Religious Rampage

[TerrickTerran]

You all find yourselves gathered together in a tent with the clerics and druids that you must escort to Sharn. What was worse was that they were sniping at each other with the rumors that one of them was a traitor. You have two weeks to escort them to the arbiter who would hopefully settle this. Of course besides the potential traitor, there were also other powers who would be more than happy to knock off a few of these people. That is why your various organizations have asked you to escort them. The last thing most people want is another war. You may get to know each other, talk to those with you (There are 6. One Sovereign Host, One Dark Six, One Blood of Vol, 1 Silver Flame, 1 Druid, and 1 Reforged)

The night is quiet otherwise, and for the moment, you are all safe.

[Rannil]

All the way at the side is a young girl standing, with light blue hair and bright yellow eyes, yet most don't even seem to notice to. She looks aware, yet deeply sunken her thoughts.
"Silly accusations. If someone wanted to sabotage this from the inside they already spilled plenty of chances. It is probably just some rumor to increase attention and lower the chances of them working together."
Sheale rolled her eyes and sighed, trying to not listen to the blaming of each other.

[Zaydos]

In the back of the tent a woman, around 20 years old, stands watching the assembled priests. Her hood is down allowing her long black hair to fall between her shoulders. She wears a bright red cloak, and gloves, with equally colorful pants and shoes. Blue sleeves extend from beneath her chain shirt. Around her head a grey stone covered in continual flame orbits slowly.

She watches the priests carefully, boredom showing in her eyes. A happy smile shows on her face, as if she were glad simply to be alive.

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Slipping silently into the clearing like an apparition, Shar slips his hood off and shakes his head at the bickering coming from the large tent before him. Like the others before, this patrol has revealed nothing suspicious. Given the volume of this motley collection, though, caution is certainly in order.

"I think it's time for some tea," he murmurs to the massive dog padding at his side. "Hold the fort for now, ok, Kutya?" He pats the dog on her head and then steps inside the tent.

Inside, he makes his way to the kettle sitting atop coals in the center of the tent and pours himself a mug of the hot brew, glancing around at the various clerics and mercenaries filling the canvas room. His piercing blue eyes meet those of the young woman at the back and he walks over to stand beside her.

"How did I let you get me into this?" he asks.

Young woman in this case meaning Zaydos's PC

[Zaydos]

Teres turns to Shar and, still smiling, answers, "You needed the work, I helped you get it. Then again I'm wondering why I took the job myself."

Teres pauses to pour herself a drink from the kettle, and then asks, "So how's the dog?"

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

The small elf eyes his companion's false smile, but answers her question. "Kutya does better than I do, most days. She certainly seemed happy to see you again." He drains the last of his tea and winces at a particularly scathing insult lobbed by one of the so-called holy men. "She's also much more agreeable company at times."

[Gamblerjoe]

In one corner of the tent, being all but completely ignored by everyone else sits an elf, deep in trance. his long black hair is kept in a tight ponytail, which is folded over itself and tied with a single piece of black ribbon. over his monk's outfit is a tabbard bearing the insignia of House Deneith, tied at the waist with a hemp rope. he has simple wooden sandals on his feet.

The elf wakes from his trance, leaves the tent and returns several minutes later. he retrieves a loaf a bread from his backpack in the corner of the room, and takes a seat at the table. after introducing himself and offering a piece to everyone at the table, he walks around the room to offer some to the others. he first approaches the lone young girl.

Would you care for some bread? One can never take too good care of their mind and body.

[Zaydos]

"There is few forms of company worse than that of priests." Teres replies watching her old comrade flinch, with little or no concern for the opinion of the holy men. "But if watching these childish priests prevents another war it is worth it." She ends with a sigh.

[TerrickTerran]

For those interested, here are the people you are escorting
Josephus human cleric of the Sovereign Host
Lilith half elf(?) cleric of The Fury
Mordred Dwarf paladin/expert of the Silver Flame
Alexander human cleric of the Blood of Vol
Romanna Elf Druid of the Greensingers
Seven Monk/Scout of the Reforged

Josephus and Alexander have been exchanging a lot of words, but otherwise it's been pretty quiet so far....or is it?

everyone roll a listen check

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo


Listen checks:
[roll0]
[roll1] (don't forget she's outside, alert, and has scent as well)

[Gamblerjoe]

listen: [roll0]

[Zaydos]

Listen [roll0]

[Rannil]

When another elf approached her and offered her some bread she shook her head. "I have already eaten" She stated without much tone in her voice.

Listen: [roll0]

[Player3]

Cael entered the main tent after having tended to his horse outside. He looked around the spokespeople and guard he hardly knew. To him, most of them seemed like your average clergymen. His eye lingered on Romana for a second, her effects seemed different to the others, but he realised that those differences were probably fairly superficial, considering who she represented. He was slightly amused that the dark six even got an edge in on this gathering, but the real shock to him was the warforged. Cael had never known them as other than tools of war, very resourceful and talented warriors, but tools nevertheless. And here was one who seemed to shun his very nature. I would trust a juggernaut with his axe bearing down on me more than this one.

listen: 1d20+0

[OOC: sorry, first time using the forum roller, trying to get it to work.]

[TerrickTerran]

Teres and Cael seem to be distracted by the various conversations, but the others can hear approaching footsteps and mutterings in a language which might not be familiar. There is also a slight burnt smell that something with scent might notice.

[Ragnarok'n'Roll]

Bolden

Bolden scratches his beard in annoyance. "Not sure I like all this talking" he says quietly as he finishes up a quick mediation. Bolden streches his thick arms as he stands up.

"No bread for me thanks" he answers though no one was talking to him. Bolden doesn't notice. "Maybe they should have another war, obviously they still got issues to work out." he suggests in a sarcastic voice and with a wink.



listen : [roll0]

[TheFallenOne]

In the pale moonlight, a dwarf watched over the tent from a raised position, the stocky figure well concealed under his cloak that blended into the surrounding landscape. THe watch shift in the middle of the night suited his eyes best, but the truth was he needed to get away from those bickering priests. Diplomacy never was his strong point and if one of them happened to throw an insult his way he'd most likely have thrown it back. He didn't feel like starting a war right now, though truth to be told his life lost it's direction when The Last War ended.
Well, better than nothing. The job brings money and maybe I can get someone important to help me with my little project. Though bitching at each other seems more important to them than honoring the dead.

Taken a look at the height of the moon, he measured the time until his shift would be over.

Listen [roll0]
Hunters Sence(Scent 30 feet) active
If there is any elevated point near the tent, a small hill, a cliff or best a tree, I'll be up there, hidden(take 10 for 21)

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang moves toward the entrance preparing to offer the new arrival some bread.

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

As Shar sets his cup down beside him, his keen elven ears catch the sound of speech outside, though he can't make out the words. Standing, he murmurs to his companion, "We have a visitor." He begins moving smoothly toward the tent's flap, wondering distantly why Kutya didn't sound a warning yet...

Oh yeah, stances. I'm gonna say Shar let his guard down and is not in a stance right now. He'll enter his own Hunter's Sense stance on the way to the door.

[Zaydos]

When Shar stands up to leave, Teres places her cup down as well and follows him. She seems at ease, her hands far from her weapon, and a smile on her face.

[Player3]

Cael watched the three of them move past him to the entrance before sitting down and trying to follow the exchange between Josephus and Alexander.
Maybe they heard something, or just on edge like everyone else seems to be. Either way, if there is something, I'm sure the three of them and that dwarf sulking about outside can take care of themselves.

[TerrickTerran]

(a favor players, would when you post, list your character on top? It will make things easier on me)

Those who investigate outside see a small group of halflings approach, seeming confused about where they are going. Their torches were extinguished by the light rain that has started to fall.

The converstaions are mostly religious debate and while their words are heated, neither seems open to really doing something to the other.

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Frowning, the elf circles to the side of the party. "What is your business, friends?" he calls to them. He keeps his hands near his swords.

At the sound of his voice, Kutya wakes from dozing near the tent, leaps to her feet and growls at the newcomers. Some guard you are.

[Zaydos]

Teres

Teres stops and waits, letting Shar go forward to handle the situation while she watches. She is ready to rush to his side, should anything go wrong, but would prefer not to interfere quite yet.

[Mystic Muse]

Nex. http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=231166


Hearing the Newcomers, Nex pops out of her tent. (Using her usual form. I describe this back in her entry.) She wasn't fond of meeting new people even when it paid well. However, she decides she should go out and meet them as Paladins should be polite. Noticing that there are already others there however, she simply goes out for support in case things go wrong as they often did.

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

Liang hopes that these halflings arent headed for their tent. more bickering over religion could really bring this situation to a head.

you folks look like you could use a bite to eat, and some pitch for those torches. some bread in their mouths would surely silence them for a moment, and perhaps a full belly will ease their moods.

[TerrickTerran]

A group of five halflings nod at the suggestion of food. "Thank you" one says. "We were trying to get to the village before the night but we were attacked by some orcs and just managed to get away from them." They follow Liang into the tent.

[Zaydos]

Teres follows the halflings in the tent. "Orcs you say? Were any of your group hurt? Do you know why they attacked you?" she says, with a look of concern on her face.

[Mystic Muse]

Nex will follow them into the tent as well.

[Ragnarok'n'Roll]

Bolden

Bolden moves over so the halflings could sit. "Uhh why did ya bring them here?" He asks obviously paranoid about the other 'guards' letting strangers this far into the camp.

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Shar shares Bolden's apprehension, but keeps it to himself and resolves to be vigilant. He follows them into the tent, stopping to whisper fiercely to Kutya, "Stay awake this time!" Once inside, he finds a spot between the halflings and the guard team's charges, squatting in place to listen to the talk.

[Player3]

Cael Therge

Cael merely raises an eyebrow, hearing the dwarf speak his thoughts. He instinctively looks them over, quickly noting if they seem to have any weapons on hand. Nevertheless, he made sure his sword was within reach should he need it. If they were from the plains, they could be deceptive and fierce.

[vollmond]

Shar speaks up again, asking the halflings, "What of these orcs? Have they followed you thus far, or were you able to lose them in the forest?" Shar has no interest in fighting a tribal war-party in the dark...

"What is your business in the village?"

[TerrickTerran]

The leader shook his head. "We're all okay. They got money but luckily shed no blood. They seemed to be perfectly happy ambushing travellers to take their money for whatever they choose." The halflings sit quietly together occasionally exchanging words in Gnomish.

[Ragnarok'n'Roll]

Bolden

Bolden was extremely on edge after the halflings switched to a language he didn't speak. Bolden puts himself into a ready postion for combat.

"Please stick to speaking common in our presence. You are in our camp - against my better judgement. We are on a sensitive mission and I'm giving you fair warning that I will thunder-slap anyone who makes a false move. Thank you for the warning about the orcs, but I think you should leave now. You have food, if you camp further down the trail you shouldn't run into any more orc trouble."

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Perhaps less diplomatic than was prudent, but such is life. Shar slowly stands from his squat and places a hand on the hilt of a sword. "I'm afraid my friend is right. You're welcome to the food we've shared, but it would be best if you moved on to your own camp." He moves to usher them out the door. "With us here, you will have nothing to fear from the raiding party if they decide to follow you after all."

[Player3]

Cael Therge

Were they actually carrying any visible weapons, armour or gear besides the torches and the clothes on their back?
Spot (if need be) [roll0]

The first step is to find out if they're lying.

Cael stood up and exited the tent. He found his familiar resting in his belt pouch and gently woke it up. "Sorry to disturb you, but I need you to check something out for me." He whispered to it in his cupped hand. "Go up the road, I want to know if you smell any orcs up there. Stay hidden, and come back quickly if there's any danger to you."
He lent down and let the rat jump from his hand and scamper off.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang Thunderbreaker

Grimmgang watched the approaching halflings closely from above, hidden in the leaves of a tree he chose as his station. They seemed no imminent threat, but he placed the signal whistle in his mouth just in case.
It didn't matter in the end, as the others had noticed the intruders too and greeted them peacefully. He didn't catch the entire talk, though he heard something about "orcs" before they entered the tent.
He sulked for a while, reminiscent that the guys he was with were no soldiers. As a guard, he shouldn't leave his post. On the other hand, if anything was afoot he should be filled in to know what to look for.
Sighing and mumbling curses in his beard, he quickly scaled down the tree after sparing a close look in the direction the halflings came from one last time. Not wasting a moment, he strode into the tent, giving Kutya the hound a mocking yet friendly nod. At least there is one other guardian.
Throwing back the tent-flap, he asked "What's the update? I didn't catch your entire talk, but I heard something about orcs. If there is a potentially hostile party nearby we should do some reconnaissance ."

[TerrickTerran]

The halfling feeling unwanted leave, and a short time later you hear some piercing screams and then silence. The religious leaders look at each other wondering if they're with the right people. Cael's rat returns to inform that there are several orcs on both sides and they ambushed the halflings in a quick route.

[Zaydos]

Teres
"Seems we will have to move carefully." She says, glancing at the priests, "Don't worry, you're with the right people. We will protect you, it's our job, and our reputation. We fail we might not be able to get work ever again. So we're doing our job, we'll protect you even if it means not protecting others"

Diplomacy check to improve the priest's feelings
[roll0]

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

*Upon hearing screams, Liang poked his head out of the tent. he then moves to his gear in the corner, pulls out his bullseye lantern, and puts on his backpack.*

I'm going to do a quick search of the perimiter. If there is anything to report, i will let you know. screams are a bad sign. those halfling said that the orcs could be bought off, so if someone was attacked it could mean anything.

*leaves the tent. moves as quickly as possible toward the source of the scream.*

speed 40. i stop as soon as i see anything hostile.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang

The Dwarf sighed at the sudden and quickly fading screams in the distance. "Those poor fools are dead. Like I said, we should take a look at those Orcs. I'll scout them out, if anyone wants to come with me, speak up. Sneaky ones only, we need to get some information before going in hot."

He drew his waraxe and closed the dark grey cloak over his armor to better conceal himself, then set off in the direction the halflings left, several meters left of the path, moving silently from cover to cover.

OOC
Hide(Take 10) 23
Move Silently(Take 10) 23
Scent active
Darkvision 60 feet

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

"Agreed; we'd best look into it." He follows the others out of the tent. Stopping by Kutya, he circles his hand over his head and then points at the ground, commanding her to guard the clearing and sound the alarm if need be. Turning, he melts into the forest and makes his way towards the orcs.


My own sneaky stats:
Take 10 on Hide/MS for 25 each
Scent
Low-light Vision

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

(while moving to the corner of the tent to grab his backpack) *listens to Grimmgang's suggestion.*

I believe that would be most shrewd. You dont need light to see in the dark. Signal us if you require help, and stay safe.

*continues equipping gear, and turns to their clients.*

Your protection is our first and foremost priority. As Teres said, we are representing our employer and our livlihood. I am also representing House Deneith, and have a duty and code to uphold. Part of this duty is to prepare for the worst. if the camp comes under attack, protecting all of you means protecting the camp. if it comes to that we are going to need your cooperation. Im not sure how were going to keep these people under controll with our attention divided. I certainly dont trust that blood of vol cleric, and dont want to turn my back on him for long. i need to take tally of this situation.

*looks around for support (hoping for a better speaker to chime in)...leaves the tent and turns on his lantern...looks around to see how many guards are on duty...goes back in the tent.*

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang

The Dwarf nodded to Liang. "We'll be back soon enough, once we know what we're dealing with we can decide together how to proceed. Keep watch while we're gone and the light low; I guess they know we're here, but no need to draw unnecessary attention."

Grimmgang left together with Nailo, glad to see he left his pet behind to have an attentive guardian at the tent. "You look sneaky enough, good. Let's see what those sordid orcs are up to." After that, he stayed silent as they stalked through the shadows.

[TerrickTerran]

There are about eight orcs gathered over the dead halflings bodies. They are making no effort to hide themselves, instead they seem to be celebrating their kills. They have not noticed you guys.

The priests listen to Teres and fall silent. The diplomacy seems to have improved their mood somewhat and they crawl into their bedmats to get some sleep.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang

Grimmgang watched the orcs intently, checking their weaponry and trying to make out a leader. After a while, he communicated with Nailo per military signal code, first pointing at himself, then making a circling motion to the side of the orcs on the opposite side of the tent(ours), then pointing at Nailo, making walking motions towards the tent they came from, finally making a sharp motion in direction of the orcs.

OOC(maybe intelligence check?)
"I'll go around them and you bring the others back, we'll attack from two sides"

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Shar nods silently at Grimmgang's plan, turns, and moves swiftly back into the trees. Finding his way back to the camp, he sticks his head in the tent's door. "Orcs. Time to earn our pay." He looks around at the religious leaders and says, "I will leave Kutya here; she can raise the alarm if anything happens here."

I am loathe to leave the clerics alone, but I also wouldn't want to leave any PC stuck here alone :smallconfused:

[Zaydos]

Teres
"Shall I come to assist you? I am not the most skilled in stealth and I'd hate to leave the priests unwatched. On the other hand I can be quite useful in battle." Teres asks, she knows her weak points and the strength that the element of surprise can give, but she also knows how dangerous even orcs can be.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang

Grimmgang slowly circled around the group of orcs so they're between him and the tent, finding some good cover and lied in wait, looking out for the first sign of his companions. He readied his shield and his axe, prepared to charge into the back of the orcs once they were engaged from the opposite side.

OOC
Switch stance to Absolute Steel once I see my companions advancing

gah, I wish I had Steel Wind readied, but changing maneuvers takes 5 minutes of exercising, I have the time, but I guess I can't exercise properly while hiding

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

Very well, this is what we have been preparing for.

OOC: how dark is it at this point? if its dark i turn on my lantern.

Now fully geared up, Liang grabs his lantern and leaves the tent. Once everyone is outside of the tent he addresses the others. Im not very skilled in stealth, but i can move fast. I can also provide light while we fight. If you wish to sneak, i can stay behind, and catch up once you engage.

[Player3]

Cael Therge

"I would rather stay here and guard the priests, just in case an orc manages to slip through. And don't forget the rumours." Cael looked around to the priests, checking that they were all there. "I can still help though, I can cast a spell for those leaving."

[Zaydos]

Teres
"So shall we make this a mission of stealth, or force?" Teres asks, "If Cael is staying to watch, I shall come so that numbers are not too heavily against us. Perhaps my magic will prove useful."

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

"We'd best tend toward stealth, at least until we get there. Grimmgang stayed to circle around behind the orcs and will be the anvil to our hammer, once we attack. With luck, we can catch them off-guard and keep them off-kilter until our business is done." The small elf turns to Cael and bows. "I welcome your blessing, friend."

[Player3]

Cael Therge

Cael crossed his arms as he thought out loud. "Well, if you're going for a stealth operation, giving you a size advantage over them probably isn't the best option. None of you seem to be the kind to rely on your strength either, so perhaps it is best to protect you all from stray arrows." He uncrossed his arms and readied himself to cast. "As the scout you would have a better grasp on the situation, so I leave the choice up to you."

[Mystic Muse]

internal monologue

should I go with them? Things could get messy if I don't but the same could happen here if I go. I can sneak pretty well too but we don't know anything about these Orcs. They could be more powerful than us or simply have the advantage of pure numbers. But a Paladin should defend those who need it and this might help. Gosh I hate doing things like this. But this is a Paladin's job and after what happened to mom and dad.....

Can I come? Nex Speaks up.(If she's out there. I'm sorry, I don't have time to check the whole thread.)

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo

Shar considers for a moment, then says, "You are probably right, the arrow defense seems the best option." Turning to Nex, he continues, "The more of us there are, the easier it will be." He turns and slips back into the forest, returning to the fallen halfling encampment.

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

Once Shar disappears into the forest, Liang begins moving at a casual pace toward the halfling encampment.

OOC:
once i spot the camp i stop about 150-200 ft from it. i try to find an open sprinting lane. if it is dark, i have my lantern on, and move about casually, giving the impression that i dont see the orcs. if it is not dark enough to need the lantern, it is off and i sneak into position.

[Zaydos]

Teres

Teres accompanies Liang, following Liang's strategic sense of splitting the group into those trained in stealth and those not so trained.

[TerrickTerran]

The party can advance on the orcs fairly easily. It's quite dark, and they seem distracted looting and what not.

Cael can hear some rumblings near the tent. Its muffled so what it is exactly isn't quite audible.

roll initiatives please

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang

Initiative
[roll0]
I change to Absolute Steel stance

[vollmond]

Shar Nailo


[roll0]
Switching to Assassin's Stance.

[Zaydos]

Teres

Initiative [roll0]
Fear aura is active

[Gamblerjoe]

Liang

Initiative: [roll0]

[Player3]

Cael

Initiative: [roll0]

Shar, Teres, Nex and Liang have Protection from arrows (10/magic vs ranged for 50 points/5 hours)
One 2nd level spell left.