Umil, to Lyra's and Sunaj's request for a map:
"There be no need for a map. It's simple, follow the north gate outta town, that's the Northride. Once you're out of the Shadow Gap You'll pass by the spiderhaunt woods. Once you come to a clear, open expanse, you'll see a trail. Follow that trail until you see a red crag just peeking over the horizon to your west, and follow that crag directly to the Dell. If'n you must know, it's about a six day walk, and given what's happening through the Shadow Gap, I'd not be fond of takin' any beasts of burden through, road or no road."
"Ahh, Umil." Kerri chides. "Yes, these fine folk came from the Dales, but they really do need a map, I'd have missed the Dale without one my first trip. I'll have one for you in the morn, following our exact trade route. This way, you'll see where we go and how we get places. If you choose, you can find other ways to the Dell, but ours is just simpler."
Davin, Greene:
Finrod loads his plate after bowing gracefully to his hosts.
"I am deadly with a bow and can reach enemy casters and leaders with it, I am average in melee. I move quietly and unseen, I can spot and follow their trail if I come across it."
Thinking about the trail as they described it, he tries to think of where the drow would likely accost them.
"Counter Ambush you say..well I'm all for a fair fight but the Drow don't fight fair so I'm not going to be stupid about it..if we can achieve surprise which will be difficult,we have to hit them hard and fast, take them down before they know what's hit them or can warn the next group"
Kara, having gotten her food, offers a plan.
"If I go a bit ahead of the group with one other person, I will become the target of their ambush. Once the focus is on us, the rest of you can launch a sneak attack."
"But I'm open to ideas."
Kara, having gotten her food, offers a plan.
"If I go a bit ahead of the group with one other person, I will become the target of their ambush. Once the focus is on us, the rest of you can launch a sneak attack.""But I'm open to ideas."
"If this is to be the plan, it would be better for those who risk the least to be the diversion. Those who are heavily armored will be tempting targets only if they appear to be alone, and without the aid of magic would likely compromise a stealthy assault in any case."
Sunaj:
The other obvious ambush point is along the Spiderhaunt woods, where they could strike from and melt back into the forest.
Finrod:
Kara:
The Northride actually goes directly into Shadowdale from Tilverton, it's only the Tethyamar trail to the west that brings you into Daggerdale. There are paths from Shadowdale (or thereabouts) to the Tethyamar trail, but all of these are north of the River Ashaba.
"A counter ambush sounds wonderful" Kerri begins, "But what of the ambush setup in the first place? How do you plan on doing that, if they are waiting on you? You are the professionals in this matter, but I am concerned that the plan sounds very... risky."
"Anyone have an estimate of the number of hours to get to the area in question? I want to time our arrival in the area around just past noon to give us the advantage of daylight."
"Based on my readings Shadow Gap and Spiderhaunt are the more likely ambush areas."
Umil replies "Gettin' to the Shadow Gap at noon won't be a problem. Gettin' through it in less 'n a day is impossible. It takes 3 days through the gap, then about 3 more days to get to the Dell. The gap is a day's walk north of here. You could ride horses up through it, saving you about a day in the gap, and two days off of the ride to the Dell. Good news is that most of the ambushes have been happening on the north side of the gap. So, you'd likely have three days before any drow trouble."
"Thank you for that. I think we have a journey to prepare."
DM:
Corvax speaks up for the first time, having concentrated on his appetite up until this point.
"If bait is needed to draw these dark elves into a fight I offer my services wholeheartedly. A nice voluminous cassock, a limp and a large heavy pack to struggle under and I am but a simple priest on my way to the dell in the hope of healing the sick. I can arm and armour myself at a moments notice and provide healing during and after any battle."
Having said his piece Corvax returns to the food in front of him, listening with interest as the conversation continues.
Onyx does not eat much, which is odd for a dwarf. He seems to be pondering many grave thoughts.
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"So many volunteering to be drow bait?"
Those who are heavily armored will be tempting targets only if they appear to be alone, and without the aid of magic would likely compromise a stealthy assault in any case."
"For a moment, Greene, I thought you were volunteering me to dangle from a hook. Well, it isn't the first time I thought someone was talking to me when it was actually someone taller standing behind me."
<glances at Corvax, smiles>
"If bait is needed to draw these dark elves into a fight I offer my services wholeheartedly. A nice voluminous cassock, a limp and a large heavy pack to struggle under and I am but a simple priest on my way to the dell in the hope of healing the sick.
"I don't doubt your offer, brave friend, nor the trust you place so large heartedly in your companions. I wish I might offer to feign a limp, but you'll forgive me when I am discontent with anything but a risk free plan. Can the rest of you at least grant that it as an ideal worth striving for? Finrod is a skilled tracker, and we are far from exhausting our means of gaining sure knowledge of the enemy before acting."
Kerri, watching the 'volunteers' speaks up: "You are all quite brave, I see. However, bravery only gets you so far. Remember, as Huergar pointed out so nicely, no plan including the Drow or their allies does not contain risks. Although you are all willing, I am certain that the risk you are taking is greater than the reward you will reap. The best bet, for anyone's survival, is for everyone to stick together. IF the Drow were to cut you off from your "bait" companion, what would you do then? I only worry about this because of the reality of the drow's attacks. They outnumber you, so putting 'bait' into an already stacked situation seems foolhardy, at best."
Umil, also watching, seems to remember something and walks out of the room. She returns a few minutes later, bearing a parchment of some sort.
"I got your charter here for Cormyr." She says, handing it to Huergar.
The charter reads:
On this 10th day of Eleasias, Kerri Dundragon certifies that the following folk are members of the Ironwood Company.
Greene Tanache, Tiefling follower of Lathander
Sunaj Fellhand, Half-Orc
Finrod Moruin, Elf
Sir Basil de Fermer, Human follower of Tyr.
Lyra of the Silver Hair, Halfling
Huergar of Ironspur, Dwarf
Onyx Ironhands, Dwarf
Davin Farstrider, Human follower of Shaundakul
Corvax Schultheiss, Aasimar.
Kane Toscobble, Halfling
In this I certify the Ironwood Company has full rights of operation within Cormyr's borders and territories.
In the Purple Dragon's Name,
Acoura Selvaunt, Purple Dragon Knight of the Crown.
"Sorry 'bout the name, I just thought of mah favorite metal and where you just came from."
Greene
"Aye..strength in numbers is always best.Mayhap twould be best to have no fixed plan just adapt to the situation..all warfare is fluid and you can't plan for everything..we should just remain alert and prepared at all times in the gap..moreso if we pass it without any problems."
"So just do what you feel is right and hope for the best? I've done that before, a few times actually. A good plan that needs little planning."
I agree. Facing forty drow, it may be best for us to stick together. It will be difficult enough with ten of us. It may best for us to leave in the morning well rested. May I suggest a good night's sleep and then head off in the morning?
At last! All this talking...It makes my teeth itch hanging around.
"You are wise in your counsel, Davin. For what it's worth, I believe it is time for myself and Umil to excuse ourselves. We have much business to attend to. There are a number of logistical problems with our trade now due to the Drow. We're going to be figuring out what to do about that. Feel free to stick around, and I'll make sure that one of the other staff members shows you to your suites."
As promised, a young gnome girl appears shortly, as you are finishing your dinner. She disappears for a moment, then reappears with a strange, clockwork humanoid. THe humanoid begins clearing tables, and the young girl escorts you each to your own suite. "You really are lucky the Lady Dundragon made these reservations. Nobody else would've gotten into the inn! Please don't damage the rooms too much."
Each suite is quite luxurious, having its own privvy, bath, and even a place to store small amounts of food. The sheets are sturdy, not silk, but of high quality. Each room has a barred window, probably to prevent unwanted guests, but it appears that the bars can be disconnected easily from the inside.
The morning comes, and the same little girl shows each of you to the same hall as before, where a modest breakfast has been laid out. Hams, eggs, some form of steak, fruits, and even breads and cheeses. Kerri is not here at the moment, and the young gnome excuses herself.
All:
[spoiler]I forgot above that speaking about the "Ironwood Company" that it should have been Umil. Umil is the one who chose the name, Kerri is the one who paid for it.[/ooc]
Onyx observes the clockwork man with such intense interest that he forgets to eat.
Onyx observes the clockwork man with such intense interest that he forgets to eat.
Onyx:
"Good morning everyone. Who else enjoyed a good night's sleep?"
For DM_Darkmeer
"Good morning to you as well, milady."
"Join me for some repast?"
"Good morning to you as well, milady."
"Join me for some repast?"
"I see no reason not to."
"This creature of wood and metal is in fact not a living thing at all," declares Onyx. "It is an incredible conglomerate of gears and pulleys and other contraptions so complex it is beyond my comprehension. The great craftsmen among the clergy of Gond are known for fashioning such things."
"Amazing. The time alone it would take to create such a thing... it is far more than any amount I have taken when making something."
"Indeed! And few places in Faerun would there be men and women skilled and blessed enough to create it. Tilverton is a remarkable town."
"Most likely one I could happily lose myself in..."
Sunaj:
Kerri walks into the hall, smiles, but seems in a rush. "My friends, I have the maps for our trade route. This map will get you to the Dell. Unfortunately, there's been a minor accident that I must attend to. It seems that one of our wagons has lost two of its axles, and I need to help get our trade goods back into a new wagon. It's been a... trying morning. Is there anything else of me you require?"
Kerri, seeing that Sunaj is closest to her, hands him the maps as she is speaking.
Basil..who has only need for four hours sleep due to his ring...is up with the lark and supervising the last minute preparations of the parties transport...
Basil..who has only need for four hours sleep due to his ring...is up with the lark and supervising the last minute preparations of the parties transport...
Finrod is up before the dawn and eats quickly. While the others eat, he seems absorbed in shaping a new bow from composite materials. He seems indifferent to the concern about horses.
Finrod is up before the dawn and eats quickly. While the others eat, he seems absorbed in shaping a new bow from composite materials. He seems indifferent to the concern about horses.
** spoiler omitted **
Knowledge(Engineering)?
Finrod is up before the dawn and eats quickly. While the others eat, he seems absorbed in shaping a new bow from composite materials. He seems indifferent to the concern about horses.
** spoiler omitted **
"May I ask why you are adding to your bow?"
Finrod stops carving on the bow and turns his startling green eyes on Kara. He rasps out "I have ... an idea."
He raises the bow to eye level and sights along it, measuring.
"Sometimes, when melee comes, I have to drop my bow to fight. If I could reenforce the spine, so that it would not break when parrying a weapon..."
He turns to Kara again. "You see the possibilities that would open up?"
Sunaj:
The other thing of note is that there are ridges and hillocks all along your path, so it is feasable that you could be ambushed along the way, just that there's less cover than would be optimal for a 40-some-odd force.
All:
"After checking the map, I see three locations where ambushes would be easiest. Two spots where we would be when you journey on the second day, and one on third day , almost as you are leaving. I also see a couple of places that would be nicely defensible if we are spending the night."
"The other thing of note is that there are ridges and hillocks all along our path, so it is feasable that we could be ambushed along the way, just that there's less cover than would be optimal for a 40-some-odd force."
Curious as to Sunaj's interpretation of the maps [which Finrod felt really should be his own job], Finrod abruptly leaves his conversation with Kara and walks over to see the maps for himself.
Curious as to Sunaj's interpretation of the maps [which Finrod felt really should be his own job], Finrod abruptly leaves his conversation with Kara and walks over to see the maps for himself.
Knowledge (geography) 1d20+11=27
"Care to give a second opinion, Mister Finrod?"
Studying the maps...
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Umil, also watching, seems to remember something and walks out of the room. She returns a few minutes later, bearing a parchment of some sort.
"I got your charter here for Cormyr." She says, handing it to Huergar.The charter reads:
On this 10th day of Eleasias, Kerri Dundragon certifies that the following folk are members of the Ironwood Company.
Greene Tanache, Tiefling follower of Lathander
Sunaj Fellhand, Half-Orc
Finrod Moruin, Elf
Sir Basil de Fermer, Human follower of Tyr.
Lyra of the Silver Hair, Halfling
Huergar of Ironspur, Dwarf
Onyx Ironhands, Dwarf
Davin Farstrider, Human follower of Shaundakul
Corvax Schultheiss, Aasimar.
Kane Toscobble, HalflingIn this I certify the Ironwood Company has full rights of operation within Cormyr's borders and territories.
In the Purple Dragon's Name,
Acoura Selvaunt, Purple Dragon Knight of the Crown."Sorry 'bout the name, I just thought of mah favorite metal and where you just came from."
"Ironwood Company... Umil, you did well. The name is auspicious."
Huergar reads the names.
"We accept this charter and hope to return it to you in circumstances as pleasant as these."
Huergar bows in formal acknowledgement. "Umil, Lady Dundragon."
After Kerri Dundragon excuses herself, Huergar makes his way with the others to their accommodations.
Having eaten his fill Corvax spends the rest of his morning attempting to hammer out some of the many dents in his battered armour. Eventually satisfied that he has done as much as he can he sticks the heavy cleaver he had been using as an improptu hammer back in his belt and drops the last piece of armour to the floor. He mutters a short prayer to Tempus and the armour vanishes from the floor, appearing on his body with a slight clank.