Into the frying pan
Subjet: Turn
Ok I will let you guys have until noon on Tuesday to figure out what you are going to do next. Then I will write up the next turn.
In particular, I need to know where every one will be, in relationship to the front gate and what they will be doing I also need to know where the horses will be.
From: Rob
Subject Rescue
Bel says " I am sure they will be asleep long enough for us to take care of them. We can't have them waking up on us and sounding the alarm, can we?".
From: Derrell
Subject Rescue
Fal is intrigued by this new plan. He's not much of a military strategist, but is all for anything that would minimize the chance of us getting slaughtered. He doesn't want to compromise the mission either. Fal wants to hear what the others think of the newly suggested plan. He'll go with whatever plan will best insure the safety of Rochelle.
OOC: Mark, I think you're doing a great job as DM. You've been a lot of help to me.
From: Kevin
Subject Rescue
Harp, upon hearing the new plan, says: Surin, while I trust in your abilities to get in and out quietly, does this not seem too easy? Walking in the front gate of an enemy compound? But, you have been inside the camp, and I have not. I will bend to your suggestion, though I am concerned that there is something there waiting that we have not seen.
Ran, since I am not still fully healed from our earlier fight, I will go back to where the horses are and leade them around the to the front of the camp as best I can. I don't imagine that we will want to run around the camp and through the woods to get to them.
OOC: Mark, can I take a 10 on controlling the horses if I take my time getting from where we hobbled them to a safe place on the eastern side of the camp (or even a point up the road toward where we came from? In order to help the planning, how long would you expect it to take me to get to that point? I do not have a good idea of the surrounding terrain, but Harp would at least have an idea of where he could meet them.
From: Mark
Subject spells
Fal knows that that the range on his sleep spell is about 140 feet. At his skill level it will last for 4 minutes. It is a 10 foot radius area of affect, which means it is 20 feet in diameter. According to the map that should be enough range to cover both the guards.
From: Mark
Subject Horses
Since you are not riding them and unless something attacks you, you should be able to lead the horses with no problem. Keeping enough room between you and the compound will take some time, upwards of 1/2 an hour.
I don't know if most of you have looked at the world map but the fastest way home is due east/south east from here. The next country over to the east is Camlost. If you follow the edge of the mountains that direction you will get to Camlost.
Or you can run back through the pass and then turn east/SE.
The terrrain on this side of the camp is light forrest with it getting denser the further west you go. The camp is right on the wood line so to the east is grassy plain. Low light vision people can see as well on a moon lite night as they can during the day. That means the elves, half elves and the goblins all can see as well as a normal day, since it is just past a full moon.
There is a spot about a quarter mile from the camp, on the east side, where you can hobble the horses.
It has been about 15-20 minutes since Surin talked to Rochelle.
From: Kevin
Subject Horses
OOC: Assuming that we come up with a "final" plan, Harp will move back to the horses and lead them out of earshot around the north side of the camp to that spot you mentioned. He will also make sure that the others know where he will be.
From: Karl
Subject Plan
I must have missed an email. What is this "new plan"? The past 6 or 8 emails have thoroughly confused me. Before that the last email I got was the one where Surin put the axe in the watchman he didn't kill with his dagger.
From: Mark
Subject Plan
Look at the 4/22/05 archives. Also there were alot of e-mails yesterday about the new plan.
I will put those up at the archives today.
From: Mark
Subject Plan
Ok Harp is going to lead the horses to a staging spot on the east side of the camp, far enough away that they will not be seen or heard.
Fal is going to cast sleep on the guards.
Surin is going to take care of the guards and any goblins near the front of the camp.
Salix, Ran, Kal and Surin are then going to go in and resuce Rochelle.
A couple of questions.
What are Bel and Cai going to do and where are they going to be?
Are you planning on attacking the 1/2 orc no matter what or is that only if he wakes up and comes after you?
From: Karl
Subject 1/2 orc
Salix thinks we should let sleeping 1/2 orcs lie. If he wakes up and comes after us, though, he's all for sicking a hypogriff or sumpin on 'im.
From: Kevin
Subject 1/2 orc
OOC: While Harp is not going to be up close with the rest of the guys, he agrees that unless they can get in a good sneak attack while the beast is sleeping, let him go. Our mission is to rescue Rochelle and waking the beast will imperil that mission. If he wakes up due to noise, then all bets are off.
As far as Bel and Cai, I will defer to Randy if he responds prior to your cutoff. If he does not, as second in command, I would suggest that they place themselves at either side of the gate, so they can see the rest of the camp and anyone who may be roused. They will also be able to give some cover should the group heading to the shack have to make a run for it.
But this is only if Randy does not want them somewhere else.
From: Randy
Subject 1/2 orc
Ran agrees that we should only fight the 1/2 orc if it is necessary. The mission is what is important. Bel and Cai can do just as Harp suggests and only enter the fort if they sense that we are in danger.
From: Mark
Subject The rescue continues
?What is the problem?? Ran asks Surin.
His voice pitched low, Surin replies. "I'm not so sure we picked the best spot to come in--looks like most of the goblins are camped down there. We make any noise coming through--and believe me, this lot's all manner of brave, but they ain't terribly sneaky, so you can bet there'll be noise--we'll get swarmed, like as not. I'm thinkin' it might be a better bet to come in by the front gate.
I could definitely take out one of the guards, but I'm a bit worried that the other one'll see his friend drop. Might be we could have an archer or two--three maybe, to be on the safe side--waiting to pick the other one off before he can sound the alarm. 'Fore we get started on the guards, though, I reckon I should check the tents in this area. Most of 'em are empty, but it might be a good idea to clear he rest," he gulps at the euphemism, sickened for a moment before the halfling ring glints in his mind's eye. "So, I take care of anybody in the tents, then we take care of the guards together? Without the guards to man it the gate'll be a cinch to open. " Ran thinks for a minute and replies. "Sounds good. Cai, Bel, and I will be at the ready to take out the other guard once we see the first one fall.
I hate to change plans at the last minute, but you are the only one who has seen the layout. Once the second guard falls, the rest of the plan will go ahead. Salix, Kal, and I will go in, rescue Rochelle, and dispatch the 1/2 orc.
Cai pipes up. "While I'm more than willing to take out the other goblin, it occurs to me that our arrows are not as... precise... as our friend Surin. What I mean to say is, while I have no doubt as to our ability to kill this goblin, there exists a reasonable possibility of him crying out and alerting the rest if we shoot him. Might it not be better to have Fal put them to sleep? If he puts them both to sleep, Surin can simply let us in. If one falls asleep, he can take care of the other, and if neither falls, well we haven't lost much. We can still try shooting it. "In case we do have to shoot the one, however, how will we know at what time we should fire?" Surin nods at the elf's comments. "Now that's a good idea Cai. I was a little worried about him getting a chance to shout before he was finished. Sounds like a little magic'll be just the thing. How long'll they stay out, d'you reckon? And how asleep will they be? Don't want to have them wake up just as we're leaving."
Bel says "I am sure they will be asleep long enough for us to take care of them. We can't have them waking up on us and sounding the alarm, can we?" He has a grim look on his face as he says this.
Fal swallows a bit, realizing how much will depend on his spell casting. ?They should sleep for several minutes and no normal noise should wake them. If they are shaken for a short period of time, they can be roused. However, if the goblins can see as well as I can in the night, we might have a problem. I will need to be within 140 feet or so my spell to be effective. Surin thinks about this for a few seconds. ?How about before I go back in I find a nice place on the north side of the camp for you. Well into the woods so you will not be heard, but close enough for your spell. When you are done casting, you can start moving towards where Harp is keeping the horses. I am sure we will catch up with you, unless things go wrong. At least you will be able to report back to Angelwing and Quarion what happened.? ?You can have Lenore sit on the compound wall on the north side. I will signal her when I am ready for you to sleep them. Can she handle that?? Fal nods, gratified to be useful in this situation.
Lenore can handle it. Let me tell her what to do.? And with that he starts talking to the bird.
Harp and Ran quickly decide that due to his injuries, Harp should lead the horses to a spot on the east side of the camp and wait there for the rest of the party members. He is to keep an eye out for members and guide them in if needed. Harp nods and leads the horses in a circumspect route around the camp and out onto the plain. He is easily able to accomplish this in the ? hour Ran has given him.
Ran confers with the rest of the party. ?Surin goes in and clears out the tents near the gate. He signals to Lenore who notifies Fal. Fal sleeps the guards and Surin finishes the job. He then opens the gate and the four of us? he points to Surin, Salix, Kal and myself will go rescue Rochelle. Cai and Bel you stay at the gate and provide cover if needed. If we get her out with out notice we beat a hasty retreat to where Harp is with the horses.? He looks at the other people and they nod in agreement.
Since they have a little time to spare, Surin leads Fal to a spot north of the camp. He can clearly see the two watch goblins standing in their towers. He had not realized how far apart they were. The spell should be able to get both of them, as long as he aims it between the two. He claps the halfling gently on the back, nods, and sends Lenore off to sit on the wall.
Surin makes it back to the rest of the party. ?Let me take you to a place where you can get to the gate quickly, once the goblins are down.? He leads them through the forest to the south. He notices how well the rangers move but is glad that he did not have to sneak Ran and Salix into the camp. He thinks to himself ?You think a druid would move quieter than that.? He shrugs and remembers how the forest came alive at Salix's command when the orcs had attacked. That might come in useful. He finally finds them a spot in the woods about 100 feet from the gate.
When Ran, Salix, Kal and the two rangers are in place, Surin makes his way back to the west part of the camp. He climbs the rope and is quickly inside. Tying the rope back up and putting it in his backpack, he then climbs down and starts moving towards the shack. When he gets there he slides under the shack at the corner where Rochelle is. Placing his mouth right on the boards he whispers ?My Lady, are you ready?? He hears her reply ?I thought you had forgotten me, but yes I am ready.? ?A few more minutes, my Lady, while we take out the guards. My companions will soon be here to free you.? With that, Surin slips back out from under the building and starts his grim work.
He only finds 4 tents near the gate that have anyone in them. One has an old male goblin in it and two others have females. The last tent has a female and a child. He watches them sleep and can not bring himself to kill the child or the female. Instead, he places his hand over the mouth of the child and raps the female on the head hard with the hilt of his dagger. Her eyes flicker and then close again. Knowing that this is the lesser of the two evils, he then cracks the child on the head as well, knocking the goblin child unconscious. Hoping that they would be out long enough for the party to get away he slides back out of the tent and looks for Lenore.
He sees a dark shape on the north wall and waves his hand over his head, once. The bird takes wing and Surin turns to watch the guards.
Fal is standing in the woods, in the spot that Surin picked out for him. The bugs are chewing on his leg. He thinks ?I need to develop a spell that keeps away the little critters.? The time seems to drag while he waits for Lenore to give him the signal. All of a sudden he sees Lenore take wing. Breathing quickly to himself he concentrates on the location he has picked out and chants the words he had memorized. He points his finger and feels the energy flow from it towards the spot he picked. He does not even wait to see the effects of the spell. It went off according to plan. He starts on his way to where Harp has the horses.
Surin watches as the two guard's slump over. He is up the southern most ladder in a flash. Quickly taking care of the guard, he waves his hands over his head a couple of times and then climbs back down the ladder. He runs over to the other tower and finishes the job with the guard there. He is a bit disgusted with how easy this has become. It was one thing to kill in battle and another in the dark.
By the time he has the two guards taken care of the other party members are at the gate. Surin goes to the log that the goblins use to close the gate and lifts it. He is able to slide it to one side so that one of the doors opens slightly. There is a small creaking sound, but it is not all that loud. The 6 party members look at each other. Ran says ?OK let's do this.?
OODM: I will write more tonight.
From: Jason
Subject The gate
Before they seperate, Cai whispers to Salix "If you're discovered and we are forced to run, you might consider casting your wood-shaping spell on the gate in such a way that the goblins inside cannot open it. That might buy us a few precious minutes on the way out. Good luck."
From: Mark
Subject The gate
:)
From: Karl
Subject The Gate
"I don't cast 'spells'," Salix responds. "All I do is by the grace of Obad-hai." He touches the oak-leaf and acorn insignia in his leather armor reverently. "But good idea. I'll keep that in mind."
From: Mark
Subject Saves
I just realized that I forgot to list the saves for the goblins against the sleep spell.
DC15, 10-1=9, fail, 13-1=12, fail, both slept.
From: Jake
Subject Spells
OOC: Recognizing that there are a lot of turns yet to read, and that it may be a moot point now, I've got to say that if Surin finds out that the spell will only last 4 minutes he's going to be killing a couple of sleeping goblins.
From: Jake
Subject 1/2 orc
OOC: Again, knowing that it's probably too late for my post to mean anything game-wise, I vote for only attacking him if we have to. If at all possible I'd like to leave him completely alone.
Out of the pan and on the run
Subject Turn
Sorry I was not able to get more out last night. My dial up connection at home was having problem last night. I will try and get something out at lunch today.
From: Mark
Subject Out of the pan
As Surin opens the gate the 5 other party members step through. As Salix passes by Cai, the ranger whispers to the druid ?If we are forced to run, one of your wood shaping spells cast on the gate might gain us needed time to make our escape.? Salix looks slightly disgusted but nods. ?I don't cast 'spells?, Salix responds. ?All I do is by the grace of Obad-Hai.? He touches the oak-leaf and acorn insignia in his leather armor reverently. ?But, good idea. I'll keep that in mind.? Ran gestures at Cai and Bel and the two rangers climb the two towers and take up posts on either side of the door, bows ready. Their eyes scan the camp, looking for any movement or sound
Ran, Surin, Kal, and Salix start to creep towards the shack. Ran has his shield slung across his back and his crossbow in hand. Salix has his trusty scimitar and Kal his ever present rapier. Surin cringes as Salix and Ran follow behind, glad that all the goblins in the area are dead or unconscious.(Move Silent, Ran 8, Surin 2+13=15, Kal 18+5=23, Salix 10+1=11. They get about 20 feet in and Surin motions for Ran to stay where he is. Ran looks about ready to argue but gives in to the halfling's instructions. His eyes sweeping the compound for any movement, Ran keeps his crossbow at waist level.
Kal, Surin and Salix continue slowly towards the shack. (Move Silent, Surin 7+13=20, Kal 12+5=17, Salix 12+1=13.) Surin keeps wishing that his friend did not make so much noise when he moved. He does have some respect for the elf. He has shown an amazing ability to be quite. They are now over half of the way towards the shack. Again Surin stops the party and listens. (Surin 8+11=19, Kal 10+2=12, Salix 18+6=24) All Surin and Salix hear are the snores of the goblins and the extremely loud snores of the ? orc.
Surin motions the two others to continue. (Move silent, Surin, 19+13=32, Kal, 9+5=14, Salix 9+1=10) Salix steps on a small twig and to Surin it sounds like some one cracked a tree limb. Surin goes to Salix and whispers ?I am sorry my friend but you make so much noise when you move. Let me see if I can get Rochelle out with out needing your prayers.? Feeling what Ran felt, Salix reluctantly agrees to wait where he is. Nodding for Kal to accompany him, Surin moves closer to the target. (Move silent, Surin 14+13=27, Kal 5+5=10) Surin grimaces again when Kal makes some noise when he steps on some gravel. Stopping and listening (Listen check, 7+11=18) Surin does not hear anything. They are now about 25 feet from the shack.
Signaling that it is ok to proceed, the two move forward again. (Move silent, Surin, 5+13=18, Kal 15+5=20) ?Just a few more seconds? Surin thinks to himself. (Move Silent, Surin 20+13=33, Kal 14+5=19) Surin is satisfied that they were completely quiet in their final approach. Motioning for Kal to keep watch, Surin leans down and puts his mouth to the wall. ?My Lady, we are ready. Don't move or make a sound.? Surin then bends to the boards and inspects them. He takes out his dagger and starts to gently pry the sideboards away from the building. He takes his time, slowly prying the boards away from the support. (Move silent, 8+13=21, 12+13=25) The first board pops off, leaving a hole about 9 inches across and 4 feet high. Too narrow for the human but a good start. Surin starts working on the next.
As Surin pries the board from its support, a nail makes a loud squeaking noise. Even Bel and Cai hear it. (Move silent, 1+13=14, 3+13=16) Surin stops, sure that the camp would be awakened, but still hears nothing but sleeping noises from the camp. Repositioning his dagger, he tries again, and this time there is no noise. (Move silent, 19+13=32, 16+13=29) A second board pops off into the halfling's hand and now the hole is big enough for some one to squeeze through. He reaches a hand through and feels the young girls hand take his. ?Come on?he whispers, ?We are pushing our luck as it is.?
Right then, several things seem to happen at once. Rochelle worms her way out of the hole in the wall. Bel and Cai both spot a goblin walking up the south side of the compound. Both rangers let fly. Bel's shoot flies wide but Cai's hits dead on.(AC13, Bel 4+7=11, miss, Cai 10+7=17, hit, Damage 8) The arrow buries itself in the chest of the goblin and it falls to the ground, but the loud twang of a longbow is impossible to hide. Grabbing Rochelle by the hand, Surin starts running towards the gate, Kal following close behind. Knowing that the other members of the party can see in the dark better than he, Surin waves his other hand at them, signaling them to move.
OODM: Any thing any one wants to do in particular let me know. Other wise I will try and write more up tonight.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Well, it looks like we're going to be retreating, so Salix will definitely take advantage of Cai's advice. He will try to warp the gate closed once they are outside.
From: Josh
Subject The escape
Kal is going to run close behind Salix and Rochelle. If any enemy (including the half orc) approaches us, Kal'll yell to them to keep running, he'll engage the enemy until they escape or make it far enough away.
From: Randy
Subject The escape
Ran will wait until the others have retreated past where he is before he starts moving towards the gate. He will offer cover to everyone else, especially Rochelle, as they retreat. Once he is sure everyone else is out he will exit the gate.
From: Mark
Subject Speeds
Ok since this might be important in the next couple of days coming up I thought I would cover this so that everyone is clear on the rules.
Your normal move speed is listed in your profile. Most members of the party have a base speed of 30 feet. This means in a move action you can move 30 feet. You can do two move action in a round, instead of a standard action and a move action. This will allow you to move 60 feet. Depending on your armor and load,you can do a run as a full round action which will allow you to run X4 your base speed or 120 feet. However, if you run you loose your DEX bonus to AC.
If you have the run feat you keep your DEX bonus and move at X5 your speed, depending on your armor and load.
Surin's base speed is 20 feet. So a double move is 40' and a run is 80' and loose the DEX bonus to AC.
Harp is about 1,320 feet away. Fal is almost half way there since he started running as soon as his sleep spell went off. He actually had further to go but he has had all the time it took the party to get into the camp and the time it took to get to the shack and the time it took to get the boards off to move. It took Surin 6 rounds to get to the shack, 3 rounds to remove the boards and at least a round or two to get people in the camp.
Any questions let me know.
From: Jason
Subject The escape
Cai sees Surin emerge from behind the shack with a young woman in tow, motioning that everyone should leave quickly. She quickly climbs down from the tower and runs to the woods, where she turns to face the gate with an arrow nocked. She decides she will keep the gate in sight until everyone has emerged, and be ready to shoot anything green that comes into sight.
Once everyone is out, she will keep pace with Surin (or whoever is slowest) as she (and Bel) are best prepared to take out any one goblin or small group that might respond quickly without having to close with them. (Unless Ran indicates otherwise.)
She smiles at the thought of the half-orc possibly driving the goblins towards them, giving her plenty of opportunities to convince them of their folly.
From: Kevin
Subject Speed
Mark, even at worse, the whole group should be able to "run" out of the camp in 2 turns or less if they need to, right? They will not be trying to be silent or anything, but if they need to turn and go if they hear anything, they are not a long distance from the gate. Even at worse, Surin was 80' or so from the gate, and he has moved slightly back that way, right?
From: Mark
Subject Speed
Probably yes. I just wanted every one to have the information in case a chase starts.
From: Rob
Subject The escape
Since Bel has Shield running, he will withdraw stragically, shooing at the goblins as he withdraws...unless he can get a shot off at the half-orc, which he will do if he can.
For the first round, if he can get a shot at the leader, he will stop, shoot twice, and then withdraw.
After the first round, he will take one shot then move.
From: Mark
Subject Spells
Ok so you had shield running before you went in?
I just need to know so I can keep track of time. The spell only lasts for two mintues and it has been about 1 minute since your group entered the compound. Of course as a sorcerer you can cast shield several times today.
From: Mark
Subject info
Ok here is what the characters know.
Rochelle is free but a goblin has been killed. The sound of the two bows was quite clear. The gate is open and there is a clear path out of the camp. The alarm has not been raised yet, but most every one in the party figures it is just a matter of time.
As I said before, Harp is 1/4 mile away, due east. No one in the party knows exactly where, but they figure that between the birds and Harp looking for them they will be able to find him with minimal effort.
Surin is the slowest member of the 7 people in the camp, the six party members and Rochelle.
If there are any othe questions let me know.
From: Mark
Subject Map
I just rechecked my map and Surin, Kal and Rochelle are 60 feet from the gate, right next to the shack. Salix is about 30 feet from the gate and Ran is about 15 feet from the gate.
I have attached a map.
From: Mark
Subject Out of the camp and on the run
As Bel sees Rochelle exit from the tent he figures that this is the best time to cast his shield spell on himself and speaks the words he knows. A shimmering shield of force shows up at his side.
The thrum of the bow strings resonates in Surin's ears. ?Well that's done it.? he thinks to himself. Speed was their only real ally at this time. A good sneak knew when it was time to cut and run, and the time was now. Grabbing Rochelle's hand he pulls her behind him as he makes a bee-line for the gate, motioning the others to move as he does. Rochelle quickly gets the idea and starts running for her life. She quickly out paces the halfling.
As Surin starts his dash to the gate, Kal follows behind, bringing up the rear. Salix is already heading towards the gate, starting to prepare his mind to ask Obad-Hai for his blessing. All four pass Ran and he starts back peddling, keeping an eye on the camp. Off to the right he sees a form poke it's head out of a tent. He swings his crossbow around and lets a bolt fly almost before he has a chance to see much of his target. (AC11, 15+8=23, Hit, damage 2) The bolt drives home and Ran sees that it was a female he had shot at. The creature lets out a scream of pain and falls to the ground. Ran keeps backing towards the gate.
Salix, running at full speed easily makes it through the gate, followed by Surin, Kal and Rochelle. She stops for a second and looks questioningly at the halfling. He runs by her at full speed saying ?East. We have friends due east, with horses.? She nods and starts off in that direction. Ran figures that it is time to make the escape and clips his crossbow to his waist and starts a hustle through the gate. As he goes through he hears two more bow shots as Bel and Cai both take shots at goblins coming out of tents. (AC13, Bel 10+7=17, hit, Cai 3+7=10, miss, Damage 5) Cai's arrow flies wide this time but Bel's slams a goblin off it feet and nails it to the compound wall. Both rangers slide down the ladders and move out of the gate, each one pulling their half close behind them.
As Cai and Bel shut the gate Salix says ?Go protect the others, I will be with you in a second. He then touches the symbol on his armor and chants the prayer to Obad-Hai. At his his touch the logs of the gate warp out of shape, jamming the door. With a grin Salix turns to catch up with the group. He quickly catches up with them since most of them are not running at full speed. The party continues on this way for about 30 seconds. They are about 400 feet from the camp when they hear a huge roar and yelling. The rangers understand the language. It is goblin. Bel turns to the party as they jog along and says ?The big guy is up and he does not sound happy. He wants to know what is going on. The goblins are shouting that ghosts have killed the guards and escaped through the gate.?
The party continues on its way, all of them hustling except for Surin, who is running his legs off. ?Go on, leave me, I will catch up!? he yells at them, but the rest of the party ignores him. All of a sudden there is another yell and Cai puffs out ?He knows Rochelle is missing. Our time just ran out.? As they are moving each of the rearguard keeps glancing back trying to see what is happening at the camp. They have been running for almost a minute when they see a large form appear at the top of the wall and jump down. The brute starts heading in their direction. They are just a little over half way to where Harp should be.
OODM: Any instructions?
From: Jason
Subject on the run
Cai figures that so far so good, but she wonders how fast the half-orc can run. She decides that she'll stay rear-guard, since she is having no trouble at this pace. She does note that Surin is having a bit of trouble keeping up. Halflings just weren't made for this sort of thing, she decides. (Assuming that at the moderate speed they are traveling short conversations are still possible,) she says "If the half-orc begins to catch us, perhaps Surin should break off and go his own way. The brute will almost certainly follow Rochelle, and Surin stands a better chance hiding on his own. I can come back with a horse after we get Rochelle on her way."
On the run
Subject On the run
As we run, I'll reposition myself behind Rochelle. I'll keep pace with Salix and let him lead us out.
From: Josh
Subject on the run
Kal quickly speaks "We should retreat to an area where we can surround him. Any open area will do. I think all of us can take on one half-orc without too much trouble."
When we find the open area, Kal will have Rochelle(or anyone else) spread his caltrops in the most likely spot the half-orc would approach from. Meanwhile he'll cast alarm in the area so we know when the half-orc is near. When the half-orc gets within range, Kal will cast Magic Missle. If there is no one else stepping in for close melee with the Half-Orc, Kal will, otherwise he'll hang back in order to cast scorching ray.
From: Rob
Subject On the run
I was wondering...how far of a lead do we have from the boss at this point? In Bel's assesment, would he have time to plant and fire two arrows at the boss, and then run away without falling too far behind the others.. in other words, would the boss be able to catch up if he did so?
If Bel thinks he can take two shots at the boss and still stay ahead of the half-orc, he will...if not then he will fire one...once again if he thinks he can safely.
If not he runs ahead to Harp at full speed, ahead of the others, and helps Harp ready the horses.
From: Karl
Subject On the run
Well that's certainly exciting. I'd love to actually see the film of that scene that was playing in my mind as I read it.
From: Kevin
Subject On the run
OOC: Mark, I think some response to when we wer exiting the camp got mixed in with action after we left the camp. Here is how I see things right now.
The group, at least roughly, is about 600-700 feet east of the camp, most of them hustling, Surin running his little legs off. The 1/2 orc boss just vaulted the wall of the camp and has just started running toward us. We still have another 600-700 feet to get to where the horses are.
Right?
Guys, when and if Mark confirms this, Surin will have a suggestion to help give us some space.
From: Mark
Subject On the run
At this point the party is approximatly 720 feet from the camp where the 1/2 orc just landed outside of the gate. Bel would have time to plant and take a full round action to shoot twice. However, I am going to send out an e-mail with some info on ranges. Then you can make your decision.
From: Mark
Subject On the run.
Correct. The party is 720 feet to the east of the camp. The have been running/hustling for 9 rounds. The 1/2 orc just jumped down from the watch tower and is starting to move your way.
From: Mark
Subject Ranges
Ok a small primer on ranges.
All missile weapons have range increments. Bows and crossbows can shoot up to a max of 10 X the range increment. For a normal longbow with a range increment of 100 feet that means that they can shoot up to 1000 feet. For every 100 feet past the first the get a cumulative -2 to hit, so at the max range they are -20 to hit.
The same basic math applies to all ranged weapons. Light crossbows with an increment of 80 can shoot up to 800 feet, but at -20.
Both Cai and Bel have the Far shot feat which means that their range increments are 50% longer than the standard for their weapon.
Bel uses the standard long bow but with his feat his range increment is 150 feet. He can fire upto 1500 feet at -20. Cai has an even longer range since she has a composite longbow.
Hand propelled missile weapons, such as thrown daggers, axes and slings, only get 5 range increments.
The half orc is just at 5 range increments for Cai, so she would be at -10 to hit. The same applies for Bel. He is at 9 increments for Ran with his crossbow, so he would be -18.
My assumption is that any one who is trained in a missile weapon would know all about the ranges they can reach and how such ranges affect their chances to hit. The characters would not know the specific numbers, but they would know that at over 700 feet their chance to hit is reduced dramatically.
From: Kevin
Subject On the run
Surin will keep running as fast as he can but trying to stay close to Salix. When and if he hears something from one of the others that the 1/2 orc is following them, he will say to Salix, panting as he does so "Salix, d'ya think Obad-Hai might heed a hasty request to help slow that beast down? He don't seem none to happy with us and I'm guessin' that he might want his "property" back. If you could bring these here plants alive and have them hold him, like ye did back with them orcs, I would be mighty appreciative"
From: Derrell
Subject Spell
Fal can use his Grease spell to slow up the pursuer.
OOC: Can the spell be cast while moving, or would i have to stop?
From: Mark
Subject spell
You can, but do you.
You would have to stop to cast. The range is 35 feet.
From: Karl
Subject Spell
Salix, still running, roles his eyes. Why does everyone think me a tool to be used as they best see fit, he thinks to himself. Have I not proven that I know my own abilities and can decide how best to serve the group without being told each step I should take? "There are many manifestations of the powers of Obad-Hai, my friend," he says in response. "I'm sure we'll see more than one this evening."
From: Mark
Subject On the run
This is the start of round 10. Initiative(Surin 24, Fal 20, Bel 18, Ran 16, ? Orc 16, Harp 16, Cai 13, Kal 12, Rochelle 11, Salix 4). I am going to be doing several rounds in a row. As the pursuit progresses I will stop and let players decide what to do.
Surin continues to run towards the east. As he runs he sees the shadowy form of Ebon swoop down and veer a little to the left. ?The hawk my Lady. Follow the hawk, he knows the way to the horses.? Rochelle looks at the halfling but nods and adjusts her course.
Fal huffs as he runs. All of a sudden Lenore appears in front of him and swoops a bit to the left. Fal, trusting his familiar, changes course to follow the bird. Up ahead he can see a group of horses.
?I am going to go ahead and help Harp get the horses ready? Bel says to Ran. At Ran's nod he heads off at full speed.
Ran thinks about what Bel said and yells over to Cai and Salix. ?You two should go ahead with Rochelle and Bel and get the horses ready. Kal and I will stay with Surin.? As Ran hustles along he is able to get another bold loaded into his crossbow.
The ? orc runs with amazing speed. He seems to fly over the ground, covering what looks like twice the distance the party did in the same amount of time.
Harp sees Fal only a couple of hundred feet away and the rest of the party about half way to where he is. He starts to get the horses ready. His crossbow is loaded at his side.
At Ran's command Cai, Salix and Rochelle dash forward at full speed.
Kal stays with Surin and Ran.
Round 11
Surin continues running his little legs into the ground.
Fal sees Harp in the moonlight getting the horses ready. He shouts ?They should be right behind me if everything went well.?
Bel, Cai, Salix and Rochelle continue following Ebon towards where the horses are, running at full speed.
Ran and Kal keep up with Surin, silently wishing the little halfling could run just a little faster. As they are moving they keep looking over their shoulders, watching the progress of the ? orc.
The ? orc continues speeding towards the party. In the moonlight they can see some type of weapon in his hand. It looks small in his grasp, until they realize that the brute is close to 7? tall. Ran mutters under his breath ?Look how fast he moves.?
Harp hears Fal's shouts and continues untying the horses from the tree they were hitched to.
Round 12
Taking a quick glance back over his shoulder, Surin sees that the ? orc has made considerable progress to where the horses are. He hopes they can make it there before the brute catches them.
Fal runs up to where Harp. Harp says ?Here you get the horses loose. I am going to see if I can slow that brute down some.? With that Harp steps away from the tree a bit and pulls up his crossbow.
Bel, Cai, Salix and Rochelle keep running towards the horses. They can see Fal already there and Harp standing with his crossbow aimed almost at a 45 degree angle. As the run Salix tells Rochelle ?My Lady, when we get to the horses, you need to ride. We will join you if we can, but you must get away. Head east until you get to Camlost. You can probably find help there.?
Kal and Ran keep pace with Surin. Ran watches as the ? orc seems to speed along, gaining quickly. ?Damn, I hope we get there in time.? He is trying to figure out if they will make it, and if not what type of defense they can set up.
The ? orc makes more progress towards the party. They hear shouting from the brute. ?Bring back my prize. Dargrak will chop you all to little pieces. You tell god-man that he not take girl without pay.?
Harp sites down his crossbow and lets fly. He watches as his bolt sails over the head's of his friends and fall about 10 yards short of the ? orc. He curses himself for forgetting how far he could shoot and loads another bolt.
Round 13
Surin turns back to watch where he is going. Luckily the night is bright and the plain is fairly smooth. Not much place to hide out here he thinks.
Fal has most of the horses untied and just loosely tethered to the tree. A quick pull on the reins and a person could mount. He looks at the party running towards him and at how fast the ? orc is gaining. He decides to follow Harp's lead and shoot at the brute. He grabs at the crossbow at his side and starts to raise it and pulls the trigger as he does. The bolt smashes into the ground at his feet.(AC11, 2-13= -11, miss). Cursing his clumsiness he reloads.
Bel, Cai, Salix and Rochelle continue their run. Bel puffs out ?We will be there in a few seconds.?
Ran and Kal continue shadowing Surin. They both are keeping an eye on the ? orc, noting it progress towards them.
Harp takes aim again and lets another bolt fly.(AC11, 1-13 = -12, miss) His bolt flies over the head of Dargrak. He quickly reloads.
Round 14
Surin sees Harp up ahead and hope burns in his chest. At least if they get caught the brute will be out numbered.
Fal gets off a shot this time. However the range does him and and the bolt fall's short. (AC11, 12-9=3, miss) He grabs another bolt from his belt quiver and reloads.
Bel, Cai,Salix and Rochelle run up to where the horses are. ?Salix, would you please get the Lady mounted and on her way. Cai and I will do what we can to slow this Dargrak.? With that both rangers turn and prepare to shoot at the ? orc.
Ran sees Rochelle and the rangers reach the horses and breaths a little sigh of relief. At least she should be able to get away. Now he would need to make sure of it.
Kal keeps pace with Ran and Surin, thinking what magic he knew that could aid them
Dargrak keeps running. He seems to fly over the plain. The large two headed axe is clearly visible in his hand..
Harp sights again and takes another shot. Again the range causes problems and the bolt falls short.(AC11,11-9=2, miss) He reloads again.
Round 15
Surin can see the horses just ahead. He keeps moving as fast as he can.
Fal takes another shot, and this shot comes close to hitting but seems to bounce off the brute as well.(AC11, 11-1=10, miss) Fal reloads, murmuring to himself, ?Just a little closer and I'll show you a real missile.?
Bel takes aim, trying to adjust for the range. He releases two quick shots. The first strikes home.(AC11, 20+1=21,hit, critical threat, Critical threat roll, 18+1=19, critical hit. Damage 12) The arrow passes through the arm of the brute, but he hardly slows down. The second arrow seems to bounce of his chest, doing no damage.(AC11, 9+1=10,miss)
Ran sees the four party members shooting behind him and hopes a few of them connect. Maybe he will slow down once he has a few arrows in him.
Dargrak howls in rage at the arrow hit and continues running after the party, shouting obscenities and curses as he goes.
Harp lets go with another bolt.(AC9, 12-1=11, hit, damage 2) The bolt flies by the brute, barely grazing him. Grinning that he finally hit something, Harp reloads
Cai also makes two quick shots. The first goes wide(AC9, 1+1=2, miss) but the second hits(AC9, 10+1=11, hit, damage 4) The arrow put a small cut on the arm of the ? orc but does no serious damage.
Kal keeps up with Ran and Surin, trying to decide which spell to use first.
Salix starts to help Rochelle mount the horse that is closest to her. ?I know how to ride, help your companions.? With that she swings herself into the saddle.
Salix grins at the feisty girl and turns to see what is happening.
OODM: Ok I think I have progressed it enough. Salix, Harp, Fal, Cai and Bel are all at the horses. Ran, Kal and Surin are about 120 feet away. The ? orc is still over 350 feet away but moving fast.
From: Josh
Subject On the run
Kal will get keep running toward everyone else, staying pace with Surin. As he's running he asks Ran: "Fight or run?"
If we're gonna fight, Kal will slow down as he reaches a good battle ground ( any wide open space where they can surround the half orc ) and quickly spread the caltrops behind him. He'll continue forward another 20 or 30 feet (whatever the area allows), draw his rapier, and prepare to cast scorching ray.
If we're running Kal will just hop on his horse and get out of there.
From: Derrell
Subject spell
If the enemy is a considerable distance behind us, I'm not going to stop and wait for him to catch up. If he gets within range of my Grease spell, I'll cast it.
From: Jason
Subject On the run
Cai admires the woman's strength of character, thinking to herself that it was good that despite her station, Rochelle had managed to learn some useful skills and take care of herself. Despite that, she wonders if it wouldn't be best if at least one member of their company were accompanying her. Shrugging off the thought and deciding to let Ran decide, she will at least have Grey follow her (assuming Grey is awake, which I'm not quite sure of actually.)
She wonders if they will stay to confront the brute, or if they will follow quickly after Rochelle. For now, she'll continue to fire as quickly as possible. If the other members of the party close with the orc, she will summon a wolf to aid them, trying to place it so that it will block the orcs path, if this is necessary, or flank it if he stops to fight.
Why halflings aren't distance runners
Subject The pursuit
Bel shouts " Ran, I think we need to get Rochelle out of here!"
He then takes aim and shoots two more arrows at Dargrak, then runs for his horse.....
If Ran agrees, then he mounts and follows Rochelle out of there...if Ran thinks it is time for a stand, then he will continue to fire arrows at Dargrak
From: Karl
Subject The pursuit
Salix will try what I emailed you yesterday, Mark, but will wait until the brute is closer.
I'm away from the computer until Sunday evening.
From: Kevin
Subject The pursuit
Surin will keep running, with the intent of getting to his pony. He realizes there will be little he can do to help fight this beast. As he sees the 1/2 orc progress so quickly, he becomes concerned that his pony might not be able to outdistance this beast.
Harp will move forward slightly, trying to get as many of the group in range. When the largest number of possible combatants are within range, he will call upon the power of Heironious to protect and support his companions (bless spell). OOC: Mark, I will focus more on those who might end up fighting the 1/2 orc. If Bel and Rochelle need to be out of range so I can include Ran, Surin and Kal, so be it. I want my movement to put me in a place where I can do that. I would normal say do a 2x move toward them, but given the initative count, if they are running toward me I might not have to (Ran is ahead of me in the initiative, Surin is ahead, Kal is behind). If I do not have to move too far, i.e they have moved toward me enough, I will take another shot at the beast. Priorities are making sure I am in range for the bless spell, then shooting at the 1/2 orc if I can.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Since I left most of my game stuff at home today and becuase Karl is going to be away until late this weekend I am not going to do a turn today. However, if you guys want to discuss what the party is going to do go ahead. I will probably write something up on Sunday.
From: Randy
Subject Pursuit
"I do not believe this brute will stop his pursuit. We must make a stand and give Rochelle a chance to get away." Ran replies to Kal.
Looking ahead Ran calls out "Surin, get on your pony and follow the Lady, Bel, go on with Rochelle and Surin. We will catch up when we can."
Ran will make sure to stop with enough time to draw his sword to engage Dargrak in battle.