PrP: Doge Day Afternoon
Unlike so many other contracts and adventures before you, this one didn't originate from a notice pinned to a board at the Explorer's Guild. Instead a retired adventure that has head dealings with each of you quickly urged you to the house of a Rosalian noble that is wintering in Alexandria. Introductions are made, hairy eyeballs are given by the help and extended members of the family, and so on. Until the Matriarch of this particular branch. It would seem that the Doge of a small dukedom was kidnapped on his way to Alexandria, all of his retinue killed save for one of his attendants, sent with ransom demands that would bankrupt the family. Or at least kill their winter spending. Instead, like so many before her, she has decided to throw violent murder hobos at the problem, namely you!
So now you creep through the outskirts of the Felwood, to meet at high noon at a giant dead oak tree, directions provided by a beaten and traumatized servant. The forest is quiet and the crunch of patches of unmelted snow and dead foliage echoes in your ears...
Faiza Belvade, Paladin of the Silver Guard, that's what the redheaded shadow elf in the shiny, shiny armour with Eluna's symbol embossed in the breastplate introduced herself as. What the Silver Guard is doing sending one of their paladins on what is essentially a grab-and-rescue operation, she doesn't say, but it's clear she's in no mood for levity. The Mul'niessa is in no mood for stealth either, it seems, as she's made no attempt to muffle the rattle and clank of armour and weapons: she comes well-prepared for a scuffle. Even at the light of noon, her narrowed eyes glow an eerie red as the small group makes its way towards the rendezvous point.
Tiasa moves through the path, glad to be getting out of the city, she was feeling a bit crowded. The sith glances around at the others and dips her head a bit, "Good to get out, fight." she says, as she smiles a bit.
Terewin practices slashing and spinning his two-bladed sword as he travels atop his steed Gallant. "Rescueing nobility... such an appropriate cause for my blade! If only the enemy knew I was coming they would be sure to wet thier pants." he brags with a grin.
Bahken rides along, humming a tune as he lets his horse trot with his bow held across his pommel in one hand. He looks over Tiasa and Faiza, nodding respectfully to the paladin. His brightly colored clothing probably looks a little odd to those of Alexandria and the surrounding areas.
Rayne is the bard along the trip, she arrives with a ring ting ting of the trambline. The small elvish bard just looks about "hey!" she calls to Terwin, "Mind another on your mount? I promise to play well and not take up much room."
Terewin nods and holds out a hand for Rayne "A knight would remiss to not provide help when capable. Although I suggest dismounting should we run into trouble."
GAME: Terewin rolls perception: (6)+0: 6
GAME: Faiza rolls Perception: (18)+3: 21
GAME: Rayne rolls perception: (17)+2: 19
GAME: Tiasa rolls perception: (6)+6: 12
You paged Faiza with 'You get a hint of wood smoke in the distance. You can't be too much farther along now.'
Faiza is riding too, of course; though her mount is a loaner from the Guard, sturdy and dependable though not combat trained. It carries the brand of the Elunan organisation, and the symbol is on the saddle and harness as well, so as to deter any would-be thieves. The shadow elven paladin rides... not -expertly-, but well enough, and it's clear she has a certain natural way with animals. Pulling at the reins to slow the pace a little, she holds up her free hand to signal for attention. "Smoke ahead. We're getting close. Be on your guard." The peace-knot that's held her sword securely is loosened before she steers the horse onwards, looking ready to slip out of the saddle at a moment's notice.
Tiasa looks around a bit and nods her head. She sniffs a bit, "Must still be too far, not smell smoke." she murmers, "Smoke stupid though, should eat food raw, better to hide that way." she murmers and then looks at the others. She has no apparent weapons but seems quite comfortable and relaxed.
Rayne looks to Tiasa and she shakes her head softly "how far?
Bahken nods to Faiza, gripping his bow tighter. He takes a moment to calm himself, keeping his breathing nice and steady, in and out.
Rayne begins a steady beat on her instrument to strike courage into her companions.. she looks ready to slipout of the saddle at any moment.
Terewin looks up "Smoke? Let's get after it then, let them taste my steel." he says gleefuly.
And ultimately it's not that far, as Faiza said. You cross a ridge and the thick forest canopy of evergreens and leafless trees opens up to a roughly oval shaped clear, perhaps manmade, going by the rotten, burned out foundation of a cabin off to the side. In the middle is a giant oak tree that must be ancient by human standards. Dangling from the tree is a thin swarthy looking genteel man in ruined silks, hanging from his feet, gagged and bound, suspended above several spiked shafts jutting out of the ground.
Two gnolls with large yew bows sit in the boughs on small quickly made platforms for hunting and another two are tending a large fire, roasting a flank of what must have been a fine horse. Two vicious looking hyenas circle the fire pit, jaws slavering, but begin growling as they spot the party, which in turn draws the interest of the rest of the gnolls. They ready shields, arrows, and wicked looking axes, and in broken mongoloid sounding tradespeak, they bark:
"Such Weapons Wow Few Sacks Gold for Meat Many Treachery!"
And that's where Faiza gets off her high horse. Literally speaking, at least, if not metaphorically; the Guard-loaned mount obediently trots a ways back where they came as the dark-skinned elf slides her shield from the hooks on her breastplate and fastens it onto her right arm, bright steel sword whispering out of its sheath to be held in her left. "I am Faiza Belvade, Paladin of the Silver Guard," she announces loudly and calmly, levelling the sword's point at the gathering of gnolls. "Release your prisoner to us, and you shall go unharmed. Resist, and the Silver Moon's fury will descend upon you!"
GAME: Bahken rolls initiative: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 16
GAME: You roll initiative for Gnoll Brutes: Roll: 13 + Bonus: +1 = Total: 14
GAME: Tiasa rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 6
GAME: You roll initiative for Gnoll Archers: Roll: 18 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 20
GAME: You roll initiative for Hyenas: Roll: 12 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 14
GAME: Rayne rolls initiative: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 16
GAME: Terewin rolls initiative: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 7
GAME: Faiza rolls initiative: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 18
=============== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 ===============
---Init--Name----------------Notes--------------------------------------------
20 Gnoll Archers
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18 Faiza Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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16 Rayne Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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16 Bahken Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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14 Hyenas
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14 Gnoll Brutes
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7 Terewin Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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6 Tiasa
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GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+4: (10)+4: 14
"Many Arrows! Much Bleeding!" The two tree-dwelling kidnappers yell in their horrible Tradespeak, responding to Faiza's demand for surrender with arrows. Fortunately, even with her guard down, she is well protected and the shafts shatter against her shield and armor.
GAME: Faiza rolls weapon1+1: (14)+10+1: 25
GAME: Faiza rolls 1d8+8: (6)+8: 14
It's a fair point raised by the archers. Faiza has a retort, though, and it seems to sting: shield raised before her, she kicks up a drift of snow as she takes off -running- directly into the throng of gnolls and hyenas. So quickly does she move that at the end of her charge and the arc of that deadly-looking sword, she ends up on the other side of one of the larger dog-men, blood visible on the blade. There's a beat, and the Mul'niessa makes an abrupt little motion as though to startle the gnolls. The one she went past falls over with a doggy little whimper. "This will not end well for you," she grates towards the others. "I suggest you surrender."
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d20+9+1: (13)+9+1: 23
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d20+9+1: (5)+9+1: 15
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d8+4: (5)+4: 9
Rayne fires two shots from her bow, as the arrow releases it is flaming hot! The fire arrow strikes its target square on but another shoots past it, no doubt falling to the forest floor.. hopefully the flame arrow wont set the fores aflame
GAME: Bahken casts Sleep. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
Bahken draws out a handfull of rose petals throwing them in the direction of the archers as he sings out slow and sweet, o/~ Dream by night, wish by day... o/~ as the horse moves a scant 5' back.
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+5: (7)+5: 1
GAME: You damaged Rayne for 8 points. 26 remaining.
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
"So pain. Darkness comes. Such mortality." The disemboweled gnoll coughs out as he drags his mangled body away from the fight before expiring. The remaining axe-wielding gnoll is just about as smart and goes in swinging, aided by one of the hyenas coming around to snap its jaws at her armored calf hanging down from her steed. Neither finds purchase, but the second hyena rushes at Rayne, clamping its teeth down into her thigh and drawing blood, though it doesn't succeed in dragging her to the ground.
GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2+1: (10)+7+1+-2+1: 17
GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2+1: (10)+7+1+-2+1: 17
GAME: Terewin rolls +6+1: (5)++6+1: 12
GAME: Terewin rolls +2+1: (7)++2+1: 10
GAME: Terewin rolls +2+1: (20)++2+1: 23
GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+4+1: (4)+4+1: 9
GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+2+1: (7)+2+1: 10
Gallant rears up under Terewin as the hyena's charge however it is not out of fear but to bring its powerfull hooves down on the beast while Terewin slashes with each end of his blade from either side of the horse. Bloody bits fly like some kind of cruel blender. "Stand behind me! I will savage these.... savages!"
GAME: Tiasa RAGES!, gaining: +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 Will and -2 AC
GAME: Tiasa rolls melee+1+2+2-1: (11)+7+1+2+2+-1: 22
GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+5+2+1: (1)+5+2+1: 9
Tiasa growls a bit and then roars and her muscles seem to swell. Her hands snap and pop as they swell as well and claws emerge. She grins and then surges forward and slashes powerfully into the hyena that was flanking Faiza, ripping into it.
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d8+3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: You damaged Terewin for 5 points. 24 remaining.
The two archers drop their horrible tradespeak to screech at each other rather excitedly. They both continue firing, with the wounded one firing wide and the other sinking an arrow into Terewin's arm for the crime of hyenacide, but they look like they are about ready to flee, given how often they check their exit routes.
GAME: Faiza rolls weapon1-2+1: (12)+10+-2+1: 21
GAME: Faiza rolls 1d8+8: (7)+8: 15
With an arrow plinking off her shield, the martial Mul'niessa ducks a scrabbling swing from the gnoll in front of her and reverses the motion of her arm, skewering the furry fiend on the tip of the blade, puncturing something major and immediately pulling it back out, half-turning away from her opponent as though already sure of her victory. "I -told- you to surrender," she chides, almost irritably. "Now look what you've made me do."
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d20+9+1: (15)+9+1: 25
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d20+9+1: (1)+9+1: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Rayne rolls 1d8+4: (7)+4: 11
Rayne lets off two shots with her flame bow, the first strikes its target hard, and true, setting the archer aflame. The Second arrow however gets a bit mixed up and with a loud snap the arrow breaks in half midway through flight. A bright flash of light and then it was all cinders...
GAME: Bahken rolls Ranged-2: (9)+5+-2: 12
GAME: Bahken rolls Ranged-2: (19)+5+-2: 22
GAME: Bahken rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7
GAME: Gareth rolls 1d20+1: (7)+1: 8
Bahken watches the other archer slump down onto the tree branch and immediately fires one arrow then another, the second slamming into the beast as the first goes astray. The animal crashes mid run and motionless.
Pausing as the sounds of battle die down, Faiza remains in a fighting stance for another few moments, and then lowers her shield, looking puzzled. "That was entirely too quick," she says, looking wary... and possibly just a little disappointed. "Somehow, I doubt that was all of them." Turning to eye the ragged-clothed man hanging upside down, the paladin reaches out to try and pull him out of the way of the spikes. "Someone give me a hand with this?"
Once he is satisfied that the immediate danger is over Terewin approached the hostage strung up from the tree and helps him down from the back of his horse "Do not worry, I am Sir Terewin and we are here to lend our aid. In the future may I suggest a guard when you travel?" he says as diplomaticaly as possible.
Pausing as the sounds of battle die down, Faiza remains in a fighting stance for another few moments, and then lowers her shield, looking puzzled. "That was entirely too quick," she says, looking wary... and possibly just a little disappointed. "Somehow, I doubt that was all of them." Turning to eye the ragged-clothed man hanging upside down, the paladin reaches out to try and pull him out of the way of the spikes. "Someone give me a hand with this?"
"You might want to tie up the last archer before he comes to..." Bahken nods towards the branch as he dismounts moving over towards the tree. He nods as Terewin fetches the hostage from over the spikes.
Once the Doge (hah get it) is cut down and his gag removed, he begins screaming and sobbing, reaching a now freed hand out to one of the dead axe brutes, "Nooooooooo, we were going to go away I was going to get a witch to change me into a gnoll with the ransom money, it was going to be perfect. You killed heeeeeeer!" He sobs, curling into a fetal position. The small of cinammon and smears of blue around his mouth might indicate to some of the more bardly that he is under the effects of a love potion, possibly to keep him from escaping. Still. Weird.
"..." That about sums up Faiza's response to the distressed doge. She pauses heavily, giving the man her most Are You Seriously Shitting Me look in her arsenal of Are You Seriously Shitting Me looks... and abruptly turns around to go check on the still-living archer. Somebody's gonna need some tying up, and she's got the rope to do it.
Tiasa watches from where she is, letting her rage fade and she is a bit weak for a few.
Terewin sighs and leaves the hostage tied up and tosses him over the back of his horse "You will thank me later then, when we get back. Come on sir." he says with a deep sigh at the sillyness.
Rayne looks about and she checks over her bow "odd, wonder why that last arrow did that." she looks about and she eyes Terewin slowly moving over to him.
Despite his hysterics and struggles, he's fairly easy to restrain, given he's a middle aged noble that hasn't done a day of work in his life. Fortunately, the potion wears off after a few hours the lot of you along with the hostage and his one surviving kidnapper, return to Alexandria to enjoy the rewards, along with some hush money to never speak of the Doge's gnoll-lurve ever again! SUCCESS.