Atrek is taller than the three of you, and more muscular than Keildrithe or Kajetan. However, there is little to distinguish his uniform from that of the other captured (or dead) soldiers, and between the several you have to choose from you can all find pieces that fit you – although most are torn and bloodstained to some degree.
The soldiers wore leather armour and Atrek masterwork studded leather – again, with some re-adjustments of straps and such you could use some of this armour if you wished.
In regards to defences, at this stage you don’t know how long you will have to prepare them – but let me know what you wish to do and in which order, and I’ll let you know what you get done.
Kajetan’s strangely accented Atuscan and appearance mark him as neither a native of Barg nor a Karand – nor Thuringian or Atuscan.
The soldiers wore leather armour and Atrek masterwork studded leather – again, with some re-adjustments of straps and such you could use some of this armour if you wished.In regards to defences, at this stage you don’t know how long you will have to prepare them – but let me know what you wish to do and in which order, and I’ll let you know what you get done.
I sit up and fire an arrow at the other guard as wolf-Laithe bites one.
Ride 15 (11+4)
I sit up and fire an arrow at the other guard as wolf-Laithe bites one.
The men yell out in pain and fear for the guards to "open the damned gates for the love of Arton!" as they desperatley stab at Laithe with their shotswords - one managing to strike a glancing blow. 1 point of damage on Laithe.
A moment later a square of light appears in the middle of the wooden gates, as a lantern is shone out of a small viewing window. "Who's making all that - Arton!" the querelous voice changes to a shout. "Some wild beast is attacking someone out there!"
"Hmmm... we must be mindful how we place our traps," states Keildrithe to Kajetan and Jarred, "lest Alton and Laithe should fall victim to them."
Kajetan nods as he goes about the area.
After a while spent collecting the materials necessary for the defense of the cottage, the bard turns to the party's new ally: "So, Kajetan... ... would you care to share your story with us? Who are your people? You are not a native of Barg, are you?"
"I hail from Lorin. I must admit, I am out of my element here," Kajetan smiles. "I am a scholar. I have spent most of my days in libraries not out in the forest. Until today, I have never seen combat." His smile wavers and his eyes go distant, "Until today, I have never killed anyone neither, nor have I seen death of this scale." After a moment, Kajetan's eyes refocus back on Keildrithe and he gives a small smile. "It is good to have people like you in the world to counter the evil, up until now, I never knew existed. I must admit, I have lived a sheltered life surrounded more by books and less by people. I was here on a journey for knowledge, but then my mission changed the day I witnessed your rescue of Gosia from the Artonites and the flames. I must see Gosia freed and rescued."
Looking at Kajetan, it is easy to tell he has a slight and wiry build, and the gear he carries holds him down.
"You are wise indeed on how to defend the cottage," Kajetan says. "Hopefully our efforts will not be needed." The scholar then follows Keildrithe's lead and assists the Bard and follows his suggestions.
"I hail from Lorin. I must admit, I am out of my element here," Kajetan smiles. "I am a scholar. I have spent most of my days in libraries not out in the forest. Until today, I have never seen combat." His smile wavers and his eyes go distant, "Until today, I have never killed anyone neither, nor have I seen death of this scale." After a moment, Kajetan's eyes refocus back on Keildrithe and he gives a small smile. "It is good to have people like you in the world to counter the evil, up until now, I never knew existed. I must admit, I have lived a sheltered life surrounded more by books and less by people. I was here on a journey for knowledge, but then my mission changed the day I witnessed your rescue of Gosia from the Artonites and the flames. I must see Gosia freed and rescued."
"Most of us were unblooded until that day, Kajetan. I am glad to know that our actions have proven inspirational to you... and if they inspired you, then perhaps they will inspire others, as well? I should like to know more about Lorin... what is the place like, and how goes it there? And have you, by any chance, ever heard of some mysterious cabal known as the Magi?"
Mothman & Alton:
Laithe winces as the blade hit's home, feeling weak and knowing that any strike could easily fell him. In desperation he takes another bite at the man he originally attacked, his luck holding out as he feels his jaws clamp down and sink into flesh.
Mothman and Laithe
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The man flings his sword at Alton (it misses), backs away a few paces, and then turns tail and runs for the gate (). Once there he pounds frantically on the wood. “For Arton’s sake, please help me! Let me in! It’s the shapeshifter!” he cries.
There is commotion beyond the walls, but at this stage the gates are not opened.
Mothman & Alton
With a scream the man falls, blood spraying against the wooden gate. The light shines out of the viewing window again, momentarily playing over the bruised and bloody forms of Alton and Laithe-wolf. There is a frightened yell, and the window is quickly slammed shut, muffling the sound of frantic voices from behind the gate. “Don’t open it!” you are sure you hear.
"Most of us were unblooded until that day, Kajetan. I am glad to know that our actions have proven inspirational to you... and if they inspired you, then perhaps they will inspire others, as well? I should like to know more about Lorin... what is the place like, and how goes it there? And have you, by any chance, ever heard of some mysterious cabal known as the Magi?"
Kajetan looks over at the Bard while they work on the defenses, “I wish I knew how our companions fair. Even if they were close by, this thick forest would spoil our view. On inspiration, one can only hope. In Barg, I did not act. At least not until later. Maybe more have similar feelings. If need be, maybe we could bring a revolt. You have a powerful tongue my friend. My hope is to avoid a large conflict, though. Our best option, at least for now, would be to rescue Gosia and slip into the night. The evil though, the darkness that pervades over Barg, will not disappear, I am afraid, without some type of rebellion. This would bring about great death. I wonder if it is worth it. This brings to mind the teachings of a Lorish philosopher I once read. His name was Calvino Ettore . He spoke much of life and the prospect of death. He said ‘What is life without freedom. To breathe the air of your choice and walk the ground under your feet, but then again, when placed in a hell not of your choosing, sometimes it is good enough just not to burn’ .”
Kajetan works for a few moments in silence before speaking agains, “You ask of Lorin? I believe you would really like our Island. We are a free folk. Beautiful grasses and mountains and a painted sky of the finest hue. You, my friend, could easily find words to bring to brilliant song. We are a people of learning and great cities. Museums and art. Family and fine foods. And the wine … brilliant burgundies full of fruits and spice. Sometimes, I wonder why I left. It seems foolish now. I spent so much time in libraries, reading books, I sometimes forgot to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.”
Kajetan pauses for a moment, his eyes glisten with memory, then he refocuses, “This cabal you speak of is unkown to me. We are a people not afraid of magic. Mighty wizards do walk our land. But a specific organization by that name is unknown to me. I wish I had more information. I have read many books in my youth, and that name does not sound familiar. Neither in fact nor fiction.” Kajetan smiles briefly, “I guess when I get back, I will have one more thing to research. After I stop and smell the roses of course.”
Mothman and Laithe
Mothman and Alton
Laithe heads roughly North from the village, sticking to the shadow wherever possible, allowing Alton to pick the route that would give them the most cover. Once well clear of the village and surrounding buildings he cut's west and makes his way back towards Gosia's cottage through the undergrowth.
When nearing the cottage he slows down and allows Alton to alight. Wearily he changes back into his human form and limps slowly into the clearing, looking for his companions.
As Kajetan and Keildrithe go about their work and talk, there comes a noise from the nearby undergrowth. The men look up warily – but it is only Jarred, with Laithe and Alton in tow.
Kajetan looks up quickly, "What news? How have you fared?"
I jump off of Laithe's back and stagger slightly, not used to riding for such a long time. "I think we got the last of them, right before they got into Barg. Poor fellows. We took a circutious route back here so that'll throw them off the trail a little. Have preparations been made?" I say, stretchin to try to alleviate the numbness in my legs.
"We did what we could," Kajetan states. Then he looks at Alton very seriously, "Were you spotted? Have you been followed? Will we need to defend ourselves here?" Kajetan asks in rapid succession.
"Superus Probus, as my mentor used to say." I sigh "We were definitely spotted; there was at least a couple of guardsmen manning the gate but they didn't come out during the fight; they seem to think Laithe is dangerous. I don't know if we were followed, we took a pretty cicuitious route and wne through some difficult terrain, which Laithe handled easily but will probably slow them down a lot. Laithe moves pretty quickly, but I don't know if it'll be enough." After a moment's thought I turn to Jarred and ask "Are there any defensible places around here that are still near town? We visited a cave where we found these mushrooms on the way here but it's a little out of the way. If I were them this cottage would be the first place I'd look for us so I'd like to find another place from which we can plan the freeing of Gosia."
Kajetan eyes go wide, and he asks, "If you were spotted, do we have time to plan?" Then his voice grows progressively silent as his eyes are downcast, "Does Gosia have time?"
“Did they get a good look at you in the dark lad?” Jarred asks Alton. “And did Laithe assume human form? If the answer to both of those things is no, they may not immediately piece things together with Gosia … although this inquisitor you’ve spoken about seems pretty sharp – if they alert him, he will no doubt figure it.
“Other hiding places? Oh, aye, I can think of half a dozen, but all of them at least an hour or more from here in the dark – and I do not fancy wandering this wood at night in a wounded state. But perhaps we can hold up in some farmer’s disused barn or some-such…”
"What of the prisoners? And surely Yruch should not be moved. Then there is the babe also. We are in a fine predicament."
“Did they get a good look at you in the dark lad?” Jarred asks Alton. “And did Laithe assume human form? If the answer to both of those things is no, they may not immediately piece things together with Gosia … although this inquisitor you’ve spoken about seems pretty sharp – if they alert him, he will no doubt figure it.
“Other hiding places? Oh, aye, I can think of half a dozen, but all of them at least an hour or more from here in the dark – and I do not fancy wandering this wood at night in a wounded state. But perhaps we can hold up in some farmer’s disused barn or some-such…”
Laithe responds wearily to Jarred's questions, the drain of his wounds clearly effecting him. "They saw us only briefly through the peep hole in the gate, and in the dark I'm not sure they would have seen much detail. And no, I stayed in wolf form the whole time."
"Given the state we are in and that we have two severely wounded with us, I say we don't move tonight. It might be a risk, but we all badly need the rest. The way the gatekeepers reacted to us, I doubt they will be game to leave the safety of the walls before morning. However, we should rise early and seek Gosia in the morning".
Laithe turns to Kajetan and offers his hand in welcome "In the stress and heat of the battle, I rudely forgot to introduce myself. my name is Laithe Greycoat, and I thank you for the help you have offered us. Without it, things could have ended very differently tonight".
To the whole group "Please excuse me, I need to wash up and spend some time in commune with Ehlonna, so that I might have some chance to heal our wounds come morning"
Laithe wanders over to the stream out the back of the cottage and washes up, before finding a spot on the edge to sit, relax and pray to Ehlonna.
"Alright then. Let's batten down the hatches. Hopefully we'll be left in peace to recover and come up with a plan."
"Alright then. Let's batten down the hatches. Hopefully we'll be left in peace to recover and come up with a plan."
"Batten down the...??? I have no idea what that means... is that a halfling expression?," mutters Keildrithe with a frown as he sits by the entrance of the cottage, sharpening stakes... Snick... snick... snick...
Without awaiting a response from Alton, he starts on a new train of thought, half speaking to himself, half to his companions. "Hmmm... what if we created a diversion that drew the bulk of Vorn's forces away, shortly before dawn? Would we be able to set some of the watch towers and other key locations in town on fire, without endangering the residences of the local Karands?"
As the trio arrives and gets settled, Kajetan takes Laithe’s offered hand, if a little uneasily at first, and introduces himself as well.
Kajetan looks over at Keildrithe, “A diversion is a good thought my friend, but do we have the means? First getting there without being seen. Then starting fires … using? Finally, escaping without being noticed. The guard is probably already on edge. This could be in our favor, though. They have just witnessed two struck down by a wolf.” Kajetan gives a slightly nervous glance over at Laithe. Then he continues, “They may not want to venture into this forest at night, if at all. I suggest that we rest tonight. We have prepared defenses, if they are needed. We have hostages, whether that will be helpful is to be determined. We can take turns resting and setting a watch. If we are attacked, we fight until we have no more breath. If morning comes, and we made it unopposed, I suggest we use that change potion. One of us should create the persona of Atrek. Then Atrek walks into town, grabs Gosia, and leaves with her. Then Jarred can lead us away. What are your thoughts.” As the discussion ensues, Kajetan goes about putting some finishing touches to the defenses, digging holes and placing trip wires.
What are your thoughts.”
After some time in meditation, Laithe returns to the camp and catches up on the discussion on plans for rescuing Gosia.
"I agree with Kajetan on this one. A diversion may create enough chaos in the town to allow us to get to Gosia and get her out, but it is too risky and will put lives and property in danger. Our quarrel is with Vorn and his lackays, not with the common people of Barg, whether they by Karand or other. It will be all the more easy for them to paint us as the villans and cover up their own vile deeds if we burn down half the town."
"The potion of change is a good idea. We may also be able to use Atrek himself to our advantage...."
Laithe muses for a while before continuing. "What if one of us were to dress as a soldier and turn up at the town's North-West gate with Atrek's body, claiming to be the sole survivor of the band. They could get the guards to fetch Vorn urgently, claiming Atrek is in need of immediate assistance as he is greviously wounded and close to death (and they don't want to move him further). The guards should have no trouble believing this on seeing Atrek in his current state."
"Meanwhile, the rest of us could arrive around the same time at one of the other gates, disguised as Atrek and more of his soldiers and gain entrance to the town. While Vorn is off with the real Atrek at the North-West gates, we may have a clear run to where Gosia is being held to get her out."
Laithe looks around for the bodies of the large wolves they fought a number of night's back. "We may even be able to take one of the wolves with us wrapped in a blanket, claiming to have caught and killed the evil shapechanger. Alton, perhaps you could pose as a prisoner that Atrek is taking to the cells for a quick trial and even quicker hanging. That would give us even more reason to get in to Gosia."
"My only concern is that the one who brings back Atrek's body may be vulnerable if Vorn sees through the disguise. But I imagine they could slip away in the confusion? Or perhaps if we can get Yruch on his feet he might be able to take on this role without a disguise. As a follower of Alton, Vorn is likely to pay him more respect. He may not even realise that Yruch has been travelling with and aiding us, and so wouldn't suspect a thing. What do you think?"
"Never sailed eh? Batten down the hatches is a nuatical term. It means to prepare for a storm." I say offhandedly to Keildrithe.
"I like the idea of us posing as Atrek, its probably our best shot. Splitting up, I don't like so much but I think its unavoidable. I'd be willing to pose as a prisoner.
Giving Atrek back to Vorn might be dangerous; we don't know how strong of a healer Vorn is and we don't want Atrek to rise immediatley and reveal our plot. He almost killed Keildrithe the first time we met in battle and I don't fancy another go at him. If we gave him this poisonious mushroom, than even if Vorn heals him instantly he'll be out of it for a while.
We shouls rest tonight though. I fear we'll need all the restoration we can get. We need to take watches. I suggest two on watch at a time, with one in the loft and one by the door."
Kajetan adds, “I am most likely still an unknown. If we make it through the night without conflict, I may be able to take a circuitous route around and enter unnoticed, pretending to be part of the days travelers and merchants entering Barg. I could then scout around and listen in on guards’ conversations. I know a few tricks that could be handy later on also. Well, let us say I am now in Barg. One of us enters as an mercenary imposter. We would meet, and I would give the information that I found out. We would then proceed from there. Well, not quite a plan but part of a plan. But I agree with Alton, let us form a watch and hope we make it through the night.”
Kajetan, at some point, will also go through the mercenaries’ weapons looking for more crossbow bolts.
Kajetan adds, “I am most likely still an unknown. If we make it through the night without conflict, I may be able to take a circuitous route around and enter unnoticed, pretending to be part of the days travelers and merchants entering Barg. I could then scout around and listen in on guards’ conversations. I know a few tricks that could be handy later on also. Well, let us say I am now in Barg. One of us enters as an mercenary imposter. We would meet, and I would give the information that I found out. We would then proceed from there. Well, not quite a plan but part of a plan. But I agree with Alton, let us form a watch and hope we make it through the night.”
Kajetan, at some point, will also go through the mercenaries’ weapons looking for more crossbow bolts.
Keildrithe nods as he listens to Laithe, Alton and Kajetan sharing their ideas. "Yes, I suppose that your plans may be more sensible," he says with a hint of frustration in his otherwise sincere voice, a scowl on his shaded face.
"Kajetan, I am curious about some of these "tricks" you may have up your sleeve... care to share?" Then, as if in afterthought: "And what of this babe? Might you have heard anything concerning its disappearance and parents, while we were away? And what will we do with it while we attempt to put our plans in motion?"
Laithe happily agrees to Alton's suggestion of taking the first watch for the evening. Before everyone heads to bed he says "I think an early start would be wise. I fear for Gosia, that she may not have much time yet. We should aim to get Atrek's body to the gates just after sunrise."
"Here's the story: Atrek and his soldiers were attacked by the wolf at dusk, where Atrek was severely wounded. But the wolf was then drawn away by 2 soldiers who fled - it caught them at the gates to town and killed them. In the meantime, Yruch (assuming I can get him on his feet) wandered across the scene of the original battle and was there when the wolf returned. He too was severely wounded by it, but managed fight it off, wounding it. However, given Atrek's state he was loathe to move during the night, fearing the wolf was out there and waiting for them. Thus he moved at first light, making his way to the gates just after dawn."
Thankfully the night passes without serious incident. Every noise outside is a tense moment for those keeping watch, but never do such noises prelude an attack by Artonite soldiers or wild creatures of the Dimwood.
The conscious wounded soldiers soon begin a noisy protest at being locked down in the cramped hole beneath the cottage, and eventually it becomes necessary to bring them up; all care is taken to see that their bonds are secure and that they are closely watched. The unconscious soldier regains his senses at some point, and begins babbling fearfully about wolves and shapechangers, but is soon threatened into silence. Neither Atrek nor Yruch have gained consciousness by morning.
Perusing over the mercenaries’ weapons, Kajetan’s eyes catch sight of Yruch lying there and notices his crossbow and spare bolts. “Hope you do not mind,” Kajetan says to the supine Artonite as he retrieves the bolts.
"Kajetan, I am curious about some of these "tricks" you may have up your sleeve... care to share?" Then, as if in afterthought: "And what of this babe? Might you have heard anything concerning its disappearance and parents, while we were away? And what will we do with it while we attempt to put our plans in motion?"
“As to these tricks,” Kajetan grins, “You have witnessed one already. I can create voices or noises out of thin air. Really allowed me to distract librarians back home when I had to. I can also confuse people for a few seconds and have a conversation with somebody from quite a distance.” Kajetan’s smile fades as he goes on, “As for the babe, I have no idea where its parents are. As for the care of the child, maybe one of us should stay behind, unless it is possible to trust one of our prisoners. They might have been hired to kill you, but would they harm a babe. I guess having them tied up; though, would not help the situation. Another option, if Yruch is healed enough but still not up to the task at hand, maybe he can stay behind. It is possible also, if I enter first, since I am probably still unknown, using the main gate, I could take the babe with me and set it up with someone to watch over it. Just thoughts my friends, just thoughts.”
During the night Kajetan gets his rest, and when it is his turn, he takes his watch.
Laithe arises early (at roughly 5am) after 8 hours sleep. He moves over to Yruch's still form, kneeling beside the wounded warrior. Laying his hands on Yruch's severely broken arm, he whispers a prayer to Ehlonna.
"Lady, this brave warrior is close to death, wounded by those who would destroy your forests and disrupt the balance of things. Please lend me your strength to help heal him so that he might continue to struggle against them." A pale green light emenates from his hands and the wounds begin to knit together and heal.
Laithe looks on with satisfaction that his magic has worked, but understands the extend of the man's wounds will require further attention. He places his hands on once more and repeat's the process.
He then tends to his own wounds, once more calling on the power of the Lady of the Forests.
He then moves over to Alton and offers a little healing. "I'm sorry - I have used the bulk of my healing magic on Yruch, and a little on myself. But I can offer you a little healing if you need"
Laithe extends his offer to Kajetan. "You have helped us greatly in the battle yesterday and have earned my trust. I can help a little with the wounds you suffered in the battle, if you'll allow it?"
Finally, he turns to Jarred. "My apologies Jarred - I have only a little healing magic left today. It is yours, if you'll take it?"
To Keildrithe he says "My apologies hedliye, I have used all of my healing magic on us and have none left to offer you. May Ehlonna protect you today so that I do not come to regret this oversight"
Once Laithe has finished healing those he can, he moves back over to Yruch to check his condition. He then fills the paladin in on the plan thus far.
"We think it would be best if you were to take Atrek back and summon Vorn to the gate. Vorn may not know that you have helped us, and is more likely to respect your word. Are you comfortable filling this role?"
Laithe stands and addresses the group as a whole "My freinds, the question goes to you all - are you comfortable with the plan to save Gosia as it currently stands? Has anyone any other ideas or alternatives that might work better?"
"Assuming we go with the current plan, we also need someone to play the role of Atrek. The potion may enable us to change our physical appearance to look like him, but I doubt it effects voice and mannerisms."
Once Laithe has finished healing those he can, he moves back over to Yruch to check his condition. He then fills the paladin in on the plan thus far.
"We think it would be best if you were to take Atrek back and summon Vorn to the gate. Vorn may not know that you have helped us, and is more likely to respect your word. Are you comfortable filling this role?"
Yruch's eyes flutter open as his broken arm miraculously heals, and some of his other bruises and bumps also fade. "My thanks," he says, but although he sounds sincere there is also a degree of discomfort in his voice. However, in thanks he lays his own hands on Laithe. A warm glow spreads from his fingers, and Laithe's aches and pains are somewhat lessened.
At the summary of the plan, the young man looks down at the ground. At the last he looks up squarely into Laithe's eyes.
"It is a good plan ... but I do not think that I cannot help you with it - at least not in the part you would have me play. I took a sacred oath to Arton never to speak a mistruth, and it seems I would need to do so in order to fool Vorn."
To Keildrithe he says "My apologies hedliye, I have used all of my healing magic on us and have none left to offer you. May Ehlonna protect you today so that I do not come to regret this oversight"
"No apologies required, my friend, I am well enough and the others had greater need than I..."
"Assuming we go with the current plan, we also need someone to play the role of Atrek. The potion may enable us to change our physical appearance to look like him, but I doubt it effects voice and mannerisms."
"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?"
Kajetan wakes. Feeling rested, he stands and determines his wound from the previous night is scabbing over and is on the mend. "No my friend," he says to Laithe, "I am in no need of your blessing. Save it for later."
Kajetan listens in on the plan, trying to determine where his skills would best fit.
Kajetan wakes. Feeling rested, he stands and determines his wound from the previous night is scabbing over and is on the mend. "No my friend," he says to Laithe, "I am in no need of your blessing. Save it for later."
Kajetan listens in on the plan, trying to determine where his skills would best fit.
Laithe nods "Very will, I will save the last of my healing lest we need it urgently today".
At the summary of the plan, the young man looks down at the ground. At the last he looks up squarely into Laithe's eyes.
"It is a good plan ... but I do not think that I cannot help you with it - at least not in the part you would have me play. I took a sacred oath to Arton never to speak a mistruth, and it seems I would need to do so in order to fool Vorn."
Laithe in turn thank's Yruch for the healing he has offered. "You are blessed indeed. And it gives me some hope that a follower of Arton can offer healing to one such as I".
Laithe's eyes harden slightly at Yruch's refusal of the plan, but then he nods. "Very well, I respect your decision." He thinks for a while longer. "Perhaps there is another way..."
He turn's to the woodsman "Jarred, do you know the men of the town? Do you feel comfortable that they would trust you, or is your association with Gosia too well known that you will atract suspicion?"
"My thought's are these - perhaps we would be best to try and draw Vorn even further a field. Jarred, as you returned to town as you do periodically, you noticed some tracks, followed them and found the scene of a battle at Gosia's cottage. You found Atrek there, barely alive and did what you could for him. He whispered to you to get Vorn to him immediately as he had improtant information, so you hastened into town and summouned Vorn and a healer out there."
"Meanwhile we slip in while you lead Vorn and his lackays out to the cottage. You slip away through the woods once they have found the bodies and we meet you with Gosia when we break her out of her cell" He turns to the group at large "Am I clutching at straws here - does this plan have any chance of working?"