Michael, Tinker, and Anna turn up the intensity of their search, but leave disapointed. Who was this man? Why did he think he could get away with this? They get the impression that Gnarlfang was a very careful man, but the leads are stone cold. Perhaps they could search for some divine assistance? The issue is closed, or will be, as far as the Fist is concerned, but sometimes it's the few unanswered questions that drive us mad.
When Nikolai and Anna report to Shark Regiment, there is a flurry of activity. Anna is threatened with official reprimand for assuming it okay to embark in such dangerous activity without permission, but Nikolai's status as Thumb of a double-fist of Agents is enough to defuse the situation.
After a short talk with those in command, Shark Regiment not only agrees to release Anna to Nikolai's Fist, but also hands him a letter to deliver to Jasper, signed by Constance Palance.
Jasper: Highlight to display spoiler: {
Jasper,
I thank you again for you help with the Agents. Shortly after you left, a response to the inquiries I promised about your son came through. He is coming from the eastern forces, transferring to Shark Regiment from Snake Regiment.
Once the business of your current mission is done, I give you permission to re-enlist under Shark Regiment. You will find your transfer papers in this letter. }
After a moment, the powers that be vanish, and return with another set of papers.
"While we are getting rid of problems, I'm passing another one on to you. We have a man fomerly of Tiger Company that got transferred to us when we first got our charter. We needed clerics, so they sent us one. Problem is, this one has a hard time at sea. I'll pass him off to you with Anna, but Constance has to do the paperwork."
The cleric is a heavily armed and armored half-orc. He could probably pass for human if he tried, but it doesn't appear he has any desire to, at this moment anyways. He is outfitted with traveling rations, and given a nod of fare-well from the Shark Regiment master at arms.
On the road, travel doesn't hold any hiccups. The wagon plods along, and soon your first day of travel comes to an uneventful close. Pru will finally have a chance to rest and restore her magic, and consider her newest powers as well. The new cleric, quiet so far, also has a chance to introduce himself!
AC 26 Touch 13 FF 25 CMD 20 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 2:56:17 PM " Huh. My boy is ta be transferred here. What a dwarf will do in the water is a mystery ta me, but I have been given the chance to serve with him and I can't turn that chance down. I wish ye all a safe trip back to the Citadel, an' thank ye for puttin' up with an old warhorse like me. Looks like I'll need to be gettin' over my sea sickness so that these Sharks will have a use for me. With Flowers touch I'm sure I'll be fine." "Farewell."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=17 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2015 3:13:34 PM
Insatiably curious, Michael tries to hold off on questions for the half orc, his quest-o-meter has been pegged by the mystery of Gnarlfang though and he lasts of 1/2 hour before he breaks.
Hey! so your a Half Orc huh? what's that like? Well that's a dumb question, like you'd know what it's like to be anything else. So did you know both your parents? I've heard Orcs are really aggressive, did you get smacked around a lot as a kid? I heard that Orc's hate elves, being a half orc does that mean you are just kind of annoyed at elves? What do you have against the sea? I like the sea, I don't like Skrags though, although this one time I dodged one then took a hit and ran my rapier through it's neck...fell dead at my feet. Wardd that was so cool! What I really hate are Will-o-wisps, they are hard to hit and can shock you so bad you pee on yourself. Have you ever been shocked so bad you peed on yourself? I'll tell you it makes being stealthy hard when you smell like pee. That's what I do, I'm the sneaky one, I'd tell you about the others, but they prolly want to tell you about themselves. Oh and I'm kind of an amateur chuirgeon, well I don't actually operate on people, but when I stick my rapier in a bad guy I like to go for big veins, makes them bleed out quicker. So do Orcs have vein structure similar to Humans? That's prolly not something you have a lot of experience with...it's okay. Oh OH...you're a cleric! that's great! our last one, the old Dwarf, he wasn't very good, well that's a lie, I just think he was set in his ways, old and worried about his son. we had one before him, Linden, he got eaten by Will-o-wisps, he saved us, by making three of them follow him as he ran off. Man I miss him. He was weird, but a really stand up guy, It broke his heart when Tinker got killed, but Gargul came around and brought him back, He also kiled all the Will-O-Wisps, He also told me to learn who I was, but that's kind of hard when you don't know about other people much, I figure I'm just gonna find people I like and respect and take parts of them that seem to jibe with me. Like Tinker, I figure if Gargul would bother to bring him back he must be pretty special, and you know he is! He don't talk much but he really...well you've heard people say "take one for the team"? well that's Tinker. So who do you server? is it Gargul? if it is tell him I'm trying will ya? Do you like choclate?.... Michael goes on and on, talking about nothing, trying to get the big Half Orc to talk about himself. but also...strangely enjoying using his voice, So many times he has to be quiet, it feels kind of wild and dangerous to be talking so freely, It's not the high of combat by any means, but it's kind of fun and makes the miles go by faster. The part of him that had to survive stays fairly alert though and watches the surroundings for danger,
perception 17.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 4:10:51 PM
"It will be good to have you with us, Anna," Pru says as the group departs for the Citadel.
She introduces herself to her new half-orc Fist mate. "I'm Prudence Gundle," she says. "Gundle to most of the Fist; Pru to my friends." Pru is a young human woman, very pretty if you go for that sort of thing. Her hair is brown with some reddish highlights, worn in a single long braid that reaches past her hips. Her eyes are an unusual combination of brown, green, and gold.
When Michael gets going, all she can do is watch him with astonishment. "No Haste for you," she murmurs.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 5:20:47 PM
Tinker is sorry to see Jasper go, but completely understands about the need for family... Tinker has it unfulfilled himself.
The dwarf is happy that Anna is at least temporarily transferred to the Agents. It seems like most people who don't fit well in a line unit has the potential to excel in unconventional tactics...
Tinker's eyes glaze over as the little halfling starts hemoraging words from his mouth. It's really quite impressive, but as the dwarf is usually so taciturn as to border rude, he doesn't really know what to say. Well, plus the newcomer is an Orc. The deep seeded prejudices of Timker's race boils just below the surface. Close-mouthed, the brown-bearded Tinker only manages a stiff bow and a "Daemar, called Tinker. "
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Wednesday July 8th, 2015 6:19:21 PM
A woman in her late teens approaches the newest member of the group. She is above average in height with a very athletic build. Though she is lean, she is deceptively strong, carrying very little body fat. Her hair is medium length and blonde, currently back in a braided ponytail. She has piercing blue eyes that are vibrant and sparkle with life. Though she has a hard, angular face, it betrays her youth and love for life.
The woman wears sturdy traveling clothes with a heavy green cloak. She has a backpack slung across her shoulders and a bow on her back. Upon closer inspection it seems she is wearing rather sturdy armor under her blouse.
Somewhat unsettling is the girls companion. At her left flank is a large, black wolf. He seems friendly enough, but his eyes are staring hard at the newest member of the first.
"Hello, then name is Hope, Hope Sinclair. Its a pleasure to have you. I am one of the resident scouts as is my friend hear Drake." Hope nods to her wolf companion. "I also have a tendency to put arrows in people and things that need to have them put there. I also speak quite a few languages as well. I also cook, but haven't had much of a chance to show my skills in that department."
Hope then backs away and lets others meet the newest companion.
OOC: Also, I tried looking up what languages everyone speaks. Couldn't find them. Maybe we can get a sheet going. I am leaning towars Tauric for my next language but am open to suggestions. This is what her languages currently look like.
Common - Native. Dwarven - Second Language - quite fluent. Draconic - Sounds very monotone, but solid pronunciation. Orc - Not quite guttural enough. Goblin - Has a bit of trouble with the high pitches and the Cckkk sounds. Giant - Adds too many articles, adjectives, and adverbs which confuses certain speakers. Tauric - Her newest language. Sounds like she is reciting a common to tauric dictionary.
DM Warren Wednesday July 8th, 2015 8:09:06 PM Thanks for the hard work and sacrifice, Agents!
Trayvin (BrianZ) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 8:28:26 PM
Trayvin gives the Master-at-Arms a parting salute. With a sharp practiced turn, he files out the door. He follows the other Fists in silence for a bit, and gives them a chance to introduce themselves. Always a good idea to let the talkers get the first word in. Doesn't take too long.....
"My name is Trayvin. It is good to meet you all. It is my understanding we will be working together." He raises an eyebrow at Michael, but shows patience in answering his questions. "It's a bit trying sometimes." "Huh? of course I knew both my parents, doesn't everyone?" "I smacked as often as I got smacked I suppose." "I have no disagreement with any elves, though I have noticed they don't tend to be overly friendly to me. Dwarves either for that matter." "I have nothing against the sea, I'm just not very fond of what happens when you fall into water while wearing a suit of armor. Had a....close call once." "Shocked so bad that......erm no, can't say that I have." "I'm not much for sneaking, I'll leave that to you." "I trained with the priesthood of Domi, but my calling ended up being all the Gods of the Wold. So I do revere Gargul, well, at least the aspects that are 'good'."
After answering the questions, he has only one of his own. "So, who is the commanding officer here?"
OOC- please fix the url with char name, ty :)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=28 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2015 11:54:42 PM
Nikolai is pleased with the treatment at the Shark Regiment headquarters. Even more pleased that Anna's transfer was approved. Even more pleased to be assigned a new Fist member. Saddened that Jasper decides to stay, but understands completely.
"Jasper, fare thee well. Your service was greatly appreciated. Give our regards to your son."
When the new Fist member is introduced, Nikolai does his best to show no reaction but that expected from a Thumb. "Welcome to the Wolf Regiment, Hurricane Company, First Agents, Nikolai's Fist. My name is Nikolai. Hop onto the wagon and meet the rest of the Fist."
Nikolai drives the horses to the werehouse and the loading is quickly done. Although they are depleted of spells, Nikolai does not want to stay in town with the prisoners. They are strangers here and he does not want to have to explain anything to anyone.
He takes his turn at driving the horses and is very grateful for Anna's help in keeping them calm. During the trip he explains to Trayvin the most recent events. Agreeing that ocean travel is hazardous when falling in, he explains it is hazardous even on board and describes the Sea Troll attack. He gives the highlights of the Wererat theft ring and thus their trip home with several prisoners to face the theft charges.
Nikolai feels more at ease with the half-orc than he had been with the centaurs. Probably because he grew up riding horses and it was just strange to be talking to a half-horse. At least he was not half-gnoll.
When they make camp, Nikolai sets up the watches as usual but makes sure Trayvin and Tinker are not on the same watch. He also makes sure that there is always one to watch the prisoners and two when they are being fed. Their bonds are checked each hour as well. Silver weapons are in open display to show what will happen if any try to escape.
Keeping Watch: Perc +12 = 28
Nikolai is a golden-haired half elf standing at 5 feet, 8 inches tall. his skin is tanned from being out in the sun most of the time, his golden eyes and hair an interesting contrast. He wears the simple traveling Mailed Fist uniform with a colorful belt around his waist. The belt is obviously not of Mailed Fist manufacture. He carries a crossbow and a bandolier that holds 10 shuriken. A Nunchaku and Kama are tucked in special holsters on his belt.
BTW, his languages are on his PC sheet: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Gnoll.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/13/16 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 2d4=5 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 6:51:51 AM
"Thank you for having me." Anna says to Pru.
Anna Morphe has red hair, pale skin and green eyes.. Her 5' 9" frame is fairly compact and she has decent muscle tone. She wears hide armor over an explorer's outfit in earthy tones and carries a handy haversack and efficient quiver although not being an archer.
"How do feel about Eberyon?" The Druidess Shapeshifter asks Trayvin.
While sitting around the campfire Anna goes into a little more detail about herself, "I never knew my parents. I was found at the doors of the citadel as a babe, the only identifying thing about me a piece of paper with my name on it. I was put in the care of Kara Greenleefe, a mostly retired half elf druidess agent with an assignment based in the wilds of Fargunia. Kara raised me and taught me the druidic traditions and how to survive in the wilderness. I guess not knowing where I came from is one of the reasons I was drawn to being a shapeshifter. I can be anyone." She lets that sink in and then says, "I've been all the noble races. Half-orcs and Dwarves are interesting because they have darkvision. It is interesting to go from pitch black to monochrome. Halflings and Gnomes are nimble; Elves, Half-Elves and Surface Drow have sharper senses. I've flown, swum and ran on four legs. I have respect for living things; plants, animals, people. I can usually I've walked in another beings shoes, or hooves, paws, wings in the case of animals."
Before turning in for the night Anna casts Plant Growth opting for the enrichment affect. (This effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal.) Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thank you for sheltering my new friends and I"} she says in Sylvan.
The next morning she does her morning ritual to Eberyon and nature recovering her spells and wild shaping ability. Anna opts for the same spell selection of the previous day with the addition of snare for leveling.
"I can make a magical trap at the next campsite." Anna informs the group
She then picks some berries and casts goodberry yielding 5 magic berries.
She has 2 thoughts about what form she should take for the days journey. "I'm thinking I either turn into an air elemental and use my speed to scout ahead and perform aerial reconnaissance or become a tiger again, staying upwind from the horses. I can still move quick, but if we get into a bind, suddenly you have a tiger in your corner." She says to Nikolai.
(OOC: languages known: Common, Sylvan, Druidic, Auran, Terran, Ignan, Aquan)
Wildshape: (3/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
DM Ken Thursday July 9th, 2015 4:07:52 PM
With the trip from Isumbre back to the Citadel taking nearly 20 days at the wagons pace, the Agents, plus Trayvin and Anna (who have yet to receive the special designation) have plenty of time to bond on the road. The weather is fair and the other travelers on the road honest.
The prisoners behave well enough, none attempting any outright escapes, though once or twice they might be found attempting to check their bonds. Even if they broke free however, the extra attention paid by the Fist would likely prevent them from getting very far.
Days fade into a week, and a week fades into nearly three, as you pass through Ilanny, Rhaedell, and finally Ham City.
It is night as you finally break past the last lazy wind of the southern road leading south from Ham City. The Citadel is not far now, perhaps only an hour or two away depending on whether you can keep your trails straight. With no reason to set up camp for such a short amount of time, you continue on.
At around four miles from home, in the distance and slightly off the road, you see a campfire burning brightly, as well as the pavilion shaped tent that is standard issue of the Mailed Fist. About a dozen men are sitting around the fire together. They do not seem to have noticed you yet. A cookout perhaps?
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {A fully armed cookout? These racially varied men are all armed and armored, except for a few in much looser clothing.}
Perception 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {A fully armed secret cookout? A few of the men are loudly arguing about the fire being too large, and there being too great a chance of being seen.}
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 d20+10=25 ; d20+11=17 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 4:27:36 PM
Hope raises a fist to signal to her companions to stop. A quitely as possible Hope whispers to the others, This isn't right, they are fully armed and trying to be secretive. We should back track and go around. We need to complete our mission."
Perception: 25 Stealth: 17
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; d20+12=24 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 5:52:54 PM
Nearly three weeks of travel, and that Treyvan is a cleric of Domi, slowly mellow Tinker with the newest possible ember of the Agents. Tinker has even ridden beside Treyvam and unbent enough to talk of his time before the Mailed Fist.
Flecks of rust streak Tinker's dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets clothes the dwarf, revealing very little skin. Weapons, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements complete the image of a young adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
"I was found by a gnome family near Trader's Corner in Culverwood at the site of a destroyed caravan. They raised me as best they could, and I learned about being a dwarf and thief-catcher from a neighborhood dwarf."
Tinker is helpful around camp, and checks his bonds on the prisoners regularly and unpredictably. Cuts wood, totes water, sets up tents, tends the fire without complaint. The only thing he can cook, however, is beans and tea.
On the last night, the Agents are pushing to the Citadel and spot the fires. Tinker disagrees with Hope. "They don't want to be seen and the only thing out here is the Citadel and those who depend on the Fist. It is our duty to find out more and warn the Citadel." Tinker ties his backpack to his pony's crupper, and waits for Nikolai's nod to dismount and do some scouting. (He tells everyone what he saw/heard in the spoilers)
Tinker will have his bow in his hand while scouting and casts Toro's Try to be even stealthier.
Perception 26 Stealth 24
Trayvin (BrianZ) d20+4=5 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 10:02:17 PM
While on the road, Trayvin answers a few more questions. "Eberyon seems to be intent on reforming, I will reserve judgement until I see the results." He listens to Anna talk about 'being' many different things and decides to offer a suggestion. "What about just being yourself? Michael asked me earlier what it is like to be a half-orc. Sometimes just 'being' one thing can be difficult, I can't imagine how hard it must be to be many different things."
Trayvin holds his position and waits to find out if something unusual is happening. He tries to keep his gear from making noise while the group's scouts do their job.
OOC- perception = 5
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=29 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 11:24:17 PM
Michael sees and hears the men discuss the fire, to his mind there are two possible reasons these troops are out here. this leads to several different possibilities.
I think that one of us needs to go find out what is going on, the rest of us need to hang back, we can't take all of these guys if it goes South, well maybe we can, but we need to be able to either get someone to the citadel to get the word our or come in on them while they are concentrating on the one in their camp and get the drop on them. he whispers this to Nickolai, begins moving laterally, to come into the camp from a different angle from the rest of the party.
Perception 29.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=14 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 11:59:26 PM
Spells in Effect: mage armor
During the trip, Nikolai tells Treyvin a little more about himself. "My father joined the Mailed Fist when he was a youth and my grandfather and great grandfather before him. My father still serves in the cavalry company of the Wolf Regiment. My mother was in the Mailed Fist too. She's a wizard. She retired from the Fist a few years after they were married and then I was born. I like horses but I'm not as good a rider as my father, so I joined the infantry."
Perc +12 = 14
Nikolai is too busy with mundane stuff to notice anything unusual but he takes his scouts' word that the situation is unusual.
"Not wanting to be seen is not that unusual but we are hampered to do anything we normally would do with these prisoners but we can listen in on them for a while if Anna can shape-shift into an owl and perch upon a branch and listen. Owls are super silent and have great hearing, so you don't need to get too close. If you can do that, we'll continue on towards the Citadel and you can catch up with us pretty easy when you've found out anything useful.
In any case, don't stay more than 30 minutes. See if you can notice any uniform and what Company they are from. At 30 minutes away, we can be safe enough away from them to decide what best to do.
Will you do this, Anna?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday July 10th, 2015 1:00:42 AM
Pru listens to Nikolai's plan. "Or, I could just go talk to them," she suggests. "I don't look like much of a threat, and I'm pretty good at talking to people."
Anna Morphe[Barn Owl] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 14 2d4=3 ; 2d4=5 ; 2d4=6 ; 2d4=4 ; 2d4=8 ; 2d4=5 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+7=17 ; d4+2=5 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 12:04:58 PM
While on the road Anna had made a sack (took 10 on craft for 11, typical item craft DC = 10, sack costs 1 sp; sack was successfully crafted for 4 cp)
She also had searched for 6 different types of large leaves (Survival : 17). She started a system for organizing her good berries. She wraps each bunch of berries in a different type of leaf. She has 3 berries in one type of leaf that will expire in 1 day, 5 berries in a different type of leaf that will expire in 2 days, 6 berries in another that will expire in 3 days, 4 berries in another that will expire in 4 days, 8 berries in another that will expire in 5 days and 5 berries in the last that will expire in 6 days. She has explained this system to her companions.
(Perception: 30)
Anna also picks up on the conversation at the campfire. Nikolai's thoughts on the matter align with her own and when Pru offers another option, Anna thinks it may be best to consider combining the ideas.
Anna says, "Or we do both...Maybe if I fly over there and I can't get enough information, I could hoot and then Pru could walk over and get more information."
Before shifting Anna gives, the sack of leaf bundled goodberries to Pru. "If you need to come to the clearing, perhaps it should be with gifts? Eating a single berry provides enough nourishment as a single meal. It also heals a small bit. Also you are a mage, I could pretend to be your familiar. If you come to the clearing and feel you are in trouble, say the word 'rutabaga' and I will fly onto your shoulder and cast bark skin on you, or entangle on plants near their campfire. I can cast spells while in wild shape now so I won't be just an owl. "
Anna then shrinks and feathers sprout. Her nose becomes a beak and where Anna stood now stands a tiny barn owl with brown coloration on her wings, back and tail and grey coloration on her belly and heart shape face.
Owl-Anna casts guidance and the Liontaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself.
She takes off indirectly toward the campfire. She looks for a tree to perch in near the gathering, but indirectly so and settles in to hear what the men have to say. If it seems like they are paying her more attention than one would a normal owl she looks for a diminutive or fine rodent or lizard she could prey on to sell her cover and swoops down to attack her prey. (17 vs prey animal; 5 damage) If she kills it she carries it back to the tree she was in and starts eating, whilst spying on the gathering.
(Stealth: 16, Disguise: 20, Perception: 26)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Beast Shape II - tiny animal [owl] 6 hours +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth so adjusted stealth roll modifier is +12 +4 fly so adjusted fly roll modifier is +15 +10 disguise -2 CMB/CMD 10 ft base speed, fly 60 ft(average), low light vision, 2 talons+7(1d4+2) +1 next roll - guidance + 1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 minutes
Wildshape: (2/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday July 10th, 2015 5:19:27 PM
Tinker is really wary, but reminds himself that Pru can take care of herself, and Anna will be there to bail her out if, as Michael says, 'things go South'. And with two going on the Scout, Nikolai's gonna need Tinker back here to keep an eye on the prisoners.
Tinker stays back and watches the four in the waggon with his silver-tipped urgrosh.
A number of ideas are bandied about. Some propose ignoring the men in sake of their mission. Others point out that in duty to Fist and Fargunia, they need to find out what these men are about.
Pru, brave Pru, finally takes matters into her own hands and approaches the men. Anna hatches a grand scheme of hunting prey, shape shifting, and perching in various order, but is limited to simply approaching with Prudence.
The men make notice of Pru. They don't seem to concerned as she approaches. One of the men, holding a bow, stands to greet her, then spies her Mailed Fist uniform and quickly nocks an arrow, pointing it at Prudence! The men nervously jump to their feet.
One seems to point in the direction of the wagon, then shouts that more folks are about.
"Identify yourselves, all the way up to your regiment and come no closer!"
Knowledge Local 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This lad is a fairly seasoned Fist archer, by your recollection. You have seen him before, and recall he has been enlisted at least as long as yourselves. }
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {None of the men are wearing any rank or insignia emblems, though many are still wearing fist standard issue equipment.}
Perception 20: Prudence and Anna only. Highlight to display spoiler: {The insignia has been removed in various ways - some with evidence of being ripped off in haste or anger, and others having been carefully removed by cutting the stitches. His actions are fluid and betray extensive training. }
Sense Motive 14: Prudence and Anna only. Highlight to display spoiler: {The young man has all the hallmarks of a trained fighter, but he seems completely terrified. If not either disarmed or talked down, he might lose control.}
Those scouting away from the camp site notice nothing unusual. The men seem to be intent on guarding their small area, not patrolling elsewhere.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=34 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 9:04:58 PM
since Michael distanced himself away from the wagons he tries to slowly sneak closer to the men, coming in on their left side while they are concentrating on Pue and the Wagons. stealth 34.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=20 ; d20=16 ; d20+10=22 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 10:54:34 PM
Pru smiles slightly, and holds up her hands to show that she is unarmed. "Hello," she says calmly. "I'm Lance Corporal Prudence Gundle of Komanov's Fist. Wolf Regiment." [She lists all the other things too, Company and so forth. The player is embarrassed to admit she doesn't know all this stuff. But Pru knows it and gives all the requested information.]
"What happened?" she asked. "I'm guessing it's pretty bad, but whatever it is, I'm sure it can be fixed. If everyone stays calm and doesn't act hastily." [Diplomacy 22]
Anna Morphe[Barn Owl] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 14 d20+11=26 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+10=24 ; Saturday July 11th, 2015 1:55:02 PM
(Perception: 26, Sense Motive: 8)
(OOC: Is the ground around here considered wet or dry?)
Owl-Anna perches on Pru's shoulder as the sorceress approached the guard. She takes in her surroundings and the archer, but she can't get a good read on him. Owl Anna casted guidance on Pru before she addressed the archer. (+1 to her diplomacy roll, so Pru's new total is 23)
Owl-Anna attempts to look cute and owl-ey. (Disguise: 24)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Beast Shape II - tiny animal [owl] 6 hours +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth so adjusted stealth roll modifier is +12 +4 fly so adjusted fly roll modifier is +15 +10 disguise -2 CMB/CMD 10 ft base speed, fly 60 ft(average), low light vision, 2 talons+8(1d4+2) + 1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 minutes
Wildshape: (2/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday July 11th, 2015 4:33:33 PM
Tinker does his duty and watches the prisoners as he knows Pru and Anna will do their duty
Trayvin (BrianZ) d20+4=19 ; d20+5=25 ; Saturday July 11th, 2015 10:37:14 PM
"Mailed Fist without rank? What's going on here?" Trayvin draws his silver mace, and moves closer to the prisoners. This would be a bad time for them to start getting brave thoughts about escaping. He gives them a stern look and hopes they get the message.
OOC - perception = 19, intimidate = 25
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Sunday July 12th, 2015 3:45:37 AM
Hope and Drake stand by with the prisoners.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=30 ; Monday July 13th, 2015 1:42:56 AM
OOC:rolled for new hps on LnB. PC sheet ready to upload to google.docs. Do that tomorrow.
IC: Per +12 = 30
Nikolai chuckles. The Agents don't really have ranks either. But these aren't Agents. There should be officer ranks considering their numbers even if the Thumb doesn't have one.
"Sometimes mysteries have a simple answer. If they've just been discharged, their contracts with the Mailed Fist up and they didn't re-enlist... but then why stick with the uniform? Good question."
Nikolai does worry about his two troopers, but they need to get the prisoner wagon far enough away so it's not compromised.
He waits anxiously for word. So close, yet so far away.
DM Ken Monday July 13th, 2015 12:52:46 PM
After identifying herself as an Agent of Nikolai's Fist, a few of the men begin to murmur among themselves. A few seem to recognize you, and one of them steps forward and speaks.
"Double Fist? Where are the rest of you? I don't want to explain this twice. If memory serves, you are coming back from Isumbre? Constance dispatched someone there not long ago after you. If you've not heard word, it's possible someone got them."
He takes a deep breath and decides to wait. Once the Fist, minus anyone scouting is present, he continues right where he left off.
"And if they didn't get to you, then you've no idea of the muck-storm Constance started."
One of the men nudges him with an elbow in the ribs.
"Or Pavilion, depending who you back. Rumor is Pavilion Neutronis, our respected Field Marshal and galiant supreme commander of the Mailed Fist, has invaded Alithmar and the Free-Staters and the Empire of Aisildur have promised war."
One of the men, a younger man in robes, pipes in.
"Ailithmar is a city in the northern part of the empire of Aisildur. The Free Staters are a group of city-states that constantly in fight, but have a solid pact to repel any outsiders. Ailithmar also near the home of the Eyrie, the base fortress of Eagle Company."
He spits, then sets a steady gaze on Prudence.
"That means were fighting nations now, and that's NOT what we signed up for. Constance gave us free reign to leave if we want. Lots of guys didn't like it. THEN she declared that Wolf Regiment absolutely would not support Neutronis. Lots of guys HATED that. Now there's two sides at each other's throats and blows have been struck here and there. People are dead. It's getting ugly fast."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday July 13th, 2015 4:04:45 PM
As requested, Pru gives the word to the rest of her Fist to approach and listen to the men.
When the trooper gives his news, Pru all but reels from the shock. An invasion? What could the Field Marshall have been thinking? Of course...
"You said this was a rumor?" she says. "It was rumored that Field Marshall Neutronis invaded this city? Has there been any kind of confirmation? Perhaps it's not as bad as it's being made out."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday July 13th, 2015 7:03:53 PM
Anna flies off of Pru's Shoulder and resumes being a woman. She gradually grows taller while the feathers retract until she is back to her old self.
"Isn't the Fist able to do what it does because it stays neutral in the affairs of sovereign states? What exactly is in Ailithmar that Pavilion would deem it worth the cost of our neutrality? Where did these rumors come from? Could it be possible that the rumors are baseless? Could the Fist be the target of a smear campaign?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) Monday July 13th, 2015 9:06:43 PM
"This....all sounds pretty disturbing. We need to complete the transport of these prisoners, and then find out what is going on."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Monday July 13th, 2015 10:26:26 PM
Hope looks dumbfounded by what she hears. "This is bad. This is nothing but bad. Very, very bad."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=10 ; d20+1=12 ; Monday July 13th, 2015 10:47:35 PM
OOC: presumably Anna-owlette would have taken off to report to Nikolai that the Double Fist was requested to hear the news from the Citadel. That would have brought everyone back.
IC: Nikolai is very suspicious of the call to return to the camp. He trusts Anna-owlette but not strangers. However return they must, as Pru is still there.
He assesses the situation as they casually approach with the wagon, his Fist ordered (as if that was really necessary) to be on the alert and extra weary.
Nikolai introduces the Double-Fist and in turn recognizes some of the others in the group around the camp. The news from the Citadel is not good. 'I was really looking for a couple day's rest...'
"Invading? Without a contract? Sounds to me that the rumor mill is churning overtime. Like Anna said, did anyone think of verifying this before going bonkers?"
He pauses for a moment to let this sink in then continues, "Considering that you all are out here and not in the Citadel means you've chosen to leave the Mailed Fist in opposition to Captain Palance. Simply said, since she gave everyone freedom of choice, there's no reason on our part to hold any grudge against you. Choose Constance, choose Pavilion, until the truth is known, no one should hold anything against the other. Unfortunately we don't have this freedom of choice right now. We have some important prisoners to deliver to the Citadel. I must report back and finish this Contract. Once that is done, we will be free to choose such as you were.
I say this so you don't hold it against us that we return to the Citadel. Contracts are Contracts, the heart of the Mailed Fist, you know."
NIkolai says this for two reasons. Although there was no real Contract from a Customer to seek and apprehend the thieves stealing from the Mailed Fist, the orders from Constance were pretty much as much an Internal Contract as one can get. Second, he needed to keep the nature of the thefts secret, even if everything else was falling apart. Using the ruse of a Contract, something that these ex-Fist members should still hold in high regard, he hoped to remain on good terms with them and also impress upon them that if Commander Pavilion Neutronis actually did invade anything, there would have been a legal, binding Contract that would explain everything. If not, then maybe an impostor was acting in the Commander's place.
"I have no authority to say this, but I believe I can speak for the Double-Fist that we shall get to the bottom of this. I just ask that you keep an open mind. Commander Palance is a loyal, dedicated Commander. She must feel something is wrong, perhaps an impostor has taken Commander Neutronis prisoner and doing this in his place. You never know. We shall do our best to fin out."
Nikolai tries to sense the mood of the ex-Fist around him after his short speech.
Sense Motive +7= 10 Diplomacy +1 = 12
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=38 ; d20+13=33 ; Tuesday July 14th, 2015 12:05:03 AM
Seeing the others in the party close to parley Michael thinks it wise to stay on the down low, he stays still but watches warily for any attempts at malfeasance on the part of the group.,
Stealth 38 perception 33
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 7:20:09 AM
Tinker drives the wagon to the edge of the other camp per Nikolai's instructions. His mind reels at the improbable, impossible information that the group relays. "Not against Captain Palance, my Thumb, but staying neutral and not willing to fight a shield brother or sister. ".
Tinker isn't very good (ie terrible) at noticing let alone reading others feelings, but loyalty to the group? That he understands very well. "There are four sides to this news. Those who believe Pavilion, those who believe Captain Palance, those who don't know who to believe, and those so demoralized that they have completely deserted the area. These troopers before us are outside the Citadel but have not completely left. I think they are not willing to raise steel against comrades and are waiting for the dust to settle. ". He pauses and adds in afterthought, "and they have Captain Palance's leave to do so. "
Tinker doesn't say anything about their next actions because Nikolai summed it up well. THIER orders are to bring the prisoners. And they must report to Captain Palance before anything else.
DM Ken Tuesday July 14th, 2015 2:26:16 PM
Since Nikolai's short address didn't include the words "You're coming with us back to the citadel.", people seem to have relaxed. The archer un-nocks his arrows and stands down.
A smaller man, with a thin frame and wearing robes, joins the conversation.
"So, to be frank, you are going to let us go? We aren't going back there. We have a clear discharge from Palance."
He offers the first insight into their newfound freedom.
The letter seems genuine, as you have often seen her script. Written in Palance's impatient, forceful strokes and impeccable grammar, it is a simple discharge, stating the unrest with the Free-States and the Empire of Aisildur as a breach of contract that releases the men from any punitive actions.
"You should stay with us. Execute the prisoners, they aren't worth the hassle anymore, and that's all Constance will do most likely. It's safer in a big group anyways."
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 3:03:47 PM
Tinker harrumphs. "I think you taking the discharge from an officer is being loyal to the Fist. And we have our own decision and loyalty. It is on my honor and the honor of my Fist to deliver these prisoners unharmed. Once that is done, i will see what comes. "
armed with this earth shattering information, Tinker looks to Nikolai, impatient to get to the Citadel.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 5:27:21 PM
Pru smiles a little when the man asks if they will be allowed to go. "I'm flattered you think we could stop you," she says.
Then she frowns. "Nobody is executing prisoners out of hand," she says. "I'm surprised you suggested it. I know you're no longer members of the Fist, but did you also stop being men of honor?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday July 14th, 2015 7:06:43 PM
Anna chimes in "Also a few of us are transfers from Shark regiment. I guess the timing could have been better but it is what it is. I am one of those transfers and I plan on reporting to Constance herself first, before making any plans for the future."
"As for the prisoner's lives, well they may eventually be forfeit or they may not be. Their fate, however, is not for us to decide, especially when the reason for doing so is to spare some hassle. They are living beings and deserve some dignity. If the sentence for their crimes is execution, then so be it. At least let them be judged fairly, before being put to death." Anna opines.
"As for letting you go, unless Nikolai says otherwise, I am perfectly fine in letting you go on your way. Just as long as you do not seek to harm the prisoners we are escorting and let us go on our way. I mean I may have been an owl earlier but I can also turn into a tiger and trust me you don't want to see me turn into a tiger. It didn't go so well for the last guy."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Tuesday July 14th, 2015 8:40:14 PM
Hope is disturbed by what she hears. It seems to do the right thing, they will have to become traitors to the Fist, or remain loyal and do the wrong thing.
"Nothing is ever easy" the ranger mutters to herself.
Trayvin (BrianZ) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 9:23:18 PM
Trayvin has a suggestion for the former Mailed Fist troopers. "I hope when all of this settles, you all find that rejoining the Mailed Fist will be worthwhile. Maybe it is not as bad as you think."
Then again, maybe it is, the cleric thinks to himself. It sounds bad, and he hopes the Mailed Fist comes through the trial that seems to be upon them all in one piece.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 10:54:35 PM
Nikolai tries to not look displeased at the ex-Fit's flippant attitude. Looking over the papers he nods.
"Ah, how easy it is to forget the discipline. Even outside the Mailed Fist, executing prisoners without a trial is considered criminal in most places. More so for us, since WE don't have that nice piece of paper YOU have. The Double-Fist still falls under the jurisdiction of the Mailed Fist and any behavior outside of the Code is a Court Martial offense. Besides, Commander Palance will want to close her Casebook on this Case and she can't without a trial and the Contract needs to be certified as 'Accomplished with Satisfaction' so that there are no legal repercussions.
You are free to go and wander around wherever you wish. I've no command to stop. Since now that you are free, you have the best opportunity to travel north to Alithmar and find out the truth for yourselves. That actually could be to your great advantage, for you are now independent and can assess the situation from an unbiased view. This could make your group here very famous!" Nikolai finishes, beaming with a big smile.
He turns to Tinker and makes the sign for Move Out. Then to the rest of the Double-Fist gathered there he says "Time to get these prisoners off our hands. Once Commander Palance is satisfied we can make our own decisions. Each one of you is free to choose how you see it and none of us will hold it against you."
Before they leave Nikolai expresses the same sentiment towards the others as friends. He extends his hand for a hand shake and says, "Fare the well in your new endeavors. My father himself once left the Mailed Fist and struck out on his own. Did very well indeed in an uncharted land helping protect a mithril mine. Perhaps you too will find such lucrative employment. But regardless the case, always remember to be honorable and people will respect you and like you."
"Let's go, Double-Fist. I want a bath!" he shouts the order to move out chuckling loudly.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20=18 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 4:21:09 AM
seeing the meeting break up Michael pulls tail to make sure that they aren't being followed as they move out
ooc: sorry that roll was supposed to have a +13 in front of it. so 18+13 is...uh...carry the 1...31! HA! and they said public education is sub par.
perception 31.
he then runs like mad to catch up with the wagon.
DM Ken Wednesday July 15th, 2015 10:32:28 AM
The young man blushes when Prudence gives a compliment, then is almost immediately ashen when she, Nikolai, Tinker, and all the others chime in on his apparent lack of respect for life in the name of personal safety and expediency.
Crestfallen, he nods quietly while Nikolai talks, then is suitably perked up by the offer of friendship at the end. Like a parent, Nikolai masterfully broke down and built up the man. Perhaps it was something his father did often? When Trayvin says his words of encouragement, the men seem genuinely thoughtful.
As the Fist rides off, one of the men start suddenly.
"You asked a question lance corporal! About the rumors. Neutronis HAS invaded. The only rumors are as to why! Please don't sic your tigress on us!"
Michael doesn't notice anyone following, though they do start setting up a perimeter immediately after Nikolai's Fist departs. Hope is concerned about the road ahead, and rightly so.
The remainder of the trip home is not pleasant. The closer you come, the more you see outbreaks of combat. It seems the rift in the Fist is severe, and not altogether about crossed words and philosophies. From time to time bodies are discovered, covered in bits of parchment that are torn to tiny pieces. As the paths wind towards the central gate to the Citadel, you stumble across yet another gruesome sight. A pile of bodies, numbering at least a full score, covered in ragged hacks and gashes. A sign, pointed so those in the citadel can read it, is written in a thick red substance.
"THE TRUE WOLVES OF PAVILION DO NOT ABIDE DESERTION. SURRENDER, PALANCE"
The Citadel gates are closed, and men seem to be stationed along the walls, but only a fraction of what should be. The path to the gates is clear, and they are a mile or so away.
Perception 18/Linguistics 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {None of the bodies are wearing rank insignia, and the tiny bits of parchment seem to be copies of Palance's discharge notices, shredded into pieces.}
Perception/Profession Soldier 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {The weapons used vary from bludgeons to slashing to spells. }
Survival 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are many sets of tracks leading in and out of the thin forests that dot the landscape. Some of the sets seem canine in nature, belonging to something resembling a large wolf.}
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 d20+10=21 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+9=19 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 7:02:42 PM
Hope looks around and mentions what she finds to the others. "None of the bodies are wearing rank insignia, and the tiny bits of parchment seem to be copies of Palance's discharge notices, shredded into pieces. I also noticed that the weapons used vary from bludgeons to slashing to spells".
If someone is able to help her with survival she mentions, "Highlight to display spoiler: {There are many sets of tracks leading in and out of the thin forests that dot the landscape. Some of the sets seem canine in nature, belonging to something resembling a large wolf.}"
"I think this confirms the worst of it."
Perception: 21 Linguistics: 21 Survival: 19 (Aid another someone?)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=19 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+10=16 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 7:10:31 PM
==Right after leaving the discharged gathering== Anna grabs her sack of good berries from Pru and runs back to the gathering. She takes out the leaves containing the 4 berries with a 4 day expiration date and the 8 berries with a 5 day expiration date.
She smiles and says, "I'm sorry to have scared you, but I misinterpreted your words to mean you meant the prisoner's harm. It sounds like we are in the midst of trying times for us all, so it is understandable how someone may be a little rattled and say something they may not have normally said. There are twelve of you, so please take a magic berry. Eating it will nourish you as if you had a full meal and heal you a minor amount. This magic will only last 4 or 5 days so I would advise you to eat the berry before then. Please take this berry as a token of friendship. May it aid you if even a little bit on wherever your travels take you."
After this gifting Anna has the following left in her sack: 3 berries in one type of leaf that will expire in 1 day, 5 berries in a different type of leaf that will expire in 2 days, 6 berries in another that will expire in 3 days and 5 berries in the last that will expire in 6 days.
==At the chaos outside the citadel== As she approaches the Citadel Anna casts the minotaur version of Toros Taur Try and on herself.
(Perception: 19, Linguistics 18, Survival 24)
"These corpses are not wearing any insignia like our friends by the fire and the paper pieces appear to be the remnants of discharge papers, their cause of death varies from blunt force trauma, cuts and stab wounds to magic." Anna says to her companions.
She then casts detect magic.
She also points out the variety of tracks that lead into and out of the forest, "Some of these tracks appear to belong to a large canine creature."
She studies the wolf-like tracks (Knowledge[Nature] : 26; Knowledge[Arcana] : 16) to determine if they look similar to any animal or magical beast she may be familiar with.
"I haven't been to the Citadel in a long time. As I said before I was found at its door step as a babe, but Kara didn't go there much and I generally assisted whatever members of the Fist showed up in my neck of Fargunia with marching orders for me until the orders included being relocated to the shark regiment's base of operations. I forget, does the citadel have an eyrie? If so, mayhap I should take an avian form again and fly their ahead of the rest of you, bearing a message from Nikolai for Constance so that, hopefully, the men at the gates will let you pass. If things are as tumultuous as they appear to be since you left, I would hate for there to be some sort of misunderstanding at the gates of the Citadel." Anna suggests.
Active Effects: Detect Magic, 60 ft cone - 5 minutes Toros Taur Try (+1 Perception, Intimidate) - 10 minutes
Trayvin (BrianZ) Wednesday July 15th, 2015 8:58:17 PM
"Are you sure that is wise Anna?" Trayvin shakes his head as he examines some of the corpses. "This may be a full scale civil war, and we don't yet know how kindly those in the Citadel will treat us. A shapeshifter appearing in their midst, after having just flown over or through their defenses may startle them into hostility. Riding up to the gate and declaring our rank may be the safer course. Or....it may get us a free barrel of crossbow bolts." The half-orc smiles and then frowns.
"Hmmm. I wonder if by going into the Citadel, if these 'true wolves of Pavilion' would then consider us an enemy?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday July 15th, 2015 9:27:04 PM
"I would act the part of a courier bird and I would have 6 hours in bird form before I would be forced to revert to my normal shape. Hopefully in that amount of time you'd get there or we could have the message ask for a reply to be sent back via the same bird." Anna answers Trayvin.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=27 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+10=13 ; Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:26:32 AM "That was a good act of kindness that hopefully will pay off," Nikolai tells Anna when she returns.
The sight of the carnage is discouraging. "Looks like to me that a fanatical element of the Mailed Fist has taken it upon themselves to be judge and jury and not taking the word of Commander Palance but exercising their own brand of justice. To disregard Commander Palance's word is paramount to mutiny. Either they are a hidden group within the Citadel and Commander Palance does not know about them or they are out here and too far from her command and control, considering the chaos," he muses. "These other animal tracks are probably scavenger wolves or wild dogs."
Anna suggests going in and delivering a message to Commander Palance of their arrival. "Not a good idea, Anna. Consider that only those without the Mailed Fist ranks are targeted, I'm pretty sure we are safe, since we still wear ours. Not only that, some of us wear the emblem of the Honor Fist, having won that title for getting the best scores on the final exams, so the Citadel knows us pretty good. So we stick together and look sharp, look like we are what we are, Mailed Fist soldiers. No slouching, no frolicking, no goofing off. We march straight and look proud."
With that said, and the gates in view, Nikolai does what he's not done before, issue orders. Although the orders are simple, it felt weird doing so. But he orders the Double-Fist to march in line, like they did on the parade grounds, except for the one driving the wagon. He has the wagon in front and the rest marching in precision steps behind it.
In this manner they approach the gates.
The wagon stops 20' from the gates and Nikolai steps from behind and moves to the front. He snaps to attention and calls out, "Nikolai Fist, 1st Agents, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment reporting to Commander Palance! Open the gates and let us in. Send word to Commander Palance we arrived with her prisoners and wish to hand them over to her charge. She has been waiting for over a month so snap to it!"
Nikolai does not intend to intimidate the gatekeepers. He simply hopes that the gatekeepers' sense of loyalty to Palance will be enough to get them moving, at least moving to get the commander to the gates.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:40:12 AM
Pru isn't good at noticing things, but even she had surmised that the torn scraps of parchment must be the letters from Captain Palance. She looks unhappy, but has nothing to add.
She marches proudly with the rest of her Fist. Yes, things are unsettled, but that's no excuse for the kind of behavior she'd seen in some of the other troops. She glad that her unit is keeping things professional.
DM Ken Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:57:37 PM
(Giving Trayvin a chance to post before I do.)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday July 16th, 2015 1:11:26 PM
(OOC: Trayvin posted in between the 2 Anna posts yesterday)
DM Ken Thursday July 16th, 2015 3:59:34 PM
Anna, brave as ever, offers to go singly inside the Citadel as an emissary. Cool heads talk her down.
Most the the Fist are disheartened by what they see. The bodies are mostly unrecognizable, though a few hints here and there make you think you might recognize one or two of the fallen.
The nature of the Sons of Pavillion .. what kind of monsters are they? While detect magic doesn't reveal anything, a close study of the tracks indicate that it's seems likely a Dire Wolf made them.
Leaving the scene of the atrocity behind, your tiny procession nears the gates. An alert is called and men scuttle about the walls.
A nervous gates-man opens his mouth to demand you identify yourselves, but Nikolai cuts him off with a bold introduction! While his partner runs to fetch a Thumb, through the gates you can see a number of men clearing bodies, and many of them are wounded themselves.
After a few moments, the guardsman reads from a scroll.
"By proclamation of Constance Palance, only those members of the Fist who seek refuge may enter here. If you are loyal to Pavilion Neutronis in his conquest of a sovereign nation, you may find him in Ailithmar. Enter here, knowing this makes you marked for treason and rebellion, but that..."
A sharp clear voice cuts the man off.
"Agents! Inside, now! I don't care if you follow me or Neutronis in this, but I WILL hear your report and explain to you what is happening here. I need your help again."
Palance walks crisply in front of the guard, her hair is frazzled and she is out of breath. Clad in full plate armor, she must have ran the moment she heard you arrived! She motions, and he starts the process of creaking open the gate. Somewhere far behind you, a lone wolf howls a mournful cry. The path is open, the gates unbarred.
Do you enter?
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 16th, 2015 6:50:22 PM
Pru looks over at Nikolai. For herself, she wants to enter the city and speak with Captain Palance, but she will follow her Thumb's lead.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=16 ; Thursday July 16th, 2015 7:11:41 PM
Anna thinks out loud, "The tracks leading into and out of the woods most likely belong to a dire wolf. Between those tracks, the howling, and the message concerning the true wolves of Pavilion, I wonder if Pavilion's loyalists count an actual dire wolf or something or someone that can turn into a dire wolf among their allies. If this is the case I hope that howl wasn't a signal to attack when the gates are open."
Anna renews Toros Taur Try and tries to discern if anyone or anything in the surrounding area is making to attack the open gate, but she is distracted by the emotional impact of returning after all these years to the very place where she was found as a babe. (Perception: 16)
=== If she notices anything threatening-looking headed toward the gate Anna will alert her companions of the potential assailants. "The gate could be under attack!" She will yell and point out the potential threats.
She will then draw her over sized club from the quiver and say, "Get the wagons and Prisoner's inside. Unless you have an objection Nikolai, I will serve as rear guard and cover our entrance to the Citadel, Otherwise give me an order Lance Corporal." If Nikolai countermands her suggestion she will obey. === Otherwise if she notices no potential threats Anna will shrug and make her way toward the open gate as Constance ordered.
"The howl does not appear to be a signal, just the same Commander Palance ordered us to hop to so lets do that, that is if you agree, Lance Corporal." She will say to Nikolai and the rest of her companions. If Nikolai countermands she will obey him.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 16th, 2015 8:59:53 PM
Tinker drives the wagon on, away from the worried group, along the road with the mutiliated bodies, and within sight of the gates. The pile of bodies is worrisome, especially since this is a prime area for the Sons to attack and kill them before they can make the gates!
Thankfully, the team arrives, and Captain Palance's commanding tone orders entrance and report. Tinker doesn't even need to look around, its what they came all this way for after all! He clucks at the wagon team and starts through the gate, ready to hand off the prisoners and report to their Captain.
"And if we're still alive after doing our duty, we can decide what the honorable thing to do is", he mumbles.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Thursday July 16th, 2015 11:45:44 PM "War, war never changes." Hope remembers the words her father told the naive and young fifteen year old her when she said she wanted to join the Mailed Fist.
His words echoed in her mind. "War is harsh, war is brutal, war is not fair. Most importantly, war is ugly. You think you know what I am talking about, but until you see it... you have no idea."
He was right... almost as if he was a prophet. Looking around at the bodies she was beginning to understand. Sure, she had in battle before, and numerous skirmishes, but never a war. This is a war.
What side will I be on" Hope thinks to herself.
Shaking herself out of shock, she clinches her jaw, squints her brow, and looks straight ahead, unblinking. She puts on the warriors face to hide all emotion... save for the single tear streaming down her face.
Hope follows the others into the Citadel hoping no one notices that dang tear.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday July 17th, 2015 12:53:34 AM
Nikolai promptly snaps to and salutes the commander, then motions for Tinker to press forward and enter the Citadel. He forms up behind the wagon with the rest of the Fist and marches in with them. 'We've come this far, not turning back now, darn it!'
DM Ken Friday July 17th, 2015 5:20:33 PM
(Has anyone checked in with Shane recently? He's missed a couple this week.)
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Friday July 17th, 2015 7:02:36 PM
(Checking in. Headed to work and won't get to post again.)
Trayvin (BrianZ) Friday July 17th, 2015 7:20:47 PM
Trayvin follows the others through the gate, he hopes they made the right choice.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday July 17th, 2015 9:01:07 PM
Once inside, Nikolai has the Double Fist line up in front of Commander Palance and salutes the Commander.
"Nikolai Double Fist reporting their return with Mission Accomplished. We've also brought a a Fist member from Shark Regiment and one from Tiger Company. They have the proper paperwork for their transfer to our Fist. We have several prisoners you may question in regards to involvement. Sir!"
Note: fixed Trayin's company of origin. JT
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday July 17th, 2015 11:13:18 PM
(OOC: checking in before midnight)
Anna acts accordingly depending on what she saw after the howling.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=20 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday July 17th, 2015 11:34:49 PM
Michael is silent during most of the trip back to the citadel, but as the bodies start to pile up... The threat, the proclaimation, the bodies, time slows, his breathing deepens, and the hairs raise on the nape of his neck in the last mile to the citadel. When the gates appear, whole and manned, the knot in his gut loosens a little, and the worry about his commander and the citadel is replaced with a cold anger at the sorry son of a...a...will o wisp..Pavilion.
He stands straight at Nikolai's command, and locks his step into the 2 to 1 of the smaller folk marching with tall folk. When Constance speaks...a flood of relief hits him so hard he almost stumbles and finds his eyes misty from the dust of the road. He hears the wolves, but knows that the best he can do is get his butt into the citadel so they can close the gates. The pulse of the chase, the bang, the war, sings in his blood.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday July 17th, 2015 11:35:58 PM
ooc; sorry guys, travel was a killer, and the first days of the new job were from can to can't, should be better now...
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