Very nicely done. Everyone caught on quickly how this is going to work. It should be a fun adventure! Usually it is tough to get everyone together at the same time to discuss things like marching orders, quard duties and the like.

My suggestion (and it is only that). Is that you name a spokesperson for the group that will take all the information from everyone and decide if things need to be done quickly or if the discussion really isn't going anywhere before the next portion of the adventure begins.

I would suggest Darque for that role. I have spoken with him and he is a very experienced AD&D player and I think he would make a great spokesperson for the group. I know many others have played also, and I am sure they would do great as well, but since I have already spoken with Darque that is why I suggested him.

Anyway, do it however you guys like, it was just a suggestion to be able to speed the process along but it is entirely up to you.

I don't mind taking the lead when inside. With my half elf eyes I can see pretty well in the dark. Outside I will take the position near the caster since I will use throwing daggers first then sword then back stab when I get my assassin kit.

My vote is for Darque as spokesperson for the group!

He has answered some of my questions clearly in separate Emails and I have confidence with his experience since I am a True Newbie concerning this type of adventure!

Others in the group are more than capable of doing a fine job, but I have communicated with Darque over the years in the Dueling realm and believe him to be Well Suited for the position!

I'm cool with it.

A couple of Paladin powers to consider while the group reaches a decision about marching orders and guard duty!

1. A Paladin can detect evil 60' when actively searching!

2. A Paladin has an Aura of Protection 10' which produces a -1 to all evil rolls!

It is also my understanding that the evil can locate the source of the Aura of Protection! Even if the Paly is disguised or in hiding!

Not sure if that Aura of Protection can help a Thief taking the lead in a single file entrance with the Paly behind him?

I am fine with Darque speaking for the group.

According to the online player handbook the Aura of Protection with a 10' radius for the Paladin also states that within that radius all summoned and specifically evil creatures suffer a -1 penalty to their attack rolls, regardless of whom they attack, which gives credence to the Thief staying within 10' of the Paly in a single file entrance for marching orders!

A Paladin can lose his special status either temporarily or permanently if he is controlled by enchantment or willingly and knowingly commits an evil act during the course of the adventure!

He can be restored by doing a special penance, but by willingly doing evil he is forever stripped of his abilities and reduced to a mere fighter for the rest of his lifetime!

Just something to take note of when making a final decision about where to place everyone in marching orders and guard duty!

Gunther can ride point or protect the end of the line or be positioned wherever you guys feel is best for the party!

Just thought you should consider some things regarding the Paly!

If everyone is okay with it, I'd be happy to be the party spokesman. I've played and DM'd both for many years. Also willing to help the D&D newbies out with some tips and tricks if they need it.

May I ask what is everyone's preferred weapon? That will make it a bit easier in setting up a marching order. We want the brutes up front, casters only need line of sight in most cases so middle is good, and ranged attackers (DeGotti comes to mind) are fine floating from middle to back. I remember someone mentioning their ranger was going to be sort of an archer too (Nomad, was that you). Whichever Ranger it may be, I would suggest he cover the flank and our tracks.

I use a spear as a walking stick/fishing pole/weapon, so it is typically in my hands. It is both melee and ranged, but I will probably default to my scimitar if someone comes up on me point blank.

Well for ranged combat I will be using a Longbow which I have several bonuses to use. For melee I will be fighting two weapon style(Long sword and short sword). I have an AC 3 so I can fight in close but would be more affective from range to start a fight.

Gunther was initially assigned a Broadsword, Warhammer and Heavy Crossbow [with 40 Heavy Quarrels!] by Trip!

I asked for a Battle Axe and a Blowgun [with 25 barbed darts!] to be added because of the back story I had developed for Gunther and the role playing!

Also have Chainmail Armor and a Medium Shield and Gunther is Ambidextrous, but usually holds the Medium Shield in his left hand while using a weapon in his right hand for battle!

During the march he will probably be carrying the Medium Shield along with the Broadsword for hacking purposes!

All these weapons are key elements for the motivation of Gunther as both a Paladin and an adventurer!

In fact, Gunther is NOT his given name, but the name he has taken as a key element at the very core of his motivation!

If Trip allows some breathing room the first night around the campfire before unleasing the Hordes of Hell against our company of adventurers, I will divulge these key elements so you will have a much better understanding about why Gunther has signed on for this particular adventure!

IMO,

Instead of grouping by class, I think it's good to group by skill set. We basically have 5 Warriors (Fighters, Pallies, Rangers), 4 Rogues (Thieves and Bards), 2 Priests (Clerics and Druids) and 2 Magic Users (Wizard & Illusionist.

Camp shifts should allow for 8 hours of memorization
by Mages. I think that includes Priests need about as long to pray for spells (correct me if I'm wrong), so that leaves 9 to keep a watchful eye during the night. I suggest 3 groups, each having at least one Warrior and one Thief.

For marching order, again suggest group by general class, not sub-class. I think indoors, a Thief would be most useful to take point and sniff traps. And another in the rear. Then group double-file with 2 ranged warriors, 2 melee, 2 priests, mages & thieves, 2 more priests, and 2 more warriors taking up the rear, effectively sandwiching the mages and thieves in the middle.

Single-file same general deal.

Outdoors should be the same as indoor double-file, except Rangers should take point and rear, per Darque's suggestion.

All for Darque as the party spokesman.

Oriel Blackmoon is my ranger.

I would expect that under most "normal" conditions - such as outside - Oriel would play the role of an archer - wearing his buckler on his left arm and carrying a longbow. (The buckler can evidently be used with the bow) This seems to best use his skills.

In a dungeon type setting or situation where archery seems less useful (partially depending on his placement in the group) Oriel will fight with a longsword in one hand and a shortsword in the other.

I would think a flanking (or rear) position might be best for him - although there may be times when such a warrior near the front would be good.

I am ok with the idea of Darque as spokesperson.

I have not yet posted on the other page - I will get to that tonight ASAP.

The game is afoot...

Just looking over the party, I think a good order for 2 man file would be:

Doogan Garrus
Kyuss Haiden
Sentinal Gunther
Katai Aelbric
Valerus Fandil
Stings Oriel

My reasoning is that is protects the casters in the middle, puts our brutes up front and doesn't leave our flank week. I put Doogan up front with Kyuss behind because Doogan is a Dwarf and it will be easy for Kyuss to fire arrows over his head if the fighting gets tight. Haiden is near the front for traps and locks if the need arises. I spaced out the healers (Gunther and Valerus) so they could reach anyone with the misfortune of being injured. The outdoor marching order could be similar to this too with Stings moving up and left, as well as Haiden dropping back and to the right side, with Oriel covering the rear.

Single file would be much of the same too with Doogan (not making you a meat shield Elephant, but I think Dwarven fighters are just built for this though) taking point followed by Garrus, Kyuss, Gunther and Haiden. Keeping our casters in the middle with Sentinal the Small, followed by Aelbric, Valerus, Stings, and Oriel.

The Rangers could alternate on point and flank duties. On the same note, the Thieves could alternate who gets to check for traps, unlock doors, etc or a few of them may be a bit specialized in one area over another and decide that way.

Nightwatch is easy. I would post 2 people per watch for 2 hour shifts. The night is typically only going to last 8 hours. My suggestion is to take the marching order up top and just alternate with it. Doogan and Garrus have first watch, etc. Keeps it simple and even makes it where no one will have nightwatch more than 2 consecutive days in a row.

These are just suggestions guys. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm ordering it all. As much as I have posted, you notice that I have some free time on my hands

I am fine with Darque being it. I am not totally a newbie here but it's been a while so any suggestions are welcome.

I don't plan on using my throwing daggers on every attack, just the initial one then I will pull out my long sword for melee. That is until I get backstab and/or a poisoned dagger.

Of the thieves skills I am NOT focusing on pick-pocket or wall climbing.