Hobbit, human child. Its all the same if your hidin your face under a helmet. And yes we're dwarves as you can tell. We're not hidin our heritage behind a mask. Its for all the world to see. Now, if your so knowledgeable, why don't you come down and tell us what's out here rather than babbling on about your lunch.
"Just... wow, Kib! Thanks. The axe now will have a little brother to talk to, and hopefully it will make it less hateful.". Khazad smiles under his beard as he puts the gnome's ring on.
"Yes, the ice ships is just what we need to make the world reckon with us. And also they could allow transit between dwarven enclaves around the human lands, which should make us less dependant on the Society. It is true that dwarves are not born for sea, but I remember Neji was quite fond of them." Sigh "How do you see the prospect of sailing a ship, Kib?"
"So, since you eat those insects for lunch, why isn't the cave cleared of them yet? Perhaps we could join forces and provide you with some more delicious bug jerky?"
EARLIER: Kib grins widely and proudly as his rings seem to be well received by those that expressed such and he express his pleasure audibly. If he is hurt by their new leader Kragg not showing any interest whatsoever in his gift, the Gnome seems to do a good job at hiding it.
When Hon moves to hug him, the small sorcerer is litterally frozen in shock, and so simply stands there, arms straight down at his sides, as the slightly bigger Dwarf moves in for the kill, er, hug.
NOW:
Upon seeing the mail-clad hobbit revealed, Kibibblepep grins widely, thrilled, and feeling confidant, to meet someone smaller than himself. Stepping closer he says with earnest friendliness "Please do excuse my crude Dwarven companions friend! You know how it is. But greetings! I am Kibibblpep Sparkle Eye, Sorcerer Supreme! By what name might we call you, brave knight! And how is it that you are here undertaking this noble quest all by yourself?"
Diplomacy:
Before: Gallak asks for about 200gp from the party fund to purchase caving supplies.
He returns with the gear slung about him as though he knows quite well what he's doing in an ice cave. In fact, by the way he's hitched his gear deftly and efficiently, he's done this before.
He raises a bushy white eyebrow at the halfling in plate, but lets Kib greet the strange fellow.
"OI! I ain't a dwarf! Far too skinny to be mistaken for one either."
As far as the group can tell, this is the biggest outburst they've seen from the diminutive woman. Seems that being compared to dwarves is a bit of a hot-button issue for Joan.
More like to scrape yer head and snap yer spine, more like.
Kragg inspecks the ring closely upon delivery. The Urgrosh is delicately done and even quite sharp.Thanks, Kib. You know, you've got the makins of a fine dwarf in your body. Don't let no one tell you otherwise. Don't worry about your beard either, it will come in on its own time. If someone else gives you a bother about just light up their beard with one of your wands. See who is laughin then. Speakin of which, I don't understand all that you do or how you do it, but you got a gift. Dont waste it.
It would appear that Kragg would say more but is interrupted by Hon throwing his arms around Kib. Kragg quickly takes off the ring blinking rapidly. Sure enough Hon is still grasping Kib in a bear death hug. Kragg replaces the ring on his first finger and silently moves away from the emotional dwarf. Remember, never give Hon jewelry. It makes him act weird.
Since Kib is making his way forward, Kragg will stop and wait to see how the 'hobbit' reacts to the gnome. Something about the similar size must attract Kib to the hobbit. Either that or the hug from Hon dislodged something. Not a good option if that were the case.
Cleats: Useful on any terrain where traction may be a concern, cleats are shoes with spikes or hooks attached to the soles. Cleats reduce the penalty for walking over slick surfaces by 50%; for example, walking across ice normally costs 2 squares for every square of movement, but with cleats it costs only 1.5 squares for every square. Cleats cause damage to any type of finished flooring.
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Hearing Kragg's disparaging words in another first impression not-yet adversarial exchange is starting to give him heartburn. A discerning stare at Kragg, and while Kib greets the small plated one, a quiet aside escapes his lips, ”Methinks the mantle of leadership wears heavy upon thy brow.” Moving alongside Kib, puts in his two copper pieces into the conversation. ”Good day and well met, Aye! We’ve heard of the some of the dangers and sought to cash in on the bounty not knowing another brave soul had a previous claim. I’ll not begrudge you the reward or your snack. We are indeed strangers, ignorant of these large insects and whatever else may traverse this icy frontier. Should we remain alert or can you spare time to educate in case we encounter these insect elsewhere. “
Hon does not have any weapons in hand, just a well accesorized backpack topped with a dire wolf pelt. He grins at Kib's discomfit over Hon's assist and motions for the both of them to slowly approach the hobbit, indicating Kib should take the lead.
Kib's rings are indeed spectacular and he has taken the time to make sure every detail is perfect. The rings do not inhibit magic as the laen ammunition. An estimate puts their worth at 5x the value of the materials used in their construction.
The laen ammunition with a little experimentation seems to sap both divine and arcane magics both exiting and entering the person wearing the laen.
Gallak is asked if he paying his duty of 38.7gp on his purchase at the point of sale, or if he takes care of it himself later.
The dimunitive knight speaks, "I have heard tales of dwarves in the lands. It is strange that the small human beauty is offended at being compared to a dwarf, but you have no problem comparing a hobbit to a human. Maybe accusing me of trying to pass as a human and wearing full battle armor as a disguise is a diplomatic gambit I am too simple to understand."
He smiles at Kib and Hon, "I follow the will of the Dawnflower. These brutal insects drag whatever they can find into their hole. I have harried them for days picking off as many as I can and using them to feed the fishermen who cannot collect the fish because they have been driven from this area."
Upon Gallak's return he looks at the equipment. "I think I was sent to save you from throwing your lives away." He points to Kragg, Khazad, and Nar. "You, you, and you will form the forward battle line and first group. If you are dwarves you can probably dig, I'll help you get your works in order." He points to Gallak, Magnum, Hon, Kib, and Joan. "You, you, you, you, and you will have to form the support group. We may have time to prepare some postions for you too. There is some dirt about a quarter mile west under a light coat of snow, you can send two from each group to dig as much as you can in three hours. When you are done and Sarah and I will haul it back."
Magnum thanks Kib for the ring, "I will wear it with pride."
Magnum hands Kib two wands with a single loop and a leather label - scorching ray x3 and magic missile x6.
"I know you have plenty, but you can use these better than I. You met Chris earlier, he taught me the value of what he called an Alpha Strike."
Magnum talks to Joan, "Is it me, or is this knight kind of bossy?"
BEFORE:
Kib grins widely at Kragg's remarks and compliments, especially those concerning his Dwarfishness, for, truly feeling in his soul that he is a Dwarf in truth, the respect and appreciation for those in command is driven strongly into him.
He also thanks Magnum quite genuinely for the use of his two wands adding "Oh, and whenever ye'd like these two back, jus ask!"
NOW:
Kib is indeed uncomfortable to have Hon's un-asked for assistance and his grin falters slightly. But gamely plowing on.
As teh mini knight begins to order everyone around though, suddenly sensing the need to avert potential bloodshed here and now Kib grin widely, perhaps a bit too widely, and says "Whoa, whoa, whoa there my friend! Seems yer bein' a bit hasty in yer orders ye seem ta reckon we'll jus jump ta. We've all jus mett after all, n' if ye know aught about we dwarves, ye'll be knowing that as a rule, we don't take too kindly tae bein' bossed or pushed around. Now, fer sure we'll be appreciating any information n' help ye care tae give, but surely ye realize that if you was able tae take on these critters by yerself, it should be pretty easy pickin's fer a large group o' warriors such as ourselves?"
Diplomacy:
Dig? Dig what?
Gallak is more amused than angry at the little fellow.
Well, 'e's got heart. Look boy, it's Torag what rules in tha deep, not your sun-god. She's tha one what put the beast in tha ground in the first place, so I recon these spawn o' his crawlin' out be her fault to start with.
The small knight seems to get quite agitated at Gallak's words.
"We don't have time to unravel your lack of divine knowledge. If you listen to me, you might get through this. Whatever you do, don't go down that hole. Now who is mining that dirt?"
It won't hurt to tell us what we're doin this for. 5 minutes of explainin will do a lot more than the 20 minutes of arguein and residual lack of effort given. Now you may mean well, but without knowin you we're not goin to jump to start diggin just because you said so. Second, we don't know whose dirt that is or if it would cause more harm than good. As for battle lines, Kragg lets go a small chuckle, I's sorry, but you don't even know us or our capabilities. You're jumping to conclusion worse than me callin you a child with your helemt on. As you pointed out looks are deceivin. My judgement was a slight to you, your judgement could get someone killed. Now will you explain yourself?
"The bugs will be comming out of the cave in large numbers. I want you in improvised earthworks on ground this is not slippery. You probably don't want to be in the open or in that tunnel."
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"We could argue tactics, like collapsing the tunnel, hunkering down until the bugs depart then enter, look for a sidetunnel where 1:1 may be more to our advantage. You all know my take on this. We are going in blind, based on a rumor and here we have a voice of experience. Lets listen. Personally, I'd prefer to observe without interfering. Learn a few facts, develop a plan with the local talent that emphasizes our strengths instead of "knock! knock! Who's there? Punch in the face!" that seems to be our calling card..." Hon looks to Kragg and the others wondering if his words are having any effect.
Earthworks? On... Ice? We'd be be'er suited throwing crooshed gravel across tha entrance fer a fight. Mayhap some old meat, as well, if'n they'll be apt ta eat it.
Gallak passes out the cleats nonetheless.
'Asides, any bug worth it's legs 'ould jus' clamb oop any earthworks we raise.
Gallak snorts, and holds up his miner's pick.
What Gallak speaks is true. If they can move so easily on the ice as you speak the earthworks will pose no hinderance to them. It would be better served ofout time if we put on these cleats and learned quickly how to move on them without slipping. That way we can adjust to the flow of the battle rather than stuck in one spot.
As much as I hate to admit it Hon has a point too. It would be foolish to enter when we don't kow what's inside when we have the wisdom out here with us. What more can you tell us knight about our adversaries and your role in ehte battle. Surely you will not stay on any earthworks with your steed. Why should we forgo any mobility as you suggest if it appears that you are not gong to take your own advice?
During this exchange Kragg will place the cleats on and experiment with them to see if it does help keep his footing and move on the ice. The more he experiments, the more he likes this option rather than standing on a pile of dirt.
It seems that the earthworks would provide a secure footing but would also hem us in and we would be trapped by their numbers. Unless you plan on us moving enough earth to partially block the entrance and force them to come out in leser numbers. How large is that entrance and is that even possible to partially block, halfling? Used the term halfling since he hasn't given his name yet. Basically using it as his name for the moment.
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"I say we put some distance between us and the entrance but within view. Dig in and watch. Perhaps even pick off a few stray bugs, come up with a better plan or just collapse the tunnel. Hon watches Kragg on cleats. doesn't look too hard Turning back to the Halfling, "Oh plated one, what sustains these bugs of enormous size? It seems you (and us as slightly larger morsels) would be a welcome addition to thier repast. I find it difficult to believe that thier diet only consists of fish."
The hobbit responds to some of the questions posed him, "The bugs seem to like to eat humans. I did not plan on fighting anywhere but on my horse. I can outrun them on Sarah, you have no chance to outrun them. As for your concerns over who own the dirt, that I don't have time to consider. It seems my squire returns with the sledge."
A gnome on a pony comes trotting across the ice dragging a sledge with metal runners. The gnome dips his head and speaks to the hobbit, "I delivered the last load." He seems surprised to see the large group. "What next?" He stares at the assembled group.
The entrance would easily allow four abreast (20' wide).
The hobbit answers, "I think the dwarves are deciding what to do. They do not seem to want to follow my orders." The hobbit seems genuinely surprised as he says this.
Gallak snorts in derision and looks around at the pointedly empty ice.
Seems ta' me that tha' onlah ones followin yer orders round these parts is that horse, a firstworlder, and 'is sorrah excuse fer a mount. Ah'm taller than tha thing.
Gallak examines the cave entrance critically.
With oil and some time, we could easily melt a trench here near the opening's base, but they'd be like to climb around it. Better to fetch salt and gravel if we mean to fight them here, it'll give us the advantage on open ground.
He takes his glove off with his teeth and feels the cold of the cave, nodding a bit.
We could manufacture some icicles, freeze wood or iron slats to the roof, that had ought to keep them busy climbing out the ceiling, anyways.
Khazad puts the cleats on, then throws his axe from one hand to another, impatiently. "Sir knight, you have to understand that we follow the authority of the dwarven leadership first and foremost, and while I personally see no harm in cooperating to squash some bugs, I agree with Kragg we first have to make sure this aligns with the dwarven interests here. You said you serve the Dawnflower, but aren't you also part of some earthly organisation of her followers?"
The hobbit turns to his squire, "Marcus, stow that sledge in our hiding spot, looks like we won't be using it to haul dirt. Let's make sure there are no civilians in the area. We'll stick to our standard tactics and get them in a running battle. We will check your gear and feed and water the horses next."
The hobbit looks to the low position of the sun and back at the dwarves. "You may have four or five hours till the next group comes out of that tunnel about four abreast. The warrior bugs will be up front--they are the hardest to bring down. The bugs seem resistant to heat and cold."
He trots after his squire on the pony.
When the Gnome trots up Kibibblepep's expression and demeanour, somewhat oddly, visibly cools. It also seems clear his initial cordiality and pleasure at meeting the hobbit has dimmed somewhat. Still though his words and manner are diplomatic as he says in Gnomish "Greetings cousin. May bright and shiny's and curious curiosities always litter your path and trip you sideways when falling is the best thing to do." After giving one of the (very strange-to non Gnomes) many standard formal Gnomish greetings, Kib continues "Marcus is it, I am Kibibblepep Sparkle Eye, son of Bangmaker Elbow Grease and Pink Tinkler Tidy Foot. Well met. It seems your master has the better of us, as he has not yet graced us with his name. Perhaps this is part of his culture that he is unable to do so himself? If you are able to do so however it would do much to improve communication between our two groups, I am sure. The important issue here is eliminating the threat of the bugs, and by working together, I am sure we will be able to do so."
Marcus is wearing a suit of banded armor and a visored helm. His horse is armored in similar banded mail. He smiles and speaks to Kib, "May your caverns always sparkle and your plans be fruitful. I have yet to hear Sir Wheatfield use his name as a servant of Saranrae. He feels his personal identity is somewhat unimportant compared to his duties and obligations."
Before riding off he speaks to Kib in gnomish. "I have no problem understanding my orders, they are typically quite clear. My communication problems occur when I don't follow them." Marcus winks before departing.
Magnum and Joan explain that Sir Wheatfield, if it is the same knight, is somewhat of a local legend. He has been known to lead local militias and mercenaries to defeat emerging and powerful threats. These threats have ranged from bandits to a twenty year crusade against the Darktongue Necromancers.
Alright, for the next 3 hours we will be building a defensive area using dirt and whatever else is around. Any fallen trees or such that can be used will also be a hinderance. If we hva a steady lightsource at the cave entrance so we can se the bugs emerge, tahn I am thinking 150feet out is our defensive area. that should give 1 good volley before they close in on us.
Once that is done, an hour to rest and recoup before the bugs start approaching. I don't want anyone tired and a split second slower because we've been digging all afternoon. If a wagon can be commissioned, would use that as well to get Kib, Hon, and Joan on a visual high point and provide ranged support. Gallak and Nar would be on the flanks trying to keep us from being surrounded. If they need help then the support wagon provide fire accordingly. Kragg and Khazad up front keeping each other from being flanked. BigMug would be in the center as a rallying point and a second line of defense between Khazad/Kragg and the support wagon.
Magnum: is up to him where he would like to be.
If anyone has any suggestions please state them.
To start, Kragg will have his bow out until the creatures get to melee range.
Khazad feels respect for Sir Wheatfield. He remembers his own youth, when he dreamt of becoming a paladin for Torag, but wasn't accepted into the temple training for 'Utter lack of spiritual gift'. He grabs a shovel and begins digging.
"Incidentally, how did this quest against the necromancers end?"
"The Sir Wheatfield stories get pretty outlandish. Necromancy was really popular after the King died and all the locals starting fending for themselves. A necromancer called Noble Neil raised a black tower in the center of the largest burial ground after the war. His followers collected there and started raising the dead warriors. Sir Wheatfield killed all the black wizards and razed the tower. Then he started hunting the rest of the cabal of necromancers that spoke the evil tongue and raised the dead. It lasted for many years and resulted in the death of hundreds of necromancers."
The hobbit returns with his squire who is pulling his sledge. His next order of business is a gear inspection. He yells, "Fall in line for a gear inspection." It looks like he actually expects some others to join Marcus.
After the gear inspection Marcus is sent to help haul dirt with his sledge to help.
As Marcus joins the others, Sir Wheatfield takes his horse on a survey of the terrain. Marcus explains when Sir Wheatfield is out of hearing range, "I don't get to work with others much, normally it is just the boss and I."
If a wagon is unavailable we can accomplish the same with big rocks covered with dirt (we never did get that shovel back did we? Dang it! And now that Kib's got the haversack, maybe he could/should carry the staff around from now on?)
Also perhaps if we have time we can make a corridor/killing field from the mouth of the cave? Pits with spikes? etc.
When Marcus returns Kibibblepep muses out loud "Hmmm, perhaps Sir Wheatfield mind be interested in helping us clear out a certain Goblin Wizard's tower in Garrison..."
Gallak is directing the building according to a legendary heroic tale. The tale emphasized large structures with loosely packed dirt. After a few hours of work, the hobbit comes over.
"That is an interesting way of preparing field fortifications. It is somewhat different than how I was taught. I have a less is more utilitarian kind of style. But I would not want to slight dwarven construction."
As the time draws closer, he looks a little more skeptical. "I think those may collapse during battle. If you would like I could take over here?"
"I know you don't want to be under my command, but maybe we should have a conference of war. Marcus and I and about five human barbarians will be fighting as a unit. We will probably get the ones that don't engage you."
Khazad comes over to Gallak: "Look, hate to break it to you, but this is bugs we're gonna fight. They won't care how impressive and daunting our impromptu fort looks. What they will care about is whether they can set their feet on those loose stones here, push their mandibles through the openings here and there, and inevitably crush our fortifications on our own heads by their sheer mass due to lack of solid supports.
You know there are three ways to do something: the right way, the wrong way, and the army way. I think this is one of those times when we'll have to rely on the army way."
Gallak permitting, Khazad assumes command of the construction and erects a decent makeshift brustwehr with heavily reinforced flanks and an opening in the center, with the idea to force the bugs into it like a funnel where they can be flanked by meleers while peppered by arrows and spells from the wings of the structure.
"I hope the bugs crawl and not fly?" he asks Sir Wheatfield.
As Khazad and Gallak 'discuss' the best way to build the fortifications, Kibibblepep goes to speak withj the one pewrson here who definitely seems to know what he's doing. Still a little put off by the hobbit's ways, but not quite as much as before, he seems to finally strike the right tone with the Paladine as he says "Sir Wheatfield, I for one have no desire to be squished by bugs, so please do allow us the benifit of your expertise in constructing the fortifications."
Diplomacy:
When Khazad imparts his knowledge about the soundness of the defenses, or lack there of, Kragg will follow Kib's lead and listen to any suggestions the hobbit has. I'm more concerned about keepin our people safe. What do you mean about 500 barbarians attackin? If you got htat many, then we should be on the offensive and not worry about the defenses as much. Either way, we tried the dirt defenses and that doesn't seem to be workin right. What other options do ya have?
The hobbit laughs, "I have five human barbarians, not five HUNDRED barbarians. They listen to me and follow my every order. We lost time to build earthworks, we can still hack up a spot for you and lay some dirt. Let us see if we have the time to make a simple dirt wall or two."
Sir Wheatfield orders half your group to hack up a 20' by 20' patch of ice ten feet from the tunnel entrance and half the group to build a ten foot tall wall on one side of the opening to the patch of solid ground. Given the temperature he has Khazad dig into a thinner section of ice to get some water to pour over the dirt wall to help hold it together when it freezes.
"I have now have two and three sets of orders. Someone make a decision and let's go with it."
"Listen, human, you got half man orders, gnome orders, and REAL DWARF orders. You do what Khazad is telling you to do, or you and I have a problem. We don't listen to leetle hairyfeet playing at soldier."
Gallak's already hard at work with his pick, making the suggested funnel earthworks.
Combine the 2 ideas then. Dig the ice blocks out to create a center trench and use the removed ice to build up the wings along the flank. We wont get much done in the time we have left so use what we dig out to build up what we can. Did anyone ever find a wagon to get our support troops on? Follow Khazad's plan but with the idea of using the ice from the halfling. Depending on how wide we get the walls, will determine where the barbarians and everyone else is placed.
There are now four construction plans.
I think the first one was abandoned.
(2) Large wall with reinforced sides.
(3) small wall with poured water filler.
(4) both 2 and 3 with removing ice blocks.
The stress of the impending bug invasion finally gets to the small human ranger. "I am heading back. We can't stop a wave of bugs, and these constructions just won't work it. I know it."
With a look of fear in her eyes, Joan runs off in a roughly northern direction.
Given our time constraints, what does Kragg feel can be accomplished? We already spent some time gathering dirt so unsure how much time we have left. Sorry to see you go Adam.
Still think Khazad has the best idea just not sure if we can complete it in time.
"Bah. This has far too much of Torag's hand in it for planning and not enough bold dwarf action of Angradd on our part. The fortifications are only good until the first bug comes out than all the planning is over. Let's finish what we can then kill us some bugs"
Okay, a ten foot long wall on one side of the tunnel with an improvised berm twenty feet wide facing the tunnel entrance is all you manage. The footing is solid and will give anyone fighting from the berm area to a nonberm area +1 to hit.
The hobbit is somewhat disappointed. "Well, we only had four hours. I guess this will have to do. These bugs are mindless. They have no concern for individual safety. I will plan on the fact that no orders I issue will be followed on your side, and if they are, I will be pleasantly surprised."
Having worked far harder physically than he is wont, a sweaty Kib pats the smaller knight on the shoulder saying with a tired smile "Don' ye worry none friend, this just be how we dwarves is. But n'matter how much we may bicker or disagree, when it comes tae fightin', there ain't none better at it and none ye'd rather have on your side. Mark my words, we'll have these bugs squashed in no time. By the way, how do ye be knowing exactly when them bugs'll be coming out?"
Kib is quite sad to see Joan go, as it had seemed the two were becoming friends, but he tries hard not to show it. Her departure though does lead to his thinking once again on the weakness and undependability of humans in general.
Also, is there anywhere Kib would be able to anchor a Web spell to? Maybe over the cave entrance? Also thinking a Fog Cloud or a pool of Grease (set on fire) could come in handy. And of course a good ole' fireball, should they be grouped up nicely.
Finally, are there any plants in the area? Or more importantly, will the Entangle spell work here?
As an afterthought Kib asks |"Oh, and would any o' ye care ta be Enlarged fer this fight?"