Harp repents and the Mockers, part II
Subject Harp repents
Since it is early afternoon the next day you and Jason can take care of it.
I am on vacaction this week. We are staying at home, working around the house, so I will be able to do some stuff, but at different intervals.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp repents
How long of a ride was it from town to the estate?
Guys, if we want to get this done, we probably want to try it before we get to close to midnight. Harp can see in the dark, but a lot of you others cannot.
Jason, do you want to write up anything about Ragnar helping Harp with his little problem?? Please???
From: Jason
Subject Harp repents
Ragnar reflexively awakes just before sunrise, as is his habit of several years. He is unsurprised, but slightly envious, to see that Harp is not only already awake, but appears well rested. "We all make different sacrifices," he grumbles in his head. Then he quickly gets out of bed and joins the half-orc for their morning devotions.
When the sun has completely cleared the horizon, Ragnar closes his eyes and shakes his head slightly, re-entering the world around him. Harp looks at him hopefully, and Ragnar smiles back, saying "I am ready." With the huge half-orc still seated on the ground, Ragnar puts both hands on his head and says "The death-god can have no power over you. With your life you will serve Heironeous, and with your death you will enter into his rest. In the name of Heironeous, I banish the evil powers that have come upon you!" (Remove curse)
From: Kevin
Subject Harp repents
OOC: Mark, the following will assume that the Remove Curse was effective.
IC: Harp spends the time as the sun rises in peaceful prayer with Ragnar. It felt good to have a fellow belierver to share his devotions with. While Harp had never been a big one for proseletyzing (sp?), it was always nice to have a fellow believer to share this time with.
As they end their devotions, Harp looks to Ragnar with a hopeful gleam in his eye. Ragnar had said that he would be able to restore Harp, but Harp was still somewhat worried that he would be left a weakling, good for almost nothing. His strength had been his one asset his whole life, and now, he did not even have that.
Ragnar motions to Harp, and Harp goes over and kneels donw in front of him. Looking at the dwarf almost eye to eye, Harp is steady as Ragnar reaches his hands out and puts them on Harp's head and starts a surprisingly short prayer. As he complete the words, Harp feels the power of the Battle Lord seethe through his muscles, their strength returning. Standing up, he flexes his arms, the biceps bulging. With a shout of joy, he picks up his fellow cleric and lifts him to the ceiling. "Ragnar, thank you, thank you, thank you. With the Battle Lord's grace, you and I will go and stop Faldor from his evil plans."
From: Mark
Subject The Mockers Part II
As Salix heads upstairs to go check on the location of the barbarian tribes, Surin leads Kal out into the streets of Bodentown. 1/2 an hour later the halfling finds Jimmy the Hand and the two go through the same process of finding the Upright Man. Jimmy checks on the mule containing the armor that the two had rented for the morning. There was almost 200 lbs of armor they had to carry and they knew they could not handle it on their own.
They are soon brought in to the presence of the Upright Man. "Surin, my little friend, have you come to tell me when you need my Mocker's distraction at the Maryor's house? We have been ready to go at your word."
"Well, you see, there's been a slight change.." Surin starts to explain how the action has moved to the Mayor's estate out side of town. It is hard to tell in the dark that hides the Upright Man from view, but his repsonse is not a happy one. "The Mocker's do not work out of Bodentown. True the Mayor has violated the agreements we had with the old Mayor's but we will still not work out of the city."
"In the city my children have a chance at escape. Take Jimmy here. Give him a minute head start and I would put money on his not being found. Out in the country, in unfamiliar teritory, he would not stand a chance." Jimmy starts to make a protestation but a sharp hand gesture from the Upright Man silences him. "I would be hard press out there. No I will not risk my children that way. What else can we do to help?"
Surin thinks for a moment. "Tonight, a small caravan of guards from the Mayor's house are going to be heading out to the estate. There is some type of ritual going on and it looks like they want more guards. Could you waylay the caravan?" The Upright Man thinks for a moment and then speaks "It is possible, but would be expensive. Do you have the funds?"
Surin smiles and gestures for the mule to be brought in. He pulls out the suites of armor, 9 in total. 4 studded leather and 4 chain shirts. "These sets of armor have been enchanted. They were taken from one of the press gangs. They are yours if you help us."
The Upright Man's voice comes slowly "Surin, if these are as you say, then they are enough of a price. Enough and more. Let me have one of my people look at them and then we can discuss terms. But may I ask you something? The other day you come with a barbarian of the north. Today you come with and elf. You would not be surprised to know that I have had you followed. I know who you stay with. I think it is time for you to tell me everything. I say this becuase I think a major shifting point is coming. Something that will put things back the way there were.'
"I am not a goody two shoes. I tread the dodgy path, as do my children, the Mockers. But what this Mayor does goes beyond the pale. I have a very bad feeling about him and think now is the time to act. You and your friends may be just what is needed to shift the balance of power. What say you? Will you trust me?"
OODM: I will wait on Chris to respond.
Armor and a deal
Subject Armor
OOC: Kal's wearing a masterwork studded leather. If the studded leathers we have here are better, he'd want one of them, if no one else in the party objects.
From: Kevin
Subject Armor
Mark, Josh, and Kal, did express that interest back when he help beat these guys. If he kept one suit for himself, not the end of the world.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
That can be part of the deal you work with the Upright Man
From: Chris
Subject A deal
Surin thinks for a moment. When it comes to honor among thieves, experience had shown him it all depended on the thief. This Upright Man represented all that Surin had been trying to keep his life from becoming. Still, he seemed to genuinely care for the rogues in his band and thus had to follow a code higher than himself.
On the other hand, it would be foolish to trust him much farther than the point where their goals were the same. It had to be in his best interest to neutralize this mayor, regardless of how it helped Surin and his friends, and anyway there was no way Surin would be able to out bluff him. He might as well put their cards on the table and hope for the best.
Surin tells the Upright Man the nature of their mission, recounting only the part where they were acting on behalf of the druid council to rescue the Stormfather. He simply does not mention the larger goal, not really trying to hide it, but figuring it unnecessary information. He adds that they have an important ally in Sister Sephira who is being held in the Mayor's mansion in town who they couldn't rescue earlier for fear of alerting the Mayor before they were able to rescue the Stormfather. He asks the Upright Man if there's any way he might help in her rescue.
From: Mark
Subject A deal
"Ah, my little friend, you surprise me. IN league with the druids." Surin starts to get a sinking feeling in his chest. "We have no problem with the druids. They tend to keep to their woods and we tend to keep to the city. We will help you." Surin lets out his breath, glad that he had read the situation correctly.
"You may have what potions we have. Jimmy, get them the potions." The boy scampers off and comes back with half a dozen potions.
"Let us have those 8 sets of armor. They will provide some added protection for my people. Do you have a map of the basement?" Surin draws a quick map, based on what Harp and Salix had told him. Jimmy takes it over to the Upright Man and he studies it. "Well, we can not enter the way your two friends did, but I think this hallway here leads to a barn out back. We can probably get in that way. We will do this for you. Where do you want us to meet you if we are successful?
From: Josh
Subject A deal
Kal speaks up: "I intended to keep one of the Studded Leathers for myself. It was through necessity of haste that all 8 sets have been brought before you. Will you accept the 7 sets of Armor in exchange for the potions?"
OOC: Mark, did we get these Identified? I'd hate to trade a masterwork leather for a -4 vorpal Studded leather or something. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject A deal
Shit I forgot one guy got away.
There are a total of 8 sets of armor, 3 studded leather and 5 chain shirts. Kal keeps 1 studded leather so they have two sets of studded leather and 5 chain shirts to trade.
From: Mark
Subject A deal
"Yes the 7 sets will do. I wish you had more of the leather, as my Mockers would find them more usefull in day to day life, but with what is going on tonight my bashers will like the chain shirts. Jimmy, go get Maltek. Tell him to bring his scrolls." The young boy scrambles out and returns a few minutes later with an older man, thin with very pale skin. "You called me?" he says. "Get out those scrolls you have, the ones that identify magical items. Use them on these sets of armor. We want to see if there is anything special about them." replies the Upright Man. The next several minutes is spent with Maltek using some old dusty scrolls to identify the armor.
OODM: the studded leather armor is +1 and the chain shirts are also +1.
Plans for the Estate, potion list
Subject Plans for the estate
(ooc - What are our options for escape? Assuming the Stormfather is going to be in no condition to help us much, we're basically going to have to flee back in the direction of the Druid circle, are we not?
If we're fleeing from the estate in that direction, does it take us back by the town? Could we have Surin tell them to meet us by the nearest gate?)
From: Mark
Subject Locations
The Woods is south from about everything where you are at. The area where the party showed up is west from the town, IIRC. I will have to go back and check my maps. The tree you came in on was dying when you showed up. That tree is about a days ride from the Mayor's estate, and that is going by the town.
From: Derek
Subject Plans for the estate
As long as we can get away into the woods, Allistair can cast Rope Trick and we can hide completely unseen and unscryable for the duration of the spell. (Assuming we all fit, but Allistair does have 2 of them memorized.) It's not a permanent solution, but it could be a way to throw off the initial pursuit.
From: Chris
Subjet: Plans for the estate
"Once we have the Stormfather safe with us, we will probably be leaving in a hurry. Maybe you could meet us at the gate (indicating gate closest to where they entered) . . . unless you know some place secure where we can hide while we try to restore Sephira and the Stormfather to health."
OOC: Did Surin already get the forged documents as part of this deal? If not, he will ask for them as well.
From: Karl
Subject Plans for the estate
Can spellcasters rest and recharge in the rope trick?
From: Derek
Subject Plans for the estate
Not at Allistair's level. It lasts hours*level, and Ally is 7th level right now. A spellcaster needs 8 hours rest to recharge spells.
From: Jason
Subject Plans for the estate
The divine casters merely need to wait for sunrise. But the arcane casters would need another hour.
From: Mark
Subject Potion list
Here is the potion list.
From: Porter
Subject Potion list
OK, Mund still has on him one of the potions we were given before we went into the dungeon, and that bright green potion we found there. I know we identified it, but I can't remember what it was.
From: Kevin
Subject Potion list
OOC: Mark, would Harp or Ragnar know if the Bless potions work the same way as the spell. i.e. a character drinks it but if affects allies withing a given radius? Or does it only affect the drinker?
Turn, potions, armor and a deal is made
Subject Turn
I will get something out tonight. Working around the house this morning and going to see Grindhouse this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject Potions
Bless potions only affect the drinker.
From: Kevin
Subject Potions
Those are relatively useless then, aren't they.
I guess Surin could drink one while he was invisible to give him a better chance at hitting something with a sneak attack.
From: Mark
Subject Grindhouse
Ok I just got back from the movie and am going to have some dinner. Then I will write a turn.
I have to say that Rose McGowan is hot, even with a machine gun stump. ;)
From: Karl
Subject Grindhouse
Chris and I just saw it too. I thought it was fantastic. Quintessential Quint, so if you're not a fan you probably won't care for this one either.
From: Mark
Subject Grindhouse
The Aussie chick stunt lady was amazing in that car chase. My guess is she did all of that stunt herself.
From: Mark
Subject Potions
This is OOC but green potions in my world are almost always healing potions, the brightness/greeness of it telling you the power. I would expect it to be a CMW potion.
From: Porter
Subject Potions
That's what I remembered.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
Josh
If you have not done so, you should update your character sheet on Sakeriver with this new armor.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
OK I have just spent the last hour updating the archives with the 121 posts from the past week and a half. I am going to take a break and watch Ghost Whispere with the wife and then I will write up the rest of Surin/Kal with the Mockers. This week we can concentrate on starting the fun on the estate.
From: Josh
Subject Armor
Donaroo.
From: Mark
Subject The deal is made
"We can meet you at the Merchant Gate. We still have a little influence there and also a secret way out. We will have your lady, if she is still alive, just after midnight. We will wait until dawn. If you are not back by then, we will do what we can for her. Now let us finish our plans and start our preperations."
The armor is handed over and the potions are collected. As the two make ready to leave the Upright Man speaks again. "Friend Surin I hope this night changes the fates of all of us. I wish you the best of luck. Know that you are always welcome in Bodentown." With a gesture Jimmy leads them out of the room and back to the streets. Half an hour later they are back with the rest of the party. It is getting to be late afternoon (3:30PM) and everyone is together in the largest of the two rooms they have been using. Harp has a smile on his face a broad as his shoulders. He makes a scene when Surin and Kal return, picking them both up in a bear hug when they walk in the room.
OODM: OK I need every one to finalize their spell lists. If you do not know how or are unable please send them to Kevin and he can update the list on Sakeriver. I need at least the plan for the first step, getting onto the estate. Everyone has full spells except for Ragnar who has used one Remover Curse, which is a 3rd level.
From: Porter
Subject The deal is made
Go mockers!
Grindhouse, potions
Subject Grindhouse
After the crack about CGI, it had better be all from practical effects, too. LOL
From: Mark
Subject Potions
I just realized that there is no such thing as bless potions. Let me look through the list and see what is comparable.
Potions
Subject Potions
Well that sucks. It would sure make the selling of indulgences a lot easier.
Step 1
Subject Waiting
Imagine how valuable an atonement potion would be worth!
From: Mark
Subject Step 1?
Ok the potions are Shield of Faith, +2. There are the same number of those as there was bless potions.
I guess I need to get a basic plan on what step one is.
From: Mark
Subject Step 1?
Anyone? Plan?
From: Jason
Subject Step 1
Well I'm not exactly the group leader, and Ragnar isn't exactly the planner in the group, but I want to move on so I'll write up what I remember and people can comment/edit as they see fit...
Allistair will disguise someone (probably himself) as the cleric of Nerull, and that person will be wearing his robes. Harp and Mund will be acting as workers, carting the wagon* with the bodies on it.
*I don't think we actually have a wagon. Apparently any common thing will do, from what you said. Not so much a wagon as a handcart. Presumably we can find/buy one fairly quickly.
The five of us lie on the cart like we're dead. Harp and Mund take us to the barn that Harp said was being used to store bodies.
Potential problem: What do we do with our armor and weapons? Just keep wearing them? It might raise some suspicions, might not.
We also discussed the possibility of having Salix wildshape his own way in, as well as having Surin go invisible, but it seems to me it'd be better to keep us together and save the spells/wildshapes. Either we'll bluff our way in or not, having those 2 on the wagon shouldn't arouse any more suspicions than just Ragnar, Kal and Ran.
Once we get to the barn, we don't have a plan, the idea is to do more scouting. We would have people watching the entrances and kill anyone who comes in before they can raise an alarm.
From: Kevin
Subject Step 1
I think that was pretty much it, except that Ran could go along as a guard as well if needed.
Mark would Harp know if the wagons got inspected much? We could just hide the armor in the wagon if needed.
From: Karl
Subject Step 1
Sorry, busy day today.
Yes, that sounds like the plan so far.
From: Mark
Subject Step 1
Ok I will try and get a turn out tomorrow.
Comments, Surin's plan
Subject Comments
Any one else want to put in a comment? I will be writing the turn this afternoon.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
You had mentioned that the Mockers were able to get us forged documents for gaining entrance to the estate. Would Harp know from his previous trip if there was a pass needed for the wagons or were the wagons just expected?
From: Porter
Subject Comments
Mund asks "So, what do you guys think? Should we go and try to talk some sense into one of the clan cheifs?"
From: Mark
Subject Comments
The pass was used to get by the gate guards and to let them know where on the estate you were allowed to go.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
Did we get the impression that the Mockers could forge that type of pass?
From: Mark
Subject Comments
They already have. Surin and Kal have it, along with the potions.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
Oh, OK, I must have missed that part.
Never mind.
From: Derek
Subject Comments
"I think we should," says Allistair. "Once we get into the estate and get to a hiding place, we could try and sneak off and locate the tribes, and then see if any of the chieftains will listen to reason."
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
The discussion slows and Salix looks around the room. The others are quite, lost in thought, trying to think of things they had forgotten or options they had over looked. "We are decided then? Slip on to the estate, get into the barn. Then figure out what we want to do next?" The others nod and Salix starts assigning jobs. "Surin you, Mund and Ran, go get a cart and get it ready to get us on to the estate." The halfling nods and the three get up and leave the room. "The rest of us, spend some time praying for what grace you think we will need or preparing the spells we have discussed. After those three get back, we will get a good meal and head on out." The other 4 nod and head off to prepare, Ragnar and Harp to one room, Ally and Kal to another. Salix stays in the same room with Ragnar and Harp, comforted by the presence of other men of faith.
An hour later all five end their study or meditation and head down stairs. Surin and the other two are waiting for them. Ranthir looks a bit green around the edges, but Mund and Surin both have a sly grin on their faces. Salix starts to ask what is going on but Surin holds up a hand and motions to the food and then to the upstairs. Salix gets the hint and the party loads up on food and drink and then heads back to the larger of their two rooms. As they start eating Salix finally asks the halfling to explain.
"Well, I was thinking about the problem of getting us in on the wagon. Maybe three of us could act as guards or help. You know Harp and Mund and Ranthir over there, but what about the rest of us? I might be able to sneak in, but you or Kal or Ally or old Raggy over there would have to use some sort of power, power we might need later. So I got to thinkn, what would the guards expect to see in the wagon we are driving? Bodies. Where do you get bodies? Well Kal and Harp supplied me with that answer." A few of the party members still have a puzzled look on their faces when Mund bursts in. "It's brilliant. It's sneaky. We got those thugs Hack and Kal killed last night. Took the wagon we got, drove over to where Kal took Surin this morning, and put the bodies in the wagon. Covered it up with a tarp. We mix you guys in with the dead bodies and they'll never suspect anything."
Salix looks stunned for a moment. Ally's face is starting to look like Ran's. "You want us to travel with a bunch of corpses?" Surin nods earnestly. "Think about it. They will see what they expect to see. We can hide the armor under the bodies, smear some blood on you. All you have to do is hold still. Trust me, it will work." Salix turns and looks at the others, especially the ones who would have to travel with the bodies: Ally, Kal and Ragnar. "Are you willing?"
OODM: I need peoples yes or no to the plan. Every one please check in.
From: Porter
Subject Surin's plan
aye
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Since Harp will not be on the wagon, so to speak, he will have no issue with it.
We can always offer to put some type of rag plugs in the noses of the guys in the wagon.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Mark, I thought that when Harp was involved with taking bodies out to the estate, they weren't dead yet, just knocked out and bound up.
Did I misunderstand? Why would we be taking dead bodies if they are not expecting dead bodies?
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
Harp got the impression that the condition of the bodies was not all that important. His load happened to be alive.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Oh, OK. Just did not want to make it too tough on these guys gentle dispositions.
From: Jason
Subject Surin's plan
Hilarious. Ragnar is ok with the idea.
From: Karl
Subject Surin's plan
Salix looks a little uncomfortable at the prospect, but finally says, "That's brilliant, Surin. I should have thought of that myself." In case any of the others might object, he adds, "And if they think we're dead, they won't suspect any trouble later, as they might if we were just knocked out and bound. I'd hate to be questioned if anyone suspected we didn't look like locals. If we're dead it won't matter who we are."
From: Chris
Subject Surin's plan
Since it's Surin's plan, it is obvious he is going along with it.
From: Josh
Subject Surin's plan
Kal thinks for a moment and then says quietly "It's a good plan."
From: Derek
Subject Surin's plan
Allistair's face mimics that of Ran's. "It's a good plan, Surin, at least objectively. But subjectively, I don't know if I can lay down in a cart full of dead bodies for a few hours without becoming sick. But if I do, it will probably be long before we reach the checkpoint, so I don't think I'll give us away. Let's give it a try."
Surin's plan, reservations
Subject Surin's plan
I thought Ally was going to be disguised as the evil cleric and riding up front?
He wont have to sit with the bodies. That's going to be Salix, Kal, Ragnar and little Surin.
Harp, Mund and Ran wil be/can be escorting the wagon.
Mark, how many "guards" went with Harp's wagon when he went to the estate?
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
Surin was trying to figure out a way to conserve spells. If Ally still wants to do the polymorph and take the shape of the cleric he can. He just has to let the party know.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Oh, OK, I misunderstood.
Never mind.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok everyone has checked in. I will try and get something out today, hopefully this morning. I have three quotes and 1 new item to do, so it would be later this morning.
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
OOC: Is there anything in game mechanics that would make us unable to do this as planned? (I.E. someone getting sick and throwing up in the middle of the wagon while entering the gate? Or is that all just narrative color?
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
I was going to roll a FORT check for the people in the wagon to see if they are nauseated while in the wagon. There is a very slight chance of the people in the wagon being found out and if that happens, then they would be in the nauseated status for the duration of that fight. Once they are out of the wagon, the nauseated status would quickly end.
It is more for color, but there is a real, if very tiny, chance it might affect things.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Again, just plug their noses with small bits of rags and let them breath through their mouths. If they are breathing, no one will care so long as they are "tied" up. Live people have been brought here before, so it will not cause alarm.
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
Kal approaches Ragnar after the plan has been discussed and the details worked out. "I don't think I can go along with this plan. Surin's idea is an excellent one tactically, but I can't lay down with the dead. My God would not approve. It's disrespect to my fallen enemies, myself and my God. I don't want to endanger our mission, but I don't think I can go through with this in good faith."
From: Mark
Subject Reservations
I am going to hold off writing the turn until Kal and Ragnar get this worked out.
From: Porter
Subject Reservations
Scornfully, Mund says "What? You afeard of getting some dirt on your pretty clothes?"
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
Harp and Salix tense up when Mund speaks. All they need right now is another fight. Salix gives Harp a knowing look, and the Half-Orc prepares to intervene.
Kal, without breaking away from Ragnar responds simply, "I'm afraid of getting dirt on my soul. Have you figured out how you're going to convince the Barbarian tribes yet? I imagine you and Harp should discuss that before we get inside the compound."
From: Mark
Subject Reservations
Do elves have souls? :)
From: Kevin
Subject Reservations
Harp looks at Kal. The elf had saved his life just a few hours ago. He had earned Harp's respect. In fact, Harp owed him his life.
"Kal, if we were to wrap you in some type of cloth to keep you from touching the bodies, would that suffice? Or is it the idea of riding in the cart at all that is bothering you?"
From: Porter
Subject Reservations
"I thought that you were already trying to get the dirt off your soul. What was it that your elders told you to do again?"
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
Kal nods to Mund, "Of course." and then continues to talk to Harp.
"I think those bodies deserve a proper burial. Since we can't provide them with that I think they at least deserve respect. It is the habit of our enemies to misuse the dead for their ways, not ours. We should not fall to their level.
I hesitated to speak earlier because I do recognize the importance of this mission. Surin's plan is clever and effective, I don't mean to say otherwise. I just fear that it's moral price is too high."
From: Kevin
Subject Reservations
Harp's mind tries to grasp what Kal is saying. A proper burial?? Just a few hours ago these thugs had been trying to bash his and Kal's head in. Now he wanted to bury them??
"Kal, if these bodies belonged to innocent victims, like we almost were, then I would agree. But these "creatures" did not plan on burying us or any others they caught. I bet they didn't even plan on getting buried themselves, but sacraficed to their dark god. Using them to accomplish our goal would be the ultimate slap in his face."
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
OOC: I'm going to hold off responding for a bit to see if Jason wants to say anything.
From: Porter
Subject Reservations
"I've got an idea -- let's leave Kal behind to play in the dirt with the dead bodies, and the rest of us will go and do something useful." Mund says.
From: Kevin
Subject Reservations
Harp shoots Mund a sharp look.
"With what we are going to face we're going to need everyone we have. Give it a break and let me see if we can work this out."
From: Karl
Subject Reservations
"That's ENOUGH!" Salix shouts. He takes a minute to get his temper under control before continuing. "We don't have time for this." He turns to Kal, "Kal, I understand your reluctance to disrespect the dead, but we are not here to conduct funerals for anyone, let alone thugs and murderers. These bodies will end up in a wagon on its way to the estate whether we take them there or not. What we are trying to do should be understandable by any just God. Surely you agree that what we are doing for good outweighs any mere matters of etiquette or propriety."
OOC: Salix will wait for Kal's answer. If he is still reluctant or unwilling to compromise, Salix will say the following:
"Kal, I will not order you to do this, but then you only leave me this choice. We will go forward as planned. If you will not cooperate, you will have to find your own way out to the estate or abandon us. Either way, you will have to answer to your superiors for your choices, and to your God if you cause our mission to fail."
NOTE: Salix will not say this second part at all if Kal seems like he will be cooperative. I'm just sending it now because I won't be able to send more out today and I don't want to leave you guys hanging. We either persuade Kal or we leave him.
From: Kevin
Subject Reservations
OOC: I LOVE it when Salix gets tough and takes control. lol.
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
"Surely you agree that what we are doing for good outweighs any mere matters of etiquette or propriety."
If these were mere matters of etiquette or propriety I would agree, but I think this is a much larger issue. We are pawns in a war between gods. I think it is absolutely imperative that we consider the goodness of every one of our actions. This point has been made clear to us all, and particularly myself, after the events at the testing grounds. The gods saw fit to reprimand me for my rashness, and I did not take their words lightly.
Now more than ever we must act goodly lest we serve the very enemy we wish to defeat. If we use the dead to serve our needs he will be laughing as his pawn is defeated when all our souls are sullied with his fingerprints.
Ragnar, Harp, listen to the voice of your God. Does he not agree with me now? I hear my God's voice clearly. This course of action is wrong and we must not follow through with it. "
After a brief pause Kal turns to Harp, "These are men, not creatures. They may have sinned, but they are not evil by nature. They attacked us out ignorance, and the Gods saw fit to punish them for that action. It is not ours to judge them now."
He then turns to Salix: "If you need a more pragmatic reason to object to this plan, then perhaps this will sway you. If we fail, we will have given this foul cleric more material to work his evil deeds. We should consecrate these bodies and have the mockers hide them away from him, rather than bring these poor creatures back within his grasp."
OOC: Not to be a complete obstructionist, Kal intends to present an alternate plan. Just give me a few hours to figure out what it is. ;-)
From: Jason
Subject Reservations
Ragnar hesitates when Kal approaches him, and in that moment several others burst in. Finally, when Kal speaks again, Ragnar says "Kal, I would never advise you to do something that would disappoint your god. As a matter of fact, I don't believe that Heironeous would disapprove. These men are dead, and what is left behind is no more *them* than my armor is me. It is merely a shell we wear, a tool that allows us to do god's will.
I believe that when the servants of Nerull use the bodies of the dead to serve them in undeath, the good gods are offended because they make a mockery of life, which is a gift of the gods, and not because the bodies themselves were sacred.
Nevertheless, if you believe that Corellon Larethian would disapprove, we should be able to come up with another way to get you into the compound."
OOC:
Wow, look what happens when I go to class. That'll teach me to let the lesser priorities take over my life! I'll try to think of a way to get Kal in, or maybe he'll think of a plan. Ragnar still doesn't object to Surin's plan, but he will support Kal finding a different way in if he can.
From: Mark
Subject Reservations
This is role playing. I like it. It adds dimensions to the game that are not there otherwise.
I thought some players might have a problem with the plan, beyond just the physical aspect of it.
From: Josh
Subject Reservations
OOC: Nice response Jason. I'm going to wait to see how Harp and anyone else responds before I have Kal make up his mind completely.
From: Kevin
Subject Reservations
"Kal, I have to agree with Ragnar. Our teachings are that we accomplish good using the strength of our arms and the good in our hearts. We did not go out looking to kill these men last night - they waylaid us of thier own actions and with evil in their hearts. They challeneged us, and they lost. Their souls, such as they might have had, have gone to whatever judgement awaits them, for good or ill. What is left is a corpse that will decay no matter what we do. But, if we can use these bodies, just as we will use our swords, to stop the death of the Stormfather, then we use them like any other tool we have. My soul is ok with that. My bigger worry is what may happen out at that estate tonight. The blasphemy you felt from that cleric will be but a small portion of what will be unleashed if we don't stop this Faldor character."
From: Porter
Subject Reservations
Heh. Only an elf would be so thick-headed that he makes godfolk look reasonable.
From: Randy
Subject Reservations
"Kal, I too have studied the teachings of Corellon Larethian and, while I do not like the nature of this plan, I believe you are letting the words of the teachings get in the way of the spirit in which they are intended. If you have an alternative that will offer as much advantage as this plan, please present it. If not, we have no time to waste."
Ranthir is calm as he voices his opinion. He maintains eye contact with Kal while he speaks and does not look away before Kal responds.
From: Derek
Subject Reservations
OOC: At least we're not flaying the skin off of the bodies like they did in Serenity. And there it was the bodies of thier friends.
From: Mark
Subject Reservations
I never made that connection.
From: Porter
Subject Reservations
To what we're doing now, or within the movie?
From: Mark
Subject Reservations
I never made the connection to what the people in Serenity did to what the party might do now.
An alternate plan, DR
Subject An alternate plan
Josh, how is elf boy going to respond?
We are waiting with baited breath.
From: Josh
Subject An alternate plan
OOC: I've been thinking about this all night, I'll have a turn out today before 2:00 for sure.
Mark, this is a big estate. Do we know how they guard it? Can we see anything preventing us from just walking right up to one of those barns?
From: Mark
Subject An alternate plan
It is a large estate, in land size. The main building and the surrounding buildings are set on a rather large section of the estate. The main section of the estate is guareded by a large stone wall out by the street, with the one main gate to get in. The general grounds are patrolled by foot patrolls and the stone wall is patrolled by mounted patrolls. No one knows the schedule of the patrols.
From: Josh
Subject An alternate plan
Kal listens to what the others have to say, thinks for a while, and then responds:
I have not been entirely unconvinced by your words, but I don't think that it's correct to say our bodies are just shells. That would leave no explanation for the intricate rituals we are required by our Gods to perform on the dead." Salix moves around some, obviously impatient, "In any case, we certainly don't have time for a theological discussion at this point. Despite Ran's objection, I feel very strongly that Corellon Larethian would object to us using the dead in this way.
Fortunately, I don't think the dead bodies are necessary, Harp has brought living bodies in before, and it seemed that was the goal of that group of brigands last night. Harp, Ran and Mund act as if they've captured us and bring us in bound. We can bring the cart with us and have our armor and weapons on it. If we think it's necessary we can disguise one of us as the cleric from last night.
This has two benefits. One, we're not buried in a pile of bodies if something goes wrong. Two, we're not providing them with more fodder if we fail in our mission.
I don't think this method is any less safe than our original plan. If we disguise one of us as the cleric, then this seems safer to me. If not, then it seems about as safe."
Kal looks to the group, to see what they think.
From: Jason
Subject DR
I have a question concerning damage reduction. I've consulted the PHB 3.0, which was quite clear but left out some critical information, and also the online SRD which is 3.5, and which included the information I wanted but was not at all clear.
If I understand correctly, if someone has DR 5/silver, a silver weapon will do full damage, as will any weapon of +1 or greater. If its DR 5/+3, a +3 or greater weapon will do full damage.
What about DR 5/alignment? Obviously, a DR of 5/good is overcome by a holy weapon, DR 5/law is overcome by an axiomatic weapon, etc. Is it also overcome by a +1 weapon? Or since axiomatic/holy/etc. add a +2 bonus to the weapon, would it have to be +2? Or does the weapon *have* to be aligned to overcome that type of DR, no matter what its enhancement bonus is?
Thanks for your help.
From: Kevin
Subject An alternate plan
Harp has no objection to not taking the bodies. He did not think of bringing them in the first place, so he has no objection to this.
If Karl does not answer (he is leaving on travel and has asked me to take over Salix for a while), I do not believe that Salix will have an issue with this either. It was a good idea to add some extra cover to the plan, but not really needed. He just wants to get a move on and find the Stormfather.
From: Porter
Subject An alternate plan
Mund says "I say we're better off being smart and bringing the bodies for cover than with this elf -- you never know what he'll do to cause us trouble."
From: Mark
Subject DR
Actuall, I am fairly sure that you are off a bit on the rules for DR.
I am using 3.5 rules and have never used 3.0, so here it goes.
You are partially right. If a creature says DR5/silver, silver weapons cause full damage and all other weapons have 5 points of damage taken off. Magic weapons do not by pass this, as far as I know.
DR5/magic is bypassed by any enchanted weapon, even one that has an effect on it such as frost, burning etc.
DR/alingment needs to have a weapon that has the proper alignment.
Now I am fairly sure that a weapon has to have a +1 enchantment on it before any other effects can be added. So there is no such thing as a flaming sword that does not have a +1 bonus to it as well. So Mund has a +1 frost Axe but could not have just a Frost Axe.
I hope that makes sense. If you have any reference for 3.5 that shows differently let me know and I will look into it.
From: Randy
Subject An alternate plan
Ranthir feels the same way as Harp, but will side with Salix over Kal if it comes to it.
From: Kevin
Subject An alternate plan
If Mund is the only person who objects to leaving the bodies behind, Salix will go along with that plan. He will want Surin to show them some knots that look like they are tight but that can be released pretty quickly.
From: Derek
Subject An alternate plan
Allistair doesn't weigh in on the conflict. His body language is pretty obvious that he thinks Kal and Mund are both being idiots and they're wasting valuable time. He's fine using his Polymorph spell to masquarade as the cleric they killed if that's what the group decides to do. However he wants to do it himself, since he saw into his mind the most and therefore feels he can most accurately mimic his speech and actions.
From: Jason
Subject An alternate plan
Ragnar is perfectly happy with Kal's plan; that was the plan we had before we thought of the bodies anyways.