3. The Meeting

Hate to disappoint you lady Florina, but I'm neither a spy or an assassin. I'm more versed in prolonged survival, first aid and territory upkeep than planned assassination. he laughs while a sheepish grin sneaks onto the foresters expression.

After listening to Selbis words Davros nods to himself That would be much appreciated Selbi, but please remember to preform these distractions from a safe distance. He then spreads his arms wide in a welcoming gesture How about we look for the camp right now and once we find it we can decide either we attack right away or later tonight?

Garrosh Nods

As the intrepid party moves slowly along (25') with Davros & Florina leading and Garrosh, Selbi, & Danika tailing (90') behind. Forester Davros has been doing the leading. Off and on watching and following Davros has smartly detected marks and indications of the way the followed Orcs have earlier traversed. So, he is positive that the following party are on the correct path.

IT IS AN AMBUSH.

The leaders of the party find themself in an instant pickle. At a range of 20' around them suddenly appears men in studded leather armor with longsword & dagger combos. There must be a dozen or more of them. The area is littered with them. All indications are that they are more than aware of the rest of the party too.

One in particular and in chain shirt with a shield and longsword calls out. It appears very much like he is the leader of this mob. "Now. You two will stop and surrender. Drop your weapons." and follows it up with a call to the back group, "If you want these two dead then make a move."

"Well, you're not the Orcs we're looking for, so I'm not sure we have an issue with you, friends. Or are you working together?", she reaches for her rapier, slowly so as not to raise alarm.

Selbi freezes in place, watching the ambushers and the rest of the party to see if anyone else makes a move.

Her eyes dart back and forth as she tries to see if any of the ambushers are carrying ranged weaponry, and how far apart from each other they are. They were rather far from the gnome herself, but considering how poorly she'd fare against the swing of a sword - let alone multiple - that was probably for the best.

spinningdice. I show Florina has a rapier and dagger in hand already. Are you dropping down the rapier?
exca314.. Yeah, Selbi has lots of running space as they do have short bows but the ones you see don't have them armed.

Garrosh, Davros, & Danika? Are all three of you absolutely doing nothing immediately?

Garrosh just waits and sees what Davros & Florina decide to do. He's more than willing to fight if needed, but seeing as they are the ones most immediately in danger, it'll be their decision.

Same as Garrosh. Keep walking forward at the same pace and see what the intentions of the strangers are.
The initiative to deal with this lies with the scouts. But Danika will be ready to run forward and help when needed.

Since Florina has taken the lead Davros gives her a reassuring look, saying that he's ready to back her up no matter the outcome.

Considering the rapier was mostly for show, Florina didn't feel bad about dropping it. "Okay, sure. There you go, we're here for Orcs not you - are you in league or would you like us to soften up for you and give you some more territory" She takes a step towards the leader, acting friendly.

Since Half-Elf Florina is the only one speaking, Tom Collins as he introduces himself as, "Now, I be Tom Collins. As what you could possibly be doing here."

"So, you say that your here to mess with the local Orcs. It is rather more polite to bargain with them." He smiles, "If you present a better hand that is." He motions about showing he does indeed have the better hand.

Looking hard Davros's way, "Would you be so polite and as to lay down that bow of yours too. That way there is no miss haps." He looks to be slightly annoyed at having to do that twice.

Then looking to the others and calls, "Now that we don't have too much unneeded bloodshed. Be sweet and remain there. And if you would free your hands of those cumbersome weapons."

Tom Collins appears to be a strange bandit type. His odd behavior makes him very hard to read. By looks of the others around, there is no doubt he is the leader. All look to him for action.

Marching Order for 3. The Meeting

Davros, (5'6"), Male Half Wood Elf, Studded Leather, Longbow, AC 15, SP 30, HP 12
Garrosh, (7'0"), Male Half Orc, Common Clothes, 2xHandaxes, AC 14, SP 30, HP 14
Selbi, (3'3"), Female Forest Gnome, Traveler's Clothes, Wand, AC 13, SP 25, HP 7
Danika, (5'1"), Female Half High Elf, Chain Mail, Shield, Longsword, AC 18. SP 30, HP 12
Florina, (5'4"), Female, Half High Elf, Leather, Rapier, Dagger, AC 14, SP 30, HP 8

Side Info:
Davros Ranger (Forest), Outlander, Follower of Mielikki
Garrosh Barbarian, Soldier (Corporal), Follower of Bahamut
Selbi Wizard (Book Worm), Hermit, Follower of Baervan Wildwanderer
Danika Paladin (Hatred of Undead), Folk Hero, Dedicate to Lathander
Florina Bard (Traveler), Entertainer (Storyteller), Follower of Tymora

Party Movement: Party speed is 25'

This is to give you an idea of what the current situation looks like visually. The enemy has moved in rather close.

Seeing that there's indeed no active aggressive behavior around Davros puts the bow back into its place freeing his hands, just like the bandit had asked.

He stays on guard, nodding to Florinas words, giving her the spotlight in full, after all most gangs and bandit groups are like animals packs. And since their leader has acknowledged Florina, there's no need to disappoint him, after all she's doing a good job.

"Well, since it seems we're all playing nice and not killing each other, what can you tell us? Numbers, lair, who commands them?", doing her best to maintain her composure and act unconcerned about being surrounded.

Leader Tom laughs, "You have serious suicide notions. As long as Orcs & us keep activates cool. Neither of us have a problem. Oh yeah, we know where to avoid them at." He is at total ease.

Although most of the crew looks like they are seasoned but Tom outdoes them all. You're sure just looking at him, this is a man of extreme experience. He strikes you as a man that would lead an army. Not just a leader of some bandits. You are sure some of his gear probably radiates magic.

Unwilling to drop her wand on the dirt path, Selbi slips her wand back back into its holder hanging off her belt, and leaves her hands by her side to clearly show they're empty. She stays in place, but remains tense.

There is no way Danika will dro
Her sword at command of some thug. She lowers it, and keeps her distance to show she is no threath.
A peaceful solution is best for all.

See that disruptive Danika still has a sword & shield in her hands, Tom quickly calls to 4 men by name, "John, Tiff, Bob, & Krane. Shoot her. " as he exactly points to distant Danika. All four immediately put away their swords & dagger combo's and retrieve their short bows They fire on armored Danika. One manages to shoot past her armor and shield protection.

1,5, 7 & 15 also put away their swords and draw out their bows and are ready to fire. Everyone else looks keyed up. A loud whistle is heard. Must have been from someone near here by the close sounds of it but no idea which person did it.Reactions? If initiative by any, then give me an initiative roll and the fog of war starts. Otherwise just post non-combative posts.

Is Garrosh putting away his handaxes?

Selbi gasps as the arrows whizz towards the group, and takes a step back as Danika is hit. "You're the ones causing unneeded bloodshed!"

She seems ready to fight or flee - or perhaps both - but she does not draw her wand yet.

Garrosh will comply and holster his hand-axes, it's not like it'd actually make a difference at this range after all. If it does turn into a fight, it's not like they'd be out of quick reach anyway.