(http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6530/storypost.jpg)<br/><br/><strong>OOC:</strong>Okay, this encounter is slightly orchestrated, so a handful of unavoidable things are going to happen. I thought about going with the opposed Con checks for a chase scene, but we can just roleplay it out. I have something a bit more interesting in mind.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>The Chase - Before Round One</strong></span><br/><br/>Marie (20): Riding away.<br/>d'Angelo (13): Rides with Marie, attempting to outrun the soldiers<br/>Mounted Soldier #1 (9): Gives chase<br/>Mounted soldier #2 (4): Gives chase<br/>Scout / Soldier #3 (2): Fires from cover ahead, bring down the horses<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Lady Marie and d'Angelo rode hard to the north, followed by a trio of mounted Falkovnian soldiers. As the two fled, there were arrows coming down behind them; though the piercing shafts were wildly inaccurate, and of no real danger, they made the intentions of the soldiers well known. Here and there, Lady Marie and her servant gained some ground, but the soldiers still pressed on behind them. Though they were being left behind, they seemed determined not to lose sight of the pair.<br/><br/>The brief flash of light just ahead of them, and to the right, was the reason. An ambush! There were arrows coming from up ahead, and they were let loose much closer and with greater accuracy. d'Angelo tried to dodge an arrow that was never meant for him. Instead, the hefty shaft buried itself in the hindquarters of his horse. The beast, already tiring from the run, let out an awful noise of protest; it staggered forward, almost falling as its pace slowed. Then it was stopped, limping a few steps before refusing to move further.<br/><br/>Another arrow hit Lady Marie's mare, striking it just below one shoulder and very nearly grazing the woman's leg. Her horse, like her servant, was tremendously loyal. Though impaired and slowed, it continued to run.<br/><br/>"Leave me!" yelled d'Angelo, as he slid off his gelding and reached for his bow. "I'll distract them! Go now, Lady Marie, please!"<br/><br/>(http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6530/storypost.jpg)