"There will be no rush in, no crazy stunt until we are right where we want. Whoever is coming must agree on this. I'm not willing to jeopardize the life of anybody. especially the ones who don't talk with steel, if we fail the Stag Lord is going to get back to Oleg and the lot, and we've run through too much misleading information to base our plan on brute force settlement."
"There is no rush in. The wagon goes in with Green and Rogar's new friend, they both pop us out and we secure the entrance. You will do no mass negotiation before the surprise is pulled, that is also important to agree upon."
"So you suggest to sneak in, surprise them and then negotiate? I don't know how you gnomes are used but where I come from if someone sneaks in he better not get caught, because steel is the only negotiation he will get."
"People follow the Stag Lord because of fear, talk to them and they might shift, threat them and they will gang up and fight. What I say is get in and take some time to assess how things really are and who else is there, we have already seen not all the outlaws deserve the gallows."
"I'm keen on avoid bloodshed as much as possible. Especially one we could well not come out alive from."
"Negotiating in a showy way makes the underlings consult their superior. In this case, you warn the Stag Lord. Throws the element of surprise completely away. The other way actually makes more sense."
Furiel gives it some thought, "So, when we pop out, rather than attack with superior numbers, you wish to negotiate? It might actually work if we have the entrance overwhelmed and show two of their leaders are actually with us now. I can keep it nonlethal with my fountain of colors. Green can grab somebody. We let you talk to the gate crew and see what happens. That is a superior plan. At the first sign of resistance, though, we have to act decisively."
"I do not intend to step in that lair and tell everyone who I am. If we get in and we start a fight before knowing better we could find ourself outnumbered, surrounded and probably in the middle of a yard."
"What I want to do is get in and bluff it as long as we can. Find out who are the leaders and who the henchmen, who the happy ones and who could turn on our side. When the time is right, when we have cover and intel, we strike right at the leaders and loyalist, without having to face the undecided. People hidden in the carts should stay put until then, adding more surprise when the battle is on."
The Green Man has been thinking quietly for some time as Norton and Furiel debates, while far from stupid, planning is not really his strong suit and he prefers to leave it to the more cerebral of the party.
One thing does strike him however and he clears his throat.
"I shouldn't be riding up front you know...we shouldn't assume the people in the fort are completely in the dark about us, and to be fair, an enormous mountain of green half orc is not THAT common it might not draw some speculations..."
After catching word that he might be out front, Errol works his way into the conversation. "My task was to find out why the Bluecloaks tribute was so late, and deal with any problems they may have been experiencing. It should not raise too much suspicion if I were to be driving the lead cart of goods. The alcohol will divide their attention, as well. Feel free to use me in your ruse, Ser Ambrosi... I will give you as much time as I can, but I do not wish to die sword unsheathed."
"Gnomes are common. I will be with Errol. While in the cart, the passengers are vulnerable. I will release those hiding while Errol and Norton talk to those at the gate."
"So, Errol, Furiel and I on the first carriage, Kesten and Ta' can be on the second, Green can hide in the first one, who else is coming along? Kressle?"
Kressle responds "Wherever I'm neede-."
Kesten shakes his head interrupting. "We have more than we have room for on the wagons." He looks over the group.. appearing to be counting heads.. he shrugs "Well.."
Kressle smolders, glaring at Kesten.
"I'm still concerned about leaving Oleg's so lightly defended. I fear the wolves may come for the young while the lions go out to hunt. Who will this leave to defend our lair?"
The Green Man walks over to Kressel and Kesten.
"Now now children, you two behave and play nice together, or uncle Green here will make you kiss and make up."
Saying so he puts one large arm over each person shoulder and pushes them together.
While his words are jesting and his tone is jocular, the glare he gives them each in turn makes it clear that the joke may turn to reality if he is pushed.
Kesten starts to answer Ta'de-win with some thinly veiled snark about where best to post your bandits when Green approaches... After Green's intervention, he says, "Budgie and Arliss would be who I would say to stay behind. Rook could be useful... he has said he knows a few of the Stag Lord's men who have frequented Grundy's Taphouse."
Good to go.
Kesten returns from sending Budgie and Arliss off. "Well... I think we are ready. I have 5 days rations and water packed for everyone. The liquor seized from Grundy is aboard the crossbow wagon. Some of those planning to hide inside the wagons may want to ride for the journey... it'll take us a couple days to get there."
After finishing with the plans and preparations, you head south. It is a warm, dry, and breezy morning. Things look different from when you first came this way. Though they could use some rain, the trees are full, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Wagon travel is slower than you have become accustomed to traveling. It isn't that morale is low, most of your companions are just in a serious mood. After a few hours of little conversation Rook breaks the silence "Guess we could have used Budgie after all."
Shortly after noon, you are able to determine (at your speed) you should make it to the southeastern tip of the North Narlmarches... where the Thorn River leads to the old Bluecloak camp... just as the sun starts to go down.
You make camp near the Thorn River. According to all accounts so far, you are a little past halfway to the fort. You are camped in the few miles of sparsely wooded plains separating North and South Narlmarches. Visibility is good, and it is a quiet evening. Rook spends a few hours fletching and shooting arrows at a tree by your camp... he appears to be practicing firing on the move.
Kesten writes in a small book he keeps tucked under his breastplate much of the evening.
"Right, so what do you think our chances are? We got a password, we got tobacco and strong hooch for an addict, we got inside information from members of his band, and we even got ”defectors” from decadence as it were.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am beginning to look forward to this."
"The former pack leader of these lands has shown weakness, so his pack has come to a stronger leader. It's the way of nature. We must be sure to show strength ourselves, not only tomorrow but as long as we wish to remain as the pack leaders of this land. I do not look forward to the battle as I look forward to what we shall make of the pack after." Ta'de-win then gives Green a smile. "But I do suppose some enjoyment may come from the battle itself. A chance to earn glories. A chance for cubs to prove themselves and their might for the battles that will surly come after. Let us see who among those who have joined our pack will be mighty warriors."
"Well said Ta'de-win, and good point Green. I know our strength together is formidable and I am confident with all of us working together, that we shall be victorious!" Alice says triumphantly."
Kesten who has been quiet most of the evening, asks to woken for his watch as he lays out his bedroll. "If we leave an hour after first light, we should be to the fort a couple hours before dusk. Sleep well."
"I'll take first shift, I think there are enough of us to set couples on duty. Kressle do you mind doing first shift with me?"
"I will take whatever watch is deemed appropriate." Ta'de-win then begins to watch the sky, seeing what tomorrow shall bring.
Furiel takes the last watch and offers to sit up with Alice.
"Alice, good to have you back with Rogar sick. I finally can cast a magical set of armor. It should be of more help to you than me, so I will cast it on you first."
Kressle answers Norton, curtsying "Don't mind at all, Ser Ambrosi."
Cool and rainy much of the morning tomorrow, but it should clear up mid afternoon, and warm up slightly.
Partially cloudy, but a little warmer. Light rain likely in the early evening.
high gusts of wind in the wee hours of the morning. Clear skies and warmer most of the day. Partially cloudy, but rain unlikely late evening.
Alice warmly smiles at Furiel. It has been awhile since she has seen her comrades, and it is nice to have company on a watch.
"Thanks Furiel, it is good to be back. I remember your magical talents well, and they are certainly a boon! Let's hope that our friends get some rest and it isn't needed though! Nothing wrong with being careful though." Alice says warmly.
"I...hope we see some battle, but not too much, I find that the hurting is more rewarding than the healing now, and that disturbes me."
After looking to the sky, Ta'de-win relates what she has learned , "We may want to wait until the weather advantages us. Is the Stag Lord strong enough of presence to have his men stand guard in bad weather? If so, our attack may be beneficial to come during a rain, as those on guard outside may not hear an alarm as well and be discontent from the rainfall. If it's the other option, coming during a clear day could prove the opposite true, an attack while men stand guard and enjoy the sun's blessing."
"I agree completely. What do you think Ta'de-win, when should we strike? Do you have a good read on when the best time would be?"
"Our surprise is more important than any weather advantage. I advise striking now before one observant spy, scout, or patrol reports in."
"My recommendation would be tomorrow morning, if possible. If there are guards outside, they may be more willing to usher us inside quickly, if able to come with us out of the rain. And I believe Furield would prefer so as well."
"Then tomorrow we shall put an end to this tyrant's hold on this land! Let us rest well, friends."
Alice spends the rest of the night either resting or on watch when it is her turn.
Furiel nods approvingly at the druid,
"Morning it is, the time of the curse of the drunkards revenge for a night of carousing. Not that I would have any personal experience."
Furiel is somewhat convincing about his restraint with the hard drinks.
"Well, we need to give the Stag lord some time to drink before we strike either way.
It will be...interesting I think."
While Alice and Furiel are on watch, they both notice a moving dark shape to the west. A hulking four-legged thing like a bear around 120 feet away... from the shape of its form, it looks like it is turning to face you when you notice it.
"Might be a good time for your protective magic, my friend. Things are about to get interesting."
Alice will try and wake the others.
Furiel starts casting as Alice begins rustling people. Furiel's voice rises and he taps Alice as the creature saunters closer. Those awake and waking see three glints of light reflecting off of the bear-thing's face; outlining the shape of two large eyes and a beak.
Round 2
Ta'de-win comes awake, standing and readying her crossbow.
Furiel will bathe the threat in colors as soon as possible. Will DC 15
Alice will delay until the creature moves.