Alietra confirmed the absence of apparent captives or any obvious mages.

"But, we should wait and get Kalandra's report too."

Brodd nods at the advice.

Amalrik nods agreement. But 2 scouts with 2 different stories may be difficult to sew together. How far are the shields and spears from the bulk of the soldiers ?? Any chance of rushing to them first and removing them from use ?? Or getting our archers close enough to get a volley off before we charge them ??

"Agreed"

Uhm how do you know these aren’t just you know people like us? Maybe they found the village and are following the trail of villagers, or maybe just going away. Did they say something black hearted and cruel about torturing defenseless villagers?

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 48):

"We will err on the side of caution, we are outnumbered and must be careful.

We are still waiting for Kalandra to report."



not really, there's 15 people on the roster

Continuing to lean on his axe, listening to the way ahead.  He starts fidgeting with boredom and pulls out his wine flask and takes a drink.

"Maybe we should try to talk to them? They could be following the captured villagers too. Blackened shields are worrying, though. It could mean they want to hide who they're loyal to, or that they're renegades." The elf offers in hushed voice.

"I hope our scout didn't get caught..."

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 46):

Alietra will answer any questions like that as much she can, but it will need more input from the GM.   

If you surprised them you might have a round of advantage before they got their equipment ready.

Leohart watches Durek pull on his wineskin jealously, mindful of his own empty wineskin and scant rations. He sits quietly, awaiting the return of the remaining scout.

The night grows longer, and Kalandra has yet to return.

CLANG CLANG CLANG

The sound of swords beating against shields in unison breaks the peaceful sounds of the night forest.

CLANG CLANG CLANG

Another pause of the same length.

CLANG CLANG CLANG...CLANG

Sir Einhard furrows his brow.

"They must be soldiers...or were...I know that signal from the battlefield...they wish to meet us at dawn!

"They captured Kalandra."

Are the sounds approaching us ?? If so, we need to set an ambush right now !!

Right, well she’s obviously a brilliant scout. What is it about her that told them there was a guy here that could speak shield banging? Unless of course she just told them. Is there a signal of banging swords that says “Piss off, I’m not interested” or maybe “Kiss my Manticore”

"Unicorn horn?" Brodd says with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Wed 19 Feb 2020.

You couldn't tell if they were getting closer. But your culture probably has similar battlefield codes.

"Historically speaking, according to many of the great ballads I've heard, the attacking side should have a three-to-one advantage, the wisdom being that those who are on defense are often prepared. I'd counsel against a head-to-head confrontation. We're certainly in no hurry. Let's wait them out and make them fight on our terms. Which terms will unclear and fluid."

"I'm happy to act as the messenger to negotiate those terms. I've been told there's a bit of magic in my voice. Once I've distracted some or all of them, the rest of you might spring an attack, having the element of surprise..."

"Tell them with your shield-speak, Amalrik, that we wish to parley... who knows, perhaps we're on the same side anyway?"

Amalrik has no shield Dear Harald. However, he has a good idea where he find one ... or two.

"I don't know what ballads you've been singing," Creston says, "but in the ballads of my people, one Guardian usually attacks a squad or more."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

MANTICORE!!!! DIE!!!!

Dwarghar's shouts to the east distract the passive listeners from Harald's melody.

And if the ones he was trying to fascinate didn't hear that, the thundering roar from the same direction would certainly have turned everyone's heads.

His bow already notched with an arrow, Gorn moves along the edge of the woods to get an eye on the Manticore. If it comes into range he will take at least one shot at it.

Today: Gorn rolled 17,5 using 1d20+1,1d6 ((16,5)). Missile Attack vs Manticore and Damage Roll.

Brodd goes behind a tree. "Secure the boat so it doesn't get broken! Take cover!"

Gorn spots an unmistakable flash of crimson wing through the thick brush, and even through the dense foliage his arrow his finds its mark.

[Dwarghar, continue your RP here.]

"Catch the gnome!" shouts Clark as a horseman tries to scoop up Pock by his collar.

Pock effortlessly dodges him, running under the horse's legs to the other side. The horseman spits a curse and kicks his steed to make a break south towards the site of the destroyed village.