Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Edited out quotes from my post 59 since I ninja'd Alin's same idea…))


…yeah, THAT!

"I was just thinking that! We could grab a boat from the docks, and I could even pull up Liadan onto the roof. Might be fun to shoot 'em while the wargs can't hit back. Maybe the goblin's javelins ain't much good being lobbed up?

"Egil, did the ugly dogs carry shooting weapons? If not, the roof's our best bet."


Oh, no… monster? Mauve'll freak again!

"Oh, and Alin… maybe we shouldn't speak in code in front of the kids. Kolla, by 'egg' he meant Burnbright, and the 'monster' is a fellow barbarian named Algernon whose oar is mightier than his hammer. But I fear I can't convince him to return to us. We can still make this work without him."

 

[Steerpike]

Kolla reaches down and traces a circle just outside of the top left corner of the box representing the Crow on the map. The stables are right about there, with the back of them facing the sea. They're not right up against the cliff, but close to it.

Egil nods. "Yeah. but I didn't see any horses left there by last night. When the fighting started, people cut some of them loose, but there was at least one left tied up by the time the goblins and their friends had the Crow surrounded. The goblins were shooting it full of bolts.

"They're the only ones I saw with bows. The goblins, that is. A bunch of them had crossbows. The dog-faces are using swords, and the biggest one of them had a shield and some beat up armor to go with it. He looked pretty tough. Wargs are...well, they're vicious, and the scare me the most, just by the look of them. But the way that dog-face leader was fighting and ordering everyone else around...I bet even a warg would think twice about tangling with him."

Kolla bends down again, pointing to the area behind the Crow. "You're looking at a good thirty feet to the ocean, wouldn't you say, Egil?" When the boy nods, she continues. "Not a straight drop, but not an easy climb, either. As for the docks, there weren't any ships at dock when the attack came, so it's just a few small fishing boats that belong to us. To Srilkind, that is.

"There's no door facing the sea. The back door comes out the side of the kitchen, over here" she points along the right hand side of the rectangle, further toward the top of the map. "There's a bit of a fence around it, so maybe the goblins don't realize there's a door there, yet. But if you were to go over the fence or around it, they'd see you."

Egil is nodding again. "Except for the main group of dog-faces, the rest of them were...what do you call it? Pacing? They were just kind of moving back and forth along the area where I showed them. Patrolling, that's what I meant. It's the same with the ones on the edges of town. They were moving around, keeping an eye on different parts of the town. I had a hard time sneaking out, even after dark. I don't know how easy it will be for a group your size to sneak in, so maybe you're right that the sea is the best bet."

 

[Nihal]

We have survived a dark battle, and already the companions show their internal weaknesses. Would that they were raw soil and their flaws weeds. Just long enough that I could pluck them. "I need everyone to crush their egos. Now."

"You should listen your own advice."

I look to Baldhart, with a glance to Mauve, "I trust you should be able to call on the monster?"
"Where to take her, I have no clue, just away from the immediate danger. Then we will face a very unhappy group when they realize their prize is gone."

I throw a meaningful glance at him, muttering some swearings, "—Aliron!"

Shaking my head, I turn to the children again, frowning. "How many fighters are inside the... 'Crow'? If you have any other information you think it would be useful, tell us now, for we are about to leave."

"The sea is good, but not good enough on its own. We should take the kitchen door using the city to our advantage." I start to pace around, occasionally lulling Branwen. "Create a distraction attracting them to the other side and sneak in. I am confident once I get my 'lure' right a second time, it shall last more than before. I only need to figure out a way to keep it moving so they would chase it a longer time..."

I look at the children again. "Wait. Besides the woman who brought Burnbright back, did any traveler appear in the city while we were here? It can even be someone from the surrounding villages, anyone who does not live in Srilkind. Mayhap someone from your own city disappeared for a short while, ranging from hours to a day or so and reappeared?"

 

[Keitsumah]

I bite my tongue, looking at the map. Apparently there aren't even enough wargs to have a hope of being able to beat that many foes. Oh well, at least i had tried.

"This is the reason i avoided cities entirely when i was younger." i muttered, pressing my palm against the stone ground. There are no large trees that i can use to our advantage, and any spells i may have are not meant for large combat situations.

Looking a the map and hearing Mauve mention using Lure, worry spikes. What if that spell backfires on her instead? No, i have to have faith that she can get that spell right, despite the fact that i want to suggest that Batos go to the other part of the city and howl to lure them away.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

My heart wrenches and my stomach twists as the children speak on. Was Llucheden the last horse, shot full of goblin bolts for their sport? Was she released earlier, to be captured by the goblins and eaten? Or -- and this is a slim hope -- did she escape all of that to hide somewhere unseen and safe?

"Of what sort was that last horse?" I ask Egil, my voice higher and sharper than I want it to be. "Was it a white mare?" Tell me it wasn't, please!

Líadan

I look up at Cadell, laying a hand on his shoulder. "She may very well be fine, love. She can look out for herself in battle." I want to reassure him, but I worry as well.

Cadell

I sigh and shake my head. "She is a mount and a show horse, not a warhorse."

I know what Ankari would say -- "There are people's lives at stake, and your worry is all for one animal?" -- but he doesn't understand the bond between knight and steed. She is as much a friend to me as the companions who have gathered here to face the Taint. Those that remain, at least. And she is the most valuable memento I have of my former home. I would give up every prize Líadan brought for me just to have Llucheden alive and safe at my side.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

On one of his Travels looking for a long lost friend The old magician is marching through the woods when all of a sudden he spots a cloud of smoke spiralling up into the sky, His curiosity peaks and he just has to go and see what there is. he reaches the side of the forest and watches intently.he sees a group of heroes trying to frantically come up with a plan at a large temple.
He knows he is fairly apt with his magical abilities, But he is no battle mage, Not yet anyway.
The time passes and he battles back and forth in his mind the pros and cons of going over and introducing himself, He usually likes to keep to himself, However at this moment in time he certainly does not want to bump into a group of angry goblins. He soon realizes he has no choice but to approach the group and introduce himself.
"I just hope these are friendly people" he thinks to himself.
He feels agitated and nervous as he approaches, and knows that these heroes could easily take the wrong impression of a lone wizard walking around in these parts himself, he quickly changes his demeanor, and introduces himself.

"greetings fellow adventurers, My name is Aldar and i was wandering by when i noticed you all here, I knew a tactician once, a damn good one at that, Maybe i could be of some assistance?"
he lets out a cheeky sort of chuckle after intorducing himself and waited to see the reaction of the others....

 

[SeverinR]

"The enemy might know how to handle a large sea vessel, but we don't so, not having a large ship is a good thing."

"We can't count on the monster, but it should be a last resort if need be. The roof is good, but they could set the building afire or
Muster all their forces and overwhelm us. We have an estimated 26 around the building, uncertain how many periferral guards. This small a town could be as few as ten more to keep the people in their buildings and watch for attacking forces."

"I think recon the sentrys and check for signs of the horses while the main group stays back. When we get a good idea they don't have a secret army hiding around the town, we have all the advantages and disadvantages calculated then we can finalize the plans. But I think the sea is the best approach."

"I would also ask that all archers bring arrows to bear on the leader, if I can get a kill shot. The shot does alot of damage, but it is survivable. When mine hits and one or two others, we might kill the leader. I will call the shot by the bows name."

The hair on my neck stands on end, I look around.
"I suddenly feel..as if we are being watched." I say softly turning my head as if to crack my neck, scanning the tree line.
"Maybe one of the children?" I wonder aloud.

[[the most suspicious person in the group...I figured why not let him sense something, don't like it I can edit. I won't let him see anything unless SP tells me. But Aliron is trying not to look obvious as he is looking around.]]

 

[Steerpike]

((SomethingToPonder - feel free to edit again. The party is about six hours away from the siege at the moment )).

 

[SomethingToPonder]

((no probs done, sorry , now im in the correct timeframe i should be able to stay within it no problem.

EDITED: Double parentheses around ooc comments, so it is easier to keep them straight)).

 

[SeverinR]

Speaking softly:"Ego-ranger," I point dramatically at the map, "Do you feel it?"
"Wolf girl, does the wolf feel it?"
"Does Nissa?" I ask Baldhart.
Taking every opportunity to scan the tree line in every direction without making it obvious.
"No one over react, it could be a child."


In a normal voice:
"Is there anything else about the town anyone can think of?"

 

[Ireth]

"I would also ask that all archers bring arrows to bear on the leader, if I can get a kill shot. The shot does alot of damage, but it is survivable. When mine hits and one or two others, we might kill the leader. I will call the shot by the bows name."

Líadan

"My bow has no name," I tell Aliron, drumming my fingers on its grip. "For this battle, perhaps it should be called Topaz -- it is enhanced with one for Oercus' favor."

Cadell

At the mention of someone watching us, I raise my head and strain my ears, trying to listen for whatever or whoever it may be.

((Is Listening a DEX check? If so, that'll be a success. Cadell has DEX as a Prime.))

 

[Steerpike]

((Hang on, we're off track here.

Party is inside the temple room where the kids were drawing with chalk. If you look back at the old map of the temple, they can't be seen from the forest. It won't even necessarily be clear anyone is at the temple when watching from the forest, unless Skari is seen gathering wood outside.

Aldar will have to approach the temple to see what is going on in the first place. Aliron senses the approach. Batos growls low, making Kolla and Egil nervous. Let's say Skari comes in with an armful of wood, winded, and announces that someone is coming just about the time Aliron gets his feeling and Batos growls. A moment later, Aldar walks through the open gates into the temple courtyard and, seeing any party members who have stepped out to see what is going on, makes the statement he made above.

That puts us all in the same place at the same time )).

 

[SomethingToPonder]

((Sounds absolutely fine with me ))

 

[SeverinR]

[ok, I thought we had moved outside, so his post fit where I thought we were. So clarified with me too. Probably missed it with going between II and III.]

 

[Nihal]

I unwilling put Branwen on the ground. I didn't want to disturb her or risk expose her to these children, but I'll need my hands if we're to fight. Holding one of her hands, I keep her behind me, falling behind the others when we move to the courtyard.

I narrow my eyes at the stranger and his suspicious statement. "Yes, and we are to believe you. Not even these children are this naive! What are you doing in these lands and why you approached us?"

 

[SeverinR]

Looking out the window I ready my bow, allowing Mauve to control the encounter, I step into full veiw, arrow ready pointed at the intruder so he knows to move with care.
[[Playing to character distrust, "aimed shot- chest" for bonuses. (what is bonus for an aimed shot?)]]
"We have visitors." I tell the rest from the window. "the way he laughs...he may be corrupted or mad?" I add. he might fit right in with the rest of us?

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

The stranger's arrival piques my interest, as does his appearance. He reminds me of an old friend... Blaidd? No, this can't be, he is not tall enough. And how would Blaidd have gotten here anyway?

I glance at Mauve when she speaks, giving her a small shake of my head. A healthy dose of suspicion is a good thing to have in dark times like these, but courtesy toward strangers is also to our benefit. Treating him badly will not make him inclined to aid us.

((NOTE: SomethingToPonder has informed me he'll be gone for the next hour and a half or so, so don't get too far ahead while waiting for his response.))

 

[SeverinR]

Líadan

"My bow has no name," I tell Aliron, drumming my fingers on its grip. "For this battle, perhaps it should be called Topaz -- it is enhanced with one for Oercus' favor."


((Is Listening a DEX check? If so, that'll be a success. Cadell has DEX as a Prime.))

"I appologize, I meant I will announce that I am taking the kill shot with the call "heartseeker". I would not assume to put myself in command of each bow nor any warrior. I would ask, if I call the shot, please bring all arrows to bare on the leader. I have no desire to lead, and I need to be unnoticed."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I see the silvery-haired stranger, and hear his words. Tactician? Huh… well he doesn't seem to be armored or armed, so he's either a magic user, a fighting monk, or just some guy. Yeah… I think I can eliminate fighting monk.

"Mauve, don't forget how overly suspicious some of our group was of you."




Why Mauve was attacked after Hiljikki was treated with kindness, I'll never—

Which was the cute, little blonde thing?

Good point, Nissa. Hey, wait. Cute, little blonde thing describes you as well.

Right. And I never had to take any crap from total strangers. Held doors, how-do-ya-do's, winks and ogles…

I see. Doors were held for me sometimes, y'know.

You realize those boys were just hoping you'd forget to duck, right?

Yes. I sigh…




…and move where laughing boy can see me—sword-in-hand just in case the children need protection.

"I am Baldhart Eisenberg. I am not a murderer." I raise my sword. "Though I have slain many monsters I have nev—" I lower my sword. "No, wait… the last kill was a man." I said that aloud. Crap. "Oh! But… a—a bad one."

There goes my intro.

"Well, my point is I won't attack you or assume you're hostile. What brings you out here, Aldar?"

 

[SomethingToPonder]

Looking out the window I ready my bow, allowing Mauve to control the encounter, I step into full veiw, arrow ready pointed at the intruder so he knows to move with care.
[[Playing to character distrust, "aimed shot- chest" for bonuses. (what is bonus for an aimed shot?)]]
"We have visitors." I tell the rest from the window. "the way he laughs...he may be corrupted or mad?" I add. he might fit right in with the rest of us?

I unwilling put Branwen on the ground. I didn't want to disturb her or risk expose her to these children, but I'll need my hands if we're to fight. Holding one of her hands, I keep her behind me, falling behind the others when we move to the courtyard.

I narrow my eyes at the stranger and his suspicious statement. "Yes, and we are to believe you. Not even these children are this naive! What are you doing in these lands and why you approached us?"

Aldar raises his hands and take s afew steps back as if to show submissiveness,
"Forgive me if i startled you my lady, I mean you or any of your companions no harm whatsoever, I am aldar, a wizard, I was in these lands Heading North in search of a long lost friend that i knew from many centuries ago, However the road is far more perilous than i had previously thought and i fear i may need your assistance"

He said all this while retaining that pleaseant smile on his face.

Looking out the window I ready my bow, allowing Mauve to control the encounter, I step into full veiw, arrow ready pointed at the intruder so he knows to move with care.
[[Playing to character distrust, "aimed shot- chest" for bonuses. (what is bonus for an aimed shot?)]]
"We have visitors." I tell the rest from the window. "the way he laughs...he may be corrupted or mad?" I add. he might fit right in with the rest of us?

Aldar Glances To the side, he sees the arches manouvering his bow so he is able to hit him with a precise shot.
What have i gotten myself into now he thinks
He is carefull not to make any sudden movements and then announces.
" Please friends, do not take my precense here as a dark omen, I shall leave now if it makes you uncomfortable; And no trouble has to come of this. However should you choose to acept me into your group i will be more than happy to carry my own weight in tasks and battle. I have knowledge that some of you may find useful and my own supplies, I assure you i shall not need anyone to hold my hand"

He glances around, waiting for someone to make a desicion.