Gorguk looks from Cal to Lothar with the wand and back to Cal. Well I see that you all came prepared. I am glad there are better minds than mine in the group. I apologize Cal for taking your abilities for granted. Please forgive this fool for speaking before he knew batter.
"Worry not my friend, let's just be on our way and free this land from the tyranny that the bandits have imposed on it."
Were the men and the woman asleep? Looking to Lothar and Barnabus, Do you think you could sneak in with Kylia and eliminate the guards on the watchposts, west first, without waking the others up? Cal and I could be to the Northeast listening for any signs of trouble.
I am willing to try sneaking in closer to within 30 so that I may put my evil eye upon them, but I am thinking having Horis (horse) would be beneficial later on...."
"I assume Kylia will show me the way"
As the party discusses the details of the camp and what Kylia has seen, a idea begins to form in Calinder's mind.
"I have an idea, but maybe those with a little more training in strategy can refine it a bit.
"We have the vials of alchemist fire. Two of us could sneak up to the towers and set them alight with the alchemist fire and then in the confusion that ensues, the rest could attack those in the camp."
"So, what do ya all think?"
As the party discusses the details of the camp and what Kylia has seen, a idea begins to form in Calinder's mind.
"I have an idea, but maybe those with a little more training in strategy can refine it a bit.
"We have the vials of alchemist fire. Two of us could sneak up to the towers and set them alight with the alchemist fire and then in the confusion that ensues, the rest could attack those in the camp."
"So, what do ya all think?"
Lothar listened to the the soft-spoken cleric, appreciating Calinder's keen insight. This humble one likes what you're saying, though this humble one thinks we should modify it somewhat. He pointed to one of the towers on the map that had been made. This humble one thinks that only one tower needs to be set on fire and that it should be this one. It would serve to divert the bandits' attention as the rest of us come in to wreak whatever damage we can before they realize that such a thing has occurred. The magician looked back to Kylia. You said you thought one tower was manned. Would this humble one be correct in assuming that this is the one one? He pointed to the other tower.
"Best tah not tempt tha fates....Let us assume tha both towers are manned. One man jus better at hidin than tha other..."
"Though I do agree only one tower has tah be taken initially....The other might be taken from afar, as tha bandits onna ground will move but tha ones in towers must wait or climb down....I believe we can stay out of the sight o one tower, but not tha two."
Once Gorguk has finished meditating and preparing Durok, he rejoins the group. I can not hide as easily as you all can and would give our position away too easily. Where would you like me to wait while you take out the watch post? Once you give the signal (assuming burning watchpost), I will ride in with Durok and provide any assistance I can. Where would you like me to enter the bandit camp?
After a moments thought, Why do we need all this talk of stealth? The bandits are expecting us. As long as only 4 of us enter at once they will suspect nothing. If 1 of us attacks the far watchpost at the same time that the 4 of us enter camp that will confuse them even more. It is apparent that Gorguk is getting ready to end this bandit camp threat and is prepared mentally for the bloodshed that he must do.
"I too am not going to be able to move in a stealthy nature with this armor that I wear. So I too would be best as one of those approaching the camp."
"And I would venture a guess that it we are pretending to be the returning bandits that we approach the camp from the north-northeast as that is the direction of Oleg's trading post and the likely direction that they would be returning from. My guess is that they are too confident in themselves to try and cover their tracks in any way."
~~ Kylia ~~
"Yes, that is the platform that I saw movement in" she responds Lothar.
"Yes, that is the platform that I saw movement in" Kylia responded to Lothar.
The magician nodded, her words confirming his initial thoughts regarding that platform. It covered the most likely entrance into the camp. Which meant that the other platform, due to its placement, was more for scouting marks on the trail.
This humble one believes that this camp placement was more about opportunity than security. The logs and wagon could be used to prey upon those that would travel down the trail coming to or leaving Master Oleg's Trading Post. But that much is obvious to any with eyes to see it.
Lothar closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to run back to Happs' words from before:
"You will die by the Stag Lord's hand, half breed. All your kind will die when we take over the Greenbelt."
To have inspired such devotion from the likes of Happs indicated to Lothar that this Stag Lord possessed a personality capable of dominating the will of others. Like minded individuals were drawn to one another... Lothar opened his eyes, grim lines etched in his features.
This humble one believes very strongly that this camp serves a greater role as a rally point for the Stag Lord to recruit others to his cause, which if we believe what this Happs said, his goal is to take over the Greenbelt.
In your humble opinion then Lothar, do you think we need to even worry about the far watchpost? Should we just ignore it till later after the main campsite threat has been removed? Or do we proceed with Kylia taking out the far outpost with the alchemist fire while we infiltrate the campsite? Both plans have merit and I believe either will work. It is now up to us to decide which course of action do we take.
"I vote for Kylia torching the far watchpost while we attempt to infiltrate the camp as the returning bandits."
In your humble opinion then Lothar, do you think we need to even worry about the far watchpost? Should we just ignore it till later after the main campsite threat has been removed? Or do we proceed with Kylia taking out the far outpost with the alchemist fire while we infiltrate the campsite? Both plans have merit and I believe either will work. It is now up to us to decide which course of action do we take.
Lothar looked over at Gorguk, a quizzical expression on his face. This most humble one does not understand. Misdirection is an important part of strategy. This humble one believes what should be done is that we allow them to take us in, but if that is the case... Lothar pointed at the holy symbols worn by both Gorguk and Calinder. Those will have to be hidden. Gorguk has the stag amulet that he can wear in its place if he so wishes. If we present ourselves as new members of the bandit following, however, then the amulet may not even be needed. We are hunter's stalking our prey. Erastil is a hunter's deity. This humble one does not think he will mind such a small deception if we do so to bring down such dangerous prey.
"I have to agree with Calinder one watch post has to be dealt with and the alchemists fire seems a good choice the smoke from it alone should cloud the archer's vision, a grain of sand in the eye conceals the mountain."
"Sending one alone disturbs me greatly."
Maybe I misunderstood what you said Lothar. It seemed to me that you indicated that the far watchpost is too far out of the way to provide any defense to the actual campsite. If we ignore it we can concentrate on the near watchpost and the campsite itself. I do tend to think that 1 of us would be able to take the far watchpost out with the alchemist fire quickly and remove that threat altogether.
I understand and concede the point you made on misdirection. However, if that is the path we take, I will not wear the Stag amulet and directly lie to anyone. If you wish to wear it and be our leader then go ahead. Likewise, I will not take off Erastil's emblem. I will stay in the back behind everyone to limit those who will see me and it.
Barnabus, I know you are hesitant to send 1 of us alone, but 1 will have a better chance of not being detected than 2. Besides I have faith that Erastil will guide the steps of Kylia and she will not be noticed. Gorguk will propose to send Kylia to take out the wathpost while the rest of us follow Lothar's lead into the camp as new bandit recruits. That way both objectives are fulfilled.
Guys,
With all the things going on in my life right now, I am just not able to give to this PbP what is needed to keep it going and provide enjoyment to you guys and me.
Therefore, I am ending this now rather than drag it out. This is all on me, and I am sorry.
-- david
Papa.DRB
Anyone want to step-up and run this thing?
I have several games going on right now and can not do it.
We could also advertise for a DM on the gamer connect thread....
Any other ideas?
Papa
It was off to a great start, If you have any other maps and cartography for Kingmaker I would love to see it!
I thought that Oleg's was very well done!
Thanks for the great start!
Its worth a shot at posting for a DM but I am not very optomistic. Good Luck. I will check back frequently.
Game starts back up on Wednesday.
Now that we are aback on track, was there ever a decision about how we were going to attack the bandit camp? Were you going to lead us Lothar and surprise them or were we attacking the 1 lookout tower first?
Now that we are aback on track, was there ever a decision about how we were going to attack the bandit camp? Were you going to lead us Lothar and surprise them or were we attacking the 1 lookout tower first?
And just to add to the confusion, how do you want to write Kylia out of the story and Rhasa in?
It was suggested that the proposed plan of Kylia firebombing the far watchtower to create a distraction as the rest of the party moves in as though they were the returning bandits gives the DM an easy way to control the ranger without having to worry about a lot of direct involvement with that particular character.
I was thinking that Rhasa's position, out of sheer luck, might put her on the far side of the camp, near the far watchtower, and her desire to take down the bandits could lead her to take an "enemy of my enemy is my friend" approach, i.e., when the party moves in and attacks, Rhasa will provide ranged support (confusing the party, undoubtedly) and, after getting the party's measure in how they fight, introduce herself later.
And if the DM wishes, I would be willing to play Kylia through the battle and we could have her ride off into the sunset after the fight. Just tossing out thoughts - I'm the new kid, so feel free to disregard.
Its up to Megan of course, but Kylia could die during the encounter. Your presence is felt when an arrow comes from out of the trees somewhere else.
Its up to Megan of course, but Kylia could die during the encounter. Your presence is felt when an arrow comes from out of the trees somewhere else.
Hi, original DM here.
I am very sorry that I had to quit, but am very happy you found another DM to take over. Even though I am retired, I have been taking training at a local hospital and what was supposed to be 15 hours a week, has turned into 25 or so, plus my very part time job has offered me some shifts and that is the take my wife out to dinner once a week money. I do not have internet access at either then training or part time job, which is why I had to stop.
As far as original gold it was max for class.
Good luck with your new DM.
-- david
Hi, original DM here.
I am very sorry that I had to quit, but am very happy you found another DM to take over. Even though I am retired, I have been taking training at a local hospital and what was supposed to be 15 hours a week, has turned into 25 or so, plus my very part time job has offered me some shifts and that is the take my wife out to dinner once a week money. I do not have internet access at either then training or part time job, which is why I had to stop.
As far as original gold it was max for class.
Good luck with your new DM.
-- david
Thanks for the information, Papa.DRB. And I'm glad to know it's just time conflicts keeping you away.
Now that we are aback on track, was there ever a decision about how we were going to attack the bandit camp? Were you going to lead us Lothar and surprise them or were we attacking the 1 lookout tower first?
Gorguk looks at Lothar with approval. I will do my best to be inconspicuous until we are in the camp, keeping my shield slung low with the cloak on. Hopefully they will not look at me riding in the back and will focus more on those up front. Here is the amulet Lothar. Gorguk covers himself up due to the cool air. His holy symbol is under the cloak but not completely concealed. He is hoping that the cloak will also limit visibility of the shield and his armor in the dim light.
Gorguk is not yet prepared to be a leader either. His journey thus far in life has been about his own direction and survival. He has followed the tenets of his faith. This quest is his first encounter without having a direct guiding hand in his actions of Father Ralu. With more time he will become more accustomed to leadership.
Correct me if I am wrong everyone. The 4 of us are all riding in to continue the charade of 4 bandits returning to camp. We are all on horseback with I believe Lothar and Barnabus up front, Cal and Gorguk in the second rank.
DM:
Gorguk mounts up and waits for Lothar and Barnabus to take the lead. May Erastil guide us and protect us on this venture tonight.
Barnabus knows this moment was coming for a while and trying his best to imitate the swagger of the bandit haps, he pulls his hood and cloak around him.
Have a lie ready for when they do get close enough!
Calinder climbs upon his horse and gets ready to ride into the bandit camp. He takes his holy symbol and tucks it down into the neck of his shirt so that it cannot be seen.
"Yes Gorguk, I agree, I too ask that Erastil guide us to do what is his will and protect us at this time."
Calinder then checks the readiness of his weapons.
As they begin riding into the camp Calinder says a quick incantation while motioning with his hands that brings to mind a sense of supplication.
Lothar palmed the amulet and mounted up as well.
May our fetters be unbound. He intoned the saying as a mantra against panic. It always seemed to calm him when he was about to enter into what he knew to be a dangerous situation. And this was about as dangerous as anything that he could recall...
As the group entered the campsite, Lothar began to look around, trying to gather as much information as was possible.
Ah wan' ta speak ta someone in charge.
Lothar did his best to make sure that his voice sounded as rough and rugged as possible but not so much much as to put undue strain on his vocal chords.
With nary a word, Gorguk slips into the role of a subserviant bandit, following his leader without regard to his own self. Willing to stay in the back until called forth.
Please let this work, Gorguk prays to himself all the while gripping the shield tightly.
Bluff check
Not a strong suit of Barnabus but he seems to do better than expected!
Bluff check
Perform [acting]
DM:
She'll be staying back from the camp when there are more bandits in it, so seeing the returning bandits would cause her to retreat to where Sunset and her gear have been hidden away. Unless/until she realizes they aren't the returning bandits. I expect that Sunset and the cart are hidden on the side of the camp away from the trail (east), so that's the side I expect her vantage point would be, as well.
If she's been able to take 10 to create a blind to hide within as well as to improve Sunset's hiding location, she will have taken the time to do so, probably during a time when there were fewer bandits active or in the camp.
Stealth
Perception
Also, pertinent to her skills, is this terrain considered forest?
In answer to your question Megan about the game trail, yes that is the path we will be taknig.
"No he has not tha ability tah give trouble to anyone!"
"Has there been any trouble here?"
"Or has everyone else been just sitting back and earning from my hard work?"
I get the vibe that Barnabus has done this before. He plays the roll of a bandit too well. I am going to have to keep an eye on him as well as the bandits in the camp. Come to think about it, he didn't even seem to want to kill Happs that much. He kept missing and I think that was on purpose. I will just have to wait and see.
Perception check to see any more bandits in the camp.
Calinder, just trying to act the part of a member of the bandit group, listens intently to the conversation that Barnabus and the young lad are having. At the same time he is also looking around for any other people in the camp, as he didn't like being spooked by this fellow coming out of the bushes.
Lothar watched in horror as Barnabus sidestepped him and asserted his own authority, as though he were leading them. 'Your' 'ard work? He snorted, a combination of real anger and mock amusement, as he dismounted and stood in fornt of Barnabus. Last time ah checked there were four of us. Damnation don't know how ye met with Kressle's proval for this run. Les ye had a toss or two with her yeself. That might 'xplain it. Don't let it go ta ya head none. Ah've had my taste of that mare meself. It's good, but it aint all that. Feeling satisfied, he turned his attention fully on the young bandit. Lothar had to work fast to keep the kid off balanced, hoping that he had yet to notice the lack of treasure that had been brought back by these so-called 'bandits'. If he gave any sign that he had... If he gives any sign that something's not right, then he'll just be the first to fall as we take over this camp. He raised his hand before the kid, allowing the amulet to be seen. Speakin' of the ball-bustah, where is she? Where's Kressle? And ye best be quick in answerin' me, boy. Lest ah git...upset. And trust me when ah say, ye don't be wantin' that.