"That sounds like a good plan Phaedra." Sazu chimes as he readies his pack. "We'll check on the scene when we get close and if nothing better comes to mind, smoking them out seems prompt and thorough. It might lead to other exits as well."
Andre nods. "We'll figure something out. The important thing is to get in there and make them know just how unwelcome they are!" He shoulders his pack and prepares to head out. "Locked doors, though...that could be a challenge."
"Do we have everything we need to smoke them out? A quick trip to town would not be amiss should we require the supplies."
Ihon shrugs. We have the time.
Andre nods. "I suppose we do, though I also don't know that we'd need anything special. We just need to make smoke, after all...and we are in a forest..." He strokes his beard, thinking.
The cavern system could be immense for all we know...Perhaps a smoke out plan may prove ineffective. All the same, a good start to any assault could be to assault the entrance, guard it, and hope they can't break through. I also had an idea of charming a lone cultist to convince him of our "interest" in being recruited, and acting as our pass inside. At my current strength, four hours is the most I could maintain a charm."
Ihon will meticulously separate and sort the gear, taking notes as he goes along. He removes the scrolls of Color Spray and Eagle's Splendor from the pile, unless someone objects. Finally, he turns to Amideo and points to the suit of half-plate. This is magical, he says, do you want it?
Amideo studies the armor for a moment before nodding, "Yes, I would like it. Thank you Ihon."
"Shall we get going then?" Sazu says, ready to march over to the cave entrance.
"I suppose we could see about picking up anything particularly foul smelling to make the smoke with?"
Ihon gathers up the gear after scribbling down some notes and brings it to the local shop. He hands the piece of paper to the shopkeeper and wordlessly the two go about accounting for what remains. With a nod, he agrees to the man's price, gathers the gold into five small pouches, and delivers them to the party, along with a thin wooden rod, which he hands to Sazu. This will be useful.
Phaedra will visit the local herbalist and ask about anything that would produce an irritating type of smoke when burned or what might produce an intoxicating effect.
Sazu, thoughts growing on his mind that the cave system would likely be much larger or have multiple exits, decides to ask around and possible look up information about cave systems in the area.
Phaedra, you can find some herbs that will likely produce a foul smelling odor when burned.
Sazu, you find out that the locals haven't really entered the forest in decades or more. Some people have heard of such a cave, but don't even know stories of someone that has been there. They suggest you ask the followers of Erastil as they are the ones that actually live in the forest.
I need nothing more. Shall we go? Ihon asks, in his normally passive tone.
"I believe that I am good to go."
Your group heads toward the location of the cave, passing beyond the camp that you'd attacked previously. As you pass you notice that the place has been even more devastated than when you left and it seems clear that whoever found it took their anger out on whatever they could find.
As you near the cave itself, the land is almost completely barren. The trees have died and rotted and there are no animals to be seen. You can see the fires of torches in front of the cave entrance at a distance, and there aren't any obvious sentries from what you can tell.
If the others move forward, he'll follow as stealthily as he is able.
Ihon, you hear noise from inside of the cave. It is clear that people are talking near the cave entrance, though they are deep enough inside that you can't quite make out what they are saying. If you had to guess, you'd probably figure that there were 3-4 people engaged in the conversation.
There are people in the cave. Several. Ihon says quietly to the others.
How odd, this tree is shaped like a dog that chased me through town once..."
But he does catch what Ihon says, and whispers back.
I can try and get closer, and use a cantrip to relay what I hear. If we can afford getting caught, I can turn invisible, or flee back to you all for an ambush..."
"My talents do not lie in the realm of reconnaissance unfortunately. Say the word and I can aid in battle."
We have surprise. Let us not waste it.
Sazu, realizing now is not the time to stare at the shape of trees, decides that he better stay back for now. As small as he is, his wooden armor creates too much noise and his own natural clumsiness is to the group's detriment.
"If we can afford the time, I suggest we keep watch for now. Perhaps a patrol will pass by, or a guard change we can take advantage of."
Ihon looks at Sazu quizzically and shakes his head slightly as if he doesn't understand the suggestion.
You move up as a group and as you get closer you all start to hear the sounds that Ihon spoke about. It seems like three individuals are speaking in Common and are discussing their excitement about what is about to be coming and its destructive effect as well as their boredom with being stuck on guard duty.
Moving around to the mouth of the cave will start the fight and you will be 20ft from the group of enemies.
Ihon steps around the mouth of the cave and casts glitterdust (DC 17).
Sazu will ready a bardic performance.
Amideo moves forward, readying for battle.
Phaedra will ready her sword and cast Grease directly in front of the mouth of the cave and hopefully underneath a person or two.
One of the fighters is blinded instantly by Ihon.
The other two move forward, stepping into the Grease but keeping their footing. They inch around the side of the Grease but are unable to get in range to attack with their now-drawn greatswords this round.
Ihon throws a glob of acid at one of the enemy.