Northern Dangers, Summer 669

[CarrieVS]

Could we simply sneak past? With our combined mage power we can make at least 3 people of our 6 invisible (if we're willing to invest that much magic) and at least 2 more don't need any help to sneak past. That leaves 1 unaccounted for. And if we tried that we probably wouldn't be able to bring Dramm's horses or Barnaby's canines.

[tibbius]

"I could watch the dogs and horses, if that's the stratagem we choose," Barnaby offers.

[scarik]

Can Morwen cast a 30' cube illusion of just a tumbleweed, anchored on a small rock that one of us can carry (or kick along) as we walk across in a tight group?

Illusion Magic like Chimerical Force can’t make you invisible. It can make things you can hide in but it has to make more things to perceive not less.

Could we simply sneak past? With our combined mage power we can make at least 3 people of our 6 invisible (if we're willing to invest that much magic) and at least 2 more don't need any help to sneak past. That leaves 1 unaccounted for. And if we tried that we probably wouldn't be able to bring Dramm's horses or Barnaby's canines.

It’s possible to use the terrain and get across. Hard but Earnan is absurdly skilled in that sort of thing. Horses are the tough part, you would need a distractions or to make them invisible. The dogs are more stealthy than the humans.

[scarik]

I will require a decision soon.

One thing to keep in mind is that daylight is almost as disadvantageous to Orcs as darkness is to humans. They get -1 to most rolls while the sun is up and -2 when it is particularly bright (such as noon on a sunny day).
The weather here is also still much like the broader regions where mist lies heavy in the early morning hours. Orcs are no more able to see though fog than humans.

[roobeastie]

I don't mind having Morwen use a combination of haste, illusion, and mimicry to help us get everyone in a better place. Also, Macnav can fly a bit, so we might be able to do something with that as well.

[CarrieVS]

I hadn't appreciated the fog and that the terrain would give cover. That's alright then.
We have 4 horses and I don't believe we have enough mage power to make 4 creatures invisible? Does Morwen have any ability that could hide or disguise multiple horses?
Failing than, any mileage in creating a simple distraction by means of 1 or 2 of the sneakier and faster people (the elves go one way and Macnav the other?) heading to each camp, alerting the sentries to an apparent attack, and then attempting to melt away into the fog?

[tibbius]

I hadn't appreciated the fog and that the terrain would give cover. That's alright then.
We have 4 horses and I don't believe we have enough mage power to make 4 creatures invisible? Does Morwen have any ability that could hide or disguise multiple horses?
Failing than, any mileage in creating a simple distraction by means of 1 or 2 of the sneakier and faster people (the elves go one way and Macnav the other?) heading to each camp, alerting the sentries to an apparent attack, and then attempting to melt away into the fog?

"I think that last stratagem could lead to sorties from each camp meeting right where we want to walk through," Dramm opines. "What if we leave the dogs to guard the horses, and all of us two-leg folk saunter on through the fog?"

[CarrieVS]

"So long as we return before nightfall," Earnan replies, "the horses will be safe enough from orcs. And the dogs should keep them safe enough from beasts."

[roobeastie]

"How about I just create more fog to cover our horses?" Morwen offered, thinking it would be best to keep everyone together for now.

[tibbius]

" That's a maybe good idea," Dramm answers. "If we have the horses and dogs on THAT side, they can help us get back here in case of opposition."

[scarik]

Do we stick together under cover of Morwen's illusions?

[tibbius]

Do we stick together under cover of Morwen's illusions?

Dramm and Barnaby support this, Barnaby mainly because he thinks it would be cool, Dramm because it's appealing to have full force available on the other side.

[CarrieVS]

Do we stick together under cover of Morwen's illusions?

Earnan is happy with that. He'll also use his Beast Friend abilities to impress on the horses that they should move as quietly as they are able. They will still not be exceptionally stealthy but hopefully it will help if they at least understand the goal.

[scarik]

Earnan is the best for the task of leading the group across.

Roll his Explorer Skill.

[CarrieVS]

Earnan Explorer [_2d6]=(2+2)=4
I ... hope I have a few modifiers to that...

[scarik]

Earnan Explorer [_2d6]=(2+2)=4
I ... hope I have a few modifiers to that...

Strider, Insight and Uncanny Agility all apply here so you make it safely across but not without consequence.

[scarik]

Earnan ranges ahead to lead the troupe across the largely open space between the two Orc camps under the cover of Morwen's sorcerous mist. The terrain is riven with depressions and rises so that while it seems flat to the unexperienced there are many ways that one can limit their profile and Earnan easily finds those. Were it just he and Aedaen they would be able to take the path at a run without magical cover, but as is they must proceed with care.

Dramm isn't in his full armor but even still he\s not particularly light-footed, and Barnaby is a bit of a klutz. Dex -1! There of course there are the horses who are entirely unsuited for stealth, but they are well trained and both elves and the bard have a way with beasts that keeps them calm and steady.

Macnav is nearly as silent as an elf but Morwen must continue to chant to maintain her magic and if the wind turns it could carry her words to either side of the clearing.

And maybe that is what happens. Or maybe its the metallic clunk of a shod hoof against a hard stone at the wrong time. Or perhaps the malign presence they are approaching senses them and warns its foul ilk. Whatever the reason a hue and cry goes up when they are two thirds of the way across. Horns blow in both encampments and wolf-riders race out to see who goes.

Wisdom tells the party to abandon stealth and flee back the way they came, but purpose pushes them onward to the dismal cavern entrance. The rush in side just in time to hear a dozen pursuing arrows clatter against the stone. The quickly take position to repel the attack inside the cave mouth, wary of the deep shadows at the rear, but it never comes. All that follows are Orcish voices and rough laughter.

And then they are left alone with the shadows.

I don't think any of you speak Orcish.

There is only one way to go now: deeper in. The rear of the cave reveals a crudely hewn tunnel that slops slowly downward until it reaches a stair that continues ever further down into the darkness. The air is still and the black is palpable, just as intense as the foul miasma that once hung over Bleakhill. But here they lack the holy power of Hemia to cleanse it. Despite that the cloying murk seems to recoil from Dramm leaving a space a few paces just a little brighter. Even still not even elfsight can pierce the dark beyond the reach of torch and lantern. Morwen can feel the fell power of this place more acutely than the others and in a way it fears her nearly as much as it does Dramm, but she can grasp it and bend it back on itself rather than merely casting it away. But to do so she has to step away from the paladin.

I assume adventurers are always prepared for the dark so you have a reasonable supply of lantern oil and two torches apiece. Both Elves have mastered the Light spell. Each casting lasts for 5 Turns of exploration.

How do you wish to proceed. Since there is only one way to go I assume you go in, but who wants to take the lead and do you wish to take any precautions first? The horses have to stay in the cave.

For reference.

Aedaen's Spells Mastered:
- 1: Cantrip, Jump, Light, Magic Missile, Sharpness
- 2: Gust of Wind, Invisibility
- 3: Fireball