Mothman's Whispering Cairn

Game Master Mothman

'Not a bad idea. If we could block the exits, except for the front door perhaps we could even have some oil splashed around and light up the house with them inside, then hold them at the door. The disadvantage is that if we wait for them at the house, then they will be more cautious, as they will be expecting us to be there (though hopefully not expecting a trap) where if we set up somewhere on the trail too the house, we probably have more of a chance of getting them completely by surprise'

Boland turns a slightly paler shade than normal at Brashen's casual mention of lighting the house with them inside. Even though he knew Kullen would not hesitate to kill them given the chance, it still gave him shivers thinking about it.

"There is one problem with the house, and that's the large carcess we left there on our last visit. I imagine by now, it is rather the worse for wear, and the smell would possibly make it unbelievable that anyone would willingly sleep inside the house. So we'd probably have to do something about that first, if we were going to lure them in..."
The thought does not do anything to add colour to Boland's complexion.

"So be it," shrugs Andolphas. "If we tried to ambush them outside, it would be more difficult to contain them... the open terrain would make it easier for them to flee, unless there were a way to corner them in some kind of terrain trap..."

"So be it," shrugs Andolphas. "If we tried to ambush them outside, it would be more difficult to contain them... the open terrain would make it easier for them to flee, unless there were a way to corner them in some kind of terrain trap..."

"well, why don't we head to the house and check it out? If the mess is easy to clean and the house looks like a good spot we can do so. Otherwise we can choose a spot a little down the road."

"Awful as it may sound, perhaps we should stock up on oil and tinder twigs before we head out there?" In afterthought, the cleric mutters, "I can't believe that I'm participating in the planning of a mass murder... My Goddess, I beseech thee, let me known whether this course of action pleases or displeases you." He puts a hand to the red skull that hangs from his neck.

'Good idea, lets get as much as we can to make sure it goes up quickly. Perhaps we can buy some nails and a hammer aswell, to help block of some potential exits. There may be some wood around on the property.'

Moth, from our last visit did it look like there would be some suitable wood planks around? Even if we use furniture or doors from inside the house etc?

"Awful as it may sound, perhaps we should stock up on oil and tinder twigs before we head out there?" In afterthought, the cleric mutters, "I can't believe that I'm participating in the planning of a mass murder... My Goddess, I beseech thee, let me known whether this course of action pleases or displeases you." He puts a hand to the red skull that hangs from his neck.

A shadow seems to pass in front of the sun momentarily as Andolphas prays.

I would imagine that any character of good or lawful alignment would be feeling at least a twinge of disquiet at Brashen’s plan. It might be strategically sound, but there is a difference between killing someone in a fair fight – or even an unfair fight – and trapping them in a burning building.

Moth, from our last visit did it look like there would be some suitable wood planks around? Even if we use furniture or doors from inside the house etc?

Much of the house was made of timber, and there was also an old, falling down barn. A lot of the wood is probably half rotten, but you imagine you’d be able to salvage some suitable pieces.

Other items such as lamp oil, tinder twigs, hammer and nails you can buy in town before you head out if you wish.

Ithuriel has just become a first-time father, so he’s been a bit busy. We’ll assume at this stage Harrigan is willing to go along with the general consensus, if he has other ideas later I’m sure he’ll speak up.

The already pallid cleric's skin seems to turn a whiter shade of pale as a cloud momentarily obscures the sun following his invocation of the Dark-Eyed Lady. "I... really need to reconsider my involvement in this plan," he says, trembling slightly as he tightens his grip on his holy symbol. "The Ruby Sorceress frowns upon our tactics... She may be a goddess of death, but She also has little tolerance for those who kill in a dishonourable manner... I risk losing Her favour, if we should trick our foes and trap them in a burning inferno..."

This is somewhat meta-gamey, but I’m not in favour of enacting an alignment change for ‘out of alignment actions’ except in very severe cases. Usually it will take an accumulation of such things before I would suggest that a character is in need of an alignment change or out of favour with their deity. If Andolphas or Boland were to go through with Brashen’s plan, I wouldn’t expect an alignment change would be in order (unless they are really enjoying it), and even then it would likely only be a ‘one step’ change.
Andolphas, you would think that Wee Jas would be happy to see these grave robbers punished, but being a lawful and not unnecessarily cruel goddess she might be disapproving of the methods proposed. It’s very unlikely she should cut you off for this one act though.
I am very much in favour of alignment being a tool, not a straight jacket, and I’m very much NOT in favour of characters losing their powers because they occasionally stray from the straight and narrow.

Sounds reasonable. But clearly, Andolphas was having doubts before the cloud passed in front of the sun, and that might have been enough of an "omen" to truly reconsider his involvement in the current plan...

Cool, I just want it to be clear that you should make what you feel is an appropriate ‘in-character’ decision without worrying too much about the games-rules consequences.

Brash scowls at the priest, rolling his eyes. 'Scared by a damn cloud...' The big man sighs.
'I guess its harder to loot a body thats been burnt to a crisp, might loose out on some goodies that way. Better hope they don't have reinforcements though.'

Andolphas ignores Brashen's derisive comment. "We could still use the Land home as the ambush site, even if we don't incinerate Kullen and his gang..."

When Brashen proposes burning the building with Kullen's gang inside, Harrigan chuckles, "That's downright cold blooded son. They threatened your old man, I get it, but I'm not sure we are going to have to kill every last one of them. Taking out Kullen might do it. We can work with the idea of the house though. We're going to have to clean the place up enough to make it look like someone is hiding out there. Not a lot. Maybe a fire in the hearth. I might set a couple of bear traps strategically depending on the layout, but I'm gonna need to get a look at the lay of the land to see what we can get up to."

"If they bring more muscle than we can handle, we drop plan A and move to plan B which may be get the hell out of there depending. Whatever we do though Kullen has to go down hard and fast. Bowls, don't hold back. Hit him with that lightning blast of yours right up front. Andolphas, call the wrath of your goddess down on his head. Drop him hard enough and his cronies are going to think twice about how bad they want this. I aim to convince them that they don't want one bit of it. Once we engage, Kullen can't live to walk away."

I'm back.
If I remember correctly the door might not even be connected to the house anymore on the Land farmhouse so we might not be able to lock them in.
Moth- what is the availability of alchemical items? I'm not looking at anything too fancy, but an assortment of thunderstone, tanglefoot bags, alchemist fire and such might be in order.
I'm thinking draw them into the house, and thunderstone through a window to deafen and disable their coordination. Tanglefoot Kullen to drop him to half speed whether he saves or not, then light him up.

Alchemical items from the core rule book are certainly available for sale in Diamond Lake. Assume you can buy up to 5 of each if you want (and can pay).

Alright, ready to head out to the farm? Oh and yes, I think the door was off the hinges.

Sorry about the delay - little one's been in hospital and though he's ok, I'm now catching up with work. Will try and catch up tonight, but if I'm holding things up please act on behalf of Boland

Andolphas nods his agreement with Harrigan's plan.

He has 49 g.p. left that could be spent on alchemical items, but would probably like to save 10 g.p or so for food, lodging, misc. Andolphas will buy one thunderstone... and then ready to move on to the Land cabin.

Boland is relieved to hear the plan move away from torching Kullen and the group, and his colour begins to return to normal. When Harrigan pipes up with his plan, Bolandnods whole-heartedly, sensing the experience and confidence in the dwarf's ideas. Feeling a little more comfortable, he prepares to set out.

Boland will contribute to purchases for the plan. Harrigan, if you are happy to buy what you need, and let us know the cost, Boland will contribute an equal share.

Brash can chip in 50gp for what ever is needed. He will also still go with his purchase of nails and a hammer

Before getting out of town Harrigan makes a few stops picking up odds and ends starting with the healthiest affordable mule he can find. "Mule oughta go a way toward convincing them we are holed up there, not to mention hauling all this stuff out there."

On the way out of town Harrigan is going to pick up all of these things if he can:
Tanglefoot bag x2 (100 gp)
Thunderstone (30 gp)
Caltrops (1 gp)
Manacles + good lock (15+80 = 95 gp)
Shovel (2 gp)
Hammer
MW Artisan's Tools (trapsmith) (55 gp)
Pitons 4
Bear trap x2 (4 gp)
Mule

We'll have to take a look out there and see what is possible. If we want to have the casters in a defensible position it may need to be close enough for their short range spells which is quite close. We could set up a tripwire between them and the house. (I have silk rope and we could use the pitons and hammer). Some successful caltrops would lower their move rate to a point where they can't catch you if you need to run.
Anyone else have any good ideas to rearrange this fight in our favor? I was thinking about a partial pit trap (maybe 5 ft) with wooden stakes which is what the shovel is for, but the house will have a floor. Maybe just inside the barn, with something light to cover it and a layer of straw. Then we'd have to lure them there. Maybe use it as the caster defense if it is close to the house.
If anyone wants to buy extra tanglefoot or maybe some alchemist fire those things always turn out handy sooner or later. Also some alchemical items can be used as an extra component to enhance certain spells in PF like tanglefoot + web or black tentacles or alchemist fire and various fire spells. Check in this list for the ones that say "alchemical power component" and you can click through to find special uses.

Boland takes Harrigan's lead and stocks up on a few extra items, including stopping in at Allustan's to purchase a scroll from him.

Boland will also purchase:
Tanglefoot Bag (50gp)
3 x sunrods (6gp) for us humans who can't see in the dark
Glitterdust Scroll (150gp, assuming Allustan has one)

Figured Glitterdust would be a handy addition to (hopefully) blind at least a couple of them, and at the least cancel any mis-chances we might get fighting in the dark.

If there is a barn, that would be a logical place to set up an ambush, and would save having to clean up remains in the house. Harrigan, let us know how much Boland owes, and add the gold to your sheet, i'll strike it from mine.

After buying equipment, the group splits up, heading out of town in two different directions, ensuring that they are observed by several people ... but meeting up again some distance down the road that leads to the Land farm.

You arrive by mid morning. The farm is as you left it a few days previously ... an old run down fence and gate with some pine trees clustered around it. A path leading across an overgrown field (the grass is waist high). The fresh graves in front of the run down farm house (the front door lying rotting nearby) remain undisturbed from your recent re-burial efforts. A short distance away rests the half collapsed wooden barn, completely roofless and also sans doors.

Birds chirp and sing under the sun, small animals rustle in the grass, and a small flock of wild goats eat and play on a nearby hillside.

Boland takes Harrigan's lead and stocks up on a few extra items, including stopping in at Allustan's to purchase a scroll from him.

Boland will also purchase:
Tanglefoot Bag (50gp)
3 x sunrods (6gp) for us humans who can't see in the dark
Glitterdust Scroll (150gp, assuming Allustan has one)

You can get all of this and the other stuff mentioned.

Harrigan and the mule he'd promptly named Dolly stop as they come onto the scene and the dwarf takes note of the layout and features of the farm while scratching his short beard. "Alright then. We can work with this." He marches on to the farmstead keeping an eye and one comforting hand on Dolly's neck to see if she would balk at the lingering smell of death.

How far between the house and the barn?
I'm going to tack on saddlebags and feed to my list. I'll get the full price together soon, but finding the time as I can.
Guys- no need to worry about picking up the cost of the list I posted. If we all had around 300 gp we were each getting things to enhance our effectiveness for this fight and beyond. These were the best thing I could think of for myself and some of them are enduring and may mark a future investment in Craft Trapsmithing as an extension of the mechanical training he has as a locksmith.

Goods and Price:

Oops... I have more money left than I thought! I misread, and thought we were splitting 300 gp between the four of us. So I have an additional 225 gp... I can pitch in for other stuff, if needed.

"I would hate for Kullen and his gang to turn the tables and set the barn or house on fire while we were inside," muses Andolphas as he looks at the structures. "I doubt morals would factor into their decision-making process."

It is about fifty yards from the side of the house to the side of the barn. The area in between was once an open yard with some garden beds – it is not overgrown with long grass, weeds, thistles and small bushes (difficult terrain and can provide concealment).

"Perhaps we should make them believe that we are camping inside the barn... one or two of us can act as bait, while the others surprise them from behind? Might I recommend Brashen and Boland in the barn ready to greet them with swords and offensive spells, with myself and Harrigan concealed in the grasses, giving us the opportunity to sneak up on our opponents and attack from both sides... perhaps even giving us a chance to flank them?"

The stench of rotting owlbear is strong as you approach the farmhouse.

Feel free to begin making preparations, but remember that you don’t really know how long you will have until Kullen turns up (if at all) – a day, an hour, or anywhere inbetween.

Brash will pick up 2 flasks of alchemists fire and a bag of caltrops
Brash surveys the farm with a critical eye. 'Theres alot of things we could do here. Long grass, the buildings. Lots of places to hide. I guess we have to work out where is the place that pits, caltrops and bear traps will be the most effective, where can we keep them close together and less able to fight back effectively.'
Brash pauses, thinking. 'I think the barn is a good idea. We'll need to find or make an escape route in there, but a pit trap or 2, maybe some straw soaked in oil... could work well.'

Boland agrees tentatively with the suggestions of utilising the barn. The stink of the barnhouse would definitely stretch the believability of them camping in the house. He tentatively clears his throat to get the attention of the others.

"Um? Might I make a few suggestsions?" he starts. "So, I think we should probably set a watch first of all? It would defeat the purpose of coming out here if we allowed them to sneak up on us." He surveys the area for a higher vantage point that will provide them a fair view of the approach. "I can do it, unless someone else cares to?"

"My second suggestion would be to start with the basics. Get a camp set up inside the barn, lay out two bed rolls stuffed to make them appear occupied. Lay what traps you can that are simple and easily concealed before you move on to bigger plans. It would not do to have them stumble upon us half way through digging a pit trap!" He looks around at the others as if expecting his suggestions to be over-ruled.

"Finally, I'm happy to play whatever role you deem I will fit in best. I have a number of offensive spells, as well as the ability perhaps to cause one of them to be overcome with fear, and turn another blind. However, if I, or any of us for that matter, are to be stationed within the barn, we should ensure that we have a clear escape path, in case things do not go as planned."

"I have no direct experience in battlefield strategy. I shall defer to Brashen's knowledge of combat tactics to most effectively set the ambush." The priest then describes the powers the Green Lady granted him at prayer time.

Feel free to check out Andolphas's profile for the spells he presently has memorized, if that will help with planning.

Alright: How much time are you going to spend setting up your traps / ambush, what is it going to be exactly, and where will everyone locate themselves once you’re done? Is anyone following Boland’s suggestion of posting a watchman, and if so where will he stand?

Any chance you could sketch us a rough map? I'm spoiled on maps. It doesn't need a grid if you don't have time for that, but a general layout would be awesome for planning.

Yes, I think we should post a watch, and it may as well be Boland... now be sharp, boy!!! :-)

Boland looks around for a spot that will offer him a reasonable vantage point to view anyone approaching, whilst also offering him some cover from being spotted as they approach.

Spot: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Any chance you could sketch us a rough map? I'm spoiled on maps. It doesn't need a grid if you don't have time for that, but a general layout would be awesome for planning.

Sure. Better late than never …

Map of the farm.

Everything bar the paths is difficult terrain – overgrown fields, weeds, piles of rubble, trees, woods … you gain concealment in areas of trees and also in the fields (if you lie prone).

I will probably have limited to no opportunity to post between now and next Wednesday. Moth, please DM Andolphas as you see fit... Thanks!

Brash moves over to inspect the barn, looking to see what state of repair its in, and whats inside. He looks for entrances, and to see if it would be possible to block some if theres more than 2.

looked from the map that the building has collapsed in sections, so guessing it may be hard to block some entrances. Also whats in there in the way or farming equipment, straw, loft, etc

Awesome map Mothy! If I'm correct that those are topographical curves (Fancy!) then the barn and other areas are elevated with a view of the entry path below.
I'll take a look at this in a while when I wake up and see what springs to mind.

Yeah, I dithered about putting in the topography lines, and in the end just left them in in pencil without any markers. Assume that each line is a 5 foot change in elevation – the barn and house do overlook the road, but there is a small wood in the way, so there’d probably be little visibility unless you get a direct line of view through the gap in the trees.

There are a few holes in the walls of the barn. Inside is an old, rusted and rotten plow. The loft (and most of the roof) has collapsed, and any straw left within is mouldy mulch by now.

There are a few holes in the walls of the barn. Inside is an old, rusted and rotten plow. The loft (and most of the roof) has collapsed, and any straw left within is mouldy mulch by now.

Maybe the barn is not the best place to stage the fight, but can still be used to lure them over that way. If we get a small fire going within, we should be able to draw them that way. Then we could lay the ambush as they come in through the gate to the barn; one or two hiding behind the wall with bow or crossbow, one in the long grass on their right, one from the trees on the left. Lay caltrops as they pass through the gate and then hit them with spells/missiles etc?

Harrigan leads Dolly over to the barn and ties her outside with enough lead to allow her to graze then surveys the farm from the hill. "Looks to me like the trail just beyond the gate down there is our best strategic choke point. Trees... high grass... Looks like we could hide out and pepper 'em as they try to sneak in. Keep a fire going up here, maybe leave ole Dolly up here to draw their eyes."

The dwarf scratches his beard. "Course that all assumes they come up the gate path instead of jumping the fence and coming up through the woods. I got an idea Kullen is not the sneak around type of guy. Especially if he thinks he's got the drop on us. The rest of his gang though... I couldn't say. Better have a back up plan just in case."

I like it. What about laying in wait in the woods on either side of the trail leading in from the gate? Or would you guys prefer all four of us hiding in the same spot? Seed the trail with caltrops like you said. Both spellcasters are close enough to potentially hit with short range spells from there- at least soon if not to open the fight. We fortify the caster position with the two bear traps.
Moth what kind of skill to set up a little camouflage sniper point in the woods nearish to the trail? We know Kullen has darkvision so we can't just rely on darkness and the trees.
We can have a fire going in the barn, and leave the mule tied up there, but the fire is going to burn down periodically requiring someone to return to tend it and we'll need a decent fire pit to make sure we don't burn down the whole place while hiding out.

Harrigan leads Dolly over to the barn and ties her outside with enough lead to allow her to graze then surveys the farm from the hill. "Looks to me like the trail just beyond the gate down there is our best strategic choke point. Trees... high grass... Looks like we could hide out and pepper 'em as they try to sneak in. Keep a fire going up here, maybe leave ole Dolly up here to draw their eyes."

The dwarf scratches his beard. "Course that all assumes they come up the gate path instead of jumping the fence and coming up through the woods. I got an idea Kullen is not the sneak around type of guy. Especially if he thinks he's got the drop on us. The rest of his gang though... I couldn't say. Better have a back up plan just in case."

Boland's gaze follows Harrigan's as he points out the possible ambush position. "My only concern is that, like you say, they may not choose to enter by the gate, or if they do they are likely to be very wary. Closer to the barn will allow them to enter, check out the house and give them the impression we are oblivious to their presence. It will also give us a chance to see how many of them there are, and make a hasty exit if the odds do not appear in our favour. However, I am certainly no expert in this field..."

The front gate could work too, Boland is just being his nervous self. Happy to go with either.

Brash shakes his head. 'Well either way were going to have to dig a fire pit, so ill start on that now. We better hurry up and decide what where going to do before Kullen and his boys actually arrive though'

Brash takes the shovel and moves to the barn to dig a fire pit where it could be seen from the gate, and one that wont spread to the rest of the barn. He'll dig one of generous size and move anything flamable from close by if need be.

Skill to set up a camouflaged position? Happy to use Stealth.

Alright, I need an executive decision on the caster position (everyone’s proposed position for the ambush in fact) and location of bear traps, sniper point and caltrops. I will take the next post on the matter as the final decision.

Skill to set up a camouflaged position? Happy to use Stealth.

Alright, I need an executive decision on the caster position (everyone’s proposed position for the ambush in fact) and location of bear traps, sniper point and caltrops. I will take the next post on the matter as the final decision.

Seeing the indecision on the faces of the others and worried that time may be ticking away, Boland takes it on himself to get things moving.

"I think we stay closer to the barn. It will give us more chance of spotting their arrival, and hopefully will allow them to become more confident that they have caught us unawares as they find no sign of activity at the farm house." He hesitates for a second, almost as if surprised at himself for taking such a firm approach.

"I can station myself in the trees over there on their left, hidden but ready to spray them with magic. Harrigan, perhaps if you conceal yourself in the grass to their right? Brash and Andolphas can conceal themselves behind the wall encircling the barn and then spring forth to block the path into the compound. The bear traps can be used to consolidate mine and Harrigan's position outside the compound, in case we get rushed. If we are all armed with missile weapons or magic, we should have a fair chance to target Kullen before he can close with any of us."

He looks around at the others, ensuring they are comfortable with the plan. "Question is, do we spring the trap without warning, or do we give them a chance to surrender?"

Hope that's ok everyone? Hopefully it should allow us to play to our strengths without leaving anyone too isolated or exposed. In regards to springing the trap, we could all ready an action and then Brash spring the trap, giving Kullen and his mean a chance to lay down their weapons? If they choose otherwise, we should all be able to act as or before they do?

Moth, hopefully those positions make sense to you? Boland inside the treeline that runs parallel to the path leading from the farmhouse to the barn, up close to the barn itself. Harrigan in the overgrown fields, closer to the Barn. Brash and Andolphas inside the barn compound (but not inside the barn itself), hiding behind the wall either side of the path as it enters through the gate. Clear as mud?

Brash nods as he shovels dirt, throwing it to one side of the barn.
'Sounds good. Assuming they dont surrender, everyone be ready to fire what ever you've got, target Kullen. Last time at the tower when Kullen fled the others followed suit so if we can take him out quick it should be easy to deal with those remaining. I guess we should get to our spots and spend time making sure where well hidden... and settle in for a long wait.'