Almaric’s Tale - The Gang of Three
Sensing that he is outnumbered, Almaric knows he needs some sort of advantage. Slowly moving over to Osgar, trying to keep him calm, he untethers the horse and attempts to lead him back to the trail keeping his hand over Osgar’s mouth.
[/OOC Rolling for detection by those in the cabin. Nothing.]
Arriving back at the path, away from sight of the cabin, Almaric loops Osgar’s reins over a branch and attaches his pack to the saddle. He notes as he does so that it looks as though his poor mount has not been particularly well cared for - his saddle has been left on for a couple of days now.
Whispering comforting words to his restless steed, Almaric rummages through his pack. Getting out a torch and lighting it, he returns to the cabin door…
[/OOC Again, rolling for detection by those in the cabin. Once more, nothing.]
…and places the torch at the bottom before retreating to the edge of the path…
[/OOC Last chance for them to notice him… Nope. Oblivious. Grrrr… stoopid NPCs!]
…and readies his bow.
The burning torch begins to char the wood at the base of the door and smoke is drifting about.
[/OOC Increase the chance of detection to 25%. Rolling for each inhabitant - still too busy arguing! Huh?!?]
After a minute, the flames are visible to Almaric at the edge of the clearing and a moment of panic sets in as he recalls that if these are the bandits that robbed him, they still might have have his possessions in the cabin that he has just set fire to!
[/OOC There is now only a 25% chance for the occupants to FAIL to notice the smoke coming through the door…]
There is a momentary pause in the sounds coming from the cabin. This is quickly replaced by a series of yells and the door is yanked open. Through the billowing smoke, Almaric can make out the forms of three humanoids within the doorway.
Not wanting to give them too much time to react, Almaric prepares to shoot the first figure even though the smoke is partially obscuring his view.
[/OOC Rolling for surprise - normally since the bandits were unaware of Almaric and he had effectively avoided their detection, I would award surprise to Almaric. However the smoke has obviously alerted them to some form of danger but they are still unaware of who or what is about to happen, Almaric needs them to roll a 1 to 4 on a d6 to achieve surprise. They roll a (6) - and are Ready.]
The three figures emerge through the smoke-filled doorway and look about in angry confusion.
[/OOC Initiatives for Round 1: Almaric (9+1)=10, Bandit #1 (7), Bandit #2 (12) and Bandit #3 (12)]
One of the bandits spots the burning brand and attempts to kick it away and stamp out the flames. Another looks around the clearing and spots Almaric. He issues a cry and points at the young warrior. He then ducks back inside the cabin.
Almaric realises that he has lost the element of surprise but can now clearly see two targets. He elects to shoot at the bandit that is in the doorway since the once stamping on the torch seems distracted.
[/OOC Almaric shoots an arrow at Bandit #3, close range, no modifier. He needs a 9+. He rolls (14)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Arrow damage is (1)+DEX mod.(1)+Fighter mod.(1)=3 HP. KILLSHOT
Sadly, Bandit #2 is too far away from Bandit #3 to qualify for a CLEAVING bow-shot]
The bandit collapses to the ground with an arrow sticking out of his chest.
[/OOC Progressing to Round 2: Initiatives are, Almaric (17+1)=18, Bandit #1 (13) and Bandit #2 (1)]
With only one visible target, Almaric shoots at the stomping Bandit…
[/OOC Almaric fires at Bandit #2. He needs a 9+. He rolls, (8)-**(Bandit AC)=MISS]
Only to see his hasty snapshot fly wide.
The first bandit rushes out of the cabin again. He is dressed in chainmail unlike his leather-clad compatriots and is wielding a longsword and shield. He charges at Almaric, yelling angry curses at the bowman.
[/OOC Bandit #1 CHARGES at Almaric. This nets him a bonus to hit but will leave him with an armour penalty until he can act next round. Also, since he is using a sword, he cannot double his damage if he hits.
Bandit #1 rolls (3)+Charging mod.(2)-Almaric’s AC(5)=0. MISS]
Almaric rolls to one side as the sword slashes into the area he once occupied.
The bandit stops stomping and with a yelp, dashes back into the cabin.
[/OOC Round 3: Initiatives are, Almaric (8+1)=9, Bandit #1 (19) and Bandit #2 (2)]
The bandit attacking Almaric makes another sword swing…
[/OOC Bandit #1 attacks Almaric, he rolls (8)-Almaric’s AC(5)=3. MISS. He recovers from his charge, no AC penalty now.]
Once again, Almaric dodges away from the sword blow.
Dropping his bow, Almaric readies his shield and draws his longsword - which sings clear of its scabbard with a heroic ‘sching’. He quickly slashes out at his attacker.
[/OOC Almaric attacks Bandit #1. He needs an 8+. He rolls (14)-(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from sword is (2)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+=KILLSHOT
There is no other assailant within reach so he cannot make a CLEAVE attack.]
The fine blade parts the chain links of the bandit’s mail as if they were cloth, before slashing deeply through his ribs and ending his life. The body topples to the ground just as the last bandit emerges from the cabin, clutching a shield and short sword.
[/OOC Seeing his two companions fall to the young warrior causes the bandit to check his morale with a -2 penalty. He rolls (6)-2=4. FAIL - Fighting Withdrawal]
Licking his lips and furtively glancing around the clearing, at first it looks like the bandit may attempt to make a run for it. Then as he sees that the horse is no longer tied up next to the cabin, all fight seems to drain out of him and he drops his arms by his sides. “Awright mister, you win.”
[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]