A massive grin crosses Brockes face as he tenses up in anticipation. Unless he can see what is coming, he will hold his action and will try to rush and grapple the individual when in sight. (OOC: Unless it's a giant, giant folk type, etc... those always get the axe). He moves right next Zeke(K12) and creeps up, not saying a word. Not hiding but trying to be as quite as he can.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A shadow of suspicion flickers across Alistair's face. The source of the sound – a rustle in the bushes, a twig snapping in the distance – could be anything. Friend, foe, or simply a curious forest creature. He doesn't take any chances. Casually, almost nonchalantly, Alistair inches towards cover (G12) while still trying to get a glimpse of the source of the sound. His hand imperceptibly drifts towards his weapon, keeping it hidden but readying a bolt in case of an attack. His weight shifts slightly, his body poised to dodge any incoming attacks. His gaze darts around, searching the undergrowth and the treeline for any sign of movement. His senses are on high alert, listening for any tell-tale sounds like footsteps or labored breathing.
As the party takes up hasty positions, a pair of humans and a dwarf following the creek bed come into view. The humans are uniformly equipped with hardened leather armor, dyed black, and blue tabards with the now familiar crest of the Black Eagle. Each is armed with a scimitar. The leading human appears to be lugging the dwarf's gear while the trailing human is menacing him with a crossbow...
By the second day of captivity, the length of rough hempen rope binding Billy's hands in front of him is begining to chaf badly, adding a layer of pain to the indignity of his situation...
Kaos, please give us a description of Billy. Once that's been posted, we can proceed with the surprise round.
Vetallica, I changed your color to purple because I was using blue for Alistair & Evren and it feels more thematic to keep blue for the Water Gensai. If you'd prefer a different color, let me know!
Surprise Round: Alistair, Zeke, Krog, & Brockes in any order.
You will see a rather beat up Dwarf. His long brown hair normally kept up in braeds is a mess. His beard looks like some tired to cut it with a sword. His clothes are tourn in places and by the cuts and bruises you can guess he was less then willing to be part of this group. Though still proud as though he saying you should have seen the other guy. He is glaring hatefully at swordsman in front of him.
Zeke quicky recognizes the threat the hostage situation has for his fellow dwarf. He believes the swordsman could likely be killed without too much difficulty but it was unclear how to take out the crossbow man threatening the beat-up dwarf or provide additional protection to the dwarf from this distance. Seeing Alistair and Krog more concealed, Zeke decides to play for time so those two might get into position to inflict damage on the crossbow man and to try to get the threesome closer so he could protect the dwarf. Besides after recent events, he was confident that he and Brocke could best most any two-legged opponent.
So he leant on his warhammer in front of him and called out, "Hey, what are you doing treating my fellow dwarf in that manner? Come closer so I can verify that he is in good shape before I give you gold for him."
If at any point the crossbow men. Loses focus Billy will throw himself at him trying to knock the man to the ground so Billy can make a run for it. "I will not be bought or sold like nothing more then animal."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alistair's eyes narrow as the source of the commotion reveals itself. Two soldiers, clad in black leather armor emblazoned with a menacing black eagle, emerge from the trees. They roughly prod a figure along with them, a prisoner stumbling on the rocky creek bed. A bolt of recognition strikes Alistair – the insignia matches the hobgoblins they encountered earlier, the Black Eagle Barony. A hint of surprise crosses his features, then a slow, predatory smile spreads across his lips.
Alistair's mind races. These soldiers are enemies, of that there is no doubt. But the prisoner... who is he? A captured scout from a rival force? Or someone entirely different? The thought of gleaning information, perhaps even gaining a new companion, is undeniably tempting. He could almost hear Fierna's infernal whispers, urging violence and dominance. The promise of power flickers at the edge of his thoughts, a dark counterpoint to the strategic advantage this situation presents. A new thought forms in his mind: the enemy of my enemy is my friend, a grim reminder of his own precarious alliances.
With a swift, practiced movement, he steps out from behind the cover of the trees (H10), aiming his crossbow directly at the unsuspecting crossbowman. The prisoner flinches at the sudden sound, momentarily halting the procession. Alistair unleashes a bolt with a sharp snap, a dark offering propelled by infernal whispers, that streaks through the air. Before the soldiers can react, Alistair retreats back into the sheltering embrace of the trees (G12). His heart pounds in his chest, a mixture of dark satisfaction and the thrill of the hunt coursing through him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Krog sees the Dwarf captive. Not good! Krog notices the double-headed black eagle emblem. The Half-Orc is resolute that this is NOT a time to drink ale. He attacks.
Moving his full 30 ft towards the group, Brockes just glares at both the swordsman and crossbow wielding fool. With a tone as cold as death he gives them a warning. “Leave the Drawf, turn around, and keep moving.” His flashes his fangs and grips his axe as his cracks his neck from side to side.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Whether or not the Black Eagle soldiers would have fallen for Zeke's ploy may never be known. Before they have a chance to respond, Alastair steps out from his cover and looses a bolt that strikes the crossbowman in his side, just below the leather curiss of his armor.
Krog rushes into the fray though, in his enthusiasm, he misjudges the distance and slashes before his weapon is in the optimal range to cleave through his opponent's armor.
By the time Brockes comes into view and utters his ultimatum, it's become clear to the soldiers that they are outnumbered and very nearly trapped with a steep slope to one side and a pack of determined foes to the other...
Seizing his opportunity, Billy attempts to knock the Crossbowman prone (Athletics check against a DC of 17)
The Swordsman drops the Dwarf's belongings and attempts to flee with his prisoner (grapple attempt against Billy. Make an Athletics or Acrobatics check against a DC of 2). With or without the prisoner, he flees southwest (provoking an attack of opportunity against Krog and, if he makes his save against the grapple, Billy).
Zeke runs to the fork of the path so he can have a clearer view of the conflict, and takes action to protect the captive dwarf (who he is pleased to see is fighting back but is at a disadvantage without weapons or armor) casts Shield of Faith on Billy
Seizing his opportunity, Billy attempts to knock the Crossbowman prone (Athletics check against a DC of 9)
Athletics check = 13 Billy lungs back unexpectedly and bowls the crossbowmen over.
The Swordsman drops the Dwarf's belongings and attempts to flee with his prisoner (grapple attempt against Billy. Make an Athletics or Acrobatics check against a DC of 5). With or without the prisoner, he flees southwest (provoking an attack of opportunity against Krog and, if he makes his save against the grapple, Billy).
Athletics check = 19 He feels the rope start to pull and digs his Boots into the ground and become like a unmoving bolder. "I will not be dragged around be you anymore!"
A massive grin crosses Brockes face as he tenses up in anticipation. Unless he can see what is coming, he will hold his action and will try to rush and grapple the individual when in sight. (OOC: Unless it's a giant, giant folk type, etc... those always get the axe). He moves right next Zeke(K12) and creeps up, not saying a word. Not hiding but trying to be as quite as he can.
Initiative: 2
Stealth: 19
Good idea on initiative, Diehard.
Zeke initiative 14+3=17
Ok. Looks like we just need to hear from Vetallica.
And Kaos, why don't you go ahead and roll initiative as well.
(also need to figure out what I'm doing wrong that makes all the images disappear😕)
A shadow of suspicion flickers across Alistair's face. The source of the sound – a rustle in the bushes, a twig snapping in the distance – could be anything. Friend, foe, or simply a curious forest creature. He doesn't take any chances. Casually, almost nonchalantly, Alistair inches towards cover (G12) while still trying to get a glimpse of the source of the sound. His hand imperceptibly drifts towards his weapon, keeping it hidden but readying a bolt in case of an attack. His weight shifts slightly, his body poised to dodge any incoming attacks. His gaze darts around, searching the undergrowth and the treeline for any sign of movement. His senses are on high alert, listening for any tell-tale sounds like footsteps or labored breathing.
Initiative 21
Perception 2
Initiative 18
As the party takes up hasty positions, a pair of humans and a dwarf following the creek bed come into view. The humans are uniformly equipped with hardened leather armor, dyed black, and blue tabards with the now familiar crest of the Black Eagle. Each is armed with a scimitar. The leading human appears to be lugging the dwarf's gear while the trailing human is menacing him with a crossbow...
By the second day of captivity, the length of rough hempen rope binding Billy's hands in front of him is begining to chaf badly, adding a layer of pain to the indignity of his situation...
Kaos, please give us a description of Billy. Once that's been posted, we can proceed with the surprise round.
Vetallica, I changed your color to purple because I was using blue for Alistair & Evren and it feels more thematic to keep blue for the Water Gensai. If you'd prefer a different color, let me know!
Surprise Round: Alistair, Zeke, Krog, & Brockes in any order.
Initiative Order (starting in the second round):
Group 1: Billy
Group 2: Swordsman
Group 3: Alistair & Zeke
Group 4: Crossbowman
Group 5: Krog & Brockes
You will see a rather beat up Dwarf. His long brown hair normally kept up in braeds is a mess. His beard looks like some tired to cut it with a sword. His clothes are tourn in places and by the cuts and bruises you can guess he was less then willing to be part of this group. Though still proud as though he saying you should have seen the other guy. He is glaring hatefully at swordsman in front of him.
Zeke quicky recognizes the threat the hostage situation has for his fellow dwarf. He believes the swordsman could likely be killed without too much difficulty but it was unclear how to take out the crossbow man threatening the beat-up dwarf or provide additional protection to the dwarf from this distance. Seeing Alistair and Krog more concealed, Zeke decides to play for time so those two might get into position to inflict damage on the crossbow man and to try to get the threesome closer so he could protect the dwarf. Besides after recent events, he was confident that he and Brocke could best most any two-legged opponent.
So he leant on his warhammer in front of him and called out, "Hey, what are you doing treating my fellow dwarf in that manner? Come closer so I can verify that he is in good shape before I give you gold for him."
If at any point the crossbow men. Loses focus Billy will throw himself at him trying to knock the man to the ground so Billy can make a run for it. "I will not be bought or sold like nothing more then animal."
If it becomes relevant.
Attack 14 Damage 2
Alistair's eyes narrow as the source of the commotion reveals itself. Two soldiers, clad in black leather armor emblazoned with a menacing black eagle, emerge from the trees. They roughly prod a figure along with them, a prisoner stumbling on the rocky creek bed. A bolt of recognition strikes Alistair – the insignia matches the hobgoblins they encountered earlier, the Black Eagle Barony. A hint of surprise crosses his features, then a slow, predatory smile spreads across his lips.
Alistair's mind races. These soldiers are enemies, of that there is no doubt. But the prisoner... who is he? A captured scout from a rival force? Or someone entirely different? The thought of gleaning information, perhaps even gaining a new companion, is undeniably tempting. He could almost hear Fierna's infernal whispers, urging violence and dominance. The promise of power flickers at the edge of his thoughts, a dark counterpoint to the strategic advantage this situation presents. A new thought forms in his mind: the enemy of my enemy is my friend, a grim reminder of his own precarious alliances.
With a swift, practiced movement, he steps out from behind the cover of the trees (H10), aiming his crossbow directly at the unsuspecting crossbowman. The prisoner flinches at the sudden sound, momentarily halting the procession. Alistair unleashes a bolt with a sharp snap, a dark offering propelled by infernal whispers, that streaks through the air. Before the soldiers can react, Alistair retreats back into the sheltering embrace of the trees (G12). His heart pounds in his chest, a mixture of dark satisfaction and the thrill of the hunt coursing through him.
Attack: 15 Piercing Damage: 7
Krog sees the Dwarf captive. Not good! Krog notices the double-headed black eagle emblem. The Half-Orc is resolute that this is NOT a time to drink ale. He attacks.
Krog will move to attack the Crossbowman. (A7)
ATT 18 DMG 6
Moving his full 30 ft towards the group, Brockes just glares at both the swordsman and crossbow wielding fool. With a tone as cold as death he gives them a warning. “Leave the Drawf, turn around, and keep moving.” His flashes his fangs and grips his axe as his cracks his neck from side to side.
Intimidation: 16
CB 5 SW 7
Whether or not the Black Eagle soldiers would have fallen for Zeke's ploy may never be known. Before they have a chance to respond, Alastair steps out from his cover and looses a bolt that strikes the crossbowman in his side, just below the leather curiss of his armor.
Krog rushes into the fray though, in his enthusiasm, he misjudges the distance and slashes before his weapon is in the optimal range to cleave through his opponent's armor.
By the time Brockes comes into view and utters his ultimatum, it's become clear to the soldiers that they are outnumbered and very nearly trapped with a steep slope to one side and a pack of determined foes to the other...
Seizing his opportunity, Billy attempts to knock the Crossbowman prone (Athletics check against a DC of 17)
The Swordsman drops the Dwarf's belongings and attempts to flee with his prisoner (grapple attempt against Billy. Make an Athletics or Acrobatics check against a DC of 2). With or without the prisoner, he flees southwest (provoking an attack of opportunity against Krog and, if he makes his save against the grapple, Billy).
Alistair & Zeke are up for initiative.
Prone
Grappled
Current Map
Krog AoO ATT 23 DMG 11
Zeke runs to the fork of the path so he can have a clearer view of the conflict, and takes action to protect the captive dwarf (who he is pleased to see is fighting back but is at a disadvantage without weapons or armor)
casts Shield of Faith on Billy
Athletics check = 13 Billy lungs back unexpectedly and bowls the crossbowmen over.
Athletics check = 19 He feels the rope start to pull and digs his Boots into the ground and become like a unmoving bolder. "I will not be dragged around be you anymore!"