Sorry, Harron—but anyone who would willingly embrace undeath is Runcible's special least favorite. Let's rumble!
While Harron and his skeletons turn (can the undead run? I feel like maybe they can't—they CAN definitely hustle forever without tiring, and if they were hustling, they'd keep up with normal speed at reaching the tower etc., but not sure whether they'd be able to run now).
The lizardmen and knights assembled around the catapult load it with a barrel of alchemist's fire from the ammunition bag (round 1) and fire at a square containing Harron and his skeletal horse (round 2).
Buffs, Round 1:
-Sir Rosencruz grants the yeoman Volley Fire
-Yeomen activate Martial Flexibility for Deadly Aim
-One tactician uses Tactician to grant the party Duck and Cover
Buffs, Round 2:
-Sir Rosencruz begins inspiring competence
-Yeomen rage (ONLY if skeletons have come noticeably closer; if not, add -2 penalty to hit and damage in round 2)
Movement:
Round 2, Sir Rosencruz and Yeomen move to a position to the sides of the catapult, scattering to a 30' radius to avoid splash attacks; Volley Fire lets them shoot past allies
Attacks, Round 1:
Yeomen target skeletons. Range increment is 110', at normal increment penalty; for each attack that hits, subsequent ranged attacks by any ally gain +1 to hit, for a maximum of +4 teamwork bonus
Attacks, Round 2:
Yeomen, raging, target skeletons. Same range increment. Volley Fire provides same bonuses.
Spells, round 2:
-Runcible casts Silence (range 600', I think I'm good) targeting Verix's horse. DC 18 will save or it becomes the center of a silence aura that moves with it and prevents all spellcasting (if it's a mindless undead, like most skeletons without real special templates, it cannot save).
Also, your Yeoman are not here yet. A check of the undead traits revealed no "cannot run" clause. While you're only allowed to run your constitution modifier before needing a rest, and that means the undead need to rest every 0 rounds, they never CAN need a rest.
Hmm... may have spoken too soon, then.
Ah... got it. In that case, I'd wait until breaching the tower before firing a catapult at Harron.
Are you saying that his skeletons moved faster than 30'? That's fine, but yeah, it would keep my archers further back, which could be problematic. It definitely means I'm going to ignore him until I can breach the tower, etc.
Harron: I'm not actually attacking you unless your guys charge me, so no worries. We'll work it out.
A non aggression agreement can done if you so desire. But if something can't be worked out, there will be a fight.
He turned to the opened door and began to advance slowly and carefully up the stairs, as Corvin opened the other door for the Golem to be able to advance.
W.O.A Remaining 45 Rounds
Heh. Unfortunately, Harron, we can't talk at this distance. But assuming you head towards the tower, the catapult will only fire warning shots around the edge of the clearing after knocking a hole in the wall.
1st round: Yes, there is magic in this room. The glowing orb seeping an orange aura like a miniature sun seems a likely culprit.
How far behind are my archers at this point?
Okay... so Runcible sets off by glider, then (at a speed of 100'/round, and it will probably take him a round to land on top of the tower and climb down/lower a rope).
Verix dashes up the stairs now, ignoring the need for stealth, as he pushes on full speed up to the top of the Tower. As he moves, he calls upon his power and focuses, casting another spell upon himself.
W.o.A Remaining 44 rounds.
S.o.F Remaining 49 rounds.
Verix grins as he spots her, standing above him on the stairs. "Ah, dear sister. So it was you who reached the top first was it? Or does the twisted body of one of our family lie waiting above?" He laughed softly, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.
"Emperor? Piss on the Empire. Far as I am concerned it can run itself. I want to take back my own land and maybe a little more, solidify my tribes boundaries, and I want to only answer to myself. I will gladly let one of our dear brothers sit the throne, or even you, minus the lands I will claim as my own, as long as you all leave me the hell alone!" He grinned and shrugged. "Of course to get what I want, I will have to become Emperor first and solidify my rule, enact my plans then abdicate the throne. Won't that be fun? You own the armies, dear little sister, so I know you know the strength of the empire, far better than I do. Will it suffer, do you think, if I were to break it up slightly?" He arched an eyebrow, tightening his grip on the haft of the earthbreaker, slightly. He was in the weaker position here, she held the high ground, but he did not plan on swinging first, just being prepared.
"And what about you Lucielle? Why is it you do not crave the throne?"Verix shifted his weight slightly, rolling his shoulders and stretching.
W.o.A 43
S.o.F 48
"As for why I don't want the throne..." her mouth twitched slightly. "I am not a natural ruler. I enjoy leading soldiers, true, but I have no desire to run everyone's lives, and I would not be a very good Empress. I care for the Empire too much to subject it to my rule, and so I'm quite happy to remain in my current position. After all, it allows me to do both of the things I enjoy."
He tilted his head to the side, staring her up and down for a moment. "Or, alternatively, take a swing and you and I can have it out here. It is your move Fist!" His stance, his demeanor, his whole body SCREAMS aggression and violence, but that is not surprising, nor is it new, Verixs whole persona is that of a caged animal, and at the end of the day, what is more honest than being open and true to yourself?
"Think of how you could be on the other side - a Hero who recognized the man most worthy of being the Emperor and helped ensure his victory, trusted so much he was given a part of the Empire after the new ruler took the throne. You would not have the Empire pressing down on you, threatening you every moment your guard was lowered or your back was turned - they would be supporting you and your independence, for even the Emperor cannot strike at a Hero without all the land turning on him. You would have your land and your freedom for all of your days, beloved by all. I offer you the security no army could ever acquire for you, the freedom a ruler can have only when he is supported and loved. Do you truly wish to throw that away for the chance of putting yourself in a situation that's far worse for you?"
"And do not mistake my presence here. I would have sat this out, save only that Father asked me to participate and support whoever I thought was most worthy of taking the throne. I am here for his sake, and his alone."
Unlike Verix, she had made no threatening moves - she saw no need to. He would not care for displays of violence, and it would not help her convince him of a better solution - better for him - than the one he currently pursued.
Verix laughed softly, shaking his head and sighing. "Intimidate you? Whatever gave you that idea? I did nothing, have made no move for weapon or towards you. You think me intimidating just standing here, that speaks more to you Lucielle than it does to me." He shook his head softly, before standing up straighter. "Do not try to understand my motives, they are not yours, do not try to understand my mannerisms, they are not of this land. I am of the Claw, our ways are our own and no one elses!"
"You are right though Lucielle, perhaps my plan is not the most realistic. Perhaps I should throw my support behind the best man for the job. And I will. Me. You think people will try to take my lands back from me? Fine. I will rule it all, and be damned with those who would seek to harm my lands. I will be Emperor and will never again bow the knee to another man, or woman. If the only choices I have, are to bow to a new Emperor or to rule the whole f~%@ing mess, then I'll take the Empire."
"CORVIN. BRING THE GOLEM BACK DOWN THE TOWER." he called up the stairs at his Lieutenant.
"So then the question remains, can you follow me Lucielle? I am not any crueler than our Father, no more violent. I treat my people well and they thrive under me. The Claw has grown, become more secure and prospered under my care. I take advice from my Council on matters I know little about and do not just ignorantly bull ahead." He stared deep in to her eyes. "I am the best man for the job. So take up arms with me, and let us go see to our brothers? Perhaps we do not even need to fight them, perhaps with us joined, they will simply give in. Less blood that way!" He shrugged.
"I hope you say yes Lucielle, because I mean to have my freedom, one way or another!" He nodded, turning and beginning to walk slowly down to the other landing.
"And that was not a threat, just simple truth. Either I die here today, or I leave the victor. There is no retreat."
[b]W 41
S 46