Out of Character discussion:

So as it stands, Gilly, Angel and Kelric are going to go assassinate the guard by the opening.

The others are planning to charge in on horseback or follow us in the sneaky way? Two pronged attack might work. Or could prove deadly! Just being sure before Gilly sets off!

Assassinate is a strong word. I think of it more as quietly murdering an unsuspecting individual :D but yes I think that’s the plan. If the quiet method doesn’t work, cavalry shows up as back up

Murder is such a strong word, I think of it as aggressively pre-emptive patriotism.

Aggressive is a very strong word. I think of it as enthusiastically solving a problem

Enthusiastic is a very strong word. I think of it as just getting the job done.

So long as we're all in agreement ;)

Agreement is a strong word......... ;D

Well strong is the strongest word, as long as we're on the subject.

Wouldn't strongest be the strongest?

Bam, you've just been semantic'd!

Bravo all, thanks for playing XD

I just realized today that misinterpreted the die roll for a surprise check for the crossbowman, and technically Kelric and Angel would have been spotted and we'd be running initiative. But I took my hand off the piece and players played it as posted, so we're giving Kelric the surprise round too. I hope he makes his shot count...

Good man, thanks for the hand out ;)

Well, you know... I don't believe in throwing my players many bones, but it's the holidays...

Lol, nice

Ok guys (or gals, or pronouns of choice), here's what I'm thinking... I'd like some feedback on this:
If you're inactive for 3 days, I take over your PC until you come back, just to keep the game going.
If you're inactive for 7 days and you haven't given me a heads up you have something going on and you'll be away from the table for a bit, I'll assume you abandoned the game, and figure out a way to roleplay your PC out of the game without killing them, and then I'll remove you from the approved players to open up space for new ones.
If you've been removed from the game and send me a message something came up and that's why your were gone for a week and would like back in, I'll let you back in and we'll figure out where your PC was. You don't have to give me a reason for your absence, or an apology. You just get to come back.

So after 3 days I hijack your character to keep things moving for everyone. After 7 days I assume you bailed on us and make room for new people. If you ask to be reinstated and there's room, you come back with your PC.

Does this sound fair?

Absolutely. Frankly I don't want to wait three days to move a single round of combat forward but I'll take what I can get. I say if the character posted intent of their action (as Kelric did) then the DM might as well roll it after 24 hours absence. It's a computer generated dice roll for an action we KNOW the player wants to take, what's it matter if the DM makes it or the player does?

I know I'm a speed racer poster but I've played soooooo many pbp games (especially Basic/BX) that fell apart because of a lack of momentum that I feel I must push my agenda on the games I truly enjoy. This module is fantastic and the crew is amazing, I'm just champing at the bit to play it.

I like what Dom is saying. If intention has been made clear, then take the reins. And 7 days seems fair

We’ve certainly hit a speed bump here. Combat is always that way.

Okay then, I'm good @dominion451's suggestion of going with 24hrs when in combat like this. I'll be taking over Kelric until Shadowace returns. Hopefully all is well with them, irl.