DM Cayzle - Turmoil at Twilight Tuesday May 18th, 2010 7:50:05 AM
There is discussion of dangers, and of possible enemy encounters. As Alexi points out, the risk may be high -- and Keela agrees. Jet sees nothing, but really, night has fallen, and that is no surprise. Your kindly DM will assume that you all have doused or hid all lights, and are thus relatively invisible to potential watchers from the air.
OOC: Alexi, please accept a 50 xp cleverness award for your realization.
That being the case, only those with darkvision have much chance of seeing any details on the ground. Your kindly DM will allow Sjurd's talented but blindish efforts to aid another ... to aid Charek, in fact. The dwarf and the druid together puzzle out a tale from what they can find on the ground. They deduce that a couple humans and several equines were here, camped, but that they left. Some time after that, large lizardfolk stood at the edge of the pond too, then left. It is to dark to track them further.
So what is next? Where to go? Alexi, are you suggesting a trip to the north, into the broken lands, where the kidnappers had taken the Ahote children? Your DM is not sure what you mean.
GruemorAC17, HP47 Tuesday May 18th, 2010 11:28:38 AM Let us head that way (pointing in the direction of our 2 Ahote companions camp, mr. DM). It is where the encampment of our friends reside. Mayhaps there we can all settle down, formulate a plan, and plus, have a safe place to leave them (motioning towards the civilians).
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday May 18th, 2010 12:48:09 PM
"Certainly against so many foes, more allies are a good thing. Let us be off towards your companions' camp!"
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+9=19 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=13 ; Tuesday May 18th, 2010 12:50:13 PM
Zeph thinks about the civilians and he begins to speak, "Well, it seems that the only reason we did not go to Plateau city via transporter is because people didn't want to abandon the dig site. SO what say you we find a safe place somewhere nearby, set up camp, and begin formulating a plan to retake your city!?" He shouts hoping to rally some positivity in he dim situation.
"But, until we can establish ourselves, let us lay low and find a place to hide for some time... Hmark? Garret? Team scout assimilate?" and with that, Zeph will begin walking in the direction proposed, ahead of the group to scout. He will look out for any caves, large trees to camp in, forests or any safe-looking place around that a temporary shelter could be constructed.
(Spot =19 Listen =11 Hide =22 move silent =13)
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Tuesday May 18th, 2010 4:30:12 PM
Jet patiently waits and listens to others ideas. Since some voiced his own thoughts, he just stands there and waits for Garth to give the command and Jet will begin to see that the old mans words are done.
Bantom on the other hand, well, he is finally outside and it is hard for him not to nuzzle up against Jet's mare Vaya or any of the other horses that might be in heat.
Jet looks that way and shakes his head with a smile, before he finally says something, "No sense in both of us going without. Hurry up though, you will be running awkwardly if we have to go before you are done!"
Bantom replies in that obviously horse like voice, "Just worry about yourself human and stop watching, pervert"
That causes Jet to stifle a big laugh before he thinks about it and shivers in disgust at the thought.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday May 18th, 2010 9:57:18 PM
OOC: Cayzle, Alexi was refering to the first badlands, ie. in retracing their path back towards Floating City.
Going west and somewhat south, to the left of the plains there is a region of dry hills, canyons, and such. A 'road' leads from an opening in this area and gradually the vegetation gets better until you reach Floating City. These badlands was where the group first met the Ahote. See Vol 1, Chapter 7.
Excerpt from Vol. 1, Chapter 7: (Towards late afternoon, Beren and Caelnin rounded a bend in the valley floor and a massive stone arch appeared before them, first one leg and then the other. The stone was uneven, smoothed only by wind and rain, and made from the same stone as the steep canyon walls. Atop the plateau above them a small dust cloud was kicked up as several riders moved off and out of sight. "This looks like the place, doesn't it?" Caelnin said as he guided Hutheria around the place, looking looking for anything suspicious. "Can you see anything?" he asked as he moved closer to the arch. Beren almost missed the dust trail from atop the plateau. Without pointing, he nodded towards the telltale signal. "Our inquisitive guests are back. I still do not know who they are." An even larger dust trail arose behind them, signaling the progress of the main body of the caravan. Ahead of the two scouts, the steep canyon curved to the north where it appeared to divide; one arm leading northeast, and the other in a more westerly direction.)
End of Vol. 1, Chapter 8: (It took the better part of two days before Beren spotted smoke rising from a passage opening towards the east.)
From this, it is a two day ride from Bryn Baraz to the Arch of Stone that pointed the way out of the badlands and on to the plains.
Alexi suggests return to that point.
IC: "For certain we need to head for cover. We're like a herd of slow cattle out in this open land come daylight. Wichever way you guys snuck in, if there is any cover at all, would be the best way to go for right now. If we can reach the Stone Arch, we will be safe, as those valleys and canyons have some water and grass and easy to hide in. Plus, that is where we first meet the Ahote. We could band together for awhile for protection until this plague passes over."
OOC: we don't have a map of this area but Vol 1, Chapter 7 and 8 describe it well.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Tuesday May 18th, 2010 10:36:04 PM
Sjurd and Uli follow along with the group.
Uli occasionally chases rabbits or squirrels into the undergrowth, while Sjurd passes the time by softly singing Giantish marching chants. A bright blue butterfly lazily drifts behind him on their journey.
Keela Wednesday May 19th, 2010 1:18:51 AM
"There is no shelter for us here," Keela says, looking around anxiously. "We should probably start moving. It's better than standing still."
She goes among the common folk, making sure everybody is all right, helping where she can with fractious children or anxious adults.
DM Cayzle - A Night March Wednesday May 19th, 2010 7:43:30 AM
There is wide agreement, and Garth nods. "We cannot stay here. So let's move some."
It takes a little effort to get a column in good order, but a night march it is, towards the southlands, along the route taken to get to this area.
There might be small caves or thickets with clearings, suitable for a small party of ten or twenty, but there is no place big enough to shelter 50 or 60 people with goods and livestock. At least, not here, at night. There is also the danger of crying babies and the incredibly easy-to-follow trail that you are creating.
Garth confers with Dwain, and he is clearly getting more and more nervous. He pulls you heroes together for a conversation. "We came this way with better provisions and no enemies hunting for us. That was hard enough, and we are worse off now. Tell me how this is a viable strategy? In the morning, unless something turns up or I hear a better plan, I'm want us to use the teleport stakes. What we are here is a walking massacre."
"Comments? Better ideas?"
Hmark Wednesday May 19th, 2010 9:10:01 AM
Hmark had assigned himself rearguard. Trailing the group, the archer becomes more and more crestfallen as he moves along the chruned up path, carefully stepping around animal droppings, and occasionally spotting a discarded cloth or broken tool left by the moving assembly.
When Garth pulls the heroes together and voices his concern, the young man nods unhappily. "He's right, my grandmother could follow this group. And she's been dead ten years."
Pondering a moment, he adds, "On the other hand, once these good folk get out of danger, the rest of us got a ready-made pathway the lizards will be following. And seein how plain the path is, they might get lazy following it. We could double back and probably get a really nice ambush set up somewhere."
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Wednesday May 19th, 2010 9:52:00 AM
Sjurd throws up his hands, "Don't look at me. I vas in favor of teleportation from the beginning. Ve are currently in a situation vhere speed und discretion are necessary for survival, yet ve are burdened by children und livestock. If ve cannot have speed und discretion, then defense und might are necessary. Defense und might, however, vill draw the snakemen to us like moths to flame. Ve cannot even use torches or set cooking fires, since that vould only draw even more attention." He scratches the back of his head and looks about the terrain, "Mr. Garth, you are in an untenable position. Your group cannot hurry, cannot set defenses, cannot use fire to see in the dark or cook food, und assuredly cannot fight vithout great loss of life und limb. I suggest you use your teleportation stakes. You can alvays come back vith troops und armament to secure the village another time."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Wednesday May 19th, 2010 11:16:24 AM
Jet remains quiet as people tell Garth what they think.
Jet owns what he is carrying. He has a lot less to loose then dreams, which is what all these people came here with. Jet looks back at the column and starts taking a count, of all those that want to go to safety and a count of all that want to stay and fight. Jet will have a lot of respect for those that want to stay and wishes he could do more for them at the moment.
He returns to Garth with a head count of who will go, if the teleporter is used.
Bantom seems frustrated.
GruemorAC17, HP47 Wednesday May 19th, 2010 11:50:24 AM
Doesn't say a word.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+9=27 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=28 ; Wednesday May 19th, 2010 2:41:02 PM
Zeph listens to everyone speak, especially Garth. He nods at Sjurd in agreement. "Sir Garth, you are the man in charge of leading this expedition and any order you say sticks. So, let's make the decision and give the order you want to. Don't hesitate." Zeph hopes that his prompting will lead Garth to order that all the civilians leave now via the teleportation device.
Then Zeph, swinging his spiked chain, walks up to Jet, Hmark, Garret, Sjurd, Alexi, Gruemor and Keela (Did I miss anyone?), "And I also vote that a team stay behind and gather information about this damn floating Lizard City. We can send info back to Plateau City via animal messengers, Sjurd, or a sending spell, and request reinforcements... and probably start on a fun military-style campaign of taking the lizards down piece by piece. Y'never know, you may even get to stab their queen in her head with your own blade... I'd like to wring her neck myself." Zeph's grip on his spiked chain gets tight as he talks and his voice gets rather deep and semi-insane sometimes.
Then Zeph blinks and smiles at the group, "But until then, I'll be scouting for a hideout where we can probably establish a base camp." and then Zeph goes about half a mile in front on the group, keeping eyes out for possible hostiles
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 19th, 2010 8:57:09 PM
Alexi sits his saddle and listens. For one who wanted to attack the lizards from the mine entrace, this trek is a waste of time. 'I only suggested this because it was the only option,' he ponders.
To Garth he says, "There are no good suggestions. There is, however, good decisions. Our exploration of this area showed game enough to feed the people. But that was before the lizards. There may only be grasshoppers left now. Keeping the poeple hidden during the day is also more difficult than a exploration patrol. Barring reaching the Ahote badlands before daylight where we can hide our trail with a little magic and a good broom, I'd say get these folks out of here with the teleport sticks."
"Boy, I sure'd like to see the lizardmen faces when they follow it to the spot and it suddenly vanishes into thin air. HA! Smile Lizard-Lips! You've been had! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
After a good laugh, he turns to Jet, "We could, theoretically, set up a hidden camp at the Stone Arch and raid the lizardmen from there. We would have several hidden camps made so that we can flee one when chased and hide in another. Those valleys have plenty of grass, game, and the maze would be hard to follow from ground or air. If, that is, this group is so inclinded on having fun with the lizardmen."
"Anyone here capable of turning himself into a lizardman to sneak into a patrol, climb aboard a floating thing, find out how it works, let loose with a fireball and cause it to crash, and then do it again?"
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Wednesday May 19th, 2010 10:14:14 PM
Jet sits on Bantom and listens to Alexi and finally says, "Those under contract will do as Garth directs. Those that are not can do as they will. If Garth says all of Bryn Baraz returns, then that is what happens. If he sets us free from our contracts, then I will likely go back and drink myself into a stupor for a month. If he says, seek revenge for these people and the Ahote, then that too, I will gladly do."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday May 19th, 2010 10:26:57 PM
"Well then, let us see what morning brings and what the light shall reveal. If nothing, then indeed, let's get the people to safety."
Keela Thursday May 20th, 2010 1:17:50 AM
Keela had been hoping that there was some way to save the settlement, but now she sees that the dream is over. The settlers, once so full of hope, must either be slaughtered here, or flee and lose everything. It is bitter defeat, but it must be.
"We need to teleport. I agree," she says.
"But we should go with them. There's no point in staying here and fighting the lizards if there are no folks to defend."
DM Cayzle - Dawn Breaks Thursday May 20th, 2010 7:31:18 AM
Dwain barks a harsh laugh at Hmark's comment about his dead grandmother. Hmark goes on to make an interesting suggestion about a potential ambush. In the end, he agrees that teleporting the civilians is the way to go.
Sjurd agrees. It's past time, in fact.
Jet takes a tally of opinions. He finds that most of the refugees are a little more than somewhat demoralized, and very few want to stay, whether to cower in hiding or fight a hard fight.
Gruemor is quiet, but he goes over in his mind the instructions for activating the teleport stakes.
Zeph suggests that a team stay back to investigate, maybe to fight. He looks for a place to camp, and finds a clearing with bramble on two sides at the base of a hill.
Alexi remembers several good camping spots. One or two would serve well for a long time, with some stealth. He thinks that the teleport stakes are the way to go too, though he seems inclined, with Zeph, to stay behind to harry the enemy.
Garrett listens and waits. In the morning, it will be time to act.
Keela sadly agrees that it is time to go. But she sees no reason to stay.
At dawn, the mass of refugees has travelled a long ways, given their capabilities. In other words, not so far as seasoned adventurers could have gone, not by a long shot. The people are huddled in a small wood, a bit of forest created by the confluence of a stream and a small valley, offering a little relief from wind and weather.
There are no signs of flying orbs, nor of the hunters or of lizards. Is this peaceful place a refuge, or a trap?
Garth sighs. "It is too far to the Stone Arch, and even if we got there, so what? We would be fools to walk home, since if we want to go home we can manage it faster and safer with magic."
"There are only two reasons to stay. One, if we want to try to oust the lizards and take back the village. But we have already turned from that path, and no one has given a good argument that we could hold Bryn Baraz, even if we took it. Two, if we wanted to hide and make a new place to live, somehow restarting the mine in secret, living under the lizards' noses. Does anyone see any hope in doing that?"
"I guess there is a third option, that is out of our control. What if the lizards are only passing through on their flying mountain? What if they are going to leave? Maybe we could lay low until they are gone."
"But if we do stay, how can we stay hidden given all these people?"
"No, unless someone can convince me there is a solid chance of success, I cannot gamble with these lives. Charek, Gruemor, please set up the stakes. Is there anyone who would argue that all of us should stay here?"
==========
[OOC: Tomorrow your DM will have Garth call for volunteers to stay behind. Those who do will form a group to gather information and act to prepare for a return. Information and some help will be arranged through magic, but not a lot. Then, as the refugees go home through the portal, the magic will flicker as large masses of mithril pass through. The interaction will collapse the magic early, stranding not only the volunteers but all player characters in the wilds. If you have a problem with this, let me know asap!]
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Thursday May 20th, 2010 10:39:48 AM
Sjurd ponders the situation, rubbing the chin of his mask in a thoughtful sort of way.
OOC: Sjurd could be enticed to stay behind and prepare the refugee's return, given adequate compensation. Otherwise, he is more interested in protecting the wildlands than the villagers.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Thursday May 20th, 2010 11:27:41 AM
Jet is beginning to get frustrated with Garth. The man is not leading!
"Garth, the lizard people, when we negotiated told, us we would be paying them homage if we surrendered. That means, they wil be back, especially since they left some of their own troops behind."
Jet understands what it is like to be demoralized. It was a constant condition for him before he was shown the wisdom of the gods. That has made him strong. These people though, do not have the same opportunities as a sixteen year old man.
"I would like to suggest, that if some of us stay, we return to the tunnels and learn their secrets. Perhaps we can find some allies down there and if we discover enemies to Bryn Baraz, then we can clean them up for the foreseen future of this community."
GruemorAC17, HP47 Thursday May 20th, 2010 11:48:54 AM
Waits.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Thursday May 20th, 2010 5:59:17 PM
Charzak listens to garth's and the others' conversations and in the morning begins to set up the telportation area, making sure to find as level and open an area as possible.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Thursday May 20th, 2010 7:09:05 PM
Zeph nods his head and is pleased at Garth's decision. "Well, if my companions, Hmark and Garret would accompany me, I would be glad to stay behind and gather information and harrass the Lizardfolk."
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday May 20th, 2010 9:37:32 PM
Alexi sighs, "Well, I signed up for this tour for fame and glory. Going back home empty handed won't gain me any fame and glory feathers. I'm staying here to fight even if we have to take and retake Bryn Baraz a dozen times. I'll have lizard skin boots for everyone of these folk when they finally return."
Deep inside Alexi actually says, I'll go wherever Keela goes but he dare not say that out loud.
While they wait for dawn, Alexi first marks the location of this campsite on his map, then scribles a note to his mom telling her he is alright and tell dad I've become very important here. They all listen to me and marvel at my skills gained from the Iron Fist. He hands the note to Pliney and Lollena and asks them to have it delivered when they arrive in Plateau City.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday May 20th, 2010 9:47:27 PM
While watching and listening outward, Garret nods to Zeph and says, "Yes, I would be honored to stay and, well, harass them."
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Thursday May 20th, 2010 11:27:44 PM
OOC: My post for Friday will be this weekend. My wife and I are celebrating our 5th anniversary tomorrow and I won't be available.
Keela Friday May 21st, 2010 1:13:56 AM
Keela considers the choice before her, and feels her heart breaking. "I want to go with my family," she says softly.
"I want to," she continues, "but I can't. If people are staying, I need to stay with them. It's possible the mine can be re-taken." She is, at the moment, too tired and heartsick to explain the economics of farming, but feels compelled to point out once more: "The mine may be able to be re-taken, but the village and the farms are a total loss. You may be able to get other farmers to come out here at some future date, but this venture is finished."
DM Cayzle - And Awayayayay We Go! Friday May 21st, 2010 7:54:05 AM
It is time to go. Garth is suddenly busy getting everyone set and orderly. He knows he only has a minute, and it will take some organizing. But soon enough, all is ready. He thanks Charek for getting the stakes ready.
If there is anything you need, now is the time to claim it. You are welcome to any mundane tools, supplies, water, etc. A mule or a burro? Anything? Here is your chance to stock up on rope, blankets, etc.
While some tend to gear, others have to say farewell. Maybe the hardest parting is that of a family separating. Keela's nephews and niece are crying, and they cling to her before their dad pulls them away. Senna, on the other hand, manages to keep her eyes dry through sheer force of will. "I'm not worried about you," she says. "You made that Web! You're a powerful mage now. Sometimes you don't see what's right in front of you, but I look at you and your friends and I know you are a true hero." She hugs her sister and whispers a few more goodbys that perhaps we should let them have in private.
Garth turns to offer a few last words to the group. "I know there is essential work to be done here, and I thank you for staying to do it. I also do know," he says, looking at Alexi, Jet, and Keela, "that the original contractual basis for employment cannot apply any more. Instead, I will talk to the Company and arrange a just compensation for the dangers you will be facing. I think the mithril we are bringing back will push them to be more than fair."
Dwain, who has been listening, adds, "I'll make sure of that."
"Now, I have to tell you, one of my largest fears is that you will not be an effective team. I urge you to resolve your differences first, today, as soon as we go. Pick a leader, or choose a rotating leadership, or make a committee, or vote, or whatever it is you have to do to knit yourselves into a team that can function together. Or surely the lizards will tear you apart."
"Now good luck and may the gods smile on you all."
He signals when all is ready, and the magic is activated. In orderly but swift movements, the entire company walks into the circle and then disappears. One by one, families and friends head through. Mama Belle waves goodbye to Jet, and a few of the girls blow him kisses.
And now there are just nine of you.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday May 21st, 2010 8:54:22 AM
Just before they head in, Garret grabs a mule with a few supplies. "Just in case we need a few things to stay for a while, it's okay, right?" He makes sure the mule has some rope, some tarps, and a few other camping type items for a long-term campsite.
He then steps back and watches the magic work, focusing on the stakes, trying to see how they work.
When they are all gone, he looks around and says, "Whew. Kind of quiet now, isn't it?"
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Friday May 21st, 2010 11:51:01 AM
Jet gathers as many supplies as Vaya can carry and still run if she has to. Jet is resolved to do whatever he can for those leaving and those staying. he takes extra rope and blankets as well as oil and of course, he needs booze to salute the gods each morning in prayer for spells.
When everyone is gone, except those that wanted to remain behind, Jet dismounts off his horse where he can see everyone, eye to eye.
"This is what I suggest. We all place a single name on a piece of paper, for the one person we want to follow and you can not write in yourself. The person with the most votes is leader, at least until they prove they can not do the job well."
He shrugs his shoulders, "I would normally suggest we choose, right by might and have a battle royal for the strongest leader, but besides the noise that would be created by such a skirmish, it would also deplete our resourses."
GruemorAC17, HP47 Friday May 21st, 2010 12:42:21 PM I have no clue what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are. Its obvious Jet you are probably the strongest, if not gruffest of us all, but is that enough for leadership? I am more on the diplomatic end of things, is that enough for leadership as well? What I suggest, instead of drawing a name, is we just heed to the person who is strongest in an area we are delving to, and go from there. Obviously, when it comes to martial business, you and Charek and a few of you others are the ones the rest will turn to. When it comes dispensing with the diplomatic businesses, then those of us who are comfortable, with the approval of the group in whole, should be the ones to carry out that aspect of things. Same goes for you sneaky type people. I have no strategy involving that and for me or jet or whoever, to tell you how to accomplish that goal is on the odd side. So, I guess my opinion is this: Not a single power of authority, since, we all have just met and to be honest, some of us have not made the best impression, yet, but over time that will find a way of mending itself. But as a whole, let us, for now, just have a committee type leadership until a time comes, which again, inevitibly will, when everyone starts turning to one or two people, then then is when we will have a defined leadership.
Hmark Friday May 21st, 2010 1:50:28 PM
Hmark scores the group a pack mule, and tries to find climbing-type supplies (hammers and pitons). And, if he can find another quiver of arrows or two, he'd be a happy camper.
The conversation around leadership comes up, and Hmark merely nods at Zeph. The archer isn't about to get into an argument about it though.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Friday May 21st, 2010 4:08:55 PM
OOC: Quick post. More this weekend.
1. You are welcome to any mundane tools, supplies, water, etc.
"I vill take a mule. His name vill be Thorvik. That vas the name of my least favorite brother."
2. Pick a leader, or choose a rotating leadership, or make a committee, or vote, or whatever it is you have to do to knit yourselves into a team that can function together.
"Hmm.... that vill require some thought."
Keela Friday May 21st, 2010 7:16:15 PM
"I'll keep Daisy, of course," Keela says, taking the bridle of her loyal farm-horse. Er, steed.
She also takes all of her clothing, a set of cookpots, and as much food as she can pack into Daisy's saddlebags with all that other stuff in there. Finally, she claims a lock of hair from Senna and each of her children before they depart.
She doesn't join in the discussion of leadership, but watches to see what the outcome will be.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Friday May 21st, 2010 7:30:52 PM
Having lost their ponies when they went into the caves, Charek gathers a burro loaded with a pack saddle, 2 - 50 ft ropes, a miner's pick/hammer, a canvas tarp, and one empty barrel for Gruemor.
Having aided the civies through the teleport circle, he pulls up the stakes and repacks them even though he knows the magic is used up.
Then moving aside while the others start getting ready, he takes out his ax and begins going through a number of fighting patterns, flowing from one to the other with the air of someone completely as one with his weapon. When complete, oddly enough it looks like he is whispering to his blade as he wipes it down and oils it.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Friday May 21st, 2010 7:50:56 PM In regard to others posts...
Jet doesn't know what to think of not having a specific leader. As long as he has been alive he has been a part of a pack and a pack always has an Alpha. When he was a child he had his mother and father. As an orphan on the street, there were kids that were bigger and stronger and one does as they say or face regular beatings. Learning the ways of the priest, he had a great mentor in Finvarr and he hired on, to this expedition to earn some money and work for another.
Some people don't seem to voice an opinion on the subject and it leaves Jet to wonder how things will work out.
"What about the now then? Tunnels, Ahote, or retake Bryn Baraz over and over again, because we will not be able to hold it after taking it."
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Friday May 21st, 2010 11:27:42 PM
Zeph nods at Dwain and Garth as they leave and he sighs and shakes his head when he sees the tears flow from his new companion's friends, "Family... what it must be like."
As far as supplies go, I think that the rest of the group got the basics covered: wine, water, food, tents, mule and cart, arrows, oil, torches... maybe some alchemist fire or smoke sticks??? OH... and a horse (my old one was named Shadow, but I think I lost him while teleporting all the way here)
But what Zeph is most concerned about is how exactly the group will communicate info back to the rest of the people. He asks Garth, Dwain, and Keela about any spells that could accomplish it, or if not spells, then any other message-system that could be established. Zeph tells Garth "When you get to the Star Mage tower, make sure to contact their Diviner. Keep scrying on us as long as you can and send us messages about how you are doing... But also scry the area around us and make sure to send warning if we are in danger of being ambushed. I'm sure you can pay some wizard enough to keep an eye on us for some time. Also, if we ever need a quick extraction, I will give you a signal of some sort. So have a Wizard ready to possibly teleport here and teleport us out."
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday May 22nd, 2010 7:31:55 PM
The people are gone. Alexi has picked up supplies from his farmer friend Ned (See Vol 1. Chapt 1) who had been keeping 300gp worth of farming tools for the cavalryman. "Keep the tools for your new start, I just need some rope, oil, and food."
Now it was time to choose a leader.
"Well, we need a leader, 'cause I don't want to look befuddled when someone comes up to us and says, Take me to your Leader. Now, in the Mailed Fists, we had lieutenants that took care of most of the work and a captain that served as administrator and final word. So I'd say we need a lieutenant to head up the Intelligence Gathering, a lieutenant to head up the Supply Gathering and Camp Organization, and so forth. My opinion is that whoever leads what, should Want to lead it. So before we start naming names, let's get volunteers for the different positions first."
"We need a Chief Scout, Chief Hunter, a Chief Animal Caretaker, a Chief Camp Organizer, a War Chief, a Chief Councilman, and other Chief things you come up with."
"With volunteers in those positions, it will be much the easier to choose the leader of the group. To start with, I'll volunteer to be the Chief Animal Caretaker, as my knowledge of saddles, packs, and such is my strong part. But I'll not be put out if I'm not chosen as the leader. I'll help in that area as I always have."
IC: "Or gather wood, or stir the cookpot, or dig the latrine... even the War Chief should help dig the latrine every now and then, eh?"
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Saturday May 22nd, 2010 8:24:30 PM
Sjurd finishes his pondering, "Hmm... perhaps an anarcho-syndicalist commune. You know, ve could take turns to act as sort of an executive officer. But all the decisions of that officer have to ratified at a special meeting by a simple majority in the case of internal affairs, but by a two-thirds majority if..." His voices trails off and he mentally wanders for a moment. He jerks his head back, "Or ve can spill blood like civilized folk. It matters not."
He listens to Alexi speak and nods in agreement, "I believe ve should have those vith expertise lead vhen the subject of their expertise is at hand. An overarching executive officer is not necessary. Situational leadership, I say."
Keela Sunday May 23rd, 2010 1:30:40 AM But I'm not really good at anything, Keela thinks, seeing the way the discussion is going. Nobody has said anything about a Chief Magic Person--not that I could do it if we did need one. A wry smile.
"Perhaps I can be Chief Follower," she murmurs.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+9=22 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+13=18 ; Sunday May 23rd, 2010 10:04:29 AM
Zeph shrugs at Alexi's ideas about division of labor and leaders, and simply says, "Scout... and resident fibber"
And with that he will start scouting around the base camp for about a mile or so in each direction to make sure no lizards will sneak up on the group in the night.
(ALso, could I tack onto my request for equipment: traps of all kinds. Trip wires. Spikes, darts, etc? I will make heavy use of traps in this next module if allowed...)
If Zeph gets some traps from the Dwarves, he will set a few around the base camp, mainly to act as a warning, so he will attach bells to each trip wire.
(Spot =22 Listen =13 Hide =26 Move silent = 19 bluff =18.... blah, was trying to show off my skillz)
DM Cayzle - Looking for Leadership Monday May 24th, 2010 7:31:41 AM
The group takes a moment to talk about leadership. One proposal is to have one leader over all. Another is that each should, in turn, be a leader when his or her expertise is needed.
The discussion continues, and Jet puts the first decision to the group:
"What about the now then? Tunnels, Ahote, or retake Bryn Baraz over and over again, because we will not be able to hold it after taking it."
How would a rotating group leadership proposal resolve this fundamental and immediate question?
[DM OOC: The danger of a single leader, especially in a nine-player game, is that some players may feel marginalized. The danger with "each leads in turn as appropriate" is that defining who is leader for any given moment becomes problematic, and may lead the group into chaos and indecision. If I can make a suggestion for a compromise? I have seen it play well with two or three leaders. For example, one for combat (the general), one for diplomacy (the face), and one for finding a consensus in group decision making (the facilitator). For a Wold example, the long-running Mithril Tap has a combat leader and a non-combat leader.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] d20+13=26 ; Monday May 24th, 2010 9:18:31 AM
Garret smiles when he overhears Keela's mumbling. He nods to her and winks, "Nice one. Chief follower. Heh."
He speaks to the group as discussions are made, "We can continue to consider our leadership plan. But in the meantime, Jet brings up a good point -- where are we going now? It seems the tunnel isn't a good plan at the moment, we already looked there. Retaking Bryn Baraz seems like a pointless effort at this time. So I guess we need to head to the Ahote next, don't you think?"
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Monday May 24th, 2010 10:16:21 AM
Jet just crosses his arms as he waits for everyone to come to mind on the subject and thinks for a moment without any outward sign of frustration, That's right, let us just stand around and look at each other. There would be no doubt we would be doing something else if I were still leading this group!
Jet slows Garret down, "One moment, there is more then one tunnel. Now if my memory is correct, there were four other passageways below the earth, three which have not been explored. One to small for medium sized people to walk upright in."
"Now while some of you may just wander off without telling anyone where they are going," Jet looks off at Zeph "I suggest we stay together until we come to a decision."
Jet watches as the horizon begins to show signs of the great yellow orb that graces their day, "Also, I am more worried that we will lead our enemies to the front door of our friends. The Ahote are adapt at hiding and hunting, where on the other hand, I am loud and clumsy. The lizard people may just follow us to find them. I would really like to find other allies if it is possible. We need all the help we can get in our fight."
Jet just continues to wait. Even when Garth is not around, Jet has always done as he was ordered and his last command was to get along with everyone. Jet will not go against orders unless he has to. He prays he never has to atone to Pantheon for such actions.
Hmark Monday May 24th, 2010 11:36:33 AM
Hmark strokes his goatee in thought. "I'd agree a battle leader is a must," he notes. "And, I agree I ain't the one to be that guy."
"As for what to do next, my suggestion is we go kill some lizards. We can start back for the tunnels like Jet said. But, on the way, let's clear off this trail the villagers left and see if we can surprise any lizards fixin to follow it."
"After, I'm thinking we clear out Byrn Baraz once anyway. Whoever's in charge has gotta have some kinda marching orders, or maps, or something that might be real interesting. We ain't gotta hold the place. Just hit it, grab what looks interesting, and move on to the tunnels or the Ahote or whatever."
GruemorAC17, HP47 Monday May 24th, 2010 12:35:52 PM It is obvious to me who think they should be leader. In my opinion, and my experience, the strongest is not always the best leader. Sometimes that hot headedness leads people into decisions where cooler heads should prevail. But in the same regards, inaction sometimes lead to obliteration. So what we need is a union of both. So, the strongest be in charge of martial, the cooler head be in charge of diplomacy and have a 3rd person, more nuetral in most things, be the spokesperson. He or she has the final say, not to say the rest won't have a vote in most things, but when a definite leader is needed, once votes and arguements are made, he or she has the final vote, or veto.
And since it's been brought up. Do we really think the 9 of us can clear out the lizard folk in the mining community? If these creatures have these advanced means, it is clear to me that we wouldn't stand a chance without some sort of reserve to assist. And right now, our best chance for help is back at the Ahote camp Charek and I got our guides from.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday May 24th, 2010 2:00:07 PM
Garret nods at Hmark, "True, they might have some sort of plans or something. I don't know how well these lizard things can read, but perhaps a map might reveal where they've been or what their end goal might be in this case."
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Monday May 24th, 2010 3:58:36 PM
Sjurd grunts noncommittally, "Do vhat you vish." He and Uli spend time playing tag in the nearby forest.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Monday May 24th, 2010 4:47:45 PM
Zeph agrees that the Ahote camp is probably the best bet. "Just point me in the right direction and I will scout ahead... hopefully with Garret to accompany me." Zeph volunteers, knowing that he and the Halfling make a pretty swell sneaky team.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday May 24th, 2010 9:25:02 PM
Garret nods at Zeph and gives him the thumbs up.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday May 24th, 2010 10:17:00 PM
Alexi rolls his eyes. Ok, we got some wanting to find the Ahote, and some wanting to hit the lizards. So who's going to be the leader and make the decision?
"Ahem," Alexi coughs a little cough. "IF, and IF, the lizardmen see this trail we made, they'll send out a small scouting force to check it out. That means less lizardmen at Bryn Baraz. That means a greater chance to wipe the occupation force out, then hit the scouting party on their way back. Then, we look for the Ahote. The lizards in their flying city won't know of it for a while and it will take some time to send re-forcements. So we've got plenty of time to make our tracks scarce and days old before they show up."
"Let's bring some lizard boots to the Ahote as gifts of friendship, not lizardmen hunting us."
Alexi looks around at the group, "You want some blood? Raise your sword or wand if you are with me to hit Bryn Baraz now. We enter through the hidden goat path and with magic and steel we clean them out. They want the bodies of their fallen back? FINE! We take their skins and leave their bodies! The Mailed FIST don't back down, just regroup and hit their weak point!"
"Make your decision now!" Alexi draws his sword and raises it high.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Monday May 24th, 2010 11:37:16 PM
Sjurd clucks his tongue, "So rash, that one. Vhy cross blades vhen you can vatch them die from afar? I vould rather place a magical contagion on a livestock animal und send it into the city to contaminate their food supply. Perhaps mindfire or mummy rot. Hmm... yes, they vould be forced to send a sizable number of troops into the wilds to hunt for food, softening their defenses. Or they vould vacate the village entirely." He taps where his nose would be on the mask with his index finger, deep in thought. "Or perhaps cackle fever." He turns to his warhound, "Uli remembers what cackle fever feels like." The mastiff raises one ear and growls softly.
Sjurd turns back to the party, he notices a blue butterfly perched on his shoulder and brushes it away before speaking. "This needs to be settled. I suggest ve vote on our system of governance first, then follow the strictures of that system. I support a system of officers vith no executive head. Differences in opinion can be settled through officer tallies."
Keela Tuesday May 25th, 2010 12:35:18 AM
"I would prefer to check in with the Ahote," Keela said. "Their holy men foresaw this. They might be foreseeing more now that would be of use to us."
"But if seeking them out truly would put them in danger," she continues, "I don't want to risk it." She thinks for a moment, then asks, "If we start toward the Ahote, can some of the sneakier people among us drop back and see whether we are being followed? That way we could stop if the lizard folk were after us, and avoid leading them to our friends."
DM Cayzle - Out Of Character Tuesday May 25th, 2010 7:40:03 AM
Friends, let me pause the game and break off from in character posts for a moment. I really do not want to run a game based on player conflict. I want you guys to have a means of making decisions that you can use to heroically resolve the challenges I throw at you.
So please step out of character for a moment and post your meta-comment on how to resolve the issue of decision making. What leader or leaders do you want? Who will make the decisions, and how? Let's get it out there: what leaders do you want, in what role, doing what jobs? Put out your proposals. We'll vote tomorrow, and have a run-off if necessary, until we have a system in place.
Sorry to halt the game, but I need you guys to come together as players first, and then I need your characters to come together as comrades and heroes.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday May 25th, 2010 8:35:22 AM
OOC: Hmmm... This is quite interesting. As a matter of fact, I don't think any of our characters are actually a strong leader-type at the moment. It honestly seems like all of our characters are used to following a leader up to this point. Sure, they're heroes, and I bet they could work together without an official leader, but still, none of them seem to be built for that leader job. After all, the one group only got here after following direct orders and under contract. The other group appeared by following some dreams and visions. I think there's a number of characters that could lead, but they're going to have to be forced into that leadership position.
Garret, Hmark, and Zeph come in with Charismas of 10, 11, and 13. Nothing overpowering there. Sjurd weighs in with a 10 and a really funny accent. Alexi shows 10, Keela with 11. Jet has only a 13. Charek has a 9, and I'm not sure what Gruemor has. So its not like we have someone with a 16 or higher, with a strong, powerful charisma that's going to drive people to follow them. In fact, weirdly enough, almost all these characters seem to have been built with the idea of following someone else (That's certainly not meant as an insult, its just how the characters look to me).
So where does that leave us? I'm not completely sure. Is there any player that wants to stand up and have their character change to take that leadership role?
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Tuesday May 25th, 2010 8:45:03 AM
OOC: From where I stand, it seems that the larger the group, the more likely a decision made by a single person is going to upset someone in that group. So I'm not in favor of an executive head. Someone mentioned a facilitator/tie-breaker, which seems like a good idea, but I don't want a single party leader. Having multiple leaders for different roles, with the other officers having veto power, would ensure that unpopular decisions are kept to a minimum.
So I think we should have three captains. The Marshal would coordinate and plan all combat, both in planning and execution. The Ambassador would coordinate and lead all social interaction. The Voyageur would coordinate and plan all travel and scouting, as well as party materiel. Any decision by one of the captains can be overridden by a unanimous vote of the other two captains.
How does this sound?
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Tuesday May 25th, 2010 10:22:04 AM
Guys, there is going to come a time when this is going to fall apart, so let me just throw out a few points here. This three captains stuff is not going to work. The proverbial to many cooks... What heppens when all three "captains" disagree? Just more argument and three plus days of wasted game discussion.
Despite how you feel about Jet...
Jet has experience in leading people. He has lead several people while working for Bryn Baraz. Yes, he is an ass, but he also has everyones best interest at heart. He has offered up his life three or four times in order to make sure, everyone else stays alive.
Now, for me. I am a trained warrior in the SCA. I am trained for combat and melee style fighting. I am well versed in shield walls and how to flank an enemy for optimum effeciency. I am actually trained to fight with martial weapons and wear martial armor.
Now, if you don't want to vote for Jet, that is fine, but do me a favor and don't mention Jet in you ooc post please? If you want the job of leader, then put yourself up. Give us a reason to appreciate what you have to offer, but the time to stop putting my character down has arrived. You don't have to like either of us for us to do a good job for your character.
Now, on a side note, I will not be here Thursday, Friday or Monday. I have an event I need to go to, where, I get to fight, woot! Would someone like to run Jet for me?
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Tuesday May 25th, 2010 10:52:29 AM
Hmm... having task-related captains has worked in other groups I've played with. Very well, actually. And I'm having some trouble seeing how three captains would be too many cooks, to use your phrase, since our total party is a whopping nine PCs. My aim is to minimize the likelihood of decisions that someone really doesn't like. This may slow down decision-making from time to time, but it will avoid alienating party members with unpopular decisions from a single leader.
Also, we don't seem to have a binding group goal at the moment. Some are interested in the development of Bryn Baraz, of which the snakemen are a current problem. Others have the defeat of the snakemen as their goal, and Bryn Baraz just happens to be the closest location to find them. Once we defeat them, half the group will want to find the next snakemen location, while half will want to help the refugees re-establish themselves in the village. Our journeys overlap right here and now, but I can see them diverging in the future. But that's just how it looks to me, I may be wrong.
GruemorAC17, HP47 Tuesday May 25th, 2010 11:25:30 AM
Since we are asked to be honest, ill be honest. Right now, Gruemor would rather eat glass and swim in lava than take orders from Jet. You rubbed him the wrong way from the get go, then suggested that only a good leader is someone who can kick someones butt. That is my opinion. On the same note, I am not asking to be leader either. Now, even tho Alexi is a henchman of Jet as Jet is a henchman of Alexi, Gruemor sees more wisdom coming from Alexi, as long as Alexi doesn't become an extension of Jet. That is the only thing I see that would hinder him voting for Alexi.
Im not here to bash one player or another, and you have to look at it from Gruemor's side. He was hired by the investors of the mine to deliver a note to the foreman of said mine, Dwain. And in the end, that message is Exactly what happened. The civilians were sent back to safety. And even tho Garth said staying to fight was futile, and the DM in a couple posts hinted at that, you are still determined to do that, even tho I for one do not want to, as were a few others, but was determined by a few what we Were going to do.
I too was a member of the SCA, knighted in Meridies, no longer playing, but that doesn't mean I am better at leading than the next person.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday May 25th, 2010 11:26:42 AM
I think Sjurd makes a good point there -- if we had a unified goal, the conflicting ideas and lack of solid leadership might change. Because yes, I think all the characters right now are sort of wandering, looking for a solid goal. I'm for right in getting the characters to follow Alexi and his call to war. Its a rallying point, it gives us a leadership decision, if not a leader, and it gives all the characters an immediate, common goal.
We need a leader in combat. When we are in combat, there isn't time to debate everything, and if we're not on the same page, somebody is going to die.
Out of combat, we may not need a leader. We may want the same leader that we have in combat. We may want a different leader.
I really don't think that having one leader in combat and a different leader (or no leader) out of combat is "too many cooks." We are all experienced players, and we all know when we're in combat and when we aren't.
So, to my mind, the only thing we need to have right now is a combat leader. We may or may not want others, but the combat leader is the one thing we need right now. So let's resolve that part of it.
The combat leader needs to be an experienced player who understands the D&D combat rules. He needs to know (vaguely) the abilities of the rest of the party. He needs to pay attention in combat, make sure he understands everything the DM is posting and everything about the map and terrain. He needs to be able to take a little extra time posting when we are in combat. (He might not always have to, but he needs to have the time available).
I'm an experienced player who understands the rules, and I usually have time for longer posts. However, I'm pretty bad about paying attention. So even if Keela weren't so completely unsuited for this, I'd take myself out of the running.
Having played with and/or DMd most of the players here, I'd say Jeff O has the best all-around skill set for this. But how, in-character, we would ever choose Garrett as our combat leader is a bit of a puzzler. :)
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Tuesday May 25th, 2010 4:42:26 PM
(OOC: Well, I nominate myself as second in command. I just want to keep the game moving forward, whether it be to attack the village or find the Ahote. Either way, both I and Zeph are eager to do something and not sit on our hands. I also volunteer to scout, and I am pretty decent with combat stuff, flanking with tumble skill and sneak attacking is my strong points... like any other rogue. I was a decent leader in the last game Zeph was in, and I led Garret, Hmark, and myself here through one hell of a trip. But if needed, I would vote for Alexi or perhaps Keela. Doesn't matter to me, as long as we move in a positive direction- luckily right now either way is positive, but if there is a split decision, then the 'leader' must make it for everone... its both the burden and gift of being in charge. )
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Tuesday May 25th, 2010 7:33:13 PM
So, if I am not mistaken, this is what we are looking at.
Garrett did not choose.
Jet voted for himself.
Sjurd did not choose.
Gruemor chose Alexi (Which I might add is absolutly no extension of Jet, thankfully :) )
Keela choses Garret
Zeph chooses Zeph
And we are still at the same dilemma.
This is getting ridiculous, so, I change my vote to Garret also. There are a few more people left to vote, so we can wait until tomorrow for it to go into effect.
If Alexi didn't have such a crush on Keela, I would have voted for him, but I have seen him stop fighting mid battle to try and help her and none of us need a leader that is focused on one player in the party. i.e Darkmantle battle.
So, if no one objects, Garret will lead us and tell us what to do?
I think this should solve these issues about leadership, at least until something goes terribly, terribly wrong.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday May 25th, 2010 9:42:44 PM
[Also, we don't seem to have a binding group goal at the moment. Some are interested in the development of Bryn Baraz, of which the snakemen are a current problem. Others have the defeat of the snakemen as their goal, and Bryn Baraz just happens to be the closest location to find them. Once we defeat them, half the group will want to find the next snakemen location, while half will want to help the refugees re-establish themselves in the village. Our journeys overlap right here and now, but I can see them diverging in the future. But that's just how it looks to me, I may be wrong.]
Tanner, this sounded like a PC speaking. :) no offense meant. :)
OK, as a Player, here's the goals of all Players I've ever played with: 1) Get xps to go up level so you can do more and stay alive to have more fun 2) to get xps, you have to fight/solve problem
Here, 2) is easy. And if you follow my logic, you'll see how it makes sense.
We are trying to mesh stories and close out Uncharted Lands story line. To me it seem the most logical is to wipe out the remaining lizard guards at Bryn Baraz, then look for another quest, either from the Ahote Dream Seance like we did before or by some other DM provided means.
None of the Three Amigos of Bryn Baraz are now bound to the town, so none will want to stay once they've tasted some revenge (and gotten xps, eh). It was clear by Garth and Dwain that their return to rebuild was optional and the Three Amigos were not expected to be there.
But as Buz said, there's been a lot of how a leader should be choosen and/or how many, but only three real volunteers, a Master Scout, a Chief Follower, and a Chief Animal Handler. But for combat, we can't have half a dozen plans then take a vote. (reminds me of a Red Dwarf Episode where.. oh well)
Someone has to have a final say on what plan to use. Notice I said 'what plan to use'. The player is going to get ideas from the others on how best to takle a situation, and that player will need to choose one, whether it is his or someone elses, and we all need to agree to do our best whith what is chosen. Alexi's plans were always brilliant, but unworkable due to their complexity. Sigh...
So here's the deal. The Leader, Chief Warmaster, needs to be someone that is not going to be burdened with needing to fight AND needing to cast spells, AND needing to coordinate the battle field. Jet is a good fighter and spell caster, so he needs to be in the thick of things. Also Alexi (AND by the way, he, hahahahahahaha, would really fall flat and laugh until he pees if he heard someone say he was Jet's henchman, then laugh even harder, if possible, if he heard someone say Jet was Alexi's henchman. :} )
The war leader doesn't need to be the toughest (not in our group, that is), but one who can make good game decisions and not have to be in the thick of things all the time.
From my Player's perspective, it looks like Garret would be the best candidate for Captain. And so not to end up writing a book here, I'll just leave it at that.
Oh, please, don't anyone take it personal that I chose Garret. :) Any one of us, as Players, would probably do just fine. It's the PC combination I'm thinking of.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday May 25th, 2010 9:43:31 PM
OOC: Man, it didn't look like all that much until I sent it! I did write a book. Shish! Sorry. :}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday May 26th, 2010 6:14:17 AM
OOC: Shesh, a whole page? ;)
Well, it seems that slowly Garret is being put forward. As a character, he is a bit underpowered as a monk (as some here have discussed before) -- but I was going for a more interesting character because after all, who in their right mind chooses a small character to be a monk? Well, uh, I guess I do. He does hit a lot, he just doesn't do a lot of damage, so he wears them down a bit! :)
Given the above criteria, he can certainly take on the role of party leader, because he does have a lot of options at times of battle and can lead (because he doesn't need to always be in the thick of things). So I'll do it, if you folks would like, but as Keela mentioned, we may have to fudge things a wee bit in character to get him in place!
DM Cayzle - Still OOC But Almost Done Wednesday May 26th, 2010 7:11:45 AM
Thanks for your thoughtful discussion, friends. I like that we have found a clear candidate for party leader who seems satisfactory to four of nine players. Unless we get five OOC nay votes before the next DM post, I think we have an answer.
If you would like to have your character speak up in favor of Garret as candidate, then please do make an in-character post as well. Again, sorry to delay the game, but I felt it was needed.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Wednesday May 26th, 2010 7:27:39 AM
Sjurd emerges from the forest. In his left hand he holds a dagger, wet with the slick of blood. In his right hand he holds what appear to be the entrails of a small mammal. He approaches Garret, "I have divined the vill of the Vold. You must be leader, Mr. Goodbarrel. The signs of extispicy do not lie." He reaches out, places the entrails into one of Garret's hands, and squeezes it into a fist. "Embrace your destiny." He returns to stand near Uli and allows the warhound to lick his hands clean.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Wednesday May 26th, 2010 10:26:32 AM
"That is freaking disgusting!" Jet watches as the entrail exchange occurs. That Sjurd is a strange one for certain. Jet will need to keep his eyes on him or her. What the shadows is under that mask anyway?.
"Well, if I have to chose between a love struck Mailed Fist, that's right I said it, why don't you ask Keela out on a walk sometime, so I don't always have to watch you staring at her!"
He continues what he was saying, anyway, "I know monks are well trained and they tend to be wise. As long as he doesn't say, I can't drink booze, then I don't have a problem with it. Maybe we can finally get something done besides sitting around on our armor spikes all day!"
GruemorAC17, HP47 Wednesday May 26th, 2010 10:35:16 AM
Sounds ok to me.
Keela Wednesday May 26th, 2010 6:24:00 PM
Keela is unimpressed by the divination. Wasteful, in her opinion, to kill a whole animal and use only the innards.
She looks curiously at the halfling. He does seem a sensible fellow, though not very warlike. Which, she reflects, might not be a bad thing. She concurs with the decision and opens her mouth to say so, when she hears Jet accues Alexi of "loving" her.
She flushes and her lips purse. It's a common jibe, of course. Back in her home village, the young men used to laugh at each other about being "in love" with Granny Luksha. And now, it seems, it's "Old Maid Keela." Keela doesn't find it especially funny. "Jet, that's not very nice," she says severely.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Wednesday May 26th, 2010 8:15:48 PM
Charek watches the scene unfolding, staying in the background, but can't help thinking that Orc entrails would work really well for a divination. As Garrett is put forth as someone to lead, he check the monk out and nods in agreement with many of the others.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 26th, 2010 10:45:31 PM
With great expectations and excitement, Alexi holds his sword high, only for the group's attention to be diverted to the odd druid with the mask coming out of the trees with a gruesome blob in his hands and the revelation of its meaning.
Alexi sheathed his sword as the great moment of heroic action waned. No one seems ready to go anywhere until a leader is chosen. At least my impromptu call for a Charge of the Nine brought about the end of discussion.
It struck Alexi odd how Sjurd reminded him of Beren. Both were mysterious and wore masks. Wonder if his problem is the same as Beren's.
His pondering is brought to an end when Jet blurts out his affection towards Keela. Blushing terribly, he is at a loss of words. Keela makes up for it though.
Passing by Jet, he mutters, "I am what I am," but with a sidelong glance as he passes by he grins. He stops in front of Garret. "Sjurd would fit well in with the Ahote. They have odd customs also. So if them thar entrails say you are to be our leader, then so be it. Wish we could give you a proper badge of office."
"So, er, what do we do? You've heard several suggestions, now we need a decision. And you're it." He grins.
DM Cayzle - A leader emerges Thursday May 27th, 2010 7:18:18 AM
The process may have been -- literally -- messy, but at last a leader is chosen. And for his first test of leadership, Garret must bring his party through a major decision. What to do next?
[OOC: Thanks everybody! I think this is a good pick, one that will get us all on track for a fun game.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday May 27th, 2010 9:48:44 AM
Garret looks down as the entrails drip to the ground. He looks up at the confident Sjurd and gives a weak, crooked smile. He opens his hand, moves it behind him and drops the entrails, hoping he isn't insulting some strange tradition of Sjurd's.
To Jet he says, "You can drink all you like. I might even join you a time or two, if you'll have me."
As Alexi asks for direction, Garret replies to all, "Thank you for your confidence in me. I am but a humble halfling from the Windbourne Hills, but I will do my best. Please do continue your suggestions and let me know if I missing something -- I do not claim to be all-seeing."
"But for now, after hearing and discussing our options, I think we should proceed back to Bryn Baraz to check that goat trail. We need to see what sort of force of lizards is left in that place and what they're doing. I think we could all do with spilling a bit of lizard blood right now."
Jet Stormway - Sub Thursday May 27th, 2010 10:04:43 AM
"Anything that gets us closer to retaking that village is fine by me, Fearless Leader." Jet winks, then goes to prepare his gear for travel.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Thursday May 27th, 2010 10:16:48 AM
Sjurd nods in agreement, "Yes, not to mention I could do vith a new pair of lizardmen-skin boots. So durable, yet supple. Let us be off." He gathers his belongings and loads them onto Thorvik. Uli watches complacently and naps during the preparation.
Hmark Thursday May 27th, 2010 10:44:19 AM
Hmark takes a seat on a convenient rock as the argument rages around him regarding group leadership. And then, suddenly, its over and Garret is elected.
The archer blinks a bit, processing the latest development. He chuckles and bobs his head a couple times. "Works for me."
GruemorAC17, HP47 Thursday May 27th, 2010 12:24:21 PM
*sighs*
Dwarven to Charek: Highlight to display spoiler: {Be careful my brother.}
Readies himself for the trek back to the mining camp, following close behind Charek.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+12=29 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=15 ; Thursday May 27th, 2010 12:46:01 PM
Zeph smiles at Garret and nods, "I led you once, and now you lead me. The Goat Trail is a good place to start, from there we can get a vantage point of the Lizard forces and asses our situation. We should take point I suppose, since were the most stealthy." Zeph says to Garret.
Zeph will take lead and sneak the group back to the Goat Trail and then try to get a view of the village-city, keeping an eye out for any lizards that may be following their trail.
(Hide =29 MOve silent =29 Spot =25 listen =15)
Keela Thursday May 27th, 2010 5:09:20 PM
Keela nods. "Let's go, then," she says. She's a little disappointed not to be seeking the aid of the Ahote, but perhaps there is something they can do on their own. Besides flee and die, that is.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Thursday May 27th, 2010 7:42:54 PM
Grinning Charek nods to his friend and then after checking that his mule and new gear are stored carefully. He draws up next to Grumore.
"Friend there was a perfectly good empty beer barrel that was going to waste, I hope you dont mind that I have packed it on the mule for later use.?"
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday May 27th, 2010 7:59:27 PM
Alexi grins from ear to ear and quickly pulls out his map of Bryn Baraz and the cliffs around it. He points out the different buildings. The Temple, the Barracks, Ma Belle's 'place', and so forth. And, of course, the Goat Path, unaware that some had already found it and used it.
Then he makes sure his saddle is on good and wonders if the others are good riders and offers his assistance with their saddles and such.
"For those who don't have a steed, you may ride Lupin, my spare light warhorse. He was a riding horse but I've trained him for battle. However he's never been in one, heh. Anyway, it's better than walking."
If no one wants to ride Lupin, Alexi will have the lead rope tied to his saddle. Then, with lance ready, he moves out with the others taking a flanking position not far from Keela. (of course, where'd ya think he'd be? Unless the leader says otherwise, that is. :) )
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] d20+13=18 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+17=22 ; Thursday May 27th, 2010 8:59:58 PM
Garret nods to Zeph and if the group gets to the goat trail without incident, will help Zeph scout out anything that might be seen without getting seen.
-----
Listen: 18 Move Silent: 29 Spot: 15 Hide: 22
DM Cayzle - Back to Bryn Baraz Friday May 28th, 2010 7:30:15 AM
You travelled through the whole night to get here, from the caves/pond to the edge of the badlands. At dawn you sent the NPCs through. You took a small amount of important time to pick a leader. It will take at least eight hours of travel to get back to the site of the village. If you want to go now, and arrive at night, the first four hours are no problem, but the last four grueling hours will be treated as a forced march. Or you can travel part of the day and then rest up until tomorrow. Another choice? Also, at what time of day would you like to arrive?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday May 28th, 2010 8:58:10 AM
"It is a good ways back to Bryn Baraz. Let us move now, just in case we're being followed, then set up a camp for the night. We can then proceed to the town in the morning and see what we can see when we get there. Any objections?"
Hmark Friday May 28th, 2010 11:06:07 AM
"No objections here," Hmark agrees. "And I'd be happy to ride Lupin, if no one else wants to."
GruemorAC17, HP47 Friday May 28th, 2010 11:10:03 AM Sounds like a plan.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Friday May 28th, 2010 6:22:53 PM
Zeph aggrees with Garret, "Aye aye cap'n. In the morning"
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday May 28th, 2010 10:02:13 PM
"Let's get a move on, then. However, I'd like to reach the cliffs of Bryn Baraz by nightfall so we can camp with some cover and not out in the open. But, as long as we can remain unseen before dusk, we should be ok. Well, we'll just have to watch out for Ambush Drakes, but oh well, I need a new set of claws anyway."
Alexi leads Lupin over to Hmark. "He belonged to someone who won't need it anymore. So he rides well, but may be skittiesh in cobat. I trained him for combat, but he's not seen one yet. Heh."
OOC: I don't have any stats on him as they've not been needed yet, but if they are, I'll roll them up. Look up Light Warhorse in the MM for his speed and Skills, etc.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Friday May 28th, 2010 11:56:35 PM
"I am fine vith this plan."
Jet Stormway - Sub Friday May 28th, 2010 11:57:26 PM
"Me, too. Let's get ready to kick some scaly butt!"
OOC: Yeah, they're short. Long day. Pooped.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Saturday May 29th, 2010 8:28:58 AM
Once again Charek checks over his gear, makes sure his water skins are full and then just on a whim fills the small barrel with 5 gallons of water and repacks it on the mule, and moves on with the others.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Sunday May 30th, 2010 6:41:12 PM
Upon arrival at a site about 4 hours along, Garret starts looking for a good campsite. If one is found, he will ask for volunteers for watches, as this is certainly not a place to sleep without lots of watching. If anyone is tired, Garret will volunteer to take more than one watch.
DM Cayzle - A Camp and a Plan Monday May 31st, 2010 7:37:09 AM
The group travels for part of the day, then, all very tired, makes a hidden camp. You sleep and rest.
In the late afternoon, you see the red orb (or another like it) flying from the direction of Bryn Baraz, flying to the southeast, towards the badlands, from whence you just came. It passes you, headed back the way you just traveled, passing overhead about a half a mile away at the closest.
You continue to rest through the night, and at dawn you are ready to get going again. What is your plan for approaching the area around Byrn Baraz? You can arrive anytime from late afternoon onwards. Direction? Time of day? Any special preparations?
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Monday May 31st, 2010 12:53:11 PM
Sjurd speaks up as they discuss how to approach the village, "Ve discussed this very problem earlier in our travels. I believe ve should send some of our stealthier members to scout the village for troop strength, sentries, var animals, und possible patrol routes. Then ve lay traps und cast defensive area spells on the goat path at the crest of the hill. Our goal vill be to draw them to this area. The narrowness of the path is a natural bottleneck und only permits a few lizardmen to approach us at a time, almost a single-file line. Ve vill also have the advantage of higher ground. This vill permit us to engage them a few at a time, from a tactically superior position, after they have been veakened by spells, traps, und missile fire. It vould make the job incredibly simple."
Jet Stormway - Sub Monday May 31st, 2010 12:58:03 PM
Jet rubs his stubble and nods as the druid outlines his plan, "As much as I find our stick-man to be creepy and vaguely sinister, his idea does have merit. If you are going to kill lizardmen, why not have it be a turkey shoot? Setting up a defensive position on top of the hill and pulling them up the goat path would definitely give us an advantage."
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday May 31st, 2010 4:07:27 PM
Alexi pulls out his map of the Bryn Baraz area again. Alexi grins, "I'm good with maps." His map shows where a trail starts up the cliffs out of sight from the town defenses. It climbs the cliffs on the opposite side of the town so travel is completely hidden from the town until it reaches the top.
"Jet and I took this path when we were searching for a critter hidding on the cliff over the mine. Turned out to be a puma."
From the top of the cliff he points to where the goat path heads down into the town behind some buildings, one of them Ma Belle's Entertainment Establishment.
OOC: some of you will recognize it as the one you went up, killed a lizardman guard, then went on to the pond, etc...
IC: "I don't know if the lizardmen know of this path, but I'm sure they'll have lookouts along the cliff for anything that may be moving on the plains. So we should send our Scouts up a ways first. From this vantage point, we can observe the movements in town and see where they sleep and their headquarters."
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+9=16 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=14 ; Monday May 31st, 2010 4:56:26 PM
Zeph is excited that he may get to see some action, "right O then, scouting it is. I shall approach the vantage point and then the goatpath underbrush and hopefully invisible to their scouts. I will look over Bryn Baraz and count their forces, then I shall return if the place is clear for us to set up our ambush... Garret, you want to accompany me incase things get hairy?" Zeph says as he gets himself ready to scout, and possibly fight.
The entire time he is scouting, he approaches low to the ground, hopefully moving with the grass, with his bow drawn.
(Listen =16 Spot =27 Hide =26 move silent = 14)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] d20+13=21 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+15=34 ; Monday May 31st, 2010 9:32:49 PM
Garret nods, "Yes, let's take a peek and see what we can see! The rest of you be ready in case we get spotted, but hopefully we can get close enough to find out if the ambush site will be clear for our preparations."
-----
Listen: 21 Spot: 15 Hide: 33 Move Silent: 34
Dang, they're not going to see me, but I don't think I'm going to see them either!
Keela Monday May 31st, 2010 11:13:31 PM
Keela listens silently to the plans for dealing with the lizardmen. The prospect of forcing them to come up the path only a few at a time is a welcome one. However....
"Um....Sjurd? And Jet? We know that the lizardfolk have machines that fly. We might be able to force them into a narrow path, but they may have some way of bypassing it, some machine that we haven't seen yet. We should have a contingency plan."
DM Cayzle - Empty! Tuesday June 1st, 2010 7:20:29 AM
The party is cautious, and with Alexi's help gets back to the village site. A idea is discussed: To lure the enemy up the goat path and attack from concealment. Sjurd and Jet like this idea; Keela too, but she widely cautions that the enemy is known to fly. Zeph and Garret set out scouting ... and report back with odd news. The village is empty. There are no lizard-folk to be seen anywhere. The only notable point is that the door to the mine has been hastily repaired ... and it is closed!
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Tuesday June 1st, 2010 8:14:56 AM
Upon hearing the news, Sjurd says something rather foul in Giantish. "Ve could have used the villagers to occupy and reinforce the village! Now ve are stuck vith a skeleton crew. I suggest ve take a closer look at the mine to determine if the lizardmen are inside."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Tuesday June 1st, 2010 11:21:50 AM
ooc: Thank you Tanner for doing a very good job of running Jet for me.
"Sound point Keela." Jet adds.
It is a nice change to not have to be the "go to guy" while out in the field. He no longer has to be the example for others. He can finally be himself. Let the lives of others be on anothers shoulders for a change.
Jet seems unusually relaxed. Has he had to much to drink? No one has seen him lift a skin to his lips since his morning prayers, but underneath his thick black beard and moustach, some might actually see a slight smile.
Jet has worn the flag of Bryn Baraz around his shoulders for a long time. He takes it off, folds it up and hands it to Garret. "Please take care of this. I would very much like for it to fly over our settlement again. Garth gave it to me as leader and now, I hand it to you, to do with as you like. If not around my shoulders, I kept it hoisted on a spear. Please, respect it with your own display."
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Tuesday June 1st, 2010 11:28:36 AM
ooc: You're welcome. I figured it was a rare chance for Jet and Sjurd to actually agree on something! Good to have you back. ;)
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Tuesday June 1st, 2010 3:29:04 PM
Zeph is quite boggled that Bryn Baraz is empty, but the hastily repaired door to the mine is very suspicious.
"Well, either they are holding up inside the mine... or this is some sort of trap. Why in the world would they want to hang out in the mine for so long? I know there is Mithril there, but if they were mining it, then wouldn't there be carts of ore being hoisted out of the mineshaft? Maybe they plan on destroying the mine? Hmmmm, I think Garret and I should go back and watch the door and see if anything happens, like a Lizard coming out. IF not, then I think we should probably investigate... and keep an eye out for flying objects" Zeph suggests, hypothesizing the odd nature of the Lizards.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday June 1st, 2010 4:11:21 PM
"Why in the wold would they repair the mine door? Do you suppose they trapped it? But even if they did, to what end? This just doesn't make a lot of sense to me -- and makes it seem like there's something serious going on here, much more involved than some lizardman army trying to obtain some slaves. I wonder if there's something more to that mine than we know."
"I say we head down into the village, make sure its really clear, and see what we can make of that mine door."
To Jet, Garret bows and says, "It will fly again."
Hmark Tuesday June 1st, 2010 5:24:20 PM
Hmark winks at Alexi. "No problem. I'm skittish in combat, too!"
When the group returns, Hmark tries to determine if the goat trail (or any point along it) would give him a good view overlooking the village.
[OOC - If he can find a spot that gives good covering fire within 220', he'll take it]
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 1st, 2010 5:31:25 PM
Alexi ponders as he listens then says, "Well, it all makes sense to me. One, that orb floating away we saw? That was the lizardmen evacuating. The door to the mine blocked? The Ahote Dream Jet, and I had may explain that." Alexi then goes into a little of their historic trip to Bryn Baraz, their encounter with an Ahote shaman, and the Dream.
"When we arrived at Bryn Baraz, Jet went straight to Dwain and told him of the Dream and that the dwarves were going to awaken some ancient evil that would lay waste these lands with fire. When Jet sensed the dwarves were hiding something, he pressed them on it. Dwain got very angry but when the Ahote Shaman came to visit by our request, Dwain relented and told us about the passage from the mine to the caves and the ratmen. We were going to investigate further when we were attacked by the lizardmen and took refuge in the caves. That's where you guys came in."
Alexi takes a deep breath then lets it out with a whoosh!
"So, mayhap the lizardmen have discovered that ancient evil fire thing while hunting for us, eh?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday June 1st, 2010 7:21:16 PM
Garret wonders out loud, "Gee, if we could only get that ancient evil fire thing to attack the lizardmen..."
Keela Tuesday June 1st, 2010 7:29:17 PM
Keela peers at the reconstructed mine door. "Is there any way to tell which side of the door the repairs were made on?" she asks. "That is, were the repairs made by somebody inside, trying to keep people out, or by somebody outside, trying to keep people in?"
After a moment's thought, she adds, "And I wonder whether the ratmen have anything to add to this discussion?"
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 d20+4=23 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday June 1st, 2010 10:40:55 PM
Checking out the construction and looking specifically at anythin joining the rock or built into the rock, Charek tries to tell when and from what side the construction may have occurred.
Search Stone DC 23 Craft Stone DC 17
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 d20+13=24 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday June 1st, 2010 11:40:12 PM Garret wonders out loud, "Gee, if we could only get that ancient evil fire thing to attack the lizardmen..."
Sjurd picks up his head, "Vell, perhaps if ve ask it very, very nicely. Yes?"
The lanky druid approaches the plug in the mine entrance and surveys all that he can, pondering the situation.
DM Cayzle - Quiet! Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 7:35:50 AM Jet seems relieved to be free of the burden of command, for now.
Sjurd suggests going closer and checking things out.
Zeph figures either lizards are holed up in the mine or it is a trap. But which?
Garret wonders if there is some secret to the mine? Why are the lizards so interested? It may occur to him that mithril is one of the rarest of all metals, and this may be the only vein of it outside the Scab ... that might be why it is the focus of so much attention.
Hmark takes up a great vantage point overlooking the settlement. He spots nothing, but he is ready.
Alexi recalls the old vision of evil fire and tells everyone about that.
Keela has a clever question, and Charek follows through. Clearly, the door was repaired from both sides, opening and closing it as needed to get it working and solid again. Then it was closed.
A few of you look around for clues. You note that the lizards clearly made a camp in one or two of the more intact buildings. There has been a decent amount of traffic into the mine. Other than that, all is quiet.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 9:34:20 AM
"Well, we succeeded in taking back the city, I guess. Any ideas on where to go from here? Can we get a message to the refugees to let them know its clear here?"
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 10:18:49 AM
Sjurd looks left and right at his compatriots, then raises a hand, "I believe our first order of business, as the conquerers of this city, should be to give it a new name. Something cheery und more attractive to settlers. You know, to increase future investment und population growth. Then design a flag. Yes, yes, a flag. It should be both daring und stately. To comfort und inspire the citizenry, yet intimidate our enemies. Perhaps ve could commission a local artist. Of course, ve vill need to establish governance as vell. Und diplomatic communication vith major trading partners." Rubbing his mask, he suddenly notices everyone around him, "Oh, forgive me. Perhaps ve should determine vhere the lizardfolk disappeared first. I vould hate to summon the villagers back only to have them slaughtered. Good vaste of capital, right there."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon d20+4=17 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+4=6 ; Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 10:45:06 AM
Jet listens and watches others. To Sjurd, he says nothing. Jet has determined that the druid is very similar to a Chigger. It loves to get under the skin of others and would be happy to die there. The warrior priest will not give him the satisfaction.
"I will say once again, we should investigate the tunnels. I think the lizard people are aware that we are not so easily removed. They also understand, that all the people here would be hard pressed to survive without the constant supply of food from the fields that were left behind. They will be back and will likely suspect we will be starved and submissive by then. If they do not realize the rest of the camp is no longer here anyway."
Jet goes through the small village with Bantom, searching for any signs of evidence. The lizard people must read and write if they can cast spells. He will look for a misplaced paper with orders upon it or a scrap of debris that does not belong to Bryn Baraz, to determine where it is the flying city has left from or gone to.
Listen: 17 Search: 10 Spot: 6
GruemorAC17, HP47 Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 11:34:18 AM
Sitting off to the side, with the empty beer barrel, Gruemor starts thinking of what is needed to replenish said barrel with medicine, then, starts foraging for the needed supplies to do just that. But not so far as to be out of earshot from the others should his services be needed, or their services be needed on his behalf.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 3:52:12 PM
so why don't we see if we can capture one of those flying red balls and see what we can see.
Hmark d20+6=17 ; Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 4:25:25 PM
Figuring he makes a better lookout than anything else, Hmark maintains his vantage point overwatching the village.
[Spot 17]
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+16=22 ; Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 4:29:04 PM
Zeph looks at the door and does an extreme thorough search... screw that 22, I take 20 on this one, = 36 total.
Zeph looks in every nook and cranny of the door for traps, an opening mechanism, keyholes, bolts that can be undone to force it open etc.
He also takes a quick look around the town for traps, that can be my 22.
Then when Zeph hears Charek suggest capturing a red orb, he smiles, "That's a good idea. How do you find a floating city? With a floating boat."
Then Zeph scans the skies for any sign of flying devices.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 9:04:50 PM
Garret helps search the city and the door, while looking up every now and then to see if a city is about to land on them.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+2=7 ; Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 9:57:05 PM
Alexi listens but says nothing, but goes with Jet around the camp. "Not good to go alone, friend."
But as the search through the discarded lizard junk, he ponders what he heard as he and Jet left. His mind searches here and there and finally comes to a halt.
"Magic. It has to be magic and we have it. Well, Keela has it anyways, and maybe some of the others. It's only a matter of flying up to an orb and landing on top of it. From there, anyone will be unseen. They'd not think to look up there, eh? Once up there, what it's made of can be determined and with a good pointy object, start destroying it. Obviously it is crucial to the flying part, so once enough has been destroyed, it should start to fall. By the time those being carried notice something wrong, it will be to late. We fly up there by night and fly away when it falls. Not a bad idea, eh?"
Listen d20+1= 13 Search d20+2= 4 Spot d20+2 = 7
Keela Wednesday June 2nd, 2010 11:42:50 PM
Keela looks askance at Garret and Sjurd. "The city is not secure," she says. "What if those lizard things come back? We have no idea what they wanted, why they came, or why they left. And until we know at least part of that, we have no idea whether they're gone for good."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Thursday June 3rd, 2010 1:05:02 AM
Jet looks at Bantom when Alexi suggests no one be alone and laughs, "Careful Alexi. He can understand you now and I'm not so sure he can't take us both together in a fair fight."
Batom looks Alexi in the eyes and whinnies a snicker as well. "Don't worry, one called Alexi. I like you well enough. perhaps more then Jet does anyway."
He whispers in Alexi's ear though...Highlight to display spoiler: { He is right however. When are you going to actually grow a spine and talk to the female of the group, before someone else does? If you need pointers, I am very good at, well, you know...}
Jet get's frustrated, "I told you I don't like secrets you four legged mammal! Keep it up and you can brew your own beer!"
Bantom gets a hurt look on his face and hangs his head a little.
DM Cayzle - Delayed Thursday June 3rd, 2010 7:36:52 AM
Sorry Folks. The DM Post will come a little more than somewhat before 1 pm today eastern.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Thursday June 3rd, 2010 8:02:03 AM
Incontheivable!
DM Cayzle - Investigating Thursday June 3rd, 2010 12:58:57 PM Garret calls for ideas. He helps search [OOC: If you help with anything, make an appropriate skill check, please. Ditto spot checks.]
Sjurd makes jokes, putting on a pose of caring abut settlers only as "capital." What he really wants is to find out what happened to the lizards.
Keela wants to find out where the lizards went too. What if they come back?
Charek suggests capturing a flying red orb.
Alexi elaborates on that theme by suggesting using magical flight to sneak up on an orb, attack it, and fly away when it falls.
Gruemor looks for supplies. But the villagers did a pretty good job of taking the useful stuff with them, and the rest was likely burned.
Hmark keeps a good look-out. He sees nothing new, but of course, if you had chosen not to set watch, probably some monster would sneak up on the village. It's like how the call you are waiting for only comes when you are in the privy.
Jet takes a careful look through the village for signs of lizard folk. He sees very recent signs that a troop of big lizards were here ... like yesterday or last night. You just missed them. They did not go into the mine.
Zeph takes a really good look at that door, and sees nothing much. But he intuits that since there are no traps or working keyholes or handles, it either pushes open easily or is physically barred or blocked on the inside.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 d20+15=20 ; d20+1=6 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2010 1:08:22 PM
Sjurd looks about the abandoned village in puzzlement, "This is not something that is making sense. Uli und I vill do some tracking to see vhere the lizardfolk have gone." The druid and his warhound follow the tracks of the lizardmen out of the village for perhaps a mile to look for general direction and speed.
Sjurd, Survival check 20 Uli, Aid Another check 6 (Lassie he is not.)
GruemorAC17, HP47 Thursday June 3rd, 2010 1:50:17 PM Well, can't make medicine. Noone to kill (he says with distaste) as he looks at the few people who only wanted to stay to kill something. What do you think we should do now, fearless leader (looking at Garret).
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday June 3rd, 2010 2:16:24 PM
In response to Gruemor, Garret says, "That mine just doesn't sit right with me. I think we need to check that out and see what's going on there. We need to open those doors and see if the lizardmen left something...or someone... behind."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon d20+4=14 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+4=6 ; Thursday June 3rd, 2010 6:48:38 PM
Jet looks toward Garret and nods his head. Leading bantom at a walk, they approch the door. Jet holds up a hand to to warn his best friend and the others, to stop before the armored and armed warrior of all the gods gets real close and looks around once more before attempting to open the door. "No need in all of us getting hurt, if it is a trap."
Bantom stays 30' back while Jet checks the area before opening it.
Listen: 14 Search: 15 Spot: 6
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday June 3rd, 2010 9:20:14 PM
OOC: Gruemor, you should have been able to find the remnants of Jet's still. It may or may not be in working order but it may good enough moonshine for Jet so it should work for you. That is if Jet doesn't want it anymore. :)
BTW, Gruemor, do you need instructions to set your header up with a link to your Character Sheet?
IC:
"HA! You got me there," Alexi replies to Jet's comment on being alone. "Horse and Man are not ONE, and if need be to flee fast, I'm guessing Bantom would drop you, since you have a tendency to Enlarge yourself while riding him."
Alexi belts out a laugh at Bantom's remark and whispers back although loud enough for Jet to hear, "So you give leasons eh? Well, with Ma Belle's gone now, you may be right."
Back with the group and at the door, Alexi agrees that the mine and caves need to be checked out before any 'We Saved the Village' party is held. Alexi leaves Lobo back behind the group and stands next to Bantom while Jet braves the mighty door.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Thursday June 3rd, 2010 9:24:46 PM
ooc: Jet's Alchemist's Lab is very well packed and secure on Vaya's back. Believe me, it will be set up again when a safe place is found to do so. :)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday June 3rd, 2010 10:33:23 PM
Garret says, "Hmark, before we head in, can you take a look around to check that nothing's coming?"
Keela Friday June 4th, 2010 1:37:36 AM
A quick mental inventory of spells turns up nothing that will help determine what is on the other side of the door. Keela stands near enough to her friends to support them, but far enough to be out of the way, and watches while the door is examined and opened.
DM Cayzle - The Door Friday June 4th, 2010 6:30:48 AM
Sjurd looks around, trying to figure out what has happened. He deduces that smaller lizard folk have been here for days. Yesterday, large ones arrived, presumably from a flying machine or device or orb. Or a teleport, maybe. They walked around the village a little, did not go in the mine, and then left soon after they came. There are no tracks showing that smaller lizardfolk walked out of the town. So either they left with their larger kin, leaving the town completely abandoned, or they are holed up in the mine.
Gruemor looks for leadership. Garret calls for the door to the mine to be opened. Jet gives it a push.
But the door is very firmly barred or blocked from the inside.
Alexi laughs and stands ready as the door is pushed.
Keela has no magic to offer at the moment, but stands ready.
[OOC: The door has hardness 5 and 20 hp if you want to chop at it. Piercing weapons will not work. Or you can try to break through: Break DC 24.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday June 4th, 2010 7:44:10 AM
Garret says, "Well, anyone have any way to try and get this open without making a lot of noise? If not, I guess we break it open."
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Friday June 4th, 2010 9:21:31 AM
ooc: Buzz? Who is this Buzz fellow? He sounds like to much of a wimp to be out here with these strong people.
Cayzle Comments: LOL! My bad. I fixed it. Sorry!
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon Friday June 4th, 2010 9:25:51 AM
Jet breaks out a vial of acid, "Anyone know how to use this properly, in key locations, to keep the noise down, yet remove some of our obstacle?"
Jet gets out a couple more, in case one is not enough.
Jet has 10 total, but he would not want to use more then two or three on one subject/object. He also carries a Silence spell around, but he hates to use magic unless absolutly necessary.
Hmark d20+6=8 ; Friday June 4th, 2010 10:16:09 AM
Hmark waves at Garret. "I got yer backs," he confirms. "Nothing out there so far."
The archer continues holding his overwatch position. But, what's gonna happen when they open the door has piqued his curiousity, and he keeps looking over to see if Jet'll get blown up or not.
[Spot 8]
GruemorAC17, HP47 Friday June 4th, 2010 11:03:03 AM
ooc: Yes please, show me how to link my sheet on the header. be kind, im very computer illiterate.
Moonshine be good, but the good medicine is best made by my kind, no offense to you other folks who makes what you call medicine. Mine cures what's ailing you, puts hair in places you need it, and keeps you warm in the winter. And sometimes, is better than companionship. No nagging to be held or talked to and listens to your ramblings.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Friday June 4th, 2010 3:39:55 PM
Sjurd considers the door for a moment, then nods decisively, "I have a key for that door." He walks up to the barrier, then takes a few steps sideways. Moving his hands in a complex manner while speaking a crisp, guttural chant, he reaches out and seemingly pushes aside the stone. Molding it like clay, he creates a tunnel through the hard rock. He turns back to his companions, "This is both silent und easily repaired if ve do not like vhat ve find."
Casts stoneshape. A level 5 spellcaster can displace 15 cubit feet of stone, so Sjurd will create a 3'x5' tunnel next to the door.
ooc: If it doesn't go all the way through, I can cast it again tomorrow morning.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Magic Weapon d20+8=26 ; 2d6+6=14 ; Friday June 4th, 2010 8:02:50 PM
As Jet watches Sjurd earning his keep, he nods in appreciation and puts away his acid. There is no room for Bantom, so it looks like he will have to guard the rear.
At this time, unless Garret stops Jet, the warrior priest steps through to receive the initial brunt of any force, making room for others.
Action: Move and attack any lizard type people within move range hitting AC 26 doing 14 damage.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday June 4th, 2010 10:31:15 PM
Alexi looks on and smiles. He'd seen such magic used when undermining the walls of the hobgoblin citadel that first year in the Fist. "We're gonna be a great team after all," he whispers to Jet.
Alexi fallows right behind Jet, shield and sword ready.
Keela Saturday June 5th, 2010 12:36:05 AM
Keela smiles a little as Sjurd creates another opening. It's a relief, not being the only spellcaster. Now she doesn't feel quite a guilty about not having Knock, not even in her spellbook.
She enters after the others, trying to stay to the middle of the group.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Saturday June 5th, 2010 7:16:38 AM
Hearing what Sjurd is going to do, Charek joins him and looks closely at the rock face and the door. Does anyone remember if the passage goes straight back or if it slants off to one side or the other? Depending on the answer and what he can tell about the rock wall, Chareck suggests the best place for the tunnel and how best to angle it to meet the passage behind it so as to not have to waste another of Sjurd's spells in the morning.
Sjurd AC 17, HP 42/42 Saturday June 5th, 2010 7:29:10 AM
ooc: Cayzle, I do realize that the spell would only create a 'tunnel' that is one foot deep, but Sjurd will cast it as close to the hinge as possible where the rock would be thinnest. If necessary, he will devote both of his level-3 spell slots to stoneshape and repeat the process in the morning.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Saturday June 5th, 2010 8:16:30 AM
Garret smiles and watches as the stone melts away, ready for anything that might jump out of the hole.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 d20+12=29 ; Sunday June 6th, 2010 11:11:08 PM
Zeph tries to pop the lock on the door, or disable the hinges so that it opens. (Open lock=29)
DM Cayzle - The Door Monday June 7th, 2010 7:52:56 AM
Between Sjurd's spell and Zeph's attack on the door's hardware, the bar (that had been holding the door shut) drops on one side and the door falls open.
There is no light inside. Daylight illuminates about ten to fifteen feet inwards. You get the feeling that something is waiting, just inside the shadows.
OOC: At this point, I want NO actions, please. Take a look at this map. Zeph is positioned at A5, by DM fiat. I need all the rest of you to put yourselves on the map, with a letter and a number.
I also need spell casters to post their currently prepped spells (noting any that have been cast). And I need all ACs and HPs up to date, which I think they are, but double check.
Also, I know that I am delinquent with xp awards, and I sincerely apologize. I will give those out after this battle.
Remember, no actions! The enemy gets readied attacks first, and Zeph is such a lovely target, silhouetted as he is there in the doorway. Muahaha!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday June 7th, 2010 8:50:40 AM
C6 for Garret? Waving goodbye to Zeph...
Hmark(AC 20, 40/40 hp) Monday June 7th, 2010 9:12:01 AM
J8
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Monday June 7th, 2010 10:34:50 AM
ooc: I'm not exactly sure what you want Cayzle. You said no actions, but movement is an action. I do not see how we can move and do nothing else in our round? I could see monsters using a readied attack during our round, but not stopping us from performing actions.
Jet moves past Zeph freely and end up ten feet in the space beyond at -C5 (Negative C) Drawing the brunt of any attacks away from those less armored, hopefully creating a bigger threat.
Hmark(AC 20, 40/40 hp) Monday June 7th, 2010 11:48:44 AM
OOC - Jet, we don't get to move either. It appears that rather than arbitrarily placing us for the readied attack, our DM has kindly paused the game and is asking us to indicate our position, our stats, and any protective magics currently in effect prior to wiping us out.
Or Zeph anyway :)
DM Cayzle - The Door Monday June 7th, 2010 12:33:48 PM
CLARIFICATION: I want you to tell me where you were on the map when Zeph jimmied the door open. You can pick your place. Sorry for the confusion. Like Hmark said.
Tomorrow I'll post the results of the readied attacks (surprise round) and then you all can post and act as normal for your first round of combat.
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Monday June 7th, 2010 4:40:31 PM
ooc: My apologies, I did misunderstand. Jet would have been exactly where Zeph is also, sharing that space as he was wanting to rush through first. That said, who would be displaced, Jet or Zeph?
Sending this to DM Cayzle by email also, for a faster response before tomorrow.
Charek AC 24; HP 47/47 Monday June 7th, 2010 4:58:13 PM
C7 for Charzak
DM Cayzle - The Door Monday June 7th, 2010 5:56:23 PM
Sorry, Jet can't be in A5. He can be in B5 or A6 or B6, though.
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:46/46) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday June 7th, 2010 6:32:54 PM
OOC: Put Alexi at C4, as he'd be behind Jet, or at least in front of Keela.
Sjurd AC 19, HP 42/42 Monday June 7th, 2010 8:38:02 PM
Once Sjurd finishes casting his stoneshape, he takes position at A10 and directs Uli to space A2 to flank the entrance (don't forget Uli!). He has the following spells in effect: barkskin, bull's strength, and magic fang. He holds his spear and wooden shield at the ready.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 Monday June 7th, 2010 8:56:40 PM
OH snap, I didn't see this coming... an ambush. Didn't I say this from the get go that it was a trap?
So, masterful DM Cayzle, since I am the target your diabolical scheme, I was wondering if Zeph could possibly cast a quick spell as soon as he drops the door.... oh the woes of being the party rogue.
If Cayzle allows, then Zeph will cast Shield real quick, in preparation for the inevitable onslought. Would only raise my AC by 4, I think its a nice compromise considering the situation. Whatcha say? Everyone else gets to place themselves, I think it's fair for Zeph since he's doing a lot of the hard work.
DM Cayzle - The Door Monday June 7th, 2010 9:33:49 PM
Well, Sjurd exposes the hinges, and Zeph pries the door down. So, sorry Zeph! As soon as that door falls -- BONG -- those readied attacks come a-flying. I can't let you cast a spell while those slings and arrows are in midair. That would not fit with the evil DM reputation I am trying to cultivate. No worries, you can take up to 51 points of damage and still be alive, right?
By the way, you're not carrying anything especially flammable, are you?
Muahahahaha!
Jet Stormway (AC:22/21 no dex, HP: 42/42 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Monday June 7th, 2010 9:46:56 PM
ooc: <Shrugs shoulders and sighs> Sorry guys, I tried to take the onslaught of damage. :(
Jet will be standing at A6
Keela Tuesday June 8th, 2010 1:47:47 AM
C2 looks good for Keela.
Today's Spells: 0 - Detect Magic 0 - Disrupt Undead 0 - Light 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Feather Fall 1 - Magic Missile 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 2 - Rope Trick 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web 3 - Fly 3 - Haste
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