Damrak is woken early by the arrival of his page Andoro, bringing his pack, crossbow and further supplies. After saying his goodbyes, Damrak shaves (savouring the feel of the hot water) and breakfasts in silence.
Hefting his belongings on his back he walks out to the yard, smiling at Dendariel's happiness at leaving the city. Deferring to the ranger's expertise he hands his pack over to be added to the luggage carried by the - "What in the infinite space of Abadar's vaults is that?!" Damrak has never seen a yak before; they don't resemble the cattle he occasionally sees being driven into the city slaughter yards.
He eventually accepts that they are not in fact horned fiends or furred hellbeasts, but doesn't go too near them. He's happier in Acio's presence, and nods as she looks at him. "As long as she doesn't mistake me for dinner, I think we have a deal..."
Though he's usually a late sleeper, excitement gets the best of Olo who wakes up just after sunrise this morning. He hastily washes up, secures all his gear and heads downstairs to the tavern for breakfast, where he mulls over the information he gathered last night, jotting some notes in his journal as he eats.
Looks like I've still got my fair share of low-lives to deal with. Can't put it all behind me, not completely, not just yet. Not your typical thugs out there though, not if what we heard last night is true. I'll confer with Athenasius but I think it's best we tell the group what we know post haste...
With a grin he realized he woke up early enough for seconds, orders another helping and a second cup of tea. He takes his tea to bench outside, pockets his biscuit to munch on the road and watches the city folk about their morning business until it's time to depart.
He arrives at the carts and helps Dendarial, if he's needed, perhaps squeezing into small spaces to help secures things, or crawling beneath the wagon to inspect the axels. At the very least it's clear he's eager to be made useful before taking a seat on the wagon.
He marvels at the graceful approach of Dendarial's companion.
'Acio, eh? What a beauty. And as fierce as you, Den. Right glad to have her along!"
"Akiros..." I've heard of that name before. Athenasius leans back into the luxurious recliner and props his feet upon the foot stool. A large tome rests openly on the nearby desk, with an ink filled quill scribing fluidly in statuesque Draconic ideographs.
"He is said to be one of the Stag Lord's lieutenants, called the "Ex-Paladin". As a boy he was groomed to be a warrior for Erastil. The story goes that he was accused unjustly of rape and, in a fit of anger, killed the alleged victim and her husband. He fled the Temple afterwards and apparently became a bandit serving the Stag Lord."
The sound of flapping wings followed by gentle coos draws Athenasius' attention to the open window, in which perches a Great Horned owl (DeviantArt) - its gleaming eyes fixed on him. Losing everything to a moment of rage, quite a sad tale indeed my friend. Athenasius smiles at the expected guest. Although I'm sure you will feel differently about the next subject of my little exposition:
"They call him Auchs "The Sadist". A lumbering ox of a man and a lieutenant of the Stag Lord, it is said that he loves the sound of sobbing and screaming of his victims as he crushes and pummels the life out of them. As his name implies, he is also known to commit other indescribable acts upon those who are unfortunate enough to survive the brutal beatings."
Finished with its inscriptions, the quill returns itself to the ink well as Athenathius inspects its work. They say the tongue of the dragons is the origin of all mortal languages. Its curiosity piqued, the Owl moves to join the human. Concise lines, exact definitions, flexible sentence structure, and without excess... fluff. He absentmindedly ruffles the Owl's feathers. It has remained the same for as long as recorded history, aloof of the tribulations of the mortal world - much like the dragons themselves...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Athenasius yawns as he munches lazily on the last of his biscuit while making his way to the gate house. I really should stop sleeping on the couch. Spotting the unmistakable Yak beasts, he greets the party and proceeds to load his meager belongings on to the wagon. Upon seeing Acio he comments incredulously: "What a coincidence Master Dendarial! It seems we have similar tastes in avian companions." He holds out an arm much like Dendarial: "Come Peer!" A few moments pass and, with nothing happening, he turns apologetically to the falconer: "As you can see, Peer is rather shy around new company. I'm sure she will skulk along unseen. Yours however, looks to be a fine specimen!"
Grimath does his part in helping prepare the wagon, moving about with a nervous energy that clearly indicates he'd like to be under way.
"Aye, that's a fine bird ye've got, Den. If we've any luck at all we'll never be in a situation where we'd mistake'r as such." he says to Den with a nod after the introduction.
With everyone gathered together and the wagon packed and secured, Grimath speaks up. "Best be gettin' a move on, we've a long trip ahead. Sooner we're movin', sooner we'll be at Oleg's!" With that he tosses his pack on the wagon and climbs aboard.
"Ye be wantin' to drive the wagon Olo?" he says, looking at the halfling.
ACT ONE
27th day of Neth
Year 4709
Oleg's Trading Post
On noon of the fifth day of travel on the South Rostland Road, as you crest over a hill, you finally see your destination in the distance: Oleg's Trading Post. Travel through the Restov countryside has been calm and peaceful, if a little chilly, with many patrols of guardsmen every few miles. However, the patrols have become more and more scarce and now that you think about it, you probably have not seen one for the last 20 or so miles. Den and Damrak's Survival skills have kept you fed and warm so far.
Oleg's Trading Post is surrounded by a wooden palisade 10 feet tall. There are 20 foot tall watchtowers at each corner, each armed with a run-down catapult, most likely left over from the site’s original use as a border fort. There’s one entrance through the palisade—a 30-foot-wide wooden gate, which is currently closed. What do you do?
View of Trading Post but gate is closed
So...cold...
Since - reluctantly - leaving his beloved city, Damrak has been largely silent, enduring rather than enjoying the last few days. His waking moments have been spent trying to keep out of the wind and find a comfortable position to sleep; sleep has been restless, disturbed by the sounds of the wilderness (real and imagined). Respite has come in standing guard, and foraging: activities requiring him to focus on something other than his discomfort.
He has done his best to remain clean-shaven, an act of defiance against circumstance as much as anything. Running a gloved hand through his - now somewhat untidy - mop of blond hair, he dimly realises that the group has come to a halt; focussing his attention he sees ... Abadar be praised! A straight line - a wall! We're there! But...
"A closed gate? They won't do much trade like that. Shall we knock?"
On the long journey Dendarial is cheerful but not not too talkative. His first attentions always goes to the mounts and draft animals and to the safety of the group. He arranges watches and selects campsites with security in mind and is efficient in doing so. He hunts or fishes when the opportunity presents itself and tries to provide fresh meat every day, but never takes an abundance.
Acio shows her skill at hunting as well, proudly fetching rabbits and pheasants for the group. The owl helps watch at night, sleeping on a perch on the wagon as the group travels. She shows an interest in the reclusive Peer when given a chance and tries to be friendly, even though owls are mostly solitary animals. Picture
Once reaching the old fort and now trading post Dendarial sends his owl to scout it before they get too close. Acio does a high fly over before returning to the ranger. He seems to read her mood more than communicate with the bird. If Acio shows no concern the ranger recommends that they hail the post.
Athenasius hums a familiar tone as he disembarks from the wagon. The last few days has been thoroughly enjoyable as he is glad to be out of the confines of the city. The rolling hills and sparse woods of the Stolen Lands brought back happy memories of his childhood travels, where each day was filled with excitement and adventure. He is thankful that, despite his lack of knowledge of the ways of the wild, his companions have proven themselves superior in negotiating their way through mother nature. Even Peer seems to be getting along with Acio despite her reclusiveness. Just like the good old days. Breathing deep of the fresh air, he joins Demrak and Dendarial in surveying the outpost.
"The Lord Mayor mentioned that it has been months since the last report from Oleg. We should excise caution, lest the fort has already fallen to bandits and this is a trap to waylay travelers."
He slides his cross bow from its holster and inserts a bolt with a click.
0th: Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message
1st: Identify, Color Spray, Mage Armor
Acio returns to Den's side, and although the ranger does not sense agitation or worry from it, he does sense the owl is a bit uneasy but otherwise normal.
Acio does not send warning, but I get the feeling that not all is right at the post. Let us observe for a few moments and then proceed with the utmost caution. He moves to look at the road in front of them for recent traffic.
Den sees some fresh tracks in the distance leading into the fort but can't tell details at this distance.
The ranger relates what he sees to the group. We wary. He then begins to approach.
Damrak shrugs off his blanket and deftly flicks a bolt into his light crossbow, being careful to point it down and not at the fort. He glances at Athenasius to ensure that he does the same: "Let's not provoke anything ourselves - it would be a pity to be mistaken for a bandit party."
Listening to Dendarial's report, he considers: "Tracks, you say? Let me see..."
Its a shame the journey came to such a sudden end. The rolling countryside is really quite nice, even now in the beginning of winter. I can't imagine how nice it will look in spring time.
"Perhaps we should have the better armored of us out in front, shielding the animals and our less armored companions riding in the carriage until we know the situation? And maybe someone watching our backtrail?"
She steps down to follow her suggestion and walk in front of the yaks.
@Den: You don't see anyone in the towers...
@Damrak: You approach the outpost with the closed gate, with the party right behind you or at least Den, who is also interested in the tracks. As you sift the tracks, you and Den notice fresh tracks, perhaps not older than 10 minutes. Among those tracks, Den clearly sees the imprints of three sets of boots, human in shape and size, coming from the south and heading past the closed wooden gate.
Athenasius nods at Damrak's suggestion: "Hmm... Given my lack of direct combat experience, getting surprised here would be quite hazardous. I will take Anibeth's suggestion and watch our rear from the back of the wagon." He then takes cover within the wagon and watches the party's rear. Please Peer! I beg of you! I'm in need of your acute eye sight. Moved by the demands of the situation, the Owl finally pops out of the woods and takes up a holding pattern over the group.
What a pathetic plea... But I guess I should help out.
Lets leave the wagon and hobble the animals back one the hill before we go investigate. I'd hate to have the animals targeted with arrows.
"I think ye've the right of it Athenasius, we should definitely be cautious here." the dwarf says as he jumps down. Reaching for his shield and axe he begins to move to the front of the group.
When Dendarial suggests the beasts and wagon get left behind he looks a bit worried. "I'd normally agree with ye, but I don't think the bandits'll be interested in hurtin' the animals. They'd as like take them alive. If we leave'em behind though, they might sneak up behind and free'em."
"What do the tracks tell ye? 'ave folks been through'ere recently?" he says, looking at Den and Damrak.
@Athenasius: Peer flies around but senses nothing wrong, though he too feel uneasy.
Stepping back at least 20' from the walls Dendarial calls out.
After a few seconds of shuffling, you hear a door open insinde and a male gruff voice call out from inside, "Ummmm, we're closed for repairs. Please leave...errrr any supplies outside. Thank you for coming. Svetlana is fine as well. May the gods bless ye."
Anibeth, unaware of what's being said down at the gates, is keeping her eyes open, watching along the backtrail, and the edges of the outpost to make sure no one can sneak up on the wagon or the delegation down below.
Damrak raises an eyebrow at Den's call... OK, we're going with the direct approach then, are we?
He listens to the hesitancy in the voice and tries to decide what to make of it:
Direct approach it is, then
Running a hand through his mop of hair to make sure it is out of his eyes, Damrak glances at Den, Olo and Grimath to make sure they are ready - and that they have not forgotten about the tracks of the three who went past the gate. He puts a hand on the trigger of his crossbow (which is no longer pointed at the ground, exactly): "Open the door, by Abadar! we are here as part of the Charter and will not be refused admittance! !"
Picking up Damrak's cue, Olo tilts back his hat, grips his shortbow tight and stands at the ready. But he can't help but crack a slight grin.
Ho, ho! These boys mean business, alright! Been quiet on the road... perhaps we'll see some excitment here!
After Den's greeting, Grimath listens to the voice respond, trying to get a feel for if everything is indeed alright.
Before he's had much of a chance to mull the man's words over, Damrak gestures to be ready. Despite the warning, Grimath is a bit surprised when Damrak puts the weight of magic behind his words. I hope for their sake that they aren't being held by bandits, this could end badly if they are. Grabbing his shield tightly and hefting his axe, he prepares for the response.
"They are taking too long." Surveying the exchange between his companions and the mysterious voice, Athenasius announces flatly as he tightens his grip on the cross bow. "Oleg should've shown himself by now if nothing is amiss. Whoever answered Damrak is obviously stalling. No trader would ask someone to simply leave their wares and walk away without payment."
It pains me to agree with him... I haven't seen any signs of ambushers out here... Maybe we should attempt to move the carriage closer. Should have asked Den for lessons on controlling these yaks.
"You're right, but I'm not sure what we should do. I'm not trained in handling these beasts, and I don't feel right completely abandoning the carriage."
She's looking conflicted, drawn to protect and defend her comrades, but someone needs to stay here.
As he hears the stress in Oleg's voice, Damrak quickly formulates a new plan: the point of the direct approach is that, once started, you just keep going - hesitation allows the other side to re-group. He therefore calls out in as cheerful a voice as possible: "No problem; we'll bring the stuff down and unload it from the cart and leave it here. You can pay us next time, OK? You just get on with things and let us take care of it."
Signalling Anibeth and Athenasius to bring the wagon down, Damrak quietly speaks, using the noise of the cart to block out any eavesdropping: "We saw the tracks of 3 people go in; Oleg - and his wife - is clearly under some sort of threat. I suggest that a group of us go round the back and climb the wall, while another group of us 'unloads' stuff as noisily as possible by the gate to hide our sound and create a diversion. That wall can't be more than 10 feet high, we should get over it easily. Once we do, we'll try and get the gate open. What do you think? Who wants to be in which group? I'm open to alternative ideas. But we need to move - fast."
The lethargy and withdrawn silence that have afflicted Damrak over the past few days have vanished; the adrenalin is surging and he looks visibly more cheerful. This is his job; this is what Abadar designed him for.
Olo, slinging bow over-shoulder and shifting his weight to the balls of his feet, like a cat ready to pounce, at a whisper speaks. "I agree Damrak, and you are right, we must move swiftly. I'll go around back. Who's with me? "
"A sound plan Damrak. I will help unload the wagon since I have no talent for stealth or climbing. However I can cast a spell that will allow discreet communication between myself and those affected over hundreds of paces, but I will need everyone to make some noise to mask the incantations." Using the noise of the wagon and the ruckus made by those around him as cover, Athenasius places a Message spell on members of the infiltration team.
He also instructs Peer to perch atop one of the battlements where the Owl can have a commanding view of the interior of the fort.
1st: Identify, Color Spray
Expanded:
1st: Mage Armor
Dendarial nods his agreement and begins to move quietly to the back of the fort.
As he hears the stress in Oleg's voice, Damrak quickly formulates a new plan: the point of the direct approach is that, once started, you just keep going - hesitation allows the other side to re-group. He therefore calls out in as cheerful a voice as possible: "No problem; we'll bring the stuff down and unload it from the cart and leave it here. You can pay us next time, OK? You just get on with things and let us take care of it."
Oleg's voice from behind the gate sounds relieved, "Thank you travelers, have a good day!" You hear the door close.
** spoiler omitted **
"A sound plan Damrak. I will help unload the wagon since I have no talent for stealth or climbing. However I can cast a spell that will allow discreet communication between myself and those affected over hundreds of paces, but I will need everyone to make some noise to mask the incantations." Using the noise of the wagon and the ruckus made by those around him as cover, Athenasius places a Message spell on members of the infiltration team.
He also instructs Peer to perch atop one of the battlements where the Owl can have a commanding view of the interior of the fort.
Grimath walks back with the others to the wagon and walks around behind out of sight of the fort.
"I'll stay here with the Wagon for now, ye'll not want me tromping along if ye want to move quietly. Perhaps ye can signal one yer bird to the other tower when ye get ready to open the door so we're prepared?"
While Den and Damrak have to focus and concentrate on stepping carefully and not making noise, it comes almost natural to your friend, Olo, who is amazingly silent without apparently trying. While your friends make "noise" in front of the trading post, you three manage to sneak to the back unhindered. You see the top of the palisade is 10' high and the wood at the top has been molded into spikes.
Olo, You first. The rangers mouths very quietly offering first hand the halfling a knotted rope with grapple and then help him climb up.
Noting Peer's sudden agitation, Athenasius discreetly messages the infiltration team: "Be advised, something is happening in the court yard and Peer is not liking it."
He then whispers at Grimath and Anibeth to alert them of the new development.
He also glances up at the Owl, trying to gauge where in the fort she is staring at.
Peer's eyes are glancing initially at a 45 degree angle and then less and less, until it appears her eyes are looking down at something close to or right behind the closed gate on the other side of your party of three.
Anibeth is helping to unload. "You'd think with all these goods, they'd want to help unload. If they don't want visitors, the sooner we're unloaded the sooner we're gone.... oh, you think this stacks better over there... fine I'll move it... make up your mind..."
She's trying to keep track of where Grimath is and making sure one of them is always near the gate, ready to respond if it opens.
"Ye'd think so, lass, but I guess sometimes they haven't got time fer outsiders." the dwarf responds in between moving supplies to the gate. "No ye can't put it there, they'll knock it all over when they open the gate." he adds, grumbling.
Turning to Athenasius he quips "And what're ye doin' ye wisp of a man? Anibeth's haulin' is puttin' ye to shame!" When he turns back toward the wagon he grins, obviously enjoying playing the part of a dour dwarf.
Olo lands on the other side softly. To the right are three 3-foot-deep composting pits and middens. To the left is a squat wooden building. However, what grabs Olo's attention immediately is to the south about 70 feet is a human male dressed in leathers with his back turned, his attention turned toward the front gate.
Damrak climbs up and drops down the other side, trying - and failing - to match Olo's degree of stealth. Once Den is over, Damrak retrieves the rope to make sure it doesn't give away their presence. I think I can find a use for this later on...
Once he has made efforts to conceal himself, he looks around the corner and sees the man standing by the gate. Using the wizard's very useful spell, he mutters under his breath:
Turning to Den and Olo, he whispers "We need to find out where the other two are, and get them away from Oleg and his wife. Den - can your companion assail that guard? I hope that wouldn't be asking too much of her, I don't want to put her in harm's way. If she can get him to call the others to help, we can then engage them away from the civilians. Olo, if you run round the side of the building , you'll be in a position to run and open the gate while Den and I get a bit closer and then engage the others once they arrive. If either of you have another idea of how to draw the other two out, let's hear it - quickly though"
Assuming no windows, Damrak moves forward and takes cover behind the corner of the small building.