War of Scales [IC]

[Tsumeken]

Chapter I: Imperial Orders

After traveling the past few days through the waste, you come upon a large camp, almost a city in itself, a city of soldiers and mercenaries all gathered for one purpose; to make names for themselves in the coming days of the Yuan-Ti War. You yourself were drawn by a recruiter who promised fame and fortune for any brave enough to join with the rag-tag group. The sea of tents before you show the extent of those words and that they seem to ring quite well with the rest of the population as they did with you.

[KingOfLaughter]

Ronnin sighs "Great, more idjits to compete with."

[Ipphli]

Tagar

The large half-ogre stopped at the sight of the encampment before them. Standing nearly 8 feet tall and weighing well over 400, he stands head and shoulders taller than the other in his recruitment group. Wearing a worn mithral breastplate, and carrying a large, two-handed axe on one shoulder, he's obviously a warrior. Glancing at Ronnin, he just shakes his head. "You've never fought yuan-ti have you? We'll need every one of those 'idjits' in the war to come."

[KingOfLaughter]

"I prefer a small group of skilled warriors to a huge force of idjits. Especially if these idjits are us untrained as they look."

[Ipphli]

Tagar snorts. "Be as skilled as you want. When you're outnumbered 20 or more to 1, you'll wish you had more of these 'idjits' at your side. Come, lets go introduce ourselves to the leader of this army."

[KingOfLaughter]

"Idjits are idjits. They're only useful if they're skilled idjits. I hope the leaders trained."

[Tsumeken]

listen checks
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

A few heads do turn towards you two as you have your discussion but glares are all that they give as they would rather save their strength for the Yuan ti then a loud mouth.

In the center of the camp stands two men looking over a large map, they appear to be studying it intently and moving pieces about the top of it in different formations.

[KingOfLaughter]

Ronnin glares back, his dragon connection showing through his eyes and is almost scale like skin.

[Nauticus]

Having almost not spoken a word for the entire journey, Juggler now emerges from behind the half-ogre where he walked mostly. And directs his feet straight to the two men and their map.

Once he is close enough he begins to study it as well, with intent to learn about the meaning of the pieces and the terrain. At the same time, with the corner of his eyes he is carefully watching the reaction of the two men.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

The half-nymph Mulan human had about as much to say as the Illuskan which was pretty much nothing herself. She'd been keeping to herself, most of her attention if not all of it being heeded to her pet fox Illyana actually. As they did arrive, however, she did begin to take note of their surroundings as it would be, she knew, vital to her surviving this.

Whether the others did or not she didn't care; she was strictly in this for herself only. After all, if she could prove herself she would be able to soon be with the Red Wizards of Thay. She'd been working so hard on accomplishing this dream and she wasn't about to let any of these people screw it up for her.. not if she could help it at least. However, she knew she was probably the "underdog" of the group. Yet a smirk crossed her face as she realized, if nothing else, it would be all more the reasons to prove she was better than any of them. Now to find the captain or whomever we need to speak with.... She thought, her hands now remaining behind her back as she temporarily ceased petting her fox, looking down at Illyana with a smile as she spoke softly, "Later dear.... right now we need to focus on finding our goal, okay?" She smiled as she noted her fox seemed to nod in agreement and then her focus remained ahead of her as she began to seek out their destination and person they were to meet up with.

[Tsumeken]

Virgo
You see the others with the two near the map.

The men look up first noticing Juggler at first and then the others, their gaze mostly fixed on the large half-ogre of the group. "Yes gentleman, what can I help you with?" they seem to take time with their words while they address the group, not sure of what the skill set of the newcomers may be.

[Nauticus]

Juggler politely lays his eyes on the speaker, shows a thin smile and raises a soft baritone voice.

Greetings. I might have asked the very same thing. Since I assume you are in administering positions here, I'll have you know that we were recruited to aid you in your tactical endaevours.
So, to answer your question, I am sure that both sides would profit from a detailed strategy-briefing.

[Ipphli]

Tagar looks up from where he'd been staring at the map, a look of puzzlement or perhaps confusion on his face. He nods respectfully to the two men as he lowers his axe to the ground, aware his posture might be considered intimidating. "We heard you need all the help you can get. Well, we've come to help."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

"As have we." Naomi quickly adds in as she finds and joins up with the rest of the group. Her eyes gazed around them all and was amazed yet somewhat reassured to see another human. Granted it was an Illuskan but better than nothing she figured. "I would have been here sooner but I had a couple complications I ran into.... nothing too much of course." She swiftly added, moving a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Assuming I was informed correctly, you're having issues with the Yuan-Ti?" She asked, ensuring she had heard correctly and in case she didn't, would be informed of more accurate information and details.

[KingOfLaughter]

"Let's deal with this problem as quickly, brutally, and viscously as possible yes? My dragon lord demands praise through action, not words."

[Tsumeken]

the men nod to you all as one dismisses himself. The remaining man bows slightly before introducing himself. "My name is Colonel Enris, and right now yes are indeed in need of some assistance. Right now we are attempting to take back one of our forts that we lost in the previous wekks before it is too heavily fortified." He moves back over to the map showing the positions on the map, "Our forces will move into position along the border of the Black Jungle, the fort lies just outside of the treeline. Hopefully this will lure the bulk of their forces out allowing your smaller group to sneak in.

[Nauticus]

The Illuskan returns the bow and then furrows his brow, eyes on the map.

Understood. Do you have specific information regarding the leader of the group? Do they have magical support we should know of? Are there survivors of the battle where the fortress was lost?
And finally, since there should be rather much intelligence available regarding the fort, considering that it was build by your forces - are there secret entrances, or weak spots that we might focus on?

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

For now, Naomi felt the most comfortable around the Illuskan so she moved closer to him to be able to examine the map better. Heh.... not bad. This one's pretty damn smart actually.... She thought as she listened to all his questions. They were good... but there was another one too that came to her mind that he hadn't asked, so she did, "Also.... even if we take any support forces out of the picture, do you have an estimate of how many Yuan-Ti and whatever else may be there that will be against us?" It was usually good to know one's odds.... something the guy who apparently worshiped a dragon deity may want to realize soon as no one could be a one-man army and he sounded more than confident to do that much.

[Tsumeken]

The commander thought for a second deciding to answer the questions in the order they wer brought up. "The leader of the group that took the fortress appeared as a man but he was in fact Yun-ti, he has a magical lance of some sort but other then that no magic we know of though thy may have divine casters behind the walls. Yes there are survivors, right now some are being treated in the infirmary. Near the forests edge there will be a large rock near a tall tree, the rock conceals a small passage that you may crawl through." He looks at the half ogre thinking, "It may be a tight fit but you could all crawl through it well enough. I know that the leader of the forces keeps four guards with him at all times, other then that I can estimate anywhere from 20~30 other troops could remain in the fort."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi nodded, taking in all the information she'd just heard. "Alright then...." She then turned to the others, finally speaking to them, "Do any of you need to prepare or get any preparations done? Or.... are we all ready to head out?" While she was eager to get going, she wanted to be smart about it too rather than just rush in.

[Ipphli]

Tagar rolls his shoulders and swings his arms a bit. "I'm ready. When can the distraction begin, or has it already?" He hefts his axe onto his shoulder once more, looking at the small group. "And maybe we should get to know each other before we go Like what each of us can do? Any of you a magic user?"

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi nodded again, a proud smirk on her face. "I am. An arcane one to be exact." She moved a hand down, gently petting Illyana's head then moving aside to introduce her pet. "And she is my familiar who helps me often and is much more than what merely meets the eye." It was, in a weird ironic way, sorta sad but true nonetheless; her fox was usually swifter than her and because it could deliver spells she had, the two actually made quite the good two-person team.

[Nauticus]

Without letting the friendly face go for even one second, the man turns around to the halfblood, sending long, dyed air flow in a swirl of red and white.

It is surely nice to have a reasonable warrior in our group who puts thought ahead of action.

His mouth twitches a little, almost pointing in the direction of the pale, silver-haired man. Almost.

I am pleased to meet you. And to answer to your wise question; I am one who brings confusion to his foes.
Be that magical or... more subtle.
Regarding this specific operation I think taking out the leader is our first priority. Therefore I shall develop a strategy that might lure the guards away, giving you

He glances from the half-oger to the Mulan women

the opportunity to take him down effectively and fast. If you feel comfortable with that.

He pauses for one moment, then speaks without turning:

Good Colonel, is there a water source nearby or inside the fort?

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi looked up, her mind thinking quickly if she could figure out a way. A slightly proud smirk soon formed on her face as she turned to the Illuskan and nodded, "I have some things I can use, yes... most definitely I'm fine with that." Fine was probably a drastic understatement for her; if this mission went well and she could get credit for ridding of the leader... gods it'd be a huge breakthrough for herself and her goal so she wouldn't complain at all.

[Tsumeken]

The colonel looked to the half-ogre to answer his question, "The attack will not begin until later in the night. We chose this time because we figure that more of their forces function at night, therefore this will draw more of them out as opposed to doing this in the day. As for bodies of water in or around the fort, we do have a well drilled in the lower areas of the fort for a supply of fresh water though you do remind me of a second way you may be able to get in. However, it would not be as ... fresh as the other."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi nodded after a bit, looking amongst the group. "Knowing we all have time... perhaps we should all rest up before the operation? We all need to be in our absolute best shape for this, no matter whether we're a fighter or magic-user." She looked amongst all the others, waiting for their input.

[Ipphli]

Tagar nods. "I could use with a bit of food before we start. Where's the mess tent?"

[KingOfLaughter]

Ronnin turns and walks off, finding a tree and sitting under it, whistling rnadomly, and watching the people go about their business.

[Tsumeken]

The colonel thanks you all before answering the half-ogre"The mess tent is located on the east end of camp." with that he goes back to his map looking over strategies for the coming assault.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

As the half-ogre asked about the mess tent, her own stomach growled, hinting it may be a wise idea as food usually gave people energy and enhanced one's ability to think more clearly. "Come on, Illyana." She said, patting her thigh gently as she signaled for her fox to follow behind, remaining behind the half-ogre and following him into the mess tent.

[Tsumeken]

Naomi & Tagar:
The mess tent is occupied by some 42 soldiers, not including the servers of which there are 3. Two tables are still open. Each one could seat 6 people apiece. On the menu today are a large flank steak that appears to have been seared and maybe a little overcooked, a creamy mix of what you assume to be some sort of vegetation, and a small glass at the end which you may feel with mead from a nearby keg.. Guards are stationed at the keg to make sure everyone only gets one.

[Ipphli]

Tagar glances at his companion as he enters the tent, ducking his head low to get through the entrance. He glances down at the fox, then back at Naomi. "I hope your little friend will be okay. Hate to see something happen to...her?" As he talks, the half-ogre walks over to the serving line and takes a couple of steaks, ignoring the vegetables.

After getting his flagon of mead, Tagar takes a seat at one of the empty tables, ignoring any stares he may be getting. He gestures for Naomi to join him.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi nodded. "Yes, Illyana is a girl." Her attention remained focused on the steak mainly and , after some quick thinking,, went on and decided on getting a bit of the mead. Enough to help her relax but not too much to keep her logic from failing her. She took the man's hint as she sat across from him, patting a space beside her as she let Illyana jump up beside her. "Actually... sometimes Illyana is, at times, tougher than me due to her being faster. So until I'm given a reason to, I'm very confident in her." She decided to leave her words at that as she began eating and drinking.

[Nauticus]

After the briefing, Juggler begins to wander around the camp, thinking about the night to come. After several minutes he begins talking to veterans, officers and foot soldiers alike, trying to gather information about how to effectively fight Yuan-Ti and insight into their battle strategy.

Gather Information: [roll0]

[Tsumeken]

Juggler:
Yuan-Ti are fond of hit and run tactics, sometimes luring enemies into traps; usually not deadly ones though. A Yuan-Ti will try to cripple it's foes with natural hazards and traps as it would rather have the satisfaction of ending the lives of their foes by their own blades. Yuan-Ti are also privy to a long forgotten spell which allows them to transform wood into serpents but only clerics of high order know this.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
The party had not seen their Crucian ally since shortly before they entered the encampment: As was her habit, she had passed up the chance to talk with the army's leaders to instead aquaint herself with the army's water supply.

For someone that grew up in a desert, it was to be expected that there would be something of a fresh water fixation.

But even water could keep Sophonisba away from the promise of combat for only so long (plus, the soldiers guarding it were starting to mutter about the amount she could drink). So she worked her way back into the camp, following the trail of the Half-Ogre, Tagar. Mainly because he was by far the easiest of the party to follow.

The turtle-woman took the opportunity to help herself to some food before joining Tagar and Naomi - everything on offer save the mead, in fact. Since it was going free (and she was hungry) she would have been a fool not to.

"Did I miss anything interesting in the briefing?" Precisely the sort of question you wanted to ask before you started eating - the person you were talking to could fill you in at their leisure while you ate.

[Ipphli]

Tagar turned towards Sophi, shrugging. "We're to be a strike team, infiltrating a fort held by the enemy. The rest of the army will attack as a distraction, to allow us to enter unobserved. I think one of our first objectives should be to secure the gates, to allow our allies to enter in case we fail."

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"...You mean opening the gate to let the army in isn't our objective? What are we actually being sent in for?"

That ought to keep Tagar talking long enough for her to finish the vegetable... thing... that she'd picked up from one of the servers...

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

"Simply put... to deal with the Yuan-Ti and any possible support races they may or may not have.... goblins, orcs, whatever else may lie ahead. But I don't think it'll be anything too much... even with the numbers of theirs being higher, sometimes it's more of a strategy that wins as opposed to numbers. Of course, it also depends on how.... patient or not some of us are. I'm not sure if you saw our other front liner but I'm not 100% sure on how he'll fare in this... seems rather hasty to me and that often can lead to one's death. Anyways... that matters not right now. I am Naomi and this is Illyana." She nodded to her fox as she said the name "Illyana", giving the woman a friendly smile. It truly was nice to see another female for once; being around so many men made her annoyed as she assumed, until she could be proven wrong,, that the lack of women was represented by those who believed they lacked the ability or will to assist in any way possible... and when she'd been taught women could easily be better than any man, it was annoying for her to see so few women on the battle field.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

"I would not worry about that, Naomi." A rather wide grin spreads across Sophonisba's face as she speaks. "If our third melee specialist would rather run ahead and take the hits instead of me, he's welcome. He's stupid, but he's welcome. I can hold the line about as well without him as with."

Considering that the person saying this is wearing full plate over a rather noticeable (and *hefty*) shell... well, you'd probably believe her if she said she could hold position to the end of time and back.

"Anyway, sounds a simple enough first mission, then. May even be easy, but at least its simple. When are we supposed to start?"

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi allowed her own smirk to show as the girl finished speaking.. She was already taking a huge liking to this as it seemed they weren't as different as she thought. "Who says I was worrying about that? I'm not.. far from it if anything as I believe what you do. If he wants to rush forward and die, fine by me. But I've got my own goals and it sounds like you do too.... which is good. It means I have someone who for sure won't .... just rush out and think they can do everything by themself. It's nice to know others here have common sense." As the girl asked when this was to begin, she answered quickly yet simply, "At nightfall so give or take a few hours. I hope by then you are as prepared as I am."

[Tsumeken]

Night falls as you are all rounded up. The colonel gives you directions to your waiting spot. Moments later, after you arrive, a large red light shoots into the sky, signaling it's time to move and that the diversion has worked.

The tunnel takes only a few moments to navigate through and soon you find yourselves in the fort. The hallway you have come up in extends 30 feet in either direction and then turns to the north. There are no other doors.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"As the Sphinx says, if you're stuck in a maze, put one hand on the wall and follow that wall until you find the exit or the pressure plate trap. Unless one of you has a better idea, I'm going to use my left hand."

As she suggested this, Sophi was busy readying her Heavy Flail with her right hand. It would be a pretty poor choice to march into someone else's stronghold without so much as a weapon to hand, after all...

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

"Another trick with labyrinths is to mark where you have been by making a signal you can recognize with a small sword or dagger even. Granted, sometimes it's difficult to make enough impact as the surface is usually stone but assuming you can get by that, I've heard it works." She then gave a wry smile as she realized the irony of her suggestion, "Guess I can't take my own advice...." she admitted, chuckling a bit softly as she reminded herself upon a quick search of herself she only had her quarterstaff for a weapon. "Ah well....guess I will use my hand then." With that, she put her own left hand on the wall, ready to follow behind when the others were ready.

[KingOfLaughter]

Ronnin pulls out a flail, "Still want to put a hole in the wall?" He then chuckles softly, his normal human side showing slightly

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi merely shook her head. Typical man... doesn't listen.... Aloud, she sighed before replying, "I said make a mark in the wall.... not a damn hole. A hole would easily give away others who shouldn't be here are. On a more serious note... I do think maybe for now it might be easiest using our hands."

[KingOfLaughter]

"But a hole is a form of a mark." He laughs again and then puts the flail back on his belt.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

The half-ogre pulls out a monstrous greataxe, wielding it easily where a large man could barely lift it. He reaches down to his belt and pulls out a dagger. Handing it towards Naomi, he grins. "Here. I want it back though when we're through."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi gave the half-ogre a smile as she nodded. "But of course... I wouldn't even dare try to sneak away with it. Not my specialty anyways." She held it gently against the wall, already making a small circle that looked as if it were set ablaze then nodded, "Ready when you all are." She said, keeping the dagger gently held in her left hand.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

A faint shrug as the others wound their way to a consensus (of sorts). Left hand out it was - with that decided, Sophi calmly walked to the end of the corridor, and peered around the corner...


[roll0]
[roll1]

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi fairly assumed when the other girl began to move, it was enough of a hint that they were all ready. Or if they weren't... well they'd have to be soon now wouldn't they? She peered around with her looking at the opposite end of the corner so this way the group would know exactly what was in each direction. Hopefully this will go well....

Search Check:
[roll0]

Spot Check:
[roll1]

Illyana's Spot Check:
[roll2]

[Tsumeken]

As you gaze around the corner you see 3 men talking to each other, two of which have long snake like lower bodies. The third stands against the wall with his arms crossed listening, his body seems to be human though he carries no weapons on his person. From this you can assume he is not the man in charge of this operation.

[Nauticus]

As Juggler realized the others seemed to be aware of foes, he abandoned his plan to somehow silence the sick looking man to prevent him from laughing out again in the middle of a secret operation, thinking Nine lords of hell, I hope he dies first very calmly to himself.

Then he readies his dagger and steps up to the Mulan women and her well armored companion.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi remained silent as she looked amongst all the men.... well, half-men it seemed as she looked back to the others afterward. "Ideas on how to go about this?", ensuring her voice remained quiet now that it was even more obvious they had company to worry about.

[Nauticus]

With a low voice Juggler answers Naomis question with quick but carefully pronounced words.

What is most important - should combat begin, it is crucial that no one escapes or manages to get a warning out.
A straight attack might get us into more trouble later on.
I am not sure yet, if the three of them are stationary there or if they are patrolling around and just having a chat right now. Let's wait until they are done talking and see if they stick together. Should they do so, I will try to lure them over by the use of illusions - when they are close enough we attack and make sure they can't escape.
Oh and I'd say we take out the unarmed one first, should that be possible.

He pauses and weighs the dagger in his hand and then adds with a slight smile, looking at no one in particular

And please refrain from any audible battlecries, should that be your usual... style.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi nodded, smiling upon hearing his common sense. It was nice to see someone else aside from her, though then again the only person who seemed overly hasty was the pale man. But... if he wanted to be that way, 'twas his approach and none of her affairs. Deciding she may as well take advantage of the fact they all had time to prepare, she pulled a potion [Mage Armor] out and drank it, knowing she'd direly need it. In order to get accepted into the Red Wizards, I'll have to live through this first... .and this should help out greatly.... As she noted there was no real place to throw the now empty vial away, she slowly put it away, keeping her actions as quiet as possible. Aloud, she finally asked, "Anyone want any spells or anything before we begin combat? I have one in the same form of the potion I just drank... it'll make anyone who has it cast upon harder to hit, or better yet, I have 4 more of those potions. I also have one to make one stronger [Bull's Strength]. Normally I keep these to myself.... but then again, I've never been on a team really. Mind you, I am limited but while we're comrades, no sense on seeing anyone die on one another." She then waited to hear what their answers would be.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

"Tagar and I should be fine" the crucian stated, in a quiet voice and a matter of fact tone. "Better to save the potions for our squishier members. Especially as we are likely to be in combat long enough that you will need more than one.

I will wait for your signal." Sophi had never actually lead anyone in combat - sure, she was a good fighter, but she wasn't an experienced leader. If someone else wanted to control tactics, she was happy with that. Besides, it's hard to mis-deploy a crusader in a corridor. Stick them between you and the enemy. Nice and simple!

[Ipphli]

Tagar speaks in a quiet whisper. "Bring them down here. If we charge down the hall, they'll likely raise the alarm. I and Sophi will wait here, just around the corner. Soon as they come around the corner, we'll strike, swift and sure." So saying, the half-ogre grips his greataxe tightly in both hands, waiting.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi looked up and, after a bit, smiled as an idea came to her head. First thing was first she decided as she cast a Light spell upon the dagger she'd been given temporarily. She then knelt beside Illyana, petting her gently as she pointed to the Yuan-Ti, keeping her voice low as she began giving instructions, "See this? Carry this around them for a bit then walk back here with them... okay? Be careful girl...." With that, she stood back up, watching as Illyana began walking off as instructed and walked around them all in a circle for a while. She'd keep it up until it got most if not all of their attention then head back to the party. Before she would begin to head back, however, Naomi got her quarterstaff ready, knowing company would arrive soon.

[Tsumeken]

The three men look down at the strange creature before smiling, "Heh, looks like our dinner is here." As Illiyana runs off back towards the group the creatures rush after her but not before chucking their spears in a attempt to hit the poor thing. The unarmed one runs and appears that he was not so unarmed as his arms are there just as serpents and not normal human ones.

Thrown weapons
[roll0]
[roll1]

damage
[roll2]
[roll3]

Both spears miss one connecting with the wall but the other barely missing Illyana's hind legs. The Yaun-ti are now in range of the party.

[whoiam]

Initiative: [roll0]
Delayed Damage Pool: 0/5
Granted Maneuvers: Crusader's Strike, Stone Bones, Leading the Attack


Sophi steps quickly around the corner and swings her flail at the snake-armed figure (as Juggler had suggested earlier). Having also taken into account the suggestion that she should refrain from noisy battlecries, she instead opts for a rather evil-sounding chuckle as she launches her first assault...


Using 'Leading the Attack' (+4 morale bonus on attack rolls vs my target for all my allies if I hit).
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Ipphli]

Tagar moves after Sophi, stepping around the corner and charging at the closest yuan-ti.


Power Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]
Crit Damae [roll3]


Cleave Attack [roll4]
Cleave Damage [roll5]

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi smiled as she watched Illyana come back safely. "Good girl...now then...." Her eyes looked right at the Yuan-Ti in front of the group, an anger look in her eyes as her grip tightened on her quarterstaff. "Let's show them what we're really made of, shall we?" With that, she swung her quarterstaff at the one the half-ogre had gone for.

Attack Roll:
[roll0]

Crit Check:
[roll1]

Damage Roll:
[roll2]

[Tsumeken]

The Yaun-ti with the snake hands falls to your surprise assault as the others seem shocked and distressed. (not to mention the fact they unarmed themselves in their quest for fox meat)

Morale checks
[roll0]
[roll1]
(on a side note that is creepy when that happens and it's always with 13)

They two snakemen shake it off, unarmed or no they seem determined to avenge their fallen comrade
they move up to attack.

(one moves to Naomi, the other towards Sophi, since they do not have improved unarmed you get attacks of opportunity)

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi shook her head no, an arrogant smirk on her face. "I think not...." She said, her voice in a sing-songish tone of sorts as she swung her quarterstaff at the one going for her.

Attack Roll:
[roll0]

Crit Check:
[roll1]

Damage Roll:
[roll2]

[Nauticus]

When the fighting began, Juggler stepped behind Sophonisba and Naomi, ensuring a good overview of the battle.
However, he does not participate directly in combat, instead readying an action to cast silent image a few steps behind the Yuan-Ti, resembling a grinning half-ogre with an axe, blocking the way. Juggler will cast this should one of the Yuan-Ti try to flee.

[whoiam]

Sophi's Surprise Attack

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Tsumeken]

Both Yaun ti are stopped in mid action as the hits connect with them causing them to back ff in pain. The hiss annoyingly at the two women.

((Players turns))

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi's smirk remained as she quietly swung again at the Yuan-Ti, as if silently taunting it. This is what they get for trying to go after my pet.... not my fault now is it? With that, she swung at the one closest to them.

Attack Roll:
[roll0]

Crit Check:
[roll1]

Damage Roll:
[roll2]

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
Current Stance: Iron Guard's Glance (Any foe in one of my threatened squares takes a -4 penalty if they try and attack any of my allies other than me)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]


Like Naomi (but without the smirk), Sophi quickly steps up to the recoiling yuan-ti and attempts to plug it's hissing with the business end of her flail. It was an irritating sound, after all.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

The half-ogre takes a step to the side, flanking the enemy Naomi was attacking. He lashes out with his weapon, hoping to down the monster quickly.


Power Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]

Cleave Attack [roll3]
Cleave Damage [roll4]

[Tsumeken]

Naomi swings as the Yuan-ti pulls it's body back only to be met by the large brunt of the ogre's club. It falls forward to the ground unconscious. Sophi's attack finds it's mark as the Yuan-ti see's it is sorely outnumbered begins to fall back.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

"Heh...guess it's just you and us now hm?" She taunted to the remaining Yuan-Ti. Not even waiting for his reply, she swung her quarterstaff at him, hoping to hit her mark.

Attack Roll:
[roll0]

Crit Check:
[roll1]

Damage Roll:
[roll2]

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar grins ferally at the remaining yuan-ti, swinging his axe towards the thing's head.


Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]


"It feels wrong doing this quietly," Sophi notes, as she almost absentmindedly sends the flail Yuan-ti-wards again. "There should be threats, and taunts, and battlecries..."

[Tsumeken]

DM Roll:
[roll0]

As you fling the mace, it flies true. The spiked ball flies into the back of the creature's head and lands with a sickening crack. The Yuan-Ti falls forward to the ground dead, the spikes of your flail still embedded in it's skull.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

"Nice and easy. Everyone ready to go on?"

As she spoke, Sophi was busy pulling her flail back out of the Yuan-Ti's corpse. Say what you like about her, but she wasn't squeamish.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi smirked. Blunt, to the point, direct. It was the way she liked things and to see someone else... especially another girl the same... made her content. She went over her spells in her head and nodded after a bit. "Definitely am ready." She looked back at the others for a bit then turned back around, gently petting Illyana, giving her a temporary reward for her distraction of sorts she'd given the Yuan-Ti earlier.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar frowns as he nods. "Speed is of the essence. Men are dying out there to buy us time." He glances at his axe, still unbloodied, shaking his head.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"Then we go."

Left hand out once more, and Sophi resumes leading the party along their corridor.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Nauticus]

Moving silently beside the half-ogre Juggler whispers to his companions

You are right that time is important. However, do not rush anything - we are to make the sacrifices of soldiers worth it by succeeding, and slow, if that need be. We only...

Juggler pauses very shortly, thinking of something that might fit to this primitive, emotional concept of value, and then continues

...dishonor the dead by hastening to a failure.

[Tsumeken]

As you move forward, you hear the squabbling of demi-humans up ahead. It seems to be coming around from the next corner. You can see shadows cast on the wall and from the shapes, you can tell they are not Yuan-Ti that linger around the corner.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
Sophi comes to a halt shortly before the corner, and glances back at the others. Whether she's waiting for permission or judging the other's readiness is not immediately obvious, but the fact she's readying her flail again *is*.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi gave the other woman a silent nod, hinting she was ready. Irregardless of whether these were Yuan-Ti or not, the fact was they were still enemies and that was all she did need to know. Therefore, they probably couldn't be negotiated with. She kept her quarterstaff at the ready, staying more towards the end of the group.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar glances at the two women, happy to follow their lead. He grips his weapon tightly, determined to make a better showing for himself this time.

[Tsumeken]

You spot two goblins that seem to be fighting over a metal stick of some sort. It looks to be silvery in color with small etchings on it. One of the goblins wins the tug-of-war, swinging the stick with all his might. He hits the other goblin, causing a sickening crack as it falls to the ground, blood pooling from it's mouth. It turns towards the group, it's mouth curling into a wicked smile as it lets out an insane sounding cackle before rushing forward.

(I should have said this earlier, but I always have players go first so init not needed. Just attacks and damage rolls.)

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi blinked in astonishment at the sadistic behavior the goblin was displaying. This wasn't....normal.... was it? She was pretty sure the answer was no but she shook her head, focusing on her new target. At least we only need to worry about one... She thought, noting the fact that it killed it's own comrade in the process of playing the tug-of-war game with it. Hopefully it hadn't been loud enough to gather more Yuan-Ti or goblins and that concern was enough to make her try to end this quickly as she swung her quarterstaff at it.

Attack Roll:
[roll0]

Crit Check:
[roll1]

Damage Roll:
[roll2]

[Nauticus]

As the goblin rushes toward the group, Juggler moves to the side, throwing his arms in the direction of the aggressor, a cone of swirling colors emerging from his fingers while he intones silent, pitchless singing.

Color Spray at the goblin. Will Save DC: 14

[Tsumeken]

The spray of color shoots forward, enveloping the goblin who merely presses through it, wearing the same insane grin he'd started the charge with. His madness may have given him a slight edge against such things.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
With the same laughter she'd started the previous battle, Sophie steps forth and tries to end the Goblin's charge the old-fashioned way.

By forcing him against a wall. And then splattering his brains across it.


[roll0]
[roll1]
Maneuver used: Leading the Attack (+4 morale bonus on attack rolls vs my target for all my allies if I hit).

[Tsumeken]

The goblin's charge is somewhat halted as it takes a quarterstaff to the gut. This brief moment of immobility grants Sophie the ability to swing true, scoring a direct hit on the side of the goblin's wretched face, causing him to be stuck between the wall and her flail before finally popping like an overly ripe grape. His headless body jerks and spasms with the last twitching of his muscles before finally falling to the ground limp, the rod falling as he did.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi chuckled as the gobin got squished by the flail. "You handle your weapon quite well I see. Good to know... I've seen it where it's the other way around and the weapon often controls the user... like this poor idiot just now. Shame really... especially with the more exotic weapons. Anyways.... should we continue? The more of those goblins and Yuan-Ti I'm finding,, the more I'm becoming eager to finish this mission to be rid of all these annoying pests."

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"As a Crucian, you have only three options when it comes to weaponry. Use a hammer, use a mace, or use something you are really, REALLY good at using. Because you will never hurt someone with one of these shells otherwise."

Sophi steps around the goblin she'd just felled, and moves over to glance at the other one.

"Perhaps one of our magic users would like to examine that rod before any of us tries to touch it? I am no expert, but I would be loathe to pick up an item that was liable to drive me berserk."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi chuckled a bit then looked down at the weapon that had seemed to drive the goblin insane. She went over all the possible pros and cons of her even touching this... and in the end, nodded and knelt down, beginning to carefully inspect it. Hopefully this won't be as bad as I'm worried about....

Knowledge (Arcana) Check:
[roll0]

Knowledge (Religion) Check:
[roll1]

Spellcraft Check:
[roll2]

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar stares at the goblin's broken body in admiration. He nods respectfully to the two women. "Impressive. I do not think we'll have any problems here at this rate."

[Nauticus]

He steps over the goblin corps, supressing the urge to examine the weapon himself. And then speaks with not a hint of emotion.

While self-confidence might be helpful, let's not be hasty. So far we fought with the element of surprise on our side. Yuan-Ti are known to be cunning in fights and once we lose our tactical advantage we are likely to experience just clever they are, so I advice you to be prepared.
Since any minute puts our inevitable discovery closer I suggest we carry on swiftly and efficient. So we should refrain from looting for now - as our friend here stated before - there are soldiers dying to buy us time.

He sheathes his dagger and moves slowly to the next corridor.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"Agreed," was about all she had to say on the matter. Unless Juggler really hurries ahead, or insists on leading, Sophi will retake the lead position before glancing back to be sure the others are following.

[Nauticus]

As Sophonisba approaches, Juggler steps behind her, letting her take the lead. However, he stays close behind, carefully inspecting the path she walks and searching for potential traps or alarms.

[Tsumeken]

Naomi:
Spellcraft: It seems to be enchanted with a Rage spell but it seems to need to be activated somehow as just merely holding it isn't affecting you. The runes on it are clerical writings, giving praise to Cyric. From the weight, you can tell it's real silver.

Juggler:
You find no traps or anything on your way towards the next room.

You seem to have entered into the living area of the fortress. Tables and chairs litter the floor in a hap hazard way. Rusted weapons and armor are stacked in one of the corners, most likely a junk pile of treasure for goblins. In the middle of the room is a large depression as if something heavy had fallen from high above. Sections of the floor are cracked. Directly above it, there is a hole in the fortress roof through which the stars and moon can clearly be seen. The culprit sits in the corner of the room opposite the armor and weapons. It's a large stone boulder. The room itself measures 50 x 50 feet. The front gates lie to the east while the only other exit lies to the west.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
Now that Sophi has her bearings, she starts following the wall in the direction of the front gates. She is keeping her back against the wall now rather than an arm, and advancing sideways along it.

It looks quite ridiculous, but it makes sense for a race that are basically giant sentient turtles to put their backs in the most likely direction of danger. And the danger she was worried about was obvious: Siege weapons bringing down a section of wall as she was passing it.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi smirked as the rod didn't activate when she picked it up. This meant she could be able to show proof of her success to the Red Wizards when this was all over. She slipped it into her belt pouch as she followed behind the others. To her, Sophi's tactic didn't look overly silly. In fact, it looked smart and she followed suit as she began walking behind Sophi.

[Tsumeken]

The gates of the fortress are close though not sealed by the large wooden beam that lies of to the side of them. The recent surge of troops that had left to pursue the main forces acting as the distraction. Two sets of stairs are on either side of the door. leading to the two towers that serve as watchtowers.

[whoiam]

OOC
It's all gone very quiet. Are we taking a break for Christmas, or has everyone spontaneously disappeared?

Or, more embaressing yet, are you all waiting on me?

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi looked between the set of stairs then finally to Sophia, "Got a preference or intuition on which way to go?" She herself had none but so far, of all the people in the group, this was without a doubt her favorite person to be speaking with --- not counting herself of course. "My spells aren't the kind that give me suggestions on which route might be wiser, unfortunately, otherwise I'd try that." Hopefully that had been obvious from what she'd seen thus far... but better safe than sorry sometimes and this was one of them.

xD No no.... I just hate always being the first to talk after Tsume so I try to give others a chance. However, it is true we were gone during the weekend so kinda all of the above ^^; Anyways though... as far as the others... dunno where they went.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar gestures with his greataxe towards the exit towards the west. "Doubt the commander is in the watchtowers. I say we go that way."

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

"Before we go, we should do something about the beam." Sophi crouched down beside it, and paused a moment in thought...

...before turning her head to Tagar. "Think the two of us could use this beam to batter the gates open?" A faint smirk spreading across her face, Sophi slips an arm around one end, trying to gauge the beam's weight...

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar turns and walks over to the gates. He looks at them a moment before looking over at Sophie. "The gates should open easily, with no beam locking it. They should just push or pull open..." As he says this, he attempts to push the gates open.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi thought a bit on what the half-ogre and Sophi were speaking of... then chuckled as she got it. "Well...if you two wish to that's fine... but me and Illyana should probably give you two room." With that, she did as she mentioned and began to back away just in case the damage would be more than moderate. She didn't feel like getting caught in any unnecessary debris and she definitely didn't want Illyana getting caught in anything at all.

[Tsumeken]

The door begins to give way as the 1/2 ogre pushes against it. (Str check it to see if it moves more)

[whoiam]

Sophonisba

"Tagar... If we push the gates open, there is nothing to stop some guards pushing them closed again. If we *smash* them open, especially if we break one or both off their hinges, then it will be impossible to properly close them before our allies arrive."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Finally, Naomi had remained silent long enough. She cleared her throat then began speaking to the two, "Also... the longer we remain here, the more likely we are going to be found. So..... I don't mind what ends up happening but we should pick a method and go with it, preferably sooner than later." She remained at a distance, assuming Sophi would go through with her idea so she and Illyana could still avoid any possible damage that may or may not happen soon.

[Tsumeken]

From the crack in the gates that was barely pushed open earlier a small snake sneaks through moving through the crack and seems to survey the group.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi frowned as she saw the snake. Looking to Sophi, she asked first, "I get the feeling that we should get rid of it before it tries to report back. I do think it's a "scouting snake", per say, due to it's size and whatnot. What say you though?" She might, granted, sound a bit too paranoid but she wanted to check to make sure it wasn't just her.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
Sophi didn't say anything, idly shrugging, releasing her hold on the beam, and dispassionately trying to turn the snake's internal organs into external floor decorations with her flail.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi smirked as she saw Sophi's silent answer. She merely nodded and got beside her, swinging her quarterstaff at the snake, aiming to give it a hard whack to add onto any damage Sophi would probably give the creature. "Stay back for now, Illyana...." She instructed as she swung.


To hit roll: [roll0]

Crit check: [roll1]

Damage Roll: [roll2]

Crit Damage: [roll3]

[Tsumeken]

Fort Save:
[roll0]

The snake squishes easily.... but that's not the most amazing thing. It's what happens right after that. There's a scream of pain behind the door followed by a thud. You begin hearing hushed voices. You can make out some words though. Most of them are, "What happened? What is it?"

[Ipphli]

Tagar

The half-ogre frowns as he hears the voices. Looking at the others, he purposefully raises an eyebrow in silent question. He hefts his axe at the same time, offering his own solution to the apparent problem.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi blinked a bit. Maybe her guess about it being a scouting snake was more like a pet... but had still sorta been right all the same. Perhaps whomever owned that snake had fainted somehow? Either way, it was obvious he hadn't been alone. She pointed to the group then the door, suggesting they should find them first before the other way around. "Sound fair?" She whispered to the others,, making damn well sure to be even quieter than the others voices but still audible for Sophi and Tagar to hear. "I think, though, we should make a real quick formation with me either in or near the back." She added.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

Tagar nods as he moves to cover the rear of the formation, letting their more armored companion take the lead. He keeps an eye on the courtyard and the towers, waiting for something to show itself.

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
Taking the spot closest in the door, Sophi glances back at her less-armoured colleagues and grins. "We do have an alternative, " she point out at barely more than a whisper. "Take the beam and slip up one of the lookout towers. They cannot easily secure the gates without it, and the stairs are easier to defend than these massive doors would be..."

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi watched the half-ogre and Sophi begin to work on an idea. It was all pretty good... but there was one main concern that came to Naomi's mind. "One thing.... do any of us have any actual long range weapons if we take the tower? I, for one, would prefer to use as few spells as possible until we get to the leader so those don't, in my opinion, count for long range weaponry." From the looks of the group, the answer seemed to be no .... but better to be sure than merely assuming..

[whoiam]

Sophonisba
"It's a fortress staircase. Those things are designed to be defended by right-handed swordsmen in single or, occasionally, double file. You cannot really use a ranged weapon effectively through one - that's part of the point. Because the defenders are invariably outnumbered and forcing the enemy to fight their way up at swordpoint one or two soldiers at a time evens the numbers wonderfully."

Sophi knew her stuff when it came to fortifications...

I'm assuming this is pretty common knowledge for anyone with formal military training (i.e. martial lore ranks or a relevant Knowledge skill) - which, as a Crusader of Lathander, Sophi has.

[Ipphli]

Tagar

"We need to focus on the leaders. Taking the keep is secondary at this point. But first the intruders behind those doors..." Tagar points towards the door with his weapon for emphasis.

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi turned as now Tagar made his own good point. "Hm.... maybe there's some way to do both simultaneously? If not, we should probably choose one and work on it.... and quickly too. After all, we aren't always going to have time on our side." She added, deciding to go stay near the door lest anyone dared try to break it down now.

[Tsumeken]

Str check
[roll0]

A loud bang ushers from the door, from the sound you can tell there is more hten one person, maybe more then two that have just thrown themselves against the large portal

[VirgoBushin]

~Naomi~

Naomi jumped a bit then turned as, sure enough, she heard noises coming from the door. "I think we need to get ready to fight.... and, unfortunately, sooner than later." She held her quarterstaff at the ready as she backed away from the door to avoid being overrun by people should they succeed in breaking down the door. Thankfully my spell is still on.... She merely thought, knowing she'd probably need it for the remainder of this mission.