[IC] Halfling Quest - Rooting Around

[Tarlonniel]

"I don't think there'll be any tracks. It's too wet and rocky," Kiylea replies. "But this is still a good place to start looking - we know that stream joins with the pool of bad water, so all we'd have to do is trace it back. And when we wanted to leave we could just follow the stream to this entrance again. Even in the dark." She stands and begins packing up her things. "Course we may get to a place we can't fit through. Then we could come back and look for another entrance. I think. I mean... that's just my opinion." The halfling girl shrugs, looking slightly embarassed. "Anyway, um, I could probably still use my bow and other things with people in the way. But I wouldn't really want to try."

 

[Boddynock]

"I suppose my best bet is my crossbow, but I doubt I'd have much luck trying to fire it through anyone at a target on the other side. In the end I'm not much of a warrior of any kind. I'm a lover, not a fighter."

"Still, you have other tricks up your sleeve, I'd be willing to bet ... like that funny song about the boar."

"Well then, I guess the only question is whether we want Eddie to scout ahead or not. Eddie, I think that's up to you. It would be handy to know what's up ahead but you need to realize that if you get into trouble it'll take us a while to get to you."

"Personally, I think it would be better if I take the lead. I would suggest that Kiylea come behind me - to give her the best chance with her bow - and that the rest of you follow behind. If Ringly stays in the centre of the group, he's less likely to be attacked as he's casting his spells. And Bubbles, if you bring up the rear, you can guard against any attack from behind."

"So, Eddie, what do you think?"

 

[Evilhalfling]

Eddie blusters I can handle myself, but I dont know how the lighting is goint to work. he looks over the lanterns - could we focus abullseye down the left wall while I keep to the shadows on the right? Why dont we try that at first and if it doesn't work out then I can follow Kiylea just ahead of Ringly.

umm ... Its a good plan Alton.

 

[Slippshade]

"That is very brave of you Eddie and a good idea about the light." Bubbles says to the little Halfling "But Alton, I thin kit may be best to have you at the rear. The Lady has gifted you with the healing touch and I would rather you be able to administer to any wounded in a battle if need be. If we are attacked and you are up front, your gift will be lost to the rest of us."

That and remembering Father Alton's words she didn't want anyone trying to be heroic for her.

"Let me take the lead, I may not have as much armor, but I don't plan on getting hit much either." She says with a smile.

 

[hafrogman]

Jerran scratches his chin thoughtfully as he watches the others debate the marching order. He idly pulls out one of his daggers and sketches vaguely in the dirt. . . a couple of parrallel lines and some letters:
_______________
B, A, K . . . E, R, J


"I realize it leaves us kind of open from the rear, but what if Alton and Bubbles both were up front? That way our illustrious healer would be closest to the one most likely to get hit. And if the caverns do open up, both our warriors could fight up front. We leave some space in the middle in case we need to get past each other. In the unlikely case that something does sneak up from behind, I could probably hold them off long enough for one of you two to get back."

He idly fingers his new armor as he says this last part, and hopes that he's right.

 

[Boddynock]

"Actually, Jerran, I was going to suggest that you take Father Alton's healing poultice. As far as I know, any one of us can use it - and you would have the speed to get to whoever needed healing quickly. I would suggest that Eddie carry it, but if he's scouting at any time, it might not be available to us at a time when we need it."

"Bubbles, I know that you're good at dodging incoming blows - but that's just it: if the cave is tight you might not have any space to dodge in."

"And really, I think Kiylea needs to be in the second rank to have any chance of using her bow effectively."

Alton moves over to Jerran's dirt sketch and draws his own dagger to make a couple of adjustments.

_______________
A, K, E . . . J, R, B

"This way, we are covered from the rear, our healer is both protected and available, and Eddie is close enough to the front that he could easily move ahead to scout if we need him to."

"It also means that I'm not trying to fulfil two roles at once."

"We could have an alternative plan if the cavern does get wider - say, Bubbles and me at the front, Jerran and Ringly in the middle, and Kiylea and Eddie covering the rear. Like this."

He stoops again and draws in the dirt.

_______
A . J . E
B . R . K

"What do you think? And Ringly, what about you? Tell us what you need in the way of space to cast your spells. I wouldn't want to get in the way of those clashing lights you cast at the boar."

 

[Slippshade]

Bubbles sighs.

'Boys!' She thinks in frustration.

She speaks slowly and evenly. "Alton, I know you are worried about my lack of armor, but I am the better fighter. We all know that. If fact I have the most experience in actual combat, I have fought off starving wolves and other such creatures guarding my dad's wagons. Take the rear, unless you can give me a better reason for me too."

 

[hafrogman]

Jerran smiles to himself at Bubbles' comments to Alton. He stands and faces the paladin, grinning to alleviate any misunderstanding that might come from his words.

"Alton, I think you'll find that our delicate flower of womanhood is saying that she doesn't plan to concede on this point."

Then he leans closer to Alton, puts one hand up to his mouth and says in a fairly loud stage whisper.

"And I think you should reconsider, because if you push the point, she might get angry. And frankly, she's fully capable of kicking your behind."

 

[Evilhalfling]

erm, I like BAKER, J it allows Bubbles to watch the floor while Alton looks for taint, Kiylea can hold the lantern. If we hit a sudden drop off, or weak floor Bubbles is more likely to avoid it, and wont be so heavy to hall up. I can scout if it opens up, or branches.
I could also take the rear, theres not much I can do from the middle of the line, and erm I have a sword.


besides i like bakers.

 

[Boddynock]

As Alton listens to the various comments the others have made, his jaw tightens and his eyes flash - just for a moment. Then, his gaze turns inward and he nods, imperceptibly. Once again, he is faced with the hard truth that, as much as he might want to, he cannot keep his friends from harm. He can only act as best he can for the benefit of the party, and the Goddess.

He takes a deep breath, and turns to Bubbles, saying, "Far be it from me to argue with you, warrior woman." He smiles to take the sting out of his words. "You take point."

"Eddie's comments are convincing, too. If I go behind Bubbles, I can make best use of my ability to search out evil - and I can back her up, if need be. But it might be better if I stow my shield and carry the lantern - that way Kiylea can have an arrow nocked, ready to fire."

Turning to Jerran, he gives him the poultice, saying, "Here you go, healer - sweet songs and a soothing touch! Just don't get too far behind."

"And if Eddie brings up the rear, he can move forward if we need any scouting done. Now, are there any other arguments?"