"We know of the caravan. You hired the Pounders to escort them but only Gurg returned yesterday. He can't remember anything of what happened. He went back to investigate this morning. If you are interested, we can catch him and have a look as well. But I think they may be all dead." says Alia to their host.
"But before we leave, we have something to sort out. You said there were three gnomes in the next house ?"
Sammar replies, "No, I said I suspect there is only one gnome there. I've never seen more than one, despite the 'brothers' name. It sounds as if you've lost one of your team-mates last night? My condolences.
"But back to the question of the mission. You're quite right: we hired the Pounders as guards. The other guards, ah, the 'Furious Fourteen' I think they call themselves? They made something of a point of insisting that we hire them, but they have, well, a poor record. The elf who runs the livery stable, ah, Finnelaus is his name? He gave us not just a good price on the horses, but also some good advice regarding the orcs. The Pounders were more expensive, but they'd never run from a fight. So my plover negotiated with, oh, the giant, Gurg or somesuch?
"They left yesterday, at about this hour. The intent was to head northeast for a couple hours and then try to find a road out in the wasteland that should have taken them straight north, at least according to the best maps we have. We don't know what kind of lands lay to the north of the Desolation, and Bard's Gate is interested in establishing whatever traffic we can. Trade, certainly. Perhaps diplomatic ties.
"But all of that is so much dust, if we can't get past the desert. And the Key Council will never send another expedition, till they know what happened to the first.
"You say the giant went back out this morning? What does he hope to accomplish out there on his own?"
Montegue:
A couple of days ago, you had to step in when Clanton's gang started to get insistent. The individual orcs or half-orcs are formidable, but you think you'd have had a fair fight against three or four of them. Clantock himself, though, roused himself to intervene directly, and threatened you with his magical scimitar. You get the feeling that he could take you, easily, in a fair one-on-one fight. But he's lazy, and relies on his Fourteen to act as his agents.
"You say the giant went back out this morning? What does he hope to accomplish out there on his own?"
"He lost his tribe. He is quite mad about it. I think it is desperation. He will die out there, but not before spilling blood. He is strong and 6 of us were just about enough to fall him yesterday."
"Back to your expedition, how many of them were they? How good were they at surviving or fighting?"
Then Alia eyes light with interest. "You have maps of the desolation? Can we have a look at them ?"
Artimus nods at this, taking in the information for use later though his mind is still focused on the boarding house. He is pleased at least that Alia is able to keep her senses about their larger goal even as he and Durnast seem so focused on petty revenge. He battles within himself though, as it seems not so much revenge as it is justice.
When there is enough of a pause in the conversation that he can interject without interrupting he will add "There are more than just the one gnome there, or else there is some sort of illusion at work which we could not pierce. We saw two gnomes ourselves this morning when we went to investigate. Two gnomes and some other presence we did not see with our eyes so much as sensed. It was very malevolent. Perhaps this could be the third brother that is so rumored. Or perhaps there is only one and it projected the others somehow. But outwardly the two seemed of very different minds, speaking differently, disagreeing, and acting independently of one another."
Back to your expedition, how many of them were they? How good were they at surviving or fighting?
There are five of them, led by the plover, a man from House Caudren named Hugin. He's a capable fighter in a pinch, but that's not why he's on the expedition. He has a rare gift, an ability to look someone over and tell what sort of man he's talking to, and the best way to approach him so that both of them might accomplish their goals.
The mission really wasn't trying to get itself into tussles. The strongest of the characters in a fight would probably be Skarja, a witch we'd rescued some months ago, who's paying back her debt to House Ramsey.
You have maps of the desolation? Can we have a look at them?
Sammar smiles. "If you can recover them, of course."
He turns and listens to Artimus. "Then I stand corrected. I can't help you in identifying this presence, I'm afraid.
"What is your mind, gentles? Do you mean to support the giant in his quest, or seek revenge of your own?" It's not hard to tell that the envoy is posing a heavy question.
Artimus looks to the others, speaking to them rather then the emissary. "I would bring the gnomes to justice before we attempt to catch up with Gurg. Both for our friends sake and for the sake of any future travelers who may pass through here. Anyone traveling into the wastes is one prepared for the dangers there and the risks inherent in them. While one would be wise to watch for similar dangers in a town such as this, these gnomes prey on those they offer safety and shelter to once their victims guard has been lowered. I consider this the greater sin. But I need your assistance and strengths in this. If you are not with me, then I accept the need to help Gurg if he is still alive first, so long as we will deliver retribution to these gnomes later."
Tin nods. "I am with you, Artimus. It is disgusting to me that these gnomes would prey on their guests."
Sammar glances at Montegue and then back at the rest of you. "So say you all? To avenge your comrades first?"
Sammar nods. "Then I would like to ask you, as soon as your matter with the Bender brothers is resolved, to seek after the mission, most likely in the company of this Gurg, and find out what happened. Obviously, if there are any survivors, we need them back. But even the bodies, if that's all that's left, ought to be returned and given proper burials.
"Montegue, when these people depart to recover the mission, I'll want you to go with them. As an active member of their team, if they'll have you. Until then, you're on your own time. If you do something against the laws of the Camp, even if it were noble, even if it would help these people tie up loose ends, that would fall on your shoulders alone."
So saying, he leaves the house and walks off to the east.
Montague turns and faces his new travel mates; "It would seem that fate has cast us together". "If you wish to confront these 'Gnomes' I would accompany you so that I might better judge your capabilities". "It is not my fight, but I would endeavor to keep things fair".
Message: <Artimus...?>
I indicate with my gaze towards the Emissary and Montague, imploring Artimus to use his insight to ascertain these men's morality.
With the departure of the Emissary, Durnast scowls and lets out an incoherent string of sound unclear if they are a language or not...
<...We need to strike the Gnomes, they are already plotting against us for discovering them apparently, and ignoring the situation will only give them more time... We really should have struck immediately before even leaving the hostel... But we still do not know how many allies they have, and I was unable to locate the third presence I originally detected... OK: We're likely going to want to leave town immediately after finishing these Gnomes, so perhaps we should talk with the Rangers first, and THEN see to the Gnomes.>
Sense motive
Artimus will nod his head a bit to Durnast as he tries to get a reading on the two men. He will try and reply through the message, feeling a bit odd doing so.
"I agree with you on both points, my friend. Though we may have some advantage in this, they will be ready for an attack later, but not likely one coming so soon. They may have lowered their guard while they prepare for an attack later. We may still catch them unprepared."
Durnast
Your detect thoughts is actually on the last dregs of its duration by the time Sammar is standing and getting ready to leave the room. Sammar rolls for his save. You can tell he's
Artimus, Sammar would appear to be genuinely worried, both for the safety of the people who've gone north into the Desolation, and for the future of his political career; he doesn't make a clear-cut distinction between the two. Under that, he's nervous about living in Camp. And you realize he's probably got cause for concern: he really doesn't have a role to play in the Camp's economy, and that means he's expendable if somebody decides he's worth more dead.
As soon as he reads Artimus's thoughts articulating that analysis, Sammar's mind suddenly agrees and grows even more concerned.
When Sammar explains to Montegue that he's free to use his time as he sees fit, Sammar is expecting you folks to ask Montegue to assist you with your revenge, which will speed up your business in Camp, and probably keep you in better health. Sammar has great confidence in Montegue's combat abilities.
When Sammar walks out of the room, Durnast's spell finally comes to an end. That was seven minutes of concentration, and your mind reached the limits of its endurance.
"If we want to do it know, we need to get ready." says Alia as her companions seem to be ready to act.
"These gnomes know their house and how to ambush. We first need eyes. Artimus can detect them but can one of you do something?" she adds turning to Tin and Durnast.
So, do people want to take on the Bender brothers immediately, or talk to the ranger enclave first and then go kill a couple of gnomes on the way out of town?
Strait to the gnomes first, from what I've seen.
I think Durnast and Artimus are leaning towards seeing the Rangers first, on the basis that we don't really know how it will end up with the Gnomes and their mysterious allies including the Usurer, and we may end up wanting to get out of town quick, so we might as well finish our business before hand.
On the other hand, I think Durnast already respects Alia's tactical wisdom, so he could be persuaded the other way as well, as there's also something to be said for hitting the Gnomes ASAP.
I'm hoping for Tin to speak his mind on this soon, but if not by tomorrow, we can do what we're going to do.
"We will speak to the rangers later. We should go back and fight now or in a day or two. If we leave them a few hours, they will have time to prepare." replies Alia.
"I have already said they can ambush and kill quickly if we are unaware. We need to find them one by one and concentrate on one at a time. We could close to the house from where Artimus can locate them and from them we hunt and kill them. If they try to get invisible, maybe your little dragon can help, Durnast. Whatever we do, we must stay together..." Alia voice trails as she realises she has not spoken as much for a long time, but the thrill of the hunt is always there.
She picks up her thoughts and turns to their new companion. "I am Alia, a hunter of the walking dead and this is Swiftpaws", she adds pointing towards the crouching wolf. "You said you could assist us. You move like a fighter but carry no armor or weapons. What help can you provide ?"
"We will speak to the rangers later. We should go back and fight now or in a day or two. If we leave them a few hours, they will have time to prepare." replies Alia.
"I have already said they can ambush and kill quickly if we are unaware. We need to find them one by one and concentrate on one at a time. We could close to the house from where Artimus can locate them and from them we hunt and kill them. If they try to get invisible, maybe your little dragon can help, Durnast. Whatever we do, we must stay together..." Alia voice trails as she realises she has not spoken as much for a long time, but the thrill of the hunt is always there.
She picks up her thoughts and turns to their new companion. "I am Alia, a hunter of the walking dead and this is Swiftpaws", she adds pointing towards the crouching wolf. "You said you could assist us. You move like a fighter but carry no armor or weapons. What help can you provide ?"
"Don't let my lack of weapons fool you". "I can use them, but prefer to use my body as a weapon". "Can I assist you"? "Yes". "Yet,I go to observe your party, and see what you are capable of as well". "If the fight is not fair, then I will help you". "I have no reason personally to fight these gnomes". "I did not know your friend".
All right then!
Waiting a day or two, then attacking the gnomes and afterwards going out into the desert will be to neither Gurg's nor Sammar's advantage. Further, you realize, it would give the Bender brothers time to marshal any forces or allies they have, in town or ... elsehwere. (It would give you time to muster allies as well, but you're leaving Gurg to wander the Desolation by himself, so your allies are more limited.)
If Durnast's spells are trustworthy, one of the Benders is likely to be off right now, warning the Usurer. If you wanted to catch them all together again, you'd want to wait another fifteen minutes or so.
Artimus nods at Alia's advice, stroking his mustache again as he considers. "I believe if we are going to strike, we should do so now. Particularly if one of them is away. We can take the other two and then prepare ourselves for the thirds return. Let him walk into our trap. If he has made himself invisible and difficult to detect for friend Durnast, then I suspect he would have other spells and if we attempt to attack him first he may be able to warn the others. It seems less likely if we go after the more mundane pair first."
OK, to help everyone plan our tactics, here's some of the spells I have...
For situational awareness I have: Detect Thoughts (up to 7 min but req. concentration) - Artimus' Detect Evil probably works just as good for locating them, Arcane Sight (7 min) & See Invisible (70 min), & Glitterdust.
To conceal ourselves/ get into position I have:
Disguise Self (70 min), Minor Image (w/ minor non-speech sounds, concentration + 2 rounds), Invisibility Sphere (7 min), Greater Invisibility (7 rnd), Gaseous Form (14 min), Dimension Door.
Offensively, I have a Fireball and Scorching Ray, but I think our best bet may be a Rainbow Pattern which can entrance multiple Gnomes (up to 24 HD for concentration + 7 rnds), and they will follow it around, so if it works against the first, we can just herd them in front of us until we find the final Gnome(s). (Being able to question at least one Gnome would probably yield some useful info.)
Possible plan: Aiming to be ready in 15 minutes or so (I can also have Cam scout out the Usurer's shack looking for anybody returning, with See Invisible) I would be ready with See Invisible/Arcane Sight, possibly Detect Thoughts (or I could cast this on Cam, so it wouldn't end when I do something), Fox's Cunning (to up my DCs) and Protection from Evil (I have 2 scrolls if somebody else wants: Alia?). I could also use Gaseous Form (+Invis?) to scout out the whole inn ahead of time, possibly in conjunction with Detect Thoughts.
If we wait until this third Gnome is on the way back (via Cam's warning), I could cast Invisibility Sphere and we could sneak into/ up to the inn, or just use Cam as a lookout and target the returning Gnome with Rainbow Pattern as he re-enters the house. If the spell fails against him, everybody else could ready/delay an attack to try and kill him ASAP. That would save my Invisibility Sphere, say, for when we walk away from the Inn and don't want to be followed by our fan club.
What do you think?
So if we want to take on the Gnomes, what approach do people want?
So if we want to take on the Gnomes, what approach do people want?
Let’s propose a plan. As they want to separate us, let’s pretend to do that. Durnast, we should use your invisibility sphere on all minus one (Artimus or I) to get there to draw them our to attack and then we strike back.
Before that, I suggest adding a few protection spells esp. prot vs evil for Artimus (from Tin) and bless for everyone. I’ll use barkskin as well. Once there, Cam should be able to locate invisible enemies with its blindsense while flying out of reach. And I will let Swiftpaws to guard our rear and warn us if anyone tries to come back in unseen Being invisible and with his smell sense should be enough. In the house, Artimus will take point and I will second with bow or blade. Tin and Durnast can either damage or magically disable foes.
Artimus nods at Alia. "Your tactics are wise. I will be the one who approaches openly, I believe that you will be better at remaining silent as you approach unseen, and it seems much more likely they will believe I am the one to lose my temper and return without the others to confront them." He gives a slight smile at that and then looks to the others. "Let us prepare quickly, we will want to act before the other approaches."
- Alia will cast barkskin on herself,
- Artimus will cast Bull's strength and bless weapon on himself,
- Tin can cast Bless ans Prot. from evil on Artimus
- And Durnast can cast whatever he wants and then when everyone is ready, Invisibility sphere on everyone but Artimus.
Does everyone agree ?
Montague will join the group in the invisibility sphere with the group if allowed to "observe" things.
Montague will join the group in the invisibility sphere with the group if allowed to "observe" things.
That can work.
I'm not sure if Artimus staying visible necessarily would work better, it seems like the returning Invisible Gnome would just as likely evade him and walk thru some side-wall... In any case, if he's seen, they're liable to tell each other telepathically, which would at least put the inside Gnomes one step more prepared to fight us/escape (and if I cue Artimus to follow the Gnome, they'd be aware we can See Invisible).
I'm just thinking that keeping us all invisible and trying to stun/entrance the Invisible Gnome with a Rainbow Pattern may be slightly better approach (if the Pattern doesn't work, we'd all be nearby to ambush the Gnome). If we don't like that, I can do the "Artimus bait" plan, though.
That can work.
I'm not sure if Artimus staying visible necessarily would work better, it seems like the returning Invisible Gnome would just as likely evade him and walk thru some side-wall... In any case, if he's seen, they're liable to tell each other telepathically, which would at least put the inside Gnomes one step more prepared to fight us/escape (and if I cue Artimus to follow the Gnome, they'd be aware we can See Invisible).
I'm just thinking that keeping us all invisible and trying to stun/entrance the Invisible Gnome with a Rainbow Pattern may be slightly better approach (if the Pattern doesn't work, we'd all be nearby to ambush the Gnome). If we don't like that, I can do the "Artimus bait" plan, though.
"Being all invisible is good. But the three of you are as silent as a rutting bull. You will be heard. If Artimus is visible, he can cover your noise. Your plan also has a second weakness, if we think the invisible being is a mage, he can resist your spell easily."
Artimus nods his head slightly. "Alia speaks true. I have faith in my sword arm, but I fear that my talents do not lie in stealth, particularly if I am going to be wearing my mail and ready for combat. However, that can be a strength for the rest of you. The gnomes expect me to speak loudly and show a temper. Between the clang of my armor and the boom of my voice, the rest of you should have a much easier time getting closer without being heard."
So, are the bugs worked out of the plan? Are we ready to compile?
So, are the bugs worked out of the plan? Are we ready to compile?
Montague frowns as the party seems unable to make a decision.
"Does it always take this long to make a decision to do something"? He asks. If we're not going to go kill these gnomes, then let's go to the waste and try to find the missing merchants".
Artimus frowns. "The decision is important, friend Montague. It would do little to honor our friends if our lives are lost in trying to avenge them. But I do believe now we are ready and we should move forward before the third brother returns."
Right.
Are you casting the spells in any particular order?
Artimus leaves the embassy and strides angrily towards the boarding house across the street, sword drawn, rattling his mail.
What are you shouting?
How far behind Artimus are the rest of you? Are you following him directly (as in, would you be caught in the same lightning bolt) or are you trying to invisibly circle around back?
Outside, you see one of Clantock's boys, dressed for war, coming down the road. He looks at Artimus and stops, so that the warlike paladin might pass in front of him. (Or, you know, he might suddenly attack once Artimus is past him, but he looks more startled by your approach than cunning.)
Artimus, as you aproach the boarding house, you see one of the Benders in the shadows of the entrance hall. There's no way that he could miss your approach.
As Alia casts her Barkskin spell, her horns glow sligtly and her skin takes an ivory tone as if bone was covering it. She pulls her bow out and start walking 20 feet behind and on the right side of Artimus.
Stealth check
For Swiftpaws
Montague brings up the rear of the invisible group.
Stealth check
Artimus will take note of the clantock member's surprise and will simply give him a nod, figuring that if he doesn't know just what is going on then it is less likely that he will cause any trouble.
He acts as if he doesn't notice the gnome hidden off to the shadows as he pushes into the building. After all, if the gnome moves to get behind him it will be caught between himself and the invisible folks coming up behind. The paladin calls out loudly into the boarding house. "Benders. Both of you come forward. I have words for you."
We're at that point.
Initiative
Round One:
The gnome in the foyer: 24
Montague: 19+4 = 23
Swiftpaws the Wolf: 11+3 = 14
Camomile the Pseudo-Dragon[/i}: 11+2 = 13
[i]Clantock's Man: 12+1 = 13
Somebody else: 12
Durnast: 3+7 = 10
Alia: 1+4 = 5
Tinthariel: 1+3 = 4
Artimus: 3+1 = 4
I think that you folks will be able to see this map of the boarding house. Each square is 2.5 feet.
The distance from the front door of the embassy to the front door of the boarding house is 50 feet, mostly due north. Artimus has crossed 30 feet of it, and is about 5 feet past the startled half-orc.
The gnome in the foyer takes a step back and then turns to move into the deeper shadows of the boarding house. It looks like he's running off down the western wing, where Chyressa's room was.
Swiftpaws will move stealthily to Clantock's man side, so as to flank it with Artimus as a move action. He will then delay his next action : if the man attacks Artimus, Swiftpaws will attack. Otherwise, he will stay put.
Alia will delay after Artimus action and follow him towards the house if that's what he does.
Ok, before hand I cast on Cam: Arcane Sight (7min) and Invisibility (7min).
On all of us (except Artimus apparently): I cast Circle of Invisibility (7min)
On myself: Protection/Evil (7min) , Fox's Cunning (7min) (+1 DC's), Shield (7min), See Invisible (70min), and Expeditious Retreat (7min).
When I notice the approaching Clantock, I decide a little diversion might be in order. I cast a Minor Image of myself and Alia & Swiftpaw, conversing audibly with the Usurer, seemingly serious but as if we're 'getting along' for the most part. (the words are incoherent if somebody directly approaches, but like the sounds of muffled conversation otherwise, with intermittent whines from illusionary Swiftpaw providing further sound effects) The image would be half-inside, half-outside the doorway of the building. If the Orc moves towards the illusion or tries to talk, the figures will seem to notice him, then glance at each other, at which the Usurer opaquely shrugs, says "Not now. Business." and makes some arcane gestures with a wand, everybody disappearing in a blue flash of light.
I will move across the street to the inn's door (keeping everyone in the invisibility sphere).
Cam is watching, both what auras he can pick up from inside the inn, but mostly just the general surrounding area - He's instructed to keep hidden as if his invisibility didn't work. He would have been scouting the area a bit before the rest of us emerged.
Thinking that things are now about to happen, Montague sprints after the gnome headed down the hallway. This should be a fair fight, and if he's going after reinforcements...well that's not fair.
Montegue sprints ahead, coalescing into view just behind the wrathful Artimus (which startles the half-orc) and passing into the boarding house.
Montegue,
you turn to the left and catch sight of the gnome halfway down the hall, ducking into a room on the right. Another gnome, difficult to distinguish from the first, comes out of the kitchen at the same time, still holding some utensil or another within an oilcloth. This new Bender brother is initially concerned, but sees you and his demeanor changes, and then changes again. He starts to say something in rapid, angry Gnomish, and then stops himself. "I mean, might I help you?"
Swiftpaws moves close to the Clantock mercenary and holds her (his?) action. The wolf can't get into a flanking position, as such, without stepping out of the invisibility sphere, but is delaying a standard action within a 5'-step of the half-orc, if it comes to that.
Camomile notices nothing dangerous in the immediate area. But something from the house to the west sure smells good!
The half-orc is genuinely taken aback by Artimus' fury, and certainly surprised by Montegue's magical appearance. He also looks over to Swiftpaws, as if he can tell that something is there. (Perhaps he noticed the footprints in the dirt? Hard to say.) He takes a step back, and then runs back west to the Furious Fourteen's encampment.
Does Swiftpaws attack, or let the half-orc raise whatever commotion he can?
Durnast, do you still want to cast the minor image, for anyone else who might be watching, or do you want to save that spell for when the Clantock boys come back?
Alia delays until after Artimus.
Tinthariel (Tin-THAR-iel?) delays until after Artimus, keeping step behind the paladin.
Artimus, you can take a single move and arrive at the doorstep of the boarding house. Is that what you're doing?
With the gnome moving into the building ahead of me I would double move and try and follow after him.
Still trying to provide whatever distraction I can I will call out to him. "Where are you going? You won't come and face my accusations?"