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!"