01. Situation at the Falls

[onlyme]

Ewell isnt sure from this distance away, but it does appear to be a likely conclusion that he has met one of the inbound humanoids on his own way to the falls.

He speaks, "Fellows, I believe I recognize one of them. Nasty, evil thing. Forced a couple of slaves to attack me, and then fled like a coward. I was actually chasing him when I ran into you guys. He must have circled back somewhere for help. I dont think diplomacy will work with him. It didnt last time. Maybe with the others, if they hold power. But...Be ready for battle immediately."

Ewell thinks a bit, and continues " He was wearing full plate, and a bit bigger than me. Greyish green skin and a snout, if any of you are experts on the subject. Oh, and he had a two-handed sword. I dont remember if he grabbed it when he ran off. "

He almost grins in the anticipation of the encounter.



(edited to remove the name of leader. Ewell didnt have the fact wrong, only me.)

[dmw71]

Gwillt and Shannigans, in their more advanced position, have already been provided with the following details (via PM). As the remaining foursome continues their approach, now they are able to detect the following:

With the fairly large drum still in place (but not being used), coupled with all the movement, it's difficult to tell exactly what you're dealing with. As you strain to focus, you suspect there are between 10 and 12 humanoids in total, and all appear to be wearing simple armor (non-metal armor) and carrying a varied assortment of weapons (mostly axes; but you suspect you see some ranged weapons as well). They also possess black-colored shields, but most are not carrying these at the moment.

There is one exception to the above description.

This exceptional humanoid is taller; you estimate it to be between six and seven feet tall. It is wearing a full suit of plate mail and carrying a deadly looking two-handed sword. You also notice, stuck into the ground next to this imposing figure, is a spear with a black flag or banners flying from the non-pointed side of the shaft.

It is this leader that Ewell suspects he's had the 'privilege' of meeting previously.

***

Suddenly, this group of humanoids you're approaching breaks into a flurry of activity. It quickly becomes obvious that they're scrambling to ready themselves.


It appears the approaching foursome has been detected.

[onlyme]

How far away are we now? especially, are we in shouting distance?

[dmw71]

"Fellows, I believe I recognize one of them.

Note: Only Strom, Kaltar and Garth will have knowledge of what Ewell shared.

Gwillt and Shannigans are not privy to this information.

[dmw71]

How far away are we now? especially, are we in shouting distance?

You've closed about half the initial distance separating the two groups, so you suspect you're about 200-250 feet away. As for whether or not they will be able to hear your call, you think maybe... but there's only one way to find out.

[onlyme]

How far away are we now? especially, are we in shouting distance?

You've closed about half the initial distance separating the two groups, so you suspect you're about 200-250 feet away. As for whether or not they will be able to hear your call, you think maybe... but there's only one way to find out.

guys, I think that our best bet is to attempt to convince the 9-11 others that they are doomed, and allow them to escape. The two I killed didnt bite, so either they are just as evil, or they are truly disciples ... Oh, and regardless of how solid our strategy or plan may be, Ewell will charge at the leader...

[saalaria]

How far away are we now? especially, are we in shouting distance?

You've closed about half the initial distance separating the two groups, so you suspect you're about 200-250 feet away. As for whether or not they will be able to hear your call, you think maybe... but there's only one way to find out.

guys, I think that our best bet is to attempt to convince the 9-11 others that they are doomed, and allow them to escape. The two I killed didnt bite, so either they are just as evil, or they are truly disciples ... Oh, and regardless of how solid our strategy or plan may be, Ewell will charge at the leader...

Never played in a group with a Cavalier before. I love it!

Kaltar is happy to follow the lead of the two fighter-types so continues behind them.

[dmw71]

The foursome continues to approach the group of humanoids; now exercising more caution since it’s obvious they've been detected.

---

Across the canyon, the leader is seen barking out orders and its minions appear to be organizing quickly. With the exception of the leader, the lot of humanoids now have their black shields readied and in front of them, and while you can’t make out the details from your current distance (~200’), the shields all appear to be emblazoned with an emblem of some kind.

Then, without warning, a pair of the creatures break off from the main pack in opposite directions – one pair now heads directly towards Gwillt and Shannigans (but do not appear to spot them), the other pair heading the opposite direction. These creatures are moving in a hurry.

A moment later, in an orchestrated sequence, the remaining humanoids step in front of the leader in a phalanx formation.

With orders apparently given, the leader, now “hidden” behind this wall of defenders, does not appear concerned in the slightest with the approaching group.

---

Edited to add:
I prefer to keep all actions in the actual forums (instead of PM), all players should feel free to post in this thread. All players can now read all posts, but any discussions or strategizing amongst the two groups of characters will be limited to that group only.

[Stonjuz]

"Don't look like diplomacy is gonna work here," Gwilt whispers, preparing to draw his (flight) arrow back.
Shannigans crawls back the short distance to be even with Gwilt and whispers, "Now?" The halfling twitches at the fingertips a bit but fashions himself to duplicate the ranger's postures.

[Alethan]

"Don't look like diplomacy is gonna work here," Gwilt whispers, preparing to draw his (flight) arrow back.
Shannigans crawls back the short distance to be even with Gwilt and whispers, "Now?" The halfling twitches at the fingertips a bit but fashions himself to duplicate the ranger's postures.

"When he turns to flank..." comes the hushed reply as Gwilt draws back on his bow string.

[dmw71]

Shannigans crawls back the short distance to be even with Gwilt and whispers, "Now?" The halfling twitches at the fingertips a bit but fashions himself to duplicate the ranger's postures.

This marked the 1,000th post in the game!

100 xp to each player!


Great playing so far, guys. I can hardly wait to see how the game progresses.

[Nuke66]

OOC: Well, here goes nothing.

Garth reaches into a pouch for some component then grips his scimitar, ripping in from its scabbard with a loud metallic ring. Pointing it at the group he yells "Charge!" as he runs towards the group.

OOC: of course, when he gets in range of his 'sleep' spell, he stops and casts allowing the others to pass him.

[onlyme]

Shannigans crawls back the short distance to be even with Gwilt and whispers, "Now?" The halfling twitches at the fingertips a bit but fashions himself to duplicate the ranger's postures.

This marked the 1,000th post in the game!

100 xp to each player!


Great playing so far, guys. I can hardly wait to see how the game progresses.

Heck, with as post-happy as this bunch is, we should be level 6 by April...
Oh, and thanks...

[onlyme]

Garth reaches into a pouch for some component then grips his scimitar, ripping in from its scabbard with a loud metallic ring. Pointing it at the group he yells "Charge!" as he runs towards the group.

Ewell laughs at the spunk Garth appears to have, well, and the amatuerish charge technique. He grips his lance, checks to make sure his boots are tied, and starts a slow jog, eyes focused on the cowardly leader hiding behind the shields.

[dmw71]

Heck, with as post-happy as this bunch is, we should be level 6 by April...
Oh, and thanks...

Speaking of which, if anyone ever has an issue with the posting frequency, please feel free to let me know -- publicly or privately, via PM. I know I tend to post at a very high rate, and sometimes don't demonstrate the greatest level of patience, but I do want to avoid leaving players feeling like they're lacking a fair opportunity to contribute.

Again, if things ever need to slow down (ideally not below the 1 post/day level), let me know.

[Alethan]

Heck, with as post-happy as this bunch is, we should be level 6 by April...
Oh, and thanks...

Speaking of which, if anyone ever has an issue with the posting frequency, please feel free to let me know -- publicly or privately, via PM. I know I tend to post at a very high rate, and sometimes don't demonstrate the greatest level of patience, but I do want to avoid leaving players feeling like they're lacking a fair opportunity to contribute.

Again, if things ever need to slow down (ideally not below the 1 post/day level), let me know.

Fast, fast, fast!!!

[Nuke66]

I will say I can hit once a day at least...if it's rollin' I'd logon in the morning too.

[Alethan]

Garth reaches into a pouch for some component then grips his scimitar, ripping in from its scabbard with a loud metallic ring. Pointing it at the group he yells "Charge!" as he runs towards the group.

At the call to charge, Gwilt mutters, "OK... Now," and lets loose with his shot.

To Hit, Shortbow [1d20+4] = 20+4 = 24

To Hit, Shortbow [1d20+4] = 19+4 = 23

Maximum Damage = 6
Maximum Damage x .5 Maximum Damage = 9 Dmg total

OOC: wow. Soooooo close to the double crit!

[Stonjuz]

Amazed at the finesse of the ranger, Shannigans takes alot of time before aiming, and still misses, falling short.
inititative [1d10] = 8 attack with shortbow [1d20] = 7

[dmw71]

Pointing it at the group he yells "Charge!" as he runs towards the group.

Nice! Let the fun begin!

OOC: of course, when he gets in range of his 'sleep' spell, he stops and casts allowing the others to pass him.

FYI, the range on 'sleep' is 30 yards (or 90 feet).