Immortal, do you plan on resurrecting this game in the near future? I was just curious. Thanks. Hope everyone is going well. :)
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Happy New Year! May 2018 be a great, positive year for all. :)
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, everyone! :)
Immortal, it's okay to take a break from the game and sort out all you have on your RL plate. Just let us know how much time (approx) you need away from the game and we can get back to it once your RL has settled somewhat. Really, please don't feel bad about it -- I'll still be here when you get back to the game (as I'm sure others will be, too). You need to show yourself some kindness, too. Hugs. There's no issue with putting a pause on the game.
Rain looked up at the summit and then back to the group, addressing not only the speakers but the rest, "I could attempt such a thing. Alas, Dhaavan has said the winds are very strong at the summit and I would not want to risk everyone inside the bag in my care."
Seeing Amen take immediately to the air and then try to hover in the skies above but falter a little under the forces of the strong winds, Rain asked Neko to send a telepathic message to the girl, //Too dangerous and you're faltering, little sister. Come down or find a ledge if you can to wait for us. The others have said to climb and we shall climb up.//
Rain removed the silk rope from her pack and placed it over her shoulder. She began to cast and laid her hand against her opposite arm. Looking to Neko, she instructed, "When we're almost up to the top, teleport to the top, please. Be mindful, Neko." Then standing beside the other two, Rain began to climb up one of the safest routes.
I'm busy with work at the moment, but Rain has +10 to climb and has ropes and I will post some rp. Neko can also teleport up there.
Okay, I just spoke to Immortal via PM and he told me that the entire switchback has gotten taken out by the landslide. We can attempt to fly up it, but it's dangerous. Climbing seems to be our best bet or some magical means. He also said he'd be posting in a few hours and has been held up due to work stuff. He gives his apologies.
Ok, so I'm a little confused. Dhaavan says it's too difficult to fly up there without perfect flight, but people want Rain to fly up there? She has average flight capability and I can give it a try if that's what the group wants. I just need clarification.
Rain has muleback cords which can help with her carrying and flying. She also has her animal focus (bull) which can up her STR score by an additional +2 for 4mins/day. But remember she could also use her animal focus to up her DEX score to help with her flying. I will be out of the game all day and night today, however I will be able to post over the weekend. I just won't be available to post as regularly/timely as I have been over the next few days. If I'm not around and Rain is necessary, GM please kindly bot her. Also, Immortal, I'll keep you in the loop with how things are going here. Thanks for your understanding.
She had heard Amen's question or statement, but before she had the chance to speak the girl deferred to Variel. She had heard her betrothed's answer but she gave her own as well, "Sandara, Shivikah and Fishguts will not be idle for they will be catching crabs and fish for our stores. They will work together for safety which is admirable as we know the strangeness of this isle we have inherited." She looked back at the other members of the crew, "Conchobar!" she called up to the rigger, "You have charge of the ship in our absence or until Sandara's return. If sign of threat, signal us, via bell or shot, and let no one take the ship. The Wheel is tied off. Keep your eyes on the water, horizon and overhead." Looking to Amen, she added, "And as Variel stated, little sister, the others know their duties and do no require my direction. Each officer has seen to those they have charge of, and, I am certain Flynn has advised his gunners and alike to be on the ready." -----
Rain, with her knowledge of the wilds, take lead with Variel, surveying the vegetation and land, on the look out for threat or danger/pitfalls or any discernible tracks that had not been washed away by the rain or obscured by the dense vegetation.
Neko's nose lifted in the air and she sniffed, attempting to smell any predator or anything of particular note to aid her mistress as she moved through the jungle. The heavy rain was not to Neko's taste, but she would bear it for Rain's sake.
Looking back at her companions, Rain asked quietly, "The bridge looks in disrepair. Those with knowledge of such structures, please determine if it can be crossed or if we have to find another way over."
Immortal, can we move to the morning and start from there or do you have plans for the evening aboard the ship? ;)
Sandara looks at you strangely and says What do you mean while you were gone? You never left. You went through one side of the portal and came right out the other. Are you feeling alright? She sighed inwardly. "Aye, I am well enough. Thank you, Sandara." Then she heard the others speaking, but her thoughts were so occupied that she only caught pieces of their conversation. When Horatio voiced his presence, Rain turned to look as Amen was embracing her guardian. "It is good to see you, Flynn. It seems whatever dream we had was different to yours. I am certain Amen will fill you in on all that transpired with us."
"We anchored here in the bay just before we were whisked through the portal. Let us sleep and rest and then tackle land in the morning."
"Aye. Rest well, Flynn. Let's ensure that box and coin are not placed together below deck. Keep them separated yet secure." And with that she caught Amen's glance but the girl went below deck without saying anything. If it was of import, Amen would tell her in the morning. Rain moved to the Wheel and check the ropes she had placed earlier tying it off. Reassured it was secure, she moved toward Variel and helped set watch for the night. Then she found a quiet position away from the others, and with Neko beside her, sat cross-legged on the deck and began her hourly prayer/meditations for some of her spells before retiring for the night.
Variel, we'd just arrived and anchored in a safe position in the bay when the coin activated the dome around the ship and opened the portal.
I thought we were meant to get some sleep/rest at this time. So, does Variel still want to take the ship further up north? I just want to get the scene clear in my head before I attempt any rp. Thanks.
As Rain was about to respond to the Tyrells, a portal suddenly opened up and gathered them toward and through it. She then felt the familiar boards beneath her feet and the sway of a ship as the portal closed. Rain looked up and noted the dome was no more. She shook her head as if attempting to clear her mind and gather herself. By her legs was Neko, who was staring up at her with brilliant emerald eyes. Through their mental link Rain spoke, //What will our new allies think of us now?// Neko's tinkling voice replied, //It matters naught, mistress, for we are returned to our rightful place.// Rain tilted her head at the statement from the golden cat, but said no more. What will the kobolds and the Samsaran think of our sudden departure? Mayhap they will not remember us, Rain privately mused. Taking the pack from her back, Rain moved toward the Captain's cabin to deposit it there before heading to the Wheel. She kept her weapons on her person. Neko had moved to the helm in the meanwhile, knowing her mistress would come to stand there soon enough (as was her way). Gesturing to Sandara, whom she left command of the Wheel to, Rain asked, "Is all well, Sandara? Did anything new and out of the ordinary happen while we were gone?"
Well done to Dain/Flynn for all the work he put into the side quest. I'm good with keeping Flynn's side quest in stasis for a later date. It'd be good to finish it at some point in the future. :)
Rain stood to the side of Variel, with Neko on her other side. After Variel's introduction, Rain inclined her head toward the lord and lady of Castle Urion. "Well met, Lord and Lady Tyrell. I am Rain Taneththir, Pilot of The Dread Lady." She waited until the nobles had responded to Variel's overture.
"Pardon, Lord Tyrell, but we were made to believe that our services would be useful against the Chelaxian pirate problem in your region. Is this not the case now?"
In a steady voice, Rain responded to the scrutiny, "Lady Tyrell, is something amiss? Your gaze keenly falls on each of us in turn and it made me wonder. Can we help you with something?"
Dain GM will be posting responses tomorrow. Just a FYI.
"There is nothing to forgive, Ryūjin-san. Forgive us any offence. Rest well. Until next we meet," and with that Rain bent and bowed afore the departing Samsaran and silver kobolds. She watched them move around the screen and out into the Common space.
Watching Amen's demonstration and scowl, Rain lifted her hand up and quietly spoke, "Calm, little sister. They have said they will aid us and we shall meet again at the castle. Have faith it will be so." And noting the drinking from the flask, quickly added, "And too much drink will addle your mind and make you sick. Please slow down. We need clear heads and sound stomachs come morning."
Listening to both companions, Rain steadily interceded, "Peace. I made formal introduction for Jiro and included his rank among us as he entered the space. Jiro is right - there was no further need for such things. Please stop drinking that firewater, Amen. I need you of clear mind."
Rain closed her eyes for a moment and took a breath. Upon opening them, she uttered with great patience, "Any misdeed shall be remedied. Jiro did bow as they left us, I am certain they saw it. The newfound friendship is salvageable." Looking as Amen petted Neko, Rain looked to them all, "Alright. I will leave some coin for the food and drink and then we will find Variel and the others." Pushing aside her cloak, Rain withdrew her coin pouch and removed coin enough for the four of them and a spare coin for Lily's services and placed them on the table. Putting the pouch and cloak back into place, she added, "Let's go. We still have much to do before we find rest this night." She smiled at her companions and then strode toward the screen and beyond to go find Variel, if he was still up. "Jiro, doesn't Ryūjin mean 'Dragon God' in Minkaian? You might be right about my dragon wings being the reason they showed such respect toward me. Also, their Queen Kane is known as the Dragon Queen ... So much to think on..." Rain's voice trailed off as she entered the Common Room and looked around for the others. Neko's purrs echoed loudly in her mind.
Rain heard Jiro's whispered words through the message spell. They had all been blessed by the great dragons during their mighty battle and fall, but none of them were dragons posing as mortals. And it had never occurred to her that they believed Jiro her superior and she his mouth piece. She was suddenly even more glad to have been born an Elf and come from Tempest Cay. As Rain waited to hear from either the silver kobold or Ryūjin-san, Rain picked up her goblet of wine and once more sipped and whispered against the vessel (via the message spell), ~~~I will politely correct them if that is what they presume. And don't forget to bow. You, too, must show respect.~~~
Rain looked across to Jiro and taking a drink, she whispered against the cup, through the message spell, ~~~We are almost done and we can leave together. But if you feel you must go now, then so be it. I will see you in the Common Room shortly.~~~ Putting her cup down, she looked up at her dining companions, a polite smile on her face and listened.
Rain was about to respond when the Minkaian order to salute was given and the silver kobold warriors and Ryūjin-san all stood and bowed before her in different degrees. Such pomp and supplication were not something Rain was used to nor put much value in, but she knew this lot to be noble and part of their culture and thus she did not want to offend.
Rain had no idea of Ryūjin-san's rank, but he was certainly above the kobolds and thus she would show respect. Standing and drawing a breath in, she bowed before them at a steady/natural pace, hands crossed gracefully in front of her body to an equal level of the Samsaran and then held it for a few seconds. How I wish I was back on the ship and at sea, she mused privately. She was not the diplomat aboard the Lady and she did not want to shame herself or her sailing companions by clumsily undertaking this display of respect. I hope I'm recollecting the way Minkaian women bow correctly. Quietly breathing out, she steadily raised herself and politely responded, "I am uncertain why you have shown me such respect, but I thank you all the same. Please, let us be at ease with one another once more." Neko's emerald eyes had taken in the formal display and the golden cat had purred contentedly at the show of respect toward her mistress. Pausing for a moment to see if they would comply, Rain continued on in a steady voice, "If you must leave at dawn, then there is no conflict and I wish you well on your journey. I am certain we will meet each other again at Castle Urion on our arrival or thereafter as we will need to make arrangements with the lord's people to speak with him. I have been given directions by Christopher Ironhorse and Priest Daeron. I am good with navigating land, even though I am better at sea."
Jiro: Amen-set was with Rain, Neko and Jiro behind the screen, so she knows all that was discussed there. She's still there with Rain and Neko at present.
"Aye, Master Ittō. I possess the ability to fly."
"It seems we are headed in the same direction. Since we are newcomers to these lands we thought it best to travel and present ourselves to the Lord in daylight rather than dead of night. It has been a taxing day and it is right we rest and start afresh in the morning."
"Well met, Master Ryūjin. And aye, I come from a long line of seafarers. And by and by we will return to our homeland and the undertakings we have there. For now we bide here in hopes of gaining the knowledge we require and provide aid to your Queen."
Rain observed the distracted silver kobolds, but could not make out their intent.
Rain looked from the Samsaran to the silver kobold warrior and inclined her head, "I can't see why we should not travel together if we are all headed to Castle Urion. I shall speak with my Captain and other companions this night to conclude our travel arrangements and then send word to your room. We mean to head out after dawn prayers have been conducted and we've broken our fast." Rain lifted her mug of wine and saluting her dining companions took a long sip. Then placing the mug down, she lifted her spoon and ladled some of the tasty chicken broth into her mouth. Through the active message spell and between small mouthfuls of soup, she whispered to the silent Jiro, ~~~Do you have any further questions for our current companions or do we finish our meal, politely excuse ourselves and find the others?~~~
"I had heard of her current location through a newly come by ally. If I flew, I could reach there faster, so there is that." She nodded and smiled at the silver kobold warrior.
"We have an adept gunslinger among our lot. He has not arrived as yet, but he has taught Amen-set much for she is his ward. You are right, weapons at range can promptly harm one with sword across a battlefield. But there are ways to overpower the ones with such weapons."
"Aye. We leave for Castle Urion in the morning. After introductions with the Lord have been made, I hope we can get down to business. Will you be remaining here for a short duration or are you to return to your Lady Seti?"
She had little time for staring contests. Rain had never met a Samsaran before, but she had heard stories from her grandfather and elder kin. Watching the strange man drink, Rain's lips curled up in cordial, practiced smile, and with as much courtesy as she could muster under the circumstances, asked "And you, sir, what is your name? It would not do to be seated at a table with someone and not exchange such courtesies. As my sister has mentioned my name is Rain Taneththir and I am Pilot of The Dread Lady of The Shackles."
Still really sick, and, loopy on meds. If my rp is slow, short or doesn't make sense, my apologies. I hope once I start to feel better, the rp will increase.
"We have yet to meet the Dragon Queen Kane or her sister, the Lady Seti. I would like to before we leave your lands."
"We will attempt to aid your cause. I was sailing before I could walk, Master Ittō. I fight with pike, trident and sword in main. They use muskets or do you mean cannons?"
Lowering her head a little so her mouth was partially obscured, she whispered back to Jiro via the message spell, ~~~I agree. If subtlety does not work then we should speak plainly and ask.~~~ At mention of the strange male with pale blue skin and white eyes, Rain cast a quick glance in his direction, measuring the man and attempting to determine his race.
I'm dealing with a nasty virus and I'm still at work. Jiro, I'll have Rain reply to you via the message spell later tonight when I have some time to post. Dain, the same with the Ogami Itto. Thanks for your patience.
Take care of yourself, Dain GM.
He bows his head slightly and whispers to Rain. Via message spell: ~~~How can we help without a ship?~~~ But he listens with interest to the kobold's answer as well as Rain's private one. Rain bent her head a little as if wiping away a crumb of bread and whispered back to Jiro via the message spell, ~~~The rivers cannot be deep enough to travel with ships such as ours without running aground. Mayhap this Lord of Castle Urion can help with a boat.~~~ Rain then looked up and placed a polite smile upon her face as she waited upon Ogami Ittō's reply.
Thanks for joining in, Jiro. I appreciate it. :) Dain GM: I have no issue with Rain looking into the Sylph/Hobbits or the Elven Outriders. I'll take it one at a time for now, if that's okay. And thanks for the compliment regarding my rp on this side quest.
Just as Rain had began to look about the space and determine whether the folk behind the screens could be trusted, it was then that Amen found her voice and began to openly converse with the patrons, revealing all before Rain even had time to gauge their very natures. Neko sniffed the air as the fragrant meat and fish were brought before her. She was about to tuck into her food with great gusto when she was mentioned by the blue-faced one and the silver lizard creature. Upon Amen's request and the patrons acceptance, they moved across to the full table; Rain bringing over Neko's food. Breaking off a chunk of the warm bread and dipping it into the honey, Rain placed it on the lip of in the wooden bowl filled with the hot soup. Pouring herself some of the tea, she waited on the wine she had asked Lily to bring. "Well met," Rain politely smiled as she inclined her head to the people at the table. Neko's emerald gaze thoughtfully studied each person, before settling down on her haunches by Rain and digging into the food provided her. Rain untied the strings of her cloak and pushed it back, allowing her furled, silver wings a little more room.
"Aye, she is my companion, and, always travels with me. Your fine regard for her will please her very much."
Via the message spell, Rain replied, ~~~Of course, Jiro. Please join us. They speak your native tongue.~~~ Rain watched as Lily went through the speech about removing shoes to Jiro. She lifted her hand in greeting to her kitsune companion as he neared the table and then made room for him on her right side as Neko was seated to her left. To the varied people around the table, Rain made a quick introduction, "Another of my companions, Seijiro Hakamura, our ship's quartermaster."
Taking a clean mug, Rain filled it with the warm wine. She would rather it had been room temperature, but she would not make a fuss. Turning to the silver kobold, she answered in a discreet manner, "Although we have recently arrived, we are most eager to return to our ship. Yet, we have heard that this part of the country is under threat of Chelaxian pirates. It would seem we could help you. What know you of this threat, Master Ittō?"
This is an in game discussion post: Rain is currently seated with the group behind the screens. If any other player wants to join her, please feel free to come over and sit down at the table. I actually encourage it, or like Rajah you may investigate one of the other things in the Common Room. As I'm at work currently, I'll hold off the rp for now in case Jiro or anyone else decides to join the conversation. I will make a post much later tonight, my time. Thanks kindly.
I'm sorry you're feeling sidelined, but respectfully I don't believe that is what is happening in game to your character. I honestly feel so stretched with Rain when she has to take on multiple tasks, when in game she is not designed to do that and in real life, I lead a very busy life just like any other player. I'm just asking for people to be proactive and go help when they see they can based on skills etc. It makes for a better game for all - players and GM. If a player can't play/post, then let the other players know asap so we can adjust the game accordingly and cover the absence/gap. Thanks for hearing me out.
Amen cast two lesser restoration spells on Jiro recently - I wouldn't take that as her not liking Jiro. Even if that was the case, Rain is there and Rain does like Jiro, so the point becomes null and void. I'm just frustrated with this ongoing lack of care and/or silence in this game (by multiple players). It's not respectful to the active players or the acting GM who's trying his best. If players didn't want to take on the side quest, then they should have said so and not joined in.
Respectfully, anyone can be proactive. Jiro and Rajah were supposed to be info gathering in the Common Room when Rain and Variel were upstairs interviewing the wounded man. Nothing happened and so now I'm having Rain undertake it with the help of npcs. Jiro could have said, "Wait, I'll come too. There's folk who speak my native tongue. I'd like to meet them," for eg. The only reason Amen asked Rain specifically is because I was posting and active on the board.
Okay, I'm a little irked/baffled now. That's two people gone off to sleep in game (and Dhaavan's completely MIA) when there's stuff happening and it would be nice to have some help. Immortal is still busy with his evacuated mother and there's no ETA when he'll start back on the main game thread. So, since the side quest is still active, I can't understand this lack of participation. Dain GM was kind of enough to take this on while Immortal was taking a month or so off and Rain can't do everything. Come on, guys and gal. It'd go quicker and be more fun if people participated. Thanks.
Amen had set off for the screened section of the Common Room and beckoned Rain to come. Looking to Variel, she quietly had a word, "I will find you after I am done here. In case of trouble, I'll be by those screens or beyond. Amen seeks my aid." Rain watched as Variel made his way to the sleeping chambers, then turned her gaze to her golden cat, "Come, let us circulate the room," and the two moved toward Amen. Once beyond the screens, they were greeted by a Halfling serving maid, Lily. Rain smiled. "Good eve. I am Rain, this is my sister Amen-set and my cat, Neko. A mug of wine and something hot from the pot would be lovely. If you have roasted chicken or other strips of meat, kindly bring a small bowl for my cat."
As the ratfolk, Rikkan, came to help them out of their boots and into the clean slippers, Rain's dark blue brow quirked at the service, but she permitted it for this was their rule. She uttered a quiet, "Thank you," and gave Rikkan a small smile once he had finished the task. Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister." Rain then moved to the low table Lily had gestured to earlier and after Amen was seated, sat down at one of the vacant mats. Neko padded over and sat beside her on the neighbouring mat; the golden cat's full tail brushing back and forth as her emerald eyes assessed the space and her nose gently sniffed the air. Rain's own turquoise eyes casually/discreetly moved about the patrons in his place, watching people and listening to any passing conversation she could hear, in Minkaian or any other tongue spoken behind the screens. +2=32
I'm off to a birthday party. Rain will go with Amen. I'll toss up a post later in my afternoon.
Good luck sorting out the roof, Immortal. Hope your family in Florida are safe. With Rajah and Jiro circulating among the tavern folk, did they learn anything there while Rain and Variel questioned the wounded man?
Sebastian Donato seemed eager to speak and tell them of his predicament and that of his Captain. "I am sorry your Captain suffered such a terrible fate at the hands of these scoundrels. I am glad you did not follow him. You have been most helpful, Master Sebastian. Now, rest and regain more of your strength." As they left the room and the recovering man on the cot, Rain looked to Variel and then Christopher Ironhorse and Daeron, "We appreciate your aid in this endeavour, Master Ironhorse. We shall follow in the morning and we will find you so we may be introduced to the lord of the castle>" Rain inclined her head at Ironhorse's courtesy. Upon Daeron's parting words, Rain smiled and replied in lilting Elven, "Until next we meet," and watched as both males took their leave to begin their ride to Castle Urion this night.
"This Lord of Castle Urion may employ a spellcaster with deep magic who can open another portal for us to travel back to the ship. But aye, I would know what these Gray Corsairs know so we may better deal with the Chelaxian spies on our seas and lands. If we must help them with their impending pirate threat, then so be it so we may return home." Neko moved across to Rain and came to sit beside her mistress, her golden fur and emerald green eyes glistening in the candlelight. Catching Amen's deflated tone, Rain looked upon the young woman, "We may yet engage this threat, little sister. It seems our paths have converged and we share a common enemy with our new River Kingdom allies."
Between flying and riding in the rain, Rain's muscles were thrumming and she felt as if she'd been travelling for days even though only a day had past since they were transported to these kingdoms. Alas, much had happened since then. Rain dismounted her horse as did Neko who had been seated afore her. It had taken some persuasion for the mount to accept the golden cat's presence, yet Rain managed to settle the mare well enough. She, too, handed her reins to the stable boy. In the yard outside the tavern, Rain unfurled her silver dragon wings and stretched them, feeling the wind brush along the leathery membrane. It felt good to stretch them out. Not wanting to garner too much notice, Rain furled them by her side.
"I will join you. Neko can attend Amen-set until my return." Rain smiled at the younger woman, trusting Amen with her cat companion. Looking to Variel, she asked, "Var, will you join us? You were the one to find this man among the webs."
"I prefer to stay here tonight, rise early and then ride to the castle. What say you?," she asked her companions.
I hope you feel better soon, Dain GM. Enjoy the con, Jiro.
On a side note, has Rajah been offered a formal commission aboard the Lady and a position among the officers? I don't think I saw that played out in game unless it was done so behind the scenes or in spoilers (I don't read other people's spoilers). Thanks!
Well, I played it out a little. Variel, as Captain, perhaps you need to chime in at some point in the game (with instruction)? The Captain and First Mate are unusually quiet and the Pilot is trying her best. ;p
Having given more thought to the issue of the trees by the tower, Rain shared her suspicions, "I believe the Rowan is an Ent, caring for the Oaks in the forest around the tower. We did not harm any of the trees and therefore it simply stood, watchful. The other trees at the border of the copse did assail the spider, so I think they may be Huoron. That would explain the unusual fog around the tower last eve and the missing remains of the spider. Such knowledge should be noted for other explorations to the tower ruins. I am uncertain why they did not try to assail the tower itself." Looking to Ironhorse and Daeron, "Perhaps the Lord of Castle Urion or your Queen know more of such things." Rain listened as Christopher gave direction via the river to their township. She nodded upon the conclusion, "That is good to know. Thank you."
"Not if Ironorse or Daeron gave me a letter of introduction to pass to their lord or some such assurance of my identity."
"Plainly, I would rather we kept together as I am well versed in fighting and this is a foreign place to me. I am simply seeking faster passage through this place so we may arrive at the Castle before nightfall. There are dangers in this place we are not versed in and I'd rather not be caught out during a storm in the night. If we can be rid of the travois and picked up pace we could surely reach our destination faster. The man is stable now and we still do not know if he is friend or foe."
Ok, thanks for letting me know, Var.
9 rounds of Haste isn't bad. Thanks, Jiro. I'll decide on what Rain will do soon. Is anyone else trying anything to move us along faster? Also, Thoughts on flying with the wounded guy? Rajah's given his opinion (thanks). Honestly, I don't want to divide the party but I'm trying to come up with ideas to get us out of the elements and open landscape sooner than tomorrow and it'd be good to hear other ideas in game.
If Variel cast Haste on Rain, how much time would she save flying with the wounded guy? I'm on the phone and I can't check the duration of the spell. It's late here and I have a very early start. Once I know more about the Haste, then I can rp some more, including Rain's know nature check re the trees. Post will be made in my morning.
Dain GM: Rain said she'd follow by air the two riders (Nicolae and Robb?) who went ahead to get to the castle sooner and send more men out to the group. That's not doable?
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