[IC/Renewed] The Assaulted Caravan

[Oath]

Ryine looked down at the wizard as she spoke. "Oh, yeah! I know how that is!" He had a grin on his face. "When you're in a hurry, it is really easy to forget that kind of thing."[/b] He seemed to be confused by her comment about adventuring types, however. She had never labeled herself as such before. "Katrias, you consider yourself an adventurer now? I thought you were always adamant about being nothing more than a shopkeeper."

He eyed the other members of the group, but they seemed to be a bit busy at the moment. Against his better judgment he called out to them. "Anything I can do to help out?"

[akicheeto]

"Whatever the reason for the attack, they certainly got what they came for. Absolutely nothing of value left behind." Ardeth came back to the group with a shrug. Anyone with eyes could see the obvious. She pointed towards the south of the road. "They came from over there. It's where they camped out waiting. The branches higher up in the trees above are broken from what I could see."

She turned back towards Kynnstitia, which was a mouthful to say, and then looked at their new companion, with an amiable smile. Well as much as one could given the situation before turning her attention to Kynn.

"If you'd like to borrow my horse back into town, you may. I want to take a closer look at the possible hideout area these hobgoblins used. Maybe we can find where they ran off to."

She wanted to get right to it. There wasn't anything left of the wreckage that would help identify anything they already knew. With Kynn's retelling, it just confirmed everything she guessed already. She just hoped that the attack was just for the goods and not for any ulterior motives.

Without waiting for anyone else, she started heading to the south side of the road.

[Katrias Lyseer]

Katrias opened her mouth to speak, only to close them again a moment after. She was trying to be mean-spirited, more than her usual self, but Ryine didn't seem to understand at all. Instead she sighed. She wanted to at least get back at him for his disappearance that lasted an entire year.

"I am a shopkeeper." Katrias stated as she began following after Ardeth. Her voice was clearly distressed, but she continued her march forward, her sights set on following Ardeth even if she wasn't particularly paying attention or even caring where she was going. She would have stayed behind to keep examining the dragon-like individual still on the ground, and god-forbid even help them up, but her thoughts were in too much of a jumble.

She glanced back at the warrior, and felt her heart race again.

"Why do you-" She paused as she felt her cheeks warm. She quickly turned away. In some ways the young wizard prided herself in her callousness, and almost logical view of life.

She did not want to let the others see anything else.

[Mysticsage]

Serena continued to look over Kynn carefully not saying a word as the rest of them spoke, the spirits of the world really did have a way of pulling her into interesting situations. It was Katrias outburst that pulled her out of her own thoughts, as a healer and someone who had spent all to much time around Kryas windsel the half dragon did interest her.

"We're here to help in any way we can and I think its better to come up with a plan rather then splitting off into several directions." she said finally adding a voice to the mix. "I apologize for not introducing myself sooner, my name is Serena, Ms. Kynnstitia, but as you can see these people were the ones hired to deal with this mess in the first place, so traveling back to the city to get more aid would do little more then waste time. As a healer as well I can't advise a sudden high speed horse ride while you seem to have no external injuries from my examination I don't want to risk bouncing around on a horse if there is any kind of internal damage that has yet to be addressed."

"Unless you are willing to be escorted back to the city for proper treatment I would think it be best to combine our efforts in discovering the gang of goblins that attacked your guard job." she said the last part a little more sharply then she had originally intended. She was really just thinking about looking out for the woman's health and ended up sounding like she was pointing out her failures. But she also had the wishes of the dead to deal with meaning that she needed to make sure this mess got sorted out as soon as possible, as well as the guard getting back alive.

"Well, shall we get to work or will I be escorting you back to the city to a bed?"

[Wolfrin Fenris]

"So, Kynnstitia. Have any ideas why a hoard of hobgoblins and bugbears might attack the caravan?"

The question wasn't unexpected, but she found she really had nothing to say. She had no idea why this had happened. She was about to say so, but it seemed the girl wasn't really interested in any answer she might have, as she immediately continued by calling out to their companion who had been searching the wreckage.

She listened to the older female, Ardeth the girl had called her, as she explained her conclusions. When she turned and offered her horse, Kynnstitia was grateful. She was about to respond when yet another person arrived. "What is going on here," asked the man. He was armed and armored, of average height. 'Solid' came to mind. "Some people back at the Guild said that you guys could use some more firepower."

He immediately settled his gaze on the girl with the purple eyes and began to speak with her, but just then another wave of dizziness hit her and she closed her eyes and put a hand to her head. However as soon as she shut her eyes she saw the image of Bairn's head staring back at her. Her eyes snapped open once more. Damnit, she swore in her head. How could I have let this happen? She was staring at the inside of her palm, eyes unseeing as she berated herself mentally for her failures. When the dizziness passed and she began to draw her hand away however, something struck her as odd.

She held her hand in front of her face, eyes going wide at what she saw. Her skin had changed color. No longer was it tan and slightly grimy from many weeks on the road. Now her skin had a silvery hue, seeming to glimmer in the reflected sunlight. The sunlight itself further accented the grooves and bumps all over her hand. They were odd looking. Hard looking. Scaly looking! Sitting upright, she quickly brought her other hand next to her first, but, much to her dismay, they were identical in appearance. What's happened to me?! she screamed at herself in panic.

She touched her hands together, feeling the grooves of her skin. It was real. Is it? Something struck her as odd. She raised her head back up, looking at the people around her, most of them still engaged in the conversation between the girl and the new arrival. None of them had looked at her like she was a monster had they? None of them had tried to stick a sword in her. They were speaking with her, trying to help her. It can't be. But then, why does it feel so real?

Just then she was jarred from her thoughts when the blue haired girl that had woken her up began to speak."We're here to help in any way we can and I think its better to come up with a plan rather then splitting off into several directions." Kynn listened as the woman introduced herself as Serena, and made a mental note to thank her later for her aid.

She steeled herself and finally rose to her feet, fighting off the dizziness that threatened to topple her once more and finally conquering it. She even managed a nod when Serena suggested combining their efforts, silently thanking the woman for not insisting on treating her as an invalid as had happened when she had injured herself training in the past. "Well, shall we get to work or will I be escorting you back to the city to a bed?"

"That is not necessary. I did not know you for members of the Guild of Galas'nor. I must confess that you did not strike me as the sort," she said, though she spoke while looking down at her grotesque hands. She looked up finally, searching their eyes, hoping that she would see them looking at her with the same horror she felt. However their eyes betrayed only their attentiveness to what she was saying. "I will accompany you, if you'll have me.

She noticed that the purple eyed girl was gone, likely following Ardeth. "We should hurry and catch up with the other two before they get too far into the forest," she suggested. Feeling her side for her pick, she bent over to collect her shield from the ground. Surprisingly, and thankfully, no dizziness assaulted her as she righted herself. Fastening the shield she took her first step in the direction Ardeth had set off, her face set in an emotionless mask and her eyes scanning the trees for dangers. She would not be taken by surprise again. I will have revenge she said to herself, her eyes the only thing betraying the intensity of that thought.

[Oath]

Ryine still wasn't particularly sure what was going on. All he knew is that a caravan had been assaulted, this Kynnstitia person seemed to be involved somehow, and the others had already went on ahead. "I agree. Definitely shouldn't let them get too far ahead. Who knows what foul beasts or other dangers may await us in the forest." He drew his greatsword and hurried ahead, hoping to catch up with those that had already left while keeping on guard once he started to close the distance.

[spoiler=Actions]
Ryine is moving to catch up to the party, upon getting to the forest? He will make a perception check.

Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 12 + 5, total 17[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

[Linwelin]

As soon as the group begins to approach the woods to inspect the damage, it becomes apparent exactly what the spot was. The broken branches and cleared brush were the location of the scouting portion of the ambush. And they had been watching and waiting, as a good ambush would. Almost as soon as you catch sight of their crouching forms, one sprints off into the woods and another sounds a horn. One that is all too familiar to a certain draconic figure present. You can hear rustling further back in the woods, as the small vanguard before you forms ranks. A quick glance over them reveals three brandishing longswords, with another two behind them with bows. As Kynnstitia had mentioned, they were quite well-versed in strategy, simple as it may be.

[spoiler]So you're aware, your perceptions DID count on this. You spotted them before getting too close, negating their possible surprise round. I did not ignore the rolls, this is essentially their resolution :P[/spoiler]

[info]Six hobgoblins appear, with one running off. Combat begins! Roll Initiative![/info]

[Wolfrin Fenris]

[spoiler]Initiative roll for Kynn
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 15, total 15[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[Oath]

[spoiler=Initiative for Ryine]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 10 + 6, total 16[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[Katrias Lyseer]

[spoiler][blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 19 + 4, total 23[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[akicheeto]

[spoiler][blockquote]Initiative 1d20+2 : 1 + 2, total 3[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[Katrias Lyseer]

The hobgoblins were already upon them, but Katrias just sighed. It didn't really come as a surprise, after all, they had been told a couple times now that hobgoblins had been the cause.

"Hobgoblins in the bushes. I did not see this coming." She said dryly and sarcastically.

Katrias began weaving her next spell as she eyed the one hobgoblin attempting to get away.

"I'd be surprised if we were ambushed by skeletons." She said choosing the first thing that popped up into her mind. "Fiery skeletons."

[spoiler]Katrias casts Sleep on the hobgoblin attempting to run.

DC 17 Will save to resist
10 +1 (spell level) +6 (int modifier)

Sleep
School enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]; Level bard 1, sorcerer/wizard 1, witch 1; Domain Night 1

CASTING
Casting Time 1 round
Components V, S, M (fine sand, rose petals, or a live cricket)

EFFECT
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area one or more living creatures within a 10-ft.-radius burst
Duration 1 min./level
Saving Throw Will negates; Spell Resistance yes


DESCRIPTION
A sleep spell causes a magical slumber to come upon 4 HD of creatures. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first. Among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell's point of origin are affected first. HD that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted. Sleeping creatures are helpless. Slapping or wounding awakens an affected creature, but normal noise does not. Awakening a creature is a standard action (an application of the aid another action). Sleep does not target unconscious creatures, constructs, or undead creatures.

[/spoiler]

[Throndir]

[Oath]

It was time for Ryine to show his stuff, and do what he does best. The failed Hobgoblin ambush had left him some room to attempt to turn the tables and he did just that. He strode towards the bushes where the largest group of them was, great sword at the ready. He looked the hobgoblin in the eye and growled "DIE" as his blood boiled and swung with all of his might.

[spoiler= actions]
Ryine is moving 4 squares left, two squares down. Enters rage, and swings his great sword (eclipse-chan!) at the hobgoblin directly below him. (the one closest to the party)

Attack roll:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+15 : 2 + 15, total 17[/blockquote]
if hit: [blockquote]Rolled 4d6+20 : 2, 5, 4, 1 + 20, total 32[/blockquote]

[info] RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE
STR+4 CON +4 AC-2 HP+10

So 70 HP, 26 STR, 22 CON 17 AC
[/info][/spoiler]

[Wolfrin Fenris]

She hadn't expected to run into the hobgoblins so soon, but she was more than willing to crush some goblin skulls. Jaw clenched, Kynnstitia charged into the fray.

[spoiler]Kynn charges at goblin, diagonally SW three times, then south 2 more squares, drawing her pick as a free action, and makes a power attack against goblin in range.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Attack
Rolled 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19
If successful Damage
Rolled 1d6+2 : 5 + 2, total 7[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Edit: Forgot that armor encumbrance would modify her speed, changed her action to a charge to compensate, didn't include the +2 to attack to keep the integrity of the rolls.[/spoiler]