4708 AR
Warm, moist air fills your lungs as the sun sets behind the purple Aspodell Mountains. People always seem on edge out here, so close to the border with Cheliax. The might of the Andoran army sets you at ease, however. Indeed, the force assembled here at the crossroads seems equipped enough to demolish the countryside at whim. But of course no honorable Andoran general would do such a thing...
You all received a covert missive a few nights ago inviting you forward to General Dakovya's encampment, and the promise of 2500 gold should an agreement be reached. After a few nights travel, you enter a region heavily controlled by Andoran forces, and can only proceed with escort.
Making your way past the blazing bonfire you reach what seems to be the General's modest temporary lodging, a 2-story wooden cabin carved of hard ash wood...still wet with sap. Your courteous escort shows you the way through, and eventually you meet Dakovya across from a small scale model of a walled hamlet.
"Ah, excellent...you've made it a bit early even. So, coffee?" he offers. He is an immaculately groomed man in his late 30s, sporting a fashionable mustache and equipped with small arms decorated in excellent taste.
Greetings general - Says the smiling woman just before bowing in reverence to the general.
The young woman is dressed in a simple dark traveler outfit that is tight to the body. Her long hair collected in a simple hair bun. A simple peasant to most people eyes.
Yes, please - she accepts that coffee
The lithe man wears his shoulder-length hair loose. It is not quite blonde, nor quite white. It covers his ears, but his slightly almond-shaped eyes hint at some non-human ancestry.
His traveling clothes are well kept and clean, and the guard of his rapier twinkles in the torchlight of the headquarters. His ears are pierced and he wears rings on both hands.
He looks like a well-meaning dandy to the causal eye.
He offers the general a crisp salute, then speaks:
"Thank you, sir. I could stand with a cup myself."
He eagerly awaits the arrival of the remainder of his allies.
Its a black moka (not a mocha) reminiscent of Absalom blends; the cup itself is an intricately glazed artistic triumph, easily a solid 20 gold. It quite hits the spot after your journey. "I'll admit, of the 4 I summoned I had my doubts that you would answer. A woman of your caliber is a rare boon in a fight...and well, there are enough fights for everyone these days." he seems disappointed in his attempt at humor and continues "I certainly don't want to waste your time. I have an assassination mission of critical importance for you...but perhaps we should wait for the others. Perhaps for the moment you'd like to familiarize yourself with some intel..." he hand waves to the small model on the table. There is a red handled dagger stuck inside the main keep's courtyard.
"Ah, Sire Swiftblade...fantastic. Please...I hope you'll find this task will bring honor to your order."
Noya enters just a bit before the general speaks and after he finishes,
"Greetings, Mr Dakovya."
Noya is an Elven woman of 6 feet whom has some strongly pronounced human traits with a short blonde pony tail and blue eyes.
Nysha rise an elbow at the sight of the newcomer
Uhm, Noya yuuki I think,...and Mr Garan swiftblade, If I'm not wrong - Nysha acknowledge them and then turns to the general
indeed, since the army is hiring more than the usual number of competent swords for a job, I guess the mission have to be important indeed, general...Thanks for the coffee- Nysha drinks a little
I guess it would be unacceptable to let the client...unsatisfied with our work - She says talking about the assassination target.
Turning his attention to Noya's approach "Ah...the silent shade to temper our rugged edges. Most welcome, Lady Aiba." before responding more directly to Nysha "There is no choice. Andoran must retain control of this pass...the one link twixt Cheliax and ourselves."
Nysha, the model is obviously Piren's Bluff, a small hamlet you are quite familiar with. To your knowledge, the Baron there is one of the last to withhold a pledge of allegiance, instead choosing neutrality, siding neither with the freedom loving Andorans nor the devil pacting Cheliaxians. It appears that Dakovya is targeting the Baron, or something in his keep, before the onslaught of the Andoran army. To a certain extent, it makes sense: Piren's Bluff overlooks the one and only route through the mountains to Cheliax. On the other hand, it escapes you why his army does not simply raze the hamlet to ash.
"Now where to begin...we received an alarming tipoff a few weeks ago. In short, Piren's Bluff has covertly defected to Chelaxian fealty. Galdur Vendikon, the baron, has always been one of our...more difficult...aristocrats. In the past he has claimed the divine right of his family name to be the reason for neutrality, but now it would appear agents have managed to turn him fully towards the diabolical empire."
"We were lucky to get this information when we did. If the Chelish had reached the keep unhindered, we'd have lost the pass. The Andoran loyalists are heroes, and I won't make them martyrs by a heavy, reckless assault." he takes a few sips, gauging your reaction.
Not fully trusting in the general motives, Nysha replies
I see, that's enough reason to take Baron Vendikon out of the political game.
Stepping smartly into the modest cabin, a 6' tall, lean (but solid) 1/2 orc nods his black/grey swirling bandana-covered head to each of those present: The general lastly.
Greeting. I apologize for my tardiness, but I wasn't in Taldor, completing a nice chat with a well meaning doll of their Royalty.
Virgil smiles.
His perfectly white teeth only hint at his ancestry; although his mirror-like green skin confirms it.
The importance of the mission is without doubt, but it seems a bit...of over kill?
Virgil's cold-blue eyes actually twinkle mischievously.
"If this job is to F***s over those devil worshiping fools, all the better."
"Ah Mr. Geryon. Well, remember this is the only pass through the Aspodells. It's true that in the final analysis the pass itself is more important, but Vendikon's keep is quite defensible and its proximity to any force we might station there would only make us highly vulnerable to skirmish type raids. We simply can't afford a weakness here." he shakes his head no.
He laughs at Noya's comment "Yes...I'm not sure you've heard but there is actually a temple to Asmodeus now within Piren's Bluff. Can you believe it? That particular aspect they have not even tried to keep secret..." he points it out on the model.
"Here's what I propose, and why I need you four in particular. I will besiege Piren's Bluff in a day's time, no one in and no one out. You all will arrive just prior to our front echelons in disguise. Your primary objective is to dethrone the Baron, and you have full authority on if that means a kill or a capture. Second, you will be our only known saboteurs within the walls during the siege. You must hinder any efforts he might raise against us. Third is gathering information, we need to know who stands with Andoran and who doesn't...we owe any loyalists our best efforts."
"Now, I can discuss the tactical situation unless there are any other questions or concerns?"
Virgil grins.
Only known saboteurs inside the walls?
Virgil nods knowingly.
Please, do continue.
He nods "To that point, we have kept our correspondence anonymous with those inside who are willing to work against Vendikon. Its safer for them if I don't know their names...there is word however, they have chosen a symbol: a sprig of mistletoe wrapped in a yellow ribbon. Perhaps you could nurture these seeds of rebellion in the populace."
"Let me tell give you an idea of what you're up against. First, there is the town militia, roughly 100 in number. Roughly half the civilian population. I would not imagine they are a physical threat, but they could still expose your infiltration. They are stationed at these watchtowers...in groups of three on a rotating schedule..." he points out the towers on the wooden pallisade.
"More dangerous are the keep guard, perhaps 90 in number, led by Captain Blacklock. Blacklock himself is a gifted swordsman and his training regimen is to be respected. If you could befriend this group, or perhaps capture and interrogate one, it might be a valuable source of intel for what lay within the keep."
"What's left are a few sargents and Vendikon's personal bodyguard. There is also the X-factor of whatever Chelish agents have already slimed their way into the walls, but I wouldn't put their number above 5..." he smooths his hair back "...at least if I've been doing my job."
"Vendikon stays in his tower and is a well-known practitioner of the arcane. You can expect magical and mundane traps and locks, not to speak of the keeps defenses...the murder hole here...sheer cliffs on 3 sides...here...it was built to withstand an army of giants from the hills tribes of old."
The goals seems clear enough. However, our covers could be compromised if there is already reasons for the abron to suspect there will be a siege to his keep. So, I guess that so far the Andoran army have not done any suspicious movement near the baron's keep
"One of my civilian agents, Gaskar, has been doing business with the grocer inside for a few months. If you go as his escort, looking like his merchant guard, I think the risk is minimized. They are not likely to turn away a shipment of food before a siege. I am not so sure they know we are coming yet, though. Our counter-intelligence was designed to give the appearance of a swing to the north."
The gentlemanly 1/2 orc frowns.
Not certain that we want to be conscripted, if viewed as guards.
Virgil taps his fingers rhythmically on his beautifully crafted longsword.
A tense look crosses his face "True, it would be a tragedy to face you on the fields. Still, infiltrating the guard in some depth might be one way you could gather security details of the keep and Baron's tower. You will need to get very close and remain undetected, somehow...I know you all can handle it."
Virgil nods.
Consider it handled. What is our window?
The 1/2 orc pauses as if thinking.
He stands up.
It may behoove us if we were not seen as part of the same group.
"If unimpeded, we intend to surround the main palisade by sundown tomorrow. Traveling with Gaskar's carriage, you would reach just after midday. Gaskar has orders to evacuate before the gates are sealed. If you intend to split up, I recommend you stay within earshot...if even one of you are arrested it could prove catastrophic."
He gruffly turns the subject "Additionally my secretary has prepared promissory notes for each of you in the magnitude of 2 and one-half thousand gold. We can hold or deliver this to the bank of your choice at your discretion. I give my word if you complete this mission, you will receive another of the same value."
Virgil looks at each of the others.
I suggest that we reconvine privately to better prepare our tactics?
The 1/2 orc steps toward the entrance.
General.
After audience with the general, you all have mostly free reign of the camp. You're given a spacious tent near the carriage. Most of the troops are busy chopping wood and building mobile siege equipment.
"Well said, Virgil."
Garan takes all of this in with increasing interest. He tries to keep his face impassive, but as the General continues his description he feels the rush of anxiety begin to fill him.
Before leaving the tent he again offers his salute.
"Thank you again for the opportunity, General. I am sure that we will be up to the task."
Garan looks at his companions appraisingly. Once outside, he speaks to them.
"Virgil Geryon, Nysha, Noya Yuuki Aiba? I knew the General was looking for talented operatives, but I could only guess at who he might have found. It's a pleasure to finally work with each of you."
"As far as disguises go, I am no Lion Blade, but I suppose fitting in as a guard may not be too difficult. Beyond that, it sounds like you may have a few ideas Virgil."
The smartly dressed 1/2 orc nods his head in gratitude.
As I have some familiarity with; disguises, deception, and causing disarray from within, I suggest that I enter apart from the merchant caravan. Perhaps, as a passenger of note.
Virgil stops, as he considers that option.
Nysha doesn't see any problem with Virgil plan
It could be convenient for us four to not be seen as a single group.
Virgil tips his head in the direction of the door.
He then activates Fearsome guise trick on him self....
....standing before the group is a handsome human male; roughly 5'6 and 160 pounds. He has long blond hair (tied into a ponytail) and green eyes. His clothing is rumbled, but well cut. He carries a longsword with what appears to be a family signet.
Gentlemen and ladies.
After an incredibly uncomfortable evening (the wood chopping did not stop...all...night...long), you gather to depart during breakfast. You're all given saddled horses that have a rather benign quality. A jovial, balding man meets you near the carriage and introduces himself "Gaskar's the name. I'll get you in, been there plenty of times, just leave it to ol' Gaskar. You see this?" he points at his mouth "Solid silver...ah.." just as he is about to continue his smile fades and he pauses "Good lord, you all look like you could slay a storm giant. Guess I'm in good company. Shall we depart?"
After passing the fitful night, Garan rises early with the others. He takes his time to get dressed, but leaves most of his jewelry stowed.
As the group gathers he questions Gaskar:
"Anything we need to know about the local militia? Anything in particular we need to avoid saying, for example?"
"The militia? Dimwits most of em...eh, they're good ol' boys I suppose. Keep guard might prod a bit more, suppose it depends how frantic things are. I reckon there's going to be a ruckus, what with the army advancin. Rumor's sure to reach them. I'd say wisest bet would just be to not offer information when none's been asked fer." he nods.
Shifting his weight in the saddle, and loading up a dark wooden pipe he goes on "Hmm what else is there now...Name 'o the place inside is the Forest Bounty. Bluff has a huge grocer, see, not a lot of farms up here. Last I was on this route was maybe 4 weeks ago, frequent it. Nothing in here but yams and peppers, what could happen?" he smiles with an obvious zest for life.
Is common for you to have different bodyguadrs each time you have gone to Pyren bluff, Mr Gaskar?
"I'm heard of everyone here, the general has gathered quiet the infiltration group."
she sees Virgil's disguise
"Not bad Virgil, have you decided your cover for that appearance."
"Haha, well wish I could say the life of delivering vegetables was a lodestone for skilled bodyguards, but it aint so. Aye, typical is they either are incompetent and get killed, or skilled and seek something with more honor. Been my experience anyways. There was old Clancy though, good one him, stuck with me a good year..." he trails on and on, recounting some minor skirmishes with raiders, "...won't be strange sight I'd think. Our positions reversed I'd be more worried about the kegs drying up too fast...good mead never lasts a siege."
Uhm, then, unless we all do our best to look incompetent, it could then be suspicious if you have three new body guards with you..., Maybe one of us should pretend to be the bodyguard of Virgil's fake identity -
Nysha study the merchant to see what kind of clothes and faked personality would serve best for her facade.
Gaskar is dressed modestly but adorns himself with a few eye-catching trinkets of unknown value. His blazer jacket has an exaggerated front dart line leading to the pockets, and the lapels are embossed as is the fashion in Star Bay.
"Hmm, I see your point. Forgot you guys were experts, dang, that's good thinking..."
He tries his best to describe some common similarities from past hired hands. He mentions that often, but not always, he recruits from Absalom where his route begins. Traitwise he'll scan for "big", "cheap", and "not idiot" in that order. "...eh sometimes I might take on a squire depending on their armor preferences. Musicians too, but they're a bit rare these days."
The rumbled (but still gentlemanly dressed) 1/2 orc approaches the wagoneer. His gait--slightly--developing a limp.
Mr. Gaskar. I am Johua Naran of the Augustana House. Have your man here fetch my bags. And I will be traveling in the carriage. Horses smell, my good man.
Noya goes off and disguises herself as a maid,
"Nice to meet you, I'm Atoli, Master Naran's Maid."
"Oy, so that's how it is then?" he shrugs. "Lettuce see if I can move some of this produce..." after moving some of the crates of yams and peppers to the trunk or on top there is plenty of room inside for the Naran entourage.
Virgil awaits the preparing of his carriage; tapping his gloved fingers on the hilt of his sword.
The proud noble purposely prepares his perch, before slowly sitting down.
This will do. Be a good driver, and let us avoid the bumps, shall we.
"Indeed sir, you won't feel a thing...Smoothride Gas they call me." he seems to reply earnestly and smiles as you get underway.
The morning sky is speckled with a few crisp, high cirrus. The pines roll by as the sounds of nature blend with the drone of the wheels on gravel. Soon more and more travelers join you on the road however and civilization overtakes.
As the Sun passes its peak Gaskar shouts back something like "Aya, what I tell ya? ...jam." In the hazy distance the tower of the last baron rises out of a great chasm. Before the gates of Piren's Bluff is a very long procession of refugees and other area traders, all seemingly trying to conduct their business ahead of the siege, kicking up a duststorm. Chuckling he offers "I've 'eard patience is a virtue, that true?" before throwing a yellow bandana across his jowls.
Garan peers ahead intently, trying to spy out if this is merely normal congestion, or if something unusual is afoot.
While peering, his hand absently moves to rest on his sword-hilt.
"Aye, Master Gaskar. Patience is quite a valuable skill - well worth the effort. We aren't really in a hurry as of now anyway."
I guess all this fuss may work to our advantage. Probably best the general didn't try to insert us earlier in the campaign, actually
Such a scene is likely common before the gates of Cassomir, Absalom, or Kaer Maga, but this little village up in the rocks? No, this is certainly not business as usual. A careful analysis over the course of the next few hours reveals that just as many people are trying to get in as get out, and that this clash of flows is the ultimate source of the situation at hand: a clusterbang.
Sitting atop a flat shelf of rock overlooking a narrow canyon leading deeper into the mountains, a tall wooden palisade broken here and there by watchtowers surrounds the town of Piren’s Bluff. A keep of obvious antiquity watches over the town from the highest elevation. Protected by stout stone walls and guard towers, this ancient bastion has long been the seat of power for the leaders of Piren’s Bluff and protects Andoran’s western border. Here, Baron Vendikon rules his people—for better or worse. From the reports trickling out of the isolated border town, “worse” seems to be most accurate.
A steady stream of men and women dressed in the thick clothing of mountain folk hurriedly enter and exit through the open gates, some of them pushing or pulling carts, others leading horses pulling wagons while guards watch them closely. The guards search wagons and carts, and scrutinize everyone entering, but none of the people entering the town are detained for very long.
But suddenly a few carriages before you, a conflict of honor has prompted a militiaman into a fistfight with one of the crag scraping traders. The large crowd swarms the scene as they brutally go fisticuffs in the dust at the heat of day.
