Chapter 2: The Sinews of War

[coil23]

You know the chain of command as well as I do so stop playing games! I'm a soldier the same as you. Quit wasting time and open that door.
Horton cocks his head as if to listen behind them. Queen's garters, he mutters angrily, any more jaw-jackin' and we'll have missed our opportunity. How many in the front line have to pay the price for your hesitation, eh? Horton shakes his head in disgust and moves forward to open the door himself though nothing so aggressive like pushing the soldiers.

[GreyWolfVT]

Hans nods "Very well then..."

Kurt follows along with Horton and Hans.

[Wizard Lizard]

Vanis puts his hands in his pockets, trying to act nonchalently and closing in on the guard doors from the side. If things turn sour, he'll jump at them from behind and hack them into pieces.

[Pulpatoon]

The Soldiers seem rattled by Horton's declaration, but don't budge. Hands still on their hilts, one Soldier repeats, "Who gave you your orders? Show us the paper."

[coil23]

Paper? Horton's voice is a barely audible grating of cold rage. I suppose there won't even be an attack if the rats don't present their proper forms. You will waste no more time and endanger no more of our men's lives. If any of us live through this attack I'll see you brought up on charges. Horton moves to open the door. He will be close enough that he will grab hold of a wrist of either soldier if one tries to draw a sword. If it comes to that he will prevent the drawing and place a foot behind the wooden toy to shove backward and trip him. May you wake with termites in your sleeping roll, he mutters with disgust.

FYI, I have not forgotten that one of the soldiers mentioned the name Maximus. Right now they are not quite certain if we are wrong or not. Mentioning Maximus might solve all this...but if I am wrong then they will sound the alarm for sure.

[Urson]

Jake glances from the cart to the dressmaker's form and back, but shakes his head. Even these knot-heads would notice me fetching her.... it.

[Stirling]

'Shaggy' Beaker who has remained stalwart and silent behind the cart for some time steps forward and instructs the guard, "Make way good man, can't you see we have a mission to complete...and by the way (he whispers) we are hauling a 'Trojan cart', he says tapping his noise and winking at a guard as if trying to let him in on a secret. Just lifting the lid on the door so that the guard can peer inside at the others hiding and the doll."We have our bravest and bold and er...our stiffest resistance to the rodent infestation. But we must hurry as while the cat is away the mice play and we need to be through before the Cat comes back!".

[ChubbyPixie]

Wikerus tries to look official and nonchalantly prepares to "net" the guard on the left, should things get crazy. If they do, he hopes they never have to pass back through this way.

[Pulpatoon]

The Wooden Soldiers on guard try to follow the stories being peppered upon them by the party. Giving up in frustration, the draw their wooden swords and declare: "YOU ARE UNDER ARREST! Step away from the... is that a dresser? Well, step away from it! Drop your weapons! Hands in the air!"

[GreyWolfVT]

Kurt "Does anyone have any fire? Bet these bastard soldiers would go up like kindling."

[Urson]

Get fucked!Jake shouts, swinging his maul at the rightmost of the guards.

[coil23]

Horton tried to grab the wrist of whichever soldier was nearest to prevent the sword draw and then shove and trip immediately after.

[mjulius]

Langston, a little haughtily: Ok. That's about enough.
He kicks at the sides of the cabinet in a dramatic exit attempt: Strength 11: [1d20] = 15

Brick opens the door and exits, his sword drawn. Langston follows.

[Pulpatoon]

Get fucked!Jake shouts, swinging his maul at the rightmost of the guards.

Urson, I'll go ahead and roll your weapon's damage.
Jake's Maul: [1d8] = 4
Jake's heavy maul crunches into the Soldiers face, splitting the wood. Splinters and flaked paint fly. The soldier staggers, but stays on its feet.

Horton tried to grab the wrist of whichever soldier was nearest to prevent the sword draw and then shove and trip immediately after.

Hoo! Let's improvise some grappling rules! coil23, please roll vs. STR.
Wooden Soldier's attempt to grapple: [1d20] = 7
You need to roll under your STR by at least 4 to win this contest.

Langston, a little haughtily: Ok. That's about enough.
He kicks at the sides of the cabinet in a dramatic exit attempt: Strength 11: [1d20] = 15

Brick opens the door and exits, his sword drawn. Langston follows.

The cart rocks violently from Langston's resounding kick. It accomplishes nothing more than painfully jamming Langston's big toe. No damage, but, dang, it smarts.

One Soldier is engaged with Horton. The second, its face mutilated by Jake's maul, cries out "MUTINY! SABOTAGE! TREASON MOST WICKED!", and attacks Jake.
Damage:[1d4] = 4
The Soldier delivers a stinging, whip-like blow from the flexible wooden blade to the side of Jake's head. It leaves the boy dizzy and bleeding.

Drama Roll: [1d6] = 3
Hmm. That probably doesn't mean anything.

This round will resolve as soon as we have Horton's STR check. Let's have your actions for round 2!

[GreyWolfVT]

Hans charges swining his real sword at the nearest toy soldier. Hans Sword [1d6] = 6

Kurt taking up Will's old real sword charges into battle beside Hans. Kurt Sword [1d6] = 5

[Pulpatoon]

Which of the two guards are Kurt and Hans attacking?

[coil23]

Horton Str (14)

not sure which die roll to make so gave you two

[3d6] = 9


[1d20] = 13

[Pulpatoon]

Wrapping up Round One

Horton and one of the guards lock arms and engage in a brief tussle. For a long moment they are held still in creaking tension, together. Suddenly, the equilibrium breaks and the guard spins Horton around, pinning his arms behind him. The guard is now using Horton as a shield, and any attacks on him from the front will have a very high likelihood of hitting Horton.

Round Two! Go!

[Urson]

Jake attacks the same guy as before.

[1d8] = 7

[GreyWolfVT]

Which of the two guards are Kurt and Hans attacking?

I do not know whatever one is closer to them?