Malthir surges forward atop his mount, clinging on to it with his knees as he rides forth to smite Sir Nikolaj. Malthir is bathed in a white light as he surges forth, and Sir Nikolaj looks a little unsure of himself as Malthir strikes- beheading Sir Nikolaj in a single, mighty blow.
Smite Evil worked on Sir Nikolaj, it won't work on the others. Just to make your rolls easier.
Following the orders of their commander, the two disciplined caravan guards fire their heavy crossbows at Edric...
Crit threat
Hit due to flat-footed
Crit fails to confirm
A bolt slams through Edric's armour near his collarbone, dealing 4 points of damage, and another goes straight into his leg for 6 points of damage.
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Sir Edric spurs Talia forward and rams his lance straight through Sir Vislinsky's heart, the force of the blow sending the knight flying several feet through the air.
The horses of the dehorsed and the dead begin to flee away from the battle towards the north-east.
Vaysh looks at the situation as it disintegrates into a melee. Why is it everywhere we must go the stick seems more necessary than the carrot, she muses before beginning her incantation.
Day is done, dusk is here, my dreamer do not fear.
After calmly watching the situation develop, almost as though reassured by the betrayal, Fenna rides alongside Sir Edric and reaches out to the two bolts protruding from his flesh. Calling out to the power of the Last of the First Humans to mend his wounds she channels soothing energy into him.
As both knights meet their gruesome death, Casimir raises his blade high and spurs Shadow on with a resounding battle cry.
Fang and steel, for the glory of the Greenbelt. Guardians!
The black stallion eagerly carries him into the fray, bearing down on one of the squires with terrible speed. The slender blade flashes in the sun.
Round 2 Actions
Edit: AND THAT's A CRIT THREAT, thank you Erastil!
Round 2 Wolf/Squire Actions
The squires seem utterly horrified at the turn of events that has taken place, and Casimir rides at one of them, parrying the squires lance out of the way as he runs his duelling blade through vital organs, killing the man instantly thanks to the enhanced magic upon his blade.
The only wounded Wolf appears to have taken a nasty blow, and quickly flees the melee through the Guardians. Its paired hunter stays to savage the remaining squire on the east side, but the squire bats the Wolf away with his shield.
The other pair of Wolves attempt to finish off the squire closest to Malthir, wounding the man but not managing to drag him from the saddle.
One of the squires appears to be attempting to take control of the situation that has immediately gone so horribly, horribly wrong. He goes extremely pale after seeing the prowess of the Guardians and shouts to two of his allies-
Pieter, Johann, stay with the footmen as rearguards, word of Sir Vislinsky's death must reach the capital!
The two squires he shouts to look very worried, but they manage a quick salute, and return to the task at hand.
With that said, two of the squires including the speaker who took control begin to rapidly ride east, away from the battle. A few of the riderless horses appear to be following them.
The remaining two squires launch attacks on the tenacious Wolves with their lances. The wolf closest to Malthir is badly wounded as a lance plunges into its hindquarters, and it howls in pain. The squires maneuver their horses, clearly trying to put the wolves between you and them.
Round 2 Action
5' shift to BA 10 and attack that squire
Calling out to the remainder of the men, Lay down your arms, you are defeated this day, otherwise you shall all die a pointless death!
As Sir Vislinsky's body slides off Edric's Lance the Knight surveys the field of battle. So involved in looking for a chance to re-enter the fray he is startled by the feel of Fenna's hand and the warm surge of magic that curses through him healing some of his wounds. Edric turns to the small women and gives her a warm smile.
Thank You my Friend.
The squire’s call to retreat snaps Edric back into the battle. Seeing that his companions still in the midst of combating the rearguards Edric once again lowers his lance, spurs Talia and changes into the fray.
Round 2 Action
5' shift to BA 10 and attack that squirepwr atk 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 dam 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Calling out to the remainder of the men, Lay down your arms, you are defeated this day, otherwise you shall all die a pointless death!
Malthir's sword cuts through the squires padded armour like butter, disemboweling the man. He looks down at his own entrails in horror as he falls off the horse, passing out from the shock.
Taking careful steps back, the two footmen quickly reload their crossbows and take shots at Malthir and Edric-
A bolt slams into Malthir's sword arm for 4 points of damage, and one bounces off Edric's shield, numbing his arm for a moment.
As Sir Vislinsky's body slides off Edric's Lance the Knight surveys the field of battle. So involved in looking for a chance to re-enter the fray he is startled by the feel of Fenna's hand and the warm surge of magic that curses through him healing some of his wounds. Edric turns to the small women and gives her a warm smile.
Thank You my Friend.
The squire’s call to retreat snaps Edric back into the battle. Seeing that his companions still in the midst of combating the rearguards Edric once again lowers his lance, spurs Talia and changes into the fray.
The gnomish woman gives Sir Edric a small nod in response to his thanks, then spurs Dandelion into motion to carry her across to the wounded wolf still involved in the fray.
"May the Shepard's protective gaze fall favorably upon our noble ally." She speaks in Azlanti as she runs her fingers through the wolf's blood matted fur.
Vaysh drops her sleep spell on the clump of enemies that she can see hoping that its effects will remove some of the combatants from the fray. She internalizes a quick prayer for the lives of her companions as well as the wolves and their opponents. So much works against life in this conflict. I wonder if the wolves will attack those that fall to my spell. I think that I would be unable to blame them, it is unlikely they would consider sparing these men’s lives.
Vaysh surveys the field again and begins uttering another spell, hoping that she will have little need of its power.
Day is done, dusk is here, my dreamer do not fear.
Vaysh drops her sleep spell on the clump of enemies that she can see hoping that its effects will remove some of the combatants from the fray. She internalizes a quick prayer for the lives of her companions as well as the wolves and their opponents. So much works against life in this conflict. I wonder if the wolves will attack those that fall to my spell. I think that I would be unable to blame them, it is unlikely they would consider sparing these men’s lives.
Vaysh surveys the field again and begins uttering another spell, hoping that she will have little need of its power.
** spoiler omitted **
Footman Will Save-
Horse Will Save-
Squire Will Save-
Both the squire and the caravan guard succumb to Vaysh's spell, while the horse is unaffected. The squire falls out of the saddle heavily and lands upon his neck, and a nasty crunching sound can be heard as bones break.
The last footmen glances around, and sees hes the only one left fighting- and no squire is concious to berate him for surrendering.
Call off your Wolves, i'm not being paid enough for this... he pleads, holding his crossbow up in case mercy is not granted.
Before Fenna has a chance to cast Speak with Animals (assuming she wants to), the wolves have had time to mercilessly savage the few surviving members of the entourage, and are clearly going to finish off the guard who has surrendered next round...
Fenna, call the wolves off we need to try and capture one of the squires alive, heal one if you must, otherwise we will learn nothing from them, to the guard drop your crossbow or you are a deadman. I am going after the horses! Edric you may want to help!
I will go after the clump of horses to try and capture them. I will follow for a while if necessary. Swift action to heal myself after I put my sword away.
Fenna, call the wolves off we need to try and capture one of the squires alive, heal one if you must, otherwise we will learn nothing from them, to the guard drop your crossbow or you are a deadman. I am going after the horses! Edric you may want to help!
I will go after the clump of horses to try and capture them. I will follow for a while if necessary. Swift action to heal myself after I put my sword away.
The guard reluctantly lowers his crossbow and straps it to his back. Investigation reveals the squire Vaysh put to sleep is barely alive after one of the wolves attacked his sleeping form, but he is bleeding out.
The footman addresses the group, primarily Casimir, in a thick Brevic accent-
Look, Sir, i'm just a hired mercenary. Nothing personal. I'm not going to get paid now, and I bear you no ill will. I also know nothing of these men and their motives, other than that they work for the Surtova House. I'll be on my way back to Brevoy with your permission good sirs and madam, and will say nothing of this event, bad for my reputation don'cha know.
Seeing the wolves attacking the fallen squire Edric dismounts Talia and rushes to the man's side pulling the wolf away if neccessary. Finding the man barly clinging to life Edric makes a desperate attempt to staunch the bleeding. Fenna, Casimir we must heal this man.
Fenna, call the wolves off we need to try and capture one of the squires alive, heal one if you must, otherwise we will learn nothing from them, to the guard drop your crossbow or you are a deadman. I am going after the horses! Edric you may want to help!
I will go after the clump of horses to try and capture them. I will follow for a while if necessary. Swift action to heal myself after I put my sword away.
The guard reluctantly lowers his crossbow and straps it to his back. Investigation reveals the squire Vaysh put to sleep is barely alive after one of the wolves attacked his sleeping form, but he is bleeding out.
The footman addresses the group, primarily Casimir, in a thick Brevic accent-
Look, Sir, i'm just a hired mercenary. Nothing personal. I'm not going to get paid now, and I bear you no ill will. I also know nothing of these men and their motives, other than that they work for the Surtova House. I'll be on my way back to Brevoy with your permission good sirs and madam, and will say nothing of this event, bad for my reputation don'cha know.
As Vaysh's sleeping magic sends the two men in front of him tumbling to the ground, Casimir cast a glance around the chaotic battlefield. When the last footman surrenders, he turns Shadow around to go with Malthir after the fleeing squires.
Before he charges off, he calls out:
Fenna, ask the wolves to help us hunt the two how ran, and to call down the rest of the pack if they can. They must not get away, or Edrics family could be in grave danger. Malthir and I will give chase - the rest of you stay here, guard the prisoner and heal the surviving squire!
With that, he urges Shadow after Malthir and the squires at a full gallop, while silently cursing the fact that his darkwood bow lies discarded in the undergrowth.
Ride checks:
Seeing how no one responded to his question, the mercenary shrugs and quickly bolts off into the forest to the north as Casimir and Malthir ride off to the north-east and Edric is desperately trying to stem the flow of blood from the dying squire, but failing.
The three wolves growl in the direction of the man running, and circle Fenna, seemingly waiting for instruction.
When the speeds of the two concerned characters are equal, there's a simple way to resolve a chase: If one creature is pursuing another, both are moving at the same speed, and the chase continues for at least a few rounds, have them make opposed Dexterity checks to see who is the faster over those rounds. If the creature being chased wins, it escapes. If the pursuer wins, it catches the fleeing creature.
Sometimes a chase occurs overland and could last all day, with the two sides only occasionally getting glimpses of each other at a distance. In the case of a long chase, an opposed Constitution check made by all parties determines which can keep pace the longest. If the creature being chased rolls the highest, it gets away. If not, the chaser runs down its prey, outlasting it with stamina.
in the additional rules section. Not sure how you would factor any healing we have into it.
Malthir and Casimir ride hard, chasing the squires through the dense forest. The skill of the rider has a large part to play as all four are forced to navigate treacherous roots, undergrowth that could hide fearsome animals, and hidden rocks that could cause a horse to throw a shoe- and the squires have an edge due to their lighter armour.
Riding hard for a good twenty minutes, Casimir and Malthir lose sight of one of them who is clearly a very skillful rider, but manage to stay within sight of the one who was shouting orders. Following him, Casimir and Malthir renew their efforts...
Malthir
Casimir
Squire
Malthir keeps up with Casimir for a while, before almost riding his horse straight off a small ridge. The horse rears up, and the Paladin clings onto the horse for dear life. He escapes unscathed, but he is out of the running for now.
Casimir on the other hand, gains ground on the Squire, and moves to within close range of the Surtova Squire.
Leaning low over Shadow's neck, Casimir whispers a few words of encouragement to the stallion.
Well done, boy! We have him now. Let's see if we can't shake him from the saddle.
Casimir draws as close to the fleeing squire as he can and calls forth his innate arcane power - pointing to the saddle of the squires horse, he mutters - Slippery Steps.
.
Just as Casimir is about to release his magic, Shadow jumps a large rock, and the magical energy slips from Casimir's hold.
Let's try that again - Slippery Steps.
The squire falls out of the saddle at full gallop, landing in a broken heap. He is bleeding profusely from a nasty looking head wound...
Casimir draws his blade and rides Shadow in circles around the fallen squire.
Do you yield - or do I have to cut you a little first?
Casimir draws his blade and rides Shadow in circles around the fallen squire.
Do you yield - or do I have to cut you a little first?
There is absolutely no response from the man, facedown as he is. A small trail of blood begins to leak into the undergrowth. You realise his fall might have been rather serious.
Casimir frowns at the bleeding man, then dismounts.
After taking a moment to toss the squires weapons aside, he retrieves a potion of healing from his sash pouch and pours it down the man's throat.
Waste of a good potion. I should let you bleed out. Serves you right for making me expend all my magic hunting you down.
As the man sputters and wakes, Casimir stands looming over him, his sharp blade in hand.
Now, as I was saying - Do you yield or do I have to cut you a little first? I feel it only fair to warn you that I have no healing magic left.
Sorry if you don't agree with the way i've run this Malthir/Jace, i'll work on defining exactly how I plan to run chases throughout the AP- I honestly didn't think we'd see any so soon! While you may be moving at the same speed (debatable- your horses are probably in medium loads and theirs aren't due to their light armour and few possessions), your riding through dense forest. On open plains with no obstacles, it would basically be impossible for one to break away.
Attempt to try and follow Casimir at a little slower pace:
As The pair charge off to hunt down the fleeing riders Fenna sends a concerned glance between the bleeding man on the ground, the eager wolves, and the fleeing footman. Making her decision she first offers a simple prayer to Aroden, "Please preserve the ebbing life of this foolish youngster, that he might learn from his mistakes."
The most immediate problem taken care of, she takes a moment to attune herself once more to the language of the canine allies of the Guardians, "Thank you for your help," she says, climbing down from the back of the large dog to stand face to face with them, "but please, can you prevent those two riders who fled to the east from escaping, it is very important."
The most immediate problem taken care of, she takes a moment to attune herself once more to the language of the canine allies of the Guardians, "Thank you for your help," she says, climbing down from the back of the large dog to stand face to face with them, "but please, can you prevent those two riders who fled to the east from escaping, it is very important."
All the fight has gone out of the squire Casimir caught, and coughing up blood, he keeps his eyes down and tosses his lance aside in a gesture of surrender. Malthir eventually finds Casimir.
Vaysh continues her chant, unaware of the situation evolving outside of her concentration. In the last moments it takes her to issue forth the magic of the spell she snaps back to reality and directs the magic, seeing no fighting she aims it at the man who has just begun to run away from the Guardians on foot.
Hold where you are, I do not think that you will like what would happen if you run.
The man ignores the warning and keeps running.
Vaysh's spell catches the man as he enters the forest, and he immediately falls to the floor in a deep slumber.
Casimir props the shaken squire against a tree and does his best to keep the wolves from snapping at him.
Once Malthir rejoins them, the two of them attempt to round up as many of the riderless horses as they can before taking their captive back to the others.
A few hours after they chased off into the woods, Malthir and Casimir return to their comrades, a sorry-looking squire in tow.
We managed to catch this one, but his friend got away. With the way he was riding, he is probably halfway to New Stetven by now.
Casimir dismounts and directs the captured squire to sit on the ground with the two other prisoners.
Now, I would say the time has come to get some answers about the nature of this treacherous business. Who are you, and what was your purpose for hunting Sir Edric. If you do not tell us all you know, we feed you to the wolves, you deceiving curs.
The mercenary looks up at you, and if the first to speak in his thick Brevic accent once more.
Look, i've already told you its nothing personal- just business. Me and Grizchik were hired by Sir Vislinsky as bodyguards. Extra muscle. We were told to expect trouble, but we weren't kept in the know. With your permission sirs and madams, i'd like to be on my way now, I don't know nothing of use to you. Me and Grizchik weren't no deceivers, we were just following orders.
The mercenary pauses.
Well actually, if it will improve yer disposition towards me, I'll tell ya this; this piker here gesturing towards the captured squire with a tilt of his head. is in the know. He's the dead Knight's favourite, so he was telling me last night as he badgered me to take my watch pattern...
The squire glares at the mercenary, and attempts to spit on him, the phlegm projectile falling a little short.
Filthy sell-sword... he hisses.
Before the spitting squire has a chance to say anything else, Casimir steps up to him and calmly backhands him hard across the face, sending him sprawling on to his back.
Mind you manners, squire. At least this fellow had the courage to stay and face us, while you tucked your tail between you legs and ran at the first sign of blood. Trust me, I will spread the tale of your shame and treachery from here to the shores of The Lake of Mists and Veils once we are done here. Now answer the question - why were you seeking Sir Edric?
For the second time in as many hours, Casimir's words fall on deaf ears, as the Duelist realises with a sigh that his blow has knocked the man unconcious. The mercenary chuckles, a low growling and husky laugh.
Ain't one of those fancy pants squires can take a real blow heh...
My internet is down so this is from my phone..sigh..anyways I believe the best way to learn from the squire is to charm him, since he is an attempted murderer, he has no qualms in using this tactic. I have 3 lay on hands left so I can heal the favorite to get him conscious.
I will have access a little later today so will do some RP later.
Look, i've already told you its nothing personal- just business. Me and Grizchik were hired by Sir Vislinsky as bodyguards. Extra muscle. We were told to expect trouble, but we weren't kept in the know. With your permission sirs and madams, i'd like to be on my way now, I don't know nothing of use to you. Me and Grizchik weren't no deceivers, we were just following orders.
I don't think you realize your position, you have attacked and tried to murder the legal representatives from Brevoy in this region. I consider you no more than a brigand. Do you know what we do with brigands in the Green Belt?...we hang them! If you don't have any useful information for us then I suggest you stay quite while we decide your fate.
to the favorite squire of Sir Vislinsky.
Why were you trying to take Sir Edric away?
What were you planning to do with him once he was away?
What were the nights goals in Brevoy?
Well Guardians, what should we do with the squires and the mercenaries?
Malthir intones a prayer to Iomedae and wakes up the squire Casimir knocked out. Vaysh casts charm person upon the squire, and the man becomes much more compliant.
Why were you trying to take Sir Edric away?
Sir Vislinsky told me that a letter had been forged and sent to Edric, sealed with a seal stolen from House Orlovsky's house by a treacherous servant. Sir Vislinsky had us wait a few days, but was informed that Edric was not returning to Brevoy and was still active in the Stolen Lands.
What were you planning to do with him once he was away?
Edric was to be interrogated, and killed or ransomed back to Orlovsky. House Surtova would not publicly acknowledge the deed though. Sir Vislinsky himself wasn't given all the details, but Surtova was interested in the involvement of a young Orlovsky knight who seemed to be in an political alliance with the Swordlords of Restov... If we could not capturee Edric, our orders were to kill him.
What were the knights goals in Brevoy?
To bring Edric back to New Stetven. Sir Vislinsky has been loyal to Surtova and the Dragonscale Throne for some time now, spying on the movements and activities of Orlovsky.
Four Horses with military saddles
1 Heavy Crossbow (2 if you are stripping the mercenary of his gear)
1 Banded Mail (2 if you are stripping the mercenary of his gear)
1 Buckler (2 if you are stripping the mercenary of his gear)
3 Longswords(4 if you are stripping the mercenary of his gear)
7 Lances
5 Sets of Padded Armour
5 Light Picks
5 Shortbows
110 arrows
40 bolts
2 Masterwork Half-Plate
2 Light Wooden Shield
14GP
Additional questions:
Who was Sir Nikolaj, what was his position in the this House, what is the family name? What was his role in this?
Who was Sir Vislinsky and same question, his family and position in that family? What was his role in this?
As the squire completes his tale of the plans for the betrayal of Edric, Fenna clutches a hand tightly around the holy symbol around her neck and turns away to face the treeline.
After taking a few steps away from the group, she sinks to her knees on the grass and raises the wooden eye up to her face. Beginning to weep, she quietly repeats an Azlanti phrase between sobs, "thank you."