Operation: Graystone #15

[GM Mad]

Operation: Graystone #15

April 13th, CR 569

In the Eagle's Nest:

Most of what remains of Wyvern and Chimera Squads have retreated up the to the Eagle's Nest observation outpost. Ren correctly deduced how the trap that sent them into the depths of the mountain worked and the group used it to trap many goblins. Now what remains of that force is on their doorstep. Several goblins approached the sturdy gate that blocks entry into the Eagle's Nest but were driven off by arrows.

While that was going on, the search for the triggers that open up the back door exit from this area continues.

A quick smile comes to her face and her eyes widen when she realizes that she likely doesn’t have the strength to so easily pull the metal torch holder from its moorings in the stone wall. She will steady herself and pull again on the torch holder to see how far it will come out.

If the torch holder doesn’t pull out more, then try to twist and turn it again. If it does pull out further but the secret door does not open, then try to twist and turn it then. If that doesn’t work, mention to the others to see if any other torches do the same.

The torch holder pulls out another inch or so and cannot be moved out any further. Likewise, it does not turn or twist. The only thing that can be done with it is to push it back in.

“That's good!” Ren calls out in excitement. “I'm guessing that this door is barred by a sequence of triggers. That could be the first one! Keep looking!”


Back at the gate, Kendell complains about not being able to see anything. Lucyus provides a solution to that problem. He casts a Light spell on an arrow and then Kaylessa fires it out into the ramp. The arrow hits the corner wall of the ramp and then drops to the floor. It does provide illumination making it much easier to see.

The goblins can be heard moving away from the bright light, but then the sound of non-goblin voices are detected. Suddenly someone in chain mail armor rushes into view! He's running toward the arrow with the light spell on it!

Kaylessa fires a volley of arrows at this new target and one does hit. Vardra tries his luck, but misses with his missile. The man in chain mail grabs the arrow and disappears back around the corner with it. The light grows dimmer until it no longer can be seen.

Tense moments pass as the gate defenders wait for something to happen. Unexpectedly a voice calls out from behind the gate! He calls out in Common, “Open the gate!”

Kaylessa takes a look through the murder hole and finds a man wearing plate mail has come closer to the gate! Just as she is ready to grab an arrow and fire, she notes something very strange happening on her side of the barrier!

Both Kendell and Vardra say, “Okay”, to the man in plate mails request. The two warriors stand up, drop their weapons and start to grab the timber barring the door! It is clear that they are going to pick it up and open the door!

[GM Mad]

The Rear Guard:

Down at the base of the ramp that leads up to the Eagle's Nest, Butternut and Vernar have met up with the remains of Talon Squad: their Commanding Officer Crandell, Gerett the dwarf and Laurel, a Priestess of Felix. They trailed the force moving on Eagle's Nest. An ogre was left behind guarding the entrance, while a drow moved off into the woods.

Butternut, Gerett, Vernar and Crandell go over what the scouts found and ideas on how to deal with these two are discussed. Most want to target the drow first, while Vernar thinks that the ogre should be the first downed. Laurel suddenly speaks up, asking that the group waits for her cat to return.

“I really don't think we have--”, Sergeant Crandell starts to saw when he is cut off by Malfamata mewing as the cat approaches. That cat trots up, sits down and starts to meow.

“The drow found some horses in the woods,” that cat tells Laurel. “She's looking for things to steal. Seems distracted to me right now.”


GM Notes:

Kaylessa and Lucyus will realized that the words the man in plate mail spoke were actually part of a spell! Both were able to block the effects, but Kendell and Vardra were not as fortunate as they are trying to carry out those instructions.

Now what?

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Vernar then proposes that we ignore the drow and attack the ogre. This seems like a bad idea to her. "Soon as we start shooting at the ogre, the drow will know where we are. She can then circle around and attack us from behind while the ogre comes at us from the front. I'd rather not be where it can see us as soon as it is within sight range. Using cover is definitely to our advantage."

Vernar chews on what Butternut says for a moment, but it's clear the two of them aren't seeing eye to eye on what Vernar's thinking.

"You be assumin' that the elf will instantly know exactly where a trio of crossbow bolts flyin' over a good distance in the dark be comin' from, and that she is fast enough to get behind all three o' 'em at sprinting range, in the woods, and kill 'em before any o' us know what be happenin'. Ogres may be tough, but unless all your aims be that bad at an unsuspectin' target, I be thinkin' the ogre will never even get into melee range."

Ultimately, it isn't Vernar's or Butternut's decision. The sergeant will be making the final call now that we are back to operating in a regulated squad. The woman Laurel launches into some oratory about waiting for her cat to return. Vernar is not quite sure to make of the whole thing, but he allows that there are many things in the world he is not educated about, and this could be one of those times.

“I really don't think we have--”, Sergeant Crandell starts to saw when he is cut off by Malfamata mewing as the cat approaches. That cat trots up, sits down and starts to meow.

Vernar now finds himself waiting to see what happens next, since even the sergeant has underestimated the value of Laurel's cat.
___________________________________________________________________________

OOC: While infravision is likely useless at that range, unless there is complete cloud cover and no moon, shadows should still be able to be seen I would wager. Hitting a stationary, unsuspecting target from surprise should allow a decent chance for the initial volley of crossbow bolts to hit the ogre, even if the distance is reduced by necessity. Outside of the range of infravision, there is basically zero chance that the ogre or the drow will know where that first volley even comes from. The ogre will likely continue to stand there looking for a target, allowing for another round of shots, before it even reacts. I suspect the drow will have to as well. At least, that is what is going through Vernar's head when he suggested the course of action.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Finishing the words to the spell, Lucyus watches as Kaylessa sends it down the ramp. For a short time the problem is solved until someone takes the arrow and the light slowly fades away. Within moments words of “Open the gate”are heard in the air about them.
Taking up his spear, he notices Kendell and Vardra, beginning to move toward the gate in order to lift the great beam. “We got a problem here! They are bewitched!” the Paladin calls out as he reveres the spear. “Flare, Knock them to the ground or smack their hands! They do not know what they do!” he calls out.
Lucyus will attempt to knock the warrior ( Kendell) off his feet with the Shaft of the spear.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

The goblins can be heard moving away from the bright light, but then the sound of non-goblin voices are detected. Suddenly someone in chain mail armor rushes into view! He's running toward the arrow with the light spell on it!

Kaylessa watches as the arrow sails through the air then skids across the stone coming to a stop. For a few moments, Kaylessa listens as the goblins voice their concerns over the impending light. Drawing an arrow she waits as a figure runs for the arrow. “Oh No you don’t” she aims and fires a quick volley of arrows. One finds it’s mark and she can hear the grunt of pian, but the arrow is of no consequence as the armor clad individual runs out of her view.
Tense moments pass as the gate defenders wait for something to happen. Unexpectedly a voice calls out from behind the gate! He calls out in Common, “Open the gate!”

Kaylessa takes a look through the murder hole and finds a man wearing plate mail has come closer to the gate! Just as she is ready to grab an arrow and fire, she notes something very strange happening on her side of the barrier!
“Looks like a priest in Platemail!”she calls out as she takes a look down the ramp! She says looking over to Vardra’s figure standing near her as well as Kendell. Much to her surprise the two warriors say okay to the warrior’s request! “A spell to obey?”she calls out to the others behind her as she knocks an arrow. Turning to Lucyus, See to Kendell, I’ll keep this armored priest busy!. If we have rope we may need it!” She says as she knock an aims at the priest in plate.
(If it appears Vardra will get to the door before she fires her arrows she will have no choice but to knock Vardra down. If she needs to she will put her whole body weight into Vardra’s Legs behind the knees.)

[Laurel]

Laurel suddenly speaks up, asking that the group waits for her cat to return.

Uhm...I suppose we could wait a little while...

“I really don't think we have--”,

he is cut off by Malfamata mewing as he approaches. The cat trots up, sits down and starts to meow.

Laurel hears,

“The drow found some horses in the woods. She's looking for things to steal. Seems distracted to me right now.”

Laurel looks at the party, a bit smug, and embarrassed. Talking to cats took quite a bit of getting used to and she was not yet used to explaining it. Quickly she relates "Malf found the Drow. She's found some horses and is stealing things. Vernar, Butter...bun, I assume these were yours?"

[Gerett]

"Problem is, the tall-folk are a lot faster than us. Any attempt to run from her will quickly end with those daggers in the back that you mentioned."

"Soon as we start shooting at the ogre, the drow will know where we are. She can then circle around and attack us from behind while the ogre comes at us from the front. I'd rather not be where it can see us as soon as it is within sight range. Using cover is definitely to our advantage."

"You be assumin' that the elf will instantly know exactly where a trio of crossbow bolts flyin' over a good distance in the dark be comin' from, and that she is fast enough to get behind all three o' 'em at sprinting range, in the woods, and kill 'em before any o' us know what be happenin'. Ogres may be tough, but unless all your aims be that bad at an unsuspectin' target, I be thinkin' the ogre will never even get into melee range."

"Fair points, all. The main thin' I don't wanna do is attack the ogre without at least knowing her position. Because if she went to cover, that's what she wants any attackers to do. She may not guess that there are attackers. But she's backup for the ogre. If she's comfortable in the shadows, then she'll go there to get the jump on anyone who would mess wit' 'im. Since we know she's here we have an advantage. I'd rather use it than fight the way she wants us to fight, shootin' the brute with her hiding who knows where.

"Honestly I've never fought an ogre and I have no idea how long it takes to bring 'em down. Mebbe we can do it before he or she finds us. Mebbe we can't. Isolating is still better if at all possible. Better to conserve our resources, including our own blood, by fighting one at a time. I'd much rather bring too much force than too little. Nothing wrong with beating an enemy too badly."

Can we wait for Malfamata...my cat...to get back?

This seemed to Gerett like the worst idea of all. He wasn't skittish or nervous, but it was never healthy to take unnecessary risk or to go into a fight assuming you were going to win handily. And waiting would be even worse. Assuming the friendlies in Eagle's Nest won their fight, there would be routing goblins coming down the hill. Gerett would much rather be waiting for them on top of the ogre's body than embroiled in a fight when they came running down. And if Eagle's Nest was taken by the enemy, their little group would need to be in a safe position to evaluate how to take it back, or whether to head back to Greystone instead. Either way, waiting was no good. Crandall seemed to be saying as much, and Gerett was ready to back him up if for some reason that changed...

Malf found the Drow. She's found some horses and is stealing things. Vernar, Butter...bun, I assume these were yours?"

Gerett stood still for a moment and blinked. The girl was mad. No, that didn't make sense. Humans were mad in general, and weird about animals. Lately, so am I, he mused as he looked around for his own capricious mongrel. But if she were really batty, would she have gotten past the recruiter? Humans had this strange notion of "adventurers". Combat and recon missions enacted not by commissioned soldiers, but by parlor magicians, cutpurses, and other motley assortments of the type of professions with which humans occupied themselves. This girl had muttered something about being a priestess, or some such. Maybe the cat really did talk to her. Either way, if she was willing to bank her reputation in the group, and her own skin, on what the cat said, it would be worth looking into. He squints, looks intently at the human girl, and says,

"Are you sure that's what she said?"


If she is willing to commit to this report, then he sees it as worth acting on. This could be a great opportunity to pick off the elf before having to worry about her burly friend. If she could talk back to the cat, maybe the two of them could convince the cat and Mitch to spook the horses and distract the drow further while they got close enough to attack. But he would wait to see if Laurel seemed genuinely willing to put stake in her claim about the cat's supposed report.

[Laurel]

Are you sure that's what she said?

Laurel retreats behind her hair for a moment. "Right. People just don't know about Felix and the 'cat' thing."
After a pause she replies, correcting Gerrett "He... and yes." Laurel pulls her cat amulet from where it was tucked in her surcoat. It's small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, silver with olive colored stones for eyes. A small trinket, but shiny enough to catch what little light the moon offers. After displaying it she tucks it back into her surcoat, "I'm a priestess of Felix, talking to cats is part of the territory. And I trust him. He's only steered me wrong a couple of times," Laurel quickly carries on before the cat can protest, "and he claims that is only a matter of opinion-But I digress. He wouldn't lie about this, but I do think it would be wisest to proceed with caution."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

An audible gasp of surprise can be heard from across the room. Erisciana gives the tall warrior a look of disapproval. "I can assure you, my dear man, that even the basest daughter of a penniless serf appreciates a measure of skill in the realm of love. There is much more to it than the simple ... 'act'." She frowns at the thought, but there are more pressing matters to be addressed.

Kendell has no idea what the leather priestess is going on about, but will say, “I'm just sayin' that it ain't as complicated as y'all are making it out to be.”

"Maybe a spear isn't complicated...", the priestess lets the rest trail off.

"That depends on whether they can get through that heavy door or not," Vardra says in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Considering that we needed that giant stone dwarf to break down the other door,” Kendell drawls, “I feel pretty safe behind this here one!”

"Don't feel too safe my 'spear-thrusting' companion," Erisci will comment. "There are many ways for a powerful spellcaster to circumvent this barrier."

The first real attempt to reach the barred door is made by the enemy but quickly repulsed. Meanwhile, some of the group continue to search for a means to open the secret door. Sorvani keeps an eye on the latched door to the observation area.

The priestess pulls on the torch holder more and it slides out further. It does not turn or twist. “That's good!” Ren calls out in excitement. “I'm guessing that this door is barred by a sequence of triggers. That could be the first one! Keep looking!”

Erisci will see if pushing it back in and pulling it back out will trigger anything, but if it is mechanical that is unlikely. "Flare! Try the one on the wall opposite this one and see if that reacts the same." Meanwhile, Erisci will move to the next closest torch holder along the same wall she was working on and see if the next will also move.

There is some minor activity at the door. Something about not enough light and the priestess of Ishtar sighs. That should have been addressed when they set up defenses. Not much later as she examines the next torch holder there is much more commotion.

“We got a problem here! They are bewitched!” the Paladin calls out as he reverses the spear. “Flare, Knock them to the ground or smack their hands! They do not know what they do!” he calls out.

“Looks like a priest in Platemail!” she calls out, as she takes a look down the ramp! She looks over to Vardra’s figure standing near her as well as Kendell. Much to her surprise the two warriors say 'okay' to the warrior’s request! “A spell to obey?” she calls out to the others behind her as she knocks an arrow. Turning to Lucyus, "See to Kendell, I’ll keep this armored priest busy! If we have rope we may need it!” she says as she knocks an arrow and aims at the priest in plate.

There is a lot of yelling this time and with the group by the door somewhat out of sight also, it's difficult to tell exactly what is going on. Erisci will head over to a point where she can see what's happening. It appears there is a struggle as two of their number are trying to remove the bar from the door and the others are trying to stop them. If either of the two fighters reach the bar, she will continue to move forward and say "Stop this at once!" (use Emotion Control - Fear. Don't use it if they obviously have the door open already.). If it works, she will move forward and try to direct that individual away from the door. They must be under some sort of Charm spell. "Try to distract them until the Charm wears off. Flare, Sorvani, Ren! Be ready if those doors open!"

To be honest, with nine of their number here, it might be simpler to drive the enemy away now by engaging them in direct combat.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

“Considering that we needed that giant stone dwarf to break down the other door,” Kendell drawls, “I feel pretty safe behind this here one!”

Vardra nods. "Wouldn't mind having it here now."

"Don't feel too safe my 'spear-thrusting' companion," Erisci will comment. "There are many ways for a powerful spell-caster to circumvent this barrier."

"Not knowing what their capabilities are really puts us at a disadvantage here," Vardra adds. They really don't know much about who or what they are up against. They could see goblins, an ogre, and what appeared to be a few humans, but much of the force was not illuminated, nor do they know of the humans' abilities.


Vardra calls to Flare to see if the woodsman is likely to have better luck shooting into the dark, but there is no response. Apparently he is too focused on trying to help with opening the secret door.

Fortunately, Lucyus comes up with a better idea. He and Kaylessa work together, as the paladin casts a spell on one of the elf's arrows that makes it glow like a torch, and she fires it through the hole. Vardra gets a quick glimpse of goblins scuttling out of the lighted area, causing him to chuckle.

Suddenly, someone in chain mail comes rushing out of the darkness toward the torch. Kaylessa is quicker and fires first; though one of her shots draws a grunt from the man, it doesn't slow him much. Just as he scoops up the glowing arrow, Vardra takes a shot, but misses wide to the left. These small holes really limit the firing angle and ability to track a target! Before he can prepare a second shot, the man armored man is out of sight - taking the light source with him. The area beyond the door succumbs to the darkness once more.

There are sounds of movement out in the hall, but Vardra cannot tell what is happening. He shifts back and forth, trying to see through either of the nearest holes, but his efforts are in vain.

Unexpectedly a voice calls out from behind the gate! He calls out in Common, “Open the gate!”

The voice seems to pierce Vardra's brain, melting his will into nothingness. His thoughts turn to mush and complying seems like the only possible course. Standing, Vardra drops his bow and starts to walk with a dull, lifeless tread toward the nearest end of the beam barring the door. "Okay." Reaching the end, he grabs the heavy beam in both hands and starts to lift.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"You be assumin' that the elf will instantly know exactly where a trio of crossbow bolts flyin' over a good distance in the dark be comin' from, and that she is fast enough to get behind all three o' 'em at sprinting range, in the woods, and kill 'em before any o' us know what be happenin'. Ogres may be tough, but unless all your aims be that bad at an unsuspectin' target, I be thinkin' the ogre will never even get into melee range."

"Not instantly, though the sound will be enough to give her a good general idea. She can home in from there until she's in visual range." From his words, Butternut suspects that Vernar may be assuming too much about their accuracy. "And it has been my experience that the further away a target is, the harder it is to hit. Might be a mistake to think that we'll hit nearly every shot at maximum range."

Laurel looks at the party, a bit smug, and embarrassed. Talking to cats took quite a bit of getting used to and she was not yet used to explaining it. Quickly she relates "Malf found the Drow. She's found some horses and is stealing things. Vernar, Butter...bun, I assume these were yours?"

The cat makes a variety of subtly different meowing noises at the human, who then claims that the cat found the drow stealing their supplies from the horses. "Butternut, Laurie... like the squash. And yes, we did have some horses, so any supplies would be ours."

Gerett doesn't seem convinced and asks her to confirm her claim.

After a pause she replies, correcting Gerrett "He... and yes." Laurel pulls her cat amulet from where it was tucked in her surcoat. It's small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, silver with olive colored stones for eyes. A small trinket, but shiny enough to catch what little light the moon offers. After displaying it she tucks it back into her surcoat, "I'm a priestess of Felix, talking to cats is part of the territory. And I trust him. He's only steered me wrong a couple of times," Laurel quickly carries on before the cat can protest, "and he claims that is only a matter of opinion-But I digress. He wouldn't lie about this, but I do think it would be wisest to proceed with caution."

Butternut leans forward and closely eyes the amulet she pulls out. The symbol is clearly feline. "I'm not familiar with this Felix you say is your patron. And this deity gives you the ability to converse with cats..." The halflings tone is clearly a bit dubious, though she is clear not rejecting the idea completely. Butternut is well aware that just about anything is possible where the gods are concerned. The horses are not something one would necessarily guess.

Her gaze shifts to Crandell and Gerett. "Has she demonstrated an ability to talk with the cat previously?"

____________________________________________________________________________
Looking at my character sheet, it shows a -5 to hit at long range. I don't know the system well enough to know if it includes any adjustments for the target's size or being stationary.

[GM Mad]

GM Note:

Looking at my character sheet, it shows a -5 to hit at long range. I don't know the system well enough to know if it includes any adjustments for the target's size or being stationary.

It seems that the various sources that I used to get the ranges for the various ranged weapons used different multipliers. For instance, the PHB lists the weapons in terms of tens of yards. So, for example, the light crossbow is listed as having ranges of 6, 12 and 18. Or 60 yards, 120 yards and 180 yards. For some reason the Skills and Powers book along with the Combat and Tactics book listed the various ranges in terms of five yards. That's where the 12, 24 and 36 come from that is on Butternut's sheet. I'll adjust this information on the sheets so that they are all in the same format. They will be in terms of yards, so using the Light Crossbow as an example, they will be listed as 60 yards, 120 yards and 180 yards.

To get back to the question at hand, as long as you are within 60 yards of the ogre, you would be within normal attack range without any minuses. Long range would start at 121 yards and extend out to a maximum range of 180 yards.

Characters who have Specialized with a ranged weapon gain a Point Blank category of a maximum of 10 yards of bows and 20 yards for crossbows. Shoots from from this close of distance are +2 to damage. Those who continue on and buy High Mastery gain the extreme range category. This new category goes out to 1.3 3 times the maximum distance of long range. That's why my weapons tables list 5 ranges to ranged weapons, although a vast majority of characters only use the middle three.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

The conversation about crossbows and ogres continues a bit longer. Butternut seems very afraid of this elf's potential to kill all of us before we realize it is happening. Vernar has never fought one, but seriously doubts that amount of power. Otherwise, why not just send the elf up to the Nest by herself and let her take over the whole place? he muses.

However, Laurel's cat has some interesting information upon its return, as the human woman reveals she has the ability to communicate with him. Apparently, the elf is taking our supplies. How droll.

Vernar turns to the sergeant and awaits any further instruction, "So we goin' t' sneak up an' kill the elf or skewer us an ogre first?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

In The Eagle's Nest:

More activity is taking place outside the barred gate. Lucyus cast Light on one of Kaylessa's arrows and than she fired it through the murder holes out into the ramp. In response to this, the goblins that rushed the gate earlier move further way. Suddenly a man in chain mail dashes in, grabs the arrow and than retreats with it! This area of the ramp is plunged into darkness once more.

Unexpectedly a voice calls out from the ramp to “Open the gate!”. In response to this command, both Vardra and Kendell drop their weapons and attempt to do just that! Looking through the hole, Kaylessa can see a man in plate mail issue the command.

Seeing this, Lucyus calls out in alarm, alerting those hunting for the way to open up the secret door.

Taking up his spear, he notices Kendell and Vardra, beginning to move toward the gate in order to lift the great beam. “We got a problem here! They are bewitched!” the Paladin calls out as he readies the spear.

As Kendell is trying to lift the timber barring the door up, Lucyus rushes him and using the shaft of his spear actually succeeds in knocking Kendell off balance, sending the large warrior to the floor!

While that is going on, Kaylessa fires arrows at the man in plate. One shaft hits solidly, while the second misses. The man curses in an unfamiliar tongue and than turns and runs back around the corner for safety.

Vardra is attempting to lift up the large timber by now, but he is struggling to move it. Clearly he cannot lift such a great weight on his own.

Erisciana comes forwards and says to Vardra, “Stop this at once!” In response, the solider does stop trying to pick up the timber. He looks around confusedly for a few moments before his head becomes clear enough think for himself again.

In the background, Kendell tries to stand up, but Lucyus tries to prevent this. While the two men struggle, Erisciana comes up and repeats the command she gave to Vardra. Kendell is just as affected and stops fighting with Lucyus. He's confused for a bit, but then his head will clear and he no longer is trying to lift up the timber. The plot of the man in plate mail has been foiled!

[GM Mad]

The Rear Guard:

Outside, Butternut, Vernar and the remains of Talon Squad discovered that the enemy has gone up the ramp to the Eagle's Nest, leaving an ogre and a drow behind the act as a rear guard. While the group waits its options, Laurel's cat returns and says it found the drow going through the packs on some horses off in the forest.

Her gaze shifts to Crandell and Gerett. "Has she demonstrated an ability to talk with the cat previously?"

“Not to us,” Sergeant Crandell notes, “but supposedly that is something her sect can do.”

Vernar turns to the sergeant and awaits any further instruction, "So we goin' t' sneak up an' kill the elf or skewer us an ogre first?"

“Alright, we'll take out the ogre first,” Sergeant Crandell decides. “The ogre is within the light of the campfire, so we can stay in the dark and still see it from a fair distance. I'll take a position where you scouts viewed the area and use my longbow on the target. Laurel will be with me.”

“Vernar and Butternut move along the edge of the woods to a different location where you can attack from. Butternut will use her crossbow while Vernar keeps an eye on her back in case the drow takes notice. Gerett will move into a position on the woods between these two groups and use his crossbow.”

“This is how it works,” Crandell continues. “Stagger your fire on the ogre, keep him off balance. If he does rush your group, stop firing while the other two pick up the pace. Let's keep him moving between us until he drops. Since Butternut has the furthest to travel, she can fire the first shot. That's the signal for the rest of us to attack. Are we clear?”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Erisciana's Emotion Control ability can only affect 1 person at a time at her level of experience, that's why she had to use it twice to affect Kendell and Vardra. While the effect did not install fear in either man, it did effectively cancel out the command they were given. Both were confused for a round and then after that they are back to their normal self.

Now what?

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm-

Vardra calls to Flare to see if the woodsman is likely to have better luck shooting into the dark, but there is no response. Apparently, he is too focused on trying to help with opening the secret door.

Flare hears Vardra but does not understand why Vardra has called on him. After a few moments, it dawns on Flare that his infravision abilities may be why his companions need him at the large wooden door. (Flare has taken his infravision for granted.)

Flare is moving towards his fellow squad members at the heavy wooden door when the order comes through:

"OPEN THE GATE!"

“Looks like a priest in Platemail!”

Much to Kaylessa's & Flare's surprise, Kendell and Vardra mysteriously drop their weapons and move to lift the massive wooden slat that, to this point, had kept their enemy at bay!

“They are bewitched!” the Paladin calls out as he reveres the spear. “Flare, knock them to the ground or smack their hands! They do not know what they do!”

Flare tries to rationalize with the soldier: "Vardra! You mustn't open this door! It would be VERY BAD!"

No response from Vardra.

(To Lucyus) "See to Kendell, I’ll keep this armored priest busy!”

Kaylessa knocks and aims at the enemy priest.

"Vardra, my friend!" Flare beseeches. "I don't want to hit you! Do you want me to hit you? Don't make me hit you!"

Again, no acknowledgment, as Vardra attempts to lift his side of the heavy beam.

"Dammit, Vardra!"

Flare pushes his sleeves back and is about to *pop* Vardra in the face! - but thinks better of it, knowing that Vardra would pummel him in hand-to-hand combat - and instead LEAPS ONTO THE HEAVY BEAM and hangs his entire body weight on it! Feet and legs dangling in the air!

Vardra is having difficulty lifting the beam!

Flare is flailing on the beam, trying to kick at Vardra with his dangling legs. It's not effective at all. Flare actually looks very silly.

“Stop this at once!”

In response, the solider does stop trying to pick up the timber. He looks around confusedly for a few moments before his head becomes clear enough think for himself again.

Erisciana comes up behind Kendell and repeats the command. Kendell stops fighting with Lucyus. He's confused for a bit, but then his head will clear and he no longer is trying to lift up the timber.

The plot of the man in plate mail has been foiled!

"I had the situation completely under control!" Flare brags. "But help from friends is always appreciated, Erisci. Thank you!"

Erisciana probably wants to cast something special just for Flare. But she wouldn't feel right wasting a spell.

Kendell notices Flare dangling from the beam and waves. "Hi, Crazy Woodsman!"

The night cannot end soon enough.

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm-

Erisciana has single-handedly prevented their bewitched companions, Kendell and Vardra, from opening the massive wooden door which would have allowed the enemy priest (who Flare has not seen, only heard) & his denizens into Eagle's Nest.

As everyone is collecting their wits, Flare discovers that there's just enough room for him to squeeze into an open position at one of the unmanned murder holes.

He hopes his infravision (and his skills with the bow) will help thin the enemy presence.

He sneaks a peek through the closest hole and lets his eyes briefly adjust to the darkness on the other side.

Is he able to see anything that his companions did not?

If no, Flare will ask Lucyus or Erisci if they're able to light-up another arrow, and he will attempt to fire this new light-sourced arrow into a much more difficult location for their enemies to remove. He will then wait and fire as many arrows as he's allowed at the most-threatening enemy target.

If Lucyus and Erisci cannot, or do not wish to, cast another light spell, Flare will wait until he sees threatening movement and will fire as many arrows as he's allowed. If he sees the dangerous 'Priest in Plate Mail", that is the person Flare will target.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

The large timber barring the door seems to resist his attempts to lift it. Why this should be is unfathomable to Vardra in his dulled, single-minded state. Instinctively, he adjusts his stance in a attempt to focus his leverage, but still it resists. His mind half-registers some activity nearby, which a tiny corner of his brain identifies as being associated with the ranger Flare. However, he pays it little heed as it does not seem directly connected to his own required task.

Erisciana comes forwards and says to Vardra, “Stop this at once!” In response, the solider does stop trying to pick up the timber. He looks around confusedly for a few moments before his head becomes clear enough think for himself again.

There is a sudden burst of sound and energy from nearby. For just a moment, Vardra feels a sense of them assaulting the fog in his brain, followed by a shattering sensation. The fog begins to fade and awareness of his surroundings begins to bloom.

Shaking his head in an attempt to clear the cobwebs, Vardra mutters, "What happened...?" He recalls a voice ordering him to open the door and an instinctive need to follow that order. Other thoughts and concerns seemed not to matter -- just the overwhelming need to do as instructed.

There is another burst of sound and energy, which Vardra can now identify as coming from Erisciana. He sees Kendell lying on the floor and Lucyus standing over him with a spear, using the butt end to keep the larger warrior off balance. It appears that Eri's spell has done its work and Kendell is also regaining his wits. "Thank you, Erisciana," he says with a nod. "Looks like I got taken out by another spell. I hope this doesn't become a pattern."

Shifting his gaze, Vardra notes that Flare has slipped into his own previous position at the door. Just as well, since he couldn't see anything in the hall outside anyway. Turning he moves to join Sorvani and Wimzy. If their opponents find a way to bypass the door, he will be ready to help with the oil and barring the inner door.

____________________________________________________________________________
I really enjoyed reading Flare's antics here.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"Don't feel too safe my 'spear-thrusting' companion," Erisci will comment. "There are many ways for a powerful spell-caster to circumvent this barrier."

"Not knowing what their capabilities are really puts us at a disadvantage here," Vardra adds. They really don't know much about who or what they are up against. They could see goblins, an ogre, and what appeared to be a few humans, but much of the force was not illuminated, nor do they know of the humans' abilities.

"They are at the same disadvantage," Erisiciana replies. "The winner of this conflict will be the ones who overcome their opponent's advantages."

-------------------------------

In the midst of trying to unlock the secret door, there is a ruckus at the other end of Eagle's Nest at the barred door. Two of their number appear to be trying to open the door. Kaylessa indicates it was some sort of Charm or Command from someone on the other side of the door. Lucyus knocks Kendall to the ground, while Flare simply uses his body weight to keep Vardra from lifting the heavy beam himself.

The priestess will use her ability to influence emotions on Vardra first. He stops his actions and appears to be dazed. Satisfied, Erisci turns to Kendall and repeats the command. Much the same Kendall stops struggling and is incoherent for a few moments. The priestess lets out a small "humph" sound and looks to make sure that the door is still barred, but Kaylessa is there, having fired at whomever was just there.

"I had the situation completely under control!" Flare brags. "But help from friends is always appreciated, Erisci. Thank you!"

"You certainly put your whole self into the solution, Flare," she responds with a wry smile. "Perhaps a bit unconventional, but extremely effective!"

It appears that Eri's spell has done its work and Kendell is also regaining his wits. "Thank you, Erisciana," he says with a nod. "Looks like I got taken out by another spell. I hope this doesn't become a pattern."

"Magick is a powerful force. In raw form its uses are varied and effective. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, magicks can overcome any foe, any obstacle. And yet there are always counters. Sometimes another spell; sometimes a blade through the chest," she says with a grim expression.

Flare will ask Lucyus or Erisci if they're able to light-up another arrow.

"With this conflict raging on into the night, none of our spellcasters have been able to replenish used spells. Neither clerics, nor mages. Neither of us have another light producing spell available." The priestess of Ishtar will pause for a moment, as she contemplates her next words.

"And that in itself is one major disadvantage we have. Many of our spell abilities have been used and we must assume that our enemies are close to full strength, less what they may have cast here. From what I can gather, the man at our door is their leader, judging by his armor, and a priest, due to that spell. A Command spell is simple, but only one word and affects only one person. This was much more powerful." She frowns for a moment as she considers the implications.

"While we have this barrier," she will say gesturing toward the barred doors, "there are many ways for them to attempt to circumvent it and attack us or affect us in some manner. We managed to thwart this latest attempt, but we are running out of options... and resources."

"We can continue to defend the door as best we can, while we search for the trigger to the secret door. This may allow us to escape, but is escape our true goal now? We can hunker down and hope the door holds until we whittle them down or they retreat, but we may not be able to keep them from eventually reaching us through various magickal means." She will let these negative results sink in for a moment. "Or maybe... We give them exactly what they think they want?"

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

While that is going on, Kaylessa fires arrows at the man in plate. One shaft hits solidly, while the second misses. The man curses in an unfamiliar tongue and than turns and runs back around the corner for safety.

Kaylessa hears the hurried footsteps and the breeze as Lucyus runs past to deal with Kendell and then of Flare monkeying around with Vardra. Freeing that from her mind she concentrates on the platemail figure. He does indeed to be waiting for the gates to be opened. ‘Time to show him we still have teeth!’ Kaylessa thinks as she knocks an arrow and takes aim, the familiar twang of the bowstring is heard as the arrow soon finds it’s mark with a resounding thwack! Confident in her abilities she takes aim again and let’s another volley fly.
Much to her dismay her second arrow flies off cracking against the floor and wall behind the armored figured. She hears the man say something and flees around the corner. “Don’t run away.. I have more arrows!” she calls after the fleeing human.

Erisciana comes forwards and says to Vardra, “Stop this at once!” In response, the solider does stop trying to pick up the timber. He looks around confusedly for a few moments before his head becomes clear enough think for himself again.
Kaylessa hears the words spoken from the warrior priestess, Seeing Kendell on the ground, Lucyus above keeping the warrior at bay and Vardra being determined then confused.

"Thank you, Erisciana," he says with a nod. "Looks like I got taken out by another spell. I hope this doesn't become a pattern."

“Magic can be like that. There is no shame in falling ill to it.” She says simply.

"And that in itself is one major disadvantage we have. Many of our spell abilities have been used and we must assume that our enemies are close to full strength, less what they may have cast here. From what I can gather, the man at our door is their leader, judging by his armor, and a priest, due to that spell. A Command spell is simple, but only one word and affects only one person. This was much more powerful." She frowns for a moment as she considers the implications.

“I have found that in the past I do not need a normal days sleep to be well rested. Unfortunately I have yet to study my spellbook and with what is going on out there, I doubt I would be able too efficiently.”

"Or maybe... We give them exactly what they think they want?"

“Open the gates and make them pay for every inch of ground?”she asks grasping on to what Eris suggests.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

As Kendell is trying to lift the timber barring the door up, Lucyus rushes him and using the shaft of his spear actually succeeds in knocking Kendell off balance, sending the large warrior to the floor!

Lucyus moves past Kaylessa reversing his spear as he does so. He sees Kendell focusing on the giant bar that bars it. Moving quickly Lucyus takes the spear handle and brings it to bare. Much To his surprise Lucyus knock’s the giant warrior to the ground. As the warrior begins to rise, Lucyus keeps him off balance for a short time.
Kendell tries to rise and Lucyus grits his teeth, “I don’t want to hurt you. But I will if I have too!”
The empty threat goes untested as Eris uses some type of magic on the Burly warrior.

Much the same Kendall stops struggling and is incoherent for a few moments. The priestess lets out a small "humph" sound and looks to make sure that the door is still barred, but Kaylessa is there, having fired at whomever was just there.

Seeing the warrior come around to their side once again, Lucyus offers his hand to Kendell. “Come, my friend.” He says simply. “It would seem you weren’t yourself for a time.”

"We can continue to defend the door as best we can, while we search for the trigger to the secret door. This may allow us to escape, but is escape our true goal now? We can hunker down and hope the door holds until we whittle them down or they retreat, but we may not be able to keep them from eventually reaching us through various magickal means." She will let these negative results sink in for a moment. "Or maybe... We give them exactly what they think they want?"

“It seems we will be hard pressed no matter our choice. Stand and hold for as long as we can or Run to god knows where in the dark once again.” Lucyus replies. “Or to take the fight to them. Perhaps we may push them back to the trap and let it do it’s work once again.”
“If we hold for the night and have our spellcasters replenish their spells then we could take the fight to them but they would be replenished and rested as well. It is not a easy choice.”
“If we open the gates and lay the oil upon the stone. They may charge us.”he says looking to the priestess,” and die by fire and arrow until they reach us. If we do charge, we will need to remove this platemailed priest from the field quickly and whomever may stand by his side.”

[Butternut]

Butternut:

After listening to her cat, the strange human priestess reports what the cat found. The information seems to line up roughly with what they already know, though Butternut remains somewhat dubious and asks the others if they can vouch for her abilities.

“Not to us,” Sergeant Crandell notes, “but supposedly that is something her sect can do.”

"Fair enough, I suppose," Butternut replies with a shrug. "If true, then getting the jump on that drow should be fairly easy."

After a bit of discussion, Vernar puts the question to Sergeant Crandell regarding tactics for taking on the ogre and the dark elf. Not surprisingly, the sergeant jumps at the chance to issue orders and lays out a plan. It differs significantly from what he previously proposed, which may be due to information from the various scouting reports.

The plan seems reasonably viable, and is designed to keep their opponents off balance. Butternut just nods, then turns to Vernar. "Ready?" If he confirms, then she will start moving to their designated area to find a good firing location.

____________________________________________________________________________
I have no idea where Vernar got that bit about the drow killing them all, since Butternut never said anything remotely of the sort.

[Gerett]

“Alright, we'll take out the ogre first,” Sergeant Crandell decides. “The ogre is within the light of the campfire, so we can stay in the dark and still see it from a fair distance. I'll take a position where you scouts viewed the area and use my longbow on the target. Laurel will be with me.”

“Vernar and Butternut move along the edge of the woods to a different location where you can attack from. Butternut will use her crossbow while Vernar keeps an eye on her back in case the drow takes notice. Gerett will move into a position on the woods between these two groups and use his crossbow.”

“This is how it works,” Crandell continues. “Stagger your fire on the ogre, keep him off balance. If he does rush your group, stop firing while the other two pick up the pace. Let's keep him moving between us until he drops. Since Butternut has the furthest to travel, she can fire the first shot. That's the signal for the rest of us to attack. Are we clear?”

Gerett nods and takes up his gear. It's not the decision he would make, but it was a decision and that was the most important part. Gerett knew he had a tendency to overplan, especially when it came to unknown entities. He had never fought an ogre or a drow before and didn't really know how much it took to bring down an ogre or just how deadly drow actually were--both of them had pretty frightful reputations, but so did most monsters. They had a solid group of trained warriors here--as long as no one made any big mistakes, having a perfect plan was probably not necessary. If they ended up fighting both enemies at once it wasn't necessarily the worst thing in the world. But most importantly, the order had been given after fair deliberation so now it was time to act.

Once he finds a decent spot in the woods where he had a vantage on all the others, Gerett will lean his halberd against a tree where he can grab it quickly. then he'll load his crossbow and aim at the ogre, ready to fire as soon as Butternut does. Once again he'll instruct Mitch to watch for the drow and bark like mad if he sees her. If the drow appears and looks to be sneaking up on someone he will change targets to her. Otherwise he will keep unloading bolts into the ogre until it goes down, or switch to his halberd if either enemy closes on him. If Laurel is nearby, he'll likely switch to melee to defend her if she is attacked as well.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

"Magick is a powerful force. In raw form its uses are varied and effective. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, magicks can overcome any foe, any obstacle. And yet there are always counters. Sometimes another spell; sometimes a blade through the chest," she says with a grim expression.

Vardra nods in reply; he has very little knowledge or understanding of magic, but he does understand blades. "I guess that's the part where I come in."

“Magic can be like that. There is no shame in falling ill to it.” She says simply.

"Thank you, Lia," Vardra replies. "However, I hope to be more than a spell sponge at some point."

Eri proposes opening the door and letting the opponents come to them. It seems a risky approach, though eventually they do need to get out of here one way or another.

“It seems we will be hard pressed no matter our choice. Stand and hold for as long as we can or Run to god knows where in the dark once again.” Lucyus replies. “Or to take the fight to them. Perhaps we may push them back to the trap and let it do it’s work once again.”
“If we hold for the night and have our spellcasters replenish their spells then we could take the fight to them but they would be replenished and rested as well. It is not a easy choice.”
“If we open the gates and lay the oil upon the stone. They may charge us.”he says looking to the priestess,” and die by fire and arrow until they reach us. If we do charge, we will need to remove this platemailed priest from the field quickly and whomever may stand by his side.”

Vardra nods to the paladin. "I think that would be the best approach. Set up a line at the inner set of doors, and keep the opponents in the first room and burning as long as possible. We have a fair bit of oil, so we can throw in additional vials when the flames start to subside."

____________________________________________________________________________
By 'the first room', he's referring to area #2 on the map, and the inner doors as being those between areas #2 and #3.

[Laurel]

"Butternut, Laurie... like the squash. And yes, we did have some horses, so any supplies would be ours."

"ButterNUT, of course she's named after a plant, I suppose that is the halfling way. Of course, I'm named after plant too, different reasons I'm sure." Laurel blushes deeply. She's just not used to explaining herself, being corrected or being scrutinized. She pulls back slightly as the halfling leans in to observe her pendant.

"I'm not familiar with this Felix you say is your patron. And this deity gives you the ability to converse with cats..." The halflings tone is clearly a bit dubious, though she is clear not rejecting the idea completely."Has she demonstrated an ability to talk with the cat previously?"

Laurel is once again slightly offended by the question, but a second thought reminds her that she does generally go out of her way to not draw attention to herself -or to her cat- and that she's not particularly talkative to begin with. Anything she has said to her cat has probably been construed as the idle chatter that most people partake in when conversing with an animal one sidedly.

“Not to us,” Sergeant Crandell notes, “but supposedly that is something her sect can do.”

"Fair enough, I suppose," Butternut replies with a shrug. "If true, then getting the jump on that drow should be fairly easy."

"So we goin' t' sneak up an' kill the elf or skewer us an ogre first?"

“Alright, we'll take out the ogre first,” Sergeant Crandell decides. “The ogre is within the light of the campfire, so we can stay in the dark and still see it from a fair distance. I'll take a position where you scouts viewed the area and use my longbow on the target. Laurel will be with me.Vernar and Butternut move along the edge of the woods to a different location where you can attack from. Butternut will use her crossbow while Vernar keeps an eye on her back in case the drow takes notice. Gerett will move into a position on the woods between these two groups and use his crossbow. This is how it works,” Crandell continues. “Stagger your fire on the ogre, keep him off balance. If he does rush your group, stop firing while the other two pick up the pace. Let's keep him moving between us until he drops. Since Butternut has the furthest to travel, she can fire the first shot. That's the signal for the rest of us to attack. Are we clear?”

Laurel glances about the group, seeing if anybody is going to speak up. She sees Gerett making ready to enact Sgt. Crandells plan so she quickly interjects "Sir, I think it's a good plan to kill the ogre, but... but right now we know the drows position, and that she's not expecting company. One can assume that the ogre will still be at the base of the hill for a long time, his position will remain constant. Plus, if he moves...I mean... he's so large, he can't be missed. All this to say, targeting the ogre first is risking the drow becoming an unknown again." Laurel looks down at the ground, her dark hair falling in her face and her voice trailing off, "Not that I'm trying to be argumentative, I'll follow orders, it's a good plan to kill the ogre..."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"And that in itself is one major disadvantage we have. Many of our spell abilities have been used and we must assume that our enemies are close to full strength, less what they may have cast here. From what I can gather, the man at our door is their leader, judging by his armor, and a priest, due to that spell. A Command spell is simple, but only one word and affects only one person. This was much more powerful." She frowns for a moment as she considers the implications.

“I have found that in the past I do not need a normal days sleep to be well rested. Unfortunately I have yet to study my spellbook and with what is going on out there, I doubt I would be able too efficiently.”

"Agreed. I do not think they are going to give us any respite," the priestess responds.

"Or maybe... We give them exactly what they think they want?"

“Open the gates and make them pay for every inch of ground?” she asks grasping on to what Eris suggests.

"Not exactly what I was thinking," Erisci answers.

Lucyus contemplates the repercussions of outright charging the enemy versus trying to hold out versus allowing an attack against a defensible position. Vardra agrees with his the last idea. Vardra nods to the paladin. "I think that would be the best approach. Set up a line at the inner set of doors, and keep the opponents in the first room and burning as long as possible. We have a fair bit of oil, so we can throw in additional vials when the flames start to subside."

The priestess furrows her brow in concern. "I am not so certain that we should give up one of our defenses," she says indicating each of the double doors, one barred and one currently not. Before she continues, she checks and Flare is watching at the door, so there is little chance of them being surprised again while they discuss options. "And the fire we can create is no guarantee of an effective barrier. A higher level priest can circumvent the flames with a Fire Walking or Fire Invulnerability spell. And at worse, one could use the flames against us. Plus we've used fire before. They may be expecting it."

"I think we should try to separate the leaders from the goblins. If the door is left open, they will expect a trap and either the leader and his henchmen in their brashness and hubris will lead the way in or likely they will send the goblins to investigate. We let them come in. Vardra, Lucyus, Ren and Kendall are hidden behind the doors. Vardra and Lucyus slam the door behind whomever enters to investigate, and they will have to enter to see around the corner in the main hall. Kendall will have the bar propped up vertically, so it will be quicker to place on the doors. We then have some of the enemy trapped between our best fighters and the rest of us. Lucyus and Ren can attack while Vardra and Kendall secure the door. If it is the cleric and his men, we have I believe 3 Magick Missiles to hit the leader with, plus normal missiles. We can place two of the tables as cover. If it is the goblins then I still have a Sleep spell and we should be able to handle the remainder. We should also have the advantage of surprise."

"It is risky, but none more so than setting fire and having a cleric cast an explosion upon it which blinds us while they charge or chokes us out. Right now, doing the unexpected is our biggest advantage. There is the possibility that they only send a few goblins to investigate. So we shoot them and continue to wait. Flare and Kaylessa can take positions where they can see through the first doors when they emerge from hiding."

eaglesnest.jpg (31.67 KiB) Viewed 10712 times

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

The priestess furrows her brow in concern. "I am not so certain that we should give up one of our defenses," she says indicating each of the double doors, one barred and one currently not. Before she continues, she checks and Flare is watching at the door, so there is little chance of them being surprised again while they discuss options. "And the fire we can create is no guarantee of an effective barrier. A higher level priest can circumvent the flames with a Fire Walking or Fire Invulnerability spell. And at worse, one could use the flames against us. Plus we've used fire before. They may be expecting it."

“Nor do I, but our food will eventually run out.” The young Paladin says in return. “I was merely stating our options not laying a plan out.” He says looking at the soldier as well.

"I think we should try to separate the leaders from the goblins. If the door is left open, they will expect a trap and either the leader and his henchmen in their brashness and hubris will lead the way in or likely they will send the goblins to investigate. We let them come in. Vardra, Lucyus, Ren and Kendall are hidden behind the doors. Vardra and Lucyus slam the door behind whomever enters to investigate, and they will have to enter to see around the corner in the main hall. Kendall will have the bar propped up vertically, so it will be quicker to place on the doors. We then have some of the enemy trapped between our best fighters and the rest of us. Lucyus and Ren can attack while Vardra and Kendall secure the door. If it is the cleric and his men, we have I believe 3 Magick Missiles to hit the leader with, plus normal missiles. We can place two of the tables as cover. If it is the goblins then I still have a Sleep spell and we should be able to handle the remainder. We should also have the advantage of surprise."

“I agree with you, If we are able to separate their leaders and dispose of them the remainder of these goblins may break and run.” He says evenly. “My only concern with your plan is that if we are unable to close the door our fighters will be fighting a losing battle on both sides, let alone if this priest or mage can cast sleep upon us. All three of us have suffered from their magics before, I dare not thnk of the out come.” Lucyus says slightly concerned with their predicament.

"It is risky, but none more so than setting fire and having a cleric cast an explosion upon it which blinds us while they charge or chokes us out. Right now, doing the unexpected is our biggest advantage. There is the possibility that they only send a few goblins to investigate. So we shoot them and continue to wait. Flare and Kaylessa can take positions where they can see through the first doors when they emerge from hiding."

Taking a deep breathe Lucyus considers the priestess words, Dropping is coif, Lucyus looks to the others, his blue eyes as a cold winter’s day. “Certainty of an Honorable Death, small chance of success. I like this plan!” he says hefting his axe, double checking the blade of his axe with his mailed fingers.
“Where to begin?!”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

In the Eagle's Nest:

The leader of the enemy forces, the man in plate mail, attempted to use some sort of magic that made Kendell and Vardra want to lift the bar holding the door shut! The plot was foiled as Flare and Lucyus harassed the charmed men while Erisciana used magic of her own to counter the effects, canceling them out.

Vardra and Kendell quickly recover from the spell cast on them while Flare takes a look through the murder holes down the ramp. So far nothing can be seen out there.

The group takes stock of their situation and start to discuss a plan to go on the offensive. Before it can be finalized, Flare calls out in alarm! A group of goblins just rounded the corner of the ramp and are running towards the barred door! It looks like they have vials of oil in their hands!

Flare quickly takes aim and fires. Two shafts are launched and two goblins drop from the impact, their vials of oil shattering where they fell. Kaylessa joins Flare and fires two arrows of her own. Her aim is true and two more goblins drop to the ramp floor. However five goblins get close enough to throw their oily missiles! Everyone can hear them impact and break on the outside of the barred door! Their mission complete, the goblins turn and start to run back to safety!

Flare and Kaylessa can now make out torch light near the corner of the ramp. As the goblins flee, two men in chain mail can be seen advancing forward getting ready to throw their torches into the oil the goblins created!


GM Notes:

Anyone with ranged attacks who did not attack yet in this post can try to blindly fire upon the goblins during the first round of combat. This would be after they threw the oil and are running away. Only two people can attempt this as there are only room for four at the door.

The men in chain mail will appeared in the 2nd round. The fleeing goblins are between you and the men in chain mail at this point so either can be fired upon should you so desire.

[GM Mad]

The Rear Guard:

Down at the base of the ramp up to the Eagle's Nest, Butternut, Vernar and the members of Talon Squad are making plans of their own. Laurel reports what her cat discovered out in the woods, that drow had found some of the horses and was looting them. With that bit of knowledge, Sergeant Crandell decides to take out the ogre. His plan is to fire ranged weapons from three separate locations and try to keep the ogre between everyone.

Laurel glances about the group, seeing if anybody is going to speak up. She sees Gerett making ready to enact Sgt. Crandell's plan so she quickly interjects "Sir, I think it's a good plan to kill the ogre, but... but right now we know the drows position, and that she's not expecting company. One can assume that the ogre will still be at the base of the hill for a long time, his position will remain constant. Plus, if he moves...I mean... he's so large, he can't be missed. All this to say, targeting the ogre first is risking the drow becoming an unknown again." Laurel looks down at the ground, her dark hair falling in her face and her voice trailing off, "Not that I'm trying to be argumentative, I'll follow orders, it's a good plan to kill the ogre..."

“But that's just it Laurel,” Sergeant Crandell counters. “It is true that we know what the drow is doing, but we do not know where she actually is. How old is this information? Five minutes ago? Ten Minutes ago? Is the drow on the right side of the forest or the left? In the front or in the back? As you put it, this drows location is already unknown. But what we do know is that she is off in the woods, distracted, and not really paying attention to what is going on. That is where our advantage lies. The abilities of this drow are unknown to us, but the ogre is known. He's big, he's strong, and he's dumb. The plan will take it out then we can engage the drow if she appears, otherwise we make for the ramp and try to reach the Eagle's Nest. If the drow tries to follow us up the ramp, then she looses the protection of the forest and becomes more vulnerable. We continue on as planned.”

As ordered the group moves out forwards as quickly as they can. Butternut and Vernar move up the trial and then along the edge of the trees to a spot close to the ogre. Butternut keeps her eyes ahead while Vernar checks the forest to see if the drow can be seen. While the drow is not in sight, Vernar will note a few mules off in the distance. Gerett follows and takes up a firing position along the trees not too far from the trail. Mitch trots along beside Gerett, the badger serving has his lookout for the drow. Sergeant Crandell and Laurel reach the head of the trail and come to a stop. The groups horses are with them.

Further ahead in the light forest, Butternut reaches a good position to fire upon the ogre. Vernar keeps pace with her as he guards her flank. Butternut has her bolts within reach and steadies her crossbow. She aims and fires! The bolts strikes the unsuspecting ogre in the side! He cries out in a combination of shock and pain as he vainly tries to determine where that attack came from.

Gerett fires next and his crossbow bolt rips into the ogre's belly! Blood spews from the wound, forcing the ogre can cover it with one of his large hands!

Sergeant Crandell gets in on the act and fires a pair of arrows at the ogre. Both hit and the ogre takes even more damage! Bloodied and angry, the ogre starts to move in the direction of the trail.

Butternut fires again, but her bolt is wide this time. Gerett does hit, but only a glancing blow. Sergeant Crandell takes aim once more as the ogre is on the move. It's closing, but still a fair distance away. Crandell's first shot misses, but the second tears into the ogre's knee! The beast cries out in pain once more and falls to the ground, his leg no longer able to support his weight!

Butternut and Gerett fire their crossbows once more and the ogre stops moving! Sergeant Crandell rushes in and using his longsword makes sure the ogre is dead.

“Well done!” Sergeant Crandell will say to those around him. “Let's get up the ramp before that drow can catch us!”


GM Notes:

No sign of the drow, at least not yet. Gerett's hit and then later on Sergeant Crandell's were both Critical Hits. That's why those attacks were a bit more gory in the damage they caused. The ogre is down, the drow is missing and the ramp up to Eagle's Nest seems open!

Now what?

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

“I agree with you, If we are able to separate their leaders and dispose of them the remainder of these goblins may break and run,” he says evenly. “My only concern with your plan is that if we are unable to close the door, our fighters will be fighting a losing battle on both sides, let alone if this priest or mage can cast sleep upon us. All three of us have suffered from their magics before, I dare not think of the outcome.” Lucyus says slightly concerned with their predicament.

"Sleep is not a spell that clerics can cast, although it is possible that one of those in mail are also a mage. The counter to your concern is that if the doors are not closed then our fighters will be able to engage the cleric and his men directly. No plan is without some risk, including doing nothing," the priestess will respond.

Taking a deep breathe Lucyus considers the priestess' words, Lucyus looks to the others, his blue eyes as a cold winter’s day. “Certainty of an honorable death, small chance of success. I like this plan!” he says hefting his axe, double checking the blade of his axe with his mailed fingers. "Where to begin?!”

Erisci smiles briefly at the paladin's jest. "We begin with setting two of the tables as barricades for the archers and mages to hide behind and use as protection." However, before they can even begin enacting this plan, there is a call of alarm.

"We have goblins!" Flare suddenly shouts as he fires his longbow through the holes in the door. "We have one less goblin," he then adds. "But there are lots more!"

"Damn their eyes to Nergal's garden," Erisci curses under her breath, clenching her fists and pursing her lips. She moves closer to the doors without blocking space for another defender to fight.

Kaylessa moves to the door and fires her bow, while Flare fires again. "Got another one! Good shot Kay!" the archer says. "Four down," Flare adds, then continues more solemnly, "...uh oh."

A moment later, the reason for Flare's consternation is made evident by the sound of repeated smashing against the outside of the door. Flare and Kaylessa duck to avoid the oil that splashes open as the thrown flasks impact the door. Looking back through the door, Flare has more bad news. "Two armored types with torches!"

The priestess closes her eyes briefly then looks skyward. "They aren't going to wait for us to lay down fire," she says, mostly to herself. "The time has come to fight," she says more loudly to the rest of the group. "Those doors aren't going to burn through from several flasks of oil themselves. Although the smoke could prove to be rather uncomfortable. There's going to be more to their plan certainly. Now is the time for us to attack. Let us open the doors and strike them hard and fast!"

"Archers fire, as the fighters advance. I will cast Sleep upon the remaining goblins. Save the Magic Missiles for the leader in plate armor!"

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

Erisci smiles briefly at the paladin's jest. "We begin with setting two of the tables as barricades for the archers and mages to hide behind and use as protection." However, before they can even begin enacting this plan, there is a call of alarm.

"We have goblins!" Flare suddenly shouts as he fires his longbow through the holes in the door. "We have one less goblin," he then adds. "But there are lots more!"

Lucyus listens to Eri as she lays out her idea, but in a few moments the point is moot as the call comes from Flare and Kay about Goblins. “What are they up to now?” he asks as both of the archers begin to draw and fire, making it apparent that the goblins are charging.
He watches as both Kay and Flare step away from the gate as impacts can be heard and the shattering of glass.

The priestess closes her eyes briefly then looks skyward. "They aren't going to wait for us to lay down fire," she says, mostly to herself. "The time has come to fight," she says more loudly to the rest of the group. "Those doors aren't going to burn through from several flasks of oil themselves. Although the smoke could prove to be rather uncomfortable. There's going to be more to their plan certainly. Now is the time for us to attack. Let us open the doors and strike them hard and fast!"

“Kendell, help me with the bar,” he says as he leans his spear against the wall then begins attempting to lift the bar.

"Archers fire, as the fighters advance. I will cast Sleep upon the remaining goblins. Save the Magic Missiles for the leader in plate armor!"

“I’ll use the spear then go to my axe,” Lucyus says evenly as he grits his teeth at lifting the bar. "Light some torches we will need them!"
Once the door is open Lucyus will proceed past the oil pool with spear and shield in hand. He will attempt to throw his spear at any armored men first, if none are present or they go back into hiding he will try for a goblin then switch to his axe

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Flare calls out in alarm! A group of goblins just rounded the corner of the ramp and are running towards the barred door! It looks like they have vials of oil in their hands!

Kaylessa hears Flare’s call and moves to the gate once again. Drawing an arrow and knocking it, Kaylessa looks through the gate hole, takes aim and fires!

"Got another one! Good shot Kay!" the archer says. "Four down," Flare adds, then continues more solemnly, "...uh oh."

“Not good enough,” she says as she frowns slightly and her eyes widen upon seeing the vials in the oncoming goblin’s hands. Looking back through the door, Flare has more bad news. "Two armored types with torches!"

“They are gonna fire the door!” she calls out in common as she knocks another arrow.
She realizes her time is short and the others are beginning to open the door. Kaylessa will try to take aim and shoot the torch bearers. If Lucyus and Kendell are already in motion she will stand back arrow knocked and ready for the gates open.
She will target the chainmailed warriors first, then the goblins if she has a clear shot.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"ButterNUT, of course she's named after a plant, I suppose that is the halfling way. Of course, I'm named after plant too, different reasons I'm sure." Laurel blushes deeply. She's just not used to explaining herself, being corrected or being scrutinized. She pulls back slightly as the halfling leans in to observe her pendant.

The odd human priestess seems to be talking to herself, but out loud. Uncharacteristically for her, Butternut chooses discretion and doesn't comment on it. Best not to anger someone that one might depend on for healing someday down the road.

Laurel then debates the wisdom of going after the ogre first with Crandell, who staunchly sticks with his plan. With their tactics decided, the group moves forward as ordered.

Once into the wooded area, it takes Butternut a couple of minutes to find a spot with good cover to shoot from. She settles in and readies her crossbow. Looking over her shoulder at Vernar, she waits for him to give a nod indicating that he is ready.

Her first shot strikes home, starting off the barrage. As she loads a second quarrel, she notes that he Gerett has landed a very telling blow with his crossbow and Crandell has his twice with his bow. The ogre is hurt and is just starting to move in their general direction, though it shows no sign of having located any of its assailants.

Missing with her second shot, Butternut curses under her breath and starts to reload. She can still sense Vernar's presence close by and doesn't take her eyes off of the ogre. Gerett and Crandell both hit the ogre, with one of Crandell's arrows tearing out its knee. Collapsing to the ground, the ogre tries to drag itself forward with its powerful arms, but this slows its approach greatly.

Another round from her and Gerett stops the creature's movement. Crandell rushes forward and finishes it off. This part of the fight is done, so Butternut turns and looks to Vernar for any indication of the drow's presence.

“Well done!” Sergeant Crandell will say to those around him. “Let's get up the ramp before that drow can catch us!”

While not close, Butternut can hear the unsubtle voice of the sergeant from where she is. Slinging the crossbow over her shoulder by the strap, she switches to sword and dagger. Rather than moving out into the open, she follows the tree line, gliding from one spot of cover to the next as she approaches the cliff with the cave entrance. If the drow does put in an appearance, hopefully this will allow her to get a jump on the dark elf.

____________________________________________________________________________
I wasn't entirely sure whether Laurel was talking out loud or just thinking to herself, so I guessed and went with it.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

The sergeant ends up agreeing with Vernar's assessment, and the group moves out to take down the ogre before it can figure out where the attacks are coming from. Moving with Butternut, he makes sure to remain alert, his sword and a dagger at the ready. As Butternut looks to confirm Vernar is ready, he nods to her, and says quietly, "no one be gettin' t' you while I be watchin' yer back."

The ogre has no chance, and drops before it can even threaten any one of the three firing positions. Vernar lets out a huff of satisfaction and grins a bit beneath his beard. Waiting for Butternut to gather her things, Vernar keeps an eye out for the elf, who so far still has yet to show herself. He will continue to move with Butternut as they regroup with the others and prepare to move up the ramp.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

With the battle seemingly at an impasse, discussion of an alternate strategy continues. Eri suggests that fire is unlikely to be effective as part of a defense. Instead, she proposes trying to lure the leaders into the room, and then slamming the doors shut behind them. Then they could gang up and take out the leaders, while the goblins are stuck outside in the hall. Lucyus expresses concerns with the plan, then decides to back it anyway.

"Sleep is not a spell that clerics can cast, although it is possible that one of those in mail are also a mage. The counter to your concern is that if the doors are not closed then our fighters will be able to engage the cleric and his men directly. No plan is without some risk, including doing nothing," the priestess will respond.

It seems to Vardra that this plan has potential, but also drawbacks. "If it goes the way you hope, then this plan could work out very well. However, that seems like a very big 'if'. In my experience, bullies like these tend also to be cowards and prefer to lead from the rear rather than the front. I'm not so certain that the leaders are likely to stroll in first; I think it more likely that they consider the goblins expendable and will send them in ahead.

"Also, as Lucyus pointed out, it assumes that we can push the doors closed and hold them long enough to get the brace in place. As heavy as it is, that will take time, and since we're outnumbered, those outside may be able to push through. Then, it becomes those of us at the door that are surrounded and likely to be overwhelmed."

Vardra considers for a moment. "Your concern about the oil makes sense, so we hold that in reserve. I still think that making them come to us rather than going to them gives us the best chance of survival. We cannot possibly account for all of the magics that they might have access to, nor of all the strategies that they may employ. It would seem best to try to stack the odds as much in our favor as possible, then adapt as best we can.

"I think we best do that by creating a choke point with the inner doorway and guard that with our melee fighters. Wimzy and Sorvani can be off to either side to either support the melee fighters or use the oil if an appropriate time comes. The ranged attackers can use the tables for cover as you suggest. I can use my bow with the ranged attackers or help hold the doorway with sword and shield."



Before the discussion can proceed much further, there is a commotion at the door. Despite Kaylessa's and Flare's best attempts to stop them, goblins race up and smash oil vials on the outside of the door. Vardra moves back to the door just as it is announced that two men in chain mail are approaching with torches. Since the torches will provide light, if he can see the men, he will fire at them.

Erisciana proposes throwing the doors open and charging to the attack. While Vardra agrees that smoke could become a problem, they haven't lit the oil yet and it isn't likely to burn long anyway. Kaylessa seems to have the right idea. "Let's at least try to stop them from lighting the oil before we abandon our defenses," Vardra calls back as he takes aim. "Flare! Help us skewer the men with the torches!"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Rear Guard:

The ogre was taken out with ranged weapons! There is still no sign of the drow that wandered off into the woods. With the way seeming clear, Sergeant Crandell directs everyone to make for the ramp up to the Eagle's Nest. He believes that the drow will be at a disadvantage should she try to follow them up the ramp. Everyone makes it to ramp, including their animal companions, and the group begins to climb. The mounts are left behind for now.

Vernar and Butternut lead the way since they've been here before. Sergeant Crandell lights a torch so that he and Laurel can see in the otherwise dark tunnel. Gerett keeps an eye on the rear to make sure the drow is not following the group.

Travel goes quickly, compared to the first time for Butternut and Vernar since they know what to expect. Ren theorized that it was the group being spread out that triggered the trap that sent everyone into the depths of the earth. Because of this the group stays relatively close together. The dwarves are the slowest here, so the humans adjust their pace accordingly.

Before long a light can be seen up ahead! Based on the way it flickers, it seems to be another torch. The group slows its pace and Sergeant Crandell drops his torch on the ground so it won't be as noticeable. The sounds of voices can be heard, but they are too far away to be clear right now.

Reaching one of the many turns in the ramp, the group looks around the corner to see the man in plate mail they saw earlier some sixty feet away. He is the one holding the torch. Standing close to him is the duergar dwarf also spotted earlier. Both are looking further up the ramp and have their backs to the group.

As you watch, several goblins start to run around the far corner of the ramp just as a loud wail of pain fills the ramp! It sounds like a human male in absolute agony!


In the Eagle's Nest:

The enemy forces are pressing the attack! Goblins were sent forth to throw flasks of oil on the gate barring the Eagle's Nest. Four of the goblins were dropped by arrows from Flare and Kaylessa. However, five more remained and they tossed their vials of oil. Having completed that task, the goblins turn and run back the way they came! Two men in chain mail round the corner of the ramp, some forty feet away. Both carry lit torches and the implication is that they are going to ignite the oil the goblins threw!

The combined Squads move to carry out two tasks. Lucyus and Kendell move to lift up the defensive bar while others fire arrows at the enemy! Flare, Kaylessa, Vardra and Sorvani take aim with their bows.

Flare picks the man in chain mail closest to him and fires his bow. Two shifts strike the man solidly, slowing him down. Vardra fires two arrows at the same target. One misses, but the second shaft drops this target. He falls to the floor, the burning torch rolling away from his hand.

Kaylessa fires upon the other man in chain mail. Her first arrow clips him in the side. The second is far more gruesome as it strikes him in the face! The man drops his torch as his hands go up to his wounded face. He falls to his knees, screaming in agony! Behind the man, the five goblins disappear around the corner and are lost from sight. Sorvani takes a bead on the wounded man, but he misses with both if his arrows.

Lucyus and Kendell have the bar removed from the defensive door and is now off to the side. The door can be opened, but the archers will need to move first.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

As you can probably figure out, the groups are now close to each other. Butternut and Vernar figure that the length of hallway that the enemy forces are inside is the one with the trap in it. The man in plate mail and the gray dwarf are between this group and the goblins that just came around the corner. These are the same goblins that the group in the Eagle's Nest just lost sight of.

Kaylessa got a critical hit on her target. More gruesome effects!

The bar has been removed from the door, but it has not be opened yet. All that you can see is the screaming man and the bodies of the fallen outside the defensive door.

And still no sign of the drow.

Now what?

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Kaylessa listens as the mishmash of plans are being orchestrated. The elf silently thinks to herself there are too many leaders and voices when it matters. A flaw that will certainly be remedied if they survive this encounter.
Kaylessa sets up and knocks an arrow to her bow. She takes a moment to sight the range and takes aim at the other chainmail wearer. Taking a deep breath she takes aim and fires an arrow. She watches it as she merely clips the warrior. Growling to herself in frustration she knocks another arrow,takes aim and then takes a calming breath. Steadying herself she looks down range and sights her target once again and lets it loose. Her shaft strikes her target in the face the man. The man screams in agony as he drops to his knees blood pouring from his face. “Atleast his charge has been stopped.” She mutters to herself hearing the man scream.
Too those behind her she retells of what happened. “There charge has faultered! One torchbearer lies dead or dying. The other will not stay in the fight for long, unless healed!”
Seeing that the door is unbarred, Lucyus holding a spear and Kendel his sword in hand. She looks back to Eri and the others. “If there was a time to charge our foes, now would be the time. Two charges have been turned aside Their morale will be low and ready to break…But is it worth giving up our position?”

[Laurel]

“It is true that we know what the drow is doing, but we do not know where she actually is. How old is this information? Five minutes ago? Ten Minutes ago? Is the drow on the right side of the forest or the left? In the front or in the back? As you put it, this drows location is already unknown. But what we do know is that she is off in the woods, distracted, and not really paying attention to what is going on. That is where our advantage lies. The abilities of this drow are unknown to us, but the ogre is known. He's big, he's strong, and he's dumb. The plan will take it out then we can engage the drow if she appears, otherwise we make for the ramp and try to reach the Eagle's Nest. If the drow tries to follow us up the ramp, then she loses the protection of the forest and becomes more vulnerable. We continue on as planned.”

Laurel is slightly cowed by the Sargeants retort, but he's just doing his job. She feels pretty confident in this plan, and right now it's her job to follow orders, despite any fear. She's aware that it's not normal in the army for orders to be questioned but she felt like it would be an unjustice not to have at least mention the drow as a possible target. The young woman takes the guard position as ordered, keeping her small sword at the ready and her dagger loose in its sheath. She does her best to keep a watchful eye while the rest of the party makes quick, gruesome work of the ogre.

“Well done! Let's get up the ramp before that drow can catch us!”

Laurel is still concerned about the drow. However, she knows that the feeling is mutual across the party. She's happy to see Butternut taking a cautious approach to the tunnel. Right now the only way out is forward. Laurel dismounts her horse, giving its neck a little pat as she whispers to Malf, "Now the drow can have even more horses to steal from, though she's much more likely to see them and realize reinforcements have come. I wonder, will she rush to reinforce her own forces, or will she quit the field? I guess a lot depends on what we find ahead."

OOC: Sorry Butternut! Things in italics are thoughts, I'll try to be clearer in the future but I got really tired of typing "Laurel thinks" but that's most of what she does. I'm also still getting used to this style of role play as well as figuring out how to communicate the character

OOC: Also sorry for my slow reply! We went on a trip to Indiana and Michigan and then we had family at our house, but everything is calming down now.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Even knowing what to expect, Vernar remains nervous while on the ramp. However, Ren was correct and soon the group is past the danger. However, the situation up ahead is concerning. The man in plate armor and the duergar soon come into view. However, they have their backs to our group! A gleam shines in Vernar's eyes as he pulls out his weapons quietly. After all, there is backstabbing to be done!

Reaching one of the many turns in the ramp, the group looks around the corner to see the man in plate mail they saw earlier some sixty feet away. He is the one holding the torch. Standing close to him is the duergar dwarf also spotted earlier. Both are looking further up the ramp and have their backs to the group.

Vernar motions to Butternut that he wants to take out the duergar while he is facing away. There is little time to make grand plans, so hopefully some quick, quiet communication between the others can occur. Crossbows against the armored human might be best at first. Vernar will move silently when the time is right and, once in range, will make a backstab attack with both of his weapons.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Hearing the bowstrings repeatedly twang as he and Kendell remove the bar. A sudden anguishing scream his heard and Lucyus looks back at the archers!
Kaylessa calls out what is transpiring,

Too those behind her she retells of what happened. “There charge has faultered! One torchbearer lies dead or dying. The other will not stay in the fight for long, unless healed!”
Seeing that the door is unbarred, Lucyus holding a spear and Kendel his sword in hand. She looks back to Eri and the others. “If there was a time to charge our foes, now would be the time. Two charges have been turned aside Their morale will be low and ready to break…But is it worth giving up our position?”

“Then our time is now.” He says simply as he gets a better grip on his spear. “They have lost perhaps 2/3 of their force to the trap and the remainder lies before us, broken and bloodied. Their morale is to the point we can break them.”
“Try to leave the one Kaylessa shot alive if able. We can question him.”
“Kendell, Vardra and myself will lead the charge. Kaylessa, Sorvani, Eri would come next, Flare and and Wimzy and ren will bring up the rear.” Looking at the others.
“Let us see to our freedom!” Lucyus says as he quietly as he can pushes the door open.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

It seems to Vardra that this plan has potential, but also drawbacks. "If it goes the way you hope, then this plan could work out very well. However, that seems like a very big 'if'. In my experience, bullies like these tend also to be cowards and prefer to lead from the rear rather than the front. I'm not so certain that the leaders are likely to stroll in first; I think it more likely that they consider the goblins expendable and will send them in ahead.

Vardra has some comments about her plan. "I would also assume that the goblins would be sent in first. My goal is to separate the two groups. It would be ideal of the goblins came on first. They would be easier to goad into moving into the trap."

"Also, as Lucyus pointed out, it assumes that we can push the doors closed and hold them long enough to get the brace in place. As heavy as it is, that will take time, and since we're outnumbered, those outside may be able to push through. Then, it becomes those of us at the door that are surrounded and likely to be overwhelmed."

"You would not be surrounded, but rather guaranteed to be engaged with the leader. The goblins would be dealt with by arrow and my Sleep spell," Erisci explains.

Vardra continues on, but there is commotion at the door and the rest of the discussion is moot. She doesn't hear the rest of the plan as shouts of attack are made and the next assault on their defenses begins.

The archers are successful and the door is unbarred.

Seeing that the door is unbarred, Lucyus holding a spear and Kendel his sword in hand. She looks back to Eri and the others. “If there was a time to charge our foes, now would be the time. Two charges have been turned aside Their morale will be low and ready to break…But is it worth giving up our position?”

"Indeed you are correct, Kaylessa!"

“Then our time is now.” Lucyus says simply as he gets a better grip on his spear. “They have lost perhaps 2/3 of their force to the trap and the remainder lies before us, broken and bloodied. Their morale is to the point we can break them.”

"Now is certainly the time to counter-attack. "

“Try to leave the one Kaylessa shot alive if able. We can question him.”
“Kendell, Vardra and myself will lead the charge. Kaylessa, Sorvani, Eri would come next, Flare and and Wimzy and ren will bring up the rear.” Looking at the others.
“Let us see to our freedom!” Lucyus says as he quietly as he can pushes the door open.

The priestess readies herself and is prepared to move into the front line if one of the fighters is not ready. Time to put this fiasco to an end, she thinks to herself, a grim look on her features.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Erisciana states that it would be best if the goblins come through first. She is very confident that arrows and spells would take them down before they can cause much trouble. This, after it has been stated multiple times that they are running low on spells. Plus, they have no way of knowing just how many goblins remain or how many would make it through the door before they manage to shut it - if they succeed in doing so at all.

"It seems you have a different definition of being surrounded than I do, Erisciana. I cannot both push the door closed and bar it while also defending myself with sword and shield. If we don't close and bar the door, then we haven't separated them at all. And if an unknown number of opponents are attacking from inside while we're doing that, then they can easily cut those of us down while we struggle with the door."

Summoned by the sounds of vials breaking outside the door, Vardra returns to his position just as Kaylessa calls out that men with torches are approaching to light the oil. Fortunately, the torches provide sufficient light to see the targets clearly. Peering through the nearest holes, he can just make out one off to the side, but the angle is too acute to get a good shot. However, the other has looped around his companion and almost directly in front of Vardra's firing port.

Flare is quicker, and manages to drive two shafts into the man, causing him to stumble. "Good shooting, Flare!" Vardra calls as he draws his own bow. His first shot is a bit rushed and goes just over the fellow's shoulder. Realizing that he can probably only fire once more before the man reaches the door, Vardra is determined to make this one count. Taking a deep breath as he nocks the arrow, Vardra lets it out slowly as he lines up the shot and releases. Yes! The shaft drives deep into the man's chest and knocks him over onto his back. As he readies another arrow, he watches the man carefully to see if he starts to get up. Seconds tick by and there is no movement. Apparently he is down for good. "One down," Vardra reports.

Hearing a hideous scream of pain and anguish, Vardra cranes his neck and can just make out the other man at the edge of vision through the adjacent hole. He appears to be on his knees, holding his face from which an arrow protrudes. Vardra suspects that one doesn't have long to live and will die in great pain. A shudder runs down his spine just thinking about it.

“At least his charge has been stopped.”

Vardra can only nod in agreement with the elf's statement.

Kaylessa, Lucyus, and Erisciana all clamor to throw open the doors and rush the enemy. Since Lucyus is still one of the chosen leaders of the squad, Vardra feels it is his duty to support the tactic. Quickly stowing his bow, he readies his shield and draws his sword. "Ready," he says, then glances up and offers a silent prayer. 'Helm, please protect your unworthy servants in their hour of need.'

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Following the new sergeant's orders, Butternut and Vernar make their way to a clump of shrubbery on the edge of the wooded area.

As Butternut looks to confirm Vernar is ready, he nods to her, and says quietly, "no one be gettin' t' you while I be watchin' yer back."

Butternut nods back, whispering, "I appreciate that, my friend." Confident that she will have forewarning should the drow come a-calling, the halfling ranger turns back to the task of puncturing the ogre from afar. Fortunately, that goes almost unbelievably well, as the huge creature collapses before crossing even half the distance to the shooters.

"Thank you, Vernar. Let's get going." Butternut loads another quarrel before heading through the woods to join the others near the cave entrance.


As they prepare to ascend in search of the force that entered before, Butternut notices Laurel whispering to her cat. Since she cannot make out what the human priestess is saying, she just shrugs and moves on.

With a better idea of what they're facing, they make much better time ascending the ramps than before. She and Vernar lead the way since they have been here before. As before, Butternut takes a position slightly behind and to the side of Vernar, just as she had done with Ren previously. The other three make an effort to be quiet, though they seem to have no real skill at it. Hopefully, the forces ahead will be too focused on their goal to notice.

Eventually, they spot flickering light ahead. A little further, and they can hear what sounds like voices Apparently, they have caught up with the raiding party! Butternut isn't entirely sure where they are relative to the trap, but hopefully being close together will help them avoid any unfortunate consequences.

Butternut looks back and gestures for quiet to the others. Crandell drops his torch so that the light won't give them away. Creeping closer still, Butternut peeks around the next corner and spots the man in plate armor from before, along with the pasty-skinned dwarf. Apparently the trap didn't manage to swallow him. Too bad. Still, his party seems much smaller than before.

As they watch, a small group of goblins come racing around a curve farther up. Almost immediately, a wail of agony echoes down through the tunnel. 'I hope that's not one of our friends,' Butternut thinks to herself.

Vernar catches her eye, and signals his intentions with his hands. Having some experience in these kind of situations before, Butternut thinks she understands the gist of his plan. She turns to the others, points to her own crossbow, Gerett's crossbow, and Crandell's bow, then points to the man in chain mail. Next, she then points to Vernar, makes a throat-slitting gesture, then points at the odd dwarfish male. She watches their faces to make sure that they understand.

Once everyone appears to be onboard, Butternut will quietly line up her shot while she waits for Vernar to get into position and start the festivities.

____________________________________________________________________________
No problem, Laurel. There are no real agreed posting standards; everyone just adopts a style that seems to work for them. If there are miscommunications, we just roll with it.

Also, family comes first. Always.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"It seems you have a different definition of being surrounded than I do, Erisciana. I cannot both push the door closed and bar it while also defending myself with sword and shield. If we don't close and bar the door, then we haven't separated them at all. And if an unknown number of opponents are attacking from inside while we're doing that, then they can easily cut those of us down while we struggle with the door."

The priestess looks at the fighter curiously for a moment. She frowns briefly. This one apparently is just like Aralu from her home temple, she thinks. "If the goblins cannot see you while hidden behind these barriers," she makes a wide gesture to indicate the massive doors, "and they are under fire from our archers and my Sleep spell, it is extremely unlikely for any of them to even notice you at first. "

After the archers do their damage, the group opens the doors and moves out. Erisci is in the second line, ready to cast her Sleep spell in the instance that the goblins regroup or her Magick Missile for the cleric in plate armor.

(OOC: If I read it right, the hallway between Vernar's group and ours is where the trap is. Vernar's group has not passed it yet.)

[Gerett]

Gerett grins with satisfaction as the ogre goes down. Still got it, old man. So what if some bureaucrats wanted you out? There's work to be found as long as there's still beasties roaming about like they belong here.

As his mind wanders his body continues through the motions of the fight, which is not over yet. He lets his crossbow sling around his back on its strap and hefts his halberd. I'll be just fine if I get to just keep using the crossbow, but if I do need this, I'll be happy to have it. I guess it depends on how well the other group is doing. If there's a lot of gobs left, it won't be long before they close to melee with us.

As the group heads up the ramp, Gerett takes up the rear and keep an eye out the best he can for the drow. He doesn't think she'll be able to do much damage from the ramp, where it'll be harder for her to hide. But best to be safe.

Gerett keeps close to Laurel. Instinctively he can't see her as a combatant--despite the fact that she was hired on with the rest of them. He's just not used to fighting alongside someone so skinny...so his subconscious defaults to treating her like a dignitary to be escorted. He's never fought beside a cleric, though from what he's heard it's usually best to guard those too. As he walks close by he hears her chatting with her cat.

"Now the drow can have even more horses to steal from, though she's much more likely to see them and realize reinforcements have come. I wonder, will she rush to reinforce her own forces, or will she quit the field? I guess a lot depends on what we find ahead."

"If I know anything about underground wretches," he interjects, "which I don't...I would suspect them to be cowardly, in which case..yeah, we might lose a couple horses. But one less enemy around, at least. But if I know anything about elves...which I guess I don't...they're supposed to be haughty, arrogant types. So maybe she won't accept losing and will try to deal us another blow. Hard to say. Underground elves always confused me...how does an elf even survive if it can't keep its hair clean?"

As they reach the enemy and the others come to a stop, Gerett again leans his halberd against a wall close at hand and loads his crossbow. Vernar and Butternut exchange strategy with hand motions. They work well together. Best to follow their lead. If they've settled into a rhythm it'll be much more effective than Crandall's orders right now. The Sergeant can argue that later.

Gerett forms a rank with Vernar and Butternut and levels his crossbow at the enemy leader. He whispers under his breath, "Give the greyskin a good one for me, Vernar." He wonders what the rest of the "good guys" will think when the enemy's two best fighters drop from behind. He mutters back to Crandall and Laurel, "Looks like we get to be the gorram cavalry." On Vernar's first shot he'll let loose on the human in plate.



OOC: I hope I'm not seeming obsessive accounting for the halberd all the time. It's a pet peeve of mine when weapons like polearms just get "sheathed" in between fights!

[GM Mad]

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