| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kaynen maintains a smile through the gathering and discussions of all the rumors, adding his thoughts amid the others as they discuss each lead.
He takes special note of the singing of the priests, shaking his head and making comments about how they are certainly not selecting the right music, and perhaps their screams would be more pleasant than any ode d'Mitra.
He again takes note of the arrival of Ye Merrie Men and considers what he knows of this traveling band.
At the topic of poisoning the men at the regular meal, Kaynen bows his head, steeples his fingers, his long hair obscuring his face.
"I believe I know just the additive we need... oh, this is an excellent plan. It will make them too sick to defend effectively, but not speak of anything more than spoiled goods."
The night after their meeting, Ember gather the knot.
”Put the gear we got from the soldiers, if you still have it. Try to be silent as well, we don’t want to awake the entire place.”
After waiting until they are ready, she leads them down the cellar, and puts to search the secret door the other man opened just some nights before.
Once the door is found, she leads the others thru the darkness in the tunnel.
The tunnel is stonework and very well made. It leads on for quite a long distance before ending at another hidden door. This opens easily from the inside, revealing a large storeroom.
Albrέkt maintains his normal form for this foray. The brute-wretch lumbers behind Ember, fell war-scythe at the ready... He attempts to step lightly but innately cares little for subtlety;
:
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
A bit puzzle by the request Arthur complies and for good measure uses the headband Thorn gave him to assume the guise of a soldier he saw earlier. Hearing Albrekt he cringes, fearing he to will make much noise. Faring only slightly better he fears becomes try and he steadies himself for the result. Smiling a forced smile to his fellow members of the knot.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rolling her eyes as the brutes start walking and waking the entire place in really impatient manner, Ember grabs both of them and drags them into her room.
”Now, what I said about being quiet?” she shoots of as soon the door is closed and without waiting for answer she continues ”Remove your armor. We are trying to sneak inside whatever passage that is. Not to wake the whole place. That fatty innkeeper wasn’t wearing any armor or weapon that I could see. Chances are we are in no real danger of combat and I won’t have both of you messing with this!”
She continues staring at both before saying once more ”What are you waiting? Undress!”
Kaynen ponders what he knows, sharing his knowledge of Ye Merry Men with the others.
He specifically wonders aloud if ambushing the troupe and posing as them would buy them any advantage. Or, an attempt to join in the troupe to gain access to places that would otherwise be out of reach.
He also shares his discovery of ready access to arsenic, pointing out that it would either need to be stolen, or a good story invented to obscure their purchase.
Kaynen waits a distance from the others before waving them back towards the inn.
"Shhh... we know where the passage connects, let us regroup and discuss our plans before we give ourselves away!"
If necessary Albrέkt slowly removes his armour, revealing a tall form of corded muscle and pallid skin. Particularly revolting is the reason perhaps for his gravel whisper of a voice - a ragged and torn mass of scar tissue around his jugular...
Bereft of his iron skin, the fell knight stands wearing a simple loincloth,hempen shift and a crack-toothed smile:
"Ist zhis enough for you Fräulein Thorn? Or do you dezire me to reveal more?"
Ember sights disappointed. "I expected more." she says finally, leaving and leading then into the tunnel.
==//==
After confirming their suspicion, Ember urge then back to the inn, to start planning and plotting.
There are several things they could do, but they needed some direction and planning.
Once everyone is already reunited in the inn, she starts again.
”We discovered means to enter the fort. We need to plan how to proceed.” she says finally.
”This is what I propose:” says listing things down.
- ”First we follow the captain in his patrol and take him out. To that we need to know where he goes.” looking to the others she asks ”Who can ask about this in the town?”
- ”Then we poison the food.” she says looking to Kaynen. ”I’ve been given to understand you found somewhere where we can the poison, right?”
- ”After that, we take out the rookery, to avoid then calling for back up. That’s when we infiltrate the garrison using the tunnel we found.”
- ”Lastly, we could look into the rumors about the captain and his wife. Maybe there’s something there we can use, or better maybe we can fake something. They say the woman is the most beautiful in town, and the man ugly as a troll. Maybe we could fake some love letters, or maybe, we could spread rumors she is about to flee with someone else.” She looks to the others wanting to see what they think.
Vank nods at Ember's thoughts. "As soon as well take anyone out we are on a clock, taking out the patrol will be a less sever clock than most but still worth keeping in mind. It would be great to get someone into there to look around. Maybe we could take someone out and replace them for look around."
"Poisoning the food should be on the night we attack for good. use the illness to kill the lot of them, before then I think we can sow some problems. Like you said create some love letters from the pretty man guard captain to the ugly one's wife and arraign for him to find them when hes a bit tipsy."
"We might also be able to take out the dwarves, kill them all, one of us disguise themselves as there leader and tell the lord most of them are going for more supplies and the rest of us can use there forms to look around."
"Any ideas about what their father did to get demoted? maybe we can use that for leverage or just to get him recalled."
"Additionally the cardinal is no idiot, putting us in danger then rescuing us made us feel some debt to him, maybe we can do the same to someone."
:
Albrέkt's attempts to discern more of the patrol's routes fair to yield fruit and he returns from his tavern mission will no additional information.
Now fully re-armoured the wretched brute listens to Ember and Vank's sharp stratagem with a painfully slow nod of his head;
"Ja. On der patrol I vill happily assizt in der ushering of zouls to der weg of death... Alas I have nicht yet been gifted vith abilities of zubterfuge so am best zerved as und instrument of stumpf - "blunt" - trauma ja? Herr Faruk vith his devilish charm may also be best placed to zeduce der wife of Kaptain..?"
The fell knight looks to Ember with a crack-toothed smile whilst utter a rattle throated compliment;
"Of kourse der wife would nicht resist your pretty face either Fräulein Thorn..."
Those watching Vank will notice his posture and mannerisms change as he stoops and speaks in goblin "Whai makutu e ka meinga e matou katoa puku i ahau." straightening he flows seamlessly into common, but with different accent than Vank normally speaks with. "But it has problems, it only lasts a half a minute at a time and potentially makes people through walls and floors silent too. It works best to cover short distances when moving fast."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ember rolls her eyes, not convinced by the Urgathoa follower’s act, even if the man was bound by the contract.
Ignoring his ‘compliments’ she turns to the others. For a moment, she had the impression that they allies were a charming woman and a brute of a man, but she must be overthinking things, nearby, only the delusional Xanos, the creep hobgoblin and the fiery sorcerer.
Ignoring the thought for the moment, she then turns to Albrέkt and continues ”It doesn’t matter if the woman is betraying the captain or not, all that matter is that the husband thinks she is.” then, turning to the mage she inquires ”Xanos, you always brag about some ancient prophecy or whatever. Does this give your power over a lesser being? Can you make the woman given in to another man?”
Kaynen continues to wear his self-assured smile as the others discuss various plans, content as long as there is a plan, and it involves sowing chaos and discord among those who follow Mitra's hollow words.
He presents no objections to Ember's earlier outline.
"If we mean to dispatch the captain, certainly we could bait him into chasing down his wife's lover alone? Certainly less work than ambushing him and his men on patrol?"
Kaynen smiles.
"Oh yes, and before I forget - there is a particular campsite these men seem to be fond of..."
The imposing Urgathoaite tilts his head slightly as he processes Ember's words and tone;
"Ja. Of kourse Fräulein... I forget duplizity ist zecund nature to Asmodeans. I am ever der pupil..."
Albrέkt muses on Kaynen's words before nodding slowly;
"Knichts und Offiziere are oft men of honour Ja? Perhaps ein duell could be orchestriert? Remote und secret..."
Vank looks confused for moment, "I might be wrong, I thought that there were three captains. One that was leading the patrol, one that was ugly but had a beautiful wife and a third who was hansom and unattached. If we can ambush the first and turn the second two on each other then there will be none."
"I for one would prefer a public duel, more chaotic and more likely to cause the survive to be arrested, from jail we can tempt him to our purposes. But secret could work, we could be helpful in the tracking of the criminal. I'm thinking a midnight meeting for love, send two notes, one to the good looking captain and one to the beautiful wife but that one 'accidentally' get intercepted by the husband. When they meet we see what happens and if need be help it along with some compulsion magic." Vank looks questioningly at Xanos.
Ignoring the thought for the moment, she then turns to Albrέkt and continues ”It doesn’t matter if the woman is betraying the captain or not, all that matter is that the husband thinks she is.” then, turning to the mage she inquires ”Xanos, you always brag about some ancient prophecy or whatever. Does this give your power over a lesser being? Can you make the woman given in to another man?”
Xanos hadn't said much since he'd been rather abruptly dropped off by Tiadora. He was impassive, mostly, but with an underlying current of displeasure.
Apparently this latest Knot of Asmodeans had some mistaken impression of what arcane power could be used for. He sighed. When he spoke his voice was like distant thunder made of silk.
"Power over lesser beings does not come from magic. Magic is a tool. Like a hammer, or a sword. A sword is only as strong as the arm that wields it."
"In this case, the metaphorical arm is not as strong as it once was, and the sword, while sharp, is not the appropriate tool for the task at hand."
"If I am close to this woman while she is thinking about her alleged lover, I may be able to pluck the truths of the affair from her mind. Other than that, I have few spells at my disposal which would be helpful here."
"With some time I may be able to research something. It is also possible a local scroll vendor may have spells which could prove useful."
Haruk too was quiet, listening to his new companions debate strategy. He had been abruptly summoned by Tiadora and the Cardinal and while he was a decent ranking Asmodean 'priest', he was no where near a true position of power. Thus, he found himself here, apparently attempting some sort of assault.
"If honeyed words and false promises are what you seek to bring about the downfall of this captain's wife, I should be to accommodate you there. If need be, I can also charm her via magicks." He pauses thinking, looking over those he now finds himself aligned with.
"However, I would suggest that if I am to carry out this plan, I not go alone. While I am mighty with both word and spell, having a strong arm to assist should things go awry would be appreciated."
Vank nods to Xanos "Nice analogy, I'm not sure if its important if she really is having an lover on the side, its only important that the husband thinks she does. However you might have the right tool for another job. The priest, if he was sent here in disgrace knowing why would bring up a few options, blackmail, a false letter pardoning him and recalling him, or conversion to the Asmodean cause."
"I'm sure Haruk could seduce the woman, he certainly is hansom enough to turn every woman head, but again I think having the captain going after him in rage isn't the best option. Maybe he can disguise himself as the messenger dropping off the message for the wife and manipulate the husband into a rage against his rival."
"Right then, lets see where this tunnel comes out. We aren't planning any killin' tonight, right?" Vank says as he starts unbuckling his breastplate.
"A scouting mission only, I think. An attack would be premature." Xanos said with a small nod.
"I'll get out a little in front. watch for a hand signal to stop. You'll know if I help."
:1d20 - 8 ⇒ (7) - 8 = -1
"What nonsense are you talking about! We just came out of the damn thing! You want us to get caught?" she eyes Vank Stormfist suspiciously, trying to understand what was the man agenda.
”Forget about the tunnel, we have more pressing matters.” raising a finger she counts down
”Kill the patrol, that has to be our first step.” raising another finger
”Turn the captain in a cuckold if he isn’t one already.” raising the third finger she continues
”Poison the food, and let it kill as many guards as possible.” the fourth finger comes up
”Destroy the Rockery.” and she keep looking to see if anyone has any objection to her plans.
"Sounds good to me. Shall I seek out the captain?" Haruk was used to being in charge, but if Ember was this group's leader, that was fine. For now.
Now that he was caught up Xanso understood the situation more clearly.
"The captain is not the first step. The patrol first."
"Sorry Captain." Vank bows his head slightly in deference.
Vank turns away and growls in obviously angry Goblin "Kanga ana ia koutou katoa! Kua meinga e koe ngaro ahau mata. Kāti whakaware ahau, kahore korero inaianei!
Turning to Xanos "Can people tell if you are reading their thoughts?
Then to Ember "If it was safe, reading the priest thoughts to find his secrets may open new doors. Additionally anything we can learn of the layout of the fort would help us get to the rockery quickly but other places we need to be. Maybe we can sneak in disguised or the dwarves must have maps."
"There are magics to facilitate such detections,and a few rare creatures who can do it naturally. It is highly unlikely anything we will face anything of the sort in this town."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kaynen smiles at Ember's taking of command.
How I loved it when a woman took command at the university...
Pressing the long hair from his face, he patted the tinkling bottles at his side.
"To the patrol then! May it be their last..."
As he spins about, he begins whistling a jaunty tune, like a miner with work to do.
The patrol consists of the captain and 6 men, they are all mounted. They camp in a sheltered glen overlooking the lake. You can get there ahead of time and set an ambush at campsite itself, or wait nearby and attack at night.
Albrέkt lumbers along listening with tilted head at the chattering of philosophical tongues.
As the hobgoblin shows signs of frustration and anger, the wretched knight mutters a rasping aside to all and none;
"Heh. Fräulein Thorn - Ever der diplomat!"
As the group draw closer to the patrol's campsite the unholy warrior of Urgothoa muses on their strategiem:
"Do ve approach zhem az Dopplegangerz or vearing our own facez?"
"Either way can work. We should take them by surprise and make sure none escape. I would favour attacking at night, you and me charge with magics to make us silent. Once we are with in half a dozen yards of the guards they won't be and to call out for help, the mages won't be able cast close to us either but that is alright they can hang back and blast from a distance or something. However we could get close in disguise then attack once close but I suspect they'll be weary and will be quick to yell for help. Either way someone with a good bow or magic should be dedicated to taking out anyone who runs"
"I have knowledge of a spell that could quite possibly render the entire patrol useless."
Kaynen nods.
"Remember these are do-gooders. We can likely approach them with innocent smiles upon our faces and perhaps even split them up with some far-fetched claim to need their assistance."
Kaynen studies his own fingers, wondering when he will put them to use.
"Perhaps we wander into their camp with a story of needing the aid of a few of them? Break those men off, ambush them. Then return and ambush those that remain?"
"Too many variables." the tall Mage rumbled.
"The simplest plan, stacked in our favor, is best.
"We approach in the dead of night. The stealthy among us aim to assassinate their sentries. If that works, they move on to killing people in their sleep. At some point they will be noticed and the alarm raised. That is when we bring unbridled force to bear to overwhelm them before they can prepare themselves for battle."
Vank nods, "Ember and Haruk attack with the rest of us but if any try to flee abandon you other targets to bring them down quickly."
"Let us be on our way then. I will outline a plan as we travel. I have one stop to make on the way. If anyone else has things they wish to pick up, I will meet you at the gate by the turn of the hour."
Xanos went to visit a trapper's kiosk and picked up some sturdy bear traps.
As the group plans for the hunt Albrέkt listens patiently before adding his own thoughts in a threatening growl;
"Remember. Do nicht bestow der gift of death vithout mein hand..."
At Kaynen's plan the wretched knight taps his scythe in agreement;
Ja. Bring zhem to me... to der grave..."
Ember follows the others while they prepare to deal with the ambush. That day, near dusk she prays to the Dark Father, promising the carnage to come in his glory.
When the mage starts to produces the huge amount of gadgets Embers looks at him with scorn and disgust: a fraud, charlatan, weak, unfit to be employed at her god’s work. In her mind, she sees the devious tactics as acceptance of weakness. The mage had just admitted to not trust his powers and gift and experience and expertise. If it was up to her, she would remove him from the knot, but her father had chosen him, so she could only accept the fraud… for now.
When they try to give her the traps to place it, she takes one and throw it away ”I won’t shame my Faith and my God using those things.”
Vank looks at Ember in genuine curiosity "How are these shameful? We are fighting a war. All warfare is based on deception. Do you wish to hold off the traps so they will not expect it next time? But the reverse is also true using them now may cause a fatal error of delay in a future fight. That said it is unlikely that any of their remains will be found before its too late."