"Wimp. Can kill them, but can't deal with your own handywork"
"Wimp. Can kill them, but can't deal with your own handywork"
Svetlana let the warriors go about finding the secret entrance and did not stick around with Kent for the mapmaking. Instead she approached Akiros. You will take a walk with me, yes? Now that you see I am not Kressle, you also see that there is much presumed knowledge we don't have. I was hoping you elaborate a little bit more about the inside of the fort and the challenges we might face inside. Are there just the 9 bandits you mentioned, plus the Stag Lord? The Owlbear in the cage, who can let him out? You also mentioned "his nibs daddy in the basement", who is that? As for the Stag Lord himself, is he human or some other race?
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Akiros tells you all about the layout of the fort (removed fog from map and marked important areas). He confirms that it is just the 9 bandits and the Stag Lord. Yes the stag lord is human, but in that weird helmet of his he looks like some sort of monster. Finally he confirms that the Stag Lord's father, who they lovingly refer to as 'The Freak' lives in the cellar and rarely comes out. He supposedly was some sort of druid, but Akiros has never seen him do anything special. Also the cellar is where the bandits store their loot!
Ulryk asked Akiros a question before Svetlana led him away. "What do you know of Nettle?" He did not want to get into too much detail with the man, but he thought it prudent to at least find out more about the tormented spirit. He did not wish to be tricked into aiding something with true malevolence.
He then called upon Damen and Brigid to come look over the dirt drawing of the fortress he had sketched out. On it were three locations marked with X's. "These locations are the most likely for a secret passage if there is one. Let us keep our distance and avoid the South Hill, but see if we can see anything. Remember, the Stag Lord likely has lookouts about at the moment. Bows might be our best recourse.
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Akiros shakes his head sadly.
"That poor man. Thankfully I was not part of that fiasco, but I still feel horrible for what happened. The Stag Lord thought he would take over the ferry and control trade into the area, so he sent out a team to 'persuade' old Nettle to give over 3/4 of his fee to him. Nettle refused and sicked his dogs on the fellow. Later that night the group returned and burned him out, killed his dogs and when he ran burning from his home into the river, they shot him down. After that, the Stag Lord kept away from the area and would never let any of us speak of it again."
Damen nodded to Ulryk, eyes scanning the terrain the other man had indicated. "You know, even if we cut off the head of this group and turn the rest, I'm not sure we could trust any of these people again. Might, ah, save us some trouble just to send them back for trial if we have survivors." His voice was low, to keep Akiros from hearing.
"Anyone have a shovel? Well at least there is some good new it is likely that the bandits don't know about this passage."
"All right then now is the chance to show off your muscles don't let me stop you this is your time to shine."
I casted Create Treasure Map on one of the dead bandits that came out of the fort to get a map of the fort. Along with the location of what he felt is greatest treasure in the fort.
Brigid eyes Kent coolly. You mean you do not have the magic that vould move this earth?
"If I could do everything I wouldn't be dragging you along now would I. As it happens I can only do most everything."
Brigid gives the wizard a look that almost belies amusement. Then she assists in the digging and moving the stones away.
Kent casts dancing lights also casts prestidigitation to clean the honest sweat off those who sweated it.
Brigid takes a moment to marvel at the simple magic that removed the accumulated grime of the mite's lair, the kobolds' mine, the days of travel and the labor of clearing the tunnel entrance. It lifts her spirits considerably, and she nods her head in thanks.
Then she turns to Ulryk when looking over the map. Do ve all go in through this tunnel? You did not vant to do this before vith the passvord, but now ve have the surprise. They vill not be expecting us vithin the valls. Or should some of us remain outside to keep their attention. But that splits us up.
"I think we should just go in. They will have to spend some attention on the outside in any case just in case we are faking them out. This gives us the greatest chance of not having to kill them all."
Though not specifically spoken to, Svetlana nods at Brigid's question to Ulryk. We should all go in. They will be wondering where Akiros and Kressle are quite soon. That will focus some attention outside the walls without splitting our group.
"For the marching order I suggest Ulryk in front followed by Akiros, then Brigid and Damen, then me with Svetlana"
What are we doing with our horses, mule, etc? Can we bring them into the tunnel with us or is it too short / narrow. I want to move them someplace safe and not easily discovered by any bandit patrol sent out.
GM Daniel for reference Ulryk has the following weapons on him. Guisarme, Ranseur, Flail, Pilums (8)
Will accept aid others for this roll.
"Now that, that is taken care of let us go down the tunnel."
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The tunnel snakes and winds about, making the distance seem much further than it probably is. You finally see a bit of light ahead, and Ulryk comes up against a partial stone and wood wall (the lower 4' is dressed stone blocks, while the upper 5' is wooden studs and shiplap boards). The light seeps through the slightly warped boards. By placing his eye to one of these holes, Ulryk can see what looks like the back of a set of stairs leading up. He also sees what looks like a worn sheet or curtain off to one side...perhaps sheltering this area and acting like a door.
Agreed. Send your light and let us make haste.
As the group begins to descend into the tunnel, Brigid stops Akiros before he heads in. You speak vith conviction. Stay true to your vords now, and in the battle to come. You have this one chance. Her emerald eyes gaze hard at the man, then she hands him his sword. With her bow out, she follows him into the tunnel.
Light sent down the tunnel
"Follow the light"
As the group made their way through the tunnel, Damen let a hand brush against the wall. "God's blood," he swore. "Couldn't whoever made this draw a straight line?"
His eyes didn't leave Akiros for long despite the man's words.
"They wanted it to seem natural otherwise what is the point of a secret passage."
Svetlana carefully headed down the tunnel with the rest of the group, not knowing what exactly they would find. The uncertainty tantalized her; in truth it was what made the adventuring life worth doing despite the hardships. Money might be enough for others, but it that was a primary motivation he could have married the man her family picked for her.
As the tunnel came to an end, the priestess gave the stone and wood wall the same puzzled look as the rest. Shrugging her shoulders she then moved up to the front and examined the walls for secret entrances. Perhaps one of you big strong men would like to remove these boards, yes?
"It's a wall." Ulryk says quietly stating the obvious. He begins searching about for a way beyond the tunnel and to the area beyond. Noticing that Svetlana had the same idea, he does what he can to assist her in getting out of the tunnel, utilizing his knowledge of engineering where applicable.
He had little love of crowded spaces and musty old tunnels.
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@Svetlana: He seems very sincere in what he has told Brigid.
As Svetlana and Ulryk examine the wall, it become apparent that there is a very old, and rusty mechanism to open this section of wall to gain access. What you are not sure of is if it still works, and can you trip it from this side without making too much noise.
Kent pushes he way to the front "Don't worry I got this"
Kent repeatedly casts acid splash on the wall burning though it. acid ignores hardness.
As the acrid smell fills the cramped tunnel, Brigid scowls. Qvickly, she mutters.