Council of Thieves

Game Master Mug

Moving things along, please finish leveling for those who haven't yet and let me know. I'll hold off on initiating the action for a bit longer.

Having the important parts of the plan in place the two groups separate. Some head to various parts of the marketplace to sell the loot collected in the sewers. Janiven takes the others to Jacovo, the uncle with the horses to rent, and procures enough to take the lot of them to the ambush site. Awhile later the market folks are done, with new items in hand, and distribute any items needed to the others. Ermolos has as length of chain around his chest.

The entire group rides out of the city in small groups, cloaks and hoods distributed by Sclavo to help them keep a low profile. Making their way towards the ambush site, Janiven leaves the group in the trees within site of the bridge, wishing the PC's luck. She rides with the others who volunteered to help to the distraction point up ahead. She and the NPC's have all donned their hoods, some carrying swords and others spears. You can see their group ride into the trees and emerge on foot a minute later, each taking up position in bushes behind stumps or rocks. Janiven and Ermolos stretch the chain across the road and cover is as best they can with loose dirt. From where you stand about a hundred feet away, it camouflages the chain quite well.

According to Janivens projected timeline, you have only a few minutes to get into place. There are some bushes near to the bridge (within 20 - 30 fee) on either side, and of course the bridge itself has a large gap underneath for whoever wants to hide underneath. You're feet, or waist for the smaller folk, will get wet under there, but it's by far the best concealment available.

Finish up what you need to and give me your starting positions, whether that's in the trees, in some bushes or behind a stump, or under the bridge.

**Map of Ambush Site**
Janiven is with the NPC group a ways away off to the west (left). The prison carriage is supposed to arrive from the east (right) any moment now. If you'd like me to put you in a new spot, let me know. The four who appear to be either on or under the bridge, you are - in fact - under the bridge.

What is the vegetation on either side of the road? Tall grass?

It's short grass (6-12"), the green spots are low bushes (3-5'), the white spots are tree stumps.

"Tavi, I believe you have the best chance of moving unseen to throw the Thunderstone. We'll don earplugs upon the approach of Janiven and move as soon as you toss the stone, just steps behind you."

Enko crouches beneath the dark bridge, enjoying the sound of river water passing by. A reflection of light on the water catches his smile.

"My parents used to say trolls lived under bridges--now it appears that we are the trolls."

hp15/22; AC 17

Jaiyana, after donning her armor plated coat, takes out her thunderstone in case another is needed and passes it to Tavi before pulling out a freshly purchased chakram in each hand in anticipation of combat. She pulls her hair back tight to keep it out of her face during the fight. "I wish we had a troll, can you imagine what one of those monsters would do to a carriage?"

Position is great.

Obscuring mist is centered around the caster, so the Viscount should be near the bridge, preferably on the front side. If the carriage continues to move across the bridge, the fog cloud could cause them to hit the side.

I'm just waiting on one more person to state their ready to go, I've got 4/7 who have either stated their readiness or insinuated it. Anyone who hasn't updated to 2nd level by the time botting is necessary will be botted with the stats currently in your profile.

Ready to go where I am.

bridge folks have earplugs in, shrubbery people have my smoke stick. Ready here.

Alright, I'll take the road then. Move Tavi into some tall brush on the side of the road where she can hide inside, thunderstone in hand

One moment all is still and quiet except for the sounds of birds and the movement of water, when the escort come walking around a bend and into view. The carriage is about twenty feet behind the escort, moving slowly and leisurely. The Hellknights are boasting and laughing to each other, clearly not worried about a rescue attempt this close to Citadel Riven. Even the driver who's armor seems to gleam a little differently than the others, even from this distance, his helmet is also of a different configuration than the others. The others seem to pay him a special deference, and he seems much more watchful and seasoned than the Armigers.

The mounted Hellknights number six and there are ten riding on the wagon. Two up front in the drivers seat, one of those the better armored one. Three Hellknights cling to each side of the carriage, standing on some running boards place along the bottom for just that purpose. On top of the carriage is a large mounted crossbow, with a Hellknight manning it, he is quite distracted, and chatting with fellows. Those are all you're able to see.

Those with earplugs hear begin to hear the muffles clopping of hooves getting closer and closer to your hiding place. About the time the escort reaches the bridge, Amon and AC see Janiven and some others jump up from behind bushes and stumps, almost a hundred yards up the road, and rush to the path waving spears and pitchforks. The carriage and the escort slow to a stop in a moment, before the Escorts take off towards the armor-less rebels. Janivens plan goes flawlessly, the horses of the escorts running onto some well placed caltrops and then tripping on the suddenly taut chain. Horses and men fall, and the horses which don't fall buck wildly and violently, tossing every rider to the ground with considerable force. The rebels, all wearing hoods or helms turn and run with all speed for the forest edge, leaving the moaning hellknights in the dust.

Combat has started. Please post surprise round actions, and for those of you who already have, I'll use that if you'd like. I'm going to assume everyone is wearing hoods or helms that Sclavo provided, for anonymity) unless you state otherwise.

**Updated Map**

Lucon waits under the bridge, his nerves more than apparent on his face. He winces occasionally as he places a hand on his stooped back, nearly hunched over double under the low-arching bridge. He tightens the straps on his breastplate, cracks his neck and takes a few deep breaths, flashing a grin to his companions that's barely visible behind his whiskers.
Depending on his place in the initiative order, Lucon will act differently. I'll roll that now.
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4Welp, so much for the diplomatic approach. That initiative roll probably throws that out the window.

Arael's Rescue - Surprise Round
(Hellknights don't get actions during this round)

Jaiyana waits for Tavi to throw the stone, the sounds of the world muted around her.
Amon also waits for Tavi to throw, crossbow armed at his side.
Corneleous, who has been busy since the mounted Hellknights entered the area, (He had several actions stated he wanted to do as the convoy approached. FYI). A shimmer of magical armor forms around him, followed by a stirring in the air at his shoulder. An invisible force picks up and loads his crossbow, and trails just behind the Conjurers shoulder like a puppy. When the Hellknights charged overhead he was in the midst of a difficult spell, and at it's completion the angry cry of an eagle can be heard faintly through your earplugs. Lastly, he quickly casts a prepared spell and a cloud of billowing fog erupts from around him, covering the world in a chill whiteness. Everything is harder to see, especially from a distance, but can the sounds of horse shoes on stone are clear.
Those in a position up top see a fiery eagle swoop down and harry the driver of the wagon, causing him to drop the reins.
Hk 1 is caught off guard and can only watch at reality shifts into nightmare around him, raising his eyes to shield his face from the eagle.
Enko waits for the crack of thunder.
Hk 6 watches in surprise at the ambush is sprung around him.
Hk 8 is similarly surprised
AC holding his crossbow, he moves into position for a clear shot.
Hk 3 holds onto the wagonside in amazement.
Hk 5 does the same.
Hk 2 watches as all hell breaks loose.
Tavi sends the thunderstone flying for the wagon with a flick of her wrist, and watches as it disappears into the fog to clatter beneath the wagon and watches in relative silence as the wagon and horses have the sound of a thunder clap shock their ears with a sonic blast. The horses back up a little, the whites of their eyes big and scared. Wow they rolled well! Hk 1,2,5,6 are deaf.
Jaiyana and Enko now move out from under the bridge, the world white where the carriage was, the sound of frightened men and beasts coming through the cloud. Amon moves out into attack position.
Hk 7 struggles to keep his grip as the thunder rocks his ears.
The different Hellknight (Shanwen) barely shakes off the deafness and looks around to assess the situation, as well as he can in the white fog.
Lucon stumbles out to meet the confusion, standing tall and proud in his blackened steel armour. He hefts a thick, heavy-looking blackjack in his weapon-hand, swinging the unfamiliar weight a few times before dropping into a fighting stance, shield at the ready. The fog swirls around his ankles in a cool caress.
Hk 9 looks around at the white fog, scared out of his mind.
Hk 4 nearly falls off the wagon.

Please post Round 1 in spoilers. Remember, you can roll miss chance for firing into fog or I can if you forget. The Hellknights are numbered 1 - 9 counting clock-wise from the driver (1) to the guy up top (9). The different looking Hellknight on the drivers seat is named Shanwen for simplicity.

**Updated Map**

EDIT: If anyone thought I'd accidentally put 'Janiven' instead of 'Jaiyana'.... you were soooo wrong.

I'm glad I'm not the only one doing that! :P

At this initiative count I wonder if it'd be possible to get the lay of the land before I post. Perhaps cut the rounds in half and resolve them bit by bit? Regardless, here are my actions for this round:

...whew.

Arael's Rescue - Round 1

Corneleous yells "We are the Torchbearers, the protectors of Westcrown! Flee now, or burn like the others!" in his most intimidating voice. Concentrating he unleashed a blast of acid onto He then drops his staff to the ground behind him in the fog, grabbing the crossbow from the unseen force carrying it by his shoulder, and firing it at the well-armored Hellknight (Shanwen). The acid bolt flies true, but the fog is too dense for the Conjurer, and the dart slams into the carriage behind the man, sizzling angrily.
The eagle screams in the mans face before attacking with a fury, talons and beak ripping and tearing at the screaming drivers face, skin and hair shredding in a spray of blood. After the brief but brutal attack the man slumps over, bleeding profusely. I'm going to give myself nightmares.
The wagon was already stopped when the Eagle showed up, and he did move right in front of the driver, causing him to drop the reins. He could have gone for a disarm if either man actually had a weapon ready at the time.
Hk 1 is slumped over to the side and bleeds badly from a shredded face. Although he remains unconscious the man moans, showing a desire for life that might keep him from deaths door.
Hk 6 jumps from the south east corner of the carriage, pulling his crossbow to his hands and loading it, then scanning the fog for a target to present itself. "What's going on up there?" he shouts, wishing for orders.
Hk 8 follows the actions of Hk6, jumping down and arming himself with a crossbow, the screams of his fellow hellknight nearly unnerving him. "They've got demon birds in the fog!"
Botting AC see's some targets on the north side of the wagon, and takes a shot at Hk2, the bolt flying wide. He quickly reloads his repeating crossbow, goes to the ground for better cover and begins to take aim once more.
Hk 3 shouts out as the hooded Jaiyana moves into the open, "It's a witch or something, shoot the witch!" and begins to do just that, jumping down from the wagon and drawing his crossbow, taking aim in preparation to fire.
Hk 5 hears his fellows instructions, glad or orders from any source, and moves around from the back of the carriage, crossbow at the ready.
Hk 2 cries out "Did they get the cleric? Sir Shanwen are you alright!?" before jumping down from the wagon and drawing his crossbow, shifting to take aim at the nearby Jaiyana.
Tavi takes aim with her composit shortbow and lets fly at Hk2, hoping to take him down before the bolts start flying, but the bolt hits the mans armor at an odd angle and bounces harmless away.
Jaiyana strafes the carriage, loosing a chakram at the nearest of the Hellknights as she moves. It catches Hk2 square in the chest, cutting a wicked gash and sending the man reeling in shock and pain.
Amon raises his first and middle finger while closing the others, touching the two fingers to his heart then pointing them to Jaiyana. (Life Link to Jaiyana) He then moves quickly to cover behind the warrior woman.
Enko moves silently through fog up to Shanwen and tries to lay him low, but either from the murky fog or the Hellknights height advantage, the blow is errant.
Hk 7 also jumps down, from the southwest corner of the carriage, pulling his crossbow to his hands and loading it, possibly seeing a shadowy Enko ghost by while moving to strike Shanwen. Looking a mite hysterical he calls out, "Sir Shanwen, where are ya?!"
Shanwen, having dodged blows from a shadowy figure, stands and shouts, "We're under attack by masked rebels you worthless maggots! Lesnor, get out of my way! For the Order!!" and then moves back towards the heavy crossbow at the top of the wagon. His movement allows attacks from both the Eagle and Enko, but the pair miss in the dense fog.
Lucon pushes past towards their aggressor, moving between his allies and the bulk of the remaining Hellknights and readying his weapon, looking to draw their ire. However, he still remains in the cloud cover, although at the near edge, and though his large form may be partially distinguishable through the murk, he's still quite concealed.
Hk 9 stammers, "Y,y,y,Yes Sir, Sir Shanwen sir!" and, abandoning the huge mounted crossbow he'd been aiming at Jaiyana, rolls out of the way - farther towards the rear of the carriage. He does manage to pull his crossbow out however.
Hk 4 is the last to clear the carriage, and pulls his crossbow as well, moving his aim towards Jaiyana with deadly intent.

Lucon, I can post in a couple sections if you'd like, if no one else has a problem with that. We'll still be in the same boat of waiting for those of us who are busy to have time to post, but what else is new?

Please post Round 2 in spoilers. Remember, you can roll miss chance for firing into fog or I can if you forget. The Hellknights are numbered 1 - 9 counting clock-wise from the driver (Hk1) with the red 'x' on him to the guy up top on the rear end of the carriage (Hk9). The different looking Hellknight on the roof in the center of the carriage is named Shanwen.

**Updated Map**

The map key is really handy! Thanks! I'm pretty foggy on the concealment rules. As for splitting the movement into sections, that'd suit me, fine if AC doesn't mind being botted a little. The majority of the hellknights beat us for initiative, so it'd be nice to be able to react to their movements.

Also by the Prince of Darkness, how low did we roll? :P

It just occurred to me how much Jaiyana resembles a prisoner in front of a firing line. Execution style. Yikes! On an unrelated note, I'll at least let Corneleous post his Round 2, AC's been so busy lately it's been tough for him to post regularly. As for your init, Jaiyana, Enko and Amon all beat the Hellknights on init, but delayed for Tavi's thunderstone, thus shifting their initiative. Corneleous was the only won who didn't delay, deciding instead to armor himself, summon a (very deadly) eagle, fog up the bridge, and have an invisible dude do his gruntwork.... all before lunchtime! :)

EDIT: Oh and my roll for your init, Lucon, was better than Corneleous's but I used your roll since you rolled it, Jaiyana rolled too but her roll was the same as mine. I geeked-out appropriately.

Woah damn, what are those odds? And yeah, that makes sense. I knew that was the case for AC, so I didn't want to snatch the reigns from him for my own benefit or anything... But I think this'll work nicely for this particular encounter.

The retcon is fine with me. :)

Since the bulk of the Hellknights go before the bulk of the party, I will wait a bit for a mid-round update.

Arael's Rescue - Round 2.5
In keeping with the 2 rounds a day plan, and with AC being bogged down, I find I'm botting more than I normally would. Apologies.

Botting Corneleous fires a bolt from the crossbow through the mist, but it sails high and wide past it's intended target. As soon as he fires however, the unseen force pulls a bolt from it's quiver and goes through all the motions of reloading the crossbow while the Conjurer watches the battle continue to unfold.
Botting The infernal eagle charges after Shanwen, it's height advantage allowing it to tear into him with a beak and one of it's talons. What a kick-A eagle! This is it's final round of existance, right Corneleous?
Hk 1 remains out cold on the seat of the wagon.
Hk 6 grins at hearing the leaders voice and steps south a few feet, firing at the foggy form of Lucon. His shot flies with great accuracy, but the fog is too dense and the shot flies past the carpenter.
Hk 8 follows orders, turning and firing into the dimness, this one actually striking the tall mans armored form before spinning off harmlessly.
Botting AC, from his prone position, fires once more, trying to take down Hk2, but again the shot goes wide. Frustrated he hits the reload lever on his crossbow.
Hk 3 finally brings his weapon to bear on Jaiyana, but misses embarrassingly, even drawing a chuckle or two from his comrades. He reloads quickly.
Hk 5 has a bit more success, but despite the better aim, the bolt is stopped short of harming Jaiyana by her tough armor. It remains lodged in her armor, the bolt wobbling loosely.
Hk 2, with fear of the Ranger taking up his whold countenance, and clutching his badly sliced chest, tosses his crossbow to the ground even as he looks around wildly for an avenue for escape. The fog is far too ominous, so he staggers on weak legs straight for the river, skirting Jaiyana and not bothering to look at his fellow knights. "Run from the torch-bearers!"
Tavi fires her composite shortbow at Hk4, and the arrow sinks deep into the mans leg. He clutches at the wound in pain.
"Come at me you devil-loving fiends!" Jayaina calls, loosing her second chakram while drawing another, nodding her thanks to Amon as she feels something tug at her heart when the bond of flowing positive energy takes hold. This chakram strikes Hk3 to an even more devastating effect than the last, crashing against the mans face and helm, and the knights eyes roll up into his head as he toppes over in the dirt.

Half round 2 is complete. Those left this round include...
Amon
Enko
Hk 7
Shanwen
Lucon
Hk 9
Hk 4

**Updated Map**

You still get your standard action (attack) Enko. **Acrobatics** to move through a threatened square is just an extension of your move action to avoid AoO and move past occupied/threatened squares.

apologies, I had a 6 hour drive and no time to post earlier. Bot away.

I was actually going to suggest I bullrush them to soak up some AoOs to get you into flanking position. Apparently Enko has it covered! Nice rolls. That AoO of yours should stop one of the others from moving away, so I see one more left that might make his way to Cornelius, who we can dispatch next round hopefully. Flanking away!

Ah, I did think about putting my dialogue in non-spoilered format as it was strategic...(or in a spoiler for Lucon)...perhaps I can do that next time. This is reminding me of Power Man and Iron Fist all of a sudden.

@ Tavi: I think you and I are declaring for the 3rd round.

I know Round 2 still needs to finish resolving, but my action is pretty much going to stay the same no matter what happens (unless circumstances become pretty brutal).

Arael's Rescue - Round 2 Completed
I was waiting on Amon, but we'll move on.
Botted Amon reaches towards Jaiyana, but doesn't touch her yet, seemingly just ready to do something.
Enko maneuvers deftly around Lucon, whispering, "Follow me and flank down the line!" and leaps over HK6, and then continues the motion of his tumbling leap, trying to flip the Hellknight (Hk7) to the ground, but he is unsuccessful.
Hk 7 tries to shoot at Enko, but the monk is too close and is able to twist around the bolt and tosses the Hellknight to the ground.
Shanwen shrugs off the screaming eagle, yelling to his men, "Be brave men! Down with the Torchbearers!" and fires the huge crossbow at Jaiyana. But his firing allows the Eagle one more attack, and it's beak rends him badly and the enormous bolt zings past her. He looks seriously injured, and extremely upset.
Lucon nods at Enko as he falls in line, jaw dropping as the man somersaults into the air, stepping forward and effectively flanking the Hellknight and bringing his truncheon down on his head. The truncheon cracks against the mans skull and the Hellknight slides bonelessly to the ground.
Hk9 takes aim and fires at Jaiyana, this Hellknight the first to hit her successfully. The bolt catches her in the shoulder, digging in painfully. -7hp Jaiyana
Hk4 shoots at Jaiyana, but misses, and reloads his crossbow.

Please post Round 3 spoilers (those who haven't yet :)).

Init Next Round
Corneleous
Eagle
Hk 1
Hk 6
Hk 8
AC
Hk 3
Hk 5
Hk 2
Tavi
Jaiyana
Amon
Enko
Hk 7
Shanwen
Lucon
Hk 9
Hk 4

Jaiyana heals 5 hp and Amon takes 5 damage.

Missed me last round I think. . . but I missed anyway so it's no big.

Looks like we can resolve up to Jaiyana, so I might hold onto my action. As it stands though, I'm looking to charge the standing hellknight nearby.

if you move diagonally down 5' you can get AoO against one of two tripped Hellknights. :)

Arael's Rescue - Round 3, started

Corneleous moves east and takes aim at Hk6 to his east. The bolt strikes the Hellknight solidly, almost dropping him to the ground, but not quite. The unseen force at the Conjurers elbow continues it's mindless task of retrieving a bolt and moves to load it.
The eagle explodes into a puff of feathers, which then burn into ash and crumble into nothing.
Hk1 remains moaning in the drivers seat.
Hk6, hurt badly by the wizard, drops his crossbow in frustration and draws his sword to attack the monk, swinging a low cut at his legs but Enko just steps over the swing without appearing to notice he is doing so.
Hk8 dreams of better, less unconscious days.
AC fires his crossbow again, hoping to take down Shanwen before he can seriously hurt someone. The bolt flies close to his face, nearly taking down the leader of this group of Hellknights.
Hk3 remains prone and unconscious just south of Jaiyana.
Hk5 abandons his crossbow as well, angry at it's inneffectiveness. Drawing his sword he charges Janiven. He swings with great skill, the blow catching her in her abdomen. -9hp to Jaiyana, crit but not confirmed
Hk 2 continues his frightened withdrawal from the battlefield, limping and in pain. He makes it to the river and begins to wade across in his heavy armor.
Tavi fires from the bushes at Hk4 once more in the hopes of finishing him off, but misses badly.
(Jaiyana) The young woman drops her chakram and reaches behind her, gripping the haft of her heavy flail with such force her knuckles whiten. She brings it down atop her foe in a wild overhead chop, eyes full of rage, in an effort to wound and off balance her enemy. The blow brains Hk5 who'd just attacked her, his world going white in pain and disorientaiton for several seconds before he shakes his head, hurt but still fighting.
Amon points at Hk5, who'd just hurt Jaiyana so badly. "Hey, you there! Drop your weapon!" Amon's voice turns into a basso profundo as it echoes across the field and seems to strike the man in the face. The knight looks angrily at Amon, a retort on his lips, but the words never make it out. Instead the mans eyes glaze over a bit and he tosses his sword to the ground obediently. +5hp Jaiyana, -5hp Amon (as you pointed out)
Enko's eyes flash at Lucon, a quick glance left and right indicating to strike at whomever rises. He twirls in a rapid, distracting circular motion to wind up north of the southernmost Hellknight (HK6), and extends a blur of limbs to knock that man off his feet as well. He's prone, and still hurting from Corneleouses bolt.
Hk 7 starts to rise, leaving the crossbow on the ground and drawing his sword. Enko has a chance to damage the unsteady Hellknight, but his kick is hampered by armor.
Shanwen looks around at the chaotic battlefield, and he looks more than a little relieved the devil bird is gone. He closes his eyes and mutters something under his breath, and the wounds around his face and neck close up just a little bit. He stands and moves away from the crossbow to the edge of the carriage close to Lucon. "Tobson, load that crossbow this instant!"
Lucon moves to the prone Hellknight nearest him, not drawing an attack from Shanwen since the man has no weapon in his hands. He reaches down and almost nonchalantly smashes the man in the temple with his truncheon. This Hellknight goes limp instantly. Rolled for you, nice hit, you didn't have the 10' needed to charge neways. :)
Hk9 does as he's bid, moving over and beginning to reload the massive crossbow. "Yessir!" The knight gets out, clearly intimidated by Shanwen.
Hk4 decides his friend Hk5 was on to something and makes a charge of his own towards Jaiyana, his sideways chop gashing her hip in a formidable blow. Critted and confirmed, but luckily low damage. -8hp Jaiyana, I have you at 3hp right?

@ GM Mug: 22 - 7 = 15 + 5 = 20 - 9 = 11 - 8 = 3. Yep; 3. Jaiyana's gonna' be coughing up blood in the morning. Thank you whoever it was that convinced me to suck down a potion before the battle started. Also, I'm a fan of life-link right now. :)