So my PC's are about to assault Thissletop and they have decided to approach the island by sea at night. I need some advice on how to run this since I've never really dealt with anything like this.
Their plan (some parts arent set in stone yet) is to sail there by night in two small boats or one slightly larger boat. Two of the PC's were sailors at one point so they have ranks in Profession (Sailor) so that will help with the getting there.
The Barbarian (who has the highest climb modifier) will then scale the cliff face. Then he will either climb to the top and let down a long rope and pull each PC up one at a time or nail pitons (I think the noise is making them shy away from this)in and they will all scale the cliff.
They may also be hiring a mercenary to set Nettlewood alight as a distraction.
What I'm not sure how toe handle is I'm not sure how rough will ocean will be around Thissletop and how to change the DCs on the checks they will have to make since they are doing most of this in fairly low light.
In case anyone was wondering the DC for scaling in cliff is given in the book as 15.
So any advice at on how to handle any of this would be greatly appreciated.
I'd give the PCs a DC20 Perception check to see the opening that leads to area D7 (Tentamort Hunting Grounds) through the tangle of vines and nettles. If they climb in that way, they could be in for a nasty surprise, as the tentamort attacks the first PC that's trying to climb in...
I ruled that it's fairly easy to climb the tangled vines that grow down the cliff side (DC15), but the vines are mostly poison ivy and stinging nettles. If the PCs climb up, they'll need to made a DC 13 Fort save or take 1d4 points of Dex damage and be sickened until the samage is healed.
You should also give the goblins a chance to see the approaching boat, but they're probably not looking if the PCs approach by night (unless they do something dumb like use light sources on their boats.) I'd make the PCs make a Stealth check and have one goblin sentry make a Perception check to spot them. If they're discovered, the goblins start to hoot an holler, and then pelt the boats with arrows, torches, and burning sacks of goblin poo.
Thanks Haladir.
Their plan has taken shape slightly more. They are most diffidently going to head directly to Thissletop directly via boat at night. At the first sign that their cover is broken the Wizard is to destroy the bridge so no one can escape and no reinforcements from the mainland can come.
They understand that this plan is high risk and if something goes wrong and they need to flee it is going to be nigh impossible.
Thanks Haladir.
Their plan has taken shape slightly more. They are most diffidently going to head directly to Thissletop directly via boat at night. At the first sign that their cover is broken the Wizard is to destroy the bridge so no one can escape and no reinforcements from the mainland can come.
They understand that this plan is high risk and if something goes wrong and they need to flee it is going to be nigh impossible.
If that's their plan, I'd recommend that you, as the GM, prepare for the strong possibility of a TPK...
You might want to make sure they are loaded up on potions. Perhaps having Zantus give them some. Also keep in mind the under levels are not lit during the night
.....Thanks Haladir, that gave me a chuckle. I expect it to go t*&~ up but this group has a knact for pulling off ridiculous plans (previous adventures not rotrl).
I've had Shalelu give the Cleric her wand of clw, so that will be their main source of healing.
After running this with PCs taking the traditional approach through Nettlewood and across the bridge (which, of course fell), this doesn't really sound that stupid (unless I'm missing something) if the PCs skills are in order and scaling the cliff is realistic.
Mine ended up with a whole lot of rope use checks to re-establish a usable means of crossing the gap. WHILE under fire by goblin arrows, much of the time. Of course the smartass in the party wanted to chuck the halfling across...
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In my game a put a narrow treacherous path up the back side of the island from a small stone quay at the bottom, the second group of characters to assault Thistletop used it to gain access (the first group assaulted thistletop and got TPKed by the yeth hounds + bridge trap as the lone survivor tried to escape on the captive horse... the horse died too.