"Much more. Do we fight them, or do we find another way around? I doubt that they'll let us just pass."
"They prefer magic weapons? I have one for them" Nar grips his Waraxe's handle as he mumbles something else under his breath.
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Hon's eyes reflect a quickly suppressed avarice. ”A trade of magicked weapons that sooner or later would be turned on us. An honest greed with ruthlessness…that I can work with. Perhaps an arrangement could be made, but how can we guarantee the honored agreement? I expect these gnolls are delaying for a stronger force and seek to enrich themselves before the rest of the pack arrives. But we are like babes in the woods, surrounded by enemies and ignorance of 100 years of solitude. We need intel more than weaponry. How about some coin now, safe passage and one guide to escort us and upon safely exiting the territory the surrender of one weapon? I’ll give up my crossbow, can’t seem to hit the ground with it anyway.”
Hon takes out a rag and polishes his crossbow, drawing attention to it. Whistling and drawing a bead on a distant tree(away from the gnolls), ignoring closer targets. Dry firing it a couple of times to put it through its paces.
The gnolls wait patiently for negotiations to resume.
"Hon, you give them that, and you'll wake up with a half-dozen bolts up yer arse."
Hearing Hon's proposal and agreeing that his crossbow is nearly useless to him anyway, Kib attempts to make his illusions illustrate the deal. One Gnoll accompanies them, and at the end of the journey, Hon hands him the Very nice, Very shiny crossbow. The two parties then part ways, big smiles on their faces and waving their fond farewells. When he finishes his turns to Gallak and the others with him with a shrug "What? A little friendliness here and there can't hurt none, can it?"
The gnolls huddle amongst themselves, and eventually a smaller gnoll than most approaches. He looks the dwarves over carefully, and seems to use smell as much as sight. After seeming to be satisfied, he points to himself""Boog-Boog".
The gnoll shrugs his shoulders and begins to lead you in the direction you were going anyway.
The other gnolls seem content to follow between a quarter and half mile away.
Joan falls in line, but not before hissing a brief message to Kib and Hon.
Gallak whispers back, We're still messaged, Joan.
Kib whispers back the message "It's probably cursed. I mean, he can't really be that bad a shot, can he??"
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Putting away the polishing rag, Hon slings the crossbow across his torso, hanging with ease in the crook of his elbow. “Excellent! Good job Sparky!” He turns to Joan as she addresses him and Kib. ”What no honor among thieves? Sure it might happen, more likely though is the one lonely gnoll running off into the hinterlands is gathering a bigger force to take all our gear by force. In the meantime, we have an opportunity to gather a bit of intel, develop a bit of respect if not trust and buy some time. We forced them to interact with us, trying to make the best of it. Now excuse me.” With an insolent salute to Joan and Kragg, he turns and plows through the snow drifts to walk alongside Boog-Boog. He catches the half-whispered comment from Kib, showing only a minor scowl and flushed face as he departs, although that could be the winter weather and exertion. A quiet mutter ”Yeah, gotta be cursed…
Keeping pace with Boog-Boog, once he has the gnoll’s attention, he points at the gnoll and states “Boog-Boog” then points to himself “Hon”. He observes Boog’s demeanor as he attempts to communicate with him/her over the next couple of hours.
Kragg shakes his head when they continue marching. It seemed foolish to give away a weapon of such fine quality, but the gear was Hon's to do with what he would. Besides, he did have trouble using the thing and never managed to get a decent shot to land anyways. He continues to keep an eye out for ambushes and enemies as they trudge onward. The sooner this is over with the happier he will be.
The group travels along, and Boog-Boog seems a quick study when it comes to the common tongue. With Hon's help, he seems to doing well with verbs and nouns. The other figures of speech still vex him. Near sunset, another group of gnolls is seen in the distance. They seem to wear dark brown furs, and fall in on the other side of your column.
Boog-Boog says, "tribe" and "eat" as he points to the new set of fifteen gnolls. The meaning of the second word is not obvious.
Kragg and Magnum have no luck finding a suitable campsite out of the wind, when Joan discovers a rocky overhang that makes an excellent windbreak.
The two groups of gnolls set up camps nearby. They seem unconcerned about the wind.
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Hon will break out his generic map with Boog-Boog. Pointing to Boog-Boog's patrol, he'll cup over the presumed territory they are crossing now. Pointing at the other pack, he'll cup over the estimation of an adjacent area. Pausing for response, he'll point again at Boog-Boog's tribe and walk his fingers through the presumed dark-furred gnoll area.
Hon is not surprised with the recent arrivals. He remains alert, believing that reneging on the deal is a distinct possiblity with the gnolls but focusing on diplomacy. Every culture has its own version of honor and respect, he hopes to get there before the dwarf version gets riled up or at very least no animosity as they depart the territory. And yes, this is what he communicates to Kragg, Joan, Kib and the rest of the dwarves.
After setting up camp, she pulls Kragg and Gallack aside.
I believe that some of us could make a decent attempt of it, but this is their home territory. They know the lay of the land and I don't think Khazad or Bigmug are all that stealthy. We will have to see how this plays out and use the hand that the gods dealt us. Keep an open eye and be ready to trouble.
After a full watch, Boog-boog leads the way in the morning.
At noon you meet up with a third tribe, and they fall in. As you camp for the evening, a fourth tribe shows up.
All in all, your gnoll shadows number about 60-70.
Boog-Boog implies that you may have to use your weapons the next day. After that dramatic pronouncement, he rolls up in his furs and goes to sleep.
By the time Boog-boog goes to sleep, Joan is visibly agitated. The band was outnumbered almost 20 to 1.
About the only reason she sleeps at all is Liulfr standing guard while she does.
"Good boy."
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Hon will ask "which Gnoll tribe will attack or if all of them, including his own?" He draws several circles in the snow, indicating a tribe for each, and the dwarves in the middle.
"We paid for safe escort, will your tribe not honor the deal?"
He places his crossbow nearest Boog-Boog tribe circle and draws a line encompassing dwarven circle, Boog-Boog tribe and the crossbow, then an arrow leading away from the other gnolls.
Hon spends his watch worrying. He recalls that combat is just another form of diplomacy, one that he needs to work at. There is but a small hope this is another form of the culture he is learning. This may lead to a duel of alphas to establish dominance since a free for all has not yet happened. He seeks the opinion of his watch relief explaining his thoughts before settling down for a troubled sleep, trying to recall how he could have done this better.
Kib spends his time closely watching each of the seperate tribes. He looks to see what, if any, cohesion or, conversely, animosity there might appear to be between any of the tribes. He also looks to see which tribes seems strongest, and which the weakest. He constantly keeps his companions linked with the message cantrip.
While nervous and suspicious, he still hopes for the promised safe passage. At night, using the cantrip, he shares any findings with his comrades. Then adds "Let's make a contingency plan. Should they attack us, I will summon a fog cloud to cover our retreat. Which direction though should we all run? Hon? You've been studying the map with Boog-Boog, what say you?
Boog-Boog states: "Gnolls honor, strangers not. Boog-Boog die, tribes mad."
Studying the tribes, it is difficult to sense their strange rituals and communications.
As you break camp and march on the first thing you notice is a mountain range in the distance. The wind is worse and a driving snow cuts visibility down to less than two hundred feet. Often it appears the shadows are about to lose you, but then you hear a tribe yell 'Boog-Boog' and he yells 'hoben' back loudly. Just before and just after noon you meet up with two more tribes with some identifying insignia. The last group each have white headbands with red stitching on them.
Boog-Boog seems to be leading you to the center, and tallest peak in the mountain range. As you seem to slowed by the travel, Boog-Boog says with obvious disappointment, "Fight day next. Snow drops."
Boog-Boog is showing early signs of frostbite, but seems to be holding up quite well. We will see how others do.
1d6
2d6
1d6
3d6
2d6
4d6
5d6
I think poor Luilfr passes out at the eighth hour.
Joan manages okay, and tries her best to help the others, but her shadow, Luilfr, was not fairing as well.
"Luilfr? Are you going to make it?"
Somewhere in the fifth hour the cold finally seeps into Gallak's bones despite his thick furs and tightly snugged mittens.
H-h-h-h-o it's a mite chilly, he manages to clatter between his clenched teeth.
Survival
DC: 15
DC: 16
DC: 17
DC: 18
DC: 19
DC: 20
DC: 21
DC: 22
Damage taken nonlethal:
As they are marching along and Kragg sees that the group is slowing and the cold is taking effect he reaches into his pack and draws forth a gnarled, small twig of wood. As they make camp for the night, Kragg taps each person on the shoulder with the twig warming them up and causing the cold to recede a bit. This should keep the cold away for the night and all day tomorrow. If we are to be fighting, then we will need a good night's sleep now. the cold evaporates and the warmth returns reviving the limbs and removing any damage the cold has caused thus far.
Fort +3+2(Kragg)=5
Roll 1 DC15: 24
Roll 2 DC16: 22
Roll 3 DC17: 12 FAIL
Roll 4 DC18: 18
Roll 5 DC19: 18 FAIL
Roll 6 DC20: 26
Roll 7 DC21: 23
Roll 8 DC22: 7 FAIL
Total Non- Lethal Damage:
Kib shuffles miserably though the cold and, for him, waist high and greater snow. He is extremely grateful to finally make camp and for Kragg's use of the wand. "G-g-g-great purchase that! Let's make sure we never run out!"
Even though he can't properly read the odd humanoids, still feeling more comfortable with the presence of the Gnolls, figuring if they had meant to attack, they would have by now, his sleep is much easier than the night before.
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Sense Motive vs DC 25 Oblivious. Why do I even try to play diplomat? A thug life for me...
The group is exposed for eight hours to conditions below 40F. Eight fort saves starting at DC15 and increasing by 1.
In conditions of severe cold or exposure (below 0° F). Characters wearing a cold weather outfit only need check once per hour for cold and exposure damage.
Assuming the weather is between 20-30 F/ -7 to -1 C to support the snow fall/coverage and potential frostbite but not yet at 0 F/-17C. Hon dons his cold weather gear since I have not stated this officially as yet, thereby not requiring a save effort. Hope I read this correctly.
Pacing alongside Boog-Boog, Hon inquires how the fight will happen. Ambush, surprise, signal for a free for all, duel of champions or tribe by tribe until the dwarves are no longer? Better yet, Hon indicates whether a forced march through the night to the nearest defensible position is feasible or rather agreeable to his gnoll sensibilities.
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Hon also waves up Gallak or trudges back to convince him for the language spell. Too much is at stake for miscommunication. He tries to convey that while the dwarves are reluctant to fight, we are not adverse to a pre-emptive midnight strike against one of the other tribes but not sure what would be the best course of action for no further harrassment by the other tribes. That is a whole lotta trying to converse with no common tongue.
Oh aye, I kin cast et again. 'Cept only Ah'll be able ta understand a word o' his barking, and even then he will nae understand me at all.
The rangers find a spot well outside the wind in a shallow cave and get a fire going. With healing and Kragg's wand Joan, her wolf, Magnum, Big Mug, Hon and Kib are fine. . It appears when the temperature drops everyone will be fine. Boog-Boog looks with some skepticism on the camp, and it is probable temperatures will drop even more at night.
Boog-Boog speaks up before retiring: "Fight soon."
He points to the crossbow. "Boog-Boog fight?"
Regardless of the answer, he is quickly asleep. Trudging first through the snow and breaking the path through the snow has left him tired.
In the morning Kragg will prepare the spell resist energy cold for the day.
Perception for watch
As the group awakes, the weather continues to worsen and the snowfall continues. Visibility worsens, but the gnoll guide continues to lead the way.
After a midday break, Boog-Boog leads you into the shadow of a tall mountain. Boog-Boog points out two very large gates at the base of the mountain. "Open" is all he says.
Boog-Boog is no help as he slips in the snow and seems exhausted from the trek.
Kragg takes a moment to look at the doors before following the advice from Boog-Boog. The last time he was at a strange door he ended up talking to a god. Kragg didn't want this to happen again when there was no one to help restore him. Hon, take a look up here as well and tell me what you can find out.
Perception Check for anything out ofthe ordinary
Once the doors are checked and deemed clear, Kragg will grab the door and put his strength into it trying to force it open.
Take 20 for a 25 plus the aid for a total of 27...
Will do it twice if needed to get the door opened. Hopefully two more can successfully aid to get the result up to a 30.
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{Harumph!} "I suppose those gates are supposed to be intimidating... Yes, Kragg. Agreed. No more meeting gods. Although he does set a nice table and the GT brew is a poor second comparatively speaking." Hon unslings then hands his crossbow to Boog-Boog as he picks himself up. "Yours" He just stares at the gates for five minutes lost in thought and once again mumbling to himself,"First rule of finding traps, understand the customer and discover the maker. No obvious defenses on the approach. Locals have no fear. The hazard is likely within. More likely a simple alarm to alert the residents that we'd prefer to avoid or perhaps not." Turning to assess the other gnoll tribes for wariness and prep, Hon finally shrugs his shoulders.
Hon's fingers, unbidden, have selected a few thieves tools from his belt pouch. He paces the breadth of the gates, alternating gloveless fingers from under the clothes to running along the carved lines within reach. Every now and then Hon breathes on a particular section, steaming away the frost.
Shrugging his shoulders more emphatically, he waves the others closer as he puts away the tools of his trade and puts his shoulder against the door, feet scrambling for the best purchase on the wind scoured ground.
[ooc]strength assist check
Seeing Hon helping at the door, Kragg calls out with the first bit of humor in the past few days. Hey everyone, it should be clear. Hon is staying up front and helping with the door. That should mean this is the safest place right now instead of being in the back with the crossbow that can't shoot straight.
Kragg gives Hon a wink as he says this knowing he I just trying to get under ths skin of khazad who hasn't made it up to the front yet to help open the door.
Kragg takes his time and slowly heaves at the large doors. A large sound, as of a large metal on metal scraping, can be heard.
Boog-Boog looks around and yells, "Bopin toiden, bopin toiden."
Staying back but keeping alert, and making sure the message cantrip doesn't expire, Kib turns to Gallak for translation "What the hell did he just say??"
No idea, but we better take a careful look as we proceed. We all know what happened the let time we went into a place like this. Flaming skeletons and horrific traps.
Even thugh the doors made a dreadful noise no sense in letting whoever is nearby know just how far forward we are going. Stealth
Perception check before moving slowly through the doors.
"What? No flaming giants? That doesn't sound like a great dwarven battle, just a regular one."
Joan smiles to let Kragg know it was a joke.
A large forty foot wide hallway stretches out ahead of you under the mountain. This roughly hewn tunnel has ceilings extending up forty feet. The floor seems to have been worn and shows signs of passage of wagon and animal traffic (some dried manure and signs of wagon wheel tracks are evident.
As he enters with the others, if there is no present light source, Kib summons four globes of light to hover around the party, providing illumination to those as need it.
Joan moves back towards the middle, letting the dwarves with better night-sight take point. Liulfr stays close by her side.
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"Curious. A passage and no gatekeeper. The environmental hazards are likely enough by themselves. I don't think I have this on my map. Give me a moment to make a notation." Fumbling through his backpack, Hon scowls in disgust. "Nevermind, frozen ink doesn't write flow well. Still let me get my bearings before we lose light. At least get out of the wind." Putting speech into actions, Hon pulls out the map as he steps further into the passage. Distractedly looking up from the inscribed geography, "Boog-Boog, where are we? How far does your territory extend?" Motioning his best estimation with a stick of charcoal, he puts an "X" at approximate location and extends Gnoll territory to it.
Hon is dismissive about the exposed position, not intruding as yet. He'd rather confirm an exit strategy before proceeding further.
He shakes the frost off his gear. Works his digits to get blood flowing again, taking his time to observe and officially get a headcount of the gnolls and the tribal markings.