Re: A Clash of Wills and Steel

Telwyn puts his hand on the hilt of his sword, and the talkative guard quickly moves his swordpoint in the half-elf's direction. "Hold! We are not your enemies. We come from Segreda and we have with us a Guardsman of our own--the grandson of Berom Windspear, no less. Some of us want to help you in your fight--and with the number of raiders out there you need all you can get--but if you don't let us get to it there's not much we can do."

Erk steps forward cautiously, keeping his hands wide of his weapon, palms toward the tuards. "Yes, we are your allies. We seek to aid in the battle outside, and you should do the same. Your swords are needed there, not here." If only he could take the edge off their hostility, he thought, get them talking... convince them to change their minds. [Diplomacy Check 24... nine more rounds beating a DC of 20 will move them from "hostile" to "unfriendly"].

The guards are unmoved and resolutely grip their swords. "Enemies or no, you are lawbreakers aiding a barbarian captive. You seek to aid in the battle, but on what side, dwarf? You have already broken a barbarian prisoner out of his cell in the midst of an attack!"

Elotai, his sword drawn but held unthreateningly at his side, replies, "And if this building is set alight, do you intend to guard us here as we all burn to death?"

The man's laugh is short and tense. "Burn a stone tower, elf? They might as well try to burn that hearth down, or to set a smelting cauldron ablaze!"

(just as a note, that marked the 5th round of Buchek's rage, with 3 remaining. I did not write up Kayla or Buchek's turns since they were inactive this round.)

...

Holn turns and bolts toward the onrushing line of guards, his left hand palm-out in front of him, and his right gripping his morning star in what he hopes is an unthreatening manner. To his great relief, the line parts before him, allowing him to pass through, then reforms ranks to meet the intruders.

Not looking back, Holn hears the shouts of several men and the first clashes of steel on steel.