The Emerald Dragoons

[Silverphantasm]

Despite the sun having set hours earlier, a warm wind blew through the night, rustling the flaps of hundreds of tents, carrying both the scent of cooking fires and the words of late night revelers across the camp. Every 5 minutes a clank or clunking sound would emanate from the north side of the tent indicating a sentries progress around the camp. Occasionally light padding would interrupt the sentries usually silent absences, these were caused by paiges & scouts running messages or fetching water, or by individuals who spent the night in a tent not their own.... After nearly an hours restless sleep you hear the familiar sound of the Captain's polished armor sliding over itself as he walks the sound grows louder as doubtless grows closer, they'd been camped at the bridge for 3 days, and had spent those 3 days watching the captain's patience fade and irritation grow.

The owner of the bridge had recently passed and his greedy stupid son was now the owner of the only (reliable) method of safely crossing the blue serpent, the fast flowing river that served as a border between to kingdoms. The boy was knowingly delaying the company from reaching the besieged capital of Norstegal, the chief nation of sea trading, and near only source of rare spices, and exotic cloth from the east.

Alright you lazy bastards time to wake up.The captains voice though quiet and laced with sarcasm still held the air of command, I need you lot to get into that bridge tower and either extend the cliffs walk or lower the baskets, and I need you to do it without letting some damned idiot setting the bridge base aflame. Get it done tonight I'll give you a hundred drakes each, keep that bastard whelp alive for me while you're at it, and I'll make it 200.

[Centaurion]

Kavo

"Sir, yes, sir."

Kavo's voice sounds a little like one stone grinding over another. She soon gets up and gathers her neatly organized stuff, taking only which she deems useful for the mission.

Being 7 and a half feet, Kavo is much taller than most humans, which might have contributed to her slightly crouched stature. She wears her black hair short so that it does not interfere with her job. While she completely forgoes jewelry, her gray skin is scattered with black tattoos and her innate lithoderms. For a goliath, she is rather nimble, but her strength is as impressive as her size. She usually wears a light armor from finely made chain. Other than that she resorts to simple, functional clothing suitable for her job. Her weapon of choice is a spiked chain which she often carries half-wrapped around her body and which has a big spiked ball on one of its ends.

I'll need to "purchase" some standard gear, like rope and stuff. With "purchase" I mean "put on her character sheet" - it will all be stuff you would expect them to have.

[Lyndworm]

"Yessir!" Karlo calls out in response. He quickly slides out of the seat in which he'd been reclining and slings his backpack around his shoulders. He pats various pockets and the quiver at his hip to make sure everything is as it should be before heading outside. Karlo happily trots over to the gathering group. The man is short and slender, both features exaggerated as he nears the goliath. He has dusky skin, jet black hair, and somewhat delicate features that make him more pretty than handsome. His hair is quite long, and would reach well past his shoulders if he unbraided it. In further contrast with Kavo, his clothing is clearly well made and tailored, and small bone earrings adorn both ears. The scout wears a bresatplate embossed with a weaving floral pattern that's difficult to see until you're on top of it, and habitually polished smooth.

[Daishain]

One of the older and more experienced dwarves in the camp, Davril is tall for his kind. His armor is sturdy, though the craftsmanship is odd. The warpike he favors is leaned up by his side. He pulls a bowstring from his pack and loops it over one end of his longbow. Gruffly he says, "It is about time sir, any changes in the way they are deployed?"

[Silverphantasm]

Nothing much I'm afraid Davril, pair of lookouts walk along each boom, another pair on the roof of each tower, up by the baskets, though they don't coordinate routes much that I've noticed, you might want to check with Culley before you go, maybe he's seen an exploitable pattern.

The captain scratched his 3 day old beard, despite his reputation and having started the company from scratch and grown it to such a size, his age 32 belied his practical and survival experience, he was the first son of a wealthy northern noble, who had left his home and inheritance after he came of age. He'd built the company from both high standing people and the dregs of cities, he judged people on their capability rather than history.

I'll leave it to you how you get to the towers, but I've got an idea that I'd rather not try, but will if you can't think of a better one. In-case you were wondering, this is an open offer among the specialists, I've already informed Gelfrid and his team, and I'll inform Mott's once I'm done with you, though I doubt he'll want to compete if two teams have a head-start on him.. Gelfrid headed north, going to go a few miles upriver, repel down the cliffs, then swim for the bases, and come up through the insides of the pillars. They'll have to be careful, every 10 feet or so is a door and lock to prevent flooding, I figure they won't be able to make any impact for 6 hours or so, so that's how long the bonus is, once dawn hits, it drops to 100 drakes, and when noon hits, I begin my plan and bonus is replaced with basic daily pay.

He gave a great and sudden yawn, before rubbing his eyes and stretching his jaw in an attempt to stifle and disguise another yawn.

Any other questions?


It's a few hours before midnight (10-10:15pm), the moon is in a gibbous and the stars are out providing sufficient illumination for Low Light vision, while those lacking the sight perceived shadows and shapes until they were up close.

The ground is similar to that around gorges and canyons, hard packed earth with outcroppings and a spattering of rocks, the river, the "Blue Serpent" runs at the bottom of a 200~ mile long canyon system that serves as a natural border between Alun'mar (the nation you all are from), and its 3 eastward neighbors, the one you are attempting to gain access to Norstegal.

The canyon system is called the Serpent's Furrow, and averages 400-500' across and has a depth that usually is half that of it's width, the river in the trough is usually 1/3 as wide as the total canyon width, and its speed varies depending on the width, the wider the canyon, the slower the flow. The company's current location is approximately 200' across, approximately dead center between the canyon walls spaced about 80' apart from each other are 2 wood & stone cylinders their diameter roughly 60', 20' or so above the level of the ground on the west side sits a barracks hut and a pilot house to control the pillars.

There are 2 massive booms (crane arms) 20' wide, and nearly 90' long that extend from each mast/pillar, and are supported by thick chains interlaced with rope, there is about a 40' difference in height between each side of the canyon, but each boom is capable of landing (with about 15 feet over extension) to either side, when a boom is placed on either side of the canyon if forms a bridge allowing wagon trains and armies the ability to quickly cross the canyon, this bridge is called the Cliff's Walk.

At the top of each pillar above the boxlike barracks & pilot house, is a a full fledged crane, though they are much smaller than the booms, they extend outwards over 200' feet and can raise or lower a 20' x 20' basket that can be either conveyed directly to the other side or raised up and brought in to the roof of the tower, the baskets can also be lowered to the river below, allowing trade goods to be conveyed to or from either side and along the path of the river either northwards, or south.

Currently both cranes were positioned over the river with the baskets retracted fully to roof of the pilot house, while the booms of 1 tower both rested on the opposing canyon wall, and while the other had both just out of reach 40' away from the canyon wall the company was camped on.

The current position of the just out of reach booms had been the final straw for the captain, he'd offered both fair and good payment nearly 30,000 gold for 3 hours of passage time, just enough for the company and it's baggage wagons, horses, re-mounts, and followers/helpers, to cross the bridge without either paying for excess time nor exceeding the weight limits of the pillars.

The bridge was also equipped with special oil dispersal system that in the case of emergency allowed nearly the entire pillar to be engulfed with fire, this served as both a signal for help that was visible for close to 50 miles once the smoke rose high enough, and had the added benefit of burning anyone on the bridge booms. The tower wouldn't suffer, the wood was treated yearly with special coatings to prevent the fire from taking hold, that combined with the bridge crafter's skills kept the structure in working order during even the most trying time.

As he had put it, "A bloody fortune for a few minutes of vertigo." One had to consider that for 30,000 gold someone could have simply paid the company to capture the devices, though it would certainly anger both the monarchs of Alunmar and Norstegal for doing so. Major cross roads between nations had long held relative status' of neutrality and were generally considered immune for the conquest of war, they were so vital to trade for both sides.

[bcool999]

Jaal is maintaining his crossbow when the Captain calls. After hearing the details, Jaal is happy that it is a night mission, he always feels safer in the darkness than in the light. He is an average build, perhaps leaning slightly on the slender side. His raven black hair with emerald green eyes are an ill omen to most for being related to Primordial magic, and you all know that he is in fact a Primordial. The black feather cape on his shoulders twitches and extends slightly in a stretch to reveal Jaal's black feathered wings before returning to a resting position. For armor, Jaal appears to wear little more than cloth rags tied about his person and allowed to flutter about him. His minimalist armor clashes with his weapon, a great crossbow that could cripple a man's arm if caught in the string when released, and heavy enough that it almost looks like it takes two men a fair effort to reload, yet you have all seen Jaal fire and reload in but a breath.

"We will have the bridge ready to cross by sunrise." Jaal promises checking his gear as he does so, "If Culley knows the patrol routes, he might also know a good perch for me to roost at."

[Lyndworm]

"Not so fast, my friend." Karlo says to Jaal. "I'm beginning to form a plan that might require a more hands on approach for us unsavory types." he continues with a soft chuckle. The slender man leans toward the taller one and speaks in conspiratorial tones. "If memory serves, those fast hands of your are good for more than pulling triggers. How's about I drop a little spell to make sure we're not seen, and you secure a rope so I can climb up to the bridge? Then you and I disarm the oil system, then you roost, and we give the all clear for hell to break loose?"

[Togo]

Keothi rumbles softly.

Easy to get to the bridge. Only 40 feet. We must have something in camp that big, or almost. Take an hour, make a ladder. Jump across, tie a rope. Shoot a rope into the bridge. Fly. Something.

He frowns.

Hard part is to do it well. Long way down if we slip. People watching for us. We move unseen, or fire on the bridge, on the tower, and arrows and locked doors.

So, will a rope do for everyone to get across, or do we need ladder?

If it will do, how best to get it there? Who can get there, unseen?

Once we have a way across, everyone should go. Once alarm is raised, too dangerous to cross.

[Daishain]

"For those able to approach by stealth, would you be comfortable quietly taking the Pilot House? The basket could then be used to get the rest of us up there. At that point we clean house."

[Lyndworm]

Nodding, Karlo says "I think that can be done without too much trouble. Jaal should be able to anchor a rope for me to climb up after him, and it should be simple enough work for us to take the pilot house after that." The bowman looks to his fellow stealth archer and asks "Any thoughts or suggestions? I'd hate to overlook something so early."

[bcool999]

Jaal nods at the suggestion of stealth and says, "I am fine with any advantage we can obtain. Though I would like to speak with Culley and get an idea of patrol routes before we decide anything."

Turning back to the Captain, Jaal salutes and says, "If the others have no further questions Sir, we will begin operations."

[Silverphantasm]

Jaal nods at the suggestion of stealth and says, "I am fine with any advantage we can obtain. Though I would like to speak with Culley and get an idea of patrol routes before we decide anything."

Turning back to the Captain, Jaal salutes and says, "If the others have no further questions Sir, we will begin operations."

The captain returns the salute, and gives a nod of his head, and begins to stride away, he gets a few steps away, before stopping, and returns, pulling what appear to be marbles from a side pouch. Here take one of these each, keeping his voice low, I know all of you can use power, and that some forms of that power are...frowned upon by general society. If you lot get into a serious pickle, channel a basic spell into one of these then throw it out a window or into the sky, and I'll be there as fast as I can.

[Centaurion]

Kavo takes the marble and puts it in a secure pocket. When the captain is gone, she addresses the others:

"As you know, stealth is not my power."

She only wears very light armor, but her grace has its limits.

"I can make your eyes capable of seeing in the dark, at least at a short range, if that would help you though."

[Togo]

Keothi nods. I get rope. Lots of rope.

He stalks off into the darkness, returning shortly with as much rope as he can reasonably find, sits down corss legged, and starts knotting.

[Daishain]

Davril has a seat and starts knotting alongside Keothi. "Anything else we need? Especially for the Shadow team. Speak up now."

Come on guys, lets keep this moving.

[bcool999]

Jaal brings out his rope to be knotted as well and says, "Yes, we are burning starlight."

As the group begins preparations for the operation, Jaal will use some of his magic to prepare himself. One covers his whole body in blackness before leaving a translucent armor of force, the other, appears to turn the whites of his eyes black before fading back to normal.

Using Raptor's Sight and Greater Mage Armor before we start our attack. 4 Nonlethal damage.

[Daishain]

Davril finishes up with his rope and attaches a sturdy grappling hook from his pack. When the group quietly proceeds to the cliff edge, he will Carefully coil it up for ideal spooling, and hand the end with the hook off to whomever amongst the company is most adept at flinging such things.

Very quietly he says, "Remember, timing is everything, throw it the moment it is clear the guards are stopping to check in, that will give us time to climb up on the far end of the boom."

Any additional ropes without grapple hooks can be flung once Shadow team is across, for them to tie off.

[Silverphantasm]

The guards approach the edge of the bridge during their patrol, and each inspect the edges and look out towards the camp, their eyes passing clean over the group huddled in the darkness, the guards lanterns, while bright are very limited in range, and their excessive output seems to make the holder night blind, as they didn't make so much as a start with the group so near.

As the guards turned and continued their trek away, the two grappling hooks sailed thru the air and just as they were about to clatter onto the deck of the bridge, were pulled sharply back, digging quickly into the wood of the bridge of the bridge. The guards continue on their way walking back towards the other end, they are now 30 feet from the end of the bridge.

Elsewhere on other bits of the bridge, several sets of eyes pass cleanly across the two slivers of braided rope that trail from the end of the bridge.

[Daishain]

"Time to play kids, the show is yours." Davril takes up his bow, ready to use it on anyone looking to spoil things early.

[bcool999]

Jaal silently flings himself off the cliff, his wings stretching as he glides underneath the bridge where he hovers with his crossbow cradled in his arms, using the bridge itself to hide from the watchmen while his compatriot climbs over on ropes.

Hide: [roll0] Move Silently: [roll1]

[Lyndworm]

"I think we're set, Davril" Karlo responds to the dwarf's question. "And Jaal is correct. We're losing time while I drag my feet here." The scout volunteers 100ft his own rope to the mounting pile and watches as the grappling hooks are so deftly maneuvered onto the bridge. "OK, here goes nothing..." Karlo begins his ascent, slowly making his way up into the darkness.

Given their narrowing window of opportunity, Karlo is making no special attempt to Hide or Move Silently while climbing. I'm going to roll a few Climb checks, each one representing a separate Move action to climb 10ft. It should take a few rounds to make it all the way up to the bridge. Also, climbing isn't really a part of Karlo's skill set, so fingers crossed everyone.

Climb 1:
[roll0]

Climb 2:
[roll1]

Climb 3:
[roll2]

Climb 4:
[roll3]

Climb 5:
[roll4]

Climb 6:
[roll5]

Climb 7:
[roll6]

Climb 8:
[roll7]

Climb 9:
[roll8]

Climb 10:
[roll9]
How did I roll three 1s in a row? I really hope this isn't how Karlo dies.

[Silverphantasm]

Karlo's climbing begins with a few hesitant areas where he move just slightly along the knotted rope, then afterwards as he gets used to the feeling he makes better and faster progress, before slowing due to the length of the climb. A few moments after he passed the halfway point his hand slipped as he reached for the next knot, quickly trying to grasp the rope he tried to re-tighten his grip, but he faltered, his first mistake cascaded into a second, and he slipped down the rope past knots and towards the gaping cavern below after another failed grab swung the rope away, Karlo's life began to pass before his eyes. Reaching out he made a final valiant snatch and succeed in grabbing the end of the rope, it went taught as a bow string then bounced raising Karlo up slightly, just enough for him to get his legs intertwined with the rope a hold securely on.

He was hanging 200 feet in the air, and was also below the level of the cliff side, intertwined in the rope and slightly disoriented from the sudden fall.

Meanwhile, the guards had reached their center turn around point, they did an about face, and began coming back.

[Daishain]

Davril mutters, "By the hells, that was close. Bows at the ready, if they spot something... Let me try something first, we might get lucky."

OOC Casting Minor Image on the end of the bridge with the ropes. Illusion is just that of the bridge, expanded out a few inches to hide the hooks and ropes. Then readying an action to fire at the approaching guard if they show signs of alarm.

[roll0][roll1]

[bcool999]

Seeing his companion fall, Jaal dives after in an attempt to soften his landing, only to be relieved when he manages to catch himself. In an effort to ease his companions climb back up, Jaal holds the bottom of the rope taut to give him an easier time climbing without the rope swaying about.

Basically using a climb check to aid another, but rationalizing it as stabilizing the rope.
Climb: [roll0]

If I can take 10 since I am not in danger of falling that would be sweet.

[Silverphantasm]

As Jaal holds the rope taut and steady, giving Karlo an easier climb, he reaches the top of the rope just as the guards, still pacing normally approach the end of the bridge. As they reach the edge they glance around, the one on the right yawns, then leans out to spit. While the other mutters a sullen curse about getting stuck on the night watch and begins to pace back.

The spitting guard lets out a throaty grunt then snorts a globule of saliva and mucus over the edge. He seems to stare at a fixed point for a few seconds before shrugging and moving back to join his companion, now a quarter way back along the bridge.

OOC: Guards spot check - auto fail vs illusion, spitting guard will save-for interacting with illusion failed.

[Daishain]

Davril lets out a sigh, releasing some of the tension in his bowstring. That was close, too close.

[bcool999]

Seeing Karlo reach the top of the bridge, Jaal flies back up to join him whispering, "How do you want to get past them?"

[Lyndworm]

"Quickly," Karlo grunts, hauling himself over the edge of the bridge. "I've wasted enough time as it is, but if we wait until after the guards report back to the tower and then take them, we'll have more time before anyone notices they're missing." He draws his bow, a plain wooden affair at odds with the man's clothing, but exceptionally well cared for to Jaal's well-trained eye. "I'd like to get closer, to ensure a clean kill. Don't stray too far and my magic can help us both to hide. You take the far guard and I'll take the near?" With a nod to his flying companion, Karlo utters a quick arcane chant, waves his left hand around sagely and starts to creep forward.

Karlo casts mass camouflage on himself and Jaal, granting them both a +10 competence bonus on Hide checks for one hour, so long as they're within 60ft of one another. He then creeps forward at a double move just under full speed (75ft/round) while making Hide and Move Silently checks.

Hide Check 1:
[roll0]

Hide Check 2:
[roll1]

Move Silently Check 1:
[roll2]

Move Silently Check 2:
[roll3]


So as not to hold up the game, I'll preemptively roll an attack. Karlo will fire if/when he gets within 30ft of the guard, so that he can apply his precision damage (Skirmish/Ranged Precision).

Attack Roll:
[roll4]

Damage Roll: (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=22290058&postcount=39)
(2d8)[11]+(2d6)[11]+8[30]

[bcool999]

Nodding, Jaal glides slightly above the bridge, engaging along with his ally.

Will glide along as well matching Karlo's speed.
Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]

When the surprise round happens Jaal will also send out a sneak attack at the guard Karlo didn't shoot at.

Attack: [roll2] (Assuming 30ft for point blank shot otherwise -1 to attack and damage)
Damage: [roll3] + SA [roll4]

[Silverphantasm]

As Karlo and Jaal move forward the guards do not react, there senses inhibited by the lantern they carry, and their mild conversation, however as Karlo nears one spins around.... "what was......", his partner turns to him, "what are you on about?" "I thought I heard something." The guard raised his lantern adding a few inches to the small aura of light surrounding him, the light just slides onto Karlo, having slipped into a shadowy crevice and aided by his spell. "Must've been the bridge creaking," the guards turn away and continue down.

As they progress Karlo and Jaal step out and each let fly, Karlo's shaft sinks deep into the chest of the near guard, while Jaal's flies past and lands in the gut of the farther guard. The nearer guard manages to look at the shaft, then out into the darkness before collapsing to the deck, the other guard, seems severely wounded but is still on his feet, he is staring desperately into the darkness.


Initiative
Guard [roll0]

[Daishain]

From the cliff edge, Davril lets fly at the guard still standing, hoping to bring him down before he can react

Had a readied action to shoot at someone looking like they're about to raise an alarm, rolled 17tohit and 13dam for that on the prior page. If you agree this qualiies, great, if not, rolling again as part of the round

Init [roll0]
Bow tohit/damage [roll1] / [roll2]

[Silverphantasm]

Before anyone can react, a third shaft buzzes through the air, hitting the guard with an arrow in his bowels in the right side of his chest, straight into a lung, and quickly ending his life. The man falls backward, his now warm corpse letting a flow of blood slowly seep across the deck.

Cancel Initiative, continue with narrated actions, no more than 2-3 FRA's per post, but assume you won't be seen/interrupted.

[Daishain]

"Right, time for the rest of us."

Davril will toss over another pair of ropes to those on the bridge, the ends on his side have already been secured.

The image of Karlo nearly falling to his death fresh in his mind, the dwarf will quietly suggest that those crossing tie a safety loop around their waist and the rope, with enough slack to freely move.

He'll knock another arrow and stand watch while Karlo and Jaal secure the far ends, and while the first few climbers cross.

[bcool999]

Jaal motions Karlo forward and says, "We should play at being guards until the others have a chance to climb across. At this distance I doubt they will manage to tell the difference, but if those lights stay still they will notice." So saying, Jaal tucks in his wings as much as he can until they resemble a cloak and picks up the fallen lantern from the guard he felled before making his way slowly on the patrol keeping the lantern low to hide his face. Meanwhile, he keeps his eye out to any other lights which would indicate guard positions, and his ears peeled for any cries of alarm.

I don't think the guards on the tower would be able to tell the difference at this distance if we carry the lanterns,
but if we don't take the lanterns and act like a patrol they will definitely notice something up with the other guards not patrolling.

Jaal will probably patrol at an even slower speed than the guards to give the others a chance to climb unobserved as he looks about for further targets.

Spot: [roll0] (60ft. darkvision, no other special senses)
Listen: [roll1]

And possibly a bluff if necessary to appear to be a patrolling guard: [roll2]

[Lyndworm]

"Works for me." Karlo says as he picks up the other lantern. "If the others have half so much trouble as I did, they'll need all the time we can give them." He follows after Jaal, careful not to shine the light on his compatriots.

Karlo follows Jaal's lead, dawdling his way across the bride while keeping an eye out for reinforcements.

Spot Roll:
[roll0]

Listen Roll:
[roll1]

Bluff Roll:
[roll2]

[Silverphantasm]

Karlo & Jaal, each carrying a lantern, impersonate the guards they complete several circuits of patrol while their compatriots take the time to carefully climb to the bridge.

On the other bridges, the guards don't seem to have even notice any scuffle and the group is able to take their time and ascend properly in less than five minutes.

[Daishain]

Among the last to cross, Davril hefts his long polearm and nods to Karlo & Jaal. Knowing he is a bit too loud to be with the advance party, he'll take up a lantern and continue the ruse while the others press on.

[bcool999]

Handing off his lantern, Jaal reloads his crossbow at a speed that is considerably impressive for it's size while slinking back into the darkness. Nodding to Karlo, he moves forward toward the pilot house, hoping to bypass the guards if possible, but if the way is blocked for the more stealthy members he will wait for Karlo's signal to take them out.

More stealthiness and sneak attacks.

Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
(I am assuming I am moving more than half speed in the above rolls)

Sneak attack on a guard (if it seems the party cannot stealthily bypass them): [roll2] Damage: [roll3] + SA [roll4]
Roll above assumes within Point Blank Shot range.
[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]

[Togo]

Sensing that it's now or never, Kethoi quickly casts a preparatory enchantment, a brief purple glow marbleing his features. Then starts scaling the rope. He's very fast, but not all that quiet.

Casting
-improvisation
-balancing lorecall
for 3hp damage.

Accerated climb check [roll0] (no penalty for accelerated climb)
Move silently [roll1] plus 6 from improvisation

[Centaurion]

Kavo will climb up last. While the others climb, she readies herself to catch them from the air with a handy little spell she has learned in the academy.


Yes, she knows Featherfall. Did not want to decrease the suspense before. :P

If taking 10 (+8 modifier) is not sufficient, here goes: (not sure how many rolls you need)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]
[roll15]
[roll16]
[roll17]
[roll18]

[Daishain]

Keeping up the pretense of being one of the downed guards, Davril urges team shadow to move up. The night is wasting.

[Silverphantasm]

As two members of the group continue the ruse of being the guards, the rest is able to approach the door build into the large structure. The door is of average height and width, about 6' vertical and 3' wide, with an iron ring and lock at halfway up on one side, the craftsmanship of the lock matches the color of the single key found on each guard. An eye slot sits half open allowing a peek inside to reveal 2 guards, wearing armor but who've put their shields and weapons on a wall rack, they appear to be conversing another guard again without weapons sits at a table and is writing from document into a book containing lines & numbers.


Now that the group is closer, they can notice a series of slots embedded in the wall of the column, these slots form a built in ladder and would allow the workers simply climb to another level of the bridges.

The lock appears well oiled and can be opened silently with an open locked.
The slots can be taken up/down with a climb 5, but requires a move silently of 12.

[Lyndworm]

Karlo moves up after Jaal, thinking that there's not much point keeping the ruse up. After peeking through the keyhole, he says "There are three guards inside, they look unarmed. I think we can open the door without alerting them, so we'll need to be ready to take them out as soon as we do." Karlo grabs one of the keys and hands it to Jaal. "I don't think my usual trick will help me here. I seem to recall that you're a bit better with locks than I am, so if you'll do the honors we'll cover you."

[bcool999]

Jaal nods to Karlo and takes the offered key, he slips it carefully into the lock and attempts to unlock the door as silently as possible. Once it is unlocked, he takes a look back and after getting a nod from the others he opens the door, letting the others charge in.

[roll0]

[Daishain]

On seeing that the others are ready to breach, Davril will slowly wander their way with the lantern. He'll put it down when close to the door, heft his warpike, and confirm his readiness.

[Silverphantasm]

Everyone may have a reasonable readied action, but I'll give the narrative description of the room and guard position.
After moving 5' through the door, one guard is with range for a 10' reach weapon, otherwise another 5' of movement is needed, this guard has a chevron on his uniform indicating a superior rank, he uses a skill trick to get up from prone (sitting in a chair), the other two guards are adjacent to each other and require 10' of movement to engage with a reach weapon or 15' with a general melee weapon.


The room due to the shape of the bridge column is circular, about 30-35 feet across, on the right a stairwell descends to a lower level, while another on the left ascends. Once through the door one guard is within reach of a long pole arm, he is positioned at a table which due to positioning will prevent some weapon strokes from reaching him, as the door opens, and a team member charges in, he leaps to his feet with unnatural swiftness, and raises his chain and slight plate covered fists into a fighting stance.

The other two guards already on their feet, but halfway across the room both turn in surprise, failing to use the short time they have to ready themselves.

[Daishain]

Davril lets those with shorter weapons move in before he does. Striking out over the table, he attempts to cut down the apparent officer quickly.

Swift Action shifting to Punishing Stance (-2 AC, +1d6 melee damage), rolling to determine available Crusader maneuvers (3 of LtA,WRT,RS,VS,MH, and SV corresponding to 1-6, extra rolls in case of repeat) [roll0]
Edit: Leading the attack, Revitalizing Strike, and Mountain Hammer available. Aaand... forgot I cannot add another roll in an edit. Will make attack roll in OOC thread

[Togo]

Keothi charges in, ignoring the man by the door to focus on the two that are unarmed and unaware. He smashes into them, relying more on sheer physical momentum than on his greatsword. He reaches the first one and tries to slam him into the second, before ripping his sword around to try cut them down before they can recover.

swift action casting lion's charge to gain full attack on the charge, -2 to AC for 2 points of power attack for +6 damage, -4 to hit for subdual damage, for a total of -2 to hit, -4 to AC
Charge to first target, touch attack [roll0], for a bull rush* [roll1] opposed by their d20 plus Strength bonus. Move them 5 feet plus 5' for every 5 points by which my check exceeds theirs.
Try to bull rush the first target into the other one. I can move them diagonally.

If I can get one into the square of the other, I can keep pushing them both. This ends when I run out distance or they hit a wall.
If one or both hit a wall, then they take damage:
[roll2]
[roll3]

Whether they hit a wall or not, if I get one into the square of the other I get a trip attack on both
Target 1 touch attack [roll4] for a trip [roll5] opposed by their d20 plus either Dex or Strength bonus
Target 2 touch attack [roll6] for a trip [roll7] opposed by their d20 plus either Dex or Strength bonus

For each one that gets tripped, I get a free attack with the greatsword
Target 1 [roll8] for [roll9]
Target 2 [roll10] for [roll11]

No matter what happens above, I get to attack again.
Trip attack on anyone who isn't tripped touch attack [roll12] for a trip [roll13] opposed by their d20 plus either Dex or Strength bonus
If sucessful, or if there was noone still standing, then attack [roll14] for [roll15]

*Bull rush is boosted by six points by expending an improvisation effect.

HP 69/74. AC 12

[Silverphantasm]

Much like a stone from a catapult, Keothi hurtled across the room, crashing into both of the unarmed guards and carrying them to the wall behind them each slamming into the wood with dull thuds, before they could even begin to recover they were swept off their feet with a single swing of Keothi's sword, both men were in a heap on the ground arms & legs awkwardly tangled. Sweeping the blade upward from the tripping stroke, it was brought down twice in quick succession upon each of their heads, the flat of the blade hitting against their temples, for good measure, the larger of the two was hit a second time, ensuring that his lolling eyes were that of an unconscious man and not a dazed one.

Davrill's blow struck the officer square in chest, the man staggered back a few feet, before righting himself. He stands agape as he surveys the intruders and his now unconscious men. He glances towards the wall, at a thick cable of chain and woven rope, then crouches slightly preparing himself.

OOC: Roll initiatives & actions, the guard is 10' from the pull chord, and will be making tumble checks, his initiative is 17.

[bcool999]

Jaal snaps his crossbow up and aims it at the remaining guard, the officer, the man seems to take a moment to collect himself and understand the situation before turning to go to the alarm. All too much of an opportunity for Jaal to fire twice at the unprepared man.

Free action to draw crossbow (least crystal of return), Full attack with crossbow (since I can reload as a free action). Both attacks are sneak attacks unless the captain has uncanny dodge since I beat him in initiative so he should be flat footed for these.

Attack1: [roll0] (Taking a -4 penalty for firing into melee but a +1 for Point blank)
Damage1: [roll1] + SA [roll2]
Attack 2: [roll3] (If the previous shot missed, +4 to this attack thanks to Woodland Archer feat)
Damage2: [roll4] + SA [roll5]

[Daishain]

Davril strikes out again, trying to cut him down or otherwise prevent the officer from reaching the pull cord.

Init roll [roll0]
Striking out with Emerald Razor Maneuver (attack is resolved vs touch AC rather than normal, punishing stance bonus damage added to roll), then shifting stance to Thicket of Blades (all movement provokes AOOs in this stance, tumbling, 5' steps, and withdraw actions do not help.)
ER attack: [roll1] [roll2]

In the event Davril gets an AOO (whether because he managed to shift stances before officer moved or the officer flubbed his tumble check), I am opting to use the Stand Still feat. If the attack hits, the officer takes no damage, but must make a Reflex save with a DC equal to 10+the damage that would otherwise be inflicted. Failure means he must stop moving, with his move action expended.
AOO attack [roll3] [roll4]
Punishing stance bonus damage (if active): [roll5]

[Lyndworm]

Karlo darts into the room, pulling his bow from the quiver at his side as he moves. Finding a a suitable, if not ideal, position, he takes aim and fires.

Initiative: (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=22333836&postcount=56)
(1d20+7)[14]

Move action to move at least 10ft (in order to trigger skirmish) and draw his bow, Standard action to attack the officer or any other guard standing should the officer have been downed.

Attack:
[roll0] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot, Karlo has Precise Shot and does not take penalties for shooting into melee)

Damage:
[roll1]+[roll2]+7[21] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot)

[Silverphantasm]

The officer already having taken two arrows to the chest, doesn't have the strength to resist the combined attacks of Jaal and Keothi, falling after the latter's attack connects with him.

Jump to next post

[Togo]

Keothi leaps over the table, parrys the officer's blade high, and then tries to head butt him back into the wall behind him, again eschewing weapons for sheer physical force.

-2 to AC for 2 points of power attack for +6 damage, -4 to hit for subdual damage, for a total of -2 to hit, -4 to AC.
Bull rush touch attack [roll0], for a bull rush [roll1] opposed by their d20 plus Strength bonus. Bull rush them into the wall for [roll2] subdual damage.

He then looks over at the others. Well? Fight or flee?

[Silverphantasm]

As the last guard falls unconscious from Keothi's attack, the room falls silent, barring a slight moan from one of the "resting" guards, a large lump already forming on his head.

There are no bells ringing, and with a quick glance outside, it doesn't appear that the other tower has noticed any sign of the intruders in the tower turmoil.

Possible actions:
Looting guards of coin purse, key ring & other small items of interest (1 FRA each).
Executing guards: 1 FRA each
Moving guards: 1 FRA each
Full removal of gear & possessions, 1 minute each, (can be reduced with multiple people helping)

Routes: (Note you can always try or request things I haven't listed, these are just things you've already discovered).
Door leading upward: Currently open and relatively silent.
Door leading downward: Currently open and relatively silent.
Door leading to previously explored platform, open.
Door leading to unexplored platform, which has 2 guards, who are not yet aware of any problems.
Ladder outside leading up & down.

[Daishain]

Davril wipes off the blood from his weapon as he assesses.

Speaking quietly, he states, "I suggest we take the keys, seal the passage below, and go up. We take the top of this tower, and then move on to the next"

[bcool999]

Jaal nods at the suggestion, but turns to the alarm bell rope on the wall. After examining it for a moment, he takes out some tools and works to silence the alarm.

Taking 10 on Disable Device with Masterwork Thieves Tools for 24.

[Lyndworm]

"Davril has the right idea." says Karlo, moving to the door leading to the unexplored platform. "Someone should close the door to the lower level. I'm going to jam this door so we won't be disturbed." The archer grabs his tools and sets to work on the door. "As soon as Jaal and I are done, we should all head up."

Karlo attempts to jam the lock. He'll take 10 if able, or use the below roll if not.

Disable Device:
[roll0]


In the interest of moving things along,
Should nothing eventful occur, Karlo will volunteer to be the first to poke his head above and scout for the group. He continues above if the coast seems clear.

Listen: (Karlo might more than normal about a source of noise due to the Keen-Eared Scout feat.)
[roll1]

Spot:
[roll2]

[Silverphantasm]

After removing a small cog from the locking mechanism, Karlo leaves the door to the external platform effectively off limits, and proceeds up the circling set of stairs, as he nears the top, he encounters a shut, but not locked wooden door similar to those previously encounter, after listening and peering through the keyhole he assess that several (6) are within, 2 are out of sight, but are talking in low voices, playing cards from the nature of their conversation, 3 are asleep in nothing but breeches and are splayed each on their own bed-frame, while the last man sits at a table idly polishing a mace.

[Daishain]

As quietly as he is able, Davril shuts the door heading down, and bars it.

When Karlo shares his assessment of the situation upstairs, he'll nod and say, "As before? We should be able to rush in and overwhelm the three that are up well before those sleeping are able to join in. Target whomever is nearest the bell system first.

Rolling for crusader maneuvers available in the next fight as before [roll0]
Edit: White Raven Tactics, Revitalizing Strike, and Stone Vise available to start.

[Togo]

Keothi mutters a quick enchantment, his hand and face briefly glowing purple in the lantern light.

I do the same again? Try and clear a path.

He then takes up a station as near to the door as he can, ready to charge in.


Casting balancing lorecall
-2hp
Move silently1d20+1

[Daishain]

"Wait a minute, lets be sure of this. Jaal, Karlo, take the outside route, come in by the balcony, the rest of us can rush in the direct way. We should be able to contain them from the start that way. One man each on those armed and awake in there, whoever's left make sure the helpless don't correct that condition then help mop up. Agreed?"

When that gets settled, Davril steps outside and casts a spell, touching the outer surface of the tower. The ladder steps leading down to the barracks below become encased in smooth stone as the wall warps to the will of the dwarf. Then he steps back in and joins the others in heading up the stairs after being sure the quieter in he group are in position on the outer balcony

Stone Shape cast on the ladder to seal off what I think is the last way up for the guys below us. Not touching the steps needed to go up.

Move Silently [roll0]
Edit: and apparently I step on an air horn or something...

[bcool999]

Jaal nods and flies out of the tower and up to the balcony as stealthily as he can, waiting for the moment for the group to strike.

Hide: [roll0] and Move Silently: [roll1]

Attack roll for the surprise round: [roll2] Against one of the card players
Damage: [roll3] And if they are flat-footed, SA: [roll4]
I assumed Point Blank Shot applies to this attack, if not -1 to hit and non SA damage. Still get SA though at up to 60ft thanks to Crossbow Sniper.

[Lyndworm]

"You got it." says Karlo, heading to the ladder. He climbs to the balcony as instructed, and prepares himself for a coordinated assault.

I think Karlo's mass camouflage spell is still up, so Jaal's Hide check should be +10. If not, then Karlo's should be at -10.

Hide:
[roll0]

Move Silently:
[roll1]


I'm assuming that Karlo won't be able to get off a skirmish attack this turn because of a lack of movement.

Attack:
[roll2] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot, Karlo has Precise Shot and does not take penalties for shooting into melee)

Damage:
[roll3] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot)

[Silverphantasm]

As the group advances up the stairs, they group near the top, as they stand waiting Davril's foot dislodges a stray helmet from it's precarious position at the edge of one of the stairs, the helm bounces upon each stair uncannily striking in a manner in a manner that seems to amplify the sound in the narrow passageway. Through the crack in the door, the interior group watches as the man with the mace turns his head to the bounces of the helmet and rises, beginning to walk towards the door. (He is simply strolling as though a guard on duty, investigating a commonish noise).

As he approaches the door, Karlo and Jaal make their move, each launching a shaft towards a figure in the room. Jaal's flies across the room and lodges itself in the neck of one of the card players, who immediately slumps. Karlo's shaft hits the mace wielding guard in the back, causing him to stagger and whirl.


Hallway crew, finish the ambush round, (1 standard action), and everyone roll initiatives. Mace guard has an 18, card player has a 14, sleeping fellows will go when woken, (move silently of 10+ will not wake them. Taking a -4 on attack rolls will allow you to target "quiet" areas on your opponents so that you don't wake the sleepers, else you have to make a move silent per attack to avoid waking them.

[Daishain]

Mentally cursing himself for the blunder, Davril rushes in to engage the man with the mace.

Entering Thicket of Blades stance as a swift action and attacking mr mace from behind and 10' away. If feasible, positioning myself so multiple people, sleepers included, are in reach. Any and all movement in his 10' reach, 5' steps and tumbling included, provoke AOOs. Defensive Sweep feat means not moving when in threatened reach also provokes. So basically I'm establishing a circle of death in the room (malevolent laughter ensues)

Rolling 1 standard attack and 3 AOO attacks, use as many of the latter as appropriate. Using Stone Vise Maneuver on Mr mace, extra 1d6 damage, and he must make a DC 16 Fort save vs being unable to move at all for 1 round.

Initiative [roll0]
Std [roll1] [roll2]
AOO 1[roll3] [roll4]
AOO 2[roll5] [roll6]
AOO 3[roll7] [roll8]

[bcool999]

Jaal moves on to the other card player after felling the first one.

Initiative: [roll0]

Full Attack on the other card player: [roll1]
Damage 1: [roll2] + SA (If I beat him in initiative): [roll3]
Attack 2: [roll4]
Damage 2: [roll5] + SA (As above if applicable): [roll6]

Move silently to do this quietly: [roll7]
Move silently on second attack: [roll8]

[Lyndworm]

Karlo darts into the room, leveling his bow on the mace-wielding guard. He waits until the angles line up just right, then lets his arrow fly.

Move action to move at least 10ft into the room, then a Standard action to attack the guard.

Initiative:
[roll0]

Attack:
[roll1] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot, Karlo has Precise Shot and does not take penalties for shooting into melee)

Damage:
[roll2]+[roll3]+7[28] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot)

[Togo]

Keothi tries to be silent, flowing into the room, and dodging between the guards in preference to hitting them, trying to reach and defend the bell. The absence of a war cry is obviously upsetting to him. Once there, he turns and makes his stand.

Standard action to move through the room, trying to reach the bell. I'm relying on them being flatfooted to avoid any AOO, but if they hit me, they hit me.

Initiative 1d20+5

Once there, attack anyone within reach, or ready an action to attack if they come near.

attack or readied action to attack
-4 for trying to be quiet, -2 for power attack, -6 total
Trip - touch attack to hit at -6 [roll0] for opposed strength or dex [roll1]. If tripped, free attack with greatsword including bonus for prone [roll2] for [roll3] damage

If they provoke an attack of opportunity trying to get past me to the bell...
Trip - touch attack to hit at -6 [roll4] for opposed strength or dex [roll5]. If tripped, free attack with greatsword including bonus for prone [roll6] for [roll7] damage

[Silverphantasm]

After the flurry of movement, the room is still and oddly silent, the mace wielding man has another shaft in his torso and is oozing blood slowly from the wound on his side, the two card players both loosely hanging in there seats the cards scattered about the floor, the group stands silent, dreading the cries or sounds, every heartbeat magnified. Of the 3 sleeping guards, 1 rolls over in his bed away from the clatter of "his fellow guards", a second continues snoring loudly whilst sprawled across his mattress, the third rolls sleepily to the edge and lets his feet drop and raises his head, eyes opening and gives you a dumbfounded stare. As he looks around, he quickly raises both hands, and presses his lips tight together.

[Daishain]

Davril looks around slowly and nods in satisfaction. "Jaal, Karlo, can you check the next floor up while we secure these guys?"

Looking to the man who awoke he says, "Now then, you're not going to make me regret letting you live are you? I hate dulling my axe on people too stupid to keep still and quiet. On your knees now, hands behind your back"

Davril will work with Keothi trussing the survivors up like livestock, gagged, and with hands and legs bound together behind them. Then for good measure he'll give each a good pop over the head to send them back to sleep.

[Lyndworm]

"It'd be my pleasure." says Karlo, nodding to Davril. The slight man presses a finger to his lips and winks at the surrendering guard as he makes his way to the next level.

Another round of scouting rolls!

Hide: (I think Karlo's mass camouflage spell is still up. If not, Karlo's check should be at -10.)
[roll0]

Listen: (Karlo might learn more than normal about a source of noise due to the Keen-Eared Scout feat.)
[roll1]

Move Silently:
[roll2]

Spot:
[roll3]

[Silverphantasm]

The lone guard complies, being bound and trussed without much effort or noise, the other two sleeping guards let out small yelps of surprise upon being grabbed and secured, but nothing of any note or significance. All three lay bound, gagged and slumbering after the twacks to their head.

As Karlo and Jaal creep up the next flight of stairs, the trip is longer, as they ascend nearly twice the normal distance, before encountering a shut door, with an eye slot and slider embedded in the upper section. The lock is sturdy, but does match the quality of the other found below, and hole has the right size for each of the keys on the ring lifted from the guards.

Muffled noises can be heard from behind the door, it sounds as though some is regaling at least 2 people with a clever or funny story.

By estimations the bridge controls should be through here, while the crane controls are 1 more level upwards.

[Lyndworm]

Karlo tries to surreptitiously open the slider from his side of the door to get a look inside. Whether he can or not, the man heads back down the stairs to inform the others of his findings while Jaal unlocks the door.

Bcool999 said to bot Jaal, so I figure he'd open the door as before.

Some preemptive scouting rolls:

Spot:
[roll0]

Listen:
[Roll]1d20+13[/b]

Assuming that Jaal is ready to swing the door opens when the cavalry arrives...

Initiative:
[roll1]

Attack:
[roll2] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot, Karlo has Precise Shot and does not take penalties for shooting into melee)

Damage:
[roll3]+[roll4]+7[20] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot)

[bcool999]

Jaal stays behind to listen and work on the door when the sound of conversation covers up any light scratching the key may make on the lock. Once the others are there, Jaal whispers as quietly as he can, "Remember... Captain wants the noble breathing." Jaal then opens the door at the teams nods of readiness.

Take 10 on open lock to make it open the door silently with the key (19)

Hide: [roll0] (I think camouflage might have been broken if we ever moved 60ft away from each other)

Move Silently: [roll1]

Surprise round action (assuming we get one) Fire Crossbow at a guard and not the noble we have been sent to subdue.

Attack: [roll2] (assuming point blank shot applies otherwise -1)
Damage: [roll3] + SA [roll4] (again -1 damage if beyond 30ft)

[Daishain]

Davril nods, grabbing his warpike, he very slowly moves up the stairs, taking it one at a time. He'll wait at about the halfway point for word that the door is ready to open.

Not risking another fumble, so taking ten on the move silently check this time, for a total of 7. Really need to invest in a Silent Moves armor enchantment when I get the chance...

[Togo]

Keothi passes Davril at the midpoint, and then pauses. At first he seems puzzled that he stopped, but then understanding dawns and he gives a rueful grin.

And waits with him. Clearly he doesn't trush himself to be quiet either.

Move Silently [roll0]

[Silverphantasm]

As Jaal opens the door, he quickly steps aside and launches an arrow towards one of the guards leaning idly against the desk. The other guard and the well dressed man behind the desk let out cries of astonishment and dismay as blood spatters across the desk.

A survey of the room reveals a series of levers, pulleys and cranks set into a wall to the left, a large sheet of parchment is tacked above it with a bulleted list, a "noble" (in appearance only) sits behind the desk, dressed in a purple velvet doublet and black silk breeches, his hand reaches for a dagger on the corner of the desk.
A small squeal is uttered from a gnome in a hammock.

There are two guards each wearing chain mail, having a buckler equipped to their left arm and carrying a mace at their side. One is injured with Jaal's arrow in his side, the other is fresh, both are 15' into the room, the noble is 20' inside and has partial cover behind his desk, he is reaching for a dagger, but is currently unarmed (but can still be attack adjacently). A gnome is sleeping in a small hammock hung from the ceiling near the wall of levers, pulleys and cranks.

[Daishain]

Davril charges in, striking out at the guards and setting himself to lash out at anyone causing problems.

I should note, I had only intended to wait partway down the stairs until I got confirmation that the door was ready to open, then proceed up to it and give the word that we're ready to move in. That way, if the clunky ones are heard moving up, we can still charge in right off the bat.

Same story as last time, Thicket of blades stance lockdown, hitting everyone in range that moves out of threat, or doesn't move at all, use as many of the AOOs as needed. Will be using nonlethal attacks on the "noble" and the gnome if they're still a problem after the guards are dealt with, apply a -4 tohit penalty for them.

Main attack [roll0] [roll1]
Aoo [roll2] [roll3]
Aoo [roll4] [roll5]
Aoo [roll6] [roll7]

[Silverphantasm]

I meant to indicate in the last post, that those who waited below weren't losing their surprise action/attack, I simply decided to narrate Jaal's action and then subsequently describe the room, you and anyone who was "waiting" still get a surprise round. I'll apply the main attack to the guard who has already been injured, and thus he falls, and I'll apply the AoO's for anyone who beats you in the initiative, otherwise if you have a higher init. you can have a FRA.

As Davril enters the room he swings for the injured guard sweeping his attack towards the v of the man's arm and torso, as the blow lands, the man's body collapsing on the weapon, he slides across the floor into the wooden desk with a loud thud.

[Daishain]

Davril yanks the axe blade out, spattering blood in the direction of the others by the table. Holding his weapon high, he growls, "Stand down now"

Forgot initiative, and if you want an intimidate roll...
Initiative [roll0]
Intimidate [roll1]

[Silverphantasm]

Though the "noble's" gaze is near fixated on the bloody axe, Davril's command seems to return him to his sense, "I will not yield nor stand down to some sell sword scum, Gonzalo kill them." At his words the other man seems to steel himself for the fight, though he is clumsy and slow.

Initiatives
Guard: 12
Noble: 15

[Lyndworm]

Karlo rushes into the room right behind Davril, and trains his bow on the guard as the man rises. "Bad idea, Gonzalo." the archer says as he releases his arrow. Locking eyes with the 'noble' seated at the table, he says "I strongly recommend you reconsider your position."

It occurs to me that I never declared a target for my last (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=22410903&postcount=75) attack roll. I've reproduced it below.

Attack:
(1d20+13)[30] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot, Karlo has Precise Shot and does not take penalties for shooting into melee)

Damage:
(2d8)[7]+(2d6)[6]+7[20] (Includes +1 from Point Bank Shot)

[bcool999]

Jaal tilts his head in confusion at the noble's words before saying, "It wasn't a suggestion. The time you had to make a choice, the three days we have waited, has now run out." With that, a pair of bolts fire out towards Gonzalo before Jaal warns, You WILL come with us.

Initiative: [roll0]

Full attack on Gonzalo (assuming he is still alive): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] + SA (If Gonzalo is flat footed): [roll3]
Attack 2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] + SA (If Gonzalo is flat footed): [roll6]

[Silverphantasm]

The 'noble' hastily dropped the dagger he'd been attempting to secure, as Gonzalo fell in a shaft laden heap on the other side of his desk, "Don't hurt me, I'll lower the bridge for you, just don't hurt me."

(Provided the team allows him)
The noble walked over to the control panel, and after checking a few gauges pulled back on a lever and began to turn a small crank.
The sound of a metal chain, well oiled and smoothly running over toothed gear, after a quarter of a minute there was a loud clunk, and the noble released the lever.
He reached towards a looped section of rope with a red ribbon attached, he hesitated and turned to you, "Umm....I need to sound the horn so that all my people know to get out of any maintenance spaces and prepare themselves for movement."

[Daishain]

Davril looks to the others briefly before turning back to the noble. "Stop and think a moment. What, do you expect, would be their reaction to an unexpected bridge movement in the middle of the night? We want this matter dealt with with little further fuss. What can you do to ensure that this is done?" Pointing to the gnome, he continues, "That goes for you too."

[Silverphantasm]

Before the noble can speak, the gnome pipes up with a quick and eager comment,

"Actually, he doesn't need to sound the horn, he could just move the bridges, I'm the only one who enters maintenance spaces......I do suppose that whoever is walking outside might risk falling over, but that's a 1 in 10 chance. If you wanted to be even less conspicuous though you could just go up to crane level and use it" the gnome pauses as he eyes each of you, then the dead guards ".... or let me operate it. No offense you lot don't look like the most careful of operators, the guard that was supposed to be up there was the first one you shot, he never goes up if he doesn't have to."

The noble's face drains slightly of blood, as he stares at the gnome in anger and disbelief, "You traitorous little brat, I took you in and gave you a job and this is how you repay me?" He begins to stalk forward towards the gnome.

[Daishain]

If necessary to get him to stop, Davril will swing his warpike in between the pair, "Hands off, he probably just saved your life. I hope you realize that this mess is your fault, you should have taken the money and allowed us to pass. Our captain offered you a king's ransom for that simple courtesy." To the gnome he says, "There is no one on that part of the bridge anymore, so if the maintenance tunnels are clear, let's just swing it over. A squad of our men with this one being walked at the fore should convince the rest to lay down their arms without further bloodshed."

[Silverphantasm]

The gnome nodded, a small satisfied smirk covered his face, he began turning several knobs, then grabbed the lever again, and finally pulled the red cord. The tower shook, and a rumbling grinding the whole structure rotated as a counter rotation for the bridge below, after half a minute the gnome released the lever, and with another resounding thud the bridge & tower came to a jarring halt.

Out the window a squad of soldiers had been rapidly gathering, the captain's gleaming armor and the vanguard. After a few moments of hesitation for the dust to settle from the edge of the bridge, the group vaulted forward charging across the bridge.

"Please.....Please..... he'll torture me for delaying him, then he'll kill me.... please" the noble had fallen to his knees and hands raised was pleading. He reached to his belt and threw a set of keys towards you, "Please take anything you want from my desk, it's yours just let me go...." His eyes truly full of fear and desperation seem to be begging you to grant his request.

[Daishain]

Davril catches the keys and says, "Thanks, but your fate is for the captain to decide, not me. Tell you what though, be diligent in ordering all your men to stand down without a fight, and I won't tell him about your attempt to resist capture and then to trick us. Now get up and move."

Turning to the helpful worker, he says, "My thanks master gnome. If you could come along as well please. I mean no offense, but the captain would have my hide if I left anyone alone with these controls before the place is fully secure"

Handing off the keys to a teammate before marching the prisoner down the stairs, he continues, "go ahead and take a look, might be something worthwhile."


I'll give the noble a good thwack over the head with the shaft of the warpike if necessary. One way or another heading down to meet the captain with the pair in tow.

[Lyndworm]

Karlo watched the exchange with interest, but seemed happy enough to let Davril do the talking. When the dwarf hands him the keys to the desk, he says "Aye, aye." and gives a half-hearted salute before headimg over to the desk.

A quick Search check, to be sure the looting is done properly.

Search:
[roll0]

[Silverphantasm]

Karlo

As Karlo opens the desk, he finds a series of documents with basic purchase requests & transactions on them, a few opened envelopes and scrolls, 2 bottles of wine, a large satchel of coins marked payroll (1200 sp), and a small wooden box of gold coins (50 gp)

Davril: As you escort the noble down the flights of stairs you can see & hear the commotion outside the window, the army has already commenced packing the tents, and as you round the corner to the level of the bridges, you see the larger gate & barrier meant to prevent the passage of wagons, being raised by the group of soldiers that had been gathering before. The captain strode over a self satisfied smirk resting on his face, seeing the noble in front of you, the smirk widens to a grin, "Toby" he called, his squire came dashing in from the bridge, "See that Davril and his mates have 200 drakes added to their pay ledger, 200 each."

Turning the captain swiped downwards his left hand grabbing the shorter man and hauling him up to look into the captains' eyes. He turned his head to you, "You didn't promise him mercy or leniency or anything did you? I'd hate to make you into a liar."

He also let his gaze fall across the gnome. "Who's he?"

[Daishain]

"I told him the truth, that his fate was yours to decide, can't say he was happy about it." Indicating the gnome Davril says, "This one is a mechanic for the towers, he got the bridge moving for us, without coercion of any sort. We'd probably have messed something up if we'd had to guess our way through that process. Figured it'd be a bit rude to tie him up after that."

"In any case, tactical situation, we managed to stay quiet. We are reasonably sure all hostiles on this level and above neutralized. Couple of hogtied survivors upstairs. Garrison below us is locked in for the moment, east tower is untouched, those two groups are likely aware something is up now, but probably don't know exactly what. Any further orders sir?"

[Silverphantasm]

At the moment no, thank you Davril, the captain returned his gaze to the noble, he seemed to be under an internal deliberation,

Look here you sack of ****, I've already paid passage for one bridge, and I'm fine letting you keep even though you've delayed me 3 days, because I am going to make use of your bridge, however, due to the circumstances I don't think your men in the other tower are going to just sit there.

He hauled the noble outside and pointed towards the other tower.

I can't endanger my men by letting the other tower swing the bridge into this one, and it would be convenient, if in compensation to my being delayed you were allow me use of the second tower, without additional payment. If you were to do this, I won't kill you, in fact I'll leave you, your remaining men and the towers completely unharmed. After all once we rescue the capital we'll have to come back this way, it'll give you a chance to try again.

As he finishes speaking Davril notices something odd occur, a small flash of light....

The noble splutters and exclaims in a panic & angry fashion, to which the captain again growls out a question.

I asked if you were going to allow me access to the second bridge?!

There it is again a second flash.....

The noble's sputtering suddenly becomes silent, his taunt body relaxes to hang slack, the captain lowers him to his feet, then after grabbing them off the table, hands the noble a pair of signal flags and commands him to...

Now go out there and signal to your other tower to lower bridges to either side, and make it snappy.

Rolls
Make 2 spot checks, one for each flash of light, and a knowledge arcana (that may or may not get used)

[Daishain]

Davril blinks and narrows his eyes, trying to determine the source of those flashes.

Spot [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Karc [roll2]

[Togo]

Keothi frowns. Strange flashes...

spot [roll0]
Know arcana [roll1]

[bcool999]

Jaal keeps his crossbow readied in case the noble tries anything as they descend the tower, but a bit of the tension leaves him as they walk up to the Captain and a proud smile adorns Jaal's face. "One prisoner before dawn, as promised."

Jaal then catches a glint of something in the distance...

Spot Checks: [roll0]
#2: [roll1]
Know (Arcana) untrained: [roll2]

[Silverphantasm]

Though all three members had seen the flashes, pure yellow glowing flashes, laced with white, and knew what it meant magic or a spell was in play, only Keothi and Davrill recognized it for what it meant. The Captain, had without muttering an incantation or gesturing with his hands had just cast a spell not once, but twice.....the first seeming to not take effect. That would certainly explain the noble's odd change in posture and cooperation, he'd been enchanted.

As the source of their delay the last few days strode out to the bridge, the signal flags in his hand, the Captain half staggered, placing his hand quickly on the nearby table to steady himself.

In a low voice seemingly to himself he mutters, "Damn I overdid it, shouldn't have been nice, and tried to plant an idea."

He stands and shakes his head a turn, then glances back to the group, "Again, good work all of you." I hope you're prepared to spend the next week in the saddle, we'll be riding from dawn to dusk to make up what little time we can."

He then goes and survey's the situation from outside the window.

[Daishain]

Davril looks to the gnome who helped them and quietly says, "Will it be safe for you to stay here? He looked like he wanted to kill you. Not to promise anything on behalf of the boss, but an army like ours can always use a good engineer. I won't lie though, its a different life."

[Silverphantasm]

The gnome looked up at Davril, seemingly considering his words, "You have siege engines? Catapults, Ballista, and Siege Towers? I would be......paid for my work & expertise? I would be free to leave whenever I choose?"

He seems happy considering the prospects, "Ogden Tyvers, pleased to make your acquaintance." He extends his little little hand to you, then inquires for where he might officially join the company.

[Daishain]

Davril takes the hand and shakes it, "And yours, Davril Orcbane. Perhaps I shouldn't have spoken of this life being a different one as maybe a bad thing, sounds like you could use a change."

"In any case, that is the general idea. There's a partial exception to the leaving whenever you choose bit, deserting in the middle of a conflict is ever so slightly frowned upon. But otherwise yes, we're mercenaries, not slaves. The pay is good, but much is expected of us in return, and even the engineers face danger, if less often than others."

"Don't get too excited yet though, like I said I can't speak for whether or not you'll get in, especially since we're on the march. But I'll give em my recommendation. It should get you at least one chance to prove yourself."

When he gets a chance, Davril will flag down the appropriate man and introduce Ogden, suggesting that he be evaluated for the support and engineering corps.

Otherwise, he'll cross the rest of the bridge when secure, and chat amiably with others, winding down from the tower assault until the army has finished forming up again on the far side.

[Lyndworm]

While Davril spoke to the captain, Karlo emptied the writing desk's contents into a bag. He catches up with the dwarf as he finishes with Ogden."You're a good man, Davril. he says. "I think we could have spilled a lot more blood tonight of it weren't for you and that gnome. I'm grateful we didn't have to." The archer claps the dwarf on the should once, nodding his thanks. "I'm going to see this gets to the quartermaster for safekeeping. I'll meet back with you before you cross the bridge."

[Daishain]

Davril shrugs in response to Karlo's praise, "These sorry ****s were just being loyal. Didn't choose to be in our way. Not gonna cry over the ones we did kill, but it didn't make much sense to go adding to their misery if we didn't have to. That noble on the other hand... Almost wish he'd put up more of a fight."

[Silverphantasm]

If you lot had set any alarms off, and he'd been able to roust his men, and equip his armor, he probably would have given you a decent fight, still I can't blame him for not wanting to cross blades with a dagger vs a great-axe. Still I wonder why he'd so vehemently deny us passage, there isn't any way anyone could have paid him to deny our crossing, no one but the King and a his personal messenger even know we've been employed to relieve the city.... let alone pay to hold us up.

The Captain, seemingly recovered from his inital bout of weariness has straightened and looks out the window.

Ah good, the other bridge is already shifting to allow passage, he turned back to the group, You lot meet up Karlo once he's done with the Quartermaster, then make sure your tent and belongings get packed.

[Daishain]

Davril resupplies and packs up for the long march as best he can. The extra pay is left untouched for now, he's saving up for a few special items.

As the army marches on, he tries to keep abreast of all reports brought in by the scouts, along with what he can glean of the captain's plans for troop disposition. He suspects that the information in question will prove vital to success.

[Silverphantasm]

The dragoons marched nearly 16 hours each day throughout the next week, meals were of dried meats, cheeses and oat cakes, with water skins being divided among them as the horses paced on. This was in all honesty why the dragoons were as famed as they were, their horses were bred & raised for excellence, they could maintain treacherously long forced marches, but be ready for battle's and break neck sprints the next day, if they were given a good nights sleep. No, the horses weren't the ones having problems, it was their riders, men could stay up all night or spend 16 hours in full armor for a day, that was a hard day, but easily within their capabilities, 2 days or even 3 were well within reach, but 7? There had been a large series of grumbles from the men, in addition to the dried food & resting only for sleep, the resting consisted of bedrolls on the ground with saddle's for pillows, the captain had ordered that tents & any other time drains be avoided, so in addition to the deteriorating mood, lack of sleep and dietary simplicity, the odor among the men steadily worsened.


The mood might have been mutinous except the push, the food & lack of sleep was nothing new, any new recruits had heard from veteran soldiers about times when the dragoons had scaled a deer path through a mountain range in midwinter, their goal? Ambush the fortress of a treasonous prince for attempting a coup upon his elder brother. The younger brother, as younger siblings often did, coveted his brother's throne, after an unsuccessful coup within the palace, the prince and a few power hungry generals fled to the nation's famed most defensive fortress, Baryn Eru, the tiger's mouth. The fortress was located at the top of a mountain pass which served as the border between the prince's home nation, and one that would be his ally should he win his bid for the throne. With a promise of an army come spring, the prince only had to wait out the winter, before he could launch what would be a successful bid for the throne.


Per it's name the fortress was heavily augmented by multiple (6) guard towers built at choke points, these would drastically thin any attack force launched against it, and provide at least a day's warning to the fortress itself. The captain had accepted the contract of attacking the fortress in an effort by the rightful prince (err. King) to use a disposable army to clear the way for his own, an effort that would still leave his army sorely pressed to win against the fortress defenses. The captain had negotiated an fair reward for each tower his men cleared, 5000 gp per,with a bonus of 2000 each if they suffered little to no damage and could easily be re-manned. He'd then negotiated a lucrative reward for the fortress itself, 12000 gp for the companies' coffers, along with a new set of master forged armor & a master forged weapon of choice for each man in his service (at the signing of the contract) was still alive afterwards, and a reward of 100 gp per man at the time of the victory, this payment was of course in addition to any looting or salvage that occurred during the actual conflict. The prince, confident that the dragoons would only capture at most 4 of the towers, and destroy them at that agreed readily to the at the time "bargin".


Of the 4 month long winter, the first 3 weeks the dragoons stayed camped at the base of the mountain path, sending a few scouts & messengers to the lowest tower, entreating them to surrender. During this time, the best scouts of the army spent their time crawling up sides of the mountains until the deer path had been discovered, a small winding rocky path which led, from the base of the mountain and after dozens of side trails and diversions emerged at the top of the mountain, out of view of the fortress, but behind the highest guard tower. The path was one that mules would have found difficult, but with the aid of the companies magicians and best riders, 1000 dragoons managed to scale the mountain path and then rapidly descended, taking the guards towers in their unprotected flanks. On the first day of the fourth week, the emerald dragoons captured all 6 castles intact, and prevented word from reaching either the king or the traitorous prince, on the second they'd marched the whole (at the time) 6000 man company up the now cleared & secured mountain path. The 3rd & fourth days were secretly analyzing the fortress, which they later attacked in the dead of night. An event that led to them capturing the fabled fortress with a loss of only 216 men.


While greatly pleased with the death of his brother & non destructive capture of the fortress, the King was initially grudging to pay the now exorbitant cost of the army whose sized hadn't been substantially decreased by the carnage, he'd said that it would take time for his armor and blade smith's to forge such a large amount, and that funds were lower due to winter, suggesting that they take their initial reward of 54000 leopards (42k for the safely captured towers and 12k for the capture of the fortress), then return in a years time for the rest.


The captain had in turn replied that he was happy to wait as he hadn't signed another contract for the winter, and thus had no place to be, and as a bonus he'd even commit his men to manning the fortress & guard towers till spring free of charge, the thinly veiled threat had been sufficient, and the king had quickly & happily paid the companies reward.


That adventure had been 3 years and 4 campaigns ago, the dragoons became notorious for quick, decisive victories, and beating uphill odds each & every time. The captain was good about ensuring rest & times of relaxation were available, preferring to take a few large & difficult contracts to multiple small & simple ones, he usually would take 2-3 months after each major victory to let men relax and spend their hard earned coin, simply stating that during non-committal periods men had to train 3 days per week, and their horses were always to be well tended, whether by hired grooms or the men themselves.


Despite the stress placed upon them, the captain was uncannily aware of the limits of his men, and slowed the pace during the last day, before calling a halt at dusk. He ordered the best cuts of meat and the freshest vegetables be used for a stew, with each man getting a double wine ration (4 cups) and a fresh egg each. That was another oddity among the dragoons, the chicken wagons four massive hen coops mounted on specialized spring balanced wagons, each coop filled with hens, and excess eggs stored and maintained through the actions of the hermetic cook. Though they were costly to maintain, the captain kept them for the boost of morale that they give to men who had been eating dried meat for days or weeks, generally the company ate very well, the dried goods were well spiced and had several varieties of meat not just beef, there was fish, chicken, lamb and venison, additionally there were often dried fruits, peaches, apples & varieties of nuts. Fresh vegetables and fruits were purchased at every opportunity, and a fair supply of livestock were kept with the company by the hills-men and kept the army fed to a far greater degree & quality then most.


As men reveled in the food & drink each knowing that tomorrow they would fight, the captain and his officers met to exchange reports & discuss strategy. A messenger arrives at the party tent, and without invitation steps inside, "Captain says to tell you you're expected at the planning meeting once supper's over."


At the captains tent most of the flaps are rolled up & his usual retinue of guards absent, obviously enjoying their extra wine & hearty supper. As you approach you can see Paladin Weishart, the commander of the contingent of Knights of Saint Lyandra, a small, but ancient and well respected holy order, one whom the company had saved during a different campaign, and whose payment had been a retinue of holy warriors that would further reinforce the captains & companies reputation. Sir E'scua Allison, the only female Lieutenant and a personal friend of the captain, one who had no qualms about proving her worth to any who snickered that her position in rank had anything to do with the angle at which she kept her legs, a qualm she only had to prove once a year or so mainly to new initiates. Gelfrid Lorens the master scout & lead huntsman, whom was only slightly irritated that the group had taken the bridge tower a mere hour before he'd been about to take the other tower from below, his quick elven eyes flick between each of you as you enter. Mott the Massive, the captains right hand man, and in the event the captain was needed elsewhere, the acting commander of the company during combat, the goliath was unusually tall & muscled even given the standards of his race, was the leader of the hills-men had a beard any dwarf would be jealous of. Sir Michael Torrem previously the captain's squire and newly knighted, he was the second son of a high lord of Embalia, handsome, cocksure but gifted with lance and sword. The Captain himself in his gleaming green & silver mithral armor, emerald cloak and silver-laced longsword. Finally Nell a peasant girl the captain had recently taken as his paige and eventual squire, no one knew why she was in his service of all people, despite his charismatic nature the captain was quick to anger at incompetence & inability, something sure to be omnipresent for a peasant girl serving a military commander.


"Ah good you're here", looking up from the map on the table the group was arrayed around the captain gave a quick grin then returned his gaze to the table.
"It's going to be tricky tomorrow, no arguments there, but I've just gotten the latest reports from the scouts & the reports from within the city. "
They've got 20 thousand men positioned just outside of arrow & catapult range on the main road & main gates, 12 thousand more on the south end, and another 8 thousand scurrying around the docks. Pausing and pacing away from the table, he stood staring out in the direction of the coast like he could see the entrenched city, his hand stroking the stubble of his black beard. The problem is that they seem to have an usually high number of magus's and hermetics, a large enough number that I'm not risking the company on a direct sweeping charge like I normally would. Instead Gelfrid and I are going to take all but a few of our magicians out early in the morning and exterminate or exhaust their force. Then if we are successful, I'll give the signal to advance the company, there will be 3 strike forces and 2 compliments. A compliment of 5000 led by Sir Allison will engage the enemy's main force on the road, Sir Torrem will lead a remaining 2400 against the other main body mustered around the South gate. Meanwhile a strike force will be sent to each of the three enemy groupings, each with the task of objective of cutting the heads off the snakes sitting there.

He turned back to the group and started pacing, not nervously, but as though he simply couldn't relax, he was excited and ready to see if they liked his plan.

The group heading the to main enemy force will obviously be heading directly for General Ezekial Borwane, he's a powerful and fanatic hermetic and a paladin to some saint I've never heard of, but I can tell you he's a zealot, he and his honor guard will fight tooth and nail till the bitter end, but once he's dead there will be so much confusion and loss of morale we'll ride through them like a pasture.

Stopping his absent minded pacing and draining a goblet of wine handed to him by Nell, he turned back and continued.

Thank you Nell, The group that is going to ride with Michael towards the south gates is going to be charged with eliminating the 4 captains commanding that group of the army, if they fall quickly the disadvantage in numbers against us will vanish entirely for that area, unfortunately 2 of the four captains are adequate hermetics, they are competent enough that I'm not going to focus on them until the threat of their bulk magical force is contained or eliminated. They be careful not to over exert themselves with magic since they also have to fight.

Last group will have to fight their way through around the dock yards & whatever traps have been laid until you can get the pair of magus that have been steadily destroying the dockyard & towers. Unfortunately I know both of the casters, Mawle Turner & Bizak Revyin, they've likely turned the dockyards into a booby trapped archery field if they still maintain there actions and attitudes from the Mage academy.

Sighing and sitting in a camp chair that Nell had finished setting up, he rubbed the dark circles under his eyes, then glanced around at everyone, "I was planning on having Sir Weishart & his men be one strike force, Mott and some of the hills-men lead another, and test you four in command while leading the third."

He stares at each of you with a grin in the corner of his mouth, "I'll even let you pick which force you lead. So tell me which will it be?"

[Daishain]

Davril looks to the other three, "Tentatively, I suspect that the docks would suit our skills better than directly assaulting the leaders, though I would not object to either of the other two missions. Beyond putting holes in these two magi, what would be our objectives at the docks?"

"In addition, since you know the pair, how skillful are they? Would you expect their traps to be good enough to tell the difference between soldiers and something we might use as a decoy, such as summoned creatures?"

[bcool999]

Jaal chuckles slightly at the mention of taking out the enemy leadership. "Doesn't matter much to me which fight I go to. Just need someone to point out the enemy leaders. If they are close enough to see they are more than close enough for my bolts to find." Jaal says before thinking a moment, "That said, I could likely sniff out any traps left on the docks, and I pity the archer who tries to out-range me."

[Lyndworm]

"I agree with Davril and Jaal. Our skillsets, and mine and Jaal's in particular, seem best suited for the battle at the docks." says Karlo. "I have no doubt that we can accomplish our goals, but any additional information would certainly help smooth things along."

[Silverphantasm]

"Very well. Mott you and your men will be in charge of heading for Ezekial, I'll join you if I'm fit for a fight when I can. Sir Weishart I'll leave the four captains to you and the members of your order, take a hundred or so archers or infantry if you'd like some extra support, Mott you'll have to make do with just Hills-men, it's going to be a tough fight, and very uneven any why we go about it. Our main advantages will be surprise, trapping them between us and an arrow range environment, and fast attacks at the leadership. The dragoons won't break from conventional means, it'll take heavy losses and our deaths as officers before they consider retreating, they'll stick to small groups and sheer away the numbers, we are better trained and better equipped, it overall I actually put odds on us at 50/10/40 for a victory, draw, and defeat respectively."

Nodding his head at Mott, Sir Weishart & the others, "Dismissed, get some rest, eat and be ready come mourn."

Turning back to the group he let a little of the authority of "Captain" drop, "You four are in for a tough nut tomorrow, Mawle favors speed & mobility, he'll likely move around if you can get rid of whatever sniping spot he's currently favoring, he's also got a good memory enough so that he'll probably be able to scamper through whatever traps have been set on the ground. He's skilled at adding spells to his arrows, but overall he's below average on staying power. A few good hits will put him down, Bizak though, he favors tricks, traps & defense, in addition to magical traps he'll also have mundane ones riddle throughout the docks as well. He'll be hard to hit, and even then he'll take a load of hits to eliminate. His traps usually trigger from either pressure/passage or an external trigger, watch out for trip lines, weak boards and overly obvious traps. If you can, kill Bizak, but spare Mawle, I'd like to try recruiting him if possible. Handing out a sealed paper, he said, give that to Mawle & by the time you killl Bizak, "the should give you answer."

[Daishain]

"We can handle it sir, though I've a few ideas on how to make it an easier affair." Davril looks to the others, "You guys willing to part with some of our recent bonus? I can't be sure we can get the items I have in mind on such short notice, but the they could save a good number of our men."

If the others agree to pitch in on the bill, Davril is specifically looking to trade for a Bag of Tricks (Tan for 6,300 gp would be best, but Rust for 3,000 gp could work). With the idea being that when they're in too much of a hurry to properly look for traps, the group can have a summoned Rhino simply run ahead of the party. While he's at it, he'll ask around for an animated catapult stone. (I think that's the name at least, found in Heroes of battle for 500 gp, single use siege engine shot without the siege engine) With the idea being to fire it off when Mawle's hidey hole is identified. Probably won't kill him, but could easily ruin his sniper's nest, and with luck keep him pinned for a good while.

[Silverphantasm]

"Good, I'll leave you to it then." The Captain departed from his tent leaving the party to stare over the map and wooden markers indicating troop numbers.

A short time later Magdeline, the resident crafter and procurement specialist of magical items strode into the tent, a shield sized bag held in here right hand, her left holding a brim filled tankard of ale. Cap'n said you boys had a conundrum to solve and coin to spend solvin' it, she pulled a narrow double hinged box out of the bag and rather ungracefully dropped it on the table scattering several of the wooden markers. "Whoops sorry 'bout that, she said using her now free hand to reach down the front of her bodice, withdrawing a silver inlay steel rod, about 4 inches long and covered with etchings, she waved the object at the two locks on the container. As each made a distinct clicking sound, the box fell open to reveal a purple ledger with emerald green script detailing it to Magdeline DeLancey: Licensed Magus and Agent of acquisition and distribution of magical objects & artifacts. Taking a deep draft of the mug, she set it down, then looking expectantly at them, waiting

[Daishain]

Davril does his best to explain what he has in mind. "Ultimately, what we need is a way to rapidly disarm or bypass numerous mundane and magical traps, probably while under enemy fire. To my thinking, the easiest way to do so is to set them off before anything we care about being harmed is in harms way. I recall on one occasion a bag from which a nigh endless series of obedient animals could be summoned. We could use such a thing to summon a large creature, and have it run ahead of our forces, setting off traps as it goes, then summon another when it falls."

"At any rate, that is the first practical solution my mind jumped to, if you have an alternate, I'd be glad to hear it."

[Silverphantasm]

Well I'll take a look.......lets see pulling animals out of a bag......hmm....wonder if that could pass as entertainment? Oh well..... she ran her finger down a series of pages seeming to index the contents of the journal.

Well oddly enough I do have bags that can create animals, they don't last long though only 10 minutes, and you can only have 1 at a time, they disappear if they are severly wounded, and you can only withdraw 10 / week. But they'll obey you just like they were trained even if you pull out a bat or a rat......apparently they can even pull something called a rhinoceros.....what the bloody hell is a rhinoceros.

She flipped to the entry with the two bags, here was the information listing how long she'd possessed the bags, who she'd purchased them from and other details.

Hmm.... looks like my daft daughter bought these a year ago from a circus sorcerer.....guess that answers the entertainment question..... purchased for ....(spot).... and for (spot check).... she flipped the paper between the two pages looking at the notes for each item. She considered for a minute then looked at the group, I'll sell ya the pair for 800 drakes, but only if you buy another 200 drakes worth of something else, If'in you don't want both its 650 drakes for the tan bag, and 310 drakes for the rust one.

[Daishain]

Davril looks to the others, trying to assess how on board they are with the idea. For now he just says, "Ten minutes should be plenty of time for something on a suicide run. I don't think we can manage a thousand drakes at present however. The eight hundred alone should be doable."

[Lyndworm]

Karlo gives the dwarf a sharp nod when he looks back at the archer. "You know I've got your back, Davril. My money's your money unless I'm on leave. Besides," he says, a grin cracking his face. "I'd really like to see whatever a rhinoceros is. It sounds cute."

[Silverphantasm]

Hmm.....well, I'm not likely to find any buyers for these particular items......alright then 800 drakes then, don't worry 'bout seeing the coin counter, just sign a receipt of withdrawal. She pulls out each bags, one tan, about as large as a head of lettuce and another a deep rust color, about the size of an grapefruit. After scribbling across a sheet of paper, she hands it and the quill to you.


Taking the quill back once you're complete, she smiles, alright boys, nice working with you, come see me for some other goodies after we win tomorrow.

[Daishain]

Davril signs, hoping this gambit of his will pay off. Passing the paper on to the others, he stands back, thinking.

When done, he turns to his companions. "I'm thinking that the next items on our list ought to be a dozen or so tower shields. Get a line of the men to carry them, and use them to block likely lanes of fire as we move. Cavalry won't be useful in those environs, so aside from infantry, I suggest we bring a contingent of pikes and bows."

[Togo]

Keothi speaks up.

We're attacking across the docks, we need bridges. Long wood, reinforced. Cross waterways. Cross trapped areas. Not worry about what's underfoot. Can we get carpenters to make? Maybe ladders, or mantlets? Cover from arrows, does not need to be small.

[Lyndworm]

"I think Davril's tower shields should serve as cover enough, Keothi." says Karlo, looking up from signing the paper. "Are bridges worth the effort of carrying them with us? Every hand on one is a hand without a weapon, or a shield." He passes the receipt to the next signer.

[Togo]

Keothi shakes his head.

Keothi has magic to make large items small. Lasts for days. We build some big reinforced planks, say, twenty feet across and eighty long, and maybe a mantlet on wheels for cover, and we each fold them up and stuff them in our coat pockets. Cross the waterways where they do not expect us.

[Daishain]

Davril considers, "Hmm, mantlets are probably too slow and difficult to maneuver in this case, I'd suggest sticking to the tower shields for this. We can maneuver the men holding those wherever we need. Maybe one large mantlet, if we can spare it, to be used and abandoned on a long approach."

"But a few bridges that we can pop out to full size? That could be quite an advantage. What would you need?"

[Togo]

Just the bridges. Tough enough to support as many people as possible. Maybe with a few spikes on the ends, so they don't slip. And a few days to recover from the magic of making them, so as early as possible would be best.

[Daishain]

Davril frowns, "We go into battle tomorrow Keothi. What can you manage in this regard in that time frame?"

[Silverphantasm]

The next morning breaks with the sound of rattling chain shirt, neighing horses, curses intermixed with prayers and the tension of thousands of people about to ride to die. As the last member of the team awakens, or demonstrates that they're ready to be seen as awake, there are calls and whistles throughout the camp as everyone is waking & slowly, but assuredly moving into formation and their armor.

A paige steps in breathless & covered in sweat & dirt, ""Captain says to tell ya'......docks used as resting grounds for army......most folks there are off duty and ........unarmored, so it should be......an easy sweep of the camp". Gasping as he speaks he continues in a breaking fashion, "the docks are heavily fortified, they've got huts scattered across them.......miniature strong holds, about a dozen men in each...... armed with crossbows & shooting through arrow slits........but that's not all........
the boy stops speaking as he pants harder this time....... "sorry sirs, but I've got to stop & drink some water or wine if you have it.

[Lyndworm]

Karlo reaches into his haversack and hands the messenger his own enchanted waterskin. "Hurry up, boy," Karlo says, his smile softer than his words. "We're on a schedule here, you know."

[Silverphantasm]

GM Note: Check OOC due to continuous posting error next post is there

[Lyndworm]

Looking over the rough map drawn from the paige's description, Karlo forms an equally rough plan of action. Not without some hesitation, he says "I'm thinking we go for the shock and awe approach." Using a finger to 'draw' a path on the map, he continues. "We take the middle path, Keothi leading our front line. The archers hang back with me and Jaal, concentrating our fire onto the nearer ship until the tower is in range. Davril, you're versatile enough to assign yourself to either the front lines next to Keothi or supplementing our ranged attackers." The archer looks up to each of his teammates in turn as he says "If we have any other ideas, now's the time to share them."

If there are no objections, Karlo begins to mobilize their forces and set out for the assault.