High Level Stealth Campaign

[SenbonKageYoshi]

You all have, for your own reasons been wandering the north of the sword coast; Tel Kar you have travelled to the north in search of a legendary assassin who is rumored to have travelled in this direction, Mantis you have travelled here to investigate rumors of a large mage duel with one or possibly two dead mages and an increadible amount of oppertunities for your fledgling theives guild, Aggerd your wanderings have taken you across much of the Relms but now they take you back to the sword coast, Thufir Hawat you have followed your orders to the letter searching high and low for these mistyrious adventurers you were to meet.
The only thing in common with all your stories to this point is that you all arrived this morning in a small trading town called High-Ford, a no-where town on the merchants road between Water Deep and his would not be a reason for remark except for the fact that all of you found a strange note in your possesion not long after entering the town. Writen on black paper with silver ink, the note says only "Meet me at The Twisted Bough at sun set, I have an offer you can't refuse". You see no-one who loks out of place, nor do you know how the note ended up in your pocket, but the Twisted Bough is the name of the only inn in the town. As you are considering you options, the note disintegrates and not even an small amount of dust is left in your hand. It is about an hour before noon, what do you do?

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar decides to head towards the inn immediately, giving him a chance to stake out the location beforehand and avoid being trapped should it prove to be an ambush. His right hand slid into his pocket, fingering the handle of the Stiehl. Even if it was an ambush, nothing they could bring to bear could stand against the combined might of his skill and the Stiehl's magic. Nothing ever had, and nothing ever would.

He entered the inn shortly after noon and sat himself at a table on the far edge of the inn, facing the door. His trained senses quickly scanned the building, noting all exits and searching for anyone or anything worth noticing. He waited patiently, remaining relatively unobtrusive, his arms crossed and his silver bladed dagger concealed in his right hand.


Spot check to search the room for anyone or anything unusual. Sleight of Hand to conceal the Stiehl in his hand.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[kentma57]

Thufir looks at the note smiling, he slips into a deserted street and puts on his ring of invisibility. Soon he is off to the inn, he sneaks through the main room (move silently [roll0]) and is soon hanging from a rafter waiting something to happen.

NOTE: Thufir is wearing a ring of arcane sight he can see all magical auras within 120ft, he is can recive a spelcraft check to identify the auras. (basicly, detect madic but better)

After he has hidden himself away he looks around the room, his eyes are drawn to a man sitting by hiself. This man has his hand resting on a powerful magic item, he is worth watching.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd (http://www.campaign-blog.com/view.php?id=6026) looks at the dust in his hand an laughs. He was afraid this little town would be so boring, but this looks... promising.

A few minutes later a middle-aged gnome who appears to be a little behind on personal fitness walks into the inn and orders a cheap mug of ale. The 'gnome' then slowly walks to an emptyish table where he takes a long slow drink before staring moodily at mug.

[roll0] including disguise self bonus and differnct race/age penalties.
He also takes 10 on his concentration check to manifiest Read Thoughs without a display and begins to sample the thoughts of everyone in the room. (DC 16 negates). He takes note of anyone he sees who resists detection this way.

@Thufi/kentma57:

Spellcraft may identify my magic stuff, but remember that even with magic/psionic transparency identifying psionic auras requires a psicraft check.

[kentma57]

@Thufi/kentma57:

Spellcraft may identify my magic stuff, but remember that even with magic/psionic transparency identifying psionic auras requires a psicraft check.

I know I need to make spellcraft/psicraft checks to identify auras, but the auras alone gives me a clue of their power;
Spellcraft [roll0] (note: spellcraft/psicraft checks are interchangeable right?)

EDIT: NATURAL 20!!

[Psionic Dog]

OOC



I know I need to make spellcraft/psicraft checks to identify auras, but the auras alone gives me a clue of their power;
Spellcraft [roll0] (note: spellcraft/psicraft checks are interchangeable right?)

EDIT: NATURAL 20!!

Sorry, by raw spellcraft and psicraft checks are not interchangable, even if magic/psionic transparancy is in effect.



Psionics-Magic Transparency
Though not explicitly called out in the spell descriptions or magic item descriptions, spells, spell-like abilities, and magic items that could potentially affect psionics do affect psionics.

When the rule about psionics-magic transparency is in effect, it has the following ramifications.

...snip...

The spell detect magic detects powers, their number, and their strength and location within 3 rounds (though a Psicraft check is necessary to identify the discipline of the psionic aura).



... and yah, I figure you might be suspicious if you detect illusionary magic on a grumpy-looking man, even if it is faint. Feel free to examine my sheet if you really want the complete list of magical equipment.

EDIT @V: I know, but it's fun to make introductions by playing a little against eachother in a good-natured sort of way.

[kentma57]

To Psionic Dog, doesn't realy matter that was more aimed towards the man with the magic weapon, but is fun to identify most of the other auras in the room. (realy how many psionic auras could I encounter)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar noticed an elf looking at him, his eyes subtly drawn to the dagger concealed in his right hand. This elf obviously had some kind of divination which allowed him to detect the Stiehl's magic. It was of no consequence. Knowing the dagger was there did not stop it from carving through all defenses to cut through unresisting flesh. Still, the elf was worth observing. Perhaps he had been called by the same person who had called him. He walked with the unmistakable air of an experienced fighter, and people of such experience arriving at the same place that he had been called to was no coincidence. It was unlikely the elf would attack, but Tel Kar remained ready to strike should the need arise.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Thufir, your magical detection has sensed a background level of magic unusual in this type of vilage(by that i mean that eveything seems to have a very weak magical aura, or maybee a well hidden stronger aura)
Your supicions are almost comfirmed by the presence of a strange gnome (Aggerd) who has a much stronger aura of magic about him.
Tel Kar, you notice nothing unusual about the inn. You also have chosen a table relatively close to the kitchen, which has a back door, in case you need to make a hasty exit. You have the strange feeling of being watched, and its not the elf hanging from the rafters (Thurfir).
Aggerd, uppon entering the inn, you have the feeling of being watched as soon as you enter the inn. You also notice a cloaked figure sitting by himself with no food or drink, in a position to observe the door easily(Tel Kar)

[kentma57]

Um... I am invisible I don't think most people can see me. Though I will not exclude the "cloaked figure sitting by himself".

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar notices a gnome that walks in and takes a seat at a nearby table. Observing him closely, he senses more than sees something slightly off about him, and has learned through the years to not discount such feelings. He then feels the brush of a mind trying to touch his own, and attempts to block it out.


Spot check on the 'gnome', and Will save vs detect thoughts.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd swirls his mug and frowns into its depths. He takes note of the cloaked figure and wonders if that might be the person who contacted him. Taking another swig the 'gnome' resumes mentally scanning any out-of-place people and a takes a sampling of the others (including the bartender) trying to learn all he can on local news and identify anyone else who might have invited him to the bar.


(Do we use this tread for OOC discusion, or will there be a separate thread for that?)

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd, the commoners minds are unusualy bland. They don't seem to think of anything interesting or useful.If the minds of those present is anything to go by, nothing interessting has ever happened here. You also detect an elf, hidden in the rafters(Thurfir) and the cloaked figure sitting by himself(Tel Kar) resisits your efforts to read his thoughts.
Thurfir,( I am looking at your character sheet and see no way that you can become invisible;though you can hide in plain sight, which means that only Tel Kar and Aggerd can see you)

[kentma57]

I have a ring of invisibility

checks sheet...

sorry, forgot to update sheet, I have been working of a paper copy. Should be fine now, once again sorry.

[Psionic Dog]

The 'gnome' makes one last mental sweep of the room and then gulps down the last of the ale. Rising wearily to his feet, he makes his way across the room to the cloaked figure still carrying his mug. After a moments pause he quietly asks:

"Sir, are you the one with the offer I can't refuse?"



(Even if the elf wasn't invisible Aggerd wouldn't see him. (+1 spot anyone?)

Oh, is it just us three, or is there a 4th person who's a little slow?)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar stares at the gnome, then says, in the quiet voice of a deadly killer, "I believe we have been called here for the same reason. Please, sit. Tell me about yourself." He gestures to the seat next to him with his left hand, his right still concealing the instrument of death known as the Stiehl. He had not decided yet whether to kill the gnome or not, but he had decided that the gnome was worth investigating.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

first, there are 4 of you (maybe even 5 if the others get their act in gear)
Secondly, Thurfir, you notice the front door open, and then close with nobody anywhere near it.

[kentma57]

Thinks to himself "So I am not the only stealthy one around here, I will wait to see what he/she does."

EDIT: That or a psion is messing with me.

[Psionic Dog]

The 'gnome' blinks at the man's cool tone, and pulls sits down two seats to the left the clocked figure. (Or across from the man if it is a small table). 'Oh! So I wasn't the only one called... I wonder if he knows more than me. May as well have some fun too,' Aggerd thinks.

"Oh, I'm just a merchant desperate to escape this wasteland town. Heh, time was I traveled the lands helping salvagers, if you catch my meaning, disarm traps. Heh, occasionally I even built the things for paranoid wizards. Course' that was then. I started to get old and slow, got stuck out here selling this n' that while chained down by creditors. I've had to start selling... discreet... merchandise to satisfy those blood suckers. Then word comes by that someone will get me out of this hole for some item or service, and I'm here. I'd do anything to live wild just once more. Say, you interested in anything? For the right coin I can get you (The gnome glances around the room to see if anyone is close) 'pesticides' or 'medicinal extracts', yah' hear?"


[roll0] :smalltongue:

Try PMing the others to make sure they know the game started

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar simply stares at the gnome, one of the fingers on his right hand twitching slightly. He would pay the gnome just to shut him up, if he didn't prefer putting a knife in his chest. It was hard to believe someone like this was being hired by the same person as him. One of his fingers moved aside, revealing the silvery glint of the Stiehl's blade for a second, before it was quickly concealed.


[roll0]
Attempting to detect BS. I should get a circumstance bonus because it's so unbelievable. 'Medicinal extracts' :smallbiggrin:

[Tar Palantir]

[roll0]
Sorry for the double post, couldn't add it after I rolled my Sense Motive.

[Psionic Dog]

Attempting to detect BS. I should get a circumstance bonus because it's so unbelievable. 'Medicinal extracts' :smallbiggrin:

But of course! I hear spider venom is an excellent muscle relaxant and many young men seem to think that arsenic will cure their father of his problems (namely compulsive breathing):smallbiggrin:
So take +5, or even +10 if you think this pile of BS is particularly ripe. Either way consider yourself safe from falling for it, even if Tel isn't positive the gnome is purposefully lying.:smallsmile:

[roll0]
oops, wrong sheet, should have been +11 for 18.

[bchilders]

Mantis is intrigued by the possibilities this letter can hold. He decides to break into the residential section of the inn and scope things out there first.

Mantis will find somewhere outside that he can climb up to the second story (assuming there is a second story...if not he will climb through a window in a seemingly unoccupied room). He will spend a while seeing if anything is out of place before walking into the main room.

Climb: [roll0]
Spot to notice anything out of the ordinary: [roll1]
Listen for the same: [roll2]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis, the inn only has one story(its the long, low style), and there seem to be more empty rooms then occupied ones. It is easy for you to sneak into the inn. As you are leaving the room you snuck into, you thought you herd the sounds of someone else sneaking around, but you see no one. Other then that, you notice nothing out of the ordinary.

[bchilders]

Mantis notes that there might be others doing sneaking around as well and stays on guard. Anyone who looks at him as he walks into the main room would notice that even with the absense of any visible weapons it is easy to tell he is a dangerous man. His casual walk carries the hint of restrained aggression and his relaxed expression barely hides his bodies readiness for trouble.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Tel Kar and Thurfir, you bolth notice a strange elf walk in to the main room from the directions of the bedrooms which neither of you say enter through the front or back door. The elf apears to be unarmed, but looks dangerous none the less.
Thurfir, you are distressed and alarmed by the fact that your ring of arcane sight has stopped working. You don't know why or how, but you don't think it is permenantly damaged.

[kentma57]

hmm.......

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Night falls swiftly over the twisted bough inn. Almost as soon as the light of day has dimmed, the front door of the inn opens, and a mysterious figure walks in. His body is compleatly concealed beneath a long, black cloak, and his face is hidden by shadows. All around him the shadows dance and move. He does not look around, he simply heads strait towards the table where Tel Kar and Aggerd are sitting. The Barkeep ( and everybody else for that mater) are watching this strange figure intently, to the exclusion of all else.(i.e. all conversation just died abruptly, nobody is moving, that sorta thing)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar grips the Stiehl tightly, readying himself in case this new figure turned out to be a foe. Judging from his single-minded movement, it seems likely that this is the one who sent for them. His appearance was unusual, and undoubtedly he had some form of magic about him, but no magic had yet come close to the power of the Stiehl, and Tel Kar was confident that none ever would.

[bchilders]

At the entrance of this new figure Mantis figures this must be the one who sent the message. He walks over to the table himself and waits to see who starts the conversation.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd notices the inn abruptly quiet and turns around to follow the patrons stares to the man walking in, and stares along with the others at the approaching figure. Whoever he was, he has confidence and means business, and means to do business with him. He glances back at his new acquaintance to see how he is reacting, and notices the approaching elf. 'Well, this sure is getting crowded...'

[SenbonKageYoshi]

The strange figure walks over to your table and sitts down. He has his back to the front door. As he sits, he looks over to Thurfir(still hanging invisible from the rafters) and says ”Come, Thurfir, sit so I my tell you all why I have summonned you.”

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar looks in the direction of the man's gaze, realizing that someone must have been hiding there invisible, and making a note to purchase an item to remedy such a vulnerability. He then says to the man, "One should never sit with their back to the door," keeping his knife concealed in his hand.

[kentma57]

Thurfir drops down and creaps towards the table Move Silently [roll0], after sitting down, he wispers to the group "I am here what is the assinment"

Note: Thurfir is still invisible.

[bchilders]

Mantis looks towards the rafters and wonders who this stranger was speaking to. He walks over to the table and stands with his back to the wall.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Once you all are around the table, the strange man begins to speak." You all may or may not have herd of the mage duel that happenned just north of hear not long ago. The mage who lost was an associate of mine, and he had with him a magic item of mine, a shroud of shadows. That mage, a conjurer by speciallity, took this item. I want you to retrieve it. The mage is holed up in his tower, a 4 day hike away, and he has been fortifing his position, so this is no easy task. And of course you will be well rewarded for your efforts, as I am somewhat of a specialist in illusions and concealment myself I am shure I have a special magic item that would appeal to each of you."

[kentma57]

hmm...
=D
=D
=D
=D

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd blinks as the invisible creature begins to speak, the frowns when the strange man asks them to rob a wizard of great power. Dropping his act (but not his disguise) he thoughtfully says:

"That is a risky and expensive task to be sure, but I guess you knew that when you called us here. If everyone is as skilled as I we should have a reasonable chance of acquiring it, but we will need more information. The more you can tell us now, the less time we will have to spend personally investigating the situation."

[kentma57]

"Very true."

[SenbonKageYoshi]

"Alright" replies the strange man, "As soon as I learned that my shroud had been taken I cast some scrying spells. They revealed that the shroud has been taken to the wizard's tower. It is located in a valley in the mountains to the north. The tower has approximately 4 floors,but as it is the home of a wizard I can't be certain the inside is not much larger.There appeared to be only 2 enterances, one concealed door at ground level and another on an exposed balcony near the roof. Both are most like garded by some sort of magic. The interior of the tower was unfortunately warded against scrying. Also, there have been additional spells and wards cast since then, because I can now no longer observe even the area around the tower. Also, I am giving you these" At this point he waves his hand, and 4 perfectly smooth, round black stones apear on the table, "Breaking one of these stones will summon a special ellemental for a short time. These creatures are excellent at disarming wards and the like. Anything else?"

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar speaks, "What do you know of this tower's magical defenses? I do not wish to walk into a wizard's tower unprepared." His right hand slips back into his pocket, replacing his dagger in its concealed hip sheath.

[kentma57]

Thurfir, takes a stone from the table...

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd's frown deepens into a scowel. "Magical defences. Hmph. Those are no fun. Does this wizard have any slaves, minions, guardian beasts, or even hired laborers of any sort?"

[SenbonKageYoshi]

"Well, the mage is shure to have some extra-planner minions about, he is a conjurer after all. The local orc tribes have also been unusually active of late, so you might expect to run into some of them, but that should be no problem for peaple of your skills. As for magical wards you have the gems I have have provided and you peaple must have some stratagies of your own to get by them, right? And as I said before, the tower is warded against divination magic, so I have no specific data on the wards guarding it. Anything else?“

[Tar Palantir]

"Only thing left is to give us directions," Tel Kar says, grabbing one of the stones.

[bchilders]

Mantis keeps quite during the whole exchange and decides that he will go along with this excursion. He starts to size up these other adventurers that were asked to help on this retrieval as well.

[kentma57]

move silently [roll0] Thurfir sneaks away to get a drink.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd shrugs and picks up a stone himself. "True. If the valley is warded aguinst divinations we'll have to go look at the tower ourselves. How can we contact you once we have the item in question?"

[SenbonKageYoshi]

"Directions to the tower are simple, It is a 3 day hike to the north to reach the mouth of the valley in which the tower is located. After that the terrain becomes difficult,the tower is near the front of the valley. All the same, I expect that it will take the better part of a day to travell down the valley. When you have the shroud, return here, or if that is not possible, you could summon one of the ellementals outside of the valley. If that should happen, I will arive as rappidly as possible, no mater where you are, with all my other associates. I don't think I need to mention that if you are not in serious trouble and you call for me, I will be very displeased. Any other questions?"

[Psionic Dog]

"If that is all you can tell us, so be it. If there is no hurry, we may as well take our time, finish our business here tonight, and start out tomorrow morning."

"Wait... 3 days north? I thought you said 4 days. I'm beginning to think we'll need a map to make sure we find the right valley. Could you tell us where we might find one, and would you give us a few coins cover such expenses?"

[SenbonKageYoshi]

"You want a map? I can give you the best map you'll ever see." The strange man holds out his hand, palm up, and focuses on it. Aggerd, you see no gestures nor do you hear any words, but you know the strange man is casting a spell. A few seconds later, a ball of darkness apears in the air over the strange man's hand. The ball grows quickly before flattening out into a flat rectangle, roughly the size and shape of a pice of parchment. Before your eyes the blank sheet of paper is covered in silver lines. The lines resolve them selves into a map of the village and its very imediate suroundings, with an arrow pointing North. "This map will continue to update itself, showing you everything in your imediate surroundings, with directions to the tower. Unfortuneatly, it will only last for 3 weeks, so if take longer then that, your out of luck. Now, you should be able to finish this mission much faster then that, so this can be a gift to who ever wants it for the remainder of its life. Is there anything else?" (The strange man places the map on the table)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar examines the map, relatively unimpressed, and nods. "This will do," he says, leaving the map for one of the others to take. "We might as well get this over with."

OOC: Do to a mistake in the price of an item, I have 3500 more gold than I thought. I'm going to update my item list accordingly. I knew a Handy Haversack didn't cost 5500gp...

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd's jaw starts to drop, but he closes it quickly as he casually takes the map to examine.

"I can work with this," he says as he puts the map in a pocket.

To his companions who are still at the table: "I'm satisfied. I'd just as soon enjoy one more night in a bed (and ask my own questions around town) but if you want to leave tonight I can adapt. When and where should we met?"

[kentma57]

Thurfir sneaks back form getting his drink...
move silently [roll0]

[bchilders]

Mantis eyes the map approvingly and although he would just as soon start to head out tonight he waits to see what everyone decides. Not used to working with others he decides it's best to sit back and observe for a while.

[Psionic Dog]

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence Aggerd begins to wonder if he said something wrong.

"Um... I know this town is small and a little strange, but staying the night wouldn't be that bad, would it?"

Mentally the 'gnome' attempts to make a temporary mindlink with his new coworkers for a private chat. Again, by concentrating he prevents any power display.

<Hi, I'm the little guy, mind if we have a quiet little talk? Now, this town is down right lousy, but I was thinking a little private investigation about the wizards, the duel, and our employer would be a good idea before we leave. I'd like to believe our new employer is honorable, but where ranking wizards are concerned caution sounds good. Oh, lets try having a cover conversation out loud, or at least get a round of drinks to 'privately' think over. I'd rather Boss not know about this talk.>

[SenbonKageYoshi]

" If there is nothing else you want of me, I shall depart. I care not if you depart now or tomorrow, just so long as you retrieve the item." And with that the strange man stands up and walks away.
He is soon out side. What do you do now?

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar waits for the strange man to leave, then says, "If we were trying to kill him without being caught, then yes, I would stay and investigate, but all we have to do is cut through whatever protections and guards he has and slaughter him in a pitched battle. How much do we need to know about him to do that? We know he specializes in conjuration, and beyond that there's little relevant information we could gather in a few hours. I say that we leave tonight."

[kentma57]

over mind link: "We should spend a night somewhere regardlessly, some people will need time to prepare there spells."

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar replies, also over the mind link, "Preferably outside of the city, though. There are far more ways to die in a city than out of one, most far less pleasant than anything nature can throw at you."

[bchilders]

Over mind link: I'm for outside of the city...feels more on my terms.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd stands up and shakes his head. Aloud he simply mutters: "Strange man, he is." Mentally, however, he adds: "Fine, I won't insist on an investigation. Since it sounds like were starting today, lets start now before we lose daylight. I'm ready to leave. How can you travel?"

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar leans back in his seat, his right hand fingering the handle of the Stiehl in his pocket. He says, mentally, "On foot. Immediately. Waste no time in town, give no one a chance to pursue us. Be ready the first night or two for an ambush. Trust me, when they hire someone like me, you know it's going to be hell. If no one has any objections, we leave now. If anyone has any objections, we leave now anyway, and they get left behind. Let's go." Without another thought, he stands up and leaves the bar, watching carefully for anyone paying too much attention to him.


Spot check to see if anyone is watching.
[roll0]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Tel Kar, you notice that every one in the inn is watching you and the table you just left. Not that there are very meny people in the inn, and they all seem to be commoners. Now that might mean that they are just suspicious of the magic displayed by the mage, or that they have very good disgiuses...

[Psionic Dog]

"Heh, if you bring adventure this trip will be much sweater. Oh, the mental bond will disintegrate in an hour or so. I say we split up, exit the city, and regroup before it ends. There's no point in making this easy for any of the ruffians you claim are cueing up to follow or assault us."

With a belch and a grunt, the 'gnome' leaves his empty mug on the table and exits the inn. Once out, he wanders 'aimlessly' looking for an unvisited spot to change disguises.

[bchilders]

Mantis looking for some excersize and knowing he can cover more distance than most heads off in the opposite direction out of the city. He makes a wide looping path before starting to converge where the others might be.

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar makes his way stealthily through the back alleysof the city, doubling back and laying false trails to throw off any pursuit, and using his magical talents to further prevent tracking. He eventually arrives in a small clearing outside of the city. Using the mental link, he directs the others to this location and begins to set up a small camp, keeping his dagger in the palm of his hand at all times.


Use pass without trace and lead any pursuers on a merry chase for about three quarters of an hour, then head to the clearing and signal the others before the mind link ends.

[kentma57]

I sneak around following the party (at a distance), move silently [roll0]. Over the mind link he converses with the team, "So why are you all here?"

EDIT: Shh, don't notice my natural 1.

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar answers over the mental link, "To kill people. It's what I do, and I do it quite well."

[Psionic Dog]

Once he finds an unvisited spot behind a building, Aggerds walks up a wall to the roof where he unpacks his weapons and shield and assumes the image of a young, fit, halfling woodsman/ranger/hunter. He then quietly exits the town along a road or trail like any other traveler heading west (or east) Once out of sight of the city he hustles north at a speed normal halflings could only make at a full run.

In response to the invisible one's question he replies over the link: "Adventure and excitement of course. ... Wait, you mean why I was hired? Probably deception. Speaking of which, I got tired of being a potbellied middle aged gnome. I'm now a halfling hunter at life's prime."


[roll0]
[roll1] (make no noise on roof)
[roll2] (get off roof and back onto street without being noticed)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar nodded to himself, sending back over the link, "Shapechanger. Interesting. Anyone else have any surprises they'd like to reveal?"

[kentma57]

Over mind link "I can juggle."

[bchilders]

Over mind link: You probably wouldn't want to get hit with my fist

Mantis thinks about sharing more but decides that it would be beneficial to keep some of his own surprises.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd makes his way north to meet up again with the others, mentally continuing the conversation.

"Shapechanger? Well, I suppose I am, but it is better to say that disguises are my forte.

Now, please tell me I'm not the only competent one here. Thuggery has it's uses and juggling is entertaining, but that will be of limited use to us.

What else can you do? Can anyone thwart traps, open locks, use magic, or have any other useful skill?"

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar replies, "I have a fair amount of magic, including the ability to magically unlock doors. I won't touch traps, though. Too many bad memories. As for other skills, no magic or weapon can stand against my blade. No hide can turn it, no armor stay it. Even magical barriers cannot stand against it. I have trained all my life in wielding its power, and united no mortal or demon can stop us. It is called the Stiehl. Does that count?"

[bchilders]

Over mind link - I don't like to reveal my cards before it is time to play...especially to those I just met. No offense

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar replies, "I feel it doesn't matter if you have the only hand worth holding."

[kentma57]

Tel Kar replies, "I feel it doesn't matter if you have the only hand worth holding."

Over mind link "It dosen't matter because, I stacked the deck"

[Psionic Dog]

Over mind link: "Well.... I can't blame you for holding back, but for your own sake you had better not be bluffing."


((OOC: Anyone heard from SKY?))

[kentma57]

I start humming over the mind link...

[SenbonKageYoshi]

first, I am sorry I haven't been on lately, I am in the middle of my summatives and wont be done till next mid-way through next week, so my posting will be erratic untill then.
But enough of that, You all make your way safely to the rendezvous point and none of you notice anybody following them.

[Psionic Dog]

"I suppose we should wait here for the others" Aggerd says over the mind link to announce himself as he enters the small clearing almost immediately after Tel Kar.

The 'halfing bowman' also tries to sneak up behind the man and tap him on the shoulder with a 5ft branch.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Tel Kar, you see and hear the hafling who is trying to sneek up on you. He apears to want to poke you with a stick. This leads you to believe that he is either your shapeshifting companion or no real threat.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd grins uncertainly when the man turns and waves his stick.

"Well we meet again. Now that we've stopped there is one little thing I wanted to do..."

With that the 'halfing' pulls out a black handkerchief which he unfolds on the ground. He then toss the gloves he was wearing in and pulls out a new pair before folding his 'handkerchief' back up.

Agerd then uses his gloves of object reading to investigate the history of the summoning orb he has given.

"By the way, I go by Aggerd. What should I call you?"

Over the mindlink: "Knife and I are out, where is invisible juggler and big fist?"


For reference: Object Reading (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/objectReading.htm)

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar stares at the 'halfling' and twirls the Stiehl with his right hand, the silver blade flashing through the air. He says, "My name is Tel Kar. If I hadn't heard you first, you would be dead. Don't do that." He tosses the Stiehl into the air before deftly catching it in the same hand, sheathing it in his pocket sheath.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd, you sense that some force is partialy blocking your divination spell, but you are able to determin that the previous owner of this gem was a dragon. You don't know what type/color the dragon is, but you are shure that it is a dragon.

[kentma57]

I sneak up behind the two already asembled, Move Silently [roll0], and over the mind link: I'm here.

ps: I am 20 or 30ft behind them.

[bchilders]

Mantis strolls in after his long jog to take him out of the way, announcing his arrival over the mind link first.

[Psionic Dog]

For several minutes the halfling scowls at his summoning orb. With a low chuckle he puts the stone away and greets the arrivals:

"Quite an unusually employer we have. My scrying suggests he is a dragon, if you can believe that.

Anyway, glad to see you two are here. I was getting a bit worried: the mind-link had almost expired. So Tel, Fist, Invisy, do you feel up to putting a bit more distance behind us today?"

He also pulls out the map and tries the same object scrying trick on it.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd, your scrying detects no previous owner to the map, suggesting that your employer has either increased the strength of his wards or that he realy did create the map on the spot.
Thurfir, at that distance no one hears your sneaking.

[kentma57]

over mind link: So, how long does this thing last, and yes we should put more distance behind us.

[bchilders]

"If you point me the way, I don't mind scouting out and finding a suitable place for us to stop. I travel quite a bit faster than most," Mantis replies looking for a good excuse to stretch his legs.

[Psionic Dog]

"The mind-link only persists for an hour or so. It won't last much longer." Aggerd replies. After consulting the map he turns to Mantis: "The tower is somewhere in that direction. Say, Elf Fist, I think I'll tag along with you. I may be short, but I'm still faster than the typical Elf or Human. How much faster than typical are you anyway?"


((SenbonKageYoshi, whom I shall now call SKY if you don't mind, do you want us putting speech in color of any sort?))

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar says, "I'll stay here while you scout ahead, if it's all the same to you. If something kills you, come back as a ghost and tell me." He then begins setting up a temporary camp in the clearing.

[bchilders]

"Probably faster than you, but I don't mind slowing down a bit. You ready to head out?" Mantis says interested to see some of what his little companion can do.

Movement is 80ft per round....yours?

[kentma57]

over mind link: You mean I will have to talk again, to bad. But I'm fast, quiet, and ivisible; should I scout.

OOC: 60ft, I think???

[Psionic Dog]

"If you can out run the wolves I will have to concede that you are faster. But for now, lead on!" Aggerd proclaims. He knows so little of his companions any information this trip will revel will be worth it. After all, how much faster could they possibly be? :smalltongue:

Aggerd is only moving at 40 ft today. After a minute or so when he discovers how 'slow' he is he will turn back after final words to the scouts.

[bchilders]

As they start to head out Mantis stretches his legs a bit to show his companions some of his real speed but he quickly falls back to pace. He stays aware of his surrounding constantly checking to make sure nothing is out of place.

Spot:[roll0]
Listen:[roll1]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis, even a city elf like your self can notice that something is wrong with the wilderness around you. In your short time in the forest you have seen no animal larger then a songbird (i.e. no rodents, no deer, no larger birds).
Also, I don't care if you change the colour of your font, as long as it is clear that your character is speaking

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar begins to grow uneasy. His silver dagger flashes into his hand, and he holds it at the ready as he moves quickly to join the others. Nature was not his element, and he did not trust his natural talents to hide him in these surroundings. He called on the magic of one of his rings, and his skin began to shift color to match with his surroundings. He stelathily packed up the small camp and moved to join the others.


Use ring of chameleon power for +10 to Hide, and catch up to the group.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd lends one of the elves the map if he will take it and stealthily retraces his steps back to camp to assist Tel Kar. He still can't quite believe that he met two elves in one day who are both faster than he is. Anyway, the elves are boring. He still doesn't know what one of them looks like, and both are secretive about their names. Tel may threaten to kill him ever third sentence, but that just makes conversation exciting. Speaking of which, he smells human somewhere nearby... but the only human he's seen recently is...

"Tel?" Aggerd calls softly.


Scent
[roll=hide]1d20+24[/hide]
[roll=move silent]1d20+11[roll]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Who has the map right now?

[bchilders]

OOC: Unless Tar Palantir says otherwise....we'll say I do.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

MAntis, when you are handed the map you notice 3 things instantly. First; it sows much more detail about your suroundings then you though, Second that you and your companions are all clearly marked on the map, Thirdly that the map is showing many more simaler symbols in the forest not even 40ft to your left.
OOC: What languages do you speak/can you read?

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar emerges from behind Aggerd, dismissing the effect from his magic ring and restoring his normal appearance. He says, "If I was an enemy, you would be a corpse. Watch yourself."

[bchilders]

Mantis motions to Thurfir to hide and tries himself to find a suitable place to remain unseen. He looks again at the map and looks around trying to locate these symols that he sees.

Hide:[roll0]
Spot:[roll1]

Mantis can speak and read common, elven and draconic...sorry I didn't put that up earlier

[kentma57]

Thurfir creep over to look at the map...

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar conceals himself and, without waiting for Aggerd, moves to catch up to the others. After a short time, he finds the two hiding together, huddled over the map. He joins them and whispers, "What is the situation?"


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

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis, your keen elven eyesight picks out movement in the underbrush right where the map shows the strange symbols. Niether Mantis nor Thurfir nor Tel Kar can read the symbols, but you can all read each others symbols. Tel Kar's is in common, Thurfir's and Mantis's are in elven.

[bchilders]

Mantis motions for his two companions to fan out and incircle these visitors and start to creep towards them himself.

Hide:[roll0]
Move Silently:[roll1]

[Psionic Dog]

With a sigh Aggerd turns and slinks quietly after Tel Kar back toward the others, and arrives just in time to see everyone start to spread out. If possible he manifests Mind Link on the group before they scatter.


[roll0]
[roll1]

I'm probably blind and deaf but...
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar draws the Stiehl, attempting to discern his foes before they spot him.


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

[kentma57]

Thurfir fans out with the others drawing his shuriken...

[SenbonKageYoshi]

As you move closer to the strange symbols on your map, you see that the symbols where nothing but a small group of orcs, with none of them being warriors. They don`t seem to have noticed you yet.
As you surround the small group of orcs, you all notice a larger group of orc warriors, that seem to be searching the forest for something.
The larger group of orcs is about 40ft away from the far side of nearer group of orcs and getting closer.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd silently manifests Read Thoughts over the smaller group of orcs.


Take 10 on concentration check to suppress display.
Read Thoughts: 60-ft cone covering the small group (and any of the larger if possible)
DC 16 Will negates.

I'm assuming he was able to include everyone in the new mind-link.

[bchilders]

Mantis will remain hidden and try to figure out what these groups are up to.

Continue to hide...here is a new roll if you need it
[roll0]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggered, you discover that the smaller group of orcs are civilians from a near by tribe in the kingdom of Many-Arrows, their town was destroyed and they have been fleeing across the country side for days. Your spell also catches the leading orc warriors from the larger group, they seemed focused on finding survivors from their attacks and killing them. Their also is a strange figure dressed in black full plate who towers over them in their thoughts, threating them with death if they should fail.
The larger group of orcs is about 20 ft away from the smaller group. The larger group consists of at least 30 orcs, though they are in a big mob which makes them hard to count.
Also, the sun has set, so Tel Kar, you are now having trouble seeing, every one else has low-light vision.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd stares at the approaching orcs and slowly smiles. He has a plan that just might be crazy, reckless, and foolhardy enough to buy them more time. Today was a good day to be chaotic.

Over the mind link: <Someone has sent these orcs to finnish mopping up the survivors of a past battle. I'm going to delay them and try to get more information.>

A moment later a kobold shaman/sorcerer steps out of the underbrush and, gesturing wildly with a rune covered staff, screams (in draconic of course) at the orcs.

"Stop! Who are you who dare trespass on the domain of the great dragon mage Rashnik!? Speak fast! For I, the dragon mage himself, have come to reckon with you fools. Tell me now why I should not saluter you all for disturbing the peaceful perfection of this forest? No! don't even think of moving least I make you my zombie servants for life! I tell you, your stench is wearing my temper thin. Just give your miserable excuse. Now!"

'Rashnik the dragon mage' then repeats his challenge in common.


[roll0]
If possible he makes his bow appear as a staff of power.

[roll1] "This is my land and you will be in big trouble if you do not stop and explain yourselves."

Aggerd will continue to slowly move forward between the groups, careful to maintain concentration on his Read Thoughts power, which he focuses on the the attacking group.

[bchilders]

Mantis

At seeing his companion again change appearance and move toward the larger group, Mantis creeps in closer so that he is in range to help if needed.

He will try to move around the first smaller group so that he too is in between them. If you need the hide or move silent again they both are +32. I just don't want to keep rolling them:smallsmile:

[kentma57]

I am going to kill the guy in black armour.
-first I activate devoted travler (1/day I can move my base land speed as a free action for one min.)
-second I move to withing 30ft of the guy in black (to get +1 to hit)
-third I full attack [roll0],[roll1],[roll2](note: he has not acted so he does not get dex to AC and I get sudden strike)
-fourth, I calculate damage 6d2 + 36d6 for every attack that hits
-fifth, I use any of my remaining 60ft movment to fall back (courtesy of shot on the run)
If you need my initiative [roll3]

EDIT: I got a natural 20!

[kentma57]

Rolling to confirm critical hit (if they are aplicable): [roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

((OOC: First, I don't think the black armor guy is actually here. I think that evil overlord or what-not who towers over them in their thoughts is off in a fortress or with a bigger army. These guys just seem to think reporting failure is a bad idea. Sort of like saying "Sorry I failed you" to Darth Vader.

Second, how are you getting a x6 bonus on weapon and skirmish damage?))

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar begins to have trouble seeing, but he ignores it for the moment. He approaches the orcs carefully, staying in the brush and shadows. He manuevers to be just at the edges of the group as the warriors arrive. With cool, frightening precision, he strikes out at one of the warriors with the Stiehl, its silvery blade thristing for blood. The small dagger flashes to and fro, cutting into the shcoked warriors. The shape shifter, now a crazed kobold, was doing a wonderful job of distracting them, but inevitably attention returned to the most lethal person in sight, and at the moment, that was him. Such was life.


Sneak attack one of the warriors in the surprise round, then full attack in the first round of combat. Assume each attack is on the previous foe until he drops, then move on to the next in reach.

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

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]

[Tar Palantir]

Forgot, they have concealment from me. On a 20 or less, I miss. In same order as attacks.

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

[SenbonKageYoshi]

First, as Aggerd surmised the figure in black armor is not present here.
Second, The orcs had halted and were begining to gather around this strange kobold, when Tel Kar bursts from cover and kills 3 orcs, then unless Thurfir disagrees, he will unleash his barrage of shuriken attacks on the closest orcs.
OOC:Mantis and Aggerd, I need actions from you for the surprise round, followed by initative rolls and what you guys want to do in the first round of combat.
And i will tell thurfir how sucesseful his attack was when he confirms that he actualy wants to make it.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Sorry, I just went over the numbers again, and Tel Kar only hit 2 times, so he only killed 2 orcs. And if Thurfir rolled a natural 20 with a +14 bonus for initiative, shouldn't the result be 34 not 27? Something here just doesn't add up!

[Psionic Dog]

<Wait! Let me interrogate... never-mind.>
*sigh* so much for interrogating these orcs. Well, no point in leaving survivors now.

Aggerd starts firing arrows into the befuddled orcs, careful to avoid any blows the orcs may try to land. He's not particularly worried about being surrounded. (No flanking, Improved Uncanny Dodge)


Hasted, Fighting defensively, Rapid shot, point blank shot.
(+4 Dodge (Total AC=35), - 4 attack, 2 extra attacks, +1 ref save)

[roll0]
[roll1] [roll2] + [roll3] + [roll4]
[roll5] [roll6] + [roll7] + [roll8]
[roll9] [roll10] + [roll11] + [roll12]
[roll13] [roll14] + [roll15] + [roll16]

Just in case...
[roll17]
[roll18]

If Aggerd only gets a standard action for the surprise round, take Shot1 and add + 2 to the attack roll since there would have been no rapid shot.

If Aggerd acts before the orcs he'll do this again in the first round (sneak attack round2 ). If the orcs go before he goes again... I'll post a new action depending on the result.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd's initial volley arrows into the surprised orcs kills another 3, bringing the total # of dead orcs to 5.

[bchilders]

Mantis was thinking a little more delicacy was going to be used but he follows suit. Mantis leaps into the fray striking with deadly precision all those around him and then leaps out again leaving devastation in his wake.

Initiative: [roll0] (I read somewhere about a bonus to initiative based on land speed but I haven't been able to find it)

Spring Attack w/ Pounce (If this won't work for the surprise round then I'll just hold off until my initiative)
Attack 1: [roll1]
Attack 2: [roll2]
Attack 3: [roll3]
Attack 4: [roll4]
Attack 5: [roll5]

Damage 1: [roll6]
Damage 2: [roll7]
Damage 3: [roll8]
Damage 4: [roll9]
Damage 5: [roll10]

Confirm crit if needed :[roll11] [roll12]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis' deadly assault claims 5 more orcs, bringing the total # of orcs killed to 10 and now we are just waiting on Thurfir.

[kentma57]

Sorry, I just went over the numbers again, and Tel Kar only hit 2 times, so he only killed 2 orcs. And if Thurfir rolled a natural 20 with a +14 bonus for initiative, shouldn't the result be 34 not 27? Something here just doesn't add up!

No, I got the natural 20 on my second attack.


Mantis' deadly assault claims 5 more orcs, bringing the total # of orcs killed to 10 and now we are just waiting on Thurfir.

Yes I am attacking


how are you getting a x6 bonus on weapon and skirmish damage?

I through six shuriken with each attack, and Sudden Strike is different from sneak attack; I get get +Xd6 for each attack not for total damage....
So if I through six shuriken with each attack, I hit three times, and I get +6d6 damage on each hit/attack I would do a total of 108d6 damage(before the shuriken!!!).

[kentma57]

Rolling for damage...

attack 1: [roll0]+[roll1]= 130
attack 2: [roll2]+[roll3]= 136 x2 crit= 147
attack 3: [roll4]+[roll5]= 132

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Thurfir, your attacks kill 3 more orcs, but as a note for next time, if you can throw 6 shuriken you should roll to hit and for damage separately for each shuriken. Anyways, that brings total orc casualties up to 13.
The remaining orcs have the initiative on you guys (3 cheers for natural 20s!) and they swarm towards you.
8 orcs charge Aggerd, he is flanked but doesn't care, and was hit once for 6 points of damage.
8 orcs moved and attacked Tel Kar, he is flanked, and was hit twice for a total of 18 points of damage.
4 orcs charge Mantis, and he was not hit.
3 orcs move closer to Thurfir and throw javelins, and he was not hit.
next in the initiative count is Thurfir, thenMantis, then Aggerd. Then we restart with Tel Kar at the top.
OOC: Note these orcs are equipped with short swords and javalins, not Falchions.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Thurfir, your attacks kill 3 more orcs, but as a note for next time, if you can throw 6 shuriken you should roll to hit and for damage separately for each shuriken. Anyways, that brings total orc casualties up to 13.
The remaining orcs have the initiative on you guys (3 cheers for natural 20s!) and they swarm towards you.
8 orcs charge Aggerd, he is flanked but doesn't care, and was hit once for 6 points of damage.
8 orcs moved and attacked Tel Kar, he is flanked, and was hit twice for a total of 18 points of damage.
4 orcs charge Mantis, and he was not hit.
3 orcs move closer to Thurfir and throw javelins, and he was not hit.
next in the initiative count is Thurfir, thenMantis, then Aggerd. Then we restart with Tel Kar at the top.
OOC: Note these orcs are equipped with short swords and javalins, not Falchions.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Thurfir, your attacks kill 3 more orcs, but as a note for next time, if you can throw 6 shuriken you should roll to hit and for damage separately for each shuriken. Anyways, that brings total orc casualties up to 13.
The remaining orcs have the initiative on you guys (3 cheers for natural 20s!) and they swarm towards you.
8 orcs charge Aggerd, he is flanked but doesn't care, and was hit once for 6 points of damage.
8 orcs moved and attacked Tel Kar, he is flanked, and was hit twice for a total of 18 points of damage.
4 orcs charge Mantis, and he was not hit.
3 orcs move closer to Thurfir and throw javelins, and he was not hit.
next in the initiative count is Thurfir, thenMantis, then Aggerd. Then we restart with Tel Kar at the top.
OOC: Note these orcs are equipped with short swords and javalins, not Falchions.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Thurfir, your attacks kill 3 more orcs, but as a note for next time, if you can throw 6 shuriken you should roll to hit and for damage separately for each shuriken. Anyways, that brings total orc casualties up to 13.
The remaining orcs have the initiative on you guys (3 cheers for natural 20s!) and they swarm towards you.
8 orcs charge Aggerd, he is flanked but doesn't care, and was hit once for 6 points of damage.
8 orcs moved and attacked Tel Kar, he is flanked, and was hit twice for a total of 18 points of damage.
4 orcs charge Mantis, and he was not hit.
3 orcs move closer to Thurfir and throw javelins, and he was not hit.
next in the initiative count is Thurfir, thenMantis, then Aggerd. Then we restart with Tel Kar at the top.
OOC: Note these orcs are equipped with short swords and javalins, not Falchions.

[kentma57]

I will tumble back 30ft [roll0]

I will attack the three orcs attacking me, if they all drop before I run out of shuriken I will use the remaining on the orcs flanking Tel Kar.

To hit:
1a[roll1]
1b[roll2]
1c[roll3]
2a[roll4]
2b[roll5]
2c[roll6]
3a[roll7]
3b[roll8]
3c[roll9]

To Damage:
1a[roll10]
1b[roll11]
1c[roll12]
2a[roll13]
2b[roll14]
2c[roll15]
3a[roll16]
3b[roll17]
3c[roll18]

Suden Strike:
1a[roll19]
1b[roll20]
1c[roll21]
2a[roll22]
2b[roll23]
2c[roll24]
3a[roll25]
3b[roll26]
3c[roll27]

[bchilders]

Mantis will attack those around him.

Attack1:[roll0]
Attack2:[roll1]
Attack3:[roll2]
Attack4:[roll3]
Attack5:[roll4]

Damage1:[roll5]
Damage2:[roll6]
Damage3:[roll7]
Damage4:[roll8]
Damage5:[roll9]

[bchilders]

Confirm crit: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

First of all, sorry for the multiple post.
Second more around, Thurfir, your barrage of shuriken kills the 3 orcs that attacked you and 3 around Tel Kar. Tel Kar is no longer flanked.
Third, Mantis kills all 4 orcs that attacked him.

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar will attempt to find the leader of these orcs, or else the most dangerous foe nearby.

[roll0]

[Psionic Dog]

Now that Aggerd no longer has the advantage of surprise, he is practically the small, wimpy, kobold he disguised himself as. Since his companions appear to be expert killing machines, he leaves the killing to them. He draws his sickle and casually tries to harvest the orc that hit him while he focuses on his dance with the orc blades.


Still fighting defensively, but no longer hasted. (+3AC)
[roll0] [roll1]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Tel Kar, none of the orcs looks any more or less powerful then the others. As for most dangerous, probably the closer to you the more dangerous to you.

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar darted forward, striking out at the nearest orcs with his deadly blade. Back and forth the Stiehl leapt, the silver dagger eager for blood.


5 foot step, then full attack to kill as many orcs as possible. Miss on less than 20%.

Attack 1:
Attack Roll: [roll0]
Crit Check: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Concealment Miss Chance: [roll3]

Attack 2:
Attack Roll: [roll4]
Crit Check: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Concealment Miss Chance: [roll7]

Attack 3:
Attack Roll: [roll8]
Crit Check: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]
Concealment Miss Chance: [roll11]

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Tel Kar, each of your blows kills an orc, leaving only 2 orcs standing before you.
As the fight goes on, the orcs behind you all, get up and start to flee in the general direction of High Ford.

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar withdraws his dagger from an orc's chest, watching as the blood on the dagger seems to vanish, drawn into the Stiehl's blade. He then says to the others, "We should make camp and continue in the light. Orcs are well adjusted to the darkness, and it is more their ally than ours. In the morning we continue on our way. I'm not getting paid to chase orcs."

[bchilders]

Mantis leaves those remaining to his companions and speaks over the mind link

Should I go round up those who fled for questioning or at least bring one back...

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar answers over the mind link, Let them run. We're getting paid to kill this wizard and we're going to kill this damn wizard. I don't abide by distractions from the mission.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Sorry, there seems to have been a little bit of confusion, originally, it was only the civilian orcs behind you that had run. Now all the orcs have fled. (in other words the ones that were fighting you only fled after
Also Aggerd, your attack killed another orc, and you can make an attack of opportunity as they flee. Tel Kar may also make an attack of opportunity.
And, just so that everyone has it clear, all the orcs from both groups are fleeing in opposite directions.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd blinks as his target goes down, any experienced warrior should have survived that feeble swipe, so these must not be experienced...

Let's slaughter these frail warriors! He cries over the mind link as he aggressively strikes one of the orcs. Let's let their dark master wonder why they failed.


It really isn't too late to have the orcs stand firm if that's what they would be doing still if we hadn't confused the civilian retreat with the raiders.

Assuming the orcs are indeed running...
[roll1] + [roll2]

Aggerd will also chase after the fleeing warriors, unless all three of his companions object to his pursuit.
[roll3] [roll4] [roll=SA?]4d6.
If the orcs aren't fleeing after all, subtract -7 from the attack roll and use this as Aggerd's 2nd attack on his turn.

[kentma57]

I will try to kill as many of the running enemies as posible...

To hit:
1a[roll0]
1b[roll1]
1c[roll2]
2a[roll3]
2b[roll4]
2c[roll5]
3a[roll6]
3b[roll7]
3c[roll8]

To Damage:
1a[roll9]
1b[roll10]
1c[roll11]
2a[roll12]
2b[roll13]
2c[roll14]
3a[roll15]
3b[roll16]
3c[roll17]

Suden Strike:
1a[roll18]
1b[roll19]
1c[roll20]
2a[roll21]
2b[roll22]
2c[roll23]
3a[roll24]
3b[roll25]
3c[roll26]


these things are anoying to right...

[bchilders]

Mantis stands watching as his companions mop up what was left of the orcs. He considers chasing a few down but feels little sport in swatting flies. He checks the map again to make sure that there are no new symbols in the surrounding area.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd and Thurfir, your attacks claim another ten orcs, leaving only a handful of the warriors who are running as fast as they can in all directions,
Mantis, the only symbols on the map that you can see other then those of your party, are those of the civilian orcs and what's left of the orc warriors.

[Psionic Dog]

<Ho! Now this is an exciting way to end the day. Any one up for following these warriors back to their camp or 'interviewing' the refugees? I suppose if you're all worn out we could return to camp for the night, but I must say that this is shaping up for a fine evening to hunt.>

[bchilders]

I wouldn't mind knowing what is going on. Never known there to be a problem with too much information.

[Psionic Dog]

((: Two Questions:

1) About how many warrior orcs survived? If only 2 or 3 escaped Agerd will track them down and kill them.

2) How is the visibility holding up? Is it overcast? Or a clear night? Starlight/sunset/moonlight? Just curious how much time we have to finnish dealing with the orcs as we choose and return to camp.
))


<Tell?, Invisible Elf? Why don't the two of you return to camp while Fist and I finnish a few things out here.>

[SenbonKageYoshi]

1) 4 orc warriors have survived
2) The sky is rather clear and the stars are visible, the moon has risen though it is still concealed by the trees.

[bchilders]

<Sounds good to me...we had better hurry if we are going to catch them though> With that Mantis heads off in the direction of the fleeing warriors ,keeping an eye on the map to mark where they head. He starts off slow enough for Aggerd to catch up but will soon pick up the pace if he doesn't follow.

[Psionic Dog]

<And The Hunt is On!> Aggerd cries, but he doesn't follow the elf: instead he starts out after whichever orc is running in a direction furthest from his faster companion. He also hastes himself for a round to help catch up to his first target.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis and Aggerd you quickly catch the two orcs you are chasing and kill them (you really don't need to roll, unless you want to do something other then kill the orcs)

[bchilders]

Mantis looks down at the map and notices that the warrior marks have all been dealt with

<So how would you like going about this "interviewing" process?>

[Psionic Dog]

<Easy enough. We first we kill the last two warriors, actually let's just kill one and capture the other. Next we'll use use a mix of magic, psionic powers, and good ol' intimidation to pump out all the info we can the terrain, local powers, the wizard we're hunting, and every thing else that comes to mind.

Then after dispatching the orc... or better yet use smooth talk and illusions to instill deception... we go find the little group of cowardly running/hiding orcs and ask them the same questions, only with fewer threats and killing and more deceptions.

...yah that sounds 'bout right. Well, you've got the magic map. Where are the last orc warriors?>


((kentma57?, Tar Palantir? You two still around?))

[bchilders]

Mantis looks at the map and finds the remaining two warriors and motions to aggerd where they are

<I'lll follow your lead, you seem to have quite the advantage in the field of deception>

[Tar Palantir]

Tel Kar allows the others to handle capturing the orcs, as opposed to wasting his time and effort. He then says, over the mindlink, "You do the interrogation. I'll help if you need me, otherwise, I'll rest a little before we move out."

[Psionic Dog]

<Well Fist, since you're bigger, stronger, and faster than me why don't you capture Orc A while I dispatch the other. I'll meet up with you and the last orc at the original battle ground. Can you do that?>

<Oh, Tel, Fist, Invisible, can any of you speak orc? Hopefully the brute will know something I can speak, but if it only knows orc...>

[bchilders]

Mantis will go after the orc and knock him out with nonlethal damage, then drag him back to the mentioned location.

Let me know if you want me to roll any of that but I assumed he wouldn't put up much of a fight.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Mantis, you have no trouble capturing the last orc, he is no match for your skill. In almost no time at all you have him at the battle sight and unconscious.
Aggerd you have no trouble killing the last orc, and you arrive back at the battle sight at about the same time as Mantis returns.
And unless Tel Kar or Thurfir object, they have finished setting up camp.

[kentma57]

(I'm still here), and back at camp Thurfir(Mr. Invisible) is keeping watch from inside his invisible Elven tree tent...

[Psionic Dog]

<Ok, here's to hoping that the orc knows common, anyone know any language magic by any chance?>

Aggerd assures himself that his kobold shaman/sorcerer disguise is still active, and then he waits until the Orc comes to.

"Fool! Why did you not surrender when you had the chance? Know now that it is I, Rashnick the Great Dragon Mage alone who have prevented the mercenaries and demons who answer to me from harvesting your life this night. Such is their zeal and loyalty that they slew your fellows for simply looking at my wrong! Now, answer my questions and I might, just might, let you live, either as my newest and lowliest minion or, if you so choice, as a messenger back to your old lord.

Do you understand me?"

If the orc responds in a language other than common that Aggerd happens to know he will repeat his message in that tongue.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

The orc looks terrified, he stammers something in a language that neither you nor Mantis can understand, though it sounds similar to goblin.
If Thurfir or Tel Kar are listening in, neither of them can understand the language either.

[bchilders]

<No help here...this gibberish means nothing to me>

[Psionic Dog]

Aggered scowls and manifests Read Thoughts. He was hoping to dump a suggestion for the orc to answer all his questions truthfully, but that requires a common language. At least Read Thoughts is better than nothing.

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd, your power reveals the sorry state of the orcs terrified mind. Its thoughts rapidly change from distorted images of your companions to memories of its companions disastrous attack. You sense again the mysterious armored figure in the orc's mind, this time the figure is flanked by a pair of giants and a hoard of orcs. This large group is surrounding an orc, which is begging for its life. The armored figure proceeds to decapitate the prone orc with a gigantic great sword. The memory ends with the figure lifting the head of the fallen orc and saying "This is the price of Failure".

[Psionic Dog]

<This orc's useless to us. I can not ask it questions, and do not have the time needed to pantomime a message effectively. All I can gleam from it's mind is a terror of his warlord and an importance for his mission. I know not whether it will go best for us to leave this one alive to report or to permanently silence it. Whatever we do, should we pursue the other orcs in the hopes that one of them might speak common, or should we get our rest this night?>

Allowed he tries one more time with his questioning: "Orc: I see your life may already be forfeit. Answer or you will not even live that long." He starts with Draconic, then Common, then Goblin, Gnoll, and even Worg. He doesn't expect an answer, but he tries anyway.

[bchilders]

<I'd rather silence this one. I would hope one of those running away would speak common, but I wonder about wasting any more time for what might not be useful information. Whatever is decided I will make happen as quickly as possible>

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Aggerd, as you expected the orc doesn't understand any of the languages you speak to it.

[Psionic Dog]

Aggerd permanently silences the orc as quickly and painlessly as possible.

<You're probably right. Lets return to the camp and get some sleep for tomorrow.>

[bchilders]

Mantis agrees and heads back toward where they made camp.

[Psionic Dog]

((I'm guessing we arrive without incident back at the camp))

"That was interesting" He states aloud as he arrives back at camp. "A couple dozen orcs on a mission. I bet that felt like divine intervention for the intended victims."

"Anyone want to stand guard just incase that warlord dude comes after us instead of the fugitives? I'll have to rest if you want me to provide more telepathic links tomorrow."

[SenbonKageYoshi]

Yes, you all made it safely back to camp, and unless there is something else you guys would like to do the evening passes uneventfully. It is now early the next morning, and you are all awake after a full nights rest (unless the elves want to do something before every one else wakes up, in which case state that now).