Third Trip's The Charm

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

Bugs
"So what's the plan here, boss?" He looks around the group, trying to assess who he should direct the question to.

As Crobeus stands near the gate, waiting for dawn to break, he realizes that everyone has chosen to accompany him back to the caves in hopes of rescuing their missing companions- even a pair of newcomers who haven't even met the missing. When Bugs asks his question, he notices the others seem to be looking at him.

Clearing his throat, he addresses the gathered. "I, uh...I did not set out to be a leader. I only want to do what is right by our captured companions- two of whom were part of the group who rescued me. I can't stand by, knowing I did not do everything I could to get them out. Thank you all for volunteering to go with me.

I admit, I don't have much of a plan. I'm not a planner, and I don't always make good decisions. Part of that, like my encounter with the bullette, is because I won't let any of you face danger alone. I'll be there shoulder to shoulder with you all, doing everything I possibly can to make sure each one of you come back here. And, Pholtus willing, Crabgrass, Haldric, and Rida will be here with you.

One thing I will do is welcome suggestions or ideas from anyone that has something to say. That goes for all of you. Just because you haven't traveled with us yet, Ithrandir and Daliedhur, don't be afraid to speak up. I will listen. And now," looking at the sky and seeing tendrils of light creeping into the sky, "it is time for this journey to begin."

Crobeus walks out of the keep on the way to the caves.

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf fighter

Loyn wakes thinking about his Father and the warning he had given about the upper caves being deadlier than the lower ones. He pulls himself together and readies himself for the rescue mission. Nodding good morning to all, he retrieves his battle axe and follows behind Crobeus.

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


Meinhardt clears his throat to gather attention. "We must assume Catbird linked up with the remaining bandits at the river bypass and they crept back to their cave under cover of night. The halfling gang may have also returned, so we could potentially be facing a dozen or more bandits and halflings. These halflings are expert trap makers and quite adept at their concealment."

"As they would certainly be on high alert, I suggest we climb the ravine from the north, through the trees, and descend directly to the charnel orc cave."

"Bugs asked a very pertinent question, as well. I believe Sabine's log book should provide the answer."

[Jernau35]

Gyb

Gyb rises and eats a good breakfast. He spends a few minutes outside stretching and shadow-boxing to strech his muscles and warm up. When Stobart mentions healing, Gyb reaches into his tunic and produces a wooden disc with a curved line and a cresent upon it.

"Father, Gyb too serves Flarlanghn. Gyb will take aid." He reaches into his pouch and hands over three gold coins. "A tithe for the Dweller"

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

Loyn-Dwarf fighter
Nodding good morning to all, he retrieves his battle axe and follows behind Crobeus.

Seeing many of his companions pick up weapons at the front gate, the paladin is a bit bewildered. "Loyn, I understand that a battle axe is sharp and difficult to carry around in town or a keep, but why do so many of you keep smaller, more manageable weapons here? Why not bring them with you?"

[gurusql]

Renna

"I agree with Meinhardt, we cannot use the road for most of the journey."

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

The Elf nods in acknowledging the words of his traveling companions - he is the new arrival, so does not yet have much of value to add to the discussion. Hopefully he will soon become more familiar with the territory and the different forces at play. For now, he held his bow at the ready, and kept vigilant.

"I do second that plan Meinhardt" - he spoke up - "If they are on alert, we need to try a non-frontal approach. How many are their forces in total, do we know? Picking them off in small groups could work, if they have set out perimeter patrols?"

[ateno]

"Yes we should, I have been up and down and approached at another angle, I can lead you up and around, we just need to watch out for frogs on the trail.

Everyone alright with that?"

Keya Redd

[shaidar]

Stobart

Stobart takes the coins from Gyb and pockets them "Thank you Gyb, I will make sure they reach the church at the first opportunity. I wonder if they would allow a shrine near the keep."

Stobart looks at Renna "If I heal Gyb and Magdal, are you happy healing Crobeus?"

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

He looks around pleased that someone is the boss, smiling at Crobeus. "Ok. Plan it is. The Gnolls are arriving tomorrow?"

[OGRE MAGE]

One Short Of A Baker's Dozen
Day before Gnoll day
Early Morning, Cool Clear

Plans are discussed as the first rays of light crest the horizon, signaling to your Paladin leader it is time to get this mission moving. The nearby birds chirp and sing, welcoming the morning as your journey back to the Caves of Chaos begins. Shooing several cats away from the open castle gates, the group pushes off on their few hour hike to the North.

A discussion about healing is broached but not acted upon. The Haflings and other denizens of the caves are discussed as well, the present thought being that they probably reunited during the night.

Weapons are recovered and exchanged, Crobeus still seeming quite confused as to why anyone would agree to walk around without protection.

Walking the short distance of the Keep's approach, the group quickly finds themselves on the main road where Renna suggests they not take the main road.

When Bugs mentions the Gnolls they made a pact with, Keya looks in the direction of the makeshift camp they were held in down near the river. Squinting his eyes, he spots one of the gnolls at the edge of the trees watching them as they travel.

Magdal thinks of her mother, missing home life a little more each day. She silently hopes this is the trip they all strike it rich, as her purse gets lighter with each new day. A huge bumble bee flitters around her head as she walks, but doesn't act overly aggressive towards the Ranger.

In a few hours, the group will arrive at the Caves to put their plan into action. How they decide to travel the distance will be entirely up to them.

Actions?

Keya Redd H-E (C1/R1) AC:5 10/12
Stobart (C2) AC:5 17/20 CLW/CLW
Gyb the Meager (M2) AC:10 8/11
Pimlan (F1/T1) H-L AC:6 6/9
Renna (MU1/C1) Elf AC:4 7/9 CLW
Magdal (R1) AC:7 11/16
Crobeus (P1) AC:3 6/10
Bugs Donato G (T3) AC:3 24/24
Loyn Shortbeard D (F2) AC:5 22/23
Meinhardt (MU1) AC:10 5/5
Ithrandir (F1/MU1) AC:5 7/7
Daliedhur (F1/MU1) AC:3 9/9 (Cinder AC:6 4/4)

[ateno]

Keya waves at the Gnolls.

"Lets get north of the Goblin water early, and head up the canyon about a mile east of the cave B and look around. Bugs, you go up first and look around."

Keya Redd

[Darithe]

Magdal

Magdal walks along thinking of her home and in particular of her father as the bumblebee flits around her. The sight of it reminds her of the key she wears round her neck that her father gifted her. Surely this humble bumblebee can't be who her father mentioned. She grins at the bee and pulls the key out from beneath her armor. *Are you my bee key little one?* she thinks as she lets the key hang loosely on her chest.

She felt better about their current leader than the pompous mage, may he rest in piece, and he seemed kind and generous. Reminded her of her father somewhat.

[GreyWolfVT]

Pimlan just shrugs and goes along with whatever the group decides.

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir goes along with the group, wondering what they will encounter on his first foray.

[shaidar]

Stobart

Stobart casts healing on Gyb

CLW: [1d8]=1

And then Magda:

CLW: [1d8]=4

"I Have two spells left, I think they are best saved for later."

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

Keya waves at the Gnolls.

"Lets get north of the Goblin water early, and head up the canyon about a mile east of the cave B and look around. Bugs, you go up first and look around."

"That sounds like a solid plan. But, since we are here, should we see if the gnolls are ready to go today? We could use overwhelming force if we combine the two groups.

[ateno]

Crobeus - Human Paladin
"That sounds like a solid plan. But, since we are here, should we see if the gnolls are ready to go today? We could use overwhelming force if we combine the two groups.

"They are watching us, you want to go and talk to them?" I saw them a bit back."

Keya

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

"Since there was a deal to team with them, it might be a good idea to talk with them, see if they wish to join us now. I think the time we would take is worth the possible assistance we might get."

[gurusql]

Renna

"This is a crazy mixed up world, teaming up with the gnolls vs. the halflings. Anyway, if it is of any assistance, I speak a pretty fair Gnollish."