"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.