Watch List, Discussing the Day's Mistakes
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
Mission will take a watch.
IMO, Cadfael should take the first watch, at which time he can heal Garyth and Rennick (trading other spells for healing ones? Is that permitted?). Then he can rest/pray/whatever to get his spells back, and we'll have our two tanks healed up a bit in case there's a fight.
Mission has trained for years to be able to fight effectively in darkness (Blind-fighting feat). So it makes sense for him to be one of the watches.
Do either of you wizards have any alerting spells that can be placed on the camp?
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
Sa'id is going to have to be awake for at least a couple of hours memorizing spells. Whether or not this coincides with his watch is up to the party.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: The hunt; following a halflings trail (last call at the camp)
(OOC - what is the effect of taking a watch on a wizard? I know they have to get a full rest and take time to prepare their spells. If they take a watch, does that negate their rest? Not that Farron is trying to get out of taking a watch or anything :-P )
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
I need a couple things.
I need the watch order. I need spell lists (unless your list is the same as last time). I need to know if Cadfael is healing people (Rennik is down 13, Garyth is down 2).
Also, if anyone is planning to have fireside conversation, please send those turns to me. My next writeup will be once the sleeping starts, and I need to know when it is safe to do that.
Thanks, guys.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron and I are already having a fireside conversation about spells, and I'll be having a similar one with Cadfael. I'll submit my spell list soon.
As to watch order I can take watch anytime after I've memorized my spells, assuming I'll still be able to get enough sleep.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
My opinion on watches:
Mission (4 hours)
Garyth (4 hours)
Rennick (4 hours)
That should give everyone plenty of time for shut-eye.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sounds good to me. Garyth also has Blind-Fight.
I'm sure that Rennik will want to have a little chat with Garyth, but Garyth won't be the one to start it. What time he does have awake he'll spend doing what he can to repair his armor.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron will speak to the group, when things settle down. "I'm no expert on battle tactics, but it's clear that we need to be more organized if we're going to keep from getting one or more of us killed. The attack took us all by surprise, so it's no wonder we were performing less proficiently than we could have. In my own case, had we been together I could have cast "Haste" on the group, giving us all added speed and dexterity in battle. As it was, at the point such a spell would be most useful, we were too far spread out for the spell to have helped more than one or two of us who were not in the heat of battle."
He pauses, looking to Garyth, then Sa'id for some support. He casts a glance in Rennik's direction, but does not let his eyes linger on the still fuming halfling. "As I said, I don't pretend to be an expert in battle tactics, but it's clear some organization is needed." Having (hopefully) broken ground for some constructive conversation, he takes a seat near the fire.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron, of course, voices no objection to this lineup. ;-)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id listens intently to Farron's words, then speaks.
"We were spread out before we encountered the halflings, and we did not know we would be fighting. Garyth and Rennik simply had gone to investigate." He pauses. "I do not deny that when it comes to tactics we have a problem. Farron and I are not collaborating on our spell choices such that we will be better able to complement each other both in and out of battle. It helps that we have worked together once before, though the results of our collaboration at Nesalin were not deemed... positive." Sa'id grins at Farron, recalling a prank gone awry. "As far as the actual events... like Farron I am no tactician, but it seems to me that Garyth simply underestimated the enemy." He shrugs. "I do have some protective magics at my disposal, but I prefer to use my complement of more... offensive spells, as I did today, and trust brother Cadfael's own defensive magics. More effective is that, I think. One thing to be aware of is that some of my magic allows me to influence and even control the living dead. If we encounter such abominations," Sa'id says, his tone making his feelings more than clear, "and I am able to control them, do not strike down the ones that fight for us until the magic wanes. Remember that even the most distasteful of allies can be of value." As he speaks this last part, he looks pointedly at Mission and Cadfael.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: Farron and I ARE collaborating. Oops. Sorry.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: I had hoped Dan would have checked in at some point today, but alas)
"You speak truth, friend Farron. We were foolish. Alone, we provide easy targets. Together, we are a strong force. Had those halflings today been trained warriors, Garyth and I could have easily died today."
"What if the halflings had more archers? What if Garyth's attack had been met by ten swords instead of five, and I was pinned down by arrows? What if our enemy had even the smallest sense of strategy? Thankfully they did not. Yet, we did not either."
Rennik turns to Garyth but speaks so all can hear.
"Your haste was foolish. You are inexperienced in combat. You have skill and speed, and fought well, but your rashness almost cost your life. You rushed blindly against twelve enemies, sword in hand, not once thinking as a leader. Not thinking of the group."
"We have bows. We have crossbows. We have..." he hesitates to say it, "spellweavers. The reason we went ahead was to scout for ambush, not to run needlessly into one. Had we fallen back, using our bows while in retreat, I doubt any of our blood would have spilled. We would have been a group, and friend Farron could have woven this magic he speaks of."
"Had *I* fallen back, you would be dead now."
He pauses before again addressingthe group at large.
"Friend Farron speaks of organization. I speak of leadership. I came to your people seeking aid in eliminating a menace to our land. Garyth, you were the first to volunteer. This was not ordered by your people, and you are not their agent here. It was your choice to come with me. It was the choice of each of you to set out on this quest."
"We are leaderless. Each following another's lead, or trying to lead himself. A beast born with with more than one head dies quickly. Some of you look to Garyth for leadership. It is comfortable for you. There may be a time when that is the best choice, but now is not that time. You do not choose a sailor to lead the cavalry. You do not choose a horseman to captain a ship. You do not choose a scholar to train an army. You do not place a savage in charge of a library."
"Garyth may be a good leader, but this is not his land. Today's battle was his first real test in the wilderness. He made a mistake - he "underestimated" as you say. The mistake almost cost him his life. We cannot afford mistakes based on ignorance of the land. The forest is my home, and I have spent my life as a tracker and warrior of the woods. In the city, I am as lost as Garyth is in these trees. In a library, I am a child beside friend Sa'id."
"We each have our places of power. This is mine. Yet even as I speak, I see some of you looking toward Garyth to see how to respond. To see how to react. Yet, without me, you would be at the mercy of the forest."
"My original quest was to find Horan. I have found his path again, but it seems he has made powerful allies. I cannot complete my quest alone. You cannot navigate these woods alone. We need each other. More importantly, we need someone making the decisions who understands the dangers of these trees."
"What say you?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Farron approaches Garyth and says quietly, "Thanks for your skills on the battlefield today. I was impressed with how well you handled all those halflings, especially considering what a surprise their attack was. Don't worry too much about your armor. I have a spell that should take care of that damage. I just need to study it a bit. I should be able to fix you up in the morning."
(OOC - Ty, please let me know if this spell is adequate for this purpose. If not, please disregard this post. I wrote you asking this before posting, but I'm leaving for the day and may not post again before Monday. Have a great weekend everyone!!)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id speaks up again. He enunciates each word clearly, speaking very slowly and it's evident that he is choosing his with extreme care.
"There is a difference between leadership and, cumbersomely, collective deference to the decisions of an individual. Our little group does not have a clear leader because we have two separate goals that happen to coincide. Rennik must track down Horan, and Garyth must end the threat to Overlook." He pauses. "As a result, we have looked to the two of you for initial decision-making. These quests are yours, and we are tag-alongs. I will be frank. Rennik, you are admirably single-minded in your pursuit, but this can lead you to act impulsively and even rashly, just as Garyth did today in battle. Both of you should have retreated, as you say." Another pause. "And we of course defer to your judgment here in the woods and in light of our quarry. But when we met Elise's group at the farmhouse, you should have deferred to Garyth, and did not. If we are to defer to you here, you must defer to Garyth when it is appropriate." Sa'id sighs. "It seems to me, then, that we ALL have lessons to learn now and in the coming days as we travel together. Mission, it is clear to me that you more than Rennik and Cadfael disapprove of my magics and those of Farron. I will not make excuses for my study of the necromantic arts, but I thank you for restraining these misgivings as admirably as you have." Sa'id rises, and pokes the fire with the end of his staff. "If we are to have a leader, and not simply shift our deference as appropriate, I think we must wait. I do not believe that we can choose one tonight, but I also do not believe that we can 'choose' one at all given our dual objectives." He sits back down, and Aldon slides out of his shirtsleeve and slithers off into the forest to find its own dinner.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
(OOC: As I'm writing this I've noticed a tendency I have for writing what's going on in Garyth's head, even though that's not readily available information to the rest of the party. Should I quit doing that, or does it count as good RP?)
Garyth flushes, hearing the harsh critique of his performance so far. This is not the first time he has received a stern dressing-down from one more experienced him. His father had despaired of ever getting Garyth to stop thinking about those ridiculous stories where the hero vanquishes hordes of screaming enemies and then dies valiantly to save his companions. Dying for Overlook would not accomplish his mission.
Of course, he says none of this, though the look of shame is readily apparent to anyone looking. When everyone has said their peace, he raises his eyes and looks at Rennik. "I have no excuses for my mistakes. My actions were hasty, and though it worked out in the end, I know I have never been closer to death. I thank you for helping me."
He turns to address everyone. "It is true, perhaps, that we have no formal leader. Each of us is here of his own volition, each desiring to help end a threat to our home, our tribe, or simply others in need. None of you is under my command. Still, I speak for Overlook."
He turns back to Rennik. "We must work together if we hope to overcome our foe. Master Rennik, I have thus far always heeded your counsel in matters of the wild. To do otherwise would be folly. Yet you, too, would be wise to remember that you need my help as surely as I need yours; indeed, each of us depends on the rest to ensure the success of this expedition, our very survival."
Finally, he replies to Farron. "Good sir, I thank you for your offer, but I would not wish you to waste any of your magic on me." He removes a small set of armorsmith's tools from his pack. "I have some skill with repair and the effort spent on the task will hopefully remind me not to be so hasty in the future."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Rennik looks up at Sa'id, digested his words for a moment, then responds very carefully, with more tact and forethought than he has previously shown the group. His words are calm, controlled. His voice is level.
"Forgive me, friend Sa'id, but my impressions of this group have changed somewhat this day. Yesterday I arrived in Overlook to find a scared people. The outlying farmers talked of atrocities, of abductions, of death. They wished someone would do something about it. None had yet stepped forth. It had been months."
"I walked into your town, spoke with your leaders. I called for men to join me to end this threat. Garyth was the first volunteer, and the rest of you after. I should have assumed that humans volunteering meant humans taking control. That is always the way."
"We went to the farm. I was not the one to speak out of place! But from the looks in your eyes, I learned. I was not one of you. I was a Halfling. A wildling. You did not volunteer to help me, after all. You quickly forgot why you came together, and the human arrogance shone through. I became your dog. Sniffing the trail ahead. To be watched."
"From that time, our quest has been a darkening path. At first it was a disappearance. It has grown each hour since, and my heart tells me it will grow still."
Rennik turns his eyes to Garyth, without anger, without malice. His words are those of one combatant to another, though they take the tone of a veteran speaking to a green recruit who has seen his first battle. "You are impressive with a blade, and I trust you at my back. You are right in that we all need each other, certainly now that the threat has grown. I am sure you learned a painful lesson today, and your armor finally shows the marks of hard use."
"From my count, you killed three with that sword of yours. Three. Of twelve. And you were wounded badly, and losing blood. Pride is costly, and I hope it was pierced and killed by a Halfling blade. From your words, it seems to have been."
Again, he turns to the group.
"My fear is that you all place too much weight on Garyth's words and thoughts. You are new to the wilds and look to him for answers, for guidance. Of course. He is a human with an insignia. Being human, you will look to him first. But training with a blade does not mean sense in the wild." And then, with a wry smile, "you should just as soon look to me for advice on keeping polite company."
"We came out with a purpose, to eliminate a threat. I believe we still hold that purpose. All tracks from the farm led east, as did Elise, the halflings, and Horan and his companion. Mt. Kessel is in the east, along with stories of the Murrkat tribe of vile savages. There is some "soul drinker" that has a hand in this, using evil magic and threatening more than just Overlook. All peoples of the island are at risk, if both farmers and Logi halflings have been abducted."
"Friend Sa'id, I am not so single-minded that I can't put aside my quest when there is greater need for my skills. I have followed Horan off and on for three years, and I will find him. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next year, but I will. The safety of my home, and your homes, is under threat from this new menace that can take the soul and kindness from a man's eyes. This threat must be stopped, or my quest means nothing. The black pillar does not yet fit in this puzzle, but my heart says we will find it at the base of Mt. Kessel."
Rennik looks tired, almost as if he has used too many words. He furrows his brow and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"The watch order sounds fine to me. We will leave tomorrow after Brother Cadfael has said his prayers."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
An addendum:
Rennik said it was going on for "months" when he meant "weeks"... sorry bout that.
Also, Mike, I think the internal monologue stuff is cool... cuz it gives us more of an impression of facial expressions, voice tone and body language. Words aren't the only way the characters communicate - I'm all for it. :)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
In the glow of the firepit, dancing shadows, Mission's boyish face seems to shift from a half-smiling youth, to an intense, battle trained warrior.
As the others speak their turn, he idly pokes at the fire pit, and catches an ember on the end of his staff. He flips it into the air and bounces it skillfully on his staff-- only when Sa'id speaks does he let the ember fall, and then he quickly pushes it back into the firepit.
He then smiles weakly at Sa'id. But a flicker passes behind his eyes-- and he remembers what it was like, bearing the weight of the mage's touch. He shudders, and says nothing to the mage.
Instead, he stands. "My watch has begun, so I'll be brief. I am devoted to each of you. We walk the Path together. Rennick is wise, and as he says, we are in his lands now. But there is more here at stake than his lands. Garyth's people are at risk. People come before vengeance."
He grins. "And there is a leggy dame." Mission spins the staff quickly in a wide circle, bounces it off the sole of one foot so it catapults, still spinning, up into the air. He catches it a moment before it smashes into the top of Cadfael's head. And he holds it there, straight and still, arm outstretched, one leg lifted directly behind him, paralell to the ground, like a dancer frozen in time.
He winks at the cleric. "I will watch out for all of you. Always."
And straightening himself, he takes up his watch.
Mission will prowl around the camp as silently as possible, keeping his ears open for any disturbances.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Night: The hunt; It's been a hell of a long day
Sa'id looks vaguely hurt at Rennik's words, but he restrains himself until Mission has finished.
"I, too, am foreign to this land, stalwart ranger. If the colour of my skin does not betray me, my accent surely does. Moreover, my chosen field of study is looked on with fear in many circles. I empathize with you more than you think, and I do not mean to belittle you with my words. Perhaps it is in fact my words that were improperly chosen, for neither this nor your own language are native to me, and I have had to learn both from nothing over the last several years. 'Leader,' 'sheikh' or 'sultan' in my own tongue, carries with it the assumption of unquestioned, unwavering loyalty from the followers. Thus my thought that it is premature to call anyone here 'leader.' But I agreed -- and still do -- that we must always defer to the judgment of whoever is in his element. Now it's you. I do trust your judgment in this, more so after today. That will not change." Sa'id crouches down by Rennik for a moment, and bows his head slightly. "I offer my humblest apologies. I am honoured to name you saaheb." ('Friend.')
Sa'id rises, and turns back to the fire. "Now, I must re-acquaint myself with my spellbook." He grins, then nestles his staff in the crook of his arm and begins to study.
(OOC: I also like the mental stuff, it's good to get more insight into your characters. Should we share histories too, or let that come out in the RP? I've written a couple thousand words' worth of stuff about Sa'id, and there's more to come ;)