Tham eyes the little ankle biter while he speaks, looking for the tells he learned when working for the Church of Mask.
For the DM:
Dreav scratches his chin under his mask.
"He's in the fortress. He's got your friends, and he sicked me on you with these kobolds just to cause trouble, run you out of town. I'm the only thing 'cooperating' with him, and I'm trying to keep him from destroying the haeler! I'll be pickled and fried for breakfast before I go in there to face him!"
Borden, Dreav, Tham:
Frowning at the response, "I hope you stay ahead of Kezhov. We should go."
"...I'm the only thing 'cooperating' with him, and I'm trying to keep him from destroying the haeler! I'll be pickled and fried for breakfast before I go in there to face him!"
"Then you had better hope that we deal with this 'Bloodaxe', because where do you think he will take out his anger if we happen to fail? So you have two choices, both ending with you back at the haeler but one might help guarantee our success. Tell us what you know about this 'Bloodaxe's' operation. Numbers, weaknesses, what not."
"I would do what you could to provide my friend with the information he wants. I really don't want to send Moonpate back to the haeler to see if they have enough vinegar to test out how exactly pickled & fried halfling works for breakfast food."
DM:
And before you disapprove of my paladin's methods, I would like to point out that he not only doesn't want to send Moonpate back for vinegar, but he won't. Whenever I think of what to make Kysstaa say, I'm always thinking of the Aes Sedai from Wheel of Time and how they can't lie...but they sure as poopoo can bend the truth.
"Deep fried halfling goes well with butter and syrup, not vinegar. As to The Lord's forces, all I've seen is kobolds. Something about him scares 'em. He's got an entire tribe, I think. I haven't seen food go into the fortress, nor have I been allowed into it, so all I know is the kobold's I've seen from outside. Maybe some of the hunters that have gone 'missing' are working for him, too. Most of the kobolds are concentrated on the broken southern wall, as that's the easiest point in, it looks like. Maybe it's easier than it looks from one of the other sections, but I doubt it."
Kysstaa:
"Can I go now?"
"And what would you do if we let you go? Lads, I don't think this smirking turd realizes the trouble he is in. We could strap you to Kyssstaa's chest and use you as a shield. We can tie you up and force feed you any kobold slop we come across. Heck, how 'bout we just let 'em make slop out of you. You better provide some more details and be more appreciative that you aren't skewered yet. What do you know about what happened at the Chauntean shrine and what role that fool Dolan has in all this?"
"Dolan is a fool, a fop as far as I'm concerned. Besides his wife is much more interesting, playing with the children and such. What do you mean about the Chauntean shrine? Has something happened there?"
All:
[spoiler]Sense motives need to be refreshed.[/ooc]
"So you don't know about how the man who is blackmailing you has attacked and desecrated the Chauntean Shrine near to here? On our way to the haeler, we were attacked by the undead corpse of what was formerly a young child from the temple devoted to Chauntea. Upon visiting the temple, we found the priests dead and the chapel desecrated. Do you really think this type of act won't be visited on the haeler if you continue to play this Bloodaxe's game?"
The rage begins to build in Dreav. His claw slices through one of the fingers on his glove. Regaining his senses, Dreav hides his hand under his cloak and focuses on the task at hand.
"Well, you're the ones traveling with a scaled one, willingly I might add! Maybe you're in cahoots with the lord of the fortress! Sick scene at that shrine indeed, maybe you just killed that little girl for fun, eh scaly?! Let go of me you sick >censored<s!"
All Sense Motives so far
"Believe what you will Otis, but WE aren't the ones setting up an ambush to kill a bunch of strangers because we were told to. WE aren't the ones doing this priest's dirty work. And the fact that you are so ready to fall back on racial prejudices shows how ignorant you are of how the world works. Yes, Kysstaa is a lizardfolk, but I would trust him at my back more than an entire army of the King's finest. Now you either help us end the threat of this Bloodaxe or you become part of the problem...in which case, we will be enemies."
*snip*
"Kill?! I was told to tell you that your friends left for a place to the west of the haeler, a waterway of some sorts, but it's underground. That's what I was here for! I was told that the Kobolds were here to insure that I told you that. Heck, you scarin' them off probably did more harm to the haeler than good, if I were a thinkin' man. Perhaps you should factor that into your equation, 'good sirs.' I'm willing to go warn the Haeler, but I'm not going anywhere near that fortress, I'd be killed in a moment if I set my foot down there."
"And if an army of the 'King's Finest' even existed, I'd likely trust this here scaled one a heck of a lot better than what I'd trust them, too!"
"Well, the notes and the number of kobold's suggested ambush, not direction. Just point us to this Bloodaxe and we'll let you go. We need to locate our contacts and it seems more likely they would be headed to this keep than some underground waterway." "Kysstaa, let him go. And Otis, if you truly have the protection of the haeler in mind, then return to the haeler and warn them of the danger, for like I said, if we fail, they will need to be as prepared as they can."
Still nursing his wounds, and not being particularly fond of interrogations, Tham sits back and refrains from his normal quips and commentary.
And if we find out anything that you just told us was less than the truth, I will come and find you. Then, we'll get to pick this conversation back up where we left off.
"Best way to the tower is the wild rothe trail that runs along the back side of this clearing" "It'll get you to the field that leads up to it, but the keep itself is open ground, it's got a good view of all the grasses around it. Good luck, you'll need it."
The trek to the keep is quiet, although the braying of rothe in the distance as they tend their young in the dead of night is a little comforting. Going along the trail is fairly easy, as the path itself is wide enough for a simple line of you. There are no real choke points along the way, making it very easy to get to the tower. Once you get to the keep, you see the very wide clearing, as if the jungle itself is afraid to stand next to the keep, and even the grass itself is sporadic, growing only inches from the ground. The air is charged with tension as you approach.
Moonpate checked the dead kobolds for any items of interest before leaving the scene.
"My the mist, I think we should scout for any minute men, look outs, and traps before approaching the keep. Perhaps there is a path with cover up to the keep." He sits there for a minute before saying, "Oh! By the mist."
Tham looks around for a second . . .
"You know, I don't want to impose, but I think someone mentioned healing. I know I've started to clot and all, but I'm not thinking that's going to be quite enough if we run into any more surprises."
"Indeed. Dreav, can you part the mists long enough to see that our valiant if foolhardy Tham is in need of some healing energies. My special house-blend whiskey can only accomplish so much in fortifying the body and mind. And besides, it would appear that I am out. Curse that halfling! And I'm hungry."
"Oh, yes. May the mists shroud your doings."
Moonpate:
As you each rest from the harrowing experience with the kobolds, and view the keep before you, you see a well worn path to your right (which would be West if you were thinking about that). To the left are several briar patches, with thorns that will easily get through lighter garments, straight ahead is a path directly into the keep, although there are no footprints across that path.
"It's late, or early, depending upon how you look at it. I say we retire some distance from here under suitable cover and rest up. This night's work has left me tired, hungry, and parched. And I would like to have you examine these strange coins I found on the kobolds when there is sufficient light. Perhaps we can also reconnoiter the surroundings better, observe any comings and goings, and plan our next move. We may have to wait till dark again to make our approach."
"Well, we could always create an explosion at the north side, and while they investigate, we could enter from the south"
Kysstaa says as he suggests at least a loud distraction to get the party into the keep.
The path to the keep is open, and you begin to hear in the distance "Let go of me, you scaled freaks!" In the voice of Otis.
As each of you take cover (each of you was able to take 20 on your hide checks), you see the kobolds dragging Otis, who has now been disarmed and tied up, into the grounds of the keep. They walk around the keep, and you see that they walk to the south side, and just enter.
"Let us not wait any longer." Dreav holds the charge on his acid spray.
"Well, I suppose food, drink, and rest can wait some more if this indeed represents a good chance at gaining entrance."
Moonpate unslings his crossbow and makes sure his sleep scrolls are easy to get to.
As the others are discussing matters, after Dreav's healing burst has seeped through him, Tham spends about five minutes working through some sword katas and exercises to loosen himself up. He then closes his eyes and looses himself in the darkness for a few moments to center himself.
"I'm good. Just point me in the right direction, and I'll figure out if I want to stalk it or hit it straight up in the face."
"We'll be too obvious if we do it this way. They will sound the alarm, and we will have a harder battle before us, my misted friend.
Kysstaa seems reserved about entering in this manner.
"Looks like we have a few options, none of which seem to point to rest, food, and drink. Either way before us, I think we will eventually trigger an alarm.
Creating a distraction may have its advantages for bringing out some of the forces inside. We could then rush the entrance, overwhelm any there, and secure the door on the inside from those stuck outside. The keep will be on alert though.
Or, we can get up to the entrance now and pretend to be here on some sort of business for Bloodaxe if there are guards posted. We can present these strange coins I got off of the kobolds if need be, or if the guards aren't buying our rouse we can swiftly deal with them and hopefully not raise the alarm at that time.
Or, I can stay back with Kysstaa and let you stealthy chaps try to secure the entrance without raising an alarm. We can then join you. If need be, I can send out my mage hand and handle something from a safe distance.
I'm all out of ideas, and I'm out of brew to settle my nerves. Curse this nighttime scampering!"
"I can create an image of some creatures walking toward the keep or perhaps some bushes to provide further cover. Absent that a small cloud of mist."
Borden weighs their options and then says, "From the looks of it, we need to move fast. The path to the South gate seems unused, but the gate itself seems to be used often enough. If anyone has a way of causing a distraction, I say we cause the distraction to the west and approach from the east. Once close to the keep, we circle around and try to gain entrance through the south gate. If need be, Tham and I will head to the gate before you others, doing our best to remain hidden while the distraction is set up. Then once the guards attentions are diverted, you others make for the gate as well. Tham and I will make sure the gate doesn't close all the way in case of troops coming out to have a look."
Question for DM: is there any flammable foliage on the western side
"I will make it appear that several creatures are approaching from the west while the rest of you enter from the east. Once it is clear, wave me in and I will join you." At that, Dreav begins moving toward the west entrance staying within the tree line. After finding a suitable place, Dreav waves his hands and images of the group appear from a ways away and begin to sneak toward the west entrance.
As Dreav moves his silent image across the edge of the clearing, it appears as if some of the kobolds guarding Otis break off.
As you all move closer to the entrance you see that Otis is not shackled in any way, walking fully armed into the fortress as well. He looks around furtively, perhaps for looking for a way to escape. There is one kobold guarding Otis yet, and 2 that have taken Dreav's bait. It appears that there are two guarding the entrance to the fortress, giving you all a total of five Kobolds you have a visual on.
"Let me walk up there, perhaps I'll be able to get an audience myself, and if not, you are all nearby to ambush them. Borden, can you sneak in behind me to make sure I have at least one wingman in there?"
Moonpate
Dreav
All
[spoiler]Sorry for all the delays lately. Been very very busy, mostly in profitable ways, but some unpleasant ones as well. If anyone wants out, I understand. Good to see you back Borden.
"No problem Kysstaa, I've got you back." With that said, Borden does his best to blend into the trees and shadow of the surrounding night.
Moonpate will have his crossbow ready.
Tham follows everyone's lead, and tries to find a nice shadow to settle into and follow everyone else. Despite his natural inclination to be in the shadows, he's a bit shaken by his recent injuries.
For the DM:
Borden:
Moonpate and Dreav:
Tham:
Kyssta walks up to the castle, unmolested by any of the kobolds. He says something to the kobolds at the door, with Otis looking on, his jaw agape.
At that point the two kobold guards allow him entrance. He disappears from sight and what passes as the door closes. Plainly, everyone (except Kysstaa, as the door is rather thick) hears the following:
Borden simply sticks close to the wall as Kysstaa enters the fortress, trying to keep alert for any danger that might find him.
For the DM:
Dreav tries to hide behind a log. As he is standing by it, the log falls over with a clash; however, this gives him a clear view of his surrondings. Cursing under his breath, "By the Mists, I'm not cut out for this."
Stealth roll = 8
Perception roll = 9
Haven't added any modifiers since I don't have my info with me. Sorry.
Everyone but Kysstaa:
At this point, the Kobold "Scrip" begins speaking in draconic to his fellows.
The air is tense, as if they know the party's here.
From the above spoiler, those who speak draconic only:
Dreav:
Kysstaa:
DM:
For DM:
If whispering not possible, will use hand signal of slash across throat and point to the entrance. I will train crossbow on the kobolds investigating the illusion and prepare to engage once Borden and Tham commit to attack.