This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'm glad your all okay, I'm afraid i used all of my magic getting Carp home Breecha. But i do have some herbs in my pack that should ensure they do not become infected." As i tend to Breecha and Kargan's wounds I continue talking "Carp is at home now under the watchful eye of his mother, Sildar and the townsfolk are prepared for a fight if one should find them. I was trailed back to the town but i did not stop to investigate and i'm glad i didn't. On my way back i was ambushed by an agent of the black spider, a worg and his 2 pets, he was clever, he waited until i was far from help before he struck, fortunately for me he underestimated the power of a druid, under the watchful gaze of Luna. He will not be hurting anyone, ever again....."
Looking to Kargan "I will send the wolves to go and investigate now, if they cannot find him within the hour, I will join them, we will find Eedim."
Turning to Blaze "Can you find the scent of the very short two leg that traveled with us, he went missing before the fight ? brothers worried, no sign of him."
For Don:
If the wolves cannot find Eedim, Kryinor will try to push through the fatigue to find him.
Blaze looks Kryinor in the eyes and a warm comforting thought blankets his travel weary mind. "Rest now brother the pack will find your friend. Three of us travel with the Wood Ghost now and have found some more of the enemy." As he speaks the wolf name for Titus you get an accompanying image of a glint of silver and a shadowy figure in a mist laden wood. You get the feeling that they consider your friends almost, but not quite, part of the lager pack.
@ The Goblin Camp
Zaxx stirs now and then, the pain in his feet and wrists reminding him again of his current predicament, bound to a tree in the Neverwinter wood in the camp of greenskins. Around him a few hobgoblins bark orders and throw the occasional kick at scurrying goblins. The light of the predawn is now visible in the treetops and dew runs down the trunk of the tree soaking the small of his back. The smell of the coking food makes his stomach grumble as much as it makes it turn. The greenskins are not too choosy when it comes to cuisine and he suspects that breakfast may contain some of his Elven contacts killed in the ambush a few days ago.
The water continued to drip. Drip, drip, drip.
Day, days, week, or more? He was not sure. His life was marching endlessly through the wood, poked, kicked and prodded along by the hobgoblins by night and being tied to a tree, standing, and trying to get some sleep by day. The gag in his mouth, an old dirty sock by the taste of it, was another demoralizing outrage. They knew he was a wizard. It was why he was still alive he suspected.
The wetness spread from his back to his sleeves. It was cold, it made his wrists ache more.
Before him lay the bound unconscious form of a Gnome in woods smart clothing. A group of goblins lead by a Hob dragged him in moments ago. Blood welled from a gash on the back of his head and he lay there breathing slowly. Another poor unfortunate gathered in the net.
He had to be on the right track, this much activity, this much danger, it meant something important was going on in the area. The rumors must be true, he must be close.
The water started to drip form his soaked cuffs onto the flesh of his wrists and hands.
Not too long after the new arrival Zaxx could hear movement in the underbrush, and more guttural voices arguing.
The water mingled with the sweat and dirt and made his skin slippery. For the first time in days he felt the ropes loosen and begin to move.
@ The Edge of the Goblin Camp
Titus edged forward quiet, unerring, determined. His furry shadows spreading out encircling the camp. Two Hobs stalked the area around the fire, giving sharp commands and violent direction to six goblins preparing a meal and packing gear and tents for travel. The three fleeing hobs staggered into camp and immediately began to relate the nights goings on in their guttural language.
The leader, a larger hob in well made Half plate armor, snarled and cuffed the speaker with the back of his gauntleted fist, green blood dripped from its mouth to the leaves on the forest floor.
Not fifteen feet from the arguing Hobs lay the body of Eedim. He was bound, alive then, and unconscious. Next to him a human with a gag in his mouth was bound to a tree. He looked bedraggled and abused. He had no doubt spent several days in the 'company' of this band of greenskins.
As far as the ranger could tell no watch had been posted and the group were distracted by packing and the latest arrivals.
OOC: Apologies for the delay in posting.
Welcome Ant to the game! Supper chuffed to have you here!
Titus' thoughts: "mmmm, say what you like about their habits and hygiene, Hobs are formidable soldiers. blasted Eedim, what have you been up to now to get captured? A human eh? I wonder why he's gagged? Looks too cowed to call out on his own, been treated rough no doubt by this lot. spellcaster perhaps? At least he's conscience, how useful though? that's the golden question. Spellcaster or Priest I can work with, if he's a bard he's only good to me in a tavern! Be as useful as a downpour at the archery butts otherwise!
I will then back off from my position a short distance and whilst they are otherwise occupied cast cure light wounds x3 on myself.
Once completed I will move into position directly behind the human and Eedim.
(are they accessible directly from the surrounding forest? or are they surrounded by gobins and hobs?)
Beaten but not bowed. Zaxx had that, at least. While the pain and taste in his mouth was unbearable, he bore it anyway. His passion for The Search gave him drive. Elevated him above it all.
There was shame there, of course. Falling into the ambush Stupid, really. There's something to be said for reading about military tactics instead of practical experience. He'll be ready next time.
And speaking of next time, based on the loosening of the ropes binding his wrists, it appeared Fortune had turned Zaxx's way.
Time to get out of here.
[OOC: Zaxx will see if he can carefully work the ropes behind his back to free himself. He'll keep a steady eye on the hobs as he does so, just in case.]
To Blaze "My brothers and I will rest for now, but i will only sleep when all of our brothers are back here, safe. Will you hunt with me brother?"
Turning to Kargan and Breecha "Three of the wolves followed after Titus and it seems they have found more greenskins. Once we have regathered our strength, I say we find Eedim and rid this proud forest of some more goblins. What say both of you?"
Zaxx works on his bonds, and feels then loosening. The dewdrops, and dirt mixing with stale grease and sweat of his recent ordeals helps him ease the ropes down his arms. Holding still a moment as a goblin trudges past with a pile of gear Zaxx notices his pack and a few possessions in the bundle on the creatures shoulders. It dumps them unceremoniously on the back of a mule 25 feet away.
Then from a place down near his ankles the wizard hears a small furtive 'squeak.'
OCC: Zaxx please make a DEX check to see how well you're working on those ropes.
Titus feels the healing magic surge into his body. It leaves him some what more refreshed and less pained. The injuries of the fight earlier are much reduced. Moving back to the edge of the greenskin camp he takes position near where the captives are. He notes the human tied to the tree is awake and struggling with the ropes on his arms. He seems to be having some success at loosening them. Eedim still lies unconscious on the forest floor. But as he watches his still form he sees his left hand twitch and grasp some of the leaves by his side.
Several goblins move around near them but for the most part the commotion of the arguing Hobgoblins near the center of the camp has them all quite distracted. He does see one f the Hobs they defeated earlier nervously glancing at the forest in the direction they had returned, as if expecting another attack at any moment.
Though that is almost half way round the cap from where you are now...
@ The Campfire
Blaze's tongue lolls happily out of his mouth, "We will hunt the enemy when you are ready brother. Till then my pack mates will watch."
Taking a dagger from my belt I wait til the goblins are distracted then I will throw the dagger striking the tree between the bound humans legs, a position from which this human should be able to conceal the dagger should a goblin happen to look his way.
When the human looks to the forest, I shall briefly reveal myself and motion to the human that he should upon freeing himself, make for the tree line towards me.
Stealth: 19
knife throw 12
If I see the wolves I will gesture at them otherwise I will gesture off into the forest, that I would like them to make a demonstration on the far side of camp where I had initially approached from.
Once the short rest is finished, I will gather my things and anything Titus may have left behind, ready to move out, breathing deeply trying hard to focus on the tasks ahead.
Moving over to Blaze "Blaze, we will go back to where my brothers last saw Eedim, follow the short two strong two leg tracks and then we will find the very short two leg scent hopefully. I will try to help with the tracking but my senses are dulled, for the same reason i will stay in two leg form unless we find greenskins."
Looking around at the other two, "The wolves will lead us to Eedim, Titus and the greenskins. If Eedims path deviates from where the hobs ran off too I will let you know and leave it up to each of you, which path you will follow."
Then moving out following the wolves but still trying to help the wolves track relying partially on them to tell me if danger is close or to point out things i might have missed, deferring to there judgement not trusting my own at the moment.
Perception : 20
Survival : 10
EDIT : OOC - Damn, not bad for disadvantaged rolls!
Titus throws a dagger aiming between the legs of the human bound to the tree. The weapon flies true and thunks into the wood near the ground between his feet. The bound man seems to take no notice of the suddenly arriving weapon, and nos seems to be struggling, some what ineffectively with his bonds. The Elven ranger also notes a rat has scurried up the tree behind the man and is gnawing at the opes that bind his wrists.
He then scans the surrounding forest for his wolf companions ans spots them, two to his left and one to his right about 10 or less feet form the camps edge. Relaying his plans via hand signals tot he animals they look back eyes yellow and curious and cock their heads in confusion.
Meanwhile Zaxx finds the ropes uncooperative with his bid for freedom and must labor still to loose the ropes. Seconds later Mr Skittles is gnawing furiously at the ropes, his large front teeth weakening the braid.
OOC: Zaxx make another DEX check with advantage!
@The Campfire
Kryinor, Kargan, and Breccha, move off into the forest following Kargan's earlier trail to meet up with their companions deeper within the Neverwinter Wood.
Blaze sends thoughts of curiosity and confusion into Kryinors mind. Images of Titus waving his arms and hands around accompany them. "What does the Wood Ghost do?'
I ponder the images in my mind and turning to blaze "I think he wants them to circle around something ...... and then bark at the goblins? maybe .... Dont let them do anything risky before we get there, do you know how many goblins they can see or if Eedim is there?"
Kryinor senses amusement about the behavior of two legs in Blaze's thoughts. "Pack will watch and wait for trouble. If two leg in danger pack will help..." He sends his thoughts to the young druid, confusion mixed in with mirth.
Blaze and the three remaining wolves keep pace with the group on their way back to the scene of the Hobgoblin fight the night before.
@ The Goblin Camp
The leader of the group continues to berate the newcomers much to the dark amusement of the smaller goblins ding all the hard work around the camp.
Mr Skittles continues to valiantly gnaw at the ropes around his masters arms.
The wolves hang back and look occasionally at Titus with curiosity and confusion.
"That's it, Mr Skittles!" encourages Zaxx telepathically. "Just a few more minutes and there'll be extra cheese for both of us!"
Zaxx continues straining at the ropes and quickly scans the camp to make sure he and Mr Skittles aren't attracting undue attention.
"Oh, what's this?" he whispers aloud, staring at the dagger that has somehow materialised near his feet. His eyes narrow and he casts his gaze out farther afield, to the edges of the encampment.
[OOC: Zaxx will attempt another Dex check to carefully slip out of the bonds: 16 and if you need it here's a perception check to see if he can spot Titus: 9 ]
Edit: Ooops! Forgot to take advantage for that Dex check but it probably doesn't matter.
Under the combined efforts of Zaxx and his furry minion the bonds begin to slip free. The young Wizard looks at the dagger between his feet that has magically appeared and attempts to trace the vector of its flight. Looking towards the most likely edge of the camp, he sees naught but the dense greenery.
The Gnome at his feet begins to move and groan, in a hushed addle-brained voice he says, "The walls, they're over the walls...oh well time for a quick nip before battle eh pappy?"
The forest edge seems tantalizingly close and his captors remain distracted. Zaxx considers his gear on the wagon 20 feet away, the dagger betwixt his toes, and the groaning gnome captive in front of him....what to do?
Titus sees a look of hope spread across the humans face and notes the ropes around him have considerably more slack than they did moments ago. He can also see Eedim begin to groan and move on the ground, struggling with his bonds. The Gnomish ranger mumbles something barely audible as he wakes.
The argument in the center of camp reaches a high point as the Hobgoblin leader smacks one of the more mouthy Hobs in front of him. Blood sprays from the heavy blow and lands in splashing droplets on the leaves around them. The Hob staggers, spins around, and falls unconscious to the packed dirt camp floor. The other two Hobs seem to settle down and tow the line more , lest they endure the fate of their companion.
@ The Site of the Battle
In no time at all Kargan leads the small group to the site of the last evenings battle. The trail was clearly marked, the sturdy Dwarf warrior showing more woods ken than others may have given him credit for.
Both Kargan and Breccha agree that the fleeing hobs went north but the spore is cold and the exact route is not obvious. They will have to pick up on the tracks to find where Titus and his prey went.
OOC: Survival rolls for anyone who wants to pick up the trail of Titus and the feeling Hobs.
On seeing the human has slackened his ropes and Eedim stirring, when I see the greenskins looking away I crouch clear of my observation post into the view of the human
speaking softly: "No time for small talk. Grab the halfling. Quickly now. 100 paces into the forest behind me as quickly and as quietly as you can! Move!"
I will cover with my bow while melding back into the forest.
"Are gnomes and halflings the same? I can never tell either." whispers Zaxx back to his mysterious rescuer.
Shrugging off his ropes (and mentally prompting Mr Skittles to scurry up onto his shoulder), Zaxx will attempt to quietly remove his gag, get into a crouch, cast Expeditious Retreat, then he'll grab Titus' dagger, hoist the groaning gnome onto his other shoulder, and then step away quietly into the forest as per Titus' direction.
"I guess we can always come back for my gear" he sighs wistfully.
[OOC: I expect this will be at least 2 or 3 rounds of actions and you may need at least a strength check: 10, and a couple of steath checks: 11, 10 ]
"I'm glad your all okay, I'm afraid i used all of my magic getting Carp home Breecha. But i do have some herbs in my pack that should ensure they do not become infected." As i tend to Breecha and Kargan's wounds I continue talking "Carp is at home now under the watchful eye of his mother, Sildar and the townsfolk are prepared for a fight if one should find them. I was trailed back to the town but i did not stop to investigate and i'm glad i didn't. On my way back i was ambushed by an agent of the black spider, a worg and his 2 pets, he was clever, he waited until i was far from help before he struck, fortunately for me he underestimated the power of a druid, under the watchful gaze of Luna. He will not be hurting anyone, ever again....."
Looking to Kargan "I will send the wolves to go and investigate now, if they cannot find him within the hour, I will join them, we will find Eedim."
Turning to Blaze "Can you find the scent of the very short two leg that traveled with us, he went missing before the fight ? brothers worried, no sign of him."
For Don:
If the wolves cannot find Eedim, Kryinor will try to push through the fatigue to find him.
Con Save : 10
@ The Campfire
Blaze looks Kryinor in the eyes and a warm comforting thought blankets his travel weary mind. "Rest now brother the pack will find your friend. Three of us travel with the Wood Ghost now and have found some more of the enemy." As he speaks the wolf name for Titus you get an accompanying image of a glint of silver and a shadowy figure in a mist laden wood. You get the feeling that they consider your friends almost, but not quite, part of the lager pack.
@ The Goblin Camp
Zaxx stirs now and then, the pain in his feet and wrists reminding him again of his current predicament, bound to a tree in the Neverwinter wood in the camp of greenskins. Around him a few hobgoblins bark orders and throw the occasional kick at scurrying goblins. The light of the predawn is now visible in the treetops and dew runs down the trunk of the tree soaking the small of his back. The smell of the coking food makes his stomach grumble as much as it makes it turn. The greenskins are not too choosy when it comes to cuisine and he suspects that breakfast may contain some of his Elven contacts killed in the ambush a few days ago.
The water continued to drip. Drip, drip, drip.
Day, days, week, or more? He was not sure. His life was marching endlessly through the wood, poked, kicked and prodded along by the hobgoblins by night and being tied to a tree, standing, and trying to get some sleep by day. The gag in his mouth, an old dirty sock by the taste of it, was another demoralizing outrage. They knew he was a wizard. It was why he was still alive he suspected.
The wetness spread from his back to his sleeves. It was cold, it made his wrists ache more.
Before him lay the bound unconscious form of a Gnome in woods smart clothing. A group of goblins lead by a Hob dragged him in moments ago. Blood welled from a gash on the back of his head and he lay there breathing slowly. Another poor unfortunate gathered in the net.
He had to be on the right track, this much activity, this much danger, it meant something important was going on in the area. The rumors must be true, he must be close.
The water started to drip form his soaked cuffs onto the flesh of his wrists and hands.
Not too long after the new arrival Zaxx could hear movement in the underbrush, and more guttural voices arguing.
The water mingled with the sweat and dirt and made his skin slippery. For the first time in days he felt the ropes loosen and begin to move.
@ The Edge of the Goblin Camp
Titus edged forward quiet, unerring, determined. His furry shadows spreading out encircling the camp. Two Hobs stalked the area around the fire, giving sharp commands and violent direction to six goblins preparing a meal and packing gear and tents for travel. The three fleeing hobs staggered into camp and immediately began to relate the nights goings on in their guttural language.
The leader, a larger hob in well made Half plate armor, snarled and cuffed the speaker with the back of his gauntleted fist, green blood dripped from its mouth to the leaves on the forest floor.
Not fifteen feet from the arguing Hobs lay the body of Eedim. He was bound, alive then, and unconscious. Next to him a human with a gag in his mouth was bound to a tree. He looked bedraggled and abused. He had no doubt spent several days in the 'company' of this band of greenskins.
As far as the ranger could tell no watch had been posted and the group were distracted by packing and the latest arrivals.
OOC: Apologies for the delay in posting.
Welcome Ant to the game! Supper chuffed to have you here!
What's next adventurers!
Titus' thoughts: "mmmm, say what you like about their habits and hygiene, Hobs are formidable soldiers. blasted Eedim, what have you been up to now to get captured? A human eh? I wonder why he's gagged? Looks too cowed to call out on his own, been treated rough no doubt by this lot. spellcaster perhaps? At least he's conscience, how useful though? that's the golden question. Spellcaster or Priest I can work with, if he's a bard he's only good to me in a tavern! Be as useful as a downpour at the archery butts otherwise!
I will then back off from my position a short distance and whilst they are otherwise occupied cast cure light wounds x3 on myself.
Once completed I will move into position directly behind the human and Eedim.
(are they accessible directly from the surrounding forest? or are they surrounded by gobins and hobs?)
10
Beaten but not bowed. Zaxx had that, at least. While the pain and taste in his mouth was unbearable, he bore it anyway. His passion for The Search gave him drive. Elevated him above it all.
There was shame there, of course. Falling into the ambush Stupid, really. There's something to be said for reading about military tactics instead of practical experience. He'll be ready next time.
And speaking of next time, based on the loosening of the ropes binding his wrists, it appeared Fortune had turned Zaxx's way.
Time to get out of here.
[OOC: Zaxx will see if he can carefully work the ropes behind his back to free himself. He'll keep a steady eye on the hobs as he does so, just in case.]
To Blaze "My brothers and I will rest for now, but i will only sleep when all of our brothers are back here, safe. Will you hunt with me brother?"
Turning to Kargan and Breecha "Three of the wolves followed after Titus and it seems they have found more greenskins. Once we have regathered our strength, I say we find Eedim and rid this proud forest of some more goblins. What say both of you?"
OOC: I take a short rest
"Ach, ye dinnae need to ask me laddie, take me to the greenskins, then stand clear o' mae axe!!"
@ The Goblin Camp
Zaxx works on his bonds, and feels then loosening. The dewdrops, and dirt mixing with stale grease and sweat of his recent ordeals helps him ease the ropes down his arms. Holding still a moment as a goblin trudges past with a pile of gear Zaxx notices his pack and a few possessions in the bundle on the creatures shoulders. It dumps them unceremoniously on the back of a mule 25 feet away.
Then from a place down near his ankles the wizard hears a small furtive 'squeak.'
OCC: Zaxx please make a DEX check to see how well you're working on those ropes.
Titus feels the healing magic surge into his body. It leaves him some what more refreshed and less pained. The injuries of the fight earlier are much reduced. Moving back to the edge of the greenskin camp he takes position near where the captives are. He notes the human tied to the tree is awake and struggling with the ropes on his arms. He seems to be having some success at loosening them. Eedim still lies unconscious on the forest floor. But as he watches his still form he sees his left hand twitch and grasp some of the leaves by his side.
Several goblins move around near them but for the most part the commotion of the arguing Hobgoblins near the center of the camp has them all quite distracted. He does see one f the Hobs they defeated earlier nervously glancing at the forest in the direction they had returned, as if expecting another attack at any moment.
Though that is almost half way round the cap from where you are now...
@ The Campfire
Blaze's tongue lolls happily out of his mouth, "We will hunt the enemy when you are ready brother. Till then my pack mates will watch."
perception check to see any wolves: 11
Taking a dagger from my belt I wait til the goblins are distracted then I will throw the dagger striking the tree between the bound humans legs, a position from which this human should be able to conceal the dagger should a goblin happen to look his way.
When the human looks to the forest, I shall briefly reveal myself and motion to the human that he should upon freeing himself, make for the tree line towards me.
Stealth: 19
knife throw 12
If I see the wolves I will gesture at them otherwise I will gesture off into the forest, that I would like them to make a demonstration on the far side of camp where I had initially approached from.
After double checking my wounds and the bandages I nod agreement with the Dwarf "Yes, my axe also craves the splitting of goblin skulls".
(ooc) I will follow on with the dwarf.
Dex check to get out of those ropes: 13
Once the short rest is finished, I will gather my things and anything Titus may have left behind, ready to move out, breathing deeply trying hard to focus on the tasks ahead.
Moving over to Blaze "Blaze, we will go back to where my brothers last saw Eedim, follow the short two strong two leg tracks and then we will find the very short two leg scent hopefully. I will try to help with the tracking but my senses are dulled, for the same reason i will stay in two leg form unless we find greenskins."
Looking around at the other two, "The wolves will lead us to Eedim, Titus and the greenskins. If Eedims path deviates from where the hobs ran off too I will let you know and leave it up to each of you, which path you will follow."
Then moving out following the wolves but still trying to help the wolves track relying partially on them to tell me if danger is close or to point out things i might have missed, deferring to there judgement not trusting my own at the moment.
Perception : 20
Survival : 10
EDIT : OOC - Damn, not bad for disadvantaged rolls!
@ The Goblin Camp
Titus throws a dagger aiming between the legs of the human bound to the tree. The weapon flies true and thunks into the wood near the ground between his feet. The bound man seems to take no notice of the suddenly arriving weapon, and nos seems to be struggling, some what ineffectively with his bonds. The Elven ranger also notes a rat has scurried up the tree behind the man and is gnawing at the opes that bind his wrists.
He then scans the surrounding forest for his wolf companions ans spots them, two to his left and one to his right about 10 or less feet form the camps edge. Relaying his plans via hand signals tot he animals they look back eyes yellow and curious and cock their heads in confusion.
Meanwhile Zaxx finds the ropes uncooperative with his bid for freedom and must labor still to loose the ropes. Seconds later Mr Skittles is gnawing furiously at the ropes, his large front teeth weakening the braid.
OOC: Zaxx make another DEX check with advantage!
@The Campfire
Kryinor, Kargan, and Breccha, move off into the forest following Kargan's earlier trail to meet up with their companions deeper within the Neverwinter Wood.
Blaze sends thoughts of curiosity and confusion into Kryinors mind. Images of Titus waving his arms and hands around accompany them. "What does the Wood Ghost do?'
I will remain hidden watching the struggling human and the goings on in the camp. readying an action (bow) whilst waiting
I ponder the images in my mind and turning to blaze "I think he wants them to circle around something ...... and then bark at the goblins? maybe .... Dont let them do anything risky before we get there, do you know how many goblins they can see or if Eedim is there?"
@ In the Neverwinter Woods
Kryinor senses amusement about the behavior of two legs in Blaze's thoughts. "Pack will watch and wait for trouble. If two leg in danger pack will help..." He sends his thoughts to the young druid, confusion mixed in with mirth.
Blaze and the three remaining wolves keep pace with the group on their way back to the scene of the Hobgoblin fight the night before.
@ The Goblin Camp
The leader of the group continues to berate the newcomers much to the dark amusement of the smaller goblins ding all the hard work around the camp.
Mr Skittles continues to valiantly gnaw at the ropes around his masters arms.
The wolves hang back and look occasionally at Titus with curiosity and confusion.
"That's it, Mr Skittles!" encourages Zaxx telepathically. "Just a few more minutes and there'll be extra cheese for both of us!"
Zaxx continues straining at the ropes and quickly scans the camp to make sure he and Mr Skittles aren't attracting undue attention.
"Oh, what's this?" he whispers aloud, staring at the dagger that has somehow materialised near his feet. His eyes narrow and he casts his gaze out farther afield, to the edges of the encampment.
[OOC: Zaxx will attempt another Dex check to carefully slip out of the bonds: 16 and if you need it here's a perception check to see if he can spot Titus: 9 ]
Edit: Ooops! Forgot to take advantage for that Dex check but it probably doesn't matter.
I'll keep a watchful eye on the camp. Anything of interest? Flammable/explosive/useable for a distraction if required? 19
Per to see if I hear the mage: 18
@ The Goblin Camp
Under the combined efforts of Zaxx and his furry minion the bonds begin to slip free. The young Wizard looks at the dagger between his feet that has magically appeared and attempts to trace the vector of its flight. Looking towards the most likely edge of the camp, he sees naught but the dense greenery.
The Gnome at his feet begins to move and groan, in a hushed addle-brained voice he says, "The walls, they're over the walls...oh well time for a quick nip before battle eh pappy?"
The forest edge seems tantalizingly close and his captors remain distracted. Zaxx considers his gear on the wagon 20 feet away, the dagger betwixt his toes, and the groaning gnome captive in front of him....what to do?
Titus sees a look of hope spread across the humans face and notes the ropes around him have considerably more slack than they did moments ago. He can also see Eedim begin to groan and move on the ground, struggling with his bonds. The Gnomish ranger mumbles something barely audible as he wakes.
The argument in the center of camp reaches a high point as the Hobgoblin leader smacks one of the more mouthy Hobs in front of him. Blood sprays from the heavy blow and lands in splashing droplets on the leaves around them. The Hob staggers, spins around, and falls unconscious to the packed dirt camp floor. The other two Hobs seem to settle down and tow the line more , lest they endure the fate of their companion.
@ The Site of the Battle
In no time at all Kargan leads the small group to the site of the last evenings battle. The trail was clearly marked, the sturdy Dwarf warrior showing more woods ken than others may have given him credit for.
Both Kargan and Breccha agree that the fleeing hobs went north but the spore is cold and the exact route is not obvious. They will have to pick up on the tracks to find where Titus and his prey went.
OOC: Survival rolls for anyone who wants to pick up the trail of Titus and the feeling Hobs.
On seeing the human has slackened his ropes and Eedim stirring, when I see the greenskins looking away I crouch clear of my observation post into the view of the human
speaking softly: "No time for small talk. Grab the halfling. Quickly now. 100 paces into the forest behind me as quickly and as quietly as you can! Move!"
I will cover with my bow while melding back into the forest.
Stealth: 9
"Are gnomes and halflings the same? I can never tell either." whispers Zaxx back to his mysterious rescuer.
Shrugging off his ropes (and mentally prompting Mr Skittles to scurry up onto his shoulder), Zaxx will attempt to quietly remove his gag, get into a crouch, cast Expeditious Retreat, then he'll grab Titus' dagger, hoist the groaning gnome onto his other shoulder, and then step away quietly into the forest as per Titus' direction.
"I guess we can always come back for my gear" he sighs wistfully.
[OOC: I expect this will be at least 2 or 3 rounds of actions and you may need at least a strength check: 10, and a couple of steath checks: 11, 10 ]