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Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The party has spent the last few days traveling. The large farms of Cormyr gave way to the small farms of Shadowdale which gave way to the woodlands of Daggerdale. The road traffic has similarly decreased, and you haven't passed another soul on the road to Dagger Falls for hours.
When you are about 20 miles away, you come to a clearing before a stone bridge across a small stream. Six rough-looking men wearing distinctive black armor block your path. Four of them are armed with swords and shields, one has a bow and the last bears a mace and the trappings of a priest of Cyric. They're obviously Zhentarim - thuggish soldiers of Zhentil Keep.
Their leader calls out to you with a menacing grin.
"Well isn't this a surprise! Here we are looking for the rebel Morn, and we find six vagabonds ripe for a tax collection instead! Throw down your weapons and any magic on your persons. We don't want to hurt you any more than we have to."
"Not much more, anyway." responds another.
The swordsmen are about 30 feet away from you, and the cleric and archer are 15 feet behind them.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As was his norm, Jericho the 'Wolf of Tesh', was out about wolfing. He loped long strides, he would cross over the pass several times, back and forth, going wide and then back again, often he would be up front, and then, he would appear behind everyone, following them on the trail. Such were his ways the group was used to his traveling manner, when he was wolfing, he behaved like a wolf. Good or bad.
As they were stopped by the brigands on the bridge, he was on the left flank, and came to a halt, sitting down on his haunches he canted his head to the side regarding them through his wolf eyes. His tongue rolled out in a display that the group only knows as humor.
Spoiler
Show
2 move actions to grow two claw attacks using Morphic weapons.
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
During the past few days of travel Delmuth and Chewy, his loyal Beagle he had for the past five years, had spent a great deal of time with Jericho trying to coordinate their movements so as to best not get in each others way when the three of them were scouting ahead, or behind the group as Jericho often seemed to do. He found the half-orc an honorable ally in this endeavor unlike some of his kin may have, and had spent a few successful hunts since the group sent out with "the wolf". And so as the group came across the group of Zhentarim he quickly scanned the area around them as he let his fist lie at his side, balled in a fist, signaling to the others that he saw no other enemies besides those before them. Besides this however he remains silent, knowing should he speak no doubt it would lead to bloodshed, and unlike animals or beasts, these were people before him. Some among them may have qualms with that, and so he remained silent, ready should a fight break out to jump into cover at a moments notice, however allowing the rest a chance to speak should they choose to speak to these highwaymen.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Ready action to move into cover should a fight break out
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Animals, these people smelled like animals was all Udro thought of his new companions. Sure, they were good fighters, and the manimal called Jerico and the stenching mound Ganzaya was also a good old meat shield. But by all the gods of Mulhorand, they stank! Only the sorcerer and the dog had some Hygiene.
However, he had seen them in battle and simply chuckled at the threats from the Zhentarim.
In ancient Mulhorand he said outloud.
Reh' sha Maud Bahesh!
He then repeated in Common
Your words are ash in the wind
He moved a step behind and showed the Zhentarim his open hands.
I can drop my magic, if that's what you want
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"Ho, friends! You make mistake, yes?" Ganzaya began with a grin, as if blissfully clueless to the danger the Zhents posed to them. "What good are tacks to you? Nails are stronger, yes?"
Drawing his greatsword, the Rashemi chuckled at his cunning wit!
Spoiler: Statblock
Show
Ganzaya
M CG Human (Rashemi) Ranger 3/Barb 2/Ftr1,
Level 6,
Init 2,
HP 51/51,
Speed 30
AC 18,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16,
Fort 8,
Ref 5,
Will 5,
Base Attack Bonus 6/1
2handed, Lesser Crystal of Energy Assault (Fire) Greatsword+1 +11/+6 (2d6+7, 1d6(fire), 19-20/x2)
Composite Longbow (40 arrows) +8/+3 (1d8+4, x3)
Mithral Shirt +1 (+5 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 6
Condition
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"Yeah? When I'm done with you, you'll wish you had bolted!"
"Stuff it, Williams. If this lot doesn't want to pay taxes, that would make them rebels. And if they're rebels, it would be our solemn duty to take their heads back to the Constable instead of camping out here waiting to be ambushed by Morn's Freedom Riders."
The Zhents draw their own swords and spread out slightly, while the archer steps to take cover behind a nearby tree.
The Zhentarim leader asks, with the air of someone who already knows what comes next, "So which is it going to be?"
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Udro smiles and eying the archer trying to get to better position whispers to Jericho
Wolfie, get ready for some archer meat
Spoiler: OoC
Show
I guess we can't ready actions right? If we can, then I'm readying Dimension Step to use it on me and Jericho to teleport next to their archer.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Nanes-Il just stood with her arms folded across her chest while the bandits puffed theirs out, and her companions stood their ground. Her eyes darted from black-clad figure to figure, trying to size up the best thing to do in such a situation.
"I'm sorry, would you mind repeating the question? I couldn't hear you over all the overcompensation going on just a second ago."
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"It seems you've already made up your minds, eh?" Faurgar calls out to the Zhentarim leader. "You really should reconsider, though. If you raise your hands against us, it should be obvious that we can't let any of you live to report back to your Constable."
As he speaks, a night black figment in the shape of a panther appears at his side.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
'Wolfie' nodded in anticipation, his tongue lolling out his mouth.
Spoiler
Show
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As the enemies began to spread out Delmuth did the same, making his way to cover as he readies his bow, an owl bear feathered arrow at the ready as he says in a voice that has a slight hint of annoyance and boredom. "You demand things like a bandit, from those who simply travel the road. You call random strangers rebels because they do not recognize your authority as you have shown no proof besides words. Words of a Zhent are often misleading. So either prove you are the local authorities or prepare to meet the hood." he says casually tilting his head enough for the hood of his greenish brown cloak to cover his head, hiding his face in shadows.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"ENOUGH! The Zhentarim are the law in Daggerdale, and we'll prove it when we put you and your hood in a shallow grave!"
Dropping any pretense of a peaceful resolution, the Zhentarim let out a roar and charge!
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As the leader begins speaking the "Hood" is already on the move, dashing in the foiling keeping the leader within close range of him as he lets fly two arrows in quick succession, aiming for the mans left hand, and right shoulder.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Move 10ft. to activate skirmish, trying to stay within 30ft. of the enemy for PBS to stay in effect as well while also staying in cover if at all possible. Behind a tree is enough for him
Standard Action Attack [roll0] Damage [roll1] + [roll2] Skirmish Damage (+2 Str,+1 Magic bow, +1 PBS, +4 Favored enemy, +2 Skirmisher boots)
Swift Action Activate Skirmisher boots to take 1 extra attack at full BAB [roll3] Damage [roll4] + [roll5] Skirmish Damage
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"I'LL be the judge of that!" As the Zhents charge at the adventurers, Nanes-Il gestures and intones briefly, summons up magical energies with a ghastly bit of bone she's ripped from her pouch as the focus, and then extends her hands at the last known location of the Zhentish archer, and the priest.
Out of Character: Actions
Spoiler
Show
Casting scare with the intention of frfrightening the priest and archer. ...then, stepping back about fifteen feet because she ain't no fool. It's a DC 17.
I don't know how many HD these dudes've got, so I-I-I-I-I am going for broke, here. :'3
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
A frontal charge, it would be so easy to make them look silly with some greasy ground, but what fun would that be for Udro's smelly companions. Instead Udro teleports himself and Jericho next to the archer and the cleric.
Gone
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Standard + Movement: Cast Dimension step to take me and Jericho next to the archer and the cleric. Udro comes within melee range of the cleric, and leaves Jericho to deal with the archer.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Faurgar is on the move before the Zhentarim leader finishes speaking. Unleashing a wordless roar, he charges straight at the centre of their formation. The pantherish figment races ahead, squeezing between the two soldiers in the middle moments before Faurgar is upon them, flail swinging in a mighty arc.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Dark companion moves so that it ends up adjacent to the two soldiers in the centre. (-2 penalty to their AC and saves)
Full-round action: Charge and attack the Zhentarim on Faurgar's right using Power Attack (-2 penalty to attack roll, +4 damage) and Brutal Strike (if target takes damage, he must pass a DC 14 Fort save or become sickened for 1 round).
Attack: [roll0]
Bludgeoning damage: [roll1]
Charge attack also activates Frightful Presence. All opponents within 30 feet with fewer HD or levels are shaken for [roll2] rounds unless they pass a DC 16 Will save.
Possible inflicted conditions:
Dark companion: -2 penalty to AC and saves.
Shaken: -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks and skill checks.
Sickened: -2 penalty on attacks, weapon damage, saves, ability checks and skill checks.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The taunts and overconfidence of the mercenaries costs them as they are too slow to react to the party's strikes. Both of the Hood's arrows find gaps in the lead fighter's armor, and he drops like a stone before his third step. Nanes-il casts her spell, and a wave of necromantic energy causes a sudden darkness to envelope the backline. The cleric grits his teeth and mutters a prayer to his god, while the archer's eyes widen in terror. He stumbles backwards, terrified of something only he can see.
Further confusion ensues when Udro and Jericho teleport into their ranks while Faurgar crashes into the frontline, wounding but not killing another Zhent. The mystic power of his charge shakes his target and another swordsman, while the remaining sword and the cleric are able to resist. Faurgar's opponent shakes off the sickening effects of his magic while preparing a counterattack.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Seeing that her spellwork was effective enough, Nanes-Il steps forward and sets her sights on the nearest and healthiest of the bandits. Exhibiting some preternatural control over the element of electricity, the Magician fires a bolt of lightning their way...
Out of Character: Actions
Spoiler
Show
I wanna throw a storm bolt at the least-wounded of the Zhentarim. I'd li~i~ike to fire it in such a way that no companions get hurt, though! 20-foot line.
Nanes-Il - Storm Bolt Attack (?) - Zhentarim Warrior: [roll0]
Nanes-Il - Storm Bolt Damage - Zhentarim Warrior: [roll1]
Ranged Attack roll is there as a courtesy; while I saw nothing about them, I could be wrong...
[/QUOTE]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Ganzaya's companions were quick -- that much was certain.
Joyously, he charged into the fray himself, going after whichever unfortunate Zhent didn't have a dance partner yet. "Udro, I am bathing now, yes? Bathing in blood!" he cried out as he swung his greatsword.
Now, Ganzaya actually did have soap in his supplies and knew how to use it, but needling the fussy spellcaster was more fun.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Whoever's still alive/not attack, Ganzaya is attacking. Ganzaya's AC afterward will be 11
Spirit Lion Totem Pounce w/Heedless Charge Power Attack (the penalty from PA applies to AC due to Heedless Charge)
Pounce Charge to hit [roll0]
Dmg [roll1] (+10 from 2H PA, +2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll2] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Full attack after Pounce
[roll3]
Dmg [roll4] (+10 from 2H PA, +2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll5] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
[roll6]
Dmg [roll7] (+10 from 2H PA, +2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll8] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Spoiler: Statblock
Show
Ganzaya
M CG Human (Rashemi) Ranger 3/Barb 2/Ftr1,
Level 6,
Init 2,
HP 51/51,
Speed 30
AC 18,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16,
Fort 8,
Ref 5,
Will 5,
Base Attack Bonus 6/1
2handed, Lesser Crystal of Energy Assault (Fire) Greatsword+1 +11/+6 (2d6+7, 1d6(fire), 19-20/x2)
Composite Longbow (40 arrows) +8/+3 (1d8+4, x3)
Mithral Shirt +1 (+5 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 6
Condition
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Having been teleported, Jericho struck at the archer as Udro ported them near their targets.
Spoiler
Show
[roll0]
[roll1] [Magic]
[roll2]
[roll3] [Magic]
[roll4]
[roll5] [Magic]
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The party's assault continues, devastating the unprepared enemy. Jericho tears the terrified archer to pieces with his magical claws, while Ganzaya's opponent barely blocks his initial rush with his shield before taking a vicious wound from the backswing.
The cleric's prayers reach a crescendo. He cries out to Cyric and his shout is punctuated by an enormous boom, blasting Faurgar and Delmuth with a near-solid wave of sound. The remaining swords take advantage of the distraction and fight back. Williams, too injured to respond to Ganzaya's quips, nonetheless takes advantage of the opening left by his charge to deal an injury of his own. Faurgar easily fends off his opponent, while the last Zhent turns around to flank Udro with the cleric, drawing blood with a dishonorable attack from behind.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Faurgar takes 6 sonic damage and must make a DC 15 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round
Delmuth takes 6 sonic damage and must make a DC 15 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round
Ganzaya takes 6 damage
Udro takes 9 damage
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Delmuth knew the power of magic, and as he heard the cleric chanting, he realized the small error they had made leaving it unoccupied as a loud boom was heard, slamming into him. Snarling from the pain under his hood, Delmuth takes flight once more, moving through the brush until he has a shot at the cleric. Taking out another owlbear feathered arrow, he lets the arrow fly aiming for the priest's eyes. Hoping to blind the enemy to give his allies the advantage.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Move Action moving, trying to stay in cover, to be within 30ft. of the priest
Standard action to take a shot [roll0] Damage [roll1] + [roll2] Skirmish Damage
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Having torn apart the archer in a sudden display of gore and viscera, Jericho blinked.
Why were the others not cowering in fear from him? he thought.
He would need to fix that.
Spoiler
Show
Move closest to cleric and attack
[roll0]
[roll1] [Magic]
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Oh the flame of the south did not fall easily!
Udro stepped five feet opposite to Jericho, flanking the Cryic follower and called the power of his heritage and but with a gentle touch brought fiery salvation to this infidel who did not follow the gods of Mulhorad!
Let's see what power does Cyric gives you!
Spoiler: Actions
Show
5' step to flank
Standard Combust! rejecting 1d6 damage from SA to steal a spell.
[roll0] vs Touch AC [roll1] + [roll2] SA
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"'Tis a shame I will have to kill you," sighed Ganzaya with some regret. And pain. But there was regret, no doubt. He would have to remember that "bolt" joke. Of course, he did not wield a crossbow, so he doubted it would get the point across.
...
...
...ooh, that's funny too!
Again, another gleeful grin crossed the barbarian's face. No sense in wasting his rage here -- after all, they were merely Zhents. A brief wince of pain across his face marred the grin for a moment as he hefted his greatsword over head, then came down in heavy arcs on the hapless thug.
Spoiler: Action
Show
Full attack, no PA this time. AC back to 18
Attack 1 [roll0]
Dmg if hit [roll1] (+2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll2] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Attack 2 [roll3]
Dmg if hit [roll4] (+2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll5] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Spoiler: Statblock
Show
Ganzaya
M CG Human (Rashemi) Ranger 3/Barb 2/Ftr1,
Level 6,
Init 2,
HP 45/51,
Speed 30
AC 18,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16,
Fort 8,
Ref 5,
Will 5,
Base Attack Bonus 6/1
2handed, Lesser Crystal of Energy Assault (Fire) Greatsword+1 +11/+6 (2d6+7, 1d6(fire), 19-20/x2)
Composite Longbow (40 arrows) +8/+3 (1d8+4, x3)
Mithral Shirt +1 (+5 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 6
Condition
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Faurgar doesn't deign to join in the bravado banter of his companions. Instead, he batters away at the Zhent with silent determination, though he manages only a glancing blow.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Full-round action: Full attack against the same Zhent as before, no Power Attack or Brutal Strike.
Attacks: [roll0], [roll1]
Bludgeoning damage: [roll2], [roll3]
Target is affected by:
Dark companion: -2 penalty to AC and saves.
Shaken: -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks and skill checks.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The cleric's spell is answered in turn by arrows, claws and flame, killing him instantly. Faurgar strikes another blow against his foe who stumbles but does not fall. The sun gets in Ganzaya's eyes and he fails to connect through sheer bad luck, while Nanes-Il moves forward and blasts the last Zhentarim with lightning.
Desperate now, the remaining fighters counterattack. Ganzaya's and Faurgar's opponents both score hits. Udro slips out of the third Zhent's reach as he is blasted by Nanes-Il's lightning - he wheels around and charges, delivering a vicious blow!
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Faurgar takes 11 damage
Ganzaya takes 8 damage
Nanes-Il takes 11 damage
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
With the misses (and the fighter cutting into him AGAIN), Ganzaya was soon losing his cheerful, cherub-like demeanor. He felt his temples throb as the rage wanted to come out. But there were only three of these goons left. More importantly, they had lost their archer AND their whiny godbody leader. Surely, the rest of these accursed Zhents would fall to the might of GANZAYA~!
"Rrrr...you do not want to see me angry, friend!" Once more, the Rashemi swung his blade towards his foe...
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Full attack, no PA. AC 18
Attack 1 [roll0]
Dmg if hit [roll1] (+2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll2] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Attack 2 [roll3]
Dmg if hit [roll4] (+2 for Favored Enemy: humans)
Dmg (fire) [roll5] (from Lesser Energy Assault Crystal)
Spoiler: Statblock
Show
Ganzaya
M CG Human (Rashemi) Ranger 3/Barb 2/Ftr1,
Level 6,
Init 2,
HP 37/51,
Speed 30
AC 18,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16,
Fort 8,
Ref 5,
Will 5,
Base Attack Bonus 6/1
2handed, Lesser Crystal of Energy Assault (Fire) Greatsword+1 +11/+6 (2d6+7, 1d6(fire), 19-20/x2)
Composite Longbow (40 arrows) +8/+3 (1d8+4, x3)
Mithral Shirt +1 (+5 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 6
Condition
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Dont' you turn your back to me!
Udro screams as the warrior next to him charges his companions.
His hands make a gesture and a Fiery Burst explodes right behind the enemies attacking Nanes-Il
Spoiler: Fiery Burst
Show
Reflex save DC 15 [roll0] fire damage
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Faurgar keeps up the assault on his foe, smashing him with a hard blow to the side of the head. The Zhent lurches back from the hit, just enough for Faurgar's follow up attack to go wide.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Full-round action: Full attack against the same Zhent as before, no Power Attack or Brutal Strike.
If the Zhent drops, Faurgar's second attack will be against another soldier, assuming he can reach him with a 5-foot step. In that case, he will also direct his Dark Companion to cosy up to the target.
Attacks: [roll0], [roll1]
Bludgeoning damage: [roll2], [roll3]
Target is affected by:
Dark companion: -2 penalty to AC and saves.
Shaken: -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks and skill checks.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As the silent hunter watches the battle unfold he determine where he is now would no doubt best help his allies and unleashes two arrows in quick succession, one at the enemy facing Faurgar and the other at the enemy engaged with Nanes-Il.
Spoiler: Rapid Shot
Show
Full Attack no movement
Attack vs Nanes-Il's enemy [roll0] Damage [roll1]
Attack vs Faurgar's enemy [roll2] Damage [roll3]
I figured it would be best to try and weaken/finish off two enemies vs trying to take out one with slightly more damage.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The fact these people were still standing was a testimony to their resiliency, but maybe his allies had decided to go light on them, yes, he couldn’t smell the large one frothing yet, so they must be.
He smirked
Why would they do that he thought.
Spoiler
Show
Attack everything!
[roll0]
[roll1] [Magic]
[roll2]
[roll3] [Magic]
[roll4]
[roll5] [Magic]
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Delmuth rapidly fires off arrows, taking down the Zhent fighting Faurgar and his shadowy panther while further injuring Nanes-Il's assailant. Faurgar is freed up to double team Ganzaya's opponent, who falls with a sickening crunch as the flail impacts his helmet. Jericho comes up behind the last fighter and takes him down with his vicious supernatural claws.
As the battle falls silent, you recognize the sound of hoofbeats approaching. A dozen riders, likely drawn by the clash of swords, approach from the narrow forest path. Rather than the black armored Zhentarim, these men are clad in the worn leathers and muted colors of the True Dalesmen, the resistance against the Zhent occupation. They seem impressed by the results of your bloody encounter with their enemies. Their leader moves forward, removes his helmet, and addresses you -
"Well met, travelers. I am Lord Randal Morn, and any enemy of the Zhentarim is a friend of mine.
A strange fever is stalking Daggerdale by night, catching the good Dalefolk asleep and leaving them trapped in their slumber. The Dream Fever magic comes from Dagger Falls where the usurper Constable Tren rules. Any man who can put an end to the fever will have earned my thanks and my gold.
But beware the Constable. Tren is a lackey of the Zhentarim, but he is also a powerful former adventurer and not a man to be crossed lightly."
He leans back and waits for your reply, while his companions watch the road, ready for anything.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As the battle draws to a close Delmuth begins to take off his hood when the sound of hooves can be heard coming their way. " We cannot outrun horses, our options are to hide, or hope its not more Zhents." he says calmly, though already making his way into cover as he readies an arrow in case it was indeed more Zhentarim soldiers. Sadly he doesn't have time to get into full cover as the riders approach, thankfully however they appear to be people of the Dale and Delmuth seems to relax slightly, aiming his bow towards the ground, however not putting it away just yet. He was not foolish enough to believe the Zhentarim could not have spies in normal clothing.
When the leader approaches removing his helmet and stating his name he looks to Jericho as if to say How convenient they come after the battle is over., however the hunter remains silent and doesn't voice out loud this sentiment as he turns to look at the others in the party to see if they wished to adress this figure who seemed to openly tell them the plights of the land just by hearing fighting and seeing dead bodies in armor that belonged to Zhent's. One could easily infiltrate their ranks if they simply dressed the dead rebels as Zhent's and the Zhent's dressed as travelers. It's no wonder the Dales are already under enemy control. Though this constable does sound like a problem, as does this sleeping spell as so long as we are in Daggerdale in theory we could fall victim to it. Then again it could be some kind of poison in the water, the Zhent's would need a steady source of clean water though, and the chances of a priest not thinking of something along these lines as well seems unlikely. he thinks to himself, if asked a direct question Delmuth would answer, however he didn't know these people who trusted to easily, and it was better to allow his allies who were more skilled at dealing with other people do so, he tried, however to appear friendly.
Spoiler: OOC
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All I can picture is seeing a bunch of dead people with arrows in them, this archer not saying anything in normal ranger gear just casually holding his bow and standing near cover refusing to speak yet looking at a wolf (that they don't know is a person) and "talking to it" in their silent looks and nods lol
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Udro crings everytime Jericho tries to bite an enemy! why would someone do that?
Violence is over now and Udro uses some of his healing resources before checking on the others. Nobody seems seriously hurt. These vaunted Zhents were a pushover!
Horseshoes approach and Udro prepares to cast a spell to prevent a cavalry charge, when he realizes these are not foes.
Despite his ragged clothes and aspect, there's a certain air of leadership to this Randal Morn that Udro can appreciate. He listens to the rebel leader and bows. But then balks at Delmuth's suggestion of wearing a dead man's clothes? Don't these savages have taboos?
Udro, the Flame of the South is glad to make your acquaintance, sir Randal. We are on a mission to find a certain merchant by the name of Redwood, Ian Redwood. But having seen these Zentarim I grow concerned. Do you know the whereabouts of this Master Redwood?
We are open to help you, I suffered the tyranny of the Pashas of my land, and will not tolerate others to suffer the same fate. But it is only noble of us to first locate this Ian Redwood.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Jericho looked at Delmuth, he was much faster than most horses, but he was correct, the others could not outrun horses.
He transformed back and looked at Delmuth and then to Udro with a wide toothy grin that had blood dripping. Making quite the site, he wiped the viscera from his face and hands with some water. he looks the newcomers up and down, walking around their horses as if inspecting them all. He wasn't impressed.
"Nice of you to show up" he says simply, "How is it you lot have managed to avoid this sleeping curse?"
Spoiler
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Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition Immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Most of Morn's troops are rather shocked by Jericho's transformation, rearing back and steadying their horses. Morn himself is unfazed. So is his second in command, a short, greying man wearing a holy symbol of Tymora. The lord addresses your questions while the priest contents himself with studying the party from atop his horse.
"...Redwood... he runs a brewery in Dagger Falls, I believe. If you haven't been able to contact him, he may have fallen victim to the Dream Fever himself. About eighty Dalesmen and as many of the invader's troops have been brought low by the disease. If Redwood is one of them, the two missions may be one and the same.
The Dream Fever thus far has been confined to Dagger Falls and its environs. It is the seat of the Constable's rule, and my men and I are not welcome there. However, the people of Daggerdale are under my protection. If I cannot ride to their aid myself, I will at least offer a bounty to those who can."
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"A bounty, you say? How much?" Faurgar interjects. "And if the fever is taking Zhents as well as townsfolk, why not wait for more of their men to fall ill and then take the town for yourself? Sounds like you believe the source of the sickness is in Dagger Falls, so it'd be easier to stop it if you're there, aye?"
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Ganzaya stroked his moustache, frowning.
"If the Lord appears, these Zhents may try to blame this sickness on him, yes? Sow dissent and chaos even while their own men fall. Besides, if we wait too long, then Redwood may not survive this fever!"
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Ganzaya was right.
Maese Morn. I'm bound to find Maese Redwood anyway, so I might as well see about this illness issue. But how shall we make contact with you? I'd guess your dwelling are well hidden if you are on the run from the Zehnts
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"Oh, don't worry, I'm sure they will come riding like thunder to assist once everything has been done." he says sardonically side eyeing the leader
Spoiler
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Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition Immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cygnia
Ganzaya stroked his moustache, frowning.
"If the Lord appears, these Zhents may try to blame this sickness on him, yes? Sow dissent and chaos even while their own men fall. Besides, if we wait too long, then Redwood may not survive this fever!"
"If the people are so easily swayed, then I reckon Master Morn will be waiting a long time to call himself Lord again," Faurgar answers with a shrug. "However, you do bring up an interesting point concerning the sickness. Has the Dream Fever killed anyone yet, or are they all just sleeping deeply?" he asks Randal Morn.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Delmuth considers the information given so far and what his allies have said and ponders his words carefully before at last speaking. "Are any that are effected in Daggerdale Elves? We are naturally immune to magical forms of sleep and this may help us determine what is causing this affliction upon your people. It being tied to the Zhents however are unlikely, though not impossible, if they are also being effected by this Dream Fever. If they didn't want the people to know their own troops were under the effects of this Dream Fever they would have doubled patrols, and made their presence seem bigger, as if they were everywhere. And if they were affected truly they would be looking for a cure and keeping their own with the people to prove that they were not the cause of this Dream Fever or else risk the people revolting. So either they have a cure or the more likely option they are not the cause of this Fever." he says as if it was a simple deduction, as in his eyes Zhents were an apex predator, and the townsfolk were prey. They gained little from lying to their prey with the information they knew, meaning more likely something else was the true culprit here preying on all of Daggerdale.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The lord's men bristle at the implied insult. Morn remains diplomatic, but his enthusiasm seems to flag a bit.
"I won't let the Dream Fever continue unabated in hopes that it might hurt my enemy more than it hurts my own people. There have been several deaths already, and who knows what could happen if the Zhentarim priests and mages are able to find a cure and keep it to themselves, or even learn to control it?
Four thousand pieces of gold if you can stop the sickness, and another two thousand if you can wake the sleepers or come up with a cure. As for contacting me, the Zhentarim's control only extends so far into the woods. I move around to avoid open battle or assassination, but ask around in any hamlet more than a day's ride from the town and I will find you. Failing that, return to Shadowdale and Lhaeo, Elminster's scribe, will cover the debt.
To answer your question about the elves, not many of the Fair Folk live in Dagger Falls. I haven't heard of any being afflicted, but I couldn't swear to it.
Now then, I have an insurgency I simply must be getting back to. Fighting a decades-long war against a well-supplied and magically supported foe is not as easy as some might think."
Deciding that the audience is over, Morn signals his troops and they ride off.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"Was it something we said?" Delmuth asks confused as the leader of the rebellion seems to ride off and leave. The gold was a nice incentive on top of what the favor he was already doing by taking this job so he saw no harm in doing it. Plus they were already going to said location anyways, it didn't hurt to look around.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"These western lords seem a prickly lot. Overly proud of their pedigrees and possessive of their lands. I had heard things were different in the Dales, but it seems not," Faurgar comments after the Dalesmen have ridden off. "Six thousand gold is a princely sum, though, so at least Randal Morn knows to pay well for dangerous work."
"We should search the Zhents for anything of value or which might prove useful once we get to Dagger Falls, then dispose of the bodies," he adds as he turns his attention to the fallen.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The party sets to work searching the dead. In addition to various mundane supplies, the cleric bears a magic cloak and wand, while the sergeant has a case holding ten small gold trade bars, doubtless the result of a previous "taxation." It is quick work to identify everything that would be more useful to you than the ravens.
Spoiler
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Cloak of Resistance +1
500 gp total in gold ingots
Wand of Cure Light Wounds with 25 charges
5 masterwork longswords, 1 masterwork longbow, 1 masterwork heavy mace
5 suits of full plate and 1 chain shirt (distinctive Zhentarim make, as described before)
4 heavy shields, 1 light shield
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The injured Ganzaya's eyes lit up when one of the items revealed was a wand of cure light wounds. Not that he could use it himself, but...
"A healing stick! Ahhh magic friends, could one of you be able to then stick it to me perhaps?"
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
As the group searches the bodies for any loot of use, Delmuth keeps watch, making sure no one sneaks up on the party.
Spoiler: Checks
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Hide [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Just in case
When all the stuff of use is taken but before the armor is removed Delmuth calls out from his hiding spot. " Taking the armor would cause more hassle for us in the long term. Any village under Zhent rule will immediately attack us no doubt, or at least the less human of us, if we show up carrying or wearing the armor. And if we try to sell it in any town nearby no one will buy it, meaning we would be lugging it around and tiring ourselves for little to no gain. I say we bury them with their armor and keep the rest." Delmuth says waiting to hear what the rest of the party thought on the matter.
At Ganzaya's question Delmuth looks to the others who could use magic, he had been practicing simple cantrips, however was not able yet to form the most basic of spells work for himself, though he knew he was close to figuring it out. " I am not able to as of this moment Ganzaya, though perhaps with practice and working with the others I may finally be able to get over the last hurdle stopping me from being able to cast simple spells."
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Healing magic is not in my repertoire, sadly. I was never the kind to touch open wounds or call the god's assistance.
Udro is mildly disgusted by these folks moving and looting the bodies. That was a scavenger part of adventuring he had a hard time dealing with.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"We should not be carrying anything openly that could be traced to this band of thugs," Faurgar agrees. "Fortunately, both Ganzaya and Nanes-Il have packs with extradimensional storage space. The weapons should fit easily enough, and as for the Zhents' armour, I would prefer to bury that separately, in case the opportunity arises to return and sell it all later. Removing armour from a rotting corpse is even less pleasant than taking it from the recently slain," he notes matter-of-factly.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Shaking his slowly as he watches the riders depart, he turns and regards the others searching the bodies, he was trying to decide if the grumbling in his stomach would be best sated with a quick meal, or something more planned out.
As Ganzaya finds a wand he looks at the mighty man "Of course Great Ganzaya, let me help you"
Then he turns to the others "We don't have time to mess around with selling trinkets. Where is this town we need to get to?"
Spoiler
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Assuming the wand is 1st level:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
23/25 charges remaining (will edit used charges)
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition Immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The party disposes of the bodies and continues on their journey.
The next day, you arrive at Dagger Falls around noon. The Zhentarim consider this a frontier town - black armored patrols keep order in the streets while work crews load timber, crops, and livestock looted from the dale into caravans bound east. The native Dalesfolk are sullen and guarded. Most of them see their "ruler" as an occupier to be resisted, though some few have grown wealthy trading with the invaders and regard the Constable as the future of land.
The city itself is in sorry shape. The only inn open for business is the vastly overpriced Teshford Arms. No temple stands in Dagger Falls after the temple of Lathander burned down under mysterious circumstances. The Cyricist priests among the Zhentarim have made some move towards building a new temple to their god on the site, but haven't made much progress. Various shops are open for business, and innumerable shoddy taverns serve rough ale to rough men. On the north side of town lie the Constable's tower and the garrison, containing several hundred Zhentarim soldiers, mercenaries, and Dalish auxiliaries.
The gate guards eye you warily as you enter, but offer no challenge.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Udro walks into the ill-looking city with one aim in mind: Finding Ian Redwood.
He ignored the guards and just wished his companions didn't ruffle any feathers.
Where would mr. Redwood's business be?
I'm going to try and find Redwood, he may have some internal information on what's going on here.
He told the others.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
"Do you wish to have one of us accompany you to have your back?" Ganzaya's tone was, for a change, on the serious side. And the fact that he didn't automatically volunteer himself to annoy Udro was noticeable. "Maybe he does business with the taverns here...maybe they know where he lives or where is his brewery..."
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Happy to stretch his legs once again, he ran by the side of the pack as they advanced to the town of Daggerdale, perhaps the pack would be ok if he stayed in his wolf-form? They still needed to choose an alpha, but he kept feeling like they would never do so, old gray lone wolves these, no leaders....or followers among them, this was a ragtag pack at the best. Perhaps one day they would be.
Near the gates, behind a bush he transformed back into his human-form and walked the rest of the way.
"Great Ganzaya, how do you feel? better?" he asks
And as Udro states his intention to find Redwood "I will also go."
Spoiler
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Ganzaya you are fully healed from the wand
Jericho
M NG Half-Orc, the Dalelands Barbarian 1/Druid 4/Warhsaper 1
Level 6,
Init 9,
HP 49/49,
Speed 40, 60 (in predator form)
AC 19,
Touch 13,
Flat-footed 16
Fort 7,
Ref 5,
Will 6
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 6
Condition Immune to stunning & critical hits
Abilities Animal Devotion [1/1], belt of healing [3/3], anklets of translocation [2/2]
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Spoiler: Previous night
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That night went by relatively easy, as Delmuth secured a safe area to camp for the night that was more then defensible enough for a single night. Looking to Jericho he asked
"Shall we go hunt for dinner?"
Spoiler: OOC
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Delmuth will always suggest stopping an hour before sunset to give the group time to find a secure campground and time for the group to hunt, even if he is not on the hunting party.
The next day as the group arrived in Daggerdale Delmuth simply walked with the others, doing his best not to draw attention to the group as it would make their job that much harder. Instead he observed the guards and people, trying to determine some sort of pattern to the guards and if the people kept a wide berth from them or not.
Spoiler: Spot
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[roll0]
"If it is alright with the rest of you I would like to observer the people of this town, it would be best if we understood the terrain we are walking in before we try to move forward to far." Delmuth explains as he looks around for a good place to simply sit down and observer, somewhere high, but open, with food if possible so it would not draw suspicion if he were to sit there for a long time.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Faurgar has nothing to say and so keeps his peace. Searching for Redwood by way of the taverns seems like it has a fair chance of success.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
The Zhentarim are not subtle. Armed patrols wander the streets. The basic squad seems to be a five soldiers, often with a minor wizard or priest attached. These hard men and women seem cut from much the same cloth as the squad you met the previous day. They don't resort to open robbery in the streets of Dagger Falls - presumably that level of lawlessness would inconvenience their superiors - but even the sympathizers among the local Dalesfolk don't get too close. Given even more room are the nonhumans - orcish mercenaries and the occasional black armored ogre.
The law is similarly not subtle. The tense atmosphere of the city occasionally boils over into brawls between the caravanners, visiting rural folk, and the locals. The Zhent response is always the same, rushing in with truncheons and beating everyone involved, without bothering to make arrests or an investigation. More serious punishments are evidenced by the pillory and whipping post prominently displayed in the mostly-empty market, as well as the gallows you passed on the way into town. For the most part, however, the Constable seems interested in administering justice only insofar as it prevents public disorder from interfering with the looting of the Dale.
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In the midst of this, you find your way to Redwood's Private Reserve, the brewery owned by Ian Redwood. Like most of the town, the building has seen better days. You enter to find a listless-seeming woman occupying the front desk. She introduces herself as Tress.
You came to see the boss? You're out of luck, the boss isn't seeing anyone. He came down with the dream fever a while back. Or the curse, or whatever you think it is. He's laid out in the office upstairs, sleeping like the dead.
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Re: Doom of Daggerdale 3.5 (IC)
Delmuth takes note of the Zhentarim's patrols and how they were organized, determining after a while that they were similar to the one they had fought in the woods. If the group was in trouble they could probably take out two before it became an issue he determined, however that would put them more on edge and no doubt make the challenge of the patrols harder to deal with. Perhaps getting a message out to this resistance for them to harasses the Zhents on the outskirts with hit and run tactics to minimize their own losses would make the amount of patrols in town easier to move around or perhaps even eliminate. The mercenaries provided a unique opportunity, for if one had more gold and could find a weak link they could perhaps persuade a few into helping the group instead of the Zhents, this would have to be a very careful course of action if taken however.
How they seemed to put down any form of disorder also showed that they mostly ruled through fear and brute strength. Remove one or the other and their control would slip. Something no doubt this Dream Fever was already doing to some extent.
When the group arrives at the residence of Ian Redwood Delmuth listens to what the woman says and nods his head in understanding. He was no good with healing magic and even less help with the mundane forms of healing so he had to simply accept what the woman said. Perhaps one of the others would be able to identify stuff of that nature however he would not. "Could you tell us how long ago he fell under the effects of this sleep? Did something happen leading up to this that was unusual or did he perhaps get into a fight with someone before the sleeping spell?"