ArdFionn Lightfoot –
a female Elven Outrider from the
Galadaeg Shadowhelm –
a male Elven Hunter from the
Gustav Brundle – a
male human Tradesman (brewer) from the
Middenland
It's
hard to find a city or village in the Middlelands that Gustav hasn't visited.
He is obsessed. Obsessed with traveling the lands in search
of the best ingredients for his ale. The soon to be
legendary "Brundle Brew".
His
obsession began about 10 years ago. Gustav and his younger brother Thomas
worked up the courage to hop the fence at Old Man Covington's farm and sneak
off with a keg of his ale.
Surprisingly
he isn't a drunk. He loves ale. More than most things.
Yet it's not the inebriation he seeks, but the taste of a well crafted brew.
Over the past years he has spent his free time learning about brewing and using
his knowledge in herbs to assist in that endeavor. He loves making ale and he
loves sampling the ales of the villages and cities he frequents. His dream is
to brew the perfect pint.
In his
travels to seek out the knowledge he needs and the ingredients he'll use he has
spent many an hour in the dark pubs of the Middlelands. There he savors sips of
the regions ales. Making notes in his journal as the hours fly by. In these
hours he's learned an important thing about ale. The best side dish to good ale
is a good story. He loves listening to tipsy travelers tell tales of their
voyages. With each pint they get more and more exaggerated. He'll join in the
revelry usually, egging them on until the story has become so outlandish that
few are able to stop from laughing at its absurdity. A tall tale and a pint of
the Empire's finest. Food for the Gods!
Konrad Feldstatler – a
male human Squire from the
LogazNir of Rangenhof –
a male Dwarven Pit Fighter from the
Talabecland
Pretty Things
The Gathering
It is Konigstag, the first of Pflugzeit, in the year I.C.
2522. You have just entered the
riverside Inn of the Strutting Cock, just one day’s travel from the small town
of
You have left your home for the first time and find yourself traveling alone. You find the inn a fairly lively place. Local farmers, woodsmen, herdsmen and the like have congregated in large groups, exchanging news and gossip with boatmen and traders.
After loudly welcoming you as a newcomer, the rotund innkeeper introduces himself as Josef Haarig. He asks your name, home village or town and your destination. He then directs you to a table where other newcomers are seated (this will be the other members of the party).
He leans close. “The roads are quite dangerous for a lone traveler, and there are strange folk about. I would recommend against wandering by yourself unless you fancy losing your possessions and, perhaps, your life. The ones over there,” he gestures towards the table where each of the player characters have been seated,” are headed in the same direction you are. You might want to introduce yourself so you can walk together.”
Please post your introductory posts.
Hail and well met. I am Galadaeg of the Shadowhelm, a
hunter from fair
Seated before you is a slender elven woman with long
copper red hair and deep silver eyes. She wears a leather jacket, a bow leans
against her chair and a whip and sword hang from her hip. She is leaning back
with her feet up on a nearby chair.
"Nice
to meet you, ArdFionn Lightfoot, outrider." She casually tosses her
hand out in greeting and gives your hand a quick shake. "
A lean yet grizzled dwarf approaches the table (at the
prodding of the innkeeper) with a freshly foaming tankard in one hand. To an
elf or human, the dwarf appears to be imitating one of those large ice birds;
to a dwarf, it is the prideful gate of a sturdy warrior. What at first appeared
to be wrinkles are realized to be an assortment of scars, similar indeed to the
chips that adorn the head of the well-used great axe that peeks over his
shoulder. Hair that seemed grey likewise becomes a faded blond. "If'n yer
all headin' out o' this place, I'm all fer travelin' with like-minded folk. Least fer a time." With that, the dwarf slides onto an empty chair and takes a long draw from his
tankard. Pulling the it away, he sputters from behind a foam
soaked beard: "Oh, an' me name's LogazNir. Can't be forgettin' those courtesies."
There seems to be a good deal of lively conversation going on about you, and some groups are dicing for copper pennies, although the occasional silver shilling makes an appearance.
A young man approaches the table, moving awkwardly around the
gambling crowd. He is clearly wearing a shirt of mail and a mail coif has been
pushed back off his head. He also wears a broadsword on his left hip and
carries a short spear. The man's hair is black, short on top and very short on
the sides. His face is good-looking and he has a noble bearing, though his nose
is slightly too large for his face and he has large brown mole on his
cheekbone. The young man also appears to have blue eyes, though one seems
significantly darker than the other. As he approaches, you see that he is most
likely in his early 20s at the oldest.
"Hello, my name is
Konrad. I heard from the barkeep that you people are currently on the road. I
would appreciate your company if you'd have me."
"Be sittin' down then, eh young Konrad? Ain't no use in standin' there like some witless halfling!"
With that, the dwarf thumps his emptied tankard on the empty chair next to him,
forgetting it was not empty at all, but host to a pair of delicate feet.
ArdFionn moves her feet at the last second, just as the
mug comes thumping down. "Ah a true dwarf I see, always having to disturb
a good sit. And no matter, I'd prefer to be moving along as soon as possible
anyway, no use sitting here doing nothing like some bleedin' farmhand."
From his position leaning against the wall, Galadaeg
cocks his head to one side and begins to listen. "Perhaps we should
discover what seems to be concerning the townsfolk so we can prepare for our
departure."
Waving his tankard about LogazNir replies gruffly to
ArdFionn: "If'n yer feet weren't so danged small I might o' seen 'em there! A true elf--ever afraid o'
some meat on 'er bones an' a lager in the gut!" With a hop, the
dwarf is standing. But rather than head over to speak to the commoners, he
heads for the innkeeper, his mug raised, calling for
some more ale.
The bartender apologizes that the ale has run out, it being a busier evening than most. He does offer you a lager beer, however, for a muck, or brass as you might call it.
Konrad pulls up a chair and sits down. He examines his new
companions, obviously uncomfortable.
"So...where are you all
traveling? I've not spent much time with elves or dwarves before, so I know
little of your ways."
Konrad speaks his Reikspiel
slowly and deliberately.
Still listening with his eyes half closed, Galadaeg
responds, "As long as you don't lift your hand against Athel Loren or
Laurelorn, I shall not be offended. But don't call me 'Mr. Pointy Ears'
either."
Actions: Make a perception
test to try and overhear some gossip.
What Lies Ahead
A moment later, LogazNir
"pridefully strides" up with another slopping tankard of ale. He plops down on an empty chair (checking it for feet
first), and takes a long, noisy, pull. "'Tis the best swill I've had fer
weeks!" he says, smacking his lips. "Ye know,
ye look like you got a bit o' meat on ya. Ye know how to fight?" LoganNiz
gives Konrad an appraising glance. "Cause if'n ye do, I'm lookin' fer a
partner fer the pits. Good fun, if'n you like to fight, an' don't get yer head
caved in!"
Konrad stares at the dwarf for a moment, unsure of if he's
kidding or not.
"Well, I'm not sure
that...well, I can't, you see? I'm a squire under Sir Garonstern. I'm sure he
wouldn't approve of me fighting in the pits."
Konrad reaches for his own ale
on the table but quickly realizes he does not have one. Sighing, he looks up at
Logaznir.
"So, a
pit-fighter, eh? Dangerous work. What brings
you to the road?"
"Look 'round yerself. Seem like a good place to be
bein' fightin' in the pits? First off- there ain't no
pit! One in most bigger cities, 'course, but this
place ain't at all big. I've done some pit fightin' already, but I'm needin' to find me a real crowd. Y'know, somewhere fancy
like. I figure any directions good as any other, so
if'n the barkeep yonder tells me this table's fer headin' out, then I'm to be
goin' too." LogazNir takes a long look at everyone around the table, as if
wondering how much trouble the group may cause, and whether they were worth it.
"So yer
workin' fer some lord? Ye should come to the pits anyways. Can't be
protectin' nobody if'n ye can't fight. No better place to learn than in them pits!
But where's this lord now?" Without waiting for a reply, the dwarf
finishes the ale off in a second, messy, gulp.
Konrad blushes slightly at the question.
"Honestly, I have no
idea. He...well, he likes his drink. More than once, he's gotten lost in his
cups. Drinks like a dwar...I mean, he drinks a lot, he
does. Anyway, I about a week back or so, he tells me to check on the horses and
go to bed while he went out for a few drinks and maybe to 'scrounge up some
company.' That was the last I've seen of him."
Konrad listens in as the talk
in the tavern turns to Heinz Gerber. He wracks his brain to figure out if he
recognizes that name. He turns back to LogazNir.
"If he was dead or in
prison, I figure I'd have heard around town. I'm thinking he had to get out of
town fast, maybe. So now I'm looking for him."
ArdFionn sits quietly watching the banter go back and
forth. She orders an ale as a barmaid goes by and awaits it's
delivery.
ArdFionn
accepts the lager beer for a penny after the shortage of ale is explained.
The main talk of the
tavern this evening is someone named Heinz Gerber. The name moves from lip to lip around the
entire place. At one point, in answer to
an unheard question you hear Josef proudly state, “That’s right,
we have Heinz Gerber locked up out back.
A bounty hunter caught the scoundrel and brought him to the Strutting
Cock. He’ll be back with the roadwardens
in two days, and then they’ll take care of that outlaw for good!”
A week ago? Did his trail lead this way? or
are you just searching towns at random? Perhaps this Heinz Gerber has sighted
your liege on the road. He may be able to tell us something useful. As for me,
I feel the need of some fresher air, would you care to come with me?" asks
Galadaeg as he begins picking his way towards the door.
LogazNir hops down again from his perch and looks up at
Konrad. "Might be that he's right, Konrad. No use in not
askin' the fiend a few, now ain't there?" Before turning to follow
the elf out, the dwarf waves for the other elf, ArdFionn, to follow along
The young man stands up. Leaning on his spear like a walking
stick, Konrad starts heading for the door.
"Guess it couldn't hurt
to ask."
Konrad turns to Galadaeg.
"Who is this Heinz Gerber guy anyway?"
Hang ‘em High
The lock-up of the Strutting Cock appears to be nothing more than a pit in the ground with an iron grate over it. It’s behind the inn, near the privy. There is no guard but the grate is secured with an impressive lock. As soon as you get near the grate you hear “psst, pssst!” coming from below.
“Please, have pity on a poor wretch! My name is Emmerich Handler and I only came here from Gersdorf in the last fortnight seeking employment. No one would hire me so I was foraging near the Strutting Cock to try to find something to eat. Today I was set upon by a vicious bounty hunter. He beat me up and tied me up and said I was the outlaw Heinz Gerber. But I’m not! Please, you must help me before the roadwarden arrives, or they’ll hang me for sure.”
"About
Heinz Gerber, you know as much as I. Whether his claim to be Emmerich Handler
be true or false, he still may know news of your lord, go and ask what you
will." whispers the elf dropping back to speak to the dwarf, "He
appears weak and may be easily cowed, if he resists young Konrad, you may need
to step in and be more menacing."
ArdFionn, slides the chair away with her feet and stands up with a
lazy stretch. She tosses her bow up on her back, grabs her ale off the table
and follows the others out to the back.
With a laugh "Hey, I
wonder how many of the drunks have missed the privy." Looking down over
the hole and at it occupant "That would explain the smell. Dang, boy I've
been in bear caves that smelt bett'r en you."
Konrad observes the pit and the man down in it.
He speaks to his companions
but loud enough for "Heinz" to hear.
"Desperate people make
all kinds of stories. I'm sure someone can identify this man before he is wrongfully
hanged, if his claim is true. Successful outlaws are clever about getting out
of trouble. As well as getting innocent people in
trouble."
Konrad looks straight at the
man in the pit.
"Convince me"
With
desperation in his voice, the prisoner says, “I have a wife and child in the
town of
OOC: What is the actual distance to this town?? Do any of
us have access to horses??
Gersdorf is approximately 20 miles a way. Walking would not allow you to make it back before the roadwardens arrive. ArdFionn and Konrad each have a horse. Inquiries also discover you can catch a ride on a boat for 5 sp per person. This would allow you to return early in the evening, as long as you were up early to catch the first boat. Josef can make the arrangements if you like.
LogazNir plops down against the wall of the tavern. " Maybe we be helpin' him out? He ain't gonna escape
if'n we go find this woman, an' if'n he's really who he says he is, we can't
just be lettin' him hang. He aint worth a trip to the pits, he'll be a-killed
fer sure." The dwarf turns his head and spits to the side. "Long as
we don't take no stinkin' ponies."
((OOC: My wife is getting back
from
I agree, he isn't going anywhere, and it seems that we
shall get little else out of him, although I am not opposed to trying. I
suggest we take the boat, I heard in the tavern that bandits have been quite
active on the road lately, and splitting up could be dangerous."
Aye, lets take a little trip shall we, might save an
innocent mans life, or not. Either way we get a bit of a trip out of the
deal."
"Let's go make
arrangements for the trip."
Konrad nods in agreement.
"I wouldn't want the
wrong man to swing for a crime he didn't commit. If this man is telling the
truth, we'll need to see what this bounty hunter is all about and why he's
snatching up innocent men. But let's not put the cart before the horse."
Konrad starts back to the
tavern with the rest of his companions to make boat arrangements.
"Speaking of horses, I
think those of us who have them should bring them, if they fit on the boat. I
fight much better on horseback. And if something happens with the boat or
river, it would be good if some of us could rush back to this town with the
truth."
Konrad turns to face
disagreement from LogazNir, who seems to dislike ponies.
"Aye, horseback is where I belong. We bring them, then if we have too we can split up and we can ride back if
needed. I don't like being caught without an alternate means of travel."
"To each their own, should
we take the bounty hunter with us before he leaves the region?"
The bounty hunter is fetching the roadwardens and will return with them in two days. It will cost double for the mounts to be transported by river.
OOC: What is the cost for a horse rental?? or as a last resort, to buy??
A pony usually costs 50 gold crown, a riding horse 80. There are no rental services available.
LogazNir is deathly affraid of being on the back of a
horse. Something about "walkin' under me own powers, ain't on some
stinkin' dumb beast." He is a little easier with the though of a wagon (as
it is a machine, not an animal), and believes that if we have to bring back the
man's wife, it may be easier on her to sit in the wagon than to ride behind one
of the others.
The only way you would make the trip in time is to travel both ways by river, or a hard run by horse.
"I like that idea, any other opinions?"
Konrad considers the different factors.
"I suggest we take the
boat both ways but those whom have horses shall take them onboard if they
choose to spend the coin. That way, if the boat springs
a leak, the boatmaster gets sick, or anything like that goes wrong, we'll have
the horses to get some of us back in time to save this man, if he is indeed
wrongly charged. I suggest we get moving."
Konrad, for a moment, looks
like the confident knight he may one day become. It lasts for an instant,
however, and the awkward young man reappears.
Looking back down in the hole at the
filthy man."You sit tight there,
not that you have much choice. Well find this Heidi of your and see if your
story checks out. Hey what’s she look like
anyway?"
After waiting for a brief
description ArdFionn turns back toward the others and gives
Konrad a solid clap on the back.
"Right then, lets quit chatterin' and get to makin' the arrangements.
Looks like you and me are the only ones with horses, love. Suppose we best be
makin' arrangements for their trip as well. Don't know 'bout yours but mines
never been to fond of being off solid ground."
While still talking she begins
to walk toward the bar, dust kicking up around her feet.
"Konrad,
I hope you can swim with all that armor on." says Galadaeg as he begins
stalking his way back to the tavern, fingering a coin.
LogazNir looks sadly down. Not at the prisoner, but at
his empty tankard and his light purse. This trip means less money to spend on
the finer things in life! Still, the dwarf follows the others back into the
tavern to make arrangements for the ferry ride.
Konrad turns to Galadaeg. "I doubt I will be able to. I
don't plan on wearing if for the trip on the boat. But appreciate your concerns
about my safety."
Josef helps you make the arrangements and bids you hurry, as a ferry is leaving very shortly. Unless you wish to make further arrangements you can get to the ferry without difficulty. The trip takes approximately 8 hours and follows a gentle bend of the River Stir to the North. Arriving at Gersdorf in the evening, Heidi Handler is easy enough to find. She asks what she can do for travelers such as yourselves?
Time: Evening, Konigstag, Pflugzeit 1, I.C. 2522
Location: The
"Well for starters do you
know a Heinz Gerber? Also is the man of the 'ouse here? We'd like to speak with
'im iffin that be possible."
The woman stares at you. “Heinz Gerber? No, I can’t say as I have. And my husband is away looking for work at the moment. What is this about?” Trepidation creeps into her voice.
I wonder if 'Heinz Gruber' has any disreputable friends
in this town?" muses Galadaeg, making sure to
keep out of view of the doorway.
Actions: Listen to discover if
anyone/anything can be heard moving around inside the house.
(Galadaeg does hear movement within the house)
The woman stammers, “Who is this Heinz you keep speaking of, and is it Gerber or Gruber? My husband is Emmerich Handler and he will be coming through that door any moment now. He’s very big and strong and knows how to deal with ruffians!”
Whispering to LogazNir, "There seem to be more
people inside, do you see a way we can get a look in
there?"
"Ma'am,
where did your husband go to find work? And please I'm not a ruffian, being a
ruffian takes far to much energy. I take it that the
person inside he hears runnin' 'bout is your little one. Could you please
describe your husband to me."
“That’d be our daughter, Gretchen.” Heidi then proceeds to describe the man you saw in the pit at the Strutting Cock. “What’s wrong? What’s happened to Emmerich? What’s this all about?” she cries wringing her hands.
Konrad
doesn't have much to offer in this line of questioning, but he does his best to
look the part of a noble knight and less like a brigand.
Unfortunately,
LogazNir looks very much the part of a ruffian. "Lemme be lookin'."
the dwarf whispers, as quietly as he can. Then he slowly walks, in a very
un-dwarflike and unconvincing nonchalant fashion, towards the corner of the
house, and has a peek at the other wall, looking for a window.
"Oh
for the love of... Ma'am your husband was captured by a bounty hunter, and is
being held until the wardens get back tomorrow. The bounty Hunter said your
husband was the infamous Heinz Gerber, my guess to collect the bounty without
having to actually get the real guy. Happens all the time
really. Can you and your daughter come up to the next town with us so
you can identify him and try and prove his innocence. We
need to leave on the next raft, or their gonna hang
him."
ArdFionn looks a bit flustered
at the show of emotion the woman is putting on and shuffles her feet a bit as a
distraction, while she explains to the woman that her husband is probably going
to be put to death.
"Why don't you go gather
up a few things for you and your daughter and we'll go make arrangements for
the boat. Oh and in case ya are able to clear his name, you may want to bring
him a change of clothes, that pit was mighty ripe."
It would
appear that Mr. Handler is who he claimed he is, I
shall go and secure the boat for our return passage. Be sure to bring supplies
for your return trip to your home."
LogazNir
abandons his attempts at sneaking and rejoins the group. "Now whats with
the crien'?" he mutters, "No respectin' dwarf woman folk would be
doin' any such! She'd be gettin' 'er hands on ol' axes fer a fight!"
Somewhat embarrassed, and a little disgusted, he turns and heads back to where
the ferry sets out from.
Konrad
looks at the woman with sympathy, realizing she is obviously worried and
receiving few few assurances from the party.
"Ma'am, you have nothing
to fear. If your husband has, indeed, been accused unjustly, he will come to no
harm. I will personally see to it. My name is Konrad Feldstatler, squire to Sir
Garonstern. You have a sworn sword to the Empire helping your cause. We will
see that Sigmar's justice is done."
He steps close to comfort the
woman if such a thing seems necessary.
"Gather what you need for
the trip. We should be off."
Heidi handler takes in all the information and attention calmly. “Bounty hunter, you say? Hang him? I see. Pit? Yes, yes. Axes…, hmmm, I don’t remember where I-I-I put th-them” She faints in the gallant arms of a well placed Konrad Feldstatler.
She comes round easily enough and seems the picture of a determined farm woman. She calls Gretchen, gathers up some items and begins making supper! “The boat won’t be goin’ back ‘round that way till first light o’ morning. Might as well be comfortable and eat. You’ll like it I promise.”
After a delicious meal and a rest like you haven’t had since you left your own homes (maybe even better), you depart in the morning. On the way, Heidi meets some neighbours and hurriedly explains what is going on. Everyone is shocked and wishes her Shallya’s blessings. You get the impression that Emmerich handler is well-liked in his hometown.
The trip back to the Strutting Cock is uneventful, and you arrive in the afternoon.. The roadwardens are due back the very next morning.
Time: Afternoon, Angestag, Pflugzeit 2, I.C. 2522
Location: The Strutting Cock
Back at the Strutting
Cock
"Thank
ya, Ma'am. Your hospitality despite the circumstances is much obliged. You
might want to leave the 'lil one here wit Konrad. See'n 'er daddy in a pit,
isn't proper. I'll take ya round the back so you can see 'im."
ArdFionn seems to have warmed
up a bit to the woman, after seeing the woman's resolve the previous day.
ArdFionn begins to lead the woman round to the pit, when she looks back at
Konrad.
"These two may need a
moment, maybe you can show the 'lil one your horse. Not sure how mine is round
knee biters, 'specially when I'm not round. But maybe
show her how a knight rides a horse, or some such."
Konrad nods
and snatches up the little girl, whom he has been playing with for the whole
trip back to town.
"Let's go see Gorgon.
Don't be scared of him, though. He's only mean to mutants and ratmen. You're
not a ratgirl, are you? Hmmm, I'm not sure..."
He continues to play with
Gretchen, but he watches ArdFionn leave with Heidi with concern.
At
most, the woman gets looks of anticipation and satisfaction in place of actual
"pleases" and "thank yous" from the dwarf. To ArdFionn he
warns, darkly: "Ye'd do better to be holdin' yer tongue than to wag it so
freely concernin' short folk. Ye sure ain't to big to be thrashed, hear?"
ArdFionn
laughs as she continues to lead Heidi back to the pit, and calls back to
LogazNir.
"Whats the matter Master
Dwarf never heard of young ones being called knee biters. You're far taller 'en
that certainly you couldn't 'ave thought I meant you." With that ArdFionn
disappears around the corner with Heidi.
The reunion between husband and wife seems genuine and heart-warming. Unless you’d like to do anything else, I’ll assume you have common meals and make arrangements for the night. Josef informs you that it will be 5p to spend the night on the benches, tables of floor of the common room. When Heidi balks at the cost, Jose offers her a space in the barn for 2p, as long as she and Gretchen can stand the cold and the smell.
"Now
see 'ere that'll n'er do. Come now you'll sleep in 'ere, where its warm and dry. No use being a sight when we need to meet
with the roadwarden in the morn'. Least I can do for the fine meal and you
puttin' us up for the night."
ArdFionn pulls a 1s and 5p
from her pouch and hands it over to Josef. "Maybe the extra will get the
'lil one a blanket, if'n you have an extra."
"There now, it's a mite
warmer in 'ere and a mite safer too, never know what'll run into or what'll run
into you out 'ere by yourselves."
Heidi is profoundly grateful. The night passes as comfortably as it can in a place like this, but it is obvious that Heidi did not rest well.
Time: Morning, Festag, Pflugzeit 3, I.C. 2522
Location: The Strutting Cock
The next day a coach pulled by a team of two horses arrives at the inn from the north, escorted by six mounted men in leather jacks with swords, pistols and shields and a seventh, wearing full leather armor under a mail shirt, a helmet, and armed with a sword, 2 pistols and a dagger. This last bears the insignia of a captain. The air in the inn is one of curiosity and anticipation. From out of the coach steps a rough man wearing a helmet and a leather jack under a mail shirt. From his belt hangs a sword, net, case of bolts and 2 sets of manacles. Over one shoulder is a coil of rope and a crossbow is on his back.
They file into the inn. The captain calls to Josef, “I am Captain Leonhard Kurtz, here about the matter of the outlaw. Clear away the tables!” Josef and two lads do so immediately. Two of the roadwardens go around back and come back momentarily with the prisoner.
Captain Kurtz states, “You are accused of being Heinz Gerber, a notorious outlaw chief who led other scum to commit foul thieving, assault, and other crimes upon the honest folk of this region during the past four months. What have you to say for yourself?”
“I-I plead innocence, milord,” says the prisoner, “for I AM NOT THE MAN YOU CLAIM I AM! My name is Emmerich Handler, not Heinz Gerber. Please pare my life, milord, abd I shall leave these lands.”
From the look on the captain’s face it is clear he does not believe the man you know as Handler. “What proof do you have of your innocence? Who will come forth and support your claims?”
Heidi steps forward, holding Gretchen by the hand. “I am Heidi Handler from Gersdorf and this man is my husband, Emmerich.” The darling Gretchen adds, “Daddy!”
Does anyone else speak on the prisoner’s behalf?
"Sir,
there is enough evidence to throw some serious doubt on his guilt. There are
others in his home town who will vouch for his
identity as Emmerich Handler. Is there some way to prove his identity as Heinz
Gerber?"
The captain wheels on Galadaeg, hand on his pistol. “Are you the law here, elf? I asked if anyone would vouch for the accused, not hearsay from some distant village. The accused has already been identified by the bounty hunter. A clever man could have arranged for a “family” to vouchsafe his innocence. Unless someone actually stands for the accused I am inclined to pass judgement.”
Amused,
LogazNir begins heading towards the bar, looking for good vantage point--and
perhaps a drink!
"I
do not represent the law in this part of the country. Khaine shall not prevail
here, but Hoeth. To let this man be led to the slaughter totally uncontested is
not justice. I will stand for him, though I may stand alone; until this man's
guilt be either proven or found baseless." Galadaeg states in a firm, even
tone.
From
his corner at the bar, the dwarf begins to finger his armour, making sure it's
snug, and checks to be sure his axe can be withdrawn from its place on his back
smoothly. "I'm understandin' that this elf ain't
no law 'round here. An' I'm understandin' that ya'lls
are. But I'm knownin' too that bounty hunters ain't no law. He's got nothin' to
care 'cept the heft o' his purse. He be havin' every reason to want this man be
Gerber. Bounty hunters ain't law!"
The captain raises both his hands as a murmur of conversation passes through the common room. “I am not asking for anyone’s opinions of our system of law. I simply wish to know if anyone else is willing to stand and testify that this man is who he claims to be.”
Ardfionn stands. “Aye. I will. I was there when we fetched his wife from their village. She be no alibi. There was a home, well-established. There were caring neighbors. Your bounty hunter has made a mistake.”
The Captain waits a moment as the inn seems to hold its breath. He then turns to the bounty hunter and slaps him across the face. “Waste my time again, Lars, and you’ll be the one swinging from a rope. You men, release the prisoner.” The captain spins about and marches out of the inn without a further word to anyone.
The bounty hunter glares at each of you in turn, and then exits as well, stopping first at the door and looking out, as if to make sure the captain is not nearby.
The Handlers express their extreme gratitude and promise to take as good care of you as they can, should you ever visit Gersdorf.
The room exhales, tables are brought back, and the inn returns to its normal state as hunters and woodsman head out into their wilds, part of the day already gone to the excitement.
Realizing that you could fritter away your small earnings staying here, and that there is no real way to make a living in this area, you feel it is now time to move on. Westward. That’s where everyone says travelers should go. Westward.
As I
don't believe we have any other pressing concerns, or can afford much in the
way of supplies, I think we can safely head out of town.
LogazNir, a little paranoid,
will continuously scan the horizon for a certain bounty hunter who must be none
too pleased with the travelers.
After
overhearing about bandits to the west in the tavern, Galadaeg is keeping a
steady eye out for signs of increased traffic on the road, but is glad to be on
the move again.
OOC: Which direction did the
captain/road wardens take when they left??
Konrad
heads westward with his companions. Though he'd like to walk his horse, he
feels it is wise to stay mounted in case bandits attack suddenly and the
advantage of fighting from horseback is needed.
ArdFionn
rides with the group, occasionally trotting ahead to check the road for signs
of trouble.
Westward Ho
Through some stroke of luck, or blessings from the gods, the bounty hunter has headed off to the east.
You virtually have the road to yourselves, as very few people actually travel in these troubled times. For the most part, the road follows the River Stir, though trees often obscure the view of the river. Parts of the road are hilly, while other parts pass through thick, dark woods.
Would anyone like to do anything in particular while you travel?
Seeing
as others in the group have a bit of a height advantage, LogazNir will leave
the looking-out to them. Instead he will focus on looking as fearsome and
dangerous as he can! Though, to be honest, the dwarf is already thinking about
food, and wonders if there aren't deer or boar in the frequent woods.
"If
you are hungry, food can be had if it is exists in these woods to be
found."
"I'm
always hungry, But I ain't to be holdin' up the group
for naught but a snack."
Pressing on, by late afternoon you arrive at the burnt remains of a tollhouse. Whatever tragedy befell this structure does not appear to be recent. The gate is broken and lying on the side of the road. Charred beams are all that remain of a roof, and a portion of the wall has tumbled down. Still, enough of the walls remain to provide some shelter from the elements, and it is the only structure you have seen since leaving.
"We
should make camp, 'his place is 'he best I've seen. We can grab so 'ater from
the river 'here, get a fire goin', see if'n we can't scrounge up some rabbits
or somet'in for some grub."
ArdFionn dismounts and lashes
the reins to part of the broken wall. She gives the building remains a hard
thump from outside, seeing that it doesn't collapse she nods "Aye, 'his'll
do." She sets right to setting up a section of camp, not speaking a word
like shes done this a hundred times with never a single companion to talk to.
LogazNir
wanders down to the river to relieve himself downstream and to get some water.
Having drunk his fill, he fills his tankard to the brim and carries that up to
camp for whoever needs it.
"We
should set some snares, see if'n we can't catch a 'lil sometin'." She
seems to say this to noone in particular.
ArdFionn starts grabbing a few
things from her pack and heads to a nearby cluster of trees and begins looking
around the underbrush for signs of activity.
As ArdFionn begins setting up camp, she comes across enough material to construct a crude lean-to. Along the walls she finds evidence of past campfires. While finding no tracks she does come across enough growing vegetation and berries to feed two of you.
Galadaeg
gathers up his weapons and animal traps, and heads out as well, searching for a
suitable place to set up his traps and hunt some game.
While Galadaeg doesn’t find a good place for traps, he does come back with a small coney (enough to feed him at least).
Galadaeg
tosses the rabbit at Konrad after settling down against the wall, "You
look like you need this more than I do. Take it and enjoy it."
Konrad, who
was just tending to the horse, catches the coney.
"Thanks. I'm starving
but...don't you want it?"
Konrad, realizing it's rude to
question a gift, drops that line of questioning and starts skinning the animal
with his dagger.
ArdFionn
sits back down with some berries and nut and offers the extra portion up to
anyone interested. "Not much, but it'll do."
As you prepare and eat your meals, such as they are, and the sun begins to set, you hear howling wolves in the distance. It is common knowledge in rural areas of the Empire that large packs of wolves roam the wild forests in search of food and are known to kill and devour small groups of people.
Konrad brings his horse as close to the fire as possible,
trying to back it up against the makeshift wall to protect it. He steps away
and scans the surrounding forest. Konrad, leaning on his demilance, turns to
Galadaeg.
"Wolves,
eh? Think they'll be a problem?"
"Think
they be be dinner! Ooo I be hopin' they come fer us! Somethin' to sink yer teeth in!" LogazNir grabs his axe
and waits excitedly, trying to place the direction of the wolves, and singing a
ditty about the many ways to prepare wolf meat under his breath.
"I have made what little money I possess slaying the
wild beasts who prey on people. Fortunately, these do
not sound like beastmen, they tend to be a bit nastier." replies Galadaeg
as he strings his bow, loosens his sword and nocks an arrow.
The evening wanes with no further interruption, other than the sounds of the forest at night. Does anybody do anything in particular before morning?
LogazNir was contemplating sleep for a time there...
Just
sleep, nothing special.
During the night Ardfionn is woken by the sound of a snapping twig.
Ard
hearing something in the night, will get up and do a once over of the camp,
check on the horses and make sure that there is no one sneaking around in the
shadows, before going back to sleep.
Ardfionn finds nothing and hears nothing further. Just as she is laying back down, there is another loud snapping noise near where the first one occurred.
LogazNir
takes a moment to don his armour and collect his meager possessions. To
ArdFionn he asks: "That be the first yell?"
"Aye,
wolves went off 'hat way. Snappin' twigs woke me, wolves went runnin' by and
'hen 'hat fiendish scream. By my guess deamon, restless
spirit of some sort. I figure we should be keeping out of this."
"Nonsense!
Little peek at what be goin' on aint gonna hurt no one! How's abouts we be
visitin' our new friends? Come!" LogazNir looks around camp and gives
"helpful" kicks to anyone who has yet to wake before setting off with
a determined step.
Konrad
scrambles to his feet and pulling on his mail over his shirt. Upon getting
dressed, he grabs his lance and starts preparing his horse for action.
"We should investigate.
Someone could be in trouble."
Rising
swiftly, Galadaeg begins buckling on his gear, "If it is a demon then we
must go. Some threats in this world must be met, no matter the cost. May
Kurnous grant us speed." he says grimly.
A short trip into the forest leads you to the carcass of a small deer. It has been torn to pieces.
"Or might be a deer. One 'eck of a scream
though."
ArdFionn looks over the
carcass to see if there are any salvageable bits, an intact leg or anything
that could be roasted over the fire. If she sees any parts that look worth the
while she'll start to cutting them off with her knife
and carry it back to camp.
"Nature always provides,
ay?"
There is nothing edible left on the carcass.
"In
my years of hunting wild beasts, no deer has ever made a noise similar to
that." as Galadaeg begins searching the ground for signs or tracks.
Perception/Track
test.
While the ground is trampled, the confusion of activity prevents Galadaeg from gleaning any positive information.
"Greedy
beasts!" the dwarf exclaims. Being more or less useless at the tasks the
elves seem to be occupying themselves with, LogazNir
paces around the outside of the group, swinging his axe in a left-right-chop
pattern. He seems almost as disappointed over the lack of a demon as the lack
of fresh meat.
Konrad,
still mounted, manuevers his horse away from the disturbed ground. He rests the
butt of his demilance in his right stirrup and scans the wilderness for any
sign of the screamer.
"Very strange," he
murmurs to himself.
ArdFionn
looks around and with no activity shrugs her shoulders. "Come on, lets head back to camp. No use sittin' round here. 'he excitements over and we seemed to 'ave missed it. Let's
go get some shut eye." ArdFionn begins back in the direction of camp.
"The
forest will reclaim the bones. For now there seems to be little else for us to
do except to await the dawn."
The rest of the evening passes uneventfully.
Wayward Travelers
Time: Morning, Wellentag, Pflugzeit 4, I.C. 2522
Location: Burned out gatehouse
You wake in the morning, your stomachs reminding you that you’ll need to eat at some point during the day.
On the road again, you find the going as easy as the previous day. Occasionally you see boats going up and down the River Stir. The boats travel near the center of the river. The road bends ahead of you.
Konrad hears a cart approaching from ahead.
Konrad will
ride up and investigate the cart and hail them if they seem friendly. If they
seem suspicious or hostile in any way, he'll ride back towards his companions
to warn them.
Konrad suddenly gallops up ahead and disappears around the bend.
He sees two men walking on the road dressed in simple brownish, hooded habits with hammer-shaped medallions hanging from their necks. They nervously look to the forest to their left and occasionally to the river at their right. Both hold swords. Behind them, two similarly-dressed men drive a wagon packed with crates and bags, as well as four more of their fellows. The men riding suffer from wounds, judging by the various bandages, some bloodied, that they wear.
Upon seeing Konrad, the two in front whisper “ambush,” and grip their swords tighter.
Konrad
lowers his lance and waves to the men.
"Followers of Sigmar, I
mean you no harm. I am a supporter and defender of the Empire. You appear to
have had some trouble. Perhaps my friends who follow and I can help."
Konrad stops his horse and
makes no further move toward the men.
Galadaeg
continues walking along the road, but loosens his sword in it's sheathe.
"Oy! Oh for cryin' out loud." ArdFionn shouts after the
young knight as he leaves them in the dust.
ArdFionn sneers slightly as
she edges her horse into a gallop and follows after Konrad, drawing the whip
from her side as she goes.
"Now what be this all about, eh?!" The LogazNir shouts with a jump after the two fleeting
figures. With a heavy sigh he pulls the axe from his back and curses the
long-legged beasts that so easily out pace him...
"LogazNir,
what do you think we have gotten ourselves into this time? I'll lay a brass
penny on bandits." says the elf as he fingers his bow and walks a little
faster.
As the rest of you catch up to Konrad, you see two men walking on the road dressed in simple brownish, hooded habits with hammer-shaped medallions hanging from their necks. They nervously look to the forest to their left and occasionally to the river at their right. Both hold swords. Behind them, two similarly-dressed men drive a wagon packed with crates and bags, as well as four more of their fellows. The men riding suffer from wounds, judging by the various bandages, some bloodied, that they wear.
The two men in front have assumed a combative stance.
“Bandits!” one of them cries as the party rounds the bend. Both men almost charge when they are pulled p short by one of the men on the cart. “Nay, brother! I do not think they mean us harm. Bandits do not announce themselves by name and offer aid. Stand down!”
The armed men relax…somewhat.
Konrad
dismounts and pulls back his coif to better reveal himself. He shifts his lance
to his left hand and extends his right to one of the armed men.
"I am Konrad Feldstatler,
squire to Sir Hans Garonstern. I am traveling with these elves and this dwarf.
They are ArdFionn, Galadaeg, and LogazNir. What trouble has befallen you?"
The man does not take Konrad’s hand, but does lower his sword. “We are pilgrims, good sir. Our affairs are deeply personal. We wish nothing more than to be left in peace so that we might continue or journey.”
"Can
you give us any news of the road behind you? Do your companions require aid of
any kind? They do not look like they will survive any pilgrimages except the
final one."
ArdFionn
hangs her whip back on her hip, and shrugs. "Good 'nuff for me, lets 'hem
be on their way and we'll be on ours."
It's rather obvious that
ArdFionn is used to having little to no allegiance to anyone one or anything.
Her horse dances a bit impatiently on the side of the road obviously not used
to sitting long in one spot in such open ground, and ArdFionn seems to agree
with her horse’s desire to keep moving, as she shifts back and forth in the
saddle a bit impatiently.
Addressing Galadaeg, one of the men says “We fought off bandits that attacked us on the road behind us. We were attacked an hour or so ago. Thank you for your offer of assistance, but to accept would be against the teachings of our order. Please, we must be on our way.”
"Very
well, may you have a safe journey." says Galadaeg, still not totally
putting away his weapon.
“And you,” the speaker bows his head.
Unless anyone else wants to interact with them, the pilgrims will be on their way, and you on yours.
Konrad
awkwardly remounts after being rebuffed, nodding to the wounded holy men.
"Good luck to you."
He moves his horse out of the
way to let them pass, riding over to ArdFionn.
"Sorry about running
ahead like that. When I heard the cart coming, I figured there may be trouble
and I didn't want to waste time. Pretty stupid, I guess."
Konrad trots back into the
road.
"Well...this road leads
towards bandits. I say, we follow it and meet them head-on. They're probably
hurting from their battle with the Sigmarites and most likely not ready for
another ambush. What say you all?"
"I
be hopin' that there be enough heads left fer me to
smash! I aint fer havin' strangers do me work fer me!"
"Let
us go and make the world a safer place. I am glad I kept my bow out, I shall
need it soon it seems."
A Murder of Crows
You travel without incident for roughly 90 minutes after meeting the pilgrims. You see and hear a murder of crows up ahead. The road cross a 15-yard rise before it descends into a clearing where the crows have gathered to feast.
The scene before you is one of carnage. Strewn across the meadow are the bodies and separated body parts of ten people. Five are dressed as farmers, and the others are in pilgrim garb like those you recently met on the road. Crows and a few ravens pick at the flesh of the dead. One large raven plucks an eye out from the socket of a dead pilgrim as you watch.
While you are able to avoid feeling nauseated, each of you gains 1 insanity point.
((Looks
like none of us are certain as to how we should proceed!))
LogazNir looks to the elves as
asks each to try and find which way the bandits left this mess from.
As you stand in shock, you hear a groan from what you thought was a corpse. Following the sound you find a lone woman near death lying in the clearing. She groans in pain as she comes to for a brief moment before the servants of Morr come to claim her soul.
She opens hers eyes and weakly motions for LogazNir to come closer. “I thank Rhya and Morr that you have come. I am dying, having failed in my charge. But you…you must do what I could not. The bandits in pilgrim clothing stole a young girl from us. She is the seven-year-old daughter of Baron von Radische. He secretly entrusted her to our care years ago. I have a medallion that the Baron gave me to identify his daughter.
We were returning her to her father
when bandits attacked us. I beseech
you. You must rescue Bianka. I fear the outlaws will do her harm. If you safely bring her to Herr Wilhelm
Leibniz in the town of
The woman lays back, closes her eyes and breathes her last.
Konrad
looks around with disgust.
"These people need to be
buried, but that will have to wait. We must find these bandits and rescue this
girl before she is hurt...or worse."
Konrad
searchs the area for any tracks that he can see with his limited ability in
such things.
Konrad has no such skills, but the wagon tracks heading back the way you came are obvious.
"I
be thinkn' she means them we just passed not an age ago... knew I didn't like
their smells!"
ArdFionn reckons the bandits have a 3 hour lead on you. Moreover, as its mid-afternoon, you cannot reach the ruined tollhouse before dark.
Konrad
begins to understand the deception.
"But...they wore the
hammers of Sigmar. They said they were holy men..."
Konrad's expression slowly
shifts from confused disbelief to rage.
"They rode right past us!
We wished them luck on their journey! I bet they're laughing at us right
now!"
Konrad lifts his demilance
over his head.
"I swear I shall not rest
easy while those men live."
Konrad looks like he's
preparing to gallop after them himself, but he calms himself for a moment and
looks back to his companions.
"Who's with me?"
Rousing
himself from some deep thought, a look of anger crosses
the fair elf's face, "I am with you, the girl shall survive. Let the hunt
begin."
"Aye, lets get 'em, if nothing else I can't stand being
laughed at. Not to mention the reward. But ifn' were goin' to do 'his, we're
going to have to travel though 'he night, in or'er to catch 'em up."
ArdFionn hops up into the saddle and begins heading back toward the road.
"You lot comin'?"
"If
we must travel through the night, then we should get started. A night ambush
will allow us to secure the girl before the bloodshed starts."
Mumbling,
LogazNir begins strutting back the way he came. Despite his grumbles, he has a
slight smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
Before leaving you recall the old woman’s mention of a medallion. Searching her with all possible reverence, you find the same, depicting an upright ferret holding a sword. None of you recognizes the symbol.
You head out back the direction from whence you came and travel at top speed (considering half of you are walking). As nightfall descends on the forest you hear howling wolves from somewhere up ahead. You will need light to continue, as the forest canopy is so thick in some parts that the moonlight or stars cannot be relied upon to light the way.
"We
can light torches, but our quarry will be aware of us before our trap is
sprung."
In fact, you reckon your choices are limited to producing light or camping for the night.
"I
am for pushing on, but if we make light we will find shafts coming out of the
dark rather than the other way around. Can we tie a lantern or hang a torch
from one of the horses far enough ahead so that it won't illuminate us too
badly?"
Galadaeg looks around seeking
the input of his comrades.
Konrad
nods.
"I feel like it is a
dangerous endeavor, but lives are at stake if we don't make haste. My hope is
that they have stopped for the night. We might be able to see their campfire in
the distance before they see our torch. We must be vigilant, that's all."
Konrad will walk his horse for
a bit, checking the ground for a piece of wood long enough to tie a torch to.
As you begin looking for a branch, you all realize you have no sources of light. To continue on, Galadaeg, Logaznir and ArdFionn must rely on their enhanced vision and guide you slowly through the darker parts of the forest.
Something Green This Way Comes
Continuing on for some ways you stumble upon yet another seen of carnage, yet your previous experience has hardened you somewhat to such brutalities. Strewn upon the ground around a cart in a starlit clearing are the bodies of ten dead goblins, four slain wolves and some human body parts; hands, fingers and a piece of scalp. The cart appears to be intact and looks like the same one the “pilgrms” were driving, but there is no sign of the horse that was pulling it. The crates have been forced open and clothing scattered around. Sacks of grain are spilled out and loaves of bread tossed about.
Galadaeg finds a piece of medium blue, torn cloth on a nearby bush. There is no blood on the cloth.
On top one of the crates can be seen an opened letter with a seal. The seal matches the emblem on the old woman’s medallion, an upright ferret holding a sword.
LogazNir
ignores the obviously important letter and instead digs through the cart for
any unspoiled foodstuffs. With an empty stomach and no food in the pack, the
need for something to eat comes first. When he is finished with that, he will
look for any full human bodies, not merely body parts. LogazNir feels that the
so-called bandits aren't entirely human....
There is enough bread for each of you to eat and grab two loaves apiece. There are no human bodies or parts beyond what you initially saw.
If
possible Galadaeg will try to read the letter, otherwise he will begin
searching through the bodies for the body of the little girl. He will keep an
eye out for any bits of metal and rocks to perhaps get some sort of fire going
to light a torch or two.
Unfortunately Galadaeg doesn,t know how to read. You are able to find a couple of torches, a few matches and some waterskins as well. A thorough search of the scene would take about an hour.
We've
found a fair deal already, and certainly enough to convince LogazNir that
something isn't right. Perhaps we should have a look around and find out where
the survivors fled to?
What you find, and easily enough, is a path someone or something seems to have taken. They did not try to conceal their passage through the forest and you feel it would be an easy task to track them. By the way the branches and undergrowth are trampled you feel it could be several individuals, most likely goblins. There are no other discernible signs of traffic near the clearing.
"'his
girl's going from bad to worse. Bandits and now gobbies.
We best be pressin on I suppose."
ArdFionn shoves the two loaves
of bread into her pack and mounts up yet again.
LogazNir
also stows two of his loaves away, muching on the third as he travels. "I
be findin' it 'ard to believe 'twas the weak-necks who be winnin' that
fight," the dwarf says, following after his companions.
Follow the Greenskins
The trail meanders through the forest. After traveling for 2 hours you hear gruff voices up ahead. They sound like they are celebrating. Carefully sneaking ahead you see a large bonfire set in a clearing near a steep rise in the land. An opening in the side of the hill likely leads caves where the goblins lair. The body of the horse is roasting over the fire while the naked and mutilated corpses of seven humans hang upside down nearby. A lone wolf feasts on an 8th human body on the far side of the clearing, closer to the woods than the cave opening. A small, frightened, blond-haired, human girl is tied to a leather tether between the cave entrance and bonfire.
To the Rescue
As you survey the scene you note four fully armed goblin warriors leaving the camp. Their departure leaves eight goblins and the wolf in the camp.
Knocking
an arrow Galadaeg whispers, "Konrad, ArdFionn
mount up, ride across the clearing and protect the girl, when the goblins begin
to come after you, LogazNir and I will take them from behind."
Konrad
loosens his sword in his scabbard and checks the point of his demilance. After
checking the condition of his shield, he readies himself for the charge. He
looks to Galadaeg and ArdFionn for a sign, his face nervous but determined.
ArdFionn
looses the whip at her side from its tether and lets a few of the coils out
till it hangs loose and ready to strike at her side.
She gives the others a quick
nod and begins edging her horse closer until she spurs him full on towards the
girl.
Firing
his arrow, Galadaeg begins nocking another arrow, "Go. LogazNir,
stand ready."
Actions: Aim
Fire arrow at the nearest
goblin.
LogazNir
retrieves his great axe from its place between his shoulders and waits
patiently for the first weak-neck stupid enough to get close.
Actions: Ready Axe
Delay. (If someone gets within
range, attack them.)
I’m assuming at this point you would have doused your torch as you approached the camp.
Just before you execute your plan, the goblins look up towards your location. All but Galadaeg have been spotted!
Galadaeg aims and fires at the nearest goblin (2 rolled) and hits him in his left arm for 10 points of damage, heavily wounding the goblin.
ArdFionn reaches the girl.
Four of the goblins (including the heavily wounded one) race towards the wolf and it appears they begin to argue about who is going to ride it. The wolf stands growling. The other four goblins grab their short bows and fire at ArdFionn. An arrow grazes ArdFionn’s head, luckily doing no damage.
There is nobody fighting at the edge of the clearing so no goblins come within range of Lognazir’s axe.
Konrad charges into the group of goblins wielding bows (57 rolled for attack, +10% for charge) but fails to hit any of the greenskins.
Please post your actions for round 2
If I
have a clear shot at any of the enemies, I will load an arrow (free), aim, and
fire. Otherwise, I will draw my sword and follow LogazNir into the fray.
Position
myself between the fight and the girl, and attack any goblins that get in reach
of my whip.
I will
charge the group of goblins standing above the wolf, and attack the closest
one.
Galadaeg hits one of the bowmen for 10 points in its left leg.
One of the goblins proves himself the winner of the wolf-rider contest and leads the others in a slavering charge, their nicked swords gleaming dully in the firelight. All the greenskins with swords will be able to attack ArdFionn next round.
The archers turn their attentions to the edge of the clearing, firing at Galadaeg. The hail of arrows misses, although one did come disconcertingly close.
Logaznir charges to almost the extent of his movement before bringing his mighty axe down on a goblin’s head for 10 points of damage. The critical hit brings the goblin down and stuns it for 3 rounds.
Only Konrad remains to go this round.
If any
goblins are immediatly around Konrad, he stabs down at them with his demilance,
hoping to skewer them. If he must move, he will attempt to charge again into
the goblins around ArdFionn.
Actions:Quick Attack (full action)
Parry (free action)
OR
Charge (full action)
Parry (free action)
I assume you mean a swift attack? And parry is now a half action. Konrad attacks with his demilance (11 rolled) and hits a goblin in the head for 10 points of damage, heavily wounding the greenskin.
We’re now in round 3 with Galadaeg, ArdFionn, the goblins, Lognazir and then Konrad going.
Same as
before: If I have a clear shot at any of the enemies, I will load an arrow
(free), aim, and fire. Otherwise, I will draw my sword and follow LogazNir into
the fray.
Same as
before any of the goblins get in range of the whip, give them a taste of it.
Konrad will
continue to attack the wounded goblin until he falls, then turn his attention
to another foe.
OOC: Konrad will swift attack
again if possible.
LogazNir
will continue swinging away at the little horrors with his usual reckless
abandon. However, if the wolf rider is within reach, I will attack him first.
Galadaeg does have a plethora of targets but misses his shot.
ArdFionn’s whip lash fails to connect as well, and she coils it back up.
The wolf bites into ArdFionn’s horse’s left front leg for 6 points of damage.
The wolf’s rider slashes across and strikes ArdFionn’s lather jack-clad body for 2 points of damage.
One of the goblins remains stunned on the ground. A goblin misses ArdFionn and another misses Lognzair.
Two of the archers fire at Konrad and miss and two fire at Lognazir, one hitting the dwarf in his lather jack-clad left arm for 3 wounds.
Sorry, realized I cheated Konrad out of an attack last round, at the end of the round but he missed (51 rolled).
A goblin on foot stands between Logaznir and the wolf rider. Lognazir’s axe slams into the head of his obstacle for 14 points of damage. The axe blade cleaves through the goblin’s skull, instantly killing it.
Konrad’s first strike at an archer with his demilance misses (71 rolled), as does his second (75 rolled)
We’re now in round 4 with Galadaeg, ArdFionn, the goblins, Lognazir and then Konrad going.
I'll
head for the wolf-rider and attack the wolf if possible.
If I
have a clear shot at any of the enemies, I will load an arrow (free), aim, and
fire. Otherwise, I will draw my sword and follow LogazNir into the fray.
All the goblins are involved in melee (-20% to BS) so I’m assuming the latter.
Galadaeg draws blade and advances to the wolf rider (the only target you could get to this round) and slashes at him but fails to hit (67 rolled)
Correct,
that would be when I would charge into combat.
ArdFionn
attacks the goblin which poses the biggest threat to the restrained girl.
ArdFionn fails to connect with her whip (65 rolled)
The wolf again worries at ArdFionn’s horse’s left front leg for 1 point of damage.
The wolf rider slashes at ArdFionn but misses, as does one of the goblins on the ground. One of the goblins remains stunned. All of the archers draw wicked curved swords and attack Konrad and Lognazir. One of them cuts deeply into Lognazir’s right leg for 7 wounds. Lognazir has 2 wounds left.
Lognazir and then Konrad are up.
((Ouch!))
"Why you little
bugger!" the dwarf rages. He then strikes out wildly at the weak-neck that
slashed him so. Retreat simply isn't an option for this dwarf.
Lognazir’s axe slams into the body of the already wounded goblin, through armor and bone, and cuts the greenskin neatly in half.
Konrad will
push his horse into the melee, trying to get to where Logaznir is causing and
having so much trouble. He will attack any goblins he encounters between here
and there.
Konrad has been fighting side by side with Logaznir so may use a swift attack. His first attempt misses but his second strikes a goblin in the right arm for 5 points of damage. The goblin is lightly wounded.
To recap: the goblin on the wolf is heavily wounded, as is one of his companions, who was stunned but is now moving again. The other goblin with him is unharmed. One is dead.
Of the goblins who were firing arrows (and are now using swords), one is heavily wounded, one is lightly wounded and one is unharmed. One is dead.
Galadaeg and then ArdFionn are up.
ArdFionn
attacks the goblin on the wolf.
Galadaeg
performs a charge attack on the nearest goblin.
Galadaeg is already engaged with the goblin on the wolf. Might I suggest an all-out attack? Galadaeg’s sword cuts into the goblin’s left arm for 6 points. The blow cuts through the goblin’s arm and carries into its body, killing the creature before it falls to the ground from the wolf.
ArdFionn shifts her attack to the other goblin near the girl. Her whip catches the goblin around its left arm. The whip does 2 points of damage (reduced to 0 by the goblin’s toughness bonus) but does ensnare the creature.
The riderless wolf continues its ferocious assault on the ArdFionn’s horse, but just misses.
The previously stunned goblin gets up and attacks Lognazir, but misses by a wide margin. The ensnared goblin tries to burst his bonds by muscling through the whip, but fails. Two of the former archers attack Lognazir and miss and one misses Konrad.
Lognazir and Konrad are up.
Thank
you, good anticipation of my actions. I thought I was still running into
combat, my bad....
Outraged
that a downed goblin should get up again, LogazNir vows to put it back down for
good, and attacks.
LogazNir corrects the issue, slicing through the gobbo’s arm and into its body, making it very dead.
Konrad
attempts to strike the entangled goblin near the girl. If he cannot reach that
one, he will attack the nearest wounded goblin.
Two sharp jabs down at the entangled greenskin both miss, in spite of the fact that he’s almost immobile.
Galadaeg is up next, and has to advance to attack a goblin, or may attack the wolf staying where he is
ArdFionn is next, her whip entangling a goblin
3 goblins still battle LognaZir and Konrad, 1 lightly wounded, 1 heavily wounded, 1 unharmed. The fourth living goblin is entangled in ArdFionn’s whip.
I will
stand and perform an all out attack on the wolf standing right in front of me.
Galadaeg fails to hit the wolf (64 rolled).
ArdFionn is up next.
Is it
possible for ArdFionn to keep the whip entangling the goblin and draw her
dagger with the other hand to start cutting the girl free?
If so that’s what she does, if
not she'll just keep the goblin entangled.
Yes, that’s fine.
The wolf leaps up and snaps its jaws shut on ArdFionn’s horse for 7 wounds. The mount is now heavily wounded and is shaking its head back and forth as its ears bleed.
The snared goblin bursts free from the whip.
One of the goblins fighting LogazNir hits the dwarf in the head for 5 wounds (reduced to 1 by Logaznir’s TB). LogazNir is now at 1 wound.
The other goblin misses the dwarf but the third hits Konrad in the left arm for 12 wounds (reduced by 1 for armor and 3 for TB to 8 wounds). Konrad has 4 wounds remaining.
LogazNir and then Konrad are up.
LogazNir,
as always, will strike out at the one who last caused him harm and enact bloody
revenge.
LognaZir’s axe slams into the body of the goblin and, with Ulric’s Fury (10 rolled for damage) inflicts 22 wounds (reduced by 1 for armor and 3 for TB to 18 wounds) on the goblin. Several of the unfortunate beasts internal organs are ruptured and spill forth from the wound as it falls to its knees. Although death will take it in a matter of seconds, its pain-filled face is all too alive at the moment. Its arms hang limply, and it drops its sword as its gaze becomes unfocused.
Konrad
seems shaken for a moment, the pain of real combat not being part of his
training. He shakes it off and with an unknightly roar, jabs away savagely at
the goblin whom struck him.
Konrad’s first attack strikes the goblin in the right arm for 5 wounds (8 reduced by 3 for the goblin’s toughness bonus). The goblin is heavily wounded, but still up. The squire’s second attack just misses.
Galadaeg and ArdFionn are up.
I am
going to all out attack the closest target (which is the wolf, I believe).
Galadaeg strikes the wolf’s body for 6 wounds (reduced by 3 for wolf’s TB to 3), lightly wounding the wolf.
ArdFionn
lashes out with her whip trying to ensnare another goblin.
ArdFionn misses the goblin.
The wolf bites into ArdFionn’s horse’s right front leg again , this time with a sickening crunch. The horse emits an almost human-like scream before it crashes to the ground, it’s leg demolished and bleeding. ArdFionn is thrown to the ground.
Two of the goblins glance around and, realizing their numbers have dwindled, suddenly stand stock still and stare at ArdFionn and Galadaeg, fear in their eyes. The third one realizes the same thing but whistles for the wolf and moves away from the combat, toward the woods.
LognaZir and Konrad are up.
LogazNir
won’t have any of these beasts escaping, and has no reservations against
slaughtering them. If possible, he will move to (or charge) and attack the
fleeing goblin. If he cannot reach him, he will target the wolf instead.
LogazNir charges one of the goblins, striking it in the head for 7 wounds (10-3 for TB), heavily wounding the fleeing creature.
Konrad
attempts to finish this goblin he wounded.
Unfortunately Konrad fails to strike his target. (76 and 99 rolled)
Galadaeg and the ArdFionn are up.
Determined
to finally bring down that wolf, Galadaeg launches an all out assault on the
wolf.
Galadaeg’s attack misses (96 rolled).
ArdFionn
also attacks the wolf, raging fury gleaming in her eyes as lashes out at the
creature.
ArdFionn misses the wolf with her whip (47 rolled).
The wolf leaps away after the uninjured goblin and passes him on its way out of the clearing.
All the goblins stand still in fear of the presence of the elves in the group.
LognaZir and then Konrad are up next.
LogazNir
will finish off his wounded goblin.
The goblin’s head separates neatly as LogazNir’s axe passes through its neck.
Konrad
looks frustrated, unable to connect with his demilance. Seeing no other option
available, he continues his attacks.
Konrad’s first strike misses but the second connects with the goblin’s body for 4 (8-1 for armor-3 for TB) wounds. Konrad’s demilance pulverizes the spine of the creature and it collapses to the ground.
Galadage and ArdFionn are up
If
there are any goblins not fleeing, Galadaeg will do a charge attack against
them.
If not, Galadaeg will drop his sword, draw his bow, load an arrow (free), and
fire at any of the goblins still in sight.
Galadaeg charges between LogazNir and Konrad but just misses the goblin (50 rolled)
ArdFionn
will do everything in her power to wrap her whip around one of the little
monsters neck, in every attempt to snap it like a twig.
Ardfionn could recoil her whip and move towards the goblin but will have to wait until next round to attack.
The wolf bounds through the forest, almost immediately out of sight.
Both remaining goblins stand stock still in fright.
LogazNir and then Konrad are up, both in striking distance of the same goblin, or in charging distance of the one being approached by ArdFionn.
Konrad sees
the goblin and imagines maybe he can put his horse to better use than a
platform for him to continually not hit his enemy. He gives his horse the spurs
and charges the greenskin approaching ArdFionn.
LogazNir,
hopefully not getting in the way, will move and attack any still aggressive
goblins, if any. Otherwise he will merely move into range of one still in a
stupor, and wait.
Logaznir hits the goblin in its right arm for 20 wounds (Ulric’s Fury!) (-3 for TB) =17 wounds total. The axe cleaves through bone, severing the arm and buries itself deeply in the torso of the greenskin, instantly killing it.
Konrad charges into the goblin and hits it in the right arm with his demilance for 9-3 for TB = 6 wounds, heavily wounding the goblin.
Galadaeg and ArdFionn are up
Galadaeg
will do an all out attack on the nearest goblin.
Galadaeg has to charge the last goblin but slices into it’s body (46 rolled) for 6-1 for armor-3 for TB = 2 wounds. The ferocity of Galadaeg’s attack results in the busting of some of the goblin’s ribs and it bends over as it exhales in pain.
ArdFionn stabs at the creature with her dagger but misses.
The goblin stands stock-still in fear.
Konrad and LogazNir are up, and would have to charge to hit the goblin.
LogazNir
looks longingly after the wolf that fled, but otherwise seems oblivious to the
last goblin. He then begins to clean his axe on the tunic of a nearby body.
Konrad
wheels his horse around and attempts another charging attack, his bloody
demilance at the ready.
Konrad’s demilance slams into the body of the goblin for 11-1 for armor-3 for TB=7 wounds. Konrad’s weapon spits the last goblin and the force of the charge drives it deeply into him, until he is suspended as a rag doll on the lance. Konrad brings his horse up and wheels, the greenskin dancing obscenely on the lance from the motion alone, as all life has left its body.
Stealthily
moving to free the girl of her bonds, Galadaeg begins warily watching for new
threats which may appear.
The young girl is shaking and goes through fits of uncontrollable crying. “Wh-wh-why did they take me? What happened to my parents? Thank you for rescuing me, you are all very brave, but have you seen my parents? The last I saw of them they were fighting off bandits. I was taken and then the bandits were attacked by these creatures. Why is this happening to me?”
"Who's
got the amulet? Someone be showin' her the amulet, so
as we stop the waterworks a'fore we all is drowned."
Somewhat uncomfortable,
LogazNir makes a determined show of digging through the corpses, looking for
anything of value or interest.
"Be
easy, Bianka, we have been sent to find you and to take you safely back to your
home. I think the other elf standing over there has something for you, her name
is ArdFionn, why don't you go see her." straightening up, Galadaeg goes
off searching for arrows, as well as for any other gear which may be useful.