The Winds of Winter (Team Weasel IC)

[Grimlock]

The Winds of Winter

Autumn ends and Winter begins to stir. The lazy memory of Summer fades as the cold and the darkness creep forward to reclaim their place in the world. A gust from the North sends a chill across Lomand, reaching down to Farspire. It swirls and flicks....
Balthazar
In the Guild Library, a troubled human sits. He pours over books, delving deep into mysteries some would say are best left undisturbed, yet he is drawn in, fascinated by what he reads. The books and paper around him whisper; promising power and greatness...yet he is engrossed in what he reads, very much aware of the danger of such power. He hears a cough and looks up, a elderly goblin stares at him over a pair or spectacles. Wizard Balthazar?, the man nods. The goblin swallows and the wizard notices a faint sheen of sweat on the goblin's forhead, His Grace wishes to see you...

The chill blows on to...

Heksan Whitescales
Kneeling before a statue of the great Dragon himself, the paladin prays, pledging his sword in service of Bahamut and asking the great god for adventure and the opportunity to prove himself again. He hears a cough, the tall Dragonborn stands and turns to see a young acolyte nervously wringing his hands, Uhmmm, sir, there are some men here with horses. They are waiting for you...His Grace wishes to see you...

With a swirl, the wind moves on, chasing the warm air until...

Finnest Hoss
The Dancer and Spark, a lively and warm inn. In the corner sits a halfling watching his friend hurry away to do buisiness of a less than honest nature. He stretches out his feet and pokes the larger spider snoozing under the table, she flicks a leg irritably. He settles back to drink his fruit juice when a shadow looms above him. Finnest Hoss? the halfling looks up to see a minotaur in full plate, with a falchion strapped to his back. His Grace wishes to see you...

Once again the cold spreads, encompassing more of the city...

Arpelt Gwylt
The young Captain stands, rubbing his eyes in frustration, the delegation from Rekjavan are just on the border of being insufferably offensive, yet he has been tasked with being their liaison for the duration of their stay. As he stands, he hears the sound of a door opening behind him. Sir!He turns to see a grizzled human saluting, hand across chest, eyes staring into the distance. Gwylt returns the salute. It is a matter of urgency sir. His Grace wishes to see you...

The wind seeks new 'blood', searching and flickering...

Yurik
The Half-Orc stands, waiting patiently...yet nervously for the Abbess and the the elders to finish their deliberations. To help calm himself, he moves to an open space and begins to practise his forms, flowing from one stance to another. My son, He stops and turns to see the Abbess, an elderly human walking over to him with a look of pity in her eyes. This is most unsual, but...but, His Grace wishes to see you...

The wind flashes, building up speed and ferocity utill it reaches...

Darrak
The Tinker's Pipes, a less than reputable inn. In the centre of a large crowd, sits an increasingly drunk dwarf, spreading tall tales of his adventures and achievements. Next too him are a couple of young, impressionable adventurers lapping up his every word. At the hight of an outlandish tale involving a dragon, three bugbears and the King's daughter, a young halfling who has been watching him for half an hour, weaves her way through the crowd and taps him on the shoulder. Time to go, His Grace wishes to see you...

At last the promise of Winter flits over the city wall, out to the forest...

Chull Tunnelborn
The dwarven warden sits and warms his hands at the fire, at peace with the world around him. He sniffs at the gust of cold air and the promise of the dark end of the year, but settles again, knowing that time is not here yet. There will be a few warm days still to come. He hears nothing, but realises he is being watched. He turns to see a dryad watching him, a forest spirit. Her voice the sound of rustling leaves, His Grace wishes to see you...


For Everyone
His Grace, Benik Fallon, the Duke of Farspire. Spymaster, intelligencier and (if whispered rumours are to be believed), assassin. The second most powerful noble in the kingdom after King Villam II...some say the MOST powerful. Dedicated and ruthless, the Duke's network of spies and agents protect Lomand against enemies both domestic and foreign. He is a powerful and dangerous figure; if you have attracted his attention, then it is time to feel.....concerned

[Dekkah]

Heskan
His grace... thas is a good opportunity. Thank you grat Bahamut.
The tall dragonborn rise to his feets. He turn around and nod to the young man,
"Thank you, I'll go meet them."
He gather his belonging and head out. Seeing the mens, the cautious paladin stop at the door and ask,
"I assume you got a letter for me, or at least some proof of who you work for? I am not gonna follow you unless you can proove who your working for. I'd hate it if you turned out to be some impostors trying to lure me out there to try to kill or rob me. This would force me to kill you and waste my precious time."

Upon receiving proof, he follows the guards.

[Grimlock]

At the Dragonborn's stern tone, the youngest of the men pales slightly and puts his hand to his sword, before an older dwarf puts a calming hand on the youngster's shoulder.
The veteran looks up at Heskan, I served with your father in the North, I know what your threat means, but we are legitmate. Who in their right mind we try to impersonate agents of His Grace? It's not worth the risk! Still, the dwarf pulls out a letter of marque, containing the Duke's seal and orders to meet and bring the Heskan Whitescales, Paladin of Bhamut to the palace.

[Belthasar]

Captain Arpelt Gwylt

"I'll be there in a moment," replies Cpt. Arpelt Gwylt to the man. "Wait for me outside, in the hall."

He closes the door behind him. He quickly searches for his sword, armor, and the rest of his standard gear.

"Rekjavan's issue is a problem that must be dealt with as soon is possible," thought Gwylt as he readied his gear. "However, if the Duke in person is soliciting my presence is because something big is going on..."

Then, he sits up his desk, with a pen in hand. He writes a quick letter in a scroll, and signs it with the officer's seal.

Once finished, Captain Gwylt puts his long coat on, exits the room (closing the door behind) and walks down the stairs. He finds another man outside. "Send this to the general," says Gwylt, giving the scroll to the man. "Tell him His Grace himself summoned me. I must leave urgently."

"Besides, the general won't have trouble in finding a temporary replacement," he thinks.

Then, he walks to the hall where the first man is waiting.

"Let's go."

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak
Peering at the halfling drunkenly Darrak replies, "Eh what. I was just getting to the good bit, can't it wait lass."

Gah stop looking at me like that. Alright alright, I'll come.

With a sigh, Darrak grabs his hammer. Then he stops as if he's suddenly thought of something. Half to the halfling and half to himself he says, Wait you said His Grace right. All the Graces I've known in the past have been quite wealthy. Hmmm, I bet he's heard of my prowess in battle and wants to hire me. And that means I get payed.

With the thought of gold luring him onward Darrak sobers up instantly and in his excitement grabs the halfling and drags her out of the inn. The inn's patrons hear one last remark before the door swings shut behind him.

Stop dawdling lass, I need to get paid.

[Shardan]

Chull looks blankly to the dryad before nodding an assent to it. There were two ways to deal with having gotten the attention of a man like Bennik Fallon. One, get as far away from the town as possible as fast as possible.. Two, Go to see him and hope for the best. Chull, had never been the type to run. He tends to his fire to make it safe and breaks his camp before heading to the appointed meeting. "I don't know what a man like that wants with a man like me, but I guess I'll find out."

[buirechain]

Yurik

His Grace? Yurik mutters to himself. He has heard of the Duke of Farspire, of course, though he knows little about him. It surprises him that he should attract the attention of such a powerful noble, just as it seems a surprise to the Abbess.

Do you know why his Grace wishes to see me? No, never mind. I will go where I am called. Please let me know where I must go, and I shall go. Yurik feels a surge of emotions but quickly clamps down on them, remembering that he must control himself, he must remember to be humble.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan nod at the dwarf,
"Lead the way then."

Karv Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :
Off Hand :
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (1/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (1/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :


Effects on Heskan :

Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest Hoss

What does His Grace wish to do with a savage like myself? he asks with a hint of sarcasm on the word "savage". Though I suppose it is unwise to rebuke him, so I suppose you can tell me on the way, my large friend? Finnest hops down from the chair and some unseen signal prompts Acanthya to rise and fall in step with him.

[Grimlock]

Arpelt Gwylt
Waiting patiently for the Captain to return. The soldier straigtens up upon his return and heads off down the long corridors of the palace, interestingly away from the Duke's personal chambers and down towards some of the less frequented parts of the palace.
Darrak
Wait, don't jump to conclu.... before she has time to finish, the halfling is grabbed by Darrak and dragged off into the street. It takes her a few moments to gather her thoughts as the dwarf keeps on mumbling about gold and payment and pulling her along at a brisk pace. Trying to fight against him was proving fruitless, so she lets herself get carried along, Head for the palace... she sighs.
Chull
The dryad smiles at him and whispers, Head to the palace, they are waiting for you there... she then steps back into the shadows and is gone, leaving the warden alone in the night before his fire.
Yurik
No my son, I do not know why you have been summoned by his Grace... she smiles kindly up at him, but know that you are in my thoughts and the blessings of Pelor will be upon you. Now, you need to make your way to the palace. There is a man waiting to escort you there.
Finnest
The minotaur looks down with some surprise, His Grace does not confide in me...he only told me the your name and what you look like, said you'd be in Dancer adn that I should come and get you. He bends down, To be honest, I hoped you could tell me, you ain't the only one his Grace has sent for tonight... Anyway, follow me. He turns and heads off out of the pub towards the palace.
Heskan
The dwarf signals and the third soldier with him leads forward an extra horse. We best be off Sir...can't keep a man like Duke Fallon waiting...not known for his patience... As they set off the dwarf strikes up a conversation, So, do you know if your father has met the duke at all?

[Garwain]

Balthazar doesn't like what he hears. If Mr Fallon requests your presence, then there is no question but comply. And Balthazar is aware of the rumours as well. He distrusts everyone who acts under the cover of secrecy, disguise and darkness. And His Grace is certainly the master in sneaky operations. Operations for the good of Lomand, but still..

Dear goblin, I feel I cannot turn your offer down. But tell me honestly, does your master require my services or just my advice? I don't feel comfortable obeying his demands, but I could give him some inspiring words...

But soon Archibald realises that the goblin is no more than a messanger who will tell him whatever to get his task completed.

Oh well, I will see His Grace first thing tomorrow. My eyes are growing tired of reading all day. Escort me in the morning when I'm rested.

[Grimlock]

Balthazar
The Goblin looks awkward...You misunderstand me. His Grace is not asking for you to come tomorrow at your convenience, he is telling you to come now! The goblin swallows, knowing what an angry wizard could do to him. Duke Fallon is not a patient man, sir wizard, you would do well not keep him waiting. The goblin shuffles from foot to foot, awaiting Balthazar's reply.

[Garwain]

While the goblin is shifting it's weight from one leg to another, Balthazar puts down his book. With a deep sigh he slides the chair back and moves both legs to one side, ready to stand up.

Very well. I understand that it is in our both interest to not let the Duke wait any longer. I doubt that my current knowledge will satisfy his wishes, but that is for him to sort out.

Archibald shifts the light cantrip from the book stand to his quarterstaff, stands upright, towering over the little goblin, and smiles down.

Well then. Lead the way.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Arpelt Gwylt followed the soldier through chambers, stairs and corridors.

"As expected from the Duke," he thinks. "No one knows his private room, and he's not gonna make an exception... I wonder why he summoned me. If I ask this soldier, he would probably not know..."

As they're walking through an unexpected, large corridor:

"Soldier," he finally asks calmly. "Do you have any clue about His Grace's motives to call me? Is that a military issue? Or perhaps a political one?"

[Grimlock]

Balthazar
The goblin's look of relief is immense when it hears that Balthazar will accompany him. Thankyou sir. Now we must hurry! he fussed around until the wizard gathers up his belongings and leaves the library with him. The goblin leads the way to the palace, moving at a surprisingly quick pace for one so old. He approachesthe guards who recognise him and wave the pair through. Balthazar finds himself lead down a series of corridors towards an almost deserted part of the palace. Where ahead of them they see two soldiers moving briskly down the corridor
Gwylt
The soldier doesn't break stride and answers as he walks. I'm afraid I am not privvy to the Duke's thoughts captain. Although I have seen a lot of odd looking folks heading off clutching letters with his seal on. the soldier sounds regretfull. That's all I know... Sorry sir. Gwylt suddenly hears a noise behind him and turns to see an elderly goblin hurrying along the corridor trying not to fuss as a human strides along after him.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Thank you, my Abbess. I hope to see you again some day, after I have fulfilled what Pelor now calls me for.

Yurik turns around and finds the man waiting to take him to the Duke. Please lead me to the Duke. If he wants to see me now, I will not keep him waiting.

[Grimlock]

Yurik
The monk turns to see a rather gaunt Teifling staring at him. Follow me sir, Duke Fallon is waiting and we have to make our wayto the palace. He turns and heads off, blithely assuming Yurik follows. They join the main thoroughfare through the city and Yurik can see the palace towering majestically above Farspire. The Teifling moves at a fast pace and soon they approach the palace gates. A soldier steps out to bar their way, without breaking stride the Teifling bellowsJonathan Welmark, if you do not get out of my way, I shall be forced to face you in the melée again... and you know what happened last time! The soldier's face pales and he ducks out of their path. Yurik's guide turns and gives an apologetic smile before hurrying him down a corridor away from the hustle and bustle in the palace.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt sighs in resignation. "You did well, soldier," he says to the man. "You're only doing your job after all."

Suddenly Cpt. Gwylt turns to be a goblin escorting a human, who looks more like a sage, or perhaps a foreign courtier.

"Looks like I'm not the only one the Duke summoned," thinks Gwylt. "There is something big going on."

"We must hurry," says Gwylt to the soldier, upon seeing the goblin and the human pass with haste through the corridor.

[Garwain]

After decending a few floors down the palace levels, Balthazar regrets following the goblin. His feeling of distrust only grows when he sees 2 armoured soldiers speeding in the same direction as where he seems to be heading.

I don't like this one tiny bit. Something is brewing, and when my involvement is requested it cannot be anything but a bad omen.

[ArcaneStomper]

As Darrak approaches the palace and he sees the soldiers guarding the gate, a bit of common sense manages to edge past all the thoughts of gold dancing in his head. Stopping just before the gate he turns to the halfling and says, "So lass, any idea what's waiting for me through those gates."

Seeing the halfling try to rub some feeling back into her arm before she responds, Darrak continues a bit apologetically, "Er sory about that lass. It's just the thought of gold always makes me get a bit carried away."

[Grimlock]

Darrak
Heh, no worries dwarf! the halfling rubs her arm. As for what the Duke wants with you? Beats me. He summoned me, gave me my orders and I went to get you! she shrugs the rest you know. I've got to say though, His Grace does seem to be in foul mood recently.... all the better to not keep him waiting. She heads off towards the guards. Hi boys. She waves the Duke's seal at them and they swiftly cometo attention. She turns to look at Darrak,Well come on then. She leads the dwarf into the palace and down a series of corridors. They turn a corridor and see a group of 4 figures standing outside a door.
Balthazar & Gwylt
The soldier escorting Cpt Gwylt turns and sees the two figures hurrying to catch up. As he spies the goblin, a smile breaks across his face. Sebastian. I wondered if I would see you tonight. Is your 'guest' for his Grace as well? The goblin dashes past and says Of course, Wil. Have you knocked for his Grace yet? as they keep walking they soon come to an innocuous looking door. Wil takes a step forward, knocks once on the door and steps back, falling into an 'at ease' position. Sebastian continues to wringshis hands. And now we wait moaned the goblin.

[ArcaneStomper]

As Darrak approaches the group he views the others with some concern. After all they might potentially be rivals for the pay he was already planning on getting.

Shaking off his concerns he approached them confidently and said, Are lads waiting for his Grace as well. If you are I'm warning you right now that he'll definitely pick me for the job, and the pay, and you all might as well save yourself some trouble and go home now.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

((Presumably the Halfling and his Minotaur escort soon read the Duke's abode))

Well, here we are. So, big guy, where to from here? Are we walking in the front gate, or shall we sneak in the side? How secret is the Duke trying to keep this? Acanthya scuttles forward a bit, and the halfling pats her on the head gently.

[Garwain]

Balthazar brings the tip of his quarterstaff down. The little light cantrip shines on the dwarf.

"I knew I smelled a dwarf around here. Or at least the brewed liquids you were drinking." Balthazar's tone is a tad demeaning. He never understood why dwarfs find it so amusing to lower one's intellectual capacity by poisoning the body with liquor.
But fear not, if the Duke wants to award you with a task, then by all means, I will not stand in your way. Believe me when I say that I'd be more than willing to go home as you suggested.

With that said, he turns his attention to the other soldier that seems to be summoned to His Grace as well. Balthazar assesses him a bit young, but with a determination in his eyes.

It looks like we're about to have a merry gathering...

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik maintains his stony face, not bothering to respond his escort's apologetic smile. Clearly whatever is going on is considered important if they sent someone to fetch Yurik who is powerful enough to intimidate the guards. He doesn't like seeing such threats, but they remind him that he has to steel himself and keep himself calm. It wouldn't do to fly into one of his rages in front of a very powerful Duke.

There seems to be a lot going on in the palace even at this late hour. Is it all related to the reason that Yurik has been summoned?

I take it my summons is very urgent. Let's us hurry, he says to the Tiefling guide.

[Shardan]

His camp packed, the dwarf heads into town and to the palace. Chull ponders what he could be going to meet him for. He decides worrying about it would be pointless so he proceeds with a clear mind.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt had seen the goblin before. And the halfling maid. They were usually part of the network of the Duke himself.

However, the human sage and the dwarf were newcomers to the Captain's mind.

"I see," he thinks after seeing the flare emanating from the human's staff. "The human must be a mage. And the dwarf... Must be a kind of dwarven priest or something..."

Arms crossed, Gwylt smiled as he looked down and thought. "Such an unusual group I'd have at my command if we all were to have a mission ordered by His Grace himself... This will be interesting."

Gwylt decided not to interrupt the two men arguing. In fact, his attention was drawn right to the back of the corridor.

Eyebrows raised, the Captain thinks: "Looks like we have more people coming this way..."

[Grimlock]

Finnest
We have no time to be subtle this evening, the minotaur repsonded. He strides up to the main gate and flashes the Duke's seal. The guards step back and salute, before staring at Acanthya as she scurries past. The minotaur leads Finnest into the palace and down towards a less inhabited area. As they head down the long corridor, Finnest sees a growing group of people gathered out side a small door.
Yurik
The Teifling shrugs as Yurik ignores his smile, but steps up his pace. Ahead they see a minotaur and a halfling heading in the same direction as them. They follow them down the corridor to the gathering crowd. As he passes, the Teifling nods to the other 'escorts', knocks on the door and walks straight in, closing the door behind him, leaving Yurik standing with the others.
Chull
The dwarf makes good time and soon finds himself in the centre of the city, heading in the direction of the palace. As he approaches the gates, a kobold materialises out of the crowd and hops up to him. Chull Tunnelborn? Follow me. Wasting no time, the kobold turns and vanishes back into the thinning crowds, leaving Chull to catch up. The kobold and the dwarf are passed through the gate quickly. Soon they reach the same doorway where the others are standing. The kobold smiles at Chull and then turns and hurries away.
Heskan
As they talk, the mile passes quickly and the paladin soon finds himself riding through the centre of Farspire. His dwarf companion is jovial and informative, but as they approach the palace, a more serious look comes over his demeanour. The dwarf leads them to a stables and, while the young men take the horses, takes Heskan into the palace and down to the diverse group gathered in a corridor.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Finnest thanks the Minotaur and then turns to survey the others. Ah, it seems I am not alone in being roused to see the Duke this evening, eh Acanthya? asks the halfling rhetorically to his arachnid companion, which makes a sort of half-click-half-purr noise in response.

[Dekkah]

DM
As they depart, Heskan answer the dwarf question,
"I beleive he have."

As they arrive at the stable, he climb down his horse, giving the bridle to one of the soldiers and follows the dwarf.
Seeing the others, Heskan wonders,More have been summoned, this looks a bit better... I guess I am not in any trouble then.
The tall dragonborn approach the group confindently. He wear a plate armor of good quality, expecialy made for one of his race, bearing Bahamut symbol beside one more that look like a family mark. Over his shoulder is slung a large shield, also bearing the symbols. The dragonborn carry a nicely decorated longsword within a scabbard of the same quality. You all can notice that he is ready for travel, carrying his backpack and various little accessories.
He approach the group,
"I guess you all have been summoned here as well. No offence meant, but most of you dont look like guards who would work here."
As he clear the distance to the group, he finish extending offering his hand to shake,
"I am Heskan Whitescales, paladin of Bahamut."

Sorry for my lack of reply yesterday,
I had a meeting out of town the whole day.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Arpelt smiled upon realizing the tough-looking dragonborn warrior was in fact, well mannered. He finally decided to break his stoic silence.

"Greetings," he says to Heskan -and everyone else who hears. "My name is Arpelt Gwylt, but you can call me Captain Gwylt for now." He accepts to shake the hand of the paladin, in the traditional form.

"I don't know if formalities are fine with them," he thinks, "but I don't know them enough to let them call me for my name... Maybe later, as they introduce themselves as a show of good mannering..."

He straightens up his long coat that covers his armor. "I usually work at this place, Sir Whitescales, but not as a guard," he points with his head to the soldier Wil. "Wil on the other hand is one of the most efficent guards. But don't worry, you haven't offended anyone."

"A paladin of Bahamut?" Gwylt thinks. "This is good. But, on the other hand, this is more proof that the Duke is hiring all of us for something big..."

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik briefly steps toward the rest of the group. I am Yurik, a devoted monk of Pelor. As soon as he has introduced himself, he steps back to the edges of the group and continues to observe their nervous chatter. None of the others seemed to know any more about what was going on, and instead were trying to distract themselves with chatter. Yurik, on the other hand, had long ago learned to be comfortable with what he did not know.

[Dekkah]

Heskan Whiescales
Shaking Arpelt hand, the paladin nod,
"Well met Captain Gwylt, nice to meet you. You are with the army then? I was in the army as well, but left a year ago. For which branch are you working right now?"

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt was about to reply to the half-orc monk behind, but the monk seemed to be sumberged in an introspective, sunken state to notice him. Gwylt just made a short bow to him in response.

"Tactics and defense," answers Gwylt to Heskan. "I never left the army since I was a teenager. So, for which branch did you work before retiring?"

[Dekkah]

Heskan
"I served in the footmens unit for a year, doing my military service there. I then got promoted and stationed in a small town to the east to protect it. I stayed there for an other year. After that, I left the army. "
Heskan then turn to the monk and salute him,
"Well met Yurik."

[Shardan]

Chull steps in, pausing at the door to look over the gathered crowd. He nods a quiet but polite greeting to everyone before finding a spot of wall to put his back against. He looks over the room, the exits, the people.. pretty much everything.. but stays silent unless spoken to.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak was becoming more and more dismayed at the amount of people who were showing up. Every person who showed up made his potential pay get smaller and smaller.

Leaning back against on of the walls he considered the others. The human and dragonborn who were talking looked like soldiers. So they probably already worked for this Grace person and would be payed separately. The rest of them he would have to consider. Maybe he would be able to figure out some way of getting a larger share once he knew them better.

[Garwain]

Balthazar overlooks the whole lot that is now gathered together. All seem fairly capable of standing their ground in combat. Balthazar himself was not yet engaged in any sort of organised violence before. He did punish that thief who tried to rob him though... And his spells proved more effective than he anticipated.

Should I get acquinted with them? It would definitly be appropriate if I will have to engage in future endavours with them.
Balthazar brings his lighted quarterstaff in his left offhand, and with his right hand he gestures friendly.
Well met you all. I'm Balthazar, practionioner of the Arcana Arts. I'm not a physical fighter as the rest of you and thus no problem to leave the honour of serving His Grace to other well fit.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

So many words... Manake speaks like this, when he's trying to get money out of someone. I suppose that what he imitates is true formality. Interesting... thinks Finnest to himself.

The small halfling then speaks up. Good night to all of you. I am Finnest Hoss, once Warleader and Chieftain of the Arachoss tribe. I am still learning your tongue, and your customs, so I am sorry if my manners are out of place.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The dragonborn shift his attention to the mage and nod to him,
"Well met Balthazar. I have learn long ago that not only physical prowess counts on the battlefield. If his Grace invited you, I am sure your talents are required."
The the halfling, Heskan smile pleasantly,
"Nice to meet you. I must confess that I dont know the Arachoss tribe, where in the country is it located? As for your manners, they are as good as anyone, better than some others native of this city."

[Grimlock]

As you all converse and observe each other, the remaining escorts watch you all carefully as if memorising details about each of you. They watch not only the 'guest' they brought with them, but also the other members of the disparate group and how you are interacting.
The door open and the Teifling reappears. He looks at each of the escorts in turn, nods once and speaks, His Grace thanks you, back to your duties. In a flurry of movement those who had brought you here disappear, leaving only the gaunt Teifling standing in the doorway. As you look at him you notice a physical confidence and bearing of command- as if used to being obeyed quickly and without question. His clear leadership over the others highlights the authority he wields. His gaze turns to each of you, His Grace will see you now! He steps back through the door and gracefully slips to one side, allowing you to enter the room.
A fire flickers in the corner, driving away the first real chill of the year. Inside you see shelves stacked high with neatly arranged scrolls and sheaves of paper. A groaning bookcase stands against one wall, but what dominates the room is a huge table with a map of Lomand unfurled upon it; hanging on the walls, a detailed map of Farspire itself; gathered round the table are 7 chairs. Standing behind the table, pouring over the map is a slender, diminutive figure. His clothes are plain, yet clearly of the highest quality- the colours shift and dance in the light from the fire.
As you enter, the dwarf looks up; a harsh, clean-shaven face regards each of you; cold, steel grey eyes gaze out impassively from beneath dark brows. He looks to the Teifling. Thankyou Rheen, leave us now. Rheen nods and slips out, shutting the door behind him.
The gaze turns back to you all. Please, sit.

[Garwain]

EDITbecause we're no longer waiting outside...

Balthazar is not intimidated and enters the rooms swiftly. In fact, he never figured that His Grace would be a dwarf. Without asking permission Balthazar speaks up and directly explains his discontent about the summoning.

Unfortunatly I cannot accept your offer, My Grace. My knowledge is too limited. Should you require advice about the magical energies, I think there are better advisors to find in this town. I thank you for your trust in me, but I'll spare the desillusion for both of us and withdraw myself from this distict selection.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Looking at the wizard for a second as he speaks, Heskan cannot help but to have a small knowing smile,That is bold.
Heskan return his gaze to the dwarf, give him a polite nod and appraoch the seat right across the table of his host. He remove his shield and backpack from his shoulder, hang it on the chair before sitting on it, waiting for the dwarf to address them again.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

"At last they we're getting down to business."

Striding up to the table Darrak leaned his hammer against it and sat in the nearest unoccupied chair. Following Balthazar's example he immediately began talking.

"Aye the wizard has a good point. He won't be any use. You should let him go, and just split his share of the reward among the rest of us."

[Belthasar]

"Your Grace..." Cpt. Gwylt bows before the Duke, before approaching into a chair -in front of the dragonborn paladin-, leaving his heavy gear on the ground, his coat on the back of the chair, and finally, sitting down respectfully.

He then waited patiently. Perhaps overhearing the wizard's honest, but impolite comment, and the dwarf priest harsh response.

"You never know," he says for himself, remembering his earlier days of playing chess. "With good battle tactics, even the weakest pawn can become a powerful queen..."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

((Dekkah, you're not the DM of this game :smalltongue:. Sometimes you're putting DM instead of Heskan. Force of Habit, I am sure))

Before the Tiefling calls them in, Finnest responds to the paladin. We live in the highlands that border the territory of the Long-Eared ones, paladin of the Platinum One, responds the halfling warchief. I am not surprised that you do not know much. My tribe does not mingle often with lowlanders. The spider at his side nudges him a bit, and he seems to spontaneously remember something. I nearly forgot! My companion is Acanthya, whom I must introduce for she cannot form the sounds that make up the lowlander language. The spider clacks and purrs in response.

When they are lead into the Duke's study, Finnest and Acanthya stand off to the side, not sitting in a chair, but within easy earshot of the rest of the group. The halfling's attention is on the Duke, taking his measure.

[Grimlock]

The Duke listens to Balthazar's outburst and sneers, Sit down wizard! I won't have your petty arguments interfering with my plans! You may change your tune when you actually listen to what I have to say. He turns to Darrak, Fear not Darrak, your rewards will be great and there will be enough for everyone. What I will ask of you is too much for one to accomplish alone, even one of your undoubtable talents. He acknowledges Gwylt's bow with a wave of his hand, and then turns to address the entire party.
Lomand has need of your services and your loyalty. As he says this, he looks at each of you in turn, holding your gaze. As you all know, a truce with Rekjavan was achieved through the hard work of our king 6 years ago, what you may not know is that truce is close to breaking. At this he looks at Gwylt, The good captain here has had first hand experience of how unhelpful and difficult diplomatic relations have become. My network is stetched thin, investigating the causes of this ... 'unrest'. Lomand cannot cope with another war, we simply are not ready. This truce must last. To make matters worse, unrest along the border is causing dissent in the west of Lomand, particularly in and around the town of Winningham, four or five days ride from here. Certain figures are making life difficult for servants of the crown and for the town's civilians. I have sent agents, but my people are exhausted and struggling to contain this upheaval. The agent I sent has not reported back. I need you to find him and discover what is happening in Winningham. His eyes flick to Balthazar for a moment. My agent's name is Belrahem, a wizard. He pauses and takes a sip of wine from the glass on the table. He sits and steeples his fingers, peering over the top of them at you all. Each of you were chosen because of your unique skills and because I know you can be trusted, either through a sense of duty, a desire for reward, adventure, a purpose, knoweldge. I have a need for people such as you.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
This sound interesting.
Heskan nod to the dwarf and ask him,
"You can count on me. Can we get a physical description of this Belrahem? I guess you dont really have anymore information on the 'figures', not having heard from your agent. Also, can we get some horses to save time?"

Does Heskan know anything about Winningham area.
History : [roll0]

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt, still on the chair, nods at the Duke.

"As His Grace said," Cpt Gwylt adds for everyone to listen, "the missions on the Rekjavan courts are becoming more fruitless for the first time in 6 years; not because of our courtiers' lack of determination of course, but theirs... However, the maneuvers were not totally uneffective, since it had help us to avoid any pre-emptive attack. We don't know how much this situation could last, however, so we needed to recur at more unusual methods than political warfare..."

The Duke can count on him, as always, and the Duke seemed to know that. However, Cpt. Gwylt waited for everyone to say something or ask questions before interrupting the Duke's instructions.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

I find lowlander politics intriguing, and Acanthya and I have never hunted a wizard before. For these reasons, we shall assist this venture, Your Grace. Finnest inclines his head deferentially to the Duke. Have you any more details that might bear on the hunt? Acanthya clacks beside him in eagerness.

[Garwain]

Balthazar stands utterly stunned.

The words of His Grace did not miss their effect. Au contraire, by hearing the words 'Belrahem', 'missing' and 'agent' in the same sentence, Balthazar is dazed.
Belrahim was the one to introduce him into magic. When Gwendolyne passed away, many tears were shed, but shared with his friend. Thanks to him, Balthazar was invited into the Wizards Guild, an offer that he refused untill recently. He had hoped to meet his friend again, but during the interview with the Head of the Guild, the only information he could get, is that Belrahem should return any day now from his journey.

And now Balthazar is shocked to learn the true nature of this journey, this mission in fact. Noteworthy to mention, a mission carried out serving His Grace and the fact that he did not yet report back in.

All the emotions are a bit too much to handle when not prepared for. Balthazar silently seeks his chair, sits down and takes his time to process all the new information. Dear Belrahem, what happened? How could you not tell me...

When Cpt. Gwylt speaks up, Balthazar returns to his senses. His rigourous study, his nightly work, his lonely hours, all for what? To chase the impossible of returning the one he loved? No, this time his intellect will serve to protect and prevent.

With a pensive look in his eyes, he turns to His Grace. This time with more respect, with more hope and determination as well.
If there is any presumptive evidence that Belrahem is still alive, I will gladly join this party. I cannot bare to loose another loved one. Count on me to throw in all resources I can muster.

Balthazar then turns to Heskan: "It has been many years since I've met him, but I doubt he will have changed a lot. Belrahem is a human wizard, just as myself. He stands just as tall, and his hair started growing grey. It's difficult to say what haircolor he has now, but you cannot miss his piercing blue eyes. I cannot provide more recent information, but I trust that I would immeadiatly recognize him if confronted."

With all these words spoken, Balthazar relaxes back in his chair contemplating about the cours of actions to take. Up to Winningham presulably. Does that ring bell?

history check:
trained history check: [roll0]

[Shardan]

Chull, thus far, seemed more interested in the spider on Finnest's shoulder than the others. A rare breed. even rarer that it had the intelligence to understand human speech. He turns his attention to the Duke. He looks to the others to see their reactions and listen to them before speaking himself. "We would also need to know where he was last scene, the most recent intelligence he has returned to you and what, specifically, he was investigating before his disappearance. The more information we have, the better we can succeed."

[Grimlock]

Duke Fallon stands and moves round the table to stand directly in front of them. His eyes take in the group before him. I need people who are prepared to act independently for the good of Lomand. He look at Gwylt. Captain your past record proves you are able to act on your initiative, Heskan, I know of you from conversations with your father. The rest of you, well I did not choose any of you by chance. I have followed you all in one way or another; your skills and knowledge are vital to prevent the chaos spilling further and inspiring other crimes to be commited, espeically at a such a politically vulnerable time. I would hope that all of you here would see that no-one benefits from a war so soon. I am also generous to those who serve their country well. He leans back against the table. I recruited Belrahem many years ago. He has been one of mine for 20 years and proved himself time and again. That is one of the reasons I sent him to Winningham. It is a messy business, a local crime lord, one Soltan de Habre, has become bold, and the govenor in Winningham seems unable or unwilling to do anything about it. He turns to Chull,To answer your question, Belrahem's last report revealed that de Habre is essentially running the town, extoring money and supplies from it and surrounding areas. It started on a small scale 3 or 4 months ago, and I would expect local authorities to stamp down on a petty crime boss- but he has flourished. With all the problems with Rekjavan I considered it a low priority...my error. I do not know what has happened there. I got an initial report and nothing else. I cannot spare any more of my people. They are stretched too thin as it is. I need unknown's who I know I can trust to act in the Lomand's best interests. Although I appeal to your sense of duty, your service will be well rewarded. He stands again, You must... he pauses for a moment and his tone softens slightly. King Villam, requests your help. Winningham must be dealt with. Such bold criminal activity cannot be allowed to continue, nor can such a lax attitude in the authorites; the govenor of Winningham is failing his people. I would also ask that you find out what has befallen my agent!

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik nods his assent. The quests seems worthy--anything to keep the peace is worthy. Obviously there is much intrigue and complexity to be expected, but nothing could be objectionable at the moment.

He holds his tongue and does not say anything further. The duke is already being inundated with questions--many of the same ones the Yurik might have asked. There is no reason to add another voice until some of the questions are settled.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
At the wizard explanation of his knowledge of the missing agent, Heskan tells him,
"See, not even considering your other talents, having you recognise Belrahem make you valuable very valuable to this expediation."
As the dwarf stands, the Paladin politly stands as well.
"As I already said, you can count on me, for the good of Lomand. How do you wish that we deal with this de Habre? Do you want him alive if possible or do we judge him right there for his crimes."

[buirechain]

Yurik

OOC:
Take my last post as happening before the Dukes replies.

Does your Grace think that this de Habre is more than he seems to be? More than a criminal, and perhaps hired to stir up trouble? Yurik is intrigued by the swift transition from a discussion of inter-kingdom politics to one of crime lords. Obviously a criminal on a border could cause problems for relations even if that was not the intention.

And then there is the matter of the Governor of Winningham who the Duke seems to want to lay blame on, perhaps more than the Governor has earned. Though perhaps not. And could your Grace tell us of the local Governor?

Insight check to see if/how much the Duke is hiding.
[roll0]

[Grimlock]

If de Habre is responsible, kill him! the duke gives a dismissive wave of his hand. He is a criminal who I cannot over-look. Find evidence of his guilt and dispense justice accordingly! He turns to Yurik, a look of mild pleasure on his face, About de Habre? My thoughts exactly. It seems too much of a coincidence for this trouble to arise now. As for the new Govenor; Tobias Gray was a political appointment, not my choice but his majesty was persuaded by a faction at Court that Gray was a new up and coming political talent. They argued that with the war over there was no need for such a strong military presence in Winningham. He was appointed just shy of a year ago and seemed competent, at least up until the troubles started

OOC for everyoneBit of a misunderstanding, Winningham is not on the border it's kind of half way between Farspire and the border cities.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan nods to the dwarf, pick up his backpack and shield, slung them over his shoulder and look at the others, awaiting to see who accept the mission and who doesnt.
When everyone will be done with their questions, he add,"Good night, Duke Fallon.", and leave the room.

[Grimlock]

Before you go Heskan, a moment. He lifts a collection of packages off the table. These are Letters of Marque bearing my seal. They allow you to act on my orders and dispense the king's justice. You will need them. In answer to your question, the stables will be available to any who do not have a mount, he spares a glance for Acanthya, There are rooms available here at the palace for any who want them, or if you prefer to return to your own quarters feel free. His voice hardens again. This is a matter of urgency, please return to the palace tomorrow morning with all you need you need to make a swift start. If there are any further questions please feel free to ask, if not I bid you a good night and will see you tomorrow

[Garwain]

Thank you very much Heskan, your words are certainly motivating. I must have misjudged my own part in this parade.

Balthazar stands up as well, indicating his willingness in this quest. In his new found entousiasm, he shares whatever he knows about Winningham, 4 days ride west of Farspire.

I recall that Tobias Gray is the successor of a, now deceased, tiefling Hargash Stonnand who commanded the garrison with great care as he understood very well it's strategic importance to guard anything west of Farspire, and thus the whole of Lomand.

With that said, he takes his staff firmly, makes a distinct bow and request to Hos Grace:I will gladly use one of your rooms to be fit for tomorrow.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The paladin pick up one package and adds it to his backpack,
Thanks you sir. I'll sleep here then, it will save some time and beside, I carry everything I need already.
After Balthazar history lesson, seeing that the wizard apparently await for him to elabotare, he adds,
"You said about everything I really knows about Winnigham. I'll only adds that the new mayor have been in post less than a year, which probably explain why he doesnt have grasp on everything yet. If you wonder why this town is so important, well it is the link with our strongholds to the west. This makes it a major pillar in this country defense, thus top priority to keep stable for the crown. "

[buirechain]

Yurik

I do not need Ducal accommodations. My pallet is enough comfort for me. I will be at the Monastery of Pelor over night if anyone needs me, but I will return here after Matins service. Since the Matins prayers take place at first light, Yurik expects to return around the time sunrise arise--and will enjoy the light of Pelor open him as he walks back to the palace. He expects to be at the palace well before most of the others are awake, and so he will find an out of the way corner to practice his forms while he waits for the others.

[Grimlock]

The Duke crosses to a bell pull, pulls it and shortly Rheen re-enters. Yes, Your Grace?
Please see that those who require a room are escorted there and provided with food and drink. The Teifling bows and and gestures for any who wish to to follow him. Where you are lead to plain, but spacious rooms to spend the night.

OOCIf anyone has any other questions etc etc, feel free to ask and the Duke will hang around for a bit longer! :smallsmile:

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt had his room on one of the levels of the castle, and he always returned the horses he borrowed for such diplomatic missions; so he didn't need any extra lodging. However...

"With Your Grace's permision," he said to the Duke, "I'll be needing updated maps of Winningham and the surrounding area."

After that, he thought about retiring to his room to make the tactical preparations for tomorrow's mission.

DM:
If everyone else (but the Duke) leaves, Cpt. Gwylt will ask the Duke the following:

"Also," he says, "I need some other confidential, additional information..."

If the Duke's has info on the people recruited by him, Cpt. Gwylt will need it. Just a little summary about their battle experience should be enough for him to plan a "just-in-case" battle formation ahead of time.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak had been content to let the others ask the questions so far, but there was one vital thing he had to know that hadn't been asked yet and it looked like no one else was going to bring it up.

"All this talk of maps and people, and what to do is all well and good. But I just need to know one thing Your Grace. What is that reward you mentioned going to be?"

OOC: Once his question is answered Darrak will be more than happy to take the Duke up on his offer of lodgings.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

I shall not require a Lowlander mount, Your Grace. Acanthya here has served me well in that facility for years. I shall take my leave of you now and return to the Dancer and Spark, so that I might gather my belongings and settle my tabs with the owner of that establishment. My partner and I shall be here with the first light of the morning. He inclines his head respectfully to the Duke (but does not bow) and takes a Letter of Marque. Acanthya and Finnest then head out of the palace and back to the Dancer and Spark the way they came. As they near the lively inn, Finnest smiles and turns to the spider. Soon we shall be on the road again, eh old friend? It has been far too long... The arachnid clacks eagerly in response.

[Belthasar]

Upon hearing the halfling's voice, Cpt. Gwyt turns to notice something odd...

"Is that a huge spider acompanying a halfling?" he thinks. "For the love of..."

Then he remembered stories he heard about the darkest places of the world and giant spiders as companions...

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Seeing that all of them will be joining, Heskan smile to everyone,
"I guess we all meet tomorrow morning, good night everyone."
At that, the Bahamut paladin leave the room and follows the servant to get to his room.

[Grimlock]

The Duke snorts at Darrak's forthright question. You mean the warming satisfaction of having served your country is not enough for you? My generosity takes many forms, but if you must have a price; for this task, upon your return, I will pay you 100 gold pieces each.
Gwylt
As the other's leave, the Duke turns to the soldier, Captain, each of these people are highly skilled, but have not worked together. I know only of their spirit and hear tale of their prowess. How well they mesh in combat only time will tell.

...

The night passes... Winter's grasp becomes slightly firmer as the chill deepens. The sun rises and each of you rise with it. For those staying at the palace; you are awoken by a quiet knock, followed by a tray of breakfast. After you have eaten you make your way down to the stables.
...
For those staying in their own lodgings, you also arise, but are greeted by whatever you have paid for in the breakfast department. As you make your way to the palace, you brandish your Letters of Marque and the guards wave you through.

All of you make your way through the quiet palace, only encountering servants going about their early morning chores. As you approach the stables you find Duke Fallon and the Teifling, Rheen, waiting for you as well as Yurik the half-orc flowing from stance to stance, practising his forms.
Good morning, I am glad to see you all again. You have a few days ride ahead of you, so please meet your mounts. As the Duke speaks, Rheen glides inside the stables; five horses are lead out by grooms and given to each of; Heskan, Gwylt, Yurik, Darrak, Balthazar and Chull. These are all reliable steeds, although not combat trained, they will not shy in battle and will carry you far. He turns to Finnest, You nees not my aid with a mount, provided as you are. Are there any further questions before you set off for Winningham?
OOC For Everyone
Sorry for any Godmodding, wanted to move things on, if you want to do soemthing different, please tell me and I'll retcon it.
Also, please feel free to name your horse!

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The dragonborn approach his new horse, pet it a bit before mounting it.
"Thanks for the accomodations sir. I am ready to leave, when ever you guys are ready."

I am fine with godmodding when it have the purpose to move the story forward ;)

[Garwain]

It was not his first time on a horseback, but the last time was quite a while ago for Balthazar. He stashes his travel gear on the saddle sack and clicks his staff in a saddle holder. With the necessary effort, Balthazar climbs in the saddle as well and struggles a bit with the reigns.

Ho, Mercator, ho!

It takes a while to accustom himself to controlling the steed. After a few minutes however, the mount seems to obey all the commands willingly.

Now thats a fine mannered horse you gave me Sir. I hope we can return swiftly with good news.

Balthazar makes a last greating gesture to the Duke and turns his horse in the direction of the gate.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak approached his horse uncertainly. He had never actually ridden one before and was uncomfortable with the idea of being that high off the ground. AFter making a few unsuccessful attempts to mount the horse, and mentally daring anyone to comment on his lack of success, Darrak finally managed to climb up.

"Alright horse, don't try to knock me off and I won't to try and bash you with my hammer. Just so long as we understand each other we'll be alright."

After one last uncertain glance at the ground Darrak manages to get his horse moving towards the gate.

[Belthasar]

After preparing his gear and going to the stables, Cpt. Gwylt recognized his horse as soon as he saw it. It was Altarok, the same horse that carried him on diplomatic missions during all these years.

He bows before the duke:

"Good morning Your Grace, and good morning everyone," he greeted his new companions with a slight hand wave. "We've got a long mission ahead, so prepare for it. Are you all ready?"

"I didn't get a report of their combat skills," he thought, " but I can make an idea of their fighting style. I guess it'll be funnier that way... I'll try not to be careless anyways..."

After a short conversation, he mounted Altarok afterwards. He made sure everyone was ready.

"Let's go," he finally said.

OOC:

I'm ready!

I suppose Cpt. Gwylt knows the way to Winningham, so I guess he'll be leading the way. :smallsmile:

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling packs light - Acanthya bears no saddlebags. He makes sure his bows are in order, double checks the arrows in his quiver, and makes sure the longsword at his hip (more of a greatsword for his size) is well oiled in its sheathe before nimbly settling onto Acanthya's back. He whispers something next to the spider's head and it scuttles forward. At any inquiring glances, the halfling smiles savagely. My companion can easily keep pace with your larger Lowlander steeds, worry not. We shall not slow you down. He turns to Cpt. Gwylt. I presume you are our Warleader for this mission? As such, I shall defer to your judgement then, Warleader, until such time as you prove unfit to lead. I am a skilled tracker, hunter and scout - you may wish to have Acanthya and I perform outrider duties, states the halfling, getting straight to business.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik takes the reigns and looks over his horse. Well, the horse that he shall be riding. He had never needed his own horse before, though he had, at times, needed to borrow one from the monastery's stables. This horse was a far better bred and better kept animal then any of those.

Osrik, Yurik muttered to the horse. That will be your name, and I will be a friend to you, as to any whom Pelor's light shines upon. You need not be frightened by that giant spider. It shan't hurt any of us. Yurik inspects the saddle but can find no fault in how it has been mounted to the horse. Then he deftly mounts the horse in a way that, if any of the others noticed, seemed to defy gravity.

To Winningham, then.

[Shardan]

With no conversation, Chull moves his horse to the front of the procession. His eyes peer to the wilderness on either side on a frequent basis. His shield remains at the ready, his axe slung over his back, the rest of his gear split between the horse and his own back. On occassion he pets the horses neck and speaks calmingly to it.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
When everyone is ready and moving toward the gate, Heskan nod his farewell to the dwarf and guide his horse forward with the group.
"I think Finnest got the good idea here. Since we dont really know each others, we might want to share informations about our talents and our combat skills. That way we can be more efficient and strategic about our decisions."
The dragonborn let a few second slip by to see what the others thinks about his idea, then go on,
"I guess I'll start. I have some decent knowledge in the religious and historical fields. If you guys get hurt or sick I should also be able to treath you. If it comes to combat, I'll make it my duty to hold up as many enemies as possible off those of you who prefer to stay in the second line."

[Garwain]

Thank you Heskan, I will gladly sheek shelter behind your back. My magical talents are only just developping, but they proved effective nonetheless.

Balthazar pauzes a moment. In fact, he never really thought about strategy. He researched some usefull spells, but to know when to deploy them is as important as actually casting them.

My main modus operandi would be to take out little critter with blasting them with fire, attack bigger foes from a distance, slowing them down, and incapacitating a group of them by forcing them into a sleep.

And them Balthazar smiles mysteriously. He is a wizard, so ofcourse there are some secrets up his sleeve, only to be revealed in due time.

[ArcaneStomper]

After carefully balancing himself to ensure he wouldn't fall off Darrak looks up and says.

"Just make sure you don't blast me wizard. I'll be up with Heskan smashing our foes with my trusty warhammer.

He pauses to pat his hammer and readjust the straps holding it.

"And once I bash them I'll mark them with my runes to hurt them even more. But don't worry I'll try and leave some of them alive for the rest of you to deal with."

[buirechain]

Yurik

You may have noticed that I carry no weapon besides a few shuriken. But my monastic training has allowed me to fight with my hands as if they were weapons. Beyond that, my training also allows me to combine movement with attack, either dealing with many opponents swiftly, or manipulating my opponents to make them easier for my allies to deal with.

Yurik pauses. It seems as if he is done speaking, but then he opens his mouth again. However, he does not say anything, deciding not to let out his secret just yet. His allies will have to know, but Yurik thought it best to wait until he could trust the others, and until they trusted him, to let slip that information.

[Belthasar]

Smiling, Cpt. Gwylt talks to everyone:

"I like your confidence in your own abilities. I can see why His Grace has chosen us for this complex mission."

He pauses for a second, an then continues: "Finnest -and the spider... sorry, Acanthya- and Brother Yurik -forgive me if addressing you like that seems too formal to you- seem to have the greatest mobility. Finnest and Acanthya will be our forward scouts, warning us about future threats and ambushes, while Brother Yurik can quickly finish -or incapacitate- enemies at mid range."

He turns to Balthazar. "Balthazar, I once knew a wizard; he could make enemies fall unconscious before they can even think. Wizards are a rare and special thing after all, and most armies would do almost anything to have one in their lines. You will act from the back lines as you said, and take the minions on the distance. You can even colaborate with Finnest in the ranged attacks task."

He turns to Heskan, Darrak and Chull. "You all three are fierce melee infantry warriors. We all four shall stand either in the front lines, or protecting the others in a closed formation. Also, Darrak and I should provide recovering and support respectively, while Sir Whitescales and Chull could be the side shields of the team."

His horse, Altarok walks slowly while Cpt. Gwylt adds:

"As for myself, I hope everyone can hear my voice or see my signs. I'm trained to survey the battlefield, finding weak spots, enemy flaws, and strengthening our forces with words and orders. You must worry not, since the commands and signs I give are relatively simple, and I can see you all can spot an enemy opening when I show it to you."

Pausing again, he then continues: "Gentlemen, I really hope you trust me as I put my trust in all of you. This mission SHALL succeed."

He smiles in confidence, on himself and the group. Sharp determination in his blue eyes.

OOC:

Basically, in a battle all of you get the following bonuses:


Everyone within 10 squares who can hear or see me get a +2 bonus on initiative.

Whenever any of you (that I can see) spends an Action Point to make an extra attack, that person gets a +1 bonus on the attack roll, and +3 bonus on the damage roll.

[Shardan]

Chull glances back at the conversation at hand. He listens to the others before finally speaking, "name's Chull... I protect." He leaves his answer simple and returns his attention to the path and the roadside, searching for threats.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling grins savagely. I like you already, Warleader. Acanthya and I shall range ahead - you shall hear naught of our passage, but rest assured that we are here. Some unseen signal prompts the spider to race off ahead of the group, her speed easily matching, then outpacing, the lead riding horses.

Acanthya will take a few run actions to get a bit of a head start, then check her speed to maintain pace with the group. Finnest and Acanthya will be scouting ahead. Can I "take 10" on Perception, Stealth & Nature while I am scouting, or would you like me to roll? I figure taking 10 would reflect his passive knowledge, perceptiveness and stealthiness.

[Grimlock]

You set off into the West, leaving through the "Watchfull Gate" and head towards Winningham. As you leave the city, Finnest urges his spider forwards and takes point. As you ride through the countryside you see signs of winter driving away a hot autumn; harvests have been collected and log piles are forming already for the onlsaught of winter.
Your first day of travel is uneventful and as night beckons you approach the small hamlet of Taunton; your letter's of marque allow you to charge a night's food and lodging to the crown. The following morning you head off early and continue your ride. You quickly leave the hamlet behind and enter the long empty ride to Winningham.
As you ride you notice small crofter's cottages and isolated farmsteads, but the land to the West of Farspire is less densley populated than the East and South, leaving it more 'untamed', more akin to the North of Lomand.
The morning passes, turning to late afternoon...

OOC-
Feel free to rp anything that is happening/has happened, eg the night you spent in Taunton

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik spends part of the night at Taunton in meditation. He is troubled, he knew when his mentor sent him out that he would be entering a world of greed, aggression, ego and so many other troubles that are minimized at the monastery. It is something else to actually experience it, to see it in some of his fellows.

Still, Yurik is glad that, despite that, he hasn't had any problems with his self control, or with his Orcish side. He only hopes that he can control himself in the midst of a real battle.

[Belthasar]

Guided by Cpt. Gwylt, the team soon arrive to a small hamlet as dusk approaches.

"Gentlemen, this is Taunton," he says to the rest. "We'll be spending the night here, since it's four days to Winningham on a steady march."

He signed some papers at the entrance, and then at the center of the road, in front of the inn, he gathered everyone and speaks: "Well, here we are. You can now go to rest, prepare for tomorrow or do whatever thing you want to do tonight. If you go to the tavern under the inn, please don't drink in excess, since tomorrow we need to be right here at first hour to continue our trip. The inn is over there and your rooms and stables are ready. Finnest, since other people's mounts could be scared of Acanthya, there's a special room for your companion. Dismiss."

First thing he does in Taunton is to park his horse, go to his room, check his equipment, and rest.

----------------------

The next day, the team put on march again.

After seeing the isolated farmlands, Cpt. Gwylt thinks: "I don't remember if this place was like this before. Something's not right..."

He gestures Finnest to see if the halfling (and the spider) can spot something unusual in the wilderness.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
During the travel, Heskan will try and talk with everyone, trying to learna bit more about everyone. His method are not assertive, but more lsome friendly small talk. You'll all learnt that Heskan, upon leaving the army, enrolled with a merchant and travelled an whole years all around the country as his bodyguard.
As Gwylt finish giving his orders, his old soldiers habit instinctivly returns, he nods and turn his horse into the stable. He then go to bed, knowing that 3 more long days of travel remains.

[Garwain]

Balthazar enjoyed the ride so far. Aside from occasional small talk, with Heskan for example, he finds himself in silence. Looking over the wide countryside, he lets his toughts pass by all the important moments of his life. Especially the happy toughts of his wife makes him warm inside. On trips like these, it's good to contemplate. Where do you come from, where do you go to. And most of all, why?

All his knowledge taken into account, Balthazar realises that the important questions in life cannot be answered. A thought that can be stressfull or either liberating. Seeing the apparent inner calm of the monk in their party, Balthazar makes an inner note to discuss this topic with him.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

At the inn, Finnest responds to Cpt. Gwylt. Acanthya shall sleep at the foot of my bed, in my own room. She is more akin to a lowlander dog than a horse in size, responds the halfling.
________________________________________________

The next day, on the road, Finnest returns from a scouting sortie with Acanthya. He addresses the Captain. We are hunted, Warleader. Have everyone ready their weapons - the Wolves of Winter shall be upon us soon, says the halfling, readying his shortbow and taking a position with the rest of the group.

[Belthasar]

"Winter wolves," thinks Cpt. Gwylt. "Those beasts expanded their domain to rural areas..."


If I'm allowed, I'd like to try to see if I can perceive the wolves somehow.

Perception check: [roll0]

Too bad!


Drawing his sword and jumping off the horse, he says to everyone. "Looks like we were about to be ambushed by a pack of wild beasts. Be on your guard, comrades. Finnest and Balthazar, have ranged attacks prepared..."

[Shardan]

Chull slips off his horse as well. "wolves. Something's driven them from their home. Pull close and circle." The usually quiet dwarf stepsforward, trying to spot the alpha wolf of the pack. If he does, he will try and meet its eyes, drawing its attention and making himself a target.

[Garwain]

Leading his horse to where the other horses are standing, Balthazar replies, "Certainly Cpt. Gwylt. I have my magic prepared." With a swift movement, he draws his wand out of one of the many hidden pockets of his robe. "If these animals cannot be scared off, then we will pursuade them by force."
Balthazar chuckles about his own little pun on the force damage of his wand. Too bad noone around share it with. Oh well. At least there is some action comming up. Action that forces his mind to commute back to the present.

"This group looks strong, we shouldn't have any troubles warding off some wandering wolves", he thinks.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan dismount and looks around for a spot to gather or tie up the horses that could be defensive.
"Gwylt, unless you plan to have us move forward, we should move there to tie the horses or we might loose them during the fight. If we indead plan to move forward, lets link the horse bridle so they dont scratter if they do flee."
Heskan ready his shield and draw his longsword. As the dragonborn bare his sword, you see that not only the pummel is styled , but the blade have red runes carved upon its lenght.

[Belthasar]

"Worry not, Sir Whitescales," says Cpt. Gwylt, "the horses shall not flee. However, I'll take your advice and tie the briddles together just in case. Let's do that, because I fear that are the horses what the wolves could target instead of us..."

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

With a quick hop Darrak dismounts from his horse and starts looking around.

"Alright something to fight. I've been meaning to get a little exercise and these wolves will be just the thing."

Readying his warhammer he starts looking around to see if he can spot anything.

OOC:
Perception check [roll0]

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik dismounts as soon as his fellows begin to form up, leaving his horse with some of the others, towards the back of where the action should be. The area is unnervingly quiet as he gathers with the others and prepares for a fight, his eyes constantly scanning the area. He breathes slowly to calm himself down, so that he can fight effectively and not driven by blood.

[roll0] perception.

[Belthasar]

"Here they come..."

"Balthazar, Finnest, start sniping! The rest of us, let's dispatch the southern pack quickly..."

[Garwain]

I will try to keep the western pack at bay! , Balthazar yells a bit excited. Seeing the wolves closeby is facing actual danger. More than just an untrained thief, but sophisticated predators.

As the group seeks cover to the small house, Balthazar faces the pack to the west, and uses one of his powerfull incantations, murmuring the words he had practised while making precise gestures. A magical energy bursts among the pack with varying effect when he finally proclaims: Let sleep overwhelm you!

SleepBurst 2, range 20 aimed at C0, affecting wolves 6,7, 8, 10
Attack vs. Will
wolf 6: [roll0]+1 = 14
wolf 7: (1d20+5)[21]
wolf 8: (1d20+5)[7]
wolf 10: (1d20+5)[13]

Hit: The target is slowed (save ends). If the target fails its first
saving throw, the target falls asleep (save ends).
Miss: The target is slowed (save ends).

PS: The attack rolls does not include any bonusses I might receive from others...

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The paladin prepare himself, waiting patiently for the wolves to come close.
"Come on beast, come and get some!"

Heskan delay (until the wolves south of him come closer).

Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (1/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (1/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :


Effects on Heskan :
Delay

Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[Grimlock]

I took an executive decision and put Chull near the rest of you!
Dekkah, tell me when you want to take your move- I guess it's going to be after the southern pack move!

Balthazar's spell seeps out towards the western pack of wolves and hits two of them, causing them to stumble in their tracks and fall to the ground asleep! The other two shake off the effects and continue and snarl at the group.
Wolves-
6- Asleep (save ends)
7- Asleep (save ends)
8-
9-
10-

The remaining wolves of the western pack snarl and you see them flow round the trees heading towards you, slavering and bearing their fangs.
Wolves
8- move to E13- double move
9- move to G10- double move
10- move to G13- double move
6- Save against sleep- [roll0]
7- save against sleep- [roll]1d20/[roll]Roll in OOC thread
Finnest is up next
Map
Weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5115389794/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Ignore the horse names- I cocked up!

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Ahahahaha! The hunt is on, my friends! Finnest fires two arrows out of the tree, but despite the horrendously close range, both go way off their mark. He begins to analyze his bowstring to make sure there's nothing wrong with it - no way he should have missed those shots.

Minor Action: Declare Wolf 8 as Quarry
Standard Action: Two-Fanged Strike @ Wolf 8

Two-Fanged Strike; Two attacks
Attack One: [roll0] vs. AC
Damage One: [roll1] damage
Attack Two: [roll2] vs. AC
Damage Two: [roll3] damage
If either hits, [roll4] more damage. If both hit, 3 more damage on top of that.

[Shardan]

Chull growls back to the wolves as he moves out to confront them. He settles near them. He snarls a challenge at them and settles defensively.

Double Move to F-14, Minor action, mark wolf 8 and 10

[Grimlock]

Initiative-
Belthazar- 27
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Pack 2- 9
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5
Wolves-
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
6- Asleep (Balthazar)
7-Asleep (Balthazar)
8-Marked (Chull)
9-
10- Marked (Chull)
Players
Heskan- 18/29
Balthazar- 23/23
Finnest-22/22
Darrak-30/30
Gwylt-13/25
Chull-35/35
Yurik- 25/25
Finnest's arrows flick out of the tree, but miss the wolf, striking the ground hard. The southern pack of wolves surge forward bounding foward to attack the group. Two wolves leap at Heskan, fangs glistening as they rear up to strike; the first finds its fangs turned away by the dragonborn's heavy armour, but the second finds a chink and damages the paladin. Another of the beasts lunges at Yurik, but the monk forces an open palm into the wolve's face, deflecting its attack. The last wolf to attack reaches Gwylt and savages him hard, finding a way past his defences.
Wolf crunch
All attacks against AC
1-Against Gwylt
Hit(1d20+4)[21]
Damage- (1d10+3)[12]
2- Against Yurik
Hit- (1d20+4)[6]
Damage- (1d10+3)[12]
3- Against Heskan
Hit-(1d20+6)[8]
Damage- (1d10+3)[8]
4- Against Heskan
Hit- (1d20+6)[21]
Damage- (1d10+3)[11]

Map
map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5117092061/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Dekkah]

Heskan Status
Pissed at the wolf in front of him for biting him, Heskan shift aside and lunge his sword at the wolf yelling,
"For Bahamuts glory!"
As the sword hit the wolf, a burst of radiant energy fill the area around Heskan, but the wolves apparently ignore the energy. Pissed off, the dragonborn take a deep breath and let out a cold breath attack filling the area in front of him.

Move : Shift to F25
Standard : Valorous Smite on Wolf 4
Attack VS AC : [roll0] <- I will use my Luckblade Longsword +1 Daily item power. I'll did the roll in OOC.... rolled 10
Hit : [roll1] damage and Each enemy within 3 squares of Heskan is subject to his divine sanction until the end of your next turn.(Wolf 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Free : Commanding vow feat (slide 1 enemies I subject to divine sanction).
(Wolf 1 -> E22, Wolf 2 -> E28, Wolf 3 -> G24, Wolf 4 -> forfeit, Wolf 5 -> G26)
Minor : Dragon breath on G25/I27
Attack on Wolf 3 VS Reflex : [roll2] (this one cant happen since no slide)
Attack on Wolf 4 VS Reflex : [roll3]
Attack on Wolf 5 VS Reflex : [roll4]
Hit : [roll5] cold damage.


NOTE : I might use my longsword daily power if I think I miss the valorous attack.

HP :...18/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (1/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark : None

Effects on Heskan :
Pissed at the dice roller!


Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik shifts his body just an inch backwards as the wolf attacks him, forcing the creature to barely miss. There is just barely a smile on Yurik's face, though it fades when he remembers that these poor beasts must die.

Yurik seems to glide forward and positions himself between the two nearest wolves, never giving them a chance to attack. As soon as he is in position, he launches a flurry of simultaneous kicks and blows against both. At the end, the wolves seemed to be cowed into a slight by directed movement against from the fists and feet.

Yurik uses his Five Storms movement technique and shifts two squares to G27. He then attacks Wolves 2 and 5 with Five Storms.

Attack against Wolf 2
[roll0] vs. reflex.
Against Wolf 5
[roll1] vs. reflex.
Damage dice for both.
[roll2]

Using the centered flurry of blows free action, if I hit Wolf 2, I slide it to G28 and it takes an extra 5 damage. If I do not hit Wolf 2, but do hit Wolf 5, Wolf 5 will take an extra 5 damage and I will slide it to G 26.


[/SPOILER]

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik watches as the wolves somehow evade his blows. For a moment he is worried that his training has not been good enough, but then he calms down and realizes that can see that way the wolves are moving away from his blows and how to compensate for that. Yurik just has never fought a four legged creature before. With that knowledge, he launches a second swift attack against both wolves.


Action point, same attack.

Attack against Wolf 2
[roll0] vs. Reflex
Against Wolf 5
[roll1] vs. Reflex
Damage for both
[roll2]

Using the centered flurry of blows free action, if I hit Wolf 2, I slide it to G28 and it takes an extra 5 damage. If I do not hit Wolf 2, but do hit Wolf 5, Wolf 5 will take an extra 5 damage and I will slide it to G 26.

Lets hope this one goes better, especially so my IC text doesn't end up making Yurik seem overconfident in his abilities.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak watched the battle unfold calmly. So far nothing surprising had happened. Quite a few of his companions had missed their attacks, but not everyone could be as good as him now could they. Well time to get in there and show them how to do it right.

With a quick survey of the battlefield Darrak decides that the others can hold the line and he would be served by trying to flank the wolves. So he quickly moves around the nearby tree and after tracing a quick rune onto his weapon swings it at the wolf there.

OOC:
Moving to directly above wolf 2, wherever that is at this point. THen I'll use Word of shielding on it.
[roll0] vs. AC.
[roll1] damage if I hit.
And if I hit then if wolf 2 attacks someone before the end of my next turn it will take 4 damage regardless of whether it hits or not.

Also I will look like an ass if this misses.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt smiles even wounded. "Apparently the battle seems hard... But these wolves don't know that the ambushed ones are they, not us..."


Minor action:
Inspiring Word on myself: I spend a healing surge and heal 6 plus [roll0] hit points. I still have a second use for this power on this encounter, but I can use it only once per round.

Move action: Move to F23.


Cpt. Gwylt advances few steps towards the wolf pack, blocking their path.. "Let's take advantage of our position! The terrain is on our favor now!"


Standard Action: White Raven's Onslaught:
Attack with my sword to Wolf 1: [roll1], damage [roll2] Critical!:smallbiggrin: That's 27 damage instead!

Until the end of the encounter, whenever I or an ally within 10 squares of me makes a successful attack, the attacker slides an adjacent ally 1 square. (Remember this, because it'll be very useful!)


"We need more mobility, now!"

[Garwain]

Now that the group is in close contact with the wolves, the battle rages on. Balthazar sees that his allies are attacking the southern pack and that chull might need some assistance as he is holding off 3 wolves at once.

"Let's see of these winter wolves like some heat!" says Balthazar while creating a burst of flames around Chull, affecting the 2 wolves that threaten him.

Scorching Burst
Area burst 1 within 10 squares
Target: on Chull, hitting wolves 8 and 10
Attack wolf 8: [roll0] vs. Reflex
Damage wolf 8: [roll1] fire damage.
Attack wolf 10: [roll2] vs. Reflex
Damage wolf 10: [roll3] fire damage.

[Grimlock]

Heskan’s mighty sword swing misses the wolf as it darts to one side, but the blast of icy cold which billows out from his mouth hits both wolves, causing some small damage, and an icy frost covers their fur. Yurik’s darts forward and his first attack is a blur, but is not fast enough as the wolves dodge his fists and feet. Taking the measure of the wolves, the monk launches a blistering attack and strikes both beasts hard, driving one away through the force of his blows. Darrak runs forward to support the others, but as he strikes with his weapon, the wolf moves quickly and the dwarf hits the ground with a thud. Captain Gwylt, gathers his strength and seems to shake off the worst of the wolves attack and runs forward, encouraging his allies. As he skids to a stop, he faces the wolf and strikes hard, killing it with one blow. The wolf falls, blood spattering onto the ground beneath it. Seeing his allies fight the southern pack and realising the dwarf warden stands alone against the western pack, Balthazar raises his hand and fire explodes around Chull. One of the wolves dodges the blast, but the other takes a strong hit and is burned, its fur smoking in the aftermath!

((My Turn heh heh heh))
The two wolves who Balthazar struck with sleep snooze on, unable to wake themselves from their supernatural sleep. The remaining wolves attack the dwarf in their way! One wolf darts round the dwarf to flank him and all three wolves savagely attack the dwarf standing in their way. As they lunge at him, Chull deflects their blows with his weapon and his armour!
Pack 1

All attacks are bites against Chull's AC
Wolf 8 Flanks Chull gains CA
Hit (1d20+8)[13]
Damage- (1d10+3)[6]
Wolf 9- Move to G15- flanks Chull gains CA
Hit (1d20+8)[13]
Damage- (1d10+3)[4]
Wolf 10- Hit (1d20+6)[9]
Damage- (1d10+3)[10]


Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11- Current player
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5
PCs
F24- Heskan- 18/29
C20- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F28- Darrak-30/30
F23- Gwylt-21/25
F14- Chull-35/35
G27- Yurik- 25/25
Wolves
F23- 1 DEAD- (Gwylt)
G28- 2 19 damage- (Yurik) BLOODIED
G23- 3
G25- 4 6 damage (Heskan)
H26- 5 20 damage (Heksan and Yurik) BLOODIED
E-2- 6 Asleep (Balthazar)
A2- 7 Asleep (Balthazar)
E13- 8 10 damage (Balthazar) Marked (Chull)
G15- 9
G13- 10 Marked (Chull)
Map
weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5121328508/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Bahaha! Come, wolves of winter! Fall upon our blades! The hunters have become the hunted! shouts Finnest, though the wolves probably don't understand the Common tongue. He takes aim at his Quarry and fires two arrows in rapid succession.

Standard Action: Twin Strike on Wolf 8, my quarry

Twin Strike:
Attack 1: [roll0] vs. AC
Damage 1: [roll1] damage.
Attack 2: [roll2] vs. AC
Damage 2: [roll3] damage.
If either hits, [roll4] more damage is dealt.

[Grimlock]

Finnest takes aim and his two arrows fire true, flickering through the air and striking the wolf, it yelps and turns to try and bite out the arrows sticking out of its flank. The southern wolf pack continue their attack, Wolf 2 lunges at Darrak, fangs flashing, but the dwarf bats away the attack with his weapon, forcing the wolf away! Wolf 3 flies at Gwylt’s throat, but the warlord catches the wolf on his arm, inches from his throat and flings the wolf back. Wolf 4 goes to hamstring Heskan, but the dragonborn’s shield easily flashes down and the wolf’s snout bashes on the hard metal. Wolf 5 manages to sneak past Yurik’s block and draws some blood, it withdraws and snarls up at the half-orc!
Wolves-
All Bite attacks against AC
Wolf 2- Against Darrak
Hit- [roll0]
Damage- [roll1]
Wolf 3- Against Gwylt
Hit- [roll2]
Damage- [roll3]
Wolf 4- Against Heskan
Hit- [roll4]
Damage- [roll5]
Wolf 5- Against Yurik
Hit- [roll6] yay- a hit!
Damage- [roll7]

Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 19 damage BLOODIED
G23- Wolf 3
G25- Wolf 4 6 damage
H26- Wolf 5 20 damage BLOODIED
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 Asleep
E13- Wolf 8 20 damage Marked (Chull) Quarry (Finnest) BLOODIED
G15- Wolf 9
G13- Wolf 10 Marked (Chull)


Weasel Initiative[/spoiler]
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed---------Current Player
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5 [/spoiler]
Players
F24- Heskan- 18/29
C20- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F28- Darrak-30/30
F23- Gwylt-21/25
F14- Chull-35/35
G27- Yurik- 16/25
Map
Weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5132363048/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Key
C- Chull
F- Finnest
B- Balthazar
H- Heskan
Y- Yuirk
D-Darrak
G- Gwylt

[Belthasar]

I know it's not my turn yet, but with DM's permission, I'll make Cpt Gwylt to shout a warning to his allies. :smallsmile:


While avoiding the worst of a wolf attack with his shield, Cpt Gwylt shouted a tactical advice to his nearby allies.

"Darrak! Yurik! Those wolves over there are almost done! You can finish them up quickly as Sir Whitescales and I take these ones!"


Meaning: Darrak and Yurik can easily finish the wolves 5 and 2. Heskan and Gwylt could try to hurt a little more the wolves 3 and 4.

On another note, maybe Heskan could slide me one square after hitting one of the wolves, so we can surround them step by step, getting combat advantage as we flank them.

Darrak and Yurik could do something similar.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Lets form the ranks!¸, yell Heskan.
He strike at at the two wolves in front of him, making some radiant light gather around them draging these wolves around and giving Gwylt opporunities to reposition himself.
Heskan then shift close to the wolf beside Yurik and challenge it.

Free :Action point
Standard :Ardent Strike on Wolf 4
Attack VS AC (+1 (AP bonus - Gwylt)) :[roll0]
Hit (+3 (AP bonnus - Gwylt)) : [roll1] damage, and the target is subject to your divine sanction until the end of your next turn and slide wolf4 1 square (commanding vow) to H25 and slide Gwylt (Gwylt daily) to G24.
Standard : Ardent strike on wolf3
Attack VS AC :[roll2]
Hit : (Broken roll - done in OOC) 6 damage, and the target is subject to your divine sanction until the end of your next turn, slide Gwylt (Gwylt daily) to F25
and slide wolf3 1 square (commanding vow) to (G24)
Move :Shift to G25
Minor :Divine Challenge on Wolf 5


Heskan Status
HP :...18/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge): Wolf 5
Mark (Divane Saction -UENT) : Wolf 3, Wolf 4

Effects on Heskan :


Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik watches as the two heavily armored warriors arrange themselves in a line to face the two of the wolves. But Yurik is not think about standing around and waiting to be attacked. The two wolves in front of him are bloody and beginning to whine, and perhaps Yurik is to be the one put them down. He observes the wolves for a moment, and then launches another attack, quite similar to the first. When he is done, he makes a few quick moves to help flanking attacks on other wolves.

Once again I attack with Five storms
[roll0] vs Reflex on Wolf 2
[roll1] on Wolf 5
[roll2] damage.

If I hit Wolf 5 and it is still alive, I deal extra 5 damage and I'm not going to use the slide on Wolf 5 even if he is still alive. If I don't hit Wolf 5 but do hit Wolf 2 and 2 lives, I deal 5 extra damage and slide him to H28.

I use Gwylt's power to slide Darrak to F 27.

Well, I'm pretty sure Wolf 5 is dead, I'm not sure if that hit wolf 2. If I didn't hit wolf 2 then I used my Five storms movement to move to G29, so Darrak can move in to flank (and I can get away from the more ravenous wolves for the moment). If that hit wolf 2, then I move to H25.

[Grimlock]

Withstanding the attacks with stoic strength, Heskan strikes out at wolf 3, hacking into its flesh, doing some damage but knocking it across the ground. The Dragonborn’s second strike also smashes into wolf 4, again knocking the wolf across the battlefield, but did not inflict as much damage. Gwylt, taking advantage of Heskan’s attack slips round into a more advantageous position. Yurik, watching his allies attack and shift on the battle field, launches his own attack on the wolves facing him. He lashes out at wolf 2 but it twists to the side at the last minute and his foot flashes by, just missing the wolf. His following strike hit wolf 5 hard, breaking its neck and causing the beast to fall to the floor, blood seeping out of its mouth. He darts to the side and around the remaining wolf to leave the way open for Darrak.
Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 19 damage BLODDIED
G24- Wolf 3 6 damage
H25- Wolf 4 15 damage BLOODIED
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 Asleep
E13- Wolf 8 20 damage Marked (Chull) Quarry (Finnest) BLOODIED
G15- Wolf 9
G13- Wolf 10 Marked (Chull)


Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5-----------Current Player
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5
Players
G25- Heskan- 18/29
C20- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F28- Darrak-30/30
F25- Gwylt-21/25
F14- Chull-35/35
G29- Yurik- 16/25
Map
Weasel map (http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5136401890/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Map Key
C- Chull
F- Finnest
B- Balthazar
H- Heskan
Y- Yuirk
D-Darrak
G- Gwylt

[Belthasar]

"They cannot withstand us, Sir Whitescales. Hold your ground, and we will win! I'll make this wolf to create an opening, and when I tell you, kill him."


Minor action: Inspiring Word on Heskan (I was about to use in Yurik, but he's too far from my range...). He spends a healing surge and heals additional [roll2] hit points.


Cpt Gwylt surrounds the wolf in front of him, and swings his sword over and over against it. Feinting here, parrying there... Suddenly he makes a deadly thrust...


Move to G23, flanking Wolf 3, and thus gaining combat advantage.

(Also, I realized that I provoked an OA from the wolf, who is marked by Heskan, and if it attacks me (with a -2 penalty), it'll receive radiant damage from Heskan).

Standard action: Warlord's Favor on Wolf 3: Attack vs AC: [roll0] (That roll doesn't include the combat advantage bonus).

Hit: [roll1] and Heskan gains a +4 bonus to hit that wolf until the end of my next turn.
"Found your weak point, beast.."

He shouts to Heskan: "Now! Kill him!"


I spend an Action Point:

Standard Action: Commander's Strike: Heskan makes a basic melee attack vs Wolf 3, and he adds a +3 bonus to the damage roll. Don't forget the combat advantage bonus, and the +4 attack bonus from Warlord's Favor. :smallbiggrin:


"Darrak! Help Brother Yurik in his recovery! Support him if you can!"

He didn't worry about the guys in the west. They were doing fine: Chull defending against three wolves with exceptional endurance, while Finnest and Balthazar kept shooting arrows and fire to the wolves.

He just hope himself to be finished here to lend a quick hand to them, but until now that kind of help was not needed yet.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The Bahamut paladin feel the rush of energy from the warlord words.
"Thanks Gwylt!"
Heskan cannot help but smile as Gwylt move around, leaving an opening to taunt the wolf, which will trigger some retribution from Heskan divine energy placed on them.
As the warlord give order, Heskan strike,
"I got it."

Gain 12 HP.

Free : Basic Attack granted by Gwylt (use Virtous strike)
Attack VS AC (+2 (Flank), +4 (Gwylt bonus)) :[roll0]
Hit (+3 (Gwylt bonus)): [roll1] and Gain +2 to saving throws Until the start of my next turn (this wont be usefull anyway - unless I get a bad status and someone make me do a save lol)

Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge): Wolf 5
Mark (Divane Saction -UENT) : Wolf 3, Wolf 4

Effects on Heskan :
+2 to my saving throws USNT (Heskan)

Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak was fairly annoyed that his first attack had missed. So at this point he was concentrating solely on killing the wolf and moving on. Still he heard Gwylt's shout so with a grunt he traced out a rune and let it flare towards Yurik.

Minor Action: Rune of Mending on Yurik. He spends a healing surge and everyone within 5 squares of me including myself gets and extra 2 to damage rolls.

Next he shifted into position across from Yurik and tried once again to hit the wolf.

Shift to F27. Actually didn't I get shifted to F27 already by Yurik because of Gwylt's daily. Anyway I'm at F27 now. Then I use diminishing strike on wolf 2.
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] damage Wrong die. See OOC for real damage.
And if I hit then the wolf has vulnerable 2 to all damage until the end of my next turn. And vulnerable 5 against opportunity attacks.
I may spend an action point depending on how this goes.

[Grimlock]

Gwylt, seeing an opening darts to one side of the wolf, but draws its attention, but even as it leaps at him, radiance from Heskan burns its fur. Even so, the wolf manages to get past the warlord’s defences and bite him hard. Gwylt’s sword strike snakes out and flickers into the wolf, causing blood to flow freely from wolf 3. Heskan follows up Gwylt’s attack with a mighty sword strike, completely severing the wolf’s head. Darrak, traces his rune and the healing energy flows into Yurik re-energising him. The dwarf shifts to his right before lashing out at the wolf in front of him, crushing its skull.
Wolf AO
Hit 18 v AC
Damage- 11 Rolls in DM Rolls Thread
Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 DEAD
G23- Wolf 3 DEAD
G25- Wolf 4 6 damage Marked(Heskan)
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 Asleep
E13- Wolf 8 20 damage Marked (Chull) Quarry (Finnest)
G15- Wolf 9
G13- Wolf 10 Marked (Chull)
Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5-------Current PLayer
Darrak- 5
Players
F24- Heskan- 29/29
C20- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F27- Darrak-30/30
G23- Gwylt-10/25 BLOODIED
F14- Chull-35/35
G27- Yurik- 16/25
Map
Weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5138384785/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Shardan]

Chull looks about him as the wolves surround him. This was a gamble, and he knew it. wolves are most dangerous as a pack. He channels the primal forces to keep the wolves attention to him before backing slowly away. He strikes at the nearest one and snarls threateningly at the others.


Minor. Mark wolves 8, 9, and 10
Move. Shift to f-15.
Standard. Strength of Stone on wolf 9. [roll0]
if hit. Damage [roll1] and I gain 4 THP

[Grimlock]

The dwarf warden, draws the attention of the wolves surrounding him and withdraws a step, before lashing out and striking one of the beasts threatening him. As his blow hits, he gains some temporary respite and strength from his success.

Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 DEAD
G23- Wolf 3 DEAD
G25- Wolf 4 6 damage Marked(Heskan)
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 Asleep
E13- Wolf 8 20 damage Marked (Chull) Quarry (Finnest) BLOODIED
G15- Wolf 9 7 damage Marked (Chull)
G13- Wolf 10 Marked (Chull)
Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27--------Current Player
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5
Players
F24- Heskan- 29/29
C20- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F27- Darrak-30/30
G23- Gwylt-10/25 BLOODIED
F15- Chull-35/35 +4 Temp hp
G27- Yurik- 22/25

OOC
Left my memory stick at home- no map today, sorry-
All info above is current- please use the old one and I’ll update tonight- cheers!

[Garwain]

Balthazar watched how the soutern pack was decimated by some powerfull moves from his allies. Being confident that the battle would soon be over, he feels the sudden urge to speed things up. He drives his horse forward and unleashes all the fire that he could concentrate on. The big blast covers a wide area, and only when the flames die out, it is clear what destruction was brought.

Balthazar
move to E15
burning hands blast with AP
hitting wolf 8: [roll0] vs Refl
hitting wolf 10: [roll1] vs Refl
damage: [roll2]

finishing wolf 8 if not yet blasted, else hitting wolf 7
magic missiles from wand
hit: [roll3] +2 for the wolf 7 being asleep (CA) vs Refl
dam: [roll4]


With the menace in front of him cleaned up, he raises his wand to the 2 creatures that were put in a magical slumber.
They will not escape either. I'll force them!
Another little inside joke. It marks the good spirit of Balthazar, feeling at ease with this group.

[Grimlock]

Balthazar surges forward and moves up to support the dwarven warden holding the western flank. He raises his hands and fire billows out, scorching the earth and wolves in front of him, flinging them to the ground and when the flames clear Wolf 8 lies a dead and singed heap and Wolf 10 is limping its singed fur smouldering. The wizard then turns his gaze to the sleeping wolves and launches magic missiles at the wolf 7 and strikes it hard, causing serious damage, but still the wolf sleeps on. The solitary wolf in the southern pack scenting blood in the injured warlord lunges at him, as he bites and the radiant damage from Heskan’s mark sears the wolf’s body iit causes some serious damage to Gwylt before slumping down dead!

Wolf moves

Wolf 4- shift to H24
Bite attack against Gwylt’s AC while taking 7 radiant damage.
Hit- [roll0] including -2 from Heskan
Damage- [roll1]

Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 DEAD
G23- Wolf 3 DEAD
G25- Wolf 4 6 damage Marked(Heskan)
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 Asleep 13 damage BLOODIED
E13- Wolf 8 DEAD
G15- Wolf 9 Marked (Chull)
G13- Wolf 10 14 damage Marked (Chull) BLOODIED


Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14
Finnest-11-------Current Player
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5
Players
F24- Heskan- 29/29
E15- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
F27- Darrak-30/30
G23- Gwylt-3/25 BLOODIED
F15- Chull-35/35 +4 temp hp
G27- Yurik- 22/25
Map
Weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5143431871/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling roars with laughter as Balthazar unleashes his Burning Hands. Well done, Wizard! Your might is great indeed. Let us see if I can match it! Come Acanthya, we have a new quarry! He sets his sights on wolf #10, whispering to the spider as he draws back his shortbow for another Twin Strike.

Minor Action: Hunter's Quarry @ W10
Standard Action: Twin Strike @W10

Twin Strike
Attack 1: [roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage
Attack 2: [roll2] vs. AC
Hit: [roll3]
If either hits, deal [roll4] more damage.

If the first attack kills wolf10, then the second will be against wolf 9

[Dekkah]

Heskan

The paladin swing his sword again at the wolve in front of him , pushing it away on the force of the impact. Heskan then move past Gwylt, stopiong by him and put his hand on his shoulder,
"Let Bahamut power bolster you my friend!"
Looking back over his shoulder at Yurik,
"I let you take care of that wolf. I am coming Chull.", finish Heskan returning his attention in front of him.


Standard : Ardent strike on Wolf 4
Attack VS AC : [roll0]
Hit : [roll1], subject Wolf 4 to divine sanction and slide Wolf 4 1 (to I23).
Move : Move to G22
Minor : Lay on hands on Gwylt (I spend a healing surge, Gwylt regain his surge value in HP



Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...10/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (1/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge): None
Mark (Divane Saction -UENT) :Wolf 4

Effects on Heskan :


Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik watches as the last of the southern wolves falls to the ground in a heap. Without waiting a second, he takes off in a run, his feet seem to barely touch the ground and he charges at the nearest wolf currently intent on Chull. The wolf doesn't see Yurik coming.

I assume that Heskan finished up wolf 4, though I'm not sure exactly how may HP they have.
Movement and then charge ending up at G16.
Basic unarmed attack against wolf 9.
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] damage

If I hit I use my centered flurry of blows and add 5 damage to Wolf 9, though I won't bother with the slide.
[

[Belthasar]

Cpt Gwylt felt his energy and faith being renewed by Heskan's blessing. "Thank you, my friend."

The dragonborn was suggesting to go assist the western division. "Go, paladin of Bahamut. Show them what you've-" ...His words were interrupted when he saw the half-orc move very fast towards the western pack and kick one of the wolves surrounding Chull. "What the-?"

Yurik was really fast.

The wolf that attacked Gwylt was still in front of him, however. A few feet in front. Cpt Gwylt sighed in resignation, then close his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, his energy seemed recovered as he straightened his coat and raised his sword in defiance.


Standard action: Second Wind! I spend a healing surge (+6 hp) and get +2 to all my defenses until the start of my next turn.

Minor action: I activate the power of my cloak of resistance: I gain resist 5 to all damage until the start of my next turn. :smallamused:

Move action: Shift to H22.


"Someone has to take care of this wolf anyways... Let's do it, Darrak! We can flank it now!" he says, giving a cold glance to the last southern wolf.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

By this point Darrak is extremely annoyed. He had really been hoping to get some exercise, but so far he had only gotten one good swing. He was especially dissapointed that the remaining wolves were for the most part well out of range.

Muttering under his breath about monks and their ridiculous speed, he moves to engage the last of the southern wolves. From the looks of it by the time he finished off the this one the rest would be dead as well, so he decided to take out as much of his frustration as he could on it.

OOC:

Spending an action point.
Move to flank the wolf with Gwylt. I think thats J24, but I'm not sure.
Then hit it with Word of diminshment.
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] damage.
It will also be vulnerable 2 to all damage if I hit.
Depending on how this roll goes I will either hit it again or move if it dies.

With that wolf out of the way Darrak moves towards the others. Maybe he would get some shots in on the other wolves after all.

OOC:

Move to I19.

[Belthasar]

"Good beating, Darrak!" Cpt Gwylt turns to everyone. "Warriors, the southern pack is dealt with! Let's strike hard on the western one!"

[Garwain]

Balthazar witnesses how his force missiles hit the sleeping wolf hard. It might seem cruel to attack an animal that can't defend itself, but Balthazar knows that taking out these fangs should be done as soon as possible. Once again, magic missiles spring forth from his wand and fly towards the sleeping beast.

magic missiles on Wolf 7
hit: [roll0] vs Refl
dam: [roll1]

[Grimlock]

Finnest’s arrows fly true and both thunk into the wolf, causing some damage, but causing the wolf to lose more blood and be unsteady on its feet. Heskan turns his attention to the one surviving wolf in the southern pack and with a mighty swing decapitates it and the headless body collapses. Turning his attention to the wounded Gwylt, he holds out his hands and healing warmth spreads throughout the warlord’s body, giving him extra strength.
The western pack continue their savage attack of Chull, wolf 10 moves into attack the dwarf, but is batted away, while wolf 9 tries to sink its teeth into Chull’s throat all it gets for its efforts is an armoured forearm shoved into its maw and it backs off. Wolves 7 manages to shake off its supernatural slumber, while wolf 6 sleeps on. Yurik heads west at a sprint, striking wolf 9 successfully, but the wolf twists at the last minute, so he only causes minimal damage. Gwylt backs to a safe place and gathers his strength, feeling stronger and safer as he uses his cloak’s properties. Darrak swings just after Heskan and so deals a mighty blow to the headless corpse of a wolf ((sorry- nothing nearby for me to redirect you to attack)) before heading west to help the others. Just as wolf 7 wakes up it is hit by a powerfull blast from Balthazar’s wand, almost killing it!


Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 DEAD
G23- Wolf 3 DEAD
G25- Wolf 4 DEAD
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 23 damage BLOODIED
E13- Wolf 8 DEAD
G15- Wolf 9 Marked (Chull)
F14- Wolf 10 21 damage Marked (Chull) BLOODIED

Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14- ALL DEAD
Finnest-11-------Current Player
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5

Players
F24- Heskan- 29/29
E15- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
I19- Darrak-30/30
H22- Gwylt-15/25 +5 defence UENT.
F15- Chull-35/35 +4 temp hp
G16- Yurik- 22/25
Map
Weasel map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5150911634/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Shardan]

Chull crouches low and grumbles a prayer, "Stone and earth, rise against my enemies." he raises up and strikes out with his axe at the wolf in the middle


Earth spikes at Wolf 10. [roll0] vs AC
If I hit. [roll1] and UENT the target's square and each square adjacent is covered with spikes. all enemies that start their turns or enter those spaces take 5 damage.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Acanthya! We ride! shouts Finnest, laughing with glee at the successful proceedings of the battle. Acanthya scrambles gracefully down the tree and out into the open. As Chull's primal magic strikes one of the wolves, Finnest locks gazes with the other and fires a singularly painful arrow in its direction.

Move Action: Move to E18
Minor Action: Designate Wolf 9 as Quarry
Standard Action: Fading Strike @ Wolf 9

Fading Strike:
[roll0] vs. AC
Hit: [roll1] damage.

[Grimlock]

Chull, calls on the power of the earth and stone spikes erupt out of the earth, impaling wolf 10 and killing it instantly, leaving it’s corpse hanging lifeless in the stone blade rising out of the earth. The Halfling and his spider skitter down from the tree tops howling war cries, before firing an arrow at wolf 9. It hits hard, piercing the wolf’s side and causing blood to flow freely. Wolf 6 continues its unnatural slumber. Wolf 9 gets caught in Chull’s primal surge of earth power and takes some damage, causing the wound Finnest caused to flow more freely. In it’s blood maddened state it lunges at Chull, trying to get its teeth into his throat. Wolf 7 sensing the spilled blood runs forward to its packmate
Wolf moves

Wolf 7 move to C12 (double move)
Wolf 9 Bite attack against Chull’s AC
Hit-
Damage- [roll]ad10+3 missed anyway
Weasel Wolves
F23-Wolf 1 DEAD-
G28- Wolf 2 DEAD
G23- Wolf 3 DEAD
G25- Wolf 4 DEAD
H26- Wolf 5 DEAD
E-2- Wolf 6 Asleep
A2- Wolf 7 23 damage BLOODIED
E13- Wolf 8 DEAD
G15- Wolf 9 18 damage BLOODIED Marked (Chull) Quarry Finnest
F14- Wolf 10 DEAD

Weasel Initiative
Belthazar- 27
Pack 1- 14- ALL DEAD
Finnest-11
Pack 2- 9
Heskan- 15- Delayed-------Current Player
Yurik- 11- Delayed
Gwylt- 5
Chull- 5
Darrak- 5

Players
G22- Heskan- 29/29
E15- Balthazar- 23/23
C15- Finnest-22/22
I19- Darrak-30/30
H22- Gwylt-15/25 +5 defence UENT.
F15- Chull-35/35 +4 temp hp
G16- Yurik- 22/25
Map
I think I now have all the places right!
Weasel map (http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5157853537/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Seeing that the wolves in front of Chull are mostly taken care of, Heskan rush forward to intercept the incoming wolf.
"Stop right there beast."

Move : Move to E17
Minor : Divine Challenge on Wolf 7
Standard : Charge (Ardent Strike) on Wolf 7 in C13
Attack VS AC (+1 (Charge)) :[roll0]
Hit : [roll1] damages.

Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...10/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (1/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge): Wolf 7
Mark (Divane Saction -UENT) :

Effects on Heskan :


Items Carried :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger

Riches :
7 GP

XP : 150

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik eyes the bloody, whimpering wolf in front of him. His eyes lock with the wolf's. Time to put another one out of its misery. He suddenly shifts so he is on the opposite side of the wolf from Chull and launches his attack.

Shift to H15
Five storms attack against Wolf 9
[roll0] vs Reflex
[roll1] damage
If I hit I used my centered flurry of blows and add 5 damage, if that is needed.

[Grimlock]

Heskan and Yurik, dispatch the two remaining conscious wolves with ease, their bloody carcasses slump to the ground. Leaving only wolf 6 in deep slumber.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The paladin, satisfied of how this turned out, cheer on,
"Well done everyone! Happy to se you all can stand you ground and use your talents well. Is there anyone who need some healing?"

[Belthasar]

"I agree with Sir Whitescales," Cpt Gwylt says. "The battle is won, and now we all now that we can survive ambushes like these ones if we keep working as a team. Good job, everyone."

He cleans his sword with a fierce swing, then withdraws it, and straighten his coat as he continues speaking.

"Comrades, report your status. Then we will take a 15 minutes break before continue. Darrak, Sir Whitescales and myself could contribute to the squad recovery at a quicker pace."


We should take at least 2 or 3 short rests, so that the leaders can heal the party before regaining our healing powers.

Everyone agrees?

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik survey the battlefield and for a moment a smile creeps on his face. He quickly removes the smile from his face.

I'm fine, just a bit shaken up. Nothing that a short meditation won't help me with. Yurik is far more worried that his orcish aggressive side will show, but he is confident that the meditation will take care of that as well as the minor damage he suffered in battle.

Having spoken to his fellows, Yurik moves a few paces away from the wolves and sits down under a tree, beginning to meditate.

I have less damage (3) than my healing surges (6), so there's no reason for anyone to bother helping my healing, unless anyone has a healing power that does something besides added extra healing when a surge is spent.

[Garwain]

Balthazar ended the battle alongside Chull who protected the wizard from the wolves.

"Maybe I should reconsider my opinion about dwarves." says Balthazar while stepping aside of a burned carcass. "Your bravery is unmet, well done."

He straightens his robe and pats Melchior who followed his commands flawless in battle after stepping down. Once on the ground, Balthazar seeks a nice resting place, close to the shelter. At ease, he can wind down from the adrenaline he felt during battle, but he makes sure not to let this show to his more battlehardened compagnons.

"I'm glad we got this over quickly." he shares with the allies that are within hearing distance. "It strenghtens my confidence in this group and in my magic." And by the smell of burned fur, his trust is not misplaced.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling smiles his feral grin. Then he laughs. Warleader! I must say, your valour has impressed Acanthya and I. We follow you without question, he said, congratulating Gwylt on a good battle. Acanthya and I received not a scratch. Tend to the others - I will watch that last wolf and put an arrow in its gullet if it makes a move towards us. Let it scamper to its brethren with tales of our supreme victory!The halfling dismounts from the spider, and Acanthya positions herself between Finnest and the sleeping wolf. He knocks an arrow in readiness, ready to shoot the wolf down if it charges the group.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak was less than happy about the outcome of the fight. O sure they had killed everything, but that was the problem. He had just spent the last several days on a horse that seemed to regard it as it's divine duty to throw him off as many times as possible. He was tired and sore and he had been looking forward to a little action. Instead he had managed to only hit one wolf with all the rest dieing before he got close. They hadn't even tried to bite him. It was almost insulting, and definitely not worth the trouble he was going to have getting back on that blasted horse.

But as Darrak grumpily examined the wolf corpse for anything that might be worth saving he heard Finnest say something that cheered him right up.

"One of the blighters is still alive you say. That's fantastic. You boys wait here and I'll go deal with it."

With that Darrak took off as fast as short dwarf legs could take him to reach the wolf before something happened to kill it or let it get away. If he was really lucky it might even have some pack mates that had been waiting in reserve who would try and jump him once he got away from the rest of the group. Now that would be fun.

OOC:

Darrak is heading over to the last wolf to kill it. Once he's done he's going to see if how much wolf meat he can loot before the party moves on.

[Shardan]

Chull doesn't celebrate the victory as the others. He kneels at the corpse of the one he thought was the alpha and whispers a short prayer to.. not to a god.. but to the forces of nature itself.. seeking forgiveness for his task. He puts his weapon and shield away and begins the gruesome task of harvesting meat and pelts from the wolves. "They deserved better than to die here. , he mutters.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Figuring the irate dwarven runepriest can handle one dozing wolf on his lonesome, Finnest turns his attention away from it. He sees Chull and what he is doing, and approaches. Before Chull begins his gruesome work, the halfling closes the eyes of the wolves. Brother Chull. You are wise in the ways of nature, as I am. What do you think drove these wolves so far south? They are neither bold nor wild enough to attack a group as dangerous as ourselves for simple horse meat. Something is very wrong about this, he asks somberly. Acanthya clacks behind him, seemingly eager to enjoy some wolf meat.

[Belthasar]

"Thank you for the compliment, Finnest," says Cpt. Gwylt, "but I insist that it was thanks to everyone's work that we managed to defend ourselves. And yes, I also find this attack a little off..."

He walks around the former battlefield. It helps him to relax his body and mind. "I made the road to Winningham many times before, and I must say, this is the first time I'm attacked by a pack so large. When I travelled alone -or escorted-, normally I would evade small ones of 2 or 3 wolves, so there must be a reason for this... And this field, I don't remember it being so... isolated..."

He avoids to watch the guys looting the wolves for meat or fur; for him, it was like eating an opponent. He respected their decision, however, and was open-minded enough to recognize their teammates' different habits.

Instead, he gave a look to the maps he was holding. "Three more days to Winningham. We have a long road ahead."

[Grimlock]

Darrak dashes over to the remaining wolf and crushes its skull with a single blow. As you talk, some members of the party begin to skin and cut up the wolves, salvaging all they can from the beasts.

[Garwain]

Balthazar lets others that are more skilled in the ways of nature handle the salvaging of anything usefull from the defeated wolves. Instead he focusses his attention to Belrahim. His long time friend did not return from his duty yet, and when they go over to investigate the manner, they get attacked by 2 packs of wolves. Wolves that, according to his teammates, are quite unnatural in this area.

It almost seems like something or someone knows that they are comming and is certainly not keen on their interference. They will have to be on their guard if they want to succeed.

After a short rest, Balthazar stands up again, using his staff for support. He watches his mates load the meat and fur on their horses. Since he is travelling light, he offers some carrying capacity. It would seem that Balthazar is just being friendly, but in fact, he is eager to continue their journey. Better to distribute the weight so that it doesn't slow them down. They must make it to Winningham in time.

He looks to the captain that has led them on the way. "I had the time to recuperate. I'm ready to continue the travel."

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik stands up after his brief meditation feeling more placid. He briefly surveys those working on the wolf pelts and meat. He feels no need to help, though he would take some on Osrik.

After a few seconds Yurik heads over to Osrik, gently stroking the horses mane to make sure it is calm after the appearance of so many wolves. They weren't about to touch you.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The most of the others skin the wolves, Heskan go take care of the horses, making sure everything is ready for depature when everyone is done here.

Short rest taken , spend no hjealing surge, regain all encounter powers.

Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...10/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (1/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (0/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (0/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge):
Mark (Divane Saction -UENT) :

Effects on Heskan :


Items Carried/Owned :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger
Horse


Riches :
7 GP

XP : 150

[Belthasar]

"Let's wait for the guys to finish their task with the wolves' body," Cpt Gwylt shrugs internally, discretly and to himself. "I don't know what is this about, but it's an important deed for them. Soldiers must be in optimal mental-physical conditions to be ready to defend themselves against anything."

He keeps tracing a route in the map. "Three more days, Balthazar. Then we'll find out about Belharem."

After some minutes, he stands up and turns to the rest of the teammates. "We'll guys, we have three more days ahead of us. Just tell me when you're ready to go."


2 healing surges spent in my short rest, full hp recovery.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan mount his horse, "I am ready."

[Grimlock]

You take an hour or so to skin the 10 wolves and harvest what meat you can. The seven of you load up your horses, and spider, with your spoils and continue on your way to Winningham.
As you ride Gwylt's comments on the 'isolation' of the area seem to ring true as you ride past another few farmsteads, all of which are lifeless and seem to be abandoned. There should be people out in the fields planting up and tending winter crops, but there is no one that you can see.
As night falls you approach another abandoned farmstead, this one appears to have been abandoned for some time and seems an ideal place to make camp for the night.

[Belthasar]

"Alright comrades, dusk is coming, so I suggest we check this place out to see if any dangers or ambushes are present. I don't expect any trouble, but it's better to be sure. Scatter..."


Basically, the idea is to check this place well before camping. Then we could make turns to keep watch as we make an extended rest.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling nods. Acanthya can climb walls, Warleader, with ease. We shall ride up to the upper floors from the exterior, and thereby catch any dwellers off-guard. We shall report to you presently, he announced, and the halfling and his arachnid companion begin to scale the wall, with the same speed and grace Acanthya has on the ground.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Grinning with anticipation at the thought of finally getting off the blasted horse Darrak hops down and starts towards the building. "You lads get around the back. If there's anything in there I'll scare them out for you."

[buirechain]

Yurik

Acknowledging the suggestion, Yurik nods and sets off across the grounds. He has a contemplative look on his face, but his mind is on the surrounding. The monastery taught him to pay attention to everything and to nothing, thus searching the grounds is almost another form of meditation. However, Yurik is careful always stay within the sight of at least one of his companions.

[Shardan]

(sorry for the late reply)

"I wish it were that there were something wrong. Humans probably over took their domains to the north and drove them this way.

[Garwain]

Balthazar decents from Melchior. Riding a horse was more tiring than he had remembered. His back was younger then, that might explain.

"I shall wait here outside and rush to aid whereever that might be needed" says Balthazar. He's not the type to go out exploring on his own. Also regarding campmaking and watches, that's not his forte either, so he awaits any specfic orders from his more experienced comrades.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
"Alright Gwylt, I'll take the front door with Darrak. I agree with you that something is amiss.... there should be some farmers around here."
The dragonborn dismount and tie his horse to a tree. He ready his shield and draw his sword and walk alongside Darrak toward the building.

[Grimlock]

As you ride closer to the farmhouse, you see that some of the windows are broken and there is an empty feel to the surroundings. At Gwylt’s barked commands the party springs into action; Finnest and Acanthya surge forward and scuttle up the walls, creeping in through an upstairs window, the others dismount and fan out. Yurik and Chull head round the back of the house while Darrak and Heskan head for the front door; Balthazar stands alert outside, ready to respond where needed. As the dragonborn and dwarf burst in through the front door, Gwylt follows them in ready to support his allies.
Finnest and Ancanthya
As you creep in the window, you find yourselves in a bedroom. A battered wooden bed lies broken in the centre of the room, from its size you can see it belonged to a child. Stuffed in one corner is a small wooden cow, a toy which has been abandoned. Tatty curtains flap in the draft caused by the broken window.
Yurik and Chull
As you circle round the outside of the house you see a small vegetable plot gone to seed, the plants in ordered rows but overgrown, covered in weeds and clearly inedible. You approach the back door to find it already off its hinges and lying on the floor of the kitchen. There is a sturdy wooden table in front of you and a large cast iron oven, of the sort bread could baked in. Cupboards line the walls and those near ground level have had their doors torn off. Leaves and twigs cover the floorboards as well as muddy paw prints. Ahead of you see an open doorway leading to hallway.
Heskan, Darrak and Gwylt
You burst through the front door and find yourselves in a small hallway, the floor is covered in leaves and dirt. There is a door to your right which is closed and you see the same open doorway as Yurik and Chull
Balthazar
You see your new allies approach the house with professionalism and disappear inside.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

A bit dissapointed that nothing immediately ambushed them, Darrak proceeds to open the door leading off the hallway and look inside.

[Grimlock]

As he opens the door a small sitting room is revealed. A comfortable chair is overturned on the floor, with the stuffing ripped out of a hole in it's underside; a fireplace with a broken mantelpiece lies empty and ashes are in the grate; a few pieces of crockery lie shattered upon the floor in shards, the remains of what appears to be a painting lie shredded in a heap.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
As Darrak inspect the empty room, Heskan move toward the doorway and end face to face with his allies.
"No one here either eh? Well this place look like it have been pillaged, but at least we didnt end up finding a carnage with bodies. With the stuff that have been left behind, I'd say people either had to leave fast or have been captured."
The paladin face is grim as he thinks, I dont like this...

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik inspects the damage and can't helping thinking about the former inhabitants.

My heart yearns to help these people, but the damage is so old that there is no chance to find any clues to where they have gone or what chased them out. Perhaps we will find the root of these problems in our mission, and help others avoid the same miseries.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling dismounts. Fan out, Sister. We shall investigate what happened here. The halfling and his arachnid companion spread out across the room, testing things and checking the damage and the scene itself.

Perception: [roll0]
Nature: [roll1]

Acanthya:
Perception: [roll2]

These are to see what the pair can find out about the scene, i.e. what happened, how long it has been undisturbed, if there is any trace of blood, etc.

[Belthasar]

"It looks like a struggle happened here before," says Gwylt. "It's shameful for the former inhabitants. Furthermore, this could even be a sign that war must be slowly erupting..."

He walks and looks around. "Anyways, we could spend the night here or outside. There's no need to worry, since we probably are more armed, trained and prepared than the original inhabitants. Tomorrow we'll continue our journey."

He tells everyone. "No apparent sign of danger here. How about there?" Then he looks through one window, and makes a sign to Balthazar to come in.

[Shardan]

Chull examines the tracks outside and those leading into the house, trying to discern what the tracks are off, where they came from, and what happened inside.


[roll0] for either perception of nature.. the skills are the same

[Grimlock]

Finnest and Acantya
As you search the child's room you find nothing really of great interest. There is no blood trail that you can see. You search the room and it seems like everything that was in here has been taken, from bed clothes to actual clothes, with exception of the now slightly mournful looking cow in the corner. From the amount of dirt on the floor and the dust spread around, you estimate that the room has been empty for about two weeks.
Chull
As you scour the gound, you identify the animal tracks as wolf prints; studying their size reveals that they are of a similar size to those that attacked you. Although many of these tracks are days, even up to a week old, some are as fresh as yesterday. As you are about to return to the house, you catch sight of some boot prints. There're too weathered to be able to tell much, but there was more than one person heading East towards Farspire. The tracks are about two weeks old.

[Garwain]

Balthazar waits a moment outside. A decission he doesn't support once all his allies are inside the farmhouse and his only compagnon is the lifeless landscape. He sees Gwylt waving him in, and Balthazar is happy to enter the house, leaving the depressing atmosphere of the surroundings outside.

"It's starting to cool down already. I'm glad to camp with shelter." says Balthazar while throwing his gear on the ground, in the dust.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan nods to Balthazar,
"I agree, we should as well use the house as shelter since we have to opportunity. I'll go get some wood to feed the firepit for the night."
Looking at Gwylt, the paladin add,
"I agree, this could be signs that war is closer than we thought."
Heskan seek some wood to starta a fire and keep it going for the night.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Finnest pockets the mournful cow. This item clearly had deep sentimental value to an individual. Perhaps, one day, our paths shall cross. Or, perhaps, it will bring joy to another child, he says as he puts the toy away in his pack. Acanthya. We descend.

As he enters the foyer, he addresses Captain Gwylt. Warleader, the upper floors are clear. There are some good lookout points above - perhaps on watch tonight some of our scouts should be posted above for a better view.

[Belthasar]

"Good idea," replies Gwylt. "However, we'll need to secure the doors if we do so. Also, we can leave the horses in the stables over there."

He walks around the abandoned house until he finally finds a spot where to settle in.

"Well. Since we're settled we need to take periodical watches from the second floor, if possible. Chuul and Darrak, you two take the first watch. After 90 minutes wake up Sir Whitescales and Balthazar, who will take the second. Brother Yurik and myself for the third watch, and finally Finnest and Acanthya for the last watch. Everyone agrees?"


That means we'll be taking an 7 and half hours extended rest (with every turn taking 90 minutes). We could make it in 6 hours if we take 6 watches of 1 hour each instead, but I think it's safer with two-people watches.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The dragonborn nod his acceptance of Gwylt plan for the night as he prepare light the firepit.
"I am sure we can find tools to roast our wolf meat tonight."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

Allow me to assist you, Brother Heskan. Tonight, we shall eat very well indeed! Acanthya clacks in excitement.

[buirechain]

Yurik

That sounds reasonable. Hopefully the trouble will stay away from us.

Yurik sees to Osrik and leaves him in the stables, while the others are still working on their horses. He returns to the main room and lays down his blankets, taking time for prayers, meditation and to practice his forms.

Four watches works for me. In fact we could probably go for a bit longer. Considering that we're in at the beginning of winter, the nights are going to be pretty long. We can leave a bit before twilight, if we want, but if we just rest for 7 1/2 hours, there will still be a few hours between when we wake and twilight.

[Garwain]

I agree Captain. It seems fate connects Balthazar again with the dwarf.

With his bedroll spread out, Balthazar is prepared for the night. It will not take long before the smell of roast wolf meat will fill the air.

Dear Chull, what information did you gather from the tracks? Are there wild animals around that could be attracked by the smell of roasted meat? Although Balthazar feels secure with this group, he does not look forward of repelling predators this night. Especially since his rest will be interrupted for a watch duty already. His back will really appreciate the rest.

He then turns to Heskan. "I would happily assist you with the campfire, but my fire skill are not tailored for precise ignition. I might damage more than just the fireplace", says Balthazar. He then sits quitely on his improvised bed and opens his spellbook to read through a few pages, looking for inspiration and insight.

[Belthasar]

Cpt Gwylt leaves Altarok in the stables -and takes there any other horse that are still at the outside too-, and then returns where everyone else is.

As the others concentrate on making fire and chop wolf meat, Gwylt takes a brief look at his maps again, and then prepares his bedroll. Apparently there is no need for his tent to be used, so he keeps it in the backpack.

"Roasted wolf?" he says raising an eyebrow. "I've never eaten something like that, as far as I remember. Back in the days in the army, during the survival practices, we had to eat dog meat once in order to survive the harsh environment... I suppose wolf meat must be similar..."

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Giving a smile to the others, Heskan leave them to light the fire and cook the meal,"Good things some of you apparently are decent cook, because I am not. I'll leave the cooking to you all."

[Shardan]

"I believe we have already met with the beasts that may be in the area.. Though it may have been a second pack. something is definitely disturbing the balance around here. Are we certain the barn is solid enough to protect the horses? Make sure we keep an eye and an ear open for trouble from that side"

[Grimlock]

As you organise yourselves for the night, the crackle of the fire and the smell of roasting wolf meat wafts through the air. The horses are stabled in the closest outbuilding and the farmhouse is secured!
As a party you take over the kitchen area and sit down to eat and chat, sharing stories and talking about the fight with the wolves. As you finish your meal and the first of you head off to take the first watch, the more perceptive and keen eared of you hear the sound of horse's hooves and the creak of a wagon wheel seconds before a voice calls out, Uhm, hello? Wenton, is that you in there?

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

As Darrak was already heading outside to take up his watch position he was the first outside. Being overly paranoid from the abandoned nature of the house he was already drawing his hammer out just in case and on the look out to try and tell who this new arrival was.

"Hail fellow traveler I am Darrak. Who might you you be."

OOC:

Going outside to wherever the new person is. Also a perception check. [roll0]

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The paladin was about to start remove his armor for the night, as the voice call for Wenton. He pick up his weapon belt and buckle it up, ready his shield and head for the front door as he hears Darrak reply. To the others with him he says, "I'll go see who this is with Darrak."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling's preternatural hearing wakes him at the unfamiliar voice. He rolls to his feet, shortbow in hand. If you require assistance, Brother Heskan, you need only give a signal, he affirms. He doesn't bother waking up Acanthya.

[Belthasar]

"It's probably a friend of the owner of this house. Be polite guys, we don't want a misunderstanding," says Cpt Gwylt to Darrak and Heskan, but he stays inside.


I think Heskan has a Charisma score high enough to handle this. If things complicate a little, I have Diplomacy and Insight trained.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik had first opened his eyes after hearing a bit of shouted conversation and assumed it was nothing until some of his comrades began to talk about a visitor. He decides, to be on the safe side, to stand quickly and practice his forms, that way he can be ready in case anything happens that might require his assistance.

[Garwain]

Balthazar hears the commotion but is reluctant to get up. He checks his robe for his wand should the situation escalate. With his necessary equipment closeby, he dozes on with one ear on the pillow.

[Grimlock]

As Darrak unlimber's his hammer and asks his question he sees a wagon coming out of the gloom. Sitting in the driver's seat is a small, wiry man; he looks warn and tired, sitting next to him wrapped up is a heavily pregnant woman and peering out between them is the small face of a child. He pulls the wagon to a halt and is about to answer Darrak, when he spies the massive dragonborn striding out of the house towards them. His jaw drops and his eyes bulge, Um...you're not Wenton. The woman to his side gives him a nudge, Obviously not! Excuse my husband, he has a lot on his mind, she smiles fondly at him, and then frowns... We both have. As you look at their wagon you see it piled high with belongings and tethered to the back are two cows. You see we live on the next farm,...lived I should say. We've left. We can't take anymore. We've driven for hours to reach here, we were hoping Wenton and his family could put us up for the night, but it seems they've left too. The wiry man shakes himself out of his shock, Yeah, we tried to fight 'em, but with so many of the other farmers just givin' in, we said sod it and packed up. I ain't payin' none 'o' my money to that scoundrel! We're movin' on, but we can't go any further tonight!

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan step toward the farmers, unready his shield and tie it up over his shoulder as he says,
"Well met, I am Heskan Whitescales, Paladin of the Platinium god. Fear not, you are safe right now. You can rest with us inside the house if you want. We were actually wondering what happened to the previous inhabitants of this house and I think you might shed some light on this. If I understand correctly, some sort of tyran is extorting money out of you, and probably everyone around."
Looking at the farmers, Heskan spend a few second to evaluate how his words affect the human before adding,
"If my gut feeling is right, your 'problems' might be linked to the reasons we have been sent here. So please, come in and tell us what is happening around these parts. "
Heskan side step and extend his arms toward the house where is friend are waiting.

Here are related skill if required.
Insight[roll0]
Diplomacy :[roll1]

[Grimlock]

As Heskan speaks, the child's eyes grow even bigger and she ducks behind her mother, hiding her face in woman's shawl. The man stands and stretches, then gets down off the wagon. Errr, many thanks Master Whitescales. Although he is putting on a brave face, it is clear he is slightly intmidated hy the dragonborn, despite his kind words. My name is Ben, Ben Jolin, this 'ere's my wife, Helen. He walks round to the other side of the wagon and helps his wife down. Helen smiles at Heskan and Darrak, Pleased to meet you. She looks down at her daughter. This little one's Sasha. and tries to coax the little girl out from behind her legs. If we could stay here that would be wonderful, s we have nowhere else to go, and I really don't feel able to spend a night out in the open, now that it's getting colder. Ben, why don't you put the wagon and the animals in an outbuilding, I'm sure we can make it to the house with the help of these gentlemen.
But how do we know we can trust 'em? They might be workin' for tha' bastard Soltan de Habre

OOC
See Post 53 for a reminder on Soltan!
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171562&page=2

[Dekkah]

DM
The paladin smile warmly to the family and with a serious tone says to the man, "I can understand your concern sir for you family safety, we are strangers to you after all. Dont you think that if we would be working for your enemy, we would force you inside the house instead of inviting you. If you would feel safer about your family well-being if you stayed with them, I can take care your animals and put them into the farm there with our horses while you go with them inside. I would like if you could wait for me before telling my friend what is happening, so I can hear them directly from you without making you start over a second time."
If the man prefer Heskan solution, the paladin lead the man cart to the farm alone. If he doesnt, he simply go with him to give the man an hand.

[Belthasar]

Cpt Gwylt was listening from inside, even though most words of the conversation were lost by the house's walls.

"Is there any more meat for the incoming guests?" he asked to one of the guys awoke. "I hope Sir Whitescales and Darrak could led them here... It's far much safer than outside..."

He gave a look at his maps again. "If they're talking about De Habre," he thinks, "then there's either a shortcut to Winningham, or De Habre has expanded his dominion..."

[Shardan]

Chull remains quiet and withdrawn as the new people are led into the borrowed house. He looks over towards them, staring almost, unaware of how it looks before he turns his head back to managing his gear. He eventually speaks up, without looking up, "Will the barn be secure and safe enough? Our horses were the intended prey more than we were."

[Grimlock]

Weeeeeelll, it’s true tha’ y’ didn’t try and force us ta do wha’ you wanted, so you may not be workin’ for de Habre. Ben scratches the stubble on his cheek, An’ yer a damn side nicer than the goons the bastard usually sends round.
It would be very kind of you, Helen chipped in, to put the wagon away for us. Ben clambers down off the wagon and helps his wife down , she groans as she reaches the bottom. He then helps his little daughter down, who immediately hides behind her parent’s legs. As Heskan leads the wagon and animals away into the barn, Dekkah escorts the three travelers into the kitchen, where they are greeted by the blazing fire and the smell of roasted wolf meat wafting across the room.
The three sit down as Kriv, and anyone else who is awake/wants to wanders down into the kitchen, cuts them some of the cooked meat and the three begin to eat.
This is delicious, we haven’t eaten all day. She takes another bite, I don’t recognise the taste, what animal is it from? Have you flavoured it with anything?
Who cares mumbles Ben round a mouthful of the meat. As they eat, the paladin returns from caring for the animals and joins the others in the kitchen.
Their meal finished, little Sasha falls asleep on her mother’s lap as the two adults begin their story.
I s’pose it all started 2 or 3 months ago…
Don’t exaggerate Ben, it was about a month at most,
All righ’ a month then, he rolls his eyes at the party as if to say, ‘women’…which earns him a gentle hit, he grins at his wife and continues. We live, prob’ly a day, day n’ a half’s ride from Winningham. We go to town 3 or 4 times a year to sell any extra produce we might have. We got quite a large farm, a mix a’ livestock an’ crops, an’ we do alright, enough to get by and to have paid off our debts on the farm. We’d heard tha’ a few of the businesses in town had a some …um… trouble with a few thugs, but we didn’t think anythin’ of it.
No, I mean in the past people have tried to take advantage of the smaller businesses, but the Governor has always shut it down.
Tha’s right, but anyways, a few weeks ago I was out in the field closest to the house when this group rides up to me. So I stops an’ asks if I can help at all. “You certainly can” they said, “We’re here to collect the rent” an’ they all laughed. There was 7 or 8 of them. Well I says Rent? We owe nothing on this farm, my father paid off a lot and I paid the rest we owe no man nothin’. Then one a’ them, a big feller, he dismounted and got right in my face, “You got one week to get us 70 gold pieces, all this now belongs to Soltan de Habre. And if you don’t give it to us... we’ll take it!” an’ he gestured to the land all around us...our land! Got on his horse and they rode off.
Helen joins in, We weren’t going to stand for that, so we decided the next day to head into Winningham and speak to the Governor. So we set off the next morning and rode the wagon to town. We got there that evening and went to the Governor’s offices only to see Wenton there along with most of the other farmers from the area. All of us had been threatened by one gang or another, but Governor Gray was seeing no-one and answering no questions. We went to an inn for a drink and got chattin’ to an old boy who tol’ us that this de Habre was pushing his weight around the town and demanding money, left right and centre.
Old Governor Stonnand wouldn’t let this happen. He’d stamped it out. But to cut a long story short, we tried to resist an’ the first couple of times we worked as group to face down the gangs demandin’ our money, but then the burnings started; people’s crops an’ homes were bein’ set alight, livestock killed at noght and left lyin’ there. It was such a waste. That’s when people started to pay up, if they paid they’d at least keep somthin’. Wenton, I know he was talkin’ about leavin’, so I guess he must’ve done. We’ve had enough. I won’t pay and we can’t face them down alone, so we’ve packed up what we got, sold what we couldn’t carry, and we’re goin’ to demand that the king does somethin’

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest
The halfling shakes his head. This is abominable, he growls in his slightly Elven accent. He looks to the couple. The king has not acted, but his agents have - the Duke of Farspire sends our team to deal with de Habre. This villain's crimes shall be paid in blood, if I have my way, he asserts.I can only imagine such a despot invading my own homeland - my people would fight valiantly, but I fear the resources of a lowlander like this de Habre would overwhelm them. You have my respect for your bravery, lowlanders.

[Belthasar]

Cpt. Gwylt listens to the couple, in silence.

"If this was a war," he thinks, "it'd surely be because the enemy is using political skirmishkes to create shock and awe, expanding its territory by scaring the villagers off... I see, so apparently De Habre is clever, but nasty."

Then he finally speaks. "I've been in Winningham about... one or two years ago, and, even if I've heard about Governor Gray, I've actually never met him. He seems the type of person to act through other men instead of solving problems with his own will. As my friend said here, we're sent by Duke Fallon to deal with De Habre, so don't worry since we'll complete our mission no matter what. I'm Captain Gwylt, by the way, and I apologize for my rudeness of not introduce myself before. These are my fine companions, Sir Heskan Whitescales, Finnest, Balthazar, Darrak, Chull, and Yurik. You can rest and spend the night here, so you can continue your way tomorrow in daytime, for your safety."

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik pauses from his exercises and bows as he is introduced.

[Garwain]

Balthazar was in doubt whether or not to get up as his friends seem to have the situation under control. But when he heard new voices, he went to the kitchen and listen to their story. His compassion with this family only grows during the story. "This lowlife de Habre should be taken care of!", he thinks to himself.

We will confront this warlord, as mandated by the Duke himself. Balthazar hopes that his words are encouraging, because this family is adrift and will need all the support.

Then his eye catches the little girl that fell asleep. His mand wanders as he imagines if he would have gotten such an adorable child if his wife could.... Best not to think about that for too long.

Then he returns to the father: "I lost a friend of mine to this de Habre. Actually, I would like to know if you prehaps met him on your trips to Winningham. He's wizard like myself, just as tall, maybe a bit more grey than me. His name is Belrahem."

[Dekkah]

Heskan
When the paladin return, he sit down and take some meat.
When the humans are done, he simply smile as Gwylt introduce him again.
"As I thought, your problems is linked to our mission. Did you ever saw this De Habre? Also, is there a way to spot his thugs in town? Do they wear something special, a symbol or something."
He turn to his friends,
"We might want to capture some of the thugs and interrogate them, out of town of course. I dont like subterfuge much, but there is no need to draw more attention than needed right away. Anyone have any other ideas?"

[Grimlock]

Hearing Chull's concern over the animals, Ben repliesAhhh, Wenton knew how to build a barn, they'll be fine. No animal will be able to get in there. At the introduction of the party Helen and Ben smile and not at each person in the kitchen. A huge grin spreads across Ben's face when he hears who sent them. Hee he's, his Grace sent you? Tha' piece a scum won't know what hit 'im. Did the duke really send you to help us? As Heskan speaks, Ben shakes his head, I didn't see no uniform or badge on de Habre's men, only a smug swagger to their walk, it don' matter what race they are- they're all smug bastards. He grinds his teeth in frustration. As the wizard enters the room and asks after Belrahem, Helen answers for the pair. I'm sorry, we saw no one that matched that description. But to let you all know, many in the town are unhappy with what's going on, but without the Governor's support the Watch are all but useless. They're as afraid of de Habre as everyone else. Anyone who has spoken up is either beaten up or just vanishes.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The paladin seing Balthazar concern give him a gentle light slap on the shoulder, "Dont worry, we will find Belrahem. When we do, De Habre will pay in full what he have done to him."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest
We have proof that De Habre is a villain. We need now only cut the head from the serpent, and the rest shall scatter. I see no need for subterfuge, asserts the halfling honestly, if a little naively.

[Garwain]

Balthazar nods thoughtfull.

I'll head off for my night watch now. Give these folks a place to rest and we'll discuss tactics in the morning. I feel we are dealing with a greater power than anticipated. Simply roughing up some thugs will only draw attention. And I bet we can't just walk in de Habre's hideout and mop the whole lot up.

Balthazar realises that indeed there is not so much a band of brave friends can do against organised crime, unless they can come up with a good plan.

We'll need the support of the governor of Winningham if we want to turn the tide.

With a groan, Balthazar heads off to take the watch. He summons a little light on his staff and gestures to Chull. You ready?

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan nod in agreement at the halfling opinion.
"I dont mean for us to sneak in, but the longer it takes for De Habre to learn of our presence, the best it is for us. We mighty be able to get some informations and speak with the governor unhindered."
Heskan listen to Balthazar and say,
"Balthazar, I am not saying we simply rough them up and let them go. We defeat them, question them and judge them for their crimes. And you are probably right, if De Habre group was easy to defeat, someone would had done it before us. I see this as a good reason to actually thin his ranks out of town, capturing the thugs he sent at the farms. Maybe we can send one or two of us who are good at keeping low profile to gather some informations first, maybe learn where the thugs are headed and take care of them."

[Grimlock]

As the conversation draws to a close, and the sight of the sleeping Sasha causes you all to feel somewhat drowsy. Balthazar and Chull head off to take first watch, while the rest of you bed down around the farmhouse. Ben and Helen join their daughter wrapped up in blankets in the kitchen.
As the night passes you each take your time on watch, but the time passes without incident. You do hear the howling of wolves but it is faint and clearly some miles distant.
Dawn breaks and the winter sun tries to banish the night's cold. You awake and begin your day to find that Helen has prepared breakfast for you all.

[Belthasar]

"Good morning everyone," says Gwylt donning his armor. "And good morning mistress Helen. You're awake early..."

He feels the smell of the breakfast. "Hmm... That smells good."

[Grimlock]

Good morning Sir Gwylt. We have eggs and bacon from our farm and bread. It is two days old I'm afraid, but the best I can do. Ben is out tending to your horses. Helen smiles. it is the least we could do after your kindness and protection yesterday.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik rises early and prays for a while before practicing his kata.

When he is done, the smell of food is coming strongly from the kitchen.
This smells wonderful. Mistress Helen.

You said last night that the bandits promised to come back in a week for their 'protection' money. When would that be? My friends and I might want to talk to them so we can find out how to get at de Habre. It might help us set up an ambush if we know when and were we might find some of them.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

The halfling and his spider companion enter the room. It smells delicious. We thank you for your hospitality, Helen of Winningham, he says, indicating Acanthya and himself. But Acanthya will not partake - she is not fond of lowlander fare. I have food in my pack that will meet her needs.

At Yurik's suggestion, the halfling nods. This is a sound plan. Do you know how soon they will come to make their collections? echoes Finnest.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak tends to his armor and equipment before joining the others and having a quick breakfast. "Thanks, this is much better than the rest of this lot can make."

Finishing he turns to the others and says, "I've been thinking about de Habre. If he's anything like other criminals I've known he'll probably always be on the look out for more thugs. So maybe one or two of us that look the scruffiest can go see if we can infiltrate his base that way. Plus if a few of us get inside we could help open the way for the rest when we go in for the kill. I've served in plenty of not so reputable bands so I volunteer if anyone else is up for it."

[Belthasar]

"For now, we have two different ideas in mind," Cpt Gwylt says. "Brother Yurik suggested an ambush, which would be a good opportunity to capture and interogate some of De Habre's agents. On the other hand, Darrak just had the infiltration idea, which is a pretty good one for those who have experience in underhanded streetwise, like Darrak."

He makes a brief pause after drinking some warm water.

"We could also split up. It would reduce time, but I must warn you that it could be a risky maneuver, so I don't recommend it; moreover since there are still 2 or 3 more days remaining to arrive at Winningham..."

[Garwain]

Balthazar enters the warmth of the kitchen. His watch with Chull was long and cold, but that was true for the rest of the night. He pats his robe back into order, and finds himself a place to enjoy the breakfast.

"Thank you lady. This makes a good start of the day." Balthazar smiles gently. "Your little girl is still to bed I suppose? Life shouldn't be this hard for a child."

After taking some bites from the freshly baked bacon, Balthazar feels his energy comming back. Hearing Darrak propose a few strategies, he consents by responding positive during the exposition. The more Yurik explains, the more energetic Balthazar nods until he bursts out.

"I cannot stand these lowlife criminals pestering the lives of these good folks. They should aim for foes of their own league! There is no pride in harrassing the innocent, and there will be no pride left when we're done harrassing them!"

He quickly returns to his calm, a bit ashamed of showing so much involvement. His personal history makes his decissions biased. Nonetheless, he remains firm about actions to take: "We need insight in his criminal activities. Let's take down some local affiliates. We have to know upfront what side the Governor is on before we reach Winningham."

[Grimlock]

Ben returns from outside and enters, blowing on his hands to regain any kind of warmth from the cold morning outside. He catches the tail end of the conversation. Well, the firs' lot o' ruffians came back about a week or ten days ago, but a few of us banded together and saw them off, but that's when they started with the stealin' an' the burnin' an' the killin'. He accepts a mug of coffee from Helen and continues. Some o' the other farmers gave in an' started payin' them their money. I dunno if they'll be comin' back our way, but I imagine they will. If so it'll be in the next day or so I reckon, at most three days before they come to our land. We're I day from here an a day an' half from Winingham. If you want to stop in our house for the night an' teach those scum a lesson, be my guest. He reaches into his pocket and fishes out an iron key. This'll get you in!

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan took time prepare equipment before joining the others.. When he enter the kitchen he his ready to leave at anytime. As he hear Gwylt speaks of the others ideas, he says,
"Nothing really prevent us from doing both ideas. We could go at Ben farms and wait for the thugs. If they do show up, this would serve us in two way : first give us some information on De Habre, second thin the enemy ranks.
Like you I dont like the idea of splitting up, but if we want to go with Darrak inflitration gig, we might have to. If we do, I suggest we wait until we are within sight of Winnigam. We could split up and have the infiltrator group enter from one side incognito, while the rest of us less sneaky types comes the other way and head to meet the governor."
Heskan take as eat at the table and take some food.
"Thanks you miss Helen for the breakfast."

[Shardan]

Chull wakes silently. He readies himself and ventures outside to the barn to check on the animals while the others breakfast. Once the animals are fed, he returns to eat on his own, catching only the end of the conversation.

[Belthasar]

Cpt Gwylt picks the key up in his fist.

"I think we have a plan then," he says. "First we set an ambush for the thugs, then we head to Winningham after interogate them. Everyone agrees?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest
Finnest nods. I follow you, Warleader. Aim my bow, and I shall fell the foes before me.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Heskan simply nod to Gwylt as he quickly finish his breakfast.

[Garwain]

Balthazar straithens his back, grabs his staff firmly and sais: "Yes, that's a sound plan. Off we go."

He grabs his belongings, pulls his cape closer and moves outside to start packing Melchior. He is greeted by his horse who has received the necesarry care.

Once back inside, he turns to Ben and Helen: "I hope you'll find a safe spot soon for you and your daughter." And to the others: "I'm ready to go. Lead the way Cpt. Gwylt!"

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik nods as well.

However, we must be prepared to find out that whatever we learn may force us to do something different.

[Dekkah]

Heskan
"True Yurik, but still, be we will take that step when and if we have to I guess."

[Grimlock]

As the heroes pack up their belongings and begin to move, Ben and Helen do the same, gently waking Sasha, they pack up what they have and fetch their wagon and animals.
Thankyou for your kindness, all of you, you have given us peace of mind and hope that we may return to our farm one day, safe from thugs and criminals.
As Ben helps his wife adn daughter up, he turns, You show tha' bastard de Habre what for eh? I want you to punish him! Make him sorry for all the misery he foisted on others! He turns to Gwylt, If you keep headin' on the road towards Winningham, abou' a 5 or 6 hours wide from 'ere you'll see our farm. Farmhouse is red, sign up above the gate way onto our land says, Halden's farm...that's us, Ben and Helen Halden. You treat it like it's your own, just get us some payback! He grins at them all and mounts up. He turns the wagon away from Winningham and heads of towards Farspire.
You mount up and follow the road towards Winningham.

[Belthasar]

"Thank you for the breakfast, Mrs Helen," Gwylt says with a bow. "And don't worry, Mr. Ben, our duty is to stop those criminals. That will be done."

He prepares his mount Altarok and once up he makes sure everyone is prepared. "All ready?"

[Dekkah]

Heskan
The dragonborn mounting his horse answer Gwylt and then wave to the farmers,
"I was born ready my friend. Take care of yourselves and your family Ben."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest
Finnest nods respectfully at the departing couple. Take care, lowlanders. Then he suddenly thinks of something. The halfling and his spider rush to meet up with the carriage, and he takes the toy cow out of his bag and hands it to Sasha. It belonged to the house we have just departed - I think your daughter will enjoy it more than the dust and the cobwebs. His gesture complete, the halfing turns Acanthya around with an unseen signal and the two move to rejoin the group. Acanthya and I shall range ahead once again, Warleader. The spider scuttles out in front of the horses and off to scout with its halfling companion.

[Grimlock]

Sasha shyly reaches out and takes the cow from the rather scary looking halfling and clutches it to her chest. She smiles a little and as the wagon pulls away the three wave at the party as they head in opposite directions.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik looks back briefly at the departing family as he mounts Osrik. His heart goes out them. However, the only way to help them and others like them will be by getting to the heart of the problem. De Habre.

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

After several tries Darrak finally manages to get on his horse. Briefly he wonders why no one else seems to have any trouble with the blasted animals. Pushing the thought out of his mind he moves his horse forward to catch up with the others, at the same time he tries to think of some way to trick de Habre into paying them. The duke's gratitude and the satisfaction of knowing he had rid the area of a nasty criminal were all well and good. But if he could figure out a way to get de Habre to pay him as well. Well that would be a story to earn drinks with for years.

[Grimlock]

You set off, leaving the abandoned farm house behind as you ride towards the West. Finnest and Acanthya range ahead of the party, scouting for any danger, but all they find are the tracks of animals, including more wolf tracks, and the signs of travel along the main road.
As you ride you leave behind the less inhabitable land which has marked your travel of the last few days and begin to see signs of cultivated farm land; tilled fields, either lying fallow or planted with winter crops; livestock grazing. You do see the odd farm hand, but as they see you they duck down and avoid your eyes, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible while still doing their work.
After riding for most of the day, you see reasonably sized farm complex ahead, certainly the biggest you have come across today. As you approach you see the sign "Halden's Farm" hanging above the gateway, it is Ben and Helen's farm.
The sun is beginning to set as you arrive at the farm house.
I did a Perception roll for everyone and you can see that the farm is empty, with no one hiding in the immediate area.
Farm Complex
Map- Halden's Farm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5232114766/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Key:
1) The building in A-B 1-3 is the farm house. A large 1 story building.
2) All other buildings are large barns for storing crops or livestock.
3) The low wall around the complex is approx 4 feet high and counts as a difficult terrain to climb over it and is more of a symbolic marking of boundaries than anything defensive.
4) Outside the complex next to the main gate is a coral for keeping horses in.
5) The trees surrounding part of the farm are thick and offer concealment and are approximately 15-20 feet high.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik looks around, trying to figure out how to capture the thugs when they arrived. Assuming they would come soon.

Most of us could be hiding in the buildings. And a few of us could be waiting outside, to draw them into the complex. Depending on their numbers, we might want to just surround them and see if they'll surrender.

I can wait outside the farmhouse and try to lure them into the courtyard, since I don't carry any weapons or anything. I might be the least threatening, and they might be most likely to come towards me without much thought. Of course, they might be weary of a half-orc. But then again, they'll probably be suspicious of anyone who isn't obviously a farmer.

[Garwain]

Balthazar looks over the farmstead. It must have broke Ben's hart to leave this all behind.

Brother Yurik, you could disguise yourself as a peasant, or better, as Ben who is working outside. If the thugs ride towards you to, you can lure them into our trap.

Honestly, Balthazar has no real plan ready.His eyes wander around and finds some sort of rough idea. Either we lure them inside to rough them up, or we split and hide ourselfs in the barns so that we can surround them by surprise. He looks over to Cpt. Gwylt to see what he thinks, but the captain is considering a plan himself.

[Belthasar]

"Brother Yurik disguised as peasant seems fine," Cpt Gwylt says. "Try to get them distracted enough time to allow a decent ambush. Meaning: gather them in one point -at the center of the farm-, and make a sign when you want us to come out."

He turns to Finnest: "You and Acanthya could search for an advantageous position from above. Prepare your arrows to support Yurik in case any help is needed. Also, make me a signal when you see them coming, and point the direction where they'll be arriving from."

He turns to Balthazar: "We'll be needing your arcane support also. See if you can hide and prepare one or two of your spells that incapacitate people. If you see any archers or arthillery, go for them without doubt."

He turns to Chull and Heskan: "You both. Hide the best as you can. Wait for Finnest's signal to see where the thugs are coming from. When you do, then prepare to move into the battle at Brother Yurik's sign, protecting him."

He turns to Darrak. "You'll be with Whitescales and Chull. As both, a melee warrior and as a healer. Use your runes in case of an emergency. If you have any power that could increase the melee team defenses, then do so."

Finally he tells everyone: "I'll be hiding in a spot between the melee warriors and the snipers. I'll join in when I make sure that Balthazar and Finnest (and Acanthya) are no longer in danger. Guys, this time I reccomend to try a close formation (except perhaps the two snipers, Finnest and Balthazar). Don't scatter unless it's absolutely necessary. Brother Yurik will be the one in charge of gathering the thugs. Once he does, we attack."

He looks around, to make sure everyone heard him. "Any other ideas are welcome, gentlemen."

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest

We had less time to prepare for the wolves ambush, but this time, I can take my position on the high ground alone, and Acanthya can enter the melee with the rest of the team, Warleader. She will serve as a diversion and flanking partner for the rest of the group while I rain my arrows. The halfling nods. I shall establish an acceptable signal. It must be something simple, that shall not give my position away. Perhaps if I simply lobbed an arrow over the side of the rooftop, to land at your feet?

[Belthasar]

"Yes, Finnest, that would do. And guys, don't kill them. We need at least one of them alive for interogation."

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik starts to look through the buildings for farming clothes, especially for a wide brimmed hat, and also for a rake or hoe or some other far implement to add to his costume.

I'll just take 10 on perception (for 18), if that even matters. I don't think that any of those things should be hard to find if they're here.

[Belthasar]

"Brother Yurik," Gwylt says, and takes out the iron key. "If you're looking for something inside the house, I think this will help you. Also, I suggest to keep the doors open."

Gwylt hands the key to Yurik.

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik finds a set of farmers clothes and puts them on. They fit surprisingly well. He grabs a hat as well so that he can wear it with the brim leaning down over his face. He doesn't want to let the thugs see that he's a half-orc, not immediately. Once he puts the hat on, they should only be able to see a small shadowy portion of his face.

Once he is done, he returns the keys to Gwylt.

Now to set traps. There's a whole cache of tools in side the barns. I'd be glad to set some of them to work, if anybody can give me a task. Besides helping the cause, he figures it would be good to break the farm clothes in, make them look like he's worn them, and maybe gotten a little dirt on them.

[Grimlock]

As you arrive and settle at the Halden's farm, dusk arrives and the sun sets, bringing a chill that the weak winter sun had managed to keep at bay. Your examination of the farmstead and the buildings allows you to form your plan.
Night settles in and as you hole up in the farmhouse you see the belongings that Ben and Helen were not able to sell or take with them; a beautifully carved table in the kitchen, an old rocking chair next to the fire, left so something more necessary could be put on the wagon. Things lost or forgotten; a single child's shoe left in a corner near the door, a chisel stuck into a lump of wood, clearly a work in progress. It must have been a wrench to leave their home, their life behind, driven away by the greed of others!
The night is uneventful and as dawn breaks you arise to a bleak morning; the sun obscured by cloud, the early morning mist thick and clinging, hampering sight and muffling sound. As the sun gains some strength it burns away the mist, but it is a far from cheerful day.
Finnest assumes his position on the roof and keeps watch, his almost supernatural senses pick up the arrival of a group as they approach the farm from the road; giving you plenty of time to assume your positions.
You see a motley collection of individuals approach the farm; kobolds, orcs, humans and a single genasi.
One of the orcs shouts, Come on then Halden, let's see how brave you are now without your friends to back you up!
Yeah, they did what was bet and paid up, it only took a little persuasion! Heh! We was only a few last time, let’s see how you do now there's more of us.
The tall human in the centre smirks at the comments and heads towards he gate. One of the kobolds suddenly stops and sniffs the air, at the same moment, the genasi pauses and looks at the farm carefully.
The human stops, What? The genasi says nothing but rests his hand on the pommel of the sword riding at his hip. The kobold looks up,
Dunno, it might be nothin', but it don' feel right.
The human rolls his eyes, What's a farmer going to do, throw hay at us? Still... He draws his sword, Fan out when we get inside, it's probably just these two being paranoid, but take no chances. As they approach the gate, they spot a figure dressed in farming clothes.
Sooo, sneered the human in the centre, come to greet us eh? I hope for your sake you’ve got de Habre’s money!

[Dekkah]

Heskan
After a good night rest, Heskan radies himself. He don armor, saddle his horse and go prepare his belongings. He carry everything he owns, in case they need to move fast after the combat.
When Finnest spot the enemies, Heskan rush to the farm with his horse, leaving one of the door unlocked to be able to rush out without stoping. He mount his horse wait patiently within the south-east farm as planned, staying completly out of sight. He ready himself for Yurrik or any ally call to ride out.

I should be in H14 or H15..... but horses should be large creature... so not many would fit in there building...

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik is shaking slightly as the thugs approaching, keeping his eyes low so they aren't visible.

Yurik suddenly drops his pick and turns on his heels, running. As he does so, a hand darts up to his hat, to try to keep it from flying off the head. Actually, he's using his hand to shift the hat so that the brim will hide the back of his head, now that that is what is facing the thugs. He doesn't want them seeing his half-orcish-ness.

#@&%! He yells as he runs, trying to sound afraid. However, he winks as he passes by whoever is in the nearest building, even though he can't see inside.

Yurik runs to H13

[Grimlock]

Hey, there he goes, after him As they see the fleeing "Ben" some of the more impetuous go to run after him. Again it is the silent genasi who holds up a hand and urges caution before heading off into the farm, the others follow, looking around for the vanished farmer. It's only as they advance in do they see him hiding round the corner of one fo the barns. Swords are unsheathed, pikes levelled and bows drawn.
Give it up you snivelling wretch. the human sneered adn ponted his sword at the figure, Pay upand we might just spare this hovel!
Initiative:
Yurik- 22
Nec- 19
Darrak- 18
OBT 2- 18
Chull- 18
KP 1- 17
KP 2- 16
Gwylt- 15
Heskan- 15
Balthazar- 14
Gen- 11
HN- 8
Finnest- 7
OBT 1- 3
Thugs
D13 Gen
C15 N
E15 HN
F14 KP1
B14 KP 2
D17 OBT1
B17 OBT2
Heroes
Heskan 29/29
Balthazar 23/23
-A2 Finnest 22/22
Chull 35/35
Darrak 30/30
Gwylt 25/25
H13 Yurik 25/25
Map
Farm map (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5243729745/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Key for baddies
N- Human wearing robes and carrying a staff
OBT- Orc wearing Leather armour, carrying axe and bellybow
KP- Kobold wearing hide armour, carrying a pike
Gen- Genasi wearing leather armour and carrying a longsword
HN- Human wearing chainmail and carrying a light shield and longsword.

[Garwain]

Balthazar is waiting anxiously inside of the barn. The smell of dry hay and dust hangs in the air, and distracts Melchior. But once Balthazar sees Yurrik in a sprint, he feels the sudden adrenaline rush he felt when facing the wolves, only this time augmented with his natural hate against pestering thugs.

Balthazar drives Melchior forward and as they exit the barn, he immediatly casts his powerfull sleep spell. He sees his friends pop out as well. He can't assess the effect of his spell, but it is sufficient to know that the lowlifes are at least hindered in their movement.

surprise round standard action Balthazar:

Balthazar stands on E0 or E1, depending on DM interpretation and casts Sleep
Target: centered on D15, targeting all foes
Hit: The target is slowed (save ends). If the target fails its first
saving throw, the target falls asleep (save ends).
Miss: The target is slowed (save ends).

rolls vs Will
D13 Gen: [roll0]
C15 N: [roll1]
E15 HN: [roll2]
F14 KP1: [roll3]
B14 KP2: [roll4]
D17 OBT1: [roll5]
B17 OBT2: [roll6]

[Dekkah]

Heskan
Once he hear the enemies pass by the door of the barn he is in, Heskan guide his mount outside, his horse pushing open the unlocked door as it move toward it. Coming outside, he immediatly move in position to block the enemies path and pin one of the crossbower between him and the house. Doing so, he ignore the surprised first orc to leave some room for Gwylt to get out of the barn, knowing that this enemy isnt ready to intercept him anyway.

Standard : Move to C17 (around OBT1)

Heskan Status
HP :...29/29...TEMP HP :...0
Surge Value :...9
Surge left/surge per day :...12/12
AC:...20...FORT:...13... REF:...14...WILL:...15...
Main Hand :Luckblade Longsword +1
Off Hand : Heavy sheild
Powers :
Lay on Hands (2/2)
Divine Challenge
Ardent Strike
Virtuous Strike
Action point (1/1)
Second Wind
Dragon Breath
Valorous smite
Divine Mettle (Channel Divinity)
Divine Strenght (Channel Divinity)
Majestic Halo
Items powers (1/1):
Luckblade Longsword (Daily)

Consumables :

Effects from Heskan :
Mark (Divine Challenge):
Mark (Divane Saction - UENT) :

Effects on Heskan :


Items Carried/Owned :
Plate Armor
Heavy shield
Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and steel
Beltpouch
Sunrod (2)
Rations (10 days)
50' hempen rope
Waterskin
Luckblade Longsword +1
Javelin (3/3)
Climber's Kit
Dagger
Horse


Riches :
7 GP

XP : 150

[ArcaneStomper]

Darrak

Darrak had been getting bored just waiting around so when he heard the bandits approach he was eager to give them a good hammering. So as soon as he sees one of them get close enough through a crack in the north eastern barn's door, he spurs his mount through the doors and charging towards the enemy. Making a quick evaluation he decides that the human in the robes looks like the most promising target and swings his hammer at it as he charges up.

OOC:

I think I can just barely make a charge attack on N there. So that's what I do. A charge from -B16 to B16 followed by a melee basic attack on N.
[roll0] To Hit
[roll1] Damage

If that isn't possible I'll do a charge at KP2 instead and end up A14 using the same attack.

Edit: Forgot the +1 from charging so that should be a 15 to hit.

[Shadow_Elf]

Finnest
Lowlanders! Your tact is legendary! laughs Finnest, as he brings himself to his full (pathetic) height and aims his bow down at them. Acanthya, who was sticking to the wall above the barn doors, crawls down the inside wall of the building and moves to flank with Heskan and his horse.

Move Action: Finnest stands up, and Acanthya moves to E17

((Beastmasters can move themselves and their partner with one move action. Also, I don't actually know what building Dekkah referred to when he said "barn", but I assumed it was one of the buildings on the right, at which point with her 8 move, Acanthya can probably make it.))

[buirechain]

Yurik

Yurik spins around as his fellows move out and, in some cases, attack the thugs.
You have a chance to surrender. Do so now, and cooperate with us, and you will not be harmed. Otherwise, none of you will survive.

[Belthasar]

Cpt Gwylt rides his horse from the south-eastern barn (where he and Heskan where hiding), and swiftly blocks the path of one of the orcs.

He does not say a word, but instead, he makes a brief gesture so that Darrak, Heskan and everyone else could see.

Meaning: "Close formation."


Standard: Move to D18, next to Acanthya and Heskan.

[Shardan]

Chull wordlessly rushes out into position, right into the middle of the surprised crew. He growls out and changes form, exploding into a icy winter nightmare. The chill explosion washing out over the two orc archers and the mage.

A thick gravelly voice mutters, "I suggest you heed advice and surrender or we will use your corpses to feed the wolves"

Move:Move from the south barn to C,16
Minor: activate Form of Winter's Herald
Standard: Form of Winter's Herald attack Burst 1 VS AC
vs N [roll0]
vs OBT1 [roll1]
vs obt2 [roll2]

If I hit [roll3] cold damage and targets are immobilized (save ends)
If I miss half damage and targets are immobilized UENT
Free action mark all three

[Grimlock]

Balthazar shoves open the barn door and his spell seeps out amongst the thugs- effecting some but others shake the spell off. The mighty Heskan barges out, shouldering his way through the orcs, dividing them with his sheer massiveness. Following the lead of the others, Darrak’s charge carries him up to the human in the robes and he takes a swing, terrified the human raises his staff and manages to catch the blow before it crushes his skull! Seemingly from nowhere, Finnest leaps to his feet and points an arrow down at the thugs and wordlessly bids Acanthya to scuttle forward; the giant spider creeping amongst the enemy. Gwylt’s sudden arrival, blocking the exit and Chull’s sinister appearance hem the band of thugs within the walls of the compound.
Yurik’s shouted demand to surrender is met with nervous glances from the orcs and one of the kobolds.
The human wielding the longsword sneers, Sooo, the farm boy got some friends…who do you think you are? Threatening us? Don’t you know who we are?
Uhm, boss there’s quite a few of the…
Shut up he snarls and turns back to the half-orc, You say none of us will survive? We’ll see about that, he gives nasty smile, No quarter boys, anything they’ve got is yours and de Habre will hear of your bravery, you know how well he rewards loyalty. At that, the more nervous looking of the crew settle down some and all weapons are gripped tightly!

Initiative:
Yurik- 22
Nec- 19
Darrak- 18
OBT 2- 18
Chull- 18
KP 1- 17
KP 2- 16
Gwylt- 15
Heskan- 15
Balthazar- 12
Gen- 11
HN- 8
Finnest- 7
OBT 1- 3
Thugs
D13 Gen- Slowed
C15 N- Slowed
E15 HN
F14 KP1- Slowed
B14 KP 2- Slowed
D17 OBT1
B17 OBT2- Slowed
Heroes
C17Heskan 29/29
E0 Balthazar 23/23
-A2 Finnest 22/22
C16 Chull 35/35
B16 Darrak 30/30
D18 Gwylt 25/25
H13 Yurik 25/25
E17 Acanthya ?/?
Map

Farm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54987216@N05/5246184930/sizes/l/in/photostream/)
Key for baddies
N- Human wearing robes and carrying a staff
OBT- Orc wearing Leather armour, carrying axe and bellybow
KP- Kobold wearing hide armour, carrying a pike
Gen- Genasi wearing leather armour and carrying a longsword
HN- Human wearing chainmail and carrying a light shield and longsword.