Guild Life (IC)

[Koury]

Initiate's Lounge

The entrance tests were difficult, but through a combination of luck, determination and skill, you succeeded. You were now an Initiate in the guild.

Looking around the room, you see there are a number of other Initiates, at least ten in total, all engaged in various activities.

You're not given much time to survey the scene before a tall human in jet black armor enters the room. All the activity ceases and all eyes turn toward him.

"I am Alton Eldon, and I am in charge of the new members of our guild." He pauses and looks around. "All new faces I see. Well then, here's how this works. The board over there has a few job listings posted to it. You see one you think you can handle, take the file to me. I give final approval, you pay the guild fee, do the job and return. Once I get confirmation from the client that the job was done to their specifications, you'll get your payment. And not before."

"Maintain good standing in the guild, and turn in a few jobs, then come see me about advancement to Apprentice rank. Botch a job and expect to be punished. We don't tolerate failure here. Every job failed loses us future work from not only that client, but also others who hear of it. So be sure to take jobs you know you can do."

"We expect you to finish at least one job a month. Exceptions are made for jobs that take over a month to complete, but those are uncommon for Initiates. We expect to see skilled work from each and every one of you. I'll be in my office if you have any further questions. Good luck, and try not to get yourselves killed."

With that, Alton turns and leaves the room, entering a room marked Tyro Captain.

The room stays silent for a minute, but before long the talking has started up again, card games have resumed and one or two people have made their way to the job board.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Only need one job a month? That's nothin'. Better get to it before all the good ones are taken. Drodic thinks to himself, as he heads to the job board.

Sophia

Sophia scans the room as she makes her way to the job board, recognizing a few faces from the initiation.

I'm surprised some of them managed to get through it. Still, I'll have to train harder if I am intending to prove my worth to the guild. Even with my abilities, I had some troubles. Well, no better way to hone ones skill than with first hand experience. She thought, looking over the available job listings.

Urich

"Seems straightforward enough. No point in delaying the inevitable." he mumbles to himself as he starts towards the job listings.

[Koury]

Initiate's Lounge, April 5th

Three more adventurers, a whisper gnome who seems more at home in shadow than in light, an unarmed female with an almost unearthly aura and an imposing orc join the other two at the board and begin perusing the job listings.

Job #1
Caravan Guards Wanted

Seeking qualified individuals to escort a caravan through known bandit territory. Departing April 7th from Waterdeep (current location) North to Neverwinter. Journey is approximately 200 miles and is expected to take two weeks. Payment received upon arrival at Neverwinter.

Guild Info
Petitioner: Sovilith's Spices
Difficulty: ★★★★
Payment: 2000 GP
Guild Fee: 100 GP

Job #2
Job #2 is being looked over by an elven guildmate.

Job #3
Highway Robbery

A group of Bugbears has began charging a toll on a well traveled bridge. This has severely hurt our business as of late. They need to be driven off, one way or another.

Guild Info
Petitioner: The Way Inn
Difficulty: ★★★
Payment: 1000 GP
Guild Fee: 50 GP

Job #4
Damsel in Distress

The daughter of the mayor of a small town to the North, Amphail, has been kidnapped, and local authorities have had no luck in discovering the culprits. Seeking outside help.

Guild Info
Petitioner: Amphail Watch Captain
Difficulty: ★★★
Payment: 750 GP
Guild Fee: 35 GP

Job #5
Job #5 is being looked over by a human guildmate.

Job #6
Forest Protection

Goblins have encroached upon my forest grove and I can not persuade them to leave. Perhaps you can. If the grove does not stay pure, this forest may become a very dark place indeed.

Guild Info
Petitioner: Favas, Druid of Ardeep Forest
Difficulty: ★★★
Payment: 400 GP
Guild Fee: 20 GP

[Drodic]

Drodic, Sophia & Urich

Looking at the requests, Drodic notices more of the initiates are starting to gather at the board.
Gonna have to decide fast before they are all taken he thinks to himself.

Meanwhile arriving at the board, Urich sees a few others examining the available jobs.

"So, find anything seeming worthwhile?" He asks, trying to make conversation while quickly skimming over the rest of the job listings.

"Doesn't appear to be anything too special" Drodic says with a sigh.

Looking around startled, Urich finally spots a gnome he could swear wasn't there a second ago.

"What about you guys?" he says, looking at the other initiates.

"It is hard to choose only one." Sophia says plainly. "They all have their own sense of urgency. I am confident in my ability, but I am unsure of which I am capable of completing alone."

[Koury]

Initiate's Lounge, April 5th

The elf looks up from the job file. You immediately notice his deep purple eyes. "Some wizard needs some apparently rare component for a spell. Naturally, the component is only found in dangerous territory. I think I may take this one though, since I may be able to persuade the wizard to let me scribe some spells from him if I perform well."

The human, bald and muscular, says "This one looks like I'd basically be joining the local city guard for some small town for a while and help them fend off a 'small goblin problem'." He reaches to pat the hilt of the greatsword strapped across his back. "I think I can handle this one."

With that, both the purple-eyed elf and the bald human head toward Alton's office.

[Drodic]

Drodic

"Goblins sure do seem to be causing trouble as usual, filthy little creatures." Drodic says aloud. "I think I'll go teach them to stay out of places they shouldn't be." picking up one of the files he was looking at previously. "Best of luck." He says as he starts towards Alton's office.

Urich, Sophia

"Same goes to you, friend." Urich replies.

Seeing that the woman still seemed indecisive, (and being a bit low on funds himself) Urich made her an offer.

"How about we pair up? Split the fee and rewards fifty-fifty." Picking up one of the remaining files. "I wouldn't mind enlightening some highwaymen in the ways of manners." He says smiling slyly.

Upon hearing this, Sophia turns her gaze to the Orc, examining him.
He definitely seems capable in a fight. She thinks to herself.

"Alright, I accept. It will ensure the job gets done both swiftly and efficiently. Sophia." She says, Holding out her hand.

"The name's Urich." Taking the offered hand. "Let's get this business sorted out, shall we?"

They both head towards Alton's office.

[Koury]

Alton Eldon's Office, April 5th

Drodic, Urich and Sophia join the other two initiates in the Tyro Captain's office. The office is well appointed, with fine furniture and art work all around. You also see many other doors leading out from this office, though you don't have time to discover where they go before Alton begins speaking.

"Ah, good, even more initiates trying to get a leg up on the others. As I was explaining to the others here, you will be required to pay the guild fee to have those missions become officially yours. Consider the guild fee a finders fee of sorts, a fee you pay to save you the trouble of having to find work on your own."

"Upon the mission becoming yours, your first step should be to seek out the petitioner of the mission. They're the ones who will be paying when you complete the required tasks. If you do a job and they don't pay, come talk to us. One of the membership advantages here is that you WILL be paid."

"Also, you will be required to inform us of any loot you find while adventuring. We will take 5% of its market value as a tax, but in exchange, you will be given legal ownership of the items. We also, because of this tax, can exchange coinage free of additional charge. Find 2,000 copper? No problem, we will give you two platinum. We will also appraise gems and art you find for free."

"OK, now that some of the boring administrative stuff is out of the way, let's see what jobs you guys are taking."

He takes the files from each of you and looks them over.

"All appears in order," he says as he accepts payment. He then looks at Sophia and Urich. "I'd like to add that I like that you are already accepting missions together. We encourage all practices that have our members return successful and in one piece."

"Any questions before you head out?"

[Drodic]

Drodic, Urich, Sophia

"Seems simple enough. Though I would like to inquire as to where I might find my client." Drodic asks, after scanning the file again. "This says he is a Druid of Ardeep Forest? Seeing how he is the one who made the request he would have had to come to the town, yes? Would you know if he is by chance still here?"

"Ah yes, I was wondering that myself. Are most of the clients located here in town? I noticed many are merchants of some sort." Urich states in response to Drodic's question. "Aside from that, I think I know what I need for now. What about you Sophia?"

"I would like to know who to speak with to exchange coins." Sophia announces. "And if there is anywhere provided as a form of storage, also, so we can leave any items we don't believe necessary for the job."

[Koury]

Alton Eldon's Office, April 5th

"Ah, questions, good. Those who don't properly prepare for a battle have already lost," Aldon says, shooting a stern look at the purple-eyed elf and the bald human.

The elf is taken slightly aback. "Oh, uh, yes, I am also curious about, uh... Um..." he stammers.

Alton looks at the bald man. He looks back. "...What? Go to Longsaddle, kill goblins. Got it. What do you want me to ask about, exactly?"

"I only hope it is that easy, Randal. And as for your questions," Alton says, turning to Drodic and Sophia, "You'll find the moneychanger upstairs in the Guild Services area. He should happily accommodate any needs you have here. Storage in the Guild Vault is limited to 100 pounds of gear for Initiates."

"And as for you, gnome, I can see you lack any sort of geographical training. Ha, don't worry, most initiates do. You learn your way around the countryside fast enough, however. There is a map of the Sword Coast in the Initiate's Lounge. I'd start your search there."

"As for your question about needing to come to town to make requests, no. It is not required. As a matter of fact, we accept jobs through magical communication lines more often than any other method. That druid in particular used an Animal Messenger spell to deliver the request. He's a little too busy with his grove problem to spend the time to travel himself."

"If there are no more questions, you're all dismissed. I recommend buying some basic trail supplies before striking out. Bedroll, rations, water or wineskins, that sort of thing. Check Guild Services for their stock."

"Good luck to you all, and may you have a successful first outing. Decus erant gilda."

With that, the group of five is dismissed. You all are able to go about your guild business without trouble, making any purchases needed and completing any required money changing. It is about noon when you have completed preparations and are ready to strike out.

Decus errant gilda is Latin Dwarven for "Honor for the guild." It is the guilds motto. You are all aware of these facts.

The Guild Services shop offers anything on this page (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/goodsAndServices.htm) for sale. They are purchased at the cost listed.

Anyone trained in Spellcraft (I think just Drodic) is entitled a roll to know what Animal Messenger does, specifically. (Yes, you can infer from its name, the roll gets details though.) Roll either in the OoC thread or spoilered when you next post here. Both work fine.

The map of the Sword Coast (http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/map_images/52669/SwordCoast3.jpg) is a large framed one, hanging on the wall in the Initiate's Lounge.

[Drodic]

Drodic, Sophia, Urich

The three gather the materials they need and head out for their destinations.

Upon leaving the city Sophia and Urich spot Drodic down the road, seemingly heading in the same direction they need to go. Sophia and Urich catch up after not too long, having a quick chat with the gnome before parting ways.

Drodic's Purchases:
Items: Backpack, Bedroll, Chalk (1 piece), Flint and steel, Rations (7), Waterskin
Cost: 7 GP, 6 SP, 1 CP

Sophia's Purchases:
Items: Backpack, Bedroll, Chalk (1 piece), Flint and steel, Rations (10), Waterskin
Cost: 9 GP, 1 SP, 1 CP

Urich's Purchases:
Items: Backpack, Bedroll, Chalk (1 piece), Rations (3), Waterskin
Cost: 4 GP, 6 SP, 1 CP

[Koury]

Waterdeep, East Gate, April 5th

The three adventurers finish their preparations at nearly the same time, unintentionally meeting up with each other at the city gate.

Having wished each other luck, the groups then split up. Urich and Sophia, being faster travelers than the gnome, are soon out of Drodics sight.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 5th

Night falls with nothing of note transpiring, and the adventures must set up camp.

Distance traveled
Sophia/Urich - 32 miles
Drodic - 24 miles

Consume food and water. Detail any special camping plans you have. Tell me when/how you sleep for the night.

[Drodic]

Drodic

As the sun begins to set, Drodic begins to search for a secluded spot to set up camp for the night.

Take 10 on Hide check. Total is 24.

Sophia, Urich

After many long hours of walking Sophia and Urich decide to call it a day and look for a place to camp for the night.

[roll0]
[roll1]
Urich and Sophia will take one 6 hour watch shift each.
[roll2]
1 = Urich, 2 = Sophia

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 5th

Drodic, Sophia and Ulrich bed down for the night. Drodic finds a dark place he feels secure resting at and lays his bedroll down.

Sophia has no good ideas about where to rest. Urich, however, finds a suitably comfortable area off to the side of the road and, after setting up camp, takes first watch.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The night passes for both groups uneventfully. They break camp and continue traveling.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Aside from the semi-frequent other travelers, none of whom seem interested in chatting with armed strangers, nothing of note happens during this second day of travel. Both groups set up camp for the night.

Standard camping procedure.

Distance Traveled
Drodic: 48 miles
Urich & Sophia: 64 miles

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The night goes smoothly for Urich and Sophia.

Drodic, who has arrived at the edge of the forest, is awoken by the sound of a creature walking nearby. It seems to be just out of his darkvision range to the south. He doesn't think it knows he's there.

Map Updated (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsL6-AnStmKzdGtrd3Z2dlR1LWQxV09FYVFfTGpMcnc#gid=0)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

The Trade Way, April 7th

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]

[Drodic]

Drodic

After being woken Drodic is on alert, ready to act if necessary.

Ready Action: Cast Mage Armor
Trigger: If the creature comes into view and is both aware of him and seemingly hostile.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

Drodic waits, on edge.

He hears the creature advance toward him, seemingly making no effort to hide its noise. It most certainly does not think anyone else is nearby.

Before long, the source of the noise wanders into view.

Drodic is able to relax a little, it appears to be a horse foraging for food. The gnome does notice it is wearing saddlebags though...

[roll0]

[Drodic]

Drodic

It's rider isn't too far, most likely. Drodic thinks to himself, keeping an eye out for other movement.

Remaining where he is, Drodic watches the horse carefully.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The horse goes about its business, searching for suitable food. After about a minute, the horse, now near the road, is about to leave your darkvision range. You've not heard, nor seen, any sign of its owner.

Map updated.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic attempts to quietly lure the horse closer.

[roll0]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The horse perks up, but not being able to see where the noise is coming from, it continues its search for food.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Curiosity getting the better of him, Drodic makes one last attempt to lure the creature closer. Leaning out from his hiding spot, he quietly calls to the horse.

[roll0]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The horse, seeing Drodic, stops and looks right at him.

Its stares, seemingly trying to understand if he is a threat or not. It decides it is safe for now, but begins to walk toward the road, heading north.

[Drodic]

Drodic

As odd as he finds it to be, Drodic decides to let the horse continue wandering; making one last quick scan of his surroundings for anything else out of the ordinary before continuing his rest.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 6th

The rest of Drodics night passes without incident.

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Drodic arrives at Ardeep Forest early in the morning. He spends the day wandering the forest, looking for signs of the Druid or his grove. His efforts are fruitless until late in the day when he finally stumbles upon a ramshackle hut. It is about 120 feet away from Drodic. He sees no one nearby or outside it.

The Trade Way, April 7th

Sophia and Urich break camp and continue their journey. Their journey continues to be uneventful, until around mid day they are stopped by three fellow travelers who were headed North.

"Well hello there, it is quite a fine day for traveling, don't you think? I myself love days like today! Sunny and nice outside. It makes all sorts of people come outside and take a look around!" one of the strangers says cheerfully.

"I quite agree!" says another. "This weather has even been known to make more... undesirable sorts come out."

The third jumps in, saying "Most true! Lucky for you travelers, we have insured that the road ahead is free of any bandits or thieves or thugs from here to Daggerfall!"

"A most difficult task, I assure you." says the first.

"And as everybody knows, a difficult task is grounds for a generous reward." the second adds.

"Certainly!" says the third. "But however much would keeping such a long and well traveled road safe be worth?"

"A lot," the second says.

"I would think that the protection and piece of mind we have provided would be worth at least 100 gold, wouldn't you agree?" the first asks the other two.

"Yes, 100 gold," the third says. And with a smile he adds "Each."

"You guys heard them." the second person says, turning to you. "That will be 100 gold each to pay for the security and piece of mind we have so graciously provided."

"Pay up, " says the first, his kind smile suddenly gone and hand suddenly on his rapier. "Or else."

Map updated (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsL6-AnStmKzdGtrd3Z2dlR1LWQxV09FYVFfTGpMcnc#gid=0)


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic approaches the hut with caution.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Sophia, Urich

"These aren't bugbears," Urich mutters "but they're highwaymen nonetheless"

Glancing in Sophia's direction, he sees that she has already entered her fighting stance.

[roll2]
[roll3]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

"Looks like we're taking payment the hard way boys."

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

The bandits advance, targeting the more dangerous looking orc first. Two bandits advance, maneuvering into flanking position, rapiers drawn.

[roll0] vs Urich FF AC
[roll1]

[roll2] vs Urich FF AC
[roll3]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

Both land vicious attacks on the orc, who finds their speed superior to his own.

[roll0] vs Urich FF AC
[roll1]
[roll2] vs Urich FF AC
[roll3]

[Drodic]

Urich

With a ferocious snarl, Urich leaps towards who appears to be the leader.

[roll0] vs DC 20
[roll1] vs DC 15
[roll2] vs DC 17

[Drodic]

Urich

Landing just in front of his target, Urich steps forward, blades unsheathing while he reaches out.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

[Drodic]

Urich

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

One of the bandits sees a chance to strike the water orc as he leaps away. Regardless, the orc lands his blow with full force against the groups leader, killing him outright, the look of shock and fear still on his face.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Drodic]

Sophia

Sophia steps between her opponents, unleashing a flurry of attacks.

[roll0] vs T3
[roll1]

[roll2] vs T3 (Target T2 if T3 dies to the first attack)
[roll3]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

The brigand takes a blow from Sophia with more force behind it than any punch he has ever felt, nearly killing him. This fact, combined with watching his leader fall from a single leaping attack make him decide to drop his weapon and fall to the ground.

"Please, no more! Let us go!"

His ally seems disgusted with him giving in, however. "Coward!" he yells, pressing the attack on Sophia.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Drodic]

Urich

Ignoring the cowering man, Urich closes the distance between him and the final brigand, Letting out a roar as he thrusts his blades towards him.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

And with that, Urich downs another of the attackers. All that remains is the one, on his knees and pleading for his life.

"No!" he says, seeing another friend fall. "He should have listened to me!" The man seems broken.

[Drodic]

Sophia

"Hand over everything you have taken from passing travelers, thief." Sophia demands. "Search those two." She says to Urich.

Ready action: Knock out the remaining brigand.
Trigger: If he tries to run or do anything else considered hostile.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

"Please, let me try and help them!" says the last remaining bandit. He looks pleadingly into your eyes.

[Drodic]

Sophia, Urich

Though fierce, Sophia is not absent a heart.

"Fine, I'll see what I can do. Just do as I say." she says, kneeling down near the fallen leader.

For the Leader:
[roll0] vs DC 10
[roll1] vs DC 15

For the other:
[roll2] vs DC 10
[roll3] vs DC 15

[roll4] vs DC 10
[roll5] vs DC 15

[roll6] vs DC 10
[roll7] vs DC 15

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

The brigand does everything Sophia says to do, trying his hardest to stop his friends from dying.

Both fallen foes are stabilized, though the leader is a bloodied mess of a person.

Seeing his allies, by some miracle, saved he collapses with relief. "Thank you so much, strangers."

[roll0] vs DC 10

[roll1] vs DC 10
[roll2] vs DC 10
[roll3] vs DC 10

[Drodic]

Sophia, Urich

"Now, hand over anything and everything you have taken from passing travelers." Sophia repeats, telling Urich to search the two unconscious once more.

After searching and securing the brigands' items and weapons, Sophia and Urich discuss what they should do with them. After a while they came to an agreement.

Sophia turns to the conscious bandit.

"Now, help me carry this one. You're coming with us." she says, while Urich throws the second unconscious bandit over his shoulders.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

The bandit follows instructions without hesitation, handing over items and then helping carry his comrade.

Sophia & Urich: 225 XP

You find [roll0], [roll1].

Among their gear you find nothing of note aside from their armor, weapons and food. 3 rapiers, 3 studded leather armor and 3 light shields and 6 days rations.

By the end of the day, Sophia and Urich manage to travel 92 miles total from Waterdeep. They are 18 miles from the Way Inn.

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Drodic approaches the hut with extreme caution. He sees no movement nor light coming from inside. He is able to walk all the way up to the building.

[Drodic]

Sophia, Urich

With only a few hours between them and their destination, they decide to push onward.

[B]Sophia:
[roll0] vs DC 10
If fail, [roll1]

[roll2] vs DC 12
If fail, [roll3]

[roll4] vs DC 14
If fail, [roll5]

Urich:
[roll6] vs DC 10
If fail, [roll7]

[roll8] vs DC 12
If fail, [roll9]

[roll10] vs DC 14
If fail, [roll11]

If Urich takes damage or if the conscious brigand collapses, they will set up camp.

Drodic

Drodic searches for and looks in any windows he can.

[Koury]

The Trade Way, April 7th

Sophia and the detainee continue on with no issues, but Urichs wounds are causing him trouble. They decide it is best to stop for the night.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Peering into the window, Drodic sees the cabin is fairly well furnished. He is just about to move to a different window when a voice behind him says "I do hope you're from the guild."

Turning, Drodic sees a man dressed in hide clothing, walking with a quarterstaff. The whisper gnome also can't help but notice the wolf at the mans heel, watching him intently.

"I have enough problems with these goblins, I really don't need to add thieves to my troubles."

[Drodic]

Drodic

"By the gods! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Drodic says, obviously startled. "Yes, I am from the guild. You are the druid Favas I take it? My name is Drodic. This is your home? Took me nearly all day to find it. Apollogies if I came off as mischievous, I was just trying to be cautious."

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

"Indeed, and it is a good time for caution. The goblins have managed to expand their territory to include my grove. We must push them back. My grove is crucial to keeping the peace here. Come inside, I am sure you are weary from your journey. We can discuss the goblin problem in relative security."

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic accepts the mans invitation, asking him to fill him in on all the details regarding the goblin problem.

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

My grove is a source of energy for all of Ardeep Forest. So long as I tend to it, the forest and all its inhabitants will thrive. The goblins have become much more aggressive recently, however, and have been claiming more and more territory as their own. About a week ago, they massed an assault against me and evicted me from my own grove.

I can already feel the forest diminishing. I do not know what has caused them to act up, but you must find a way to push them back one way or another.

[Drodic]

Drodic

"Do you have any idea as to how many goblins we are dealing with?" Drodic asks. "And how many of us are there? Is it just the two of us?"

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

"Three." Favas corrects you, motioning to his wolf. "There are three of us."

"There exact numbers are unknown to me. It is a small band, as goblins go. My best guess is they number around 50, though that is including women and children. I am hoping to discover why they have began expanding their territory. They have, for as long as I can remember, happily held their section of the wood, yet now they claim the whole of the forest as theirs, and have been building fortifications in various locations. If I could just discover why, perhaps I could put a stop to it, or persuade them to act differently."

"An open conflict would likely not end well for either side and, though I don't claim to know your talents in battle, I believe ours would be the losing side. I believe searching out a diplomatic solution is the best course here."

[Drodic]

Drodic

"Apologies." Drodic says, looking towards the wolf. "So, how would we go about a "diplomatic" solution? Should we confront them directly, or indirectly? I'm pretty sure I could get into their camp if need be."

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

"Alas, this is where I become unsure of the path forward. I have tried negotiating with them, but each attempt has been met with outright aggression. Whatever the reason they are expanding, they seem ready to kill for it.

If you can indeed infiltrate them, perhaps you could go there and learn what you can of their motives and goals? Though I only advocate this if you are certain of your abilities. To do so otherwise might well be suicide."

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic begins pacing, thinking of how to go about the mission at hand.

"The problem is I will only have a short window to do so, unless I can find a way to cast the spell again.." He says after a few minutes of thought. He looks to Favas. "You know where their main encampment is, yes? We can do most of the preparation here, but I will want to cast the spell as close to the camp as possible to maximize the time I have to investigate. We also need to figure out the means of escape.."

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

"A spellcaster?" says the druid, looking you over. "Intriguing."

"With us nearby, we should be able to aid you in escaping should things go poorly. What is your plan to infiltrate?"

[Drodic]

Drodic

"I specialize in stealth and illusions. I plan to infiltrate them by disguising myself as one of them. Goblin being one of the many languages I am fluent in, I'm sure I will overhear or discover something of value. Do you know when they are the most active?"

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

"I am unsure of their precise habits." he says, looking unhappy with his answer. "Their main camp is nearby, only a few hours walk away. Let me know how I may aid you and when you'd like to go, either tonight after nightfall or sometime tomorrow and I can lead you there."

If you have Knowledge: Local you can roll to know about goblin activity cycles.

It is currently dusk.

[Drodic]

Drodic

"Let's prepare now. The sooner we figure out what it is they are up to, the sooner we can put a stop to it."

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Favas helps with anything he is capable of helping with, and the three of you set off a short time later.

The druid leads you to a nearby stream, and you follow it upstream for an uneventful hour or two.

As you come upon a bend in the stream, Favas stops you. "We are near," he says, pointing through the trees across the stream. "Those watchtowers are new. They have increased security around their village, it seems. What would you have me do to aid you?"

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsL6-AnStmKzdERuakZTdkoyWUlCVjZBRDJ4WmRVNnc#gid=0)

Any prep you needed to do is considered done (ie the 10-30 minutes it takes to use Disguise, and things like that).

[Drodic]

Drodic

"Just stay low and remain hidden. I will try to find out what I can once I see an opening to sneak into the village."

After saying this, Drodic casts a spell and waits for the most opportune moment, then he casts two other spells and makes his way to the village.

Spells cast:
Mage Armor - Duration: 1h 59m 48s
Disguise Self - Duration: 19m 54s
Expeditious Retreat - Duration: 2m


Essentially Drodic will wait to enter the camp until the person on the tower is facing/looking away. Once he see's the opening and his final spell is cast..

Running Jump: Take 10 (+18) vs DC 25
Movement may change or slow depending on what I can see as I get closer to the camp.

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Drodic leaps over the stream with little difficulty and begins walking into the encampment.

As he passes the watchtower, the goblin on watch looks at Drodic for a few seconds, obviously trying to place just who he is.

[roll0] vs DC 26. Goblin has a +6 bonus because he qualifies as "friends or associates" with every other goblin in camp.

He seems to give up trying to recall your name as he realizes something else off about the situation.

"Hail," says the watch goblin, speaking in his native tongue. "Are you returning from scouting alone? Where is your partner?"

[Drodic]

Drodic

Damn he thinks to himself, trying to think of an excuse.

"He..didn't make it." Drodic says, trying his best to sound upset. "We ran into a few wolves. We both ran but they caught up to him..There were too many..There was nothing I could do! So I.. kept running.."

[roll0]

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

The watchmen looks concerned.

"What? Wolves?! Who did you go scouting with?!" he asks, clearly taken aback by the news. "And how did you get away? Did you guys try to fight at all? Did you..."

The goblin pauses, a thought seeming to come over him. "Did you abandon them? Mid battle? Where are your wounds? You don't seems to have been injured at all..."

He now begins eyeing you even more cautiously then before. "Who is your superior? We have to report this right away. Lets go. Now. Lead the way."

He clearly doesn't trust your story, or you, at all.

[roll0] vs DC 20

Future Sense Motive checks will be at a higher bonus now that suspicions have been raised.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic releases a slight sigh, glancing quickly at his surroundings for others.

[roll0]

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

The disguised whisper gnome sees no other goblins on his brief glance around, though it seems likely the other watchtowers are manned.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic moves just far enough to make the guard come down from the tower. As soon as he does, Drodic turns to him, and with a wave of his hand and slight look of annoyance says "Sleep."

Cast Sleep on the guard when he is off the tower. DC 17 Will save for the goblin.

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

The sentry hops to the ground to follow you into camp, landing gracefully. He looks toward you just in time to catch the full force of your spell, however, and is instantly put into a deep slumber.

[roll0] vs DC 17

[Drodic]

Drodic

With a slight smile Drodic pulls out his scythe, quickly disposing of the goblin and his body before continuing into the camp.

Coupe de Grace the guard and take 10 on hiding the body. (18 total)

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

The body hidden, and no other guards seemingly alerted to the situation, Drodic is able to turn his attention to the mission at hand.

~6 rounds have passed since you cast you Expeditious Retreat spell.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic continues into the camp surveying the area and those he can see, looking for anything that could provide some insight as to why the goblins are expanding their territory, or what their goal in doing so may be.

[Drodic]

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Having infiltrated the camp, Drodic begins searching for information. And he doesn't have to search long before he overhears conversation coming from the large tent in the center of the camp.

"...the second sector locked down by the end of the week and can begin moving forward with fortifications," says a voice, speaking Goblin.

"We've already sent our advance scouts to hold the area while the workers prepare to move," adds a second voice.

"Good," booms a third voice, noticeably different from the other two. "Then all is advancing according to plan. But for now let's end this council and prepare to greet and debrief the scouts. They should be home any minute now."

You now hear footsteps approaching the eastern (and only) doorway of the big tent. You have almost no time before they are outside.

[Drodic]

Drodic

Drodic stealthily backtracks to the guard tower and starts to climb the ladder.

Take 10 on MS (24 total) and double move to the tower, using the remaining move to climb the ladder.

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Drodic is able to climb the ladder and remain undetected. The Beguiler makes it to the top of the watchtower and looks back toward the tent he heard talking from.


You see three figures leave the tent.
One of them is taller than the other two.
You may make Knowledge: Local checks to identify the taller figure.
You may make Knowledge: Local checks to identify the shorter figures.
The tall figure is equipped with ornate armor and weaponry.
The smaller figures are equipped with higher quality weapons and armor than the watch goblin you killed.
The tall figure has two potions on his belt.



You hear conversation continuing.
"We shall start the feast shortly, Great Leader" says the first voice from before. There is a reply, but its speaker is quite.
"Keep your voice down," replies the deep voice from before. "But make sure the feast goes well. Raising citizen and warrior morale and sense of community within our band is crucial to maintaining order during our expansion." continues the deep voice. "Morale will be crucial during the next phase of the plan."

[Drodic]

Drodic

[roll0]
[roll1]

Great leader? If only I had a better vantage point..Still, I can't leave the tower unmanned for now. Don't want to rouse any unwanted suspicion.

Drodic waits for the scouts to return.

[Koury]

Ardeep Forest, April 7th

Manning an enemy watchtower, Drodic waits.

Behind him, in the camp, He can see a few people beginning to stir. After observing for a while Drodic comes to the conclusion they are preparing for the feast he overheard the voices talking about earlier.

Before much time has passed, however, the gnome spots a group of two goblins approaching the camp from the north.

8 minutes have passed since initial spells were cast.