DM Ken E. Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:04:05 AM
Morning comes too soon after your exploits within the Citadel. The Rat-folk you discovered were fearsome creatures. Some of you witnessed the executions of the Rat-men, others purchased silvered weapons. Some did both. Perhaps that was enough to fend off dreams a-skitter with the scraping of tiny claws and the twitching of noses and long whiskers?
As the first of Double Fist crawls from their rack to the blaring tune of Reveille, you find that at some point the night watch had slipped a message under your barracks door.
"Double Fist has been ordered to muster with Constance Palance and Sgt. Trimmack in her office for debriefing in regards to the discovery of rodents found in the Citadel. A full report will be expected upon muster, detailing a chronological summary of the events leading up to the discovery, the combat tactics of the rodents, and a report from Double Fist concerning the further reaching implications of this infestation as well as potential measures to prevent re-infestation. Muster will take place at 0930."
Sense Motive: DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems fairly obvious that the message was drafted with the intent of keeping the existence of rat-men a secret from not directly involved with the whole affair.}
Knowledge Local/Profession Soldier: DC15
Highlight to display spoiler: {The final element of the report is curious. A low ranking recruit is never called upon for tactical advice or battlefield analysis. It seems strange someone as high ranking as Constance would ask for any opinions from basic squadsmen. Finally, as the Thumb, usually it would be Trimmacks duty to make such a report. Something tells you that you don't want to dissapoint!}
DM OOC: And so we begin! Anyone can deliver the report, or any group of anyones. When you guys have your report together feel free to head up to Palance's office and make your report! You're expected!
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=20 ; d20+1=2 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 12:38:09 PM
Sense Motive 20 Knowledge Local 2 Cameron wakes up and finds the note. No trip to the range and the edge of the woods this morning I guess thinks the halfling Ranger. He moves around the room, waking each of his fist mates and getting them on the road to being prepared. As they prepare he thinks about the note and what they should say. Finally he shares his thoughts with his friends. " OK, so we have to deliver this report ourselves. Normally I would think that was the Sergeant's job but since they were not in on the action due to how the contract was set up, it falls to us.( I didn't make the knowledge roll, but this seems pretty much a no brainer, feel free to delete that thought if it makes a difference) They seem to want this to be hush hush, what with the Citadel being invaded and all, so we should not speak of any of this with the other troopers. We also should not talk about the rats we helped Qualtime out with a few weeks ago since that contract had a 'keep your mouth shut' clause in it. Do you want me to deliver the report to the Captain or would one of you who found the secret door rather do it? Whoever speaks should be able to count on the rest of us to add any parts that are relevant and help out." ( by using aid another on the diplomacy check would probably be a good plan. I think I have the best diplomacy skill and most of us can roll the DC10 needed to boost the terrible die roll I will get) By this time Cameron is dressed in his armor, weapons and uniform, his sandy hair and beard neatly groomed, his monocle shiny and his kit packed in case a mission should follow directly on the heels of their report. He uses prestidigitation to make sure everyone's uniform is clean, with buttons shiny and all the right creases in all the right places.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... d20+7=13 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:04:23 PM
Sense Motive +7 = 13
Nikolai nods. "We need to present ourselves as organized and well prepared. As such, we need only one Speaker for the main report. We put our heads together and write down the main points and then our speaker, maybe Cameron here, can rehearse in front of us. That way we all know what is going into the report and we all agree upon it. Once that report is given, if there are other questions, we can individually add our own bits."
As an aside, Nikolai adds, "It seems logical that they'd want to keep this hush-hush, as there may be other investigations going on that might be jeopardized by the revelation that Sgt. Holdfast was a traitor. IF anyone of us does contract some disease form those rats, we'll need to come up with a plausible story other than the... er, truth. Sigh."
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) 2d6=8 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=9 ; d20+3=17 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:21:23 PM
Before they turn in the night before, carver would use his remaining 3 lay on hands to first heal himself the rest of the way, and then anyone else who needed it.
1 healing for 5 and 1 for 9 hit points available for whomever needs, fcfs.
In the morning he agrees with Niko, and agrees also that Cameron should do the talking. (aid another Diplo 17)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:29:28 PM
Bliss is nervous about having to deliver the report. But then Cam volunteers to be the talking. "Good idea, Cam!" he says. "You're a good person to tell the story. Don't forget the part where I found the secret door and slept a rat!"
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=32 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:47:12 PM
(Sense Motive 32)
"Yes. It does seem serious. Shady, we should all go." Suggests the cleric as he shifts more of his stuff to the Handy Haversack. "I keep forgetting we have this. These saddlebag chafe s'mpthing awful." He stuffs the saddlebags into the Haversack and then slings the sack over one shoulder before heading to debriefing.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:54:06 PM
Brushing her hair takes time, and Pru thinks about the report while she does it.
"They also want to know how to prevent such incidents in the future," she reminds her fist-mates. "It would be helpful to try to figure out how Sergeant Holdfast and the others came to be infected in the first place. If, for example, they fought were-rats and included that fact in their report, somebody really should have checked to see if they had been infected. If they fought were-rats and didn't include that fact in their report, there may be a need to double-check reports, or certain kinds of reports."
She agrees that Cameron should speak for the group. She finishes brushing her hair, braids it, grabs her gear, and is ready to go.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:02:47 PM
"Yup, I bet there HAVE been reports of the type, but maybe they've been buried or lost under bureaucracy."
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=9 ; d20+6=23 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:13:18 PM
Reveille pops Tinker out of his bunk and he goes through his normal morning exercises and stretches as the note is found and discussed. He's never been one to read into the motivations of others, but he knows enough local scuttlebutt to realize that tactical analysis from even uncommon troopers to an officer is nearly unheard of! "Sounds like a test to me, too," he ponders. "Had a crazy lockpick teacher who was always telling me to think like a lock. If I thought like a wererat, maybe Holdfast's Fist lost but he was captured and turned, and then able to return to the Citadel as a spy. The reports would say what Holdfast and his 'family' wanted them to say, right? The only way to tell would be timing to see if his Fist was late for a report or two."
As it is, the team is pretty much right that best foot forward was the right thing to do. Tinker dresses quickly, glad he cleaned all his gear, and only leaves his backpack, crossbow, and Ugrosh in the barracks. He tucks his dagger and sap in his belt just in case.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:45:33 PM
"Seems feesible.... I guess." Responding to Tinker.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:17:28 PM "Hmmm... Holdfast must have been on some patrol away from the Citadel and gone for a long time. Long enough to keep that report of fighting rats under wrap. I wonder how long he'd been that way? He may have been somewhere else and managed to get transferred here by his rat clan. Finding out where his last assigned location may give us a clue. But we may be over thinking all this. All the Citadel needs to do is have a permanent Detect Lycanthrope spell cast over the gate so anyone passing through it gets checked. And everyone has to pass through it at some point, I presume."
Nikolai looks extra sharp for the occasion. They didn't just come off the field. They've got no excuse to present themselves anything less than perfect.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20+2=7 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:50:51 PM
William, having visited the dispensary and had his illness cured, rolls out of bed, grumbling about the early hour and wishing for a bit more sleep... he needs to make a run to the supply office to buy some materials and silversheen so he can craft some items... But for now he has to make this darn report...
He reads the note, (Sense Motive 7) but can't discern much about what this all might mean....
He quickly says his morning prayers, dresses in his uniform, ensures he's ready and then reports to the office... He agrees with Cameron and Nikolai's plan too, as his friend is more of a polished speaker than he is... "Yes, we don't want to mention our earlier adventure, but I'd be curious to find out more of this rat group and who was behind much of this. I have a feeling that there might be more to this than just some smugglers..."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:00:24 PM @DM - None of my companions have "Spellbooks" that can really help william copy spells, so is there a mage's group or some NPC's nearby that he can trade some spells with? He's interested in maybe Web, Mirror Image, Glitterdust, Acid Arrow, Scorching Ray, Summon Swarm?
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:18:58 PM " What you are all saying about digging deeper has merit, but the Captain will want facts, and soon. We haven't the time to dig into Holdfast's past . The best I can do is provide a factual report and suggest a few things to look into to be sure this smuggling ring is really defeated. I think that will do nicely."
OOC What is the proper honorary for Captain Palance? Ma'am or Sir? I have been using Captain because I don't know. Also are our catacombs purchases available yet? If so Cameron is wearing his Quiver on his left hip, and his sword and shield on his back. They are soldiers and this is a military installation. I don't see any reason they wouldn't go armed at all times unless instructed not to. Imagine if he had been unarmed when those bears broke loose....
DM Ken E. Monday June 2nd, 2014 11:21:12 PM DM OOC:
@ William / Ken M.
I need to think a bit on your situation. While I will make certain to include spells as loot, especially from enemy wizards, for the mean time I'm going to have to have you go about it the old fashioned way .. buying a scroll at market price and then paying the material cost to scribe it into your spellbook.
@ Cameron / David F.
Feel free to continue on with Captain, though technically Knight Captain would be the complete honorific. Seeing as the Fist is an equal opportunity employer, Ma'am works just fine too.
Being as this is Fist headquarters, I just can't see lack of catacombs access. The Fist has a wizard or two in their employ who serve as Catacombs runners, and do so once a day. So for game play purpose, consider your purchases instant as soon as I review them. (Remember to send me the email with the SOLD memo.)
Lastly, it is expected that all Fist members maintain their arms and armor. It would be foolish to leave those masterwork weapons lying around in a barracks while you strut about in jammies getting milk and cookies from the galley. It is completely within the norm to always have weapons at hand and armor donned.
DM Ken E. Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 11:47:13 AM
The guards outside of the Knight Captains offices seem to have been expecting you. One of them raps his gauntlet on her wooden door, then falls back in ease.
"Enter!"
As you file in to Constance's office, you notice Sgt. Trimmack stands near his superiors desk at ease. They share a glance as you enter, and Palance speaks.
"Well met. You all look nice and clean, I appreciate you putting some effort into your appearance. It speaks highly of Sgt. Trammack. Too many of us look like thugs and vagabonds."
Her thoughts drift a moment, then she leans back in her chair.
"Report."
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=10 ; d20+6=7 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 12:52:00 PM
Cameron walks into the Knight captain's office and snaps to attention. When the order to report is given he gets down to business immediately, no superior he has met in the Mailed Fist like to be kept waiting. He takes a single, crisp parade ground stride forward from his rank and begins. " Yes Knight Commander!" " Yesterday, the period of R&R for of Double Fist ended and we were gathered and reporting to Sandor, Officer in Charge of Training. Bears to be used for the Fist's new Bear Calvery project broke loose and we managed to recapture most of them, killing only as many as were absolutely necessary. I add this point only to demonstrate that our Fist IS capable of using non lethal methods when necessary." "After this we were summoned to the Quartermaster's office where we met with yourself,Qualtime the quartermaster, Adjutant Berkshire and our two Sergeants. There we learned that the Quartermaster was under suspicion of betraying the Fist by disrupting the supply chain and leaving field units holding the bag in dangerous situations. The penalty for this crime was death. Quartermaster Qualtime then invoked her right to open a contract and named our Double Fist to investigate her case. We were given two days to do so." " We started inventorying the warehouse, checking the records, and making inquiries. We also requested the quartermaster, so that we could ask her some questions. We acquired the names and descriptions of her assistants in the quartermaster's office and began searching for them." "One, Calmine Everdeep, was found to be in the infirmary, sick from filth fever, a condition that can be the result of contact with, among other dirty things, wererats. At the time this escaped our knowledge, but after at least one of our own has been treated for it we now know. Had we known then we might have prepared differently for what was to come." "During the inventory, our sniper noticed a secret panel. Behind it was a tunnel, large enough to move freight, but a tight fit for the larger members of our unit. We followed it and found the second member of Qualtime's assistants, Sergeant Holdfast, painting over Mailed Fist emblems on freight and supervising its loading into wagons for transport. He was painting another emblem on the crates that may bear looking into." "After a quick discussion of tactics, we burst into the warehouse, identified ourselves as The Mailed Fist and demanded they surrender. With better than two too one odds we felt that would yield us breathing captives that could be questioned for answers to our case. Instead, Sergeant Holdfast said ' Courage my brothers, it is not the Mailed Fist, only those jumped up friends of Qualtmie. Kill them quickly!' They then transformed into half-rat, half-man creatures tried to do so. Giant, monstrous rats were called from the shadows by them and battle ensued. Thanks to the courage and faith of our Paladin, Carver and the out of the box thinking and training of the rest of our Fist we were able to overcome them." " The surviving rat men were interrogated and Qualtime was exonerated." For the first time in his report, Cameron pauses, possibly thinking better of the rest of what he has to say. So far this all seemed to be going SOOO WELl. Then he plunges on. " For the sake of completeness Knight Captain, The Honor Fist has several observations that do not directly pertain to the after incident report that I would like to give." "We feel that this may have only been the tip of the spear in this ring of thieves. Those boxes were going somewhere, to someone else. The emblem being painted over the mailed fist one may lead to more on that. Sergeant Holdfast did not become a wererat overnight, nor could an operation of this magnitude have been planned on the quick. They were caught because they wanted Qualtime out of the way, and one of theirs named as a replacement, to further the bleeding of the Fist dry. I think that everyone involved, especially Calmine Everdeep should be subjected to magical divination to determine if we have the wererat affliction. Further investigators in this case should be armed to handle wererats and their immunities to damage. Had our paladin not managed to Smite Sergeant Holdfast, we would most likely be dead since he could outlast the damage we could have done to him. In short the Honor Fist feels we have won a victory, but possibly started a war. More investigation should be done." "Thank you Ma'am" Cameron steps back a single, crisp parade ground step and is once again in the ranks of his friends. Diplomacy 10 Perform Oratory 7 (you should also be made aware that the die roller HATES me having skills, thus the 2 and 1 above. "sigh" I could talk the ears off a brass donkey and then I roll that, always)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 2:28:16 PM
Pru maintains a respectful, alert demeanor through out Cameron's report, and stands ready to answer any questions her superiors may have.
[Aid Another 16=success. Cameron gets +2 to his Diplomacy.]
[OOC: Some DMs require a character to speak in order to Aid Another on the Diplomacy check. If that's the case, let me know and Pru will say something. :) ]
DM OOC I would love to hear what Prudence has to say in order to aid Cameron!
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 3:14:57 PM
Previous to the report, Cameron remembers that he recieved something at the Yule that would make this report easier for him to deliver. He eyes the small tin warily, reading all the directions and then opens it and swallows all three of the small pills inside before giving his report.
SQUINKY'S SKILL PILLS TIN: A palm-sized tin with a twist-off cover; while the cover is in place, whatever is inside is protected from exposure to both air and water.
Inside the tin are 3 little round white pills. Swallowing a pill gives a +1 Luck Bonus to any one skill being attempted. The Luck Bonus will last until the PC makes any Skill check. Once whatever skill check is made--regardless of whether or not it succeeds--the effect of the pill(s) wears off immediately afterward. However, one can swallow up to THREE pills at one time to "stack" that effect
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 3:21:22 PM
The Pills will add +3 to Cameron's Diplomacy check (since he made that check first) Also, due to weight considerations, Cameron has ditched his small shield, he no longer uses a shield. Melee is overrated anyway 8)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+2=9 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 4:15:07 PM
Bliss listens to Cam give his report, trying to keep his jaw from falling open. Boy howdy, Cam sure does know how to talk the lingo!
The tiny halfling is really glad he shined his shoes and wore his dress uniform to this meeting.
There are only two things that he feels he might add. At first he is quiet, but then he remembers Cam asking everyone to help.
So Bliss pipes up: "Also, ma'am, I cast a sleep spell to out a rat to sleep! I saw they were coming in from the corners and such. I really think we should make sure there are no tunnels or warrens, and if there are, send in someone small like to hunt them all down."
OOC: Aid Another on the untrained Dip check: 9, sorry! He went on too much about his sleep spell.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 4:44:35 PM
"It may be useful to put together some information about lycanthropy," Pru adds. "Signs and symptoms, things to look for. If that information was widely disseminated throughout the Fist, troopers may be able to spot others who are hiding their symptoms. A lot of people would have been in contact with Sergeant Holdfast and the others, but nobody spotted their affliction."
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=12 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:26:06 PM
Carver when it's mentioned he faced the Sargent speaks up, "I'm more of a Calvary fighter, but when needed I can and do go one on one. I just got lucky facing that turncoat. And Ma'am, I do mean turncoat. He claimed something like, his new family was much more of a family to him than The Mailed Fist ever was. I honesty don't remember his exact words, I was a bit busy, and I was trying to distract him but yammering away at him while I was attacking with my sabre and hooves."
Aid another, Cam with Diplomacy: die roll 12
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=13 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:53:40 PM
Tinker stands in formation as Cameron reports, then the others try to support the report with various appendices. Prudence's talking about preventative training was brilliant, as was Carver providing more intelligence on the enemies' motivations. But what can Tinker contribute? He just doesn't know. Hmmm...
"There are many things we don't know either, ma'am. Was Sergeant Holdfast the ringleader or a middleman? Were the theivings based on opportunistic availability or based to interdict the Mailed Fist or based to intentionally supply someone else? And where is the waggon's destination? Each of these answers could assist the Mailed Fist."
Gruff but earnest, Tinker manages to finish his thought before being distracted by the ornate lock on a chest in the corner. I bet I could pick that, he thinks to himself. ....................
Aid Another: Cameron Diplomacy = 13 (wow, it worked!)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... d20=10 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 7:28:57 PM
Nikolai stands at attention through the report and pleased that Cameron held himself up pretty well. The report was concise and acurate. No need for a long story. So what could he add?
He tries not to look intimidated as he speaks. "We were fortunate in this case that the damage was limited to equipment and to some degree our honor. It could be someone poisoning our food suply or water next time. Testing for lycanthropy should be just one of our screening conditions. The Fists go out and fight many things, from Undead to who-knows-what. It is quite possible for those creatures called dopplegangers I've heard about infiltrate the Citadel also and no one the wiser. If all personel are required to pass through the gates upon entering the Citadel, that would be a good place to put up some magic device to screen for such shape changers."
Diplomacy d20= 10! slap a +2 on that Report! :)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 7:32:00 PM
OOC: fixing header. Also, Nikolai purchased a silvered kama and a cold iron kama but I did not go through the Catacombs for them since they are not 'magic' items.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=25 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 8:10:28 PM
Linden keeps his mouth shut as the debriefing takes place. He would only muddy anything mentioned.
(Sense Motive to gauge the Commander's attitude of the whole affair, 25)
OOC: Linden goes off to the Catacombs with Nik. (Catacombs to sell, not buy)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 9:03:20 PM
William, dressed at his best, nods at the appropriate times and does his best to support Cameron's excellent recount of their battle... "As my colleague said, ma'am, an investigation on this should be done as soon as possible, as we don't know how deep the infiltration runs. That symbol bears some future research too... As the newest and honor fist, we would be best suited to aid in this investigation. Of course we serve at your pleasure ma'am, and thank you for the opportunity to meet personally with you..."
When they are done, he'll head to the Catacombs to purchase several items...
(@DM, thanks and I'll pick up a few scrolls for scribing...)
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 4th, 2014 9:50:39 AM
Constance stands and paces the room, looking out her window at the recruits training below.
Very Good."
She turns to face you, her expression is a strange one. She gives Sgt. Trammack a knowing glance that can only be called .. smug?
"From this point forward, you are to forget about the Rat-men. I can assure you the situation is under investigation, but it will not involve you at this time. You are under orders to refer only to the whole affair as an encounter with dire rats and report any questioning specifically mentioning were-rats to me directly. All other parties involved have been given similar orders."
She moves back to her desk and sits down, and Sgt. Trammack speaks.
"We are investigating the matter still, but there's not much point devoting our most interesting ... and if your actions yesterday are any indication .. promising young Fist until we have more. Your report impressive, as I knew it would be. The symbol, their numbers, and whether this is a one time infestation needs to be investigated, as well as poring through Holdfasts old missions to search for any obvious signs of lycanthropy afoot."
Palance "harumphs" and Sgt. Trammack quickly adds..
"Assuming that the incident is not isolated and Holdfast was not at it's heart. He was turned by another lycanthrope somewhere to be sure, but a far reaching plot - is - unlikely."
Constance Palance looks at Sgt. Trimmack and nods, and presents him a parchment which he reads.
"From the desk of Pavilion Nuterius."
"Orders: Upon reciept of this missive, Wolf Regiment is hereby ordered to organise and mobilize a 3 Fist Squad, consisting of at least one ranged Fist element. This squad is to report to Hornfowl immediately."
"Contract Obligation: Squad is to defend the city from an imminent attack by a Warband of Gnolls. Contract does not extend to surrounding farmlands as population has reportedly abandoned such dwellings for safety."
"Intelligence: Warband is considered to be small and contain no pups or noncombatants. Initial scouting has produced reports of a marauding band of at least 18 males who raid from a den somewhere in the cursed swamp due south of Hornfowl. The Warband is well traveled, and has been active in various small raids around Hornfowls surrounding farms. Divine Spellcasters are confirmed."
Sgt. Trammack re-rolls the scroll and starts to hand it to Cameron, then changes his mind and gives it to Bliss.
"Double Fist will be working with Carren's Fist, a ranged component with some experience hunting Gnolls. Your Double fist will make up the rest of the 3 fist Squad and will report to Color Sergeant Carren Taggart. I will accompany you as an evaluation officer. I will offer no insight or orders. My mission is to observe you complete your mission and screen each of you individually for command potential."
Constance nods as Trammack finishes up. Then she speaks again.
"You are all now Lance Corporals, pending only a ceremony upon your return. Your actions have merited the promotion. Double Fist should have a Thumb from within it's own ranks. After one is elected, Trammack will either be assigned a new fist to instruct or be reassigned to another position. Meet with Color Sergeant Carren, who should be mustering in the training grounds now to leave within the next few hours. Any questions?"
Sense Motive DC 14: Highlight to display spoiler: {You suspect that Constance intends to squelch all public knowledge of the were-rats, especially when she feels it is an isolated incident. She is hoping that any further agents who might exist incriminate themselves with persistent questioning on the matter.}
Knowledge Local/Profession Soldier DC 13:Highlight to display spoiler: { It's fairly easy to surmise that this is likely a routine operation of The Fist. Experienced soldiers train recruits, and when they are ready to govern themselves, they move on to a new batch of green recruits. The fact that Trammak is going to evaluate you on this particular mission means that it is considered relatively safe, most Sergeants wouldn't throw their squad into the fire of command on a mission with a high chance of failure. }
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+8=21 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:48:28 AM
OOC: Sense Motive: 21
Bliss takes the scroll with the authorization and stands up a little straighter, clearly proud to have the honor of carrying it.
"Yes, Ma'am," he says, "Thank you, Ma'am."
"And, um, do the orders mean we wait at the town for an attack, defensive like, or does it mean we can seek out, hunt down, and defeat the raiders wherever we catch them, maybe even in their den? If it is the sitting around and waiting one, how long do we wait for?"
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:37:53 AM
Constance smiles.
"The orders don't say, young sniper. That judgement will fall to Color Sergeant Carren, who is an excellent soldier with a history of combating foul dog-men. I trust his judgement on the matter."
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=8 ; d20+1=10 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 1:57:10 PM
Sense Motive 8 Knowledge Local 10
Cameron reads nothing into the exchange. He would have to go look this up but is flabbergasted that new recruits could be promoted so fast. It felt good to be in a group that skilled but was scary at the same time. He is also glad he packed his gear so as to be able to be underway that much faster. Upon return to the barracks he adds the Masterwork Stirrups to his kit, since they will most likely be given mounts at least for the ride to the town. Maybe he could train a bit more in mounted archery. With the time he saved preparing, Cameron heads for the Quartermaster. As always he stops in the kitchen for her favorite drink and brings her one. He picks up 5 score small arrows, bundled for transport and 2 tanglefoot bags and 2 more alchemist fire, plus one antitoxin. He wants to be prepare for whatever they run into and to check and see that Qualtime is alright. He makes small talk but avoids talking about the contract if possible. He says nothing about the rat-men.
2 Tfoot bags 100gp, 2 A fire 40gp,1 anti T 50 gp, 100 arrows small 10 gp should be 200 gp, right?
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; d20+2=19 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:24:37 PM
Tinker nods, reading between the lines. "Don't talk about wererats and maybe any conspirators will come out of the woodwork wondering where they went." Tinker is clearly impressed with the thinking, almost if people were another lock that if you pick the tumblers to the right pattern, they open up just as easy!
As to the job, the dwarf has no thoughts. Color Sergeant Carren in charge, they must select their own Thumb and travel to Hornfowl.
Once dismissed, Tinker takes a quick trip to the Citadel's Library and pores over a map of Zarthmoor before getting back to the barracks and waiting for the Honor Fist to get together.
As usual, the dwarf doesn't start with any pleasantries, but goes right to the heart. "Hornfowl is a couple days beyond Cheerful Stay, but we don't have to go through the town to get to Hornfowl."
"Before we go, though, we need a Thumb, set up equipment, and requisition ponies to get there."
Tinker looks at Cameron. "I vote for Cameron as our Thumb. He talks good, thinks good, and likes to have a good field of view in combat anyways." ..............
Local Know - 11
Sense Motive - 19
DM OOC: Sorry if I wasn't clear. Part of this exercise is your evaluation. Trammack and Palance will be making the final call!
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:54:22 PM
Other than the appropriate "thank you, ma'am"s and "thank you, sergeant"s, Pru is silent during the briefing.
Back at the barracks, she says, "So, we're supposed to choose a Thumb? How do you want to do that?"
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:26:56 PM
Carver takes the dismissal from the commanders office and double checks his gear, finding it all in the ready, he waits for the others at the barracks, and then suggests, "We should all go together to report to Sargent Carren. We are a special formation, we should act like it, at least initially."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20=2 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:56:42 PM
At the mention of Wolf Regiment Nikolai's slightly pointy ears prick up. Would he get to meet his father? Probably not. The Wolf Regiment was large and probably only a small mounted contingent in charge of mounted pratrols would be present whereas the Double Fist with their 3rd partner would be the main defense. His father was probably untold miles away on some greater task.
Nikolai snaps to attention before leaving. Walking out he contemplates the term 'ranged component' when referring to Carren's Fist. If he didn't want to look hopelessly unprepared for onrushing gnolls, he'd better get something with better range than his shuriken. He heads on over to the Duty Shop.
He casually waves at Q and then heads directly to the crossbow shelves. Eyeing them critically, he finally picks out one that he belives will do the job, a Masterwork Light Crossbow. He nearly forgets to pick up a crossbow quiver and and 40 bolts, hoping 40 will be enough. He then picks up two extra sets of Caltrops.
Total cost: 335gp for the MW Xbow and 4gp for the bolts, Caltrops x2 is 2gp.
He's on his way out when Cameron enters. "Looky what I got!" he beams as he holds up his light crossbow.
Next it is a matter of packing for a long trip. WIth his backpack stuffed, he checks his bed again to make sure it is perfectly made up and makes sure his trunk is stowed underneath.
With an hour left, he asks if anyone wants to join him in the Last Assignment for a bite to eat before the long trip. While there he listens for any rumors, specifically pertaining to the rat incident, but also pays attention to any other rumors.
Diplomacy: 2 LOL
Nikolai joins his Double Fist, packed and ready at the Training Grounds 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:25:01 PM
William's intrigued by a good, straight up fight, which he much prefers to all the intrigue they've been dealing with... He asks, "Are there any locals that will are experienced defenders or will they essentially be non-combatants? Do we have any rules on collateral damage that might occur, and does the contract stipulate we'll be liable for damages to the town? Also, are there detailed maps of the area, especially where the enemy den may be located?"
He does have some business to finish in the local Catacombs, and hopes for time on the trip to do some crafting...
He stands a little taller when he hears of the promotion and looks forward to a new emblem on his sleeve. On the other hand, he has little desire to be in command of the Fist, as he prefers a support or controller role rather than a leader...
wartortle84@gmail.com, and cc Warren at wgayou@gmail.com. Thanks!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=19 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:08:51 PM
"Here."
Sense motive 19
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:55:06 PM
OOC Since Wolf regiment is based here in the Citadel we ARE part of Wolf Regiment already, right? Captain Palance sure is and so is our overall Field Marshall Neuterius. See, knowledge local is for chumps 8). You just have to mind the details of what people tell you. That said I will actually be taking some knowledge skills to get the class bonus to them, even though I can roll them untrained. Knowledge local seems to be one of the must haves for this game.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 12:23:34 AM DM OOC: Correct. You are a part of Wolf Regiment already. And David brings up a good point... knowledge skills are going to be a part of this campaign..
Knowledge Local: For the purpose of this campaign it runs parallel with Profession: Soldier. Goings on and what-abouts within the Citadel and the people in it as well as the running of the Fist will apply. Profession Soldier will allow the same information.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:20:14 AM
As gear is gathered and futures are discussed, a runner comes by to inform you that horses and ponies are available for you in the training grounds. He wishes you luck and goes about his business. A few of you try to recall what you may already have heard about Color Sergeant Carren and his Fist.
For starters, they are obviously ranged specialists. Your mission called for 1 Ranged Fist and 2 Regular Fists, whose place Double Fist is taking. That leaves Carrens Fist as the ranged element.
As you approach the training grounds, Carrens Fist is easy to spot. Already mounted, they laugh and joke with each other freely. All the men but one are humans with bows slung on their backs, the final is a handsome halfling in his mid 20's, who has a cherry-wood cross bow stuffed into a saddle-bag on his pony.
Carren is a muscular man with long brown hair, brown eyes, and green and brown dyed armor. He is easily recognized, both by his Color Sergeant insignia and by the way all his men circle around, intent on his every word and joke. His horse is a beautiful white mare with a dark brown mane whom he pats lovingly every few moments. One of his men points you out as you approach, and he turns and smiles. Even his teeth are perfect!
"Hello and well met, Double Fist! Are you ready to go and put down some mangy dogs? We certainly are! It's been far too long since Coconut and I had the chance to scatter some Gnolls!"
His words are light and merry, but you detect undertones of a deep dislike for the half-dog creatures.
"Let me introduce you to my Fist! First is Ser Brandon Moore. Though he may be tall and almost oafish, he comes of good farm stock, raised on the lands south of Ham City. Like all my men, he can string and shoot a bow as well as any other."
Brandon does indeed look young and clumsy, but seems generally pleased to have been mentioned at all. The uniform looks clumsy on him, and at a glance a few of his weapons seem neglected, with the exception of his bow.
"Next is the old fart Cobbleshot. He lived as a boring old cobbler for the longest time, until fate intervened and he joined the Fist! We didn't know what to do with him, old as he was, until we learned that even though he was too old to swing swords and could shoot just slightly worse than a 6 year old girl, he could craft an amazing bow. That bought his way into our beloved Mailed Fist. Thankfully, he's improved his archery to just north of tolerable!"
Cobbleshot appears to be in his early 40's. His head is shaved bald, but true to Carrens words, he does have a masterfully crafted long-bow strung behind his back. He grins at you all, a toothy and simple affair.
"Then there's Turley. He's a great shot, soft spoken, can hold his own in a tight quarters scrum, and he is my choice for replacement as Thumb when I eventually get reassigned. Say hello Turley!
Soft spoken indeed, Turley murmurs a quick "hello" before nudging his mare back behind the others. Though his hood his drawn, he seems to be sporting a big black eye.
"Last, we hav.."
The blond haired halfling makes a "phbtbt" sound, and cuts off his Thumb. (haha, that reads funny).
"Save it Carren! You talk too much to be a Ranger! Those Gnolls will be saved by your incessant chatter for sure! Anyways, I can introduce myself. I'm Anklebiter. Really, that's my name, it even says so on my enlistment papers!"
He takes a moment to examine your Fist. His eyes zero in on Bliss, and a twinkle shines bright in his mischievous blue eyes..
"I'm Carrens primary scout, and the sneakiest sneaky sneak in all of the Mailed Fist. If I have the pleasure of scouting with whomever Doublefist likes to put skull-dugging and sneaking about, I'll be sure to wear a bell so he can keep track of me."
He winks at Bliss, and makes a "bang, gotcha!" sign with fingers.
Laughing, Carren cuts back in.
"Well men, now that Sgt. Trammack is here, Carren points to the approaching Sergeant, "shall we be on our way? I feel our fortunes are bright! Look how they've already started, to be escorted by such a lovely young mage! If you are as powerful as you are pretty, those Gnolls don't have a chance!"
Know Local/Diplomacy(Gather information):
DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Carren is popular within the Fist and is considered to have a bright future in the outfit. He is a great soldier who has a high completion rate on his assignments.}
DC 13: Highlight to display spoiler: {Anklebiter is rumored to have joined the Fist to escape a jail sentence for theft and burglary in Zurthamoor. He hasn't had any known run-ins since enlisting. He seems to relish this lifestyle and has no plans of settling down or turning himself in.}
DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Turley is rumored to have a gambling problem, a frequently is seen running errands for Durvan Helmbane, whom is he rumored to have a large debt with. This sort of fraternization is strictly against Fist policy. Maybe something could be done to help him out of this situation?}
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:39:02 PM
Mookie squawks loudly when the halfling from the other fist insults Bliss. "Hey, big man, you stick out like a sea-serpent in a kiddie pool! Did you say 'sneak' or 'snake'?"
Bliss looks aghast, and says, "Mookie, please! Don't be so rude!"
The tiny size halfling walks over to Anklebiter, looks up at him, and sticks out his hand. "Hi Mister Biter. I'm Bliss. You know, I make myself sneakier by shrinking down to half size. I got a spell that lets me do it. I gotta recast it every couple minutes though because it don't last too long."
"Anyway, I'd be glad to cast it on you whenever you like. That way you'll be even sneakier than you are now!"
=====
OOC: Heading off to the Catacombs for a last minute shop.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=14 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:42:09 PM
Knowledge Local 14 Diplomacy 24 Cameron quickly shut his mouth and slapped a smile on his face. Even with formal training in how to speak and sway a crowd, he wasn't one for boasting. He hoped it was Carren's completion rate and not his boasting that had fastracked him for promotion. Cameron didn't want to have too "sell" himself every time there was a promotion available. He knew most of these men from local scuttlebutt and had learned some more by asking around on his way here. Calling them on their boastfulness and skill would only make enemies, and the Double Fist needed allies right now. " Well met!" " Bliss, watch yourself around this one. He is rumored to be sneakier than even you, though I can't tell because I can't see you most of the time." " My name is Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper. Raised and welcomed in the Steelshaper clan's halls as a brother. I do a bit of shooting on my own and will be more than happy to put down a few Gnolls with you guys. Let's get this show on the road shall we?" Cameron sets to getting his gear settled on his mount, and changing out the Fist riding gear for his own. He looks the pony over as he does so, making sure it is capable in combat, but can't tell much from his training. Handle Animal 5 to see what the animal is trained to do He does however try to get off on the right foot with the pony, talking softly to it and sneaking it an apple he snagged on his way through the mess hall. Diplomacy 25 to improve the animals attitude toward him (wild empathy) After they ride out, Cameron rides next to Turley. He tries to get a look at the shiner the trooper has and asks where it came from. Perception 15 Sense Motive 9 He also mentions that he knows Sergent Helmbane and has spoken with him at length on their past mission. He offers to give Turley some pointers on talking to the gruff Sergeant and a few more on how to improve his game so he doesn't lose too much. Profession Gambler 6 gambling pointers Diplomacy 12 Sgt Helmbane pointers
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:44:54 PM
Cameron looks around and can't find Bliss once he snuck off to the catacombs. " See what I mean. He's that good that his own Fist can't always find him."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+4=21 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 3:47:59 PM
Pru goes to the training grounds to pick out a horse for herself. She does her best to pick a horse that is calm and good-tempered, using what she learned on her parents' farm [Profession: Farmer 21].
Once her horse is saddled, she leads it over to where the other Fist has gathered. She listens to the introductions. Sergeant Carren, check. Moore, Cobbleshot, Turley, Anklebiter. Check.
Then, Look how they've already started, to be escorted by such a lovely young mage! If you are as powerful as you are pretty, those Gnolls don't have a chance!
"Yes," Pru says, "William is remarkably pretty. Though that's not the first thing most people notice about him. I'm Prudence Gundle."
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 5:12:25 PM DM Ken: Lol Kathy!
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 6:08:39 PM
OOC You tell 'em sister. It pays not to be the last to post in this game. 8)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=12 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 6:32:07 PM
Carver listens to the introductions, and then watches as Bliss vanishes quickly and shakes his head thinking, *I'd say that kid would be late to his own funeral, but he's already been dead once, and once is more than enough.* He steps forward, "I'm Carver, I do a little ranged, like just about every warrior does, but I'm more of a Calvary person for some unknown reason. It just comes naturally to me." As he turns around to fall back in line, he gives his fist mates a wink.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=17 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=26 Thursday June 5th, 2014 8:40:09 PM
Tinker finds a pony and straps some extra standard equipment on the beast. To the dwarf, a pony is just a tool that eats hay and messes the ground, so there isn't any need to try and get a better one. Tinker knows Color Sergeant Carron's reputation, as well as the rumors about Anklebiter and Turley, and he bristles at the easy-going dismissal of Prudence's abilities in favor of how she looks. As if that is all she is! His normal frown deepens and he gets ready to defend his Fist...
And Pru turns it around. Tinker still glowers but composes himself, hiding behind strict military discipline. "Trooper Torvalsson, called "Tinker", engineer. I can put things together or take 'em apart.". He lets the others talk as he broods in unapproving silence.
He also thinks and listens carefully to remember all he can about gnolls, their tactics, and weaknesses.
...................
Know Local 17, 22, 15 success on all three
Know Local: 26 "(Knowledge Local (legends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, customs, traditions, humanoids) You can use this skill to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities. In general, the DC of such a check equals 10 + the monster's CR."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Thursday June 5th, 2014 9:15:14 PM
The centaur snickers at Pru's statement, then gives a bit of a cat call, forgetting he is in the presence of command. "Wooo! Doood, William has a an admirer!"
The cleric straightens. "I serve Flower, my Fist and the public, in that order, usually. I'm a healer. I'm a Server."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20=8 ; d20+1=10 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:01:40 PM
OOC: I guess I didn't realize we were in the Wolf Regiment. I don't remember being assigned a regiment upon Graduation. But that works well for me. :)
Despite the scuttlebutt, Nikolai knows that whatever skills they may boast about means nothing until the test of battle. That they've completed several assignments only has meaning if one knows what they were. The Double Fist has completed three, all successful, if one were to count defending Cheerful Stay from undead, which was not an assignment in itself, but it might as well have been.
"Nikolai Komonov, I Serve the Fist. Glad to be in your Company," he smiles. Presumably gnolls are a tougher foe than Undead, so Nikolai figures much of the scuttlebutt must have merit.
Nikolai picks the pony that seems most cantankerous. Having grown up with horses, his dad an expert cavalryman, he didn't want to put anyone else on a difficult horse that they may not be able to handle. He works his way around the pony, talking to it and rubbing it before loading his spare gear into the saddle bags and mounting up.
Handle Animal = 8 Wild Empathy +1 = 10
Nikolai is ready to go.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20=9 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:25:00 PM
William smirks at Carren, knowing that the windbag is trying to get a rise out of him... With a smile, he retorts, "Well, I like women, but if I went the other way, you still wouldn't be man enough for me..."
(Diplomacy = 9 to get information...)
He looks at the others, and after getting up on his horse, with a friendly grin says, "I'm William and it's an honor to serve with you, and I'm eager to get rid of those verminous dogs too... I look forward to seeing you fill them up with arrows, and as you already were told by your leader, I'm the group's mage and specialize in summoning."
@DM Ken E - OOC - William would like to craft items as we travel, and the rules give some flexibility on how many hours you use each day. If we adventure, I can use 4 hours but only get credit for 2 since its during rests, etc. ON the other hand, if we have 4 hour blocks, I can get full credit. So I'll need a feel from you each day on how much time I get to craft, since there are several items I need.
Also, I'll be scribing 2 scrolls too into my book, both DC 17. Each take an hour, so let me know when I can do this too... Can I assume I did it in between meetings or do I need to note specifically when I do it...?
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:36:06 PM
Cameron sees Tinker's frustration and smiles when Pru deflects the Sergeant's jibe. with a few whispered words he casts Message on Tinker and whispers, " She knows we have her back. For now she has the upper hand on them, ribbing them right back and keeping us all friends. If they start to play rough we can always get involved, provided she doesn't light them on fire before we can do anything. Be at ease and we will weather this job too."
Message School transmutation [language-dependent]; Level bard 0, sorcerer/wizard 0, summoner 0, witch 0 CASTING Casting Time 1 standard action Components V, S, F (a piece of copper wire) EFFECT Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Targets one creature/level Duration 10 min./level Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.
DM Ken E. Friday June 6th, 2014 2:15:05 PM
The Double Fist carefully selects their horses for the most part, and each makes a few judgements on the overly familiar men of Carrens Fist. Tinker and Cameron have found a good deal of information on the men already and know that though they are a friendly sort, during missions they tend to be all business. Carren especially is brutally efficient.
[Metagame info, from Steve's Knowledge Local Check]
Carren laughs heartily at Pru's cunning redirection, and enjoys some good natured ribbing from his men.
"Haha, I do apologize. No insult was meant to any of you. It doesn't matter if Miss Grundle here was the prettiest woman in the whole Wold, if she didn't possess the skills necessary for the Mailed Fist, she wouldn't be here. I have no doubt all of you are highly capable, which is why I requested this years Honor Fist instead of two regular melee fists for this squad."
Carren nods to Sergeant Trammack.
"My wit has been bested twice in a short order by both of your magical specialists. I think I'm ready for the road!"
The Squad departs for Hornfowl, and following the main roads has little in the way of problems. The Fist is well known in this region, and most people avoid the band of clearly dangerous travelers by a large margin.
As you ride, Carren's Fist seem eager to make friends, even the hyper competitive Anklebiter, who runs his little mouth non-stop. (Only slightly more than Carren!)
Turley seems to take a liking to Cameron, after being offered some friendly advice on dealing with Helmbane.
"I'd like to just stop playing, to be honest. I got in deep one night and owed him a lot of money. Then I came back thinking I would play again to win some of it back. Now I'm in over my ears by about 250 gold pieces. That's a good amount of pay! I told Helmbane I couldn't afford it for awhile.. and well... I got stomped. I can't really report him, because I shouldn't have been gambling with a superior!"
Throughout the first few days of travel, Sgt. Trammack makes his way to each of you, sometimes on the road, something during camp. Once in awhile he is accompanied by Carren. During each visit, he asks you some pointed questions in regards to leadership or tactics. He is always sure to remind you there are no right or wrong answers.
To Bliss: You are in charge of a Ranged Fist in a sparsely defensible town. While no particular part of the town is more important than any other, orders from your dead Color Sergeant say you cannot abandon it altogether. You have an enemy specializing in powerful melee tactics with numbers similar to your own. Though you can hurt them, it's impossible to kill them all before they over-run your current position. How do you lead your Fist? What tactics do you use?
To Cameron: You are ordered to infiltrate an enemy camp and retrieve a battle map using any method available to you. The camp is a basic square layout, with soldiering tents in rows and a perimeter guarded along the outside. Your objective is in the middle. The entire Double Fist is at your command. How do you proceed?
To Carver: You are in charge of the Double Fist. Superior enemies are closing in on your position and you have manywounded allies, too many to carry and at best you can travel half-speed. Anyone who is left behind will perish, but if you all travel at your woundeds pace you will be over-run. What do you do?
To Tinker: You have been placed in charge of a Scout Fist, with a number of trap-makers and infiltrators at your disposal. A trap MUST be disarmed, and you quickly surmise that you are the only one capable of disarming it. However, even you have a strong chance of dying in the attempt. Do you take the chance of dying and leave your fist Thumbless with only recruits in the middle of an operation, or do you allow a novice to attempt the trap, and surely perish as he sets it off in the line of duty so that your Fist, Squad, and Company can succeed in their mission?
To Prudence: Your Fist has returned from a successful mission, mostly because of your spellcasting talents. Although another young mage in your command laid the deathblow to a staggered enemy, you are responsible for nearly all of his mortal wounds. Your Fistmates fail to recognize this and spread the word through camp that the young mage felled the enemy commander. Before he receives a commendation and promotion, your NCO asks you to confirm the story. Do you make sure YOUR efforts are recognized in order to help your own career or for the sake of truth, or do you let the young mage have his day?
To William: You are ordered to eradicate a lair of goblins and leave not one creature standing. Your Fist has some success, although one of your men perish in the attack. While clearing the caves, you find a score of goblin children. What do you do with them?
To Nikolai: Your Legion is engaged in a combat that is being evenly fought. You hear someone shout that an unknown force is in the distance but approaching quickly. If it is enemy forces, you will likely be surrounded. If it is allies, then simply holding fast will win the day! There is a quick path up a watch-tower that you could quickly maneuver, and you have a magic item that allows you to see great distances. You are the most talented warrior in your Fist, and if you leave to go scout your Fist will likely become overwhelmed by the enemy below. Do you risk your Fist for the good of the Legion?
Linden: Your fist has been assigned to a Squad and has been ordered to put down a rebellion in a merchant down. Upon arriving, you realize that many of the rebels are too thin and poorly armed. It's obvious the rebellion has come as the product of gross neglect by their local lords and rulers. You share the concerns with your Color Sergeant, but he dismisses them, telling you that the rebellion must be stopped, and orders followed. What do you do?
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 6th, 2014 2:57:38 PM
OOC Are we to answer these "in the open" or as DM only posts, though about 2/3 of us are DMs anyway.
DM Ken E. Friday June 6th, 2014 3:01:56 PM DM OOC: Right on out in the open. This is all being asked you as travel, so there's no privacy expected anyways. That said, don't answer anyone elses questions.=D
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=27 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 3:34:13 PM
OOC Heh I liked some of their questions better, but I expect we all think someone else's question is easier for us to answer. Cameron is seeking to prove that he is wise enough to see the flaws in the plan he is laying out and to prove that he has considered the plan enough t overcome those flaws. That confidence I would show with a diplomacy check to improve their opinion of his answer and thus make them "more favorable" to his arguments, thus the diplomacy check. IC Cameron squats down and quickly draws a map of the scenario described to him. He studies it quickly, feeling the pressure of time being a factor to his answer. Then he answers, " Given our current strengths and talents I would treat it similarly to our test during finals, with a few differences." "I would detach Tinker and Bliss to infiltrate from the North. I would then take the rest of the Fist and cause havoc at the southern end of the encampment where the troop tents are. A few flaming arrows, some of Pru's fire magic, one of William's summoned fire elementals or one of his Flaming Spheres and general ranged fire from the outside of their perimeter to draw most of their forces to us. Bliss then snipes the remaining northern defenders and he and Tinker infiltrate the command tent and retrieve the map. Dividing a force isn't always bad so long as it is thought out. Bliss can use his magics to keep us in touch via message spell and to make himself and Tinker more stealthy. Prudence and William can armor out lower armor folk and keep a steady stream of confusion going on at the southern end and Linden, Carver and I can keep the wounded alive and fighting to prolong the diversion. Should they charge us Nikolai, Carver and myself can meet that threat, while Pru's magic only gets more lethal as the range closes." "Problems with this tactic are 2 smaller forces instead of one larger unit. The possibility of a large, hard guardian over the map that Bliss and Tinker might not be able to overcome. Also the enemy commander may not commit all of his forces to the south, making it hard for Bliss to snipe all the northern targets down." "In answer to the difficulties I presented are these solutions. Given enough ammunition I think only the destruction of all cover in an area would allow a normal trooper to spot Bliss when sniping, meaning he could do so until he was out of ammo with relative impunity to clear the north side. A large hardened guardian would likely fall victim to one of Bliss's other talents, his magic to either confuse it or put it to sleep, plus Tinker is a hardier fighter than he looks to be. He has proven that several times over. And any commander that only committed some of his force to the south would soon lose that force to the main body of our force allowing for a more stand up fight to take the map from the south." Diplomacy 27
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Friday June 6th, 2014 4:43:01 PM "Now, need a question answered before I can answer yours..... Are all of my fist-mates available or are they among the wounded?"
DM OOC: Doubt first are the only Mailed Fist at your command, and the only personnel retreating and in danger.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Friday June 6th, 2014 6:35:14 PM
Are they the wounded? I understand they are part of the retreating. Just wondering because of the different skill sets each brings, so I know who can be used that's healthy.
DM OOC: You, Bliss, and Cameron are the only healthy members of the team.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Friday June 6th, 2014 6:40:20 PM
"First, Sir, I would start off," "Squad, dudes and dudettes! This is pathetic. Who is your Quarter Master in charge of food requisitions?! You need meat on those bones. Additionally, your weapons are real bummers. However, weapons aren't the most important things here. An army runs on good feet and full stomachs. Let's get each of you a full meal and a good set of boots and then we can worry about little things like weapons! Who here has practical military experience? Leadership history? Real weapons training? Martial Arts?"
"I knows my goals here have to be feeding these men, likely with Create Food and Water spells, but if I can get the Requisition officer to get off his tail and feed these men and women, then half my work is done. The other half can be covered via spiritual guidance and good old fashioned training."
Active Spells: Status (Bliss, 3 hours)
Linden's Stuff Cast: Bless, Status Used: 2 SacBond, 1 Chan
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday June 6th, 2014 9:53:22 PM
The Color Sergeant apologizes very nicely, then ruins the effect by calling her "Miss Gundle." Not Trooper Gundle, or Corporal Gundle, or even just Gundle--no, he chose a civilian title for her.
Pru sighs. Maybe he didn't mean anything by it.
When sergeant Trammack quizzes her, she replies, "Well, I certainly wouldn't confirm a version of events that wasn't true. At the same time, I don't think it would be a good idea to push to hard for all the credit. I'd probably make it clear that it was a team effort, but acknowledge that the young mage struck the final blow, and that he showed a lot of courage."
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Friday June 6th, 2014 10:13:28 PM To Bliss: You are in charge of a Ranged Fist in a sparsely defensible town. While no particular part of the town is more important than any other, orders from your dead Color Sergeant say you cannot abandon it altogether. You have an enemy specializing in powerful melee tactics with numbers similar to your own. Though you can hurt them, it's impossible to kill them all before they over-run your current position. How do you lead your Fist? What tactics do you use?
"Well, Mookie and I would fly around to see what was what. Then we would land, and put my archers on the edge of town away from the invaders. I would hide in the middle of town. My archers would shoot and then retreat fast. I would stay in town and snipe at the enemy until they were all dead. They would not be able to see me, so I would just fire until they either retreated or hid. But I'm a better hider, so I would sneak around and snipe them until they were all down."
"That's what I would do."
Mookie rolls his eyes.
"What?" says Bliss. "It would work!"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20+10=15 ; d10=3 ; d20=18 ; d20+10=12 ; d3=1 ; d20+10=18 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 10:17:25 PM
William listens to the other's questions and answers, and when it comes to his turn, he pauses to think and says, "Unless we're told to bring home prisoners or avoid killing young goblins or my orders say other wise, I'd order my men to exterminte the band, including their young. And to show them I'm not above that, I would be the first to strike... they're goblins and they're evil, and the young ones will grow to be evil adults..."
Before they head out or over a break or rest time, he'll scribe his two scrolls...
(For the first roll, 15, should have a +2 bonus to check since its a conjuration spell, so a 17 should be enough to work.) Trying to roll from my ipad and not working real well... ignore d10, d20, d3, (For the 2nd rone, that's also a conjuration spell so get +2 but in this case, need to use a hero point, and worked this time.)
@DM - William will also ask the rest of the group if he can man a short watch so he can try to get in 4 hours of crafting if they stop at any taverns or other buildings where he can get some serious work done... He's willing to only get 1/2 credit on his time...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Friday June 6th, 2014 11:29:33 PM
Nikolai does his chores as expected and treats his new Fist Mates amicably. At rest times and around the camp fire, he chats with them gets to know them better. They certainly are friendlier than the Minotaur Fist.
When Trimmack posses the scenario, Nikolai takes a moment to think about it then answers: "You did say 'You are the most talented warrior in your Fist'. That doesn't mean I'm the best scout. As the best Warrior, I serve the Fist better staying with them and sending the true designated scout up the watch tower with the magic item. Alternatively, in your scenario, I could send a wounded Trooper with the magic item that can at least walk and negotiate the path. Just because I have the magic item doesn't mean I can't delegate that task to someone else and let them use it. Unless, of course, the item is glued to me. If I can't hand the item over for a weaker member to scout out the new arrivals, then there's no point in me going. I can't return to a dead Fist with 'good news' and if it is bad news, my duty is to fight with my Fist until the last man standing."
Nikolai hopes this is what his father would do also.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday June 7th, 2014 12:44:58 PM
Tinker enjoys being on the road and travelling. He doesn't have a lot of opportunity to open any puzzles, but spends the time putting on one half of the manacles he keeps with him and then picking the lock to escape. It is hard, but if tries long enough and careful enough, he is able to do it. A couple of cast iron 'nail puzzles' keeps his fingers nimble, but the dwarf doesn't even have to think about them to open and close the simple things.
While riding, Tinker listens to the questions and responses of Sergeant Trimmack and his fistmates until it is his turn. The rogue thinks for a bit before answering. "I'd do the trap myself. Because I have the best chance at success, because I wouldn't tell a recruit to do what I wouldn't be able to do myself, because no one is not expendable. If I died, a recruit would step up and take command and continue the mission. That's how we are taught."
Tinker's face tells another story. And because I wouldn't be able to resist the challenge, is what he thinks.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Saturday June 7th, 2014 3:23:36 PM
Checking in.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Saturday June 7th, 2014 6:30:24 PM "Ok, that gives me an idea of what can and can not be done, give me a moment or two...." Carver then looks around thoughtfully and looks like he's making plans in his head as best as possible, after only a few seconds he nods and then looks back at the Sargent. "My first order would be to Bliss, Secret yourself and snipe, if any of them get within 100 feet of getting past you, retreat and set up again, try and keep their heads down, and delay them as long as you can. once they bypass you, return to base, report in and inform command of what happened, It is extremely important that command knows, so you will not try anything fool hardy, understand?" He then turns to Cam. "You need to keep our fist inspired and keep it moving towards our rally point, count on not enough time, just keep them going, I know you can inspire them to reach down deep and keep going to get to safety. I putting you in charge of getting the rest to safety. If Linden isn't too hurt, maybe he'll consent to carrying the worst of the injured, he is best able to move them, and if he's out of magic, that's probably the best he can do. Just convince them to help each other, that's your job as well. Bliss is going to assist myself in delaying the enemy, he will be going to HQ to report what happened here, if all else fails, we won't be forgotten." "Then I will look for the best place to do my hit and run tactics with lance and shield, hoping that between Bliss' sniping and my slash and dash attacks will slow down those following us if not outright make them decide it's not worth the cost of their lives to run my fist down and kill them all. Also, remember I can do a bit of self healing as well, to extend my usefulness with the slash and dash, as long as I have favorable terrain in which to spring my attacks from. The worst place for me would be open fields, no cover from which to avoid arrows and such as I'd be maneuvering to set up another attack. One way or another, at least most of my command should escape and survive." Carver, while not entirely satisfied with his options, but it's the best he can do with what is available.
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