Bronwyn waits in the entrance of the cave, knowing full well his presence would hinder the efforts of his companions.
He looks at Alaric and whispers:
"Keep you eyes open, sir, for I trust not this place."
The knight looks down the portal, many questions forming up in his mind. He shares some with Alaric, knowing the young man's education might offer him some insight
"Even though it left death and carnage, there are no indications that whatever creature that attacked the herd had malicious intent. It might be one of the many different species of animals larger than men, and unnacostumed to civilization. It may simply see the smaller animal as prey, and hunt with no malice."
His eyes narrow on the opening and the dust.
"But then there's this. It's a deliberate construction, carrying a powerful curse, possibly intended to weaken any trespassers so its owner can more easily deal with them. May we be facing some sort of magician, maybe able to transform himself into some larger beast? Or maybe capable of summoning demons from other realms to do his work for him? Could it be that this person has trained an animal or dominated it through his magic? He could be using it to further his aims and goals, or maybe even just supply him with food."
Finally, the armored man looks at Alaric, hoping to receive his arcane insights on the matter at hand.
Bronwyn smiles, his eyes glinting with a hint of purpose.
"It has been a long, hard winter and I would be lying if I said to you I don't look forward for a chance of riding under the blue sky and facing our enemies. Our people are in fear, and they need us not only to deal with this peril, but to instill hope in their hearts and restore their security. Let us not disappoint them, my companions."
He walks to the door, turning his head to reply:
"I"ll be in the stables, saddling our horses and preparing our supplies for the travel. See you soon."
In my girlfriend's house, leeching off some internet. Read the "training" post, will reply with some commentaries and actions once I have enough time to post (will write the post at home and send it when I get here again).
OK I've uploaded the archive. You gotta unzip all the files in a folder, and click on the "Saravale.html" file. It should display on your browser. If Logan gets some time, it would be cool to host those files online.
Most of the details of the html can be changed. I changed a line to keep the labels (the building names) always displayed, but as default they only appear if you hover your mouse on the square. I can also name the streets, build walls, etc.
Bronos is his first (and only) proper name. He was probably called "Stableboy" even in his adulthood, and "horseman" after that, but he didn't forge a real surname for himself. Same goes for Gwynn, Bronwyn's mother, devoted to Erastil but a simple cook.
I was wondering more from the IC point of view - it's no good putting a refuse site near the body of water (even though it's dry by this point) that supplies the city, or near the city's barracks, etc.
Actually, as my parents are both extremely lowborn, neither have actual surnames. They are still alive and quite well; the whole getting me-out-of-the-dungeons scheme was actually Bronos' idea. I'm still comitting to paper the background of these NPCs, but Bronos' is almost finished (there's a sample below).
Bronos:
Bronos is a simple man, raised on the tenets of Erastil and the values of "hard work breed honest men". He was born in a farm on the Medvyed lands, the third son of his household, and was constantly bullied by his brothers for his wiry frame and skinny arms and legs. The boy had known early that he would only have what he built for himself, for his older brother would inherit most of the farm, and his second brother the rest.
While his brothers worked on the crops and grains, Bronos would handle the farm animals, be it making sure the mule would stay healthy and pull the plough or feeding the pigs that would provide food for the winter. He would also forage around the family lands, looking for fruit and the occasional small game to supplement the family's meager income.
His father died when he was sixteen years old, and to avoid the inevitable struggle about the family's property, Bronos left his house, carrying only one pair of spare clothes, his hunting shortbow and a few arrows. The young hunter survived the next few years selling pelts of fox and badger, mostly sleeping under a tree or simply covered in his blanket.
During a particularly tough winter, Bronos was caught poaching in the woods of a certain Sir Petrov. The landed knight heard the sad story of the sobbing boy, and he offered the boy a chance to pay for his crime: he would be whipped three times, and after that he would work all winter in the stables. Only many years later would he understand the mercy the lord had offered him: while working in the stables he would have a warm roof over his head and food on his belly, instead of facing the terrible winter alone in the woods.
During that winter, Bronos cleaned the stables, saddled horses and took care of their health. He would sleep tired and smelly, but warm and dry. On came the spring, and the boy still worked in the stables, although he had been granted the right to leave. When granted permission, he would range the woods, and return carrying fowl, small game or tales of boar and deer in the woods, which the knight would gather his court to hunt. In these events, the boy even accompanied the knight, feeding his horses and handling the hunting hounds.
The years passed, and Bronos had become a slender and agile man, always clad in wool and leather, with his riding boots and hunting shortbow. His rugged features would send the castle's handmaidens in a flurry of gossip, and his humble and easy manner had made him a trusting servant of house Petrov.
A tumble in the hay with Gwynn, the castle cook's daughter, turned his world upside-down. The girl was a young and devout worshipper of Erastil, and when she revealed that she was carrying a child, Bronos done right by her and asked her hand in marriage. Although her family had higher expectations for the girl (that had been betrothed to a priest of Erastil), the scandal left them with few choices but to accept the marriage. With lord Petrov's leave, they married in the woods under the sign of the Old Deadeye, and a few months later Bronwyn was born.
"And that's precisely why I'd rather face a fearsome band of bandits, bent on evil-doing and baby-eating. At least that way I could have a fair fight."
The problem is I lost the file which had the NPCs stubs (name, race, and general history and purpose). I remember both Bronwyn's parents, and three different women, but I'm wondering on expand that to a guard (probably a 1st-level fighter) and a little brother or sister to Bronwyn (without class levels at this point, at the age of 8 or 9). Mind if I redefine them?
I mean, his "entourage" consists of mostly serving women, but his father is a seasoned hunter and animal-handler (I'm thinking ranger). Also, if by this time the kobolds have knighted me, I'd like to begin training a squire. Seeing as I've trained a few of the younger lads during the winter time, I'd like to gauge their interests and talents, and find one that's talented (or maybe has a hidden talent) and willing. Maybe Rand Davis from Oleg's Garrison or, ideally, Christopher Ironhorse (he has around the right age and looks promising as a warrior).
"Thank you, Brett. I just wonder if that ghoul city can exist underwater. I mean, as far as I know, undead do not need to breathe, and they have left most of their worldly worries behind. In that scenario, heavier kinds of armor would not only prove to be a nuissance, but downright a sure way to die. The same if I was forced underwater."
The knight sips the drink, looking out while thinking.
"I shall carry my spare breastplate in case the grounds prove treacherous or our mission demands a wider range of motion. I just ask that you be patient, because if I am to switch armor, it will rightly take around ten minutes until I can remove the full plate and buckle all the straps on the breastplate. Also, a small help undoing my back straps, those I can't reach by myself."
"Well, milady Kane, I have witnessed a few maids who could tell you quite the opposite. These last days I can't seem to get a pail of water without getting some stares. I swear sometimes I'd rather face another band of bandits than the collected maids at the kitchen."
For those who don't know, Bronwyn looks a lot like this guy.
Although everyone was bound to the walls of the fortress for the winter, Bronwyn had been a bit distant from the others, always working hard or training with the kobolds.
But anyone can see now the winter has been good for the knight. His body is stronger and healthier, and although he has fresh new cuts and bruises from the training and the work, he seems to have recovered from the ordeals suffered in his lord's dungeons. He sports a healthy tan instead of the sickly white he bore when he came to the Stolen Lands, and good feeding and constant work restored his wiry frame to a fit, larger one.
More importantly, he seems more upright, as if a great burden had been relieved from his shoulders. When he gazes in the distance he does so with purpose and keen senses, not haunted by the ghosts of his past.
When we decide which buildings to build and where to place the buildings already built, I'll work on the html file. I think I can always "print-screen" it to generate a jpg image file.
Hey Joe, can you provide us with a keyed city map like the ones you use on maptools? That way we could refer to each "block" as A9 or D3, which would really help me put together the map.
In another game I play, the DM used a cool html thing to generate an image of the city map. I've toyed a little with it, and think I can edit the html file. Just would need to upload it somewhere, does anyone here has a page that could host it?
The end result is an image of the city map with the buildings, and you can mouse-over them and read a label (so we could point to the tavern and read "Green Frog Tavern").
edit: Found an example of the end result using the HTML thing: http://atuan.com/city-map-toolkit/vessilion-commerce-final.html
Joe, I'd really like at least a summarized account of what transpired between Bronwyn and the kobolds along the winter. It could affect in many ways the way I'll roleplay him from now on.
In the IC thread I'd asked for Alaric to enchant my bastard sword, did he manage to do that?
Also, I'd like to ask you specifics about Bronwyn's "clique" of characters, so I can stat them up and write down a few descriptions to provide you with some NPCs. I had written down your guidelines on statting them, but its motherboard burned up and the computer is in repair.
As I remember, you said they could be 1st-level PC-classed or 3rd-level NPC-classed. How many should I stat up? On what point-buy should I build them? Can I choose traits for them? Will I need to "pay" for their services?
Sir Bronwyn walks in, wearing simple rough pants and a soaked-through linen cloth. His body is marked with dirt in several places, owning to the long hours he's been spending fixing up the stables and helping of construction efforts.
"Well, my friends, it's been a long winter, and my blade has been oiled and sharpened for a moment such as this. These evils could come and haunt us anytime, and we can't let our people suffer from our inaction. Let us explore what needs to be explored and lay these dangers to rest. It's been quite a while."
As I understand, the dump offers bonuses for one reason: it is a concentrated place to relieve off trash and refuse. The remodeling and building of the structures will generate massive amounts of dirt and construction material, which would be taken to the dumps instead of being just swiped off under the carpet. I support Alaric and Kae'til, we'll generate massive amounts of trash and refuse on the next months, and setting early a curtained place where to dispose of this would go a long way towards getting a cleaner, healthier environment.
Sorry for my absence, folks. I'm moving out from my house and in the process my computer got broken. As soon as the moving is finished I'll be out of internet until I can get a new service going there (I'll probably be buying a new computer this week). I find it kind of frustrating to lose out on this period of the campaign, and I'll understand if you wish to NPC me or even replace me.
Bronwyn also proposes forming 4 different bodies of armed forces, each one with a different leader and function (all titles and symbols are provisory):
Huntsmen: Hunters, rangers, scouts and outriders focused on ensuring woods and border patrol. Could wear green cloaks as a symbol of office, with a clasp made of bone or wood in the shape of a bow. Armed with varied melee weapons, ranged weapons (bows, preferably, due to greater range), light to medium armor and counting with some light horses. Led by the Master of the Hunt.
Gatewardens: Guardsmen designed to prevent crime, disrupt fights and catch common thieves. They would patrol the streets of cities and towns and be a ostensive force of persuasion. Could wear grey (or black) cloaks with an iron clasp depicting key upright in front of a gate. Armed with non-lethal weapons (sap and batons) and one ranged weapon (possibly a crossbow due to ease of use), wearing light to medium armor (studded leather or scale armor, with officers wearing breastplates and being allowed to carry a lethal weapon). Led by the Guardian of the Gates.
Shieldbrothers: Soldiers properly, focused on patrolling roads, manning military outposts and massing in the case of war. Should follow military discipline and have a similar hierarchy. They could wear red cloaks as symbol of office, their clasp a steel shield. Armed with lethal weapons and probably shields (the specific weapon depending on their assignment; i.e. a squadron of spearmen or a sword-and-shield phalanx), medium to heavy armor (scale mail for the rank-and-file, any choice of armor for the officers); officers and captains should have horses to facilitate battlefield mobility.
Knights of Winter: The proper knighthood order of the Kingdom. They would be the wild card for the kingdom: Knights of the order serve the order directly, but could swear terms of service to nobles and institutions. They could thus be "loaned" to lead a squad of Shieldbrothers, or serve direcly as bodyguards to the members of the High Council. They would wear white cloaks clasped by a silver snowflake ("Pure as snow."). I will further elaborate on that in the future (the main purpose of the order will be to serve the kingdom according to their code).
a. Bronwyn will train with the kobolds, while enjoying nightly reads of the Draconic War Manual. He hopes to use the book to get an insight on the mindset of the kobolds (along with the Improved Unarmed Strike feat). Most of the other below are done after this training or during any off-hours. Cue Bron wearing a sweater and running up a stair at 5 AM. In the background, one can hear "Rising up, back on the streets..."
b. He will put order on the stables, stablishing proper rules on the use of the horses and administration of their feeding. He will also train the other horses acquired from the bandits to withstand battles and combat. Handle Animal check (DC 20):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12.
c. Most importantly, he'll offer to the others his idea of stablishing a knightly order bent on defending the realm and its common people (although I'd rather have this discussion with the players and specially Alaric, maybe through skype). He will also share other ideas (detailed below).
d. He will spend some free time getting to know the people in the fortress, and scanning any of them for potential in battle. He will also offer up small jobs in the armed forces to anyone interested (such as cleaning armor, cooking, and manning the stables). His folk are likely to work on that.
e. He'll try to get to know Captain Antiene, relying on his knowledge to decide on the finer points of law. He will introduce himself to Dasha and Drake, and try to establish with him a courier service between Oleg and the fortress. He would be responsible for keeping ready horses and men, and I would do the same on the other end. He tries to meet the garrison men at Oleg, and gently sway them with tales of bravery and honor.
f. He'll finally train people on combat, mainly defensive moves. He'll prospect the trainees to discern further potential, and will offer further trainings to those who show promise.
Question 2
a. Will pay the gold so Khrovin can craft my bow (how much is that?). Will take minor stuff (the pipe and tobacco, the game board, etc) from the loot. Will ask Alaric to enchant his sword to a +1 bonus (if he could make it glow a silvery light, better yet).
Question 3
a. For Bronwyn, the monarchy system has an excellent quality and a terrible flaw. Succession is generally quick and easy ("The king is dead. Long live the (new) king!"), but unchecked power can easily lead to abuse of power (and nothing assures the new king should have in mind the good interests of his people). He supports Ariarh's notion of sucession by primacy not by gender.
I'm having trouble with the "High Council" having the same status as the regent and it existing above the boundaries of the other branches of government.
He offers the following model:
A monarch assisted by a High Council numbering 5 or 6 chairs (each chair has 1 vote, the monarch votes last and decides on ties). This council has lower status than the monarch, but its collective might should surpass the king's and they could have right (requiring AT LEAST 5 votes out of 6) to remove a monarch if he's deemed unfit to rule. The new monarch should be his sucessor or, if no blood ties are found, drawn from the ranks of the High Council. Most decisions should be voted, with majority vote being the norm, and major ones requiring a superiority or unanimous vote.
These High Council chairs should mirror the system's Leadership positions (all titles are provisory):
Consul of the People (Councilor): Ellected from the House of Commons to represent that body's opinion on matters. He calls up votes from the population and presents these results to the High Council (also bringing to the Council requests by the people). Elections could be held every 2 years (or 1 year). Only removed by royal decree and 7 votes from the council (and maybe that shouldn't happen AT ALL, for this is the representative of the people).
Master at Arms (General): Appointed by the High Council and the monarch to lead the kingdom's army, that itself focuses on patrolling roads, guarding borders and manning military buildings. Should serve until resigned or removed from power by at least a majority vote from the High Council.
High Priest: Appointed by the High Council and the monarch from the top of local religious hierarchy (i.e. by the heads of the kingdom's churches). Should serve a term of 1 year. Maybe we could reduce it to 6 months, and have the chair always rotate from the heads of local religions (so if a priest of Erastil served as High Priest for this semester, the next one should be a priest of another religion, and so on). This would ensure all churches have their saying in local matters, and it would encourage different religions from setting up churches in the kingdom (as they'll have a say in local politics).
Master of the Hunt (Marshal): Appointed by the High Council and the monarch among the people to lead the kingdom's outriders and rangers, ensuring safety on forest areas and providing the Master at Arms with intelligence. Should serve until resigned or removed from power by at least a majority vote from the High Council.
Guardian of the Gates (Warden): Responsible for managing the armed forces responsible for city security (i.e. City Watches). Could be either elected by the House of Commons or just appointed by the High Council.
If using the House of Commons/House of Nobles idea, the Grand Diplomat could be ellected from the ranks of the House of Nobles. He/she should represent the noble families' voice, and should serve as a dignified diplomat and herald to the kingdom on foreign lands.
b. Lawful Good. These lands have been chaotic for too long, breeding bandits and cults and whatnot. People should feel better protected by a set of rules. And a government should always work for the betterment of its people.
c. Bronwyn suggests that a coronation and similar symbols of office should be sacred to a patron deity (or more than one). He suggests Erastil and Iomedae, and maybe Abadar. Worship of Asmodeus, Lamashtu, Norgorber, Rovagug, Urgathoa and Zon-Luthon, along with any cults dedicated to demon lords or infernal dukes should be prohibited (no shrines should be built, worshipers should face exile from the land if not guilty of any other crimes).
You are wiser than you give yourself credit for, Kae. That's a sensible and intelligent idea.
We would do well to talk to Oleg and other inhabitants of this area. There should be many hunter cabins spread across the land, and employing these folk will provide them with a steady income annd security for their families and provide us with intelligence on the area and expert hunters. We would do well to offer them housing and pay. They could integrate in the border patrols, serving as captains to the less-trained men.
If we get a good enough number of settlers for the land, we should form up a third body of armed forces. The reason for this is that we'll need people walking the streets and preventing petty crime, such as theft or assault. Soldiers are terribly ill-suited for that; they are trained to fight an enemy and kill with efficience, not disrupt bar-room brawls and catch cutpurses. This City Watch should receive a stipend, but not necessarily housing in the fort. I'd rather reserve that space for our soldiers proper.
The winter will be long and full of work. We shall be forging a city, and maybe even more than that, a nation. I would also offer myself as ore for your forge, brave Sylvath.
Bronwyn kneels before the silvered leader.
Forge me into a shield to defend our people and a blade to defeat our enemies. Let me walk in your path and follow your ways. I offer myself in servitude until such time you recognize I'm worthy of the title of sir and all that this entails.
I have squired for a great honorable knight by the name of Sir Ivan Petrov. He was a kind and dedicated man, but those same qualities blinded him for the wretch that was his son. He died before granting me knighthood, and as such I'm still a lowly squire.
He inhales heavily, looking up and trying to shape his thoughts into words.
And as I'm bound by honor to speak the truth in all matters, I have to confess I really didn't care much for the gods before. All I achieved, be it good or evil, was won by the actions of good and bad men. But ever since arriving in these lands I cannot help but feel the eyes and hands of the gods in our path, and I now believe they have a purpose for me. Alas I'm a simple man and know nothing in the ways of the gods, only honor and respect. I hope those can pave the road to true devotion, but I know I still have a long travel ahead.
The knight looks back on the kobold.
I ask of you that you teach me about the gods and the way to properly honor them. I ask that you show me what it is to live on the path of devotion, honor and dedication. Show me your way; I hope it resonates with my soul and what I feel.
I believe I can use these next winter months to train anyone in Oleg's post to defend himself and fight enemies if need be. Let us not forget the ustalavians answered to their lord, and he hasn't shown his face yet. It may very well be that tomorrow, next week or three months from now, we could all be facing marshalled forces across a battlefield. If milord Winter allows, I'd like to take every able-handed man and woman on the post and drill into them at least some fighting spirit and techniques.
1. Bronwyn Winter, Commander of Swords (representing domain over armed forces), Master of Horse (officer in charge of the care and feeding of horses and management of the stables) and Knight-Captain (an old Taldor title for the knight commander of a legion of knights or footmen).
2. I'll round up the last free warhorse and saddle it with a cargo saddle. In it I'll carry ten of the winter clothings (to provide for the ones I brought here), the three bottles of cheap wine, 1 longbow (with 50 arrows), well-made pipe and 4 lbs of tobacco (if Brett allows), the "Siege" game board (awesome for cold winter nights) and the Draconic War Manual. Bronwyn will carry one scimitar as a back-up weapon (I've seen to be misplacing my weapon a lot).
Did Khrovin get that masterwork Breastplate? Is a broadsword a bastard sword or a greatsword?
In the short time we've met, I have come to know you as a people of courage and determination unparalled by any other. In this, if not in stature, you are giants. I humbly offer myself at your service, to learn from the ways of honor and truth your people follow. It's been a long time since I've squired, and I still feel a little rusty from the years spent in the dungeon, but you'll find in me an eager and determined if not particularly smart student. Let me learn the truth of your history, the wisdom of your words and the power of your gods and you can ask for anything in return.
That said, Bronwyn will spend quite some time reading the draconic manual (more in an effort to comprehend their mindset) and (if they accept) studying/training with the kobolds.
Ka'etil, I hope you'll let me be your beacon if you're sailing on black waters. This sort of magic is not unlike a blackglass sword, thin and razor-sharp, but it can shatter and cut you into ribbons even as you wield it against your enemies. You are strong in mind and body both, but let me share your burden if it ever threatens to overwhelm you.
The tired knight takes off his helm, his sickly complexion slowly regaining color after the massive blood loss from the infernal wound. He shows straw-blond hair matted and covered in sweat and a mouth bloody from the battle. Nevertheless, the look out of his dark blue eyes is of relief and accomplishment.
Bronwyn Winter walks to Alaric's side and puts a gauntleted hand on his shoulder.
My brother.
He sighes heavily, trying to form up his thoughts. The absurdity of it all suddenly weighs in his mind, and he drops his shield in body and in mind.
Heh. They should be lead by a poet.
The horseman looks at Alaric's eyes, noticing the aristocratic features of his adopted brother's face. His own features are much more blunt and rough, scarred by sun, wind and dungeon. The horseman takes off his gauntlets.
The fact is, I am as lowborn as they come. My father is Bronos the stableman, and my mother is Gwynn the washerwoman of the late lord Ivan Petrov, bannerman of House Medvyed. I used to work in the stables, brushing horses and scooping horse dung from the floor. If not for my father's loyal service and courage beyond his station, I would be there still. I may wear mail and plate now, but there were days I would wear only ragged pants and cloth sacks about my feet.
Each phrase is punctuated by a metallic clack, as he removes one of the countless pieces of his armor.
I may know a bit of courtesy and kind words, but even after the many years squiring, I'm still more of a stablehand than a proper knight. I still bite my tongue, trying to remember to say "my lord" instead of "m'lord". So you see the troubles of the Petrov house, if the common workers of the castle chose me as their leader when they revolted and ran away from his cruelty. They should've chosen a poet or a nobleman, to whisper honeyed words in the ears of the lords begging for a place or work.
The coat of wool under the armor is caked with dried blood and sports a slash where the devil's spear blade found a weak point in the plate. He also removes that.
Instead, they chose me. And I lead they into running. Wasn't chivalrous nor particularly brave, but it either run or die. And so we came here. Almost a dozen hungry mouths led by the lamest excuse of a knight this south of Brevoy. And yet, you have given us haven and sanctuary. And you have freely given me loyalty and love. And even a name.
Finally standing with his chest covered by a thin and soaked-through white shirt, he looks at Alaric.
Our honor and destinies are forever entwined, brother, if not by blood but by deed.
Sorry to bother, but can I get maybe a simple rundown about the fight and the following events? I went to bed around the time the bearded devil appeared. I'd like to know specially what I'm suffering from, so I can roleplay accordingly.
Bronwyn dismounts quickly, searching the battlefield for the positions of his comrades. Sighing in relief at seeing Alaric disappear using his magic, he looks for a way to the archers.
Quick Dismount Ride check DC 20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Move action to dismount to T25.
He enters the building, his instincts flaring. Seeing the staircase, he halts for a second.
This feels like walking into a trap... Nevertheless, the others are suffering heavy attack and I must step into it if need be; those archers need to be dealt with before we lose someone.
Bronwyn will ride at the front of the column, eyes open.
We should make a careful search of the towers. Wouldn't want to face our enemies ahead to discover there were hidden enemies in our backs, cutting off our escape routes.
Not having the keenest eye in the distance, Bronwyn serves more as a helpful second pair of eyes for the main scout.
Bronwyn will Aid Another for anyone near him.
[ooc]Tower Set 2 A & B:
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 19
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 17
Tower Set 3 A & B:
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 14
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 17
Tower Set 4 A & B:
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 1
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 8
Tower Set 5 A & B:
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 11
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 14
Tower Set 6 A & B:
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 3
Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 6
Brownyn dismounts, handling the reins of Valiant through the rubble. His eyes are on the ground, searching for small rocks that could hurt his mare's hooves and larger ones that could dislodge and provoke a fall.
I too would prefer to ride the straight road. I'd rather fight enemy riders and die with my sword in hand than be crushed by rocks or poisoned by cowards hidden in the hills.
Well, I can accompany you as best as I'm able, but my father will be the first to tell you he's glad I became a knight because I would be a terrible and hungry hunter.
So when all this business with the ustalavians is done, what will we do? We could stablish ourselves in Oleg's post until the winter finishes, but will our food stores last that long?
Bron missed out on the Adventuring 104 class - Bards are not Front Line Fighters
Heh, you should see my Arcane Duelist build...
SHARE PLZ!
*ahem*
I mean, first time bard here, still learning the ropes. Any counsel would be appreciated. Also, how come there aren't any buff spells on bard 1st-level spell list?
Reflexive Ride (+8) check to "Guide with knees" DC 5: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Free Action Handle Animal (+13) check to "Handle an Animal" DC 10: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Free Action Ride (+8) check to "Fight with a combat-trained mount" DC 10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Use our numbers, outflank them! Victory is near!
The knight points his sword, motioning the kobolds on the left to encircle the enemies and cut their escape route.
Standard Action: Tactician Cavalier Ability: All allies within 30 feet can use the Precise Strike teamwork feat, dealing 1d6 extra precision damage with each melee damage whenever flanking. Duration: 5 rounds.
Bronwyn then pressures his mare with his left foot, aiming its hooves at the man threatening Alaric, using the man's divided attention as he's being flanked by the kobolds.
Reflexive Ride (+8) check to "Guide with knees" DC 5: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Free Action Handle Animal (+13) check to "Handle an Animal" DC 10: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Free Action Ride (+8) check to "Fight with a combat-trained mount" DC 10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Alaric, get back!
Bronwyn pressures his mare with his left foot, aiming its hooves at the man threatening Alaric.
Cursing himself under his breath for his slow reflexes, Sir Bronwyn rears his horse, aiming Valiant's hooves on his enemy.
Reflexive Ride (+8) check to "Guide with knees" DC 5: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Free Action Ride (+8) check to "Fight with a combat-trained mount" DC 10:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19.
Free Action Handle Animal (+13) check to "Handle an Animal" DC 10: Auto-Pass (according to the DM).
Described below are the actions on the preparation round:
Seeing the enemies arrayed against them by the sunlight spurs Bronwyn into action. Drums begin to beat in his ears as the blood rushes through his veins and his eyes widen. He takes a deep breath, expanding greatly his chest, and puts down his helm, raising his visor so he can shout:
Take defensive positions, spread out to avoid magical barrage, but stay at MOST sixty feet away from each other, so you can provide help to your fellows! Kae'til, I'll need you to ride with me, if I ride alone I'll be swarmed. Ariarh, prepare for the entangle, and quench the spell on my command! Khrovin, Brett and Alaric, focus your fire on their mage, we need him down! Brothers, I'll draw their fire, but I need your magic along with my armor to keep me alive!
His commands, sharp and decisive, leave no room for doubt. Most may remember the strategy discussed before and need no further explanations. The enemy is ahead; the battle has begun.
Standard Action: Lion's Call Cavalier Ability: Everyone in 60 ft gets a +3 competence bonus on saving throws against fear and a +1 competence bonus on attack rolls for 4 rounds.
Does anyone have any buffs to use on me? Maybe that Bull's Strenght from Ariarh or the Protect Other from Khrovin?
Praying silently to the gods, he lets his visor down and mounts Valiant. Closing his eyes for a couple seconds, the knight remembers all his lessons, and proceeds to mentally check his preparations.
Check the stirrups; done. Tie in the reins, they won't be needed. Condition of the shield straps? Humid, but will do. Connect lance to plate support. Regulate breathing. Open eyes.
The green field ahead was alight with life. Each blade of grass moved of its own accord, bending with the gentle western wind. He blinks, adapting to the dark recesses of his closed helm. The world is now a narrow slit of color and movement, and the drums in his ears feel loud as a waterfall banging on his head.
A second blink, and there's the enemy. Riding across the plains, their horses covered in lather, spurred on by their merciless riders. This moment seems to last for a life-time while Bronwyn examines their faces, their armor and their weapons. In a swift and natural movement, he kicks his mare's flanks, spurring her into motion.
All doubts vanish. The banging of the drums coincides perfectly with the beating of his mare's hooves on the soft ground. This is what he was made for. Man and horse on the field opposite to his enemies. Many depend on him to succeed. He would not fail them.
Move action: Draw lance.
Position myself at AS29. Initiative roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
I'd rather send Kae'til and Brett to scout the fishing village ahead of the main column. If we all advance, the enemy is sure to hear us coming, and may have time to prepare or send word to the others in the fort.
If everyone agrees, I would like for Brett and Kae to move on foot and discreetly (using Stealth and Perception) gather information about enemy forces in the fishing town. If everyone doesn't agree with that and we just ride into town, I'd like to at least position myself between the fishing town and the way to the fort, so I could break their escape line and prevent any word of us from reaching those up there.
Kae'til should accompany you. He's lightly armored and capable of protecting your retreat in the case you two are discovered. About the pony, do not worry, master Brett, for I'll take good care of him. What's his name? He'd rather have apples or carrots?
