Connel Lebeda's page

"Escorting them back seems the right course. Then we need to make plans for the bandit's stronghold - they must have missed their brethren by now....."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Connel squints toward the horizon, not seeing what his companions see but trusting their judgment and not preparing his weapon. "Agree. Will be good to be all back together again. Hopefully her journey was as successful as our ambush of the bandits and she found the answers she is seeking."

Lets hope the ride home is uneventful also - Im in 4 pbp campaigns and that's my highest roll in the last 24hrs

You forgot......but so did we! Exploring makes a lot of sense

thats a lot of downtime material to read! Think I've got a high-level pass at it.......

Seeing that his cousin has already positioned himself to assist Svetlana with the daily operations, Connel spends the first day attending to the prisoners as well as any other members of the trading post including the animals.

Day 1: Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 to gain influence, including the use of all CLWs and channels if needed. Im assuming there are enough people in the trading post to fill the 8hrs? If not, the remainder of Day 1 will look much the same as Day 2.......

The second day, Connel looks for ways to help out around the post, assisting the folk there with any and all manner of odd jobs. He uses both his magics and the sweat off his brow as he lends a hand and talks about the powerful influence the Master of the Vault can have on the success of a trading post. At some point during the day he finds time to talk to Svetlana about the possibility of building a shrine within the walls of the fort. He makes it clear that he is not talking about a large space that would take away from the functionality of their already efficient space, only improving the trading post's reputation and relationship with merchants and other travellers to the area with a show of Abadar's blessings.

Day 2: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 includes the +1 domain ability, usable 7x per day, to gain influence. Will memorize Mending, Create Water, and Purefy Food & Drink. Will use them liberally throughtout the day. Also Ant Haul and Lighten Load for use with any of the larger jobs throughout the day.

Thinking ahead and hoping for a positive reaction from Oleg when he returns Connel also takes time to assess what he might need to make that shrine a reality and begins collecting things he might need.

Purchase Goods x1 (20gps). Together with the Influence x2 earned (30gps) for a total of 50gps spent.

Don't know the downtime rules that well, will read thru them and post some activities as soon as I can

was thinking about the element of surprise, but I agree not at full strength is not the way to go...

sorry, pc issues so posting from iPod .... did we just go from rushing tonight with the element of surprise to waiting 2 days? Is there a brig or something we can hold these guys in while we head for the hideout instead of waiting?

"Wise words indeed, but while all should have a chance at redemption all must pay the price their actions have earned. Oleg is the true authority here, so it is within his rights to decide what coin that price is paid with. If Oleg chooses that this man pay with his life, so be it."

"Not a lot of cover means not an easy approach.......when will they be expecting you back, and how long before you are considered 'late'?"

The priest is definitely torn: resting first would be better but not if it means losing the element of surprise.

The priest listens thoughtfully to the exchange.

"I would love the chance to rest and replenish Abadar's gifts, but I agree the element of surprise will be with us tonight better than the morning. I may not have my spells but these brigands will certainly feel my crossbow!"

Seeing that the tandem work of the two warriors is proving rather effective, Connel stands ready to cast a spell if needed. Dozens of questions come to mind but for the moment he keeps silent to not interrupt the progress his companions are making.

^ works for me. I have Abadar's Truthtelling memorized but its only going to give us 1 minute. We can use it after you get answers your way, have them tell us again and use te spell to verify?

Connel nods agreement to Baelin's suggestion. He waits until all the bandits are properly restrained then moves the horses and his companions together in the courtyard of the fort. Calling upon Abadar's blessing, the cleric sends out a wave of healing energy over his companions and the injured mounts.

Channel (heal): 1d6 ⇒ 2 Selective Channel to exclude the bandits for the moment....I believe they are all stabilzed, and its probably hard to intimidate them after just healing them!

welcome back!

no ranks in Spellcraft but Connell will use Detect Magic on the pile to see what we can learn.

Definitely still here

and me - hope all is well

After scrambling down from the roof, Connel checks on each of the fallen bandits to confirm they are out for the count but not dying.

"We need to get all these men restrained before they think about causing us any more trouble." And find that magic item to make sure there are no surprises. He then quickly looks over each of his companions. "Who is in need of healing?"

Healing check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Glad to see you back, hope you star feeling better, I will definitely be checking in when I can.

I was hoping the same thing, I will be travelling all next week with limited access.

Not sure Im brave enough to go camping for 2 whole weeks, so good luck to you!

Unable to see whats happening outside the walls, Connel looks down on the scene in the courtyard. "Did we catch the one that made it out?"

As the battle begins to wind down, Connel remembers his own words about wanting to be fair and just in how they handle this. Quickly using his magic to make sure the fallen bandit does not die before facing justice, he begins to climb off the roof.

Standard Action: Cast Stabilize on the fallen bandit
Move Action: Start climbing down (Im assuming its going to take more than 1 move action to get down)

shameless.

Agan with the running out the door?

"By the Ledger!" the cleric groans in frustration, fitting another bolt into his crossbow to take a shot at the fleeing bandit.

Move Action: reload the crossbow
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
Damage if crit: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Connel: Sorry, the wall completely blocks your view from atop the stables.

Figured as much....then I'd fire at the remaining mounted bandit before he can slay his former companions.

Any chance I can take another shot at the bandit who got out the doors? Im assuming not, but if I can thats who I would shoot at. If I cannot, I would shoot at the last mounted bandit inside.

Move Action: reload crossbow
Attack Action: Fire Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15 another +1 if firing pointblank at the bandit still in the yard
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 +1 for pointblank if applicable

Any chance for a 'parting shot' as the 2 bandits run away? If the gates are tall enough that I can from my position, Id take a shot at one of them. If not, Id take a shot at the bandit still on his horse

Move Action reload light crossbow
Standard Action Fires crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8 +1 for point blank at the mounted bandit if I cant fire @ the escapee
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7 +1 for point blank if applicable

agree, definitely worth the wait

i thought we had both doors closed? Agree, keeping them from bolting has to be top priority....assuming Happ doesnt rip through all of us!

Trusting his cousin to stabilie their companion for the moment, Connel decides to use the fact that the bandits are unaware of him to strike and hopefully begin bringing this combat to closure.

Move Action: move 5' SE from current position to still be within 30' of bandit leader.
Attack Action: Fire crossbow at leader (point blank and bless). 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
any to hit bonuses for 'surprise'?

I use Maptools for the maps, so it was easy to check the area of the burst.

you mean you dont zoom in and count squares with your little finger? Your way sounds so fancy.....

not sure what i was counting when we first saw the map, thought I had better coverage from this roof than I do.....thanks for keeping me straight, BF

5' it is then, thanks

any results of the Detect Magic as they entered?

Seeing that the ruse is quickly uncovered, Connel crawls forward to make sure that all his companions are in range as he starts calling on the power of Abadar.

Suddenly each of the companions gets a split second impression that they are in the heart of a bustling city market: the din of the crowd, the rich smells of roasted meats and fresh baked breads, its gone as quickly as it came but the warm feeling lingers...

Looks like I can get the entire party in a single 50' burst? If not, I will move as far north as I can to try and get Hyglak/Svetlana in range of a 50' burst without missing the guys by the door. Standard Action to cast Bless on party (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves vs fear affects). Move Action (if didnt need to move prior to casting) to move along roof until right above the wagon, keeping low as possible

Agree,close to Svetlana makes the most sense

Connel nods at Korren's words, the anticipation of the coming battle causing him to not realize that in his hidden position no one can see it. He carefully checks his loaded crossbow again to make sure it is ready was he able to find a second one and have that loaded and ready as well? and prepares to cast Detect Magic when they are a little bit closer.

Connel will be hidden on the roof of A3, midway between the gates and Helgash. Don't know if the roof is flat or sloped, is there enough cover to stay hidden?

I plan to cast Detect Magic when they are approaching (but far enough away that it doesnt reveal me) so I can be focusing on them as they enter - want to identify any surprises or at least which weapons to be most concerned with. Im also hoping I can get a second crossbow to have preloaded with me on the roof.

Connel looks at the two locations indicated by Helgash and Korren. "I was thinking of hiding on top of the barracks (a2), but now I'm thinking that the stable (a3) would be better. I can also stay low so they wont see me either, it will be a good vantage point for my crossbow, and from there my divine magics can cover almost the entire courtyard. Being on he barracks gives us the advantage of catching the bandits in a crossfire, but from the stable roof I can guarantee that your chosen locations are within my reach."

He also nods at Annik's comment. "In the morning I will be preparing a spell that can help us get the truth when we ask our questions."

Edit: Remember, you don't have a charter to build a nation, yet. Your job right now is to explore, map, and pacify the northern Greenbelt.

Sounds like Connel's getting a little ahead of himself then.......off with their heads!

If I position myself on the roof of that westmost A2 I can over almost the entire courtyard with a channel, and I've got the Selective feat so no worries about healing anyone we dont want to.

Means if anyone gets out the gates only Korren will be in position to take the shots to stop them.

"You help prove my point Helgash. People incorrectly call you lands uncivilized because of false impressions or ignorance. It will take years if not generations to wipe away the stigma of that impression so the outside world can see what truly is instead of what they believe."

"We have the rare gift of being able to make that first impression for these lands and what we are building here. These men will be punished for their crimes and that punishment is death, we all agree on that point. And the idea of jumping out and killing them was more of me voicing something we should avoid, certainly not something I heard here."

"Think of how the bards would tell the tale.........'they put an end to the bandits reign of terror' sounds like a great adventure, but how much more noble does it sound if the song says 'even after all their atrocities, the vile scoundrels were given one more a chance to repent, but they ignored it so met the fate they had earned'."

He looks down for a moment, almost embarrassed. "OK, so maybe I'd make a terrible bard, but I know a better story when I hear one. They will come and they will pay for their crimes, and with Helgash and his hammer holding the middle ground they will soon come to regret the life they are chosen."

"The end of their journey is not in question, but the final steps of their road are in our hands to determine."

"Please don't misunderstand me; servants of Abadar are trained in both the word and the spirit of the law so we can assist in lawless areas like this and theyve clearly earned the sword or the rope. I am not squeemish about dealing out that justice, and I will do it with a clear conscience."

"I simply want to make sure that the first impression we make in this region is the right one. If we jump out of hiding and slay them all without a word or even chance to parlay once they are subdued, what will people say about us? I wouldn't use the word 'tyranny' ..... but would others?"

"Maybe its foolish idealism, but we have a unique opportunity to start something grand from something so humble. So few ever get this type of opportunity. We have barely taken a few steps down our road and I can already feel the weight of that honor, the obligation to do it properly."

He straightens his shoulders and looks each member of the group in the eye. "The victory of our cause and the protection of this region is paramount. We will do what we must to put an end to this anarchy."

Plan is solid, nicely done.

BLACK FANG- Im thinking about area affects and ranges.....how high are the walls and buildings, and how big is the courtyard once they get through the gates? any other structural or environmental pieces we need to know about the "kill box" we are trying to set up here?

"Straightforward, definitely will have the element of surprise, and certainly efficient if they all come through the gates. Oleg, based on how theyve acted in the past does that seem likely?"

"As for diplomacy, even uncivilized bandits such as these should be given a chance to surrender. Once the doors are closed they will certainly be surprised, is that a chance to offer parlay? If they see that they are surrounded maybe they drop their weapons...and if they choose to fight we should be able to act first. Maybe we can quickly defeat a few of them and the rest wont want to fight on?"

The cleric pauses for a moment, his hand going to his holy symbol. "They have certainly not earned any mercy but that doesnt mean we should not extend it to them. Just not at the cost of the victory."

Another pause. "We must do what we must. They chose to become bandits knowing that someday they would need to settle their personal ledger. Now is the time for us to choose what we will be. This is our first endeavor into these lands. This will set the tone for how we are perceived and for what we are trying to build here. There's a fine line between the strong hand of justice and the iron fist of tyranny."

Connel looks around the group. "With almost like numbers and the element of surprise I'm sure we can take them. If they are typical bandits the are very courageous until they are met with resistance and their true cowardice come forth. Other than the leader they will most likely surrender as soon as they see thheir 'hepless' prey has teeth!"

"If we can, we should check the area where they will make their approach, see if we can set an ambush or traps or something to block their escape. I am all for routing out the entire nest but that means we need to ensure no one from this group gets back to the lair with a warning."

Looking back to Oleg, Connel adds "In addition to the questions we've asked you about supplies, we should probably take stock of weapons and able-bodied folks to weild them. He holds up his hand to fend off the protest he knows is coming. "I'm not suggesting we put any of your fine folk at risk, not at all, but if there are sentries that are already manning the walls we can include in our plans or ways we can enhance our armaments we should know. For example, while I have no trouble reloading my crossbow in battle, I could certainly fire faster if I had a few others loaded and waiting for me....."

His smile broadens. "I think these parasites have earned quite a 'welcome' when they come here next!"

a cabin deep in the woods.......the group splits up, with the women going off by themselves......I think Ive see this movie!

"Yes, please tell us al you can about these bandits. If we can find their base we can put a stop to not just tomorrow's 'visit' but to all their interference in the area. If they are marauding in the entire area this could be a major first step to our work here."

The cleric turns to look at Annik "There's no telling what we could learn from a righteous raid on their lair."

He then turns his gaze to Svetlana "Or what we might recover."

Connel nods his head at Helgash's reply. Traders need good, profitable reasons to come out into these uncivilized lands. What exactly are you looking to build here, what do you want those reasons to be?"

"Other than the lack of light, anything else we need to know about the journey? Will our horses suffice, or will we need mules or snowshoes or something?

other than gear to make the trip through the snow I am good as well

Connel remains fairly quiet throughout the ordeal - he's not a stranger to 'roughing it' but during a storm this dramatic he is certainly missing the strength and security of stone city walls.

It doesnt stop him from the chatting or storytelling or whatever the group does to distract themselves as they wait out the storm but there is definitely a respect for the situation and those who are so well versed in dealing with it.

Connel joins the group as they inspect the aftermath, quick to offer Guidance whenever a critical element is checked or the group sees something concerning and stops for a closer look.

He nods in agreement with Helgash's sentiment but keeps silent for the moment. We may have made strides in building up Oleg's trust, but it remains a delicate thing that needs a gentle touch. One conversation at a time, no need to overwhelm.........but I better stand ready to share Abadar's wisdom if the need arises.

Hearing Annik's comments, he also looks to Svetlana, "And if there is any supply left after my companion is ready, I could probably use some as well."

He then jogs over to help Oleg with the boards.

Survival (untrained): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Connel spends his morning in prayer, and as soon as he is done he also moves to the stables to assist. There certainly appears to be a lightness to his step. Here we are, finally at the start of it, a day to be remembered!

As Xenos finishes the stew, Connel places a hand on his shoulder and whispers "You did a brave and difficult thing, and settled the ledger between the two of you. Feel the Master of the Vault shine on you."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

He then returns to his seat, leaving the man to his silence.

Thanks for the heads up, I'm traveling for work so posting by phone, will recheck and correct everything when imback at my home computer.