OOC I

[thirdkingdom]

There are a couple of you guys we haven't heard from in a while. I'd like some input from everyone to make sure everyone is still involved and has a say in what happens next.

[Makofan]

Grey Jake likes the idea of doing the caves - they are close, they are quick, and likely have money. Helping otehrs for fun and profit is fine, but can be time-consuming

[rremedio]

There is also the map bought by Thordin indicating the fountain or some source of magic water which can make one strong as an ogre. If this information proves true it would become handy in combats.

Anyway, Meagnor keeps his vote of going to the caves and then to Quinthos village (if Quinthos waits). The village in far away, but we don't know if we will get any info from Bargle/Elwyn for the next month. I would explain to Quinthos that we have a primary mission and for that, going to the caves is our priority. Now that the group was praised by the Baron, maybe Quinthos will think that the wait is worthy.

[frobozz]

To give some logistical clarification, refer to table 12.1 on page 147. Use the "Broken Ground" column for travel up to hex 08.05, and the "Open Terrain" column the rest of the way. The trail is rough and not well maintained, through difficult terrain (which is why we're not using the first movement column).

Just fyi, by my calculations, assuming unencumbered pony speed (70'), it would literally take us about 14 days of travel time to get to and from Quinthos's village. Add on another 2 travel days if we do the orc caves. That does not include the time needed to actually perform the missions at those locations, and if our mounts take on any added treasure/encumbrance, that would slow things down even more.

[thirdkingdom]

Don't forget, however, that each hex=3 miles.

[rremedio]

Don't forget, however, that each hex=3 miles.

So that would be a little more than 1 day to the village in the middle of the map plus less than 1 day to Quinthos village. Two days total to go. We could deal with the caves, the ogres and the orcs and return in less than 10 days.

[riftstone]

I am thinking the map Thordin bought won't be useful until later on. If helping the elf is on a timer, I vote we go do that now.

Apologies in advance, but I really don't care one way or the other about Elwyn, Bargle, or Threshold. Thordin will kill Bargle for the bounty, but that is it.

[zebediah]

Ok, given that the elf in distress has now approached us for a response I will try to summarize the lines of action we seem to have. Please add if you have other suggestions.

1. refuse to help Quinthos and go for other quest(s);
2. accept his request for assistance and go to his village fight the ogres;
3. accept his request for assistance under certain conditions (leaving for his village only after dealing with other issues, etc);
4. killing the elf and taking his stuff.

It seems that most of us are inclined to take his quest but would rather do some other stuff first. I think we can propose that he joins us (as a follower of sorts) in completing one or two quests in exchange for our assistance to his people.

We could then pick some of the other plot hooks that would be feasible to complete in a few days:

1. returning to the caves to clear lv 1 and deal with the troll;
2. looking for the fountain indicated on the map bought by Thordin;
3. going for the orcs (loot might include magical shield);
4. investigating the disappearances in Threshold;
5. going after Elwyn;
6. hunting the beast on the logging camps north of Threshold (Baron offers ancient sword as reward);
7. chasing the bandit Crissos the Black that is raiding caravans in the north (not sure how far this would be);
8. assisting the merchant Caldwell with the cleaning of his castle.

I think returning to the caves would be a natural continuation of what we have done up to this point. Once we have cleared lv 1 and dealt with the troll we can assess if we think we're able to take on the ogres or if it might be advisable to complete another quest before that.

What do you guys think?

[sulldawga]

Marodin votes for clearing the caves and killing the troll.

[sulldawga]

Third, do I have to do all of my weapon training at once, or can I do a couple days here and a couple days there?

[thirdkingdom]

Third, do I have to do all of my weapon training at once, or can I do a couple days here and a couple days there?

It can be spread out. Unless gravely injured or something he'll be able to spend two hours per day practicing, at a minimum (like spellcasters studying spells) even while adventuring. If there is down time he can spend up to eight hours a day practicing.

[Finglas]

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad feels similarly to Thordin, but for maybe different reasons. He does not want to face Bargle or Elwyn until he and the group has gained some levels of experience. There have been hints from Zoltar, the Baron, and others, that the magic-user is pretty tough (he most likely is high enough level to raise undead) and would not hesitate to destroy us, especially since we have foiled at least one of his schemes.

With that in mind, the elf feels.....

1. We should avoid the caves and the troll for awhile, until there is less heat around us and what we did there.
2. He would like to help Quinthos, a fellow elf. It would be for a good cause, and would mean more experience for the group.
3. Any of the other plot hooks (not directly related to Elwyn or Bargle) also appeal to Bregalad.

[Finglas]

Bregalad the elf

Also, sorry to bring this up again, but I do feel that Marodin should really be in the front row now, alongside Thordin. At this point, the cleric is possibly our most powerful fighter (no offense, Thordin). He has the highest AC and possibly the highest hit points. That means he has the highest chance of survival in battle.

He can still heal anyone in need, after the battle is over (just like before). But, again, Marodin's greatest asset to the group at this time is his toughness.

If the group feels otherwise, that is fine. I had to get this topic out there. Don't take this as Bregalad not wanting to face the blade of his enemy. He is still prefers to fight alongside Thordin. From a statistical standpoint, though, Marodin cannot be killed in two rounds of any battle. Whereas, most of us have a chance of dying with every swing of a longsword.

[rremedio]

These seem to be the votes so far, correct me if I'm wrong

Bregalad - elves first (avoid the caves)
Drudsa - caves first, then elves (maybe going after the large beast)
Grey Jake - caves only
Lanny - caves only
Thordin - elves first
Marodin - caves first, then Elwyn
Meagnor - caves first then elves
Tratiln - caves first then elves

Pretty much tied. I hope not to make things more confusing, but I think the questions are:
1. If Quinthos agrees to follow us or wait us, are the "caves only" guys ok with helping him after we leave the caves?
2. If he does not agree, Drudsa, Meagnor and Tratiln will vote for helping him promptly (like Thordin and Bregalad) or not helping him and going to the caves (like Grey Jake, Lanny and Marodin)?

For question 2, Meagnor would vote for helping the elves.

What does Luis think?

[zebediah]

These seem to be the votes so far, correct me if I'm wrong

Bregalad - elves first (avoid the caves)
Drudsa - caves first, then elves (maybe going after the large beast)
Grey Jake - caves only
Lanny - caves only
Thordin - elves first
Marodin - caves first, then Elwyn
Meagnor - caves first then elves
Tratiln - caves first then elves

Pretty much tied. I hope not to make things more confusing, but I think the questions are:
1. If Quinthos agrees to follow us or wait us, are the "caves only" guys ok with helping him after we leave the caves?
2. If he does not agree, Drudsa, Meagnor and Tratiln will vote for helping him promptly (like Thordin and Bregalad) or not helping him and going to the caves (like Grey Jake, Lanny and Marodin)?

For question 2, Meagnor would vote for helping the elves.

What does Luis think?

If Quinthos disagrees and the majority of the team continues to be in favour of helping the elves Drudsa will agree to that course of action.

[thirdkingdom]

It sounds as though the determining factor will be Quinthos' reaction to a sidetrack to the caves. If someone wants to broach that IC I'll go ahead and give you an answer. Please specify who brings up the subject; I will be making a reaction roll.

[frobozz]

These seem to be the votes so far, correct me if I'm wrong

Bregalad - elves first (avoid the caves)
Drudsa - caves first, then elves (maybe going after the large beast)
Grey Jake - caves only
Lanny - caves only
Thordin - elves first
Marodin - caves first, then Elwyn
Meagnor - caves first then elves
Tratiln - caves first then elves

Pretty much tied. I hope not to make things more confusing, but I think the questions are:
1. If Quinthos agrees to follow us or wait us, are the "caves only" guys ok with helping him after we leave the caves?
2. If he does not agree, Drudsa, Meagnor and Tratiln will vote for helping him promptly (like Thordin and Bregalad) or not helping him and going to the caves (like Grey Jake, Lanny and Marodin)?

For question 2, Meagnor would vote for helping the elves.

What does Luis think?

Lanny has a detailed strategy in mind for how the PCs could actually capture Elwyn RIGHT NOW in Penhaligon. (I don't have time to elaborate on it at work, I was going to do that after work.) However, if I had to summarize Lanny's overall position right now, it is:

1) Caves first, then Penhaligon
2) Failing consensus on that - Caves first, then Quinthos

Lanny also favors moving Marodin to the front row of the marching order (Marodin and Thordin both have 17hp). I will submit a marching order this evening for everyone's consideration.

[Bouv]

Tratiln thinks Lanny should talk to Quinthos

[zebediah]

Lanny has a detailed strategy in mind for how the PCs could actually capture Elwyn RIGHT NOW in Penhaligon. (I don't have time to elaborate on it at work, I was going to do that after work.)

As far as I can recall we have no indication of Elwyn being in Penhaligon. He might have hired his mooks there but according to Father Varys he was building a fortification "far to the south, along the Highreach River". Penhaligon, according to the map, is straight eastwards from Threshold.

[frobozz]

Lanny has a detailed strategy in mind for how the PCs could actually capture Elwyn RIGHT NOW in Penhaligon. (I don't have time to elaborate on it at work, I was going to do that after work.)

As far as I can recall we have no indication of Elwyn being in Penhaligon. He might have hired his mooks there but according to Father Varys he was building a fortification "far to the south, along the Highreach River". Penhaligon, according to the map, is straight eastwards from Threshold.

Just hear me out! I'll post early evening. If he fails to convince anyone, Lanny will join the pro-Quinthos party and speak to Quinthos himself!