Operation: UNDERHOLME (IC)

[Machinekng]

OoC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13767556#post13767556)

15th of Tandolth. 2300 Hours.

The rain beats down as the squad emerges from their bunker. It’s a freezing, starless night, fit for no man or beast.

“Isn’t it perfect!”

A gnome, his leather jacket and flight goggles marking him as an aviator and his epaulets marking him as a Major, steps toward you. Although he’s obviously soaked by the rain, his goateed face is enthusiastic.

“It’ll be hell, for sure, but the flight will be hard to spot, and with this weather, the enemy is unlikely to be sending out aerial patrols. Major Zindel, by the way.”
The gnome gives a quick salute.“Let’s get to the aviary. The flight crew is still affixing the insulated barding, but we should be on schedule.”

The squad marches behind the gnome, heading towards the barn-like building at the other end of the field. The rain shows no sign of stopping, and the path has become but mud. Yet, the team presses on. Entering the aviary is a relief, because although the building is cold, it’s at least dry. They see around twenty airmen working with a half-dozen green drakes, apparently affixing the aforementioned barding. Three more gnomes and two dwarves, all decked out in flight gear, are sitting at a table next to the aviary’s wall, chatting amongst themselves.

The Major checks his watch. “We have twenty minutes till take-off, men!” he shouts towards the aviators. They scramble out of their seats, heading to do last minute inspections of their beasts.

The barn door creaks open again, and the Commander, his beard dripping rainwater, enters. He hands a small something to Doel, and then leaves without uttering a word.

“Prepare to board,” calls Zindel, “we’re heading out!”

16th of Tandolth. 0300 Hours.

The rain has no let up since the team became airborne. Each team member is riding on one of the drakes, behind its aviator. Major Zindel and his drake lead the flight, with the other drakes arranged in a V formation behind it.

“You guys know the drill for the Drop!” Major Zindel shouts, his voice barely audible over the wind. “Take the Feather Fall wafer, and store it in your cheek! As soon as you jump, begin counting! When you get to one hundred, bite the wafer! You got that!”

You see Mount Underholme, standing tall above its neighboring peaks. Once, it was lit by the city that runs though it, but now, all was dark.

“On my mark, jump!” the Major calls out.

“Mark!”

Obeying his commands, each member of the team throws himself off the drakes, which immediately pinwheel, heading back towards the base.

One hundred seconds later, the team floats gently to the ground, with each member of the squad within about 300ft. . They have landed in wooden terrain, and the base of the mountain is about 4 miles to the northeast.

What do you do?

[hoverfrog]

Boric is happy to be on solid ground again and takes a moment to gather his bearings and looks around to see if he can spot any of the others. If he can't see anyone he tries to recall where they were just before he landed and heads towards the nearest one that is in a north easterly direction. He's not deliberately making noise but he's also not moving stealthily until the group has connected together.

Muttering under his breath "Hurrumph, should've arranged a place to meet up before hurling ourselves off those scaled monstrosities. T'aint right for a gnome to fly. T'aint right at all."

Perception check [roll0] to see or hear anyone else
Survival check [roll1] to actually find the others from their tracks
Knowledge geography check [roll2] so that I don't wander off in the wrong direction I keep an eye on landmarks.

[Chained Birds]

Doel

As the team gets together, Captain Doel glances around the area for a moment, and looks over his team for any injuries. Once he is certain everyone has arrived and no one has any injuries that will compromise the mission, he begins to speak in his usual gruff tone.

"Ah' Attention! I, Captain Hammerfell, have received a mission statement from Commander Oleg. Our first objective is to enter the City-Mount without detection by any means. I'm looking to all of you to behave and not get too full of yourselves and mess up.
In order to ensure that we are able to communicate with one another without being noticed, I want each of you to accept this minor pact to become a part of my Collective. Within the Collective, you'll be able to ask for healing if needed and, more importantly, gain the ability to speak telepathically with the other members."

Doel then holds out a hand and places it on each member individually, establishing them a part of the group. Speaking to them telepathically from here on out,

"Get comfortable speaking to each other in this manner, as it will be essential to relaying important information. Keep in mind also that the Collective only goes out to about 160ft from me, so only venture out of the area if you've notified me, and/or the rest of the unit, in advance.
Now, Intelligence suggests that the city's flood-tunnels, located at the western base of the mountain, empty into a slough that may or may not be filled. This weather may neutralize this passage, though it may be our only way in even of it is dangerous.
Other entrances include the main gates, or a mattering of minor tunnels, but these are further up the slope and more likely to be guarded. If we take either of these paths, we'll most likely have to engage the enemy. I'm not looking for loud behavior at these times or the use of any spells or mundane items that would cause loud noises or bright lights. They have hostages, so remember that the safety of everyone in there is our prime objective.
Our first step is to check the Flood-tunnels to see if they are a viable entrance."

[Iron Victory]

Thrice damned drakes… Skeller never liked flying. He needed his feet on the ground with a roof of stone overhead. It baffled the inquisitor how Freya could be so calm during the drops, good training he supposed. Upon landing, Skeller checks his gear, making sure none was lost in the jump. He stays low, and approaches Captain Hammerfell, flashing a brief salute. Accepting the Collective without question, Skeller listens patiently and intently as his orders are conveyed. “Understood, sir” he rattles off through the psychic link.

Perception Check: [roll0]
[To make sure our insertion went unnoticed]

Survival Check: [roll1]
[To get the lay of the land]

[Starbin]

Brandor glanced down from the drake he was one, his goggles making it difficult to see, but at least progecting his eyes from the wind and rain. He could barely make out the mountain in the distance, the storm cutting visibility drastically. After about four hours of flight, Brandor heard a faint call through the wind; his rider turned and pointed down, yelling, "It's time! Watch for my mark!" Brandor kept his eyes on the man's arm, and when it sliced downward, Brandor fell backwards, arms folded over his chest.

Rolling his body over, Brandor turned his head towards the ground and rocketed towards the drop zone. Moving his arms to his side, and keeping his legs tight, he counted down as he sped through the air. He waited until it was obvious the ground was rushing forward before breaking the wafer in his mouth.

Immediately, his body slowed, and using his arms to guide himself, he made aimed himself towards the target. Once he touched the ground, he immediately headed for the rally point, using the storm and the dark to keep himself as hidden as possible.

Soon, the unit was gathered, and the Captain came forward.

"Ah' Attention! I, Captain Hammerfell, have received a mission statement from Commander Oleg. Our first objective is to enter the City-Mount without detection by any means. I'm looking to all of you to behave and not get too full of yourselves and mess up.

In order to ensure that we are able to communicate with one another without being noticed, I want each of you to accept this minor pact to become a part of my Collective. Within the Collective, you'll be able to ask for healing if needed and, more importantly, gain the ability to speak telepathically with the other members."

Brandor stood impassively as Doel touched his arm to establish the link.

"Get comfortable speaking to each other in this manner, as it will be essential to relaying important information. Keep in mind also that the Collective only goes out to about 160ft from me, so only venture out of the area if you've notified me, and/or the rest of the unit, in advance.
Now, Intelligence suggests that the city's flood-tunnels, located at the western base of the mountain, empty into a slough that may or may not be filled. This weather may neutralize this passage, though it may be our only way in even of it is dangerous.
Other entrances include the main gates, or a mattering of minor tunnels, but these are further up the slope and more likely to be guarded. If we take either of these paths, we'll most likely have to engage the enemy. I'm not looking for loud behavior at these times or the use of any spells or mundane items that would cause loud noises or bright lights. They have hostages, so remember that the safety of everyone in there is our prime objective.
Our first step is to check the Flood-tunnels to see if they are a viable entrance."

Nodding to the Captain, his thoughts evoked general acknowledgment, vice any words. Knowing his role was that of scout, in addition to being the sniper, Brandor stepped forward to recon the area.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[ji9zo]

Stalker lands on all fours, keeping himself close to the ground, his teeth grinding the wafer in his mouth to a fine paste. As the other Duergar starts talking he slowly begins to clamber to his feet and towards the voice. Odd, he thought, That a man might take such a name while aware of it's futility. He doesn't make a point of voicing this to the captain, however, as it would no doubt be equally futile. Once the captain finished talking and touched everyone, Stalker begins prowling around the area as quietly as he can.

"Where are the flood tunnels from here?"

He asks through the link, if he can.

[pyrocide]

Mordecai takes the mental link and sets to work. His attention is first drawn to double checking his inventory, making sure nothing dislodged during the fall. After checking his supplies to his satisfaction, Mordecai goes to help scout the area ahead with Brandor.

"Good to be walkin' on solid ground 'gain, eh?" Mordecai says quietly to Brandor while loading his gun with an alchemical paper cartridge. "Name's Mordecai, by the way. We didn't get much time for introducin' ourselves earlier, what with the plummetin' to the ground and all. See anythin'?"

Mordecai surveys the landscape as well, giving a second pair of eyes to the initial scouting. The Dwarf is used to being on point, and he falls quickly back into his old duties.


Perception
[roll0]
Stealth
[roll1] +1 if this is a hilly or rocky area.

It'll say +9 for stealth, but I haven't switched in the bonus from the Highlander trait yet. Will do tonight, I promise!

[Starbin]

Brandor nodded to the other man, remembering the quick brief they had been given on the members of the team. He glanced at the weapon Mordecai held, remember the Captain's admonishment against loud or flashy spells or equipment. Shrugging inwardly, he continued to move forward, until in the uncomfortable silence, he realized the other dwarf was waiting on him for something.

Glancing back, he thought back through the link, "Brandor"

[Machinekng]

Perception check [roll0] to see or hear anyone else
Survival check [roll1] to actually find the others from their tracks
Knowledge geography check [roll2] so that I don't wander off in the wrong direction I keep an eye on landmarks.

You easily find the others after moving through some of the brush.



Perception Check: [roll0]
[To make sure our insertion went unnoticed]
Survival Check: [roll1]
[To get the lay of the land]

It's difficult to hear or see anything in the storm, but you don't find any sign of other humaniods. The dense woods you landed in, which are mainly composed of various confiers, primarily spruce and pine, seem to run along the side of a shallow valley which runs north-south. Although you don't see it, it's easy to assume that a stream or river runs through the valley, from north to south, per your estimates of elevation change.



Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

You see the same things as Skeller, although, looking upwards, for a second, you swear that you say something moving up in the sky, momentarily illuminated by a flash of lightning. It could just be one of the drakes, of course.



Perception
[roll0]
Stealth
[roll1] +1 if this is a hilly or rocky area.
It'll say +9 for stealth, but I haven't switched in the bonus from the Highlander trait yet. Will do tonight, I promise!


You see the same things as Skeller.

[Starbin]

As the two dwarves moved quietly through the trees, Brandor glanced up, goggles now pushed back onto his forehead. He froze suddenly as he saw a shadow briefly illuminated by the lightning. Holding up a fist, he signaled for Mordecai to halt, then slowly pointed in the direction of the shadow.

Over the link, his thought quietly, "Overhead recon ... caution." Reaching back into his quiver, he slowly pulled out his longbow and waited for the shadow to show itself again. As an archer, he had learned the art of patience - this mission was for naught if they were detected before they reached the city.

Brandor will wait for at least five minutes before continuing to move ahead. Not sure of what the rest of the group is doing, but I'm guessing that Mordecai and Brandor are on point, with the others following a hundred feet or so behind (within comms, but far enough away to let us scout).

[Iron Victory]

Upon hearing Brandor's warning, Skeller drops low. Moving to cover, he gestures for his hound to do the same. The dwarf's steely grey eyes scan the night sky. He despised being on the surface, shaking every time lightning cut through the sky. This was the first storm in Skeller's near-century of life. He pulls his cloak closer.
Stealth [Skeller]: [roll0]
Stealth [Freya]: [roll1]
Perception [Skeller]:[roll2]
Perception [Freya]:[roll3] [scent] (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Scent)
Who knows, she might smell something.

[hoverfrog]

Hopefully it's not too late to hide thinks Boric as he slides down to the earth in a crouch and freezes in place, one hand in his haversack ready to pull out a wand. He doesn't so much as move until a mental signal from the scouts ahead gives the all clear but keeps an eye and an ear out for threats.

Stealth [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[Chained Birds]

Doel

The captain is hanging back about 100 or so feet away from the scouts. He knows his own abilities to remain stealthy are nowhere near that of the others.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[pyrocide]

Receiving the mental warning, Mordecai darts to a tree and puts his back against the trunk. Using the branches to hide him from flying observation, the dwarf scans the skies for any potential threats.

(I'm going to assume my last perception check was for spotting it, so I won't roll again)

Keep to the trees, Mordecai says to the group through the link, Anything above us is going to have a hard time seeing us move through the storm and the brush. Let's get moving. Mordecai waits for confirmation of his suggestion, or another visual, before moving again.

[ji9zo]

Stalker moves close to the ground following the others. At the mention of "overhead recon" he doesn't bother looking up, his eyes continue to scour the darkness ahead of him.

"An' how far hence?"

Perception and stealth because everyone seems to be doing it.

Stealth - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]

[Machinekng]

Although you continue to watch the skies, you don't see any more movement. The storm seems to be getting worse, though. You begin to feel and hear the light tapping of tiny hailstones.

[Iron Victory]

The dwarf waits a few minutes before calling out through the mental link, "I see nothing. Even if there an aerial recon, the storm will hinder them." Disgruntled by the worsening weather, Skeller advances in front of the group, "With your permission Captain, I'd like to scout ahead. I can guide us to the flood-tunnels.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]
Survival: [roll2] [cut Skeller some slack... thunder is scary :smalltongue:]
[to not get lost in the storm]

Freya:Stealth [roll3]

[Starbin]

Brandor watched patiently, but his group started to get antsy, wanting to push forward. When the inquisitor pushed ahead, stating he would be the scout and find the tunnels, Brandor simply crouched in his spot, waiting for the Captain to respond. If his own skills had already been found lacking due to his concern over being detected, then so be it ... such were the ways of war.

Standing by for whatever role the Captain deems is within his skill-set, since it turns out that Brandor is actually a worse sneak than the guy in a breastplate. :smallredface:

[hoverfrog]

"If required I hide a few of us with invisibility but as it only lasts for six minutes I'd like to reserve that until we have enemies in sight," Boric's mental communication is for everyone, "This weather works against such magics though. Foot shapes in puddles, rain bouncing off someone who cannot be seen and the chill of misted breath all make it less that perfect."

[Chained Birds]

Doel

"All-right, let's move on out to the Flood-Tunnels. I'd like for the more stealthy members to have at least a 100ft lead from noisy people like me. But be wary of traps."

Doel gives his orders and sends the stealthiest and most perceptive members to the front.

[Machinekng]

The teams heads on into the forest, heading northeast towards the city mount. The storm continues to grow, and hail beats down on the group. The forest offers some cover, but the ground continues to become muddier and muddier, and by the second mile of marching, the ground is all but a swamp.

After about two hours of marching, and around two and a half miles of travel, as the team heads over a crest, the scouts notice somethin unusual. There is a tall towering structure about 200ft. away. Although the storm obscures sight, the tower looms over the forest, making clearly visible from where the team is standing. It's now possible to see why the scouts haven't noticed it before. It seems that the tower has been camoflauged. Tree boughs have secured to the tower, making it seem to be a tree from a distance, if an abnormally tall one.

The team sees that the tower does not bear the banner of the Kingdom, but can't make out any more detail without further examination.

[Starbin]

The trek thus far had been arduous, doubly so with the weather. When the signal to stop came across the Collective, he paused, digesting the information on the tower. Obviously the team would have to deal with the situation, but a couple of questions rose immediately to the surface. Could they go around, or would it be too time-consuming? Did the tower provide visibility on the flood-tunnels? Did it look to be manned currently? Brandor simply summed up his questions to the group as, "Disposition and status?"

There were corollary questions that would eventually be address ... entrances into the tower, whether there were ranging patrols or standing guards, what kind of forces were here, what types of detection magics were in place ...

With that thought occuring, Brandor focused his thoughts towards Boric. "Mage, any wards?"

Figure we're at a rally point, determing how best to proceed. Let me know if you need any rolls ...

[Chained Birds]

Doel

After approaching the tower, keeping a good distance away from the structure and using the trees and bushes as cover.

"Skeller and Stalker, move forward and check out the area. Skeller, check the surroundings for magical wards or other magical anomalies; while you Stalker, check for any mundane or magical traps with Skeller's assistance. I want to know if this place is secure before we investigate this Tower. I trust you two can maintain your stealth as there may be people within the tower that might hamper our mission. And if you can avoid it, don't trigger or disarm any traps you find. We want to make it as if we never were here.

Head out, and Good Luck."

The Duergar gives them a signal and sends them out.

[ji9zo]

Stalker moves up to the tower as carefully and quietly as he can.

"May just be civilian housin', but we'll see."


Stealth - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]

[Iron Victory]

"Roger that, sir" replies Skeller as he approaches the tower. "Hold for a moment Stalker, I'll scan the area." While remaining hidden among the trees, the inquisitor mutters divine words under his breath. He examines the space between and around the tower multiple times though magical means before moving in for a closer look. Freya waits patiently in cover as her master advances.
Casting guidance on each roll...
MAGICAL DETECTION
perception[sift]: [roll0]
perception[sift]: [roll1]
perception[sift]: [roll2]
detect magic [3 rounds concentration]
MOVING CLOSER
perception[normal]: [roll3]
stealth: [roll4]

[Starbin]

When Stalker and Skeller moved out towards the tower, Brandor tapped Mordecai and the others on the shoulder and pointed towards one of the trees that provided a decent view of the outpost. He then moved to climb up, finding a perch that he could provide an overwatch from.

Climb: [roll0]

[Machinekng]

With a closer look, the scouts see that the tower is a old stone structure. Its base has an estimated diameter of 30ft., which tapers off to around 15ft. at its top, which is about 60ft. up. The tower's round, but blocky construction suggests that it could have been built during the Second Epoch, although there's no way to be sure. The tower, however, also supports some more... modern elements. At its crown, the tower holds an observation nest, covered in pine boughs. Pine boughs also extrude from many of the tower's arrow slits. The tower's door also looks new, and it's hinges don't look rusted.

In addition, the scouts see something moving up in the tower nest. A minute or so of observation suggests a humanoid figure up there, pacing around. Although, the figure just... isn't, quite, right. It's hard to tell why, but whatever is up there seems like a humaniod, but doesn't. It's a gut feeling, but it could make one uneasy.

Skeller

Your detection spells has turned up something. When you scan the upper portion of the tower, you can feel a pretty strong aura, an Enchantment. Strong enough to give you a nasty itch. It's the only aura you can detect however.


Brandor
After a couple of tries, you're able to scale a larger tree. It's about 40ft. tall, but the highest perch you're able to stand on is around 30ft. up.

[Starbin]

Once in his perch, Brandor maintained a watch on the area the two scouts had headed for. He also tried to penetrate the darkness and monitor the tower from his location ... a difficult feat at best from this distance in this weather.

Perception: [roll0]

[Iron Victory]

"One sentry in the tower nest, something is off about 'im... not sure what" Skeller focuses on the mysterious figure pacing in the darkness. "I'm also detecting strong enchantments in the upper portions of the tower. It looks well kept up, this isn't just a ruin. There are plenty of handholds, if needed me an' Stalker could climb up and neutralize the guard. How should we proceed?"

[Chained Birds]

Doel

"We weren't sent here to take down guards, but it might be necessary. I'll send my own scout up there to identify the target. Stand-by."

Doel sends out his Psycrystal to climb up the Tower. With its natural climbing skills it should be able to climb the structure without worry.

Climb: Climb Speed 20ft
Perception Check (With Sighted Ability up to 40ft): [roll0]
- If needed as it approaches to where the figure is.
Stealth Check: [roll1]

Edit: Luckily a 1 doesn't always mean failure. And it pretty much looks like a black spider anyways...

[pyrocide]

Mordecai moves to the tree with Brandor and the others, but decides against climbing.

"Git on up the tree then. I'll stay here and make sure we don't get ambushed from the ground."

Mordecai's reason made tactical sense, though the dwarf had another reason for declining to climb. Mordecai lived in the earth. Having the open stormy sky above him was already more than he cared for. However, climbing something and leaving the dirt completely was more than he could take. Mordecai wasn't afraid so to say, but rather uncomfortable, much as humans become uncomfortable when underground for long periods of time.

[hoverfrog]

"Are you able to describe the humanoid that is causing concern?" Boric is sure that he will be able to identify the creature, "Can this communication be enhanced so we can see through one another's eyes perhaps?"

[Chained Birds]

Doel

"Just got a Telepathy going, no 'Through each other's eyes stuff'. I've sent my Scout Nimble up the Tower to check. Heck unless the guard is knowledgable about strange Psionic creatures, Nimble will most likely go unnoticed. It looks like a rock anyways."

Doel is waiting to hear back from the Psycrystal as the creature is included in the Collective.

[Machinekng]

Once in his perch, Brandor maintained a watch on the area the two scouts had headed for. He also tried to penetrate the darkness and monitor the tower from his location ... a difficult feat at best from this distance in this weather.

Perception: [roll0]

Your place in the perch gives you an unique vantage point. You're able to get a better look at the figure. It has visibly disportionate arms and legs, and moves in a mechanical fashion. You're also able to look into the second story arrow slits, and you can see a dim light from within the structure.



Climb: Climb Speed 20ft
Perception Check (With Sighted Ability up to 40ft): [roll0]
- If needed as it approaches to where the figure is.
Stealth Check: [roll1]

Edit: Luckily a 1 doesn't always mean failure. And it pretty much looks like a black spider anyways...


A each member of the team begins to a feel a tingling in the back of their minds, alerting them to the psicrystal's attempt to communicate.

Yo, boz, I'm up here at the top. The guy up here ain't no yu-man-iod. Ahmz are off, legz are off, too long and thin, and it looks like e'z made of wood. Wazn't too sure til' I figured that out. Definitely not natural, no siree. Anything elze ya need, bozman?

OOC:

I'll explain my combat/encounter procedure in the OOC thread, but here is the link to the encounter grid. Everyone should be able to edit it, just reade the procedure first.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1hNn8aVTn63-Cfm-QmHK_PmGKRn9guyzmxhZjSEOstVc/edit

[Chained Birds]

Doel

Doel somewhat regrets leaving Nimble in the care of some of his Svirfneblin friends during one of his missions. Their manner of speaking really rubbed off on it...

"Return Nimble, it would appear this creature was a sentry placed to cause havoc for people like us. Would be best to deal with it as quickly and as quietly as able.

Everyone, get to a favorable position for combat but continue to remain as hidden as possible. Skeller and Stalker, can you lure the Tower Creature down here? Or find a way to force the creature down if you catch my drift? I don't want anyone falling to their deaths other than that creature.
The signal to begin this procedure, will be when Nimble returns to my possession. Everybody Clear?!"

[Starbin]

Brandor's vantage yielded a wealth of information ... information that was corroborated by the Captain's spy crystal. After hearing the report from the crystal, and Doel's comment's afterwards, Brandor 'spoke' up on the link.

"Dim light inside structure. One warning - sentry golem may not be 'curious,' but only have an alarm or attack mode. What are the best weapons ... fire?"

So hopefully "fire vs wood robot" isn't a stretch for any commando. However, for any other info about the beastie, we might need a KS (Arcana) roll ... which I think Boric might be the only one with! Not sure that we can 'lure' an automaton down to 'investigate something strange.' It may just be 'programmed' to report intruders and attack under certain circumstances. Best bet might be to attack it at range ... a la flaming musketeer! :smallsmile:

Thoughts?

[hoverfrog]

Boric

Boric tries to match the description with what he knows about constructs. He'll clarify things with those watching the creature as necessary. "Can you describe its face at all? What equipment does it have? Does it have hands, claws or weapons at the ends of its arms? How tall is it? Dwarf height, human height, ogre height?"

Keep an open mind. 'Moves in a mechanical fashion' may not mean that it is mechanical, it may be a mentally dominated thrall or insectoid or simply unused to the armour it's wearing.

Knowledge Arcana [roll0]
Knowledge Dungeoneering [roll1]
Knowledge Planes [roll2] Just in case I match it up with anything extra planar.

Initiative roll just in case. [roll3]

"One other thing from the observers if you please. Could you describe the tower nest itself. Is there cover for the sentinel? How high are the walls around it? Is there a trap door down or a guardhouse with an alarm bell or something? I'm wondering if the surface of the tower nest suddenly became incredibly slippery would it be likely that the sentinel would fall off or just fall over. Additionally can you see if there is a coil of rope nearby. It is possible to animate such a rope in order to entangle the guard. I would need direct line of sight for either enchantment."

[ji9zo]

"Let's head up 'ere then, shall we?" Stalker asks through the link while looking at Skeller. He then begins creeping up to and eventually up the tower. He tries to pick a path that'll pass him by at least one arrow slit so that he can get a look inside the tower.

Climb - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]
Stealth - [roll2]

[Iron Victory]

Going against every instinct in his body, Skeller follows Stalker. The dwarf begins to reluctantly ascend the tower. "Give us some cover, we're gonna be pretty exposed if someone sticks their head out."

Perception:[roll0]
Climb:[roll1]
Stealth:[roll2] -1(should be +18)
Dungeoneering (to identify the sentry):[roll3]

[Machinekng]

Doel

Doel somewhat regrets leaving Nimble in the care of some of his Svirfneblin friends during one of his missions. Their manner of speaking really rubbed off on it...

"Return Nimble, it would appear this creature was a sentry placed to cause havoc for people like us. Would be best to deal with it as quickly and as quietly as able.

Everyone, get to a favorable position for combat but continue to remain as hidden as possible. Skeller and Stalker, can you lure the Tower Creature down here? Or find a way to force the creature down if you catch my drift? I don't want anyone falling to their deaths other than that creature.
The signal to begin this procedure, will be when Nimble returns to my possession. Everybody Clear?!"

Got ya boz. I'll get heading down in a jiffy!


Boric

Boric tries to match the description with what he knows about constructs. He'll clarify things with those watching the creature as necessary. "Can you describe its face at all? What equipment does it have? Does it have hands, claws or weapons at the ends of its arms? How tall is it? Dwarf height, human height, ogre height?"

Keep an open mind. 'Moves in a mechanical fashion' may not mean that it is mechanical, it may be a mentally dominated thrall or insectoid or simply unused to the armour it's wearing.

Knowledge Arcana [roll0]
Knowledge Dungeoneering [roll1]
Knowledge Planes [roll2] Just in case I match it up with anything extra planar.

Initiative roll just in case. [roll3]

"One other thing from the observers if you please. Could you describe the tower nest itself. Is there cover for the sentinel? How high are the walls around it? Is there a trap door down or a guardhouse with an alarm bell or something? I'm wondering if the surface of the tower nest suddenly became incredibly slippery would it be likely that the sentinel would fall off or just fall over. Additionally can you see if there is a coil of rope nearby. It is possible to animate such a rope in order to entangle the guard. I would need direct line of sight for either enchantment."

Well, it don't got much of a face. Just a flatish noze and carved eyes, some sort of mouth hole. It'z 'bout a bit tallah than a yu-man, and gotz normal lookin' handz. Normal for a guy made of wood, 'dat iz.

As for the tower, let me look again...

The nest looks like itz made of the local wood. The floor'z just logz. No trapdoor, per say, but dere'z a hole, with a ladda'. Looks like dere'z some sort of rope dere, going down the hole, but I don't see what'z it attached to. No coil, howeva. I'm heading back down now! Give me a sec!

Knowledge Checks:

After racking your brain, you're pretty sure that the figure is a wood golem, one of the more common golem types. You remember that it exhibts the common golem traits, and that it's vulnerable to fire. The only magic that you're sure will affect it is fire magic.


"Let's head up 'ere then, shall we?" Stalker asks through the link while looking at Skeller. He then begins creeping up to and eventually up the tower. He tries to pick a path that'll pass him by at least one arrow slit so that he can get a look inside the tower.

Climb - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]
Stealth - [roll2]



Going against every instinct in his body, Skeller follows Stalker. The dwarf begins to reluctantly ascend the tower. "Give us some cover, we're gonna be pretty exposed if someone sticks their head out."

Perception:[roll0]
Climb:[roll1]
Stealth:[roll2] -1(should be +18)
Dungeoneering (to identify the sentry):[roll3]


The surface of the tower, while worn and rough from the many years, is also rather slippery due to the storm, and it's a trouble to climb it. Both Stalker and Skeller are able to get to the second story, but when Stalker pulls himself to peak into the arrow slit, one of his feet slip, although he's able to catch himself with the arrow slit. Skeller is more successful, and is able to climb as far as he wishes to up the tower.

Stalker, when you do get a chance to look in the arrow slit, you see a humaniod, either an orc or a half-orc, sitting at a table. A candle on the table illumintates the room, and the figure seems to be reading something, hard to see what. A couple of weapons are lying underneath the table, and you think you see something small perched in what appears to be rafters, possibly the supports for old floors that have given away.

[ji9zo]

Stalker informs the others of the humanoid once he is sure he has recovered his footing.

"An Orc, it is. It seems the tower's occupants definitely aren't aware of us quite yet. Shall we continue to the top?"

The Duergar asks through the link while glaring at the humanoid within the tower.

[hoverfrog]

"Brandor, do you require additional magical protection from your wand?" He fetches the wand from his haversack and quietly chants the command to activate it. Wand of mage armour 2 charges

Once completed he stows the wand and pays particular attention to the tower door. Can I tell which way the door opens, in or out?

Perception [roll0]

"Once the assault begins the other guards will hopefully not be aware of it. If they are somehow alerted they will probably move up to investigate or secure their defences and start a warning for the other towers. We'll need to take out the rest of the inhabitants and prevent any from escaping. I propose that we attack the door the instant the enemy is alerted to our presence."

[Chained Birds]

Doel

"Seems like these folks might be hired help from the enemy due to how recent this tower was made and the fact an Orc is present. I could send Nimble inside, but that might be too dangerous with so much unknown information about the Tower and all.
Proceed with removing the visible threat. Maybe if the Orc is the only other member here, we could coax some information out of him. If the Orc is alerted, attempt to capture him alive."

[pyrocide]

Hearing the news on the wooden warden, Mordecai chimes in through the mental link.

"My girl Vera here spouts fire with each bullet. If you want me to set up for a shot I'm good to go."

Mordecai continues to scan the area, making sure no roving security band gets the jump on the group.

[Machinekng]

"
Can I tell which way the door opens, in or out?
Perception [roll0]

The position of the door's hinges make it clear that the door opens inwards.

[COLOR="Magenta"]Yo Boz, I'm back!

[ji9zo]

Stalker continues climbing towards the tower's nest, trying to be more careful than before.

Climb - [roll0]

[Iron Victory]

Stalker drags himself to the top of the tower, trying to ignore how high he is above the ground. The inquisitor crawls around until he's opposite to Stalker, effectively flanking the wooden sentry.

[Chained Birds]

Doel

Doel will hold a Dimensional Swap ready in case Stalker falls, using Nimble as the other target... He can take the fall.

[Starbin]

Brandor raised his bow, taking aim at the wooden sentry. If the attack was to commence, he would be prepared. Over the link, his mind whispered, "Ready."

[hoverfrog]

"Ready" replied Boric, keeping a small bit of fleece dry in preparation for casting his spell.

[Chained Birds]

Doel

"Engage the Enemy!"

[Iron Victory]

Go Stalker, I'll back you up. Snipers fire! Skeller utters a few mystical words that get eaten up by the storm, then everything goes silent.


Casting Silence on my sword.
Skeller readies and action to attack. (I want to go second because I get bonuses for flanking (+4 to hit and +1d6 damage.)
Initiative: [roll0] (If I haven't already....)

[Starbin]

Brando held his breath for a moment as he focused - reaching for his inner calm, slowing his heart, zeroing in on the target, he froze in machine-like perfection for a long moment as he watched Stalker and Skeller scramble over the edge. He mind's voice spoke quietly over the link, "Three ... two ... one ... fire."

Then with a single, almost imperceptible movement, he released the string and let the arrow fly forward ... then rapidly fired two more arrows, all timed to fire in concert with Mordecai as well as using the cover of rumbling thunder.

Flurry of blows w/bow. I don't think there are any range penalties (guessing the squares are 5ft, but even if they are 10ft, I should be okay); target will receive no cover bonus (Imp Precise Shot (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/feats.html)). Using Perfect Shot (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/advanced/advancedFeats.html) on the first shot and Deadly Shot (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/feats.html)

1st Attack: [roll0] (threat) or [roll1] (confirms threat?)
Dam #1: [roll2] + 11 = 25

2nd Attack: [roll3] Guessing this is a miss
Dam #2: [roll4]

3rd Attack: [roll5]
Dam #3: [roll6]

[pyrocide]

"Well," Mordecai thought through the link, "It ain't in a good range for me, but I'll git it done regardless."

Mordecai slung Vera up to his eye level to aim down the sights, and when the countdown hit "fire" he unleashed a small barrage of bullets at his target. It was weak to fire, so if even one bullet hit, Mordecai knew he had done a good job.


rapid attack with the musket (not using deadly aim due to range):
[roll0] (10-2 for range, -2 for rapid shot=6)
[roll1]+[roll2] fire +4
[roll3] (10-2 for range, -2 for rapid shot=6)
[roll4]+[roll5] fire +4
[roll6] (5-2 for range, -2 for rapid shot=1)
[roll7]+[roll8] fire +4
Because it's outside the first range, it hits normal ac instead of touch ac.

[hoverfrog]

Boric knows that golems are often immune to spells and so keeps them for use against the non-constructs. Instead he shoots his crossbow at the golem, wishing that he'd invested in some magical bolts that caused fire damage.

Light crossbow: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2] 19-20x2
Damage: [roll3]