Back at the Caravan - DM Jim Friday July 31st, 2009 5:20:14 PM
The group, having reassembled at the caravan, convey to each other what happened, or as much as they would like to admit. Ariman expertly inspects Sanji, making her stick out her tongue, check the pupils of her eyes and so forth and comes to the conclusion she is not poisoned as far as he could tell--If he had a bit of the meal, maybe he could tell a little better.
Soon enough Penn's party had broken up and he said farewell to his friends. Seeing all of you there he explains a few things about the night watch you are about to take, "The night is twelve hours long, and usually broken up into either three or four shifts, depending on the number of guards available. Since your group has eight people in it, then there can be four three-hour watches, with two of you per watch. Who takes what watches are up to you--Just keep me and my cargo safe, so keep your eyes and ears open. I take my leave of you, good night!"
Penn retires for the night and leaves you all to your guard duties. Please decide who is on what watch, 1-4, and then everyone make a SPOT and LISTEN roll for your watch.
Naru [AC:14/12/12 HP:5/5] Friday July 31st, 2009 7:17:57 PM "I would like to take a later watch, preferably the last, as my mind needs a bit of a rest." (a.k.a. Want to recharge my spells.)
Padre Sixtus Torquemada | HP10/10 | AC16 | Spell List | [Drew] Friday July 31st, 2009 9:05:35 PM
Sixtus watches the remainder of Venbolio's group finish their business and then meander out of camp. He offers a small, warm smile to those who make eye contact and nods to his boss as the explanation of watch duties is covered. His eyes, be it soft around the edges, are hard in their depths and the light green hood that his thrown over his head accentuates their fierceness.
Once the group is alone, Sixtus turns to address the group of mercenaries assembled.
"We need those of us who have the ability, by nature, magic or blessing, to see in the dark to take the two middle watches. We need at least one person who has this ability to cover each shift. Light is faltering now so if anyone who can peer through the waning light but not the dead of night should take this watch. Although I am human, my master has blessed me with the ability to see through the deepest of natural darkness, therefore I will take the third shift. If there is not enough of us to cover all four shifts, I will take the third and fourth shifts."
There is something a bit different with the cleric as business is addressed. Sixtus paces slightly, his eyes are bright and attentive, and his hand intermittently strays to the wooden symbol hanging around his neck. His voice is gentle yet serious and matter-of-fact. Sixtus watches the others for a moment and then adds, "Naru, young one, you can then take the fourth watch as the morning light begins to arrive." Sixtus turns to the group, "Who else here has the ability to see through the darkness?"
After a few moments of thought and lip chewing, Sixtus adds one last thing.
"Does anyone know magic which could be placed around the caravan to serve as a warning if intruders were to come too close?"
Lenwe 2d20-2=25 ; d20-2=11 ; d20-2=12 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 9:42:57 PM
"I have no skill in magic that could serve as a warning. I can see in the darkness - but not as well as a full blooded elf. I will take the first watch....if that is acceptable to the group."
(The first dice roll 2d20 is a mistake, and I forgot the half-elf racial bonus - sorry.)
Valla [AC:16/16/12 HP:6/6-Marty d20=19 ; d20=7 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 10:37:31 PM
Valla paces the camp, thinking about his short rival, while listening to Mr. Penn, then Sixtus, Naru and Lenwe.
ahh, lenwe, I can see in the darkness, provided the moon shines over the hellish city. It gives off enough light for me to see just as well as Im able to now. I can take the second watch. That puts Lenwe, who can see a good amount in the dark, the me who can see just fine, and then Sixtus, who also can see just fine.... Naru, wake me half way through you watch, so I may start preparing my spells. I also have no spell that will warn us of any intruder.
Spot check 19+4=23 Listen check 7+4=11
Xeron AC AC15 HP 7/7 d20=7 ; d20+4=8 ; Saturday August 1st, 2009 9:52:48 AM
Xeron replies "I csnnot see squat in the dark. Wonderful human eyes. I'll take first watch with Lenwe."
Spot: 1d20 + 0 = 7 Listen: 1d20 + 4 = 8
OOC: Great blind and deaf! Wonderful watcher he is
Sanji (Eric) d20+4=20 ; d20+5=12 ; Saturday August 1st, 2009 1:04:48 PM
Sanji expresses her gratitude to Ariman for giving her a quick check up and listens as Mr. Penn gives instructions for th evening. Padre seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I wonder if we will make it through the night with out incident?
I have no ability to see in the dark. But, if no one minds, I'm happy to take the second watch. Hopefully my ears will pick up what my eyes miss. If there are no objections, Sanji will move closer to the caravan and take a seat leaning up against one of the wheels. She will close her eyes and attempt to rest while she is waiting for someone to wake her at the start of her shift.
Spot: 20 Listen: 12
Ariman Couatlfang (Jason) AC 15 HP 10 d20+3=17 ; d20+3=8 ; Saturday August 1st, 2009 1:36:11 PM
SPOT 17 LISTEN 8
Ariman stretches, "I will take the fourth watch, that will allow me to pray for healing spells and heal any who have been injured."
Bosk Deox | [sub.Drew] d20+4=19 ; d20+3=6 ; Saturday August 1st, 2009 4:10:53 PM
The minotaur listens as others take claim to one of the watch posts; his lot does not concern him as no hour of the day is awkward enough to stop him from doing his job. Bosk smiles slightly as there are only two lots left--the third with Sixtus or the fourth with Ariman.
"I will take the fourth watch with Ariman. It seems as though Sixtus has the same blessing that I do from our master so I should join with one of us who does not have this ability. The morning will be as best guarded as possible."
Reaching down and grabbing the iconic Eye of Gargul pendant that hangs from his neck, he rubs it between to massive fingers and returns a gaze to the group.
"I, of course, will require an hour of prayer. Please wake me, Sixtus, a little over an hour before my shift is to start so that I can receive my blessings before I am to work." --------------------------------- Spot - 19 Listen - 6
Padre Sixtus Torquemada | HP10/10 | AC16 | Spell List | [Drew] d20+3=10 ; d20+3=21 ; Saturday August 1st, 2009 4:31:45 PM
Sixtus watches as, for the first time, the group seems to ease their way through a task without much of a squabble. He nods approvingly at the logic which everyone seems to be using and nods acceptance as each stakes their claim to a post. His eyes seem more subdued now, perhaps due to the waning light or fatigue or worry or all three. He seems to fidget a bit with his hands and several times his pulls his hood over his head, only to get irritated by it a few moments later and roughly throw it back over his shoulders.
"Well, that seems to settle things. Naru is stuck with me," Sixtus smiles wryly and throws a slightly joking wink to the young girl, "on the third watch. Bosk, I will indeed wake you in time to pray. Once you take your post, I will try to finish my sleep of the dead and dreams of revolutionaries before praying for my blessings."
Sixtus looks over the rest of the group for a few moments and again speaks. "Today has been quite a long day. We almost lost Bosk before we even knew his name. We almost wrung each other's necks without knowing who we are individually. Tonight, watch your partner's back as if you were brothers and sisters. If this job works out, more will come. The more that come means the more money for us to do with what we desire. If this works out, perhaps we consider forming a Free Company. Watch each other's back like they were blood, and soon enough they will be the closest thing to it you could ask for."
After the group is settled in to their chosen slots of watch, Sixtus checks that everything is secure in the general vicinity. As he lays down, armor and all, his mind races with thoughts, and he begins thinking of contingency plans for things that may never happen. Quickly, Sixtus raises himself onto his elbows and calls out, "A fire would be a wise idea. Have torches near the fire in case we are attacked. Get 'em in the fire if something starts to happen so that others can grab them if needed. Weapons out and not stowed may be wise as well." With that Sixtus returns to his sleeping position, head propped up on crossed arms, and begins a breathing exercise to calm his nerves. -------------------------------------- Spot - 10 Listen - 21
Naru [AC:14/12/12 HP:5/5] d20-1=2 ; d3=2 ; d20-1=9 ; Sunday August 2nd, 2009 10:14:09 AM (Forgot the rolls sorry) Spot = 2 Listen = 9
Sight of the bat, hearing of a trout. Naru stands the fourth watch quasi-vigilant.
Valla [AC:16/16/12 HP:6/6-Marty Monday August 3rd, 2009 2:35:02 PM Well, since that is settled, Im headed to bed... I agree with Sixtus on one point though, a fire would be ideal, and everybody keep their weapons ready, whether you sleeping or not... I suspect a certain Gnome and his friends to bother us more at night than they do during the day.... Valla sneers at the thought the gnome. With that he moves off to find a good spot to sleep, laying his long sword just above his head, for easy reach.
Lenwe Monday August 3rd, 2009 2:43:02 PM
Lenwe takes the first watch, his sword within reach.....
Xeron AC AC15 HP 7/7 Monday August 3rd, 2009 3:01:44 PM
Xeron stands next to Lenwe during the first watch. He stays silent as small or social tal is not something he is comfortable with. His weapons are drawn, just in case.
Ariman Couatlfang (Jason) AC 15 HP 10 Monday August 3rd, 2009 3:54:56 PM
Ariman smiles widely at Bosk. "Thank you for your consideration, Alemi has not blessed me to see in the night, only to look upon the hearts and souls of the creatures of the Wold. I admit, I have not studied much of the faith of those who follow Gargul. Alemi once ruled and judged the creatures of the Wold with firm justice and tenacity. It seems that he has abdicated much of that dour responsibility to your lord, that he might love his creation more as a father and less as a judge."
Ariman holds his cudgel close, praying that he need not raise it in violence and that whatever may occur that some sense of reason and understanding might hold sway over the events of the evening.
Caravan Watch- DM Jim Monday August 3rd, 2009 4:46:21 PM
Settling in for the night watch, Lenwe and Xeron sit about the camp fire idly talking for a bit, neither noticing the drunk men walk by their encampment, taking no heed of them. When the time came, both roused Valla and Sanji for their turn at guard duty. Both notice shortly after taking their turn, that a cunning little raccoon near a tent some 100ft away, outside their encampment, is breaking into a metal receptacle and getting at the trash/treasure inside. The shift continues quietly therafter as both keep a keen eye out for danger.
Waking Padre and Naru, both set about either memorizing spells or praying, but seeing that both can't do it at the same time, Padre defers to Naru getting her spells first then he begins his prayers. She is quite unaware of the furtive sounds of movement coming from behind Venbolio's tent, but Padre isn't as he finishes his prayers. Whispers and movement, something isn't right here, Padre thinks to himself and quietly alerts Naru, then wakes the others just as quietly. Some had just gone to sleep, others wake noisily, but are quickly quelled by Padre's hand. The cleric of Gargul motions to the area behind Venbolio's tent where the disturbance is coming from. We are in combat rounds. Unless you say you are whispering, you're talking aloud. Spell casting is said in a strong voice.
The disturbance/whispering is about 30-40 feet away, still in the encampment, behind you and Penn's tent. I will make a map tonight.
Sanji (Eric) d20+6=22 ; d20+4=16 ; Monday August 3rd, 2009 5:48:48 PM
Sanji takes a second to fully awaken. I would be woken up my first night on the job. Just my luck. It is aparent to those around her the she isn't a morning person and is more than a little upset that her sleep has been disturbed.
After being roused, she finally begins to understand that something is going wrong on the far side of Venbolio's tent. She whispers to the group, I'll go take a look. Some back up would be nice. Also, someone might want to get Mr. Penn out of his tent where we can guard him more easily. She adds hand gestures to her whispering to let the others know that she is going around the right side of the tent to take a look. She encourges Xeron to go around the other side. She silently touches both of her fists together showing that she wants to attack from 2 sides if they can. Nodding to the group, she begins to make her way to the far side of the tent, creeping along its edge and peers carefully around the corner, trying to reveal as little of herself as possible.* **
Move silently: 22 Spot: 16
Valla [AC:16/16/12 HP:6/6-Marty d20=13 ; d20=14 ; Monday August 3rd, 2009 6:15:07 PM
At being aroused, from very disturbing visions of his past, Valla is on edge. He instinctivly grabs his sword, pulling it back to strike. Seeing padre he quickly untenses. He then listens to Sanji, and follows her around the far side of the tent, moving as quiet as possible. Whispering to bosk and Xeron, Little thief, I think you should go the other way around, and Bosk my advice would be to wait for some kind of signal, unlesss you think you can move quietly. No offense big man, but you are just that, big. When he gets to the edge of the tent, he listens intently to anything he can hear.
Move silently 13+4=17 Listen-14+4=18
Padre Sixtus Torquemada | HP10/10 | AC16 | Spell List | [Drew] Monday August 3rd, 2009 8:53:18 PM
Sixtus could not believe what was happening. One moment he was communing to Gargul in the peaceful tranquility of a cemetery or birthing house...he could not remember with all that his happening...now he is standing in the mud, axe drawn, and is quickly waking the others of the group.
Using hushed tones he tells the others, "Something is going down on the other side of the caravan. Bosk, around the left side. I will go around the right side. Sanji with me and Xeron around the left with Bosk. You two out first, get into a position that you are comfortable with then wait for Bosk and myself. Mages, now is the test of your spellbooks. We will follow and the rest of you come in for support. Kill if necessary but allow no one to escape."
His words are harsh through the whispering, harsh like a grizzled veteran who smoked too much pipe in his life. His eyes flash through the darkness of the light, reflecting the orange of the fire, as he checks to ensure that his buckler is strapped tightly. He learned at an early age to sleep in his armor; over time his body grew accustomed to the uncomfort and now he sleeps just as well in his studded leather.
Sixtus waits for Sanji and Xeron to either comply or do what they do. He looks at each mercenary for a whisper of a moment wanting to know if they understand or are at least going to do something. ---------------------------------------------- I am going to post again once the map is up so I have a better idea of the surroundings.
Lenwe gets up and and walks as quietly as he can ten feet torward the sounds (On the right side) and then stops. He stands ready to assist or run forward once the "scouts" have made a first pass at what lies ahead.
Spells Prepared: 0: Daze, Disrupt Undead, Prestidigation, Ray of Frost 1: Mage Armor, Color Spray
Naru [AC:14/12/12 HP:5/5] Monday August 3rd, 2009 10:47:26 PM
Naru is rousted from his thoughts by the Padre. "What? You heard somehting?
When orders start being barked Naru listens and agrees especially after hearing she will not be taking point.
Spells at the ready. TIme for action!
Caravan Watch- DM Jim Tuesday August 4th, 2009 1:58:57 AM Encampment map here The gate is not open, just showing where it is.
Padre Sixtus Torquemada | HP10/10 | AC16 | Spell List | [Drew] Tuesday August 4th, 2009 9:42:54 AM OOC: Okay, I have to ask OOC here because I have no way to email from work and I am here ALL day today.
First, are the lettered and numbered rows and columns supposed to be the guidelines for the 5'x5' grid? If so, is there a way to put a faint lined grid as a bottom layer of the map so that we can more directly tell you where we are moving to? Or would you rather play it lose in the movement category?
Second, the fence around the caravan, how tall is it? What is it made of, etc? I ask only to know if we can move through it or over it or if we need to move around it.
I LOVE your maps, Jim, but scale and a grid would be very helpfull to us all for posting purposes (unless, again, you would rather play movement a bit more losely).
Xeron AC AC15 HP 7/7 d20+4=10 ; d20+7=10 ; d20=20 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 9:47:38 AM
Xeron gets up against his wish as he was getting to the good part of his dream.
He quickly assesses the situation and gives the thumb up to Snaji's plan.
When Valla and Sixtus starts utterng orders, he looks at them with a look saying "don't state the obvious" and put his fingers accross his mouth to tell them to be silent. "What a bunch of lound mouth! If they do not shut up, we will give away the advantage of surprise. MAy be I should not be so tough on them. After all, it is not that they have to practice being quiet and deadly."
Iisten: 1d20 + 4 = 10 Move Silently: 1d20 + 7 = 10 Spot: 1d20 + 0 = 20 He follows a parallel path the Sanji with the idea of both rogue flanking the same opponent.
His heart beat has increased as he is in the hunt again. Walking silently toward his prey with his weapon drawn, he feels alive again.
Time to kill again! Good " He hears a voice saying "Is that a Good thing?" He replies in his head "Not Now! Go Away"
Bosk Deox | AC14 | HP14/14 | [sub.Drew] d20+4=12 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+1=8 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 1:00:30 PM
The minotaur reaches for whoever tries sneaking up on him in his sleep. His thick, strong hands grab Sixtus' head and gets ready to squeeze just as the other cleric of Gargul puts a hand over his mouth and stares back at the minotaur with wide eyes. It takes a moment for Bosk to realize that Sixtus is the man in front of him as his head is still foggy from dreaming. He listens quietly as the cleric whispers the plans and then gets up and reaches for his morningstar laying beside his resting place.
Nodding his approval of the human's plan, Bosk heads out form under the tent and begins making his way around hte left side of the caravan, following Xeron a few paces back. Bosk's eyes and ears are wide open as he attempts to shake free the sticky cob webs of sleep and get his bearing of the situation. ------------------ Spot - 12 Listen - 14 Move Silent - 8
Spells Prepared Cantrips -Guidance -Resistance -Resistance First level -Bless -Doom -Shield of Faith [d]
Naru [AC:14/12/12 HP:5/5] Tuesday August 4th, 2009 1:20:27 PM
Naru is at the ready moving slighty to the west(assuming up on the map is north) so she can see if anyone is on that side of the tent. This should let me stop anyone making a break for the gate.
She readies a daze spell to be fired to prevent the aggressor's escape.
Valla [AC:16/16/12 HP:6/6-Marty d20=13 ; d20=9 ; d20=8 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 1:45:24 PM
Valla moves inbetween the two wagons, walking slowly and silently* to the northern end of them, peering around it, seeing** and hearing*** what he can. Longsword in hand. behind Penn's tent. Little gnome, little gnome, come meet your maker....
Bosk Deox (James) AC 14/10/10 HP 14 d20+1=8 ; d20-2=16 ; d20=7 ; d20+3=19 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 2:22:19 PM
Feeling Sixtus wake him, the blond minotaur looks up at the moon, about to in form the cleric that he is early and that there is still two hours before his shift ends, when he catches a glimpse of the his green eyes buried within the cowl and sees the danger written there. Realizing that something was wrong, Bosk sits up and looks around in a futile attempt to locate the danger until he is informed that Padre had heard the noise on the other side of Penn's tent.
Nodding in approval as he hears Sanji's plan he rises, stretching not quite to his full height, but still towering other the others, when he hear Valla "Bosk my advice would be to wait for some kind of signal, unless you think you can move quietly." Bosk shoots him a quick smile, confident in his ability to move silently. I have had more than a little practice at moving stealthily, it is finding a place to hide that I find troublesome
Hearing Padre speak a again, he shifts his gaze to the hooded figure. "Bosk, around the left side." Nodding his agreement he thinks to himself, Back to Sanji's plan, that sounds like a better course of action. Besides, being one of the only two in this group able to see in the dark, it only makes sense for me to take a look.
Moving forward as quietly as he can (move silently 8), the minotaur cringes as small twigs crack under foot and puddles splash to announce his presence. He knew he was actually moving more quietly than he felt, however the adrenaline coursing through his veins made them sound to him as if the noise would be enough to wake Gargul himself. With every sound he made, the minotaur would either freeze in the darkness, letting the blackness envelope him, or (knowing there was a large tent between him and his target, giving him time to react, he would dart to the closest shelter capable of hiding his hulking form (hide 16). Inching ever forward, the giant of a cleric would listen for movement (listen 19) before peering around corners or leaving his hiding space (spot 7) and continuing across the seemingly endless length of the camp.
Bosk Deox (James) AC 14/10/10 HP 14 Tuesday August 4th, 2009 2:24:55 PM
ooc: Back from my trip, thank you Drew for posting for me this weekend. Sorry it took me so long to post today, it took me a while to catch up at work and to read everyone's post. I didn't realize Drew posted for me already today (while I was typing), sorry about the double post.
Drew Tuesday August 4th, 2009 2:38:35 PM
Sorry for the post James! I was going to let it go but I was bored at work and couldn't remember if you needed me today as well or not...Jim, please disregard my sub post for Bosk.
Bosk Deox (James) AC 14/10/10 HP 14 Tuesday August 4th, 2009 2:51:03 PM
No problem. Thanks again for posting for me.
Caravan Watch- DM Jim d20=18 ; d20=12 ; d20=4 ; d20=12 ; d20=3 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=20 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 5:16:00 PM
Spreading out to investigate the sound of the disturbance, everyone tries to remain quiet, all except Naru who inadvertently blurts out a few words and is quickly hushed by the Padre.
As the group stage their two pronged attack, they round the tent to see about a half-dozen or so humanoid figures at the back of the tent. The figures are a bit shorter than humans and although it's hard to see by the light of the moons and the campfire they seem to resemble rather lumpy goblins. Most seemed surprised by your sudden appearance as they are busy whispering to each other about gods know what.
The fence is 6ft tall and takes an additional 5ft of movement to cross, so 10ft total to cross it.
I've made two versions of the map, one with and one without the grid. I cannot seem to get a good looking gridline and have used multiple colors, etc and I think it still looks like crap, so from now on I'll just post both pics in the turn.
Yes, each square is 5' so please remember to post which square you're moving too (also remember that every 2nd diagonal square of movement is an additional 5') and if you're targeting a square or a gridline cross (like F/G 3/4) for a spell or prayer.
Thanks for the compliments, I try to make interesting maps that look good, but they do take some time unfortunately. I will continue to keep making them as long as you want because I think they really add to the game.
Please state you actions for Round 1 now that the enemy has been found :)
Also... please list your memorized spells and prayers for the day at the bottom of your post.
And... any continuing spells in your headers like I did for Valla below
Valla AC:16/16/12 HP:6/6 *SHIELD* Tuesday August 4th, 2009 8:45:26 PM so much for surprise Valla looks around to the group, and starts casting a spell, Ar'Selu'Tel'Quess, Theur amin Talas amin kery! and a shimmer of light appears before Valla (Translation: People of the High Art, Shield my body from my foes!)
Valla casts shield on himself.
I added your Continuing Spell in your header -- DM JIM
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