OOC

[Edeldhur]

So if I understand correctly, the first thing we want to do is reclaim the gnoll caves. Correct?

No.

No? I felt like this was the condition for them to assist us after?

Hope that is ok OGRE MAGE?

Table talk is always encouraged.

Yes, the Gnolls are suggesting that your two factions team up to tackle the infestation of undead that chased them from their caves.

Whether or not you go along with their suggestions is entirely up to you.

Good to hear table talk is welcome! I have seen some PbP DMs who are more adamant in having everything discussed in character, but I like the feel of being around the table myself.

Ok, so I get the gist of it then - I am not clueless even amidst the season's madness, er... Joy!
So I have another question - does the group know why there is an undead infestation in the knolls cave? Are they being 'controlled' by someone also in there, like cultists for example?

@Rex: You don't think we should accept their suggestion?

[Rex]

I am going to assume that since my character (Rida) is not currently with you I am excluded from table top (sorry OM for me being a smart ass earlier). I will be quite now.

[Karaunios]

So if I understand correctly, the first thing we want to do is reclaim the gnoll caves. Correct?

No.

This is even more stoic than your usual responses.

Sorry, Edelhur. I'm as new to this campaign as you are, so I can't provide any additional information.

[Quonundrum]

The undead are almost certainly under the control of the priests that captured Rida and Haldric. The latter were stashed in the old orc cave. The orcs were apparently slain fairly recently and left to rot. It is quite possible they were put there as bait for an ambush otherwise, why not take them along with Crabgrass to their base cave?

Bugs, Gyb, Keya, and Loyn have already agreed to help the gnolls reclaim their home. We can try meeting the gnolls in the middle. If they show us the hidden path up the ravine, the rest of us will also agree to help the gnolls after we rescue Rida and Haldric. The main trail into the ravine will definitely be under surveillance, so this may be our best chance to approach undetected.

[Edeldhur]

The undead are almost certainly under the control of the priests that captured Rida and Haldric. The latter were stashed in the old orc cave. The orcs were apparently slain fairly recently and left to rot. It is quite possible they were put there as bait for an ambush otherwise, why not take them along with Crabgrass to their base cave?

Got it. My question was more toward if we believe there are also priests inside the gnoll caves, and not only undead?

[Quonundrum]

Uncertain, but they probably just evicted the gnolls and left the dead to rot like in the orc cave.

[Edeldhur]

Understood. Ok then, for what it is worth I am also in agreement with the plan.
Go 'around the back', help out the gnolls, MAYBE in the process get some disguises, maybe also some intel if there is anyone who we can question, and assuming we don't end up running out of the caves in a panic

[Edeldhur]

Hey gang!

When I ask for rolls in an update, I would also very much appreciate it if you added some kind of action for your PC along with those rolls.

If everyone always made a valid action that moves the game along in some way, even if it's simply agreeing with others posted actions, the game would run far more smoothly for everyone involved.

Thanks!

Hey OGRE MAGE, I assume you are referring to this one?

I forgot to ask this earlier......anyone with knowledge of the demi-human races or a woodland background can give me a D20 roll, please.

And I would love to comply, but I have no idea why I am rolling
I assumed it was something we could notice because of a particular affinity or background sensitivity, which you would reveal (on a good roll), or not (on a less good roll).
Was the roll related to our approach and negotiation with the Gnolls, or the navigation of the path to gain access to the vantage point, or none of the above?

[OGRE MAGE]

Ahhhh, okay.

When I call for a roll, it might not have anything to do with the current situation. (as in this case)

It might be for something you are about to do, or for something you already did, or for something else entirely.

So please go ahead and add the rolls to your actions, instead of the other way around.

Hell, I might even ask for a dummy roll from time to time, to keep the really good players on their toes.

[shaidar]

As the huge group nears the forest, a single wagon is seen in the distance, heading from the direction of the caves and apparently moving towards the Keep. A single larger figure is driving the wagon, while a second armored figure walks alongside of it.

How far away? Does this mean they will soon has to pass through the bandit 'toll-booth' or are they passed that point?

[OGRE MAGE]

They have yet to reach the Bandit Detour.

I added a wilderness map with approximate positions and travel direction to my update, so hopefully that helps everyone.

[shaidar]

Thanks OM!

[Edeldhur]

Ahhhh, okay.

When I call for a roll, it might not have anything to do with the current situation. (as in this case)

It might be for something you are about to do, or for something you already did, or for something else entirely.

So please go ahead and add the rolls to your actions, instead of the other way around.

Hell, I might even ask for a dummy roll from time to time, to keep the really good players on their toes.

Understood!

[Karaunios]

They have yet to reach the Bandit Detour.

I added a wilderness map with approximate positions and travel direction to my update, so hopefully that helps everyone.

Thanks! Maps are always a huge help for people like me

[OGRE MAGE]

Absolutely!

If anyone would ever like a better description on something or a visual aid, just ask.

[Scott308]

I'm having a hard time visualizing the bandit toll area- can we get a hand-made 3D diorama, complete with minis?

[Edeldhur]

I'm having a hard time visualizing the bandit toll area- can we get a hand-made 3D diorama, complete with minis?

[GreyWolfVT]

I'm having a hard time visualizing the bandit toll area- can we get a hand-made 3D diorama, complete with minis?

It looks like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDP245bQ6Fk

[shaidar]

Happy New Year to all, and a big thank you to OM for the game.

[Karaunios]

Happy New Year!!
Also thanks for the game from me