Strategy Talk: plans & player discussions:

[corum]

Olleg's top priority is definitely the mission as you have it stated.

Profit is definitely a secondary motivation too.

Thanks... Just wanted to check so I don't spoil things

In game, I'm keen, and Galadria will want to keep moving... The Dwarf and Orcs might slow us down. We could do with deciding if we can ditch the Orcs somehow.

Can I ask, what condition the Dwarf maiden is in now, I guess she's at around 20hp after cure light wounds - can she stand and fight - or will we have to carry her? Is she clothed or in rags?

[Straither]

Can I ask, what condition the Dwarf maiden is in now, I guess she's at around 20hp after cure light wounds - can she stand and fight - or will we have to carry her? Is she clothed or in rags?

Elwita has received a CLW spell and drank a healing potion, so is physically strong apart from her horrific injuries of being skinned alive by the Aspis as some sort of punishment. see conversations spoken in the Aspis Kitchens scenes.





She has partial armour, her legs have her platemail greaves and she has vambraces and pauldrons upon forearms and shoulders.

[Edeldhur]

So if we decide to go up, we might try to strike at a room at a time, but if an alarm is raised, we might not be so lucky as last time.

So here is what I have in mind gang - if we can head to this reserved market via the aspis caves, we might get a shot at releasing some prisoners?
They can either join us, or just cause a ruckus as they run away, then giving us a chance to explore further amidst the chaos.
I think next I would say we continue underground and try to head to the Temple?

In general I feel if we stay underground there are less chances for an alarm to be raised and bring the whole complex down on our heads.

[Howman]

I think staying underground is definitely our best bet for avoiding raising the alarm again. Heading to the reserved market seems like a clear next step that should be doable if we can successfully trade with the aspis. Once we reach the market and hopefully free the slaves there, we should start seeking out the compound leadership.

We also need to decide how to deal with our prisoners. I understand that some members are opposed to slaying captives. However, our options are rather limited. I don't think we can release them, since they would immediately sound the alarm. Keeping them bound and with the party is also a risk, as they could escape during combat. I'm open to other ideas, but killing the orcs may be the only feasible choice.

[Edeldhur]

Solid.

Regarding the prisoners, Edel wants to keep the charmed orc alive - he can still be a source of information as we move along. And heck, maybe if Edel survives all this, he gets an orc hireling
Edel is ok with 'dispatching' the other one.

[corum]

Gameplay wise, personally, I'm fine with killing orcs...

Galadria on the other hand, with her alignment, would not be - she just won't get involved and will argue against... What she doesn't know won't hurt her though eh?

[Howman]

If we're going to attempt to trade with the aspis, I would suggest doing so at the entrance to the aspis cave. Going back to the entrance in the ladder room might not be a good idea, since we were forced to take care of the sentry in that room. Another probe from that direction might be taken as hostile by the ants and aspis.

[Edeldhur]

Sounds good to me - anyone particularly charismatic to take the lead?
Edel has Cha10, so no bonus nor penalties.

[Rex]

Brick isn't a good option for negotiations.

[corum]

Can we fake a thing to wait in the passage to the right?

[Edeldhur]

Can we fake a thing to wait in the passage to the right?

Could you elaborate?

[Edeldhur]

I am thinking it might be time to open up some hostilities - not sure Edel can continue bluffing our way through, particularly against a higher-ranked orc whose orders Chagg is forced to accept.

[OGRE MAGE]

The orcs were running towards us, so can we assume they weren't set up at a guard post of some kind further along?

If so, perhaps we can take advantage of the favorable Reaction roll and simply turn around and wait in a side passage, letting them rush off to wherever they were headed before they saw us.

Mortar has one more spell up his sleeve that could take this group out, but I would rather save that for a bigger emergency, if possible.

[Edeldhur]

I am not sure they were going anywhere... But agreed, we can retreat, regroup and rethink.

[Straither]

we can retreat,

The only way to retreat is back through the Aspis Cave.

They block the way straight ahead and into the side passage on the right. Incidentally as you have stopped at that junction, you notice a large swipe of blood, fresh blood still wet and glistening on the left side of the wall, a splatter similar to an injured person staggering along the wall. It is at waist height (or head height of a Halfling ...)

[Edeldhur]

we can retreat,

The only way to retreat is back through the Aspis Cave.

They block the way straight ahead and into the side passage on the right. Incidentally as you have stopped at that junction, you notice a large swipe of blood, fresh blood still wet and glistening on the left side of the wall, a splatter similar to an injured person staggering along the wall. It is at waist height (or head height of a Halfling ...)

Ah ok, I thought we were past that junction :/

[gurusql]

Vennar does have a Hold Person that we could use.

[Edeldhur]

I am using this marching order in the passage but do correct me if you want:

Chagg
Edel & Brick
Olleg & Mortar
Vennar & Galadria
Durrant & Elwita
Jacupo & Rogger

Could I suggest an alternate marching order? Having Edel at the front is risky

Chagg
Brick & Olleg
Edel & Mortar
Vennar & Galadria
Durrant & Elwita
Jacupo & Rogger

I know having a dwarf there might impact reaction roles, but Olleg is just too tough of a frontliner to not be at the front.
If Vennar and/or Galadria still have some healing spells available, I can see an argument to change the second line in the marching order to the below (for some healing power):

Chagg
Brick & Olleg
Edel & (Galadria or Vennar)
(Galadria or Vennar) & Mortar

Otherwise I would prefer to have the clerics not immediately visible

On a second side note, I am planning on opening hostilities on this group with a Sleep spell, maybe trying to target first the sergeant (not even sure if the Sleep spell allows such targeting, but still).
Maybe save that Hold spell for when we REALLY need it, and hope the Sleep will give us enough of an upper hand to end this quickly?

Any thoughts are welcome

[Howman]

It definitely makes more sense for Olleg to be in the front line with Brick. Otherwise, I'm fine with either suggested marching order.

Opening combat with Sleep is a great idea. Like you suggested, we should focus on the sergeant and attempt to stop him from sounding the alarm.

[Rex]

Taking out the potential horn blower first is key.