To Jon:
Guligak shrugs. "Fine by me. The chance of fighting is better than no chance of fighting."
Andrea presses close to her 'protector' her eyes challenging the other whores in the room, daring them to say something ...she smiles as they back down. She takes what ever drink is given her and drinks slowly..her ears and eyes alert to pick up any clues here as to the guards state of mind.
"Which is fine with you, Guligak? Spending the night on the walls or trying the tunnel? "
"We spend one day playing soldier, then use the tunnel after we've had a look around."
"We spend one day playing soldier, then use the tunnel after we've had a look around."
Jon breaks the huddle. "Captain, we'll take job. There's just a few things. We've got two friends along, one's a camp follower, good for chores and menial work. The other's a halfling, he's not a stand up fighter, but he's clever, can sing ot tell a story. Good company, good for morale. We'd like them given a position too, or at least let them work with us. "
"Next, where will you billet us, and what about rations? I've got a horse and mule that need keeping. And Pae, that's the halfling, he's got a big dog."
"Third, no offense meant, but you can keep this crossbow. I've got a better one. "
Cursed..I'm cursed..thats the second game for each of my characters under Dahn that has collapsed...on the other hand it does take some of the pressure off me as I was getting a bit over stretched here
Guligak picks his nose and wipes it on his cloak.
Garrison
"I'm glad to see your enthusiasm for bringing your friends along. That's the quality of a team player, and I can respect that. Very well, bring along whatever it is that you need to keep up Morale, but remember your placements and roles; we'll split the watch into three points. Rose, you'll be on the western-most point with my men, Jon, you take east. Guligak, you're on mid-point. We move clockwise each day, to the next point. I'll ask you to be there for sundown, and stay until sunup."
"As for billeting, if you need lodging, the townspeople have graciously opened up their homes for the influx of soldiers. We can find you a warm place to rest after your shift. It's not the most comfortable option, but the Baron doesn't open up his house and home to just anyone. Your creatures can stay in the guard stables in the courtyard here. They'll be taken care of."
"No offense taken. You look like a man who's comfortable with the tools he has. Let's see if you know to use them. It's almost sundown."
Garrison
"I'm sure all that will be fine, Captain. We should probably begin our preparations. As this is the first day of the siege, I'm confident the Andorans will try to make a move. Maybe they'll send some scouts up the wall, or try to breach the barricade. Either way, I know we'll be able to handle any approach with ease." Rose says, nodding to the others. "We should be on our way."
"Guligak and Jon, I'm going to slip quickly down to the Inn and let Andrea and Pae know of our plans. I'll meet you on the battlements within the hour."
Rose takes her leave, moving swiftly down the quiet roads of the town, and to the inn where she catches up to Pae, gathering Andrea from The Conqueror's Blade on the way. She wastes little time in explaining the plan; "...and that's basically it. We'll use this as a way to familiarize ourselves with the town, it's defenses, and the guards. If that's not enough for us to get close to the Baron, we'll try the tunnels tomorrow. Ok?"
Andrea tries to persuade her new 'protector' to come upstairs with her. Once there she will attempt a charm person(Will DC15) and use it to escape back to the outside.If the charm doesnt work she runs towards the castle and sets Jon on him if he follows
Garrison
"I'm glad to see your enthusiasm for bringing your friends along. ... Your creatures can stay in the guard stables in the courtyard here. They'll be taken care of.""No offense taken. You look like a man who's comfortable with the tools he has. Let's see if you know to use them. It's almost sundown."
"Thanks, Captain. Will we meet you here or go directly to the walls?"
After receiving the answer, Jon bows, lokks to Guligak and jerks his head the way Rose went, and follows her out and down the hill.
"I'm sure all that will be fine, Captain. We should probably begin our preparations. As this is the first day of the siege, I'm confident the Andorans will try to make a move. Maybe they'll send some scouts up the wall, or try to breach the barricade. Either way, I know we'll be able to handle any approach with ease." Rose says, nodding to the others. "We should be on our way."
"Guligak and Jon, I'm going to slip quickly down to the Inn and let Andrea and Pae know of our plans. I'll meet you on the battlements within the hour."
Rose takes her leave, moving swiftly down the quiet roads of the town, and to the inn where she catches up to Pae, gathering Andrea from The Conqueror's Blade on the way. She wastes little time in explaining the plan; "...and that's basically it. We'll use this as a way to familiarize ourselves with the town, it's defenses, and the guards. If that's not enough for us to get close to the Baron, we'll try the tunnels tomorrow. Ok?"
"Aye, Red. Over the main gate then? "
Jon walks more slowly back toward the inn, along the eastern wall, looking over the battlements and defensive preparations in place.
Guligak follows the rest of the group, off to the battlements presumably.
"Just remember -- any excuse we can find to get a peek inside the place, we take it. I bet I can boss around anyone I find, in case they ask why we're there." He gives his most menacing grin.
The Conqueror's Blade
"Hey! Just what do you think you're doing", the soldier demands, shaking off the effect of Andrea's Charm Person. "Don't try any of the mojo-mojo on me! I'm not gonna fall for it."
He grabs Andrea's arm, and twists it back painfully, preventing her from using that hand to cast spells. "Besides, I already bought you. You're gonna start acting like the cheap whore you are. And I want to get my money's worth."
A number of the other soldiers are silent, but there are some who cheer him on.
Andrea struggles for a moment then summons up the powers of her fey blood and he begins to laugh..his grip loosens and she jerks herself free making towards the door.
Andrea
Though he releases his grip and begins laughing maniacally, he looks at you with strange, paralyzed eyes. There is something of fear in them, as you would expect from a conscious but immobile surgery patient.
You take it as your cue to escape the rowdy tavern, and he doesn't try to follow.
Bounding out of the Blade, you almost knock Rose over on the other side of the door.
"Whoa! Are you ok, Andrea?" she asks, putting a hand on your shoulder. Though it is a gesture of warmth, Rose's hand is ice-cold to the touch. "Let's get out of here. We need to meet up with Paellet and the others. We've got some work to do. I'll explain everything on the way."
The two of you head down Keep Road to The Dead Well, and meet up with your halfling friend.
"Gather what you need. Ka can stay in this stable or the one tended by the guards. It's your call. We've got to head to our positions soon. Night is upon us."
Rose will do her best to explain the situation to Pae, and then lead them to the others, near the battlements.
There are a total of six watchtowers dotting the perimeter of the outside wall; heavy reinforced wooden doors allow access to the towers from 'street level', while the same doors spill out on either of the towers at the 'wall level', allowing one to move throughout the entire length of the walled town.
The guards are switching just as you begin to make your way up to your positions. Tired, hungry, and anxious, these soldiers are relatively indifferent to you as they pass.
Rather clumsily the 'fresh' watch comes to fill the spaces on the battlements. The night crew is split into three squads of fifteen soldiers, with a single sergeant for support. He introduces you to the crew;
"Listen up, men! The Captain has brought in some specialists here. You're gonna submit to their leadership and you're gonna like it. This is the first real night of the siege; it may be dark enough that you can't see 'em, but the Andorans are out there. They've fully assembled, and they're gonna make a move. I can feel it. I need you all to be sharp, and keep your wits about you. They could rush us at any time. When that happens, I'll need you to make a hell of a racket."
The sergeant salutes and defers to you.
Jon's got a busy hour. Back at the Dead Well inn, he takes a room to store his gear. He checks in with the others briefly to let them know what he's up to in the next hour.
He checks his horse. If it's in good shape he tips the stablehand a silver. If not, he gives the stablehand a right dressing down. Then he takes the horse and mule up to the castle for stabling. Hopefully he gets to lead the beasts inside himself and can get a look inside the courtyard. If possible, he'll also want to meet the stablehands, evaluate them, and give them the stick and carrot talk about caring for his horse. He will not try to wander around the castle like he's lost, just get a look inside.
Jon considers switching to plate, but decides to stay with the chain.
***
On the battlements:
Can Andy or Pae work a sending to General Dakoyva? Let him know we need 2 or 3 days to get to the baron?
John suggests using Andy and Pae as "couriers" between Rose, Gak and himself. That way they could sneak away without drawing attention and scout the dog pound/tunnel entrance maybe?
Does anyone have any ideas?
DM Dahn, looking at the Andoran camp, how many troops are out there?
***
Rose
Andrea looks relieved to see the priestess..looking back over her shoulder she shakes her head..
"Nothing I couldn't handle...but I'm not going back in there again"
She makes her way back to the Well shivering slightly...and cursing herself for failing to learn anything of interest.
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Pae
Andrea smiles..
"Ah Osirion...land of flies, scorpions and the ever growing ranks of the undead..yes I can see how you would miss it"
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When Jon outlines his plans Andrea nods in agreement..
"I'm sure we can find some way in there..but my powers don't really work against animals. We'll need to use some of those interesting concoctions we aqquired earlier"
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"Bah, flies are easy to keep away, so are scorpions, and the ranks of the undead have been there for eons..." quips Paellat. "It's the riches, the danger of entering a tomb, the curses and the riches, oh I said that already...but if you've ever been to a Sothis auction house, you'd understand, it really is the riches!"
"Bah, flies are easy to keep away, so are scorpions, and the ranks of the undead have been there for eons..." quips Paellat. "It's the riches, the danger of entering a tomb, the curses and the riches, oh I said that already...but if you've ever been to a Sothis auction house, you'd understand, it really is the riches!"
Jon smiles at Pae's words, misunderstanding him slightly. "There are riches to be won here too. Plenty of coin and a noble man's favor."
*** After the sergeant's introduction:
In the pause that follows the sergeant's words, Jon steps forward. "Thank you Sergeant." Jon steps forward squarely to address the troops.
" I am Jon Anthoni. I've been a warrior eight years across many lands. This is Guligak, favored of Gorum, strong in battle, scourge of his foes. This is sly Winter Rose, a scout who's seen death a hundred times. " ~Jon surreptitiously tips Red a wink.~ "This halfling is Paellat. He may not look a warrior, but there are few more resourceful men in a fight. And this is Andrea, Miss Greenholt to you. She's not a warrior, but she's brave and helps out where she can. She might be the one to tend you if you're wounded in battle, and she's a particular friend of mine, so please show her some respect."
"We've all seen a lot more action than you. So listen to us. Learn something, and maybe you'll make it through this siege alive. I'll be on the east wall. Guligak on the north. Rose is on the west."
Andrea dresses in her most demure clothing for the nights work..she stays close to Jon. When the party meets the soldiers she notices suspicious looks from some of them, a few faces she remembers from the Blade that afternoon. Jon's words make her feel less exposed though and she relaxes a little.
The guards are listless, but otherwise attentive as Jon speaks to them. They don't appear to be particularly well trained, but they head to their posts with relative ease and order.
Night begins to set in as you get acquainted with some of the men on your teams. Most of them are a part of the local standing militia, and few have seen any real combat up close. Some of the guards are legitimately nervous about the coming struggles.
"There is a cold breeze on the air. Pay attention. I will show you how to be vigilant."
Andrea1d20+1=13, 1d20+1=16, 1d20+1=10, 1d20+1=12, 1d20+1=20, 1d20+1=16]peers out into the night.
She also casts a detect thoughts(DC16) to read the surface thoughts of the men around her..she stays out of sight whilst she casts it
Detect Thoughts
School divination [mind-affecting]; Level bard 2, sorcerer/wizard 2
casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, F/DF (a copper piece)
efect
Range 60 ft.
Area cone-shaped emanation
Duration concentration, up to 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance no
description
You detect surface thoughts. The amount of information revealed
depends on how long you study a particular area or subject.
1st Round: Presence or absence of thoughts (from conscious creatures
with Intelligence scores of 1 or higher).
2nd Round: Number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of
each. If the highest Intelligence is 26 or higher (and at least 10 points
higher than your own Intelligence score), you are stunned for 1 round
and the spell ends. This spell does not let you determine the location of
the thinking minds if you can’t see the creatures whose thoughts you are
detecting.
3rd Round: Surface thoughts of any mind in the area. A target’s Will
save prevents you from reading its thoughts, and you must cast detect
thoughts again to have another chance. Creatures of animal intelligence
(Int 1 or 2) have simple, instinctual thoughts that you can pick up.
Each round, you can turn to detect thoughts in a new area. The spell
can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin
sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
Some time in the middle of the night, Guligak nudges Jon and signals to the rest.
"I'm going to take a look inside the palace now. Want to come along? I'm going to say I have important business inside."
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|
Jon's got a busy hour. Back at the Dead Well inn, he takes a room to store his gear. He checks in with the others briefly to let them know what he's up to in the next hour.
He checks his horse. If it's in good shape he tips the stablehand a silver. If not, he gives the stablehand a right dressing down. Then he takes the horse and mule up to the castle for stabling. Hopefully he gets to lead the beasts inside himself and can get a look inside the courtyard. If possible, he'll also want to meet the stablehands, evaluate them, and give them the stick and carrot talk about caring for his horse. He will not try to wander around the castle like he's lost, just get a look inside.
Jon considers switching to plate, but decides to stay with the chain.
***
On the battlements:
Can Andy or Pae work a sending to General Dakoyva? Let him know we need 2 or 3 days to get to the baron?
John suggests using Andy and Pae as "couriers" between Rose, Gak and himself. That way they could sneak away without drawing attention and scout the dog pound/tunnel entrance maybe?
Does anyone have any ideas?
DM Dahn, looking at the Andoran camp, how many troops are out there?
***
No, Pae can't do a sending, he doesn't have that one.
No, Pae can't do a sending, he doesn't have that one.
Some time in the middle of the night, Guligak nudges Jon and signals to the rest.
"I'm going to take a look inside the palace now. Want to come along? I'm going to say I have important business inside."
Jon shakes his head. "I can't leave the walls while it's my watch. It wouldn't be fair to my men. If you're set on going, take Pae or Andy at least up to the gate so we know how you fared. And have a good story about what your business inside is. "
On the walls after the three groups break up:
When they reach the first tower he breaks them into five groups of three. Two groups to walk the wall top; two groups to man the two towers in his area; one group for close combat training. The patrols are to make sure the know who is covering their end of Guligak's section, and to make sure their relief knows who's there too. And everyone is to know everyone else.
NExt is to make sure there are no lights in town which can silhouette the men. He sends the first training group to have any such lights extinguished or blacked out.
On their return the training group gets the following speech:
"Men, who's the lord of battles? WHO? WHO!? GOrum. That's right.
"If you want to live. If you want your families, friends, girls, anyone you hold dear, to live, you've got to satisfy Gorum. That means bravery, standing fast in battle, doing your duty. You can't defend yourself, or anyone else in battle if you don't face the enemy. Remember that.
He chops his castle-issued spear into two pieces. "Your gear is good enough for standing guard duty, and I hope you've trained with those spears. But when things get really hot, you're going to need a weapon for close-in fighting. Get yourself a sword, a mace, a long knife, or even a simple club. Tonight we're going to practice simple attacks blocks and parries." He sets a pair of men at a time doing patterns of attacks and blocks. "One, two, three, four. One, two, three, foour."
While they go through the exercises, he checks the patrols and tower guards. After about an hour, he rotates the groups.
After every group has been through a training rotation, the training rotation becomes a rest time. Jon tries to catch 20 minute naps, having the tower watch wake him at intervals so that he can check the other tower and the two patrols.
Andrea nudges Pae.
"If Gorums gift to women is going to cause a ruckus at the gates now is our time to make use of the distraction..I've aqquired some meat for the dogs and I think we can get them out off the way"
She gets the signs and counter signs for the night from Jon ..no point in their being held up by the town patrols