"We don't really have a choice you guys. We can't run away from them." Kasana sighed. "Based on everything that's happened so far, how much longer do you realistically expect to stay 'safe' if we continue to run or hide? The Ironfang are swarming this forest and the nearest settlement is much too far for any of us to reach without being caught or killed. And I know Aubrin mentioned rangers living in the woods but what are the chances that they haven't already fled or been wiped out? Getting caught up in the moment and seeming to pick up steam Kasana continued, "Whether we like it or not, it's just us out here; we can't rely on anyone else. And since that's the case, we need to take the fight to them! Since they seem to appear out of nowhere, let's do the same to them. Harass them; surprise attack them; sabotage; whatever it'll take to even the odds and push them to the breaking point and make them flee or force their entire army out to chase us! Let us become the Phantoms of the Fangwood and make sure those bastards have the 5 of us burned into their memories for the rest of their miserable lives!"
Realizing afterwards that she was out of breath and almost yelling at the end, she stopped and looked at her comrades, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away there but we can't run. And I won't run. Finding a tree stump to sit down on, she breathed deeply for a few moments to calm herself before adding, "Wherever their camp is, I'm sure we can think of a way to tilt the odds in our favor or pick them off one by one.
OOC: I'm not against if the AP goes off the rails a little bit. Heck, it's my job to keep on the rails by 'organically' pushing you where I want you to go. So we can have you take the refugees and flee right away.
That being said, Kasana had something to say! Thank you for that. I would give you inspiration but you already have that. :(
Questions?
Game on!
Gazul listened patiently, even looking abit embarrassed. When Kasana was done, he said "I can't see it going to plan. How're we to be the Phantoms of Fangwood? Heh. Look at us. We got out of town by the skin of our teeth. We tried to ambush a bunch of recruits and nearly died in the attempt, not even taking their goods. We took these caves from a bunch of stone-wielding savages, and that was touch and go at places. And now all five of us nearly got our arses kicked by a single scout." He sighed and shook his head. "What do ye all think? If we decide to charge straight into their teeth, it won't be said that I left me friends to die. But if we do this, we have to know that there's a bloody good chance that we're not going to come out alive, and I just don't know if that is a cost worth paying." He finished, not feeling particularly heroic.
"I will be glad to go down in flames for the hope of justice for Phaendar." He shakes his head, "But we aren't free wheeling adventurers who can brave the hazard on a whim. At least I am not. The survivors aren't living up to their names. If we fall scouting out or harrassing a robber camp, they are going to starve in a trog cave or much much worse. If there is a Ranger hideout even abandoned its not where they think we are and it might have some defenses." He sighs, "I think that making a break for the capital or finding the rangers make the most sense."
"I agree with you both." Kasana replied, seemingly returned to her more neutral demeanor. "But ignoring some of the more 'fantastical' parts of my little speech from a moment ago, it still doesn't change the fact that we won't get far trying to move a group as large as ours without getting spotted and quickly attacked. At least if it's just us... she begins as she looks around at the party, "...We only have ourselves and our enemies to worry about. But when, not if, we're attacked while we're moving, it'd add a host of layers that could prove too much for us to handle. What would we do if they managed to take one of the refugees hostage while we defending someone else? From what I've seen from them, I just think it's too risky of a proposition to take."
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Sarya felt a little embarrassed after Kasana's speech. She said to her "I have forgotten the elven ways, sister. You speak the truth."
Turning to the others she said "If we are to ever have a chance, then we must face that camp. Yes, we have had a difficult time, and things look bleak in the future. But between venturing into the forest with a sliver of hope of finding a group of rangers which we don't even know for sure are there and assaulting a camp of hobgoblins who don't even know we're coming... I admit I prefer the latter. We only need one thing we didn't have before. Katra's wisdom. We need coordinated fighting and we'll win. Gazul should call our target and we focus that one. This is our opportunity to prove it. So let's prove how good we are. And if things start to stink, we need to retreat and regroup. We'll wear them down. We don't have the brute strength, but we have the forest." She was proud to fight along Kasana and employ hit and run tactics on the camp.
[ooc]I seriously believe that if we had focused more on the wolf last fight, things would have come out better. I was holding the hob, without the intention of dropping him, just so everyone could get the wolf down then focus the scout. Anyway,
[ooc]I seriously believe that if we had focused more on the wolf last fight, things would have come out better. I was holding the hob, without the intention of dropping him, just so everyone could get the wolf down then focus the scout. Anyway,
OOC: water under the bridge now but that wolf could have been brought down two rounds ago. Even if Sarya were to have fallen to the hob, he would not have been able to take her as a hostage because there would be at least one more person fighting him (Gazul).
No slam on anybody but taking down one foe at a time is the way to go in any RPG.
Also, don't forget about what I said that this is the ultimate campaign for a group of guerilla fighters.
I'm also GMing a Wrath of the Righteous game where the expectations is for that group of PCs to go in and strike hard.
On the other hand, this game expects you to whittle the enemy down 'guerilla style' so let's see what ideas you have when it comes to strike like a shadow and meld back into the forest...
Questions?
Game on!
Cheshire looks at Kasana, "Then we split. Lead a false trail away from our main group. While the rest makes east for the capital."
”Interesting. So we make a scene, get them to chase us, while the chaff...err, the refugees, they make a break for it? That may well work. Could get us all killed, but could work.” Gazul said, not looking at Sarya. The invocation of Katra’s words both shamed him and made him uncomfortable. He was glad for a way to move towards a more offensive approach without losing face.
Logically... there is no strength in splitting. There MIGHT be logic in disrupting the enemy camp, Harry them, then fade away. If they are licking wounds they won't have the time or inclination to hunt us.
He thinks, stroking his scratchy beard.
Kasana... might be right here, IF we don't do something damn stupid like splitting up.
He straightens and rolls up his sleeves with a glint in his eye.
Let's bloody some noses.
Cheshire fumes for a moment then lashes out, "Orthos you wouldn't know logic if it bit you in you arrogant face. Logic is it harder to find one target or two. Stupid yes if the intention is to fight a fight we don't have to fight splitting up is stupid. But taking several well trained people who are well versed in survival to lead hunters away will another leads people who are NOT SAFE and dying of starvation toward safety if that's stupidity there is no need to keep talking."
He calms a moment, "We know the cave is not going to last as a hiding spot. We know that Aubrin is aware of possible allies with a unknown to our enemy safe spot. Lets find it then we can hit back. When we are not worried if Mable the former seamstress is able to hunt for boar safely."
Cheshire snaps his shoulder's slump and he sits acknowledging the need to rest.
OOC: I'll say it again. It's your game and it's my game and I am fine with taking this group off the rails.
That being said, Aubrin said that the hunter cabin was not a suitable place. She also said that the caves were much better but not if there were hob scouts outside wanting their scalps.
So I think the general feel is that the caves are safe enough for some time but not as a long term place for the refugees.
What's also clear is that leading the refugees across country will also be dangerous.
As some of you have surmised, the AP assumes you will take out the camp of hobs on this side of the river and then go looking for allies (the Chernarsado Rangers).
However, it's really up to you all.
The game will continue even if you guys are ambushed and all the refugees are killed or scattered. I even told you that a PC death will also not necessarily mean that the player is out of the game. I will allow the player to introduce another PC if desired. Heck, I probably would allow a whole new team of PCs if there was a TPK.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that 'play as you see fit and I will try to come up with appropriate consequences for your actions'.
Questions?
Game on!
OOC: I'll say it again. It's your game and it's my game and I am fine with taking this group off the rails.
That being said, Aubrin said that the hunter cabin was not a suitable place. She also said that the caves were much better but not if there were hob scouts outside wanting their scalps.
So I think the general feel is that the caves are safe enough for some time but not as a long term place for the refugees.
What's also clear is that leading the refugees across country will also be dangerous.
As some of you have surmised, the AP assumes you will take out the camp of hobs on this side of the river and then go looking for allies (the Chernarsado Rangers).
However, it's really up to you all.
The game will continue even if you guys are ambushed and all the refugees are killed or scattered. I even told you that a PC death will also not necessarily mean that the player is out of the game. I will allow the player to introduce another PC if desired. Heck, I probably would allow a whole new team of PCs if there was a TPK.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that 'play as you see fit and I will try to come up with appropriate consequences for your actions'.
Questions?
Game on!
OOC: water under the bridge now but that wolf could have been brought down two rounds ago. Even if Sarya were to have fallen to the hob, he would not have been able to take her as a hostage because there would be at least one more person fighting him (Gazul).
No slam on anybody but taking down one foe at a time is the way to go in any RPG.
More than most games I have played gamer logic and in character logic are at significant odds. At least for me. We also have to deal with the fact that the DM has pretty loudly made it clear that our current home for the refugees is not safe. Leading people who can walk through a forest with people who can fight and hunt east seems like a no brainer against leave people who have proved they can't function alone in a dangerous place while we go fight a camp full of hobgoblins when we struggle to take down one and his trusty dog.
"Let's rest... (and calm down) Kasana thought to herself simultaneously "...for a bit and think over all our options, the good and the bad, and see where we go from here. I'll take watch." She then walks off on her own to to keep an eye on her surroundings, making a couple new arrows to settle herself at the same time.
OOC: water under the bridge now but that wolf could have been brought down two rounds ago. Even if Sarya were to have fallen to the hob, he would not have been able to take her as a hostage because there would be at least one more person fighting him (Gazul).
No slam on anybody but taking down one foe at a time is the way to go in any RPG.
OOC: Very valid point and I have no issue with you (or anyone else) continuing to play in this manner.
I'll let everyone mull things over and move things along tomorrow.
Please try to have a decision made by then, if possible.
Questions?
Game on!
Look, he says after using the very last of his supplies on Sarya...
As long as we do it as one group? I'm "all in", as they say... after all, such is our situation I feel there are just degrees of a gamble, all with pro's and con's.
”Nay good options at all. It seems like we’re dead if we do and dead if we don’t. I suppose then, that the hobs expect us to flee, aye? Mayhaps raiding their camp might send them a message. Take away their confidence. We don’t need to kill ‘em all. Just make them decide that chasing us is too costly.” He sighed and shook his head. ”Now Ye’ve all got me talking crazy too. Mark me words, if we do this, we need to be prepared for casualties. I just don’t see us all walking away from this.”
In that case, have a good berry... leaves me three left for said casualties.
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Sarya rested for a bit, taking in all the opinions before stating hers. "What we cannot afford is to rely on luck. The odds are against us. Returning to the cave now and trying to find allies which we do not even know if they exist, even less where they are is relying too much on luck. As is moving with the refugees through the forest, facing starvation, diseases and the elements. I'm sorry Cheshire, but attacking the camp is the right choice here. It is very dangerous, yes. But is the least dangerous of the choices."
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"What we cannot afford is to rely on luck. The odds are against us. Returning to the cave now and trying to find allies which we do not even know if they exist, even less where they are is relying too much on luck. As is moving with the refugees through the forest, facing starvation, diseases and the elements. I'm sorry Cheshire, but attacking the camp is the right choice here. It is very dangerous, yes. But is the least dangerous of the choices."
"I agree." Kasana replied after returning to the group. "Trying to overcome a knowable enemy, dangerous though it may be, seems like our best option at this point. At the very least, we should at least see what kind of force we're dealing with."
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Excellent RPing!
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As usual, Sarya spent most of the night awake, not needing so much rest. She continued practicing her new arcane sword synergy.
She suggested they approach the Camp from the south as it's probably less manned. "There are probably traps and scouts, so we should be on the lookout for that.", she said.
Sarya rested for a bit, taking in all the opinions before stating hers. "What we cannot afford is to rely on luck. The odds are against us. Returning to the cave now and trying to find allies which we do not even know if they exist, even less where they are is relying too much on luck. As is moving with the refugees through the forest, facing starvation, diseases and the elements. I'm sorry Cheshire, but attacking the camp is the right choice here. It is very dangerous, yes. But is the least dangerous of the choices."
Cheshire nods absently, "Well if we are going to die I'd pick fool hardy over starvation." He shook his head to clear the fog.
She suggested they approach the Camp from the south as it's probably less manned. "There are probably traps and scouts, so we should be on the lookout for that.", she said.
"Dogs too. Sneaking in is going to be some difficult work."
Once back at the cave Cheshire seems reassured hearing a better outlook from his friends and neighbors.
"Aye. Suppose so." Gazul said, glumly. [b]"So, we need a plan for this. I'm thinking that we scout the camp out first. Get an idea of their numbers and capabilities. Figure out where to attack from, and what our escape plan is. If we just charge in, then we deserve to die."[/b[
I am not stealthy but I'll wait for our scouts to point the way.
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Sarya heard Kasana's report and gave it some thought. First she said "Our first mistake is that we don't speak our enemies tongue. We should learn it if we can."
Then she commented "Apart from the watchtower, it seems that the stairway out of the ravine is the only easy way in or out. It is of strategical importance. Whatever we do, we should have a backup plan that involves sabotaging it. A first strategy could be to annoy them, taking out patrols. Whatever we do, I suggest we do it at night time."
She waited for the others to comment on her thoughts.
"If we do remove the patrols, then we could also put them under siege." Gazul offered. "They have the benefit of static defenses. But those are only good so long as their supplies last. Given that they are likely foraging for food, much like us, food and fresh water may be the safest way to end this in our favor. That is, if there is indeed only a single way out."
I can teach you... may need a few months, the priest of knowledge replies to Sarya's statement.
He listens to the dwarf and frowns.
We're not really in a position to besiege the camp... and they could receive re-enforcements at any moment, in effect, breaking the siege... but removing the patrols will yield information from any captives AND lessen their manpower.
He then starts to ramble... almost thinking out loud.
As I understand it from history and tales, the best way to capture a fort is be sneaky and get beyond the walls somehow... once that is done? The walls aren't really important. Maybe lower a rope over the side? Past the tower? Go in from behind? I have a spell to silence that tower so it can't warn anyone...
"Taking static defenses is nay so easy, lad. To get behind the walls, there are a few methods. And most aren't available to us. There's sapping, that's digging under the walls. A dwarven specialty, but we have neither the time, dwarfpower, or resources. There's assaulting the walls. Which we could do, but it would mean heavy losses. There's starving them out, which as ye point out, we don't have the luxury of time. And on reflection, we also don't have the numbers to encircle them as would be needed. Which just leaves guile. And the best I could think of would be to take out a patrol and use their uniforms to get close enough for them to open the gate so we can rush 'em." He shrugged. "Best I can think of, at least."
Kasana listened to the initial ideas of the others before chiming in herself, "Good points Gazul and I agree that some form of guile is probably our best bet, though I doubt any of us could pass for one of them if they got remotely close. And taking out the patrols without immediately attacking the camp afterwards will put the rest of them on alert; making any future plans much more difficult."
After taking a moment to think she continued, "As I see it, I think we have two choices: try and take out their base in one shot (ideally one at a time or against small groups where we'll have the advantage) or spend a little bit of time sabotaging their base. It'll either make a future attack against easier or perhaps we can force them away from here without us needing to fight."
OOC:
LEARNING LANGUAGES
See here. Your best bet without using a feat is to learn it with an instructor (Orthos). We'll forgo the cost and the time is (10 - INT mod) weeks.
@Kasana: yes, your campaign trait does indeed allow you to save your inspiration. I'll fix this in the next turn recap.
In general (and in both my games), players are reluctant to use inspiration and I like to give inspiration. I'm going to modify the rule such that you can accumulate 'two inspirations' (but no more) so that you feel you can use one and save another for a 'rainy day' (that death save I have coming for you). :)
Remember that the best (only?) way to gain inspiration in my games is to show everyone that you're super involved in the game by writing up an awesome scene.
I am reading... let's scope out the place a little longer (maybe a day or two) before doing anything.
I will recap assuming this later tonight unless I hear otherwise.
Questions?
Game on!
Cheshire looked over things. "If we could topple the lookout tower toward the bridge. Perhaps take out both? We would have some time to shoot whatever we wanted down on them and they would have a slower approach. I mean the clearly expect the attack to come toward their barrier."
Cheshire looked over things. "If we could topple the lookout tower toward the bridge. Perhaps take out both? We would have some time to shoot whatever we wanted down on them and they would have a slower approach. I mean the clearly expect the attack to come toward their barrier."
Would we take the tower if I could silence it?
Cheshire looked over things. "If we could topple the lookout tower toward the bridge. Perhaps take out both? We would have some time to shoot whatever we wanted down on them and they would have a slower approach. I mean the clearly expect the attack to come toward their barrier."Would we take the tower if I could silence it?
OOC: this post did not make it into the turn recap but it fits right at the end of it so please continue RPing.
Questions?
Game on!
Bugbears?, he shudders. I've had to repair some of their work... and bury a lot more.
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Sarya was thinking more about the patrols than the camp itself. She commented "We should start taking out the patrols first, getting them uncomfortable and having to spend more resources and spreading thinner. I don't like the idea of sneaking into the lion's maw just yet. Also, if we can put Orthos hidden near the patrol's path, he can hear them and translate. I can be dangerous, but we can prepare for that."
She kept thinking and said "Maybe we should just follow and take out whoever leaves the camp. If they are not due shortly, then it will take them a while to realize something's up."
"Aye, agreed. Only way we are going to win this is if we do that." Gazul nodded. "One of these days an ambush we set has to go our way, aye?"
Building on the others' idea Kasana added, "So perhaps we figure out when they change shifts and attack right after they rotate? That might give us enough time to carefully sneak out to the watchtower and take it out before anyone notices."
Just thinking out loud... one side of the clearing makes enough noise to attract the attention of the tower... i silence it, the other side of the clearing comes in and accesses the tower while they are trying to either shoot at us or work out why their horn isn't working...
OOC: Questions: why couldn't you try to strike and meld back into the forest? I don't think one attack on the camp means you need to kill everyone and I was running through my mind how I would handle a 'hit and run (hide)' tactics scenario.
I'll recap tomorrow so give me something to act on. It sounds like ambushing a patrol is your next move but let me know otherwise.
If so, please give me some details and I'll give you bonus to ambush. Is everyone hanging from trees? Hiding in the ground covered with leaves? Will you try to draw away the patrol? Something else?
The more details the better your chances and the more fun the game is.
Questions?
Game on!
OOC: Questions: why couldn't you try to strike and meld back into the forest? I don't think one attack on the camp means you need to kill everyone and I was running through my mind how I would handle a 'hit and run (hide)' tactics scenario.
I'll recap tomorrow so give me something to act on. It sounds like ambushing a patrol is your next move but let me know otherwise.
If so, please give me some details and I'll give you bonus to ambush. Is everyone hanging from trees? Hiding in the ground covered with leaves? Will you try to draw away the patrol? Something else?
The more details the better your chances and the more fun the game is.
Questions?
Game on!
Cheshire listens, "The scouting party might be good they have already done the kindness of leaving the defenses. But the closeness of the watch tower to the ridge and even the bridge itself just screams for a strike. I mean we don't have the fixings for another bomb like the bridge but sneak in under that tower. Knock out a couple of its legs and pitch it toward the ridge. Might take out those that are in the tower . . . maybe even the bridge denying them their exit without going through the spiked briar gate." He shrugged. "Its also behind their major defenses. I mean we are a small force, we aren't looking to storm the camp we want to disrupt." He looks to Orthos, he smiles, A bit of regret for his earlier words toward the man hang in his eyes. "Silence would go a long way toward getting us close, and hiding our handiwork. I mean if we can put it in the right spot. We could bring down the tower and launch some burning arrows and other fun down on them before they know it."