The Frontier #40
The Giants have been defeated and the Seekers have taken their spoils of victory.
While searching the cave, they also discovered a young woman and her pet snake. (See last post.)
Eager to catch up the goblins, the party continues on.
Dar uses his powers to heal Stephanie and Kamriell laid hands on the new woman.
Next day, the Seekers exit the forest and come to the main road leading west, to Gateway. This is an ancient roadway constructed of cobblestones. However, weeds have run rampant on the roadway.
Turning east, ruins of a city can be seen. The smoke of many campfires can be seen rising into the sky.
GM Notes:
Since Cereld has been absent for some time now, the division of the treasure is up to the party. If no one objects, Kamriell will take 100 gp and 1 potion. Bernie will take the gem. Others made passing mentions of the goods, but they're the only ones to name things.
Demonslayer has armed himself with a Longsword and Dagger. He has also scribed the following spells in his book: Charm Person, Mount, Color Spray, Identify, Friends, Phantasmal Force and Magic Missile.
Valgrin can also cast spells now. Val, you can learn up to 4 spells from the following list. List your top choices and I'll roll to see if you can learn that particular spell.
Spell list: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Sleep, Charm Person, Armor, Mount, Magic Missile, Alarm, Enlarge, Change Self, Color Spray, Unseen Servant, Identify, Burning Hands, Light, Friends, Gaze Reflection, Hold Portal, Phantasmal Force, Affect Normal Fires, Comprehend Languages, Mending, and Tenser's Floating Disk
All Spellcasters! If you haven't done so already, send me your new spell lists.
The party's food supply is rapidly dwindling. There is less than 2 days of food and drink left.
Hit Points
Validar - 34 of 42
Spectrum's Comments: Fortunately, Cereld wasn't gone very long. I hate it when you lose your party leader! As you might have guessed, this one ended up being a very long post. Hard to believe consider how short the main post was!
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 05/17/90 S#: 513802
Upon sight of the girl, I think of giving up my status of paladin hood, but..... Naaah. ;) But, alas, this vision of woodland beauty still has no name.
::puts gold and potion into my backpack::
BTW... what does the container look like?
Well... on a morbid note...Hmmm.... methinks that it is the goblin camp that i see before mine eyes. I have a plan... if Val learns Phantasmal Force. We might be able to rig up an illusion that would keep the goblins occupied for a while, and then we can sneak around back, and catch them by surprise with a small group of good fighters and one cleric for healing purposes while the rest of the force stays behind and tries to hold off the goblin force.... Maybe.... ::offers silent prayer to the gods:: Well, hey folks, that's the post, and I am outta here! ;D
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!!!!"
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: P.S. FROM: Kid Texas 05/17/90 S#: 513832
It would also help if Val learned change self. Anyway... anyone ever think of hunting?
Spectrum's Comments: Kam here is leaping to a conclusion. Nowhere does it say what the inhabitants of the ruined city are. Could be goblins, could be humans, could be something else entirely. In fact most of this post is taken up by Kam coming up with these bizarre tactics to counter a situation that had yet to be fully revealed. He ended up becoming quite annoying about it. You have been warned. :D
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/17/90 S#: 515110
I will scan the surrounding area for any area that is suitable for an ambush. Such as a valley, a trail through some trees etc. The Element of ground and surprise could be very beneficial to us. I volunteer to go out hunting and would except anyone that would like to accompany me and my canine companion.
SUBJ: Stephanie
The woman warrior will turn to Cereld or whoever speaks.
'What shall the plan be, comrades? Perhaps this would be a good time to put the skills of our stealthy members to us? Scout the area and gauge the strength of the enemy. In fact, determine if the inhabitants of the city are the enemy. We're still several days from Gateway, you know. Kam, you forget the Araduin and Finrod are also users of great magic.'
Walking to Thunder, I retrieve my longbow. The fine bow that Tiger Cat constructed for me. As I hold the bow, a grim look comes over my face as I think back to our lost comrade. A tear comes to my eye as I feel the engraved S on the bottom. I never had the chance to use this marvelously crafted weapon. It is most fitting that I shall use it to slay goblins. His own skill shall avenge him.
I regard the strange woman silently. I will greet her when the opportunity presents itself, but will avoid her slimy snake. Ick! ;)
Spectrum's Comments: The bow that Ticat made for Stephanie was not forgotten about. She simply hadn't used it yet!
GM Notes:
Kam's potion is in dirty and dented brass holder. The other potion is in a similar container.
The terrain here is pretty level. The main road is 20' wide, with a further 10' clearance on both sides before forest begins.
The city is approximately half a mile away to the northwest. It is at the base of some low foothills.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 05/18/90 S#: 517841
Validar will ride to the front of the group and address everyone.
"It is clear that Stephanie's words are true. There is no point in making a plan to confront something we know naught about. Those fires we see may be the remains of a sacked town that the goblins 'visited' on their way to Gateway. It could just as easily be an independent group of bandits, a reserve force for the goblinoids, or the main body themselves. I find that last option unlikely at best, however. In any case, we must determine who or what is there before any other decisions can be made."
"Therefore, Dar Thaltus, Arathron, Finrod, Bernice, Kaan and Telinos will go and scout those ruins. Remember a confrontation is not necessary; knowledge is."
"In the meantime, anyone who has knowledge of hunting or trapping should go with Arocken to attempt to locate us more food. As stealth is necessary in the scouting mission, it appears that the hunters would have some time to perhaps be successful."
"The main body will retreat off the road in a defensible area, so as not to draw any undue attention and be able to defend ourselves against any unforeseen surprises. We will have guards, or watches, during this period, as well."
"I believe that the main force is still ahead of us, but we may be able to cripple their effort by removing any expected reinforcements if these be them. Also, this encamped group may be able to fill our supplies, even if they are not allied with the goblins."
Before the scouting party departs, Validar will remind them to be careful and for everyone to act with a sound mind on this mission.
Spectrum's Comments: That seems like a reasonable way to deal with the situation. However some folks kept leaping to conclusions and coming up with bizarre notions. Validar's tolerance to being annoyed would be severely tested in this file!
SUBJ: demonslayer (R) FROM: Ace37 05/18/90 S#: 519399
I would like to memorize magic missile, all I have is a sword but I would accompany the hunting party as to help drag back anything we bring down.
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 05/18/90 S#: 416231
For the coming encounters, I'll have 3 sleeps, a web, and a flaming sphere memorized.
"Sound thinking, Validar. As to the magicks to use in an encounter with the goblin forces, I don't believe that an illusion or two is going to hamper, or even convince so many foes. I intend to use my magic energies in spells which have the impact on the largest number of foes."
"I'm sorry, Bernie, but with the encounter with the goblin forces apparently imminent, I can not expend energies in summoning you a mount again. Perhaps you would do me the honor of riding with me?"
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/18/90 S#: 850357
::Walks over to mule and begins to prepare things for a hunt.::
"For hunting purposes I have no need of my sword, would someone do me the honor of guarding it until I return." I will check my dagger and Bow and arrows. I will also check Kortul for any damage she may have incurred during the battle with the Giants.
"Any of you who wish to accompany me on a hunt lets us hurry and accomplish this as the Goblins wont wait for us." I will offer the use of my mule as a mount for someone until I return, as I prefer to hunt on foot.
SUBJ: Kamreill... again FROM: Kid Texas 05/18/90 S#: 521419
Here's a few idea starters.
Hmm... I suppose that my illusion idea wouldn't work, Well, I suppose that a vision of a giant that the goblins obviously avoided because they didn't want an encounter wouldn't deter them in any way....
Well, my potion is stoppered I suppose. What does the stopper look like? Are there any runes or writing or depictive scratches on the bottle?
Anyway... could our new companion have any empathic skills with the animals? Do we have a ranger or two to go hunting? This might help.
Why do I have to ask so many questions? Is it because I want to waste time?
Does anyone in the party speak goblin, or kobold besides me? This might help in the future if we capture a goblin patrol.
Are there any trees with sufficient foliage to provide an archer station? Ok... I have another idea for the roadside... we dig pits and lay ourselves in them and cover them with foliage and provide a tube for breathing... possibly a scroll case...Anyway, when anyone come along, we spring out of the pits that are just to the side of the road and gain the benefit of surprise. Or, maybe we could use the clearing possibly...
Just posting... again...
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!"
The Kid/Kamreill
Spectrum's Comments: See what I mean? It does make you wonder if he even read the posts before his. After all, several players have already stated that they would go and do hunting for instance. Here's where we start to get into the Paladin acting like a Ranger bit.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 05/19/90 S#: 18119
"A good choice in your reasoning behind your magic selections, Araduin. I am certain that it will take more than arms to defeat such a numerous foe."
"Arocken, we shall not be moving far while the scouting and hunting parties are out. You can leave whatever you do not wish to carry with us here. I would suggest that you, and anyone accompanying you, not tarry to long. And also be careful. We are in most unfriendly territory."
"Kamreill, to answer a few of your questions: I sent those with ranger skills to do the scouting, excepting Arocken, who volunteered otherwise. That is clearly the more important duty at this moment. Next, that ambush is quite an imaginative idea, but firstly we have no such digging tools. Also, I doubt we would have the time to complete this. Neither mission will take too long, and we may also be at a greater disadvantage while trying to dig pits. I think those that remain, while staying alert, should take the moment to rest. We may need to push ourselves farther than ever before in the days to come."
SUBJ: Eagle FROM: Perpbuster 05/19/90 S#: 523838
Eagle offers to accompany the hunters, but tells them he has no knowledge of it. He will pray for an entangle spell, CLW, and a protection from evil spell. He asks the clerics of the party if anyone is of rank as to enable him to train for 2nd level.
GM Notes:
OK, at the moment I have Dar, Arathron, Finrod, Bernice, Kaan and Telinos scouting the city. How are you going to go about this? One large group or several smaller groups? Going to sneak into he city or look in from the edges? It might be possible to get a good view from the hills behind the city.
Arocken, Demonslayer and Eagle going to hunt.
The rest of the party locates a place to set up camp off of the road.
Actually Kam, you only speak common and Kobold, no goblin. According to my notes, only Finrod and Araduin can converse in goblin.
Eagle, Cereld will be able to train you. You both have the same patron, Heironeous, and he is currently 5th level.
It would be possible to place archers in the trees along the edge of the road. They would be impractical anywhere else.
Kam, your potion has no identifying marks on it. You have no, non-magical way of determining what it is apart from drinking it.
Arocken, you're mule is in perfect condition. Any particular type of game that you are looking for?
SUBJ: First things first.... (R) FROM: Modesty1 05/19/90 S#: 64530
When the strange woman shows up, Bernice is her usual REALLY cheerful and friendly self. She expresses concern for the fate of the strangers' brothers. But when Sheba is called out, her eyes narrow a bit, and when the snake considers EATING her she hides behind Validar. 'Do we really want to take this woman in? Pretty bizarre, a snake for a pet. Never heard of such a thing! Who knows what kind of person she could be? Might not want to chance it. And I for one could never sleep with that thing around! Could you, knowing what it wants to do? Don't think we wanna chance it. Nope, don't think so...'
On the trail, Bernice will recount her role in the battle to anyone who'll listen. Frequent mention is made of the fact that it was her first REAL battle with the sword. She coughs nervously during these conversations.
When Araduin offers to share his mount, the halfling just smiles up at him, her face positively beaming.
Bernice is enthused about scouting, especially since we won't be getting too close. She offers her opinion on how to scout. 'Now, I don't have much experience in these things, but I do have a little. Splitting up is the way to go I think, it'll save time. But maybe we should go in groups of two, for safety. Yep that's the way to go. Why, just before it left, Uncle Bernie told me the story of his single-handed raid on a kobold army. Yep, about 50 years ago now.....'
There she goes... again,
Bernie
Spectrum's Comments: Here's where the Bernice and Zynara's snake stuff begins... Funny stuff.
SUBJ: Me Again FROM: Kid Texas 05/19/90 S#: 819292
Kamreill here again with more annoying possibilities.
Well, I'm up again on the post. We can place ANYONE with ANY missile weapons in the trees to ambush the patrols. The missile attackers will be higher up, unless the range restrictions prohibit that, and the other characters can be hiding in the scrub with the foliage covering them. When one of the missile attackers spots an encounter within range, s/he will give a shrill whistle and open fire while the other people jump out of the underbrush and attack from there and the missile attackers after the first volley can jump down and go into the melee.
Just ANOTHER idea.
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 05/20/90 S#: 517833
"Do not get me wrong, Kamreill. I do not intend to assuage your enthusiasm, but I do not expect any sort of encounter while we encamp temporarily. We are simply in enemy territory and I want to remain cautious. That is all. Odds are we shant have ANY encounter."
Validar will take a quick look at himself and his armored mount.
"In any case, I do not find the thought of hiding in brush desirable, or even practical. I would think a young warrior like you would be more interested in might of arms rather than any form of secrecy. There is much honor in defeating a foe skill to skill and sword to sword."
"Do not worry yourself, Bernice. While I am a part of this assemblage I will do my best to assure that none of its members come to harm."
SUBJ: Valgrin FROM: Vanter 05/20/90 S#: 491177
Valgrin looks at the second potion and says he wants it.
SPELLS WANTED: Comprehend Languages, Friends, Sleep, and Change Self.
SUBJ: Lady FROM: Zynara 05/20/90 S#: 484395
When given a chance I will pull out my book and read from it. Anyone looking over my shoulder will discover it is written in a fluid and graceful handwriting but is still unlegible. (It is my spell book)
"I seem to have forgotten to give you my name. I tend to do that now and again when I meet new people. As for my name, it is Zynara Yates."
When Kamreill talks of hiding, I smile, "I will hide near you to keep you company in the bushes. We may even come up with a game or two."
When I call Sheba, I notice the others reactions. When Bernice goes to hiding behind another of the group, "You need not worry. As long as I am around, Sheba only eats what I give her. She has also eaten recently and shouldn't be hungry for a couple of days. By the way, does anyone have a live rabbit or similar sized creature? I can hold off on feeding Bernice up to 5 days but at that time, I would have to let her go and search for her own food. A rabbit will last her about a week but she is still growing and it might not last as long in the future. She will tell me when she has to eat so you will all have proper notice. As for any of you that think snakes are slimy and such, I will be happy to let you pet Sheba. She really enjoys getting scratched on the head."
As I learn everyone's names and nicknames, I turn to Demonslayer. "How did you get such a name? It must be a fascinating story. Maybe you can tell it to me sometime?"
When we come upon the ruins and smoke, I sit back and watch the group in action. If asked if I can help in any fashion I frown and shake my head. "I am not much of a lady of the woods. Sheba is the only pet I have ever had and her and I get along great. I also don't like to carry weapons. I did learn how to fight with my fists. When you have 3 older brothers you need to do that. I got so good I could beat them up but my mother told me it wasn't lady like to beat up on men, so I only did it when she wasn't around. If any of you men think you out wrestle me, I would love the challenge." With that I wink at Kamreill.
Spectrum's Comments: Zynara had a little slip of words there... or did she say that on purpose? Check out Bernice's next reply for more details.
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 05/20/90 S#: 505774
OK... No encounters.... Sword to sword... yeah right. What good is honor when you have a goblin blade sticking out your back? I still think that we should keep an ambush force alongside the road to capture(steal) any goods that might aid us in our quest to save gateway.
Games Zynara? Hehehehehe ;D
Anyway... does there happen to be a body of water around? A river or lake or pond? I hear that goblins don't like water that much.
Does anyone have a water or wineskin? If ya do, Can I have it? I got anudder Idea.
Kamreill will go around and gather some leaves and start to mash them and cut them into a fine pulp and put it in his backpack. ::grins::
Here's another idea. If our esteemed and honorable leader approves of it.
I will also hack down one of the trees and try to move it so that it is blocking the road. Can someone help me with this? After that I will make all sorts of footprints on the road to show that some sort of scuffle took place, and that the losing force was dragged off the side of the road.
Anyone with any intelligence will be a wee bit skittish if they saw this. They might even turn back...
Spectrum's Comments: ::sigh:: This is getting tedious. Anybody ever encounter a paladin willing to ambush his enemies and steal goods? The group was following the goblin army, meaning that they were coming up from the rear, so it's not likely that they'll be running into patrols. Laying an ambush at this point seems silly since the enemy is already ahead of you and moving further away! Furthermore, the occupants of the city have yet to be revealed, so its not know if they are a menace or not. Hacking down a tree could potentially draw attention to themselves, and since the enemy is already past this point, what's the point of doing that? And if anyone has any idea why he's mashing leaves in his backpack, please let me know. Thirteen years later I still have no clue!
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 05/20/90 S#: 797791
I think that setting an ambush for a group that is already ahead of us kind of defeats the purpose. I will call the hunters to depart and head into the trees. We will be looking for any game taking care to only kill what we will need to make it to gateway.
Spectrum's Comments: At least some people understood what was going on.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 05/20/90 S#: 7953
"As far as the treasure division goes, those who have made a stated preference for those certain items may have them. Valgrin, the second potion is yours. However, I see no reason to worry about the coins, as we have no need of them out here and also have a major division of treasure to complete upon our return to Gateway anyway. Therefore, we shall simply keep the coins stored on a mount until such time as we need them, or return to Gateway."
"Again, young paladin, I commend your imagination, but let me offer some advice on this last idea: this road may be cobbled, but judging from the look of it, it hasn't seen many wheeled vehicles in some time, and a fallen tree will not even slow mounted riders. Also, unless I am unaware, we do not have suitable tools for feeling a tree, and weapons of war are easily ruined for such crude tasks."
"If anyone wishes to take up points in the trees that is your decision, but I suggest a temporary rest for most everyone who can get one."
Feeling that all that is settled, Validar will once again remount his noble warhorse, Havok, and begin his surveillance of the area, his lance at the ready.
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Begal 05/20/90 S#: 825683
"Hi Zyn, uh, Zy, uh,... Hi pretty lady! Me Blod. Me like snakes. Me gonna pet yours, ok? Me have trouble with names so me just gonna call you Zynny. That ok? Good."
Blod will reach down and pet the snake on the head.
"I agree with Sir Clang! If you wanna stay in trees, go ahead. Me gonna sleep."
Blod will then lay down, with his mighty sword next to him and go to sleep.
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, Blod's found a new object of his affections.
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 05/20/90 S#: 831869
eh... well... another idea smoldering in ashes. :ü
I'm still scared of goblin patrols, so I'm going to sleep in the trees tonight. ::winks at Zy::
I look forward to the day when i can cleave a goblin in two. Well, that's all my ideas for now. as for the goblins... well...
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: WHAT?!.... (R) FROM: Modesty1 05/20/90 S#: 522478
"HOLD OFF ON FEEDING BERNICE!?" Bernice shrieks, more hysterical than after the battle with the hippogriffs. "GET THAT THING OUTTA HERE! MAKE HER GO AWAY! PLEASE VALIDAR!" she turns around, "ARADUIN! PLEEASE!" and once again Bernice is sobbing into Araduin's knees.
The shaking halfling,
Bernie P.S. You walked right into that one Zynara! ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Classic Bernice.
SUBJ: Kaan FROM: Xent6 05/20/90 S#: 793322
Phew, what a treasure. Let me see those potions, maybe I have heard about them before. I will check them and try to determine their nature. I will also take 300 gp. " I need some armor as soon as we get to gateway, okay?"
I will try to get finrod to teach me another spell (in the following order): Change self, Magic Missile, Identify or Charm.
I will memorize Phantasmal force and Sleep for our scouting trip. I will also train my pickpocket ability.
Oh guys, I think we should use as much illusionist and charm magic as we can get. Illusions work on large groups and Goblins are a gullible and cowardish pack. Half of them will be frightened to death. Let's go!
Kaan.
SUBJ: Stephanie
'Hail, Zynara! Welcome to our band...'
Steph listens to her talk of the snake and her physical prowess, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.
'That I shall have to see for myself.'
As for her 'pet', I'll pass on that. I'm not touching that snake! ;)
'Fear not, Bernice. The serpent will not devour you! Keep a careful leash on your pet, sorceress!'
I quietly shake my head at the sprouting of ideas.
'How can you plan for that which you don't know? The preparations would more than likely draw unwanted attention to us.'
Taking my longbow, I'll move to a position to watch the road. Passing Validar on the way.
'I shall take the first watch, comrade. You have the patience of a saint.'
Spectrum's Comments: My own subtle comments on the situation.
SUBJ: GM Notes
Valgrin has put Comprehend Languages, Friends, Sleep and Change Self to his Spell Book.
Kam, there is no bodies of water in the immediate vicinity.
Kaan has added Magic Missile and Charm Person to his book.
Mail From: Zynara Date: Tuesday 22-May-90 21:44 EDT
What was the largest post you had?
Oh by the way, don't mind me, I am just shaking the tree to find out if it will hold up the weight of me being in it. :)
Or should I say, I shaking the self-appointed leader seeing if he has what it takes to be listened to and followed without question. It may also stir up some more people. Then again it may cause the group to think what they are doing is not such a great idea and blow everything you have worked at down the drain. Either way it is a lot of fun. :>
Spectrum's Comments: Some people just like to cause trouble...
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 05/22/90 S#: 485473
First of all a note to add, since MAD has forgotten again. The trail we have come upon has seen numerous goblin tracks on and near it. Therefore, it is clear we are still behind the main force, as I expected.
"Do not waste excess time getting comfortable in this spot, my comrades. We shant be spending the night here, just long enough to allow the others to complete their tasks. We shall be moving on again as soon as they return. We have closed the distance on the goblinoids and I do not care to lose any of that."
Taking advantage of the fair Stephanie's offer to watch the area, Validar take the opportunity to tend to his warhorse, removing the animals barding and allowing Havok to graze freely. Validar will rest for some time, while still remaining alert, armed, and quite dangerous...
He will also take some time to chat with anyone willing about the upcoming battle with the goblinoids, and the glory and honor that await us.
SUBJ: Stephanie... (R) FROM: Modesty1 05/22/90 S#:522222
::sniff, sniff:: "OK, I guess, if you're really sure"
Bernice
SUBJ: Love talking FROM: Zynara 05/22/90 S#: 830384
To Bernice, I am sorry about my slip of the tongue. I am a book smart person but I occasionally don't say the right thing. I have had very little training with the things most people find simple such as saying the right thing and I keep forgetting that. You appear to be a lady that may be able to help me get what I have heard called streetwise. I promise that I will not let Sheba eat you. She has this streak of malicious humor but I will make sure she doesn't do anything to you."
To Blod, "I would love to have you call me Zynny. It sounds beautiful coming from such a handsome and smart man as yourself. Maybe we can chat later and you can tell me more about you." I give him a big smile and a wink.
To Kamreill, "I have tried any types of games in a tree before but I am always willing to try new things." I give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
To Validar, "Validar, you keep telling this handsome fellow, Kamreill that he shouldn't prepare for any type of encounter because we won't be here that long. By chance can you see the future? Can you tell me which GOD told you that we will not get attacked here in enemy territory while we are running around hunting and scouting the enemy out? I haven't spoken up to what you are doing prior because it appeared you knew what you are doing. It now appears to me you don't know what you are doing. You appear all talk and no show. As for dividing treasure, are you each out for your own gains or are you a group. If you are out for your own then it may be safer for me to be on my way. One of you may try to take advantage of me some night and I don't want to risk that."
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 05/22/90 S#: 802042
Yeah! Well... I'm still in the trees. While I'm up here I'll take some leaves and mince them up again and put the poultice in my backpack.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 05/22/90 S#: 800748
"Zynara, I suppose your extensive experience with this group makes you an expert on what strategies will and will not work. Validar has proven himself to be a competent and knowledgeable companion. While some of the suggestions put forth might be appropriate were we expecting a siege, in this situation they will do little but exhaust us when we most need to gather our strength for our coming trials."
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus...... (R) FROM: Kazaroth 05/23/90 S#: 519177
stands aside from the group as discussions, suggestions, criticisms, etc fly to and fro amongst the others. Heeding Val's 'suggestion' Dar slips off ALONE to scout the ruins ahead. "No need to include any of that noisy bunch" he mutters under breath. Utilizing both his naturally elven stealth and his ranger training Dar will first circle the ruins, placing himself in a position across from the main party so that the ruins lie between the two. During the course of this 'Excursion' Dar will be certain that his magical sword remains sheathed at all times so as not to be given away by its radiant green glow. In the event that a weapon becomes necessary Dar will use his spear.
Once a suitable position is found Dar will settle down for a bit taking careful and thorough note of anyone/ thing that he spies among the ruins. After a short period of reconnaissance Dar will swiftly and silently rejoin the main group using his STALK spell when he is closest to the ruins and in possible danger of discovery.
SUBJ: To Araduin FROM: Zynara 05/23/90 S#: 90368
"I may not know your group but I know when someone is over confident. This is enemy territory. Would you go to sleep in this area without guards? We may be here only a short time. Being who I am, I need to rest quite often. I am sure; anyone in this group will tell you that casting spells in the beginning takes a lot of energy. To be able to cast any future spells you need to rest and regain strength."
"I know we will not be staying here and sleeping. I heard Validar with my own ears say we are not staying, but shall we all turn our backs to the enemy and have a sing along while we are waiting for the scouts, which could encounter the enemy and in escaping them lead them right back here. I admit Kamreill has over-kill in his plans but he is the only one thinking of making this a safe place to rest rather than taking it for granted we are perfectly safe and no enemy scouts would spot us in their usual scouting rounds around their own camp."
"I figure at this distance, the scouts will take at least an hour if not 4 hours to complete their mission. During that time the enemy will be doing the same thing. Now even goblins know how to use scouts and the are the weakest, stupidest troublesome humanoid there is. Kobolds' intelligence at least makes up for their small statures."
"Now if the rest of you want to sit there and not be ready for an encounter, then I am going to join Kamreill up in that tree. If it weren't for the fact I can't protect myself that well, I wouldn't even bother telling you that some enemy scouts are approaching if they did. But since I can't defend myself that well and Kamreill has honor, which it appears very few of you have, he and I will tell you if we spot anything."
With that I turn and go running over to the tree Kamreill has chosen and ask him to help me up into the tree with him. I will stay on the lower branches since I am slightly afraid of heights and I don't know how to climb that well.
SUBJ: Kamreill (R) FROM: Kid Texas 05/23/90 S#: 523233
::helping Zy up::
Well, I'll also use my detect evil abilities as a palidin constantly to watch for patrols while I'm resting in the tree. I'll use a 30degree search method, turning every 10 minutes. THERE! I'm doing my two bits worth!
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 05/24/90 S#: 517132
"I suppose if we were all rookies, perhaps we might have to be reminded to do the obvious. Funny thing, though, we actually have managed to survive out here for quite a while without you expert advice, Zynara. Must have been a fluke."
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 05/24/90 S#: 806388
::Shakes head while bickering goes on:: ::leaves camp with the hunters to catch some game::
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 05/24/90 S#: 460253
Zynara certainly catches the full attention of Validar with her criticisms. He walks calmly over to face her directly, but his eyes say that he is not entirely pleased.
"I thank you for your support, Araduin, but I can certainly defend myself from these criticisms. Firstly, I shall assure that I do NOT have any sort of commune with godlings. And I do not wish to. I also have not claimed the ability to foresee the future, as you call it."
"However, I DO have much battlefield knowledge. It is my opinion that we are relatively safe here. The goblinoid force ahead of us has likely scared away all minor troubles we may face, and they would have avoided any larger threat, as they did with the giants we just abandoned. With the merely following the road, we can safely assume that as long as we trail them, danger is not likely, save for reinforcements or scouts."
"Now, if you had not had your attention elsewhere, you would have noticed that I was taking the first watch, so that the rest of you could restore yourselves for the trip ahead. And you would notice that Stephanie is at watch, even now. Perhaps you need to pay a little more attention next time before passing judgment."
"I can assure you that we are certainly a cohesive group, and not merely a collection of individuals. We are simply making an attempt to assimilate the numerous newcomers into our group. As far as the division of treasure goes, we have a policy of equal shares of magical items and money. Since a few of the newcomers expressed interest in those items, I allowed them to take them, as those of us who have been around here for quite some time have already had such an opportunity. And as for the coins, money is irrelevant at this moment, for we chase a goblin horde, and unless we throw it at them, it can wait."
"Finally, you sound to me like many of the others I've encountered, both of this group and not. You call me overconfident, but have yet to see me in action. I assure you: it is confidence, not Overconfidence. I would elicit the testimony of our longtime comrades, but that is not necessary. You shall see for yourself soon enough.... as all the others have as well."
Validar's face remains calm throughout his talk with the newest member of this group, but he can barely hold in a grin as he walks over to his mount, shaking his head. He will then tend to his horse, as described earlier.
Spectrum's Comments: I have to admit that I'm impressed that Validar kept his cool during all of this. Of course, upon reflection he always kept his cool. Still, must have been difficult. Next time we find out what's actually in the ruined city and if Kam's ideas really had any merit.