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Unrak's plan works perfectly.
Once safe, "We must strike now while the iron is hot. I propose that at our earliest convenience, we annex Drelev in order to protect it. I furthermore propose that John take command of a field army in order to draw Armag's focus. With Terrion Numesti safe, and Drelev freed, we need only Tamary to seal the deal."
"Meanwhile, their economy is in shambles. I propose we spend some effort here helping them get back on their feet whilst we plan our next rescue."
As Taranis speaks, you turn over in you minds the strategic situation in the aftermath of the Baron's demise. Today is the [color=teal]20th of Desnus[/color], coincidentally the 4th anniversary of the founding of Varnhold. The usual petitioners will gather in Tatzylford (per the temporary relocation of court) for Sarenith's business of state in less than two weeks' time, though some slight delay in your return might be forgiven by your subjects, given the circumstances.
The Marchland Shields, under the nominal generalship of Unrak, are currently holding a defensive position on the western side of Wyvernstone Bridge. The Tatzylford Terrors remain garrisoned in Tatzylford. While Drelev's main force in Fort Drelev has disintegrated, his nominal ally Armag of the Tiger Lords has a sizeable army (and some hostages, including Tamary Numesti) somewhere in the hills northwest of the town. Some remnants of Drelev's own forces may also turn to banditry in the hinterlands, and could rally into a dangerous force once the shock of the Baron's death wears off.
And though the townsfolk in Fort Drelev are warming to the heroes from the east, attempting to annex the town prematurely could prove disastrous.
It takes just a day of travel across the plains to reach Wyvernstone Bridge. You are relieved to see that the Shields are still holding the bridge, and have even managed to replenish their numbers by recruiting a handful of Drelev's deserters.
John takes command of the Shields in a brief ceremony and promises to hold the bridge until your return, leaving you free to plan your westward excursion into the hills.
The Huntsmen pass back through the cloudberry fields and plunge into the hills. In the afternoon of [color=teal]21st Desnus[/color] Taranis settles on a hilltop to commune with the world around him, and promptly announces that there is a large concentration of people in the hills to the west.
The Huntsmen press westward. Towards sunset you crest a hill to see the light of a large campfire in the valley below you, with the smoke of other fires spread just out of sight to the north and west of you, each black tendril rising against the tableau of a fading sun. In the nearest campsite, dozens of people dressed in furs and animal skins mill about with various tasks; some are armed with axes. Three deer roast on spits at the edge of the fire. A bloody banner with three white gashes painted on it stands by the entrance to the camp.
Question: can we work together (ie. Aid Another) on the recon Rules?
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Question: can we work together (ie. Aid Another) on the recon Rules?
"By the pricking of my thumbs..." Taranis drinks deep of the cooling air. "Let's see what we're dealing with."
The duke will take the form of a bird, and reconnoiter.
Unrak follows his brother's lead, trailing behind & below, keeping his own eyes peeled.
Point of order: is this "unclaimed wilderness?" If so, Taranis & Unrak both get +2 perception...
Bytor follows along and tries to learn as much as he can through observation.
Point of order: is this "unclaimed wilderness?" If so, Taranis & Unrak both get +2 perception...
Taranis takes the form of a great eagle-owl and wings into the darkening sky. From the vantage of the air, he sees many things.
Taranis returns hours later to share his findings.
----------
"I don't fancy taking on a force like this alone, but I'd like to get our own forces a bit closer, and then I'd like to see if we can cut the head of his bear off and scatter the rest to Gozreh's breath."
Taranis picks up enough of the conversation to learn that Armag and the hostages are indeed here---or at least somewhere very nearby. It is curious that Armag is not leading the force himself.
Exploring this tract of hillscape will be tricky, given the hostile force encamped here, but you think you can do it.
Taranis most definitely turns to a bird again.
"grrrrrr"
Unrak grins, and simply walks out into the wilderness. He is confident he can pass as a barbarian--hell, he IS one--and will use his force of will if confronted to convince any passers-by he is scouting.
Bytor explores the hillside being as discreet and unnoticeable as possible.
Unrak grins, and simply walks out into the wilderness. He is confident he can pass as a barbarian--hell, he IS one--and will use his force of will if confronted to convince any passers-by he is scouting.
The exploration proceeds---slowly. Taranis and Bytor are able to move relatively unseen, along with Toth and Gozrek, but Augrym and Unrak are frequently spotted and it usually takes quick thinking---or seeming truly insane---to get them out of trouble again. You find the spot you are looking for around midday on [color=teal]25th Desnus[/color]: a small box canyon at the edge of a small forest some way west of the main force. Nestled against the sides of a 50-foot cliff is a ring of 11 circular tents, a fenced-in area with two dozen horses, and a large wooden cage with a roof made of leather.
The camp's sentries are on high alert for "crazed man-bear with a head wreathed in flame" so it does not take long for them to notice you. The nearest gives a mighty roar, points at Unrak with his axe, and charges forward with lethal intent.
+2 if Surprise
+2 if Surprise
Round I
1. Gozrek, Augrym, Bytor, Taranis, Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians
Taranis, in human form, quickly begins to summon some help. The loss of John will be acute here. With a whistle to Toth, combat begins!
Gozrek rushes forward, seizing the advantage and trying to drop a guard before he even knows what hits him:
for
for
As a move action, Bytor begins a bardic performance to Inspire Courage!
"Whether by night or day, the huntsmen with have their way!"
As a standard action, he then casts haste upon the party!
Unrak looks at his companions and shrugs. Coulda worked...
He then looks back to the fray, and casts a spell which makes his skin visibly harden . Then he moves next to Toth, so they can stand at each other's backs, and he waves the closest foe toward him with an evil, anticipatory grin!
Current conditions:
Inspire + Haste: +3/+2
Haste: +1 AC, Ref, attack w/FA
Ironskin: +5 AC
Current AC: 31
Toth, an actual tiger, rips the nearest Tiger "Lord" to ribbons. Gozrek burns another horribly with two snakes of angry flame, but he staggers on amid a scream of defiance.
Bytor lends his trademark encouragement, while Unrak tells himself to get tough.
Round I
1. Gozrek, Augrym, Bytor, Taranis, Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians (orange @ 54 dmg, half movement 2 rounds)
Augrym moves in and attacks, studying his target on his way.
Augrym cuts down the burnt one a moment after Gozrek's blast lands.
More Tiger Lords come bursting out of various tents and running towards the sound of fighting, screaming with rage in a language that only Taranis comprehends.
"FOR ARMAG! FOR ARMAG THE TWICE-BORN!!!"
Two close with Augrym quickly enough to try their steel. One draws blood.
HIT
MISS
Another emerges from a nearby tent to hurl a throwing axe at Toth, finding a chink in the big cat's barding.
THREAT Nope
The others simply close.
Round II
1. Gozrek, Augrym (91/106 hp), Bytor, Taranis (Toth 72/83 hp), Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians
"You know what's better than a tiger on the battlefield?"
"Two."
Pouncing Augmented Summon Tiger:
for
for
for
for
Taranis replies in...
Taranis then makes a motion akin to scooping sand into his hands as sharp skree and rubble rip the ground up.
"ROAR!!!"
for
for
for
for
for
Bytor spends the round summoning a Celestial Wolf!
Toth mauls another barbarian to death while Taranis puts another tiger on the field. The latter gets in a few good scrapes. A strained retort comes from the east amid some groaning about sprained ankles and stubbed toes.
"You lie! We will kill puny bearded man for Armag!"
Bytor summons yet more help.
Round II
1. Gozrek, Augrym (91/106 hp), Bytor, Taranis (Toth 72/83 hp), Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians (yellow @ 44 dmg, white @ 8 dmg)
Unrak roars out AND EVEN BETTER IS TWO TIGERS
He roars out in rage and closes with the enemy near his brother, taking a mighty swing.
Current conditions:
RAGE
Inspire + Haste: +3/+2
Haste: +1 AC, Ref, attack w/FA
Ironskin: +5 AC
Current AC: 29
Gozrek dashes around, using his enhanced speed to get there safely. Opposite Unrak, he draws steel and sticks it to the enemy:
for
Unrak and Augrym each score a single blow---Gozrek's thrust is parried at the last moment.
The Tiger Lords settle into the joys of combat, confident in their numbers and fanatically devoted to their leader.
HIT
HIT
HIT
MISS
MISS
One of the reinforcements from the other end of the camp manages to get a shot in at the summoned tiger. The rest simply close.
HIT
Round III
1. Gozrek (43/52 hp), Augrym (91/106 hp), Bytor, Taranis (79/91 hp, Toth 72/83 hp, tiger 22/45 hp), Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians (yellow @ 44 dmg, white @ 8 dmg, black @ 28 dmg, orange @ 17 dmg)
Taranis steps back and brings forth a wall of fire!
The summoned tiger fights back!
for
for
for
for
Toth goes after the foe south of him:
for
for
for
for
for
Gozrek delays a moment until Unrak regains the flank, then he opens up:
for
for
Taranis calls forth a roaring inferno as his tigers do their work. Toth shreds another barbarian, while his weaker counterpart nearly undoes another. The fire does the rest for him (though singing the tiger a bit too). Gozrek gives as good as he got.
Round III
1. Gozrek (43/52 hp), Augrym (91/106 hp), Bytor, Taranis (79/91 hp, Toth 72/83 hp, tiger 20/45 hp), Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians (white @ 29 dmg; grey @ 10 dmg; black @ 56 dmg; orange @ 17 dmg)
A powerful canine appears, licks its white teeth, and then strikes at Orange.
Meanwhile, Bytor moves closer and shoots his bow at the same target.
Bytor's summoned help bites down on the Tiger Lord's ankle, eliciting a howl of displeasure. The professor's own volley is ill-timed for the churning melee.
Round III
1. Gozrek (43/52 hp), Augrym (91/106 hp), Bytor, Taranis (79/91 hp, Toth 72/83 hp, tiger 20/45 hp), Unrak
2. Tiger Lord Barbarians (white @ 29 dmg; grey @ 10 dmg; black @ 56 dmg; orange @ 23 dmg)
Unrak takes advantage of the flank, does a quick shuffle-step, and uses the magical speed of Bytor's spell to eviscerate the foe between him and Gozrek.
Current conditions:
RAGE
Inspire + Haste: +3/+2
Haste: +1 AC, Ref, attack w/FA
Ironskin: +5 AC
Flank: +2
Current AC: 29
<--Threat #1!!
<--Threat #2!!