Your study of the tent itself reveals little: The commander is austere, yet brilliant, individual. A stack of books lie next to a makeshift hammock-cot. Scanning the war table, you notice history books, maps of Alvernia's and Dalenor's regions, and even blueprints of certain fortresses.
This is not a commander to be taken lightly. Auxilliary commanders are typically disgruntled generals tasked with foreigners or an outsider themselves unworthy of commanding native forces. Talvus is the latter, but far from unworthy. He clearly studies war from the scope of the entire army, not just his own jurisdiction. The dwarf, Halfshield, seems to be either his second-in-command responsible for logistic provisions, or sergeant major tasked with the maintenance and discipline of soldiers.
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"No I didn't. " answers Kyrthas to Sohyme while they walk across the tents following the dwarf. "And surely a lot of pain and suffering will come from this. You could almost smell their fear."
The goliath rises his head as soon as he sees someone taller than him. Just a natrual reaction of someone used to be the taller beign around. He had a hard time not looking at the horns of the Commander but tries to concentrate on the map and the orders.
"How much time do we have to find these lizardfolk? I mean. When does the army leaves to Scalebane Keep?"
Commander Talvus rests in a seat no taller than a human's - though the wood is incredibly thick - at the head of the war table, "We know the lizardfolk can be reasoned with, to an extent. They are sentient, not animals. However, they are visciously territorial and prone to raiding soft targets where they can. I've already lost a dozen soldiers to scouting and emmissary missions. As I said, I believe they may have been swayed by Dalenor. Go there, kill them if you have to, and re-open the road west. Barring that option, get us safe passage through the forest. We march in one week, and it would cut our march in half as well as give us cover before the final push to Scalebane Keep. The last thing we need is to march along the forest for a week or more while receiving constant skirmishes from the woods."
The fog of war creates many illusions and guises. Commander Talvus is genuine, but his station requires descretion and you feel as though there are larger machinations being worked.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
(OOC, yes the Minotaur is Commander Talvus, and if you guys have any more OOC questions, we do have a OOC private message thread, this thread is IC posts)
When the party is dismissed, Vaike stalks towards the camp and starts an investigation with some of the residents for the name and location of the drunken dwarf captain.
Commander Talvus turns grim for a minute at Sohyme's inquiry, "We sent a dozen in total. Half returned less than half of how they left. Don't count on finding bodies. Lizardfolk consume the vanquished to gain strength."
Your search for the drunken captain turns up no evidence. Soldiers go about their duties without knowledge of any drunken conduct. It is early afternoon; hours until nightfall.
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
It seems we really don't have much information to go off. But this is a forest, and the best way would be to to see for ourselves when we get there. Nature will not hide things from a druid and will tell us the truth.
There is, however a thing you and I can do... You must have seen Eagles and Owls before, right?
The Goliath follows the dwarf to thier tent, somehow relieved after seeing that they are at the inner camp. He leaves his stuff and weaons in one corner of the tent, next to one bed, and sits at the table to eat and drink while the rest get confortable. If left undisturbed he will enjoy the hospitality of the commander fot who knows where they will be able to have a full rest night with plenty of food and ale.
As the company makes camp, Gridolpho snatches up a few of the proffered rations and slips out to mingle with the less savory elements.
A card game here, a few drinks by the fire there, the thief weaves his way from gathering to gathering sharing his extra rations with those who need it.
All the while, seeking first-hand accounts of the Lizardfolk attacks and trying to glean any details he can.
Stumbling back to the company's camp in the wee hours of the morning, Gridolpho collapses into his bed and mutters "Te...Tell ya tummurrow..."before falling asleep and snoring loudly.
Tav looks towards Perrin, "Of course I have seen the eagles and the owls." His voice is smooth like silk, and seems to calm you as he speaks. "I have no doubt we will be able to find forest dwelling creatures, nature heeds our call after all." Tavgrephor makes his way to the camp, when he arrives he sits in the middle of the camp. He begins to speak words that only Perrin can understand, as he does a magical darkness flows from his eyes, it appears as if the stars them self are pouring out of his face. Having worked with Tav before, you all know this magical surrounding hides our campfire from outsiders, and allows my colleagues to better spot intruders(+5 to perception checks from inside the 30ft area). Once is his finished, he begins his meditation, and enjoys the ecstasy that is dreams.
Then I will scout ahead. Feel free to join later. Maybe four eyes will see better than two.
Perrin kneels and uses Wild Shape to turn into a Blood Hawk. The beast raises its beak and with some powerful wing sweeps, takes to the air. Flying high, Perrin scouts the paths they can take tomorrow toward the forest, any potential threats or points of interest.
Perception (with advantage from Keen Sight on the beast): 11
Nature check (for terrain and weather, any unusual plants or animals): 9
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tav finishes his meditation, then he stands up and transforms into an owl. He also flies in the direction of our future path, hoping to get an idea of any enemies we may face.
Perception(advantage from keen sight): 21
Nature check (for terrain and weather, any unusual plants or animals): 12
Upon returning he will meet up with Perrin and exchange information.
The commander is busy into the night, but holds conversation well enough where it pertains to battle plans. He reveals the dire situation the army finds itself in, that Yllera could overrun Alvernia at any time should it launch an attack on the sham eastern defenses. While Yllera's army could easily be beaten without its potential allies from overseas, the treacherous swamp that borders the two kingdoms would slow progress to a painful grind. Such a move would make the army vulnerable to prolonged skirmishes. The only hope is to gamble on a decisive assault on Dalenor before they can muster forces to the border.
Talvus also mentions that he is not only the auxiliary commander - those forces which are allied, but not part of the formal army - but also in command of the mercenary forces. It took days of debate to convince the king to relinquish funds for The Rising Star. Any mercenary company of the same price would have come with ten times the numbers, but reputation was a powerful weapon. Commander Talvus is very pleased to have your group under his command and expects great things beyond your initial mission.
Gridolpho
The general morale of the camp is strained, but hopeful in this gambit. The greatly bolstered numbers have given hope to many, but the unspoken question seems to be how the army will attack Dalenor and hold the ground. Among your gaming, a familiar voice springs up. Your old contact within the Royal Quartermaster's staff takes a seat across from you and plants a box of wine on the table. Pulling a bottle for each of you, he releases the rest for those nearby to enjoy. Ever an ear near the common soldier, your contact relays some of the local superstition regarding Coldscale Forest. Some say that that the lizardfolk are ruled by a great serpent, one that could devour the forest should it be roused to such action. Others claim mention the serpent, but that it is held in hibernation by a benevolent spirit of the forest. One consistent story tells that the story is more than humanoid lizards and spirits. The place breathes life in every shape and form.
Tavrephor
The forest is alive with life. From the sky you can see a vibrant aura radiating from the canopy. Signs of more mundane life exist to varying degrees. These areas of civilization appear as black spots in the verdant canopy. From your vantage, one area stands out above the others located a few miles south of the northern trade road. Faint traces of white smoke hang like a thin haze in the air. Who- or whatever sits in this concentrated area is clever enough to minimize their fires and use white-smoking wood. Coasting high above and away from the forest, you move a bit closer to this concentrated area. Soon, you feel a sense of dread, as though you are being hunted. Wheeling around, you see no other creature except Perrin. The presence radiates within the canopy and permeates a shadow over the civilized area you are surveying. Whatever is there is vividly aware of your presence and stalking your every move. Before you turn for the camp, a timid presence seems to call out for help. When you look back to the forest, the voice is gone, lost in the heart of the green expanse.
Feel free to discuss a general plan of action for the remained of the (game) day. I like to keep as much choice available to players as possible. I'll assume you gather the information together and consult with Commander Tavus or Halfshield.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Kyrthas talks with the Commander about tactics, with his blunt and simple tactics making the versed commander laugh more than one time. The minotaur has earned his respect and he tells the others that it was thanks to him that they were hired and that they must live to their reputation and get the job done. Speaking with their friends Kyrthas insist in the part of "live" to this whole big gambit and war thing.
Tav soars back into the camp, and land fast. His breathing has become labored as a sense of dread fills his body. His wings stretch out, and his beak lifts towards the sky. The bird shape starts to shift and grow larger in size. After a few seconds he left on the ground breathing deeply. "We may be in for more than we expect.." He mutters to himself, trying to comprehend what he observed, while awaiting Perrin's return.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"No I didn't. " answers Kyrthas to Sohyme while they walk across the tents following the dwarf. "And surely a lot of pain and suffering will come from this. You could almost smell their fear."
The goliath rises his head as soon as he sees someone taller than him. Just a natrual reaction of someone used to be the taller beign around. He had a hard time not looking at the horns of the Commander but tries to concentrate on the map and the orders.
"How much time do we have to find these lizardfolk? I mean. When does the army leaves to Scalebane Keep?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Nature check to recall anything extra about the Coldscale Forest and other notable terrain between the camp and the Scale bane keep.
Nature: 10
And Insight check to see if the commander appears being honest with us
Insight 23
Commander Talvus rests in a seat no taller than a human's - though the wood is incredibly thick - at the head of the war table, "We know the lizardfolk can be reasoned with, to an extent. They are sentient, not animals. However, they are visciously territorial and prone to raiding soft targets where they can. I've already lost a dozen soldiers to scouting and emmissary missions. As I said, I believe they may have been swayed by Dalenor. Go there, kill them if you have to, and re-open the road west. Barring that option, get us safe passage through the forest. We march in one week, and it would cut our march in half as well as give us cover before the final push to Scalebane Keep. The last thing we need is to march along the forest for a week or more while receiving constant skirmishes from the woods."
The fog of war creates many illusions and guises. Commander Talvus is genuine, but his station requires descretion and you feel as though there are larger machinations being worked.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Perrin turns around to his companions:
We have worked in difficult terrain before. This sounds quite reasonable, I think.
Ooc: minotaur is the commander?
(OOC, yes the Minotaur is Commander Talvus, and if you guys have any more OOC questions, we do have a OOC private message thread, this thread is IC posts)
When the party is dismissed, Vaike stalks towards the camp and starts an investigation with some of the residents for the name and location of the drunken dwarf captain.
(Investigation 4)
Before leaving the tent Sohyme looks to the Minotair not afraid to look this "man" in the face.
"We're you able to recover the bodies of the fallen or are they still out in the forest? If any were recovered where would their bodies be?"
Commander Talvus turns grim for a minute at Sohyme's inquiry, "We sent a dozen in total. Half returned less than half of how they left. Don't count on finding bodies. Lizardfolk consume the vanquished to gain strength."
Your search for the drunken captain turns up no evidence. Soldiers go about their duties without knowledge of any drunken conduct. It is early afternoon; hours until nightfall.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Perrin turns to Tavgrephor.
It seems we really don't have much information to go off. But this is a forest, and the best way would be to to see for ourselves when we get there. Nature will not hide things from a druid and will tell us the truth.
There is, however a thing you and I can do... You must have seen Eagles and Owls before, right?
The Goliath follows the dwarf to thier tent, somehow relieved after seeing that they are at the inner camp. He leaves his stuff and weaons in one corner of the tent, next to one bed, and sits at the table to eat and drink while the rest get confortable. If left undisturbed he will enjoy the hospitality of the commander fot who knows where they will be able to have a full rest night with plenty of food and ale.
PbP Character: A few ;)
As the company makes camp, Gridolpho snatches up a few of the proffered rations and slips out to mingle with the less savory elements.
A card game here, a few drinks by the fire there, the thief weaves his way from gathering to gathering sharing his extra rations with those who need it.
All the while, seeking first-hand accounts of the Lizardfolk attacks and trying to glean any details he can.
Lucky racial trait.
Investigation 30
Stumbling back to the company's camp in the wee hours of the morning, Gridolpho collapses into his bed and mutters "Te...Tell ya tummurrow..." before falling asleep and snoring loudly.
DCI: 3319125026
Tav looks towards Perrin, "Of course I have seen the eagles and the owls." His voice is smooth like silk, and seems to calm you as he speaks. "I have no doubt we will be able to find forest dwelling creatures, nature heeds our call after all." Tavgrephor makes his way to the camp, when he arrives he sits in the middle of the camp. He begins to speak words that only Perrin can understand, as he does a magical darkness flows from his eyes, it appears as if the stars them self are pouring out of his face. Having worked with Tav before, you all know this magical surrounding hides our campfire from outsiders, and allows my colleagues to better spot intruders(+5 to perception checks from inside the 30ft area). Once is his finished, he begins his meditation, and enjoys the ecstasy that is dreams.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Perrin nods.
Then I will scout ahead. Feel free to join later. Maybe four eyes will see better than two.
Perrin kneels and uses Wild Shape to turn into a Blood Hawk. The beast raises its beak and with some powerful wing sweeps, takes to the air. Flying high, Perrin scouts the paths they can take tomorrow toward the forest, any potential threats or points of interest.
Perception (with advantage from Keen Sight on the beast): 11
Nature check (for terrain and weather, any unusual plants or animals): 9
Tav finishes his meditation, then he stands up and transforms into an owl. He also flies in the direction of our future path, hoping to get an idea of any enemies we may face.
Perception(advantage from keen sight): 21
Nature check (for terrain and weather, any unusual plants or animals): 12
Upon returning he will meet up with Perrin and exchange information.
Kyrthas
The commander is busy into the night, but holds conversation well enough where it pertains to battle plans. He reveals the dire situation the army finds itself in, that Yllera could overrun Alvernia at any time should it launch an attack on the sham eastern defenses. While Yllera's army could easily be beaten without its potential allies from overseas, the treacherous swamp that borders the two kingdoms would slow progress to a painful grind. Such a move would make the army vulnerable to prolonged skirmishes. The only hope is to gamble on a decisive assault on Dalenor before they can muster forces to the border.
Talvus also mentions that he is not only the auxiliary commander - those forces which are allied, but not part of the formal army - but also in command of the mercenary forces. It took days of debate to convince the king to relinquish funds for The Rising Star. Any mercenary company of the same price would have come with ten times the numbers, but reputation was a powerful weapon. Commander Talvus is very pleased to have your group under his command and expects great things beyond your initial mission.
Gridolpho
The general morale of the camp is strained, but hopeful in this gambit. The greatly bolstered numbers have given hope to many, but the unspoken question seems to be how the army will attack Dalenor and hold the ground. Among your gaming, a familiar voice springs up. Your old contact within the Royal Quartermaster's staff takes a seat across from you and plants a box of wine on the table. Pulling a bottle for each of you, he releases the rest for those nearby to enjoy. Ever an ear near the common soldier, your contact relays some of the local superstition regarding Coldscale Forest. Some say that that the lizardfolk are ruled by a great serpent, one that could devour the forest should it be roused to such action. Others claim mention the serpent, but that it is held in hibernation by a benevolent spirit of the forest. One consistent story tells that the story is more than humanoid lizards and spirits. The place breathes life in every shape and form.
Tavrephor
The forest is alive with life. From the sky you can see a vibrant aura radiating from the canopy. Signs of more mundane life exist to varying degrees. These areas of civilization appear as black spots in the verdant canopy. From your vantage, one area stands out above the others located a few miles south of the northern trade road. Faint traces of white smoke hang like a thin haze in the air. Who- or whatever sits in this concentrated area is clever enough to minimize their fires and use white-smoking wood. Coasting high above and away from the forest, you move a bit closer to this concentrated area. Soon, you feel a sense of dread, as though you are being hunted. Wheeling around, you see no other creature except Perrin. The presence radiates within the canopy and permeates a shadow over the civilized area you are surveying. Whatever is there is vividly aware of your presence and stalking your every move. Before you turn for the camp, a timid presence seems to call out for help. When you look back to the forest, the voice is gone, lost in the heart of the green expanse.
Feel free to discuss a general plan of action for the remained of the (game) day. I like to keep as much choice available to players as possible. I'll assume you gather the information together and consult with Commander Tavus or Halfshield.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Kyrthas talks with the Commander about tactics, with his blunt and simple tactics making the versed commander laugh more than one time. The minotaur has earned his respect and he tells the others that it was thanks to him that they were hired and that they must live to their reputation and get the job done. Speaking with their friends Kyrthas insist in the part of "live" to this whole big gambit and war thing.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Tav soars back into the camp, and land fast. His breathing has become labored as a sense of dread fills his body. His wings stretch out, and his beak lifts towards the sky. The bird shape starts to shift and grow larger in size. After a few seconds he left on the ground breathing deeply. "We may be in for more than we expect.." He mutters to himself, trying to comprehend what he observed, while awaiting Perrin's return.
Perrin lands next to his companion, shifting back into humanoid form.
There is definetely something there, and it goes beyond raiding lizardmen. Perhaps we need to check we are being paid enough for the mission.