"I plan on sticking with the truth, which is that I am here in these lands seeking a proper home to start my own clan after finding life a little too rigid and backward looking in every clan I have come across. Pesky details like the charter need not be mentioned; I will let you and Rupert handle discussing the incident at the fort."
Orin will make his way to well within bowshot of the guard tower nearest him.
Stealth check:
Once satisified with his position, he will nock an arrow and wait for the eventual signal to begin the festivities.
"Aye, y'can give 'em my name, too. There's no sense in lying where 'tis unnecessary, now."
The sun is setting as Vandar Leads Rupert and Edrukk south toward the camp. Approaching a fork in the river, he suddenly calls out, "Ho, the camp, it's me, Vandar. I'm coming in."
He continues riding forward, and as you pass under a tree, you can spot a bandit keeping watch from above.
Rupert rides, apparently unconcerned, past him, reining in his horse as an attractive woman with a pair of handaxes approaches. "Vandar. Where's Happs, and the rest of the men?" she asks, though she focuses on the human and dwarf she doesn't know. Behind her, three bandits let their hands drift down to the hilts of their short swords, apparently waiting for some cue from their leader.
"I think they're dead, though maybe some were captured. That bloody trader had got some guards from Restov and ambushed us. I was able to escape. Ran into these two in the woods and convinced them joining me was better than rolling me. Though they could help out, since we're down people now."
Anyone else trying to approach the camp with Orin, please give me stealth and perception checks. Anyone who gets above an 18 (or 16, if you have low-light or better vision) can read the following. Please remember to account for how far away you are with the perception checks (+1 per 10 feet) and let me know how close you get, so I can account for it in any opposing perception checks.
stealth
perception
Treshiell sneaks ()after Orin and crouches down next to him as the half-elf stops to load his bow. She places her finger over her mouth and whispers to her viper: "Ssh... we do not want to be found". Then she places her palm on the rangers shoulder. Thin faint green lines manifest in the air and circles down Orin's arm. His accurecy increases as the arm steadies.
"Who are you going to shoot?", the witch whispers.
"I be Edrukk, and Vandar here tells me you know a thing or two about the region. I would be willing to consider a deal of some sort for that information. I seek knowledge of unclaimed and unused mines."
Rupert steps forward to greet the woman with a flourish and bow, "And mah' name is Rupert. Me'n'Edrukk met up a few days back via a mutual friend of our's. Ah' came out here t'avoid the law, and I'm damn glad good ol' Vandar here found us when he did, and brought us to the closest thing t'civilization there is out here. Ah' believe ah' can speak for the two of us for now when ah' say we're both willin' to work, fight, and help out however we can in return for some shelter and maybe a small share of the profits!"
Bluff
"And what were you running from the law for, Rupert?" the woman asks, watching you carefully. II might be willing to take on more help, but I need to know more about who's joining up. Awfully convenient that you ran into Vandar. And how in the world did you manage to escape when Happs couldn't?"
Orin would approach about as far as he could so that he could make it into the camp within one round. Call it 60' then.
"Some people who ah' didn't owe money thought that ah' owed them money, and when push came t'shove, they got shoved onto the point of my sword. The law didn't much like cleanin' up the bodies, or maybe one of 'em had connections, but either way I've been runnin' since. And ah' don't know who in the world this Happs is, or why him not escapin' means somethin, but if you've got questions about the affair at the fort, y'can ask Vandar. We weren't there, but by his account o'things it sounds like the people who ambushed 'em might be a real problem for yeh."
"My knowledge of traps and ambushes is that those who are caught in the middle of them tend to have a much lower survival rate than those on the edges. If Happs was seen as one of the primary target by the ambushers, and Vandar was seen as simply one of several minor threats on the edge, which is seems highly probable since Happs seems to have been in a leadership position based on your reaction when we entered the camp, than the Vandar would by default have a better chance of survival as it would have taken those focused on Happs a bit to get around to Vandar, by which time he could easily have escaped." Edrukk will tap into his pool of knowledge of general tactics to strengthen Vandar's position. "Such tactics are not only effective in neutralizing the major threats, but also quite common, especially if the attackers are not overly concerned about the seemingly minor threats. Perhaps I can tell you some stories later on about how such overconfidence has led to downfall."
"Yeah, OK, I suppose that makes sense," Kressle replies after Vandar spins a story about what happened at the fort, though she still seems unsure of the two newcomers. "You can join us for the evening, and then tomorrow we'll see what you're capable of. My guys will be watching you, though, so don't think of trying anything."
With that, she leads Rupert, Edrukk and Vandar back to several fallen logs set around a fire, where a stew is cooking.
Edrukk will start entertaining the bandits around the campfire with stories picked up during his travels, making sure to throw in some that were good and dirty, while waiting for the stew to cook.
Rupert will spend the time left until nightfall socializing with the bandits, and if the opportunity arises he will try to play a gambling game with them (though he will avoid using his own dice unless someone specifically asks to play a dice game, because he doesn't want to have the plan come crashing down on them all thanks to a pair of loaded dice). He will be friendly, and try diligently to earn the trust of some of the bandits so that, come nightfall, he can somehow get his hands on a guard-duty shift.
Diplomacy
Lirisial is going to be waiting somewhat farther away, probably near the closest thing that breaks line of sight to the camp. She'll be watching as best she can for any signal of trouble.
Rupert will spend the time left until nightfall socializing with the bandits, and if the opportunity arises he will try to play a gambling game with them (though he will avoid using his own dice unless someone specifically asks to play a dice game, because he doesn't want to have the plan come crashing down on them all thanks to a pair of loaded dice). He will be friendly, and try diligently to earn the trust of some of the bandits so that, come nightfall, he can somehow get his hands on a guard-duty shift.
Diplomacy 1d20+6
The one exception is Kressle, who doesn't join in on the merriment and seems to keep her eye on the pair of you, as well as the others.
When Rupert brings up gaming for betting on guard duty, she speaks up: "That won't be necessary. We wouldn't make new friends work on their first evening in camp. You've clearly had a long day of traveling, after all.
In fact, why doesn't everyone go to bed? Who knows if the guards that killed Happs might not be coming down here next. In fact, no one should leave camp for a while, I think. Just to be safe."
The other bandits mutter acceptance of her decree, quickly putting away their dice and hauling their food and refuse into a bear bag. Except for a pair who head onto the watch platforms, replacing two guards already there, they quickly pull out bedrolls and lie down around the fire.
"Just pull up a spot wherever you want," says a bandit who introduced himself as Condor, a Varisian missing a couple fingers on his left hand.
You note most of them have their weapons right next to them, ready should they need them.
The darkness deepens, making it hard to see what's happening in the camp, though the glow of the fire does show you silhouettes. After a couple hours, the bandits seem to prepare for sleep, lying down around the fire, while you see two climb into trees -- one to the west of the camp, one in the middle -- replacing a pair that were apparently keeping watch.
Lirisial and Xanwell, I'm assuming you're at a distance where you can't make out details of what's happening in the camp, even with Lirisial's keen Elven eyesight.
Edrukk will roll out his bedroll far enough from the fire that he can observe the stars and think a bit before fully turning in. This gives him a chance to ponder everything that has happened in the last 48 hours while giving Rupert a chance to make the next move. He will have his weapons close like the bandits do, but no closer. He hopes Rupert can figure out a way to make it so that the majority of these men can be turned into allies, not corpses.
Rupert reluctantly heads to a spot on the ground a ways away from the campfire and within eye-shot of Edrukk, but close enough to the group so as not to arouse suspicion. He lays out his bedroll and blanket, and lies flat on his back smoking his pipe for a long while. Eventually he taps out the pipe's ashes, blows away the tobacco, and stows the pipe back in his bag. Then he lies on his back and begins to listen to the breathing of the bandits around him, all the while pretending to go to sleep.
Perception (to hear when the bandits fall asleep, or anything out of the ordinary at all)
Also, I've got another idea. How many Stealth checks would I have to roll if I wanted to try and steal all of the bandits' weapons from their sleeping sides?
The map of the camp is here (sorry, didn't have time to throw in icons, but I'll do that tomorrow).
The bandits are sleeping around the fire on the left side of the camp; they are not using tents. Two men remain on guard, on wooden platforms 20 feet up (one is six squares north of the wagon to the west of the river, the other is a little to the southeast of the center of the map).
Also, here's a picture of Kressle, which is sleeping amongst the other bandits, around the fire.
You think it would be fairly difficult to steal everyone's weapons, unless you can somehow distract the guards (especially the eastern one, who is fairly close to the sleeping bandits). It will take four stealth checks to pull off (which would leave you next to the fire with everyone's weapons; and another check to move away from them).
EDIT: Okay, I found the campsite pic, I just scrolled over to the "Newer" pictures on your account.
After seeing the campsite's layout, Rupert would have been sure to sleep close enough to Edrukk that they could converse quietly once the others have gone to sleep without much effort. Once Rupert is confident that the bandits around him are asleep, he'll try to get Edrukk's attention.
He speaks in the lowest of low whispers, "Edrukk, do y'think y'could distract the guards in the watchtower somehow? Maybe just ask 'em where to go to the bathroom, or what their names are, whatever you'd like. Ah' only need a minute: got an idea that could win us the fight without so much as liftin' a sword if'n things go perfectly, but at the very least 'twould cause a lot of confusion when they figger us out. Ah'm gonna try and steal all their weapons while they're sleepin', that is if you can get those boys in the towers over there distracted enough not to notice me. As soon as we get spotted, ah' will toss the weapons I got into the forest and start blowin' the signal whistle, bringin' in the cavalry. What do y'think? Am ah' crazy, or is this worth tryin'?"
Edrukk will reply with a nod and a equally quiet whispered response, "Let the fire die down a bit, and I will see what I can do." After saying this, he will curl up in his bedroll for about an hour or two, at which point the fire will hopefully be at most small flames or embers. At that point, Edrukk will get up as if he is having trouble sleeping, which isn't hard to fake at this juncture, grab his tools and journal, find a reasonably clear spot in the area between the river and the eastern platform where both platforms could see him, spread the tools out, and after updating his journal with the days events and spending some time on the river bank searching for good candidates for bolt heads among the rocks, settle down with his tools, and start working on making up some more bolts for his crossbow. His crossbow would be close enough he could refer to it occasionally at various stages in the creation process, but he wouldn't actually load it at any point in time with anything other than a raw wooden shaft being measured for proper length.
In short, he's doing what he would probably be inclined to do on a semi normal basis anyway, since darkness doesn't bother him, and there would be less distractions with everybody asleep, doing it in a way that draws the guards attention, making them think him as a bit odd, but not a threat.
Here's the the updated map. It's a little tough to tell Kressle from the rest of the bandits, but she's to the southeast of the fire, wearing a bandana instead of a hood and without a goatee.
Edrukk, give me a bluff to see if you can convince the guards you're just odd, not a threat.
Rupert, why don't you give me five stealth rolls all at once, so we don't have to wait as I describe each bandit. You'll also need a sleight of hand to get Kressle's weapons, so please make that roll as well.
Rupert, why don't you give me a perception check as well, to see if the guards are buying into Edrukk's distraction.
Stealth
Stealth
Stealth
Stealth
Stealth
Sleight of Hand
I would like to do this with my whistle around my neck (or in my pocket, or somewhere easily-accessible), so I don't have to retrieve it from my pocket. Also, I'm going to ready action throwing all weapons in my hands (except for my weapons, of course) as far as I can northeast of the fire pit if somebody wakes up or sounds the alarm.
Strength Check (throwing weapons)
EDIT: "Vandar! Now comes y'time for redemption! Prove to'us that you've changed, that your loyalty is not compromised by fear, and y'will have gained our trust! And anyone of yeh can surrender now and y'will be spared!"
Diplomacy
Vandar's not on the map. I forgot about him. Sorry. I'll add him in the morning.
Also, I don't think you'd be able to steal all the weapons with yours in your hand, so I'm going to say it's in its scabbard. You can of course use one of the weapons you've picked up if you want, should it come to that.
The map is updated with Vandar's location (to the northeast of the fire). The rest of the party is to the north of the map, as far as you're aware.
The campfire has burned down during the night, and is providing a normal light in a 20-foot radius (the rest of the area is dim light, thanks to the moon and stars ).
After what seems like an interminable time, Rupert rises quietly from the ground and begins sneaking toward the bandits. Moving carefully, he eases the short sword from two of the sleeping bandits. Unfortunately, he steps on a twig as he circles to the third man, alerting one of the bandit guards who was not paying close attention to Edrukk.
"Hey," the man shouts. "What are you doing? Up camp, we've got a thief!"
The other bandits begin to wake, calling out in confusion, as Rupert tosses the two swords into the woods to the north.
Everyone can roll initiative, and please details your first round of actions.
Kressle
Bandits
Vandar
Xanwell
Initiative check:
Once the cry of alarm goes up, Orin stands up and fires an arrow at the bandit on the guard platform nearest him.
Attack roll:
Damage:
Intiative:
Edrukk will grab his crossbow, load it, and fire at the bandit across the river.
attack:
damage:
Kressel has a pair of handaxes. She was sleeping with them under her pillow (which is why Rupert would have needed the sleight of hand roll to successfully steal them from her without waking her).
Rupert:
Initiative:
Rupert will give a sharp blow of his whistle as he starts to move away from the fire as stealthily as possible after blowing the whistle.
Stealth check
Initiative check: 1d20+3
Once the cry of alarm goes up, Orin stands up and fires an arrow at the bandit on the guard platform nearest him.
Attack roll: 1d20+6
Damage: 1d8
"Seems like the camp has woken up", Treshiell says to Orin, her tone as neutral as always. She sits crosslegged next to the ranger and watches as he fires an arrow into one of the bandits. Once more she lays her hand on his shoulder.
Chaos erupts in the camp as the guard cries out. Rupert throws the two weapons he had gathered into the darkness, and blowing his whistle to alert his comrades, he moves away from the fire, trying to blend into the shadows throughout the camp.
Edrukk, perhaps startled by the sudden action after hours of tense anticipation, fires wildly, his bolt soaring into the darkness far from where the guard perches on his tower.
Orin's aim is more true, however, as he calmly stands and fires an arrow through the brush into the guard, whose screams of alarm turns suddenly into a strangled cry of pain.
Kressle leaps up, grabbing her axes as she looks around to find the troublemakers. Spotting Rupert, she moves toward him, blades glinting dully in the firelight. "I'll gut you like a fish, you lying sack of goat dung," she snarls as she approaches. Vandar rolls away from the fire, looking around and trying to get his bearings as he grabs his dagger.
The two bandits on the guard posts each fire arrows back at the adventurers threatening them. The first guard's arrow flies toward the dwarf, passing through where he stood just a moment before, but apparently the darkness provided enough concealment to let the bard avoid being hit. The other arrow flies blindly into the woods, falling perhaps closer than Orin or Treshiell would have liked, but nowhere near close enough to actually harm them.
At Edrukk:
At Orin:
The other four bandits roll out of their sleeping mats, grabbing for weapons. The two whose swords were stolen search madly for their blades, hoping they'll get the chance to defend themselves from the sudden attack. The other two pull their swords, one turning toward Vandar, the other lighting a torch in the fire so he can better see any approaching threats.
Round #2
Orin will fire another arrow at the gaurd on the platform nearest him again.
Attack roll:
Damage:
Seeing his second arrow strike true he tosses his bow to Treshiell, "Keep this safe, It means alot to me" so saying he rushes into the camp pulling his greatsword as he goes.
Round 2
Edrukk will double move stealthily 3 columns over to the right and 2 rows down and observe what he can around the fire.
I'm at work, so can't update the map, but there are currently three bandits around the fire, two looking for their swords and one lighting a torch.
One bandit is moving toward Vandar, who is about 15 feet from the fire.
Kressle has closed with Rupert, and is ready to engage.
Let me know second round actions, please.
Round #2
Orin will fire another arrow at the gaurd on the platform nearest him again.
Attack roll: 1d20+6+1
Damage: 1d8Seeing his second arrow strike true he tosses his bow to Treshiell, "Keep this safe, It means alot to me" so saying he rushes into the camp pulling his greatsword as he goes.
Round 2, init 1
Treshiell catches the bow and watches Orin run towards the bandit camp, brandishing his great sword. She rises to her feet an casually walks after him. After a dozen paces she reaches down to pick up a handful of dirt from the ground. The witch whispers something into her palm and then opens her hand. A whisp of wind catches the dirt and blows it towards the camp.
A sleep spell causes a magical slumber to come upon 4 HD of creatures. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first. Among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell's point of origin are affected first. HD that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted. Sleeping creatures are helpless. Slapping or wounding awakens an affected creature, but normal noise does not. Awakening a creature is a standard action (an application of the aid another action). Sleep does not target unconscious creatures, constructs, or undead creatures.
Round 2 Actions
Rupert will leap nimbly away from Kressle, moving five feet diagonally southwest and then fifteen feet directly west, trying his best to dodge her attacks.
Acrobatics
During the last few steps of his dash, he draws his sword quickly and spins around to face her with a flourish. "Well, well, my lady, I was hopin' it wouldn't come down t'this. And you've got the advantage, too! You're far enough away from your men that they won't be able to see you get bested by the goat dung!"
Intimidate
21 Rupert
16 Edrukk
13 Orin
9 Kressle, Vandar
7 Bandits
6 Xanwell
2 Treshiell
Rupert moves away, taunting Kressle, who seems shaken, but follows and chops at him with her axe, nonetheless. She grins sadistically as she lands a massive blow to the young man's chest and blood flies in a massive arc. "You're hardly worth my trouble, dung. I'm going to kill you and then I'm going to kill your friends. Then I'm going back to that fort and let my men have their way with that wench while we make her husband watch."
Attack:
Miss chance:
Damage:
Orin's second arrow again slams into the bandit on the platform, knocking him from his elevated perch. He slams into the ground with a dull thud, no longer moving. Tossing his bow to Treshiell, he begins running through the underbrush toward the clearing.
One of the bandits, unarmed and seeing his companion fall dead from the perch, breaks and runs to the south, clearly trying to make his escape. The second man without a sword grabs his bow, launching a quick shot at Orin as the ranger runs into the clearing, though the arrow flies widely in the darkness. His companion with a sword moves closer with his torch, giving the two an area where they're able to see the approaching threats clearly. Moments later, however, both collapse as the young witch's spell hits them.
Attack:
Will saves from Treshiell's sleep spell:
At the same time, the remaining guard on the western platform apparently loses track of Edrukk, and can't find a target to shoot at.
Perception:
Vandar and another bandit swing at each other, with Vandar landing a glancing blow with his dagger before dancing back just out of range of his former companion's return sword thrust.
Vandar attack:
Miss chance:
Dmg:
Bandit attack:
Miss chance:
Lirisial, hearing screams emerging from the clearing moves closer, ready to back up any of her new friends who need help or provide healing should that unfortunately become necessary. Xanwell remains to the south of the clearing, out of everyone's eyesight.
Lirisial initiative:
Edrukk will double move 4 squares to the south and than 4 squares to the east in an effort to back up Rupert.
Round #3
Seeing the wicked cut from Kressle, Orin will double move 60' toward Rupert, as well.