Into the West (Inactive)

Game Master Simeon

As the others try and talk John Thomas quietly makes sure his shield is strapped on tightly. A grim smile on his face.

They have not been much for talking so far but maybe it will work. Maybe.

Kuruk takes the opportunity during this farce to cast savage maw on Huera, and is ready to take the bull aspect in anticipation of "peace."

'Well now one will be able to say we didn't try.' Riding Marion forward, Lifting his hand in a gesture of peace, Angus nods in agreement with Zaranna "Yes the war is over, let us speak peaceably."

aid: diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

As the group approaches the Mexica stockade, the Mexica draw their weapons and seem ready to attack. However, Angus and Zaranna, persuasive as they are, seem to calm the Mexica slightly. One of them calls out loudly in heavily accented English, "Why are you here? Tell us, or we strike!"

That was quite impressive diplomacy. The Mexica are now unfriendly as opposed to hostile.

Despite it being his idea to negotiate, Guujaw stays to the back and tries to stay outside of the line of fire.

Note - I should explicitly point out that any animals within 30 feet of me get a +2 bonus on their saves. The only animal I can see is the buffalo

Moving Marion a little closer, and making sure he keeps his hands away from his firearms, Angus nods towards Zarranna "My Friend asked if We could speak to your leader. It might be best so you fellows don't get stuck in the middle of negotiations."

I don't think we can make a request with un-friendlies. Do you want angus to roll a separate diplomacy for 'influence attitude' or is it one per party?

Zaranna nods at what Angus says, adding We would just like to discuss finding a way to peace. We wish you no harm.

The Mexica whisper to themselves for a few moments, before one of them nods. He calls out once more, "We will open the gate. Once inside, hand over your weapons."

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Angus nods to acknowledge that he has heard them, "We will talk amongst ourselves to see who will speak to your leader."

So not to take his eyes off of the warriors, Angus pulls Marions reigns, causing him to slowly back up to where the others are at. Waiting for Zaranna to join them he asks. "Do we trust them enough for some of us to parley? If so, who and how many?"

Looking from one to the other he taps his captured armor and weapoins, adding "Whatever we do, I would prefer leaving our weapons here with one of our own, than to let the see us with these."

John Thomas nods at leaving the weapons but whispers.

Weapons don't matter much for me. Maybe I go in with someone to do the talking?"

He shrugs. "Not that I am anxious to get stabbed some more."

"It seems foolish to me to wander into what may be a trap. Why not propose a compromise, one or 2 of us leave behind our weapons and advance towards the fort, one or 2 of them leave behind THEIR weapons and advance towards us. That way the people talking can do so but neither side can easily be taken prisoner by the other.

I'm not very good at talking to people but I also do not rely on weapons."

Everyone going would be safest, but I see your point. Perhaps then, the people who don't rely on weapons and our best negotiator. If we go in there, we need to have a shared goal in mind, however.

I am an elf. I wish for the government of this country to recognize that my people were here before they came, and to negotiate borders with us and recognize our rights if we will join them. I believe Kuruk wishes the same for his people, original and adopted.

She glances at Angus, but says nothing about him specifically.

I won't pretend to know what all the humans want, but if there are settlers coming West, which is why we are here, making the people here more angry won't help. If we can offer the same thing to these people that we would offer to mine, or to Kuruk's, or to anyone else, then let us see if they will join us, and if possible, we will respect each other's lands and boundaries, as friends.

Is this what we are working for, or something else?

"No one is disarming me under any circumstances."

Kuruk crosses his arms.

"Should I meet the president I'll still have my weapons on me. I am a warrior."

"Right. The things is I am always armed. I get you point and all, really but we won't get far if we cannot talk to them. As far as what humans want..." he shrugs "I just want to make some gold and live a nice life after. Making friends or at least not enemies of these folks could help."

Smiling at Johns observation at 'being stabbed again' He agrees with Guujaaw, "A compromise is a good idea. I believe the Mexica are speaking the truth, but they seem to have some sort of ulterior motive with their request. Meeting unarmed at the gate is a good idea."

Making eye contact briefly with Kuruk, he gives a quick nod, then responds, first to Zaranna. "Zaranna, that is my understanding as well. My first concern is if they are rebels, still fighting a war that is over. Or, If they are simply people who want to live in peace. That is what we need to determine."

Looking from his associates to the wall, 'My other concern is if I should be one of the ones to approach the wall. I am clearly a Texican and have been their enemy. I am willing to speak, but it may be in our best interest if someone else speaks for us, in this instance."

Zaranna, I think you and Angus have the highest diplomacy. Do you want to talk to them or do you want Angus to?

Also if Guujaaw and John go with whichever of us go, the other two can support from range.

You have a much higher modifier, and as long as Zaranna trusts that you will honestly try for peace, she would defer to your superior skill. So I guess it is up to you. If you think that who you are will mess things up more than your additional modifier will help, then I can go... but I think with the whole ulterior motives thing and trying to get them to meet us halfway, you might be better. Zaranna is much more likely to drop her weapons and go in with trust, splitting the party and possibly getting us all killed if she fails.

You have a much higher modifier, and as long as Zaranna trusts that you will honestly try for peace, she would defer to your superior skill. So I guess it is up to you. If you think that who you are will mess things up more than your additional modifier will help, then I can go... but I think with the whole ulterior motives thing and trying to get them to meet us halfway, you might be better. Zaranna is much more likely to drop her weapons and go in with trust, splitting the party and possibly getting us all killed if she fails.

Since GM Coyote didn't specify lets assume that the Mexica will speak equally with either of us.

Go ahead and answer in game and I will get Angus ready.

Turning to Zaranna, he gives a faint smile. "Part of the reason I took this job was because I was tired of the killing. Let's hope the Mexica are too."

Looking at the others, Angus begins taking off his weapons and armor, placing them near Kuruk, he jokes, "Don't get excited, I plan on coming back for them."

If you know that they have other motives, then perhaps you should speak with them. Zaranna says to Angus. I wish for peace, but I will have your back if that proves impossible. ... Um, would you like to wear my armor instead?

Normally she wouldn't let anyone wear her amazing drakehide armor, but Angus might need some, and he is working for peace, so if he wants to have that protection, she removes it and allows him to wear it.

Angus smiles and shakes his head, lifting his 'buffalo-robe coat, Hide armor and putting it on. "No this will do."

Turning to John and GuuJaaw, "Shall we gentlemen?"

He then begins to walk toward the gate, stopping about twenty foot from it. He opens the buffalo robe showing them he is unarmed, calling out. "Trust is a difficult thing for warriors like us. We are unarmed and willing to meet with your leader here outside the gate in the shadow of your weapons. Would you please ask them to parlay with us?"

will another diplomacy check help here?
dipl.: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

JOhn Thomas stows his daggers any any other little knives on his horse but keeps his shield on his back. It ain't a weapon it's coming.

"Right-o lets see if they can be talked to."

He fixes his best lopsided grin on his face before he takes a step.

Guujaaw borrows a weapon or two (without the Mexica seeing) and then makes a show of putting all of his weapons down :-)

He then advances a little, hands held out openly in a non threatening manner

Bow is out arrow is not drawn, Kuruk waits, ready with arrow and spell should this go awry. His face a mask.

The Mexica talk amongst themselves once more, before the one that spoke earlier says, ”We accept your request. Know that if you move to attack we will respond with deadly force.” One of the Mexica jogs off of the stockade to the building. A few minutes later, he returns with three more men. Two are average Mexica warriors, but the third stands out. He is tall, carrying a two-handed macuahuitl with skulls lashed to the shaft and the angular detailing common to Mexica buildings. He wears fine armor, decorated with symbols of death and war. He wears a mighty helm designed to look like the skull of a terrible and long-dead beast.

The gates open and he strides out, walking across the small bridge with the warriors in tow. The Mexica on the stockade raise their atlatls, primed to strike if things go badly. He then says in a booming voice, ”I greet you as Axlai, master of Kaxtilkalli. Who are you, and what do you want?”

Zaranna stands behind the buffalo, also with a bow in hand, but no arrow drawn.

Moved the others up a little who said they were advancing as well. Feel free to correct if it isn't where you wanted to be.

Thanks Zaranna, I forget about the map sometimes.

Did he cross the bridge with his weapons? Is he speaking English or Nahuaña? Does Angus know what Axlai or Kaxtilkallli is?
knowledge history or nobility?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
if it helps?
sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Kaxtilkalli is the fort you are at. He is speaking English. He is carrying his weapon, although the head is resting on the ground not in a combat position.

'Let's see if he will uphold his troops agreement.' As the Mexica move through the gate, Angus notices the weapons. "Your troops agreed to no weapons. Please leave them behind. Or do you not honor promises made?"

if needed
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Axlai chuckles, "What gall! Very well, I shall disarm myself." He turns around and hands the macuahuitl to the warrior behind him. The warrior's eyes widen, holding the weapon with what seems like reverence. He says, "There, my weapons are left behind. Now, state you intentions."

I'm assuming they speak Nahuaña, if not please disregard that part.

Angus nods, speaking in Nahuaña "Our intentions are simple, we were sent by the American Government to map the area's that Mexica surrendered to them at the cessation of hostilities."

He looks from the leader to his Warriors. "We would rather do this peacefully. However we are willing to fight those who attack us or those under our protection."

Then looking back at the Axlai. "We have fought before, I assume we will have to fight again eventually. There are always those who would make war instead of peace. We are prepared for either."

He looks down for a moment and shakes his head, then looking back at the leader. "But I have seen enough of war that I would prefer to offer peace, to those who would have it."

Shrugging. "Our intentions you ask? We would pass though your gate to the west to continue our mission. We would ask you to cease attacking those Americans to the east. We would ask you to make peace; return to your homes, your women, your children, your families. Live life instead of death."

Do you want a diplomacy roll?
dip.: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Not speaking the language John Thomas stands there with a big smile on his face fully realizing that he is the only one smiling.

I probably look the fool here but that might help. If it comes to violence they will not expect much of me.

His smile goes a little lopsided at the thought.

Is Nahuaña a different language from Metaxa? Or should I change Metaxa to Nahuaña on my character sheet? I'd thought I spoke the language these people spoke :-(

"Uh, Angus, he speaks English and we don't all speak Nahuaña. Perhaps we could all speak English?

I'm not sure what my friend said, but we are just here to map out this territory. We are peaceful explorers"

Aid to diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Axlai sneers and says in English, "Peace? What a request from the warmongering American dogs. Your demands are quite bold for a lapdog. You know, Huitzilopochtli teaches that there are two fates for a warrior. There is victory, or there is death. I shall make you a counteroffer, one that I will accept. We outnumber you now, and if we were to make battle it would not be an honorable fight. So, you can pass on, leave this place never to return. Or, you can return here at dawn, ready yourselves for battle, and fight us, decide the fates of all of us. " He reaches back and picks up his macuahuitl. He slams it to the ground and says, "So, which will it be?"

Not sure exactly what Metaxa is, but I'll say it is the same as Nahuaña. Let's say you've understood what they were saying, and can change it for free.

Is Nahuaña a different language from Metaxa? Or should I change Metaxa to Nahuaña on my character sheet? I'd thought I spoke the language these people spoke :-(

"Uh, Angus, he speaks English and we don't all speak Nahuaña. Perhaps we could all speak English?

I'm not sure what my friend said, but we are just here to map out this territory. We are peaceful explorers"

Sorry I thought they were speaking Nahuaña,

GM if they speak Metaxa can I speak it instead of Spanish?

Looking to Guujaaw, "I asked him to go home peacefully, he picked up his weapon. So I guess we are done talking."

Looking back at Axlai "Your master Tenochtitlan, who is Huitzilopochtli servant, has declared peace with the American dogs. You are in rebellion to those you claim to serve."

Nodding back toward the others, "I may be a lapdog but I am part of a pack. I will confer with my fellow dogs and give you an answer."

Turning his head and spitting, "Huitzilopochtli is wrong, there is only one fate for warriors, the same as everyone else, death. The question is who or what you serve before you arrive."

Smiling, holding his coat open, showing, again, he has no weapons. "If I had also been dishonorable and brought my weapon, there would have been a third option."

Winking. "And the second after you touched that pig sticker, you would have been discussing this with Huitzilopochtli himself."

Angus, not turning his back to the madman, begins walking backwards slowly to his friends.

I'm assuming that doesn't provoke, but if it does ignore the next statement

Joining the others, "Well you heard his offer, what do you want to do?"

Axlai smiles and says in English once again, "The cowards in Tenochtitlan do not serve Huitzilopochtli. If they did, this war would not be over. No matter, if I live then I have proven myself, and if I die I meet my master. If we fight then I shall greet you in battle."

As I said before, I'm not sure what Metaxa is. I might've accidentally called Nahuaña that. In any case, it's not a language unless it's some native language. They were speaking Nahuaña until Axlai began speaking English.

I think you didn't try very hard for peace, and walked in with pride and asked him to bow to you rather than walking in with humility, offering to solve a problem together. How else could he respond and keep his own pride? But it is done, and is unfortunately the way of men. Perhaps you both got what you really wanted, and perhaps it would have ended this way regardless. I suppose we will fight, and perhaps die, at dawn.

As Zaranna speak, Angus stands gap mouthed for a moment, then furrowing his brow, shakes his head. speaking softly, "Didn't try very hard? I'm sorry Zaranna, I thought John was the only one who didn't speak Nahuaña. I though you were able to understand what I said to Axlai." he rolled a 29 asking for peace...

Looking at the others, "Is there any doubt that these are the ones who attacked Jack and Tilda? Or that they will again?"

He shrugs off handed "I guess we could ask to make sure. But I believe Zaranna is right. If we are going to keep our promise to the Smiths and to the military we need to remove this threat."

Turning to Kuruk he asks "Kuruk, once you said 'You make peace or war by the dictates of your heart which is in turn guided by your mind.' What does your heart tell you?"

"He mentioned an honorable fight, is that what we've seen from those that follow him? Jack and Tilda were two and not warriors they sent four warriors. The people that raised me, the Apache they have been preying upon, did you see many warriors left to rebuff them?

My heart is heavy. War is not about honor it never has been, it is about killing. I have seen this before, these men have chosen their path. They have offered to allow us to ride on, we take that offer we leave others who are less able to defend themselves to a deadly fate. My heart is heavy but I will meet these men in battle."

"I am a peaceful man whenever peace is possible. The people I was born to will go to great lengths to make peace with enemies. But I was also raised at least partly by a people that make Angus, your Apache, and these followers of Huitzilopochtli look like peaceful fluffy bunny rabbits and I can also tell when violence is inevitable.

But Kuruk is right. War has nothing to do with honour. If we must fight let us do it on OUR terms. Let us arrive in the middle of the night and attempt to take them by surprise. They chose death, lets grant them their wish"

"I could tell from the tone that things were not going well."

So.. we come back in the morning for a fight on their ground with them having all the time in the world to get ready. That dosn't sound so sporting now does it. Wonder if we could come at them form the back of that big wall. If we are going to play the game."

"Middle of the night works too. Could just go take a nap under a tree until dark."

he rolled a 29 asking for peace...

No offense intended. I am just playing my character who obviously doesn't know how high you rolled, only what you said. She's an elf. She thinks men are much more warmongering than her people.

They might be planning to ambush us as well. Is this the only exit to their fortifications?

Angus wrote:

he rolled a 29 asking for peace...

No offense intended.

None taken. Just didn't know if there was something particular that bothered her or just his entire demeanor.

Looking from one associate to another Angus' smile turns more predatory. "I'm glad you all are realists. If were agreed that violence is truly our only choice, then I don't like the idea of meeting them in the morning either. I did think we have a couple of other options. If were ready now, I walk up and put a bullet in his brain pan."

He shrugs, "If we want to wait, we pass through the gate to the other side of this wall. Then come back and finish the job at our convenience. Whether it's tonight or tomorrow or the day after."

Nodding toward Zaranna"Personally, I agree with Zarrana. If we go through, I believe they would send warriors to bushwhack us. We could finish them and then come back for the rest. Either way we should take a moment to double check their strengths."

Someone should cast detect magic.
GM Chyro, is this just a wall on the river, or a fort? How many warriors have we seen?

"Better not to let it wait. Maybe they will have a feast or some such in preparation for battle. Could work to our advantage, my people probably. No idea about their customs."

he pauses

"Of course I can't see for all blazes at night."

There is the stockade along the river and the building beyond. So far you’ve seen six warriors and Axlai. A knowledge religion or local check could help with ideas about their pre-battle customs.

knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Zaranna also casts detect magic to see if there are magical fortifications or if the warriors carry magic weapons.

The fortifications are nonmagical. Zaranna can't get any readings on the weapons or armor without being closer to the warriors.

Oh goody. Looks like the new interface still eats the occassional post.

If can roll only one, would roll knowledge religion
knowledge religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
knowledge local: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

So are we going through and coming back and bushwhacking them? Or, are we staying on this side and then bushwhacking them? If we go through we can make note of their fortifications. Of course, if we go through, they may decide to Bushwhack us in the process.

I don't know... either is risky. Scouting is important either way. Setting fire to the whole place might be a good idea, and then picking them off as they leave, but we have to know the extent of the place. I'm actually worried that this battle is just too big for our little party unless we do something big to even the odds... but we can't know that without some scouting.

Either way I feel like if we don't address this the lovely older couple is as good as dead. DO we have a good way to start the fortification on fire? I still think the best bet is a night attack, middle of the night being best.

GM form the map it looks like the fortification is kind of a wall, does it go all the way around?