The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Wash shakes Magnum's hand when offered "well met" though turns down the candy "thanks, though I am fine for the moment. I don't want to ruin my appetite before a delicious dinner later of... dried rations."

Whilst setting up camp Wash will check on Art to make sure that he is not injured and that the ropes are not rubbing and causing him pain. He will ask (quietly - out of earshot of Magnum and Silent if possible) "can I ask why you had to steal from us? Were your stories of work in Felderwin fiction? If you had asked, I would have gladly shared my halfling friend's horse and you could have ridden with us to town. The map on the other hand was totally unacceptable, and my halfling friend was extremely upset. Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"  

Wash asks Trogdor if he will follow Auspex to check on the horses that are approaching. 

Alton walks up with Wash, his eyes fixed on the warforge in childlike wonder, "Wow, I've never seen anything like you before. I've heard stories of golems made from different material set to guard treasures, secret locations, and other things. I've also seen one that was built for someone to control from the inside." He looks up at Wash, "Do you think there is someone under that armor to make it move." His attention goes back to the new comers, "Oh, I'm Alton by the way, Alton Wildcloak. Nice to meet you. I can show you what my map looks like." Holding one hand out, Alton casts Prestidigitation to make a rough image of his family's map appear in his hand. The map shows a rough image of Wildmount with a series of mystical symbols across dotted around the outside, though the symbols might not quite match what is on the map; he is making the image from memory. "Sorry that it is a bit rough, I can only do so much with this spell, but this is about what it looks like."

Alton is no taller than three feet in height; if you don't include his brown hair that is pulled up into a topknot. He sports a goofy grin that reminds you of something akin to a kid in candy store whos parents said he can pick out anything. Currently Alton is wearing some leather armor that is patch-worked together from different hides that looks like it was homemade and a traveling cloak. He has tanned skin from being outside so much in the fields. He also sports a small backpack with the handle of a lute sticking out from it; along with a rapier and hand crossbow at his hip.

Hearing the horses coming, Alton slips behind Balassar, "I hope this isn't more trouble."

I was assembled seven years ago in Deastok.  Magnum taps his head, making a light ping noise.  Nothing in here but more metal.  Mostly metal at least.  Did you say control from inside?  Magnum trails off before the sound of hooves interrupts them. 

Magnum, are you looking through Auspex's eyes, or just sending them to look and then report back?

If you are looking through his eyes:

Wash, Art responds to you (quietly, so others don't hear):  You have no idea what you've done.  He refuses to say anything more.  He's bound tightly; not comfortable, but not in great pain either, and he's not injured apart from some minor bruising when he was pulled off a horse.

Trogdor eyes the owl, and gives Wash a sense of mixed enthusiasm and apprehension.  New friends?  Then he takes to the air.

Alton, you manage to create a very rough image of a folder parchment map in your  hands, though with no real markings or symbols on it.  (I think the level of detail of the map would require a more powerful illusion spell.)

Magnum will use Auspex’s eyes. 

Auspex’s Perception - 17

I hope someone is listening as I am presently looking through my familiar's eyes.  When doing this I am both blind and deaf.  The 'lights' that are magnum's eyes appear to have gone out.  He will also relay whatever he sees to the group.

Magnum, you see through Auspex's eyes, in the orange glow and long shadows of the sunset, the three riding warriors.  They and their horses are skeletons; the three riders look something like this:

It's clear that they are headed directly towards you.  Auspex also sees other riders further down the road, coming up behind the skeletal riders but still some ways behind.

You all have a single action you can take in preparation for this fight, while the riders are coming.  Please tell me what you want to do, and also roll initiative.

Inititiative - 9

Magnum uses his bonus action to activate his Defensive Field for 3hp.  He uses his action to recall Auspex to him and regain his senses. 

Magnum looks at Art and then at Silent.  Half elves on the road, man.  I'm telling you.  Nothing but trouble.

Silent has been watching the newcomers and is slightly more at ease seeing as they haven't been ambushed yet. At Magnum's words he grimaces and draws his greatsword. Least this half elf's buddies look pretty dead this time. Less stupid chattering than our last run-in and I don't gotta feel too guilty slicin' them up. 

He will Ready a melee attack with the greatsword if any hostile creatures enter his range in the next round.  Are the rest of you ready for a scrap? 

Initiative 6  

Taking Silent's lead, Wash turns and readies for battle: 13 (initiative)

He prepares a heavenly blast, which he will release at the first foe that he sees: Attack: 12 Damage: 12

[Oof.]

He also sees Magnum recalling his familiar and thinks to Trogdor "can you come back too?"

Auspex's Initiative - 3

(OOC:  I keep forgetting to roll initiative for him.)

Alton takes the hand crossbow off of his belt and get ready for a fight, "Where did these come from? I didn't think this road was haunted."

Initiative: 8

Balassar smiles as he readies his shield and sword "Always ready for a fight." he preparing for the upcoming battle.

OOC:
Initiative: 21

Horses' hooves thunder down the road, and you all now see the three riders approach.  Those of you paying attention will notice a sneer appearing on Art's face, and hear a muttered:  You brought this on yourselves from his lips.

Wash, Trogdor laughs in your mind and teleports suddenly right onto your shoulder.  (Can you roll initiative for him?)

Round One:
Balassar
Warrior 3
Art (restrained)
Wash and Magnum
Warrior 2
Silent, Alton and Auspex
Warrior 1

The three warriors are on horseback;  on the map, you can see the first two, and Warrior 3 is just south of Warrior 2; I've not shown them in order to make the map clearer.  The warriors have their glowing blue swords drawn, and you definitely feel the chill of their presence - there's no doubt these are undead creatures, which most of you have never seen before.

Balassar is up.

Magnum looks at Art.  I wonder if they'll go away if I beat you to death.  His free gauntleted fist starts to make noise like a dynamo spinning up.

Balassar walks over to Art “They coming to aid you or get you?” He asks keeping his eyes on the road with a sword raised to Art.

As the three riders approach, it is the third warrior who charges in from the back and skillfully dismounts in a fluid, well-practised motion.  It races towards the camp and ends next to Silent, sword drawn and ready to strike on the next round.

Wash, your readied Eldritch Blast hits a tree over the warrior's shoulder, and he pays it no mind.

Silent, your readied attack triggers too - please make the attack roll.

Art struggles and attempts to get free:  Acrobatics check 17.  He grunts in frustration and remains securely bound.

Wash and Magnum are up.

Magnum moves to the opposite side of warrior three so that he’s flanking it with Silent, then punches the skeleton with his thunder gauntlets.

Attack: 19 Damage: 5

Wash smiles and thinks to himself well that is new! Teleportation, cool.

Trogdor initiative: 12

Wash backs up, to be within striking distance of Art if he does get free and releases a heavenly blast at Warrior 1: Attack: 6 Damage: 13

He looks at the others with a somewhat embarrassed look, "warning shots?"