Everyone

Each one of them listened to the sounds coming from outside. At first nothing came - thirty seconds passed. Then another thirty seconds. They stopped counting, for a moment thinking if the men were just imagined or only a caravan passing by.

The storm did not rage outside anymore, but the rain masked any sounds. Was that a neigh of a horse? A stomp of a hoove? Or clanking of armour? Nobody was sure. They looked one at another - awaiting the enemy, their senses strained to the maximum.

For a moment they thought the enemy has avoided them - they almost expected enemy enter to sneak inside, to hear movement from the inn above, or even behind them. Or to wait behind the bear fur until they move, waiting for their mistake.

Behind them, the campfire crackled, dying, only few moments of light remaining, providing the only sound. They felt as if their breathing was as loud as roaring of storm hours moments ago, their every movement exactly as noisy as movement of army.

It was almost anti-climatic when they heard the voice.

"Welcome home, boys. Bolt - take care of horses. Orrik - cover our tracks, you have the first watch outside. You - boy, help him down from horse and inside.

The voice sounded raspy, spoke fast with the wind of authority - as if the person was used to giving orders. It also contained something else - like a naked blade, they heard barely-contained anger in the voice.

There was a short break, with sounds of movement. Then another voice responded - deep, with a whiff of pomp, slow - as if the response was calculated precisely.

"Commander... I wish to take care of my own steed. So I shall take the first watch - with your consent."

"Agreed, ser Gared. I will send one of those lazy bastards to relieve you as soon as I find them. Hope they are not sleeping - or we'll need to recruit more people.
And why are you lot standing around like this? Can't find your way? Follow him..."

The anger was less contained by the last sentence.

And then it came. The bear pelt moved - and they saw a smaller elderly man, with gray beard and hair, wielding a lantern in one hand, clad in a overcoat made of hides, pull aside the pelt. They saw movement and at least one more source of light behind him...



Spoiler: Party OOC
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I rolled REF/Battle for each combatant in the rolling thread to see if any of you "froze" in the first round. Luckily, your characters are seasoned warriors, so everybody can react.

We are switching to combat rounds, so write down your actions for round 1, exchange 1.


Spoiler: Gerric
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Gerric removed the hatchet from his belt and put down the pouch he filled with nails - there were only two or three nails left. When he heard the first voice, he was sure it was the Mad Dog. That was a voice of bandit leader - and a good one. Few months ago, he would try to recruit him.

However, now he only gripped his axe stronger. It was time to kill - and time to see if his plan was a good one. The pelt moved.


Spoiler: Kate
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The first voice had to be Mad Dog. But the second voice... cultured. She recognized the style of talking and even Mad Dog titled him "ser". That could mean only one thing - a knight.
And Gerric said one of the men was wearing armour...
...a fallen knight. The Nemethians called them "raubritters" - robber knights. They were the worst sort. And that voice of his... she shivered, unconsciously.
She took a deep breath, prepared for fight. Her arm gripped her sword handle, and she felt the weight of armour, distributed well around her body. It would protect her... and also him.
She readied herself. It was time - the pelt moved.


Spoiler: Nazir
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The bear pelt was too thick. He should have asked his companions to remove it - his fey sight could not pierce it. But as soon as he saw the light flicker behind it, he knew the first one was coming with a source of light, so he could aim true.

He had the arrow nocked, so he only drew the bow as soon as the skin started moving and as soon as it touched his cheek, he begun aiming at the entrance.

Behind the old man he saw someone with a halberd and two men - one burly and tall, supporting the other one. He had a clear shot on the old man, the others were covered by his wide cloak.

He had to decide - shoot or wait for the others to drop him?

Spoiler: OOC
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1st round, 1st exchange. MP = proficiency dice.
As for Passion - it's not in play yet. The team is not under direct attack, so not yet.
As soon as the combat starts and you protect them from enemy - it activates.


Spoiler: Ruark
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Ruark's prayer finished, he felt ready to meet his enemy. He had his brother-in-arms at his side, awaited the first opponent. When he heard that they were outnumbered, he smiled - what more could a man ask from life?

He only wished the gods were looking at them - they need not help now, just watch as they test their mettle against worthy opponents, bloody their swords and maybe earn a place at their table...

Spoiler: OOC
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As the battle joins, Urukubarr will be in danger - meaning, your passion activates.


Spoiler: Urukubarr
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In his mind he heard chanting of the spirits - they howled for blood now. He could also hear sound of drums - the drums of his people - and songs of the Savaxen. His blood boiled, his chest pulsated and he wanted to throw himself to action. When the pelt moved, he felt as if the spirits pulled him forward...

Spoiler: OOC
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As the battle joins, Ruark will be in danger - meaning, your passion activates.
Thanks to the hunter's spirit I will offer one free reroll to everyone, except Urukubarr - his prize lies elsewhere.