S1: The Strange Case of Aif Jenkins' Farm (E13 judge) - Concluded

[Manzanita]

Boog mounts his horse. "I'll ride to Braeholl and alert the town. I'll try to get some troops to come back with me."

"Good idea, and good luck." says Aif. He turns back to head directly over the hill with him men, towards the entry on the other side.

 

[Bront]

"Let's be off then. Time is currently our ally, but it may not be for long," Juliana says.

 

[Manzanita]

Banion can see the orc studying his friends as they move up the hill. Once their direction is obvious, the orc puts his horn to his lips and blows a loud blast. He then turns and flees back to the other shed on the North side of the hill. He's still over 300 feet from the party, about 300 feet from the other shed, and 200 feet from Banion.

 

[Boddynock]

"Damn!" The cleric curses as what he feared comes to pass.

"Juliana, can you cut off that orc before it reaches the entrance? Banion, can you slow it down?"

 

[Bront]

Juliana spurs her horse on after the orc.

 

[SlagMortar]

Beamer keeps an eye on the Aif and his companions, still ready for them to join in an ambush against Beamer and his friends.

 

[Patlin]

He's outside of my range, and I can't close distance with him on foot. If you can get him to move closer to me, I'd give it a shot...

 

[Manzanita]

Aif and his farmhands don't seem to want to exert themselves. They keep up a steady walk up the hill. Juliana spurs her heavy warhorse after the fleeing orc.

Do Beamer and Eusebius stay with the farmers, or increase their speed to a run to keep up with Juliana? A heavy warhorse with a medium load moves 35'. How about Banion? To Banion, he can see that Juliana will catch the orc about at the second shed on the other side of the hill.

 

[Patlin]

Banion will move toward the intercept point, but isn't ready to break cover. If any other hidden observers are about, he hopes that they will break cover first, so that he can execute a counter-ambush.

 

[Boddynock]

"Maledicte! I still don't trust this farmer. Juliana, Banion, take care of it. Beamer and I will keep these lumbering oafs company. Watch your backs!