"Quickly - we need a tactical position from which to meet our pursuers. It may be nothing as there is one in the uniform of the Empire, but should a fight erupt, we'd be better off prepared." Linus relays Fugen's message, entrusting the elf to find a decent tactical position.
Kierna wordlessly breaks off of their current bearings, kicking her horse into a fast trot and scanning the countryside ahead for high ground, preferably difficult for a horse to charge through. As she does so, she picks an arrow from her quiver and glances back at the quickly approaching soldiers.
"I could probably kill two of them before they close the distance. Are we sure we don't already know that their disposition is hostile?"
For no reason that is apparent to the henchmen with the golem, the pursuers rein in their horses. The original pursuer continues after them at a trot, while the others turn around.
Unbeknownst to the henchmen, the pursuers have been distracted by Nimdor. The armored leader hears the halfling's call and turns to see him. He easily brings his horse to a halt. The three warriors have more trouble, but shortly halt their mounts as well.
"There is no hurry. A moment's delay will make no difference" says the officer. "Hengte, keep following them at this distance." With that command, the pursuer that had been riding ahead earlier sets off after the golem.
The rest of them turn to face Nimdor. The three with crossbows raise them. The officer waves and smiles. "Hail, Sir Halfling. What is the matter?"
"Good sirs, I was concerned about the safety of the people in this area and I was wondering if you were actually planning on attacking that group. Also, I may be able to aid you with information, if you would be willing to take a few moments to talk before resuming your chase."
Turning to his companions as they prepare to engage the pursuers, Gizerak reminds them of what Golock said.
"If I recall correctly, the only regiment of the Imperial Army that would likely be in this area is the Third Regiment, which was stationed around the lower Bronze River. I believe he said that that particular group of soldiers was under the control of one of the Bloodline claimants to the throne. That being said, I have a feeling that this may not go well for us. We should be prepared to fight if we want to get this golem to the Interim Governments army."
To suit his warning, the halfling loosens his mace from it's belt loop.
"Have no fear" says the unarmored gentleman with a smile, "We are on official business of the Imperial Army. We seek to rezendvous with the group yonder to undertake a logistickal transaction, and intend no violence. We may be interested in your information if it can be relayed quickly, but I make no promises."
OOC: I realize there should not be a "k" in "logistical" but I like it better with a k.
"Ah, I see. Would you mind if I accompanied you? I would like to have a discussion with you, but relaying information quickly would leave much out."
"What do you say, Renge?" the young gentleman asks the officer.
Renge holds forth a traditional pantheonist holy symbol, and recites scripture while making a religious gesture. He stares as Nimdor, then finally says "I sense no wickedness in him. What can be the harm, Canzan?"
The young gentleman turns back to Nimdor. "Follow us then. In fact, I would prefer for you to join us instead of staying here to talk. We must ride hard for a few minutes to catch up to the merchants up there, but after our business with them is done, I will be glad to listen to your information."
With this he turns, and then Renge orders them to charge. The group takes off down the trail again at a gallop.
"That's it, they're in pursuit again. It looks like our new companion is accompanying them now too. Let's make haste with finding some defensible position. These look none too friendly and I fear to fail at our mission while only just starting. Hell, I fear to fail the mission at all."
"How do we know that Nimdor isn't with them?" Kierna wonders darkly.
In reponse to Kierna's rather pessimistic remark, Fugen signs that he believes Golock's interview was supposed to ferret out such loyalties.
Gizerak relays Fugen's comments, adding his similar thoughts.
"Yes, I think that our employer really stresses loyalty to his cause and what not. I pray to Sha-gaat that we are correct."
Nimdor follows along with the group as it resumes speed and gallops to catch up.
Meanwhile, further down the trail, the henchmen take advantage of the delay to find a better defensive position. They come across the best site available at the top of the next hill. The road curves around before reaching the top of the hill. There is a low stone wall. Once it had a gate, but the gate has fallen apart, leaving a gap.
Please provide the coordinates where each character will be positioned. The pursuers are coming from the southwest on the map. Note that the dash-dot lines represent a cliff. Each line = 5 feet of height.
Last edited by crueldespot; 1st of September, 2006 at 20:30.
Wheeling his horse around in front of the ruined gate, Fugen takes up a position a bit off to the side of it so that those party members for whom the wall would not pose a hinderance in attacking can funnel though the gate and take up relatively fortified positions.
Staying on his pony, Gizerak guides it through the opening where the ruined gate would go and waits for the oncoming riders.
Kierna guides Onira up the hill, watching their trail with concern. As they reach the top, she nickers at the mare softly, warning it to stay near, but not too near.
She then strides up to the edge of the dropoff and crouches, putting an arrow to her bowstring and keeping her eyes trained on the approaching riders.
Linus follows Gizerak and Fugen to the ruined gate. Once inside, he dismounts from his warpony, draws his bow, and gets himself mentally prepared for any violence that may be needed.
Termix moves to the top of the hill, and draws his crossbow. He then loads it, and voices something that has caught his attention. "Anyone have a plan on where to put the golem, or what to do with it?"
OOC: Move to 65-70N/50-55E. Draw and load crossbow.
Signing Fugen suggests it should be placed behind the wall, and relatively out of the way so that there is less chance that it will become involved in the battle.
Last edited by Black Plauge; 2nd of September, 2006 at 11:20.