Setting The Trap

Jan 16, 2024 2:45 am
In the morning Dani has an excited energy as she prepares her pack with a wide assortment of what appear to be improved tools that can work together in all sorts of combinations. "I'm kind of a tinkerer," she says with a grin, "those bastards won't have any idea what will be waiting for them."

Two men join you, one early twenties (Dawson), the other about ten years older (Ray). They're brothers who seem to have been here a bit longer than Wenlan. Dawson is an apprentice of sorts to Dani, easy-going but a little naive. Ray seems to be around mostly to mess with him, while ensuring that no one else does.

As you all head towards the crater site, Dani asks some questions to learn a bit more about Wenlan. "So you haven't even been here that long, but you got stuck in Valleyview? What's it like inside? Never been there myself, but you hear things from those lucky enough to get out." At the mention of Valleyview, the brothers stop their playful banter and pay attention.
Jan 19, 2024 5:51 am
Wenlan answers them:

Well they fed me but..... I didn't like the vibe. It's an eerie place, they are all cultists I feel. We had attend to religious meetings and better ourselves or something. But I had the feeling I was a prisoner there. They tried to brainwash us. Tanya was in those meetings and suggested we get out and we did.
Jan 19, 2024 3:12 pm
Dani nods soberly, "That lines up with what we've heard. We're somewhat of a collective, people who disagree with the way The Order wants to do things and try to band together out here and build things up that aren't so easy for them to tear down. I wish I could say we were more successful, but this mission at the Temple Ruins was probably our biggest success yet."

She looks onto the horizon, "That's why I think we need to do this big push now, they won't keep underestimating us for long. What did you do before you ended up in these woods anyway?"
Jan 22, 2024 5:26 am
OOC:
Wenlan likes to keep a low profile about her past so she tells a bit of a lie or colored truth.
I was... erm... I was a modest trader. Yes... doing business im the villages south of the forest. But someone framed me for something I didn't do and I ended running... well I ended here. I don't know if I can go back. I suppose there might be a life for me in the forest...

She looks at Dani.

What about you? Are you from here originally? Or does every one just drift here?
Last edited January 22, 2024 5:26 am
Jan 22, 2024 3:19 pm
Her face darkens a bit, and she scans the horizon as she answers. "My dad was sort of a blacksmith, like no one had ever seen. He didn't just make tools, but... his creations almost came alive. I was his apprentice... wanted to take the shop over so that he could retire." Dani closes her eyes and continues, "There was an attack, he told me to run and tell others of our fate. I'm not sure how long I've been in these woods. Maybe years now. Some were here before me, The Order here before me. People seem to show up in batches, no one seems to leave."

She shakes some memories out of her head, and turns to the brothers pointing to their packs as she speaks. "I have a few types of tools with me, you have rope and other fastenings , and you have a bunch of scrap metal and wood from my shop." Dani opens up her stance so everyone can see her clearly, "We need something to distract it, something to mess with it's balance, then something to knock its ass into the pit. Anyone got any ideas?"
OOC:
Think of this like designing a series of 'Home Alone' traps for a Sweeper being led this way by Hilmir and Tanya. As long as the components are reasonable (or something that can be found in the woods), feel free to suggest it. It may just require a roll or two depending on complexity etc, but in this area you have access to big logs and rocks of various sizes.

Have fun with it! You don't have to come up with all three traps, the NPCs will build off of whatever initial concepts Wenlan has.
Jan 24, 2024 7:45 am
Okay let's see... Something to distract it? Maybe:

1. We pick a place that is rocky and the ground is slanted.
2. We hang something to the trees - something that works as a bait. Pelts, lanterns, something else?
3. We arrange mud and rubble to the rocky path to throw it off balance. Think about wet slippery mud, that'll surely trip you over if you're running.
4. We dig a pit in the ground and cover it with foliage.
5. To make sure it trips in the pit we'll arrange a rope we can pull to release logs that'll push it to the pit.


Wenlan thinks for a bit.

The downside is we have to get is to approach from a certain direction, otherwise it won't work... Someone has to act as a living bait.
Last edited January 24, 2024 7:47 am
Jan 24, 2024 3:35 pm
"That Hilmir fella will take care of that part," Dawson the younger brother chimes in. "That's assuming the Sweeper doesn't flatten him first." He adds with a chuckle.

Ray, the older brother, gives him a light smack on the head. "He's taking a real risk for us, and knows the danger involved. That's bravery, you're the fool!"

"Now, now, lets get back on task." Dani says with some extra authority behind her voice. "The pit is a bit further this way, but does have a slope leading down to it. They use these things to tear apart campsites, so maybe we can setup a tent and these two can make a bit of commotion."

Ray nods along and adds, "We can rig up the logs hidden behind some trees so that we can release them when it looks at us. Those combined with the slippery mud and some kind of tripwire should be enough to knock it in."
Jan 24, 2024 3:41 pm
Feel free to make any other comments or suggestions if you'd like. Otherwise, you can roll a STR save, DEX save, and WIL save to see how it all comes together. (Don't worry, a fail doesn’t necessarily mean it won't work as you have help from several people trained in this stuff, but the rolls will impact things somewhat).
Jan 27, 2024 3:41 am
OOC:
Okay, the plan looks pretty solid :)
Last edited January 27, 2024 3:43 am
Jan 27, 2024 3:42 am
Making a campsite is a good idea!

Rolls

St - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Dex - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Wil - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Jan 28, 2024 3:02 am
After a bit more discussion, everyone gets to work setting things up. The brothers work on the fake campsite and logs, while Dani and Wenlan focus on making the slippery mud, setting the tripwire, and digging things out a bit so the ground near the sinkhole gives away with enough weight on it.

"I think things are almost setup here, I may fine tune a couple things where I can but the bones are set. Now for the hard part... we're going to be among the first line that tries to subdue this thing. I'm not sure what the best way to do that is." Dani says to the group.

Ray speaks up, "First thing we should plan for is the possibility that the trap doesn't knock it in. If it's still up after all that, we're going to need to make some kind of big push to make sure it does."

Dani grins, "Leave that to me, I have a little something up my sleeve for such an outcome. What we need is a plan for dealing with it once it is in that pit. How do we keep it from climbing out? How do we keep it from pulling us in?"
Jan 28, 2024 9:07 am
My idea was to bury it with logs so it can't get out? Not sure how powerfull these things are tho'...
Jan 29, 2024 2:46 am
Roy sucks his teeth and answers, "They're probably the strongest things in these woods, couple good whacks and they could knock down most of the trees in here. Over 10 feet tall and easily toss a boulder your size. There must be some way to slow or restrain it at least... or maybe even control it."
Jan 30, 2024 4:08 am
OOC:
Oh, wow! I really didn't understand how big these things are :)
Maybe we could tie a rope around it's legs?
OOC:
Like in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, with the imperial walkers.
Last edited January 30, 2024 4:08 am
Jan 31, 2024 1:47 am
OOC:
Ah yes, I know exactly what you mean. :)
Dani nods in agreement, "That's easy enough, we could setup a few spring-snares at the edge of the pit, so it would get all tangled up in the process of trying to stand back up. It would be able to break through one, but several could work."
OOC:
None of you are sure how long it will be until the bait group is able to bring a Sweeper this way. What sort of things would Wenlan and crew try to prioritize once these traps are set? Is there any sort of lookout, signals/calls, etc you all may wish to establish? If the recruitment group is successful, some people may be heading your way to help as well. What should they do when they get there? Don't feel like you need to answer all of those or anything, just a few things to ponder if anything comes to mind.
Feb 1, 2024 3:05 pm
OOC:
I think the general idea would be to keep watch, take shifts and try to strengthen the traps. We have to set camp but do it so that it is hidden and Wenlan suggests we do not light a fire for example. Also some of the youngsters could scout the surroundings o na regular basis.

By the way, what's the weather like? That could have some implications for us.
Feb 2, 2024 2:17 am
OOC:
Okay good to know. There's an understanding that this plan is dangerous, and the group warning others about a coming attack would encourage the youngsters to go in a different direction with some trusted members. The only people coming to assist would be those recruited for what could turn into a violent battle if the plan goes awry. That being said, some coming won't really have any applicable skills and could be designated as lookouts.

The weather is clear and pleasant, it actually hasn't been very cold the entire time Wenlan has been in these woods even in the evening, but a little windy in the clearing around the pit. It makes it a bit harder to hear others over a moderate distance, but those closeby are easily heard still it's not a hurricane or anything.
Feb 5, 2024 4:38 am
OOC:
Okay, good to know!
Feb 6, 2024 10:41 am
Everyone at the site is working hard to get things ready, as well as keep watch for anyone coming, when they see Elara and Dreli arriving (which was not part of the initial plan).

Elara tells Dani that they ran into an individual named Teven, who is completing the task of warning the others, and provided Dreli with a weapon that he claimed is effective against the Sweepers.

Dani takes in this new information and says "Teven's self-centered, but he knows way more about this place than most. If he says this short sword will be effective, we should trust that. The plan stays mostly the same though, wait for the traps to do their thing before trying to use it, okay Dreli?"
Feb 6, 2024 10:53 am
Dreli nods. "We should keep an eye out for the Sweeper's handler too. They are not to escape to warn the others."
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