"The cover of darkness would provide as much, if not more, of a hindrance as a help for us, yes," Riann agrees. "However, know that if any of us should become injured, we will be without Eilistraee's grace until this evening. Perhaps we can lie low today and tonight as well, and meet the enemy in battle tomorrow, so that we might have the benefit of both sunlight and Eilistraee's healing?"
"The longer we wait, the more orcs show up. Let's scout them now, make a sound attack strategy based on that report, and try and take some of them out while the sun is on our side. If need be we can push back, making several small runs at them at our own pace. The odds would seem to favor us if we move now. Do you have any potions or treatments that could suffice if we do find ourselves in a tight spot?" Anain says as he nods at Ansley's answer. "Worst case scenario- we hightail it back and try and get some reinforcements out here sooner than later."
"You're right," Riann finally says, although her expression does not appear overly thrilled at the idea of meeting the enemy in battle with anything less that total preparation. "We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to meet this threat while today the enemy may be summoning greater numbers right before our eyes. Magics or no magics, if it is the Gods' will that we should fall today, fall we shall, but I do not believe They wish to call us back to Them just yet. Therefore, let us do as you suggest and address this threat now, before it grows more dire."
She turns her attention to Aynsley. "You know your craft better than we; do you believe, with the aid of Anain's spell, that your chances of passing by the camp and returning undetected are sound? How long do you estimate it will take for you to draw close, and"---she directs her next question toward Anain before returning her gaze to Aynsley---"how long does your spell persist? Shall we approach a little closer as a group and lie in wait unseen as you scout in case something goes wrong, or will it aid your efforts better if we keep ourselves as far back as possible while you search?"
Sighing almost imperceptibly, Thelen listens carefully to the discussion and says, "Indeed these foul curs certainly will not share my desire for an honorable and fair fight. You are correct that proper use of tactics more often wins a fight than brute force. Stealthiness and information are our allies in this endeavor. Let us gather what knowledge we can so as to better make an informed plan of attack. And then," he pauses meaningfully, "attack we shall."
(In answer to Riann's question) "Only a short time. We will need to get closer, then I'll cast the spell and she can proceed. I am ready to venture forth."
"This sounds good to me," Riann said with a nod toward the wizard. "Shall we then travel as a group within four minutes of the camp so that Anain will be able to cast his spell and the rest of us may be hidden nearby should a problem arise? Or shall the rest of us remain behind where we are less likely to be noticed and only Anain and Aynsley shall venture to within four minutes, so that we might lessen our chances of being detected?"
"Ansley, will you come with me closer to the camp? I'll turn you invisible when we approach. Remember, it will only last a short time; though I am quite sure you can disguise yourself well enough. The rest of you should stay several lengths back until she can report on what she sees." Anain says matter-of-factly, looking at the paladin and half-drow.
"I'm game, I'm silent as the grave on my feet! ...just don't botch it and turn me into a sheep or anything," Aynsley replies to Anain. "I'd rather not get eaten. I generally prefer to die with more dignity than that." She shrugs off her pack and and hides it behind the closest scrub bush. At least as close to 'behind' as she can manage, though she admits to herself at second glance that with the furry robe lashed to it, it sort of looks like a sleeping bear.
Adjusting her quiver and bow on her back, she nods to the others. "Careful now, don't forget to be inconspicuous." She grins playfully and offers them a thumbs-up.
"I shall try," Riann said with utmost gravity. "And you two be careful... May you go with Eilistraee's touch upon your brow." Raising one arm before her, she traced a crescent moon in the air around Aynsley's face, then Anain's, finishing the gesture each time by gently cupping their faces in her hands and placing a light kiss on their foreheads.
Anain seems a bit taken aback by Riann's strange and foreign blessing, but nods his thanks, the sun highlighting his slightly red cheeks. Reaching again into his robes, he rubs the top his toad familiars head, then ensures everything on his person is in its place for the short walk. Following Ansley, he heads towards the orc encampment, hoping for the best. Once within an acceptable range for Ansley, he gestures a few long magical phrases and turns her invisible. "Remember, this lasts only a short time. I will wait here for your successful return. Good luck!" he says as he kneels down, watching and listening.
Still blushing from being kissed on by someone who spends her free time running around naked, Aynsley is grateful for the invisibility. Once obscured from even her own sight, she cracks up, silently giggling at whether or not that actually just happened.
Elves, she decided, were a funny people.
"Ready." She says, attempting a thumbs-up as she creeps forward before realizing no one can see it anyway.
Aynsley and Anain:
Riann and Thelen:
Aynsley and Anain:
Aynsley and Anain slowly traverse the open plain, trying hard to avoid the notice of what few orcs appear to be awake and active during the daylight hours. About an hour into the journey, the smoke signals stop and the two orcs fanning the blanket seek cover in the shade of the tents. They appear to remain awake, however. The pair creeps ever closer and finally, when they are within range, Anain enacts his magic upon Aynsley.
The camp layout consists of the single bonfire at the center, and several tall tent-like structures which must house the sleeping orcs. Two orcs remain active, lurking just inside the shade of two of the tents. They are both armored in animal hides and bearing spears.
"Should try to get out of sight, Thelen," she murmurs. "If the camp has scouts..."