Goldmyr |
ou enter the tent of Commander Arthur Goldsword. The commander is dressed in fine half plate and a gold-trimmed greatsword leans against his makeshift desk. His quarters is a large pavillion. The canvas structure serves as his mobile office of operations on the battle lines.
For a little less than a year, your homeland of Andoran has been under a full force invasion by the forces of Cheliax, seeking to reclaim fragments of their lost empire. You joined up with the Andoran military, or what little military Andoran seems to have in response to the attack, and quickly caught the attention of your superiors. After a while, you were sent to the front under Goldsword's command. Now, you stand before your CO alongside several other soldiers who all arrived at about the same time you did. Enough chairs for all six of you are arranged before him.
"Sit down," he says, and you do so, wondering why he asked for your presence personally. "Augustana has fallen. I just got word that the city's mayor was executed after the walls were breached and the devil-worshipping scum ran through the streets." Shock runs through everyone present. Obviously, this hasn't reached the main troops, yet.
"That's not the most troubling aspect of the city's fall, though. Augustana was a major port even at the height of the Cheliax's power and according to this information, the country has sent priests to scour the city for some kind of hidden vault. I don't know what's in it. So, I'm sending a small, infiltration team," he nods to the six of you. "I need you to figure out what they're after. I want a pidgeon as soon as you find out. Supply wagons will get you equipped. You leave at dusk. Dismissed."
The supply wagons are covered carriages that house the spare equipment of the Andoran military. While it does carry mostly warfare gear, some basic travel equipment is stored for rangers and scouts. The head armorer is a grizzly older man who is kept from heavy fighting by his lack of a left eye. "What do you need?" He grumbles after being informed of your permission to your choice of gear.
Othaniel |
One of the men to join in the command tent isa large man, sandy colored skin with crevices interspersed across his face. He carries an impressive sword and sometimes seems to be talking to it. His face contracts at the news of Augustana, making the minor crevices open a bit wider, but he remains silent. Once dismissed, Othaniel stands rigidly and turns to leave.
He looks around at the others around him, You lot must be useful somehow to be put on this assignment with me. I hope you all live up to that. His gruff voice sounds strained, as if he's trying real hard at something, I'm Othaniel. Fighting is what I do best. He looks around waiting for each of the others.
I sure hope these aren't more greenies I'm stuck with, he thinks in the direction of his sword. Do you think they'll be any good?
Alexander the Curious |
A skinny mage walks in. He is surrounded by a field of small glowing stones as well as several full blown ioun stones.
It seems it is time to earn my research money again. and time to put my theories to the test. I am Alexander by the way. Sometimes known as the curious.
Jack "Feral" Garrison |
Jack enters third behind the walking stone and the man with floating ones. He doesn't bother saying hello to anyone, just sits in the nearest chair and folds his arms. He wears a mithril breastplate and a number of overlapping belts across his midsection. Within the belts are various blades. 4 are kukri and 4 are daggers. It is obvious he dual-wields. His crossed arms are completely exposed and covered in numerous scars that he wears proudly. He has a wild mane of dark blond hair and an equally wild look in his eye. Indeed the aura he gives off is that of a barely contained animal. It is no wonder the others call him Feral.
He actually smiles when he hears of the fall of Augustana and the prospect of going in with only a small force. At Othaniel's boast he gives one of his own. "You mean second best Sandy," he says with an annoying smile. He then wanders over to Alexander and looks him over, reaching out to touch one of the floating stones. "Oi. And what are these supposed to do?"
Benedict Bishop |
This rag tag group is joined by a cheerful looking young man.
His face falls as the news of Augustana is stated.
He is wearing an archer's chain shirt under his coat, and has a crossbow uncocked at his side - maybe a scout?
"Hey now! Don't make me waste healing in here!"
Nodding at the group he continues
"Benedict Bishop - call me Ben if you like. They called me out of the mountains for this. Nice to meet you all!"
He sighs
"Guess that means the prisoners I was interrogating are going to starve to death before I get back to them. Ah well. Can't win them all, I guess."
"So - you're all scouts? Infiltrators? Know how to sneak around?"
Alexander the Curious |
Mainly I hurt things with magic, but I am quite knowledgeable. I also have a knack for languages. As for stealth, I did acquisition this cloak of elvenkind. And do not worry about my flashy appearance, I can reabsorb my stones if need be.
Talman "Tal" Levie |
A rugged-looking man approaches the tent shortly after the others, flanked by a pair of wolves which move more like trained hounds than feral beasts. With a simple hand signal, they sit calmly beside the entrance to the tent, watching the nearby soldiers intently, and their master enters the tent. He sits silently throughout the briefing, a silver holy symbol of Erastil clinking against a lightweight breastplate, resting against the curve of a longbow slung over his shoulder.
He stares at the brazen display of aggression demonstrated by the feral-looking man. Is he such a brute, to threaten his allies? he thinks.
"Tal Levie," he says by way of introduction. "I bring the wrath of Erastil down upon the Chelaxian devils. I travel with my wolves, Geri and Freki - they're smarter than any hound you'll have met, and they'll sniff out danger before any of us see it coming."
At the supply wagon, he glances at the supplies and says simply, "Silvered arrows for putting down the literal devils."
Jack "Feral" Garrison |
Jack laughs at Alexander and puts the dagger away. "Dinnae even bat an eye. Well done. The names Jack but most just call me...Feral. For obvious reasons."
When Tristan speaks up he smiles at him, though it is not a jovial one, and circles the man. "So your Tristan? Heard you been showin me up on the battlefield recently. Can't say I'm impressed now that I see ya. Then again, I know not to judge a man on first impression."
Then after Benedict. "First things first I think. Time ta pick a leader yay? We need someone strong. Someone smart. Someone with a good head on their shoulders yay?" He pauses for a moment, knowing someone is about to something they think is witty to refute him as a possible candidate. Surprisingly he claps Alexander on the shoulder and says, "This ones got my vote."
Jack "Feral" Garrison |
"You know I pegged you as the altruistic type Tristan. Seems we have more in common than I thought. This should be fun." He goes over to the trade carriage and buys a cloak, something that could hide his features at least. He wasn't that great at subterfuge so he would just have to hope that no recognized him while in Augustana. Good thing he killed most of his enemies.
Explorer's outfit already has one but I did it for the RP. Ready to head out then.
Othaniel |
Othaniel shakes his head slowly, A lot of boasting and talk from these ones. We were assigned to work together. And that's what we'll do. Near as I know, none of you outrank the others. So be responsible, he says looking over each person, and figure that out. Now, what do we need from the supplies. I need more rations. Othaniel points here and there getting what he needs.
Benedict Bishop |
Benedict raises his eyebrows at Alexander's description of his cloak
"Yeah... Look I'm from the irregulars. We've been fighting up in the mountains. I had a hard enough time finding this place, I have no idea how far Augustana is, or how we'll get there from here. Any advice gratefully appreciated."
"I'm not really set up for camping, but I've got some supplies."
this is the gear we start with, right?
"Hey - got any holy water?" he asks the head armourer "Can't get it for love nor money these days, and I swear the silver piece is getting to be worth as much as gold these days."
Jack "Feral" Garrison |
"5 days eh? If we're lookin for a hidden vault with some goodies inside we can splurge a little now I reckon. What say we get a pony to carry our stuff? Be less conspicuous than us all ridin in on horses."
Pony costs 30/6 people = 5gp a piece and it can carry 75 as a medium load. We can also get one large tent for the same per person. It only holds 4 people but if we have two people on watch at a time it should work. Cheaper and lighter than one small per person. Or we could get a whole Pavilion which holds 10 people and a fire. 16.7gp per person for that.
Talman "Tal" Levie |
Tal will get enough rations for ten days, for both himself and his wolves (they get animal feed - dried meat in case they're unable to find game).
I hardly feel that dragging a giant pavilion around will help us avoid notice.
I wonder if these others realize how dangerous this mission is going to be, wonders the woodsman as he packs for the journey. Inside an enemy-held city... and this lot isn't the most subtle I've ever met. He surveys the rather boisterous companions he's been saddled with. Deadeye give us stealth, he prays.
Benedict Bishop |
"Okay. So I can pretty much outdistance a horse when I need to, and they're not that subtle. Travel light, travel fast. Is there going to be cabins and houses we could bunk in on the way? Don't want to be in a tent when the Brimstones come by."
Talman "Tal" Levie |
I vote for horses. We can sell them or set them loose if we need to switch to on foot, but it's hard to acquire a horse out of thin air if you're on foot.
"If speed's what you're after, horseback is the way to go, Benedict. I'm sure you're proud of your swiftness by foot but not all of us are so quick."
Goldmyr |
The stable boy on duty seems leery of your need for horses in the middle of the night, but a quick show of your order forms gets him to hand over six light horses. They're small, barely considered adult, but the stable assures you that they're fast. "The stable master hasn't had time to harden them for battle though," he warns. "So, you may find them to be a bit skiddish."
Jack "Feral" Garrison |
Still getting the pony if that's possible. The light horse can barely hold just me as a medium load.
Jack also picks one of the more docile horses. He wasn't proficient at riding by any stretch of the imagination but he knew the basics and hopefully that was all they would need. He saddles up and hops on waiting for the others to do likewise. There was something thrilling about looking down at people from a horse. If there is also a pony available then he ties a guide rope from it to the saddle horn so it will follow.
Talman "Tal" Levie |
Tal approaches his horse and seems to be whispering in its ear. It whinnies and neighs in response. Though the conversation is too quiet to be overheard, Tal introduces himself to her and tells her that he will need her help getting to his destination for the next few days. She asks whether he will be as clumsy as her last rider, and he apologizes that unfortunately, he has not done much riding lately, but he will do his best. With a whinny and a snort, she says that she figures that's better than nothing, and holds still so he can saddle her up. He makes sure to get the stable boy's help to ensure it's done properly.
A few minutes later, he brings Geri and Freki by, and introduces them to his mount, assuring her that the two wolves don't mean any harm. The wolves eye one another and keep a close watch on the others as they go about getting their steeds ready for the trip.
Tal uses his speak with animals spell-like ability to get acquainted with his mount. (I like to do conversations with animals without doing direct quotations - the intelligence of animals, even when spoken to with magic, lends itself better to descriptions of what was said rather than verbatim transcripts).
Benedict Bishop |
"All right... we don't use them a lot up in the mountains... and they don't seem to like me much anymore..."
Despite his trepidation Benedict will take a horse (and supplies for the horse as recommended).
Goldmyr |
You leave the camp well before 3, taking a route down to the southern border of Arthfell forest. From there, you'll easily be able to approach Augustana. You meet no resistance and few wild creatures on your journey. Even after you leave the shelter of the woods and begin your walk across the farmlands to the city, there are no enemy patrols that you can see.
Finally, you reach the city. Soldiers in grey, red, and gold keep watch atop Augustana's walls. The flags of Cheliax wave above the patrols. The drawbridge of the city is broken down and lies haphazardly across a bloody moat. Visible just above the water line are pipes for the drainage of waste and rain, though now they drip red. Sections of the stone perimeter were broken during the siege, but they seem more guarded than the intact sections of the wall.