The Old Tower, Spies in the Night
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Farron agrees and will move forward with the rest of the party as far as required.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: A Jungle Path; Bidding Manut goodbye
Garyth nods and steadies the weapons at his belt as he creeps forward.
From: Ty
Subject: A jungle path; crashing the party
The group moves forward quietly in the dark. It is slow going in the thick undergrowth, but the haste makes noise. After half an hour of slow creeping, Rennik gives a low whistle to signal the party to stop. He touches Mission lightly on one shoulder, and the two move toward the fire lit building.
The building is easy to spot now, glowing with the gentle yellow of reflected firelight. As they get closer, Rennik is able to spot the lines of light coming through cracks that Mission had seen. The building does indeed look like an ancient stone tower. It is undoubtedly the same building Manut was held prisoner in.
At about 50 feet from the tower, the vegetation grows thinner, and Rennik and Mission stop moving. They are close enough now to the light that they can dimly see each other. From the building itself, there comes the sound of singing and occasional laughter. It sounds like someone is having a party.
Rennik puts up one hand to tell Mission to stay, then begins to move forward, practically crawling on his belly to stay hidden [Move Silently roll 10; actual roll was a 1]. His hand comes down on a brittle branch, and he cringes as there is a crack. It probably wasn't that loud, but to his ears it sounds like a drum. He freezes, with Mission watching anxiously from 20 feet away. A second later, a form that is made black by the light behind it comes out of the tower. Rennik hugs the ground [Hide roll 26], and after a moment the figure unlaces its breeches and begins noisily urinating onto the tower. A mocking voice from inside claims that the sound is so light, the equipment that produces it can be no larger than a bit of straw. This sets off a barrage of laughter from inside, and a snort from the peeing man.
A few moments later the man laces up his pants, and returns inside the tower. The singing begins once again. Rennik uses the cover of the singing to move right up against on wall of the building and listen for a while [Listen 24]. He detects the sounds of at least four different men. They appear to be drinking heavily.
[Waiting on Rennik's next move]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Meanwhile, Farron sends Jack out to see what he can find out. He gives explicit instructions to stay out of Rennik's and Mission's way, but to skirt around behind the tower and report back immediately if there is anything dangerous or out of the ordinary the party should know about from that direction. Farron, for his part will relax and concentrate on Jack's progress, feeling for any signs of danger or alarm. (Empathic link)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Whatever Rennick decides, Mission will keep his crossbow ready.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Unfortunately, it is only *after* sending Jack out that Farron remembers the huge snakes the party recently saw. He attempts a whispered chatter to recall him and hopes that Jack is either *extra* careful, or that Jack will sense empathically Farron's panic and will return on his own. While he waits, he blushes silently in the dark because, although he can't see their faces in the shadows, he knows the others are bound to be glaring at him for breaking the silence even with a whisper.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Rennik hugs the building and gets a feel for it. It's roughly 50 feet high and 30 feet in diameter, though it has been badly damaged over time and is bordering on ruin. Looking up at the arrow slits, it seems as though they are from a second story that no longer has a floor, as light from the first floor flickers through them unblocked by floorboards.
Getting a better sense of the outside of the structure, he finds several holes that can be peered through, and a larger hole that leads to a back room. The hole would be a bit of a squeeze for him, and he is sure that the humans just wouldn't fit - though it comes to mind that Mission might be agile enough to squeeze his way through with a little effort.
Making note of the entranceway, Rennik will do his best to get an idea of what's going on inside the tower by peeking through the cracks in the stone - the smaller the crack, the better.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Rennik looks through several small cracks before finally finding one that opens onto the room with the fire. Unfortunately, it puts him on the other side of the tower from Mission, but it's too good an opportunity for spying to pass up.
Through the crack, Rennik sees what was probably the antechamber of the tower, once upon a time. In fact, from his position, he can see out through the front doorway. The door itself is missing, as is any sign of any of the wooden portions of this tower. It must be so old that all the wood has rotted away.
Inside the chamber, sitting on the rough stone floor, are four men. Rennik can't see enough of the room to see them all at once, but as they move around from time to time, he eventually sees them all. Two of the men are dressed in rough leather armor, and look enough alike to be brothers. They laugh at all the jokes, and drink their share of wine out of a leather skin that's getting passed around, but their hands never stray far from the short swords at their belts. They are directly in Rennik's line of sight, and they sit with their sides to the open doorway.
A larger man in clanking metal armor gets up at one point and moves through Rennik's field of view on his way outside to piss. He has a soldier type look to him. Thick forearms and big hands. A brawler. He wears inexpensive looking splint armor, and carries a wicked looking polearm with him when he goes outside.
The fourth man shows up only once, and is only briefly glimpsed from behind. He wears heavy robes of a drab gray color, and his hair is long and dark. He moves in front of the crack for just a second while laying out a bedroll, then disappears. A moment later, his bedroll expands as he apparently climbs into it. He drinks and laughs less than the others, and appears to be bedding down early. He is also probably the most important of the group, as he takes the best spot, furthest from the door. Once he beds down, the other three keep drinking, but their conversation grows quiet.
The conversation itself tells you nothing. These four men obviously know each other well, and they talk about women, and drinking, and past exploits with both, accompanied by many brags about their own performance and jests about the other's lack thereof.
They appear to be winding down, but you have no idea how much longer they will stay up.
[Waiting on Rennik]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Rennik will work his way back around the back side of the tower and work his way back toward Mission, as quietly as possible.
"There are four. Two in leather, one in splint mail, the last in robes. The two in leather are of little consequence it seems, young but accustomed to fighting. They may be kin to one another, brothers or cousins. Rangers perhaps, their hands always close to their swords. The man in splint mail is cautious, taking his polearm with him even to piss. He is the muscle of the group."
"It is the last that worries me. He wears robes around fighting men, and takes the best, most secure position for himself. He is powerful, but bears no weapon I could see, and does not join in the conversations. Spellweaver is my guess."
He pauses before continuing.
"These are not Elise's men. At least not those we saw at the farm. And Elise is nowhere about."
"The tower is a ruin, with cracks throughout to see through. We might be able to fire arrows through, but I wouldn't risk it. Aiming would be like shooting in the dark. There is an opening I can squeeze through in the back of the tower, though I can't be sure you'd fit - at least without getting stuck or making noise."
"Part of me wants to investigate the back room, but the experiences of the last two days make me feel that we should go back and tell the others what we've seen and decide what to do next. What say you?"
Crashing the Party
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"If these are not Elise's men, we can't be sure that they are even our enemies. Firing arrows into innocent men-- I do not think that would be wise, Rennick, dark or not," Mission says sharply. He hardly believes his ears-- the halfling was mulling over whether to attack these men right out, not knowing their intentions, their motivations, their characters.
"Yes, we should definitely talk with the others."
Mission will then stealthily make his way back to the others, not waiting for Rennick.
From: Ty
Subject: A jungle path; crashing the party
Farron has a few anxious moments before he hears a quiet rustle and chitter at his feet. Jack climbs up his leg and takes a perch on his shoulder where he explains that he didn't see any big snakes, but he could smell them everywhere, and it is probably wise that he stay here for a while.
After that, there is only quiet. It becomes difficult to tell the passing of time in this incredible blackness. It seems like it has been hours by the time Rennik gives his hooting all clear signal, and he and Mission return.
Rennik quietly describes the tower, and the four men he saw. Mission points out that there is no way to know who they are, or what their motives may be.
[Waiting for discussion, planning, or any moves you want to take. Everyone except Raja please check in before the next turn. Thanks :)]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Mission cocks his head toward the tower. "We don't know these men, whether they're with Leggy Dame, or with the Murrakat, or are brigands, or adventurers. Whatever we do, we should be cautious.
"I think that Garyth and Cadfael should try and speak to these men. As the most heavily armored of us, they should be able to bear the brunt of any melee better, should it come to that. If it comes to fighting, the wizards and I can cover Garyth and Cadfael with crossbow bolts and. . .magery." He swallows. "Rennick can try the hole in the wall-- if he can squeeze in, he can flank the men inside with his arrows and axe."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Farron briefly confers with Sa'id quietly, then to the group he says quietly, "Well, they don't sound like a hunting party, and I can't think of any *good" thing that would bring them out here. (Though anyone coming upon us right now might think the same thing.) Still I don't see how we can justify an attack on them before we know more.
"But we are with the group in whatever is decided".
With that he and Sa'id will wait to see what everyone else thinks.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Garyth nods. He whispers, "I can investigate, and having flanking cover would make me feel more comfortable. It's likely they'll hear us coming--I'm not the stealthiest of people--which will lose us any element of surprise. So we must be ready for action, perhaps without any warning." He looks at Rennik. "But we must also make sure not to get ahead of ourselves."
He glances at the tower again, and continues whispering. "Sa'id, Farron and Mission can take positions flanking the doorway, and Rennik can take the hole in the back. Cadfael and I will begin approaching the front door when Rennik is in position."
He looks at Cadfael. "Ready?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Cadfael nods in agreement. "I fear these men are not here on noble purpose, but you are right that we cannot take action until we know for sure. If we manage to get within crossbow striking distance I can pray to our Father for guidance. He will be able to tell me something of their intentions. If these men notice our approach, well, we shall just have to find a way to be diplomatic. Speaking of which, who speaks to the group, Brother? You or I? And what is our story?"
"Brother Rennik, before you head out it would seem prudent to offer you some protection. Sadly, I cannot offer you anything to turn attacks away, however," he smiles, "I do have something I think would be a little more your style. If you would have it, you may draw upon Pelor's might for several hours to come. Hopefully this will allow you to strike your enemies down with such force that they will not be able to raise a hand against you. Brother Garyth, I can offer you the same. Although, knowing that Pelor's healing causes you some pain I cannot promise that this will be any more pleasant for you."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"I know not their motives. I know not their names. They are men of battle and have made camp expecting attack. They use the castle keep, but I do not know if they were here at the same time as Elise."
"Still, they are dangerous men. We must be ready to kill them if need be, quickly and without reservation. Talk is good, but it is better when your friends have arrows at your enemies' backs."
"I know nothing of this back room which you would have me use. It could be a closet, a prison cell, or sleeping quarters for more men. Before we decide its value, I will need to scout it out."
He looks to Garyth and Cadfael, furrowing his brow a bit.
"It is true you will be heard. I suggest that Friend Mission and I sneak as close to the building as possible, with Friends Sa'id and Farron offering cover from the edge of the woods in view of the castle door. If the back room provides an opportunity, I will take that. The two of you should make no effort at stealth, and come to the keep looking for shelter and a warm fire - as if you had lost the trail. Then you may speak, and we may cover you unseen."
"Brother Cadfael, I accept the blessing of your god, and pray that Mielikki will also smile on you under the canopy of these trees."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
OODM: Final plan, guys?
So far I have:
Cadfael will cast bull's strength on Garyth and Rennik.
The group will move to the tower.
Sa'id and Farron will stay in the bushes 50 feet from the door.
Garyth and Cadfael will pretend to be travelers and will walk right up to the front.
Mission will stay with the mages and cover with his crossbow.
Rennik will scout out the hole leading into the back room.
Anything else I need to know before I write up the next turn?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Mission nods to Rennick. "I misunderstood-- I thought that the hole led directly into the tower. It would be best if you were to scout it out first. Perhaps we should wait for your signal again before having Garyth and Cadfael move into place?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
OOC: Nope
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"That is wise. You, Sa'id and Farron should take positions while I check the back room. When I am certain the room will suit our needs, I will make the same call as before. If it does not, I will retreat to the forest line with my bow and make the call then."
He turns to Garyth and Cadfael.
"When you hear the call, approach the tower," and then with a wry smile, "I'd tell you to talk and make noise, but you seem to handle that well on your own."
Before his jab sets in, he'll disappear into the forest again on his way back to the tower.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
The party moves cautiously to the edge of the tree line, then circles until the front doorway is in view. On this side of the clearing, it is about sixty feet to the tower. Garyth and Cadfael wait for their signal, while Mission kneels and holds his crossbow aimed at the entrance.
Sa'id and Farron stand behind them, and a little to the side, ready to cast spells if needed. Sa'id is curious about the clearing itself. The tower is obviously very old, and no one is keeping it up. Why do trees not grow closer? He inspects the ground around the tower as well as he can in the dim firelight, but sees nothing that would explain it.
Everyone settles in to wait for the signal.
Alarm, First Contact
Subject: Crashing the party
The waiting group hears a quiet hoot coming from the darkness to one side of the tower. It is the agreed upon signal for "proceed with the plan". Cadfael and Garyth look at each other once, then move forward toward the doorway.
Mission takes a deep breath, and focuses his vision down the length of his crossbow bolt. It is a 60 foot shot to the front doorway, an easy shot normally, but the uneven and dim light will make targets difficult to separate.
Sa'id and Farron move a few feet apart, to give each other room to cast if needed. Other than that, there is little they can do at this point.
As soon as he gives the signal, Rennik scoots back inside the tower and stands by the makeshift door gripping his axe. At the first sign of trouble, he will bash the door down and enter.
Cadfael and Garyth walk toward the tower, trying to look casual, but only get about 20 feet before there is a gentle but quite audible ringing sound coming from inside the tower. Behind them, Farron hits himself in the forehead with the heel of his hand and whispers to Sa'id, "Alarm. Rennik said there was a mage with them. He has cast alarm outside the tower. We should have thought of that. A simple detect magic cantrip would have seen it. Damn."
[Rennik is inside by the door, and can hear the ringing, though it is a very non threatening sort of ring, like a handbell. Cadfael and Garyth are about 20 feet from the treeline, and 40 feet from the tower. Mission, Sa'id and Farron heard the ringing, and are all still inside the treeline. Everyone check in, please, even if it is only a "I stare at the tower". Tom, I need your actions in a private email, please.]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Mission will stay focused and still. He hopes the mages will too.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Garyth pauses for a moment when he hears the bell begin to ring. But it changes nothing, he wasn't trying to be stealthy anyway. He continues walking toward the door.
OOC: Tom should be on the list as of a few days ago. Are you receiving doubles of this email, Tom?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Farron remains absolutely silent, though he does run his finger reassuringly across a small, perfectly straight and perfectly smooth rod of iron in his robe pocket.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Cadfael jumps slightly at the sound of the chimes and takes a moment to collect himself before carrying on toward the tower. The plan has not changed in the slightest.
"I suppose this means we don't have to knock, eh Garyth?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Btw guys. As I mentioned before, there is no actual door. Just an open doorway.
Just a reminder, in case it becomes important later.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
But in the next second, Farron thinks to himself that it's actually a good thing they didn't do anything to prevent the alarm. That would surely tip off any mage worth his salt that there were other mages about, effectively blowing their cover just a surely as if they walked right up to the door and said "Howdy!".
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party
Cadfael and Garyth pause only a moment when the alarm sounds. Trying to act as nonchalantly as possible, they continue towards the doorway. At about 15 feet away, the scene inside becomes clear. A large man in splint armor is standing inside the room, about ten feet back from the doorway. In one hand, with the butt resting against the floor, is an exceptional looking halberd. He has a blank expression on his square face.
Behind him, and a bit to one side, is a man in plain gray robes. He stands with one bare foot against the wall in what looks like a sort of awkward position, though he shows no sign of discomfort.
There is a tense moment as each of you looks at the other, waiting for someone to speak...
Meet the Gray Man, What Now?
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Garyth smiles easily. "Er, hello lads. The night's gotten a bit chilly and we hoped you'd have a bit of room to spare by your fire."
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party
The robed man raises a hand in a gesture of peace. "Greetings, travelers. I'm sorry that we cannot share this room with you, but we would be honored to provide you with any victuals you may need before sending you on your way again."
Almost at the same moment, Garyth says, "Er, hello lads. The night's gotten a bit chilly and we hoped you'd have a bit of room to spare by your fire."
There is another awkward pause?
[I am only waiting on moves from Mike, Dan, or Tom. So, I will be throwing out actions as they come in to me, even if it is one at a time. Play-By-Email in REAL TIME.]
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
"We would be pleased to share a meal with you Brother, the night is dark, our path has been long and I would not mind hearing a new story or two. If you would have us off than we will be off, but surely you don't mind sharing some of the good cheer that brought us here?"
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
"I appreciate the offer, but I think it's best that you moved on. You can't trust anyone around here, and the sooner we're ALL on our way, the better." He gestures to a small pile of gear. "Is there anything you're lacking? We can give you some jerky, hardtack, arrows, or wine, if stores are low. Where are you bound?"
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party
After Garyth finishes speaking, the man in gray seems to consider for a moment. Then he Gareth over carefully, and shakes his head. "I can't say that I wouldn't like the company normally, but we've already had more than our share of run-ins with bandits on this trip. You're welcome to any supplies we have in surplus, and we'd be happy to share maps and advice about the road -- depending on the direction you're heading -- but we've been burned before. We won't be taken in again."
Given the number of evil beings heading east, it is quite possible that these men have already run into one or more unsavory characters as they travel. Garyth nods, and gets ready to reply when Cadfael says, "We would be pleased to share a meal with you Brother, the night is dark, our path has been long and I would not mind hearing a new story or two. If you would have us off than we will be off, but surely you don't mind sharing some of the good cheer that brought us here?" [Diplomacy roll 28]
Cadfael's words are seasoned just right, but the man in gray is already shaking his head half way through his speech. "I appreciate the offer, but I think it's best that you moved on. You can't trust anyone around here, and the sooner we're ALL on our way, the better." He gestures to a small pile of gear. "Is there anything you're lacking? We can give you some jerky, hardtack, arrows, or wine, if stores are low. Where are you bound?"
It is clear that the party will not be welcomed into this tower.
[waiting on dan or mike]
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
"We'd hate to be a burden on you, and we are relatively well provisioned. We're headed inland, toward the mountain. And yourself?"
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
The man smiles. "We're actually headed deeper into the jungle, believe it or not, to pick some rare plants. The heady life of the intrepid adventurer, eh?" He laughs wryly, clearly expecting you to commiserate. "What sends you to the mountain?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
"We are not bound so much to the mountain as we are the other side. There seems to be a strange infection and affliction of the mind that has taken some of the Chorrdath Halfling tribe to the East of here. In their desperation many of their bravest warriors journeyed out across the land, looking for some who could offer aid. Their need must be great if it lead them to approach Father Belstaff in Nesalin. He bid me aid the Halfing and his tribe and so I left shortly thereafter. The Halfling apologized for not being able to guide us further but assured me that his home was easily found. While on my way to the jungle I paused in Overlook and asked if there was anyone who could aid in me in my journey through it, as that seemed the fastest way to reach my destination. Brother Garyth here was kind enough to volunteer, which brings us to where we are now."
"I am sorry for the trouble you have had with bandits, Brother. We have had the good fortune to encounter little on our way here. If any of your company are wounded I would be more than happy to tend to them before we are on our way. It is dark times when you feel you cannot trust a soul, Brother, allow me this act of kindness and perhaps your faith in your fellows will be restored?"
Cadfael finishes with a warm smile, waiting to see what is said in response.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party
Something about the way the man glances to the side as he describes going into the jungle for "rare plants" doesn't sit well with Cadfael, though there is no real reason to disbelieve him. When he finishes telling the gray man his tale, the man nods agreeably, if insincerely.
[where from here?]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
The man in gray says, "Again, thank you -- but no. Good luck on your quest, and stay alert out there; something seems to have riled up every evil creature for miles. Apparently that includes feral halflings. We haven't seen any of them ourselves, thank the gods."
He waves. "Keep safe."
Then he gives you an expression that clearly means, go away. The fighter takes one step forward, and without changing his expression at all, suddenly looks menacing.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
The fingers on Garyth's right hand twitch a bit as the fighter steps forward, but he doesn't move for his weapons. "No need for any excitement," he says, sizing up the man. "We'll be on our way. I hope you find what you seek."
He jerks his head back the way they came, "Let's go, Brother." He backs away a few steps before turning back the way he came.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
OOC: Ty, can any of us out in the bushes hear the conversation?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
Not really. You can hear bits of what Cadfael and Garyth are saying, but nothing of what those inside say.
Rennik can hear everything through his door.
From: Raja
Subject: Testing, testing...
I'm back now, and mostly recovered. Fortunately I appear to have done nothing noteworthy. :)
From: Ty
Subject: Testing, testing...
Didn't you get the email were Sa'id's long lost brother returns, but their happy reunion is shattered when it is discovered that Sa'id had been dating the girl his brother loved?
Oh, then their mother got cancer, and there was a wedding at which horrifying secrets were revealed.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party
I am just waiting on Dan to say whether Cadfael wants to walk away, or wants to try and parlay further, before I send the next turn.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party
"Peace be with you, Brother"
Cadfael will follow Garyth back toward the rest of the group.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; can't get past the bouncer
Cadfael and Garyth walk back to the tree line, and the rest of the party waiting there. Mission continues to cover the doorway with his crossbow, but asks what was said. Cadfael recounts the conversation, and his belief that the man was being dishonest in some way.
After a moment of silence, Farron says, "What now?"
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; what now?
There is a pause after Farron asks, "What now?"
Mission keeps his eye on the front door, and suddenly shadow fills the doorway. It looks like someone was moved up and is standing right in the doorway. He sees a glint of firelight on steel. It's probably the big fighter type that Rennik saw before. After a few moments, the shadow backs up.
"I think the big one is watching through the front door," he says.
From: Mike
Subject: Crashing the party; what now?
Garyth frowns. He whispers, "They know we're here, then." He thinks a moment. "As I see it we have two options: we can either back off for now, perhaps tracking them tomorrow, or we can go back and tell them our true purpose. The first would be safer now, but the second might be better in the end. If these are our enemies, we may yet have to fight them, in which case our odds look better when they have no one to reinforce them. And if they are not our enemies, they may have a similar purpose to our own. At the least we wouldn't have to worry about them following us."
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; what now?
Actually, as dark as it is out here, there would be no way someone in the tower doorway, with the firelight behind them, could see the party in the woods.
From: Scott
Subject: Crashing the party; what now?
Mission chews on his lip. "Cadfael-- you spoke of a blessing Pelor could grant you-- to be able to detect evil. That was how we discovered Anileth."
He holds his palms open and shrugs, "Perhaps now would be a good time to try again?"
The DM's Thoughts on Detect Evil
Subject: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Ok. We aren't sitting in a room together playing, so my usual diatribe on detect evil will have to be formalized into an email.
Here is why detect evil is of limited usefulness: Lots of people are evil. In fact, in my world, fully one quarter of the people you meet are going to be some degree of evil. In D&D terms, evil is basically selfishness. Once you are selfish enough that you will allow others to come to harm to feed your own needs, you are some degree of evil.
So, unless you are the high priestess to an evil god, and your evil is so strong that it flattens the priest who is detecting you, detect evil gives information of limited value. If Cadfael walked around with detect evil on all the time, he would be detecting evil all over the place. The greedy shopkeeper, the guy who beats his wife, the noble who over taxes, etc.
So, keep that in mind when you use it. An aura of evil does not equal sold his soul to kor garesh. At least not in this quest. :)
Now, back to the regularly scheduled program.
[I am still waiting on movess from the party outside before I can write up the next turn]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
"If Cadfael walked around with detect evil on all the time, he would be detecting evil all over the place."
As is often demonstrated by watching 5 minutes of any televangelist. :-)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Farron is just waiting on someone else to make a decision.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
[null vote]
:)
Raja
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Do I think I can get close enough to cast it without being noticed by the people in the tower? I know you're warning me that I might not get anything, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
The range is 60 feet. You would need to move out at least a little way into the clearing around the tower to detect anyone in the tower itself. The occupants could be as much at 10-15 back from the towers front wall. That means you might have to move that distance into the clearing before detecting anything.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The DM's thoughts on Detect Evil
Cadfael nods at mission. "Yes, this would seem to be the wisest thing to do."
He then walks off around to one side of the tower so he can cast his spell away from the prying eyes of whoever is blocking the doorway.