"Either Kragg or Hannarr should be a member of the ambush team, as a source of healing will be vital should the drow force catch you in full. As for the bridges . . ." Modnar taps a finger on his temple. "Would it be possible to block the causeway so that only two people could walk abreast? If so, I could cover the path with magical grease."
Would it be possible to block the causeway so that only two people could walk abreast
"Wagons or crates and barrels should do the work to narrow the bridges. Good idea."
To Hannarr's question to the gnomes about the walls...
"We would have to have a presence on the walls, they can't stay empty; but a few gnome's on the wall could hold back a force many times their size. The largest part of the Drow command would have to, like water, flow to the path of least resistance. Speed is their ally more so than us, so they need to hit hard and quick, the longer we can hold them up, the more of them we can whittle down - evening the odds. As to the waterfall, good question but Ivy did not mention it when we searched the surrounding area for additional Drow after the fight."
Like I said, I will go where I am needed most pending the groups decision. Turning to Modnar about the bridge, Yes we could use mundane items to narrow it down but that still leaves us with many drow to attack. I was hoping that we could let the bridge do most of the work for us and be able to take out say 30 of them as they cross over. Yes the bridge would be gone but it could be replaced in time. I could dedicate myself to that project for the available time while others are doing what else needs to be done. I would think the southeast bridge would be the most likely one to try and trap.
"Kragg, my thoughts were originally going to the southwestern bridge, if the ambush works properly, part of the Drow should follow us into the mushroom fields where we will have some cover to retreat - I've no love of being used as a pin cushion. We'll also be covering the evacuation of the mill and houses surrounding it. If Modnar's funnel is apparent on the bridge - say we only block one side, I can turn and hold them as he cast grease to make it easier on me to defend and you can drop them in the river at your leisure."
"Dolgrin and Anka will need to hold the other bridge they will suspect something if it is left defenseless. Then as they need to withdraw, we can cover that withdrawal at the next bridge"
Turning to Ivy and Modnar....
"How finicky is that elemental gem? Could someone with good aim and a sling drop it in the middle, or just behind the Drow? Say about the time they fill in Dolgrin's bridge. Might just panic a few more of them into jumping into the river and will help relieve some of the pressure from Anka and Dolgrin's defense. We could probably mix something up that would act as grease to coat parts of that bridge on short notice. Lantern oil, maybe?"
Dolgrin listens to his allies and is impressed at their knowledge of battles, he wonders how many they have been in and how many soldiers they have led. He is rueful that they have neglected to even speak with the Gnomes about their plans.
We are but six. There are a hundred, if you can believe the Snake Malathorn, Drow coming. We cannot, no matter our skill at arms, defeat them all. The Svirfneblin will and must take up arms. Harvald, how many men can you gather? Tammar, is this plan to destroy one of your bridges a sound one? Lord Geirni, what are your thoughts on the defense of your realm?
Kragg turns to Ulfgar with a shake of his head side to side. Ulfgar, I respect your prowress in battle but no man can hold off a force on their own like that. All it would take is 1 or 2 lucky blows and you would fall. I would prefer that we not have to face the drow army at all if we can use the elements to our advantage. Let them come chase us into the city and collapse the bridge. That is hopefully that many less we have to worry about.
It does not matter how the drow are dead or defeated only that they are. Glory in battle is great but survival is better.
When Harvald & Anka are called to the Council, she maneuvers to include Xath in their number as well. "There is another option we might do well to consider," Anka interjects, "though it is not one which I have ever mastered, a spell exists that would allow us to know slightly beforehand, which route the force approaches from." Turning to Xath, "This worthy knows the surrounding caverns better than any others remaining among us. If the force is as large as we fear, they have only a few options for approach. If we could somehow ward those routes, it would provide us with the opportunity to concentrate our defenders more effectively."
"Believe me Kragg I have no wish to fight the whole force, only to delay the front while the tail catches up. To better effect the trap you have planned. If they are spread out the trap is less effective."
"But on the thought of survival above glory, for that we totally agree, it does not matter how they are defeated only that they are. I have no wish to work as a Drow slave the rest of my stay."
"Sound idea Anka, can we pull it off, that would be very helpful."
Introductions are made, Tammar-Even-The-Stones-Listen, a very OLD Svirneblin, inclines his head in greeting, "A pleasure..."
Once the chat gets going about the bridges, he frowns, puffing on his pipe, "It COULD work...maybe, but to lose our bridges, a lot of folks aren't going to be happy."
"Least of all the drow," Ivy points out, "Bridges can be rebuilt. I can't be brought to life. To hell with bridges."
Tammar sighs, though he's clearly not convinced.
At mention of ambush, it's Ivy who raises a brow, "You sure meeting them in the mushroom fields is wise? I mean, ambush and run works IF you're faster...but drow are faster on foot from all I've seen. What's to keep them from out racing you?"
Hannarr ponders the map and listens to his peers. He asks question of their gnomish host. This waterfall in the south - is there anything behind it? could a group be concealed there? These barracades, how sure are we that that will not be breached? How many gnomish warriors will we have to defend the city?
Harvald answers that question, "The waterfall would crush or drown you I fear, and do you no good. I'm not sure about the barricades, but if Tammar swears by it, they won't go down easy."[/B]
We are but six. There are a hundred, if you can believe the Snake Malathorn, Drow coming. We cannot, no matter our skill at arms, defeat them all. The Svirfneblin will and must take up arms. Harvald, how many men can you gather? Tammar, is this plan to destroy one of your bridges a sound one? Lord Geirni, what are your thoughts on the defense of your realm?
"With training, I can have a militia of sixty ready," Harvald says, "Might help if some of you help me train them if you aren't committed to some other tasks."
Lord Gerni's brow is knit, then he answers, "I will fight. I know how. Father taught me. I liked it, I was good."
When Harvald & Anka are called to the Council, she maneuvers to include Xath in their number as well. "There is another option we might do well to consider," Anka interjects, "though it is not one which I have ever mastered, a spell exists that would allow us to know slightly beforehand, which route the force approaches from." Turning to Xath, "This worthy knows the surrounding caverns better than any others remaining among us. If the force is as large as we fear, they have only a few options for approach. If we could somehow ward those routes, it would provide us with the opportunity to concentrate our defenders more effectively."
Xath seems to be grinning at being around such hobnobs and powerful hero types, "We got a druid somewhere, maybe she knows it. That spell, or maybe its just for you arcane types? Frankly, this sounds like a meat grinder to me, but I like the idea of making the drow the meat and letting us do the grinding "
You raise a valid point Ivy. History teaches us that our kind fairs poorly in foot races with the long legged races of man and elf. Our advantage will lie in the fortifications. I think we stand more to lose than gain in the mushroom fields than we could gain. Since we will have to cede the mushroom fields to the drow either way, is there some way they can be trapped? pits, deadfalls... fire even? I am concerned that given time, the drow could use the mushroom fields resources to try and ford the river.
Hannarr studies the man some more and frowns as Harvald gives him the size of the militia. Hrmmm.. . we risk spreading ourselves very thinly here. Two barricades, two bridges, maybe a reserve force - not enough fighters to go around. The southern barricade seems pointless. Any troops we put there will be instantly cut off when the fighting starts and, is we are making our stand at the mill bridge we don't really car if the drow use that secondary approach anyway.
This bridge out in the fields - The mushroom bridge - are we going to collapse it before the battle? If we rig it to collapse before hand and it does not go as planned, then we have just lost the entire northern third of the town and will have drow scaling the cliff wall and behind in short order.
Kragg, Ulfgar, your plans are sound. Based on them I'd offer one of two courses of action:
First, the riskier option, but the one that offers the least hardship to Fastervault if it succeeds. We barricade and hold the mushroom bridge and the mill bridge with about two dozen soldiers each. Our remaining force gets split into a small group to guard the northern barricade while the remainder form a quick response reserve at the central bridge - the town bridge lets call it. This has the advantage of not having to destroy any bridges, but the down side of that is that we are not using the river to drown any of our enemies.
Second, use the mushroom bridge as bait. Token force of loud rabble rousers stationed here tempts an attack, then withdraws and collapses the bridge, drowning the attackers while they withdraw to the town square and form a reserve force. Our main strength holds the mill bridge. The biggest risk I see here is failure to collapse the mushroom bridge properly. That would be . . extremely bad.
One other concern I have - Could the drow cross the Stock lake? A small group of assasins stealing into the city via the dock while our attention is focused on the bridges would be rather troubling.
At Geirni's offer Hannarr cocks an eyebrow and looks sidelong at Harvald and the other gnomes for quiet confirmation or denial of their king's martial prowess. He looks back to Geirni and says, The kings of Damarhall always led their people into battle. You are brave my lord Geirni, and I would be proud to stand at your side.
Lord Ardwal smiles upon the King who leads his subjects into righteous battle. Dolgrin says when Lord Geirni speaks.
Your plans have merit Diamondheart. You do your ancestors proud. I vote we go with the second plan, it offers the best chance of success with only one bridge to defend. We are well suited to defending.
To Harvald Dolgrin says There are those of us who can teach your gnomes to hold a shield and swing an axe.
Ulfgar bows his head to the wisdom and decision of Hannarr and Dolgrin.
"Never planned to cross axes with them during the ambush, but then again it makes sense to let them expend their energy coming to us. Your plans works as well and I don't have to run." grinning
To Harvald...."I would be glad to assist teaching either axe, sword or hammer."
Could the drow cross the Stock lake?
"We could place a good scout somewhere to watch the lake. They can warn us if the Drow approach from that direction. From what the gnomes have told us the will be swimming, they will have to approach by boat."
Modnar perks up at Xath's mention of a druid. "We have another spellcaster in Fasturvalt? Another source of magic to harry the drow attackers will aid us mightily.
"I concur that holding a single bridge is our strongest option. Who will lead the group to lure the drow into our trap?"
"I seem to have a knack for infuriating the pointy-eared freaks." Anka volunteers, "I'll draw them out."
diplomacy as aid or normal whatever is decided
Turning to Tammar with gruffness in his voice as Kragg is not the diplomat, Don't you understand that we need to collapse that bridge if we are to stand a chance. It limits thier mobility and gives a way to focus our defenses elsewhere. Look around, is 1 bridge the cost of saving the town or is it too precious that you are willing to accept defeat and enslavement to keep it standing? Bridges can be rebuilt, people can't. Ivy recognizes this and so do the rest of us. The stones may listen to you but you need to listen to us. Anka is willing to risk herself as bait for this. We all need to risk soemthing for us to have success.
"Tammar, why go through the trouble of building the walls and caltrops only to balk at losing a bridge."
Dolgrin knows that collapsing a bridge and taking out as many trained Drow warriors give the town the greatest chance of success. So he implores Tammar to consider the option.
Tammar-Even-the-Stones-Listen, you have heard out strategem, you must know that the Drow send trained soldiers to conquer and enslave your people. We are not as numerous as them, we are not as skilled as them. Our advantage lies in terrain, and righteous cause. Ardwal.. Dolgrin looks to Kragg And Zuth, smile upon our cause. Will you grant us the advantage of terrain?
You raise a valid point Ivy. History teaches us that our kind fairs poorly in foot races with the long legged races of man and elf. Our advantage will lie in the fortifications. I think we stand more to lose than gain in the mushroom fields than we could gain. Since we will have to cede the mushroom fields to the drow either way, is there some way they can be trapped? pits, deadfalls... fire even? I am concerned that given time, the drow could use the mushroom fields resources to try and ford the river.
"Anything is possible," Ivy says, "But I'm a thief, not a trapsmith." She looks to Tammarr.
"I'll ask around, but with all the work to be done on other areas stonewise, me n my boys will have our hands full," He says.
At Geirni's offer Hannarr cocks an eyebrow and looks sidelong at Harvald and the other gnomes for quiet confirmation or denial of their king's martial prowess. He looks back to Geirni and says, The kings of Damarhall always led their people into battle. You are brave my lord Geirni, and I would be proud to stand at your side.
Lord Ardwal smiles upon the King who leads his subjects into righteous battle. Dolgrin says when Lord Geirni speaks.
A grudging nod from Harvald as if to say that the king can, if nothing else, fight. How his guard will feel about their king risking himself is hard to say.
Gerni seems lost in confusion at the talk of kings of the past and such, but then finally says, "I am not... smart.I am not ...wise. I nearly gave the drow the town. Maybe I can fight good enough to ... to make better things."
Even Ivy doesn't make a crack at this.
At the offers of assisting to teach the gnomes how to fight, Harvald says, "Good. I'll start assembling the militia, finding all willing and able."
Xath is more enthusiastic, "Dwarven training! If it's anything like the legends, we're going to become tough as stone, and sharper than steel. We'll eat lava and crap fire!"
Ivy rolls her eyes at that. Harvald clears his throat at the language.
"Ah, you're no fun," Xath mutters.
"We could place a good scout somewhere to watch the lake. They can warn us if the Drow approach from that direction. From what the gnomes have told us the will not be swimming, they will have to approach by boat."
Harvald smiles, "Speaking of fire, a hand full of archers with arrows ready to burn could probably really mess up any would be boatmen. Wouldn't even need that many."
Modnar perks up at Xath's mention of a druid. "We have another spellcaster in Fasturvalt? Another source of magic to harry the drow attackers will aid us mightily.
"I concur that holding a single bridge is our strongest option. Who will lead the group to lure the drow into our trap?"
"She's going to be a hard one to sway," Harvald warns, "She don't see herself as one of us, so much as one with the stone, the water, and the wind that blows over both. Half the time, she ain't even in the town, good luck swaying her though. it'll take a lot of swaying. But she's got some gifts."
Ivy sighs, "She'll be in the mushroom fields, you can't miss her, she's all...druidy."
Turning to Tammar with gruffness in his voice as Kragg is not the diplomat, Don't you understand that we need to collapse that bridge if we are to stand a chance. It limits thier mobility and gives a way to focus our defenses elsewhere. Look around, is 1 bridge the cost of saving the town or is it too precious that you are willing to accept defeat and enslavement to keep it standing? Bridges can be rebuilt, people can't. Ivy recognizes this and so do the rest of us. The stones may listen to you but you need to listen to us. Anka is willing to risk herself as bait for this. We all need to risk soemthing for us to have success.
"Tammar, why go through the trouble of building the walls and caltrops only to balk at losing a bridge."
"It's Tammar-Even-the-Stones-Listen till you earn otherwise," The old gnome snaps, "You're also making it harder for us to flee if we must, making it easier for them to lay seige.. and.. the history you're asking to..."
Tammar-Even-the-Stones-Listen, you have heard out strategem, you must know that the Drow send trained soldiers to conquer and enslave your people. We are not as numerous as them, we are not as skilled as them. Our advantage lies in terrain, and righteous cause. Ardwal.. Dolgrin looks to Kragg And Zuth, smile upon our cause. Will you grant us the advantage of terrain?
At the Paladin's plea, and use of words about the people themselves enslaved, Tammar-Even-The-Stones-Listen's annoyance dims, and turns to defeat, "Very well, but leave at least one bridge open, or will may yet die by other means besides conquest. That's all I ask."
Dolgrin says Anka, we will teach these Gnomes how to wield an axe.
"Tammar-Even-the-Stones-Listen my apologies sir. I meant no disrespect to you. Forgive my outburst, the towns long-term survival is our goal."
After the meeting has been concluded, Ulfgar will spend time working out where would be the best place for traps; both to delay the Drow getting to the bridge and if they should get past the bridge. Burning the mushroom field, while easy, could quite easily cause the gnomes more trouble in the long term. The gnomes are using the mushrooms for everything from food to wagon wheels.....
Nodding silently at Dolgrin's words, Anka sets about to see what her slighter cousin's already know of fighting, and what they may yet learn.
Seeing that they have the permission needed to begin Kragg begins spending the next period of time in studying and testing the rock the bridge is made of. Tamarr, I would appreciate your expertise if you can be spared. If we do this right then we will only have to weaken 1 bridge. That is my aim and i think together we can do it.
Once he determines the hardness and structural soundness of the bridge, only then can he start planning on how to weaken it appropriately to collapse at the right time. To help calculate the necessary strength he goes to the captured Drow and while he is asleep bodily picks him up to be a feel for how much Drow weigh. Once that is done he examines the gear that they carried and extrapolates what 15 of them would weigh in total. Oly then can he begin to get he right idea of what he needs to do.
I know you said that you would roll in secret but just to make certain I have a +3 for the knowledge plus adding a guidance spell brings it up to a +4 for myself. I have no idea if Tamarr can assist or if Kragg could assist Tamarr. Just let me know what you need from me. I would cast guidance on Tamarr as well if it matters.
The other major source of food is the mushroom fields. Several different types of fungus grow out of the rich black substrate, but they all grow to be enormous. The mushrooms are harvested when they are as tall as corn stalks (about six to eight feet tall). The tough fibrous stalks are used either as a wood substitute, fuel for fires or as fibers for cloth and rope. The spores from the massive caps are milled into sticky grey flour and then baked into mushcakes. The flesh of the caps is a staple of the gnomish diet and dominates every meal.
The people of Fasturvalt all but worship these mushroom fields and in fact it is not only their main source of food, it is also their graveyard. Whenever a gnome of Fasturvalt dies, he is buried wrapped in porous white fabric made of mushroom stalk fibers within the rich black dirt of the mushroom fields. Outsiders often see this as a grisly form of cannibalism, but the svirfneblin believe it a great honor to return to the soil of their beloved mother-cave.
........
The troops gather, all sixty of them, many more amateur warriors than the real deal, and training begins in earnest.
"Your company would be most welcome on a journey to speak with this druid, Hannarr. My skills at persuasion are . . . debatable."
Before heading to the mushroom forest, Modnar will have the guards peace-bond his hammer as a display of non-aggression.
Dolgrin and Anka will show the gnomes how to fight in a shield wall with support from slingers or crossbowmen.
The secret to fighting in the wall is trust. You must trust your shieldmate to protect you, and he must trust you the same.
By the way, has all this happened in a single day of game time?
Modnar searches and finds a deep gnome , who, does indeed look all 'druidy' with animal hides and leathers of the undercreatures for clothes, and a string of mushrooms danging from a belt.
As he and Hannarr approach, she turns and sniffs through a long thin nose with distrust.
"So the lost children return to their mother's womb. What wants do you bring?" She asks.
.........
Ulfgar realizes one of the best places to place traps may not be put up yet. Traps before the walls, or on the top set to fall down on those who attack might serve well, but Tammarr (Who took the apology with a mollified 'hmmph well...') and his lads have to put the walls and barriers up first.
--------
Dolgrin and Anka will show the gnomes how to fight in a shield wall with support from slingers or crossbowmen.
The secret to fighting in the wall is trust. You must trust your shieldmate to protect you, and he must trust you the same.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Dolgrin seems to have a gift for ordering folks about, or at least organizing them. Such is his confidence and faith that the folks of the town can succeed if they just do it right, that they believe him, and also begin to believe in themselves.
Deep Gnomes that were all but tripping over each other at first slow it down and try to work together as directed.
Ulfgar realizes one of the best places to place traps may not be put up yet.
Although the walls have yet to be built, Ulfgar spends time sharpening stakes to be placed before the walls to break a charge, and they can also be placed in the mushroom fields; to catching running Drow unawares. He will also spend time looking for larger pots to be used for heating oils atop the walls.
Modnar bows deeply to the druid. "Well met, my lady. I am Modnar of the dwarven Clan Goldrune. My comrade and I come to you on behalf of the people of Fasturvalt, which will soon be the target of an attack by the dark elves. We hope to enlist your aid in the defense of the city. Will you listen to our request?"
The wizard cuts his eyes to Hannarr. I hope he chimes in before I shove my boot in my mouth . . .
Taking advantage of the Svirfneblins' new-found confidence, Anka selects the most manually adroit of them to practice 'shield & spear', also observing for any indication they possess similar talent for trickery as their surface relatives do.
-------
Although the walls have yet to be built, Ulfgar spends time sharpening stakes to be placed before the walls to break a charge, and they can also be placed in the mushroom fields; to catching running Drow unawares. He will also spend time looking for larger pots to be used for heating oils atop the walls.
Here, Miatha offers her services, "I have a cauldron I use for stew. And I know a few other ladies who might share theirs if it means helping the town. Would you like me to gather them up?"
.............
Modnar bows deeply to the druid. "Well met, my lady. I am Modnar of the dwarven Clan Goldrune. My comrade and I come to you on behalf of the people of Fasturvalt, which will soon be the target of an attack by the dark elves. We hope to enlist your aid in the defense of the city. Will you listen to our request?"
The wizard cuts his eyes to Hannarr. I hope he chimes in before I shove my boot in my mouth . . .
"They call me Tisha-Turns-Her-Back. Because I value no community, no people. I worship the stone, I heed the winds blowing through the tunnels, why should I care who walks what part of a cavern? The cavern only is eternal, until the stone decides it is time for it not to be, and then a new cavern forms," Tisha shrugs.
............
Taking advantage of the Svirfneblins' new-found confidence, Anka selects the most manually adroit of them to practice 'shield & spear', also observing for any indication they possess similar talent for trickery as their surface relatives do.
She soon learns that svirneblin have gifts too, not all equally talented, but in addition to blinding and deafening...(Which the drow maybe immune to if they take gnomebane before the battle), some can blur, others can instinctively cast something like 'disguise self'. While they are less pranksome than surface gnomes, they do use trickery now and then... mostly to stay alive.
One female deep gnome stands out as nimble and cunning as she takes to your teaching. Her name is Nan something. You didn't get the full name.
Here, Miatha offers her services, "I have a cauldron I use for stew. And I know a few other ladies who might share theirs if it means helping the town. Would you like me to gather them up?"
"Thank you, Mi'lady. Although, if for the time being you'll find out who would be willing to assist by loaning their cauldrons. I'll work it out with the captain to have the guards that will be guarding those walls, come by and get them when Tammar-even-the stones-listen's crews finish their work."
Ulfgar continues building stakes and storing then near those walls and planting them in strategic points of the mushroom fields. Making sure to warn those who work in the fields where they have been placed.
Outside of his task with the bridge, detailed earlier, Kragg spends his time roaming the townand providing healing to those that may need it. He makes sure to stop by the practice grounds as the training regime the others are providing will surely cause some minor aches and wounds.
As Mondar and Hannarr search through the mushroom fields for the druid, Hannarr notes the soft earth. Yes, I expect we could set some nasty surprises out here for the drow. It would be relatively easy to dig pits in this soft ground. They wouldn't have to be deep to twist an ankle. Why, I'll bet we could even flood the section closest to the shore and bog down the attackers rather badly without causing much damage to the fields themselves.
Once they find her, Hannarr listens closely to Tisha Turns-her-back. It is good to be back beneath the stone, as you say. And, as you say, we do bring wants. We want you to rouse yourself in defence of these caverns. If not for the freedom of the people who dwell here, or these vast fields of mushrooms that are home to the spirits of your ancestors, then for the caverns themselves. The drow come to Fastervault for its stone. They seek empire and will mine these caverns bare in pursuit of it. Without the mindful stewardship of your fellow gnomes...well, even eternal stone cannot stand against a slave-army of picks and chisels.
Seeing that they have the permission needed to begin Kragg begins spending the next period of time in studying and testing the rock the bridge is made of. Tamarr, I would appreciate your expertise if you can be spared. If we do this right then we will only have to weaken 1 bridge. That is my aim and i think together we can do it.
Once he determines the hardness and structural soundness of the bridge, only then can he start planning on how to weaken it appropriately to collapse at the right time. To help calculate the necessary strength he goes to the captured Drow and while he is asleep bodily picks him up to be a feel for how much Drow weigh. Once that is done he examines the gear that they carried and extrapolates what 15 of them would weigh in total. Oly then can he begin to get he right idea of what he needs to do.
** spoiler omitted **
Tammar knows more than you, but isn't crazy about risking HIS neck, so you'll have to do the work, "I'll aid you. Teach you, but I'm old, not suicidal. If you make a mistake it could kill you." Despite his concerns, he does hang by your side for much of it, and never leaves completely.
Analaysis of the drow proves wise, they are shorter and lighter than most surface elves on average.
Outside of his task with the bridge, detailed earlier, Kragg spends his time roaming the townand providing healing to those that may need it. He makes sure to stop by the practice grounds as the training regime the others are providing will surely cause some minor aches and wounds.
Kragg finds that it is many of the stoneworkers who need healing most. Dangerous jobs, one apprentice accidentally hit himself with a sharp chisel. Others get injured too, of course, what with the sparring and training. Kragg finds himself earning a lot of good will, and more than a few of the townsfolk ask about Zuth himself.
"Thank you, Mi'lady. Although, if for the time being you'll find out who would be willing to assist by loaning their cauldrons. I'll work it out with the captain to have the guards that will be guarding those walls, come by and get them when Tammar-even-the stones-listen's crews finish their work."
Miatha nods, "I'll send one of the young ladies I know to keep you posted if we run into a snag," She says, and with a bit of a smile, "Is there some young lady waiting for you back on the surface?"
......
Ulfgar continues building stakes and storing then near those walls and planting them in strategic points of the mushroom fields. Making sure to warn those who work in the fields where they have been placed.
The warnings are timely, and one deep gnome is grateful enough to help you out with it. While he's no trapsmith, he knows the soil.
Modnar nods solemnly as Hannarr speaks to the druid. "Hannarr speaks the truth. Also, do not forget that the drow worship Ulamahaz the Serpent, who exists to destroy and ravage. If Fasturvalt falls, the elves will think nothing of reducing all in this cavern to ruin."
As Mondar and Hannarr search through the mushroom fields for the druid, Hannarr notes the soft earth. Yes, I expect we could set some nasty surprises out here for the drow. It would be relatively easy to dig pits in this soft ground. They wouldn't have to be deep to twist an ankle. Why, I'll bet we could even flood the section closest to the shore and bog down the attackers rather badly without causing much damage to the fields themselves.
Once they find her, Hannarr listens closely to Tisha Turns-her-back. It is good to be back beneath the stone, as you say. And, as you say, we do bring wants. We want you to rouse yourself in defence of these caverns. If not for the freedom of the people who dwell here, or these vast fields of mushrooms that are home to the spirits of your ancestors, then for the caverns themselves. The drow come to Fastervault for its stone. They seek empire and will mine these caverns bare in pursuit of it. Without the mindful stewardship of your fellow gnomes...well, even eternal stone cannot stand against a slave-army of picks and chisels.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+7
"And the dwarves will be better?" She asks coolly, "I know your people...they crafted empires, and they used many picks and chisels for that. Should you win, you will seek out Dammerhall. Either way, empires will rise and stone will be torn from the earth by steel."
Despite her tone, she seems at least willing to consider your comments more than she was before.
Modnar nods solemnly as Hannarr speaks to the druid. "Hannarr speaks the truth. Also, do not forget that the drow worship Ulamahaz the Serpent, who exists to destroy and ravage. If Fasturvalt falls, the elves will think nothing of reducing all in this cavern to ruin."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Yahtzee!
"Ulamhaz... I must at least respect Ardwal for killing that one, even if it didn't stick," She mutters, then sighs, "I suppose I can help you a LITTLE... what is it you want?"[/B
"Thank you Mistress, that will work beautifully. blushing slightly at the question of a young lady at home Ummmm, no ma'am, I'm sure father wishes I would settle down, but so far the answer is no. My work tends to have me away from home for longer periods chasing miscreants and that tends to make long term relationships.......difficult."
"Mmm, seems to me you dwarves could get quite lonely here..." Then she makes a 'hmmmm' sound as Ulfgar moves on.
Drill. Drill, and assessment, and dispersal; followed by more drill and assessment and dispersal. Those svirfneblin Anka recognizes as possessing particular talents better utilized somewhere other than on the line still are drilled at least one shift a 'day' so that they will understand some measure of what their fellows endure. She goes to bed each night tired, aching & more than a little irritable; though she is accessible to the other dwarfs should they wish or need to discuss matters.
Kragg gladly helps the stoneworkers with their injuries with his channels and spontaneous healing. He tries to limit the timing of the healing though till later in the afternoon/evening so as to keep his abilities available should the Drow arrive. The stone worker that impaled his hand though Kragg healed immediately as leaving a wound like that could fester and cause future problems.
Kragg listens to Tammarr and learns as much as he can in such a short time. It is possible that I could be severely injured but that is the risk that I will have to take for this to succeed. Every Drow killed or incapacitated in this manner is one less we will have to worry about.
Thank you Tisha. Any help you can offer will be appreciated. Do you have any ideas on how we can turn these mushroom fields against our attackers? Do you know of any denizens of these caverns that could be brought to Fastervault's defence
Anka puts the deep gnomes through their paces as well. Dolgrin may inspire more, but she earns their respect even if some mutter behind her back about dwarves being a hardass.
Kragg listens to Tammarr and learns as much as he can in such a short time. It is possible that I could be severely injured but that is the risk that I will have to take for this to succeed. Every Drow killed or incapacitated in this manner is one less we will have to worry about.
Tammarr nods slowly, "You are...brave, Zuthian, I will give you that. May your god guide your hands then."
Thank you Tisha. Any help you can offer will be appreciated. Do you have any ideas on how we can turn these mushroom fields against our attackers? Do you know of any denizens of these caverns that could be brought to Fastervault's defence
"I can cast an entangle, of course, but you cannot pull your troops out to attack and have them retreat that far back...." She pauses, "I can fetch you a shrieking fungus... it will act like a watch hound of sorts. Lastly, I can grow a few mushrooms that are not so edible or nice... causing violent rashes. And I can help heal the fallen and get them back in the fight. Which of these would you have? "
Uh, all of them you selfish, short sighted little gremlim! Hannarr thought. Instead, he raised an eyebrow to Mondar, turned back to the druid and calmly and politely asked, I'm sorry ma'am, I think I misunderstood. Do you mean to say that you will only perform one of these extremely useful and life saving tasks for the sake of your kin and home?
Dolgrin assists Anka, and approves of her methods. No reason to coddle the Svirfneblin, they would be fighting for their lives soon.
Uh, all of them you selfish, short sighted little gremlim! Hannarr thought. Instead, he raised an eyebrow to Mondar, turned back to the druid and calmly and politely asked, I'm sorry ma'am, I think I misunderstood. Do you mean to say that you will only perform one of these extremely useful and life saving tasks for the sake of your kin and home?
"Mmmph, I have no kin, and my home is whatever cavern I walk... but other than that, you understand rightly..." She shrugs, "You dwarves are said to have a greed for gold, now I see it also applies to services. Which one do you want?"
Modnar bites his lip and looks to the cavern ceiling as Tisha delineates what she will do to assist the defense of Fasturvalt. I feared it would come to this . . .
"Before we make a decision, Lady Tisha-Turns-Her-Back, I would know more of these mushrooms you may grow. Would the drow need to eat them for the rashes to take effect, or would spores be shed upon the army as it approaches?"
And would they pose a threat to the city after the battle is over?
"Spores would be shed when more than one figure approached..." She answers.