Chapter 1: Slavers at the Castle Gate

[Taffimai]

Captain Shireton

After a minor squabble with the quartermaster, you manage to get your wagon loaded with all the supplies that you were promised. The two squires who will be coming with you to drive the wagon and make sure nothing gets stolen are standing next to your horse, half an hour early in front of The Slumbering Drake. They don't look very enthousiastic about today's chore, but they have nothing to complain about: sky is empty, so it promises to be clear, cold and dry, the best travel weather you can hope for in winter.

A first person purposefully walks your way. He's lightly armoured and carrying a polearm and a longbow. Nothing near as professional as your own gear, but much better than you can expect from a volunteer. Probably a mercenary, or one of those poor sods from the town guard who have to take care of their own gear.

Aksel

It was a sad scene at your place this morning. You had hoped to be gone before the children woke up, but your Clara insisted on letting them say goodbye. She was so obviously scared that you wouldn't make it back and putting on a brave face at the same time. She'd secretly made your backpack after you'd gone to bed last night, and you'll be eating better today than you have in ages: two apples, at least two days' worth of double-bake*, a quarter of cheese, three hard-boiled eggs, a full skin of beer and a hastily scribbled "We love you, see you tonight". Between all that, your first aid kit and some other "essentials", your pack is quite heavy. Let's hope you don't end up being that one guy everybody else has to wait up for.

In order to avoid showing up tear-stained, you ended up setting off much earlier than necessary. You'd first thought it strange that they would be leaving so long after sunrise with such a long journey ahead, but then you realised that if you try to leave before dawn, the likelyhood of getting people to come is practically nill. Now there might be some last-minute volunteers from passers-by, or from the people staying at the inn.

Gemima

The day had started out as a decided improvement over yesterday, with a chance encounter with a fellow gnome at breakfast. Miss Haversham ("but call me Elrica, dear") was a delightful old lady and long-term resident at the inn while studying her family tree ("the perfect passtime for when you're retired, dear, it never ends and you learn all kinds of interesting things").

Apparently, Stoneham was originally founded by the gnomes and Silverheel dwarves who joined forces eight centuries ago to rid the area from a rampaging orc tribe. Humans didn't settle here until several years after it had been destroyed by a large dragon, when the kingdom expanded North.

Through the window, you've been watching the arrival of a dapper figure on a horse, followed by several seemingly unacquainted people with determined looks on their faces. As always, you are fascinated by the differences in bearing and demeanour strangers have towards each other.

"They're off on a rescue mission towards the old monastery,"your companion answers your unspoken question, "well they call it a castle nowadays, but that's a misnomer. It were the Dawn Monks who built it first, and as far as I know nobody ever used it as a proper castle after that. It housed the Clockwork Academy back in "our" days, have you ever heard of it?"

She doesn't wait for you to respond one way or another and continues to detail the history of "Clynnoise", ending with its most recent disuse as a garrison.

"Oh, how I wish I were a strapping thing like you, then I could go with them and check the place out. There must be hidden chambers there from its former glory, they all stripped parts of it down and built over them. Imagine how exciting it must be to find old manuscripts or tomes! The possibilities are endless! If only there were someone who could go in my stead. A sort of delegate..."

As you look back at her, two large bespectacled eyes are staring at you expectantly...

Kareem

The two lackeys holding the reigns do an odd double-take at the sight of all the gear you've brought, then pointedly turn back towards the horses. The guy in charge, however, either doesn't seem to notice or is too polite to show how he feels about you carrying several ropes and nets as well as a large backpack. He eagerly confirms that you have come to the right place and invites you to climb into the large covered wagon that is to be your transport. Without further ado, you get up, thanking your lucky stars that you won't have to carry everything all the way to wherever this castle is. You decide to take a place next to an impressively muscular half-orc. It is always a good idea to get to know the guy who can hoist your butt out of the water before it becomes necessary.

Harvest

Seeing all these folks with their packs and bags and fancy gear makes you uneasy. You shift your sling with the Young Tree a little to make sure it doesn't get burried under all the rope the newcomer is dropping off his shoulder. Perhaps you were wrong to trust that fortune teller? Could be, it had been a very confusing experience. One minute you were trying to explain to some street kids that you had no interest in seeing their snake at all, let alone pay for it, while they kept debating amongst each other how much "she" would charge you, the next you were sitting inside a dark tent with an old crone who had shooed them all off. She had a face like cracked mud and wore more jingling, clattering things around her neck than there are cones on a pine.

First thing she said was "Don't worry about it, son, you won't have to pay a thing. You are the one who will kill Kaernga for me. You have been looking for the right path for a full turn of the seasons, but you must stop looking now. Follow my advice, and the ones who burned your home will pay. Tomorrow you must join the group that meets in front of The Slumbering Drake. They will not find whom they are looking for, but you can help them if you follow the talking bird. That way, you will find Kaernga. And when he is dead, I will tell you what you most want to know."

Between the discomfort of sitting on a wobbly pile of exotic cushions, the heady scent and the omnipresent little bells and trinkets never hanging silent, you were too distracted to ask for more information. Or perhaps you did, but she evaded your questions. The next moment, you were back on the street, fully convinced that this is what you are meant to do.

Gemima

"Do you hear that, Lady Chauntessa, Gemma is going to the monastery for me!" Elrica is positively gloating while she ignores your feeble protests and pushes her old crossbow onto you.

"Is that so, Miss Sparklebottom? How good of you to help those poor missing people. I wish I could join too, but... I just couldn't leave the inn, I'm afraid." She pauses just long enough to convince you that "leaving the inn" has nothing to do with your host's inability to go anywhere. It is far more likely that she doesn't want to leave her "baby" behind, the usually passive pseudodragon that has now sidled up to her.

"That's right, Ixnay, I couldn't leave you either! No, mummy would never do that!" Pet people! After nuzzling the drakeling's snout in a rather peculiar show of affection, she looks back at you, smiling. "I believe I have something that may be of use to you. I took it off of a guest some years ago, who was using it to tease Ixnay. I have never had any use for it, but gnomes have a knack for these things."

She runs into her private chambers, and shortly returns with a short, thick, blue wand with tiny sparks popping out at the end. "Here you go. It is not very powerful, and I don't think it has many charges left, but you never know but that it might help. I hope you find those poor people, I heard there were children kidnapped and entire families!" A lot more fussing later, you make it outside, and make your way towards a wagon - again! How on earth did you get yourself roped into that?

Tannamon

You arrive just in time to see a gnomish girl dangerously waving a wand around and naturally dropping it as she attempts to ascend into your transport vehicle. Oh dear. Luckily, it does not explode and you manage to secure a seat next to her. At the appropriate time, you might give her some pointers about wand storage and safety, but now is not opportune. Everybody is still very much aware of each other, and you needn't embarrass the poor thing. Better to wait until you are well on your way.

Rhona

Despite the fact that you arrived on the dot, you find yourself the last to join the group. In the light of your recent experiences with human behaviour, this is a most promising start. The leader, too, seems to have things well in hand. It is a most auspicious start of the expedition. After a respectable wait for possible late-comers, the expedition sets off.

There is plenty of time for all to get to know one another before the wagon halts halfway up a mountain, next to a murky lake. It appears that this is as far as it can go, and you will have to walk the last part. A scant path leads along the water's edge, and you can see the soft, white stone of a once-majestic building, in stark contrast to the drab gray of the mountain walls. A man-made tunnel leads to a gatehouse with a strong, locked wooden door.


*think hardtack

[runehawk]

Kareem

His suede brown complexion and almond shaped eyes mark his Lherite origins but he is kitted in a sensible explorer's outfit and a seasoned leather armor instead of their customary loose garb and headdress. A sheathed falchion hangs off his left hip. There is a rhythmic grace to his stride.

Before they set off...

[To Harvest]
Greetings good sir. He nods his head and flashes an easy smile.

"You do not look to be from around here. Have you been in the tracking business for long ?"

He unwraps a steaming tart. Then breaks it into 2 not quite halves and offers him a piece.


If Harvest does not accept, he will eat the tart by himself. They will converse over his breakfast.

Kareem introduces himself as "Kareem of the long roads". He will reveal his background employment as an armed escort but nothing else of his past.

As they are setting off..

[to CAPTAIN Redding]

He brushes crumbs from his lap and excuses himself to Harvest.

He politely waits until there is a lull in the Captain's preparation and when he is merely waiting for volunteers to finish assembling.

" I am your humble servant Kareem " he bows as an introduction.

"Might my companions and I know a bit more about our errand?"

"We're aware that some children have gone missing in the night. But are we certain that they are are no longer in the city and have been taken into the mountains? Do we know something of the enemy we face?", he enquires.

His left fingers absently rap on the pommel of his weapon as he listens.

On the ride to the mountains...
[to Aksel]

"Peace be upon you, brother". There is a curt bow of his head and a warm smile.

"Are you passing thru as well?"

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding Shireton

Taking into account each volunteer that shows up. Captain Shireton gives himself an internal smile.

It seems fate is on our side.

---

He gives a curt nod of the head to Kareem.

"Fair met. There are reports of activity near the castle. As such, that is where we are headed today to search. I'm hoping that there will be some sign of the missing children.

As for a name or a face of our foe, I cannot be certain."

[redzimmer]

Rhona Forgefire

Rhona keeps to herself during the trip. Most humans and the other tallfolk will presume her dour and stand-offish, so why not enjoy the peace and quiet?

Upon arriving at the gatehouse, her apprehension grows. Missing children was not something to be taken lightly. Truth be told, had not this Captain Redding not organized a search party, Rhona would have badgered Lady Talbusk and the Cuthbertites to do so.

The castle itself intrigues her. Not your usual stone and mortar work.

Shaking her head, Rhona presses onto the gatehouse. Interesting architecture will not find missing children.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon



Harvest Moon sits stoically waiting for the wagon to arrive, when Kareem addresses him. Curiously he looks at Kareem and awkwardly attempts to smile back, but the fanged mouth and large jaw just seem to make his face contort a bit comically.

'Indeed I am not, and.. yes.. in a way I have been, I suppose.'

He accepts the tart offered him and nods his head thankfully. He quickly eats it and while chewing the last mouthful he starts rummaging through one of his sacks. Harvest pulls out a skin, and swallows the last bit of tart together with some goatmilk.

With the milk running down his chin he rather brusquely thrusts the skin into Kareems hands.

'Drink, I thank you for your kindness. My name is Harvest Moon.'

During their conversation Harvest avoids any questions about his past or his homeland. Instead he focuses on listening to others. During their trip he proceeds to grab a small pouch and shakes some red dust into his big hands. He carefully mixes it with some goatsmilk and smears the red paint across his face. He wipes his hands on his tunic and seems to mutter a simple prayer of sorts.

As the wagon halts halfway up a mountain, next to a murky lake Harvest jumps out relieved and stretches out a bit.

[Bayar]

Tannamon

Well this was going to be interesting. The company was certainly welcomed, at least until she could familiarize herself with the area. And it wouldn't hurt to endear yourself to the locals while you're at it, right ? "That's a good looking wand you have there, miss. My name is Tannamon Windwhisper, glad to have made you're acquaintance." She will understand if hiss gnome would prefer not to engage in conversation.

The former castle must have been a sight to behold when it was in it's prime, but today it's just underwhelming. The white stone stands out in an appealing way at least.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima


Gemima is happy to see that she's not the only one that's notoriously slow to travel with humans, and smiles happily at the dwarf, but before she can start talking Tannamon catches her interest.

"Oh! Oh, yes, this thing. To be fair, I have no idea how to use it whatsoever, but Lady Chauntessa seems to think us Gnomes have a 'knack for this sort of thing', heh. Would you be familiar with this? Could you tell me what it does? Oh dear, I hope I don't blow up everyone waving this around. Can you set it off accidentally?"

Gemima is pretty overwhelmed by the view upon arrival, as it looks imposing to her even in the current state. It doesn't take much imagination to visualize the Monastery when it was just built.

"Did you know Gnomes and Dwarves built this? Well, parts of it anyway. The original structure. There should still be the remains of a clockwork academy here somewhere... And hopefully we'll find those poor people as well."

[redzimmer]

Rhona

"This seems to be an impasse, O Captain," Rhona says to the expedition leader.

The engineer scrutinizes the door to see if any weak points are glaringly obvious.



[roll0] Added INT bonus, since we are effectively level -1 I did not account for any ranks in the skills.

"It's not quite up to the same quality as the stonework," she says. "If one of you sturdy gents gives me a hand, we might be able to pry it open."

[MrE]

Aksel Jones

It was with a sense of freedom that Aksel headed towards the meeting point. These past months had been full of a monotonous darkness; his employment troubled him, his family troubled him. Selling his father's tools had been hard, but it had also been a release. He had purpose now, something he had lacked since his apprenticeship.

He arrived early, his uniform pressed and neat. He had relished that aspect of his work as a guard at least, and if he were to do this, he would darn well set a good example. He was proud for what felt like the first time in months.

"Peace by upon you brother," said the swarthy Lehrite in greeting, "Are you passing through as well?"

"No," replied Aksel solemnly, "I am- was a guardsman here. I know the families."

[Upon Arrival]

Aksel followed the rest of the group stoically, but without haste. The others suggested ideas, and Aksel was the first to volunteer for Rhona's plan. He dropped his heavy pack and moved up to help shoulder open the door.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Uh, if I may interrupt for a moment, before we resort to violence to gain entry, I may have a few pins and needles that could pry open the lock. After all, it looks rather simple, and I'm used to working with precision on small fiddly things"

If everyone agrees, Gemma grabs her needle kit and starts working away on the lock.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

The captain has few ideas worth exploring and as such, let's the others work through their ideas in purchasing access into the monastary. Though, he realizes that the rumors of activity nearby are much more corroberated by the fact that there is a locked door.

Oh, I do have a crowbar-

But, by this time, it seemed that another had successfully found entry.

Everyone stand back, I'll enter first. Be prepared for hostiles.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

Casually, Harvest Moon gives his great-club a swing as he walks up behind the captain and gently touches his shoulder letting him know he has his back.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem stands impassively as the others form up to venture into certain danger.

He checks the readiness of his ranged weapon before falling behind everyone else.

A sailor....a mercenary... Am I ready to be a hero?

Images of fire and smoke.. and blood on the water accompanied by the din of distant screams and magical effects flash in his mind.

Survivor the voice in his mind intones.

But in his heart he knew it wasn't enough.

He smiles flippantly at anyone who looks at him.

With a last glance to the wagon he disappear through the doorway.

[Taffimai]

After the lock gives up resistance to Gemima's prodding, she moves to the back and takes up position behind the more broad-shouldered people. All others take up positions and ready their weapons, then the Captain pulls the door outwards.

The old hinges creak and the bottom of the door scrapes along the dirty floor, almost threatening to get stuck. Lantern light floods the tunnel and you get a good view of the irregularly shaped gatehouse entrance chamber. Murder holes in the ceiling betray its defensive purpose. At the far end, a double door stands ajar and a fat monk dozes on a precariously balanced chair. His mouth is agape and slightly drooling, and a pendant with a circular symbol depicting a rising sun lies on his chest.

Startled by the sound of the opening door, he jolts awake, loses his balance and falls onto the ground, revealing the two pasty, hairy legs below his habit. He stares at you in utter terror.

[Bayar]

Tannamon

Following the group, Windwhisper inspected the surroundings a bit more. Making a mental note to attempt a summoning on the way back to town, she readied herself for any possible guards coming out from the gatehouse, hand grasping the hilt of her sword. The sight of the fat monk falling off his chair kinda deflated all that built up tension. "Greetings, our good man. Sorry for startling you, but in the state of disrepair of this establishment we thought of it as deserted. We would appreciate some answers to a couple of queries." she says in an authoritarian, almost monotone, voice.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

The captain broadens his shoulders and stares coldly at the startled monk.

By the authority of the lord of Stoneham, what is your purpose here?

His sword is at the ready but he holds it non-threateningly at the unarmed monk.

[Taffimai]

The fat monk stares from one speaker to the other.

"Deserted," he nods, "sure, yeah... Raaphi! Tomas! Phil!"

He struggles unsuccessfully to get to his feet, flailing his arms and legs a little, then pauses to draw breath. Even this futile exercise has left him panting.

"We's got visitors! And them's got querries!" he adds with a glance at Tannamon.

[redzimmer]

Rhona puts a firm but gentle hand on the captain's sword, and gives what hopefully the human will find to be a reassuring look.

"Please ignore my churlish friend, blessed brother," she says.

"We are here to assist with your issue. I am sure you want discretion, ja?"

She always had a knack for expanding the truth into a more malleable form, especially when bargaining with Tallfolk. She watch the monk for any cue he might sound an alarm.

a.k.a. bluff and sense motive checks. Will roll in ooc if required.

[runehawk]

EDIT
Kareem

Kareem looks on in disbelief at the disagreement at the front.

Is this really happening?

The tunnel they were in, was not strategically sound. The 'Monk' was not co-operating and calling out.
He springs into action, ducking through the party

"MOVE" he shouts. He fervently hoped the urgency in his voice would propel others into action. His intent was to subdue not kill.

Get There!.. Take him hostage...Find out where the kids are.

Don't be angry guys. I'm responding to my (likely failed) sense motive checks and diplomacy checks. I tumble forward and attempt to get past the doorway the monk is in. Either I hit him with the dart or I bullrush him and secure the entrance for the others.

[MrE]

Aksel 'the Butcher' Jones

The others bustled in far faster than Aksel had expected: life in the guard had not prepared him for three different people each attempting their own course of action. He surreptitiously tightened his grip on his ranseur, aware that it might well come to a fight soon, though the path ahead of him was filled with his allies jockeying for position.

Still, he could not stop a grimace crossing his face as he looked on the slothful monk. If this man was a part of the disappearance of the children...

Aksel isn't taking any actions, since he has nothing meaningful to add to the social side, and can't reach the front. He will wait stoically.

[redzimmer]

Rhona

Moradin preserve us, Rhona sighs, the gig was up before it even began. As the men immediately defaulted to drawing their blades (typical), the dwarf withdrew to the back and unslung her bow.

She suddenly sees where the monk's eyes are staring...

"Go no further! The floor is door-trap!"

In times of stress, her accent is very prevalent.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

He gives a stern but quizzical look at the monk and puts a hand up in front of Kareem.

Yes. We do have questions.

He sheaths his sword and slowly begins walking toward the flailing monk.

As the dwarf shouts out her warning, the captain stops just shy of the trap and looks back up at the monk. His gaze doesn't leave the monk as he draws his crossbow. He crouches low and steadies his aim on the monk.

Prepare for a fight! Loose your arrows!

[Taffimai]

"I knew it! Lord Stoneham my furry backside! Now ye've shown yer true face!"

Abandoning his attempts to get off the floor, the monk hurriedly crawls through the open door and kicks it shut behind him.

"Alarm! ALAAARM! We're under attack! Invaders, alaaarm!"

From above, you hear hasty footsteps and the reply:

"Hang on,Tobias, we're coming! Tomas, go get Ankiel!"

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

I do not like this. He seemed far too skittish for a monk.

Redding looks at the floor to see if there is a way around the trap.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem was furious.

The botched attempt at diplomacy as multiple people contradicted each other had been bad enough.

Getting yanked midway while charging an enemy had not improved his mood either.
Finally an indecisive leader who orders him to stand down and in a breath later order him into combat, had been the last straw.

Clearly these amateurs would only get each other killed. He fixes Rhona with a cold stare. No trace of friendliness remained on his face.

"Stay out of my way" he growls through gritted teeth, clearly directed at everyone, while switching from his bow to falchion. He takes a running start and leaps over the trap and starts breaking down the door.

[MrE]

Aksel the Butcher

"Kareem is right, we should find out what they're up to."

Aksel burst after the impetuous noble man, leaping the trap attempting to leap the trap. Poorly.

Jump check (+3 for strength, -4 for ACP) [roll0] DC 5

The butcher tripped over his own feet and fell heavily on the trap Rhona had pointed out. There was a strange thump, and for a moment Aksel thought he was going to fall through, but the door held and he found himself getting to his feet slowly: shaken, and not a little embarrassed.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding Shireton

Watching Aksel fall onto the "trap door" he is now aware that these monks only left a ruse to stop intruders.

Why would they set-up a fake trap? Perhaps they are not the ones who set it up...

Kareem! Stop.

These men may be acting suspicious, but they have not outright attacked us. I had mistakenly believed this trap to be malicious on their part. Though, they still need to answer our questions...

The captain follows Kareem until he stops.

[Taffimai]

Now that the first few of you have made it inside the gatehouse, a couple of clay pots are thrown down the murder holes and a foul smell fills the air as they shatter on the stone floor. Aksel and the Captain immediately start wretching, but Kareem is undeterred and continues his assault on the door.

An authoritative voice shouts a command from the distance, but it can't be made out over the sound of ongoing destruction of the door.

[Bayar]

Tannamon

Maybe this wasn't the best of ideas. Maybe barging into a not-so-abandoned castle and threatening it's inhabitants wasn't the best plan. It was apparently too late for that, so Windwhisper drew her bow and notched an arrow, reading herself in case opposition came from the other side of the door. "Sounds like they are falling back ! Any ideas ? A plan of action ?"

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

Witnessing the action, Harvest is left unsure what to do. His greatclub at the ready he hadnt expected the events to unfold the way they did and he needs a moment to get his head clear..

When Aksel tumbles on the floor and the trapdoor reveals itsself for what it is, he cant surpress a smile.

One big step and hes next to Aksel helping him to his feet, a few more steps and he's by Kareems side knocking on the door; rather bruskly; with a greatclub.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem notes that some of his comrades are overcome by the alchemical grenades. Though mentally dismayed, he says nothing. If anything he renews his effort at the door.

He shoots a quick look of gratitude at Harvest when he rushes to his side. He backs off the door and with a nod to Harvest, the two break the door in unison.

He expects that the monks have further tricks up their sleeves and will pull Harvest and himself to the side and prays someone has the sense to fire ranged missiles or even magic into the next chamber.

[MrE]

Aksel

Aksel didn't know a lot about warfare, but attacking a defended castle that had murder holes and weapons aplenty didn't seem like a solid bet. "Can we get through? There are more of them, and they're armed," he says, coughing as the stench remains. "Their next attack might be more lethal."

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Okay people, seriously? You all need to tone it down a notch a two. Yes, Kareem, I'm talking to you as well. We barged in here heavily armed, find a fat, sleeping monk at the door, give him three different stories, freak out because there's a trap door here that doesn't even work, and start attacking the poor bugger. So far their defense has been running away and stinking up the place. Maybe we should reconsider the notion that we're going to beat the truth out of them, and be a bit more polite about it?"

Gemma walks up to the trap in question, sits down, and investigates it while she waits for her companions to regain their composure.

[Taffimai]

After a massive blow from Harvest's club, the battered door gives up its resistance and swings open. You are greeted by a cold draft and a few intrepid snowflakes that float inside.

Beyond the door lies a part of the courtyard that surrounds the castle. On one side you can see the lake again, on the other stretches a long, dazzling white wall that matches the building style of the gatehouse. Leaning against it stands a long low building with a thatched roof, clearly a later and less sturdy addition. In the distance you can see the outline of what appears to be a large tent.

The monks are nowhere to be seen.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding Shireton

Stay your weapons!

The captain coughs a bit.

Let us fall back for a moment and think this through.

These individuals seem more inclined to make us leave then to fight. And the prospect of an assault against an unseen enemy in an open courtyard should not appeal to any of you.

He motions toward the once locked door.

Let's have this conversation outside the gates.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon.

When the door gives Harvest is surprised as he is pulled to the side by Kareem. Even though the momentary unbalance caused by his swing made it possible, he hadn't expected the man to be strong enough to move him.

He gives Kareem a thankful nod back and his eyes dart over the courtyard scrutinizing for activity.


Stay your weapons!

The captain coughs a bit.

Let us fall back for a moment and think this through.

These individuals seem more inclined to make us leave then to fight. And the prospect of an assault against an unseen enemy in an open courtyard should not appeal to any of you.

He motions toward the once locked door.

Let's have this conversation outside the gates.

Harvest puts his hand up to signal the captain he has heard him, and after another long glance over the courtyard he shrugs to Kareem.

'The man has a point, I don't feel much for running all the way over there without covering fire..'

He slowly backs away back into the tunnel and joins the others at the unlocked door.

'You coming?'

[redzimmer]

Rhona

"Whoever built the trap, it was not these peoples. I agree, we should try to defuse this before the situation becomes lethal."

[runehawk]

Harvest Moon.

When the door gives Harvest is surprised as he is pulled to the side by Kareem. Even though the momentary unbalance caused by his swing made it possible, he hadn't expected the man to be strong enough to move him.

He gives Kareem a thankful nod back and his eyes dart over the courtyard scrutinizing for activity.


Kareem meets his eyes with an apologetic look and also peers from cover into the open courtyard.


Captain Redding Shireton

Stay your weapons!

The captain coughs a bit.

Let us fall back for a moment and think this through.

These individuals seem more inclined to make us leave then to fight. And the prospect of an assault against an unseen enemy in an open courtyard should not appeal to any of you.

He motions toward the once locked door.

Let's have this conversation outside the gates.

Kareem sighs in exasperation. The man was changing his mind yet again.

Clearly, he must be new to his command
His indecisiveness had already cost them a captive and gotten them alchemical grenades for their trouble.
Now he was proposing to give up the ground they had won.
If this was the state of the Stoneham guard, the children were as good as lost.





Harvest puts his hand up to signal the captain he has heard him, and after another long glance over the courtyard he shrugs to Kareem.

'The man has a point, I don't feel much for running all the way over there without covering fire..'

He slowly backs away back into the tunnel and joins the others at the unlocked door.

'You coming?'

Wearing a grave expression, Kareem shakes his head slightly at the tall half-orc then turns to Shireton, and in an even clipped tone, urges,

"Captain! The portcullis is secured! They barely got away. Press the advantage! Don't give them time to prepare."

If the captain and others move outside the gate, he adds

"Have the discussion here or where you please, effendi. I'm not going anywhere. If you want my tactical assesment. Just ask "

He turns his head back, facing the courtyard while leaning against the doorway for cover. Switching back to his bow, he nocked an arrow, ready to let loose at any sign of a sortie.

He starts mentally devising tactics to advance into the courtyard.
They could not have gone far...
He studies for any tracks left in the snow.

Step 1. Secure the room above the portcullis. They would be moving target practice for anyone with a ranged weapon up there.
Step 2. Split the group up. 1 team collapses the tent. Anyone inside would be caught in it. The other covers the wood shack.

The wood shack would be harder. The safest measure would be to set fire to it from a distance and let anyone in it run out and surrender.

He heaved a sigh anticipating the vociferous disagreement from the others.

Hmm.Nope. better not. The children could be anywhere. A few could even be in the shack

He clears thoughts from his head and falls into an alert, contemplative meditative state. Suitable for keeping watch.

Unbidden, the memories of gray renders return to him. A nostalgic smile creeps on his face.
Sensible ... as sailors..really

[MrE]

Aksel

Aksel nods, coughing, and still feeling dazed. He can only get out a few words, but manages to add gutturally: "Yeah, outside. This is a bad place to get caught." He would have said more, but his throat was raw and instead he began to withdraw.

[Bayar]

Tannamon

"I'm afraid diplomacy is no longer a viable option. They clearly showed they don't have any intentions to answer questions by running away and throwing projectiles, though it could be that our introduction was a bit, overzealous. I propose to press on, considering the horse tracks are continuing into the courtyard. We could retreat outside the gate, plan our course then move forward, or go now and not let them prepare suitable defenses." Moving besides Aksel, Tannamon scopes with her bow, ready to loose an arrow into any possible enemies. If the others wanted to back away, she would comply, but only after the area was secured.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemima sighs, clearly disappointed.

"Well, one thing is certain, as long as we're not working in a group and at least one of us remains hostile towards them, diplomacy is bound to... I just heard something upstairs, we better move out. You're right about us being a sitting target here."

Gemma moves next to the Captain, ready to go wherever he goes.

[runehawk]

Kareem

The Gnomish woman, Gemima, had been babbling yet again like some of the more clueless nobles he had escorted. Give them some armed men and everyone's a commander. It's why merchants made such better customers. They understood that discretion was the better part of valor. AND left tactics to the professionals.

However after pointedly ignoring her thus far, her statement that someone was still above caught him by surprise. He looks with wide eyes at Tannamon crouched behind the opposite doorway and issues commands with his finger.

Pointing at her with his index finger. He then points at his 2 eyes with only his index and middle finger, then keeping those 2 finger in a 'V', at the thatched building.

He then thumbs himself and does a semicircular motion suggesting a path of motion around the side of the doorway.

Hoping she understands. He breaks and makes a move along the wall to the ladder.

[Taffimai]

As suspected, a long ladder leans against the side of the gatehouse to provide access to the flat roof. You don't hear or see anything suspicious. If you continue and climb the ladder, you will be out of sight of the others unless they also move out of the gatehouse and into the courtyard.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem grabs the ladder, turns it lengthwise horizontally and sprints back to the gatehouse doorway.

He carries it back into the doorway.

If a surprised Tannamon looks at him quizzically, he shrugs and bluntly utters, "I've always wanted one of these."

If people still stare blankly at him, "We should move."

He points upwards and says, "Danger?"

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Not... What I was expecting, but nicely done. At least they won't be able to easily follow us, but it won't prevent them shooting at us."

Gemma goes and looks outside now as well, thoroughly bored with the trap as she's discovered pretty much everything she can about it.

"Well, regardless of whether or not those monks are the slavers themselves, they should have seen the horses come through this way... Not to mention that they would have opened the door for them. They definitely have some explaining to do. Captain? Your plan of action, please."

[Taffimai]

Looking out over the courtyard, Gemima sees pretty much the same things the others saw before: thatched building, snowflakes slowly falling, dark shape in the distance that could be a tent...

The weather is getting slightly worse, so you can't see as far as you could before.

[MrE]

Aksel

The butcher watched in dismay as the group continued to panic. There was no other word for it. No one was listening to anybody else, and now Gemima had followed Kareem's example in running off on her own. Aksel glanced to Tannamon next to him, and muttered; "Let's get this done. We need to do something."

Jumping to his feet Aksel coughed out the last of the noxious gas in his lungs and called out to the others: "Come on," before knocking an arrow and following Kareem and Gemima into the courtyard, bow at the ready and prepared to put an arrow through any monk that acted with hostility.

[redzimmer]

Rhona

Rhona shrugs, and with than a bit of morbid curiosity follows Kareem.

I heard tell of one human monk who could wield a ladder with deadly efficiency. And that he could become more powerful with the more alcohol he imbibed. These tallfolk will never cease to confuse me.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

Wai-

He cut himself off. It was obvious his command was suspect to the rest of the volunteers. Though, he was still responsible for the mission and their survival.

It seems that they will be following Kareem's lead for the time being. I best not upset Lord Warrick with news of any dead volunteers.

He readies his crossbow again. And begins to follow the rest of the party.

This would've been easier with town guards...

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem was a little perplexed. A number of the company had been ready to retreat back out of the gatehouse and hold a discussion.

Now they all seemed to be looking to him for initiative.

He looked at the ladder with suspicion. Clearly it could not be left in the wrong hands!

aaaaaAlright then

The holds an index finger to his lip and then motions upward.
He then points a finger each at Rhona and Gemima and then motions to the trapdoor.

Drawing a large Ellipse in the air with a single finger, encompassing everyone, he waves a follow motion to himself and points with the ladder at the Thatched building.

As he hustled to the building, Kareem devised a quick strategy.

The door would be reinforced and would leave them vulnerable to forces form the castle or the tent.

The ladder could be laid against the side of the building. Away from the door and any windows.
The Captain was probably the most heavily armored among them apart from the dwarf. Sending him first onto the roof would easily collapse a hole in it. He could smash through, hold the shield up as a platform and let the big bruisers through. Probably Harvest 2nd. Then Tannamon, the elven archer. Aksel and himself would bring up the rear.

At least that was the plan so far.

He'd take a page out of the war strategies of the Goblins he had fought. He'd heard how it had devasted Leherti land troops. The Goblin name for it was, "Blietzkrieg!".

[Bayar]

Tannamon

Approaching the building together with the others, Tannamon could hear the horses inside. Peering through the dirty windows was rewarded with only some shapes. Those could be the horses, but surely anyone inside would have been alerted by them by now. "could they keep prisoners together with their horses ?" she queries in a hushed tone. Now that the group was moving to secure the thatched building, Windwhisper began training her crossbow towards the gatehouse, just in case there still were people hidden inside on the second floor. Unlikely since they didn't react to the ladder being taken away, but an elf can never be too sure.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding

Redding Responds to the elf's question.

I would think it unlikely. Regardless, they will not be able to get far without their horses. If they want their mounts, they will need to speak to us first.

If word of this gets back to Stoneham...I'll never hear the end of it.

The captain holds his crossbow up as he peers into one of the windows.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem had considered what the building might contained. The smell and sounds confirmed it was a stable.

He laid the ladder against the middle of the long side of the structure.

Tannamon and Captain Redding peeked through the dark window a few feet away.
He had stolen a quick glance at it. Little could be made out.

"If they want their mounts, they will need to speak to us first."

Kareem sighs.
"We need the mounts before we make the demands. Inside first" he grits

He motions up the ladder to Redding.

He points to the others. "The doors! No-ONE gets out!"

If Redding dithers by the window, he will heave an exasperated sigh and charge up himself, only pausing to draw his kukri before plunging through the thatch.

If Redding leads he will turn to Tannamon and utter "We need some light" before following the Captain.

Enemies on horseback in an open space...not good. They expect us at the doors not in the roof.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

Redding shakes his head.

I would not be able to purchase any footing on that roof. I would sooner fall off of it then fall through it.

He then points at the windows.

If your plan is to avoid entrance through the door, these windows are the next best option.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

Harvest sneaks with the group and grins when he hears Kareem's plan. He quickly moves next to the main door and readies his greatclub to clobber anyone coming out.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

At the trap:

"Rhona, what do you make of this? I think I could get it back in functional order, but I'm going to need some tools, and not of the type that I have lying around. It's also going to take a long time if I do it that way, unless you see some fast way to get it unstuck?"

Noticing Kareem is pointing at the trap:

"No can do, mister. It's well and gone stuck on me, and it's going to take a reasonable while just to figure out where to start, not to mention a lack of decent tools. You don't just have trapfixing equipment lying around."

At the thatched building:

"Ok, so we found what smells like the stable. Unless there's anyone else in there or the Captain wants to press charges against the horses for trespassing, I propose we don't stick around too long - possibly set the horses free or tie them up to the wagon so they don't have any fast way out. If you need to have someone sneak in through a window, I can see reasonably well without a lot of light, and I'm likely the least noticeable of the lot of us."

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem was actually momentarily stunned.

How the Captain in his platemail and shield expected to fit through the window without first stripping to his underclothing escaped him. And even then the man was hardly halfling sized. Gemima pipes up in support of the Captain unsurprisingly

He smiled a wide grin in amusement at thought of a half stuck Captain in the window startling both the men and the horses inside while Gemima struggled with his backside and flailing legs. It was vividly comical.

They most certainly wouldn't be expecting that either...

"Yeah!!.You...um...you go do that", he says wiping the smile off his face and looking like he gave the idea serious consideration. He had to stare at a point in the man's chest. He didn't trust himself to look him in the eye.

"I need to go see a monk about a horse"

He scuttles up the ladder. Places a ready hand on the hilt of his kukri and plunges into the Thatch.


I hope Aksel or someone else follows me through the hole in the roof. And someone else braces the opposite door shut. If Rhona + Gemima figure they can't fix the trapdoor. They should just have followed us for the last couple of rounds. Maybe they can help secure the doors or follow me. Either Way I'm going to be in the dark.

[Taffimai]

The rotted wooden slats to which the reeds of the thatched roof are attached easily give way to Kareem's foot. Whatever these monks are doing here, they've certainly let this building fall in disrepair!

Clearly startled by the crash, a horse neighs nearby and Kareem can hear the dull thuds of several hooves on wet straw as well as the clatter of tethers repeatedly being pulled taut. If it was obvious from the outside, the stench of horse manure is overwhelming now.

The only source of clear light in here is the newly made hole in the roof above him, and even so the transition from outside to semi-darkness has left Kareem temporarily blinded. All he knows for sure is that the heap of tools he is lying on is particularly uncomfortable. On the plus side, though, nobody has tried to shoot him - so far.

[Feirgon]

Captain Shireton

It seems he is not in the mood to do any sneaking.

He says to Gemima as he watches Kareem go up the ladder. He then turns to address the halfling directly.

Unless you need any assistance with the window, I'll be joining Harvest Moon at the door.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"I might like some assistance reaching the window, and I'm not entirely sure if I'll be able to break it by myself - I'm not the strongest of people, and all I have to hit with is the back of my crossbow."

Gemma flinches as she hears Kareem's THUD.

"And we better hurry too, before Kareem finds himself on the wrong side of both the roof AND a hoof."

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding

After smashing the window with his shield, he hoists Gemima through the window. He then pulls out his sword and stands at the ready near the door of the stables.

[MrE]

Aksel the Butcher

Aksel raises his bow, though doesn't waste his strength drawing the string unless he sees an enemy approach. "Tannamon, we should keep an eye out for any one sneaking up on us," he suggested, scanning the courtyard. With Gemima and Kareem already in the stable, and Harvest and the captain about to join them, that left just Tannamon and Aksel out here to defend them. And Rhona, wherever she was. Aksel began to patrol around the thatched building, keeping vigilant as he had been trained.

[Taffimai]

Smashing the filthy window more than doubles the light inside the stable. Unfortunately, it also further alarms the horses, several of which are now desperately trying to break free. The one closest to Kareem, which had been spooked before, is buckling and viciously kicks in his direction.

Now that his eyes have had time to adjust, he can make out the various shapes and movement in the dim stable interior. The tools he is lying on seem to be various bits, bridles, saddles and other horse-related things thrown over a few bags of what feels like fodder.

The broken window momentarily darkens as Gemima slips through with the captain's help and lands on her feet in the corridor, staring straight at the business end of a snorting gelding. There are about twenty stalls, most of which hold a horse that's tethered to the opposite wall.

[runehawk]

Kareem

He wasn't surprised by the fretfulness of the horses after the windowbreaking.

Accursed Amateur! , he mentally curses. Lockpicking and opening it might have been better

He hugs the wall, avoiding the rearing animal and stumbles onto the corridor in view of Gemima.

Holding a finger to his lip, he reverses the grip on his kukri with his other hand and strokes the gelding, murmuring quiet, soothing nonsensical words/sounds. He indicates the door with a jerk of his head.

Giving the horse a final few pats, he sidles with his back to Gemima, covering her with his kukri readied.

Once in, they were going to do a stall by stall search of the premises and secure the building.
With the stable secured, the monks would not be escaping on horseback and would be more easily captured for questioning.


Kareem escapes the stall he's in. He covers Gemima back to back as they move to the door to let the others in.
Harvest and him are going to get to the far side as fast as possible and do a stall to stall from the other side while the rest do one from this side.

[Taffimai]

The gelding is having none of it, and kicks at Kareem, who deftly ducks below the hooves.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Accursed amateur, Gemima mumbles to herself, he should really learn when to leave well enough alone.

"When you're done cavorting, Kareem, will you secure the rest of the stable? I will have a go at unlocking the door."

[Bayar]

Tannamon

"Agreed. Though it seems that anyone that was around, has left in a hurry and are not too keen on showing themselves." Tannamon moves closer to Aksel, trying to guard his back while he is patrolling the perimeter. The commotion from the building they were guarding wasn't a great sign but as long as her companions didn't scream for help, then it shouldn't be something to worry about.

[runehawk]

Kareem

The gnome had retreated safely from the horse but the animal remained spooked.

He sincerely regretted not telling the captain to back off from the window.

"When you're done cavorting, Kareem, will you secure the rest of the stable? I will have a go at unlocking the door."

"Keep your voice down!! You've spooked enough horses.", he hisses.
He shakes his head with a look of severe disapproval before blending into the darkness of the stable as he stealthily proceeded to the far side.

[Taffimai]

Sticking close to the wall so as not to provoke the panicking horses even more, Kareem slowly moves further along towards the end of the stable. Just as he reaches the next window, a loud snort and a twang coming from behind tells him that one of the horses has managed to break free. He immediately turns around.

Gemima, fully focused on the door lock, which proves to be quite tricky, does not notice until the animal is almost on top of her. She only just manages to press herself against the door to let it charge past. It comes to a halt in front of the smashed window, which earns it a kick from the gelding. The narrow confines of the stable are not the ideal place for a fight between such large creatures, and as the free horse kicks back, it smashes the gelding into the wooden partition of its stall, which loudly complains.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Sigh

Sometimes people just had to solve their problems themselves.
Especially the ones they created themselves.

If they were smart they would just get to the other door. There was no one at this end anyway

Kareem stalked forward; Remaining in the shadows and on the watch for anyone else hiding.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

Hearing the commotion Harvest Moon jolts into alertness. The grip on his weapon tightens but he holds off, not kicking in the door just yet.

Just a few seconds more.. He tells himself as he strains to hear whats going on.

A slight grin forms on Harvest's face when he catches himself delighting in the tension of today's action. Surely today is a good day. Cultures clashing, personalities at odds with each other. And he is in the thick of it. He feels a calm wash over him. Steady as a rock he stands.
Perhaps he will kill today. He delighted in that. Giving those that mess with the natural order of things what they deserve.

Child slavers ranked pretty high on his list of those that deserve retribution. To mess with such life, full of potential is to mess with the very foundation of nature. He suppresses the memory of screaming friends, and a burning forest. The weight of the sapling he carries centers his thoughts and brings him back.
Now was a time to focus.

I hope I get to kill today..

The thought brings him joy and his grin widens a bit, because he knows every dead body will bring him closer to fulfilling his goal and restore just a bit more of the balance of things.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemima, thoroughly afraid of the gargantuan animal that just ran past her, goes to hide in the empty stall right behind the door. She takes her crossbow and loads it, just in case.

[Taffimai]

After another painful kick from the gelding, the free horse rears again, and, seeing no one blocking its path towards the door, bolts back and starts kicking it down.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem continues to scan the stalls as he proceeds.

It was starting to seem the monks had not retreated to the stables.

The sooner the stables were secured, the sooner they could get to the monks on the roof. Hopefully one of them tried to jump and broke a foot in the process.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemma shouts:

"There's a horse battering in the door! Get out of the way or it'll run you over!"

She keeps her crossbow armed and pointed towards the horse, ready to fire as soon as it gives any indication it thinks she's also an exit.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding

The captain instinctively moves himself and Harvest away from the door.

If the horse breaks through, we let it pass. If it is spooked, there will be little we can do to calm it.

[Taffimai]

After what seems like ages of battering the stable door, the poor spooked horse manages to kick the hinges out of the wall and the door comes flying out. Noticing the cordon of people standing around the exit, the horse jolts back inside, nearly tramples Gemima, rears on its hind legs and storms out towards the gate. One moment later, it is gone, leaving a dozen more spooked horses behind in envy.

Meanwhile, Kareem has stoically continued his exploration of the stable and is now finished, at least as far as the parts are concerned where he can see. There he is, at the far end, gazing into the darkness.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

Thoroughly impressed by the large animal Harvest takes a moment before springing into action. He makes sure there's no stampede following and hurries inside running through the corridor to regroup with Kareem. He keeps his head down and looks all business..

'We good here?'

[Bayar]

Tannamon

"Should we lead the other horses out as well ? That might get our 'hosts' attention." At this point, Tannamon was beginning to lose interest in the bow, seeing as any 'monks' weren't interested in coming out to communicate, so she lets the string to go slack.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem sheathes his kukri. He looks openly dismayed.

"No Kids. No monks" , he says in a low whisper, while checking that the other door is locked and locking it if it isn't.

[OOC:Assuming Harvest doesn't spot anyone with darkvision]

He glances back to the commotion at the door and tilts his head back to the entrance that suggests they both head back.

He hustles back with Harvest and reports to Captain Redding with a wordless shake of his head.

"You need to station here.", he says while motioning to the stable.
He shoots an icy glance at Gemima before looking back at Redding with a grim expression, emphasising every word: "No. More. Yelling or Breaking. windows "

Shaking his head, he walks over to his ladder and picks it up and heads back to the gatehouse.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

A bit shaken, Gemima exits the barn and rejoins the group, and addresses the Captain.

"Well, we survived that one. Good thing you went out of the way, otherwise the door would have hit you, the horse would have not exited and vented its frustration on my head, probably. Maybe next time we should try the door first, before we attempt a roof entry." with the last bit said with a raised eyebrow towards Kareem.

"It seems the barn is clear of any other life than horses as far as I could see, but as soon as they've calmed a bit I'd like to go through their junk that's inside, maybe I can find some saddlebags with information or anything that will clarify the situation a bit."

[Taffimai]

Now that Harvest has confirmed that, unless they can shapechange into horses, the monks aren't hiding in the stable, Kareem swiftly makes his way back to the open door. A little too swiftly, perhaps, as one of the horses manages to deliver a painful kick to his shoulder. Fortunately, none of the others have noticed, and he bites through the pain so as not to give Gemima any cause to nag.

Even though it is large and unwieldy, he manages to pick up and place his ladder back in its spot at the side of the gatehouse with only one-and-a-half useful arm, and quietly climbs up. As expected, the gatehouse has a flat roof surrounded by a wall to screen those on top from invading archers. Contrary to what he expected, the roof appears to be deserted. There are only a few realistic explanations: either the monks somehow managed to drop down and get away without being spotted by Aksel or Tannamon, or this bare roof has a hiding place or secret exit that isn't immediately obvious, or the gnome was imagining things when she said she heard someone move about on the roof after the monks had fled.

It's probably that last one.

[runehawk]

Kareem

I should have known...

He closed his eyes and clenched his fists in silent fury. After a slow deep breath, he looks around for any other points of egress.

Pelor that's really going to bruise up

He rubbed his left shoulder wincing as he tried to roll it to reduce the pain.

Convinced that the blundering gnome had been wrong about anyone being on the roof, he walks back to the a parapet, resigned that any tactical advantage they had was now lost.

His shoulders slumped, he gives a short sharp whistle and signals his failure to the others.

From his vantage point, he scans the inner courtyard. He had a feeling the children or the monks weren't in the tent.

Possibly somewhere deeper in the structure then.

[Taffimai]

During the whole spiel with the horses, the weather has continued to very gradually worsen. The tent is no longer visible. In fact, even the far end of the stable is masked by the falling snow. To Kareem's left, the inky lake looms vast and menacing now that the opposite shore has vanished.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Upon hearing Kareem's whistle, and not being entirely sure if it meant it was clear or he needed assistance, Gemma goes up to the top floor of the entrance. When she is told (and sees) that there's no one there, she exclaims:
"I definitely heard something. Let me have a look around" and starts searching the place.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem's expression remains stony as Gemima turns up.

He says nothing as she rushes about searching.

Climbing down the ladder, he comes to the ground.

He rejoins the others, taking the ladder with him.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding

We need to find shelter, I fear we may not be able to make it back to the other side of the lake before the weather sets in.

Aside from the stable, did you see any other structures of note?

He looks at Kareem as he asks.

---

Rhona

Bah, humans. Blind to everything but the most obvious. No wonder their lives are so short.

Rhona then begins carefully scanning the structure from within, hoping to glean some architectural understanding to aid in finding cover from the storm.

[runehawk]

Kareem

:smallconfused: Kareem points to the tent.

[MrE]

Aksel

Aksel frowns at the others. He and Tannamon had determinedly patrolled the courtyard whilst Kareem and Gemima had managed to raise hell in the stable, for little good reason as far as he could fathom. And now they wanted to rest for the night?

"We came here to investigate these ruins," Aksel calmly added, "Perhaps we should make an effort to explore more of the castle and find these monks? I don't think this tent will afford us much shelter, against the storm or an attack. I agree we should investigate it all the same."

Aksel approaches the tent with whoever will accompany him, weapon drawn. When he is ten feet away he raises his bow and calls out: "If there is anyone still in their, hand yourselves over now to the town guard. We do not want a misunderstanding." If he received no response, Aksel would enter the tent.

[Taffimai]

Moving further into the compound reveals that there are in fact several large tents littering the courtyard, all about twenty feet to a side and made out of rough, tightly woven cloth. No reply comes from within, even after several calls as you circle the closest tent to get to its entrance. Moving the door flap aside with the tip of your weapon reveals nothing but deserted hammocks and a line of footlockers. One of them has been tipped over and appears to be empty.

[Feirgon]

Captain Redding

The captain looks at the ladder then looks back up to the gatehouse.

Return the ladder to the wall.

He stares patiently at Kareem.

[runehawk]

Kareem

"What?!"

He gives an askance look to the Captain.

"Appropriation of enemy equipment and utilising it is standard tactics,.....Sir"

"It's not of any use to anyone on the wall. Besides what's it to you? I'm the one carrying it", he gives a pained smiel in response.

[MrE]

Aksel

The guard turns back to the others and mutters: "Search this tent: I'll clear the rest." With that he proceeded to perform the same routine on each of the tents, clearing those nearest to him first, whilst he let the others search the tents afterwards.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem shields his eyes and spies on Aksel preparing over at the tents.

"That looks a lot more important right now, don't you think?", he says gesturing at the group by the tent,

He thrusts the ladder to Captain Redding.

"DON'T lose it, effendi", he says with a transient frown.

He starts moving from tent to tent but rather than check inside he seems more intent on covering more of the ground and looking out for assailants.

How had that fat monk covered this much ground without leaving so much as a track?

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Rhona waits for Kareem to leave from earshot before speaking.

I can't understand why he would want to pick a fight with the other volunteers here. Does he know we are all on the same side?

I imagine he doesn't like taking orders from others.

Redding takes the ladder add begins heading back to the gatehouse to help Gemima down. Rhona follows in case the captain or Gemima need her assistance.

[Taffimai]

At the tents:

Aksel methodically opens each tent in turn, revealing two more sleeping tents, one filled with various digging tools and one that houses a long table. Unlit oil lamps hang above the table, and on it lie several archeological artefacts that have apparently been dug up. Old coins, a broken mug, part of a bas-relief... they are all carefully displayed on linen mats.

It is not hard to guess where they come from: directly beyond the last tent, near the edge of the lake, lie the ruins of an old building. The low remains of the walls no longer support a roof and only show the outlines of the former rooms, except for the furthest wall that seems to be more or less intact and has an archway. You can't make out exactly what lies beyond, but the amount of daylight betrays the fact that there won't be a roof there either.

Even though very little of this structure remains, it is quite plain to all that it was built from completely different materials than the gatehouse and the white wall. Speaking of which, the wall has made two 45° turns and runs a bit further than the tents. Those who choose to look notice what appears to be an opening in the distance.

At the gatehouse:

Captain Shireton replaces the ladder and climbs up to help Gemima. However, the roof of the gatehouse is completely empty...

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Odd. I thought I saw Gemima climb onto this roof after Kareem...

The captain and Rhona look around for a few moments before Rhona spots something.

Maybe she went this way.


Um, what is Rhona finding? I am not sure what you guys are talking about in the OOC.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem looks back and forth between the ruined building and distant opening.
He looks back at Aksel and Harvest as they progress through the tent and catches one of their eyes and motions to the ruined building before moving cautiously over.

I have a bad feeling about this...

[MrE]

Aksel

Aksel did not have time to investigate architectural anomalies, and as such headed towards the opening he had spied further long the wall. Perhaps Tannamon or one of the others would be interested enough to investigate the ruins, but he would only head there once he had determined the children were nowhere else.

He skirted along the wall, eyes and ears alert for danger, before reaching the opening.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

As he walks through the tents Harvest notes the group is spreading thin, and when he sees Aksel moving towards the opening he hesitates for a moment but follows Aksel after he fails to see some of the others.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Redding thinks for a moment.

I dislike the idea of separating into two groups, but we cannot leave one of the volunteers separated and alone. Let's find her quickly and return to the rest of the group.

Rhona nods in agreement.

Let's hope she hasn't gone too far.

The captain squeezes through the opening and Rhona follows behind. It doesn't take long for them to find the wayward halfling.

[Taffimai]

The happy reunion

Climbing steeply, the path soon leads Rhona and Redding to Gemima. A recently fired crossbow at her feet, she is struggling with both hands to restore her dishevelled hairdo. It is clear from how she looks at them that she has recognised their voices.

Meanwhile, near the tents

Having checked that all five tents are clear of monks (or anyone else), the group spreads out to cover more ground. For the time being, though, they stay within view - and shouting range - of each other.

Kareem and Tannamon move North towards the old ruins. The entire floor has been dug up left and right, turning it into an obstacle course for anyone who would want to explore the part beyond the archway.

"Amateurs," Tannamon remarks indignantly. "I have never seen such a disorganised archeological site. It is a wonder that they managed to find anything at all, and they probably damaged all that is left."

Her eyes move over the remnants of the walls.

"This appears to have been a monastery, built about... 12 centuries ago, I'd say."

-----------

Aksel and Harvest have cautiously followed the white wall and are now at the wide opening that might once have been a gate. From here, it is clear that this is a very wide defensive wall, much like what you'd expect around a town or even a city.

The castle proper is rather small in comparison. From where they are standing, Aksel and Harvest can see a massive double door in a blank wall made of the same white stone as the rampart and the gatehouse. There are no windows, and no visible roof. Either it has a flat roof just like the gatehouse, or it has collapsed. The latter seems more likely given that there is a sizeable breach in the wall further to the right.

In the distance, at what would be the back of the castle, they can vaguely make out a single round tower situated on the far left. Again, any sign of a window is lacking. The builders of Castle Whiterock must have either relied exclusively on indoor lighting, or had darkvision.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Ah, Rhona, Captain. You two are a sight for sore eyes, I was just exploring this pathway for lack of other exit, when I was set upon by a malicious bird. No harm done to me, except my hairdo got messed up something fierce.

Last I saw the bird however, it had a bolt sticking out of it and it crashed a bit further up the mountain. I had half a mind to fetch it, but the climb is too hazardous.

I take it the ladder has been returned to its spot? I propose we head back to the rest of the group then, I don't think it's wise to walk around in unexplored territory alone if you can help it."

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem nods sympathetically at Tannamon.

He glances down at the difficult snowed terrain.
They didn't come this way.

Which means the others are heading into certain danger.
He turns to glance at Aksel and Harvest.

Maybe they could use the terrain to their advantage..
"Tann, anyone in there?" he hisses, motioning to the archway.

Make Perception checks with a view to proceeding into the archway and using it for cover unless Aksel/Harvest signal us.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

So thats where the bastards went..' Harvest mutters when he sees the tracks by the double door.

He looks from the doors to the gap in the castle wall and back and seems to make up his mind.

'Lets do this.'

He takes a deep breath and makes for the opening in the wall as fast as he can. He uses his left hand for balance to get over the rubble and tries not to make too much noise while he does so.

[MrE]

Aksel

Aksel follows Harvest to the opening then mutters a few words as they cross the threshold: "Be careful. I'll cover you." He took up position a few feet behind and to the right of Harvest, so that he could still get a clear shot at anything in front of them.

[Taffimai]

At the old monastery (Tannamon and Kareem)

Kareem turns around just in time to see Harvest and Aksel disappear through the opening in the defensive wall. They are now out of sight.

"Through the archway you mean? No, I can't see anyone there, but they could easily be hiding just around the corner. We should definitely check it out later, there could be boats moored there, and this rubble might be hiding all sorts of secret passages. For now, however, I do not think this is where the monks went."

At the castle (Aksel and Harvest)

After a mad dash across the inner courtyard, you reach the gap in the castle wall. The room behind it hardly qualifies as a room any more: there is no roof, and the floor is completely covered in debris - what little is left of the floor, that is, because most of it is just a large gaping hole filled with roof tiles, rotten wood and stone dust. You can't see how deep it goes, but it is obvious that walking too close will cause the rubbish to slide further down - and you with it.

The wall on your left has a gap in it as well that leads to another, wider space, probably a large hall, where once again the roof is missing. The wall to your right is almost entirely gone, probably destroyed when the right castle tower (the match for the one you saw before) came crashing down. You can see it lying through the breach, somehow still cylindrical, and definitely windowless. The wall across is the only one that's still in one piece, and has some strange scribbles on it in black paint.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Yes, the ladder has been returned. Let's head back quickly before the storm worsens-

Or anyone else gets in trouble.

The captain takes a glance up the trail noting that they may need to check this area out before leaving the castle.

Indeed, let's hurry.

[Taffimai]

The Gate Party

Without wasting any more time, Captain Shireton, Rhona and Gemima make their way towards the tents. They don't find anyone there, and start looking for signs in the snow that would show where everybody went. A myriad of tracks, all coated with a thin layer of snow, circle around and between the tents, but apparently their comrades decided not to linger. What now?

[runehawk]

Kareem

"Boats!?"

Kareem rises from cover and squints at the archway.

He drops back down with a nonplussed expression.

"Wish we had more competent people"
He sighs. He looks right at Tannamon:
"I can't leave you alone to hold this position"

"We need to cover them in the event of a retreat"

Thumbing over to where Aksel and Harvest headed.

"It's probably where the kids are."

"So we stay here. Use some of this walls for cover. Kill anyone else coming from there or there. Agreed?" He points at the archway and the gap as he unslings his bow.

As Gemima, Rhona and Redding emerge, Kareem will curse within Tannamon's earshot.

[LuckyStrike]

Harvest Moon

A wide smile appears on Harvest when he looks at the writings. His eyes get a murderous glint to them.

Finally.

'Orks.'. He whispers to Aksel while nodding towards the scribbles on the wall.

He has slowed down considerably and is now inching forward towards the gap in the wall to the left, alert for anything.

He finds himself getting exited at the possibility of meeting Ork scum in battle.
His breathing gets a bit heavier and a drop of saliva falls on the floor.

'They will all be dead soon.' He whispers, more to himself than anything.

Gripping his club tight with force that draws the blood from his knuckles he moves on.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemma's looking particularly smug, as she and her two companions catch up with Tannamon and Kareem.

"Where are the others?" she asks in an appropriate near-whisper. "Did you lock up Harvest and Aksel as well, Kareem?" she adds, the smile on her face clearly indicating her jest.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Pelor!

"Scouting", he whispers. He spies the archway as speaks.

Making a calculated decision, he motions to the archway with 2 fingers.

"We'll cover you. Clear the area".

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemima grabs her crossbow and heads towards the area Kareem indicates, looking around for anything suspicious.

[Taffimai]

The ambush

Harvest and Aksel stick to the wall to make sure they don't fall into the funnel-like hole in the floor. Harvest is first to reach the opening towards the hall. Before he has a chance to look for signs of the monks (or better, orcs!) he is hit across the face by a quarterstaff, then a second hits him squarely in the stomach, completely knocking the wind out of him.

As soon as the half-orc goes down, three arrows come flying through the hole. Two of them go wide, but a throbbing pain in his right leg tells Aksel that the third was a hit. An overhead whack on his head drops him to his knees, and he just manages to catch the words "There were more! The leader and the fat dwarf are missing!" before sinking into oblivion.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Rhona and the Captain take out their crossbows as they approach the archway slowly.

The captain nods to Rhona and Gemima.

Stay behind me.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Be careful", Gemma whispers, "they've dug up all over the place, holes everywhere, and I can't make any heads or tails where or why."

"I can't spot anyone through here, I think they either must have run up, which is unlikely with all the holes, or they must have gone another way. Searching this will take a long time though."

[runehawk]

Kareem

Turning to Tannamon when both Shireton, Rhona & Gemima are out of earshot,
"Thanks. Harvest and Aksel will be back. I'm sure. Just need to keep these 2 out of their way."

He turns sideways so he can visualise both the archway and the gap and has an arrow drawn.

With a nod to Tannamon, he starts making his way through the ruins, covering the advance party in the archway.

Bad mistake I'm sure but Kareem honestly believes you 2 will be in greater danger if Shireton and Gemima insist on joining you.

[LuckyStrike]

Tannamon

Tannamon glances at Kareem and gives a slight nod indicating he has heard him. He stands still with his bow in hand idly looking around.

'If I can get them to set up camp here at some point, it would save me a great deal of energy.' He ponders.

For now these folk seem to enjoy exploring the site and getting rid of unwanted natives. What luck those kids were taken here.

I should offer encouragement..

He turns to Kareem

'This is going great, don't you think?'

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem shoots Tannamon a quick puzzled look.

What an odd thing to remark...

He'd known a few mercenaries who loved the sense of adrenaline the job brought on at times.
Not the type he'd have pegged the elf for, but he'd hardly known many true elves.

"We're not out of danger yet, effendi. There's a lot more of them than us"

"Does any of this make sense to you? If these people were looting an old ruin, what do they need children for? And why panic when Stoneham turns up ?"

Slavery wasn't legal in the kingdom..Lord Mallac had believed this was a wild-goose chase precisely because both of us concluded the kidnappers were heading for the border. The ruins were either going to be empty or being explored by the odd innocent scholar.

The archaeological dig here was a much more larger long-tem effort and not the temporary hideout of some slavers.

So either we've stumbled onto something unrelated or if common lore holds any truth, the kids have a darker fate in store for them.

Kareem's eyes narrows as he ponders both the situation and Tannamon's recent words.

"How long have you been in Stoneham, Tannamon?"

Talking Is A Free Action (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TalkingIsAFreeAction)....so is thinking apparently :D

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemma whispers among Rhona and the Captain:

"Do you have any reasonable explanation why Kareem would leave me stranded on top of the roof? I fear we may have an interloper, or worse, someone whose sanity is questionable. I mean, he preferred to crash through the roof rather than wait for alternatives, like me unlocking the door from the outside."

In a more normal voice she states

"We should head back to the Kareem and Tannamon, it's bad enough that we already don't know where two companions are, let's not make it four."

I do hope he's not doublecrossing us... He left me on a roof, and two others went missing under his "supervision"

[LuckyStrike]

Tannamon



"We're not out of danger yet, effendi. There's a lot more of them than us"

"Does any of this make sense to you? If these people were looting an old ruin, what do they need children for? And why panic when Stoneham turns up ?"

"How long have you been in Stoneham, Tannamon?"


'Out of danger? I havent been in danger since I turned down that goatsmilk our half orc friend tried to poison me with. And, as you and your barrage of questions indicate, the monks motives are still completely unknown to us. As for the use of kids I cannot say. Cheap labour? Bait? It could point to a darker purpose or a simple mistake, or anything in between..'

He glances back at the tents and then looks to the sky for a while and back at the tents again.

'Perhaps their chaotic digging is not so chaotic after all..'

Tannamon wanders off towards the tents intent on taking a closer look at the digging and stuff they dug up.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

As Gemima heads back to the Tannamon and Kareem, she ponders what the best course of action is now. Her thoughts are somewhat decided for her, as when she arrives she already sees Tannamon busy with searching the tents.

"You know, that might probably be the best way to spend our time while we wait for Aksel and Harvest to return, Tannamon. If you cover the tents, and see what you can find, I'll see if I can make some sense out of these digs. Feel free to join me when you're done with the tents, this might take a while"

Glad to have her mind off the monks, and leaving the security to the Captain, she quickly focuses on the holes, starting to empty out a few and seeing if they contain or contained anything of interest, and if there is a pattern to be found.

[Taffimai]

This would surely never have happened if the snow hadn't covered the tell-tale tracks, but Gemima seems to be having a "provoke vicious wildlife" day.

A monstrous centipede of about one meter long grabs her left boot between its pincers - which are longer than her foot - and squeezes it painfully. Fortunately for Gemima, her boot is made of sturdy leather and it doesn't manage to pierce through.

Unfortunately, this centipede was not a lone hunter looking for prey, but bundled up inside an underground nest with a number of relatives, none of whom appreciate having their hibernation interrupted.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Rhona and Redding both notice Gemima's situation at the same time.

Without hesitation, the captain begins advancing, launching bolts from his crossbow. Rhona's combat reflexes are a bit slower but she is not far behind the captain launching her own bolts at the monstrous creatures.

Is she simply looking for trouble?!


The captain will switch to his sword when he is close enough to get into melee, but Rhona will stay in range combat.

[runehawk]

Kareem

Kareem had heaved a sigh of relief when Gemima had come back and suggested they hold their ground instead of doggedly pursuing Harvest and Aksel.

He stood his ground covering threeways: Tannamon; the trio trudging back to the monstery ruins and the gap Aksel and Harvest had dissapeared through.

Hearing the commotion, he turns his head and spots Gemima having uncovered the centipede.

Pelor!

"Poison" he says in a flat tone that carries. The implication unequivocal.

Nocking back the arrow he had readied, he fires at a centipede when he has the chance.
(Unblocked by the others)

Kareem has 2 vials of Antitoxin for emergencies. Tell him if you are poisoned.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Ouch! Get off of me, you slithering disgusting bugger!"

Gemma shakes off the centipide, and moves back.

"Take this!", she exclaims, deftly managing to shoot the centipide that is already dead, as her companions come to her aid.

After combat, she grabs some snow and presses it against her wounds.

"There are bound to be more... I was bitten, but I don't feel the onset of poison. Keep an eye on me, should I faint it's important to keep the wound clean. Is anyone else hurt?"

[runehawk]

Kareem

"Good job", he says in a low voice. He nods in acknowledgement to the three others.

He retrieves his arrow and wipes it off.

"Anyone able to extract the venom?", kicking over a centipede body.

He inspects the wound with Gemima's permission. "It is fine" with evident relief on his face.

He frowns at the arch . With a glance back to the castle wall gap, It's been a little too long...

"So there's just a garden that way? No boats or an escape route?", he indicates the arch.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Well, it goes to the top, you should have a really beautiful view from there, but there is nothing showing any recent passage... Then again, I did just step into a giant ball of centipedes, so maybe my judgment is a bit off", she states a bit sullenly.

[runehawk]

Kareem

"That" pointing to the mushy centipede carcasses.

"Could happen to anyone". he said with a shrug.

"You have the instincts of a scout but ..." his voice trails off.

He seems distracted by the gap on the opposite side.

"Aksel and Harvest went to scout." He gives Shireton a hard look.

"There." pointing to the gap.

"Effendi, listen to me. This is not Stoneham. Inexperience will cost lives. Lead us as your fellows. Seek our counsel. If you would have mine now, allow Tannamon to uncover something that may explain what's going on here. And be aware that we are assuredly outnumbered and have lost the element of surprise."

He looks gravely at the trio, "We need to find another way in, get our men and get out".
The unspoken meaning in his words clear: Find one!!


He bows curtly and resumes being on watch with an arrow nocked.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Captain Shireton

Took long enough.

Captain Redding nods at Kareem. He then meets eyes with all of the remaining volunteers before speaking.

Your assessment of the situation is true. The situation here as turned from bad to worse and we need to be ever more careful moving forward. From hence forth, our primary objective is locating Harvest and Aksel. Only after that will we attempt to ask questions.

Tannamon, Kareem suggests that we discover the reason for these monks being here. Any such information could very well help us locate the two that are missing. Gemima, I want you to aid him in his search. Rhona and Kareem you two will keep a close watch in the direction the two went missing. I will stay closer to the tents in case of more insects.

---

Rhona scans the area with her crossbow readied.

You don't much care for us shorter folk, do ya?

Though she seems to address no one in particular, Kareem is the only one within speaking distance to her.

[LuckyStrike]

Tannamon


Tannamon is busily organizing and cataloging the finds amongst the tents in a most methodical manor. He sorts it all and looks for oddities, clues and meaning through it all.

He can hardly be bothered by the fighting, but cannot fully trust in his companions abilities just yet and doesn't want to get caught with his pants down doing archaeology when they get overrun.

He arrives just in time to hear the captains speech and looks at Gemima.

'Right. I'll show you what I have so far. Some of it is quite interesting although not very relevant to our current situation I'm afraid. I'm using the classic method of cataloging developed by Magus Trompol the 3rd but instead of doing it old school I cross reference each item to the system of Dwarven Maister Lombok the Yulll. So you know what not to touch..' He says as he winks at her with a smile.

Only then he seems to notice she is hurt and adds:

'Oh my that won't do at all. You can sit over there while I take a look at your wound..

Wouldn't want you to bleed over my research.'

His tone is serious enough to make you wonder if he is joking about that last part.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Don't worry, Tannamon, if in any way possible I prefer not to bleed at all, but if I do, I'll try not to involve your research", Gemima retorts in an equally deadpan tone.

"I can tell you however that you're the third person to tend to my wounds - I'm torn between feeling spoiled and feeling patronized. Can't say I've given anyone much reason to think I could do anything but get myself into trouble, so far. Let's see if I can't find that one tome that's mystically alive and wants to eat my fingers, shall we?"

[Taffimai]

Despite everyone's growing concern for Askel and Harvest, the next thirty minutes are well-spent. Without any conspicuous tomes to feed her fingers to, Gemima focuses her attention on the other tents and quickly discovers that they were just a ruse: none of these hammocks have ever been slept in, and the digging tools have not been used for months. If that weren't suspicious enough, the main tent where all the "artifacts" are on display is clearly rigged to be easily collapsed: a trap to catch unwary visitors.

One look from Rhona confirms Tannamon's suspicions: the things that are displayed as historical finds are fakes, mostly useless junk and nowhere near as old as the monastery. A joint effort to examine the dig reveals two more centipede nests that are quickly dispatched at the cost of only one of Kareem's antitoxins when one of the pests manages to sneak up on Tannamon and take a painful bite out of his calf.

There are no secret entrances hiding under the disturbed dirt, but Gemima does manage to unearth a medallion that appears to be a genuine holy symbol for the Order of the Rising Dawn. It looks nothing like the one the fat monk was wearing. Once she makes it through the archway, Rhona spots some intriguing steps hewn into the rocks, leading down towards the lake.

In the mean time, the snow has blissfully stopped falling, though dark clouds still loom threateningly above.

[runehawk]

Kareem

The enemy still hasn't come out yet. Where are they?

"Better?" he asks Tannamon with a wry smile. "Just this one now" he sighs petting the last vial on his belt.

"I could go down there" he says to the others as they reveal the steps to the lake.

"But we need someone to keep a lookout and you" indicating Rhona "to find us another way into this structure"

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Now it's really getting late.

"Kareem, how long ago did Aksel and Harvest leave to scout? They've been gone a long time, and I'm starting to get worried. Maybe we should head in the same direction to see if they're not at the bottom of a pit trap waiting for someone to assist them"

Gemma looks visibly disturbed by the unexplained duration of their absence.

[Feirgon]

Rhona and Redding

Rhona walks up to the ramparts and puts a hand on them.

Do we have any climbing gear?

She looks up to the top of the ramparts then back to the rest of the people.

If we could get someone to the top of these, they'd be able to see much.


If no one speaks up, Redding will mention that he has a few sets back at the wagon.

How long would it take to walk to the wagon and back?

[runehawk]

Kareem

"I do. I also had a ladder...which seems to be missing now"

There is an unmistakeable testiness in his voice.

(Take 20 to Use Rope Ladder with Grappling Hooks)

Kareem assists those who opt to climb up the ladder.

If Captain Redding chooses to start climbing up the ladder, he will pause him to say, "You know you owe me a ladder right?"

[LuckyStrike]

Tannamon

'Much better thank you.' Tannamon responds to Kareem.

He takes a step back and looks at the ramparts deciding to stay where he is for the moment.

'Careful up there..' He adds after a moment.

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

Gemma cautiously lets herself be helped by Kareem... Still dubious about his affiliations, he did seem to show genuine concern when she may have been poisoned.

"I will go up there - as Tannamon isn't going, I think I may put my eyes to some good use. I'd prefer if someone came with me though, I'm willing to bet that some sort of animal will take offense to my presence."

Gemima climbs up the rope to the best of her abilities, and if she makes it she looks for immediate threats, for more information on the location of Harvest and Aksel and for alternative routes, in order of importance.

[Taffimai]

To Gemima's surprise, none of the life on top of the ramparts shows any inclination to eat her. Clearly, nobody has been up here in ages, and various mosses and ferns now call it home, as well as some ants, spiders and beetles that hastily scurry away from her.

Really, the only hazard is that she might trip and fall. She looks out over the castle and notices the many places where the wall is damaged. Only the far left section of the castle, near the remaining watch tower, still has a roof. Plenty of entrance points, all of them guarded by groups of monks.

[runehawk]

Kareem

I'd better get up there before she upsets a passing bird

With practised ease, Kareem shimies up the ladder whistling softly.

Lifting himself up next to her he waggles his eyebrows at her suspicious stare before pulling out his spyglass and aiming it to the surrounsing environs.


I'm not sure I understood your post Taffi. By all entrances guarded, did you mean the ones on the ground? Can the monks see us? is there a way to sneak across the ramparts, get a tightrope from the rampart to some opening in a top floor of the castle?

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"Careful, Kareem, the ground here is very uneven. I see at least seven "monks", but there could be more, and they seem to have blockaded most of the paths further into the castle. Can you spy any way in?"

Gemima cautiously looks around, but if there's nothing else for her to do up here, she'll climb back down to the rest of the group.

[runehawk]

Kareem

"Yeah. A big guy with a sword". His brow is furrowed with worry.

"Cmon"

They both climb down. Kareem retrieves his Rope Ladder before returning to others.

"Right. This is the plan. We don't engage the 7 or so guys in the yard over there."

"The Left rampart will give us access to a tower. I believe I can secure a Rappel line from the rampart to the tower. We sneak in together and find the others."

Looking ar Rhona and Redding, "Stow your shields. You're going to need both hands."

He turns his head back to the entrance. Once sure none of the enemy were coming out.

"Follow me"

[Xumtiil]

Gemima

"I'm glad you don't consider frontal assault an option. Do we need any sort of distraction? I can create the semblance of torches from a reasonable distance, which may lure at least a few of them away... Then again, not drawing any sort of attention may be better.

What do you think?"

[runehawk]

Kareem

"Given your luck, Tempting" he smiles.

"But, No. Insufficient advantage for the risk of one more loss"

Kareem secures the rope ladder on the opposite rampart and scales up.

He cautiously spies on the monks below as the others climb up behind him.