Zartana. Putting the Dark in Team Darkness. Reporting in.
Btw, Penumbra spell always active on her. Duration per casting is CL+3. Feat gives me +2 and tattoo gives me +1.
All darkness/shadow evocation spells are cast at +3 in regards to time. So my darkness and deeper darkness spells will last much longer.
Alexio arrives with a flourish.
The kayal and his manifest shadow stand ready.
Raven gathers her gear and places some of it on her new horse, Blackfoot.
"I am planning on riding a bit ahead, but still within eyesight and earshot so if you see anything I miss, we can more readily deal with it."
Alexio nods to Raven, "I am ready to travel when everybody else is. I take it you will be leading us directly to the bandit's hideout?"
While everybody gets ready, Alexio changes into his new suit of leather armor and gets his new horse, Daybreak, ready.
Kazz nods, "We should be ready shortly. With Kenaniah as our guide we should make good time."
|
Before you go, Oleg approaches you and explains that Kressle took Svetlana's wedding ring and if you could retrieve it he would be very grateful. Svetlana forbade him from going after the bandits himself, and she claims it mean nothing to her, but he would gladly assign you 1000 gold in credit if you could return the ring to him.
Setting out in the morning it takes you only three hours on horseback to exit the hex that is home to the trading post. To the southwest you find yourself entering into forests. Kenaniah explains this is the northern reach of the Narlmarches, or so he has been told.
The forests of the stolen lands are densely vegetated, but generally crisscrossed with game trails and numerous clearing. the trees are typically oaks, beech, rushleaf and smaller scrub.
I assume you are just going to travel through this hex, but do you want to make any perception or survival checks as you do so?
As Oleg petitions the group Kazz nods to him, "We will do what we can to locate the ring."
With a lingering smile for Svetlana, Kazz moves to prepare his new mare, Dusk for the journey. Swinging into the saddle he lowers and arm and gently lifts the shadowy Ammanas up to perch behind him.
Sparing a look for the others gathered at Oleg's, he nudges his mount on to follow the others.
As the initial miles drift by, his focus drifts in and out as he fights with his fatigue.
Working to fight the grain in his eyes, he urges Dusk alongside Kenaniah's own horse. He questions the former bandit about his past, sharing details of his own past as an orphan in Silverhall.
He also questions him about the bandit camp they are approaching, "What can you tell me of this woman with the axes? Are the men with her likely to surrender should she fall? Is this camp the extent of the organization or are there other groups elsewhere in the stolen lands?"
|
|
Kenaniah seems friendly enough, he doesn't have much to say about himself but he seems to be opening up slowly to Kazz.
He explains that Kressle is a lifelong bandit who learned the trade from her parents in the River Kingdoms. She is sadistic and will kill a person for the slightest offense. Most of the men follow her out of fear. if she falls in battle there is a good chance they will surrender. She in turn works for the Stag Lord, who keeps a fortress to the south.
It takes you 5 hours to travel through this hex, meaning its been 8 hours since you left the trading post and getting close to night. Kenaniah says it will only be a few hours to the thorn river ford camp, so it's up to you whether you want to push on in the dark or wait until morning.
The weariness is severely getting to him at this point. Rubbing an eye with the heel of his hand he looks to Kenaniah, "Are they expecting your group to press on into the night or would you normally make camp for the evening?"
|
|
"We don't normally travel through the night, if we can avoid it," he looks around cautiously, "there are things more dangerous than men in theses woods. We've lost men, patrols that don't come back. It's best to play it safe." He says.
"Kressle won't be looking for Happs to return until morning." He adds.
Raven nods in agreement from up in front. "As much as I want to take care of this problem right away and find Kressle and eventually this Stag Lord they keep mentioning, I think we had better be rested up first."
Dregan gives Svetlana a fear well hug and as he does he whispers in her ear. "Don't tell Oleg but I'm leaving behind the bandit's horse they gave me. Sell it and use the money to replace the stores you will have to feed the prisoners with."
"I'll find us a good place to camp." Dregan says urging Bargriv forward.
Once he has returned "Do we plan to get up early and hit the camp in the early morning before they expect the others back or come in about the time the bandits would have returned?"
Kazz pushes a strand of white hair out of his face, looking at Zartana and Zoufbal riding Munch, "I don't thing we'd do a great job of blending in. We're likely best off hitting them a few hours early while they're still just passing the time."
|
|
I have no problem with taking 10, it's kind of a passive perception situation.
So you travel without issue through the day and late afternoon. when it starts to get dark you find a decent place to set up camp and proceed to do so.
Did you guys have anything in mind for watches or keeping an eye on your parolee?
Looking at her companions as they set camp, Raven mentions, "I might be able to blend in to their number or even go so far as to attempt to help you blend as well, if that is our plan." She pauses for a moment considering the options. "Or we could just simply sneak in and ambush them.."
If we go in while there is little light, and we do need to escape, I can provide the cover of darkness if needed. My arcane abilities arent great yet, so my help is limited
"Good idea knowing everyone's skills will help planning the attack. I've been hunting since I was little so I'm pretty good with the bow but haven't had much experience with this." He says indicating the band it's sword.
Alexio thinks fondly of the possibility of some rest. "Some sleep would certainly help me fight better, " he says.
Assuming they have found a suitable campsite Alexio looks for a place to sit, preferably near the fire. He makes some small arrangements for the evening, but does not over exert himself. Alexio speaks lowly, trying to keep their prisoner from overhearing the discussion.
"Attacking at first light is a good plan. I shall rest while you keep a watch during the night. Ensure you keep a lookout for creatures trying to get into camp and to keep our prisoner from wandering off and alerting his comrades. Brushing Daybreak would be nice as well."
Alexio continues, "When it comes to the battle, I am more than capable of employing my sword. Should we encounter any resistance, I am sure I can overcome it. Based on their last performance, I suspect the bandits will be little issue."
Kazz nods, "We'll all take our turn to watch the camp. We'll head out as soon as everyone is rested. We can eat in the saddle."
"From what Kenaniah has told me if we take out their leader we should be more than capable of forcing a surrender."
He looks at Zoufbal, "We had great effect trapping those attempting to flee with the vegetation last time. Do you think you could manage something similar?"
"For our part in the battle Ammanas can well scout this camp. He can make himself no more noticeable than any other shadow. On my end I'm a solid shot with a bow and I can call on the shadows of my ancestry to aid us directly if needed."
Once they have established a camp, Kazz eats a few rations quickly before setting out his bedroll. As he settles himself in a cross legged position at one end, Ammanas comes over to occupy the opposite end. The two seem to regard each other in silence for several minutes.
After a time Kazz closes his eyes and the shadowy figure of his companion seems to dissolve into the kayal. As Ammanas dissipates, a long shadow grows behind Kazz to be cast on the ground opposite the fire.
With a sigh, Kazz slips into his bedroll and falls into an exhausted sleep.
Zartana, glad to be an elf, starts to focus and rest her mind. Going into her meditation ritual.
Sleep? Silly thing
During his watch, Kazz and Ammanas spot a strange blue light hovering in the distance, about 50ft away from the camp. Unable to identify it he quietly moves over and rouses Zoufbal from his slumber.
Gesturing toward the light he whispers, "I'm unsure what to make of that. It seems to be taunting us..."
If the gnome is similarly unable to identify it, Kazz will wake the others as well.
With the light gone Kazz stares out into the night for a moment before apologizing for waking the Gnome.
He is extra wary for the remainder of his watch, Ammanas drifting circuits around the camp in agitation.
If he makes it the end of his watch uninterrupted, Kazz warns Alexio when he wakes the noble, "Be extra cautious, there are things stirring in the dark. Wake me if you see lights or anything out of the ordinary."
|
|
In the morning Keneniah explains that the camp is not far away. Perhaps two hours at most. It's on the south bank of the Thorn river, about 50ft from the water's edge near a smaller. He says there are two watch-platforms about 25ft up in the trees which are manned at all times. Any bandits that are in camp are usually found near a campfire on the west side of the camp.
Checking on Blackfoot as she listens to the others and silently thanking Irori that Kenaniah didn't try to run off in the night, Raven puts away her bedroll and blanket, noticing Alexio having a difficult time of roughing it. She only half-smiles at him though.
Nodding to Kenaniah as he explains the setup of the camp, Raven looks to Kazz. "Let's hope your magic isn't needed to cover our escape. I'm thinking those watch towers need to be seen to before we do anything else. I might be able to get into the camp as one of them, maybe even dragging this one," she thumbs over to Kenaniah, "as a deserter."
"Or, she continues, "We could simply sneak in and do things the more direct way." Her hand absently fingers the hilt of one of her daggers.
The infiltration idea I think works. lets go with that. Do you have a way of calling for help if things go south?
Being rested felt good, she needed it, and her powers are restored too
"I'll yell really loud?", Raven looked perplexed. "I am hoping you guys will be close enough to see any trouble brewing." She smiles, hoping her sarcasm is not lost on the drow.
She smirks
Who knows. Maybe I'll be back at oleg's or I might take an outride...
Laughing she smiles
I'll be as close as I can dare
Zoufbal yawns loudly as Kazz wakes him, "Probably some fey trickery, harmless mostly." Then he turns around and goes back to sleep.
The next morning at dawn he yawns once more and moves to Munch's side where he sits down. He starts counting scales on his beast's back though it sounds more like a form of meditation than actual counting.
Once done he gets up again and moves to towards the two ladies discussing their approach, "Munch can easily rush in and bite something, I doubt they'll see that coming. Or actually, they will, but by then it's too late."
Alexio stirs in the morning, rested but a little stiffer than if he had spent the night in his bed. He moves around the camp a bit slowly and declared, "I believe I am ready for my breakfast now."
After he gets fully awake (and likely makes his own food), Alexio confers with the rest of the group. "I agree that taking one of the towers first is the best plan. If need be, we could even take control of one and defend it against the other bandits. I would hope that we can get close enough to cover you with a bow, Raven. "
Alexio gets ready for battle, donning his scale armor, ensuring that his longsword is in its scabbard, and leaving the rest of his non-combat gear at the camp.
Well then. Designated destraction so that I can extract who Ever got their backside in the fire she laughs
Kazz's lip curls in distaste as Alexio inquires about breakfast, "Then you'd best hurry and stow your equipment. You have two hours to savor your meal while we ride."
While packing his equipment he looks at Raven with concern, "I'm not certain infiltration is the best option? From what we know already, I would think a quick strike targeted on this Kressel woman would be our best bet. If we can take her down before the others can prepare a retaliation we should be able to force a surrender without further bloodshed. Particularly if Zoufbal pins down the lot of them on the ground. We don't want them fleeing either..."
Raven nods. "So, plan B then. If I can get close enough to her to put a blade through her ribs, it might convince the others to back off. If not, well I'm hoping all of you are expert marksfolk..." She trails off.
I will cover the middle tower. If he should try to get a dose of courage I will put him down
Kazz nods, hauling himself onto Dusk's back and pulling Ammanas up behind, "Good but everyone should save their first volley for the woman. Taking her down is our first priority. We'll never force a surrender while she still gives them a backbone."
Gathering the reins he turns to Kenaniah, "Lead on. We'll take the last half hour on foot. Once we're close Raven and Ammanas can check to see where Kressel is. Then we hit them there."
Once there, she gets herself a nice little covered area to attack from
"Sounds like a good plan, I should be able sneak up enough to get a clear shot on the woman. It is likely only the bandits in the tower will be paying particular attentiuon as the others will be expecting them to see anything. Two towers won't cover all ways in so sneak up from an angle away from the towers and we should be good." Dregan says dressing in the stolen bandit's armour and straping on the stolen short sword. "When we start to sneak up Kazz can you have your... 'shadow' to watch Keneniah, while he has done everything to gain our trust I still do not trust him with our lives. Sorry Keneniah"
Alexio checks and rechecks his bow. "A bow is not the most glamorous of weapons, but I have one that I can use. Should any of the bandits flee, I can keep them from escaping."
Once they get close, Alexio dismounts and walks near the back of the group, his armor and mannerisms keeping him from being too stealthy.
Kazz nods to Dregan, "Very well. They can both follow us at a modest distance."
He turns to Kenaniah, "You have acquitted yourself well thus far, Kenaniah. Continue to do so and you will have that second chance you hope for."
Once they approach the camp, Kazz moves silently alongside Zartana, moving as close to the camp as is needed to get a clear shot at Kressel.
He keeps an arrow knocked in his bow in case the alarm is raised before they are into position.
Ammanas will follow with Kenaniah about 80ft behind the others. The shadow says nothing to his charge, simply regards him as they move quietly behind the main group.
|
|
Zartana is creeping into position, using all her skill, but sadly skill did not beat luck. The bandit in the west platform catches a glimpse of her by pure chance (he had a perception of +0, but just nailed an 18 on his roll.
The villain pulls back on his longbow while giving a cry of alarm. His aim is as bad as his eyesight, but less lucky, an arrow slides into the folliage somewhere, to no effect.
Apparently the bandits were just preparing to set out on some mission, because they are all ready to fight, weapons at hand.
Initiative
- Group A Zartana, Kazz
- Bandits
- Broup B Zoufbal Alexio, Dregan
- Kressle
- Group C Kenaniah, Raven
Upsidedown Zoufbal is munch
Remember that squares containing green are both difficult terrain and provide cover (+4 to ac)
Remember to press enter after moving your character and then post the new link. Everyone in the same group is technically acting on the same initiative, so don't stand on ceremony, just go. If someone wants to shout an order to Kenaniah he'll probably follow it, otherwise I'll decide what he should be doing with his time.
Growling, Zartana does the same, aiming her bow and letting an arrow fly, wildly. Stupid scout wasnt suppose to see her, his shot startled her
Round 1
Swearing as the alarm is raised, Kazz steps up to get a clear shot at Kressel and fires a black arrow at the bandit leader before she can react.
He calls to the bandits in his loudest voice,