The group falls through the gate, from the darkness of the Rotundra - why were you there in the first place?, you ask yourself - into the bright light of a Northern day, on a grey stone road across a craggy landscape, fields to their left and a large body of water to the right. Large, thin slabs of ice float on the surface of the water. The horizon is ringed by purple mountains, capped with snow and lined at their feet by great pine forests.
And the cold, dry, cloudless sky is stained with smoke.
The smoke is visible from a great distance, a black smudge against the sky. Something big is burning, a whole field or a huge bonfire. That’s not so unusual, but this smoke is tinged with an odd yellowish cast.
Nish'Grak desperately runs around the dissolving gate before hurling himself at it, trying to return. The earth is cold and hard on his snout as he hits the ground on the other side. Picking himself up he sits, hands over his golden slitted eyes.
"No, no, no. Can't be here, need to be there! They'll be so angry, have my fingers for this! Need to be there!"
He is too busy feeling sorry for himself and panicking to notice the vista that surrounds him or even the adventurers that accompany him.
Rahadur squints his eyes slightly at the sudden light, trying to remember exactly how they'd gotten here. But the sight of smoke and Nish'Grak's obvious distress soon distract him from such thoughts.
Wanting to calm the kobold, Rahadur speaks soothingly in Kobold. "Come, surely it cannot be so bad as that, yes? We will see where we are, and what we may do, and I am certain all will be well."
Then he looks at the others in their odd little company. How wide their mysterious employers had cast their net! He draws out his spear and points with it at the smoke. "A wind of destruction blows, and I cannot help but think our path winds that way, too."
After folding his red cloth and carefully placing it his belt pouch Horvan looked about. This took longer that one might think. First he seems to be looking for immediate threats. Then he looks at his companions assessing them based how they are dressed, armored, and armed. And finally he looks out beyond the immediate area shielding his eyes with his non-shield hand.
Finally speaking to the group, but still looking out towards the rising smoke, studying it, he says I am Horvan and fighter with some small arcane tricks. If we are to become a team we need to know each other; strengths and weaknesses. I suggest we talk as we move towards that smoke. There seems to be no other destination that calls for investigation in view and that my new friends is very likely a pyre from a large battle. I see crows feasting.
perception
"Well, that was certainly a novel experience. Any of you lot have any idea just where we may have landed? It certainly looks rugged enough for the far north, I admit."
Gadron pulls his cloak closer around his shoulders and shivers.
"I probably should have invested in a bit more fur, to be honest. If this wind and that flat plain are any indication, it's going to be a cold night tonight."
The elf glances over the team, mentally tallying up their equipment and dress.
"So, shall we head off? I imagine our first destination should be somewhere closer to the source of that smoke. At the very least, the fires should provide some modicum of warmth."
He shoulders his pack and leans on his quarterstaff, eager to begin moving in the hope it will warm him up.
Watching the Kobold grovel, the towering Minotaur snorts dismissively while he binds the red cloth on one of his horns and listens to Horvan.
"Aye, thats a battles aftermath. So thats where we should go. If there's anything of interest in this forsaken frozen land, it's there. And what better place to start looking for Javelins than at a battle. As for me, I'm Artaruk, a warrior. A real one. What I see is two old men thinking they are warriors. Do tell, have you been lucky or cravens in your youth that you survived so long? I don't have to ask the newt which of those he is...", the Minotaur points at the Kobold, "...so that leaves the lizard and the elf as odd ones out. That staff ain't looking like you can make music with it, so I guess you're some sort of spellslinger?", he points at the elf.
Awaiting responses with a smug grin, he stretches to his full size of almost 7 feet. His arms and hooves are covered with a reddish-brown fur, and most of Artaruks body is covered by Hide Armor. On his side, a huge, very sharp-looking sword rests in a makeshift sheath, but the impressive horns protruding from his head seem to be dangerous weapons on their own.
"Indeed, Artaruk, I am a 'spell-slinger.' I specialize in Illusion magic, for the most part, but have quite a few useful tricks for aiding in combat. I expect you'll find them quite satisfactory when it comes time to utilize those weapons."
Gadron bows and sweeps his staff behind him.
"I am known as Gadron Delboriel, at your service."
"I am no warrior," Rahadur said, his dry voice oddly soothing, "Though I have some small skill with arms." He raises his spear slightly. "Rather, I am... I suppose you might call me a priest of sorts."
He grins slightly, looking up at the minotaur--an unfamiliar feeling, given his own height. "I have some ability with healing or supportive magics, is what you most likely will wish to know. But now, it seems we are all agreed that we wish to go towards this smoke, yes? Then let us depart."
He turns and begins to walk towards the smoke.
Already moving towards the smoke Horvan does not respond to the bull-man's taunt. Good to have you Gadron. I am sure your arcane powers will be useful. And you too priest, though you have not yet shared your name. It seems that whoever put us together might have put some thought into it. Artaruk, if you want run off and be your own group that is fine with me, but if you want a better chance to live then you will learn to work as a team with the rest of us. I suspect we all will end up depending on each other before this venture runs it course. Hells, maybe before this day runs its course. An you Kobold, pick yourself up and mvoe with us or be left behind.
Approving the elfs answer with a brief nod, Artaruk falls in behind Horvan and Rahadur, following them with big strides somewhat hindered by the makeshift hide armor. On Horvan's statement, he laughs a fake laugh:"Ha, don't take me for a fool. It is exactly because I may need to depend on the lot of you that I want to know who is reliable. Most warriors find a honorable death in battle before your age. But I suppose there's a reason they picked several man wielding big blades, so I'll learn soon enough who can be trusted to watch one's back."
"Joyful, it would appear we have already begun making friends. I wish I could say I had expected anything else. Well, nothing left to do but press on, I suppose."
Gathering up his cloak and robes, Gadron steps up with the others, using his staff as a walking stick for the moment.
"Ah, yes, my apologies," Rahadur says. "I am Rahadur. I am certain we shall all come to know one another well, if the whisper of battle in the wind holds true."
As the others have been talking Nish's sobs have reduced in volume. Not so much as to imply he is calming down, but enough to maybe overhear proceedings.
When the group has got no more than 40 or 50 feet from the portal Nish'Grak looks through his fingers and realised he is being left alone. With a scrabbling of dust Nish runs to catch up.
"what happened to needing each other! You're just going to leave me in the dust!"
"हामी आरोहण गैर विश्वास गर्न सक्दैन, सँगै रहन आवश्यक"
"You bring up a good point. What DO we need you for? You'd probably make a good decoy or lure, if nothing else. Or why are you here, scaly craven? What can you do?", Artaruk responds to the Kobold.
Rahadur looked back to Nish'Grak and spoke in Mharoti, his voice seeming to echo the dry warmth of his distant home, "म तपाईं बरामद गरेको थियो एक पटक आउन पर्याप्त बुद्धिमानी हुनेछ महसुस लागि, जवान तिमीलाई पालना थियो विश्वसनीय। तपाईं लागि पपडी आदि का साथै हाम्रो जिब्रो थाहा हुन सक्छ, तपाईंको शब्दहरू सावधान रहनुहोस् हुन चाहनुहुन्छ सक्छ। हामी अविश्वास, तर समझ छर्न हुँदैन।"
Then he looked over at Artaruk and spoke in the Trade Tongue. "Oft times there is more to battle than strength of arms, yes?" He turned back to Nish'Grak. "No doubt you have talents in such things, young kobold?"
He smiled gently. "And perhaps we might have your name? I am, if you did not hear, Rahadur."
Approving the elfs answer with a brief nod, Artaruk falls in behind Horvan and Rahadur, following them with big strides somewhat hindered by the makeshift hide armor. On Horvan's statement, he laughs a fake laugh:"Ha, don't take me for a fool. It is exactly because I may need to depend on the lot of you that I want to know who is reliable. Most warriors find a honorable death in battle before your age. But I suppose there's a reason they picked several man wielding big blades, so I'll learn soon enough who can be trusted to watch one's back."
Horvan looks upon the minotaur questioningly. You may not at the same time accuse me of being craven and expect me to watch you back. It is only because I do not wish to waste resources foolishly that I have not already called you out. He gestures ahead at the plume of rising smoke. This is likely a very dangerous place and I would like to consider you an ally but I will not fight beside one who insults me before even knowing me.
The minotaur shrugs, not stopping:"I have not accused you of anything. I wondered how you managed to stay alive in your line of work. If you take offense at one of the options suggested, thats not my fault. If there's indeed trouble waiting for us, you are welcome to proof your point with actions, rather than idle talk. And if we find no trouble, I'll gladly spar with you later!"
Turning to Rahadur, he adds:"And you are right that there is more to battle than strenght. And more to life than battle. Hence my question why he's here. His earlier outburst seemed to imply his presence here is accidental."
As you approach, you can see the source of the smoke, despite the fact that the heavy evening mist is beginning to roll in from the shore. A village, abutting onto the sea, has been set afire. The damp air has probably stopped the fire from catching heavily, and is generating the smoke. The village is surrounded by a high palisade, which is itself not burning - you guess it's the buildings within.
The mist makes it hard to see much of what's going on this side of the palisade, but there’s definitely something moving out there.
The sharper sighted amongst you can see maybe three kobolds, dressed in leathers and wearing fur caps, and a single trollkin. They're obviously working together. The trollkin is trying to set fire to something outside the village walls.
The Battle Scion targets the farthest Kobold and fires a Force Blast at him.
)
Ranged Touch Attack currently at +3 (2d4) 60'range 5 times a day
Rahadur narrowed his eyes. Kobolds here were unlikely to be as friendly to dragonkin as he was accustomed to, and this other creature... well, its actions marked it as likely a threat. Still, he had no wish to strike the first blow... but to be prepared for combat was prudent.
"बतास मेरो ढाल हुन!" he quietly prayed, then gripped his spear in a guarded position as the slight winds that always accompanied him picked up.
Seeing Horvan blast at one of the Kobolds, Artaruk does not want to be out-done. Without even considering drawing his weapon, he breaks into a sprint and attempts to tackle the closest Kobold.
Nish watches proceedings from behind Rahadur
ड्रागन जिब्रो सिक्ने गाई को कुनै मौका उसको मस्तिष्कमा धेरै सानो छ
Switching to trade tongue Nish addresses Artaruk
"Yes, my presence here is accidental! I need to be back in Zobeck! I don't know what I was thinking! ...I really don't."
The old man--scraggly graying beard, hair a mix of white, gray, and dark, barely tied back with many strands loose--looks over the landscape. His gray-blue eyes take it in. He smiles for a moment, ah, this is home. Then he frowns. Oh gods, what did I do that you would trick me into this? How did I get here? What did I get myself into? He looks around, realizing that his companions are speaking. He pats his chest. "Name's Kinnith. I'm a woodsman; tracker." He doesn't reply to the minotaur's demeaning comments about his skill except to stare the bull in the eyes for a full minute before turning away.
He absentmindedly sets to following the party as they move towards the smoke. He doesn't pay much attention to the topic of conversation, seeming much more preoccupied with studying the woods around them and trying to get a sense of anything that might be out there.
--
Trolls. Trolls are no good. Trolls, kobolds, and fires are even worse. He moves after the bull and pulls out his longspear. Is this what you would have me do? Is this why I am here? To stop these trolls from destroying this village?
Gadron moves up a bit as well during the surprise round, holding his quarterstaff at the ready but staying at the back of the group.
"Shot first and ask questions later, eh? That's certainly one way to operate in an unknown land potentially filled with enemies."
Nish scampers forward behind the others, drawing his two sickles as he moves and trying to keep the bulk of those ahead between him and the trollkin.
"Turn on your slavers scalykin! Throw off your shackles!"
"Turn on your slavers scalykin! Throw off your shackles!"
Horvan's blast knocks one of the kobolds down into a crumpled heap. The trollkin and the remaining two kobold look round in alarm, trying to find the source of the attack as the others bear forward.
@GM Shady:
Charging is a special full-round action that allows you to move up to twice your speed and attack during the action. Charging, however, carries tight restrictions on how you can move.
Movement During a Charge: You must move before your attack, not after. You must move at least 10 feet (2 squares) and may move up to double your speed directly toward the designated opponent. If you move a distance equal to your speed or less, you can also draw a weapon during a charge attack if your base attack bonus is at least +1.
You must have a clear path toward the opponent, and nothing can hinder your movement (such as difficult terrain or obstacles). You must move to the closest space from which you can attack the opponent. If this space is occupied or otherwise blocked, you can't charge. If any line from your starting space to the ending space passes through a square that blocks movement, slows movement, or contains a creature (even an ally), you can't charge. Helpless creatures don't stop a charge.
If you don't have line of sight to the opponent at the start of your turn, you can't charge that opponent.
You can't take a 5-foot step in the same round as a charge.
If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn.
Attacking on a Charge: After moving, you may make a single melee attack. You get a +2 bonus on the attack roll and take a –2 penalty to your AC until the start of your next turn.
A charging character gets a +2 bonus on combat maneuver attack rolls made to bull rush an opponent.
Even if you have extra attacks, such as from having a high enough base attack bonus or from using multiple weapons, you only get to make one attack during a charge.
Lances and Charge Attacks: A lance deals double damage if employed by a mounted character in a charge.
Weapons Readied against a Charge: Spears, tridents, and other weapons with the brace feature deal double damage when readied (set) and used against a charging character
Gadron moves up to engage with the closest kobold, holding his quarterstaff in a defensive position.
Knowledge (local)
When you attempt to overrun a target, it can choose to avoid you, allowing you to pass through its square without requiring an attack. If your target does not avoid you, make a combat manoeuvre check as normal. If your manoeuvre is successful, you move through the target's space. If your attack exceeds your opponent's CMD by 5 or more, you move through the target's space and the target is knocked prone. If the target has more than two legs, add +2 to the DC of the combat manoeuvre attack roll for each additional leg it has.
"The trollkin hold a grudge for the kingdom they held long ago. I doubt they feel much loyalty to these kobolds, in any case."
Seeing the targeted Kobold realize out of the corner of it's eye that Artaruk is charging it and getting ready to get out of the way of the tauric engine of destruction, Artaruk instead lowers his massive head, opting to skewer his small target with his horns.
The kobold, despite his surprise, just manages to dodge the oncoming charge from Artaruk.
"Cease this arson!" Kinnith shouts and threatens with his spear. This will turn to violence. I am sure of it.
for
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kinnith misses. The trollkin moves up to attack Kinnith, shoving his longspear at the ranger ...
... but missing completely.
Rahadur moves forward, wary of the trollkin's spear.