Discussion for a Kingdom of ashes OOC II
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Laurel
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This is one for the universe or someone with more knowledge then I have, but..Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
Some of the mages we have with us have been into the duke's palace. Maybe not all around it, but some parts at least (hallways, antechambers, throne room, alleyways, etc.) This would up our chances I think then trying to have them go from a drawn map.
Also, there may be blocks on teleporting in, remember the scrying block. Is there anyway to test it first? or I guess the better question what would happen if it is blocked-we just don't go anywhere?
Queen_Dopplepopolis
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Laurel said:
OOO! Good thinking L'Aurel!!
AIM-54
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Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
These are a good starting point, but we may have to choose which has priority...if there are cannonballs in/around the palace, then this is a very good start. Whatever team goes in (Team Sneak, the Party, Team Sneak+ShadowPhoenixes being the current possibilities) will be able to concentrate on one area, get in, scout, get out. If, on the other hand, cannonballs are not on hand, then we may have to scrap one or the other mission depending on which is more important to start. I'm not sure if there's a way to know at this point, unless Justice has seen some cannons in the vicinity of the palace during her aerial jaunts. If this has been mentioned earlier, I apologize.
I'm going to look at the new Oceanus map and see if I can't come up with the beginnings of a non-magical entry/exit strategy, which would be useful to have even if we do go in magically. Stuff can always go wrong and all.
Laurel
First Post
The mask -Jim carrey style
random, but for anyone reading and quick reply:
Kat- day 1- Masks -If we do not have them: someone gets deep, deep red cloth and makes masks
Kennon- (all of the soldiers (except the recent additions like Korienne's forces) take to wearing masks similar to Archon's by the end of week 1--they seem consider them a sign of resolve.)
Kat- kinda stupid question, but so I am not assuming anything- What did you mean by this?
Kennon- As for the masks, I just meant that wearing them (when on duty) has become popular among the soldiers that fought their way out of Oceanus. It's really the closest thing to a uniform that everybody has, since so many are just refugees. When they man the wall, scout, or do anything "on mission" they wear red-cloth masks that cover their entire faces, with holes cut out for the eyes. It's a declaration of unity, and it may help them from being punished (since they are harder to identify) if the rebellion fails.
Kat- cool, L’Aurel acquires a finished version (with edging so no frays and such) of one somehow (makes it?) and wears it normally either around her wrist or on her belt. She does not actually wear it as a mask, unless she goes with a scouting mission where someone else is in the lead. She is treating the mask as the beginnings of a uniform. Yeah!
Of the PC’s, who else wants to be cool like Archonus? Or should we assume everyone has one just in case?
random, but for anyone reading and quick reply:
Kat- day 1- Masks -If we do not have them: someone gets deep, deep red cloth and makes masks
Kennon- (all of the soldiers (except the recent additions like Korienne's forces) take to wearing masks similar to Archon's by the end of week 1--they seem consider them a sign of resolve.)
Kat- kinda stupid question, but so I am not assuming anything- What did you mean by this?
Kennon- As for the masks, I just meant that wearing them (when on duty) has become popular among the soldiers that fought their way out of Oceanus. It's really the closest thing to a uniform that everybody has, since so many are just refugees. When they man the wall, scout, or do anything "on mission" they wear red-cloth masks that cover their entire faces, with holes cut out for the eyes. It's a declaration of unity, and it may help them from being punished (since they are harder to identify) if the rebellion fails.
Kat- cool, L’Aurel acquires a finished version (with edging so no frays and such) of one somehow (makes it?) and wears it normally either around her wrist or on her belt. She does not actually wear it as a mask, unless she goes with a scouting mission where someone else is in the lead. She is treating the mask as the beginnings of a uniform. Yeah!
Of the PC’s, who else wants to be cool like Archonus? Or should we assume everyone has one just in case?
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Archon
First Post
thinking outside the box
Oceanus is A Fortress. thousands of enemies, a giant, walls to breech, a no-man's land to cross, a fleet in the harbor, dragons in the sky and who knows what kind of magical defences/detection.
asking anyone but ourselves to attempt any sort of covert ops mission is sentencing them to death or quite possibly worse.
we're not all sneaky, so those of us that do want to go in that aren't sneaky will either have to tread carefully amped up with magic or simply stay behind. assuming we do get in how do we get out? the same way? and if something goes wrong all we have is a "ping" that let's us know one of us is hurt.
L'Aurel is very important and cannot be risked on a suicide mission.
this is unlike anything we've ever attempted. but i'm confident that there is a way to get what we need without sneaking in.
mik aka "the optimist"
Oceanus is A Fortress. thousands of enemies, a giant, walls to breech, a no-man's land to cross, a fleet in the harbor, dragons in the sky and who knows what kind of magical defences/detection.
asking anyone but ourselves to attempt any sort of covert ops mission is sentencing them to death or quite possibly worse.
we're not all sneaky, so those of us that do want to go in that aren't sneaky will either have to tread carefully amped up with magic or simply stay behind. assuming we do get in how do we get out? the same way? and if something goes wrong all we have is a "ping" that let's us know one of us is hurt.
L'Aurel is very important and cannot be risked on a suicide mission.
this is unlike anything we've ever attempted. but i'm confident that there is a way to get what we need without sneaking in.
mik aka "the optimist"
Laurel
First Post
I agree that this is very risky mission, but L'aurel will not let Arhconus go alone. Yes, we do need something better then the 'ping' as that could give help way to late. Most likely going in and out at the same spot is not good, wheather we use magic or not. At the very least an alternate exit point should be available/planned.Archon said:
We could always send in mice or other vermen type animals... though they are not the easiest to communicate with. We could send in small slightly more intellegent animals, so easier to get info to and from. Just a possibility without risking people, but it would risk the animals.
What level druid is the regent of Hywrl? He is more powerful then I am.
Is there a sewer system? Do we know any entry/exit points?
Can I assume when discussing this the Duke at the very least is present--
Did we ask during one of the yes/no sessions-- if the king was directly controling Syvatagor? or anything or the like?
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The_Universe
First Post
Without a way to get back up to team sneak if necessary (or inserting a larger team in the first place), making a run into Oceanus for everyone is a VERY high risk. Most of you barely survived exiting Oceanus when the Draconids were letting you go (and some of you did not--like Gertie). If you can get in and out without being detected, you can go in with a small team, but that's just a single failed roll.Queen_Dopplepopolis said:
That's the in-game reason for having back up/using a larger team.
Most DMs have to encourage their players not to metagame, to play their characters in a realistic manner, as if they were real people, too. In addition to the rationale, above, the reason you want to use a larger team is so everyone has something to do. Maybe some of the less-sneaky members are distracting the draconids from your true purpose, or something like that.... But, as a DM, unless this is a VERY small mission, you really should try to work out something that includes everybody. You all might suck at hiding, but if you're invisible, it doesn't matter. Stuff like that.
At it's core, any of the missions are not an exercise in force planning so much as they are an exercise in creative thinking--you're not the US special forces. You are MUCH closer to the A Team--screw with the bad guys, etc.
That maybe didn't make much sense...just remember it's just a game, and there are gamist considerations you need to include, as well. I'm glad you guys are into your characters, but it can be too much.
--KCB
The_Universe
First Post
Some More Answers
1) Anybody with Use Magic Device can use the scroll(s) of locate object. Mages can copy the scroll (for a price). You can also get one of them to cast the normal version of the spell from a distance, and see where it is.
2) See my earlier comments for the proposed size of team sneak. 2 people is great as long as NOTHING goes wrong. I will not fudge dice rolls against you, but it only takes ONE failed roll. THIS IS A HINT.
3) Laurel's ideas for exit strategies are a good start. Remember that there is magic, and hide/move silently are not the only tools of deception you have in your arsenal. Think creatively.
4) Looking at the map is a good idea, and getting together to plan it is an even better idea. Is it possible this week? Probably not. You all also may be overestimating the benefit of face-to-face in stuff like this. I am always free for questions, but remember that the key here is creativity--when it comes to resources, the bad guys win. You're going to have to find ways to prevent them from using their benefits.
5) All of the NPCs are available for questioning/helping, but I need some specific questions.
6) Useful cannonballs will not be in an armory--if they were, that wouldn't help you, because there's nothing connecting them to the Draconids, then. You need to get one from one the draconids ships if it's going to be proof of anything. Individual steeldrakes will also not really prove anything. You need something that can't so easily change hands.
7) At some point, you (or someone/thing) is going to have to enter the palace, no matter how dangerous it is. It's just a matter of deciding when. The longer you wait, the more time they have to dig in, and the more elves they can do whatever they're doing to.
8) The Duke can't draw you a map of the palace, because he's really only familiar with his throne room, and his personal chambers. He can tell you where those are, however. There is a map of the exterior available (essentially from your memories). Teleporting in is possible, but dangerous, because you don't know who/what is in the room right now.
9) However, teleportation may be blocked (as is scrying). If it is, you'll appear at the place closest to where you want to be outside of the interference field. That could be right onto a patrolled wall, and it could be in the middle of a deserted alley--no way to test it besides trying it, as fat as I can tell. However, if somebody has an idea, shoot--I'll tell you if it will work.
10) Having backups to the primary plan (such as non-magic entry/exit) is good. Do that, in case the shizzit hits the fizzan.
11) You don't know what level Relin Greyclaw (the regent) is. You know he's high enough level to cast wall of thorns, at least. You'll have to figure out the rest yourselves...
12) Using Vermin is possible. How does that work? (I don't know)
13) There must be a sewer system, but nobody in the camp knows it well, nor are they aware of any exit/entry points. In fact, there are no sanitation workers in the camp at all. The Duke never recalls having a problem with it, though....it always just worked. Preliminary scouting does not reveal any drains in the area...but the waste has to go somewhere.
14) all missions are risky. Don't get too shook up about it. Have some fun with the Draconids--remember that you can play with their perceptions in ways other than hiding. Think creatively, be ballsy, etc.
I think that takes care of everything. HOLY CRAP you guys have been busy.
7)
1) Anybody with Use Magic Device can use the scroll(s) of locate object. Mages can copy the scroll (for a price). You can also get one of them to cast the normal version of the spell from a distance, and see where it is.
2) See my earlier comments for the proposed size of team sneak. 2 people is great as long as NOTHING goes wrong. I will not fudge dice rolls against you, but it only takes ONE failed roll. THIS IS A HINT.
3) Laurel's ideas for exit strategies are a good start. Remember that there is magic, and hide/move silently are not the only tools of deception you have in your arsenal. Think creatively.
4) Looking at the map is a good idea, and getting together to plan it is an even better idea. Is it possible this week? Probably not. You all also may be overestimating the benefit of face-to-face in stuff like this. I am always free for questions, but remember that the key here is creativity--when it comes to resources, the bad guys win. You're going to have to find ways to prevent them from using their benefits.
5) All of the NPCs are available for questioning/helping, but I need some specific questions.
6) Useful cannonballs will not be in an armory--if they were, that wouldn't help you, because there's nothing connecting them to the Draconids, then. You need to get one from one the draconids ships if it's going to be proof of anything. Individual steeldrakes will also not really prove anything. You need something that can't so easily change hands.
7) At some point, you (or someone/thing) is going to have to enter the palace, no matter how dangerous it is. It's just a matter of deciding when. The longer you wait, the more time they have to dig in, and the more elves they can do whatever they're doing to.
8) The Duke can't draw you a map of the palace, because he's really only familiar with his throne room, and his personal chambers. He can tell you where those are, however. There is a map of the exterior available (essentially from your memories). Teleporting in is possible, but dangerous, because you don't know who/what is in the room right now.
9) However, teleportation may be blocked (as is scrying). If it is, you'll appear at the place closest to where you want to be outside of the interference field. That could be right onto a patrolled wall, and it could be in the middle of a deserted alley--no way to test it besides trying it, as fat as I can tell. However, if somebody has an idea, shoot--I'll tell you if it will work.
10) Having backups to the primary plan (such as non-magic entry/exit) is good. Do that, in case the shizzit hits the fizzan.
11) You don't know what level Relin Greyclaw (the regent) is. You know he's high enough level to cast wall of thorns, at least. You'll have to figure out the rest yourselves...
12) Using Vermin is possible. How does that work? (I don't know)
13) There must be a sewer system, but nobody in the camp knows it well, nor are they aware of any exit/entry points. In fact, there are no sanitation workers in the camp at all. The Duke never recalls having a problem with it, though....it always just worked. Preliminary scouting does not reveal any drains in the area...but the waste has to go somewhere.
14) all missions are risky. Don't get too shook up about it. Have some fun with the Draconids--remember that you can play with their perceptions in ways other than hiding. Think creatively, be ballsy, etc.
I think that takes care of everything. HOLY CRAP you guys have been busy.
7)
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