Cain has been sitting back listening to the debate. Finally he decides to chime in.
"Why not stage the trap here, then it won't matter what direction they come from. We have all the cover and height advantage we could ask for here. Pile the goods in the center of the compound like a peace offering, keep our gracious hosts out of sight, open the gates, and let them ride right in. When we want, we drop the gate closed and open fire from the roofs. We could even let Shade and Acalon have a little trample tantrum if we are feeling festive."
Cain quietly ponders his thoughts for a moment before turning back to Svetlana. "Might I ask though, how have you managed to avoid trouble even up to a few months ago without hiring guards this close to the wildlands?"
Standing around and doing nothing is as fun as running out of ale. Planning is for geeks and squeaks, I aint no coward.
<looks at the as yet to be named dwarf>
"Well my meaty friend, not all of us are as solid as you are, so planning is our way of preventing our untimely deaths. Call us squishy as much as you want, but I want to keep this fight to our advantage as much as possible."
<looks at Acalon>
"I know you and Shade work best in the open where you can get up to full gallop, but the tactical superiority of this fort cannot be ignored, in this respect I agree with Cael and Cain. I do agree with you that we need to be concerned about retaliation, but if we can get information from one of the bandits, we can take the fight to them, preventing retaliation on the fort. If that fails, hopefully we can at least figure out where they came from, then I think we could make a nice spectacle of corpses a few miles away, so it looks like they were 'cleaned up' on the way here."
nods in agreement
"All in all even if we get a perfect ambush out in the open odds are at least one runner can get away. Once they are in the fort they won't be getting out unless we are outnumbered by an absurd amount."
Grins at Reynard,
"You have a right devious mind there when it comes to the corpses and are quite right... doesn't have to look like they ever got here; heck we can even make it look like they took off with the loot this time if we wanted to lay a false trail for a day or two." "So unless there be some major objections or more information", glances at Acalon and then at Svetlana and Oleg, "I say we make our plans and then get some sleep so that we are rested and alert tomorrow when we will need to be. It could turn out to be a rather long day. O ya and still should set up a watch rotation for the night never know when they might change there plans and show up early!"
Svetlana sits there for a bit, but as it seems to be decided that they will help she stands with a smile and starts to busy herself with the duties of a proper hostess. As she does so Oleg comes back out and takes a seat, starting up the fire.
"We're much obliged for the help," he grumbles. "The guest house is fixed up for ya, you're welcome to stay there. It's only got four beds, though. If it makes any difference, we only knew you were coming because a trader came through from Restov with word. I doubt the bandits here have heard anything about you. Nobody's been interested in the goings on south of here for a long time. I don't figure they recon on anyone starting now."
"Watches are a good idea, and we should plan to all be up two hours before dawn. Cael and Cain you could have a pretty good firing position from the ramparts on either side of the gate, or from the roof of the stable. However once melee has begun you'll have to decide what to do from there, I really prefer not to get shot in the back.
Acalon it is ultimately up to you, but I don't think you'll have a very good time maneuvering Shade inside the fort. However, should one of the bandits get away you would be able to run them down. A possibility would be you could position yourself outside the fort, and I could magically Message you once they are inside, you could then come galloping in through the gate and make lance-kabobs out of them.
My dwarven friend I know you're best just with the frontal assault, but we need to keep you from view until all the bandits are inside the fort, unfortunately you're as stealthy as an ox wearing a bell, so I'm thinking you could take up position inside the storage shed.
As for Edi and I, I was thinking of putting Edi in the guest house, so he can advance from that direction, and I can take a flanking position from the stables. As usual I'll start with my crossbow before using my staff.
Of course all of this is my opinion, so all of you please let me know your thoughts."
"I agree with Reynard, you pretty much described what I had in mind. if no one objects I will take the position on the walkway just beside the gate south of the stables. This way i can shoot while i have clear targets and drop down to help block the gate if necessary. With the five of us here if we get started on the sleep soon we can each take a 2 hour shift and still get a solid nights sleep. I'll volunteer for one of the mid shifts, am used to standing light night watches."
Looks over at Acalon,
"With him and shade assaulting the bandits from the gate I don't think we have to worry too much about them getting out but still good to have archers in position to take possible runners."
Looks back to Reynard,
"If you can give magical communication to Acalon I say we leave it to you to call the attack unless something unexpected happens and the party gets kicked off early then as they say, it all goes to the hands of the gods."
"This is probably the best plan we can come up with given what we know. I'm not sure about charging through the gates, though. Given the need to stay out of sight while they approach, it would be challenging to get lined up on a target. I can certainly try, or I'm quite comfortable fighting on foot."
<to just Acalon>
"Acalon, it was merely a suggestion. And yes it would require you staying out of sight, likely behind the fort, so it would take time for you to get all the way around and through the gate.
Never the less, it would at least be wise to have Shade saddled and ready, even if you are fighting on foot, just in case we aren't able to contain the bandits."
<to everyone>
"Without a massive horse charging through the gates, we'll have to shut them as soon as the bandits come inside. It will take two to do this, and whoever it is will be a target as soon as the doors start to move. I figure some yelling, a volley of arrows and bolts, and two armored fighters should get their attention elsewhere. Thus I was thinking Edi and I could close the gates, as we can communicate silently with each other from opposite sides of the fort."
"Cael would be our lookout I figure, and I can act as the communication hub through my Message spell. Cael will let me know how many bandits he sees coming, and when they're close I'll relay that to everyone. Cael keeps watching to see if all of them enter the fort, if they all do, then Edi and I close the gates, Cael and Cain shout as a diversion and a signal while they open fire. The shout is a signal for our dwarf and Acalon to charge into the fray, and once the gate is shut Edi and I will flank the bandits. We should be able to mop them up pretty easily that way.
IF one or more of the bandits remains outside the fort, then Edi and I will run out to engage the stragglers, and the shouting, shooting, and melee can proceed as previously outlined.
Lastly, if there are a LOT still outside, we'll close the gates, bar the gate, and focus on the ones inside first, then figure out what to do with the ones outside."
"Any objections to this plan? Does that about cover the bases?"
"That should cover the plan basics, I think. Do try and remember that we want at least one of them alive."
"Well does anyone have a way to disable someone without killing them? Or are we just going to have to try not to outright kill one of them, and extract a death-bed confession from them?"
"Works for me, was just thinking maybe if we get a little Lazy and only have one of the gates open it wouldn't be suspicious and cut down on the time it takes to close off the escape rout. One open gate is plenty for the traffic that the post is getting. On the keeping one alive there is usually at least one person that will try to give up if the odds are greatly against them.... If the odds are against us i say fight as normal and hope to the gods that at least one of them can be patched up by or friend Cain, at least enough to talk too!"
Looks around and nods,
"And if no one has more to add am going to get some shut eye, wake me for my lookout shift and I want to be up at least an hour before dawn!"
"Well does anyone have a way to disable someone without killing them? Or are we just going to have to try not to outright kill one of them, and extract a death-bed confession from them?"
"Well, we could just bar the gate and offer them a chance to surrender, then beat them if they refuse. Otherwise, we'll probably just need to hope that we beat them almost to death."
"I volunteer for first watch, since I'm one of the few without the ability to see in complete darkness. Edi will help me as it gets darker. He also sleeps more like a cat, so he'll be up at times throughout the night."
"I'll take the last watch, so I have at least the sunrise to see by."
As he walks into the bunkhouse
"Don't forget to wake me for the mid watch and Acalon if you can make sure i am up just before the sunrise I'd much appreciate it."
He finds a bunk stows his gear under it his bow a quiver and sword just under the edge of the bunk so he has but to drop his arm over the edge to grab them and goes to sleep.
+ 2 if any humans involved.
<Takes first watch, has Edi with him>
Perception Red:
Perception Edi (60 ft darkvision):
<I also have Edi keep watch with Cain, whether that is 2nd or 4th watch>
Perception Edi (60 ft darkvision):
The night passes all to quickly, but quietly. Before you know it Oleg and Svetlana are up, going about their chores. Before the sun has risen they are getting things ready for the bandit's arrival. Oleg starts to set out the trade goods that the bandits will be expecting him to give them while Svetlana makes breakfast. The smell of fresh bacon and eggs wafts about the fort, waking any who are not already awake.
Red goes about identifying where he and Edi can wait out of sight, yet still be able to make a clear run at the gates. He also does everything he can to make sure the path they have to run is clear of obstacles.
"Cael, you should probably take up your position on the rampart and start watching for their approach. Try to give us as much time as you can to get ready."
He positions Edi beside the stables, tucked underneath the walkway, up against the palisade wall, far enough back that hopefully he won't be seen, but less that 100 feet from where Red will be, and closer than 60 feet to the gate, so he can see the bandits even in the dark. Edi will use the link to count off to Red how many bandits have entered the fort.
Red uses his Message spell to keep checking with Cael, once he is in place. Once the bandits are spotted, Red positions himself between the bunk house and the outer wall of the fort, just around the corner from the gate. He then keeps checking with Cael for updates on what the bandits are doing. He relays this information to Acalon and the Dwarf, so they can be ready. He asks Cael for the number of bandits. When they get within 100 feet of the of the fort (or as close as the bandits might possibly be able to hear a whisper), he goes silent, but keeps Message open and locked on Cael. Cael should only break the silence if one or more of the bandits appears to be waiting outside and not coming in the gate.
One of two things will happen at that point, if Cael says they're not all coming in, then Red and Edi will sprint out the gate towards the bandits outside. Or, once Edi has counted off the last bandit has entered the fort, Red and Edi will sprint towards the gates to close them. Hopefully we can catch the bandits flat-footed.
Nods at Red and takes up 2 quivers of arrows his bow and sword. grabs one more slice of bacon and heads to the south west corner tower. He finds a comfortable place where he can see between the logs and have a good view of the front of the post using his backpack as a seat.
+2 if human
He will relay what he sees through this message spell to red.
If all the bandits come inside will wait for red to act and then will stand up and start shooting at the nearest targets giving priority first to any archers and then to the leader. will be taking a 5 foot step closer along the walkway each round to close the distance to the fight.
If just a few bandits are outside will take shots at either outside or inside bandits depending on how the fight looks to be going.
First shot at bandits would be
+2 if human opponents
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range
The sky begins to lighten as everyone finishes up with their breakfast and gets to their posts. All too soon it can be seen climbing into the Eastern sky, illuminating the open fields around the fort and glistening off the morning dew.
No more than an hour after sunrise Cael's eyes spot a small group of riders approaching from the south. They don't seem to be in any hurry, and it seems to take forever for them to come close enough to make them out more definitely.
When they do Cael can make out four riders with two more horses being led behind. The riders are letting their horses walk the distance while they talk and joke amiably with each other. At least, three of them are talking. The lead rider seems at least aloof, and at worse grimly determined.
I cast Magic Fang on Edi's bite at the last possible moment before running to my position, and then Shield on myself. Both last 1 minute at my level. Hopefully there is some time left on the spells once the melee begins.
Cain will drop inspiring word on Cael right before his first shot
Cain Sits up and tests his bowstring and whispers under his breath.
"looks like only four of them all mounted with two pack horses. I'll spread the word on any weapons once i can see them. They don't appear to worried except the leader and I bet he just annoyed that the thugs aren't paying attention. My bet is they all come inside, stand ready"
Nocks an arrow and gives it a slight pull before releasing all pressure and looking back at the approaching targets.
As the bandits come closer, Cael can make out that each of them are armed with a longbow. No other weapons are easily visible but smaller weapons (short swords, hand axes and the like) could be hidden under their cloaks.
They all ride through the gate without a care and right into the courtyard before dismounting.
"Well Oleg, looks like you're getting the idea finally," the leader shouts to him. "Boys, get that stuff loaded up," he calls back to his men, who immediately set about to just that task. "Hey, Oleg, where's that wife a yours eh? Hidin' in the house? Maybe I should pay her a visit, eh? Don't want her feeling lonely now do we?"
Looks down row at Redand whispers "NOW NOW NOW" as he begins to move. He stands up and doesn't give any warning just shoots the bandit leader and pulls another arrow as he moves down the walkway looking for targets.
Edi and Red bolt/sprint for the doors, while howling/yelling (as a signal to Acalon and the dwarf to come out). Edi gets to his first (due to speed and proximity), pushes his side closed, then immediately turns to engage the bandits, putting himself between the bandits and Red. Red gets to his door just a moment later (same round if I'm reading the distance rules right), he pushes his door shut, then locks/bars it (only if it takes no more than a round though).
Cain waits for Cael's arrow before firing his own at one of the other men to help with the ambush/chaos feel.
There definitely is a sense of chaos as people and arrows start jumping out of the woodwork.
Cael's arrow flies true, striking one of the bandits in the right shoulder and releasing a satisfying cry of pain and surprise. Cain's bolt, however, passes just shy of the same bandit as he ducks down in pain from the first shot.
Hearing the commotion begin Acalon rushes out of the stables towards the bandit leader.
Cael races down the walkway to get a better angle on his targets and releases another shot down on the surprised thugs. He mutters under his breath "not this time"
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range
As the ambush starts in earnest, Oleg retreats into his house. He's no warrior, and his aid was never part of the deal.
Cael's arrow targets the same bandit that he had hit before, this time pinning him through the leg and toppling him to the ground, unmoving.
Edi moves straight up to the bandit due north of him, and bites at him:
Crit roll:
Yeah, not going to get the crit...
Damage:
Red uses Spell-like ability Summon Monster to summon a Celestial Eagle 25ft north of his position (1 square south of the bandit), creature remains for 1 minute.
Eagle can act the round it is summoned, and since I can't communicate with it, it will attack its nearest enemy, this is what I figure it would do:
It takes a 5 foot free move north, casts Smite Evil as a swift action on that bandit, then full-attacks:
Bite:
Damage:
+ 1 if bandit is evil
Talon 1:
Damage:
+ 1 if bandit is evil
Talon 2:
Damage:
+ 1 if bandit is evil
Edi moves straight up to the bandit due north of him, and bites at him:
1d20 + 3
Crit roll:
1d20 + 3
Yeah, not going to get the crit...
Damage:
1d6 + 2
I forgot about Magic Fang, so +1 to the attack and damage. Still probably doesn't crit, but x2 if it does.
The chaos amidst the bandits only grows as weird otherworldly creatures and eagles summoned from nothing attack them from the gates. As one goes down in a flurry of talons and wings, the other cries out as Edi strikes him and begins looking for a way out of this death trap. Seeing the horse as his only out, he makes a dive forward for one of the pack horse, barely dodging an attack from the crazy beast before him. Mounting the horse, he kicks it in the flanks, spurring it towards the open gate as fast as it'll go. He just manages to make it through the gate, past the wild swing of Red's staff.
Seeing his henchmen either dead or fleeing, the leader growls in frustration and, taking a step back, levels an arrow at Acalon. "Fine! I'll take you all out myself! Then the woman as payment for my trouble." He lets fly, the arrow catching Acalon directly in the chest and sending him back a few steps from the force of the impact before falling onto his back, his eyes closed.
Cael yells "Get the leader" as he spins tracking the fleeing thug. He pulls back the bowstring and lets fly at the bandits back.
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range
+2 if human +1 if inside of 30 ft range