Warren G (DM in training) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:29:07 AM
Thanks in advance for your patience with me. I tend to post fairly early in the morning before things get busy at work, so between 7 and 9 Pacific. Feel free to email with questions or put them in your posts as I check during the day on breaks as well.
Warren G (DM in training) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:35:42 AM
Some of the gang enjoy their recent infusion of cash, and others put it away for a rainy day. Eventually though, all soldiers must sleep, and they seek their beds. All too early, as has become the norm for the Fist, a missive is delivered under their doors in the wee hours ordering them to present themselves to Constance at 0800 hours. They have time for last minute preparations before presenting themselves to the Constance's office. For some, a new mission is come much too soon for them to have come to terms with their recent brush with death. Still, orders are orders, and unless they prefer to resign themselves to a life outside the Mailed Fist, they will continue to heed them.
"Good morning, Double Fist. I trust you have enjoyed your respite? Don't get used to it. An Agent's duty never ends.
We've done a little digging on your Hornfowl Gnolls and our scouts are quite sure that there are more where they came from. Lots more. The couple hundred known to be roaming Hornfowl before you got there was just a fraction of their total strength by what our scout teams have discovered. They have seen a large variance in Gnolls in the region, though they have yet to find their lair."
Constance shuffles some papers, reading one in particular to herself before continuing.
"Your job now is to discover their plans: their base, their numbers, their motives for attacking, and above all profile their leadership.
I hope you are ready for this. It's going to take a bit of everything, which is exactly what Agent units are expected to excel at. Get safely in and out with any information you can find and report it back to headquarters. At a minimum we need a rough head count, a profile on their leadership, their general equipment capabilities, any unusual magic or resources, and a rough map of their general area. As Agents, I will leave the decision of HOW to get this information in your own hands, as you and your thumb know best how to make use of your unique set of skills.
Questions?"
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 1:00:42 PM
Cameron holds his tongue, waiting for Nikolai to ask any questions. If Nikolai does not ask these questions, Cameron will. "Their numbers may make infiltration difficult. We will of course get in and get the information, I have no doubt. However if we find that getting in is so difficult or that their timetable is so advanced that reporting will prove problematic, do we have the latitude to 'handle' their leadership to insure the safety of the region?" "Will we have any other assets? Sergeant Carren or one of his anti gnoll specialist to consult with when we get the information may allow us to better interpret it." "What is the timeline on this? Do we expect another attack is already being planned?"
When the meeting concludes and they are alone, Cameron brings his suspicions to the group about Sergeant Helmbane. " I already know that the Sergeant is running a gambling operation and that the enlisted ranks are in debt to him, which is frowned upon by the Fist. This is one reason I only play for table stakes and I am willing to accept favors in exchange for payment when I gamble. Anyway while collecting these debts Sergeant Helmbane has been roughing up his debtors. First Turley, and I believe the bruise that Qualtmie was sporting yesterday was his handiwork as well. She denies it, too quickly for my belief. She also used one of my Fistmates words to deflect my interest, so I know it wasn't the truth. Nikolai, I am officially reporting this to you today. Hitting the rank and file while not noble, or smart, is one thing. Striking a woman is another. Striking someone I care about is unforgivable. If I take this into my own hands it will not end well for either of us, myself or Helmbane, and right now I can't afford another mark on my record or more loss of trust among you guys. I will find a way to fix this and I am asking for help. There are ways to expose this that only hurt Helmbane, but I will need proof. What shall I, or we if any of the rest of you find this distasteful, do?"
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=30 ; Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:01:03 PM
Bonus post Cameron returns to the quartermasters shop and sells his tanglefoot bags ( you are welcome.... no more bags of win for now) and purchases rations labeled for Halflings. These are heavy too and will need to be left on his mount too, but if Cameron's not able to forage for food he will need to go back to Ranger school. He looks again at the mark on Qualtmie's face and feels helpless. When they are alone again, he will ask her more questions. " Qualtmie, how much do you owe him? I saw this handiwork before on another soldier and I want to stop it, but I can't do that without help. I need to know if he keeps records of the debts and if so where. If he is exposed the debts will be forgiven and he will not be able to hurt you. I want to keep you safe but tomorrow I ship out, probably for a long time. Help me help you. Please."
Diplomacy 30 way better than yesterday
DM Ken E. Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:05:53 PM
Qualtmie seems confused.
"Owe him? It was our first date, I didn't owe him anything at all. What are you talking about?"
She waves her hands dismissively.
"I told you, I hit a box. Drop it Cameron, before you get hurt! Sure he isn't as nice as he pretended to be or as nice as you are but if anything happened it was probably my fault anyways."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=4 ; Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:28:51 PM " No one should hit a lady. That's not what happens in the real world, outside this place. I thought you might owe him money for a gambling debt, like Turley did. I... I just don't want to see you hurt." Cameron reaches out and touches her face. A few whispered words and he heals the damage from the bruise. Cure Light wounds for 6 healing " Be careful while I'm away, OK? Be safe."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:56:32 PM
Tinker listens to Knight Captain Constance and then, back at the barracks, to Cameron. He frowns, not liking what is being said, but all the reason of his halfling mate. "Sounds like some info but not enough to put together, Cameron. Maybe some more learning can happen before you accuse a sergeant. Any other witnesses coming forward? Any corroborating evidence? No? Then we'll need some sneaking and talking to people first."
But the sneaking and talking is going to have to wait for the mission, and it sounds like the group is going to be gone a long time. Tinker thinks what he needs in his own pack and pony's saddlebags. "We need to take an assessment of our skills, too. I have little knowledge to live off the land, make maps, or follow a trail."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 8:31:51 PM
William listens to the debate over how to handle Quatlmie's bruise and he wisely stays out of it. He'll support whatever decision the group makes, but he agrees that they need more solid proof before making any accusations...
He'll ponder the questions to ask and says, "I'd like to see the actual scouts reports, and possibly any documents they gathered from the gnolls. I speak the language and maybe we can get some insights from anything captured or gathered from them. Also, do we expect any other groups or forces to be involved there, such as other demihuman allies, etc helping the gnolls? Do we have any idea of their weapons or overall plans for what they appear to be focusing on?"
He'll also pick up about 2 week's worth of rations (7 gp) to supplement what he has along with some more bolts to get him up to his 60 (1 gp), 4 sunrods (8 gp).
JonathanT/Nikolai: fixed your bold brackets.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 9:12:42 PM
Carver listens to all the discussions, "I agree that something must be done. But as mentioned, it must be done smartly. He is a respected NCO, and I imagine that if you've found this much out without really trying, he has hooks in lots deeper. Maybe even with superior officers. This is something that must be done without rushing. I'll support the fists decision which ever way is decided, just make sure that we as a fist are ready for what we get into."
Carver picked up spikes for his shield and a bunch of rations as well.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:04:51 PM
Pru doesn't have any suggestions for how to help Qualtmie or put a stop to....well, to whatever is going on that makes people so jumpy.
"We simply can't start something we won't be on hand to finish," she says.
She concentrates instead on preparations for their mission. "We'll need to draw trail rations from the quartermaster, based on how long we expect to be gone," she says. "And will we be using Fist mounts, or going on foot. I can see advantages to both, but if we bring mounts, we also need to bring feed for them."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:41:51 PM
Nikolai admires the new belt. It was a sign that he has been, in the eyes of his sensei outside the Mailed Fist, that he has attained a higher level of mastery in the marital arts. He takes off his white belt, the belt of an Initiate, and puts on the new belt, a Yellow and Orange belt.
OOC: DMs, I've subtracted 2000gp for the level 4 belt: 290+870+840gp.
He immediately feels... empowered... but is not sure exactly how.
At the meeting with Constance he can't keep from thinking about the Thumbs of the past. Apparently, as Thumbs go, there's nothing really special about them except their humility. In a way, that was good news, because he didn't really feel he was any more special than anyone else.
Back to Commander Constance's words, he hears his team mates ask questions he should be, but is glad they are smart and on their toes. It took much of the pressure off.
"A map of the scouted area and the locations where the enemy was seen marked would help very much. I'd also like some means to report directly to you from the field, even if it is only once a day. I'd hate to gather a months worth of information only for it to get blasted or lost in a river. Naturally, if that is not possible, we'll do what needs to be done."
When Cameron brings up the issue of Qualtmie's bruise and his suspicions of Sgt. Helmbane, Nikolai rubs his chin. "Carver and Pru are right. We need definite proof and we need time. When we get back, we can see about being invited to one of his gambling sessions and see what happens. Alas, for now, the best thing to do is advise Qualtmie to stay away from Helmbane. If she needs a debt paid, we can pool our money and do it for her. I trust her enough for that. But we must be careful even in that, as it could be viewed as bribery of sorts for those not in the know."
Nikolai then makes a stop at the Quartermasters to stock up on items for the trip. He notices the bruise gone but says nothing. "Qualtmie, I need trail rations for a week. Thanks."
Next he stops at the Catacombs and restocks his Tanglefoot Bag and Potion of Cure Light Wounds.
OOC BTW - the loot from the gnolls still need to be claimed. Scroll of Command Plants Necklace of Fireballs Type V Potion of CLW (CL 1)
I've got no problem holding on to them and 'use as needed by whomever'.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 1:55:08 AM
Linden will create his food and drink if needed. He still has rations. The cleric doesn't like the hustle and bustle of the Catacombs.
As for gnolls, "Is there a bounty on gnoll heads? Or are we SUPPOSED to make nice."
Warren G (DM in training) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 11:20:54 AM
To Cameron: Yes, their numbers may make things difficult. That's why we have a small team to assess the situation, instead of a legion tromping around just asking to be ambushed. Feel free to handle their leadership as you see fit, just don't go getting yourself killed by trying to take on more than you can manage. This is a scouting mission. Get in, get the information, get out. You're on your own for this one, Agents. Carren's fist has their duties too, and can't be expected to hold your hand for this. The timeline is as long as it takes to do the job right.
To William: There are no documents from the gnolls, but the scout reports are available. Again, part of your assignment is discover if they have any unknown allies, weaponry, or other capabilities that we need to be able to counter.
Upon review of the scout reports, there does not appear to be anything more to discover. There is evidence of large movements of gnolls in scattered areas, with no theories as to how they seem to be so mobile.
Reviewing the scout maps: Knowledge Geography/Profession Soldier DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems the gnoll sightings center around the Hornfowl area, and looks as if they are scouting the countryside. However, there is no evidence of a gnoll base from where they could be originating. }
To Nikolai: "Once you find out what you can, contact me via this scroll. This information is too important to risk losing if something goes wrong."
She hands Nikolai a scroll of sending to be used at his discretion.
To Linden: No, there is no bounty, and don't kill so many gnolls that they can track you down and overwhelm you with numbers. But don't feel like you need to refrain from eliminating a gnoll to protect yourselves. They have already proven themselves aggressive and hostile.
To the group: Any other questions?
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 2:44:28 PM
In his new grey garb, Fist insignia prominent and for once, polished, the pacifist cleric of Flower seems more than a little disappointed at the lack of bounty and is surprised no other Fist has pursued this line of inquiry. "If a bounty was posted to local peoples, a resistance of sorts could be formed and we could more easily conscript a sizeable force to take out the threat. A strike force of Agents is not suitable. Force should be met with equal force. Almost sounds like sending a canary into a mine. And a bounty would certainly create issues for gnolls. Consider. If you have a bunch of local vigilantes out hunting gnolls for bounty, killing or getting killed, gnolls would have too spread out their forces, opening up a gap in defenses or even showing us weaknesses. It might even force gnoll's allies to reveal themselves and may even allow their leader to show itself. As for their mobility, it's clear to me. Tunnels, warrens, old mines, even river barges. They have already shown that they are capable tunnelers and fast. Mobility should not be a shock. I'm no navigation or tactical expert, but are there any patterns to their movement at all. That seems pretty vague for the number of scouting reports there are. Any magic used in tracking them? Scrying? Augury? Divinations of any kind? If all else fails, hitting a mid size force of gnolls, capturing a commander or two and torturing them for information. Cruel but effective, correct? They are treacherous creatures. If we promise them good food and money, they'll likely flip on their leaders."
DM Ken E. Wednesday August 6th, 2014 3:26:46 PM
Constance frowns.
"Maybe you misunderstand our position, Linden."
Constance steps forward and pokes his shiny insignia.
"We are the Mailed Fist, not a government. We do not pay bounties to local civilians to do the things that we, a mercenary company, want them to wind up paying -us- to do for them."
She steps back and looks out her window, as she often does.
"Because we are a military organisation, it is in our best interest to know everything about every fighting force from here to New Elenna to It'lal. This mission is to find about what we can about the Gnolls and their forces and their capabilities, so that later.. when it eventually comes about that we are hired to dislodge them.. we can act with minimum risk."
She raises a brow.
"I hope that is clear. To kill them now would be silly, because no one is paying us to do it yet."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=21 ; Wednesday August 6th, 2014 3:43:28 PM
Knowledge Geography 21 " Knight Captain, did the scouts find any small groves of trees in the areas the couldn't explain the gnoll presence in? When we followed the gnolls that attacked the caravan back to their source, we ran into a grove of trees that I couldn't identify, but they seemed out of place. It seemed to me after losing all sign of them there that they either popped out of the ground there, though no tunnel was found or they used some kind of magic to appear there. From the reports from Hornfowl the gnolls that assaulted under the south wall had a druid among them. Is there a druid in the Citadel we could question before heading out about this possible link?" Cameron listens to Linden's questions and statements and feels his jaw go slack. Who was this guy? Not the stoner that mouthed off to Gargul and got the whole Fist in trouble. Not by a long shot. He sounded disciplined and, well ruthless. Some of what he said wasn't sound, but most of it sounded as if he had actually had military training and it had stuck somewhere in his brain. Cameron leans back and listens with pride to Linden and smiles as the new attitude seems to infuse the cleric with energy.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 5:46:06 PM "Linden, you're starting to get the gist, but as the Captain says, we are the ones who collect bounties and get paid to do the dirty work. We are being sent by the Fist on this mission, not by some employer who hired the Fist. It's our job to get in, get the info and get back out, if in the process a little confusion to the enemy wouldn't hurt along the way, or at least that's how I understood it." Looking to the captain, "That's correct, right? A little confusion to slow them down is not beyond our orders? That includes destroying supplies and killing leaders or scouts that get in the way of our primary, which is gathering intel."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 6:17:36 PM
A strange look comes over Cameron as the Knight Captain explains things to Linden. He listens a little further, then poses one last question to Constance Palance. " Knight Captain? Is it beyond the scope of this mission to, um, recruit the Gnolls?" Seeing her look at first Cameron rushes on to explain himself. " Hear me out. The Fist fights all kinds of engagements. Some will require a great expenditure of troops. The Fist is not suicidal and usually avoids contracts where a great deal of loss of troops will occur. These Gnolls are aggressive and predatory and hard to control. But when they smell blood thy don't break. They would make good shock troops."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 6:53:03 PM
Pru listens to Cameron's suggestion of recruiting the gnolls. It's an interesting idea, and Cameron is pretty persuasive, but...
"What language do gnolls speak?" she asks. "Does anyone know? And do any of us speak whatever language that is?"
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 7:00:09 PM
Tinker gets bored. Why won't the others see that they have what they need? Scout. Get information. Why complicate things with questions about bounties or recruiting? That is for others, not Agents.
Still, the dwarf doesn't say anything, stoically standing by while the others talk, his fingers twirling about a simple iron puzzle.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 7:40:00 PM "Setting aside the bounties, which can be suggested by a military establishment with clout, information gets old. Gnolls are at least semi intelligent and eventually, probably already, have allies who have noticed the scouts. Seems odd that that bit hasn't been mentioned. Counterintelligence of an enemy. What makes us think that they aren't doing the same thing? Do all these scouts come from the Fist? How new are they? And again, what of divinations? Were any attempts made in that regard?"
DM Ken E. Wednesday August 6th, 2014 8:19:40 PM
Constance sighs.
"The hardest part of dealing with Agents is accepting the fact they are going to badger you with one thousand questions! Our scouts have searched the Hornfowl area and found nothing unusual, other than what you yourself reported to us. Some think the Cursed Swamp could house them, others disagree."
She pours herself something brown from a small flask which had been tucked away in her boot.
"Yes. We tried divination. It's a pretty standard practice, but so is Non-Detection, Sequester, and a plethora of other spells that foil scrying and other information gathering magics."
She continues.
"Our scouts are usually groups like Carrens Fist, archers and trackers and marksmen who have reconaissance uses. We don't care if the Gnolls are watching us. It's unlikely we will ever see an attack against us. It IS likely we will be hired to attack them at some point, so an alliance is likely out of the question."
She makes a face.
"Not to mention the beating our image would take from allying a monstrous race. We may as well ally the feral Orcs and Goblins for that matter."
She points to the door.
"You know everything I know at this point, so move out, 1st Agents. Scout, learn, map, and report. When you use your sending scroll, you will receive new orders via magic. If it isn't possible, return home when you think the job is done."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Wednesday August 6th, 2014 11:12:37 PM
(Short post from phone.) William is fluent in gnoll so he can help in that regard. It sounds like divination didn't work and he for one is ready to go . He'll go out the door and ready himself for departure.
Also rather then spend his own limited money on food, he'll check out some rations from the quartermaster for a couple of weeks.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 11:44:25 PM "We know one thing. The chances are they have high level casters banded with them. At the very least, they've found a natural way to block the divination attempts. Thank you Ma'am. Is that all?" He salutes and leaves.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+7=23 ; d20+7=17 ; Wednesday August 6th, 2014 11:54:46 PM
Profession-Soldier +7 = 23 Nikolai looks at the map and nods in understanding. He grins when he remembers all those hours he spent studying his father's maps of the Uncharted Lands. He got to know them so well he felt he could find the hidden Ahote camp even though never having been there. Or sneak into the mining town of Bryn Baraz using the goat trail down the mountain side. This map was similar in style.
Nikolai lets the others speak and ask questions. If Linden is going to learn stuff, it be by him asking. That's the best way for him. However at the mention of trying to recruit gnolls, he tries hard not to snicker. Will Save + 7 = 17 That he manages to keep a straight face is a testament of strong will.
"I think we understand. Infiltrate, spy, gather information on leaders, troop types, equipment and get out. We'll stick to that as best we can." He rolls up the map and stows it away with the Sending scroll. After saluting, he turns and leaves.
Outside he addresses the Fist. "All right, we got our orders, we know where to go. Let's get our stuff ready and stay out of trouble. I can trust for you guys to stay out of trouble right?" he asks with a grin.
Warren G (DM in training) Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:31:26 AM Best of luck, Agents. If you can figure out how they managed to move around so quickly, try to steal it for our own use. Clandestine establishment of a force of hundreds would be invaluable."
As if it just occurred to her, Constance digs through some papers on her desk and pulls one out of the stack.
Before you depart, I would ask you to do some thinking about what comes next for you. You carry a special designation, but are new. Until other officers get a portfolio of your specialties, we need to build you a resume, of sorts. There are a few things that are on the board right now. Think them over, and let me know before you leave which mission interests you the most, and I will have a full dossier by the time you return from your reconnaissance.
Constance hands Nikolai a rolled up parchment, this one with a list with a few notes on it, giving the bones of some missions that could be appropriate for testing out a Fist that has proved it's worth, but is still young as a whole.
1) There is a new lead on the were-rat infestation that the Fist uncovered, and as Agents, you are cleared for further investigation.
2) There has been some trouble with Pirates. The fledgling Shark Company could use some skilled assistance, as they do not have a unit of Agents at the moment.
3) A rich Venturer has requested the Mailed Fist send a team of their best to investigate rumors of a plot to undermine his new battle arena. He doesn't even know what the plot involves exactly, other than that someone who dislikes him greatly plans on ruining him on the final day. He expects the Mailed Fist team to double as a team of competitors while investigating, as he doesn't want their involvement public.
Back at the barracks, the group discusses what to do about the apparent gambling ring and how to go about bringing it down. They wisely decide that it should wait until the completion of their current mission.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday August 7th, 2014 8:09:56 PM
Linden looks to Nikolai. "When do we leave?"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Thursday August 7th, 2014 9:29:02 PM
Back at barracks, "I'd say the wererats, it effects all of us, and since we already know about them, it only seems reasonable. But that's my two coppers worth." Carver's standard gear plus the rations he purchased, should suffice for the mission.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=26 Thursday August 7th, 2014 9:53:43 PM
Tinker comes back to the barracks and planning session with a slight clink to his step, and his companions soon see that he traded in his masterwork leather armor for a masterfully worked chain shirt. "Maybe keep me alive just a little while longer when surrounded by gnolls and hyenas", he quips.
Looking over the town and surrounding lands of Hornfowl Tinker thinks about it like a puzzle; like a lock. "That is an awful lot of land. If we were to mark where all the scouting reports came from, maybe we can narrow our search pattern down. We could wander the hills and swamps for years and not find the gnolls until they find us."
Failing any sort of plan, information, point of contact, or lead, Tinker cheerfully suggests that the Fist just get out to Hornfowl and see if there isn't any leads from the town that they just helped save. Or even the circus!
..............
Tinker hopes to at least narrow the search area to south or north of the Pease River, but is better at finding local information rather than maps.
Know Local : 26
Tinker just bought the masterwork chain shirt without the Catacombs because it is not magical... pending DM approval.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:10:40 PM " The wererats, absolutely. We started it, we will finish it. If the other options are still open after we deal with them, we can re-evaluate them." " This is a wand of Cure Light Wounds. I know how to use it, Caver does too and of course Linden does. I will always have it on me. Anyone else that can make a magic wand work has a chance of being able to activate it too. If no one minds, I would like to hold onto that necklace of fireballs. Likely Tinker and I will be the ones isolated on this mission, since we are the sneakiest ones left in the unit. A little extra firepower wouldn't be a bad thing." " Beyond that I am ready to leave. Right now I want to go and remove Sergeant Helmbane's heart through his ear, but I won't because that would leave you short another person when you ride out in the morning. That will be remedied when we get back. If he hurts anyone before we return though, remember I was all in to do this tonight. I'll be here in the room all night. If one of you would bring me dinner so I don't leave here that'd be great. I can't promise not to get in trouble if I don't stay here though." Cameron checks that his gear is tightly packed and pulls out his cleaning gear to go over his weapons and armor again before turning in for the night.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:13:08 PM
Pru gives her gear a final going-over to ensure that it's ready for an extended mission.
"So...we need to hurry up with the gnolls, so we can come back here and break up a gambling ring and fight were-rats and hunt pirates and do some arena fighting? And I thought I had a lot of chores back on the farm!"
[OOC: In email, there was a mention of how we'd need to make extra double super-sure that we had enough provisions. I tried to cover it in character, but wasn't acknowledged. We get supplies from the quartermaster. Presumably, the Fist has a pretty good idea about what we'll need, and how much, and will just issue it to us. Or do you want us, as players, to make the calculations and buy rations and stuff?]
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:24:10 PM
OOC Well, as my mount is about to learn, rations have weight. That's why the horse will be carrying mine. Sooner or later I will have extra-dimensional pants, but until then I have to weigh every piece of gear I carry. Sometimes small sucks. God help the horse when he learns what HIS rations weigh.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:59:47 PM
Nikolai smiles, he too was thinking about the wererats. "The rats, then, will probably be it. I'm looking forward to it."
He looks at Tinker and nods. "We know Hornfowl and they are friends, so we can set up our headquarters there. We'll pick up any new information and pick a likely spot to scout. Spend a few days scouting and regroup back at Hornfowl and do it all over again. Hornfowl can take care of our horses while we go scouting. As far as rations, i'd suspect we'd get the same as last time but no more. We'll need to keep an eye out for game to supplement our food supplies. I don't want to lean on Hornfowl for food.
I suggest bring what rations of your own you feel right to carry. You never know what might happen. If everyone has everything they need, then there's no reason to hang out here any longer. We leave tomorrow after breakfast.
As far as Sgt. Helmbane, right now all we have are suspicions. Maybe William can have his new apprentice keep an eye on things and visit Qualtmie often. Maybe he can even get a job as her assistant.
William, can you look into that with what's left of the day? I'll go over to the stables and secure our mounts. Linden and Tinker, can you stop at the Quartermaster's and requisition trail rations for 1 week for each of us? If I've left anything out, feel free to step up and do it."
If there's nothing else, he goes to the stables and sets aside their horses, tack and gear for their trip, then back to the barracks to keep Cameron company and help clean up the place.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday August 8th, 2014 11:58:08 AM
William agrees with getting the young apprentice doing something useful and once the group finishes planning, meets with his protege. He asks him to surreptitiously keep his eyes out and visit Qualtmie frequently to check on how things are. If possible, William will offer him to her as a temporary assistant until the fist returns from their mission and thanks them both for their understanding.
Lastly, he'll check out a horse and tackle for their trip and to hold his rations and extra water.
Rad Friday August 8th, 2014 1:30:39 PM "That's easy enough. I'll make sure to watch for every bump, bruise, and scratch, sir."
Warren G (DM in training) Friday August 8th, 2014 4:10:42 PM
The fist makes their plans and readies itself to depart. The quartermaster provides the group with enough rations to hold them and their mounts for 2 weeks. Anything the fist thinks it needs beyond that will be on them to purchase.
Meanwhile, Tinker admires his new armor and Cameron demonstrates his new wand to those of the fist that can use it. Nikolai organizes the others and secures their mounts to be ready to leave in the morning. The fist has until then to take care of anything else they may need.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday August 8th, 2014 6:02:29 PM
Tinker admires Cameron's wand and nods at his suggestion to keep the Necklace of Fireballs. "In a pinch, I may be able to activate that wand, too. It's really just another puzzle or lock. Don't think I could do it regular, though."
With the horses, ponies, and quartermaster gear, the Agents look ready to go. And with Nikolai's plan of using Hornfowl as a base while checking out the countryside, they have a plan.
Only thing for Tinker to do, then, is stick with Cameron. "We all need each other, shield-brother, and I'm not letting you out of my sight." And Tinker, as usual, is true to his word.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday August 8th, 2014 6:08:42 PM
(OOC: Did I miss something again? Is Cameron no longer going to Humbles?)
Linden trots off to the Q's for rations for eight, for a week.
"Wererats. I'll have to reprepare spells."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Friday August 8th, 2014 7:29:48 PM "Linden. we are still going after the Gnolls to scout them, the Captain gave us a choice of possible missions after we do the scouting, and I think we've decided on the wererats then." Carver is glad to see that not everything about Linden has changed, sort of.... He's packed and ready to go first thing in the morning.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 8th, 2014 7:41:48 PM
OOC I never was. I like Agents. There are plenty of other halflings out there, but now only one here 8). IC "I though you or one of our magic users might have the use magic device skill to at least try it. Look if I am bleeding out and there is nothing else that'll save me, I'm game for you to give it a try. Better than watching me bleed to death eh?" " I could put you ability to stay with me to the test trying to lose you all night while brushing up on my stealth and teaching you to be quiet while wearing a metal shirt, but I think I want a trip to the library. I want to see if they have anything on those trees we saw while scouting, anything on druidic magic involving tree transport and what they have to say about past Agents and how they fit into the scheme of things here in the Fist. I strongly doubt I'll see Helmbane there so it should be a safe enough trip." "As for you young Rad. I was warned by Qualtmie not to interfere with Helmbane because she feared I might get hurt. I'll give you the same warning. Avoid him while completing this task. I don't know if he would hurt you, but you are not a recruit yet (is he?) and as such he may have fewer things to hold him back. Be careful, be small, be silent and have huge eyes and ears." "Shall we hit the books, shield-brother?" Cameron heads to the library and looks up those topics he outlined. He wants to know what those trees he saw were, where they can normally be found, and if they are in any way magical. He will read up on druidic magic and on transport magic. He also wants to look into any other former Agents Fists to see what they did and how they did it.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday August 8th, 2014 7:58:20 PM
Ooc: I thought we were losing Bliss and Cam. Maybe just a ploy to get rid of Bliss? Sneaky.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday August 8th, 2014 9:42:37 PM
William also admires the wand and looks to see how it works. It may be important some day to know how to use it, especially if as Cameron says, it'll be the only thing that could save him from death.
He'll continue prep'ng himself to leave and makes sure his components, food, and equipment are ready to leave when the others can too... He reinforces the fact that his young protege needs to be quiet and stay out of the way as to avoid suspicion or danger...
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 8th, 2014 10:08:12 PM
Pru looks at the wand, but does not touch it. She hasn't the least idea how to use it, and hopes that she isn't called upon to save anybody with it.
Her gear checked and packed, she says her prayers and goes to sleep, ready to depart in the morning.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday August 8th, 2014 10:51:05 PM
OOC: DMs, I'll be at my sisters on Monday. I hope to borrow her PC to log on and post. But if you don't see my post, it's because I'm probably too immersed in a Rail Baron game with my nieces and nephew. :) DM OOC: Sweet! Have fun! Always get the kids into board games early =)
IC: Nikolai has their 2 weeks rations stored in the stables near their horses. With all that food, they'll need the horses as pack horses for their trip to Hornfowl, but that's ok.
"I know how to hold a wand and wave it around, but I know nothing else about wands," Nikolai jokes.
He stashes the scroll of Command Plants and the extra potion of CLW. He's not sure how he'll use the scroll, but the potion will go to whoever needs it the most.
Organizing the packs takes up the rest of his time and when he hits the bunk, he's pretty tired. It has been an exciting long day and he falls asleep quickly.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Saturday August 9th, 2014 4:44:24 AM
OOC: I wanna start using my Legacy item soon. What do you want or need from me? I sent you a character value.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday August 9th, 2014 8:13:24 AM
Tinker snorts and gives a slight grin. Cameron knows better than anyone that a little extra weight won't slow down a dwarf, so the threat of 'losing him' must all be in jest. He follows Cameron to the library and even reads with him about past Agents and what they have done in the annals of the Mailed Fist.
He is glad that Cameron was not thrown out of the FIst and have to fend for himself in the wilderness of the Wold without shield-brothers. Which takes his mind to Bliss, gone but not forgotten by either his friends or the Knight Captain who was sending the 'Retrievers' after the little scamp. He knows that that is the right thing to do, but in his heart, the dwarf hopes Bliss has his usual luck; falling into a pile of manure and coming up with handfuls of gold!
The wererats, yes, that is a mission worth taking, and is glad his shield-brothers-and-sister feel the same. He fingers the silvered spear point of his Urgosh. And this time, he will be ready for their defenses!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Saturday August 9th, 2014 11:44:32 PM
"I recommend we move on the Gnolls and bring back the info they require."
"As to the were-creatures, I'd like to see them gone."
The centaur's face is more serious than anyone has ever seen it.
"I'm looking to dispatch something sooner, rather than later. Gnoll or lycanthrope... matters not."
LOG ON