DM Cayzle - Into the Wilderlands Wednesday June 30th, 2010 7:43:38 AM
[OOC: Thanks for the spreadsheet, which is fine now. Final gear resolution will be tomorrow, I hope. There is still time to trade cash / cash equivalents for gear. I'm looking at Hmark, for example.]
Keela has a good idea about setting some traps, but it would seem that no one has any competency at doing so.
Garret wonders about how to find the Ahote. Zeph is also at a loss, though that does not seem to daunt him. Jet remains quiet, perhaps a bit boggled at the "ignorance-is-bliss" and "give-anything-a-try" attitudes.
Sensible Hmark suggests retracing steps.
And then -- Alexi to the rescue! He remembers the local geography well enough to lead the party to a likely area. But even this is not enough to rouse Jet from his morosity.
Still, it is enough to get a move on. Granted, the day is already well along, so the evening will be spent camping. But at least the camp will be well away from Brynn Baraz. With Alexi's map, the way is clear. After farewells to Gruemor and Sjurd, the party sets off.
By evening, you are deep in the wilderlands. The area hereabouts is clearly less fertile than the area around the mining settlement. The vegetation is tough and sparse. The earth is gritty and dry. You find a small stand of trees in which to shelter for the night.
Watches? How do you set up your camp? Scribing scrolls into books? Any other bookkeeping?
Zeph AC25 HP 38/42 (shield, haste, bless) d20+12=25 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+7=22 ; Wednesday June 30th, 2010 3:25:46 PM
(OOC: I think Zeph would have an idea of how to set traps. He does have a +13 in disable device. I also requested some traps from the Dwarves before we sent them to the Star Mages tower, but that was never acknowledged.)
While the group travels, Zeph will remain in the far front, at least a half mile ahead of everyone else, trying to remain silent and hidden in the wilderness, always staying alert
When the group stops to camp at the small stand of trees, Zeph will pitch his tent low to the ground and covered in brush that he will collect to keep it hidden, and once his work is done he will begin scribing a scroll, Invisibility, into his spellbook (Spellcraft =22, success). Then he will show the scribing to Keela for her to copy if she so desires.
"Well, usually anyone who needs to recover spells takes either the first or last watch. I'll do one of those." he says.
Zeph pulls out his familiar, Sliver, a tiny black viper. It looks at him and hisses, showing its silver tongue. "Think it will work this time?" he asks it as he chews on some rations.
Before he goes to sleep, Zeph will cast Detect Victim one more time to see what kind of Divine guidance he may be granted. Hoping that if the group is ambushed, that his spell will give a bit of warning.
Keela Wednesday June 30th, 2010 6:10:06 PM
"Zeph, we don't have time to copy spells," Keela reminds him. "Though I don't know when we might be able to. Perhaps we can stay a few days with the Ahote."
Keela volunteers to take dawn watch.
[OOC: Copying a spell into a spellbook takes a full day of study. Not the kind of thing you can do on the trail, unfortunately.]
Cayzle comments: If you had a magic item that relieved you of the need to rest and sleep, such as a ring of sustenance, then you could scribe scrolls at night and adventure during the day. Otherwise, upon reflection, I have to agree with Keela. Sorry.
Charek AC 25; HP 46/47 (4), hasted blessed Wednesday June 30th, 2010 7:50:29 PM
Before leaving Charek takes a much closer look at the dead lizards noting differences between the two types and any variations that are apparent between the like lizards as well in hopes of using the headbands to better effect. Falling in with the others riding one mule while leading the other, he rides up alongside Jet.
"Do you mind a bit of company?"
(OOC: Cayzle, Charek would like to use a bit of his cash to join and pay for the first levels of the CC, if you will allow the retro joining as the org was not available two weeks ago.)
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:56/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday June 30th, 2010 10:21:37 PM
Alexi takes point and keeps his eyes wadering to and fro for danger, shiny new shield and lance at the ready.
Stopping for the night, Alexi helps with the horses and suggests no campfire and covered Everburning Torches for subdued light.
"Those on watch, beware of a creature called Ambush Drake, that roam these plains. They are very quick and live up to their namesake." Alexi goes on to describe them and show them his necklace he wears around his neck made with 5 claws from one of them.
He finishes with "I'll take the last watch, that way I will be awake to help get the horses ready as the break camp."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Thursday July 1st, 2010 1:42:33 AM
ooc: Still waiting on final word on Jet's Legacy item and what might be a remainder in cash.
Jet looks over at the new dwarf companion Charek as they ride along. He doesn't say anything to him, but hands him a skin of wine, letting him have the first drink. Likely a sign he does not mind at all.
Bantom looks over at the dwarf, "You better sew your ears tighter to your head. he is likely to talk them off."
Jet gives Bantom a slight spur, soliciting a jump from the magical beast and a snort of laughter, as if it was worth it. He takes a large swig when it is handed back and sprays a line of the fluid into the mouth of the talking mount that spins his head around for his shot also.
While camping, "I haven't cast spells yet today, so my prayers do not require me to ask for new divine powers in the morning. I will take second watch tonight."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Thursday July 1st, 2010 6:48:13 AM
ooc: MY dad was put in the hospital on Monday with pneumonia. My sister just called and told me his organs are shutting down now and he has been handed over to hospice.
I will be traveling up there today to see him and I am hoping I will be able to see him alive once more before his spirit decides to transend the material plane.
He is 94 and one of those men that helped build this country by hand. I miss him already.
If anyone can take over Jet for me over the next week, maybe next that would be appreciated, otherwise Cayzle, feel free to leave him behind with Gruemore and Sjurd. I see it as fitting as those two, Brian and Tanner have also suffered lately in similar manner.
Is this year over yet?
DM Cayzle - Delayed Thursday July 1st, 2010 7:41:26 AM
No post from Jeff and Mike, and I am way way wiped from pulling an all-nighter for work. I'll have to make the DM Post this evening, sorry.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday July 1st, 2010 12:19:57 PM
As they set up camp, Garret says, "For those who don't know me, I don't need much sleep, so feel free to wake me should anyone feel extra tired or a need a break. In fact, I'm not sleepy at all now. I'll take first watch with Zeph, [Jet?], Hmark, and Charek can take that midnight watch, hopefully not seeing a thing. Then Keela and Alexi can take that last watch. If this works out, we can keep the same schedule as we travel. I think we should keep the fire low at night to avoid drawing too much attention."
Hmark d20+6=10 ; d20+6=18 ; Thursday July 1st, 2010 1:41:00 PM
Hmark nods acceptance with Garret's assignment, the non-spellcaster having long ago resigned himself to middle of the night watches.
The young man does take careful note of the claws on the necklace Alexi shows around, trying to gauge just how big an Ambush Drake is likely to be.
During the night, the archer tries to keeps eyes and ears open. [Listen 10, Spot 18]
DM Cayzle - Calm Night Thursday July 1st, 2010 6:42:21 PM
[OOC to Zeph: To help the plot along, in the beginning of the game I allowed the Detect Victim spell to exceed its design parameters, so to speak. But now that it matters, keep in mind that we're back to strict interpretations, generally speaking, including especially range.]
[OOC again to Zeph: Sorry, you need Craft (Trap) to make a trap. I might let you use it untrained with a +2 synergy bonus for 5 ranks in disable device, but that would be kind. A better choice for the untrained would be spells like Glyph of Warding or making magical traps, per the DMG. ALSO, like I commented, sorry, no spell scroll book scribing until you have a free day to so it.]
[OOC regarding Jet: Recall that Gruemor and Sjurd are out. Do I have a volunteer to play Jet? If not, he will stay with the former two.]
[OOC to Charek: Sure, we'll make you a member of the Club retroactively, no problem. See below for your investigation of the corpses.]
One bit of leftover business: Examining the enemy. You have seen two examples of lizard folk up close. You deduce, from the book Jet has read, that their races are Thrull and Kothrull. They are, with males and females of both kinds:
Thrull -- The medium size lizard folk resemble common lizard folk with slimmer and leaner frames. Thruls are slightly larger than humans (5'10" + 2d6") with a tail roughly half their height in length. Thruls, however are quite heavy (170lbs + height modifier x2d6 lbs) due in part to their tail, but they are also generally more solid. Males have fairly coarse and visible scales where females have extremely fine scales making them look almost completely smooth. Males also have a fin-like crest the runs from their forehead, down their back to the tip of their tail, which can be raised or flattened by mood. Belly scales on Thruls tend to be yellow, though slight variations toward green or brown are not uncommon. The body scales of a Thrul are predominantly green hues with some variations toward yellow-green and greenish brown possible.
Kothrull -- These a little larger than a halfling (3' + 2d4"), but with their tail and dense frame, they weight surprisingly more (50lbs + height modifier x 1d4). Kothrul have a non-prehensile tail roughly half their body length. Their skin is a dull grayish brown with dark splotchy patterns. Though they have scales like all the other reptilians, Kothrul skin feels leathery and thick to the touch. There is little to visibly distinguish male and female Kothrul.
After inspecting them, you CAN use your Hats of Disguise to simulate them. Disguise kits stack with Hats, BTW.
Also BTW: Keela, Jet, and Alexi tell you that they have also seen the bigger races (Mathir and Mathras, though which is which, who knows) and even the lordly Karkasan, a large snake-taur-like thing.
You pass the night calmly, thanks perhaps to Alexi's wise urging of no light or fire. No need to alert lizardfolk or drake that you are about, hey?
The day dawns, and it is time to move out.
[One more OOC: If anyone wants to make a map of, say, a 50-mile radius around Bryn Baraz, that would be way cool. Maybe even a reward! Failing that, if someone were to gather all the text notes together, I could draw the map. That would be a big help too. I think a map would be handy.]
Alexi (AC: 20/11, HP:56/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday July 1st, 2010 9:55:08 PM
OOC: I've got a good map making program. I'll put something together but it won't be until sometime Monday or Tuesday.
I'd rather have Jet along, as Buz may be able to chime in here and there. I'll play Jet as needed. Considering Jet's mood, I may not need to say much. Bantom may do most of the talking. :)
IC: Alexi helps get the horses ready and packed correctly. Then he gets his map out again and points to the hills in the distance. "Once we arrive at there, we follow them along a little ways until we hit the entrance. We can't miss it. We go about a half-day's ride until we reach a stone arch. To the left of the path there is a hidden trail that makes its way up the hillsides and onto the plateau. We found the path thanks to the expertise of Beren, our Ranger.
Our first sightings of the Ahote was by Caelnin, our Sharpshooter, who spotted them looking down on us and watching our movements."
Alexi leaves out the part of how steep and dangerous the switchbacks were. Some things are best just left unsaid. :)
Keela Thursday July 1st, 2010 11:44:26 PM
Keela does her best to keep up. as the group moves out.
In the morning, she has a few more spells to prepare.
"When we camp tonight," she says, "I have an Extended Alarm spell prepared, to help protect the camp. And I have an Extended [i]Rope Trick that some of us can hide in, although I'm afraid it won't hold the horses."
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Friday July 2nd, 2010 3:02:10 AM
(OOC: Yeah your right Cayzle. Here's my thinking: from the time the battle ended to the time that we talk to Katirina, the archon comes and goes, people announce that they are staying behind and a decision was made to move was about a day or so? THen there is the downtime while eating at the camp etc. Sounds like enough time to scribe a scroll to me if he stays up late and takes the last watch, but Maybe I loose track of time when it takes a week in RL to do an hour and a half in game time. Remember when I said that THe Making of a Hero storyline lasted 2years; it did in RL, but it was only 8months in game time. Usually in DnD its the opposite. Strange how that works in PbP DnD. And detect victim: I was just trying to do something fun for my post. Trying to give us fun things to do; figured you can send me dm advice in the form of divine guidance if we decide to do something weird. You gotta realize how uncertain our decisions are in these games. Besides, you never know when a sneaky Ahote may pray to Jancassis for revenge...? Tell ya what, I will grab some lizard blood as a material component and see if anyone wants revenge on him? )
"Caelnin, Beren? Who are these chaps and why haven't I met them? I haven't seen a Ranger since that guy named Kiel... that was a trip. But Hmark here is a crack-shot with his bow, Red. But a more important question is who is Istaqa? Is he an Ahote leader that you guys are acquainted with?
Zeph spends his time while the group is travelling drawing some sketches of the Thrull and Kothrull lizards (good description btw). Zeph also draws the words in big bold letters over the sketches, "Wanted for Unlawful Siege Bryn Baraz, Dead or Alive" and holds it up for the group, "Hey look, wanna post a couple of these on a tree or something? Heh, I'm just kidding, that would be a neon arrow to anybody that could be following us. I have a masterwork Disguise kit by the way incase we need to infiltrate the Lizard City eventually."
Spells for the day: Level 0: Ray of Frost, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ghost Sound Level 1: Shield, Charm Person, Obscuring Mist
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday July 2nd, 2010 9:39:22 AM
Dawn finds Garret playing with his hat of disguise. He puts it on and becomes a lizardman, then takes it off. He puts it back on again and becomes a king. Then he takes it off again. He glances over at Zeph, puts the hat on, and looks like Zeph. "This thing is fun."
As the group packs up camp, he says, let's all keep an eye out for this trail and for watchers as we travel towards this plateau!
As they head out, Garret keeps a close eye...on the ground. (Spot 8). Listen: 28.
Hmark d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; Friday July 2nd, 2010 2:05:26 PM
Hmark listens to the description of the various lizard races with growing trepidation. "Sure sounds like there's an awful lot of these things," he mutters.
He too plays around with the Hat of Disguise, working a lot on the tail. "That's just weird."
As the group moves out, Hmark holds his pony toward the back. [Listen 9, Spot 17]
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday July 2nd, 2010 10:50:24 PM
OOC: the had functions as a Disguise Self spell, so read up on that spell before you get to Disguise-Happy. :) ex: you may look like a lizardman, but you smell like a dwarf. :P
IC: Alexi further describes the lizardtypes that attacked them and busted down the gates of Bryn Baraz. "The first wave came in on these glidding things that carried half a dozen of the medium ones. Those jumped out of the flying things and floated down onto our walls. Keela was able to kill one that was directing another gliding thing and it crashed, killing the occupants.
After we repelled the first way, they came with one of those floating orbs. They landed out in the fields. There were several giant ones that carried huge tower shields that protected a dozen or so carrying a battering ram. These were flanked by the medium ones with bows. In back ot this was a snake-like one that casts some serious spells.
We killed quite a number of the archers, but could not penetrate the shield wall. Jet tried to negotiate with them but all they wanted was slaves in exchange for peace. So we fled to the caves and barricaded ourselves in. Two days after that is when you guys came along."
Alexi explains who Caelnin and Beren are. "They were part of our Security Group that left Floating City and helped protect the caravan until we reached Bryn Baraz". (OOC: they were PCs that had to drop out, along with Anrete and Fatine, so you'll hear those names pop up here and there).
"Istaqa? oh yes. He is an Ahote leader. He is a powerful Shaman. But he isn't the top Ahote leader. The Ahote are tribal, and each tribe wanders an area. They meet occasionally, but we don't have any idea of how many they actually are."
Alexi helps guide the group with his map, taking the point, and looking for the entrance to the hills, the place that they had exited so many months before.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday July 2nd, 2010 10:51:26 PM
OOC: oops, first line should read HAT, not had.
Charek AC 25; HP 46/47 (4), hasted blessed Friday July 2nd, 2010 11:58:19 PM
After carefully examining the smaller lizards Charek grabs one of their cloaks and putting it on activates his headband focussing on replicating the lizaedman he took the cloak from trying to get the smallest detail correct.
Along the trail Charek takes weapon practice with his axe at every stop and each morning and evening after making and before breaking camp. He quickly volunteers for a dark of the night watch shift.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday July 4th, 2010 7:19:15 PM
Alexi offers to spar with Charek, practicing with his hand axe in his left and his longwsword in his right hand.
DM Cayzle - Extra Sunday July 4th, 2010 11:55:10 PM
FYI, I cleaned up the archives to give our old module a better conclusion and to start the new one right. I'll make a DM Post Monday AM and every morning this week. Happy Independence Day!
DM Cayzle - Extra Monday July 5th, 2010 10:43:38 AM
Post delayed while I entertain my child. More later.
DM Cayzle - To the north. Monday July 5th, 2010 2:01:44 PM OOC: I am currently doing my own analysis of the lay of the land (part of why this post is delayed). But here is my take on the situation.
Alexi, Jet, and Keela recall that the Ahote lived in the broken lands to the north. And to the northwest of that were the blasted lands, where there were caves in which villains had taken stolen Ahote children. Moreover, when the Ahote left Bryn Baraz for the last time (In the Jan. 8, 2010 DM Post), they had headed toward the north, those three now recall.
So it is to the north that the party now heads. The land immediately around Bryn Baraz is fertile and green, a lingering remnant of the effect of the Orb of Kalista. Soon, the land becomes drier. There is not enough water for forest, but there are grasses and shrubs. As you go north, the land gets drier and dustier.
Remind me, please, how many are mounted, and who is afoot. I need to figure out your overland move rate. Most especially, are the folks with move 20 walking or mounted?
As your travel for the day comes to an end, you make camp in the prairie. Watches? Fires and lights? Other stuff?
Keela Monday July 5th, 2010 4:16:52 PM
Keela rides a former plowhorse named Daisy (heavy riding horse).
When they make camp, Keela casts an extended Alarm in empty space just over the campfire. She specifies an audible alarm when any new creature (i.e., different from the ones already there) of Medium size or larger comes into range.
She also casts an extended Rope Trick for anyone who wants to hide inside. "It might be a good place to keep watch from," she says. If she is needed for watch, she volunteers to take the dawn watch.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday July 5th, 2010 5:19:54 PM
Garret looks around as the group stops for the night. Looking across the plains and brush he says, "A fire would be a beacon for miles. From what I've heard, the Ahote will find us, if and when they want to. But if there's lizardmen or other beasties around, they might not see us without a fire. I'd suggest another night without one. Maybe tomorrow evening will find us in a safer place.
----- OOC: What's a horse base speed? Garret has movement of 40 due to monk's abilities. If that's slower than a horse, he'll go to horseback. If that's as fast as the plow horse, he'll stay on foot.
For watches, we have: first watch: Garret & Zeph, Second watch: Jet, Hmark, and Charek Third watch: Keela and Alexi
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 5th, 2010 9:15:43 PM
OOC: MM, horse. Light horses have 60', heavy horses have 50'. Lobo, Alexi's, heavy wahorse has 35' move because of the barding.
IC: Alexi agrees with the 'no fire' again, but he is beggining to miss the barracks. "Water may start to become a problem, so if anyone has a means to conjure up some, keep it handy," he advises.
He takes up Keela's offer to sleep in the extra-dimensional space created by Keela. "I'm not afraid of the creatures and such, I'm just tired of these dang biting bugs," he says. "Usually a campfire smoke will keep them away, but we don't have that this time."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 5th, 2010 9:16:40 PM
PS. for whoever is riding Lupin, he's a light warhorse, MV 60'
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Monday July 5th, 2010 10:31:33 PM
I had gotten a light horse named Shadow way back from Lady Dulcet in Making of a Hero. I had the horse all the way until the module ended and we started teleporting through trees to reach Bryn Baraz.
Would it have teleported with me?
Zeph's speed is 30'. SO a horse would be nice. Maybe Katirana would have given us some horses along with the food and 'supplies'
DM Cayzle - Dust in the Wind Tuesday July 6th, 2010 7:43:02 AM
OOC: I know not everyone has posted, sorry, but it is a workday, and I'd like to get us back on track.
OOC to Zeph: On May 21 you asked for a horse, smokesticks, and alchemical fire. Although the DM at the time ignored, you, preoccupied as he was with other things, Zeph did then receive three smokesticks, three alchemical fires, and a horse. Light or heavy warhorse, as you prefer, likely belonging to a former PC or adventure-class NPC who either died or who has teleported to Plat City. Take care of your horse ... there may not be another around anywhere.
OOC to all: Also at about that time, Garret takes a mule and supplies; Hmark grabs a mule, climbing supplies, and extra arrows; and Sjurd grabs a mule named Thorvik. Or maybe Thorwick. It is hard to say. Charek took a "burro" with a pack saddle. I take that to mean a donkey or a mule, not a pony. Of course, Keela, Jet, and Alexi already have mounts - Daisy, Bantom, and Lobo. There is a spare horse, Lupin.
The current party:
Garret: 40 Jet on Bantom: 35 with barding Alexi on Lobo: 35 with barding Keela on Daisy: 50 (no barding) Garret (monk): 40 Charek: 20 Hmark: 30 Zeph on Shadow II: 50 or 60 Extra Horse (Lupin): 60 Several Mules: 30
Right now, the party moves at 20 with Charek afoot (16 miles per day over the plains). Were he to ride Lupin, the group speed would go to 30, with mules and Hmark afoot (24 miles per day). It will take two days at least to get to the Ahote camp. Although you know full well they are nomads and have moved since then.
Keela makes the camp magically secure, but for tonight, her efforts are not needed. In the morning, it is time to go. [Depending on your speed] You will arrive at the former Ahote camp this evening or tomorrow.
The day's travel is uneventful, with one caveat. Far far ahead, on the horizon, you see a smudge as of dust or haze or smoke. Make a spot check and a survival check:
DC10 Spot: Highlight to display spoiler: {The smudge is maybe 5-10 miles away} DC20 Spot: Highlight to display spoiler: {The smudge is definitely 10 miles away} DC15 Survival AFTER a successful DC10 Spot: Highlight to display spoiler: {You guess you're looking at the dust cloud of maybe 20 to 60 horses} DC25 Survival AFTER successful DC20 Spot: Highlight to display spoiler: {The cloud would have come from 60 horses, but they would have to be running in close together}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] d20+5=15 ; d20+5=20 ; Tuesday July 6th, 2010 11:19:50 AM
"Hey, everyone, look ahead there. Five or ten miles away." He points at the smudge. "Do you see it? It looks like lots of horses to me. More than 20, I'd say." He looks around at the cover and continues, "I think we should take cover. Those Ahote, did they ride horses often?"
----- Spot: 15 Survival: 20
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+4=5 ; Tuesday July 6th, 2010 11:34:41 AM
ooc: DM Cayzle, please do not forget Vaya is Jet's pack horse and is with him and Bantom. I am hoping to return to regular posting this week, unless something else happens, but here is a quick one for Jet.
Jet is oblivious to the cloud of dust, to busy looking toward the skies for the red orb. He does take others words for it though and he knows the Ahote are also excellent horsemen, so he just asks Garret, "Approch them or avoid them? Everyday is a good day to meet Gargul."
Bantom looks back at Jet, "Always wanting to meet Gargul. I would like to meet Flower myself. I bet her garden is delicious."
Jet replies, "Maybe so."
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 d20+9=25 ; Tuesday July 6th, 2010 3:45:38 PM
(OOC: Hmmm. Light or Heavy you say? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each besides the light horse having more base land speed?)
(Spot = 25... Zeph has no skill points in survival unfortunately)
Zeph will gladly share his horse with Charek so that the group can move faster from point A to point B.
So just to be clear, you ruled that spending a whole day doing nothing but riding on horses keeps us distracted enough so that we can't scribe a scroll, right?
Zeph sees the smoke or dust in the distance and says, "Yep, it's definitely 10 miles away. We should move at a trot and try to flag them down if they are in fact the Ahote. Good horsemen you say? Maybe they can loan us one or two more if we ask nicely enough. Either way, I'm sure they have to know something about these invading lizardfolk." Zeph says, optimistic that the Ahote will help them and he not have to prove himself in some sort of test like with the Hawkmen
If Charek doesn't ride with Zeph, Hmark tries to get the dwarf to ride Lupin. [I'm gonna assume he's with Zeph]
Hmark notes the smudge on the horizon, and squints at it a bit, trying to make sense of it.
The other's interpretations seem a good an explanation as any.
Frowning a moment, the archer turns to see just what kind of dust plume his own group is leaving. "If we can see them, probably a good bet they can see us," he notes. "We got any fliers that can check on ahead?"
Hmark also scans about for a good place to hide the group, in response to Garret's idea.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday July 6th, 2010 6:22:25 PM
"I'm not sure there's enough cover to hide all of us. Perhaps just a few should hide, ready in case something bad should happen -- just in case this is not the Ahote. I see a good hiding spot for myself over there."
---
I'm picturing the land looking something like this: http://www.niedermayer.ca/rec/2005grasslands/ngillespie.html Is that accurate?
Keela d20+2=10 ; d20+2=4 ; Tuesday July 6th, 2010 6:50:56 PM
In the morning, Keela prepares the same spells as the day before.
She sees the dust cloud, but doesn't understand its meaning until the more experienced in the party point it out. "It probably is the Ahote," she says in agreement. "I don't know who else would be riding around out here."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday July 6th, 2010 10:41:20 PM
OOC: I found the following;
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."
Aleix had offered to let someone use his spare light warhorse he gained when rescuing Lollena and Hmark had taken up the offer.
Alexi squints his eyes and sees the dust, and that's about it. "I hope it's not one of those Dust Devils that hit us once before," he quips.
Then, with the mentioning of the possibility of it being Ahote, he suggests, "As we all can't hide out here in these grasses, let us that are mounted move forward at an easy pace. Those that are not, spread out wide and try to move hidden in the grasses. If it is the Ahote, they'll see you. If it isn't, you may have chance to be our Element of Surprise."
Then he adds, "If it is the Ahote, the one we are looking for is a warrior named Muata, or the clan leader, Dasan."
He then pulls out his Ahote Medicine bag that hangs around his neck and lets it hand in front of his armor, then readies his shield and lance. "Lobo, let's see what this dust is."
Alexi moves forward, in the center, when whichever plan is accepted by their leader.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday July 6th, 2010 11:05:05 PM
OOC: Should say, "...lets it hang...", not "...hand in front of his armor."
DM Cayzle - Riders on the Storm Wednesday July 7th, 2010 7:37:49 AM OOC: Yuppers, making magic items requires that, per the rules, "The caster works for 8 hours each day. He cannot rush the process by working longer each day. But the days need not be consecutive, and the caster can use the rest of his time as he sees fit." So what does that mean? You need 8 hours of rest a day, unless you have a ring of sustenance. You need a minimum of 1 hour a day to eat three meals (I just made up that rule). You need another minimum of an hour to not be disgusting to others (I just made up that rule too). And you generally take eight hours to adventure. That still gives you six hours of free time a day, usually used in taking a watch at night, tending gear, making camp, etc etc. Is there some flex there? Sure! If you want to stand no watch, or not get back spells, or be hungry and disgusting for a day, you can take eight hours out of that to make magic items.
Now, scribing a spell into a spell book is a different matter. The rules here are also quite clear: "No matter what the spell's source, the wizard must first decipher the magical writing (see Arcane Magical Writings, above). Next, she must spend a day studying the spell. At the end of the day, she must make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell's level)." That's "a day," not eight hours. That means all you do all day is study and scribe (and then rest at the end of the day).
Hope that helps!
==========
Ah ... you assume that the cloud betokens riders coming toward you ... but in fact after an hour or so it is clear that they are headed in a different direction, as the haze dims, dwindles, and departs. You judge that the riders ahead are moving toward the northeast, however, and the last campgrounds of the Ahote are to the northwest. A light rain comes up from the south, and it tends to tamp down the dust.
So ... do you follow the riders ahead? Or move to the old Ahote camp? Or do something else? And at your normal pace? Or will you take extreme efforts to go faster?
"Extreme efforts? What extreme efforts?" you ask. Well, your kindly DM is not one to lead you, but just to explain his thinking ...
You are currently moving at 20. Assuming Charek rides with someone else, you can get that to 30. If you abandon the mules, you can get that to 35. If you take off the barding and stow it carefully, you can get that to 40. If you abandon heavy gear, you can get that to 50. And if you made a count of your light warhorses and doubled up, maybe you could get to 60 by leaving the heavy warhorses behind. And of course, you can use the rules for a forced march.
Now, your DM is NOT hinting or suggesting. Just pondering the options. The danger, of course, for any evil but kindly DM, is that of over-identifying with the PCs, and your DM may have fallen into that trap with his current post. Let him leave it at that, then, and allow you to make your own choices ... knowing that ... that ... if you are not afraid, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: { knowing that a painful doom nonetheless awaits you all! With nasty big pointy teeth! Muahaha! }
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Wednesday July 7th, 2010 10:49:52 AM
Zeph thinks about how best to catch the riders that area heading to the NorthEast. "Well, I think that it would be worth it to catch up and talk to these riders that are headed to the NorthEast here. Tell ya what, everyone else stay with the Mules and such (moving at 30), while whoever has a light horse can come with me (moving at 60) to catch up to the riders. They are 10miles away, so it shouldn't take too long moving at that pace to catch them. We will flag them down and talk to them while everyone else who stays with the Mules catches up. I think ditching anything would be a bad idea, as we can use mules to trade with the Ahote to gain their trust." Zeph suggests
Spells for the day: Level 0: Ray of Frost, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ghost Sound Level 1: Shield, Charm Person, Shocking Grasp
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Wednesday July 7th, 2010 1:12:19 PM
Jet laughs out loud once again, "So we split the party up three ways now? I do not advice anything like that. The riders have to stop at some point and we will eventually catch them. I will also remind you all, we were not on the best of terms with one of their shaman leaders, which we believe was responsible for the missing Ahote children. It very well could be the lizards have found them already and he has turned the natives onto the side of our enemies. If that is the case, I doubt our friendship bags will be of much use to us anymore."
He sits and thinks for a minute when Bantom chimes in, "If we went to where they came from, would that give us a clue to their intentions?"
Jet shrugs his shoulders, "I think that would be our best bet, for those that want safety over splitting us up."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday July 7th, 2010 4:33:01 PM
"I tend to agree with Zeph -- let's send the fastest riders ahead to quickly attempt to catch up. If there are lizardmen or others around here with evil intent, there is safety in numbers. The rest of us shall follow, with the mules, as quickly as we can."
----- Can we tell how fast the riders were moving? Can we do a forced march with mules?
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+9=17 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2010 4:55:28 PM
Jet snarls at the commands, but dismounts off of Bantom and unbuckles his barding and military saddle, letting it fall to the ground. He mounts up without words, leaving it behind and spurs his horse as fast as he can, without forcing damage on him, for now. he leaves vaya behind with his dropped gear.
Bantom eagerly takes off at Jet's commands.
Ride: 17
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Wednesday July 7th, 2010 6:50:26 PM "Alexi, Keela? With me or staying behind? The Ahote met you once before, and we may need someone to keep Jet's foot out of his mouth." Zeph says with a smile and a wink.
(OOC: No hostility directed to you Buzz, it's just what Zeph would say.)
Zeph sees Jet take off and dashes to catch up with him and get to the large pack of 10-mile-away riders. with Garret, Keela, and Alexi or without.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Wednesday July 7th, 2010 7:31:50 PM ooc: No offense taken my friend. This is only Jet's response, not my own.
"Disrespect me again and you'll find my foot in your mouth!"
:)
Charek AC 25; HP 46/47 (4), hasted blessed Wednesday July 7th, 2010 8:57:35 PM
Charek riding along with Zeph (unless there is an extra mount somewhere. I could have sworn Charek took a mule and a donkey, but my plans and thoughts don't always seem to communicate together.) listens to the thoughts being tossed around, doesn't like the thought of dividing the group and is about to say so when Jet takes off. As Zeph gets ready to chase after him Charek chimes up. "If you are about to go chasiung after him with me back here, I might prefer to follow along on my own two feet and catch up with you."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday July 7th, 2010 10:09:54 PM Drat! Alexi exclaims in his mind.
"I can't keep up withoug doing what Jet just did, and that still leaves Keela and trying to to play catch-up anyway," Alexi blurst, frustrated. "Doesn't anyone ever think strategically anymore? We don't even KNOW it's the Ahote! I'm for finding the tracks and following them. That way we can see what it is we are following first, and creep up on them if necessary!"
Alexi turns to Keela, "I'm not going to wear Lobo out on this chase. Stick with me and whoever else want's to be cautious."
Alexi dismounts and retrieves Bantom's barding. "He'll be sorry he left it, or call me stupid for NOT leaving it. Either way, I can't loose," he grumbles. He bundles it up and asks Keela if Daisy could carry it. If so, he straps it onto Daisy's rump.
Then he heads Lobo in the general direction the others went, making note of their tracks in the dirt, the light rain tamping down the dust making it easier to follow as the dust get's 'crusty'.
Keela Wednesday July 7th, 2010 10:22:04 PM
Daisy can't keep up with a light horse. Keela remains back with the slower group. "I'm not sure this is such a good idea," she says.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Thursday July 8th, 2010 2:13:41 AM
ooc to group, Jet left Vaya behind as a pack animal.... If someone wants to use her, or... even, maybe, take off her full gear and use her speed...hint, hint, look at Jet's sheet for movement....hint....LOL
Not trying to play your charcters, just offering decisions that might not be thought of yet.
Again, Jet has always followed orders and he expected nothing less when he gave them, even when they were not followed.
:)
DM Cayzle - Riders on the Storm Thursday July 8th, 2010 7:55:14 AM
OOC: "Can we tell how fast the riders were moving?" -- nope! Too far away, plus the rain. "Can we do a forced march with mules?" Sure! But note that a forced march does not increase your speed, just your distance per day.
To Charek: Sure, a donkey and a mule are fine ... but neither makes a mount. Unless you have a decent Handle Animal skill I suppose. But would you like a horse or a pony? You could have grabbed one just before sending the civilians off to Plateau City.
A very quick decision leads to action!
Zeph and Jet ride off, Zeph on a light warhorse, Jet on Bantom, a heavy warhorse with the run feat. If they run full out, Bantom can keep pace for a while, but you can't run forever. Zeph will pull somewhat ahead.
Garret urges those with light horses to go. He himself stays behind on foot.
Alexi, Keela, and Charek stay behind. Hmark could keep up with Zeph, but has not yet decided.
Zeph and Jet speed ahead. The rest follow with the mules. After about two hours, the two riders have travelled about 10 miles and reach the trail left by the ones ahead. The light rain has somewhat obscured the tracks, but this much is clear: The riders are mounted on something big -- bigger than horses! And there are more than five of them, but less than 30. Make a couple Know Nature and Survival checks to learn more. It would be easy to follow this trail, even with the rain.
Presumably, the ones ahead are two hours further on. But how fast are they travelling?
Everyone else is two hours behind, having travelled about 6 miles so far after two hours.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday July 8th, 2010 8:24:08 AM
Garret watches Zeph and Jet quickly disappear. He says, "As long as Jet doesn't do anything rash, I think they will be okay. Hopefully as soon as they find out something, they will return to us. Let's just keep going, as quickly as these mules can handle the travel. Have faith, my friends, its not as if we're about to be attacked by a lizardman city!"
Garret looks up and around, nervously, just to make sure.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+8=26 ; Thursday July 8th, 2010 11:43:45 AM
Jet uses his knowledge of keeping himself alive to attempt to determine what it is was moving through the area.
"Bantom, do you smell anything if you put your nose to the tacks?"
Bamtom searches around and sniffs the ground, using his scent ability.
Survival: 26
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 d20+5=17 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=27 ; Thursday July 8th, 2010 2:02:19 PM "What kind of animal could this be that they are riding?" Zeph ponders for a second. (Knowledge Nature =17)
Zeph also spends a minute or so (take 10, so ignore that 19 and make it a 26) searching around the tracks for anything that could give him and Jet a clue as to who these people are or what they are riding.
He will also look around for any possible ambushes set up for them or anything shiny in the dirt (Spot =27, listen = 27). He will also use this roll to look ahead at the riders and judge about how far away they are so he can maybe flag them down for discussion.
Hmark d20=14 d20+1=21 Thursday July 8th, 2010 2:19:03 PM
. Hmark chuckles softly as the group splits. "Zeph and Jet out by themselves? We should charge admission."
Sketching a jaunty salute at Garret, the archer gives Lupin a kick and gallops off to join the two riders. ---
"Hey, Jet," he asks, as the trio spots the tracks. "You said the Ahote were good horsemen. Didja ever see 'em riding something else?"
Figuring he can at least tell the difference between toes, claws, and hooves, the archer also gives the tracks a quick once-over.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Thursday July 8th, 2010 5:44:05 PM
Jet looks around and answers Hmark, "No."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+2=18 ; Thursday July 8th, 2010 9:47:49 PM
OOC: forgot about Vaya. Alexi straps Bantom's barding on Vaya.
IC: Alexi takes the lead of the slower group and move onward, following the trail left behind by the others. He looks to and fro for anything that may have been attracted by the running horses and come their way to check it out.
Spot d20+2 = 18
Alexi patiently moves onward.
Keela Friday July 9th, 2010 1:32:33 AM
Keela stays with "her" group, keeping up as best she can. Which is pretty good, really. She's come a long way from the tenderfoot who first joined the party.
Charek AC 25; HP 46/47 (4), hasted blessed Friday July 9th, 2010 1:34:15 AM
(OOC. Ok didn't realize that ponies were an option. Charek would have taken a pony and a donkey)
Plugging along with the others, charek loas what ever equipment that was dropped on the pack animals.
DM Cayzle - "I make the earth shake, As I tramp through the grass." Friday July 9th, 2010 7:32:12 AM Hmark, Zeph, and Jet: The three outriders inspect the tracks. Could it be? Is it possible? You have the strange idea that these tracks were made by ... dinosaurs? Elephants? Something big and heavy with four legs and thick feet, for sure. Maybe 10 or 15 of them. Looking ahead, you see no riders (not that you ever did), and no dust cloud ... because the rain, getting heavier, has put the kibosh on that, you figure. But rain or no, the trail of these huge beasts through the grasses is unmistakable.
"Smells like nothing I ever smelled before," Bantom says. "He puts his nose in the air. "Maybe ... lizardfolk? Like what attacked us?"
It occurs to you that these are not Ahote. It further occurs to you that were you three to meet up with these things on your only, the outcome might not be favorable.
The slower group, Keela, Garret, Charek, and Alexi, follow along behind.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Friday July 9th, 2010 9:31:29 AM
"Our orders were to discover and return. That is what I intend to do. You two do as you desire."
Jet mounts onto Bantoms back and returns to report back in to Garret.
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Friday July 9th, 2010 10:01:51 AM
Zeph looks at the tracks and listens to Bantom. "Hmmmm. Yeah, we should go back to the main group I suppose." Zeph says as he turns Shadow II around and begins to trot back.
Zeph will also keep his eyes out for a cave or some kind of tree covering that could make for a nice shelter until the rain goes away.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday July 9th, 2010 10:18:42 PM
To Alexi, the rain is kind of a relief. Knowing he hadn't a bath in quite some time, at least not since the underwater swim to get out of the caves, he was sure he didn't smell too good. Or maybe it's someone else that doesn't.
On the other hand, the rain is making it harder to see ahead and certainly making it harder to find Jet, Zephs, and Hmark's tracks.
But he continues on, patiently. Watchful.
Keela Sunday July 11th, 2010 2:41:58 AM
As the rain intensifies, Keela begins to fret. A little soaking never hurt anyone, of course, but if it began to storm, the group would be out here in the open. And separated. Anxiously, she looks around to see if she can spot the others.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Sunday July 11th, 2010 10:07:01 AM
Garret looks first after the group that ran ahead, then to the sides. He calls out, "If we can find some shelter from this storm, that would be great. If you see something, head for it. I'll stay out here in case the others come back."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday July 11th, 2010 5:47:34 PM
OOC: DM... where are we in respect to The Three Sisters (the three stone pillars out in the middle of nowhere)?
DM Cayzle - Together again Monday July 12th, 2010 7:46:33 AM
Jet leads Zeph and Hmark back to the main group. Along the way, Zeph notes a couple decent camp sites, in stands of scrawny trees.
The heroes are reunited. Jet communicates their findings: A group of maybe 15 elephants or dinosaurs, likely ridden by lizardfolk.
The rain is gentle, and certainly no impediment to travel, if you do not mind getting wet. Of course, lacking a cave or a roof, even the best shelter will get you wet too. It will not stop you from following the lizards, if you so desire, or from following their backtrail, for that matter. Or you could head in some other direction ... maybe toward the old camp of the Ahote? Truly, the DM is not trying to lead you, but just to offer options.
It is early afternoon, let us say.
OOC: I'm still working on the geography issues and getting together some info for you all (including the three sisters thing). Sorry for the delay.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday July 12th, 2010 10:13:44 AM
Garret listens to the report and says, "Thank you for running on ahead."
"Large dinosaurs or elephants? This is getting stranger and stranger. Opinions on which way to go?"
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Monday July 12th, 2010 10:38:03 AM
Jet remains silent and lets everyone else make suggestions. He is of the opinion, at this point, that what ever he offers, the group will likely do the opposite. Not much different then when he was the leader really. He might have to use that to his advantage in the future, but for now, he will just be happy he is getting paid for doing basically nothing,
He dismounts off of his best friend and places the barding and saddle back onto Bantom.
The horse seems eager to have the protection returned, but speaks softly to Jet about the good run and they should do that more often. "All work and no play makes Jet a grumpy man."
Jet replies, "Yeah, well, until we find more of Ma Belles types, I wouldn't say I'll be singing or dancing any time soon."
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 Monday July 12th, 2010 11:23:11 AM
Zeph returns to the group. "Yeah, those guys probably were not the Ahote. We should return to the spot in which you, Alexi, Keela, and Jet saw them last. The rain's not too bad, but we should definitely find some cave to take shelter in before nightfall, I spotted a few on the way back. " he says.
DM Cayzle - Extra Monday July 12th, 2010 1:28:40 PM
Sorry! I posted: "Zeph notes a couple decent camp sites, in stands of scrawny trees. ... Of course, lacking a cave or a roof, even the best shelter will get you wet too" -- I meant you find some stands of trees, but nothing as nice as a cave or roofed structure.
Hmark Monday July 12th, 2010 2:29:53 PM
[ooc - playing off DM extra]
Hmark scrunches his face in confusion at Zeph's comment. "I think you're thinking of a different day in the rain," he notes with a grin. "I didn't see nothin' back there but some scraggly stands of trees." He shrugs. "We'd be less wet, anyway."
The archer pauses, a moment, thinking on the question at hand. "Might be interesting to find out where our friendly lizard troop came from," he muses. "So long as they aren't just a patrol and went in a big circle, they coulda been up to something."
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 12th, 2010 10:04:07 PM
OOC: Found this, it may help the map some. Uncharted Lands Vol 2, Chapter 3, Episode 1 [They day passed quietly as the group headed west, the walls of the rocky plateau on their left, the wide open plains to their right. As they were heading along the same path as they had come when leaving the canyons and headed towards Bryn Baraz the first time, they were somewhat more relaxed as the heat of the day beat down on them. Alexi sat back in the saddle, lance pointing up, and let Lobo choose the pace, enjoying the ride and the open spaces. The confines of Bryn Baraz apparently had been getting to him without him knowing it. It obviously was getting to the others, as the previous day's event showed. Briefly he wondered how Garth was handling the complaints against Ma Belle and a smile crossed his face that took a while to fade. "Flocks of crows, ravens, or buzzards will tell us if something is awry," he ventured out loud. Jet also remained casual, his mind wandering to what ancient secrets might be hidden in that wasteland. Ancient temples to forgotten gods? A monster lair with treasure? Fatine kept watching for more plants to collect, but otherwise she seemed not to pay much attention to anything else. To everyone else she seemed to be just out for an afternoon ride, not a care crossing her face. Keela just concentrated on keeping up and not slowing the others down. Nearing the end of the day the group reached the mouth of the familiar canyons they first passed on their way to Bryn Baraz. The scouts noticed the telltale tracks of a small group of hoofed animals crossing their path from east to west. The trail was old but the animals were moving in the direction the group was headed. The day seemed to pass quicker than expected. The entrance to the canyons they had come out of was a good marker and Alexi noted this on his map and that it was a day's travel from Bryn Baraz.]
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 12th, 2010 10:29:33 PM
OOC: Futher down the page, here's the following, as orderd by Garth:
[Alexi filled in the blanks for Fatine and Keela, explaining that they were on a scouting mission to explore the southwestern section of the great plain, but they were also charged with keeping their eyes open for a hunting party that was overdue at the settlement.]
So, we traveled 1 day westward to the entrance to the trail to Floating City. Next: [The others took up their positions as per the day before, and as the morning grew warmer the progress was steady. Attentive to their surroundings, the morning passed by without the party noticing anything unusual. Near midday the party crossed a strip of trampled grasses.]
We traveled about another 1/2 day westward to the kill site, then:
[The party followed the tracks northward and further into the great plain. The 'Three Sisters' poked above the horizon towards the northeast. Beren was not sure that following the beast was the best idea, but he took his instructions seriously, and was easily able to lead the group along the trail of crushed grasses and blood stains. Caelnin stayed close to Beren, watching the ranger, although the crushed grasses were easy to follow. After several hours of riding, a second set of tracks converged from the southwest. The combined tracks continued on to the north where, in the distance a small outcropping of low rocks arose from the grasses.]
Then we get there: [Jet motioned for the scouts to take the lead once again and the band of adventurers' sat out once again on the trail of the predators, albeit with more caution than before. With Beren and Caelnin leading, and Col scouting from above, they continued moving to the north, towards the low rock outcropping ahead of them. The further they advanced, the more they realized that the plains had a way of deceiving their eyes. What they thought to be a low outcropping not too far away had turned out to be a rocky hill at much greater distance. Some twenty to thirty feet at its height, they now estimated it to be several hundred feet across.]
Hopefully you can extrapolate the distance to the rocks (Ambush Drake den) and figure out the distance to the Three Sisters to the northeast of that.
That should help your map some.
Reader's Digest version: We went west for a day and a half, cliffs on our left, open plains on our right. Went north for several hours, the Three Sisters poking on the horizon to the northeast (figure distance by the curvature of the earth using geometry).
I guess I shoulda sent this via e-mail. DOH!
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 12th, 2010 10:34:45 PM
"I have a tent. We can stretch the canvas between a few trees and get some relief out of the rain," Alexi volunteers. "We've found it always best to camp a little early to give time to reconoiter the area for predators before it gets dark. I suggest we make camp and leave marks indicating the way they went and came from. We can discuss our options and decide our path tonight."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday July 13th, 2010 1:09:53 AM
"Excellent idea," says Garret as he looks to the sky, "Let's find a place to set up camp for the night, a place where we can set up good protection. I've got a bad feeling about tonight."
Zeph AC22 HP 39/42 d20+1=10 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2010 1:25:26 AM
Zeph tried to cast Detect Victim using the LIzard Blood as a material component. It zapped his brain a bit.
"Hey Keela... how long until you can get Teleport?" he says with a goofy smile.
Then he pulls out a flute that he acquired a long time ago from a Bard named Sebastian, and tries to play it. (Perform check = 10)
"Maybe I should have been a bard instead of a Fighter, Rogue, Wizard who should have specced in enchantment or illusion spells. Oh well. I think we will all come together in the end." he says rather sorrowfully.
Keela Tuesday July 13th, 2010 1:49:20 AM
"We should rig the tent and canvas for the animals," Keela suggests. "We have my Rope Trick to shelter in, and my Alarm spell to help watch the camp."
She laughs at Zeph's question. "Teleport! Not for many years, I'm sure. Tonight, I'd settle for a Secure Shelter."
DM Cayzle - Extra Tuesday July 13th, 2010 7:53:31 AM
Sorry everybody. DM's post will come at lunch today.
DM Cayzle - Late Night with Two Ahote Tuesday July 13th, 2010 12:23:36 PM
You take refuge in a stand of trees. You secure the mounts with rope and canvas. And you retire to the dry non-dimensional refuge of the Rope Trick.
Deep into the evening, maybe a couple hours before midnight, you are awoken by the unmistakable wailing of the Alarm spell. It turns out to be two young Ahote warriors. They do not speak Common, but only the strange elf-like language the Ahote know. Still, whether you figure out a way to understand them or not, their intent is clear. They expect you to follow them, right now!
If you have a way to understand them, use it and you can learn more. in a subsequent DM post.
If you break camp, your casters who need rest won't have gotten it. Just sayin'.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Tuesday July 13th, 2010 2:29:23 PM
Bantom, the mighty and intelligent steed is completely fluent in the language of the Ahote. He easily translates for everyone what they say.
Jet listens closely and puts his full plate on after removing the chain shirt he normally rests in.
Hmark Tuesday July 13th, 2010 4:14:11 PM
Hmark pokes his head out of the Rope Trick, and gets the basic jist of the message.
"Looks like we're packing up?" he asks Garret, already pulling on a boot.
Charek AC 25; HP 46/47 (4), hasted blessed Tuesday July 13th, 2010 6:50:01 PM
Quickly listening to what is being translated, Charek begins the rapid gearing up of is pony and the pack mule. Once ready he waits for what kind of marching order they are planning to take, knowing that his pony and the mule will be slowing much of the party on horseback dwon but at least he isn't walking or hanging on like a sack of potatoes on the back of one tose beamoths the others are riding.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+5=12 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2010 7:35:36 PM
ooc: I will make some rolls while waiting for the translation.
Jet listens as he watches closely the Ahote. Are they a couple he would recognize? he has spent a few nights minimum with the warriors, drinking and having fun. Up until the kidnappers trial, with which he barely escaped with his life.
He knows their nature and some of their customes and senses to see if they might not be some form of doppleganger or might they be nervous, as if leading us into some type of trap.
Sense Motive: 12
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+5=6 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2010 8:31:38 PM
OOC: Alexi has 1 more language slot to use, it might be a good idea he learn the Ahote language. Ha!
IC: Alexi listens to the two and tries to pick out words he knows from his time with them. On a whim, he blurts 'Honaw'. (OOC: Honaw was the Ahote we met after killing the Ambush Drakes. That small band of Ahote were from the plains, related to, but not of the tribe of the plateau Ahote. Honaw's tribe would be the most likely one to be found in this area.)
At the name, Alexi watches their reaction. Sense Motive: d20+5 = 6 well, he just woke up and is trying to sort out a weird dream :}
Keela Tuesday July 13th, 2010 9:49:39 PM
Keela does not especially want to climb out of the Rope Trick and saddle Daisy in the middle of the night. But, although she does not understand the Ahote when they speak, she recognizes an emergency when she sees one.
So she only grumbles a little as she packs her saddlebags and hauls herself into the saddle hours before she was planning to. "Neighbors help neighbors," she reminds herself.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Tuesday July 13th, 2010 10:00:04 PM
Garret quickly scrambles to the ground and is ready to go in seconds, since he has little gear. "And away we go!"
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Wednesday July 14th, 2010 1:14:53 AM
Zeph can understand elfish just fine, but these guys are a bit cookey. "You guys wouldn't happen to be related to the Hawkmen of the Whinbourne hills would you? I am an initiated member of those guys. Check out my earring and tattoo I got from them." Zeph says, hoping that the Ahote know of another strange Elfish speaking people.
Zeph gathers his stuff on Shadow II as quick as possible, trying his best to understand what they are saying and listening to the translators Alexi and Bantom.
Zeph has his spiked chain wrapped around his arm at the ready as they ride... or go on foot, whichever the Ahote prefer.
And my spells were never used from last time we camped.
Level 0: Ray of Frost, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ghost Sound Level 1: Shield, Charm Person, Shocking Grasp
DM Cayzle - The Ahote Story Wednesday July 14th, 2010 7:56:17 AM
Several can understand, and this is the story they tell. Sorry Zeph, not related to the Hawkmen.
The Ahote had prepared a sanctuary in the broken lands. A secret place. Only known to Ahote. It was there that they had headed after giving a final warning to Bryn Baraz.
However, one Ahote betrayed the rest to the lizards. And is leading them to the sanctuary. The Ahote warriors went out to meet them before they could violate the valley. But Isstaqa sent these two warriors to meet you and lead you to help.
You do know the younger warrior -- he is the oldest of the boys you saved from the kidnappers, Jet, Keela, and Alexi. You get no sense of subterfuge or mental control. These young men are earnest and worried about their people. They want you to follow them as fast as you can.
It seems that most of you are already willing. It is a long dark haul, but at least the rain has stopped. And there are two moons overhead. You ride on.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday July 14th, 2010 10:14:56 AM
"Away we go! If we can help these people against the lizardmen, let's do it!"
Hmark d20+6=13 ; d20+6=11 ; Wednesday July 14th, 2010 4:15:48 PM
Hmark dutifully saddles up Lupin, and swings up into the saddle. As is his wont, the archer drops to the trail of the column, and makes a valiant attempt to catch anyone sneaking up on the group.
[Listen 13, Spot 11]
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+4=17 ; d20+4=13 ; Wednesday July 14th, 2010 6:14:20 PM
Jet keeps his comments to himself, but deep inside, he thinks it's that shaman he warned Istaqua about. Time will tell who the true traitor is and he hopes he can capture them alive, to watch them go through the Ahote trial and he also hopes, he gets to be one of those that get to put the traitor on trial.
Listen: 17 Spot: 13
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 d20+9=18 ; d20+9=16 ; Wednesday July 14th, 2010 7:53:56 PM
Zeph prefers to keep to the front of the marching stack, attempting to act as spotter and scout. (Spot =18, Listen =16.. bleh. I can't wait to level up)
Zeph quietly prays to Jancassis, "Are these people also aching for revenge as well? I hope you lead me down the right path." he says, still struggling in his faith, looking for signs.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday July 14th, 2010 9:14:44 PM
In the darkness, Alexi had not recognized the Ahote but now, as they spoke and the story translated, he got a better view of them, thanks to the clearing of the skies.
Alexi greets them in the manner he's observed from the other Ahote and pledges his sword to their plight.
He then turns to the horses and helps Keela get Daisy ready, and then Lobo. Meanwhile he muses about this traitor. That young scoundrel of a shaman! It has to be him! We warned Istaqa about him but the old man said he could do nothing about it! Well, we will now for sure.
When all is set, Alexi takes front again, lance and shield at the ready.
Keela Thursday July 15th, 2010 1:36:27 AM
Hearing of the trouble with the Ahote, Keela's sense of urgency goes up a notch. At the same time, she can't help but wonder....who would betray his own people to such a gruesome fate? She hopes there's some kind of mistake.
"Thanks, Alexi," she says as he helps her with the saddle. "Daisy is a gentle creature, but she's so tall!"
DM Cayzle - A Camp Is Reached Thursday July 15th, 2010 6:50:08 AM Garret calls for the heroes to make haste! Hmark saddles up and tries to keep alert.
Alexi and Jet recall the younger shaman, a former exile, who rejoined the Ahote after a period of exile. Isstaqa had forgiven him, but our heroes were suspicious from day 1.
The young Ahote -- just kids, really -- lead you onwards. After maybe five hours of riding, you see that they are at their limits. They are almost falling out of their saddles, and their horses are stumbling. Fortunately, their final efforts are enough. The wind blows toward you, and you gain a whiff of fire and dung. Bantom snorts quietly: "Lizards."
Zeph sees a tall warrior several hundred feet away, mounted on a huge beast.
OOC: Please post your current spells, including note of those you cast yesterday, seeing as you have not had time to recover them. Thanks Zeph for doing so already. I guess I'm mostly looking at Keela and Jet.
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Thursday July 15th, 2010 8:50:32 AM
(OOC: Do I see a tall Lizard warrior?) Cayzle comments: Most probably. Could be an ogre, or something. It is night and a long ways away.
When Bantom says he smells lizards, and Zeph spots the Warrior, he says, "It may be time for that Haste Spell... unless they want to negotiate, but that is quite unlikely."
If the Lizard looks like he is about to attack or an ambush is about to happen, Zeph will cast Shield on himself.
Level 0: Ray of Frost, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ghost Sound Level 1: Shield, Charm Person, Shocking Grasp
Cayzle comments: Looks like you have noticed them before they have noticed you.
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 d20+12=31 ; d20+12=30 ; Thursday July 15th, 2010 2:19:49 PM
(OOC: Oh, if THATS the case, then my actions will be a bit different. Glad I asked.)
Zeph speaks to the group, "I see a warrior on a large beast, but he not see us. Let me and maybe Garret sneak up to him and surprise him if he seems hostile and if not, then I will cast Charm Person on him while being hidden. We should take advantage of surprise and stealth when given the opportunity. If there are more than one, then I will send my familiar to you with a message, relaying my plan... which would probably be "Charge while I ambush"..." Zeph says as he dismounts and begins sneaking towards the mounted warrior.
(Hide =31. Move Silent =30)
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Thursday July 15th, 2010 5:37:09 PM
Jet waits for commands from Garret. Hoping the mighty gods has gifted him with his new falchion, he draws it as quietly as possible and prepares Bantom for action, by running his spurs lightly along the mounts flank, an indication to prepare for battle.
Charek AC 25; HP 47/47 Thursday July 15th, 2010 7:11:40 PM
Charek adds a bit to Zeph's thinking. You might make sure you use the headbands, you may get a better chance of approaching him. Especially if you come in from Down wind.....
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday July 15th, 2010 8:11:32 PM
As Alexi is about to suggest scouting to see how many they are and what, Zeph takes the initiative.
"Good thinking, Zeph. We need to know how many and if it is a camp or are they are guarding something."
At the suggestion of using the Hats of Disguise, he holds the impulse to slap Charek on the shoulder and give him a word of praise!
"Yes, Let's put these things to some use, although we will look the weirder for it, with our horses and all, but you never know."
OOC: DM, I immagine helmets will have to come off in order to put the hat on, yes? if not, Alexi keeps his helmet on.
IC: Alexi removes his helmet and stows it away, then tries on the magical Hat, picturing one of the medium-sized lizardmen. "How do I look?" he asks tentatively. The tail makes for uncomfortable fitting in the saddle made for human butts.
Hmark(ac 20, hp 40/40) Thursday July 15th, 2010 9:44:34 PM
Hmark also puts on his Hat of Disguise and changes his appearance into what he hopes is a passable imitation of one of them lizard guys.
Remaining on his steed, the archer frees his bow for action. Right now, he plans to sit tight and see what Zeph and the others discover...pending Garret's decisions, of course.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] d20+18=35 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+14=33 ; Friday July 16th, 2010 1:04:08 AM
Garret reaches up and fingers one of his tattoo on his neck and shoulder. The tattoo shimmers briefly as magic flows through it. He says, "Yes, let's sneak up as well as we can, but be ready for anything. We can still hide, but let's see what we can see before rushing into death."
Garret uses his hat of disguise to attempt to appear as one of the smaller lizardmen, then attempts to sneak with Zeph, just in case things go bad quickly.
Hide: 35 Move Silent: 30 Listen: 33
DM Cayzle - A Sneak and a Spell? Let's Plan First, Please! Friday July 16th, 2010 7:45:43 AM
The Situation: You are on the prairie, 300 feet from a mounted guard stationed on a low rise, keeping watch at night at an encampment. One moon is still up, and there is shadowy illumination everywhere -- in other words, everybody outside 20 feet of you has Concealment. Well, except for those with low-light vision, who can see clearly for 40 feet. And for Charek, who has darkvision -- he can see clearly within 60 feet.
The Plan: Garret and Zeph dismount and sneak up to the guard, close enough for Zeph to cast his Charm Person spell, call it 30 feet. That will take at least 9 rounds, moving 30 feet per round, moving at half speed so as to sneak optimally.
What will everybody else do for those 9 rounds? First of all, you are all just standing in the prairie grass, which while tall at places, is generally not taller than a mounted human, such as Jet, Keela, Hmark, and Alexi, say. What will you do to not give it all away? Nine rounds is a long time.
Understand that 300 feet is a long way -- although a light unencumbered hourse could run 300 feet in a round, with the Run feat. Bigger, more burdened horses would take two or three rounds to close that distance, and the thunder of horses hooves on the plains at night is not a quiet thing.
Your kindly DM is all set with Garret and Zeph -- they have make their sneak rolls and are ready to try to sneak up and cast that spell. But if the guard fails his save ... and at DC15, even if he has a +0 Will save mod, that's about a 1-in-4 chance of saving ... what will happen next? I don't want anyone to be surprised when Zeph and Garret are beat down for two or three rounds while the rest of you thunder in. Fair warning from your sweet generous DM.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday July 16th, 2010 10:23:46 AM
Garret whispers back, "Take cover best as you can, but be ready in case this doesn't work!"
Keela Friday July 16th, 2010 10:27:50 AM
"I'm going to suggest it again," Keela says, "even though everybody acts as if they're allergic to this spell. Zeph, why don't I cast Fly on you? You'll be able to move much more quietly, and flee much more quickly if things go wrong."
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 - Scorching Ray 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web 2 - Extended Alarm Cast 3 - Fly 3 - Haste 3 - Extended Rope Trick Cast
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Friday July 16th, 2010 6:30:24 PM
Jet responds, "Why not cast it on Bantom? he makes more noise then us all and that would allow him and I, together, to come in from above if things go wrong. I could cast my Silence spell on Lobo, so they would only feel a slight rumbling of the ground before Alexi was upon them."
Jet doesn't really expect Bantom to be afraid of such a spell, but the mount does give him a curious look about the question.
Charek AC 25; HP 47/47 Friday July 16th, 2010 7:02:58 PM
Hmm Might I suggest that we all disguise ourselves and then follow at a distance. Or if you wish I will forego the lizard disguise and you all can be escorting your prisoner.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday July 16th, 2010 10:22:15 PM
Alexi dismounts to make as little profile visible as possible. He has trouble keeping from snickering at the suggestions made by his friends. Except, of course, Keela's. To that he says, "Keela, flying would be quieter, but far more visible by any that can see in the darkness. It would be best if a Silence spell be cast on a stick carried by a Garret. When ready to cast your spell, Zeph, have Garret stay back far enough not to spoil you casting. If the spell doesn't work, move in to take him out and with the Silence Stick, he won't be able to shout a warning.
We'll be close behind."
Alexi suggests the scouts move some 50' to the side before moving in, that way, if one of their group makes a noise or is spotted, then the scouts will not be in the line of sight."
OOC: Someone needs to buy a Wand of Silence :)
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday July 16th, 2010 10:33:06 PM
Alexi then suggests, "Our main goal is to find out how many there are and what this camp is about. Have they already camptured the Ahote or are they on their way? If they are on their way, I'd suggest we find out how many there are, then move on to the Ahote camp. If there are some here, then we rescue them.
Being as dark as it is, our missile weapons will be limited, and many of us don't fight in the dark too well."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Friday July 16th, 2010 10:45:43 PM
"Okay, I like both ideas. Set us up with that fly spell, it could come in handy. And then the rest of you can walk up like you belong here, so you'll be closer if something goes wrong."
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Saturday July 17th, 2010 3:12:58 PM
Jet looks down at Garret and whispers, "Do you want to be more specific? Who gets the fly? Who gets the Silence? How do you want us to approch?"
Jet attempts to not appear frustrated with what he feels are new leader jitters. "You can't be afraid to send someone to their death. All you can do is pray it doesn't happen! Start leading us Garret."
This is likely the first time, Jet has not sounded upset, but actually encouraging to the new leader. Almost like he wants him to succeed.
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Saturday July 17th, 2010 5:01:18 PM
Zeph nods in aggreement a bit and shakes his head only once at his peer's ideas, "Well. I do like the idea of being able to fly for a quick getaway. But you only have one spell and both of us are going to sneak there. Besides, we will be looking like Lizards, right? Silent Stick method? Sounds like fun" Zeph says as he uses his Hat of Disguise to change himself into one of the lizards he studied after the last battle.
Zeph looks at the mounted individual far away and breathes heavily to settle his mind. Then he ducks under the tall grass and moves slowly to the guy, with his bow drawn and an arrow notched.
(Hide =31. Move Silent =30)
DM Cayzle - A Sneak and a Spell? Let's Plan First, Please! Saturday July 17th, 2010 5:55:14 PM
The Dm feels obliged to add a note: If Garret and Zeph are hiding, and Zeph casts a spell, and the save is made, then only Zeph has been revealed. Just sayin'.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday July 17th, 2010 10:24:46 PM
Alexi adds another two coppers to the discussion.
"Keela, you might want to save the Fly spell for yourself. If we get into a battle, you'll want to put yourself some 40 feet or so above the battlefield so you can hit any target you choose with little effort."
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Saturday July 17th, 2010 10:41:01 PM
Hmmm. Weren't we talking about Zeph's legacy item being a metamagic rod of silence?
DM Cayzle - Delayed Monday July 19th, 2010 7:59:19 AM
Sorry friends! The DM Post will be later on today.
DM Cayzle - The Final Plan? Monday July 19th, 2010 1:36:03 PM
This is how your kindly DM will interpret your plan. Now is your last chance to change your character's actions:
Keela will cast fly on Zeph.
Jet will cast silence on a stick and give it to Garret.
Zeph and Garret will circle around, approaching the guard from the side.
The group follows, not directly behind, but how far back? Note that you have to be making Hide checks or crawling in the grass to avoid detection if you get too much closer. Note that normal walking is a DC0 listen check, modified by -1 per ten feet distance. When you are 150 feet back, it will be a DC15 listen check to hear you. Unless you have a good Handle Animal check or a Speak with Animals, the horses can't make hide and move silent checks. Except for Bantom.
Everyone except the mounts will be disguised as lizards.
Am I missing anything? Last chance to make changes! [OOC: You guys have to step up your game a bit. It should not take 3-4 days to plan an approach on a guard.]
Hmark(ac 20, hp 40/40) Monday July 19th, 2010 3:34:50 PM
Hmark slides off the back of Lupin, and takes hold of the reins of Zeph's mount as well.
"I'll hang back and hold on to these guys," the archer whispers, nodding at the steeds. "Give a whistle if you want me to bring them forward. Otherwise, I'll wait for you to come back....or for the yelling."
The young man spends his waiting time looking around for a rock or something solid he could tie off the horses to, if he has to run forward.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 19th, 2010 3:37:58 PM
Alexi suggests to Jet to have Bantom keep the horses behind and quiet while the others sneak (hunkered down in the grass) towards the lookout.
He also suggests approaching up to at least 100' distance, or however close in order to reach the scout on a run (move x3 or x4 depending on armor).
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Monday July 19th, 2010 5:02:27 PM
Jet looks at Alexi and growls, "Who are you? I take orders from Garret and if he isn't willing to give them, I will do what I think is best."
Clearly, Jet would have never put up with this dung when he was "leading" the others. Jet knows Alexi means well, but is showing his displeasure of the moment by taking it out on his second best friend. Jet takes a breath and apologizes.
Then, he talks to his horse...
"Bantom, what in the blazes did the Ahote say? How many are there and why have they lead us here in such a blasted hurry? Who is in danger? Come on, these are things we should know already!"
Keela Monday July 19th, 2010 10:10:11 PM
Keela stands by, ready to cast her spell if Zeph wants it. Having no talent for stealth, she will move no closer to the guard's position unless specifically told to.
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Monday July 19th, 2010 11:28:01 PM
(My post for the last 2 days have been "Zeph hides and walks that way". Don't know what more you want.)
Zeph looks at the mounted individual far away and breathes heavily to settle his mind. Then he ducks under the tall grass and moves slowly to the guy, with his bow drawn and an arrow notched.
"Naw, don't worry about the Fly. Save it. I will yell if I enter combat." Zeph says as he leaves looking like a lizard... for the 3rd time.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Monday July 19th, 2010 11:56:46 PM
"The rest of you creep up a bit, but stay back at least 100 feet. You might as well disguise yourselves, in case you're spotted from a distance. If you are, that might help us, anyway, as the lizards will be distracted. Surely they won't see through the disguise at that distance.
"Hold on to that fly, and have it ready. It could help with distraction if this should go bad.
"Zeph, let's head on forward and see what we can see."
He halfway decently keeps quiet, but he's been in the saddle a long time and crunching down isn't as easy as he thought.
Charek AC 25; HP 47/47 Tuesday July 20th, 2010 10:40:41 PM
Shaking his head at all the agitation amongst the group members, Charek makes sure his disguise is as set as well as can be and goes along with the others.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20-5=5 ; d20-5=3 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2010 4:57:22 AM
Jet waits to hear the answers to his questions..."What in the blazes did the Ahote say? How many are there and why have they lead us here in such a blasted hurry? Who is in danger?
"So lizards creeping along isn't going to look suspicious? Why not walk up like we own the place?" Jet just shakes his head and laughs before telling Bantom, "Pull the horses back and away from the encounter. Yes, I know you want in on this, but..." Jet looks thoughtful and decides to put the hat of disguise on Bantom, to see if it works, "Now, will yourself to be a big lizard."
With that, Jet begins to creep forward after hobbling the horses out of sight and sound. If for some reason the hat doesn't work on his horse, he will use it himself.
Hide: 5 Move Silently: 3
Spells: Silence on stick 40 rounds available/ ? rounds remaining
DM Cayzle - A Scene of Carnage d20+3=7 ; d20+3=12 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2010 7:50:20 AM
To clarify what the Ahote said, and your Dm apologizes for not making this plainer sooner ... The Ahote were travelling to their secret refuge. Once there, Isstaqa had a vision of doom. The shaman who you suspected all along had indeed defected, and was leading the lizards to the secret refuge! There would be a quick coup, and the rogeu shaman would rule the Ahote for the lizards. But Isstaqa saw it coming, and all the Ahote warriors went out from the refuge to ambush the lizards. Isstaqa sent these two young riders to find you all and bring you to the fight. They fear they are too late.
==========
Now, approaching a lizard camp under a single moon in the night ...
Zeph and Garret sneak forward.
Keela stands ready to cast her spells, staying with the main group, behind Zeph and Garret.
Jet tries to use the hat on Bantom. But it is like a Disguise Self spell, and making a quadruped into a biped is beyond it. Jet wears the hat himself.
Alexi and Charek creeps forward too, disguised.
Hmark stays behind with the mounts, keeping low, and finds a place to stake them. Actually, a low bush to tie them to.
Zeph and Garret will circle around, approaching the guard from the side. Alexi, Keela, Jet, and Charek creep along a hundred feet or more behind. Hmark stays back with the horses, maybe then coming up after.
Opposed Listen and Spot checks for the Lizard: a 7 and a 12. No problem. Zeph and Garret sneak close enough to cast a Charm Person on the lizard. They are unseen.
Before the casting, you get a sense of the camp. There is a deep smell of fire and burning. On the other side of the rise on which the Lizard stands, you see a scene of carnage somewhat illuminated by the moonlight. There are several circles in the prairie where a round burning explosion removed the grass. There is a pile of human bodies off to one side, looking looted. There are three massive corpses of elephantine lizards, and two dead lizards who might have been riders. Off to one side there is a corral with another five or six of the lizard mounts. There is another guard standing a hundred feet off on the other side of the camp. In between the two guards, there are six or seven sleeping forms, larger than humans.
As Zeph gets set to cast his spell, he notes that the other guard will have a DC13 listen check to hear a spell being cast. The sleepers will have DC8 listen checks, but at the standard -10 on checks when sleeping. Is Garret right next to Zeph, or a little aways?
Your DM, having given you a lot of info here, feels compelled to make sure you are set on this course of action. It seems likely to Zeph that even if his target is affected by the spell, someone will likely hear it being cast. Then again, maybe that's okay, considering that you are all disguised.
Actions? Questions?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Wednesday July 21st, 2010 9:34:56 AM
Garret is not far from Zeph, but far enough so that should someone look directly at Zeph, they won't see Garret standing right next to him (20 feet?).
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 d20+13=29 ; d100=19 ; d20+16=25 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2010 11:26:00 AM
(OOC: Ohhhhh. You see, this new information changes everything... I didn't realize that we were being led to just battle. I thought we were still in "Scout, Observe, and collect info" mode...)
Zeph sees the Lizard in front of him, and he looks at his skin to make sure it is the same shade of green or brown that the other medium lizards were at the last battle.
He thinks that even if he casts the spell and someone hears it, then it shouldn't matter since Zeph can probably just say he was practicing some casting he picked up from a Lizard Wizard (hehe).
Then, Zeph wonders, what can be gained by going about it this way and not simply charging them while they sleep? Would the heroes get a surprise round if he can distract the guardsman (guardslizard?) long enough so the group can sneak in? Maybe its worth all this sneaking about. He will whisper to Garret, "I will distract this guy so everyone else can get a bit closer. If the other Lizard Guard comes here, then you guys sneak around behind them while I have both distracted. Tell the rest of the group how many sleeping lizards there are and tell them to leave the horses behind. We can ambush them while I distract this guy. In the time it takes you guys to get close, I will get some information out of him. Good luck, slit some sleepy lizard throats." Then Zeph moves away from Garret.
So, anyways, Zeph goes ahead and casts Charm Person on the Lizard watchman, still hidden under the grass. (Will DC is 15. Is there a penalty to the save if they do not know a spell is being cast at them?)
Then, Zeph will stand up and expose himself, disguised, and approach the lizard watchman. (Would I know if he failed or succeeded on his roll?)
Zeph will say with a heavy lisp, "Hello, Do you mind if I practice my common tongue? I was one of the troops to occupy the Bryn Baraz cave - we were ambushed. We killed most of the disgusting pink skins. As you can see, I kept one of their bows. I was sent back here to report this information. How goes the rest of the plan?" Zeph says as he shows the mounted lizard his bow.
(OOC: I figure a good disguise check, bluff check, and charm person, and proof that we killed the 'heroes' should allow some talking)
Keela Wednesday July 21st, 2010 3:21:49 PM
Keela experiments with her Hat of Disguise.
She resists the urge to make herself into a cute lizard-girl with long eyelashes and a pink bow on her tail, because she's pretty sure the real ones don't look like that. She tries for a small, nondescript lizard-person of indeterminate gender. (How do lizard-men and lizard-ladies tell each other apart? she wonders.) She's not sure she got the nose (snout? muzzle?) right.
Hmark(ac 20, hp 40/40) d20+6=16 d20+8=23 d20+6=24 Wednesday July 21st, 2010 3:47:14 PM
Hmark ties the various horses, except Bantom, to the low bush. The archer regards Jet's steed for a moment, and decides talking to a horse, even if it talks back, is not something he's quite prepared to do. And as Jet and Bantom seem to have some kind of understanding, its probably best just to leave the stallion alone.
Hmark will then move out after Jet, Alexi, and the others in the 'main group', bending over to stay as low as possible without actually crawling.
Listen 16 Move Silently 23 Spot 24
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) Wednesday July 21st, 2010 8:29:25 PM
"Don't leave Vaya behind." Jet tells Bantom, "If we all die, there isn't anything you can do for us, so bite through the horses hobbling if we don't come back or if you see lizards coming your way. Have a great life my friend." Jet pats the large animal on the flanks as Bantom responds, "Drink well in Gargul's Hall and save a spot for me. I'll need a double when I get there." Jet smiles and nods his head before sneaking off with the others.
He does not see what the others see, so he waits for the call to approch or attack, as needed.
DM Cayzle - A Scene of Carnage Wednesday July 21st, 2010 8:44:15 PM
Sorry, to clarify, I did not put the expanded new info in spoilers because even those 100-150 ft away can get the gist -- burning smell, smell of death, corral of huge beasts, mounds of the dead, sleepers in a camp. These are all large or huge creatures. You see the essence.
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday July 21st, 2010 10:56:31 PM
OOC: originally Garrett was going to carry the Silence Stick, but since Zeph is talking to Garrett and Garrett back with no mention of the stick, IF DM allows, Alexi will carry the Silence Stick, if Jet will cast the spell, and they can communicate with hand signals seen by moonlight. That will solve the problem of trying to move quietly, the bigest problem. Was going to say something last night but had Woldian Connection problems.
Is this OK DM?
If so, then the group moving after the two scouts will be in Silence, looking for two scouts high-tailing it (pun intended) back if something goes awry.
Note: Keela and/or Jet need to cast a spell, Alexi moves to the side enough to get them in the clear.
IC: Alexi waits, surveying the scene, or what he can see of it. Tenses and ready to move quickly. He looks at Keela, or the lizard that he things is Keela, since Keela didn't think to put two bumps on, and makes an H with his hands and mouths 'HASTE', hoping she understands.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday July 22nd, 2010 1:08:01 AM
Garret will move as quickly as he can while remaining silent to convey the plan to the rest of the approaching group. He will wait until Zeph attempts to distract the lizard before leading the group around towards the sleeping lizards. He will keep his eyes open for any sort of alarm bell.
DM Cayzle - A Spell is Cast d20+1=9 ; d20+3=11 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2010 7:50:36 AM
OOC: There is no Silence Stick. It was Jet's spell to cast, and he never cast it. Correct me if I am wrong on this, please?
Zeph whispers some thoughts to Garret.
Garret backs off 20 feet from Zeph.
Hmark comes up from behind, having left the horses.
Alexi suggests casting Haste and Silence to Keela and Jet.
Zeph casts his spell. The lizard rolls a 9 on the save and is charmed. Zeph walks up in disguise. The lizard's Spot check to see through it is an 11. He seems to buy the Avenger's story. Remember that you will have to make an opposed CHR check to get the lizard to do anything he does not want to do. What will you do to distract him while the others sneak by?
Garret moves back quietly to the others. He gives all the detail he has. He says to sneak into the camp and attack the sleeping lizards while the guard is distracted by Zeph.
The large lizard shrugs. "We were attacked by the humans. We killed them all. Tomorrow we go to their village. Rogik and Duunok died." Zeph notes that the lizard is wounded.
The night is poised on the edge of a knife, and so far luck has helped you walk its edge!
Keela Thursday July 22nd, 2010 12:43:25 PM
"Haste doesn't last long," Keela says. "I should probably wait and cast it when we're closer."
She goes with Garret when asked, as quickly and quietly as possible, leaving Daisy behind.
Under "Plan of attack", you had down, "Jet would cast Silence on a stick" and also wrote, "tell me if those plans are changed. So, I thought that would be fine or I said otherwise, plus, I marked silence off of his spell list.
No problem. I have had a hard time communicating lately. :)
Jet waits for orders. He is not at all Coup de Grace on as many of these creatures as he can.
Spells: Silence on stick 40 rounds available/ ? rounds remaining
DM Cayzle - Extra to Jet and all Thursday July 22nd, 2010 8:48:00 PM
Feel very free to cast your Silence (on a stick) and keep it or give it to another. This may not be an easy fight, so take every advantage you can muster!
Jet, you said, "He is not at all Coup de Grace on as many of these creatures as he can." But there are some words missing. Please try again.
Everyone going into the camp -- are you sneaking? if so, roll hide checks. If there is Silence, no need to move silently if you are near the silent one. Or just walk in with your disguise? Remember there is another guard on the other side of the camp.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:26 HP:25/25] Thursday July 22nd, 2010 10:10:37 PM
Garret whispers as they move, "We need to take out that guard on the other side as quickly as we can. Any ideas?"
Alexi (AC: 22/11, HP:58/58) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday July 22nd, 2010 10:13:33 PM
OOC: wether Jet cast the Silence before or not really doesn't matter as long as he casts it now before we head in. :)
Assuming the spell is cast ...
Alexi takes the Silence Stick and makes motions immitating spellcasting to Jet and Keela and claps his mouth, then grins.
Taking the Silence Stick, he moves forward, nonchallant towards the guard, trying to move like a lizardman. The only lizardmen he observed moving were the ones moving towards the Bryn Baraz wall, he tries anyway. However, he straps his shield to his back, knowing that most lizardmen don't carry shields.
"There's gonna be a parrrty tonight, There's gonna be a paaarrrty tonight," he mumbles quietly as he goes.
Jet Stormway (AC: 22/21/no dex, HP: 53/53 ; Bantom AC:19 HP: 51/51) d20+5=22 ; Friday July 23rd, 2010 3:43:57 AM
He is not at all against doing a Coup de Grace on as many of these creatures as he can.
In his disguise, he tells Garret, "I will deal with the guard. Once he is on to us, he will soon be dead, but I can buy you some time. The rest of you go act like you will be sleeping with the others."
In his disguise, he strides up to the other guard like he owns the place. "Weak, pathetic humans. All these potential slaves, killed by their pride. I have been told to release you if you if you need some rest."
Bluff: 22
Spells: Silence on stick 40 rounds available/ ? rounds remaining
Zeph AC22 HP 42/42 Friday July 23rd, 2010 4:41:55 AM
Zeph looks at the lizard and notices the wound. "That's a nasty cut you have there. Don't worry, we hit this one particularly disgusting human with about four flasks of Alchemical Fire. It was hilarious. Look, you should go get some sleep and let me finish your watch, I still need to stretch from travelling all that distance here anyways. Maybe The Mad Lord or the Lake of Eyes shall bless you with healing. Tomorrow, I shall return to the post at the Bryn Baraz Cave and you, mighty warrior, shall kill many of the pink skins.. But before you go, I would like to know exactly where the Human Town is? Just in case we need to send a message back to you guys." Zeph says with a serpentine accent, hoping to find the home of the Ahote before the Lizards.
Checks from last time. (Bluff Check = 29 Disguise =25)
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