Along the Border Watch

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr respectfully nods Well then, we don’t have much time, Nilu will be upon us tonight...so, if what you say is true, then the enemy may already be upon us. We must fortify what we can, before darkness comes. He lets the others going on the hunt know the enemy may be closer than they’d like.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius merely sighs in resignation when Malin all but confirms something is amiss. "Ok. I'll stick to guarding, looks less stressful anyway. Jasmalus and Mikinus were arguing about trusting people, and that Jasmalus would answer for it. Jasmalus tried to smooth things over by assuring him that everyone would leave in the morning."

He moves to find a defendable perch to fire from, and hopefully rest until needed. "Get some rest everyone. We may have a long night ahead of us."

[ChubbyPixie]

"Have fun!" Kranston says to the departing party members.

Using his engineering skills, he'll set about seeing if he can come up with a plan to shore up the fortifications near where they will station themselves.

[Bluehorse]

Sai and Adelphocles and Emerall are talking about hunting up some meat...and just then, Sai pauses and looks off into the wilds around the village.
Sai > Meat! Two deer...fighting...toward the sunset.

Adelphocles holds up a hand.Pacience... this is good fortune but a bad shot. Can we be sure there is not someone behind the deer in the shadows that we cannot see because of being dazzled by the sun? Let us see if we can get closer and in a better position while they are both occupied with each other.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Godsday 11 - Waterday 19, early evening...
The hunting party, comprised of Adelphocles, Montego, and Sai, head out of the village following the mental directions from Talon to two-legged partner. It only takes a few minutes before the trio hear stamping and grunting and thrashing about. Approaching cautiously, they spy what Talon sees:

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These are big animals and will feed the village for at least a day or two. Nothing like fresh meat!

The three of you fire down on them, shots being easily made, dropping one buck to the ground, and forcing the other one to stay in place long enough to drop it as well. Evening is fast approaching and from what you have heard already, you know this is a dangerous area. Getting the deer back to the village is your main priority...that, and not getting ambushed while you're at it.


Back at Fort Disaster, Cassius, Kranston and Muldgarr prepare for what might be a very long night. Captain Drex stomps around the fort, barking orders but not really getting much reply from the exhausted soldiers. He finds Emerall, and Jasmalus (along with the teamsters) a room for the night and after the wagons and horses are secured, Malin takes up watch at his wagon, refusing to sleep inside and also to guard their supplies.

From the view at the top of the wall, the Veng River winds past the fort as close as 20 yards. Drex says there have been night raids crossing the river to attack the fort, but they haven't seen any activity in the past couple of days. Still...better to be safe than sorry.

[Darklin2]

Sai

Well looks like we are feeding the masses. I'll get to work gutting them. I want to keep the antlers and the hides so try to cut as little as possible. Get the innards out and we can finish back at camp. Getting dark on us quick and we don't want to be caught out here after dark. Some one should stand guard and keep an eye out for trouble.

He starts getting the innards out to cool the meat down. Cutting it up the gut to the rib cage. Retaining the heart, kidneys, and liver for later.


Talon: Can you fly a wide circle over us and see if there is anything out there moving in the dark my friend? I have a treat for you too.

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles

Leans down with his dagger to check to see if the deer are indeed dead and will slit their throats for good measure and show of mercy, as well as begin draining them of the blood. He begins murmmering prayers as he does a quick field dressing to drop some of the unusable organs inside but putting the heart, kidneys, and liver aside neatly. He will then look over at the others. I volunteer to carry them on the way back if you will help hoist them upon my back, friends.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego appears impressed with his hunting partners skills, and with their ability as butchers, but he is most grateful for the large strong back of Adelphocles, making easy work for their return.

The ranger keeps a sharp eye out as they work on the animals, glad they have something to bring back to feed the ailing soldiers in the fort.

"This should make a few hungry bellies feel a little better in the morning. Lets get back as soon as we can and start cooking these bad boys up."

[Darklin2]

Sai

I can hunt them but I am no cook. My cooking end with the open fire on the trail. Hopefully the others have squared away some lodging for us and have the horses put to bed.

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston will try to make Eustace as comfortable as possible in some corner of the crumbling fort.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr takes watch on the part of the wall closest to the Veng River. He lights his pipe and enjoys his first puff.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Godsday 11 - Waterday 19, Evening...

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The hunting party field dresses the pair of bucks and Adelphocles graciously offers to carry the carcasses back to town. The arrival of fresh meat brings out the denizens of the village and they quickly stoke a campfire and set to cooking the meat. As with any type of savory food, the conversations take on a lighter tone and there are smiles and laughter where before there were sullen stares and gloom.
The hunters discover that they have become very popular, as the townsfolk ask them their names and about their homes and families. Even Adelphocles is approached by folks, and a middle-aged woman even offers to wash the blood off his flank.

The aroma of roasting venison wafts over the fort where Kranston is brushing down Eustace, over Cassius who has found a perch overlooking the fort wall, and Muldgarr as he smokes a pipe and watches the river. Soldiers peel away from the fort two or three at a time to visit the cooking area and return licking the grease from their fingers or with a bone to gnaw on during their watch.

As full darkness settles upon the fort and town, Sai suddenly gets a message from Talon.

Two legs in the wood...near town. Many two-legs.

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There is a breeze off the river and a chill that seeps into the soldiers on watch. Fog hangs low on the river and flows out around the base of the fort and into the woods beyond. But there are other things afoot this night besides fog. Muldgarr and Cassius are watching...and their sharp Elvish ears and eyes pick out shapes on the water!

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Three boats are crossing the river! And they are filled with Orcs...and worse!

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles

The hunting party ... The arrival of fresh meat brings out the denizens of the village ... the conversations take on a lighter tone and there are smiles and laughter where before there were sullen stares and gloom.
The hunters discover that they have become very popular, as the townsfolk ask them their names and about their homes and families. Even Adelphocles is approached by folks, and a middle-aged woman even offers to wash the blood off his flank.

He smiles widely to the woman and takes her hands in his own. Lady, you honor me. Thank you. I humbly accept your generous offer. I am called Adelphocles of Silvertree. How are you called, Lady? Let it be known that he happily spoke with and visited with the kind woman and traded stories with her. He will offer her some of the bread and cheese he was given before if her story is a good one... which with all stories told by a pretty face often are.

There is a breeze off the river and a chill that seeps into the soldiers on watch. Fog hangs low on the river and flows out around the base of the fort and into the woods beyond. But there are other things afoot this night besides fog. Muldgarr and Cassius are watching...and their sharp Elvish ears and eyes pick out shapes on the water!

Adelphocles will spring to action and find the best vantage point his ungainly form can get to and begin firing arrows at the invaders. He will prioritize being able to switch from this vantage point to ground fighting over getting to a higher elevation, especially with stairs if they could be a problem if that makes any difference.

Initiative: [1d10+2]=2+2=4

Composit Long Bow [1d20+3]=17+3=20 DMG [1d8]=5

Composit Long Bow [1d20+3]=8+3=11 DMG [1d8]=1

[Darklin2]

Sai

Returns to the fort with high hopes that his travels and obligations will soon be completed. Glad to be able to help feed the down trodden and bring a little joy to the towns people. After socializing for a while and talking to a few guards he makes sure Emeral is at the cook fire getting her share and he nods to her that he is heading up into the ruined tower to get a higher vantage point over looking the surrounding forest. He walks to Goliath and removes the saddle and takes off the saddle, saddle bags and sword sheath/quiver. Moving the horse to the stables close by.

After a short brush down he heads up into the ruined tower with saddle bags, saddle sheath/quiver and bardiche in hand. Looking for a secluded place under the stars that allows him to see the surrounding woods and forests. He dumps his bardiche and sword sheath/quiver by the wall and throws out a blanket under the stars.

After receiving Talons warning he jumps up and starts yelling:

To Arms, To Arms, Men in the woods coming this way. To Arms.

Talon: get to safety, stay out of bow range and check the river side for any more

At this point he grabs his bow and starts to look for the men in the woods. Nocks an arrow and waits to Open Fire!!.

[1d20+2]=11+2=13 Long bow
[1d8]=6 Sheaf Arrow Damage

[1d20+2]=19+2=21 Long bow
[1d8]=5 Sheaf Arrow Damage

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego jumps up from his slumber once he hears the call to arms.

He rushes up to the top of the wall, firing his bow at any orcs who come into his range, targeting any leader types in the first boats he sees.

Initiative [1d10]=6

Attack w/ Bow [1d20+3]=1+3=4 Damage [1d6]=6 [1d20+3]=14+3=17 Damage [1d6]=1 wow

[ChubbyPixie]

Upon hearing the alarm that orcs approach, Kranston will immediately drop his brush and, sweeping his drum from behind him where it hangs, will begin tapping out an inspiring song meant to inspire his party to fight their best. As he plays he will wander do the wall to get as many members in range of the effect as possible (20' radius).

The orcs arrive!
We'll take their hides!
We'll slay and lay them on their sides
Or on their backs
Remove their heads!
They'll take their rest on earthen beds
To sleep forevermoooooore!

etc...

If he can get in three rounds of singing before they get here, we should all get a +1 bonus to attack rolls.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

"It's such a curse to be right all the time." Cassius mutters as he spots the boats in the water. "Orcs in the water! Three boat fulls!" He yells as he stands and stretches his back and arms out.

The archer calls down for oil and cloth to someone below. Cassius is smacking himself that he didn't think of it beforehand, somehow assuming that the attack would come only from land.

If the boats are within range, he will raise and fire his bow.

Initiative: [1d10]=2
Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=9+3=12 Longbow damage: [1d8+6]=7+6=13
Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=4+3=7

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Godsday 11 - Waterday 19, Late Evening...Orcs...On The Water! (To the tune of "Smoke on the Water" )

To Arms, To Arms, Men in the woods coming this way. To Arms.
Sai hollers...at about the same time as Cassius yells, "Orcs in the water! Three boat fulls!"

At the shouts of alarm, men, who were slouching around all day, spring into action!
Captain Drex begins shouting orders to his men, while Montego and Adelphocles find the best vantage point to fire arrows and if necessary, meet the enemy on the ground. Kranston begins a song of battle that uplifts the hearts of those facing death. (After round 2, everyone will have a +1 to hit.)

Sai spots men on the edge of the wood...bandits obviously in the employ of the Old One. He gauges the distance, draws, and fires once, twice! His aim is spot on, dropping two of the bandits as easily as he did the bucks earlier.
One would think this might give the bandits pause...but one of them shouts a curse and the rest of them charge toward the village!
Adelphocles hears the bandit leader's shout, and turns his attention to the men charging toward the town. Nocking an arrow in his composite bow, he aims and fires, drilling the man in the lead with a well-placed shot. His second shot finishes the man off for good.
The bandits return fire as they run...throwing off the aim of most of them by a mile. However, two arrows find their mark > one in Sai's thigh (1 pt), and another in the flank of Adelphocles (2 pts).


On the wall, Cassius and Montego open fire on the Orcs as they cross the river. Cassius puts an arrow through the eye of one of the Orcs (in boat #1), and Montego clips an Ogre in the boat next to it (in boat #2).

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The Orcs open fire, sending flaming arrows toward the fort. One of the arrows sails true and strikes a man near Cassius. The man was holding a large flask of oil in one hand and a flaming torch in the other. The Orc's arrow hit perfectly the flask of oil, splashing the man, and the torch. A loud whoosh goes up and the man is suddenly engulfed in flame! He screams and thrashes and pitches head first off the wall, screaming all the way down until he meets the ground. The smell of charred flesh pinches the guts of those around, and the roar of the Orcs drives a wedge in their minds.
"They're gonna kill us all!" squeals a man near Montego...and the ranger notices the man has pissed himself with fright.

ACTIONS!
Give me two rounds of actions please!

Bandit fire: [1d20]=18 [1d20]=8 [1d20]=2 [1d20]=10
Bandit fire: [1d20]=5 [1d20]=12 [1d20]=19 [1d20]=14
Bandit arrows: [1d6]=1 [1d6]=2


Orcs Initiative: [1d10]=10
Orc attack: [1d20]=12 [1d20]=5 [1d20]=1 [1d20]=6
Orc attack: [1d20]=3 [1d20]=8 [1d20]=2 [1d20]=19
Orc attack: [1d20]=8 [1d20]=3 [1d20]=6 [1d20]=7

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He watches the man tumble in slow-motion, trailing fire all the way down until he lands with a thud. "Rats." He shouts down again "I need more oil up here!"

Cassius draws and fires, again and again, a gleam of fire reflected in his eyes.

First round:
Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=17+3=20
Longbow damage: [1d8+6]=3+6=9

Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=14+3=17
Longbow damage: [1d8+6]=6+6=12

Second round:
Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=12+3=15
Longbow damage: [1d8+6]=2+6=8

Longbow (18): [1d20+3]=5+3=8

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego is disgusted by what he sees from these so called soldiers, the effect of his anger reflected in his first shots.

"IF YOU PANSIES WANT TO LIVE, I SUGGEST YOU GROW A PAIR AND DEFEND YOURSELVES AND YOUR FRIENDS AS YOU NEVER HAVE BEFORE!!!"

Attack w/ Bow [1d20+3]=1+3=4 Damage [1d6]=6 [1d20+3]=12+3=15 Damage [1d6]=5

"KEEP FIRING AND KEEP FIGHTING!!! THEY WILL SHOW YOU NO QUARTER, AND YOU SHANT EITHER!!!"

The ranger continues firing with mixed results.

Attack w/ Bow [1d20+3]=3+3=6 Damage [1d6]=1 [1d20+3]=12+3=15 Damage [1d6]=3