The Iron Carnival - Pentor Lionsmane's Mercenary PbP - #2 Squad

Game Master Monkeygod

Torque sighs. He wants to try switching to threats to try to get the highwayman to stand down, but realizes that provoking them risks he and Tok's life given their exposed position.

"So be it. I'll go and explain"

Before he leaves, Torque turns to the other travellers who are waiting at the barracade.

"If you're still here I'm guessing you can't afford to pay the toll. Come back to the caravan with me, we may well be able to loan you the funds you need get past. Follow me. Now."

Assuming they get the hit and follow him out of harm's way, Torque heads back to the caravan.

Location: Ustalav, Vieland, on the road to Lepistadt, near a roadblock
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Iron Carnival Squad - Corporal Two Bears
Merchant Caravan - Merchant Iris Olaman
6 Drovers,
6 Travellers

Enemies
12 Highwaymen inside the barricade

The civilians, a peasent family of four, a tinker and a rather dirty bard, follow Torque back to the rest of the squad.

When Torque reports to Corporal Two Bears the dirty bard, a man of medium height, long dirty unkempt brown hair a crooked nose and a smell that could floor an ox, sidles as close as he can to them, not bothering to try and hide the fact that he's eavesdropping on their conversation.

Two Bears grunts in response to Torque.

"Well I'm going to go and talk to the merchant see if he wants to pay this toll. The rest of you come up with a plan to get us through them."

With that Two Bears wanders over to the portly merchant and starts talking to him leaving the squad to discuss their options.

Torque stares at the bard for a few seconds. When he doesn't get the hint Torque addresses both him and the rest of the waylaid travellers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are the Iron Carnival. We are going to tear that barricade down so that you can all be on your way, but to do that we need space to do our jobs."

He points off down the road, in the opposite direction to the barricade

"Everyone start walking. Keep going for ten minutes, then turn round and come back. By the time you return this little problem will be solved, but I'm afraid in the meantime we can't have you hanging around our caravan."

"Do we have any empty sacks? Perhaps we could fill one with some biscuits, rocks or just dirt and have our charming machinist return to the barricade. This time, however, we could all openly accompany him and, at the right time, make our attack.

Or, we could just charge - though I believe there are more of them than us, they don't appear to be worth very much. I just worry about the possibility of arrows flying at our heads as we charge."

"I like the idea of using gile to get close. They'll almost certainly be able to bring a greater weight of fire to bear than we can. I don't want to carry the 'gold', however - there are other men here better qualified to stand in stabbing range of a bandit and pay him with mud"

Looking at Gremm, Jax frowns. "Gremlin here can carry the sack. Ill back him up. Don't want Torque losing his pretty head now!" Grinning he pats the machinist on the arm before looking at Valen. "You got anything for us Mage? Something to sow a little discord perhaps?"

Gremm steps up, sword in hand.

"If you need me to go, I can do it. These sissies aren't getting a crown out of us. However," he begins to fill his satchel with rocks, "I hope they like the taste of stone."

Jax laughed sharply, clapping the man on the shoulder. "If they aint a fan of rocks lets give em steel instead!"

Lacing his fingers together and turning his palms out and away from his chest, Valen's fingers crack audibly as he steps off of the cart. "I do indeed," he says with a wolfish smile on his face. "The question is, do we just wanted them stunned? Or would you rather have them running in fear for their lives? I can accomplish both."

"What about burning them out? Or smoke? Do we have any resources like that? I do not feel like trying to circle them as it would divide our already smaller force."

Location: Ustalav, Vieland, on the road to Lepistadt, near a roadblock
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Iron Carnival Squad - Corporal Two Bears
Merchant Caravan - Merchant Iris Olaman
6 Drovers,
6 Travellers

Enemies
12 Highwaymen inside the barricade

The civilians listen intently to Torque and then follow his advice slowly walking away from the caravan, even the dirty bard.

After a minute or so Corporal Two Bears wanders back to where the squad is discussing their next move.

"The merchant doesn't want to pay. Looks like we do this the hard way. What ideas you got for me?" says Two Bear, his deep voice carrying easily to all of the squad.

"What we've got so far sir is approaching the barricade pretending to be bringing payment, then attack once we're close. Other than that I guess it'll just be a pitched battle. Nine-tail rightly pointed out that setting the barricade on fire would disrupt them nicely, but we'd need alchemist's fire or magic to ignite it quickly enough to be useful. Unless Valen's got something, that idea is out"

A wide smile crosses Valen's face. "I actually do indeed have a way we could set the barricade on fire. It would take a couple of spells but it could be easily accomplished. I could conjure some grease to cover the barricade. I can also spray a cone of fire from my hands igniting the grease and setting the obstacle ablaze. I might even be able to get these extortionists in the spray, further discouraging them from continuing their opperation at a later date. But I would need some room. I wouldn't want to catch any of you in my spell."

Is the substance generated by grease flamable? It becomes a very powerful level 1 spell if it is. Regardless, if it isn't burning hands alone will probably do the trick.

Jax frowned for a moment before shaking his head. "No no. No fire. Just scare them the hell away and lets run them down. This barrier has been in operation for awhile, it could be full of ill begotten gains and we have people who need those gains with us. Lets take it all!"

I don't see why it wouldn't be. It creates non-magical grease and grease is flamable. It may only burn for a couple rounds but that'd be more than enough to set the barricade ablaze. The description doesn't say it's not flamable. But it also doesn't say it is. I've always ran it as it being flamable. But that's gonna be subject to DM discretion. But I don't really see why it wouldn't be.

"If you reckon we can take them without the edge the fire would bring Jax I'm not going to argue. It's safe to say you know what you're talking about."

Valen nods. "I agree. If you think that we can do this without the extra advantage of the fire I do have a spell that could render the brigands incapacitated for at least a little bit. Until we get them restrained and handed over to the authorities. What do you think Gremm, Lady Acune, Master Silverfist?"

Nodding softly, Jax takes a moment to insure his gear is secure, before speaking. "The ideal situation would be for us to truss these felons up and cart them to a Magistrate but I don't want to see any punches pulled out there. Sad fact is, if they push us we kill em. Any one of you is worth more to me and this Squad than any one of them. Got that? If it is you or them. We choose you!"

"I'd say the longer we talk, the later our arrival. Let's get this business started. And finished."

Nodding Jax moves to put himself on Gremlins right Flank, staying 20ft back, keeping his crossbow held casually in his hands.

Gremm sighs and lifts up his satchel, weighing a good ten stone by this point.

"As long as you guys promise that I won't catch on fire, I'm all for this."

Gremm begins to trod over to the checkpoint.

Torque takes up position five feet back on Gremm's left flank. There is a faint sigh of pressurized air as positive energy is pumped into his healing gauntlet - no matter how much heat he draws, the big man is going to stay standing.

"No need to concern yourself Gremm, I have only seen this mechanism set a man on fire twice in my entire life"

Laughing softly, Jax grins. "Don't worry big man. I'll have my Waterskin ready to douse you if need be!"

Gremm chuckles.

"You know, Torque, something tells me one of those men was you."

He then turns to Fury.

"I don't know if you've seen me. I'm not a small man. Now, I'm not saying anything about your smarts, bud, but I know a waterskin is not enough to put me out if I catch on fire and it's silly to think it could. A barrel of water? That might do the trick. However, I think Pa but it best." Gremm puts on a low, raspy voice. "Gremm, if your clothes are ever on fire, you need to jump in a lake. A big boy like you could never hope to be put out with a mug of milk. Now, before you think about catching ablaze for the fun of it, just know that the scare you do your Ma will be far worse than any burn Sarenrae could give you!"

Gremm gives another chuckle followed by a small sigh.

Falling into step five behind Gremm's right, Valen sets himself hoping the coming conflict is swift and he doesn't draw too much attention. Valen laughs at Gremm's anecdotal humor. Valen lowers his voice so only the group can hear. "No worries Gremm, I'll be sure to try and not hit you," he says with a wink. Continuing in a hushed tone,"make sure you all stay calm and relaxed. Try not to give us away. Our best chance at these extortionists is surprise. Hold back until I've hit them with my spell and then have at them. I'll try to watch out for you all. My spell sprays about 15 or so feet in front of me in a cone. Be wary though it will be bright."

Tok hurries to catch up with Gremm, standing directly to his right. "I'm not much of an actor. I hope they don't look too closely at me. I'll give the game away."

Laughing softly, Jax strokes his crossbow lovingly. "Really Tok, with all of us moving towards this here Barrier, they are going to suspect sooner or later!"

Location: Ustalav, Vieland, on the road to Lepistadt, near a roadblock
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Iron Carnival Squad - Corporal Two Bears
Merchant Caravan - Merchant Iris Olaman
6 Drovers,
6 Travellers

Enemies
12 Highwaymen inside the barricade

Corporal Two Bears nods his head at the way his squad had taken the initiative, watching them head towards the barricade before grinning to himself slightly.

"Well, looks like they're coming together nicely," he mutters to himself before raising his bushy eyebrows at Nine Tail and Acune, who are still with him at the caravan.

"Shouldn't you two be covering the rest of them?" he asks in his deep voice.

As the squad heads towards the barricade the red haired man and his older hard faced companion take notice of them. When the group reaches about 30 feet away from the barricade the red haired highwaymen calls out, "So you lot decided to pay up then? Because if you have I don't see any bags of gold!"

"Oh, no worries my good sir. You'll get what you're due!" Valen calls out calmly and casually, no sound of threat in his voice. Then whispering quietly, "Be ready. Once we're close enough and the begin rummaging through the fake bag I'll get them with my spell."

Once we're close enough and the begin looking through the decoy I'm going to cast Color Spray. Do we have a map yet?

Grinning ferally, Jax nods softly. "Aim true Valen. And when you have got your spell off get the hells behind me in case of arrow fire!"

Nine Tails turns to Two Bears, "I kept hoping we were going to do something other than a frontal assault, but the barricade is in front of us, so there you go."

Nine Tails hefts his shield and pulls down his mask. He then hurries to catch up. "Don't forget the extra gold for those other travelers."

Upon seeing the large man carrying what appears to be a large satchel of gold, several more of the highwaymen gather around their leader, excited about the prospect of what will the biggest payoff they've gotten all month.

4 more joined the two already outside. I'm assuming Valen is going to be going first, so he won't roll Init as its totally a surprise. The rest of you however need to, unless there's other plans

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Initiative -> 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

d*mmit. I was going to suggest I don't mind the DM rolling initiatives if he feels like it, to speed things along, instead of everyone waiting a day for people to check in just to roll initiative. And there goes a wasted crit potential...But Nine Tail is fast, so there you go.

I have no problem doing that from here on out, but id want to make sure the group was ok with that first

As the extra Bandits round the barrier, Jax's eyes snap towards the men, taing in every detail of their attire and their demeanor, that he can see.

Perception-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Feeling a shiver of anticipation run down his spine, Jax readies himself, preparing for the Mage to cast his spell, before he acts.

Initiative-1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

NineTail wasted a crit, I wasted a miss. Not bad for our first combat-focused rolls. Also, I'm fine with DM rolling Init for the group.

Initiative

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Alright, pals," Gremm sneers, "it's time to give you what you've been asking for."

Acune hurries to catch up, standing by Valen and Jax. She doesn't appear to have her weapons ready, but her hands are held carefully by where the folds of her tunic hide her two starknives.

initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

At least I can probably hit with a ranged weapon... don't expect Acune to be the best built character, since I- am not brilliant with min/maxing.

Grinning, Jax shoots a glance at Acune. "Good to have ya aboard Soldier. If things go sour, stick to Gremlin like glue!"

I will cast Color Spray, DC 16 Will, once we're close enough to the guards and I will cast so as to hit the majority of them. Then I will take a five foot step to the left so I am directly behind Gremm. That way should any of them decide to rush me they proc AoO from Gremm, hopefully.

I'm just putting this post up now so now one has to wait for me. But have it happen once the bandits gather and begin looking in the bag and we're close enough for the Color Spray to hit them. For reference here is The Spell . It is a DC 16.

Valen smiles and whispers."Good to see you Lady Acune. I was worried you might miss out." Keeping his smile Valen raises his voice so that the highwaymen can hear him. "Well I believe everything is in order. But I do have one last parting gift for you all. THIS!" Valen casts Color Spray.

Valen's Color Spray bursts forth from his hands, catching the whole group of six in a dazzling display of colors. He then darts behind Gremm. Five of them, including the red-haired leader, fall to the ground in a heap, unconscious. The one left standing is the older highwayman who draws forth his longsword.

Order of actions: Nine Tails, Acune, Gremm, Fury, Old Man, rest of NPCs, Torque, Tok. Have at them!!

Sweeping around the group Nine Tail draws his sword off his back (free action). "Should of went down old man, you might have survived the day."

Bastard sword attack -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Bastard sword damage -> 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Status: AC 19, HP 16

Free Action to talk "Be sure to tie them up. They'll only be subdued for a minute at most," Valen stated calmly. After seeing the large success of his spell he was sure they had the briggands taken care of and would be on their way momentarily.

Grinning manically, Jax steps out and to the side, taking aim, his breath slowing, his ears blocking out every sound but that of his heart as he sights down the Crossbow.

"Bring it punks!"

Jax is moving up and firing at one of the Bandits on top of the barrier. I should be within 30ft, hopefully, so Point-Blank?

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Gremm steps up to the remaining highwayman.

"Sorry about this, bud, but Pa always told me there was never a road that was worth its toll."

Power Attack

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Status: AC 16, HP 13

How close to the barricade are we when the color spray goes off? And how tall is the barricade?

Attacking with both starknives; separate targets.

attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

damage 1d4 ⇒ 2
damage 1d4 ⇒ 1

Nine Tails, your attack misses the old man, while Pvt Fury's bolt goes wide, as does Acune's starknife attacks.

However, Gremm strides up to the older highwayman and calling upon his father's wisdom and strength neatly cuts the bandit in two.

Seeing half their number go down so quickly, three of the highwayman take off.

One of them takes aim at Valen with his crossbow1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 The bold catches him in the shoulder 1d8 ⇒ 1 barely nicking the mage.

The other two charge out, with weapons drawn.

Torque and Tok next.