OOC II

[thirdkingdom]

I'm getting ready to hit the road. Will update this evening.

[shaidar]

Safe journey.

[Leitz]

In theory, whatever we are looking for might stand out visually. Ardath could do a "Speak with Animals", and perhaps trade a bird some food for doing a flyover to see if there were "man places" nearby. The spell lasts 6 turns, and unless the forest is a jungle, a bird should have a decent chance of seeing it.

The other alternative, though expensive, is Commune. Only a limited number of questions and they are subject to "yes/no" answers.

[VonAlric]

In theory, whatever we are looking for might stand out visually. Ardath could do a "Speak with Animals", and perhaps trade a bird some food for doing a flyover to see if there were "man places" nearby. The spell lasts 6 turns, and unless the forest is a jungle, a bird should have a decent chance of seeing it.

The other alternative, though expensive, is Commune. Only a limited number of questions and they are subject to "yes/no" answers.

Let's think about that first one when we get in the area of the treasure.

[thirdkingdom]

In theory, whatever we are looking for might stand out visually. Ardath could do a "Speak with Animals", and perhaps trade a bird some food for doing a flyover to see if there were "man places" nearby. The spell lasts 6 turns, and unless the forest is a jungle, a bird should have a decent chance of seeing it.

The other alternative, though expensive, is Commune. Only a limited number of questions and they are subject to "yes/no" answers.

If you guys want to lead with a commune you can totally do that.

[shaidar]

Commune is really useful, but do we want to hold off until we are closer, or even found it. If we use it now what 3 questions would we ask?

Cool use of speak with animals, as already said we should wait until we think we are closer. We're still at least a day away I think.

EDIT: 11 six mile hexes, so 66 miles. We do 48 miles a day, so 1.375 days. So it's probably worth using these spells tomorrow morning.

[thirdkingdom]

Looks like there are two proposals: cast commune first or head out and cast commune on the next day. Thoughts?

[Leitz]

Third option, thinking in the larger sense. Ardath picks Speak With Animals, and we do the bird thing. We also just scout the area anyway, to see if there are other ruins or exploitable options. For example, if there was a town or a temple, there would be the occasional old building ruins to be found. Maybe fields that have newer growth trees where once a large farm lay.

While the group is geared for adventure, there is also the option to re-extend civilization. Are there things to harvest in this area? The towns were over crowded but the party is in the middle of a treasure trove of resources. How can that be turned to advantage?

[shaidar]

Newton is going to be very leery of too much harvesting. We've already passed over at least one opportunity of that type.

I'm not saying it isn't a possibility. I realise that Newton's nature leanings are potentially at odds with Ribar's expansionist religion, but I think there is route of moderation between the two.

[The_Wanderer]

Newton is going to be very leery of too much harvesting. We've already passed over at least one opportunity of that type.

I'm not saying it isn't a possibility. I realise that Newton's nature leanings are potentially at odds with Ribar's expansionist religion, but I think there is route of moderation between the two.

Fair point on harvesting...but there's also two leads on mining boons that we have.

--There is a lost gold mine somewhere near hex 211.138 and surrounding hexes
--Gardo possesses a deed to a century mine in hex 217.111 http://www.unseenservant.us/forum/viewt ... 80#p455751

This one though is probably what Newton may push against:
--Rhea's Ford, as a major city, is hungry for raw goods in all forms. Ore is the most valuable, but rare woods, furs, and other luxury goods are sought after, as are rare materials used in alchemical and magical compounds. The woods to the north of Alice are said to be a source of throan, an insect secretion that can be dried and purified and used in various potions.

Regardless though, I'm a fan of Speak with Animals at a time like this. At worst - we lose a day on the road. At best, we gain a lead for our actual goal or a new lead.

[shaidar]

Yeah, that second one, the throan/furs/wood etc, would be a problem, the mines not at all.

You're right about the speak with animals, there is no harm in giving it a go.

[Leitz]

Okay, thirdkingdom, can we assume this thought process occurred the evening of Fifteenth Day, so we can start the day with a couple of Speak With Animals?

[shaidar]

Newton has that spell too, so we could take one each

[shaidar]

Actually, if this is discussed in advanced then he could take 2, saves you two 2nd level spells

[Leitz]

Actually, if this is discussed in advanced then he could take 2, saves you two 2nd level spells

I'm pretty sure Ardath would figure out the idea early on, and discuss it with Newton, at least. Likely the others that evening, too. There's a bit if "let them lead" for Ardath, he doesn't know the party dynamics and isn't interested in intdruding where he's not needed. However, the first day if travel and search would give him the idea, and he'd talk about it that evening. His player is swamped with work, at the moment, though, and needs a little bit of time to post something creative.

[thirdkingdom]

Okay, thirdkingdom, can we assume this thought process occurred the evening of Fifteenth Day, so we can start the day with a couple of Speak With Animals?

Sure.

[shaidar]

Thanks.

Newton will offer to use two spells for the day for this

[thirdkingdom]

Thanks.

Newton will offer to use two spells for the day for this

Go ahead and post IC how you want to use the spells.

[shaidar]

I have been pondering the use of an animal friendship spell at some point. A hawk or similar would be useful for scouting ahead.

Although part of me thinks its an unnatural position to put a wild animal in.

[Leitz]

I have been pondering the use of an animal friendship spell at some point. A hawk or similar would be useful for scouting ahead.

Although part of me thinks its an unnatural position to put a wild animal in.

That's why you work on the friendship part. As long as the hawk can do it's own thing sometimes, having food and protection is a win for most animals.