With that Arcana check, you think about what you know about banshees as a whole. You don't know too much, but you do remember that Banshees have an incredible ability to detect living creatures, with the more powerful banshees being able to sense the presence of life from miles away. You get a sense that's hidden sense the defender is referring to that Vyldara is using to know you are coming.
Does he know much else about them? Strengths, weaknesses, immunities etc?
Koric exhales loudly and shakes his head at the answer and at the realization that stealth will not aid them. Nevertheless, a frontal assault still seems like the most difficult approach, especially on a dwarven stronhold.
As they walk, he turns to the two dwarves, "What do you think? You know the fortress better than I: Is there aught to be gained by climbing? Or should we follow the guidance of ... our friend here, and march up to the front gate?"
You try to think more about what you know about banshees, but not much else comes to mind. Not much literature exits on the topic of their prowess or shortcomings in battle, as not many who engage one live long enough to write about it.
Norbus quickly responds "I don't know too much about the castle, but if what this statue is saying is correct... the chimney I originally planned to climb to would likely be inaccessible without being intercepted by Vyldara's forces along the way, stalling us further from removing Vyldara herself. I can't see things being safe in Axeholm without her being swiftly destroyed"
Elandra nods to herslf as the statue has been directing them towards the battlefield plan. "Perhaps just following the giant stone defender against these six beings it detects is the most efficient way forwards. If stealth is ineffective against a banshee so far as sneaking up on it goes, then we might still gain some small advantage against the hordes. Like armies using cavalry to flank a main force on the battlefield. Besides, a magical stone golem clashing with an invading army of the undead is the stuff great songs are made of, I wouldn't miss that."
Koric will send Balthar up every few minutes, mostly keeping him on his shoulder. At the first sign of danger, he will send him to his own dimension for safety. When Axeholm is a little closer (half a mile?), try to get a view of what waits there from 100' up, if possible.
You begin to follow the animated statue as it leads you all down the road. As you go, the air suddenly begins to shift, the winds that normally blow high up on these peaks growing still yet again, just as they did in the presence of the spirits you fought yesterday. As the day goes on, the air begins to become stale, and the smell of pine and dust that so far has filled your noses slowly fades until all that remains is the faint, rank stench of undeath. It's certainly not the welcome you'd hope for, but it clearly signals that you are arriving towards the castle
As you all travel, the statue remains coldly focused ahead of the group, until it suddenly puts an arm in front of all of you and halts your travel, saying "We are close. I can feel Vyldara's presence even stronger now". Koric, you take this as a signal to send Balthar up to 100 feet to investigate. Roll a perception check for Balthar and an investigation check with disadvantage for yourself
Koric removes his sleeve from near his nose and the scent of lemon wafts in the light breeze before dissipating. Reassuring Balthar, he sends him aloft, once more crouching down with his eyes closed, senses linked with his companion. As he watcheds, he remains ready to send Balthar to safety at the first sign of trouble.
Balthar perception: 19
Koric Investgation: 24
Balthar passive is 18, Koric's passive inv with DA is 18.
Looking out over ahead of him, Balthar can spot the enemies directly. He can't quite make out their precise formation, but he can make out 2 ghasts and 4 ghouls patrolling outside what appears to be the gates of the city. He also notices a river or moat of some sort. In addition, there are two openings, almost like what you would see on a well, near the gate of the castle. The banshee herself is nowhere to be seen. The undead warriors seem entirely focused on the plateau in front of them, and since the group has not come into their sightline yet, cannot notice you all yet
Koric, thinking about it for a moment, you assume these must lead to the catacombs the statue was describing. They look pretty sturdy, but certainly not entirely solid. You suspect Vyldara could likely use these to bring in more forces, although you can't really pinpoint how she might do that or what could be done to destroy them
Koric describes the details of what he is seeing as he sees them. His voice is initially a little uncertain but eventually he focuses his mind, and the practiced voice of one who has spent his life doing meticulous, and sometimes inspired, research comes to the fore. When he comes to his conclusions about the catacombs, he speaks more slowly but no less confidently. A few moments later he opens his eyes and stands once more as Balthar appears on his outstretched arm accompanied by a very faint puff of fresher and colder air.
He sighs, "I am no great military strategist, but I wonder if we might draw her forces out somehow, rather than fight in the deep catacombs?" He looks to his companions for guidance, but adds, "I for one am not suited to such places."
"So we have 6 notable foes that we can see. I would agree on drawing as many out as possible, is there a way to cross that moat Balthar saw?" Jade turns to the animated statue, "Can I ask why you stopped? Was it so we could see the lay of the land that Balthar just provided or was there another reason?"
@DM - Have we been travelling more than an hour for invisibility to wear off? If not, let me know how long is left.
Elandra listens to the situation waiting to greet them and swiftly reminds the troupe, "There are six that we can see. It would be nice to know whether there are any more of those spirits or other hidden foes before we fully engage. I can always call upon some fuzzy friends to scout or balance the numbers for us... though Rocky here stands a good chance of balancing things in our favour." Waiting and listening to the statue's response from Jade's question Elandra then adds a further concern. "My magic has not been particularly effective against undead when I've had the misfortune to encounter them before, if there was a way that we could circumvent the potential encounter then I'd certainly prefer it."
@All Note: Elandra, for your question, its been more than an hour so invisibility and pace without trace are both done
The statue responds "Vyldara's presence grew stronger. It was best for us to stop and analyze. I can feel the catacombs teeming with undead. I don't know how many are down there. They are so tightly packed that I cannot tell their numbers. However many it is though, we must either seal the catacombs or destroy them all!"
Koric thinks for a moment before responding, "Do you know how many exits there are to the catacombs? It seems unlikely that the ones I saw outside the castle are the only ones." He pauses a moment, trying to understand why those particular entrances are even there. "To be honest, I would be surprised if they were part of the original design -- they are a weakness in the castle defences, so...they might be new...perhaps not as stable. Not that I really have the means to collapse them, even if they were."
Koric tries to recall if the holes he saw looked well-made and stable, or perhaps a more recent addition and less stable.
The statue simply makes a puzzled noise, trying its best to see if he can tell where the catacombs may open, but the signals are too mixed, and it can't seem to tell
The holes you saw looked relatively sturdy, but certainly not indestructible or highly entrenched. You figure with enough force the openings could be collapsed in some way
Dazlyn lets out a heavy chuckle and remarks "Ay, I wish we could do that, but I doubt a bunch of ghasts and ghouls would fall for that kind of tomfoolery. Not exactly the smartest buggers. Plus, if Vyldara really knows we are arriving as this ol' stone golem says she does, I doubt we could sneak in much anyway. She'd sense us coming no matter what"
@All, is there anything else you want to do before we move on?
(( I would vote for moving forward stealthily until we are within bow/spell range ))
Koric was about to respond when Dazlyn speaks. Instead he just nods vigorously in support of the dwarf, but says nothing.
As they move cautiously off he turns to the lumbering stone warrior, "I'm not sure how to ask this delicately, but does fire damage you? Or is your stony body immune?"
Jade turns to Koric, "I understand the want to be stealthy in such a situation, but I do not see how that is possible with this stone giant with us. Are you wanting to send out a scouting party ahead of it? I worry about that decision since they already know what we are coming. I feel we should just go and face what comes to the battlefield. But we are a group, and I will listen to the groups decision." Jade sets her spear butt on the ground and looks to the others, waiting on their opinions, ready to head on when everyone else is.
Koric turns to Jade, "I am counting on it. I want us to be stealthy and, if our friend will not be hurt by fire, then I want them to attract all of the attention while we do what we can from a distance. He can be, if you like, a focus to draw them all out."
After a moment, he adds, "Of course that might all be moot if he is a vulnerable to fire as us."
He keeps walking for a few paces then turns back to the statue, "Add to my last question: if I stop concentrating on your spell, will you become more or less vulnerable to fire?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Does he know much else about them? Strengths, weaknesses, immunities etc?
Koric exhales loudly and shakes his head at the answer and at the realization that stealth will not aid them. Nevertheless, a frontal assault still seems like the most difficult approach, especially on a dwarven stronhold.
As they walk, he turns to the two dwarves, "What do you think? You know the fortress better than I: Is there aught to be gained by climbing? Or should we follow the guidance of ... our friend here, and march up to the front gate?"
@Koric
You try to think more about what you know about banshees, but not much else comes to mind. Not much literature exits on the topic of their prowess or shortcomings in battle, as not many who engage one live long enough to write about it.
Norbus quickly responds "I don't know too much about the castle, but if what this statue is saying is correct... the chimney I originally planned to climb to would likely be inaccessible without being intercepted by Vyldara's forces along the way, stalling us further from removing Vyldara herself. I can't see things being safe in Axeholm without her being swiftly destroyed"
Elandra nods to herslf as the statue has been directing them towards the battlefield plan. "Perhaps just following the giant stone defender against these six beings it detects is the most efficient way forwards. If stealth is ineffective against a banshee so far as sneaking up on it goes, then we might still gain some small advantage against the hordes. Like armies using cavalry to flank a main force on the battlefield. Besides, a magical stone golem clashing with an invading army of the undead is the stuff great songs are made of, I wouldn't miss that."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
(( I think we are ready to move on? ))
Koric will send Balthar up every few minutes, mostly keeping him on his shoulder. At the first sign of danger, he will send him to his own dimension for safety. When Axeholm is a little closer (half a mile?), try to get a view of what waits there from 100' up, if possible.
(Agreed; ready to move on)
D&D since 1984
@All
You begin to follow the animated statue as it leads you all down the road. As you go, the air suddenly begins to shift, the winds that normally blow high up on these peaks growing still yet again, just as they did in the presence of the spirits you fought yesterday. As the day goes on, the air begins to become stale, and the smell of pine and dust that so far has filled your noses slowly fades until all that remains is the faint, rank stench of undeath. It's certainly not the welcome you'd hope for, but it clearly signals that you are arriving towards the castle
As you all travel, the statue remains coldly focused ahead of the group, until it suddenly puts an arm in front of all of you and halts your travel, saying "We are close. I can feel Vyldara's presence even stronger now". Koric, you take this as a signal to send Balthar up to 100 feet to investigate. Roll a perception check for Balthar and an investigation check with disadvantage for yourself
Koric removes his sleeve from near his nose and the scent of lemon wafts in the light breeze before dissipating. Reassuring Balthar, he sends him aloft, once more crouching down with his eyes closed, senses linked with his companion. As he watcheds, he remains ready to send Balthar to safety at the first sign of trouble.
Balthar perception: 19
Koric Investgation: 24
Balthar passive is 18, Koric's passive inv with DA is 18.
@Koric
Looking out over ahead of him, Balthar can spot the enemies directly. He can't quite make out their precise formation, but he can make out 2 ghasts and 4 ghouls patrolling outside what appears to be the gates of the city. He also notices a river or moat of some sort. In addition, there are two openings, almost like what you would see on a well, near the gate of the castle. The banshee herself is nowhere to be seen. The undead warriors seem entirely focused on the plateau in front of them, and since the group has not come into their sightline yet, cannot notice you all yet
Koric, thinking about it for a moment, you assume these must lead to the catacombs the statue was describing. They look pretty sturdy, but certainly not entirely solid. You suspect Vyldara could likely use these to bring in more forces, although you can't really pinpoint how she might do that or what could be done to destroy them
Koric describes the details of what he is seeing as he sees them. His voice is initially a little uncertain but eventually he focuses his mind, and the practiced voice of one who has spent his life doing meticulous, and sometimes inspired, research comes to the fore. When he comes to his conclusions about the catacombs, he speaks more slowly but no less confidently. A few moments later he opens his eyes and stands once more as Balthar appears on his outstretched arm accompanied by a very faint puff of fresher and colder air.
He sighs, "I am no great military strategist, but I wonder if we might draw her forces out somehow, rather than fight in the deep catacombs?" He looks to his companions for guidance, but adds, "I for one am not suited to such places."
"So we have 6 notable foes that we can see. I would agree on drawing as many out as possible, is there a way to cross that moat Balthar saw?" Jade turns to the animated statue, "Can I ask why you stopped? Was it so we could see the lay of the land that Balthar just provided or was there another reason?"
@DM - Have we been travelling more than an hour for invisibility to wear off? If not, let me know how long is left.
Elandra listens to the situation waiting to greet them and swiftly reminds the troupe, "There are six that we can see. It would be nice to know whether there are any more of those spirits or other hidden foes before we fully engage. I can always call upon some fuzzy friends to scout or balance the numbers for us... though Rocky here stands a good chance of balancing things in our favour." Waiting and listening to the statue's response from Jade's question Elandra then adds a further concern. "My magic has not been particularly effective against undead when I've had the misfortune to encounter them before, if there was a way that we could circumvent the potential encounter then I'd certainly prefer it."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
@All
Note: Elandra, for your question, its been more than an hour so invisibility and pace without trace are both done
The statue responds "Vyldara's presence grew stronger. It was best for us to stop and analyze. I can feel the catacombs teeming with undead. I don't know how many are down there. They are so tightly packed that I cannot tell their numbers. However many it is though, we must either seal the catacombs or destroy them all!"
Koric thinks for a moment before responding, "Do you know how many exits there are to the catacombs? It seems unlikely that the ones I saw outside the castle are the only ones." He pauses a moment, trying to understand why those particular entrances are even there. "To be honest, I would be surprised if they were part of the original design -- they are a weakness in the castle defences, so...they might be new...perhaps not as stable. Not that I really have the means to collapse them, even if they were."
Koric tries to recall if the holes he saw looked well-made and stable, or perhaps a more recent addition and less stable.
@Koric
The statue simply makes a puzzled noise, trying its best to see if he can tell where the catacombs may open, but the signals are too mixed, and it can't seem to tell
The holes you saw looked relatively sturdy, but certainly not indestructible or highly entrenched. You figure with enough force the openings could be collapsed in some way
Lux says "Perhaps a gift. If we bring them a gift (Trojan Horse) they may let us in."
D&D since 1984
@Lux
Dazlyn lets out a heavy chuckle and remarks "Ay, I wish we could do that, but I doubt a bunch of ghasts and ghouls would fall for that kind of tomfoolery. Not exactly the smartest buggers. Plus, if Vyldara really knows we are arriving as this ol' stone golem says she does, I doubt we could sneak in much anyway. She'd sense us coming no matter what"
@All, is there anything else you want to do before we move on?
(( I would vote for moving forward stealthily until we are within bow/spell range ))
Koric was about to respond when Dazlyn speaks. Instead he just nods vigorously in support of the dwarf, but says nothing.
As they move cautiously off he turns to the lumbering stone warrior, "I'm not sure how to ask this delicately, but does fire damage you? Or is your stony body immune?"
Jade turns to Koric, "I understand the want to be stealthy in such a situation, but I do not see how that is possible with this stone giant with us. Are you wanting to send out a scouting party ahead of it? I worry about that decision since they already know what we are coming. I feel we should just go and face what comes to the battlefield. But we are a group, and I will listen to the groups decision." Jade sets her spear butt on the ground and looks to the others, waiting on their opinions, ready to head on when everyone else is.
Koric turns to Jade, "I am counting on it. I want us to be stealthy and, if our friend will not be hurt by fire, then I want them to attract all of the attention while we do what we can from a distance. He can be, if you like, a focus to draw them all out."
After a moment, he adds, "Of course that might all be moot if he is a vulnerable to fire as us."
He keeps walking for a few paces then turns back to the statue, "Add to my last question: if I stop concentrating on your spell, will you become more or less vulnerable to fire?"