Heroes, Inc.: Aftermath

[DM_Matt]

ooc:
The main gist of the plan was to use the gem as a kind of lure, one that could draw the twice damned or their more powerful servants to an ambush of the group's choosing. If we can, we'll kill whatever ones are there and maybe letting the lesser 'servants' carry the gem off to present to Cronos or whoever as a trophy. Then boom.

IC:
"Superior numbers do not always win wars my lord." she looked grim as she thought, tapping her forarm with the fingers of her other hand and her holy symbol inscribed ring glittered in the room's light. "As we do not outnumber the enemy, needs be we must use what forces we have to bear against them as cleverly as possible. Strike out at the supply lines, make sure that all the food and supplies the enemy gets is inedible or ruined. A half-starved army is half-beat. Use your druids to send the local animals against the armies, keep them up at night with the animals themselves, howling wolves and dogs, snarling cats. Bats in the sentries faces and suchlike." she said. "We have weather workers as well, I suspect. Turn the land and the air against the invaders with the help of the druids and clerics in your army."

"Use your archers to send volleys of blessed and magicked arrows at the undead and the demons. Send in teams of clerics and magic users to strike out at the ranks, but randomly. Use teleports often." she smiled grimly. "Fighting such large numbers in a traditional way will only get more of your men killed. Ambush and guerrila tactics are best in such circumstances.

Zarun says "There numeric advantage is not such that we would resort to holding back the bulk of our conventional forces. obviously it is foolish to simply charge in, but guirilla tactics is a war such as this are usually a sign that you've lost and you know it. Such methods will not deter an enemy such as this. They are quite willing to sustain large numbers of casualties. Their rank and file believe that those who die were weak, and their leaders think their rank and file are racially inferior creatures whose lives are of no consequence beyond the role they have in their plans.

Your wizard (nodding to Barnak) certainly has access to teleportation magic. I suggest that you get going as soon as you can prepare.At minimum, I will send Kayla to accompany you., She is much in your debt and her particular fighting style is quite effective against large numbers of weaker opponents. If you can fit them in to your teleportation capacity, I also offer three of my best guards, as well as whatever material support you may desire.

 

[kirinke]

"For rangers, guerilla warfare is simply sound tactics," she chuckled. "We're often pitted against superior numbers and I've used such tactics before with good results." she sobered. "But not against so many," she shook her head ruefully. "In any case, the final decision of what we will do rests with Sir Timrin. He is our group's leader after all."

 

[Falkus]

'Leaving aside our debate on the nature of ethics and goodness as it relates to the law of the land for the moment,' Dyria thought to Naverone. 'No matter what happens, we have to make sure Kayla stays here. She's spying on Zarun, and if she stays, she might find the proof of his wrong doings that we can use to foil his plans.'

 

[kirinke]

The tricky part is going to be how to ahh gracefully decline the use of his soldiers. Timrin, you might be able to supply a reason for this, Alethia being a ranger and cleric has no real reason not to accept. She has never before fought in an army, nor is she a noble by mortal standards and any reason she may give will seem.... False. the demon sent to Timrin, sounding troubled.

 

[DM_Matt]

Zarun does not break the awkward silence. He may suspect that you are having a lengthy debate via telepathy.

 

[frostrune]

Zarun says "There numeric advantage is not such that we would resort to holding back the bulk of our conventional forces. obviously it is foolish to simply charge in, but guirilla tactics is a war such as this are usually a sign that you've lost and you know it. Such methods will not deter an enemy such as this. They are quite willing to sustain large numbers of casualties. Their rank and file believe that those who die were weak, and their leaders think their rank and file are racially inferior creatures whose lives are of no consequence beyond the role they have in their plans.

Timrin replies to Zarun, "That is sound reasoning and consistent with what I know of fighting goblinoids. Such an army is generally only held together by the force of will of a strong leader. Kill the leader and the entire force becomes much less dangerous."

"We will prepare to leave for Silverymoon at once. I am unsure of the numbers noble Banak here can teleport but we will consider your offer of additional elite troops. Kayla, on the other hand, should probably stay. She suffered severe head trauma and has only recently risen from bed. She could use a few more days of recovery before heavy battle."

"Allow us an hour or so to plan and make some special security arrangements. We can have some answers for you then regarding the additional men."

"Is the City coordinating with anyone of authority within Silverymoon or are we to act on our own?

Mentally he adds, 'Whomever we ask to guard the gem is placed in dire peril. I am not comfortable putting this burden on our junior officers. At this point I am thinking one of the major temples, the most obvious choice being Selune. Her direct involvement and vehement opposition to Shar makes them the most logical choice. They most of all would understand the significance of what they guard and would be most willing to make the necessary sacrifices to secure it... or not, as the case may be. Alethia, do you feel your church would be willing to take on this task?'

OOC: How many of us are there and how many can Banak teleport at one time?

 

[DM_Matt]

OOC: How many of us are there and how many can Banak teleport at one time?

Ordinarily, five, but the mythal device is designed to affect scrying and teleportation both positively AND negatively, such that he can double the number teleported when using it as a focus (and as the center of the spell, requiring everyone to touch it directly or indirectly), as well as when it is used as a target so long as the correct extra string of magic words are said as well to bypass its ability to block.

So that means ten. At minimum: Timrin, Alethia, Dyria, Murdoch, Shando, Barnak, Fin, leaving up to 3 more. Timrin's mount would take up two spots being large, but thanks to the 3.5 Pokemount ability he can call it from anywhere so it need not be teleported. Of course, without the mythal or metamagic non-epic casters cant teleport more than seven, and Zarun probably does not know you have that particular capability.

 

[DM_Matt]

Zarun largely agrees, except the part about Kayla. "I must insist that at least one of my representatives accompanies you. I cannot in good conscience fail to contribute manpower to this effort. If Kayla believes herself to be unable to complete the mission, I will send another, or perhaps more. If you do not wish to cooperate, I may have no choice but to send my own group with my own wizard, to accomplish a similar goal."

 

[frostrune]

Zarun largely agrees, except the part about Kayla. "I must insist that at least one of my representatives accompanies you. I cannot in good conscience fail to contribute manpower to this effort. If Kayla believes herself to be unable to complete the mission, I will send another, or perhaps more. If you do not wish to cooperate, I may have no choice but to send my own group with my own wizard, to accomplish a similar goal."

"The re-buff was not meant to offend, Master Zarun. All can plainly see the efforts your men have made in the defense of this great City. We have seen Kayla's skill with a blade first hand and would gladly take her over some unknown. I was concerned for her well being is all. The decision can be hers. If she feels she is ready, we will find a way to accomodate her. If she does not, then we will have to discuss other alternatives."

OOC: In case I forget to mention it later, Timrin will have Devran 'assigned' as Maggie's personal physician (and defacto bodyguard). Timrin is very wary of leaving her alone in this explosive political climate.

 

[kirinke]

IC:
Alethia mentally replies through Naverone. They would be willing to guard it and take appropriate actions. However, my temple as a general rule doesn't exactly have alot of paladins around and if your temple could supply a brace, that would make the gem that much more secure. she said.