Elven team in Campaign Elves vs Dwarves -- Dwarves and Gnomes Keep Out (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

I hope my recollection of the harbor and description are sufficient, but I can add no more.

"The challenges of landing in the harbor are insignificant to that of landing along the jungle coastline. As our young druid can verify, the risk of predators and natives is also great in the jungle."

Moved over from discussion thread for completeness.

The Queen has honored me by requesting I precede over the award ceremony. Once we are all gathered in the great hall I will commence the proceedings. Where Windfavor, will be our guest of honor and shall receive his well deserved medal. a Short speech in the form of song and then the medal will be bestowed. Then if Windfavor chooses to he may also say some words. hopefully there will be much celebration and some storys to share after the proceedings. Though maybe not to much Elven absinth the eve before our important task.She smiles and sets about sorting out the proceedings. Nervous about messing up such a momentous occasion.

"Wow, an awards ceremony for me; 50 years goes fast. What time are we sailing in the morning Setlyn?"

Windfavor is hoping to take a two-elf canoe out with someone tonight and needs to know what time the anchor goes up. That will affect how long he stays out.

** spoiler omitted **

If Windfavour is looking for company on a night like tonight, then I am always ready to speak with a comrade in arms about old battlefields and comrades both old and new. I would happily sit with him and wile the evening away

The actions of Elorin and Valesia affect my morale. After they describe the activities of the ceremony, we will cast off.

First statement moved over from discussion thread.

Windfavor, your kind offer of a canoe ride is much appreciated. I am afraid I shall be busy preparing for your ceremony, otherwise I would have been glad to join you. I hope tomorrow will be to your liking. I would want it to be fitting for a Elf of your standing. I hope I do not let you or the Queen down. As she has only a short time to perfect her song, she excuses herself at a polite and appropriate moment and finds somewhere quiet to practice. She is determined to do her Elven kind proud.

Sadly, I'm afraid I've got a new spell to work on and get memorized, so I won't have time to join you. Send the guest of honor my best wishes, and I'll see you all on the boat.

Anyone and everyone is invited to the ceremony even any npc's we haven't met yet and anyone that knows Windfavor

I will attend, if only for a short while.

It seems silly to hold a banquet of this kind just the night before a potential conflict on the morrow. I am not sure what the Queen means with all this. Whilst we are prepared and our skills are not to be scorned at, are we good enough for the kind of opposition that her augury revealed.

"Talon, thank you for your offer, if Valesia is unavailable, I will glady show you Jumping Seahorse Island. I plan on departing at first moon."

Telethal is quiet through the planning, letting smarter minds to their thing. He's obviously caught off-guard by the ceremony invitation, looking at the floor as he answers, "I don't know... seems like a lot of fancy elves bein' fancy. I wouldn't' want to ruin anything."

When he's assured that's not the case, he smiles weakly and accepts, "... though I shouldn't stay too long. Gotta get some sleep for the mission."

Telethal, my friend. None of us are truly used to the pomp and ceremony of the gathering. Worry yourself not about doing something that might not be quite right, I am sure that we will all back you to the hilt. As is often said, a single arrow might be turned by a shield, but a volley of 20 is much harder to escape from unharmed.

Talon smiles and agrees that the mission does indeed run most important in his mind also. I think I speak for us all when I say that I will sleep easier when this mission is over with.

The half-elf nods, but his face plainly reads, I want you to think I understand all those words, but I'm pretty much lost...

:)

We need to find if Valesia takes a canoe ride, if not it is Talon. We also need to have Elorin inspire and describe the ceremony. Then we need Setlyn to give final instructions. As Windfavor is in charge from castoff to docking (he is the Grand Admiral)--I'll go through those events quickly. Any feedback on the new pace of the game and an effort to involve the entire group is appreciated on the discussion thread. We are going more for an epic story than a 'hack and slash' now; I can adapt. I am thinking Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon versus Fast and Furious now.

"Setlyn, once the ship sails, I am in charge of the ship. My word is final. As soon as we dock, it is your operation."

Everyone that is attending enters the great hall. Queen Ceidrel Already in attendance in her throne. the great hall adorned with effigies of the sea and blue and white themed flowers and hangings. Every has space to sit as Elorin Sets up the stage area. Windfavor enters by the Queens throne and sits at her right hand.

People whisper amongst themselves until the ceramony begins. The queen stands and is followed by the audience. the Queen gives welcoming speech and invites people to sit once more. Queen Ceidral feel free to type what you would of said.I don't wish to speak for anyone else.

thank you for comeing everyone we are hear to honour Windfavor, a Sailor of fifty year now. HE has done countless thing sfor our kind and we woudl be less of a comunity if not for his deeds. in honour of this, in honour of Windfavor and at the request of the queen I have prepared a song. She sings the following song.

There's a ship... on a voyage to
a human bay.. captain brave in every way
Lonely sailor... passes the time away
taking people out and home.

And he was a man... known around town
he worked with the sea... sailing around
They say he, wont let you run aground"
his sailing it is mighty fine

The elves say "Windfavor, you're a fine man"
"What a good husband you would be"
"Yeah your eyes could steal the salt from the sea"

Windfavor... carries a heavy heart
he and an druidess been far apart
in truth... his loyalty to his queen
kept him going from the start

He came... on a summer's day
Bringing gifts... from far away
But he made it clear... he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home

The sailor said "druid, you're a fine girl"
"What a good wife you will be"
"But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea"

Windfavor kept a watchful eye
Always when he came to port
he could feel the ocean foam rise
he saw its raging glory
he always saw the truth, lord, he he wanted to see her face
But she is gone he understands

At night... when the bars close down
her spirit walks through a silent town
And loves a man... though she's not around
She still can hear him say

She hears him say, "druid, you're a fine girl"
"What a good wife you would be"
"But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea"

"Druid, you're a fine girl"

"What a good wife you would be"
"But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea"

Elorin was very happy with her performance and so nervous that Windfavor would like it that she had to stop herself from visibly shaking.

She gives a small bow after ending the song and proceeds to the medals.

And now our beautiful queen will bestow upon Windfavor his medal and honours. She moves to her seat and enjoys the proceedings.

Queen Ceidral Stands,a s does wind favour. She holds the medal to his chest and speaks of why he deserves the medal and thanks him from the court and for his service so far. again Queen Ceidral, feel free to type if you wanted to say something specific there.

Once the medal is passed, the audience gives applause and the whole grand hall is filled with the echo of congratulations.

Seltyn nods to Windfavor. Understood, Captain.

We're about as ready as we can be until we know the physical environment and start talking to people.

Seltyn, in his over-thinking and grandiloquent way, has some suggestions while you're on the boat (and stuck with listening to him).

We've got plenty of muscle, since we'll all be together. I'd like Mar to be in front with Telethal. Ingwe can still guard the captain, and maybe Velesia could hang out on the boat, too. She can shoot from there, and if anybody tries to get on uninvited, she can shank them with one of 2 flankers. I doubt entangle will work on a dock, so a couple cure spells from Mar will probably get used. If he needs to summon something, so be it.

I can still use the message spell with Velesia. She's a good spotter, so she might be able to see something we can't from the boat and warn me. Maybe. Depends on the layout. I can renew it as long as I can see her.

With Mar and Telethal in front of her, Elorin can try a charm spell and maybe not be seen casting it. I'll be right next to Tele. Enlarge is a long spell to cast, so I'll shout our cue and cast it, then move back, if we fight.

Talon can be the rearguard, and plink away in the event of hostilities. Does that sound okay to everybody? The canoes might serve as impromptu cover, if we row away in a hail of arrows. We'll try to avoid that...

This all depends on the size and shape of the dock, who's there, etc. That's all I got...

Awesome song!

thank you, just to clarify, in the above plan am I casting charm straight away or only if combat occurs?

I believe the Charm spell is used on the leader to get him to only charge us the one bag of seeds. Additionally, if things begin to go sideways with the negotiations (which hopefully they won't' with our lovely and silver-tongued Elorin), I'd suggest we throw out some intimidates on him to make sure he knows that if they attack, he's going to die first. Being in charge sure can suck sometimes. :)

Until we know who to charm, and whether or not we can pull it off, things remain...fluid... Intimidate sounds good. Won't hurt to try.

Yah, I'd think we'd want to use intimidate as a Plan B, though. Lead with the sweet-talking. if that fails, move to the threatening and posturing. If that fails... well... we'll just see where we're at at that point.

When Elorin sits back down, Telethal lumbers over with a grin plastered on his face, "That was beautiful!" he looks like he's about to continue, but thinks better of it and just smiles, letting the ceremony continue.

Plenty of buildup. We will go forward.

To briefly summarize the action. A critical mission was assigned to six elf heroes by the elven queen: they need to approach a human settlement and return with five boxes of goods to sustain the elf community for another year. After an augury revealed a possible future of a hostile reception with armed thugs at high noon, the party carefully planned their options. Understanding landing in the surrounding jungle is perilous, they decide to enter the natural harbor as was done the year before, but show up at sunrise (many hours earlier than the scheduled 'meet time') for recon. They have been given two pouches of magic seeds to trade for the supplies, seeds that cannot be replaced and can rapidly reforest entire areas.

Learning that their captain Windfavor, a half-sea elf, is somewhat despondent, the elf queen, Elorin, and Valesia decide to schedule a ceremony in his honor where Elorin performs an excellent song to improve his spirits. Windfavor is smitten with Valesia and invited her for a moonlight cruise in his canoe to see seahorses, but being a complete gentlemen, whether or not they went can only be answered by Valesia. Seltyn addresses the team and gives them well defined roles, but he understands the moment they sail, Windfavor is in charge.

All that remain of the elven community, approximately 500 elves turn out to witness the departure of the seven heroes. Lady Ciedrel herself blesses the group after Seltyn gives his premission brief.

Windfavor, wearing his new decorations on a plain tunic, is a changed elf. He seems more confident then ever. "I am not just a common ferryman, I am the Grand Admiral. He gives orders with confidence, and his quick to repeat them loudly when they are not carried out. His frequent glances and smiles at Elorin and Velesia leave no doubt as to the source of his new confidence.

Approaching the harbor, the group notices that the reception committee in the augury is not there. Windfavor looks at the layout of the harbor with a keen eye. He repeats again, "I am not a common ferryman, I am the Grand Admiral. Seltyn,any elf can handle the boat with this hooked pole as we drift in, grab that big loop at the end of the pier. The time is right to approach."

Not wanting to lose his sailing momentum, he sails directly toward the main pier. He drinks a small dark green vial and orders Valesia to accompany him to the back of the boat. "Valesia, grab my neck, and don't be afraid to breathe deep. Seltyn, we will surface somewhere along the wall to the left. No one will see us. When the ship is securely docked, you are back in charge. You can leave this harbor without me, I can catch up later, I don't always need a boat." With that, he grabs Valesia and dives out the back of the boat and the two disappears underwater. A large collection of bubbles head off to the left (port) and then disappear. The ship gently coasts in to the end of the large pier to the surprise of a small work crew there.

Description of harbor to follow. Obviously he didn't need the two elf canoe.

Talon looks at the pair of elves as they slip over the side of the boat. His face betrays amusement and a small hint of frustration. All the planning that they had done, and it came down to the imbibing of some potion and a quick dive into the sea. Even though he was an elf, the capabilities of his race constantly surprised him. Especially when they pulled off a move like that.

I need one of those potions. All that nonsense with the boats and the like, and we could have swigged something or other and just swum for it. Bah. Well, at least we know Velesia is in good hands, and it is good to have Windfavour in such a good mood.

Turning to Setlyn, his mind back on the task on hand, movements quick and economical as his bow is strung and one quiver of arrows checked.
What is the next move Seltyn? What are your orders

Quickly jumping onto the pier, calling to the work crew. Who do we speak to about supplies? We were told that we were to come here and enact a trade for supplies that we need. If you gentlemen can direct me to where I need to be, then I will be grateful.

Would you like me to roll for anything?

We still need to know how big the dock is, etc.

Seltyn will make sure the boat's tied up and positioned for a quick row-away. Windfavor's got his own plan going on, so we don't need to worry about him or Velesia.

I don't know how people will react to Ingwe, but Mar can leave him or bring him, whichever he likes. We can all get out and have a look around. Hopefully, the workers can point us to whoever we're there to see.

We'll show proper deference to Elorin and follow her cue.

Talon's got +8 perception, the others +7, the near-sighted wiz has +1. We'll take 10 on checks while we either wait or go to see someone.

Seltyn recovers quickly and quickly snags a cleat on the side of the main pier with his hooked pole. Seltyn DEX check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Telethal helps brace him and stop the boat. Talon quickly jumps onto the pier, calling to the work crew. "Who do we speak to about supplies? We were told that we were to come here and enact a trade for supplies that we need. If you gentlemen can direct me to where I need to be, then I will be grateful." The druid calms his pet while Elorin quickly secures a line.

The main pier extends for 200' to the shore. The shore is about 50' deep and 150' wide and bisected by 30 foot ramp leading to 20' square combination tower and stairs climbing about 100' to the top. Next to the tower a pulley system is being constructed to easily lower cargo to the beach.

The two side piers each consist of about 9 30' long sections lashed to the side of wall and shore until the meet at the main pier. About 20 humans are fishing, checking traps, and socializing at each pier.

The four dockworkers making repairs to the little used pier with hammers, mallets, nails and pegs drop their tools and are dumbfounded. The bustle of activity at the side piers dies quickly to a low murmur.

That is called a dramatic entrance.

Perception for Talon : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 circumstance bonus

Talon sees no combatants on the piers or shore; mostly civilians. He does notice a stain in the trousers of one of the workers. The human dock workers get over their initial shock until the leopard disembarks, then they break into a run for shore.

You are masters of the main pier.

Well, that went... strangely. All that talk of protecting people, making plans, and we jump onto the pier. And what was up with the captain taking Valesia? I hope they dont do anything stupid.

Mar gets out of the boat, taking one unsure step and then a second, and Ingwe jumps off gracefully to land without a sound beside his friend. Looking around, the humans working the docks have fled.

Err, I dont think they were quite expecting us. I think they might go run and tell someone.

Telethal nods at Marlamin, "We're early. They probably won't be happy when they get here." A wicked smile shows his excitement at that thought. He takes one long step onto the dock and squats down, leaning the long spear against his shoulder as he watches the dock with his dull eyes, "Guess we wait." He watches the elf's graceful hunting cat for a few seconds, "Stay close. Seltyn said we should be ready if blades come out."

Marlamin, Ingwe certainly has a way with the locals. This may be to our advantage later. I agree I am sure they are off to tell guards at least. Its nice to know a small band of Elves makes such an impact.She smiled at Marlamin. She felt he was a little selfconscious sometimes but had been around Druids before and knew how powerful they where and she had seen him make many an astute observation. She hoped this experience and others would help boost his confidence.

I think we should wait on the ship or on the disembarking plank. Telethal and myself can wait closest to or on the pier. I get the feeling after this we will need to show a strong force. Elorin prepares the charm person spell. takes a big breath and slowly breathes out. This is a much more important performance for her than the ceremony. She stands fast and steels her resolve. nothing mattered now but the lives of those she was with and the supplies. Glad once more to have Telethal at her side, she not only felt safer but a little more confident when he was around.

Talon perhaps you should stand by me also.Remembering what Seltyn has sugested about casting unseen.your keen eye may see something coming before us and give us a crucial few moments to prepare.Talon was brash sometimes but he always had a strong mind and could see trouble coming quicker than anyone there.

A faint smile of amusement tinged with disgust crossed Talon's face. Human's scared so easily. After all, he had tried to play nice.

If those humans go and find someone who knows about what is going in then that is surely to our benefit?

Turning to face Elorin. My eyes are always at your service if you wish. I will keep an eye out.

We watch and wait. Gods know what people think about elves around here.

that we're punctual? :)

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Valesia, we could use a post. I will move on tomorrow regardless and it will not significantly affect gameplay.

you should of said that in character Telethal. hehe

Thought about it.. thought the word 'punctual' may be out of his limited vocabulary.

So, how'd the party go last night? Windfavor certainly took a shine to Velesia. What's that about? Anybody know?

Telethal shrugs dismissively without looking up from where he expects the humans to appear, "Don't know. He looked pretty happy after Elorin's song, though." He looks completely unaware that his statement in no way answers the wizard's question.

They had a nice time together in the night, although the particulars are beyond me. All that matters for us right now is that the captain is off the ship, our rogue is with him I am assuming, and we are here high and dry, waiting for something to happen. Whilst there are no immediate dangers, these lands are not the most friendly to our kind. It's not a situation I like.

Part of me almost hopes that those workmen have reported us to someone, at least then we would know where we stand, and can do something about it. Would anyone like to go to a bar with me? The first round is on me.

Anyone closely watching Talon will note that despite the bravado, there is a great deal of tension in him. He is clearly not comfortable.

He goes back to checking his arrows, taking his time and then double checking them all.

I hope the ceremony was a success people seemed to like it and Windfavor certainly seems to be carrying a lighter load on his shoulders. Beyond that I could not tell you much I was preparing for today after the ceremony itself.

She saw the tension in Talon and rested her hand on his shoulder. No doubt we will all be celebrating after this, so don't worry we will be at the bar toasting our victory before long. I wouldn't trust anyone more than you to be the eyes of our group. lets sully your vision after the mission with a few Elven absinth, on me, ok? she smiled at him and tried to reassure him with her touch and look. the last thing they needed right now is a tense group of elves waiting for a surprised group of humans.

In attempt to break the tension in the air she began singing an old Elvish folk song. of adventure and success. quietly enough so to not disturb anyone and break concentration but loud enough so people can hear.

Mar is just as clueless as the rest of them. I have no idea what went on. I wonder what the potion was.

The idea of the captain just grabbing Velesia had him on edge. No good man grabbed a woman like that, is what my mother would have said.

While the memories of the award ceremony run through her head, Velesia stares in wonder at the bubble Windfavor seems to have created. Gone is her surprise over being taken overboard, now replaced by amusement. She doesn't have much time for smiles, however, as Windfavor readily deposits her in a grand sniping position. "Thank you much my dear pirate. I think this will do nicely." She sets up, taking stock of the area, as she readies her bow.

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

The party, unaware of where Velesia and Windfavor are, will stay at the end of the pier and wait for someone to come to talk to us.

After about 15 minutes, you notice activity up top. A large crate is loaded on the pulley system by a crew of two and slowly lowered. A delegation of eight thugs emerges from the base of the combo stairs and tower and heads your way. Later two workers move to the base of the pulley system and give hand signals. As the thugs approach you notice the leader has a large greataxe slung over a shoulder while the rest have swortswords and small bucklers. They are wearing scale mail under loose fitting cloaks with the occasional cape.

"You elves have some nerve showing up early. We don't even have the goods ready for pickup. You are on our land without permission. I think we need to collect the two pouches of seeds, load up your vessel, and get you out of here before some elf gets hurt. Show us the seeds now."

It is approximately 30 minutes from docking.

The leader had that look about him I'd seen before, of someone who wants a fight. I'll not give it to him.

Mar makes sure to stay back, and uses his hand to guide Ingwe behind him, keeping him mostly out of sight.

I sure hope that bard can work her charms on this one.

Seltyn will wait for Elorin to play the diplomat and do the talking, and stand next to Telethal.

Talon will slowly look at these humans, armed for war even within their own lands. They were a strange race that was for sure. It was almost as if they expected a fight, despite there having been no real provocation given, other than a workman soiling himself over a small cat.
He reaches for his bow, arrows close by. Whilst no arrow has been nocked and set ready, the implied threat is there.

Hopefully nothing stupid will happen on this day. A single sack of seeds is reasonable, not double that.

We are well aware of the tensions between our two races, hence we came early so as to be gone before too many noticed our presence.

Elorin speaks in a calm quiet authoritative tone.(Much like a teacher addressing her class on first day, without the condescending tone some bad teachers have) She talks in slightly lower and silkier voice than anyone has heard from her before.

She addresses the human that spoke first.

I mean no inconvenience. I had heard of your issues with neighboring towns and simply wished to be here as less a time as possible. As I am sure you will agree the less time we spend here the less chance of rumors spreading. The better it is for all involved. To that end we chose to arrive at a time when you would have less people to silence about this transaction.

She smiles a polite smile and looks around at the humans with a piercing but not intruding gaze.

You all seem to be very capable. I can see why the king would send you. The king would appear to want us gone as quickly as possible also. It seems to me you are the fastest men around when it comes to loading from your side. with you as a leader I am not surprised.

She does her best to sound flattering but not flirty. taking calming breathes quietly enough so non can hear. hoping Talon and Telethal are ready should it all go wrong.

She waits for his reply and to judge his demeanor, before broaching the negotiations over seeds. As she can see they have some time before things will be loaded.

Why don't you go ahead and toss a Diplomacy roll on there, Elorin? Seems like you're trying to adjust his attitude towards you. Just a suggestion.

While you're at it, why don't you do the polite thing and go shake his hand... and hit him with a Charm spell. :)

At the arrival of the humans, Telethals only action is to casually stand up and begin stretching out his shoukders, his long spear still leaning against his body. He watches the big human with the axe with a special attention. The leader has the look about him I've seen before, of someone who wants to fight. He can't help but to grin a ruined grin. Oh, I'LL give it to him.

charm spell is in reserve in case its needed, though my characters thinking is if we use spells to get the goods, he going to realise as soon as it wears off and it wont bode well for future meetings.

Why don't you go ahead and toss a Diplomacy roll on there, Elorin? Seems like you're trying to adjust his attitude towards you. Just a suggestion.

While you're at it, why don't you do the polite thing and go shake his hand... and hit him with a Charm spell. :)

At the arrival of the humans, Telethals only action is to casually stand up and begin stretching out his shoukders, his long spear still leaning against his body. He watches the big human with the axe with a special attention. The leader has the look about him I've seen before, of someone who wants to fight. He can't help but to grin a ruined grin. Oh, I'LL give it to him.

Seems like you and I had the same idea.