO THE WALL! ALL WARRIORS TO THE WALL!"

As I ran to my horse I felt wicked vines spring from the ground and try to pierce my feet and flesh.  Blood began to trickle down my leg, suddenly a wave of fog, like a poison mist fell all around me, I felt it trying to suck the life from my, feeling my throat tighten, but my heart was still full.  The blood drained, but my courage no longer did, the death no longer was within.  My heart was no longer choked.  I fought to my horse feeling my legs sting forcing them through the wicked thorns.  I mounted my horse and we charged into the fray, headlong into the terror

...

I awoke with a start, "UUUUUAAAAA!" breathing in sharply as if I had been resuscitated from the dead.  My clothes were wet with sweat and thrust myself up, my hand grasping the hilt on my sheathed sword keep within my bedroll.  I burst out of my tent before I knew what was happening. Beads dripped down my face, and fell from my hair as I drew my sword reflexively.  "Vhere... !"  I whipped my head left then right, then stopped a moment realizing where we are after some confusion. "Phuaaaa!" I breathed out in a sigh the agressive shout and swing i was ready to unleash... "It was only a dream?"  I looked around in despairing confusion.  But something was different!  My eye was then caught by the inscription on my blade...  "No, it was not a dream, the vizard brought us there!?" I said in sudden wonderment.

...

Everyone else seemed to still be asleep or away from camp luckily, lest they see my shivering realization of what happened... or at least I thought no one was awake.

...

Later Hadric, as I now knew his name to be, requested to join our group.  A different though crossed my mind.

"In response to your request I have a question for you.  Have you ever fought the undead?  creatures of death brought unnaturally to a semblance of life again, that they might render the souls from the living and drag them with them to their unholy world."

I looked keenly at the armor clad man, attempting to discern his thoughts on the matter.

[Private to GM: {20:31, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 9 using 1d20.  Sense motive, on Hadric;} RtP.]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:32, Sat 21 Jan 2017.

Hadric's reply to Johannes was concise. "Maybe. . . long ago."

Sense Motive ~ To Johannes' surprise, Hadric's answer seemed entirely honest.

The morning sun had come, with bright rays of sunlight slanting through the gaps in the canopy. The group had slept fairly well, save for Hadric and Johannes, who were burdened by dreams of something yet to come, another intertwining of the web of fate so strong that its vibrations could be felt in the past. Both of them seemed to recognize this connection, but they could not name it. Even Hadric, who had long felt distant toward other men, could sense this connection beneath the waves.

"So," continued Hadric, letting the wave carry him. "May I join you?"

Brant Roiben inserted himself in the conversation and stopped the wave where it rose. "No," he answered, finishing tying his long brown hair in a ponytail. "In fact, now that you're healthy enough to stand, I think it's best you took off."

Only yesterday Johannes would have agreed in a heartbeat, and had even said something similar himself. But still carrying with him that strange, intuitive feeling, he felt reluctant to send Hadric away. Nonetheless, his head was forced to agree with Brant. They were on a dangerous mission, and Hadric was a dangerous-looking stranger. And the notion of adding more to their party for the sake of protection simply didn't justify the risk.

Johannes nodded in agreement with Brant.

Hadric perceived the decision and slightly bowed his head. "Thank you for helping me, and for the food," he said. Then, grabbing his things, he departed from the camp.

Johannes, Brant, Jacqueline, and Ludwig packed up their tents and things, while Councilor Rodinger sat in the carraige, reading over documents, in preparation for his meeting with King Owendir.

"Will this meeting be difficult?" asked Johannes, guiding his horse beside the carraige. Ludwig climbed into the driver seat while Brant and Jacqueline took positions on either side of the team of two horses.

"If it was simply a meeting with the King, no," answered Rodinger as Johannes mounted his steed, and the carriage began moving. "If that were the case, everything would be business as usual: the Trade Pacts would still be in effect, and the Treaties the same. But it is more than that. Though Ivan Steyus, officially speaking, resigned his status as Duke, anyone observing the situation could construe that he was removed by force, and the Duke is a hereditary title and office received only by His Majesty's commandment. Since we've done away with that form of government on our own, this could be viewed as a breach of the Treaty binding the city-state of Herrod and its territory with the Kingdom of Perdane, and our enemies will want to use that as an excuse to revoke our Trade Pacts and Charters. So you see, young Paladin, like how you prepare to go to war by whetting your sword and polishing your armor, I prepare by sharpening my mind, for my own kind of war. And perhaps I might be so bold as to say that my kind of war can be just as dangerous."

Rodinger donned a rare smile.

The party continued through the forest and did not stop until midday for lunch. Rodinger and Ludwig stretched their legs, and Jacqueline began boiling water for a soup.

"We must have left the province of Herrod by now," said Ludwig, whose graying sideburns accentuated his jaw when he spoke. "That would put us in the province of Langsley."

"I'm afraid I don't know much about Langsley," said Johannes.

"Wine?" offered Brant, popping open a bottle.

"No thanks," he replied.

Ludwig let Brant pour some into his cup, who then passed it to Jacqueline. "Anyway," continued Ludwig. "Langsley is, rather appropriately, known as the 'L' shaped province, and continues all the up to the northern coast of Perdane. How they managed to defend such a stretched out territory is beyond me, that is, before the Eight Kingdoms consolidated into the one Kingdom of Perdane. Remarkable, don't you think?"

"Yea," agreed Johannes, eagerly listening to the lore of his very well-traveled companion. The mood was once again a relaxing one as Brant plucked another song on his lute.

"The largest city in Langsley is hard to say," continued Ludwig. "Since both Sendale and Tress are pretty close in size. Sendale sits on the northern coast, as far away from us as possible, while Tress is more central. The two have been long-standing allies, so that – yawn – that's probably why. . Ugh. Hard to believe, after a night's rest, I'm. . so. . . tired."

Ludwig fell over sideways, unconscious.

"Ludwig!?" cried Johannes as he straightened up in alarm. He glanced around at his companions but saw that both Rodinger and Jacqueline had also collapsed. Only Brant remained conscious, plucking away at his lute with indifference. Johannes glared at him as the realization hastily pieced itself together.

"Our friends look sick," said Brant plainly. "Johannes, why don't you go look for some medicine? Take your horse too."

09:53, Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Herr Johannes, rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Will Save vs Suggestion, DC 18.

Johannes felt his rage, along with his mind, usurped by the suggestion. "Good idea," he found himself replying, though hating the idea at the same time.

As Johannes held the reigns of his mount and walked toward the forest, three bandits, the same three they encountered the day before, entered the camp behind him.

"You came way too early last time," scolded Brant. "I told you to way for my signal."

"It wasn't our fault," said one of the bandits. "That armored fellow walked right into us. It was just bad luck he ran straight for the councilor!"

Johannes kept walking into the woods, unable to control his feet, and somewhere in his mind, as he listened to all this, he repeated curse after curse.

He returned to the camp an hour later to find everyone and everything gone: Brant, Jacqueline, Ludwig, Rodinger, the carriage, the horses – everything. All that remained were the ashes of the smoldering fire. Johannes sunk to his knees.

Suddenly, he felt a gauntlet rest on his shoulder.

"I didn't mean to follow you," said Hadric. "Didn't know which direction to go, so I just picked north. I didn't expect to catch up so quick. . . You okay?"

Johannes slowly stood and gazed at the empty campsite. The untrodden road continued north while ruts from the carriage continued east, into the woods, and, at the same time, footprints continued west in the woods opposite.

"I'm not okay," replied Johannes. "But it's good that you've come. . . We have heretics to burn."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Sat 21 Jan 2017.

"I can't put my finger on it Hadric, but I know you, ve fought on the field of battle together before, ...or we will, I can not place it exactly.  I knew I should have listened to my gut, I knew you were meant to join us..."  My hand tightens into a fist, and then releases as I repeat a quote quietly to myself.  "'We can only make the best decision at the time with the information we have, we must keep moving forward...'"
     "I need your help and I must ask your forgiveness for the folly that we did not accept it in the first place."

"I will explain: The bard, Brant, I knew I did not like him from the start," I hiss in pained anger, "he double crossed us.
     There is only one place for those who betray their fellow soldiers, and that is death.  He was no soldier though, only a deceiver.  Beware him, that is true wickedness.  Few things are as clear to me as that- betraying your friends is wickedness indeed.
     He put me under some sort of twisted spell, you know, like he did earlier to us both. -Betrüger (Deceiver)!- and my feet carried me away, I could not stop it, only witness his evil.  He drugged or poisoned Lady Jacqueline and our driver Ludwig.  3 Bandits showed up, the same we meant to kill, to then take the carriage or God knows what.  I intend to make him pay for this, but more importantly, we must retrieve the councilor Rodinger, Ludwig the driver, and sister Lady Jacqueline.

"I am glad you have come, for I am most certainly in dire need.  I need someone I can trust - I need your help Hadric.  It was fortuitous that you came upon me again, it was not a coincidence.  As a fellow man at arms who knows what it is to fight in battle along side one's friends, you can understand.  I need a fellow warrior.  Will you help me?  Will you help me save my friends?  Will you aid me in this quest?"

...

"Do you have any advice of how we ought to proceed?  I am confused by the tracks to the west as well as the carriage tracks to the west?  Do you have any experience tracking?"

I examine the tracks and campsite to discern if there is anything that would help reveal to me what happened.
I also examine the carriage tracks to the east, can I tell the horses still pulled the carriage?  Did anyone else on foot see to accompany them?
I further examine the tracks to the west.  How many sets of tracks proceeded that way? 3?
{If a SPOT or SEARCH check is needed I take 2 min to take a 20 on the check}

OOC Chat Transcript

HJ: I search the former campsite for evidence of what happened while I was under the coercion of that wicked suggestion spell.
{I also search the east and west tracks} "Can we tell how many each went which way and how many people accompanied each party?"
"Are you skilled in tracking Hadric? It is not my primary expertise."

"I'm not much of a tracker.... I can survive...."

"Would you mind taking a look and seeing what you can tell anyways?  It is all up to us, maybe we can tell how many went west, maybe somehow if my friends were taken west or just the bandits departed that way?  Either way, we should make haste soon."

"I'll look"

DM: Johannes searches the tracks in the ground using what little skill he has. To the east are the ruts of carriage wheels along with horse tracks. You do not have the skill to discern how many horses, nor do you see any human tracks in this direction. -- To the west you see a fair number of human tracks as well as horse tracks. You do not have the skill to discern how many humans or horses.

"Hmm, I can't tell how many traveled each way, but I can tell that men on foot and horses (1 or many of each, I cannot tell) went West, while horses (1 or many) and the ruts of a carriage go to the East.

I believe we should travel East.

Our priority is the councilor and my guess is most likely went with the carriage.  I also believe the carriage will be easier to catch and less guarded.  Once we secure it and 1 of its horses we can ride back for our friends.  I assume you have the skill to ride?   Even just for travel?  I am less concerned about Jacqueline because I think she can handle herself better than the councilor."

"To the east it is," said Hadric, lifting his flail.

Together, Johannes and Hadric headed east into the forest, following the ruts of the carriage. It was soon apparent that carriages were not meant to travel off-road, for the signs of damage by the carriage were obvious and everywhere. Palm bushes had been trampled over, branches snapped in half, and a considerable number of tree trunks severely dented, their bark scraped away. It looked as though the carriage had been driven by a madman.

So it was not much of a surprise when, thirty minutes later, they found the carriage stuck in a creek.

The single horse strapped in the harness was standing in place, unable to do anything at all as the front wheels were submerged in a crystal blue stream; tilted forward to the extreme, its back wheels were suspended several inches off the ground. At the very least, Johannes and Hadric noted, the carriage had picked a nice spot to crash, for the clearing was surrounded by a motley of birch, maple, and palm, casting the area in a patchwork of shadows. The creek, about three feet in width, steadily babbled as it raced over some rocks, some of which protruded from the surface. They would have taken a few moments longer to appreciate the scenery, but a sudden whimper from the carriage demanded their attention.

Swiftly, Johannes slid off his horse, approached the right-side door of the carriage, and opened it. Inside he found Ludwig – and only Ludwig – sitting upright on the front seat, his back resting on the wall due to the tilt.

"Ludvig! Are you okay?" asked Johannes hurriedly.

Ludwig shot Johannes a terrified look, who then realized Ludwig was taut with fear, not daring to move or speak. Ludwig instead communicated with his eyes, the brown pupils looking at Johannes, then darting to the floor of the carriage. Johannes looked down and himself quickly froze, not daring to make the slightest movement, for on the floor of the carriage was a massive snake, its head raised and ready to strike at a moment's notice. Green with black stripes, its body easily spanned ten feet, coiling around the seats, the floor of the carriage, and even through Ludwig's feet. Its fat, triangular head hissed at Johannes, now alarmed at his entrance, baring sharp fangs several inches long.

"Sssssnnackssssss," the snake hissed, forming intelligible speech.

"It talks!" cried Johannes in a hushed voice, thoroughly surprised.

Ludwig gave a panicked nod, but both him and Johannes abruptly stilled when the snake primed its head even higher and hissed more threateningly. Hadric stood a few yards behind, watching tensely, uncertain that any move he made could mean the last for Johannes or Ludwig. Johannes felt caught, not daring to move forward or back. He suddenly developed a deep sympathy for mice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Sun 29 Jan 2017.

I quickly scour my mind for any memory of a creature like this in what I studied or read, or on whatever it was attempting to do to me.  More vile magic...  who would have the resources for such a creature!?  Did it come from this forest?  Is this forest tropical enough?  Is this really just an illusion or a disguised shapeshifter?  Did it eat the other members of the caravan?  I would wager this was a planned decoy... "GRRRRrrr," I grumble to myself.

{21:51, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Religion), Talking Snake; RtP.
21:50, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty), Talking Snake; RtP.
21:48, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (History), Talking Snake; RtP.
21:48, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Arcana), Talking Snake; RtP.
21:48, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Adventure), Talking Snake; RtP.}

I call out to Hadric when my mind faithfully brings me an answer upon my inquiry.
"Sir Hadric!  This is likely the familiar or companion of a wizard or sorcerer or perhaps some other magic user!  Beware what else or who else may be around us!  Be ready for an attack!  Help me if you can!  What sort of sorcery is this!?"

I slowly raise my shield in front of me for defense and raise my magic sword, preparing for an attack.  As much as I feel inclined to normally lash out at my foes I think it best to defend while my team mate moves into position.  I must remember, it is about the team, teams win battles, solo not hero's.  Especially, while our team is split or broken, we must be cautious.  I would tell Ludvig not to move, but I think he is quite conscious of that necessity at the moment hehe.

I remain focused on my opponent, ready to leap or dodge out of the way.  "The Lord is my shield, the Lord is my defense, the Lord is my strong tower, I shall not be moved..." I whisper to myself, stilling my heart with God's Holy Words.

{I take total defense with my sword and shield ready to defend myself from attack}

"Tell me creature, what is your name!? What brings you here!?  Where is thy master?  Is he nearby?  Perhaps, he would be angry if you tried to kill us before we met him?"

{Diplomacy check to distract creature (Assuming it does not interfere with my total defense action, it was made after my decision to take total defense, so in essence I "rolled" for total defense first and that takes precedence). I assumed tactical talking would be a fitting thing to fill my time with while I ready myself to dodge.

12:52, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Diplomacy Check, to distract snake; RtP.}
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Fri 03 Feb 2017.

IN CHARACTER CHAT

DM to Herr Johannes:
Knowledge Arcana ~ This snake, evidently, isn't ordinary, yet you don't know of magical species of this kind. However, you have heard of familiars and animal companions gaining the ability to speak from the magic of their possessor, and you suspect this snake has a history - which is curious but perhaps not relevant to your current predicament.

Your other knowledge checks produce no results.

"I believe this snake is some sort of familiar Sir Hadric!  A type of creature that assists a sorcerer or a wizard, or perhaps even a magical beast companion to some sort of Ranger or Druid or cleric of the forest.  Be on thy! guard!"

"Aye. The spell weavers keep beasts. It may be bait"

"Be vigilant!"

"Perhaps we should try to talk to this creature?"  {I motion for Sir Hadric to move around behind subtly while I engage the serpent in conversation}

Snake: "Hisssss."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Sat 11 Feb 2017.

The snake hissed at Johannes threateningly, perhaps too hostile to reply {Diplomacy Check vs DC 20 ~ Failed}.

Black bands spread evenly across green scales, it looked as though the silhouette of trees had imprinted itself on the snake; its body slowly slithered and coiled inside the carriage and even over Ludwig's feet, causing Ludwig to feel very uncomfortable. Johannes cautiously lifted his hand, meeting the snake's yellow glare.

"Calm down little-, er, big, guy. We're not going to-"

The snake lunged, baring fangs several inches long. Quickly, Johannes dodged {Snake misses Johannes}.

"Kill it!" cried Ludwig.

Johannes pivoted and chopped with his longsword, cutting the snake's head clean off. Ludwig sighed with relief at the snake's death. As Ludwig climbed out of the carriage, Hadric walked up and pulled out the carcass, wondering if he could remember a recipe for snake soup. . .

"Thank you," said Ludwig. "Brant threw that thing in there when he sent me off, but I doubt he knew it could talk. I was barely conscious at the time, so I can't really be sure. I remember him slapping the horse though, and saying how the carriage tracks would throw you off his trail. A shame you took the bait. But I appreciate you saving my life so I won't complain."

"It vasn't anything," replied Johannes. "But now, ve must find the councilor!"

Johannes, Hadric, and Ludwig took one look at the carriage to see if they could get it unstuck, but the task looked difficult and time-consuming. So instead they took the horse, Hadric and Ludwig sharing it as they rode back to the campsite. There, they re-found the tracks and headed west, hoping Brant and his men hadn't gotten too far. But very quickly into their pursuit, they realized that wasn't going to be easy.

Without no skill in tracking, they immediately lost the trail, and they grew more than a little worried as the hours passed by and they continued blindly in a western direction. Before long, twilight came, replacing the blue sky with a quiet orange one.

"This is looking hopeless," said Ludwig, as they pushed through yet another patch of forest, six hours into their search without a sign.

"We must not lose hope!" declared Johannes, cutting branches as his horse plunged through a thicket.

"This forest looks the same everywhere you go. How could we possibly find them?"

Hadric ducked beneath some low-hanging leaves. "You'd be surprised at how lucky you can be. I'm always running into things."

"Maybe if you're a story character it works like that, but this is real life!" replied Ludwig. "We're never going to find-"

"Councilor Rodinger!" cried Johannes.

Councilor Rodinger stepped out from the brush into a small clearing, his violet doublet torn here and there, and his gray hair looking weathered.

"Councilor!" yelled Ludwig. "Are you okay?"

"Ah, friends," replied the councilor in an oddly strained voice. "It's good to see you, but unfortunately, no. I am not okay."

The councilor suddenly collapsed face-first onto the forest floor, revealing the arrow protruding from his back. And based on the size of the bloodstain, it had been there for awhile.

As the councilor comes into view I exclaim to myself as I laugh, "Haha, Ich glaub mich knutscht ein Elch!   Perhaps we are story characters Ludvig!  Haha!"  Though immediately the laughter drains from my face, as I hear his voice.  It is as if I have had a premonition, and I know what ails him.  Before he finishes his sentence I ride closer and try to catch him as I feel what I hope is not true.

"Autsch! Council Rodinger! Donnerwetter!  Those murderers!"  I shoot forth in a pained tone as my eyes confirm the premonition I had.  "Ach, nee!  That Brant is truly wicked!"

Without a moment more to spare I spring into action attempting to leap {fast dismount} from my horse to catch him.  "Quickly Sir Hadric, keep watch for our enemies!  Ludvig, Hadric do you know anything about how to treat a wound?!"  As fast as I can, I reach my hands forth toward the councilor, speaking a prayer.  "Herr! Die Erhaltung dieses bemannt Leben! Lassen Sie ihn nicht aus der Welt der Lebenden! Lassen Sie seine Seele nicht weichen! Christus Jesus, speichern Sie diesen Mann! In Jesu Namen geheilt werden!" [Private to GM: - translation with successful check "Lord!  Preserve this mans life!  Let him not pass from the world of the living!  Let his soul not depart!  Christ Jesus, save this man!  Be Healed in Jesus name!"] {I use 1 pt of Lay on Hands on the councilor to stabilize him}

"Be vigilant men!  Be on your guard!  Who knows how near our opponents are, they were likely following him.  Prepare for an attack Sir Hadric!"  After I pray for Councilor Rodinger, I look around for any enemies that could have been following him. {Spot and Listen Check}

[Private to GM: {Literal translation on the German:
     Autsch translates literally to “ouch.”
     Ach means “oh” in this context, and nee is slang for “nope” or “nah.”
     Ich glaub mich knutscht ein Elch! translates directly to “I believe I’ve been kissed by an elk” In other words, I’ve done something quite unbelievable and improbable.
     Donnerwetter is an old-fashioned word for “thunderstorm,” but is now only used to indicate anger or surprise.}]

OOC Actions:
{19:39, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Ride Check to Dismount, armor check included; RtP. FAILED DC 20
Dismount horse
Lay on Hands, 1pt, on Councilor Rodinger
Spot and Listen for enemies nearby: 20 and 7 (nat 1) ...Ryan: do we roll recovery rolls on skill check critical failures/successes?
19:50, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Spot Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.
19:50, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Listen Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.
}

IN CHARACTER CHAT:
After killing the snake and seeing that Ludvig is unharmed I check over the carriage for any sort of items that it still would contain.  I expect it was striped bare though.

Upon the sight of the councilor's injury I spring into action.  "Sir Hadric!  Keep watch for our enemies!  Do you see any?!  We ought to be ready to leave soon!  I will tend to the councilors wound!  Do you know how to treat a wound like this when we are out of danger?"  {do you have and heal skill?}
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

Johannes knelt beside Councilor Rodinger, his knees digging into the dead leaves of the forest floor. Pollen from the flowering hyascale bushes drifted on the wind and rained down on them, looking much like snow. Johannes turned Councilor Rodinger onto his side, but the councilor laid still as the white pollen-seeds collected on his upturned cheek and clothes.

"Is. . ." began Ludwig, his sideburns trembling. "Is he. . de-?"

Councilor Rodinger broke into a coughing fit as one of the pollen seeds slipped into his mouth, then opened his eyes. "I could really use a nap."

"Councilor!" cried Johannes. "Are you alright?"

"I'm pretty sure there's an arrow in my back, so I'm going to say no."

"Were you followed? Are there enemies nearby!?"

Spot & Listen ~ Johannes frantically glanced around and saw the eyes of enemies everywhere – he heard nothing. He definitely saw them though. . . their beady eyes. . . always watching.

"I don't think so," replied Councilor Rodinger. "I got away from them a half-hour ago."

"Then let's get out of here," inserted Hadric. "Before they catch up."

"I doubt they'll come after me," said Councilor Rodinger. "But we can't leave either."

Johannes paused at the out-of-place statement. "I don't understand."

Councilor Rodinger held up a hand. "I'll explain. You see, the bandits were never after me in the first place, but rather, they were after one of the documents I was carrying, one that was supposed to be a complete secret - the original copy of the Treaty of Eselx. This is the treaty that binds Herrod to the Kingdom of Perdane, signed when Herrod was first annexed into the kingdom 200 years ago. This treaty is the reason we have as much autonomy as we do.'

He was interrupted by a coughing fit, a few drops of blood appearing on the leaves.

But he continued, "I must warn that since our recent reformation there have been machinations at work to deprive Herrod of its autonomy, brought against us by the Council of Seven, the pirate lords who dominate Perdane. The Treaty of Eselx alone can reclaim the rights of our original agreement. Any artificial copy we bring would be cast into doubt by them, and so nothing less than the original will secure Herrod's future. . . But Brant has taken the Treaty of Eselx, and recovering it is more important than my life. Lady Jacqueline also still remains their prisoner."

"This is right!" shouted Johannes on the edge of fury. "Ve must seize the heretics vherever they may be! . . vhich is vhere, exactly?"

"I'll tell you," replied Councilor Rodinger. "When Jacqueline and I were captured, they took us into through woods to a ruined fortress, built in the center of a pond. It must have been a fortress from the days when Herrod was still its own kingdom and often at war with its neighbors. After they had taken the Treaty of Eselx, they debated on what to do with me. Half wanted to ransom me back to Herrod, but the other half wanted to kill me then and there, to make a clean work of the matter. I still pretended to be asleep from the drugged wine, and so they did not notice when my bonds came loose. I must admit, my heart tremored as they discussed whether to kill me or not, and I decided not to wait and find out. To their surprise, I suddenly leapt to my feet and ran out of the fortress gates as fast as I could, but, by the time I had reached the end of the bridge which spanned from it, I was shot by an arrow. I managed to keep going, but I assume they thought me bound for death, for I have not heard them following me. And I believe I would have been dead if I hadn't run into you."

"How are you feeling now?" asked Ludwig.

"Awful," replied the councilor. "But stable enough. In either case it does not matter – we must get going!"

Johannes allowed Councilor Rodinger to sit on his horse and rest while the councilor directed them through the woods, retracing his steps. Moving a little slower for the councilor's sake, an hour had passed before they found the ruined fortress he'd spoke of. Twilight had nearly turned to darkness, with a dark black sky in the east, dim blue in the west, and stars through the gaps in the clouds.

However, it was light enough by the moon to see that Councilor Rodinger had spoke truly, for the ruined fortress was exactly as he had described. Standing in the center of a dark pond was a shattered structure, perhaps only half the size of what it had used to be. Roofless and crumbling, most of the walls were overgrown with shrubs whose roots dug deep into the stone. Although the pond was dark, they could see a fair bit of algae and plants growing upon it, likely hiding the waters underneath even in the daytime. A single, narrow bridge connected the fortress with the land surrounding it.

Although the fortress was a shadow of its former self, it was still, undoubtedly, a defensible location, and there was little wonder as to why Brant and his gang had chosen it as their hideout. Smoke rose from a fire within its walls. The party gazed at it with apprehension from the edge of the pond, concealed behind the forest along the bank.

"I'm no fighter," said Ludwig. "While you and Hadric recover the Treaty, I'll tend to the councilor, make sure he stays alive."

"Alright," replied Johannes. "But first – and I really mean it this time – ve need a plan."


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Sat 11 Feb 2017.

Upon seeing the fortress, I look around a moment and take time to listen for any enemies nearby.
{18:52, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Listen Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.
18:52, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Spot Check, for enemies nearby; RtP.}

I then (assuming no enemies are heard or seen nearby) kneel and speak to the others in a hushed voice.  "Everyone, we need to quick do a SLLS halt (Stop, Look, Listen, Smell) before we discuss our further plans, to make sure there are no enemies nearby." {ie SLLS halt in DnD would mean take 2 minutes for spot and listen and scent if you have it, maybe for tracking if you have that as well
...so that is what I do- I take a 20 on spot and listen waiting for 2 minutes}

I then turn and speak to the group (again assuming no enemies are heard or seen by anyone).  "Let us move away, and find a place to talk a little further from their camp approximately 30 ft back the way we came, better hidden behind brush, yet with a view of the bridge's exit still."  {can roll Move Silently and Hide if needed or take 10s, otherwise we just attempt to do this quietly - question to Ryan}

After we move back to be a little better hidden, I then begin to converse with the group in hushed tones (again, move silently check? or just a harder DC to hear us whispering? -question to Ryan}
"The first thing ve MUST do, is Aufklärung... reconnaissance.  That is in a a sense the first part of any decision, time dependent of course, gather more or as much information as you can reasonably can.
      We must scout the area, and we must be thorough.  I would think if we advance on that bridge and are seen, it could mean capture or possible death- or at least I would expect that to be their aim.  They may or may not have any reason that they would try to capture us, instead of just kill us, with hearing how they treated the councilor, a man of high standing, likely worth a highly valuable ransom," I briefly nod at the Councilor "yet without combat skills to make him harder to handle (no offence Councilor).
     This is where we may have some issues.  We need to come up with possible ideas of how to get the document back, like entry via swimming silently (meaning really slowly) sneaking across the bridge, looking for a back door, or waiting to ambush them when they go to travel.  I am open to suggestions here.  Anyone?
     ...
     Next, I think we need to do a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).  Meaning, what is the possible dangers and strengths we have in our strategy.  Like I think Brant is our number one threat, with his spellcraft and guile, but could also be a person more inclined to give us mercy than the others.  As well as Jacqueline, they might threaten to kill her if we do not get to her right away, perhaps she could escape if we just help her a little?  Also, the document, they might threaten to destroy it if they are pressed to hard, meaning our actions (if we ambush them) must be taken very suddenly if we decide to go that route.  Again, let me hear your thoughts on this.
     ...
     Now, we need to conduct the recon and I would normally make sure we do this in pairs, but we are operating with very few of us right now (really just Hadric and I with the councilor wounded) so either 1 of us stays and the other does a reconnaissance sweep or we both go, but that seems too dangerous with the councilor wounded.  Thus one of us aught to circle all the way around the fortress (assuming the pond is not that much larger than what we see here) and the other keeps an eye on the bridge in case someone tries to leave the fortress via that bridge or comes back.  The man back here, probably you Sir Hadric?, should also keep an eye on the fortress, try to tell how many guards you can see moving around from here, if any.  We need to get an idea of how many enemies we are dealing with here.

     Wait!  Councilor!  Do you have any further insight into this?  Do you remember from when you were taken inside?  How many you saw, and what the layout was like inside?
     And, my goodness, we need to help the Councilor, Ludvig, do you have any bandages?  I am sure I have some in my saddlebags.  If not I am sure we could find some lambs ear nearby to help with the bleeding, right Sir Hadric?  You have some knowledge of the forest, right?
     Let me check your condition Councilor Rodinger."  I take a brief moment to examine the Councilor's wounds.
{19:22, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Heal Check, on Councilor Rodinger; RtP.
if I am able to and I cant tell how bad his wounds are, I take 2 minutes to examine him.}

I offer to help bandage his wounds as well.

In Character Chat:
"Sir Hadric!  Are you with us still?  It is somewhat dark here."
I look around and listen a moment before saying anything (spot and listen check)

DM: The nearby area seems clear, for the time being.

"If you feel capable in guarding the Councilor and Ludvig, you could stay here while I scout around the pond or what have you, to search for other ways onto the island and scope out the land and water around it.  Like if there is a hill nearby to see into the fort perhaps."
I look at the land around, "Do you think this land is too difficult of terrain for my horse?  Would it be too loud?  Shall I go on foot?  I am not as well versed in sneaking about.
Currently, I plan to scout it on foot, being very cautious of any enemies nearby, and will seek to avoid them.  I don't plan to leave until after we have talked more about this however."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 34):

Hadric sticks close with the group, squinting through his helm for threats.
Spot :09, Today: Hadric rolled 12 using 1d20+5 ((7)).

Listen 02:09, Today: Hadric rolled 24 using 1d20+4 ((20)).

Night had overtaken the sky, casting the forest into darkness, though one that was still lively with chirping of insects and nocturnal creatures. Overhead the clouds gradually dissipated, revealing most of the stars in all their shining countenance. It was here in the dark, starlit forest that the party huddled together, and made preparations for how they should infiltrate this castle on the water.

Councilor Rodinger spoke, "I recall seeing six men inside, to include Brant, a difficult amount to fight at one time." - He was interrupted by a coughing fit, followed by a new weariness in his voice. - "Now, if you'll excuse me, I could really use some sleep."

Almost immediately upon finishing his sentence, his head lolled back into a resolute slumber, induced by the exhaustion of his body after its uncommon and lengthy exertion against pain and fatigue.

"Alright," said Johannes. "I go to scout. I'll be back soon."

Johannes, on foot, then proceeded to work his way around the pond by starlight, stopping every now an then to gain a new vantage of the ruined fortress and discover whatever other secrets it might hold. In his expedition, he keenly noted two things. One was that the entrance to the structure was gateless, perhaps having been broken off long ago in some prior siege. This told him that charging the entrance was entirely possible, though he would be foolish to think it'd be unguarded. His second discovery was that, near the right side of the ruin, a segment of the wall had largely crumbled away, leaving a narrow gap two feet across and only three feet from the ground, like an open wound down the stone. It would also be possible to swim across the pond by stealth and infiltrate via this opening. With luck, this could go unnoticed, and they could take their opponents by surprise; or if they had a very different skillset, recover what they had lost without combat altogether. Other than these two items of note, the pond and the fortress were more or less uniform on its remaining sides.

It was nearly midnight when Johannes returned to their hiding place.

"Did you see any guards?" asked Hadric.

Johannes shook his head. "Too dark," he replied, "I could make out only the vaguest of movement on the valls, so I can only assume that they're there."

He further relayed what he had seen.

"It seems we've got a couple choices then," grunted Hadric. "The front door or swim. Day or night. . . and the manner of our approach."

"There is also vaiting," added Johannes.

"But we don't know when they're going to come out," commented Ludwig. "They could be in there for a week, and I don't think we can sit out here that long, especially with the councilor in this condition."

Heal ~ Johannes leaned over the councilor and checked his condition, finding that he had 1 HP and was Critically Injured.

"You're right," Johannes agreed. "In that case, let us be the attackers, rather than the defenders, and chose the method by vhich our enemies shall perish."

IN Character Chat :

"Other than the fact that Lady Jacqueline is their prisoner, I would be much inclined to wait for them to leave and ambush them when so nicely exposed on the bridge.  And being Brant seems to be the leader, we attack him straight off, likely nearly kill him or threaten to kill him after our first blow and they relent.  Perhaps it would be better to just kill him and then, as they say, ve have cut off the head of the snake and the other members will act in greater confusion.

Either way, I know that infiltration is not my focus when it comes to combat, so I am hesitant to try my hand at it, in such a trying situation.  Especially since it would lead me to leave my armor here and my horse, which are my two greatest assets when it comes to combat.

But if we could somehow free Jacqueline we might have a whole other person trained in this, though unfortunately she might have been already injured and not especially helpful.  I am unsure of her condition.

I am still unsure of entering the compound and think I'd we are detected it is too weak of a position for us to be in.  Jacqueline and the possibility of enemy reinforcements is the only reason to press the attack.  Otherwise an ambush would give us such a severe advantage."

Any idea on how deep this pond is?

I think I need to go check.  If it is not too difficult to traverse, like it has a stone or sand bottom, we could just walk across it, even in our platemail, however, I need to take a look closer to know that, unless any of you have checked?

Sir Hadric, do you have any knowledge of the forest (survival) or in treating wounds (heal)?  I think we should tend to the councilor before we go anywhere.
I have only some basic training in treating wounds (2 ranks) and no bandages on hand either.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

While I wait for the others to decide, I sneak up to the edge of the water near the break in the wall, circling around to the right a good ways before moving directly toward the pond (thus limiting my exposure to enemy guards).  I edge my way to the water and test, making sure to crawl in a place with fairly dense underbrush.  Before moving forward, I take a moment to look for at least 2 min (take a 20, ie a 27) on seeing if I can see any guards silhouetted by the bright star light behind them.  If I see no guards watching me, I slowly crawl to the waters edge and test what the shoreline is made of, is it sand or stone?  or muck and rotting leaves?  I reach my arm in testing to see if I can feel the bottom, also looking down to see if I can tell how deep it is. (Ryan: do I need a move silently/hide check here?)  (I do an examine check on the pond water, shore, and breach in the wall.  How low is that breach to the shore, is there a shore even? how wide is the breach?)

I also search for any plants that could be used as a bandage for the councilor.
{20:21, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20.  Survival Check, foraging for heal skill items; RtP.}

After testing, I sneak my way back and tell the others of my findings.

"Sir Hadric, Ludvig, do either of you know how to treat wounds at all?  We need to treat the councilor's wounds better.  Do any of you have any bandages, or at least a spare shirt to use as a makeshift bandage?  Who ever is most skilled, ought to do it."  If I am the most skilled member here, I make the attempt to properly bandage the councilors wounds, taking my time to do it right if possible (Ryan: can I take a 20 here?)

I also look closely at the mouth of the bridge and the bridge itself. (examine check)  How wide is it?  What is it made of?  Could it support my horse?  How exposed would one be on it?  How long is it?  Could it be burned or destroyed?  What does the opening of the fortress look like- how wide is it?  Can I see any guards there?

I also examine in more depth the fortress (examine check of fortress), how big is it? Like 100 feet across about? More?  How tall are the walls?  I need to know if I could traverse it quickly (how big it is)? would my horse fit? what is the layout?  I consider waking the councilor, even though he needs rest... I will ask him these questions if he awakes when we go to treat his wounds.

"While we wait, we need to keep observing the fortress in case we can better see the guards movements."

"We really need a plan before we go into that castle, I need opinions, even yours Ludvig, and if the councilor awakes, I could use his info about the inside of the fortress."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

In the dead of night, amidst the chirping of insects and the occasional hoot of an owl, Johannes approached the edge of the pond and probed the dark waters with his hand. He felt the muck and detritus that coated the bottom and flung a bit of scum from his fingers as he pulled his hand away. It was much like the shoreline – muddy in some places, but mostly a bank of decaying leaves and collected branches.

As Johannes climbed off of his knees, he gazed across the water. The shore was shallow, but it was impossible to tell how deep the pond was in the center, and this was probably equally true during the daytime due to the murkiness of the water. On the ramparts of the fortress, no guards could be made out from the darkness.

Survival ~ While returning to their hiding place, Johannes checked plants along the way, finding and tearing free a fibrous leaf, which he figured could be used as a makeshift bandage for the councilor.

Now near the front of the fortress again, he re-examined the ageing structure. The bridge in front of it was narrow, 5 ft. wide and made of stone. Yet despite its age, it looked entirely sturdy, having at least another twenty years before it would suddenly crumble beneath its own weight. The fortress itself was not very large, being no more than 70 ft. across in both directions, with walls 15 ft. high, save for the wall with the scar-like gap on the right-hand side.

"How's the councilor?" asked Johannes as he rejoined his companions.

"Still the same," answered Hadric.

Johannes bent over him and applied the plant as a new bandage.

"Hopefully he'll be better by morning," said Ludwig, who had found a comfortable-enough place to lie down.

"Yea," grunted Hadric, who then perked his head. "Do you hear something?-"

A man burst from the foliage and tackled Johannes.

"I found them!" shouted the assailant as he wrested Johannes, forcing him into a grapple.



They heard ambiguous shouts in response from the forest, followed by the sound of numerous footsteps heading their way. They were under attack!

You have entered Combat Rounds

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 39):

Hadric rushed over to Herr Johnnas and readied his flail, and swung it towards the attacker's back. As he did so, he eyed the on coming hoard with a bit of glee. (attacking into a grapple, defender loses dex bonus to AC)

Power attack
16:48, Today: Hadric rolled 14 using 1d20+6 ((8)).
(damage if it hits:)

16:50, Today: Hadric rolled 22 using 1d20+18 ((4))

As I go to tend to the councilor I feel my arms suddenly wrested from their positions.  What is happening!?  I am pushed to the side as I find myself struggling with some attacker!

"Sir Hadric!  Help me!  We are under attack!"  I struggle against my opponent to gain the upper hand, but I am too surprised to react properly, and fail to escape his grasp. {natural 1 from previous round}  Somehow I am able to see in the midst of this wrestling match that others are on their way, it must be this magic helm!  My enemy is shouting to his compatriots.  "There are more on their way Sir Hadric!  Quickly!"

Just then I witness the starlight glint of my armoured companion as he appears next to my assailant and I, his flail already beginning to spin to deliver its painful arrival.  Only the words coming from his steel covered bellows "Alright" to alert me of his presence.  I hear it whistle through the air, and I know this is my chance.  "Lord, not by my works, but my Christ alone," I pray a moment thrusting it heavenward through my gritted teeth.

"GAAA!" I shout as I twist my body forcing my attacker toward Sir Hadric's whistling thorned steel ornament.
{Opposed Grapple Check to escape (counts as an attack (1 of 2))
22:53, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  Grapple Check, to escape grapple; RtP.}

I quickly shout to the other men to wake up and get to safety!
"Ludvig! You have got to get the councilor on the other horse we have and get him to safety!  Quickly man! Your life may depend upon it!!  We must help them to get out of here Sir Hadric!  Then you and I can fight them off!  Rodinger! Wake up!  You and Ludvig must get out of here!  Get to the horse as fast as you can!!"
"Herr, hilf ihnen, zu entkommen!"  (Lord, help them escape!) I pray to myself.

Checks and Contingent actions:
-Is my opponent armed? or unarmed? What equipment is he wearing? (examine check)
-Can I see the opponents advancing on us?  I do a spot check if it is a free action.
-I make a knowledge adventure check, knowledge checks are free actions
{23:04, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Adventure), my assailant and the others approaching; RtP.}

1.a. If my first grapple attempt to escape does succeed, I move into 7-19 or 7-20 (*much preferring 7-20*) depending on which square is available to me based upon which square Sir Hadric moved to. Unless squeezing would be no penalty for me to then 5ft step out of his square to 8-21, thus allowing me an attempt to fast mount my steed "Fury".  (DC 20, I have +4 ride on that check, since armour check applies to fast mount).  If I successfully fast mount "Fury" I then move to 9-8,20-12 2 squares to my left to provide over watch to my friends, drawing my lance as I move to threaten my opponent.
  b. If I must take a move action and cannot 5ft step to be adjacent to my steed, I then take a move action to be adjacent to my horse, following the path: 7-19 to 8-20 to 8-21, drawing my lance as I move

2.a. If my grapple does not succeed, I use my second attack to attempt an escape from the grapple as well. (+2 bonus)
  b. If the second attempt succeeds, I 5ft step to 7-19, unless Sir Hadric is there, in which case I 5ft step to 7-20.  I am considered armed currently, by the way, for threatening squares/protecting the councilor, I wear steel gauntlets (defined to be part of the plate mail) according to our new rules and those cause me to be treated as armed. I am not sure if that had any bearing on the grapple check and my reaction to it, but I assumed that was a surprise round.
  c. I draw my guisarme if I can do that with the remaining action (can you do that on a 5ft step?) in which case I would actually 5ft step to 8-20 or 8-19 depending upon availability from Sir Hadric.  I prefer 8-20 if I still threaten my opponent from there and can protect the councilor.  But still threatening him in case he moves toward the councilor is a must for this option (2, meaning my 1st grapple check failed).

Note: Character Chat was so minimal this week I included it in my post.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sat 04 Mar 2017.

Johannes felt his blood rush. Forced into contest of strength, he fought and struggled to free himself from his assailant's grasp, but the man clearly had more experience in such exertions. Finding his wrists controlled, Johannes could not break free.



Hadric, however, with a cold and silent efficiency, rushed straight up to the attacker and swung his flail with terrifying force, and Johannes felt blood rushing on the outside of his skin, blood that was not his own {Hadric deals 24 dmg to Bandit 1}.



Ludwig scrambled to his feet, donning an expression of alarm and panic, and ran over to the councilor's side. He shook Councilor Rodinger's unconscious form, shouting, "Wake up! Councilor, wake up!"

The enemy wrestling Johannes winced at the heavy blow from Hadric, his scruffy pale face twisting at the pain. But the bandit, hearing his allies close, persevered and tried to pin Johannes where he was. Yet through sheer determination Johannes held his own, and the pin attempt was unsuccessful.



Knowledge Adventure & Examine ~ The man {1}, who was a Fighter class of Moderate difficulty, wore studded leather armor and was presently unarmed, though a sheathed longsword and dagger hung visibly from his belt. Aged in his mid-thirties, his hair was blonde, several inches long, with an unshaven face.

The sound of footsteps from afar suddenly grew close, and the other bandits began to burst into the camp.

Examine ~ Bandit 2 wore a chain shirt and wielded a falchion sword, his outfit complete with a skullcap helmet. Bandit 3, like the first, wore studded leather armor, but his arms held a battleaxe and light steel shield. Bandits 4 & 5 were not yet close enough to be examined.

The situation was beginning to look dire.

In the moment I have to look around, I see that things are looking grim indeed.  What sort of masters of stealth are these men that they snuck up on us so?!  Within 30ft without hearing a thing?!  Always seeming to get the jump on us.  I hate it.  I am tired of always working with such small groups.  Always short handed.  No scout, no reinforcements.  With no the military mostly deserted, what did we have left from our city?  I knew that bard scum was of no good as soon as I heard he was a pacifist.  I tried to make command listen, these politicians, they know not war.

What we need is a ranger or barbarian from the lands north of my homeland, and a squad element at least.  I once heard tales of such a barbarian that none could sneak up on him.  I heard tell that he cleaved a man in twain in a fit of rage.  The infamous rogue Haplo, cut down in a single stroke of his great sword.  We are decent fighters, but how to defend the councilor while we are seemingly so deaf without a scout?  That was surely one thing I learned from my time in the military, this is not a one man operation.  You always rely on your team, in the team is where you are undefeatable.  In a team you have your recon, your armour, your artillery, all the elements you need to give your army time to bring the real strength to bear.  Well, to take another lesson from the army: enough lamenting, back to reality...

My opponent seems rather skilled in grappling, he must have made it his focus or trained in it specifically. {I am thinking Skill focus or Improved Grapple Feat Hadric}  I just need to break free!

"Ludvig! If you cannot get the councilor out of here, just you get out of here and get help if you can!  Take the brown horse if you need it!"

"Sir Hadric!  Help me out if you can!  Attack him again!  Make him pay for holding on to me!"

I look at the man grappling me intently, "You are going to have your spine crushed unless you let go of me, this flail has no mercy.  LOOSE ME NOW!"

Contingent Actions: 
I attempt to free myself from this man's grasp
1. a. {before my turn} If Sir Hadric's attack kills him then I am free and choose 7-20 for where I am loosed to.
   b. {5ft step} I then 5ft step to 8-21.
   c. {free or move action} I then attempt to fast-mount fury. (1d20+4 ride check)
   d. {if fast mount succeeds} I draw my lance as I charge and charge 3, reaching 10-11/19-20 with 5 power attack (1d20+12-5), however if I only have a standard action left by this point, I will bullrush him back instead with improved bullrush.
   e. {If fast mount fails} I draw my lance.  (If already drawn I attack 2, and with my horse if possible, if 5ft step still available.)
*note: if the 5ft step is not allowed with being freed from the grapple in 7-20 or with the charge, I move to my mount and draw my lance in the process.
2. a. {my first attack} If his attack does not kill the man or make him set me loose, I attempt to free myself from the grapple (1d20+9 AR).
   b1) {If 1st attack fails} I attempt another time to be loosed from his grapple.
   b2) {If this frees me} I choose 7-20 to be freed to.
   c. {If I am free after a single grapple attempt} see 1.b, 1.c, 1.e., and the note.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Sat 18 Mar 2017.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 43):

Hadric turned to keep an eye on the two non-combatants. He knew not who this Councillor was, but if the knight accompanying him thought him important, then he would aid him."Ludvig,drag him close to us."
The warrior raised his flail once more against the wounded fighter.


15:25, Today: Hadric rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Smacking a grappler.
if i hit....
15:26, Today: Hadric rolled 22 using 1d10+18 ((4)).

second swing(non power attack)

15:31, Today: Hadric rolled 20 using 1d20+6 ((14))
damage
15:32, Today: Hadric rolled 7 using 1d10+6 ((1)).

Voices filled the air, and the night come alive. But amidst the sound of human chords came yet another sound, the whistling of a chain, which in turn was connected to a handle, and which, most importantly, was held in Hadric's hand. Swinging his flail in great circles overhead, he guided the spiked ball into a deadly spiral upon his foe. His first such swing missed, but the second hit powerfully {Hadric deals 19 damage to Bandit #1}.

Examine ~ Bandit #1 is Badly Wounded

Johannes struggled against his grappler but failed on the first attempt. However, feeling his enemy's strength waning, no doubt from the wounds Hadric had inflicted, Johannes rallied for a second time. And suddenly, his opponent's strength had vanished! Bursting free from the bandit's hands, Johannes broke out in a dash toward his horse, clutched the saddle, and threw himself atop. Now mounted, Johannes was feeling much more confident about his position. Though not all in his party were feeling so confident.



"Dammit!" cursed Ludwig, who shook the councilor frantically but who would not wake.

Growing desperate, Ludwig grabbed the councilor's arms and dragged him off the sleeping bag and toward the horses, though straining due to his age. As he did so, the man who was once grapple Johannes drew a sword and struck at Hadric, vengefully wounding him {Bandit #1 deals 10 dmg to Hadric}. Likewise his companion, holding a falchion, chopped at Hadric, dealing an unexpectedly powerful blow! {Bandit #2 deals 19 dmg to Hadric}.



Two other bandits rushed into the clearing, one standing next to Ludwig and looming over the councilor. He held his battleaxe over the councilor in a precarious position.

"Surrender!" he demanded.

Examine ~ Now in veiw, Bandit #4 was Elven Rogue of Moderate Difficulty, wearing leather armor and holding a light crossbow at the ready. Bandit #5 was an Orcen Rogue of Moderate Difficulty, wearing studded leather armor and holding a shortbow at the ready. They seemed prepared to fire if the party did not comply, though at whom was uncertain.

The situation had grown tense.


This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

Hearing my opponent struck by Sir Hadric's mace brought a certain satisfaction, knowing my shift in the grapple worked.  Teamwork is a powerful thing.  {I said this in the chat, but I received no answer, I ask here in my post as a result.  According to Sir Hadric's post, his damage ought to have been a minimum of 19 if I understand his bonuses correctly.  Was 13 damage a typo or was it actually not included in the enemies loss of health?  Does it make a difference (i.e. is he now unconscious?).  If it changes actions that is very important to know}

As I felt the blow land, my opponents strength fled a moment, like an army being redeployed to an area under greater threat.  This was my chance, I wrested myself from his grasp!  Stepping back just where I aimed.  Gathering my bearings as I was released, I continued with my plan, reaching my horse in a 5ft step and mounting him as quickly as I could.

As I move and mount my horse I see Ludvig dragging the councilor, and a bandit quickly advancing against him.  A sense of concern falls in my self.  I knew he had no time and ought to have run...

While still in the momentum of battle my hand reaches for my lance preparing to finally fight back.  I hear the words "surrender" from their wicked lips and see the weapons trained at us, but most importantly upon the councilor.  I consider turning to ride away knowing none could catch me.  I would be able to return later to help the councilor, Ludvig, Hadric, and Jacqueline, but will there be time.

"GAAAAAAAA!" frustration at the situation boils within me.  Here it is again, the threat of capture.  Outnumbered, ambushed, out of communication, without reinforcements, undermanned... all the things they taught us at the Military Academy you never want to have happen to you.  When faced with such odds, what can one do?  Retreat?  Surrender?

However, they taught us more than just those tactics, they taught us also to value the lives of your men.  In spite of this disadvantage, we must act in their interest.

Shall I flee to return with help and risk them kill the councilor or wound Ludvig in an act to stop me or shall I surrender now to see what can be done?  But perhaps I could stay and help with my diplomacy?

I decide to end the combat and raise my hands...
"Enough!  Don't harm these men!  There is no need for more bloodshed.  Let them (my hand outstretched to Ludvig and the councilor) go that you may receive a ransom for us (I motion to Hadric and myself)."
{01:11, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Diplomacy, on Bandits; RtP.}

{I ready an action to flee on my horse if they don't listen and hurt Ludvig or the councilor anyways}

Regardless, I look at my opponents and consider how strong they might be.
{19:38, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (Adventure), bandit 3; RtP.}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

"Enough!  Don't harm these men!" cried Johannes. "There is no need for more bloodshed. Let them go that you may receive a ransom for us!"

The bandits lip curled into a chilling smile. "Request denied. Surrender, or else. . ."

Knowledge Adventure ~ Bandit #3 was a Fighter of Moderate Difficulty with special training in Shield Bash.

Surrender. The word felt cold on Johannes' tongue, but he knew there was at stake than his own well-being. Though not without a moment of hesitation, he dropped his weapon, and Hadric, seeing their situation, followed suit. The battle was over. . . for now.

The wrists of the party were bound with rope, and the councilor thrown across the back of the brown horse. Made prisoners, the bandits led them to the fortress.

As they crossed the narrow bridge that spanned over the murky pond, the night sky came into full view, its stars shining between wide gaps in the clouds. It must have been past midnight by now.

The party was led through a gatehouse and into the courtyard, a small field surrounded by crumbling walls and heaps of stone. Two others approached them with blazing torches, one being Brant Roiben, their friend, and the other one of his companions.

"So you all found your way here," Brant said to his new prisoners. "How unfortunate. Apparently a fort in the middle of nowhere isn't well-hidden enough anymore."

One of the bandits spoke, "We tracked the councilor after he escaped, as you said, but his footprints met with his companions and turned back here. We found them only just outside the gates!"

Brant chuckled. "Then I suppose there's a bit of good luck there." He faced Johannes. "If you had assaulted the fort right away, you would have found only a skeleton crew of two men inside! And, perhaps, our roles might have been reversed. Your hesitation will cost you. . . Now then. . . Put the councilor in the tents; the rest go in the tower with the girl!"

"Aye, Sir."

While Coucilor Rodinger was carried to a tent, one of several setup in the courtyard, the party was stripped of their weapons and knives. Johannes keenly noted, however, that the knife in his boot was overlooked. . .


They were then led to a watchtower, one of the few remaining structures of the fort, and shoved through a heavy wooden door. Ludvig, too weary to keep balance, stumbled onto the ground. The door slammed shut behind them and was audibly locked by a key. For a moment, there was silence as they observed their new abode. The tower was narrow, as narrow as it looked from the outside, and about thirty feet tall. And perhaps, at one time, there had been a wooden staircase spiraling to the top, though that was long gone, the only clue to its existence being a square opening in ceiling (the trapdoor missing) with a view of the sky. If it were to rain, no doubt the water would pour onto the floor, and indeed there were marks of erosion around the center.

"I see the rescue is going smoothly," said a feminine voice among them.

Sitting with her back to the wall, Jacqueline brushed aside her auburn hair, her hands conspicuously bound, not with rope, but with manacles, whose chains clanked as she gave them a friendly wave.

She followed with a light-hearted (yet sarcastic) smile and a thumbs up. "I knew I could rely on you!"

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!