Grey Knights IC

[Greyen]

Evening drew nigh. The tiny little caravan of tired, bloody mercenaries moved slowly into the foothills. Moving at the speed of the slowest foot soldier, they crawled off of the muddied track into a clearing. The blasted crater of a clearing had been formed a week ago, during the pursuit of a powerful magus. Upon the brink of his death he had broken his staff and cremated himself and his attackers. That had been one of the death blows for the armies of House Nessit, part of the Coalition that had formed to stop House Carciene and its allies. 16 Greys had been killed in that action. Now it was a safe enough, defensible place to rest.

As soon as the cart creaked to a stop troopers leaped to do their part of setting up camp for the night. The two remaining sergeants barking orders as best as their fresh rank can. Within a few minutes the two remaining patchwork tents are up and dinner is going in Cookies’ little field kitchen on the back of the cart.

Librarian lumbered up onto his usual position on the cart, the huge metal bound book clanged into position on its podium. The old dwarf clanked the book open, and began to speak, “Tonight we shall read from the names of the fallen. Those of our brethren who have fallen in the past day. We are finished with this contract. We are have nearly been destroyed in the process, but we have served with honor. Now we shall honor our fallen.”

“Shoehorn, 6 years, speared in melee.
One-eye, 43 years, disintegrated by enemy mage
Greenshoes, 2 months, speared in melee
Shale, 17 years, crushed under cavalry
Pumpkin, 8 years, crushed wrestling ogre
……”

For more than an hour he reads the names of this days fallen. The monotone drone cathartic and calming.

At the end of the reading dinner is served, manna stew with some meat chunks, the first meat bits you have seen in several weeks. Once everyone is eating Rook steps up to the dais and raises his hands for quiet. The muffled mumble stops. Rook's disheaveled and bloodied self speaks for itself, his force of personality shines through, his clear baritone carries well, uplifting spirits as he speaks. A clarion of strength Rook has carried many of you broken to the field hospital or fought at your back in many melees. There is no question as to why he leads the GReys and not some of themore senior members. Cranberry plants the slate grey standard with a thump next to him, blood still stains the ancient flag.

"Brethern of Arms, Grey Knights! We have once again completed a contract, with honor! As dire and bloody as this long war has carried us, we have carried it. I mourn for our fallen, but to mourn with out celebration is not our way.

Cookie! Breach the last cask!"

A small cheer goes up as the last 10 gallon cask of rum is brought out for the Greys. Tin cups are quickly dug out and a line moves through as Cookie hands a mug up to Rook. When everyone is seated again he continues

"To the fallen! To sucess in war! and to tomorrow!" He raises his cup to is troops and the troops repeat the toast.

"Tomorrow we begin a new path. We have been well paid. A 1000 gold bonus is paid to each survivor! Tomorrow we begin our path to Crosstown, a little way east. From there we shall rest and begin to recover our losses.

Lord Carcienne, now Emperor Carcienee has paid us well. With one small hitch. His treasury could not afford the cost of almost 100 years of paying our price. As consolation we have been made lords. The Grey Knights now own land. We are now the proud owners of Fort Simms and everything in a twenty mile radius, just northwest of Crosstown. A week from now we will reach Crosstown, a week after that we shall reach the new Grey Keep! But tonight we shall celebrate victory!" He steps back as a cheer goes up from the ranks. Caterwaul strikes up a tune on his pipes and a small party begins. It carries on into the night, no guard is posted and no one is sober at the end of the night.

----------
In the morning dawn breaks and already soldiers are about their duties, many holding their heads or muttering complaints under their breath.

A slight breeze carries the smell of life and a fresh day upon it.

Cranberry is seen out side Rook's tent he looks at each of you in turn and points at you, wordlessly summoning you to Rook for something. (This is normal for Rook, he is not one to yell unless necessary and Cranberry often works as his adjudant).

[MrScary]

It carries on into the night, no guard is posted and no one is sober at the end of the night.



Nobody is sober at the end of the night save one, the huge and hulking mass of metal called "War Machine". Though he cannot partake of the final keg, he can, and does, partake in the performing. While Caterwaule plays his pipes, War Machine taps a loud beat--his metal fist striking his great metal chest in time with the performance.

Once the revelers had drunk themselves into unconsciousness, the massive metal-man walked around the encampment, securing the perimeter. He didn't expect any trouble, not this evening...but one never knew. The Grey's had been decimated today. Yes, they had won, but at what price victory?

Hefting his gigantic hammer onto his shoulder and slinging his plain grey-painted shield on his back, War Machine stoically stood watch over his few remaining brothers and sisters in battle, ensuring that they would all live at least one more day.

****

Wordlessly, War Machine nodded at Cranberry as the troll pointed at him. His metallic muscles creaked slightly, and there was a slight clanging sound as metal grated against metal. The large warrior walked to where Rook's tent was.

"Good morn, Lieutenant." he addressed the troll, using his formal rank. It was fairly obvious that it was to be a business meeting, given the nature of Cranberry's summons.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

The dawn comes early for Mercy. She drank as much to drown the sorrows of good men and women killed - men and women under her command, ones that perhaps she might have saved if she'd been just a little faster, just a little smarter. Just a few of the thoughts that the drink, mercifully, pushed far away for a little time.

Cranberry's wordless sumons is responded with a nod. She quickly checks over her gear, and settles the rapier at her hip. She splashes a bit from her flask over her face, clearing her mind as best she can, and taking a long slug of the tepid water as well.

She gives Cranberry a wide berth as she slides into the tent. Slowly, she nods to Rook and War Machine.

Commander, War Machine. Shall we make ready for the road again, Sir?

[The_Snark]

Little Miss Murder

The night had been hell.

Oh, not at first; she'd drunk as much as any of the others, and the elf had never had much tolerance for alcohol. She normally gravitated towards the other lieutenants at the rare times like these; she was well aware that most of her company found it hard to relax around her, and the last thing she wanted to do was get them into that habit. But she'd always been aware of the hubbub about them, or rather the lack of it.

It had been too small this time; not enough music, not enough noise, not enough people. It'd been hard to ignore, so she'd drunk more than usual, enough to send her into a stupor earlier than most of the rest. Most of hers had died. Most of everyone's had died, of course, but that was none of her business. She'd always prided herself on the toughness of her troops, of every soldier who'd spent time in her platoon, but that hadn't been good enough.

Hardly comforting thoughts to dwell upon in the depths of elvish trancelike sleep, and the headache she has upon arising with the sun does nothing to help her black mood; unusually for her, it is a silent fury. She has nobody to curse at, except for herself. Cranberry receives a sour grimace of acknowledgement, and she finishes buckling on her customary dark grey, hard-ridged armor. That wasn't part of her usual ritual; she generally slept in the armor. She hadn't kept it on for the celebration of the dead.

She hangs the cruel flail on the hook over her back—no sense going anywhere unarmed, even if the war was supposed to be over—and stalks over into the tent. Her fellow lieutenants, and the Rook, get what might have originally been intended for a greeting smile; but it comes out as more of a grimace again, and she lowers her gaze a bit to stare at the ground as if not really seeing it. Miss Murder is not her usual self, not today; unusual for the elf, who generally tried to appear as unshakeable as possible.

[qube]

Firefly

As Librarian calls forth the names of the fallen camerades, Firefly listens with care. He knew most of them very well. He fixed their armor, linked the chainmails made the swords, the hammers, ... Perhaps more would be alive if he had done his job a little better... No, such thoughts were wrong: he did the best he could, each and every day. War demanded tribute.

As the rum flows, Firefly conjures before him a wooden cup, with the words 'For those who fallen'. As they toast he repeats "For tommorow" and drinks the cup ad-fundum. The cup disintegrates after taking the last sip.

Lord Firefly? What would I be doing with a lords title? ... I'm a smith, I'm a Grey. Drinking wine in banquet hall in a thing waisted on the likes of me... a fort on the other hand might be nice ... fortified walls, hidden traps on the outside, a powerfull bridge, a towering keep, a statue of everyone of us survivors on the side of the road, ending with a statue of Rook above the gateway ... in his mind Firefly is already redisigning the hole keep into a towering bastion of the supreme power the Grey Knights represent.

The combination of day dreaming of a such a fortress and the rum, proved his toll, as day dreaming turned into sleep.

----------

Firefly wakes up, at the table but with a coupple of very comferable pillows ... Apparently he created them sometime during his day dreaming and sleeping. As he wakes up, he dismisses the pillows and looks around. Most of his commerades will not wake up so easy, as they did not have the luxuary of a instant pillow power. After waking up and clearing his mind ((refreshing his power point pool)), he stretches himself, wiggles his antennea and goes for a strawl around the camp.

As he sees Cranberry calling for him, he changes his direction and speed, and walks into the tent of his high commander.
"Goodmorging" he casually says "What's on the agenda for today?"

[MrScary]

War Machine

The hulking machine-man nods to Miss. He'd always respected the diminutive she-elf's discipline. Perhaps not always agreeing with her over-the-top methods, but she definitely got results. Yes, war was hell, and soldiers needed to be tough, but not all the time.

"Miss" he acknowledges his fellow lieutenant.

Seeing Cranberry point a couple more times, he slowly swivels around to see Mercy and Firefly arriving.

He definitely liked Firefly, the smith having repaired his adamantine plating more than once over the past few years. He was an interesting...person?...to talk to as well.

Mercy was not as familiar to him as the others. She was fairly fresh, just a couple years into the Greys. She had a reputation that was nearly opposite that of Murder, so he was a bit surprised that she'd made Lieutenant. Well, it wasn't for him to decide who was promoted or not.

"I'm sure we will learn what our next mission is in time, Firefly." he says to the dromite smith.

[wadledo]

Smokey

The raptorian cleric takes another puff of his pipe as the morning sun breaks over the horizon.

*puwofff*

Stretching his wings to their maximum, Smokey hears his old joints pop, wincing as his feathers rustle in the light breeze.

Noticing Cranberry motioning to the other Lieutenants, he walks slowly over, using his longspear as a cane like always. His tall frame casts a long shadow onto the tent as he moves without a word up with the others.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The little lizardfolk enters at Cranberry's bidding. Though all saw him drink as much as any other, he seems little the worse for wear from the previous night's binge, a tribute to his natural constitution and ability to handle poisons of any sort. Others can tell his overindulgence only by how slowly his head seems to twitch as he listens or looks for something, followed by a pained little grunt and a wincing of his emerald green eyes. His iridescent green scales seem dull as well -- as if his chameleon skin reflected his body's torment -- and his turquoise crest lay flat atop his head.

The only things that shined about his person this morning was his pride and joy: the composite shortbow Hound had given him shortly before he was killed and the mithral and green leather accoutrements of his Fleet Warrior's Array -- another gift from the former master scout before his recent death in ambush.

He nods to each of the other occupants, recognizing them from missions shared as well as by reputation, then moves plants himself to the side of the group, keeping his slowly swishing tail away from their big feet. He mumbles a morning greeting in elven, as is his tendency.

[Greyen]

As you all gather in Rooks sparse tent you see that he is fully dressed and reeady for the new day. He looks haggard and red eyed but clear headed. He rubs his graying long brown hair and stands as you enter. His cot is the same as everyone elses and the foot locker at the end is plain as ever. A small table sits in the middle of the tent and you all see a crude map drawn in black ink on a scraped sheep skin. There are a few official seals attached to the rolled scrolls lying next to it. The field lantern is shining directly on the map.

"Good morning, lietentants." He steps over to the map and studies it for a moment. "There are going to be a few changes coming up and I need you assistance with easing the transition into a garrison lifestyle while we rebuild our strength.

First of all, all of you are relieved of command" He holds up his hand to silence any remarks " This is due to the fact that i am reorganizing you. The troops that we have left will fall in directly under me for now until we figure out who our new Guard Captain will be. You six will become a small action tactical force onto yourselves. "Special Operations Squad" they called them in the regular army. Our company was once considered the same. Now we are too small to be even considered a 'company' much less a platoon for hire.

The rest of the troops and I will travel on foot at carts pace to Crosstown. There we will gather supplies and any new recruits we can muster. It will take us a week to get there and three days to do our business. Then it will take another four days to travel to Fort Simms.

Here is where you all come in the picture. Fort Simms is four days travel on horse from here. You will precede the company and make the place ready for us. Which includes if necessary, cleaning out any riff-raff which may currently inhabit it. We will be there in 14 days."

On the map (OOC- I will draw it up sometime tomorrow) you see the Valley where the last great battle was held. A road travels East out of the valley into a small mountain range. From there it travels further East into hills and then into plains where it intersects with another road. At the crossing of the roads is marked cross town. In the NW sector of the cross is a small road, finer line means smaller road you assume, which leads to a spot marked Fort Simms. Rook indicates each place on the map as he speaks.

"You all still technically hold the rank of lieutentant. But you are to conduct your business as a TEAM" You hear the inflection and underlying threat in his voice "Listen to each other and make your judgements as a good squad. i know many of you have not had the opportunity to get to work together much, now you do. I suggest you make the best effort to get along because until we have a strength of more than a hundred bodies fighting you all aren't getting a command position back. There are too many chefs in the kitchen right now. This is to partially get you out of my hair and to prove to me that you can work together as a team. I will not be entertaining any contracts until we are settled and have a force large enought ot actually do anything by die, again." His voice catches a moment at the last word, he has obviously been hit hard but the destruction of his company. He knew everyone by name and had shared bread and drink with each one at some point.

"So leave me 2 horse to pull the cart, but take anything else you may need. You leave in an hour. Any questions?" he looks at you all in turn waiting. You all know that you can speak freely in his presence and that he will listen and consider your words. You may not like his answer but his decisions are more often than not for the best.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

"Beggin', yer pard'n, Sssir," Prowl begins, "but I'm pro'lly as fasst afoot as they be a'horsse." The little lizardman's dislike of horse for anything aside from emergency rations is fairly well-known; he claims they're too noisy and very smelly, but to those who know him well, he's a bit afraid of them. Mostly of being trampled underhoof. "D'I hafta ride?"

[Greyen]

Rook chuckles at Prowls words Actually, I assumed that you and Firefly would probably share a horse with Smokey and the other three ride separately while you have a pack horse. But how ever you travel is up to you, five horses six of you. You figure it out.

Now if there aren't any more questions? This is a dismissal, unless of course you do have a question.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"...relieved of command..."

What command?

She shakes the thought off as she listens, standing crisply straight as usual once more. Life was going to go on. She knew perfectly well they didn't need the lieutenants right now; they barely needed one lieutenant, really, and he'd be more of a sergeant at that. They had work to do, and a task to get to. After that... the war was over. What changes that would mean, she had no idea.

"None, sir," she says crisply, not looking away or making any move to leave until the others had all confirmed they have no questions or gotten them answered.

[qube]

Firefly

the small dromite waits for a second and then asks
"There wouldn't be a additional cart left, would there? ... I'm a really bad horserider"

[Greyen]

You will have to make do. There is but the one.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Clearly still more than a bit the worse for wear from last night, Mercy simply nods. A demotion, of sorts. Well, it's not as though your last term of command was such a resounding success. Might be nice to try working as a small team, without having to worry about covering everyone all the time.

She glances over at her companions. Prowl and Smokey would take the pressure off of her to be the eyes and ears of a group. And, of course, War Machine and Miss Murder would be on hand to take care of the most basic of the potential difficulties. She guessed that that left Firefly and herself to fill in the cracks.

No questions, sir.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"If that is all," Smokey screeches, filling the air of the tent with pipe smoke, "I will summon us a welcoming party."

Not having been here long enough to appreciate commanding land-bound troops, Smokey takes the demotion like he does all things. Puffing his pipe, he begins to walk out of the tent, ducking under the low threshold and emptying the bowl of ash and dottle a little ways away.

Rubbing some tobacco between his fingers and palm, Smokey packs it lightly into the amber bowl, asking "Does anyone have a light?"

[MrScary]

"No questions, sir." the towering adamantine plated warrior intones, devoid of emotion.

"I would need the largest and sturdies of the mounts, for somewhat...obvious...reasons." he tells the team as they exit the tent.

[Greyen]

As you all step out into what is becoming a beautiful sunny day, Cranberry is waiting. In his deep rumble he says We have horse ready in hour. He then turns and walks over to a group of soldiers and they grumblingly do as he says, going over to the pickets and readying five horses including the heavy draft.

Librarian is standing a little way off to the side, he has a packet in his hands as he steps up to the group of you. The old dwarf limps a little as he moves and is red around the eyes also. His gravelly voice carries clearly even though he speaks quietly We spoke about this last night on the road to here. Reaching into his pocket he hands Smokey a tindertwig before reaching into the leather satchel. His hand comes out with six gray leather armbands that look like htey have seen heavy wear. They resemble the standard gray armbands you already wear but are old and worn. These are the oldest Marks of the Greys, they carry some power and are all that is left of the original Greys except the Standard itself. He hands each of you one. Reaching back into the satchel and pulls out a slim gray leather bound book. Use this to report back to us. Anything recorded into this will be written in the big book. I will check it often in case you need something. In the bag is also your bonus for the battle, one for each of you. Go with honor, I will see you all in fourteen days. Librarian hands the satchel to whoever reaches for it first, is clinks heavily as it is handed over. He turns and walk back to the cart. You see Cookie cleaning up breakfast, he waves at you making eating motions. He probably has saved you all something to eat.

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey waves the Tindertwig over the bowl of his pipe several times before tamping it down again, repeating the process twice more before seeming satisfied with the results.
"Thank you."
He listens to the explanation and waits for one of the others to pick up the satchel, taking his bonus and moving over to Cookie after that.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Slipping out after Smokey, Mercy smiles, the first time in what seems like forever.

In response to his request, she gestures slightly, speaks a strange word, and suddenly her hand is dripping with a ball of flame. She offers it to him.

Happy to help.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

With what passes for a smile amongst the lizardfolk, Prowl nods to Rook. "Yesssir!" he says to the Commander before turning to follow the others outside.

After receiving the armband from Librarian, Prowl quickly affixes it to his arm. "I kin keep 'at in m'pack, til we're ready ta divvy it up, but I'm not carryin' 'at in m'handss," he says in reference to the satchel as he easily hefts it and leads the way to Cookie's Lair.

"Mornin', Cookie!" he beams. The two had been on many missions together, especially since Hound's death and Prowl's promotion to Lieutenant, taking his mentor's place, and enjoyed each other's company, even with the lizardfolk's preference for more rare meats.

[Greyen]

The tiefling hands each of you a tin plate with eggs and bisquits and gravy he then says Ya'll be careful out dere. I'll miss feeding ya'll, but you know you get hot mess when ya get back. We'll be ready ta scoop ya up iff'n ya fall but I dun tink you will. He starts whistling a clumsy ditty and turns to finish cleaning up breakfast.

[qube]

Firefly

As he leaves the tent, the small dromite rumbles in his backpack, and then takes out a hourglass, which he turns. "One hour. no cart. check.". Then he starts to think hmmm hammer, paper, pen, sculpting tools, dorjes, stones, Fir... FIR, I hope you're remembring all this! ... don't forget my dagger. Oh, and the potions. Fir, remind me to pack the potions, very important. In the history, great men have survived terrible ordeels thanks to good booze. ooh, and I need to make some quintessence if I have the time the dromite smiles. an inside joke to himself.

Then they run into Librarian.

"A grey band? thank you." Firefly says as he take the bandage. He smells it. ah, you can spell the ages is has been through ... the battles ... the entire history of the greys, fixated in this small relic.

normally Firefly would also take the book, but as it seems heavy he declines ...

As ideas are swirling through his head they meet cookie.
"13 day, 23 hours and 55 minutes" firefly says, as he watches his hourglass once more ... unless our time moves slower
"smells good."

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Prowl wolfs down the breakfast practically before any of the others have taken a seat. "S'whatch'all wanna do now? I'm pretty much ready ta go whene'r y'all're, but I'm no horseman, an' like I said, I'm nearly as fast as those lumbering things're anyway, yaknow? 'Specially once y'all load yer own bulk an' gear aboard, yaknow? That'll slow 'em down, a good bit, yaknow?" The lizardfolk's fast speech was something really only heard in camp. In the field he usually commanded with hand signals and gestures, plus an instinctive understanding of both his own troops movements as well as his opponents' plans. Many times, his hunches had destroyed a warparty that had thought itself unnoticed, with few, if any, casualties.

He sets the satchel on the table amidst the groups' plates. And looks from one to the other of his new squad.

[MrScary]

"Librarian, what do we, or you, know of the fort...if anything?" War Machine asks, handing his plate of food over to Prowl, who seems to be devouring everything in sight.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Within a count of thirty the plate is as clean as its predecessor. "T'anks, War Machine," the lizardfolk says as his tongue flicks in and out along the rows of sharp teeth.

[Greyen]

The Librarian rubs his beard in thought. He replies The Greys haven't been that way for more than 70 years, the Record tells of the pass having a fortress in it. It is probably safe to assume that that fortress was destroyed in the war though. As for Fort Simms, It sits at the edge of a plateau that over looks the Crosstown region. Its said that from the top of the stone keep you can see the lake to the south and on a clear day you can see the trade tents out side of Crosstown. The Greys have no direct record of being at Fort Simms that I can find. Crosstown is the major trade crossroads for a good 500 miles. A major river and the two of the regions major trade roads intesect there. Thus its name. It has a huge transient population most of the time and is active nearly year round.

Fort Simms is reported to have a heavy wooden palisade and a large central keep. The road will take you right there. Good luck, I must finish my packing. The old dwarf turns and limps off hollering for Domino, what the in the nine hells are you doing?

As you stand there a human private Meatball walks up and salutes the lot of you nervously, he is new to the Greys, Yer horses are ready, gentlemen.....ma'ams and gennelmen, ....ladies and gentlemen...aw, hell. Yer horses are ready! Nerves take him and he runs off to help with the tent. You look over and see the five horses well packed and loaded to standard tied to a log.

[qube]

Firefly

After eating a small meal, the little dromite runs off to the smitty, where he keeps his belongings, and 5 minutes later he returns, his magical bag doesn't seem to be filled ... but then again its magic. His crystal dagger on his side, and a floating fist-sized ruby on at his side. wearning his mythral breastplate and his grey cloak. And the the newly gained grey bracelet on his arm ...

As the small critter stands before the large horse, he turn arounds, and asks ... "euhm ... can anyone ... kind of ... help me up there ?"

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy nods gratefully to Librarian, immediately strapping the armband in place.

Honoured. Thanks.

At their final mess, Mercy smiles at Cookie as he hands her the breakfast.

Thanks, Cookie. You've always been good to us. It's a tough job you've got.

Settling among her companions, Mercy eyes the satchel, but initially focuses on her food. If for no other reason than fear that Prowl will swallow it first. She responds to the deft lizard's implied question.

If you're picturing staying out front scouting for most of the trip, then I guess not having your own horse makes sense, Prowl. Don't envy you the field dressings and sore feet, though. Guess we'll trust you to keep up.

She flips open the satchel and examines the Librarian's book.

If none of you want to, I can hold onto this for now. Won't slow me down.

If no one objects, she will slip the satchel into her own pack, which does not increase in size.

At the call that the horses are ready, Mercy rises and clears her own tray, and any leftovers at the table. Instinctively, she taps the bag of spell components, the sling and the rapier that dangle from her belt. Double-checking that she, too is packed and ready to go, she strolls over to the multi-talented Firefly and offers a gentle boost up onto the horse.

May I?

[MrScary]

War Machine smiles at the helpfulness of Mercy.

He mounts up on the great animal, the saddle creaking in protest at his four-hundred plus pounds of weight.

He examines the grey armband. He feels honored to be the bearer of such an artifact.

He slips the grey armband onto his right bicep, securing proudly it into place.

"I have all that I need." he replies to the group, patting his backpack, shield, and hammer.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Once all are gathered at the horses, Mercy smiles thinly.

Some of you have a lot more field experience than me, and I get that a lot of my military training is out of books. So, just cuff me upside the head when I get this wrong.

I'd suggest that, as we proceed, we send Prowl out ahead, working off of the roads to pick up problems before the rest of us reach them. Smokey, if you want to do aerial recon, you could borrow my ring to do so inobtusively. Unless you think that that much flying's going to wear you out.

If somebody can suggest a way for the two of them to keep in contact with the rest of us, I'd sure appreciate it. I guess otherwise we're keeping an eye out, and staying ready to answer a call.

The young (former) lieutenant shrugs, clearly open to other suggestions.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder eats rapidly, although not nearly as fast as Prowl; any long-time campaigner learned to eat quickly and whenever there's a chance. If you didn't, you might end up going without. She nods faintly to Cookie;

Finished, she heads with the others over to the horses. "It's always good to know what's ahead of us," she says, swinging herself easily up onto her horse, "but we're not an army, and we'll be moving a lot faster than one." She gives Prowl a direct look; it looks challenging, but then she always looks that way. "Can you actually keep ahead of the horses and still have time to cover the whole front yourself? Without tiring yourself out?"

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The little lizardfolk shakes his head at Miss Murder's question. "Naw. I'm not tha' fast! With a bit of a head start, I kin range ahead a good bit. I think it'd be best to keep a forward scout at least for th' early part o' the day. Til we're clear o' any possible stragglers who might hold a grudge agin' any Greys."

He turns back to Mercy. "Can any'all cast message or telepathic bond?" he asks in response as he looks at each individual.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"If you would be willing to wait ten minutes," Smokey caws, "I think I could solve a number of our problems."
To Mercy's comment on his ability to fly, "I may be old, but I'm not that old, Missy."

If there are no objections, Smokey starts to summon a wind elemental with Lesser Planar Ally.

[State objections now.]

[GimliFett]

Prowl

As the raptoran begins his summoning, Prowl turns to the others once more. "So? Communicashun magic? If no', shud I take the head start, den?" He see,s a bit itchy to get moving.

[wadledo]

Smokey

The raptorian walks a little ways away, taking the pipe from his mouth to form an arch in the air.

The smoke slowly drifts downward, making an ornate gate as it twines around itself, curling and knotting, making it impossible to see to the other side.
Smokey snaps back his wings and sends a gust of wind at the gate, pushing away the smoke to leave a door made of slowly moving air.

"Ksseeersssccckkkkkllllllll, I am in need of your help."

Keeping his eyes on the door for another few minutes as spikes of color appear on the surface, blues and purples battling, slowly bleeding into one another to form an inky black, Smokey blows a short stream of smoke into the darkness.
The door fractures and cracks, shattering into uncountable pieces that slowly combine to form a towering Air elemental, almost twice height of War Machine.

"Yo, everybody. Crane."

The elemental waves a hand at the assembled peoples, its head looking to the left and right curiously.

"So, what's up dude? There going to be a battle?"

"No, but would you be willing to do some busy work and scouting?"

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"If Mercy and the bird can't, none of us can," Miss Murder snaps, looking down from her seat on the horse. She's not angry; her voice simply happens to be both brisk and a little grating, as normal. Not that the reminder of what they can and can't do right now helps her spirits. "We're a little low on mages right now. Cover the road for today, then, and stop when you find a good campsite you think we can reach a little before dusk. Can't risk a horse breaking a leg in the dark, so don't get further than the foothills. Tomorrow, we'll see. Taking the pass will be a lot slower than walking out of the field."

She spares a glance for Smokey's summoning as it comes to its completion. "Not very subtle, but it'll do. Get it to tell us about any large encampments or forces between here and the fort, as far along as it can."

[wadledo]

Smokey

"I try not to question Lliendil."

Smokey translates Murder's words to Ks.
"So I'm an it, am I?"
The air elemental glides over to Murder's horse, looming over both her and her mount. Moving its "head" down to look eye to eye with her, Ks sends a puff of air into her face, blowing back her hair and hopefully startling the young elf. Sliding back to Smokey, Ks says
"She's funny. This is the one with the troubles?"
Smokey looks undecided for a moment, but eventually shakes his head no.
"They both have problems, but the one I told you about is her."
He points to Mercy, letting loose a puff of smoke. Ks looks at Mercy for several long moments, before stating
".........Aasimar's are weird."
Smokey pats Ks on the back, a wide grin and cackle breaking his beak in half as he inhales some of the smoke.
"That they are old friend, that they are."
* cough *
* ha *
* cough *
* cough *

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Not eager to see what would happen if Miss Murder's blade moved quickly and repeatedly through airspace occupied by the elemental, Mercy spoke up quickly after Crane blows in her face. Mercy trots towards Smokey as the Raptoran starts to cough.

Right. If Cloudo here stays high, it won't be as obvious. We can hope for the best. And if you're going to be exposed up there too...

She slips a plain ring made of a shiny blue-silver metal off of her hand, and offers it to the Raptoran.

You can use this to disappear from view. That's a...well, let's just say it has sentimental value, Smokey. I want it back untarnished end of day, yes?

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

The elf's white hair blows back in the wind, and she blinks, then gives the elemental a furious stare from pink-tinged eyes. The thing is three times her height, and twice it even while she's mounted, but she doesn't flinch; in fact, she looks like she might reach for the hilt of the flail hung over her shoulder. "Smokey," she says levelly, "did you waste ten damn minutes of our time just to have this thing blow wind in my face? Because if you did, you'd better unsummon it and get moving fast, before I unsummon it myself." In some sort of concession to the fact that they are equals, she is not shouting, but her use of profanity is a bad sign; Miss Murder preferred to be able to make her opinions known without resorting to simple profanity.

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey covers his smile as the coughing fit winds down, covering his mouth with a feathered hand.
"Thank you Mercy, I'll make sure to return it without a scratch."
* cough *
Ks looks at the Aasimar with unabashed interest, stooping down to get a better look at her.
"Wait, I must be going senile."
Smokey seems to be enjoying this immensely, as it brings about another series of coughs.
* cough *
* bruh *
"This is Ksseeersssccckkkkkllllllll, an old friend of mine."
Ks rises from staring at Mercy and bows deeply in Miss Murder's direction, seemingly getting the gist of what Smokey is saying.
"Miss Murder, if you could refrain from killing my childhood companions, I would be quite grateful.
They do have their uses."
As Smokey stops talking, Ks begins to spin, turning to a large tornado in less than a second, spinning a foot above the ground for a few moments before returning to normal and landing beside Smokey.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Pleased to hear it," Miss Murder says, still staring at the elemental. "Because I don't know what I'd do if you'd just decided now would be a nice time to have a childhood reunion. Now that everybody's been introduced, maybe you can send him ahead—or keep him on aerial surveillance if it's better at that—and we can actually get started. Clear?"

[Greyen]

As the party bickers and readies itself to leave the camp is broken down around you.

Smokey and his elemental take to the skies, Prowls streaks out in front of the group scouting (how far ahead?), the rest of you ride out toward the mountains in the east.

It is a nice and quiet day, the land is still in shock of from the last battle. The animals, the very few you see, are very skittish and flee at the first sight of anything, no matter how far off. The road is nearly empty as you go. A few conscripts struggle their way home, hoping to take their pike and steel cap into something more useful back on the farm. The small group of them that you pass is indicitive of the war itself, they all wear differrent tabards and yet walk side by side. They take weak cover in the grass off the road when they hear the horses coming but are not agressive. They watch you all pass without fanfare.

As the day wears on the foothills begin to rise. As evening sets in you find a defensible location for camp, tomorrow the mountain pass awaits.


I will need a guard order, and a order of march.

Which at this point looks like-
Prowl-scouting
Smokey & Elemental - Flying Scouts

The rest???

[Toliudar]

Mercy


If Prowl is still going on ahead, Mercy will cast Longstrider on him before he goes, to help him maintain his speed as he scouts ahead.

I'll suggest something like the following for movement on the road:

War Machine
10' or so
Firefly and Mercy
Leads to Smokey's horse and pack horse
10' or so
Miss Murder

Work okay?

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey, only being able to travel half as fast as Ks, mostly circles the group from above.
He occasionally uses the ring of invisibility, though for the most part refuses to put out his pipe when he does so, leaving a small tail of smoke behind him.

Ks on the other hand, ranges in all directions, reporting any hostile behavior to Smokey, and spending any lulls in the "action" observing Miss Murder with an air of amusement and polite interest from the back of Smokey's horse.

Looks good from my end.
Ks will take care of the watch for the first night, being that he doesn't sleep.
After that he's going to scope out the new base, saying he'll report back soon.
Also, he's got subscript orders that cancel the contract if he's in mortal danger.
This is something that all his Planar Allies have, basically meaning that the contract says "Bla bla bla bla bla, and if you are ever in mortal danger your previous obligation is changed to "Survive".
As long as that's not to much.

[Greyen]

The evening wears on and you find a suitable place to camp. The road had been easy on you and the day has been almost disturbingly quiet. (If you all want to talk or do something during the ride or the evening just post it below or OOC.) A beautiful sunny day with a few puffy clouds moving slowly across the sky, traveling was almost a pleasure after the last few years when looking up was a necessity, for death was often came from above. Many of you are tense out of the finely honed habits of war. Obviously, the world still turned despite the workings of man.

The night passes quietly, sleep is a little troubled as the usual sounds that you all have learned to sleep to are not there. The is no changes in the watch every hour, no battles in the area, there is nothing but the quiet of the night, normal camp sounds are gone. The rough music of living in a war camp having previously lulled you into sleep, now its lack is mildly disturbing.

Morning comes with a slightly gray sky and a brisk wind off of the mountains before you.

After a brief conference with Smokey the Air Elemental streaks off into the sky across the mountains.

@Smokey

Ks is heading off to scout Fort Simms, he'll be back in the morning 3 days from now. Note: Self preservation in the contract is good for keeping good relations with those you summon.

[qube]

Firefly

thanks

quit clumsy the small dromite climbs up to horse, and sits himself in a much too big saddle. After adjusting himself a couple of times, he's able to guide the horse with his knees.

At prowl he then says want remote communication? you can use Fir ... he hands over his human-hand-sized ruby to Prowl. Fir is very smart rock ... and can talk too. plus it can help you scout ... and he can communicate remotely with me.

Fir (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=45037) (see other notes; or see spoiler below) is a psicrystal, somewhat the same as familiar.
GimliFett, if you roll must roll something, can you also roll for Fir? since he's with you ...))
Size/Type: Diminutive Construct
Hit Dice: As master’s HD (hp ½ master’s) = (10HD,30hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 20 ft., fly (poor) 50ft
Armor Class: 21 (+4 size, +2 Dex, +5natural armor), touch 16, flat-footed 19
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/-17
Attack: —
Full Attack: —
Space/Reach: 1 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Construct traits, hardness 8, psicrystal granted abilities
(improved evasion, personality(scout and sage(history)), self-propulsion, share powers, sighted, telepathic link, Deliver Touch Powers, Telepathic Speech, Flight , Power Resistance 15)
Saves: As master’s saves (Fort 6 Refl 4 Will 9)
Abilities: Str 1, Dex 15, Con Ø, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: Knowledge (history) +16, Knowledge (psionics) +13, Psicraft +13, Concentration +16, Craft (sculpting) +13, Craft (armor smithing) +5, Craft (weapon smithing) +5, Craft (Trapmaking) +5, Spot+9, Listen+6, Move Silently+4, and Search+4, Hide +14
Feats: Allerness


marching order is fine by me,

before the night comes, Firefly makes enough casts a number of times Quintessence, just enough before having negative effects from it. (edit: 15 times) - something I forgot to write on my char-sheet actually :smallredface:

edit: and also fabricate on some earth to make some clay-like (or glass-like; depending on how much sand there is in the earth) container to put the quinessence into

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Being familiar with the dromite's little rock, Prowl nods in acceptance as he takes Fir in hand and places it on his shoulder, the large ruby contrasting with the lizardfolk's emerald and mithral motif. "Fergot 'bout da' li'l one, Firefly. Gla'lly take 'im on, non?" Prowl grins. When Mercy mentions enhancing his speed, the scout points at the exquisite sandals he wears. Made of mithral and green leather, they bear intricate overlapping pieces that resemble leaves. "M'thankss, Merssy, but no' necesss'ry." He shakes his head a moment, as if something tickled his face, then sets off quickly as the others bicker about Smokey's elemental, glad to be moving once more, and free to his own thoughts.

qube: Yeah, I'll make Fir's rolls with mine, no worries. :smallsmile:
Toli: Sandals of the light step already give me a +10 speed enhancement. Thanks, though. My base speed is 50feet. :smallbiggrin:
Greyen: I want to range about a quarter mile ahead at most, with backtracking and such to keep the range a little variable, depending on terrain and whatever else I may see. Sound good?

[Greyen]

@ Gimli
sounds fine by me, basically 4-5 rounds at a run for you if I figure it right. 1/4 mile = 1320 feet, Running a 4x60/round or 240/rnd thats 5 rounds approximately. Sound right?

[MrScary]

War Machine silently takes up 'point', leading the group. His glowing red-gold eyes scanning the surrounding countryside.

He knew this position well: first into battle, last to leave. He smiled.

Wordlessly he un-tethered the grey shield strapped to his back and set it to floating next to him, protecting his left flank. He took his great hammer and laid it across his saddle, ready to be used should the need arise.

When the group makes camp, War Machine dismounts.

"I will take any and all watches as necessary." he says to his companions. "I require no sleep. If anyone has the ability to aid me in seeing through the dark, that would be helpful."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

At the start of the second day, Mercy goes about her tasks merchanically, mumbling a long and meandering litany under her breath. Occasionally, she touches the disk at her throat - a simple silver disk, showing a horizontal line under a simple crescent moon.

Thanks for standing watch, War Machine. It's a comfort.

As they mount up for a second day, Mercy stoops to brush her hand along the dirt of the road, touching it to her forehead. Without prompting, she moves first to help.

Before turning in last night, Mercy will sprinkle some ruby dust in an empty bag, and cast Continual Flame on the inside of the bag. She will then close and roll up the bag, leaving it in her pack.

[Greyen]

The morning is grey and bleak as you begin to climb into the foot hills. Evidence of a traveling battle lines the road. Ruined siege engines and carts pushed off to the side of the road and left to rot are beginning to have grass grow between the broken timbers. The fallen machines of war obviously have been here for a while. While the war raged through much of this area it is new to you. The Greys had com to this area from the south.

A few birds flit and sing in the area brightening the day a little. The few straggling trees left close to the road are starting to turn golden with the beginning of autumn. A cold wind carries down off the side of the mountain. You can easily see the pass rising above you.

By lunchtime you are nearing the summit of the pass, the hardest parts of the climb made easy by the well cut road through the mountains. The road sits a ledge wide enough for 2 carts to pass, with a cliff rising to the left and falling to the right. The cleft in the mountainside on the right side often rises to the level of the road but at other times is a treacherous crevasse.

The weather darkens to a slight chilling rain as the day goes by. Nothing serious but dreary all the same.

@Prowl & Smokey

As you crest the pass you can see, about another 1/4 mile away, the wreckage of a pair of gate towers. Recently destroyed in the war you can see the tower on the left side clings to the mountain side rising to the left. On the right the crumbled gate house site precariously on the edge of the cliff. Of the iron gates them selves one hangs by a single hinge on the left while the one on the right has become part of the road surface having been forcibly knocked off the hinges. The two gate houses sit on an area that is a little wider than the others. You can see 4 figures in the gray light moving about in the wreckage, their silhouttes speak of guardsmen with halberds.

They do not see you at this point.

[MrScary]

"You are welcome, Mercy. It's...what I do." he finishes with a touch of resignation.

Taking the point once again, War Machine leads the group up the path.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The little lizardfolk's eyes narrow and his tongue flicks in and out several times. "Fir. Relay to Firefly. Four guards with halberds at destroyed gate towers. Will observe, but consider scavengers - not threats. Will apprise if change occurs before your arrival." Prowl seeks out a safe spot to observe without being noticed or heard by the men. He nocks a blunt arrow on his bow, but does not draw the bowstring back.

Move Silently: [roll0]
Hide: [roll1]; ain't Camouflage grand? :smallbiggrin:
EDIT: Ugh. 5 and 6? I hope my rolls improve, at least to average.
Quick Reconnoiter: Listen/Spot as Free Action.
Listen: [roll2]; +2 if human.
Spot: [roll3]; +2 if human.

[qube]

(problem with the forum, (hopefully posting works))

Fir

"sure thing ... there you go"

Firefly

"Hey guys, Prowl's letting us know that ther are 4 guards with halberds at some destroyed gate towers. He'll observe, but thinks the're scavengers, not threats. He'll check out the situation if changes occurs before we arrive.

What do we do? Dismount and go see?"

[Toliudar]

Mercy

The small woman shrugs.

Don't see any reason to dismount, but yeah, I say we keep going. Should flag this for Smokey too. I can bring up some protections as we get a bit closer.

She waves up to the Raptoran, gesturing for him to land.

Fir reports from Prowl. Four halberdiers at a pair of ruined towers up ahead. Suggest you try to get a closer view invisibly from above. Did you get any extra detail from up there?

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey lands at Mercy's wave.
"I've go a better idea."
The cleric summons a Dire Hawk that wings its way over to the halberdiers, providing constant feedback to the raptorian as the group moves closer.

That's my 2nd level Domain used up to summon what is basically a Hawk on steroids, being Medium, 80 ft fly speed (?Good?), and telepathic contact between the two of us.
It lasts for 20 minutes and tells me everything it can about the guys near the towers.

[MrScary]

"Perhaps they'd make for good recruits?" War Machine says off-handedly.

"If not, we certainly outnumber them--and if they know that our intentions are to only pass by, they should allow us that passage unhindered. If not, well..." he shrugs his large adamantine plated shoulders.

[qube]

Fir

Fir whispers to prowl

"They'll be in a couple of minutes, the flying guy is doing some of his hocus pocus for airial recon: he conjured a big bird"

Firefly

After 5 minutes of airial recon, if smokey or prowl has nothing to report, the little dromite suggests "well, we might as well go in ..."

An odd but familiar odor seems to come from Firefly ...
Firefly manifests Detect Hostile Intent (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/detectHostileIntent.htm):
- cannot be surprised or caught flat-footed by creatures that are susceptible to mind-affecting powers
- become aware of the presence of any creatures with hostile intent within 30 feet of you (+direction)
- sense motive checks as free action (supose taking 10, for 11)

remaining power points: 121/124

[Greyen]

@Prowl

As you watch them they seem to be standing guard in normal guard positions. When they do move there is something about them that seems odd, maybe because you can see the stonework of the ruined tower through them. Are they transparent?

@Smokey

The hawk flies off to do aerial recon. As it approaches it balks, something is wrong with these men. They are not natural, and they frighten the hawk.

If commanded closer the hawk reports that it can see through them. One of the guards looks up at the hawk for a moment before returning to guarding the ruined tower.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

As they ride cautiously forward, Mercy raises a couple magical protections...just in case.

She's casting Entropic Shield, Fly and Freedom of Movement on herself, just in case.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Prowl narrows his eyes further as he realizes something was truly amiss amongst the guards. The lizardfolk whispers to the ruby. "Fir, relay to Firefly. They sseem transsparent. Either illuzhon or worsse. Either way I need ta get closser for better detailss." He cautiously makes his way nearer the guards as he switches the blunt arrow out for a regular arrow.

Have they spoken at all? Are they making any noise or speech or sound?
Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
Quick Reconnoiter: Listen/Spot as Free Action.
Listen: [roll2]; +2 if human.
Spot: [roll3]; +2 if human.

[Greyen]

@Prowl

The guards fail to notice you presence as you approach to within. As you listen you can hear their armor clanking faintly but their footsteps do not make a sound.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"Mercy, do you want this back?" Smokey offers her her ring back, being that she can use it better than he can.

The raptorian also commands the bird to perch on the top of the tower, attempting to loosen some stones and possibly send them down among the armored forces.

[Greyen]

The large hawk flies around for a moment more before landing on one of the last pieces of free standing wall, next to which a guard leans. The hawk picks at the wall a moment before a small fist sized piece of stonework falls down. It passes through the leaning guard harmlessly.

The guardsman hops up from the wall and looks up at the hawk. He then leans down to pick pu a rock and goes through the motion of picking up a rock. He is able to pick up a very solid rock and throw it at the hawk. Get outta here ya pest he yells as he misses the hawk.

To Hit [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[wadledo]

Smokey

Back to me now.
Smokey recalls the hawk, having to fly back to him by flying in a circle away from the group first.

I.e. going the opposite direction and then circling back around.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Four shouldn't give us too much trouble," Miss Murder says evenly. Fortifications wouldn't be much of a barrier against the sort of magic Mercy and Smokey had. "We'll have to pass by in any case." Still, she waits as Firefly communicates with their scouts; as long as it didn't cause too much delay, a bit more information was always welcome.

[qube]

Fir

before Prowl starts comming further, the rock whispers "be carefull. if you're attacked, retreat immediately. No need to be hero: most die young"

Firefly

"Wait up people. Prowl says that the guards are translucent. He can see partly through them. Now either they are fake illusions or ... something worse ... I don't recall anything of a wizard here, but the fort, together with its defenders, was destroyed in a explosion, so its possible that those who died still feel the need to defend it somehow."

clumesly firefly gets of his horse... feels good to be back on the ground again, and he starts to tie the horse to a tree. "If we continue, I'dd rather encounter them the first time on foot. this horse of mine is a variable factor I wish to elliminate from the equasion"

((ooc: so that playing goes faster: if Prowl says something to Fir, Firefly will say it to yo guys, so you don't need to wait for my post everytime ...
who-ever invented time-zones: grrrr))

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy takes back her ring from Smokey and slips it on.

Agreed. Illusions, ghosts. Remnants of the war? Regardless, unlikely to be friendly. Safer to take them out from a great distance and be done with them.

[MrScary]

"In concur." War Machine says simply. "This time, range is preferable to intimate."

[GimliFett]

Prowl

"Fir, relay to Firefly. Armor makesss ssound, but no footfallsss. Advize? Never dealt with ghosstsss before," Prowl queries.

Is Fir relaying the info about the tower gates' destruction back to me? If so, I'll adjust my post to reflect. Whose side were these guards ON? If ours, maybe we can convince them we're on a mission, which isn't false... Ever bluff a ghost before? :smallbiggrin:

[Toliudar]

Mercy

After Firefly relays Prowls comments, Mercy purses her lips.

Well, given the guard's reaction to the hawk, we can assume they're not some kind of programmed blind of an illusion, and probably not an illusion at all. If their armour clinks, either the armour isn't insubstantial, or perhaps its an affectation. Since the guard was able to manipulate an actual rock, suggests ghosts.

Greyen, okay if Mercy knows that ghosts rejuvenate after you destroy them unless certain conditions are met? It has occurred to me that, even if we do shmuck these guys, there's a good chance that one or more of them will reform in time to be a pain for the troops coming behind us. But if Mercy doesn't know any of that, she can merrily magic missile them all to heck and assume that the job is done. :smallamused:

[qube]

Fir whispers

"Firefly hasn't encountered ghosts yet either. Most likely these guys died here some when the gate was destroyed and are now stuck between here and the afterlife. Perhaps Smokey or Mercy knows more."

Firefly

Smokeys a cleric right? doens't he know more about the walkind dead? I never encountered undead, so I don't know much about them. ... if we attack them, I suggest first ranged attack, since we currently have no idea of their power. if it doesn't succeed, or we get cornered, we can go into mellee and see what works then ... as the dromite double checks if the horse it bound tightly to the tree

((OOC, for reverse communications: Fir gives the impotant headlines to Prowl ... only those since he doesn't want to make much noise ...))

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Ask Prowl if he can tell whether their armor bears any insignia," Miss Murder directs Firefly. "If they're still trying to perform their duties, they may let supposed allies pass through."

[qube]

Fir

"what can you tell from their armor and insignia?"

Firefly

"I'm guessing we should go there to take a look ... We need to be carefull either way. If they act hostile, we'll attack either way. If they don't we'll probably won't attack ... all we need to know is how they act.

I suggest we first let ourselves be seen from affar, then close in calmly. If they act hostile while we're far, we still can missle'm down. If they start acting hostile if we approuch we can still either retreat or fight our way through.

If they let us pass, we can just return for the horses ... unless someone wants to take my horse with them off course."

hmmm ... battle with the incorporeal might be a tadd difficult.

[Greyen]

On their chests is a whitish tabard with a Yellow Shield with 3 black lines crossing it diagonally. Those who make a Knowledge history or Knowedge Nobility DC 15 will identify that as a lesser noble house known for valor and fidelity that has fallen, the Baronny of Shinrove. They were the local lords until Carcienne swept through here originally.

[qube]

I'm guessing Prowl says it to Fir, Fir says it to firefly. who notifies the party. (anyone with knowledge(nobility), go right ahead ...). If anyone is successfull, Firefly will notify Fir, who will notify Prowl

[Greyen]

The five of you ride or walk into visible distance of the ruined gateway. (Read description above for deatial or refer to the map.) As you come around the bend in the road it rises before you at about 600 feet away. The tiny figures of the ghostly guardsmen are barely visible at this distance. They see the group of you and stiffen into a more watchful stance, not hostile just alert. They watch as you approach.

Prowl you can see that they solidify slightly as the others come into view.

[MrScary]

Leading the group, War Machine sees the men stiffen.

"Hail, Defenders of the pass. We travelers hope this day finds you well, and seek safe passage through your lands."

[roll0]

[Greyen]

One of the guardsmen calls back "Come forward to be examined. There is a war on you know."

[Greyen]

One of the guardsmen calls back "Come forward to be examined. There is a war on you know."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy speaks softly to her companions first.

Can we hold position here a moment?

She reins in, then raises her voice to carry the distance to the guardsmen.

Hail. We are pleased to inform you that the war is over. This is all now sovereign land of the Carcienne!

[Greyen]

The four of them look at each other confused for a moment before on eof them calls down "What!? We were given orders to guard this place only yesterday!"

As he says yesterday an image of the gatehouses in their original very defensible condition wavers across everyone's view before fading once again. The gatehouses haven't been in that shape for a long time, their fallen stones are grown over with ivy and moss.

[qube]

Firefly

Not being the best diplomat, firefly chooses his words carefully, as he doesn't like to lie ...

"But yesterday, we delivered the final blow to the enemy army! Has the news not reached you yet? The war is over. We won"

Bishop to E4 ... check ... lets see how you react to that.

((note: since firefly doesn't know on who's side the guards are, but 'we won' is correct, since we means a group the person speaking is member of ... ))

[Greyen]

The guardsmen gather together and begin discussing something. They are somewhat excited in their conversation. After a moment one of them steps away from the group and calls to the Greys "How do we know you ain't trying to trick us? Its our duty to guard this pass from invaders. Until you come forward and prove that you are truthful and carry some authoriy we cannot let you pass."

[qube]

Firefly

hmmm ... trying to defend by luring out my king?

They'll most likely identify us as Grey's as they know of the grey knights, thanks to our bracelets ... quite troublesome ... if they do they'll probably attack us, no mather what we

"We are part of a mercenary group. Now that our contract is over, we have no longer allience to any of the war parties."

Firefly takes a piece of cloth and blows his nose ... nostels ... well you get the idea. as he's done he finishes he wispers (while the cloth is still in front of his mouth)

"They might attack if they recognize us as Grey ... our bracelets... either we go up to them and take the chance, front liners first ... or missle them down from a distance to be sure"

Fir @prowl

"Firefly thinks there will be: these guys most likely will see us as enemies when they identify us as Greys... Prepare yourself ... "

[MrScary]

"Invaders? You haven't been tipping a few tankards, have you good sir?" he bellows out with jestful laughter. "A small group such as this is no invading force! Surely you are pulling my beard!"

War Machine says waving his arm to the three group members behind him, nudging his horse forward about ten feet before stopping it.

"If you believe that *five of us could, or even would, invade your lands, then you must think us gods!" he laughs heartily.

"No, good sirs, my friend does speak the truth. We are mercenaries, and our contract has ended for the war has ended. The last surrender came just before sundown yesterday."

He shrugs his broad plated shoulders. "I have no other proof to offer you, save for what your own eyes and hearts tell you. Ask yourselves if we would be traveling about like this with such a small group if the war were not over? Do you not recall the days when venturing forth with anything less than twenty strong swords at your back would be certain death? I certainly do." he shakes his head ruefully. Those were dangerous times indeed. he recalls. A lot of good men fell prey to ambushes.

"But there is peace now, my friends, I swear to you by all the gods there is peace." he intones, lifting his plated right hand toward the sky. "I for one plan to retire near Crosstown. This hammer has grown heavy, and it's wielder weary. It would feel good to pound metal as a smith than to pound flesh as a fighter."

"With the war over and your land safe from invasion, you've no need to guard this sturdy gate. You and it have done your task. Your lord would understand this, would he not? Would he not wish more than anything for his people to return to farming and family raising, instead of fighting and dying?"

[Greyen]

The guards seem to confer and waver between them selves. After a moment one of them looks to you and says thank you as they all fade away.

After another minute or so as you stand there the final remnants of the tower seems to crumble too. The one standing rusting iron Gate hits the earth with a thump, raising a cloud of dust. The stones settle and the pass stands open again.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

After a moment of silence, Mercy rides forward to War Machine, and clanks him stoutly on the shoulder in praise.

That was...fantastic work. If you're not careful, we're going to have start calling you Peace Machine.

Grinning, she turns back to Firefly.

Prowl and Fir might want to take a closer look before we ride further forward, but I'd say we're about ready to move on.

[qube]

Firefly

with a smile the thinks 'knight to F6. check mate'. He manifests a small wooden king figure, and then throws it behind his back, where it dissolves into nothingness...

Firefly relais the message as he goes to get his horse back.

(If nothing else happens, he walks with his horse back to the party, and mounts it (this time clumsly, but solo), and then is ready to go ...)

[Greyen]

The area around the fallen gate towers is silent. A cool breeze blows down off the mountain. Nothing move beyond a few leaves and some grass swaying in the breeze.

[MrScary]

"Ouch" War Machine says, rubbing at his 'injured' shoulder, then grins momentarily at Mercy.

Without another word, War Machine nudges his mount forward.

Once at the spot where the guardsmen were, he stops his horse and dismounts.

He silently removes the grouping of flowers he was still wearing from the day before. Reverently he places them on the ground where the ghosts had been maintaining their vigilant watch.

Wordless, he returns to his horse and mounts back up, leading the way through the toppled gates.

[Greyen]

As you all proceed through the gates some of you look into the tower on the left and notice that as teh final crumbling wallf fell it exposed a long forgotten corpse. Still hidden partially in the remains of the wall the human skeleton weares the tattered and rusted remains of a chainmain hauberk. Clutched in his nearly mummified arms is an old leather sack that looks like it still has something inside of it.

The breeze carries a small bird into the pass, its flutterings carry it onto the head of the corpse. Which wobbles and falls off, crumbling into dust and shards as it hits the ground. The cascade of bones, old leather, and rotten chain tips forward and crashes to the rubble. The bag it was holding bursts open spilling coins and other items across the cobblestone remains of the foundation.


1600gp, 1 gem, 1 reddish brown pouch in good condition (looks to have something in it)

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Taking this as a sign of blessing from the god of the road, Mercy slips off of her mount, takes off her pack, and steps cautiously over to the spilled coins. She begins packing them into a side pocket of her pack.

I can divvy these up, as per regs, once we make camp tonight. Anyone want to have a look at this pouch first before we move on?

If no one else offers to, she'll have a glance inside, but won't investigate further - content to leave it to a more leisurely period after dark.

[qube]

Firefly: doesn't react, so he doesn't mind.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"I'll take it."
Smokey's hawk (If it's been less than 22 minutes) lands on Mercy's shoulder and opens its beak for her to place a strap or fold in.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

With care both for the bird and her hand, Mercy places the pouch's drawstring in its beak, and drew back.

[Greyen]

Inside the bag is darker than it should be but you can see indistinct round shapes inside that look almost fuzzy.

The coins are quickly gathered a single large blue gemtone is also in the pile of coins.

You all notice a break in the bleak sky the sun is a little lower than you thought, while it is still early afternoon, you should probably get moving soon.

[qube]

Firefly

"Its getting late ... Avanti!"

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder gives War Machine a faint nod of appreciation for his quick thinking; safer and faster than fighting ghosts. She looks somewhat impatient as he stops them to place the flowers on the ground, but restrains herself from saying anything. It was still faster than a fight would have been.

"You're the mage," she replies as Mercy offers the pouch around. "You tell us. It can wait til we stop, far as I'm concerned. Let's move out."

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The lizardfolk watched the whole encounter from his hidden spot. Once the ghosts had dissapated, Prowl rejoined the group as they passed through the gates. Though the gold and gem caught his notice, he didn't react, knowing the spoils would be split evenly amongst the group.

Nodding at Firefly's comment, the scout looks at the group. "We ready ta go, hoh? Want me back on point, non?"

[Greyen]

The day goes by as you proceed into down the other side of the pass into the foothills. This side seems less steep and not nearly as high as coming up. But then again you were leaving the floor of a large and once lush valley.

From this side of the pass you can see far into the distance. The wide road cuts a slight curve into the green plains. To the south of the road a deep blue green lake, the Farrow Mere if you remember the map correctly. beyond that a great pine forest. You can see a hint of smoke on the edge of the horizon along the road.

The late afternoon comes on as you descend into the foothills.


Prowl you find evidence of giants in the area near the road.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

So de War's over, huh? Now it'll be one t'ing after another. Dere's truly no such t'ing as peace! The lizardfolk chuckles to himself as he notices the signs of giant movement.

"Fir to Firefly. Giants in area. Hold position a moment," Prowl whispers to the red stone as he begins to inspect the tracks for more information.

How many? How big? What else can I figure out with...
Were giants employed by any side of the War?
Search: [roll0]
Survival: [roll1]

[Greyen]

@ Prowl

There are 3 Large sized humanoids in the area. They have recently (within the last 30 minutes or so) crossed the road, after meandering around on one side of it for a few minutes. They went north.

Both/all sides used giants if they could persuade them to work for them. The giants often did not want to get involved in the (predominantly) human war.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

After a quick search, Prowl relays the summary to the group."Fir to Firefly. Dere're t'ree but no so big 'uns. T'irty minutes past, dey headed north. Come on down."

Quick Reconnoiter: (Free Action)
Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Shrugging to the others, Mercy continued forward. She glanced instinctively at the hills to their left.

[Greyen]

From behind you comes the stacatto triple thump of huge stones hitting the earth, one, two, three. You can hear the deep voices call out in giant Aww you no hit da horsey! You miss too!
No hit nuffin!, Try 'gain!

As you look to the rear just north of the road stand three hill giants, they ready another volley of stones to launch.

-Roll Initiative!

They are about 500 feet away from you, to the north of west.

----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
HG-------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Greys
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------

[wadledo]

Smokey

"Hey, what's the meaning of this!?"
Smokey wings closer to the giants, summoning a companion as he goes.

Init:[roll0]
120' above the ground directly above the group (to make things easy).
Summon Monster V Large Air Elemental 50 feet in front of me, who moves 200 feet towards the giants.
Lose 5th level spell.

[qube]

Firefly 60 hp, AC 23, 121 pp

hmmm, they're much to far for me to do anything ...

init: [roll0]
ready to cast wall of ectoplasm (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/wallofEctoplasm.htm) 50 ft away from me ... to stop charges or incomming missle fire ...
edit: concentration check for mount auto-succeeds (+16 mod)

[MrScary]

Well, I don't think these brutes will know anything other than violence, unfortunately. War Machine thinks to himself.

"We can't leave these brutes to ambush the rest of the Greys." he says, gritting his 'teeth' together.


[ooc]


[roll0]
HP: 116 / 116
AC: 29
SAVES:
- Fort 13
- Reflex 6
- Will 7


how far from us did the rocks land?

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 24, t 16, ff 19

Irritation at missing the giants' ambush causes Prowl's eyes to narrow to slits and his tongue to flick in and out several times. He studies the area around the giants for cover and hiding spots in which to begin his attack. "Fir to Firefly. Sorry 'bout dat. Dey're so far off I didn' notice dem."

Initiative: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Greyen:Looking for a suitable spot to dimension door myself over near the giants without being noticed initially.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Hmm. At that range, I can get off several defensive spells in time should they charge us, and at the bottom of this rise, I'm not likely to find much better cover.

I can keep them distracted with fire for a while, if someone else can get close enough to take them out. Firefly, tell Prowl that if he's sneaking in close, to let us know how close - I don't want to fry him.

Mercy lets fly with one of her favourite spells, and tries to angle her horse towards whatever cover she can find.

Oh look! A nail.

Initiative: [roll0]

Assuming 2 of the 3 giants are all within a 20' radius of any point, she'll start off with a fireball, aimed to hit as many of them as possible. Reflex DC 19 for half. [roll1] If Firefly's wall appears in her line of effect before she gets the spell off, she will first use her move action to move the horse forward as needed to get close to the barrier, potentially using it as cover.

If there's no wall in her way, she'll instead take a move action as required to get her horse off the road and into the best cover she can see. If that means moving towards such cover without actually reaching it this round, so be it.

[Greyen]

OOC- Still need an action from War Machine

Init Order-
Prowl - 27
Firefly - 19
Smokey - 17
Mercy - 7
War Machine - 6
Hill Giants - 6

Prowl disappears in a twinkle and appears about 30 ft behind and to the north of the Hill Giants.

Smokey wings his way toward the Hill Giants and begins casting a spell. The air beginning to form a spinning cloud in front of him.

Mercy snaps of a quick spell pointing her outstretched hands at the grunting monsters. A fiery red bead flies true, bursting on the center one's chest in a brilliant whoosh. All three of the giants howl in pain patting themselves as they smoke.

All three of the giants walk jog forward and hurling boulders at the warmage.
Screaming "That one! Squish the one dat trows fire!"
As the boulders arc into range you can hear the whistling of their coming. Firefly squints a little and a roilling greenish wall of snotlike goo expands out and catches them like net dropping them harmlessly on the ground 50 feet way from you. Much to the Hill Giants dismay Hey, dat not fair! Kill dem!

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 26, t 18, ff 19 (AC includes Skirmish bonus)

Slightly dazed form the dimension door, Prowl clears his head in time to see the giants begin striding toward the group. As he runs forward he fires an arrow at the giant that Mercy's fireball struck full-on. "Hey dere ya big oaf! Run on home now, y'hear!" He taunts before moving westward away from the giants and other Greys once more.

Shot on the Run and then move away again, . Should remain about 60 feet from giants at end of movement.
Attack: [roll0]; includes PBS. EDIT: Ugh. Are you kidding me?
Crit?: [roll1]; includes PBS.
Damage: [roll2]; includes PBS.
Skirmish Damage (and +2 AC): [roll3]
Fleet Runner's Array: +2AC vs AoOs.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

That's it, boys. All of you come to me...in a clump.

Firefly, you are officially my knight in shining armour.

Mercy is intent on the three giants, firing off a second blast then ducking further behind the dromite's bizarre wall.

I'm assuming that, if they're moving and throwing, they're still hundreds of feet away. In which case, what the hell, she'll hit them in the same way again, then moves her horse 5' further behind the wall...just in case.
Concentration for casting on horseback is also an auto success, btw (+20)
Fireball: [roll0]

[The_Snark]

Little Miss Murder

Miss Murder snaps her shield up and draws the star-headed flail from her back, spurring her horse to close near the edge of the wall Mercy is using as a shield against the giants and their rocks. "Wait for them to close with us—we'll engage when they get close," she barks to War Machine. "Mercy, keep harrying them." She edges her mount in front of Mercy a bit.

Initiative [roll0] First round, Miss Murder draws her weapon and moves in front of Mercy, hoping to at least provide cover from the rocks; she's fighting defensively and using Stone Power at full, giving her 10 temporary hit points and AC 29. Stance is Leading the Charge.

Second round, she'll do the same thing, keeping in a position to give Mercy cover, unless the situation has changed by then.

[qube]

Firefly 60 hp, AC 23, 114 pp

((ooc: Toliudar: LOL: firefly is wearing a mythral breastplate. he IS a knight in shining armor))

Init dropped to 6, right before the gaints (side effect of ready action)

Oh, also during all his turns Fir and Firefly relate what prowl says to the party and vice versa (as free action - so the short version if needed)

"sorry about the line of sight problem you have now ..."
readies to either
- wall of ectoplasm tacktic from the prev round
- if about 200 away and minimum 20 ft away from our allies launch a hail of crystals (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/hailofCrystals.htm) ranged touch attack [roll0] (confirm crit if needed[roll1]) (damage [roll2](if crit [roll3]) [roll4] area)
- if they get too close (within their charging range): dismount and create my personal construct (is free action)
edit: forgot to roll stuff for the construct. Greyen, can you roll them if needed. Firefly makes sure they can't charge us, summoned either in front of us, or as flanking buddy for Little Miss Murder if she prevents charges
"gooy umber hulk": Large Construct, 68 hp, spd 40 ft fly 20(average), AC 27, 2 slams +13(2d6+10), space/rch 10ft/10ft, DR 5/magic, Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2.
more stats can be found on on my character sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=45037)

[MrScary]

War Machine waits for the giants to move forward, hopefully being drawn in by Mercy's spellfire.

(ooc)

if they close in, War Machine goes forward to meet them

basically, holding action until 6

(i wasn't sure exactly what i was going to do, honestly..I was surprised they could hurl a rock 480', when normal distance is 120 to 180.)

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mr. Scary: Giants can reach five range increments. So, they're taking some penalties, for which Mercy is very, very grateful, but yeah, reaching us was never a problem for them.

Mercy calls back to Firefly over her shoulder.

Actually, this is about perfect, thanks! Could have used you with my unit yesterday.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"Why do land-bounds have to be so stupid?"
Smokey lets his summon form, speeding towards the giants with it, loosening and drawing his spear at the same time.

Alright, I got this now.
Summon monster V 50 feet away from me, starting this turn.
It double moves (200 ft) towards the giants.
Large air elemental, 76 Hp, Fly 100 ft. (perfect), AC 20, Slam 14 melee (2d6+4), space/rch 10ft/10ft, DR 5/-, Air mastery, whirlwind, Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +2, Str 18, Dex 25, Con 20, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 11.
Otherwise identical to normal Air Elemental (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/elemental.htm#airElemental).
Smokey double moves 90 feet, drawing his long-spear as he does so.

[Greyen]

Init Order-
Prowl - 27
Smokey - 17
Mercy - 7
LMM-7
War Machine - 6
Firefly - 6
Hill Giants - 6

As the giants begin to move away from him Prowl's speed is amazing as he leaps forward after them. The magic of the Dimension Door still tugs at him as he draws his bow maligning his aim. The arrow flies off into the scrub.

Smokey's Air Elemental streaks off toward the Giants easily covering half the distance in a few seconds. Smokey himself draws his spear and flies toward the giants. (Will fix your location on the map tonight, my mistake.)

Mercy stands tall in her stirrups and releases another fireball. This one catches the southern most pair of giants, both of them see it coming and dive for cover at the last moment. She then returns her horse to behind the wall. Little Miss Murder moves with her to provide cover and defense.

War Machine sits his horse behind the other end of the wall preparing to charge the Hill Giants as they close distance.

[OOC- Firefly none of you conditions tripped so you just hold action for now.]

The Hill Giants, seeing that their rocks are not useless begin to charge. Howling like giant apes they come running. Their arms are waving over their heads swinging their great clubes Squish dem! They are unable to cover to much ground as their heavy hide armor slows them, they are now almost 300 feet from the wall.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Seeing no reason to mess with success, especially now that the giants have given up on throwing rocks at her, Mercy shifts her horse back and to the edge of the wall, and lets fly with another fireball. Seeing what she hopes is one of Smokey's allies descend from above to join the fight, Mercy aims so as to miss the floater.

Moving the horse diagonally back from the wall of goo, and to just past its edge - about 20' back, to give LMM and War Machine plenty of room in front of her as desired.

Fireball: [roll0]. Still reflex 19 to save. First priority is missing the elemental, then hitting as many of them as possible.

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 28, t 20, ff 19 (AC includes Skirmish bonus and Expeditious Dodge bonus)

The little lizardfolk chases after the giants, easily firing off another shot at the central giant as he runs. "Whot? Y'all 'fraid a some li'l lizard? C'mon back here an' fight!" Prowl calls after them, trying to goad them into breaking off their charge.

Shot on the Run, 25' before/25' after. Next round I'll just run after them.
Ignore PBS and Skirmish damage.
Attack: [roll0]; includes PBS.
Crit?: [roll1]; includes PBS.
Damage: [roll2]; includes PBS.
Skirmish Damage (and +2 AC): [roll3]
Fleet Runner's Array: +2AC vs AoOs.

[wadledo]

Smokey

The raptorian angles down, dropping the rest of the way to the ground before pulling up at the last second to plant the butt of his spear in the ground.

45 feet forward + all the way down.

[MrScary]

War Machine digs his heels into the flanks of his mount, sending the massive war horse forward. With hammer and shield both at the ready, he pulls on the horses reins before it reaches the ectoplasmic wall.

He bides his time, hoping for the giants to continue their reckless charge.


moving up to about ten feet behind the wall of goo.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder edges her horse out from behind the wall slightly; by her reckoning, Mercy can down the giants much faster than the giants could down her, and they needed to know when the giants would hit them. She sees Smokey out in front, and curses in Elven; the profanity is mild, but she gives it a twist that makes it sound much worse, especially to those who don't speak the language. "Smokey!" she howls. "Fall back before they close with you, and tell your thing to harry them without staying too near!" She hadn't worked much with Smokey's beasts before, but a giant's club could put a good-sized dent in almost anything; that was why she was letting them make the approach, rather than heading out to meet them. Hells, if they were really lucky, or staged a fighting retreat on horseback, Mercy might be able to take them out before they ever struck a blow.

... not that she was counting on that; she intended to make the giants regret they'd ever seen this group if they managed to close.

[Greyen]

Init Order-
Prowl - 27
Smokey - 17
Mercy - 7
LMM-7
War Machine - 6
Firefly - 6
Hill Giants - 6

Prowl pursues the Giants loping along behind them easily catching up to their huge forms.

The Air elemental swoops down attacking one of the giants. It stikes out at the southern most giant. While Smokey swoops to the earth infront of the oncoming Giants.

To Hit [roll0]
CC [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

Mercy edges he horse out from the edge of the wall and hurls another fiery bead. This one explodes between the 2 southern giants who both are caught in the edges of the blast and keep running.

Little Miss Murder calls out to Smokey.

War Machine rides out to the edge of the Wall of Snot, waiting for the giants to close further.

Firefly dismounts and summons a spectral construct that resembles an Umber Hulk.

TheSouthern Giant swings his club at the offending Air Elemental, howling Grah!! Bad Cloud me squish!
To hit [roll3]
CC [roll4]
Damage [roll5]

The other two giants continue to run toward Mercy closing the distance howling like injured bears.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Peering around the edge of the goo-wall at the onrushing pair, Mercy sizes up the distance between the two giants and lets fly. She then guides her horse further behind the wall, to discourage any thoughts of rock-flinging that might enter the giants' heads.

Revised based on map:

Mercy will start with a move north, far enough so that she can target between the two closest giants with her fireball.

Again, if Mercy think I can catch both of them with a fireball, she does so, [roll0] damage. [S]Otherwise, she'll target the middle giant with all five projectiles of a magic missile spell, [roll1][s]

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Hoping that Smokey complies and falls back, Miss Murder edges her horse forward, gauging the timing she'll need to start just before they reach her. Nothing she could do to help the hulking construct, and it was expendable anyway. "Charge 'em on my mark, War Machine." If Smokey still hasn't moved, she raises her voice, calling again, "Get out of their way, Smokey!"

[qube]

Firefly 60 hp, AC 23, 105 pp (104 pp after this turn)

"Efly, you stand your ground!" he yells mentally to the construct (free action to direct the construct)

"I'll take care of the wall, you guys just make sure you're ready"

then firefly starts to sculpt an other piece of gooy ectoplasm (manifesting astral construct, 1 pp; specs and location need only to be decided next round)

Fir

Does nothing special (relais to Prowl that we're going to charge them)

Efly, the Umberhulk construct 68 hp, 31 AC (27 + 4 total defence)

the umber hulk crouches himself and keeps his armor plated arms in front of him, ready to catch any attack (total defence (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm#totalDefense))

[Greyen]

Smokey pulls back to be 10 feet north of the construct.

[qube]

((I'm without I-net for the weekend, so he're what firefly does: the astral construct he's summoning is a small one, with the mobility feat. It'll run around one of the gaints, provoking an Attack of Oppertunity, and possibly (if he survives) flanking.

The same turn firefly dispells his wall (standard action) so that his allies (and his construct) can charge the giant (who hopefully has used his AoO).))

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 28, t 20, ff 19 (AC includes Skirmish bonus and Expeditious Dodge bonus)

Prowl closes with the giants, firing off another arrow at the central one, before running off to the north several yards. "C'mon le's tussle!"

Shot on the Run, 25' before/25' after. Next round I'll just run after them.
Attack: [roll0]; includes PBS.
Crit?: [roll1]; includes PBS.
Damage: [roll2]; includes PBS.
Skirmish Damage (and +2 AC): [roll3]
Fleet Runner's Array: +2AC vs AoOs.

[Greyen]

Init Order-
Prowl - 27
Smokey - 17
Mercy - 7
LMM-7
War Machine - 6
Firefly - 6
Hill Giants - 6

Prowls arrow finds its mark in the backside of the central giant. Its run is slowed a little as it stumbles and recovers its pace after glancing back at the little lizard.

Smokey, listening to Miss Murder's instruction (knowing that a cavalry charge will flatten the giants), backs off to just north of the construct. His elemental and the giant it is tangling with exhange heavy blows. The elemental taking the worst of it.

Mercy lets fly with another fireball, catching the northern giants in its expanse. The central giants falls grinding up a furrow of earth as its body skids to a thunderous halt. The northern most keeps going, smoking and burnt but now beyond reason.

Little Miss Murder moves her horse forward ready to charge the last oncoming giant.

Firefly begins sculpting another astral construct.

The one hill giant screams You kill Brudder! I make you mush! foam flecks his lips and madness crosses his face.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Trusting Mercy, War Machine and the others to deal with the closer giant, Mercy turns her attention to the more distant giant. Not wanting to destroy Smoky's pet, she switches to sniper fire. A quintet of spinning diamond shapes lick from her hand and dart towards the distant giant.

With a glance towards the smouldering giant, Mercy retreats back behind Firefly's wall.

Magic Missile on the further giant: [roll0]

Move to about the centre of the wall (north south) , 20' back from the the wall.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Mark!" Miss Murder barks as the giant comes on alone, spurring her horse forward into a run to meet it. She gives the war-trained little horse a last spurring as she nears the giant to speed it up in order to get inside the reach of the giant's club before it could swing, and swings her star-headed flail up in a swift arc into the giant's chest. The dense iron head, despite being smaller than most weapons of its sort, is heavy enough to crush a skull, and the spikes—arranged like a star; one on the tip and four on the sides—are designed to pierce metal plating and tough skin with ease.

Battle Leader's Charge; does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Attack [roll0], damage [roll1].

[MrScary]

(my video card seemed to crap out on me this weekend, but today is functioning fine..quite odd!)

War Machine watches the diminuitive female elf charge the towering hill giant. He shakes his head, and his metal mouth takes on a wry smile.

Digging his heels into the flanks of his horse, he too decides that now is the time for action.


charge attack

Attack: 1d20+20=35
Crit Check:1d20+20=34 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1553385/)

Damage:
3d6+13=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1553388/)

[wadledo]

Smokey

The raptorian lets loose a piercing whistle, drawing the elemental to him as another begins to form nearby.

Calling the first elemental back to me as a free action, Summon Monster IV (Medium Air Elemental) 20' towards the giants.
The first elemental should stop withing 60' of me, to gain the +1 attack and damage, and next turn I'll be using Elemental Healing-Air and a turn attempt to heal 5d8 damage to the hurt elemental.

[Greyen]

Init Order-
Prowl - 27
Smokey - 17
Mercy - 7
LMM-7
War Machine - 6
Firefly - 6
Hill Giants - 6

Prowl again advances on the giants letting loose another arrow at is back.

Smokey calls his Elemental back to him. Before it leaves it swipes at the giant who reciprocates both of them missing. Smokey is able to heal his Elemental as it approaches.

Shining silvery missles fly true from Mercy's outstretched hand stiking the southernmost giant, making it grunt with fury.

In a coordinated movement, almost practiced, the Wall of Snot falls as the two mismatched warriors spur their horses into a charge. The pincer charge is flawless as both of them slam into the overgrown neanderthal. The force of the simultaneous blows stopping the giant in its tracks, dropping it to the ground, blood spurting from its mouth in a wordless howl of death.

The third giant with the death of its fellows and the departure of the harrying elemental, looks for a moment at the Greys and drops its club and begins to run in fear. No Kill Groth! No kill Groth! It screams as it runs into the brush to the south.

[qube]

Firefly 60 hp, AC 23, 104 pp

hmmm; the fight is won ... on the one hand I don't want to spend any of my powers to the defeated gaint ... who is now already beyond my reach; on the other hand ... if it heals it could attack our friends when they pass through ... Efly, fly past him and kill him, will ya?

and what about the new little one ... Frfy, make yourself usefull and check out what the gaints have on them

Efly umberhulk astral construct

firefly commands Efly fly past him (fly speed: 40ft speed; run x4 = 200ft) and then kill ...

Frfy small astray construct (mobility feat)

the small astral construct, looking like a short necked, big headed ostrich, that appeared just before the wall dissolved, starts to ransack the gaints for loot ...

presuming that Efly needs 3 rounds to position himself, 1 charge attack, and 1 AoO if the gaint flees again the following round...
charge attack [roll0] [roll1]
attack of oppertunity [roll2] [roll3]

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Not willing to risk the third giant taking revenge on their colleagues as they pass in a few day, Merch rides southwest, keeping the giant in sight and firing off another quintet of missiles.

Say good night, Groth.

A single move action from the horse - nothing fast. As I calculate, we've got several rounds to bring down the third giant.

[roll0] Magic Missile damage.

[Greyen]

Mercy's bolts strike Groth. He stumbles in his run, slamming into the earth ripping up shrubs as he skids to a stop.

Silence fills the air for a moment as the rush of battle falls away.

Two air elementals attend Smokey, and the Snot-Hulk awaits orders as the other snot thing goes through searching the bodies of the giants. It lays out a pile of coin and junk next to each giant as well as other sundry items.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

The small woman breathes a sigh of relief. From a distance, she could deal with the giants just fine...up close would have been quite another issue.

She guides her horse over to Smoky.

Nicely done. Any chance you could do a bit of a wider recon in this area - make sure that they aren't part of a larger group we've got to seek out.

[Greyen]

(We waiting on me?)

The area proves to be clear of any other hostiles, a few rabbits, and a couple of wild goats are the largest things within a half mile radius.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy nods at Smoky's report of the all-clear.

All right, then! Shall we gather up the spoils and be on our way? The bodies are already half-way to cremated anyway, and I don't relish losing hours burying them just to improve the view.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Sorry for the double post, but I thought I'd get this moving along.

Examining the spoils with the others, Mercy grimaces at the grime on everything.

And me without a stream to wash this in.

Efficiently, she divides the coin into five equal piles, and hands 32 pieces of platinum to each of the others. She holds up the diamond.

I say we leave this with Smokey for now. I've seen priests do miracles with diamonds. Literally. And it'd be nice to have a miracle on our side, when we really need it.

When consensus is reached, Mercy remounts and waits for Smokey and Prowl to assume their scouting positions once again before she proceeds.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder nods her approval to that, cleaning her flail off on the grass. She re-mounts and glances out over the plains; they were still just high enough that the countryside wasn't totally obscured by the hills and forested ground. "If the shield's not magic, we may as well leave it here." A long-time campaigner was loath to leave anything useful behind, but being burdened with extra weight could be worse.

[MrScary]

War Machine

"I agree." War Machine adds solemnly. "We do not need to be burdened more than necessary."

As he rides past Little Miss Murder, he 'chucks' her lightly, playfully, on her upper arm.

"Get some meat on your bones, you hit like a girl." his metallic mouth breaking into a grin.

[qube]

Firefly

waisting such valuable resources, tsk tsk ... "I don't know: you never know it could come in handy ..."
the little dromite drags the shield toward his horse and ties it on the saddle ... then clumsely mounts it again

(added "A grubby nasty looking steel shield that looks like it has been used for a frying pan" to my inventory, and take 20 to mount the horse :) )

[wadledo]

Smokey

"Only if absolutely necessary."
Smokey pockets the gem and waits for the others to set off before flying.
"Lliendil's a bastard when it comes to that kind of thing."

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 28, t 20, ff 19 (AC includes Skirmish bonus and Expeditious Dodge bonus)

Prowl's tongue flicks in and out several times and he seems eager to move again. "Ah'll git back ta' hoofin' it, ch'all! Easy trails, non?" he calls over his shoulder as he takes off ahead of the group once more.

[Greyen]

The road down this side of the mountains is not nearly as steep as the way up. It proves easy riding as you all see a slim wisp of smoke in the distance.

By nightfall this wisp of smoke turns out to the from a raod side inn. It is a large wooden building with several out buildings and looks to be the only thing for miles.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy smiles at the prospect of a night in an actual bed. Even if she has to douse it with ice and steam to kill all the bugs first.

You know, these roadside inns can be hotbeds of counter-revolutionaries, bandits and cults. For the safely of our troops, we should definitely spend the night up there, to make sure it's safe.

[Greyen]

As you approach the inn yousee that is is fairly empty. A boy comes out to take the horses. An old dog lays sleeping on the walk outside the door, its greying muzzle twitching with its legs in doggy dream land. Opening the door a wash of warmth and light warms your soul. The smell of roast meat and warm bread and pies filles your nostrils strikes hard. Warm food and a dry bed are rare treats for soldiers at war.

The first thing you notice as you step into the inn is the symbol of Fharlanghn carved into the far wall. The innkeep stands at a bar to the right and a large fire place burns in the center of the room, open on four sides, its heat warming the large great room. There are a few guests who look up at you as you walk in. A tired looking middle aged woman walks by carrying a tray. Just sit anywhere dears, I'll be over in a minute. Please keep you weapons in their holders here, we don't need any more trouble here.


For those with mage sight -
The symbol glows with abjuration/enchantment magics. Fairly strong emanation that covers the room.
For those with a knowledge religion or history checks of DC 15 or higher There are many roadside inns such as this. They are small temples to the God of Roads, Fharlanghn. Often run by a retired or semiretired priest of the same. Many look down heavily on trouble within their walls. Many of them readily survived the war as the householder often was able to repulse any attacks on his domain with the assistancec of his god.

[qube]

Firefly
(ooc, sorry didn't immediately knew what to post, and when I did I didn't have time ...)

Firefly dismounts his horse and takes his belongings, including the frying pan, with him.

"could I get some water please, and some vegtables? and a seperate plate?"

As he sits in the table a small piece of cloth appears in his hand, and he starts to clean the disk. At regular times he drops the cloth in on the plate, and the cloth dissapears, as the grease and such remain on the plate. Then a new piece of cloth appears in his hand ...

[Greyen]

As Firefly begins to clean and polish the shield its quality begins to show through. Finely made with beautiful engraving that could not be seen under the grime. When he is finished it was obviously a knight-errants shield as a the remains of the knight's crest can be seen in green and black (other wise unidentifyable). The shield is a piece of art, obviously masterwork if not better. All it need to be useful is a new set of straps.

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 24, t 16, ff 19

The little lizardfolk watches Firfely's work with keen interest as he lazes near the fireplace. "Nice work, hm, Firefly?" he inquires.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

After she has turned over her horse to the boy, Mercy goes to stand before the horizon symbol of Fharlanghn. She murmurs prayers of thanks for a day of (relatively) safe travels, and touches the symbol reverently.

Knowledge religion

Mercy smiles at the overworked waitress as the warmage steps into the inn to rejoin her companions.

Don't worry, we've seen enough trouble today. And no hurry - our needs will keep. But we will be wanting to arrange for some rooms after dinner, if that's possible.

Rolling her shoulders to release tension, Mercy wanders over to stand behind Firefly. You've got a good eye, firefly. I'd have never pictured that under all the mess.

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey lights up, standing in the shadows of the central fire with the others.
"Don't bother with a room for me."
He motions vaguely upward.
"I'll just us the roof, if you don't have any objections."
He looks to their hostess and Mercy, a slowly spreading cloud of pipe smoke spreading out through the room.

[The_Snark]

Little Miss Murder

Surprisingly, Miss Murder acquiesces to leaving her weapons in their holders without comment or even a scowl. An inn that had lasted this long requiring patrons to go without weapons had the means to ensure those weapons probably wouldn't be needed, and evidently the old soldier knows it. She even removes her gauntlets.

Then again, her armor has enough edges to give anybody starting a fight with her a nasty surprise, and she hasn't removed that just yet. Still, she looks as relaxed as she ever does, sitting at the same table as Firely. "Reminds me of Packrat," she says, a rare hint of a smile creeping onto her face as she watches them.

[Greyen]

The barmaid brings round drinks and food shortly. It is hearty fare, roasted venison, potaotes and carrots. Veggies are brought for Firefly with a puzzled look and a shrug.

The innkeeper sees Mercy paying her respects and comes to stand beside her saying Thank ye miss, he is a good master and deserves more respect than he gets. Now that he's out from behind the bar you can see that he wears a wide leather belt with Fharlanghn's symbol as a buckle.

As he ambles over he says to the group I got three rooms avail able one with 3 beds the two others with two each. He nods to Smokey Jes' don't be leaving a mess up there. There's already a platform up there, if you need anything you do need to come inside though. We old folks don't like to get up there much. He chuckles to himself, Specially not since last time. Room, board and board fer your horses, let me see five gold outta cover ya. I'll have the baths warmed if you throw in a another. And the donation box is on the bar if you like. We don't got no whores nor do we truck with 'em here so none of that please. He drops three brass keys on the table. Your rooms are on the left.

Oh, yeah...I'm Chired, and thats my wife Lacey, our nephew Garth is taking care of your horses. Let me know if you need anything else.

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

It is a quiet night at a wayside inn. A few people get up and go to their rooms, keeping to themselves. The touch of the war can be seen on everyone as no one is without a weapon except the family of the hostler. The few other travelers look to be traders or soldiers returning home from the battle.

[Greyen]

As you all turn in a feeling a relief and relaxation comes over you. The past day was done, Hill Giants and all. The War was done.

As you turn into bed for a well deserved rest.

@Prowl, Smokey, Mercy, and Little Miss Murder

(OOC- If you sleep for an hour or 8 it is the same)

As you begin to fall asleep a mild tingling sensation comes from the armband you wear. The brassard feels more natural, almost warm. The feeling passes as sleep overtakes you.

You stand on a field, your armor is heavy, the day is warm. Drips of sweat roll down the back of you neck, down the small of your back, forcing a slight shiver. You have been on the field for a few hours, practicing the specific calls and movements required of you. You are the standard bearer for the Grey Knights. Fist of the Emperor, one of ten companies of honor, the Colour Guard. The ceremony will begin shortly. You look to your side down the rows of troops gathered at you beck and down the line. Today is the dedication of the Colour Guard. The months and weeks of training are finally over.

Pride fills you as you realize the momentous occasion at hand. You are the Standard Bearer of the Greys. Chosen for your height as well as your skill with the polearm itself. Many cannot wield the cumbersome spear and crossbar with the guidon attached, like an over heavy boar-spear, but it has become your weapon of choice. The power the flows from the collection of flag, spear, and spear head, matched with the shared might of the armband that you bear on your left arm carries you. You are the first of the Fist to meet the charge, the point of the Emperor’s spear. Shock troopers all of you. Your company is one of the most mismatched in all of the Companies of the Sun, the Colour Guard. But the job of shock trooper is one of the most difficult and wearing on a person’s sanity and health. It takes all kinds to be able to withstand the fearsome pressures of war.

The Black, Knights of the Stars, stand motionless in their black enameled plate to your left. Their discipline and honor are the greatest of the companies. Each of them is a great specimen of humanity, their halberds gleam in the sun. The Emperor’s personal guard. What many do not know is that they are all eunuchs, gelded by the emperor himself. Their loyalty is unquestioned.

On the other side of you, the rest of the companies stand in formation. Each of their standards flapping in the wind, all of them dressed in their full regalia. . First the White, The Pure, Guardians of the Family, those who guard the empress and the heirs. Next is the Red, The Blood Fist, the heavy infantry feared for their viciousness in battle, heavy infantry and many of the berserkers. Then the Orange, their brilliant flame decorated robes flapping in the wind, War mages, the heavy artillery of the emperor. Yellow, Spear of Lightning they call themselves, they stand mounted on griffons, lances held upright. Green, the Green Heart, the healers, and support folk of the regiments. Blue, The Wave, their light armor and swaying walk marks them as the elite sailors and captains of the Emperor’s navy. Indigo, the Hidden, only a single indigo armband much the same as yours marks their “uniforms” no two the same, scouts and assassins. Brown, Earth Breakers, the shortest of the companies, mostly dwarves and gnomes, those who break walls and the siege masters.
A thousand men stand behind you in shining mithril plate, spiked shoulders and elbows, helms carved in unique likenesses of demons or the faces of death. Each wears an armband the same as yours. The power in a thousand men reverberates through you, the courage of all is the courage of one. You stand ready. Behind the companies are the regular armies of the Emperor, more than five hundred thousand people are represented here, some just with a commander and a guidon, others with their full company.

In the distance a horn blows the first command ‘Attention’. The sound of a hundred thousand boots stomping the earth in unison is thunderous. The Flag must never fall. Silence, then the next horn call sounds…


Blackness and a feeling of intense pride at being chosen…the feeling of time passing.

The horn call sounds...CHARGE! You leap forward, your great boots carrying you forward into the fray. The gathered might of the enemy before you, howling and rattling their shields. You lower the spear, the guidon streaming down the shaft. IN what feels like a second and a lifetime you crash into the front rank, your momentum carrying you through the body of the hobgoblin as the spear passes through his armor and shield as easily as soft butter. Blood sprays into the visor of your helm. Your bring the haft around into the orc behind him, his face crumpling as the weighted butt bursts his skull. Spinning and freeing the point of the spear the hum of power crackles to life with the taste of blood. You slice through the leg of another hobgoblin them bring the head up again from groin to shoulder of the ogre behind him. Bloodlust floods your mind as the point of the spear claps thunder as it shatters the shield of the next enemy. You vision narrows to a slim red tunnel with death at the end.

In the distance you hear a horn call sound, the mages are calling death. You drop to the earth.

Blackness and the feeling of pride in the strength of arms...again time passes.

Untold years at war, you have forged your name in blood. Today is the end. The goblinoid hordes have massed for a final confrontation. Today is the day when both sides, whittled to only the greatest of their warriors who have survived. A horn call sounds…

Blackness and a touch of trepidation…

The spear comes up into the belly of the great worg, but something feels wrong, your instincts tell you something is wrong. Suddenly you snap your head around to see it. Great whirling blades scythe through the troops, “where the..” crosses your mind as you drop. The spear falls slower the tip is cut off with a wrench, you can feel the power break. But the guidon must never fall. You stand swiftly with the fell who survive, already the ground was slick with black ichor and blood, now it is beginning of a lake of blood. You plant the butt of the spear marking the place as you draw your seldom used sword. The trolls, war trolls, are coming, hot on their heals is the war chief, Grimmnaught. His Worg slavering eyes aflame. You stand strong, many of your brethren have fallen, but you will stand strong. The horn calls out...

Blackness and fear and loss…

You feel separated as you rise above the battle field, pulled by some unknown force. You fight it, looking down upon the fallen. The spear, the guidon was broken, you can see one of your brothers standing in death, supported by the seven spears piercing his body holding the flag by hand. The guidon must not fall. You remember pulling the flag from the crossmember, the shaft having been knocked over from where you planted it. You remember carrying the flag over your head and fighting with your sword until the spears pierced you.

A horn sounds...Victory!

Blackness washes over you one last time with the final feeling of intense loss almost failure, The Flag must not fall!

You awaken in a cold sweat. The dream is clear in your head. Never to be forgotten.

@Warmachine

As you begin to go about your nightly watch of your comrades a mild tingling sensation comes from the armband you wear. The brassard feels more natural, almost warm. You stare at it for a moment as you feel detached from yourself ...
You stand on a field, your armor is heavy, the day is warm. Drips of sweat roll down the back of you neck, down the small of your back, forcing a slight shiver. You have been on the field for a few hours, practicing the specific calls and movements required of you. You are the standard bearer for the Grey Knights. Fist of the Emperor, one of ten companies of honor, the Colour Guard. The ceremony will begin shortly. You look to your side down the rows of troops gathered at you beck and down the line. Today is the dedication of the Colour Guard. The months and weeks of training are finally over.

Pride fills you as you realize the momentous occasion at hand. You are the Standard Bearer of the Greys. Chosen for your height as well as your skill with the polearm itself. Many cannot wield the cumbersome spear and crossbar with the guidon attached, like an over heavy boar-spear, but it has become your weapon of choice. The power the flows from the collection of flag, spear, and spear head, matched with the shared might of the armband that you bear on your left arm carries you. You are the first of the Fist to meet the charge, the point of the Emperor’s spear. Shock troopers all of you. Your company is one of the most mismatched in all of the Companies of the Sun, the Colour Guard. But the job of shock trooper is one of the most difficult and wearing on a person’s sanity and health. It takes all kinds to be able to withstand the fearsome pressures of war.

The Black, Knights of the Stars, stand motionless in their black enameled plate to your left. Their discipline and honor are the greatest of the companies. Each of them is a great specimen of humanity, their halberds gleam in the sun. The Emperor’s personal guard. What many do not know is that they are all eunuchs, gelded by the emperor himself. Their loyalty is unquestioned.

On the other side of you, the rest of the companies stand in formation. Each of their standards flapping in the wind, all of them dressed in their full regalia. . First the White, The Pure, Guardians of the Family, those who guard the empress and the heirs. Next is the Red, The Blood Fist, the heavy infantry feared for their viciousness in battle, heavy infantry and many of the berserkers. Then the Orange, their brilliant flame decorated robes flapping in the wind, War mages, the heavy artillery of the emperor. Yellow, Spear of Lightning they call themselves, they stand mounted on griffons, lances held upright. Green, the Green Heart, the healers, and support folk of the regiments. Blue, The Wave, their light armor and swaying walk marks them as the elite sailors and captains of the Emperor’s navy. Indigo, the Hidden, only a single indigo armband much the same as yours marks their “uniforms” no two the same, scouts and assassins. Brown, Earth Breakers, the shortest of the companies, mostly dwarves and gnomes, those who break walls and the siege masters.
A thousand men stand behind you in shining mithril plate, spiked shoulders and elbows, helms carved in unique likenesses of demons or the faces of death. Each wears an armband the same as yours. The power in a thousand men reverberates through you, the courage of all is the courage of one. You stand ready. Behind the companies are the regular armies of the Emperor, more than five hundred thousand people are represented here, some just with a commander and a guidon, others with their full company.

In the distance a horn blows the first command ‘Attention’. The sound of a hundred thousand boots stomping the earth in unison is thunderous. The Flag must never fall. Silence, then the next horn call sounds…


Blackness and a feeling of intense pride at being chosen…the feeling of time passing.

The horn call sounds...CHARGE! You leap forward, your great boots carrying you forward into the fray. The gathered might of the enemy before you, howling and rattling their shields. You lower the spear, the guidon streaming down the shaft. IN what feels like a second and a lifetime you crash into the front rank, your momentum carrying you through the body of the hobgoblin as the spear passes through his armor and shield as easily as soft butter. Blood sprays into the visor of your helm. Your bring the haft around into the orc behind him, his face crumpling as the weighted butt bursts his skull. Spinning and freeing the point of the spear the hum of power crackles to life with the taste of blood. You slice through the leg of another hobgoblin them bring the head up again from groin to shoulder of the ogre behind him. Bloodlust floods your mind as the point of the spear claps thunder as it shatters the shield of the next enemy. You vision narrows to a slim red tunnel with death at the end.

In the distance you hear a horn call sound, the mages are calling death. You drop to the earth.

Blackness and the feeling of pride in the strength of arms...again time passes.

Untold years at war, you have forged your name in blood. Today is the end. The goblinoid hordes have massed for a final confrontation. Today is the day when both sides, whittled to only the greatest of their warriors who have survived. A horn call sounds…

Blackness and a touch of trepidation…

The spear comes up into the belly of the great worg, but something feels wrong, your instincts tell you something is wrong. Suddenly you snap your head around to see it. Great whirling blades scythe through the troops, “where the..” crosses your mind as you drop. The spear falls slower the tip is cut off with a wrench, you can feel the power break. But the guidon must never fall. You stand swiftly with the fell who survive, already the ground was slick with black ichor and blood, now it is beginning of a lake of blood. You plant the butt of the spear marking the place as you draw your seldom used sword. The trolls, war trolls, are coming, hot on their heals is the war chief, Grimmnaught. His Worg slavering eyes aflame. You stand strong, many of your brethren have fallen, but you will stand strong. The horn calls out...

Blackness and fear and loss…

You feel separated as you rise above the battle field, pulled by some unknown force. You fight it, looking down upon the fallen. The spear, the guidon was broken, you can see one of your brothers standing in death, supported by the seven spears piercing his body holding the flag by hand. The guidon must not fall. You remember pulling the flag from the crossmember, the shaft having been knocked over from where you planted it. You remember carrying the flag over your head and fighting with your sword until the spears pierced you.

A horn sounds...Victory!

Blackness washes over you one last time with the final feeling of intense loss almost failure, The Flag must not fall![/

You return to yourself abrubtly, only a few moments have passed. The vision is clear in your head. Never to be forgotten.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Rising, a bit bleary, with the dawn light, Mercy rolls up quietly to her feet, unable to relax. So many days had started this way - her heart pounding, her breath heavy in her nostrils. And, as so often, without an obvious cause.

That dream...huh.

She settles back onto the simple bed, sitting cross-legged, and forcing herself into the rigorous meditation she had been taught in the war college.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

With a start, Prowl sits straight up and glares around the room, tongue tasting the air as he draws his longsword and rises to a crouch. The little lizardfolk visibly shivers, an odd sight in and of itself.

After a moment, he seems to remember where he is and relaxes, resheathing his weapon and kitting himself out. He looks at the others with whom he shared the room.

I dunno which room I'm in, but this is generic enough we can piece it together afterwards.
Quick Reconoiter: free action.
Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

[Greyen]

@Prowl

The room is as empty as when you went to sleep, except for your roomate. Nothing has changed or is different.

[wadledo]

Smokey

The raptorian blearily opens his eye's, gazing at the edge of his makeshift nest and the drop to the ground.
"I'm to old for this."
Smokey goes back to sleep, the winds gently wrapping him in their blanket until morning breaks.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Completing her meditations, Mercy glances over at Miss Murder in the other bed. They hadn't ever bunked together, despite being a distinct gender minority with the Grey. Mercy thought about reaching over to wake her up. Then thought about what life would be like with a stump instead of a hand, and reconsidered.

Moving as quietly as she could, Mercy gathered her things and headed down for an early breakfast.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

With a shrug, Prowl heads to the common room for breakfast, licking his chops at the idea of more venison.

As he enters the main room, he quickly scans it and tilts his head for any unusual sounds.

Quick Reconoiter: free action.
Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder rises from her trance shortly after Mercy, her ears keenly tuned to the noises of the inn as they begin; veteran soldiers slept lightly.

She changes—she'd slept in the armor; it had been a habit so long that she was just as comfortable in it as out of it—and heads downstairs. Old memories. War's always the same, but the ones who fight it change. Same armband, though. Real memories, maybe? They weren't mine. She glances at the armband, which had been present in the dream as well. Elf-trance usually held memories of the past or (for the rare elf gifted with vision) the future; not the invented jumble that true sleep brought to other races.

Or maybe you're going soft in the head. Doesn't matter. However old that armband is, we've got a job to do.

Miss Murder starts downstairs, shrugging off thoughts of the dream. She'd had a lot of dreams and a lot of battles; if her mind blended battles together sometimes, it only made sense.

[Greyen]

@Smokey

A rushing wind comes suddenly upon you as your friendly Air Elemental comes rushing back from his scouting mission. Ahh, once again the winged one who smokes with out fire. I have accomplished your mission. The fort you seek is a little worse for wear. There are wolves surrounding it, a few who wear a man's skin at the same time. Between this building you have another half days walk, so slow to move with feet, before you reach a fork in the road. There you take the left fork for another 3 days travel. Anything else?

[Greyen]

The bustle of an inn in the morning begins early. With dawn the hostler and his family are up and making breakfast and readying things for a fresh change of guests.

Bacon, bread, cheese and cofee/tea are served hot off the griddle iron. The mouthwatering smell pervades the great room and even sneaks into the sleeping rooms. The few travelers you see that are up before you are eating heartily and move out to depart.

[wadledo]

@Smokey

A rushing wind comes suddenly upon you as your friendly Air Elemental comes rushing back from his scouting mission. Ahh, once again the winged one who smokes with out fire. I have accomplished your mission. The fort you seek is a little worse for wear. There are wolves surrounding it, a few who wear a man's skin at the same time. Between this building you have another half days walk, so slow to move with feet, before you reach a fork in the road. There you take the left fork for another 3 days travel. Anything else?
Smokey
"Nope, thanks Ks."
Smokey pulls out a few bars of gold.
"How much do I ow ya?"

[Greyen]

@ Smokey

I'll give you this one for free if you are willing to get me something? There are Roc's, you know big huge eagles, those kind of Rocs. There are some that live in the mountains to the north of your fort. One of them I saw in the distance, he was silver. I want one of his pinions.

[wadledo]

@ Smokey

I'll give you this one for free if you are willing to get me something? There are Roc's, you know big huge eagles, those kind of Rocs. There are some that live in the mountains to the north of your fort. One of them I saw in the distance, he was silver. I want one of his pinions.

Smokey
"Yea, I know what roc's are."
Smokey lights his pipe and begins to clean up.
"Will do Ks.
You gonna stay for breakfast?"

[qube]

Firefly

The little dromite wakes up in cold sweat ... darn. and the dream started out so good ... he looks at his grey bracelet wassup little bugger, what are you trying to do here?. As the bracelet does not respond, he gets up, meditates for 15 minutes and goes to wash himself.

lured in by the great smell he gladly accepts his breakfast, and eats out his plate, inlcuding breadcrumbes

[Greyen]

@Smokey

Naw, its time fer me to go chase some clouds around. And with that he dissipates, returning to his realm.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy sits downstairs, abruptly realizing that, even if she wanted to order breakfast for her companions, she wasn't all that sure about their dietary choices. Do raptorans eat worms? Does War Machine need oil? She was woefully ill-informed, and would have to pay closer attention.

In the meantime, she contented herself with a small stack of eggs and some meat that she hoped was ham.

[MrScary]

The strange vision/dream had touched some part of War Machine's very soul. His life had always been about the military, about serving a higher purpose, a nobler cause than his own. He wasn't always pleased with the choices Rook and his predecessor had made, but his was not to question--at least not openly.

Now that they were free from their contract, though, his desire was to have things change.

He touched the armband he wore. There was something much more to it than Librarian knew, he suspected.

Seeing his companions come down to the common room from their slumber roused him back to the present.

[Greyen]

The innkeeper walk over to the group, If yer p[lanning on traveling you might want to get an early start. There's a rains coming and soon the roads may be washing out in the lower reaches. I'll call the boy ta ready yer horses.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Pursing his lips and grinning, Prowl shakes his head at the innkeeper's comment. "A l'il rain don' hurt no'wan much, I say." He shrugs as he finishes wolfing down his breakfast. "Be like back hom', non?" The lizardfolk grins reassuringly at the man, showing the majority of his sharp teeth.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy nods to the innkeeper, glancing dubiously at the lizardfolk.

Those of us not used to be immersed in water thank you, sir. We should indeed be clearing out.

[wadledo]

Smokey

Smokey comes down from the roof, looking dour and gray in the early morning.
Hearing the end of the innkeepers sentence, he huffs "Oh, that sounds so fun for me."
Pulling out a chair, he tells Mercy "Ks just returned, whoever has the book should tell the librarian about some were-wolves surrounding base.
And that we'll need more paint."
To the Innkeeper: "Bread and tea if you would."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy pulls out the book to transfer the message.

Paint? What for?

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The lizardfolk grins broadly at Mercy, then winks and shrugs. "I'm done eatin'. I'll scout the area an' return soon." Prowl hops up, leaving a couple of gold pieces on the table, and bounds outside.

He quickly runs around the inn, looking around for any sign of trouble, then heads up the road checking for tracks or signs of any unusual travelers.

Quick Reconnoiter: free action.
Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]

Looking for unusual tracks aside from our own:
Survival: [roll2]

I figure about a 20 minute search around the area to feel secure, then head back and hope everyone's finished breakfast.

Was that 5gp each, by the way, for the room and board?
And did we divvy up the spoils yet? I may have missed that...

ALSO: So I've been sigged, eh, Toli? :smallbiggrin:

[Greyen]

The area is clear but you can see darkening clouds gathering to the south.

When you return the boy has the horses ready and tethered to the post rail. If you check nothing is missing or out of place, and the horses have been well fed and cared for.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Prowl heads inside. "Hey, y'all! Looksss clear, 'sssides tha loomin' ssstormclouds. At leassst it won' be sssteamy, non?" he adds with a grin.

"Me an' tha beasstss're ready whene'er y'all're."

[wadledo]

Mercy

Mercy pulls out the book to transfer the message.

Paint? What for?

Smokey

"Why else would they give us a castle if it didn't need work?"

[Greyen]

You all leave the inn as the hostler and his wife begin 'battening the hatches' against the winds, as he says. The dark clouds are building in the south and you can see the oncoming shimmer of rain in the air. The wind is light but gusty, also coming from the south.

You all travel swiftly, by mid morning the clouds have spread across the skies. Rains close in on the group, swirling into the small ditch on the side of the road. Mud and puddles form in the road adding grime to the misery of the day. It is a cold, wet and muddy day. Like many a day of combat that you have all known it is nothing new or even something that will slow you down, much.

As the day passes you all come to the fork in the road, taking the northern fork, you see that the road here starts to degrade into little more than a muddy overgrown track. Following the track once again up into the foot hills you are able to easily find a nice place to set up camp. Too wet for a fire, unless you make other magical arrangements, dinner is cold. The night pases swiftly, and the following day is clear. You can see the edge of the plateau that the fort rests on in the distance 2 days ride away. The ring of mountains framing the horizon behind it.

Riding and traveling north you have an easy time as there is little to slow you down. A few skittish deer and a few rabbits, are all the life you see.

Sometime late in the afternoon of the second day a dark shadow passes over the group, a huge eagle passing over head. Each of you can see that the beast is easily the size of a house. It does not seem to be hostile.

[qube]

Firefly

filefly keeps riding his horse, not willing to anger the big critter ...

[Greyen]

As the Roc passes overhead you see it descend swiftly, picking up a deer and carrying it off back into the mountains.

The day carries on and evening falls. As the moon rises you begin to hear the howls of wolves in the distance, coming from the northern heights. As you all set up camp you nerves are on edge. The clouds move in sometime after dusk and begin darkening the sky even more.

The howling intensifies. You can identify several, tens maybe different voives within the cacophony of noise.

[GimliFett]

Prowl

The lizardfolk keeps his back to the fire and eyes on the edge of the campsite.

"Y'sssed dere'd be ware-wolves, non Sssmokey?" he asks quietly over his shoulder as he takes a silver-tipped arrow from his quiver.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Hell of a piece of real estate this is," Miss Murder mutters as she unslings her mace. A bow would be better for frightening away real wolves, but real wolves wouldn't be a problem for them anyway. The roc might be trouble, if it took a fancy to one of the horses, but there wasn't much they could do about it, and the Knights could fend it off if it was hungrier than it had been today.

Werewolves were a bigger problem. "Let's get the horses over here. Wolves'll hamstring them or spook them into running, and we don't have any to spare."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Huddling in the small tent, her cloak wrapped around her, Mercy pulls out the book and writes off a message to Librarian:

"Spent last night at roadside inn dedicated to Fharlanghn. Clean, safe. Strange dreams of the Knights.

Made it past the fork by lunch, and are several hours north. No trouble on the ground. Sited a hunting roc, but it kept its distance.

Smokey's elemental scout reports wolves and werewolves at the fort. Still easy two days' travel. Maybe very close.

Prowl wishes he had paint, so we can have the fort prettied up for you slowpokes' arrival."

Her report concluded, she carefully wraps and packs the book away, and circles the camp, staring up at the moon. She nods at Miss Murder's suggestion, and goes to assist with securing the horses.

Any sense of how close the wolves are? And in what phase is the moon?

[qube]

Firefly

When the horses are put together, Firefly says
actually, keeping the horses save isn't so much of a problem. watch and observe:

he rolls up his sleaves ... clears his throught ... rolls up his left sleave again as it rolled down ... stretches out his small hands ... and then ...


slowly a wall of stone arrises from the earth engulfing the horses in a stable without doors, but with a few small windows (high enough so that you can't see the horses)
psionic fabricate. using the ground to make (perhaps inferiour) stone.
a box of about 1 ft thickness surrounding the horses. At one location ... lets say the center of the wall at the side of the camp a 'void' is present in the wall, creating 2 1-inch walls instead of a full foot (but this is not visible from the outside ...


XXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX wall
XXXXXXXXXXXX
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
XXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX main purpose: a secret way for us to enter without the need to back through a complete 12 inches of stone ...

[Greyen]

As the night progresses the baying of hounds grows louder. They are approaching. The darkening sky worsens, more clouds are coming in. The winds begin to grow stronger. Seems a storm is coming on.

With the feeling of a bucket of water hitting you the rains begin. Driving rain, coming down in visible sheets.

With the rumble of thunder and the flashes of lightning, an unearthly piercing howl penetrates your souls. Many other howls, echo it, from around the camp.

--Status Effects---
Please roll initiate if you have not already.
Please roll 4x Will saves if you have not already.

The ground is muddy, consider it rough terrain, or make a DC 10 Balance check to move full movement.

Visibility is reduced to 60 feet due to the rain. Anything beyond 20 feet is considered to have partial concealment.

[MrScary]

The strong, silent warrior endures the rain as he has endured many rains in the past--stoically and with no complaining. He learned many years ago that it wouldn't do any good, it didn't make the rain stop, after all.

He stood his ground just outside the stone building Firefly had erected. The powers of his mind were amazing to behold. He chuckled inwardly. Such a small, frail person commanded such power. Life had a strange sense of humor sometimes.


[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 24, t 16, ff 19
Initiative: [roll0]

Prowl's tail swishes back and forth, clearly showing his agitation as he readies his bow with the silver arrow nocked.

My Balance is +16, d'ya want me to roll? :smallbiggrin:
Will #1: [roll1]
Will #2: [roll2]
Will #3: [roll3]
Will #4: [roll4]
Crap. Didn't realize my Will saves were so low... Ugh -- Multiclassing (sometimes)!

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Thinking it the best place to at least stay clear of the muck, and to have a decent view of the situation - well, "decent" may be overstating things - Mercy sits atop a corner of Firefly's enclosure. Her shoulders hunch against the wet.

Assume that she got up there after a few tries, or possibly with a boost from WM. :smallsmile:

Initiative: [roll0]
Will 1 [roll1]
Will 2 [roll2]
Will 3 [roll3]

[Toliudar]

Doh. Forgot the fourth will save: [roll0]

[wadledo]

Init: [roll0]
Will 1: [roll1]
Will 2: [roll2]
Will 3: [roll3]
Will 4: [roll4]
Rolls, will come up with fluff when I get back to my books.
And does anyone here have 5+ ranks in spot?:smallconfused:

[GimliFett]

And does anyone here have 5+ ranks in spot?:smallconfused:

Ayup! Prowl's Listen and Spot're both +13. Search is +16. And he has Low-Light vision.

[Greyen]

Another flash of lightning illuminates the area, the flash showing the wet bodies of many large and strange wolfen shapes surrounding the camp. They are closing in. Some are sleek, some are large, some are white, they all look intelligent.

Initiative/Status

Prowl- 24 -Panicked for [roll0]rounds
Little Miss Murder - 13 Panicked for [roll1]rounds
Mercy - 6
Smokey - 4
WarMachine - 4 Panicked for [roll2]rounds- prone
FireFly-2
Mobs-0


Everyone can act as you see fit.
If you are panicked-Quoted fro the SRD

FEAR
Spells, magic items, and certain monsters can affect characters with fear. In most cases, the character makes a Will saving throw to resist this effect, and a failed roll means that the character is shaken, frightened, or panicked.

Shaken: Characters who are shaken take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Frightened: Characters who are frightened are shaken, and in addition they flee from the source of their fear as quickly as they can. They can choose the path of their flight. Other than that stipulation, once they are out of sight (or hearing) of the source of their fear, they can act as they want. However, if the duration of their fear continues, characters can be forced to flee once more if the source of their fear presents itself again. Characters unable to flee can fight (though they are still shaken).

Panicked: Characters who are panicked are shaken, and they run away from the source of their fear as quickly as they can. Other than running away from the source, their path is random. They flee from all other dangers that confront them rather than facing those dangers. Panicked characters cower if they are prevented from fleeing.


Map here - http://my1.photodump.com/eichmanc/Greys Camp combat1-T.jpg (http://www.photodump.com/eichmanc/Greys Camp combat1.html)
or http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.e97ebfee1f.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?e97ebfee1f.jpg)


(OOC-Toli&Gimli- Yes, I stole a page from Lochar.)

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 24, t 16, ff 19
Initiative: [roll0]
EDITED!

Eyes wide, Prowl looks as if he is ready to bolt from the campsite, but steels himself and readies his bow instead.

Heavens ta Mergatroid! Exit, Stage Left.
Do I actually have to run, or just double-move?
Yeah! No fleeing!

[Toliudar]

Mercy

What the?

Catching sight of the encircling wolves and...wolfish things, Mercy's first concern is for her companions and their uncharacteristic behaviour. Calling on the power of her faith, she tries to remove whatever is making War Machine so afraid.

Smokey! Can you help Prowl and Lil' Miss?

Casting Break Enchantment on War Machine, which she's hoping will remove the fear effect. By the time Mercy acts, the others are probably well out of her range.

[MrScary]

hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially since i'm the chicken that's running away...but look at the casting time on that spell:

1 minute (equal to 6 rounds)

it could theoretically work, if given the proper time..which we don't have :(

you probably don't have Remove Fear (1st level) or Calm Emotions (2nd level) prayed for, do you? :(

there is also a spell from the Spell Compendium that allows a re-roll on a failed save (2nd level, maybe?) i can't recall the name.

[wadledo]

Smokey

"Lliendil, you divine bastard."
Smokey mutters under his breath as he summons [roll0] air mephets.
"Everyone, tighten the hells UP!"
The cleric glowers as the two air mephets flank him, one close to the fleeing Prowl, the other patting the raptorian on the shoulder, before consoling him with a sympathetic "He is, isn't he."

Using Summon 4 to get 1d3 air mephets, one of which is at 15 Q, the other at 20 P.
If y'all can control yourselves long enough to get within 40 ft. of me, I can use Control Winds to buy us some time.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Doh! Thanks, Mr. Scary. But remember, she's not a priest, she just occasionally acts like one. No praying for spells!

Sorry that I can't help.

REVISED action for Mercy:

The warmage does not rise from the stone structure, but gazes intently into the rain. With a gesture and a few words, she raises an immense wall of flames that stretches across the north side of the camp.

Casting Wall of flame, stretching from C4 to AK 1. If I'm calculating right, this will catch the Yeth hounds (curse you, Greyen!) in E4 and H3, and the yellow wolf 1 at AG2. To them, it does [roll0] points of damage.

With the hot side facing north, it also does proximity fire damage to Y3 and Y4, [roll1].

[qube]

Firefly hp 60, AC 23, pp 113

eeep! the dromite releases as supprized/scared little yell.

- if in mellee, firefly 5ft-steps to a untreated square
- a gooy substance appears and a umberhulk is formed from it Efly (personal astral construct)
- a quasi-real membrane surrounds the little dromite (Concealing Amorpha, Greater)

(99 pp left ...)

Efly (hp 68, AC 27, DR 5/magic), the umberhulk astral construct

charges one of the closest enemy around ...
attack [roll0] damage [roll1] (crit: [roll2]; [roll3])

Firefly

seeing his friends flee, firefly moves to the center of the camp (if he hasn't moved already ... and yells
Get back here! We're Greys! Retreat is not a option!

[MrScary]

Hefting his hammer, War Machine awaits the approaching enemies. He shakes off the sense of foreboding fear as the strange animals advance.


if they get close enough, he'll full attack, which i'll roll when needed :smallsmile:

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

For whatever reason, Miss Murder turns, bolting away from the fire and into the dark.

She'll run to the right, I guess. Away from the fear-inducing howls, I think, and hopefully not too close to many wolves.

[Greyen]

Init and Status
Prowl- 24
Little Miss Murder - 13
Mercy - 6
Smokey - 4
WarMachine - 4
FireFly-2
Mobs-0

Balance DC10-to remain standing, or move at half speed.
All Vision limited to 60'
Anything beyond 20ft has 20%miss chance


The thunder booms loudly, the torrential rains sheeting down. The horses begin screaming, their fear overtaking them. Firefly's corral is brilliant though, strong enough to even withstand the kicks of a warhorse.

Prowl feels the fear wash over him shaking him a little. He can sense the wolves coming before he can see them and is ready for them. As they streak in on silent feet he dances to the north firing into them.

Something about this night, with the wet howls of the wolves and the screams of the horses triggers something in Little Miss Murder. Shaking with tears rolling down he face she bolts into the night.

Mercy looks to the north, her vantage point slick she raises a broad wall of flame that cause 2 of the pircing howls to be cut short. And other howls to begin in pain.

Smokey summons a pain of air mephits who flank him and Prowl.

WarMachine too feals the fear roll over him, but steels himself (ha! Pun for you!) and stands ready for the oncoming wolves.

Firefly summons his snot monster Efly, sending it toward the wolves. After a moment he shouts Get back here! We're Greys! Retreat is not a option! Which triggers another odd sensation. A feeling of calm washes over you, washing the fear away (Act normally next round).

The ring of wolves closes in.
First from the north, those looking that direction see 2 sleek, almost cat like hounds fly over the top of the flames and advance on War Machine
Only 1 hound can attack though
[roll0]
Damage[roll1]
Trip attempt[roll2]
Please roll your attacks with your actions next time to speed things up a bit. Another huge black wolf joins the attacks in a moment, attempting to rip you to bits.

From the south west
One of the wolves hangs back as the other large black ones charge Smokey and Prowl. Prowls arrow is loosed as he dances away, thunking directly into the huge wolf's head, killing it instantly. The other passes by the mephit and it swipes at it as it passes on its way to Smokey. Mephit AoO to hit [roll3] Damage [roll4] When the worg reaches Smokey it leaps upon him.Chargeing [roll5] Damage[roll6] Trip [roll7]

The white wolf and the smartest looking one both advance swiftly on Prowl. The white one breathing out a cone of ice just before it reaches Prowl. The other reaches him in a moment leaping upon him after the ice.

[roll8] Cold Damage Ref save 16 repeats in [roll9] rounds

The other wolf's attack
to hit [roll10]
Damage[roll11]
Trip [roll12]

In the east the wolves/houns all bay and charge into camp, except 4 of whom turn to the recovering Little Miss Murder. All of them leaping on her attempting to drag her down.
Make 2 AoO's

ToHit**[roll13]
Damage [roll14]
Trip [roll15]

ToHit #2[roll16]
Damage [roll17]
Trip [roll18]

ToHit #3[roll19]
Damage [roll20]
Trip [roll21]

ToHit #4[roll22]
Damage [roll23]
Trip [roll24]


Notes: If Mercy has a reach weapon she can AoO Worg(Yellow)#8
Map will be up soon.
Edit in fact here it is http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.2fb1cf8e84.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?2fb1cf8e84.jpg)

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy looked around carefully, scanning the battlefield. She is hoping that all are able to hold their own, with the exception of LMM, who seems to be dealing with issues outside of the immediate danger presented. Figuring that it was better to hold her here, and hopefully distract the wolves facing her, than it was to allow her to rush off into the fog, Mercy quickly grips a slightly dessiccated bit of tentacle in her bag, and points towards Little Miss Murder. All around her, grasping both at the solder and the wolves that harry her, rise up a set of inky tentacles.

No reach weapon, unfortunately.

Casting Black Tentacles, defensively if necessary. (auto-success unless other factors come into play, with a +20 modifier).

Grapple checks against LMM and the four wolves:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

Sorry, Snark. It was the best I could come up with.

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

The elf felt an odd calm wash over her. Just for a moment, and then she knew the tides of all-encompassing terror would return.

She doesn't waste that moment, lashing out with a mailed fist as if she could stave that feeling off with it. If she only had a second, she had to make it count. Her face is a ghastly mix of fear and anger, because she can feel the calm starting to slip away already.

All attacks miss; her AC is 25 even at a dead run.

Your requested two AoOs; I assume that was directed at me, at least. Since panicking entails dropping held objects, she doesn't have her flail, but she's conveniently wearing gauntlets.
Attack [roll0], damage [roll1]; attack [roll2], damage [roll3]

And then she'll hit one of them with Elder Mountain Hammer, taking a -5 on the attack to get 10 temporary hp. Attack [roll4], damage [roll5], extra damage [roll6]; bypasses DR and hardness.

She'll also try to demoralize one of the wolves (the one she attacked if it survived, another if it didn't) as a move action: [roll7]

Grapple check for when the tentacles come: [roll8]

[Toliudar]

Please note that if, in round 2, LMM IS still up and running away, Mercy is targeting not her, but the four wolves that had surrounded her in the previous round.

[MrScary]

War Machine
AC 29 / Touch 11 / FF 28
HP: 116


War Machine catches the wolf's bite attack on the handle of his large hammer, turning the blow aside. In response, he attacks the wolf, whirling the head of his hammer around and down in a powerful series of blows.

"Bad dog!" he yells at the beast.



Attack 1:1d20+18=22
Attack 2: 1d20+13=28
Crit Check: 1d20+18=38
Crit Check: 1d20+13=15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1578541/)


Damage 1: 3d6+13=26
Damage 2: 3d6+13=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1578542/)

All DR, if the hounds have any, is reduced by 5, regardless of DR type, due to Sense Weakness

(don't know if a 22 hits or not, I suspect the 28 does, though)



(since i had some...complaints...about how i posted previously :smallconfused: )

Second Round Action

War Machine shrugs off the bites from the animals, surging forward with his hammer again.



Attack 1: 1d20+18=30
Attack 2: 1d20+13=16
Crit Check 1: 1d20+18=31
Crit Check 2:1d20+13=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1578543/)


Damage 1: 3d6+13=23
Damage 2: 3d6+13=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1578548/)

All DR, if the hounds have any, is reduced by 5, regardless of DR type, due to Sense Weakness

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy offers up a quick and silent prayer to Fharlanghn that all students everywhere finish their exams and final papers soon, so that she can make tentacles sprout from the earth.

[Greyen]

DM

THE DM Offers a long prayer to anyone who is listening, Divine or not, for the same. :smallbiggrin:

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 28, t 20, ff 19(modified with skirmish and Expeditious Dodge)
Prowl draws a dragonsbreath arrow and streaks away several yards before firing at the white one with the cold breath and moving around behind the attacking wolves. "BRRR! 'Owdya tell wich're warewolvess an' wich're not? I only got fo' mo' sssilverss!"

Sorry for the delay. Busy weekend + hectic work project = Didn't get to look at all the posts from the weekend...
Anyway, moving on...
[roll0]; Nasty wolfsssess...
And, what're these things we're fighting?
[roll1]; [roll2]
Shot on the Run: 20'/30'; around to left and down-ish. I wanna set up pinscer with wolves between me and everyone else, I can't access the most recent map. :smallfrown:
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5] plus [roll6] +1 FIRE and DC 15 Ref or catch fire! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!
EDIT: Not great rolls, but hopefully they'll suffice.

[qube]

Firefly Firefly hp 60, AC 23, 50% miss chance, 99pp

Slightly panicked by the disorderly situation, he backs a way 5 ft (to an untreatened square; or he casts defensively if not able to) and a small crystal granade is manifested which is lobbed behind W2 and W8. the frag granade breaks in a million shards and has the wolves in the area; hopefully dealing not to much damage to the tent and stable.

casting defensively [roll0]
edit: my fault: rolled concentration twice; but this is with the wrong modifer ...

Hail of Crystals refl DC 22 [roll1] physiscal piercing damage

concentration check (if needed) [roll2]

Efly hp 68, AC 27, DR 5/magic

((I don't seem to find Efly on the map?))

Efly then attacks/charges/full attacks/... the wolves that threaten Firefly
rolls for 2 attacks (no modifier included yep). if he charges only attack 1 counts, but gets +2 attack
1: [roll3]//[roll4]
(crit:[roll5]//[roll6])
2: [roll7]//[roll8]
(crit:[roll9]//[roll10])


[/spoiler]

[Toliudar]

Erm. With a 20' burst, I'm going to assume that Mercy's caught in Firefly's grenade blast. Firefly too, probably. Naturally, if there's a way for her not to be...well, that'd be nice too. But just in case: [roll0]

[qube]

@Toliudar/Greyen: firefly won't cast 'Hail of Crystals' or any offensive spells if any PC is caught in it ... (unless I specify it in the post).
(since it's a 20ft burst: worst case senario: firefly cast it in the sky above the wolves, making himself and his allies more then 20 ft from the explosion, but not the wolves (w00t for being small :smallbiggrin:)

[Toliudar]

I appreciate the effort, qube - REALLY, I do. But Mercy is sitting on your wall, so I suspect is vertically above the wolves.

Ah! You were probably describing an initial placement for the burst of V19, which would avoid you (if you 5' step north) and me. My shortsightedness - sorry!

[wadledo]

Smokey

Trip: [roll0]

Smokey flutters back from the charge, taking a slash to the calf as he draws his longspear and the mephets take up position.
He then immerses himself in divine energy, seeming to steal it from the storm surrounding them as he grows.

Moving to P 14 and drawing longspear, Mephet 1 moves to S 11 and attacks (rolls in OOC), Mephet 2 moves to P 18 and attacks (rolls in OOC).
Casting Righteous Might. 10 rounds left.

[Greyen]

(OOC-Try Number 2-:smallmad:-paraphrased form the original for speed of posting. And I don'rt remember all of my flavor text from the first time I tried to psot this)

Init/Status
Prowl- 24
Little Miss Murder - 13
Mercy - 6
Smokey - 4
WarMachine - 4
FireFly-2
Mobs-0

Balance DC10-to remain standing, or move at half speed.
All Vision limited to 60'
Anything beyond 20ft has 20%miss chance
(Forgot about Efly last rouns so he gets 2 this time.) He charges to the north destroying on the hounds threatening WarMachine.

Prowl spins out of reach firning a flaming arrow at one of the wolf things (Orangeish W's are wolf?, Blue are winterwolves, yellow are worgs) It yelps in pain spinning to confront him.

Little Miss Murder smacks around some fuzzy fiends. Landing hits on those that open themselves to her attacks and crushing the skull of the most aggressive one.

Mercy calls forth Black Tentacles from the ground which wrap up everything in their area. The worgs howl in pain, Miss Murder is caught up also.

War Machine is a chopping fury of living metal, making fur and blood fly, killing 3 of his attackers.

Smokey withdraws a little bringing his spear to bear as his two mephets swoop to the south killing the last wolf threatening Smokey ina fury of claw strikes.

Firefly's grenade explodes, spraying shrapnel into the two wolves threatening him and Mercy. Both of Whom yelp in pain. A moment later Efly charges into the worg, kicking its broken body aside.

The westernmost wolf(?) abruptly howls a short sharp howl and then streaks off to the north, skirting the wall of fire. The other wolves, that are able, perk their ears and barking twice follow suit. They break off and begin to flee to the north.

Map-->http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.81e9e38fb4.jpg (http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?81e9e38fb4.jpg)

[qube]

Firefly

seeing that Little Miss Murder seems to be in a though spot, and seeing that he's got enemies on the west of him, he decides to help LMM. "Tentacles? Hold on! ... euh, not to the tentacles .. I mean ... never mind ..."

Firefly moves half speed (20ft total) towards LMM (Y20)

Efly flies toward the tentacles (AH20, 10 ft above the ground)

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Lining up the two wolves fleeing to the northeast in her sights, Mercy calls down a flame strike to halt their progress.

Targeting the wolves in AH4 and AI3, damage is half flame, half divine (not save-able), DC 21 to reduce damage by 1/4. Damage is [roll0]

[wadledo]

Smokey

"If you would." Smokey bows and motions towards the not on fire wolves.
"Howeeee!!"
"Shut up."

The two mephets head off in that direction to do some final damage, casting blur as they go.

Smokey moves to try and help Missy.

[Greyen]

The two wolves fleeing to the northeast are vaporized by the pillar of flame called down by Mercy.

The Snot-hulk and 2 mephits streak off after the other two fleeing to the north west, harrying them. The deatyh howls can be heard a few hundred feet away.

The tentacles eventually drop the 4 wolves it has and Little Miss Murder. Of the 4 one of them is mangled but still breathing. In fact it slowly reverts back to the form of a naked human male, unconscious.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Gazing from the height offered by Firefly's wall, Mercy calls out to her companions.

You all right there, Miss? And it looks like you've got a new friend there. You feel safe in bringing the boy closer?

[Toliudar]

Was it something I said?

[GimliFett]

ProwlHP: 81/81; AC: 24, t 16, ff 19
Prowl scampers over to Miss Murder, all the while keeping a silvered arrow trained on the naked man. "Ya a'ight, cher?" he asks.

Sorry. Post wouldn't take when I tried and I forgot to repost...

Also, do I need to make another Reflex save from the Frost Breath?

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss scowls as she glances at the dead wolves and the nearly dead man, controlling her breathing. Struggling with the tentacles would not normally have deprived her of breath; that had been whatever had come over her again. "Fine," she answers their inquiries shortly.

Reaching down to the young man, she drags him by one arm, none too gently, and dumps him unceremoniously between the stone corral and the fire, not speaking.

[Greyen]

As you all watch, the man's bruises and cuts begin to heal and fade away. His breathing becomes more regular and those with some knowledge of healing recognize that he moves from simply being unconscious to asleep.

Closer to the fire you can see that he is only a teenager, 15 years old at best. As he sleeps for a moment, his face scrunches up into a rictus of fear as his hands and arms twitch in counterpoint. Doggy dreams even haunt werewolves. A quiet moan escapes him ...rrRRrr...No.....Not again....

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy continues to stare down at the young man. Anyone know a good knot to hold a werewolf? Or do we just kill him? They did attack us.

[qube]

firefly

firefly thinks for a bit and clearly troubled he says "not really ... decapitation might help, but seems a bit harsh ... Though if we don't find a solution, he might attack innocents ..."

[wadledo]

Smokey

"I suggest we drop him from a great hight."
Smokey comments, "2000 feet should do it nicely."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Mercy sits back down on the wall, still watching the proceedings from a small distance.

Well, it'd be good to know if there are a LOT of werewolves up there, and what their defenses are like. Hey...

She scans the group, seeing the tears in Smokey and War Machine.

I don't know if Machine can get it, but can't werewolves pass the disease on with a bite or something. Smokey, how you feeling? Shouldn't we be doing...something about that?

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

"Never really made it through the armor," Miss Murder mutters, glowering darkly at the young man. "Whatever we do with him—"for some reason, the words to him present themselves readily to listening ears"—we'll do it here. The horses don't need to be carrying any more."

[MrScary]

War Machine wipes away the "scratch", it wasn't even that, actually, more like some errant dirt that found its way onto his thick armored skin.

"Know the enemy and know thyself, and you will never be in danger. Know thyself and not they enemy, you may win half the time." the philosophical fighter says solemnly.

"I suggest we tie him up...tightly." he says, producing some thick, hemp rope from his backpack.

[roll0] ** forgot to delete this, the actual roll with bonus is in the spoiler


Bind a Character
When you bind another character with a rope, any Escape Artist check that the bound character makes is opposed by your Use Rope check.

You get a +10 bonus on this check because it is easier to bind someone than to escape from bonds. You don’t even make your Use Rope check until someone tries to escape.

[roll1]

[Greyen]

The boy is bound swiftly and easily his thin ragdoll frame, while a little more furry than he should be, is quite light. As War Machine ties off the last knot The boy struggles in the mud. His begins to whimper and his eyes snap open.

Now fully awake he skittishly looks around him in the torrential downpour, and begins to cry. His tears are washed away in the rain.

[Toliudar]

Mercy

I will NOT let his tears affect me. I will not -


Mercy decides to use War Machine and Little Miss to be the heavies for her, briefly taking on the role of the boy's potential saviour. She glances and nods to each briefly, hoping that they'll take up their roles with her. Sliding reluctantly down from the wall, she walks carefully over to him, staying a few feet away, but bending down to talk with him.

Now is not the time for Your pack made a bad mistake by attacking us. You don't need to make another bad mistake now. There are a hundred ways this can go. About seventy of them involve him -

She taps on War Machine.

- making sharp and forceful contact with parts of you that would rather that didn't happen. Another twenty or so involve her -

She indicates Little Miss Mercy with a pointed finger.

- and a very small silver knife, used repeatedly and with great skill. Only one scenario involves you seeing dawn intact, and that scenario has you answering all our questions quickly and honestly. Tell me if you understand, kid, and start by telling us your name.

Depending on how you interpret that, that's either diplomacy [roll0] or intimidation [roll1] (with some heavy situational modifiers, and possible aid another effects from WM and LMM.

[Greyen]

The boy watches with tears streaming down his face as Mercy says her piece. "Katrick is going to kill me! I...I...aughgh" is all you can understand untill his blubbering cry takes over again.

(OOC-Make sense motive, whoever is taking part. I will need diplomacy/intimidate/bluff checks if you interact with him. Bonuses will be taken into consideration as will RP value.)

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Sense motive [roll0]

Mercy bends closer, and speaks very softly.

I really wouldn't be worrying too much about Katrick right now. And where would we find old Katrick, again?

[The_Snark]

Little Miss Murder

Miss Murder moves closer to the young man, crouching by his side. She takes hold of his neck with an armored gauntlet, forcing the werewolf to look at her. "Katrick," she says softly, "isn't going to have the chance." Her white hair is visible to everyone in the firelight; her red-tinged eyes, staring flatly at the young man, are visible only to those unfortunate enough to see better in the dark. Mercy might be playing a role; she wasn't.

Her grip tightens around his throat, fingers digging into the side of his neck hard enough to bruise. She doesn't choke him; they needed him able to talk.

Intimidate [roll0], Sense Motive [roll1]; but it should be noted that Miss Murder's default approach to this is to assume they're lying at first, unless they can back up their claims somehow, and continue to ask 'questions' just in case.

[wadledo]

Smokey

Well, don't I feel useful. :smalltongue:

[Greyen]

The werewolf shudders at the touch of Miss Murder and her cold heart. Her words shake him out of his sobbing. He is fightened enough to piss hisself, as the smell of fouled urine assualt your noses over the spray of the rain. Whimpering slightly he says K..K..k.Ka..Kat...ttrick is..is the Pack Lord. Sh..sh...she's gonna skin meEEeeeEEee! His words drop of in a wail.


Now he is rightly afeared of Miss Murder and the rest of you by association. He is telling the truth. And he is worried for his life by the hands of Katrick.

[qube]

Firefly

the little dromite puts his hand in the air.
"ooh, ooh, ooh. I got an idea!. we let this one go, after he shows us the way to the pack layer. we kill the alfa ... female I presume .. and preak up the pack. then the other greys have trouble with here, and we don't need to slay this one in cold blood."

[Toliudar]

Mercy

Don't think about the psychopath beside you. Don't think about the psychopath beside you.

Mercy turns and smiles thinly at Firefly. She gestures briefly at the boy in a "he's right here" way. Then bends back to the werewolf.

Shhhhh. You're getting close. A few more questions. Where do we find Katrick, and how big is the pack?

[The_Snark]

Miss Murder

Miss Murder gives a dismissive glance at Firefly. Leave scattered werewolves to start spreading themselves while the other Greys head towards them? No, I don't think so. An interrogation, however, is not the time for that. She'll say it later.

She jerks his head sideways slightly to interrupt his wailing. "You've said that twice now. I don't think we need to hear it again." She smiles harshly, leaning in closer. "In fact, I think I'll be... unhappy if I hear Katrick's name out of you again. Mention her as your leader only, or not at all." She studies his face to make sure he understands, grip tightening slowly until she gets a nod. "Now. Where would we find your pack?"

[GimliFett]

Prowl

Prowl had been standing by silently observing, until a thought occurs to him. "If'n ya can get'm ta d'scribe da leader, I can try an' track her, startin' frum where she was when dey attacked!" The lizardfolk nods brusquely to accent his point.