Company [DM Steve] Monday June 25th, 2007 9:25:21 PM
The two lizardmen see one after another of the Dark Horse Guild appear from the darkness: Rose, Theodore, Berlon, Vorelle, Oni. Yet thier amazement is as nothing compared to thier reaction to Berlon's words. "He knows the name of the Bear." "They are the ones!", they whisper excitedly.
And the two lizrdfolk lead the Dark Horse Guild back where they came. Not far, only about fifteen minutes and crossing two shallow streams, the heroes are led under the tangle of mangrove roots and into the shelter of some great willow and cypress trees. There are several rude lean-tos, a worn leather tent, and a dozen lizardfolk in a half circle around a giant of the breed.
In dull hide armor, his large bastard sword is sheathed across his back, and intelligence gleams from his eyes. For those who have met him before, Thliss-Ka looks in command of his environment, even if it is as slovenly a camp as this. "You have come back to the swamps, my other-than-People friends", he says formally, and bows low. "I renew my pledge on my honor to not fight the soft-skins of Dirt City, nor sit by while others do so." He looks around at the bare dozen warriors. "And you see the hardships for my people because of that promise."
He waits expectantly for the heroes' response.
Umbriel keeps a careful eye out down the trail, and still sees nothing. Still, better safe than sorry, and he keeps to the shadows as the party moves on. Highlight to display spoiler: { He is able to stay hidden outside the mangroves without difficulty, but will then not be able to hear the ensuing conversation. }
Umbriel Monday June 25th, 2007 10:46:15 PM
Keeping a look out along the way, Umbriel keeps pace with everyone back along the path. Just as the group enters the Lizardman camp, he appears next to Oni, crossbow unloaded and slung across his back, hand on the hilt of his rapier.
Vorelle Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:09:06 AM
Vorelle nods solemnly at Thliss-Ka's words, but does not say anything.
Vauhwyt Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:18:51 AM
After a moment of surprise, Vauhwyt abandons all reserve. She is glad to see these people, and makes that plain as day.
Although she is careful to keep quiet, too!
She says to Thliss-Ka that friends do not let each other down. If he or his folk are ever in need, send word, and the Dark Horse Guild will help. (She explains that that is the group's new name.)
If we can help right now, then great. But we have to rescue some prisoners from that camp over yonder. If those are enemies, maybe we can all work in common cause.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:27:23 AM
Theodore unloads his crossbow and rehangs it in the presence of their new friends. He gives Thliss-Ka a large smile.
"Hello," he says, bowing to the large lizardman. "It's great to see you again. As Vauhwyt said, we are attempting to rescue some of our friends that have been taken prisoner. Obviously, you have some interest in this camp, as well. Might we ask what your intentions are?"
Posting Report for 6/18/07 Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:33:39 AM
MTWTF
DM SteveK XXXXX Berlon XXOXX Oni XOXXX Rose XOXOX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel XXXXX Vauhwyt XXXXO Vorelle XXXXX
ADM Shegger
rose Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:16:33 PM
Rose is tired from running to keep up with the others, so she just waits for a moment while the others talk.
Plans [DM SteveK] Tuesday June 26th, 2007 3:54:41 PM
Thliss-Ka nods at the heroes' words. "We do have a common cause, and we may help each other. I seek to weaken the hold that an evil shaman has on my People, and you wish a return of your soft-skin friends. The escape of so many captives will indeed weaken the shaman, and so I am pleased to help."
Inviting the group to sit and have tea, Thliss-Ka dips a strong brew from a common pot and drinks first himself, then passes the gourd around. "A couple of moonss passt, a sshaman appeared in a nieghboring village prophessying of the risse of the lizardfolk. He formed a cabal who has sshown new sskillss to the People, and they prepare for war." He pauses to let this sink in. "I oppossed thiss sshaman at the counscil fires, but he wass sstrong, and ssent knivess in the night for my blood. I then fled and have oppossed him more directly, but with little effectiveness."
Thliss-Ka leans forward, becoming more intense. "My warriors can infiltrate the village, but not the shamans longhouse. I fear there are more deadly secrets within those walls, but have not the means to be certain."
"I can provide guides, diversions, and a safe passage of retreat for whatever you may plan. I regret I have not enough warriors to do more than that."
Umbriel Tuesday June 26th, 2007 5:01:57 PM
Sitting on his haunches, like a nervous cat waiting to either pounce or retreat, Umbriel listens to the tale. When the gourd is handed to him he pretends to drink then passes it on.
Berlon - Air Walk Tuesday June 26th, 2007 5:40:42 PM
"Yes, that sounds like it could work," the gnome says in response to Thliss-Ka, "if given a proper distraction, that could work..."
Berlon will ask if any of the members of the "diversion" need any healing ahead of time, then he will turn his attention elsewhere.
"A Shaman, young Theo!" he exclaims with his finger in the air, "There is most likely only one, so that means we'll be counting on you! Counter magics! Dispelling! Think of it as a chess match!"
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP [mage armor 1 hour Tuesday June 26th, 2007 10:42:15 PM
Power, always about power. Always one wantingto rule over others. Simply put, the shaman would needd to die. Oni was sure the Shaman distorted natural magics, that is what Shamans do.
"If the Shaman were to die, is there a reasonable leader who can take his place? Or is there someone else that needs targeting? We do not believe in wetwork, or assassinations, asd do other houses in Dirt City. However, this is different.
I am Captain Oni, and give you my pledge, to send the Shaman to Gargul. Let us plan a quick assault, get this done tongiht before someone figures out we are here."
Vauhwyt Tuesday June 26th, 2007 11:52:58 PM
Vauhwyt agrees with everything that Thliss-Ka says. She has a few questions.
Are the captives in immediate danger? Will they be sacrificed or killed? When? Is it important to attack tonight? Or tomorrow? When does the camp sleep?
Clearly, there are some lizard-folk who should not be slain, and some that should. Can Thliss-Ka or some of his people stay with us to identify which is which?
Of the ones we should not kill, will they fight us? Turn sides? Should we attack with nonlethal damage?
What magics are the shamans most likely to use against us?
Vauhwyt also is careful to remind everyone that we need to get word to the ship that some lizard folk are friends! And if we should wait for after midnight or dawn or midday to attack, we need to tell the boat to wait for us.
Vorelle Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:24:27 AM
Vorelle takes a cautious sip of the tea when it is handed her way. She listens intently, but (so far) makes no contribution to the discussion.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday June 27th, 2007 9:34:46 AM
Theodore blushes slightly when Berlon puts the responsibility of dealing with the shaman on him.
"Umm, I kind of already used my only means of directly stopping magic today. If I'm to prepare for such a battle, I'd need a full night's rest. I can still be of use, but probably not in countering any of his spells."
He shrugs apologetically. "I'm willing to abide by the consensus."
Rose [DM SteveK] Wednesday June 27th, 2007 10:00:02 PM
Rose keeps close beside her larger companions and listens intently. She sips at the tea, but really is more interested in Piper and the parrot and what they are doing.
Plans [DM SteveK] Wednesday June 27th, 2007 10:10:01 PM
Some are polite and listen, some are more wary of the situation, but Berlon, Theodore, Oni, and Vauhwyt seem to take Thliss-Ka at face value and begin the planning session.
Oni pledges the death of the shaman, to which Thliss-Ka merely nods. "If he fallss in range of my ssword, Dark Horse, be ssure you will not have need of your oath."
Vauhwyt asks lots of questions to better define the situation.
"If you value the lives of all the captives, you must free them before daybreak. A few will certainly be part of the shaman's divinations, and no living being can survive without its heart."
"Because these captives are newly brought to the village, I would expect there to be fires and warriors blazing all night long. The shaman has gathered over a hundred lizardfolk to him at this village. And there are others equally strong, equally preparing in the swamplands."
"Of my People who are wholely on my side, you see the dozen gathered here. Of the others, the shaman and his elite guard can not be swayed. If they are gone, I may be able to regain the loyalty of my tribe. It would be sad but unavoidable for some to fall in battle."
"The shaman has shown his power in binding a strong warriors muscles to not obey, in bringing forth monsters to devour his victims, and in calling fire from the very air. More than this, I know not."
"I may help with what you may plan, whether frontal assault, or sneaking rescue. But the night wanes fast, and we will must prepare. If you wish to wait until tomorrow, there will be at least four of your prisoners dead."
Berlon - Air Walk Wednesday June 27th, 2007 10:45:58 PM
"Ah, yes, well..." Berlon continues to Theo, his finger still pointing in the air, "think of it as *watching* a game of chess..."
The gnome turns more serious when Thliss-Ka goes into more detail. He realizes this will have to be a well coordinated mission. When he hears the options about waiting, he speaks up.
"Well, I guess we'll be leaving as soon as everyone is prepared."
"How does this sound for a hastily thought up plan..."
"Thliss-Ka and his brethren can make a distraction, trying to draw the enemy away from the prisoners."
"Vauhwyt and Oni can be the first, quickest wave of attack, trying to take out the shaman. Once he appears, I will be responsible for dealing with his spells and healing the attackers."
"Everyone else can focus on getting the prisoners out of harm's way, which will probably be the most difficult part. Defend yourselves when needed, but focus on the prisoners."
"I could use a Haste or an Expeditious Retreat spell, if anyone has it. I *do* hate being the slowest one at the ball, so to speak. I also have a Bull's Strength if anyone wants it."
He then turns to Vauhwyt. "Make sure you give me a chance before you go rushing off, I have a spell for you before the battle."
"Of course," he says with a pause as he realizes he is rambling, "we don't have to do any of this. Just a thought."
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (2 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear (used), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
Vorelle Thursday June 28th, 2007 12:51:07 AM
Vorelle listens to Berlon's plan. It is a good plan, but....
"D-d-do we n-n-need r-ranged s-s-support?" she asks, gesturing to her bow.
Umbriel - pt.1 Thursday June 28th, 2007 1:34:12 AM
DM - What time is it in the game?
DM SteveK: an hour before midnight.
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP [mage armor 1 hour Thursday June 28th, 2007 11:56:38 AM
Oni listens to the lizardman. He knows little of how they fight, or live for that matter.
"Berlon has a good idea. A couple of changes to make it better. 1 or 2 men go with Berlon, Theo, Vorelle, Umbriel, and Rose to free the captives. Myself Vauhwyt and Thiss-ka, and Sho'va go to the long house. The other wariors of Thiss-ka create the diversion and scatter into the woods.
"The idea is quick strike. Free the prisoners, and get out. After freed we can all meet up along the trail, and revisit our next plan. "I too would like to rest and regain magics, but alas life doesnot allow for my comfort."
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57) and Monkey Mookie (AC17, HP28, Alter Self), Messages. Thursday June 28th, 2007 2:23:41 PM
Vauhwyt listens to her lizard man friend and gets more and more angry. "This is not right!" She says. "You are an exile, opposed by an evil priest who has wronged you! An enemy of my friend is my enemy, and I will help you get back at this evil shaman! I promise!"
Then the liontaur calms herself, and starts to plan.
Vauhwyt suggests that we use a distraction to rescue the captives tonight. Then we rest up and regain spells and get healed, then hit them again, hard, to topple the leadership and put our friend here in charge.
The reason she offers this plan is simple -- "That evil shaman is pushing these lizardfolk into warr. Either we fight them now or fight them laterr. I vote for now!"
"Besides, it is the fair and right thing to do."
"Plus they will not expect us to return so soon!"
She asks Thliss-Ka where the best place is for him to set up his distraction, and the best way that he thinks we should sneak in.
Spell status: I'm assuming that this conversation takes a few minutes -- how many? Maybe Vauhwyt's alter self and message spells will still be up -- duration 40 minutes each.
Spells used:
Two of six 0th Level Four of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
Theodore & Macaw Thursday June 28th, 2007 3:24:36 PM
"I have plenty of spells that will mislead, incapacitate, and cause general mayhem," offers Theodore. "I also have some spells that will assist in our movement. For example, I can make someone fly for a few minutes, or I could send a couple of us through a magic door that takes us anywhere we can see, like poof!" He snaps his fingers to demonstrate.
"When we go to the camp tonight, we should overthrow the shaman as well. No point in going back a second time unless we're overhwhelmed."
Vauhwyt Thursday June 28th, 2007 4:37:20 PM
"I'm afraid we don't have the strength to rescue and overthrow tonight."
Rose {DM SteveK} Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:38:28 PM
"And I've got a great spell against that nasty old shaman. I can really make him an idiot for a short while!" Rose adds her two cents in for the planning.
Plans {DM SteveK} Thursday June 28th, 2007 10:45:41 PM
Thliss-Ka listens and actively plans with the group. He nods at Vauhwyt's words as he did with Oni earlier. "The shaman often travels to other villages to ensure they are ready as well. I do not know if he is within the village this night, yet his longhouse and treasure is sure to be guarded even if he isn't there."
The large lizardfolk pauses and considers. "My warriors are excellent swimmers. If we make an attack on thier war-boats, we will surely attract notice. Those large canoes are one of the new skills taught by the shaman, and are prized. We can make the attack, and focus all attention on the river side. Your team would then be able to go over the back wall to free the prisoners. If you go opposite the longhouse, you may even be unseen until you are with the prisoners themselves."
"You do this for yourselves, but also for me. I will fight beside the friends of Dietrich the Bear."
Vauhwyt Friday June 29th, 2007 6:02:12 AM
[OOC: Steve, we got a good look at it, right? What's the climb DC on at wall? Maybe Thliss-Ka can help answer.]
Vauhwyt is getting excited. "Yes, yes, this can work! I could Message the captives to let them know we are coming -- and they can tell us if the shaman is around. When the captives say the time is best, the lizardfolk start their diversion. Then the sneaky folk among us go over the wall -- first one of us climbs, and lets down a knotted rope. We sneak over to the captives, free them, and slip them out."
"The non-sneaky types will be ready to charge in if things go belly up. Maybe with a fly spell or that door spell of Theo's. Can anyone make an illusion so it seems like the captives are still there while we sneak them out back?"
"Then we set fire to the longhouse and Thliss-Ka's folk back off. When they are busy with the fire, Thliss-Ka comes back to finish the boats. If we are still in good shape, maybe we can return to attack then, or depart and return the next day to finish the job."
"Thoughts?"
Umbriel Friday June 29th, 2007 12:55:55 PM
If If If maybe we do this maybe that and this and then.
Settle down. We need a plan, not the ramblings of someone who cant sit for longer than 5 seconds. Vauhwyt, you want to do everything at once when its clear subterfuge is whats needed here. Lets go in, stir up a hornets nest then come back later to fight em. Only thing that will happen then is you will cause alot of bee stings. Your idea of using a message spell to communicate with the prisoners is sound. Best intel gathering you can get is from the source. A diversion to draw the attention away from the prisoners is good. Perhaps setting the docks and boats afire. Put some archers across the water and fire lit arrows at the buildings closest to the docks. Keep a few soldiers back in reserve should things get a little whacked. But the most important thing here is getting the prisoners out. And with as little harm to our side as possible.
You people armed with spells handle the longhouse. Rose and myself will free the prisoners. Vorelle, by what I have heard, your bow is deadly. Cover us. Be our eyes from above.
What say you?
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday June 29th, 2007 1:34:45 PM
Mookie sticks his head out of his belt pouch. "Boss!" he caws, "Boss! He said you can't sit still for five seconds. You gonna stand for that?"
Vauhwyt stands up, then sits down. "Pays me no nevermind, sitting or standing!" she laughs.
"Besides, my friend Umbriel here pretty much likes my plan!"
"I have no spells to hurt the longhouse. I have no ranged weapon to speak of. I am sneaky, especially when reduced. So I'll come with you to fetch the prisoners, Umbriel, and Rose."
She smiles, and adds, "Besides, if we have to carry anyone out, I can enlarge and bring out several."
Berlon Friday June 29th, 2007 2:44:34 PM
Berlon listens to Thliss-Ka's plan, but remains silent as the discussion continues after that. He moves closer to Vauhwyt as if to say something, but instead he simply frowns and says nothing.
"Someone pick a horse and be done with it," he says as he loads his crossbow. "Either way, we're not waiting until the morning. Let's move."
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP [mage armor 1 hour Friday June 29th, 2007 3:12:14 PM
"Settled then. Thliss-Ka give us a half hour to get to the other side. Then make your diversion. We shall free who we can, and move back to this point. So whoever are the sneakers, get together. Anyone else, with me. Let's go."
Oni motions Sho'va to follow him, and he is off through the brush and undergrowth blazing a trail to the other side of the fort thing.
Theodore & Macaw Friday June 29th, 2007 4:17:55 PM
Theodore is ready to go. He shoulders his haversack and follows Oni.
Vauhwyt Friday June 29th, 2007 5:20:26 PM
"A half hour! No way!"
DM -- OOC: How long will it take to get into position? I'm counting on my 40-minute duration spells still being active. Is that possible?
Umbriel Saturday June 30th, 2007 2:50:46 AM
That's your problem Vauhwyt, you expect everything now. Took us 15 minutes to get here. Will take us 15 minutes to get back but this time it will take longer as there is a whole lot more of us going. So it will take longer to move a large force like this back quietly.
Last Plans [SteveK] Saturday June 30th, 2007 9:21:48 AM
It has taken about 20 minutes to walk from the village to Thliss-Ka's hideout, and 5 minutes of talking. To get into position at the east wall of the village, Oni's estimate of 30 minutes is estimated as the bare minimum required to be ready to fight.
Vauhwyt, Vorelle, and especially Berlon has gotten a good look at the wall. And of course Thliss-Ka and his warriors are familiar with it. "The wall iss like the warboatss, innovationss of the sshaman. They cut whole treess down and planted them deep in the mud, covering the sspacess in between with wickerwork and mud." The wall is only 8 feet high with sharpened stakes at the top and lots of small handholds. The rogues will easily get over (Climb DC 12), but how the prisoners will do it...
Thliss-Ka sends eleven of his warriors out to have a water-side attack on the warboats when the bright Wold star spins three fingers across the sky or about half a candle (ie, half an hour)
The great lizardman keeps one of his warriors with him as they prepare to lead the Dark Horse Guild back through the swamps to the village. "Before we go, iss there any final preparationss?" inquires Thliss-Ka.
Vauhwyt Saturday June 30th, 2007 10:56:14 AM
Vauhwyt is glad that the wall will be easy to climb for her. She knots a length of silk rope so that it will be easy for the captives to climb over the wall -- or for those who stay behind to get over into the camp if need be. She tells Thliss-Ka that her magic will allow them to whisper messages back and forth to each other during the fight.
Vorelle Saturday June 30th, 2007 12:25:07 PM
Vorelle checks over her bow and quiver and gets ready to get into position.
rose d20+6=20 d20+8=24 d20+8=10 d20+8=19 Sunday July 1st, 2007 12:56:31 AM
when everyone is ready rose carefully and quietly climbs the wall and sneaks off towards the prisoners.
ooc: where did piper go?
climb: 20 hide: 24 listen: 10, +2 if piper is close move silent: 19
Theodore & Macaw Sunday July 1st, 2007 11:00:47 AM
Theodore waits for his turn to climb the rope. (Take 20 on climb check)
Once over, he looks about to see where everything is and where everyone's going.
Umbriel d20+11=25 d20+20=36 d20+20=36 d20+20=40 d20+20=34 d20+13=28 d20+13=30 d20+17=35 Sunday July 1st, 2007 11:09:06 PM
DM eyes ONLY: Highlight to display spoiler: { This group is dangerous. Not in a lethal against the enemy way but a get someone in the group killed way, or so it appears to Umbriel. With this said Umbriel will make his way quietly over the wall about 20 feet to the west of where Vauhwyt is going over. Climb: 25 Hide: 36 Move Silently: 36
Once over I will begin moving slowly, steadily, quietly, darting from hut to hut staying in the darkness and shadows. Looking for anything that would hinder our rescue. Hide: 40 (nat.20) Listen: 28 Move Silently: 34 Search: 35 Spot: 30
If any danger presents itself, and it can be neutralized without alerting the group, Umbriel will handle it but should it require assistance as quietly as he can he will alert the others. Also, Umbriel once he is in the position before the rescue begins, will alert his location to the others.
And do I see Vauhwyt, Rose, Vorelle and anyone else of the group sneaking around inside the compound? Just for a location note. }
Berlon Sunday July 1st, 2007 11:34:44 PM
"Theo, a moment, please," Berlon says once they get close to the wall, "before you go, might you cast that flight spell you were speaking of earlier? Rope or no rope, I fear I'll not be getting over any walls in my armor..."
Theodore & Macaw Monday July 2nd, 2007 9:10:51 AM
"Let me cast something else, instead," Theodore says to the gnome. "You never know when my flight spell will come in handy."
Theodore makes a few incantations over Berlon and the gnome now feels light on his feet. (Cast levitate on Berlon)
Posting Report for 6/25/07 Monday July 2nd, 2007 6:49:03 PM
MTWTF
DM SteveK XXXXX Berlon OXXXX Oni OXXXO Rose XXXOX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel XXOXX Vauhwyt XXXXX Vorelle XXXOX
ADM Shegger
The Diversion [SteveK] Monday July 2nd, 2007 9:15:48 PM
It takes nearly the entire 30 estimated minutes to get the Dark Horse Guild plus Thliss-Ka and one of his warriors to the cypresses to the east of the lizardfolk village. There is nearly a hundred feet of open ground before the wooden wall. Thliss-Ka holds up a scaled hand to forestall any immediate actions. "Wait for the diversion.", the lizrdfolk whispers to the group.
It is not long in coming. As the group waits anxiously at the edge of the cypresses, smaller flames light up around the south side of the village by the river. "They have not noticed yet, but will soon. Now is the time to go." And Thliss-Ka with his shieldman move into the night towards the walls.
(ooc: post in double-round increments. Characters are allowed actions that can fill two rounds for next posts)
Umbriel Monday July 2nd, 2007 9:23:06 PM
DM eyes ONLY: Highlight to display spoiler: { This group is dangerous. Not in a lethal against the enemy way but a get someone in the group killed way, or so it appears to Umbriel. With this said Umbriel will make his way quietly over the wall about 20 feet to the west of where Vauhwyt is going over. Climb: 25 Hide: 36 Move Silently: 36
Once over I will begin moving slowly, steadily, quietly, darting from hut to hut staying in the darkness and shadows. Looking for anything that would hinder our rescue. Hide: 40 (nat.20) Listen: 28 Move Silently: 34 Search: 35 Spot: 30
If any danger presents itself, and it can be neutralized without alerting the group, Umbriel will handle it but should it require assistance as quietly as he can he will alert the others. Also, Umbriel once he is in the position before the rescue begins, will alert his location to the others.
And do I see Vauhwyt, Rose, Vorelle and anyone else of the group sneaking around inside the compound? Just for a location note. }
Vorelle d20+19=22 d20+19=21 d20+12=21 d20+12=13 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 12:22:05 AM
Vorelle uses what she knows of her capabilities and tactics to find a good vantage point from which to cover the rescuers with her bow.
[OOC: player is completely lost at this point. Hope my character has a better idea where she is. :) ]
[Hide 22, Move Silently 21, Spot 21, Listen 13, because the die roller hates me.]
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57) and Mookie (AC18, HP28) d20+16=33 d20+17=25 d20+5=8 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 5:29:31 AM Before Thliss-Ka says it is time to go:
Vauhwyt reads an unseen servant scroll and tells it to help Mookie carry the Bag of Tricks.
She casts four Message spells to cover all the party members, Thliss-ka and at least one of his people making the diversion, and a number of hostages. She might have to climb a tree, as she did before, to see the hostages to get them in the spell.
She whispers to the hostages that help is on the way. She asks if there is anything important she should know as they come in for a rescue.
She whispers to to Thliss-Ka, "Can your folk see in the dark?"
Finally, she casts Expeditious Retreat and Reduce Person.
After Thliss-Ka says it is time to go:
Vauhwyt nods to Umbriel and Rose, her fellow sneaky types. "Let's go," she whispers.
She sneaks towards the wall, moving 35 feet per move action with the expeditious retreat. That's half speed for maximal sneakiness. She has her knotted rope in hand. She will keep to cover when she can, and hope for the dark of night to provide concealment at other times.
Hide check: 33. Move Silent check: 25.
That's three move actions to get to the wall. With her last move action, she climbs. At the wall, if Vauhwyt can take ten, she will. If not, her climb check is an 8. Ugh. But she failed by four or less, so she didn't fall, at least.
Spells and resources used:
Six of six 0th Level Six of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 9:56:06 AM
Theodore takes a double move (both rounds) to come right up to the wooden fence. He smiles in the dark at Berlon.
"Looks like everyone's leaving us to our own devices," he whispers to his friend. "I'm still not quite sure what our job is in all this."
rose d20+8=20 d20+8=16 d20+8=28 d20+8=9 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 2:38:15 PM
rose will follow Vauhwyts example and using her wand of unseen servant orders it to help Piper carry their bag of tricks. She will then quietly move towards the wall.
move silently: 20, make 10' towards wall hide: 16
Rose will then use her wand of expiditious retreat and move even closer to the wall.
move silently: 28, nat 20 hide: 9
Dm sanity info Hp: 41/41 Ac: 17
Active spells: Unseen servant, 1 hr Expeditious retreat, 3 min
Berlon - Levitate d20+7=15 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 2:42:45 PM
Making his way carefully, the gnome tries to keep up with Theodore. He listens to Theo's words, but has an unexpected response.
"Do you see now why I tease you about the title of Prince? Sometimes you have to take charge. Sometimes you have to fix things that don't even know they're broken..."
He stops the conversation to see if he can hear anything on the other side of the wall. (Listen check 15)
"Now, Young Theo, as far as our job, I see it this way."
"First, cast that flight spell upon yourself. If things go poorly it will help you to escape, and if not, you can perhaps carry a prisoner away to safety."
"Then I need you to leviate me up so I can just see over the wall."
The Stalk [DM SteveK] d20+10=19 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 6:09:05 PM
Umbriel seems to distrust moving across the open ground with the other heroes of the Dark Horse Guild and moves south along the trees to a better vantage point, soon lost amid the shadows from the sight of the others.
Vorelle is able to climb a tree and get a good perch. From her vantage point, she is able to see over the short wall and the huts in the flickering firelight. The bonfire in the center of the village is seen as well as the lizardfolk preparing for the feast. She can't see the prisoners because the longhouse is blocking the view.
Vauhwyt prepares several spells. She is able to Message with Thliss-Ka's leader of the diversion before they turn off the path for the water (15 minutes gone on that spell), and is able to establish a Message spell for all her heroes and Thliss-Ka. Even with climbing a tree, Vauhwyt is unable to see the prisoners because of the longhouse and is unable to communicate with them.
Thliss-Ka confirms his people can see well in the darkness.
Vauhwyt then sneaks forward towards the walls. Mookie stays quiet while riding the liontaur's shoulder.
Rose also casts a few spells, and, with Piper silently riding the halfling's shoulder, the rogue quietly moves towards the wall.
Theodore and Berlon trot out to the wall together, quietly discussing thier roles in the coming rescue.
Oni watches the approaches, perhaps ensuring that this first part of the plan doesn't do awry. A hand signal to Sho'va keeps the wolf quiet and by the centaur's side.
Thliss-Ka moves fairly quietly for a big lizard wearing metal armor, and glides next to Vauhwyt at the wall.
Vauhwyt recieves a message from the diversion commander. "They have spotted us."
Almost immediately, a horn sounds on the eastern side of the village. Things get very quiet for a second, and then there is a cacaphony of noise from shouting, the clash of weapons, the pounding of feet on the hard-packed mud. There seems many more than just the thirty or so that Berlon saw in the village, and by the sounds, they are on the run to the water and the warboats.
Vorelle can see one warboat on the far side of the village burning.
(ooc: post in double-round increments. Characters are allowed actions that can fill two rounds for next post)
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57) and Mookie (AC18, HP28) d20+5=8 d20+5=25 d20+5=19 d20+17=25 d20+17=25 d20+16=22 d20+16=28 d20+2=7 d20+2=3 d20+2=7 d20+2=22 Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 8:18:19 PM
[Note: Since she did not cast message on the prisoners, Vauhwyt has one cantrip still open.]
Vauhwyt whispers via message spell: "Berlon, Theo, keep out of sight unless there is a catastrophe! They can see in the dark. Please quietly secure the rope so that the fugatives will be able to climb over when we bring them out."
She tries again to climb the wall. Another 8! Arrgh -- that wastes 10 feet of movement! And again: a nat 20! LOL!
Vauhwyt goes over the wall, carrying her knotted rope, paying it out behind her.
Over the wall and down is 30 feet of movement. Then she moves 45 feet across to the longhouse. That's a total of 85 feet of movement out of a total of 140 for two rounds at half speed.
Then the reduced liontaur climbs the longhouse. A 19! She creeps up and across the roof. She stops, flat on her belly, when she can see the prisoners and any guards.
She judges whether it is safe to cast a message spell. Would that be audible to those in the longhouse? To any guards she can see?
Five of six 0th Level Six of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP Tuesday July 3rd, 2007 9:34:48 PM
As Oni stands on the treeline he drinks another potion of the mage armor. Sho'va is anxious, but right now the idea is to wait. It would be there job to help the friends flee, covering the pursuit.
Vorelle d20+10=28 d20+10=16 d20+5=16 d8+1=5 d8+1=3 d8+1=7 d20+10=23 d20+10=15 d20+5=11 d8+1=5 d8+1=8 d8+1=5 Wednesday July 4th, 2007 9:55:24 AM
Vorelle looks for clear shots at her lizardfolk foes. If she sees any, she takes them.
[note: with Rapid Shot, Vorelle gets 3 shots per round, but all shots are at -2. I have rolled 2 rounds of 3 shots each, but if she takes only 1 or 2 shots in a round, ignore the second (and third) shots, and add 2 to the "to hit" rolls for the other(s).]
[Round 1: AC 28 for 5 damage, AC 16 for 3 damage, AC 16 for 7 damage.]
[Round 2: AC 23 for 5 damage, AC 15 for 8 damage, AC 11 for 5 damage.]
rose d20+6=19 d20+8=17 d20+8=27 d20+6=16 d20+8=20 d20+8=24 Wednesday July 4th, 2007 4:52:36 PM
rose climbs the wall and follows vauhwyt.
round 1 climb: 19 move silent: 17 hide: 27
round 2 climb: 16 move silent: 20 hide: 24
Berlon - Levitate Wednesday July 4th, 2007 8:06:31 PM
"Of COURSE they can see in the dark," Berlon mutters to himself.
"Theo, stay close. This is going to go poorly."
Berlon will hold his position, strongly discouraging Theodore from doing anything different.
Rescue [DMSteve] Thursday July 5th, 2007 10:17:56 AM
Vauhwyt, Rose, and Thliss-Ka moves over the wall. The lizardman has to use the rope, and then he stays in the shadow of a hut while the two rogues continue on. A slow Ssssnick comes from Thliss-Ka as his bastard sword escapes its sheath. Vauhwyt and Rose are able to climb the wattle-and-daub wall of the longhouse and creep among the thatching of the roof. It is slow going to ensure they don't fall through the roof, but the thatching does make excellent hiding spots. (Vauhwyt Reflex DC 14 (medium), Rose Reflex DC 10(small) to not fall through the roof) Looking over the roof, the two heroes spy a large group of spear, sword, bow, and crossbow wielding lizardfolk pushing out through the entrance of the lizardfolk town. They appear intent on getting to the river and the fight there. The great bonfire is still burning merrily, and the eight prisoners are still staked to the ground in front of the longhouse, only 30 feet beyond the liontaur and halfling. There are two heavily armed lizardfolk with turtle-shell shield and gleaming longswords between the entrance and the prisoners. With the noise of the fire and nearby battle, it doesn't appear that anyone Vauwyt can see would be able to hear a whispered message spell from her. From the location of the guards on the prisoners, prisoner #1 or #8 appear far enough to be able to whisper without being overheard.
Oni keeps his own counsel and prepares to extract the rescue team if it all hits the fan.
Vorelle's vantage point is able to see quite a bit into the village. She estimates she has deadspace (not able to see) within fifteen feet of the wall or hut, and thirty feet of the longhouse. She is able to make out the shouting, pushing mass of lizardfolk in the east gate of the village and lets fly her arrows. At 250 feet, her aim suffers (2 full range incriments = -4 to hit) and only two of the six find thier mark, wounding two different lizardfolk warriors.
Berlon and Theodore maintain thier position outside the wall, waiting for the worst.
Vauhwyt recieves a whispered message that Rose can hear. "Ssset fire, now too many, we dive into the river to essscape."
The shouting by the warboats is still high, but there is little sound of fighting, more of people trying to get organized into a bucket brigade. Two warriors in the gate area howl with pain, and there are now 20 warriors milling in confusion around the gate. The two guards are alert, but still looking towards the gate and river, and not at the tied prisoners.
(Characters can post 2 rounds of action)
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57) and Mookie (AC18, HP28) d20+12=18 d20+17=26 d20+16=34 d20+20=25 d20+2=22 d20+19=20 d20+19=26 Thursday July 5th, 2007 11:45:23 AM
Vauhwyt crawls over the roof without falling through (rolled an 18 on the save).
She whispers to Rose, "Hold for a moment! Let me talk with the prisoners!"
She whispers to Vorelle, "Only fire if you think they can't tell the direction the arrows are coming from, please!"
She casts her Message spell on four of the prisoners, including the far left and far right ones. She whispers to them: "Hush now -- friends from Dirt City are here to rescue you. Don't show any sign that you hear me. Is there anything we need to know before we sneak you out of herre?" By her accent, it is even possible that she will be recognized.
She whispers to everybody what she has heard, including that the diversion team is swimming away.
Then she creeps forward toward the edge of the roof near the prisoners, across the roof until she is behind H5. She sends Mookie just five feet ahead to peek over the eaves and look to see if there is anyone in the long house looking out through doors or windows, or if there is are any guards under the eaves.
IF the coast is NOT clear, then she will retreat back five feet (with Mookie), part the thatch, and peek inside the building.
IF the coast is clear, she whispers to Rose, "The coast is clearr. Let's sneak down and end right behind the two guards, one for you and one for me. [OOC: That will end the two rounds.] Then we'll take a step forward and bring them down fast with some sharp backstabbing!" Her words are excited, but her voice is deathly quiet.
Then she sneaks down off the building, quietly jumping the last bit down. Then she sneaks up between H5 and H6, so that with a five foot step she can attack the guard L1.
Move Silent: 26 Hide: 34 Mookie's Hide from above: 25 Mookie's Spot from above: 22 (nat 20!!) Jump: 20 is a nat 1! Ouch! Can't have a thump of a falling mini-liontaur! Reroll using a hero point: 26.
OOC to DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Not sure I can do all this in two rounds. Please feel free to interpret as you see fit.}
Spells and resources used:
Six of six 0th Level Six of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
One of two hero points.
Berlon - Levitate Thursday July 5th, 2007 6:13:05 PM
Berlon frowns as he hears the commotion, but will continue to hold his position with Theodore.
Theodore & Macaw Thursday July 5th, 2007 6:15:54 PM
Theodore grumbles a bit, but stays where he is.
"I don't like feeling like the fifth wagon wheel," he whispers to Berlon.
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP Thursday July 5th, 2007 7:15:51 PM
Oni had given up his bow, and now regrets it. He watchs as Vorelles arrows strike at the enemy. He dsired to call upon the animals of natureto help withthe diversion, but by the time they reached the attackers, they would return to their own home. Useless he was.
rose d20+8=12 d20+8=26 d4=1 d20+3=8 d100=21 d20+4=17 d4+2=6 d20+4=24 d20+4=16 d4+2=6 d4+2=5 d20-1=15 d6+1=4 Thursday July 5th, 2007 11:41:42 PM
Since Vauhwyt asks her not to do anything to draw attention to them for the moment rose will use her wand of shield on herself and quietly move to the edge of the roof also.
when vauhwyt says to attack rose will attack guard l2.
meanwhile piper and the unseen servant will stay 25' to the right and forward of rose, piper will toss a ball from the bag of tricks before rose attacks to distract the guards.
Rescue! [DM SteveK] d20+2=3 d20+2=16 Friday July 6th, 2007 4:31:59 PM
Giveing lots of instructions and telling the others what is going on in other parts of the battlefield via multiple message spells, Vauhwyt moves over behind H5 and casts her message spell, whispering to the prisoners. There is a second of no noise, and then a salty voice whispers, "no one else talk".
There is another moment of silence, and then the voice speaks again. "OK, ye be from Dirt City and the same dogs that tore down the Prince, so we know who you are. Ye needs be quiet, for there be more of the guard-types in the longhouse. None of us be hurt badly, so get us untied and we be making the run fer it."
Vauhwyt checks and sees that the coast is clear. She lightly moves down and slides behind lizardguard #1
Berlon and Theodore wait with ill grace.
Oni also waits with barely concealed patience. The parrot on his shoulder stirs and, eyes shining. "Cap'n on deck!", he murmurs softly.
Rose casts a shield on herself and gives instructions to Piper. The bird doesn't think being so far away is a good idea, and keeps behind Rose. Then, sneaking herself, the small halfling sneaks up behind the lizardguard in order to attack...
The heroes can see the mass of lizardwarriors over by the war-boats. It looks like the fire is getting under control. More lizardwarriors have slipped into the water and disappeared. There is also a group on the docks.
The prisoners notice Vauhwyt and Rose crouching right beside them, but the two guards look completely entranced at what is happening by the river. (LIsten: nat 1, 16)
(single round post, now)
(ooc: apologize in advance. Having trouble sending email with attachment from home. will keep trying)
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57) and Mookie (AC18, HP28) and Bear (AC13, HP19) d100=86 d20+12=22 d6+1=4 3d6(5+3+5)=13 d20+12=19 d4+1=3 3d6(5+1+4)=10 d20+8=9 d20+8=13 d3+1=2 3d6(5+4+5)=14 d20+8=9 d20+8=9 d20+3=17 d6+2=3 Saturday July 7th, 2007 10:03:55 AM
Vauhwyt whispers, "Now, Mookie!" Her familiar, aided by the unseens servant, reaches into the bag of tricks and pulls out a fuzz ball. He tosses it to the square right in front of the lizard guard. It changes into a (rolled 86) black bear!
Vauhwyt takes a five foot step forward, flanking the guard with the newcome bear. As she does so, she activates her Hobgoblin Seal of the Hero - When activated, the target of this seal receives +1 to hit and damage for 3 rounds. That's a free action. With the flank and the seal, she is at +3 to hit.
As she attacks, she prays that this fellow does not have Uncanny Dodge! She needs this fellow to lose his dex bonus!
Her attacks: -- Spiked Armor hits AC22 for 4 plus 13 hp sneak attack damage. -- Spiked Gauntlet hits AC19 for 3 plus 10 hp sneak attack damage. -- Right paw misses with a nat one. -- Left paw hits AC13 for 2 plus 14 sneak attack damage
Bear attacks (at +2 flanking): -- Right claw misses with a nat one. -- Left claw misses with a nat one. -- Bite hits AC17 for 3 hp damage.
Oh well. Rolled pretty poorly this round. Gosh darn it.
Vauhwyt whispers to her friends, "Guys, if you have any way to keep the mob's attention over there, take it! Or any loud noises would be welcome too!
She hopes Rose has better luck!
Spells and resources used:
Six of six 0th Level Six of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: two of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
One of two hero points.
Black Bear Stats Hit Dice: 3d8+6 (19 hp) Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares) Armor Class: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+6 Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d4+4) Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+2) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: -- Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2 Abilities: Str 19, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6 Skills: Climb +4, Listen +4, Spot +4, Swim +8 Feats: Endurance, Run
Vorelle d20+12=27 d8+1=8 Sunday July 8th, 2007 9:23:27 PM
Vorelle checks her position. 250 feet away, up a tree, in the dark. She seriously doubts the lizardfolk can tell where the arrows are coming from.
Nevertheless, she focuses her attention on the action closest to her, ready to cover the escapees if they need it.
[Ready an action to shoot any lizardfolk directly threatening the escapees. If the action goes off, hit AC 27 for 8 damage.]
Berlon - Levitate Sunday July 8th, 2007 10:06:29 PM
"So did I ever tell you about the time I ignited an entire Swamp Goblin patrol with nothing but an oil flask, some strands of seaweed and a large bottle of swamp gas? The stench was HORRIBLE. The swamp gas didn't help, that's for sure."
Berlon tilts his head to one side, listening to the commotion.
"Sounds like fighting. Hope no one gets hurt..."
Theodore & Macaw HP 29 AC 16 (Mage Armor) Monday July 9th, 2007 9:15:05 AM
"Hmmm, swamp gas is flammable?" Theodore banters quietly with his friend.
Between stories, the wizard casts a spell upon himself. He tests it out by rising a few feet into the air before settling to the ground again with a big smile. (Cast fly. Good for 7 minutes)
"I've never really had a chance to try this spell out yet. I've always dreamed of flying." He frowns. "Although, I don't suppose this is the place to soar about. I'd probably be filled with arrows pretty quick."
Berlon - Levitate Monday July 9th, 2007 12:17:11 PM
"Well!" Berlon adds excitedly, "this is a horse of a different color! Follow me!"
He pauses for a second, realizing that he will need to be the one to do the following.
"You see, Young Theo? Wisdom comes not from power, but from application of resources! You should have cast the flight spell on *me* and levitated yourself. I can fly on my own, but now you have to concentrate on both of us, and I know I have hard enough time concentrating on one thing at a time!"
"Anywhosen, be a good lad and levitate me over the fence, would you? Then you should probably stick close..."
Assuming Theo gets him over the fence, Berlon will then move as far as he can towards the longhouse wall closest to them, with the idea of running up to it and leaning against it to remain hidden.
Waiting Post [DM Steve] Monday July 9th, 2007 6:08:59 PM
I'm holding off on posting due to how critical Rose's actions will be right now...
Posting Report for 7/2/07 Monday July 9th, 2007 7:06:56 PM
MTWTF
DM SteveK XXXOX Berlon XXXOX Oni OXXOO Rose XXXOO Theodore XOXOX Vauhwyt XXXOX Vorelle XXOOX
ADM Shegger
Oni 21AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP Monday July 9th, 2007 9:30:12 PM
Oni waits.
rose d4=2 d20+7=14 d8+4=10 d6=5 d6=6 d20+8=20 d20+4=12 d4+2=3 d20+4=22 d4+2=5 d20-1=12 d6+1=4 Tuesday July 10th, 2007 7:54:55 PM
rose quickly and quietly attacks her lizardman as piper tosses out a wolverine.
rose attack: 14 damage: 10 sneak: 11 move silently: 20
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