DM Kathy Wednesday February 28th, 2007 12:05:38 AM
Carefully, the stealthier types approach the clearing.
However, as the non-stealthy types shift into position as best they can, they seem to get a little help. Natural sounds, like the rushing of the wind and the twitter of birds, seem to swell every time sombody's armor clanks or creaks. The forest floor becomes so soft underfoot that you can barely hear your own footfalls.
It would seem the Culverwood knows who is on its side.
As you approach the clearing, you find a camp--a much larger and longer-established one that you found earlier today. There are two large pavilion, and numerous smaller tents. There is a large central firepit, and the smell of roasting meet. There is also some activity--from your current vantage point you can see three humanoid figures going about various tasks in the camp. It is difficult to say how many more there may be--or what kind of watch they have set up.
Lorth d20+1=9 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 7:37:08 AM
Lorth waits outside the clearing, in silence, he takes cover best he can in the forest. He tries to make out what kind of humanoids are in the clearing. (Spot: 9), but doesn't really get a good look.
Harvest d20+14=20 d20+14=32 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 9:18:26 AM
With ears tuned to the sounds all about them, Harvest Moon contemplates the full implications of a people who might defy the Culverwoods.
"If they can so casually hold the power of the Culverwoods at bay," she whispers, "they may be very powerful."
"But they may still yet be softened by the voice of reason. Not all of the beings that attacked the camp were evil."
The brown girl raises a hand to brush the crest of hair from her eyes as she considers the paths they might take. Many lead to pain and death. Such roads are to be avoided if possible.
"Paladin Lorth, Paladin Florin, do you sense Evil from the encampment before us?" she asks.
Rolls and Actions Spot 20 Listen 32
Active Effects Mage Armor (1 hour) Longstrider (1 hour)
Question: How far away from the edge of the clearing?
Bralin d20+6=13 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 11:00:48 AM The Wood aids us, Bralin mentally notes. Whoever they encounter, tis doubtful Arminas will allow a peaceful resolution.
The dwarf squats down and slowly looses his axe as he scans the outskirts of the camp. [Spot 13]
Arminas d20+16=21 d20+10=14 d20+13=17 d20+17=27 Wednesday February 28th, 2007 12:36:17 PM
Arminas moves quietly over to where the others sit. A look of determination on his face. In a whisper he says:
"This must not be allowed to continue. The Forest itself begs our help. Lily, are you able to disguise yourself as the druid? Perhaps you could gather information, though I suppose it would involve great danger."
Then a thought comes to Arminas:
"Perhaps I can pick them off one at a time. I can move without leaving a sign. An arrow from a hidden spot, then I move again. They would not know there are many of us. Eventually I lead them on a chase, into an ambush."
A look of what may be glee is upon his face, though it is mixed with a look of madness.
"Yes, thats it. The forest will hide me. I will seek vengeance for the Culverwood."
Any Wednesday February 28th, 2007 4:08:56 PM
In a hushed, barely heard chant, Any once again casts a message spell. This one does not include Lily and Arminas who have gone scouting, but he does include Harvest, Bralin, Davros, Florin, and Lorth. Through this spell, he now whispers,
"We must be ready for anything."
A sudden inspiration comes to him, and he touches a patch on the sleeve of his jerkin, without activating it power. Then in a hurried whisper he tells his plan.
"I have a Hobgoblin Seal of Approval. It will help all of our party to bluff our way into the camp. The power will only last for a few moments, but that should gives us enough time to see what is happening here. If all are in agreement, follow my lead."
Hobgoblin Seal gives +10 to bluff for three rounds to all of the party.
Davros Wednesday February 28th, 2007 7:12:54 PM
Davros retrieves a small pearl from his belt pouch and concentrates upon it for a moment. He then casts the mage armor spell which he has just relearned upon himself.
"A useful tool, that. I am ready."
OOC- I have that seal also, I thought it gave bonuses to other skills as well?
Florin Jadenth Wednesday February 28th, 2007 8:35:18 PM
Florin looks to the others and listens to what is said. Hearing Harvest's request he calls on his ability to detect evil and conentrates it on the camp ahead and will voice what he finds.
Florin understands the want to clear these people out and is willing to help as best he can.
Lily d20+16=36 d20+14=23 d20+1=10 d20+7=23 Thursday March 1st, 2007 12:04:39 AM
Listening to Arminas, Lily struggles with options for the moment. Disguise as Druid, good idea, but missing one bear. Sniping sounds fun.
Whispered to Arminas: "I'll move over this way (left), away from you a bit. In a moment or two I will emerge as the druid and see what I can find out, or do, or distract. I'll play it by ear. Keep me covered."
The halfling carfully draws two 2' stilts from her quiver as she moves along slowly and quietly (around 10' to the left).
OOC: Next round I will disguise as the druid, all going well.
DM Kathy Thursday March 1st, 2007 12:49:29 AM Florin extends his senses, looking for evil, but finds none. The camp is too far away.
[You are presently about 100 feet from the clearing. Detect Evil has a range of 60 feet.]
Arminas suggests that Lily disguise herself as the druid and try to infiltrate the camp. Any suggests a Seal that may help fool the occupants of the camp.
Lily is agreeable to the plan and begins working into position--and trying to remember what the druid looked like.
You all remember him as a human man of medium height and slender build. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and a scratched and bloody face--although that last was probably the effect of the battle. You didn't clean him up, so it's a little hard to say what he looks like without the scratches and drying blood.
[Take as long as you need to come up with your plan. I'll proceed when I'm pretty confident everybody is onboard.]
Lily d20+9=11 d20+16=24 d20+1=7 d20+7=25 Thursday March 1st, 2007 1:14:17 AM
OOC, okay, if we're still that far away I will continue to move in. Disguise next round, all going well, then move into the clearing. Seeing as we're this far back Lily doesn't go so slowly on the move silently, she moves at almost her regular speed to cover 30' (double move action, 70' to go).
Lily crouches low to the ground and moves forward as rapidly as quietly permits. Holding her stilts in hand she keeps her chin up looking ahead. She keeps her ears and eyes open for trouble. The stealthy halfling does try to keep hidden, which is relatively easy when one is as small as Lily.
Move Silently @-5 for not going so slowly: 11 Hide 24 Listen 7 Spot 25
Lorth Thursday March 1st, 2007 7:18:27 AM
Lorth continues to stay hidden in the forest, he will not move until the other party memebers are ready as he has no experience in "sneaking" around. He quietly unsheathes his sword and fixes his shield to his arm.
Harvest d20+14=27 d20+14=23 Thursday March 1st, 2007 9:34:10 AM
"You wish us to lie?"
Harvest Moon turns her face up to meet Anthos. Her expression is placid as a pool of still water as the thoughts flow through her mind beneath.
The strategy is born of caution and the only alternative is violence. Surely, under the circumstances, those in the camp might later forgive the deception. Once they are told the circumstances from which it had come. She herself would.
And, if those within the camp are Evil, as the other druid had been, then violence will be the inevitable outcome anyway.
"Very well." There is the slightest of sighs in Harvest Moon's voice as she replies, a sigh of resignation. As she turns to watch again the forest around them, her eyes narrow, as though girding for the coming ordeal.
Rolls and Actions Spot 27 Listen 23
Active Effects Mage Armor (1 hour) Longstrider (1 hour)
Bralin Thursday March 1st, 2007 10:37:15 AM
Bralin shakes his head at Any's suggestion. The dwarf holds up his index finger, signifying his first objection. "We know not their intentions," he points out. He glances at Arminas before conceeding, "though tis likely to be hostile."
Another second finger joins the first. "Of greater import, we know not their numbers. Tis imprudent for us all to enter their camp with but moments of protection. Should they number a score or more, we deliver ourselves to them."
Bralin nods at Lily and Arminas, while continuing to counsel Any. "Scout their numbers. Determine their intent. THEN move forward."
Any d20+10=29 d20+10=22 Thursday March 1st, 2007 11:24:59 AM
Bowing to Bralin's sensible caution, Any can see the need to scout first to determine the strength of the enemy before doing anything rash.
Answering Harvest, Any whispers,
"It is not so much a lie as a play. We would each play a part. For now let us all wait quietly while Arminas and Lily seek to find the strength of this camp."
Spot 29 Listen 22
Arminas d20+16=23 d20+10=22 d20+13=24 d20+17=31 Thursday March 1st, 2007 12:24:58 PM
Arminas visibly calms as he listens to the others comments.
"I guess I should wait before I start killing them."
His suggestion for Lily to disguise herself as the druid seems to have taken hold, for Lily sneaks off toward the camp.
"I'm starting to wonder if Lily's disguise is a good idea or not. I never really got a good look at the druid, and never heard him speak. If she doesn't pull it off, she will likely be killed or taken captive. Sorry, I wasn't thinking clearly when I suggested it before. The damage to the Culverwood overcame me. Davros, can your rat count? He could easily sneak under the tent and see who is inside."
Arminas casts a worried glance towards Lily.
"Should I go speak with her, or just let her give it a try?"
Arminas pulls a scroll of Longstrider from his pouch, and quietly reads it.
"Best be prepared to move quickly."
Through his link with Ewan, he wonders: Do you see anyone?
Davros AC17 Hp 29/29 Thursday March 1st, 2007 8:55:42 PM
"To answer your question Arminas, yes he can count. I expect that by now, he is smarter than most orcs. However, he will need to return to me to tell me what he has found." With that, Davros sets Whiskers down and sends him off to examine the contents of the tents and to see who or what is in the clearing. "We can communicate at longer distances, but that sort of contact is more...emotional as opposed to normal speech." "I have a spell of obscuring mist which may give us some cover as we get closer if you want to try it."
Florin Jadenth Thursday March 1st, 2007 10:16:35 PM
Florin tells the group he needs to get closer before he can detect evil on the camp. He also thinks of his trusted friend Ajax but for now leaves him unsummoned as he would bring attention to the group.
DM Kathy d20+2=6 d20+2=22 Friday March 2nd, 2007 1:19:46 AM
Deciding to gather a little intelligence before striding boldly into camp, you creep a little closer, and send Ewan and Whiskers to investigate.
Ewan reports increased activity in the camp. Shortly thereafter, Whiskers comes scampering back. He heads for Davros, and begins making a series of squeaks and chitterings, which the wizard seems to understand.
"Twelve of 'em, boss," Whiskers says. "Counting that dragon lady. And I think they've spotted us. A bunch of 'em are gearing up for battle."
Lorth Friday March 2nd, 2007 8:06:24 AM
Lorth stays where he is, waiting for an assessment of the situation and action.
Bralin Friday March 2nd, 2007 8:26:51 AM Dragon Lady?
Bralin describes the Parnothian foemen they encountered before to Davros, and asks if that's what the creature saw.
The dwarf turns to Any. "Use Davros' mist spell and advance together, minus Lily, who can manuever around. I suspect Arminas' entangling spell will be 'helped' by the wood as well."
Harvest Friday March 2nd, 2007 9:11:01 AM
The Parnothians. The hard pout to Harvest Moon's mouth combines with the narrowing of her eyes. The expression speaks its wordless tale of the time they were handily captured by the minions of Parnoth, and the sacrifice that the elfish sorceress Drosera had paid to gain their release.
"Parnoth sends his Hands to breach the Culverwood," she says as she too begins preparations to bring battle to those in the camp beyond. "If they are with Parnoth, their intent cannot be mistaken as anything less than evil."
Scrolls and wands provide magic to overcome.
Rolls and Actions Cast Cat's Grace. Just before entering clearing cast Shield Upon entering the clearing cast Enlarge Person.
Active Effects Mage Armor (1 hour) Longstrider (1 hour) Cat's Grace (3 minutes) Shield (1 minute) Enlarge Person (1 minute)
Any Friday March 2nd, 2007 10:21:36 AM
Any again begins to sing quietly to himself (Cast Cat's Grace), as he brings his weapons to readiness. He whispers through the message spell,
"I will not be taken so easily this time I guarantee. Davros, cast your spell, and let's start this dance."
Cat's Grace- +4 Dex, Bonus to AC and Reflex save For Any this makes a +5 to AC and Reflex instead of +3.
Arminas d20+11=17 d20+8=27 Friday March 2nd, 2007 11:40:12 AM
A look of horror and determination comes over Arminas' face.
"Death before capture. Watch for the entangle, I will be about in the woods."
Arminas pulls a potion from his pouch and downs it. Then he runs away from the clearing with full speed (moves 40 feet). He leaves no tracks behind him.
Actions and spells Pass w/o trace 1 hour Longstrider 3 hours Hide 17 (took -5 penalty for moving standard rate, unless forest helps me!) Move silently 27 (took -5 penalty for moving standard rate, unless forest helps me!)
OOC: How deep in the forest can Arminas be and still see the clearing? His actions depend on this info.
Davros Friday March 2nd, 2007 3:20:30 PM
Davros picks up Whiskers and thanks him for the excellent work. As he translates the rat's squeaks, he notices a quick and definate reaction from the group. It appears that combat is imminent.
"I will cast the mist as soon as we are ready. The mist will be immobile once cast but it should disguise our numbers, especially with the archers flanking."
Davros then moves into position, ready to cast the spell. "Agents of the Dragon here? It would seem Parnoth has more interest in this area than he had led us to believe."
Lily [AC 19, hp 25] d20+7=26 d20+16=26 Friday March 2nd, 2007 5:30:25 PM
Lily stops to fit the stilts, and she notices the others changing tactic, and she sees Arminas run. Spot 26
Time to fight, then. No play-acting for the moment. I'd best do some flanking.
Lily skirts off further to the left around the clearing. She wants to find a spot where she can flank the enemy with the group. She is looking for a place to snipe from.
Double move action (40') left around the clearing, still in the woods somewhat. The halfling draws her fine shortbow as she runs, though she is not trying to move silently. She ducks behind a tree for cover. Hide 26
Florin Jadenth Friday March 2nd, 2007 8:47:34 PM
Florin looks to the others and listens, hearing some of the comments he frowns and adjusts his visor helmet and then readies his weapon. Looking to Bralin he speaks to his trusty friend, "Ready to spill more blood my friend?"
Florin raises his sword some and speaks mainly to himself, "If the enemy is as deadly as you speak then Domi grant us his blessing in this battle." Florin will move with the others ready for combat and taking just a moment to call on Ajax, telling his trusted friend that battle awaits.
DM Kathy Sunday March 4th, 2007 11:45:41 PM
Whiskers' news changes your plans somewhat, especially the alarming reports of a "Dragon Lady."
When asked, Whiskers describes a human-like person with the wings and scales of a dragon. It sounds similar to, but not exactly the same as, the Parnothians some of you encountered in the past.
Harvest and Any cast spells, while Arminas downs a potion and re-positions himself. Lily begins circling around to get behind the opponents, while Davros prepares to cast his Obscuring Mist spell. Florin summons Ajax. Lorth and Bralin simply wait, preparing themselves for the battle to come.
You were about 60 feet from the clearing when Whiskers came back. You could see into it from a distance of 100 feet.
Lily [AC 19, hp 25] d20+16=25 d20+7=24 Monday March 5th, 2007 5:06:17 AM Without a map I can only hope I am not walking into too much trouble. Bah, we used to play on the table without a map or minis. Let's roll!
Lily plans to get right behind these foes as soon as possible, and fill them like a pin cushion. She now has shortbow drawn and arrow on the string. If their attention is focused away from her she will advance to within 30' IF there is cover. Otherwise she will continue to circle round into the best position within 60 IF there is cover.
Move 40' (double move) Hide 25 Spot 24
Lorth Monday March 5th, 2007 7:20:58 AM
Lorth is not please when he hears of the dragon lady. This encounter may prove to be very difficult he thinks. Again he waits with Bralin, he will advance when Bralin does.
Harvest (AC 29, HP48/48) Monday March 5th, 2007 9:31:13 AM
"I will draw their attention."
Simple words, whispered over the Message link. Harvest Moon glides with astounding speed to the very edge of the clearing. She calls the word that brings magic forth from the wand and an invisible shield springs up before her.
"We come in peace for those who would meet us with peace." Framed within the brush at the edge of the clearing, the small shaved head girl with the odd crest of hair hanging over her forehead calls out to the camp. The large sleeves of her oversized jacket hide her hands, making her appear even smaller than she in truth is.
Rolls and Actions Cast Cat's Grace. Just before entering clearing cast Shield Upon entering the clearing cast Enlarge Person.
Movement and Position MA: Cover 60ft to the edge of the clearing. If we're not going round by round, Harvest will also expend another Move Action to put the Wand of Shield away.
Active Effects Mage Armor (1 hour) Longstrider (1 hour) Cat's Grace (3 minutes) Shield (1 minute) Not Yet/Enlarge Person (1 minute)
Bralin (AC 24/25 evil, hp 76/76, Prot v Evil) Monday March 5th, 2007 11:30:01 AM
"Aye", Bralin growls in reponse to Florin. There will be blood. But not quite yet. Many of the company move off to get in position.
The dwarf uses the time to cast a protective spell upon himself.
Protection vs Evil [1/30]
Any (23 AC, 45 HP) d20+10=23 d20+10=14 d20+10=11 Monday March 5th, 2007 12:18:23 PM
Any reaches to stop Harvest from exposing herself, but is too slow for the fast moving monk. With a shake of his head, he moves to a point where he can cover her better, while still maintianing his own cover--no sense giving away the strength of the party before needed. He sheaths his sword, and swings his bow around, knocking an arrow, and selecting his first target.
Through the message spell he says,
"Be ready for anything. Harvest don't take any risks. At first sign of an attack, get under cover."
There is a trace of concern with a just little exasperation noticeable in his voice, but his actions and movements are sure.
Spot 23 Listen 14 Move silently 11--oops
Any Monday March 5th, 2007 12:19:20 PM
OOC-- forgot Cat's Grace MOve silently 15
Davros AC17 Hp29/29 d20+3=18 d20+3=18 Monday March 5th, 2007 5:39:42 PM
Davros moves into position and readies an action to cast the mist spell. As he waits, he contemplates what may have brought this group here and what their goals are. If Parnoth sent them, it will not bode well for Windtree.
skill checks: spot - 18 (how are they armed?) listen - 18
spells active: mage armor - duration 5 hours
Florin Jadenth Monday March 5th, 2007 9:10:48 PM
Florin readies himself for combat and pats Ajax when he appears, smiling at his trusted friend and looks to the others who are waiting as he hopes everything goes well. For the moment he just waits for a sign to move out or for Bralin to move in.
Arminas (AC22 HP 39/39) d20+16=33 d20+13=16 Monday March 5th, 2007 10:14:11 PM
Arminas continues moving through the forest, keeping about 100 feet in from the clearing. He puts some distance between himself and the group, so that he moves another 40 feet this round, this time more carefully.
He is now about 80 feet from the group and deep in the forest. His bow is ready, an arrow nocked. A scroll is tucked into his belt.
LOG ON