She looks at the horizon then speaks up
If needed, i will shroud the area in darkness, not enough to hide everyone, but enough to give us some hiding advantage. Just ask and i will help out where i can.
Kazz looks thoughtful at Zartana's suggestion, "It might be worthwhile to shroud the archers in darkness if we come under return fire. I'm always more comfortable fighting in the dark."
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As dawn breaks you are all reminded of how little time you have before the bandits are expected to arrive.
In the next little bit it's possible that people get left out simply because of how quickly things move. Consider that perhaps your character was exhausted by the long journey the previous day, followed by the celebration and then a lack of sleep. Or they were keeping an eye out on a different side of the trading post and missed the action. Or you may have battled a few brigands 'off-screen'.
There is no sign of the bandits yet and those civilians who are sober enough to rise have scuttled off at first light.
Here's a page I put together with some relevant details. I'll update this and add more as it becomes relevant.
Natalya looks thoughtful
We need to be careful with so many combatants, especially if we have a group of archers and a group of melee fighters. If we don't appoint someone as overall commander, and given we have scant hours left I don't want to be spending them arguing over who has the better battle-mind. she indicates the large number of fighters around.
So I'd suggest archers firing one salvo, then the melee team rush in afterwards to prevent friendly fire. If necessary we can drop cover over the archer team when the melee fighters charge in. Also, she indicates Miyuki as suggested by Miyuki, the arcane element will know better than we do how they can assist at any point, so we'll leave them to their own devices. Just tell us if you'll be doing anything we need to get out of the way for!
She looks around to see how everyone is reacting to her suggestion.
Do we want to set up a bale of hay and have some of you having a friendly wager firing at it? Others can be watching or going about their business. We need to be ready but not obvious, otherwise they'll get tipped off. What are your thoughts so far?
Marlani has already started into the ale, and stands by to provide inspiration; both verbal and liquid.
White eagle was resting outside by the stables. when just as dawn begins to break. He opens his eyes. morning silence is broken by the screech on an eagle as it flies over and lands on the roof of the stable.
Riders approach, from the South!
he gets up and grabs his spear. then ushers Sikem into the stable for safety.
he looks up at Elangomat Stay out of the way could be arrows
CWE heads to the Southern wall. to try and get a better visual.
[ooc:] Going to bed so if the fight unfolds while I am asleep, this is what Miyuki will do. She will take very liberal use of the spell sleep in the battle. She will try to dive under the table at first sign of danger and use first her spells later ghost sound to trick people.[/ooc]
"If we could have a simple breakfast for multiple people set up on the tables outside? It would give me, and a few others, and excuse to be at hand and time appropriate. I will be sitting on a corner closer to the gate, but it seems the simplest way to justify being where I should be."
When Chief White Eagle announces the arrival of the riders, Aran acts with due haste. He moves to the left side of the gate, gesticulating to Kazz to do the same on the other side, stacks a few crates and barrels and conceals himself behind them.
He cocks his large crossbow, place it within his arms reach, and wait for the trap to be sprung.
The kayal nods as the others mention setting up a table, "Breakfast sounds like a good plan but some of our number should still take shelter out of sight. Too many bodies is likely to make them more cautious than they already would be. Oleg's is not often so busy."
At Aran gestures him over, Kazz shrugs and moves a pair of barrels to the other side of the door. Stringing his great bow he moves himself down behind them and out of sight.
Ammanas drifts away behind the barn ready to move out when the fighting starts.
Anton moves to the south walls, the west ones, near the SW catapult tower with his longbow. There he goes prone on the catwalk to better hide behind the palisade.
[ooc]I'm going to sleep now too. If the first round will be while I'm sleeping here is what Anton could do:
Hoping to get lucky with the initiative...
a) If at least 3 allies are within a 50-ft. burst, centered on himself, he stands up (move action) and casts (standard action) "Bless" giving himself and the allies a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effect for 1 minute (probably all the rest of the combat.
b) If less than 3 allies are within the 50-ft brust, or one of the bards is already using Inspire Courage in the same area, he stands up (move action) and casts (standard action) "Deadeye's Arrow" to attack the bandit leader or if he is already gone the nearest hostile bandit (who have not surrendered) with the arrow spell attack Electricity damage.
c) Especially if he is late in initiative, and some bandits are already trying to escape the ambush he stands up (move action) and casts (standard action) Entangle (range: 440 ft, area: plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread) to entangle them or their horses.
Hunter will hide outside. sneak up behind one of them and try to snap the neck for instant death, which will probably require multiple rolls.
and if cmb is needed, here you go.
Once it looks like things are going to get started, if Josef is close to multiple enemies, he will use Dazzling Display in an attempt to demoralize as many of them as he can. After that (or instead if the chance didn't manifest), he'll go into simple combat mode.
DC is 10+ opponent HD + opponent Wis Modifier, for each opponent (individually) within 30' of full round display.
Those who are demoralized are Shaken for 1 round, +1 round for every 5 by which the intimidate exceeds the target for that opponent.
Shaken - -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
As the woman walks away, Valkus can't help but look on in utter bemusement. It's not every day that I manage to talk a woman out of wanting me. He snorts and shakes his head as he accepts his ale from Svetlana. "Women."
Valkus steps up and claps Gareth on the shoulder. "Ambush or no ambush, I'm starving. What say we volunteer for breakfast duty?"
Gareth replies with a laugh "You never lose sight of your appetites. For one thing or another" he adds with a look in the direction of the nearest group of women.
During the battle he will take up position to the right side of the gate with his crossbow. If any bandits remain outside the gates he will fire and then sling the weapon and use his rapier thereafter.
At Chief White Eagle warning Dregan will follow Anton up to the SW catapult tower and string his bow in preparation. Then go peak out at the arriving horsemen.
Alexio gets what information he can from Oleg and spends some of the night planning for the arrival of the bandits in the morning.
"If the arrival of these bandits goes as expected, we certainly have little time to prepare. Before passing judgment on these bandits, I'd like to see them actually perform some banditry. I do not doubt your sincerity, Oleg, but I would be remiss in my duties to act without an observation or other evidence."
To everybody else, especially the archers and ranged combatants, "Should this all go as we expect, I will raise an alarm from inside the trading post. Hold your fire until you hear the word."
After the sun rises and everybody gets ready for the battle, Alexio sticks near to Oleg, hoping to see him actually be threatened extorted before taking action.
Grinning, Valkus returns the volley. "Life is hunger, dear Gareth, and I live to eat!"
Listening to the plans that everyone has been discussing about dealing with the bandits, Raven decides that in the morning she will join the archers. Less chance of them noticing me.
When morning comes, she dons her armor and collect her bow and arrows, moving to join anyone else going to the wall to prepare for the bandits.
Zartana takes a position close to archers, but also close enough so she can move within "scorching" reach
Miyuki will help Svetlana with the breakfast and in a quite moment lay her hand on Svetlana´s arm. When she looks up she will say: "If the bandits do not see you, they might be a bit startled, and I would really prefer if you were in safety. If you want to I can have you stand in the door of the inn, in bright view. You could stand behind the door and give voice to the illusion. Would you like that?"
When she covers maximum of the attackers with her spell, she will cast burning hands. DC15 Reflex Half
Kazz was it? she speaks up behind the dark skinned man. Smiling What brings one of your kind to here? Very odd indeed
Kazz smiles slightly in return, "One might say the same of you, my lady. In my case I've never lived with my own people. I was raised an orphan in Silverhall, it is thanks to Ammanas that I know anything of what it means to be kayal. The debt I owe my companion for his guidance is one I'm not certain I shall ever be able to repay."
Adopted myself. Raised by my current family. And here I am. Out in the world. So it seems we have a few things in common
Kazz's voice is heavy with sarcasm as he replies, Indeed, which family had the good grace to accept a horrid "eater of children" into their ranks? In my experience, many in Brevoy can be difficult to win over."
With a chuckle she replies
Orlovsky. But that rumor has given us loads of fun over the years
His ashen lips pull into a smirk, "I've no doubt. Still at least ostensibly you're here for the swordlord's charter, yes? The implications of this venture are vast. Might well be a chance to change a few things if all goes well."
Approaching slowly, all the while looking him straight in the eyes, Aran closes the distance between him and the big man with reddish skin and two eagle feathers.
"My name is Aran Innatven, formerly of the House Medvyed. I have grown in the open fields and ran through the green woods of Gronzi. I've drank from it's clear streams, used the sky as my blanket and stars as my guides. You seem like a man who shares similar beliefs. I am honored to met you"
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An hour after dawn a band of about 20 men on horseback arrive at the trading post. At their lead is a man wearing a hooded cloak fastened by a silver pin of a stag's skull. These are rangy men who have clearly been living rough.
As has been requested Svetlana has provided a big breakfast being served outside on the tables in front of the trading post.
The man at the head of the group has a composite longbow hung over his saddle horn. The others all have short bows over their shoulders and short swords at their hips.
As the group enters into the palisade the leader seems startled for a moment to see people about. Not everyone who is there is hidden, and not everyone who's hidden is doing so particularly well. He seems to decide something and then he motions for his men to dismount.
He calls out "Oleg, we are weary travelers in search of food and drink, will you see to my men?"
Oleg seems uncertain whleadergoing on, this is not the way he described things proceeding in previous instances, but Oleg is backed by nearly a score of adventurers so he doesn't feel intimidated. "You and yours are not welcome here. These people are here on the behalf of Restov and I charge you with banditry!" he yells confidently.
Any one with the Rostlander/River Lander, Pioneer or Brigand traits can attempt a knowledge local check.
From the back of his horse the bandit leader sneers. "That's a very serious charge Oleg. One you and your friends will quickly grow to regret." He looks to his men, "Get them."
The brigands quickly draw their short swords. The bandit leader snatches up his bow and nocks an arrow with practiced speed.
[ooc] Let the bedlam begin. I'm going to proceed with people who have already announced their actions in the first initiative block. Anyone missing from that block will have until the end of the day to chime in. If they don't by, say, 6pm EST, I'll proceed with the bandits and the second block. I know this pell-mell may be frustrating for some people, but we'll soon be past it. For everyone else, enjoy.
Block A consists of
- Alexio
- Josef
- White Eagle
- Natalya
- Raven
- Hunter
- Gareth
- Zartana
- Lorald
Then the Brigands
Block B
- Valkus
- Matsu
- Hithil
- Dregan
- Aran
- Kazz
- Marlani
In this combat you can also choose to fight indistinguishable bandit 1-20 or Bandit Leader Who is front and center still on his horse..
I also made some fort saves behind your backs for being up all night. So some of you may be fatigued as a result.
Anyone up on the wall/tower I'll grant a +1 tactical/terrain bonus to your ranged attack, since you can clearly see the whole area.
Without Further ado: the killing.
Things quickly erupt into pandemonium as the bandit horses become panicked and start to rear and scream.
Alexio is standing by Oleg to defend him. Let me know if you want to change it up to anything else, I'll accept a change up any time before group B goes.
Josef unleashes a dazzling display. Having never seen true Aldori swordsmanship all the bandits, including their leader, are left shaken.
White Eagle was up on the wall keeping an eye out at last report. Let me know what you have in mind.
Natalya was seated having breakfast. I assume you're going to head into combat club whirling?
Raven is up with the archers in the SW tower.
Hunter sneaks up behind the tail bandit (coming inside the palisade as he does so) grabs him by the neck and snaps it with a sickening sound lifting him up off the ground as he does so. The man's feet kick once and Hunter drops him in the dust his moist hands free of any blood.
Gareth is beside the gate with his crossbow ready.
Zartana was with the majority of the archers by the SW tower. She sidles up from her hidden position, drow style, to the mass of bandits and utters some firey syllables. Dark flames lick from her tongue and then explode from her outstretched hands. The bandits fail their reflex save. They are scorched! I'm going to say you hit 6 of them. Shaken and burned these 6 look back to the open gate behind them and seem ready to flee. According to the book they also shriek in pain and fear, so add that to the tableau.
Lorald is up on the wall ready to use his crossbow.
Marlani valiantly empties her mug of ale and throws it ineffectually at the nearest bandit!
These bastards all ride horses after one of their kind slew my mare, Chaser? I will see them in the Pit for that!
Gareth targets the nearest bandit with his crossbow and lets his bolt fly. But his anger overcomes his and he fires without confirming his aim.
His shot goes wide of the mark and into the ranks of his allies!
Attack
Critical Fumble roll
Critical Fumble Result
11. In the Line of Fire - Your attack hits the nearest ally and is a critical threat. You must roll to confirm the critical hit
Critical Confirmation to whoever had the poor judgment to be standing nearby.
would be happy to speak with you, however, I fear that Cheliax human mean to cause trouble and are nearly here, perhaps after this camp is secure.
Odd that he calls the bandits Chelaxians, perhaps that is a question that would need to be answered.
CWE watches the riders circle around to the gates of the trading post. he takes no outward hostilities as it is not his nature to intiate hostilities at first meeting.
Once the lead gives the orders to attack, a command he has heard more times than he wished, he yells out as the ground in a huge area around the bandits suddenly erupts with vegitation. CWE holds his hands skyward calling the great Spirit to grant him command of the land. and it does his bidding.
Miyuki will dash under the table and start casting a sleep spell in the middle of some bandits. Will save DC 18 to resist.
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@Gareth. In my opinion Hunter is the closest ally since he followed the last bandit into the the palisade and Gareth is staring to the right of the gate. The good news is Hunter has an ac of 15 sot while it hits him, it does not crit.
Entangle will certainly be effective in this case. Characters in tend ng to go into melee with bandits will certainly be affected.
Miyuki will save her last two spells to help her comrades. If one threatens for example natalya she will use sleep.
well entangle effects me so
Few, that was close
Damage
I doubt we will get to round 2, but I'm gonna go ahead and post it so as not hold up combat if we do. I will pull out my longsword and attack any bandit that is still standing.
Kazz moves quickly from his spot by the door and throws his weight into slamming his half shut, trusting Aran to do the same with the other side.
Ammanas, slips from behind the stable and moves to stand in front of Kazz provided there is room between him and the edge of CWE's entangle. If not he moves beside Kazz.
Alexio stands near Oleg during the early part of the exchange. Once the leader gets into range and his identity is clear, Alexio admonishes the owner of the trading post, "That is no woman. Is this person the same one that was here last time?"
All doubt is removed from Alexio's mind when the bandits attack. He defends Oleg from the bandit leader's bow, if Oleg gets targeted. Otherwise, he attacks the closest bandit.
Hidden under the furs upon the wall he had waited for the bandits. The fool with the silver stag pin was advertising his importance in dress as well as manner, so be it. Favoring his golden eye he had slowly followed the bandit leader until he exposed himself for what he was. That was enough proof for him and he gently squeezed the trigger for the countless time, the well oiled weapon gave but a whisper, sending his bolt right at the man. Let the law or Pharasma sort them out, one can not begrudge those they prey upon should they turn on them and prove to be their better.
As soon as the ammo is loose he reloads, placing another bolt as he cranks the lever back.
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Natalya listens to the dialogue between bandit and Oleg, and as the hooded man snarls his hatred and nocks his bow, she is already moving. Snatching up her club she charges him, club trailing behind her, as she nears the man she plants her feet and uses her momentum to spin the club in a devastating arc.
When the ground erupts with vines trying to snare her feet, she nimbly dances around the questing roots to keep her footing.