DM Stormwind's Legacy of Fire - The Heavens aligned against us.

Game Master LastNameOnEarth

"If you wish to defeat them from afar, then I can ask the Desert to syop our foes in their tracks..."

According to what N'Dateh saw, could Entangle be used in the village? How about Soften Earth?

"That would be useful," Muqaq replies. "You didn't answer my questions about the horse?"

There is certainly enough desert grass and weeds in the city that Entangle should work, unless you are in a highly trafficked area. Soften Earth requires earth and stone to be undressed to work, meaning that while you may find patches of space where such a spell would work, in general it would probably not.

As Muqaq assumed, there are few horses in the camp. Most of the personnel, the original PC's included, came in by camel, and the carts were driven by oxen. The camels could potentially be riden in battle, but it is unlikely that they'd be combat trained (combat trained camels did exist historically though, from what I recall). The only horses present are those of Garavel and Almah, though thus far Almah has always travelled by wagon, and Garavel came in with the team by camelback.

Thanks, that'll help for my selection of spells.

"I did not. My companion is named Rafihk. He is the Desert's prophet. And yes, I prefer to ride him in battle."

"I have little skill at riding. I will walk."

Akhom washes his last mouthful of food by draining his ale cup, then stands up. "The Lady Almah may see the value of allowing me to buy or hire one of the two horses from her entourage. If not... Well, it doesn't hurt to ask."

Akhom leaves the mess hall and strides to the Lady's tent. "Well met, men," he greets her guards in his basso rumble. "Is the Lady within? I would speak to her, if I may."

"I'll walk, I don't trust horses. Can't fire from them either. Scares them."

Xanyon looks over his gear. Other than his ammunition supplies he sees little that requires refreshing.

"When do we leave?"

Soon as the horse situation is figured out.

The guard nods to Akhom in greeting, and after ducking his head in the door for a moment, waves him through. Akhom enters the former library, now the rooms of the company commandant, Lady Ahlma.

"Good evening... Akhom, wasn't it? What can I do for you?"

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Garavel approaches the rest of the team where they are finishing up their evening meals, and crouches down next to them in order to speak closely.

"Muqaq, I would like to go over the maps and numbers with you before you head out on your next foray. As much intelligence as you can provide of the area will be invaluable. And we must be prepared for all outcomes, and cannot let what you have learned go to waste should your team be lost. I would like to know what you and your scouts have seen in regards to which buildings are intact, where the gnolls seem to be held up, and any other threats that might exist in the town. I have a map of the town from before it was lost, 20 years ago. Please come and help me update it. They are in my quarters with Ahlma. Any of your men who might have insights to share are welcome to come."

Akhom bows before her in a stiff, military fashion. "Greetings, my Lady, he murmurs. "Following our initial foray into Kelmarane, we have begun to refine our tactics. Part of that involves mounts. I've come to enquire as to the status of the pair of horses here within the camp - whether they are for sale or hire, and if so whether they are trained for combat situations."

"Of course. Gruthic, with me," Muqaq says, rising to follow the Lady's bodyguard back to his map. Once there he will share every detail he can remember, and encourage Gruthic to do the same.

Gruthic rises from scouring his armor and wipes his hands on a clean rag to remove the gritty paste.

"At once, sir."

He follows Muqaq to the debriefing, and presents his observations to Garavel succinctly and methodically. He describes their encounters in the pesh fields - the dust predator and the gnolls - giving details on the enemies' capabilities, tactics, and equipment. He draws and annotates a map of the ruined shrine to the east, deferring to Muqaq where the shrine's occupant was concerned, as he had limited interaction with the mad hermit. He continues to sketch Kelmarane proper on a new sheet of parchment, drawing outlines of structures and paths they encountered, leaving vague outlines for the rest of town, inlcuding the prominent rise to the north. He segues into descriptions of the towns occupants: the patterns the gnolls kept and their estimated number, the feral boar, and the Schir.

With his recitation completed, he relaxes in his chair and awaits any further questions Garavel might have.

Xanyon follows with the others but keeps his counsel unless asked. Although he didn't observe anything the others didn't he will help with the map making.

Left behind, N'Dateh finds a spot of shade and lays down to get some rest. Very quickly, her body relaxes as sleep takes over her senses.

Nodding in satisfaction at the intelligence that the advanced group was able to bring back, Garavel adds one or two last annotations to the map and then sits back. Although there are no windows in this room, the doors are thrown wide, and that small bit of the last dregs of the days light stream in through the opening.

Looking up to the Ifrit and the Dwarf, Garavel asks, "So, what is your plan from here? You have no doubt had a significant impact on the Gnolls numbers, and having been in the town, killed two of their beasts... they'll no doubt be prepared for your next incursion."

Utarchus, his broken leg apparently now healed, approaches the door and calls in, "Sir? Dullen says there's something going on in the village. Some sort of activity, but he can't make out the details. He's asking you to come with your viewing glass."

Garavel nods to Utarchus, crosses the room to a small chest and pulls out a spyglass. Extremely expensive to craft or own, the spyglass has obviously been treated with delicate hands, and the chest is filled with layers of velvet to cradle the device.

Leading the team to the watchpost, one of the more intact towers from the old monastery, Garavel climbs up and disappears from view. Only a few square feet at the top, in is no doubt a squeeze up there for two men. After a moment, Garavel climbs back down. A look of concern on his face. He hands the spyglass to Muqaq, saying, "Have a look. Tell me what you think."

Climbing to the top of the narrow tower, Muqaq squeezes himself in next to the burly guard. Even before raising the glass to his eye, he can already make out a dark smudge at the edge of the town, evidently a gathering of some sort. Raising the glass to his eye and taking a moment to focus it, the smudge resolves into figures, though still quite small an distant. Half a dozen gnolls stand on an outcropping near the edge of the town, on the southern side. Between them a beam has been driven into the ground. A large crossbeam has been fitted at the top, turning the structure into a giant, crude "T". Upon this, a beaten and blood figure hangs. You think it is a male, human or human sized, held down firmly by the weight of his body pulling upon his arms. The arms are attached to the crossbeam, though whether bound there with rope or nails cannot be seen. Whomever he is, he is being crucified.

Warring emotions play across Seif-al-Din's face when the situation is explained to him.

"Those beasts will pay for that. Shall we try and rescue him? From what I understand, it is a truly unpleasant way to die, but at least it takes time, so we might be able to get to him..."

Gatavel states, "I'm sure that is the idea. By forcing you to a specific place, they determine the field of battle."

How does Almah respond to the horse question?

"The priest no doubt. I'm sure he's there because he talked to us. So even though it's a trap, we've got to spring it." Muqaq strokes his chin in thought. "The question is, how? If they are hoping to draw us in, perhaps Kelmarane proper is unattended. Or at least lightly so. This might be a good time to sneak back into the town, find their lair, and make a large fire very near it. Hopefully the smoke will draw the gnolls back to town. Then Garavel and some of the men from camp can go and cut down the victim while the gnolls return to stop us from destroying their lair. What do you all think? Unless they've broken that man's legs he should have a day or two."

How does Almah respond to the horse question?

Sorry Ahkom; missed that somehow.

The lady Ahlma looks at Akhom evenly as she responds, her voice level and diplomatic, "I'm afraid we have only the two at the moment; and each is a personal steed. I have had mine a few years now, and as she was a gift, I'd be loath to part with her. The other is Garavel's, and even if he was willing, I would advise him not to sell it, as should he be needed to enter the field of battle, or escort me should the need arise, he will need to be mounted. I am sorry, good archer. Perhaps you can find out if any of the camels would be suited to your needs. I will instruct Hadrod to sell you one, if you can find one to your liking."

Ahkom is present as Garavel and the others enter the chamber, and stays to help them annotate the map as they discuss the situation. As such, when Garavel is summoned away to the watch tower, he is able to come along as well.

After Muqaq's suggestion, Garavel responds, "Perhaps your diversion might work; but they might just as soon kill the man as leave him unattended. As well, they are not even beyond the boundaries of the town itself; they would not have that far to go to confront any interlopers. I have not met this priest, if that is who you think this is, so I will leave the judgement up to you. Proceed as you deem wisest."

N'Dateh shrugs from her recline position as the men pass in front of her and wake her up. She rises to a stiing position, stretching like a great feline. She stares at the two men: "Are we moving out? What priest are you talking about?"

"There is a priest of Nethys who tends a shrine above the town. I can only assume it's him on the cross. This is a difficult choice, I'd like to hear my team's advice," Muqaq says encouragingly looking around at the others. "Do any of you have a different idea or suggestion?"

Seif-al-Din shrugs.

"I agree that the Gnolls are unlikely to leave him alone, at least without killing him. Whilst a diversion is a nice idea in theory, if we truly want to rescue him, I think we may need to make a 'direct approach'..."

"A half dozen gnolls is no simple threat. Though perhaps a direct approach is best. Perhaps we could sneak to just within bow range and then begin shooting at them. Make them come to us under fire."

"The desert is a harsh master, and this man is suffering for no reason. If the dogs have him, then he is already dead. Why not just go and give him peace with a few arrows? It is what I would wish for: a quick death."

"Alright, into the teeth of death it is. We'll approach them as stealthily as possible, N'Dateh, Seif, and Gruthic in the front. Xanyon, Ahkom and I will be right behind. Ahkom and Xanyon will start things off with bows, the rest of us joining in as they get in range. We only close to melee if we have to, let them come to us. Sound like a plan?"

"It sounds like a plan. Let's remember, there are no doubt more than the six we can see. The priest wasn't exactly helpful but he's being punished because of us."

"I warned him to make himself scarce until the town had been cleared. He was a fool not to take my advice, and now he is paying the price for his stubborn pride. Still, I would not wish to bring suffering on any man for my actions, and the gnolls have gathered in one place for this display. We shall turn their ambush into a killing field."

"I will gladly take the van. Let them come at me; I will stand strong."

"Frontal attack? Then let me slow their progress so we can cut them downs from far. Does that mean our first arrows are for the priest?"

Back with Almah:

Akhom bows again to Almah. "Thank you my lady, a camel will do the job just fine. I will seek out your man. Sarenrae shine on you." With that he takes his leave.

With the party:

"We must do our best to save the victim, whoever they are, but I agree that a full-frontal assault may only cause our deaths as well. I like drawing them to is, raining death on them as they approach. We can buy camels to assist with mobility. I, for one, will purchase one if they aren't too expensive."

Seif-al-Din shrugs.

"If that is what you wish, I will support the plan. I still think they are liable to kill the unfortunate before moving to engage us, though."

Muqaq nods, unwilling to further comment on the difficult decision. "Lets move people."

So yeah DM, we try to get close stealthily (200 ft?). Ahkom, unless the camels are combat trained it's really not worth it. Also you will give us away if you're mounted, camel's stealth checks aren't very good.

Roger Roger.

Any combat trained dromedaries available DM?

N'Dateh leaves her horse with Muqaq for him to lead while she moves to the fore. She remains low and crouched, trying to make the best of the ridges or natural trenches provided by nature. She takes her time to move forward, knowing that she'll be useless if further than 120 feet.

Stealth (take 20 if possible): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 (+1 Desert)

@Akhom: Yes, there is a combat trained Camel available. There is a saddle available for a bit extra, but no barding. Asking price is 250 gp for the animal, and 20 gp for the high cantled, military style saddle.

@Muqaq et al: The point on which the cross has been raised, and the gnolls standing guard, is on a landing part way up the city hill, just above where the boar's shack was located. The ground around the city is quite open, as indicated by the fact that you can see the town from where you are, nearly a mile away. Keep in mind that the town is on a cone shaped hill, with the road forming switchbacks to make it manageable. This elevation gives the advantage to lookouts on the slopes, which is likely one reason a town would be built in such a place, as opposed to level ground. That being said, it will be exceedingly difficult to navigate that much distance in broad daylight without being seen. It would likely take several hours, and involve using every possible ridge and hill to your advantage, likely crawling in certain areas in order to stay below the line of sight. Mounts would be out of the question.
Town

N'Detah: You can't take 20 on an opposed check. Taking Twenty assumes trying twenty times, failing many times, but getting the advantage of the best result. It cannot be used when there is a consequence for failure. You could however take 10.

ALL: I am also unclear whether your plan would be to approach from the south, or to try and sneak around into the town, as Muqaq proposed earlier.

I still think sneaking is the best option, even if it takes a really long time. Surprise is a huge advantage, and we're going to be outnumbered.

Edit:Or, if Akhom buys the camel, he could ride slowly towards them with his longbow, after we're well underway and nearly in position. Then he could start taking potshots with his longbow from maximum range (500+ feet?) and hopefully draw some of them off towards the madman on the camel. Once the gnolls are split the rest of us attack the cross, and Akhom can use the mount's speed to stay out of harm's way, using the old steppe archer/mongolian tactic of hitting and riding off as a distraction for a larger force.

I do like that idea Muqaq - between 150 and 220 feet javelins won't reach me, and I'll only have a -2 to my attack roll. If they only have spears I can sit between 100-110 ft and they can't reach me still. And I can escpe with a quick 200' camel sprint whenever I need to :)

Even if I don't use a camel now, I think I'd like to buy one. 'Cause, you know, camels have personality. Is there any loot we can sell and divvy up the cash from? I'm a little short.

I would prefer to sneak in, but if Akhom wants to run interference, by all means :-)

I do think that he should start well back; he should not be in a position to be spotted (let along shot at) until the rest of us are in position to make a sortie against them.

Yeah, I was thinking we leave, and then several hours later he does. We don't attack until we see him do so and a few (or hopefully a lot) of them go chase him.

How about leaving at night, and attack at dawn? Darkvision doesn't extend far. We would move using the cover of the night, then Akhom would leave at dawn to create the distraction.

I guess that depends on what time of day it is now, and whether or not we care about trying to save the guy on the cross. As a priest of Sarenrae I kind of feel obligated to go as soon as possible.

It would make sense, though not to N'Dateh :)

I do like that idea Muqaq - between 150 and 220 feet javelins won't reach me, and I'll only have a -2 to my attack roll. If they only have spears I can sit between 100-110 ft and they can't reach me still. And I can escpe with a quick 200' camel sprint whenever I need to :)

Even if I don't use a camel now, I think I'd like to buy one. 'Cause, you know, camels have personality. Is there any loot we can sell and divvy up the cash from? I'm a little short.

In your initial encounters with them, there were definitely some of the gnolls who used longbows. It follows that they would likely have access to the same when near their base. In regards to Longbows, it bears pointing out that according to their description, longbows are too unwieldy to be used while mounted. To shoot, you would either have to dismount, stand on the back of the animal while it stands in place (likely to result in a penalty for unstable footing), or stand on it while in motion, which would likely result in penalties to both your attacks and ride skill.

I guess that depends on what time of day it is now, and whether or not we care about trying to save the guy on the cross. As a priest of Sarenrae I kind of feel obligated to go as soon as possible.

You slept through the day and arose in time for the evening meal. In light of that, it is likely late in the day, with less than an hour left before sunset. Merely waiting until dusk would change the circumstances, as it would become much easier to get close under cover of darkness.

Composite longbows are different though..?

You are right. Interesting.

And historical! They are much shorter because the composite of materials and curve of the staves, thus being able to be used mounted.

Alright, we leave at dusk, get in place. At dawn Ahkom does his Mongol thing, and then we all attack.

As she eats with gusto, N'Dateh bluntly asks: "That's a good plan, but I'm not sure how it will help against the peryton, hum?"

Ok, I'm still going to need a bit of help with coin, only 25gp or so, but do we have party loot we can sell to provide that? If so, bring me the camel!

Without sounding like a total suck, can I say GM that, re: your gnolls with longbows reminder, I really appreciate the way you remind us of things our characters would know/remember - unlike some GMs who will gleefully let a player's forgetfulness get them into trouble, while harping on the old "But your character wouldn't know that!" to stip them doing stuff. Those kinds of double standards infuriate me, and it's great how they're absent in this game. Cheers boss.

I have 10 GP, I don't remember us having any loot. Maybe they will loan you the 25 GP, or I could diplomacize down the price a bit? DM? I know the gnolls had longbows, that's why I suggested 500'ish range. Akhom only need serve as a distraction, he doesn't need to actually do any damage.

What's a peryton? I don't remember and the name means nothing to me as a player. Some kind of fey or something?

Winged deer with wolf teeth. Typical Greek animal mash up critter.