Chapter 16: Against the Chaos

[Darren]

Aug 16, 2018 10:25:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

I believe Kal has the floor.

Sorry. Life keeps getting in the way and I hate to half-ass posts.

With everyone assembled on the deck, Kal begins to slowly pace in front of his audience. His boots on the wooden deck have an odd, legato rhythm. Thump, draaag, thump. Thump, draaag, thump. Twice, Kal walks up and down the line of his assembled companions. Thump, draaaag, thump. On his second turn, he stops at the middle of the assembly, one last thump as he plants his feet. "Yesterday was not a good day for our expedition," he begins in a clear voice. "We lost one of our own, and whatever we individually might have thought of Larest, his loss will be sharply felt by all of us as a whole. Why did this happen?" Kal's gaze moves across those in front of him. It starts at Thul, and perhaps lingers longer than is necessary, but moves in turn from one of his friends to the next as he speaks. "Why did we nearly face defeat so many times? It is because, my friends, we do not work as a unit. We do not fight as a group. That must end."

Kal's hand falls to the hilt of the Rekkenmark longsword at his hip. His thumb traces the outline of the mark there, the symbol of a true blademaster. "We all have strengths, and we all have ideas. Opinions. We have been much too polite with each other. That must end." Kal draws a deep breath and squares his shoulders. "With Larest gone, I am taking charge of this expedition. I will listen to your ideas, I will take your advice to heart, but once I have decided, we will act in concert. Is that understood?" Kal waits for assent from each member of the group. "When we fight, Melethos will command us. If he cannot, then Thul will. They will guide the flow of combat and once they have decided, we will act in concert. Is that understood?" Again, Kal waits for assent from each member before moving on.

"Good. Now, in order for Melethos and Thul to do what must be done, they must understand what each of us can do. We have fought together, but always by improvisation. It is time for our strengths and weaknesses to be discussed and understood and for our commanders to understand how best to utilize the weapons in their arsenal. This, my friends, is the time to voice your opinions. Do it now, while we are safe, while no blade threatens and no arrow whistles past our heads. There is no place for opinions on the battlefield." Kal's gaze falls, at last, on Melethos, and he smiles. "Take it away, Commander..."

[Brian]

Melethos's eyes follow Kal as he marches back and forth. His sorcerous friend seems in his element, maybe for the first time. Confident. Determined. Even a little desperate. Melethos recalls a conversation he had with Kal and another Deneith heir, Iastra, ashlock.proboards.com/post/11552 when Kal revealed to Melethos his most deeply held secret. He recalls Kal's stories of growing up in House Deneith and his struggles to live up to the reputation of his older brothers. He recalls Kal's sacrifice beneath the lighthouse in Stormreach to free the sphinx's mate. Given the uphill battles Kal has faced, his bravado--his swagger--makes sense. Perhaps this shift in command will turn out to be the biggest benefit to their group. Only time will tell.

When the d'Deneith heir gestures for Melethos to take over, the tiefling nods and gives Kal's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Then he turns to face the others, and his expression is all business.

"We fight," he says crisply. "And we fight well. But we often fight at cross purposes. Each of us have skills and powers. Used alone, they are impressive, but if we were to combine them, to use them as a compliment or in concert, then I believe we would make an awesome force." He glances at Sem, and the circlet he wears. "We will face dangers beyond any we have encountered before. We need to work together. To do that, we need to know now, fully, what each of us can do. You know yourselves better than anyone. Not only do I want a summary of your strengths and weaknesses, I want your ideas. This will be haphazard at first. We will refine it as we go along.

"Since I am calling this, I will go first.

"My skills focus mostly on hand-to-hand combat. I can use feints to leave a foe open to attack. If I am hit, my mentor, Lorjad, taught me a way to shift the battle such that an ally can move to a more advantageous position. I can trip foes, and I can hit with leather precision. And, when in dire need, I can rally an ally and allow him to continue fighting. But my most useful skills allows others to attack. I am thinking particularly of Shorak. If I am standing in front of an enemy, I can draw his attention such that Shorak can sneak in his boomerang with ferocious results. That skill, however, is very limiting to me, and I am loathe to use it often. I see it at its best when a foe is near death and the killing blow is needed." Melethos draws a breath. "I have others abilities, basic spell casting, that you have seen. I can make light go away, and I can make fire. When needed, I can move quickly. But I cannot use them often. Perhaps one of you can aid me in leaning how to best use this casting skills."

Melethos hooks a finger at Thul. "The captain and I have talked. In addition to blending our skills, he has shown me the benefit of using formations in battle. He has drawn up a few examples, which he will show us. Pay close attention, and do not hesitate to ask questions. Captain, you have the deck."

__________________________________________________

Elvis, if I may make a suggestion. Work your formation diagrams into your post as parchment drawings. You can link the actual formations to Google Drive or wherever so we can see them.

[Dave B.]

Hearing Kal's call of a meeting on deck, Shorak takes a few more minutes to linger over the beauty of his homeland, then reluctantly climbs down to join the others. He stands relaxed his weight leaning on his left leg, arms crossed, attentive to Kal and then Melethos.

[Elvis]

Thul unbends his wireframe glasses and puts them on, then smooths out a piece of parchment he had made some rough sketches, spreading it out on a crate. He waits until everyone gathers around.

"These are basic formations," he says, "The idea is to use these to positions to regroup when we are spread out and unfocused. When Redman or myself call out the code word that represents one of these formations, everyone forms up as best they can."

"It won't always look exactly like this, but it will get us moving as a unit." Thul looks at everyone "We will most definitely need to adapt to a changing battlefield, and modify these on the fly."

"This one," he jabs a finger at the triangle, "Is a wedge formation. Normally it's used on a much larger scale, but we can use it in a similar fashion. Redman is the tip of the spear. Always. Unless he's dead. We use this to punch into an enemy formation - like a phalanx or shield wall. The idea is to break their formation and drive deep into their ranks. The back row will is magic support. Healing and mass area impact spells."

"The next one is a typical defensive formation. We use this is tight quarters and passages to limit the amount of enemies we need to deal with. This formation will change depending on where we are. It may be wide enough for one or two. Which is fine. A few of us fight, the others rest and then we switch up, taking turns in the front."

"The diamond here," he points to the last sketch, "is when we are totally fekked. If we get overwhelmed and surrounded, everyone fights. The heavy hitters take the compass points, while the others fill in where they can. Backs to the center."

"Deneith, can you're firewall reach all the way around these formations?"

[Darren]

Kal cranes his neck to look over Thul's shoulder. "Yes, I believe so, if we are close together," he says, studying each one. "Circles and straight lines are easy, out to about 60 feet. Arcs are a bit harder, but I can do it. I can't move it, though. Once it's in place, it's going to stay there until I release it. Surrounding us is fine if we get into real trouble, but once the wall comes down, we may find ourselves still surrounded. Now," Kal grins, "if we can trap an enemy inside with us, you and Melethos can force them against it, make them burn. A hammer and anvil maneuver, if you will. It will be dangerous for those of us in the back of the formation, but that may also be where an arc would come in handy if we have less fear of being surrounded." Kal rubs his chin and grins at the thought. "The other thing, though, is that I must concentrate to maintain the energies required. It is good that you place me here," he points to the spot drawn in the center of the formation for him. "Ducking sword swings makes it hard to maintain my focus. It is also difficult for me to conjure energies required for some of the other more powerful magics I possess. I can only concentrate one at a time so if I bring forth the living fire, I cannot also conjure a storm as I did yesterday, or allow any of us to fly, or move objects with my mind. I will be more limited to individual attacks," he says, allowing a small ball of flame to form over his hand and quickly extinguishing it by closing his fist. "I try to look for which spell will be most advantageous based on what you each are doing, but if I know your intentions, we can coordinate my ability to control the battlefield with your tactics. Much of my magic can hurt large groups. If you can control where our enemies are, and keep yourselves out of the way, I can tear them apart en masse. Line them up, and I'll put a bolt of lightning right through them. Stand between me and them, and we have a problem."

Another thought occurs to Kal. "We should also remember this," he says, holding up his hand and tapping the ring still on his finger. He points to the matching ring on Belarin's finger. "Not only will these allow us to communicate at a distance, they can help us to communicate quickly and silently in battle. Just another asset we should consider."

[Dave W.]

“I will tell you honestly that I have very little faith in the concept of these formations...” there is a stiffness in Adamant, in both form and voice, “half my heart wishes they would work, I would insist that those I am sworn to protect would always be near me. But solidity can become brittleness surprisingly quickly in action. Belarin for example fights fluidly, the strength of his style is his ability to teleport about the battlefield... do you mean to deprive him of this; his ability to instantly escape harm? Or for example, I can not move at the speed the rest of you do, will you wait for me and miss opportunities or will I be asked to run after you and lose opertunities to attack myself?”

Adamant waves his hand, erasing those comments for the moment, “But if we are to have formations, even as simply starting positions, they should make more sense. Perhaps if the Captain knew us better...” Adamant stops abruptly, then continues, again formally. “You have placed me on the left wing. This would make sense if my only value were armor and sword. But my Lady grants me benefits I can extend to allies adjacent or very close by... resistance to magics and fear. And by training I can interdict attack’s against those next to me or lock down enemies trying to move past. Your formations,” Adamant looks directly at Thul, “would minimize those benefits... in this extended diamond I could protect only Belarin for example.”

---

nothing personal Elvis... just playing Adamant

[Elvis]

Thul nods at Deneith's improvements.

"We give your stratagems code words as well and use them to maximum effect."

He listens to the Warforged gripe.

"Tell me, Warforged, if you were the enemy, which of us looks the most dangerous?"

[Dave W.]

Aug 17, 2018 7:40:47 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Thul nods at Deneith's improvements.

"We give your stratagems code words as well and use them to maximum effect."

He listens to the Warforged gripe.

"Tell me, Warforged, if you were the enemy, which of us looks the most dangerous?"

“I would make an effort not to be beguiled by mere appearance.”

[Elvis]

Ignoring the Warforged's blatant dodge, Thul continues...

"The Redman." He says, "The longer he stays in the fight, the better our chances are of surviving. Keep him standing and we will have a chance."

"If the enemy decides to buckle our weakest flank," Thul taps his own letters on the parchment, "That will free you up to move into our own flanking position on them. I'll also have the halfdrow and his blades as my shadow. It won't be as easy as they'd hoped."

[Jeff]

Sem holds up a hand and waits for a few people to notice him before speaking. "I hate to say it, but it might also be important factor us in." He indicates himself, Starg, and Histra. "At least for a second-tier group of formations."

Starg nods at this. "At least, once we have left this ship further into the continent."

"I assume these proposed formations only apply when a battle is expected," Histra says. "Or do you propose that we travel in these patterns as well?"

[Ken]

From his sitting position on the deck, Belarin smiles at the back and forth. "Sem is right -- we definitely need to keep them in mind. As for the rest, well, Adamant is well named," he says. "And he raises good points. As my father told me on the last day I saw him, 'No good plan survives contact with the enemy.' Or maybe that was Kalarian. I forget. Anyway, he's right in that we need to be flexible." He looks at Adamant. "But Thul is also right, Adamant. At the very least, we need to start with a solid plan, as opposed to our current strategy of 'Everybody ... go!' I like what they're suggesting. And besides, Histra has been politely suggesting that I not poof all over the place, as this makes me particularly squishy afterward." He smiles at Histra. "A level of protection isn't a bad thing -- and I can always teleport out if things get bad.

"As for what I can do..." He addresses Thul and Melethos. "I can throw eldritch blasts, all the time. They hurt. I have access to a few spells, but I can only cast a couple at a time. Charm spells, mostly, with one or two others that have been helpful: a blanket illusion that covers everyone around me -- you saw that, Thul, when I made us look like Emerald Claw soldiers -- and an invisibility spell that lasts for a long time, even in combat." He smiles. "I also lie a lot. Really well, actually. And I can mimic the voice of nearly everyone I hear." He launches into a spot-on impersonation of Thul. "I even say 'Redman' because I can't be fekking bothered to learn Melethos' fekking name."

[Jeff]

Sem drops to his knees as he laughs at Belarin's imitation of Thul. Laughs almost too much, but it sounds like the gnome needed this.

"D...d...do Starg," he says, pointing up at the minotaur without even lifting his head.

[Elvis]

Thul makes a face at the Warlock's impression. "Not bad Warlock." he says, "that will come in handy."

"We should work out a few high-level concepts that take advantage of being cloaked in an illusion."

"None of us should be under the impression that these formations are tactically superior." He nods at the warlock, "The enemy will dictate how we will respond."

Thul looks from the gnome to the old woman to the minotaur, then to Deneith. "I have no objections."

[Brian]

Melethos holds up a hand. "The formations are a good idea. We will use them"--he bows to Histra--"when we know battle is expected. But if we are surprised, calling out a formation will also allow us to gather and know what each of us is supposed to do." He shifts his attention to Adamant. "You are correct, my friend. You have protections we need. Expect me or Thul to call you to the center, shifting Kal to your position and Shorak to Kal's. That way, your protections can help all of us. And I still wish to hear what Sem, Starg, and Histra have to say. They will be next. But consider this: Belarin's blasts reach a good distance. Imagine if made himself invisible, and Kal gave him the ability to fly. Imagine the havoc Belarin can cause by flying invisible, blazing away, and moving to another spot before someone can target him. That would be truly spectacular." The tiefling's shifts to Thul. "Like I said, the formations are a good start. My biggest concern here is our grouping. Should a spellcaster confront us--Demise comes to mind--grouped together like a school of fish makes us too vulnerable to balls of fire or bolts of lighting. We need a plan if I order us to scatter. Who will group with whom? Which pairs complement one another the best? Think, and let me know what you think."

Melethos scans the skies. "We still have daylight left. I would hear from Sem, Starg, and the lady Histra before we continue."

[Elvis]

"Agreed." Thul says to the demonkin, "I guarantee we will get caught on that. Scattering in pairs is wise."

"If there is a spellcaster, we need to shut it down quickly. I can deal with them at close quarters if someone can blink me directly beside them."

[Joe]

Streko clears his throat. "Did you forget about me, Redman? Or do you think I am only a healer. I, too, am capable of causing havoc in large areas. I am blessed by Olladra with spells not just of trickery and destroying undead, but banishing demons, if I happen to be lucky that day. I can also change shape, my own and others, as well as dominate the minds of others and control their actions. I can know the truth of things, if given the time to prepare. Finally, I can ward others from death, or bring them back from the brink, should I get to them quickly enough. I can also raise the dead and speak to them, as others in this group can do." He gives Histra and Belarin and mutual nod.

"I spend most of my time in defensive mode, protecting, healing and attacking as best I can. Truth is, I am not a good fighter, with little confidence in my abilities. However, with Olladra's wisdom and her encouragement, I am able to overcome these deficiencies and, on occasion, I have even been known to make a small difference."

He turns and looks at Melethos, quietly daring him to ignore him now that he has spoken aloud.

"I also have a handy haversack," he says.

[Brian]

"I am not ignoring you, Streko," Melethos says, somewhat stiffly. "There is no set order here. And we would not have advanced any plan without your input. But I am glad you have spoken. I have always felt you were one of the most powerful members of our group. I understand your reluctance about fighting--it really is not in your bones--but you can do and accomplish much. We need to understand your skills better. Please do not hesitate to offer up ideas on how we can compliment your work."

[Jeff]

Aug 17, 2018 15:38:22 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos scans the skies. "We still have daylight left. I would hear from Sem, Starg, and the lady Histra before we continue."

Sem shrugs. "When it comes to tactics, well...I'm not much good. Where would you have me? My power is my smarts but I don't have a head for war strategies. My spells are minor enchantments and illusions, and not a lot of hurting."

Starg also comes forward. "I am likewise unfamiliar with organized battle. But I will lend my magic, however I can. I am a student of Gor-Nodlorakunshar. A translation in the Common tongue would be...the Powers of Contiguous Truth. It is the rearrangement of matter and space. I can certainly provide telekinesis, levitation, and also short-lived flight. As Kalarian says, such magic requires concentration. But I also have this." The minotaur holds up his gleaming black orb, which fits neatly into the palm of his very large hand. "This is my primary arcane focus, but I can also lend it to someone and it can grant them protections. It is very dear to me, the last true remnant of my home. I would ask that anyone who borrows it keeps it safe."

"Merely possessing will give you one of the following, once I have chosen it: great stamina, the eyesight of a minotaur, heightened speed, or protection from fire, frost, lightning, vibration, or even acid. I can alter it accordingly, given a short period of time."

"I purpose to add sentries," Histra says at this opportunity, "for the ship, and for our hike through the jungle later." She upends a large sack, and a pile of loosely linked bones clatters to the deck. Then the bones move of their own accord and rise in full form. An animate bugbear skeleton, massive jaws clicking together as if eager to fight, looks this way and that. "This is just the first. To be placed anywhere in whatever formation Melethos prefers." She gives the tiefling a nod.

[Dave W.]

Adamant makes grinding noises as Thul and then his friends misconstrue the encounter. His eye-gems dim... he can feel the slippery call from Syndra and struggles for calm.

Gradually he releases the clenched fists he hadn’t realized he’d made.

Turning to Kal and Melethos, “I will keep the vow I made to protect you and my friends even spending my own life if necessary.”

“I will make no other promises however. Not regarding formations or accepting orders from Thul.”

“I have nothing constructive left to add that anyone wishes to hear.”

The war forged turns and, again trying step gently, moves to the bow of the ship.

---

i may not get a chance to post again before tomorrow night... visiting my Caity!

[Elvis]

Thul nods at the old woman. "How quickly can you make those on the fly? Given enough bodies, how many?"

Thul turns to the Warforged, "I appreciate your concern for my well being, Warforged."

To the gnome, he says, "Can you create illusions of the undead? Multiply whatever numbers the old woman can reanimate?"

To the minotaur, he says, "A few of us may need to break ranks to reach a more dangerous adversary further away. Anything you have that can get us there if needed would be useful to have on hand."

[Ken]

Belarin raises a hand. "Thul, I know your eyesight is fading, so please tell me.... Who in Khyber are you referring to as 'the old woman'? And please, say what I think you're going to say, because I love the idea of seeing your bones animated as a sentry."

[Jeff]

Aug 18, 2018 19:23:16 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Thul nods at the old woman. "How quickly can you make those on the fly? Given enough bodies, how many?"

"Not in the chaos of battle," Histra answers with a distasteful glare at Thul. "In a minute's time, if a corpse lies before me. From time to time, I can animate more than one at a time."

Aug 18, 2018 19:23:16 GMT -4 Elvis said:

To the gnome, he says, "Can you create illusions of the undead? Multiply whatever numbers the old woman can reanimate?"

"Illusion of such an undead," Sem answers. "Not multiple, no, not if you want it convincing. But one...that can be seen, heard, even smelled...yes. And it can move around."

Aug 18, 2018 19:23:16 GMT -4 Elvis said:

To the minotaur, he says, "A few of us may need to break ranks to reach a more dangerous adversary further away. Anything you have that can get us there if needed would be useful to have on hand."

The minotaur nods. "I will do what I can."

Aug 19, 2018 0:12:52 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin raises a hand. "Thul, I know your eyesight is fading, so please tell me.... Who in Khyber are you referring to as 'the old woman'? And please, say what I think you're going to say, because I love the idea of seeing your bones animated as a sentry."

Histra holds a hand out and briefly touches Belarin on the shoulder. "I care nothing what the Karrn says of me," she says very quietly to him. "His use extends not beyond his axe." And she does not seem bothered by any words spoken. It's very possible she's heard worse things in her life concerning her trade, or her family.

[Dave W.]

Aug 18, 2018 19:23:16 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Thul turns to the Warforged, "I appreciate your concern for my well being, Warforged."

Adamant makes no response nor even any sign of having heard. He just continues to walk to the ship’s bow.

He stands as far front as he can, seeking calm in the ship’s spray... relief from the heat, the heat of the weather and the heat within.

Gently laying a heavy hand on the wood of the ship, he speaks softly.

“I am sorry, Calirataia, we are not a group at peace. We were once but times have grown darker. And I will confess, we passed through Dol Arrah and it has changed me. I wish we could travel together under happier circumstance. You deserve better than we can be right now.”

“You are amazing, and it is a joy to sing with you...” Adamant’s voice stumbles a bit, trying to say more but unable.

He stops trying and just gently touches the wood again.

[Elvis]

Thul's eyes narrow at the Warlock's question.

Could he have been mistaken this entire time?

He looks around at everyone with more care.

Could there be another female in the group.

Thul gives Deneith a second look, just to be sure...

Confident he hasn't confused anyone's gender he looks back at the old woman.

"Karrnathi matrons dress in a state of constant mourning." he shrugs, "Many begin the moment their children leave for war. Just as many wear it to their graves."

He looks at her, "There is no shame in it." then gives her a nod, convinced the others are no longer confused.

[Brian]

"Perhaps your spectacles will help you see more clearly," Melethos tells Thul with barely suppressed mirth. "The lady Histra is hardly 'old.' And while I doubt she would flay the flesh from your bones, she would not hesitate to animate your dead corpse, dress you in a skirt, and have you curtsy to every man you meet. In other words, take care with your descriptions. They may one day get you into trouble. Now, if you will pardon me."

Melethos moves to the bow of the boat, where Adamant stands and gazes out over the water. He stops at the warforged's side.

"Do you want to tell me what is bothering you?" he asks. "I must have missed something important back there."

[Dave B.]

Shorak finally speaks up, loud enough for Melethos and Adamant to hear him. "I will do my best to follow this, but understand that I consider myself a survivor, which is one of the reasons I am extremely difficult to surprise, and am usually able to exit and enter into combat fairly easily, depending on the situation. You all know that I can inflict serious damage on a foe that is distracted by one of you, either in melee or from a distance. But, I can accomplish this as well, if I can catch an enemy off their guard, like flying around invisibly as it was suggested for Belarin. Give me any kind of advantage on an attack and the damage the enemy incurs from my weapons can match anything our three top fighters can do. Don't forget, even though I can't teleport as Kal and Belarin enjoy doing during combat, I move faster than any of you during a fight. If any of the front line fighters requires me as their 'shadow', it is not difficult for me to move to assist. But, I can do that with anyone else, if they become hard pressed by a foe. I can easily be someone's 'shadow' from as far away as the range of my weapons. Every situation will determine whether or not we can make these formations happen. My guess is that they will evolve and change as each encounter presents itself. But, I do agree that it gives us a good starting point to build on." He looks at everyone. "That pretty much covers my strengths in hurting an enemy. My speed and flexibility allows me to be able to limit someof the damage I would receive from an ememy's attack. That is also true with some types of magical spells that cover large areas. If anyone else has suggestions of how I can best assist the group, I'm certainly willing to listen." He stops there and looks over to Melethos and Adamant, concern on his face.

[Darren]

Kal listens to Shorak. "Yes, you should definitely be kept mobile, and I think Thul's formations allow for that. It's just a place to start. The battle will flow from there." Kal looks to where Adamant is now standing. "I'm worried about him, though." Kal climbs up from the crate he had been sitting on. He moves his way over to Adamant and stands next to his friend for a quiet moment. The sound of the water lapping against the side of the boat and the wind in their ears is all they can hear.

"Adamant," he says quietly, "I understand." He glances back over his shoulder at Thul and the others talking amongst themselves. "I'm not sure I trust him, either, but so far despite his erratic behavior, he's proven himself valuable and like it or not, he's a part of our expedition now." Kal moves even closer to his friend's metal plated shoulder, feeling that strange sense of comfort and warmth that seems so out of place in a construct. "Do you know," he says even more quietly, "when we first met, I didn't trust you, either. It's because you're 'forged. I had seen others of your kind, other warforged, on the Plains during the war. I saw the atrocities that they committed seemingly without feeling, without question, just following orders like automatons. I watched a 'forged literally rip a halfling in two." Kal pauses and swallows, the image lingering. "That's what I thought all 'forged were when I met you, Adamant." Kal turns to face his friend, putting himself between the railing of the ship and the warforged. "You changed my mind. You're not like them. You feel deeply. You care more than most humans I know. I trust you, Adamant." Kal stares hard into Adamant's eye gems. "I trust you completely. Do you know what I like most about the captain's formations?" Kal leans even closer to Adamant, lowering his voice further. "It puts me next to you, and when I am I know I can not be harmed. Nothing will touch me when you are by my side." Kal leans back against the railing and grins. "Will you re-join us, my friend? I have an idea that may help you to fight, no matter where you stand. Will you come listen?"

[Ken]

Aug 19, 2018 22:36:18 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

"I can accomplish this as well, if I can catch an enemy off their guard, like flying around invisibly as it was suggested for Belarin."

"I like that idea better," says Belarin. "I've noticed Shorak has an uncanny ability to avoid the brunt of area-affecting spells -- which is the best way to counter an invisible flying foe! If it were me zipping around the sky, an enemy spellcaster would likely turn me into an invisible cinder. Shorak..." he looks at the half-drow appreciatively, "...is damn quick."

[Elvis]

Thul listens as the others pick up the momentum of the planning.

"Looks like we have some redundancies with the casters. This is good."

"Illusions will be handy to sow confusion. If we can make them think we are somewhere we aren't, it will give us an advantage."

"Can you make illusions of us coming at the enemy from the opposite side?"

[Ken]

"Nothing that extreme," says Belarin, "but I could make some of us look like the enemy. Say, identical to them, aside from a prearranged difference, like a green ribbon on the shoulder, so that WE would know who was who. That could be fun."