Editing Midnight RPG - Chapter 22.411 (section)

==A time for Decisions == 


=== Zal'Kazzir ===
::''*Ash-covered and haggard looking, Zal'Kazzir turns to Belal and begins to speak*'' 

"No matter how fun Baden's Bluff may or may not be, our task at present is to survive the journey, and to arrive fit enough to be effective when we get there."  

::''*Turning back to the group, Zal begins to draw a crude map in the ash with his stick as he continues''  

"Personally, I am of two minds; the part of me that is a father wants to head straight for the road, and press on with all haste." 

::''*Zal'Kazzir points to the road, then makes a quick motion north''

"However, I realize that the arrows render such a plan risky at best, and likely much worse. If the road is denied to us,"

::''*Zal'Kazzir scratches a slash across the road of ruin*'' 

"then my interest in is the fastest possible route, and that seems to be the difficult journey through the plains. Even if our overall movement is slower, and the journey harder than navigating the grasslands, there is a good chance we can pass most of the way to the Bluff completely unmolested by shadow forces. Also, if we choose the plains, we can make a direct line toward our destination,  

::''*Zal makes a steady furrow through the plains, towards Baden's Bluff*'' 

rather that being forced to constantly detour around patrols, camps and other elf-hostile areas that we cannot safely cross." 

::''*Zal traces a swerving, evasive path through the grasslands, much longer than the one he drew throught he plains*'' 

"However my friends, my understanding of these things is limited. I do not know the endurance of the elf-steeds, nor am I aware of what awaits us in the deep plains. What are your opnions?" 

=== Durgaz ===

"I agree. The plains do not make for pleasant travel, but it is precisely that which makes it the safest choice. No patrols will needlessly veer into this place. With these plants, we will have food and shelter, and the only danger the wastes pose to us will be the heat and ash itself, both of which we can prepare for. I think this is our best option.

"We might be able to travel all the way along the Road of Ruin and encounter no dangers at all, or send Nisse ahead to scout such that we might leave the road long before encountering them. That might take a few days off our traveling time. It is a risk, though, and I don't like risks. My vote is still for the Plains of Ash and Blood."

''Kevin: That might be a Knowledge: Shadow or Profession: Soldier check to find out exactly what sort of things we'd be most likely to encounter on the Road of Ruin. Goblins? Uruk? Trolls?''


=== Eranon ===

"I agree, with these plants that we have found, I think we will be much better served to move through the Plains.  I cannot speak much to our speed, but I think it will be the safer route.  We have already experienced some of what the plains have for us.  I think if we were to prepare for our journey, we would be alright.  This may involve venturing onto the grasslands for a day to hunt, gather water, and guard ourselves against the ash and heat."

''Kevin:  Can I get a Survival check to see what precautions might be necessary, assuming that the conditions will be similar to what we have experienced, but worse?

"Mi'Shun, what do you think we may be able to do to protect ourselves?"

"Aditionally, we have two other issues to deal with.  First, we must cross another large river, and we cannot count on encountering another giant.  There is a trick hidden in that staff we have that will allow us to coax Aryth into helping us, but would require great energy from Kuyad, Zal'Kazzir and myself as well as several days.  We also may be able to cut over to that large road, but it makes me very nervous."

"Also, we need to discuss weather we Should cut to the East or the West of that road once we are clear of the plains.  Mi'Shun, what rumors do you know of the Darkening wood?"

=== Kyuad ===
Kyuad listens patiently and appears to consider the lines on the maps.  He gasps a breath then continues, "It is agreed then, we should proceed through these ashen fields.  I think that now we are together and we understand the dangers better, we can move much more quickly than I and the elves have been."<br>

: ''What follows depends on the Lorebook information he's been researching.''

: ''Kyuad has been doing some research concerning the surrounding area.  This includes asking the elves for some information, consulting the maps he carries, and Lorebook checks.  First he is going to ask the elves what they know (or think they know).  As a part of all of this, a Knowledge check is called-for, but because he has no ranks in the appropriate skill for the area (unless it pertains to spirits and magic stuff) he's limited to a result of 10 no matter the roll.'' <font size="1">'''From the SRD:''' Concerning the Knowledge skill: Untrained: An untrained Knowledge check is simply an Intelligence check. Without actual training, you know only common knowledge (DC 10 or lower).</font> '' Next he will make Lorebook checks if the others are fruitless.''<br>
: ''The areas he specifically was looking for more information concerns the ''Road of Ruin'', what to expect in the'' Plains of Ash and Blood'' concerning dangers and foes especially.''<br>
: ''Kyuad is also looking into what lies beyond.  Lorebook checks for ''Fraag Longtusk'', the ''Green March'', ''Dern's Hold'', the ''Giant's Face'', ''Lord Eoatin'' and the ''Elemic Knot''.  I know this is a LOT.  I suggest just giving me some basic info that would be pertinent to our plans.''<br>
: ''Also, we just passed through the Darkening Wood - it is south of the river.''