D.O.R.K shakes her head. "We are not experts scouts, rangers, or others more equipped for a stealthy operation. Even with the aid of Acolyte Ebonitus magic and the cover of darkness, there is no guarantee of being able to make the necessary actions to -- as you put it -- 'navigate' the Yakfolk. A true miracle it would be, but not one without consequences. 'fore once they realize several of their prisoner have been set free, even if its only our former team members, it is more than likely they will either double down in the search, including within the homes of the giants if allotted, but also into the surrounding areas; their home territory... and the prisoner set free will have but two choices. Test their luck poorly supplied in the mountains and likely perish, or join us below, and also likely perish by the giants hands." She explained. "In the latter case, As it is unlikely even with the assistance of Torrun, Beedo, Vark, and whichever prisoners has any martial adeptness will be enough to protect them all, assuming we can even get hold of proper weapons."
She bows her head. "... There must not be any miscommunication this time... I... will not use the 'excuse' that no plan is bound for failure due to unknown variables.... I will not... I do not wish to be made to bear the burden of blame for following through on necessity due to some... misunderstandings."D.O.R.K clarified, though with a notable bitter edge to her words towards the end.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Devin listened to the words of D, and of the others. "We have, and certainly I hold much of this blame, focused too much on the mission, and not enough on helping others along the way. We, no, I will say I... I have turned a blind eye to the suffering of others and failed to aid when aid should have been given. Now the blow hits home and those we count as friends and comrades are those that need aid along with others we do not know. They are held in slavery and that is an abomination." Devin stops and thinks for a moment.
"We will attempt to free our friends with subterfuge and stealth. But if that fails and these yak folk will not see reason or take up arms to stop us, and certainly if they take up arms to slay the people they hold in slavery, then there will be no misunderstanding. We will fight, and die if needed in the trying, to free them."
He looks to D,
"Is that plain enough for you? As you said, no misunderstandings."
OOC: How many days have we rested so for, just the 1 extra long rest or were we trying to clear all the effects of the exhaustion?
After about eight hours (10pm), Illezenya sticks his head outside the dome of force created by the hut. It is pitch black outside and while the bitter cold of the previous day has lessened somewhat the wind has picked up and is howling around the dome. There are also flurries of snow in the air.
(@Pal54: It's the same day, but late in the evening. Up to the DM on whether we could've counted that time as taking a LR, or just warming up sufficiently to at least lose some of the stacks of exhaustion and having to making the choice of waiting an eve or going for it as-is. If none at all ahve been removed, then D.O.R.K is gonna need to be carried. xD)
(On that note, I had been waiting on input from Ilnez & Ebonitus, but to keep things rolling for now...:)
"I..."She looks up to Devin, turns to the others, then bowed her head. "... If we are to make a move this evening, we will need to keep an eye out for any potential alarm placements they may have for warning the giants or awakening the entirety of their village, and disable them while we're at it. Apart from that and... if they do not see reason as Devin has mentioned, then... we do what we must. But first, we need to get inside the village, which may be where Ilezenya comes in."She looks over to the Dusk Warden. "If the ladder patch proves insufficient, you will need fly over with some rope and secure it, so the rest of us may scale the wall while drawing the least amount of attention. If you feel it is possible, take Devin or Ebonitus with you for assistance."
She then looks to Mullo. "It may not best to make use... no, sorry, to -request- your winged compatriots aid in these conditions. But, I leave it to your discretion."She turns to the party as a whole. "Once we're inside, and apart from disabling any potential alarms, our first priority should be to free Torunn. He is a fellow cleric, much like ourselves, and will prove a great boon to our cause in freeing the others. I believe it was said that there's a cage near the mill, which is likely to be his prison is near the mill given his previous location. So that will be our first destination. Once he's freed we can focus on the rest. If we spy an armory of some kind, we should be sure to loot it for the sake of the prisoners. Are there any questions or suggestions any might wish to put forth?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ilezenya nods at the construct's plan. "I was thinking along the same lines for an initial way in. If it is dark, then I can levitate over a wall and secure a knotted rope down to you, then keep an eye on the town with my enhanced vision for any signs of patrols or potential dangers. I will also share my godesses' ability to see clearly in the darkness with you to increase our ability to remain unseen. Once we are all over the wall and safely inside, we can move to free prisoners and prevent the yakfolk from interfering with our task or recapturing the prisoners."
Ebonitus indicates his agreement to the plan. Ilezenya should scout ahead and see if the yakfolk are all nestled inside, or on sentry and the locations of any such sentries. When we are ready to move, Ebonitus casts Pass without Trace on all the party members and (Haetone If within 30 feet). He then approaches D.o.R.K. and casts Warding Bond on her. Whereupon he says quietly "We may be planning a stealth mission, but just in case our cover gets blown, I want to be ready."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Tirohia te Moana - Level 2 Cleric - What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?
Ebonitus de Viribus - Level 4 Cleric - The Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond.
As they make final preparations, Ilezenya gathers three coils of rope and ties them together with bowline knots. He will also tie knots every three feet to use as grips for climbing. He'll find a good grapple in case there isn't anything to tie the line to. When all are ready, he'll share his 300 ft. darkvision with 4 others (Eyes of Night trait). When they get to the beginning of the wall, he will utter a quick prayer to the moon goddess and rise into the darkness (Steps of Night trait), flying to the top of the wall to peek over and assess the village and any guards or activity. When satisfied, he will secure the rope and help the others up.
Devin nods in agreement to the plan. He then looks at Aslan, his tressym familiar. "Fly up with Ilezenya and take a a look about. I'll watch through you and report to the others."
Aslan gives Devin a look that clearly communicates he would rather be napping and staying warm than going out into the cold nevertheless uncoils himself and stretches. He then launches into the air and flies up to land next to the drow and look about. Devin closes his eyes and looks through his familiars eyes and report to the others what he sees.
D.O.R.K hesitates in accepting the blessing, clearly feeling guilty for her part in Ebonitsu falling unconscious in the last battle. "If you are to do this, please be more mindful of your condition, as I cannot promise to do the same."She warns him, and with it given, puts forth no further resistance if Ebonitus commits to the casting. She makes a few further preparations that included an update for Torunn. But with their tools being limited as it were, nothing more could be done about the cold that the group hadn't already seen to to the best of their ability. So, she'd settle for reminding the group to stay close to one another during the final leg of the journey up to the wall, if but in a vain attempt to minimize the chil.
"Updating Estimation. Advancing under cover of night. Tonight. Be advised. If aware of any armory or warning implements in village, please advise me."
Preparatory Spells Usage:
-Cast (3rd level)Sending to Torunn, see spoiler above.
-Cast (3rd level)Emboldment on D.O.R.K, Ebonitus, & Devin, granting 10 additional Max HP and Healing Same amount.
Torunn nods, as if his old friend could see him and whispers
"All good. I'll have them ready. You should know this.. " and he conveys as much information as he knows
Sorry I know Grant gave me some info but I can't remember it right now... but I am sure that if Torunn has something relevant to share he will give you that info..
"Me and two other prisoners are in the cage against the east wall"Toruun sends to D.O.R.K. Illezenya and Aslan struggle to fly up to the village against the howling wind which is gusting at over 45 mph but eventually by sticking close to the wall they manage to get to position where they can spot the cage that Torunn referred to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As much as D.O.R.K wanted to keep an eye on the aerial pair, that is a job she'd leave to others, as her own focus became set on the adjoining village and making sure none paid any of them any mind.
But just as soon as she's alerted of a line being dropped, she'd say to the others, "Given their position, we are... fortunate. But remain on guard. Once we're in we'll hug the walls and keep to whatever shadows we can on approach. Then once we're close, I'll ask the... the Lady Red Knight to silence the area, so that we may break open the cage and free them. After which, we can converse outside the area of silence and work out the rest of our approach to the other prisoners. Understood?"
With the plan reminded barring in additions, she'd urge the others to ascend before her, before following them up and over onto the other side.
So let me see if I've got this right. You're going to climb up about 40 foot in pitch darkness, using a single rope, in a howling gale with snow flurries, wearing full winter gear - yes!
Well, the howling gale and snow flurries is a new twist...
I guess if the DM is saying this won't work, then Ilezenya will fly over the wall, break the prisoners free, and then open the gate from the inside so the others can get in...
So let me see if I've got this right. You're going to climb up about 40 foot in pitch darkness, using a single rope, in a howling gale with snow flurries, wearing full winter gear - yes!
@Grant: We all dark vision thanks to Ilnezya's blessing, but if it sounds that improbable(and probably will be given the likely athletics checks involved or risk of folk flying off the mountain), then small adjustment can be Rhanloi's above adjustment. And honestly... can't think of any other atm that won't pose any less severe risk than that anyhow. z__z
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Well, the howling gale and snow flurries is a new twist...
No they're not - see post #4944
I guess if the DM is saying this won't work, then Ilezenya will fly over the wall, break the prisoners free, and then open the gate from the inside so the others can get in...
I just wanted to confirm the party's approach before trying to calculate the difficulty of the climbing check which is an Athletics test. This is how it works: 1) Normal climb test according to module = DC 15 2) Reduce difficulty level to DC 10 and make at advantage for use of rope 3) Increase difficulty level to DC 15 for weather conditions 4) increase difficulty level to DC 20 for full winter gear - I.e. mittens and thick cumbersome boots Final result test is Strength test at DC 20 plus athletics @ advantage - lets see how you go!
The difficulty of the climb defeats the party. Ilezenya familiar with Aslan's capabilities as Devin's familiar says "Devin lead the party to the front gate and I will see if I can unbar it from this side." Illezenya flies down to the gate and despite the massive nature of the bar finds that it moves easily in its tracks and he can slide it along enough to open the gates to the village. The noise of the wind, the darkness of the night and Ebonitus' Pass without trace means he can do so without anybody noticing.
"It seems I underestimated your physical capabilies, Dusk Warden." D.O.R.K comments as she and the others pass through the gate. "My apologies. I..." She shakes her head. "It matters not. Let us get to those cages. We know not how well they've shielded their servants from these conditions, but the sooner they are freed the better." Without further adieu, the construct took point on following the inner wall southward to the cages as learned and with whatever direction Ilezenya might provide along the way.
For though many were blessed with enhanced night vision, her thoughts continued to drift back to the fight against the tribesman and the seeming pointlessness of the tactic. But regardless, if/when they do come in close, she wastes little time in casting her spell to mute noises about the cage, before breaking out her greataxe and begin hacking away at the cage with its enchanted edge.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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D.O.R.K shakes her head. "We are not experts scouts, rangers, or others more equipped for a stealthy operation. Even with the aid of Acolyte Ebonitus magic and the cover of darkness, there is no guarantee of being able to make the necessary actions to -- as you put it -- 'navigate' the Yakfolk. A true miracle it would be, but not one without consequences. 'fore once they realize several of their prisoner have been set free, even if its only our former team members, it is more than likely they will either double down in the search, including within the homes of the giants if allotted, but also into the surrounding areas; their home territory... and the prisoner set free will have but two choices. Test their luck poorly supplied in the mountains and likely perish, or join us below, and also likely perish by the giants hands." She explained. "In the latter case, As it is unlikely even with the assistance of Torrun, Beedo, Vark, and whichever prisoners has any martial adeptness will be enough to protect them all, assuming we can even get hold of proper weapons."
She bows her head. "... There must not be any miscommunication this time... I... will not use the 'excuse' that no plan is bound for failure due to unknown variables.... I will not... I do not wish to be made to bear the burden of blame for following through on necessity due to some... misunderstandings." D.O.R.K clarified, though with a notable bitter edge to her words towards the end.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Devin listened to the words of D, and of the others. "We have, and certainly I hold much of this blame, focused too much on the mission, and not enough on helping others along the way. We, no, I will say I... I have turned a blind eye to the suffering of others and failed to aid when aid should have been given. Now the blow hits home and those we count as friends and comrades are those that need aid along with others we do not know. They are held in slavery and that is an abomination." Devin stops and thinks for a moment.
"We will attempt to free our friends with subterfuge and stealth. But if that fails and these yak folk will not see reason or take up arms to stop us, and certainly if they take up arms to slay the people they hold in slavery, then there will be no misunderstanding. We will fight, and die if needed in the trying, to free them."
He looks to D,
"Is that plain enough for you? As you said, no misunderstandings."
OOC: How many days have we rested so for, just the 1 extra long rest or were we trying to clear all the effects of the exhaustion?
I need a plan from the party.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
(@Pal54: It's the same day, but late in the evening. Up to the DM on whether we could've counted that time as taking a LR, or just warming up sufficiently to at least lose some of the stacks of exhaustion and having to making the choice of waiting an eve or going for it as-is. If none at all ahve been removed, then D.O.R.K is gonna need to be carried. xD)
(On that note, I had been waiting on input from Ilnez & Ebonitus, but to keep things rolling for now...:)
"I..." She looks up to Devin, turns to the others, then bowed her head. "... If we are to make a move this evening, we will need to keep an eye out for any potential alarm placements they may have for warning the giants or awakening the entirety of their village, and disable them while we're at it. Apart from that and... if they do not see reason as Devin has mentioned, then... we do what we must. But first, we need to get inside the village, which may be where Ilezenya comes in." She looks over to the Dusk Warden. "If the ladder patch proves insufficient, you will need fly over with some rope and secure it, so the rest of us may scale the wall while drawing the least amount of attention. If you feel it is possible, take Devin or Ebonitus with you for assistance."
She then looks to Mullo. "It may not best to make use... no, sorry, to -request- your winged compatriots aid in these conditions. But, I leave it to your discretion." She turns to the party as a whole. "Once we're inside, and apart from disabling any potential alarms, our first priority should be to free Torunn. He is a fellow cleric, much like ourselves, and will prove a great boon to our cause in freeing the others. I believe it was said that there's a cage near the mill, which is likely to be his prison is near the mill given his previous location. So that will be our first destination. Once he's freed we can focus on the rest. If we spy an armory of some kind, we should be sure to loot it for the sake of the prisoners. Are there any questions or suggestions any might wish to put forth?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yes to long rest. The exhaustion was to create the narrative not hamstring the players actions.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Ilezenya nods at the construct's plan. "I was thinking along the same lines for an initial way in. If it is dark, then I can levitate over a wall and secure a knotted rope down to you, then keep an eye on the town with my enhanced vision for any signs of patrols or potential dangers. I will also share my godesses' ability to see clearly in the darkness with you to increase our ability to remain unseen. Once we are all over the wall and safely inside, we can move to free prisoners and prevent the yakfolk from interfering with our task or recapturing the prisoners."
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Ebonitus indicates his agreement to the plan. Ilezenya should scout ahead and see if the yakfolk are all nestled inside, or on sentry and the locations of any such sentries. When we are ready to move, Ebonitus casts Pass without Trace on all the party members and (Haetone If within 30 feet). He then approaches D.o.R.K. and casts Warding Bond on her. Whereupon he says quietly "We may be planning a stealth mission, but just in case our cover gets blown, I want to be ready."
Tirohia te Moana - Level 2 Cleric - What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?
Ebonitus de Viribus - Level 4 Cleric - The Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond.
As they make final preparations, Ilezenya gathers three coils of rope and ties them together with bowline knots. He will also tie knots every three feet to use as grips for climbing. He'll find a good grapple in case there isn't anything to tie the line to. When all are ready, he'll share his 300 ft. darkvision with 4 others (Eyes of Night trait). When they get to the beginning of the wall, he will utter a quick prayer to the moon goddess and rise into the darkness (Steps of Night trait), flying to the top of the wall to peek over and assess the village and any guards or activity. When satisfied, he will secure the rope and help the others up.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Devin nods in agreement to the plan. He then looks at Aslan, his tressym familiar. "Fly up with Ilezenya and take a a look about. I'll watch through you and report to the others."
Aslan gives Devin a look that clearly communicates he would rather be napping and staying warm than going out into the cold nevertheless uncoils himself and stretches. He then launches into the air and flies up to land next to the drow and look about. Devin closes his eyes and looks through his familiars eyes and report to the others what he sees.
D.O.R.K hesitates in accepting the blessing, clearly feeling guilty for her part in Ebonitsu falling unconscious in the last battle. "If you are to do this, please be more mindful of your condition, as I cannot promise to do the same." She warns him, and with it given, puts forth no further resistance if Ebonitus commits to the casting. She makes a few further preparations that included an update for Torunn. But with their tools being limited as it were, nothing more could be done about the cold that the group hadn't already seen to to the best of their ability. So, she'd settle for reminding the group to stay close to one another during the final leg of the journey up to the wall, if but in a vain attempt to minimize the chil.
"Updating Estimation. Advancing under cover of night. Tonight. Be advised. If aware of any armory or warning implements in village, please advise me."
Preparatory Spells Usage:
-Cast (3rd level)Sending to Torunn, see spoiler above.
-Cast (3rd level)Emboldment on D.O.R.K, Ebonitus, & Devin, granting 10 additional Max HP and Healing Same amount.
-Cast (4th level)Death Ward on self.
-Casted (2nd lvl)Cat's Grace on Self.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Torunn nods, as if his old friend could see him and whispers
"All good. I'll have them ready. You should know this.. " and he conveys as much information as he knows
Sorry I know Grant gave me some info but I can't remember it right now... but I am sure that if Torunn has something relevant to share he will give you that info..
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Me and two other prisoners are in the cage against the east wall" Toruun sends to D.O.R.K. Illezenya and Aslan struggle to fly up to the village against the howling wind which is gusting at over 45 mph but eventually by sticking close to the wall they manage to get to position where they can spot the cage that Torunn referred to.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
As much as D.O.R.K wanted to keep an eye on the aerial pair, that is a job she'd leave to others, as her own focus became set on the adjoining village and making sure none paid any of them any mind.
-Perception: 9.
But just as soon as she's alerted of a line being dropped, she'd say to the others, "Given their position, we are... fortunate. But remain on guard. Once we're in we'll hug the walls and keep to whatever shadows we can on approach. Then once we're close, I'll ask the... the Lady Red Knight to silence the area, so that we may break open the cage and free them. After which, we can converse outside the area of silence and work out the rest of our approach to the other prisoners. Understood?"
With the plan reminded barring in additions, she'd urge the others to ascend before her, before following them up and over onto the other side.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Mullo gives a nod and begins climbing. Haetone is told to stay behind.
So let me see if I've got this right. You're going to climb up about 40 foot in pitch darkness, using a single rope, in a howling gale with snow flurries, wearing full winter gear - yes!
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Well, the howling gale and snow flurries is a new twist...
I guess if the DM is saying this won't work, then Ilezenya will fly over the wall, break the prisoners free, and then open the gate from the inside so the others can get in...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
@Grant: We all dark vision thanks to Ilnezya's blessing, but if it sounds that improbable(and probably will be given the likely athletics checks involved or risk of folk flying off the mountain), then small adjustment can be Rhanloi's above adjustment. And honestly... can't think of any other atm that won't pose any less severe risk than that anyhow. z__z
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
No they're not - see post #4944
I just wanted to confirm the party's approach before trying to calculate the difficulty of the climbing check which is an Athletics test. This is how it works:
1) Normal climb test according to module = DC 15
2) Reduce difficulty level to DC 10 and make at advantage for use of rope
3) Increase difficulty level to DC 15 for weather conditions
4) increase difficulty level to DC 20 for full winter gear - I.e. mittens and thick cumbersome boots
Final result test is Strength test at DC 20 plus athletics @ advantage - lets see how you go!
Mullo (DC 20 Str @ advantage) = 22
D.O.R.K. (DC 20 Str @ advantage) = 16
Ebonitus (DC 20 Str @ advantage) = 18
Devin (DC 20 Str @ advantage) = 20
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
The difficulty of the climb defeats the party. Ilezenya familiar with Aslan's capabilities as Devin's familiar says "Devin lead the party to the front gate and I will see if I can unbar it from this side." Illezenya flies down to the gate and despite the massive nature of the bar finds that it moves easily in its tracks and he can slide it along enough to open the gates to the village. The noise of the wind, the darkness of the night and Ebonitus' Pass without trace means he can do so without anybody noticing.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"It seems I underestimated your physical capabilies, Dusk Warden." D.O.R.K comments as she and the others pass through the gate. "My apologies. I..." She shakes her head. "It matters not. Let us get to those cages. We know not how well they've shielded their servants from these conditions, but the sooner they are freed the better." Without further adieu, the construct took point on following the inner wall southward to the cages as learned and with whatever direction Ilezenya might provide along the way.
For though many were blessed with enhanced night vision, her thoughts continued to drift back to the fight against the tribesman and the seeming pointlessness of the tactic. But regardless, if/when they do come in close, she wastes little time in casting her spell to mute noises about the cage, before breaking out her greataxe and begin hacking away at the cage with its enchanted edge.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.