nerdytenor's The Missing Warlock

[The Digger]

Joshua rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, I'm willing to be persuaded otherwise but my preference now is for the road. We have met some strange beasts in the forest and there's no saying what else we might come across on the way back. The road, although longer, seems to be more likely to produce thieves. Now thieves, although a problem, are more likely to be a 'normal' problem, if you know what I mean."

He looked at the others in turn. "There is one more thing. We seem to be getting into the habit of rushing at any enemy which comes into sight with no preparation. Can I suggest at least a short pause to give me time to get some spells off before you all end up in the zone of effect of the spells. That does make life more difficult. Would it be possible to perhaps throw things at them, or fire bows or whatever, even if just for a moment or two? And then charge in?"

"What do you all think?"

 

[covaithe]

Karis makes a sound that is half laugh, half grunt of acknowledgement. "Yeah, I went off a bit half-cocked there. I'll try to wait for you next time, but I'm not gonna wait long enough to let the enemy get in the first strike. Maybe if I had a crossbow... With this longbow I can't seem to hit as accurately as I need to."

"As for what we should do... well, we've got enough of these flowers for now, haven't we? I guess we take them to town and see if there's any good we can do with them there. Whichever route you think is best, is fine with me."

[sblock=ooc]I discovered to my chagrin that you can't do sneak attack damage with a longbow, or Karis would have used it that time rather than running in. [/sblock]

 

[PennStud77]

To Joshua: Agreed, tactically it would be better to let you get off an attack while the enemies are somewhat grouped. That is, unless surprise is on our side, as Karis suggests for some situations.

To everyone: I agree that the threats on the road are my preference as he rubs at one of the wounds that still aches a bit from necrotic energy.

[sblock=Mechanics]Use word of encouragement = last Inspiring Word, then plain old heal surge just before short rest for 2 total healing surges (6/8 left) to heal 7 + 3 + 7 = 17 HP, to heal to full.[/sblock]

 

[BlueLotus]

"My preference is the road as well. Though it's unwise to wish for confrontation, I do hope along the way we can do or learn something of use to help with the bandit problem." Moreen says as she uses the time to remove her armor from the wound area. She bandages herself up around the bite and whispers a brief prayer through gritted teeth as she tightens the dressing. She replaces her armor and stands again, ready to go.

[sblock=ooc]I forgot to have Moreen spend a healing surge. She's at full health now with 10 surges left.[/sblock]

 

[Arbanax]

[OOC Hey everyone looks to have been having fun while I've been away. Well I'm back now and ready to chip in. Thanks NT for keeping me alive and some.]

My preference is the road as well. Though it's unwise to wish for confrontation, I do hope along the way we can do or learn something of use to help with the bandit problem."

Rellek simple nodded his agreement, all the while keeping a weary eye for the unwelcome return of the hounds.

 

[nerdytenor]

You head east through the forest and then skirt around the edge of the farms. You arrive at the road without incident, and begin the walk down the road with Mardrick in tow, circumnavigating the dead forest.

Mardrick seems preoccupied during the walk, but after about an hour and a half of walking he pipes up.

"Looks like we are nearing a bend in the road. About half way home now." He appears none too pleased at the prospect of returning to Greensfen. "I'm still at a loss for what to do. We have these, sure..." He pulls out some flowers from his pocket. "But I'm guessing whatever controls my wife will not prove a willing subject when it comes to administering the cure. She, I mean, it may have guards, or spies. And they may be looking for me..."






[sblock=Arbanax]
Good to have you back.
[/sblock]

 

[Arbanax]

You head east through the forest and then skirt around the edge of the farms. You arrive at the road without incident, and begin the walk down the road with Mardrick in tow, circumnavigating the dead forest.

She, I mean, it may have guards, or spies. And they may be looking for me..."

Moving with his bow drawn and his eyes, ears and other senses open to possible attack, Rellek watched the groups back. Stopping from time to time to listen to the sounds of the forest, watching the woods and path around them and even bending to listen through the earth for any possible hint of attack.

Listening to Mardricks words he gave an involuntary shiver. The work of these stones and their master had twisted and warped the world about him and he was disgusted by this foul perversion. Rellek had never like undead nor anything to do with them and even now the dream haunted him. The dream of his friend, mentor and adoptive father reaching out to him from the grave - demanding revenge.

Shaking away the thoughts that clung like the chill that flowed from the ground, he moved on focusing on his task once again.

 

[covaithe]

She? Karis raises an eyebrow, but does not speak. An innocent slip of the tongue, or does Mardrick know something... (ooc: Would an insight check be appropriate here? Karis is only at +1.)

"Perhaps we should observe the town for a day or two before acting," suggests Karis. "Rellek and I could sneak in and follow your wife. See who she talks to, what she does. Perhaps we might speak to the man who originally hired us. Now what was his name...."

 

[nerdytenor]

[sblock=Karis]
Mardrick is probably assuming that Elloen is possessed by something, from the way he's been talking about it.
[/sblock]

 

[PennStud77]

"Perhaps we should observe the town for a day or two before acting," suggests Karis. "Rellek and I could sneak in and follow your wife. See who she talks to, what she does. Perhaps we might speak to the man who originally hired us. Now what was his name...."

Discretion the better part of valor, eh? I think this is a great idea. Be sure to shadow Mayor Dardus a bit, as well Todarr says, filling in Karis on the man's name. Should we start boiling these flowers down to an elixir or paste, or would that be better done in your lab, Mardrick? I only mention it to perhaps give us something to do in the meantime.