Operation: Graystone #23

[GM Mad]

Operation: Graystone #23

April 15th, CR 569


A unit of hobgoblins are trying to take the Eagle's Nest outpost! They had been advancing up the road that winds its way back and forth across the hillside in two groups. One of those groups were taken out by the very Alchemist's Fire they were trying to use against the squads. With half the enemy defeated, all attention is turned towards the second group.

“What is going on? Where are the others?” he asks the warrior.

“The varmints blew themselves up!” Kendell drawls to the Holy Warrior. “We're gonna stampede the rest!”


Butternut and Ren start to climb around the slope where the first group of enemies were downed. Vernar keeps an eye on them and the rest of the squad.


From up on the bluff, Flare and Vardra keep watch while firing at the enemy below.


Erisciana moves back to Lucyus and the others with Kaylessa and Laurel following. A quick plan is outlined. Lucyus, Gerett and Kendell are to charge from the right, while the spell casters hit the enemy with multiple Sleep spells. Laurel stays near the spellcasters. Erisciana heals Gerett of all his wounds while Wimzy does the same for Sorvani. The groups separate and prepare to attack!

Vardra glances over at Flare. "I suspect the others will be rushing the remaining hobgoblins soon. Once it turns to melee, firing into the melee might not be the best idea. At that point, I plan to join them. It's up to you whether you want to do the same."

“Lead the way,” the Ranger of Selune answers.


Finally, it happens! Kendell crests the slope and starts to charge across the road and then down the second slope towards the enemy, howling at the top of his lungs! Lucyus and Gerett race after him.

The enemy sends arrows towards those charging their position. None of the shafts pierce the armor of Kendell or Lucyus, but Gerett does take a hit, but it does not slow him down.

Erisciana, Kaylessa and Sorvani all cast Sleep spells at the same time and in response over half the enemy crumble to the ground!

Vernar creeps up the road and sees this happening. The attack is going on now! Moving forward down the road, Vernar alerts Butternut and Ren that its time to move on the enemy! Likewise, further up the slope, Flare and Vardra rush to join the attack. No arrows are sent towards either group.

Kendell reaches the enemy first and drives his shield into the tower shield knocking it and his wielder backwards, breaching the enemy line. Kendell stabs an enemy with his longsword, slaying the creature. Lucyus follows Kendell into the enemy force and dispatches one with his battleaxe. Gerett switches to his shortsword and dagger for the close quarters combat and takes out another hobgoblin. There are less than ten hobgoblins on their feet!

Seeing that the enemy forces are on the ropes, Erisciana has her group charge as well, along with the scouts and the archers.

The hobgoblins switch to their swords and strike back. Lucyus and Kendell emerge unscathed, but Gerett takes a couple of hits and drops to his knees near death!

Kendell and Lucyus strike back and each man removes a hobgoblin leaving only six of them.

Erisciana's group reaches the enemy and the priestess bashes a hobgoblin with her mace. Sorvani stabs it for good measure. Sann and Kaylessa each takes out one of the enemy with their swords and daggers. Wimzy rushes to heal Gerett, restoring some of his health. Three of the enemy left.

One of the remaining hobgoblin slashes Wimzy with his sword, greatly wounding the priestess! The other two fail in their attacks.

Enraged by this, Lucyus takes out the hobgoblin that struck Wimzy. Vardra arrives and impales one of the enemy on his longsword. Flare and Erisciana remove the last of the standing enemy just as Butternut, Ren and Vernar come rushing in.

Just like that, the enemy has been defeated! Butternut starts to finish off the sleeping hobgoblins while Ren searches them for valuables.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I got to a point while running the combat that the fighting could be wrapped up in this post, so I went a bit further to finish it off. Congratulations! You just took out 80 hobgoblins!

The fire down in the gully will continue to burn, but will slow as the Alchemist's Fire is burned off. It is a little larger now than it was before, but is not spreading as fast.

Hit Points:

Butternut – 18 of 21
Gerett – 7 of 15
Flare – 19 of 25
Wimzy – 7 of 14

No map this time, but everyone is back together.

Now what?

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

“The varmints blew themselves up!” Kendell drawls to the Holy Warrior. “We're gonna stampede the rest!”

“That is unfortunate for them!” Lucyus says in return. “By Heironous, we will charge them! Get ready to charge!


The enemy sends arrows towards those charging their position. None of the shafts pierce the arrow of Kendell or Lucyus, but Gerett does take a hit, but it does not slow him down.[/quote]
Lucyus cant help but smile at the Warrior’s zeal, as he howls in anticipation of battle. Yet still this is not one to take on a stealth run!

Finally, it happens! Kendell crests the slope and starts to charge across the road and then down the second slope towards the enemy, howling at the top of his lungs! Lucyus and Gerett race after him.

Lucyus follows Kendell, The adrenaline of the battle causing his blood and heart to pump faster. Arrows fly by, but do not gain purchase in his armor or shield. The sounds of Hobgoblins dropping into slumber is heard followed by a few snores as the remainder call out in alarm. Kendell lowers behind his shield and rushes the shield wall. Not to leave a comrade alone, Lucyus follows the Brave warrior. As the flanking shieldman turns, Lucyus sees an opening and brings his Battleaxe to bare.
His strike is solid and the Hobgoblin goes down as he pulls his axe free from its dying corpse.
In the Chaos of battle, he sees Gerret drop to his knees, “Gerret!” he calls out as he tries to move to the dwarfs side to offer more protection. Failing to gain much ground, he sees Wimzy bravely step forward and heal the Dwarf.
His eyes widen as he sees three Hobogoblins turn and target Wimzy, One strikes true causing the halfling to become a bloody mess. A growl erupts from his lips as he calls out, “Pick on one your own size, Vermin!” as he brings his axe down on the one that struck Wimzy.
Within seconds the remaining enemies are down and Lucyus turns to Wimzy, “If all were as brave as you.” He says simply as he upon his faith and burns a Light spell for a CLWs to cast on Wimzy.
Once done he will see if anyone else is in need of Healing, “Well Fought, all of you.” Turning to Erisiciana, “Your plan worked well this day, Priestess.” He says reaching out to congratulate her.
Lucyus will then wipe his battle axe on a fallen Hobgoblin’s cloak.

[Gerett]

Similarly, she will loop the leather end of the handle to her belt hook and place her palm upon Gerett's forehead. She chants in an unknown tongue and a bluish glow forms around her hand, then extends to cover the dwarf's form briefly before dissipating.

Gerett couldn't help but give a shudder as...something...enveloped him and caused his wounds to stitch together. He was not unfamiliar with magical healing but had not experienced it himself. When the initial goosebumps faded he had to admit he felt much better. It would be impractical to be too squeamish about this resource, especially when they were so outnumbered. Besides, he assumed Erisciana had much stranger thaumaturgy she could inflict on him if the need arose. He was back to fighting strength, and this would be needed. It was finally the time to charge.

From the sounds of things, the enemy flankers had been pretty well wiped out by the scouts and by their own misuse of the liquid fire. Just one last force to push through and it would be over. Nothing to underestimate, though. The hobgoblins were disciplined soldiers, if not as skilled or intelligent as...thinking peoples. And despite the great numbers of enemies already slain, they were still outnumbered. This last scrap would be bloody and quick. Having seen the skill of his companions he was confident they would win. But it would come at a cost of blood. Hopefully no lives.

Gerett dropped his halberd--if he lived he could pick it up very soon when everything was over. This would be brutal, close murder making to come. He drew a short sword and dagger.

Kendell was the first to charge, howling in fury. Lucyus followed and Gerett kept up close behind. He felt yet another arrow pierce him, but kept going. Slowing now would only give more shots a chance to land. Kendell soon broke through the line. For all that Gerett preferred to fight stoically, the fighter's rage did serve the vital purpose of breaking up the enemy formation. It would be on him and Lucyus to capitalize on this and slay as many as possible while there was a hole. Using his lesser height to his advantage, he dove into the opening and cut a hobgoblin to shreds.

Enemies began to drop all around him--from magically inflicted exhaustion and from the weapons of their now-reformed group. Though it happened in his peripherals, Gerett could not help but admire the efficiency of the group now that they were all together. They were a machine, shredding through the enemy with disparate weapons and skills. Perhaps not as precise and steadfast as a line of identical dwarven fighters. But this swirling chaos passed over the enemy and left bodies in its trail.

Gerett gasped as multiple weapons find their target between his armor. His strength was sapped almost instantly--he dropped to the ground despite knowing that doing so would leave him open to be torn apart by the remaining enemy. He gasped again. Just as suddenly as his energy drained, he felt it surging back into him. As he involuntarily stood from the rush of life, he turned his head to see the other priestess with her hand on his back. As he stuttered out a flat, "Thank ye," he choked on the last word as Wimzy was nearly brought low by one of the last hobgoblins remaining alive. He gritted his teeth and his knuckles went white as he gripped his weapons. There was the anger he had seen in the others--the "righteous" emotion Erisciana had described when it came to protecting the weak or innocent. The goblins had been an enemy before, but now they were an offense. The wrongness of their violence now--that the one who had helped him could be killed when the battle was nearly over--sat sour in his stomach like a bad stew. The worst was that he wasn't sure he had the strength yet to fix these hobgoblins like they needed...

Fortunatly Lucyus was ahead of him, and swiftly ended the one which attacked Wimzy. As quickly as it started, it was all over. Seeing no conscious hobgoblins around, Gerett began to assist Butternut in finishing off the dazed monsters.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Arrows fill the air towards their charging allies as the words of the sleep spell leave her elfin lips. With the combined sleep spells over half the Hobgoblins fall to the ground in a dream like state.

Slinging her bow over her shoulder she draws forth her shortswords, the magical one in her stronger right hand. And looks to Erisciana for the moment to charge, and she does not have to wait for long.

Erisciana's group reaches the enemy and the priestess bashes a hobgoblin with her mace. Sorvani stabs it for good measure. Sann and Kaylessa each takes out one of the enemy with their swords and daggers. Wimzy rushes to heal Gerett, restoring some of his health. Three of the enemy left.

Approaching, she can see Gerret, Kendell and Lucyus in the thick of the remaining foes, Knowing she has to help she runs in with her shortswords and attacks as Sann adds his own attacks bringing their opponent to the ground. Looking about Three remain then two as the one who attacked Wimzy goes down, then Vardra and Flare are among them and it is over. Within seconds the scouts are there and Butternut is seeing to the sleeping foes.
Looking about her she can’t help but wonder if there could be more to this. She casts her gaze about them as she draws an arrow and hears Lucyus’s words of congratulations to the Priestess. She smiles for a moment and nods in agreement. They all did well this day, at least for now.
“There is still the Caravan in which we set out to take. If we do not venture forth, let us gather the shields and fortify the fort. But if we go forth let us be wary as there may be more lurking near.”
Kaylessa will look to see if anyone seems to be watching them. Looking for glints of metal in the distance.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -

The priestess meets with Lucyus and the others, updating them on the plan. She heals Gerett and a smile forms as she recognizes the look on his face. The warmth and pull of having one's wounds healed by a priest took some time to get used to experiencing. After another moment, the priestess sends them off to the right. Looking back to the scouts, they either did not understand her signal, ignored it, or see some advantage to moving further away. She frowned briefly, as the extra three Sleep spells would make this attack both simpler and safer. But there was no more time to waste and their group was strong enough to wipe out the immediate enemy while they were isolated and vulnerable.

The main assault trio start up the hill and Kendall is ready for combat. She does not blame him as they have been fighting a delaying action all morning. Now was the time to let loose. As the large mailed warrior crests the top of the road, Erisciana nods to the others with her and they also scamper up the hill. The air is full of the arcane intonations of herself, as well as Sorvani and Kaylessa. In moments a large number of the enemy collapse from magickal exhaustion. A satisfied smile graces her features for a moment as she sees that the effect was at least as good as she expected.

A moment later, the direct clash of arms happens as Kendall blasts bodily into the shield wall, forcing an opening. The fighters disappear into the combat and the sound of steel on steel rings out loudly across the hills. The priestess unhooks her mace and gives a simple command, "Let us finish this!" she says as she rushes down the embankment.

She heads directly for a hobgoblin engaged with one of her comrades and swings an overhead arc, bringing the flanged top into its exposed neck. A moment later, Sorvani is beside and finishes it with a sword thrust. The battle is obviously in their favor and the priestess buffets another humanoid from behind, bringing the wounded enemy to the ground.

Just like that, the battle sounds die down and everyone looks around. The scouts run up and she sees that the archers also joined the fight. "Good we're all together,'" she says simply.

Looking for any wounded, the priestess sees that Gerett is bloodied, as is Wimzy but most of everyone else is healthy and hale. Lucyus moves to assist Wimzy so Erisci will quickly heal Gerett again. As she does so, she sees Butternut begin to take out the living hobgoblins.

Once done Lucyus will see if anyone else is in need of Healing, “Well Fought, all of you.” Turning to Erisiciana, “Your plan worked well this day, Priestess,” he says reaching out to congratulate her.

Erisci smiles at the paladin. "We did well enough," she responds, shaking his hand. "But this battle is not ended." She looks about her briefly and realizes that they are in the open and there are likely more enemy in the woods below. "Does anyone else need healing? Vernar, once the sleeping hobgoblins are dealt with, take your team and start working down to the trees below. We have not encountered any apparent leaders and there might be a rear-guard and more to still deal with."

Lucyus’ words of congratulations to the Priestess. She smiles for a moment and nods in agreement. They all did well this day, at least for now.
“There is still the Caravan in which we set out to take. If we do not venture forth, let us gather the shields and fortify the fort. But if we go forth let us be wary as there may be more lurking near.”

Kaylessa will look to see if anyone seems to be watching them. Looking for glints of metal in the distance.

"It is a little premature to fortify yet. But using the shields is a good idea for us to advance our main group down to the woods. We should split up into two more groups and move down. We don't want to be subject to any area of effect spells. Let us collect ourselves and move out quickly. The battle this day is likely not complete."

A few moments after Vernar, Butternut, Kaylessa, Ren and Laurel move out, she will split the remaining group into two. "Lucyus, take Vardra, Wizy and Sann with you. The rest with me. Keep about 20 yards between us. Your group will move down to the next lower road first and then we'll follow. Be vigilant, I am still expecting more opposition."

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Vernar sees Kaylessa deliver his message easily enough. Before turning to join the other two, he spots Erisciana trying to give direction to regroup with them. However, it's far too late to pull back Butternut and Ren now, as he had already tasked them to find a way around the other direction. He figured there would be enough time, that is until Kendall leads a reckless charge. Not everyone has patience enough, the dwarf thinks, can't be worrying about Erisciana's plan anymore.

Vernar makes his way up onto the road to cut the distance to the remaining hobgoblins. He watches as magic takes the consciousness from a good many of the enemy rank. No arrows are fired in his direction, and soon enough Butternut and Ren clamber up and join his sprint to the battle. However, it's over long before he gets into throwing range.

Erisci smiles at the paladin. "We did well enough," she responds, shaking his hand. "But this battle is not ended." She looks about her briefly and realizes that they are in the open and there are likely more enemy in the woods below. "Does anyone else need healing? Vernar, once the sleeping hobgoblins are dealt with, take your team and start working down to the trees below. We have not encountered any apparent leaders and there might be a rear-guard and more to still deal with."

"It be done," Vernar states plainly. He motions to the other scouts and begins to head off for the cover of the trees once more. He will indicate to Butternut and Ren to fan out a bit so the three of them are not caught grouped up.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

As agreed, Butternut leads Ren around the horn of the road, clinging to roots and protruding rocks to stay out of sight of the remaining hobgob archers. Just as she is reaching a point where she can look westward along the lower slope, she hears a strange howling cry in the distance. Poking her head up over the edge of the road, she spots Vernar clambering up. The dwarf signals for her and Ren to join him. Glancing further down the way, she notes several of their warriors rushing the remaining enemy; the howling seems to be coming from the huge human, Kendall. The counterattack has begun!

With stealth having become moot, Butternut shouts over to Ren. "Come on - the attack is starting without us!" She clambers up onto the road and joins Vernar in racing toward the battle. Sadly, their short legs are insufficient to get them there in time, and the last hobgoblin falls just as they are arriving. "Well, that's disappointing," Butternut grumbles.

With nothing better to do, the halfling tunnelrat proceeds to send the napping hobgoblins to a permanent rest. Gerett soon joins in the fun. Taking note of his wounds, Butternut addresses the dwarf. "Good to see you alive, but you look a little worse for the wear. Might want to get some priestly help with that."

"It be done," Vernar states plainly. He motions to the other scouts and begins to head off for the cover of the trees once more. He will indicate to Butternut and Ren to fan out a bit so the three of them are not caught grouped up.

Some moment of relief and celebration is followed by mention of the caravan and concerns that there may yet be more of the enemy in the woods below. With them standing in the open like this, Butternut suspects that they would be getting shot at if that were the case. Vernar agrees to Erisciana's request for them to scout the lower woods, so she just shrugs, quickly wipes off her blades with a scrap of cloth snatched from her latest victim, and moves off as he indicated.

_______________________________________________________________________
I'm not entirely sure which way the scouts are going, so I'll hold off on posting any more for now.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

“Lead the way,” the Ranger of Selune answers.

The strange young woodsman confirms his willingness to join the coming melee at Vardra's side. "Good man," he says with a nod of approval before returning his attention to the developing situation below.

He doesn't have long to wait. A battle cry goes up from Kendall, who leads the charge against the enemy with Lucyus and Gerett close behind. This is as good a signal as any, and Vardra immediately takes off running. He dashes down into the gully, stowing his bow and readying his shield as he runs. It almost feels like one of the drills that Sergeant Dalrimple back in Crossroads would have them practice regularly. But this time, it is no drill; there are real enemies waiting.

Racing up onto the road just past the gully, Vardra see Kendall smash into the shield line. The collision is spectacular and leaves a gaping hole in the shield wall. Other hobgoblins start dropping for no apparent reason. 'Must be the wizards' doing,' he thinks as he races down the last slope. Aiming straight for the largest remaining cluster of hobgoblins, Vardra aims to do just the same. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees several of the scouts running toward the battle, but they have much further still to go.

The battle quickly devolves into a free-for-all. Gerett takes a nasty hit and tumbles to the ground. Wimzy is at his side almost immediate and minsters to his wounds, but another hobgoblin sticks her pretty bad. A deep rage begins to smolder within Vardra as he reaches the enemy line. One of the goblinoids takes a swipe at him, but he slaps it away with his shield and drives his sword through his opponent's chest. Flare helps Erisciana down the last remaining hobgoblin just as the scouts come running in.

Vardra looks around at the bodies lying everywhere, his rage draining away. The entire battle ended almost before it had begun. Lucyus and the various priests take a few moments to provide godly healing to those in need. "Hunh," he grunts. "I figured three dozen of these creatures would put up more of a fight."

“Well Fought, all of you.”

"Indeed," Vardra says in agreement. They have acquitted themselves well, all things considered.

“There is still the Caravan in which we set out to take. If we do not venture forth, let us gather the shields and fortify the fort. But if we go forth let us be wary as there may be more lurking near.”

"It is a little premature to fortify yet. But using the shields is a good idea for us to advance our main group down to the woods. We should split up into two more groups and move down. We don't want to be subject to any area of effect spells. Let us collect ourselves and move out quickly. The battle this day is likely not complete."

Vardra turns and looks down the hill toward the woods below as the scouts leave to do what they do best. "Can't hurt to check, I suppose." Since he already has a good shield, he ignores the ones so conveniently provided by the hobgoblins. He walks over to the paladin. "Ready."

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

A few moments after Vernar, Butternut, Kaylessa, Ren and Laurel move out, she will split the remaining group into two. "Lucyus, take Vardra, Wizy and Sann with you. The rest with me. Keep about 20 yards between us. Your group will move down to the next lower road first and then we'll follow. Be vigilant, I am still expecting more opposition."

“We will do as you ask. “ the Paladin says in reply.

Vardra turns and looks down the hill toward the woods below as the scouts leave to do what they do best. "Can't hurt to check, I suppose." Since he already has a good shield, he ignores the ones so conveniently provided by the hobgoblins. He walks over to the paladin. "Ready."

Lucyus makes note of the comment. Looking to the Archer warrior, Expedition Leader Sann and Wimzy. “Vardra, I’d like you to take up the rear, Sann you will be in front of Vardra and Wimzy you will be behind me.” Looking at each in turn. “With any luck the scouts will find any treats, but remain vigilant.”
Lucyus will ead the others down the slope and as Eris has instructed.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Kaylessa listens to the plan set in place and is ready when Vernar calls the scouts forward. Kaylessa will follow the other three scouts keeping her bow in hand watching their backs.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

April 15th, CR 569

During the melee with the second group of hobgoblins, Gerett is badly wounded. Wimzy is there to heal him.

Gerett gasped as multiple weapons find their target between his armor. His strength was sapped almost instantly--he dropped to the ground despite knowing that doing so would leave him open to be torn apart by the remaining enemy. He gasped again. Just as suddenly as his energy drained, he felt it surging back into him. As he involuntarily stood from the rush of life, he turned his head to see the other priestess with her hand on his back. As he stuttered out a flat, "Thank ye," he choked on the last word as Wimzy was nearly brought low by one of the last hobgoblins remaining alive.

“I'm here to help,” Wimzy responds with a grin right before being stabbed by a hobgoblin.

Within seconds the remaining enemies are down and Lucyus turns to Wimzy, “If all were as brave as you.” He says simply as he upon his faith and burns a Light spell for a CLWs to cast on Wimzy.

“Then this would have been over a while ago,” Wimzy manages with a slight smirk. The healing magic from Lucyus does its work and restores much of the priestess vitality.

Erisciana casts a healing spell on Gerett and he too feels better.


Butternut and Gerett remove the sleeping enemy and Ren rifles their pockets. Kaylessa scans the woods below while the rest of the group ponder their next move. Kaylessa's eyes go wide as she spots movement along the treeline of the forest the road emerges from! The sound and sight of more arrows fill the air!

There are six shafts fired in all. Two are sent towards Erisciana and one manages to graze the priestess. Two more target Kaylessa and Sorvani each, but none find the mark.

Kendell quickly grabs one of the tower shields on the ground and uses it to protect those behind him. Others follow suit. Suddenly the situation has changed. Now the Squad are the ones hiding behind the tower shields!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The group did not have a chance to split up just yet, so everyone is gathered at the same place.

Hit Points:

Butternut – 18 of 21
Erisciana – 17 of 19
Gerett – 11 of 15
Flare – 19 of 25
Wimzy – 12 of 14

Here is the updated map. The red area is the location of the squad, while the yellow is where the enemy archers fired from.

graystone043.jpg (120.76 KiB) Viewed 10446 times

Now what?

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Kaylessa scans the woods below while the rest of the group ponder their next move. Kaylessa's eyes go wide as she spots movement along the treeline of the forest the road emerges from! The sound and sight of more arrows fill the air!

As the others talk of our next move, Kaylessa scans the woods. A movement catches her eyes as they go wide. The familiar sound of arrows and sight fill the air, Calling out “ Incoming! Take cover!!” She calls out as she takes her own advice.
Looking back at the others, “Archers in the trees! There!” pointing out with her free hand. She can’t help but put forth the notion, “ Perhaps we should burn them out as they did us?”
Kaylessa will not wait to be an arrow cushion and decides to try her luck and returns fire.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

As Butternut dispatches and Ren loots the remnants of the Hobgoblins, Lucyus cannot help but feel sorry for those there. Yes they were evil but to die while you slumber is no way to die. There is no honour in it so he turns a blind eye.
Soon the call to take cover as the familiar sound of arrows flying to their target is heard. Within moments there is a rush of movement as the arrows miss or find their target.
Turning his head to where Kaylessa is pointing, he regrips his axe and shield. “Vardra,Wimzy,Sann, Flare to me! Those without suitable shields. Pick up the Tower shields and form a line. We will advance on their position with cover. Vardra and Flare you can fire at will with your bows as we advance."
Lucyus will move down the road, his shield guarding him and those behind him

[Erisciana]

Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -

The second group is beaten and the magickally incapacitated goblins are dealt with. The priestess sees Lucyus look away. She is not so concerned about honor and duty. These hobgoblins intended to slaughter them and this is their reward for failure.

"Hunh," Vardra grunts. "I figured three dozen of these creatures would put up more of a fight."

"Those who have been wounded by them might disagree with your assessment somewhat," she says in response.

After some brief healing for wounded members of their group, the priestess cautions against anyone letting their guard down, despite defeating the two large units of hobgoblins. Erisciana breaks the group up into three sections to move out but before they can begin, there is a warning cry from Kaylessa. “Incoming! Take cover!!”

Erisciana had been facing the direction of the woods down below, but in organizing the groups, didn’t see the attack coming and only reacted at the elf’s alert. She raised her shield to barely deflect one shaft, while another glanced off the edge of her thigh armor, cutting her pants and leaving a welt, but fortunately not cutting the skin. An involuntary exclamation escaped her lips at the impact, but fortunately it was not anything serious.

Kaylessa pointed out archers in the trees. They were positioned nearly across from them and down two slopes from their position. Kendall picks up one of the tower shields and interposes it between the group and the enemy archers. Erisci will step behind Kendall and his shield to gain cover from incoming fire.

Lucyus calls out some orders to group those around him. “Vardra,Wimzy, Sann, Flare to me! Those without suitable shields. Pick up the Tower shields and form a line. We will advance on their position with cover. Vardra and Flare you can fire at will with your bows as we advance."

The priestess will add to those commands. “Kendall, form up with Lucyus, like the hobgoblins did. We’ll make a mobile wall.” She motions for the rest of the team to group up and move where Lucyus is leading. Those with tower shields to the front and others to the rear of them. “We can move around that bend,” indicating the curved road to their right, “then the melee can charge and archers can counter-fire. Use their tactics against them.”

The priestess wonders how many more reserve guard remain, as well as the leaders that must be awaiting their attack.

[Laurel]

The scout group reconnoiters with the command team across the stream. Laurel does her best to remain out of view of the enemy with her short sword drawn and shield at bear. The hobgoblins launch opened jars of alchemist fire towards the group and inevitably the flames follow the streams of flammable liquid.

"The enemy is almost close enough to counterattack, but they are well-trained and formidable. We need to hit them from two sides simultaneously, like they intended to do to us. We need to ensure that we time the Sleep barrage close together. With all five of the spellcasters that can cast the spell, that should incapacitate much more than half of the front group. Most of the rest of us are in the trees just down from the road. Ideally we hit them after they advance near the center of the road above. We will attack when your group is ready!"

"

That could prove difficult if they continue spreading oil along the edge of the woods as they go, that could become quite a barrier to our assault."

Suddenly a huge explosion throws hobgoblins like rag dolls, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity.

"Now is our chance! We should circle around and hit them while they're down." She then looks over at Erisciana. "Your team might want to prepare to hit the second group. If we move fast, we should be able to deal with this one."

"Agreed"

"They are ready, But be careful when you leave the cover of the trees. We don't know how many enemy the explosion left alive up above. We need confirmation of the location of the other group of enemy as well."

"Of course"

"We be meetin' you after we cleave their ranks."

The scout group moves off and Vernar gives them his last orders. Laurel follows behind, listening carefully and prepares herself to help however she can.

"We deal with any still breathin' in the gully, then make short work o' whatever be left o' the ones above."

The scout groups sprints into the clearing where the explosion had happened only moments before. Burnt bodies of hobgoblins lie scattered in the clearing, only a few remaining. And those few for only moments before Vernar, Ren, and Butternut end their existence.

"What now, boss? Wait for the others to move, or keep circling around that-away?"

"You an' Ren circle 'round that way, see if there be any cover or another way t' close with that second group an' not become pincushions."

As the group of scouts remains hidden on a steep incline Kaylessa joins them and Vernar communicates and Kaylessa quickly relays the information to Erisciana.

"Second group be on the road still. 'Round the next bend,"

“The first group is no more. The second group is on the road still. Vernar says they are near the next bend. It appears your sleep tactic is at hand.”

"Excellent,We need to shift everyone to the right, so we can strike them quickly. We don't want to have to cover too much ground on so many archers. Hopefully, they understand," she says to Laurel and Kaylessa. "Come with me. The enemy there is destroyed. The others are nearly in front of us. We're going to strike. Move quickly. Mages will cast Sleep into their midst, the others charge forward." Seeing the bloodied sleeves of Sorvani, she will say to the healer Wimzy, "Would you be so kind as to deliver your patron's grace to our friend?" "Now then," she continues to Lucyus in a tone just above a whisper. "Take your group about thirty to thirty-five yards down the slope. If the scouts come quickly, then we will delay for their arrival, but if not, we shall have to strike without them."

Laurel will nod and join Erisciana. As the spellcasters begin to work their spells Laurel will provide what cover from arrows that she can with her shield. Suddenly a large amount of the hobgoblin force crumples to the ground in forced sleep and the warriors make quick work of them but not before several wounds are dealt. Before Laurel can prepare a healing spell Whimsy, Erisciana and Lucyus heal the majority of the damage.

“Well Fought, all of you. Your plan worked well this day, Priestess,”

"We did well enough, but this battle is not ended. Does anyone else need healing? Vernar, once the sleeping hobgoblins are dealt with, take your team and start working down to the trees below. We have not encountered any apparent leaders and there might be a rear-guard and more to still deal with."

Laurel will nod at Erisciana and move to join the scouts, looking them over to see if anyone is in desperate need of healing. She'll pipe up, "What group do you want me to go with?" and then rifle through a couple of the hobgoblins pockets to see if any of them carry any unspent vials of alchemist fire.

There is still the Caravan in which we set out to take. If we do not venture forth, let us gather the shields and fortify the fort. But if we go forth let us be wary as there may be more lurking near.”

It is a little premature to fortify yet. But using the shields is a good idea for us to advance our main group down to the woods. We should split up into two more groups and move down. We don't want to be subject to any area of effect spells. Let us collect ourselves and move out quickly. The battle this day is likely not complete."

"It be done

Lucyus, take Vardra, Wizy and Sann with you. The rest with me. Keep about 20 yards between us. Your group will move down to the next lower road first and then we'll follow. Be vigilant, I am still expecting more opposition."

“ Incoming! Take cover!!

Before the group has a chance to realize their plans the air is suddenly filled with whistling arrows once again. Laurel takes cover and brings her shield up, keeping an eye on Vernar and Butternut so she can follow them.

“Vardra,Wimzy,Sann, Flare to me! Those without suitable shields. Pick up the Tower shields and form a line. We will advance on their position with cover. Vardra and Flare you can fire at will with your bows as we advance."

“Kendall, form up with Lucyus, like the hobgoblins did. We’ll make a mobile wall. We can move around that bend, then the melee can charge and archers can counter-fire. Use their tactics against them.”

Laurel will move to follow directions: dropping her medium shield and picking up a tower shield as she rushes to join the shield wall.

Perhaps we should burn them out as they did us?”

[Butternut]

Butternut:

As the others talk of our next move, Kaylessa scans the woods. A movement catches her eyes as they go wide. The familiar sound of arrows and sight fill the air, Calling out “ Incoming! Take cover!!” She calls out as she takes her own advice.
Looking back at the others, “Archers in the trees! There!” pointing out with her free hand.

Just as the scouts start to move off, a half-dozen arrows come flying up from below. Hearing that now-familiar sound, Butternut dives to the ground at the edge of the roadway. She scans the area in the direction Kaylessa is pointing looking for a target as she switches to her crossbow.

Orders are shouted by Lucyus and Erisciana, but none of them seem to apply to the scouts. Butternut gives a questioning glance to Vernar, then proceeds to return fire.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Lucyus makes note of the comment. Looking to the Archer warrior, Expedition Leader Sann and Wimzy. “Vardra, I’d like you to take up the rear, Sann you will be in front of Vardra and Wimzy you will be behind me.” Looking at each in turn. “With any luck the scouts will find any treats, but remain vigilant.”

With a nod, Vardra moves back, allowing the others to step in front of him as requested. It seems a little odd to put one of the most heavily armored to the rear, but at least he's fast enough to get to the front when needed.

Moments later, a small brace of arrows comes winging in. Kaylessa calls out a warning, and in response Vardra crouches down behind his shield. None of the arrows come his way, though Erisciana is grazed by one. Peering over his shield, he tries to identify where the arrows came from.

“Vardra,Wimzy,Sann, Flare to me! Those without suitable shields. Pick up the Tower shields and form a line. We will advance on their position with cover. Vardra and Flare you can fire at will with your bows as we advance."

Erisciana echos the strategy that Lucyus puts forth. Some of the squad scramble to grab shields and start forming a shield wall. Laurel is one of the first to respond; Vardra steps in behind her shield and switches back to his bow. Leaning out from behind the shield, he fires toward the first target he spots in the woods below. He will do his best to maintain his position relative to the shield wall if it starts to move.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -

The group starts to form up and return fire at the hobgoblin archers. The number of enemy is as yet indeterminable, so grouping up and using tower shields to close the distance is the best tactic for the moment. The option was to charge down two slopes which gave the advantage to their opponent. They only needed to round the bend on the road and then could charge into hand to hand combat with their own archers engaging the enemy as the charge began.

Shields rank up; first Lucyus and Kendall, then Laurel grabs a tower shield and joins the line, then Sann does as well. Erisci stays behind Kendall for cover, her thigh still smarting from the arrow that ricocheted off her armor a moment ago.

Looking to the rest, she will wave them all together. "Continue to form up, everyone! Get to the cover of the shields! Sorvani, grab a shield and help cover our advance." She sees Butternut drop to the ground and then fire her crossbow. "There's better cover behind these shields," she will call out to anyone who hasn't grouped up behind the shield wall.

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

She motions for the rest of the team to group up and move where Lucyus is leading. Those with tower shields to the front and others to the rear of them. “We can move around that bend,” indicating the curved road to their right, “then the melee can charge and archers can counter-fire. Use their tactics against them.”

This was meant to include everyone, including the scouts. We're all THE team.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Just wanted to clarify his earlier post.

Lucyus will Put his shield upon his back as he takes up a tower shield. He will then use the tower shield to block those behind him.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

As she knocks an arrow to her bow, she hears Erisciana ‘s voice behind her.

Looking to the rest, she will wave them all together. "Continue to form up, everyone! Get to the cover of the shields! Sorvani, grab a shield and help cover our advance." She sees Butternut drop to the ground and then fire her crossbow. "There's better cover behind these shields," she will call out to anyone who hasn't grouped up behind the shield wall.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” She calls back as she moves from guard duty to forming up behind the others in the shield wall

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Just as Vernar was stepping up to lead the scouts off, the all too familiar sound of arrows sailing towards them is heard. Standing out in the open, the dwarf is still a smaller target, as are most of the scouts. Therefore, it makes sense to him that the taller members of the group were aimed at, although the hobgoblins seem to lack any real skill.

Looking to the rest, she will wave them all together. "Continue to form up, everyone! Get to the cover of the shields! Sorvani, grab a shield and help cover our advance." She sees Butternut drop to the ground and then fire her crossbow. "There's better cover behind these shields," she will call out to anyone who hasn't grouped up behind the shield wall.

Vernar sighs as he moves himself behind the quickly forming shield wall. "This not be where we be best," he says to himself, but complies. While the shield wall moves, Vernar will keep his eyes out for anywhere that the scouts can move to that would better their chances at closing with these archers unnoticed.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Squeezing off a shot at a hint of movement among the trees at the bottom of the hill, Butternut hears Vernar sigh. Glancing at him, she snorts mirthlessly before returning her gaze to the woods below. She loads another bolt, then looks over her other shoulder to see how this shield-wall is developing. Once it seems solid, she will pull back and duck in behind so she doesn't get left behind.

As they move, she will lean out and fire periodically. She keeps an eye out as they go for an opportunity to slip into natural cover somewhere out of sight of the enemy, perhaps at the next bend in the road.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

April 15th, CR 569

The second group of hobgoblins has been defeated. Butternut and Gerett eliminate those who were caught in the sleeping spells. Ren looks for valuables or useful items to help in the fighting. Some coins are found, along with many long swords, longbows and flight arrows. No additional flasks of Alchemist's Fire were found. Flare takes the opportunity to replenish his quiver and urges the other archers to do the same.

More arrows are fired from down below, from beside the area where the road enters the forest. The shafts targeted those who cast the magic spells that made the hobgoblins fall asleep. Erisciana is grazed and no one else is struck.

Kendell grabs one of the large tower shields to help protect the group. Lucyus directs others to do the same. Laurel, Gerett, Sorvani and Sann pick up more of the tower shields. Those using these large shields for the very first time note just how heavy they are. The shields weight close to twenty pounds each!

The squad tries to replicate the maneuver the hobgoblins used to come up the road using an advancing shield wall, but find it much harder to manage. It's a maneuver that requires much practice and precision. Gaps appear in the shield wall, but they are quickly closed again. In spite of this, the squads make good time and reach the turn in the road leading down the hillside.

A few arrows continue to be fired from down below up towards the shielded squad. Some fall short while others impact upon the large shields. No one is hit. Butternut, Flare, Kaylessa and Vardra send missile fire back, but with the enemy entrenched in the forest its hard to make out any targets.

Once the squad reaches the corner of the road, the shield wall needs to be adjusted from the side to the front. The road is wide enough to allow three across without being to close to the slope on the squads left. The mountain itself rises up on the right.

The squad advances once more with Gerett, Kendell and Lucyus now leading the way. After a time the squad realizes that no arrows have been sent their way for several minutes now. The firing has stopped!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Even when the enemy was firing arrows, no more than six were launched at any one time. This rate of fire slowed down as the squad moved along until it finally stopped all together.

Hit Points:

Butternut – 18 of 21
Erisciana – 17 of 19
Gerett – 11 of 15
Flare – 19 of 25
Wimzy – 12 of 14

Here is the updated map of the area. The dark gray is the mountain rising upwards. Once more the squad is in red, where the enemy was firing from is in yellow. Did they run away?

graystone044.jpg (68.44 KiB) Viewed 10340 times

I did some minor reorganization on the game reference website. All the information for this particular game is now in one location!

Here is the link

Bookmark this page as it will have the roster, links to the character sheets and maps for this particular game. This information was on three different pages before. It's now on one single page to make it easier to find. The info was not removed on the old pages, it's just being shown in two locations now.

I did some editing on the dwarven caves page and added the map for the dwarven lair as well.

Now what?

[Erisciana]

Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -

The group form up and begins to move out behind the tower shield wall. A few arrows bounce off the shields or fall harmlessly nearby. Despite being inexperienced in the formation, the group moves well enough and closes the distance by rounding the road. As they turn the corner, the shield bearers change up the formation slightly. The mountain side rises up to their right as they continue their approach.

As they continue, it becomes apparent that the enemy archers have stopped firing. They may be not wasting arrows due to the invulnerability of the tower shield formation. Or they may have run off.

“Vernar, when we clear the mountain wall, can you send your scouts into the forest to the left of the archers’ position? We’ll halt the Shield wall to allow for covering fire. Then we’ll continue our advance and press them from the front.”

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Vernar keeps an eye out in the opposite direction the group is traveling in to make sure no lone survivors or stealthy adversaries linger. Otherwise, there is little else he can do to contribute to the group's efforts at the moment. Their pace is slow, and the occasional enemy arrows hits one of the shields, but eventually there is no sound from where we believe that group to be located.

“Vernar, when we clear the mountain wall, can you send your scouts into the forest to the left of the archers’ position? We’ll halt the Shield wall to allow for covering fire. Then we’ll continue our advance and press them from the front.”

"Understood," he replies simply. He is glad to once again be doing something, but his demeanor remains neutral.

Although Vernar is sure that all of the other scouts heard the command, he will make sure Butternut, Ren, and Kaylessa are prepared to move out. Since Laurel currently is a shield bearer, he is not planning on her coming along at this time.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Flare takes the opportunity to replenish his quiver and urges the other archers to do the same.

"Good idea, Flare," Vardra replies. A quick search among the hobgoblin dead turns up a mostly-full quiver. He refills his own quiver and grabs a couple extra; one he wedges under his middle finger holding the bow for a second shot, and the other gets nocked to the string.

Soon, their shield wall makes its slow, lumbering way along the road. Unlike the hobgoblins, they haven't practiced this maneuver, and some of their members seem to struggle with the weight of these large shields. As gaps open up on one side or the other, Vardra fires down toward where the last arrows came from. It doesn't provide much opportunity to aim carefully, but may at least suppress return fire.

Managing the turn in the road proves awkward for those carrying the heavy shields. However, they eventually get the line straightened out again at the bottom of the curve. The maneuvering proves distracting, and it is only after they finish that the quiet becomes noticeable. "I haven't seen or heard any shots from below recently," Vardra states. "I think they've stopped firing. Either they've run off, or they're planning some other strategy."

Erisciana seems to have noticed the same thing, and asks Vernar to take the scouts down into the woods in hopes of hitting them from two sides. If they're still there.

_______________________________________________________________________
I like the new format for the reference page. Having all of the info for a game on one page is very handy.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Butternut does her best to stay behind the lurching wall of shields. Seeing how much the bigger folk are struggling with the ungainly shields, she's glad she didn't get stuck carrying one. With no good targets, she doesn't fire very often, choosing instead to conserve her quarrels.

The squad makes their way along the road. There are a few stumbles and jostles, but they stay together fairly well. Butternut is glad for her small size, as it makes her less of a target when a gap appears between the shields. Besides, she has Kendall's much larger body to use as cover even when gaps appear.

As they work their way around the hairpin turn, it occurs to her that it seems like the firing from below may be tapering off. Soon, the soldier from Crossroads confirms the observation. "Thought so," she says to herself.

Erisciana and Vernar agree that it is time for the scouts to do what they were trained for. Breathing a sigh of relief, Butternut nods to Vernar. "Got it." Shouldering her crossbow, she prepares to make a dash down the slope into the woods along the wall of the mountain. She peeks out from behind the shields to get a look at the footing, trying to plot the best route to avoid a disastrous slip.

[Gerett]

Gerett and Butternut carried out the grim task of finishing off the sleeping enemies.

"Good to see you alive, but you look a little worse for the wear. Might want to get some priestly help with that."

"I feel like a drunkard's mug today," Gerett smirked. "As soon as I get filled up, I get emptied out again." Erisciana did end up lending her ministrations after the butcher's work was done. Gerett retrieved his halberd and was just about to sit down when arrow fire began to rain in from the forest below. And as soon as it's over, it starts again, Gerett thought. Back to it, I suppose.

“Vardra,Wimzy,Sann, Flare to me! Those without suitable shields. Pick up the Tower shields and form a line. We will advance on their position with cover. Vardra and Flare you can fire at will with your bows as we advance."

Gerett slung his arms into the straps of the tower shield, leaving his hands free to hold the halberd behind the shield. It wasn't a fighting stance, but the tall shield would cover him as he advanced and he could throw the shield away once they reached the enemy.

“Kendall, form up with Lucyus, like the hobgoblins did. We’ll make a mobile wall.” She motions for the rest of the team to group up and move where Lucyus is leading. Those with tower shields to the front and others to the rear of them. “We can move around that bend,” indicating the curved road to their right, “then the melee can charge and archers can counter-fire. Use their tactics against them.”

Gerett, Kendell, and Lucyus advanced under the crude cover of the tower shields until, unexpectedly, the hail of arrows ceased. With the projectiles no longer coming, it was impossible to tell exactly where the enemy was. It seemed the scouts were going to flush them out. Gerett held onto the shield loosely, ready to drop it.

"Vermin went to ground," Gerett said, mainly to himself. "Our assassins will spook those grouse out of their bush...and we'll stick 'em."

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

A few arrows continue to be fired from down below up towards the shielded squad. Some fall short while others impact upon the large shields. No one is hit. Butternut, Flare, Kaylessa and Vardra send missile fire back, but with the enemy entrenched in the forest its hard to make out any targets.
Following the others as they move along, their tower shields in the lead. Taking the time, Kaylessa knocks an arrow and let’s fly.

“Vernar, when we clear the mountain wall, can you send your scouts into the forest to the left of the archers’ position? We’ll halt the Shield wall to allow for covering fire. Then we’ll continue our advance and press them from the front.”
Although Vernar is sure that all of the other scouts heard the command, he will make sure Butternut, Ren, and Kaylessa are prepared to move out. Since Laurel currently is a shield bearer, he is not planning on her coming along at this time.

Kaylessa will knock an arrow and look to Vernar, “Give the word and I’ll cover your approach.”Kaylessa says, “Then I’ll join you.”
Kaylessa will be ready to cover Vernar, When he is half way down and no danger presents itself she will make to follow her scout leader.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
It is slow going as the shield wall awkwardly moves forward. He can see the strain on the others not used to such activity he calls out words of encouragement as surprisingly the defensive form somewhat holds shape.
The arrows begin to cease their impacts becoming less upon the shields.

“Vernar, when we clear the mountain wall, can you send your scouts into the forest to the left of the archers’ position? We’ll halt the Shield wall to allow for covering fire. Then we’ll continue our advance and press them from the front.”

“We may need to be ready to drop the shields and charge.” He says as he holds his tower shield steady.
Lucyus will be ready to move down when the times comes, ditching his tower shield when the call comes.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

April 15th, CR 569

The enemy arrow fire has stopped! The squad reached the corner of the road and are now moving closer to the last known enemy position. In this part of the road, the mountain rises up to the squads right while the slope is on their left.

Once the group is clear of the mountain side, the scouts are sent off to explore. Vernar leads the way, deftly moving down the slope without incident. Ren and Butternut quickly follow with Kaylessa bringing up the rear. The action does not draw any enemy arrows. The scouts reach the woods and disappear into the undergrowth.


The main body of the squad proceeds in their march forwards, picking up their pace as there continues to be no sign of enemy opposition. Coming to a place where the slope is more favorable, the squad begins their own descent towards the area where the archers were coming from. Gerett, Kendell, and Lucyus lead the way down still using their tower shields for protection.

The descent starts off well but quickly turns into disaster! Lucyus looses his footing, falls backwards and slides down the slope! The Paladin of Heironeous ends his rapid descent right before the forests edge. Mysteriously, there is no enemy reaction.

With no obvious threats in sight, the rest of the squad comes down the incline. Only Vardra is unlucky and looses his footing along the way. The squad reaches the area where the arrows had been coming from, but no enemy is spotted in the immediate area.


Elsewhere, the scouts move silently through the woods. They have fanned out, but remained within sight of the ones on either side. The scouts near the edge of the road, but have also found no enemies in sight.

Suddenly, Ren gives the signal to stop! Vernar and Butternut can see Ren's signal, but Kaylessa will need Butternut to relay it to her.

“They left traps behind,” Ren whispers just loud enough for Butternut and Vernar to hear. “Sneaky devils.”

Ren gestures to a spot just before him. Vernar can see what Ren is indicating easier than Butternut. In that spot, it looks like a container of Alchemist's Fire has been partially buried near the base of a tree beside the road. A fuse is noted as well, leading off to the scouts right.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

No enemies are in sight, but its seems like some surprises were left behind. The container of Alchemist's Fire Ren spotted is on the far side of a tree along the road. If the squad was coming down the road, it would be behind the tree itself. The fuse seems to lead off further along the side of the road.

Hit Points:

Butternut – 18 of 21
Erisciana – 17 of 19
Gerett – 11 of 15
Flare – 19 of 25
Wimzy – 12 of 14

Here is the updated map for the area. The scouts locations are individually noted, while the the rest of the group is at the red area. The blue dot is the location of the container of Alchemist's Fire.

graystone045.jpg (57.62 KiB) Viewed 10275 times

Now what?

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Kaylessa will knock an arrow and look to Vernar, “Give the word and I’ll cover your approach.”Kaylessa says, “Then I’ll join you.”

Vernar nods his approval before moving away to prepare. Always thankful to be having her eyes cover our departure, he thinks to himself. He has heard some dwarves and elves don't get along, but he is grateful for Kaylessa's expertise.

Once the group is clear of the mountain side, the scouts are sent off to explore. Vernar leads the way, deftly moving down the slope without incident. Ren and Butternut quickly follow with Kaylessa bringing up the rear. The action does not draw any enemy arrows. The scouts reach the woods and disappear into the undergrowth.

Vernar notes that Butternut is just as relieved as he is to once again be doing what they do best. This is his preferred terrain, out from under the claustrophobic confines of a cavern or dungeon and instead in the sprawling wilds where he has potentially limitless movement and opportunity for being stealthy.

Suddenly, Ren gives the signal to stop! Vernar and Butternut can see Ren's signal, but Kaylessa will need Butternut to relay it to her.

“They left traps behind,” Ren whispers just loud enough for Butternut and Vernar to hear. “Sneaky devils.”

Ren gestures to a spot just before him. Vernar can see what Ren is indicating easier than Butternut. In that spot, it looks like a container of Alchemist's Fire has been partially buried near the base of a tree beside the road. A fuse is noted as well, leading off to the scouts right.

"Good eyes, Ren," Vernar praises his fellow scout with a whisper.

Vernar will move to see if the trap can be disabled. It seems simple enough, but he does not want to set off a secondary trap. He hopes to disarm it without alerting the saboteur that anything is wrong.

While he works, Vernar wants Ren to stay nearby, looking around to see if there are any more traps. He will signal to Butternut and Kaylessa to carefully move in the direction of the fuse to see if they can spot an ambush.

"Do not be gettin' too far 'head," Vernar cautions quietly. "I not be wantin' us split too much should there be a lot lyin' in ambush."

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Lucyus watches as the scouts disembark. “Let’s pick up the pace!” he calls out as he begins his decent down the favorable slope. At first everything is fine but the grass feels somewhat wet and his right foot slips, quickly followed by the left.
The hard ground is the next thing he feels as he lets out an “Oof!” and begins slidding down the hill. Letting go of the tower shield. He flails his arms trying to gain purchase with his hands but fails doing so. Several curses leave his lips as he awaits the pain that will becoming his way. Much to his disbelief it does not come as he comes to a stop and looks around, bringing himself up right and gathering his axe and shield.
“That was not one of my finer moments.” He says as closes his visor. And hears Vardra lose his footing as well.
“Strange….They left the field.” Lucyus will look into the woods but not enter the tree line for the moment, Waiting for the scouts to report back.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Pulling back the drawstring to her bow she watches the woods for any movement as Vernar and the others move down to the trees, Seeing no danger she releases the tension on her bow and makes to follow the other scouts.
The others stop which raises concern. She keeps an eye out as the others inspect whatever they are doing.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"I feel like a drunkard's mug today," Gerett smirked. "As soon as I get filled up, I get emptied out again."

Butternut chuckles at the dwarf's description. "At least you haven't lost your sense of humor, Gerett. Always a good sign." Not long after, the improvised shield wall begins to move so Butternut hides behind Kendall and the huge shield he carries.

"Vermin went to ground," Gerett said, mainly to himself. "Our assassins will spook those grouse out of their bush...and we'll stick 'em."

It's time for the scouts to get back to what they do best, so the halfling tunnelrat prepares to move out. Overhearing Gerett's commentary, Butternut gives him a piercing look. "Assassin? Not the most flattering name I've been called... but perhaps not the worst, either."

“We may need to be ready to drop the shields and charge.” He says as he holds his tower shield steady.

Butternut nods her approval. "If we get in trouble, Lucyus, I certainly hope you'll come runnin'."

The descent down the rocky slope is quick and easily navigated. The feel of the woods wrapping their protective arms around her as she enters causes Butternut to sigh softly. Nevertheless, she immediately shifts into stalking mode, dropping into a crouch and scanning the area of any signs of danger as she glides softly forward.

Suddenly, Ren gives the signal to stop! Vernar and Butternut can see Ren's signal, but Kaylessa will need Butternut to relay it to her.

“They left traps behind,” Ren whispers just loud enough for Butternut and Vernar to hear. “Sneaky devils.”

Noting the gnome's signal, Butternut quickly relays it to Kaylessa. "Trap!" she whispers to the elf. Shifting her gaze, she sees Ren gesture at something on the ground near him, but cannot entirely make it out. "What is it?" she asks softly as she takes a step toward him. In case there may be more than one trap, she eyes the ground and bushes near her looking for other traps.

Vernar signals for her and Kaylessa to move forward along the side of the path and search for more traps, which she again relays to Kaylessa. As she gets closer, she can better see the trap Ren pointed out, which appears to consist of a vial of Alchemist's Fire and a fuse. Vernar starts to work on disarming it, which may be as simple as pulling out the fuse. Now that she sees the fuse, she can follow it along and see if it leads to more vials. "We should let the others know, too," she whispers to Vernar as she moves past. "There may also be traps on the other side of the road."

Following the fuse, Butternut carefully checks for traps all around as she goes. She is also careful to stay in view of Kaylessa, and watches for the elf's signal to stop before the she is no longer in view of Vernar.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana, priestess of Ishtar -

"I feel like a drunkard's mug today," Gerett smirked. "As soon as I get filled up, I get emptied out again."

Butternut chuckles at the dwarf's description. "At least you haven't lost your sense of humor, Gerett. Always a good sign."

"Indeed," the priestess adds, as she passes Ishtar's gift into her dwarven comrade and heals his injuries. "The enemy sent what they thought was more than enough to slaughter us, but they knew not with who they were dealing," she says with a smile of her own.

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

The scouts move out into the woods as the main group advances down the road. There is no more archery fire coming against them, so the lead members with the tower shields move at a quicker pace.

“We may need to be ready to drop the shields and charge,” Lucyus says as he holds his tower shield steady.

Butternut nods her approval. "If we get in trouble, Lucyus, I certainly hope you'll come runnin'."

"Hopefully the four of you will be the ones causing the trouble," the priestess chimes in. "We will press the enemy from the front."

The main group moves further down the road as the scouts melt into the forest. The priestess will keep her focus on the scouts as she cannot really see beyond the shield wall anyway. As they reach a point across from where the road slips into the trees, Erisci will get Lucyus attention and point towards their right where the road heads away.

“Let’s pick up the pace!” he calls out as he begins his decent down the favorable slope. At first everything is fine but the grass feels somewhat wet and his right foot slips, quickly followed by the left.

Lucyus starts to slip and slides down the slops on his rear end. As the rest of the group starts to descend as well, the priestess will watch the trees for signs of enemy attack. When none comes, she quickly skitters down the rocky slope to the road below. Vardra also is unable to traverse the descent and loses his balance on the difficult terrain. “That was not one of my finer moments,” Lucyus says as closes his visor.

Erisci moves up near the front of the group. "Good thing your rear is as well armored as your front," she says with a wry smile. "Fortunately it looks like the archers have retreated."

“Strange….They left the field.” Lucyus will look into the woods but not enter the tree line for the moment.

"Yes, if they were smart. They likely just witnessed the defeat of more than six score of their own. In this case retreat is preferable to valor." Erisci will scan the forest again. There is no immediate noise and yet the threat of danger still hangs somewhat in the air. "Let us move into the trees so that we are not out in the open. Flare and Laurel fan out slightly to our left and keep an eye out for trouble. Lucyus, cross the road with Kendall and Vardra to the forest on the other side. Don't go too far. But I don't want to be bunched up in case we are attacked."

Erisci will direct the other five to their right, just into the forest in the direction of the scouts.

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[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Vardra and the other archers fire into the woods, but it is hard to tell where the hobgoblins are, and the firing soon peters out on both sides.

Kaylessa will knock an arrow and look to Vernar, “Give the word and I’ll cover your approach.”Kaylessa says, “Then I’ll join you.”

The scouting party gets ready to descend on the enemy's flank. "I'll cover you as well," Vardra says. When they start down the slope, he steps out from behind the shield wall and watches the woods below, an arrow nocked and ready. He remains on watch until Kaylessa disappears into the treeline. However, no shots are fired by the enemy and no clear targets appear. With a shrug, he returns the arrow to his quiver. "Well, that was easy..."

“We may need to be ready to drop the shields and charge.” He says as he holds his tower shield steady.

Vardra just nods in confirmation. If that happens, he decides, I'll switch back to my sword and shield and charge down with them.

The remaining members of the squad walk the tower shields further down the road. There is still no sign of opposition. More and more it begins to look like the enemy have just given up and left. Reaching a spot roughly above where the road disappears into the trees, they find that the slope is a bit gentler. Seems like the best opportunity to descend, so Lucyus leads the way down. Suddenly, the paladin slips and falls, sliding down the embankment on his rear.

“That was not one of my finer moments.” He says as closes his visor.

"You okay, Lucyus?" he asks. Fortunately, the paladin rises and dusts himself, demonstrating that he isn't hurt.

Soon it becomes Vardra's turn to shuffle down the slope. He's about two-thirds of the way down when some loose stones shift under his foot. Twisting in an effort to catch himself, his left knee strikes a rock. Vardra lets out a grunt of pain, his face tightening up as he suppresses a yelp. Rising a moment later, he too dusts himself off, then picks up the sword that had slithered out of his grasp. "Gonna have a nasty bruise tomorrow," he mutters softly.

Looking at the woods just feet away, the scouts are nowhere to be seen, which is not much of a surprise. No sign of the hobgoblins, either.

“Strange….They left the field.” Lucyus will look into the woods but not enter the tree line for the moment,

"Yeah, looks that way," Vardra replies.

"Yes, if they were smart. They likely just witnessed the defeat of more than six score of their own. In this case retreat is preferable to valor." Erisci will scan the forest again. There is no immediate noise and yet the threat of danger still hangs somewhat in the air. "Let us move into the trees so that we are not out in the open. Flare and Laurel fan out slightly to our left and keep an eye out for trouble. Lucyus, cross the road with Kendall and Vardra to the forest on the other side. Don't go too far. But I don't want to be bunched up in case we are attacked."

Erisciana starts giving orders again. Vardra isn't sure why Lucyus is taking orders from her, but now isn't the time to address it. If the paladin agrees with her plan, then Vardra will go along with it for now.

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

Ren has found a trap! It's a container of Alchemist's Fire with a fuse in it. Vernar comes closer to investigate. The arrangement is very simple, indicating that the enemy didn't have a lot of time to set it up. The trap can be nullified by simply pulling the fuse out or cutting the line.

The scouts start to follow the fuse while looking to the other side of the road. Another container is spotted over there. They are easy to find now that you know what to look for. Like the first trap, this one is set on the backside of a tree along the side of the road. It could not be spotted from the road until travelers were on top of it.

Another pot is spotted on this side of the road. Unlike the first one, the fuse leads up to this container and then on to the first trap found. In short, one fuse would have set off each trap in succession. A second pot is found on the other side of the road. They are staggered from each other to cover a wider area.

Finally a third pot is located and the fuse line keeps going on from there. A shadow is noted a bit further along, some sixty feet away.

“Our fuse lighter, I'd wager,” Ren whispers. “Who's gonna take'm out?”

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Kaylessa moves forward following Butternut and Guarding her flank.

The scouts start to follow the fuse while looking to the other side of the road. Another container is spotted over there. They are easy to find now that you know what to look for. Like the first trap, this one is set on the backside of a tree along the side of the road. It could not be spotted from the road until travelers were on top of it.

Another pot is spotted on this side of the road. Unlike the first one, the fuse leads up to this container and then on to the first trap found. In short, one fuse would have set off each trap in succession. A second pot is found on the other side of the road. They are staggered from each other to cover a wider area.
Finally a third pot is located and the fuse line keeps going on from there. A shadow is noted a bit further along, some sixty feet away.

“Our fuse lighter, I'd wager,” Ren whispers. “Who's gonna take'm out?”

Kaylessa sees the first pot and moves past it as Vernar sees to it. Following Butternut they soon find a second pot and in time a third. She looks to the pot but she cannot help but feel hairs standing on the back of her neck. In the distance she spots a shadow and she gestures to Butternut.
Bringing her fingers to her eyes then to the shadow. She whispers to the halfling. “We may have company.”she says as she pulls out her dagger. “Keep an eye while I deal with this.” she then sees to cutting the fuse.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

Erisci moves up near the front of the group. "Good thing your rear is as well armored as your front," she says with a wry smile. "Fortunately it looks like the archers have retreated."
"You okay, Lucyus?" he asks. Fortunately, the paladin rises and dusts himself, demonstrating that he isn't hurt.

“I’ve had worse.” The paladin says easily. “No worse for wear, I am afraid.”he says as he regains his feet.
Vardra soon suffers a similar fate as he appears to twist his leg.

"Gonna have a nasty bruise tomorrow," he mutters softly.

“Seems to me many a lady tend to like men with bruises and scars.” He says with a shrug, “Why? I haven’t the slightest.”

"Yes, if they were smart. They likely just witnessed the defeat of more than six score of their own. In this case retreat is preferable to valor." Erisci will scan the forest again. There is no immediate noise and yet the threat of danger still hangs somewhat in the air. "Let us move into the trees so that we are not out in the open. Flare and Laurel fan out slightly to our left and keep an eye out for trouble. Lucyus, cross the road with Kendall and Vardra to the forest on the other side. Don't go too far. But I don't want to be bunched up in case we are attacked."

“We will see it secured.” He answers back “Though I’ll try to keep my legs and wits about me this time.”he says with a goofy yet charming grin. “Come Kendell, Vardra let us see if our foe still linger over yonder.”
( I am assuming Lucyus and the others were told of the traps? If he was he will look for anything similar on that side of the road.)

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Gliding wraith-like through the woods, Butternut follows the fuse line. At a sound from Kaylessa, she pause and looks at the elf, who points at an exposed bit of similar fuse disappearing behind a tree on the other side of the road. "Good eyes, elf," Butternut whispers in reply.

Continuing a bit further, the fuse she had been following passes through a second pot of the alchemical oil. Clearly, the enemy were betting that they would follow the road all the way down and into the woods. Fortunately, they left no spotter to notice that the squad had taken a different tack. Nasty little buggers, but not so very smart. As far as she's concerned, hobgobs are just unusually tall gobbos.

Finally a third pot is located and the fuse line keeps going on from there. A shadow is noted a bit further along, some sixty feet away.

“Our fuse lighter, I'd wager,” Ren whispers. “Who's gonna take'm out?”

"You leave that little task to me," Butternut replies with an ugly grin that betokens red violence. "Just be ready in case he has friends nearby." She glances around to see if Vernar has joined them yet.

Bringing her fingers to her eyes then to the shadow. She whispers to the halfling. “We may have company.”she says as she pulls out her dagger. “Keep an eye while I deal with this.” she then sees to cutting the fuse.

Butternut nods. "You do that while I remove the fuse lighter." Unless Vernar has other ideas, she starts forward with sword and dagger in hand, circling around away from the road to come up behind the shadowed hobgoblin.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed