Attris slams the table with his mighty clawed fist and smiles at Benni.
Ha ha...A fine suggestion Benni. You have a vote from me!
Attris leans over and taps Berrin on the shoulder with an enthusiastic smile.
Come young lion what say you?
Berrin looks over to Benni with admiration
"Your words truly do have power little one"
Berrin then peers over the shoulder that Attris has tapped.
"Well someone with a weapon has to defend you Attris"
You see a wry smile creep across Berrins face.
With Berrins words Attris's smile immediately disappears from his face and is replaced with a the most gravely serious look of fury. He suddenly stands knocking forks and his plate across the table, his portion of pheasant flies across the room at hits the wall, sliding down pathetically. He stares intently at Berrin for what seems to be minutes and for a moment everyone at the table is unsure of what they are witnessing. Suddenly Attris let's out a belly laugh so loud and joyous that it appears to shake the walls. Attris begins looking around at each and every member at the table expecting them to be in stitches over his little performance.
Baaaaassashahahaha!
Attris is wiping tears away from his eyes and begins to stagger. It appears Attris may have drank a little too much wine.
Yes...Yes Berrin it's best you bring your sword to protect us all!
It's evident to all that Attris is exceptionally merry.
[ooc]I will allow Aid Another rolls by everyone else as well, if you all want to laugh along with Attris' joke - DC is 10, and failing doesn't hurt.
Diplomacy:
"Ah, ha ha ha"! laughs Benni. "That's our Attris!"
Aid Another:
'Haha attris loves his teeth. '
Bark awkwardly states attempting to re enter the conversation comfortably.
As Attris starts his little "joke", many at the table freeze, awaiting what appears to be the inevitable violent explosion by the half-orc. As Attris bursts out laughing, and his party members join in, the whole table begins to laugh - the tension is broken, and the laughter serves as a release. Even Rizzardo smiles as he empties his goblet of wine.
Janiven turns to Benni. "Good halfling, if you could turn your mind to the naming of our group, I'd be very grateful. My preferences run like this: it needs to reflect who we are, as citizens of Westcrown; and it needs to be non-aggressive, non-militant, to minimise the chances of our infernally-aligned government feeling too threatened, and that they need to "deal with" us."
Leaving Benni to ponder these thoughts, she turns to the party as a whole. "Word has reached me that we have a chance to liberate Arael - tomorrow. I've devised something of a plan given the information I have, and I wanted I share it with you and hear your thoughts." She pauses, looking at her folded hands on the table before her. "It will involve confronting the Hellknights directly," she says, lifting her eyes as she does. "Does anyone have a problem with that?"
Attris is still wiping the tears out of his eyes as he sits. He is still holding back the laughter as he answers Janiven.
No problem here. Just tell me which one to rip apart first.
Berrin looks at Janiven directly.
"I do not fear these worthless scum. Point me in the direction and I'll plant my sword right through there heads!"
You see Berrin's breathing begin to escalate and sense that the young lion is holding back a brewing rage.
"How about 'The Sons of Westcrown'?" Benni offers.
He looks around at Janiven and Fiosa and shakes his head.
"No, too patriarchal. How about just 'The Rising Suns'?"
No problem here meh lady. Obviously this will be a well structured plan? we want to be using out brains not just our might Bark pipes up after the warriors of the party have spoken.
My vote is for the rising soms
"How about 'The Sons of Westcrown'?" Benni offers.
He looks around at Janiven and Fiosa and shakes his head.
"No, too patriarchal. How about just 'The Rising Suns'?"
"How about 'The Sons of Westcrown'?" Benni offers.
He looks around at Janiven and Fiosa and shakes his head.
"No, too patriarchal. How about just 'The Rising Suns'?"
Janiven smiles at your general enthusiasm. "Excellent." She addresses Bark. "Indeed, our ability to fight, such as it is, may not be equal to the task. My plan requires all of us," she says, gesturing to all seated around the table.
"Obviously we," she begins, this time waving her hand to indicate herself and your party, "are capable fighters, but we will be facing too many foes to expect us all to survive if we simply use a frontal attack. Fortunately, the others can create a diversion to help us exploit this opportunity.
"It seems the Hellknights have managed to convince Westcrown's law enforcement that they should be able to keep Arael in their custody, as his crimes are based in rebellious heresy. As such, they will be transporting him tomorrow morning to Citadel Rivad, the Order of the Rack's stronghold some miles north-west of the city. The land between Westcrown and the Citadel is mostly plains, but there are two spots I know of that will suit my plan.
"Essentially, your group will lay in wait for the Hellknight escort to pass, whereupon I will move the rest of our rebels out onto the road in front of them. If all goes to plan, the convoy will halt, sending the mounted guards to charge us down. We will have prepared caltrops, and we'll await their charge. Once we've drawn off the majority of the guards and they've hit the caltrops, you lot will overwhelm the rest of them from the rear and free Arael from his carriage. I will lead the rebels with me back into cover, and we'll disperse through the countryside."
Janiven sits back in her chair, awaiting your responses. "Well? What do you think? Any questions?"
sounds dangerous. But I like it. An ambush as such. Split the forces and perform the rescue. barks eyes widen as he hears the plan glistening with a little excitement.
Berrin nods his head with agreement.
"Splitting the Hellknight scum is wise"
Berrin looks around the table at everybody.
"We have a saying that my tribe inherits from the very giants we slay on the tundra's ..'Forbaus Kom Overin'"
You sense a hint of pride in the young barbarians voice as he takes a giant gulp of mead.
I will avenge us father!
Benni attempts to explain his choice of name for the group:
"I thought 'Rising', as in an uprising of the people. 'Suns', as in the natural enemy of the Shadow Beasts, a symbol of our oppression. Or is that too obtuse?"
Benni attempts to explain his choice of name for the group:
"I thought 'Rising', as in an uprising of the people. 'Suns', as in the natural enemy of the Shadow Beasts, a symbol of our oppression. Or is that too obtuse?"
Janiven looks to the ceiling contemplating your words. She purses her lips, then nods in a noncommittal way. "I see what you're saying. Let's not make a decision without Arael though. Keep thinking, and if that seems best to you when we return with our leader, we'll put it to him. It certainly isn't aggressive, but I'm not certain it will capture the hearts of the citizenry as well as something more specific...."
Janiven grins again at you all. "I think it will work. Are you all happy with the general plan? I'll lead the others to create a diversion, then the rest of you attack them from the rear?"
The plan is adequate Janiven. I will try to battle with the ferociousness of my father.
Mentioning his father has the effect of forcing sobering thoughts into Attris's stream of conscious.
Father would not be happy to see me drinking so heavily.
I have had my fill of drink, food and frivolity for tonight. I will greet you all in the morning.
Attris stands.
Janiven stands as Attris does. "Hold for a moment, friend. I wish to let the others know of the plan, and it would be good to see confidence from all of you, our heroes if you like, in what we plan to do on the morrow."
Janiven holds her hands up facing the crowd before her. "Loyal friends of Westcrown," she begins as conversation dies down, "As you are all aware, our leader, good-hearted Arael, has been arrested by Hellknights today." A low rumble starts amongst the others, but hushes when Janiven continues. "However, today we have also been gifted with the coming of these four worthy patriots of Westcrown. And tomorrow, they will help us take back Arael!" The crowd cheers, but in a muted, determined fashion, rather than in exuberant joy.
"However, they will need our help. I'm asking each of you to put yourselves forward for our shared cause. It will be dangerous, but if our mission goes as planned, none of you should see combat. I will lead you to pose as a threat to the Hellknights while they transport Arael to Citadel Rivad. When the Hellknights commit themselves to charging us, these four will attack from the rear, liberating Arael."
Janiven goes on to detail the plan, and as she explains about the caltrops, many of the rebels smile tightly. In the end, the rebels volunteer to a man (woman, gnome, halfling), and all are agreed.
The pretty ranger thanks her rebels, and they begin to murmur in anticipation again as she seats herself. Janiven speaks to the four of you once more. "There is one more decision to be made, and that is exactly where to stage our attack." She draws forth a thin piece of leather and some chalk, and begins sketching a rough map, inviting you all to lean forward and look. "Two thirds of the way to the Citadel is this small stone bridge, which creates a perfect chokepoint for our ambush. However, to the south here, and closer to Westcrown, there are a couple of places on the road that offer much more tree cover, to aid both our ambush and our retreat. The bridge will certainly make our job easier, but if things go wrong we stand more chance of taking serious casualties. You four will be in the most danger, engaging the Hellknights directly, so I leave it to you. What do you say - bridge, or woods?"
"Clearly there is no option here. The woods is a must. We can not put these men and women's lives any anymore danger than required!"
Bark replies with the quickest tongue concerned for the willing participants well being. Bark looks at the rest of the party wide eyed expecting the same thought process.
"I agree with Bark,"Benni contributes earnestly.
"Even the best of plans goes awry within seconds of engaging an enemy. Just like in the tale of the elven prince who defeated a clan of Frost Giants. You know the one. The forest gives us maximum flexibility, whatever happens."
Janiven nods at both Bark and Benni's statements, then turns to Berrin and Attris. "Are you two happy with the woods then?"
I believe the bridge is the safer option but I'll not argue the point. Whatever you decide Benni.
When the conversation moves on, Benni says quietly to Bark (or whoever is sitting next to him):
"I'm not sure I entirely trust everyone at this table. I don't know much about battle but I've seen my share of conspiracies and it seems that secrets are twice as hard to keep for every extra person that gets involved. We will need to keep our eyes open and wits about us. One word in the wrong ear and this plan could go spectacularly badly for us."
bark looks directly at attris. His intention hard to understand until his words come out Attris, clearly as one of the best fighters here if you'd prefer the bridge then your opinion is more than valid.
Barks eyes open as the penny hits in his mind.
"oh Benni! wise wise wise. We need to keep our wits about us."
too trusting bark. lucky the halfling is watching out for us!
Attris looks at Bark with an astonished glint in his eyes.
Why is he now complimenting me after insulting me earlier? Is he being genuine?
Sense Motive:
Attris squints, his eyes searching for any hint that Bark may not have his best intentions at heart. Unable to make a clear reading due to the Teiflings gnarled head he relaxes somewhat.
My rationale is this...If it will be easier for us to defeat the opponent on terrain that may aid us then I believe it to be the better battle ground. If we can push Hell Knights off this bridge perhaps we may gain the upper hand.
Attris looks to Benni and Berrin for approval
Unable to make a clear reading due to the Teiflings gnarled head...
"Like I said, it's you four that will be in the thick of it, so whatever you decide is what we'll do," Janiven states, waiting expectantly for a definitive response. Her eyes settle on Benni's cherubic face.
Berrin shrugs his huge shoulders. "I care not. Either way, we will smash them."
Well Benni it seems you are burdened with the decision. I will support your judgement on this no matter which course.
Berrin does put in a final word to Benni before his decision
"One thing I will say is that Attris does have a good point in wanting to do battle on the bridge. It is a strong choke point and Attris and I might just be able to muscle some off the bridge and avoid some combat all together. But the choice is yours little one"
Berrin awaits Benni's decision.
Berrin looks to the halfing with admiration and knods sternly.
This little one is smart. He would of surely became a shaman in our tribe. Ha
"I will defer to the wisdom of the warriors beside me. The bridge sounds like a fine plan indeed. I almost pity the Hell Knights that will be facing our combined fury. They'll tell tales of this bold rescue from Azir to Absalom!"
Janiven nods in affirmation. "It is settled. Your confidence inspires me. We will take advantage of the bridge, and bank on success rather than plan around failure. Now, do any of you own a horse?" When you all respond in the negative, she bites her lower lip in thought. "Gorvio," she calls out to the a,ber-eyed fellow seated next to Bark. He turns, to her, his chiselled face questioning. "Would it be possible for us to hire four horses from your uncle for tomorrow? Our newest friends do not have mounts. I know it's asking a lot, but... we need this, for Arael's sake."
Gorvio looks into Janiven's eyes with his shining amber ones for a long moment, then nods. "Of course, my lady," he responds, his voice melodious and smooth. He stands. "I will see it done now." He walks to the end of the table, tapping a quiet, olive-skinned young man on the shoulder, and over the muted conversation of the others you hear Gorvio refer to him as Larko. Larko stands with a smooth grace, and follows the handsome Gorvio out of the dining room.
Having watched them leave, Janiven sighs, then brings her attention back to the four of you. "Well, I feel exhausted. I'm off to bed. We should rise by six, to make sure we have plenty of time to reach the old bridge. Rest well, friends, and hopefully on the morrow we will have Arael back amongst us." She bids the rest of the table goodnight as well, and shortly after she leaves the room, Rizzardo stands, makes a quick adieu, and exits as well.
Bark sits as silence hits after Janiven retires.
'So.....Can we all ride horses? i'm a bit of a novice myself but manage with the basics.'
Before Fiosa can clear away the dishes and clean up...
Berrin, help me with this will you?" says Benni, before leaping from his seat. "Fiosa, sit down. You've done far too much for us already. Berrin and I will clean up here."
He tosses a wet dish-cloth at the Barbarian.
Once the four of us are alone...
"We'll, they all seem nice. Except that Rizzardo. What's his problem? Do you think he's in love with Janiven, but she's in love with someone else, and he knows his passion will never be requited, and yet he has to see her every day? Or is he just naturally a dick?"
Berrin catches the wet dish cloth with an angered look on his face.
"No matter how much you swoon me Benni, I will not be reduced to womanly chores!"
Berrin throws the dish cloth back at Benni's feet and walks off towards his room. You get the impression that he was gravely offended by Benni's seemingly harmless gesture.
What would my father think if he knew the future chieftain of the Earthbreaker tribe was washing dishes!