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Victor looks nervous but determined as he stands with his squad mates. His armor gleams, new and unscratched, as does his polearm. He has light green skin and tusks popping up from his lips, obviously some kind of Orc. As he waits he reaches up to his chest every once in a while to a wooden holy symbol and rubs it a few times, staring at it while he does so.
When asked about himself he replies in strong northern acccent,"I am Victor O'rzet, I was sent here from my church in Rastlin. I was chosen to come here and make sure the evil 'Society' is eliminated before they can cause any more harm to anyone else."
Saluting smartly, but not completely according to the rules, Porter touches gently the edge of his feathered hat with his right hand. In his left hand he holds an almost 60' long flintlock made of red cedar wood, it's grip wrapped in dull brown boar skin. The decorative elements of the gun are composed of brass. Various little cracks, incisions and scratches show that the weapon has seen constant usage, but was still obviously in a very functional state, well-oiled and cleaned.
Looking half-orc straight in the eyes, his lips curl upward in a mischievous grin. "Clayborne, Porter Claybern, sharpshooter extraordinaire, craftsman and a connoisseur of all that is fine and vice-y. Very pleased to meet ya."
Even without his self-description it was obvious that Porter enjoyed food. He was a large, burly man, with strong black beard, and a smile that rarely left his face. He wore blue tunic, combined with blue-green tabard with attached white undershirt, brown faux leather gauntlets, cavalier hat with white feather and upturned side brim and tall boot cover spats.
Hung at his waist belt was a viciously looking knife, large blade of steel with a hilt wrapped in shiny crimson pigskin with steel wire. Yet despite his girth, Porter moved quite fast and fluidly, waiving his musket around like a little twig.
A tall broad shouldered Half-Orc approaches the squad.He looks more orc than most Half-Orcs you have seen, but moves and acts more human than most. I am Sir Vorag Tsugo He says with a bow. My Order, The Order of the Dragon, has sent me as a represenative, and to aid you. I am trained as a body guard for Her Majesty, May she live a thousand lives. The Half-Orc speaks in perfect common without any sign of orcish accent.
Doctor Ruby Redhat, is a 3' tall Gnome in Red and green, he rides a Dog he calls Boris and has a nice red top hat. On his mount is a very odd looking fire arm, which he says he made himself, "Shoot the neiff off a naff at 60' don't you know" he says when asked about it. He happy and always talking to himself wile tinkering with any and every thing.
Ruby looks at the troops of the Dragon group and smiles
They look like they know what to do I may be safer than I expected. lets say hello and tell them what ill be doing for them
The Good Doctor meets each of the his new fellow fighters as the come, as he dos so he shoows away 3 small butterflies he mad wile waits, that new seem to have taken on a life of their own and seem to be trying to land on his red top hat. in his profile you will see a link to an image of the doctor To each he says
"Hello I'm Doctor Ruby Redhat, nice to meet you, and this is my riding dog Boris, hes a happy old soul and will not bite what. Now i'll be your medical help for the duration of this campaign. If you have an pre existing conditions, lycanthropy and other such, that you wish me to know about before we start, we can have a privet talk later and you can tell me all about it. Also just to note I also have extensive knowledge of areas like mechanics and other such, so if every you need help just let me know.
To Porter Clayborne Ruby says
"What a splendid flintlock I do not think I have ever seen on so well made and large and by the looks of it well used. I myself like the user of black powered but my small Musket seems some what of a mishmash compered with this fine device. I was hopping you may show me a thing or two about gun smiting I have made a set of tools for mine but they need work."
With that Ruby sees a split in the fine wood on Claybornes gun.
"Do you mind?"
he asks as he places his hand on the split and the wood seems to re-nit and when Runy takes his hand away the wood is whole once again.
"There that's better, could have been a problem that, also I have a very good heartburn remedy should you need it"
To Victor O'rzet he says as well
"Now you look like an orc who knows how to fight, I just wanted to say, I can heal with or with out scares, I know how much you chaps like to show off your combat experience with a good scare here and there, so Ill take it you will want me to heal with them left behind, also have you have some dentistry, any problem with the tusks just let me know."
To Sir Vorag Tsugo
He says the same as to Victor but adds,
"As your a Knight Sir Tsugo, and a person of status, I take it you have been appointed our commanding officer. I would like to say that in my rule as medical officer, I will of course follow your commands at all times, but I ask that if and when I ever offer any medical advice you at lest consider it. That would be most helpful if you could."
Wile hes saying all this behind him is a large floppy looking dog, a riding harness on him, follows him.
This is Doctor Ruby Redhat, Brilliant nuts and I hope fun
I have no plans to pull any sort of rank dear doctor, but as you are a student of medicine, know that I am a student of war. I will do my best to shield you from harm, as I am sure you will do your best to keep me in fighting condition. We must all act as one to defeat the society and restore any notion of hope to a life we once had.
"most interesting approach to military command Sir, I wounder if it will work? I do not thing I have ever come across and egalitarian flat command structure out side of some group mind armys like the RatKings, do the higher ups agree to this kind of thing in the ranks?
A strange birdlike creature is standing somewhat at the back of the group. Clad in a very wide dark blue jumpsuit with a scimitar wrapped in cloth hanging on his back, he has his head bowed. On a closer look you see that instead of a normal face, he has a beak like a bird and black feathers, some of them seem to gleam in a coppery colour.
With a soft voice he speaks as everyone presents themselves:
"Well met Victor O'rzet, Porter Clayborne, Sir Vorug Tsuro and you Doctor Ruby Redhat."
He nods to everyone as he names them.
"I'm Neerwyn Coppertail."
Neerwyn seems to think a second before he continues:
"I look forward to work with you."
Well meet fellow, I must to say fine plumage you have there, if you need any help keeping it in fine shape you need only ask
Bows back, then go's off to tinker with a shield he found.
With a strange look in his eyes, Neerwyn stares at the Doctor as he works on a shield. In his culture, going through someone else's feathers was something only mothers did with their children.... or lovers. Neerwyn had made some rather offensive mistakes himself when he arrived in these lands so he just reminded himself it probably was a kind gesture by the gnome.
The first morning at Onslaught Harbor rises. You had spent the previous night battling the seas and storms with all your might to simply make port here. Luckily, your ship was in lead so it made it through but all the other reinforcements found themselves hindered by said storm and are now trying to maneuver around it.
Having been immediately briefed the night before by your immediate superiors, as well as Commander Wilheim personally as to the current situation and to your objectives.
"I'm sure you all know just how vile the Society is. They will stop at nothing short of sending our world to an apocalyptic finale for their dark masters and I'm not going to let this happen as long as my lungs still draw breath. You are but one of three battalions who will serve as our strike teams. While our more common file soldiers will defend Onslaught Harbor and move in to capture defeated enemy outposts, you will be taking many risks. That will be rewarded. Now, our immediate concern is making a foothold in God's Throne. It's a veritable armored valley, bordered by high reaching mountain peaks and reinforced by fortified former settlements and newly constructed walls. Nevertheless, we can't do much as long we are spied on... and I have had reports come in that an old watchtower on the eastern border known as Halfstone Tower has been serving a group of ratfolk as their hideout. I want you to make way there, it's less than a day's walk and see to it that the ratfolk pay dearly. Bring back any documents you find there and we'll have begun our operation in full."
He hands Victor a rough map of the general area as well as giving each one of you a potion of cure light wounds.
Ruby looks over the map and makes a copy, he then placed the potion of cure light wounds, in his pack.
Potion accepted and quickly stowed away, Porter looks towards Victor, who is obviously designated as squad leader. Seeing that half-orc is studying the map in detail, Porter addresses Commander Wilheim directly:
"From your briefing, I am guessing that our intelligence of the enemy is rather limited, so probably my questions are redundant, but anyway...you say ratfolk is manning the tower. Any idea of the estimate on their numbers, are there other, bigger threats with them maybe? Spellcasters, or priests? I have not fought versus those creatures before, do they have some special abilities, or weaknesses that we know of? Maybe they don't fight well in darkness, or during daylight? Are they primarily ranged or melee? Since they are using the tower as a lookout, is there any suggested rout of approach for us not to be seen, not to alert the enemy?"
"As for numbers I can't help you there unfortunately. Though we know for sure they have cunning members among them to be so gifted at spying. As for weaknesses, none that I know of. They do have a mastery of fighting and flanking so I'd be careful about that. Picking them off from ranged may be a good idea if you can manage it."
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Victor carefully looks over the map then to the surrounding area to get his bearings.
After stowing his potion in a pouch on his belt he turns to his new squad mates and says,"Come, there is no time to waste, let us give the Society one less place to call home." He then starts moving east towards the tower.
Sir Manfred salutes for the dot as he canters by...
With a swift move of his hand, Neerwyn accepts the potion and it disappears in one of the folds of his jumpsuit.
"Thank you Commander"
Neerwyn's other hand brings out a small bird. He seems to whisper to it for a moment and then puts it back into his clothing. Then he nods to the Commander as he would to the leader of his old group and follows Victor O'rzet.
Ruby Climes onto the back off Boris and salutes the Commander, dos one last check of his thing, then he heads off after the group.
Boris time to earn our way
he says to his ridding dog as they head off
Vorag looks at Doctor Ruby You have seen many bodyguards in command in the past have you? Must be an odd military in deed.
Lets be off then Vorag says gathering his things.
My mistake Vorag, I did not realize your title was just an honorary one not a battle command one. I did not mean to Embarrass you, I do so apologize.
With that Ruby Rides off
Well you did ask
I am bowing out of this campaign between Victors private messages and "Doctor" rubies BS this is not going to be enjoyable for me.
Neerwyn walks at the back of the group. He takes out Tiff, his Thrush familiar, and speaks to him:
"Why don't you go out and fly ahead a little bit to scout?"
Ruby will be in the center of the column some where, Boris will be sniffing (sent) for any thing out of the ordinary
Already used to back ranks, Porter silently takes the last place in the line, keeping a few meters between him and the person in front of him, so he could properly position and use his musket if needed. He has learned long time ago that how to control his "field of fire" in order not to endanger friendly forces, but still maximizing his effectiveness.
However, he has already seen some fighting and he is aware that ambushes could be sprung upon them from any direction, even from behind, so he will focus his attention mainly to the area behind and left/right of him, as instructed long time ago, while he was just a rookie crossbowman.
Ruby is just heading off when a rider comes up with a note, He is handed it and reads it.
I am sorry but I have been called back on a argent matter, good luck
With that he rides off back to the main command.
Ruby comes riding back, All done, nothing that a small Frog and a Ball of twine could not fix, he falls in line
Your party comes out of the clearing you've been following to reach Halfstone Tower, your current objective.
From a distance, Porter's scouting made it possible to notice a few sentries posted on the top of the tower. They are too far away however for you to hear anything.
The sun is slowly rising, casting mist laden streaks of sunlight across the tower. Surrounding it is a copse of woods which would probably make adequate cover if the ratfolk didn't spot you on your way there.
You hear the sounds of water running and you notice a small stream running from the northeast towards the tower's far end.
As for the tower itself, it's a rather large circular tower of gray stone, with three levels not including the rooftops as you can tell from partially broken and ruined windows.
Kneeling down next to the others with his back half-turned to the party, Porter listens to their whispered conversation and suggestions, all the while studying the tower and the surrounding in detail.
Ruby says I can cast dancing lights in the woods, that will get them looking then fire a shot or two at the tower wile moving fast, ill miss but the bangs will get them looking, then drop the lights and head back.
Kneeling down next to the others with his back half-turned to the party, Porter listens to their whispered conversation and suggestions, all the while studying the tower and the surrounding in detail.
The water's deep enough to swim in (5 ft. deep) and as mentioned in discussion can easily mask armor sounds. You also notice that the ratfolk seem to have a rotation going. Each rotation seems to be formed of one carrying slightly heavier armor and one wearing a dark cloak. From time to time you notice some wearing dirty robes.
With a swift gesture of his hand and a few whispered words to the thrush sitting on his other hand, Neerwyn casts a spell on Tiff.
"Ve Aneoo, oca stcelaa ane anira anekyam illw caan lia goleky kyirama aey laaa anira liilvest."
"Go Tiff, fly close to the tower and let me know where you see the magic."
Cast Detect Magic on my familiar, have her fly to the forest and spot anything magical. Using the bond I hope to gain a sense of what, where and how strong anything magical might be.
Roby gets his Musket ready and places his power in its horn checking the Seal. he them moves his things to the sit on Boris and ropes them in place.
I am ready
Similar to Ruby and Victor, Porter checks and adjusts his equipment, so it will provide as little noise as possible, while still being comfortable for movement. It is obvious even to the untrained eye, that Porter's equipment is top-notch. It has seen some usage before, but everything on him starting from his armor, to his backpack and even his small buckler shield is of high-quality materials, superbly crafted and well-maintained. Making sure his powder supplies are properly sealed, as well as his hand-crafted cartridges, he double checks his gun once again, while awaiting return of Neerwyn's bird.
When the bird returns, Porter takes his place at the back of the column, and follows his subordinates through the creek, towards the tower, trying to keep low profile.
Ruby makes boris stay then follows the others
As you use the stream to mask the sounds of your movement, you make sure that no one in the tower notices you. Neerwyn's familiar makes certain that none of the ratfolk bother looking down into the river.
You manage to make it to the small woods surrounding the tower without having alerted anyone. The woods provides ample cover and from where you are you can see that entrance into the tower can be done by a few ways.
There is a main door of strong solid wood built at the base. As well, the river runs up to the tower's base and seems to pass through a grate to a lower level under the tower. You could also climb up if you were inclined.
Slightly intimidated by Victor O'rzet's heaving, Neerwyn almost forgets that he's right under their enemies noses. Carefully he looks around to see if there's anything unusual about the tower and it's entrance. Then he extends his arm and let's Tiff look around before putting her back in her hiding place, a deep pocket on the inside of his jumpsuit.
Take 10 on Perception: 10+3=13
edit: forgot Tiff's check
Entering the small woods surrounding the tower, Porter finds a good firing position providing him with nice cover and a good view on the tower. He was not really expecting what happened next, but he fought next to, and versus half-orcs before, and he knew that typically they were creatures of actions and not too much analysis.
Yet, even with his prior experience with half-orcs, he was still very surprised at Victor's display of strength. Still aiming towards the ratfolk, ready to react (shoot) if they noticed Victor, he glanced towards the paladin, trying to discern if he has been able to dislodge the grate, and to see if he needs to follow him inside.