Quest #15 "Taking Down Captain Bing"

[Urson]

Luther

Forget the vegepygmies. They're too much of a wildcard- even if I could figure out the easiest route to them. Let's think about other ways to draw these bastards together for Chauncey and his wand.

Luther stows most of his gear to lessen the weight and climbs a likely-looking tree, wanting an elevated view of the farms.

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger agrees.

The veggie-folk are rooted to their ground... If you pardon the pun. They won't move here, and I doubt we could get enough of these slavers to follow us the distance to said territory to make any substantial difference, at least not without loss. Keep in mind, they know this island and its dangers better than us. If we could aggravate them sufficiently to pursue us, they may think the same as we do: Just allow the veggies to deal with us. I'm not trying to be obdurate, just pointing out what obstacles may be.

[OGRE MAGE]

Emancipation Time
Starday, The 6th of Goodmonth
Late Morning, Hot, Sunny, Buggy

Luther tries to determine the approximate location of the gourdlings he and the others ran into north of the loggers trail when they first arrived here. He knows that area was to the west of here, but it is likely many miles away. He scopes out a nearby tree and begins to climb. In his tiered state, he accidentally breaks a branch off with a loud snap once he gets about half way up. His friends all gasp and step back into the bush a few feet. Nobody around the camp seems to hear it, but 2 of the ogres suddenly turn in the rangers direction. They sniff the air repeatedly and grunt loudly before eventually going back to abusing the native slaves.

Lightfinger badly wants to see what is inside the dark cave in the black cliff wall, certain that it will contain clues or information they need. He tosses out a few ideas while he and Chauncey try to pick out the perfect target for the wizards charming spell. The thief points out that the area around the falls and at the end of the trail is best avoided if possible. Monocar has all he can do to refrain from immediately rushing in to attack the ogres mishandling the native men. Also outraged by the dead body hanging on the post, he begs Chauncey to make him a monster again. The mage reluctantly reveals that his last spell was only a one time deal and that he can no longer use it quite so effectively. If the fighter is willing to disrobe, however.....

As the group looks out over the massive clearing, trying to get a feel for how things work here, they spot a second figure moving from the camp, out into the fields, and beyond. This figure is thin and lithe, with long dark hair, definitely not one of the thug-like guards. Passing the ogres and the slaves, the figure eventually disappears into the jungle at the northwestern edge of the clearing. Chauncey thinks about using his charm spell, but doesn't want to resort to shouting out loudly from their hidden position yet if he can help it.

After watching for a bit longer, the group catches a glimpse of 2 men walking around the buildings and speaking alone. From the descriptions Wes gave them, this must be the evil wizard and possibly the captain himself. One is dressed in filthy dark robes and the other walks and talks like a man of some importance. None of the other smugglers approach this pair while they have their discussion, that eventually ends with both men entering one of the larger shacks behind the barracks building.

Another hour or two passes, but none of the sailors, ogres, slaves, or leaders come anywhere near the hidden party's position. The clerics continue to swat away at the hundreds of insects trying to eat them as they struggle to stay awake out here with the boredom of surveillance. Eventually the lookouts see a young man wandering aimlessly around the camp. This man is not doing any work, or helping out in any way whatsoever. In fact, he is the only person in camp that you can see who isn't involved with the workings in some way. He appears human and is dressed in filthy light blue robes. He walks slowly around the camp as if he is doing the same thing you are. Watching and learning. unfortunately, he doesn't come any closer to your group either.

Actions?

Luther R3 26/26
Lightfinger T4 19/19
Talaris C1 9/9 3/3 first
Monocar F3 30/31
Chauncey MU3 16/16 CL, DM, RM 2/2 first 1/1 second
Lerrick C1 8/8 3/3 first
Alordan R3 18/18

[Urson]

Luther

After an hour or so, Luther eases his way back down the tree. I could put a fire arrow into one of those long sheds. That would definitely gather the slavers.

[Bluehorse]

Monocar

Has been standing stock still staring after the thin woman that so casually strode across the fields. His eyes grow more and more grim... or perhaps reflecting some internal pain. Tall and thin... she could have been an elf... only elf with dark hair I have ever seen was Bonnie... Well, Krystal had green hair, so I suppose that was kind of dark... but... Luthar...? You're the smart one in the group, right?
You... you don't think our friends are working for the pirates do you? You think they would do such a thing? Maybe I should go follow her and see... He starts walking, intending to circle around to the part of the trees where he saw her enter and see if he can track her down.

[ChubbyPixie]

"We must be assured no slaves are housed inside before taking such action," says Chauncey. "Indeed, where do the slaves sleep at night? That I would like to know. I believe we've just seen where Captain Bing headquarters - unfortunately, I sense it is just out of range of the 'boom' stick." He pats his robes as he says this. "If we could wait 'til night to do our business, we could web the ogres into their sleeping quarters and explode them. Curse the damn bugs! We could cause a conflagration that would draw the rest of the..." Chauncey's stops short as his eyes go wide... "The product! The value of the crops they grow are the cause of all this evil. We have but to set one of the drying barns alight to ensure they all come running. Still, what if they press the slaves into fire fighting along side themselves? We must free the slaves first. Discuss."

Would the height of the crops allow us to approach the ogres' hut unseen, or are they farther west than the hut?

[OGRE MAGE]

Monocar
Maybe I should go follow her and see... He starts walking, intending to circle around to the part of the trees where he saw her enter and see if he can track her down.

This clearing is several miles wide and long. Walking around it through the jungle at 1/4 speed would take.........a very long time.

[OGRE MAGE]

Would the height of the crops allow us to approach the ogres' hut unseen, or are they farther west than the hut?

No, the area near the shack is mostly just natural grass and short vegetation. That is why you can see it from your position. There are several tall patches of corn and other plants growing out in the fields. And lots of, lots of, lots of herb.

[Urson]

Luther

I was thinking a lot the same, Chauncey. I suppose it depends on how broken-down the slaves are. That would affect how willing the smugglers are to put them on fire brigade duty. At worst, it would provide a big diversion that would divide their forces. And with the numbers we have, any divisionof forces would help A LOT.

I don't know, Monocar. I only met her briefly. But she might be working with them until she finds a way to escape.

[Bluehorse]

Monocar

Looks confused... conflicted... and huffs in frustration and stops himself from leaving, staying put.

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger ponders.

More information is the key, He reminds, We have only begun to plan with but partial knowledge. We don't yet know the numbers of our enemy, and who knows what could gushing down on us from that cave. It is prudent to wait until nightfall, then run a series of recon. Webbing the Ogres is an excellent idea, to prevent their interference, and setting the barn on fire? I think we've found our distraction!

He pauses a moment, visually dissecting the lad in blue. That one seems ever-so out of place here. I wonder what his purpose is?

[ravenn4544]

Alordan listens and likes the prudence of not rushing in just yet without more information. "Did someone mention the ability to charm or enthrall the leader for more information? We don't have to go for the leader right away maybe. A lone solider? someone of lesser stature we can get alone?'

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger nods.

What he said, The Thief points to Alordan, He doesn't need to be a top dog, just someone smarter than a post. Meanwhile, we can get a good count of them today, and identify those of some obvious rank. The dark-haired forest walker, for instance, and Little Boy Blue there. Later, we see where they are fed, and where they take the slaves at night. Note sleeping arrangements and guard assignments. I wish we had a week, learn their routines...

The Halflings fine features sadden with thought. I already doubt we can kill every one of them. They will know who did this. And they will go to Beachtown, and probably arrive before we do.

[ChubbyPixie]

He doesn't need to be a top dog, just someone smarter than a post.

”Indeed. I will not be trying to charm the captain, but only to kill him. At any rate, the smarter the target, the more chance they have to resist the charm. We need to locate someone in middle management,” says Chauncey.

[OGRE MAGE]

Emancipation Time
Still Watching
Starday, The 6th of Goodmonth
Noonish, Hot, Sunny, Buggy

The group watches the camp closely from their hidden position. Unfortunately, they don't see much of a difference in the action for the next couple of hours. Around mid day, the majority of the men working near the river gather together in the barracks, presumably to eat their mid day meal.

The 2 men who disappeared into one of the shacks behind the barracks do not join the other men, nor does the wandering lad in the dirty blue robes. There is a bit of revelry and shouting from the barracks, but nothing that gets out of hand. The loner sits near the waterfall, eating something by himself while the others finish their meal. Chauncey holds his "fire" again for the time being, still trying to learn the everyday routines in the camp.

Arte keeps a vigilant eye on the cave that he is certain holds something important. He sees no changes happening there and none of the men go anywhere near its dark mouth. He does spot a patrol of men that enter the camp via the river trail, though. They pass right by the stout body on the pole as if it weren't even there, eventually entering the barracks with the others. Chauncey is a bit tempted to let one fly at the building, but continues to show a great deal of control with his powerful new tool.

The yellow ogres appear to have a bit of power over the massive amount of food being grown. They don't seem to have any problem walking over to an area where the crops are ready to harvest, plucking something out of the ground, and eating it right in front of the slaves. The poor natives are definitely not allowed the same convenience. In fact, you don't see them given food or water the whole time you are watching. Lerrick and Talaris are like ghosts in the tree line. They seem to be so upset about what is happening here that neither of them says a word for some time.

Eventually the meal comes to an end and the workers all get back to their separate duties. Again, not one member of the smugglers crew comes anywhere near the groups current position. The figure who walked alone through the fields to the edge of the jungle before disappearing into it, does not return.

Actions?

Can I get a Hard Wis check from each of you in your next posts, please?

Luther R3 26/26
Lightfinger T4 19/19
Talaris C1 9/9 3/3 first
Monocar F3 30/31
Chauncey MU3 16/16 CL, DM, RM 2/2 first 1/1 second
Lerrick C1 8/8 3/3 first
Alordan R3 18/18

[Bluehorse]

Monocar

”Indeed. I will not be trying to charm the captain, but only to kill him. At any rate, the smarter the target, the more chance they have to resist the charm. We need to locate someone in middle management,” says Chauncey.

Monocar perks up a little. Like me? From the look on his face he seems to actually think he is somehow moving up in rank as this trip goes along.

Arte keeps a vigilant eye on the cave that he is certain holds something important. He sees no changes happening there and none of the men go anywhere near its dark mouth. He does spot a patrol of men that enter the camp via the river trail, though. They pass right by the stout body on the pole as if it weren't even there, eventually entering the barracks with the others. Chauncey is a bit tempted to let one fly at the building, but continues to show a great deal of control with his powerful new tool.

Later Monocar moves over to the hobbit and squats down. I was thinking... That waterfall is really loud, right? I bet it would hide a lot of sound for anyone sneaking around. How long do you think it would take say, you and me to go around and have a look?
Even if someone spots us, you could get away to either back here or the cave for a look, and I can get some inside information like one of those Bubble Agents in the bard tales. Then I can talk to the slaves or prisoners or whatever, and get word to you somehow.
Or, maybe, just maybe, everything goes incredibly well and we make it back here with no problems whatsoever and all the info we wanted. What do you say?

Can I get a Hard Wis check from each of you in your next posts, please?

Wiz Check complete. Monocar goes a few yards back and takes a Wiz.

Hard WIS Check (9) [4d6] = 16

[tkrexx]

Lightfinger continues staring, counting.

They won't capture me, big Lad, The Hobbit speaks softly, his deft fingers still tallying enemies, They won't even see me. Or hear me. Notice will you, Little Boy Blue is the only among them to approach the waterfall, and the patrol waltzed right up the trail. Yet no one gets near the cave. It appears my original assessment may have been premature. He ceases counting momentarily and glances at the vast young Warrior. But you, you would be just as difficult to miss as I will to be seen. If you're asking if you could use the waterfall to disguise any sound you, and perhaps the other more heavily armored among us, yes, yes it certainly would. And if you're asking if, by some chance, you were captured, would I come to free you, yes, as certainly as the waterfall. If you're asking if you could be a primary diversion, followed by an unfortunate barn fire, I'd say a plan is beginning to form. Once we locate slave quarters, that is, so we may also free them. I think we'd need a third, however... Perhaps an armored spellcaster? The Rangers will be nearly as adept as I with infiltration, better even at avoiding being caught unaware. Perhaps one could accompany our grand Wizard, and keep him from harm while he works his mischief. We should run this past the Bear-Man!

Hard WIS check: [4d6] = 10

[ravenn4544]

Alordan considers "Do we really wanna do any sneaking around by the waterfall when there is so many there? Shouldn't we remove the obstacles we see first? What does that stick of yours do anyway - could it take down one of those buildings quickly with everyone in it?"

Alordan seems to struggle with the ethical dilemma of that one, though, even though it would be extremely risky to take these groups head on...

Wis (13) [4d6] = 14

[ChubbyPixie]

Alordan considers "Do we really wanna do any sneaking around by the waterfall when there is so many there? Shouldn't we remove the obstacles we see first? What does that stick of yours do anyway - could it take down one of those buildings quickly with everyone in it?"

Alordan seems to struggle with the ethical dilemma of that one, though, even though it would be extremely risky to take these groups head on...

Wis (13) [4d6] = 14

"Oh, yes, Monocar. Very much like you." says Chauncey in response to the big guy's question about his rank. He nods, thinking, as Monocar and Lightfinger discuss the beginnings of a plan to locate the slave quarters. He especially likes the part where he, personally, is not required to be captured.

"My stick, Alordan, would most certainly set the shack ablaze, but do no direct harm to the men. And unless the doors and windows were secured first, many of them would be able to escape, I should imagine. It is best used when fired into the midst of a grouped enemy. That way the blast itself would deal direct damage, as well as ignite any combustibles," he replies to the ranger. "If only I'd had time to learn the Invisibility incantation from Avaala before he left, I could simply waltz up to the barracks and blast a volley though the window. As it is, we'll have to find a way to approach undetected... perhaps at the next mealtime this evening?"

[Urson]

Luther

Luther studies the goings-on in the fields, seething internally when the ogres abuse the slaves.

ability check H [4d6] = 14
wis 14