The Frontier # 1 - 2
The Frontier #1
Welcome to land where magic and might holds sway. A land where heroes are born and dragons are real. Where adventure and wealth abounds for those willing to risk all!
Before we begin, here's a quick history lesson....
For as long as there has been written history, the Kingdom of Cynalon and the Keln Empire have been at war. The rulers of Cynalon were just and fair. Well loved by there people. The ruler of the Keln was hateful and sought conquest. Absolute power was all the matter to him. It is said that Kelnar, Emperor of Keln, was the mightiest wizard that walked this world. And for him that was not enough.
Fortunately, depending on your point of view, the mighty Graystone Mountains separated the nations. One large pass connected the countries: Graystone Pass.
The war continued on for untold years. Finally, Victor the Fifth, King of Cynalon, could with stand the dark depredations of Kelnar. He summoned the mightiest warriors to his side. Aided by the supreme sorcerer of Cynalon, James the Red, the King attacked Shadowkeep, the stronghold of Kelnar himself.
What happened exactly in that battle is unknown. It is said the Shadowkeep itself exploded, unable to contain the energies summoned by Kelnar to aid in the battle. There was a massive explosion. Its effects were felt as far away as Alexandria, the capital of Cynalon. Needless to say, no one involved in the final battle was ever seen again.
The Keln Empire rapidly collapsed after that. Many have tried to gather together the fragments of the Empire, but none of yet to succeed. It is believed that bandits now rule the roads and priests of the dark gods control the cities. Dragons and other fantastic creatures hold sway over the rest of the lands.
The Kingdom of Cynalon went into a long period of rebuilding after the fall of Keln. Many lives were lost in the conflict. Much needed to be repaired and rebuilt.
The period of rebuilding is now over. The Kingdom is now healthy and strong. Under the leadership of King Victor the Seventh and Queen Irena, the Kingdom is expanding.
It is now April 1st, 579 CT and it is a time for adventurers! The Kingdom of Cynalon is expanding into the old Keln Empire. Adventurers are needed to explore and deal with what is now in Keln. Travel to Graystone Pass, to the City of Gateway and let the adventure begin!
The long winter has come to an end. Spring has arrived in the Kingdom and the adventurers' blood begins to stir. From across the Kingdom of Cynalon you have come. Whether from the small Barony of Pyris in the far north to the Dorrynn Elfholds to the south or from the lands in between. You have journeyed to the city of Daram.
Daram is the city closest to Graystone Pass. From here you shall journey to Gateway. Gateway is a reclaimed city on the edge of the old Empire. It is being used as a base of operations in the exploration of Keln.
The City of Daram is filled with activity. Other adventurers and sell-swords walk the streets. The town is abuzz with talk of last year's adventures in the Frontier. How the Band of Six sacked a major temple of Hextor and emerged with great wealth and much magic. How Strom's Heroes slew the fierce green dragon known as Jade.
While taking in the city you have all met other adventurer's seeking fame and fortune. Together you travel to the town's city hall. It is here where you learn more about the Kingdom's expansion into Keln.
You all gather in a large assembly hall in the city hall. Several other groups of adventures are also present. A man wearing the uniform of a Captain in the Cynalonian army speaks.
"Welcome to the city of Daram, adventurers. I am Captain Shea. I am here today to familiarize you newcomers to what the Kingdom is attempting to accomplish in the Frontier lands."
"The Kingdom is commissioning adventurers to explore the Frontier and deal with the threats encountered therein. There are many advantages to working with the Kingdom. In the city of Gateway, each adventuring band will be given lodging, free meals, free training and a discount when buying adventuring equipment."
"What the Kingdom asks in return is as follows. Everything learned by the party is asked to be turned over to the officials of Gateway. We will pay you for the information based on its value."
"You will be required to perform one mission at the Kingdom's request during this summer's campaign. The length of the campaign is the beginning of spring until the first snows of winter."
"An expense account will be set in the name of the party. For signing on, the party will have 100gp per man put into their account."
"If you wish to join up, come see me at my office."
Captain Shea leaves the hall as the many groups of assembled adventurers begin to talk amongst themselves.
SUBJ: GM's Notes:
Okay, I'd like all of you to introduce yourselves to each other. It might be advantageous to pick a leader of your group and come up with a name. This is not a must, but it would be helpful.
If there are any other questions you have, I'll try to get a response up for them ASAP. Also, for those of you who are spellcasters, please list the spell(s) that you have memorized.
Spectrum's Comments: "And so it begins..."
Cynalon was the Kingdom founded by Victor the First, a character played by Muskateer as detailed in the Muskateer Gallery. No doubt the 'James the Red' was a descendent of Jim Sculley and his clan. Irena was the name of a girl Victor the 3rd was sweet on and became the name of Victor the 7th's Queen.
The Keln Empire became the Empire of Darkness on Terra Nova. Shadowkeep became Shadowhold and so on. Yes, I recycle ideas as much as possible!
I'm also quiet fond of this set up. Very easy to use, it makes sense, and can even be used more than once. It also served as the basis of a 2nd D&D game I started about year later called the Sword of Doom. A variation of it served as the beginning to the Borderlands campaign set on the western borders of Cynalon.
SUBJ: Hello FROM: MageMerlin 08/20/89 S#: 823855
I am a first level mage. My spells are: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Affect Normal Fires, Burning Hands, Change Self, Magic Missile, Sleep, Armor.
I have: 1 dagger, 20 darts and one war dog. I have 23 gold.
I have a quarterstaff (I guess). My non-weapon proficiencies are: Ancient History, Astrology, Reading and Writing, Ancient Languages, Spellcraft, Religion, Verbalism, and Navigation. I speak 6 languages.
Spectrum's Comments: Anyone recall my mention of being cursed by less than stellar first posts in a new game? That trend is alive and well. Mage Merlin didn't last long.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 08/21/89 S#: 118065
You see before you a somewhat short (5'4") somewhat overweight (270#) male human. He has dirty brown hair with green eyes, and he has dimples at the corners of his mouth whenever he is smiling (which is most of the time). You know by your association of him that he is a cleric of Heironeous, god of valor and Justice. Even if this were not so, it would be self evident by the symbol that he boldly displays around his neck, over his chain mail. Strapped to his belt are his battle-axe and mace, and his medium shield is never far from his left hand. When he speaks, you get the feeling that he thinks you are 30 miles away as he always seems to talk so loud.
"Ho HOO Ho. How do ya like that. Here we are plannin' on goin' explorin' and now they're willin' to pay us for it. On top of that they be givin' us FREE meals and training. And all they want in return is information. You can't beat a deal like that. I say we go see this Captain Shea and sign right up. But first, maybe we should make up a name for this little band. It would make us sound more professional like. Let's see.....How about.. Nah that ones no good. Well there's..... Nope I think that ones taken. Hmmmmmm....How about the Champions Chosen. That has a certain ring to it. What does everyone else think?"
Spectrum's Comments: Cereld was a good character. He lasted quite a long time before his player left Q. I believe this was the same player who portrayed Lord Liberty in the Crusaders, but won't swear to it. Heironeous was a deity from the Grayhawk setting. Muskateer was familiar with this particular god as his Victor the 2nd adventured with a Heironeous Priestess named Wendalyne.
SUBJ: Stephanie
'Greetings Cereld and Mage Merlin. I am Stephanie, a swordswoman.'
Stephanie is a fairly tall woman, almost reaching six feet. Her long black hair goes half way down her back. She wears a scarlet red blouse over her chain mail. Black boots come up to her thighs.
'I know of your god, good cleric and believe in his preaching's. There is much wisdom in what you say. The kingdoms offer is very appealing and we should take it. I also believe that we should have a spokesman in our dealings. Priests are very wise; therefore it should be a priest. I say that Cereld should speak for us.'
Although, I care not for your suggested name for our band...;)
Spectrum's Comments: And here is Swordswoman Stephanie. Her outfit seems vaguely familiar, but I just can't seem to place it...
In Spectrum's writing his based this character on his own sister Stephanie. It actually happened the other way around, although Stephanie Sculley was not based on this particular version of Stephanie, but the one that Jim Sculley married in the Victor the first game. Was anyone not confused by that sentence? Perhaps having so many characters with the same name wasn't such a bright idea.
Stephanie lasted the entire Frontier run, rising from a somewhat simple swordswoman to the group leader. Her coming of age was interesting to watch unfold. Oh, and her outfit also serves as a version of the Scarlet Sabre costume. Always recycling.. its good for the environment!
SUBJ: I like FROM: MageMerlin 08/22/89 S#: 806849
The name. I am 5'8, 130\, brown hair and blue eyes. My face is somewhat unfriendly looking because it is..well..ugly. Not very open though. So, since I tend to shy away from people, there is my description.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: WARG0D 08/22/89 S#: 816639
A tall (for his race) nondescript elf emerges from the shadows. 5'3", 110 lbs
"I, too like the sound of this offer, but I am always suspicious of anything that sounds like much for little. Allow me to introduce myself"
::Bowing::
"My name is Finrod, and as my sword, bow, and lack of armor will no doubt make you suspect, I am a man of many talents...This blond hair covers a well-educated brain, and these steely blue eyes have seen much conflict. I am also well versed in the ways of the back alleys and other like locales. :)"
"My non weapons proficiencies include Spellcraft, disguise, appraising, Ancient history, dancing, heraldry, Riding, playing the recorder, and the setting of snares. I am sure my multifarious talents will contribute full-fold to the success of the party, for which I suggest the name of: 'Inquisitors', and second the nomination of our noble cleric as Party Leader, as the so-lovely lady has suggested." :)
Spectrum's Comments: Ah, Finrod. Always the charmer. He was in the game for quite a long time and as those who read the Stephanie exhibit will recall, Finrod became Stephanie's eventual husband. Watching their romance unfold is another thing to keep your eye on.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 08/22/89 S#: 848274
Rising from her seat, the young elf in pale gray silk shirt and trousers walks slowly towards the adventurers talking across the Hall. Beneath her black, hooded cloak, the gleam of elfin chain mail flashes in the subdued lighting of the room, and the hilt of a longsword of similar make protrudes over her left shoulder. A dagger can be seen sheathed in one of her soft black leather boots.
She is tall for an elf maiden, over 4 1/2', and the grace with which she moves hints that her slim, boyish appearance hides more feminine charms. As she nears, the contrast between her jet-black hair and eyes with her fair, almost white skin becomes strikingly apparent. A thin band of silver encircles her throat.
"Hail, fellow seekers," she says in soft, accented tones. "I am Dalliance, a Fighter and Mage from Dorrynn Elfhold. I have ridden long and far to adventure in the Frontier Lands with you, and to share in the wealth and knowledge to be found here. My homeland, where I was trained by my parents in their arts, has grown too peaceful to afford such dangers and rewards as these wild lands offer. May we all prosper from this fellowship of companions."
Barely pausing to brush a stray lock of her shoulder-length hair from her face, she continues. "If the noble Cereld wishes, I too feel he would make a good leader. As to a name, I fear I find 'Chosen' a bit presumptuous, but will stand by the group's choice. After all, it is deeds, not names, that will mark our place in history." She then greets each of the party, shaking hands in the fashion of Men.
My current spells are: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Sleep, Light, Friends, and Change Self. My horse Windrhyme (Rhymer) is tied outside the Hall. Oh, yes. Call me "Dal" if you wish.
Spectrum's Comments: Dalliance was a nice character. Too bad she didn't stay around longer.
Mail From: WARG0D Date: Tuesday 22-Aug-89 23:35 EDT
I am pleased to meet so lovely and obviously capable a woman as is Stephanie. I hope we can share the joy of many kills.
Spectrum's Comments: The above was a private E-mail Finrod sent Stephanie. It's the first post and he's already trying to her out of her armor. ;D
SUBJ: Flint (R) FROM: Sir teske 08/23/89 S#: 842913
You see an absurd sight approaching the group. It is a burly dwarf wearing a suit of golden plate mail with a long bow and two-handed sword as well as a huge backpack strapped to his back. On his belt you see numerous climbing perihelia. "Greetings all, I am a 4'6" tall Dwarf Fighter skilled in mountaineering, armor
smithing, weponsmithing, mining, and rope use. My armor is nicknamed "golden savior" and my silver plated sword is named "silver slayer" these weapons were forged by me. I hope my skills in mountaineering and rope use can be of great benefit to the party's journeys".
Spectrum's Comments: As I recall Flint didn't last very long. Of course, that was fairly normal on Q where players came and went like the wind.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 08/23/89 S#: 400557
"I am honored that you would choose me to lead this company. I will try to live up to your expectations. Dal you and Stephanie are right. The Champions Chosen is too stuffy. I like Finrod's suggestion. The Inquisitors sounds better and is more appropriate to what we do. The only thing is it too seems a little to long. How about The Seekers?"
SUBJ: The Seekers...Hmmm... (R) FROM: FINROD 08/23/89 S#: 823584
Not too bad... OK. Seekers it is! But now we need another member, so we can be the Seven Seekers. :)
So...without further ado, let's be at it. Merlin and Dal, we need to get together and work out who's carrying what, Ok?
Glad we have such a well-Balanced crew.
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: Panther13 08/23/89 S#: 797146
A man in a shiny suit of chain mail walks up to the group, large shield in one hand and a great helm under his arm.
"Greetings. My name is Validar, son of Relon, the Baron of Pyris. I wish to offer the service of my good right arm in exchange for your company and the glory and honor of battle."
Validar stands just over six feet tall. He wears his brown hair short and a mustache adorns his handsome features. A gem-studded pommel juts out from the scabbard at his side and his large shield is richly adorned in the coat of arms of the Barony of Pyris. An ebony griffon is boldly displayed on a field of silver and blue. His surcoat bears the same symbol.
"The Baron was active in the glorious battles with Keln, and I wish to follow in my family's footsteps. There is no more war, but adventure aplenty awaits."
"I will abide by whomever is your chosen leader, provided they are able to command this honor. As far as a name is concerned, I must agree with the fair Dalliance. It is the doings of a man, or woman, by which they are judged. Whatever the name, it will be regarded with honor if we are worthy of such. My sword arm is aching for battle and glory. I suggest we organize ourselves as soon as possible and depart."
Spectrum's Comments: Validar was Muskateer. He wasn't involved in The Frontier beyond being a player in the game. Validar became a primary character in Spectrum's stories here on the website, along with Stephanie and Finrod.
SUBJ: As if conjured! FROM: FINROD 08/23/89 S#: 791667
So, it is the Seven Seekers! :)
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 08/24/89 S#: 790877
Minor adjustment to my arms I am using a longsword (silver Plated) and I also have a silver plated shield "Rising sun" my bow is a Short bow as well. As for the name I kind of like "the seven seekers"
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 08/24/89 S#: 416227
"'Seekers' is fine with me, also. As to 'Seven', while certainly becoming to the tongue, it may be somewhat erroneous if we gain more members. But not to quibble."
Turning to Cereld, I say, "I am going to see to Rhymer's feed and water. What are your thoughts on our next order of business? Should we contact Captain Shea and accept his offer? I, for one, find it most fair and am also eager to see action." With that, I leave to tend my mount.
SUBJ: Eight is enough... (R) FROM: FINROD 08/26/89 S#: 788545
Nine would be better. :) Always strength in numbers.
I feel we should accept this offer and set out for gateway post haste. Cereld, when do you want us to meet back here with the rest of our gear to move out?
I still need to get with the other spell-casters to work out spells.
::Following Dalliance out to do that very thing::
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 08/26/89 S#: 445553
"The Seven Seekers it is. Ok why doesn't everyone go and get what they are going to need when we go exploring. I suggest that you go together and pool your resources so that the group does not end up with situations like having 4 lanterns and no oil. I am going to talk to Captain Shea and find out more about the deal, and if it is good, I'll sign us up. Miss Stephanie, would you join me? A lovely face sometimes has the effect of swaying a deal in your favor if needed. Also Val, can I call you Val? Your presence is requested also as being the son of a baron; you should have had some experience in things such as this. Let's say everyone be back here in 5 hours. We'll talk about what we are going to do, and unless there is an emergency that we have to take care of, we'll leave first thing in the morning."
With that Cereld, and whoever is following him, will go to Captain Shea's office. He will knock on the door, and when allowed in will greet the Captain,
"Greetings Captain Shea. I am the spokesman for the Seven Seekers. (I will then introduce any who have come with me). We are here to discuss that deal you mentioned out there. Let me see if I have it straight. We go exploring, do whatever we want, just tell you what happened for which you pay us for the information and we get free meals and training. Oh yes and once a month we have to do some mission for the king. Am I correct?" If he says yes then, "I think we may be of some service to you. Where do I sign?" After all the legalities are out of the way, Cereld will ask, "Do you have anything for us to do now? If not we are going on an exploratory mission leaving in the morning."
After the meeting, I will go to the store and pick up some food for the trip.
Spectrum's Comments: Is it my imagination or do the ladies get treated a little better than the guys in these games? Steph was no great beauty (12 CHR) but you sure wouldn't know it! A point that would come to annoy Validar very much in the next post.
SUBJ: Arafel Silverhilt FROM: Kityana 08/27/89 S#: 798914
::steps up into view of group::
Well if ye be wantin a ninth member I'd be happy ta join.
::smiles::
Before you stands a female about 5'9" in height. About 120 or so in weight. She has auburn hair and emerald green eyes. Her armor is chain and a bit dirty looking. On her back is strapped 2 scimitars and strapped to her belt on the right side is a dagger. She also carries a longbow and has a bulging backpack (amazing what you can cram into these things).
Pardon me manners...the name's Arafel Silverhilt and I'm pleased ta meet ye all.
Spectrum's Comments: Kityana was an interesting young lady. She and Muskateer exchanged a few phone calls as well. She also ran a few Champions characters before doing the Q fade out. I seem to recall that Validar had something of a crush on Arafel, but I might be mistaken. He'll have to clarify that point.
SUBJ: TiCat FROM: JP TiCat 08/27/89 S#: 797987
A man in leather armor stands before you. He carries a quarterstaff in his hand. You see a dagger at his belt and, on his back, a longsword and longbow with two dozen arrows.
He is just short of six feet tall and well built, with wild, dirty blond hair. He looks to be about 20 years old. He is handsome, in a nondescript way. Your attention may be drawn to two things about him: as a hood, he wears the skin of some sort of small striped wildcat; and his left eye is light blue, his right green.
He smiles diffidently and tugs at his forelock, bowing his head to each of the women in the party in turn.
"Pardon," he says, "but I have heard that you were going adventuring. If I be not late, and if you have room, I would like to join you. I am new to this, but I'm a fine fletcher, and I can fight. I hope you'll have me."
"People call me TiCat, and my claws and fangs are yours, if you'll have me."
As if surprised by his own long-windedness, TiCat halts, smiling a bit uncertainly.
Spectrum's Comments: Ti Cat was an interesting character. Not a boastful or boisterous person, but a nice, quiet do what was needed kind of character.
The Frontier #2
Cereld, Stephanie and Validar pay a visit on Captain Shea while the rest of you prepare for the journey ahead. After a brief wait, you are shown into the Captain's office.
The Captain greets you and shows you to large table with several chairs around it. After lessoning to Cereld, the captain replies, "I believe that you have the gist of the offer. You will be given free lodging, food and training in return for your services. The Crown will assign you one mission during the summer. Otherwise you are free to do as you will. The Crown will pay for any information that you learn during your travels. An expense account will be set up for you on your arrival at Gateway. A total of 100 gp's per party member will be deposited in the account."
Upon hearing everything is to his satisfaction, Cereld signs the Seekers up with the Crown.
"You'll have to travel to Gateway to begin your adventurers', Captain Shea says. 'I'll provide you with the proper papers so that you can get started. You can contact General Logan at gateway to see if he has a mission for you or you can check the memo boards for assignments. And your expense account is only good in the City of Gateway."
"Also", the Captain continues, "I have learned that a Druid wishes to join an adventuring party. However, he has a great dislike of cities. If you are looking for another member, I'm sure that he would throw in with your company of Seekers."
Having concluded your business with Captain Shea, Cereld rejoins the rest of the party. He explains what happened and tells of the Druid. With your preparations completed, you depart for Gateway early the next morning.
The journey to Gateway will take you five days on horseback. Sure enough, soon after leaving Daram you encounter the Druid the Captain Shea spoke off.
The first day of the trip passes without incident. During the second day, you find your party catching up to a good-sized caravan. The sound of battle reaches your ears.
The caravan is made up of over 15 horse-drawn wagons. Twenty men in dark leather armor are attacking them. The attackers are spread out over a wide area.
Those of you with sharp vision spot 2 large ogres. Standing between them is a man in black chain mail. By his appearance, there is no mistaking that he is priest of Hextor, God of War, Discord and Conflict.
None of the bandit party has appeared to notice your approach.
SUBJ: GM Notes:
Okay, you are 90 yards away from the closest bandit. The priest and his guards are about 120 yards away.
I'm also assuming that you who don't have mounts are being ridden double by those who do. And finally, here is the official party roster at the moment:
| Name | Sex/Race | Class |
|---|
| Arafel | F/H | R |
| Cereld | M/H | C |
| Dalliance | F/E | F/M |
| Finrod | M/E | F/M/T |
| Flint | M/D | F |
| Merlin | M/H | M |
| Raeden | M/H | D |
| Stephanie | F/H | F |
| Tiger Cat | M/H | F |
| Validar | M/H | F |
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 08/28/89 S#: 398029
I say that we charge the priest and ogres. (I will attack whomever my partner goes after)
::I draw my bow and await to get into medium range then I fire at the closest bandit until I am in medium range with the ogres and priest. I fire at the priest and will try to melee the ogres::
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 08/28/89 S#: 795823
"My sword and spell stand ready for your order, Cereld. If you think it wise, I could cast Magic Missile on the Priest, if I could get near enough. I do agree that the Ogres and Priest seem to be our targets. With that many wagons, they should have enough men at arms to hold of the foe. If we confound the 'second wave' of foes, it may save the caravan."
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 08/28/89 S#: 796947
"I have a plan. Arafel, take Finrod and Dalliance. Start going around the cleric and ogres from the backside. Be quick, but as quiet as you can. Remember we will hopefully drawing their attention to us. Stephanie, take Tigercat, Validar and Raeden and try to take out as many of those bandits as you can, preferably at a distance. Your objective is to keep them busy, not take them all out by yourselves. If you can do this great, but don't take any unnecessary chances. This will leave Flint, Merlin and myself to attack the priest and his ogres head on. Hopefully by the time they know what hit them, Arafel's group will be striking them from behind. The way I figure it, the priest is the leader. Take him out and the rest may loose heart. Any Questions? (After a very brief pause) Now before we all go, Heironeous BLESS us in the glorious battle we now enter."
Before Cereld charges into battle (and pausing just long enough for Arafel's group to get out of sight), he will cast his Magical Stone spell. He will then charge up screaming, "Away foul servants of Hextor! Flee before the forces of Heironeous!" As soon as he is in range, Cereld will throw the stones at the cleric and then engage the ogre on the right with his axe.
SUBJ: Stephanie
"I'm not so sure about this plan, good cleric. It seems to me that we warriors should engage the ogres. I for one am more than eager to test their mettle. As Dal suggested, if we defeat the leader, the others may think twice before engaging us. I have no ranged attacks, Cereld. My steel does my talking and it is eager to sing!"
Spectrum's Comments: Blood thirsty wench, isn't she?
SUBJ: Flint (R) FROM: Sir teske 08/29/89 S#: 125466
I will engage he priest in melee and use raising sun to block the priests' attack. If I should kill the priest I will then aid the person in the worst shape.
SUBJ: Flanking maneuver (R) FROM: FINROD 08/29/89 S#: 817200
Since their chain mail will make them somewhat noisier than my unarmored self, I will move a little ahead of Dalliance and Arafel, but lagging enough to keep track of them behind me.
I loosen my longsword in its sheath, but weapon in hand is longbow, with two sheaf arrows between the fingers of my bow hand.
Making maximum use of cover and concealment, I will flit from tree to tree working around so as to approach from the rear.
#Thief abilities working as much as possible at the semi-rush I need to be moving#
Realizing that a cleric of a war god would be well trained in the arts of war, and would know enough to leave rear security elements behind them, I am alert for those elements. I should run into them a little before we get to the known location of the cleric. My intent is take them out silently then move on to the real threat...hopefully unaware that their rear guard has been removed from the equation. If there are more than one guard in between us and the cleric, once I locate them, I will stop and send hand signals to the pair following me, and we can take them out with bows and Dal's magic missile...hopefully before they can call out warning.
Once we get behind and close to the cleric and his ogres, I will ::SNEAK:: up as close as possible and wait 'till they are receiving fire from Cereld It al, then attempt to move for the backstab. Simultaneously, Dal and Arafel can open up with bows at the backs of the ogres.
From there I assume it will move into melee combat, and that my so- valiant companions will keep my bacon unfried by joining in to finish the Ogres.
If the cleric is still standing after Cereld's stones and my backstab, I will be using my spellcraft NWP to attempt to figure the spells he is casting. (I hate clerical spells, they can be so damned finessed that you don't know what's wrong 'till it get's you KELT!)
There is the best laid plan... :)
Hopefully it WON'T gang agley. :)
SUBJ: Ti-Cat FROM: JP TiCat 08/29/89 S#: 458396
Pulling the fur hood back from my head, I fit an arrow to the string of my bow, waiting until we draw within range of the bandits. I will carefully take aim and try to pick off bandits, one at a time, until they surrender or we move out of range or close to melee range.
Should that happen, I will draw my longsword and hack away 'til all the scurvy curs lie dead, or I do.
SUBJ: I like the basic plan... (R) FROM: FINROD 08/29/89 S#: 813695
But perhaps you should consider exchanging Stephanie for MageMerlin in the force which pursues the Ogre/priest group... considering she has no ranged weapon, and that he is ill-suited to hand to hand with Ogres.
I am sure that M'lord Validar is more than capable of leading the force that engages the main body of bandits, and that MageMerlin could doubtless wreak some harm with his darts.
Stephanie, if I were you, I would take up a ranged weapon as soon as possible. Now, however, is hardly the time for archery lessons, and we must make do as best we can.
Other than that one point, I say: "Let's have at 'em without further ado." :)
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 08/29/89 S#: 416899
Luckily, my Elven chain is nearly silent. I leave my weapons sheathed, concentrating on my spell. As soon as I cast, I will draw my longsword and fight, leaving my left hand free to throw a dagger if a likely target presents itself: hopefully the priest's throat.
"It does seem that MageMerlin would serve best in our sneak attack, but I leave the tactics to you, Cereld. Finrod, just keep them off me until I cast, then it's slice 'n dice time.
SUBJ: Arafel. (R) FROM: Kityana 08/29/89 S#: 843457
::nods to understanding of plan and follows the thief ( Gods I can't remember the name :D) and Dal ('membered that one) will attack with bow first and if we close in with close combat I shall draw me two scimitars and attack::
SUBJ: Raeden Hillgreen (R) FROM: Belrek 08/30/89 S#: 823907
(looking to the party leader/cleric)
"Good sir, I would like to assist you somewhat in your encounter with the bandits, even though I generally stay out of all of these conflicts, but I regretfully have little in the area of abilities, at this time for use in a combat situation. I will hang-in with the main body of the group and provide what little assistance I can, though regretfully it will be not much."
Spectrum's Comments: This was the druid that Captain Shea mentioned in the main post. I can honestly say that I was never particularly fond of druids. I don't recall him lasting very long.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 08/30/89 S#: 108896
"I understand Raeden, all I can ask is that you do what you can. Steph, I would greatly appreciate your strength and skill in the fight with the ogres. Heironeous is the god of Valor, not Stupidity. However I have a reason why I placed you there. I sent the ranger and the two elves to do the sneaking as only they can, and we are only going to be a distraction for the cleric and ogres, not the main force in their destruction. I hope that long before Merlin needs to worry about getting into hand to hand with the ogres the others will have struck from behind. And with his darts, he should be able to keep that cleric from casting spells at the very least. You and Validar are our ace in the hole. First of all, if there are any surprises that we can't see yet, you will have a better vantage point here than you would in combat. Then if something happens like we step in over our heads you will be able to rush to our assistance. On the same token, the way I figure it, once Ticat starts shooting bandits, and we start attacking the cleric one of three things may happen. The first is that the bandits will rush Ticat to stop him from taking target practice on them. The second is that they would rush to the defense of their leader. And the third, which I think will be the most likely case, is that part will attack Ticat and part will rush to the cleric. In all three cases, I would like to have you and Validar here where you can decide where you will be most needed. That's how I see it, but if you see something that I don't, please tell me and I'll rethink my plan fast."
SUBJ: Stephanie
"I understand your plan better now, good cleric. I've spent years honing my muscles and skills and it's a... well... a let down to have my first battle against lowly bandits while there is a powerful monster on hand. Nonetheless, I shall bow to your wisdom."
I'll then spur my mount, Thunder, onward towards the bandits, longsword drawn.
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: Panther13 09/02/89 S#: 851376
Upon seeing the cleric of Hextor, Validar urges his charge riding with him, if there is one, off my mount, Havok. He slams the visor of his helm down, adjusts his shield and lowers his lance in the direction of the ebon armored cur. After a brief moment's pause, to ensure my rider is away, Validar charges full tilt at the cleric.
"Avatar of war and combat your kind claim to be, but I call you a lowly slug! Prepare to meet the cretin you worship, souless slug!"
Validar will thunder toward the priest and attempt to impale the dog upon his lance. If the cleric survives the rush, I will then carry on well beyond the group to avoid melee combat and rush him again.
If the cleric falls, then turn my attention to the bandits, chasing them down one at a time from horseback. I shall use my blade only if necessary.
Also, my good man, Cereld, I prefer Validar, as that is my name.
"Welcome to the newcomers, Arafel and Raeden. May we meet with much battle, glory and honor."
Spectrum's Comments: Validar was more like a first edition Cavalier than anything else. His personal code of honor demanded that he seek out the most powerful foe in a fight. That was the primary reason he ignored the battle plan. (Sapphire sort of has a similar code as well.) Musky played one before with his Victor the 2nd character. I wish I had a dime for every time I heard him call some villain a "soulless slug". The big battle is in the next file!
