That's fine; I'll update your consumables during the next turn recap.
Game on!
Action 1
In the middle of planning the operation, one thing kept occurring to Brother Hawthorne, these guys were rookies. But if they were the rookies he was forced to work with, then he had best give them all of the benefits of his knowledge. "It strikes me that none of you seem to have ever smuggled anything before. Without going into details, let me just say that I have an extensive history of smuggling illicit cargo." He begins pacing and counting his points off on his fingers, "Cheliax is a very legalistic nation. If it is on paper, and the papers look official, they will be believed. but you need to have all of the right forms. Bills of lading, import and export documentation, tax stamps, merchant identification papers, certification of disease free produce, and the list goes on." He turns and looks at Elsbeth, "If you are to be the face of this operation, then you need to have plans within plans. It is best to keep as close to the truth as possible, the best lies always are. If stopped and questioned, you will need to be able to read the questioner, and then act accordingly. Some are just bureaucrats going through the motions. Others are petty thieves wanting a bit of graft. The worst sorts are the idealists, the ones who believe in their purpose. If we run into those, and your story doesn't hold up, we'll end up with a bloodbath on our hands." Brother Hawthorne pulls Elsbeth aside, and spends another hour explaining various ways of talking her way through each of the different types of problems that might be encountered during an endeavor like this.
Brother Hawthorne returned after his long discussion with Elsbeth, "as for other support items we could use, illusions and enchantments are probably the best. Anything that can conceal or enhance our story should be considered. Diversionary items might work as a last resort. How about if we have to kill an inspector? Someone needs to be prepared to use magic to take on his visage and act like him until we are beyond the checkpoint. This is a serious business we are in, and so I hope that such things do not find you all squeamish."
Action 1
Rizolla realized that she should clarify what she meant about not being good in a role, "Oh, I can bluff my way through most things but the simple fact that they'll see me as a tiefling will cause us more problems, we aren't exactly liked here after all though arguably we stand higher than halflings in people's estimation. I think either Eirik or Elsbeth make the best choice for the role of caravan leader. Hawthorne and I can easily pass for servants or slaves, and we'll attract less attention that way, regardless we won't make a believable caravan master and shouldn't be doing the talking."
As Hawthorne began talking about smuggling and touched on the subject of lies Rizolla nodded in agreement, "He's right, we shouldn't deviate too far from the truth and our stories, should it come up, should match fairly well but not exactly."
Action 2
"Or" said Hob slowly "We could claim the caravan master fell to the bandits. All the more reason we might look happy to just be done with it. Tiefling could make a good second for a noble - and have no reason to try to bribe her way out."
"Wagons should be easy - send 'em out as part of a supplies run from the city to the farms. I'm a weaponsmith. Not unknown for me to cart weapons outside. Worst case I can carry a lot of the stuff on my back, and go invisible. Pity we don't have any of the old smuggler tunnels they say used to be everywhere."
I'd like to move this along; any other posts...
Action 1
Rizolla considered Hob's suggestion and said, "You know, that might work. I could certainly try to make that work. If we can pull it off that would actually work out nicely, particularly if we use it as an excuse to loiter there by saying we need to send for instructions in Kintargo from somewhere."
Action 2
With everything set, and not wanting to risk anything messing up their plan, Rizolla decided it was best to stay where they had been meeting for the night. She slept fitfully, her dreams disturbed by...something. There was something wrong lately, a more personal wrongness, that she had sensed over the last few days. She wasn't sure what it was or how it was connected to anything else, but she had the distinct feeling this was the calm before the storm and that something would soon tip the scales and turn this mostly cold war hot very soon. If only she could figure out what that was...
"True. A trusted Tiefling scared to do anything but what they were told might work even better!"
Elsbeth liked Hob's suggestion, "Yes, I think the death of the caravan master in the attack is the way to go. Good thinking."
"Week on the road." grunts Hob. "We'd best set watches, stay on guard. Be ironic if we got raided by Bandits on the way." The blacksmith shouldered his enormous hammer - a Shoanti Earthbreaker - over his equally enormous frame. "My eyes aren't great at night. Best I take watches while there's still light. Any of you got good night vision?"
Hob pulled the only heavy crossbow from one of the crates, a box of forty mixed bolts with it. "Best unhitch the horses before we start shooting. Get some distance, or the bolts'll go in too far." He looked over at Rizolla "Anyone else got an idea on how to make this look real?"
"My eyes aren't great at night. Best I take watches while there's still light. Any of you got good night vision?"
”Not me, but my ears are sharp enough and since I don’t need much in the way of sleep, I might as well stand guard through most nights, or rather find a place a little bit off the campfire’s light to hole up,” Eirik said. If it got to that, he could just sit on the wagon for a little while to meditate when they were on the move.
He shifted uncomfortably, adjusting his leather jerkin. It almost felt like there were someone – something – living in it with him. Which was all too possible, considering they hadn’t exactly wanted pristine, straight-outta-the-shelf clothes to complete their disguises. But too much was too much. Perhaps it would be prudent to give the clothes a good wash, come the evening’s stop. Or just stuff them into a cauldron filled with water and put it on boil for a spell.
OK, I'll do that. Good catch.
Yes, you all have MW costumes but I will still need some sort of check (disguise, bluff, etc.).
Remember that I give plenty of bonuses for 'well roleplayed checks' so it's not the number you roll that count on my games.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1
Brother Hawthorne ensured that he was 'in character' even as the caravan was preparing to leave. His well worn pack contained all of his gear, which left him with only the appearance of being the standard slip slave. His mannerisms, language, deference, and constantly peering at the ground to not make eye contact with any "superiors" had been practiced and mastered through years of practice. He kept himself moving around the caravan checking little things, and ensuring everything was perfect, just like the good lackey he was pretending to be.
Action 2
In response to Hob's questions, Hawthorne answered, "well sir, might this humble one suggest actually injuring some of the animals, and at least using some of their blood to smear upon several of us, with bandages, to show that our story is true?"
---------
As the group approached their target, Brother Hawthorne made sure that none of his disguise was inappropriate, and he was prepared, if he expected to go under close scrutiny, to cast his disguise spell to make him that much more convincing.
+10 more if disguise self is applied
Action 1
Nodding in agreement with Hob's suggestion Rizolla responded, "I can see a short distance in the dark and my ability to see in low light conditions is actually very good. I could take the first or last watch, or the mid on a bright night."
Action 2
When the time came to stage their attack Rizolla nodded in agreement and said, "I think those steps are both good ones so far. I admit I'm nervous about hurting the animals at all, but I think it's necessary. I can work on our clothing to make it more reliable, adding tears and damage." She blushed a bit, "I actually have learned my trade as a seamstress from uncle Hetamon and I'm quite good at it."
Action 1
Hawthorne adds, "I too see well in conditions such as dusk and dawn, but true darkness is too dark for me."
Hob's disguise was simple - his normal clothes. It was not unknown for a wagon to take a Blacksmith with them - especially on a trip through rough terrain like the mountains. The head of his Earthbreaker had doubled as an anvil before, and it was easy enough to cast iron around it to make the right shape. The haft - beautifully carved - simply had a more conventional pike head attached.
Action 1:
While on the road, Elsbeth had adjusted her appearance using her sleeves of many garments to reflect something more appropriate to being part of a caravan.
Action 2:
The cleric watched Hob take out a heavy crossbow. "It may actually look more realistic if the wagon is in movement while it's shot at. However, we'd need someone really good at handling frightened animals to be driving."
Elsbeth offered her expertise in healing the body to make their hurts seem more realistic. "It's all well and good that you all thought about the animals but honestly we'll probably have to do more to each other than just smear blood and add some bandages. If the attack was bad enough to kill our caravan master, some of us would have definitely been dealt real wounds. I will volunteer for an actual wound if someone is willing to do it."
important turn, update tomorrow...
Elsbeth offered her expertise in healing the body to make their hurts seem more realistic. "It's all well and good that you all thought about the animals but honestly we'll probably have to do more to each other than just smear blood and add some bandages. If the attack was bad enough to kill our caravan master, some of us would have definitely been dealt real wounds. I will volunteer for an actual wound if someone is willing to do it."
”Realistic as it may be to shoot at a moving wagon, I’m hesitant to make things overly complicated,” Eirik said, frowning. ”If bandits found us but we managed to escape them with a loaded wagon, they couldn’t have gotten very close to us, so I think just taking a few dozen shots from long distance will be good enough. In that case, I think it’s reasonable to claim the bandits were behind us, so their chances of hitting the horses with the wagon itself between them sounds low. Thus, I wouldn’t risk spooking our poor horses by trying to stick arrows into them.”
I didn't realize it was a 'class ability'. And yes, she was left behind. Can you replace that with something else or should we just forget it for this mission?
Action 2
Rizolla continued to work on her disguise clothing in an effort to make sure it was believable as they talked. In particularly she added a couple of strategically placed tears that would give slight glimpses of her flesh without truly showing anything and said, "It seems that the injuries to ourselves and the animals may be unnecessary. Wouldn't it be reasonable to say we had potions available to heal the horses and ourselves once we got away but weren't willing to take the time to repair the damage to our wagons and clothing?"
Action 2
Rizolla continued to work on her disguise clothing in an effort to make sure it was believable as they talked. In particularly she added a couple of strategically placed tears that would give slight glimpses of her flesh without truly showing anything and said, "It seems that the injuries to ourselves and the animals may be unnecessary. Wouldn't it be reasonable to say we had potions available to heal the horses and ourselves once we got away but weren't willing to take the time to repair the damage to our wagons and clothing?"
Yes, we cross posted. Been gone all day and only just got home.
Yes, we cross posted. Been gone all day and only just got home.
No problem. Your reply fits in well for Actions 1? for the current Turn 311.
Game on!
Action 2
"Certainly not my best work ever," said Brother Hawthorne referring to the map. "Do we brass our way in now as seeking shelter after our ordeal?"
Action 1
Action 2
"Do we brass our way in now as seeking shelter after our ordeal?"
"Nothing we have learned has changed the situation, I believe," Eirik shrugged. "The fortress is as uninviting as the name suggests, but the people inside still need weapons and supplies, and as long as our paperwork looks legitimate enough, they should take our word for it, considering that's what we are carrying. It's a possibility that someone inside is sharp or paranoid enough not to let us in regardless or that someone spots a flaw in the papers or that they will be unconvinced enough about our little display of banditry that they decide we are faking our story. But the risks were always there ."
"Either we go with what we planned or forget all about it and either try to force our way in or sneak past the perimeter. And I believe we already established we are not all well equipped for climbing mountains while making no noise and assaulting a fortress' walls is about as foolhardy as one can imagine."
Action 2
Rizolla continued to work on her disguise clothing in an effort to make sure it was believable as they talked. In particularly she added a couple of strategically placed tears that would give slight glimpses of her flesh without truly showing anything and said, "It seems that the injuries to ourselves and the animals may be unnecessary. Wouldn't it be reasonable to say we had potions available to heal the horses and ourselves once we got away but weren't willing to take the time to repair the damage to our wagons and clothing?"
Elsbeth shrugged, "Potions can only do so much. I guess it depends on how much damage we tell them we sustained. Having someone in need of medical help may cause them to be more willing to open their gates, that's all. Granted if they're aligned with Thrune and the Asmodean church, it probably wouldn't sway their decision." She shrugs again, "Whatever."
Action 2:
As Hawthorne described what he'd seen, Elsbeth asked, "What kind of distance is it to get over the wall? Are there walkways above the gate that are accessible? The reason I ask is that if you're invisible, I could use air to lift you over the wall, provided it's within a certain height. That way, there's no noise or climbing gear needed and it would be helpful to get you inside unnoticed before the rest of us approach."
The only way into the keep that you are aware of is through the portcullis which either must be opened or you could 'climb' it and get to the other side. There are soldiers posted in the area immediately east of the portcullis.
I didn't realize it was a 'class ability'. And yes, she was left behind. Can you replace that with something else or should we just forget it for this mission?
Forget it for the mission.
"Don't shoot the horses." Hob stated flatly. "They've good memories, horses. Might heal 'em up, but they'll remember. Won't trust you again. 'The Boss' and his outriders rode back to frighten off the bandits, Told us to keep riding. They never caught up, which means they're not going to." Hob looks round at the others "Not like we're fighters. He told us to go, we went. Should be safe once we're through the pass, right?"
Hob's inventions, while detailed and reasonable, bore the hallmarks of a man who didn't know how to let a simple lie stand.
"Good enough." Hob praised the scout "Don't need survey marks or fancy writing for this." He rubs his hand through his beard "Be good to get a look at that gate, though. If it's iron, I reckon I can get through it, given time. If it's dwarven steel, could take longer. Double fortress is clever. Either one falls and the other one still stands. Dwarves do good work."
"Hmmph." Hob spits on the side of the road. "Nice to fly over. If I set this up, there'd be something to check folk for magic. What do we think? If there is, then we'll need to make sure we've nothing normal folk wouldn't have. Items included. If not, I'll want to prepare."
Brother Hawthorne suggested, "let's just stick to the plan."
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: Everyone still enjoying the game? We've been playing for 18 months now...
Action 1
It was a great relief when they decided to spare the horses, the story of the ambush and their commander riding back with some of the guards to slow down pursuit was perfect. As Hawthorne prepared to go scout the sorceress called up her minion, a tiny, blue colored, dragon about the size of a cat. "Alright Silithax, I need you to go with Hawthorne here and help him scout. Watch his back and help him look for anything of interest."
The small dragon responded, in a condescending voice, "Why should I? He looks like he can take care of himself."
Rizolla's eyes flashed with anger as she planted one fist on her hip and said, "Because I told you too. If you don't then I'll just send you right back to the ether you came from." The tiny dragon seemed cowed by the threat and said nothing else but winged along to follow Hawthorne as he went.
[ooc[On the Approach:[/ooc]
As they headed towards the keep Rizolla saw the horses plight and felt even greater relief that they hadn't harmed them. She looked at Silithax , who had been lounging on top of the wagon in the sun and said, "When we get closer I want you to burrow your way under the walls and start carefully exploring the passageways. We need to locate the slaves as well as the means of getting them out. We also need to know where the anvil that will bring this place down is. Locate all of that and then return to me when I'm alone and report." She knew she was asking a lot of the tiny dragon so she said, "As reward I'll give you something I've been holding onto, a gem I know you'll like."
His eyes lighting up in avarice the dragon nogded slightly and went back to his sun bath winging away just out of sight of the fortress to begin his task.
Rizolla's eyes were weary as they were ordered to halt and she looked at the guardsman who had made the demand imploringly as she said, "Please, please let us in. We were attacked by bandits less than a day's ride from here. We managed to keep ahead of them because our Caravan Master led the most of the guards back to slow them down. That was hours ago and he hasn't caught up to us. Since the remaining guards died trying to drive the flanking bandits off we've been on our own." She was practically sobbing by this point as she begged, "Please, don't make us turn back, yet. We need shelter in case those thieves are still following us, even if they aren't they surely are waiting for others to come through and will fall on us if we turn back now. Please...."
Action 2
When she heard one of the guards talking about how it gets cold and lonely at night she gave the guard in question a tentative smile. She wasn't flirting with him, exactly, but she wasn't acting like she would refuse either. Given what they'd "been through" she seemed almost grateful for the possibility such an arrangement would give her.
Action 1
Brother Hawthorne knew full well what his role was at this point. He kept his eyes averted, like a docile slip would. He would let the others handle this part. But all the while, he was looking for traps, weapons, ways in, ways to block the guards. Anything of use.
+1 vs traps, +1 to avoid surprise, -5 at 30' using Sift
Action 2
Hawthorne recognized the tone of the guard. The tone that those who believe they are superior have when speaking at their inferiors. "How superior would he feel with his boots stuffed up his arse," Hawthorne thought. But what he said was, "umm, me sir? Yes sir. Boots, belts, hats. Leathers of all sorts, black or brown, I knows how to shine them. Wash clothes, fold them, yes sir, whatever people needs sir." Out of the corner of his eye as he was talking, Hawthorne made sure to find some facial traits of this one that he could remember. You never knew when the opportunity to provide a learning moment might arise.
Rizolla's eyes were weary as they were ordered to halt and she looked at the guardsman who had made the demand imploringly as she said, "Please, please let us in. We were attacked...
Ron, the guard in charge of the shift, responded, "Did you not hear me? We have direct orders from her majesty to not let anyone through."
At the boos and sighs from the other soldiers, he chided, "Hush now and shine your own boots."
The guard turned back to the tiefling woman, "Who's your caravan master and what are you transporting? Where are you going anyways, he must have known that this path was closed."
tag?
Elsbeth stood back with the others. She knew it best to not have too many voices to muddy the waters and words were not her strong suit anyways. Her eyes kept watchful, making sure she took in every little detail possible - especially regarding the guards.
The guard turned back to the tiefling woman, "Who's your caravan master and what are you transporting? Where are you going anyways, he must have known that this path was closed."
Rizolla seemed startled at the questions and stammered out, "He was Master Ratarion, I...I don't know his first name, he was Master Ratarion or Master, he never told me any other name than that. Why he came here when the pass is closed I don't know, maybe our goods were for your fort. I..." she stood and turned so she was standing on the wagon's floor board and bent over, her rear pressing against the fabric of her clothing as she lifted the seat and rummaged through a compartment beneath. She pulled out a sheaf of papers and said, "M-m-maybe there's something in these Sir, I think I heard him say the papers were in this pile b-b-but, I can't read them." She lowered herself from the wagon and asked,"May I bring them to you Sir?"
Yeah, that was my recollection but things changed in the last couple of days. The original plan was to say that the caravan master was killed but now it is that the caravan master and guards are off chasing the bandits.
So you all better get your story straight. :)
@Fabian: Having a ball![/ooc]
"What's your name soldier? Do you really want to be the one to make this decision?" Hob's bluster sounded like a typical merchant's threat - but the adrenaline running through his system made him sound desperate, rather than confident.
"I'm a blacksmith." offered Hob "Master smith. Got things you need fixed?"
Fair enough on the story.
Since the turn has only been out for less than 12 hours, I'm going to give Eirik some time to post and then move this along tomorrow.
Questions?
Game on!