Minos: Dark Times [IC]

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

His expression cooling, Ruhidr looks down at Durgrin, saying "Make no mistake, lad, there is no such thing as a small evil such as theirs; only great evils always growing greater."

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SenseMotive - (1d20+3)[13] to get a hunch about Durgrin's attitude. Moved the non-valid paragraph in here for the sake of posterity

Successful Sense Motive "Hunch" check:
Glancing over his shoulder at the severed head, Ruhidr grins and say, "'Sides, even yer should have noticed most of it was missing."

Failed to get a Hunch:
Keeping eye-contact a moment longer, Ruhidr turns his back on Durgrin and continues on his way to the mess.

I'll lay wager, water to sand, that dwarf's never even seen a wyvern egg before, much less one walking about near'm.

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Muttering softly, only intending to be heard by Kellin, Ruhidr says, "If the girl an' the dwarf are your companions, I can understand the quest for ale. Not in a bad way, mind, but I'm sure they keep life interesting for you."

Eyes fixed on the mess hall, his voice doesn't quite regain its previous jovial tone, but begins to thaw, rising to a normal volume, "Bandits, you say? If your friends can suffer me an' I suffer them, I would be pleased to help. With the wyvern slain, the Sword of Justice himself would take issue if I wasn't helping yer to rid the land of their menace, after I got done taking issue with meself."

Chuckling, he goes on, "Sorry yer had to see that with yer friend dwarf there, but those as don't understand dragons or their kin is doomed to feed'm. Gets to me. Lets quest for the ale in the mess hall together, may our waterskins never run dry."

[Berand]

Round 19

About half an hour later, as Ruhidr, Durgin, Kellin and Torkai are finishing their first tankards of some fairly sub-standard ale in the mess hall, Cilene and Coignar are engaged in conversation with a slender man dressed in studded leather and woodsman's clothes, with a longbow on his back.

He introduces himself as Badigly, one of the scouts currently on contract in the camp. Sir Rostham sent him to find them in order to spend the day guiding the group to wherever they want to be, so long as everyone is back in time for the sunrise shipment departure.

"... So, wherever you fellows want to head to, I'll show you the way. Been hunting in these parts my whole life. We can make it to Batterstone Lake, but it wont leave us with a whole lot of time to scout and fight before we have to head back. We'll have to be swift if we go that route. On the other hand, we can hunt for various nasties up the mountain a bit for as long as we like. We could probably find trouble an hour or two from here if we go that way." He adjusts the bow on his back and glances outside. "It's not even 8am yet, but the quicker we get moving the better. Where's it to be?"

[Ilhares]

Cilene

Well, I don't want to step on any toes, not unless I have to.

Scratching her back with her mace, Cilene thinks of the more prudent options. "Killing the beasties may make for a bit of sport for some, but the beasties aren't regularly thieving from the miners. Even if we can't finish the bandit problem, getting good intel on their location and number will probably do us more good in the long run. If they're not too populous, we might even be able to risk taking them out entirely, which would make the shipment a lot easier to move later."

"You might want to check with the lot in the mess, but that's my suggestion."

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(1d20-2)[3]

Let's hear it for diplomacy!

[Berand]

Round 19a

Badigly might think Cilene is kind of a bitch from her attitude (way to blow that diplomacy roll!), but he shrugs and wanders over to the drinking group to present the same question. He also mentions Cilene's reasoning for the bandit camp.

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Leaning back with a well-cultured belch that they likely didn't teach him back in the academies, Ruhidr pushes the remains of his meal away and glances up at Badigly before looking back at the group.

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I was already using Detect Evil on the group while we were eating. Since you can use it while you're moving, I figure you can certainly use it while you're eating :P

Now that Badigly has arrived, he's in the area of effect that I was concentrating on, so he should be included in the check.

"Well now, as I'm new to the group, I'll just voice my thoughts an' let yers run with it. I said I'd help with the bandits, and I will; harassing innocent travelers and honest traders is an injustice that needs rightin.
But I'd personally like to scout the the mountain for nasties, on the chance we might find some of a more scaly variety. We can come back for that, though."

Tossing a grin at Badigly, he says, "Unless, of course, yer having some information about those nasties worth knowing about."

[Sirrion]

Torkai

"Beasts, bandits.. Either way, stick a blade in them and they die. I care not what we hunt but I wouldn't mind stretching my legs a bit. No point in remaining here where I might end up drinking enough to make myself useless for tomorrow." Tossing down the remains of his tankard, Torkai stands and adjusts his weapons and armor. "Well then, ready whenever. Let's get the hunting started."

[Noldruk]

Kellin

Finishing his second tankard with a large gulp, Kellin scratches his chin thoughtfully.

'Well, first things first, we have to decide whether this silver shipment is what we want to do. From what we've been told, we don't have time to go play with the bandits more than just pinpointing their location.. anything more will put us behind in our schedule.' Motioning to the mess sergeant for another ale, he continues, 'So, we've got the choice of possibly splitting up, sending one or two to scout the lake, while the rest escort the silver, or putting off the scouting until we're done. I wouldn't mind doing a bit of hunting, though, before this evening.'

Turning to Badigly, Kellin asks, 'So, eh.. what type of nasties are we talking about, anyhow?'

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Ruhidr looks askance at Kellin. "Yer saying split up while we're escorting the silver? Lad, I think yer should cut off the ale."

Chuckling as he finishes off his one, and only, tankard of ale, he continues, "I could see maybe splitting up today. Someone scouting the lake while more of us head to the mountain and teach the nasties a lesson in dying."

Thumping himself in the chest with one gauntleted fist, he manages to make a horrendous racket. "I won't be scouting, as I'm not so much known for my time spent sneaking about, eh? Something about being louder than the forge that my armor was crafted on," Ruhidr says before trailing off into a grating laugh.

Growing more thoughtful, he says, almost musing to himself, "It may not be a good idea to run the risk of failing our given word just because we're itching to fight an' can't do a proper scouting."

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Why yes, I do have this thread as a subscription so I get dinged whenever another post is made. Why do you ask?

[Ilhares]

Cilene

Completely oblivious to the cluelessness going on inside the mess tent, Cilene has made a point of securing her goods on her horse to ride out and scout the bandit camp.

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If there's not enough time to go on foot, there's bound to be plenty of time to check it out by horse. She's a bitch, she's not stupid.

[Berand]

Round 20

Badigly shrugs. "I wouldn't recommend splitting up either way. There's liable to be more then enough for everyone, no matter where you decide to go. Besides, if you split up I can't make sure you all get back here in time, and that's what I'm paid to do. I think they'd be a little upset if they were unable to ship that silver back on schedule."

"We can take horses most of the way to the lake, before it gets too dense to ride easily. If you don't have horses I can probably get some from the Knights to use for now."

"If we head up in to the mountains it'll have to be on foot. Who knows what we might find up there..."

OOC

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Okay, let's help the decision process along. If you ride to the bandit camp, you'll definitely get the opportunity for some action. If you ride up in to the mountains, your chances of finding trouble are random.

If you choose mountains, I'll use the forum to roll percentile dice three times. 61-100% equals a confrontation with random monsters. It's possible all three will be below that, in which case you'll waste the day and get no fight. If two land in that range, then you get two fights. If all three land in that range then you get all three fights, but you'll also be late getting back for the shipment, which wont make your employer happy. To sweeten the deal, if you roll 100% on any of them, then something special (in a good way) happens. ;)

If you choose bandits, you'll have time to find the camp and determine whether to make a straight-forward assault in the daylight or not. If you determine it's too risky to make a frontal assault, then you'll take the data back to the Knights where you'll get rewarded for it. But in that case, you'll likely have no fight, or at most a skirmish with sentries. Once you find the place, you'll accurately determine with your guides help that you don't have time to wait for nightfall, or get all sneaky in your assault. It's up front or nothing.

I suggest discussing it in chat and designating someone to announce the decision, so we can get this show on the road. :)

[tehsnarf]

Coignar

Nodding with Cilene, he quickly gathers his belongings from the tent, and readies his horse.

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My vote is for bandits

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Suddenly rousing himself from his thoughts, he jerks upright in his seat, slamming his fist down on the table. Ruhidr shouts, "By Kiri-Jolith, I'll not have it said that I balanced the honor of my word against a little... pleasure jaunt. No, I say we scout those bandits."

Shoving back from the table, he rises to his feet. Glaring around at no one in particular, he says, "I'll be waitin' with the others." Adjusting his waraxe into a more comfortable position, he stumps off to join Cilene and Coignar.

Sands take me, I hope they have something more my size than those monstrosities they call horses.

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OOC:
I flip-flopped on purpose with wanting to go to the mountains because Badigly offered more information, implying that we might fail our employers if we split up, and Coignar and Cilene are completely stuck on going to the camp. He doesn't see that as any sort of choice. If everyone at the table convinces Coignar and Cilene to go to the mountain, well... then he'll have no choice but to go along because Badigly said that whichever way we chose, we'd get back in time. We just all have to go to the same place to make that happen. So, since the only people moving are Cilene and Coignar... that's where he's headed.

[Noldruk]

Kellin

Looking at Torkai for a moment, Kellin turns to face Badigly. Moving closer to Badigly, he says, 'Well, looks like you'll be leading the way. It seems my companions itch for revenge against those bandits. I personally don't think now's the time, but hey..' he says, winking, '..sometimes the ears are deaf.' Turning back to Durgrin, Torkai and his ale, he finally says, 'Well.. I guess it's time to go.'

Beckoning for the others to follow, Kellin heads to meet up with those outside.

[Ilhares]

Cilene

Seeing people exit the mess, Cilene swings up into her saddle, smiling.

Now that's more like it.

"Good to see you making the right choice! Let's get moving, shall we?"

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You know, there's something to be said for comedy. Let's see if she's even remotely convincing: Diplo! (1d20-2)[6]

[SandDemon]

Durgrin

Definitely not pleased on his lack of involvement in the situation, he shakes his head and grumbles. "Well whadava - long as we do somethin' I'm a go. No diddle-daddlin' though, aien't gonna be late with MY name as responsible for ya kiddies."

[Berand]

Round 21

Seeing a general consensus, Badigly makes swift arrangement for those without horses to borrow some from the Knights for the day. Making sure everyone is packed up, the group sets off swiftly to the west, making for the lake.

In the very early afternoon he calls for a stop. "The land gets real rough here, not suitable for horses. We'll hobble them all and leave them in this field, then move on from foot. I'm fairly sure I know where they're holed up at, just never had an army to bring with me to look!" He chuckles to himself, then shakes his head and sobers up.

"There's a bowl in the side of the hills, just at the base of the mountain. It's perfectly concealed from everywhere unless you're on top of it. I used to play there with my cousins when I was growing up and didn't want me mum to find us. If those bandits know the area at all, they're going to pick that as their hideout sure as it's day. There's likely to be sentries, so be sharp."

The woods become gradually thicker as you move along in single-file, following what is likely a very seldom-used deer path. Suddenly both Coignar and Kellin throw a hand up in the air, motioning for everyone to halt. All noise ceases, and Coignar and Kellin lean in and confer for a moment, pointing forward and to the right. Going from person to person as silently as possible, Coignar informs everyone that they think they've spotted a sentry.

Map:

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Moving through the green spaces lowers your speed to three-fourths normal. If you don't have ranks in move silently, you'll make a lot of noise doing it. If you do have ranks in move silently, you can roll to move silently through the green spaces at a -2 penalty. If you're on the trail you can roll a normal move silently check. Remember armor penalties apply.

Additionally, you can't pass each other in the same squares without going in the wooded parts, so if you want to change order in the narrow places, someone has to try to sneak.

[Ilhares]

Cilene

Slapping Coignar lightly on the shoulder in understanding, Cilene looks around at the trees for a moment, then signs to those closer to her what she's going to do. Hopefully this is correctly conveyed, as she first points to herself and the trees directly in front of her, and then rapidly points to the right side of the trail, farther north.

Don't need luck. Don't need hope. See the scout. See him look away... and.. there!

Cilene attempts to move carefully through the trees, then makes a quick short dash up the path, attempting to slip back into the trees on the right side of the path.

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Yeah, this is where it gets fun.

To move quietly through the trees:
(1d20+8)[18]

To dart along the path (quietly) and slip back into the trees (2x movement):
(1d20+10)[25]

Berand, apply any penalty as you view fit - I'll address it in a revision if necessary, of course.

And lastly, to hide in the trees again on the right side and look for any other sentries that may be lurking nearby:

Hide: (1d20+10)[24]
Spot: (1d20+7)[18]

In terms of the actual map position, 4 hexes directly "north" of the party scout, Badigly, and two rows to the right. That's the destination.

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Chuckling quietly under his breath, Ruhidr shoots a grin towards Durgrin while nodding in Cilene's direction. While keeping an eye in the direction of the sentry and Cilene, he then quite obviously settles in to wait without making a noise, content to let those who aren't covered in massive steel plates take care of the sentry.

Kiri-Jolith, may yer guide the feet of our friend up there, letting us bring the blade of Justice those wretches as prey on innocent travelers.

[Sirrion]

Torkai

Watching Cilene gesture that she has the sentry and slipping off, Torkai draws both of his daggers quietly. Raising a finger to his lips to reinforce the point to keep silent, Torkai makes a small gesture with one dagger towards himself, then towards the left side of the trail just ahead.

Better get ready in case the alarm is raised...

With that, Torkai steps silently into the woods to the left of Badigly and then re-entering the trail in front of him. He takes a few quick strides down the path before ducking into the woods just ahead at a bend in the trail. He settles down, hiding in the bushes and scans the area for any sights or sounds that would announce the presence of another sentry.

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Going to step just left of Badigly, then move back onto the trail in front of him for two more squares and then hide in the woods just left of the trail.

And now for the rolls:
Move silently with -2 penalty: (1d20+6)[15]
Hide in the woods: (1d20+8)[21]
Spot: (1d20-5)[0]
Listen: (1d20-5)[5]

Let's hope I remembered my sneaky shoes today

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Tensing slightly as yet another companion ghosts into the forest around them, Ruhidr perks up a bit, trying to remain aware of the area around him.

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Listen - (1d20+3)[16]
Spot - (1d20+3)[4]

[tehsnarf]

Coignar

Scratching his head slightly and glancing off where his companions vanished to, Coignar attempts to sneak further down the path and draws his crossbow.

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Moving 8 hexes down the path, moving silently, hiding.

Hide: (1d20+5)[12]
Move Silently: (1d20+5)[25]
Spot: (1d20+3)[11]
Listen: (1d20+5)[24]

Oh gods above, please don't let me screw this up... I'm too handsome to die!

[Noldruk]

Kellin

Watching as the others progress into the woods, Kellin utters lowly the incantation of 'Mage Armor'. Eyes locked on the sentries ahead of him, he waits patiently for an opportunity to present itself.

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For now, just planning my course of action...

Listen: (d20)[3]
Spot: (d20)[1]

[SandDemon]

Durgrin

After trying to think of what to do, knowing full well that if he moved he'd throw away any hope of surprise, he bows his head in prayer with a silent whisper..."May Reorx bless us" He continues his watch on the area for others.

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-Cast Bless- +1 on attack rolls and saving throws against fear for the entire group for 4 minutes (think that's 40 rounds)
-Listen check (1d20+4)[14]
-Spot check (1d20+4)[19]

[Berand]

Round 22

Taking quick action, the group communicates silently. Coignar, Torkai and Cilene take off along the trail, each crouched low, weapons drawn. Fortunately the sentry doesn't appear to have noticed, as you can still see him faintly through the trees, remaining as he was.

Everyone feels a slight tingle as the blessings of Reorx comes down upon you. Despite all of you peering intently in to the woods, no one spots any new threats.

Somehow, your two plate-mail covered dwarves manage to remain silent and still.

Combat Map:

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[Noldruk]

Kellin

Winking at the two dwarves, Kellin moves to follow in the direction Torkai went. Paying careful attention of all that surrounds him, he begins trying to assess the distance to the sentry, as well as how difficult he'd be to hit from this distance.

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Listen: (d20)[8]
Spot: (d20)[16]
Move Silently: (d20+1)[16]

[Ilhares]

Cilene

I really need to watch my step out here.

Having found herself a bit deeper in the trees than intended, Cilene keeps moving toward the sentry.

I may not get there first, but if anyone has trouble with that guy, it won't last long.

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Well, as long as she's in the trees, she may as well start on a route that would bring her up "behind" the sentry slightly. If he's watching the trail to the north as well, it'll be easier to try slip into a blindspot.

Sneak: (1d20+8)[22]

Once stopped-

Hide: (1d20+10)[30]
Spot: (1d20+7)[19]
Listen: (1d20+5)[12]

[Sirrion]

Torkai

Seeing his two companions continue their approach to his right, Torkai shrugs and continues advancing silently through the trees on the left side of the path. He keeps his eyes and ears peeled on his side in case there is a second sentry waiting.

Might as well continue a little further...can set up my ambush further on as well as here and rescue them if they need it.

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Torkai will continue moving as far as he can in the trees, keeping hidden and moving silently. And now the rolls...

Move silently with -2 penalty: (1d20+6)[22]
Hide in the trees: (1d20+8)[9]
Spot: (1d20-5)[2]
Listen: (1d20-5)[1]

[demonllama]

Ruhidr

Ruhidr doesn't do much except remain in a state of readiness for his companions to either return, or to need a dwarven waraxe charging in to help out.

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Note to self: Roll something not in plate-mail next time. A monk sounds nice. Get it? "Sounds"? Ugh.
Listen - (1d20+3)[7]
Spot - (1d20+3)[14]

[Berand]

Round 23

The entire team, minus armor-clad dwarves, continues to creep forward. Thus far everyone has managed to remain silent and unnoticed. As you draw nearer to the sentry, you're able to start making out details. At the moment he appears to be distracted with something in his hands, though you can't see what. Fortunately, he's not a very alert sentry.

Kellin starts to move forward behind the main line, while Badigly loosely knocks an arrow, then steps off in to the woods to the right to conceal himself near the dwarves.

Combat map and OOC:

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Torkai, Cilene and Coignar can all make it to the sentry on the next round. If you fail your move silently, the sentry automatically wins initiative. If you make it, you automatically get the surprise round, including any sneak attacks. When you post your action, make sure you include a failed sneak and a successful sneak option. If you're doing a ranged attack, you automatically get initiative and don't have to roll your sneak.

Remember everyone is blessed right now.