"Yes, I would be willing to pose as the fake Atrek... as a matter of fact, I'm already wearing his armour and gear. Perhaps we should bring the babe along as well (and the goblin wares), as further proof of our tale should we end up having to explain ourselves in public? We could of course tell the guards at the gate that we rescued the child and need to bring it to Vorn urgently, so that he may reunite it with its parents... or would we be better off saving it for Gosia to look after once she has been freed... perhaps she will be able to tell us to whom it belongs?"
Laithe nods to Keildrithe "I'm confident you will not be questioned, with your words and Atrek's look to back you up. And of course, we will be there with you if anything does go wrong."
"I think we should attempt to find the child's real parents, assuming they live. It is most likely a baby from one of the outer farms so yes, maybe Gosia will be able to tell us who it belongs to. It would also be good to leave word of what has really happened over the past few days with people in town. Perhaps if Troy is still in town we can meet with him and he can stay to spread the word and cause what unrest as he can?"
Kajetan is quiet for a little bit. Sitting back and listening in, finally he opens his mouth with something to add, “I have been thinking for a little bit now, and I have another thought. OK, we use the potion. One of us, probably Keildrithe, poses as Atrek, or even Vorn. The rest of us dress as mercenaries. We enter town, commandeer some horses and a wagon, pull up to the jail, walk in like we own the place, have Gosia released for whatever reason, … the Baron wants her, she is due for a sound whipping …, and we ride right out of town before the real Vorn knows that we were there. Once Gosia is released, then we can ask her about the babe. Again, my friends, just thoughts.”
Kajetan is quiet for a little bit. Sitting back and listening in, finally he opens his mouth with something to add, “I have been thinking for a little bit now, and I have another thought. OK, we use the potion. One of us, probably Keildrithe, poses as Atrek, or even Vorn. The rest of us dress as mercenaries. We enter town, commandeer some horses and a wagon, pull up to the jail, walk in like we own the place, have Gosia released for whatever reason, … the Baron wants her, she is due for a sound whipping …, and we ride right out of town before the real Vorn knows that we were there. Once Gosia is released, then we can ask her about the babe. Again, my friends, just thoughts.”
Laithe nods "Yes, that was along the lines I was going for. My only concern is that Vorn is likely to be about, and he will be most likely to see through our disguise. That was why I hope to get him out of the way to buy a window of opportunity for us. However, perhaps that plan is too risky - and would leave some of us too vulnerable?
Kajetan is quiet for a little bit. Sitting back and listening in, finally he opens his mouth with something to add, “I have been thinking for a little bit now, and I have another thought. OK, we use the potion. One of us, probably Keildrithe, poses as Atrek, or even Vorn. The rest of us dress as mercenaries. We enter town, commandeer some horses and a wagon, pull up to the jail, walk in like we own the place, have Gosia released for whatever reason, … the Baron wants her, she is due for a sound whipping …, and we ride right out of town before the real Vorn knows that we were there. Once Gosia is released, then we can ask her about the babe. Again, my friends, just thoughts.”
"Perhaps we could distract Vorn somehow? I could pose as a child and sneak into the church. Once inside I could probably start a fire or something that would hold his attention. Maybe I could pose as a child and say that one of the outlying farms was under attack by a wolf-man. That would probably draw many of the soldiers out and maybe Vorn himself. Do any of you know the name of a family of farmers who live out of town?"
Kajetan is quiet for a little bit. Sitting back and listening in, finally he opens his mouth with something to add, “I have been thinking for a little bit now, and I have another thought. OK, we use the potion. One of us, probably Keildrithe, poses as Atrek, or even Vorn. The rest of us dress as mercenaries. We enter town, commandeer some horses and a wagon, pull up to the jail, walk in like we own the place, have Gosia released for whatever reason, … the Baron wants her, she is due for a sound whipping …, and we ride right out of town before the real Vorn knows that we were there. Once Gosia is released, then we can ask her about the babe. Again, my friends, just thoughts.”"Perhaps we could distract Vorn somehow? I could pose as a child and sneak into the church. Once inside I could probably start a fire or something that would hold his attention. Maybe I could pose as a child and say that one of the outlying farms was under attack by a wolf-man. That would probably draw many of the soldiers out and maybe Vorn himself. Do any of you know the name of a family of farmers who live out of town?"
"Yet the church is next door to the cells, so it will bring a lot of attention to where we are. And it still a risk having you pose as a child in front of Vorn. I think it would be best we use what we've got already. Atrek is Vorn's right hand man who does much of his dirty work, and so is valuable to him. I believe that he will be the most likely option to draw Vorn away."
"Kajetan, you say Vorn does not know of your involvement with us? Perhaps you could bring Atrek's body into town and convince the guards to summon Vorn? Jarred could come along and be nearby to offer cover should anything go amiss. If you are not sure I will do it, yet I fear Vorn may see through the disguise. Still, this could work in our favour if he recognises me and I try and draw him (and guards) away and give you some more time. I could lose them in the woods then double back and meet you at the other gates with Gosia?"
"Kajetan, you say Vorn does not know of your involvement with us? Perhaps you could bring Atrek's body into town and convince the guards to summon Vorn? Jarred could come along and be nearby to offer cover should anything go amiss. If you are not sure I will do it, yet I fear Vorn may see through the disguise. Still, this could work in our favour if he recognises me and I try and draw him (and guards) away...
Kajetan thinks for a moment, then responds, “My main fear is reconnecting Atrek with Vorn. I am sure that Vorn is powerful enough to bring Atrek around. Then any potential secrecy we have is ruined, and my involvement will then be known. Also, by doing this, I fear that this will alert Vorn that Atrek has failed which will ultimately draw Vorn right to Gosia.”
Kajetan pauses for a moment, then continues, “Our best option though, maybe to distract Vorn in his office for a time. I am a foreigner and a scholar. I could play this part without much subterfuge. I could request an audience. Assuming he would meet with me, I could play the role of wanting to bring the word of Arton to Lorin. This might warrant his attention to meet with me. I could have a long discussion with him while you all play the role of mercenaries and sneak Gosia out of town. Another option would be to bring the babe to Vorn, telling him that I found the babe in the woods. I like the idea of talking to him about Arton better though. And if he refuses to see me, then at least we can be pretty sure that he is hiding in his office until I go away. Either way, I could keep him occupied long enough for the rescue.”
Kajetan stops for a moment and smiles, “I believe the plan is now starting to come together. Any body else have thoughts or see any flaws in this proposal?”
[ooc]Correct. There have been a few missionaries sent out there over the years, but they have made little progress in finding converts.
Kajetan thinks for a moment, then responds, “My main fear is reconnecting Atrek with Vorn. I am sure that Vorn is powerful enough to bring Atrek around. Then any potential secrecy we have is ruined, and my involvement will then be known. Also, by doing this, I fear that this will alert Vorn that Atrek has failed which will ultimately draw Vorn right to Gosia.”
Kajetan pauses for a moment, then continues, “Our best option though, maybe to distract Vorn in his office for a time. I am a foreigner and a scholar. I could play this part without much subterfuge. I could request an audience. Assuming he would meet with me, I could play the role of wanting to bring the word of Arton to Lorin. This might warrant his attention to meet with me. I could have a long discussion with him while you all play the role of mercenaries and sneak Gosia out of town. Another option would be to bring the babe to Vorn, telling him that I found the babe in the woods. I like the idea of talking to him about Arton better though. And if he refuses to see me, then at least we can be pretty sure that he is hiding in his office until I go away. Either way, I could keep him occupied long enough for the rescue.”
Kajetan stops for a moment and smiles, “I believe the plan is now starting to come together. Any body else have thoughts or see any flaws in this proposal?”
Keildrithe, who has been quietly listening to the different suggestions being put forward, finally speaks out. "I agree that it would be a bad idea to reunite Atrek and Vorn. I think the initial part of the 'mercenary approach' in Laithe's plan could generally work. Jarred, or someone else, should attempt to lure Vorn out in order to seek Atrek out in the forest, who is in desperate need of healing. If possible, Vorn should be led on a wild goose chase, and if possible, Jarred could even try to get him lost in the woods. If Vorn should refuse to go seek out Atrek, then Kajetan could seek an audience with him (a plan B, so to speak). While Vorn is either away or in audience with Kajetan, the rest of us, disguised as mercenaries led by Atrek (me), come in through the other gate and enter the gaol to free Gosia. Timing, however, will be critical... Perhaps Alton could lurk about the town square, posing as a child, and make a signal to the "mercenary squad" to indicate whether Vorn has taken the bait, or whether Kajetan has been accepted for an audience? He could then also keep an eye out on the square, acting as a watch, running interference, or otherwise coming in as back-up should trouble arise once the mercenary squad has entered the gaol. What think you, my friends? We must also consider where we hope to lead Gosia once she has been freed, and a rendez-vous point for ourselves... And Yruch, given your code, how do you see yourself contributing to Gosia's rescue?"
Yruch is silent for a moment before replying. “I believe that what we are attempting – to save the woman from a death sentence - is almost certainly the right thing to do … And while I have become convinced that she did not do what she is accused of, I know that we do not have enough doubtless proof of that for Vorn. I can accept that subterfuge may be necessary for us to achieve our goals. I am not comfortable with it, but I wish to help, and will play my part. However, I am unwilling to break my sacred vow to Arton to speak no untruths … better I say nothing at all.”
Keildrithe, who has been quietly listening to the different suggestions being put forward, finally speaks out. "I agree that it would be a bad idea to reunite Atrek and Vorn. I think the initial part of the 'mercenary approach' in Laithe's plan could generally work. Jarred, or someone else, should attempt to lure Vorn out in order to seek Atrek out in the forest, who is in desperate need of healing. If possible, Vorn should be led on a wild goose chase, and if possible, Jarred could even try to get him lost in the woods. If Vorn should refuse to go seek out Atrek, then Kajetan could seek an audience...Kajetan thinks for a moment, then responds, “My main fear is reconnecting Atrek with Vorn. I am sure that Vorn is powerful enough to bring Atrek around. Then any potential secrecy we have is ruined, and my involvement will then be known. Also, by doing this, I fear that this will alert Vorn that Atrek has failed which will ultimately draw Vorn right to Gosia.”
Kajetan pauses for a moment, then continues, “Our best option though, maybe to distract Vorn in his office for a time. I am a foreigner and a scholar. I could play this part without much subterfuge. I could request an audience. Assuming he would meet with me, I could play the role of wanting to bring the word of Arton to Lorin. This might warrant his attention to meet with me. I could have a long discussion with him while you all play the role of mercenaries and sneak Gosia out of town. Another option would be to bring the babe to Vorn, telling him that I found the babe in the woods. I like the idea of talking to him about Arton better though. And if he refuses to see me, then at least we can be pretty sure that he is hiding in his office until I go away. Either way, I could keep him occupied long enough for the rescue.”
Kajetan stops for a moment and smiles, “I believe the plan is now starting to come together. Any body else have thoughts or see any flaws in this proposal?”
"Sounds good. What's the signal I would give?"
Kajetan speaks up again, “I will, of course, go along with the agreed upon plan, but I must stress that I do not believe telling Vorn that Atrek has failed and is in need of help is a good idea. By doing this, we are alerting Vorn that Atrek has failed, telling him that we are close by. He may not know this yet. Also, if Jarred is occupied with Vorn and does not get away, he will be unavailable to lead us and Gosia to a safe haven. And if Vorn is aware that Atrek has failed, this may tighten the noose around Gosia, both figuratively and literally. I truly believe that keeping him in the dark to Atrek’s failure and keeping him busy with an unknown, me, is the best way to go. Again, these types of things are not where I am strongest, but logically, it is sound.”
Kajetan’s eyes brighten as if thinking of something new, “I may not have mentioned this before, but the way I learned of all of this information was when I eavesdropped on a conversation. I was on the ground and Vorn’s office window, at least I am assuming it was Vorn’s office window, was open, and I heard a conversation telling me what I have already relayed to you. If I meet with Vorn, maybe this window will again be open. I could double check this fact before meeting with Vorn. If the window is open, then, oh I don’t know, maybe this, I will acquire two rocks. If he is occupied, I will drop both rocks, if he is not busy, I will drop only one to send you all a message. What are your thoughts?”
Jarred speaks up. “That is a good point,” he says gruffly. “If I am to lead this Inquisitor on a chase for wild birds – assuming he will even come with me – it does alert him to the fact that you are back. Of course, he may already suspect as much if he was roused last night after the incident at the gate … but at any rate, Kajetan here has no known ties to the rest of you.”
Kajetan nods at Jarred, “Last night, a wolf was spotted. This might give Vorn suspicion but not necessarily confirmation. If we tell Vorn that Atrek was injured then suspicion is confirmed. Also, forget about the rock idea, I think a verbal que would work much better. There could be a positive and a negative verbal que that would inform you to go along with or ditch the plan. For example, for a positive go ahead with the mission, I might say, ‘Boy it is a beautiful day for a ride today Inquisitor’. And well, if I am waiting for the meeting, and I am being stalled, I might find time and privacy to pull off one of my tricks. For example, like a series of three thunder booms over Barg. I may even be able to whisper a message to you. There are several potential ways of communication. Thoughts on this, my friends.”
Kajetan nods at Jarred, “Last night, a wolf was spotted. This might give Vorn suspicion but not necessarily confirmation. If we tell Vorn that Atrek was injured then suspicion is confirmed. Also, forget about the rock idea, I think a verbal que would work much better. There could be a positive and a negative verbal que that would inform you to go along with or ditch the plan. For example, for a positive go ahead with the mission, I might say, ‘Boy it is a beautiful day for a ride today Inquisitor’. And well, if I am waiting for the meeting, and I am being stalled, I might find time and privacy to pull off one of my tricks. For example, like a series of three thunder booms over Barg. I may even be able to whisper a message to you. There are several potential ways of communication. Thoughts on this, my friends.”
"Yes, what you say makes sense, Kajetan. Perhaps Alton should be the one lurking about underneath Vorn's window, awaiting your signal? I, disguised as Atrek (using the change potion), would lead Laithe, Jarred and Yruch (disguised as soldiers) into town, and then into the gaol once Alton informs us that Kajetan has given the go-ahead. Jarred, is there a place where we should plan on meeting up if we get separated? We would, of course, need to make a speedy getaway... anyone have any ideas on how we might accomplish this?"
We would, of course, need to make a speedy getaway... anyone have any ideas on how we might accomplish this?"
"Anybody aware of any old bandit tunnels or similar type escape routes that one might use during a seige. Or even some type of sewer or drainage system?"
We would, of course, need to make a speedy getaway... anyone have any ideas on how we might accomplish this?""Anybody aware of any old bandit tunnels or similar type escape routes that one might use during a seige. Or even some type of sewer or drainage system?"
“If we get split up, we could meet back at the Standing Stones,” suggests Jarred, pointing west, outside the cottage, “or at the clearing with the old goblin campsite, in the forest.”
“If we get split up, we could meet back at the Standing Stones,” suggests Jarred, pointing west, outside the cottage, “or at the clearing with the old goblin campsite, in the forest.”
"Hmmm... I think I would opt for the clearing with the old goblin campsite... it's a bit further away, and a better distance from town and Gosia's cottage. We should also decide on a meeting time... those unable to reach the clearing by that time may need to figure out an alternate escape plan...
"As for a rapid means of escape... Alton, do you think you might be able to sneak some horses from the stables, or steer a team of horses and wagon near the gaol while we're inside trying to rescue Gosia? Or does that seem like too tall an order? Does anyone have other suggestions?"
Yruch says; “Perhaps one of us can wait in the vicinity of one of the gates, and ensure that it is not closed in the event of an alarm being raised – fighting off anyone intending to do so if needs be.”
"Old Goblin campsite?" Kajetan asks, "I may need a map or directions to this place. Although, my leaving may not need to be as rushed as yours. In fact depending on how things go with Vorn, it may be important for me to stay in town for a day or two to avoid suspicion. I could always meet up with you all at a later date. Maybe you could leave a hidden trail for me to follow, or Jarred could meet me at the cottage a few days later and lead me to the destination.”
Yruch says; “Perhaps one of us can wait in the vicinity of one of the gates, and ensure that it is not closed in the event of an alarm being raised – fighting off anyone intending to do so if needs be.”
Kajetan nods to Yruch, “I was thinking of this also. Without a clear way out of town, our efforts will be moot. Anybody up for the task? By the way Yruch, I borrowed your crossbow bolts. Honestly, I was not sure if we would be able to bring you around. I am glad we were able to though.” Kajetan returns the 20 bolts he took.
I look askance at Keildrithe, saying "Yes that might be too tall of an order. I'm not especially good with animals, particularly the freakishly oversized ones that you big folk seem so fond of. Perhaps Jarred could do that? He seems to have more of a raport with nature."
Jarred indicates that he can handle horses if that is what you want him to do, whilst Yruch offers to hold the gate – he also indicates that Kajetan should take as many of the crossbow bolts as he needs.
Kajetan spends some time cleaning up his clothing. He wants to make sure no sign of blood will visible to cause suspicion. “I’ve been thinking, I may have to exit Barg shortly after you all do. Logically, Vorn will have a search out for Atrek. Once he is found, my secrecy is up. But for now, I should head into town separately. It is early, when should all of this take place. It would seem odd to have a conversation with Vorn before the sunrise. Maybe one hour past?”
Kajetan spends some time cleaning up his clothing. He wants to make sure no sign of blood will visible to cause suspicion. “I’ve been thinking, I may have to exit Barg shortly after you all do. Logically, Vorn will have a search out for Atrek. Once he is found, my secrecy is up. But for now, I should head into town separately. It is early, when should all of this take place. It would seem odd to have a conversation with Vorn before the sunrise. Maybe one hour past?”
"Hmmm... depending on when morning prayer is, perhaps you should catch Vorn after that, assuming it's early enough. Yruch, do you have any insights to share?
"So who shall be the mercenaries that shall accompany me into the gaol, if Jarred is looking after the horses, Kajetan is diverting Vorn, Yruch (presumably) is standing by one of the gates, and Alton is keeping an eye on the town square, acting as a messenger, and running interference, as required...? That leaves only Laithe any myself to free Gosia... will that be enough?"
"If we struck quietly and quickly during a prayer time than we should have relative freedom of movement." I say, turning to Yruch "I'm unfamiliar with the customs of Artonites. When's the nearest day when there's a mass prayer?"
Laithe listens in as the suggestions to and fro, nod as each member of the party makes valid points. At Keildrithe's final question he nods "I'm happy with the plan. Keildrithe, you and I should have the element of surprise. And with you disguised as Atrek, we might be able to get Gosia out without a fight if we are lucky. As long as other members are close by in case we run into more trouble we can handle I think it should be ok."
Laithe pipes up once more "Kajetan, it would make sense for you to arrive through the Southgate, and for us to head in from the North. Alton, perhaps you should head in with Kajetan so that no one enters the city alone. If you head out first and aim to enter at sunrise as the gates open, then we will give you some time to engage with Vorn before entering ourselves."
Turning to Keildrithe and Jarred he resumes. "Jarred and I will accompany you into the city dressed as guards. You should drink the potion at the last possible moment before entering the gates and then we should hurry to the cells - we don't know how long its magic will hold. Once in Jarred can head out to gather some horses and meet back in the town square. Perhaps Alton can follow by Jarred to ensure he doesn't get into any trouble."
To Yruch "Yruch, you should enter the city a little after Keildrithe and I, and keep close to the Northern gate. That was you can ensure the way is kept clear for us".
Laithe begins to dress in the uniform of one of Atrek's henchmen, getting ready to leave.
In the grey, pre-dawn light, the party leaves the cottage and makes the short trek towards the forest edge and the path back to the village. Saying their farewells and good-lucks, Kajetan and Alton begin the trek around to the south gate, across farmer’s fields and low fences, keeping out of sight of the village proper.
The other four wait some fifteen minutes or so, and then begin their own, much shorter trek towards the north-west gate.
Kajetan and Alton:
Arriving at the gates, just before sunrise, you find a small group of about half a dozen or so local men and women already waiting to be let in. Most of them have small carts, burlap sacks or even live animals; produce for the village’s marketplace and inns. The locals give you a few funny looks, obviously not being locals, but nothing is said.
A few minutes after your arrival, the wooden gates swing open, and the farmers begin filing in under the watchful eyes of two brown-garbed soldiers.
Keildrithe and Laithe:
As the village gate nears, it can be seen that a small knot of Barony soldiers and local constables stand just outside the open gates, looking at the bloodied and torn body that still lies there. The body of another black garbed soldier lies about fifty feet away on the path, closer to the approaching adventurers.
Keildrithe and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman & Keildrithe:
He falls silent and a step behind Keildrithe, acting the henchman.
Keildrithe and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman & Keildrithe:
** spoiler omitted **
Alton and Mothman:
As Kajetan and Alton move through Barg, the scholar speaks quietly and reminds the Halfling of the code. "A positive response will be, 'Sure is a great day for a ride', while a negative response to ditch the plan will be, 'I cannot wait to warm up next to a hot fire'." Kajetan then walks toward the alleyway and shows Alton the window and checks to see if it is open or closed.
Mothman and Laithe:
Alton and Mothman:
** spoiler omitted **
Mothman and Kaejatan
Alton and Mothman:
Alton and Kajetan:
Arriving in he village square, you see that there is already some activity, even this early in the morning. A know of curious on-lookers looks on at the activity around the constabulary, as one of the local constables confers with two brown garbed soldiers outside the open door. Just across the narrow street from the constabulary, a red garbed church soldier stands to attention outside the open church front doors. A uniformed constable stands impatiently next to him, not appearing to be on guard duty, but rather waiting for something.
Laithe and Keildrithe:
“Not exactly, but it’s pretty close,” the druid tells him.
Mothman and Kaejatan
Alton: