Niezck's RHoD! [IC]

[Niezck]

The road crests a small rise and descends into a dusty grove in a large, shallow dell. An abandoned farmhouse, partially visible through the trees stands on one side of the road . You've passed a dozen spots much like this one already today, but this one feels wrong. Then you glimpse the glint of mail through the brush by the side of the road. Fierce warriors--tall, hairy humanoids with wide mouths and flat faces--are lying in wait!

Roll Initiative please.

Map: (Please excuse my horribly MSPaint skills.)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/niezck/Grid1.png

The grey lines indicate the edge of the road. Everything else is shrubbery. The green outline is the abandoned farmhouse.

Blue squares are the enemies you can see, along with the purple along the path.

Pick a place in the red zone to place your character.

[Nanoblack]

Slate, in the guise of a portly half elf, had been talking quite a bit, but once the attackers show, he dispels his disguise and summons his combat armor. Beginning at the seams of his joints, small rivulets of blood come trickling down. As they continue to flow, everywhere touched by the sanguine fluid twists and expands until the previously unimposing figure turned into an intimidating tower of blood coated steel. With a shrug of his shoulders, a wave of serrated metal spikes emerge to further add to his new ferocious look.

This won't end well for any of you." As he speaks, the jawline of his helmet splits and forms his hollow words for him, revealing dark metal teeth shaped like bloody arrowheads.

I'll take the middle ground... Go! D4!

Also Initiative: [roll0]
Full round action to summon armor. Swift action to activate spike stones. Free action to end disguise self effect.

[Chambers]

Alistair

"...anyway, that's when I told her that those kinds of special services were covered under our deal." The young man smiles and blushes. "She...uh...was very persistent though."

Hitching up the shoulder straps on his pack, he looks back over his shoulder for a moment to check it. "Yeah. So there I was..." His voice trails off as his head whips around again, staring at the underbrush. "Ghuzl!" He shouts in orc, forgetting his common as the adrenaline starts running through him. Slapping the shoulder strap release his pack falls off his back and in the same motion he grabs his greataxe from his pack before it hits the ground with a thud.

No...not another ambush! You cowards! Taking a few quick steps the polite, shy, young man is transformed into a raving animal, his eyes wide and wild as he raises the greataxe high overhead and brings it down on his enemy.


Free action - drop backpack
Free action - Rage! :smallsmile:
Charge Enemy at 5J [Drawing his greataxe as part of the move action due to bab +1 or higher.]

He ignores any possible movement penalties from the brush due to Flawless Stride.

Attack (Power Attack -2) [roll0] Damage [roll1] If Crit, Confirm [roll2] Add Crit Damage [roll3]

The enemy he is attacking is his Dodge enemy.

If the attack hits then his Combat Focus activates.

Location: 5I
HP: 102 (24pts due to Rage)
AC: 18, touch 11, flat-footed 18
F/R/W: +12/+5/+8
Current Effects:
Rage: +6 Str, +6 Con, +4 Will Saves, -2 Armor Class, DR 4/--, Fast Heal 4.

[FyreByrd]

ooc:
Please place me at D,5

Init:
[roll0]

Ogruk strides along with the others, his skin, a bit itchy and peeling, he still hasn't been used to this warm weather, although much to his companions amusement he still refuses to remove his thick furs and warm gloves. He carries his beautifully crafted ritiik easily in one hand, idly glancing to and fro.

He laughs heartily and crudely as Alistair's story comes to an end, then as he sees the ambush the laugh turns first into a growl, then into a shout of rage!

Turning to his right he sees one of the humanoids, and with a grim look on his face takes a deep breath, then exhales a stream of pure cold towards the nearest enemy.


Breath Weapon (30ft Line) (Standard Action) aimed at enemy in A,5

Choose Breath Effect: None

Damage: [roll1] Fire Damage - Reflex save for half (DC21)

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

Sherroz remains detached from the conversation, musing to himself about the weather and the dull march along the road.

Fools, thinks Sherroz when he notices the ambush, but delightful targets. Slightly disgruntled at the targets' lack of convenient grouping, he chooses the nearest enemy and unloads a focused barrage of force projectiles. His silver eyes flash with the dangerous light that his colleagues know all too well.


Casting a vanilla magic missile, until I get an idea of the enemies' capabilities. Rolls in OOC.

[Ladorak]

Start in C-4. Our starting manuvers are:
[roll0][roll1][roll2][roll3]
1 Foehammer
2 Shield Block
3 Mountain Hammer
4 Battle Leader's Charge
5 Tactical strike
6 White Raven Tactics

In case of duplication only:
[roll4][roll5][roll6][roll7]

Init: [roll8]


Eric walks down the road, saying little to his new companions. Their worth was yet to be determined and so he listens to them prattle on and on. Places they've been, people they've met, women they've... encountered. Silence and time are generally all he needs to tell him everything he needs to know about someone (Although Our Lady can grant him certain powers on those rare occusions when patience is not a virtue).
When he notes the ambush his reaction is entirely professional. His stony face betrays no emotion, although for a half second there may have been something not unlike a smile. It dies prematurly. It will not be the only thing to die today.
His free hand drops to the rod hanging from his waist and calls on his Lady.
'Wee Jas, lend us your protection in this battle. Bring the black flame so we might built it higher.'

Swift: Enter Thicket of blades
Standard: Extend Magic circle against evil with metamagic rod.
Move: Move to B-7


Notes:
HP: 46/46
AC: 24 touch 13, ff 23
Manuvers: Foehammer, Shield block, battle leader's charge, tactical strike
Stance: Thicket of blades
Buffs: Circle against evil 120 minutes. Resist fire and acid 10 (50 hp/day)
Spells:Detect magic x3, Cure Minor Wounds x2
Ebon eyes, Divine Favor x2, Protection from Evil, Command
Lesser Energized Shield x2, Silence, Hold Person x2, Enthrall
Dispel magic x2 Magic circle against evil, summon undead III

[Niezck]

As the figures in the bush react to your presence, it becomes clear you're facing a band of hobgoblins. To your seasoned eyes, they appear to be quite well equipped compared to the regular rabble of foes you face.

Immediately responding to the threat, Ogruk releases a line of fire toward the nearest hobgoblin. Attempting a feat of acrobatics it very nearly succeeds with, the creature gets struck square in the face by the elemental energy, clearly severely wounded.

Nearly matching Ogruk's celerity, Sherroz turns to the nearest hobgoblin and releases a barrage of force missiles. The creature slumps to the floor almost immediately.

Brought to attention by the clearly powerful foes outside, one of the figures inside the nearby shack runs to the path to meet you. Shouting in poorly pronounced common, he taunts you. "Any of you! Will any of you fight me!?". He wields a pair of short swords, seemingly finely crafted and wears studded leather. His running allows him to make it relatively close to you all, ending in D10.

Eric, shielded behind a divine circle, takes to action and moves toward the nearest barely-alive hobgoblin, ending his turn in E7.

A strange fiery beast begins running toward you from the distant forest, its flames leaving a charred path through the bush. It finds its way closer to you, ending in K4. ((Knowledge: The Planes to identify.))

Following the other hobgoblin, another leaves the shack. This one is clad in heavy plate mail and wields a heavy mace. He hurridly runs toward you, ending in H12. With a quick hand gesture, he releases a spell at the group. ((DC 18 Will save please, Alistair.))

Slate summons his armour and prepares for battle.

Then, responding to the apparent threat, the remaining hobgoblins release a flurry of arrows at the group. As with their equipment, their behaviour seems somehow odd, as if they're regimented and trained. Despite their apparent training, they fail to strike a hit with two arrows twanging off of Eric's armour, a single arrow being deflected by Slate's newly-formed full plate and Sherroz's agility allowing him to evade the final two arrows.

Alistair, gripping his axe tightly, very nearly cuts the hobgoblin he's charging in half, utterly decimating his foe with one powerful swing.

Finally, the other fiery creature within the building emerges, approaching the group. It ends in F9 before releasing a cone of fire at Eric. ((9 Damage. Reflex DC 13 for half.))

((Map so far:))


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/niezck/Grid1-4.png

Post actions for round 2 please.

[Ladorak]

Reflex: [roll0] (Failed but damage absorbed by armour crystal)

Use Battle Leader's Charge on two-swords, ending in D-9. Ignoring the AoO from fire beast on the way
Charge:[roll1]
[roll2]
If that hits:
opposed grapple (Trip): [roll3]
And if that trips:
[roll4]

Edit: Well damn :smallannoyed:

Eric leaps at the Hobgoblin that dared challenge the White Knight of Wee Jas, smashing his shield into his face. He roars 'Fight you? Nay, I shall kill you!'


Notes:
HP: 46/46
AC: 22 touch 11, ff 21 (-2 for charging taken into account)
Manuvers: Foehammer, Shield block, battle leader's charge, tactical strike, mountain hammer
Stance: Thicket of blades
Buffs: Circle against evil 120 minutes. Resist fire 10 (41 hp/day) Resist Acid 10 (50hp/day)
Spells:Detect magic x3, Cure Minor Wounds x2
Ebon eyes, Divine Favor x2, Protection from Evil, Command
Lesser Energized Shield x2, Silence, Hold Person x2, Enthrall
Dispel magic x2 Magic circle against evil, summon undead III

[Nanoblack]

Knowing that nothing demoralizes a group more than the loss of their strongest warrior, Slate points at the duel wielding hobgoblin and shouts a taunt. "You wish to fight us unarmed? Foolishness!"

Using Naberious' command ability to force the hobgoblin to drop his weapons.(As the command spell) DC17 will save

If that target is killed before I get to it I'll change my target to the hellhound and instead order it to fall to the ground. "Sit Boy!"

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk nods in satisfaction at the damage he caused to the Hobgoblin, he may not have been the most intelligent of the group, but he knew an opportunity when he saw one. Ignoring the injured Hobbo, he moved quickly to the south west, then turning he orientated on the three enemies in a line, and once more drew in a deep breath, preparing to breath fire all over them.


Move Action to B,9 (DM if I can't get all three in a line from there can you move me so that I can/or get the most possible)

Breath Weapon(30ft line) Targeted at H,12, hopefully hittin D,10; F,11; H,12
Breath Effect: None

Damage: (I'll roll individually, if you want to just take 1 roll that's fine!)
D,10: [roll0]
F,11:[roll1]
H,12:[roll2]

Reflex save for half DC21

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

Sherroz giggles delightedly as the the hobgoblin he targeted crumples to the ground. "What a lovely dance your feeble twitching makes!" he cackles, in the goblin language.

Seeing the beast come from the trees, he shouts out a warning, "Ogruk, you've got company! That thing is a hell hound, and it can breathe fire just like you!" So saying, he fires off a quick barrage of missiles at the beast and turns his attention to the enemy caster.


Swift: Cast quickened magic missile at the hell hound (K4), using the energy missile ability to add the [Cold] descriptor (it's still a force effect, but also has [Cold]), figuring to fight fire with cold - [roll0]

Standard (Readied): Cast empowered fell drain magic missile against the enemy caster to disrupt him if he tries to cast a spell. Should the caster be dropped before that, alternate targets are the hell hounds (again with [Cold]) and dual-wielder, in that order - [roll1] x 150% + 5 + level drain

[Chambers]

Alistair

Standing over the twisted body of the fallen hobgoblin, Alistair arches back and let's out a savage cry. "GHHHHHUUUUUZZZALALLLL!" It sounds like orc, but it's too hard to make out what it means.

Stomping on the dead hobgoblins face Alistair snaps his head around and his eyes narrow and focus on the hobgoblin caster. Without his head moving the rest of his body turns and he starts towards the one who cast a spell at him. Slow at first, his steps become heavy and loud as he pounds the dirt ground, running straight at the spellcaster. Swinging his greataxe high in the air he leaps with a yell and brings it down to meet the hobgoblins head.


Charge the Hobgoblin Spellcaster at H12.
He ignores any possible movement penalties from the brush due to Flawless Stride.
The enemy he is attacking is his Dodge enemy (+2 AC).

Attack (power attack -2) [roll0] Damage [roll1] If Crit, Confirm [roll2] Add Crit Damage [roll3]

Location: H11
HP: 102 (24pts due to Rage)
AC: 18, touch 11, flat-footed 18
F/R/W: +12/+5/+12
Current Effects:
Rage: +6 Str, +6 Con, +4 Will Saves, -2 Armor Class, DR 4/--, Fast Heal 4.
Combat Focus (Round 1 of 13): +4 Will Saves, +1 Dodge (change target as immediate action), +8 resist combat maneuver

[Niezck]

Ogruk darts forwards to B9 and releases another blast of fire against the hobgoblins, hitting the nearest archer, the taunting blademaster and the caster all in one. The archer slumps to the ground almost immediately, his charred remains smoking slightly. The blademaster and the caster each attempt to evade the blast and very nearly succeed, but instead take the full effect of the breath.

Sherroz is next to act, his cold missiles blasting into the flank of the hellhound. Though very badly wounded, the creature remains standing.

Weakened by the fire, but by no means out of the fight, the blademaster shouts in Orcish ((read the spoiler if you know it)) and charges at Eric, skillfully evading his attempting blows. Impacting with serious force, the hobgoblin strikes twice at Eric's torso, dealing 23 damage.

Slightly taken aback by the blademaster, Eric responds in kind with two attempted blows. Unfortunately, the blademaster is too agile for him and both attacks miss.

Next is the hellhound closest to Alistair who releases a raging inferno from his open mouth, engulfing Alistair in flames. ((7 damage, reflex DC 13))

Seeing his allies in jeopardy, the caster pulls a scroll from his belt and begins speaking the magical words written upon it. Readied from earlier, however, Sherroz releases a torrent of force missiles toward him, engulfing the hobgoblin in a mixture of negative energy and force. Disrupted by the damage, the caster fails to complete his spell.

Slate, using the powers of Naberius, forces the hobgoblin blademaster to drop his weapons, rendering the opponent unarmed.

The remaining hobgoblin archers release another flurry of arrows, this time all directed toward Sherroz. All three arrows are deflected by the magical armour protecting the mage.

Alistair, his rage now in full swing, charges toward the caster and embeds his axe in the hobgoblin's arm before forcibly removing it, deeply wounding the caster.

The last remaining hellhound charges into the Alistair's side, biting viciously at the human. His armour takes the brunt of the hit, thankfully, as the hellhound seems to have a far more powerful jaw than anything you've seen before.

Round 3.

((Map:))

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/niezck/Grid1-5.png

[Chambers]

Alistair

The fire washes over Alistair runs toward the hobgoblin, burning his skin. He ignores the pain and the wounds quickly heal. Standing in front of the hobgoblin he watches the other fire monster out of the corner of his eye as he sweeps his greataxe towards the hobgoblin.


Fire Monster at G11 is now his Dodge enemy (+2 Dodge AC)

Full Attack on the hobgoblin. If the hobgoblin moves away Alistair will follow. If Alistair moves more than 5ft in following him then he doesn't get the second attack.

#1
Attack (power attack -2) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Confirm Crit [roll2]
Add Crit Damage [roll3]

#2
Attack (power attack -2) [roll4]
Damage [roll5]
Confirm Crit [roll6]
Add Crit Damage [roll7]

Location: H11
HP: 102 (24pts due to Rage)
AC: 18, touch 11, flat-footed 18
F/R/W: +12/+5/+12
Current Effects:
Rage: +6 Str, +6 Con, +4 Will Saves, -2 Armor Class, DR 4/--, Fast Heal 4.
Combat Focus (Round 2 of 13): +4 Will Saves, +1 Dodge (change target as immediate action), +8 resist combat maneuver

[Ladorak]

Eric grits his teeth as wounds open up across his ribs, but he is quick to the attack when the weapon master drops his weapons. The pains seems to be distracting him however, no matter how manfully he leapt at the Hobgoblin his aim was off.

Attack 1

[roll0]
[roll1]
Confirm Crit [roll2]
Add Crit Damage [roll3]
Attack 2
[roll4]
[roll5]
Confirm Crit [roll6]
Add Crit Damage [roll7]


Notes:
HP: 28/46
AC: 24 touch 13, ff 23
Manuvers: Foehammer, Shield block, battle leader's charge, tactical strike, mountain hammer, White Raven Tactics
Stance: Thicket of blades
Buffs: Circle against evil 120 minutes. Resist fire 10 (41 hp/day) Resist Acid 10 (50hp/day)
Steely Resolve pool: 5
Spells:Detect magic x3, Cure Minor Wounds x2
Ebon eyes, Divine Favor x2, Protection from Evil, Command
Lesser Energized Shield x2, Silence, Hold Person x2, Enthrall
Dispel magic x2 Magic circle against evil, summon undead III

[Nanoblack]

Not wanting to be outclassed by his more combat oriented companions, Slate turned to the hobgoblin at his left and released a volley of magically charged projectiles from his palm.

Using the Stone Spitter graft and using the magical charge feature (Targeting the hobgoblin in H2 first and continuing to the next closest one if the first isn't possible)
Attack1:[roll0]
Damage1:[roll1]
Attack2:[roll2]
Damage2:[roll3]

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

Damn it! You were supposed to die! Twice this though raged through the elf's mind as his missiles strike home yet fail to drop either target. Now what to do...

Deciding to take advantage of the grouping near Alistair, he launches a barrage split between the spellcaster and the hell hound.


twin magic missile, with the cold descriptor, split 3 to the hell hound and 2 to the spellcaster on each barrage. [roll0], [roll1].

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk nods to himself as his fire burns one enemy to a crisp and damages others. He takes a quick look around the battlefield, and it seems that most of the other enemies are either out of range of his breath, or to close to his allies. So he turns back and looks at the hobgoblin he damaged earlier, and charges at with Ritiik outretched.


Charge attack on A,6

Attack: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1] & [roll2] cold damage

Ritiik Special Ability:
When you successfully hit a target with the Ritiik, you can twist the weapon, and hook this blade into the atargets flesh, if the target fails a reflex save(10+damage dealt). If you hook the target you can immediately make a trip attack against the target. IF you fail you can let go to avoid the retalitaroty trip attack.
The damaged creature can pull the ritiik from the wound, if it has 2 free hands, it takes a full round action, and deals the same damage as the original blow. A DC15 heal check allows a ritiik to be pulled out with no damage.
Twist weapon, and trip attack if needed:
Attack:[roll3]
Trip Strength Check:[roll4]

[Niezck]

Ogruk charges toward the weakened hobgoblin and absolutely obliterates it, leaving a small puddle of blood where the creature once stood.

Sherroz, becoming annoyed that his targets just aren't dying, releases a further barrage at the nearest hellhound and the caster. As his missiles impact, both of his targets slump to the floor, knocked out cold and very close to death.

The blademaster, seeing his allies defeated, becomes invigorated and assaults Eric once more. His first blow misses, but his second strikes home, dealing a further 23 damage.

However much he tries, Eric can't seem to retaliate as his wounds deepend and his mind begins wandering to the pain.

The hellhound near Slate and Sherroz runs toward the pair, releasing another cone of fire at them. ((6 damage, reflex DC 13 for half))

Slate, launching his barrage of stones at the nearby hobgoblin, fails to drop the creature but clearly wounds it significantly.

Once more the hobgoblin archers fail to penetrate Sherroz's arcane defences, with two arrows pinging off of the magical forcefield surrounding him.

((Assuming Alistair goes to hit the blademaster, as he's the only one left.))

Alistair runs at the hobgoblin warrior, swinging violently at his back. His axe hits home and knocks the blademaster unconscious, though not yet dead.

As the final blow is struck, you all hear a horn sounding as the hobgoblin reinforcements arrive. Six more archers and a warrior equipped similarly to the spellcaster you just defeated. The archers release a flurry toward Sherroz and Slate. Failing abysmally, the arrows don't hit either of them.

The new caster, however, has a trick up his sleeve. Pulling a scroll from his belt, he begins chanting the words upon it. As he does so, a pillar of divine fire bursts into being exactly where Slate and Sherroz are. ((20 fire damage, 21 divine damage, DC 18 reflex for half))

Round 4 end. Round 5?

((Map:))

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/niezck/Grid1-6.png

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

The elf whoops with glee as the pair of targets go down. "Feel the icy burn!" he taunts, again in the goblin tongue. His mirth is short lived as he dodges one blast of fire only to be engulfed by a worse attack. Furious, he launches a fusillade against the newly-arrived enemy caster, though keeping his presence enough to open some space between himself and any other ally, forcing the hell hound to have to choose targets.


Standard: empowered fell drain magic missile against newly-arrived caster [roll0] x 150% + 5 + level drain. (29 damage plus 5 for the level drain = 34)
Move: To A3

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk roars triumphantly as the body of his foe literally distintegrates in front of his eyes. However his battle joy is short lived as he sees the reinforcements arrive. Smiling grimly he moves to intercept, his huge body moving easily over the terrain, before summoning a burning west wind.


Move action to F,11

I'll let the DM judge who gets hit by this:

Incovation: Scalding Gust targeted at P,14(again if this needs to be adjusted to hit more targets(I think I can just get to14 with my 60ft range) feel free to adjust!)
Fort negates (DC15)

Scalding Gust:

As Gust of Wind (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/gustofwind.htm#)
except that duration is instantaneous, any creature effected takes 1point fire damage/caster level (8points in my case) REGARDLESS of whether it makes it's fort save or not

[Chambers]

Alistair

Raising his greataxe high to end the unconscious hobgoblins life Alistair pauses as he hears the horn blow. A wide smile crosses his face and he turns to face the row of archers. Leaving the fallen hobgoblin he runs across the road, right towards the archers line. Swinging his greataxe in a huge circle he whips it around at one of the archers, aiming for his neck.


Charge the archer at N12, moving to space M12. If the archers move before he acts, he'll charge the nearest one.

Spellcaster is his new Dodge enemy.

Attack (Power Attack -2) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
If Crit [roll2]
Add Crit Damage [roll3]

Location: M12
HP: 102 (24pts due to Rage)
AC: 18, touch 11, flat-footed 18 (AC 16 for this round due to Charge)
F/R/W: +12/+5/+12
Current Effects:
Rage: +6 Str, +6 Con, +4 Will Saves, -2 Armor Class, DR 4/--, Fast Heal 4.
Combat Focus (Round 3 of 13): +4 Will Saves, +1 Dodge (change target as immediate action), +8 resist combat maneuver

[Ladorak]

With the unmistakable bellow of Sergeant Majors all around the world Eric yells 'These Hobgoblins are no mere bandits, we've got this one alive, kill the rest!' He backs away from the prone blademaster and, finally satisfied his foe is down, runs at the bowmen with his shield up, covering his eyes. But behind his shield he is enchanting with his free hand. As the black fire of his Lady closes his wounds he shouts to Sherroz, pointing at the new spellcaster 'Sherroz, do not give him the oppatunity to do that again!'

Swift action: Use White Raven Tactics on Sherroz, dropping his init to one below mine and granting him an extra turn.
Move to H-10
Burn a dispel magic for cure serious wounds. [roll0]



Notes:
HP: 23/46
AC: 24 touch 13, ff 23
Manuvers: Foehammer, Shield block, battle leader's charge, tactical strike, mountain hammer, White Raven Tactics
Stance: Thicket of blades
Buffs: Circle against evil 120 minutes. Resist fire 10 (41 hp/day) Resist Acid 10 (50hp/day)
Steely Resolve pool: 5
Spells:Detect magic x3, Cure Minor Wounds x2
Ebon eyes, Divine Favor x2, Protection from Evil, Command
Lesser Energized Shield x2, Silence, Hold Person x2, Enthrall
Dispel magic x2 Magic circle against evil, summon undead III

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

Sherroz seizes on the opening provided by Eric and quickly snaps off a second barrage of missiles.


Casting magic missile for [roll0].

Target selection priority is: 1) the enemy spellcaster, 2) the remaining hell hound, 3) the dual-wielder.

If all of them are down, switch the spell to a fell drain magic missile (same damage roll as above) and split the missiles to target as many of the hobgoblins around the spellcaster as possible.

[Nanoblack]

That spell had taken a lot out of Slate, but perhaps proximity to an ally of the caster would prevent that from happening again. He charges toward the nearest hobgoblin and smashes at him with his club-like arms.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]+[roll2]piercing from spike stones

[Niezck]

As Ogruk moves forward, a howling wind bursts forth from his new position toward the newly arrived hobgoblins. Singing the two nearest archers and the caster behind, they seem otherwise unaffected.

Sherroz releases a further blast of arcane energy, this time targetting the new caster and deeply injuring him. With a quick run, he then puts some distance between himself and the nearby hellhound.

Badly wounded, Eric makes toward the hobgoblins as he heals himself and encourages Sherroz to strike again.

Feeling divine celerity surge through ihm, Sherroz leaps into action once more and strikes the enemy caster with yet another barrage.

The hellhound edges toward Slate before furiously biting at him, missing entirely though.

The enemy caster begins chanting as his wounds start to heal. Then, moving forwards, he speaks another incantation but much faster as the rest of his wounds close up.
((DC 17 and 18 Spellcraft respectively:))

Cure Serious Wounds

Quickened Cure Moderate Wounds

Then, trying to get closer, he runs toward Eric and Ogruk, ending in L15.

Springing into action, Slate responds to the hellhound, putting the fiery beast to sleep for good. ((Tell me if you'd like to change, I just figured since it's next to you and all ...))

The hobgoblin archers, with a shout of instruction from the caster, release another volley of arrows toward Eric and Ogruk this time. One hobgoblin finds himself unable to fire, however, disrupted by the earlier wind. A single arrow penetrates Eric's defences, striking a small gap in his armour and dealing 8 damage.

Finally, Alistair leaps toward the line of archers. His original path cut off by Eric's movement, he instead opts to assault the top of the line, swinging his axe in a graceful motion unbecoming his brutish attacks. The greataxe strikes home, slaying the archer instantly.

Round 6.

((Map:))

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/niezck/Grid1-8.png

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk continues to press forward, knowing the best way to finish this fight was to catch more of the hobgoblins before they could fight back.

Once more he relies on his breath, blasting a line of fire through two of the enemies.


Move Action: H,15
Breath Weapon targeted at N,15 (hitting L,15 & M,15)
Damage L,15: [roll0] (fire damage)
Damage M,15: [roll1] (fire damage)
Ref save (DC 21) for half

[Nanoblack]

Slate leaves Sherroz to deal with the lone hobgoblin in the rear and instead opts to pounce on another toward the edge of the road. There he reaches for the creatures wrist, attempting to wrench its arm out of the socket.

Charging the hob at L7 and Initiating a grapple
Melee Touch:[roll0]
Grapple:[roll1]
Damage:[roll2]+[roll3]piercing from spike stones

[Chambers]

Alistair

Succesful in breaking up the archers line Alistair turns toward the spellcaster. Ignoring the archers he runs past them holding his greataxe low. He swings it up off the ground and tries to split the spellcasting hobgoblin in two.


Charge the spellcaster at L15, moving to space L14. If someone moves and blocks his charge lane he will move around them, possibly provoking AoO's if the archers have a melee weapon wielded. He has 40ft movement and ignores difficult terrain.

Spellcaster is his Dodge enemy.

If it isn't a charge attack, subtract -2 from his attack and add +2 to his armor class.

Attack (Power Attack -2) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
If Crit [roll2]
Add Crit Damage [roll3]

Location: L14
HP: 102 (24pts due to Rage)
AC: 18, touch 11, flat-footed 18 (AC 16 for this round due to Charge)
F/R/W: +12/+5/+12
Current Effects:
Rage: +6 Str, +6 Con, +4 Will Saves, -2 Armor Class, DR 4/--, Fast Heal 4.
Combat Focus (Round 4 of 13): +4 Will Saves, +1 Dodge (change target as immediate action), +8 resist combat maneuver

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

In Sherroz's mind, the nearby hobgoblins are of less concern than that dratted spellcaster. He summons yet another barrage of force energy, aiming at both the caster and his guard.


fell drain magic missile, splitting 2 missiles toward the spellcaster and 1 each at the surrounding hobgoblins.

[roll0], [roll1], [roll2], [roll3], all plus 1 level drain (5hp).

[Ladorak]

I hope you guys are remembering the circle of protection in your stat blocks. It's pretty much my sole contribution after all:smalltongue:
Charge spell caster, ending move at K-14. Using shied charge and improved trip.

Charge:[roll0]
[roll1]
If that hits:
opposed grapple (Trip): [roll2]
And if that trips:
Damage [roll3]

Repeating the move he'd sprung on the Blademaster Eric charges in. Feinting low and then striking high, battering the Hobgoblin's face as the full weight of man and armour crashed into him, attempting to spill him from his feet.


Notes:
HP: 15/46
AC: 24 touch 13, ff 23
Maneuvers: Foehammer, Shield block,tactical strike, mountain hammer
Stance: Thicket of blades
Buffs: Circle against evil 120 minutes. Resist fire 10 (41 hp/day) Resist Acid 10 (50hp/day)
Steely Resolve pool: 5
Spells:Detect magic x3, Cure Minor Wounds x2
Ebon eyes, Divine Favor x2, Protection from Evil, Command
Lesser Energized Shield x2, Silence, Hold Person x2, Enthrall
Dispel magic x2 Magic circle against evil, summon undead III

Maneuver granted at beginning of next turn: [roll4]
1 BLC 2 WRT

[Niezck]

Ogruk darts forwards and releases a further breath of fire, killing the archer it impacts and wounding the war priest.

Sherroz follows the example and blasts both the priest and the nearby hobgoblin with arcane energy, dropping the archer immediately and further wounding the cleric.

Eric, invigorated by the efforts of the others, charges toward the spellcaster and trips him, knocking him unconscious with the fall.

Slate charges toward the nearest hobgoblin and quite literally wrenches the creature's arm out of its socket, leaving it bleeding on the ground, screaming for help.

The remaining hobgoblins, seeing their leaders destroyed and their companions severely wounded, decide to make a run for it, dropping their equipment as they do so. They quickly turn and make it into the forest, preventing any real attempt at chase.

You win. :smallsmile:

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk throws back his head, and roars their victory to the winds. Then adjusting himself he walks back to the bulk of the party, "Ogruk not expect to see such disciplined troops here?!" it's just as much a statement as a question.

He glances around at his companions "All alright?" he asks gruffly.

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

The manic fire in the elf's eyes leaps to its height as the archers fall to his attack, and then starts to fade as the survivors make a run for it. He staggers slightly, really noticing how badly he was hurt by the fiery attack he suffered.

He draws his dagger. "I suggest dispatching the foot soldiers, if they're still alive, and questioning the leaders when they awake. We can decide what to do with them later. In the meantime, I could use some healing attention."

[Nanoblack]

Slate

Dismissing his second skin, Slate begins etching symbols into the ground. "If you don't mind a short wait, I can attend to everyones wounds momentarily."

Expelling Savnok (Takes 1 minute)
Rapid binding Buer (Full round action)
Binding Check: [roll0]

[Ladorak]

I don't have ToM so assuming Slade hasn't unleased cthulhu's third cousin or anything like that...

'We'll not kill these prisoners Elf. I am my Lady's white knight.' Eric rarely smiles and sometimes when he does it can be a terrible thing. 'We'll take them to the nearest village and give them a trial. Then we'll kill them. Maybe there's a bounty. Either way...'

Eric reaches into a bag at his side and pulls out a length of coiled rope. 'Anyone know anything about knots? Bind any survivor's hands. We also need something to gag the spellcaster with.' Reaching into the bag again he pulls out a set of manacles 'There are several things I mislike about this. He points at the spellcaster 'Organised Hobs aren't that uncommon but this guy is someone important. There's also the Hell hounds, that raises questions I want answered.' He bends over the sword master and clamps his hands and feet in iron. 'Don't worry about questioning them today. Give them some time to sweat and when I'm ready Wee Jas will give them no choice but to answer.' He walks away from the sword master and continues on toward the building the two leaders were in.

[Chambers]

Alistair

The young man whirls around, greataxe held high, eyes wild as he looks for another body to bury it in. He sees the hobgoblins leader fall and the remaining archers run off in the woods and he tenses a moment, his body ready to spring after them. No! Stop! You don't need to kill them! Instead of sprinting his body sags and the greataxe tumbles to the ground out of his grasp. He takes in great gasps of air and crumbles to his knees, his chest heaving.

"I'll...be...allright. Just...gimme a minute." He says to his companions, holding a hand up to ward them off. He turns his head to the side. "'scuse me." He says and then vomits on the ground. "Ugh..." Wiping his mouth with his hand, he picks up his greataxe and leans against a tree. His breath begins to slow down and the color returns to his face, his clothes soaked through with sweat. "Sorry about that. Happens sometimes...you know...afterwards." He looks up at the group and then looks down again, a blush appearing on his face.

[FyreByrd]

"Ogruk can't tie knots." The big neanderthal rumbles in response to Eric's statement. He looks around, "We could tie them, and leave them in that barn, tell villagers, they there." He shrugs, "Ogruk not want to carry ugly hobbos!"

[Nanoblack]

No, not Cthulhu... a wheel of satyrs legs with a hags face on one side and a leonin face on the other :smalleek:

After a small conversation with the summoned entity, Slate takes on a completely different air. His eyes, though they are only small lenses, take on a wilder look, and his legs twist and bend into metallic satyrs legs, ending in sharp metal hooves. While he his personality still contained obvious bits of his previous confidence, his viciousness had subsided, instead replaced by an almost motherly nurturing.
He will approach whoever looks the most wounded and yake a full round action to heal for [roll0]
Meanwhile, fast healing 1 is granted to me by this vestige.

[Ladorak]

I'm waiting for Slade to heal me up before going into the farm house

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

"You want to spare them so we can haul them off somewhere to have them killed? That makes my head hurt... you shouldn't do things like that to me when I'm already injured." The lighter tone gets a bit more serious. "Look, they ambushed us for no apparent reason. I think that forfeits any rights to justice or mercy. The only reason to keep any of them alive is for questioning."

[Ladorak]

Eric stands outside the farm house, his shield raised and ready to enter. He looks over his shoulder at Sherroz, fixing him with his cold pale blue eyes. Justice and honour are not things to be forfeited. If you wish to kill them you may do so, but only after a trial. There is no mistaking the menace in his voice 'The Ruby Knights are not recognised here, I cannot sit in judgement. Besides, I plan to interrogate all of them.' He smiles again, it's still not pretty. 'And you'll be pleased to know that you may kill one or two then, as an example. There are some... legal immunities to working with a Ruby Knight.'

[Niezck]

Even from standing outside, Eric gets a distinctly horrible smell - that of dead bodies. Through the open door he can see a small heap of human bodies in various stages of having been looted.

[Ladorak]

Still on his guard Eric steps inside, the smile is long gone, his face is grim as he surveys the bodies.

Looking for any loot and also trying to work out who the bodies are.

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

"I take no pleasure in it. I just recognize the necessity and expediency of..." he catches a whiff of the same smell that hit Eric. "Ugh. Not pretty. Let me see if I sense any traces of magical energies."

Casting detect magic and slowly scanning the building and surrounding area first, then out to the bodies (dead and unconscious) to see if anything registers. (Total duration: 7 minutes as long as concentration isn't broken.)

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk wanders over to see what the commotion is by the farmhouse, the whiff, and the sight hit him, and his expression darkens, "Ogruk think trial needn't be long for them." he growls, then aids his eyes to the search.


Spot:[roll0]
Search:[roll1]

[Niezck]

Between Eric and Ogruk, they find a number of items both on the corpses and removed from the recently-deceased. The corpses themselves are of what appears to be some sort of merchant and his three guards along with a local farm hand.

Among the items found ((See Spoiler), a particular item of note include a pouch containing 355gp, presumably taken from the merchant.

As you discuss the fate of the hobgoblins, you hear a faint whisper coming from the nearest priest to the farmhouse.

Sherroz:

You hear faint words you recognize as Draconic.

Items:

I'm assuming you're searching the dead hobgoblins too.

Merchant Guards
3 Longswords
3 Light Crossbows
3 pieces of Studded Leather
60 Bolts

Hobgoblins
6 Masterwork Longswords
6 Composite Longbows (+1)
4 Potions of CLW (Plus 2 smashed vials)
6 suits of Chainmail
6 Heavy Steel Shields
120 Arrows

Blademaster
2 +1 Shortswords
1 Masterwork Studded Leather Armour


Warpriests
2 +1 Heavy Mace
2 +1 Full Plate
2 +1 Heavy Steel Shield
1 Scroll of Flame Strike
2 Scrolls of Recitation
2 Scrolls of Summon Monster IV
2 Wands of CLW (48 & 32 charges)
2 Suspicious symbols (Knowledge: Religion check please)

Surprisingly, you find no gold or other form of currency or loot on the hobgoblins.

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

Sherroz hastens over to the whispering priest, trying to hear what he is whispering. "What do you wish to say?" he asks in Draconic.


[roll0]

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk pokes the haul of equipment with his toe, "Huh, Ogruk not interested in any of this." he grumbles to himself. scratching his side with his tough finger nails.

[Chambers]

Alistair

"Hey, whaddya find in there?" Alistair asks as he walks towards the farmhouse. "Oh man!" His hand comes up to his mouth and covers his nose. "Those...murdering bastards!" The young mans face screws up in anger and he stomps over to the surviving hobgoblins, his bloody greataxe held tight in his hands.

"Trial? Law?" He asks Eric, a look of disbelief on his face. "You can't be serious. It's obvious they're murderers!" He says pointing to the farmhouse.

[Niezck]

Sherroz:
"Save me oh great dragon goddess, save me from these murderers ..."

[Ladorak]

Eric's eyes narrow 'No Alistair we are murderers. I'd wager you've depopulated a goblin village or two in your time, no? This scum-' He pauses as he stoops to stuff the casters mouth* and tie his hands They are criminals. Nobody minded you killing defenceless green creatures half your size because you did it by the law... At least I hope you did. It would be... unfortunate if I learnt otherwise.
'Obvious criminals get a trial like all the rest. If we only arrested the ones we couldn't prove it wouldn't be long before everyone lost respect for the law would it? Though Ogruk is right. This will be a short trial, a pity the execution will be so short.'
He moves to the next hobgoblin and begins systemically stripping and tieing each of them together. He binds their hands but not their feet. 'They've only just arrived, or recently spent all their loot. I'd lean toward the former. But why would bandits with such fine equipment be so short of coin?'

*Not the one that's talking, obviously. Incidently how far away is the nearest village?

[Chambers]

Alistair

Returning his gaze, Alistair says "Yes, I've killed goblins and other innocents before...but that was when I was a slave, not by choice. A 14 year old boy doesn't have much choice when he's alone in a tribe of orcs."

"But since then? I haven't killed anyone that didn't attack me first. I'm not a savage beast, out killing for pleasure or profit. I try to defend people, like them." He points to the dead bodies of the farmer and guards. "And when I can't save them, I avenge them. Your justice would give these murderers a chance to escape and kill again." The blood drips down along the edge of his greataxe, forming a small pool on the ground. "If we gave every murderer a chance to escape...then a lot more innocent people will die, wouldn't they?"

[Ladorak]

'How do you propose they escape Alistair? They are bound and gagged, unarmed and overmatched even if they were. Aye, I'd wager the ones we let get away are already hareing off for help but there shouldn't be any close by. Why set a bandit camp on a road you've set a bandit camp on a few hundreds yards further up?' He stands erect again and dusts his hands off, maybe he's disgusted to touch such scum, maybe his hands were dusty, it's impossible to tell from his expression. 'Besides you claim you're innocent because you didn't have a choice. That is your moral choice to make. But if it applies to you it applies to them. The swordsman or either caster could have killed every Hobgoblin here. Mayhap they didn't have a choice. You owe it to them to ask before you take their life.'

[Nanoblack]

Slates blank visage walks into the room, unfazed by the stench. He kneels down to check the condition of each of the surviving hobgoblins. "Regardless of either of your beliefs, the only ones fit to judge are the family of the fallen. If hauling these evil beings the distance required for that is beyond our means, then we are better off putting them out of their misery once everything useful has been extracted from them."

Heal check for the hobs: [roll0]
If I need to roll each individually I can.

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

(( still in draconic )) "Your goddess cannot save you now, just as she could not ensure your victory in a cowardly ambush. Your only hope of salvation is yourself. Answer our questions and you shall receive mercy. Keep silent and I will personally see to it that you will be begging for death by the end; then you can stand in her presence to be judged for your failures."

[Ladorak]

Eric squats down by the dying cleric and dangles one of the strange symbols inches from his face. (In dragonic) 'We know who you are. If you want to live speak now. Why are you here? What has caught Tiamet's attention?'

[Chambers]

Alistair

Who does this guy think he IS? "Last time I checked we didn't hire anybod-" Alistair stops, cut off by Slate. He listens to his words and his face softens. "You're right. They should get a say."

He looks down at his greataxe and pulls out a rag and wipes it off. "I'm gonna bury the farmers." He says softly and then walks back over to his pack, picking it up and moving towards the farm. Wrapping another cloth around his neck and mouth, he finds a shovel in the shed and starts digging graves.

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

The elf stands up. "Terrific," he says. "I've been trying to question someone who's talking in his sleep." While the grisly work of dealing with the bodies is carried on, he finds a quiet spot to study his spellbook for a little while. "Just in case..." he mutters under his breath.

How many prisoners are we talking about, anyway?

[Niezck]

The hobgoblin cleric has gone silent, as have all but a single hobgoblin archer who's still mourning the loss of his arm, cruelly taken by Alistair.

DC 10 Heal check:

The hobgoblins that were alive earlier seem to have died, given all of this time without medical treatment.

[Nanoblack]

Slate approaches the last surviving hobgoblin and lays a single finger upon his shoulder, sealing his wounds. First in common, then dwarven and giant, he asks."Do you understand what I am saying?"

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

After finishing his studies, the elf packs away his spellbook and looks around for the others. "So, we're taking prisoners, then? Fine, let's make ready to depart."

(( Should I assume we've all been healed to full by now. And how many survivors were there? ))

[Niezck]

Deciding to continue your journey toward Drellin's Ferry, you set forth with the single hobgoblin archer remaining alive in toe.

The road descends into a small town built mostly on the near side of a broad, sluggish river. Six old stone piers jut from the water, marking the spot where a bridge once stood, but the span itself is long gone. Instead, a couple of long thick ropes cross the river, each secured to a flat-bottomed ferryboat. Brown fields and green orchards surround the town.

A group of armed townsfolk--three in leather, one in mail--stands guards, watching you warily. "Halt and state your business, stranger!" one of the guards says.

Upon seeing your hobgoblin prisoner, another raises his bow at the creature and boldly states "He will go no further!"

[Chambers]

Alistair

Oh, neat, a ferry! Never -huh? Alistair turns away from the boat and looks at the guards. "I...we're, uh, passing through. And we got attacked by hobgoblins." He nods to the prisoner.

He looks at the guard and then down at the ground. "We, found some other people that they had killed...a farmer, I think..." He trails off, looking over at Sherroz and the rest.

[Nanoblack]

Slate

As they had neared town, Slate once more called upon the power of Naberius to disguise his true nature. His disguise as a portly half-elf usually gave the impression of harmlessness enough so that he could have the edge in a conversation. That was exactly what they needed right now.

He smiled kindly at the bold militiaman and spoke. "It's not likely that a single wounded hobgoblin could escape long enough to cause any trouble for you, officer. Especially considering we just thwarted a much larger ambush group of them further up the road." He gives a heavily embellished wave of his arm as an introduction to the rest of the party. "We only decided to haul him into town so the proper authorities could bring judgement upon him. So, if you please, let us pass onward to consult with whomever is in charge of this settlement."

Diplomacy:[roll0]
Disguise:[roll1]

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz

"Somebody," he flashes a look at Eric, "thought that bringing this thing to 'justice' was wiser than handling it ourselves. In any case, I want to question it before it's executed."

[Ladorak]

Using aid on Slate's roll. Diplomacy [roll0]

Eric steps between their captive and the bowman with shield raised. He holds his free hand out to his side, making sure the bowman realises that while he is shielded he is also unarmed. He looks the bowman dead in the eye and says'We mean you no harm. My companion speaks true, this is our captive, no friend at all.' He gesters to himself, holding his hand over his heart 'I am Eric Weiss of the Ruby Knights. I know you haven't heard of us, I am far from home. Back home was are enforcers of law. If someone in authority is willing to release him to my custody I'll gladly interrogate him, do the trial myself and hang him. All I ask is you wait till tomorrow so my magic is prepeared for that interrogation.'

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk, after experiencing his companions conversations skills more than once on their previous adventure, realises better than to open his mouth, then stick his size 15's into it. He merely stands close to the prisoner, his ritiik, while drawn held in a non-aggressive way. If asked to introduce himself, he replies simply, "Ogruk, from the mountains of the north."

[Niezck]

The guard in chain turns and whispers to the one without his bow raised, and the man runs off back toward the town. Drawing his sword, the lead guard says firmly. "You will go no further until Captain Soranna arrives. Hobgoblins are tricky, especially those Red Hand lot, you'll wait right here or you'll die tryin'."

[Ladorak]

'Of course we'll wait for the Captain. I meant to introduce myself anyway.' He glances back at the Hobgoblin, while his face is expressionless the hate burns in his pale blue eyes. 'Sir, this vile creature isn't a simple bandit is he? You were expecting trouble. How many more of these Red Hand are there?'

[Nanoblack]

He allows a small chuckle and waves his hand as to dismiss the guards uncertainty. "Alone, unarmed, unarmored, and bound as he is, he won't be doing much. Especially considering he's surrounded by us... with you as backup of course." He doesn't give the guard any time to consider whether that last part was meant to be an insult, and takes a step closer. "Actually, why don't you direct us to this 'Soranna' and we can save her the trouble of coming all the way out here. Meanwhile, you lot can go collect the rest of his gang we left further up the road."

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz allows himself a slight smile. "So, these 'Red Hand' creatures are familiar to you? Good. We may be able to find out what we need to know even if this one is unresponsive."

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk tries to make himself comfortable sitting on the ground, "Leave them to it, Slate." He grumbles, "If Soranna comes, he comes."

[Niezck]

Captain Soranna arrives after a short wait, a human female. She's a tall, strong-boned woman with simple good looks hidden behind an unsmiling manner. A longsword rests at her side and she is clad in exquisite plate mail.

Behind her marches a retinue of fifteen chainmail wearing guardsmen.

"You there! Why do you bring that hobgoblin to our borders?"

Her voice is harsh and unforgiving, clearly she's not impressed by your prisoner.

[Ladorak]

'Why, for summary interrogation, trial and execution, of course. Do you take us for slavers?' Eric frowns 'I am a Ruby Knight. I have been sent by my Lady to bring her... ministry to this land. A major part of her ministry is the enforcement of justice. So we are here, as are you and as is he. Once the interrogation is completed I'll gladly turn him over to you to be executed in whatever manner is your people's custom. Until then I'll want him alive, although as a show of good faith I am willing to release him to your custody.'

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz simply says, "it matters little to me which way the creature dies. I just want to know who they are and why they attacked us. What of these 'red hand' creatures, as you call them?"

[Niezck]

She frowns at Eric, seemingly ignoring Sherroz.

"I haven't heard of your order, Knight. But if you swear to abide by our laws then I will allow you passage. However, I require that you be escorted by an armed guard while that hobgoblin is alive. Additionally, any interrogation is to take place under my direct supervision. Understood?"

[Ladorak]

'Understood. I will come for him on the morrow, when Wee Jas will aid my interrogation.' He touches the largest image of her mark on his shield 'I swear before my lady to your laws Captain. Although I must confess ignorence of them, I am far from home and your ways are strange to me, I ask that you be forgiving of any error.' His frown deepens. 'I would also uphold your laws. Answer Sherroz's question Captain. Who are the Red Hand? Judging by the strength you have mustered here I fear the worst.'

[Niezck]

She sighs, as though sick of telling the tale.

"The Red Hand are stupid, disorganized grunts. An army of hobgoblins and creatures from beyond this world bent on destruction and death only. They're stupid though, and they never work to their advantage, instead they are content to use their military power to raid convoys and attack small encampments. We would never admit it publicly, but based on our scout projections, they could overrun us with ease, lest we get assisstance."

[Ladorak]

'Then you have it. I cannot speak for my companions but my shield is yours. Tell me...' He reaches into his bag of holding and dangles one of the priest's symbols. 'Have your scouts reporting seeing this symbol at all?'

[Chambers]

Alistair

His eyes wander over to the ferry as Alistair stands there listening. I wonder what kind of boat that is? Do they even call it a boat? Maybe it's something like a...huh? Red hand? Shaking his head he turns back towards the captain.

"Uh...did you say an army of hobgoblins?" He looks back and forth between the captain and the symbol Ladorak's holding. "I don't know much about tactics, ma'am...but these ones seemed pretty organized. Had an archer line and the clerics behind it." He shrugs. "I dunno though, maybe that's just general tactics. Most of the...er, people I trained with just leapt and screamed..." He trails off, his face turning red.

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk stands as Soranna approaches, and nods formally to her as she speaks. The large humanoid, stays quiet as the others converse, but once she tells of the Red Hand, he interjects.

"Ogruk will fight against Hobgoblins, if need be lady." he replies gruffly, he glances at Alistair, "Nothing wrong with screaming and leaping as a tactic!" he says with a slight smile on his rough features, "Ogruk prefers setting fire to people, then jumping." The smile grows wider, "They do the screaming!"

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz chimes in his agreement with the others. "I'm not particularly noted for being picky about my targets, but I do hold an especial dislike for foul creatures that attack civilized society without provocation."

[Niezck]

Raising an eyebrow as Alistair and Ogruk speak, the armoured woman continues.

"R...ight. Anyway. You're welcome to enter the town, simply fetch one of the town guard and ask for me when you wish to begin the interrogation, I'll have the hobgobbo brought out."

As she says that, two of her retinue walk over to your prisoner and bind him further in chains before leading him at swordpoint into the town. With the prisoner secure, Soranna and the rest of her crew begin walking back to the town.

[Ladorak]

As they walk Eric's cold blue eyes dart from side to side, taking in the terrain and features of the town. 'Where would you suggest we find a bed? We also have a number of weapons and armour for sale. I imagine they'll be put to good use, who would we speak to about that? I'd also like to speak with the town elders at their earliest convenience.'

[Duke of URL]

Yes, rest would be good, Sherroz muses to himself. While the others' need for sleep still amuses him to some degree, the time to clear his mind and study would certainly be appreciated. He follows Eric's lead to wherever rest can be found.

[Nanoblack]

Slate


"I feel my abilities should be put to use while they are available. Captain, are there any wounded in need of healing? If not, I'd like to stand watch over the prisoner as well. I won't be sleeping tonight, so I would be able to keep a watchful eye over him."

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk addresses Soranna, "Ogruk sleeps in the open, not in bed. Will sleep outside where others sleep."

He scratches his armpit absent-mindedly, looking around. "Nice Town!" he comments.

[Niezck]

((Map:))

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/rhod_maps/95681.jpg

Soranna answers you each in turn, pointing out the relevant locations in the town as you pass them.

"Best places to stay would probably be the Old Bridge Inn(10) or the Green Apple(4), although the Old Bridge is better quality, just costs a bit more coin. You can sell your equipment tomorrow after the trial at Morlin's Smithy(5), until then I'm going to have to insist you stay in your rooms, this may yet prove to be an elaborate trap. We don't have town elders as such, simply the leading merchants, warriors and other important folk of the town. Oh and I'm afraid you can't stay with the prisoner, he's to be kept under armed guard in the prison. Anything else before I go?"

[Duke of URL]

"Oh, no. You've been quite clear," Sherroz says. To Eric, he mutters, "I'm just loving all of the warm, happy feelings we're getting for this 'justice' of yours."

[Ladorak]

Eric scowls down at Sherroz, his cold eyes full of quiet interdiction but he says nothing until he is sure the Captain and her men cannot overhear him. Instead he turns to Soranna and nods in thanks 'That is all I think Captain. Thank you.'

[Chambers]

Alistair

"Oh, a trap? You guys must be pretty worked up over the Red Faces to be this suspicious." Alistair says as they walk along, not really paying attention to what she says, instead looking at all the buildings and glancing back at the ferry. "Looks like a nice town too. Do we really have to stay in our rooms?"

[Niezck]

"Hobgoblins are known for their trickery, master adventurer, as you're no doubt aware. And yes, I must insist you stay in your rooms until further notice. Which inn are you going to be staying at, anyway?"

[Ladorak]

'The Captain's right Alistair, wizards have all manner of disguise and she has every reason to be on guard. Eric smiles, while it conveys no warmth it is not near as unpleasent as the smile he had earlier, the slightly eager grin that took him when he stood on the battlefield surrounded by the dead and spoke of hanging. 'You told us which was better to bed in, may I ask which has the better common room? Surely our guards won't mind if we take a dram or two, surely it makes us easier to guard.'

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk gazes at the captain coldly, "Ogruk not sleep inside. Guard me with guard, take spear for night, do what you will, but Ogruk not sleep inside!"

[Niezck]

The captain frowns at Ogruk and sighs quietly.

"I cannot permit you to sleep outside. Either find an inn that is to your satisfaction or don't sleep, those are you choices. We can't just have people sleeping in the streets."

She turns to Eric.

"The Green Apple is probably your best bet for a common room."

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz says nothing, but simply lets his sighs indicate the level of boredom he is finding the tedious hassle to have achieved, and that he accepts the outcome that has been dictated to them.

[Nanoblack]

Slate

Arguing with a stubborn small town sheriff wasn't going to take them anywhere, so Slate resigned to the conditions forced upon them... for now.

[Ladorak]

'We'll take the Green Apple, thank you Captain.'

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk looks visible upset, at the thought of sleeping indoors, but with a slight tremor in his voice nods slightly, "Ogruk bow to your wishes."

[Niezck]

[A short while later ...]

You're just settling into your rooms when a knock comes at the door. Outside in the hallway stand a tall, balding man of about fifty and the only familiar face in the town - Soranna.

"Sorry to trouble you, travelers, but I'd like a few minutes of your time," the man says.

"My name is Norro Wiston, and I'm the Town Speaker for Drellin's Ferry. As I'm told you already know, this is our guard captain Soranna. I'll get right to the point: We're in a lot of trouble, and I was hoping I could persuade you to help us out."

[Duke of URL]

"Well, we're clearly not going anywhere at the moment," Sherroz says with only the slightest glare at Soranna, "so we might as well hear you out. Though, if we're so untrustworthy as to be kept under guard, why would you expect our aid to be of any use?"

[Ladorak]

Eric bows low to the Town Speaker, but there is no humility in his eyes. He regards Norro dispassionately, quietly sizing him up. He doesn't take his eyes off him as he answers Sherroz 'Let us all speak plainly now it will not affect the men's moral. The good Captain is canny enough, I imagine she saw us for what we are almost immediately... Or rather, I should say she saw what we represent.
'We are Drellin's Ferry's only possible salvation and therefore we are their possible doom. We need not raise arms against them, we need only stand aside and the town will be overrun.' His cold eyes turn to Soranna 'Their ill treatment of us shows how scared they are. While the horde waits outside it might be fatal to hope, yet without it there is only despair...' He eyes turn back to the Speaker and he places great weight on his next words 'There are of course certain considerations we must discuss, both legal and financial.'

[Niezck]

Norro is about to reply to Eric when Soranna interrupts, stepping forwards.

"Good knight, I was merely insistant on you coming here and doing no other actions so that Norro and I could address you privately at the earliest convenience. I didn't want you all wandering around the town and us being unable to talk to you all at once. Similarly, that's why I wished for you to stay indoors." She looks at Ogruk for the last sentence before stepping back and gesturing for Norro to continue.

"Well, brave adventurers, you would be helping countless people and saving many, many lives were you to help us ... Surely that is payment enough?"

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk grunts at Soranna, and this new man, "Huh, Ogruk already told you, he will fight hobbo's" He sits down, a little disgruntled, and obviously not comfortable in the room, "We all together at the bridge, why not fetch speaker and ask us then?"

[Ladorak]

Eric shrugs, his Pauldrons grate against his armour, a quiet shriek of metal against metal 'No finance. That is unfortunate, yet understandable.' He turns his attention back to Soranna 'I intended no offence Captain, I have lost count of the number of men I have met that have risen to higher office then yourself yet never showed half as much sense as you have shown today.'
The towering knight waves his hand about him, indicating the others 'Neither I nor Ogruk may speak for the whole, yet I also am content to serve free of charge... If my one condition is met.' He touches the embossed images on his chestplate and shield with a gentle reverence deeply out of character for him. 'Mayhap you do not recognise these images. They are the symbols of my Lady. Wee Jas, goddess of death and magic. All good men meet my lady eventually and to her wherever you die today or twenty years from now is but an eye blink in eternity. Were I to help you I may take a life she meant to preserve, or vice versa. That would make my Lady most wroth... It is... Unwise to anger my Lady. A shadow passes over the stern man's face as he pauses to reflect on the horror of memory or imagination. 'At the very least she would strip me of my power and leave me unable to defend you.
'But my Lady takes deep objection to those who violate her law, as it is given to me to uphold that law. If you agree to recognise the legal authority of the Ruby Knights in Drellin's Ferry and to dedicate a temple in her honour once the battle is finished then I could help you without fear of my Lady.'

[Duke of URL]

Snerroz is clearly not amused. "It seems to me that despite your pretty words, we are being treated as criminals, with the price of our freedom being to defeat your enemies, and for no recompense. If we were to refuse, then what? Would you keep us prisoners or try to kill us? But, alas, the point is moot, as my companions already seem obliged to agree."

"Fine. I shall do this for their sake, and to avoid any... unpleasantness. I demand no payment or assurances now. But if I were you, I would consider finding a suitable way to reward us should we return victorious, saving your town. Surely your lives have a value? Even should it take a generation to pay off such a debt, wouldn't it be worth it?"

Despite the haughty statements, Sherroz is actually eager to pursue the source of the invasion, his curiosity being piqued by the references to them being from another plane. And, their bodies twitch oh so beautifully when jolted by raw energy, too.

[Chambers]

Alistair

Surprised by the sudden turn of character by Soranna, he sits there and listens to her, Eric and Sherroz argue back and forth. He glares at Eric and stands up. "You..." He says to Eric. "All you care about is your law! These people need help and you're making demands when they need your aid."

He turns to Soranna and Wiston, "Of course I'll help the town...and I don't need any guarantees of temples or payment." He turns and stares at Sherroz and tries to say under his breath. "Making threats against them is not the way to make friends, Shozzy!"

[Niezck]

Soranna addresses the group as a whole, though clearly replying to Ogruk.

"I could not address you at the bridge for the simple reason that Alex and his fellow guards were present. Were I to admit publicly that the Hobgoblins could overrun us ... There would be panic, people would leave and the guard would disband!"

She turns to Eric.

"I can promise no such thing, the temples and worship within the town are unrelated to my post. We are not a large city, master knight, we can make no guarantees of great striuctures or statues being erected. Worse than that, we have no priests of your Lady who could maintain such a temple. I will, however, grant you full authority under the laws of Drellin's Ferry to act as you see fit. You would be considered a member of the guard and with rank above all but myself."

Norro steps forward at this point.

"I'm sure we can come up with some kind of arrangement to please your Goddess, knight. We can offer you each up to five hundred gold pieces, should this task be done, if money is a more important consideration than the loss of life. Will you do it?"

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz responds to Alistair, not bothering to keep his voice down. "Threats? No, just simple advice as to the nature of gratitude. As for being friends, our treatment so far at their hands does not incline me to desire such friends. Nonetheless, I have already said I will do as they plea, and without any guarantees. What more could they want? For me to do so with a smile and to thank them for the opportunity?"

[Ladorak]

Eric weathers Alistair's accusations as if his face was made of stone, betraying no hint of his inner thoughts. Once again he says nothing while outsiders are present, only his tense posture indicates that he has heard the barbarian at all. His tone is similarly unreadable 'That is enough I think. My Lady will allow me to uphold your laws as long as they do not contradict her own. I would prefer you accept the authority of my order as a whole but it is meet that you not judge us all by my example, although I hope my future actions will soften your stance.' He lifts his free hand to cover his mouth as he clears his throat, buying some time to phrase the next words carefully 'I hope you will reconsider regarding the temple. My Lady requires none of the... ostentatiousness you may expect of other gods, merely a place that is her own. If I send word to my homeland many priests will volunteer for such a duty and only the best will be chosen. You would find them a rare benison I think, they are wise beyond my ability to express and healers all. With them also may come Ruby Knights, men who will spill oceans of blood, including their own, to protect those who include Wee Jas in their prayers.' He holds his hand up to forestall any reply 'But I understand you would judge me by my actions and not my words before you agree to this concession. We will discuss this another time.' He pauses, his ice blue eyes sweep over everyone present, lingering briefly over each in turn. 'As I said, the Captain shows her wisdom. This is why I requested the inn with the busier common room. Tonight we shall move about the smallfolk and tell tales of our exploits... some of them may even be true. We shall fill them with what confidence we can. He seems to be speaking to everyone but Soranna when he says 'Moral is most important when the odds are against you. Despair has killed more armies than any warlord.'

[Niezck]

Soranna smiles at Eric, a sight not yet beheld by any of you.

"Your words are wise, Ruby Knight. We will consider your Lady's request as we would any other religious request."

Norro then speaks up.

"We thank you for your help, brave adventurers. Now, some details ... We believe there to be around one hundred hobgoblin warriors around in the Witchwood. We know there are at least three warbands nearby, ranging from fifteen to twenty warriors each, so fifty at the minimum. We believe them to also be using some terrible monsters and magic from the nine hells!"

[Duke of URL]

"Excellent," says Sherroz, regaining interest in the conversation. "Do you have any ideas as to the disposition of these warbands? Our best course of action would be to target the three known groups in rapid succession, so that we can eliminate the immediate threat to the town and hopefully not alert the others to their peril until it is too late."

[FyreByrd]

"Nine Hells?" Ogruk comments, then looks at Sherroz, "Ogruk have different definition of Excellent." He shrugs, having not been interested, or really following the conversation about recompense, and temples, he shudders at the thought of the busy common room, "You talk to small folk if you wish Knight. Ogruk will be alone."

[Ladorak]

Eric eyes the hulking figure 'I shouldn't think you need to tell many stories to impress these people Ogruk...' He turns back to the Captain 'We've had a taste of these monsters and magics... They are unanswered questions I hope m-' He visibly catches himself 'Our prisoner can shed some light on. Tell me Captain, you seem a seasoned campaigner, how long do you judge a force of this size capable of surviving on forage in this area?'

[Niezck]

Dismissing Sherroz outright, Soranna addresses Eric, clearly finding him more approachable than the kill-happy elf.

"You assume they are a mere rag-tag band, Sir Knight. Our reports suggest they are a well-trained and organized fighting force. This would imply they are not foraging, but have a dedicated supply line that is both well-protected and as short as possible."

[Ladorak]

Eric nods to himself 'I suspected as much... Which means one or two supply depots, any more would be surpluses to requirement. We're bound to find whosoever in charge when we find the depot and I'll wager our prisoner knows where the depot is.' He strikes his shield with a mailed fist, sending a ringing noise into the air 'Once the head is severed the body will be much easier to deal with... Is there anything else we should know Captain? I had planned to drink a pint or two to raise moral but now I suddenly feel a thirst.'

[Duke of URL]

"Yes, about that prisoner," interjects the kill-happy elf. "How exactly do we wish to go about interrogating him? There's the brute force method, of course, but we could consider subterfuge as well. My magical arts will allow me to make one or more of us appear to be similar creatures, and we can attempt to engage the prisoner as such."

"Now, Goblinioid is a language I have studied, so I may be able to pass myself off as a fellow soldier, using some of the equipment we acquired to augment my disguise. It's a blow to my dignity, but if it helps wipe out these foul beasts, I'll do it."

[Ladorak]

'Certainly a wise back up plan should my own arts fail, but with luck tomorrow I need only suggest it would go well for him to speak and we will speak... If not there is trickery and if that too fails there are... less subtle methods.'

[Chambers]

Alistair

Frowning at the talk of torture and interrogation, Alistair turns to the Captain. "Maybe we should try and stop their supply line then." He looks at his companions in the room for a moment. "We've got...five. Couldn't go up against a full size warband anyway."

[FyreByrd]

Ogruk shrugs, "We strong! Hobbos burn, should be easy!" The neanderthal yawns, and stretches, this long conversation obviously tiring to the savage northlander.

[Niezck]

"Very well, then we await the interrogation of the prisoner. I thank you, kind adventurers, for agreeing to help us with this. Now, until tomorrow."

With that, the two leave the room.

[Ladorak]

Eric turns to Alistair almost as soon as the Captain closes the door behind her. His tone is level but anger glints clearly in his eyes. 'You dishonour us Alistair, and with no good cause.
'Have I not said that my power will be removed, possibly with my life and soul, if I fail to uphold the law? Was my meaning unclear? Why they do you rail against me for considering the law above all else? My worth as a defender of innocents is directly linked to my dedication to my Lady's word.
'And you wrong your companions also. They are professionals and professionals get paid. If they did not they would be outclassed by professionals that do get paid. Then they will die.
'Your desire to help these people is worthy, but do not judge others less worthy than yourself if they are more constrained in their actions than you...' The Knight steps back and bows to Alistair 'And now I apologise should you find my words impertinent. They needed to be spoken but I intended no offence.
'Will any of you join me for a drink or two? I wager all assembled are better storytellers than myself.'

[Duke of URL]

"I'll even buy the first round," says Sherroz. The idea of just relaxing for a while is suddenly quite appealing.

[Niezck]

Decided upon your course of action, those that wanted to make their way to the bar downstairs. On the way, however, Soranna calls out to you from across the hallway.

"Oh, I forgot something!"

She approaches the group, lowering her voice to hopefully keep inquisitive ears out of the conversation.

"If you're going to be wandering around in the Witchwood, I would advise you seek out Jorr. You can't find someone who knows the woods better. His cabin is out of the way, but it could be worth the walk. If you take the Witch Trail, go left at the first big trail crossing; Jorr's cabin is about seven miles in. Or, if you're on the Dawn Way, take a right on a trail about nine miles from the forest edge; Jorr's cabin is near the Blackwater."

[Ladorak]

Eric spends most of the night simply observing the crowd from a quiet corner. It has been pointed out to him several times that there's no such thing as a 'quiet corner' in a tavern, sufficient answer was always made by simply taking a corner and waiting for the crowd to clear a space around him. Eric is one of the more threatening looking unarmed men these people will every encounter, they do as the crowd always does.
First they are wary, then they're awkward and finally they become indifferent as he does nothing but sips his ale and watches them coolly. He marks out the ringleaders, the louder groups, the individuals he needs to impress and then he waits for them to get good and drunk.
When he finally rises from his seat there is sufficient merriment that he goes unnoticed. He instigates himself into group after group, politely asking about their trades while pretending an interest in commerce, men are always willing to talk about their professions when drunk, wherever it's to brag, boost, complain, lament or whatever else.
He nods politely saying little as they vent their collective spleen and then he repeats the same story to each group. 'I am Eric Weiss, White Knight of my Lady, of the Order of the Ruby Knights. My Lady has commanded I come west to protect this town. On my journey I have slain trolls and trogs, strange beasts trice the size of a man with six arms and terrible jaws. I cannot express how relieved I am to come here and find that you have so little need of my protection. Often the journey is more important then the destination, I have found.' After that the stories vary from group to group, depending on how Eric has judged them over the course of the night. To some he tells stories of his conquests of women (Patently untrue and unashamedly borrowed from Alistair) to others he speaks of distant travels in mystic lands. Each have a common theme, an honour duel or a deadly ambush, all serve to strengthen the people's belief in the prowess of either himself or his group. Almost all of it is lies, but to that he does not care.
He retires in the early morning, stopping to say goodbye to each man or woman he has spoken to over the course of the night. He remembers all of their names. It has always amazed him the devotion a commander can get out of his men by mastering this simple trick.
He sleeps in his armour without suffering for it and rises in the morning refreshed. Once his morning prayers are complete he leaves the inn and marches in a determined fashion toward where his prisoner is kept. Only those who know him well would be able to see beneath his icy gaze a glimmer of anticipation, maybe even a savage hunger.

Spell list for tomorrow:

* indicates a domain spell

0-level
Detect magic
Light x2
Mending
Purify Food and Drink

1-level
Protection from Evil
Obscuring Mist
Bless
Divine Favor
Command*

2-level
Energized Shield, Lesser
Hold Person x2
Silence
Zone of truth
Enthrall*

3-level
Summon Undead III
Magic circle against evil
Dispel magic
Suggestion*

[Duke of URL]

Sherroz lets Eric do all of the talking, merely trying to relax and contemplate what they have been told so far, and trying to fill in the missing pieces of what is either not known, or perhaps intentionally omitted. Something not all that easy to do in a bust common room, and he eventually tires of trying to concentrate, focusing more on enjoying the simple food and drink. "After all," he says in a rare moment of fellowship, "given the life we lead, why should we not take a moment to enjoy what could be our last hot meal?"

Eventually, he heads up to the room to trance, needing to refresh his mind for the coming day and its trials.


For the moment, Sherroz will not prepare any spells, save for


0: detect magic
1: comprehend languages
2: fell drain magic missile (x2)
3: empowered fell drain magic missile
4: polymorph

leaving his remaining spell slots open based on how questioning the prisoner goes.