"If they're moving a prisoner they'll be in a carriage," Estel retorts, "probably with a few men on horses and an escort of foot soldiers - they won't be moving fast. If we're mounted ourselves we can circle around them as we attack and stop them from going anywhere."
"So long as we approach them from both directions, so that the escort can neither pass us, nor escape back the way they came, then that will work." Surveying the group, "Do any of us know how many Hellknights usually accompany a prisoner transport?".
Knowledge(Local)
Gorvio walks away from the blacksmith that he was talking to, and approaches Ranindolf. After sighing, Gorvio shakes his head toward Ranindolf while saying, "So I see you have followed me into the fray once again Ranindolf. When are you going to learn?".
Ohh, Is that you Gorvio? Ranin blinks. I didn't recognize the hat! Fancy meeting you here! You find anything new about the C-O-T? Ranindolf ends with a whisper.
to the group:
Umm, If we have a whole day, and if they use a carriage, couldn't we dig some holes and stuff? That would stop a carriage, right?... I...I had a job digging not too long ago... Ranindolf trails off into thought.
Professor Rokannon muses.
"A full loadout of Sleep spells then? That means three of them, each potentially taking down four human targets; though my average is 2.5. Careful timing will be needed, as those who don't succumb are able to kick those who do awake if they keep their wits about them."
He muses further.
"I will also need to be within 120 feet. Some concealment at that range would be ideal."
"If I could volunteer to lead the ambush distraction, It would be my honor to do so". "I cringe at the idea of attacking from ambush myself, and would be much more comfortable with a direct confrontation".
Looking over the group, "I think Janiven has a good idea. Assuming this place is well wooded, the main body of our force, (gesturing to the non-player characters) as well as Sir Winston, could hide in the woods and conduct a surprise attack from the front. In the confusion the rest of us (looking at the players) can attack from the rear after Professor Rokannon attempts to sleep the transport group. as we do that the frontal assualt should retreat into the woods, excpet for Sir Winston. That way Sir Winston can keep the force from advancing while the rest of the group attacks from the rear. Assuming the Hellkinghts act as they usually do, they will likely only have one full knight and several recruits as part of the escort, so we should be able to take them."
Ranin blinks at Gorvio's summary. That sounds like a good idea! He nods in agreement.
Gorvio scans over the map that Janiven draws. After staring at it for a moment, he moves back from Janiven and leans against the wall. "Hmmm...give me a moment to think." Gorvio pulls out his flute and quitely plays "Lothlorien" to himself. After soothing himself and those around him, Gorvio reapproaches the discussion. " The bridge would be a great pinch point, however, if we were to be overpowered, the group not easily be able to return to cover. So even though I would normally agree with the bridge, I think we should strike at the place marked on this map as another possible site forested. It will allow those less able to strike quickly, but then return to safety. Also, the bridge appears to be closer to the Hellknights destination than I would like for an ambush."
Gorvio scans over the map that Janiven draws. After staring at it for a moment, he moves back from Janiven and leans against the wall. "Hmmm...give me a moment to think." Gorvio pulls out his flute and quitely plays "Lothlorien" to himself. After soothing himself and those around him, Gorvio reapproaches the discussion. " The bridge would be a great pinch point, however, if we were to be overpowered, the group not easily be able to return to cover. So even though I would normally agree with the bridge, I think we should strike at the place marked on this map as another possible site forested. It will allow those less able to strike quickly, but then return to safety. Also, the bridge appears to be closer to the Hellknights destination than I would like for an ambush."
...Um, so where I go...? Over here by the trees? weren't we splitting up the force or something...? Ranin asks looking down at the map.
Professor Rokannon peers at the sketch.
"Hmmm. So the bridge is a natural chokepoint, but the forested stretch would allow a closer approach and a faster hit and run."
He points out the features to Ranindolf.
Profession (Teacher):
"Both sites have their advantages". "I hope not to skulk off into the forest if things go bad, and can't imagine that scenario, however the bridge does keep them from going around us".
"You know my feelings". "I am in favor of a frontal assault so that they may know that they will be held accountable, however I understand that doing so at this time would only result in the defeat or our cause". "Know that Sir Winston will stand in earnest for any plan developed...just please keep in mind that I refuse to strike from ambush".
"Both sites have their advantages". "I hope not to skulk off into the forest if things go bad, and can't imagine that scenario, however the bridge does keep them from going around us".
"You know my feelings". "I am in favor of a frontal assault so that they may know that they will be held accountable, however I understand that doing so at this time would only result in the defeat or our cause". "Know that Sir Winston will stand in earnest for any plan developed...just please keep in mind that I refuse to strike from ambush".
I-I would like to avoid killing them as much as possible too...They...They re are just doing their jobs... Ranin says a bit timidly.
Professor Rokannon gazes down at the map.
"Are we agreed then? Ambush them at a bend in the forest before they come to the bridge?"
Professor Rokannon is ready now.
Professor Rokannon will select an appropriate hiding spot, well concealed towards the middle of the map on the left side.
As Gorvio places himself he reminds the non-players and Sir Winston, "Front runners need to make sure that they hide further up the road that us, because we (gesturing to himself, Prof. Rokannon, and Ranindorf) are the rear assault." Gorvio crouches behind one of the large rocks on the right side of the road approximately 10 to 15 feet from the road in the middle of the map. Gorvio is roughly across the road from Prof. Rokannon, with his bow drawn ready for combat. While he sits, Gorvio warms up his voice quietly to himself "Me, me, me, me, me...," preparing for his coming performance.
(gesturing to himself, Prof. Rokannon, and Ranindorf) Are the rear assault." Gorvio crouches behind one of the large rocks on the right side of the road approximately 10 to 15 feet from the road in the middle of the map. Gorvio is roughly across the road from Prof. Rokannon, with his bow drawn ready for combat. While he sits, Gorvio warms up his voice quietly to himself "Me, me, me, me, me...," preparing for his coming performance.
Rear assult...Umm if this is happening in the morning...do you think we should umm set a trap or something? Regaurdless of what they reply to that is, Ranin takes up a hiding spot when the time is appropriete for the ambush, near the Prof, as he seems a bit less able in melee combat than Gorvio.
Sir Winston will work his normal shift at the soup kitchen, then go back to his room and sleep early. He will then rise two hours before sunrise to pray and prepare.
"I think the party should leave before sunrise". "Few will be around to watch us leave, and we can arrive at the site a couple of hours before the escort". "There is a small produce check station just north of the City gates". "What say we meet there an hour before sunrise"?
Professor Rokannon is ready.
ready
Ranin hides near the Prof, so wherever he places himself, Ranin is near there, hiding behind a tree or something, unless someone else tells him to go somewhere else, in which Ranin hastily does as told. Ranin holds his action until Gorvio does something.
Professor Rokannon conceals himself at Z-36.
Professor Rokannon conceals himself at Z-36.
Ranin will follow, placing himself at Y-36, unless told otherwise.
Ranin looks around for Gorvio, Sir Winston, and the others a bit worriedly.
Psst. Professor... Professssssooooor... We didn't...miss it did we? He whispers a bit worriedly.
Stealth
Initiative:
Professor Rokannon takes careful aim and casts Sleep on top of the carriage, catching as many people as possible that include the driver.
Sir Winston steps onto the edge of the roadway, his Glaive at his side, and holds up one hand.
"Halt, honorable knights". "You hold within the wagon one who has been falsely accused". "He must be released to my custody, or there will be trouble". "I give you this opportunity to hand him over and go peacefully on your way".
Init
Ranin waits for Gorvio to move in and then follows suit, his objective to get the man out of the carriage. If someone engages him in melee he starts out using non-lethal damage, and telling them to stand down. Once blood is drawn from him or the party, he abandons this and switches to normal lethal force.
Initiative
Last Round
...Gorvio... What are you doing...Should I... Dang it... Ranindolf takes off towards the carriage...
Round 2
Rannindolf keeps moving towards the carriage, assuming he sees the crossbow, he keeps his shield up to help protect him. He is currently unarmed and keeps his hand visible to show that, but if he is fired upon or charged by the horses he then draws his warhammer. If it seems that Sir Winston is actually getting through to the hell knights and this can be resolved peacefully, Ranindolf slows down and assesses the situation as he comes up to the carriage and waits for something to happen. If he is attacked he tries his best to make it to the carriage and find a way inside.
Perception
Attack if needed to protect himself...
Melee: Warhammer |Damage
Professor Rokannon will try to catch as many of the ones around the carriage as he can with the ten foot radius Sleep. If he can't catch more than two, he will switch targets to the two lead riders.
Gorvio is snapped awake from the dozing he was doing when Sir Winston announces himself to the Hellknights. Gorvio watches the scene from behind the rock across the road from Professor Rokannon that he was hiding behind (I-27).
If the Hellknights do not surrender upon hearing Sir Winston's demand, then Gorvio begins to sing. (Performance ) "Come all ye young rebels enlist while I sing." Gorvio also draws his shortbow and notches an arrow.
If the Hellkinghts do actually listen to Sir Winston, then Gorvio does not sing, but simply draws his shortbow and aims it at whoever addresses Sir Winston, preparing to fire if any treachery occurs.
"What do you want, peasant?" one demands rudely. Neither actually make a move towards you, but they look poised and ready to do so.
Surprised that he was questioned, Ranindolf, answers...
We're here for the prisoner... Umm... Quickly thinking, Ranindolf comes up with a brilliant bluff!
Bluff
...We-we're thr-no... forty men- surrounded with bowcrosses... give us the prisoner and we can let us go free... He quickly says ...Too bad Ranin is a horrible liar...
Convinced that his bluff was executed well enough, he hopes that the guards will fall for it.
Initiative
We-we're thr-no... forty men- surrounded with bowcrosses... give us the prisoner and we can let us go free...
Gorvio slaps his own forehead and mutters to himself, "Why does Ranindolf talk to people? It only makes things more complicated." Gorvio begins to sing "Come all ye young rebels enlist while I sing." At the same time Gorvio draws his shortbow and notches an arrow.