DM Mitch Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:44:10 AM Myre tries to make sure Murzush is welcome and answers the question about pursuit. Bastarge agrees that he doesn’t think anyone else is after them. Zazu tells the elves to listen for the howls Ash asks about problems with the orcs. Lothlo is looking forward to the fort and says that he doubts anyone else will show up. Naithi tells her animals they’ll be safe soon.
The party sets out with the escorting elves. She answers people’s questions as they walk. ”Yes, the orc can come with you. Murzush right? You’re welcome as long as you obey the rules. The orcs are always probing for weakness and trying to kidnap people to enslave. As such we stay vigilant and punish harshly any that dare enter our lands. They’ve never sent more than raiding parties in the past though; a full assault would be unlikely to work and leave a tribe too weak to fight its rivals.”
A half hour later they reach the fort’s gates. It’s a broad, squat stone structure with thick walls. Two guards stand outside the gate and on the roof has a few archers looking out over the plains. Another elf is talking to one of the guards accompanied by a human. From his tattered clothes and scavenged armor he looks like he’s been through a lot. The guards notice the group and look alert, but relax a little when they are told you’re escaped slaves. Apparently the leader of the patrol is a Captain, judging from what’s said.
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:16:48 AM
Myre breathes easy and smiles at Murzush. "Looks like we pulled it off," she says with a smile.
She has no weapons of any kind to surrender. In fact, she has nothing but the clothes on her back. This isn't a problem for her, though. Dad often took her along on his luck quests. She's not likely to stumble upon the kind of goodies he did, but she can improvise.
Before they enter, Myre casts a prestidigitation spell and freshens everyone up. It's probably been a long time since any of them had a proper bath. She really, really hopes the elves can help her out with that. She feels gross.
Waddles sedately floats along on Myre's shoulder.
***
Myre's sheet is ready to be checked, Mitch.
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:59:37 AM
Bastarge finds himself fascinated by the small pig. He wonders what it could be and how it functions. How did it make magic come out it's nose? Why would it make magic come out it's nose? He wanders around behind Myre, watching it carefully as it floats on or near her shoulder. He resists the urge to poke at it again, but he watches it very closely, trying to figure out what it actually is and how it works.
When they arrive, Bastarge is curious that the elves don't seem to mind the orc in their midst. Heck, Bastarge doesn't really trust her still, and they fought together. When they arrive at the gate, he checks out the guards. After they relax, he pulls out a piece of wool and blows through it. The archer on the wall hears someone from directly behind him say, "Boo!"
OOC: Cast ghost sound (Will DC 13 to disbelieve)
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Wednesday February 12th, 2020 4:22:27 PM
Niall does look like has been through a lot. The tattered remnants of travelling clothes are partially covered by an ill-fitting breastplate while a orcish styled two-handed sword is strapped to his back Still, he seems in good enough spirits and perfect health, if slightly underfed from the tightness of the skin around his jaw. When the others arrive he looks away from his conversation and approaches them with a smile, "Ah ha! There were more of us that escaped. I thought I saw you with the others. I am Niall, paladin in service to Gargul, I'm glad you managed to free yourself as I did."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 (Fatiged) Wednesday February 12th, 2020 7:43:30 PM
Lothlo thanks Myre for the prestidigitation, and instantly feels a little bit better. When they reach Niall he is surprised to see another from camp had escaped.
You were enslaved as well? Glad you were able to escape, I only wish we could have gotten more out. How did you manage to slip out without getting caught? What part of camp did they have you stationed in?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 12/18 , CMD = 16 Wednesday February 12th, 2020 7:59:18 PM
As we walk a tingling in my hands tells me the gods' paw is ready to absorb more life force, but neither the orcs or wolfs exhibit the characteristics I am looking for...
Along the way I tell the Captain of our escape and mention that the orcs are probably drunk, hung over, and an easier target then normal. Silently I pray they seize the opportunity to rid the planes of these slavers once and for all.
Turning to the others I ask, Where do we all go from here. Does anyone have any connections or know anyone in the Culverwood? I mean, it might be best if we stick together, at least until we are safely outside the slavers' reach.
As we approach the fort I wait for the opportunity to ask questions and learn what is expected of us. (Not sure when or how far we are skipping ahead) Ideally I would like to clean myself and my animals up, heal up, preserve the wolf meat, turn the pelts into a cloak, blanket and clothing, and change out of my rags.
Although I try to not draw attention to the magic pig, as soon as we are alone I introduce myself and get in some long over due petting and animal loving. You have a companion too? What's is name? Can I pet it? I hold my hand out for the pig to about, if Myre allows. Somehow I feel a kinship with other animal lovers.
When Niall introduces himself I try to recall if I saw him around the slave camp. Judging by his armor I suspect he would have been in the gladiator pit with me but that same armor makes him harder to identify.
Nice to meet you. I'm Naithi, and this is Camalayaas, Cuddly Mule, and my familiar Fizzgig. Tell us, how did you escape?
Zazu is a small elf, dressed in rags, carrying a sack -- smiles at Niall and says, "Hi."
The rogue wizard surrenders sling and dagger and the orc gear, asking if there are merchants here, and can they sell the orc gear please.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Thursday February 13th, 2020 5:32:05 AM
Ash is happy to surrender anything that the elves ask for. She doesn't rely on physical weapons anyway.
She still doesn't 100% trust Murzush, but that's probably some sort of racial distrust than of Murzush personally.
DM Mitch d20+5=16 ; Thursday February 13th, 2020 7:56:25 AM Myre smiles at Murzush and cleans everyone up. Bastarge decides to play a practical joke on the elven guards Niall is pleased to meet other escapees Lothlo is pleased to be clean and has questions for Niall. Naithi tells the elves their story, wonders where to next, and asks about the pig. Zazu greets the newcomer and asks about merchants. Ash is happy to surrender her stuff.
Everything is going well, the guards are starting to relax and people are surrendering their stuff. Then Bastarge randomly casts a spell at one of the elves. Immediately weapons are drawn and the archer being cast at jumps a foot in the air and barely misses the gnome with an arrow.
There’s a long, tense moment while everyone has bits of sharp metal pointed at their faces. The captain, the only one who didn’t draw a weapon, raises her hands in a calming gesture. ”Ok everyone, it was just a poorly timed joke. At ease.”
It takes several moments for the guards to lower their blades and the process of surrendering weapons is much less civil from that point. Everyone is searched thoroughly, Bastarge with particular roughness (and twice for him). The captain tells him, ”That was stupid. You’re lucky you weren’t shot or stabbed. Keep your magic to yourself while you’re here all of you or you might face serious consequences.”
Once searched the captain leads everyone inside to some small rooms with cots in them. ”There’s a small wash-chamber at the end of the hall. Tomorrow we’ll get you out of here and on to the woods. Food will be brought shortly”
It’s around midday and everyone’s tired - no one got much sleep overnight and it was a long march to get here. Rest is probably a good idea.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 d20=5 ; d20=14 ; d20=19 ; d20+5=9 ; d8+2=7 ; Thursday February 13th, 2020 11:01:13 AM
After talking with the rest of the group I quickly salt the pelts to preserve them before making my way to the kitchen (I'm hoping with the extra meat and pelts something can be worked out.).
Once in the kitchen the mysteries of cooking reveal themselves to me: peeling and chopping onions, choosing the best cuts from the meat, trimming it and cutting it into neat cubes, then chopping vegetables, searing the game in a sizzling pan, and finally adding a generous dash of red wine and some of my "secret ingredients." The result was a savory-smelling stew, simmering on the top of the stove. The trick with gamey meat is soaking it in something acidic first and replacing the blood. I tell anyone who will listen.
I let those that helped me have a bowl and put the rest in the stove at a low heat to cook down and dry out for future rations.
Actions (Guidance Cast) ------------------- Crafting Rolls (leather is now prepared and cut, but not yet waterproofed.) Craft Leather - Wolf Pelt Sleeping Bag = 6 (simple items need dc 5) Craft Leather - Wild Pelt Cloak = 15 Craft Cooking - Stew Kit = 20 Role to prevent fatigue if less than 6 hrs sleep= 10 (pass) CLW = 7, full HP
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Thursday February 13th, 2020 11:08:56 AM ...until we are safely outside the slavers' reach.
"Wait, are we not going to to save the rest of them? I thought that was implied. Isn't that what we're supposed to do?" She thinks about it a moment. There were a LOT of orcs in that camp. How exactly did she plan on freeing all those slaves, even with these new friends? She doubted Murzush would help. "Maybe I didn't think that part all the way through." She frowns a bit.
A thought creeps into Myre's head. That happens sometimes, but never with good thoughts. She wonders why that is. Anyway, the thought is this: why were only 4 orcs sent after them? That was basically a suicide mission for those orcs. Did she take the bait and let Murzush into this place so she could sabotage it? She doesn't want that to be true, but can't shake the worry. She comes up with a brilliant plan: stay by Murzush's side at all times under the pretense of making sure the elves didn't do anything sneaky. She smiles and nods, pleased with herself.
Then a paladin shows up. That's neat. You can always trust a paladin, right? One less thing to worry about. "Hey Niall. I'm Myre. This is Waddles." She motions to her pig, but it's missing. She turns around to find it studying Naithi. Myre smiles, glad Waddles is behaving itself. "You can try," Myre answers when Naithi asks to pet it. "Waddles isn't terribly trusting of others. Some of my family aren't thrilled that I have him."
Waddles allows itself to be touched, but does not respond positively to being pet. It's almost as if it can't feel it. It hovers a moment longer before returning to Myre's shoulder. She rubs it a bit behind the ear, eliciting a slight shiver.
As soon as the wash chamber is mentioned, she loops an arm through Murzush's elbow and heads off. "I don't know about you, but I could use a bath. Keep me company? Waddles isn't much of a conversationalist."
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Thursday February 13th, 2020 11:58:07 AM
When the arrow flies, Bastarge says, “Easy now! Just kidding, come on, lighten up! Yeah, see the captain understands.” He mumbles to himself, “No sense of humor these elves.” He protests when he is roughly searched, “Come on, take a joke already or buy me dinner first.”
He relaxes a bit when they arrive at the cots and he throws himself onto a cot first. He watches the others file into the room. He calls out, “So, what’s next for you ex-slaves? I guess the ol captain there plans to help us through the woods tomorrow, but after that where are any of you headed?”
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Thursday February 13th, 2020 12:44:52 PM I keep thinking about the other slaves... There is no way I can take on all those orcs, but perhaps if I could sneak some spoiled meat into their stew to give them food poisoning and smuggle the slaves slings and clubs it would give them the resources to work together and escape.
Its risky. If not, I am going to work to become stronger. Get a group of fighters together and teach those orcs a lesson. Even if it takes years, I will teach them a lesson.
Zazu smiles at the joke, but says nothing, just glad to understand that this is just a place to rest before heading on to civilization.
When shown to a bed, Zazu is happy to say "Thank you" before laying down for a much-needed rest.
In dreams, Zazu hears the voice that has been talking about the arcane arts and teaching how to create magic. More than ever, the voice is clearer and easier to understand. The lessons make sense, and while asleep, Zazu smiles a broad smile. Magic is so beautiful!
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Thursday February 13th, 2020 4:15:48 PM
"There was so much commotion I was able to escape the same time you did, but headed in a different direction. An orc followed me, but I was able to subdue him and take his armor and weapon," Niall says with a pat towards the ill-fitting breastplate.
He nods towards Naithi too, "I agree with your sentiment. There are more to be freed that will not be forgotten, but we do not need to throw our lives away in an ill-fated attempt"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 (Fatiged) Thursday February 13th, 2020 7:34:55 PM
Lothlo takes advantage of the opportunity to clean up for the first time in weeks. It pains him to leave his bow in the care of someone else, but the soldiers seemed trustworthy, and he knew he could always craft a new bow should something happen to it. After regrouping he joins the discussion on rescuing the other captives.
We will rescue them somehow. We may need to get stronger, or raise an army, but we will get then out. And when I'm done not one orc who was part of the raid that captured my friends at the tavern will live to repeat that mistake.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Friday February 14th, 2020 7:09:52 AM
Ash does her best to stifle an "eek" as the spell is cast and the elves react. She's about ready to dive for the ground when the weapons are drawn. Fortunately the elves are able to control their tempers.
She doesn't ask for her gear back, and instead puts on her best manners when dealing with the elves for the rest of the day.
The wash chamber sounds very nice. She's not going to let her new best friend venture off alone with an orc though. "Wait up" There's no way she's going to undress in front of them though. No way.
DM Mitch Friday February 14th, 2020 7:26:57 AM Naithi prepares a meal and the wolf hides. She has to ask about a place to cook and is able to convince someone to take her to the small kitchen. She wonders if poisoning the orcs or arming the slaves would work Myre thought they were going to go back and rescue the rest of the slaves. She also mis-remembers the number of wolf riders (there were 5). After introducing herself to Myre she invites Murzush to the bath chamber Bastarge is upset with the rough treatment he gets. Zazu has pleasant dreams of magic. Niall explains how he managed to escape. Lothlo is pained to surrender his bow and talks about rescuing the other slaves at a later date. Ash also goes for a bath, though she is reluctant to undress in front of the others.
The wash room isn’t much, just a small chamber with a barrel of water, a grate, and a few crude bars of soap and old cloths. It’s big enough for the three to wash at once , but not to give anyone privacy unless they take turns. Murzush seems hesitant and uncertain about the whole thing, a far cry from her usual confidence, and also doesn’t seem to know what the soap is for. She’s willing to wash as a group or in turns depending on what the other two suggest.
After time for food and cleaning up everyone has time to sleep if they want. Murzush passes out on a cot almost the moment she lies down and snores like a fog horn. She gets up 8 hours later, around supper time and gathers the group looking thoughtful.
”We need to convince the elves to help us go back and rescue the others. If we don’t do it now the tribe will leave in the morning and we’ll never track them down again among the hundreds of tribes across the Izen.”
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 d20+8=11 ; Friday February 14th, 2020 11:13:20 AM
Myre is not a good judge of character, and right now she wishes she was.
Murzush never, ever said anything about wanting to free slaves. She wanted out to go live her life free of male oppression. She said she picked them because they were capable. Why not take more with you if freeing slaves is what you're after?
...or this Murzush is actually a good-hearted orc that wants to do the right thing. Myre doesn't know, so she asks.
"Really, Murzush? I thought you wanted to escape that life, not rescue slaves. It's a noble cause, but why not just take this chance to go live as you please?" Her tone isn't judgemental. She does her best to project a wide-eyed naivete. She doesn't do a very good job at it, though.
Bluff: 11
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Friday February 14th, 2020 11:22:36 AM
Bastarge cleans himself up and then responds to Murzush, "How many elves do you think are here? I mean yeah, I'm all for going back to save the others, but Niall said, we can't just go on a suicide mission. And I'm betting many of these elves are veterans of fighting those tribes. It's going to be tough to convince them to just go attack one group unless you know something more about them than you're saying."
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and a bunny (Cayzle) d20+7=10 ; Friday February 14th, 2020 4:34:01 PM
Warm and wriggly! Cozy and cuddly! Furry and friendly! When Zazu dreams, in dreams the voice of the Teacher visits and snuggles in. When the elf wakes up, there is a a small bunny in the blankets. "Are you the voice in my dream?" There's an emotion from the creature: Friendship.
Very glad not to be fatigued any more, Zazu looks at the home-made book with a new perspective. NOW there's understanding of what the writing means. It is the script of heaven ... celestial ... but describing ... Magic! Zazu studies and reads. This means something!
Through the meal, Zazu is quiet, trying to digest a new understanding of the arcane. The bunny stays hidden, carried carefully.
Sleight of Hand to hide the bunny in a pocket: 10, meh. Bunnies are wriggly.
Then Zazu understands that the talk turns to going back to rescue the other slaves. Zazu is confused. "I thought the masters were too powerful; I thought we were lucky to get away!" But Zazu thinks about friends left behind as slaves. All those innocent people. If a consensus is formed ... if the group decides the orcs are too strong, then maybe they can free the slaves later in their careers. If the group decides to try to free the slaves, well, there are much worse ways to spend your life.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Friday February 14th, 2020 5:15:13 PM
The wash room may be vary basic, but it leaves Lothlo feeling much more relaxed, to the point that he crashes the moment his head hits the pillow. He wakes to hear the others talking about freeing the slaves. We definitely will need all the help we can get if we are to free them. Murzush, what would you say the number of able bodied orcs in the camp is? They kept me separated enough that I'm not sure what their full numbers are. If we are going to ask for help we really need to be able to give them an accurate view of what they are up against. And do you have any plan for actually freeing the slaves? Since the salves are kept in multiple groups, it seems to me at first glance that we would need to assume complete control of the camp to free them all.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Friday February 14th, 2020 7:45:28 PM
Ash has always had plenty of fresh water to clean herself so there's not too much dirt to scrub away, but still, soap was always a welcome addition.
As she settles down to sleep she picks up a book that she'd managed to throw in the bag of supplies. Ash finds a cot and starts to read. It's a book of all manner of arcane magic, and it just seems to make sense to her. "So that's the spell Murzush cast. And here... that looks like a useful one too" There are so many pages and so much she can learn from it. She isn't sure how many she got through before falling asleep.
It's still too soon to be able to sleep soundly. Once you're used to being in a slave camp you stay alert practically the whole time. The slightest noise is enough to wake her and Murzush's snoring does the trick. What's surprising is how clearly the words from the book are still in her mind "Interesting".
She's as surprised as Myre that Murzush wants the party to go back "We'd need a small army to defeat those orcs. I'm not sure there are enough elves here to do the job."
She starts to consider how it could be done "We could get a message to the slaves and coordinate an attack with them"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 d20+9=20 ; Friday February 14th, 2020 11:58:51 PM
I try hard not to smile upon noticing the squirming rabbit (Perception = 20) and focus on the discussion at hand. I'm sure she doesn't want to be caught any more than we do. Let's listen to what she has to say
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Monday February 17th, 2020 7:38:05 AM
"if you think there is a chance than I feel we are obligated by what is right to try.. we are listening" Niall chimes in, interested.
DM Mitch d20+6=18 ; Monday February 17th, 2020 8:24:33 AM Myre wishes she was a good judge of character. Bastarge points out there may not be enough elves. Zazu gets a rabbit and waits for a consensus. Lothlo asks for information and a plan. Ash reads about magic and also questions the elves’ numbers. She wonders if they could coordinate an attack with the slaves. Naithi suggests they listen to Murzush. Niall feels obligated to help if it’s possible.
Murzush scowls and starts pacing. ”It was supposed to be simple. I recruit a small team of competent slaves and we escape during the holiday. If we could just make it here the elves would solve everything. The elves hate slavers and attack any tribe bold enough to get to close. Mine had the audacity to raid the woods themselves, they should have jumped at the chance, but from what they said they don’t seem to care. We just march off like good little boys and girls to the nice wood and leave everyone we care about behind.”
She stamps a foot and folds her arms. She looks very young at this moment, almost like a petulant child. Between her maturity, the tense situation, and the theatrics of your first meeting she’d managed to seem older and wiser, but now it’s apparent she’s the youngest person in the room even accounting for different age rates of species. ”There has to be a way. We can’t just leave it and come back later. The Izen is too chaotic and unstable for us to find everyone again. The tribe could be slaughtered tomorrow, or slaves exchanged through raids or trading, or people might just die from the harshness or slavery. A month from now everyone we want to rescue could be scattered across 50 tribes and a thousand miles or buried in a shallow grave.”
Sense Motive 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {she’s being completely honest, though she’s not sharing everything. She seems particularly distress at the idea of loved ones being scattered to the winds.}
Anyone who’s been enslaved for at least a month would be able to know she’s right from personal experience. Slaves and work women are the most popular commodity between tribes, constantly being kidnapped or traded away - not only are they a good that can run away on it’s own but it can carry more goods you’ve stolen or bought! Some of you might even have been shuffled about a few times before you ended up where you did.
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 d20+1=18 ; Monday February 17th, 2020 10:22:59 AM
Suddenly, it clicks.
"You left someone behind, didn't you, Murzush?" This orc girl had saved their lives, her cause was righteous, and there's a loved one left behind? That's good enough for Myre.
"Alright then. Let's talk to these elves." She pauses. "Anyone have any idea what reason we can give these elves for risking their lives? If there are so many orc tribes out there, why risk their own skins to take out one?"
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Monday February 17th, 2020 10:54:53 AM
Bastarge looks over at Myre and his eyes widen at her revelation. He says, "Oh. Well that changes things quite a bit then, doesn't it." He steps over to Murzush and says, "You have helped me in my greatest time of need. I shall help you as well. I don't quite know how yet, but please tell us more."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 d20+1=7 ; Monday February 17th, 2020 4:18:51 PM
Lothlo listens to Murzush complain about the elves and their lack of assistance. I suppose that any attack of that size would be a serious undertaking and that many lives could be lost. Do you know any weaknesses that could ensure a victory with minimal casualties? Perhaps something that would lure away a portion of their warriors before the attack? The elves may be more willing to assist if there is a plan in place.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 d20+9=29 ; d20=1 ; Monday February 17th, 2020 6:33:45 PM
Perhaps it comes from living isolated with my clan for long, but I have no idea where the others are referencing her loved ones. Am I missing some signal obvious to the others? Are they making baseless assumptions? Or is this the nature of orcs over here?
Sense Motive = 2 Perception = 29
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and a bunny (Cayzle) d20+1=10 ; Monday February 17th, 2020 8:44:23 PM
Sense Motive check: 10
Zazu continues to listen to the debate. The elf gently voices confusion. "But ... but ... nobody has asked the elves for help liberating slaves."
[OOC: I went back and reread the board. Nobody has asked any NPC elf for help liberating orc captives. Not a word.]
Zazu says to Myre, "Um, miss, you should ask the elf commander for help. Tell him about the captives. About the races, especially if any of us saw any elves. Maybe they would be more willing to save their kin."
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 d20=9 ; Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:02:31 AM "It wouldn't do to ask the elves for help unless it was something we had already discussed and agreed among ourselves first, Zazu" She smiles to the gentle soul "No point involving them if we don't intended to risk it"
"It does sound like we are in agreement though. We need to head back, whatever the reason"
While Ash does feel for Murzush, the slaves far outnumber whoever it was she has left behind. Not to mention the families of the slaves. If the party are heading back it will be to free the slaves and not just a rescue attempt for one or two of Murzush's friends.
Ash waits to hear Murzush's response to Lothlo's questions. The more information the better.
Sense Motive vs DC18: 9 = Fail
DM Mitch Tuesday February 18th, 2020 8:31:46 AM Myre asks if Murzush left someone behind and asks for good reasons for the elves to help. Bastarge promises his aid Lothlo asks about weaknesses or advantages they can use. Naithi isn’t sure if she’s missing something. Zazu points out no one has actually asked the elves to help yet. Ash points out they need to discuss and agree before asking.
Murzush hesitates before confirming Myre’s guess. ”My mom. I assumed we all had someone left behind. We have to go back for them.”
She considers what advantages you might be able to offer the elves. ”We have everything we need to make a plan. All the patrol routes, their numbers and strength, and an understanding of the area. We can try to come up with a working plan ourselves to offer the elves, or we can ask for their help to create a plan - even if we can’t convince them to give us troops they may be willing to offer advice whatever plan we make.”
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Tuesday February 18th, 2020 10:55:13 AM
Myre raises an eyebrow at Zazu. She was very good at getting people to do what she wanted. She was not very good at making them happy to do so.
"Murzush makes a good point. If we can show the elves they have a fleeting advantage to strike a blow at the orcs, they may agree to assist." She looks around at her new friends, looking for someone else better suited to approach the elves diplomatically. Maybe the new paladin is? Other than that, she accepts she's probably their best bet.
"Ok, Murzush, come with me, please. If we're going to convince them we have...what's the term...actionable intelligence? Yea, if we have that, we'll need you there to give what you know." Plus, Murzush seems earnest. It will be harder to dismiss her as just a sneaky orc if she's right there.
She, along with anyone else who wants to come, goes to find the captain of this place...
She clears her throat a bit, belly nervous. "Excuse me, Captain sir? Do you have a moment for us?"
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Tuesday February 18th, 2020 12:26:46 PM
Bastarge nods at Myre's suggestion and says, "I will come along." He goes with them and stands behind Myre to let her do the talking.
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:46:26 PM
Niall will come along with Myre to speak with the elves as well.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and a bunny (Cayzle) Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:12:23 PM
Zazu pets his bunny to make sure he is secure, then follows everybody to see the captain of the fort ... sticking quietly to the back.
"I'm scared to return to the orcs," Zazu whispers to the bunny. "But we should try to save the others."
"I think you need a name. Boy, oh boy, you sure are cute. Maybe I'll call you Boyo," Zazu mutters. The bunny sends a feeling of happiness.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:05:03 PM Count me in, I have no intention of leaving my friends enslaved a moment longer than I need to. Lothlo thinks about how they may be able to convince the elves. The patrol routes are likely the most useful piece of intel, if the elves can sneak in and make the initial attack before the orcs are ready then they could have the fight half won before half the camp is even fully aware of what is happening.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:14:31 PM
Ash heads along as well. Hopefully they're all feeling better now having had a rest after the prank.
When one of the elves approaches she'll remember her manners and give a bow. "Thankyou once again for your hospitality. Having somewhere safe to rest and eat is such a change from our previous accommodation"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Tuesday February 18th, 2020 11:04:18 PM
I follow the others, not really sure why my wanting to free the slaves was ignored while Murzush was listened to. Is it her size, or the fact that she stopped her feet and folded her arms. Perhaps if I pouted more...
DM Mitch Wednesday February 19th, 2020 8:07:01 AM
The party decides to talk to the elves about going back. There’s a guard at the exit to the guest area who asks what they want when Myre pokes her head out. It seems they aren’t allowed to just roam the place on their own. He does agree to take them to the captain - though he explains the leader of the for is the Commander, and they’re both together at the moment.
They’re lead through a few twisting stone coridors before ending up at a plain wooden door with two guards. The soldier who escorted them knocks, goes inside, then a few moments later lets them in.
The room seems to be some sort of meeting or strategy room. A large table dominates surrounded by many chars. Maps, charts, and notes are spread out across it and a big map of the woods and the Izen is tacked up on the back wall. The captain is there, her helmet off now to expose long blond hair and a mature, serious face. She’s talking with an older elf who has slightly fancier armor and is missing the tip of one ear.
The two look at their guest and the Commander rises and gives a small bow. ”I am Commander Shadowstep and this is my fort. I am pleased to see you rested and recovered from your ordeal. How might I assist you?”
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 d20+1=18 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:05:56 AM
Myre was raised in polite society and knows how to curtsy. She does so, then puts on her polite society voice. The diplomatic training she ignored comes flooding back at a very opportune time! (Diplomacy: 18)
"Commander Shadowstep. We appreciate your hospitality. Would that your fort was not here, those orcs would have recaptured us eventually.
"There are several slaves still being kept at that camp. We all feel a sense of duty to return to free them as well, but cannot do so alone. This is not your fight, but we've escaped their encampment with intelligence on patrol routes, numbers, and location. Obviously that intelligence won't stay useful very long.
"This may be a chance to deal a blow to the orcs in this area and make your jobs a little easier for a while." She starts to fidget nervously. "We'd lend our talents too, of course. We've faced them before and came out in one piece...mostly."
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:42:46 AM "We are not asking that you throw your lives away," Niall chimes in, "but we do have solid intelligence and your fort is here for a reason. To protect this area? If you have the troops available together we could land a solid blow against injustice and as Myre said make your future jobs easier in the process."
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header d20+8=11 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:43:26 AM
Diplomacy: 11.. very moving.
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 d20=4 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 11:35:24 AM
Bastarge says, "Yeah, what she said."
OOC: Diplomacy, aid another: 4
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and a bunny (Cayzle) d20=10 ; d20+8=28 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 12:54:13 PM
Zazu is fascinated by the maps in the room, and glances at them ... okay, well, stares at them.
Untrained Bluff check to not seem to be looking ... 10.
Perception to see something interesting ... 28
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 d20+1=15 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 2:10:01 PM
I offer my help where I can. I spent months in the orcs gladiator pits. There are several well trained fighters there we can recruit to help us. I know one in particular named Painter that will fight beside us.
Diplomacy = 15
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:00:25 PM
Lothlo considers what he might have that could add to the discussion. The tradesmen I kept with were under light guard. Like the others, I wasn't locked up at night and was buy tools and weapons during the day. They wouldn't be able to get out on their own, but if a full assault was made I believe they could quickly mobilize and assist from inside.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Thursday February 20th, 2020 5:54:12 AM "Assuming our success there would then, of course, be the matter of settling the slaves somewhere. Like us, they would need some time to recover before they could return to their homes - if such homes still exist and they wish to go back to them." Ash tries to work through the larger plan "Freeing the slaves would likely mean killing all the orcs, and I don't think anyone here has a problem with that"
As soon as she has said it, Ash realizes she needs to add some clarification "With the exception of any Murzush deems worth saving"
She hastily returns to the plan "With the orcs out of the way we should try to seize as much of the encampment as possible. Food, supplies, pack animals and such. We might be able to make camp for a while, however we would need somewhere safe. Perhaps we could set up a camp nearby under your protection, in exchange for something?"
DM Mitch Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:00:31 AM Myre makes her pitch, mentioning the information they have. Niall tells them he doesn’t expect them to die for a cause but they can make things easier for themselves. Bastarge helps. Zazu looks at the maps. They’re mostly just detailing the general area - there are marks and markers on the big one on the back wall, but he has no idea what any of them mean. Naithi adds that there are slaves able and willing to fight they can recruit. Lothlo suggests the tradesmen might be able to help as well. Ash is already thinking about the aftermath.
The Elven commander sits back down after introductions are complete and listens to the pitch. A slight smile forms as they outline the tactical advantages they can offer. His face turns serious as he responds. ”Escaped slaves are not uncommon here. Our fort is here both to protect the road and provide shelter to travelers who enter our lands. At least half the time the slaves expect us to have a standing army here all ready to go out and rescue the loved ones they left behind. You are the first group to try to entice me with information to make such an attack easy.
However I don’t believe you truly understand the relationship between us and the Izen. The orcs and other races that make their home there are a divided, fractious bunch. They constantly fight and raid each other for dominance and almost never unit into a single cause or force. For something like that to happen either a powerful ruler capable of forcing them to cooperate and rally behind him has to appear, or a common enemy does. As long as we merely defend our border effectively we deter the orcs from attacking us or kidnapping our people. The orcs rightfully fear the woods and rarely attack travelers on the roads near the forts. We’re too small a threat to unite against and too big of one for any one tribe to try to take on.
This all changes the moment we start raising armies to attack tribes in the Izen. Once that happens we become a direct threat to their home and their way of life. Sooner or later enough tribes will feel threatened enough to unite and attack us. We do not have the manpower or strength to defend against a united Izen, or even a half dozen of the large tribes working together. My duty to is to protect my people and their land; I will not be doing so by lending you forces to sack an orcish tribe.”
Murzush objects. ”But the tribe has raided your lands, kidnapped your people! Surely letting them walk away makes you seem an easy target!”
Shadowstep considers briefly, but shakes his head. ”A few tribes have had some small success raiding the edges of the forest away from our towns and villages to catch unlucky wanderers. Should we try to eliminate every tribe that has done so we would inevitably end up commited to dozens of battles. Even if the tribe had brazenly raided one of our towns I would have to submit a report and wait for reinforcements and orders before I could do anything; by then the tribe would be long gone. This tribe has not done so, and attacking it just leaves us open for another to raid the caravans along the road while my forces are occupied.”
He looks sympathetic and turns a hand over. I’m sorry but I cannot commit forces to help you. Were it me alone I would happily volunteer to destroy the orcs and end the injustice of slavery, but I have to look at the bigger picture and safeguard my people. If you seek to free more slaves you will have to do so without the strength of the elves. From what you have told me and what I know of you it may be possible for you to free your loved ones on your own, should you have the strength and will to do so. While I cannot offer you manpower I can offer you my advice should you wish to attempt such a thing.”
The Captain stays quiet through the whole explanation. Sense motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {She seems sad and a little frustrated - no doubt she’s heard this before and really wishes she could do more.}
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 d10=3 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:11:04 AM
Ash sighs a little, deflated by the news that the elves cannot help. The commander has explained the situation very clearly and she can respect his position
"You may be right. Perhaps we can triumph on our own. Murzush? What do you think?"
Ash is still going to try and get some assistance from the elves, regardless of what has been said "You may not be able to help us directly, but perhaps indirectly? Could you lend us any supplies or weapons to increase our chances of success? Perhaps a few scouts to aid us in tracking and scoping out the camp?"
--------------- Sense Motive vs DC10: 3=Fail!
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) d20+1=3 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 7:16:17 AM
Sense motive check - 3
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) d20+1=6 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 9:38:34 AM
In the back, Zazu raises a hand tentatively. "Um, well, sir, maybe we could have a little help with gear?"
The elf motions to the rags that manage to bestow some modesty.
"Maybe a longsword and a longbow? Maybe a couple quills and some ink? and clothes?"
Untrained Diplomacy 6
"We would pay you back. Promise."
[OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: { Could we get a time check? I'm confused about what time of day it is, when we have to rest, when we would have to depart to catch the orcs, etc. Will there be time to scribe a scroll? Thanks!
ALSO: Updated my sheet a smidge. Fixed a typo in my hp. Swapped Mage Armor for True Strike.} ]
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 d20+1=11 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 10:24:09 AM
Sense motive: 11
"Ok, no frontal assault, got it." She turns to Murzush. "We still have patrol movements. We spend a few nights ambushing them, whittling their forces down. Maybe we sneak in and rescue some slaves and your mom once they're stretched thin."
Her mind starts racing. This was fun.
"We can sabotage their wagons and whatnot so they can't just pack up and leave when they feel threatened. OH, we could poison the wolf's food supply so they're not as mobile on patrols. There's lots we can do if we don't over commit, right?" She looks around, worried she's just spouting nonsense and making a fool of herself.
Waddles seems very excited about all this. He flies a few circles around Myre's head before she grabs him and settles him down.
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 d20-1=18 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 11:42:13 AM
Bastarge turns to Murzush and says, "I have promised I will help you, and I will do so. We will make a plan to go back for your mother."
He looks over at the captain and notices her concern. He says out loud, "Indeed, any suggestions or advice you have for us will be helpful, for we will be going back to save Murzush's mother."
OOC: Sense Motive: 18
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header d20=1 ; d20+8=26 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 3:25:02 PM
"[b]I understand.. Responsibility is a heavy burden when you have the welfare of others to consider." Niall says with a nod towards the captain, "but as my friends said... perhaps you could offer some material aid if not manpower? We not ill-equipped as is." a wave down towards his own ill-fitting breastplate, "but are willing to commit ourselves to the cause. Perhaps with the promise of re-paying you the cost of any supplies in the future?"
Sense Motive: Nat 1. So sensitive.
Diplomacy: 26 asking for material aid
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Thursday February 20th, 2020 11:35:50 PM First we need to decide if we are trying to fight the orcs, rescue our friends and loved ones, or revving everyone.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Thursday February 20th, 2020 11:51:40 PM Commander, you have been here a long time and no doubt have daily intel reports. Do you have any suggestions on how we go about this? You specifically mentioned freeing our loved ones, do you think we need to focus on freeing just those closes to us, or would freeing all the slaves still be an option in your opinion?
DM Mitch Friday February 21st, 2020 4:09:57 AM Ash is disappointed but understands the Commander’s position. She asks about indirect help. Zazu asks about replacement gear. Myre has some fun ideas about harassment and poisoning. Bastarge says he promised to help and he will do so. Niall also asks about supplies and gear. Naithi says they need to decide what they plan to do first. Lothlo asks about intel reports, what they should focus on, and suggestions.
The Commander considers. The Captain offers, ”Surely I can take a patrol to scout the camp - they are close enough to present a threat so no one could object to that.”
The Commander responds, ”Perhaps, after a plan is formed. As for indirect help and material support we do have a stock of clothing and can spare a few weapons for you. Should you seek to arm the other slaves I can offer you gear on loan - it will have to be returned” (Everyone can get new clothes, Bastarge can replace his lost dagger, and if you want to trade out orc versions of gear for elven for RP purposes you can)
The Commander leans back and takes on a lecturing tone, like a teacher explaining things to promising students. ”You propose interesting ideas, but tell me, do you have a stockpile of poison to feed the wolves? The skill to sneak into a heavily guarded camp to repeatedly sabotage wagons? You are all making a common mistake to those new at tactics and strategy; you’re trying to find ideas and plans before taking stock of all of your resources and knowledge of the enemy. Before you can determine the best course of action you must know what your options are. Here, we can make a list.”
He digs around the papers on the table momentarily and finds a copy of a map of the area and some blank paper. On a blank sheet he starts listing the things everyone has brought up so far. When he’s done he turns it so the group can read and asks, ”What do you know of the enemy’s numbers? Are there any other assets or advantages you can think of? Any other obstacles or advantages the orcs have you will have to overcome?”
Murzush frowns and considers. ”I don’t think there’s anyway to make the orcs stay in the area. Even if we managed to destroy all the wagons and beasts of burden they’d just force the slaves and women to carry everything, abandon what they had to, and leave in the morning. I’d say there are a couple hundred in the tribe, half women who don’t engage in battle, and about a hundred slaves.”
The Commander adds this information to the list.
Assets: Knowledge of patrols/ability to sneak back into camp Slaves willing and able to fight (Up to 100) 7 able bodied fighters, including casters Weapons and armor to arm slaves
Enemy assets: Superior numbers (100 orc combatants) Defensive position Limited time frame
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Friday February 21st, 2020 10:44:50 AM
Myre blushes a bit. Luckily it's hard to tell with her dark skin.
She didn't know these people or what they could really do just yet. She takes stock of her own abilities, which aren't much. She can only cast a few spells per day, and not nearly enough to put a dent in the orcs' numbers. She wasn't particularly sneaky. She knew which end of a dagger goes in the bad guy, but couldn't cast her spells very well wearing armor. She'd get cut down pretty quickly.
"I don't think my own abilities are too useful in waging this kind of campaign," she's forced to admit.
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Friday February 21st, 2020 12:10:03 PM
Bastarge volunteers his skills: "I can sneak around pretty good. I can possibly get in a few attacks from hiding, but I can also find, remove, or place traps as well."
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Friday February 21st, 2020 3:07:39 PM
Zazu quietly lists the things he can do ... make traps, sneak around, shoot arrows, use a sword ... and new magic spells ... silent image, color spray, mage armor.
The new wizard suggests, "Um, well, I could set traps and cover them with an illusion of mist. We can stand in the illusion, and shoot out of the mist. When orcs ride in to attack, they would trigger the traps ... "
[OOC to Kindly DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {Can we maybe have a chat about the limits of making traps? Cost, time to make them, carrying premade traps to set or set down anyway in combat or before combat ...} ]
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Friday February 21st, 2020 4:24:28 PM
"I have my own sword and some small healing ability, but nothing on a grand scale." Niall adds in.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Friday February 21st, 2020 5:29:47 PM
Lothlo considers their assets and liabilities. I am a pretty good shot with a bow, though not good enough to stand against those odds. ...half the orcs are women that are treated little better than slaves. If only we had more time we might find a way to convince them to fight with us, or at least a way to contact someone the women would rally behind and fight for their own rights. They could take control of the tribe and their destiny when this is over and right a few more wrongs that the slave drivers have caused. Combined with the slaves that would give us superior numbers, and since the women do much of the work they would be the ones controlling the bulk of the weapons and supplies. Murzush, any chance the women look up to you as much as the men fear you?
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Friday February 21st, 2020 7:20:32 PM "If we can get close enough, say a hundred feet or so, I can message one of the slaves or women so we can coordinate" Ash puts forward "The attack would need to be during the day. The orcs can see in the dark and would have the advantage over us otherwise"
"We may also have the element of surprise. If properly planned, we could take down a number of them before they even knew what was happening" Ash slowly looks to Murzush "Do they know she's your mother? Would they be expecting you to return for her? If they ARE expecting us then things are a lot worse"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Monday February 24th, 2020 12:33:06 AM
I nod. I am stealth and small enough to easily hide. I know what slaves can fight and their preferred weapon. I know a flame magic and could start a targeted fire a necessary.
DM Mitch Monday February 24th, 2020 7:45:51 AM Myre admits her own abilities may not be suited for this. Bastarge says he’s a decent sneak and can disarm traps. Zazu suggests things he can do with traps Niall has a sword and some healing. Lothlo proposes they get the women to help them, letting them outnumber the enemy. Ash points out they have surprise and says she can send magical messages 100 feet or so. Naithi adds her own stealth skill to the pile and suggests she could start a fire.
Murzush considers Lothlo’s question before shaking her head. ”Firstly few of the women can fight well, so they can’t help us win a battle against the warriors. Secondly, they’ve grown up and spent their lives under the other’s thumb and I doubt I could convince enough of them to side with slaves and risk punishment. Approaching them will likely just get us caught.”
The Commander takes a few notes on everyone’s abilities before moving on. Next let’s look at the area. Terrain can make or break an engagement or plan. You wouldn’t expect to use the same methods against a camp on the plains as you would against this fort for instance. They’re camped by the twins correct?”
Murzush nods and he shuffles some papers, point out the twins, a pair of small hills, on a map and getting more blank paper. Murzush explains how the camp is laid out and he draws a crude diagram of it.
The bulk of the orcs are camped between the two hills.” Murzush explains. ”They have guard posts on either hill, on little raised stages we can assemble quickly to give scouts height while camping. Most of the slaves are camped to the south of the hills, away from the forest, while to the north are the fairgrounds for the celebration. Should they be attacked the orcs would group at the opposite end of the enemy, forcing them to go through the narrow pass and funnel through archers on the hills. The hills can only be easily climbed from the north and south - they’re too steep to the east and west. A big enough force could always hit both sides and trap the orcs in the middle, but we don’t have that and it would be seen approaching so they could run for it.”
The Commander nods at the concise tactical explanation. ”A well thought out defense from the enemy. The key to any tactical situation is to either find a way to turn the enemy’s advantages against them or to exploit their weaknesses to your advantage. It seems the slaves are mostly kept together to the south - that seems the most obvious advantage to exploit here. Also note that while orcs can see in the dark, it only extends a few dozen feet so waiting until morning might make it harder to avoid the gaze of the sentries on the hill.”
DM Mitch Monday February 24th, 2020 7:54:58 AM
Assets: Knowledge of patrols/ability to sneak back into camp Slaves willing and able to fight (Up to 100) 7 able bodied fighters, including casters Weapons and armor to arm slaves traps magical communication up to 100 feet
Enemy assets: Superior numbers (100 orc combatants) Defensive position Limited time frame
DM Mitch Monday February 24th, 2020 11:25:05 AM
Murzush frowns, the clarifies "No, wait. When attacked the first thing they'd do is move the slaves away from the enemy. They're valuable assets to be protected. Then they'd draw the enemy through the hills, ending up on the opposite side and catching them in a trap. So if a rival tribe came from the north, all the slaves would be moved to the slave camp and the warriors would group up on the north side, falling back as the enemy advanced until the enemy has to either go through the valley or assault the hills. That's what we did two years ago when a rival tribe tried to attack during the holiday. It worked so well I don't see them changing the plan."
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Monday February 24th, 2020 12:53:47 PM
Bastarge says, "How many are on the hills? Is there a time when there's fewer? Perhaps we could have a couple groups take out the archers there to remove that advantage."
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Monday February 24th, 2020 1:31:27 PM
Myre scratches her head a bit. She was out of her element, but that wasn't new. She had lots of experience watching her dad improvise.
"How long would it take to go around those hills far enough away that the sentries couldn't spot us? If the slaves are already close to the southern-most edge of the camp, it would be ideal to approach from there." She ponders. "If we somehow sneak the slaves out, the orcs will just come after us. They'll probably send more than just 4 riders, too. Sounds like we need a diversion. Murzush, are there any other tribes in the area that have a beef with this one?"
Secretly, to herself, Myre wonders if Murzush's mom is one of those orcs too accustomed to her lot that she won't defend herself.
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Monday February 24th, 2020 2:47:29 PM
Niall listens to the others but has nothing to add just yet.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Monday February 24th, 2020 3:12:52 PM
Zazu wonders aloud, "Are we thinking of winning by force of arms, or by stealing the slaves away? If one or two of us can make a distraction at the Fairground, then the rest of us can sneak the slaves out the back. Once armed and on the run, the slaves will fight back to avoid recapture, and they'll have us to help them in a fighting retreat. Especially with traps and whatever we can leave in our wake."
"For the distraction, I can use Ghost Sound and Silent Image to create a scary threat. A giant, maybe? I can make a giant by just making a person, only bigger, so that should work, right?"
Zazu's head tilts, listening to the wind. "Boyo says too bad I do not know Expeditious Retreat for running away after."
Zazu shrugs.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Monday February 24th, 2020 10:18:58 PM Would the women be moved with the slaves?
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:06:04 AM "Hmmm...." Ash looks once more to Murzush. She seems to be avoiding the questions "This all only works IF they aren't expecting us to return"
"Do we know what the surrounding terrain is like? How close could we get before being out in the open?" She smiles back to the Commander "I'd rather be able to see 60 feet in the dark than none at all! Though it does raise another question... Murzush, do we know what races make up the slaves?"
She looks to Zazu "I can use Ghost Sound as well. Together we might make some noise. I can also create some dancing lights if we want to get their attention"
DM Mitch Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:36:41 AM Bastarge asks about numbers and taking the hills from the orcs. Myre asks about how long it would take to circle the hills and if there are other nearby tribes they could use to divert the orcs. Niall has nothing to add right now. Zazu asks if they intend to free the slaves through force of arms or by sneaking everyone out. He suggests that maybe a group makes a distraction to the north while the others take the chance to free the slaves to the south. Naithi Ash asks what the terrain is like, what races the slaves are, and adds some suggestions on how to make a good distraction.
Murzush belatedly answers the question about if they’d be expected. ”I don’t think they’ll expect us, usually slaves who escape are smart enough to not risk being captured again. Most of the time there’s only a few on the hills - two or three each. When the camps on alert a few more would go up, maybe a half dozen on each hill. If we could approach unseen we could clear out both hills with even if the camp was on alert.”
The Commander takes the scouting and circling question. ”From outside of their patrols several hours. Judging from everything you’ve shared they patrol fairly far out to catch anyone the hill sentries can’t spot, so you might be able to sneak past the patrols and circle the camp in an hour under cover of night.”
The Captain answers Myre’s second question with a question. ”Even if there is a rival tribe nearby how do you convince them to help rather than just enslaving you again? Say they do attack and win, or are forced back into a retreat, can you avoid them while also getting the slaves clear? Maybe they just decide to raid the slave camp themselves. Involving another tribe seems risky.”
To Zazu the Commander says, ”An excellent question - is your goal to free just your friends and relatives, or to try to free as many slaves as possible? A quick strike to free a dozen slaves will require a different plan than an attempt to free all 100.”
Murzush frowns. ”Freeing our loved ones is why we’re returning, but it feels wrong to leave people behind if it’s possible to rescue them.”
She continues to answer questions. ”The women would be moved to the back of the orcish lines but kept separate from the slaves. For the most part it’s a flat plain leading up to the camp - no real cover to speak of. The slaves are a mix of all the races, some more common than others but all the noble races are covered. A magical distraction could work, but could you use Silent Image and Ghost sound at the same time?”
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 9:47:51 AM "I wasn't thinking of convincing them, Commander. I was thinking about tricking them into thinking one slew a patrol of the other...or something like that."
Myre can't think of a way to free all the slaves without killing at least most of the orcs. That's not something she sees any way to do by themselves.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 10:10:50 AM
As the others discuss stagey I think about what I might be able to do to help. Back home this was never a problem. If the beasts caught you, they are you. There was no need to try to rescue anyone.I could help by casting obscuring must. It has a 20ft radius and lasts 2 minutes.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Tuesday February 25th, 2020 11:32:31 AM
Zazu quietly suggests that seven against 100 are not great odds for a stand-up fight. "! am in favor of using the illusion distraction and trying to rescue as many as possible. It may not be all the slaves, but the odds of success are greater, right?"
The rogue listening to a secret voice. "Boyo says we can use Ghost Sound and Silent Image together -- both spells are better that way." Zazu explains how one caster can accomplish this, albeit carefully. ... And it's even better with two people to do it. Silent Image lasts for so long as you concentrate on it. Ghost Sound only lasts a short time, but a second caster can keep on recasting it.
Retreating into mist also seems like a great idea. Zazu can put some traps where the mist will be, so that orcs are likely to step in them. Honestly, just some simple pits and trenches will be effective disguised by mist. "Just be careful to guide the refugees around them!"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:34:52 PM
Lothlo considers the strategy How long do you think we would have before they discover the slaves are missing? And how many wolf riders remain that could chase after us once they realize what happened?
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:55:28 PM
"I would not want to prioritize who we save, that is selfish and unjust." Niall comments with a frown, "but once the slaves are freed.. where would we go? Here, to the fort?" he looks to the commander, "Would you accept them under your protection if they made it here?"
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:26:14 PM
Ash slowly nods in agreement with Niall. While she is grateful for Murzush's actions, a captive is a captive.
"It's sounding like we might need two groups. One group to cause a distraction up front while another looks to help the slaves escape from the rear."
She looks to Zazu "If you could let me have a peek at that book of yours, perhaps I could prepare that Silent Image spell too? Two castings would be better than one, right?"
Ash has a think for a moment "Do any of the nearby rival tribes have any banners or sigils? Perhaps we could include those as part of the illusions to make it seem like the rivals are approaching? That would get their attention"
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Tuesday February 25th, 2020 9:15:18 PM
Zazu is happy to share -- a home-made spellbook made of cured rat-hide, but the wizard says that all the spells are written in a strange language learned in dreams. If Ash takes a look, he will see text in a language unknown to him. (OOC I peeked at your PC sheet.) Will Read Magic allow understanding of a spellbook written in an unfamiliar language? DMs?
Anyway, if Ash is casting Silent Image, who will cast Ghost Sound?
(Zazu confides in a whisper to Ash that "I'm a little worried about getting away." The Image can be up to 400 ft away, but Ghost Sound only has a range of 30 ft. Also, the illusion of a ghost is better because if an arrow goes right through that's ok. And if there is disbelief, the illusion just gets more transparent, which is maybe still effective, and since ghosts are silent unless they are moaning or such. Also, how sneaky is Ash? Also, will we have time to prepare spells specifically?)
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 10:20:14 PM
That elf guy sure has a lot of questions. Ash doesn't think she can answer all of them, but feels pretty confident she can read even his weird scribbles.
------------- OOC: Rules text follows...
Highlight to display spoiler: {From the magic section: "The writer uses the same system no matter what her native language or culture. However, each character uses the system in his own way. Another person's magical writing remains incomprehensible to even the most powerful wizard until he takes time to study and decipher it. To decipher an arcane magical writing (such as a single spell in another's spellbook or on a scroll), a character must make a Spellcraft check (DC 20 + the spell's level). If the skill check fails, the character cannot attempt to read that particular spell again until the next day. A read magic spell automatically deciphers magical writing without a skill check. If the person who created the magical writing is on hand to help the reader, success is also automatic."}
DM Mitch Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:18:48 AM Myre says that she was thinking of tricking other tribes into attacking each other. Naithi offers obscuring mist as an option. Zazu suggests distracting the enemy then running with as many as they can. He explains the details of silent image and ghost sound combos and suggests they combine traps with mist. Zazu asks about wolf riders and how long until missing slaves are discovered. Niall doesn’t want to prioritize just those they know and wonders where they should flee to once free. Ash asks about seeing Zazu’s spell book and if any other tribes have banners they could fake.
Murzush frowns in thought. ”It depends on a lot of details. If the whole group vanished at once they’d notice immediately of course. If only a couple go missing then it might not be discovered for hours, or it might be discovered quickly. The slavemaster is in charge of keeping track of the slaves - if we take out him and his slaver’s quietly then that gives us better odds of escaping unnoticed. I’d say there’s a dozen wolf rider’s left, but we’ll have to circle the whole camp again before we can get back here so if they’re mad enough a large group could catch us.”
The Captain fields Niall’s question. ”We’re set up to accommodate freed slaves here for a short time and the nearest town has bigger and more long term stuff set up. They’re used to nursing slaves in bad condition back to health and helping them either find a way home or settle.”
She looks at the Commander. ”Maybe I can take a squad to provide the distraction? If we start some campfires in the distance, where the hill sentries can see, we can convince them a large group is camped nearby and are a threat. That would let us help without engaging the orcs in any way.”
The Commander considers thoughtfully. ”Very well. This costs us nothing and keep your group from having to divide it’s manpower.
You have a lot of good ideas and pieces to a fully fledged plan. Bring it all together. How can you unite these ideas and pieces into a single coherent plan?
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Wednesday February 26th, 2020 11:17:37 AM
Bastarge pops up and says, "I can dancing lights and ghost sound as well, if we have a good focus for them"
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Wednesday February 26th, 2020 4:33:58 PM
"I am not one for trickery, but if it comes to fighting I can lend my blade to it.." Niall comments as he looks to the others, "If we do not need to provide a distraction we will take down the sentries that remain and then take the slaves? Ghost and Silent images to hide our escape?"
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Wednesday February 26th, 2020 5:40:24 PM
"I think that I should do the ghost sounds and Ash should do the Silent Image, because I'm sneaky and can hide 30 ft from the illusion, but Ash is not sneaky and can stay back 400 ft to cast the illusion."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Wednesday February 26th, 2020 6:05:47 PM
Lothlo tries to summarize what he's been told about the opposition they will face. So, if we are successful with the distraction then we'd only have deal with the wolf riders chasing us? And if we aren't sneaky enough we'll have half the camp on our heels? And the more people we take the faster they will be on to us?
Murzush, if we try to free everyone is there any realistic chance we will make it back before the entire camp descends on us, or is that just a pipe dream at this point? I'm all for a heroic rescue, but I'm not quite ready to go down in a blaze of glory if you think it's impossible with our current assets. If it's the only option that looks like it will work, I'd rather free our friends today and come back for the rest when we are in a better position to finish the task.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Wednesday February 26th, 2020 6:31:53 PM "We'd be very grateful for whatever aid you provide, Commander" Ash nods to both the Commander and the Captain. That Captain could really become an ally later on. Might have to stay in contact with her.
"If the elven squads are able to set enough campfires then that would likely be all the frontal distraction the orcs would need. That would leave us united to attack from the rear. We could use Silent Image spells to help conceal our approach. If we come across any guards we could use ghost sounds to distract them, or I could use a Disguise spell to look like an orc. Worst case we try and drop them before they can call for help. As soon as we see a slave one of us casts a message spell to let them know of the plan so they can coordinate. Even better if Naithi recognises any that are proven fighters.
Zazu might be able to lay some traps as we go. It might slow down any orcs that pursue us when we leave.
We free as many as we can and then get out of there"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Thursday February 27th, 2020 1:07:54 AM
I smile. They keep anyone that they identify with significant combat skill tied up together. My guess is anyone tied up by painter can fight. We should free then first... ... ... Do you have a lock or chain cutter by any chance? They did chain my legs when walking me to Murzush tent. There is a chance the prisoners might get chained when being moved, but hopefully they will be in too big a hurry for such things. I think a moment before adding Do you have any caltrops or nails? Those choke points with be ideal targets.
DM Mitch Thursday February 27th, 2020 7:47:26 AM Bastarge offers his own ghost sound and dancing lights. Niall suggests they take down the sentries then use spells to hide their escape. Zazu points out he’s sneaky so should do the closer range spell. Lothlo points out the difficulties with rescuing a large number of slaves. Ash reflects that the captain might be a long term ally. She outlines a plan to use the distraction to sneak into camp and using traps and magic to cover their escape. Naithi points out they keep the gladiators together and asks for a chain cutter.
The Commander says he can offer something to cut the chains. Murzush frowns in thought, clearly unhappy about something. The plan is good, I’m not sure how I’ll get to my mom. They’ll recognize me if I try to sneak in.”
She considers some more. ”...what if we turned their defences against them?” she wonders aloud.
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Thursday February 27th, 2020 9:43:25 AM
Sorry about not posting. Could have sworn I did, but here we are...
Myre waits. Surely Murzush was going to expand on that thought?
"I wasn't a particularly noteworthy slave. Any chance no one would notice me walking through the slave quarters towards where your mom is?"
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Thursday February 27th, 2020 10:28:45 AM
So we sneak up to the camp. Out of sight of sentries but along our escape route, we pause to set some traps and dig some trenches. This is the Ambush Point.
Elves circle far around well beyond the fairgrounds and light fires on nearby hilltops to make it look like enemies are near. After lighting fires, these elves sneak back behind the Ambush Point.
Ash and Zazu circle around to the fairgrounds side of the camp. Ash holds pretty far back. Hiding, he makes the illusion of a huge armored and helmed orc carrying a banner of a rival tribe and maybe a token of a negotiator if we know what that would be. Zazu sneaks close, within 30 ft of the illusion.
Zazu casts ghost sound from hiding as quietly as possible, and uses it to enhance the illusion. The illusion calls for negotiation. (Zazu knows orcish.)
Hopefully this proves an effective distraction. The rest of the party sneak in and free as many slaves as possible, maybe quietly overcoming a few guards or orcs.
Lead the slaves through or around the Ambush Point. Meet up with elf guards beyond the Ambush Point -- elves and slaves hoof it toward the fort.
Zazu and Ash make the illusion declare, "The gathered tribes will meet here in one hour to destroy this camp! We declare war!" The illusion stalks off.
Ash and Zazu sneak back to rendez-vous with the rest of the party at the Ambush. We make sure the clear trail leads directly to the Ambush. We give enough time to the slaves to get away. One rogue is on lookout 100 ft toward camp with Message by Myre. If the orcs figure out what is going on, we ambush them. Naithi uses Obscuring Mist, Entange. Myre adds Grease to traps, pits. We focus on killing leaders and wolves to deter pursuit. After doing as much damage as we can, we break off and retreat. We head back to camp using a fighting retreat.
Is there any chance the elves have light horses we can use in our retreat?
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Thursday February 27th, 2020 11:42:04 AM
Bastarge listens to Zazu's plan, then says, "So wait -- do you think we can defeat the entire tribe? If not, how do we ensure M's mother is saved?"
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Thursday February 27th, 2020 1:20:27 PM
We escape with as many slaves as we can, including M's mom hopefully, and then flee. They run off right away. We try to delay the orcs with mist and traps and pits and ranged attacks. We might pick off a few stragglers or sleepers. We just need to delay them to give the slaves time to get free, then fleeing ourselves.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:53:30 PM
Lothlo considers the situation with the orc's mother. Murzush, what can you tell us about where your mother is located? What would be the best way to rescue her? After having escaped would she be expecting you to come back for her? If so, she may be going out of her way tonight to make things as easy on you as possible to find her should we be successful.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Thursday February 27th, 2020 6:21:59 PM
Ash nods to Zazu. She is happy with the plan "Agreed, and we should act on it sooner rather than later. The more time we spend here the more time the orcs have to move on"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Friday February 28th, 2020 9:33:36 AM
I sit back and plan, learning from the others the art of war and infiltration tactics. This might be useful information for my clan...
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Friday February 28th, 2020 10:35:03 AM
Bastarge nods to Zazu and Lothlo, "Yes, I think that is a good plan, but we just need to ensure that we've coordinated in a way that we can ensure M's mom can get out as well. I'd hate to risk everything, free a bunch of slaves, and then we end up not getting M's mom free at the same time."
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 Friday February 28th, 2020 1:13:34 PM
Myre hopes that Murzush's mom hasn't already faced some consequences of her daughter's actions.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Friday February 28th, 2020 3:12:55 PM
Question to our kindly DMs: Do the experts (fortress elves and Murzush) think we have time to rest, prep spells, and maybe scribe a scroll before the tribe moves off? If it is late afternoon now, can we do all that stuff and go do the mission at dawn, say? When the fires on the hills will be visible, but light enough to ruin Darkvision (not sure how Darkvision interacts with illusions, and now is no time to find out!
(Edited to make not private)
DM Mitch Friday February 28th, 2020 8:08:22 PM Myre waits for Murzush to expand on the thought and wonders if she would be able to get Murzush’s mom. Zazu outlines a plan. They set up an ambush point away from the camp but along their escape route. The elves make the distraction and Ash and Zazu use illusions to parlay with the orcs pretending to be a hostile tribe. Everyone else frees slaves then retreats back to the ambush point. If the orcs catch them, they make a stand at the ambush point to hold them off. If not, they just leave once the slaves are safely away. Bastarge asks if they’re supposed to fight the whole tribe and how they get M’s mother out. Zazu clarifies the ambush is just a delaying tactic. Lothlo asks if mom would be expecting Murzush’s return and how best to rescue her. Ash likes the plan. Naithi sits back and learns. Bastarge asks about coordination. Myre hopes no one has been punished for the escape. Zazu asks about the timing of everything.
The Commander checks a clockwork watch - very fancy and expensive looking. ”You all just had a full rest. It’s about a 9 hour trip to the orc camp. If you left within a few hours you’d arrive a few hours before dawn, giving you time to prepare your ambush before going in. However, doing so will let it get light, giving the hill sentries the ability to see your flight. For you plan to work they would have to be eliminated. Coordinating with Captain Silverleaf would be difficult as she would be at the north end while you would be setting up in the south.”
Murzush listens to the plan, nodding along but clearly distracted as she fleshes out what she mentioned before. ”Valley to the south is narrow and can be defended by a small number against vastly superior numbers. While the orcs are distracted and all looking north, we quietly eliminate the southern guards then set up your ambush point in the slave camp, where the valley widens but far enough back to not be spotted. WIth backup from the gladiators and your suggested tricks we can hold there as long as needed. Once the slaves are away they won’t dare to send a large group to chase us if they’re convinced an enemy is attacking within the hour.
If myself or someone else can be disguised as another orc woman they can sneak into camp to retrieve my mother. Getting out will be the hard part, we’ll have to think of a convincing bluff for why we’re heading to the slave pens instead of staying safe with the other women.”
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Friday February 28th, 2020 8:19:12 PM
Ash sighs and finds a place to sit, clearly starting to get frustrated. It looks like they're not going anywhere soon. Every moment they waste is another lash a slave is receiving.
"Commander, with all due respect, it sounds as if you already have a plan in mind. Perhaps we should hear what you are thinking of and go with it? You clearly have more experience with dealing with these orcs and no doubt a highly successful career of military training and tactics."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Friday February 28th, 2020 10:11:51 PM
Lothlo considers how they might get Murzush's mother into the slave encampment. Murzush, what is your mom's role in the camp, perhaps we can help you think of a good cover? Would having someone escort her to the slaves under the pretense that she was caught trying to sneak off to rejoin you be a reasonable explanation for her being brought to join the slaves?
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Saturday February 29th, 2020 11:39:25 AM
[OOC: I think it is not that the captain has an alternate plan of his own, just that he is telling us if we want to arrive before dawn, we have only a few hours before we have to leave. There's no time for Ash to learn and prep Silent Image. But that's OK; I have a plan for that. Murzush is telling us she knows a good place for us to set up our Ambush Point.]
[OOC to our DMs: Rules say "Creating an item requires 8 hours of work per 1,000 gp in the item's base price (or fraction thereof), with a minimum of at least 8 hours. Potions and scrolls are an exception to this rule; they can take as little as 2 hours to create (if their base price is 250 gp or less)." Rules also say you can craft things while adventuring, but 4 hours spent counts as two hours.]
So here is the revised plan based on the info from the Captain and Murzush.
We spend the next four hours here in camp. Zazu scribes a scroll of Silent Image, using 18 gp worth of tanned ratskin and ink.. [The DC is 6 and I have Spellcraft +9, so no roll needed.]. The rest of us gather shovels, firewood, string, weapons to give slaves, food, water, and any other prep we can think of.
We head back to the orc camp, taking 9 hours. We arrive two hours before dawn. The elves go to set up their fires. We make our ditches and lay traps at Ambush Valley. Maybe set up a couple hunting blinds from which to shoot unseen. Leave a path for the slaves, maybe marked with white stones or string or something.
Ash and Zazu sneak around the camp to the edge of the fairgrounds. Zazu sneaks within 30 ft of the entrance on the north; Ash stays back 400 ft. Maybe Ash can lay under a blanket or something to give concealment.
The rest of the party sneaks up toward the slave portion of the camp, looking for bushes or something for concealment. Staying at least say 500 ft back so it is super hard to see you.
When the sky is grey, just before dawn, the elves light their fires. Maybe they sound horns? After they do this, they sneak wide around and back to Ambush Valley.
When Ash sees the fires, she casts Ghost Sound for more horns. Then she reads the scroll of Silent Image and creates the illusion of the burly orc messenger. Zazu, seeing the fires and hearing the horns, and then seeing the messenger, casts Ghost Sound as needed to reinforce the illusion. Zazu tries super hard to cast quietly ... under a blanket, whispering, facing away from the camp, doing anything he can think of to be undetected. Stealth checks, of course.
The rest of the party sees the fires and hears the horns, gives it a half a minute, then sneaks into the slave part of the orc camp. Kills any orcs quietly, rescues slaves.
Murzush -- and one other if anyone can make a disguise -- sneaks in to find her mom and bluffs theiur way out. Need to come up with a good bluff, and who is going with Murzush?
Lead the slaves out as the illusion distracts. Get them out of sight, arm and clothe them, with food and drink as they walk. Get them to the Ambush Valley.
After the illusion has finished its work, say after 1-10 minutes, depending on how it goes and if anyone disbelieves, then Zazu and Ash sneak back to Ambush Valley.
The elves lead the slaves to safety. We stay behind at the Ambush. Hide. When orcs come in, Naithi creates mist (1-2 spells?) and we use ranged attacks to deter them, especially focused on wolves.
When we are forced to, we make a fighting retreat. Hopefully the orcs will break off and go back to "defend" their camp from the "other tribe."
How's that?
DM Mitch Saturday February 29th, 2020 1:17:39 PM
(Murzush was suggesting using the slave camp as an ambush point. This risks being caught early but if it worked you could use the choke point against the orcs and maybe even take the hills for an unbeatable advantage.)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Saturday February 29th, 2020 5:17:01 PM
Lothlo listens to the plan so far The one part I'm not sure about is "killing the orcs quietly". Are we talking about killing them all before they have even a moment to respond, or is there some sort of alarm we are trying to prevent them from sounding?
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Sunday March 1st, 2020 7:35:17 PM
"If we are hoping to sneak up unseen on the sentries I am not the best suited for that.. I hope our plan to prevent an alarm" Niall adds in.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Sunday March 1st, 2020 9:51:01 PM
I just need a few minutes to prepare my spells. I haven't chosen them yet because I was waiting on our plan. I can prepare to mist spells if that will help us the most.
DM Mitch Monday March 2nd, 2020 8:11:26 AM
Ash gets a little frustrated and asks the commanders plan. Lothlo asks about Murzush’s role in the camp and what excuse they could use. Zazu adjusts his plan, though he misunderstands Murzush’s suggestion. Lothlo asks about killing orcs quietly. Niall comments on his sneaking skills and says he hopes the plan is to prevent an alarm. Naithi is going to prepare her spells after the plan is set.
The Commander takes no offense at Ash’s question and tone. ”I do not have a plan, I was merely answering Zazu’s question and trying to play devil's advocate. No plan comes out fully formed all at once, it always takes some consideration of what could go wrong and how to adjust to potential problems. I honestly hadn’t been considering a plan of my own. Give me a few minutes and I can see if anything better comes to mind.”
While the Commander leans back and thinks Murzush answers the questions directed at her. ”My mom used to be a respected smith, but age and disease has taken all of her skill away. It’s why I’m so worried about her, she’s been unable to pick up a new skill and I’m pretty sure they’ll just abandon her to die soon.”
Commander Shadowstep sits up after a few minutes and speaks. ”In principle my plan would be identical to yours where I planning this operation. Create some sort of distraction up north to draw the enemy away, then sneak in with a force to the south to free as many slaves as possible. I would not personally risk sending someone to pretend to be an orc myself, as if caught it could end badly for the distraction team. If you pull it off however it will guarantee the orcish leadership will not be attending to matters in the camp and likely pull even more attention to you, making everyone else’s job easier.
I would also make sure to strike at the camp before dawn. The orcs have night vision, but it is limited and not as good as daylight even with their sensitivity to light. No matter how distracted the camp is there will be guards around the slaves that will have to be quietly eliminated. A night attack would mean they could be removed without alerting the hill sentries. Similarly I would take both hills during the night if at all possible. It’s risky and might get the alarm set off, but if it succeeds we might be hours away before the alarm is sounded and the risk of the hill sentries noticing activity in the slave camp is fairly high, especially closer to dawn.
If I was feeling particularly lucky and bold I might seek to eliminate the orcs magical support. Most tribes have a shaman, and his spells could provide unexpected obstacles to the escape. However this would be incredibly risky and a distant third objective, after securing the slaves and the hills.
Setting up an ambush spot from a distance is a good idea, however it would mean you would have to move quickly in the camp to accomplish all of your objectives. Planning to hold the line in the slave camp would let you use the defensible location to your advantage and would let you accomplish your other objectives more quickly, but would also risk being seen making the preparations. Both have their merits.
Overall I would say your plan is fairly complete. Decide where to lay your ambush, what to do about the hill sentries, and how best to distract the orcs and I believe you will be as prepared as you can be.”
Murzush belatedly shares what she knows about other local tribes and customs involved in declaring war on each other to the distraction team.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) Monday March 2nd, 2020 11:17:57 AM
Zazu gets right on the job of scribing a scroll of Silent Image. (No roll needed since the DC is too easy.) It'll take 4 hours to get 2 equivalent-hours of scribing done.
The elf leaves the details of the rest of the plan to others; he is plenty busy thanks. There will be lots of time on the 9 hour walk back to the orc camp to go over the nuances.
The work is actually stressing Zazu out a little more than somewhat. Anyone watching the newly-minted wizard struggle to scribe a very first scroll can see that. They might also see a wriggly sweet little bunny snuggle up to Zazu. The cutest creature in the Wold does help calm and relax the self-trained neophyte wizard while trying not to drip ink in the wrong spot.
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 d20+9=23 Monday March 2nd, 2020 12:25:12 PM
Bastarge nods at Zazu's plan and starts tinkering with some bits of wood. He says, "I can make a few traps in that time, as well." (Craft Trap, 23). When they are asked about going to get M's mother, Bastarge says, "I don't have a lot of skill in bluffing, but I can try."
OOC: Bluff skill is 5
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Monday March 2nd, 2020 3:45:11 PM
"How are we planning to quietly eliminate any guards?" Niall asks of his group with a slight frown.
Myre - Jon Subbing for Carl until someone better comes along Monday March 2nd, 2020 3:50:29 PM
Myre is introspective as she goes about her own preparations to leave.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 Monday March 2nd, 2020 5:56:18 PM I agree, but the one part I'm not sure about is "killing the orcs quietly". Are we talking about killing them all before they have even a moment to respond, or is there some sort of alarm we are trying to prevent them from sounding?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 1:55:22 AM
I begin to prepare my spells as I listen
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:24:13 AM
Ash has already prepared her spells for the day. Readying new ones isn't possible right now.
She does plan to visit the armory to trade her regular daggers for some elven ones. Though she expects they will be just as "deadly" (deadly may perhaps not be the right word for Ash's skills) the decorations and inlays that elves are known for would make them a little nicer to have.
DM Mitch Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 8:25:49 AM
The party starts to split up and prepare for the upcoming raid. A few questions are asked, but no one declares an opinion on where to set up the ambush. Murzush offers, ”I can cast the Sleep spell to help with the guards. We don’t have to kill them, just keep them from informing the rest of the camp of our arrival.”
Time passes quickly and preparations are completed. The Commander gathers everyone together. Before you go I have one final word of advice. The patrol routes may have changed since your escape. If so, you may not get into the camp undetected. Should you be caught on approach or by the slave camp guards I advise you to retreat. Your plan relies on surprise and secrecy - once that is gone you cannot proceed.”
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 12:18:47 PM
Bastarge nods to the commander and checks his home made traps one last time as they prepare to depart.
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:10:06 PM
NIall will visit the armory to swap out his scavenged weapons and armor with proper ones of elven make and more comfortable fit.
Zazu (AC12, HP10/10) and Boyo the bunny (Cayzle) d20+7=14 ; d20+3=10 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:33:16 PM
After scribing, Zazu hands the scroll over to Ash and makes sure she can read it.
Then it is time for a 9 hour nighttime walk. As a trained survival elf, Zazu helps by leading the way. Hopefully with no lights? Survival 14 in the woods, 10 in the plains. Maybe take ten on those checks, though, please make it 17 and 13.
As the elf walks, Zazu puts a hand in a pocket from time to time. There's something wriggly in there. [No, the familiar in his pocket is a bunny, not a snake, duh.]
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 d20+6=11 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 7:49:58 PM
The sharpshooter thanks the commander for all her help. Hopefully we'll be able to spot any changes in the patrols before the spot us. From what I understand, the orcs know you wouldn't be attacking and expect us to never return so hopefully the patrols are the same since they have no reason to modify them based on our escape. Still, after my last capture I'm not about to trust my luck that things haven't changed on us. Lothlo packs up his bow and heads out with the group. As they go he keeps an eye out for patrols that may be near by.
perception = 11
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 d20+9=13 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+8=13 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 10:19:14 PM
I am glad to have a task again, the planning all going over my head. My clan was always the hunted... It was interesting to see things from the attackers point of view for a change. This could be useful in the future.
I too am curious as to how we plan to deal with the guards, but my past experience has taught me that even the best plans fall apart when dealing with such a complex enemy. For this one I tell Fizzgig and Cuddly Mule to stay away from the combat. (They are both for RP now. Only Camalayaas will be used in combat form here on out).
As we prepare to move out I remind myself to look for a suitable enemy to feed my claws with. Perhaps someone with more confidence or a mind for planning...
Perception = 13 Perception to check for traps = 16 Stealth = 17 Survival = 13
Ooc: Should I prepare 3 obscuring mist spells?
DM Mitch Wednesday March 4th, 2020 8:23:56 AM Bastarge checks his gear one last time. Niall switches to elven made weaponry and armor. Zazu finishes his scroll and helps lead the group. Lothlo thanks the Commander for his help. He hopes the orcs have no reason to change their patrol patterns. Naithi is glad to be moving again instead of planning.
The party heads out accompanied by Captain Silverleaf and her squad. She has assembled the gear to arm the slaves in a bag of holding. ”There’s enough to arm everyone if needed. Best to be prepared - make sure we get it all back.” she tells the group.
Between Zazu, the captain, and Murzush the party is able to easily navigate by star. The moon is out, still nearly full, and it bathes the plains in soft silver light. After about 8 hours (with a short meal break or two) the party is closing in on the camp and the others begin to tense up a little. If the routes haven’t changed they should be able to approach the camp with no problems. If not, orcs could be on them any second, or even see them and creep away to sound the alarm with them being none the wiser.
Niall (JonL) Need to fix header d20+3=16 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2020 10:53:25 AM
Niall knew he was not experienced enough to offer much in the way of strategy, but for potential armed conflict at least he had been trained. He was not particularly steathly, though he tried and kept his mouth shut during the trek. As they get close he keeps his eyes peeled and searching.
Perception: 13
Bastarge (JeffO) -- AC: 19/15/15 CMD: 16 HP: 21/21 d20+4=17 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2020 11:58:47 AM
Bastarge looks around as they pause to see if he can see anything moving (perception: 17)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 18/14/14, HP: 22/22, CMD: 18 d20+6=13 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2020 12:33:37 PM
Lothlo scans the moonlit fields, checking both for patrols and for signs that there has been any deviation in the patrols. As they march an idea comes to him and he whispers to his compaion. Naithi, by any chance does Fizzgig's nose allow him to detect whether we are approaching a patrol route, or would he only be able to detect the orcs themselves? If he can sniff out when we are approaching a path patrols have been using that would make easier to avoid ones that have changed as we near the camp.
Perception = 13
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Wednesday March 4th, 2020 12:46:44 PM
ooc: I'll have to check Fizzgig and Camalayaas Truckee. I forgot which one I taught them. I think Fizzgig might have the scent ability. However I don't want him in combat. Naithi with be too protective as the CR is increasing
Myre (Carl) AC: 12/12/10 HP: 8/8 CMD: 13 d20+3=7 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:04:03 PM
Myre snaps out of her funk.
She has her mom's eyes, so she can see pretty well. Pity she's so unobservant (perception 7). She's out of her element, but she sticks close to the middle of the pack.
***
Been sick for an entire week, but I'm feeling much better today. Thanks for the sub, Jon.
Ash Silverkin (RobC) -- AC 12/12/10 -- CMD 12 -- HP 17/17 d20=15 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2020 4:53:42 PM
Ash is feeling a lot better on this trip. She feels prepared and knows the plan, as opposed to last time when it was just "get out!".
She tries to stick near the middle of the group. With no low light vision or darkvision she has been totally reliant on everyone else to guide her. To that end she tries to walk alongside Myre.
Perception: 15
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Wednesday March 4th, 2020 10:46:55 PM
I nod. Fizzgig has a terrific nose and is quite skilled at tracking.
ooc: Fizzgig has the tricks defend, detect and hunt.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 19/14/17 HP: 18/18 , CMD = 16 Thursday March 5th, 2020 12:07:02 AM
As the great for the slaves is thrown in the bag I ask the soldiers if the have any caltrops they would be willing to part with or similar sharp objects that might aid is in a quick retreat (it is unlikely we could return them).
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