Garen Williamson |
"This is Lucas Filem. He says his father fought with you in the war. He was looking for you." Garen said, curious to see how Daget reacted.
Matt Adams 259 |
"I remember your father. He was a good man, and a great soldier. I was honored to know him. So, what brings a knight of Sophia all the way to this secluded village? I doubt it's to bring in those who would answer the war call since we've gone five years without a vist," says Daget.
"If any would come with us, we would gladly take them," Lucas replies. "But no, the main reason I have come is to find you. My father spoke highly of your fighting skills and I have come to see if you will help the Liberation Army."
"The Liberation Army?" Daget replies questioningly. "I've never heard of it."
"We are a new war effort. There's no easy way to say this, but the king is dead. A military coup, led by General Tozen, has taken over the capital. The Royal Army has fractured between those loyal to Tozen who continue to battle the barbaric invaders to the North, and the Liberation Army who are trying to restore the royal family."
Daget freezes in his chair. "If memory serves, the princess should be a child still. You're going to need more than her to cement the royal line, again."
"She'll be eighteen by the time we overthrow Tozen, but she isn't a child anymore, as far as I am concerned. She was the only member of the Royal Family we were able to get out of the capital."
"I want to help, but I'm afraid my fighting days are over." Daget holds up holds up his wooden leg. "Even traveling is difficult for me, now."
Lukas' face falls at the sight of the prosthetic. "Perhaps you could serve as a military advisor, then?"
"I appreciate the offer, but no. Even if you could afford the extra time my slow going would cause, I would be a liability in an ambush, and the bandits are bad right now."
"I've noticed," Lucas says. "Too many refugees are coming down from the war torn towns in the North. They can't all find work, and many are turning to crime just to feed their families. We need to win on both fronts."
Suddenly, Daget breaks into a wide grin. "No worries, I'm not sending you off empty handed. My disciple, Garet, will go with you. He's been itching to go off to war for nearly a year now, and I've given him more formal training than your drill camps ever could."
Abbicka Barrofeld |
Cerise walked outside to see what the new commotion was about.
Abby glanced around as the others filed out of the house, leaving only herself, Elduin, and Alman. She looked at the door, then Elduin and Alman still at the bar, then the door once more, and then finally the ground, lost in thought. Finally, she seemed to come to a decision, giving herself a little nod. She found a corner of the room and plopped down onto the floor, stretching briefly and then adjusting her position until she was comfortable. She patted the ground next to her, and Lash and Snowy soon followed suit, curling up on either side of her.
The other soldiers stable their horses behind Mama Cookie’s house and go into her house to eat.
roll + CHA + circumstance (small size)
Bluff: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 5 = 22
Not a bad result. Certainly could be better.
By the time the soldiers entered, Abby's eyes were closed, her breathing having become slow and rhythmic.
Cerise Maven |
Cerise sighed, leaning against the doorway outside and staring out at the horizon. She couldn't help but overhear the conversation just inside the door. It seemed her refuge to escape the war hadn't been such a good place after all. The war had come right to her.
Old bitterness and anger welled up in her. She'd been trying so damned hard to forget. To leave it all behind. She'd reasoned. She'd warned. She'd argued. She'd even threatened. Eventually she'd simply left because at the time she couldn't bring herself to raise her arms against the people who had been her brethren. She gave them the chance to leave her be and figure out the way back to the righteous path. She wasn't really surprised they hadn't, but she couldn't stop herself from feeling disappointed.
A coup was bad news. The Red army would take advantage of that chaos and roll over the divided army like they were barely there. The fight was over. These Liberators just didn't realize it yet.
Or perhaps it didn't have to.
It was well known that the southern king hadn't wanted the war. He'd tried for diplomacy many times. He just didn't realize the Red Army considered that a sign of weakness. He was a joke to them. She knew. She'd told some of those jokes herself.
Now he was dead and a general was taking over. A warmonger. Someone who would want to meet the Northern forces on their own terms. More war. Endless war. The North's goal was to remake the world in the image of their gods. They didn't even have to win to do it. They just had to convince their foes there was no other option than to fight.
There were a few ways it could go down, and all of them were bad. Her mind started churning. Like gears that she'd let sit and get rusted, they resisted at first, but quickly tactics, possibilities, counter-maneuvers, all started falling into place in her head.
"F~##," she muttered under her breath. She knew she was involved already. She'd tried to run from her destiny and it had followed her.
Wars only ever ended in one way. In her heart she'd known that. She'd tried to opt out. It didn't seem like that was an option anymore. Fine.
All in then.
She took a deep breath and went back inside.
Garen Williamson |
"Thank you Daget. Garen said to the older man and then turned to the Captain. "I definitely do not bring the same capabilities that my mentor would but I have been well trained and I am strong of body. If you will have me, I will do my utmost for the war effort."
Mama Cookie |
Mama takes it all in. This is far from good. What's more, the war was racing for even tiny hamlets like hers. She gets a brief vision of tee town in changes and bodies in the streets.
No! Not if she can help it! He entire life to this pint has been caring for this town. She was not going to lay down and die now that her town needed her more than ever!
Matt Adams 259 |
Commander Lucas nods gravely in Garen's direction. "Thank you. We will appreciate any help we can get, and if Sir Daget speaks so highly of your skills, then I am happy to welcome you to the Liberation Army. Speaking of, I think it's high time we made good on that war call. Do you know of anyone else that has the training or heart for battle?"
Garen Williamson |
"Not necessarily, I know several who would stand to defend the town. I'm not sure if they would be ready to go off to war. I was headed north and few were going to join me. My intent was to join the war effort. The others had not stated their intentions. I'm going to grab a few things and I will be along."
Once Commander Lucas leaves Garen will turn his attention to Daget. "Is it really wise to support two separate armies in the south? It seems as if a united north will crush us if we are divided. I don't care for an usurper to the throne but what is the value of fighting to seat a child to the throne only to have the north tumble her shortly thereafter? Do you see a way to merge these two armies quickly?"
Mama Cookie |
Mama finishes the dishes, cleans the counters, and starts packing a battered, well worn backpack. She makes sure to include her custom cooking tools made for her by Steve the blacksmith over the years. She tops it all off by hanging the larger pots and pans from various straps.
Mama Cookie |
Mama sighs, looking her age for once. The war has come, Elduin, old friend. I thought we would be safe here. That I could escape the troubles of the world. I could still try, if I wanted. I could ignore the coming of these men. Ignore the news they bring. Old humans are good at those kinds of things. But I learned not too long ago that life does not suffer the fool forever. Some things are best met head on. This trouble is one of those things. It may not make sense, but protecting my family means leaving them. At least for now.
And this way my daughter Susan can finally run the place. She's been waiting for me to retire for almost 60 years now!
Matt Adams 259 |
The next morning, the group meets up with Lucas and his men. The other three introduce themselves as Clifford, Tobias, and Grayson. They are a group of friends who were assigned to Lucas’ unit. They come from Redtree, the town closest to Ram village, four days away by horseback. That’s where you are planning to stop and regroup with the rest of Lucas’ men. You’re unable to convince the local stabler to give up five horses for an indefinite amount of time. The party sets off for the journey on foot. They trade horses with the soldiers every now and then to keep anyone from getting too tired. After a full day’s travel, the group sets up camp.
Can I get marching orders for the day and watch orders for the night. The road is big enough for three people to walk side by side, but not big enough for two horses, so about 15ft
Abbicka Barrofeld |
Dibs on the back.
Elduin Faenan |
I have no preferences, but Elduin will most likely walk alone or talk with Mama Cookie. It would take a hefty diplomacy role to involve him in any fruitful conversation that does not include the surrounding nature.
Elduin walks mostly alone, probably somewhere in the back where Abbicka and the animals were. If asked, he'd work as the scout's group up front as well. Sometimes even off the road. He also silently acknowledged his watch order.
Mama Cookie |
Mama walks in the center of the formation, her many puts and pans hanging of the sides of her pack. They are wrapped in cloth to muffle the clanking, but she can't avoid being rather unstealthy.
There has been a minor rebellion at the news that she was leaving, but a quick scolding and a good glare had shut down most of the protests. The remaining voices of dissent were reminded who changed their diapers and that was the end of it.
The only person that seemed to be glad to see her go was her 70 year old daughter, Susan. She declared Mama's departure was proof that there was a diety who listened to prayer and practically danced into her inheritance, the food shop. Mama cookie just shook her head and handed over the family recipe book (which she had memorized anyway).
On the road she is pleasant company and shockingly hearty for a lady that might actually rival Elduin in years of existence. Speaking of Elduin, their history and why the elf talked so readily with her and no one else is not explained by either. If asked, Mama simply suggests that it's a long story and changes the topic.
Cerise Maven |
Cerise keeps herself in the front, carrying her shield the whole way rather than stowing it on her back. She walks with the stoic endurance of a career soldier, but she has the sweats of the town drunk. After a couple miles she smells like a distillery as she sweats out the night before's alcohol.
When she takes care of herself, Cerise is a remarkably attractive woman. It's not often that she bothers, so the townsfolk are used to seeing her disheveled and unkempt. This is a step past that. Where her skin isn't blotchy red from exertion she isn't used to anymore, it's the too-pale of hangover nausea and alcohol withdrawal.
It's clear that she's not feeling well, but she doesn't stop and she doesn't complain.
I'm in the front. I'll take first watch.
Garen Williamson |
Garen will ride near the front seeking to discuss things with Commander Lucas.
Abbicka Barrofeld |
Abbicka sat astride one of the rear horses, practically in the lap of one of the soldiers. It was obvious that if she walked, her short gait would slow everyone down, but she was likewise too small to sit a horse alone. Hence this humiliating situation. She wondered why she hadn't refused, but all that led her to was wondering why she had even come at all. She wasn't the type to answer calls to adventure; she was just going to slow everyone down. But when Garen had asked if she was coming, she'd practically tripped over herself in agreeing. What would the others think of her if she had refused, after all. She'd joined the group to save face, so the least she could do was withstand being treated as a child so as not to slow everyone down.
Abby has no stated preference on watch, so she'll fill whatever remains.
Matt Adams 259 |
Cerise Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Lucas Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 19
The first two days are uneventful. However, on the third night, Lucas tells the party about an old, burned out fort near the road to Redtree and they decide to make that their resting place for the night. While the fort is too full of rubble and ash to find a good resting spot, the surrounding ground is well guarded by trees, and the fort itself could be used in case of an ambush. The party settles down for the night, and Cerise and Lucas take their first watch. However, Cerise thinks she sees movement near the treeline.
Cerise Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Lucas Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Brigand 1 Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Brigand 2 Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Brigand 3 Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Brigand 4 Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Brigand 5 Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
As she tries to focus on the movement to figure out what it is, a pair of arrows sail towards her and Lucas.
Attack vs Cerise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Attack vs Lucas: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
They both take cover near trees by the road and the arrows sink deep into the wood.
Cerise, go
Cerise Maven |
"Ambush!" Cerise bellowed as she slammed her helm into place on her head. Holding her shield in front of her, she rushed right down the path towards the attackers.
Cerise's mechanics are a little complex, so I'll try to cite all the relevant rules during my early combat posts to make sure it's clear how everything works.
The aura I've added is Cerise's reach. Anyone that passes out of any square marked in red provokes an AoO
She lowered her shoulder and put her studded pauldron right into the chest of one of the bandits.
Charge w/ unarmed strike!: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
If that attack hits, I add a Bull Rush or Reposition as a free action with the Follow Through ability
Follow through Reposition vs CMD: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
If this is successful, I'll Reposition the brigand to the square directly north of my current position
If anyone moves in my threat range I'll take an AoO (I only have 1 AoO per round right now, but it's a good one).
Garen Williamson |
Assuming we have been awakened by the call and get what a single action? With the threat of ambush I'm sure I would have bedded down with my armor on.
Startled awake by the cry of ambush, Garen kicked off his blanket and rolled to his feet drawing steel and processing the situation.
Mama Cookie |
Mama Cookie is still up sorting ingredients for the next morning when the call is raised. She grabs a heavy getting pan and takes cover behind a nearby tree. She barks something to Elduin in elven,
Matt Adams 259 |
Cerise, I don't know if you noticed, but you can't make attacks of opportunity with a flying talon.
Cerise's armored shoulder breaks the breastbone of the the brigand and sends him flying off his feet. He passes out just before he hits the ground.
Two more brigands approach her and assault her with battleaxes.
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Battleaxe Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Battleaxe Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
The first blow goes low, under her shield and carves a bloody gash across her leg. The second sinks into her shoulder. A shout of pain get caught in her throat, and as he pulls the blade from her body, the red, sticky liquid pours from her body. She loses consciousness and collapses into the puddle. Commander Lucas rushes to her aid.
Abbicka Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Elduin Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Garen Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Mama Cookie Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Cliff Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Tobias Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Grayson Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Tobias is the first of the soldiers to get to his feet. He draws his sword and rushes to help Cerise, but the two archers attempt to intercept his with arrows.
Longbow vs Tobias: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Longbow vs Tobias: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
He blocks one of the arrows with his shield and the other misses wildly. The brigand that wounded Cerise moves to attack the soldier.
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Tobias deflects that blow as well.
Abbicka, Garen, Elduin, and Mama Cookie can all go.
Elduin Faenan |
Elduin was still a little drowsy. He grabbed his shortbow and quiver lying next to him and tried to stand up. that's two move actions
Telepathically he checked on Fowyn. The hawk was sitting in one of the trees and had also just woken up. Be careful. Stay away for now.
Garen Williamson |
no control of our tokens on roll20, except for Cerise.
Garen launches himself into the fray. Moving up to support Tobias he yells at the brigand as he swings, "This is the end of the road for a coward like you, eat steel!"
Scimitar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Abbicka Barrofeld |
"Ambush!" Cerise bellowed.
Abby started awake, pulling herself up from the nook in which she and her companions had been nestled. Her eyes darted around the battlefield, drinking in the situation. They settled on her armor, her shield and weapon.
A shout of pain caught in Cerise's throat as she collapsed in a puddle of her own blood.
There wasn't time for equipment. "Snowy," she started, pointing at Cerise's prone form. "Protect."
roll + skill rank + CHA + untyped (class skill)
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 4 + 3 = 10
That was really close!
"Lash," she added, her finger moving to the second brigand standing over Cerise. Her voice wavers a moment. "Hurt."
roll + skill rank + CHA + untyped (class skill) + circumstance (Link)
Handle Animal: 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 13
Per usual, cannot fail this one.
As the two raptors burst into motion, Abby moved closer to the action.
D4->E4: 5ft
E4->F5: 10ft
F5->G5: 5ft
G5->H6: 10ft (difficult terrain?)
Snowfeаther |
Snowy moved first, rushing up to stand over Cerise. Judging one brigand to be too close, he snapped at the attacker.
roll + size
Bite to Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 Piercing, Slashing, Bludgeoning
Probs a miss.
D5->E6: 10ft
E6->F7: 5ft
F7->G7: 5ft
G7->H7: 5ft
H7->I7: 5ft
I7->J7: 5ft
J7->K7: 5ft
K7->L7: 5ft
L7->M6: 10ft
Lashtаil |
Lash moved next, rushing around the others and then charging the nearest brigand, swiping with a taloned foot.
roll + BAB + size
Talon to Hit: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
Talon Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Slashing
Oof. Another miss.
E3->F3: 5ft
F3->G4: 5ft
G4->H4: 5ft
H4->I4: 5ft
I4->J4: 5ft
Matt Adams 259 |
Garen opens the chest of the nearest brigand. The man clutches at his wound as he falls to the ground.
The bandit near Snowfeather swings his battleaxe to keep the lizard at bay.
Brigand 4 Battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
The nimble creature jumps out of harm's way.
Lucas rushes towards an unengaged enemy and jabs with his spear.
Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
The brigand blocks the attack with his shield.
Cliff charges to the brigand to the south.
Longsword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
But the blow is parried by the enemy's axe.
Tobias goes to assist Snowfeather.
Longsword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
He cuts the thigh muscles of the bandit, and he falls to one knee.
The two southern bandits attack Lucas and Clifford respectively.
Brigand 2 vs Lucas: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Brigand 3 vs Clifford: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Neither are able to hurt your allies.
Cerise Stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Cerise Consciousness: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Despite her injuries, Cerise manages to force her eyes awake. She feels lightheaded from the lost blood that covers her skin and armor.
Everyone Go!
Sorry for not being active over the weekend.
Garen Williamson |
Garen rushes over to stand guard over Cerise and engages the Brigand fighting Lucas. Again, his blade strikes home sending the brigand reeling back. "Abbicka, can you send Lashtail to help Cliff? Look for flanks everyone, watch your backs."
developing my tactician talk, not taking a standard action to engage it though.
slash: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 181d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Cerise Maven |
Well, since I'm prone and still next to an enemy my options are very limited. I guess I'll go with something that doesn't provoke AoOs.
Groggily reaching out, Cerise touched Garen's leg for a moment, filling him with the zeal of battle.
Garen: Each round for the next minute, you can choose a bonus from the following list- +10 feet to base land speed, +1 dodge bonus to AC, +1 insight bonus on attack rolls, or a +1 luck bonus on saving throws. (each bonus lasts for one round, and then you pick again the next).
Elduin Faenan |
Elduin had had enough time to assort the situation while he stood up and readied his weapon. It bothered him that he wasn't fast enough and that the soldier named Cliff had already engaged the bandit to the south.
They were not close, but well in range. "Eyes of the Hawk!" Elduin whispered in Elven and some feathers grew near his eyebrows. Than he readied his bow at the brigand, aiming thoroughly and fired.
Swift action Hawkeye, move action Study target, standard shoot
Shoot into melee: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Abbicka Barrofeld |
"Abbicka, can you send Lashtail to help Cliff?"
Abby stumbled a bit, glancing over her shoulder. She hadn't bothered to learn the guards' names, but she was pretty sure Cliff would be the one by himself. "O-ok!" she muttered. She stopped alongside Garen, then turned to Lashtail.
"Lash," she started, pointing to Cliff, then the brigand beside him. "Help!"
roll + skill rank + CHA + untyped (class skill) + circumstance (Link)
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 28
Huzzah!
Abby then turned to Cerise. Dropping to her knees, she clutched the little bramble about her neck and whispered something unintelligible, and then placed both hands on Cerise's shoulder.
Cerise regains 3 HP.
Abby whispered in Druidic when she cast that spell.
A diffuse, warm glow appeared at the point of contact, spreading to the worst of Cerise's wounds, which seemed just a little less devastating now.
Move Action: Walk 20ft H6 to L7
Free Action: Speak
Standard Action: Cast cure light wounds (3/4 1st-level spell slots remaining)
I7->J7: 5ft
J7->K7: 5ft
K7->L7: 5ft
Lashtаil |
With new zeal, Lash moved up to the brigand engaging Cliff, harrying without causing actual damage.
roll + BAB + size
Talon to Hit: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 = 14
Success. Cliff receives a +2 on his next attack vs Brigand 3 (in E13).
Move Action: Walk 50ft J4 to F12
Standard Action: Aid Another Cliff vs Brigand 3 (E13), bonus to attack
I5->I6: 5ft
I6->H7: 10ft
H7->G8: 5ft
G8->G9: 5ft
G9->G10: 5ft
G10->F11: 10ft
F11->F12: 5ft
Snowfeаther |
The brigand was still a threat to Cerise, so Snowy continued attacking.
roll + size
Bite to Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 Piercing, Slashing, Bludgeoning
Might hit.
roll + size
Talon to Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Talon Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Slashing
Probably a miss. Shame because it was my best damage roll.
roll + size
Talon to Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Talon Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Slashing
Gotta be a hit, right?
Full-Round Action: Full Attack vs Brigand 4 (N5)
Garen Williamson |
Roger about the Blessing, just waiting until my next round.