This will be the gameplay thread for the Nirmathi squad for Pendrak and the Treachery at Fangwood Keep.
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Found the thread. Doesn't show up on my profile's list of campaigns.
No it is a little burried but once you find it not so bad. Only down side is it wont shows as new message.
Will make a profile today =^^=. Sorry. ISP issues.
Nirmathi ranger camp, designation: Manticore, southwest of Purt, Molthune-Nirmathi border, 10th of Gozran 4711 AR, midnight
“So you're the best that Nirmathas has to offer? No wonder we're losing this war. Sit down and shut up, we've got to get moving with this,” said Commander Yarick Moone, overseer of Camp Manticore, with an overwhelmingly obvious sarcasm. It had been Commander Moone, according to the party's contact, who had hand-picked the group. Camp Manticore was one of the many small and usually mobile Nirmathi camps along the border with Molthune. Yarick Moone was a Varisian man, short of stature, with a black eye-patch over his left eye, wearing a black bandana over his closely trimmed hair. He had not shaved in days, it would seem, and a curly beard was beginning to appear.
The party had arrived only minutes before, riding hard for days from Tamran along the south bank of the Marideth River, before crossing the Eldress River at Purt and continuing a brief way to where this camp was hidden away on the edge of the Fangwood. It was near midnight, overcast and cloudy, and there was no moon to be seen, though it hadn't rained for five days. Now the group stood around a wooden table, littered with maps and papers, in a tent lit by the unwavering light of a pair of everburning torches.
“The target is Pavo Vos, lieutenant in the Molthuni army, commands a platoon of irregulars,” says the gruff officer, as he lays a charcoal drawing on the table and points to the man, “A real thorn in my side— him and Vos's Strikers, as they're called, have caused me more trouble than any other Molthuni bastard I can think of the last few years. We have received intelligence that he has gone rogue and used his forces to seize control of Fangwood Keep. Preliminary reconnaissance confirms that the fort is indeed no longer under our control, with no sign of or word from our unit that was occupying the keep.
Retaking Fangwood Keep, however, is not the mission. Forest Marshall Gavrik has an entire division on the way here to handle that, and its not expected that Molthune will try to stop us.
However, it is our understanding that Vos possesses sensitive information regarding recent diplomatic talks between Cheliax, Korvosa, and Molthune, that according to our source could be incredibly valuable from both a military and propaganda standpoint. We want to know what Vos knows.
Your mission is to extract him alive from Fangwood Keep and deliver him safely to Tamran for debriefing. Finding out what you can from him before you get him there wouldn't be a bad idea, just in case something happens to him on the way.
But here's the catch. We have also received word from our contact that Molthune is organizing a strike force to hit Fangwood Keep, but they have no plans for extracting Vos – they want him dead. Whatever he knows obviously would be damaging to the Molthuni war effort. Our informant says that the Molthuni task force will be moving on Fangwood Keep very soon. You must get to Vos first. I would also recommend that you eliminate the Molthuni team before exfiltrating Vos, as I would prefer that they remain in the dark about the situation.
Despite what I said before, I have full confidence you will be successful in this mission, or you wouldn't have been recommended.”
He gestures to a map on the table.
“Fangwood Keep is about 20 miles from here. We have fresh mounts ready for you. If you push them to exhaustion it should only take you about two-and-a-half hours. The sooner the better, but if you need to make a quick escape having horses that can run might be wise. If they're following Molthuni protocol, they will change shifts right before dawn, which might be the best time to attack. I'll leave the details up to you. Also, be wary, the roads in this area are not particularly safe for travelers – there are worse things lurking in the Fangwood than Molthuni mercs.”
He gathers a few maps and papers, and places them in a dossier, sliding it across the table to the group, and he also pulls a satchel out from under the table and places it on top of the dossier.
The small red and white symbol north of Acorn's Rest represents Camp Manticore.
Marideth River Valley
Fangwood Keep, 1st floor
Fangwood Keep, 2nd floor
The outer wall of the keep is about 15 foot tall and 12 foot wide at the lowest point, although the top of the wall only has about 5 ft. of space and no ramparts. The wall is deteriorating, and would not be terribly difficult to climb .
The keep itself is a two-story, clover shaped structure. The keep itself is in better repair, and would not be as easy as the outer wall to climb .The rooms on both floors have 15-foot ceilings and contain no windows or arrow slits. Most interior doors are simple wooden doors , while exterior doors are sturdier .
During the hour before sunrise, a mist covers most of the area, but because of where the keep is positioned on the hill, it never approaches closer than 50 feet from the outer walls of the keep.
A1: Inner Yard
A2: External Secret Passage (to A5)
A3: Front Gate
A4: Internal Secret Passage (to A5)
A5: Secret Corridor (secret doors to both secret passages, as well as to A9, A10, A20a, and A20b)
A6: The Gauntlet
A7: Murder Holes
A8: Hall of Statues
A9: Barracks
A10: Storage Room
A11: Kitchen
A12: Soldier's Mess
A13: Armory
A14: Library
A15: Hallway
A16: Southern Rampart
A17: Officer's Mess
A18: Commander's Quarters
A19: Secret Weapons Locker
A20: Secret Armories
A21: Eastern and Western Ramparts
"By the way, you'll receive another 750 gold pieces if you succeed on your mission, along with the thanks of the Forest Marshall and myself. Might even get a medal. But you're all patriots, right? There is a secret entrance to the keep, indicated on the map. The Molthuni no-doubt know about it too, but it could make your mission easier, and it is possible Vos does not know about it. Speak to the quartermaster if you have any last minute requisitions. Speak up now if you have any questions.”
Darnel has been standing to the back of the group listening and absorbing what he could. A quick look at Darnel can tell you he keeps his gear in top condition, makes since given his trade, and he seems prepared for conflict.
Having been around Commander Moone in the past he is not surprised by his initial comments or the way he lays things out.
As always, all I can think of is the direct approach. Best to follow my dad’s advice, hold my tongue and I will be better served. Plus, I am sure Stickymitts will have something to say.
Thank you Commander.
Looking at those gathered a second time.
Intresting that he puts three who could never pass for human together. Not sure who the fourth is.
Darnel listens to see what the others have to say before commenting.
How exactingly had this guy been your pain, boss? He th' yellin' hittin' type or dee sneaky spooky type? Sticky says. He's a small goblin even by goblin standards, but the dangerous array of spikes that bristle on his helmet, shoulders, forearms, shins, and spine make him seem larger.
"His men engaged in hit-and-run tactics, and ambushed our people in the woods when they got the chance. Vos himself wasn't known for stealth, but he is a renowned swordsman."
Commander Moone seems to remember something, and raises his eyebrows.
"Almost forgot. You've all received commissions as Rangers in the Nirmathi army. And you need to elect a leader, who will be granted the rank of Corporal."
Inarus nodded. A chain of command was a good idea. Probably wisest to have a second for when the first died.
"I care not one whit who is put in charge. But commander, I'd ask that you make the decision. I have never served with any of these men, so I don't know enough to judge them or their leadership capabilities."
Considering who should fill the Corporal roll further Darnel is not sure what is best.
“With all do respect Commander it is probably better you assign the roll. If the leader is to be followed better they have authority given to them instead of taking it.”
Hopefully that will get the decision out of our hands. I know of the people here but not enough to judge.
"Very well, we'll leave it up to Desna. The half-orc, the goblin, or the tiefling."
He reaches into a pouch at his belt, produces an ivory die, and rolls it on the map.
"Ha! Desna has chosen the goblin. Congratulations, Corporal...Stickymitts."
He shrugs.
"There was to be a fourth member of your band, but he has not yet arrived at Fort Ramsgate. If he doesn't arrive soon I will send one of my rangers with you instead, Orys Mathar, a human archer with some magical abilities that should aid you in your mission."
Sticky looks around as if he expects someone else named Stickymitts to be around here somewhere. Then he points to himself. Me? I is big Corporeal? Yay! he starts bouncing around excitedly. Sticky never let's you down, sir boss longshanks!
With a smirk Inarus nodded his head. "Our fortunes are in the hands of...stickymitts, commander. I bow to your wisdom, and will follow the goblin's orders as if though they are your own. Which, I suppose, they now are."
Sticky draws himself up to his full 2' 6" height and grins the kind of grin that sends town militias into hysterics. Thankfully there's only one of him...
Any furder questions, Longshankies? he barks in his best impression of a commanding officer.
I wonder if leaving this to Desna was the right idea.
Well that is settled. Congratulations? Is there anything else we need to know or should we make our plans?
We make plans in the way! Commander says we get this longshanks quick-quick! Let's go! proclaims Sticky. He looks to the commander for dismissal.
"That's all we've got on the Keep, hate to say," says Commander Moone, just as a halfling in breastplate comes riding up on a black wolf.
"Ah, this is our current quartermaster, Sir Bandobras Fastwyck. Let him know if you have any last minute requisitions. Otherwise, I think Ranger Mathar, the final member of your group unless that other goblin shows, is gathering your mounts at the edge of camp."
The halfling dismounts swiftly, and bows deeply to the newly minted squad.
Sir Bandobras, the only items that I would like to requisition would be a strong rope and a couple more days of rations.
Looking at the rest of his new group.
Gentlemen, yourselves?
Sticky taps his chin and starts rattling off an absurd list of fairly worthless items that had only one or two things in common, they were all shiny, tasty (to a goblin), or both. One set of polished silverware, no two!, a spitoon, pocket watch, mirror, case of beer, two barrels of pickled pickles, ten pounds of salt, all the dog meat you can find... The list is extensive. At the very end he adds, And if I catch a sniffy sniff of a single horse there will be fire!
Stickymitts, I think we are going to need horses. Speed is important.
I am not walking 20+ miles.
Right. We run! Run fast over hill, run fast over creek, run fast and quicky quicky sneak! What you worried for? You longshankies have long shanks. No problem, ya?
With a sigh Darnel mutters
"Desna I have been a decent follower, why?"
Back to Stickymitts, extending his Earthbreaker handle first.
My weapons and armor wight more then you. You can run, I will ride. We are little good if we get there to tired to fight.
Sticky seems to suddenly suffer from a bout of rationality. Fine, but I reserve the right to kill them after we've ridden them right to death. He declairs then lapses into muttering,
Stupid horses and longshanks loving stupid horses...they'll kill is in our sleep... Allied with dogs... Taking over the world... and such.
Said with the utmost sincerity.
"Thank you Corporal. It is a curse being big and heavy.
I think it best we get to the killing soon.
Sir Brandobras steps aside, over to a human who seems to be his squire, speaks to him for a few moments, and he runs off.
He soon returns with a few men carrying packs.
They give Stickymitts the following: a standard issue army mess kit, an old, used spitoon, a small hourglass, a small steel mirror, a jug of ale, and an ounce of salt.
They give Darnel one hundred feet of silk rope, and a total of 8 days of trail rations, enough for 2 days for each member of the expedition.
"Fresh out of dog meat and pickles, I'm afraid." he seems to be trying to fight glaring at the goblin. "Anything else?" asks the halfling.
"By any chance do you have Thunderstones? Quite useful for harming spellslingers. Otherwise just a horse, saddle and feed for it would be appreciated."
"Aye, we do. How many will you be needing?"
The halfling glances at his squire, who is rustling around in a large backpack.
All of them! Sticky proclaims.
"You appointed the goblin to be in charge. I bow to your wisdom, as he speaks for us."
The quartermaster's squire digs out four thunderstones, and presents them to the quartermaster, who hands them to Inarus.
"Very good, very good. Will there be anything else?", asks Sir Bandobras.
It is currently about 12:05 AM.
I have what I need. Stickymitts would you like to try and make it there for the dawn shift change?
I would. Everybody get yer stuffs if you don have 'em! We ride!
No one notices as Stickmitts, true to his name, pilfers a small sack from Commander Moone's tent.
As the group approaches the horses, and prepares to leave, they notice a tall, dark-haired and hooded figure loading some supplies onto one of them. He turns to look over to them.
"Corporal Stickmitts, I presume. I am Orys Mathar, and you have my bow."
Sucky looks over both his shoulders for a bow, then shakes his head. No I don't, but I see my reputation proceeds me! No matter. We need to make tracks!
Darnel speaks as he lashes his pack to his horse.
"Welcome on board Orys. Can we assume you have been briefed on our mission? I am sure Stickymitts can fill you as we ride."
"Yes, I've been briefed. I'll help you bring Vos in alive," says the occultist as he mounts his horse, a black mare.
The group finishes its preparations, and at around ten minutes after midnight they ride.
Sticky gets on the horse and fails to kill it only through a tremendous act of will. He orders the squad to ride the horses hard. The longer I'm on this demon-horse the angrier I'm going to get, now let's go! I don't know how long it'll be before I kill something. Like this horse. It deserves to be eaten. It is a horse after all...
"And why is that, commander? What have horses done to earn your ire so? interference in your line of lineage, perhaps?"
Darnel stifles a small laugh.
If you really want to to abuse the horses so be it but somehow you arriving angry feels like it could be of use. I am not much a rider so really won't have much use for the horse in combat.
These comments send the goblin into a rage as they ride.
HORSES BE EVIL! Evil I says! Day stomp n bite n eats all d'hay!...
This continues unabated for the better part of an hour as the party rides. In the end you could write a book on why goblins hate horses anywhere except in food, but it wouldn't make any sence.
As the goblin rants, Darnel rides up beside Darnel and says "This is not the most auspicious of starts. If our enemy were horses I'd say we would be fine, but I suspect our foes will have more...traditional forms of leadership and planning than this."
With a sigh.
"I agree."
Much quieter so only Inarus can hear over the the sound of the horses.
I will follow his lead but not to suicide. These horse my be used up but we will need to find new ones in case we need to leave quickly.
The Nirmathi squad mounts up, and rides hard for Fangwood Keep, and after about an hour and 45 minutes of riding, with the keep probably 15 minutes away...
...Darnel notices some tracks on the trail that lead off the path to the north. It appears 2 creatures passed this way, likely medium humanoids wearing military boots (although the footprints are a little small for humans). Whatever left the tracks appears to have come from the direction of Fangwood Keep.
Spotting some footprints.
Tracks, look like soldiers over there. Seems to me it would be good to follow, we may be able to take an enemy by suprise.
Plus the horse could get a rest.
Sticky nods vigorously. Yes, yes. Hunt the foe. Anything to get off this four legged demon!
"We should scout it out. If the enemy is there it would be best to take them unawares. I could do this, but Commander, I have heard that the abilities of goblins to skulk about is legendary."