The next morning after your morning routines and breakfast you head towards the inner gatehouse to speak to Higveg.  The inner gates are small fort like structure along the inner wall.  This separates the common area of the castle from the inner keep and courtyard.  Given the relative peace the heavy double gates are open.  There are five guards in the gateway and at least two on the battlements above the gate.
Within the small group of guards is Sergeant Gaulmod, he appears to be give the morning orders to the other guards in the gateway.

As he spots you getting closer he stops talking to his men and approaches the group.  "New travels quickly in here, I've heard that you lot have been busy.  Got in and more importantly out of the caves again.  Well done!  What brings you all up here?"  He asks the group.

"Good morning, Sergeant Gaulmod.

We're here to speak to Hinveg, we're thinking to look into the matter of Black Torgal, the bandit."

Gaulmod chuckles at Zenphar request.  "A little to early in the morning for that book worm, but don't worry he just deals with signing of contracts and castle payments.  I can give you some information about this bastard.  The bounty on his head is 300 golden lions.  Problem we have is we can't find him.  He and his group attack from the south but we can't find any hint of camp this side of the river, nor can see any boats.  The river is bloody wide and deep, don't reckon they are swimming but they must be on the other side of the river because scouts keep seeing camp fires up in the mountains."

Nthanda steps into the shadow of the gatehouse before pushing back her hood to speak.  "Have any of the scouts crossed through the fens?  I expect it to be nasty, but the water shallower at least," she asks, not really relishing the thought of going through a muddy, marshy area.

The blank look on Ukhtusk’s face on the walk to the gatehouse would not have been mistaken for ‘philosophical’, but he animated at the prospect of worthy slaying. “What is Torgal? Is man? Is greenblood? Is scalykin?”

"Our scouts have been chased out the marches by lizard folk.  It is possible that bandits cross through the marhes, I guess.  I still reckon that they cross the river somewhere.  Scouts have followed tracks to the river bank that just disappear."  Gaulmod says to Nthanda.  He then turns to Uktusk and continues.  "As for Black Torgal, we think he is human possibly a half elf.  Most of the bandits are humans, but there are some other races in the mix."

"So the tracks lead to the river and there are camp fires in the hills of the Ravenwood...sounds like you have located them, Sergeant!

How they cross the river, might be a mystery, but it's possible that they have well-hidden boats...or perhaps some sort of magic?

Could you show us where the tracks disappeared? That would be a good spot to start our hunt."

Gaulmod rummaged around in a large pouch on his belt pulling out a map and points a place near the river.  "This is about where the scout said the trail went dead."


Each hex is about 100 yards.  The red cross is where he pointed.  The red dot was a mistake, there is nothing there.

Thromm had drunk until he passed out the night before. He'd awoken, late, under a table. A short breakfast and some of the hair of the dog and he was right as rain. Still, he was late to the party and trudged up sourly as the others were speaking to the gate captain. He watched and listened quietly to catch up on things. However, the river was sounding rather nice. His mood wasn't the only sour thing about him that morning.

After he was caught up on things, he raised an eyebrow, "Mayhap it is the dwarf in me, but has anyone checked for a tunnel? Going under a river ain't easy, but it can be done. A dwarf outta know."

Gaulmod suggests that is a path worth pursuing and wishes you good luck on your hunt.  He goes back to giving orders to his men.

Do you leave the keep or do you want to do something before you leave.

"I suggest we investigate the river bank, then," Nthanda says hitching up her backpack and readying to go.  "Tunnel, boats, magic flight, whatever it is we'll know better from there."  She will then put up her hood and proceed out the gate towards the river when everyone was ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Ukhtusk nodded at Nthanda’s suggestion, returned to the inn to secure his traveling gear, and returned to the gate to leave with the rest.

As a veteran itinerant, Thromm's gear was already with him, so he busied himself drinking some water while waiting for the others and saying a few morning prayers.

"Good idea," Tegan replied to Nthanda's suggestion about examining the riverbank near the area where the bandits' trail led.

He suspected that boats were the most likely means of crossing the river. In his experience, most bands of cut-throats were not especially strong in the ways of magicks, and were too disorganized and lazy to put in the work required to build a tunnel under the river. He supposed that it was possible that Black Torgil had discovered an old abandoned tunnel, however. Time would tell.

"I am ready to begin our hunt," he said, flashing  a smile to his companions.

Zenphar nods in agreement with Nthanda.

"Thanks, Sergeant!" he calls out.

He joins the group as they head down to the river.

The walk this morning feels very pleasant compared to the gloom of the forests and caves you dealt with yesterday.  The country side south of the main road is made up of low hills covered in lush green grass.  In the distance you can see the peaks of a mountain reaching up into the clouds.

Zenphar walks with the group moves toward the river, spinning an arrow in his hand. His focus moves between the hills on the other side of the river and the ground in front of him.

As they get closer to the river, he looks for tracks or other signs that are out of place. Perhaps sign of a boat being pulled onto the shore, or even a hidden tunnel!

Suddenly, the elf pulls up short. "Do you see that?" he points to the east.

"White rabbits, with a horn like a unicorn, and they are appearing and disappearing! Those must be the blink bunnies that were mentioned on the Notice Board!"

Zenphar watches for a few moments, as he has never seen anything like these creatures before. "If I see Elaria, I'm sure she would want to study them!"

Eventually, the ranger returns his focus to the river and the hills beyond.

---

Zenphar rolled 6,24,14 for Nature, Perception, Survival - if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Fri 15 July 2022.

Thromm progressed in his usual motif; stumping along solidly. As the morning scum slowly wore off his soul, he started to hum an old Dwarven tune. Eventually, it occurred to him it had been a song his mum used to sing around the house when he was a lad. The memory caused his to trail off for a bit but then he started humming again. The tune now had a slower, deeper sound though.

Once at the river, Thromm went about trying his best to scour the riverside for signs of a tunnel.

Thromm rolled 18 using 1d20+10.  perception.
Thromm rolled 16 using 1d20.  investigation.

The gentle breezes rustling through the thick grasses that carpeted the rollling hillsides made for a pleasant, relaxing scene, even for a city lad like Tegan.

He jammed the butt-end of his javelin into the earth and leaned on it, glancing over in the direction where Zenphar was looking after the Elf had called out that he had glimpsed some Blink Bunnies.

The paladin tried to remember what the notice that Zenphar had referred to had said, but was unable to recall it. Tegan reckoned that at the time he had not considered such creatures to be much of a threat when compared to bandits and an ambushed caravan, and had not bothered to put them on his To-Do list.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:13, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Ukhtusk marched along with the others in the morning sun and remained generally expressionless. When Zenphar said he wondered if Elaria would like the chance to study the blinking creatures, he paused, nodded his head in agreement to some internal suggestion, then with sudden strength of arm heaved his javelin at the foremost of them straight and true.

---

OOC:
13:29, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Attack, javelin, blink bunny.
13:30, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 8 using 1d6+4.  Javelin damage.

Nthanda has stopped when she noticed the blink bunnies, but Zenphar alerted the others first. "Folcard Fairbarn wanted those, offered a reward for them, and higher alive," she says just as Ukhtusk launches a javelin.  Cautiously, as much to keep out of her companions' fire as to prevent spooking the bunnies any more, she approaches the group hoping to get close enough to see them better.

With a run up Ukhtusk hurls his javelin at the blink bunny.  The javelin strikes the two foot long rodent killing it instantly.  At this the other magical rabbits start to teleport away.  There appears to be about seven other blink bunnies disappearing.

The pack of bunnies were a lot further away, but I didn't want you to waste such a good roll.

"Well done, Ukhtusk! You have sent a tiny bunny with a unicorn horn to meet your god! I am sure he will be pleased."

Zenphar turns back to the river bank looking for any sign of a way to cross the river.

“Grummsh not care… Ha. HAHA. But Corellon happy somebody here hit target from distance! HAHAHAHA.”

The halforc walked over to the slain bunny, laughing as he went, to retrieve his javelin and his trophy.

Assuming that Ukhtusk collects his prey he will find that the Blink Bunny is very large for a rabbit, and while mostly covered in white white fluffy fur, its belly is bright yellow. The horn coming from its head is as black as obsidian.

As the group approaches the river there is no sign of any tunnels or hidden boats.  Something catches Nthanda's attention as she spots something above the water.

Nthanda smiles to herself as the group approaches the river having given up on catching alive bunny as soon as they started blinking away.  With her usual confidence she steps out into the river and walks ten feet out into the water without sinking much.  "There is an illusion covering a ford here, the river is easily crossed," she says with an admiring smile.  Whomever placed this illusion was very smart.  The smile fades as a serious thought occurs to her.  "That also suggests they have a talented spell caster among them.  We must be cautious," she adds.

"Well done, Nthanda," Tegan said, nodding to the Drow when she quickly figured out how the bandits safely crossed over the river.

Turning to Zenphar, he asked the scout "Is there any need for stealth, here, do you suppose? If not, I shall lead the way, much as I would were I opening a door and stepping into a room where foes might be lurking."

Zenphar follows Nthanda onto the river, amazed at the subterfuge at play.

"How did you spot this illusion, Nthanda? I was looking at the river for some time and it looked to be as deep here as anywhere else!"


"I always prefer to move quietly and remain hidden if possible. But with this group that is not really a viable choice!

I will take the van with you, as we don't actually know where we are going and I might be able to find some tracks."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Fri 15 July 2022.

"I have a knack for seeing magic, close up.  A gift from a friend," she replies to Zenphar as she finishes the crossing with the others.  As the company orders themselves to move on she moves into the second row.  "I shall stay right behind you two."

Travel is slow across the magically hidden ford, but the party make it across the river.  On the other side you can see the hints of the camp fire high in the mountain peaks off to the south.  From here the country side rises steadily before the mountain dominates the area.  The forest thickens in the higher altitudes.

Anyone trained in Arcana can take a DC17 check to better understand the magic.
Anyone trained in survival can take a DC15 check to look for tracks.

Thromm trudged across the ford as was his modus operandi. "As if I needed more reasons to distrust magic?" The dwarf spat into the river the raised his eyes to the barely perceptible campfire. He hooked his thumbs into his belt and grumped, "That's likely to be quite the trek. Perhaps best our stealthy friend there scout for us a bit, eh? My great gallumping self need not wander into a bandit ambush if I can help it. Like as not, they'll hear me and Tegan coming a league off." Thromm slapped his paunch and then started moving toward the forest.

After crossing the ford Nthanda crouches down to examine the magic better, trying to work out the ebb and flow of the spell woven there, intrigued by its permanence...

---

08:46, Today: Nthanda rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Arcana Check.

Zenphar looks about for tracks, and spots something.

"There's something here to follow!" he says.

---

Zenphar rolled 15 using 1d20+4 for Survival to locate tracks.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Fri 15 July 2022.

Though Ukhtusk was distracted by the horn of the blink bunny — maybe it could make a good spear? — he looked up from his prize long enough to see something of interest. “Hmmm. That right there. That strange, hmm?”

---

OOC:

20:26, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Survival, tracks.

After studying the illusion for a few minutes, Nthanda stands straight and faces the others, curious as to what sort of tracks they found.  "The magic here is very old," she says keeping her voice quiet.  "That is somewhat comforting, for I would not like to face the wizard who cast it.  This is powerful magic indeed, but I daresay it predates the Keep," she explains, adjusting her hood and ready to follow the others.

Tegan was quite surprised to hear Nthanda's conclusion about the magicks that she had found. Not that he had ever been around magickers much to speak of, but he had no idea that magicks could last for as long as these apparently had.

"Interesting," he remarked to the Drow. "It makes me wonder how Black Torgal came to know of this crossing. Seemingly the garrison was unaware of it."

Ukhtusk and Zenphar pick up the signs of something moving from the hidden ford to valley between the two peaks.  The tracks look old are possibly a week or two old.

Nthanda turns to face away from the mountains, letting her hood conceal her face.  "We've been spotted, there was someone about 400 yards ahead who ducked out of sight," she says keeping her voice even so it doesn't carry beyond her companions.  "It makes sense they would have a lookout watching the river and the ford," she adds.

“Humans. Boots there! Follow… run!”

Ukhtusk started running towards where Nthanda pointed as he followed the tracks in the ground.

"So much for stealth!"

Zenphar runs after Ukhtusk, keeping his eyes moving about the trees, looking for a possible ambush.

"Gods above, Uhktusk, so may not have as long a leg as you." Huffing, the hefty dwarf nevertheless trudged as fast as his feet could carry him along behind the taller folk. It seemed that subtly and stealth were lost thoughts indeed. Even spotted, though, they still had options. A scout reporting back could not report on what they had done between spotting them and getting back. Thromm immediately wanted to find a likely place to set up an ambush, but his heaving chest and pumping legs precluded such action until such time as their company stopped and he had finished catching up.

Tegan didn't much care for running in full armor. It could be done if necessary, though, and he wasn't about to let the others hurry off and leave him, not when they might stumble onto Black Torgal and his lads.

He figured that the bandit leader was the sort to be grumpy when visitors dropped in on him unannounced.

And so he mentally shrugged, and set off after the others . . .

Nthanda cursed to herself and then followed the others at a slower pace; fast enough to keep them in sight, slow enough to see if they run into an ambush with time to react...

In the based of the valley where Nathanda spotted the scout, the  foliage has become a very thick.  Unlike the whispering woods there is no evidence of the corruption that surrounded the caves.  The forest here is wild and unsullied by the touch of civilization.  From here the old tracks that Ukhtusk and Zenphar had found travel roughly south towards the tallest peak, and there is evidence of a single person travelling east towards the small of the two peaks.  These tracks are very fresh.  There is no sight of the scout.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:57, Sun 31 Oct 2021.

"The freshest tracks head east," Zenphar notes, "That seems the best course."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Fri 15 July 2022.

Ukhtusk grunts in affirmation, heading eastwards at a trot.

Thromm grunted sourly as Uhktusk continued to trot and set his pace to keep alongside Nthanda. He chewed his lip considering the situation but there wasn't much he disliked about it. Rushing into battle was very much his style. Still, something was upsetting his stomach. Eyeing the peaks, he thought carefully about the fresh tracks. He had a sneaking suspicion. But, not knowing anything of tracks, he left it to the experts.

Tegan was used to the weight of his heavy armor, but he was nonetheless beginning to sweat heavily due to the fast pace that had been set.

He slowed his run to a more manageable jog that would not sap his strength o'ermuch. He hoped that they could catch up to the enemy scout before the bandit could raise the alarm, However, he reckoned that if their prey was wearing light armor -- which he (or she) probably was -- they would be hard-pressed to make up too much ground.

As the you move off to the east you hear a horn blow.  It was a long blast followed by a shorter one.  It sounds like if is about 300 or so yards away, coming from the tree line.  A moment later a single blast replies from the south, then another single blast comes from the west.

"Hells take it!" Zenphar curses. "We're surrounded...I'm thinking we keep going east, hope the lookout is on his own...and find a defensible position."

"Lead on, then," Tegan replied to Zenphar. The Elf seemed to be comfortable out in the wilds -- much more than the city-bred Tegan was -- and he had a good head on his shoulders, so the Human was comfortable in trusting to his judgment on this.

Tegan had been in enough squad-level actions during his days in the Suzail Watch to know that when the enemy was nigh and time was short, decisions needed to be made and followed without o'ermuch back-and-forth chatter.

He turned to Ukhtusk and Thromm. "Good news," he said with a lopsided grin. "They'll be coming to us."

"I do not think that qualifies as 'good news' Tegan, but it may simplify our task: we are victorious and capture the bounty, or we die and it won't matter," Nthanda says as she follows the others along to what she hopes is not their collective doom.

Thromm, between heavy breaths, grins at the dusky elf, "But that is good news! We can knock it off with this accursed running about. I was built for the still not the running of blockades." Thromm still felt a pinch of blackness surrounding the decision to run straight into enemy territory. He sought a glorious end, but not a reckless one. "did anyone consider that they want us to go east though? Might we consider the defensible position more urgent?" Thromm, likewise, understood taking quick action in emergent situations, but a second thought never hurt anyone and he was still running.

"You could be right, Thromm," Zenpaher replied, "But there is only one set of fresh tracks heading east...and many more older tracks heading south.

My hope is that the lone scout is heading to a spot on the mountain that might give us the high ground, if his friends come from the south and west."

“Is good news. Best news.” Ukhtusk said, and grinned. “Every direction we go is attack.”

He tested the weight of his javelin and checked his sword’s draw from the scabbard. “They not can escape.”

Out of nowhere from the a small peak in the distance came two arrows.  The scout lying in wait misjudged the distance and the volley of arrows he fired at Ukhtusk and Zenphar were wildly inaccurate.




Each square is 10 feet.
Initiative you then the scout.
Scout AC 13  HP27


20:20, Today: GN rolled 14 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Attack Ranged Z.

20:20, Today: GN rolled 9 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Attack ranged U.

Ukhtusk immediately ran towards the attacker with a grin.

---

OOC:
Move & Dash to I4. Cover in the trees is nice, but not at the expense of not directly attacking the bowman... probably upper-right I4.

"Tally-Ho!" Tegan shouted when he caught sight of their foe. He could not remember where he had first heard it, but once upon a time someone had explained to him that it meant "prey (or enemy) in sight".

"Bad luck," he muttered to Thromm. "Looks like a bit more running will be needed." He understood that such an activity was not a favorite pastime of the short-legged Stout Folk -- although at least, in this instance, they were charging towards their foe.

Then he jogged off after Ukhtusk, intent on closing the distance with the bandit who was sniping at them with a bow.

---

OOC:

Tegan will move and dash to Square H-4 (upper right corner).

Nthanda ducks along the tree line (to E6) and fires her eldritch blast at the scout, but this close to the limit of the spell's power she is not surprised to be off the mark.

---

I counted 18 squares frm where we started, moved 3 forwad, range of Eldritch Blast is 120 feet, so the scout is really out of range.  She's pretty smart, but I doubt she is counting exact feet in her head.

14:43, Today: Nthanda rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.

"Hanseath's hairy bollocks!" Thromm eyed the sprinting half-orc and human with despair. He knew well enough that he would not keep up with them. He looked to the elf whom Thromm assumed would tear off as well. Pursing his lips, he grumbled and looked to the more slowly moving elf. That was something he could help. Grunting darkly yet again, his short legs churned and he moved up alongside the elf who was watching her magic sail short. He drew his axe but kept his grip choked up beneath the weapon's head so he could move if needed. He called out to Zenphar, "Stay close in case his friends catch us up, will you?"

That said, Thromm kept his sharp eyes peeled for more enemies approaching from the south and east.

The poorly aimed arrows allow Zenphar to spot their quarry. He continues moving north and east to get a clear shot. But his arrow is no better than the scout's, landing wide of its target.

---

Moved to F2.
Zenphar rolled 4 for 15 damage using 1d20+3,1d8+14 with Longbow Sharpshooter - SNAKE-EYES!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:05, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

The bandit on the hill let loose two more arrows.  The first flew straight hitting Zenphar (11 peircing).  The second arrow was fired with a little more urgency it flew over Nthanda's.




Scout AC 13  HP27

10:42, Today: GN rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Attack ranged N.
10:41, Today: GN rolled 11 using 1d8+3.  Damage to Z.
10:40, Today: GN rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Attack ranged Z.

"ARRGGH!" Zenphar shouts in pain as the arrow pierces his armour and embeds into his flesh.


"Keep moving, as fast as you can," Zenphar calls, grimacing in pain, "I'll bring up the rear."

The elf moves forward and focuses on the scout, "Praeda", he intones before loosing another arrow at the scout.

Watching his arrow strike the scout solidly and stagger him, Zenphar, mutters, "I owed you that."

---

Move to bottom left corner of J1 (7 squares).
Bonus action to Cast Hunter's Mark
Range: 90 feet  Deal an extra 1d6 damage to the target whenever you hit it with a weapon attack.

Zenphar rolled 22 for 20+5=25 points damage using Longbow Sharpshooter: Attack, Damage, Hunter's Mark.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Fri 15 July 2022.

Nthanda moves up keeping calm and maintaining her watch in case the scout has allies nearby.

---

Move up to H6 and hold her attack in case a target presents, using the trees as cover from the scout (in case he still lives).

Ukhtusk kept running at the threat.

---

OOC:
Move&Dash to O2, upper right corner.

Tegan heard Zenphar cry out in pain somewhere off to his left and behind him, and he assumed that one of the bandit's arrows had hit its mark. A moment later Zenphar's own arrow buried itself nearly to the fletching in the bandit's midsection.

He closed the distance a bit, then hurled his javelin at the bandit. Unfortunately the range was a bit too long for him to make an accurate throw, and the javelin flew wide of the mark.

---

OOC:

Move: Tegan will move to Square K-1 (Upper right corner): 30 feet.

Action:
16:04, Today: Tegan rolled 11,20 using d20+6,d20+6 with rolls of 5,14.  Ranged Attack (Javelin: Disadvantage due to Range). Miss.

Notes: A javelin's range is 30/120, so Tegan attacked with Disadvantage.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Mon 25 Oct 2021.

Dwarven:"Bloody idjit arsehole!" The broad dwarf cursed roundly in his own language as the elf took a bolt to the chest. Glancing toward where Nthanda was taking cover in the treeline and staying inconspicuous, Thromm then chugged toward the hurt archer. There, he quickly put his shield up and blocked as much of the man's form as possible. "How about you not be a great flaming target for the enemy then? Uhktusk is almost upon the man, and that'll be the end of that. So get yourself to that treeline and avoid trying to become a living kabob." Despite the serious sounding words, there was only concern and worry in the dwarf's eyes.

Grumbling savagely, the dwarf bowed his head for a moment: "Hanseath, forgive our recklessness. Please, bestow upon us the health and vitality of your sacred brews." Thromm felt the responding warmth and reached out to quickly contact the wounded warrior and send healing energies into him. "This world would be a much sadder place should you depart the party early, Zenphar."

---

Move: 25' to lower left of G1
Action; Cure Wounds. Thromm rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  heal.

"If I was in the tree I wouldn't have been able to drive an arrow through him!" the elf grumbled back at the dwarf as the healing magic closed the wound.

"Ukhtusk or Tegan should finish him...and I'll get out of the open...you move those short legs of yours and go find a spot to defend...I'll keep an eye on the rear. There's more of the bastards coming, I'm sure."

The elf turns to move away, but pauses to call over his shoulder, my thanks Thromm, I'll raise a cup to Hanseath with you back at the Goat. Don't fear me leaving anytime soon, I still owe you an arrow in the back of your helmet!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Fri 15 July 2022.

After the heavy hit from Zenphar's arrow and the sight of Ukhtusk charging towards him causes the archer to lose his cool.  He quickly let two arrows loose at Ukhtusk.  The first just missed the half-orc glancing across his armour, the second however hit its mark (8).  The archer then quickly flees behind the tree line.




Scout AC 13  HP2
16:11, Today: GN rolled 11 using 1d8+3.  Damage.  8 damage after damage reduction.
16:10, Today: GN rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Attack ranged U.
16:10, Today: GN rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack ranged U.

Ukhtusk continued his pursuit into the woods to cut off the scout, but his attack flew wide.

OOC:
Move to R3
08:09, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Javelin attack scout.

Nthanda advances directly to also see about heading off the scout, and tries again at long range to see if her eldritch blast can reach him.

---

20:00, Today: Nthanda rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.
20:00, Today: Nthanda rolled 7 using 1d10.  Eldritch Damage.

I think that got him

The dark energy of Nthanda's eldtrich blast strikes the archer down.  He falls in a heap in the grass by the forest.  As the group approaches you see that it is a human man in his twenties dressed in dark clothes wearing a black cloak.  Stitched around the hood of the cloak are birds that might be ravens.

On his person you find a longbow, a quiver of 14 arrows, a signal horn carved from a beasts horn, a pouch with 4 gold coins and 18 silver coins, his leather armour has a large arrow hole in it but could be repaired.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:22, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

Grumbling as he saw yet another ally wounded  but this time far from his ability to help, Thromm did what he could and churned his dwarven legs to take him closer to the group. His naturally slower pace meant that, if anything, he was bringing up the rear. As his pace finally brought him closer to the group inspecting the fallen enemy, he glanced towards the areas where more foes had been heard signaling their location, "No offense meant, but this one's crew don't know as to his demise, so they'll likely converge on our location shortly. We might make a go of covering up the body and hiding in the wood, if'n we want. Otherwise, finding some solid group to defend would be advised. These bandits will certainly know we are about soon."

Thromm pointed at the woods with his bewhiskered chin then casually slung his axe into its loop. "Trees make for good protection from arrows and I expect more of that same to come. Uhktusk probably could also do with a rest so I can take a look at the wound."

By the time Thromm arrived to take a look at Ukhtusk the fighter had retrieved his javelin and was looking at the fallen scout. The horn looked promising... maybe it could be used to bring enemies out to them as the party lay in wait for them. Ukhtusk unslung the horn and tied it to his belt.

When Thromm asked where the arrow had pierced him, Ukhtusk laughed. It turned out not to have been a wound at all, just the appearance of one. The arrow had pierced through layers of mail at the armpit to hit... the open space under his armpit.

"Nobody else come? Hmmmm. Pity." Ukhtusk stood and looked around for others.

---

OOC:

22:28, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 9 using 1d10+2.  Second Wind - healing.

I figure Thromm's healing is more versatile than mine; keep it.

"Look for a spot we can defend," Zenpahr says to Tegan, as he moves south to the trees. The elf takes up a position in the trees that lets him watch the trail behind them.

Once Nthanda and Thromm have caught up to where Ukhtusk, is examining the corpse, Zenphar will move to join them. He will salvage the arrow that missed, and will grab the scout's quiver.

---

Move to L5 and watch west and southwest through the trees.
Then move to join the group.

Tegan nodded in response to Zenphar's suggestion, and asked the Elf "Do you need any additional healing?" Although both Zenphar and Thromm had been behind him at the time (and thus out of his line-of-sight), he thought that the Dwarven cleric had already made some of his deity's magicked healing available. But even though that sort of thing always helped, sometimes it did not complete the healing process, depending upon the severity of the wound.

Once the conversation with the ranger ended, Tegan turned on his heel and looked about for a defensible position . . .

---

OOC: If Zenphar requests more healing, Tegan will Lay on Hands to bring him up to full Hit Points.

I (OOC) seem to recall that the bandit scout was firing down on the party from a position of higher ground. Tegan will begin his search for a defensible position by looking in that direction. Ideally, it would be a spot with a bit of cover from enemy archers, and some choke-points to limit the effectiveness of superior numbers. Any boulder-strewn areas (or areas with ravines) nearby that look likely, GN?

Is some sort of a die-roll/check needed?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

Zenphar gives a sheepish nod to the paladin. "That bastard's arrow stuck me worse than I thought."

---

Zenphar needs 4 points to get back to max.

Nthanda comes up just ahead of Thromm, not hurrying and staying alert.  "The cloak and bow would be useful as a deception; from a distance, with the hood up, they may think their comrade is still alive and we can lull them into complacency," she suggests looking at the young man with mixed emotions evident on her face.

She will take the cloak even if the party decides against a disguise or deception, thinking to ask in the Keep about the pattern.

Given that he had grown up as a city lad in Suzail, Tegan was much more accustomed to city-scapes than the terrain that he was seeing now. Even so, he was accustomed to squad-level actions, so he reasoned that he had a least a fair eye for picking out defensible ground.

He took a few quick glances around, then doubled back to tell his conclusions to his companions. (OOC: See below.)

"It will be helpful to see which group of bandits we will be dealing with first," he remarked.

"Mayhap we will be able to tell that from our vantage point up high."

---

OOC:

GN:

In response to Tegan's questions.  The point where the archer started hill slopes down to the east, west and north.  The slope leads up wards towards the forest.

The sound of the horns came from west and south.  So the any possible reinforcement will be coming up the hill you came from up the hill from the same direction you came from or from the south down hill through the forest.

There is not need for a roll.  R1 is the best place to set up a defense from the west.  Defense from the south trickier as they will coming through the forest.

Thromm looked around a bit then shrugged, "I canna be positive, but I probably have the best eyes here. Dark corridors and many a night watching for sneaky goblins have made them skilled. Plus I have a shorter frame. I might suggest that I make an excellent lookout. Not as skilled with a bow as a crossbow, but I can make it work. And from a distance, my difference in height is probably not so apparent? Why don't I don the cloak and bow and keep watch from the hill? You all can hide just south of me in the trees, and still at a height advantage. Might want that horn as well to call them to me."

Thromm looked around at the group to see how they took his suggestion. Putting himself in harm's way was no big deal for himself and far preferable to the others. "This way, with the horn, I am pulling their attention to me. I think I can recall the signal as it was given afore, but that may make them more suspicious as I don't know their methods."

12:52, Today: Thromm rolled 19 using 1d20.  memory. Trying to recall the signal the scout used.

From his vantage point Tegan had a good view of the clearing off to the west. However, the forest blocked his view to the south. However, the fact that he could not see any bandits approaching from the west made him think that the group from the south would reach the adventurers first.

He passed along his thoughts to his companions. "I think that we should align ourselves for an attack from the south first. If the westerly group arrives first, we can always attack from out of the trees and hit them in the flank."

Glancing at Thromm and his pursed his lips thoughtfully, then said "Your ruse might be beneficial. It might fool the bandits into thinking that all is well with their lookout, which they might take to mean that we -- the adventurers -- have fled."

"I am not a tactician, wherever you think my skills most useful I will follow your advice," Nthanda says indicating the more martial members of the party.  She takes up position keeping an eye out for adversaries, ready to strike as needed.

"Sounds reasonable. It's a coin flip on which group appears first.

So, Thromm there, where the scout ambushed us? And the rest of us here in the trees, so we can watch south and west?"

Zenphar drags the corpse into the trees so it is not visible.

Zenphar will take a position as directed by Tegan and will watch south for more bandits.

---

Point to the bottom of R1 for Thromm; and the area of R3 for the rest of the group.

Zenphar rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Perception - double PROF bonus in forest.

This message was last edited by the player at 06:01, Fri 15 July 2022.

Since it seemed agreed upon, Thromm takes the bow, cloak, and horn. Even as he does so, he starts to hum a series of sounds as he puts the series of blasts he had heard into his memory more firmly. he then checks the body for any helmet as well before donning the cloak and pulling it around him. Though long on him, it fit reasonably well. He'd need to be careful not to trip over the hem if he moved in it. But with it wrapped around his form, he could pull off kneeling easily. Chuckling, Thromm then pulled a couple arrows from the form and handed them to Uhktusk. "Happy to have slain you, friend."

Chortling again, the dwarf chugged along to the spot the bandit had been using to fire arrows. There, he put a couple arrows borrowed from Zenphar into the ground and couched down as the scout himself had bene doing.

He watched his allies find hiding places and once they were secured, he put the horn to his lips and blew a long blast followed by a short one. He then opened his ears to listen for the replies and how close they might be.

10:20, Today: Thromm rolled 24 using 1d20+10.  perception.

The next thirty second felt like an hour, waiting for a response.  Then the reply came, on from the south then one from the south west.  Each a single blast somewhere in length between the two Thromm had made.  They were both closer than before, the horn sound from the west had moved south as if they were connecting with the southern group.

This Black Torgal was no fool, it seemed. Tegan had hoped that the two groups of bandits would arrive separately, giving the adventurers the opportunity to defeat one before having to face the other. But given the location of the horns that  had responded to Thromm. it sounded as if the bandit leader was probably in the process of combining his forces.

If Tegan had been in command of his old squad, he would have probably attempted to close quickly with their enemy, hoping to either catch them out in the open (with the adventurers having the benefit of the cover that the trees provided), or do battle with them before they were able to combine into a single, larger group of foes.

But Tegan was uncertain how this hodge-podge group would react to his efforts to steer them in any particular direction. Glancing around at his companions, he asked "Close with them now and hope to do battle before they have combined, or wait for them to come to us?"

From his place on the ground in the clearing [O4] Ukhtusk heard Thromm's horn blast and the answering blasts from the others. He smiled. He'd be able to hear them coming, and would leap up, hopefully among them, and be able to hew at the leader. Behead their troupe before mopping up whatever resistance was left, then drink his fill of victory and life.

The smile flinched a bit, as the arrowhead he'd fit between the links of his mail irritated his neck. Three arrows, two in his side, one in his necks, bristled out from his prone form, and four others stuck into the ground surrounding him would hopefully draw them close enough.

Let them all come.

THromm moved his gaze from the playacting Uhktusk to Tegan and nodded thoughtfully, "Tis a fine choice, that is, But I think such a charge would go poorly. We are outnumbered and... some of us quite loud and reckless. We've also no idea of their numbers." The grizzled dwarf rubbed at his chin and shifted in his crouched stance to relieve his aching thighs, "As you say though, a numerically inferior force must either blitz or ambush to overwhelm a superior force. But for now, we know little. Might be, Zenphar can be our scout now?"

The dwarf looked to the elfin warrior and raised an eyebrow.

Zenpahr slips into the trees, waiting to ambush the approaching bandits.

---

Zenphar rolled 12 for Stealth, and 21 for Perception (double prof bonus in forest).

Nthanda blends in with the shadows waiting patiently for the brigands to show.

---

Perception 27 if w/Disadvantage, 30 if not.  21 Stealth/Hide

Through the silence you heard the noise of a flock of birds take flight south of your position.  Focusing in on that area you can hear the muffled steps of a group of people coming your way.  The sound suggest that they are between one hundred and two hundred feet away.  The forest is much thicker there and you are unable to determine exact numbers.

The group is coming up the centre of the map, south of J.  You can see clearly for about 40 ft.

Thromm gripped the horn and considered another blast. Was there a way to declare safety or danger via the thing? He had only heard a few notes from the thing, so he didn't dare. Releasing the smooth surface of the device, he grabbed up the equally smooth grip of the bow and pulled an arrow from the hill's soil. This he nocked to the string and watched where the quiet sounds were coming from. Their group probably had the element of surprise here, but if they did not take some down in that first flurry of blows, this might go poorly.

He glanced quickly at where Uhktusk lay on the ground seemingly slain and clicked his tongue as he tried to spot the two elves. Nthanda was tricky to spot in the shadows beneath the leaves but he spotted Zenphar all too easily. Thromm could not risk shouting a warning, but he would need to watch that angle carefully.

Heaving a sigh, he tested the draw on the unfamiliar weapon and found it light. Dwarven work would have a heavier test, but dwarves were hardier folk. He turned his sharp eyes so used to spotting the slightest flaw in the amber color of a brew to the treeline instead. IF the bandits came out too close to Zenphar, he'd need to initiate the conflict to cause chaos and give the elf a moment to make decisions.

He looked to the three shafts he had buried in the hill then glanced at the loaded crossbow laid upon the hill next to them. Dwarven:"Gregarious Hanseath. Though I seek entrance to your riotous halls, I think I would prefer it not be this day. These ones here depend upon me. Bless us with your vigor and health this day." Exhaling slowly, Thromm summoned the divine energy coursing in his veins and channeled it into a blessing for his group.

Cast Bless targeting Nthanda, Uhktusk, and Zenphar. well, as long as they are within 30' of Thromm.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

The reason why he wasn't charging at the enemy kept going through his mind as Ukhtusk laid on the ground.

~~ Stay still. Wait. Hear them close, then kill. ~~

Ambush tactics had never been Ukhtusk's strong suit. Better and easier to see enemy, attack enemy. But he'd heard they work, and it would let him get into close contact without getting peppered with arrows, and the getting close was what mattered.

~~ Stay still. ~~

It is not long until the scout's reinforcement arrive.  Through the forest you see six figures approaching.  Three armed with longbows and three with long swords and shields.  One of the bandits armed with longswords taps his sword on his shield then points at Ukhtusk laying in the grass.  The group looks to lower their guard slightly as you hear someone speak.  "Where is Jeben, he is clearly taken someone out."  One the archers calls out.

~~So far, so good,~~ Tegan thought to himself as the bandits approached and seemed to be fooled by Ukhtusk's ruse. ~~At least nobody is pointing at Ukhtusk and shouting "Hoi, that Half-Orc over yonder is playin' possum! Let's all poke him fulla holes!"~~

As best Tegan could remember, Ukhtusk's plan was to try and draw the bandits out into the clearing, where they would gain no benefit from the cover of the trees.

So the paladin bided his time, waiting to see how the scene would play out . . .

~~ Hold, hold... not ... kill... yet. ~~

"Oi over there.  Jeben's been shot."  One of the men with sword shouted out rushing towards where Thromm lay on the ground.  The others quickly follow behind.  One of the archers shots dead in their tracks.  "Stop! Ambush!"  The archer called out.





Initiative
Warriors with sword and shield 18
Archer 13

Warrior AC14  12HP
Archer AC14  17HP

When the archer cried out about an ambush Ukhtusk sprang up, looked for the one in charge, chose his target, and cried, "DEATH!" He flung his javelin and struck hard, then, with lightning speed, rushed at the same target drawing his sword, but clove naught but air.

---

OOC:

18:56, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

18:57, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Throw javelin.
18:57, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  Javelin damage.

Action Surge
18:57, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Longsword.
18:58, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  Longsword Damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Tue 16 Nov 2021.

[Elvish: Distance and cover!] Zenphar calls to Nthanda.

Following his own advice, the ranger moves southeast through the trees until he can line up one of the archers, with his own bow.

He concentrates on the target, but to no avail, his arrow sails wide.

---

Move from bottom-left of R4 to bottom-left of T7 (30 feet)
Bonus action to move Hunter's Mark to archer in bottom-left of P7.
Zenphar rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with Longbow.
Then move to top-right of S7 (5 feet) to gain some cover if possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:01, Fri 15 July 2022.

The bandit charged by Ukhtusk ducks under the half-orcs attack and strikes back using the opening in Ukhtusk's defences.  The other two bandits with swords charge Tegan.  Their attacks are easily parried.
The archer shot by Zenphar returns fire.  He deftly threads his shots through the trees to hit Zenphar.   The archer that called the warning fires two shots off at Thromm.  His second strikes the dwarf.    The final archer fires off two shots off into the trees towards Nthanda.





Warrior AC14  12HP
Warrior at N4 AC14 2HP
Archer AC14  17HP
Archer at P7 AC 14/16 with cover 10HP

16:18, Today: GN rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Archer 3 attack N.
16:18, Today: GN rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Archer 3 attack N.
16:16, Today: GN rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Longbow damage.
16:15, Today: GN rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Archer 2 attack Thromm.
16:15, Today: GN rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Archer 2 attack T.
16:12, Today: GN rolled 3 using 1d8+2.  Longbow damage.
16:12, Today: GN rolled 7 using 1d8+2.  Longbow damage.
16:11, Today: GN rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Archer 1 attack Z.
16:11, Today: GN rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Archer 1 attack Z.
16:09, Today: GN rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Bandit 3 attack T.
16:09, Today: GN rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Bandit 2 attack T.
16:07, Today: GN rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  Longsword damage.
16:07, Today: GN rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Bandit 1 attack U.

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:05, Tue 16 Nov 2021.

~~Uktusk will be jealous,~~ Tegan thought with a smirk when it became clear that two of the bandits had squared off against him. ~~Well . . . unless they kill me, I suppose. Then, he will just consider me . . . unworthy.~~

He blocked both of the bandits' sword-strokes with his shield, then counter-attacked with his own blade. Tegan's attack was nothing very fancy -- the blacksmith's son relied more on his own gods-given strength rather than putting much effort into technique -- and found that the bandit blocked his sword-stroke just as easily as he himself had when the boot was on the other foot.

~~Well, damn!~~ Tegan thought to himself. ~~So much for my being lazy. I shall have to pay better attention, seeing as how I am dealing with two of these bastards.~~

---

OOC:

Action: 12:30, Today: Tegan rolled 9 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 3.  Melee Attack v. Bandit (AC 14). Miss. t
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Thu 18 Nov 2021.

Nthanda showed little of her alarm at having two arrows fly in her direction, maintaining an outward stoicism.  She turned her magicks onto the lone archer in the woods, in the hope that he did not fire at any of her companions in the rear as they engaged the others, her blast of eldritch power striking true.

---

Aiming at the archer at P7.
20:16, Today: Nthanda rolled 8 using 1d10.  Eldritch Damage.
20:15, Today: Nthanda rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast. Hit.

Thromm cursed roundly as their ambush was spotted. More black speech joined the initial shock as an arrow founds its mark. Grunting sourly, he eyed the arrow in his hand and then dropped it to grab up his axe and charge down the hill at an archer that was just within his range. He would always be more deadly with the axe than pointy sticks hurtling through the air.

The long cloak was a nuisance around his short legs, but he made good time charging and kept himself upright. The dwarf started singing a song in the last five feet as the archer started to realize what was happening:

Dwarven:"Hold Hanseath's hammer high with a battle cry
For the broken past I live and one day will die
Hold Hanseath's hammer high, never turn away
Ever true unto your forefathers stalwart stay

Hold Hanseath's hammer high with a battle cry
For the broken past I live and one day will die
Hold Hanseath's hammer high, never turn away
Down the wayward way so far faring strangers stray
Hold tHanseath'shammer high"

Thromm brought the axe around in a vicious arc that carved into the man's side with a sickening sound. gritting his teeth, Thromm yanked the blade free of the man's flesh and tasted copper on his lips as he glared, "One of us meets our gods this day, man. Say your prayers and I shall say mine." Even as he spoke, a corona of crackling energy surrounded him.

---

Move: 25' to top left of P4
Bonus: none
Object interaction: draw battle axe, wield two-handed.
Action: Attack: 16:48, Today: Thromm rolled 13 using 1d10+4.  damage.
16:48, Today: Thromm rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  attack.
Reaction: Prepped, Wrath of the Storm (16:59, Today: Thromm rolled 15 using 2d8.  Wrath of the Storm. DC 13 DEx for half)

Ukhtusk blocked his opponent’s strike with his sword and quickly twisted the blade on point, driving it into a gap in the armor. As lifeblood poured out of the wound over his sword, he cried, “LIVE!”

The body slid lifeless to the ground; Ukhtusk moved between the two archers calling with enthusiasm, “Now you will live!”

---

OOC:
20:11, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 9 using 1d8+4.
20:10, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 14 using 1d20+1d4+6.  Attack Longsword .

Move to upper-left O5, threatening both archers.

The two bandits attacking Tegan, hit him in unison.  The first hits hard, while second glances off Tegan's armour.  As Ukhtusk moved into to assists Thromm the archer drew its short-sword at stabbed twice quickly.  The other archer stabbed at Thromm but was unable to land a blow.  The lone archer lets loose shots at Nthanda and Zenphar.  The first struck Nthanda with the second flying over Zenphar's head. 






21:02, Today: GN rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Longbow attack at Z.
21:00, Today: GN rolled 3 using 1d8+2.  Longbow damage.
21:00, Today: GN rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Longbow attack at N.
20:58, Today: GN rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Scout attack at Thromm.
20:58, Today: GN rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Scout attack at Thromm.
20:57, Today: GN rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  Short sword damage.
20:57, Today: GN rolled 5 using 1d6+2.  Short sword damage.
20:56, Today: GN rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Scout attack at U.
20:56, Today: GN rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Scout attack at U.
20:55, Today: GN rolled 2 using 1d8+1.  Longsword damage.
20:55, Today: GN rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  Longsword damage.
20:54, Today: GN rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Bandit attack Tegan.
20:54, Today: GN rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Bandit Attack against Tegan.

Tegan grunted in pain when one of the bandits he was facing managed to draw blood with his blade. Angered by this, the paladin's counterattack was fierce.

Tegan feinted at the man whose blade had slid harmlessly off of his armor, then put all of his strength into a heavy-handed slash at the bandit who had wounded him. It suddenly occurred to the paladin that he could call upon another source of power if he so desired, and Tegan decided to use it to finish one of his opponents.

"Morninglord's glory!" he thundered as his blade cut deeply into the bandit's midsection, followed an instant later by a brilliant flash of radiant light that further seared the man and nearly cut him in half.

---

OOC:

Action: 12:53, Today: Tegan rolled 25 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 19.  Melee Attack v. Bandit (AC 14). Hit!

12:55, Today: Tegan rolled 9 using 1d8+6.  Damage (Longsword).

12:59, Today: Tegan rolled 8 using 2d8 with rolls of 7,1.  Divine Smite Damage.

Total Damage Dealt: 17.

Free Action: Speak.

Notes: That should strike down one of the two bandits facing Tegan. He has used the Divine Smite class feature to convert one of his spells to (extra) radiant damage. It is arguably overkill, but the Dice Roller is notoriously fickle, and I wanted to grab the extra damage on Tegan's behalf while it was available. Besides, he's gotta keep up with Ukhtusk! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:28, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

"Solinor guide my aim!" Zenphar mutters a small prayer as he moves forward and lines up the archer who just missed him.

Solonor must have been listening as the ranger's arrow just clips the other archer's neck but manages to sever an artery.

---

Move to bottom-left of S7, loose arrow, move to bottom-right of P7.
Zenphar rolled 15 attack with Longbow Sharpshooter: for 24 damage, from arrow and Hunter's Mark.

Hot damn! Rolled a 12!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Fri 15 July 2022.

Nthanda is struck by the arrow and for an instant her eyes turn fiery red with intense emotion - anger, pain - and she points at the archer that struck her calling up flames to engulf the man.

If he does not die from the flames she follows it with another eldritch blast, the red fading from eyes with the flames.

---

22:29, Today: Nthanda rolled 15 using 2d10.  Hellish Rebuke Damage.

For her next action, the same target if he lives, a new target if the archer rebuked dies.

22:33, Today: Nthanda rolled 5 using 1d10.  Eldritch Damage.
22:32, Today: Nthanda rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.

Thromm stands resolutely in front of the jabs of the archers and grunts discourteously as he bats aside their blows. He felt some sympathy for me not in their element. That was why he had abandoned the bow in favor of the axe after all. Sighing somewhat sadly, he glances around the fight and notes it quickly turning in their favor. His doom was not here, not this day. Gritting his teeth, he set to the grim work of ending his foes.

He gripped his axe firmly in both hands and drew it back, but then changed his mind. He reversed his grip quickly and brought the butt of the weapon up toward the man's stomach. He clicked his tongue blackly in disappointment as the man jumped back to avoid the blow.

---

Move: none
Bonus: none
Action: non-lethal attack. 09:40, Today: Thromm rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  attack, non lethal.

Thromm might have wanted to spare this ones life — for a little while, anyway — but the subtlety of non-lethal blows we’re lost on the halforc, and he drove his sword into the side of the man.

---

OOC:
07:47, Fri 26 Nov: Ukhtusk rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  Damage Longsword.
07:46, Fri 26 Nov: Ukhtusk rolled 25 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 19,5.  Attack longsword flanking.

Sorry! I remembered rolling, but forgot I hadn’t posted. I blame the tryptophan! Happy Thanksgiving, folks.

After watching their comrades fall the two remaining bandits loose their nerve.  The bandit with the long sword swings harmlessly at Tegan, while the other stabbed at Ukhtusk.  The quick panicked stabs didn't hit their mark.



Warrior AC14  12HP
Warrior at N4 AC14 2HP
Archer AC14  17HP

Zenphar moves closer to the clearing and focuses on the archer near Ukhtusk, for a moment before loosing an arrow at him. The bolt flies true, and buries itself in the archer's neck.

---

Move to bottom-right of P6.
Bonus action: move Hunter's Mark to archer.
Zenphar rolled 16 for 18+1=19 damage.

Thromm looked around and his mood soured a bit. There was nothing of the crumpling enemy within reach of his dwarven stride. Growling, he began to survey his comrades for wounds instead while calling out, "Tegan, one alive might be beneficial. After this display, he might be willing to answer some questions. none of this lot looked like the mark."

Tegan heard Thromm's hail, advising him to take the bandit prisoner, and thought it a good idea. Of course, having the opportunity to consider things without having to focus your attention on a bandit who was attempting to stick a blade between your ribs was a real bonus when it came to logical thinking.

And so it was that the paladin raised his blade to an "On Guard" position and spoke to the last bandit standing. "'Tis only you, now, against all of us. Surrender now, or die where you stand."

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak.

Comments: GN, do you need a Persuasion Check from Tegan? If so, I would argue for a Circumstance Bonus, given the bandit's dire straits. :)

If the bandit continues fighting, Tegan will take a readied Attack against him, attempting to inflict nonlethal damage (p. 198, PHB).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

Seeing the last of his companions fall, the bandit dropped his weapons and raised his hands. "I surrender,"  he said dropping his head to look at the ground in defeat.  The human man in his early twenties is dressed in the same black cloak as the first archer encountered and his fallen comarades.

"Good," said Tegan, nodding approvingly as the bandit dropped his sword and announced that he was surrendering.

"Now, the dirk -- and any other weapons you might be carrying."

He waited for the man to comply, then spoke again. "As you might guess, we want to know all about Black Torgal. Where is his camp, what is the layout, and where does he have lookouts posted?"

"Also, how many people does he have left, now that we have wiped out this bunch? Well . . . except for you, I suppose."

Glancing around at his companions, Tegan added "Please chime in if you have any questions that you want to ask."

---

OOC: In an effort to keep things moving along, I went ahead and free-posted, on the theory that we have moved out of combat. If that is not the case, we can put this post for Tegan on Hold until it is appropriate. :)

Nthanda moves among the bodies, making sure they are dead and patting them down for valuables or useful items.  Among other things, she will appropriate one of the black cloaks, the one she finds in best condition, as the aesthetic suits her.

---

She is also keeping one eye and one ear open in case more bandits make an appearance.  She will leave the interrogation to her more intimidating looking companions.

The bandit reached down and pulled a dagger from his boot, dropping it too at his feet.  "There are eyes everywhere, Torgal is probably watching us now."  The bandit smirked, "In terms of numbers left, there ..."  A large raven squawked loudly cutting the bandit off.  The bandit, looked worried and the smirk on his face faded quickly.
"Sorry, I can't remember who is left." He continued.

Looking at the raven symbols on the bandits' clothes and alerted by his change in behavior at the sound of the raven, Nthanda looks around quickly trying to see the bird that squawked, with every intention of blasting it.

---

20:02, Today: Nthanda rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Perception.

Nthanda easily stops the raven in a tree looking down at Tegan and the bandit.  It is a large fat bit as black a pitch.


Ravin AC 12 HP 3

Nthanda fires off a quick blast at the raven, perhaps too casually as the blast misses its mark.

---

20:19, Today: Nthanda rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast  Hopefully it will at least fly away.  But if it stays in the area, blast it again.

In a moment, the battle ended. Zenphar drew a deep breath, and let it out slowly. He then move closer to where Tegan is disarming and questioning the prisoner, choosing to stand behind the young man, spinning an arrow in his right hand.


As soon as the raven's caw made the bandit to stumble on his words, Zenphar whirled looking for the source of the noise, nocking, drawing, and loosing an arrow in one motion.

---

Zenphar rolled 9 for Initiative.
Bonus action: move Hunter's Mark to raven.
Zenphar rolled 27 for 5+4=9 damage from Longbow and Hunter's Mark.

Thromm nods satisfactorily as the human former guard takes the prisoner. The interaction with the raven does not ruffle the stout brewer overmuch as he watches his companions fire off attacks at it. The creature's work was already done. Grumping, Thromm moved closer to the captured bandit and looked up into his eyes then regarded the raven until it was a ways away, "You may be afraid of what Torgal Might do, boyo. But what you should be afraid of is what I WILL do. And that is to truss you up, take you into town, and hand you over to the guards as a bandit. You know what they do to bandits? You ever seen a man hang? Ever seen a man's jaw work wordlessly after being decapitated? Now, what could happen is you talk to us and you run yourself far away from here and Torgal."


I'd love advantage for wording, but the roll is bad otherwise!
10:05, Today: Thromm rolled 3 using 1d20-1.  intimidation.

The Raven took flight, startled by Nthanda's blast.  Its flight ends in a shriek of pain as Zenphar's caught it mid flight.  The bird falls from the sky, but only the arrow hit the ground. The raven vanished, leaving nothing behind, not even a feather.

"Let me live and I will give you the information you need.  Gallows and the axeman's block don't scare me but Torgal, she does.  She wont be listen for a while, so it safe to flee."  The man pleaded to Thromm and Tegan.

Ukhtusk was only mildly disappointed when his next victim dropped dead in front of him, an arrow from Zenphar appearing in the man's neck before he collapsed dead. The halforc whipped his scowling face around to the elf before giving him an expression equal parts threat, compliment, and enthusiasm.

He was about to step over to Tegan and help the last fellow to live anew when he surrendered, which wasn't any fun.

Kicking at the dirt in disappointment a bit, he went over to the corpse and wrenched the javelin from where it had stuck between two ribs. Since the not-dead-yet guy was about to start talking, Ukhtusk went over behind Tegan, squatted on his haunches, and began to lick the blood off his spear while paying very close attention to everything the future opponent said.

Some bird died to the elf's arrow. Breaking his concentration on the guy for a brief moment, Ukhtusk gave the archer a horrible smile and a fists-up.

---

OOC:
22:19, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Insight.
22:21, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Intimidate.

Tegan nodded approvingly to Zenphar as the Elf's arrow struck the raven, but his eyes widened in surprise as the bird simply vanished instead of falling to the earth.

Turning back to the bandit, Tegan said "As long as you answer our questions truthfully and accurately, I am willing to agree to my shield-brother's proposal, and let you run free. I would counsel you to take the opportunity to turn your cloak* and put yourself on a different path in life, however."

"Now, then . . . please answer my previous questions. And please also tell us about this 'she' whom you just mentioned. Given what just happened with the raven, I am guessing that she is some sort of magicker."

---

OOC: *An effort to convert the more familiar "turncoat" (i.e., going over to the other side or changing one's ways) to a more medieval-sounding term. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Fri 03 Dec 2021.

The bandit grimaced when he saw Uktusk lick blood from his weapon.  "A part from Torgal, there would be about ten or so warriors left.  For Torgal she is an elf who commands powerful magic, she runs the Raven Gang."  He said to the group.
"The camp is at the peak of Raven mountain."  The bandit continued pointing to the tallest peak to the south west.

"An elf and wizard, no doubt.  That was no raven it was a familiar," Nthanda says, nodding to Zenphar with an appreciative smile.  "We will have to be cautious."

"My knowledge of magic is minimal, but I assume the raven would be able to tell Torgal what happened here?"

Turning to the prisoner, Zenphar asks, "The camp, how far is it from here? Is it tents in a clearing? A cave? Are there fortifications?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Fri 15 July 2022.

"She knows everything up until that infernal bird died. The camp is a group of tents in a clearing at peak."  The bandit bitterly replied, before continuing.  "Its about half an hour that that way, not can I go?  I've told you all I know."

"One last thing...what's your name...and where are you from?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

"A name is a dangerous thing, I'd ask to keep that to myself.  I come from a small village south of the Lake of Dragons, far South of here."  The yet nameless bandit answered.

Ukhtusk didn’t look up, but said,

“Elf ask. You give. Now.”

"Brarth Mirthgust" He blurted out without thinking.  He did not want to upset the half-ork licking the blood of his comrades.

Zenphar looks around, "If there are no more questions for Brarth, I suggest we allow him to head back to his home, to consider his luck compared to his comrades...and perhaps decide on a change in profession."

If there are no objections, Zenphar will add.

"Be sure to move on from here, Brarth, or there is a good chance that it will be your blood on my comrade's sword."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

"You chose wisely," Tegan remarked to the bandit when he complied with Ukhtusk's demand and revealed his name.

"Now, before you leave, I would have you tell us more about Black Torgal's magicks."

Anticipating Brarth's objections, Tegan held up his hand. "I know, I know -- you are no more a magicker than I am. But as best you can, describe the sorts of things that you have seen her do -- things of a magical nature, I mean. It may be that hearing what she can do will give us an idea of what sort of magicks she will be able to bring to bear when we assault her camp."

Tegan glanced at Nthanda, suspecting that the Dark Elf would step in with questions or comments of her own, if any sort of clarification was needed.

Seemingly another thought must have occurred to Tegan, for before the bandit could answer, he said "Also, of the ten or so remaining warriors, how many of that number are accomplished archers, and how many are more likely to fight with swords or axes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Tue 07 Dec 2021.

"I don't know much about magic.  I know that she controls plants and can talk to animals.  Most of the best archers were out here as look outs, scouting the area.  From memory most of the people back at camp are trained with both bows and spears." Brarth added.  His voice started to waver, it looks like he doesn't believe he will leave this conversation alive.

Thromm's eyebrow arches at the speak of plants and animals. he looks to Nthanda, "A druid or worshipper of a nature deity? Still, those types rarely have familiars in the stories, do they?" Despite being able to pray real good, Thromm knew little of the arcane arts nor its various branches beyond what he'd gleaned learning his own tricks. And most his tricks were more instinct than training.

he then looked up to the nervous bandit and shook his head, "Promises were made, lad. Most this lot keep their word. Don't get no funny ideas and you'll walk away from here."

That said, he started surveying the nearby mountains suspiciously to find the likely peak they'd travel to next. If he was a mite upset by learning their target was a woman, he did not let on to it. The possibility of ten battle-hardened bandits got a bit of a flush to creep into his cheeks though.

“Black Torgal…

“Why Torgal Black Torgal? Black skin? Black heart? Black … birds?”

Nthanda chuckled quietly at Ukhtusk's questions.  "Most likely the latter and a reference to personality," she speculates.  "Yes Thromm, my guess would be along those lines, but I will assume more powerful magics," she says with some concern.

Tegan waited a moment to see if the bandit had anything to add to Nthanda's response to Ukhtusk's question about Black Torgal.

Then he bent over and picked up the dagger that Brarth had dropped earlier and offered it to the youngster, hilt-first. "I would not send a man out into the Wilds with no means of defending himself," he explained.

After a moment he added "You would be well-served to follow the Elf's advice, and hie yourself away from this place."

Relief washes over the young criminal when he saw the dagger offered to him.  "Thank you sir!  I wont be on this mountain any more, thank you all again." Brarth said taking the dagger from Tegan.  He then quickly rain down towards the river.

Thromm watched the man go and nodded, "That was well done. Should he truly turn his cloak, I'll buy him a beer next I see him. What was that village he mentioned? Crystal Lake or summut? Might seek it out."

His gaze then shifted up to the peak again and he made a grumpy sound. "Seems that a climb and some rough stuff is in our futures, eh? Zenphar, can you scout ahead for us? I've a fine eye but I'm about as silent as a fart at a funeral." He grinned at his own rough humor and then looked around at the group which had distilled from their initial sortie.

He hefted his axe quickly before restoring it its loop then touching gingerly at his chest where the arrow had struck. "Though, a bit of a rest wouldn't go amiss, for sure."

"That I can. But I worry that we are now walking into a trap. This sorceress, Torgal knows, through her bird, where we are, how many we are, and what weapons we use. No doubt her defences will be prepared.

But, I have no alternative!

If we're resting, I suggest we get into the trees and stay hidden."

---

Have we already done one short rest since we left the Keep on this trip? I have 1 HD marked off, but I don't recall when I used it.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Tegan nodded upon hearing Zenphar speak of resting. "I am not badly injured," he replied, "but I could use a few moments to tend to the wound that I suffered in the recent dust-up."

---

OOC: I don't believe that we have taken advantage of a rest during the hunt for Black Torgal, and that some short-rest healing might be beneficial for several of the party-members.

Once the decision is confirmed to rest up; Zenphar will start dragging the bodies of the bandits into the trees.

He will then look for a spot away from the corpses that remains hidden from view, in case Torgal sends another bird to spy on them.

---

Zenphar rolled 11 using 1d10+2 for 1 Hit Dice - assuming the rest is completed without disturbance.

Once the party agreed to rest, Thromm found a stout tree with low branches, tucked himself beneath it, folded his hands across his paunch, and was soon snoring softly.

---

16:14, Today: Thromm rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  short rest. Should be full.

Noting that Zenphar had taken up a position as look-out once he had seen to his wounds, Tegan felt comfortable taking a moment to bind his own wound. He sat down and put his back up against a nearby tree, and got to work.

When he was done he still felt a slight bit of pain, but he felt much better. After a moment's thought, he touched his shoulder and used a small portion of Lathander's healing boon to ease the last bit of pain.

---

OOC:

13:54, Today: Tegan rolled 4 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 2.  Short-Rest Healing.

He will Lay on Hands to heal the final two remaining Hit Points.

Notes: Tegan was not quite fully healed after using the Short-Rest Hit Die, but he was close. I decided to save the second die of Short-Rest healing in case it is needed after the coming dust-up (unless Zenphar is successful in convincing Black Torgal and her minions to come along quietly and accept what's coming to them, of course); and had him use Lay on Hands to top off his Hit Points. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

"Very well," Nthanda said when the decision was made.  She found the bole of a tree within sight of the others and wrapped herself in her cloak crouching down into it, trying her best to keep out of sight, and out of direct sunlight.  Though resting she keeps alert, eyes and ears open.

---

20:30, Today: Nthanda rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Stealth, just in case.

Ukhtusk didn't move far from where he had squatted during the interrogation, nor did he say much except, at one point, "Refreshing."

His spear was gleaming.

---

OOC:
14:17, Yesterday: Ukhtusk rolled 10 using 1d10+2.  HD Rest.

Back to full HP, regain Action Surge, Second Wind.

Once everyone was rested the group moves out again.  The forest becomes much thicker as you move up the slope of the mountain.  Even though there are no signs of humanoid activity in the area the forest is filled with noises.  You heard the hooting a hunting birds, the scurrying of squirrels, rabbits and other small rodents, and the sweet tunes of song birds.  The peacefulness of the forest made stark contrast to the bloody battle earlier in the day.

Zenphar and anyone else trying to work out an easy path up the mountain, can I get a DC15 Wisdom (survival) test?

Zenphar looks for signs of a path leading through the forested mountain to the bandit camp.

---

Zenphar rolled 7 using 1d20+4 for WIS (Survival).
The dice roller continues to mock Zenphar!

Tegan was a city boy, born and raised. So his woodland skills left much to be desired. He thought he remembered hearing somewhere that the forest-dwelling animals oft-times made paths through the woods, so he spent a little time looking for one, thinking that it might make for easier travel.

But each tree looked very much like all the others to his eye, and he was unable to spot anything that looked like it might be a trail through the trackless undergrowth.

---

OOC:

12:19, Today: Tegan rolled 2 using 1d20.  Wisdom Check re: Path up the Mountain.

Comments: Well . . . it seems that Zenphar and Tegan have left plenty of good rolls in the Dice-Roller for anyone else who wants to give it a try. :)

Zenphar stood in the path scratching his head when Ukhtusk walked by munching on an apple. The halforc stopped momentarily and said, pointing, “How bout that way,” before strolling ahead up the now-obvious easy route up the mountain.

---

OOC:
13:49, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Wis (Survival).

I love how this dice roller is building relationships.

:D

While Zenphar looked for path to the summit that would give the group the best chance of staying unseen, Ukhtusk found a path that was much more straightforward.  The path was very similar to the halforc that found it, it was simple and straightforward but unlikely to subtle.

You have choice, take the path Zenphar found with a very good chance of staying hidden but will take few hours and result in a level of exhaustion, or take Ukhtusk's path it is much quiker but will be harder to stay hidden and there will be no level of exhaustion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:33, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"That path is easier and faster Ukhtusk...but we will spotted easily. This other path is harder, but we will remain out of sight...and you know that I will always lean to stealth!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Tegan glanced at the paths that Ukhtusk and Zenphar had spotted. After studying them for a moment, he turned and said "Normally, I would vote for the more stealthy route."

"But in this instance, I vote for the more straightforward path. The bandits are most likely expecting us already due to Black Torgal's magicks, and I mislike losing the time that I suspect 'twould be needed in order to traverse the slower route."

Nthanda considered for a moment and then nodded as Tegan spoke.  "We lost the initiative already, but I prefer not to give them more time to prepare.  We shall have to be very alert and cautious," she says agreeing with the faster path.

Thromm looked around slowly then shrugged and grinned, "I've been on record as disliking stealth. This time, that stance actually has some tactical advantage." Thromm slapped his paunch and then started moving toward the more open but quicker trail. He'd change course should the others choose that though.

"Short and direct, it is!" Zenphar says, acquiescing to the majority.

"Nthanda, I suggest we let the metal-armoured, lead the way." the ranger adds, as he follows Thromm on the chosen path. He keeps as close to the left edge, bow in one hand, and a spinning arrow in the other.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Ukhtusk is content walking along the easy route, but he keeps his shield loose on its strap, ready to raise it against the inevitable arrows. Not that he minded arrows too much.

The march to the peak of the mountain took about 40 minutes.  There was a natural path, a break in the trees, leading to the summit.  About fifty feet ahead of you is the campsite.  In the group you see five bandits carrying spears, another five with short bows. Near the campfire is a woman in cloak made of feathers with black longbow and an elven woman in black furs.


Let me know where you would like to be on the map, and make a stealth check.

Nthanda keeps her distance for the moment, keeping to the treeline along the left side of the path, and observing the camp.  She watches the woman in the raven cloak, presumably Torgal, most closely.

---

I think she will stay in X-7 for now.  She knows Sleep spell, and though a bit nerfed in 5e, still an AoE spell that could be useful.

21:34, Today: Nthanda rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Steealth.

Tegan tried to sneak up fairly close to the nearest bandit, and still stay within cover. He deemed it likely that sooner or later one of his companions would be spotted, and the battle would begin. But, regardless of what triggered the fight,  he was close enough to easily close to sword-stroke range. His shield was readied, and his sword was in hand . . .

---

OOC:

Tegan will set up in Square O-10, and will attempt to use the cover provided by the trees and undergrowth.

22:42, Today: Tegan rolled 10 using 2d20+2, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 11,8.  Stealth (w/ Disadvantage due to Chain Mail).

~~ Stay behind tree. They hate that. Then move to other tree. ~~

Ukhtusk clomped from one trunk to the next. Those close by could hear him muttering: "Tree, tree, tree, tree, tree, tree, tree, attack."

---

OOC:

22:54, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 5 using 2d20-1, dropping the highest dice only.  "Stealth", as it were.

The clearing comes into view unexpectedly, and Zenphar eyes narrow as he sees two women in black.

As he nocks are arrow he whispers to Nthanda, "Does a Torgal have fur or feathers?"

---

Take a position in W7.
Zenphar rolled 24 for Initiative.
Zenphar rolled 10 for Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Thromm was roughly in the same basket as his orcine friend. Thoguh eh tried his best to remain quiet and unobtrusive, the bulk and nature of his armor betrayed him. As such, he focused as much as he could on it while advancing through the cover of trees. If he was one to give the group away, let him at least have cover while doing so. In his hands were his cross bow, which he hoped ot use to down an opponent before they could do much. The numbers he was getting a look at through the trees had a knot as hard as iron growing in his stomach. If they could not put those numbers back to closer to their favor rapidlky, this was going to go poorly.

---

Thromm rolled 9 using 2d20+1, keeping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,16.  stealth.

Thromm is heading for a space hear Tegan. Keep the fighters grouped together to prevent flanking as best as possible.

A man armed with spear in the opening called out to the others.  "They are here!  To arms!" The group of t bandits drew their weapons.


Roll Initiative!

Bandits with short spears are at
A12
B5
I4
M7
M10
AC 12 HP 11

Bandits with short bows are at
B7
F4
J13
K7
AC 12 HP 11

Human woman in feathers and longbow F8
AC 13 HP 16

Elven woman in furs E9
AC 11 HP 27

11:30, Today: GN rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Short bows init.
11:30, Today: GN rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Spears init.
11:30, Today: GN rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Feathers init.
11:29, Today: GN rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Furs init.

Zenphar mentally answers his own question, ~Fur apparently...as young Brarth said she was an elf...I hope he wasn't lying.~

"So much for an immediate surrender!"
Zenphar steps out from the trees into the clear path, focussed on the elf in furs. He looses an arrow at her and then moves into the trees on the opposite side of the trail.

---

Move: 10 ft to U9
Bonus action: cast Hunter's Mark on the elf (90 ft range).
Zenphar rolled 14 for 21+1=22 damage using Longbow Sharpshooter and Hunter's Mark.
Move: 25 ft to S14.

I think you have the icons/locations for Fur and Feathers mixed up.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Hearing the call to alarm, Thromm grit his teeth and hoped this opening salvo went well. Gripping hsi crossbow, he knew it was not his best weapon but he needed to use that bolt to, hopefully, even up these numbers. He knew others might target the leader, hoping to sow disruption, but if that didn't work then they'd just be horribly outnumbered. Gritting his teeth, he leaned out from behind a tree he planned to use to make the archers miss him as much as possible and fired a bolt at the closest spear wielding man.

---

Move: none, stay behiond cover/tree at Q7
Bonus: none
Action: fire cross bow at spear guy close to me/Tegan at M8
Object interaction: draw axe.
EDIT: Reaction: Wrath of the Storm if anyone hits Thromm. 12:02, Today: Thromm rolled 8 using 2d8.  Wrath damage. DC 13 for half.

11:55, Today: Thromm rolled 8 using 1d8+1.  crossbow damage.
11:55, Today: Thromm rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  crossbow.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

"Bring me their heads!"  The woman yelled out in after being hit with an arrow.  She then raised her staff in the air calling out [Elven "Mother of forests! Make me skin as hard as your trees!"] Her skin then turned brown and hard as if it was made of bark.
The woman in the feathery cloak moved forward letting two arrows loose at Zenphar.  Then bandits carrying spears moved forward.  The closest two bandits charged at Tegan and Thromm.  The spear clumsily missed Tegan but the other bandit was unfortunately more accurate.  A glimmer of pride of the bandit striking Thromm  soon turned to horror as the dwarven cleric's lightning arced along the shaft of his spear.  The unfortunate bandit fell to the ground in pain.




The software I am using doesn't allow me to place your tokens on top of trees.  I've done my best to place you in position.
Z I placed you before spotting you moved twice.  Sorry!

Bandit P7 dead
Bandit N10 AC12 HP11
Bandit M8  AC12 HP11
Bandit H5  AC12 HP11
Bandit G12 AC12 HP11

Druid    I12 AC16 HP 5
Feathers J8  AC12 HP13

Bows   K7  AC12 HP11
Bows   J13 AC12 HP11
Bows   F4  AC12 HP11
Bows   B7  AC12 HP11
Bows   C13 AC12 HP11

The rest of you get to act before the bandits with short bows.

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:39, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

Nthanda casts her spell, raising her hand palm up and blowing towards the druid, whispering into the wind, "sleep..."

---

09:06, Today: Nthanda rolled 26 using 5d8. centered on the druid's location, 26 HP worth will fall asleep within 20 feet of her, starting with the lowest HP. Perhaps the bandits in front and behind her?

One of the bandits had already closed with Tegan, so all the paladin had to do was stand his ground and fight. And so he did.

He slashed across the man's midsection and expected him to fall, but it seemed that his blade had not cut as deeply as he had expected . . .

---

OOC:

Action: Tegan will attack the Bandit who has previously attacked him (N-10).

12:16, Today: Tegan rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  Melee Attack v. Bandit (AC 12). Critical Hit!

12:18, Today: Tegan rolled 8 using 2d8+6 with rolls of 1,1.  Damage (Longsword, Critical Hit).

Comments: I was feeling pretty good after rolling that Critical, looking at the map to see where to move Tegan after his man fell. Then came the Snake-Eyes on Damage . . . :(

Ukhtusk stepped out from behind the tree shouting, "SURPRISE DIE!!!"

He ran past Tegan, slaying the guard who'd engaged him; he continued running towards the feathered woman, skewering a guard along the way, and deflecting a spear-blow in return off his armor.

---

OOC:
Move: 5' to O9
Action: Attack N10
14:39, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Attack N10.
14:40, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  Damage M8.

Move: 20' to L8
Action Surge:
14:40, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Attack M8 - Action Surge.
14:40, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  Damage N10.

Move 5' to K8.
 --> M8 Opportunity Attack
  14:52, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 17 using 1d20.  NPC Opportunity Attack vs AC 18.
  14:54, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 3 using 1d8.  Spear damage v Uk.
  Damage absorbed by armor mastery

Moments after Nthanda uttered her incantations the two closets bandits to Torgal fall to the ground asleep. Ukhtusk's savage charge scared a bandit into dropping its bow and drawing a short sword. It then stabbed ineffectively at Ukhtusk, trying in vain to protect the archer in the feathery cloak.  The other archers who are able to, move forward trying to get clearer shots.  The arrows fly out all over the area, it is not completely clear where they were all aimed.  One thudded into a tree near Thromm.




Bandit P7  dead
Bandit N10 dead
Bandit M8  AC12 HP 3
Bandit H5  AC12 HP11
Bandit G12 AC12 HP11 Asleep

Druid    I12 AC16 HP 5
Feathers J8  AC12 HP13

Bows   K7  AC12 HP11
Bows   J13 AC12 HP11 Asleep
Bows   K5  AC12 HP11
Bows   I11 AC12 HP11
Bows   G8  AC12 HP11

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:54, Tue 04 Jan 2022.

Zenphar nods at Ukhtusk's daring charge which has caused the enemy to panic.

The ranger moves forward, until he has a line of sight to the fur-wearing druid, so he can loose an arrow at her.

[Elvish: "May Sehanine take you."] he mutters the prayer as he watches the elf fall. before moving back into the trees looking for cover from the many archers.

---

Move: 25 ft from R14 to M14.
Attack: Zenphar rolled 22 for 10 damage.
Bonus: Move Hunter's Mark to Feathers.
Move: 10 ft from M14 to M16.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Thromm grunted as the barbed shaft scored a runnel along hsi cheek then watched his companions charge into the clearing to give the archers further excellent line of sight. A sour twist to his lips wrinkled his features as he wuickly buckled his shield to his left arm then hefted his axe and rounded the tree, [Dwarven:"Kazukan kazakit-ha!"]

As he shouted the phrase, he met the eyes fo the nearest archer and grinned as his dwarven feet chugged. Like a heavy door slowly giving way to weight, he barreled toward the human. He lcoked eyes with the man and kept his axe in a low hold. As he grew close, he kept the man's eyes locked as he bellowed the warcry again at the top of his brassy lungs, [Dwarven:"Kazukan kazakit-ha!"] He finally brought the axe around in a wicked blow that carved into the man's form and sent coppery, salty blood splattering into the meadow, "Flee, human, or meet your ancestors this day. Your allies may bring me low, aye, but not until fter you are dead." He spat the man's own blood back at him.

---

Move: Charge K5
Bonus: none
Object interaction: equip shield
Action: attack

<small>14:11, Today: Thromm rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  damage.
14:10, Today: Thromm rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  attack.</smal>

"Do not run!  Avenge Torgal!"  The woman in the feathery cloak calls to the other bandits seeing their spirits waver.  She then drew her short sword and stabbed at Ukhtusk.  She was unable to hit the halforc.  The two standing bandits with spears loose their nerve at the sight of the archer failing to hit Ukhtusk and started to run, leaving their spears behind.




Bandit P7  dead
Bandit N10 dead
Bandit M8  AC12 HP 3  Moves to Q1
Bandit H5  AC12 HP11  Moves to A4
Bandit G12 AC12 HP11 Asleep

Druid    I12 dead
Feathers J8  AC12 HP13

Bows   K7  AC12 HP11
Bows   J13 AC12 HP11 Asleep
Bows   K5  AC12 HP 1
Bows   I11 AC12 HP11
Bows   G8  AC12 HP11

Nthanda fired an eldritch blast at the woman in the feathers, but the shot went a bit off to the left.  Still, she hoped it looked impressive or intimidating enough to scare some of the archers.

---

21:03, Today: Nthanda rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.

"Hahahaha, YES! STAY! Avenge Torgal!" shouted Ukthusk as the feather-cloaked woman tried and failed to strike him. In response, he dropped his longsword and reached out, grabbing her to prevent her from fleeing.

Perhaps stunned at the rapid turn of events or distracted by the ray of eldrich energy streaming out from the forest, she found herself in Ukhtusk's mailed grip.

"Then they avenge YOU! HAHAHAHA!"

---

OOC:
19:20, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Grapple -- Ukhtusk.
19:20, Today: Ukhtusk rolled 4 using 1d20.  Opposed Grapple -- Feathers (bonus not included).

Tegan could but admire the ferocity of his shield-brother's charge as Ukhtusk tore past him, striking down the bandit fighting Tegan as he passed by with the heedless nonchalance of one who was swatting a fly.

The paladin gave some thought to moving up to support Ukhtusk, but as he looked on, Thromm charged ahead and did that very thing. With the companions' left flank now taken care of, Tegan looked to the right. There an archer stood his ground, still fighting, and Tegan marked the man as his next foe.

Moving with a loping, distance-eating stride, Tegan moved up right in the archer's face. He feinted with a slashing attack seemingly aimed at the man's head. When the archer reacted to the feint, Tegan quickly reversed his blade and struck the man with a back-handed blade-stroke that cut deeply into his midsection.

---

OOC:

Move: Tegan will move to J-11 (25 feet).

Action: 11:52, Today: Tegan rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Melee Attack v. Bowman (AC 12). Hit!

11:53, Today: Tegan rolled 10 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 4.  Damage (Longsword).

Comments: Tegan has moved forward and is attacking the Bowman in I-11. After Tegan's Attack the man is still standing, but is badly hurt, with 1 HP.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Thu 06 Jan 2022.

Having seen their leader fall then the second in command taken, the archers fled from the attackers.  The woman grappled by Ukhtusk cursed her cowardly comrades.

"Well done Ukhtusk!" Zenphar calls to the warrior as he steps out of the trees, an arrow still nocked, as he watches to ensure that the rest of the bandits are scattering and not re-grouping.

After a minute or two, if he does not see any signs of an attack from the bandits, he will sling his bow, and pull the coil of rope off his pack and bind the feathered archer - around the knees to hobble her and arms behind her back.

Unless Ukhtusk chooses to, he will then carefully disarm the prisoner, including removing the feathered cloak, if possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Thromm grit his teeth as the man shifted. He expected a counter-attack. What he got was the man's backside. His grip tightened on his axe then he relaxed and let the man flee. He turned his gaze to the camp and grunted sourly at yet another disappointing combat. His doom had yet to find him, so he would wait for it at another place.

Instead, he approached the now bound archer and grimaced at her predicament. "Aye, that is the price to be paid for siding with bandits, eh? Hope it was worth it."

Unlike many others, Thromm expected that it had been. He hoped that all found purpose in their lives. He shifted his vision around the clearing and grunted again. "So, now we have our bandit corpse, what's ta be done with the rest? This one, I expect will just go right back to it, so turn her in? She'll be hanged. We okay with that?"

Nathan’s amo es quickly to join the others, and first disarms and binds the sleeping bandits.  “They will wake soon,” she explains.  Once that is done, she will make a round of the camp to see what is there and make sure none are hiding.

"We should turn in all of the ones who yet live," Tegan replied to Thromm's question. "Let the commander of the forces at the keep deal with them. "

Glancing around at his companions, he added "You all fought extremely well. I am proud to call you my shield-brothers and shield-sister."

After a short pause, he asked "Did any one take a wound? I have some healing magicks available."

Ukhtusk frowned watching the bandits flee, then turned back to the feathered woman, "We still fight, yes?"

Keeping his right hand firmly gripped on her shoulder, he drew back his shield arm aiming the edge of the shield at her nose and smiled hopefully.

The woman clearly bested stopped struggling.  </blue>"The fight is done."  She said to Ukhtusk while looking at her feet.  <blue>"It would save us all time if you killed us here, God's know what the sick bastards in the castle will do with us."  She continued.

Around the camp you find:
2 Short bow
2 Short sword
4 Spear
7 Daggers

From the lady in feathers:
Rapier
Long bow
Clock of feathers

From Torgal:
Quarterstaff with carving of ravens
A golden ring with a black stone carved with a bird.
From the sleeping and dead bandits including the lady in feathers 6 sets of leather armour.

From a chest inside the large tent you find:
An ornately carved pipe with a pouch of halfling weed
A darkened steel helm with the face of a skull
Polished boots of very soft leather
A polished steel shield with the face of a smiling man
31 gold pieces
97 silver pieces

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 00:20, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Upon hearing the captive's suggestion, Tegan shook his head. "I will have no part of cutting the throats of helpless prisoners," he said.

"Like it or not, I am of the opinion that we needs must march them back to the keep."

Nthanda will look at every item with her Eldritch Sight and separate the magic ones from the non-magical ones.  "How much time do you think we have?" she asks the others as she looks at the pile of magic items.  "I can deiscern what these things are and how helpful they may be, but it will take a few minutes.  Any chance, do you think, the others will return for more?"

---

With "Eldritch Sight" she can cast Detect Magic at will without expending a spell slot.  She can tell the school of magic for any item with a bit of concentration.

"I am not an executioner...but the consequences of your actions are yours to bear."

"These three are secure and the rest of us can keep watch in case any of the others decide to return."

Zenphar will speak quietly to Tegan once Nthanda starts to study the items. "Do you think that the justice served at the Keep will be unfair? Our task was to capture Black Torgal, and we will be able to bring her body and perhaps one or two of her followers too.

We could let these three go, on their sworn word to leave the area and never to return."

The elf spins an arrow, as he watches for movement in the woods. "Or am I too soft?" he asks with a chuckle. "I came to this place, to hunt goblins. I have less concern with exterminating them, having dealt with their blood-thirstiness, first hand."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Fri 15 July 2022.

The hopeful smile fell from Ukhtusk's face when the feathered woman stopped fighting, and he looked even more upset when Tegan said there wasn't to be any killing. He serruptitiously kiced the handle of her dropped rapier over towards her, looked back and forth between the handle and her, and grinned again.

Thromm shook his head at the woman and shrugged, "I'm nae a fan of the laws. At least human laws. But I'll neither be truck to killing ya now you're defeated nor will I trust your word. You're fate is of your choosing." He looked to Zenphar with some sympathy as he liked the solution somewhat. Trusting a poor, down on his luck lad to return home was one thing. This one was powerful and would go right back to it, to his mind. "Like as not, there's ta be a price upon your heads as well."

He shifted his attention to the drow and grumped, "Time can be spent gawking at items back a' the keep. Less than wise ta be doing it out here where who know what's watching." He stooped to use a dead man's clothes to clean his axe then slipped it back into its loop. "Sides, knowing what they might be won't likely serve us much good t'all should it end up it is lost goods from the keep, would it? Ain't ours til we check with the guards. Might be that ring belongs to a human noble offering a fine reward. Coin I can drink, rings not so much."

Thromm then began to pack the looted goods into a bag to carry back. He looked about for a mule or ass to aid in the matter should the bandits have kept one.

"All good and fine, Master Thromm," Nthanda says helping to pack up.  "But I prefer to have the pick of the spoils before the masters of the Keep are involved," she adds pointedly.  Once all is packed she takes up a position towards the rear, keeping an eye behind and on the prisoners.

"That's a fair point," Tegan said to Nthanda with a nod.

"When I was in the Watch in Suzail, 'twas common knowledge that many of the better items that we would bring in from raids on warehouses holding stolen goods and the like never made it onto the accounting lists."

"It seems that the quartermaster and his scribes had especially sticky fingers when it came to such things."

Thromm eyed the drow and human askance and grumped again, "Tis not the dwarven way. In my home, if'n you were walking bout with another man's axe, you'd best have a damned fine reason or your honor was stained. Aye. Tis stolen things, assuredly some effort must be made to return it. I am no thief, bandit, or embezzler. Now, once a reasonable chance to claim it has been given... well... that's another matter."

Thromm chuckled then and slapped his paunch, "I mean, how long am I sposed ta wait for a being to finish his chicken?" Laughing loudly now, he moved around looking for some way to secure the prisoner one to another to form a chaingang.

As Nthanda looked over the items collected with her magical sight, she noticed that a number of items glowed with the faint hum of magic.  The items were the cloak, quarterstaff, and all items except the halfling weed in the chest.  The ring was the one item that glowed brighter than the others.  The ring glowed yellow with conjuration energy.

If you leave now the party should be able to make it back to the keep before nightfall.

While Thromm and Nthanda gathered the plundered goods, Zenphar removed the cloaks from some of the corpses and wrapped the body of Black Torgal.

"Recall, the reward was for Black Torgal, so I imagine we will have to return her body to the Keep."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

Keeping the ring out of the sack, Nthanda looks at it intently as everything else is packed up, her violet eyes glowing visibly as she examines it with intensity.

---

She rolled crappy as usual, but she will keep the ring for now.  If anyone objects, let me know.

13:31, Today: Nthanda rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Arcana Check.

"We can rig a rough sled, or sorts, to carry the gear and Torgal's body."

Zenphar will use the tents and poles, or will cut small saplings if needed, to build two human-sized travois.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

“I carry Torgal. Easy when not alive and struggle.”

The Halforc looked between Tegan and the archer before leaving her to grab Torgal’s body. “If she try to run, I kill her then, yes?” he asked hopefully.

Seeing the size of the pile of reclaimed materials, Thromm nodded at the consensus and moved to aid Zenphar in constructing the makeshift sleds to transport the things. Axes were good for hewing more than bodies after all.

He kept an eye on the sun and hurried so that they might make it back by nightfall so he could drain a few cups again.

Zenphar laughs, "Ukhtusk, she is bound too well to run. How about if she hobbles away, you can wrestle her to the ground again?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

In reply to Ukhtusk (msg # 201):

And

In reply to Zenphar (msg # 203):

"Well, that's certainly one possibility," Tegan replied to Ukhtusk's suggestion, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Although you have already bested her once and proven yourself the better warrior, so where's the fun in that?"

Just about then, Zenphar chimed in, and Tegan nodded sagely. Turning back to Ukhtusk, he added "Or, you could give way to Zenphar, here, and allow the Elf some target practice with his bow." Tegan judged it a bit cruel to add what he was thinking to himself -- that the Elf could really use the practice.

But hidden in his semi-jesting words was a harsh warning to the woman who had worn the cloak of feathers that attempting to flee would be a very poor choice on her part.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Wed 19 Jan 2022.

Looks like we are good to move out.  How are you planning to do this?  You have the two sleeping bandits, the female archer and dead Torgal.

Once the travois are constructed, Zenphar looks to Tegan and Thromm.

"If you can each pull one of these, then Ukhtusk will be able to carry Torgal, and Nthanda and I will watch these three."

The ranger checks a final time that the rope manacles around the prisoners' knees are secure, enough slack to walk but not enough to move faster. He also checks that their arms are securely tied behind their backs.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

In reply to Zenphar (msg # 206):

"No problem," Tegan replied to Zenphar's suggestion. He stowed his shield so that he could get a better grip on the ropes that he would use to pull what he thought of as a sled, filled with its cargo from the bandit camp, and waited for everyone to move out.

Ukhtusk offers an attempted-whispered, "Feathers: if run, I make very quick," to the archer. He gave her the thumbs up before walking over to Torgal.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at her closely before stabbing the corpse through the neck with his javelin. Cleaning the tip on Torgal's clothing, he shrugged at Tegan. "Need make sure." Then, with a swift heave, the body was up across his shoulders in a fireman's carry and the halforc was sauntering his way down the mountain with a cheerful whistle on his lips.

Thromm nodded sagely and then secured the harness he'd fashioned for his own travois across his broad chest. It was there to releive some of the pressure from his arms as he then hoisted it by the handles. he looked back at the thing loaded down with loot and grunted happily. Should even a small portion of this remain theirs, they'd be earning a fine amount of coin.

Once, lifted, the sturdy dwarf pushed his frame against the harness and loicked his arms against his side as bet he could. Hauling this thing the whole way was going to be tiresome as hell. Luckily, the hobbled prisoners meant their pace would be slow. He worried only if they'd make it back before the sun sank below the horizon.

The hobbled prisoners slow the group down, making the trip back to river take much longer than the trip up the mountain.  As the group arrives at the river crossing you predict that there is only an hour or so of sunlight left.  Even thought the water was shallow when crossed earlier in the day it would be too deep for Thromm's travois to be useful to cross the river.

Tegan halted near the riverbank and stared at the waters flowing by, which were deep enough to be troublesome for the equipment that was being dragged along on the ground.

"Well, that is . . . annoying," he muttered.

Turning and glancing at his companions, he said "I suppose that the stronger ones of us can carry the loose equipment and gear across, taking however many trips are required, then we can resume our normal means of travel on the far side."

His first inclination had been to make a jest, suggesting that they require the prisoners to lie face-down in the river so that the victorious adventurers could cross more easily by stepping upon their backs. But he quickly decided that 'twas better not to incite Ukhtusk's already blood-thirsty inclinations, jest or no.

Or," he continued, pausing as he thought, "we might want to consider asking one of the prisoners whether there is a shallower ford nearby."

"Or, you and Ukhtusk can go back and forth with one travois at a time! While I don't think it will be necessary, Nthanda can go across with the first travois and guard it on the other side; after the second travois is dropped off, Ukhtusk then returns for the corpse, and then Thromm and I march the prisoners across."

Zenphar looks pleased, he is reminded of a puzzle his mother taught him about crossing a river in a boat with foxes and gesse!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

"Or we can make the prisoners carry one across the ford," Nthanda quietly suggests.  "We keep them on a leash so they don't get any stupid ideas that would force us to kill them," she adds casually.  If the prisoners look towards her she smiles for their benefit.

Ukhtusk fords the river with the corpse and unceremoniously dumps it on the ground. He turned to re-cross, but stopped, grabbed his spear, and leaning into the thrust with his full weight transfixed the body to the ground.

He held his palm out towards Torgal.

"Stay."

He then walked back into the ford to carry the travois.

Thromm chewed his cheek silently as the trio debated then watched as Uhktusk seemed of a mind to him. He grumped at them, "Herd the prisoners, Me and Uhktusk will manage the travois."

As soon as the half-orc returned to their side, he pointed at the two ends of the limbs he was holding that had dragged along behind him the way down the mountain. Assuming UHktusk grabbed them and lofted the thing, Thromm shifted his grip to lift his end up to shoulder height. The dwarf was, if anything, a doughty and powerful being. He then started wading into the river to carry the thing across.

"So much for the fox and chickens..."

Once Thromm and Ukhtusk start across the river with the first travois, Zenphar looks to Tegan, "Let's escort our prisoners.

All right the three of you get moving!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Wed 26 Jan 2022.

The prisoners reluctantly crossed the magically hidden ford.  One looked to jump into the deeper water, but did not play heed to that thought.  He must of thought it better to hang then to drown.
"Thought they said that people wouldn't find this." A different prisoner growled to themselves.  A quick glare from the archer soon quietened the complaining bandit.