Caelia's head snapped westward at the warning and she sized up the situation. Wheeling Wind about once more, she rode back behind their own caravan train, laying out the best battle plan she could think of in the heat of the moment. As she passed by each of her companions she came across, she spoke fast but kept her voice low so as not to warn the bandits of what she had in mind.

"Clare, Gelric; see if you can't distract those horsemen."

"Tobar; with me. Flank those archers or we'll have our own fires to deal with.

"Everyone else; protect the wagons!"

It wasn't much of a plan and she had a niggling doubt over giving out orders, much less expecting anyone to follow them, but it was all she could think of and it seemed the best way. With no time for doubts, she readied her bow from its saddle holster and prepared to do battle.

OOC:
15:40, Today: Caelia Windthorne rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Wind: Dash, moving as far toward the back of the caravan as possible on its Eastern side, roughly South-West.
Caelia: Talk and ready bow

Gelric was already moving when he heard Caelia bark out the orders.

Initiative: 8

Current intention is to Move & Dash, 30 ft north then 30 ft northwest. If the bandits are closer by the time it's his turn, the action will change to an attack or cantrip.

11:12, Today: Gelric Crofe rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Initiative. – 8

Clare stares at the horses next to her, but a glare from Cobb says that's ill advised. So she opts to do the routine,"Urgh, why does the universe insist that I ran. Always for every battle." she says and begrudgingly runs across the battlefield. Once she reached her limit of running capacity, Clare pulls out her greatsword this time,"... Alright *huff* you sons of.... *puff* bastards.... Come and get me. I'll paint the ground with your guts." she says, exhausted from the running she had to do, but she's also extremely mad and wants to take it out on these raiders.

14:36, Today: Clare Ospin rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Initiative

Clare is gonna run 60 feet straight to Northwest, heading toward the horsemen's

Elïné prepared herself for battle with the bandits, casting a spell to protect herself against attacks. She then jumped out of the wagon and moved a little further north.

Action: Mage Armor
What is the map scale? You mentioned the archers were 120 yards away.

All of you get ready for battle. After Caelia moves into position. The archers launch fire arrows, one lands quite close to the wagon currently on fire, one lands about 15 feet away from the caravan where Cobb and Flore are seated, and the third wildly flies overhead. All arrows landing on the dirt and grass but there is no dry grass or kindling to worry about.

The horsemen cry out in an unknown language to all of you, the one in the lead position pointing with a stick in front of him. The horsemen keep their horses running at a full gallop and move towards crossing the road in front of the wagon on fire about a good 60-80 yards in front of you, seeming as if they are going to continue their arching/circular path. Screaming and yelling all the while.

Caelia gathers near the back of the caravan. Tobar’s horse seems to panic, and he settles him down before jumping off, crouching near her.

Gelric and Clare move towards the wagon in distress, rushing forward preparing for an attack.

Eline jumps out of the wagon, casing some sort of spell that engulfs her for a minute. Stagrock comes near her, bending down, crouching below the wagon. Cobb readies his bow, stopping the first wagon. Aeril moves towards Gelric and Clare. Tarrin stops the second wagon, and Sister Villa can be heard praying for assistance

OOC: Each hex is around 5 yards.

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/...HCr/view?usp=sharing

Gelric continued to push further through the smoke. The sound of thumping horse hooves told him that the bandits were circling, so he kept low as he moved so as to see through the smoke as best he could, watching for the hooves to see where his target might path and hoping to intercept.

Move: 30 feet to the northeast
Bonus: none
Action: Ready Action - cast Sacred Flame on a bandit when it comes within 60 feet, Dex DC 13 vs 4 Radiant damage

11:08, Today: Gelric Crofe rolled 4 using 1d8.  Sacred Flame, Dex 13 negates. – 4

Clare groans seeing as she has a long way to go,"Damn archer.... Flore was right, I should have taken archery class." she says and starts running toward the horsemen.

Still gonna continue my course, 60 feet toward the horsemen

Elïné was too far from the bandits to reach anyone with her spells. Even her bow would have difficulties hitting anything at this distance. Instead, she advanced on the archers, using the roadside stones as cover after her first sprint.

Action: Dash 70 feet, which should take her just about to that row of stones.

Her short riders bow was well out of range compared to the longbows of the bandits, so Caelia spurred Wind into a sprint and kept a wary eye on any incoming fire, ready to duck out of the way.

OOC:
Caelia: Dodge
Wind: Dash - West around the wagon and toward the treeline

All of you move into your positions, heading towards the bandits. Gelric, readying his spell, Clare preparing to take down any horsemen that comes near, Caelia riding Wind towards the threat, and Eline covering behind the stones.

Stagrock comes around the west side of the carriage, great axe in hand. Cobb has gotten off of the wagon and is making his way towards the wagon on fire. Tobar seems to have joined him, and with his head low is making his way towards the wagon. Terrin has his sword drawn, protecting Sister Villa.

The riders get disrupted from your movement. The first rider arcs his horse back around heading into the trees, the second and third rider also turn decidedly away from the party and the wagon on fire. The archers also seem to fire more wildly at the wagons, landing harmlessly in the grass.


OOC: Forgot the link to the map:
https://drive.google.com/file/...hZK/view?usp=sharing
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:13, Tue 20 Sept 2022.

With the riders reacting to their movement, Gelric reflexively cursed. He wasn't in a great position to catch mounted bandits in an open roadside field. He was going to have to change tactics.

Move: 30 feet west, stowing my weapon as a free action
Action: stow my shield
Bonus: none

This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Thu 22 Sept 2022.

Caelia frowned at the actions of their attackers "Wait! Something isn't right here. Watch your backs!" she shouted to her companions. Unable to put her finger on exactly what it was she felt uncomfortable about, she nevertheless continued her advance, knocking an arrow to shoot at the nearest archer, hoping to provoke a more telling response. Her heart beat fast in her chest as she lengthened the gap between herself and the relative safety of her friends' presence and kept a close eye on the enemy, ready to flee should the horsemen turn on her. She braced in the saddle to loose her arrow, knowing it was a long shot for her little bow. She tried to recall the pinpoint accuracy of the Lady Eline that first day as they left the city and tried to emulate her form, even as she felt the smooth roll of Winds speedy gait beneath her. As she loosed, she realised it was a bad time to try something new and had no expectation of the missile connecting as it flew awry. She prepared to wheel Wind away from danger, but hesitated to peer closer at their foe, trying to gauge what it was she instinctively knew was wrong about this whole situation.

OOC:
Wind
Dash - Toward the treeline (staying a healthy distance from the horsemen!)
Caelia
Action : Attack, Shortbow
16:00, Today: Caelia Windthorne rolled 8 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only ((11,3)). Attack, Shortbow (Disadvantage for Range)
Free: 16:09, Today: Caelia Windthorne rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Perception (a closer look)

(Urgh. The dice roller hates me today!)

Clare swears again as those riders just keep on running away, she was about to give chase once more but stops when she heard their messenger's words."... Watch our backs, eh! Sounds like sound advice, and I think I have a grasp of what's going on." she says to herself and runs back toward the burning wagon,"I have a feeling you guys might be attacked, prepare yourselves." she warns the merchant's as she spills her waterskin's contents on the burning wagon.

Move: I have enough movement to head to the wagon
Action: She tries to get rid of the fire

With the warning received, Gelric turned to watch for another attack. Whether another group of riders was coming up from behind, or the supposed merchants were in league with the bandits, Gelric made himself ready for what was to come. "The wagons are lost, we're saving lives now."

With that information, cancel the previous action choices.

If I need to use Active Perception (passive is 12) -
Action A: Perception 18
Move A: if I see no enemies, move 15 feet south east and stop

If I see enemies within 35-90 feet -
Move B: 30 feet closer to an enemy
Action B: cast Sacred Flame for Dex 13 vs 5 Radiant damage

If I see enemies within 35 feet -
Move C: 30 feet closer to an enemy
Action: Mace attack hits AC 11 for 9 Bludgeoning damage

If I see enemies that direction, but out of the above ranges -
Move D: up to 30 feet
Action: Dodge

12:28, Today: Gelric Crofe rolled 11,9 using d20+6,d6+4.  Mace attack. – 11,9
12:23, Today: Gelric Crofe rolled 5 using 1d8.  Sacred Flame, Dex 13 negates. – 5
12:21, Today: Gelric Crofe rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Perception. – 18

Elïné was still a long way from the bandits, but thought she might attempt an arrow at this distance. She angled her bow towards the sky and watched the arrow fly into the air, then dip down towards one of the archers.

She agreed that something wasn't right, and stayed where she was. She turned her head and looked in every direction.

Attack: Hits AC 14 (at disadvantage) for 6 damage.

The attack has turned into chaos. The bandits make a lot of noise, but any signs of further attack or any coordinated efforts has completely broken down. A few more haphazard arrows fly from the archers to no avail, as both the horsemen and the archers retreat into the treeline, increasingly hidden from view.

Gelric notices no further attacks coming from any direction, and moves to protect the others so they can help put out the flames.

Eline fires an arrow into the treeline, hitting the archer closest to her position who is retreating.

Caelia moves towards the treeline. The archers are retreating into woods and scrub brush, and the horsemen are riding fast away from you.

Clare rushes over and starts to use her waterskin to put out the fire. Cobb has grabbed a blanket to help smother the fire, and Flore goes with him, keeping low, making their way to the flames. Terrin seemingly is protecting Sister Villa as they head in that direction. Tobar is also timidly creeping his way to the wagon on fire.

Caelia's furrowed brow deepened. "What?" she murmured to herself, confused by the apparent dissarray of the bandits. Their small caravan showing up surely wouldn't be enough to deter bandits successful or professional enough to have even a single horse, let alone three. Not without a significant show of force, at least. Perhaps they just prefer stacked odds, she wondered to herself.

Strange though it seemed, she wasn't about to go haring off in lone pursuit. She wheeled Wind around to the north, toward the burning wagon, standing vigil with her bow against the bandits returning, while the others tended fo the flames.

OOC:

Ready Action: Shoot a bandit if they return into range?

Elïné walked up to the others. "Something's wrong." she said. She looked around again to make sure. "The girl with Elvish blood, Aishe. She is gone."

She turned to Tobar, who didn't seem to care. "Where is she? What's going on?"

"What's going on is that their's trickery at at here." Clare responds to Eline's question,"This is only a guess but this seems stage. No one was even hit by an arrow except the bandits, they kept hitting the wagon which was unnecessary, unless their was cargo they didn't want anyone to find. Yet, your missing partner is suspicious Tobar, mind telling us what she's doing. Or is this apart of your plan?" she says her theories to the group, then has her blade pointing to Tobar.

Gelric shared his thoughts with Clare since she was nearby, "This is all staged. The 'merchants' are in on it too. Cobb, I think we should fall back to the wagon."

Move: 30 feet back toward Cobb

My action will depend on what happens in response to things being said, and movement might change too if they start attacking us.

The horsemen and the archers continue to retreat. The merchants lying on the ground are taking no actions, despite the words.

Eline’s words are ignored by Tobar, keeping his head down. He then hears Clare’s accusation as she heads towards him with her sword drawn.

“Aishe? I told her to jump off the horse as we approached the fire. I’m sure she’s somewhere safe, hiding to avoid getting hit by the arrows.”

“She was,” came a voice from behind the last caravan. Aeril walks around holding Aishe by her collar, as she flails and tries to hit the ranger.

Aeril walks towards Cobb finally dropping the girl as she kicks ineffectively at Aeril’s leather armor, “She was in the caravan, holding this,” as she hands lockpicking tools to Cobb.

Tobar look of defensiveness turns to a look of sterness as he exclaims, “Aishe! I am very disappointed in you! Who gave you those tools! There will be severe Kaladashi punishment for you and everyone involved with this!”

Tobar is holding no weapons and is making no movements indicating that he is about to begin anything. Aishe seems like she is ready to run, her eyes darting around, but never straying from Tobar’s face for too long.

"...." Clare looked in, now had a look of confusion. She looked to Tobar, her hand tightening on the handle of her blade. But then looked toward the elf girl, her eyes see someone guilty, but her mind is telling her of something suspicious,".... Aeril, I'd like to get something straight. Where were you during the fight? Do you have a reason. Also, did you say that this wagon was being attacked by bandits when you reported us about this fire?" she say this in order to figure out if what she remembers was right.

"We've been played." Elïné said, shaking her head. "Or at least someone tried to play us."

She stepped closer. "And I think Tobar isn't as disappointed as he clams. They're clearly in cahoots. With that said, I do not represent the law in this land in any capacity. I cannot pass judgement on anyone. Still, we should make sure they do not steal from anyone else."

Stagrock, Sister Villa, and Tarrin make their way over to the caravan to help put out the flames, as Cobb and the party move more towards Aeril who is bringing Aishe to the group. She drops the girl in front of the group now confonting Tobar. She glares at the paladin for the accusation and sheathes her weapon.

Aishe is spluttering for something to say, but her eyes betray her as she keeps looking over at Tobar for a way out.

Cobb looks at Eline, “We have more authority here than you think, Lady Eline. These still are still part of Duke Jomed’s lands. I am sure that the authorities in Styrebridge would have something to say about all of this.”

Tobar chuckles for a moment, despite himself, causing Cobb to respond, “Something funny, Tobar?”

“Yes there is. It’s funny that you think that the authorities in Styrebridge care about anything other than lining their own pockets. It’s also funny that you think Duke Jomed has any real power out here, especially as you claimed that your caravan was not sent by the Duke, despite his cousin tagging along for a trip to the north.”

Tobar sighs, “But truth be told, the Kaladashi name has recently been rather unfairly sullied in the streets of Styrebridge… and for the sake of friendship, let’s avoid any sort of talk of frontier justice, hm…. So, in the interest of good faith and to keep things less complicated, I will, as they say, ‘come clean.’

“Let’s start at the beginning, not that it was that long ago. Despite your best efforts, your caravans did catch a bit of attention as you left Carrowsport. Several ‘organizations’ became rather curious as to what the Duke was up to. Those curiosities turned into whispers, which happened to reach my ear, despite not being in the city. When I learned of this, I was able to meet up with your caravan on the road and devise this ‘performance’ to try to find out what you were carrying and where you were going.

Tobar holds out his hands in defensiveness, “I will not claim that the reputation of the Kaladashi as thieves is somewhat earned, but I am not a thief. Well, to be fair, maybe it’s better to say I am no longer a thief. I am the leader of a clan of Kaladashi, thievery no longer interests me. However, information does. Information is a valuable commodity that I have been able to trade at a high value. Sometimes I know of a buyer for the information, other times I hold onto information for bargaining or emergencies.

“All I have been able to gather is that from Styrebridge you are heading to another destination, and that your supplies are intended for that destination. Your supplies are more guarded than most traders on these roads, so they must have considerable, but not extravagant value. Finally, you have a group of city guards traveling with adventurers, mercenaries, and diplomats, a rather curious collection.


“To be honest with you, it’s a little disappointing. Not too much worth selling. I was hoping for something jucier. Now, I have been caught, due to a rather lackluster effort on my men’s part, and I have no specific buyer for the little information I have gathered. So, I am perfectly willing to come to an arrangement that may suit everyone.”

He stands there looking at the group gauging your reaction.

Clare sheepishly scratch her neck as the ranger glared at her,"Hey, don't look at me like that, you can't really blame a girl who has no skills in investigation work." she says, then looks toward Tobar as he finally comes clean,"... So it seems we have a leader of a clan of thieves who chooses not to steal. Care to explain this arrangement your proposing? Though I doubt we'd find it useful." she says, she was unsure what to make of Tobar, if that was his name but she knew that it was generally better to let the more intellectual of the group battle out his wits.