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Pyros nods his understanding of Valerie's disinterest. "Personally, I'd rather be practicing with my blade than attending such frivolity, but I figure I should humor Linzi for the good of the expedition." he says with a shrug.
Later...
Pyros stays near the edge of the party, nursing a drink and talking to people who approach him, occasionally going out of the way to say hello to someone he hasn't spoken to yet. He's by no means the life of the party, but you might get the impression he's trying to use the opportunity to make connections and at least no offend anyone.
Pyros' ears perk up when he hears his name. He looks around, and listens carefully. Soon enough, he locates Linzi and picks out a bit more of the conversation. He sighs. This is going to go badly.
He approaches obliquely, keeping people between himself and the little bard, until he is standing right behind her. "Linzi."
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"So little one, I like you already! What do you say, O, should we invite her to join us sometime?" He finishes with a loud guffaw.
Linzi gets a devilish look on her face. what he said could be taken *oh-so-many- ways*. She decides to dive-in?
Oh, I'd love to *join the both of you*. Do you mean join you for a game of poker? Using the double entendre of the last word with emphasis.Or do you you'd like a third person for *parlor games*? Or are you asking to make a stitch? I mean do some sewing?
She looks at their reactions, checking to see how "worldly" they are.
She then laughs. Oh, I bet you meant go out on an adventure... searching the forests - right?!
She looks intently at their reactions. She LOVES reading people and their reactions.
Then Pyros sneaks up, hearing the conversations and probably the rumors she'd been spreading.
Linzi spins around, very surprised at Pyro's voice being so close. He certainly snuck up on her!
OH! EXECUTIONER!! Don't you just *love* this party?! The music that's playing is a jammin' .The people are genuinely happy and feel safe. THAT-IS- ALL- BECAUSE - OF - Y-O-U! This wildlands needed an executioner, and you have tamed this part of the forest.
Oh, so I'm not rude - here's my two new friends. You freed them from slavers - right?
She gives this totally innocent look to Pyros.
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As people go their own way for the night and the party winds down, everyone eventually turns in. The next morning you immediately notice that the fog has mostly disappeared. Near Oleg's it is all gone. From one of the small towers on the corners of the wall you can finally see the horizon, with the wall of fog visibly retreating.
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Linzi wakes up very late. She takes the opportunity to sleep in and enjoy the life of an adventurer not yet going out on the trail.
Her room is a pig stye. There's crumpled up paper notes. There's bowls of eaten food (but not washed) on the floor. There's dirty clothes scattered. There's the contents of her backpack strewn about. Even her magic items, the ones not on her body (like rings and necklaces) are in random and unorganized places.
She snores a deep sleep. Only rising when someone knocks on the door to get her going to adventure more.
Awakening with the dawn as usual, Faerin slips on her cloak, and heads to the top of the most secluded of the wall towers, setting her cloak down on the wooden floor to greet the rising sun, letting the air and sunlight envelop her fully, communing with the natural world as she embraces the elements on her bare skin.
Her meditation complete, the druidess heads back to her room, spending time mixing different fruits, berries, and herbal extracts, and combining them with obscure druidic knowledge to produce concoctions of powerful magical effects.
Availing herself of a hot bath, she dresses and heads out to meet with the others, both her traveling companions and those that they'd rescued or helped so far.
Ekun leans in his window, watching the fog. He gives a sharp whistle. "Little one, wake up!" He calls out, pointing to the fog. "What do you make of that. It's retreating now all of a sudden."
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With a whine, Linzi replies to Ekun's promptings.
AL-Riii-ght. I'm waking up. I'm putting on my smiley face and my keen eyes- just give me a minute.
She makes her way out of bed. She peers out the same window as Ekun.
That's victory --Legs. That's what you are seeing. Our little group o' do-ers just done did. We got the fog to retreat. But we better go to it's edges and see how we can push it back further.
I've heard it said, "You are only as good as your last victory." Which means, the masses expect greatness from you time and time again. They have short memories, and even shorter patience. Alas, my job is to write fantastical stories to the masses, so I accept the rules of the situation.
She infers that her readership will want, and want until they are disappointed. Her fans and readers will never be sated- instead wanting epic to be trumped by even more epic.
Pyros rises early and spends the first hour of his day on exercises and practice with his blade. Once he's done he cleans up and heads for breakfast, eating several eggs, whatever meat is on hand at Oleg's, and some biscuits and gravy.
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From the previous information you had, you know that the Stag Lord's fort is about 22 hours of travel South from Oleg's. That puts it about 6 hours South of the Old Sycamore. The fort sits on a high bluff overlooking the north shore of Tuskwater lake.
So, who is going? I assume you want Harrim, but you can take one more if you would like.
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Here is a map:
Map 1
Oleg's is the Larger circle at the top of the map. The Old Sycamore is the large tree about two-thirds of the way down, and the Stag Lord's place is the fort symbol at the bottom of the map.
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In the morning, the various people gathered at Oleg's decide to divide the tasks of assaulting the Stag Lord and defending Oleg's between them. Kesten departed for Restov first thing in the morning with his men. Amiri begrudgingly agrees to stay at Oleg's with Linzi to help defend. Jhod and Tristian also are staying and spend much time talking to each other, especially about Jhod's vision and Tristian's pursuit of curses that seem to be unusually common in the Stolen Lands.
Your group departs soon after Kesten and heads South. The trip to the Stag Lord's fort is a two day trip and, as usual, what passes for roads here are plagued by wild beasts and bandits. You encounter several along the way, but kill or scare off each of them. On the eve of the second day, you are within sight of the high bluff where the Stag Lord's fort sits.
Over the next two days, Faerin occupies herself with getting better acquainted with the newer of her companions, along with keeping an eye out for danger, and collecting various ingredients for her concoctions. While the few bandits and wild animals they encountered were nothing they couldn't handle, she spent quite a bit of time considering their approach.
As they take sight of the bluff where the fort sits, she chimes in on the discussion of how to proceed. "I have a spell that might be helpful. I can send an insect to scout to the fort. Bugs don't really pay attention to the people there, but it would be able to give me a good idea of the layout of the fort, buildings, doors, gates, windows...things like that."
"Do you know why Octavia & I are alive? Planning. Not that we planned to stay alive, I'm not sure we did ... but an unplanned escape is a short path for sure.
I say cast the spell elf; let's see what we are dealing with, let's see who I can fry on the sly hehehehehe"
Octavia burbles. "We are alive for now at least! Though I'm sure certain people are still looking for us... We appreciate your help, in any case. Let's deal with this Stag Lord together!"
She squints at the fort in the distance. "Intelligence is key! The more we know, the better we will take these bandits down!" She pulls out her spellbook and flips through it. "I have prepared two spells that I think might aid us: The first conjures a cloud of mist that will keep those of us inside concealed from archers. The second allows four of us to see through the mist, allowing us to counterattack while hiding. I propose I cast the latter before we assault the stronghold, and the former just as the battle is joined."
She flips a few more pages. "I have the capacity for one additional spell, which I can prepare now. Perhaps a second casting of obscuring mist? I also have two castings of reduce person, which will shrink a human being to the size of a halfling. However, it takes a long time to cast and its duration is not much longer than a single conflict."
Harrim rubs his beard contemplatively, looking at a general map of the area.
If not today, then tomorrow or the next. Such is the end of all things... He replies in part too Regongar, in part to voice his own pondering. He then lets out a harrumph.
Still, I suppose days hence is better than today. I will not rush the inevitable if it need not be. I'd rather we guide these poor souls to their final rest, so I will nary disagree with scouting. That said, we likely 'ave a good idea of what to expect. Either way, the real trick will be both entering and move around without drawing the entire place down on our 'eads. Hmm. Harrim seems to lose himself to his thoughts once more. After a bit, he speaks up once again.
As for the latter, I have to admit, I've never been adept at moving quietly, and this armor makes it nigh impossible now. It may be best to try and go at night, when the most would be sleepin' and eyes of guards be heavy.
He casts an eye towards the cheerful elf
Octavia, ye wouldn't 'appen to have a spell what could make one large do ye? For myself, many of me spells, are to enhance my strength or combat power. Though, I do 'ave a few to harm and debilitate.
"Well my dear Harrim, I know that such a spell exists, but I'm afraid I do not yet know how to cast it. I hope to learn it someday, for I've often said to Regongar how nice and effective it would be to enlarge him--" She stops suddenly, blushing, and does not continue her thought.
"Well my dear Harrim, I know that such a spell exists, but I'm afraid I do not yet know how to cast it. I hope to learn it someday, for I've often said to Regongar how nice and effective it would be to enlarge him--" She stops suddenly, blushing, and does not continue her thought.
"My Octavia, always the brightest of the bunch ... and I think she's right. Pushing in through the backdoor really might be a better fit."
"For all of us."
"After the bugs get us a map, maybe we can find a better approach than storming the gate. Even at night, that's where the guards will be. If we pick off a few who are sleeping, then Obscure the attack on the gate guards, there may not be as many left when we get to the house itself."
Those two really made sure Valerie's eye muscles got a good exercise, as she rolls them at every cringeworthy comment by Regongar or Octavia.
"Do we actually know the lay of the land around the fort? Are there any other possible approaches other than the front door?"
"What we don't know, Faerin's scout should be able to tell us." Pyros says to Valerie. After contemplating, he turns to the group as a whole "A night attack might be a good idea. As far as I know, the Stag Lord and his goons are mostly, if not entirely, human, and should be at a disadvantage in the dark." he pauses and glances between himself and Valerie "Though it will give some of us trouble as well."
Grinning in amusement at Octavia and Regongar's interplay, and even more so at Valerie's expression, Faerin nods as the group agrees on her proposed course of action. Sitting on the ground, the druidess begins to chant softly in druidic for a while before a hornet flies over to land on her outstretched palm.
Giving her chosen messenger instructions to fully survey the fort and return a few hours after sunset, she sends it off with a smile, the insect immediately zipping off toward the fort.
"If they become a regular thing, night missions, I might need to start training myself to get around without seeing. Hone other senses. But that's for later, right now I'll have to make due with my lantern. Which will give away our position." Valerie was holding the lantern on her belt in one hand. If she put it away she'd be good as blind but she also wouldn't give away their position. But if she tripped and broke her leg she'd be useless.
"Let's wait and see what the scout reports and make our choices then."
"If it makes you feel any better, while most of us can see relatively well in twilight, I suspect only Harrim and Regongar will be able to see everything in total darkness." Faerin replies to Valerie.
"Though you're right about the usefulness of learning to fight in the dark. Besides, once the fighting starts I doubt the lantern will draw that much attention. From what I know of arcane magic, Olivia and Regongar will be lighting the place up when we're in the thick of it." she says with a chuckle, looking over at the pair.
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Waiting the night, you begin your scouting first thing in the morning. The fort sits on a high bluff about two miles North of the lake. The North and West sides of the fort are bounded by nearly sheer cliffs. The East side drops away from the fort in a steep slope cluttered with dense underbrush, but not much real cover. To the South, the land slopes gently down to the area you are in now until it flattens out and meets the shore of the lake. The gate also faces South and has a well worn path, almost a road, leading to it. There are copses of trees that dot the Southern approach, the closest being a mere 50 yards or so from the walls.
The fort itself is a simple four walled palisade. As stated, the walls on the North and West side abut the cliffs. The North wall is mostly comprised of a large log manor. Inside there is only one other building, against the West wall, which are stables. There are several sheds, mostly occupying the Eastern part of the fort.
In the early afternoon, as you are watching the fort from your hidden vantage point, you notice a group of what appear to be bandits coming up the road. As they near your position, you recognize the leader as the woman, Kressle, who you had "pardoned" at the Thorn River ford. They will pass within 20 yards of your position if they continue as they are.
"That's Kressle...she's sort of a bandit sub-leader. Not much love for the Stag Lord but not in a hurry to side against him. She stood down once, do we give her the offer to walk away a second time or Take them out now. If they make it to the fort or job only gets more difficult." Faerin whispers, looking over at Pyros.
"Agreed. Do we confront them and try to talk it out? I thought Kressle had given up working for the Stag Lord? Or do we just jump them.?"
It seems unbecoming to ambush one you have already come to terms with. Though, then again... He lets his thought taper off. He doesn't see a reason to suddenly attack them, though, he doesn't have much reason not to either. Other than past dealings.
Octavia flicks her hair out of her eyes with a haughty expression. "She has probably betrayed you. There is no honor among bandits, it seems! If we don't stop her, she will see us and likely warn the Stag Lord we are coming. If their scouts don't see the fighting!"
"While that may be true, she is Svetlana's sister. If we can settle this without her ending up dead, I'd prefer it. We can confront them before they get closer to the fort. Either they agree or we do what we must, but we at least can say that we tried." Faerin says after further consideration.
Watching the approaching bandits she begins casting a spell, her druidic chants calling upon tall grass, weeds, and other plants to wrap around them, creating a mass of entangling vegetation. "Shall we say hello?" she says rising and preparing to approach them.
Nodding to Fearin, "We should. and if we cannot keep the conversation 'cordial' we should still endeavor to get as much information from them as possible. We need what they know."
Okay, well this is getting tougher than it should be.
So how about I cast Prestidigitation, use it to write LET'S TALK on the side of my waterskin, and then cast Mage Hand so that I can float it 35' in front of me, and make my way to a position where I will still have cover but Kressle will, presumably, notice and take a look at a floating waterskin.
At that point, I certainly have enough Diplomacy bonuses and Charmingness to have a conversation ...
[not sure where the person named Signy is who originally spoke to Kressle]
That's not a bad idea, Regongar.
"and if anyone else wants me to monogram their waterskin, say the word ..."
Reg casts PRES and uses his finger to write Let's Talk in bright red
"I should only need to be about 7-10 yards closer to the trail for me to get this where they can spot it"
He casts MAGE HAND and points to the waterskin, moving it about 35' in front of him as he walks forward
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Kressle immediately notices the floating waterkin and then notices your group. She recognizes Pyros and Faerin right away.
"Well, this is a surprise." Kressle flips you a salute. She seems focused, but sullen.
"I was just on my way to pay the Stag Lord a visit, and I don't expect it to be a friendly one. How about we go together? I would appreciate the help in the fight."
"Sounds like we're here for similar reasons." Faerin says, surprised. "Nice to see that you found a few others that share the sentiment. Anything you can tell us about how many we're likely to find inside?"
Reg reaches out his hand, his waterskin flies over, and he waves his other hand over it to remove the writing. He winks at Kressle.
"Thanks for coming over," his toothy grin could be a lot to take in, "there has to be a way for us to establish an edge going into the battle, and whatever it is, we should grab it. Are there dogs? Sorry, but the stealthy types should kill them all. Let's deal with swords, not teeth. Are there traps or assault provisions? Let's mess with them.
I might not smother anyone with kisses after this ... but I wouldn't mind surviving so I could have that option."
"There's probably a dozen or so people in there at any one time. Plus Akiros will be in there, he's the Stag Lord's right hand man, although I don't know why. I think he is running from something, but he definitely has some sort of noble or church background, and he is the best fighter I've ever seen. Auchs and Dovan are there too. Auchs is just a stupid brute, but he is very capable. Dovan is a scary one. He gives me the creeps with the way he loves to hurt people. He relies more on stealth and striking people at a disadvantage, and he just loves torture."
Octavia lowers her bow as it seems like the woman is not immediately hostile. "Where is the fighting likely to take place, inside the fort? What is the terrain like?" she asks hesitantly.
"Can you talk us through the gate, Kressle? It'd be nice not to have to try to storm it while archers shoot at us from the walls."
Harrim keeps to himself for now. There was a time for preaching, and while he so loved to do so with those that could not help but listen he would give them a reprieve for now.
"He likely wouldn't allow us to enter unless he thought you were bringing us as prisoners." Faerin comments.