It's not just the damage we could cause... but the damage these soldiers could cause, hurting innocents in the crossfire.
We could just give ourselves up.
"Let's try fleeing first," Walter said slowly. Surrender went against the grain, for him. "We can 'surrender' later if needed."
Getting off the train is not difficult; everyone is doing it. Surprisingly, no one seems to be paying any special interest to you, and you manage to separate yourself from the bulk of the passengers without drawing attention to yourself. The soldiers, for their part, show no interest in anyone who is not causing them trouble (which is very few people, considering they all have rifles). The soldiers uniforms identify them, to Sir Walter's practiced eye, as members of the Brask Army, Brask being Urgin's southern neighbor.
"Small man speak truth. Soldiers be wishing for train, not us. ...Tarasik admits to finding lack of confrtstiom uneasy. These men do not seek to enter city under peaceful intentions." He glances around, eyes drifting towards the train's rear. "Am wishing to hide in back, take fight to Brask while on move."
"I wonder..." Would Ugrin, in fear of repercussion, invite Brask to help them fend off Pruscia? If so it was stupid, trading one noose for another, but desperate people were often stupid.
Sir Walter knows that Ugrin and Brask have always been friendly. They're basically cousins, having originated from the same people about 500 years ago. So it is quite possible that if Ugrin would call for aid, Brask would answer.
"Looks like Ugrin has chosen to fight back against Pruscia, and want help from there neighbours. I suspect the only way to stop the war would be to stop this blasted ritual. I do have a means of transport, if the trains are not available," Walter added. Fighting an entire train would be a chore.
Then, if we're not to stop them... what if we join them?
The train will be leaving shortly. You need to make a decision on whether you are staying put to seek other travel arrangements, hopping the train stealthily, or making some diplomatic attempt to remain onboard.
"Let's jump on quiet-like. I've hopped more than my fair share of trains."
It's getting dark, I can make it darker and help us sneak on if needs be. I can manage getting on, myself... Walter, Tarasik?
Henlooks down at his general shape. "Tarasik is not good at being... Unnoticed."
If Djon can lower the light level temporarily, it should be relately easy for everyone to board the rear car unnoticed, at least by anyone on the train. The other passengers are not really in a position to alert them, nor would most likely be inclined to.
Now, once you're ON the train (outside the rear car or between cars), it will be more difficult to actually board a car without being noticed, at least for most of you. Tarasik, being quite resilient, could probably survive the rest of the trick sitting outside the last car, if necessary.
Once out of sight of the rest of the passengers that were booted off the train (most of whom opted to walk back to the closest town) Sir Walter conjurs his carriage and you are once again making reasonable time.
After just a few minutes, you pass a sign that informs you you have just crossed the border into Ugrin.
The roads in this area are not in great condition; mostly dirt. This is fine at the start of the journey, but a misty rain that begins gives you pause. Fortunately it's light for the moment, and not much affecting the road.
By afternoon, the roads are slowing your travel a bit, but there is some luck. A crossroad of gravel seems to lead to a small down less than a mile away. There are five figures in tattered cloaks and robes approaching (seemingly from the town) as you arrive at the crossroads.
Tarasik frowns, shuffling in his spot in their unnatural transport. "We are to be having company soon."
Billy makes sure to get his horse Marion off the train, and rather than riding in the carriage, rides alongside it, keeping an eye out for any potential threats.
As the figures approach he reins in his horse, subtly slipping a hand to the handle of his pistol as he calls out, "Well good day! We ain't lookin' for any kinda trouble, just passin' through on our way to Darthapast."
The closest man looks up at Billy; his face looks unnatural, almost inhuman.
"We are are looking for some that might take this road, whose presence has been foretold. With all that is going on in the world today, it is important that we find them, to...keep them safe." The figure replies. Something about his voice seems unnatural, as if you're hearing an echo speaking the same words just behind the original. Additionally, Billy notes that something brushed up against his mind, trying to get a peek inside his thoughts.
"Oh? Do you have a description? Perhaps we passed them on the road." Although if they started describing young woman or children, Walter might be tempted to see if they knew magic.
"We do not. Their arrival has been foretold."
A noble cause, for true... who sent you, Guardians? Djon is intrigued.
"We...have been.
Very well then, I am one of some... that might take this road. Please, keep me... safe.
Unless this is some... ruse?
[Dice=Sense Motive]
[Dice=Perception, hints at their nature]
You sense no deception, but it's really hard to tell. They don't seem to have the types of features you're used to, sort of the ultimate poker face.
As far as their nature, you merely get the impression that they are somehow Other.
The giant grunts while leaving the carriage, allowing the ring to release it's hold over his body. His eyes sweep over those gathered with no small amount of suspicion. "Tarasik grows tired of games. Wishes to know what you want with us. Wishes to know if you are to be interfering with our journey."
Due in part because of the threatening presence of giant Tarasik, and part because of some minds that failed to be shielded from the travelers' mental probings, we are at Initiative...
Travelers:
Tarasik:
Djon:
Sir Walter:
Billy:
Current scene, roughly: Billy sits astride Marion, Sir Walter and Djon are inside the carriage, Tarasik has just exited the carriage. The 5 travelers are arrayed across the road, roughly 4' between each, and roughly 15' ahead of Billy/Marion, more like 20' from Tarasik/Carriage exit.
Djon goes first, then Billy, then the travelers.
Walter, you are wise in the ways of the world, neh?
Djon is nearly a blur as he tumbles onto the road, takes a seemingly awkward step and hurls himself at the strangers... intending to strike with his bare hand.
Why must it always... come to violence?
Billy mutters, ”Can’t folks just talk things out, dammit?”
He draws his pistol and fires off a shot at the closest stranger, shooting to wound rather than to kill.
Djon moves with almost preternatural speed and grace, launching out of the carriage, tumbling across the distance and coming to a stand directly in front of one of the travelers.
His hand slams into the being and there is a cracking sound. It is knocked back a step as it searches for balance.
Billy's shot hits one around the periphery, grazing it as intended.
[Perception] 28
It felt like flesh, but really tough. Oddly, you feel like your attack that should have been more vital was slightly affected by the creature's anatomy, as if its very alien nature made it more difficult to kill with precise attacks.
The five travelers move as unnaturally as they appear, bending in weird ways and changing position. One circles behind Djon, and gashing out toward him with its teeth, now revealed to be horrible long fangs.
Save:
Djon deftly moves to one side, avoiding the horrible bite!
The second, the one Djon had already injured, attacks thrice:
Bite: Hit! 19 damage total
Save:
Claw: Hit! 27 damage total
Claw:
Of the remaining three, one moves to Billy and his horse Marion, clawing out at the poor Equine.
Hit! 6 damage to Marion
The final two move to one to either side of Tarasik; one attempts to claw, the other to bite:
Bite: Hit! 24 total damage
Save:
Claw:
Sir Walter and Tarasik's turns, then end round 1
Leaning out of the carriage, Walter proclaims, "I say, that was deeply unsportings chaps." Lighting and darkness crackled along the Witch's fingers and he hurled a murderous bolt at the one Djon had injured, hoping to keep them from overwhelming him with there numbers.
Sir Walter's shot heads toward his chosen opponent, but the creature nimbly manages to not be there, and thus avoids all damage.
Tarasik's action
A snarl rips out from the lumbering giant, hands drawing forth his heavy weapon. After a brief charge he swings the combination firearm, trying to knock back as many of the strange creatures within reach as possible. Even in the midst of his anger, he pulls back just slightly in case they were more innocent then appeared.
There were two that approached you; your first attack hits. I'll be generous and use your Great Cleave roll for a 2nd hit; in the future roll 2 attack rolls only until your position changes.
Each of these is a solid hit, smashing into the creatures with powerful force. The creatures each withstand the hit, however, and seem ready to continue their assault.
Top of Round 2. Billy and Djon.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Thank you though, really.
These bastards had hurt his horse! Mercy wasn't for these sons-of-b!%&$.
He yells out, "Now you're gettin' it! You and me, squarin' down, right now. Marion, git!" With that, eagle's wings unfold from his shoulder blades and with a single powerful wingbeat he alights off his horse as it begins to run off, taking him up unto the sky out of the reach of the foes.
Billy levels his pistol at the nearest foe and says, "Judgement's comin' for ya." He fires.
The creature Tarasik hit with his nonlethal critical attack sways a bit, cross-eyed, and looks like a feather could knock him over.
These bastards had hurt his horse! Mercy wasn't for these sons-of-b!%&$.
Billy hits the creature center-mass, but it still walks, albeit obviously worse for wear.
Holding on Djon's round 2 action
This isn't going as planned, fellas...
Djon lashes out at one of the strangers before attempting to tumble away.
Djon's strike is successful, and he manages to evade attacks as he tumbles to safety.
One of Djon's opponents follows him; the other levitates off the ground to an equal height with Billy, before creating a hypnotizing display of colors and lights.
Will Save: SUCCESS!
Despite the lightshow, Billy will not be distracted.
The one that was near Marion moves now to the mystical carriage where Sir Walter still sits, opens the door, and makes entry, standing menacingly close to Walter.
A forth attacks Tarasik:
Bite: Hit! 21 damage total
Save:
Claw: MISS
Claw: MISS
Finally, the one Tarasik brutalized last turn gives up consciousness, and drifts into sleepy-land.
Sir Walter and Tarasik actions, round 2
"No, thank you all the same," Walter said cheerfully, sliding to the far side of the carriage before waving a hand. Each of his allies suddenly enjoyed a new strength, a Blessing as it were.