"While I think we should head towards the citidel, since it seems to have the answers we seek, I council caution about revealing what happened to these men or showing their raven tokens. If they were sent to kill us by the Blackravens, we could be walking into danger if we admit we know their fate."
Perhaps it would be better to pursue the best policy, namely honesty. We don't know enough to lie to them successfully, and they're likely to view strangers in these lands with suspicion. Add in 20 of their men being slaughtered, apparently by the man who directed us to their citadel and the odds of them forming the wrong impression of us skyrocket.
Ragnar shrugs, points to the pile of bodies then jabs a thumb toward Blackraven Hall.
Tell them.He points to the note, then makes a circle with his finger and puts a finger over his lips, shaking his head. Keep the note between us.
Stolen-Voice points to the fire and hooks his two thumbs together, fanning out his fingers like a bird, flapping them for effect. Then he shrugs, both hands spread apart.
Tell them about the old man/bird?
Ragnar has the right of it to my mind. Karl ticks the points off on his slender fingers. One, I cannot believe that the whole of the Black Ravens are out to kill us. Therefore, we must tell them of their fallen fellows, but we should keep this note and its words to ourselves. Perhaps we should burn it in this fire. If that means we stay wary inside the citadel, well he grimaces, I wouldn't have it any other way.
He looks at his eight fellow travelers.
Second, we should tell them of this 'White' Eagle, but keep his words of destiny and omen to ourselves. For all we know he means to lead us down a path of betrayal, or trick us into harming our homeland. He speaks poison with a forked tongue, and perhaps we will have the chance to rip that tongue out of his head the next time we meet. The half-elf's eyes flash angrily. I will not be led blindly into dishonor.
Dagmar nods in agreement as Karl speaks. "As much as I would like to just burn the note, maybe we should keep it and see if there is a way to magically clean it up so that we might read the whole thing? Maybe whoever sent it signed it somewhere?"
Thorolf frowns thoughtfully. "hmmm... perhaps, Dagmar. I would be surprised if this person were to be so careless as to leave such a trail. Still, one never knows. It may be worth keeping for now. If you take it though, I would keep it secret and hidden until we know more."
With a glance at Karl, he continues. "Aye, our eagle friend spoke round and round in riddles, but we must remember that we know little of him - or what was on his tongue, whether poison or no. We don't yet know his motives or whom he serves, if anyone. Something tells me we have not seen the last of him, however. As you, I cared not for his riddles, but the fellow did make no outward hostile moves towards us, and perhaps... perhaps, I say, did us a good turn. I would have truth rather than jumping at conclusions that he is a foe." Though his words rather did hint towards that to my mind.. So many riddles, it makes the head spin.
He grimaces and stands, peering off towards the citadel a moment before moving to stand near Caelin as he tries to get the group moving. "At any rate, I agree that we should head to the citadel. Standing here, we can come up with a thousand more questions and learn answers to none."
Kari laughs, a wholly feminine sound, and touches the plait of hair holding a red gold strand.
"An elder man and druid shifts into a beast shape in front of you with no warning, and you wish to anger him by setting the Black Ravens upon him?" she inquires and coos. "Consider the life expectancy in these lands, sirs and lady, then recall his face. If I were to live half as old as he I would count myself blessed."
Speaking to Thorolf: "Signed or not there still may be a clue somewhere in it regarding the author's identity. I'll keep it for now." Unless anyone objects, Dagmar will take the note back after everyone who wants to has read it and then turns her back to the group and hides the note.
"I'm fine with heading on up to the citadel now. I doubt there's anything else left to find and the day is too cold to just stand around. What exactly is the official story that we will be telling when we get there though?" Dagmar walks as she speaks, pausing by her mule for a moment to get a small leather collar out of a pack and then puts it on her fox. If anyone gives her a questioning look, she explains: "I usually put a collar on her when we enter a settlement so people know she's not just some wild animal that's wandered in to bother their livestock."
Shou sighs, I don't like lying to people, or keeping secrets from people who we will probably be asking for hospitality, but if that is the group consensus I will abide by it. Probably our best bet is to be honest about everything but the note and just not mention it, that way we can truthfully claim ignorance of what happened here. As for omens and portents I'm inclined to be skeptical.
In any case we won't find any answers to our questions here.Shou Zhen gestures to the fire, And if we're leaving now we should probably put that out.
Speaking to Thorolf: "Signed or not there still may be a clue somewhere in it regarding the author's identity. I'll keep it for now." Unless anyone objects, Dagmar will take the note back after everyone who wants to has read it and then turns her back to the group and hides the note.
Thorolf nods at Dagmar. "Probably a good idea. Right now that note is our only link to whoever is behind this. As to our story, I would suggest as much of the truth as seems wise. Namely that we came across a pile of corpses of men heading their badge. He turns to Kari. "And What would you advise regarding our Druid friend? Ignore his part in our tale? He seems a rather large part of it...
"Dagmar, I agree that you should keep the note safe. Not only might it provide a trail to our unknown foe, but it is at least some evidence that we didn't just idly slaughter a patrol of Black Ravens, especially since we will be traveling with a bear, and the signs indicate that a bear or other large beast killed them.
As for how much we should reveal about what we have seen and learned, I think we will need to determine that once we see how things stand at the citadel. If we find that they are aware of corruption in their ranks, or something similar, then telling everything we have seen might make sense. If they are immediately suspicious of us, we might not want to share that we know someone is out to kill us.
Karl, I am concerned that you so easily label the unknown and mysterious as poisonous and a foe. There is much in this world that is hidden and unknown, and spirits, fate, and omens surround everyone. Few see them as I have, so I understand that this might be new to you. I hope that my being attuned to the spirit world doesn't make you think ill of me as well, though."
Svalk adjusts the straps of his pack, and seems ready to hike up to the citadel when the rest of the group is.
I let everyone behind still discussion as I make my way to the Blackravens keep as I said I was going to do You all sound like old woman chatting in the market. I though we had decided or at least I have not even bothering to look back as I keep moving wary of any other surprises for the night.
Kari looks to her bear, and whispers in his ear, and without speaking another word follows Caelin.
Crude, but correct. I am simply wasting my breath arguing with these fools.
Sparing a glance for her flank, Kari steps immediately behind the impulsive warrior, and keeps her sight trained on their surroundings.
Bjørn tires of foul smelling man creature and their noise, swaying on his rear paws. Mama's hand on his neck was calming, and then her voice near his ear, letting him know it was time to run. When she turns and starts towards the road he follows, bounding after her easily.
Too slow, it is not a thought, but the realization of his blood. To run ahead is his way, to nip at mama's flank and play. So few times since that man had laid down again had she played with him, and fewer times had they hunted as they used to. Bjørn looks to the large man, snorts and continues running.
Though rather nervous about entering the citadel, Dagmar follows behind the others on the road leading up to it, leading her mule and Alfdis close on her heels. I really wish I knew why anyone would wish me or these other people dead. I hope it isn't a mistake for us to enter the citadel.
Svalk follows, taking up a position immediately behind and to the left of Caelin. While he doesn't seem to care about a consensus in the group, he is embracing what fate has in store, action is often more important than endless discussion, since fate will do as it is wont, no matter how much we talk about it first.
Karl nods when Shuo Zhen gestures towards the fire and quickly shovels some dirt onto the blaze to smother it out. Easy enough to live a long life as a thrall of the Witches. If that counts as wisdom, I would rather be thought a fool.
He sighs and gathers his equipment back up, then falls in beside Svalk and begins walking toward the citadel.
I mean no offense Svalk, and I do try to keep an open mind, but my eyes, my ears and my heart tell me that old druid has no good intentions for us.
He shakes his head and keeps a wary lookout.
Truly, I do not think ill of you, and will not unless you give me cause to. You seem a decent fellow, and I hope to be able to count you as a friend. I just have a hard time trusting that which I cannot see, smell, grasp or taste. My father was a elf you see, fey and capricious. I learned early in my life that he could not be trusted or counted upon. I suppose that colors my judgment more than I would like to admit...
He trails off and drifts into quiet thought.
Ragnar rolls his eyes and follows.
Yes, let's all fall in step behind the hulking impatient guy. Oooh so manly and tall with his functioning vocal chords and ability to insult people while being over six feet in height.
Since everyone else is going to the citadel, Shou will shrug and follow them.
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You approach the grim citadel with a sense of foreboding. The black stone pyramid raises above the river like some work of giants, and the stone castle above here stretches its towers toward sky.
But even before you manage to reach the citadel gates, you are accosted by the road.
"HALT!" a voice cries. "Who goes there? Announce yourselves!"
Karl looks around for the source of the voice.
He, does not respond, hoping someone more glib of tongue will announce the group.
Kari considers the position that she and her companions find themselves in for a moment. This scout was likely well hidden, and him and others too, had probably marked their crossing from several hundreds of feet back, if they had any sense. Lying was ill advised.
"One woman in desperate need of the warmth of the halls of men, another more beautiful the spring maid," Kari answers, "and seven weary warriors with a powerful thirst for ale and mead. I barter my services as a cook for the comforts of a night in your hall."
In a very low voice I could have not said it better as I tap kari in the shoulder Unless I made you pass for my wife blinking an eye and looking at the bear No offense there I just don't mingle well with animals as I smile and turn to the guard As we say we seek shelter and bring news
Having nothing to add to his companions statements and not seeing the need to belabor the obvious, Shou remains silent.
But he does try and spot their challenger.
Perception
Ragnar likewise keeps silent, holding one of the black raven badges in his fist just in case the party should be rebuffed.
Also not having anything to add, Dagmar just pulls back her hood and tries to look cute and harmless...
We mean you no ill-will. As my companions have said, we're but simple travelers looking for a bed and a meal out of the cold tonight.
And if you have any information about the road ahead, we would appreciate that as well.
Remaining silent and watchful, Thorolf awaits the outcome...
"Curious that you would rise and give away every advantage you had over us when you identified your positions," Kari says. "And crossbows? If the mechanism has not been adversely affected as well, you each may get a shot off before our numbers rush you. And then what?" she inquires, looking to the leader. "Injuries, likely. And many of them. Have you also a healer among you?"
Ragnar shakes his head and just holds up one of the Blackraven badges found down the road. Very slowly, with no sudden moves, he pulls the rest of the ones he had taken from his belt pouch. Looking at his fellow travelers, he nudges his head slightly in a "go on" motion.
Dagmar jumps back a bit as the men pop up out of the snow, quite clearly startled, as is Alfdis who is crouched down, ears back and growling.
"Please, we really are simple travelers, though we happened upon something we felt we should tell you about and so came up the road to your hall." Looking over to Ragnar as he is pulling the badges out of his belt pouch, she continues, "I am sorry to say that we came across the bodies of a number of your men. We didn't want them to be left for scavengers and so came to tell you so that they might be given proper funeral rites."
Well for good or for ill, the cat is out of the bag now.. Friend, we have come in part to give warning. These... he guestures at the badges Ragnar displays before them.... we found on the road yonder, along with those who once wore them. We had thought that further attack may yet come and so came to raise alarm so that the citadel be aware and not caught by surprise, if What we found were but an opening volley...
Karl studies the fur clad men, checking to see if they also wear the badges of the Black Ravens.
He then speaks quietly towards Kari, keeping his voice low enough that the crossbow-men cannot hear.
Are you trying to provoke them into attacking us? Charging through difficult, snowy terrain into crossbow bolts is not my idea of a winning strategy, although, if you can heal me, I can try to keep you unfeathered. I never thought I would find myself in this position, Erastil preserve us.
Kari calm down as nod towards Ragnar As he is presenting you evidence of the new we bring you pointing at Ragnar and more specific the Blackravens badge Just like Thorolf said, there are twenty of your men down hill... all dead approaching two more steps Do one of you have the enough weight under their belts! To prove me wrong we brought the twenty badged and I can easily point you on the direction so you can investigate further as I point at it.
Once again his companions seem to have said everything that needs saying, so Shou remains silent.
He will however spread his hands out away from his body to show he is not holding a weapon. Keeping his expression neutral, he measures the distance between him and the men, if hostilities break out he'll either throw himself prone, or wait until they've fired their crossbows and charge them.
Kari replies to the svelte man in an equally low tone, never once taking her eyes from the crossbowmen. "They have eyes, as quick as ours. And if these are Blackravens, they should have sufficient training to recognize their weaknesses. And ours. Why show themselves when they had every advantage?"
I really wish Thorolf hadn't phrased it as "but an opening volley" to the men aiming crossbows at us. No need to give them any ideas.
Hisses toward Kari, They might have shown themselves to show that they want to difuse a situation before it became violent. And while they have eyes, they also have ears, and just heard you respond threateningly to their sentries.
Shouts to the sentries As you can see, we have reason to be cautious, but we have no quarrel with you if you have none with us. We are concerned having found a score of dead men on the road, so close to Blackraven Hall, and are understandibly on edge. As I asked earlier, are there specific dangers on the road nearby lately that could have slaughtered them so?
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"Curious that you would rise and give away every advantage you had over us when you identified your positions," Kari says. "And crossbows? If the mechanism has not been adversely affected as well, you each may get a shot off before our numbers rush you. And then what?" she inquires, looking to the leader. "Injuries, likely. And many of them. Have you also a healer among you?"
"And why would you think that all of us revealed positions?"
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Karl studies the fur clad men, checking to see if they also wear the badges of the Black Ravens.
[Dice=Perception]1d20 + 11
He then speaks quietly towards Kari, keeping his voice low enough that the crossbow-men cannot hear.
Are you trying to provoke them into attacking us? Charging through difficult, snowy terrain into crossbow bolts is not my idea of a winning strategy, although, if you can heal me, I can try to keep you unfeathered. I never thought I would find myself in this position, Erastil preserve us.
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The leader listens intently to all of you. He whistles and a raven - a real one, if larger than norm - jumps into flight from a tree near him and flies for the citadel.
"All right", he says. "You lot get together and sit on the road, so that we can keep an eye on you. You, wench, hold that bear! If he tries anything, I will have his hide for a leg warmer."
He thinks for a minute. "Now, I need one of you to take me to the place you say you found our dead brothers. Who's it gonna be?"
"I will," Kari offers immediately, and before any can offer protest continues, "I've fair eyes, can track and am the least threatening physically. And if we are attacked by whatever killed those men, I am the only I am aware of with healing capabilities."
There are at least twenty more of them out there Karl says, his voice still pitched low for the rest of the group to hear, but not their captors. He turns to the diminutive woman and says Be careful, Kari before sliding his javelin back into the harness on his back and squatting easily on his heels in the center of the road.
Dagmar sits on the road where indicated and Alfdis comes over to her and sits on her lap. "If needed, I also have some healing capabilities."
Dagmar does not seem interested in leading a group of armed and possibly upset men anywhere.
Karl smiles in what he hopes is a comforting manner towards Dagmar, then takes out his whetstone and sharpens one of his daggers.
Ragnar puts his pack down and rummages out a weathered wooden box and a long, sinuous branch that's already been stripped and partially carved. Taking a seat in the road as commanded, he selects a carving knife and begins working on what will be a linnorm.
And I can heal as well.
Kari, be careful going alone with them. We still don't know if all Black Ravens want to kill us. If you go, will your bear be well behaved with the rest of us? When the sentries say to send one of us, I don't think they mean one of us and a bear.
Svalk sits in the road with the rest of the group.
Not seeing any other tenable option, Thorolf takes a seat with the others to wait for Kari's return. He sits quietly and watches the shadows watch him, listening for any sound that might signal danger.
Dagmar returns a timid smile at Karl as she pets Alfdis and looks around to see what the others are choosing to do. She looks over curiously at what Ragnar is carving, attempting to figure out what it will be when done.