Your plans go off without any trouble. You leave the mines a smoking mess of ruined meat, minus the stuff you saved for the mules.
After helping with this, Burly says "thank you for saving me. I want to find Erin. You remember her, right? She is the rather bulky woman, a cleric of Trithereon. I don't know what happened to her, but she probably thinks that both Gorgathor and I are dead and she is off seeking retribution. It is her religion. I will pay you back for your help. We all seek the same goal, defend Knurl and survive the harsh time that is to come."
By the time you have finished with the mines, it is getting dark. It is not difficult to find a defensible spot, a wooded hilltop with lots of vegetation and fern that will make noise.
There you spend the night to the 21st day of Flocktime, CY 577. The night is warm, but rainy. During the night, Agathon's sweats increase. He moans and keeps everyone awake with his feverish night mares. Near dawn, they subside and he falls deep asleep. By mid morning he awakes, feeling better. It seems he has defeated the diseases that threatened him.
Are you taking the mules of meat with you?
Burly shakes your hands and heads off in the pre-dawn twilight. Distant thunderclouds move in over the Tessar Torrent river about 5 miles to your east. You can see parts of the river winding through the forested hill lands down hill from you.
The hamlet on the Tessar Torrent river you are seeking is called "Cliffwatch" and it is near the town of Redfalls, which is ruled by Count Enrill of the North Kingdom. His riverboat flotilla and skilled riverboat captains and crew, at last report, were keeping the humanoid invaders of the Bone March at bay. However, the last river boat from Enrill put into Knurl a month ago and the status of Redfalls is unknown.
Thaddeus will offer Burly whatever bits of mundane equipment he needs to complete his kit. He can have one of the frames from the mine to adapt as a backpack if he needs one, and he can have the cooking gear, tinderbox, and 7 days of trail rations from the spellcaster's stash if he wants. He can also have the 5gp and 18sp that we found at the end of the mine so he doesn't go back to town empty handed. Some of it was probably his anyway. If anyone in the party objects, Thaddeus will just pay it out of his own pocket. He will say goodbye to Burly as a friend and wish him luck.
He will then eagerly attempt to learn the spells from the last spellcaster's spellbook:
DC16 spellcraft check to learn animate rope (1d20+14=24)
DC16 spellcraft check to learn orb of acid, lesser (1d20+14=22)
DC16 spellcraft check to learn summon undead I (1d20+14=22)
DC17 spellcraft check to learn veil of shadow (1d20+14=30)
DC17 spellcraft check to learn command undead (1d20+14=31)
That done, he will memorize spells for the day and rebalance his gear (replenishing crossbow bolts and oil flasks from his mule).
Thaddeus will cast store an item 3 times, attempting to cast as a 7th level caster to get more material per spell:
DC20 spellcraft rolls (1d20+14=30, 1d20+14=22, 1d20+14=17)
Failed on that last one. Fort save: DC10 fort save (1d20+2=19)
DC10 concentration check (1d20+9=27)
adding to previous spellcraft roll (1d20+14=19)
This will allow for 55 pounds per casting. Each vial will contain 5 days of trail rations (at a pound per day) and 50 pounds of dried venison.
"Well, let's head for Cliffwatch. Let's stay off the trail since that's where the most ambushes will be. We'll have Jacques on point as usual and as far ahead as he feels comfortable. When we get to within a mile of the village, I'll cast a message spell and he can scout 50 yards ahead. Let's be cautious, but remember the villagers are supposed to be on our side."
Attempting to cast message as a 7th level caster when we get in range:
DC20 spellcraft check (1d20+14=15)
DC10 fort save (1d20+2=10)
DC10 concentration check (1d20+9=16)
adding to previous spellcraft roll (1d20+14=15)
As Burly leaves, Agathon wishes him well tells him, “Hey, we’ll see you in the Gnoll’s Head when it’s all over for a drink or three!”
At that, he will gently pat him on the shoulder and turn back to Thaddeus.
Agathon will watch in wonder as the dried venison collapses and flows into the tiny vials.
“Amazing!” he will offer. After Thaddeus is done with his spell work, Agathon will follow his direction and help load up everything onto the horses and the mules to ensure an even distribution of the weight and that the animals are not over loaded.
As Thaddeus suggests the recon mission of the village, Agathon will even out his kit as well placing the heavy pick in its sling on Triple Sox (his horse) and replacing it with the +2 Battle Axe for now.
During the group’s journey toward the town, Agathon will pay particular attention to the ground as we travel overland away from the main trails… He is looking for anything out of place in the tracks and ground…
A survival Roll (Tracking) to see suspicious tracks: (1d20+4=23)
If he finds nothing of note: Then when the party gets close to town and Jacques heads off to scout ahead, Agathon will maintain a high degree of alertness to the environment attempting to sense danger:
A spot roll while for when we get closer to the town and start moving cautiously: (1d20+5=20)
He will leave all weapons sheathed and do everything he can to remain silent…
A Move Silently Roll: (1d20+4=5)
Looking intently at the ground, Agathon loudly walks right into a tree at an inopportune moment. Crying out in surprise bending over in pain at his sudden bloody nose, he will accidentally and noisily spill the sword out of its sheath unto a rock on the ground with a loud resounding, “Ping!”
Snatching it up instantly and looking about alertly for responding enemies, his look will turn sheepish as he looks at the faces of his comrades silently telling him to shut up and be quiet... Agathon will carefully and quietly re-sheathe the weapon with a silent grumble at himself and continue on…
Belric divests himself of his studded leather armor and packs it into his saddle bags. He will then don the chainmail that Agathon was using. He will adjust his weapons belt to cinch up any extra length and reset all of his pouches and other gear.
"Ah farewell laddie" Belric will address Burly "Remember not ta get caught again"
Listening while trying to move like Jaques, while looking aboot with a keen eye and listen-1d20+5=7, SPot-1d20+4=21, Move Silently- 1d20-4=2
Ach who be making dat racket, sounds....by Moradin's flat feet tis meself making dis noise! Ouch! poor Agathon, I believe I may have ta cast some minor healing on da lad
Agathon's survival roll and the generally good spot rolls in the party help during the first two hours of your trip. No one is injured and you encounter no enemies, but the going is not easy and not quick. The gentle hill terrain gives way to roughlands, crags, cliffs and very difficul terrain. There's a reason the gap through the hills towards Knurl is the area where the attack will most likely come from. In order to continue towards Cliffwatch without risking making tons of noise and falling down and triggering rockslides, you will most likely have to descend to the river about a mile to the east, the Tessar Torrent.
Do you turn back, try to strike out west to the passes or head down to the river bank.
150 xp for the good RP.
After a brief conference it is decided to strike west for the pass. That would seem to be more in keeping with our mission anyway.
Thaddeus munches disconsolately on a dried fig and glances around for something fresh to eat. Shouldn't blackberries be in season? Survival check (1d20=9)
Shaking his head to clear it, he will focus up and try to help Agathon pick the best way through the broken ground: DC10 survival check (1d20=16)
We will err on the quiet and careful side rather than haste. It's more important that we not be discovered, and not lame a horse or have a rider thrown, than to win any speed races.
Hide and move silent checks. (1d20+3=7, 1d20+3=8)
Spot and listen checks. (1d20=1, 1d20=10)
Thaddeus' horse rears when a snake almost strikes it. Horse and rider are unharmed, but Thaddeus will spend the next several minutes watching for snakes on the ground in front of his horse instead of enemies in the distance..
After it is decided that we will go to the pass in the mountains… Agathon will caution the group, “This footing is terrible for the horses… We should continue to lead them on foot until we get out of this rough ground. It will slow us greatly; but, we must not allow them to go lame!”
Agathon will move to the front and will scour the ground ahead for some distance to determine the best footing:
A Survival roll to determine the best course through the current terrain: (1d20+4=20)
“Watch where I go and follow me closely…”
Doing this, he will focus on the ground and will not pay much mind to the surrounding terrain.
A general Move Silently roll: (1d20+4=13)
During still moments when the party is resting, Agathon will spend some time calming the animals and paying some attention to them. He calls a halt after Thaddeus’ mishap with the snake and makes sure that his horse is well quieted before continuing…
“Brother Belric… Speak to your horse in low soothing tones… As you would a small child. He will appreciate the attention and it will keep him nice and calm…”
Seeing the others pick up on this bit of advice, Agathon will do his best to enjoy the hike and the day, walking his horse, gnawing absentmindedly on some of the dried venison, and praying in his thoughts…
After reminding the others to keep an eye out on him, and of their secret signals, Jaques moves ahead of the group, on foot, as silently and inobtrusively as he can on such unfamiliar terrain. If there are enemy scouts or sentries, hopefully he will see them first. I really hope the others are right about that halfling. I think our greatest strength so far has been that ou little groups true size and abilities are unknown. However, we are much more capable now than when we started.
After clambering down from the saddle, Belric stretches back with his thick fists at his lower back..."Hmm that tis mooch better, err, Agathon me lad, woold ye tend me fer o moment?" Belric will ask in his nicest voice, which rumbles out like gravel " Hmm ye see laddie dat horse seems ta harbor some resentment for some unknown reason against me" Belric will listen to Agathon's advice, knowing he is a horse master in his own right.
Hmmm seems strange ta speak ta an animal like a child, aahh, Agathon has no idea that dwarves don't coddle their wee ones like they be made o clay, but rather o granite!
" Laddie, do ye mean I shood speak ta it like it be a HUMAN child?" At Agathon's lopsided grin and nod, Belric takes his horse's reins and "Ahhh gooo, gooo ye can coom along verry well anoo cannae ye ye soft furry beastie!"
Noticing no difference in his beast o burden's attitude, he will just continue with the blather of human child speak that he has observed in the past 30 years or so that he has been among humankind. He does notice that when he pulls out an apple from his rations the horse does pay attention.
Ahh, ye goblin brained fool, ye shood hae thoot aboot it before. Da stomach rules most beasts n men.
Belric shares his apple with his beast o burden as he follows Agathon. He notices that Thaddeus is trying to help with blazing a trail, so Belric will give it a try.
He looks aboot and 1d20+4=23 "Eh lad, ye see dat scree up ahead, ye might wish ta avoid dat!"
While the group creeps ahead he will try again to quiet his movements 1d20-4=13 and becomes more successful in his tread.
As the hours go by though he reflects on the battle in the water cave and those evil undead... Well it seems Aye be not in da full favor o Moradin at dis point. Well me Lord, what did I do dat was not in yer liking? Ach! I know! Is shood hae banished dat evil foul creature o da air! Ye stupid fool o a dwarf!!! ye shood hae ye own boot up ye own arse three times a day fer beign sooch a fool. Well Moradin me lord when Aye coom against another one, ye beat ye hairy back dat I will take it to task!
Feeling better aboot resolving why his turns were not answered by Moradin, Belric shrugs his pack into a more comfortable position, goo-goos his horse, and follows the others with a content heart.
By lunch time you have reached the marked trail that leads from the bugbear mines back west about 5 miles to the main pass.
You have no encounters during this time.
Do you continue to the pass and then turn north? Back to Knurl? You can be back in town by evening, you are only about 7 miles away.
Soon after reaching the pass, which is marked by a well traveled road north, you encounter a patrol of 30 Knurl cavalrymen led by Captain Boris Dregkar himself, the imposing Frost Barbarian the Count hired to lead his armies when the humanoids overran the Bone March.
The patrol looks weary and blooded.
Boris recognizes the party from the meetings with the Count.
"Fighting is good up north, but the orcs are moving to block the rivers. I think they're planning a winter siege. I don't think they are going to move back into the Bone March proper for their ususal winter feasting and debauchery. We may not get our chance to rebuild as usual this year."
"There's another mine about 30 miles north down the pass. It's a major stronghold for the Black Moon gnoll tribe. They are rivals of the Bloody Eye, which is the strongest of the orc tribes in the Bone March. They've been fighting and the gnolls have moved into those mines to choke off the pass. I think they want to ensure that if Knurl is to be looted, they'll be among the first through the gates."
"Blemu Pass Keep has fallen. Some of the men in this troop are the last survivors. We are going to focus on bringing in as many supplies from the south, but the chaos in the North Kingdom since the Overking fell has slowed that to a trickle because of corruption and banditry. It is going to be a tough winter."
"Fort Arazarm still holds. We are supplying it via trails from the hamlets on the Harp river. They could use help. You'll have to fight your way there, but with the orcs and gnolls sniping at the each other and brawling, you might slip through. You may also be able to bring down their numbers before the winter if you're lucky. They brought much of their treasure with them, because they can't trust anyone they have left up north. Their treasure is a lot of loot they've picked up over the years scouring the Bone March and I know you adventuring types love loot."
"Well, good luck. Knurl will probably hold out this winter. The first real snow storms are still a couple of months away, but you might not be able to make it back once you set out for the North. I think the enemy will make a move once the rivers freeze. They'll know we will be low on supplies and the few people left will have poor morale. Once they capture Knurl, they can move to control the northern Great Kingdom. None of those nobles down there are in any shape to fight them off right now."
Mid afternoon 21st day of Flocktime, CY 577
Traveling north along the pass road is pretty easy going, but you also know that you will be easily spotted and targeted by ambushers. To counteract that, you slow your movement down to about a half mile per hour per hour.
Walking overland is 2 miles per hour normally if you limit yourself to Belric's speed of 20' In the hilly road terrain you can walk at 1.5 miles per hour.
At 1/2 mile per hour, Jacques is able to stay about 100 yards ahead of the party, which puts him far enough way from the jingling, creaking and stomping of the fighter types. You've figured out this is enough to give him time to warn you before your noise alerts someone he spots up ahead.
He can also yell out and you can hear him and cover the 100 yards in about 3 rounds of movement. Belric will be a round behind.
About mid afternoon after your decision to turn north, about 3 hours after your encounter with the patrol, you've covered about 2 miles. You initially went a little faster until you worked out your protocol for the terrain.
Jacques spots movement (see map in the email) in the area marked with the red star. He signals the party to halt and takes concealment in some trees and bushes and observes further.
After 5 minutes of patient waiting, Jacques is rewarded by spotting a group of creatures in the small wood there. He catches a careless glint off metal and spots some movement. It is about 350 yards away and he can't be sure what type of humanoids or humans they are. He knows there are at least four and they are 'medium' sized, probably.
Thaddeus stops at Jacques' signal, repeating the process that happens after every rise or bend in the trail. It must take an amazing amount of discipline to stay that alert and still!
This time is different, however, as the signals come in: four enemy forward slow quiet quiet. The latter part of the signal denoting that Thaddeus should come forward, leaving the noiser elements behind. He will secure his gear, check to make sure that nothing shines, and set off slowly through the brush to join Jacques. He will stay off trail as much as possible. Move silent and hide rolls (1d20+3=7, 1d20+3=12)
Knowing better than to say anything, Thaddeus will become as still as possible and follow Jacques' gaze, spotting the four humanoids after a few seconds. Good spot for an ambush, that...
As quietly as possible, to Jacques: "What do you think about that clump of woods upslope from them?" Jacques thinks about it for a moment and then nods. "Okay, we'll go that route. Keep an eye on them and meet us on the north side of that outcrop in a few minutes."
Thaddeus will make his way back to Agathon and Belric. "Okay, there are four humanoids three or four hundred yards down the trail, set up in an ambush. We can't tell exactly what they are, but there are supposed to be gnolls up here, and gnolls favor woodcraft and ambush tactics. There may be more. Let's stash the horses."
Knowledge/local check (1d20+10=29) I know this place! "There's a glen on the other side of these trees (pointing southwest) that will take us around west to a rock outcrop where we'll meet Jacques. From there we'll go north a ways and then back to the northeast to get into a clump of woods uphill from the ambush party. We should be able to hit them with missile fire from uphill and with the sun at our backs."
Move silent and hide rolls (1d20+3=7, 1d20+3=4)
Move silent and hide rolls (1d20+3=17, 1d20+3=8)
Belric notices Thaddeus's quick stop and mimics him and is nearly run over by his evil beast o burden. Pulling firmly on the leads, bringing his horse to a stop.
He will try to move into a less visible spot and wait.
"So lad, I cannae be sneaking aboot like a mouse. I cood drae their attention, while ye all sneak behind n give im what for" Belric will see that the others were not too keen on this idea, "Ah, well tis joost a thoot".
He will follow the others to the glen, and look aboot and listen trying to detect anything that may be a threat. 1d20+5=22, 1d20+4=20
When he moves out after stashing the horses he attempts to move silently 1d20-4=14, 1d20-4=2, 1d20-4=6, 1d20-4=2, 1d20-4=11, 1d20-4=-3
Tis a true challenge tae walk aboot like a mouse
Agathon will help calm Belric by pretending to calm Belric’s horse as it comes to a stop behind him gently bumping into him.
While he waits for Jacques to signal a restart, Agathon will give each mount and mule a good once over (quietly) to make sure all is secure. In doing so, he makes sure to re-tie one of the bags of gear on his mule that has been threatening to come loose.
When Thaddeus leaves to join Jacques, Agathon will pull his bow and signal Belric to beware that something is up…
He will look about for danger while the wizard and monk confer…
A Spot roll (DM Please add +2 if there are Goblinoids about): (1d20+5=17)
After Thaddeus comes back with the plan, Agathon will start surveying the ground ahead for the most efficient and safe route:
As Agathon looks about, he momentarily looks at the Sun and spends the next minute or so blinking the false image from his eyes and he desperately tries to see anything on the ground…
In a Whisper, he will say, “We had best lead the horses at the same slow pace we have been keeping. That will assuage some of their hoof clopping and it will keep the dust and chaff from flying about giving rumor of our passage…”
Hooking his strung bow on the pommel of his saddle (within easy reach), he will do his best to follow Thaddeus to the glen safely and silently:
Once there, he will tie up the horses and make certain that the area is secure:
A Spot roll for investigating the area in and around the glen for dangers: (1d20+5=25)
That analysis is perfect! Jaques marvels at Thaddeus's strategic analysis and proposed plan of attack. He once again feels very lucky to have such a keen mind on his side. When they return to Belric and Agathon, and Belric proposes what he believes to be a suicide mission for himself, Jaques's wide eyes and lowered eyebrows betray a look of horror that is reflected in the expressions of Thaddeus and Agathon. It doesn't take much of the clerics wisdom to read the dismay on his friends faces, as he quickly withdraws the suggestion. I wonder if he's worried his pace or sound will give us away, and is offering a suggestion that will allow him to arrive in the fight without slowing the rest of us down too much? We're more than happy to hold up our pace for him, perhaps I should tell him? Jaques decides to not say anything. He fears that he may not be able to convey his good intentions, and it might come out in some way hurtful to the dwarf's pride. I just don't have Thaddeus's or Agathon's way with words, best to keep my mouth shut. He scans the proposed route for the best silence and concealment opportunities before starting out. He sets out, at a pace best suited for stealth, being careful to assist Thaddeus and the others behind him as much as possible, by setting example and with gestures. Jaques spends so much effort watching and teaching the others, he's not as careful about his own visibility as he normally would be, nor does he spot much of what's going ahead of him. Refocusing, later, he gets very quiet, and nothing escapes his notice.
Up until the point where you rally with Jacques, you have pretty good cover from the terrain. At that point however, the terrain becomes more sparse. While you can move between boulders and rock outcroppings, looking down towards your goal, you realize that you will be out in the open quite frequently. Moving with the horses and the heavies will be even more tricky.
Jacques had a better view during his ascent to meet up with the party. He doesn't spot any more activity from the area.
Agathon, once at the meet up spot, looks down towards the woods, which are about 200 feet below your current point. At this distance, he doesn't hear much, but spots movement among the trees. There is defintely a couple of them (whatever they are) keeping an eye out. He sees shadows among the trees. Most of the movement is deeper inside the wood.
It has taken you about a half hour to get the rendezvous with Jacques point.
“Hmmmm… It looks as if there are more of them deeper within the wood. It is possible that we remain unseen…” Agathon will whisper to his companions.
“Jacques, can you sneak or crawl down that way and get a closer look? If you will risk it, Thaddeus and I can cover you with arrow and bolt… Though I claim no great skill with the weapon, if they come into the open to fight you, I will put them down. And, of course, we both know what Thaddeus can do with yonder crossbow!”
After spending a few minutes to calm the horses and mules, Agathon will do what he can to ensure that they are under cover (at least from the point of view of the wooded area 200 feet below us where he sees the shadowy movement).
Once they are settled and tied up, he will take up a position that offers maximum concealment/cover from view of the woods while allowing him to peer through a crack in the rocks along Jacques line of crawl . He will try to remain poised, ready, and alert…
A Spot roll to see more about the enemy or to anticipate an attack on Jacques: (1d20+5=6)
Although his ears remain sharp to the environment, Agathon becomes terribly bored as he waits through Jacques’ slow progression down the hill. After a while Agathon startles as he catches himself actually picking at the lichen in the rock with his small knife instead of concentrating on the woods and Jacques.
After making careful signalling arrangements with Thaddeus and Agathon, Jaques set out down the slope, to see if he can get better information on what we are facing. He takes his time, every movement giving thought to the observers he is creeping up on. I've got all day and all night to do this right. He remains ready to bolt however if discovered and attacked. He will focus his efforts on speed, escape, and return to cover where his backup awaits. If they want to come after him, let them advance into our lines across the field rather than vice versa.
Thaddeus will second Agathon's suggestion that Jacques scout ahead and help with hiding the horses, wondering why Agathon insisted on bringing them along. Thought we were leaving them in the glen?
He will find a shady spot in the rocks and try to remain as still and quiet as possible. Hide and move silent checks (1d20+3=14, 1d20+3=23)
Thaddeus will also strain his senses to keep track of Jacques and listen for calls for help or of alert: Spot and listen checks (1d20=2, 1d20=3)
The hard work and fighting of the previous day catches up to the young wizard in this moment of quiet, and he actually catches himself dozing off.
Belric sits down, and maintains his gear as quietly as possible. cleaning his axe, dagger and making sure he will be ready to mount his horse and ride to Jaques aid if needed.
Jacques slips down the slope, sometimes kicking up a bit of dust, but not raising any apparent alarm from the enemy (?) below.
Jacques makes it to the ambush point and scans the small forested glade below. Having a much clearer view now, he definitely detects the presence of at least a half dozen gnolls, possibly more. Two are keeping a watchful eye down the pass. A couple of others glance about haphazardly, even in Jacques direction at times, but not raising any apparent alarm.
Thaddeus sits and doodles in the dust, his mind spinning with possibilities, as Jacques inches his way to the ambush point. He wills his mind to not run rampant with speculation, instead waiting for Jacques to return an hour later and share what he has seen.
A calculation.
"All right, Jacques - you know the best route over there. You'll lead us over there one at a time...first me, then Agathon, then Belric. Belric will stay hidden while the rest of us engage the gnolls with missile fire once we're there. We'll start with any obvious leaders or spellcasters."
"If we are discovered before we are all in position, those of us at the ambush point will open fire with what we have, to give the others time to rally up."
"When they come upslope, Jacques and Agathon will trigger a debris fall - whether rocks or logs, it matters not which. If they keep coming I will give my crossbow to Belric and switch to magick. We must all concentrate our fire on the same opponent to wear down their numbers! If we must flee, we will use the tindertwigs to conceal our withdrawl to the horses, and make good our escape."
"Tis a good plan, I am proud to be a part of it". Jaques discusses with the group a few specific issues of note along the route, a useful depression he found to crawl along, a particular patch noisy grass to avoid, a strech of geologic crack where one can move at a crouch, etc. After reiterating their communication signals, adding a few specific hand gesture to accomodate the specifics of the requirements of this foray, he leads Thaddeus along the route he discovered, enjoying the benefits of "knowing the way" this time. He tries to see what the gnolls are up to on the way. He keeps his sling wrapped around his arm, and moves his pouch of magic sling bullets to an easily reached position, to speed deployment of his missle weapons anticipating that this fight will start off at range.
Nodding as Thaddeus lays out the plan, Agathon can think of no other alternative... He can't explain it, but he doesn't feel completely right about it somehow.
"Jacques and yon wizard are possessed of greater wisdom than I... Do it and fight your best, boy..." he will think to himself...
Pulling two smoke sticks from his back pack and placing them with the two already in his belt pouch (along side the two thunder stones), Agathon will think over every thing Jacques said about the route over and over as he awaits the monk's return for his turn to crawl to the ambush point.
"Belric..." he will whisper... "I'm just going to keep my big head head down and try to go as slow as I can... Good luck to you, my friend!"
As Jacques comes back for him, he will put the thunder stones and smoke sticks away in his belt pouch, swallow down his anxiety, loosen his bow in its position and begin his crawl with the little guy.
"Pelor... Grant me silence!"
Letting out a great sigh of resignation, Belric looks at the rest of the party and in a quiet tone, "Aye lads, Eh beg ye forgiveness before we start the venture. Eh dinnae think Eh will stay quiet enoogh ta get too cloose ta dem buggers. Masel mair sooted tae mak noise then being sleekit aboot. Ma sark o metal being way too noisy dinnae help one bit.” Waiting for any false arguments by the others he continues “Ye see, ma pairt o this venture shuid be o diversion. Eh think Eh shuid hing back, an haud in the heilands here til ye get inta position and Eh can mak a distractioon ta focus dem on ma hide and ye can launch yer attack”.
Seeing that no one likes that idea, he will try a different tactic.
“Ma Lord Moradin can bless ma wi silence. So Jaques, how mooch time day a think it will tak ta get down there a sleekit? If it tak moor then three minoots then ma silence will end and Eh will be making noise too be sure. Boot it can get ma closer and Eh could sit still til ye mak yer attack. Eh can summoon up a wee creature ta confoose the bruts, and a concealing foog ta cover us from thair bows”
Belric will notice that by his fellows’ confused expression they didn’t quite understand what he said, and he will realize that he in his distress at crawling aboot and endangering his fellows from his clanking he allowed his native accent to come out much stronger than normal.
“Hmmm, hurrumph” Belric clears his throat and starts again “Eh, mean that Eh can silence meself for three minutes, to get as cloose as Eh can, and den use me prayers ta summoon a creature o da heavens like a doog, or an owl, and if thair arrows are too accurate, den Eh can cover us in a magical mist”
Thanks to the silence spell and able to hurry along because of it, the entire party reaches the ambush point previously marked on the map without being discovered, it seems.
From there, you all can survey the enemy, about 40 yards away. There are approximately 20 gnolls. 4 of them keep watch down the pass and casually glancing about. The rest are busy building a fortification using logs, deadwood and boulders, about 20 yards deep inside their little forest. You see several rope ladders up into the trees inside that fortification line.
You are 40 yards away and probably get a round of surprise action at this point. If lucky and careful you might be able to traverse the open ground between the two woods by crawling and croutching and moving very slowly, but Jacques know that the heavily armored fighters will make too much noise.
The silence spell is over now, as you did have to move slowly to avoid kicking up dust and possible visual detection.
As Belric and Jacques finally rally up with Agathon and the young wizard, Agathon will offer Thaddeus an encouraging grin and a look that says, ‘Don’t worry… your plan will work just fine…’ as he begins to pour the magic potion that he has been saving for just such an occasion on his bow and arrows...
Looking quickly to the others and seeing that all are ready, Agathon will mouth the words, “On three… One… Two… Three…”
At that, he will partially break cover and fire at his first Gnoll target.
A Spot Roll to detect a spell caster or obvious leader among the Gnolls: (1d20+5=15)
Looking quickly and finding a target, Agathon will loose an arrow…
This is Round 2 of the Oil of Magic Weapon
Twenty of them! I was expecting no more than a dozen! Can this still work? Agathon seems confident...
Thaddeus absently twirls a twig between his fingers as he surveys the scene below. He pays particular attention to any gnolls that seem to be doing less work than the others or look like they are giving orders.
There! That one with the grey streak on his muzzle! He just smacked that smaller one for dropping his end of the rope. He must be a leader of some sort...maybe a sergeant, if gnolls have such things. Cephali told us that with gnolls especially it is important to kill off their leaders as soon as possible, rendering them less capable of coordinating tactics. We'll see.
Moving quietly, Thaddeus will nudge the others and point at Grey Streak. When Belric can't seem to see the one Thaddeus is pointing at, he will pull a pinch of wood ash from his pouch and wipe it on the side of his nose, and indicate that Belric should look for a gnoll who looks like that. Finally the others nod that they know who to shoot at.
The hair on Jacques' arm stands on end and the air crackles slightly as Thaddeus casts a spell as a 7th level caster : DC20 spellcraft roll (1d20+14=27).
He then looses orb of acid, lesser at Grey Streak: orb of acid, lesser (1d20+5=18).
Grey Streak turns at the last moment to browbeat an underling, and the hissing globe of acid only strikes him a glancing blow: damage for orb of acid, lesser, as 7th level caster (4d8=9)
Grumbling, Thaddeus will stay in what cover he can and gird himself for battle: initiative @ gnolls (1d20+7=11)
Jaques peers at the gnoll Thaddeus is targeting. If he sees him, and he is in range, he takes the shot. If not, Jaques targets the nearest gnoll armed with a missile weapon. As the bullet whistles downrange, Jaques hears the resounding smack as it plows into a tree. Well, I've got the power down, now let's try for some accuracy.
Once everyone gathers themselves Belric intones the prayer to bless the group. He will then wait till they attack. He will then caste Bulls Strength on Jaques.
Agathon's shot and Thaddeus' spell hit the same leader gnoll. He is still up, however.
Initiative rolls, gents and state your actions. Don't get too complex.
Thaddeus snatches up his crossbow and takes a shot at Grey Streak, who lurched off balance from the acid orb impact. The lurch probably saved him from a crossbow bolt in the chest: Crossbow shot at Grey Streak (1d20+7=10, 1d8=8)
He will eye the immediate area for the possibility of triggering a rockfall or sending a log down slope at the inevitable advance: knowledge/engineering check (1d20+5=22)
If it looks easy to set off a rockfall, Thaddeus will say to the others, "When they start coming upslope, we can set off a rockslide![/ooc]
Jaques tries to improve his aim, but maintain the force of impact. He sees the bullet strike the gnoll solidly,right between the eyes. ah! That's more like it
Belric casts Bull strength on Jaques and then keeps out of sight until the melee begins.
He will hold his action till an enemy closes or spells needed.
Initiative 1d20+2=11
Agathon's initiative roll: (1d20+8=20)
Losing his smile a bit as he sees the poor performance of the initial attack on this one Gnoll of the 20 present, Agathon will fire his bow once again at the gray streaked Gnoll . He will then move behind cover to avoid return fire …
Hearing the arrow find its mark, Agathon ducks behind cover to avoid the hail of arrows sure to come his way…
Order of Initiative: Agathon, Jacques, Belric & Thaddeus tied, Gnolls
Agathon's shot misses. Jacques' first shot hits. Belric casts his spell. Thaddeus misses. To dislodge a rockfall towards the gnolls would require some excavation tools and several full round actions by the entire party. The gnolls take cover behind trees and shout at each other. The leader shouts commands. The gnolls are now taking cover behind trees and rocks and have cover. Please note that you all have cover as well in your area. See email for photo update of tactical map.
Agathon leans out from cover to take his next shot at the leader trying to remain as covered as he can.
Seeing (with great dismay) his last arrow stuck and still vibrating in the tree next to the leader, he will attempt another at the barely exposed left shoulder of his foe as he can hear him shouting orders to his men in their guttural but high pitched language…
Another arrow shot at the leader Gnoll: (1d20+12=18, 1d8+1=2)
Watching this arrow plunk into the tree just below his last arrow, Agathon will cry out in frustration…
“Blast!... Thaddeus, the leader must have some powerful magic that is deflecting my arrows! Can you see their wizard?”
“Focus, boy! Follow the target and shoot true! He will think furiously, chastising himself.
Fortune is certainly with that gnoll leader! Agathon's arrow should have hit. He surely must have some good deflection magic. It will do us a lot of good...assuming we kill him and survive the encounter ourselves.
"Belric! See if you can use a mirror or dagger or something to flash light towards somewhere across the road. Act like you're signaling a flanking unit. The gnolls will see it and may believe they're about to be surrounded."
Thaddeus will attempt to cast magic missile as a 7th level caster but is having trouble controlling the winds of magick: DC20 spellcraft check (1d20+14=17)
The wizard staggers, blood dripping from his eyes and ears. A rock near Agathon's foot shatters soundlessly. DC10 fort save (1d20+2=4)
He waves off offers of help, steadies himself against a covering tree, and continues casting. DC10 concentration check (1d20+9=22)
“Ma Lord Moradin can bless ma wi enchanting dese stanes ta kill da enemies o yer devoted servant”. Belric intones as he squeezes and manipulates three stones in his callused hand. Stones he pulled from his component pouch.
“Jaques, me lad tak these stones blessed by me Lord Moradin ta slay our foes”, Belric tells Jaques as he presses the three holy stones into his hand. “Thae, stone ye been using been a might week! So, hae at em and bring dem ta me axe!”
Jaques accepts the stones with a nod, and continues his sling fire at the gnoll, now enhanced with Bull Strength, and the bless spell. He slings another of his magic bullets rather than one of Belrics stones on this shot, because he wants to see how much the Bull's Strength changes his throw. I'll use one of Belric's stones next, after I see how this goes. Great God's! Surely, this magical enhancement is a wonder indeed!
You all miss. You see the leader and a few other gnolls peeking out from behind their trees. They are yipping and howling ferociously. They have definitely spotted you and know where you are at.
One gnoll starts to bum rush towards you, but is shouted down by the others and quickly ducks behind another tree.
Air, you fool! You're standing aboveground this time and do not need to conjure so much air as you do in caves!
Thaddeus completes last round's casting: DC3 spellcraft roll (1d20+14=24)
Grey Streak sticks his head and shoulder out at exactly the wrong time and receives a cluster of magic missiles for his trouble: Magic missile damage as 7th level caster (4d4+4=14)
He will then sag back against his tree and get out his signaling mirror.
No sudden charge across the field. It would have been nice, but still, all plans dissolve on contact with the enemy. I still think that when they percieve our small numbers, they will rush us, but with leadership, they will come as a mass attack, rather than piecemeal. That the one started at us immediately, tells me that I'm right about their impulse. We should get a few rounds of missle fire, while they dress their ranks for the charge. No unit with their numerical advantage will simply be satisfied to sit and swap missile fire. A leader that commanded such will be seen as a coward. If we don't kill him first...
Eh hae ta get them ta come ta us, eh wonder if thay speek Gobber?
At the top of his lungs and out of sight Belric will bellow in Goblin "Aye yer flea bitten buggers, ye fight like kobolds with crotch rot! What are ye waiting fer, an invitation ta hae me boot up ye arse?"
"Well lads hope that brings them ta us" Belric tells his companions while he waits for them to close.
Timing the gray streaked Gnoll’s movements just right, Agathon will lean out and once again send an arrow at him:
Another bow shot at the leader: (1d20+12=29, 1d8=3)
Finally seeing the arrow strike the shoulder of the leader, he will note with much dismay that the Gnoll’s armor slowed the arrow enough to lessen the wound
I didn't see the natural 20 that Jacques rolled, sorry. His sling stone slams home. The magic missiles slam home, the bow shot slams home. The leader drops. It appears some of the gnolls also understand goblin, because the yipping reaches a higher intensity, then stunned silence when the leader drops.....then an enraged growl.....