"Let's hobble our new orc scout, so he can walk not run."
"If you think that necessary. With his hands bound and our ranged weapons, I don't think Grunt will get far if he tries to run. Isn't that right, Grunt?"
Sheyan says something to his wolves in Sylvan, and after a moment they walk on both sides of the orc "He won't be going anywhere"
Argrim shrugs thinking his companions are over-confident with someone who knows the terrain better than they do.
"This is good. I have no quarrel with orcs."
Grunt groans at the suggestion of hobbling him, "Swamp path dangerous...bound orc is deadly for Grunt." He points to himself, "Let Grunt go free if he shows you the way?"
True to his word Grunt leads your through the swamp on some perilous path he actually points out two areas of quicksand and one poisonous plant. he stops once for a quick bite to eat, even with the filtered light, his eyes bother him until he everyone to where the trees overhang the path.
"Orc's stay out of light but this is better. Be on lookout...others like to use this part of the path."
How does this order look for everyone. The path gets as narrow as 5 feet in spots and as wide as 15 feet or so. Sheyan, I put one wolf up front and one in the rear since they have the scent ability.
As you shuffle along the path following Grunts lead you can see the water ripple and strange movement along with mating calls form the trees. There are various types of trees, willows, mangrove and cypress seem to dominant the terrain. Ever so often you come across a rotting tree trunk, most are teaming with strange swamp creatures, that chirp or creak. Grunt avoids a few areas and wolves are uncomfortable with so much murky water around.
After lunch Grunt looks at Agrim, "Unshackle me...hard to walk, if I fall in water, I'm no use."
After lunch Grunt looks at Agrim, "Unshackle me...hard to walk, if I fall in water, I'm no use."
"It's supposed to be hard to walk. You're a prisoner. Lucky you're not dead. If you fall in the water, we'll fish you out. You're our guide."
Grunt gives a big toothy snarl, "Maybe Grunt don't warn next time quicksand is near." he then goes on walking though he seems a bit less interested in looking to his left and right. Mumbling to himself.
Sheyan puts a hand on Argrims shoulder "I understand the need for security, but prisoners are less likely to cause problems if they are content"
Grunt stops, looks down, then backs up 10 feet before he begins to trot then jumps over an area that was directly in front of his pat.
He clears the dangerous area and turns back towards the group.
'Better jump or you be without boots and paws.'
perception
perception
perception
Don't worry, Grunt. If you treat faithfully with us, we will honor our agreements and treat respectfully with you."
Vatilda stows her shield and jumps.
"Jumping is not my strong point here, lads. How about one of you hold tight?"
Karnog ties his lasso to his gear before stowing the buckler and getting ready to leap. He tosses the lasso to one of his party on the other side of the jump.
"Here goes nothing!"
acrobatics (jump)
I hear ya, Karnog...I am terrible at this sort of thing.
Karnog's arms windmill but he manages to stay on his feet. Malcolm follows in a similar manner.
As the party proceeds several members can see ripples in the water...it looks like some sort of reptiles with beady eyes roughly 40 feet away. There are two on one side of the path and one on the other. They have not moved but they are floating with only their eyes showing.
[Ooc] Weird question: if Kalim enlarged himself could he step over? I am deeply afraid of Kalimdice occuring.
Sheyan points out the reptiles "Those are crocodiles, don't get too close to them"
"Crocodiles, eh? Lets not go swimming, then."
[Ooc] Weird question: if Kalim enlarged himself could he step over? I am deeply afraid of Kalimdice occuring.
Not a weird a question...yes. As you know enlarge person is a full round spell but your under no real duress so time is not an issue.
Kalim gets BIG and steps over the area.
As everyone safely crossed the hazard, Sheyan scrunches up his face as he examines the hazard. Agrim is bit curious but can't quite figure it out. As the two of them stop to examine the hazard.
You recognize the acid as digestive in nature. From the pattern on the ground it looks like it came from behind where you are currently standing.
I've marked the crocs on the map, I have also placed the hazard on the path that the group crossed. It's not quite 10 feet by 10 feet but you get the idea. I also, placed what looks like man-sized tree trunk on the map.
Several folks don't even notice this tree trunk form. Only Agrim was quick enough to recognize the camouflaged creature and the several thorny tendrils sprouting from its body. A single limb protrudes from its central from as well. Agrim you realize that the tendrils provide it reach.
Surprise Round Initiative:
Argrim you get the jump on the creature in the surprise round. You can move or have a standard action.
Surprise
Argrim pulls out his battleaxe and makes a mental note to carry his bow in his hand from now on.
"The tree next to Kalim is carnivorous, and we have three crocs inbound."
Sheyan draws a dagger and holds it poised to throw at one of the crocs, saying loudly "You do not want to fight us scaly ones. It will not end well for you"