Altab - IC Thread

[Archangelat]

Late into the afternoon, a wagon rolled slowly down the pathway guided by the Guardsmen in front. Unlike a normal travel wagon, this one was a special jail cell transport. The bars had been enchanted against Arcana and reinforced against any direct attack upon it. These precautions were quite necessary as the prisoner inside posed a high danger to all (or so the guards were made to believe).

Bound in chains, stripped naked and gagged with dagger and rope, the Dragonborn could only imagine the fate that awaited him while the dagger in his mouth slowly cut into his mouth with every bump in the road.

Up high in the far distance, the bare outline of once a magnificent castle could be made out if one squinted hard enough or happened to have Elven blood. The latter being harder to come by these days.

Following in tow of the wagon strode two talkative Guardsmen as they escorted one of the camp entertainers for the night, a non-descript Bard.

"They got another one eh?"

"Yep, caught this one East of the Camp. Was blabbing something about being a Paladin or whatnot. Took out 3 of our guys without a hitch before we could even react. Burned them to a crips he did."

"Whoa, the reward on him must be huge."

"So I've heard. Too bad no one is getting it though."

"How's that?"

"See that hulking brute over there?" indicated the guard tilting his head towards the golemn like being ambling alongside the wagon.

"Yea, what about it?"

"It's one of them Phyrexian things, it was the one that knocked out the freak there. If you ask me, they are just as bad as the freaks still running around here. At least the freaks talk and think. Those things are mute and you never know what one of them is thinking."

As the wagon rolled on and the ceasless banter between the guards carried on, a Rogue was awoken by all the noise from the brief slumber he had attempted to take after his last near escape.

[RadarD]

Kensai

Bodies, bodies everywhere. The nightmare was back, probably instigated by his recent run in with the Phyrexian. Before the visions became too horrid he was awoken by noises nearby.

The voices sounded close, much closer than he liked, he must have been exhausted to have slept through their approach. He quickly realized they had not spotted him yet and cautiously removed the leafy debris that had constituted both his bed and cover during his short rest.

Working his way into a crouched position behind a sizable oak tree that separated him from the clearing he peered towards the commotion.

Spoiler: Hide and seek

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Try to remain hidden and look at the travelers. Trying to see who/what is in the wagon if possible.
Stealth (1d20+7)[21]
Perception (1d20+6)[17]

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Kensai

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Though easily missed by any other casual observer, Kensai's keen observation detected a set of marching sound distinct from that of the human guards, the horses or any other living creature. Weighted steps that resonated upon landing with deadly precision and consistency despite the uneven terrain.

With due hesitancy, the Rogue glanced out from among the nearby shrubbery and confirmed what he dreaded: a construct from Phyrexia. Kensai was all too familiar with the common Phyrexian Drones and Sentinels but this one was neither.

Unlike the Sentinel, it was much smaller and less cumbersome in its movement. At the same time, the distinct thickness of its composition and the reinforced riveting of its joints spoke of its likely combat abilities in contrast to a normal Drone. Kensai wondered that despite the differences if the current Phyrexia construct he saw harbored a similar disabling mechanism as the Sentinels he had faced in the past.

The construct aside, the guardsmen seemed to be nothing more than just the usual sell swords that he had ran into numerous times in the past. Problem with sell swords was you could never tell exactly how well trained one might be. Nevertheless, judging by their shoddy weaponry and armor, these guards were unlikely to have been very successful so far in their endeavors.

Shifting his attention, the occupant of the wagon and the driver were much more intriguing. The prisoner was obviously one of the Dragonborn that had been captured. Odd to see a Dragonborn these days let alone one locked up in chains. Yet, it was the wagon driver that caught the Rogue's continued attention.

Wrapped up in weathered cloak, the driver appeared unassuming if not for the distinct butt of a blade that protruded slightly from underneath. Hanging around the neck of the driver was a necklace of exquisite craftsmanship, surely a religious or royal token of some kind. Sitting next to the driver was a pile of fine clothing, armor and weaponry. With each glint of sunlight that flashed through the trees, the fine metal of the armor and weapons threw enchanting prisms into the eye of the viewer before the wagon driver took notice and covered them up with a spare cloak.

[Fox1387]

My eyes narrow slightly at the sight of the monster, the metal automaton indistinguishable from the ones from that night a few months ago. I can't help but panic slightly as I do a mental pat-down of myself, checking to make sure that I am not visible as a spellcaster. The armor helps, but wizards have been known to wear leather. The sword doesn't hurt. No scrolls, except my scroll of pedigree, no potions or other magic items it might sense. I haven't carried a spell component pouch openly since I was last inside my family home. I try to remember if there is anything else I know about Phrexians being able to sense magic...

Spoiler: Flashback!

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Arcana: (1d20+2)[5]
History: (1d20+2)[20]

Well, no matter, I can't seem suspicious. I force a smile, and happily follow the guards as they lead me where I need to be.

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Niall

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The Bard strains to recall what he knew or heard in the past about the Phyrexian constructs. Despite his attempt, he could only vaguely remember that the Phyrexian constructs were immune to most forms of magic. What made them immune or what type of Arcana did affect the constructs eluded Niall for the time being.

Bards are well known for their memories of the past and Niall was no exception. Various memories from his past adventures helped him to recollect the birth of the Phyrexian constructs.

After Sorrin left Altab and founded what is now Phyrexia, he entered into a temporary alliance with a few notable pack and clan leaders of the Wildlands to secure access to the Leylines of the Wildlands. Upon access to the Leylines, Sorrin waged the first war against Altab that culminated in the epic battle at the Craigs of Malice. With the aid of the Toleras Arch Magi Council, Sorrin and his Wildland supporters were defeated and exiled into the Badlands.

Yet Sorrin did not drown his defeat. Rather, his loss during the first war strengthened his resolve and after convincing the exiled Gnome King Uzdrid to join him the first Phyrexian construct was created. Despite their efforts they were unable to power the constructs for more than a day until the genesis of the Crepitis.

Fueled by Crepitis splinters, a Phyrexian construct could function for a fortnight or more depending on its activities before having to recharge its Crepitis splinter. Recharging the Crepitis was no simple matter and only a few had the knowledge to do so. Due to the lack of those with the ability to recharge a Crepitis splinter, the price of such splinters fetched an extraordinary value.

In addition to providing increased energy for the constructs, the Crepitis splinters also provided the Phyrexian constructs with increased autonomy. A construct without the Crepitis splinter could only follow basic commands and unable to execute any sophisticated orders.

With the Crepitis in hand and a legion of the constructs, Sorrin ignited the second war with Altab. If not for the arrival of the Five Paragons, Altab and Toleras would have been completely annihilated. Even with the power of the Paragons, only a stale mate and uneasy peace was achieved.

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

Dinarr, naked and bound, sat uncomfortably in this rolling cage. He knew not why he was attacked or why this construct was instructed to knock him out, but from the talk of the others they didn't like it either. Getting sick of this dagger starting to cut into his mouth, Dinarr called upon the fire from his chest and burned the rope away, trying to be discreet, dropped the knife to the floor of the cart. He did not make a move immediately, wanting to see if he had been seen, but did cover the fallen dagger with his leg.

[Fox1387]

"So, guardsman, why the tight security? I'm not normally escorted by two trained soldiers to walk from one end of camp to another. Am I in any danger here?

I haven't seen a Phrexian in quite a while... who is in that cage, and are they really such a danger to us that we need one of them to keep us safe?"

I hope to myself that whoever may be in that cage might be a powerful ally, someone I could approach as a friend with a common foe, but judging by the fact they have been captured already, I have little hope. Still, an ally is an ally, and it bears looking into later.

[Archangelat]

As Dinarr moved to cover the dagger and mute the scraping of the weapon as much as he could, a knock was heard coming from the front of the wagon.

"Keep it down back there you mutant freak!" shouted the driver loud enough for all to hear. Then in a more hushed tone audible only to Dinarr: "made your move a bit earlier than I was hoping for friend."

Behind the wagon, the guardsmen chuckled upon hearing the Bard's question.

"Weren't ya listening? That thing in there toasted three of us with one breath! We ain't here to guard a common Bard. You just happened to be nearby and the Boss had asked us for some entertainment for the night if we managed to catch that thing" answered the first guard motioning towards Dinarr.

"Hehehe, I think the Boss was'a thinkin' more of flesh type entertainment and not that produced by a Bard."

"Well you never know what the Boss be thinkin' these days or be a wantin'. He's asked for young gents for entertainment before."

"Aye ye be speakin' the truth on that."

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

Dinarr tilted his head in a confused look when the driver whispers to him. "What do you mean? Who are you? Where are my things?" Dinarr ten takes a look around and takes note as to where the guards are, and where his items might be laying. Dinarr then slowly starts to put pressure on this shackles and trying his best to break free.....as quietly as he can.....testing how stout these shackles really are.

Spoiler

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Perception (1d20)[8]
Athletics to break the chains (1d20+6)[26] CRIT!!

[RadarD]

Kensai

His mind was racing, he wished he had heard the group sooner to have more time to think but alas they were moving by even as his thoughts came together.

A dragonborn captive, he had to rescue this prisoner as some measure of atonement for his past sins. But what was the best course of action.. He was vastly outnumbered though based on the conversation of the rear guard the Bard was not tied to the group. If he was lucky the man would run for cover if any fighting broke out.
That still left 3 guards, the Phyrexian, and the driver. The driver was different somehow though, he racked his memory for anything about the amulet or sparkling armor.

Spoiler: driver

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Trying to remember anything about amulet or sparkling armor
History: (1d20+2)[5]
Religion: (1d20+2)[11]

The biggest threat was of course the Phyrexian. He thought back to the years he spent fighting alongside similar creations and tried to remember where the disabling mechanism would be and used some logical thinking to try to reason out where it would be on this altered version.

Spoiler: Off Button

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Remember where it usually is
History(1d20+2)[18]
reason out location on this model
See OOC

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Dinarr

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"Me? I be no one of note my good lord. Just a simple man that knows his place in this life trying to get by. But I know you be a protector of the just and worthy so I beseech once again for you to have patience good Sir" whispered the driver.

As the driver whispered to Dinarr, the Paladin glanced over and noticed his supplies sitting next to the driver albeit mostly covered over by a cloak.

Spoiler: For Kensai

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The design and emblem of the necklace resembled those worn by Clergyman or Warriors who have sworn to protect the land from evil and corruption.

Upon shifting of his gaze back to the Phyrexian construct, flashes of previous battle washed over Kensai...

A flash of light signaled the start of the attack. Kensai waited patiently for the Phyrexian Sentinels to take their positions at the other end of field. The hulking brutes made no attempts at stealth and lumbered lazily into sight of the band of fugitives. Enemy archers launched a volley of arrows into the constructs. Some sang true and struck into the thick armor of the Sentinels but most were deflected.

As the Sentinels loomed closer to the group, the Fighters launched into the fray. Try as they might, only one of the Sentinels was disabled temporarily by the onslaught while the remaining strikes of sword and axe only resulted in minor dents. At last the Wizards unleashed their Arcane fury.

Spells of fire, lightening, water and other untold forces crashed against the Sentinel line. Only a couple melted under the intense flame while others were knocked back slightly. However, one of the Wizards launched a storm of ice and blizzard and soon a handful of the Sentinels were frozen to a halt.

"Now!" signaled the Kensai's platoon leader.

With backs turned to them, the Wizards had little time to react before they were cut down by Kensai and his fellow soldiers. Yet even when the last Wizard was slain, the Sentinels kept on marching towards where the Wizards used to be.

"Goddamn idiotic constructs! Someone signal to the Artificer to change the targets of the Sentinels to the reamining Fighters and Archers instead!" shouted the platoon leader.

"The rest of you, back away from the Sentinels as fast as you can since they'll run through or kill anything that's standing between them and their targets!" warned the platoon leader to Kensai and the others.

While the Sentinels kept on beating away at the unconsious and dying Wizards, the remaining band of Fighters and Archers were able to use their ingenuity to disable and destroy a few more before the the Sentinels were given their new commands. Where as they enemy band were able to attack the Sentinels without worry of reprisal, they now ran for their lives as metal fits crushed skulls and human bones were shattered with one punch from a Sentinel.

Glancing back, Kensai managed to catch the sight of a fallen Fighter thrusting upwards with his sword as a Sentinel towered over him. The fighter's sword thrust appeared to pierce through the pelvic floor of the Sentinel. A moment later, the Sentinel stood still. Try as he might however, the Fighter had used up his last life blood and was unable to sound off the secret he had just learned to his colleagues.

In minutes the fight was over. As the bodies were searched and stripped, the platoon leader gathered all the machinations of the fallen Wizards and handed them to a Sentinel while the other Sentinels ripped out their hearts, livers, and spleens.

Kensai took in the aftermath and counted 7 dead wizards, 15 Fighters and half dozen archers on the enemy side. Despite the platoon leader's warning 3 soliders had also died at the hands of the Sentinels for failing to clear away from the Wizards in time.

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

Dinarr raises an eyebrow to the driver, "I tend not to be a patient being, friend. These shackles are now broken....it will not be long before I am bending these bars and coming for my sword and shield. The might of Bahamut is not easily shackled." Dinarr looks around at the guards to see if they are still distracted by their gossip.

[RadarD]

Kensai

The time for thinking was over, the closest guard was nearly past him. Perhaps he could lure the Phyrexian into the forest and take it out there but first he would even the odds. Despite the difficult footing in the forest Kensai was swift. In one fluid motion he moves to the edge of the forest and thrusts both short swords towards the guards back. With equal swiftness he retreats back into the cover of the forest to see how the caravan reacts.

Spoiler: hit and run

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Move to L9
Action: attack guard (1d20+5)[17]
advantage(1d20+5)[11]
damage(1d6+3)[6]
bonus action: offhand attack guard (1d20+5)[8]
advantage(1d20+5)[7]
damage(1d6)[4]
if either attack hits sneak attack damage (1d6)[2]
move to L12 (mobile feat lets me move away without provoking an attack from the guard if he is still standing)

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Dinarr

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"That's an amusing declaration. I have yet to see any that have been able to break through a cell of my design. Well I guess you force my hand then friend" whispered the driver as he weaved his hands through the air.

Some individuals get to find a pot of gold in a cave and others...well others get stabbed in the back while taking a stroll through the forest on a seemingly easy escort gig. Whether by luck or design, no one knows and it appears that the guard closest to the foliage on the side of the trail happened to be one of those souls who did not get to find a pot of gold that day.

Bleeding heavily from his lacerations, the guard stumbled to the ground and cried out: "we are under attack! Secure the prisoner!"

"Out of the way Bard!"

"Make sure the prisoner is secured!"

"Driver get ready to bolt straight to the camp!"

[Fox1387]

I quickly assess the situation. There are four guards here on the side of the phrexian, one wounded, but I'm still heavily outnumbered. I know I couldn't take on the golem by myself, let alone with 4 men aiding it. I don't know how big the attacking force from the trees is, but just in case I shouldn't count on them being enough to justify my attacking. The guards don't seem like bad people, anyways, and I don't see a reason to hurt them, but they won't help me against the Phrexian. Maybe the people in the trees will. As the wagon mobilizes, my escort rushing ahead to protect it, I sprint towards the trees where I saw a flicker of movement disappear (towards H9 and then cutting through the trees towards L9), without drawing my weapon so I don't look like a threat.

I wish I could have learned who these men were working for, or why they had a phrexian, but I'm sure I'll find out eventually.

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

Dinarr didn't know much about magics and casters....but he did know when one was trying to cast. Dinarr lunges forward and starts banging on the cage walls, trying to get out and also trying to disrupt the caster.

Spoiler

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Athletics to try and break out of the cage (1d20+6)[12]

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Dinarr

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Dinarr starts to feel the effects of a spell overtake him. His entire body started to feel unreal as his mind started to become hazy. Had he not acted a moment sooner, he might have lost complete control of his body. However, his quick thinking jogged the Driver from his concentration.

"Ugh...you are quite being difficult. I am starting to question myself if what your clan had done for my little brother justifies all this headache..." mumbles the Driver as reaches into his pocket.

Try as he might, Dinarr was unable to affect the cage bars in the slightest manner, much to his aggravation.

Due to the distraction of the attack, none of the guards notice as Niall disappeared into the forest.

*Party's turn.

[Fox1387]

Still without drawing a weapon, I hold up my hands and loudly whisper, "Is anybody here? I'm no friend of the Phyrexians, I want to help you!" as I look around to see if I can spot anybody near me.

Spoiler: Spot Check

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[roll]1d20[/roll]

[Fox1387]

*ahem.* As I look to see if I can spot anybody near me.

Spoiler: Spot Check take 2

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(1d20)[20]

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Niall

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Looking around the bush, Niall instantly spots the Rogue hiding behind him. As Niall looks closer, he notices that what may appear as loose branches and vines hanging from the trees in the area are actually pulsating rhythmically and moving ever so slightly.

[Fox1387]

I slide to the ground next to the man behind the bushes as soon as I spot him.
This is fantastic! A fellow caster! How many of you are there? Do you plan to take out the Phyrexian, and free the prisoner? What exactly are you doing with the vines? You must be some sort of druid, or ranger, correct?

[RadarD]

Kensai

Kensai was a bit startled when the bard came through the trees directly towards him but he was unarmed and lying on the ground as he approached so was not considered a threat.

"Caster what are you....vines?" Kensai stammers in reply as he looks around to see what the Bard is talking about.

Spoiler: creeping vines?

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Perception: (1d20+6)[17]
Nature to recognize whats happening: (1d20+2)[18]

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Kensai

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Looking around, Kensai notices that what may appear as loose branches and vines hanging from the trees in the area are actually pulsating rhythmically and moving ever so slightly. This can't be good. Kensai searched deep in his memories to recall when did he last witness such oddities...

"Kensai, come on! We are going to get left behind again. This way, I know a short cut" called back the little girl towards her long time friend.

"Marion, wait. There's a big tree ahead of you. You are going to run into it."

"No I'm not silly" giggled Marion as she skipped around the tree. "Gosh you are so slow and you want to be a soldier psh" teased the girl as she merrily danced around the tree waiting for Kensai.

Kensai could not be sure if it was due to the light or the fact that he was so tired but it appeared to him that the vines around the trees seemed to be waving more so than could be accounted for by the slight breeze. As he had almost caught up to his friend, he brushed the thought aside and prepared to make one last dash.

Without warning three of the vines shot towards Marion.

"Eeek....HELLLLLP!" screamed the little girl as the vines bound her and picked her up in mid hop.

"I'm coming Marion!" cried out Kensai as he used what little energy he had to rush to Marion. However, try as he might he was unable to break her loose from the grasp of the vines. The motions and sounds caused by his struggle alerted more vines to being encircling around him and Marion.

"Run Kensai, go get help!" cried out Marion as she was lifted towards the massive trunk of the tree.

Kensai jumped over the new vines and rushed to find his parents. Five steps out, he suddenly found his legs frozen to the ground. Looking down, he saw to his horror that branches and bramble had sprouted from around the tree and had immobilized his legs.

Glancing back, Kensai witnessed the appearance of a horrific maw in the trunk of the tree. The vines that held Marion pulled her towards the maw as new vines continued creeping slowly towards Kensai.

Despite the adrenaline pumping through his bloodstreams, Kensai did not have the energy to break free of the branches that held him. Before he blacked out, he saw a handful of adults rushing towards them.

"Send Olaf to let the rest of them know we found them! They got caught by a Tangletree. Hurry up and get a fire started before it's too late! Tagart, you go and..."

The rest of the words were lost to Kensai as darkness closed over him and he slumped to the ground in exhaustion.

Tangletrees, of course. He should have recognized them earlier. Though visually blind, Tangletrees were able to sense rapid motion and loud sound vibrations. As painful as the memory may have been for Kensai, he know understood the danger and possible opportunity he had come across. The trees were indiscriminate in who or what they captured however, they will only consume living creatures. If a prey is somehow able to escape the vines, the tree is able to temporarily trap the prey with branches and brambles around its trunk. Though resistant to most physical damage, the Tangletrees were vulnerable to fire and the vines were also vulnerable to any slashing weapons.

[RadarD]

Kensai

"Im no caster... these are tangletrees. We need to get out of here. Follow me but move slowly." Kensai whispers to the Bard as he starts inching his way to the east hopefully out of the reach of the tangletree.

Spoiler: tip toe

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move cautiously at half speed to N10

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

Dinarr's mind starts to cloud and his thoughts start to get hazy. He lunges forward, recognizing magic for what it is, and his head starts to clear. "Tell me the truth of what is happening and I may be easier to handle. Otherwise, let me out of here, or I shall continue to attempt escape until the cart has turned over." Dinarr looks at the driver with a resolve that shows he is in no mood for games.

[Fox1387]

I do as the rogue says, moving with him away from the "tangletree."

[Archangelat]

Spoiler: For Dinarr

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"Well if that is all it takes then the answer is simple my friend. The new ruler for this particular region has deemed that it would be of great benefit to hold a showing of strength via a competition consisting of the strongest in his lands against monstrosities such as yourself. He believes that by distracting the commoners with such a game and the associated festivities, they will forget the atrocities he has committed before.

As such, he has commissioned the capture of any non-humans to be used for the competition. Unfortunately for you, you happen to match the qualifications exceptionally as the tougher the competitor, the higher the reward for the commissioned trapper.

I am but a simple driver. Once I deliver you to the final destination, my obligation is fulfilled. Trust me, this is not a course I would have preferred but circumstances dictate that I must do so for the time being."

Spoiler: For Kensai

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As Kensai moved to settle down in his new location, the vines around him stirred ever so slightly as if about to awaken from a slumber. Had the Rogue moved just a bit more hastily, the nearby Tangletrees would surely have noticed his presence.

[Irish Musician]

Gradinend Dinarr, Dragonborn of Bahamut

At the sound of the driver's words, Dinarr's demenor changes from fairly annoyed, to downright enraged. His people had been slaves before, and he would not be one again. In an oddly quiet and even force, Dinarr speaks up, "My people have been slaves since the day they were born. Used as playthings for our master. We fought hard to get out of a thrall of the great dragon that held us down. I will not be a slave again..." And with that Dinarr starts slamming the cage over and over, doing his best to try and break out of the bonds that hold him.

Spoiler

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Athletics Check (1d20+6)[13] or Strength? check (1d20+3)[21]

[Archangelat]

Dinarr's brute force started to force the bars apart. Wary of the eventual consequence from the sustained force by the prisoner, the Driver called out:

"Guards it seems the prisoner has managed to break free from his bonds. It might be a prudent to silence it for the time being."

"When the hell did that happen?"

"Weren't ya watching it?"

"No he was."

"No way. I was watching the forest."

"Well you did a terrible job so far!"

"Both of ya shut yer mouth and knock that freak out already!"

"Ya heard them."

Once the a plan has been formed the remaining guards quickly moved towards the prisoner. Drawing their rapiers, the guards struck out at the Dragonborn with the flat of their blades:

Spoiler: Non-lethal Attacks

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Guard 1 Attack: (1d20+4)[18]
Guard 1 Dmg: (1d6+2)[7]

Guard 3 Attack: (1d20+4)[14]
Guard 3 Dmg: (1d6+2)[4]

Guard 4 Attack: (1d20+4)[9]
Guard 4 Dmg: (1d6+2)[3]

While the other guards were preoccupied with the prisoner, Kensai's target was bleeding heavily and attempting to rise. Suddenly, vines from the nearby trees sprung out and wrapped themselves around the struggling guard.

"Hellllppp!" screamed out the dying guard as his rapier was ripped from him and he was lifted towards the trunk of the nearby tree.

Alerted by the screams of the guard, vines from all the nearby trees started to wave around wildly as if searching for any intruders or prey within their range.

[RadarD]

Kensai

"I am going for the carriage" Kensai whispers as quietly as possible to the man next to him, hoping the screams of the guards are more interesting to the trees than his whisper.
Then putting all his scouting skills to the test he tries to deftly maneuver out of the trees and towards the horse. All at once he sheaths one sword while ducking under vines and carefully placing his feet where roots will not be able to trap him.
Once he is free of the forest, without even a glance back at the entangled guard, he uses his free hand to mount the horse so that he faces backwards towards the driver. Digging his feet into the horse to spur it forward he hopes for the best.

Spoiler: All the things

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Move to O9 then P8 then onto horse.
Stealth past tree (1d20+7)[21] advantage(1d20+7)[15]
Acrobatics to not step between roots (1d20+5)[17]
Athletics? to get onto horse(1d20+1)[16]
handle animal to spur horse and stay on (1d20+2)[17]

Not sure if I can pull all this off with one turn but just stop me where you need and i can edit. Also feel free to roll anything for me you need in terms of disadvantage or different kinds of checks. here goes.