Winter Wars Chapter 3 : Dangerous Roads

[Horseman]

Reserved WILD HUNT CAMPAIGN PRIMER • Area Overview: o Germania The Holy Roman Empire is a vast and diverse political entity in medieval and early modern Europe, covering a significant portion of Central Europe. It encompasses parts of present-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and northern Italy. In the northern and western regions, the landscape is generally flat or low-lying, with fertile plains ideal for agriculture. The Rhine and Danube rivers serve as important waterways, facilitating transportation and trade between different parts of the empire. Moving southwards and southeastwards, the terrain transforms into the majestic Alpine region, dominated by the Alps and Carpathian mountain ranges. These mountains offer stunning natural scenery but also pose challenges for communication and territorial control. The central and eastern areas of the empire are covered by expansive forests, particularly in the Germanic regions. These dense woodlands provide valuable resources, such as timber and game, while also acting as natural barriers. The Empire comprises numerous states, principalities, duchies, and free cities, each with its own local governance and laws. This decentralized system of governance has a significant impact on the political dynamics and cultural diversity of the empire. o Political The Empire of Germania selects it’s Emperor by a vote of Seven Electors Three of them are Ecclesiastics, and Four of the Temporal world. The Three Ecclesiastics, by prestige Mainz 1. The Arch-Bishop of Mainz. Werner II von Epps. Archchancellor of the empire, and the Primate of Germany as the papal legate north of the Alps Koln 2. The Arch-Bishop of Koln. Engelbert II von Falkenburg, Paladin, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Trier 3. The Arch-Bishop of Trier. Heinrich I von Finstingen. Prelate of the Knights Templar The 4 Temporal Electors, by prestige and duties Bohemia 1. King of Bohemia - Cup Bearer of the Empire - Cup Bearer, Right hand man of the Emperor. Ottokar One-Eye Palainate 2. Count Palatine of the Rhine - Steward, Represents the Emperor when he is not available. Henry the Watchful Saxony 3. Duke of Saxony - Marshal, Head of the military, John I Nordmark 4. Lord of Nordmark(Brandenburg) - Chamberlain, manages domestic affairs. Otto III 'Fulebiert' Foul Bear  The Electors also enjoy special privileges. - Non-Appeal, Verdicts ruled by them in court, cannot be appealed to a higher power - Soverignty over citizens, No other state, nor the Emperor may call for one of their citizens to serve them - Monopoly on all Gold, Silver and Salt mined in their fiefdom - The Right to make Currency - Freedom to enter into Inter-State relationships and treaties - The Right to assemble freely The Empire of Germania is currently in the Great Interregnum. After the death of Emperor Frederick Red Beard no clear successor was decided upon. Which lead to chaos with several claimants to the throne. Four great families vie for the crown. • The Habsburg line- The patriarch of the family is the venerable(70 yrs old) Rudolph I, King of Germany. Most of the family is truly led by his son Albert I (b. 1255). • The Wittlesbach line- which was established with the marriage of Matilda, daughter of King Rudolf I of Germany, and Louis II Duke of Bavaria. Louis II is a Templar • The Nassau line- a minor and small line led by Adolf of Nassau. • The old Hohenstaufen line- this is the oldest line vying for power. Their last heir is Maximillian II Margravate of Meissen. o , o Economy Germania has a major network of roads that facilitate trade from east and west, north and south. The Via Regia (Royal Highway) runs west–east through the centre of the Empire of Germania, from the Rhine at Mainz-Kastel to Frankfurt, trade city and site of the election of the King, continuing along Hanau, the Kaiserpfalz at Gelnhausen, the towns of Neuhof, Fulda and Eisenach to Erfurt, a centre of woad production. It runs further eastwards to Eckartsberga, crossing the Saale river between Bad Kösen and Naumburg and reaches Leipzig, another trade city. The eastern part continued through Upper Lusatia (Via Regia Lusatiae Superioris) along Königsbrück, Kamenz, Bautzen and Görlitz to Wrocław in Silesia with further connection to Kraków in Poland. Via Imperii (Imperial Road) was one of the most important of a class of roads known collectively as imperial roads (German: Reichsstraben) of the Holy Roman Empire. This old trade route ran in a south–north direction from Venice on the Adriatic Sea and Verona in Italy across the Brenner Pass through Germania to the Baltic coast passing the following cities: • Innsbruck in the County of Tyrol • Augsburg in the Prince-Bishopric of Augsburg • the Imperial city of Nuremberg • Bayreuth, Berneck, Münchberg and Hof in the Principality of Bayreuth • Plauen, Mylau and Reichenbach in the Vogtland region • Zwickau, Altenburg, Regis, Borna, Markkleeberg and Connewitz in the Margraviate of Meissen • Leipzig – intersection with east–west Via Regia • Wittenberg in Saxe-Wittenberg • Cölln, capital of Brandenburg • Bernau bei Berlin • Stettin in the Duchy of Pomerania The cities on the route held the privilege of staple right, merchants were obliged to use the toll road and in turn enjoyed protection by the Imperial authority. Area Map 1. Grove of the Semnones - The magical grove that Boromil took his vision quest in. 2. Grove of Velada, Grunewald Forest - Home of the Old Man of the Forest 3. Eldhrimnir - a natural cauldron. Located in the Grove of Glasir, filled with shimmering, golden-leaved trees. 4. Hercynian forest 5. Stone Altar of the Teutoborg 6. Irminsul - a colossal sacred tree, revered by the ancient Saxons. Symbolizes the axis mundi, connecting the heavens, earth, and the underworld. 7. Odenwald Forest 8. Forest of Orcus, the guardian of the kingdom of the dead 9. Black Forest - the Schwarzwald, home of the Jägerpfad Hzm - Herzogtum, Duchy Rfsm - Reichsfürstentum, Principality or Land Grant Gft - Grafschaft, County Bm - Burggrafschaft, Burgrave and Imperial or Military County Kgr - Konig, King Note on this map. The map was taken from Castle Brandenbourg by Borkul, and it doesn't represent the actual Empire of Germania, as some of the outlying lands, like the Netherlands, are not in the Empire at this time. So this map shows territorial ambitions of the Empire. • NPCs: o The Old Man of the Forest - last of the Wardens of the Groves, caretakers of the magical groves o Votja – Elderly Wendish Nature Priest, Sprevani Tribe, fought at the Raid of Brandenbourg Castle and the Battle of Koepenick o Runga Horhidotr - Vanir Axe maiden, fought at the Raid of Brandenbourg Castle and the Battle of Koepenick o Lita Broz - a Serb warrioress, wields a magical bone club, killed the Priest of St Kargoth in the chapel of Brandenbourg, fought in the Battle of Koepenick o Rònan Fenne is a 48 year old male half-elf ranger, Member of the River Rangers, very familiar with the Elbe and Wesser River basins, which comprises two - thirds of Germania o Teutonic Conscripts – typically farmer levies called to service by their lord, wear padded, leather, studded leather, or hide armor, variety of weapons, typically axes or flails. 0-1st level Warriors in most cases. o Teutonic Soldiers – Well trained fighters, show good discipline, typically wear chain, scale, breastplate or half plate. Typically wield axes, maces or polearms. Typical Soldier is a 2nd level Fighter. o Teutonic Knights – wear a variety armor depending on the mission from chain mail to full plate. Use a wide variety of weapons, but prefer axes and swords. Teutonic Knights must be at least 4th level Fighters. o Teutonic Priests – Military training is a high priority, many are Battle Priests, wear medium armor, favor flanged maces. All levels present.

Leaving Grunewald The party leaves Grunewald forest in search of the next sacred grove, having found the Old Man of the Forest and the Grove of Velada. The Old Man was the last of the Wardens of the Groves and had marked up Brokuls map. Then grove was Southwest, in the vicinity of Magdeburg. Ligita proves herself an invaluable Scrivener, recording all the details the Old Man tells them. Traveling along the road, the party has to duck into the forest to avoid frequent mounted patrols, Aaldwulf's falcon Blackie giving invaluable warnings. A few miles out and on a rise they can see the still smoldering shell of Brandenbourg castle. The massive castle meant to be the base for the 'civilizing and pacification' of the Wendish lands. The group can see a large mounted patrol of 50 knights between them and the castle. The knights are watching the castle being slowly demolished. The distance is too great to see, but Blackie reports that Wooly Mammoth, Rhino, and Earth Elementals are destroying the castles stone walls. The party travels onward, Blackie flying large circles, Blackie is far away as Sova alerts to danger ahead. The hunting party stops, and they can see up ahead, just around a tight bend in the road, the trail drops down steeply to a bridge across a wide stream, the bridge is guarded by at least a dozen troops, it appears two are mounted knights. As the party discerns what to do about this problem Blackie comes screaming back, warning that another patrol is coming from behind them. Six mounted men. It's not likely hiding this time will work.

Leaving Grunewald

[Hellella]

Ligita Dovana Ligita can read the grave and hurried looks of those about her well enough to know that violence will likely be upon them soon whether they would choose it or not. Her father and brothers had shared such glances, and from their wisdom she knows it is always better to act first than be backed into a corner in such times. With shaking hands and spear pressed to her side beneath her arm she hurriedly reaches up behind her head to secure her tawny hair with a leather thong. Once done she brings her chestnut mare around alongside whoever else intends to fight from the saddle, while they would see her spear hand is white from the force of her grasping and hear her voice hurried and croaking there is a resolution and focus in her grey eyes. She's ready to try her best. “Which way, which way? Are we fleeing or fighting? Which way?”

[Horseman]

Lay of the Land The Hunt party is the blue diamond. The guards at the bridge are the maroon square. The red dot is the patrol on the road behind them. At the bridge is a small stone building, a Tax Collectors office, Aaldwulf knows these to be common at bridges in Germania. Higher ground is covered in light snow. It is 20 to 60 feet above the lower ground and accessible. To the Northwest are some old ruins of some large building. Each square is 100 feet. None of the German Soldiers have spotted the party at this time.

[bananabadger]

Boromil, Warrior of the Wend "Twelve men ahead of us, at least two riders," Boromil assesses the situation. "At least six riders behind us, but we don't know how many troops, if any, are with them." He looks to Ligita, to answer her question: "I say we rush forward, warrior. If we can take the bridge, then they can advance on us only by ones or twos, and our archers can take cover in the stone building. Is this a battle plan? worthy of your spear?" He then turns to Borkul: "Earth-brother, you command a voice from the spirit world that could charm or frighten our enemies, do you not? It need not affect all on the bridge, but if it can scatter or force aside even 3-4 of them, then the odds will be evened. " After this, he asks Aaldwulf: "I do not know what powers the land has given you, but if you could snare our opponents as they approach us on the bridge or do anything to hinder their riders, that would be worth a column of Teutonic soldiers." He looks to the other four in their party ... "Now then, we ride together. Once Borkul has scattered those that he can, we ride behind Litiga for the bridge. Arrows and spears to their mounts. Bring down the two riders, race through the others, then we will turn in defense when we cross the bridge." He looks to Borkul to give the command.

 

Boromil
HP: 32/32
Character Sheet

 

Armor Class 11 (natural armor)
Hit Points 34 (4d10 + 12)
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 13 (+1) 7 (-2)
Skills Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Special Traits

Keen Smell: The bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Actions

Multiattack: The bear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

[10Doc]

“Borkul, Kulgarit Druid“ "Over the bridge, yes. It will check their advance, and once we've crossed it we may fell it so that no pursuers may follow us that way. I shall do my best to frighten them, and my earth-words may yet wreak more havoc still. I pray you, my comrades, move swift to cross. Though we might wish these Teutons driven from our lands, I would not lose any one of you. I shall wait till I sight you to work my wonders." Borkul leaned forward and whispered instructions to his horse; he was to keep with his fellows and cross the bridge without him, never mind the men in hard shells and the angry beasts they rode. He then dismounted, gave instructions to the dogs that he was not to be chased, and before the eyes of his companions began to shrink and change, his fur cloak becoming true fur, his knife becoming claws, until he was at last a squirrel. He left the dogs, whining and confused but obedient, and skittered down the trail to where the soldiers stood in their ranks before the bridge. He took care to avoid the boots of the soldiers lest one of them should be in a vindictive mood and attempt to stamp on him as he moved into the center of their rank. There he waited until he could see the hunt come around the bend. Just as the first shouts came from the men towering around him, he Bonus Action thanks to Combat Wild Shape.resumed his true form and stood in the center of the Teutons. His shape was not yet finished shifting, however. His visage swelled to a frightening proportion until he seemed to tower over those soldiers closest to him. His tusks were each as long as an arm and his eyes were of fire as he spoke the Fey Presence prompts a DC 14 WIS Save on every soldier within 10ft. Cause Frighten on failure.fairy words of terror.   Borkul

 

That's one of the day's Wild Shapes used. I'll go ahead and roll Initiative here since it looks like a fight is imminent.

Dice Initiative:

1d20+2

(3)+2

Total = 5

[Hellella]

Ligita Dovana The tawny Balt looks over Boromil's shoulder to the woods behind, her lips pursed white. She does not actually like his plan, thinking that if they fail to push past those guarding the bridge they will be trapped, between the anvil and the hammer as her Gnomish friend Polin would say, with no feasible escape. She would much rather try to circle around onto the roads through the trees and come upon the patrolling Teutons from behind and still be able to take flight if needed. With gaze quickly moving back to Boromil then Borkul, Aaldwulf and the others her thoughts race to the conclusion that she should be as resolute as they and commit to the bolder course. She answers the Wend with a firm nod. Even more rallying is Borkul's suggestion of simply collapsing the bridge as soon as they are all across, to her mind they could simply keep riding beyond pursuit and go to careful ground the following night trusting to the long and dark winter nights to deter too much in the way of search parties. Her morale is bolstered still with a mild awe to see him change shape, from tall and powerful warrior to the most furtive and skittering of creatures. With such magic on their side they may succeed in this yet! With lifting morale the young woman raises her spear into the air, swirling the haft about her head to signal the riders to gather around her and keep a close group down the road and to the bridge head. The temptation to raise a war cry takes her, but if surprise can be kept it will serve her better even if only by delaying identification as a foe.

 

I'll roll initiative too then

Dice To Arms!:

1d20+1

(19)+1

Total = 20

[lordbah]

Aaldwulf, Saxon Druid Aaldwulf glanced toward the building to the northwest - but Boromil was quicker. A good plan now is better than any plan too late. He sent Blackie aloft with instructions to try to track anyone fleeing the upcoming battle. Aaldwulf's plan is to ride with the group right up to the enemy before unleashing a Thunderwave to hopefully push some of them into the water.   Casting Time: 1 action Range/Area: Self/15ft. Components: V, S Duration: Instantaneous Attack/Save: CON 13 Source: PHB, pg. 282 A wave of thunderous force sweeps out from you. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originating from you must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed. In addition, unsecured objects that are completely within the area of effect are automatically pushed 10 feet away from you by the spell's effect, and the spell emits a thunderous boom audible out to 300 feet.   Dice Initiative, if needed: 1d20 5 Dice Thunderwave damage, unless DM rolls this for each target?: 2d8 6, 5 Total = 11

 

[Horseman]

The Hunt is on Borkul transformed while sitting on his horse, a moment later a large red squirrel perched atop the saddle, looked around, then hopped off the horse skittering down the road kicking up a trail of tiny pebbles. The Squirrel vanishes around the corner as the other members of the hunt make their own preparations, spells, readying weapons and preparing to ride hard. Votja recites some ancient incantation while looking toward the higher ground covered with snow, he holds up his hand to the sky then twists it and strong swirling wind from the north starts to sway the pines, picking up snow and carrying it down the road behind the squirrel. Ronan Fenne readies his bow and several arrows in his hand. Runga ties her flaming red hair in a hasty knot, hefts her long handled Vanir axe and nudges her mount forward next to Ligita saying, I will ride next to you sister.. Lita Broz is right behind Runga, weilding her huge magical bone club, Not without me. Lita had rolled up the sleeves of her cotton blouse to reveal geometric tattoos up her forearms and many scars. Her face was fierce, her blue eyed gaze steel. I have waited too long for vengeance against the Teutons. Too many of our sisters, mothers and daughters have been abused and murdered by them. Let them taste their bitter reward. The three women led them riding abreast, behind were Boromil and Aaldwulf, followed by the old priest Votja and the River Ranger. Blackie was a loft now soon to be over the bridge. OOC Borkul is just making it to the bridge, the guards were alert and saw the squirrel far off, immediately alerting, one commenting the squirrel was being chased, while a senior guard relaxed them by telling them it was just the patrol. Now the guards stood flat footed, a little in wonder as the squirrel kept coming closer and closer, it looked as though the squirrel would run right through their ranks. The swirling snow hid the bridge from the riders, but also hid the riders from the guards on the bridge.   Tomorrow night, I will post the first round of combat.   1. Aaldwulf 2. Boromil 3. Borkul 4. Votja 5. Ligita 6. Ronan Fenne 7. Runga Horhidotr 8. Lita Broz

[Horseman]

Killer Squirrel and Thunder Borkul takes on his frightening visage, the horses whinny and rear white eyed. The Soldiers are just as shocked. There is sudden chaos on the bridge. One of the knights is frightened and wheels his horse to the rear, the other knight seems not to be afraid and pulls his sword but loses control of his mount and the frightened animal runs off with him on it. Of the twelve Soldiers, less than half run off. Then the main force of the hunt gets there. The three Ladies of the Hunt crash into the guards, followed by Boromil and Aaldwulf. The Saxon Druid calls thunder from the heavens and it blasts out from the center, two of the Soldiers are picked off the deck of the bridge and hurled out, crashing through the wooden railing on the bridge, wood loudly cracks and splinters, tearing away from the deck, two Soldiers are thrown into the icy water. A third Soldier is thrown to the deck, badly injured, blood weeping from his eyes and ears. The hounds are there, attacking, chasing down the fleeing Soldiers, Sova leading the pack. Ronan's bow is singing, sticking two arrows in Soldier and killing him. Lita Broz smashing her magical bone club down on a Soldier crushing his skull. She screams in a primal rage.   I need attack rolls from Boromil and Litiga The Knights shields are painted with a Red Griffin, Aaldwulf would know that is the Coat of Arms of Pommerania   All, I handle initiative unless it is truly a toss up, like both parties walk around a corner and bump into each other. In this fight, Borkul only had a 5 roll for initiative, but I gave him the initiative because the Soldiers weren't expecting anything from the squirrel. Don't roll initiative unless I ask for it. It also speeds up PbP games. Thanks

[Hellella]

Ligita Dovana Ligita shares a sisterly smile with Runga and Lita in turn, further bolstered by their words. Her Samogitian people have put her here in this place to do this grim work; it will be done, and fear may as well not exist. "Brothers I have lost, and my Father. I ride for them!" She calls in answer over the rumbling of hooves that bring her swiftly upon the western men. There is a jolting impact up through her saddle, jostling from the other fighters at her side, a literal clap of thunder at her rear and for all the strength she drives her spear forward at a fleeting target of white cloth and bright steel, she can barely discern the resulting shock through her arm from the rest of the clattering tumult, barks, whinnies, shouts and screams.

 

Dice Spear from horseback! Mounted Combatant Adv:

2d20+3kh1

(13, 12 (keeping 13) )+3

Total = 16

Dice Damage!:

1d6+2

(5)+2

Total = 7

 

Noted Horseman, and sorry all for the rushjob I'm currently camped in a field with poor reception (and being rained on!) - will expand when I'm back home

[bananabadger]

Boromil, Warrior of the Wend Following in the second rank of riders, Boromil watches with great satisfaction as the vanguards of the group scatter the soldiers and knights. He notes that one of the mounted knights has turned, but is still possibly in the battle, so Boromil rushes his horse forward, leaping off of it as it mounts the bridge, and transforms himself into bear form as he propels through the air toward the rider. If he is able to land on or near the knight's mount, he will savagely hug the rider, attempting to remove the knight's head armor. If he misses the mount, he will strike with his claws in attempt to break the girth and dismount the rider.

Attempted actions Boromil will transform as he attempts to leap onto the mount. Athletics or acrobatics Dice Roll: 1d20+3 (9)+3 Total = 12 Attempt from mount (attack to disarm) to pop off helmet // or attempt from below to claw off girth (attack to disarm)-- strength check Dice Roll: 1d20+3 (11)+3 Total = 14

 

Boromil
HP: 32/32
Character Sheet

 

Armor Class 11 (natural armor)
Hit Points 34 (4d10 + 12)
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 13 (+1) 7 (-2)
Skills Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Special Traits

Keen Smell: The bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Actions

Multiattack: The bear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

[Horseman]

 

Lost my post last night, brief run down here to keep the action rolling

Bridge Battle Boromil hits hard coming off the horse, but not too hard (1 hp damage) Boromil is now grappling with the knight, he has manage to pop his helm off. Ligita has struck the Soldier infront of her, the Soldier is about to hit her back with a battle axe when the brown hound tackles and and is chewing on him. Summary There were 2 knights and 12 Soldiers. Aaldwulf would know is a standard patrol. One knight was frightened and rode away, the other knights horse was frightened and he dismounted. Between Borkul and Aaldwulf's initial spells, only 5 of the Soldiers remained. Ronan killed one with his bow. Lita Broz killed on with her bone club, Runga hit one with her axe. The remainder are being torn apart by the hounds. The only enemy still here is the one knight grappling with Boromil who is in bear form, and his hound Sova has his arm now. Blackie comes back and tells Aaldwulf the enemy patraol will be there in a few minutes.

Next actions please

[bananabadger]

Boromil, Warrior of the Wend As a bear, Boromil had never ridden a horse before. And that seemed like an oversight because on top of a horse is usually where enemy riders sat...them and their necks. Enthralled by the prospect of meat simply sitting--well, now dismounted--in front of him, Boromil slashes and bites at the exposed neck.

Attempted actions Boromil attacks in bear form Bite (with advantage?) Dice Roll: 2d20+5kh1 (1, 6 (keeping 6) )+5 Total = 11 damage if hit Dice Roll: 1d8+4 (4)+4 Total = 8 Claws (with advantage) Dice Roll: 2d20+5kh1 (16, 12 (keeping 16) )+5 Total = 21 damage, if hit Dice Roll: 2d6+4 (2, 3)+4 Total = 9

 

Boromil
HP: 32/32
Character Sheet

 

Armor Class 11 (natural armor)
Hit Points 34 (4d10 + 12)
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 13 (+1) 7 (-2)
Skills Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Special Traits

Keen Smell: The bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Actions

Multiattack: The bear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

[Hellella]

Ligita Dovana The nameless Teuton's face burns itself into her mind, gaunt and stubbly and eyes wild with violence. Liga would think she had been staring dumbly at it, leaning from the saddle to drive her spear forward with what little weight is at her disposal, but knows there could not have been any such time taken for the returning swing of axe. She might still have been staring when it struck were it not for the barking brown blur of hound that seized the impaled crusader by his weapon arm and brought him down to the ground. Her impassive stare falls instead on the desperate screaming horror of a man's last moments drawn out by savage mauling. "The bridge!" She shouts when her sense returns, rallying around in the saddle and taking it upon herself to see everyone across. "Everyone across, go! Be ready to hold, or bring it down! Aaldwulf, can your bird fly ahead and see there are no surprises there? Someone check the stone hut!" Ligita is determined not to cross until everyone else has, her chestnut mount rearing as she holds the near end and waves the group by. She doesn't need a headcount to know they are a man (or at least a bear) short, seeing him still entangled with a rider on the other side. She hastens her mount on, hooves booming on the wooden slats of the bridge to reach Boromil's side. From the stories told her concern is that he might not have his proper sense, so changed, and now would be a terrible time for him to go missing amongst the trees. She intends to guide, or herd, him along once his foe is finished off and lend her spear to the latter endeavour if need be, emboldened by the success of their attack so far.

[lordbah]

[fieldset=Aaldwulf, Saxon Druid]

Aaldwulf crosses the bridge and sends his hawk to scout ahead. "We have just a few minutes before the patrol which was behind us arrives." He looks back to see if any of the soldiers who fled or were knocked down show any sign of becoming a nuisance.