Chapter 3: The truth lies in the mountain...

[Grognardsw]

I guess then we'll go by the tunnels to what I assume will be the bandit camp, unless we have intelligence otherwise that it is on the ground at the mountain.

Deceidon nods to Captain Hal as the adventurers exit the tavern. "Gather round men," says the New Dathanian. "We go to finally smash the bandit ring that has plagued our town for too long! We have made some blows to the group. We know they are desperate men, led by a ruthless killer. We need show no mercy - this will be a message to future lawbreakers! We will take them by surprise in their tunnels, route their men, destroy their camp. We must act as one, and follow orders strictly even if the going gets tough."

Deceidon holds up his sword. "To the death of the bandits!"

Deceidon hopes the speech roused the men and strengthened resolve. Privately he has no idea how this will go. Together they go to the building with the cellar access to the tunnels. After resolving marching order, the troop descends in.

Marching order ideas? Strongest looking fighters up front; then bowmen Gustov and Deceidon, then more soldiers, then Flynn and Whitsell, then soldiers in the back. Extra oil on hand to burn camp tents or structures.

[tooleychris]

Flynn can hold the line as well as needed.
Flynns blade joins Deceidons. "The end of villainous tyranny! "

[onlyme]

Whitsell quietly walks up to the young soldier in plate.
Ah, just remember our agreement, though I expect you to be able to pay it off fairly quickly. and, umm, i apologize, but never asked your name. Mine's Whitsell.

marching order works for me

Whitsell will shuffle around, waiting for the group to line up, where he can take one of the middle rows, protected by more trained (or dumb) professional soldiers.

[NJWilliam]

marching order looks fine to me

[Rukellian]

Deceidon's speech is a huge success, and the men are all fired up, even the hired adventurers took to it well, showing more determination then before! Captain Hal nods approvingly as he steps forward to the group. "I shall see this through to the end with my men, you can count my blade!"

The young man says to Whitsell, "Laywin sir, the name is Laywin." He smiles a proud smile as he takes up one of the front ranks with Captain Hal and the brother from the adventuring duo, Mial. His sister Kitra follows shortly behind and stands next to Gustov and Deceidon. Three of the town's militia line up behind the archers and is then followed up by Whitsell and Flynn, with Amberlynn clinging close by. The rest of the town militia brings up the rear of the marching party, with Lump and his trusty club at the ready.

[Rukellian]

As the group starts to head towards the house with the tunnel entrance, the townsfolk start to gather on each side and cheer them on, shouting and whistling as some wish the group good luck. Amongst group, Deceidon could have sworn that he saw a familiar face within the crowd. An aged man in flowing blue robes... He does not let it concern him too much though as he focuses on the task before him.

The descent into the tunnel is familiar to some, and unnerving for others. Luckily a few torches are lit to help illuminate the area. The path starts narrow at first, but after some time has gone by, the path naturally widens a bit, allowing for three combatants enough space. After walking for an hour or so, the marching groups comes across the set of doors that was encountered much earlier, the bodies of slain bandits still strewn about the ground, picked clean of all weapons and valuables. Every once and awhile, the adventurers would look to Deceidon, Gustov, Whitsell, and Flynn, smiling in acknowledgement of their handiwork. Amberlynn is surprisingly calm as she notices the corpses on the ground. Maybe its because she knows Flynn is close by, or maybe she was an ex-assassin from a distant past, who knows?

Just as the group reaches the set of doors, some of them still open, they stop and look towards those who have been here before. "Were the doors open when you guys left," Laywin asks cautiously and quietly as the group stops.

I will provide a map either tomorrow or later tonight, depending on my mood truth be told. It will display the group's marching order.

[tooleychris]

Flynn is sure to warn everyone of the bandits traps.

[onlyme]

Whitsell answers that he doesn't believe they were, but was fairly wounded and not focused last time...

[Grognardsw]

"I believe they were closed," whispers Deceidon. He relays orders: "Shield wall with men low, archers poised behind. Open doors, charge in and volley if necessary."

Deceidon is in the middle to stay safe gain strategic vantage point.

[tooleychris]

Flynn whispers back to Amber "Stay thee behind me and close. If I break ranks and charge into conflict do not follow. Stay by Whitsell or those in the middle. I want someone infront and behind you at all times. Saavy? "

What ever occurs, stay alive. I will find you! "

[NJWilliam]

Gustov, fighter/thief

Gustov keeps throwing daggers in hand (not his fine elven dagger).

[Rukellian]

I updated the map thread with a marching order of your group as well as the layout of the tunnel as your group remembered it. I did not apply any lighting effects this time around, considering that multiple torches have been lit to illuminate the area. The group can hear some distinct noises behind the first two doors, the sound of bandits from the looks of things. They don't sound too happy, after having probably stumbling upon their dead comrades. Others sound like they are rushing towards your direction, reacting to the noise that you guys are making marching down the corridor.

Deceidon is quick to take charge of the situation and orders some of the soldiers and fighters to raise their shields and prepare to engage in ranged combat. Let me know if the marching order needs to be tweaked. I have yet to specify on my end what weapons the soldiers are using, but one of them might be proficient in the bow and arrow if one needs to be moved somewhere. The adventurers arm themselves, Kitra pulling out her bow and everyone else their swords and shields. Gustov prepares himself with some throwing daggers.

The sounds of bandit activity can be heard coming from both doors to the left and right. Will the group split? If so, I will need to know how the groups will be formed. The hired hands and adventurers have been cooperative and from the looks of things will follow even more orders if needed.

[tooleychris]

surround both doors and have Amber scream for help?

Edit:better yet, surround both doors, pour slippery oil on ground, have Amber scream, and watch the flank attacks pile up.

[Grognardsw]

Deceidon will be where the middle S is behind him. I agree with Flynn's plan.

[tooleychris]

Flynn raises a hand signaling silence and relays his idea to D, who appears respected among the retainers.

[Rukellian]

"You want me to do what," Amberlynn asks in a questioning tone. "You want me to...scream?" The thought of forcing herself to scream sounds silly and she's not entirely sure how this will help, but if given a good reason, she will go along with it.

[onlyme]

Whitsell expects to go right if they split.

[tooleychris]

"Yes." Flynn whispers. "The sound of a woman would be enough down here to draw their attention. The sound of a damsel in distress will send them falling over each other to see What's amiss. " he smiles and winks at her. " I know I'd come running."

[Rukellian]

I updated the map thread to show the results of Amberlynn's scream. This battle could be either very short or average sized in duration, depending on how well the hired hands and soldiers are ordered. If no orders are given, they will just do their own thing, for better or worse. I do have work coming up tomorrow, maybe my last day until the end of the holiday season, so it shouldn't be too slow. But either way, I won't be responsive for a bit tomorrow, just as a heads up.

As I created the map for this encounter, I couldn't help but get the shivers as a flashback of Troglodyte swamp beasts pouring into a room came to mind. Oh, I HOPE I this will not be the case for you guys!

Go ahead and state your actions, give out your orders, and throw some rolls in there. This will be considered a surprise round, considering that Flynn's tactic was a success. Once everyone has responded I will provide an update. Oh and remember, Deceidon and Flynn both slept well today, so they get to go first in their attacks/actions, regardless of their dice roll, as per rules stated in the home thread on sleeping in this strange land. Good luck everyone, and may this be a short skirmish!

[onlyme]

Whitsell will hang on the right flank, and will attack any bandit that is accessible. Ok, folks, hold your position in the ranks and move fast. As long as we stay together, we shall prevail.