Back at Shale House (DM SteveK) Monday May 18th, 2020 9:36:01 AM
Eisenhorn can stuff all magical items and weapons in his Haversack. The plate mail and shields are too bulky to get into the opening, and the boxes of items are just too many. The wizard is able to collect samples of Oarth at his bedroll and from Desdichado's sword.
For an exit strategy, some thoughts go around, but the majority all agree with spells to just get the Tide and Feist out and letting the Ruffians go. Besides, experience has told the Tide that throwing the smaller fish back eventually reaps rewards. Right? Coyote and the other Ruffians nod vigorously. They maintain their relaxed positions, canny enough to know that their fate is being decided, and wise enough to not push the heroes into doing something rash!
..............................
Eisenhorn is carrying everything in the Magical pile, Arms pile, and Writing pile. His Handy Haversack is full!
Using non-extra-dimensional spaces, the Tide can carry everything in the Valuables pile without worrying about encumbrance.
What's left on the ground is....
Armor (all medium sized) 6 plate armor 6 heavy steel shield
Other Mundane Goods Healer's kit 8 bedrolls 6 kits with backpack, 3 trail rations, flint, whetstone, and fishing line [2 cu ft each] 3 barrels of ale, 1 of wine [4 cu ft ea; 300pd ea], and a demi of cherry brandy [1 cu foot; 75pd] 1 box of perishable foods (veggies, roots, fresh meat) [4 cu foot; 20 pd] 4 crates of common goods (after assembling from various places in the room) [crate equals 8 cubic feet of space] - 1 crate of pieces of rope, sacks, and rags [100pds] - 1 crate of dozens of outfits [peasant, traveler, artisan, scholar] [50pds] - 1 crate of dozens of tools of various trades [farmer, miner, fisher, merchant, tailor, woodsman, beggar] [200pds] - 1 crate of common household items [eating ware, crockery, pots and pans, candleholders, candles, soap, and small ironmongery bits that used to be nails, latches, or knobs] [100pds]
(ooc: last chance to take some other stuff. If a PC takes stuff, need to identify how [extra-D space or encumbered], and how loaded [Medium or Heavy load] the PC is.)
............................
Then Eisenhorn does his inter-dimensional extravaganza! At the end, all of the Tide and Feist are safely back in the second-floor apartments of Shale House. Those Dimensional Doored have to carry whatever they are carry through Dirt City Above, from the alley just to the west of Cloak Town all the way to the South Pack neighborhood...
The Tide is home and with Feist... they have the initiative.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Monday May 18th, 2020 11:10:57 AM
" I understand the frustration Des. But in the situation we find ourselves in I don't really see how we can deliver justice to these men. And...well... technically speaking they haven't broken any laws. That I know of." Eisenhorn ponders for a moment "If anything we just murdered a bloke extrajudiciously in front of 8 witnesses. Well I say we, but in fact Hmerrin, although we are all acomplices really."
With that said Eisenhorn will go to the remaining prisoners and give each of them 50 GP, from his personal gold, while taking a lock of their hair. "Now remember boys if anyone asks tell them you don't remember much... evil wizard put some sort of spell on you...made you forget... I don't know something along those lines, I'm sure you can figure something out. And if your old buddy Oarth turns up anywhere do give us a call OK?" After thinking for a bit he hands Coyote an extra 50 GP. "This is for Tom...give it to his family or something." ( 300GP total)
Once back at Shale house Eisenhron will thoroughly search Feist to make sure that he isn't hiding any weapons or spell components/foci. (Take 20 on perception + 11 = 31). He will then tie-up and gag the sorcerer, making sure to double check the knots ask a couple of the other party members to double check them, and put him in the cages where they kept the three women they rescued which should be arcanely locked. Then he waits until everyone is back at the house so that they can interogate him.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 11 H
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday May 18th, 2020 1:16:18 PM
On the way out, Sarge snags the Healers Kit--to help replenish her own--and all the clothes, because you never know when a disguise might be handy. Especially in Dirt City.
"I think we should reimburse Eisenhorn out of the coin we found," she says, helping sort the loot. "Paying off those guys will help all of us, I think."
She's not very good at prisoner interrogation, so she is content to stay away from the cell for now.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Monday May 18th, 2020 4:32:26 PM
Sharpe takes a the demi of cherry brandy, if he is being teleported. "Could do with a tipple at the end of the day."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 103/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) BLIND Monday May 18th, 2020 6:47:51 PM
Hmerrin gives Eisenhorn a pained look. "Well, thanks so much for pointing that out."
The fighter was about to grab up the healer's kit, but Sarge is on it. Nothing else looks light enough to be worth bringing along.
Back at the house, he nods along with Sarge's recommendation. "Right, bribes for Coyote's crew come off the top before divvying the rest."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Monday May 18th, 2020 8:47:34 PM
"So," thinks Desdichado aloud, "we've got a dangerous mage in our house. Is there a way we can set up an anti-magic area or maybe guard him in one of those 'hidden dimension' houses Eisenhorn was talking about? We've got plenty of questions for him about these notes and the role he plays in the rakshasa's plans."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Monday May 18th, 2020 11:55:58 PM
Before they leave Toston asks Eisenhorne and Sharpe if they can contact Nissa and if she can get the gnomes over here to carry all the stuff the party can't physically carry.
"I don't know if you guys have the ability to cast sending or something but if we can get a message to Nissa maybe she can organize my followers to come over here and help us carry all the gear we are leaving behind. My fiance alone can create a floating disk capable of carrying 900 pounds which I believe should be able to handle the crates and armor or a couple of the barrels and the armor. My followers aren't really that strong so just having Nissa help would probably be the best bet. We could at least get all the armor and either all the crates or some of the barrels and some of the crates. We would just need to escort my fiance through the streets and back home but I mean if we all go back together minus Eisenhorne with Feist we should be able to put more than a fierce enough display so that people won't mess with us."
Toston's own haversack is only carrying 20 lbs so he rearranges things in his haversack to be able to carry: the box of perishable food (+20 lbs / +4 cubic feet) 4 heavy steel shields + 60 lbs ------------------------------------------ main pocket full
1 of the kits with backpack, 3 trail rations, flint, whetstone, and fishing line [2 cu ft each] ==================== remaining side pocket full
he takes the little things that only weighed .9525 pounds out of the haversack and carries them on his person
If the Tide can't arrange to have his gnome cohort and followers help get the rest of the gear back then Toson does the following:
Toston himself is only carrying 15.45 pounds plus the .9525 so he has 16.4025 pounds that he is carrying.
He can further carry 114.8475 pounds of gear and be heavily encumbered or he could drag up to 676.25 pounds of gear and he can cast from a scroll a floating disk that will last for 1 hour and hold up to 100 pounds so he carries 2 sets of plate armor himself (totalling 100 pounds) and adds 2 more sets of the plate armor to the floating disk.
(OOC: guys each set of full plate is worth 1500 gold; we shouldn't leave those behind if we can help it)
If he can get Nissa there she can create a floating disk capable of carrying 900 pounds for 9 hours which would allow them to get everything back except for the barrels of ale and wine or they could leave some of the crates and take some of the barrels.
If he can get her to at least meet them with her floating disk ability Toston de-encumbers himself putting the rest of his overage onto the 900 pound carrying disk so that he is only carrying up to a light load for himself.
(OOC: all the crates plus the plate mail and the shields weigh 790 pounds total so if we can get Nissa here we can plop all the stuff minus the barrels onto a floating disk and just escort her and the floating disk home)
An Offer at the Hideout, and then at Shale House (DM SteveK) Tuesday May 19th, 2020 11:01:26 AM Feist's Hideout
Sarge snags the Healers Kit, and the crate of clothes, because you never know when a disguise might be handy. Especially in Dirt City! That crate is fairly heavy, but her dwarf physique enables the former soldier to carry it without hindrance.
Sharpe staggers over to the Teleport with a demi of cherry brandy; the 75 pounds of barrel and liquid on top of his armor weapons and pack is a heavy load, but the archer is able to do it!
Toston suggests getting a Message to Nissa for the gnomes to grab all the rest of the stuff. TD clears his throat, and with a nod from Coyote, he continues. "I tawt no one not listed as a Cloak can get in dis area of the Sewers? Da Tide's been so good to us, you know, not kiwwing us or marching us off to Knives or Wolves (bowf of which would kiww us too)... How about we work wiff dis Nissa's Team to escort dem in to cowwect the rest of da stuff?"
Coyote looks at The Tide and offers a solution. "What if you let us keep our arms, armor, rucksacks, and bedrolls; and we work with Nissa's Team to get everything in the Hideout to your place? Everything we keep is more than 300gp coin, but more immediate use for us, and it is less than getting everything else to you eventually. And you'll need our Cloak access to get in and out of this area of the City Below before the scavengers grab everything. Deal?"
Shale House Eisenhorn searches Feist again at Shale House, checking his knots and then puts him in the Cage to stew in his juices for a while.
Desdichado sets up the next we've got a dangerous mage in our house. Is there a way we can set up an anti-magic area or maybe guard him in one of those 'hidden dimension' houses Eisenhorn was talking about? We've got plenty of questions for him about these notes and the role he plays in the rakshasa's plans."
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Tuesday May 19th, 2020 11:43:00 AM
Agreeing with Desdichado, Sharpe suggests an around the clock watch. "He didn't teleport away so I would guess he cant, still if she does get away we are gunna have a much harder time with the slavers. We also need a long term plan for him."
"I can take first the early hours?"
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Tuesday May 19th, 2020 1:11:29 PM
"I can make an extradimensional space, but there would be nothing stoping him from leaving it. As for negating magic completely that is some pretty powerful stuff. I can't cast any spells that could do it. But will do some research to see if there is anything I can do. In the meantime, I've searched him for any components or spellcasting foci and he doesn't seem to have any. As long as we can make sure he can't move his arms or speak we should be fine. As far as I'm aware only the most powerful of mages would be able to cast a spell without either moving their hands or speaking."
Eisenhorn considers for a moment " Alternatively I can summon a sucubus and command it to dominate his mind and force him to stay here... or do other things to make him stay... but I feel that this may be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Although, I did promise him I'd feed his soul to demons if I had to dispel all of his tricks and he did not come out. So is it fair to break my promise?" realizing he's drifted off topic and is ranting. "what were we talking about? Ah yes... with a watch to make sure that he isn't trying anything and if we restrain and gag him properly we should be fine."
Eisenhorn will then take out and distribute the loot gathered in his Haversack. FInally taking out the note:
"On the back side is a map showing Dirt City, Blanc de Forest, and the hills northwest of Dirt City. There is an “X” at a symbol of five Rowan trees in a row on a flat hill in the forest near the hills. On the front are words: “Farm Drop Off” “Remember: Every eight days with groups of 12" 1.Mister Crowman (this line has eight hashmarks and is crossed out) 2.Chieftain Greenspur (this line has eight hashmarks and is crossed out) 3. Sister Hartblack (this line has five hashmarks and is NOT crossed out) 4. Sheriff Miser 5. Lady Feaster
"So should we ask our friend there what this means?"
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 11 H
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 103/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) BLIND Tuesday May 19th, 2020 7:04:19 PM
Coyote lays out a plan, and Hmerrin looks over at Toston. "Sounds like a good idea to me," he tells the gnome.
Back at the House, his expression changes to alarm as Eisenhorne runs through some options. "Let's not be summoning any succubuses, if you don't mind."
"And yes, let's do ask Feist some questions"
Hmerrin wants to know what the map means. He's also real interested in why Feist and Friends decided to take out the Tide in the first place.
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Tuesday May 19th, 2020 8:04:09 PM
"I'll take second watch tonight." Gaffer offers, "Do we assume we, or Feist, need to meet someone three days from now?"
"And I'll grab some of Fiests hair incase they do teleport away!"
Less comfortable doing this than he might have thought, Gaffer cuts a lock of fiests hair from the back of his head whispering, "Sorry, it will grow back" as he does.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday May 19th, 2020 8:34:11 PM
Desdichado stays in with the watches for several hours, keeping his eyes on Fiest. The normally happy-go-lucky paladin sits seriously with a furrowed brow in the back of the room. He doesn't speak to Fiest, he's too angry. But he's also curious for the answer to Hmerrin's question about why the Tide was targeted, and why Fiest's and his goons have caused so much hurt for so many people.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday May 19th, 2020 10:34:06 PM
"Yeah, I think we need a 'no demons' rule," Sarge says. She looks around. "So...it looks like we're all busy not interrogating Fiest. I guess nobody feels like they'd be any good at it. But somebody's gotta do it. So who's it gonna be?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Tuesday May 19th, 2020 11:47:20 PM
Before leaving... Toston says to the thugs, "You have yourself a deal but if anything happens to my fiance or followers I will hunt you down and reduce you to cinders. I have multiple means of fire at my disposal, pray do not make me use them." (OOC: So we got everything aside from the packs, full plate and shields?)
Back at base... Toston says, "I'm not really much of a summoner acide from orbs and missiles of acid, which I imagine are a lot easier to produce than demons but if I understand the way the spell works anything that is summoned has to obey the orders given, correct? Demons may be unsavory but if Eisenhorn is specific in the wording he gives said summon demon it shouldn't betray us right? I mean he could always summon archons, or inevitables or some other outsider but if one of the bonuses of being a blood witch is the ability to skirt certain rules the rest of us have to play by why not embrace it? We are in Dirt City and it seems like we need all the competive edges we can get. Maybe after we've established a better Dirt City for all we can ban demon summoning for everyone if enough people insist though honestly bans don't work."
Toston says to his friends and away from Feist, "Well my proclivities as a sorcerer do give me a certain personallity and force of will but unfortunately I haven't spent any time sharpening my social skills. I could always fly Feist up really high and threaten to drop him if he doesn't anwer our questions but that seems a little extreme at this point in time no? I don't suppose anyone could charm him or read his thoughts or we have a circle of truth spell handy we could just put him in to get the answers we want. At some point if I keep advancing with the WLA I'll be able to cast atonement but I'm not there yet."
Hideout Resolution, and ... (DM SteveK) Wednesday May 20th, 2020 7:28:30 AM Hideout Resolution
Hmerrin thinks Coyote has a good plan, but defers to Toston.
Toston agrees, and then establishes Nissa's bona fides and that Toston would find the Ruffians irksome and would then have to remove their spines.
The Ruffians may not be the most noble of people, but they know the price of failure, and fall over themselves with both promises now and results later. Nissa and the cousins have no problems with the Ruffians and within a day, everything from the Hideout (except for the Ruffians personal arms, armor, bedrolls, and backpacks) is at Shale House. What is delivered to the Tide includes all of Tom's equipment (1 plate armor, 1 heavy steel shield, 1 longsword, 1 shortbow, 1 dagger, 1 bedroll, 1 backpack with stuff).
What to Do With Feist
Sharpe suggests an around the clock watch, and Gaffer and Desdichado agrees.
Eisenhorn feels that the best the Tide can do is keeping any spell components out of his hands (Feist didn't have any on his person, and never used any when casting spells that the Tide saw), and to keep him gagged and bound (Feist always used verbal and somatic components that the Tide saw). He suggests a Succubus,
Hmerrin is alarmed about even talk about summoning a demon. Sarge agrees. "We need a 'no demons' rule!" Toston is more... flexible. Gaffer, Sharpe, and especially the Paladin Desdichado doesn't weigh in yet. (ooc: Using a Summon/Call spell to bring in any evil being makes that spell an Evil spell. All PCs must be Good. The DMs will allow to let things play out for now, but will quote from "Momma Mia": 'boys who play with fire get their fingers burned' )
Then Sarge talks about the elephant in the room. Everyone seems to be very busy NOT talking to Feist. The Tide captured him and brought him to Shale House... now what?
Toston thinks extreme threats won't be as effective since they already have Feist here. Maybe Charms or other truth telling?
Loot and Map
Loot is distributed, and then attention turns to the Note...
Gaffer offers the note may meant there is a meeting in 3 days.
NOTE "On the back side is a map showing Dirt City, Blanc de Forest, and the hills northwest of Dirt City. There is an “X” at a symbol of five Rowan trees in a row on a flat hill in the forest near the hills. On the front are words: “Farm Drop Off” “Remember: Every eight days with groups of 12" 1.Mister Crowman (this line has eight hashmarks and is crossed out) 2.Chieftain Greenspur (this line has eight hashmarks and is crossed out) 3. Sister Hartblack (this line has five hashmarks and is NOT crossed out) 4. Sheriff Miser 5. Lady Feaster
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Wednesday May 20th, 2020 1:15:39 PM
Sharpe starts to put together a list of questions they need answering before they interrogate Feist.
Ok assuming we have him handled, what do we need from him:- 1. Details of the slaving operation. a. who is in charge? b. how does it work? c. who are the buyers and sellers? d how far does it reach? e. what is his role? f. Is it for money or another purpose?
2. The map. a what is the farm? b what kind of security is there? c. who are each of the people? d. What do the hashmarks mean?
Finally we should talk about what we are going to do with him after all this.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Wednesday May 20th, 2020 2:34:40 PM
(OOC: Oh, Desdichado plans on talking with Eisenhorn about the demon summoning, just not in front of the enemy!)
Desdichado stands up and addresses the Tide, but keeps his eyes on Feist, his contempt for the mage clearly visible.
“We need information from Feist, huh? Well, I try to be empathetic, even with our enemies. But here’s the thing: I think we’ve been wrong about Feist. You see, we’ve severely overestimated him. We’d just come from that fight with the rakshasa – those were some formidable enemies, and a slog of a fight. So, when we learned they were doing business with Feist, we all assumed he’d be just as tough.”
“But look at what happened – he’s being guarded by a few rung grunts trying to make a life on the streets of a hard city. Certainly not a group that’s going to be able to stand up against a determined, experienced enemy. And what’s the first thing Feist does? He runs away and hides. Hides! He put up no fight at all, except to throw a handful of sparkles at us. He let those boys do his fighting – and dying – for him. Even Oarth – who at least had the decency to ATTACK us – put up more effort than Feist.”
He then addresses Feist directly. “So Feist, if you want to give us some information and have just one moment of your life that spent helping people and not just tearing down everything around you, now’s the time to answer a couple of questions. You can answer them, or not. You’re probably going to be killed either way – either by us or by whoever we might decide to turn you over to. So, how about it?”
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 103/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) BLIND Wednesday May 20th, 2020 6:30:02 PM
Hmerrin helpfully pulls Feist's gag down, so that the half-elf can answer Sharpe and Dez.
"And also," he adds sweetly. "Why'd you attack us?"
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Wednesday May 20th, 2020 8:50:31 PM
Gaffer leaves the others to the interrogation, impressed with Des' opener, he's confident they'll get what they need.
He'll look over the map and try to figure out (taking 20 in the relevent skill if he can) how long it would take for the Tide to make their way there.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 d20+3=21 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2020 10:04:06 PM
Toston makes sure to spend a little bit of time with Nissa when she arrives with the cousins, the servants and the warriors with all the loot in tow.
He examines the map to see if it looks like the farm is anywhere near a water way. Perhaps if it is he could try to sail them there and whoever uses it might not expect an attack from the water.
While Des is opening the interrogations Toston starts arranging some targets and fires off some acid orbs at them. He calls out to Des, "If he doesn't answer you, can I use him for target practice?" (Bluff: 21)
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) d20+1=7 ; Thursday May 21st, 2020 1:10:38 AM
Sarge tries to help. “I’d tell him if I were you,” she says. You know how paladins get.”
She is less than persuasive, however. [Attempt to Aid Another; fail with a 7.]
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Thursday May 21st, 2020 5:53:50 AM
Eisenhorn listens to the party's concerns regarding the summoned creatures. " I understand your concerns, however I would never summon such creatures if I for a second believed that I am not in full control! I more than anyone understand how dangerous summoning can be... even when the creatures are not inherently evil. I have spent my life studying the art! Perfecting it! And have not summoned powerful creatures thus far precisely because I understand the dangers. But our fight with the Rakshasa showed me that we need all the help we can get. That demon managed to subdue Oarth bloodlessly, would we have been able to do so without it!?" He looks arond the room and considers. "Perhaps... I don't know." Eisenhorn sits down and sighs, " Look... I can't sit here and say with a straight face that there are no dangers involved in doing this. And I can see that most of you feel that the risks are just not worth it. So I won't resort to summoning again.. I'll...I'll try to find another way to help."
With that Eisenhorn calls Shifty and goes to find a secluded place to consider recent events and the path ahead.
The Interrogation of Feist (DM SteveK) Thursday May 21st, 2020 9:12:36 AM
A sidled conversation begins with the use of Esinhorn’s summoning spell during combat. The Wizard defends himself against Sarge and Hmerrin by saying that spells are a tool, and he used the spell in a good way. His inner conscious, however, feels like he dipped his hands into a cesspool and it hasn’t washed away.
The interrogation begins, the heroes giving many reasons to provide the answers the Tide seeks. At first Feist sneers at the group, his anger at capture still evident. “You imbeciles! Everything right in front of you and you let the handlers go! You know nothing Jo... Toston. Yes I know your names. We hunted you quite deliberately, didn’t we? Killed many friends, I’d wager? They screamed so pitifully...” As the interrogation continues, the Sorcerer becomes frightened, but not by the Tide! “You will only kill me, they will do worse, so much worse. “ By the end, the man seems resigned to death. “I’ve already failed them twice. Not killing you and you getting the map. Maybe they’ll just kill me quickly Instead of torture or worse.”
Never does Feist answer any questions. Diplomacy, Intimidation, and Bluff all fail. It is obvious that he is more frightened about something else than anything the Tide can do.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] d20=1 ; Thursday May 21st, 2020 10:57:11 AM
Once Eisenhorn hears how the interrogation is going he will try a different approach.
"What if I offered you a way out? Tell us what we need to know and I can have you a 1,000 miles from Dirt City right now. If you give me till tomorrow I can stretch that to 5,000 miles give or take. A man of your talent should be able to manage from there, disappear ... start a new life? Surely it beats staying here and what? Waiting to die? Potentially get tortured to death? Maybe over and over again? Depending on how powerful your overlords are. " (Diplomacy Roll: 1 - 1 = 0) (OC: Well... I tried.)
Toston says, "The wizard is right. He can get you far away from here with relative ease. If you don't trust him then Nissa can though her range is limited to 900 miles. If I were in your shoes and I had my tricks I'd let Eisenhorne send me packing far away and then employ them to make myself scarce from those who would do worse than death to me. You can be our guest overnight in order to allow Eisenhorn to get the spell that will send you 5,000 miles away, answering our questions of course first. For tonight at least if they wanted to do anything to you they'd have to get through us and then afterwards you would have a 5,000 miles head start on them. That's got to be worth something."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday May 21st, 2020 11:38:53 PM
Desdichado stares angrily at Feist.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) d20+1=5 ; Friday May 22nd, 2020 1:29:13 AM
“We could probably see our way clear to give you a little starting capital,” Sarge adds. “Starting over ain’t cheap.”
Sarge tries to sound friendly, but fails. [Diplomacy 5]
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Friday May 22nd, 2020 4:35:23 AM
Gaffer pores himself a glass of whiskey, looking at the almost empty bottle, as he pours over the map.
The Interrogation of Feist (DM SteveK) Friday May 22nd, 2020 8:23:55 AM
Eisenhorn tries a different approach, backed by Toston and Sarge. As bad as all three are at Diplomacy, the bare-bones offer of even a chance breaks through Feist's morose. "Terrafin was the leader of our group and had dealings with Ralinsir to kidnap people who wouldn't be missed. Terrafin also got the job to take you out, but he and Death Walker were killed in the attack. I don't know where Sharoke, the cleric, went; he was only a part of our group for the hit. After the hit, Oarth'kg and I got back to Ralinsir and told him what happened and we were out. Then he showed us who he truly was: a Rakshasa!"
Feist actually shudders. "We came back to our hideout, and recruited Coyote's Ruffians to continue Terrafin's contract with Ralinsir. We would kidnap 12 people every 8 days and take them to a hidden Farm outside of Dirt City by using the map. Each time, we rope the captives together and take them to the Main Barn, give a different password each time to the guards there. They give us money and a box of fresh food, and we leave. That’s it."
When a hero mentions that Ralinsir is dead, Feist only gives a helpless, near-hysterical laugh. "12 people every 8 days. You think Ralinsir worked all this alone? He couldn't eat them all himself! And they are shapeshifters: anyone may be a Rakshasa and you won't know it until their teeth are in your throat! OK, I told you everything. Please get me out of here. I don't want any money or anything, just as far as you can. Can you send me to Osto? That's as far away from here and still be in civilized lands."
Gaffer pores and pours, over the map. Yes, everything that Feist says makes sense with the marks on the Map and Notes. Today would have been mark number 6. In 2 days' time, the "Farm" is expecting Feist's group to bring 12 people roped together and use the password: Sister Hartblack.
.....................
The Tide has the initiative.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+13=22 ; Friday May 22nd, 2020 9:58:16 AM
Realising he is useless here, Sharpe goes to check windows and see if anything suspicious is happening outside? Perception - 22
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Friday May 22nd, 2020 12:03:49 PM
"Osto huh... makes sense that you'd want to go there, it's basically Dirt City light. Shouldn't be too much of a problem it's what..." Eisenhorn does a bit of math in his head. "330 - 350 miles from here? Give me till tomorrow to rest and prepare and we can go, I have no intention of spending the night in Osto and would prefer to Teleport back immediately if it's all the same to you." Eisenhorn looks around at the group, "Anyone else want to go on a road trip? Once in a lifetime offer to see the original City of Thieves for free."
(OOC: DM, Eisenhorn has traveled around a lot so he would've been to/around Osto a couple of times. Especially since it's close to the Contested Kingdoms and he was with a mercenary company shortly prior to getting to Dirt City. Should be enough to allow him to teleport there or near enough. I'm not too familiar with the Wold so don't know how plausable that is. Let me know if it doesn't make sense.)
"Oh before I forget... we've heard the moniker 'Golden Eyes' thrown around. Do you know anything about Who or What that is Feist?"
Eisenhorn will then go to consult with the party. "So, what are everyones thoughts? Do we pass ourselves off as Feist deliverying slaves and try to figure out what is going on or do we go in wands blazing and look for clues in the wreckage? We have some time to decide and I will need to take Feist to Osto tomorrow morning, to keep my end of the bargain."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Friday May 22nd, 2020 1:20:32 PM
On hearing Feist's lament, Desdichado lets his contempt show. "Pathetic. Just get him out of my sight. I'd tell him to make a better life for himself, but considering he wants to go to Osto, it sounds like that will fall on deaf ears."
"One thing, though, Feist - if I hear even the slightest whisper that you are involved in slave trade again, beware. Because we beat Ralinsir, and by the time this is over we'll have beaten the rest of them too. Then, we might just come for Osto."
Once Eisenhorn has taken out the trash and returned, Desdichado talks with the others about how to get to the farm. "We might as well do what we can to find out what this organization looks like. Any kind of tactical advantage would be helpful at this point. If they've met Feist, they'll obviously know we aren't him. Still, a fight with these guys is inevitable at some point. Might as well be now."
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Friday May 22nd, 2020 3:46:43 PM
Looking at the maps and notes, Sarge shrugs. "Let's head to this farm and rope ourselves together and see who turns up. After we take Captain Courageous to Osto, that is."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 103/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) BLIND Saturday May 23rd, 2020 10:00:53 AM
Hmerrin's face scrunches at Sarge's suggestion.
"Not sure about that. We gotta make ourselves look like Terrafin, some more people, and 12 victims. Which will take more people who will all be in danger when the fighting starts."
The lad looks over Feist. "Do you get in this barn, or just stand out front and leave? And who and how many of "they" are there when they give you food and money?"
Back to the group. "Option 1 - Figure out how to make us look like about 18 people without making us more defenseless in the process, if that buys us an advantage. Option 2 - Show up a day early, and jump the place."
"I like option 2"
The fighter passes on getting flung across the Wold and back just to drop off the wizard.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Sunday May 24th, 2020 1:18:25 PM
"Other problem with 1 is, do we know what kind of slave they are buying?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Sunday May 24th, 2020 10:19:46 PM
Toston says, "Nissa could probably 'port Feist, myself and her to Osto then me and her back. We might make a date of it in Osto of course if it is Dirt City light doesn't sound as impressive a date as Plateau City of course we are both originally from Plateau City and have never been to Osto."
"I actually like the idea of option 1 and using subterfuge to spring a trap but considering what happened with our ordeal in capturing Feist maybe sneakiness isn't really our thing. However, if we needed people we could probably go to the underground WLA and see if we could hire some adventurers to fill our our plan of course we are probably talking about serious hazard pay and depending on who we find they might not be up to this challenge and could wind up dead."
Regarding the question of type of slave Toston asks, "Do Rakshasha's prefer a specific type of victim or could the slaves just be random people they pick up from a variety of places?"
Farm Plans (DM SteveK) Monday May 25th, 2020 8:38:25 AM
Fiest responds to Toston’s query by describing the last two ‘shipments’. “They needs to be not missed, so we took Grubbers, beggars, and drunken sailors mostly. Someone traveling alone, or a pair, isolated woodsman or trapper. “
Feist also tells the Tide that they never went into the Barn. The guards always met them outside to exchange passwords.
Toston also tosses the idea of Nissa and he doing the Feist delivery to Osto, and so it happens the next morning before Nissa and friends make the Hideout deliveries. No date, because the Tide is on a time crunch: if they decide for option 2 (and showing up a day early), they will need to go today. Tomorrow is the scheduled ‘slave exchange’!
But there is discussion on which option to do and no clear consensus.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday May 25th, 2020 12:21:26 PM
"We don't have to fool 'em for long," Sarge says. "Just long enough so's they come and look. Is there--?" Sarge frowns. "I don't know a lot about arcane magic," she continues, "but isn't there some kind of illusion thing where you can make an image of somebody? Like Terrafin? It wouldn't have to move or speak, just kinda stand there."
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Monday May 25th, 2020 2:02:58 PM
"Other problem with 1 is, do we know what kind of slave they are buying?"
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Monday May 25th, 2020 2:04:26 PM
Well, if we can make it look like there are enough of us, then im good with that.
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Monday May 25th, 2020 5:37:20 PM
"Won't they be there anyway to meet whoever arrives? Does pretending to deliver slaves give us an advantage? I think we go early."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Monday May 25th, 2020 6:03:50 PM
"I can create an illusion of slaves. Don't know how convincing it is going to be though. Making someone look like Feist would be more difficult.Oh, I can make myself into a half-elf easy enough, however looking exactly like Feist is a different matter. I know of illusion spells that could do the latter, but I haven't learned any of them personally." Eisenhorn thinks for a minute. "There is also no way to know if Oarth might have tipped them off about what's happened. If we go today I would be very limited in the help I can provide if we get in another scrap, also who will keep an eye out on Feist? He may have spilled the beans but I would not be comfortable to leave him alone here."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Monday May 25th, 2020 7:03:54 PM
"I'm not to good at the whole 'disguise' thing," says Desdichado, "so going today is fine by me."
"But," he sighs, "if you're all committed to sneaking in, I'll obviously come along."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 103/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) BLIND Monday May 25th, 2020 7:34:03 PM
Hmerrin thinks a bit.
"Well, we gotta get Feist out of here, and we gotta show up at this barn with all of E's spells ready to go.
Which means we can't go till tomorrow anyway, when they're expecting a drop off.
We show up with some illusionary grubbers, and likely can jump the guards that come out to meet us. Which buys us the ability to take out some guards without having to deal with everyone at once. And then? I guess run to the barn and hope whatever is there ain't too much."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Monday May 25th, 2020 10:26:29 PM
Toston says, "Barns have hay, hay burns. Maybe the illusionary slaves don't have to look too convincing because I could try to light a fire as a distraction. I do have fire balls now. I could fly into the sky and then rain fire on a flammable part of the farm as they are about to inspect the 'shipment.' You can then use their response to the fire as an opening to spring the trap?"
Farm Plans (DM SteveK) Tuesday May 26th, 2020 9:45:10 AM
Clarification:
OOC: Friends, I’m going to back up just a bit. From previous posts, I feel I haven’t explained enough and people are getting confused interpretations of the timeline.
A. The time is now the evening of the day the team attacked Feist’s Hideout.
B. The Note had five hash marks; Feist confirmed the next ‘shipment’ was in three days. It will take most of a day to travel to the 5 rowan trees on the map.
Day 1. Heroes attacked Fiest’s Hideout. Fiest’s interrogation. Coordination of Team Nissa and Ruffians to move all other hideout items to Shale House. (The Tide/ storyline is currently here in the evening.)
Day 2. Nissa w Toston teleports Feist to Osto and N&T return (before breakfast). Team Nissa and Ruffians successfully move all hideout items to Shale House which the Tide doesn’t need to be at Dirt City (by afternoon). Whole team can be available after breakfast with new spells memorized and ready to go to get to the 5 rowan trees by mid afternoon if they want.
Day 3 Shipment expected at Farm.
………………..
Sarge pushes for Option 1, fool ‘em long enough to get the jump on ‘em
Sharpe is good with Option 1 if there is a way to make it look like there are enough of captors and captives.
Gaffer wants Option 2: go in early.
Eisenhorn provides what he can and can’t do. He CAN make an illusion of slaves if he has the time to renew spells, but CANT make anyone look exactly like anyone else. His worry about what to do with Feist is unfounded since Nissa and Toston will take care off him first thing in the morning before the Tide has to do anything.
Desdichado thinks going today (the day Nissa and Toston take Feist to Osto) is fine, but will work with the majority.
Hmerrin thinks a bit, and goes with Option 1. Illusion and spring the trap on the day of delivery.
Toston gives another suggestion to enhance the illusionary slave shipment, which means he’s also aboard on Option 2. …………………. It looks like the Tide is planning the Fake Captive Delivery option. All that’s left is for them to prepare, follow the map, and find the place. (ooc: how good are the heroes’ map reading skills?)
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Tuesday May 26th, 2020 1:05:25 PM
Going with the group Sharpe prepares himself for the journey, he looks enough like a vagrant to be passed off a a captured woodsman. "my bow doesn't leave my sight though!".
He doesn't volunteer to read the map having no real experience in that area.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday May 26th, 2020 3:17:04 PM
Sarge frowns. "Speaking of hay," she says, "there's all these clothes we brought back from the bandits' lair. Maybe we could stuff 'em like scarecrows? Make 'em look like the extra slaves? Or would a magic illusion be better? I'm not sure."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Tuesday May 26th, 2020 4:52:52 PM
"Allright then. We can go there and I can conjure up some illusory slaves for us, who will try to pass themselves off as Feist?"
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) d20+15=33 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2020 6:53:10 PM
Gaffer raises one last concern before conceding to the group vote. "Feist suggested their are multiple Rakshasa involved, and we struggled against one. I just want to make sure we're not trapping ourselves."
Once he gets that out of the way he will look for his part in more practical concerns.
"I don't think I could pretend to be anybody, but I can at least hide as an animal and come in fully geared."
As he often does, Gaffer tries to recall if he knows of any Rowan trees within Dirt City itself, as a spare means of travel and escape. (Nature: 33)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) d20+8=11 Tuesday May 26th, 2020 7:02:33 PM
Hmerrin thinks it over.
"I don't think anyone has to pass themselves off as Feist. Terrafin's the leader. And even then, we get close enough to give the password and that would make 'em pause long enough to get our break.
We just show up as some ruffians, hiding the obvious paladin/cleric stuff, and we should be fine for what we want to do.
We all are the guards, so keep our arms and armor. Gaffer goes animal. E conjures up a motley looking assortment of grubbers. And we're off."
The young lad gives the map a once over to figure out how hard it'd be to follow. [Survival 11]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+3=11 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2020 9:40:36 PM
(Ooc: Son's birthday so not much time to post today.)
Aid another survival: 11.
Dez helps Hmerrin look over the map. "Let's do what we need to do to get as close as possible. And expect big trouble. Now that we know what they are, we can be more prepared than the last fight."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Tuesday May 26th, 2020 10:31:01 PM
Toston asks, "Are you sure you don't want me to cause a fire as a distraction or should I light the people running the farm on fire instead when we go to spring our trap?"
Once the group agrees to the basis of a plan he makes sure to tell Nissa to prepare 2 teleports for tomorrow so that his betroved can teleport Feist and himself to Osto and just him back.
Being a sorcerer he doesn't have to prepare anything specifically for tomorrow at least.
Farm Plans (DM SteveK) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 11:26:23 AM
The group's basic plan becomes the Fake Captive Delivery to the Farm. Generalities are the Tide plans to be the 'guards' and Eisenhorn will supply illusionary 'captives' to get close enough to get the jump on the Farm Guards. Specifics for the team can still be discussed during their travel. These topics could be anywhere from very tactical (eg fireballing the known barn presumably filled with flammable hay) to the strategic (eg any special plans for multiple Rakshasa).
The next morning, Nissa and Toston deliver Feist to the outskirts of Osto without a hitch. And the two gnomes are back before breakfast with the second Teleport.
Breakfast done, Gaffer brings up three options of getting to the hill with the Five Rowan Trees. Option 1. A hero needs "Know Geography DC20" to identify the terrain feature of the flat hill with five rowan trees, and then a hero needs "Survival DC15" to not get lost so the group can get there. (The map only gives general direction, not specifics)
Option 2. Just go on not getting lost (ie " Survival DC15") and rove around the general area until they can locate the flat hill with five rowan trees, which would increase probability both of wandering encounters and discovery.
Option 3. There is a living Rowan Tree in the grove in Dirt City dedicated to Violet and Arturo. Gaffer, using 3 Transport via Plants spells, can blip the Tide to the five rowan trees, even if the druid doesn't know where the trees are!
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Wednesday May 27th, 2020 12:10:41 PM
Eisenorn will carefully study the map to try and get a general sense of where this farm is. (Take 10 on Knowledge Geography + 11 = 21) Seeing as he's not much of an outdoors kind of guy he will explain to the rest of the group the general layout of the terrain and what they should be looking for hoping that another member of the party can actually guide them to follow the map.
As for daling with Rakshasa, "Madam Deepforge would you be able to beseech Domi to bless the weapons of these strapping young lads, with her good nature?" Eisenhorn says while pointing at Sharpe & Hmerrin.
When they get relatively close to the farm Eisenhorn will cast Mage Armor on himself.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 12:21:52 PM
"Um, sure," Sarge replies to Eisenhorn. "Though Dez's version would be snazzier. But yeah, I can do it."
[OOC: The paladin spell Bless Weapon has some features that Align Weapon doesn't, but I don't know how many of Dez's spells are already spoken for.]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+6=24 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+3=20 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2020 12:43:14 PM
(OOC: If DM allows, I can trade out the 2 Divine Favors Dez currently has prepared for Bless Weapon. I think I stuck those on him a year ago and never updated! For himself, between bonded weapon and smite evil, he should be covered.)
Dez offers to help out in understanding the lay of the land as the group makes it's way to the farm. (Oh - was going to do aid another, but it looks like he made those checks.) (Know: Geo - 24; Survival - 22, Survival - 20)
As they travel, Desdichado thinks back on what they've learned about the rakshasa so far.
"Let's see..the snake guy at the arena had covered himself in some kind of magical fire and was immune to it. But he did seem vulnerable to acid. The tiger guy was close to unhittable. So anything that could lower their defenses - or raise our attack - would be good."
"Also, these guys were Evil With A Capital E. I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't stand up to any weapon blessed by the Pantheon, as Eisenhorn pointed out."
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Wednesday May 27th, 2020 4:09:52 PM
"My bow had little effect on the last Tiger guy, but i did pick up a non magical one if that will help?"
"We may also want to scout the farm when we find it, get an idea of number an positions. Other we do what, encounter the slaver and just attack? "
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 4/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 6:16:36 PM
Given the spare day to prepare, Gaffer will take the in-between day to [DM allowing] purchase a sime quarterstaff and use his Spellstaff spell to store an extra, 'Dispel Magic, Greater' to keep on hand.
As they walk and talk Gaffer adds, "I should have a few more spell choices now we aren't stuck in some built up hideout."
To Sharpe, Gaffer suggests, "Perhaps you and I go ahead of the group and look around before the 'delivery' arrives" with air quotes for emphasis.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 7:08:29 PM
Looks like the group is walking.
Hmerrin nod at Gaffer's suggestion to scout ahead with Sharpe. "Anything we can find out early will only help us."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:34/24/28- CMD 28 Wednesday May 27th, 2020 9:45:54 PM
Toston says to Nissa, "I don't know if we want to return to Osto when we really aren't in a rush. I mean if we are living in the real Dirt City is it really necessary to see the lesser version?"
When the party is discussing strategy Toston says, "I have fireball, fly and acid arrow now. Acid Arrow is not subjected to spell resistance so if there are Rakshashas there that are hard to hit I should be able to hit them with that. Fireball could be useful against the non Rakshashas depending on their warding and spacing and fly should give me superior movement on the battle field."
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Thursday May 28th, 2020 7:55:48 AM
"My bow had little effect on the last Tiger guy, but i did pick up a non magical one if that will help?"
"We may also want to scout the farm when we find it, get an idea of number an positions. Other we do what, encounter the slaver and just attack? "
Five Rowan Trees (DM SteveK) Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:57:19 AM
Gaffer purchases a simple quarterstaff and use his Spellstaff spell to store an extra, 'Dispel Magic, Greater' to keep on hand.
Eisenhorn is able to have a careful study of the map to recognize the landmarks, and with Gaffer's survival skills, it will be easy enough to travel to the flat hill with five rowan trees.
Sharpe suggests a scout of the Farm before wading in with the plan. Gaffer agrees and suggests the two of them. Hmerrin agrees.
For the expected Rakshasa, the discussion goes around what spells can be effective and what spells can the casters cast. Toston has a nasty that will bypass any spell resistance. Sarge and Desdichado know that, as divine casters, they can meditate for (and receive) completely different spells daily, anything that is on their spell lists as long as it is within their individual capabilities. In fact, they can leave a spell slot open and with 15 minutes of preparation, can then have the spell they need at any time during the day! (See Corebook: Magic Chapter, Divine Magic paragraphs) .................
With the idea to do a 'scout', the Tide leaves very early on the third day, as twilight is beginning. This is the hour that even the rogues, thieves, and burglars are back in safe houses, Early morning delivery services are just loading up beast or wagon or cart in the relative safety of barn, stable, or shed. The Tide isn't bothered as they move out of South Pack to the west. Soon they are at the outskirts of Dirt City, and, without a defensive wall, just continue walking until they are among the farms.
Farms make way to pasture make way to wilderness. As the day lengthens, they angle north of Blanc de Forest and south of the Izen Hills to an area of patches of trees and rolling low hills. Grassy smells, birdies chirping, a warm veggie-earthy taste in the air accompany the heroes as they march to their destiny. It is about an hour to noon (Gaffer's Survival Skill makes this knowledge automatic) when the Tide unerringly comes to the base of the flat hill with five rowan trees at its top (the only trees on the hill). An easy five minute walk will put the heroes among the five broad-leafed trees, and, according to the map, within easy spotting distance from the Farm. ................
The Tide has the initiative.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+23=37 ; d20+13=16 ; Thursday May 28th, 2020 12:03:08 PM
"Ok may be time for some eyes and ears, give me 20 minutes to check out that hill?" Unless anyone objects Sharpe will take a wide route to the tree avoiding a direct line from the path. He takes his time painfully aware a small snap of a twig or worse a trap could put the expedition to a very quick end. If he makes it he will look signs people have been through here and for any hostiles or the farm.
Stealth - 37 Perception - 15
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Thursday May 28th, 2020 2:28:39 PM
Eisenhorn waits for Sharpe and Gaffer to scout out the farm. While waiting he casts Mage Armor on himself.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday May 28th, 2020 4:37:38 PM
"Hang on a sec," Sarge says. Before Sharpe and Gaffer depart, Sarge casts Status on them, including Hmerrin in the effect as well because she can get one more person.
"There ya go," she says. "If something happens, at least we'll know about it."
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) d20+15=29 ; d20+17=23 ; Thursday May 28th, 2020 7:03:46 PM
If Gaffer has noticed any common birds in the surrounding area (Nature: 29), he will take form as one of those, but otherwise he relies on that of a Hawk to take to the skies.
Moving away from the group opposite to the direction of Sharpe, he flies over the farm area to get a clear idea of the buildings and structures around, looking for any signs of people or passage as he does. (Perception: 23)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Thursday May 28th, 2020 7:12:30 PM
As they make their way to the Rowan trees, Hmerrin takes up the topic of hitting these Rakashakas.
"No making me big this time," he notes to Sarge. "It just makes them harder to hit. Bulls Strength, now, that'd be very nice. And any blessing type spells that help the group hit, that's what I'd vote for.
Once at the trees, the lad waits more or less patiently for Sharpe and whoever else to do their sneaking thing.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:00:18 PM
Desdichado waits with the others as they discuss strategy for fighting rakshasas.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:24/21/19- CMD 27 d20+17=35 ; d20+18=21 ; Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:20:25 PM
Toston says, "I'm stealthy and good at seeing things. I think I'll head for the scout as well."
Stealth: 35 Perception: 21
Five Rowan Trees (DM SteveK) d20+10=19 ; Friday May 29th, 2020 12:54:20 PM
Scouting the hill and farm is Sharpe, Gaffer, and Toston. Sarge casts 'Status' on the thee plus Hmerrin to keep a magical eye on the team, and they are off! Waiting is Eisenhorn, Sarge, Hmerrin, and Desdichado; more or less patiently and passing the time refining how to fight Rakshasa.
Sharpe and Toston take a wide route to the five trees, avoiding a direct line from where they were (ooc: there is no 'path'). Taking their time, they look signs people have been through here. They are both perceptive enough to notice there has been a troop of at least 18 people moved up the hill in single file, maybe 8 days ago, and any ambushes (make another Perception DC 19 Highlight to display spoiler: { there is a fox getting ready to ambush a rat near the second rowan tree}. Once near the hilltop, they move in a panther crouch until they can see the farm below between the gently blowing grasses, and are able to make a rapid sketch (ooc: see emailed Map).
Gaffer has noticed a couple ravens, vultures, and an egret or two, but also a hawk, so a hawk wouldn't be out of place. Taking normal form, Gaffer-Hawk flies about to come in over the farm, flying east-to-west. He is perceptive enough to get a similar idea of buildings and signs of people (ooc: see emailed Map).
In a shallow, treeless valley, and about 200' from the bottom of the Rowan Hill, lies the Farm. The Farm consists of two square areas fenced in by a split log palisade and joined in the middle by a large building.
The area furthest from the hill (looking from the west to the east) appears to be a farming area; veggie patches closer to the large building and grain further away. Several dozen figures are in the grain area at least a half mile from the large building. Gaffer Highlight to display spoiler: { Gaffer-Hawk can identify 40 people of various Noble Races working the fields with leg manacles, and 10 people on horseback with arms and armor, including whips}.
The closer area looks to be a living area with many buildings. There are watch platforms along the palisade, and the heroes can see two figures per platform. The closest point of the Farm to the Rowan Hill is a Gatehouse; a strongpoint with a large (10'x10') obviously made of reinforced wood, currently closed. All of the buildings are 1-story high. Besides the platform figures, there are five figures doing various chores about the barracks area.
Additional potential information Know Engineering DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is unusual that the Gatehouse door is on the left side of the building. Any engineer knows the most defensive area would be the middle of the gatehouse.} Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { It appears the only way into the second, farming area of the Farm is through the Large Building }
......................... The Tide has the initiative.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Friday May 29th, 2020 2:21:04 PM
Eisenhorn waits for the scounting party to come back with a report. Trying to stay as concealed as possible in the meantime and keeping an eye on Shify to ensure that the mephit doesn't do anything that could give away their position.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 11 H
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Friday May 29th, 2020 3:05:00 PM
Since Toston is also scouting, Sarge includes him in the Status instead of Hmerrin (she can only include a total of three people).
Toston notices the Fox going to ambush the rat and the fact that the 2nd area of the farm is through the big building.
If Toston can he will try to disrupt the foxes ambush and save the rat trying to show the rat he was he who spared the rat.
He then uses his speaks with animals SLA on the rat and says, "I just saved your life. Tell me what you can about yonder farm. Know you any ways in or out that aren't readily apparent?"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Sunday May 31st, 2020 9:18:16 AM
Hmerrin finds himself a tree to lean against, and does so.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Sunday May 31st, 2020 3:14:28 PM
Desdichado puts his hand up to his eyes like a visor, looking in the direction the others left to see if he spots them returning.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+13=26 ; d20+13=28 ; Monday June 1st, 2020 4:39:28 AM
Perception - 26; 28
Looking strangely at Toston, Sharpe whispers "friend of yours"?
Sharpe waits a few minutes to catch any sign of movement from the farm, paying attention to windows in particular. He also looks at the wall to see if there would be a way for him to get over with this grappling hook. What do we think, circle round for more complete view?
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) d20+17=21 ; d20=12 ; Monday June 1st, 2020 5:47:09 AM
Gaffer pays closer attention to the manacled workers, he assumes they are from Dirt City but tries to verify this. (Perception: 21) (Know Engineering: 12)
He doesn't hang around too long once he has a clear idea of the layout, and a count of he 15 slavers visible. He take a wide route to return to the others, returning to his human form.
If they have paper and chalk between them he sketches out the compound and explains, "This is a sizable operation. I saw at least 15 guards outside, and the barracks could hold more. There are around 40 slaves working the farms I saw too. Whatever we do, we need to make sure they don't become casualties of us starting a fight."
Scouting Report (DM SteveK) Monday June 1st, 2020 11:06:22 AM
Eisenhorn waits for the scounting party to come back with a report. Trying to stay as concealed as possible in the meantime and keeping an eye on Shify to ensure that the mephit doesn't do anything that could give away their position.
Sarge includes Toston in the Status instead of Hmerrin.
Hmerrin finds himself a tree to lean against, and does so.
Desdichado puts his hand up to his eyes like a visor, looking in the direction the others left to see if he spots them returning.
............... Toston interrupts the fox' pounce, and speaks with the rat, whose name is 'Rat'. Rat is grateful and assures Toston there are many ways into the farm buildings to search for food since most of the floors are earth and lots of gaps between boards for a rat to get in. Rat then scurries off. (Toston will learn nothing more from Rat.)
Sharpe can't see any more movement than already described. He does notice an interesting thing: none of the buildings have any windows at all! The wall is a rough wooden palisade, looks about 10 feet high. The rough wood looks to be easy for a grapple and climb. Looking about for a circling scout, Sharpe sees this hill is the only elevated spot to see into the Farm compounds: he knows he won't be able to get any more information unless he gets so close as to increase the chance for discovery.
Gaffer pays closer attention to the manacled workers. They are in dirty rags and there are no features or marks where he can verify any Dirt City people. He does see they are a mix of Noble Races. Not hanging about, he takes a wide route to return to the others, returning to his human form. ...............
The Tide has the initiative.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday June 1st, 2020 1:15:48 PM
Thanks to the Status spell, Sarge can tell that the scouts are doing all right.
"So far, so good," says to those waiting. She keeps her voice low, just in case.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Monday June 1st, 2020 5:14:39 PM
"How long are they gonna be gone?" asks Desdichado aloud, but mostly thinking it to himself.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Monday June 1st, 2020 8:52:46 PM
"Does take a while to scout a place," Hmerrin notes. "'Specially if your not keen on getting caught while doing it."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:24/21/19- CMD 27 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 12:04:23 AM
Toston says, "Well I should have asked a better question to the rat, unless Gaffer can take the size of a rat for a rat told me that most of the floors are earthen and there are lots of small gaps between the boards of the buildings that are small enough for rats to squeeze through. Unless earthen floors helps us with respect to spells."
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 6:45:23 AM
Gaffer waits with the others for Tostin and Sharpe to return. "I didn't see any roaming patrols, they should be safe"
Scouting Report (DM SteveK) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 8:44:20 AM
Not able to gain more information without greater risk of exposure, Toston, Sharpe, and Gaffer return to the lee of Five Rowan Tree Hill. They meet up with Sarge, Hmerrin, Desdichado, and Sarge to compare notes and execute or alter the plan. (They can always go out again if the group decides it is needful)
The scouting took about an hour. The time is now just after noon. Sun is shining on this warm day, with grass and leaves rustling, insects chirping, and birds (now that the hawk is gone) singing. .....
The Tide has the initiative.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 6:01:23 PM
"We ready to go?" Sarge asks. "I don't wanna align weapons just yet; we're still not sure when it's all gonna kick off. But are we ready to head to the rendezvous?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 7:33:30 PM
Desdichado agrees with Sarge. "Yeah, I'll bless weapons when we're a little closer. I can only affect them for around 10 minutes so we'll want to do it just before the fighting starts, I think."
He continues, "Sarge and Hmerrin, I'll bless your weapons for sure. I can do it for one more of us - who would be best? Unfortunately, it won't do much for Sharpe's bow. For myself, I'll probably rely on smiting a few of these creatures."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 9:13:00 PM
"Well, wait just a minute." Hmerrin is just a wee bit concerned about the scouts' report.
"I thought we were talking about a farm, and a barn, and maybe another building. This thing is a fort.
Feist said they take their captives to the Main Barn. So, which one of these bigger buildings you've laid out is the Main Barn? Because if he meant the Gate House, all our plan is gonna end up doing is announce our presence while still outside a big honkin fort.
I'm thinking we may want to change plans. Just skip the meet altogether, and later tonight E can bip us onto one of them platforms, we take out whatever guard is there, and then sneak into the back door of this big building and hope we got the right place, and take out any rakasakas we find there."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:24/21/19- CMD 27 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 9:27:11 PM
Toston says, "Do Gaffer or Eisenhorne have the ability to become rat sized or earth glide like an earth elemental? The ground is earthen and there are plenty of gaps where a rat could sneak in. Perhaps we have Gaffer rat sneak in under cover of darkness and then open the gate for us so we can sneak in or maybe we have some way to get some of us earthgliding in through the floor?"
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 5:30:11 AM
"Yes, ready to go once we get closer I can pop up the illusory slaves." Eisenhorn considers Toston's suggestion. "I can't turn into anything... look I know it's useful and I AM working on it... but it is more difficult than Gaffer makes it look." he sighs exasperated. " For the time being I could dimension door myself behind the door if necessary. Or make a set of stone stairs to climb over if we need to."
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 7:51:56 AM
Gaffer chuckles at Eisenhorne, "You can do a lot I can't, let me take care of the rat activities for now. I do think The idea of climbing over is better though, no reason to go in from the front." Thinking for a second he adds, "I could warp the wood of the fence to get is in as well. But this is all a lot more than we initially planned for. Is there anyway we could arm those already captured?"
New Plan? (DM SteveK) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 9:30:44 AM
The Scouting report has Hmerrin reconsidering the plan. He thinks it doesn’t sound like a 'farm', but a fort! He puts forth the suggestion to skip the meeting and then do a night ambush.
The other heroes discuss the options and they appear to have the initiative.
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 11:07:29 AM
"Does anyone have any invisibility spells prepared, i'm sure I could get in and have a better poke around. I am also concerned about just how militarised this place is. Final option might be to lure them out somehow?"
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:02:41 PM
"Sure I can make you invisible for about 11 minutes and may be able to use Arcane eye to scout out the place further if we need to." Eisenhorn says to Sharpe. "We could also try tunneling under the walls."
Eisenhorn studies the map a bit more closely. " So there is two large buildings that serve as entry and exit points a number of sheds and 6 barracks. Based on what we've heard so far I'd expect that this is more of a prison than a fort so the barracks should be holding the prisoners. However if I'm wrong the number of barracks there could potentially indicate a company or two of soldiers depending how tightly packed they are."
" I think Plan A is out. Even if we manage to fool the guards it's unlikely we'd be able to take all of the people at the facility on by ourselves, especially not if there is a number of Rakshasa among them. So I'd recommend the following plan of action. I can use a spell to do some additional scouting, with the aim of figuring out: A. How many guards there, what armaments they have and what their disposition is. B. Where the prisoners are located and how many of them are there.
If we locate the prisoners and there is a large number of them Gaffer and Sharpe might be able to infiltrate the complex and get them ready to help out in the comming battle. Hmerrin's suggestion of a Night Raid makes sense especially if we prepare the prisoners to pitch in once the fighiting starts. I can create some additional illusions to further confuse the guards and make it more difficult for them to put up an organized resistence. We should also be prepared to blow a hole in the wall somewhere in case we need to make a quick getaway with the prisoners. Gaffer would you be able to do this?"
Eisenhorn looks around at the group. "Thoughts?"
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:56:52 PM
Sarge frowns. "How many of us can see in the dark?" she asks. "I mean, I can. Dwarf. But we've got a lot of humans and unless they've got magic to see, a night raid may not be a great idea. All the Rakshasa have to do is put out the lights and we're done."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 6:10:10 PM
Hmerrin nods along with Eisenhorn.
"Scratch Plan A, and do more scouting. I'm with that, and we can work on the rest after we've got a better idea what we're up against.
Also, we gotta get away from these trees. Somebody's showing up here later looking for Feist right? I don't wanna be around when that happens."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:24/21/19- CMD 27 Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 10:50:22 PM
Toston says, "Well I have fireball and can breathe fire; not sure if that would blow a hole in the wall if used to target a specific spot in the building or just potentially start a fire. It is no disintegrate or anything. I also have low-light vision but the problem with low-light vision versus dark vision is I still need some dim light source to see versus dark vision where from what I understand you just see but in black and white. I do have blind sense though and can detect any creature within 30 feet of myself whether I can see them or not so if the lights went out I wouldn't be completely helpless as far as being able to perceive our adversaries I would just probably want to cast a light spell on something if I could."
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Thursday June 4th, 2020 6:43:56 AM
"I think I can take out the wall as well if needed. "(With the Wood Shape spell) Gaffer affirms Eisenhorne's suggestion. "If the Rakshasa can see in he dark, should we attack during the day? Seems like nighttime might hurt us more. We can go in the early morning so any guards who were Nightshift might be resting."
About him and Sharpe sneaking in to speak to the prisoners, "I don't have a good way of freeing them, do any of us?"
New Plan. (DM SteveK) Thursday June 4th, 2020 9:05:26 AM
Sharpe urges another poke around inside the wall; this time invisible.
Eisenhorn agrees Plan A is out, and he expects the "Farm" is more of a prison than a fort, and the barracks might be holding some prisoners and some guards. That the Tide should aim to figure out about the guards, what armaments they have and what their disposition is, and the location and number of prisoners.
Sarge sees the problem of a night stalk. How many can see in the dark? The Tide knows Rakshasa surely can!
Hmerrin agrees with scratching Plan A, and do more scouting. He also suggests to get to another location on the assumption that s I'm with that somebody's showing up here later looking for Feist!
Toston gives a run-down on his capabilities to support any plan.
............
As the party decides, a Rat runs up (from the direction of the Rowan Hill), jumps onto Toston's knee, and begins chittering. Toston's Speak with Animal spell has expired, but if Toston, Gaffer, or someone else does some magic to understand, Rat will repeat herself... Highlight to display spoiler: { "The Farm Door is open and humans are coming to the Hill. I just saved your life. Maybe you have some food?" }
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Thursday June 4th, 2020 4:29:30 PM
Sharpe looks confused yet again. He turns back the group. I can see pretty well in the dark, also long as we arent underground I should be fine.
OOC - Half elves have low light vision not darkvision
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Thursday June 4th, 2020 5:40:05 PM
Assuming someone relays the rat's message, Hmerrin starts back down the hill in the opposite direction.
"Back into the woods everyone. No need to get spotted now."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday June 4th, 2020 6:55:46 PM
"We know we're outnumbered," says Desdichado. "Does anyone have spells that can disable some of these guards? I'm not keen on waiting until night-time, since as Sarge pointed out she's one of the few of us who can see in the dark."
"And if no one shows up tonight, what happens? Would they send some people out in search of Feist and his group? Hmmm...maybe it would be better in that case, since some of them would be gone. That might be a longshot, though."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] d20=12 ; d20=5 ; Thursday June 4th, 2020 7:01:40 PM
Eisenhorn will follow Hmerrin and continue discussing the plan as they try to hide. "I have a couple of Sun Rods which can help us see in the dark, but assuming the moon is out tonight we should be able to see somewhat at least. I can also assume a form with darkvision for a limited time." Eisenhorn tries to recall if any of the tomes he's read on outsiders discussed whether Rakshasaa sleep, and if they do is it usually at night. (Knowledge Planes Roll: 12 + 21 = 33)
He then tries to conceal himself as best he can in the forest along with Shifty. (Stealth Roll: 5 + 8 = 13)
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:24/21/19- CMD 27 Thursday June 4th, 2020 8:49:31 PM
Toston says, "My racial ability to speak with animals is only good once a day. I don't suppose any of the rest of you have the ability to converse with this little one here. If this is the same Rat I dealt with earlier in the day he might have some information relevant to our interests."
If someone does translate for the rat, Toston will take out one of his rations and give the rat a generous portion of the ration for a rat.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday June 4th, 2020 11:53:54 PM
"Um," Sarge frowns at the mouse. "I've got a Comprehend Language, but I'm not sure it'll let me understand mouse squeaks. I'll give it a try, though, if we got nothing better."
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 3/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Friday June 5th, 2020 6:28:35 AM
Gaffer does not usually prepare speak with animals so I don't think he would have it hear. If turning himself into a rat would allow him to understand it, he does that and proceeds to convert the message to the group before leading them away. Otherwise he is none the wiser and stays put.
A Lookout Party (DM SteveK) d8=5 ; Friday June 5th, 2020 7:36:39 AM
The communication with Rat is solved by Gaffer, who Wild Shapes into a rat, thereby being able to communicate with other animals of the same general grouping as his current form. Wild Shaping back into a human, he translates Rat's message. "The Farm Door is open and humans are coming to the Hill. I just saved your life. Maybe you have some food?"
Hmerrin and Eisenhorn immediately recognize the backside of the hill where someone from the Farm is walking towards is not the smartest place to be. They start trotting to get under cover of some woods before anyone can spot them from the top of the hill. (The kindly DM assumes that...) the others gamely follow. Turns out (DM rolled 5 for direction) the closest woods for the heroes that can still keep them hidden from the Farm are north west of the hill. There they continue the conversation on what to do next.
It isn't too long after the Tide has found an edge of forest for cover but can still see the top of Rowan Hill that four armored figures can be seen standing near the center Rowan. Two are looking intently due west (the shortest distance from the hill to the directions the Tide followed), and three seem to be taking it easy. They also appear to be talking. The Tide is 200' away, but the group on the Hill isn't making any effort to hide the details of the conversation. (Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Late again!" "Yeah, I swear they want to be next on the list" (general laughter) "That new half-elf is next on MY list!" (more laughter) }
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] d20=2 ; Friday June 5th, 2020 9:23:34 AM
(Perception Roll: 2 + 11 = 13)
"Well if we want to go now, this is our chance. I can drop a spell on them to try and imobilize them for about a minute.But if we mess up, it's going to be a tough one." Eisenhorn whispers to the group as he prepares to cast the Black Tentacles spell on the 4 guards if given the go ahead.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Saturday June 6th, 2020 5:02:16 PM
"This is probably our best chance," Sarge agrees. "We can go back to plan A and pretend to have captives. Or be captives. Whichever."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:28/21/19- CMD 27 Sunday June 7th, 2020 5:50:37 PM
Toston after making sure the rat was compensated for saving their lives, casts mage armor since it seems like things are getting close to go-time.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Sunday June 7th, 2020 7:42:39 PM
"Plan C, I think" Hmerrin replies gamely to Sarge.
"OK, E, go for it."
The fighter gets ready, and then thinks of something. "We are running up the hill to take out the immobilized for a bit guards, right?"
Assuming they are, and after Eisenhorn casts his spell, Hmerrin takes off in his platemail back up the hill. [Run 90']
"Sounds like we're late...er, they're late...Feist I mean," explains Desdichado. "Those guards are talking about it and they don't sound happy. Might as well go for it now, I don't think they're going to leave for a while."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Sunday June 7th, 2020 9:03:34 PM
(edit: Well, they do sound happy, but the angry kind of happy, you know?)
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+13=17 ; d20+23=29 ; Monday June 8th, 2020 4:53:42 AM
Perception - 17 Stealth - 29
Sharpe nods to the others and starts to circle around the 3 to get between them and the farm
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] d20=18 ; Monday June 8th, 2020 7:07:33 AM
Seeing the group agree, Eisenhorn shoots off the spell. (CMB for the Tentacles = 11 (caster level) + 4 STR + 1 Size = 16 Attack Roll: 18. Total Grapple Roll: 34)
(OOC: Just thought I'd post a second time to add in the roll/calcs for the grapple.)
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
The Fight Begins! COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) Monday June 8th, 2020 9:54:56 AM
Eisenhorn thinks this may be a good opportunity, and prepares to cast the Black Tentacles spell on the 4 guards if given the go ahead.
Sarge agrees it is probably thier best chance.
Toston after makes sure the rat was compensated for saving their lives, casts mage armor.
Hmerrin replies gamely to Sarge. "Plan C, I think" "OK, E, go for it." Then confirms the plan to run up the hill to take out the immobilized for a bit guards. The fighter is swift, even in full plate, and he takes off in a controlled sprint (90 /200)
Desdichado relays the conversation at the top of the hill, and concludes the Tide might as well go for it now, since he doesn't think they're going to leave for a while.
Sharpe nods to the others and starts to circle around the 3 to get between them and the farm. (ooc: Please roll a Stealth check for Sharpe for when he is visible to the farm. Right now, the hill is blocking any direct line of sight from Farm to Sharpe) ..............
200' away, the top of Rowan Hill and the five guards (ooc: DM apologizes for the numbers confusion) is juuuust in range for Eisenhorn to reach with his Black Tentacles spell, and he also has line of sight! He casts the spell and the hilltop erupts into a field of black, writhing tentacles! (ooc: Please make a CMB d20+16 to see effectiveness) .............
COMBAT ROUNDS
Ooc: Had to extend the battlefield. Please tell me if you can zoom in on the map or not.
Basic Geography: Hill is 200' west of the 'Farm'. PCs hiding spot is 200' from the Hill, northwest of the Hill 5 NPC Guards on top of the Hill, 2 were intently looking due west (along 8 day old trail)
Map via Email
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Monday June 8th, 2020 2:06:49 PM
(OOC: Made a post earlier today with the roll. Don't know if that counts or if you need me to roll again.)
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday June 8th, 2020 2:12:19 PM
Sarge measures the distance between herself and the hill and sighs a little. "That might've been too soon," she says.
Doggedly, she begins jogging toward the battle.
[Double-move to EW-9]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Monday June 8th, 2020 3:48:53 PM
I don't see where Desdichado is on the map, but he makes a run (60 ft) towards the enemies.
Sharpe continues to circle, he flicks an eye at the farm making sure that the shouts haven't raised the alarm.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Monday June 8th, 2020 6:25:07 PM
Hmerrin keeps running toward the top of hill.
[90' move, but won't enter the black tentacles]
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 2/4 SB 7/7 LL 11/11) Monday June 8th, 2020 8:28:47 PM
Gaffer moves 60ft towards the dark tentacles pouring out across the hill.
**** Spells **** Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Level 1: Faerie Fire x2, Pass Without A Trace, Entangle, Long Strider D: Obscuring Mist Level 2: Flaming Sphere, Chill Metal, Barkskin, Warp Wood x2 D: Fog Cloud Level 3: Wind Wall, Cure Moderate Wounds, Plant Growth, Diminish Plants, Poison, Neutralize Poison D: Call Lightning Level 4: Air Walk, Spike Stones, Dispel Magic, Flame Strike D: Sleet Storm Level 5: Call Lightning Storm, Baleful Polymorph D: Ice Storm Level 6: Transport via Plants D: Control Winds
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:28/21/19- CMD 27 Monday June 8th, 2020 10:21:15 PM
Toston casts fly and then moves 60 feet towards the tenticles flying slightly above the ground for his move.
Active effects: mage armor : +4 AC : 5 hours fly : 60 ft fly speed : 50 rounds
Running... COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) d20=1 ; d20=18 ; d20=4 ; d20=12 ; d20=12 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=20 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2020 8:23:50 AM
Ooc: Yes, Black Tentacles rolls one CMD each round. First round 34, check. Please have Eisenhorn roll another CMD check every round. Need one for Round 2 and another for Round 3.
.................
Sarge doggedly begins jogging toward the battle.
Desdichado makes a run (60 ft) towards the hill.
Sharpe continues to circle, he flicks an eye at the farm making sure that the shouts haven't raised the alarm. Being stealthy, he only moves at half speed, and the hill currently obstructs his view of the Farm.
Hmerrin keeps running toward the top of hill.
Gaffer moves 60ft towards the dark tentacles pouring out across the hill.
Toston casts fly and then moves 60 feet towards the tenticles flying slightly above the ground for his move.
________________________________
(Round 1) The first appearance takes the guards by surprise and all five are held tight in the magical rubbery grips. All begin screaming; "Ambush!", "What the Wardd!", "Argh!", "There are people breaking from the treeline!", and "Don't grapple me There!": and all try to disentangle themselves without success.
(Round 2). The guards continue to struggle and shout. Guard 5 breaks free and manages to push out of the area of effect (to DJ,38). He is out of line-of-sight for all heroes.
None of the Tide can see the Farm, but can make a guess or two. (Intelligence Check [d20+Int modifier only] DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { If the Hill is 200' from the Farm and 200' from the Tide's Treeline, and the Tide could hear normal conversation at that distance, how likely would it be for any Farm Guard in their tower platforms be able to see the Black Tentacles and hear the screams? } )
............. COMBAT ROUNDS
Basic Geography: Hill is 200' west of the 'Farm'. PCs hiding spot is 200' from the Hill, northwest of the Hill
Eisenhorn will briskly move 30ft. towards the hill and use a wand of shield to cast shield on himself. "Well the guards probably heard & saw that. We need to end this quick!" He yells as he hustles towards the hill.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H Shield +4 AC (Shield) ---- 10 Rnds. (1min)
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday June 9th, 2020 1:06:35 PM
Desdichado runs 60 ft to EG:22. (OOC: If we can get fairly close to each other on this side of the tentacles, I can cast Bless Weapon on those that need it. Assuming all the bad guys are heading this way too.)
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday June 9th, 2020 4:36:58 PM
Sarge keeps going [EO-9].
Hmerrin hears, "We need to end this quick!", lifts his eyes heavenward, and sighs.
He also keeps running, climbing the hill and swinging around the north side of the tentacles to try and catch the guard who's likely running away.
-- Run 90' to DK 22
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Tuesday June 9th, 2020 9:44:20 PM
Toston casts shield on himself and flies another 60 feet towards the commotion.
Active effects: mage armor : +4 AC : 5 hours shield : +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile : 50 rounds fly : 60 ft fly speed : 49 rounds
Gaffer continues running forward 30 feet foorward while using his Lightning Lord feature to call down a bolt of lightning on each of the five guards. (Reflex DC: 17)
**** Spells **** Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Level 1: Faerie Fire x2, Pass Without A Trace, Entangle, Long Strider D: Obscuring Mist Level 2: Flaming Sphere, Chill Metal, Barkskin, Warp Wood x2 D: Fog Cloud Level 3: Wind Wall, Cure Moderate Wounds, Plant Growth, Diminish Plants, Poison, Neutralize Poison D: Call Lightning Level 4: Air Walk, Spike Stones, Dispel Magic, Flame Strike D: Sleet Storm Level 5: Call Lightning Storm, Baleful Polymorph D: Ice Storm Level 6: Transport via Plants D: Control Winds
Running 2 COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) d20=17 ; d20=9 ; d20=16 ; d20=11 ; d20=13 ; d20=14 ; d20=11 ; d20=8 ; d20=7 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2020 10:50:47 AM
Eisenhorn will briskly move forward (move action), pulls out a wand of shield from his Efficient Quiver (free action), and casts shield on himself (standard action)
Desdichado runs forward, but his estimation is off. (60' only gets Des to EK,21. Diagonals = 15' per 2 squares)
Sarge keeps going.
Hmerrin keeps running, climbing the hill and swinging around the north side of the tentacles. He can see Guard 5 on the far side of the hill.
Toston casts shield on himself and flies another 60 feet towards the commotion.
Gaffer continues running forward 30 feet foorward while using his ability as a Lightning Lord to call down electric bolts on four of the five guards (Gaffer doesn't have line-of-sight on the fifth guard). Trapped as they are, the Guards have difficulty dodging.
Sharpe continues his stealthy advance as before. ..................
Four guards continue to try (and fail) to break free from the Black Tentacles!
Guard 5 sees Hmerrin crest the hill and he redoubles his efforts to run to the Farm and the Gatehouse. Hmerrin can see that the young fighter is obviously faster than Guard 5 (ooc: his run speed is 20'x3 [heavy armor]= 60')
All of the heroes can hear whistles beginning to blow from the two western-most Platforms; a staccato rhythm of "twa-twa-twa" and pause "twa-twa-twa"... Within seconds, all the Platforms are repeating the code. When Hmerrin appears over the hill, the whistles at the two front Platforms stop... and then start again with a new code: "Tweeeet-Tweeeet-Tweeeet!"
Hmerrin can see the large, barn-like Gatehouse door has been left open!
________________________________
COMBAT ROUNDS
Basic Geography: Hill is 200' west of the 'Farm'. PCs hiding spot is 200' from the Hill, northwest of the Hill
Guards AC 18 CMD 16 Guard 1: Dam 22 grappled Guard 2: Dam 22 grappled Guard 3: Dam 20 grappled Guard 4: Dam 20 grappled Guard 5: Dam 14
Map by email
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] Wednesday June 10th, 2020 12:00:48 PM
Shape break his caution and sprints for the hill trying his best to stay out of sight but realising the urgency of the situation he continues to move up through the trees trying to get a a view on the gate.
He whispers to himself "If I can just put a few warning shots into them that might worry them and slow them down."
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Wednesday June 10th, 2020 2:16:17 PM
Sarge keeps going, angling toward the hill [to EC-18].
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Wednesday June 10th, 2020 3:54:26 PM
Desdichado hums an "Oozie Brothers" song to himself as it keeps him runnin' to DY:20.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 6d6+6=23 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2020 11:41:42 PM
Toston casts fireball against tentacled guards on the hill and then flies another 60 feet towards them.
23 fire damage; reflex DC 18 for half damage
Active effects: (OOC: LOL I forgot my CL is 6 now not 5 like it used to be updating time) mage armor : +4 AC : 6 hours shield : +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile : 59 rounds fly : 60 ft fly speed : 58 rounds
Eisenhorn moves 30ft. east. trying to stay out of the line of sight of the towers if possible.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H Shield +4 AC (Shield) ---- 9 Rnds. (54sec)
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 2/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Thursday June 11th, 2020 6:47:22 AM
Gaffer Longstrider on himself and continues to run 40 feet east.
**** Active Effects **** Longstrider - +10 movement - 11 hours **** Spells **** Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Level 1: Faerie Fire x2, Pass Without A Trace, Entangle, Long Strider D: Obscuring Mist Level 2: Flaming Sphere, Chill Metal, Barkskin, Warp Wood x2 D: Fog Cloud Level 3: Wind Wall, Cure Moderate Wounds, Plant Growth, Diminish Plants, Poison, Neutralize Poison D: Call Lightning Level 4: Air Walk, Spike Stones, Dispel Magic, Flame Strike D: Sleet Storm Level 5: Call Lightning Storm, Baleful Polymorph D: Ice Storm Level 6: Transport via Plants D: Control Wind
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Thursday June 11th, 2020 8:03:20 AM
Hmerrin crests the hill, taking in the running guard, the warning towers, and the open gate.
Well, I haven't done anything monumentally stupid in weeks.
The lad doesn't break stride, continuing his sprint and cutting off the guard.
-- Run 90' to CR/22.
Running 4 COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) d20=12 ; d20=6 ; d20=10 ; d20=18 ; d20=5 ; d20=13 ; d20=10 ; d20=19 ; d20=8 ; d20=11 ; d20=7 ; d20=3 ; Thursday June 11th, 2020 11:08:03 AM
Shape breaks his caution and sprints for the hill. The marksman is wearing magically light armor and magical boots, so his running speed is even faster than Hmerrin! (ooc: 120' run speed) There is no hope of him using trees (there are none) or the hill (behind him) to keep out of sight. He crests the low part of the hill and can see the Farm.
Sarge keeps going, angling toward the hill. Her sturdy dwarf physique makes little of a heavy load, but at a cost of running swiftly. (ooc: can only make it to EC,10)
Desdichado hums an "Oozie Brothers" song to himself as it keeps him runnin'! (LOL!)
Toston casts fireball against tentacled guards on the hill. One manages to avoid some, but to no avail: all four are clearly dead. The smell of burnt flesh and burnt ectoplasmic force combine to give a reminiscence of barbecued licorice. The dragon disciple then flies another 60 feet.
Eisenhorn moves east, not able to see the towers. (ooc: that is only one move action. E can double move if he is doing no other actions if he wants...)
Gaffer casts Longstrider on himself and continues to run 40 feet east.
Hmerrin crests the hill, taking in the running guard, the warning towers, and the open gate. The lad doesn't break stride, continuing his sprint and cutting off the guard.
.................
The only survivor to the hill ambush, Guard 5 veers away from Hmerrin and the open Gate. He instead angles for the south-west platform. "Close the Gate!", he screams, "CLOSE THE GATE!!"
The whistles continue to blow: "Tweeeet-Tweeeet-Tweeeet!" "TWEEEET-TWEEEET-TWEEEET!" Other things begin to fly as well. Two archers from the two closest platforms fire at Hmerrin: all four arrows miss.
Hmerrin and Sharpe can see the large, barn-like Gatehouse door is open!
________________________________
COMBAT ROUNDS
Basic Geography: Hill is 200' west of the 'Farm'. PCs hiding spot is 200' from the Hill, northwest of the Hill
Guards AC 18 CMD 16 1-4: DEAD 5: Dam 14 6-7: (north-west platform) (partial cover 20% miss chance) 8-9: (south-west platform) (partial cover 20% miss chance)
Map by email
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday June 11th, 2020 1:24:43 PM
Desdichado keeps running to the pinnacle of the hill, until he is just next to the trees (DM:20). He shakes his head in sadness at the guards downed by the fireball.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday June 11th, 2020 6:01:11 PM
[Oops. I read the title of the last DM post as "2 combat rounds," meaning we would post two rounds of actions. I don't know why I thought that, but I did. Not helping is the fact that today's DM post says 4, which means we lost a 3 somewhere. Anyway.]
Sarge keeps moving. [So this round she should be able to reach EC-18]
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+18=26 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=10 ; d8+14=16 ; d8+14=15 ; d8+14=21 ; d8+14=19 ; d8+14=18 ; Thursday June 11th, 2020 6:17:31 PM
"I got you!" Sharpe returns fire on the archers shooting at Hmerrin.
---- Full Attack - target one on the left, not sure if I can switch if one drops, there should be no bonus for cover. 26 vs AC; 31 DMG 27 vs AC; 21 DMG 22 vs AC; 19 DMG 10 vs AC; 18 DMG
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 2/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Thursday June 11th, 2020 7:21:05 PM
Hearing whistles and the sounds of arrows flying Gaffer switches from his casting to full move another 80 feet east and get close to cresting the hill.
**** Active Effects **** Longstrider - +10 movement - 11 hours **** Spells **** Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Level 1: Faerie Fire x2, Pass Without A Trace, Entangle, (Long Strider) D: Obscuring Mist Level 2: Flaming Sphere, Chill Metal, Barkskin, Warp Wood x2 D: Fog Cloud Level 3: Wind Wall, Cure Moderate Wounds, Plant Growth, Diminish Plants, Poison, Neutralize Poison D: Call Lightning Level 4: Air Walk, Spike Stones, Dispel Magic, Flame Strike D: Sleet Storm Level 5: Call Lightning Storm, Baleful Polymorph D: Ice Storm Level 6: Transport via Plants D: Control Wind
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:28 T:12 FF:24 CMD:25) Thursday June 11th, 2020 8:52:10 PM If Warrd truly favors fools, I'll be fine
Hmerrin keeps up the pace, running hard for the open gate.
-- Run 90' to CB/18
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Thursday June 11th, 2020 11:59:05 PM
If Toston can fly as though he is running he does so in pursuit of the runner. (run action for 240 feet).
Otherwise Toston takes a double move in pursuit of the runner (double move action for 120 feet of movement)
mage armor : +4 AC : 6 hours shield : +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile : 58 rounds fly : 60 ft fly speed : 57 rounds
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 82/88; CMD 17] Friday June 12th, 2020 4:20:36 AM
Seeing that all of the guards on the hill appear to be dead Eisenhorn will dissmiss the black tentacles spell. He'll continue running another 30ft east. He then stops feeling winded, taking in a big gulp of air he mutters to himself "I really need to exercize more...did not expect there would be so much running involved." He will then dimension step to DP6 (ooc: I think that's about 125ft. but let me know.)
"We...uhhhh.... should've probably moved closer before kicking off." Eisenhorn says to Sharpe while trying to catch a breath.
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Mage Armor ---- +4 AC (Armor) ---- 10 H
Running and Actions. 5 COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) d100=84 ; d100=24 ; d100=27 ; d100=86 ; d20=12 ; d20=3 ; d20=15 ; d20=12 ; Friday June 12th, 2020 11:43:43 AM
Desdichado keeps running to the pinnacle of the hill, until he is just next to the trees. He shakes his head in sadness at the guards downed by the fireball.
Sarge keeps moving. (ooc: yep, Players were confused on how many rounds since your kindly DM didn't start counting on the first round. I have altered the round number agreement. Pray I do not alter it further.)
Sharpe stops where he is and gives Hmerrin covering fire, his skill and equipment are both better than the guards. Depite the distance (Sharpe takes -2 to hit for 2 range increments) and the partial cover of the platform, he drops Guard 6 with his first shot of two arrows, and Guard 7 with his next two!
Gaffer hears the whistles and can see Sharpe returning fire. The druid puts his concentration in getting closer to the battle
Hmerrin keeps up the pace, running hard for the open gate.
Toston (only able to hustle at x2 move while flying) pursues Guard 5, that is, after he gets over the hill and can see the running guard.
Eisenhorn dismisses the Black Tentacles( Standard Action) and runs 30 feet (Move Action), then gets another idea. Next round, he will Dim Step...
.......................
Guard 5 isn't looking behind him, and continues to run for the south-west platform. He isn't shouting any more.
The whistles continue to blow: "Tweeeet-Tweeeet-Tweeeet!" "TWEEEET-TWEEEET-TWEEEET!"
The archers on the south-west platform continue to concentrate on Hmerrin. Both missing with a total of 4 arrows.
More guards are seen entering the Platforms...
Hmerrin, Sharpe, Desdichado, and Toston can see the large, barn-like Gatehouse door is ... beginning to close! Unseen, some force is trying to shut the gate! Hmerrin is close enough that he can Squeeze (per squeeze rules) through the door or in between the door and the wall to stop it from closing, depending on what is going through his mind...
Sharpe - [AC 30/20/23 - CMD 26; HP 91/91] - [Charles] d20+18=28 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+8=23 ; d8+14=20 ; d8+14=16 ; d8+14=19 ; d8+14=22 ; d8+14=17 ; Friday June 12th, 2020 3:02:43 PM
Sharpe calls back to the others. "Guys the nest looks angry, if you want in get in now, run for it. ill cover"
---- Full Attack - on the same tower, 28 vs AC; 36 DMG 28 vs AC; 19 DMG 16 vs AC; 22 DMG 23 vs AC; 17 DMG
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Friday June 12th, 2020 6:59:25 PM
Desdichado runs another 60 ft to DA:20.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 109/109 AC:27 T:15 FF:23 CMD:29) Saturday June 13th, 2020 9:55:53 AM
Hmerrin takes a quick look over his shoulder, gauges time and distance, and makes a decision.
Slowing, the lad slips through the closing door into the barn itself.
As soon as he's inside, he pulls a red colored gem from his belt pouch.
--- Move 30' to C/15. Pull out elemental gem.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 96/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Monday June 15th, 2020 12:14:54 AM
Toston makes a double move action to CH 19 seeing that Hmerrin needs backup and the gnome is still far away.
Gaffer (Courtney HP: 94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 2/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Monday June 15th, 2020 6:25:08 AM
Gaffer crests the hill moving 40 feet, and taps himself to cast Barkskin
**** Active Effects **** Longstrider - +10 movement - 11 hours **** Spells **** Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Level 1: Faerie Fire x2, Pass Without A Trace, Entangle, (Long Strider) D: Obscuring Mist Level 2: Flaming Sphere, Chill Metal, (Barkskin), Warp Wood x2 D: Fog Cloud Level 3: Wind Wall, Cure Moderate Wounds, Plant Growth, Diminish Plants, Poison, Neutralize Poison D: Call Lightning Level 4: Air Walk, Spike Stones, Dispel Magic, Flame Strike D: Sleet Storm Level 5: Call Lightning Storm, Baleful Polymorph D: Ice Storm Level 6: Transport via Plants D: Control Wind
Running and Actions. 6 COMBAT ROUNDS (DM SteveK) d100=22 ; d100=34 ; d100=1 ; d100=5 ; d20=1 ; d20=14 ; d20=15 ; d20=6 ; d20=14 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+9=21 ; 2d8+10=21 ; 2d8+10=19 ; Monday June 15th, 2020 9:34:08 AM
Sharpe urges speed and continue to cover the walls with his powerful bow. His first two salvos hit, but the third and fourth stand quivering in the wooden half-wall of the Platform.
Desdichado runs another 60 ft.
Hmerrin slips through the closing door into the barn itself and pulls a red colored gem from his belt pouch.
Toston, while flying a foot from the earth, hustles across the open ground, figuring it is more important to backup Hmerrin than to catch Guard 5.
Eisenhorn Dim Steps and nearly catches up to Gaffer, Sharpe, and Sarge.
Sarge keeps running.
.......................
Guard 5 isn't looking behind him, and runs around the south-west tower and out of sight.
The whistles continue to blow: "Tweeeet-Tweeeet-Tweeeet!" "TWEEEET-TWEEEET-TWEEEET!"
The archers on the south-west and north-west platforms continue to shoot arrows, but with the long-range losses by Sharpe's bow, they begin playing a different game. All of them duck below the half-wall of the Platform (total cover), and when ready, rise up, fire, and duck back down! Sharpe will not be able to hit any of them unless he Readies an attack, and that with only one arrow!
Five arrows streak out towards Toston, all miss.
More guards are seen entering the Platforms...
Hmerrin jumps through the Gatehouse Door just as it slams shut! Toston and Hmerrin can easily see it is a reinforced door (Hardness 5 HP 20 Break DC 25) There are sounds of grunts and something smashing against metal inside.
Hmerrin ONLY Highlight to display spoiler: { Inside of the Gatehouse, the shoddy exterior is deceptive; this is a well-built building! Iron pegs line the walls and there is a bin half-full of shackles. Two Neanderthal-looking guards (Monitors) in Hide armor carrying great clubs are by the door. One was closing the door and the other had his club ready. A strike as Hmerrin darts in, another as he is distracted fumbling for his gem, and then two more smash out! (Hmerrin takes 21 and 19 damage for 40 [minus any DR] ) The second Monitor methodically kicks a wedge under the Door and taps it with his own club before looking up with mild interest at Hmerrin. }
Hmerrin ONLY Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { There is movement through the open door to the south. At least one other Monitor is coming through that door too! }
...................... NOTE: a Character may RUN a number of rounds equal to their Constitution score before having to make Endurance checks.
Guards AC 18 CMD 16 1-4 DEAD 5 6-7 DOWN 8-9 10 DEAD 11 Dam 19 12-13
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