Erian slides from Sherwyn's saddle and surveys the group that has gathered. Some look capable of an extended hunt. Others...perhaps. Hearing the discussion about the acid, the ranger commments, "Perhaps it was used to gain access through the channel gate. This seems to be an area outside his general expertise, however, and he remains otherwise silent.
After taking in the information Aradove and Ethelwulf have uncovered, he says (to no one in particular), "We must decide between immediate action versus the danger of scouting goblins at night. They are creatures of the dark, capable of seeing better than any of us humans, and so would be at a distinct advantage. However, they are also generally cowardly and are unlikely to attack so large a group of obviously armed travelers. I fear a delay will allow the trail to grow cold--they have already demonstrated some ability at hiding their tracks--and so given what is at stack I am in favor of heading out immediately."
Pulling an already-burning torch from his pack (obviously magical) he continues, "I have the gear and supplies to travel for a tenday if needed, though I doubt we'd need so long. The proposal for those of us more capable at stealth and scouting moving ahead of the group has merit, and with Sherwyn I can easily backtrack to bring the rest to waypoints along our path, providing quick maps as needed to guide them. Should the advance party meet with trouble, we can retreat to the security of the larger group. Dindel proposed this idea, and he seems capable of such scouting. I will need Ethelwulf, and thus Aradove, to assist with the tracking. If this idea finds favor with you all, are there any others that would favor scouting ahead with us?"
"Erian - I should be in the second group. This is not my field," answered Lady Janas.
DM Utak
Dinpel is listening to the conversation with interest, but continues to check the gate and gate area for tampering; traps or other things of an undue nature as well as get a general feel of the gates ability to function and what it would take to repair it or use it to create a counter trap to give warning if anyone goes through this area.
"I will go with the first group. I am good at that kind of stuff." Ava says stepping forward.
"Although I would be happy to go with the first group, given that all our trackers seem to be going in the lead party, it might be wise for a shepherd of the Far Walker to accompany the group with less wilderness experience."
"Ethelwulf and I would be going with Erian. I have little problems seeing in the dark so that will be an advantage for all of us. Ethelwulf will pick up any scents that he can find. Dinpel, did you find anything else about the gate? What are you planning to do Memnon?"
well, uhm, the gate, uhm...
<Dinpel is awaiting info from the gm>
Abeodan assures Shepherd that he will follow his instructions to the best of his ability, and since night is almost upon them, he will close the mill early tonight to give his workers a rest after the blessing. He thanks him again and starts gathering his crew together.
While gathering his crew, a frantic Halfling approaches waving the piece of wood. Talking speedily and not allowing to get a word in, Abeodan gets more concerned. When he is able to speak, he mentions that the damaged wood was found in one of the exporting carts about 200 ft south of the mill. He is worried but assures the Halfling that a Cleric of the Far Walker has blessed the mill, its workers, and will protect Erian’s Glen.
trapfinding roll 15 woot :) +3 search skill = 18
spot to see if anyone is covertly watching or any other groups around
19+2 hehe using up all my high rolls.
For Dinpel:
DC +10
DC +12
DC +18
DC +20
DC +23
DC +25
DC +28
DC +30
Who do you suppose is the fastest runner in our little group? If we have somebody pretty quick and agile who is ready to take a little sprint right now; we have an excellent opportunity to perhaps get some information if you have some non bloodthirsty options. Aradove, Erian, could I have a quiet word; <Dinpel positions himself directly between Aradove and Erian and the position of watcher in the weeds> run as fast as you can directly behind me about a few tens of yards, jump the wall or the gate and keep running as fast as you can and you will find a clue; try not to kill, I will cover you in case of surprises; go now one to my left and one to my right side; Run!
<if they do this, Dinpel will use the gate/wall for cover and get into a support firing position>
Pray all attend, we are being watched! Filthy little beasties <last part mumbled with a certain amount of malicious sneer(ie racial hatred)>
I am going to sprint of in the direction of the indicated carts. Of course the sprint of a halfling ain't much to write home about...
Search
16+3=19
I am looking for more damaged wood, looking both at the cargo, and at the cart itself, especially wheels and axels.
I am going to sprint of in the direction of the indicated carts. Of course the sprint of a halfling ain't much to write home about...
Search
16+3=19I am looking for more damaged wood, looking both at the cargo, and at the cart itself, especially wheels and axels.
You find no more damaged wood. Keep in mind that the damaged wood was discovered by the mill foreman several days ago. That particular cart has already been exported.
You find no more damaged wood. Keep in mind that the damaged wood was discovered by the mill foreman several days ago. That particular cart has already been exported.
I will move to rejoin the others at the gate.
"Hail tall folk, it seems the good millmaster found that burnt wood several days ago, and the cart it wa on has gone. Concerns me it does what the Horrors were doin' playin' with such a thing at such a place.
Be pardonin' me distraction, but what have ye been finding here, and have you a plan for the hunting of Horrors."
"I will be happy to stay in the trailing party, I am not nearly as fast as the people in the scouting party but I suggest that we do not get to far apart."
As Dinpel gather Aradove and Erian together and starts whispering Memnon wanders what is going on 'They must have seen something'. Memnon walks up to the three "What is going on? I am sure I could help."
Who do you suppose is the fastest runner in our little group? If we have somebody pretty quick and agile who is ready to take a little sprint right now; we have an excellent opportunity to perhaps get some information if you have some non bloodthirsty options. Aradove, Erian, could I have a quiet word; <Dinpel positions himself directly between Aradove and Erian and the position of watcher in the weeds> run as fast as you can directly behind me about a few tens of yards, jump the wall or the gate and keep running as fast as you can and you will find a clue; try not to kill, I will cover you in case of surprises; go now one to my left and one to my right side; Run!
Shaking his head, Erian says quietly, "No, at that distance they'll see us coming and be off or hidden before we arrive. However, Sherwyn can cover the gap much more quickly. I suggest you lot stay here and continue to investgate the gate, or at least appear so. I'll take Sherwyn to the South Gate, then circle around to that position. I'll bear my torch once I've reached them, and you can send others to the light." He waves the torch he'd been carrying once, then shoves it into his pack to hide the light. Erian then knocks an arrow in his sturdy bow.
"That sounds like a sound plan, we should cut the bindings on the gate and once we see your signal we can charge through the gate." Memnon looks around at the group "Erian I think you should take at least Aradove and Ethelwulf with you they shouldn't slow you down much and you might need the help once everything gets started."
Ava finishes searching the gate and returns the the group.
"So my guess is six goblins and I found bloody tracks. What else did anyone divine?"
Shaking his head, Erian says quietly, "No, at that distance they'll see us coming and be off or hidden before we arrive. However, Sherwyn can cover the gap much more quickly. I suggest you lot stay here and continue to investgate the gate, or at least appear so. I'll take Sherwyn to the South Gate, then circle around to that position. I'll bear my torch once I've reached them, and you can send others to the light." He waves the torch he'd been carrying once, then shoves it into his pack to hide the light. Erian then knocks an arrow in his sturdy bow.
no; dont hide; run; sprint; they are short like me; you can outrun them easy as you could outrun me; go; we can cover and follow; run, sprint; go your delay is giving us away and you loose surprize!
The ranger shakes his head again. "The distance is too far--even at a full run it'll take me nearly a minute to cross that much terrain. That's easily enough time for them to scatter and hide. Also, goblins are indeed your size, but they move as fast as a human. There is little chance, without surprise, that we could catch them on foot, and Sherwyn won't fit through that grate. Just keep acting like you've seen nothing and they'll have no reason to bolt."
I rolled a 17+4 = 21 Lady Janas gets 2 more
The ranger shakes his head again. "The distance is too far--even at a full run it'll take me nearly a minute to cross that much terrain. That's easily enough time for them to scatter and hide. Also, goblins are indeed your size, but they move as fast as a human. There is little chance, without surprise, that we could catch them on foot, and Sherwyn won't fit through that grate. Just keep acting like you've seen nothing and they'll have no reason to bolt."
" I agree with Erian, Ethelwulf will be able to keep up with him but I will not. The way I see it we have several ideas floating around and we are losing valuable time. Erian can you go around reasonably fast while we stay here for a few minutes then go through the gate? Will we meet up at the same time thus taking them by surprise and from around two sides? We can still do what Dinpel is implying maybe just toned down a bit. What do all of you think?"
Erian takes to his saddle. "I'm heading out now unless there are other objections. I'm not sure on y'all heading out the gate--if the goblins make you out and see you're headed their way they'll likely run. Perhaps send the stealthy folks over the wall, leave the others here as a distraction, and we'll have three different fronts for them to deal with." He spurs Sherwyn toward the road, emphasizing his point of leaving now.
well, I am only fairly skilled at steath; don't think I can really sneak over their to well being watched and all; maybe we should like camp out here a bit n have dinner; wait till it gets dark and just keep watch; dis be a lot easier mayhap at dusk or so or I suppose we could just mosy over there and when one runs we try to tag him in the leg or something with arrows and whatnot; least it might give us something to track. hmm; guess it is a bit of a puzzle.
so, anyone wanna try the stealth thing?
am covertly watching and ready to cover with my xbow
Memnon walks up to the gate and discreetly as possible draws his dagger and cuts all but one of the vines holding the gate in place and prepares to cut the last vine and charge through.
well, I am only fairly skilled at steath; don't think I can really sneak over their to well being watched and all; maybe we should like camp out here a bit n have dinner; wait till it gets dark and just keep watch; dis be a lot easier mayhap at dusk or so or I suppose we could just mosy over there and when one runs we try to tag him in the leg or something with arrows and whatnot; least it might give us something to track. hmm; guess it is a bit of a puzzle.
so, anyone wanna try the stealth thing?
"Forgive me, master Jannipack, but stealth is far from one of my talents. If others would like to try their luck, that is fine by me. But I am not convinced that having dinner and waiting 'til it gets dark is a wise choice... did someone not say that goblins have better sight in the dark? How would waiting 'til dusk be an advantage to us, when our vision would be reduced? I think best to let Erian and Ethelwulf circle around and try to "herd" them in our direction, as soon as possible... We should try to capture a few of them, in order to pry answers from their filthy mouths... The more stealthy and diminutive among us can attempt to sneak closer to them (if that is possible), so that they are ready to act once Erian and Ethelwulf begin the round-up, while the rest maintain a distraction..."
Erian rides forward, bridling Sherwyn slightly so that Ethelwulf can match the horse's pace. He peers through the cover on the rolling hills between him and these suspected goblins, alert for a second group watching the gate. As he goes, he also keep his eye to the forest, looking for signs of movement or anything unusual that might indicate a lurking danger. He guides Sherwyn with his knees, leaving both hands free to keep an arrow knocked in his fine Sceot longbow. Were it not for the excellent craftsmanship of the weapon, it would be almost impossible to wield from the saddle.
Ethelwulf spot check = 11+3 =14 Survival check = 17+1=18
well, I am only fairly skilled at steath; don't think I can really sneak over their to well being watched and all; maybe we should like camp out here a bit n have dinner; wait till it gets dark and just keep watch; dis be a lot easier mayhap at dusk or so or I suppose we could just mosy over there and when one runs we try to tag him in the leg or something with arrows and whatnot; least it might give us something to track. hmm; guess it is a bit of a puzzle.
so, anyone wanna try the stealth thing?
Aradove looks towards Dinpel a little unsure. " I will try stealth thing. I can sneak over the wall and come around the other side from which Erian and Ethelwulf are coming from. There for then we will have three out of the four sides covered."
Aradoves move silently check 10+2=12 hide check 12+2=14
Erian guides Sherwyn south then east with Ethelwulf by his side, taking in the land. He comes close to the river channel before turning north. He picks a path through the tall grasses, keeping a distance from the muddy grounds close to the river. Up ahead, he sees his quarry hidden in the grasses. It is a lone goblin about 60 yards away. Ethelwulf lets out a growl, confirming that he sees the devil also. The goblin is still facing Erian’s Glen, and his back is toward you.
Also, throughout the land, Erian finds deep tracks, and it seems that Ethelwulf is torn between north and south, but he sticks with Erian. Erian looks south and from his height on Sherwyn is able to follow the line of tracks to a dark grove of trees about 500 yards away. Erian can tell that the tracks are relatively fresh because he notices the double lines of somebody being drug along.
Ethelwulf rolled a 18+2=20 for initiative
Aradove looks towards Dinpel a little unsure. " I will try stealth thing. I can sneak over the wall and come around the other side from which Erian and Ethelwulf are coming from. There for then we will have three out of the four sides covered."
Aradove moves along the wall to one of the guard ladders and climbs up to the walk. As she stands, she hears in a snarly, rough voice, “Halt, in the name of the Watch. Stay where you are.” The voice is coming from her left. As she turns, she sees a wild-haired shifter approaching in a guard uniform, a half-drawn bow is aimed at her chest. As he closes the distance, he says, “Who are you? This landing is for Watch members only.”
With the others help, Lady Janas reckons that her first ever fight is soon. She carefully opens the backpack and starts putting on her chain shirt. Then gathers her weapons for battle.
As she does this, she voices her thoughts, "If I can get close enough I can put the goblins to sleep, and then I can interrogate one for us. It's just the getting close. How far away are the goblins?"
"Apart from shooting the little horrors does anyone have another way, even a magical way of getting to them before they harm the girl?"
** spoiler omitted **
Surprise Round:
Erian - 22
Ethelwulf - 20
Actions from other parties as desired
Well, I will go with you Aradove, nobody should be alone facing the unknown; <secures his xbow; pulls hand weapons and sneaks off after her several paces to her left>
listen = 14+6 = 20
move silent 13+4 = 17
hide 15 +4 = 19
Spot 8 +2 = 10 lol
initiative if needed; 6 +2 = 8 hehe, not slow, uhm, careful :)
Surprise Round:
Erian - 22
Ethelwulf - 20Actions from other parties as desired
Aradove moves along the wall to one of the guard ladders and climbs up to the walk. As she stands, she hears in a snarly, rough voice, “Halt, in the name of the Watch. Stay where you are.” The voice is coming from her left. As she turns, she sees a wild-haired shifter approaching in a guard uniform, a half-drawn bow is aimed at her chest. As he closes the distance, he says, “Who are you? This landing is for Watch members only.”
As Aradove turns she places her hand on her dagger. As the shifter finishes asking her questions she can hear Dinpel below and to the left. "I am Aradove Dawntracker and the gate below seems to be broken. There are some mysterious noise and movement coming from past the gate. I am merely jumping over the wall to take a closer look, I mean you no harm or trouble." May I finish what I am doing."
Well, I will go with you Aradove, nobody should be alone facing the unknown; <secures his xbow; pulls hand weapons and sneaks off after her several paces to her left>
listen = 14+6 = 20
move silent 13+4 = 17
hide 15 +4 = 19
Spot 8 +2 = 10 lolinitiative if needed; 6 +2 = 8 hehe, not slow, uhm, careful :)
Dinpel is half-way up the ladder when Aradove is accosted by the Shifter. He does not seem to see you.