How (not) to kill a party

Back when the party was working overtime hampering the Shade Lord and her operatives with whatever it was they happened to be up to, they intercepted the following letter from Snickersnake, one of the SL's top henchlings (and one of the six "true shades" to boot), to a team she'd apparently hired to kill us. The letter is the promised view of the party, but click on if you want our commentary on the letter and more of the story.

DeathWhisper, FireWheel et al:

I trust this missive finds you in excellent health. I have further information on your targets. Be warned that they are both desperate and insane (unlikely to parlay or surrender under any circumstance). Ensure that Thunderblade decapitates each of them and return with their heads. I am sure that creative minds such as yours will be able to come up with an appropriate plan of attack.

1. wood elf

Although he looks like an elf, reliable sources inform me that this being is a demon, capable of vampiric regeneration. Restrain Tblade from engaging in melee at all costs. Better to backstab with poison (paralytic) and (magical) fire. Hopefully will fail vs slow.

2. high elf named G

This fighter/mage is an active spellcaster with a large repetoire of available spells. Recover the books at all costs. Beware of his intelligent weapon. Does not have abjuration items and has a low wisdom. Force him to make saving throws. Watch out for stacked maneuvers --- better to wear him down. Nascent RO so beware, Pinnacle will reward live capture but ignore the temptation.

3. grey elf named Silvana

High priestess, Servant of Moon etc. Destroy wihout mercy. Do not poison, do not bargain/parley. Despite appearance, is a shrewd tactician & sly customer. If worst comes to worst, kill her then leave. Others can be ambushed on way to forest by reinforcements.

4. grey elf (male)

Archer with minor spellcasting ability. Engage with melee attacks, overwhelm. High offensive/defensive ratio so easy kill. Sleeps in no armor --- maybe easy poison strike. Dangerous at range and immune to reason.

5. human male: Tremere (shape may vary, may be invisible)

Treat as you would treat a snake. Surprisingly resilient. Expect backstabs even during attack (favorite trick: imp invis + poison stab). If you are lucky, you may disarm his dagger (vampiric) and use it to get healing during combat.

6. human female

henchman. Will probably lose morale. Ignore. Do not let TBlade waste time.

7. assorted pets

Expect assorted monsters/pets to strike if Silvana is attacked. Hopefully Silvana will die early and you can disengage from her location.

Do not strike hastily. Choose optimal time, and abort if necessary. Useless bravery discouraged, Surrender will fail. Your reward will be delivered as discussed earlier.

Lady SS

Coded and introduced by Erich Greene on 12-20-95