The Sounds of War (Inactive)

Game Master Arcmagik

Well, someone got promoted over his head *cough* Teyran *cough*

The scope of what was unfolding before her was staggering. Not so much, though that the implications eluded her.

"Assuming 'fellers like Varn 'n others' are even aware of such a grant, Tad. And don't think for a second that he couldn't compel us to surrender such a document given the few of us against him and his company that surround us as we speak. And beyond him, does anyone here think Lady Surtova would not see such an act as a threat? No, let secrecy be the order of the day and conceal this document until such time as we can proclaim ourselves from a position of strength - should that be the course we take," cautioned Antha.

The note applies to all charter holders, which is all of us. The only real authority that Teyran has over anyone else is that Garess asked him to speak for him, but now we are all above Garess. . .

Teyran nodded, "There is much wisdom in what you say. To press this claim against Varn seems likely to invite violence. Perhaps you might hold on to this and keep it safe until we are back at the fortress? He said, replacing the scroll in the case and offering it to Antha.

Morley is a little off-kilter with the implications of this... certainly not what he expected when he rode out here. With the rampant thoughts come concerns.
"I'd say so... My worries about Thad's sister rentin a room out here are now worries bout us. Until the fort up to snuff, we've got little more than a stick proppin up a box over our heads."

Alexis frowned, "Antha makes a good point. However events are spirally out of control very fast already... Varn has spent this entire trip politicking to lead the Council and use the Keep to stage attacks right into the heart of New Stetven" Alexis shakes her head, "I suspect he will have the necessary votes by the time we reach the Keep. If that happens then Kesten will be relieved of command and begin preparations... my brother is right. If you don't act soon then Varn will make those decisions for you."

Alexis immediately grabbed ahold of Teyran as if to beg him further to act...

"You are correct in suspecting that few people know about this grant... but there are a few Swordlords that are loyal to Kesten and Ioseph still on the council that you can appeal too for support. Varn can't harm you if you make an open show of it as he would lose the Council... at best he could challenge you under the Sword Pact. Over half the soldiers here are loyal to Kesten and several more to Ioseph's former allies that he couldn't use the army against you..."

She looked on the verge of tears again considering the implications of the looming war.

It was interrupted however by a loud shout from beyond the mass of moving people. Soon the shouts were audible, "Bandits!" over and over again as the mass of people began to surge forward in a run as the word spread. With the surging mass the soldiers were being hard-pressed to gather up to mount a defense...

LoTae's expression hardened as the conversation continues, though she remained silent still, complacent to listen and observe.

When the shout of "bandits" is made, her eyes go wide, and in and instant - almost instinctively - her exotic blade is unsheathed and ready in her hands.

With her blade drawn, LoTae's eyes narrow and turn towards the commotion.

"It is time to act. If favor is going to be needed, a quick and decisive response to this threat can be used to garner such."

She then continues in a softer tone, accompanied by a few graceful gestures of elven spellcraft, and a shimmering glow briefly appears around her as her elven magic takes root.

"hynafiaid, yn arwain fy llafn o ddial tra'n amddiffyn fi rhag fy ngelynion ymosodiad."

__________________________

I'm assuming combat is going to commence, and I wanted to be sure I got that spell up prior to it starting.

Oh good, this I can deal with...

"What she said." Tad adds as he tucks, rolls, weaves & in one instance vaulted through the massed throng of refugees in the direction of the supposed threat.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Teyran looked toward the soldiers announcing bandits, and then back at Alexis. He quickly announced, "You have my word, lady. Varn will not turn these soldiers to useless counter attacks while I live." He then turned back toward the sounds of battle and drew his sword before charging toward the battle.

You clear the mass of people that are surging forward only to come face to face with the realization that every bandit in the Greenbelt must be bearing down on the refugees leaving a cloud of dust behind them. You can't hope to single-handedly hold of the bandits...

I really hope you mean Perception...
untrained Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7, not that it would have made much difference. Now I'm wishing I had either put a skill point into profession (soldier) or Profession skills could be checked untrained...
Oh well.

You can't hope to single-handedly hold off the bandits...

Watch me...

Morley dashes for his musket, and turns back to see where Thad had cut through the crowd. He follows as quickly as he can 'I better be able to get a couple shots off before they run again...' Once he steps through the throng of travelers and sees the enemy approaching, Morley knows there's something odd. He squints trying to make sense of the shapes in the dust beyond the bandits, and shakes his head.
"Full out run from that distance? That's no charge, somethin's after em.. Anyone got eyes on what's chasing them?"

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
profession soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

He asks those already there, those still approaching the flank forming into a front line with urgency. "D'we try and slow em down? Gimme a word soon."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Sorry, Morley, I don't see anything else!" replied Antha, reaching into her spell component pouch to be ready for whatever happened next.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Teyran couldn't help but notice the wolves that were pursuing the bandits. This presented a great opportunity to rid themselves of two threats at once. If Varn's forces engaged the bandits, then they would be slowed down and forced to fight the wolves as well, and would be likely decimated in the gauntlet of teeth and steel. On the other hand, the bandit force seemed large enough that victory against them couldn't be counted on, how could the refugees counter a force of wolves that would cause them to retreat. Teyran knew the right course.

As he moved toward the battle, he shouted orders at the top of his voice, hoping the soldiers not technically under his command yet would rally behind him. "Fight at our side! If you run, they will track you by scent to the end of the world, if you stand and fight, you may yet see another dawn! I promise leniency for all who fight for me!"

Teyran, give me a Diplomacy roll.

I figured that might be coming. I'm not sure why I didn't take the initiative and roll myself, I'll say laziness.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Morley acts as a shill... He raises his musket, and yells with genuine enthusiasm.
"We'll stand with you noble sir!"

aid another diplo! DC10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

LoTae does not say much as the others try to rally, but she does respond to Morley in a chillingly calm voice: "Wolves. Very large wolves."

She holds her blade ready still, but her eyes dart back and forth from fleeing bandits to the pack in the dust cloud behind them. If there were a leader of the pack to take out, switching to bow and arrow may be the better option... but for now, her sword feels better in her hands.

_______________________

Sorry about the delay, had some painful connection issues this last week.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Is there one wolf that appears to be the alpha-male? I don't have Knowledge: Nature, and with a perception check less than 20, I understand if there's no chance for me to be able to tell.

Not with that roll.

Teyran's call to arms seems to rattle several of the soldiers that are under Restov's command. It almost seems ineffective as their orders from Varn take hold and they began to retreat to form up around the Swordlord, but with the now forming army from the expedition a few of them begin to make their way to support them and the trinkle becomes a wave as they begin to form a barrier against the charging bandits.

Any response among the bandits? They were mainly who he was addressing, what with that comment about leniency

I should have asked for clarification, that did seem out of place, and I didn't even connect it to the bandits. Sorry... I will write the post with that in mind.

Teyran boldly strides out into the open as he begins to shout orders and his voice thunders cross the battlefield as several soldiers begin to fall in behind him from the expedition forces that know him. It seems that his call to arms rattled a couple soldiers that were under Varn's command as they seem to run off to report to Varn.

Maybe it was the fear that motivated their decision as they were about to be pinched between the wolves and the phalanx of soldiers ranking up behind the paladin but suddenly a single figure pressed ahead on his horse. He wore the helmet that made the “Stag Lord” so famous... For a moment it looked like he was about to ride Teyran down, as Morley moved in to act as the shill to motivate the soldiers more and leveled his rifle as the man jerked to a stop almost so suddenly that he almost came off his horse.

”We fight with you, we die. We fight the wolves, we die. The Stolen Lands are lost to the Troll King now. We will all die if we do not flee. Give us amnesty and these men will bleed for you today... otherwise we may all die to the wolves.” He screamed over the sounds of the soldiers, fleeing refugees, and approaching bandits.

Moving to interpose himself between Teyran & the onrushing Stag Lord, Tad slows at the Stag Lord's words. Looking to his own leader, Tad tenses in preparation for his order.

To Teyran, something had seemed to change in the wind. He knew that one way or the other, this was why he'd come here. Whether he died in battle in a few moments, or rallied the forces arrayed and won the day, this was what it had all led up to.

He placed an armored hand on Tad's shoulder. "It's all right." He said quietly with a smile. He stepped forward, placing himself next to Tad. When he spoke again, his voice was authoritative and strong, meant to be heard by as many as possible.

"Fight by my side tonight, and you will be free to seek your fate elsewhere, but you can do better than that. My fellows and I seek to reclaim the Stolen Lands from banditry, from slavers, and from petty tyrants who rule through fear and violence. We seek to tame this land, and turn it to just and decent society. If you can fight for such a goal, then you will earn your amnesty. Cast aside your criminality, and I will call you my brother!"

Teyran could scarcely believe his own words. Was he truly offering amnesty to bandits? To no less than the Stag Lord himself, the one Akiros had warned them of? He had set out all but pledging the death of every lawless thug between his home and a good death, and now he was offering them not only pardon but acceptance as well?! It was all the more disconcerting to think that this group had likely counted among it's number the thief that Erisa had happened upon the night that- no, that wound was too deep and too fresh to even consider.

On the other hand, Teyran knew the Dawnflower would approve of his offer of mercy. Erisa as well; she'd been a more ardent servant of Sarenrae than even Teyran himself. As much as he hated to admit it, she would have been proud to hear his appeal.

Teyran watched the Stag Lord, sword at his side, waiting for a response. It seemed as though there were two possibilities. The Stag Lord might reject his offer, and battle would ring out, possibly the final, worthy fight Teyran had been seeking for weeks now. The other likelihood was that the Stag Lord would agree to the pardon, and the combined forces would win the field, leaving Teyran to wonder what, exactly, he was to do with an army of thieves and whores.

After some consideration I have decided to axe Dovan, which means he no longer leads the bandits, for other storyline reasons. But since that was never actually revealed in character (no one passed the Perception check to spot 'Dovan' and since the army stat post is not drafted in character yet).

The man takes a single-glance back at the fleeing bandits, and the cloud of dust behind them and removes the Stag Lord to drop it at Teyran's feet. It took you a moment to recognize the man as the life of a bandit had not been kind to him as he appeared more gaunt then his portrait, and his beard had grown unruly, but it was the eyes that seemed so different. The portrait of Falgrim Sneeg was a man that had life and adventure in his eyes, but this man had eyes that did not shine with an abundant of joy. He was a beaten man and he had seen something horrible...

“Our days are numbered, and we will all die in this forsaken place eventually. The Stolen Lands have risen up against us!” He motions towards the army of wolves... He gives a growl and sharply turns his horse. “We can turn and fight. Allow you to charge the flank. Just swear on your word that all who survive today will be given amnesty.” He half rises his hand and glances back at Teyran as if waiting for the response.

Teyran watched the man in disbelief for a moment, surely he knew time was too short to be playing games like this. "I am a paladin! To speak the words is to swear to them! Very well, if you wish for pomp and circumstance, then any man who fights by my side will have his prior misdeeds remembered against him no more. I swear this upon my name as a servant of the Everlight, as speaker for Lord Garess, and as an agent of Lady Orlavsky."

"Is that to your satisfaction?" He said, readying his sword for battle.

As the words Teyran speaks the words that identified him as a paladin the man had turned away, and rose his hand twisting it and thrusting it forward. It was at the end of his oath that Falgrim spurred his horse towards the army that had slowed and turned to meet the wolves who jumped upon them with an unmatched relentless brutality and pulled bandits down with powerful jaws as they savaged them.

None of the bandits seemed able to inflict damage to the wolves as they darted about pulling bandits down while their allies leapt in to rip into the fallen bandit's throats. The bandits seem to have been completely thrown off by the wolves' brutality Natural 1 and they appear to be completely at the wolves' mercy until Falgrim can rally them.

Bandits inflict 0 damage to Worgs, and Worgs inflicted 4 damage (1 + 3 for Aggressive Tactics)

Having dealt with several bandits before the remnants of the bandit army seemed the toughest that Teyran and the others had seen as they continued to fight against the surprisingly large, red-eyed, and wild-looking wolves to give Teyran the time to move the expedition forces into the place to flank the wolves or watch the bandits die...

Mass Combat Rules

"Get to their flanks!" Teyran shouted to anyone who could hear. "Attack the wolves where they are weak!" Teyran himself surged forward, intending to lead by example.

Strategy I suppose will be standard, trying to flank

The Worgs seem to have a one track-mind and continue their relentless assault on the bandits, but Falgrim manages to rally the troops against them. The bandits continue to fight while Teyran leads a decimating charge into the Worgs' flank that causes them to scattered under the onslaught. Between the bandits and soldiers the Worgs are crushed, and the last remaining worgs including a massive, one-eyed worg with a very dangerous bite turn tail and run.

Would it be possible to cast Grease under the Worg leader, or would Antha be too far away? She has a 30' range.

Yes. You can attempt that if you want too.

Antha casts Grease on the Worg leader, to no effect.

"Rats! Morley, can you get it?!"

"Mhmm.." Morley already has the shot ready... he pulls the trigger.

musket (assuming 45-80'range): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
1d12 ⇒ 11

Morley's aim proves once again to be true as he levels the rifle and sights down the worg. The roaring explosion is met with the fleeing worg's jumping into the air with a snarling whelp but the resilient beast hits the ground still running.

Suspecting his companion's effectiveness is likely to draw their foe's ire, Tad moves to interpose himself between either Morley or Antha & the opposing wildlife.
Tad is going to try & make sure the Worgs have to go through him to get to either Morley or Antha, assuming that wasn't already obvious.

"Let them go, we have greater concerns for the moment. We can hunt them down later." Teyran called to the others. It wouldn't do to have half their soldiers chase after the retreating wolves, only to be led into a trap, as seemed likely.

As the sounds of battle ceased, Teyran keep a watch for Falgrim and Varn, wondering how the two of them would react to recent events. He made a point to gather his companions to hear their thoughts. "I would prefer to put them all to the sword, but recent events have made me think it might be a better idea to offer these bandits a place as soldiers, it would seem as though we have no shortage of foes, and a lack of allies. What are your thoughts?"

A unsettled feeling descends over the area as the battle is won and the cheering as ended. Rostlandic soldiers and bandits seem uncertain what to do in the aftermath with both armies giving sidelong glances at each other. Falgrim emerges from the bandits sans his horse and limping where he had been thrown from it as it went down in battle. He glances around and nervously approaches Teyran.

"What now?"

He asks, but before Teyran can answer there is a roaring from a deep baritone of a man, "Soldiers, arrest these bandits for their crimes against Rostland. We will deal with them momentarily. We must continue onto the border keep to regroup." Varn begins to wrestle control of the rostlandic soldiers from the influence of Teyran.

For their part the soldiers that remain from the expedition do not respond immediately and look to Teyran or Alexis for orders.

Falgrim's face goes grim. "You gave your word."

Teyran nodded, "I did, and I intend to keep it," He said, unsure the best way to proceed. It seemed impossible to rise to this challenge without insulting, and likely humiliating Varn, but if Teyran did so from his own authority, rather than Lady Orlovsky's, then at least the Sworldlord might save face in being defeated by another warrior, rather than by politics. He did not know if that would make a difference though.

Watching Falgrim as he spoke, Teyran raised his voice to equal the volume of Varn's and shouted "These men could have charged past us in their attempt to escape, leaving the wolves to crash against us like waves on the shore. We might have been forced into a desperate fight to protect women and children, if these men had proven cowardly. Instead they turned and fought with us, at cost of their own. For that, I promised them amnesty, and I keep my promises."

He turned to face the Rostlanders before he continued. "Anyone wishing to arrest these men can do so after subduing me."

As Varn & his men consider Teyran's words and their response, Tad steps just before Teyran, smiling beatifically at Varn, his demeanor somehow both relaxed & anticipatory.
Do I really need to spell it out?

"You have no authority to claim amnesty for these... vermin. You barely have the voice of the young Garess. Amnesty is a council matter, and I doubt you will convince the council to offer it to them. You dare to defy me so openly in the middle of a Rostlandic convoy. The wolves wouldn't have been upon us if they weren't lead by the vermin to us. They fought because they had a better chance surviving, a cowardice act, and one act of a desperate man does not make redemption. Hang them or put them to the sword before they put one in our back." Varn begins a fiery oratory in response, but though he doesn't look concerned about having to struggle against the aged paladin. He almost welcomes the challenge even if his passions and anger quickly overwhelm his wisdom.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

DM, I want to make the argument that unless Varn has a charter to annex the area for Rostland (like we do, despite our decision to keep it secret for now), his authority to make the decision to execute the bandits in the Council's name ended when he crossed the border into the Greenbelt. Based on my result above, is this something Antha would know? Note that this is a "law" question, and does not at all address the matter of whether or not he can force the issue at swordpoint.

"M'Lord, I urge you to consider Ser Rilskel is an agent directly under Lady Orlovsky. It was his command... his oath which saved many lives. Perhaps your concerns are a council matter as you say. I'm sure your record will carry weight should you decide to bring this matter to their attention. For now, lets get this convoy moving."

diplo! Stow your rage Varno!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Antha steps up next to Teyran and speaks quietly and urgently in counsel.

Teyran listened carefully to what Antha told him, and then replied in equally hushed tones.

If it could be avoided, Teyran had no interest in fighting. For one thing, a man who had earned the title 'Rampaging Blade' would likely be a danger to everyone present, especially if his sense of honor was on the line. There was also the fact that a battle would waste time and dull both of them, here in a time and place where keenness was required. Finally, there was the fact that Varn had likely spent his entire life honing his skills with a blade, whereas it had been over a century since Teyran would have called himself a competent swordsman.

Um, the two of you do realize that Tad is 'literally' less than arm's reach away from Teyran, right?

Um, the two of you do realize that Tad is 'literally' less than arm's reach away from Teyran, right?

OK, amend "spoiler" info to "hushed conversation among the group"!

"Very well, then, my Lord: parole these men to our custody, and their actions henceforth shall be our responsibility. If your words prove true, then you can only gain in standing in the Council at Lord Garess' loss. Do you accept?"

Aid Another (Morley's Diplomacy) DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Morely's result "becomes" 16.

Varn frowns as the group moves to support Teyran. He grumbles, "The Lady Orlovsky is an outsider, and her agents are no concern of mine. This is a council matter, but the woman has a point. You are agents of the young Garess, and any trouble from the bandits will cost him dearly in the eyes of the council. I will put these men under your authority for now, paladin, but their crimes are yours. I will convene the council to address this matter tonight, but any bandit attempting to flee the custody of the paladin will have an arrow put in them." He rumbles the last part as a command and warning...

"As is your right, m'Lord," Antha replies, satisfied.

Turning to face Falgrim and his men, she continued, "While we've traded trust for trust and bled at each other's side, we are still your masters - for you all know what you've done to find yourselves here. Yet, there is a road to redemption... and for those of you who seek it and the challenges along that road, the fulfilment of that promise shall make you not my servant but my brother or sister."

"A seasoned leader of men who can fight and survive in the wild? If you can see your heart aligning with our efforts, we'd be fools not to see your worth, Commander." Morley nods to Falgrim. "I'm Morley Worgendale."