Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

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Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Zanaikin » Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:28 am

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None of the bands and groups and tribes had a single tent large enough to fit all the representatives of the different parties--- so they had to enlarge one instead; but then it became too tall and too obvious, so they had to camouflage and erect wards around it not to draw attention from the oni, or worse, the garrison.

It's been two days since the Takuga band started spreading word of their plans to break out of the shikoku gate, the only gateway to the Death Lands. Now, one undersized 'tribe', five bands, and two groups, all in their own defensive encampments, loosely surrounded the large 'HQ tent' which sat just under two miles from the fortified keep that governs access to the Death Lands. Conveniently, it was also on the other side of a ridge and was barely visible from the gate...

Kawanoe Yuzuru, leader of the Takuga band, watched as the representatives sat down around a large circle inside the tent. There were also a few independents and stragglers, who were most likely new to Shikoku and just good enough at survival and combat that they haven't gotten killed yet.

'Well, it's not like my darned memory can remember all these people quickly--- let's just get started and get this planning out of the way.' thought Yuzuru.

"So, as most of you have already heard, we've received fresh information from newcomers that the Mouri is about to engage in a decisive battle with the Akashi. As a result, they have stripped their rear garrisons bare. This seems especially the case for the gate of Shikoku, which is militarily insignificant in their war and was left with only a small garrison of Mouri's worst troops. We believe that this is the best time to break out of Shikoku and establish a domain of our own--- a place where exiles can live..."

"Oh that sounds just peachy, great!" Interrupted Idagawa Ren, leader of the Senpuuji band, in an obviously irritated tone. "We'll just assault that gate, take it over, walk out, and claim a piece of land as our own! Say, what are you going to do when some local lord brings a few columns of armored troops to your doorstep?"

Yuzuru glared at Ren for a split second before he managed to soften his eyes to a less provocative level. Rumors has it that Idagawa betrayed Hokuto, the last Senpuuji leader and Ren's own blood brother, during the midst of battle so he could take control of the clan. Now--- Yuzuru decided that this new guy was both untrustworthy and shortsighted, which made him an absolutely worthless man.

"That's why we need to pull as many of us out from shikoku as possible after taking control of the gate," Yuzuru explained. "We need to form our own army, one capable enough that any local lord would be unwilling to attack us directly because of the costs he'd have to pay, especially when they are already in war with the neighbors. There are thousands of exiles with shikoku, possibly more, and many of us are top notch fighters thanks to our unending struggle with the oni--- why do we have to waste our lives in here and eat off foraged scraps instead of going out there and taking a shot at forging our own domain?"

Several of the other leaders around the room nodded in agreement. They all knew it was a gamble. But since the only thing that awaited them in shikoku was a life unfitting for humans and eventual death at a young age, why not take their chances outside? Only two days had passed thus far and they've already gathered over 120 battle-hardened warriors and twice that number in civilians with enough combat training to fight better than any ashigaru soldier they'd encounter outside...

"For now I think we should just focus on the immediate challenge--- taking the gate itself," declared Zanma Gou, an elder of the Wolf Fang 'tribe'. " Once we have the gate, we'd gain both the ability to advance and retreat, not to mention a fortified position and access to far more information from the other side of those walls."

"Exactly," Yuzuru nodded in agreement, "which is why I recommend that we deal with all the messy details on the other side of the gate..."

'Not to mention the results of the battle itself will clearly show just which groups are capable enough to make the actual decisions, and which ones should just stand aside,' Yuzuru thought to himself.

"We also have a bit of a plan on how we can take that gate easily and with minimum casualties--- Ryouma?"

Sakamoto Ryouma looked towards Yuzuru and received his nod before she began to explain her idea. Lately, she's been getting the distinct feeling the Yuzuru is pushing her more and more towards the front during these meetings, much in a way like how leaders groom successors. But--- this also made it the most dangerous time when she has to clearly show her loyalties and not overstep her boundaries.

"As you all know, it's been a particularly dry season in shikoku, and our men have managed to gather a lot of flammables over the last few days. The outer battlements of the shikoku gate are old, poorly maintained, and built entirely out of wood. As far as we can tell, the troops haven't been taking care of it either and has been dumping trash towards our side of the gate. Furthermore, the next two days are also heavily cloudy, which meant that there will be very little moonlight during the night time."

"How exactly is that good for us?" questioned Mumei Aikuchi, daughter of the Kyoudo band's leader. "The low visibility would lower our ability to defend the encampment from the oni."

"But that also makes it harder for the gate's guards to see us," Ryouma replied before continuing. "My plan is to take the next two nights to pile up more flammable material on the underside of those battlements facing towards us and set it alight--- not too high though, we don't actually want to burn up the keep, we just need to create enough smoke for them to think that a sizeable fire has started on this side. With the smoke blinding their abilities to measure how much of a danger the fire is to the gatehouse, they'd have to open the gate and examine the situation from this side--- that's when we rush in with a small team hidden just outside and hold the gate long enough for reinforcements to arrive and seize it."

"Can't we just send a team to scale those walls and open the gate ourselves?" said one of the new independents.

"Those walls are un-scalable and uncrossable. Not even a bird could fly over them. The Hojo clan took considerable pains to erect a major barrier along those walls to make sure that nothing alive could get over them, not as long as an particular artifact held in the gatehouse is undamaged." Ryouma then paused for a moment before continuing in an uncertain tone: "supposedly the gatehouse sits atop a major lay line crossing which allows it to maintain a magical spell of such ridiculousness."

"So we're stuck with tricking them into opening the gate huh? No wonder why the bastards feel it's such a safe garrison."

"Well, that's how it is. Any questions? comments? suggestions would be much welcomed."

[ You may all consider you're in this meeting... and no you don't have to respond line-by-line (gets too time consuming too quickly, this was just start-of-mission campaign fiction that I felt like writing xD)]
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Zanaikin » Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:49 pm

[since no1 seems to have any questions, moving on... I'm a little too busy to type this out line-by-line]

Sakamoto Ryouma continued to act as the coordinator and planner for the upcoming mission; the rough plan is listed as follows:
1. All combatants in the gathered force will be divided into four groups. Group A will include the ex-ninjas, scouts, and anyone else good at stealth; they will be delivering the goods to the gate and hiding not far outside as the closest group to the gate. Group B will include a small strike team that's quick, well-coordinated, and all combat veterans; their job is to rush in and hold the gate after it opens. Group C will include most of the remaining experienced and fast warriors, who will then charge the gatehouse and keep. Group D includes anyone remaining who will guard the camp against Oni attacks and act as reserves if needed.
2. The first step is to pile up the flammable materials outside the gate, mixed in amidst the trash and other throwaways. Group A is responsible for slowly bringing this about over the course of the next two nights.
3. Once complete, the whole thing will be lit at early dawn during the second day; the early time will make the smoke visible enough, but not bright enough to see very well, and the just-awoken guards would more likely be hit by a sense of panick. Meanwhile, group A would be camouflaged in hiding positions within 10secs' run from the gate, while group B should be within 30secs'.
4. Once the enemy opens the gate, group B should begin rushing up right away; once the enemy begins to react, group A should provide ambushing support fire to take down as many as possible. Group B will also be provided large shrunken log, which they would signal to the caster to unshrink and forcibly keep the gate open.
5. Group A and B would then be tasked of keeping the enemy at bay until group C arrives to assault the keep itself. Priorities should be taken to seize control of the other side's gatehouse and getting ranged/archers to the other walls, where they should be able to easily eliminate fleeing soldiers as the day brightens--- the longer the world doesn't know that Shikoku's Gate has fallen, the more advantageous it is for us.
6. Once the keep is taken, Group D will proceed here with the noncombatants and baggage.

As for personnel placement:
Group A was assigned 10 people, including Shigeru; it would be commanded by Sakamoto Ryouma herself.
Group B will be formed around the Blackhearts' group (Katsurou, Terasaka, 4 others), plus four other ex-soldiers (all independents or recent residents of shikoku; including Yuuta, another swordsmen that's probably a ronin, and 2 spearmen that are ashigaru veterans); commanded by Katsurou.
Group C was the main force and had about 50 people and lead by the various leaders.
The remainder goes to Group D.

Does anyone have any objections to this lineup?

[Katsurou is pretty sure none of the other groups and leaders trust the Blackhearts to the slightest, although that's not too surprising. Terasaka however, senses that the distrust is probably exactly why they assigned the Blackheart to form group B, who'll take up the most dangerous part of the job along with some independents that none of the other leaders really care about--- this way the Blackhearts will hopefully suffer the casualties and be even less of a threat to the others]

[Marty: if you have no objections, I need 2 sets of 10 stealth checks each from you (complex skill check, one set for each night)]
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Sajuuk » Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:28 pm

(Casting Camouflage before each time, a total of 4 castings (16 MP used))
(Stealth 1-1 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-1 - Move Silent - )
(Stealth 1-2 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-2 - Move Silent - )
(Stealth 1-3 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-3 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-4 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-4 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-5 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-5 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-6 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-6 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-7 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-7 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-8 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-8 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-9 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-9 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 1-10 - Hide - )
(Stealth 1-10 - Move Silently - )

(Stealth 2-1 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-1 - Move Silent - )
(Stealth 2-2 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-2 - Move Silent - )
(Stealth 2-3 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-3 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-4 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-4 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-5 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-5 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-6 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-6 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-7 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-7 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-8 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-8 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-9 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-9 - Move Silently - )
(Stealth 2-10 - Hide - )
(Stealth 2-10 - Move Silently - )
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:47 pm

After considering the plan in its detail, Katsurou stepped forward towards the table and examined the map and troop placements for what seemed to be a considerably long time. Finally, he picked up the broken spearhead being used to represent his forces and placed it on the area marked "Gatehouse".

"Verily well," he said, smiling. "The Blackheart's will take the gate." (Impression 1d20+10=29)
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Zanaikin » Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:06 pm

A few of the leaders raised their eyes at Katsurou's declaration, with expressions mixed between slightly surprised to outright impressed by the tone of his voice; one could say for sure that they're definitely going to take more notice of Katsurou in the future. Terasaka also feels that maybe one or two of those leaders just gained a better impression of Katsurou, most notably Yuzuru himself...

Between Shigeru's stamina and his stealth skills, he was easily the best out of Group A as they spent the better of two nights unloading garbage and other flammable disposable under the gate's walls while avoiding notice. Although they did have to get creative a number of times and now smell like hell... [+1200XP]
(since the assault begins not long after your second night, you won't have time to recover MP from those 2 Camouflage casts)
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby TheDude51 » Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:05 am

After the meeting, in the Blackheart's camp, Terasaka talks to Katusurou:

"I'm fairly certain that they chose us as the advance team in the hopes that we would suffer heavy losses. The only other people going in the first wave are the loners and newcomers that no one cares about, and a lot of the other groups would love to see us weakened."
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:22 am

[GM edit: handing some creativity license over for this one~]

With the members of the tactical meeting dispersing, Yuzuru took a moment after stepping outside of the tent. Walking over to a large pile of boulders, he gazed out towards the gatehouse, which he could barely make out in the din of the evening. For several moments, he continued to gaze and ponder, before he suddenly tightened up, sensing an unfortunately familiar presence. One that particularly concerned him.

"Such an auspicious night." Said Katsurou, emerging from the night.

"What do you want?" He responded, tersely.

"I was curious as to how much you've thought about our strategy once we've taken the gate." Katsurou responded.

"What's your point?" He said, turning to face the Blackheart.

"Well, once we take that gate, and thereafter, it seems to me that you'll be needing competent, intelligent, inspiring leaders to carry on the right. Not to mention that there will likely be plenty of dirty work to be done. Bear this in mind when you're deciding how long to delay our reinforcements." Katsurou said calmly, and he turned to walk away. "Besides, imagine how much more you'll hate me when I get all of the glory for taking that gate."

[Impression: 1d20+12=26, Diplomacy: 12d0+12= 31]
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Zanaikin » Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:43 am

[...]

During the second night, as Yumi and the other scout of Group B prepares to leave the camp to prepare hiding locations by the gate area, they notice something and quickly returned to inform Katsurou that they noticed a group of Oni, somewhere near two dozen, coming towards the camp. It seems like the enemy had split off into two groups to flank the camp, and far as Yumi can tell the camps' current watch only noticed the group that's on the other side from you guys and have gathered to intercept that one...
[as it's the night before the operation, you can assume Group B are all camped around your position]

Three people from Group A (including Shigeru) were just returning to camp at around the same time...
[Marty, perception/spot check]
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:02 am

"Yumi! Alert the other camps at once!"

"Blackhearts! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!" (vitality check 1d20+5=16 to yell really loud).
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Sajuuk » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:25 am

(Perception: )
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby TheDude51 » Thu Jan 06, 2011 4:32 am

(Since we're only hours away from the assault, I'm assuming that I'm already awake and armored.)


Terasaka, meditating in his tent, grabs his halberd and dashes to Katsurou's side, entering guard mode as he does (3 AP invested in guard).


Current AC: 56 (42)*
Guard attempts: 4

*The first number is AC with a guard attempt, the second is without a guard attempt (ie. once all guard attempts are used up)
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In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Zanaikin » Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:54 pm

By the time Katsurou called out, the sound of fighting had just broken out from the other side of the camp. Meanwhile, the Oni on his side of the camp, all 11 of them, came over the ridge in a line and rushed towards the Blackhearts' side of the encampment (about 120ft away). A single arrow soared out from behind as Yumi fired once before continuing to make her way towards the nearby camps, but it seemed to have completely missed the target thanks to the poor visibility. At the same time, the members of Group B were beginning to gather around Katsurou...

Shigeru and two comrades from Group A were pushing three empty pushcarts back towards the camp when he noticed the line of blue-headed Oni (and 3 reds) about 200ft away, still barely illuminated by the camps outer perimeter torches...

( initiative checks, everybody. I assume Dave would be participating unless he states otherwise )
( also, the oni are large-sized creatures; although they don't wield weapons, watch that long reach--- anyone whose seen my Alter Size spell probably also noticed that size grants a lot of combat bonuses, so fight carefully. Based on past experience, you also know that they're several times stronger than most people and enjoy grappling anyone who doesn't get knocked out by their powerful punches; their evasion sucks, but their hide is extremely tough and will easily shrug off weak attacks )
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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Laharl » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:05 pm

(Yes, I am indeed taking part in the fight...been dealing with errand-y setup stuff for the last few days, and weather depending, I will have no internet from tomorrow until Wednesday. That does assume that snow doesn't cancel our flight.)

Yuuta grabs his hammer and shield, dons his armor, and runs outside.

Initiative: nat 1+9 = 10.

EDIT: I've levelled up, so my init bonus changed.


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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby TheDude51 » Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:57 pm

Initiative:
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
-Bertolt Brecht

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Re: Mission 1: Breakout - Hell's Gate

Postby Sajuuk » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:00 pm

(Initiative: ) (Dagger is still sheathed, so Silent Calm is active)
[PCs Currently At - Sailing The High Seas]
TODAY: Arodus 28, 4711
PARTY BUFFS ACTIVE: None










"No matter how difficult or absurd you make a puzzle, your players will find an even more impossible and preposterous way of solving it." - http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?p=680
Titles: He Whose Hand Shapes What Is, Epic Destroyer of Loot, Creator of the Elemental Plane of Bishoujos.


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