Brigand Hunt, Late Summer 668

[tibbius]

Barnaby quietly chafes at his exclusion from a noble council, but - after all - he knows he has been surpassed by his erstwhile companion. The roles indeed have been reversed. Shaking off the glumness and disgrace, the Scion of Stag begins to strum his lap harp and fumble about with rhymes to memorialize the day's events. A group of armsfolk gradually gather around him where he sits.

Inspire Allies on the rabble - and Dramm ... I think it's 2 a day at level 2?

[Leitz]

Jing Si-woo

"My cousin is counting on you," Si-woo said as he handed Barnaby a mug of something strong. "He does not understand magic, but he does not shy away from it if it will help him win."

Si-woo nodded to those gathering around. "Look at these men and women. They know they go into battle, and they know the fear of it. We all do. You can give us heart when we need it most. You have done it before and you will do it again. Courage will give us victory."

---

Jing Jiho

"Sir, I apologize if I misunderstand your culture, please forgive me if I overstep myself." Jiho bowed to the Margrave. "We have brave knights like Sir Tylar and an enchanting lady to inspire him. Victory is at hand."

The reference to Sir Tylar is specific since he's the best marriage choice for Dame Fylla. JJh has a +1 Charisma, might as well use it for match making.

Jiho pointed at Morwen, then Gurav, and smiled. "The Keeper of Ravenswell stands ready to assist and we have found scrolls that she may use to advantage as we seek to destroy the cult. Thane Gurav Graka and his kin came all this way to fight, it would be an injustice to deny them."

He lost his smile as he faced the Margrave directly. "You have a beautiful daughter and our enemy prefers the night. We must crush them now or risk an assassin's blade taking your most precious treasure. I will personally lead warriors over the walls and open the gate so that Sir Tylar and Thane Graka can deal with the ogres. My cousin will lead the woodsmen and archers to deal with anyone trying to escape out the other side."

We have two potions of Giant Strength, and the Frost one should give JJh enough STR to get the gate open. Drotik helped get some ladders ready, hopefully. Lots of other plans, if details are needed. Can you tell I've been reading a book series that has a lot of castle assaults?

[tibbius]

Jing Si-woo

"My cousin is counting on you," Si-woo said as he handed Barnaby a mug of something strong. "He does not understand magic, but he does not shy away from it if it will help him win."

Si-woo nodded to those gathering around. "Look at these men and women. They know they go into battle, and they know the fear of it. We all do. You can give us heart when we need it most. You have done it before and you will do it again. Courage will give us victory."

Barnaby declines his head and smiles. "Thank you. I will try my best. As will Dramm ..." he looks to the veteran, who raises a leather flagon and cheers "Play on! Bold sir, play on!"

Later, Dramm approaches Jing Si-Woo. "Please put meself and m'lord Barnaby with the rabble who will stop the fleeing horde. We'll need all courage to cut down ogres in the dark."

[scarik]

Barnaby quietly chafes at his exclusion from a noble council, but - after all - he knows he has been surpassed by his erstwhile companion. The roles indeed have been reversed. Shaking off the glumness and disgrace, the Scion of Stag begins to strum his lap harp and fumble about with rhymes to memorialize the day's events. A group of armsfolk gradually gather around him where he sits.

Inspire Allies on the rabble - and Dramm ... I think it's 2 a day at level 2?

You can Channel as much as you like so long as you don't fail. Out of battle that means you can accept the median result without issue. In Barnaby's case that currently means +1 to Morale and Skills. SO he helps the men keep up their spirits and improves their industry. For the rabble their ability to carry ladders and dig is much more valuable than their spears.

[scarik]

Jing Jiho

"Sir, I apologize if I misunderstand your culture, please forgive me if I overstep myself." Jiho bowed to the Margrave. "We have brave knights like Sir Tylar and an enchanting lady to inspire him. Victory is at hand."

Fylla smirks, "Honeyed words will not hold my helm, much less my girdle, sir." It would seem Tylar has a steep slope to climb to impress the Margrave's heiress.

Jiho pointed at Morwen, then Gurav, and smiled. "The Keeper of Ravenswell stands ready to assist and we have found scrolls that she may use to advantage as we seek to destroy the cult. Thane Gurav Graka and his kin came all this way to fight, it would be an injustice to deny them."

He lost his smile as he faced the Margrave directly. "You have a beautiful daughter and our enemy prefers the night. We must crush them now or risk an assassin's blade taking your most precious treasure. I will personally lead warriors over the walls and open the gate so that Sir Tylar and Thane Graka can deal with the ogres. My cousin will lead the woodsmen and archers to deal with anyone trying to escape out the other side."

We have two potions of Giant Strength, and the Frost one should give JJh enough STR to get the gate open. Drotik helped get some ladders ready, hopefully. Lots of other plans, if details are needed. Can you tell I've been reading a book series that has a lot of castle assaults?

The Margrave is more open to considering the threat to his lineage than his headstrong daughter, and when Fylla raises her voice to object he holds up his hand and she falls quiet.

"Matters are different here than in your country, Master Jing. Here the eldest inherits everything and thus we must clad our daughters in armor on those occasions where we have not enough sons."

"My brother is a sorcerer," Fylla manages before her father cuts her off with a glare.

"Enough," the Margrave commands, "Master Jing, you have my leave to conduct your attack. Take whatever force your require and I will secure your flank."

With a Potion of Giant Strength any warrior could simply charge the gate and smash it aside without breaking stride. You are better off giving it to Dramm or Jared though as they have more hp.

[Leitz]

With a Potion of Giant Strength any warrior could simply charge the gate and smash it aside without breaking stride. You are better off giving it to Dramm or Jared though as they have more hp.

I thought JJh was healed up to full HD, though he cannot recover by rest.

[scarik]

With a Potion of Giant Strength any warrior could simply charge the gate and smash it aside without breaking stride. You are better off giving it to Dramm or Jared though as they have more hp.

I thought JJh was healed up to full HD, though he cannot recover by rest.

He is. But Dramm has Heroic Toughness while Jared has Heroic Prowess. Both have +1 Con as well.

[Leitz]

With a Potion of Giant Strength any warrior could simply charge the gate and smash it aside without breaking stride. You are better off giving it to Dramm or Jared though as they have more hp.

I thought JJh was healed up to full HD, though he cannot recover by rest.

He is. But Dramm has Heroic Toughness while Jared has Heroic Prowess. Both have +1 Con as well.

Works for me. Dramm has the potion and Jared will actually deal with most of the brigands once the knights break through the first lot.

[scarik]

The Margrave hears all the opinions and decides on a prompt attack.

"To your posts, gentlemen, we move on the enemy now."

The heavy cavalry waits in reserve to charge into the camp once the outer defenses break. The infantry spilt into two columns to envelop the camp and the skirmishers and light cavalry move to watch the rear where the false hope of escape will channel the enemy once their poor morale collapses.

In front of the main entrance, with its meager attempt at a gate, the main force consists of the heroes and their entourages. The camp has a ditch and rampart of no more than five feet up and down. With the ladders and lumber the dwarven sappers have brought its a simple matter to bridge that defense and poor men inside.

With a swig of the mystical concoction Dramm feels his limbs surge with power. His shield feels lighter than a feather, his armor no more than a light breeze on his skin and when the trumpets sound he rushes forward and crashes through the heavy barrier as if it were straw. Splinters fly out in all directions and the surprised defenders, now assaulted on three sides begin a desperate defense.

The bulk of the enemy are no better armed than the rabble but some horrid power compels them the hurl themselves heedless into the fray. Its then that they see that many of the enemy are already dead as rotting woodsmen, men, women and even children come forward to fight.

The brigand leader, despicable a man as he is, is made of stern stuff and he leads his band of miscreants to face the strongest part of the attack. He stands more than seven feet high, a dreadful mix of Orc and Ogre. His armor is black iron and his waraxe gleams.

He beats his axe against his shield and calls out in Magar so all can understand his challenge to duel, "I am Astor, by the One-eye, who has come to die? Cowardly chaff, come and face me if you dare!"

He leads a force of his best fighters. Mixed-blood troops with the best gear among the enemy. There are only 20 of them as well as 6 ogres. Among them is the warlock who no doubt raised the dead by his blank armor and unholy symbols. No one would argue if you refused to duel...



This battle is already over. All that remains is the choice to duel the leader or not.
You wont gain any more XP nor gold, but you would gain some fame.
If no PC will do it Jared is happy to cross swords.
And of course Morwen could just hit him with a lightning bolt.

[GreyWolfVT]

Bofur "I'll fight em if yah want boss." he informs Jing Jiho.

[Leitz]

Jing Jiho

Bofur "I'll fight em if yah want boss." he informs Jing Jiho.

Sword drawn and well used, Jing Jiho lifted it in salute to Bofur. "Be my guest, but do save some of the others for us, will you?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Bofur smiles "I can't promise anythin boss."

[roobeastie]

Morwen

Standing near the others, Morwen tells her fellow Ravenkin to be ready and keep an eye out for any shenanigans from the enemy. She glances at Jing Jiho and Bofur, silently assuring them that she and hers are ready to go on the offensive at a moments' notice.

[tibbius]

The archers have infiltrated from the north side of the fortress, through the postern gate. Barnaby is with them. As Bofur gathers himself to fight the dread leader, the Bard begins his battle chant. Inspire Allies...

[scarik]

Morwen

Standing near the others, Morwen tells her fellow Ravenkin to be ready and keep an eye out for any shenanigans from the enemy. She glances at Jing Jiho and Bofur, silently assuring them that she and hers are ready to go on the offensive at a moments' notice.

Morwen senses dark magic surrounding the brigand leader, but in the suffused environment she can't be certain what foul enchantment it is. The source is clear, however, as the dark priest is pulsing with necromantic power and the thin, purple threads that connect them are obvious to her magician's eye.

Morwen Spy [2d6]=5 Partial success

The archers have infiltrated from the north side of the fortress, through the postern gate. Barnaby is with them. As Bofur gathers himself to fight the dread leader, the Bard begins his battle chant. Inspire Allies...

Barnaby's battle hymn spreads quickly over the force as his powerful voice drones through the din of battle.

Barnaby Inspire [2d6]=8 +1 to morale, saves and skills

Bofur smiles "I can't promise anythin boss."

Bofur meets the towering champion in a cleared circle and answers the enemy's bellowing war cries with the traditional oath 'Uzkula Urk!', death to the enemy. While the half-Ogre stands nearly two feet taller the proportions of the Dwarves are such that the foe has almost no advantage in reach, and Dwarven armorers long ago devised heavy helms and reinforced shoulder spalders for just this sort of enemy.

Roll to fight.
Bofur has 5HD, the macro is [_5d6]
Both have similar arms and armor so the base to hit is 5.
Bofur gets +2 to hit due to his Ancient Enmity (heroic) ability abd +1 due to a spell on the enemy champion so he hits on 2+

[scarik]

GreyWolfVT is leaving the game. For now I will auto-pilot Bofur through this duel.

Both duelists are remarkable warriors who despise each other. The crash together with reckless hatred and violence.

Bofur gain the advantage quickly and if it weren't for his berserker rage the Orc would surely have given in. But the dread presence of The One-Eyed God looms over the conflict and so it continues.

The Derri-gar fighter throws back his enemy with his heavy shield to create space and then the clash once more and the result is the same as the first but this time the Orc's body is not up to the task his will demands and he falls under Bofur's hammer blows.

And that is when Morwen sees what black magic was at play as the dead Orc, his skull a ruin and his body battered only goes down to one knee before rising again with a rasping howl. His one remaining eye burning red with the hunger of the grave...



If you wish to interrupt, now is the time before Round 3 begins.

Round 1
Bofur Duel [_5d6]=(5+2+3+1+3)=14 4 hits
Orc Duel [_5d6]=(3+1+1+1+6)=12 2 hits

The Orc is immune to morale.

Round 2
Bofur Duel [_5d6]=(1+6+6+5+2)=20 4 hits
Orc Duel [_5d6]=(5+2+1+1+6)=15 2 hits

Bofur wins having taken 4hp of damage.
But...

[roobeastie]

Morwen

Upon recognizing the dark magic in play, Morwen decides to take a chance and see if her Command Undead is powerful enough to allow her to take control of the Orc.

Scholar [2d6]=7 (to identify what kind of creature the orc is)

[Leitz]

Jing Jiho

Standing by, his Ravenkin sword in hand, Jiho gave Bofur the honor of continuing the fight. Hemia clenched her holy symbol as Si-woo and Drotik kept missiles ready.

[scarik]

Morwen

Upon recognizing the dark magic in play, Morwen decides to take a chance and see if her Command Undead is powerful enough to allow her to take control of the Orc.

Scholar [2d6]=7 (to identify what kind of creature the orc is)

The undead champion is too fast to be a mere zombie and Morwen sees none of the changes that would mark it as a ghoul. It is instead something fouler, a thing that can only be wrought by malign will: a Wight.

It will possess all the skills it had in life and add to them an unquenchable hunger. The magic that animates it is intrinsically flawed and it leaks necromantic energy like a fresh wound leaks blood. Because of this it lusts for the heat of living things and with its chill aura it drains their spirits and leaves wounds that never heal. Worse, such a thing cannot be harmed by mundane steel.

"Only magic, fire or silver can wound it," the Ravenkin necromancer squawks instinctively. Such is her hatred of the hungry dead that she couldn't keep the ways to slay them to herself even if she wanted to.



Orc Saving Throw [2d6]=9 It resists.
Currently only Ji-ho with his magic sword can slay the wight. Dramm can hurt it due to the potion, but he would have to use fire to end it. Si-woo's magic arrows can harm it or deliver a deathblow as well. Additionally Clerics can use Cure magic to hurt the undead.

Jing Jiho

Standing by, his Ravenkin sword in hand, Jiho gave Bofur the honor of continuing the fight. Hemia clenched her holy symbol as Si-woo and Drotik kept missiles ready.

Just as the abomination rises from the dead the sword in Ji-ho's hand flares with light. An unfamiliar sensation ripples along his arm and for a moment it smells like the air after a lightning strike. He takes a half-step forward before he realizes it as if the sword is dragging him forward to meet the creature in battle..

[Leitz]

Jing Jiho

Cursing something very unpriestess-like, Hemia held forth her new silver holy symbol and moved forward to spiritually shield those who could not fight the unholy abomination. As she did so, Si-woo calmly switched arrows, whispered "nice view" as he appreciated the cut of her new robes, and launched a magical arrow.

Si-woo: Magic arrow [+?] and Pussiance [+1]. Does Barnaby's Inspire Allies [+?] reach him?
Si-woo shoot [_4d6]=(3+2+1+6)=12

Jiho held the sword back by force of will. "Wait a moment, eager one. We are not alone," he whispered. Once Si-woo shot, man and blade were free to engage.

Ji-ho: Magic blade [+?], Pussiance [+1], Inspire Allies [+?]
Jiho attack [_5d6]=(2+1+5+6+4)=18