Operation: Graystone #21
April 15th, CR 569
A small force of hobgoblins attempted to out flank the combined squads, but were discovered before they could do any damage. Four of the five spotted have been killed with the last retreating into the woods down in the gully with arrows chasing him. After the hobgoblin is lost from sight, nothing else is spotted down there.
Butternut quickly checks the area further to north to make sure nothing else tried to climb up that way. Kaylessa follows. The slope that way is pretty steep and ends at the big drop off to the valley below. There is no sign of anyone having gone that way.
While Vernar and Vardra keep watch on the gully below, Erisciana searches the two hobgoblins Butternut dispatched. Both wear dark colored studded leather armor and carry long swords, daggers, longbows and a quiver with arrows. Both have coin purses with a small amount of copper and gold coins in them. They have a small amount of water and rations on them as well, but no other equipment.
Back at the archers, Flare and Gerett continue their barrage. They combine to light one shield on fire each. Once more the burning shields are discarded and the gaps filled in. The approaching enemy is nearing the turn that will bring them up to the middle part of the path as it winds its way up the hill.
Butternut and Kaylessa return from their scouting. Butternut climbs down the rope left behind by the hobgoblins while Vardra and Kaylessa stand guard. There has been no movement down in the forest and Butternut's arrival in the gully does not change this. Once on the ground Butternut takes cover behind a large rock. Ren quickly follows and then Vernar and Kaylessa. Laurel is the last to come down the rope, leaving only Erisciana and Vardra up top. Everyone takes cover, but has yet to go into the woods.
The next volley of flaming arrows and bolts are launched, but only one of Flare's arrows hit the mark. The enemy is starting to come around the corner to the middle part of the path. They are starting to get into medium range as far as longbows go!
Operation: Graystone #21
Operation: Graystone #21
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
GM Notes:
Sometime over the summer I lost track of what game day it actually was. I stopped adding it to each individual post and when I started again I was with the wrong one. I have started to write the game recap for what is April 13th but the game was listed as being on April 14th and I know at least one more day has passed. By my estimate today should be April 15th.
Here is the updated map for the area. No one said yes to taking the Levitate spell, so it was not used and turned out not to be an issue anyway.
The HG on the map is the spot where the hobgoblin went into the woods before he was lost from sight.
Now what?
Sometime over the summer I lost track of what game day it actually was. I stopped adding it to each individual post and when I started again I was with the wrong one. I have started to write the game recap for what is April 13th but the game was listed as being on April 14th and I know at least one more day has passed. By my estimate today should be April 15th.
Here is the updated map for the area. No one said yes to taking the Levitate spell, so it was not used and turned out not to be an issue anyway.
- graystone035.jpg (165.59 KiB) Viewed 8624 times
The HG on the map is the spot where the hobgoblin went into the woods before he was lost from sight.
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Butternut:
Butternut follows the edge of the precipice around to the north at a trot, with Kaylessa covering her from behind. It quickly becomes clear that none of the hobgoblins made it around that way, so she gives Kaylessa a thumbs-up sign.
Jogging back, Butternut approaches the others and addresses Vernar. "All clear," she says.
It seems there's been no sign of the runaway hobgoblin in her absence, either. That's good enough for her, so she takes the lead and descends the waiting rope. Reaching the bottom, she finds some cover and readies her crossbow to cover the others as they descend.
The whole operation doesn't take long, and they are soon gathered again at the bottom. Butternut glances over at Vernar. "I may be able to determine where that frightened hobgob went," she says, then begins to advance toward where it was last seen entering the trees. She examines the ground for footprints, as well as looking for bent grass, broken stems, or any other sign of passage amongst the foliage.
____________________________________________________________________________
"Gorge of Eternal Peril". LOL
Butternut follows the edge of the precipice around to the north at a trot, with Kaylessa covering her from behind. It quickly becomes clear that none of the hobgoblins made it around that way, so she gives Kaylessa a thumbs-up sign.
Jogging back, Butternut approaches the others and addresses Vernar. "All clear," she says.
It seems there's been no sign of the runaway hobgoblin in her absence, either. That's good enough for her, so she takes the lead and descends the waiting rope. Reaching the bottom, she finds some cover and readies her crossbow to cover the others as they descend.
The whole operation doesn't take long, and they are soon gathered again at the bottom. Butternut glances over at Vernar. "I may be able to determine where that frightened hobgob went," she says, then begins to advance toward where it was last seen entering the trees. She examines the ground for footprints, as well as looking for bent grass, broken stems, or any other sign of passage amongst the foliage.
____________________________________________________________________________
"Gorge of Eternal Peril". LOL
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vardra Marcus, PFC:
Butternut and Kaylessa rapidly make their way along the edge of the drop-off. They return after a few moments and note that no other enemies were seen. "Good," Vardra says.
The scouts then begin making their way down the rope to the gully below. "Good luck, and be careful down there," he says as they descend. Vardra watches carefully for signs of opposition, but none appear.
Within minutes, all have descended safely. With no more need to provide cover, he crosses the stream and returns to the main group. Vardra approaches Gerett and Flare. "I hear ya'll could use another shooter." Looking down the hill, he sees the line of large shields slowly forming along the road that climbs the hill. As fire arrows become available, Vardra will join in, lighting and firing. The range is not so very great now, and the large stationary shields make excellent targets.
Butternut and Kaylessa rapidly make their way along the edge of the drop-off. They return after a few moments and note that no other enemies were seen. "Good," Vardra says.
The scouts then begin making their way down the rope to the gully below. "Good luck, and be careful down there," he says as they descend. Vardra watches carefully for signs of opposition, but none appear.
Within minutes, all have descended safely. With no more need to provide cover, he crosses the stream and returns to the main group. Vardra approaches Gerett and Flare. "I hear ya'll could use another shooter." Looking down the hill, he sees the line of large shields slowly forming along the road that climbs the hill. As fire arrows become available, Vardra will join in, lighting and firing. The range is not so very great now, and the large stationary shields make excellent targets.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vernar -
The scouts descend the rope quickly and without incident. Even though it makes no sense, there does not appear to be a larger contingent of hobgoblins working the flank. Maybe they thought they would catch us unprepared, Vernar mentally considers as he balances his throwing axe in one hand while the other grips his enchanted sword.
The scouts descend the rope quickly and without incident. Even though it makes no sense, there does not appear to be a larger contingent of hobgoblins working the flank. Maybe they thought they would catch us unprepared, Vernar mentally considers as he balances his throwing axe in one hand while the other grips his enchanted sword.
Vernar nods and she is off a moment later. Depending on what she finds will determine their next course of action. If there is a notable trail, Vernar will want to dispatch the hobgoblin so it doesn't come up behind us later. If not, he will indicate to everyone to start heading off with the intent of flanking the shield wall.Butternut glances over at Vernar. "I may be able to determine where that frightened hobgob went," she says, then begins to advance toward where it was last seen entering the trees.
"Here I go again on my own..." ~the Bard Whitesnake
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Lucyus
Having not received any orders to change position Lucyus remains where he is. He will watch the archers and then ask, “What range are they?”
Having not received any orders to change position Lucyus remains where he is. He will watch the archers and then ask, “What range are they?”
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Kaylessa
Kaylessa follows Butternut as she checks the surrounding edge of land, within moments they realize they are along.
Lowering herself down on the rope, Kaylessa hits bottom and draws her bow and knocks and arrow to it. While she realizes this will slow her down, it will also allow her to get a shot off relatively quickly if something appears.
While waiting for butternut to see if she can find passing of the hobgob, Kaylessa will find cover and take it.
Kaylessa follows Butternut as she checks the surrounding edge of land, within moments they realize they are along.
Lowering herself down on the rope, Kaylessa hits bottom and draws her bow and knocks and arrow to it. While she realizes this will slow her down, it will also allow her to get a shot off relatively quickly if something appears.
While waiting for butternut to see if she can find passing of the hobgob, Kaylessa will find cover and take it.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -
Butternut moves out to check the rest of the bluff from where they are to the mountain wall. The priestess suggests that Kaylessa go with the halfling ranger and the elf quickly jogs off in support.
The dead hobgoblins catch Erisci's attention and she moves back to their bodies searching for any valuables. They each wear studded leather armor that has been darkened, presumably to make them more difficult to see and possibly as an intimidation factor. A longbow, sword and dagger were their armaments. Troops meant for stealth and ranged combat but also hand-to-hand. These creatures were taller, burly. Still brutish, with reddish faces and blue noses. This enemy was clearly more dangerous than lowly goblins and even orcs. The priestess furrows her brow and a scowl crosses her features briefly.
Rifling through their pouches and purses, she finds a few handfuls of coins. These she stashes in the pouch she pulled from Sergeant Tracken down in the tunnels. They also have water and some rations. While they may need to be purified before consuming, extra supplies could come in handy at some point in their travails.
Butternut soon returns with Kaylessa right behind. Jogging back, Butternut approaches the others and addresses Vernar. "All clear," she says.
"Good," Vardra says. Erisci nods as well and the scouts begin their climb down. Eschewing the use of a Levitate spell, the halfling ranger goes down first and scampers to cover behind a suitably large rock. One by one they descend, unhindered and unthreatened. Erisci notices some consternation on Vernar's face, as he keeps a keen eye on the treeline below and across the way. He must be expecting more trouble. The priestess couldn't argue with that train of thought.
Finally, the priestess of Felix, Laurel, is the last to descend. She makes quick work of the climb, looking very natural in doing so. It was definitely the right decision for her to go with the scouts, she thinks with a smile. Erisciana remains watching as Butternut moves forward slinking across the space between their descent and the treeline. Meanwhile, her attention is briefly diverted as Vardra says nothing, but moves off to join the archers. She watches for a moment, then lets her gaze pan out over to the far end of the approach to their position. The shield wall continues its slow but inexorable march up the trail. It wouldn't be long before they might try to engage with bows. Erisci estimated that they would need to descend into the gully in order to use spells of Sleep on their number. The scouting group had three of such spells in their arsenal and hopefully they would soon sneak into range to deliver an unwelcome surprise. In the meantime, their archers needed to keep the advancing shield line busy and harrowed. The more damage they could do, the better.
The priestess of Ishtar made a brief supplication to her goddess on bended knee. "Oh Queen of the Heavens, may your mercy and blessings be upon each of us this day. We strive against the evil usurper to your title. Gird our minds and strengthen our arms that we may be victorious." Erisci returns her view to the scouts below. She will remain watching until they enter the woods, then quickly head back to the others.
Butternut moves out to check the rest of the bluff from where they are to the mountain wall. The priestess suggests that Kaylessa go with the halfling ranger and the elf quickly jogs off in support.
The dead hobgoblins catch Erisci's attention and she moves back to their bodies searching for any valuables. They each wear studded leather armor that has been darkened, presumably to make them more difficult to see and possibly as an intimidation factor. A longbow, sword and dagger were their armaments. Troops meant for stealth and ranged combat but also hand-to-hand. These creatures were taller, burly. Still brutish, with reddish faces and blue noses. This enemy was clearly more dangerous than lowly goblins and even orcs. The priestess furrows her brow and a scowl crosses her features briefly.
Rifling through their pouches and purses, she finds a few handfuls of coins. These she stashes in the pouch she pulled from Sergeant Tracken down in the tunnels. They also have water and some rations. While they may need to be purified before consuming, extra supplies could come in handy at some point in their travails.
Butternut soon returns with Kaylessa right behind. Jogging back, Butternut approaches the others and addresses Vernar. "All clear," she says.
"Good," Vardra says. Erisci nods as well and the scouts begin their climb down. Eschewing the use of a Levitate spell, the halfling ranger goes down first and scampers to cover behind a suitably large rock. One by one they descend, unhindered and unthreatened. Erisci notices some consternation on Vernar's face, as he keeps a keen eye on the treeline below and across the way. He must be expecting more trouble. The priestess couldn't argue with that train of thought.
Finally, the priestess of Felix, Laurel, is the last to descend. She makes quick work of the climb, looking very natural in doing so. It was definitely the right decision for her to go with the scouts, she thinks with a smile. Erisciana remains watching as Butternut moves forward slinking across the space between their descent and the treeline. Meanwhile, her attention is briefly diverted as Vardra says nothing, but moves off to join the archers. She watches for a moment, then lets her gaze pan out over to the far end of the approach to their position. The shield wall continues its slow but inexorable march up the trail. It wouldn't be long before they might try to engage with bows. Erisci estimated that they would need to descend into the gully in order to use spells of Sleep on their number. The scouting group had three of such spells in their arsenal and hopefully they would soon sneak into range to deliver an unwelcome surprise. In the meantime, their archers needed to keep the advancing shield line busy and harrowed. The more damage they could do, the better.
The priestess of Ishtar made a brief supplication to her goddess on bended knee. "Oh Queen of the Heavens, may your mercy and blessings be upon each of us this day. We strive against the evil usurper to your title. Gird our minds and strengthen our arms that we may be victorious." Erisci returns her view to the scouts below. She will remain watching until they enter the woods, then quickly head back to the others.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Post Continued:
April 15th, CR 569
While the main body of hobgoblins continue their advance up the steep hillside, a scouting unit attempted to out flank the combined squads. They were discovered before they could attack and four of the five scouts slain. The fifth fled into the forest in the gully with arrows chasing him. Using the rope the enemy climbed up on, Butternut, Kaylessa, Laurel, Ren and Vernar climbed down to continue the pursuit. Each took cover once down in the gully behind the many large rocks.
Butternut creeps closer to the woods following the same direction the fleeing hobgoblin went. The halfling ranger examines the ground in the area searching for footprints. The enemy made no attempt to cover up their movement. In fact there seems to be too many footprints for the number of enemy spotted!
A guttural cry is bellowed out from somewhere in the gully woods getting everyone's attention. A moment after that, arrows start flying through the air! One comes straight at Butternut, but she avoids it easy enough. However two more shafts are sent her way from either side. These arrows rip through her clothing and into her flesh! Butternut drops to the ground, to make a smaller target.
The attack is noted by the other scouts in the area, Erisciana on the plateau overhead and by Flare, Gerett and Vardra. The source of the three separately fired arrows can now be seen within the gully woods.
A second after the attack on Butternut, several more shafts are fired directly at the archers from a different area of the gully. One arrow nicks Gerett while Flare and Vardra are missed completely. Lucyus could see this attack from his position and the locations of these new trio of enemy archers can be seen in the gully below.
April 15th, CR 569
While the main body of hobgoblins continue their advance up the steep hillside, a scouting unit attempted to out flank the combined squads. They were discovered before they could attack and four of the five scouts slain. The fifth fled into the forest in the gully with arrows chasing him. Using the rope the enemy climbed up on, Butternut, Kaylessa, Laurel, Ren and Vernar climbed down to continue the pursuit. Each took cover once down in the gully behind the many large rocks.
Butternut creeps closer to the woods following the same direction the fleeing hobgoblin went. The halfling ranger examines the ground in the area searching for footprints. The enemy made no attempt to cover up their movement. In fact there seems to be too many footprints for the number of enemy spotted!
A guttural cry is bellowed out from somewhere in the gully woods getting everyone's attention. A moment after that, arrows start flying through the air! One comes straight at Butternut, but she avoids it easy enough. However two more shafts are sent her way from either side. These arrows rip through her clothing and into her flesh! Butternut drops to the ground, to make a smaller target.
The attack is noted by the other scouts in the area, Erisciana on the plateau overhead and by Flare, Gerett and Vardra. The source of the three separately fired arrows can now be seen within the gully woods.
A second after the attack on Butternut, several more shafts are fired directly at the archers from a different area of the gully. One arrow nicks Gerett while Flare and Vardra are missed completely. Lucyus could see this attack from his position and the locations of these new trio of enemy archers can be seen in the gully below.
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
GM Notes:
Everyone can still act in this round of combat. I didn't want to assume what people would do so the floor is yours.
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Gerett – 13 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Here is the updated map for the area:
I number the enemy forces individually. Hobgoblins #1-3 fired on Butternut, while #4-6 at the Flare, Gerett and Vardra.
Sann, Sorvani and Wimzy cannot see anything from their position of the enemy. Lucyus and Kendell can see Hobgoblins #4-6. Everyone else has a good idea where all six hobgoblins are.
Now what?
Everyone can still act in this round of combat. I didn't want to assume what people would do so the floor is yours.
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Gerett – 13 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Here is the updated map for the area:
- graystone036.jpg (179.62 KiB) Viewed 8347 times
Sann, Sorvani and Wimzy cannot see anything from their position of the enemy. Lucyus and Kendell can see Hobgoblins #4-6. Everyone else has a good idea where all six hobgoblins are.
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Butternut:
Vernar nods in agreement with her plan to search out the runaway hobgob, so Butternut glides forward with her crossbow at the ready. Where she had expected to find the trail of one, she instead finds evidence of more than she can account for. She turns her head to signal back to Vernar, but a gutteral cry from the woods causes her to pivot back in that direction.
Just then, a brace of arrows fly at her from different directions. Butternut manages to dodge the first one, but the other two are on target. One carves a bloody furrow along her side, just missing her elbow. The other tears a chunk of meat from her thigh. Emitting a stream of Halfling curses, she drops to the ground defensively.
With her best option for cover in front of her, Butternut crawls on her belly into the foliage of the woods. Once she finds decent cover, she rises to her feet while staying as low to the ground as she can. From her perspective, she doesn't have a lot of good options right now. However, it occurs to her that she may be able to slip through the gap between the one in front of her and the one on the left, then loop around and come up behind the left one. Settling on that tactic, Butternut switches to sword and dagger, while gliding silently through the underbrush.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Slip between HG2 and HG3, then attack HG3 from behind, if possible.
Vernar nods in agreement with her plan to search out the runaway hobgob, so Butternut glides forward with her crossbow at the ready. Where she had expected to find the trail of one, she instead finds evidence of more than she can account for. She turns her head to signal back to Vernar, but a gutteral cry from the woods causes her to pivot back in that direction.
Just then, a brace of arrows fly at her from different directions. Butternut manages to dodge the first one, but the other two are on target. One carves a bloody furrow along her side, just missing her elbow. The other tears a chunk of meat from her thigh. Emitting a stream of Halfling curses, she drops to the ground defensively.
With her best option for cover in front of her, Butternut crawls on her belly into the foliage of the woods. Once she finds decent cover, she rises to her feet while staying as low to the ground as she can. From her perspective, she doesn't have a lot of good options right now. However, it occurs to her that she may be able to slip through the gap between the one in front of her and the one on the left, then loop around and come up behind the left one. Settling on that tactic, Butternut switches to sword and dagger, while gliding silently through the underbrush.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Slip between HG2 and HG3, then attack HG3 from behind, if possible.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vardra Marcus, PFC:
Joining Flare and Gerett, Vardra prepares to assist them in shooting fire arrows at the shield wall on the road below. However, before he can get off his first shot, a loud cry is heard from below. Almost immediately, several arrows are fired from the woods at Butternut, and she falls under the onslaught. Only her angry tone convinces him that she is still alive.
Three more arrows come up from the right-hand section of the woods. He and Flare are missed, but the dwarf Gerett is grazed by one of them. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like a serious wound.
"Flare! Gerett! Return fire on those in the gully!" Vardra calls to his neighbors as he shifts into a slightly different position to take better advantage of the foliage. "Sorvani! Ya'll keep making the fire arrows, we'll need them again once we deal with those in the ravine!" Matching words to deeds, he takes aim at the nearest hobgoblin and looses a pair of shafts.
Joining Flare and Gerett, Vardra prepares to assist them in shooting fire arrows at the shield wall on the road below. However, before he can get off his first shot, a loud cry is heard from below. Almost immediately, several arrows are fired from the woods at Butternut, and she falls under the onslaught. Only her angry tone convinces him that she is still alive.
Three more arrows come up from the right-hand section of the woods. He and Flare are missed, but the dwarf Gerett is grazed by one of them. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like a serious wound.
"Flare! Gerett! Return fire on those in the gully!" Vardra calls to his neighbors as he shifts into a slightly different position to take better advantage of the foliage. "Sorvani! Ya'll keep making the fire arrows, we'll need them again once we deal with those in the ravine!" Matching words to deeds, he takes aim at the nearest hobgoblin and looses a pair of shafts.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
As they approach the scouting party Kaylessa notes
Vernar gives her the sign to do her thing and Laurel follows behind Vernar to start moving towards flanking the shield wall. Suddenly the sound of arrows thwipping through the forest draws their attention to the direction that Butternut went! Laurel immediately prepares "Protection from Evil" saving her orisons for healing should it be needed.
Kaylessa wrote:“Seems they found another Hobgoblin....“I brought a few reinforcements.”
Butternut wrote:"Welcome back. You missed most of the fun. I think there's one left, if you want to help feather it."
Vardra wrote:"Wanna join me for a little target practice, Kaylessa?"
Kaylessa wrote:“I don’t practice on the living.”
Laurel hangs back from the edge, not wanting to make herself a target as the archers loose some arrows over the cliff. Erisciana questions:Vernar wrote:"Jus' one more all I be seein' below at the moment."
Erisciana wrote:"Did you kill the enemy, or drive them off?" "What's the situation down there?"
Vardra wrote:"We got all but one, as far as we can tell. That last one sprinted off into the trees down there."
The dark haired woman will listen intently to the information being communicated, trying to get a good feeling on their situation and waiting for directions.Kaylessa wrote:“He got to the safety of the trees. If he has half a brain he will go back to his superiors.”
Erisciana wrote:"There's a large group of those humanoids coming up the road, using tower shields to cover their advance, Gerett and Flare are bombing them with flaming arrows, but there are too many to stop them completely. We need to get control of the trees in the gully, they are trying to catch us between two forces, which is a standard tactical move. While we deal with one force, the other presses us from another direction. We need to act decisively. If we can take those trees, then we can create our own pincer and turn the maneuver against them."
Vardra wrote:"Fire arrows, huh? Nice. That will give them something to think about."
Erisciana wrote:"Vernar, you and the other scouts need to identify if there are more enemy in those trees and if possible eliminate them. Do you think it best to follow their route directly or come in from the other side near the road? In either case, archers can cover your approach. If the group uses the rope, I could Levitate the first person down or cast Darkness part of the way down the rope, so you are mostly obscured. Otherwise, you will have to go back to near the road to reach a less steep decline."
"Laurel has volunteered to go with your group, it is wise to have a healer with you and she is confident that she can keep up with you. Vardra, they can use your assistance shooting flaming arrows. If the scouts go down here, watch for enemy on the treeline below and shoot them. I can stay here and if they show themselves can cast a spell of Sleep from here and reach the trees as well. Otherwise we cover them closer to the road."
Vernar wrote:If you be wantin' t' cast your levitate magic, then maybe one with better missile weapons be a better choice. They can be shootin' back while the rest o' us descend the rope."
Vardra wrote:"Hi Laurel, I'll cover you while you descend. Once you're in the cover of the woods, I'll go help the other archers.""
Laurel will nod in response to the greetings and directions.Butternut wrote:"Welcome, Laurel, good to have a healer with us. If you're even half as stealthy as your cat, you'll fit in well. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to check the rest of the drop-off," Butternut says, pointing to the north. "We need to make sure none of the hobgobs managed to worm there way back there. Then, we can climb down the rope they left and play their own game."
Erisciana wrote:"Good idea, they may have several little groups attempting to infiltrate. Best to be thorough." As the halfling ranger starts to move off, the priestess will look to the elf, Kaylessa. "Perhaps you should join her, in case there are more enemy nearby."
Kaylessa wrote:“If we are to follow I would do it as you say, use the rope and follow them into the treeline. Hopefully coming up behind them. With the shield wall coming up the path, we could thin their ranks from the sides and rear once clear. I can go down on the rope, cover you guys with my bow and check the dead. Perhaps they have maps on them that we may be able to use."
Ersiciana wrote:"That was my thought exactly. Force them to change their plans and react to us. Put their attack on the defensive."
Vernar wrote:"We can mop them up easily enough if you leave me Kaylessa, Ren, Butternut, an' Laurel. That be more 'n enough power t' cripple the rest o' these hobgoblin flankers should there be more in there,"
Laurel descends the rope as gracefully as she can, crouching when she reaches the bottom. Vernar stands with weapons drawn and Kaylessa already has her bow drawn. Laurel fumbles for a moment and puts her hand on her sword. Butternut gives the reassuring assessment of "All clear" The young woman shoots a glance back at the top of the cliff. She's sure Malf can follow her down with ease.Erisciana wrote: "Strike well, my friend. May the Goddess watch over you and your group."
Butternut wrote:"I may be able to determine where that frightened hobgob went,"
Vernar gives her the sign to do her thing and Laurel follows behind Vernar to start moving towards flanking the shield wall. Suddenly the sound of arrows thwipping through the forest draws their attention to the direction that Butternut went! Laurel immediately prepares "Protection from Evil" saving her orisons for healing should it be needed.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Lucyus
Lucyus watches as many of the others deal with hobgoblins away from the main group. They begin taking fire from those below and Lucyus grows tired of sitting and doing nothing.
He looks over to Kendell. “Stay here if you wish but I have to do something, I can’t stand idly by and watch them in harm's way!” he says then drops his visor to his helm and hefts his spear and shield.
Lucyus will then turn and run hard at the hobgoblins. When within range he will launch his spear then gather up his axe and continue to the hobgoblins. Main target HG4 then HG5
Lucyus watches as many of the others deal with hobgoblins away from the main group. They begin taking fire from those below and Lucyus grows tired of sitting and doing nothing.
He looks over to Kendell. “Stay here if you wish but I have to do something, I can’t stand idly by and watch them in harm's way!” he says then drops his visor to his helm and hefts his spear and shield.
Lucyus will then turn and run hard at the hobgoblins. When within range he will launch his spear then gather up his axe and continue to the hobgoblins. Main target HG4 then HG5
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Kaylessa
Taking cover behind a large rock, Kaylessa hears Butternut go forward to check the way. In moments it becomes apparent that the Hobgoblins were found, as Butternut let’s loose a torrent of curses and words of pain.
“Seems they brought friends!”” she calls out as she begins to move to her left toward Laurel then forward toward Butternut, keeping to cover as she moves. If she spots a Hobgoblin she will fire her bow at it.
Taking cover behind a large rock, Kaylessa hears Butternut go forward to check the way. In moments it becomes apparent that the Hobgoblins were found, as Butternut let’s loose a torrent of curses and words of pain.
“Seems they brought friends!”” she calls out as she begins to move to her left toward Laurel then forward toward Butternut, keeping to cover as she moves. If she spots a Hobgoblin she will fire her bow at it.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -
Erisciana remains on the bluff near the scouting party, watching to see them reach the cover of the woods before she returns to the others. There is the potential for combat here, while the other group is in cover and the main enemy force still has a ways to go before they come into optimal archery range.
As the scouts take cover, the priestess watches as the halfling ranger creeps out from behind a large rock and moves toward the treeline. Butternut stops short of the cover of trees and Erisci bites her lip for a moment. Vernar was concerned that more enemy might be present and sure enough the trees erupt with a guttural bellow. Unfortunately the dwarf scout was not wrong! The first arrow misses the nimble and diminutive ranger but she cries out in pain and anger, indicating she has been hit.
A quick scan of the trees reveals at least six hobgoblins which can be seen, their dark armor showing as exaggerated shadows in the trees. The priestess waits to cast a spell. Spread out the way they are, our archers can counter attack some of them. No reason to waste a spell of Sleep when they can be taken out quickly by normal means. That huge group further below will require as many spells as they can launch.
Arrows start to fly in from the right, where Vardra joined Flare and Gerett. Erisciana will hold her position in case the trees hold many more than these six. She glances over to the far right, unable to see Lucyus and Kendall, but hoping that the paladin will join the fray with close combat. The group will need to be into that gully anyway to make an attack on the shield wall approaching. A moment later she sees the armored paladin charging down the road, throwing his spear, and rushing down the embankment toward the hobgoblins. "From my mouth to Heironeous' ear, I suppose," she says with a bit of a smile.
Down below, the scouts begin their counter-attack as well. Erisci will wait to see how the group fares and if there are more enemy showing, before acting. (Hold action to the end of the round if she can.)
Erisciana remains on the bluff near the scouting party, watching to see them reach the cover of the woods before she returns to the others. There is the potential for combat here, while the other group is in cover and the main enemy force still has a ways to go before they come into optimal archery range.
As the scouts take cover, the priestess watches as the halfling ranger creeps out from behind a large rock and moves toward the treeline. Butternut stops short of the cover of trees and Erisci bites her lip for a moment. Vernar was concerned that more enemy might be present and sure enough the trees erupt with a guttural bellow. Unfortunately the dwarf scout was not wrong! The first arrow misses the nimble and diminutive ranger but she cries out in pain and anger, indicating she has been hit.
A quick scan of the trees reveals at least six hobgoblins which can be seen, their dark armor showing as exaggerated shadows in the trees. The priestess waits to cast a spell. Spread out the way they are, our archers can counter attack some of them. No reason to waste a spell of Sleep when they can be taken out quickly by normal means. That huge group further below will require as many spells as they can launch.
Arrows start to fly in from the right, where Vardra joined Flare and Gerett. Erisciana will hold her position in case the trees hold many more than these six. She glances over to the far right, unable to see Lucyus and Kendall, but hoping that the paladin will join the fray with close combat. The group will need to be into that gully anyway to make an attack on the shield wall approaching. A moment later she sees the armored paladin charging down the road, throwing his spear, and rushing down the embankment toward the hobgoblins. "From my mouth to Heironeous' ear, I suppose," she says with a bit of a smile.
Down below, the scouts begin their counter-attack as well. Erisci will wait to see how the group fares and if there are more enemy showing, before acting. (Hold action to the end of the round if she can.)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Crank. Light. Load. Shoulder. Fire. Crank.
Gerett moved in robotic motion, replacing his thoughts with the litany of repetitive actions. For now, the most important thing was a consistently-timed barrage without gaps or pauses. He was not in perfect sync with Vardra and Flare, whose cadence was different due to their bows. But between the three of them they kept up suppressive fire, which was the point. Even if they didn't have the range to thin the enemy's numbers, and even if every shield they struck was replaced, it was important that they kept laying down fire. Not so much for what they were accomplishing, but for what ground they'd lose if they let up. He couldn't operate his crossbow at peak efficiency while shooting fire bolts, but at least he didn't have to light the arrow after it was loaded like the archers did.
Tactically, this was the worst off the expedition had been yet--they were absent any real advantage from having taken the fortress and the enemy was dictating the terms of the engagement. But for some reason, Gerett felt better about the current situation than he had felt before. Maybe it was because the group had been forced to operate more as a team. Those who didn't like leaders or lengthy plans were getting to take action, and the leaders were working together to make something happen--even if that "something" was currently just keeping the enemy from overwhelming them. In any case, it was good to have a clear job and to be able to do it. He was a cog in a machine now, and even if none of his bolts struck the enemy, he and the other archers were enabling the scouts to gain some ground. Any minute now, from his vantage he suspected he'd see the fruits of their plan, whatever it was they were trying to do...
Suddenly an arrow from an unexpected direction hit Gerett. Its sidelong angle caused it to get stuck in his armor, only penetrating the skin a little. The head not yet buried, Gerett ripped the arrow out and looked toward the source. He sawthat Butternut did not get so lucky, taking a couple of bad hits. A trio of the larger goblins had set themselves up for a firefight with Gerett and the other archers. The scouts had been ambushed by another trio. Things had taken a turn--if these hobgoblins didn't go down quick, people would start dying. The main bulk of the advancing army would have to wait--these hobgoblins were now priority one.
|Gerett is going to fire on HG 1, 2, or 3 based on who he has better shots on. As long as those goblins are not in melee with characters, Gerett will keep shooting at them. Once that side of the map becomes too clustered for Gerett to safely shoot, he will switch to firing upon whichever of HG 4, 5, and 6 is not engaged with Lucyus. If Lucyus looks to be in trouble and Gerett doesn't have clear shots, he'll grab his polearm and try to hoof it down to the melee. But at this point he's likely to focus on firing his crossbow unless he doesn't have any clear shots. He will be firing the enchanted bolts now--let me know if he can perceive an effect from them.|
Gerett moved in robotic motion, replacing his thoughts with the litany of repetitive actions. For now, the most important thing was a consistently-timed barrage without gaps or pauses. He was not in perfect sync with Vardra and Flare, whose cadence was different due to their bows. But between the three of them they kept up suppressive fire, which was the point. Even if they didn't have the range to thin the enemy's numbers, and even if every shield they struck was replaced, it was important that they kept laying down fire. Not so much for what they were accomplishing, but for what ground they'd lose if they let up. He couldn't operate his crossbow at peak efficiency while shooting fire bolts, but at least he didn't have to light the arrow after it was loaded like the archers did.
Tactically, this was the worst off the expedition had been yet--they were absent any real advantage from having taken the fortress and the enemy was dictating the terms of the engagement. But for some reason, Gerett felt better about the current situation than he had felt before. Maybe it was because the group had been forced to operate more as a team. Those who didn't like leaders or lengthy plans were getting to take action, and the leaders were working together to make something happen--even if that "something" was currently just keeping the enemy from overwhelming them. In any case, it was good to have a clear job and to be able to do it. He was a cog in a machine now, and even if none of his bolts struck the enemy, he and the other archers were enabling the scouts to gain some ground. Any minute now, from his vantage he suspected he'd see the fruits of their plan, whatever it was they were trying to do...
Gerett nodded and gave a grunt of affirmation, not ceasing his barrage. It seemed Erisci was going to take a more central location between the groups--range for orders and whatever magical tricks her goddess had for them. It was good she'd have a wider range of view--he knew the scope of vision would be limited for him and the other archers. She'd probably let them know when the scouts finished their flanking maneuver...Erisciana wrote:Erisci steps up to the dwarven fighter-scout and raps him lightly on his armored shoulder with her balled fist. "Strike well, my friend. May the Goddess watch over you and your group."
Suddenly an arrow from an unexpected direction hit Gerett. Its sidelong angle caused it to get stuck in his armor, only penetrating the skin a little. The head not yet buried, Gerett ripped the arrow out and looked toward the source. He sawthat Butternut did not get so lucky, taking a couple of bad hits. A trio of the larger goblins had set themselves up for a firefight with Gerett and the other archers. The scouts had been ambushed by another trio. Things had taken a turn--if these hobgoblins didn't go down quick, people would start dying. The main bulk of the advancing army would have to wait--these hobgoblins were now priority one.
Both groups of enemies seemed to be in the gully by Gerett's reckoning, but he wasn't about to waste time asking for clarification. In truth, Gerett was glad he wasn't exactly sure where Vardra wanted him to shoot--this let him make his own decision. And this decision had been made as soon as Butternut dropped to the ground. The goblins firing on his group weren't going anywhere--he could trade shots with them later. But Butternut was going to enjoin in melee, and this while injured. If he could get a couple shots into that group before it became embroiled in close quarters combat, perhaps he could make things easier on them.Vardra wrote:"Flare! Gerett! Return fire on those in the gully!"
The paladin's charge ends up coordinating well with Gerett's choice to fire on the farther enemies. Melee with the enemies who want to shoot, and shoot the enemies who want to melee, Gerett thought to himself. Both groups of enemies were armed with bows, but the group on his left were closer to the scouts and if he was going to shoot them, it had to be now. Whereas Lucyus could handle tying up the group on the right so they couldn't shoot anymore. As he came around the corner, they'd have to choose whether to keep firing on the archers or try to bring Lucyus down before he made it to them. By that point Gerett could be firing on them again, and hopefully the scouts would have finished off their group.Lucyus wrote: I can’t stand idly by and watch them in harm's way!
|Gerett is going to fire on HG 1, 2, or 3 based on who he has better shots on. As long as those goblins are not in melee with characters, Gerett will keep shooting at them. Once that side of the map becomes too clustered for Gerett to safely shoot, he will switch to firing upon whichever of HG 4, 5, and 6 is not engaged with Lucyus. If Lucyus looks to be in trouble and Gerett doesn't have clear shots, he'll grab his polearm and try to hoof it down to the melee. But at this point he's likely to focus on firing his crossbow unless he doesn't have any clear shots. He will be firing the enchanted bolts now--let me know if he can perceive an effect from them.|
-Michael
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Post Continued:
April 15th, CR 569
More hobgoblins have been found concealed in the gully! They already struck Butternut with arrows and in response the wounded halfling drops to the ground and crawls for the safety of the woods.
While Butternut is crawling, Vernar advances on her left. Throwing axe already in hand, Vernar lets it fly and buries it in the head of the hobgoblin on the left! As the hobgoblin is falling, Vernar advances on the middle of the three hobgoblins.
Laurel looks around and spots Malf still up on the cliff overhead with the foreign priestess Erisciana. “I'll supervise from up here,” the cat meows to Laurel. “Don't die.”
The middle of the three hobgoblins spots Vernar charging at him and tries to switch to his longsword. With his attention diverted, Butternut emerges behind the hobgoblin and drives her short sword and dagger into his back. The hobgoblin drops silently to the ground.
Kaylessa fires a pair of arrows at the remaining goblin in the immediate area with one of the shafts wounding the target. The next thing anyone knows, that hobgoblin falls over to reveal Ren behind him wielding a bloody dagger.
On the other side of the gully, the archers were attacked by additional enemy forces. Vardra fires at the hobgoblin closest to him and drops him with two arrows. Flare follows suit and puts down the next hobgoblin with a pair of non-flaming arrows. Gerett fires upon the remaining hobgoblin, but only wounds it with his crossbow bolt.
Lucyus cannot stand to be on the sidelines any longer and comes forth to the top of the road. He hurtles a spear and it buries deep in the last hobgoblin's chest and it falls in response. The gully now appears to be free of threats, at least ones that you can actually see.
While the battles were going on, the enemy coming up the road took advantage of the situation. More arrows are fired and they fall around the top of the road. Lucyus and Kendell both avoid taking damage.
Those looking down can see that the advancing force has split into two groups. One group is situated at the top of the turn that leads to the middle of the three paths that wind their way up the mountain. It was this group that fired the arrows at Lucyus and Kendell from behind their shield wall.
The other enemy group advanced to the next 'hump' along the middle road. They are setting up their shield wall and archers are getting ready to fire more arrows!
April 15th, CR 569
More hobgoblins have been found concealed in the gully! They already struck Butternut with arrows and in response the wounded halfling drops to the ground and crawls for the safety of the woods.
While Butternut is crawling, Vernar advances on her left. Throwing axe already in hand, Vernar lets it fly and buries it in the head of the hobgoblin on the left! As the hobgoblin is falling, Vernar advances on the middle of the three hobgoblins.
Laurel looks around and spots Malf still up on the cliff overhead with the foreign priestess Erisciana. “I'll supervise from up here,” the cat meows to Laurel. “Don't die.”
The middle of the three hobgoblins spots Vernar charging at him and tries to switch to his longsword. With his attention diverted, Butternut emerges behind the hobgoblin and drives her short sword and dagger into his back. The hobgoblin drops silently to the ground.
Kaylessa fires a pair of arrows at the remaining goblin in the immediate area with one of the shafts wounding the target. The next thing anyone knows, that hobgoblin falls over to reveal Ren behind him wielding a bloody dagger.
On the other side of the gully, the archers were attacked by additional enemy forces. Vardra fires at the hobgoblin closest to him and drops him with two arrows. Flare follows suit and puts down the next hobgoblin with a pair of non-flaming arrows. Gerett fires upon the remaining hobgoblin, but only wounds it with his crossbow bolt.
Lucyus cannot stand to be on the sidelines any longer and comes forth to the top of the road. He hurtles a spear and it buries deep in the last hobgoblin's chest and it falls in response. The gully now appears to be free of threats, at least ones that you can actually see.
While the battles were going on, the enemy coming up the road took advantage of the situation. More arrows are fired and they fall around the top of the road. Lucyus and Kendell both avoid taking damage.
Those looking down can see that the advancing force has split into two groups. One group is situated at the top of the turn that leads to the middle of the three paths that wind their way up the mountain. It was this group that fired the arrows at Lucyus and Kendell from behind their shield wall.
The other enemy group advanced to the next 'hump' along the middle road. They are setting up their shield wall and archers are getting ready to fire more arrows!
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
GM Notes:
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Gerett – 13 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Here is the updated map:
No other hobgoblins can be seen in the gully, but that does not mean none are there. The enemy coming up the road is now within medium range for most ranged weapons. They split into roughly two evenly sized groups.
Now what?
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Gerett – 13 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Here is the updated map:
- graystone037.jpg (128.57 KiB) Viewed 8231 times
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vernar -
Vernar and Butternut exchange silent glances and nods, both of them working off the same page knowing what needs to be done. Within a moment, everything changes as Butternut finds herself to be the target of a trio of hobgoblins. She gets hit and drops down, clearly not out of the fight. The moment calling for swift action and not stealth, Vernar jumps in without hesitation.
He will pause a moment, his eyes locking with Butternut's. "You be alright, then," he says more as a statement than a question, a wicked grin appearing on his lips as he sees the satisfaction in her eyes from the kill.
Vernar and Butternut exchange silent glances and nods, both of them working off the same page knowing what needs to be done. Within a moment, everything changes as Butternut finds herself to be the target of a trio of hobgoblins. She gets hit and drops down, clearly not out of the fight. The moment calling for swift action and not stealth, Vernar jumps in without hesitation.
His axe finds its mark with deadly results. Vernar pivots and moves quickly towards the next hobgoblin. His sword still in one hand, he reaches for a dagger with the other, prepared to engage either at a distance or in close combat.While Butternut is crawling, Vernar advances on her left. Throwing axe already in hand, Vernar lets it fly and buries it in the head of the hobgoblin on the left! As the hobgoblin is falling, Vernar advances on the middle of the three hobgoblins.
Spotting some movement behind the hobgoblin, and guessing that Butternut is preparing to strike, he growls at his foe while breaking into a bit of a run to close the distance in case he is wrong. He isn't, and Butternut slips two blades into the back of their foe, getting a measure of retribution for their attack on her.The middle of the three hobgoblins spots Vernar charging at him and tries to switch to his longsword. With his attention diverted, Butternut emerges behind the hobgoblin and drives her short sword and dagger into his back. The hobgoblin drops silently to the ground.
He will pause a moment, his eyes locking with Butternut's. "You be alright, then," he says more as a statement than a question, a wicked grin appearing on his lips as he sees the satisfaction in her eyes from the kill.
With the area clear for the moment, Vernar will retrieve his axe and keep guard in case Butternut wants to get some healing from Laurel. Once everyone is ready, Vernar will signal to the scouts to continue winding their way around to flank the advancing enemy positions.Kaylessa fires a pair of arrows at the remaining goblin in the immediate area with one of the shafts wounding the target. The next thing anyone knows, that hobgoblin falls over to reveal Ren behind him wielding a bloody dagger.
"Here I go again on my own..." ~the Bard Whitesnake
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -
As the scouts move out toward the forest in the gully below, Butternut is attacked and the team strikes back. From her vantage point atop the bluff, the priestess sees the six hobgoblins quickly dispatched. That's a good sign, she feels. There may be more hidden away however.
Erisciana will call down to Kaylessa who remains outside the trees, the rest of the scouts having moved into the forest to combat the enemy. "Try to clear that half of the woods. I'm going to move some of us down into the other section," she states pointing off to her right and indicating the narrower area of trees near the road. "If your group gets close enough, hit the hobgoblins on the road with all your Sleep spells."
Casting a quick glance at the road and the advancing hobgoblin shield wall, the priestess sees the attackers split into two groups. One remains near the bend and the other moves closer to the center of the path, presumably to get a better angle to shoot. Her eyes narrow a moment and a brief smile tugs almost vainly at the corner of her lips. "Perfect," she thinks to herself. Not having been needed to defeat the immediate threat she will instead rush over to where the archers are continuing to fire on the approaching hobgoblins.
"We're going to move some more of us into the trees in the gully," Erisci states as she quickly reaches the others. "The enemy can stay where they are and shoot at us until they run out of arrows. We need to counter-attack and the scouts will not be able to do so by themselves." Catching Sorvani and Wimzy's attention, she will say, "We're going to need both of you to come along." To the trio of archers, she will offer, "If any of you feel you can be more effective in close combat, come along as well, but it would do to have at least two archers remain up here giving us covering fire."
She will then address Lucyus (assuming he did not continue his rush into the trees below and if so, just Kendall), "We're going down into the trees and are going to prepare to attack the archers. You lead us in and the rest will follow. Stay to this side of the Darkness. Spread out some when you get into the trees and watch out for more hobgoblins." Erisci urges Sorvani and Wimzy to quickly finish what they are doing and join them. "Stay behind the big fighters and try to get down the embankment and into the trees as quickly as possible." Erisci will cast Darkness, 15' Radius at the spot shown on the map to block the view from the left group and some of the view of the right group as they scamper down the embankment. She will then follow directly behind Lucyus and Kendall, and trying to stay as close to the magickal darkness as possible, as they go down. Once in the gully and the trees, the groups of archers on the road will not have targets.
(The map above was proved by Mad to show where the two groups of hobgoblins split up. Black blob is Darkness 15' Radius. Red arrows are our group moving into the trees and spreading out a little.)
As the scouts move out toward the forest in the gully below, Butternut is attacked and the team strikes back. From her vantage point atop the bluff, the priestess sees the six hobgoblins quickly dispatched. That's a good sign, she feels. There may be more hidden away however.
Erisciana will call down to Kaylessa who remains outside the trees, the rest of the scouts having moved into the forest to combat the enemy. "Try to clear that half of the woods. I'm going to move some of us down into the other section," she states pointing off to her right and indicating the narrower area of trees near the road. "If your group gets close enough, hit the hobgoblins on the road with all your Sleep spells."
Casting a quick glance at the road and the advancing hobgoblin shield wall, the priestess sees the attackers split into two groups. One remains near the bend and the other moves closer to the center of the path, presumably to get a better angle to shoot. Her eyes narrow a moment and a brief smile tugs almost vainly at the corner of her lips. "Perfect," she thinks to herself. Not having been needed to defeat the immediate threat she will instead rush over to where the archers are continuing to fire on the approaching hobgoblins.
"We're going to move some more of us into the trees in the gully," Erisci states as she quickly reaches the others. "The enemy can stay where they are and shoot at us until they run out of arrows. We need to counter-attack and the scouts will not be able to do so by themselves." Catching Sorvani and Wimzy's attention, she will say, "We're going to need both of you to come along." To the trio of archers, she will offer, "If any of you feel you can be more effective in close combat, come along as well, but it would do to have at least two archers remain up here giving us covering fire."
She will then address Lucyus (assuming he did not continue his rush into the trees below and if so, just Kendall), "We're going down into the trees and are going to prepare to attack the archers. You lead us in and the rest will follow. Stay to this side of the Darkness. Spread out some when you get into the trees and watch out for more hobgoblins." Erisci urges Sorvani and Wimzy to quickly finish what they are doing and join them. "Stay behind the big fighters and try to get down the embankment and into the trees as quickly as possible." Erisci will cast Darkness, 15' Radius at the spot shown on the map to block the view from the left group and some of the view of the right group as they scamper down the embankment. She will then follow directly behind Lucyus and Kendall, and trying to stay as close to the magickal darkness as possible, as they go down. Once in the gully and the trees, the groups of archers on the road will not have targets.
- eaglenestbase2b.jpg (205.61 KiB) Viewed 8204 times
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Butternut:
Butternut crawls forward into the brush, thankful that no more arrows tear into her body. Two is enough, thank you. Maybe the hobgobs think she's dying and no threat; she'll be happy to teach them their mistake.
Advancing further into the brush, Butternut is on her feet now. She successfully slips between the two archers without alerting. Just as she about to pivot around the one on her left, Vernar's axe sprouts from its forehead. An ugly smile crawls across her face as the hobgoblin flops onto its back.
'Good one, Vernar,' Butternut thinks as she turns the other way. 'Guess I'm going for this other one.'
She hears Vernar charging forward, and sees desperation on the face of the right-hand hobgoblin as it tries to switch weapons to meet his charge. He starts to bellow a warrior's cry, providing even greater distraction. Not one to let such an opportunity slip by, Butternut steps in behind and drives both of her blades deep into the hobgoblin's body. It dies with little more than a soft gasp and crumples like a marionette with its strings cut.
Looking to her left, she sees Ren rise out of the brush with blood on his daggers. 'I guess that accounts for the other one,' she thinks.
The woods grow very quiet. Butternut surmises that the other hobgoblins have been eliminated as well. Further to her left, she sees Lucyus standing at the edge of the road. A few arrows fall near him, but none find the mark.
Butternut stalks over to the cat priestess. "Spare a bit of mojo for this?" she asks almost politely, indicating the blood dribbling from the wounds on her torso and leg.
Rejoining Vernar as soon as that is resolved, she nods her understanding. This is what she has spent the last seven years training for. Butternut drops into a crouch and begins to glide forward like a panther on the hunt.
____________________________________________________________________________
A Minor healing should be sufficient for now, if you're willing.
Butternut crawls forward into the brush, thankful that no more arrows tear into her body. Two is enough, thank you. Maybe the hobgobs think she's dying and no threat; she'll be happy to teach them their mistake.
Advancing further into the brush, Butternut is on her feet now. She successfully slips between the two archers without alerting. Just as she about to pivot around the one on her left, Vernar's axe sprouts from its forehead. An ugly smile crawls across her face as the hobgoblin flops onto its back.
'Good one, Vernar,' Butternut thinks as she turns the other way. 'Guess I'm going for this other one.'
She hears Vernar charging forward, and sees desperation on the face of the right-hand hobgoblin as it tries to switch weapons to meet his charge. He starts to bellow a warrior's cry, providing even greater distraction. Not one to let such an opportunity slip by, Butternut steps in behind and drives both of her blades deep into the hobgoblin's body. It dies with little more than a soft gasp and crumples like a marionette with its strings cut.
Looking to her left, she sees Ren rise out of the brush with blood on his daggers. 'I guess that accounts for the other one,' she thinks.
The woods grow very quiet. Butternut surmises that the other hobgoblins have been eliminated as well. Further to her left, she sees Lucyus standing at the edge of the road. A few arrows fall near him, but none find the mark.
"More or less," Butternut growls, "though I wouldn't say no to a stitch o' healing." She looks over at Laurel, then back to Vernar. "Might want to sweep the gully while I have a chat with Laurel."Vernar wrote:He will pause a moment, his eyes locking with Butternut's. "You be alright, then," he says more as a statement then a question, a wicked grin appearing on his lips as he sees the satisfaction in her eyes from the kill.
Butternut stalks over to the cat priestess. "Spare a bit of mojo for this?" she asks almost politely, indicating the blood dribbling from the wounds on her torso and leg.
Rejoining Vernar as soon as that is resolved, she nods her understanding. This is what she has spent the last seven years training for. Butternut drops into a crouch and begins to glide forward like a panther on the hunt.
____________________________________________________________________________
A Minor healing should be sufficient for now, if you're willing.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Kaylessa
She is about to move off with he other scouts as Erisciana call,
Kaylessa will then move into the wood and begin to follow Vernar’s orders.
Kaylessa goes through the motions of firing her bow as the elders of her clan had shown her. She has mixed results as only one arrow finds it’s mark soon after the Hobgoblin drops as Ren appears behind it.Kaylessa fires a pair of arrows at the remaining goblin in the immediate area with one of the shafts wounding the target. The next thing anyone knows, that hobgoblin falls over to reveal Ren behind him wielding a bloody dagger.
She is about to move off with he other scouts as Erisciana call,
“We will do our best, Priestess!” she calls back the moves off to find Vernar and relay the message to him of Erisciana’s plan.Erisciana will call down to Kaylessa who remains outside the trees, the rest of the scouts having moved into the forest to combat the enemy. "Try to clear that half of the woods. I'm going to move some of us down into the other section," she states pointing off to her right and indicating the narrower area of trees near the road. "If your group gets close enough, hit the hobgoblins on the road with all your Sleep spells."
Kaylessa will then move into the wood and begin to follow Vernar’s orders.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vardra Marcus, PFC:
They had been attacked by hobgoblins in the gully, and several hit, though only the halfling scout badly. Their retaliation is quick and brutal, with all of the visible enemy taken down. The last finds itself on the pointy end of Lucyus' hurled spear. That leaves just those on the road below -- still quite a number of them -- and any in the ravine that they haven't yet found.
The hobgoblins down on the road have split into two groups. One group is just barely exposed beyond the edge of the mountain wall, with many more potentially still out of sight around the curve. The other group is roughly straight down the hill from where Lucyus stands at the road's terminus.
The foreign priestess then casts a spell that creates a field of darkness right at the top of the road. Fortunately, Vardra is far enough away that he can still see past it to the lead group of hobgoblins on the road. He quickly takes stock of the remaining fire arrows, then begins firing them down into the lead wall of shields. If either Gerett or Flare remain behind, he will urge them to do likewise. "Sann? Have you got any more of these little beauties back there?"
They had been attacked by hobgoblins in the gully, and several hit, though only the halfling scout badly. Their retaliation is quick and brutal, with all of the visible enemy taken down. The last finds itself on the pointy end of Lucyus' hurled spear. That leaves just those on the road below -- still quite a number of them -- and any in the ravine that they haven't yet found.
The hobgoblins down on the road have split into two groups. One group is just barely exposed beyond the edge of the mountain wall, with many more potentially still out of sight around the curve. The other group is roughly straight down the hill from where Lucyus stands at the road's terminus.
Erisciana decides to send more of their number down into the gully, including those making the fire arrows. "They'd be fools to stay where they are, and if they are as good of soldiers as you all have said, that isn't going to happen. If we don't maintain the pressure on them, they'll be in our laps before you know it. Personally, I don't think we're up to dealing with several score of them in melee combat. The more we can weed out before they get here, the better our chances."Erisicana wrote:"We're going to move some more of us into the trees in the gully," Erisci states as she quickly reaches the others. "The enemy can stay where they are and shoot at us until they run out of arrows. We need to counter-attack and the scouts will not be able to do so by themselves." Catching Sorvani and Wimzy's attention, she will say, "We're going to need both of you to come along." To the trio of archers, she will offer, "If any of you feel you can be more effective in close combat, come along as well, but it would do to have at least two archers remain up here giving us covering fire."
The foreign priestess then casts a spell that creates a field of darkness right at the top of the road. Fortunately, Vardra is far enough away that he can still see past it to the lead group of hobgoblins on the road. He quickly takes stock of the remaining fire arrows, then begins firing them down into the lead wall of shields. If either Gerett or Flare remain behind, he will urge them to do likewise. "Sann? Have you got any more of these little beauties back there?"
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -
The scouts are moving out to clear a large portion of the forest in the gully. Erisciana gathers up some of the remaining team to move into the other section of the forest to make sure no more enemy remain to harrow them.
Sorvani will be needed for his Sleep spell and more and Wimzy for her incredible healing gifts. While it takes away from the flame arrow production, there is only a limited amount of materials anyway. Flare is best shooting arrows and so the priestess offers to either Gerett or Vardra to join them in the counter-attack. While waiting for Gerett to answer, Vardra makes his feelings felt.
"They'd be fools to stay where they are, and if they are as good of soldiers as you all have said, that isn't going to happen. If we don't maintain the pressure on them, they'll be in our laps before you know it. Personally, I don't think we're up to dealing with several score of them in melee combat. The more we can weed out before they get here, the better our chances."
"Unfortunately," she replies, "the flame arrows have not slowed down the shield wall advance. Their archers outnumber ours more than ten to one. The first group has reached standard engagement range. Our best area of effect abilities require closer range than we have. We either bunker or counter-attack. Crandell gave us a mission." She doesn't get into a discussion because there is no time for one, simply offering her point of view.
"The Darkness I am about to cast will cover us all from one group of archers and some of the other but allow our archers to keep firing." She casts her spell and then turns to the others. "Okay, let's move. Quickly!"
The scouts are moving out to clear a large portion of the forest in the gully. Erisciana gathers up some of the remaining team to move into the other section of the forest to make sure no more enemy remain to harrow them.
Sorvani will be needed for his Sleep spell and more and Wimzy for her incredible healing gifts. While it takes away from the flame arrow production, there is only a limited amount of materials anyway. Flare is best shooting arrows and so the priestess offers to either Gerett or Vardra to join them in the counter-attack. While waiting for Gerett to answer, Vardra makes his feelings felt.
"They'd be fools to stay where they are, and if they are as good of soldiers as you all have said, that isn't going to happen. If we don't maintain the pressure on them, they'll be in our laps before you know it. Personally, I don't think we're up to dealing with several score of them in melee combat. The more we can weed out before they get here, the better our chances."
"Unfortunately," she replies, "the flame arrows have not slowed down the shield wall advance. Their archers outnumber ours more than ten to one. The first group has reached standard engagement range. Our best area of effect abilities require closer range than we have. We either bunker or counter-attack. Crandell gave us a mission." She doesn't get into a discussion because there is no time for one, simply offering her point of view.
"The Darkness I am about to cast will cover us all from one group of archers and some of the other but allow our archers to keep firing." She casts her spell and then turns to the others. "Okay, let's move. Quickly!"
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Lucyus
Taking a deep breath, Lucyus lets his spear fly. He watches it soar through the air and find it’s mark as it penetrates his foes chest! I should have learned to us a spear earlier! He thinks to himself as the whistling of arrows is soon heard about him then, he heard Erisciana faintly in the distance.
- Lucyus cannot stand to be on the sidelines any longer and comes forth to the top of the road. He hurtles a spear and it buries deep in the last hobgoblin's chest and it falls in response. The gully now appears to be free of threats, at least ones that you can actually see.
Taking a deep breath, Lucyus lets his spear fly. He watches it soar through the air and find it’s mark as it penetrates his foes chest! I should have learned to us a spear earlier! He thinks to himself as the whistling of arrows is soon heard about him then, he heard Erisciana faintly in the distance.
“The way seems clear!” He will say as he brings his axe to bare. Lucyus will move down into the gulley, if he is able he will reclaim his spear in the process then await the others within the trees.She will then address Lucyus (assuming he did not continue his rush into the trees below and if so, just Kendall), "We're going down into the trees and are going to prepare to attack the archers. You lead us in and the rest will follow. Stay to this side of the Darkness. Spread out some when you get into the trees and watch out for more hobgoblins." Erisci urges Sorvani and Wimzy to quickly finish what they are doing and join them. "Stay behind the big fighters and try to get down the embankment and into the trees as quickly as possible."
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Post Continued:
April 15th, CR 569
The hobgoblins concealed down in the gully have seemingly been made short work of by a combination of missiles and blades. The scouts on the far side of the gully briefly come together for a moment. From those watching from up on the bluff, the group of scouts is seemingly swallowed up by the woods.
Butternut crosses the stream to search that side of the woods, while Vernar and Laurel remain on the original side. Before long Butternut is aware of Ren being close by. Further behind, Kaylessa follows along her bow ready to be fired.
As the scouts move along, Vernar spots something up ahead in a small clear. There seems to be objects scattered on the ground. As he gets closer it becomes clear that the objects are backpacks and a collection of spare arrows and rations. Gear the hobgoblins left behind when they started to move on the bluff. No hobgoblins are noted in this area.
Up on the bluff, Erisciana rushes to rejoin the others. The trio of archers continues to fire on the advancing enemy below. A couple of more shields are set on fire.
The enemy more directly in front of the archers has settled into their position and started to fire! Arrows rain down in the area around the archers. Flare is wounded by an arrow as is Gerett. Vardra remains untouched. The other enemy group fires as well forcing Lucyus and Kendell to retreat back behind the rocks.
Erisciana calls out a new tactic once she is close enough and than creates a zone of darkness near the top of the road. No one can see through this darkness, even those who can otherwise see in the dark.
While the plan is put into action, the enemy directly to the south continues their bombardment but none of their attacks hit anyone. The area of darkness effectively blocks the enemy near the corner of the road. So instead of firing more arrows, they advance! Instead of moving like before, they adjust their shields to protect their side and this group runs down the road, past their comrades and takes a position on the other side.
Erisciana, Lucyus, and Kendell go down the gentle slope beside the road and into the gully. Flare, Gerett and Vardra remain up on the bluff firing their arrows. Behind them, Sann, Sorvani and Wimzy move closer to the front.
April 15th, CR 569
The hobgoblins concealed down in the gully have seemingly been made short work of by a combination of missiles and blades. The scouts on the far side of the gully briefly come together for a moment. From those watching from up on the bluff, the group of scouts is seemingly swallowed up by the woods.
Butternut crosses the stream to search that side of the woods, while Vernar and Laurel remain on the original side. Before long Butternut is aware of Ren being close by. Further behind, Kaylessa follows along her bow ready to be fired.
As the scouts move along, Vernar spots something up ahead in a small clear. There seems to be objects scattered on the ground. As he gets closer it becomes clear that the objects are backpacks and a collection of spare arrows and rations. Gear the hobgoblins left behind when they started to move on the bluff. No hobgoblins are noted in this area.
Up on the bluff, Erisciana rushes to rejoin the others. The trio of archers continues to fire on the advancing enemy below. A couple of more shields are set on fire.
The enemy more directly in front of the archers has settled into their position and started to fire! Arrows rain down in the area around the archers. Flare is wounded by an arrow as is Gerett. Vardra remains untouched. The other enemy group fires as well forcing Lucyus and Kendell to retreat back behind the rocks.
Erisciana calls out a new tactic once she is close enough and than creates a zone of darkness near the top of the road. No one can see through this darkness, even those who can otherwise see in the dark.
While the plan is put into action, the enemy directly to the south continues their bombardment but none of their attacks hit anyone. The area of darkness effectively blocks the enemy near the corner of the road. So instead of firing more arrows, they advance! Instead of moving like before, they adjust their shields to protect their side and this group runs down the road, past their comrades and takes a position on the other side.
Erisciana, Lucyus, and Kendell go down the gentle slope beside the road and into the gully. Flare, Gerett and Vardra remain up on the bluff firing their arrows. Behind them, Sann, Sorvani and Wimzy move closer to the front.
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
GM Notes:
I'm not going to assume the actions of those who have not posted, so as of this point both Flare and Gerett remained up above. Flare mailed me a question during the week, so he may be posting. Likewise, Laurel will heal Butternut when she says she is doing so.
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Flare – 19 of 25
Gerett – 10 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Both groups are now close enough to appear on the same map. Here is the updated map:
As per the earlier map, the yellow lines are the enemy.
Now what?
I'm not going to assume the actions of those who have not posted, so as of this point both Flare and Gerett remained up above. Flare mailed me a question during the week, so he may be posting. Likewise, Laurel will heal Butternut when she says she is doing so.
Hit Points:
Butternut – 12 of 21
Flare – 19 of 25
Gerett – 10 of 15
Sorvani – 14 of 15
Both groups are now close enough to appear on the same map. Here is the updated map:
- graystone038.jpg (204.35 KiB) Viewed 8150 times
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Additional GM Notes:
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on two things.
First, I've finally added the next game day for this game to the Campaign History area! The recap starts with the group underground, finding Chimera Squad, and then the Stone Dwarf. The days ends camped out at the base of the entrance to Eagle's Nest. GM notes include some inside information!
Secondly, I added a new page to the maps section in the private area. This page shows the maps for the portions of the caves explored with a key to what happened where.
And now back to your regularly scheduled post!
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on two things.
First, I've finally added the next game day for this game to the Campaign History area! The recap starts with the group underground, finding Chimera Squad, and then the Stone Dwarf. The days ends camped out at the base of the entrance to Eagle's Nest. GM notes include some inside information!
Secondly, I added a new page to the maps section in the private area. This page shows the maps for the portions of the caves explored with a key to what happened where.
And now back to your regularly scheduled post!
Try it and find out!
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vernar -
Nodding, Vernar simply says, "Understood." He indicates to Butternut where they plan to go so that she can catch up easily enough before she turns to find Laurel."More or less," Butternut growls, "though I wouldn't say no to a stitch o' healing." She looks over at Laurel, then back to Vernar. "Might want to sweep the gully while I have a chat with Laurel."
Vernar leaves that stuff behind. He doubts any of the regular gear is needed, and would likely be subpar to what the rest of them carry anyway. In a pinch, the extra arrows might be handy, but Vernar doubts this engagement will remain at missile range for much longer. Once the area is confirmed to be clear of enemies, Vernar will indicate to the other scouts to move out per what Kaylessa passed on to him about Erisciana's plans.As the scouts move along, Vernar spots something up ahead in a small clear. There seems to be objects scattered on the ground. As he gets closer it becomes clear that the objects are backpacks and a collection of spare arrows and rations. Gear the hobgoblins left behind when they started to move on the bluff. No hobgoblins are noted in this area.
"Here I go again on my own..." ~the Bard Whitesnake
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Laurel nods curtly, the wound being clear on the halfling. She prepares her holy symbol and casts a spell of healing on Butternut. She glances around, taking stock of the situation. It would be best for the wound to be cleaned and stitched properly but this was neither the time or place. Laurel sighs and digs through her satchel: pulling out a jar. She unscrews the lid and dips her fingers into the holy water contained therein. The least she can do is hope that Felix will grant Butternut some favor. She invokes a spell of protection from evil on Butternut. The spell envelopes the halfling in a protective bubble, subtle, but effective. Laurel nods and screws the lid back onto the jar, stowing it back in her satchel. The young woman turns her attention to Vernar, following him as quietly as she can so she won't draw unnecessary attention. She finally catches up to him when he pauses to inspect an abandoned hobgoblin camp. Vernar passes up most of the items left laying on the forest floor. The young woman also ignores them, not willing to encumber herself with unnecessary flotsam.Butternut wrote:"Spare a bit of mojo for this?"
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Gerett mulled it over for a second. He felt more effective in close combat in general, especially when the enemy had such good cover and distance. The only downside was getting there--he was entrenched now and wasn't the fastest runner, especially with a melee weapon to hand. But if he was going to join the melee at all, it had to be now. The priestess was right that someone should stay back to maintain cover fire.Erisciana wrote:If any of you feel you can be more effective in close combat, come along as well, but it would do to have at least two archers remain up here giving us covering fire."
Vardra was of a mind to maintain the fire, and he wasn't wrong. Still, if Flare and Vardra were staying, this might be Gerett's chance to move.Vardra wrote:"They'd be fools to stay where they are, and if they are as good of soldiers as you all have said, that isn't going to happen. If we don't maintain the pressure on them, they'll be in our laps before you know it. Personally, I don't think we're up to dealing with several score of them in melee combat. The more we can weed out before they get here, the better our chances."
"Aye," Gerett finally spoke up. "I haven't been doing much back here. I think we should keep the pressure on them, just like Vardra says. But I think you and Flare will be enough. I'll be better served down there." Gerett slung his crossbow over his back and hefted his halberd.Erisciana wrote:"Unfortunately," she replies, "the flame arrows have not slowed down the shield wall advance. Their archers outnumber ours more than ten to one. The first group has reached standard engagement range. Our best area of effect abilities require closer range than we have. We either bunker or counter-attack. Crandell gave us a mission."
Getting geared up took a bit of time and the others had already begun to move by the time Gerett got ready to go. He sprinted downhill as fast as he could, hoping to get beside Lucyus before combat is enjoined with the advancing hobgoblins. He left himself open this way, and grunted as he took another arrow.
"They'll pay for that one", he muttered simply. He tried to use Erisciana's magical darkness to cover him the rest of the way until he finally caught up to the others.
"Sorry for the delay. Here now, anyway," he stated matter-of-factly to Erisciana and Lucyus as he leveled his halberd and waited for their cue to charge.
-Michael
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -
Gerett agrees to join them down in the gully and Erisciana responds with a grin. "Aye," Gerett finally spoke up. "I haven't been doing much back here. I think we should keep the pressure on them, just like Vardra says. But I think you and Flare will be enough. I'll be better served down there." Gerett slung his crossbow over his back and hefted his halberd.
The priestess casts a Darkness spell on the road to block the view and therefore the shooting of the far group of hobgoblins. Signaling the group, Erisciana waits as Lucyus and Kendall rush down the slope and then she quickly follows after them. Arrows drop around them nearby but nothing comes close to hitting her. There are a few grunts of pain behind her, indicating that some of the hobgoblins' arrows found their mark at least marginally.
As she heads down the hill, Erisci sees the hobgoblins she blocked with the Darkness move at double time past the group to the center and further down that road. "Excellent," escapes her lips as she finishes her rush and enters the trees in the gully. "One group of hobgoblins is moving closer to the scouts. They should have a close ambush opportunity if they move quickly," she says to those nearby.
Turning to Lucyus, she taps him on his armored shoulder. "Take Kendall and make sure no more hobgoblins are to our right," she says pointing to the trees in that direction. Looking back up the hill, the priestess will motion to the others to come along. "Quickly! We need to strike in mere moments," she stage whispers up to those on the bluff.
She will then turn her attention to the left toward where the scouts are in the forest. She will look for any further enemies for a moment as she waits for Lucyus and Kendall to return and for the others who are coming down to join them.
Gerett agrees to join them down in the gully and Erisciana responds with a grin. "Aye," Gerett finally spoke up. "I haven't been doing much back here. I think we should keep the pressure on them, just like Vardra says. But I think you and Flare will be enough. I'll be better served down there." Gerett slung his crossbow over his back and hefted his halberd.
The priestess casts a Darkness spell on the road to block the view and therefore the shooting of the far group of hobgoblins. Signaling the group, Erisciana waits as Lucyus and Kendall rush down the slope and then she quickly follows after them. Arrows drop around them nearby but nothing comes close to hitting her. There are a few grunts of pain behind her, indicating that some of the hobgoblins' arrows found their mark at least marginally.
As she heads down the hill, Erisci sees the hobgoblins she blocked with the Darkness move at double time past the group to the center and further down that road. "Excellent," escapes her lips as she finishes her rush and enters the trees in the gully. "One group of hobgoblins is moving closer to the scouts. They should have a close ambush opportunity if they move quickly," she says to those nearby.
Turning to Lucyus, she taps him on his armored shoulder. "Take Kendall and make sure no more hobgoblins are to our right," she says pointing to the trees in that direction. Looking back up the hill, the priestess will motion to the others to come along. "Quickly! We need to strike in mere moments," she stage whispers up to those on the bluff.
She will then turn her attention to the left toward where the scouts are in the forest. She will look for any further enemies for a moment as she waits for Lucyus and Kendall to return and for the others who are coming down to join them.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Butternut:
As Butternut moves toward the priestess Laurel, Vernar indicates the direction he intends to go before heading off into the woods. Butternut nods and plans her route to intersect with his at the end of their respective searches.
Laurel nods her assent to Butternut's request for healing, invoking her deity to power the blessing. "Thank you," Butternut says and then turns to leave. Just then, she notices the priestess pulling something out of her pack and pauses to see what she's doing. "What's that?" she asks as Laurel wordlessly dabs a clear liquid on her, then intones another spell. "Uhm... thank you again. Was that another healing spell?" Butternut doesn't detect any sign of her wounds healing further as a result of the second spell, but isn't sure what else it might have been.
After she and Laurel go their separate ways, Butternut crosses the stream to check for more signs of the enemy. Now that she's stopped bleeding, she feels a bit more confident and presses on. Noting Ren nearby, she signals approval to him and indicates that she wants him to watch her back. Gliding through the woods puts her in her element as she stalks noiselessly through the underbrush.
Coordinating with Ren, they search the southern section of the gully from west to east. As they approach the eastern edge of the woods, Butternut spots Vernar and Laurel on the other side of the stream. They appear to have found some of the hobgobs discarded gear. She suspects that there is little of real value there and continues forward. Vernar points toward the east, so she goes as far in that direction as she can without leaving the cover of the woods. She's not sure if he intends to keep moving out into the more exposed down-sloping area beyond that wraps around the bend in the road or not. Looking toward her dwarven friend, she signals that she thinks proceeding may be a bad idea. Better to let the enemy come to them while they're hidden.
As Butternut moves toward the priestess Laurel, Vernar indicates the direction he intends to go before heading off into the woods. Butternut nods and plans her route to intersect with his at the end of their respective searches.
Laurel nods her assent to Butternut's request for healing, invoking her deity to power the blessing. "Thank you," Butternut says and then turns to leave. Just then, she notices the priestess pulling something out of her pack and pauses to see what she's doing. "What's that?" she asks as Laurel wordlessly dabs a clear liquid on her, then intones another spell. "Uhm... thank you again. Was that another healing spell?" Butternut doesn't detect any sign of her wounds healing further as a result of the second spell, but isn't sure what else it might have been.
After she and Laurel go their separate ways, Butternut crosses the stream to check for more signs of the enemy. Now that she's stopped bleeding, she feels a bit more confident and presses on. Noting Ren nearby, she signals approval to him and indicates that she wants him to watch her back. Gliding through the woods puts her in her element as she stalks noiselessly through the underbrush.
Coordinating with Ren, they search the southern section of the gully from west to east. As they approach the eastern edge of the woods, Butternut spots Vernar and Laurel on the other side of the stream. They appear to have found some of the hobgobs discarded gear. She suspects that there is little of real value there and continues forward. Vernar points toward the east, so she goes as far in that direction as she can without leaving the cover of the woods. She's not sure if he intends to keep moving out into the more exposed down-sloping area beyond that wraps around the bend in the road or not. Looking toward her dwarven friend, she signals that she thinks proceeding may be a bad idea. Better to let the enemy come to them while they're hidden.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Vardra Marcus, PFC:
It looks like the hobgoblins in the gully have all been eliminated, so the squad turns their attention to those advancing up the road.
Vardra and those remaining with him continue to fire down on the hobgoblins, setting a couple more shields on fire. Those are discarded and more have to be leveraged into place. Meanwhile, the trailing group abandons their spot where Erisi's spell blocks their view and hop-scotches the lead group; they set up further along the road where they have a clear view. A barrage of hobgoblin arrows rains down upon the area; Gerett takes a hit as he runs down into the gully, as does Flare. Neither appears particularly serious, but could limit their effectiveness and help to wear them down over time.
Vardra glances over at Flare. "If you're staying, I recommend moving back a bit further into cover and trying to find a more protected spot, such as shooting between trees or over a stump. I'm going to do the same. If not, you may not want to delay any longer. Sorvani, Wimzy, Sann -- I suggest you do the same. The enemy may now be within range of your bow, Sorvani, if you're so inclined." Having given his advice to those still on the verge, Vardra pulls back from the edge as far as he can and still see the enemy, then picks a better defensive spot to fire from.
It looks like the hobgoblins in the gully have all been eliminated, so the squad turns their attention to those advancing up the road.
Vardra shrugs in response to the priestess' comments. "Seems like it has slowed them somewhat to me. Without our return fire, they could have just sprinted up the road and been here already rather than turtling behind their shields. But, you do what you feel you have to. I'll provide what covering fire I can."Erisciana wrote:"Unfortunately," she replies, "the flame arrows have not slowed down the shield wall advance. Their archers outnumber ours more than ten to one. The first group has reached standard engagement range. Our best area of effect abilities require closer range than we have. We either bunker or counter-attack. Crandell gave us a mission." She doesn't get into a discussion because there is no time for one, simply offering her point of view.
Their new dwarven companion considers his options and decides to join the melee group in the gully. "Be well," Vardra replies and gives him a quick salute.Gerett wrote:"Aye," Gerett finally spoke up. "I haven't been doing much back here. I think we should keep the pressure on them, just like Vardra says. But I think you and Flare will be enough. I'll be better served down there." Gerett slung his crossbow over his back and hefted his halberd.
Vardra and those remaining with him continue to fire down on the hobgoblins, setting a couple more shields on fire. Those are discarded and more have to be leveraged into place. Meanwhile, the trailing group abandons their spot where Erisi's spell blocks their view and hop-scotches the lead group; they set up further along the road where they have a clear view. A barrage of hobgoblin arrows rains down upon the area; Gerett takes a hit as he runs down into the gully, as does Flare. Neither appears particularly serious, but could limit their effectiveness and help to wear them down over time.
Vardra glances over at Flare. "If you're staying, I recommend moving back a bit further into cover and trying to find a more protected spot, such as shooting between trees or over a stump. I'm going to do the same. If not, you may not want to delay any longer. Sorvani, Wimzy, Sann -- I suggest you do the same. The enemy may now be within range of your bow, Sorvani, if you're so inclined." Having given his advice to those still on the verge, Vardra pulls back from the edge as far as he can and still see the enemy, then picks a better defensive spot to fire from.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie, Butternut, Onas, and Vardra)
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Lucyus
The adrenaline of battle hits the Paladin as he moves down the hill. Out of the corner of his eye he sees a globe of darkness come into being, The priestess’s work. He adds as he comes along the Hobgoblin he skewered and grabs hold of the shaft and exerts himself pulling up on the spear. The spear tip comes away bloody with a splash of blood.
He turns for a moment to see if anyone has followed him and sees Kendell not far from his position with the War priestess not far behind.
Lucyus will move into the wooded area to their right 30ft and check for enemies, he will return afterward.
The adrenaline of battle hits the Paladin as he moves down the hill. Out of the corner of his eye he sees a globe of darkness come into being, The priestess’s work. He adds as he comes along the Hobgoblin he skewered and grabs hold of the shaft and exerts himself pulling up on the spear. The spear tip comes away bloody with a splash of blood.
He turns for a moment to see if anyone has followed him and sees Kendell not far from his position with the War priestess not far behind.
Looking in the priestess’s direction, Lucyus smirks beneath his visor. “To late for stealth. Kendell up for some hunting?” he says as he hefts his spear and shield.Turning to Lucyus, she taps him on his armored shoulder. "Take Kendall and make sure no more hobgoblins are to our right," she says pointing to the trees in that direction. Looking back up the hill, the priestess will motion to the others to come along. "Quickly! We need to strike in mere moments," she stage whispers up to those on the bluff.
Lucyus will move into the wooded area to their right 30ft and check for enemies, he will return afterward.
Last edited by Lucyus on Sat Dec 21, 2019 12:44 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Operation: Graystone #21
Kaylessa
They soon come along a cache of packs, causing the elf to slow while the others run forward. A thought comes to her, Perhaps they have oil. Or something they can use. Even the thought of lighting the packs on fire comes to mind. It would weaken the force though at the expense of giving their position away.
Kaylessa will choose two random packs and check them. Not only will she look for useful items, but look for intel or maps as well.
Moving through the brush brings her back to her time in the Elfholds, the elders attempting to show them the ways of the wild. Some lessons stuck others were beyond her skill. Passing the thought from her mind, Kaylessa follows Butternut, Ren and Vernar through the woods.As the scouts move along, Vernar spots something up ahead in a small clear. There seems to be objects scattered on the ground. As he gets closer it becomes clear that the objects are backpacks and a collection of spare arrows and rations. Gear the hobgoblins left behind when they started to move on the bluff. No hobgoblins are noted in this area.
They soon come along a cache of packs, causing the elf to slow while the others run forward. A thought comes to her, Perhaps they have oil. Or something they can use. Even the thought of lighting the packs on fire comes to mind. It would weaken the force though at the expense of giving their position away.
Kaylessa will choose two random packs and check them. Not only will she look for useful items, but look for intel or maps as well.