Ran makes a choice
Subject spells and the axe
Ran replies to Salix, "I don't really want to spend another day here as I think we should make haste in getting Rochelle to her home. I am sure we can find someone there to assist us in identifying the properties of the axe. I do wish to help these good people but I don't believe it is a good idea to delay our responsibilities."
Ran thinks for a moment and then adds, "Do you think we can trust them to join us on this leg of our trip? Perhaps Heronin may be able to offer them some assistance. I feel that they are good people but I may be a little too trusting. I would appreciate your advice in this Salix."
Negotiations
Subject Negotiations
?This sounds like a fair trade to me but let me return to my companions and see what they say? Salix replies. With that he and Fal return to the others to discuss what they want to do. Ran listens to the offer but is not happy. ?I don't really want to spend another day here as I think we should make haste in getting Rochelle to her home. I am sure we can find someone there to assist us in identifying the properties of the axe. I do wish to help these good people but I don't believe it is a good idea to delay our responsibilities."
Ran thinks for a moment and then adds, "Do you think we can trust them to join us on this leg of our trip? Perhaps Heronin may be able to offer them some assistance. I feel that they are good people but I may be a little too trusting. I would appreciate your advice in this Salix." Salix shrugs ?It would not hurt to ask.? With that Salix and Fal return to Shatra with their offer.
Shatra frowns when she hears their offer. ?Nothing personal my friends but we too have a quest that has some urgency, and it lies in another direction. I do not think we can accompany you.? Althea speaks up then. ?Shatra, I think I may have a solution. When we were back in town I made up several scrolls with the identify spell on them. I could identify the item and if it is worthwhile we could trade them some of the scrolls. Fal here should be able to transcribe the spell into his book at his leisure and both parties could be on their way.? Shatra looks at Salix with a questioning look. Salix looks to Fal, seeking to confirm what Althea has said.
Fal nods. ?Yes we could do that. We would still need to get the proper type of pearl once I inscribed the spell, but it could work.? ?Let us take your offer back to our companions and see what they say.? Salix replies and the two head back to Ran and the others. When Ran hears of this plan he approves. ?It gets us what we need and keeps us on the road.? Kal also is in favor of it. ?I would also like to be able to get a copy of this spell, if I may.? Ran nods and motions for Harp to get the axe and follow Salix and Fal. The three approach Shatra and Althea. The dwarf Bear is also there.
?Let Bear see the axe if you don't mind, while Althea prepares herself.? Shatra asks. Harp looks at Salix who nods. Harp hands the axe over to the dwarf and Bear starts looking at it with a critical eye. ?Hmmm, orc double axe style but not orc make. Look at the balance. Damn filthy orcs never made anything this nice. This is dwarf work. Must have been a prisoner. Look at how the haft is joined to the two heads. You don't see that type of work from the lesser races, only the dwarves. Even the sissy elves don't make this type of weapon. All right let's see what the sissy elf can tell us.? He then drops the axe in front of Althea and stomps away.
Althea sits cross legged on the ground, a small mortar and pestle in front of her. She takes out a necklace made of fine pearls from her back pack and unties one. She places in in the mortar and grinds it to a fine dust. She adds this to a goblet that she had and adds a bit of wine. She takes a feather out of the pouch at her side and stirs the mixture. She then drinks it, lays her hands on the axe and starts to chant. ?It will take an hour or so? Shatra tells them, ?you can stay and watch if you want, but we are going to start breaking camp. Fal and Kal offer to stay, since they are the most interested in how this spell works. The rest of the party starts breaking camp as well.
When the hour is up both parties gather around Althea. She snaps out of her meditation and takes a few seconds to come back to herself. ?The axe has a medium enchantment to it, making it easier to use and a bit sharper but no other special features.(OODM:+2 orc double axe). Bear what do you think?? ?What do I think? I already told you what I think you dumb elf. It is a fine weapon, if one is able to use it. That there is the problem. Not much market for a weapon like that. If I had my say...? Shatra quickly claps her hand over Bear's mouth, obviously to keep the dwarf from saying something insulting.
?How much?'she asks the dwarf. He starts to mumble through her hand and she says ?Fingers?. He holds up two fingers. ?Hundreds?? Shatra asks. Bear shakes his head. ?Thousands?? Bear nods. With that Shatra makes an exaggerated gesture of Bear keeping his mouth shut and pushes him towards their wagon. ?Well it seems as if we are at a bit of trouble. What we have offered is not nearly enough to cover for the value of the axe. How about this? We give you two scrolls with the identify spell on them and 10 pearls. Would that make us even??
OODM: Any responses?
From: Karl
Subject Trade
Salix simply nods to Ran, indicating that this would be a fine trade, all things considered.
From: Jake
Subject Trade
OOC:
Well, that's remarkably fair. When I saw Salix's bargining technique I wondered if we'd be getting the deed to some swampland in FL in exchange for the axe. :)
A deal is struck, back on the road again
Subject Negotiations
Well, see, Salix's "technique" was to be disarmingly naive and hope they are trustworthy. :P Worked, didn't it?
From: Shatra
Subject Negotiations
Ran, seeing the nod from Salix accepts the offer and asks that Shatra speak with him privately for a moment.
When they are appropriately secluded Ran begins to speak.
"Shatra, I am very pleased that our paths have crossed here. I have been struggling of late with many personal issues and I find myself in need of further adventure. I must complete this quest I am on right now as a duty to a friend and I must also settle some matters with my father but when that is complete, if it is possible, I would like to assist you and your friends with your troubles. That is, if you haven't had the good fortune of returning to your home before my time is available. What I ask is, would you take me on as a travelling companion if our paths cross again?"
From: Mark
Subject On the road again
Shatra and Ran shake hands and the deal is sealed. Shatra nods to Althea and she and Fal walk off to her horse to trade goods. Ran gestures to Shatra to walk a bit.
"Shatra, I am very pleased that our paths have crossed here. I have been struggling of late with many personal issues and I find myself in need of further adventure. I must complete this quest I am on right now as a duty to a friend and I must also settle some matters with my father but when that is complete, if it is possible, I would like to assist you and your friends with your troubles. That is, if you haven't had the good fortune of returning to your home before my time is available. What I ask is, would you take me on as a traveling companion if our paths cross again?"
Shatra looks a bit stunned at this admission and request. ?Friend Ran, I do not know if you know what you ask. Our quest is to return to our home world. Do you intend to go with us?? Ran stands silent under her stare, saying nothing. Shatra laughs and claps Ran on the back. ?Let me make you this offer instead. If our paths cross again and you would still like to join my party in our quest, I will say yes. If the gods of these lands see fit to make it so that we meet again, then I will agree that it was meant to be. Is that good enough for you?? Shatra holds out her hand. Ran gives a wan smile and takes her hand. ?Here is to the future.? he says.
The exchange is quickly made and farewells are said. All except Bear. He stands off alone, muttering that they might as well set up camp again, considering how little distance they would make that day. The party heads off east again, watching as Shatra and her party head north in to the mountains. It is another two days when they reach the bridge of the Dango River. There is a solid stone bridge and a small garrison. As the party approaches one of the guards moves out from the small keep that guards the bridge. Crossbowmen can be seen on top of the small fort, covering the man. When the party is about 50 yards away he shouts ?Halt, identify yourselves and your purpose.? Ran shouts back ?I am Ran-Ell, of Gorn and these are my friends. We travel to Gorn.? The man gestures Ran forward.
Ran rides forward and the man inspects him. ?Nine people and 10 horses? That would be 9 gold then.? Ran winces at the price, but digs out the gold. According to Salix and the rangers the nearest crossing over the river is almost a weeks journey down river. When Ran hands over the money, the man hands him a receipt that shows that they have paid. ?That is good for today, if you need to come back across? the man tells them. With that he waves the party across the bridge. As the cross they see that while the bridge is not all that far across, it is very high above the raging water below. The spring thaw in the mountains and the rains the past week have swollen the river into a raging torrent. There would be no way to ford this river this far north.
The next two days pass with out incident. On the first night Fal uses one of the scroll and identifies the amulet. ?It offers some protection from damage but nothing else? (OODM:Amulet of natural armor +1) The party is starting to head northeast now. They are still in the rough terrain at the base of the mountains that are now to their west. As they are starting to look for camp the second afternoon Bel comes back and reports that there is a very nice spot up ahead but that there are already 5 people there.
OODM: Two things. First who gets the amulet. Second what do you want to do about the people.
From: Jake
Subject On the road again
Surin looks longingly at the amulet, but says nothing. A little extra protection would be nice, but he isn't one of those that slew the half-orc, and given that he knows that the item rightfully belongs to one of the others. Besides, he was pretty quick on his feet, unlike the magic users. Better, he thinks, that one of them has it.
Hearing Bel's report, Surin pipes up. "Might not be a bad idea to send someone ahead, have 'em check out the group--maybe make sure there ain't an ambush laid, while I'm at it."
From: Kevin
Subject On the road again
Harp looks with wonder at the amulet. Such a small thing could act like armor? How was that possible? But he was forgetting that with the grace of his lord Heironious, he was able to make himself more difficult to damage, so inbuing a piece of jewlery with such an blessing would not be beyond his dieties abilities. While he desires any additional benefit he can get, he realizes that he is better prepared than may of the troop - granted it is because he is usually the first one to jump in harms way, but he had to live with what life had given him.
Upon hearing about the group ahead, Harp is concerned. Their last encounted had gone well enought, but to run into 2 parties on this path, just as they were looking to settle in was too much to ignore. Upon hearing Surin's offer to scout ahead and try to find something out about the one's ahead, Harp will give his complete agreement. If there is anyway that Harp can help Surin, he will offer it, though he knows that he is no match for the little halfling. Even if it means going only half way, so if Surin runs into trouble, Harp can come to his aid as best he can, he will offer such assistance.
From:Jake
Subject Scouting
Surin grins up at the half-orc. "That comin' along halfway sounds like a good idea--wouldn't mind havin' you to hide behind if something big is after me," he says with a laugh, then turns to the others. "Any chance them as have birds could have them help the two of us out, same as they did when I was scouting out the goblin camp?"
An item is given, scouting ahead
Subject On the road
Salix looks at the amulet and shrugs. "I say give it to the wizard or sell it and split the profits," he says quietly to Ran. "I really don't care either way. The money isn't that important to me, personally, so if Fal wants it, I won't object."
Salix waits for the others to offer the assistance of their avian companions (or familiars as the case may be). Since it's still daylight, and Noctis is still dozing on the pommel of his saddle, Salix is loath to wake him when there are others that can do the job and are better suited to the light.
If no one offers to send any of the other birds, Salix will point out that they are perhaps better suited for daylight work. If still no one offers, Salix will nudge Noctis and send him out to cover Surin and Harp.
From: Kevin
Subject On the road
Harp laughs with the little halfling. "If we have to run, I can always carry you on my back, and you can throw rocks at them while I run."
Harp's concern is that he will give the quiet little halfling away by making some untimely noise. He will suggest that Bel join them since he is more familiar with where the new group is located, and he has better skills with a ranged weapon.
From: Derrell
Subject deal
Fal considers the offer. "I think it's fair."
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I have heard back from Kevin, Karl, Jake and Derrell. Any one else?
From: Josh
Subject Amulet
Kal suggests that the amulet would be best worn by Cai.
OOC: Isn't it funny how hard you try to come up with a good in-character reason why YOUR character should get whatever magic item is dancing around? :-D
OCC2: I had sent this out before, I accidentally sent it out only to Surin.
From: Randy
Subject Scouting and amulet
"I agree that Fal should keep the amulet. He will gain the most from its added protection."
Ran turns to Surin and says "Be careful. We don't know when our 'test' will be."
From: Kevin
Subject On the beach
Mark, as I told you last week, I will be leaving town Thursday morming and will be gone until late Monday night. You can either let someone else run Harp, or you can run him as you think I would - you have the best chance of that seeing as we are twins and you know how I think. If I can get access to a free computer where I am going, I will try to check in, but I will not go very far out of my way as my spouse will frown upon my doing that while we are on vacation.
Surin checks out, reports
Subject Strangers
Bel offers to send Ebon up ahead looking for trouble, and agrees that is makes sense for him to come at least half way with the scouting party.
He also would have suggested Fal have the amulet, or one of the other spellcasters.
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
Ok I have heard from every one except Jason so I will write the death scene, I mean encounter at lunch or tonight.
Fal gets the amulet it sounds like, while Bel, Surin and Harp are going to go scouting while Ebon takes to the air.
Hmm taste like chicken. :)
From: Jason
Subject Strangers
Cai agrees about giving Fal the amulet. She volunteers to scout their more immediate surroundings (not up where Bel & co. are going) to get a feel for their surroundings and make sure no one is sneaking up on them as well.
From: Mark
Subject Spellcasters
All spell casters need to go to SakeRiver and update your spell list, if you want. You should take off all used spells and update the spells you have available for the day.
Fal now has the amulet of natural armor +1 and still has one identify scroll. However, he is not able to transcribe it to his spell book while on the road, or at least while the party is moving. If the party made camp for more than a day he might have a very good chance of copying it over. The same with Kal.
Here are the rules for copying spells into spell books.
Spells Copied from Another?'s Spellbook or a Scroll: A wizard can also add a spell to her book whenever she encounters one on a magic scroll or in another wizard?'s spellbook. No matter what the spell?'s source, the wizard must first decipher the magical writing (see Arcane Magical Writings, above). Next, she must spend a day studying the spell. At the end of the day, she must make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell?'s level). A wizard who has specialized in a school of spells gains a +2 bonus on the Spellcraft check if the new spell is from her specialty school. She cannot, however, learn any spells from her prohibited schools. If the check succeeds, the wizard understands the spell and can copy it into her spellbook (see Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook, below). The process leaves a spellbook that was copied from unharmed, but a spell successfully copied from a magic scroll disappears from the parchment.
If the check fails, the wizard cannot understand or copy the spell. She cannot attempt to learn or copy that spell again until she gains another rank in Spellcraft. A spell that was being copied from a scroll does not vanish from the scroll.
In most cases, wizards charge a fee for the privilege of copying spells from their spellbooks. This fee is usually equal to the spell?'s level x?n50 gp.
Independent Research: A wizard also can research a spell independently, duplicating an existing spell or creating an entirely new one.
Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook
Once a wizard understands a new spell, she can record it into her spellbook.
Time: The process takes 24 hours, regardless of the spell?'s level.
Space in the Spellbook: A spell takes up one page of the spellbook per spell level. Even a 0-level spell (cantrip) takes one page. A spellbook has one hundred pages. Materials and Costs: Materials for writing the spell cost 100 gp per page. Note that a wizard does not have to pay these costs in time or gold for the spells she gains for free at each new level.
So it will take several days for the two of them to get this spell into their books. One or the other would have to do the prep work and copy it into their book. Then the other would have to copy it from the spell book of the first. I am assuming that they would take 20 on the skill and so there would be no problems with the copying.
They hope that there will be time when they get back to town.
From: Kevin
Subject Spells
OOC: Spell list updated and Harp is ready to "help" scout.
From: Mark
Subject Scouting
I expect he will make a wonderful diversion, sort of like Batman having Robin dress up in yellow so that Batman can hide.
From: Kevin
Subject Therapy
You are always so full of good cheer and happy thoughts.
You need therapy. Lots and lots of therapy. Preferably the electro-shock type of therapy, though a good run of aversion therapy might be usefull as well.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Spell list updated for Salix.
From: Mark
Subject Surin takes a look
Everyone dismounts while Bel, Surin and Harp make ready to scout ahead. Bel talks to Ebon, letting him know what he wants the bird to do. The hawk takes wing and flies in the direction of the camping site. Surin checks Harp and Bel, looking for anything that might make noise. He straps down a few things on Harps back but knows that there is not much he can do for the ? orc. Bel is in better shape, his fine chain shirt little more than a rustle when he is trying to be careful. Bel leads them off to where he found the camp area.
He leads the other two to the top of a small rise. As they approach the top he gestures for them to crawl to the top so that they are not seen. As their heads break the top of the rise, they can see the camp below. The camp is about 250 feet away, down the slight slope. They can clearly see that there are 5 people moving about, setting up camp. It is hard to tell from this distance but there is something vaguely wrong about the people. They are all man-sized, around 6? tall. Even from this distance the colors of their clothes and armor stand out. There are 7 horses staked out around the camp and it looks like they are mostly done with setting up camp. The tents are pitched and there is a fire going.
The tents have the same wild color scheme as their clothes, yellows and oranges and reds. The camp is situated next to a small stream that they must be using for fresh water. While they are in a clearing there are trees of various sizes scattered all around. There is also much natural grass and occasional undergrowth. None of the three can hear anything from the camp. ?Damn wind is blowing towards them. That is going to make it harder to sneak up on them if any of them have a good sense of smell.? Surin says. ?Either of you two recognize what they might be?? Both Harp and Bel shake their heads no. (Knowledge check, DC?, Surin 9, Harp 9, Bel 15, all fail). With that Surin says ?Ok, let me see what I can find out. If they catch me I will make a big stink and you two come running, ok??
Surin slips into the undergrowth. He takes his time. There are still a couple of hours until dark and he is able to find a fairly easy path towards the encampment. It takes him about 5 minutes to work his way to with in 50 feet of the camp, making sure that he is not upwind of them. He finds a nice place under a scrub bush. It gives him a nice line of site and he can hear them fairly well. At this distance the clothing and armor really stand out. Two of the men are dressed in full plate armor, gaudy with colors and decorations. One of them has a long sword at his side and the other has a morning star. The one in charge is wearing a chain shirt, but it also has extremely colorful and gaudy designs on it. He has a sickle at his side and is using a trident to point at things as he commands the others. The other two have no armor and have no visible weapons.
Surin does not recognize the language but the tone is unmistakable. They are setting up camp, with all the joking and talking that this entails. They do not seem to be hiding anything or hiding their presence.
After about 20 minutes Surin decides to head back. It does look like an ideal place for a camp. He takes his time getting to Harp and Bel and the three report back.
OODM: OK you three can make your own reports but I need to know what the party wants to do.
From: Karl
Subject Hearing
"Salix shakes his head"??? WOW! What kind of a roll did I make on THAT listen check?
From: Kevin
Subject Horses
OOC: Mark, were our guys able to determine from the barding if the extra 2 horses were set up as pack animals or riding animals?
Would Surin have been able to tell when he got closer?
From: Mark
Subject Hearing
OK that should have been Harp and Bel, not Salix.
From: Randy
Subject Strangers
Ran awaits the report. After he has received it (assuming the information is pretty much as is) he considers the alternatives and lays them out as he sees them.
"We can approach them as we did Shatra and her friends; we can camp here and keep a solid watch to see if they do anything; or we can go another route. I would really like to avoid taking another route. If they have 7 horses and only 5 of them, then they probably already have a scout out who knows about us so I think we should probably approach cautiously. If anyone has any other suggestions, by all means bring them forward."
From: Mark
Subject Horses
Some one had asked earlier about if the two horses were pack horses.
Yes they were. They obviously had pack saddles and supplies on them.
From: Kevin
Subject Horses
Thank you. It was Harp. It does make a difference in our report.
From: Karl
Subject Strangers
Salix has no objections to approaching them cautiously.
From: Jake
Subject Strangers
[OOC--did Surin see any emblems, holy symbols, heraldic devices, or the like that he could reproduce for those that might have a chance of recognizing what they were?]
From: Jake
Subject Report
After the scouts have returned to the party, Surin relates all that he was able to observe. [OOC--including the answers to my question to Mark, and somebody else's questions about how the horses were equipped. Mark, did all of the horses seem equally tired? I'm trying to figure out if they were ridden, or if a couple of these guys are just in the habit of keeping a string of fresh horses to spell the one they're riding on now and then, like the Mongols].
From: Jake
SubjectReport
OOC--Ah, okay, nix my last question in my last email then.
Slow day
Subject Scouting report
Nothing that you were able to make out.
Strangers
Subject Turn
So I guess the consensus is to approach the new people cautiously?
I will have Ran, Salix, Bel and Cai in the front, with Kal, Fal and Surin in the second row with Harp bringing up the rear.
From: Randy
Subject Strangers
Yep, sounds good to me.
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
Rochelle is in the second row as well.
From: Karl
Subject Strangers
I'm good with that.
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
The three intrepid scouts report back to the party. ?They seem ok to me? Surin reports. ?I dinna understand what they were saying, but they looked to be travelers setting up for the night.? Ran nods. "We can approach them as we did Shatra and her friends; we can camp here and keep a solid watch to see if they do anything; or we can go another route. I would really like to avoid taking another route. If they have 7 horses and only 5 of them, then they probably already have a scout out who knows about us so I think we should probably approach cautiously. If anyone has any other suggestions, by all means bring them forward."
Surin pipes up. ?I dinna think they had a scout out. T?me the extra horses looked like pack animals. All I ken, is that I wouldna want to ride in the saddle that was on that horse.? A quick vote is taken and it comes up for them to approach the strangers cautiously and see if they could share the camp site. Salix notes ?You know if there is conflict do we want to be mounted? Remember what happened with the ogres?? There are a few chagrined faces and the party agrees that maybe they should approach on foot. Cai and Bel hobble the horses.
The party puts on their packs and starts to move towards the hill. Bel, Salix, Ran and Cai take the front row, with about 5 feet separating each them. Kal, Rochelle, Fal and Surin take up about 10 feet back and Harp is in the middle another 10 feet back, bringing up the rear. Every one has their weapons loosed in their sheaths. The crossbows are loaded but safed, but not carried in the hand. Bel and Cai have their bows in their hands but no arrows nocked. Bel, Cai and Fal send their birds into the air, having them keep watch from above. The party trudges up the small hill and finally crests the top. They can see the strangers still setting up camp. The party starts moving down the hill slowly.
They get about 150 feet from the strangers when they get noticed. The strangers form up ranks with the three in armor standing in front. The two with out armor stand a few feet behind. A small hawk wings its way down and lands on the shoulder of one of the unarmored men in the back. The man in chain is in between the two in plate and has a short bow out but no arrow in it. One of the men in the back has a loaded crossbow in his hand but it is aimed at the ground. They are alert but not overly so, cautious and prepared. The party continues its approach until they are within about 50 feet. The man in chain speaks out, in barely understandable common ?Hie there strangers. I be Kendrick Ashenheart and this my kreel. What be you intentions?? With that he stands there, his bow in his left hand, his right hand free.
OODM: What do you do? I will try and send a map tomorrow.
From: Josh
SubjectStrangers
Can we guess what race he is?
From: Karl
Subject Strangers
Salix waits for Ran's lead.
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
Guess away.
From: Josh
Subject Strangers
The DM thinks he's funny! :-D
Is Kal able to tell what race these guys are?
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
I actually did a knowledge check and every one failed. They have no idea what these guys are. All everyone knows is that they are not from around these parts. Or from any parts any one in the party has been too or from or through.
Map
Subject Map
Ok here is the map.
Any one want to do anything?
From: Karl
Subject Map
Nope, waiting on Ran's lead.
From: Randy
Subject Strangers
Ran replies "I am Ran-Ell, and these are my companions," he gestures to the group.
"We are travelling home after a difficult journey and are scouting out a camp site. We see you have chosen a great spot to set your camp and were hoping to share a fire if you please. If not, we would be happy to continue further on our path and set our own camp later."
OOC: Ran is attempting to be diplomatic if you need to make any sort of check.
From: Josh
Subject Strangers
Same.
Parley
Subject Turn
Ok Kevin is due back tonight so I will wait until tomorrow to write a turn.
Any one else want to add anything before then or just wait and see how they respond to Ran's statements?
From: Karl
Subject Turn
Nothing from Salix. He's just standing quietly, regarding the strangers, looking carefully for anything that might give him a clue about who they are or what they are up to.
From: Jake
Subject Turn
Surin is too stunned by suddenly turning Scottish to do anything. He's waiting for his pants to turn into a kilt.
From: Mark
Subject Parley
Ran replies "I am Ran-Ell, and these are my companions," he gestures to the group.
"We are traveling home after a difficult journey and are scouting out a camp site. We see you have chosen a great spot to set your camp and were hoping to share a fire if you please. If not, we would be happy to continue further on our path and set our own camp later." The man in chain obviously struggles with the language. The man in plate next to him says something in their language and Kendrick's face brightens and he takes a few steps forward.
?You wish to make camp with us? Oh wonderful. We are on quest to find object of great worth for our employer but are lost. We feed you, mayhap you help us?? He looks back over his shoulder talking to his compatriots. He seems happy with what he has heard..(Sense Motive DC18, Bel 21, Cai 21, Fal 20, Harp 21, Kal 11, Ran 13, Salix 23, Surin 22) ?I think that maybe we should make camp and help these fellows.? Ran says and starts his horse forward. Salix hisses at him. ?Wait, there is something not quite right here? he whispers. Ran looks around at his party members. The two rangers are nodding their heads as are Harp, Surin and Fal. Kal looks at the others and says ?What is wrong with you? They pose no threat.? and spurs his horse forward a bit.
Kendrick and his companions, seeing what seems like agreement on the part of the party start forward a few steps as well.
OODM: What next? The sense motive result was amazing. Those who made the check do not think that Kendrick is lying per se, but he is not telling the whole truth.
New map attached.
From: Karl
Subject Parley
"Keep your ground, and stay alert!" Salix says quietly enough to not be heard outside the party, but firmly enough that they should know he means it. His hand goes reflexively to the symbol on his armor, now hidden by his cloak.
"Thank you, but we have food enough to maintain ourselves," Salix calls out to the man who spoke. "What is it you seek and how is it you think we may be of help to you?" (Diplomacy here, if it applies.)
Strangers get surprise and the start of round 1
Subject DM Magic
I wonder how many of you noticed the magical apperances of a couple of horses that had been left behind in the previous turn.
Ran and Fal did not urge their horses forward. They stepped forward themselves.
No one is on horses.
From: Kevin
Subject Strangers
Harp feels an odd sensation. This foreigner is speaking the "right" words, but something just does not feel right. Even with out the apparitions threat of another test, Harp would find it surprising to encounter another group right where a good camp site sits. One such occurance he could chalk up to fate, but two was down right odd. When Harp sees Ran and Kal start to move forward, he will try to think of some way to communicate to Ran that there is something "fishy" about these folks. He will also suggest that maybe they should go back and get their horses, giving them some time to talk amongst themselves.
From: Mark
Subject Harp
It is nice to see Harp back from his wanton debauchery in Key West. :)
From: Karl
Subject Harp
I *thought* I heard screaming coming from the South. ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Funny thing was, it was PrideFest while we were down there. My mother in law had never been to Key West, and on her first trip, she caught some party beads thrown to her by an Elvis impersonator dressed in a pink jump suit. She believes that it will be very difficult to top that as far as unusually experiences go.
From: Mark
Subject Harp
Karl,
I did not know you were in Key West this past week end? ;)
From: Randy
Subject Strangers
Ran, taking heed of what Salix and Harp point out, replies "Let us go gather our horses. We have plenty of food for ourselves, but we will listen to your tale and help in what way we can."
With that, he turns and gestures for the companions to follow him back to the horses.
From: Karl
Subject Harp
I get around.
From: Karl
Subject Strangers
(OOC - is this pre-empting Salix's question to the group leader? Do we want to wait for his answer before returning for the horses?)
From: Randy
Subject Strangers
We will wait for the answer in order to appear polite.
From: Kevin
Subject Strangers
As the group turns to walk back to the horse, Harp decides that someone should keep an eye on these newcomers. As Ran and Salix pass him, he will offer to Ran "Sir, I will stay here and keep an eye on these folks. There is something "wrong" with these people, though I cannot put my finger on it. I will do nothing offensive. If I may, I would like to suggest that if Surin thinks he can make his way to one of the side of the clearing, it might worth our while. If they ask, we can tell them that he went to find some roots and spices for our dinner."
Harp will keep watch on the group down the way until the rest of the party returns with the horses.
OOC: Mark, the topography of the area is what? I thought you had written earlier that the other group was down in a shallow depression/valley/ low spot. Is that correct?
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
Yes.
However, your actions may be a bit early. I know what you want to do but wether you have time to do it is something else.
From: Kevin
Subject Strangers
OOC: I understand. At this point, all Harp knows is that the head of his group plans on saying that we are going to go back and get our horses. If we indeed are able to do that, I was giving my plan. If as we turn or do something else, these new folks take offense and begin an attack, then we will have to go to plan B.
So, in a normal strategic sense, we would have the high ground, for what little good it will do us.
From: Mark
Subject High ground
There is very little in D &D about how high ground affects combat. And it it not that high of ground. In small unit skirmishes, which is what most D&D combats are, elevation has very little to do with anything.
From: Kark
Subject High ground
Tell that to the witch in the Overlook campaign. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject High ground
Well flying is different. I am talking ground pounders here. Of course if you had a halfling half as tough as Melani, she would have wiped out this whole group before reporting back. :)
From: Karl
Subject Strangers
Yeah, yeah,
So what's their answer?????????
From: Mark
Subject Strangers
I am actually going to be working on it at lunch time. Which is in 23 minutes.
From: Mark
Subject Strangers, surprise and the start of round 1
There is confusion in the ranks. Noticing Ran and Kal taking some steps towards the strangers Salix whispers a little louder than he had intended "Keep your ground, and stay alert" He then turns to the strangers who are still advancing a little and yells ?"Thank you, but we have food enough to maintain ourselves," Salix calls out to the man who spoke."What is it you seek and how is it you think we may be of help to you?" (Diplomacy here, if it applies.)
The leader, still moving slowly towards the party says "I think you help us find where our prize is." They are now about 25 feet away from the party. Kendrick says something to his companions in their own language. Bel, Cai and Ran feel something strange in their minds, almost like a hammer blow that threatens to knock them out. Bel and Ran are able to shrug off the effect but Cai is not. (Will save DC9, Cai 8, Bel 18, Ran 17)
One of the men in the back races towards Cai. When the man is about 5 feet from Cai he jumps in the air and lashes out at Cai's head with his foot. His foot smashes into Cai's chin, snapping her head back.(AC 16, 22, hit, damage 3) The other man in the back row gestures at the party and a bolt of energy streaks from his outstretched hand and slams into Fal. (Damage 2)
End of surprise round
Round 1, Initiative (Stanger5, Ran, Bel, Stranger1, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Salix, Cai, Fal) However Cai is dazed this round and can take no action.
The man standing next to Cai takes two quick punches. The first blow hits (AC16, 16, hit damage 4) but the second blow misses. (AC16, 9, miss)
OOD: Ok it is on. :) Let me know what you want to do.
From: Jake
Subject High ground
Surin pauses for a moment in his caber tossing to take umbrage at that remark.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1
Harp, watching with dismay as those at the front of the party are attacked, lifts his skyward and asks for the help of the battlelord (Bless). He then aims his crossbow at 1) the opponent who fired the bolt of energy or 2) Kendrick (they guy in chain mail). He will then drop his crossbow and take a 5 foot step toward opponents, generally toward where Cai is (if allowed). If no one else has done so, he will also yell to Rochelle to move to the back of the group.
OOC: Mark, I am not sure who of the enemy I can shoot at with out risking hitting a fellow party member. My intent is the mage type first, chain mail second, and your choice of any of the plate guys or the monk type third.
Mark, can you give us a better descriptor of who is who on the other side - i.e. - plate armor is 1& 2, chain is #3, etc? As it is, we the players have no way of knowing if we would be able to attack a particular person without tripping over someone else.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
I will make a new map tonight.
Stranger1 is in chain and that is Kendrick. Stranger2 and Stranger4 are in full plate. Stranger5 is the one attacking Cai. Stranger3 is the one that cast the spell.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1
Thank you, that does make it a bit clearer.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1
Did you have stranger 5 do their action for the first combat round already?
From: Karl
Subject Round 1 and Map
IS there a map for this?
From: Karl
Subject Round 1
In the interest of expediency, I'll explain what Salix wants to do. If you want me to clarify after the new map, I will:
Salix curses himself for not having seen that coming. His hand already on the holy symbol on his armored chest, he prays to Obad Hai for the blessing of the animated forest once again. (Entangle) He will try to center the effect to cover as many of the enemy as possible without hindering his own party.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
You did see the initiative order right?
From: Karl
Subject Round 1
Hmmm. Well, can I say that this will be Salix intention unless the two groups are too integrated in melee by the time he can take his action, and if they are too integrated he will cast Heat Metal on the two in full plate, if they are close enough to each other (30 feet).
If I can't submit an "either or" type turn, just go with "Heat Metal".
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
He can do an either or. I will take it under advisement. :)
From: Ran
Subject Round 1
Ran, being very near to Cai, will draw his sword and attack the man who kicked her.
If it looks like anyone is going after Rochelle, Ran will call to Harp to protect her.
From: Derrell
Subject Round 1
Fal launches Magic Missile at the guy who attacked him.
From: Derrell
Subject Strangers
Fal is wary of the strangers. What if their employer is the person who paid for Rochelle's kidnapping, he thinks to himself.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 and hero worship
When Harp grows up, he wants to be like Salix. When his entangle spell will not suffice, he decides to make the two best armored guys into human sauna's. How great is that. All Harp can do is cast a puny bless spell and put a band aid on a couple of cuts. Worthless, I tell you, worthless.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1
Kal will follow Ran's lead. When Harp suggests he stay behind, Kal responds: "If you don't trust these people it would seem unwise to have only one of us stay behind. They could most likely overpower just one of us. I suggest that I stay behind with you, or that we both leave. I don't think we'd gain much with one person watching them."
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 map
Ok here is the updated map. It shows only the movement of Stranger5, who beat up on Cai some.
Others will move, including party members when I get their turn.
I still not heard from Jason, Rob or Jake. Jason is not really needed this turn since Cai is stunned.
Josh are you going to send in something for the first round of combat?
From: Josh
Subject Round 1
Kal draws his rapier, and tries to get back to protect Rochelle. If he has time he'll cast magic missle at someone.
OOC: I'll probably expand on this a bit when you send out the map.