[DnD 3.6] Escort the Sacred One

[Kaihaku]

The Sacred One, born under a holy star with the destiny to right much that is wrong and bring peace throughout the world. Pure of heart, she has turned away the blade and refused the path of the violent. Charged by the champions of order and justice, you have sworn a sacred oath to safeguard her when she will not safeguard herself.

Escort the Sacred One

The Sacred One walks across the grassy plain before you silently, having lost the argument with the elders who assigned you to be her protectors. Her argument that, "There is no path to peace, peace is the path" fell on deaf ears, the aged paladins, warmages, and warriors that govern the world shaking their collective heads at her naivety. Now, she walks unarmed towards the distant mountains where she claims to have sensed a great wrong being committed.

((I'll move to the first encounter as soon as everyone has checked in.))

[arguskos]

"Ah, what a wonderfully windy day out today!" Hex throws his arms wide, and enjoys the breeze, letting his robes flap in the wind. He calls to the Sacred One, "Ease up! Enjoy the smaller things in life, like the feel of the wind on your face, or the sound of the grass! Not all things need be heavy and deep, you know."


(OOC: Yay, we're playing. Also, Kaihaku, is there a better description of what the area looks like? Trees, hills, orcs, whatever?)

[Threeshades]

"Yet many have to be.", the gnome sighs and looks down upon the strings of his guitar, and plays a few surprisingly deep-sounding chords for such a small instrument.
Jothan looks up at the sorcerer again as he continues playing a slow tune: "You have innocence of many of my kind in your heart. A tune I long forgot."

[arguskos]

"Hmm... there is truth to your words, friend gnome. Perhaps, I can help you relearn the joyful songs of the wind, if you desire it."

Hex smiles, and roots around in a pocket for a moment.

He pulls out a flute, and plays a simple, reedy, high-pitched tune. It isn't very good, and it sounds an awful lot like the wind through the trees, but he seems to really enjoy the playing.

"And perhaps, you could help me learn to play this little gizmo a bit better sometime?"

He smiles, and keeps playing and walking.

[Threeshades]

A smile wanders across Jothan's face and his fingers walk across the fretboard of his guitar until his tune matches with that of Hex's flute.

"It all comes down to practice in the end but the music is flowing from the heart to begin with, and I can hear it coming from yours, my friend."

[arguskos]

"Ah, then I'll have to be sure and remember to keep playing. It does bring me a touch closer to the skies above... Tell me, have you traveled much?"

He stops playing to speak, but doesn't put the flute away, rather he fiddles with it, as if unable to stop moving his hands.


OOC: Please, I wouldn't mind a touch of feedback as to if I'm being overbearing with my personality. It's been FOREVER since I've been a player in a game, doubly so for a PbP, so I'm rather out of touch with really getting into a character.

[Kaihaku]

During this exchange, a smile plays unseen across the Sacred One's features, her steps slowing ever so slightly.

[Slamexo]

Walking besides the sacred one, twirling a dart between her fingers, Brow listens to the conversation unfolding besides her.

"It's nice music" she thought to herself "but it's not making it any easier to listen for an ambush."

Still, feeling relatively unconvinced that an attack was coming, Brow continued to walk alongside the others, letting the notes of the music dance around her ears as she listened, feeling the slightest hint of relaxation.

[Threeshades]

"Since I left my home I rarely stopped for more than a night and a play for the people around me. I have seen many things....", Jothan's eyes stray off to the horizon and his fingers slide down the guitars neck and the tune changes to a slow, dissonant interchanging rhythm of high pitched sounds and with a lowered almost unhearable voice he starts to sing

"Something takes a part of me..."

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra walks alongside the rest of the escort, her long red braid bouncing against her back as she keeps an even, careful pace. The playful talk around her elicits a twitch of the mouth, but she is on duty, and focuses on her surroundings and anything that may seem at her place. A hand stays at the ready to draw her sword--always, whenever they are on the road.

"Careful, comrades. Your music may invite none but trouble."

[Threeshades]

Jothan lowers his playing hand and let's the last note ring into the emptyness, his eyes now just wandering along the ground. When the note finally dies he takes his finger of the string with a sigh and keeps walking.

[Jokes]

Jonas

At the rear of the party, Jonas sighs. He liked the pretty music. He starts humming a few bars, softly to himself. It just wasn't the same.

He trains his ears on his surroundings, hoping to hear a birdsong.


Perception: [roll0]

[arguskos]

"Interesting, good gnome. You'll have to tell me of your journey sometimes."

Noting the objection of the others of his music, Hex grimaces a little, and reluctantly puts the flute away. Inwardly, Hex sighs, and wonders if his traveling companions are always so dour... Things need not be so serious, he whispers to himself.

"Well, I think perhaps we should get to know one another a touch better, if we are to be prepared for a conflict, no?"

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra does her best to comply, still keeping an eye on what's going on. "I am a warrior, raised amongst the Iron Wolves Legion. I have taken this contract to protect the Sacred One independently of the Legion, so I may learn to work with other companies... beyond of course the sacred duty that it is..." She thinks about what else possibly Hex could want to know. "I fight primarily with this hand-and-a-half sword, though of course the Wolves trained me in several forms of combat. I will work best with those who know how to swiftly flank an enemy, and not blindly charge into the fray. Of course, I will also shield our ranged combatants if need be and when possible."

Sabra thinks, and decides this must be sufficient "get to know you" material, and continues walking at an even march, keeping alert for any trouble.

[Kaihaku]

The Sacred One sighs and increases her pace once again, pulling away from the group and pressing on towards the distant mountains.

[Threeshades]

Jothan looks up at the Sacred One as he tries to keep up wtih her.
"I'm sorry...", he whispers.
"My name is Jothan Dayves, I am not a master at combat but I know how to handle a rapier. I have gathered many tales throughout my life and we may find a lot of use for it. But my true strength lies in my music, it does a lot more than just entertain, as you will see."

[arguskos]

Hex notices the Sacred One's brisk pace, and looks a bit abashed.

"You are both quite the interesting individuals, you are," nodding at Sabra and Jothan, "but, if I may be granted a touch of boasting, my story may be of interest to you as well."

He clears his throat a touch. "It began with my fathers father, a great mage and a devoted family man. He was an elementalist, one who studied the great interplay of fire and water, earth and air, and to each of his sons (for he had two, you see), he granted power over one of the elements. To my uncle, he granted the understanding of fire, and to my father, air. When my father sired his children, me and my sister, he gave to us his blessing." Hex relates this last part with pride, and shows to them a tattoo on the back of his hand. "This is the brand my father gave me, and it symbolizes my connection to the winds. It also brings magical prowess, and many unique powers. I hope that I'll be able to share it with you sometime, just as I hope to see your bladework, and your songweaving." He realizes he's rambled on too long, and grins sheepishly.

"My apologies to you all, for I have rambled much and said little. Suffice to say I am Hextoler Alier Abakaar, air sorcere, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

OOC:This is the tattoo he has, just the triangle. (http://www.tglass.net/TGlass/CandleStakes/airtrianglefront.jpg)

[Slamexo]

Turning her attention briefly back to the others, Brow gave them a somewhat dark look:

"You can call me Raven, let's leave it at that."

She then turned back to the Sacred One, attempting to match her pace and keep up.

[Jokes]

Jonas

"I'm Jonas. I guess you could say I'm on a diplomatic exchange from up north." He pauses, noticing something in the air. Not only can he not hear a birdsong, but he hardly hear a thing at all, save for the whistling of the wind. The silence is by no means disconcerting, he is used to nothing but the wind over the frozen tundras. But here, it seems odd, out of place. "Hey, when did you last hear a bird, or a even cricket since we've been travelling?"

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra speeds up ever so slightly, to stand slightly ahead, protectively, of the Sacred One.

"You're right, Jonas," she says, trying to note what he has noted. She speaks in lower tones than before. "That is strange. That would mean something's driven the wildlife away."


Perception check to gain further information:[roll0]

Survival to analyze further, specific reasons for apparent absence of wildlife:
[roll1]

[arguskos]

"That is indeed strange Jonas. I haven't heard anything. Perhaps we best be on our guard." Hex pulls out his starknife, and keeps it at the ready in his left hand.

[Kaihaku]

Sabra swiftly comes to the conclusion that someone or something has frightened the local wildlife. Despite her best efforts, she can't locate the source of the unease...but, unfortunately, the answer to this strange riddle becomes all too clear a few moments later...

The Sacred One is continuing on a short distance ahead of the group. As she passes through a patch of particularly high grass three creatures suddenly leap from their cover with bloodcurdling shrieks. Wielding greatclubs and leering hideously, they are easily identified as Gnolls. The Sacred One stumbles a bit as she is suddenly surrounded, clearly caught off guard.

A1:[roll0]
[roll1]
A2: [roll2]
[roll3]
A3: [roll4]
[roll5]

Initiative
[roll6] [roll7] [roll8] [roll9] [roll10]

The Group is now free to act. Go ahead and roll Initiative but please take your action as well. We don't want to take a day just to roll Initiative, now do we? :smallwink:

The Gnolls brutally bring their greatclubs to bear against the Sacred One, beating her into unconsciousness before she even has a chance to cry out.

((Sacred One is at -4 HP.))

[arguskos]

"Gnolls!! Feel the fury of the heavens, fiends!!" Hex points at one of the gnolls, and opens fire with an electricity ray.


Init: [roll0]
Attack Roll: [roll1]
Damage Roll: [roll2]

[Jokes]

Jonas

Seeing the Sacred One drop, Jonas goes into a bloodrage, running at the Gnolls, drawing his axe.


Init: [roll0]
Free Action: Enter Rage
Move: Towards the Gnolls while drawing battleaxe
Standard: Attack Gnoll
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Threeshades]

Dangnabit! Should've taken cure light wounds, i didnt know there wasnt going to be any clerics or druids

Jothan's eyes widen in shock but the next moment his face is warped by anger and his hands hammer onto his guitar a heavy, chopped rhythm and he starts singing in a surprisingly deep voice:

"With aversion, this insertion
came so swiftly
Cut the cord, from this day forward
We'll be drifting..."

The music starts filling the others with a mixture of courage and anger.

Oh well, i'll just inspire courage for now :smallannoyed:

Initiative [roll0]

Yeah and I'm starting using my bardic music for Inspire courage +1.

Everyone gets a +1 morale bonus to attack, damage and saves against fear effects

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra blinks in confusion. Was she not just standing clearly in front of the Sacred One but moments ago? She did not recall stopping her march, nor did she consciously allow the Sacred One to move ahead of her.

But the sudden attack gives her no time to think about it, and she brings her frustration to bear on the nearest gnoll (either the gnoll that dropped the Sacred One, or the one Jonas is charging, depending on when her action goes off). She draws her blade and swings it mightily towards her foe, screaming in a wolf-like howl.


Initiative: [roll0]

Attack: [roll1]

If I hit, damage: [roll2]

[Slamexo]

Brow

Seeing the Sacred One fall down into the grass, Brow swept into action and tossed the dart she had been twirling in her hands straight for the head of one of the gnolls she had yet to see act, or at least one that wasn't being aimed at by the others, a determined look covering her face.

Dart attack roll [roll0]
Dart damage roll [roll1]
Sneak attack damage if it comes up [roll2]
Initiative roll [roll3]

Rolly rolly :smalltongue:

[Kaihaku]

Initiative Order
[21] Hex
[19] Gnoll 2
[18] Jonas
[17] Sabra
[15] Gnoll 1
[11] Brow
[9] Jothan
[2] Gnoll 3

From the tip of his finger, Hex unleashes a tiny bolt of electricity and crackles through the air but misses, just barely, the nearest of the Gnolls.

One of the Gnolls weighs its greatclub in hand, seeming to pondering bringing it to bear on the skull of the unconscious woman at its feet...then a crackling ray of electricity singes the air before its nose and it turns its attention to the group, stepping towards them and swinging it's weapon at Jonas.

A(Jonas)[roll0]
D(Jonas)[roll1]

Jonas furiously lays into the Gnoll which attacked him, dealing it a grievous blow which sends the creature reeling before it falls to the ground.

Jonas OHKOs Gnoll 2. It is unconscious but alive.

Letting out a fearsome cry, Sabra starts for the beast which had just struck Jonas but then, as he downs it with a single blow, she instead charges at the Gnoll which had downed the Sacred One. Still confounded by the strange twist in reality which had removed her from her defensive position in front of her ward, her swing is off and she just misses striking the Gnoll.

Sabra misses Gnoll 3.

The largest of the Gnolls swings its greatclub at Sabra with a snarl.

A(Sabra)[roll2]
D(Sabra)[roll3]

Brow swiftly sends a dart flying at the largest Gnoll, her dart just missing its head but coming close enough to clip away a lock of hair. The Gnoll turns its fearsome glare in her direction.

Brow misses. Figures that you'd get a 2 on the attack roll and then roll max damage. :(

Jothan sings a song of resistance, further inspiring his allies to redouble their efforts

The last of the Gnolls looks from Sabra to Jonas and back again, clearly a bit intimidating by the downing of its ally. Swallowing dryly, it takes a step back, then moves towards Jonas.

Five-foot Step (Not enough distance to charge)
A(Jonas)[roll4]
D(Jonas)[roll5]

[Jokes]

Jonas

The two bloodying blows only make Jonas angrier as he raises his battleaxe against the gnoll that last hit him.


Free: Maintain rage.
Standard: Attack gnoll 3
attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

[arguskos]

Hex grimaces, and takes aim again.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Let's hope it goes better this round.

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra decides the largest of the gnolls will best be dealt with after the other is, and she sidesteps to bring her sword into the back of the third gnoll who attacked Jonas.


If I'm picturing this right, I'm close enough to Jonas and the two gnolls I should be able to five foot step and flank Gnoll 3. (If not, she won't leave the big gnoll if that provokes an AOO, so assume she hits him instead in that case).

Attack: [roll0] (Add 2 if flanking)
Damage: [roll1]

Edit: Not that I think it'll be enough, but also add the 1 to A&D from the Bardsong.

[Kaihaku]

Initiative
[21] Hex
[19] Gnoll 2 - Down
[18] Jonas
[17] Sabra
[15] Gnoll 1 - Wounded
[11] Brow
[9] Jothan
[2] Gnoll 3 - Down

Partial Update
Hex first zaps the nearest Gnoll then Jonas avenges himself with a mighty blow that sends the enemy reeling... It collapses.

Hex and Jonas take down Gnoll 3. It is unconsciousness but not dead.

Sabra slips behind the largest and last standing Gnoll, landing a good slash across its flankside. The Gnoll lets out a high-pitch shriek at the flare of pain.

Actually, the Bardic Music and the flanking make it.

The final Gnoll, now wounded, literally spits out a hateful curse at Jonas then bolts.

The Gnoll 'withdraws' from combat, which generates no AoOs from those currently engaged in melee with it. Jothan and Brow should still take their actions.

[Threeshades]

Jothan ceases his song and draws his rapier while running after the gnoll:

"Come back here, I'm not done yet!"

[Slamexo]

Brow

Sliding a dart into her hand from the arm of her outfit in a fluid motion, Brow sprints in the direction of the gnoll before sending her projectile straight for the back of its skull.

Moving as close as possible the cowardly gnoll and throwing a nice ol' dart at its cranium.

Attack roll (1d20+5)[16]
Damage roll (1d4+3)[6]
Sneak attack damage if applicable [roll0]

Hurrah for quick draw's free dart draw!

[Kaihaku]

The Gnoll stumbles and lets out a cry of pain as the dart lodges in the back of its skull, but it manages to keep to its feet.

Next Round!

[Jokes]

Jonas

Jonas comes out of his rage as the gnoll runs off. He ambles over to the Sacred One, and attempts to stop the bleeding.



Fatigued for 4 rounds
Heal: [roll0]

[Threeshades]

Annoyed with the cowardly Gnoll's retreat, Jothan decides on trying to move him to take his chances with the group. He produces a bit of fleece from his spell compnent pouch and recites a spell. Suddenly a huge dragon appears in front of the gnoll, looking at him.

Casting a silent image of a red dragon of at least huge size in the way of the gnoll. Will DC 15 saves

[arguskos]

Hex runs forward, after the gnoll, and tries to finish it off with an electric ray.

30 ft move towards the gnoll. If that puts me in range, I'll fire an elec. ray at it.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Slamexo]

Brow

Seeing the gnoll still standing, Brow slides another dart into her hand and aims this one for the back of his neck, moving closer as necessary.

Attack roll [roll0]
Damage roll [roll1]

[DeathQuaker]

With half an eye on the Sacred One, Sabra sighs and drops her sword, pulls out her bow and an arrow, and fires at the retreating gnoll.


At top of the round, when it's her turn

Free action: Drop sword
Move Action: Equip bow. I may be cheating by assuming that she can equip the bow and nock and arrow in the same action. In which case, see below...
Attack, -1 for being beyond range increment, +1 for Bard Song: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1] (Edit: add 1 to that)

If I can't equip and fire the bow this round, she'll keep the sword in hand and Aid Another to Jonas with the Healing

Heal: [roll2]

[Kaihaku]

Hex runs after the escaping Gnoll, flinging a tiny bolt of lightning at it. He is rewarded with a pained yelp but the creature does not fall.

Jonas begins to tend to the wounds of his charge, doing what he can to staunch her wounds.

Sabra swiftly pulls out her bow and lets an arrow fly which strikes the Gnoll squarely in the back.

I consider drawing an arrow a free part of an attack action, no problem.

The Gnoll lets out a ragged gasp, then collapses.

Seeing the enemy fall, Brow stays her dart and Jothan his spell.

[Threeshades]

OOC
If he dies before my action, I will not cast the spell, there's no reason for it

[Kaihaku]

OoC
Indeed, I meant that you didn't cast the spell once he died. Sorry for the confusion.

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra sees Jonas tending to the Sacred One, so turns her attention to the fallen gnolls.

"Comrades--let's check the gnolls. If any are not yet dead, let us keep one for interrogation. For the rest, we shall dispatch them to the gods' mercies if they are not on their way already." She sighs. "We may as well see if they have anything of value as well--not to mention orders or indications they knew of our coming."

She retrieves her blade and puts her weapons away, before looking over the nearest gnoll.


Is he dead? Heal: [roll0]
What's he got? Search: [roll1]

Edit: Whoops, make that Perception. I left Search on my charsheet for some reason. So that's only a +1... but still a natural 20. Probably will be the only one I roll....:smalltongue:

[Jokes]

Jonas

Jonas continues working on the Sacred One. "Maybe I could get a little more help here? She's a little more important than some dog."


Heal: [roll0]

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra shrugs, but apologizes sincerely. "Sorry, I thought you had it in hand." She adds more sternly, "And if the gnolls knew of our position beforehand, if this was planned, that is important. We need to figure out what happened or this will only happen again."

"As for her wounds, I admit I'm clumsy with such things. Perhaps someone else can help you."


For example, someone with a positive Wisdom modifier. :smallsmile:

[arguskos]

Hearing Jonas call for aid, Hex saunters over. "Here, I'll give you a hand, though I don't really know how. Perhaps you can guide me?"

I can't find the aid another rules, but I bet they exist, so I'll use that. If they don't, I'll roll a Heal check then.
[roll]1d20-1[roll]\

[Jokes]

Jonas

"Guh, I'm not really sure what I'm doing myself... Here press your hands against there, try and stop the bleeding."



For example, someone with a positive Wisdom modifier.
I'm the only one with a positive modifier... And Arguskos, can you re-roll in the OOC thread please.

[Threeshades]

Jothan stares at the Gnolls lying before him. "I don't know anything about how to tell if these creatures are dead or still alive. But I'd gladly send them to where they belong after what they did to the Sacred One... He holds the point of his rapier against one of the Gnolls' neck."

[Slamexo]

Brow

Brow moves over to the gnoll with her dart still protuding from the back of its skull, wrenching it from its flesh and tearing off a chunk of skull with it.

"It didn't die in one hit; I'll need to work on that in the future."

Moving over to the sacred one, Brow gains a slight look of concern on her normally devoid face.

"I wish I could be more help, but I don't know the first thing about tending to this sort of damage."

[Kaihaku]

I'm going to skip ahead an unspecified amount of time. You can retro-take any actions you wish.

Sabra had some trouble telling if the Gnoll was still alive, but eventually determined that it yet lived. It was further discovered that another of the Gnolls had also survived. The group decided to [insert further actions here and the fate of the Gnolls here].

Searching through the Gnoll's belongings, the group found the following...
3 Greatclubs, [roll0] Copper Pieces, [roll1] Silver Pieces, [roll2] Gold Pieces, 1 Flask of a dark liquid, a letter in a strange language (Linguistics DC 20 to decipher / unless you can read Giant).

Through untrained, the group manages to care for the wounds of the Sacred One. Coughing, the Sacred One finally awakens and stares up at the sky dully for a long moment, blinking. Then her eyes glancing weakly to those nearby, "What...what happened?"

An OoC Question
A common complaint that I've heard is that the classes are the 'same' at level 1. I was curious to see if Pathfinder had addressed this with fixes like the Orisons/Cantrips at will. Should we continue on at level one for a bit longer to test this or should we move on to a higher level? I'm prepared for either.

[arguskos]

Hex sighs, and does nothing about the gnolls, letting the others figure things out. When the flask of liquid is discovered, he steps up, "Hey, give that one here, I'd like to take a look-see."

I'll use spellcraft and a touch of the liquid to see if I can identify it by taste (on the theory that it may be a potion).

Spellcraft: [roll0]


ooc:
On the leveling thing, classes feel the same since no one really has any damn choices right now. My vote is we level once, just so people have a few more options (since I think everyone but me gets something else at level 2).

[DeathQuaker]

Assume Jothan dispatched his and we tied up the one Sabra was searching?

Sabra finds a convenient ditch or uses nearby rocks make a makeshift cairn to quickly "bury" the gnolls.

The stern half-elf eyes the Sacred One with little reverence. "You insisted on walking ahead of us, and got yourself attacked. Remember that lump on your head the next time you think it's a good idea to leave your escort." She pauses and adds, narrowing her eyes at the little monk. "I agreed to protect you. I am not averse to carrying you if that's what it takes to keep you out of harm's way. Conscious or unconscious. Understood?"


Intimidate: [roll0]

As for leveling -- I don't feel the classes feel "the same" per se--I think it's cool to see the sorcerer's cantrip go off. But I know for me particularly, I'm not going to get a sense of what's changed for the Fighter until we've hit higher levels. I'm not going to object to leveling up :smallsmile: but if there's another encounter you want to do at first level that's fine with me.

[Kaihaku]

Intimidate Save: [roll0]

How funny... I think the defender wins a tie?

The Sacred One meets Sabra's stern glare, neither defiant nor cowed, then she weakly pushes herself up and looks around. Her gaze settles on the lone remaining of her attackers, now bound securely. "It was not I who gave you that charge... I would not have you, or any being, placed in the way of harm for my life." She answers softly, her eyes sad, "I remember dimly... It was sudden, but were there not others who attacked me? Did you kill them...in my defense?" The question hangs in the air for a moment, then she turns back to Sabra, continuing in a quiet voice, devoid of command, "By what authority you, and those who choose you, believe me to have, I free you from my service." Then a sad smile crosses her lips, "You think me a fool... Well, I am a fool but if I were not a fool I would not be me."

Also...everyone reaches level two!

[Jokes]

Jonas

Jonas looks down at his blood soaked hands. Now that his rage has subsided he can feel the various cuts and bruised inflicted by the gnolls. "What right have you to order us, child? You are the one who wanted to explore, and if it weren't for us you would be dog food right now. I felt the gnoll blades cut as deep as yours, for your defence." He wipes his hands against his armour. "If you think you can handle the next group of beasts without us, then by all means, go for it. But I promise you will fall as quickly as you did this time, and there will be no-one to staunch your wounds. And so passes the Sacred One, dead in a ditch in the middle of no-where."

Are we rolling for HP or average?

[Kaihaku]

"I have never given you an order..." The Sacred One sighs, looking sadly at Jonas, "I can see that you were wounded in my defense and I am humbled that you were willing to make such a sacrifice... But, I'm living the life I was born to live...and if I have any choice in this, I would rather that no one was harmed because of me." She shakes her head, "If that results in my death, then maybe never belonged in this world to begin with.."

She stares silently at the trampled grass for a moment, then adds quietly, "...and please, do not address me by that title. It was not of my choosing, my name is Nadia."

Roll for HP.

[Jokes]

Jonas

"But you are here, and there are people who care about you. They have tasked us with your defence, so don't think you can be rid of us that easily."

Jonas sits down, clearing his head; the pain had become almost excruciating. "I need to rest for a while..."

[Threeshades]

Jothan joins the others with a look of worry on his face. "They probably were right when they advised me to stop playing. It made me sad too. But under any circumstances we need you to stick close to us. We cannot react quickly enough to any harm coming to you if you stay out of our range.", he kneels down next to the sacred one. "If you would keep still for a moment, I think I know a way to heal your wounds."
Huh, I thought I was in the ooc thread. well i'll keep this post ofr my next action. first im doing the level-up, I noticed that I never chose a starting feat.

So I'll make a diplomacy check and bast cure light wounds. But all that on the next post, because i cannot roll in an edited post.

Okay HP roll:
[roll0]

[Threeshades]

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Cure light wounds: [roll1]

Edit: Talk about epic fail :smallannoyed:

Seeing, how the positive energy from his spell slipped by mostly effectless, Jothan sits down entirely. "Maybe we should set camp soon. I used up my array of powers almost completely, and our friend Jonas also does not seem on the top of things anymore."

[DeathQuaker]

"I signed a contract to protect you. I can't disregard my orders so easily. I might be tempted... but I do not want to let my family down." Sabra frowns at the Sacred One. "But I am puzzled why they would not be clear to you what our purpose was. Surely you did not think several well-armed folk decided to go for a stroll with you?"

Sabra shakes her head. "Anyway, Jothan is right. We should find a place to safely make camp and tend to the wounded in as much safety as we can muster. I will see what I can find."

Sabra gets up and scouts around, trying to catch site of a good campsite, safe from the eyes of the road, but not too far. Near water, if possible. She doesn't go too far, keeping in sight of the party. If nothing good is available in line of sight, she will ask one of the unwounded party members to go scout with her further.


Survival check to look for camp (if we're assuming a level up, she's putting a skill point into survival, so this is added in here, but I haven't updated my character sheet yet): [roll0]

Kaihaku: BTW, Intimidate isn't answered with a save; it just has a static DC (for the Intimidater to succeed) of 10+Target's HD+Target's Wisdom Modifier. I think this is a new thing for Pathfinder, so let's just remember it next time, as it's probably good to test that mechanic. However, the discussion here was good; don't wanna retcon it.

HP roll for next level: [roll1]

[Threeshades]

OOC @ DeathQuaker
We already agreed on the level-up. That's why i cast Cure Light Wounds

[arguskos]

Hex has been mostly distracted for the whole exchange between Nadia. "Perhaps, Nadia, you should trust us to do our job, so you can do yours when the time comes."

Hex casts a simple cantrip, detect magic, focusing on the vial. Once that is achieved, he'll wander over to the remaining gnoll. "Tell me, fiendish dog, what is this foul substance?" As he talks, he lets just a little electricity spark on his fingers, to get the point across.


1. Since my spellcraft check went unnoticed, I'll see if I can use detect magic on the vial.

2. No matter what that tells me, I'll then use Intimidate on the Gnoll to find out what it is more precisely.
Intimidate: [roll0]

3. HP Roll: [roll1]

[Kaihaku]

Kaihaku: BTW, Intimidate isn't answered with a save; it just has a static DC (for the Intimidater to succeed) of 10+Target's HD+Target's Wisdom Modifier. I think this is a new thing for Pathfinder, so let's just remember it next time, as it's probably good to test that mechanic. However, the discussion here was good; don't wanna retcon it.

I know, we use to call it a Modified Character Level Check or something awkward like that back in 3.5. I wasn't sure what to call it in Pathfinder, so I said "Intimidate Save" but it was really Level + WIS...which at level 1 is one point lower (5 instead of 6) than a Will Save. Interestingly, Pathfinder removed the clause about it being modified by anti-fear effects.

Nadia smiles at Jothan, "Thank you... I feel much better already." Then she answers Sabra, "You don't understand... I know perfectly well why you're with me, you're here to kill anything that might threaten me. That isn't a decision that I'd make and I'd prefer to die than have you slaughter sapient beings in my name." Nadia answers, shaking her head and watching the interaction between Hex and the Gnoll sadly. "...I'm sure that you're...very...capable. It's not that I don't trust you to do your job, I don't want you to do your job."

Sorry about the Spellcraft, I meant to look it up but got sidetracked.

Having looked it up now, Spellcraft can identified spell effects and spells being cast but not items. You'd need to down the whole thing. Detect Magic combined with an Appraise check can identified magical items.

Intimidate Save -or- Modified Character Level Check: [roll0]

The Gnoll cowers bound, looking up terrified at the sorcerous terror standing over him. "...hith char hiath!" It squirms, "Hiath! Urth char nar chuth!"

Sabra is able to locate a small depression in the ground which would provide for some cover from the weather and searching eyes. There's a small isolated spring not far from that and a few withered berry bushes that she identifies as non-poisonous.

[arguskos]

First, Hex turns back to Nadia as the Gnoll blubbers in incoherent terror. "Ma'am, I know you aren't a fan of violence, and to be honest, neither am I. However, it is my charge to keep you safe, and if that means I have to use violent means, I will." Turning back to the Gnoll, Hex curses in Auran, a scary thing if you are familiar with what a thunderstorm can sound like. "Speak Common you blasted thing! I know you can, since you clearly understand me! WHAT DOES THIS VIAL DO? WHO SENT YOU? TELL US NOW!"

Do you need another Intimidate check? If so,
Intimidate: [roll0]

[Kaihaku]

Modified Character Level Check -or- Intimidate Save: [roll0] (At a penalty since it failed once before already.)

Technically, I don't think that intimidate stacks but...this isn't combat so you can keep on rolling if you want, though the Gnoll is clearly quite terrified of you.

The Gnoll continues to squirm, desperate to escape, then at the thundersome exclamation of curses, it slumps and lays motionless, staring up in terror at the sorcerer as it whimpers, "...hith char hiath."

"Don't use me to justify your actions. The choice is yours, not mine, if it were mine...as your friend said, I'd be dead in a ditch." Nadia states clearly in reply, her voice stern for the first time, "Stop it. Of course he understood you, threat transcends language, it doesn't mean that he can give you an answer." She gets to her feet stiffly, staring the prisoner and interrogator with a frown.

[DeathQuaker]

Kaihaku, the way I am reading this, the target shouldn't be making a roll at ALL to respond to Intimidate. It's not a roll, it's a DC. If I am intimidating someone, and their HD is 2 and their Wisdom mod is +4, then that makes the DC of my Intimidate Check 16. If I beat that, I succeed at intimidating the target; no further rolls are made... well, except to the number of rounds Intimidated. Am I reading something (including your posts) incorrectly?

Sabra sees the interrogation of the gnoll has begun. She directs those not involved toward the desired campsite--including Nadia, but does not make Nadia go if she chooses to stay. She goes toward the gnoll. She does not speak Giant, but tries to figure out if indeed the Gnoll might speak something else. She goes over to him, kneeling on the ground, attempting to look calm where the sorcerer looks furious, and speaks in low tones, asking in the appropriate languages--"Do you speak Orcish?" "Dwarven?" "Elven?"

[arguskos]

I think that the Intimidate rules are a touch clunky, since we're not used to them. However, that's why we're doing this. :smallbiggrin:

"Aisth koraith sorcathe!! Damned thing!" Hex expression is tempestuous, at best. Seeing Sabra come over, "See if you can talk to this thing. I surely doesn't understand Common, nor the language of the clouds." He storms off for a moment to cool his heels.

After a few minutes, Hex comes back over to Nadia with a much calmer emotional state. "Let me propose something to you. You treat all life as sacred, yes?"

[Kaihaku]

No, I was reading it very wrong. It is a flat DC.

This is the first change in Pathfinder that I've come across that I don't like.

Intimidate in Dungeons and Dragons 3.5

INTIMIDATE (CHA)
Check: You can change another’s behavior with a successful check. Your Intimidate check is opposed by the target’s modified level check (1d20 + character level/Hit Dice + target’s Wisdom bonus [if any] + target’s modifiers on saves against fear). If you beat your target’s check result, you may treat the target as friendly, but only for the purpose of actions taken while it remains intimidated. (That is, the target retains its normal attitude, but will chat, advise, offer limited help, or advocate on your behalf while intimidated. See the Diplomacy skill, above, for additional details.) The effect lasts as long as the target remains in your presence, and for 1d6×10 minutes afterward. After this time, the target’s default attitude toward you shifts to unfriendly (or, if normally unfriendly, to hostile).

If you fail the check by 5 or more, the target provides you with incorrect or useless information, or otherwise frustrates your efforts.

Demoralize Opponent: You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.

Action: Varies. Changing another’s behavior requires 1 minute of interaction. Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action.

Try Again: Optional, but not recommended because retries usually do not work. Even if the initial check succeeds, the other character can be intimidated only so far, and a retry doesn’t help. If the initial check fails, the other character has probably become more firmly resolved to resist the intimidator, and a retry is futile.

Special: You gain a +4 bonus on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are larger than your target. Conversely, you take a –4 penalty on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are smaller than your target.

A character immune to fear can’t be intimidated, nor can nonintelligent creatures.

If you have the Persuasive feat, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.

Synergy: If you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.

Intimidate in Pathfinder
Intimidate (Cha)
You can use this skill to frighten your opponents or to get them to act in a way that benefits you. This skill includes
verbal threats and displays of prowess.
Check: You can use Intimidate to force an opponent to act friendly toward you for 1d6 × 10 minutes with a successful
check. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier. If successful,
the target will give you information you desire, take actions that do not endanger it, or otherwise offer limited
assistance. After the Intimidate expires, the target treats you as unfriendly and may report you to local authorities.
If you fail this check by 5 or more, the target attempts to deceive you or otherwise hinder your activities.
Demoralize: You can use this skill to cause your opponents to become shaken for a number of rounds. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier. If you are successful, the target is shaken for one round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC. You can only threaten opponents in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you.
Action: Using Intimidate to change an opponent’s attitude requires 1 minute of conversation. Demoralizing an opponent is a standard action.
Try Again: You can attempt to Intimidate an opponent again, but each additional check increases the DC by +5.
This increase resets after one hour has passed.
Special: You also gain a +4 bonus on Intimidate checks if you are larger than your target, and a –4 penalty on Intimidate checks if you are smaller than your target.

That's a significant change. It has to have been done intentionally, I wonder if they posted the rationale for that... I don't seem to be able to find anything on it, I'll definitely comment on that in the playtest report though.

It feels wrong to me, personally, because it goes against the standard for character (PC and/or NPC) interaction of opposed checks and makes it a flat DC. I liked the aspect of both the aggressor and target having good, bad, or average "luck". Also, I can see some of my past DMs using it to justify being passive aggressive with players. I remember the time one of my old DMs declared, "Cedric screams in terror, 'It's a trap!'" I hate that kind of style of DM modding, more so when Cedric, my character, was a paladin and, under 3.5 rules, immune to fear and furthermore intimidation. In the end, defense against intimidation has been seriously nerfed and I don't think that's a good idea. Furthermore, it still works against PCs which...isn't good.

So yes, thanks for pointing that out, that's...major and I wouldn't have noticed it because it's not intuitive to me. An action against a character should have a save, the problem with diplomacy in 3.5 was that it had flat DCs.

Both Nadia and the Gnoll had much lower DCs to intimidate. The results for the Gnoll would be the same, its terrified, but Nadia should have been intimidated by Sabra. Sorry for that, I misunderstood what you were saying the first time around.

It's late here and I should sleep, so I'll reply in the morning.

[arguskos]

No, I was reading it very wrong. It is a flat DC.

This is the first change in Pathfinder that I've come across that I don't like.

Intimidate in Dungeons and Dragons 3.5

INTIMIDATE (CHA)
Check: You can change another’s behavior with a successful check. Your Intimidate check is opposed by the target’s modified level check (1d20 + character level/Hit Dice + target’s Wisdom bonus [if any] + target’s modifiers on saves against fear). If you beat your target’s check result, you may treat the target as friendly, but only for the purpose of actions taken while it remains intimidated. (That is, the target retains its normal attitude, but will chat, advise, offer limited help, or advocate on your behalf while intimidated. See the Diplomacy skill, above, for additional details.) The effect lasts as long as the target remains in your presence, and for 1d6×10 minutes afterward. After this time, the target’s default attitude toward you shifts to unfriendly (or, if normally unfriendly, to hostile).

If you fail the check by 5 or more, the target provides you with incorrect or useless information, or otherwise frustrates your efforts.

Demoralize Opponent: You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent’s resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target’s modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.

Action: Varies. Changing another’s behavior requires 1 minute of interaction. Intimidating an opponent in combat is a standard action.

Try Again: Optional, but not recommended because retries usually do not work. Even if the initial check succeeds, the other character can be intimidated only so far, and a retry doesn’t help. If the initial check fails, the other character has probably become more firmly resolved to resist the intimidator, and a retry is futile.

Special: You gain a +4 bonus on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are larger than your target. Conversely, you take a –4 penalty on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are smaller than your target.

A character immune to fear can’t be intimidated, nor can nonintelligent creatures.

If you have the Persuasive feat, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.

Synergy: If you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff, you get a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.

Intimidate in Pathfinder
Intimidate (Cha)
You can use this skill to frighten your opponents or to get them to act in a way that benefits you. This skill includes
verbal threats and displays of prowess.
Check: You can use Intimidate to force an opponent to act friendly toward you for 1d6 × 10 minutes with a successful
check. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier. If successful,
the target will give you information you desire, take actions that do not endanger it, or otherwise offer limited
assistance. After the Intimidate expires, the target treats you as unfriendly and may report you to local authorities.
If you fail this check by 5 or more, the target attempts to deceive you or otherwise hinder your activities.
Demoralize: You can use this skill to cause your opponents to become shaken for a number of rounds. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier. If you are successful, the target is shaken for one round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC. You can only threaten opponents in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you.
Action: Using Intimidate to change an opponent’s attitude requires 1 minute of conversation. Demoralizing an opponent is a standard action.
Try Again: You can attempt to Intimidate an opponent again, but each additional check increases the DC by +5.
This increase resets after one hour has passed.
Special: You also gain a +4 bonus on Intimidate checks if you are larger than your target, and a –4 penalty on Intimidate checks if you are smaller than your target.

That's a significant change. It has to have been done intentionally, I wonder if they posted the rationale for that... I don't seem to be able to find anything on it, I'll definitely comment on that in the playtest report though.

It feels wrong to me, personally, because it goes against the standard for character (PC and/or NPC) interaction of opposed checks and makes it a flat DC. I liked the aspect of both the aggressor and target having good, bad, or average "luck". Also, I can see some of my past DMs using it to justify being passive aggressive with players. I remember the time one of my old DMs declared, "Cedric screams in terror, 'It's a trap!'" I hate that kind of style of DM modding, more so when Cedric, my character, was a paladin and, under 3.5 rules, immune to fear and furthermore intimidation. In the end, defense against intimidation has been seriously nerfed and I don't think that's a good idea. Furthermore, it still works against PCs which...isn't good.

So yes, thanks for pointing that out, that's...major and I wouldn't have noticed it because it's not intuitive to me. An action against a character should have a save, the problem with diplomacy in 3.5 was that it had flat DCs.

Both Nadia and the Gnoll had much lower DCs to intimidate. The results for the Gnoll would be the same, its terrified, but Nadia should have been intimidated by Sabra. Sorry for that, I misunderstood what you were saying the first time around.

It's late here and I should sleep, so I'll reply in the morning.
Huh. That's pretty strange if you ask me. I agree that it should be an opposed roll, though I guess I can see why they took it out. There are a lot of folks who whine and moan about opposed rolling (see: 4e removing saves in favor of static defenses, because opposed rolling wasn't a good idea, or so WoTC thinks), so maybe Pathfinder is attempting to address that by removing opposed rolls where they think they don't work, like on skills such as Intimidate.

I guess the big question is, are we going to stick with Pathfinder RAW, or go with what you've been doing Kaihaku?

[Slamexo]

Brow

Seeing the others have not too much trying to communicate with the gnoll, Brow went over to it and proceeded to kick it square in the face. She didn't intend to kill it, nor did she intend to even knock it back out; she just wanted it to realise who was in charge here.

Attack roll, just in case [roll0]
Unarmed damage roll [roll1]
And also, just in case, intimidate check [roll2]

Without waiting to hear its response, being uninformed in the linguistics department, Brow went off to be by herself and to stretch after the quick fight.

[Threeshades]

"Stop it!", Jothan rushes over to the others and tries to push them away from the injured Gnoll. "The way you are treating this creature you are not a bit better than what you think it to be!", he kneels down next to the Gnoll and tries to calm it with careful gestures.
"There are more civil ways to find out what that damn vial of yours contains! Give it to me, I can find out. But first...", he turns to the Gnoll and speaks in Sylvan with a soothing voice, "Can you understand me, warrior of the gnolls?"

Diplomacy check: [roll0]

I sure hope it understands some other languages than Gnoll

[DeathQuaker]

Did the gnoll respond to me when I asked of it in Dwarven, Elven, and Orcish?

Also, did Jothan push Sabra away? She hasn't done anything violent to it yet. But if you push her, she's likely to push back. :smalltongue:


"Thank you Brow, but I think it had already received that message."

[Kaihaku]

((This turns out weird because I didn't reply sooner...apologizes.))

The Gnoll squirms again at the final of Sabra's words, staring at her desperately and declaring in very mangled elvish, "Job by Hiath! No kill me, please! Hiath gave job!"

Brow walks up and...

((Not by post order, but by an order which I think makes more sense.))

Brow joins in the questioning by kicking the prisoner, content that now it knows whose in charge, she then wanders off.

Blood trickling from it's nose, the Gnoll stares up in abject terror as Sabra approaches but then, at the final of her words, it exclaims in very mangled and barely understandable elvish, "Joab by Hiath! It swallows back some saliva and continuing desperately, "Joub by Hiath! No kille me, pleease! Hiath gave job!"

The gnoll flinches at the approach of Jothan, then glances around confused before replying to the elegant tongue in broken elvish, murmuring weakly its defense of, "Job by Hiath...

Nadia watches as the interrogation moves from intimidation to violence, her eyes hardening. When Hex approaches, she turns to him, a sickened expression on her face, but she only stares silently into his eyes in answer.

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra waves for Brow to stand away for now, and continues the questioning in low, even tones in Elvish. "Who is Hiath? What does he look like?"

[Kaihaku]

"Hiath giant!" The gnoll answers frantically in very bad elvish, a hope appearing in its eyes, "Giant nou mauntion!" It tosses its head as best it can in the direction the group was originally heading.

[arguskos]

Hex, having received no answer, and hearing the gnoll cry weakly in it's own defense, looks at Nadia. He sighs, and walks over to the gnoll.

"Tell me, gnoll, do you understand me? Just nod if you do."


I'm being very calm, and as friendly as I can muster to the damn thing.

[Kaihaku]

Though the sorcerer now speaks softly, the Gnoll cowers at the reappearance of the storm-human. It does not nod.

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra waves irritatedly for Hex to move back. "You're not helping," she hisses.

She turns back to the gnoll. "I keep him away from you," she says in Elvish. "Hiath--he is in the mountains that way?" She points in the suspected direction.

"Is he in castle? Cave?"

[arguskos]

"Hush you. We're not getting anywhere. He barely knows enough Elven to croak out 'job' correctly, much less actually answer questions." Turning back to the gnoll, Hex breaks out a cloth from his robes, and some rations. He sets them in the gnoll's lap. "As way of apology, alright?"

He looks over at Sabra. "If you think you can get more, please do. If not, then let's untie him, and let him go. He can't harm us now. Unlike someone, I never really planned to hurt him." The sorcerer glares in Brow's direction.

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra raises an eyebrow at Hex. "I have already gotten the name of his employer, his race, and possibly the direction where he is headquartered. Is that getting nowhere?"

[arguskos]

Annoyed, Hex takes Sabra aside. "Look, as much as I would dearly love to continue talking to the gnoll, I'm fairly certain his knowledge of Elvish of limited at best. Should we not take our information, and let him go?"

[DeathQuaker]

OOC
I'm going to hold off answering IC until Kaihaku posts to see if the gnoll answers any more of her questions.

Sabra's getting answers, so she's not going to allow herself to be pulled aside.

[arguskos]

OOC:
By "pulled aside", I sorta meant one of those Hollywood deals, where you are really right there, but the other person can't hear the conversation, due to the laws of drama. Also, the gnoll doesn't really speak Common. :smallwink:

Since I have this feeling that Hex's actions are getting confusing, I guess now's a good moment to mention what he's up to. Basically, he feels bad about this whole thing with the gnoll and Nadia, and is trying to say that we have our info, how about we let the gnoll go. He's not harmful anymore.

[Kaihaku]

The Gnoll flinches in response to Hex, despite his suddenly kind gestures, but eagerly, replies in broken elvish to Sabra, "Yes! Yeas! Hiath has great haouse there!"

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra nods. "Good. Good." She looks at Hex. "He is telling us where his employer lives; give me a few minutes." She turns back to the gnoll. "Tell us two things: how far, and how many guards does Hiath have?"

"Then we will wrap your wounds and let you go."

"I would not go back to Hiath were I you. He is doomed." Sabra glowers very meaningfully.

Realistically, she'd probably break this up into as few words as possible, and wait for an answer to each question, but so we can move on, we'll try to get as much as we can out of this.

To further speed things along, if he lets her she'll wrap up his wounds, practicing her rough first aid skills on the gnoll before she helps her party members. We'll go ahead and make the Heal check now: [roll0]

[Kaihaku]

Sabra nods. "Good. Good." She looks at Hex. "He is telling us where his employer lives; give me a few minutes." She turns back to the gnoll. "Tell us two things: how far, and how many guards does Hiath have?"

"Three nights wealk to hause." The Gnoll answers in broken elvish, "...many goablins, orks, gnolls... but hiath strongest, the big giant has dark meagic spear."


"Then we will wrap your wounds and let you go."

The Gnoll makes no reply, staring at her in disbelief.


"I would not go back to Hiath were I you. He is doomed." Sabra glowers very meaningfully.

The Gnoll nods fearfully, glancing around at the others as if not believing that it might survive this encounter.

[Slamexo]

Brow

Being no stranger to the elvish language, Brow overhears Sabra's offers to the gnolls with disbelief; she marches over to the bargaining whilst drawing a dart from her armour.

"Why're you risking him going back to warn his allies of the sacred one's presence when you could just as easily do away with him now? Despite what Nadia wants, protecting people isn't a happy world where enemies can just walk away after attacking others but then being subdued!"

She glares fiercely at the others who protect the enemy of her duties, hands at the ready in case anything she doesn't expect happens.


"Thank you Brow, but I..."
I'd just like to point out here that Brow's only introduced herself as Raven so far :smallbiggrin:

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra shrugs, answering in Common. "I sensed from those around me that they would prefer to release the captive. I would prefer to focus my energies fighting with the enemies than fighting with those I was assigned to work with. For that end, I remove myself from this debate, and you may work it out with Hex and Nadia yourself. I honestly care little whether he lives or dies myself, save that he did provide useful, so it seems pointless to kill him now."

"As for escaping to warn the Giant, I doubt he would. And in the worst case, let them know." Sabra narrows her eyes. "For he will also know the Sacred One is defended, and we are not easily defeated."

Sabra walks resolutely back to the camp and makes arrangements for the evening, making sure the area is secure and bedrolls are placed in an ideal fashion. She also makes sure Nadia's set up is in the safest position.



Brow
I'd just like to point out here that Brow's only introduced herself as Raven so far :smallbiggrin:

I've assumed for simplicity's sake that we are all at least given each other's names before we set off for the road. It doesn't make any sense that we wouldn't know who we were BEFORE we began traveling together, even if all it was was a brief introduction.

Especially since we are doing this in a text-based game where we are spared the convenience of working out small details in a quick conversation or using body language to indicate "hey you," I think it would be easiest if we just went with this assumption.

[Kaihaku]

Alright, I'm going to move on now. You can retro-take actions if you wish. Someone should probably decide what you do with the Gnoll but if not it'll just be a plothole.

After dealing with the Gnoll, the group rests in a secure camp before proceeding towards the distant mountains. Keeping in a tight formation around Nadia, they keep a wary watch for another ambush. After traveling for a day and a half, they come to the beginning of the rolling foothills before the great mountains.

Perception
Perception DC 4+:
Among the rolling hills of grassland you catch a glimpse of a large hunched figure some 400 feet ahead. It's back is to the group. Knowledge(Nature) DC 13+ to identify as an Ogre.
Perception DC 6+:
You further see that the large hunched figure is confronting three smaller figures.
Knowledge(Nature) DC 11+ to identify as an Orcs.
Sense Motive DC 20 to note that the Ogre and Orcs are arguing about something, but it seems a difference of opinion rather than a hostile argument. IE: They aren't hitting each other and probably aren't going to be hitting each other.
I don't like the flat DC of "Hunch", but maybe that's because I use Sense Motive more and in different ways than most DMs. By the rules this might be "wrong" usage, thoughts?
Perception DC 19+:
The Ogre and Orcs are wearing tattered hide armor.
Perception DC 21+:
The Ogre and Orcs are armed with battle axes and clubs.
Perception DC 35+
You hear a few faint angry words.
Perception DC 45+:
Your nostrils wrinkle as they note the foul stench of unwashed Ogre and Orc. Your sharp ears pick up their words. (If you actually roll this high, I'll fill you in.)

Terrain Checks
Survival or Knowledge(Geography) to use the terrain to your advantage. Higher checks will net a circumstance bonus on Stealth checks.

[Jokes]

Jonas

Taking the lead, Jonas spots the ogre and the orcs in the distance. He can't tell what they are doing, but he signals the group to stop, hoping that they aren't walking into another ambush.

[DeathQuaker]

Perception (incl racial bonus for sight/sound):

Survival: [roll1]

I don't think knowledge skills are untrained, but I speak Orcish so presumably have seen them before..... does that help?

Sense Motive: [roll]1d20

[DeathQuaker]

Sense Motive [roll0]


Sabra, standing beside Sabra and diagonally behind Jonah squints at the figures ahead. She whispers to Jonah, "What in heck are they doing?"

[arguskos]

Perception: [roll0]

Seeing Jonas stop, Hex stops as well. "What do you see Jonas?" He squints into the distance.

[Slamexo]

Brow

Gnoll-wise, Brow will have snuck up behind it after the others released it and deal with it quietly if the others didn't bother to agree with killing it. Since it's almost dead, I doubt it'd take more than one hit and such so I'm not rolling unless you ask for one :smallsmile:

Perception Check [roll0]

Seeing the figures up ahead, Brow clutches her drawn dart tight in her hands, crouching low to the ground whilst remaining silent to observe what could very easily be a threat.

[Threeshades]

Preception: [roll0]

[Threeshades]

Knowledge nature check, because i didnt know of that when making the perception post:
[roll0]

EDIT: dammit i didnt see the second check for identifiying the orcs either. DO i have to roll again? Ah ill just do it. Sorry for the triple post.

[Threeshades]

Second Nature check: [roll0]
Sense Motive: [roll1]

It's an Ogre, and the smaller creatures look like orcs to me. Can't say what they're doing.", Jothan also crouches down to stay out of sight. "What are we going to do?"

[DeathQuaker]

"Whatever the heck they're doing, they're occupied right now. Maybe we should find a way to skirt around them."

Sabra looks around to see if there's a way they can travel off road and sneak past the orcs and ogres.


Survival: 1d20+5

Can I say I love having this as a class skill?

[DeathQuaker]

Let's try that again. Screwed up the tags the first time and you can't add a die roll in an edit, apparently.

[roll0]

[Kaihaku]

Sabra notes a path that would allow the group to neatly circumvent the Ogre and Orcs. Taking them around a distant hill, it would provide a good amount of cover but would add an hour or two to their journey.

Jonas, on the other hand, spots an uneven break in the grass a short distance away which stretches on into the distance. His wilderness experience leads him to suspect that it is a small gully that the group could sneak along, coming close to the Orcs and Ogre, but remaining hidden without greatly increasing travel time.

Nadia nods, speaking softly, "Yes, we should try to avoid them."

[arguskos]

Assuming that they communicate this information to the rest of us, Hex considers for a moment. "Let's take the long way around. No need to push our luck. Though I bet we could take 'em, let's not bother if we can help it."

[Threeshades]

"I agree let us take the safer way. We don't need to provoke unnecessary fights."

[DeathQuaker]

Sabra prepares to lead the party around the hill unless anyone objects.

[Kaihaku]

I'll assume all of you take 10s on Stealth checks then.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

The group sneaks away from the arguing ogre and orcs, taking the longer but safer route to circumvent them.

After traveling on for several more hours, with dusk approaching, the sharp eyed among the group note a camp in the distance.

Perception

DC 12
In the light of the fading sun, you spot several tents nestled between two small hills about 600 feet to the north-west.
DC 18
There are a few campfires lit sending forth tendrils of smoke. The tents are made of animal hide and there are spears planted along the edges of the camp to allow for quick defense. The layout of the camp would make for easy defense and movement.
DC [roll3] (You see one), [roll4] (you see two)
There are two well-armed orcs standing in the shadows of the tents, looking bored and surly.

The camp can be easily circumvented.

[Threeshades]

Jothan

Perception check: [roll0]

Whoop! Natural 20 *Rick Astley dance*
"An orc camp. I can see two guards, no more. There probably are more in the tents, resting."

[DeathQuaker]

Perception (incl racial bonus for sight/sound): [roll0]

Kaihaku, how big is the camp? Are there any noticeable banners as if for war or to denote a particular tribe?


Sabra whispers quietly, "Indeed. But I am growing concerned. This is a well-established camp, set up for defense. What are they doing out here?

"And are these the minions of the giant who ordered the attack against the Sacred One?"

[Slamexo]

Brow

Perception check [roll0]

Seeing the camp up ahead, Brow listens in what the others see before giving her own input.

"If this is a camp tasked with killing the Sacred One, then it'd be better if we took out the people in charge now so that they won't be organised enough to come back to haunt us in the future. I think it'd be a good idea if I snuck in there and dealt with him quietly and effectively on my own."

Her suggestion is accompanied by a serious scowl, as if suggesting it was something only she could do well.

[Kaihaku]

There are no clear symbols or banners on display, the camp is strangely nondescript for orcs. Four of the tents are noticeable larger than the others. There are fourteen tents and they are positioned strategically with a care that is, again, uncommon for Orcs.

[Jokes]

Jonas

I thought we were attacked by dogs. What do orcs have to do with it?


[roll0]

[Threeshades]

Jothan turns to Brow: "Don't be too hasty. I think there are more than a few orcs. From what I can sense, there are ogres too. About four of them.", he stares at the camp ahead. "Even if you manage to eliminate a few of them in silence. How long will you remain unnoticed?"

[Slamexo]

Brow

Brow scowls at Jonas with a slight hint of irritation.

"I've broken into places like this all the time; these creatures wouldn't know what was happening until anyone in charge lay dead."

[Threeshades]

Brow

Brow scowls at Jonas with a slight hint of irritation.

"I've broken into places like this all the time; these creatures wouldn't know what was happening until anyone in charge lay dead."

Ooops! Sorry the name should be Jothan, not Jonas

"They might not be the most intelligent creatures, but they sure are capable of keeping an eye out."

[arguskos]

"I don't think that violence is the best answer here. Let's keep moving. The best way to avoid foes is to not go looking for trouble when we have an out."