IC I

[thirdkingdom]

The day passes slowly. The day is spent enjoying a faint warm breeze, watching the occasional chipmunk or rabbit scurry for cover either from the careless tread of an adventurer or the shadow of an overhead hawk and scanning the horizon for signs of the quarry, who stubbornly refuses to arrive. Drudsa begins to feel as if he understands the underpinnings of the new spell he is studying, but at the last moment true knowledge passes like water through a sieve. No doubt his brain is weary after a full day's study and practice, and will be better off with a fresh start in the morning.

It sounds like there is not much support for the pit idea. Since you guys have stated you will have a lookout on the top of the hill, I'm going to go ahead and roll to see if they show up. Then, once they are spotted, you can plan a strategy. Chance of emissaries showing up (45%), followed by time of day: (1d100=49, 1d12=6). Barely not here today. Random encounters (1-2 on 1d6): (1d6=3). Nope.
Drudsa spell study: (1d100=28). This after 8 hours. Another 2 hours allowed brings the chance up to 30%.Drudsa spell study again: (1d100=100). Nope. To clarify, a maximum of 8 hours per day may be spent studying spells. Anything past that is asking for a migraine.

[sulldawga]

Marodin, the Cleric, is up for any "watch" duties. Quiet contemplation of the mysteries of the Immortals while watching the road for Elwyn's crew is ok by him.

Not interested in digging any trenches.
I still think the oil and fire arrow idea will work.
Strongly suggest we have no fires and cold rations.

Marodin prayed for the following spells:
1st - Cure Light Wounds
Orisons - Aspiration, Benediction

[Bouv]

Tratiln. after a day of making spikes, will now try to find a good log to mount them in. Tratiln will take enough rope to wrap around the log and then carefully stick the spikes he make through it and wrap the rope around the log.

"Ok, I hopefully got something here to help us but I need to figure out a way to mount it up in a tree and a way to rig it so it will swing down on the trail, behind the them when they arrive."

[rremedio]

Meagnor approaches Tratiln and asks if he needs help with the trap.

I like the idea of fire and oil. But I guess we need some rounds of preparation to set the fire, would it spoil our presence if we notice them approaching and start the fire 2 or 3 rounds before they are within range?

[thirdkingdom]

Tratiln. after a day of making spikes, will now try to find a good log to mount them in. Tratiln will take enough rope to wrap around the log and then carefully stick the spikes he make through it and wrap the rope around the log. "

The few trees that are around are small and stunted, the grove of cottonwoods being, as far as can be seen, the exception rather than the rule. There is certainly enough wood for a fire, and for Tratiln's sharpened stakes, but not much more than that.

I'm going to try and do this more often, at least in terms of landscape and possibly for other stuff as well, but here is an image that captures, fairly closely, what the environs are like. You guys need to be thinking "Riders of the Purple Sage" or "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid":

Please refer to the above post. Also, here is an image of what the cottonwood grove below the caves, a mile or two distant from where you are, looks like.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny enjoys the relaxed pace of the day and spending some quiet time with Nature. While not on guard duty, he tends to the horses, and also takes a little time to get to know some of the other party members, starting with the newcomer Meagnor.

"We elves are a gifted lot... with magical powers endowed within us by Nature. In my contemplations, I've learned to conjure arrows of magical force to supplement the arrows of my bow. As a ranger, I find these shimmering arrows to be highly effective against soliatary enemies that I pursue through the forests, for they never miss their mark. They are also highly effective against spellcasters, for the same reason. Tell me Meagnor, what magical gifts could you bring to bear against our enemies?"

Targeting spellcasters with his Magic Missile is still Lanny's #1 priority in battle.

[rremedio]

Meagnor feels useless for most of the day regretting he didn't spend his time studying like his fellow Drudsa. The tension calms down when Lanny comes to talk to him.

"I never used my magic in combat before, but I'm able to delude a person to think I'm his friend so he won't attack me, sometimes I can influence him and he may even give me information if I'm lucky and smart. But some people have such a strong will that I won't be able to deceive them". Meagnor then smiles maliciously: "I know what you're thinking, but I won't use it upon Thordin. Or maybe I should..."

"I've seen magic similar to yours in action and I was quite impressed. An arrow that never miss its target. It's relieving to have such power working on our side. I hope that you agree in helping me to learn the same arcane secret in the future, for all things magical and natural are of great interest to me".

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

"An impressive power of persuasion you possess... it would no doubt prove useful if we can capture one of the emissaries. And certainly, Meagnor, my spellbook is yours whenever you wish to study it. I've never been much for study and books myself, but at some point, when things settle down, perhaps I will see what my fellow spellcasters have to offer..."

[riftstone]

I'm able to delude a person to think I'm his friend so he won't attack me

Meagnor then smiles maliciously: "I know what you're thinking, but I won't use it upon Thordin. Or maybe I should..."

(OOC: Thordin doesn't like his friends... )

[thirdkingdom]

Since there could be a lot of waiting, fill in with dialogue as needed.

Night falls with no sign of Elwyn's men. It is a dark night, with no fire and clouds blocking the light from the stars and moon. Halfway through the second watch, a figure appears, walking down the path from the west. Lanny and the figure seem to notice one another at the same time. Quick as a flash, the figure has an arrow nocked and Lanny hears a strange voice call out in elvish, "Ho there! Identify yourself as friend or foe!

Random encounters, night (1 on 1d6): (1d6=1)Finally! Which shift?: (1d4=2). Lanny and Saul on watch.
Encounter type: (1d8=5, 1d100=41) 5=humanoid. 41=Elf
# appearing, encounter distance (x10 in yards), reaction: (1d4=1, 1d4=2, 2d6=6) 20 yards away. Surprise (1-2 on 1d6), Lanny first, then elf: (1d6=6, 1d6=5)

[rremedio]

(OOC: Thordin doesn't like his friends... )

In fact, the intention was to convince him what a bless is being surrounded by elves

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny is taken aback by the sudden appearance of the figure, and quickly takes cover as he sees the figure draw an arrow.

"Saul, be ready to alert the others..." he whispers quickly and quietly. Then, speaking to the stranger in elvish:

"I am a Friend! And a fellow Elf... on patrol in these parts, just as you are. What brings you here, Friend? No need for hostilities..."

Lanny keeps his longbow at the ready, just in case...

Lanny has a +1 Charisma, I hope that helps!

[thirdkingdom]

The figure relaxes a bit, but does not lower his bow. Although his elven heatsense does not provide much detail, the figure does indeed resemble that of an elf, and his accent is one that Lanny has heard before, that of the northern elves. "What is your tribe, my friend, and what is your purpose out here in these lonely hills?

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

"I am Callarii, as you can likely tell from my accent. My band of elves is currently scattered about on patrol in these hills, investigating claims that goblins have been attacking caravans in these parts, including caravans containing elves. Have you encountered any goblins in your travels?"

[thirdkingdom]

"Goblins? No, I have seen no goblins. I have been travelling for day and night for four days now, searching for help for my village. Is Threshold far? I have heard there are brave adventurers to be found there, willing to help the helpless."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

"I believe Threshold is not far from here... perhaps half a day's journey or so to the east. If you are going that way, you might let any caravans heading this way know that there have been goblin sightings in this area, and that they will be travelling at their own risk if they continue west down this road... I wish you safe travels, my friend. By the way, where is your village, and what sort of help do you seek?"

[thirdkingdom]

"I come from a small village a week to the north of here. A few weeks ago a tribe of ogres moved into a cave system nearby, and they are now terrorizing us, shutting down the only road and cutting us of from the rest of the world. I was one of three who set out for help."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

"I see... Then I would suggest you continue on to Threshold. Just stay on the path you are currently travelling. It is said there are always adventurers for hire in Threshold. There may also be a temple or church where you could appeal for help. My band of elves is still in search of the goblin lair, so sadly we can offer you no direct assistance at this time..."

Man, you weren't kidding when you said you give out lots and lots of plot hooks! LOL

[thirdkingdom]

"Very well, I thank you. My name is Quinthos. Perhaps we shall meet again. Happy hunting." The elf lowers his bow and heads off down the trail, eastward towards the Threshold.

The rest of the night is uneventful.

Thaumont 9, AC 1000

At some point during the night the cloud cover breaks and the new day arrives clear with the smell of spring in the air. Lanny and Saul are on watch from atop the southern hill when, off in the distance, they see a small caravan of perhaps a six or seven men approaching up the trail, leading a small cart pulled by two mules.

The group has about fifteen minutes after being alerted to set something up, after which point the approaching caravan will move into view of the hut. Due to the boulders and bushes in the area, it is possible to approach within sixty feet of the trail and remain hidden, at least for some time.Elywn's men (55%): (1d100=16, 1d12=5). I think what I will do is assume the active watch schedule during the day is the same as the night watch schedul. Rolling for the random hour, I get the fifth hour, or second watch, which again translates to Lanny and Saul. Busy guys. Again, for the sake of moving on, let us assume that they quickly inform the rest of the party what is happening.

[rremedio]

Meagnor first reaction is to leave his heavy rations in the hut and find a good spot closer to the trail, hidden by some bush. His bow and arrow ready to shot, the tinder box and oil at his side.