Seneon walks around to Magnus. He jumps up and down, waving a hand in Magnus's face, trying to stop him from staring at Elaris.
When he fails, he walks over to Karl.
A drink would be fine.
Elaris beams at Liam, soaking up his flattery. Reaching out, she pats him gently on the cheek, "You're sweet. Daring-do? I hope to see more! For t'would be a sorry tale to tell if there was none to come!"
She notices Magnus's level gaze and returns it for a moment, one full eyebrow raised questioningly. Then, she spins around to face Eric, "Quite the collection you've assembled, Eric." she comments, her hand outstretched languidly toward Karl, waiting for that drink.
Well, says Eric looking a bit abashed, Forsetta provides.
Very well, I'll leave you to it.
You spend the rest of the evening drinking on the remains of Erics purse that he seemed to have inadvertently left behind and set off the next morning.
Given that the current law is to ride horses facing the tail you lead your mounts a goodly distance beyond the small city (or large town) or Rhoona before riding towards the mountains, the location of the shrine.
The first day out of town there are no issues and your camp is left undisturbed. On the second day, late afternoon you can hear the bleating of goats and sheep, as well as foreign shouts.
The area is still wooded but quite hilly as it leads into the mountains.
Goats and Sheep! Perhaps they are in need of rescue!!!! Aukan bellows and moves towards the sound. If there were a word that meant the opposite of Stealthy...Aukan would represent it.
Karl just sighs and moves after Aukan, as he says over his shoulder,
Welcome to the party of the headstrong, Elaris and Seneon.
Over the next hill Aukan spies an Ethangarian caravan of sorts. It looks like they are herding a few hundred sheep and goats. Aukan can make out at least 8 armed riders moving around and through the caravan on a close patrol. There are a number of boys or young men on foot who look to the livestock.
There are 3 curiously designed covered wagons as well, being driven by a pair of men on each wagon.
Liam looks to the lovely Elaris as Aukan strides forward so boldly, I guess we all protect that which we love. He says with a witting grin.
With any chance of secrecy ruined, Liam will make his way toward the caravan. offering a helping hand to Elaris, as well as any that may need it.
Seneon darts ahead to Aukan.
"Oooohh, wonder what's in the caravans?"
Elaris' face takes on a pinched look momentarily at the 'foreign' shouts, but that clears quickly as she smiles at Liam's gallantry, taking his hand at time as the ascend.
Reaching the top of the rise, she stands , arms crossed. Nodding, with wry smile, she says "Ah, some of my cousins. Though I think the goats and sheep are safe enough."
Elaris' face takes on a pinched look momentarily at the 'foreign' shouts, but that clears quickly as she smiles at Liam's gallantry, taking his hand at time as the ascend.
Reaching the top of the rise, she stands , arms crossed. Nodding, with wry smile, she says "Ah, some of my cousins. Though I think the goats and sheep are safe enough."
Liam glance at Elaris you sure? Aukan is with us after all.
Magnus follows the others towards the caravan. He keeps to mind the charm of sleep, just in case the group turns out to be hostile.
Elaris glances back at Liam,"Indeed, my people take the shepharding of their flocks very seriously. Their lives depend on it. As for Aukan," she says as the large warrior barrels down the hill, "He may just find yonder caravanserai a mite inhospitable to his 'rescue' efforts. You should call him back before blood is shed."
She raises her hand in the air and calls out clear and loud a standard greeting of friendship in the Ethangarian tongue.
Karl places a hand on Aukan's shoulder.
This may not be the time to show your battle skills, my friend. Let's see what the newcomer has to say with words.
The herders looks surprised to see you and even more so to be hailed in their own language. Four of the riders peel off and approach you.
They speak to the bard in a harsh but flowing language.
Aukan looks dejected that he cannot rescue the sheep...or smash someone's face. You aren't sure which one saddens him more.
Liam goes to Aukan, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, do not fear, when all this is over I will buy you your very own sheep. I may even hire some goblins to try and steal it from you as well.
It's ok. You know what comforts me when I'm down. BEER! Except we ran out of beer.... That's not good.
Elaris smiles easily and stands relaxed under the rider's harsh questions,
"Your lands? I did not realize Ethangardia laid claim to these hills. The River-Sea people lay claim as well, don't they? As for me, I travel and entertain, " she says, indicating the lute on her back, "It pays to know the languages and customs of a great man peoples. These are my companions, we journey together, for protection..."
Elaris interally debates revealing her more noble heritage in order to cow the riders, but that just might reveal herself and the others to more danger. No, it was best to give little truths and be on their way.
The riders appear to take some umbrage at her words but her manner of speaking, her words and her explanation do much to make the riders relax.
We are merchants and herders, they say, speaking in thickly accented Common. We judge ourselves one, maybe two days away from Rhoona - have you anything to share about the road? We will share about our road in return.
There is nothing on the road, no bandits, nothing exciting.
Beware of monstrous creatures. They move here in the wilderness so say the traders before us. Also we saw, a long ways off, something large in the skies. What it was we cannot say but it was no bird... That much is certain, they say, honouring the exchange.
They make their farewells and push on.
Your path seperates from the traders track and heads up into the mountains going by a smaller less travelled route. Soon it is dark and you set up camp.
Watch order? 3 watches or 4?
I will take the early morning watch, as I will be up with my prayers.
Aukan grunts, he's a heavy sleeper and so doesn't like being woken Aukan will take the first watch.
I'll take next watch!!
Elaris relaxes noticably when they move away from the Ethangarian caravan, but she retains her normal haughty pose when remounted.
In the camp, she voices her preference for the last watch with Karl "I rise early most days also, so that would pose no hardship."
After helping getting a fire and food prepares, she sits by the flames and tunes her lute. She plays a light, festive air out of Glantri, her voice soft and low in the dwindling daylight.
Karl smiles broadly at Elaris as she plays and sings softly.
Thank you, Elaris. That is very nice.
He quickly doses off and awaits his wake-up call for prayers and the early watch.
The night itself passes quietly but the last watch, as the dawn arises sees the arrival of two large playmates who stumble into camp, clubs raised.
Ogre initiative
So it would be actions for pre-combat - with a move action needed to wake a party member - and then actions for round 1. Those being waken assume that you lose a move action or a standard action rising.
Karl just finishes his prayers to Frey when he hears the shambling monsters approach. He quickly moves around the camp kicking and shouting everyone awake when he hears the Ogres coming forth.
Karl throws his head back and raises his hands as he calls down the blessing of Frey on Aukan, Liam and Seneon. They feel the power of the god flowing through Karl and entering them as they awaken.
Elaris greets whomever wakes her with a bright smile. She strings her bow and begins a slow circuit of the camp, humming softly under her breath.
At one point, she stops beside Karl and asks, "Karl, do you know any hymns that you'd be willing to..." her question was inturrupted by Karl's hand, and the noise of two ogres stomping towards them.
She races around , helping Karl rouse the others, then takes up position on the side of the camp opposite thd ogres,arrow knocked and ready....
Aukan grumbles What now! Aukan must rest, the Battle Spirit is most strong when it has its sleep!
Ogres approach!
While camping, Liam decides it best to give the lovely Elaris her space. he does not make any advances nor fumble over her. of which she is probably most grateful.
however it does not stop him from occasionally glancing her direction.
eventually he drifted to sleep. and then it was barely a blink of an eye when Liam is awakened.
Grabbing his sword and shield Liam leaps to his feet.
unfortunately he mis-judged the headroom under the tree and whacked his head on a low hanging branch.
Shrugging off the embarrassment like he planned that to happen, Liam joins the others ready to face the approaching danger.
Ogres Shmogers, I once fought a three headed ettin. this should be a piece of cake
realizing nobody would believe his story, would you believe three ravenous guard dogs?
Seneon jumps up, a smile on his face.
Hello! Good morning Karl!
Upon seeing the ogres, the smile dissapears.
Ogres...not good!
Seneon draws his shortsword. Under his breath he says:
This is almost as bad as no beer! At least I can help my family fighting ogres!
Round 1
Party up
Aukan staggers to his feet and grabs his axe in both hands
Now! Who will pay for waking Aukan! My Battle Spirit is angry! You will not like it when it is angry! Aukan rages!
Seneon drops his shortsword, grabs his short bow and launches an arrow at one ogre.
Add to the attack.
Liam stands ready, guarding the archers from danger.
Stepping up on a nearby rock to improve her sight, Elaris smiles at Aukan's loud protestations, "You'll have some ogres upon which to vent your frustrations, Aukan!" she exclaims.
She watches the ogres progress for a moment , before transferring bow and arrow to one hand, the other rising to point in the direction of the ogres.
She sing-songs a few syllables then flicks her hand , as if trying to get some water off of them.
As the ogres pass through the area just in front of them, blobs of luminousity appear in the air , enlightening some bushes and trees , and the ogres themselves if they aren't quick enough...
"What is all this noise....Ogres!", the sleepy wizard exclaims as he jumps from his warm and comfortable bedroll. He quickly calls to mind the sleep charm he so often uses, and begins to mutter the words of the spell, centring it on the lead ogre.
Cast Sleep (level 2):
The ogres don't even blink! at Magnus's spell.
Senions arrow hits the lead ogre.
However, if Aukan has more actions available he charges at the nearest Ogre with his Axe held high
Face my Battle Spirit!
Aukan also strikes true on the lead ogre.
Between the arrow and the axe it appears rocked.
The lead ogre attacks Aukan and the 2nd lumbers past the barbarian (have a AoO) to Liam who is guarding the others.
for
for
Glancing at the lovely Elaris Fear not fair maiden, These Ogres have chosen the wrong one to tussle with.
and with a leap and forward flip, Liam springs to action taking advantage of the dazzled ogres fending off the magical Faerie Fire.
And much to Liam's surprise (though he does not let that show) his maneuver is executed without flaw and he is able to find a weakness in the ogre's hide, plunging his blade into the soft opening.
he quickly withdraws the blade as he spins to slam his shield onto the ogre's knee.
Seneon drops his bow and picks up his sword. He scurries to Liam.
He yells back to Elaris
Ms. Elaris, I think Liam likes you!
He attacks the ogre while it is distracted by Liam.
Crit! Roll dice twice! ( the 4d6 is double my sneak attack(2d6 normally))
Seneon's attack hits a vital spot, and blood sprays everywhere.
Look what I did Liam, maybe I should become a swords man!
Karl moves up next to Aukan and attacks the Ogre he is engaged with with his Mace.
Surprised that both creatures simply shrugged off his spell, Magnus cast a more physical enchantment. This time, 3 glowing red darts fly from the wizards hand to strike the lead ogre.
Magic Missile:
Aukan swings his axe again, having narrowly dodged the earlier attack (ACis14 right now)
HAH! Take that foul Ogre!