"Well indeed, master. It is a solid of an outpost as I could contrive, aided somewhat by the lords of the surrounding lands. It was they that come up with the idea of building these towers... 'cept they added catapults. I was the one who done away with that, and replaced 'em with balista. What use are catapults against charging riders, eh? Why, they can't turn with a damn, and all it takes is a lad to leap out o' their firing way. Balista can fire a straight line at a target... but it takes a crew of two to man 'em right. One to load and adjust the gear, the other to monitor the aim then fire when the time is right. Course, you could do all that as one man, but by then..." he shrugs helplessly.
"In any case, last couple of...
Honey, definitely, Alaric says with a grin as he walks up, he was lounging in the doorway while they were talking. As far as these bandits go, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that may even the odds quite a bit. He says this last with another of his grins. Anyone who looks closely can see that instead of the easy grin and laugh that Alaric had last night, this looks a little bit forced.
But first, can you give us an idea of how they operate? How many usually come? Do they all come in the gate or do some stay outside? What sorts of men are they? Do they have someone who speaks for them or an obvious leader? He asks these questions one at a time waiting for an answer before moving on to the next, while sitting down for coffee and breakfast.
To Alaric Specifically
"Apologies, O Man!" the Voice says with a sneer inside your head "but I shall speak to thee alone. No mortal shall know my words but thee, and only thee shall hear them in thy head. When shall thy take that which offered to thee? When shall thee embrace what is thine?"
Tessara stays in the common area where the tables are, sitting at one of them reading over the note from her parents once more. As the halfling comes out she quickly wipes away tears and watches as he gets ready to go out on his expedition and thinks about joining but she doesn't have a mount so she decides to stick around here. She goes into the room where she left her pack and reaches inside to produce another hair tie and ties her hair back in to another poney tail, having let her hair go wild over the night as she stayed up thinking. Once she had her hair under control she went into the main room again. She greets everyone in the room morning everyone, did those of you that slept have a good sleep? Could I possibly get a cup of strong coffee with honey in it? her speech is slightly slured and she has dark bags under her eyes which are puffy as though she had been crying recently.
As they start talking strategy she chimes in I have many years of battle experience. If the towers are safe to man I think I would be of best usefulness up there, raining arrows down if it comes to that.
A Wail, a Scream in your head... you feel an overpowering sense of pain, then sweat prickle over your flesh... then as if awakening from darkness you stare around you.
You seem to have fainted, and those around you are helping you to your feet. You would guess it has been less then then a few moments, yet you look around. You do not feel pained, nor troubled, but a growing sense of confidence in you, of satisfaction. Clearly, there are other powers at work, but whatever "test" there was, you have completed the first challenge, though (you suspect) only barely...
THOSE ON THE FIELD:
The perception roll was a 15, so we're all good here.
To the north, about three or four miles on the top of a fern is small campsite with a few horses. You notice it on the side of the hill. It is clearly built south of the trade post which is still north of it.
It is clear to all of you that the three riders are camped to camoflouge their position. They have set up their mounts and gear lower on the hill then they should, so that anyone looking from the north can not see them.
At this point Brett silently passes around a thin spyglass to each of you, which he removes from his satchel. A momenst glance shows that the horses are mudstained and must have been ridden all night. Further, they are currently hobbled with cord so they don't run off in the night; meaning no one set up a watch. Further, the three riders are well armed, but they are all wrapped in blankets and seem to be sleeping. Further, there is a pit dug for a fire, but it is currently burned out ash. They seem completely dead to the world.
"Hmmm... Brett mutters "if I don't miss my guess I'd say these folk be bandits. They obviously are trying to be hidden. But from what? The tradespost yonder, only a few miles away? Why camp through the night in the rain, if they could advance? I don't think anyone would reach this point from traveling south across the main road, and the tracks came from the south. There's not but wild country there... and bandits who ride from it."
"Well," he says turning to you both "three on three... I like those odds. Mayhap these are advance scouts? In either case, they make a better treat for Oleg then a wild elk or deer. What do you say? How shoudl we proceeed?" he asks. Though clearly, his mind is ready for action and his desire ready to take these men hostages, or at least interogate them roundly. He may be wrong on his assumptions though, but his logic seems sound. Nevertheless, he seems to await your decision on the matter.
"I like the idea of taking them back to the trades-post alive (or as close to it as possible). I'm sure between all our group we can 'encourage' them to talk and provide us with more information. They won't be any good to us dead."
Even as Tessara speaks, and Oleg hands her a tin cup of coffee you each notice that Alaric has taken a ring from his pocket and slips it on his finger. Out of the corner of your eye, you see his face pale noticably, and his eyes seem to roll into the back of his head... his hands grip in tight fists, and they jerk toward his chest in short tight spasms, then his body tenses, and he collapses forward to the ground.
All of this is in a matter of moments, and you barely have time to catch him as he crumples into the mud. Each of you offer what help you can, and then, after a moment or two, his eyes flutter open and he stares around him at your faces, somewhat unfocused, then seeming to see you all clearly.
** spoiler omitted **
Alaric staggers back to his feet. Not really knowing what just happened but certainly not liking the fact that whatever this ring is it just caused him to pass out.
Tessara puts one of Alaric's arms around her and slowly helps him to one of the tables in the area and helps him sit down, struggling under his extra weight. Are you okay? You just kind of passed out?
The powers you have unlocked are equal to Points. Each "Point" is equal to your current Willpower Roll. That is, your Willpower roll is 3, so you have 3 points. Some "powers" require no points to use, some require more then one. In either case you will fully "refresh" your points whenever you memorize or prepare your new spells. No matter what classes you choose in the future, your "caster level" for the powers below is equal to your total Character Level.
0 points. As long as the ring is on your person (though not your finger) gain, +1 to all Charisma based skill checks.
0 points. If you are wearing the ring gain +2 to all Charisma based skill checks.
1 point: Cast Command as a Free action, +1 Caster Level.
1 point: Cast Charm person normally.
1 point: Cast Doom normally.
If you ever expend more points then you have, (that is, go below zero), then you fall unconcious for 1 turn, and awaken fatigued until you rest for a period of 8 hours. This last part becomes more criitcal as more powers are unlocked later and they expend more then one point at a time.
After getting a good wash from a water bucket Smendor also goes to work on the fire pit.
Survival Check = 17
The great strategic warrior speaks up in his deep dwarf voice about the plan to fight off the bandits. That all sounds good I think I will just get in their way, and see where it goes from there.
Smendor takes his pipe from his pocket and starts to pack a small smoke.
While taking a drag off his pipe, “ Well if these bandits are going to attack at any time I will need to get my armor. He will start unpacking his gear.
Smendor had is head down in his pack while Alaric Winter had his moment, but looks back up when he is being helped. What is wrong with that one?
Snapping from his fugue Leto looks up. "Are you all right Alaric?" He gets the man a bit more coffee and pushes it toward him, hoping to steady him. After seeing he seems ok, the young half-elf thinks a moment.
"We may be able to turn them back, not by strength of arms but with a simple call of reason. After all, they must know that we cannot be the only ones sent from Brevoy, and that striking directly against the government, in the form of our persons, would only bring retribution of a form they could not handle." Thinking for a moment he eyes those around him, sizing up strength and weakness in an instant. "Alaric, are you well to fight? You and Tess would be best standing at the wall, hidden as best you can. Myself, Tabak and Smemdor can wait in the house. Upon the bandits arriving I will unleash the full force of my persuasive endeavors. I believe I could pass myself as a Brevic noble easily enough." With a half crooked grin he points to the mark on his cheek. "And, if agreeable, perhaps our dwarven friend and my giant can be seen as my bodyguards. A simple enough stratagem, to keep them on their toes. Should they attack, I will step back, allowing you and Tabak to fight on the direct, while the pair on the walls can support with ranged fire, as will I when at a safe distance." He pulls water from his hand again and hardens it into an icy spike. "I am not quite so helpless as I look, and these men may have to learn that sooner or later, the strong will stand with the weak." After allowing the dagger to melt back into water, which he drinks. "Still, the less bloodshed from these people the better. Revenge only begets further revenge." His eyes cloud for a moment, thinking of the dark rivalries he has seen within the Brevic houses. Then brightens once more. "Either way, these men must be turned back, and I feel my plan may work rather well. Is this agreeable with all of you? We can work in the others if they return before the bandits." Leto grins eagerly about at the others, happy to prove his worth.
"Begging your pardon, masters," Oleg says with a wolfish grin "but if we talked all day then I doubt we'd have a better plan... or if we DID have one, no one suggested it yet. In any case eat up, drink up, and let's get things ready. As for you, good sir," he says turning to Alaric "I hope you are feeling better, and more healthy... in either case, if no one has any other ideas, I guess we should make this work! And if not, now's the time for suggestions...".
He glances out over the gateway, which is still closed yet unbarred.
"Now, if we only new what happend to the other few out there? I'm curious to know what happened to them, and what their plan is too... Assuming they're DOING anything and if they even HAVE a plan, too!".
THOSE ON THE FIELD:
The perception roll was a 15, so we're all good here.
To the north, about three or four miles on the top of a fern is small campsite with a few horses. You notice it on the side of the hill. It is clearly built south of the trade post which is still north of it.
It is clear to all of you that the three riders are camped to camoflouge their position. They have set up their mounts and gear lower on the hill then they should, so that anyone looking from the north can not see them.
At this point Brett silently passes around a thin spyglass to each of you, which he removes from his satchel. A momenst glance shows that the horses are mudstained and must have been ridden all night. Further, they are currently hobbled with cord so they don't run off in the night; meaning no one set up a watch. Further, the three riders are well armed, but they are all wrapped in blankets and seem to be sleeping. Further, there is a pit dug for a fire, but it is currently burned out ash. They seem completely dead to the world.
"Hmmm... Brett mutters "if I don't miss my guess I'd say these folk be bandits. They obviously are trying to be hidden. But from what? The tradespost yonder, only a few miles away? Why camp through the night in the rain, if they could advance? I don't think anyone would reach this point from traveling south across the main road, and the tracks came from the south. There's not but wild country there... and bandits who ride from it."
"Well," he says turning to you both "three on three... I like those odds. Mayhap these are advance scouts? In either case, they make a better treat for Oleg then a wild elk or deer. What do you say? How shoudl we proceeed?" he asks. Though clearly, his mind is ready for action and his desire ready to take these men hostages, or at least interogate them roundly. He may be wrong on his assumptions though, but his logic seems sound. Nevertheless, he seems to await your decision on the matter.
Handing the spyglass back to Brett, Ariarh voices her concerns quietly but directly. "I'm not sure they're sleeping. I mean why would all three be wrapped up like that. Wouldn't they've allotted a man to be lookout? The scene doesn't look right. It can't be this easy and that's what worries me." Ariarh's face becomes more focused.
"It would make sense to get a better look. Yes, we're matched man for man, but personally I'd rather not walk into a trap. And, I think we would be better off capturing them alive and interrogating them rather than running in there with killing in mind."
Ariarh continues speaking her thoughts out aloud.
"We still don't know how many bandits have been attacking and raiding Oleg and Svetlana's tavern -- well at least I don't know the answer as I retired to the stables, last night. We don't even know if these three ARE part of the bandit group who are responsible for the ongoing attacks. I need more information and we may have a possible source just up there. What say you?"
Hands on hips, Ariarh fixes her sapphire gaze on Brett and Gideon.
There seems to be some sort of bug. I cannot see your rolls for Perception. I can only see the numbers 1d20+7, I can't actually see the results for your roll, though Ariarh seems to be able to (we are on Skype now). Please keep a heads up for this bug, as it may complicate other things too.What's a hobbit walking expedition?
Anyone can make a Survival Check, no matter what their skill rank is. If you have no ranks, it defaults to a Wisdom Check.
Further, after your Survival roll, make a Perception check.
Brett looks at your comment flatly before he urges his mount outward from the gate.
survival 1d20+2
perception 1d20+7
THOSE ON THE FIELD:
"Well," he says turning to you both "three on three... I like those odds. Mayhap these are advance scouts? In either case, they make a better treat for Oleg then a wild elk or deer. What do you say? How shoudl we proceeed?"
Indeed. I assume stealth is the plan?
"We still don't know how many bandits have been attacking and raiding Oleg and Svetlana's tavern -- well at least I don't know the answer as I retired to the stables, last night. We don't even know if these three ARE part of the bandit group who are responsible for the ongoing attacks. I need more information and we may have a possible source just up there. What say you?"
After a brief moment's contemplation at his companions words Gideon uses his measured baritone and says,
I don't recall Oleg giving a number of bandits either and I will admit it's suspicious. Either it's some kind of trap or they're not very good bandits. That being said we need to investigate regardless. If it's a trap we need to expose the would-be trapper while not getting caught ourselves. If it's the bandits we need to bloody them up a bit and bring at least one back to Oleg. Oleg mentioned the bandit's theft, but that they didn't kill anyone. It's possible that these men are not bloodthirsty, but merely desperate. If we can subdue them that's preferable to killing them, though we may still have to bloody a nose or two to show dominance. If I can get close enough I can take any unweilded weapons away from them at a distance of about thirty paces. That distance should allow us to see a trap without being caught in one. What say you?
As for you, good sir,"[/b] he says turning to Alaric "I hope you are feeling better, and more healthy... in either case, if no one has any other ideas, I guess we should make this work! And if not, now's the time for suggestions...".
I am quite all right thank you all for your concern. He says with a genuine smile. As Tessara helps him back to his feet he favors her with another smile. A momentary spell. I am fine now. He sits back down at the table. As far as when the bandits come. We have more options than the ones proposed. I have a spell that will allow us to get an even bigger surprise on the group as well as some others that could debilitate the bandits to an even greater degree. Put them to sleep, or blind them, that sort of thing. In addition, I can make an illusions in a number of different useful ways. For instance, I could make an illusion of a stack of barrels that Tabak and Smendor could hide within, allowing them to see out but the bandits would just see a bunch of barrels standing off to the side. I can make pretty much anything you can think of so long as it is just an image.
I am quite all right thank you all for your concern. He says with a genuine smile. As Tessara helps him back to his feet he favors her with another smile. A momentary spell. I am fine now. He sits back down at the table. As far as when the bandits come. We have more options than the ones proposed. I have a spell that will allow us to get an even bigger surprise on the group as well as some others that could debilitate the bandits to an even greater degree. Put them to sleep, or blind them, that sort of thing. In addition, I can make an illusions in a number of different useful ways. For instance, I could make an illusion of a stack of barrels that Tabak and Smendor could hide within, allowing them to see out but the bandits would just see a bunch of barrels standing off to the side. I can make pretty much anything you can think of so long as it is just an image.As for you, good sir,"[/b] he says turning to Alaric "I hope you are feeling better, and more healthy... in either case, if no one has any other ideas, I guess we should make this work! And if not, now's the time for suggestions...".
"A "momentary spell"... how droll!" comes the voice whispering in your head. You glance around ever so subtley, wondering if anyone ELSE can hear it... but it seesm only you are aware of the words of this mysterious "Voice".
"An excellent idea," Leto says with a smile, "That way the bandits do not even realize there is a threat until our friends fall upon them. I like the way you think, Winter." A bright smile is flashed at the sorcerer.
Speaking to Leto I do not want to put a damper on your little plan, but you are going to have a hard time convincing anyone that the person using this armor is your body guard. Smendor holds up his scale mail that has the traditional Garess House colors and also the seal in the right hand corner. The armor also has a set of steel bands above the seal to smilingly representing importance, but not a military rank.
Smendor does his best to squelch the small twinge of pride, but anyone at the fire can see he likes the fact he is not a common peasant though he is not much more than one.
In total Smendor produces a suit of well kept scale mail, and large pile steel (kilt), a leather cover in the shape of a shield, two heavy gantlets, a variety of leather straps, one war axe, and a morning star.
Smendor looks to Oleg’s wife could you points me to some oil. I need to check and oil the armor this dastardly weather is making the leather go loose.
There is no way I can trust these people. I have never seen any of them before nor was I given a list of all the other individuals that got the charter. I should start testing their truthfulness with seed questions as this excursion extends.
After Smendor gets the oil for his armor he will start going over the different parts to make sure everything is functional. He starts to speak again as he works.
There are two kinds of marauders in the world those that must fight to eat, and those that decide to fight for personal gain, and many a time the first group will quickly turn into the second after they get a taste of power.
He stops speaking for a few seconds to observer the expressions of the others.
Oleg you say they seem to go after supplies more than gold, but they also took your wife wedding ring right? He takes a drag off his pipe while he removes a piece of grime from the right shoulder of his armor, and waits for confirmation on the question.
What of the harvest the last few years? I mean what have been the living conditions over the last few years in the area? We need to identify why they fight, and that is an easy answer most of the time.
As to a plan for the assumed attack we need to make it simple and I really do not see a bunch of finger wiggling as simple.
Smendor starts working on his shield. The shield is of amazing quality. It did have its own padded sleeve.
As to a plan for the assumed attack we need to make it simple and I really do not see a bunch of finger wiggling is simple.
Alaric listens to the dwarf for a few moments and is genuinely interested in what he is saying. He makes sense when he is talking about the reasons why marauders fight and such, but when he starts talking about simple plans and finger wiggling, Alaric laughs loudly. "Finger Wiggling? I suppose to keep it simple enough for you we should just lower our heads and run into them repeatedly until they submit eh? If you wish to assault these brigands with nothing but your armor and rock hard head, be my guest. I for one prefer to use all the tools at our disposal and not disparage our talents just because you do not understand them. Perhaps you require a demonstration. I would be happy to oblige if that is the case.
Tessara is a bit surprsided at Leto's ability to form battle plans and smirks a little. Maybe there is a little more elf blood in their than I suspected origonally. She is a little hesitant to offer more advice than she already has as she feels the plan here is sound.
When the dwarf starts talking she tries to hold back the expression of her irritation. Typical dwarf, unwilling to talk and wants to just jump right into battle with unknown forces Tessara thinks to her self. Finally after Alaric speaks she jumps in Now boys fighting amongst yourselves won't prove anything other than your rather hot headed and that only helps to get you killed in battle. I agree with Leto, we should try to talk and negotiate first and then when that fails we can do as the dwarf wishes and express our physical talents. She then turns to Leto If you want me to take Smendor's place at your side I will, I can pull off the look of a bodyguard very well, as I have been one before.
Special items are different for each player, some having them longer then others. Yours, for example, has been about a month. Alaric has had his less then a week. His item, unlike the others, is slightly more... unique.
Ariarh and Gideon... need to know if you want to do Skype at 9 pm, or just post as we go for combat. Either way works fine for me, but I will need to know Gideon's Skype contact if he wants to Skype.
Ariarh and Gideon... need to know if you want to do Skype at 9 pm, or just post as we go for combat. Either way works fine for me, but I will need to know Gideon's Skype contact if he wants to Skype.
O go get all hot in your underpants and waist your power on a dwarf standing here is in pajamas before the enemy has even got here, that seems like a great way to get things started. He takes a puff from his pipe. I am simply saying there is a better chance of staying hidden if we just walk around to the other side of the building. It will also give you more of a chance to use your finger wiggling on the enemy.
I know there are things not a one of us knows anything about so I will not fully pass judgment until I have seen what ya can do, but ya sound like a bunch of snack oil to me, and please do not go off and start something on fire to prove you are not worthless. At the time he is talking about stuff he does not understand you cuts he eyes at the shield.
Let’s simply work out the basic parts of the plan.
*Do we let them into the walls?
*Do we try to find out why they are attacking?
*Do we close the gate so we know they cannot send word to the others?
*Do we fight in the open or get them to slip their numbers?
*Do we let them have their way here than follow them?
*Do we have enough food and water if we find ourselves trapped by greater numbers.
I am talking simple not stupid.
Adjusting the leather under-strapping of his armor before he gets the rest of it on. than jumping back into voice.
And we need to get hot water, strong drink, and bandages ready. There is a good chance more than one of use will be in needs of tending before to long.
I am only saying don't go disparaging that which you don't understand. If it is bodyguards you want fine I can give you twenty bodyguards if that is what you want. What I am saying is that we should not dismiss any ideas at the current moment. As for answers to your questions, to me the answers are simple and in the order that you asked them. Yes so that they do not escape to warn their brethren about us as you said. Yes, but as you said before it is probably obvious and in any case matters little the reasons behind it. If they are stealing because they are told to come here by this Stag Lord then they are supposed to die according to our charter if they do not submit and repent. If they are just a wandering band stealing because they can, same thing. If they steal because they have to, which I sincerely doubt considering this is not a desert or land scarce in wildlife, then that is another matter. No we do not follow them, we can get the information out of them about their numbers and such from a position of strength after they have been pacified. Bandits are not ones to typically lay siege to an outpost such as this, though stranger things have happened I guess. I believe that the group that left earlier might have gone out for that exact purpose, that is to gather food. I think we need to be flexible depending upon the numbers that come against us. I would prefer to end this with as little bloodshed as possible but I tell you one thing, once they enter, we should not allow them to leave in any case. That is why I believe deception and making sure we hold all the advantages is the way to go. There are many different ways Leto and my "finger waggling" can give us those advantages. Alaric stands and heads over to pour himself a glass of watered wine. Anything to say now? he says to the voice in his head.
Leto pores over the questions for a bit. "Apologies Smemdor, I know little of Dwarves, but by your attitude I would suppose your armor marks you as more than common. However, Alaric's suggestion of hiding you and Tabak eliminates this particular problem. No one else will know of your position if they never see you." At Tess's comment Leto smiles,
"I'd love to have such a beautiful lady at my side, but I'd feel even better if you were able to use the marksmanship I have heard the elves are famous for." Leto listens intently to the questions, obviously deep in thought, his eyes reflecting this with the deep blue of deep ocean. "Keeping them outside the walls seems antagonistic, I say we allow them. As for finding out why, I can certainly attempt that in my negotiations. Closing the gate seems a bad idea, we are trying to appeal to their rationale, slamming the door behind them turns them into rats in a trap, and enemies backed into a corner can be far more dangerous than those with an escape." The boy rubs a scrap of red ribbon on his arm. "Knowing how handy Tabak is, having heard of the dwarves martial abilities, hearing tales of elven archery, and feeling Alaric's strength myself... I believe we will be fine to keep them together, so long as they do not outnumber us by more than one or two. If so... perhaps hit them and then fade between the buildings, to keep them from grouping. All we require for now is for us to bloody their noses a bit, make them think that perhaps there is easier prey elsewhere. As to letting them have their way...." Leto's eyes rise to Oleg. "I swear to you, sir. While I draw breath these bandits will not take anything more of yours. Furthermore, I will do all in my power to return the symbol of your love to your wife." Leto bows a courtly, graceful bow. He pulls his hands into a grand gesture, "Come, my fellows, let's make these bandits think twice about moving against us. We begin taking this land back here. If they run, I say let them. Let them leave, taking word of the new warriors in this land. The men, and women, who will send them shaking in fear, before we send them screaming from our lands." Leto's face is split by a fierce, righteous grin through his speech, and he looks about, watching for the others reaction to his passionate speech.
I appreciate your enthusiasm Leto, but letting them go if we do not absolutely have to, I believe is a bad idea. For one thing we need to interrogate them in order to find out more about what is going on in this area and about their leaders. In the second case, bloodying their nose and sending them back is perhaps the worst thing we can do, because then they will come back in force and you will have your siege. They are already guilty of banditry and as such their lives are forfeit should they not repent as based on our charter. If they never come back from this mission, that sends a much more menacing message to their people and it deprives them of manpower, intelligence and in final is just the right thing to do. They have been terrorizing Oleg and Svetlana for some time now. They deserve justice and that is what we shall give them. I can decimate their numbers with a few spells. One sends a spray of colors that can knock them unconscious and blind them. I have a spell that can put several of them to sleep. Unless they are exceptionally strong willed, which I doubt as they are bandits, they will succumb. I am sure you have similar talents Leto do you not? I believe we should ambush these thieves not TREAT with them! Smendor, would your iron willed people ever treat with those that stole from them? Not waiting for an answer Alaric continues oneOf course they wouldn't! Dwarves are a people of honor! Tess, would your elven brothers and sisters treat with scoundrels that robbed from them? Of course they wouldn't, and we are no different! These people have taken us into their home and we respond by saying we should negotiate with their tormentors. No...enough is enough! We take the fight to them and give them a rude welcome when they get here! By the end of this speech, Alaric has gotten a more passionate tone. You can tell he is fairly in his element speaking like this.
Good Words Good Words gives the table a hard one two three slams.
but I will not be letting them run and go tell anyone anything or the next time they show you finger wigglers will be full of arrows. Skin and leather does not stop an arrow all that often.
Smendor is now fully armored. The only location not covered with steel is his face.
I think we can walk and talk at the same time. We should walk the grounds, check the walls, get a good bit of knowledge about the turns and corners, and make sure we know where the mud holes are.
As Gideon has not posted, responded, or done anything at this time, I will be NPCing his character for this skirmish. We shall play round by round on the site, not Skype, so everyone can follow along for this one, and in case Gideon decides to jump in.
For now, I need a decisive plan on what youw ill do, including skills you decide to take and moves you make.
As Gideon has not posted, responded, or done anything at this time, I will be NPCing his character for this skirmish. We shall play round by round on the site, not Skype, so everyone can follow along for this one, and in case Gideon decides to jump in.
For now, I need a decisive plan on what youw ill do, including skills you decide to take and moves you make.
"I think we should draw closer so we can get a better look at the camp. I suggest riding 2 miles up and then walking the rest of the distance so as to provide an element of surprise or at the least a quieter advance. I need to have a better look at the men in those sleeping rolls. I have a bad feeling, since their fire has died down and none have woken at this hour."
"I think we should draw closer so we can get a better look at the camp. I suggest riding 2 miles up and then walking the rest of the distance so as to provide an element of surprise or at the least a quieter advance. I need to have a better look at the men in those sleeping rolls. I have a bad feeling, since their fire has died down and none have woken at this hour."As Gideon has not posted, responded, or done anything at this time, I will be NPCing his character for this skirmish. We shall play round by round on the site, not Skype, so everyone can follow along for this one, and in case Gideon decides to jump in.
For now, I need a decisive plan on what youw ill do, including skills you decide to take and moves you make.
Gideon and Brett will take your lead, and urge their mounts behind quietly along until you reach the lower end of the hill.
From you here you are about one mile from a slowly raising crest. There is thick grasses, but the rains in the evening have led a small delgues to fill the lower end of the hill with muddy and filthy brackish water, even as you rest in it. However, as the ground warms and the airs are cold and damp, you see a fine thick mist swirled about your lower legs from the earth.
On the rise of the hill the horses above knicker from time to time, but the bandits seem to make no sound. I need everyone to make Perception rolls at this time, and I assume the Information will be shared. I shall make the rolls for Brett and Gideon.
Perception for Brett
Perception for Gideon
Perception:
Perception: 1d20 + 8
EDIT:
YIKES! QUICK NOTE TO LETO's CHARACTER
DUDE! I don't have your character sheet. Please forward it on to me at "Dain120475@aol.com" I can't seem to find it anywhere, though I may have missed it. Apologies for the inconvience.
Perception: 1d20 + 8
EDIT:
Perception: 1d20 + 8
EDIT:
Luckily the target number was 18... ;)
At this position you can see the riders have their cloaks wrapped tight around them. Stacked next to one, laying against the slope of the hill, is a long bow, still strung, and a quiver of arrows next to it.
Further, there is no wood for the fire left, just damp bits and pieces.
Further, the horses are clearly agitated by the weather and seeming mistreat by the riders, as they are not able to move about, graze, and seem genuinely miserable. They are still saddled, and any attempt to cover them with a blanket or some such is lacking.
Further there is a lose collection of lances laying against the hill and a pile of sacks and bags laying there.
"If they are outriders, they should be flogged for their inability to treat their beasts better," Brett says with a shake of his head.
"But I think there is more to it then that..." he adds. "They are clearly unintrested in taking care of their mounts, and themselves. Anyone with any wilderness experience would have, or should have, had the sense to remove the gear from their horse while they slept, else the horses would be worn out in the morning. Further, he left his bow strung all night... in this weather that cord will wane in strength what with the damp and rain and chill; that's why you don't string a bow unless you mean to use it. Now, my guess is that they're just laying about, sleeping like cocksure fools. I say we move up there quick and quiet, lay arms to them, and order them to make some answers. They seem to be sleepy enough that we can take them by surprise in case. What do you think?"
Good Words Good Words gives the table a hard one two three slams.
but I will not be letting them run and go tell anyone anything or the next time they show you finger wigglers will be full of arrows. Skin and leather does not stop an arrow all that often.
Smendor is now fully armored. The only location not covered with steel is his face.
I think we can walk and talk at the same time. We should walk the grounds, check the walls, get a good bit of knowledge about the turns and corners, and make sure we know where the mud holes are.
Sounds good to me Smendor. Tessara, Leto would you care to accompany us?
"Pity my griffon cannot speak. It would have been useful as I could have sent him over to the sleeping fellows to determine if they are real or simply decoy." Ariarh sighs.
Ariarh determines it would be in the best interest of the party (here and back at the inn/tavern) to see what the situation is with these bandits.
"Perhaps I should approach them alone. This way if there are indeed men in those sleeping sacks I can concoct some lame story of being lost out here and in need of assistance. I can play a damsel in distress quite well, if needs be, and at least rouse them from their slumber. You two can be close by in case it is a trap. Let's hope it isn't the latter."
"Pity my griffon cannot speak. It would have been useful as I could have sent him over to the sleeping fellows to determine if they are real or simply decoy." Ariarh sighs.
Ariarh determines it would be in the best interest of the party (here and back at the inn/tavern) to see what the situation is with these bandits.
"Perhaps I should approach them alone. This way if there are indeed men in those sleeping sacks I can concoct some lame story of being lost out here and in need of assistance. I can play a damsel in distress quite well, if needs be, and at least rouse them from their slumber. You two can be close by in case it is a trap. Let's hope it isn't the latter."
"Wait, I'm confused... your plan is to just walk up there alone and talk to them? Ask them some information while by yourself... and you want us to stay back and watch at a safe distance, in hiding?" Brett asks furrowing his brow.
"Am I missing something, or is that your plan? If not, explain. If so, well, get going and I guess we'll leave you to it... "
"Pity my griffon cannot speak. It would have been useful as I could have sent him over to the sleeping fellows to determine if they are real or simply decoy." Ariarh sighs.
Ariarh determines it would be in the best interest of the party (here and back at the inn/tavern) to see what the situation is with these bandits.
"Perhaps I should approach them alone. This way if there are indeed men in those sleeping sacks I can concoct some lame story of being lost out here and in need of assistance. I can play a damsel in distress quite well, if needs be, and at least rouse them from their slumber. You two can be close by in case it is a trap. Let's hope it isn't the latter."
"Wait, I'm confused... your plan is to just walk up there alone and talk to them? Ask them some information while by yourself... and you want us to stay back and watch at a safe distance, in hiding?" Brett asks furrowing his brow.
"Am I missing something, or is that your plan? If not, explain. If so, well, get going and I guess we'll leave you to it... "
"It just seemed to make more sense to me that only one of us makes the initial approach in case it IS a trap. I mean what's the use of all of us being put in such a situation. Plus, being the only female I thought they might 'respond' better to me than two quarrelsome males. I've been told I'm rather comely ... and I have a charming smile. I'm not devoid of common sense but they would probably underestimate me being I'm only some itsy-bitsy female. Ariarh looked at both men but more directly at Brett.
"Have you got a better plan, good Sir?" Ry could not help the dry bite from her voice. Still, she was happy to listen to what the men had to say since she wasn't inflexible in her initial plan.
"As YOU say so, miss," Brett says with a flat smile. "But where words fail, steel prevails, as MY folk used to say..." he adds sliding the musket from his saddle and the loop of cord dangling from it. He checks the priming and flint and steel, even as Gideon eyes his weapon somewhat dubiosly.
"Well, lass... get on it, we'll be back here then, to cover you as we may, IF you need covering..." he adds the last without a glance even as you are free to "make your move".
Sounds good to me Smendor. Tessara, Leto would you care to accompany us?Good Words Good Words gives the table a hard one two three slams.
but I will not be letting them run and go tell anyone anything or the next time they show you finger wigglers will be full of arrows. Skin and leather does not stop an arrow all that often.
Smendor is now fully armored. The only location not covered with steel is his face.
I think we can walk and talk at the same time. We should walk the grounds, check the walls, get a good bit of knowledge about the turns and corners, and make sure we know where the mud holes are.
Sure, it would be good to know what kind of grounds we're working from she says as she moves to join the rest of the party. She will spend the time looking over the grounds and paying special attention to the towers to see how safe they are to man. She will also scout for back up positions for her to get to if something were to go wrong.
At this point, the party has a chance to do several things. The most obvious is to prepare for a plan. Question is, what plan specifically?
I have heard a few options, but this will involve some teamwork to get things done properly. Let me know what your plan is specifically, then we shall get things ready...
I'll see if I can't play the usual "80's Montage Music" for getting things ready, like the A-Team theme song or something... :)
Kidding aside, once you come up with a specific plan. Choose the "leader" of the team who will put it into action. This person will have the modifier for the plan (theoretically), and the others may roll to aid. The modifier will depend on the plan. Once I know specifically what you will do, I'll let you know about the modifier.
"While I prefer to leave them alive and afraid, I see your point Alaric. A good plan. I have no similar powers I'm afraid, most of my magic is focusing on making my allies, like Tabak here, more powerful. However I do see that if you are capable of these things, we would be better to end them now. In that case I may be beside the lady instead. I am an expert negotiator, but up close..." Leto pulls a face. "Let's just say I'd rather not let them get within blades reach. If we are sure this should become an ambush, perhaps we can keep a similar formation, but with me and Alaric's positions switched. Or perhaps Smemdor as our representative."
YIKES! QUICK NOTE TO LETO's CHARACTER
DUDE! I don't have your character sheet. Please forward it on to me at "Dain120475@aol.com" I can't seem to find it anywhere, though I may have missed it. Apologies for the inconvience.