Kalev described the walls of the palisade as about 8 feet high, with the gatehouse around 20 feet at the base of the rampart.
"A magically-aided assault sounds like a fine plan indeed. As the Baron says, speed is a surer bet than stealth for us. We will beat answers out of any foolish enough to not fight to the death"
"It's odd that this place had so much of value left in it. I suppose the magical trap sprung on the creature downstairs made the rest of it's kind fearful to poke around further."
...or perhaps they belong to a race that has difficulty climbing up stairs, Ricter.
Kalev, did you get a peek at the ground within the fort? Is it hard packed dirt or are there plants available for an entangle spell?
It is a daring plan, but I think it is worth it.
"Perhaps not the most subtle approach, but it has proven effective in the past."
With Fenna, Ricter and Malthir getting as close as they dared to the fort on land, they waited anxiously in the dark, squinting to make out the gatehouse well ahead of them. With Light spells on Ricter and Malthir's sheathed weapons, they were ready.
Flying as close to the palisade and its light sources as they dared, Kalev (holding Kip) and Casimir were rendered invisible, as was the Halfling being flown through the air. Flying stealthily over the palisade, Casimir took to the air 30 feet above the centre of the compound while Kalev and Kip landed by the gatehouse. The latter pair threw the doors open just as they became visible again, while Casimir had the luxury of a moment to begin the assault in whatever way he deemed appropriate.
Even as the gate began to creak open, Malthir and the other riders urged their mounts forward and cleared the entrance; but not before two crossbow bolts sailed hopelessly over Fenna's head, fired from the top of the blockhouse fortification that loomed over the triangular stockade that surrounded it; poor shots that would likely have still missed her even were she not mounted and moving swiftly.
The compound inside consisted of several buildings, with the blockhouse to the north presenting a formidable, wooden fortification. The buildings mostly had closed doors, restricting line of sight to whatever or whoever could be inside. A tool shed was situated on the south side of the fortification; this area was surrounded by split-rail fence that, anchored at one end by a rough shed built from logs, served as a corral. The corral was empty save for a number of gnawed and picked bones.
On the south-western end of the triangular stockade, the sentry Kalev had spotted apparently had a friend on the other raised platform beside him. Both Spriggans bore crossbows and looked on with wide, alarmed eyes at the sudden assault on their home. The yard itself was composed of churned mud and scraggly weeds. A crudely built well stood near the centre, while not far away a large bonfire with a spit was roasting, holding a side of beef over it. By the spit, a Spriggan the size of an Ogre was sat by the large fire, four Dire Wolves sat nearby keeping him company. The wolves snarled as they caught the scent of humanoids and horses, but sensed what was coming too late to prevent the gates being thrown open.
The building closest to Ricter was evidently a smithy, judging from the open front where a forge and anvil sat unused.
___________________________________________________________________________
Round 1-
Ordered Initiative-
Agai-
Dire Wolves-
Spriggans-
Casimir-
Malthir-
Fenna-
Ricter-
Kalev-
Kip-
Spriggans- 24
Casimir- 22
Fenna- 17
Dire Wolves- 16
Kip- 14
Kalev- 14
Malthir- 8
Ricter- 7
Agai- 5
Active Effects-
Casimir Altitude- 30 feet
Map-
Link (Surprise Round for Casimir)
Notes-
Action-
With Brightclaw firmly grasped to focus his magic, Casimir smiled an unseen smile from his high vantagepoint and pointed down at the enlarged spriggan and his four-legged companions. Sparkle! he yelled, and a golden burst erupted in the middle of the courtyard.
Howling in outrage, the blinded Spriggan in the courtyard raised the alarm with high-pitched shouts and screams, Each of the wolves Casimir had targeted were also suffering from the tiny golden particles. The blinded Spriggan stumbled towards the south-west of the stockade, whistling for his wolves to follow.
Popping into sight as his invisibility spell expired, Casimir was targeted by both of the Spriggans at the south-west watch post. Both bolts struck his armour and glanced off the mighty mithril, much to his relief. Shots fired, the two Spriggans abandoned their crossbows and moved to the ground floor of the stockade, each sporting Halberds.
From inside the tool shed, two Spriggans emerged in response to the alarm being raised and swiftly made for the blockhouse, skirting around the Glitterdust and approaching the door. Five more crossbow bolts were fired at Casimir from the second floor of the blockhouse itself but most missed- the two one that did strike him were narrowly deflected by his armour.
"Forth, Guardians! For Kardas and Varnhold!" Casimir calls out, then flies North over the roof of the blockhouse, keeping an eye out for an hatch or similar opening.
Fenna rides forwards with an Azlanti prayer on her lips, drawing up beside the barrels outside the smaller building. "Noble Soldier, I ask that you fill us with your courage, and bolster us as we stand for civilisation against these untamed creatures of the wild."
Casimir inspired courage in the Guardians as he began to ascend to the roof of the blockhouse
Three of the Dire Wolves followed the command of their large-sized handler, each trying to shake the golden particles from their eyes. The fourth, unblinded Dire Wolf was too territorial to flee with enemies in plain sight, and charged Malthir's horse as it galloped into the stockade; tearing outs its throat with a vicious bite despite Malthir's lance and leaving it bleeding on the ground! The Duke of Kardas fell heavily to the ground alongside his horse and the wolf snarled at him menacingly, baring its bloodstained teeth.
Malthir Lance attack
Surprised by the wolf attack, Malthir misses the creature. As he falls he tries to jump off the horse...
and crumples to the ground.
He draws his blade as he stands up, drawing the creatures attack before attacking the wolf back.
Damned wolves, Fenna if you get a spare moment can you save the horse?
Rising to his feet gave the Wolf precious seconds to attack Malthir but found no exposed flesh on which to bite, despite its efforts. In return, Malthir sliced open the wolf's stomach with a long slash as he rose, severely wounding it.
With a panicked yelp, the two Spriggans attempted to leap clear of the pit as it began to form beneath them. While one of them made it, the other was a heartbeat too slow, and fell into the pit instead. A yelp of pain confirmed that the Fey had survived the fall.
Kalev moves closer, calling on his magic to increase Cleft's heft.
As much from training as the Hellknight's spurs, Ricter's horse steps forward to let the Hellknight bring his wrath to bear:
The difficulty he had controlling his mount while burdened by his heavy armour did not stop Ricter from leaning down from his steed and bashing in the skull of the Dire Wolf; striking a second time against the bleeding animal to ensure it would not be a problem in the future.
Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Spriggans- 24
Casimir- 22
Fenna- 17
Dire Wolves- 16
Kip- 14
Kalev- 14
Malthir- 8
Ricter- 7
Agai- 5
Active Effects-
Inspire Courage no longer affecting the Guardians (other than Casimir) after Casimir's move to the top of the blockhouse.
Prayer (Fenna to track duration)
Lead Blades (Kalev to track duration)
Map-
Link (after Casimir's move action, I22)
Notes-
Action-
The Spriggan who had avoided the pit tried in vain to open the door to the blockhouse, shouting in frustration as the door refused to open. Turning to the Guardians with his back to the door, the Spriggan produced his heavy crossbow, and four more bolts were fired from the firing holes on the second floor of the blockhouse. Perhaps seeking to buy time or simply focusing upon an unarmoured target, three of the bolts seemed to be focused upon Ricter's horse while one more was fired at the ascending Casimir. All four bolts hit their targets, grazing Casimir's arm and taking down Ricter's mount beneath him; sending the Hellknight sprawling to the ground beside his discarded shield.
The two Spriggans that had been posted at the south-west watch towers sprinted over to the north-west wall, hefting their halberds as they prepared to makea stand. The giant wolf handler was fearful for his own life and continued to keep his three wolves close to him as he tried to get the golden dust particles out of his eyes, finally succeeding.
Inside the pit, out of sight of everyone except Casimir, the angry-looking Spriggan caught in the pit swelled in size and mass, becoming as large as an Troll in the space of a few seconds.
The Spymaster reached the top of the blockhouse and took in the scene. The rooftop platform provided a commanding view of the village and surrounding area. Close-set logs provided cover to anyone standing a watch. A single barrel sat in one corner of the platform, while opposite sits a large oil-burning brazier. The soiled, trampled flag of Varnhold was displayed from one half of a broken pole. Casimir quickly found a hatch leading down, but it seemed to be barred from the inside.
After his brief swoop round the archer post, Casimir flies lower again, taking position on the roof of the blockhouse, directly over the fireing holes.
"Watchful Shepherd, please take our fallen steeds under your protection and save them from the wild predators of this untamed land."
Fenna speaks her prayer clearly, reaching out with one hand towards Malthir's bleeding horse, using the other to keep Dandelion behind the makeshift cover of the nearby barrels.
A second Dire Wolf recovered from the Glitterdust, while the closest to the Guardians bared its teeth as it readied itself to bite the first hostile that got close enough.
Single move forward to U38, activate Divine Bond to add Keen to Liberator.
Kip calls out, What should I do? Entangle? If so, the wolves or the spriggans by the door?
He waits on a response before acting...
Slowing them or killing them would be better, we don't want a hinderance getting to them.
"USELESS animal..."
Ricter mutters as he climbs to his feet () and picks his shield back up ().
"YOU'RE OUT OF CHEAP SHOTS, VERMIN!"
Kalev moves carefully forward, his weapon at the ready.
Kalev moves carefully forward, his weapon at the ready.
Single move forward to U38, activate Divine Bond to add Keen to Liberator.
I only have enough energy for one slow... and I don't do "killing" very well, Kip thinks to himself at Malthir's response. At a loss as to what to do, Kip dashes to join Fenna behind cover and once there turns and fires four bolts of magical energy at the nearest dire wolf ...
...that unerringly slam into the beast.
The Guardians continued to move into the courtyard of the stockade, magical light guiding their movements. Kip's force missiles left several bruises upon the large Wolf but as he expected, it was too tough to bring down with the spell.
From the firing holes just below Casimir, another crossbow bolt flew out of the blockhouse, this one fired at Ricter with deadly precision. To the great disappointment of the shooter, the Hellknight's shield came up just in time as he strapped it back onto his arm, deflecting the bolt that had been arcing for his chest.
Round 3-
Ordered Initiative-
Spriggans- 24
Casimir- 22
Fenna- 17
Dire Wolves- 16
Kip- 14
Kalev- 14
Malthir- 8
Ricter- 7
Agai- 5
Active Effects-
Inspire Courage on all Guardians.
Prayer (Fenna to track duration)
Lead Blades (Kalev to track duration)
Map-
Notes-
Action-
Slowly but surely, the Spriggan inside the pit braced himself against the corners of the pit and began to climb out, rising ten feet with difficulty.
Both the Spriggan guarding the door and those firing from inside the blockhouse targeted Kalev with their crossbow bolts, several puncturing his armour and skin, leaving the Half-Orc bleeding as he approached. Shriekish cheers could be heard coming from the blockhouse as a result!
The wolf-master Spriggan and the two Spriggans by the north-west wall advanced, halberds hefted. The two smaller Spriggans braced their Halberds against a charge, narrowed eyes glaring in hatred...
Although the Guardians had caught the fort off-guard, it was clear the Spriggans could mount an effective defence...
Malthir yells to Cas., Cas, maybe you can drop the wand of haste to Kip, wasn't expecting to have to run the entire way, Damned Spriggans!