Sonya smiles radiantly. Thank you. Cailin, secure him that we may all speak.
When all four of us are together, Dashki has been feeding information to a rival tribe of the gnolls in the city. The whole tribe is only 30 strong, whole it's well more than we can handle, I have been thinking we may be able to use Dashki to assassinate their leader. The head of a rival would be powerful tribute to the genie. I personally think it should be our next move, I cannot bear the thought of that tribe assaulting the princess's camp.
The sorcerer's left eyebrow raises when he hears only 30 strong, "I wouldn't underestimate our ability to kill. 30 is not that many." He asks,"How many of 30 are actually warriors, if it's a "tribe" that number should contain women, children and support." He thinks about the suggestion to move on this fringe tribe, "What are we to gain by killing the leader? If the leader is assassinated without killing the other members, then what's stopping the tribe's remnants from uniting under the more powerful genie?"
Nothing, the leader scatters them. I have no dealings with gnolls so I cannot speak to their strength or how many we can kill. I seek your input for this reason, but I feel it is the right choice. I've spent the night in prayer and I'm sure it's where we should go. I do not trust him alone with the chief so I am volunteering to pose as his wife to keep an eye on him. I was hoping we could pose as his wives, but I cannot ask you to do that. Sonya's eyes drift to Selina for a moment. He could claim the princess found out his spying and so he packed up and fled.
"The Oracle believes strongly that we should go to the tribe. Other than delay our arrival in the town is there opposition to this tactic?" Jengren looks to Silena then Calain.
Gnoll killing is Gnoll killing. I have to objections.
Silena listens carefully then narrows her eyes a devious plan forming...
"From what we learned from [oocUmdrella[/ooc]... the tribe of gnolls currently in control of Kelmarane is the . You say the up in the mountains are their rivals?"
"Well I say we have a perfect opportunity to kull both their numbers to a more manageable level without lifting a hand of our own. I also think if shows up in the 'Three Jaws' Gnoll camp with word he can no longer give them intel on camp.. he and his lovely wives would be the tribe's next meal as he would no longer be of any use to them!!"
"If we go on to we should easily be able to get our hands on emblems tokens of the the during our scouting ruse as 'mercenary sellswords'. Once we are don't gathering intel. We then go to the area of the Gnolls and quietly kill a few of their number leaving behind the trinkets of the and in the process take trinkets and emblems from the slain Gnoll warriors of the . Then repeat the same thing in Kelmarane - kill a few Gnolls and leave behind the emblems."
Silena smiles wickedly as only a half-blooded Drow might... the fires of fiendish delight flickering in her Violet-eyed gaze...
"With a bit of subterfuge and some clandestine strikes ... we will soon be able to sit back and watch them eat each other alive! Then we sweep in and begin the clean up whoever is left standing. I say we get the Gnolls to help make our jobs easier by encouraging them to be our unwitting army of wrath!"
Calain actually smiles at the plan, Cunning...and probably has a good chance of success. I might Actually be starting to like you, elf....I agree it is a good plan. Simple principal and given the supposed goal of the jenie, framing Three Jaws would invite a swift and brutal response from the Town. The princesses force's would need to be ready to attack However, since it COULD fall apart mid fight if the Jenie pauses to question a Three Jaws member. ..though the likelihood of him believing the confession is slim.
Jengren nods, "yes, I like subterfuge. One issue we could encounter is the mercs in Kelmarane, they are not all gnolls. Remember there are bugbears and other undesirables. They could care less about the Kulldis tribe, or Three Jaws Tribe for that matter, they only care about gold." The sorcerer rubs his fingers together as if he has coins in the them. "This genie is not likely to let either his mercs, or his gnolls make an unsanctioned attacked, without his permission. I doubt he really cares about tribal rivalries, especially, if that doesn't fit his ultimate plan."
He looks at each member, "Personally, I think our best most direct introduction to the genie is through the contests. The leader sanctions those, presumably he enjoys watching combatants bash each others skulls in, and those worthy probably get his attention, maybe even an audience. Calain has that talent down. Less subtle, more direct but you get the idea." he slaps Calain on his back.
His eyes narrow a bit as he addresses Sonya, "Is going to the Three Jaws tribe first important to you? What are your thoughts on the subterfuge suggestion?
Suddenly a wicked smile crosses his face, "NOW, if we can scout, kill and take a few trinkets from a Three Tribes member first, then proceed to town where we could be the source of some nice rumors and eventually achieve a culling of the numbers. What if we, come bearing word that the Three Tribes hit a wealthy merchant caravan carrying gold or gems. We could say we encountered a scouting party and they had a bit of treasure with them. We could spend money freely, spread rumors, perhaps try to recruit a gang to help us attack the wealthy Three Tribes."
His eye brows raise a bit, "We could toss out the trinkets and a few gems or gold. That'll get the mercs attention and the genie. Ultimately, we let the enemy kill each other then we clean up."
Sonya mulls the idea in her head a moment before answering.
"I don't like the idea of staring a war, or putting the city on higher alert than it needs to be, but I don't outright object to the idea. My trepidation comes in the fact that few of us are very subtle in our approach. If anyone in the city, or even the genie himself inspects the bodies it will be clear to even a novice that the gnolls were killed with spell and sword and not the claws and teeth of gnolls. If that happens we will have lost our change to gain anything from eliminating the Three Jaws camp.
I would wonder, if we could use Dashiki to lure the Three Jaws chief into an ambush. Kill him, and claim to be mercenaries from the city. It would still start the war you wish, but not contradict our cover in the city."
Silena smiles but softly comments, "Make no mistake in this sweet Sonya... we ARE in a war! War is what has brought to these gnolls. Were her army bigger we would not even be having this discussion as she would already be attacking. Remember these are demon-worshiping, evil cannibals who murder and eat any other sentients that happen to have the misfortune to run afoul of them."
"Gnolls do indeed have teeth and claws... but they prefer weapons like other races... metal is stronger than claws. Gnolls favor scimitar, telwars and large falchions. My proposal relies on evil people needing only the thinnest of veiled cause to kill and indulge in mayhem. I doubt they will be interested in justice for their slain and an easy culprit to blame will be good enough for their limited self-control and sensibilities."
"Your suggestion of killing the chief and claiming to be warriors in the service of the Genie of Kelmarane... might work."
Silena shrugs... "...But Gnolls aren't too creative... they may just be satisfied with killing us instead. Murder of their people by unknown assailants gives them nothing to immediately focus that rage upon.. something that will infuriate them more, hopefully to do something reactionary and brutal - which is their natural response to frustration and anger. Especially ~ if we give them a simple 'nudge' in the right direction with planted evidence as to the culprits. Sometimes... 'less is more'."
"I prefer to do my plotting from the shadows and let the 'lord of Chaos' rule... guided by my hand from behind the scenes, as opposed to putting myself in unnecessary harms way... but I'm fine with whatever the party decides. My plan is only a proposal... it is not the only way to 'skin this cur of a dog'!"
"Dashiki is a sniveling coward that will betray us but lets use him to lure the gnoll chieftain out for an ambush." He looks from Sonya to Calain, "keep him on a short leash." The implied message is clear.
"We use Dashiki to lure the chieftain, we ambush, pin it on the mercenaries, and nudge the two enemies into open battle. I still think we need something to motivate the genie's hoard to move, perhaps there will be a development along the way." He motions to the gear and camels, "Grab the flee bag and lets be out of here within 20 minutes."
Silena nods accepting one plan as good as any other so long as some direction and progress is made and not... too much risk is incurred.
She is waiting mounted on at the appointed time. Pulls the hood of her crude linen blanket cloak up concealing her stark white hair and puts on her darkened Goggles to protect her sensitive eyes from the morning glare.
The black stallion nickers restlessly to be moving. The half-elven woman-child upon his back, small in comparison, pats his flanks affectionately to steady him...
Jengren eyeballs the camel, If you throw me I will sent waves of electrical current though your body. He cautiously approaches trying to figure out to ride it. Gingerly he takes the reigns.
Calain arrives with a Bound and very unhappy scout in tow.
Still not sure if this rat is worth anything. We bringing him or not? I don't think it's worth it
"We'll soon find out it's worth," motioning to the bound scout, "he'll become sand if tries anything funny."
Silena pivots over toward Calain to dispassionately regard his prisoner and asks, "...who is he and what's his story anyways? You two {indicating Calain and Sonya}... have already been made acquaintance to this, ...as you call him, traitor. What's his story, what's his stake in all this and what has he done?"
She shrugs, "I'm just curious. If you know what motivates a man ... you can better find out how to use him. I don't believe in waste... goes against my sense of ethics. {She smirks at these spoken words but it is a cold and unnerving expression, bringing no comfort} Every life has some use... even if it is fleeting ... or just for pleasure."
Silena rolls her eyes behind her Smoked Goggles...
{I Hate Camels... Horses are MUCH more likable... not to mention smell better...!}
"I myself know very little. His father taught him to hate and hunt gnolls, but my understanding is the Three Jaws killed his father on a hunting expedition and "allowed" him to live if he trade information on this camp for his life. He has no love for the gnolls for certain; but he is plagued with cowardice. Selina, surely you can see the need for retribution for such an act, and it sets him on the path to redemption.
Before leaving the camp Jengren would comments, "If opportunity arises to overtake a patrol or scouts from Kelmare, we do so." His gaze shifts to Calain and he smirks, "Try to have one survive long enough to extract information and we gather some of their gear and trinkets for us in our deception." It was more of a statement than a comment.
Jengren nudges the camel along with his heels, imitating what he sees Silena do with the horse. He hangs on an battles the humped back nemesis for the first hour, before he settles in to a degree. Through this time he listens to the conversation between Silena and Sonya. He refrains from commenting.
Sonya cannot help but giggle like a child at Jengren being pulled by the disgusting beast he rides. Realizing she is openly laughing at his misfortune she quickly covers her veiled lips with her hand.
Am I truly laughing? I don't know that I can recall being able to laugh even once since this curse was placed upon me.
There is a twinkle in her eye as they continue down the fields reflecting on how strangely happy she finds herself with this very odd company. Her happy reflection is not to last as they spot a poor defenseless man in what appears to her to be a ritual execution.
Silena ponders Sonya's words carefully, "Aye, sweet Sonya... I do understand fear and hate. Redemption is not really in my purview.. but I do know and can teach of the power vengeance!"
Silena leans over in her saddle to regard the man... taking a measuring gaze of the health of his figure, the build of his frame and the presence of no maiming injuries or missing limbs.
She nods addressing him, "You. Man traitor... what is your name? You hate the Gnolls, you also fear the Gnolls... they killed your father and you allowed your honor to be corrupted by them. Do you seek vengeance? You seem hail and solid of limb... not sickly or maimed. If you want vengeance, if you do not wish to ever fear ANYTHING again... I can teach you... mold you into a Weapon more fearsome than your fear.. more fearsome than your hate! If you will serve me and learn. I do not require you to submit to the Midnight Lord's faith... in fact I would advise against it, but I can teach you how to inflict pain and fear upon those who have taken your honor, those who have made you into a cur... worthy only of contempt! IF, you have the will... the choice is yours."
Silena watches as the Jengren's camel move to grazing and the collection of gnolls in the pesh fields catch her attention. Silena draws her Spiked ornate Morning Star on reflex...
Calain looks in the Direction of the gnoll party,
Could be a good place to start. Remember, if I give in to the Hunter, it is...Difficult...to stop until all around me are dead. Should I lose control it would be best to run. Though I AM getting better at calming down.
Jengren struggles with the hungry camel. Tugging to no avail, when he sees the gnolls. "Let Redemption Begin!" Which is clearly the go ahead to run the gnolls down, gather our trinkets and possible rescue the prisoner.
Still not certain how to "control" the beast he's riding he kicks the sides to spur it on.
Cailin don't they have a prisoner. Keep hold of yourself until we can get him safe.
Silena shrugs. "Ok... save the prisoner. Calain if you would back me up... I'm going to even the odds a little more in our favor..."
Spurring into motions Silena rides blatantly forward yelling a challenge to the Gnolls.
"Here me you craven smelly dogs... why not try to kill a foe not on their knees and helpless for once you cowardly, weak, near-mindless... beasts!! BACK To YOUR PINS where you belong you mongrel Dung Eaters!!!"
Silena reins in her at a distance of about 100'ft from the Gnolls and begins casting a spell. Her hope is that they will charge for her... her distance set to make them have to spend two rounds to reach her... as her spell has a full round casting time.
Calain rides up behind the half-Drow, about 20 feet behind and casting his own spell, the newly formed words coming as an inspiration since he knew little about religion but had a feeling it was from... somewhere. Like his rage, it felt primal, old yet powerful.
Jengren will cast his mage armor.
Silena closes the distance yelling her insults one more creative and obscene than the last, enough to make a sailor blush... reining in at 100'ft and casts her spell.
Calain rides up behind the half-Drow, about 20 feet behind and casting his own spell, the newly formed words coming as an inspiration since he knew little about religion but had a feeling it was from... somewhere. Like his rage, it felt primal, old yet powerful.
Seeing foes running triggers something... dark in the young half-drow's heart... she is infuriated and excited at seeing a foe in flight - in fear! Of Course - she pursues to within range of her spell, 120'ft, and casts anyways!
Of course her sharp tongue of insults... rests not..., "...Come BACK here you cowardly, smelly, curs!! I'm gonna see what your mangy hides look like ~ Hanging FROM MY WALL!"
No worries, Calain, happy for you to hold your spellcasting until you are closer! But how are you going to get your camel to charge? (At least she isn't scoffing cactii like Jengren's one!)
Silena's thunderous charge and bawling of insults has an interesting effect - the gnolls drop their sticks, looking horrified, and take to their heels leaving the bound prisoner behind them! By the time you reach your 100ft point, they are already running... do you want to follow up to get in range and spell-cast?
Far less eager for battle, Sonya attempts to get her beast to move forward whispering where only the camel can hear. "Go forward giant monster, come on just walk a bit further." Sonya continues in vain to hide her terror at riding these awful beasts. Once she is near the prisoner she will all too happily dismount and approach him and ungag him as quickly as possible, all the while ensuring her holy symbol is on display.
Rest easy we are here to aid you.
Silena slows her stallion, 'Nightscream' to a trot, moving up on the slumbering gnolls.
She smiles wickedly... a cruel glint in her pretty violet eyes... as she dismounts approaching the helpless Gnolls.
With a flick of her spring-loaded wrist sheath she draws ...
After a bit of coaxing, muscling and threats Jengren gets his camel to move in the proper general direction. He grins when he sees the wild drow cursing and casting her spell, crude but effective, as the gnolls drop to the ground.
"Let's bind these creatures, gather their trinkets and question them." The sorcerer is matter of fact.
He rides up to Calain, "I think we should kill a couple, using their own gnoll weapons, to leave some evidence behind. We can create the ambush scene. Take the others to the three jaws tribe and use them to get inside their camp saying we caught them spying." The statement was coolly made while the ends justify the means. He sees this neither as a good or evil act, simply as a necessary act.
Panic washes over Sonya's face at the prisoners words. Yelling as loud as she can hoping her words reach their ears in time. "Cailin jengren, Selina leave the gnolls! We have to get away! They have summoned creatures underground!" Sonya looks to the prisoner knowing she cannot lift him. Sonya steps forward drawing her dagger and cuts the man's bindings. "Come quickly, we'll ride together." Sonya steps towards the camel being cautious to keep an eye on the prisoner as she steps away.