Derek turns to others and whispers, "Quiet! There's a large group approaching, possibly imperial based on the sound. I suggest we move off the trail to observe them." Derek moves off the trail and into the bush.
Luxaenecurses near-silently. She had the intent, but were the circumstances allowing? Rarely ever when it comes to challenges... Another time, she was sure as she followed the others to lay low and let them pass, for now...
Hush telepathically speaks to the two Imperial members of the group, "Perhaps it's an Imperial patrol? You might be able to talk us past them somehow?"He follows the others off the path, hiding in the shadows (Stealth: 12).
The group (very stealthily, may I add) sleuths forward through the brush. Around forty feet ahead, three Imperial soldiers carrying Spears and one Imperial Officer are loudly conversing with each other over some topic. They are clad in gold-and-blue-colored basic Imperial armor, but the golden paint looks to be chipping off the armor on the three lower-ranking soldiers, revealing rusted and old armor underneath. Their faces are dirty and disheveled - it looks like they have been patrolling for some time. You can see them standing over what looks to be a bound and restrained body, but it is difficult to make out its details through the commotion.
To those of you who are acquainted with the military hierarchy of the Imperium:
The ranks of Imperial soldiers are designated by the weapons and armor they use and are trained in. Generally, younger and more inexperienced soldiers have the simplest weapons and lowest-quality armor, and when they increase in rank through service or recognition, they receive a better pair and hand down the worn armor to new recruits. Note that this does not account for vehicular combat, which will be covered later. From lowest-rank to highest:
Recruits - the lowest of the low, Recruits are usually conscripted soldiers from the continent of the Imperium, or soldiers who are sent as punishment to repay debt or crime. They usually take on the menial chores and duties - being given basic training in the Imperial camp in the North of the Wilderness, they are rather unprepared to go alone in the Wilderness, and are usually given an instructor of a higher rank to supervise them in their chores. They have the worst quality of armor and weapons, picking up the ones that are the easiest to use - shortswords, spears, hand crossbows, the like. This has coined them the name 'Spears'.
Infantry - the rank up from Spearmen, this is where most of the tenure of army Recruits will spend their career. After being trained and finishing menial chores, Recruits are promoted and trained in more advanced weapons and armor to be sent to direct confrontations and battles. More experienced, these soldiers carry their preferred weapons - the most popular pick is a miniature Glaive, giving them the nickname 'Glaives'.
Corporal - recognized Infantry soldiers might be promoted to Corporal. They are responsible for herding Spears and Glaives in-battle and have the duty of ensuring orders from above are carried out. Given a set of new armor for every promoted Corporal, they usually carry heavy shields emblazoned with the name of the Crown, being known as 'Shields'.
Sergeant - Corporals with a good eye and mind for combat will be promoted to Sergeant. This is a rarity. Sergeants are responsible for planning and efficiently executing combat strategies, as well as care for the soldiers and ensure proper order in the Imperial camps and settlements. Sergeants rarely leave their bases, but when they do, they are masters of combat and seasoned veterans - often studying the magic the Wilderling sorcerers wield, they know how to break through spells with ease. Traditionally, the weapon they carry are halberds, making them known as 'Halberds'.
Lieutenant - the top of the top, it is rare for anyone to be promoted to Lieutenant without having strong political connections. Knowing the most about everything that happens under their reign, only half a dozen or so exist in the Wilderness, and have utmost power that they often abuse. This doesn't stop them from being cruelly efficient and ruthlessly cunning - and a mighty force on the battlefield. Forgoing the traditional gold-and-blue coloring, Lieutenants and their small private guard of Enforcers don steel-and-red colored armor. They are known simply as 'Crowns'.
Note: Lazarus would not know this, but the Wilderlings might - special bears exist alongside regular bears in the Wilderness. They are significantly more deadly, and are known as Greyhides. Their cries are distinct, but to the new Imperial soldiers, they can only assume the worst. The Corporal orders two of the Spears forward to investigate, and they clutch their spears, fearfully poking ahead, glancing at any sign of life. All of the Imperial soldiers are Human, and the terrible state of their gear is apparent as they get closer.
This allows you to see a struggling figure on the ground below - a tanned-skin figure dressed in Orange and Green-Blue attire is writhing on the ground, being held by the two remaining soldiers. All of you recognize the markings of a Zavas member.
Holden holds his position, but one paying close attention can see his breath quickening. Holden readies his Greataxe, and obviously seems to be ready at moments notice to attack the Imperial soldiers, but is waiting for a sign from the rest of the group.
Luxaenesilently relishes the idea of an assault, especially those clearly keeping a Wilderling hostage. A gentle tap, she gives a slow nod of approval at Holden and the human for the group to attack...
Hush notices the distinct readiness for battle that each of the group is showing and grins. If the searching Imperials get within 30ft, he touches their minds with his telepathic speech, "You know, you shouldn't be here. Your friends know this. That's why they're making off with your prisoner." (Deception: 17 - trying to get them to turn around, away from us to open up an opportunity for us to surprise attack them from behind).
Wisdom and Perception checks for the guards, to recognize Hush's speech and to see members of the group, respectively.
Wisdom: 14 and 12 Perception: 5 and 2
The Spears look to each other, hearing this strange speech. The Wilderness scared them, and they clearly did not want to mess with something that can mess with their minds. They turn back towards the captive Wilderling and the remaining guards, shouting that there was nothing there.
Lazarus, seeing that the intentions of the party is to attack, shrugs. He didn’t want to pick a fight with the Imperial soldiers, but he knew Derek and the Wildlings would definitely be pre-disposed to rescue the Zavas tribesperson. He waits for the signal to attack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral-Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries;Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Lazarus emerges out of the brush with Derek. He points his finger at the Corporal and begins chanting a dark incantation; suffocating shadows begin swirling around the Corporal's head, reminding that how easily his life can be cut away like a thread. Lazarus hopes that if the officer flees, the grunts will follow.
The party has decided to make an undetected attack, meaning this will be a surprise round! Hush and Luxaene, please make your attacks, and everyone roll initiative for future combat if you have not done so already just to fasttrack that part of combat.
We have a map! Each tile represents five feet. Credits to twominutetabletop and their wonderful array of maps!
Currently, Luxaene and Hush are hidden. Initiative will commence upon completion of their turns.
Let me know if you have any preferences on map formatting, eg. darker grids, tokens, etc. I'm flexible, but computing them through spreadsheets is just something I've found to be the easiest for online games.
Both HoldenDerek's attacks connect the two Imperial Spears. They shout with surprise and fear, compounded by Lazarus's spell!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Luxaenefeels the call of combat pulse through her body. Reaching out the energies that are never far, she fires a blast of magic at the armoured soldier guarding the Wilderling!
Derek turns to others and whispers, "Quiet! There's a large group approaching, possibly imperial based on the sound. I suggest we move off the trail to observe them." Derek moves off the trail and into the bush.
Stealth: 26
Lazarus nods and follows Derek into hiding.
Stealth: 11
He says, “I’ve got a spell that can draw them away from us. Should I use it?”
If his companions agree, he will cast Minor Illusion to make the sound of a roaring bear close by.
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Holden follows Lazarus and Derek in hiding somewhere off of the trail.
Stealth: 19
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Luxaene curses near-silently. She had the intent, but were the circumstances allowing? Rarely ever when it comes to challenges... Another time, she was sure as she followed the others to lay low and let them pass, for now...
Stealth: 20
Hush telepathically speaks to the two Imperial members of the group, "Perhaps it's an Imperial patrol? You might be able to talk us past them somehow?" He follows the others off the path, hiding in the shadows (Stealth: 12).
The group (very stealthily, may I add) sleuths forward through the brush. Around forty feet ahead, three Imperial soldiers carrying Spears and one Imperial Officer are loudly conversing with each other over some topic. They are clad in gold-and-blue-colored basic Imperial armor, but the golden paint looks to be chipping off the armor on the three lower-ranking soldiers, revealing rusted and old armor underneath. Their faces are dirty and disheveled - it looks like they have been patrolling for some time. You can see them standing over what looks to be a bound and restrained body, but it is difficult to make out its details through the commotion.
To those of you who are acquainted with the military hierarchy of the Imperium:
The ranks of Imperial soldiers are designated by the weapons and armor they use and are trained in. Generally, younger and more inexperienced soldiers have the simplest weapons and lowest-quality armor, and when they increase in rank through service or recognition, they receive a better pair and hand down the worn armor to new recruits. Note that this does not account for vehicular combat, which will be covered later. From lowest-rank to highest:
Recruits - the lowest of the low, Recruits are usually conscripted soldiers from the continent of the Imperium, or soldiers who are sent as punishment to repay debt or crime. They usually take on the menial chores and duties - being given basic training in the Imperial camp in the North of the Wilderness, they are rather unprepared to go alone in the Wilderness, and are usually given an instructor of a higher rank to supervise them in their chores. They have the worst quality of armor and weapons, picking up the ones that are the easiest to use - shortswords, spears, hand crossbows, the like. This has coined them the name 'Spears'.
Infantry - the rank up from Spearmen, this is where most of the tenure of army Recruits will spend their career. After being trained and finishing menial chores, Recruits are promoted and trained in more advanced weapons and armor to be sent to direct confrontations and battles. More experienced, these soldiers carry their preferred weapons - the most popular pick is a miniature Glaive, giving them the nickname 'Glaives'.
Corporal - recognized Infantry soldiers might be promoted to Corporal. They are responsible for herding Spears and Glaives in-battle and have the duty of ensuring orders from above are carried out. Given a set of new armor for every promoted Corporal, they usually carry heavy shields emblazoned with the name of the Crown, being known as 'Shields'.
Sergeant - Corporals with a good eye and mind for combat will be promoted to Sergeant. This is a rarity. Sergeants are responsible for planning and efficiently executing combat strategies, as well as care for the soldiers and ensure proper order in the Imperial camps and settlements. Sergeants rarely leave their bases, but when they do, they are masters of combat and seasoned veterans - often studying the magic the Wilderling sorcerers wield, they know how to break through spells with ease. Traditionally, the weapon they carry are halberds, making them known as 'Halberds'.
Lieutenant - the top of the top, it is rare for anyone to be promoted to Lieutenant without having strong political connections. Knowing the most about everything that happens under their reign, only half a dozen or so exist in the Wilderness, and have utmost power that they often abuse. This doesn't stop them from being cruelly efficient and ruthlessly cunning - and a mighty force on the battlefield. Forgoing the traditional gold-and-blue coloring, Lieutenants and their small private guard of Enforcers don steel-and-red colored armor. They are known simply as 'Crowns'.
Note: Lazarus would not know this, but the Wilderlings might - special bears exist alongside regular bears in the Wilderness. They are significantly more deadly, and are known as Greyhides. Their cries are distinct, but to the new Imperial soldiers, they can only assume the worst. The Corporal orders two of the Spears forward to investigate, and they clutch their spears, fearfully poking ahead, glancing at any sign of life. All of the Imperial soldiers are Human, and the terrible state of their gear is apparent as they get closer.
This allows you to see a struggling figure on the ground below - a tanned-skin figure dressed in Orange and Green-Blue attire is writhing on the ground, being held by the two remaining soldiers. All of you recognize the markings of a Zavas member.
What does the party do next?
Holden holds his position, but one paying close attention can see his breath quickening. Holden readies his Greataxe, and obviously seems to be ready at moments notice to attack the Imperial soldiers, but is waiting for a sign from the rest of the group.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Derek, an imperial fugitive, draws his short sword and dagger. He gives the others a brief look to alert them and a nod at Holden.
Luxaene silently relishes the idea of an assault, especially those clearly keeping a Wilderling hostage. A gentle tap, she gives a slow nod of approval at Holden and the human for the group to attack...
Hush notices the distinct readiness for battle that each of the group is showing and grins. If the searching Imperials get within 30ft, he touches their minds with his telepathic speech, "You know, you shouldn't be here. Your friends know this. That's why they're making off with your prisoner." (Deception: 17 - trying to get them to turn around, away from us to open up an opportunity for us to surprise attack them from behind).
Wisdom and Perception checks for the guards, to recognize Hush's speech and to see members of the group, respectively.
Wisdom: 14 and 12
Perception: 5 and 2
The Spears look to each other, hearing this strange speech. The Wilderness scared them, and they clearly did not want to mess with something that can mess with their minds. They turn back towards the captive Wilderling and the remaining guards, shouting that there was nothing there.
Lazarus, seeing that the intentions of the party is to attack, shrugs. He didn’t want to pick a fight with the Imperial soldiers, but he knew Derek and the Wildlings would definitely be pre-disposed to rescue the Zavas tribesperson. He waits for the signal to attack.
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Seeing the spearmen turn their backs, Hush telepathically reaches out to the rest of his newfound group, "GO!"
At that sound, Holden rushes forward with a growl, swinging his greataxe at the Imperial soldiers (If they are in range)(No rage).
Attack: 14 Damage: 7
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Derek slinks out from the wilderness to catch the imperials unawares. He moves to incapacitate them instead of outright slaying them.
Action: Attacks nearest soldier with his short sword
Attack: 18, Damage: 10, Sneak Attack: 4
Bonus Action: Attacks same soldier with Dagger wielded in his off hand.
Attack: 23, Damage: 1
Lazarus emerges out of the brush with Derek. He points his finger at the Corporal and begins chanting a dark incantation; suffocating shadows begin swirling around the Corporal's head, reminding that how easily his life can be cut away like a thread. Lazarus hopes that if the officer flees, the grunts will follow.
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
The party has decided to make an undetected attack, meaning this will be a surprise round! Hush and Luxaene, please make your attacks, and everyone roll initiative for future combat if you have not done so already just to fasttrack that part of combat.
We have a map! Each tile represents five feet. Credits to twominutetabletop and their wonderful array of maps!
Currently, Luxaene and Hush are hidden. Initiative will commence upon completion of their turns.
Let me know if you have any preferences on map formatting, eg. darker grids, tokens, etc. I'm flexible, but computing them through spreadsheets is just something I've found to be the easiest for online games.
Both Holden Derek's attacks connect the two Imperial Spears. They shout with surprise and fear, compounded by Lazarus's spell!
Initiative: 19
(I like the map!)
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Map looks great!
Initiative: 7
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Luxaene feels the call of combat pulse through her body. Reaching out the energies that are never far, she fires a blast of magic at the armoured soldier guarding the Wilderling!
Eldritch Blast
Ranged Spell Attack: 18 Damage: 7 (force)
Initiative Roll: 12
Initiative Roll: 31