![]() ![]()
![]() Mostly to himself Kith says, "Interesting pommel... and a well-made blade. Better than the longsword I carry." Wiping the blade clean of his own blood, Kith removes his longsword from the scabbard and replaces it with the Orc leader's masterwork blade. After rifling through the remaining contents of the reeking Orc leader, Kith pauses to crack open the bone scroll tube and examine it's contents. After reading the parchment, he offers it to the Commander along with the bag of platinum. "Commander, you'll want to have a look at this." Kith's longsword is a 'backup' weapon. If any other characters have a need for the blade, he will willingly offer it to them. If Kith keeps the blade, he will decline a share in the platinum and gold. ![]()
![]() A slight shake of his head is the only indication Kith gives that he is disappointed in the Orc leader's poor decision to turn his back on Kith. Not one to waste an opportunity in battle, the two-handed sword once again rises above Kith's head for a powerful blow. (9:06:14 AM) "Attack on Orc Leader" 1xD20+9: 16 (Sum: 25) (I want to give you the attack additions so you can adjust them if necessary. +6 natural, +1 Bards Song, +2 Flanking for a total of +9) (9:16:56 AM) "Overhand Chop Damage" 2xD6+11: 2 1 (Sum: 14) (This includes +1 for Bard's song, if it had ended you may subtract 1) ![]()
![]() I show Kith with 7 total points of damage, leaving him with 16. As Kith curses at his missed attack he feels a coldness spread over his body that he knows has nothing to do with the hit he just sustained. Magic! Knowing his resistances are limited, he forces the brunt of his Will against the attack. Grimacing against the pain, Kith lifts his sword for another devastating attack against the Orc leader. Attack, Damage (1d20+6=[13], 2d6+10=[15]) hell, I burned my 20 on the will save. So, is the performance still in effect, it hasn't been 5 rounds? If so, +1! ![]()
![]() "Blades of Hell! We've been setup!" Kith quickly scans the attacking force and settles his gaze on the leader. Hoping to cut the morale of the other orcs by cutting off the head of the snake, Kith moves at a determined, accelerated pace directly toward the leader. "So be it.." Charge Attack with Overhand chop (1d20+8=12, 2d6+10=20) Not sure if the bard song is still in affect, if so, add +1 to attack and damage rolls please. ![]()
![]() Grunting from the minor hit, Kith nods at Selena. Snarling at his attacker, but seeing the Commander engage a different Orc Kith swings to assist (orc1). Raising his sword in a signature overhand chop Kith is determined to lay the orc low. (5:48:02 PM) "Attack"(Sum: 8)1xD20+6: 2
Gah! ![]()
![]() Oh hell, I mis-read the "20 yards" as "20 feet". That's fine. Run it the way you have it rolling. Kith will charge in the next round if possible. If that isn't possible we can remove the +2 from the attack roll... the overhand chop will work either way. 4 orcs on Kith... that's not really fair.. for the orcs. :) ![]()
![]() Kith will charge the closest Orc near the pile of rocks (on the right side of the catapult) and attack with an Over-hand chop. +2 to attack roll, -2 AC until next round for Charge. Over-hand chop gives 2X strength bonus (+8) to damage roll for a total damage bonus of +10 Attack (with Charge), Damage (Overhand Chop) (1d20+8=27, 2d6+10=12) 2d6 and I roll snake-eyes. My 19 on the attack roll is not a 'threat'. Kiths sword crits only on a 20. Kith bursts from the cover of darkness. Raising his two-handed sword over his head he sprints to the closest orc and snaps all of his muscles into a powerful over-hand chop. "Thantos! Engage the Orc up top! Get those pots in here!" ![]()
![]() "I can't imagine what has the Orcs acting so oddly... " Kith pauses to stare across the open expanse to the activity on the catapult. "...I see nothing we can do about it now." Reaching up across his left shoulder Kith unsheathes his curved, two-handed Elven blade. "We move on the next signal." Ready. ![]()
![]() Lash, the intention of the plan was to have you and Mird scout ahead, report back, and then become part of the attacking force. I probably did a poor job of clearly explaining that. I was hoping the scouting mission would give you two an opportunity to use some of your skills (besides a perception check). Is that good for you? or were you suggesting something different? Also, I was attempting to re-use our plan from before in an effort to move this part of the story line along. "We can hide Selena's firepot when we meet to hear what Lash and Mird have discovered. That's going to leave us with only two chances to take down the catapults, so from that point forward Fyird and the Commander will be responsible for landing at least one of those pots on the catapult. The rest of us will have to do our best to keep the attention off of the them." "Is there anything else?" ![]()
![]() "I say we follow the same plan as before. Lash and Mird, if you are willing, you'd be best suited to move ahead of the group acting as scouts while the rest of us follow behind. Once you've spotted the Orcs and gather what information you may, report back to us. With the racket they are making staging the damn things we can probably walk right up and run a blade through them, but we might as well know what we're up against." "Again, I'll lead the following group with the Commander. Followed by Selena and Fyird, with Thantos watching our rear." Kith stops and looks at Thantos, then nods at his loaded crossbow. "You seem ready enough to use that... perhaps you'll get your chance." With a hint of a grin, Kith continues, "I recommend Selena, Fyird and the Commander carry the firepots. The rest of us who are skilled with blade and bow will clear the area of orcs - or at least, carve a path so these three can get close enough to hit the catapults with the pots." Turning to face the Commander, Kith asks, "Have you methods for signaling the other teams in darkness? Otherwise, we'll just have to hope they decide upon the same plan." ![]()
![]() "Everyone please, be at ease. The error was mine." Kith pats the air with his hands in Thantos's direction before making eye contact with Lash. "I assure you, any deception, either real or suspected, is devoid of nefarious intent." Kith pauses a beat to let that thought sink in. "I'm sure we all have questions. I have a few myself. But they'll have to wait. For now, we're going to have to trust each other enough to work together." Kith looks in the direction of the nearing sounds of Orc war drums and then back at the group. "I suggest we all get out of sight. The Orcs draw near." Kith moves around looking for a good vantage point to be able to both hide and see the army as it passes. ![]()
![]() With anquish visible in his face, Kith hesitates a moment before visibly relaxing and breathing a sigh that eases the tension from his muscles. Taking a second breath he sheathes his weapon. Without taking his eyes off the Commander he says, "My only concern is your safety..." For a moment it looks like Kith will say more, but then he simply steps away ignoring the poised xbow and the confused looks of the others. DM: Ok, you got me... wtf? a fake, magic arm or what? lol... Like a bionic magic Steve Austin? I hope this isn't just a figment of his imagination. ![]()
![]() As Kith's warrior instincts cause the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end, he narrows his eyes at the Commander. Drawing his Elven sword out over his left shoulder, he moves deliberately, directly in front of the Commander. "Tell me Commander... where were your Mother and Sister the night you left home?" DM: You're not making this easy for me are you! Kith is torn between ensuring that he is dealing with the real Commander and protecting the Commander... so he is asking the question suspecting that the Commander has either been possessed in some fashion or possibly replaced by a doppleganger - realizing that both of which would have had to of happened in the last few minutes as his identity was seemingly confirmed recently in our off-to-the-side conversation. In any event, he's intending that his question is cryptic enough to not give away the Commanders identity, but specific enough that the true Commander would easily be able to answer. ![]()
![]() Kith stares in the distance, lost in thought, considering Selena's words. When he again looks at the group he is slowly shaking his head. "I respectfully disagree Selena. Though, I feel like your opinion holds as much weight as my own. We are not a proper military, so I will not ask any of you to do more than you see fit. I was asked to lead this group, but I feel like the closer we get to battle the more each of us will have to decide how we might best contribute to the task at hand." "With that in mind. I suggest we wait it out. Our main advantage was to strike in concert with the other groups using the spectacle of 8 burning catapults, and the ensuing confusion, to cover our retreat. Those groups have now decided to stay put. If we strike alone, at a moving target, we could have an entire orcish army breathing down our necks. " "I agree with the Commander, they have lost the element of surprise for no apparent gain. It's hard to believe that even Orcs are that stupid. I say let's watch them walk below us. We gather what information we may by watching, then follow them and attempt to coordinate with the other groups when the Orcs begin to stage the catapults." Kith finishes by shaking his head in dis-belief and says, "Maybe we can solve the mystery of this tactical blunder..." ![]()
![]() Returning the nod to the Commander, Kith steps forward. "Right, before the our attack we need know exactly what we're up against. Mird and Lash seem best suited to gather that information." Kith pauses to make eye contact with both Lash and Mird, then continues, "As we move out, I'd like you two to fan out in front of the group acting as scouts and reporting back when you find anything of interest. In particular, we need to know exactly where the orcs and the catapult are entrenched. We know the general direction, of course, but we'll need to locate the camp itself. Secondly, we'll need to determine the strength of the orc position near the catapult. We need numbers. How many orc guards are present and, if possible, determine whether they have a shaman or two in their midst. Lastly, keep an eye out for an orc leader. As the Commander mentioned, it's not a priority, but if the opportunity presents itself we may as well take advantage of it." Kith gazes toward the general direction of the orc camp for a moment. "I'll lead the following group. Commander I'd like you to stay near me. Fyird and Selena behind us with Thantos watching the rear. We'll make a stop a safe distance from the camp once these two..." Kith raises a finger in the direction of Mird and Lash "...return with some information about our enemies. We'll discuss tactics for our attack based on that information. If we get split up, we'll regroup back at this location after we destroy the catapult. Lash and Mird, we'll give you a 15 minute head start. If there are no questions, prepare yourselves and depart as soon as you are ready." Kith swings his gaze across the remainder of the group before continuing. "As for the rest of us, we have a few minutes. Let's douse the fire and be ready to move out soon after Lash and Mird depart. We'll likely be engaging the enemy so prepare yourselves accordingly." ![]()
![]() DM: Choked with emotion, Dirk takes his friend by the shoulders and says, "By the Gods! My old friend! You have no idea how glad I am to see you! The stories I have to tell... and to hear, I am certain!" He pauses a moment to soak in the sight of his old lost friend. Then breaks into one of the first real smiles his face has seen in 30 years. "My God you've grown old!" Dropping his hands back to his sides, Dirk grows more serious. "Soon, we'll have time to speak freely. For now, the group is waiting. Know that you know them as well as I. Whether I trust them or not has yet to be decided. But my instincts tell me that they are a capable group."
![]()
![]() Though lost in thought, Kith looks up when Selena speaks. "Hello, and well met. Selena is it not? Rumors of your healing reached even my remote cot in the barracks. Your talent must be considerable. I know little of magic, but I always take comfort when I know a skilled healer is near by." Kith finishes with a nod and a small smile that fades as quickly as it came. ![]()
![]() DM: Unwilling to simply turn and leave while the Commanders safety is in question, Kith locks the Commander with an intense gaze intended to impart a silent message as he reaches up and taps the hilt of his sword with his left hand. "Is there nothing else I can assist you with before I depart for my quarters?"
![]()
![]() DM: Stunned by the cryptic reception, Kith rocks back on his heals. Staring at the Commander, Kith's thought are a whirl. After a moment of reflection, Kith recognizes that the Commander used a name that has been disclosed to VERY few people. A coded signal then? Is the Commander sending him a message? Is he in danger of some sort or just seeking confirmation of identity? Kith decides to proceed carefully. "Indeed... and he sends a message. 'Perhaps you can use the payment to better your skills at Dragon Chess'." With that said, Kith studies the Commander for signs of distress while loosening the straps on his elven blade.
![]()
![]() DM: Giving the captain a slight bow, Kith quickly follows the given directions to the Commanders quarters. As the door comes into view Kith can hear his own heart pounding in his ears and notices that his hands are trembling. As he gets closer to the door, memories flood into his mind of that fateful day 30 years ago. "30 years...", he whispers as steps up to the door and knocks lightly.
![]()
![]() DM: I felt like the Commander had JUST walked out of the room. So Kith quickly excused himself and was expecting to find him still departing in the hallway - or possibly even waiting for him. I can't imagine the Commander would just go about business as usual after he just laid eyes on "Kith"... it's rather a significant event.
FYI, I did consider role playing it and putting in some perception checks, etc. but thought you seemed eager to get the show on the road and I didn't want to slow things down. So, if Kith walks out of the room and there is no indication of where the Commander went - besides feeling a great disappointment - Kith will attempt to seek out a Keep servant, guard or other Keep regular to point him in the direction of the Commanders quarters. If that proves fruitless (i.e. he is unable to glean the info, or the Commander is not in his quarters) Kith will simply return to the barracks, pack his bag, and head to the tunnels with hopes that the Commander will show before the others arrive. ![]()
![]() "I suggest we all return to our quarters to prepare our gear for the journey through the caves. I'd recommend traveling light. By the sounds of it, we'll need to be moving fast." After a slight pause Kith says, "We meet at the tunnel entrance in an hour." That said, Kith abruptly leaves the room. DM: Dirk will immediately seek out 'The Commander'. ![]()
![]() Only the most astute observer would notice that Kith seems to stiffen as the Commander walks into the room - a moment later he's leaning back against the wall and once more seems at ease. DM: They block invisible castle here at work. I'll make a roll tonight OR if you get to it before I do, please feel free to make my roll. Kith has +0 perception. ![]()
![]() Leaning back against the wall, Kith's well-worn, banded mail armor creaks softly as he shifts to find a comfortable position. Though the armor would seem heavy and cumbersome to most, Kith seems to wear it as easily as one might wear a leather jerkin. Protruding over his shoulder is the pommel of a scarred and notched two-handed elven sword - obviously not a show piece, this sword shows the signs of frequent use. A closer inspection of the man would reveal that his face, hands and arms carry the scars of a warrior who has seen many battles. Perhaps too many. The top half of his shoulder-length, light-brown hair is pulled back away from his face and held in place by a leather band near the top, back of his head. A slight graying of the hair near his temples hints at his age, but his body still seems as solid as granite. Initially content to observe the others as they introduce themselves and discuss the situation, Kith uses his years of experience to judge the merit of each of the people in the room - and he's impressed with what he sees. Noticing a pause in the conversation he speaks up - "My name is Kith Tol'Andread. I've been asked to lead a group on a mission concerning the safety of the Keep." Kith pauses and makes brief eye contact with each person in the room. "Based on the experience I see in each of you, I assume this to be the group." ![]()
![]() Gah! Forums ate my post! Reposting. After thanking Alalar Kith moves to claim a bunk somewhere off to the side. Dropping his pack at the foot of the bunk he can feel the dark mood (all too familiar as of late) ease like a fog into his conscience. He considers going to socialize with the soldiers outside but thinks, Why meet tomorrows corpses. Realizing it's the mood talking, he stands and forces his feet to start moving - out the door and into the training yard. As the watches the young soldiers training and sparring, he involuntarily begins to mark the ones mostly likely to end up on the wrong end of an orc's spear. The mood still lingers. Taking off his shirt and drawing his two-handed Elven blade Kith decides to combat the mood the only way he knows how - by getting lost in his sword routines. Soon his body is covered in sweat and his thoughts are lost in the fluidity of his movements and the simplicity of the exercise. ![]()
![]() "Well met, Alalar Machophant", Kith says with a slight nod. "I am Kith Tol'Andread, I've come in answer to the notices calling for men at arms here in Kiren's Keep." Nodding his head in the direction of the front gate Kith says, "Jeffries at the front gate suggested I speak with you. I am skilled with a sword and could prove useful when the orcs decide to press an attack." ![]()
![]() Finishing his discussion with the guards Kith moves into the town proper and soaks in the familiar sights of the battle preparations. Standing still in the midst of the bustling activity, the castle catches his eye and he seems lost in his own thoughts for a moment. Then, with a grunt, he heads off to the barracks to introduce himself to the squad leader. ![]()
![]() DM: Sorry, 15 hour drive yesterday put me out of pocket. Tried to talk my wife through a post on her iPhone while I was driving, but ended up getting frustrated and bagging it... :) Dismounting, the warrior sighs and looks upon yet another town in a long series of towns that have acted as temporary havens through out the years. As has been the case at each town, the warrior prepares another introduction to disarm the suspicions of the guards - and the people within. "Greetings neighbor", the warrior begins with a disarming smile. "My name is Kith Tol'Andread. I have been many days on the road and I seek shelter and a hot meal." "It has come to my attention that your town is in need of those who are practiced with the use of a sword. If that is the case, and the cause is just, then I will readily offer my services."
|