[4e] The Wolfcrown, Chapter 1

"Umm... I don't think," Torath starts to say but the dwarf is already gone. Hurring to catch up Torath joins Baern on the steps.

[sblock=OOC]
Marching order so far:
Baern
Torath

NEXT?! [/sblock]

[sblock=ooc]I'll wait for the rest of the characters to go upstairs as well, then I'll roll initiative for everybody and post the order. I'm excited for what could be our first combat![/sblock]

Squeal nods and follows the dwarf upstairs

"Remember we should try not to kill anyone"

"Yes, please...let's try not to kill the authorities...", Thomas mutters as he heads up the stairs behind Squeal.

[sblock=OOC to Yzard] I like to use different colors myself because it allows me to color code who is who and make an easy reference point with my eyes... as a DM I really liked doing that as well.. it made it easier to find things... so I usually choose not to have the same color as someone else.... you're fine.. I like the maroon better anyways [/sblock]

[sblock=ooc]Just waiting on Doren and Thorn to choose whether to follow the others upstairs. Once they've decided, I'll roll initiative and we'll move on.[/sblock]

Doren sighed softly and did not like the idea of heading into the fray with living human beings... or other beings of any nature in general.. however reluctantly he followed the rest up the stairs and readied himself to spill blood if he had to.... this was in fact a quest for justice and to bring down the real person responsible for their arrest... and for this he would do what needed to be done....

[sblock=Marching Order]As far as I can tell the marching order is as follows....

Baern
Torath
Squeal
Thomas
Doren
Thorn (- Has not posted yet but is the last to do so she would be last)

That would be all six of us methinks[/sblock]

(OOC - Sorry about my slowness. Mass Effect 2 is DEADLY. But I will be more alacritous now!)

Having passed on the information about the guard noises from above, Thorn waited patiently as the others dithered about going up or down. She didn't comment, because either way had advantages and disadvantages. Either way was fine.

That said, she was glad up was chosen. It was likely to be the fastest way to the conclusion of this, one way or the other. She hung back and let the others go first, then brought up the rear.

Contrary to how it might seem, she did this not out of cowardice...since she knew better than most that an unguarded back was a vulnerable one. Rather, it was out of a recognition that if she were last, she'd have plenty of folks in front of her to keep out of sight behind.

(she goes up!)

You emerge from the stairwell into the center of a large dungeon room that seems to be about 70 feet on every side. Four human guards armed with maces stand directly next to your position. Against the north wall of this room, there is another staircase leading up. This flight is manned by two more guards, these ones armed with slings. The men with maces were well-prepared, and as soon as you come up, they lay into you.

[sblock=Initiative Order]
>Castle Guards
Thorn
Doren
Yzard
Squeal
Slingers
Baern
Torath[/sblock]

[sblock=Attached Map]I've attached a map of the dungeon floor as a jpeg file. Please let me know whether the system I've provided works for you.[/sblock]

Three of the guards rush at Baern as they see him helping the others out of the stairwell. One of them brings his mace down heavily on Baern's head with a resounding crunch. [sblock=Damage]Baern takes 9 damage[/sblock] Another swings his mace at Baern, barely connecting. It glances against his armor, denting it. [sblock=Damage]Baern takes 2 damage.[/sblock] The third guard fumbles, and his attack swings wide, missing Baern by a fair margin.

The fourth guard wheels around toward Torath. He raises his mace and shouts, "To arms! To arms! Attack!". He swings his mace with an incredible zeal, but he loses his balance and misses his attack.

[sblock=Stat Blocks]I'd like for everyone, in his combat-related posts, to post the following information. HP (Remaining/Total) and Defenses. For instance, Baern's.

BAERN HP 15/26
AC16, F14, R11, W16
[/sblock]

[sblock=OOC]Would you rather us post in initiative order, or just whenever?[/sblock]

[sblock=Baern Stoneheart stat block]Baern Stoneheart- Male Dwarf Invoker 1
Passive Perception: 15, Passive Insight: 20
AC:16, Fort:14, Reflex:11, Will:16 -- Speed:5
HP:15/26, Bloodied:13, Surge Value:6, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +0
Action Points: 1, Second Wind: not used
Powers: Avenging Light, Grasping Shards, Rebuke Undead, Armor of Wrath, Thunder of Judgement, Angelic Echelon
[/sblock]