The Minotaur Uprise (IC)

[Benson]

Clunk! Clunk! Clunk! The covered wagon shakes as the wheels hit uneven ground. Every time the wagon shakes cold air enters past the wagon's rear flaps. Coupled with the sense of dread it makes every moment feel like one's last. The three wool blankets shared amongst the captured in this wagon are of very poor quality. It feels abrasive to the touch and seems bent on chaffing one's skin. Alas, it is all the minotaurs would give, as if to show a taste of their cruelty.

The six hulking minotaurs in charge of escorting this wagon say very little, not even an annoying berating comment to say something smart-ass to. It seems to be getting colder as time slowly passes by. You feel wispy fleeting snowflakes drift into the wagon, the natural reaction of course is take most of what you can of the dirty blanket.

After what felt like an eternity, the covered wagon stops but not before going over one big bump, you know, for good measure. You hear the sound of grunting and snorting outside the covered wagon.

"I have the latest batch of prisoners in here." You hear the voice of one of your captors.

"Move aside while I give them a look over," You hear a rather gruff voice as a massive hand moves the flap and you see a massive bull minotaur glaring at you lot. "Made sure to remember to search them? Can't have them trying to slip something through," The bull minotaur scoffed at you lot.

"Uh yes, sir," The minotaur responded.

"Humph, good." The bull minotaur looks at you lot as if though studying the ways he'll break you. He then smirks. "Welcome to camp, I hope you find the accommodations most suitable. You can call 'Sir', I'm in charge here and you lot belong to me." He then commands several of the other minotaurs to 'escort' you lot as you feel the chains running though your manacles being yanked hard. The chest of confiscated goods is lugged away to be placed away.

The work camp is rather large, large enough to hold at least 60 enslaved workers. The surrounding walls stand at 15 ft with guard towers at around 25 ft, it comes off as if though the walls are encompassing you. Minotaur guards are stationed in pairs in the numerous guard towers. Off in the distance are the open living quarters for the slaves, in a complete state of disrepair, opposite to what the living quarters for the guards are. The land is hard and cold with few sprigs of life attempting to survive.

As you lot are shuffled into a line, you receive your rations and water skins. You are told that padded armor await you in your living quarters.

For the most part you are ushered towards the slave living quarters to get your bearings. Tomorrow you lot receive your shifts and schedules for working in the quarry and mines.

(At this point you are not chained but still have your manacles on)

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vilsethindreller, tiny gnome feet and hands just as shackled as those of the others, does her best to keep her mind clear. This was it, the first day, the most important day. Security at the camp would be its highest, because the slaves' desire to escape would be just as high. Their spirits had yet to be broken, and if the minotaurs knew anything of forced labor, they'd understand this.

This was the perfect chance to check the numbers of the camp. If most or all of the minotaurs were at their posts, Vil could get a vague understanding of how many there were. The six that had rode with them were likely on shift with other guards; they would switch out for raiding parties, and depending on the size or complexity of their next raid, that number might change. Still, it was important to have a figure. It would be one of the first steps toward escape.

As Vil receives her waterskin and rations, her mind races. There were many factors she had to consider, and there weren't enough details yet. The shock of capture was still making her fuzzy, making her miss things.

She also needed to know where that damn chest was being taken...

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The tall and broad youth at the end of the slave chain seethed as the minotaurs unchained him and unceremoniously threw him into the slave quarters. His voice was high and clear as he a combination of Common and Giant (and some in-between) curses at the now-close entrance door before limping into the busy hut. He winced as he slowly made his way through the crush of humanoids, not seeming to care that they were there as he sought an empty bunk. He favored his right food at he walked, his right hand nursed a black eye underneath his short flax-colored hair, and his lip was split. All were gifts from his captors when he had refused the waterskin and food offered to him with a contemptuous sneer.

As he walked, he thought of his family. Many of whom had been captured in the same raiding party as he. His tribe had not been expecting an attack, as thy had made relations with minotaur camps in the past for servants and mutual defense. He had not carried an axe with him when he had been captured, otherwise would not have allowed them to take him alive. He would have fought to the death as his father did. Since then, he had been separated from his mother and sister the first night after the raid, and had not seen them since. They were all he could think about now that he was alone.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin

Of all the rotten luck! Melin had just been walking on a three day journey to another gig which she was thrilled to have won - a wealthy patron who would have paid well for her historical performances. And out of nowhere, she's seized by minotaurs, robbed, and shackled!

She was indignant - furious - but on the inside, for now. She takes whatever water, food, and blankets she can get before carefully eyeing the other prisoners. Even with minotaurs to worry about, a young half-elf maiden can't be too careful about her roommates. No-one had spoken in the wagon. She walks close to a female gnome who seems to be surveying the area carefully.

[SlyJohnny]

About halfway through the journey, there was a commotion of grunts and cries and swearing in a dwarfish tongue, which was preceded Sugga being unceremoniously tossed into the back along with the rest of you. She wasn't very talkative then, as she'd been beaten unconscious after she tried to bite a minotaur on the nose.

She is a furious, emaciated dwarf with fierce brown eyes and a straggly brown beard that falls in thick, rope-like braids around her semi-clothed body. Her teeth and fingernails are dirty, and her hands are tattooed to give the appearance she is wearing silvery-blue, luminous metal gauntlets, ending in claws and covered with lapped scales. She doesn't speak a word of Common. The first thing she did upon awakening was to screech and cry and rattle her chains, struggling to get free and attack one of the minotaurs, which prompted them to beat her unconscious again and knock one of her teeth out. When she woke up the second time, she was quiet, picking up her dislodged tooth and staring at the rest of you fiercely.

She sullenly trudges along behind you all, peering about as if all this is new to her. She's muttering in an odd dialect of dwarfish under her breath; beseeching something called a "Lord of the Deeps" for protection as she rubs her hands together nervously.

[Poru]

Daeron

The half-elf slowly shuffled along with the other slaves towards the huts. Everything seemed to hurt. He had long cuts running all over his body and multiple bruises from his captors. He knew he shouldn't have tried to fight them. It was a dumb thing to do. But the memories of the beasts slaughtering his mentor were too much for Daeron to handle.

He supposed he was lucky to still be alive. Most minotaurs would have killed him for even daring to strike them. Admittedly, he had failed to kill even a single minotaur, but maybe his tenacity had shown him to be strong, perfect for being a slave. Maybe they just wanted the chance to break his spirit. "Who knows with these creatures..." Daeron muttered under his breath.

Glancing around at his impromptu companions, he silently wondered what had happened to each of them to make them land here. Part of him wanted to ask, to talk to them, but the other part, conditioned by years of living alone in the woods, scoffed at the idea of socializing. His interest had been piqued when he saw the half-elf woman, but his anti-social habits kept him from even going near her.

A longing swept through him for the green trees back home, but Daeron knew that if he ever wanted to see that beautiful forest again, he would have to learn to work with the others. Right now though, all he could focus on was the burning pain from his wounds.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin

(to Vil) "Looking for any gaps in security?"

Melin looks to see if she can identify any pecking order among the minotaurs - who is the leader, and who are the pawns. Her delicate facial features appear calm, but her heart is racing.

History tells us escape is always easiest during transport or immediately upon internment. If I don't escape now, I may be missing my best opportunity.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan stays quiet, observing both the minotaurs and the other slaves. His physical wounds had almost healed, but the loss of Lobo was still tearing at him. He took his share of the food, water, and blankets, and retreated to the back of the shack they seemed to be sharing.

[Misaat]

Bastian

Looking around he stands there, quiet, speechless. Why did this have to happen? One second he was out to meet the world escaping from the prison that was the city... and the next BAM back to the cage... kind of a literal one this time...

"aah"

He sighed while looking at his feet... He had to get out of here no matter what. Bastian goes towards the Minotaurs handing over the rations and takes his part... They where big... much bigger than him... If he wanted to get out he would need a plan that avoided any fight with them.

[yugi24862]

Norman dragged himself away from the Minotaur, his body aching all over from being manhandled and thrown about when the Caravan was attacked. Although he guessed it was better not to fight back, from the look of the half-elven male.
He Grabbed the waterskin and food, stuffing them in the ragged remains of his clothes. He then looked around, looking for a way out of here. He was a sorcerer damnit! He commanded the forces of magic with his thoughts! Quickly looking at the walls of the compound, he saw that the corners were his best bet of getting out of here, with the walla to brace himself against. however, judging for the cold in here it would be imposable to live out there and he would die alone in the cold...

No. That could not happen. He would live and he would get as many people out here with him as could. A revolt wouldn't be feasable, but a breakout would work. He then observed the camp again, looking to see if there was anything he missed first time

[Benson]

Other slaves, whose long shifts ended not too long ago, watch the new fresh meat that are you fellows. There's a weariness in their faces, a hunger in their eyes. In the quarters you are staying in, there are fourteen beds, several of them are being used. The matresses are thin and moldy, but beat sleeping on the cold, hard ground. The beds themselves come in a variety of sizes, to better fit the different sizes of races. One slave stands out someone, a halfling, commandering a human sized bed for her self. She glares at everyone as if though trying to say, 'this is mine, just you try and take it'.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vil lookss up to the pretty half-elf addressing her. "Looking for a number of things." she says flatly, then looks around at the other slaves, new and old. There weren't too many of them in this particular room, but there were enough to work with.

She looks back to Melin, addressing her in a low voice. "You look a bit more socially capable than me. Mind asking the slaves who were already here how long ago they were captured? I need to build a census of how long each group of slaves has been here, other than ours. Also, speak any langauges other than Common?"

Essentially asking Melin to use Gather Information (which she kicks ass at) to ask the NPC slaves how long each one has been here. Some 1 month, some 3 moths, how many in each time frame, etc. You don't HAVE to Bonecrush, but you do have a +10 bonus right now. ;)

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The limping northerner glanced about the room, clearly not as bothered by the chill as many of the other newcomers. Despite the dark bruise forming on his face, his eyes were clear and alert as he scans the room about him for a brief minute before approaching the halfling. "That is... big bed for such a small woman. Perhaps we share? The North nights are cold. It would be fair trade for us both." His heavily accented common had no trace of innuendo in it. He spoke slowly, carefully picking out his words to avoid confusion.

Diplomacy (Feel free to secret roll it if you prefer. My mod is -1.) [roll0]

[Benson]

Cadoc

The limping northerner glanced about the room, clearly not as bothered by the chill as many of the other newcomers. Despite the dark bruise forming on his face, his eyes were clear and alert as he scans the room about him for a brief minute before approaching the halfling. "That is... big bed for such a small woman. Perhaps we share? The North nights are cold. It would be fair trade for us both." His heavily accented common had no trace of innuendo in it. He spoke slowly, carefully picking out his words to avoid confusion.

Diplomacy (Feel free to secret roll it if you prefer. My mod is -1.) [roll0]

The halfling woman let out a primal growl refusing to be even reasonable.

"Good luck trying to get her agree to that," A hoarse chuckle escaped from a scraggly and old looking male human laying on his back with his hands under his head in the next bed over. "You may find that most folks here have learned to take what they can in order to survive, heck the minotaurs encourage that behavior. Apparently it discourages people trying to band together, form riots, etc etc." He sported a weary bemused smile as he sat up.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan walks up to the northerner, and taps him on the shoulder. Take my bed. I am used to sleeping on the ground. Then the halfling can have her bed."

[Poru]

Daeron

The half-elf couldn't help but give a bitter chuckle as he stood near the entrance of the slave quarters. He had looked around the room and even in slavery, he couldn't see a place to fit in. Didn't seem to matter where he went, he was always the odd one out. "I suppose that's my own fault though..." said quietly to himself, used to speaking his thoughts out loud. In the forest there was no one to hear you speak your mind and the voice broke the occasional eerie silence.

Sighing, he noticed the half-elf and gnome speaking together, perhaps making plans for the future. He considered the other options for a brief moment then settled on at least introducing himself. Neither seemed like they had seen much combat or were very strong, and maybe they could use his help somehow. That's how he rationalized his decision at least. Walking over to them slowly, the pain itself having dulled from the numbing cold, he gave a brief nod to them. "Any chance you need some help?" he said quietly so as not to attract too much attention.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The gnome looks to the new half-elf as he approaches she and Melin. "Wanting to know how long the other slaves have been here, enlisting aid of someone pretty to find out just that. Not much time to find out more. Freedom for open conversation will be limited. Minotaurs... will interrupt soon, I think."

She reaches out and grabs a scrap from a torn wool blanket, her hands meticulously, almost ferret-like, tearing it apart into tiny pieces which she then places inside her pockets.

"Knowing how long the other slaves have been here tells us how often raids are conducted. Form a timeline. Guess how long it will be until next raid... Until the next time there are fewer Minotaur guards."

She looks at him closely.

"You follow?"

[SlyJohnny]

Sugga looks about her, trying to count how many slaves there are already here. She wonders if there are any other dwarves.

When the halfling takes a human sized bed, she raises her eyebrows, and ambles over towards, peering at the woman openly. She must be tough if she's able to keep a bed entirely to herself, yet she's pretty small.

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The barbarian shook his head at the injured man who had offered his cot, frustration on his face as he patiently tried to explain his proposal more clearly, "It is silly, sleeping on ground, we should share. More ..." he paused a second as if searching for a particular word, "Warmness, this way. We trade, Bed and warmth for warmth and northman's friendship. What bed is yours?"

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin

(to Daeron)
"We could all use some help I think. From the looks of it, you maybe more than me. I know better than to wrestle with minotaurs."

Melin brushes a lock of hair out of her face. She actually had struggled as best she could when the minotaurs grabbed her, but the difference in strength between them and her was laughable. Neither the young bard nor the minotaurs got any bruises from her capture, except on her arms where their massive fingers had cruelly grabbed her.

"Help me find out everything we can about this camp as fast as we can, starting by talking with the other prisoners. History tells us knowledge is power. Our dwarf friend here can focus on the physical layout while we learn the social dynamics among the prisoners and the guards. I'll start with all the human men... they'll talk to me. You get to know the rest. But don't commit to anything."

Melin grabs the first human man she sees by the arm and assumes the role of damsel-in-distress, spotlighting him with pleading, trusting eyes. After finding out everything she can from him, she works the rest of the room in a similar manner.


[roll0]
[roll1] (If the DM is generous enough to grant a skill synergy.)
Basically her suggestion to Daeron is that he do Aid Another.


EDIT:

I used the wrong modifiers. Gather Information should have been +10, not +6. Perform (Act) should have been +8, not +7. DM, please take this into consideration.

[Poru]

Daeron

"I follow. I suppose I'll try to talk to the rest of the slaves. Maybe I'll get lucky. I'm Daeron by the way," he adds at the end, choosing to ignore the quip about his wounds. They didn't need to know his past.

He shuffles off after the female half-elf, talking to the people that she passes over, so as not to miss any possible information.

Gather Information Check to Aid Melin: [roll0]

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin

"It's Melin. And we're prisoners, not slaves!"

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan chuckles slightly. That sentence could get you arrested in some towns, my friend. Please though, feel free to use my bed he points out one in the corner I cannot remember the last time I slept in a bed. It is not my way. I am more comfortable on the ground. Turning around, he sees the two half-elves talking to the other prisoners. The male seems as though he is completely out of place around all these people. He walks up to him and taps him on the shoulder. You don't seem like someone used to a large crowd. Where are you from?

[yugi24862]

Norman see's the female half-elf talking to the gnome, then to the male half-elf, after that to the male prisoners in what looks to be an act for some reason. Mabye it was to gain favours, as she had quite a body, and he could see himself trying to help and care for her in the hope she would give something back. Some men would easily became desperate for any female contact after working in the mines and quarry's.

He then walked up to the gnome, who was being a bit too loud about her plans for escape, and wispered " Quiet, I want to escape as much as the next guy and will gladly lend a hand, but you are to loud. If a minotaur hears to talking about escape you will get a beating at best and death at worse.
The warning delivered, he walked up to one of the bed and claimed it. He would need what little rest he got when trying to escape

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vil thanks Melin as she moves to talk to the other prisoners, and to find out how long each had been there. Daeron, another capable-looking half-elf, also came to help. Vil was glad there were other individuals willing to work toward their freedom. To the both of them, she offers her own name. "Vilsethindreller."

It was then that a human gave her a warning. Vil paused for a moment before responding. "Quiet not important, Minotaurs already have a spy among us, to listen to our plans and report to them. Might be you, always suspect the one that tries to keep you quiet, all a front to conceal their interest. Doubt it though, saw you on caravan."

Her head twists mechanically over to the scraggly old man on the bed who had been speaking to Cadoc. Her arm raises to point at him. "Most likely candidate for slave who reports directly to Minotaurs about our plans, especially on first day. Look at behavior. Apparently broken, accepting of life in camp, yet willing to socialize with newcomers, gain their trust. Spy. Check his wrists for manacle scars, bet there are few, but some recent self-inflicted wounds to make us believe he is genuine among us."

[yugi24862]

Norman listened to the gnomes reply, then responded, whispering "Your right, he might be spy. We have to check everyone closely. Good to see we have some brains here." He then went to his bed, trying not to raise attention, but observing all the people who were here when they arrived at the 'room'.

So doing a Perseption check at [roll0] for if they look odd for slave and a general idea of who the others are and Sense motive at [roll1] to see what the people are like, trying to get a feel for who's trustworthy and who is not.

ah looks like my rolls didn't work, I'll do then in the OOC thread.

[Poru]

Daeron

Daeron pauses in speaking with the other slaves to look at the source of the tap. "Why does it concern you?" he asks suspiciously, the friendly behavior putting him more on guard than at ease. People didn't just talk to him. They always had a reason.

[Misaat]

Bastian

Bastian kept listening very closely. To every conversation. Maybe if he listened for long enough he would hear something worthwhile. And he did when one of the older prisoners spoke.

" ...You may find that most folks here have learned to take what they can in order to survive, heck the minotaurs encourage that behavior... "

The Minotaurs encourage fighting between the prisoners... Yes that sort of maked sense... If all they did was watch us all day it was obvious most of them would be bored... That could work...

Filling himself with some courage he started looking around for the most bored looking Minotour-Guard he could find.

Perseption:[roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan
Chuckling slightly, Noledan gives the suspicious prisioner an answer. Why does it concern me? Because in you I see someone like myself. You have lived in the woods for a time, have you not? You have several of the signs of it. Awkwardness around people, voicing your thoughts out loud. I too live in the woods, and I feel a sort of kinship with those who share my voluntary exile. Noledan extends his hand. My name is Noledan. What is yours?

[jojolagger]

Crais
Standing in the corner, and clearly scared, Crais does the only thing he knows to do to stay clam. Faint glow in his eyes, he relaxes as the magic flows from his body, warming the room. Mind at ease, Crais began to look around, trying to to decide which stranger would be safest to contact. What would Kro do?

Using minor wish prestidigitation to warm up the room. It will be 40 degrees Fahrenheit warmer for 1 hour.
Also, relief from the cold would likely put the others in a better mood, wouldn't it?

[yugi24862]

As Norman sat on his ragged mess that the minotaur called a bed, he heard chanting. It sounded like magical chanting, like someone was casting a spell... Prestidigitation! Someone in the room had cast prestidigitation! He looked around for the spell caster, with everyone else looking for the source of the heating that had warmed them up. Damnit! If the minotaurs figured out there was a spellcaster here, they would tighten security, and escaping would be much harder. .



[roll0] against DC 15 to know it's prestidigitation EDIT: Roll of 15 tells me it is prestidigitation.I'm assuming I know who cast it, if you want to roll perception or something else tell me and I'll edit this post.DOUBLE EDIT took the part about knowing who cast it out

[Benson]

Melin

(to Daeron)
"We could all use some help I think. From the looks of it, you maybe more than me. I know better than to wrestle with minotaurs."

Melin brushes a lock of hair out of her face. She actually had struggled as best she could when the minotaurs grabbed her, but the difference in strength between them and her was laughable. Neither the young bard nor the minotaurs got any bruises from her capture, except on her arms where their massive fingers had cruelly grabbed her.

"Help me find out everything we can about this camp as fast as we can, starting by talking with the other prisoners. History tells us knowledge is power. Our dwarf friend here can focus on the physical layout while we learn the social dynamics among the prisoners and the guards. I'll start with all the human men... they'll talk to me. You get to know the rest. But don't commit to anything."

Melin grabs the first human man she sees by the arm and assumes the role of damsel-in-distress, spotlighting him with pleading, trusting eyes. After finding out everything she can from him, she works the rest of the room in a similar manner.


[roll0]
[roll1] (If the DM is generous enough to grant a skill synergy.)
Basically her suggestion to Daeron is that he do Aid Another.


EDIT:

I used the wrong modifiers. Gather Information should have been +10, not +6. Perform (Act) should have been +8, not +7. DM, please take this into consideration.


As you and Daeron attempt to gauge some information, most of them just gawk at your little damsel in distress act, looking annoyed. One however, the scraggly old man who spoke earlier smirked at the little attention grabbing display. However, for the most part they seem guarded.



So doing a Perseption check at [roll0] for if they look odd for slave and a general idea of who the others are and Sense motive at [roll1] to see what the people are like, trying to get a feel for who's trustworthy and who is not.

Everyone seems pretty disinterested in you new lot, just another set of slaves, you do take notice of the scraggly old man mentioned above, but only because he is smirking that he stands a bit. Your sense motive check shows you that a lot of them have little desire to be anyone's friend, the dog-eat-dog mentality seems to have set in hard.


Misaat:
Filling himself with some courage he started looking around for the most bored looking Minotour-Guard he could find.

Perseption:(1d20+4)[24]

You take notice of a minotaur that's supposed to be guarding the 'entrance' slacking off with his arms folded. He then stands up straight as soon as another minotaur (possibly a superior) passes snorting in disapproval at the 'slacking off' minotaur.


Using minor wish prestidigitation to warm up the room. It will be 40 degrees Fahrenheit warmer for 1 hour.
Also, relief from the cold would likely put the others in a better mood, wouldn't it?


You all feel the room becoming relatively warmer, raising eyebrows from some of the slaves. Others become suspicious, subtly looking around to see who or what did that.

[Benson]

As Norman sat on his ragged mess that the minotaur called a bed, he heard chanting. It sounded like magical chanting, like someone was casting a spell...



[roll0] against DC 15 to know it's prestidigitation


You realized someone just use magic, very low level magic, but magic nonetheless.

[Jamini]

Cadoc follows Noledan from the offered bed, his voice catching in his throat in an awkward choking sound as he tries to put his thoughts properly into words. He waits patiently as he unsuccessfully tries to get the old man's attention, before resigning himself to patiently listening over his shoulder.

[Poru]

Daeron

Tentatively, Daeron accepts the man's extended hand, sensing the kindred spirit Noledan had mentioned. "Your observations are correct. My name's Daeron, and I hail from a small village or rather a forest outside of a small village to the south. I confess, I had not expected to meet another like me here. I am curious though, you say you are a voluntary exile as I am, but why did you leave society?" Daeron asks, looking over towards Melin and noticing that her luck with questioning had gone just as poorly as his had.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Noledan laughes again. I also come from a forest near a small town to the south, though this far north, I expect that applies to countless places. As to why I live in a forest, I am a druid. It is my job to take care of nature. It's difficult to do that when your in a city, or on a farm. Also, there's my friend Lobo. He's a wolf, and most "civilization" looks down on them. he finishes, with a slight smile.

[Misaat]

Bastian

After taking a deep breath and waiting for the other more serius guard to keep on walking , he starts moving slowly towards the entrance and places himself next to the Bored Minotaur. And tries speaking up just a bit.

"Kind of a drag being here watching people lift rocks all day dont you think?"

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The ugly little gnome grumbles as the other slaves keep their traps shut about their time at the camp. Where she a bit stronger, she'd just strangle one until they started spitting out numbers and dates. Noting that the male half-elf had begun a discussion with an apparent Druid, Vilsethindreller thanks Melin for her efforts, and speaks to her once more.

"Nothing, eh? They're scared. Or they've been explicitly told not to say how long they've been there. Don't take it as hit to your pride, I was impressed with the act."

Vil notes the human (Bastian) taking up the minotaur guard at the doorway, and nods, admiring his motivation. She keeps an eye on the human, not wanting to step in and interrupt. What he was doing was just as important as gathering information from the damned other slaves...

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc's eyes narrowed as he listened to Daeron and Noledan converse over the shoulder of the latter, his hands flexing at his belt where his axes would normally hang. He spoke softly, his bright voice suddenly very chilly.

"You are Lycanthi Noledan? A Wolf-Kin?"

[Poru]

Daeron

The half-elf relaxes a little bit at Noledan's laid back personality. "Ha I suppose you have a point there. And a druid? Interesting, I had not heard of many human druids before, let alone get to meet one. I guess I'm what some people call a ranger. My father was one, and his oldest friend taught me everything he could about protecting and living in harmony with nature, Elhonna rest his soul," Daeron finishes with a look of regret and sorrow.

Hearing the sudden change in the human's tone who was behind Noledan, Daeron quickly moves halfway in between the two. "And if he is?" he asks pointedly, unwilling to let potentially the first friend he had made in over a decade slip away.

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The barbarian man turned his gaze on the halfbreed, his voice still edged with steel, "Then I would kill him before Luna shows her full face and fills him with madness. The stories of the Lycanthi are clear: The half-m..." He pauses a moment, glancing at Daeron's ears, "...half-demon will go into a blind rage and gain phenominal strength. It would kill us all in bloodlust before the Tauri could stop it. If they would."

Cadoc gave Daeron a quick appraisal, glancing at his physique with a critical eye and noting the man's many small scars."You defend him? Perhaps you are Lycanthi as well? Many stories say Lycanthi heal all wounds without trace. Why defend a monster?"

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The gnome, gnarled fingers still working at the bits of cloth, looks up at the exchange.

Tribal beliefs. Terms I don't remember from any common languages. Still, recognizable portions of the words. Lycanthi. Shapechanger. This barbarian had strong beliefs, but weak perceptions. Noisemaker.

"Not a shapechanger." she remarks to the barbarian. "A druid. Like a shaman of the woods, but different. They are kin to all natural beasts of the forests, like trackers or woodsmen, and are not monsters. You should understand your own enemies before you go to seek them out."

She levels a gaze at the man, sinking the point home. "Should you not? Or is it the warrior's way to speak, before he understands?"

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc eyes the small gnome for a second, flickering with understanding and flashing dangerously. For a second he grins, discreetly flicking his index finger at the guard so that Vil could see it while simultaneously muttering to the adjacent Daeron. "Forgive my error and dance with me friend, the Impi is seeking a way out, let us help her."

Seconds later he attempts to shove Daeron backwards, his thickly chorded muscles buldging from the grapple. While his voice twists into an incomprehensible yell.



Rolling Slight of Hand to avoid having to minotaur or many of the older prisoners see his hand motions

Forgive me if any of my rolls modifiers are wrong. I can't acess Mythweavers at work.

Slight of Hand
[roll0]

Considering I was pretty much directly behind Noledon, I'm assuming Daeron is close enough that I can whisper or mutter to him without being overheard.

Unarmed Touch Attack to Grapple(I'm not going to say if he's flatfooted, but I'd think so.)
[roll1]
Grapple check to throw
[roll2]

I'm not going to be trying to deal any damage, and I'm going to pull any blows on him as far as I can.

Edit: Holy 3,4 and 5's batman! What an amazing bunch of rolls!

[Poru]

Daeron

Pain shoots Daeron's body as he twists away from the barbarian's grapple as the fresh wounds rip open again. Blood trickles down the half-elf's chest and arms as he sets himself for the fight, understanding the goal even though he wishes there was another way. He lunges at the barbarian with a low kick, trying to knock him off balance, silent the whole time.

Unarmed Attack against Cadoc: [roll0]

No intention to do damage, just land blows.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Noledan, hearing the conversation, leaned down to the gnome. "When the guards come over, get out and see if you can find a way out of here" he whispers, before running over to the door and shouting "Guards! Come quick, a fight! They're gonna kill each other! Quickly!! at the top of his lungs, until the guards come or the fight stops.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The gnome shrugs, not a fan of spontaneous escapes and certain that this one was doomed to fail, but she takes the chance offered by her comrades. Amid the scuffle, her tiny form twists and dodges through a hole in the ruined, dilapidated slave quarters until she is outside, where she finds a suitable place to get a good look at the camp.


[roll0]

This is my Stealth roll and, of course, does not count any synergy or circumstance from my comrades making a significat distraction. Outside, I am getting a solid look at the entire camp. I would like to identify the other buildings, the distance of the wall from the slave quarters, the number and distance of gates/entrances into the wall, the number of guard towers along the wall and the distance between each tower, and an estimate of the general number of minotaur guards who are visible at this moment. I am also looking for a warehouse were supplies are kept, the tent or house of the leader of the camp which is usually large or nice, and I'm also looking for whatever the hell we were brought here to do; ie logging, mining, weapons manufacturing, food preparation, and what have you.

In short, I'm asking for details. As an Int 18 character, visually analyzing this campground is a walk in the park, and even if I am spotted by a Minotaur, I can still see these things and remember them in the time it would take a Minotaur to run over to me.

[jojolagger]

Crais
They were up to something. Both of those fighting had spoken to the gnome. So had the one who called for the guards. Using the fight as a distraction, Crais once again lets magic flow through him. Knowing the reaction to him having magic might be less than good, he attempts to be less noticeable and to disguise the spell as a prayer.

casting message linked to the gnome who spoke to both the fighters, take ten on stealth and Bluff to hide my spell casting.
Edit: ninja'd

[SlyJohnny]

Sugga, jungle dwarf

Sugga turns away from the halfling woman, biting her lip as she watches Daeron and Cadoc attack one another.

Completely unaware of the plan in progress, she wades through the other slaves, shoving them aside if need be to get to the fight, yelling at both combatants and trying to separate them. She attempts to grab Cadoc in a bear hug and wrench him away, judging the northman to have been the instigator. She shrieks in a high-pitched voice, an odd dialect of Dwarven, to those that know the language.

((In dwarven:))

"Stop this, stop this! You're not helping yourselves, you're making yourselves weaker! We must all strive together, we- I said that's ENOUGH!"

((Grapple attempt on Cadoc, AoO provoked: [roll0] ))

[Jamini]

((It's been several days since our DM has posted. I'm going to move on to the next round of our "distraction" and hope he notices this.))

Cadoc

Cadoc grunts as the ranger lands a solid, if light. Thinking quickly, he tries to roll forward to reply with a leg sweep when suddenly he feels a pair of strong, stocky arms grab him from behind.

"Kord-damned" he spits in Goblin as his elbow instinctivly slams the dwarf in the face, staggering her mildly before she could get a solid hold.

Sugga and Daeron BOTH got EXACTLY what they needed to hit me. Fortunatly Daeron isn't trying to actually deal any damage.

AoO Roll: [roll0]
Opposed Grapple Check (if AoO fails) [roll1]

[Jamini]

Damage roll for AoO
[roll0] Nonlethal

Flowing with the movement of his elbow, Cadoc quickly grabs for his new assailant's hair with his hands while his right foot sweeps underneath her.


As a counter I try and trip Sugga. Normally this would provoke an AoO, but it also mentions "As normal for an unarmed attacks." I'd like to point out that unarmed characters don't get AoOs against unarmed attacks. (Grappling does not have this text line. Though I wouldn't care if my AoO roll is instead used for a Grapple check.)

Either way:
Unarmed Melee Touch Attack [roll1]
Opposed Strength Roll (On Hit) [roll2] (****, I just realized dwarves get a +4 to avoid getting tripped!)

[SlyJohnny]

Sugga, Sugga, Sugga of the jungle

The dwarven woman literally spits in surprise as Cadoc's elbow catches her unaware and grazes her head, knocking loose spittle from her mouth onto her long, trailing beard. She didn't expect a creature that thickset and tall to be able to twist itself about so; wrestling humans is clearly a new experience for her.

She hurriedly shifts her weight and locks the balls of her feet against the ground, trying to keep herself upright whilst she quests for an advantage.

((Opposed Dexterity check with dwarven stability bonus: [roll0]
Automatic retaliatory Trip attempt if I win: [roll1]))

She's a fraction too slow, and stumbles backwards over Cadoc's leg, falling hard onto her side.

[Benson]

I'm sorry for such delayness, I've had the misfortune of being deprived of regular net access ever since our family computer decided to screw us over.


After taking a deep breath and waiting for the other more serius guard to keep on walking , he starts moving slowly towards the entrance and places himself next to the Bored Minotaur. And tries speaking up just a bit.

"Kind of a drag being here watching people lift rocks all day dont you think?"

The minotaur snorted and looked down at Bastian with a contorted expression.

"It beats lifting them ourselves, plus you'll find out soon there are other ways we guards find ways to entertain ourselves." The minotaur snorted and chuckled as if he actually thought it was funny. From the looks of it he didn't seem as hostile as the other minotaurs though he still seemed he wouldn't hestitate to knock you down for minor infractions Then the cries from one of the slaves caught his attention as he gripped his halbard and rushed into the slaves quarters.

"Hey you two stop this right now, if anyone's going to be fighting it won't be without any bets!" He completely sounded serious about the last bit as if it was normal thing. Soon two other guards came forth to quell the fighting.


(1d20+7)[17]

This is my Stealth roll and, of course, does not count any synergy or circumstance from my comrades making a significat distraction. Outside, I am getting a solid look at the entire camp. I would like to identify the other buildings, the distance of the wall from the slave quarters, the number and distance of gates/entrances into the wall, the number of guard towers along the wall and the distance between each tower, and an estimate of the general number of minotaur guards who are visible at this moment. I am also looking for a warehouse were supplies are kept, the tent or house of the leader of the camp which is usually large or nice, and I'm also looking for whatever the hell we were brought here to do; ie logging, mining, weapons manufacturing, food preparation, and what have you.

In short, I'm asking for details. As an Int 18 character, visually analyzing this campground is a walk in the park, and even if I am spotted by a Minotaur, I can still see these things and remember them in the time it would take a Minotaur to run over to me.

As you step away from the little scene you find yourself a nice little corner with a good look of the camp and with good cover for yourself. As you take a moment to take in the surroundings, here is what you notice. First off the compound is shaped like an irregular oval. There are eight guard towers situated along the walls at slightly different distances from eachother. To the southeast of compound seems to an small area without a guard tower, a blind spot more or less. North of the compound are 9 small slave quarter buildings, one story, flat roofs. To the south six guard barracks, looking much hospitable than the slave quarters, drafty. Toward the northwest is the entrance where you lot were dropped off like cargo. A couple of yards away is what appears to be the warden's quarters, the same building where the confiscated goods were taken, there is a small red tattered flag hanging from it. In another area near the guard barracks, are tools for working a stone quarry. In the middle is a large cleared area.

As Cadic and Sugga begin to engage in their...fight, some of the other slaves start hiding and hugging the walls with a strange frightened calmness in their eyes. The three minotaur guards bare their teeth as one of them slams his sap against the wall making a loud crack.

"You three!", A minotaur guard with a scar across his snout shouted, referring to Sugga, Cadic, and Daeron. "Stop now before we make you stop! If you want to fight so bad save it for the Dust Ring!"

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Not wanting to take any further risks, Vil mentally notes all that she saw and slips back inside unnoticed. She had heard the Dust Ring comment, and combining that with what she had seen outside, she had begun to form a few plans. Still, she would keep them to herself. She knew there had to be a spy among the slaves, and she would reveal nothing until that spy was found.

[Poru]

Daeron

Daeron pauses just as he is about to try and kick Cadoc square in the back. Blood continues to trickle down his arms and a few drops slide down his fingers and drop onto the floor. Part of him wanted to keep fighting, that familiar love of battles of any kind struggling to take control of his mind. The other part, the survivalist part of him, fought off the adrenaline rush and forced Daeron's limb down out of fighting position.

He turns towards the guards, loathing filling him as he gazes at his hated enemies. "I think we had best stop fighting, don't you?" he says to Cadoc and Sugga through clenched teeth, trying to calm himself as much as to calm them.

[jojolagger]

Crais
Shrinking away from the fight like the others, Crais is clearly scared of the proceedings. Seeing the gnome return, Crais Whispers to the gnome (via message). "Welcome back. Got a plan?" Even Kro could have need help to escape, and she seems to be working on something.

Taking ten on the acting scared bluff.(18)

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc stands up, releasing his grip on Sugga's hair and eying the minotaurs warily. For a second it seemed as if he would lunge at Scarsnout, weapon in the minotaur's hand or not, before he turned his back to all three with an audible snort of disdain. He stomps away from the others to his bed and flops down, keeping his back to the others.

Bluff to pretend to still be angry. [roll0] Plus whatever bonuses I get for just coming out of a fight.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vil nods as Crais whispers to her, her eyes on the slowly ending fight nearby.

"Definitely, but it'll take more than just me. It will take a few very different skillsets. We can't say more with these minotaurs here, of course, and I still think there's a mole among the slaves who were already here... "

She looks Crais in the eye conspiratorially. "We'll need someone who is good with words, someone who is stealthy and quick, and we'll need some damned good brawlers."

She looks back to the impressive fighters, her voice still low. "Luckily, many of us are already demonstrating our skills..."

I genuinely DO have a plan, by the way, not just BSing for RP's sake. Once our characters are alone, we can all sit down and talk about it.

[Misaat]

Bastian

After talking to that Minotour he walks back yo the group in the center looking at the two people that where fighting.
"A dust ring uh?" He thinks. "I may be able to work something out with that"

[yugi24862]

Norman watched from his bed as a brawl started and stoped in a few seconds. The big man spoke to the gnome, then started to fight. The man who claimed to a druid also speaking to her, then calling the guards. The dwarf heading into the fray, then getting tripped over. As the minotaurs crashed into the meagre quarters he noticed the gnome slipping in behind them, his mind began to wonder. Had the whole fight been started as a distraction so she could get a look at the outside, or had she gone to warn them, or many other possiblites. He would think about it later thought, he was tired, so he layed on his bed and tried to get to sleep.

[SlyJohnny]

Sugga

Sugga shoots an angry glare at Cadoc as he stalks back to his bed, still unaware of any larger plan, and taking the man to be a foolish brute. She looks away with a loud "tsk" noise and peers up at Daeron, blinking owlishly. She babbles away at him for a moment, and then stares on in incomprehension at the minotaur, taking his meaning if not actually understanding the words. She moves away, looking for a serviceable bed.

((In dwarven:))

"What? I can't understand you, knife-ears! I can't understand anyone! Why does everyone speak in this odd tongue? Where is this cold, craggy land these beasts have taken me to? Ohhhh... I miss my home..."

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin, seeing that the prisoners are starting to bed down for the night, decides to try a trick to defeat any organizational system their captors may have. When no-one is looking, she rolls underneath a bed in the corner, curling up so as to be hidden to anyone not looking carefully for her. She plans on holding this until at least Lights Out.

Not sure how to do the Hide roll here.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Does anyone here speak Dwarven? Besides the dwarf, that is? Noledan asks to the room in general.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vil nods to Noledan. "Aye, I speak a bit." She clears her throat, getting ready for the guttural, stony language she hadn't spoken in several years.

((In dwarven, with a gnomish accent:))

"Relax, dwarf-friend, they be speakin Common, the language ah most surface dwellers. Ye ain't in no trouble among us, the ones wit the big muscle's been runnin a gambit. A fake fight, just to get some attention an test the boundaries. Cummere an 'ave a sit wiv me fer a spell, ye'll be alright."

Vil notices Melin rolling under a bed, perhaps trying to Gather Information from the dust bunnies there, and then she disappears. Jokes aside, this was a good idea. The pretty half-elf could learn what the minotaurs checked for at night-time, see when they came through for inspections, if at all. The gnome nods, impressed yet again with the girl's ingenuity.

[Poru]

(Sorry I haven't had a chance to post recently. Been busy with preparations for today. Merry Christmas everyone!)

Daeron

The half-elf looks down in confusion at the babbling dwarf, wishing he could understand what she was saying. Unsure of how to react, he waits until the turns towards the minotaur to slip away to the farthest corner where he spots an open bed.

He lays down on the hard mattress and tries to fall asleep, but the unfamiliar feel of having a bed keeps him awake. Sighing, he eases onto the floor, his freshly opened wounds still stinging. Closing his eyes, he walks through his forest in his mind's eye, wishing he could be there again.

[Benson]

To: Bonecrusher Doc: Roll a Stealth check, it covers both Hide and Move Silently

----

The guards looked almost miffed that three stopped fighting, as if they wanted these lowlies to give 'em a reason to give them a beat down.
----

Night was approaching, the chilly temperature seemed to have returned, which oddly not even the minotaurs seemed to have noticed...although they should have, alas a hand wave is in order. Any whom, the slaves took to their beds, some to the floor with a scraggly blanket. Torchlight shoned into the quarters as several guards began to make their rounds to make sure everyone was accounted for.

If you still want to roll a stealth check, Bonecrusher, (or anyone else) please do do now :)



Happy Holidays ya'll :smallbiggrin:

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The gnome sleeps heavily through the walk-through, the pockets of her rags still holding scraps of the ratty wool blankets. As tiny as she was, it didn't take much to keep her warm. If this slave camp was meant to mine out stone or some other mineral, the minotaurs would quickly notice how she wasn't suited to that sort of work. Would they put her somewhere else? Supply, maybe? There was no way she could know until morning brought her the answer.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin
Melin shrinks back from the torchlight as best she can, wondering what their captors will do if the prisoner count is off... if they even kept count of how many prisoners they brought in.


Perform(Act). Melin will attempt to make her her guards believe she is a dust bunny. OK just kidding. So Stealth is just a d20 roll with Dexterity modifier?
If so: [roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan, not needing to make more trouble if it doesn't serve a purpose, lays down on the floor more in the middle of the room, so that they wont think him gone, just strange. However, he'll move around each night, so they don't always see him as soon as they enter.

[yugi24862]

Norman laid in the rags that he called a bed, trying to get some sleep for the undoubtedly exhausting day ahead.

But there was something that was keeping him awake. When the gnome had spoke Dwarven, he had understood it. Every word, as he'd know since childhood. His ancestry gave him more then magic, it seemed.

Just RPing knowing Dwarven, as a normal townsperson wouldn't know it

[Jamini]

For a long time Cadoc lies awake in his bed, warily considering the events of the day. For the most part he ignores the return of the chill; he was as used to that as any person could get. More than anything else, he hoped that Daeron and the gnome had a plan. He really didn't feel like dying in a half-brained attempt to escape.

Still, he thought slowly as he felt sleep overwhelm him, it was better to die free than live as a slave. It couldn't hurt to play along.

[Misaat]

Feeling slightly defeated. Bastian retires to a corner of the quarters and lies on the floor for a while trying to rest for a little while. Tomorrow it would be another day. And another chance may present itself given enough attention...

[jojolagger]

Small rags set up in a bit of open ground, Crais falls asleep. With no chance of escape tonight, best be ready for tomorrow. Just think like Kro...

[Benson]

With the slight warmth of the prestidigitation spell having faded hours ago during the night, the bitter coldness had returned with full force leaving the temporary warmth feeling more like it had been a dream.

"Time to wake up my sleeping children," Came an all too familiar voice of the warden-like bull minotaur. He spoke in a mocking voice of sweet venom. "You have a long morning shift ahead of you." Outside it was still dark, difficult too tell if enough sleep time had even passed. He was assisted with three other guards as they proceeded to wake up the slaves in the only jerk-wad way they knew, lifting the 'beds' and having the slaves wake up to a fall to the ground.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Finally, the next day had come. It was time to discover their purpose, to see how it was all done, and perhaps to determine the purpose of the dust bowl... Vil hustles herself as best she can.

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc snaps from his light slumber, fighting back the feeling of exhaustion as he rolls from his bed before minotaurs could reach him. Under his eyes a pair of faint rings mark how poor his sleep had been the night previous. His limbs felt leaden, despite moving well enough, and his mind slogged through the day prior as he glanced about the room.

In one vulnerable moment he rubbed his eyes and yawned, sparing a brief sideways glance towards Daeron before lowering his gaze at the warden, irritation and traces of hate in his eyes.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin decides it best to stay with her acquaintances - there's strength in numbers.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Noledan stands up when the guards come into the room, and moves over to Daeron. "So, are you ready to find out what exactly being a prisoner here is all about?" he asks jokingly as they move out the door.

[Benson]

As you lot and the other slaves from your quarters are led out, you easily notice a group of slaves making their way towards your quarters. They looked incredibly tired, dirty (more so than usual), miserable, and of course cold.

As they continue to lead you lot they start forcing y'all into a single file line as they approach the fortified gates where you originally brought through. Up ahead they begin to a run thick iron chain through the manacles worn by the slaves.

[jojolagger]

Crais Steps in line and holds his manacles for easy access by the guards. No point in fighting them now, they have the advantage. For now...

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The gnome girl shuffles along, impassively waiting to see what tools they might be using, and what task they would be set to. She had been guessing on some kind of mine or quarry, and even in this dark situation, she wanted to see more.

[yugi24862]

Norman got in line, ready to get shackled to slave ahead, which was the gnome. He wondered what they were going to mine or whatever, hoping to not be observed so he could see how to escape.

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The Barbarian's eyes blaze as he watches the manticles. He deliberatly twists his wrists away from the minotaur's hands when they attempt to snake the chain through, causing the minotaurs as much difficulty as he can in their action without activly trying to escape. As he is chained in with the others he feels a low, unconsious growl escape from the depths of his throat.

[Benson]

Torches were lit as the slaves were guided into the wagons, there were two of them, similar to the ones that brought you here though they felt smaller considering more slaves were being squeezed in. No one said much during the ride save for the unfriendly halfling woman from before who was busy muttering profanities and complaining, mixing both common and halfling words.

"Gah...didn't we just have our damn shift yesterday during midday...ours isn't suppose to start this bloody early...these stupid bastards." She gritted her teeth which were in bad condition.

[jojolagger]

"Keep it up. If you whine enough I'm sure they'll set you free."
The bully will probably just cause problems, best deal with her sooner rather than later.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Vil keeps her eyes open, but stares at nothing out of the back of the wagon. In her mind, she was counting, estimating the distance traveled by the time that it was taking and the general speed of the wagon. As best she can't she'll try to memorize the path as well. If the wagon took them to a digsite, they may need to know how to get back to the camp in case anyone wanted to retrieve their things.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin (speaking softly)
"If they drive this wagon close to a cliff, who's with me for tipping it over and taking our chances with the fall?"

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

"I don't think it'd be a good idea. We'd still be stuck together, and it'd make the taurs mad." Noledan answered. "Wait, and watch. We need to take our time and plan. Rash actions lead to mistakes." Noledan then takes his own advice, looking out the back of the wagon and trying to see what route they were taking. Even if he couldn't find his way back, he would be able to tell if they took the same route each time.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin, having her idea shot down, looks more miserable now than at any other point during her captivity.

:smalltongue:

[Jamini]

Cadoc

After the slaves are seated Cadoc leans back against a wall, watching the other prisoners around him warily.His face paled, nausea flooding his features as the vehicle began to move. He closes his eyes as the motion steals most of his vigor. With a grimace he leans over towards Vil, and mutters to her softly.

"What did you see Impi? This place is ...protected well. Still, the Tauri do not seem as organized as they could be. Do you think we can... urk!"

Before he could finish his empty stomach revolted, forcing him to cut off his last word with a hand over his mouth. Dizzily he curled up into a ball and waited for the ride to end, trying his best to keep his ears open to anything said around him.

[Benson]

For observing eyes it seems that minotaurs were driving north east due to the rising of the sun as morning came. The dirt road taken was nothing special, debris, the odd dip in the road here and there, unwelcoming trees dotting the sides, along with various sized stone crags. It seemed that the minotaurs weren't in a particular rush, nor were they taking a scenic stroll.


Suddenly the wagon in front of yours comes to a bumpy and skidding halt as if though the axle on one of the wheels had broken off. The wagon you are on crashes into the one in front sending yours falling to it's side on the road. The thick cloth of the wagon's coverings barely shielding few from the fall. The sounds of very disgruntled minotaurs are clearly heard.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

The normally quiet gnome nearly cries out as the golden opportunity presents itself.

"This is it!" she exults in a harsh whisper. "This is our chance! Tear through the canvas, they'll be watching the back. I'll try to keep them distracted, but I'll need someone to draw attention to my distraction!"

In a flash, Vil takes the scraps of the wool blanket she had kept in her pockets. Grasping the wool tightly, she concentrates, and summons the illusion of a prisoner escaping out of the back and fleeing down the road!

Yeah, that's right, using a scrap of wool blanket, ie FLEECE, to cast Silent Image, that of a slave escaping out of the back of the wagon. I'm asking for someone with decent Bluff to yell about the slave escaping or something, and someone with decent Strength to rip through the canvas. If anyone else has some good tricks, now is the time to use em!

Concentration: [roll0]

[yugi24862]

Norman

Waking from his stupor at Vil's whispers, he shouts "The slave, He's escaping!" Pointing at the illusion, he then said some quick, whispered words and pointed at the side of the wagon, away from the illusion. A
orb of acid shot out from his outstretched hand and burned away the canvas of the wagon, ripping it to scramble though it.


Bluff [roll0]

You wanted tricks? How's this? :smallbiggrin:

[jojolagger]

Crais
"Your right, he's Escaping!" Exclaims Crais, while moving over to Cadoc and attempting to melt off the center bar of his manacles with a burst of acid.
[roll0] aid another to boost bluff
Using acid splash to melt the manacles. Should make it easier to break them even if it doesn't get them off.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

While the others work on distracting the guards and breaking their shackles, Melin follows the direction to tear the canvas. She looks for any pinpricks of light coming through the canvas - a small hole will be the easiest place to start a tear. Then she uses anything sharp she can to rend it - her shackles if she can reach, the frame of the wagon, or even her teeth.

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc shakes off his motion sickness as the wagon comes to a stop, using the sudden motion to recover his composure quickly enough. Quickly he shuffles through the tightly packed wagon to Melin, lending his strength to expand the small hole she was tearing in the canvas.

Assuming Melin makes a hole, using a strength check to tear the canvas.

[roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan sits and waits. The small hole was quickly becoming crowded, and he had no way to help with the distraction.

[Benson]

A morning chill, a breeze blowing through the thick forest that comes off as dark and foreboding, looming on both sides of the road.

As you lot scramble out of the turned wagon, one of the two minotaurs that was driving 'your' wagon is seen lying on the ground in pain, what a shame seat belts haven't been invented yet.

"What happened?!" Demanded one of the minotaurs with a cliche loop nose piercing.

"I'm not quite sure, but for some reason the wheel broke off the axle on your wagon," Answered one of the slightly smaller framed minotaurs as he was tending his riding partner, the one lying in pain. He had cuts and scratches on himself but was pretty much unscathed compared to the other guy.

"Argh, there was nothing wrong with the wheels and axles this mornings before we left!" He roared/growled.

"Sir, I'd think you'd like to see this," The fourth minotaur who rode with "Ring-nose", his distinguishing mark being a broken left horn.

"Argh...what now the slaves are escaping?" He was getting annoyed.

"No but look, there's a crude arrow dug into the axle, we aren't alone..."

"That's just great...." Grumbled Ring-nose.

Meanwhile

As the gnome called Vil took to keeping her concentration on her spell, an image of slave escaping while being supplemented with the human Norman crying out about a slave escaping, the 3 1/2 minotaurs couldn't help but have to take notice.

"What!?....Great....just great," Ring-nose grumbled. "You!" He pointed at 'Half-horn'. "Go after that slave don't let him escape!" Half-horn obliged as he took off into a sprint after the 'slave'.

The acid splash that the young Crais cast seemed to have weaken the bar in his manacles to the a point a nice use of one's strength could break them. While Norman's own acid splash on the canvas eroded it enough, creating a hole big enough for an orc head, in which Melin and Cadoc took to tearing at it to make it bigger, with mixed results unfortunately. Meanwhile the mean halfling girl herself was getting caught up in the excitement and assisted their escape if only for saving herself, without much good results as well.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Seeing that her illusion was successful, Vilsethindreller continues to focus on the illusion, unable to say anything to help or guide her comrades unless she wished to lose the spell! She knew it would disperse soon, so she guides the image into the treeline where it might disappear, and hopefully be chased!

Concentration as I continue to maintain the illusion of the running slave!

[roll0]

[yugi24862]

Norman

Seeing the ruse working, occupying the minotaurs attention he conjured more acid with his magic,trying to break his manacles so he could get to freedom. All care about hiding his magic was forgotten, as he desperately tried to get free and clamber through the hole after destroying his manacles.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Seeing the large hole, Noledan scurries out as soon as he is able. He heads to the tree line, motioning the others to come with him. As he moves, he keeps his eye out for any piece of wood the right size to make a club.


Search Check for a Club: [roll0]

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc redoubled his effort as the canvas slowly, but surely, began to tear. As the halfling woman moved to assist him and Melin he muttered to her softly under his breath. "Hold that tight, let us do the tearing. We work together and escape more quickly, understand?""

I am asking the halfling to use Aid Another on Cadoc while he tears the canvas. Naturally I'm assuming he is somewhat stronger and more likely to suceed than she is. I will roll now even though in person the helper needs to roll first.

[roll0] Strength check

[Benson]

The minotaur Half-horn runs into the foreboding forest chasing after the 'slave' not realizing he'd be on a wild goose chase. Cue back the crash site where Vil finds her concentration broken as Ring-nose goes on a roaring, snorting, posturing alpha male hullabaloo.

"Come out cowards! Face me like bull!" He roared calling out to whoever shot the arrow.

"Sir, we have other problems," Worried the smaller framed minotaur.

"What now?" Ring-nose growled.

"Um, well, the slaves from the first wagon...died in the crash, the warden won't like that, we lost Half-horn in the forest and this one's wounded, the warden will probably not care so much for that but still. Oh and the slaves from the second wagon are escaping, the warden really won't like that."

"WHAT!...Well don't stand there telling me that...stop them!" Ring-nose groaned. "I knew I should've been a potter."


Alas, Noledan must not have been really into searching after coming across countless twigs and skinny branches barely suitable for firewood, and rocks, lots of rocks, big ones, small one ones, some the size of his head. But nothing suitable for a nice club for smashing, the closest thing was the crude wheel's spokes on the wagon but one would have to tear them off. It was understandable that his search be in vain considering he didn't have a wide enough range to explore since he was still chained to the others.

With his mighty and great barbarian strength, Cadoc tore that canvas a new one, showing it who was boss. Even the cranky halfling was in awe. Meanwhile an orb of acid splooshed on Norman's manacles weakening them in a similar fashion as to young Crais' manacles. Ooo sizzling.

"Hey!" Shouted the smaller framed minotaur trying to emulate Loop-nose's lack of an indoor voice. "You lot stop before I smack you up something fierce!" He reached for his sap.

"That's...right you...teach 'em who's boss...ow," Cheered on the incapacitated minotaur. "I think I have a chunk of wheel sticking...out of... me..." He gurgled.

....

Yes. I'm feeling really silly at this moment.

[jojolagger]

Crais
Moving with the group on the chian, Crais uses more acid to weaken the link between him and Vil, and says to Noledan "Break the chain at the weak point I made."

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan attempts to snap the weakened length of the chain, hoping that this all is going to work.

strength check: [roll0]

[Benson]

As the novice master of beasts and nature brought down his squishy caster wrist/fist upon the rather weaken chain...it snapped in dramatic fashion, delivering a message to all chains out there to not mess with the Noledan-ster...lest his karate chop/fist action make it's way to them./end campiness


(OOC: Make sure to keep track of how many spells ya have used so far :smallsmile:)

[yugi24862]

Seeing the boy's idea of getting the strongest of them to break the weakened chains, he launch's another splash of acid at chains between the pretty half-elf and the tribal man, and shouted. ""Break that chain! then fiddled with his weakened chains,trying to break or get out of them.

I've got 2 cantrips and 4 lvl 1 spells left after this.

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Her concentration broken, Vilsethindreller sees a new opportunity to irrigate the seeds of chaos she had already sown. Counting on the minotaur's panic of arrow-fire, she gets a good view through the torn open hole, and conjures the classic image of an elven archer some distance away, visible next to a tree. Though silent, the image would be of the elf preparing to draw another arrow, ready to fire on the minotaurs.

As she uses her remaining scrap of fleece, Vil hopes that her comrades will remember to draw attention to this illusion as well.

Awesome job everyone, and good teamwork!
Concentration check to keep up my illusion to the next round.

[roll0]

[jojolagger]

Kro will cover our retreat!
Kro wouldn't mind, He'd probably enjoy playing tricks from beyond the veil.
First, The chains, they do nothing. :smallbiggrin:
Second, I've spent 2 cantrips, I have 4 1st level spells and 3 cantrips left.
Third, if a spell says concentration, you have to spend your standard action to maintain it, not make a concentration check. (PH 176, duration -> Concentration.
fourth, bluff because Kro is long dead [roll0]

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Cadoc nods, not bothering to talk as he reaches out of the wagon to scoop up a largish rock from the road. Trying not to think about how his father would have disapproved of such a simple means to escape, he smashes the implement down on the weakened chain with all his might.

[roll0] I'm assuming a rock roughly the size of his hands won't be terribly hard to find while on the road. If there isn't anything in close proximity, he'll try and break the chain by hand. Assuming he breaks it, continue to the following.

The chain between him and Melin broken, Cadoc quickly winds the foot and a half length of metal around his hand, leaving just enough to use as a makeshift weapon. With a grin he winks at the half elf who held the other end. "Let us go." while motioning to the halfling to climb onto his back.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin takes a quick moment to cast Ghost Sound to compliment the image of the elven archer. Six seconds of hearing arrows whizzing and thunking around you could be enough to shake all but the most battle-hardened veterans.

[Benson]

The halfling woman hesitated at first but considering her options she hopped on Cadoc's back.

"There you are coward!" Loop-nose shouted at the elven archer who suddenly appeared in the thicket of trees that was the forest's edge. He reached his club and shouted towards the smaller-framed minotaur as he dodged imaginary arrows. "You...forget the slaves they won't get far...the knife ear decided to show up." He sneered and snorted and conducted himself in all sorts of hot-headed ways.

"But..." The smaller-framed minotaur weakly protested seeing that his superior was not behaving in a rational manner or even thinking things straight. As the elven illusion drew back its bow and released more imaginary arrows...two actual though crude arrows whipped through the trees striking the minotaurs in the chest who groaned in pain. Three bugbears appeared and one carried a hewed off minotaur horn. They wore what appeared to be bandit attire...for bugbears at least. None looked too friendly or happy, except for one who sported a glasgow grin. Their bows were drawn directed towards the minotaurs, who a as proud warrior race (the minotaurs) weren't going to back down from these heathens. One bugbear glanced over at you lot with and grinned a not-so friendly toothy grin gesturing you were next.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin makes a break for it with Cadoc. She'd rather take her chances in the woods with the bugbears than stay imprisoned by minotaurs.

[yugi24862]

Norman followed the Half-Elf woman who his chains were linked to, as weak as they were.

[jojolagger]

Crais
Eyes flaring, Crais gestures and a horse appears, near Vil and Noledan.
"Get on!"

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Seeing that he situation was erupting far beyond the distractions of a single elven archer, Vil drops the illusion. She hears Crais' words and nods, hauling herself up the horse as best she could, and then reaching down to assist Noledan.

Pre-emptive Ride-Check, for when it's needed, or if it's needed. I figure we'll be speeding off into the sunset, but with Noledan and I on the same horse, we should be able to give each-other competence bonuses by hanging onto each-other?

[roll0]

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan, with Vil's help, gets up on the horse. "It's been a while since I've ridden. Here's hoping I don't fall.


ride check: [roll0]

[Trenchfoot]

Vil

Stonefaced, Vil reaches back, grasps Noledan's hands firmly, and brings them forward to wrap around her midsection.

""I'll hold on to you, and you hold on to me. As long as one of us stays on the horse, hopefully, we both will."

[Jamini]

With the halfling on his back and Crais in tow, Cadoc springs to his feet, gathering up the chain that hung between him and the halfling woman as he made for the treeline, doing his best to stay angled away from the illusion and the bugbears.

[Benson]

As you lot venture into the forest via means of foot and steed you come across a clearing with what seems to be some sort of small campsite. There are three weather beaten tents pitched and a fire pit full of ashes with a pewter pot hanging from a rod being propped up with two sturdy forked sticks. From the very crude layout and gear it appears to be the camp of the bugbears. Inside one of the tents near the opening is an enclosed wooden crate.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin

"Quickly now, they'll be back any second! We've got to get everyone free of their chains! Are we going to be able to keep that horse?"

Despite attempting to give suggestions/directions to her colleagues, Melin is not standing around supervising. Her first priority is to search the tents. She will do a quick peek inside each one before entering, but she's not taking her time to be super-stealthy, as she figures it's more likely there are bugbears chasing them than bugbears asleep in the tents. She is especially on the lookout for warm clothing, food, water, weapons, and carrying containers such as sacks, baskets, and backpacks. If time still allows and there are no suitable weapons or backpacks, she will use a blanket or piece of tent canvas to make a hobo's bag tied to a forked stick, and do the same for anyone else who wants one. She will also look for decent improvised weapons if she can't find any real ones. Melin ignores the crate - probably best left for someone with bigger muscles. As she finds things, she will toss them to members of the party who look suited for them. She doesn't divide her attention by looking out for attackers, but she listens in case one of the others raises the alarm.

Can I get a more specific description of the rod from which the kettle is hanging? Is it metal? How long is it? Could it be used to smash enemies? What about tent pegs? :smallsmile:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
If the three cursory searches are completed and there are still no enemies, Melin will Take 10 to do a more thorough search for supplies of any kind.

[jojolagger]

Crais

"The horse should last quite a while. I'll be gathering metal-working supplies. I'm not a brilliant smith but I can probably make a few daggers, or something a bit bigger if I can get help."

Crais begins weakening more sections of chain to be broken, and having done so will begin collecting whatever metal he can.

Even with improvised tools, I can make simple weapons. With 2 people helping, it goes up to martial weapons.
Also, it looks like we need 4 more cuts in the chain, shall we say 2 from Crais and two from Norman?
I'll take a twenty on my search check for the metal, which will probably take about 20 minutes. My total is 23 (unless someone helps).

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

Noledan hops off his horse and begins to search as well, looking for a backpack, any sort of provisions, and a club or quarterstaff (or similar improvised weapon)


If the group stays long enough to take 20, Noledan will, giving a check of 21. If there isn't time however: [roll0]

[Jamini]

Cadoc

Allowing the others to split off to search the camp on their own, Cadoc walks towards the wooden crate visible in the near tent and shoves it open. Assuming there isn't a lock. Strength check to break if there is [roll0]

[Benson]

The slightly rusty rod itself is about a foot and a half while pewter kettle/pot is no more bigger a human-sized helmet. Inside is another matter as what seems to be leftovers is a fool goo that makes the rations the minotaurs gave look like quality. The kettle/pot looks usable enough to carry small items once after the goo is cleaned out. Melin continues her search as she comes across blankets that are in slightly better condition than the wool blankets you all remember fondly. The pegs are made of iron like the rod, just not so shoddy, or so Crais finds. Found among the group is a satchel with forty gold pieces, two sets of medium sized clothes resembling typical merchant's garb, 3 decent quality daggers, and a club. In the crate Cadoc essentially busts open is a crate of pears, slightly bruised but edible, basically about a four days worth of food (and "water") if shared amongst you lot. Aside from those particular items you find earthenware, empty sacks, and essentially 'junk' items. At this moment there doesn't seem to be any immediate danger but one can never be to cautious.

[ForzaFiori]

Noledan

"We should divide up what food we can, as well as blankets. As for the weapons, anyone mind if I take the club?"

[Jamini]

Cadoc

The barbarian nods, satisfied, as he lifts the crate and carries it to the center of the small camp. As the others continue to pile and sort the items they had scavenged from the campsite, he picks up one of three daggers and pulls it free from the small sheath, examining it.

Seemingly satisfied with what he sees, he collects one of the miscellaneous sacks and quickly cuts it into four long strips. He feeds one of the strips through the top of the holster and then ties it securely around his waist (Use Rope, taking 10. Total of 14). He then grabs a second sack and sets about dividing up the food. Placing his share into the container.

"The woman, Melin, she should get the clothing. It is a crime for one so pretty to wear such ugly things. As for weapons, the strongest should use them. You, " He points to Norman, "and Melin are best."

"The young one should stay back, safe. The small one and the impi..." He pauses, cocking his head at Vil, "... I do not know your name, honored one."

I take a dagger, my share of the rations, and use some of the junk to make myself a makeshift belt and pack.

Cadoc likely overheard Melin's name during the intro, and Noledon introduced himself within earshot. However, it might be best if we all properly introduced ourselves.

[Bonecrusher Doc]

Melin grabs a tunic and pulls it on, which comes down below her knees.

"Thank you - the rest is too big for me. And the rest of you can have the daggers for now. I'll just take this rusty pole to parry any blows coming my way."

She also grabs a pear and devours it as she obtains some rope from one of tents and ties it around her waist, then selects a small sack to tie on her "belt."