Hanable's Hunters, Part I & II

[Elocin]

Hobbes - Shifter Ranger 2/Barbarian 3

Listening to everyone talk about the problem while thinking of a way to tackle the situation as well.

As much as I love tackling these things head on I doubt my friends would live long enough to kill these beasts. I might have to use some better judgments until the heat of battle consumes me and I lose myself to the killing.

Turning his attention away from the window, growling a little to get everyone's attention,"We should set up an ambush ourselves for the patrol and take them out some distance away from the cave. Less ogres in cave to kill all at once and maybe they would send out another patrol to look for the one we killed already. Ogres are not all that smart so we might be able to get rid of a number of them and then we could storm the cave and kill the rest. I also suggest that we take out this Voldor as soon as we can as I would not like to continue looking over my shoulder for him to exact his revenge."

After saying this I will again lean against the wall and listen to everyone’s comments while occasionally flexing my claws, thinking about the carnage ahead, a grin filled with teeth spreading across my face.

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Hmm...that sounds like a good idea," Selene replies thinking about the strategy involved, "Keep in mind that I do my best fighting if I have a single five-hour block, so I may be forced to play low at first if there's an initial ambush that could be well before the main combat."

 

[Prof Yeti]

Marek d'Cannith - Dragonmarked Human Paragon/ Wizard

Calmly sitting in his chair impassively taking in the conversation Marek nods slightly at some of the suggestions. "I like the idea of dispatching the patrol, or even better interrogating one of its number. But the strength, cunning, and power to pull together a warband, if that is indeed what it is, is impressive to say the least. When the first patrol comes up missing I suspect he will pull into his den to fortify himself. Because I suspect his primary focus will remain the cache for which he is searching. And that is something I would prefer not to happen." The last said with a very slight smile, Marek takes a moment to let the comments percolate. After a few short seconds he continues, "If possible I will try and find some magics that may help during our entry to the ogre-hold."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I wonder how many ogres they send out on a patrol...I guess it probably won't be few enough that we could try to impersonate them with magic?"

 

[Prof Yeti]

Marek d'Cannith - Dragonmarked Human Paragon/ Wizard

Turning towards Selene, "For their ambush activities they used ten of their numbers. But when we returned to the area there was no sign of them. So I would figure a like amount with possibly a couple more added since. And though they had shown a good amount of stealth before, a larger patrol should logically be harder to conceal." Taking a short breath Marek continues with a slightly embarrassed exrpression on his face. "We could always pose as the survivors of a patrol if it was of larger number than our own company....but alas I have little knowledge of the glamer magics that would be neccessary. I'm afraid the shortcomings of my training by a battlemage are beginning to endanger the company."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"As for me, I can do animal shapes, but not monsters. Hmm...If there's someone sufficiently skilled in the arcane around, we could always opt for one of those permanent Polymorph things I've heard about before we leave, though admittedly only the most powerful of mages can manage it."

 

[Prof Yeti]

Marek d'Cannith - Dragonmarked Human Paragon/ Wizard

With a smile Marek adds, "Yes but I hear the smell stays with you even when the spell is reversed." After a moment the smile dims down and the more serious expression comes bak to his face. "But in all seriouness I believe the disguise will be unneccessary once, and more prefered 'If', the fighting begins. I am still hoping a secondary way can be found into the den, such as a chimney or other egress."

 

[MavrickWeirdo]

"As you are aware, you brought a statue to Lord Elder's estate reciently. However, what you might not be aware of is that in fact, this was a replica of the real statue, which a new source seems to think is the key to unlocking an anchient cache."

Where is true statue? Kerlokh asks.

 

[Rystil Arden]

"That is possible...I'm just worried that the leader may know of all the entrances and barricade himself inside with his prize when he discovers the missing patrol. We probably aren't equipped to force a siege...If you like, I can have a chat with the local animals once we get there and see if they know of any other entrances--the animals will know if anyone does."

 

[Prof Yeti]

Marek d'Cannith - Dragonmarked Human Paragon/ Wizard

Where is true statue? Kerlokh asks.

Turning towards first Kerlokh, then to Hanable. "Yes is there any way we could take a look at the original statue to try and understand what Voldor wants?

Then returning to answer Selene, "I agree with the thoughts of barricades and guards. But the possibility is one that cannot be ignored. And I would much prefer not to take part in a siege unless I am also provided with a castle and many, many armed soldiers to do so. Though I am not skilled specifically for stealth I would be much more favorable inclined to sneak into the lair and find the documents." Seeming to brighten at the possiblity of gathering intelligence Marek continues, "To me the key seems to be knowledge as now we are dealing with much to much speculation. The information you can gain thru the animals would be invaluable, and greatly appreciated."