Angry and prideful after Bao Tap Den's furious assault, the remaining club-wielder rushes behind the man and strikes at him with great force. However, he is still dazed from the hit and his attack is easily dodge. He grabs a rock and chucks it at Satomi in frustration, but again, his attack misses its mark.
The merchant and the girl continue to stand back, watching the events unfold before them. They cluster together in a defense stance, getting prepared in case on of the soldiers strays too close for comfort.
Bludgeoner 2: moves to (J, 6), avoiding OAs. Double Strike to use Kanabo on Bao Tap Den (10 vs AC = miss) followed by Throw Rock on Satomi (8 vs AC = miss). Both characters are marked for a turn.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
19 Bludgeoner 2 (I, 10) | HP: -15/?? | Double Strike, -2 to hit Bao Tap Den until he is hit by an attack
19 Satomi (L, 10) | HP: 12/37 | Surges: 9/9 | AP: 1/1 | Bloodied,Berserker's Charge Stance (+2 speed/attack when charging), marked (-2) until Bludgeoner 2 EONT
16 Nanako (N, 9) | HP: 32/32 | Surges: 6/6 | AP: 1/1 |
16 Kekeng (P, 7) | HP: 21+5/32 | Surges: 7/7 | AP: 1/1 | Master's Eye, Blunder, Fey Step,
14 Spearman 1 (K, 13) | HP: -7/?? | thrown javelins (1/3), -2 to hit Bao Tap Den until he is hit by an attack
14 Spearman 2 (H, 8) | HP: -19/?? | Bloodied, thrown javelins (1/3), -2 to hit Bao Tap Den until he is hit by an attack 9 Swordsman 1 (J, 12) | HP: -30/?? | Bloodied
9 Swordsman 2 (K, 11) | HP: -8/?? | -2 to hit Bao Tap Den until he is hit by an attack
6 Archer (I, 4, +3) | HP: ??/?? | Rain of Arrows, -2 to hit Bao Tap Den until he is hit by an attack
6 Bao Tap Den (I, 7) | HP: 41/41 | Surges: 9/9 | AP: 1/1 | Ruthless Demonstration,Spinning Leopard Maneuver,prepared to use immediate action (see mechanics above), marked (-2) until Bludgeoner 2 EONT
4 Quen Lu Tam (S, 11) | HP: 20/20 | Surges: 6/6 | AP: 1/1 | +2 to defenses until SONT
4 Suzume (S, 10) | HP: 23/23 | Surges: 6/6 | AP: 1/1 | +2 to defenses until SONT
Seeing the ex-soldier facing off with two of the highwaymen, Nanako steps in and, channeling power from Dragon, unleashes an arcane fire at them. Although left barely standing, the girl does not relent her assault, and launches another spray of the fire at her foes.
Ready Action:Dragonflame Mantle
If I'm hit with an attack, until the end of my next turn, I gain +1 to all defenses,
and if any enemies hit me with a melee attack, they take 1d6 fire damage.
MBA: +10 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage (+1 to attacks when bloodied) RBA: +9 vs Fort, 1d8+10 cold damage & target is pushed 1 square (+1 to attacks when bloodied)
Draconic Power: You gain a bonus to the damage rolls of arcane powers equal to your Strength modifier. The bonus increases to your Strength modifier +2 at 11th level and your Strength modifier +4 at 21st level.
Draconic Resilience: While you are not wearing heavy armor, you can use your Strength modifier in place of your Dexterity or Intelligence modifier to determine your AC.
Dragon Soul Fire: You gain resist 5 to fire damage. The resistance increases to 10 at 11th level and 15 at 21st level. Your arcane powers ignore any target’s resistance to fire damage up to the value of your resistance.
Scales of the Dragon: The first time you become bloodied during an encounter, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the end of the encounter.
Dragonborn Fury: When you’re bloodied, you gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Bozak Instinctive Flight: You gain a flight speed of 6 squares (altitude limit 1). You cannot use this fly speed if you are carrying more than a normal load. You must land at the end of your turn.
Infernal Prince: You gain a +1 bonus to fire attack rolls.
Unarmored Agility: You gain a +2 feat bonus to AC while wearing either cloth armor or no armor.
War Wizard's Expertise: You gain a +1 bonus per tier to the attack rolls of arcane powers and basic attacks that you make with a light or heavy blade. Your attack rolls take a -5 penalty against your allies.
Hearing the commotion from where Bao Tap Den was facing off against two of the soldiers, Kekeng slips into the clearing, catching sight of the fellow in the tree. Ah, a pesky one.
Pretending to load a dart into his flute, Kekeng raises the instrument to his lips and aims it directly at the archer in the distance. "For you!" he cries, before blowing a piercing note through it. Startled, the archer loses his foothold in the branches of the tree and takes an unintended dive. He crumples to the forest floor as Kekeng chuckles and hops from one foot to the other. "You lack grace, my friend!"
The flautist notices Satomi's wounds. "Leave these two troglodytes to me and Nanako," he suggests, playing a short jaunt on the flute that leaves the ex-soldier feeling strangely rejuvenated. Satomi manages to break free from the swordsman's engagement and Kekeng points towards the surrounded pugilist. "Your blade is required!"
Standard:Impelling Force on Archer.
Attack: 17(1d20) +8 = 25; 9(1d10) +5 = 14
Hits 25 Fort, dealing 14 force damage. He fails his save and falls into J5, taking addition fall damage and proning him.
Minor:Majestic Word on Satomi, healing him for 15 HP and sliding him to L9. Go get Bludgeoner 2!
Satomi nods to Kekang, before turning to face the Bludgeoneer. He raises his sword once more and charges the man, using his momentum to drive his sword forward, aiming for the man's neck.
MBA: +9 vs AC, 1d12+7 damage. (+1 to damage on a charge, +1 to attack rolls when bloodied.) RBA: +6 vs AC, 1d4+8 damage. (+1 to attack rolls when bloodied)
Dragonborn Fury: When bloodied I gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Elemental Origin: I have the elemental origin.
Ironwrought Starting Feature: I gain a +1 power bonus to Athletics and Endurance checks. Whenever I use Second Wind, this power bonus increases to +4 until the end of my next turn.
Notable Feats:
Heavy Blade Expertise: While wielding a heavy blade, I gain a +2 bonus to all defences
against opportunity attacks.
The spearman and swordsman, wounded after Nanako's assault, decide to put some distance between themselves and the girl. The spearman retreats closer to his allies, before sending another one of his javelins hurling towards the air at the young magic-wielder. The blade grazes her, and the Dragon instinctively comes to her aid, an aura of heat beginning to envelop the area immediately surrounding her.
The swordsman, more concerned with Satomi, rushes at the man and manages to catch him off guard. He lands a solid blow while the man is distracted taking a swing at his ally, leaving the ex-soldier barely standing as well.
Meanwhile, the archer and the other spearmen set their sights on Bao Tap Den, his recent rampage giving them cause for worry. The spearman lunges at the man before immediately retreat further back in the trees, while the archer returns to his feet - now on the ground - and launches an arrow at the man. Both attacks manage to hit their mark.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
Too intent on his intimidation attempt, Bao Tap Den fails to block the Spearman’s attack. He narrowly escapes a fatal stabbing only to be but is still wounded. “Uh” He receives what feels like a blow from a punch. Bao Tap Den knows he was shot by the archer after exposing his back in the failed dodge. Shake it off, he thinks to himself. You’ve had a lot worse. Bao Tap Den turns to glare at the archer before leaping at him and performing one of his bolder moves.
As Bao Tap Dan rushes to face off against the recently-grounded archer, his haste leaves him open to attack. The kanabo-wielding man takes a powerful swing as the man rushes past, landing a solid blow. Bao Tap Den manages to retaliate after finishing off the archer, but as he is making his own attack the man with the club takes a second swing and leaves his foe barely standing.
Bludgeoner 2: OA on Bao Tap Den, 25 vs AC = hit for 12 damage. Bao Tap Den is now bloodied.
Bao Tap Den: ...hits & kills, hits & bloodies
Quen Lu Tam: Total Defense
Suzume: Total Defense
Bludgeoner 2: attacks Bao Tap Den, 23 vs AC = hit for 10 damage and Bao Tap Den is pushed to (H, 4). Bao Tap Den is marked until the end of the Bludgeoner's next turn.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
With her foes now fleeing from her, Nanako gives chase and spews a draconic mist at them, creating a concealing veil. Let's see them stand up to Dragon's breath.
Though one is able to avoid its effects, the other false guard quickly succumbs to the corrosive mists, collapsing to his death.
MBA: +10 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage (+1 to attacks when bloodied) RBA: +9 vs Fort, 1d8+10 cold damage & target is pushed 1 square (+1 to attacks when bloodied)
Draconic Power: You gain a bonus to the damage rolls of arcane powers equal to your Strength modifier. The bonus increases to your Strength modifier +2 at 11th level and your Strength modifier +4 at 21st level.
Draconic Resilience: While you are not wearing heavy armor, you can use your Strength modifier in place of your Dexterity or Intelligence modifier to determine your AC.
Dragon Soul Fire: You gain resist 5 to fire damage. The resistance increases to 10 at 11th level and 15 at 21st level. Your arcane powers ignore any target’s resistance to fire damage up to the value of your resistance.
Scales of the Dragon: The first time you become bloodied during an encounter, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the end of the encounter.
Dragonborn Fury: When you’re bloodied, you gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Bozak Instinctive Flight: You gain a flight speed of 6 squares (altitude limit 1). You cannot use this fly speed if you are carrying more than a normal load. You must land at the end of your turn.
Infernal Prince: You gain a +1 bonus to fire attack rolls.
Unarmored Agility: You gain a +2 feat bonus to AC while wearing either cloth armor or no armor.
War Wizard's Expertise: You gain a +1 bonus per tier to the attack rolls of arcane powers and basic attacks that you make with a light or heavy blade. Your attack rolls take a -5 penalty against your allies.
Nanako's magic once again astonishes Satomi as the swordsman is killed by the acidic mists. He quickly shakes it off and turns to face the Bludgeoneer, sword raised. At the first sign of an opening in the man's defences, Satomi brings down his blade.
MBA: +9 vs AC, 1d12+7 damage. (+1 to damage on a charge, +1 to attack rolls when bloodied.) RBA: +6 vs AC, 1d4+8 damage. (+1 to attack rolls when bloodied)
Dragonborn Fury: When bloodied I gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Elemental Origin: I have the elemental origin.
Ironwrought Starting Feature: I gain a +1 power bonus to Athletics and Endurance checks. Whenever I use Second Wind, this power bonus increases to +4 until the end of my next turn.
Notable Feats:
Heavy Blade Expertise: While wielding a heavy blade, I gain a +2 bonus to all defences
against opportunity attacks.
Seeing Satomi cut his way through a pair of the soldiers with help from Nanko, Kekeng dips forward along the path, his head low. He spins in place just short of the carts. Aid me, my instrument -- my weapon!
From the tip of Kekeng's flute comes a nauseating melody directed at one of the spearmen. For a moment, the ambusher feels as drunk as Kekeng is. Colors warp and sound is magnified. He stumbles a few feet in the brush toward Satomi -- anything to get away from the terrible noise of that flute. Tripping on a root, the disoriented spearman slips, bludgeoning his head on the pommel of the soldier's blade. "He can't hold his drink, it seems!"
Cheering, Kekeng's melody turns sweet and contagious, and his wounded ally feels invigorated enough to engage once again.
As the group manages to finish off three more of the men in rapid succession, the last remaining of them - one of the spearmen - decides to cut his losses. He begins to move back behind the blockade of carts, throwing another of his javelins towards Kekeng, but his haste to flee hinders his accuracy. The weapon flying wide, he continues to move towards the woods, looking to try to use the trees to cover his retreat.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
After slaying the archer, Bao Tap Den staggered against a tree. "Uh" he grunted. He looked up and saw three more of the attacks fall to blade and magic. What have I got myself into?
He hears the sound of crunching leaves and looks for the source. He saw the back of their last enemy disappear around the trunk only to have a thrown spear emerge. Without hesitating, Bao Tap Den gathered his remaining strength and moved to the protection of a closer tree making sure to stay out of the open area lest he be target.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
Kekeng plays a swift melody on his flute as he winds his way around the foliage. "The coward runs! Hah. An ambush that was." Satomi's feet feel encouraged as he is able to reposition closer to the escaping spearman.
Going after the remaining spearman, Satomi chooses to take a route over the carts blocking the road, rather than through forest around them. However It takes him longer than expected to clamber over the makeshift barricade.
MBA: +9 vs AC, 1d12+7 damage. (+1 to damage on a charge, +1 to attack rolls when bloodied.) RBA: +6 vs AC, 1d4+8 damage. (+1 to attack rolls when bloodied)
Dragonborn Fury: When bloodied I gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Elemental Origin: I have the elemental origin.
Ironwrought Starting Feature: I gain a +1 power bonus to Athletics and Endurance checks. Whenever I use Second Wind, this power bonus increases to +4 until the end of my next turn.
Notable Feats:
Heavy Blade Expertise: While wielding a heavy blade, I gain a +2 bonus to all defences
against opportunity attacks.
With all but one foe left standing, Nanako makes a dash towards the trees, hoping to catch sight of the man there. Spotting him in the brush, she unsheathes her dagger and, concentrating her energy, launches an arcane icicle at him. "The icy embrace is death is all that awaits you now," the girl shouts out as the blast strikes the man.
The frigid attack overpowers the impostor guard, and he quickly succumbs to his fate of death. With the final man slain, Nana grabs hold of her pendant, and murmurs a prayer to Dragon.
MBA: +10 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage (+1 to attacks when bloodied) RBA: +9 vs Fort, 1d8+10 cold damage & target is pushed 1 square (+1 to attacks when bloodied)
Draconic Power: You gain a bonus to the damage rolls of arcane powers equal to your Strength modifier. The bonus increases to your Strength modifier +2 at 11th level and your Strength modifier +4 at 21st level.
Draconic Resilience: While you are not wearing heavy armor, you can use your Strength modifier in place of your Dexterity or Intelligence modifier to determine your AC.
Dragon Soul Fire: You gain resist 5 to fire damage. The resistance increases to 10 at 11th level and 15 at 21st level. Your arcane powers ignore any target’s resistance to fire damage up to the value of your resistance.
Scales of the Dragon: The first time you become bloodied during an encounter, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the end of the encounter.
Dragonborn Fury: When you’re bloodied, you gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Bozak Instinctive Flight: You gain a flight speed of 6 squares (altitude limit 1). You cannot use this fly speed if you are carrying more than a normal load. You must land at the end of your turn.
Infernal Prince: You gain a +1 bonus to fire attack rolls.
Unarmored Agility: You gain a +2 feat bonus to AC while wearing either cloth armor or no armor.
War Wizard's Expertise: You gain a +1 bonus per tier to the attack rolls of arcane powers and basic attacks that you make with a light or heavy blade. Your attack rolls take a -5 penalty against your allies.
The sound of the icy attack fades into a silence as the last of the men falls to the ground, lifeless. There is a still moment before the sound of murmuring can be heard coming from the Suzume and Quen Lu Tam. They talk only briefly before the man speaks up.
"Do you think there are more hiding in the trees?" he says, half asking, half suggesting the possibility to the others.
Trees: Any space that is entirely or primarly tree (the dark green parts of the map) is difficult terrain to move across, representing the roots and smaller trunk of these smaller trees. If you are unsure if a space counts, just ask. Additionally, the tree canopy blocks line of sight for, and provides concealment against, ranged attacks. There needs to be a clearing between the ranged attacker and their target for the attack to land.
Carts: The two carts blocking the road are not passable by normal means, and provide cover and concealment by default, superior cover and total concealment to those who are prone and adjacent. They can be climbed into, and are only 1 square high. To climb from the sides or the front is athletics check DC 15, following normal climbing rules. To climb in from the back does not require a check, but it costs two movement. Exiting from the back of the cart (if already on top) has no penalty, but exiting from the sides or front costs two movement instead of the usual one. (The back of the left cart is facing right, the back of the right cart is facing left).
NPCs Suzume: The young girl is wearing her armor, that Quen Lu Tam gave her as a disguise, as well as the bow she was given.
Quen Lu Tam: The merchant is unarmed and unarmored, wearing his simple robes.
Enemies Gojiin Soldiers: There are six men, two each wielding swords, spears, and large clubs. All six wear very similar armor, though their weapons differ. In addition to the spears, the spearmen also wield a few smaller javelins each on their backs. The swordsmen also each have a spare sword on their hips, though the bludgeoners only wield the single club.
Gojiin Archer: In addition to the melee fighters initially encountered, there appears to be an archer hidden in the trees as well. He appears to wear a dagger on his hip in addition to the bow.
"If they are, they'd be keen on retreating after the walloping we gave their allies," Kekeng mentions. He plays a restful song on his flute -- its saccharine melody lifts higher and higher as it repeats, while the man and his traveling partners feel rejuvenated.
"Perhaps we should check in on one of those men. He may still be alive, you know." The drunken man sways in place, pointing in the brush toward the highwayman that had slipped and knocked his head on Satomi's pommel.
"Reliable information can be as deadly as a sword" Bao Tap Den says as he walks towards the downed spearman. The bloodied fighter grits his teeth in pain as he approaches the still body. He places his foot none too gently upon the throat and starts to apply pressure while watching the body for signs of life. "If you're faking, speak up now."
MBA: +9 vs AC, 1d12+7 damage. (+1 to damage on a charge, +1 to attack rolls when bloodied.) RBA: +6 vs AC, 1d4+8 damage. (+1 to attack rolls when bloodied)
Dragonborn Fury: When bloodied I gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.
Elemental Origin: I have the elemental origin.
Ironwrought Starting Feature: I gain a +1 power bonus to Athletics and Endurance checks. Whenever I use Second Wind, this power bonus increases to +4 until the end of my next turn.
Notable Feats:
Heavy Blade Expertise: While wielding a heavy blade, I gain a +2 bonus to all defences
against opportunity attacks.
There is no initial reaction as Bao Tap Den steps on the man's throat. However, after a moment of pressure, the spearman begins to cough and sputter. His eyes shoot open and he begins to struggle, looking up at the other in horror as he realizes his predicament.
Kekeng's usual tipsy smile is gone, replaced by one of both worry and frustration. These men would simply attack travelers on the road? As he steps over to the scene of the man being choked, the drunkard motions for Bao Tap Den to let off. Can't talk if he's dead.
Pulling his flute to bear, Kekeng looses a low, moaning melody that seems to bite hard at the spearman.
"I could give a story, share a tale, spin a myth," the man speaks, his tone strained. "I could give you life beyond this one of banditry. Or I could extinguish it." He repeats the melody before continuing. "You may take leave of us, but only if you speak freely of the truth to my companions and I. A lie will gain you nothing... nothing but misfortune."
Nanako is taken aback by the quieter man's brutish tactics as he steps on the dying bandit's throat. War truly does bring out the harshest in everyone. Dragon guide me. As she approaches the now awakened man, she says, "A man must be desperate to turn to a life such as this." Despite her small stature, her tone invokes the authority her patron Spirit.
"But now you're in a much more desperate situation, as you're well aware," she continues, glaring at the downed foe. "So I'd suggest listening to my acquaintance here."
"Sure, ok- ...ay," the man says, through pained gasps for breath. "Just get (cough) of me." He struggles and tries to free Bao Tap Den's foot from his throat, but to little avail. It is clear that he is beginning to suffocate from the pressure.
In the cart you find odds and ends. Clothing, some small amounts of jewelry, small pouches of coin, and other miscellaneous objects. It is possible the items belong to the men who you've fought, but it is also possible the items were taken from others.
Bao Tap Den glared down at the man squirming under his foot. After hearing the man's submission, Bao Tap Den waited two heart beats before removing his foot from the bruised windpipe. Bao Tap Den then grabbed the man by his armor and dragged him out to the middle of the pathway. He released the man and said "On you knees." Best to show that I'm not afraid to be rough with him. Let him feel that the others are his way out of this alive.
The man coughs a bit more as he is dragged into position. He kneels as instructed, now scowling at the others, and spits at the ground in front of Bao Tap Den's feet. "You've made your point. What do you want?" he says, apparently resigned to his fate.
"You said the Jun wanted you here to blockade this road in case the Tenjun's armies showed their face," Kekeng says with a sigh. "That's not entirely the truth, though, is it? What are a half-dozen men going to do if a regiment of numerous, well-fitted soldiers show up to play? No, you are here on additional grounds, stranger. To loot passers-by? To feign power? Tell me."
The man sighs and shrugs. "Aye that's the way of things. The boss," he says, pointing to the swordsman who'd been doing the talking before, "said it'd be easy money. Dress as soldiers, take a toll, and send people on their way. You're the only ones who wanted to fight about it," he adds with a frown. He coughs again and pops his neck, adjusting to his new position.
"Preying on people in their most vulnerable time," Nanako says as the bandit speaks his intention. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you lack any honor or morality with this line of work." She shakes her head at the man, leering at him. "And so the Spider has dined on the Fawn, but no more will that happen."
"And here, I had hoped your tale was one more interesting than a petty highwayman." Kekeng tuts at the man, feigning disappointment. "Very well, then! This will serve as great fodder for a new ditty. I'll call it Ambush of the Impotent Yokels." He points to the horizon. "Leave this place."
He turns back to Quen Lu Tam and Suzume. "The way is safe, but still blocked by carts. Perhaps we shove them aside?" He prods Satomi, knowing the man has considerable strength.
The man looks to Kekeng, then the others, to verify the man's intentions. Should there be no protest from the others, he stands - stumbling at first - and quickly makes his way through the woods into the distance, eventually fading from view among the trees.
Quen Lu Tam approaches cautiously when beckoned, Suzume keeping close behind. "I've half a mind to bring them with us, but we have no beasts to pull them. Ware are wares, no matter the source. Do as you like with the carts and contents, but do it quickly. We need to press on."
"Any bit of coin we find helps in a time like this," Nana says as they talk of looting the caravans. "Though it's a shame that it's coin gained from means like these."The true owners of belongings deserve them more. It's a shame they were preyed upon by these arachnous men.
As you approach you notice that there are a few shovels attached to the sides of the carts, all caked with dirt. The wagons themselves are partially covered by a rough cloth, which is easily pulled aside. Underneath, you find all sorts of random items - likely things taken in lieu of coin. There are mismatched pieces of leather armor, some leather belts, and a couple of small satchels, potentially full of valuables. There are a few loose items of jewelry and a couple coins strewn about, as well as various coinpurses of varying weights. An assortment of books & scrolls can be found, some of which seem valuable, but most looking worn and holding more sentimental than monetary value. Small wooden icons if the spirits are littered about, and various other small odds and ends as well.
In addition to the random items, there are also various articles of clothing. They clothing comes in various sizes, for men, women and children alike. Some looks valuable, but most seems like the standard simple clothing of your average peasant. A few nicer pairs of shoes can be found alongside some worker's boots.
Kekeng recoils as his mind turns to assumptions of murder and theft. He steps back from the carts, shaking his head. "These men preyed on travelers. Men, women, children -- anyone. Might have used these shovels to bury them," the man says.
Not interested in being the new owner of looted property from the recently deceased, Kekeng steps back to play a mourning song on his flute.
Bao Tap Den takes a quick look over the items in the carts. Amateurs. They should have hide their loot in the trees in case a real patrol came along. They could even have buried it. While his companion starts his death song, the ex-bandit starts rummaging through the haphazard possessions. Coin is always good, but maybe some extra clothes for a disguise should the situation demand it. I don't need anyone else recognizing me.
Already standing by the cart, Satomi takes the coin purse of 9 gold and pockets it.
"Almost undoubtedly," he says in reply to Kekang.
"We should take what could be useful and leave these scum to rot. No sense in wasting time burying them," he adds, surveying the scene of dead bodies strewn across the road.
Nanako stands in shock and awe at the trove that the highwaymen had looted from their victims. Though feeling slightly guilty at the prospect of taking another's belongings, she nevertheless pockets the purse of assorted gems. Who knows what these may be worth? As she browses the other contents of the cart, the books and scrolls catch her eye. Hoping to find something of interest, she examines them.
Each of the men wears a suit of lamellar armor and carries one or multiple weapons. It is possible that each could have hidden possessions on their person as well, but you cannot tell from simply looking All together, based on what you saw during combat and what you can see on the corpses, there is:
6 suits of lamellar armor (stats of studded leather armor), each bearing a golden lion insignia
Most of the scrolls are simple notes or poems. Some are a bit cryptic, potentially secret notes being passed to people, or potentially the ramblings of someone somewhat insane. However, you do find one particular scroll that appears to bear information on how to perform a ritual of the Fawn.
The books are more promising. There are only a couple, but all seem interesting. One is a book on wise rulership, as penned by an advisor to a past Tenjun. One is a historical account of the legendary warrior Gojara, a man said to have embodied the spirit of the Dragon so completely that he transformed into a dragon himself, and still rules the skies to this day. The last is a traditional fairy tale about a small girl who became lost in a forest, and was protected by the Bear from the various creatures who tried to harm her on her way home.
Ritual of the Fawn's Love (Scroll of Calm Emotions)
A grin spreads across Nana's face as she delves into the meager book collection. Maybe this Kemitsu Jin can help my bond with Dragon and Owl grow, the girl thinks excitedly, her mind racing. Gojara? He must have been truly devoted. As she picks up the final book, her grin grow more childlike. I remember this story! Father used to read it to me before bed.
Beyond excited at her finds, Nanako takes the three books and scroll and puts them in her pack.
Happy to stand aside and take no part in the pilfering of the presumably dead, Kekeng waits patiently for his allies to finish. He leans against a tree, taking a long pull from one of the jugs at his waist before using a sleeve to dry his lips. "Perhaps it is best that we continue," he suggests. "I tire from this venture of bandits and adversity. The trails call out to us."
Bao Tap Den pockets the remaining coin and jewelry while eyeing the companions that pilfered the spoils. He was accustomed to taking stock of all the valuables and setting them aside for even distribution after their bandit gang fled the scene of discord. I should grab what I can now and examine them later. These aren't the old days. I'll need to keep my eyes on these three.
Moving onto the garments, he pockets the leather and fur clothing. I'm definitely going to need warmer clothes for our trip north. While his female companion goes through the books and scrolls, Bao Tap Den holds up the red hakama to examine. A good find these he thinks while looking at his current rags. He loosely folds and packs the two sets of apparel.
Upon further examination he spots the finer clothes. Well what do we have here? The former bandit pays closer attention to the chest, back and sleeves. Maybe I'll find an embroidered family crest.
"Yes, it would be wise to continue quickly. It is only a matter of time before her father's enemies realize Suzume is no longer in the city and begin searching," Quen Lu Tam adds, having stepped forward with the girl in tow. He peeks through the carts' contents, but seems uninterested in what he find.
The robe is primarily a dark green silk, with yellow and white trimming, similar in style to these. The embroidery pattern shows bees and honeycombs, and there is a large character "鉾" embroidered in the same yellow covering the back of the robe.
You notice the symbol as indicating the Hoko family, a smaller noble family you've robbed members of in the past. They are a family whose wealth was made on beekeeping and the trade of wax and honey that this beekeeping brings. They control a series of smaller towns and villages to the southwest of Shan Da, further downriver.
"No objections here" Bao Tap Den says after hearing Lu Tam's warning. He stows the fine clothing with the rest of his possessions before moving down the path away from the carts. Bao Tap Den does a quick stretch to find the pain of his injuries are less than before.
With his traveling party in unison, Kekeng hops to his feet where he sat against a tree. Flute twirling in his hands, he marches forward with a blank look. Those men are dead, he thinks. Granted, we must defend ourselves against those who seek to harm us. Still... He boots a rock aside, feeling ambivalent about the skirmish.
"Yes," Nanako says, "Let's be off. No use making conversation with the dead, and we've got a journey ahead of us still." With it agreed upon, she rejoins her travel companions on the road, not wishing to loiter among the dead and the robbed much longer.
With everyone finished with the corpses, the group heads on, continuing down the road past the carts. After a few hours, in the early afternoon, the group comes across a small village. It is situated in the forest, and appears to be primarily sustained via fishing, and possibly hunting or foraging. Some of the people nod to you as you enter, but most seem to ignore your presence.
"No need for supply, shelter, nor small-talk. Let's see our way past, hmm?" Kekeng clicks his heels as he walks, his signature sway causing him to languidly snake along the path.
