Dragon's Egg - Act III

[SeverinR]

"The one who takes the gnolls out to sea on the rigged boat. It must be me. I told Ankari I'd do it, so I caution anyone who volunteers to take my place to ensure I live to call Nissa out. Ankari took my oath-bound attempt on his life rather well. He knows the risk I'll take, and that he could easily set me up to die. If he does, and succeeds—meaning I end up dead—I have one request of all of you:

"Forgive him."
!"

Aliron
"What is to forgive? I left town because I would have wanted to help him do it. I considered following him and killing him silently. Possibly it could have been better if I had. But we cannot dwell on what might have been."

Bressel
"Do we have time for Aliron to get the necklace and get back with enough time to take the boat out? Don't you need help with the boat?"

 

[Nihal]

Inn, second floor

Eavesdropping by accident, that one is new to me. On purpose, yes, but by accident, not a quite common occurrence. None of them noticed me, entertained with their little casual conversation. Alone with me and Ankari the stupid barbarian wanted me to beg for help, ask for forgiveness when she should be the one asking; here? Here she uses sweet, kind, words and play her "loyal friend" deception again.

Wretched git. I don't linger in the common room any longer, heading to our rooms.

((Assuming Líadan left her belongings in one of them: ))

The bed feels impossibly soft under me as I take off my boots. Were they all this comfortable or is it my mind, taunting me now I'm know I shall not see another bed in a long time? I put the sandals. It would be nice to take off this awkward dress, but it's not worth the lost time.

I do a quick check on my belongings a last time.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I meant… if he sets me up to be killed by the gnolls, forgive that. I'm pretty sure he won't. Never mind."

I tell Bressel, "I fear if we keep the necklace on Burnbright, the gnolls can find her. It vibrates at times, which means some kind of magic is being used through the necklace. She also heard voices when wearing it, though at the time I though it was like what I had with Nissa. But now I'm sure none of that has anything to do with the goddess Gefjon. In fact, Nissa told me the image doesn't even look like her.

"Um… anyway, they enemy was certain Burnbright would be found here in Arendal. How could they know we stopped here? It's the nearest town, but still, I suggested we move the opposite was when we were in Srilkind. But from what Cadell told us, it sounds as if the gnolls were certain of Burnbright's presence here.

"They expected villagers to flee, so my tracks and Ankari's should have meant nothing. Not enough to send the entire army in one direction. If all of the gnolls are here, either there was an informant, or the necklace is what I fear it is. Some kind of device that connects mother to daughter, and maybe she has a means of contacting her minions magically as well."

I turn to Aliron. "If she's hidden west, then you move west on land while we head that way by boat. You'll be faster, so you can get the necklace while we're on our way and we'll pull up a boat—not the trapped one—so you can climb in.

"The fastest way is to have all of us build the trap, then worry about the necklace."

I get up.

"Ready when you are."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I sigh as Baldhart speaks, trying not to worry a hole in my lip as I bite back the urge to interrupt. When the others are silent, I speak up. "Whatever you do, I think you should wait until Cadell returns, or -- if things turn sour -- until we are sure he won't be returning." I don't want to even entertain the possibility, but it has to be said. "Who knows, you may not need your trap at all."

I pause. "...You didn't send anyone after him, did you? That may not have been a wise choice."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

First I lack honor; now I lack wisdom. This after her lover goes behind everyone's back to fraternize with the enemy.

"I asked Ankari to track him and deliver my message. If Cadell is successful at getting the gnolls to leave, Ankari will never see them considering the head start you'd get on horse.

"The only way I anticipate the message getting to the gnolls is if they're headed this way and Ankari intercepts them. He's not exactly congenial, but I wrote a letter. I would worry less about how an army reacts to two messengers instead of one, and more about what would happen if the gnolls and goblins marched into town. The militia would attack and many would die, even if Cadell made a promise of peace. The gnolls would then see the promise was false, or perhaps see the truth that Cadell spoke for himself and neither the town nor the party.

"Did he at least tell you what he expects the gnolls to do? Is his goal to get rid of them, make them forget about Burnbright, attack us one at a time so we can win a fight with their army? Sorry… I'm trying to figure out what he can tell an army that's in an advantageous position and coming up blank. Cadell was persuasive when he spoke to Father Geralt, but… these gnolls are monsters. They're way ahead of Geralt in terms of child-burning.

"I can dismantle the trap if it's not needed, but I need to get it ready just in case. The meeting place is far from here, and I need to be at the meeting place to know if the trap will be used or not."

 

[Nihal]

Back to the street

They're going to have quite a surprise.

I pass through a window, to the back of the inn. The talk is still going on. I listen for a minute while I watch the patrols. Nothing important.

Moving to a different shadow, I return to the game. The spear is still at the blacksmith. If it's finished or not it's irrelevant, it's my spear and I shall not leave it behind to those animals. A good weapon, proven in battle, its blade was well-forged enough to last some generations; the shaft is of quality wood, hard enough to accept parries well, flexible enough to not break under the force of certain maneuvers. It was a gift. The spear and the cloak, grandpa's gifts. No, I will not abandon it to those animals.

I sneak towards the blacksmith.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"I don't want anyone to know even the general area of Burnbright or Branwen. So I will run back and leave a flag to show where I am. Travel along the shore until you see the flag. Wait near the flag and I will find you after I get the necklace. I think the best way to get rid of the necklace is to place it in the trap. If they monitor it they will find it is on the boat."
"Once it is set, I would suggest not dismantling the trap until I safely remove the trigger, if we need too."

Bressel
I will go with Baldhart on the boat, we can have the heavy lifting done by the time Aliron comes back. We get everything placed and Alrion can place the trigger."

"I hope we get some axe time, I really need a day of drinking or a day of fighting.

 

[Steerpike]

Mauve

As before, weaving your way through the dark villages isn't difficult. As you watch the patrols, timing them to make your next move, you spot the blacksmith in among them, so apparently he is not in his shop. With a little bit of caution you can avoid the patrols, who are on the lookout for a large group of gnolls or other creatures descending on the town, and aren't really paying attention to whether a lone person may be sneaking around among the buildings.

The door to the blacksmith's shop is unlocked, as seems to be common in Arendal. You fight your spear easily enough in the back. It has been set beside a work table, as though the blacksmith intended to begin working on it. As it happens, the man didn't have time to do any of the work you asked.

Aldar

Grim nods. "I may just take you up on that, elf." He offers a bleak smile. "I don't suppose them gnolls are going to come by sea, so there's not much use in us waiting around here. Let's head up to the inn."

The stairs are wet and the wind is cold as you head back up. A pair of militia men on patrol nod at you as you reach the top of the stairs. When you get to the inn, you find Baldhart and Bressel coming outside and heading in your direction. Other members of the party remain within.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

My eyes widen in shock as Baldhart speaks. "Ankari murdered a man tonight, and you would trust him to meet with gnolls and goblins in peace? And my lover? Cadell only came out of that temple unscathed because he thought it wiser to run for help. If he had stayed, I am sure he would have tried to stop Ankari, and I doubt he would have made it out. And now Cadell goes to speak with the gnolls. Even if Ankari does not see them, he will most certainly have words -- and more than words -- for one who would parley with them!

"Cadell told me nothing of his intentions, but I can make a few good guesses. I think he would be most inclined to ask the gnolls to retreat without harming Arendal or its people. But I am assured that if they refused, he would fight against them as readily as anyone. Cadell has become more and more of a pacifist these days, but he does understand that freedom must often be paid for with blood. He just wants to shed as little of it as possible.

"As for your plan... I remember what you told me, what you saw in Srilkind. There was no honor there, I agree. But there is none in your trap either. Do you want to lower yourself to their level? Or would you rather make yourself better than them, and face the enemy without deception? If the gnolls do come, is it not better to face them head-on, with courage and justice?"

I keep myself from bringing the gods into this conversation, but they linger in my thoughts nonetheless. Surely Brynhild would not endorse something like this, would she? And Oercus, does he not command his followers to fight the transgressions of the other races against the elves? To send a known murderer after Cadell... what was Baldhart thinking?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Inside

"The Iron Mountain was won by my people eight hundred years ago, when Wulfgar Eisenberg put his axe through the back of his commander's skull. The druids who lived there never had to fight to protect their homes because of an action most of the world would consider 'dishonorable.' My ancestor—Nissa's grandfather—was invited by the druid chief to remain with his people and defend the land from other would-be invaders. He married the chief's daughter, and so did nearly every Eisenberg man since then.

"If Wulfgar had done the honorable thing, he'd have followed his commander's lead and many families would have died in their homes. And if I do the so-called honorable thing and fight a losing battle, the gnolls will murder the children of Arendal. All because I'm worried about the 'honor' of following the rules of war."

I hope that came out politely.

"My people, my Goddess, Nissa… our way is to consider the greater good in all matters. My trap—if successful—is retribution to those who murdered children, and salvation for the children here. Let the people of Arendal hate me and make lewd gestures as they scoff at the dishonor of 'that painted lady.' If they can do that, then go home and hug their children, I've done my job well."

I get up and leave, wondering if Liadan will get Mauve's things or if Mauve will do that herself. Not a concern at the moment. I have a trap to set.




Outside

I let Aldar and Grim know that Bressel and I are ready to start building the trap. Whether the gnolls will actually come to the meeting place is unknown, but I'll get the boat about ten miles west and ready to roast some dogs just in case.

As we start the heavy work, I tell Bressel, "There are two ways to trigger this. One is like the drawing, and the other involves having Nissa pull the rope so the sail drops, and the wood piece on the bottom of the sail itself has ropes connecting it to the stoppers, so when the sail drops the oil spills. I think this'll be more effective than the way I drew it, and best of all, if I get killed and the dogs try to use the sail to go after you, they'll set the trap on themselves. Then all Alin would need to do is light an arrow and use Heartseeker to make sure he doesn't miss."

Maybe I should just tell Alin this part.

"My point is, we don't have to cut the sail."

I secure the first barrel, then go on…

"I'm also thinking we could have a torch at the top of the boat. Of course, I'd have to light it when I'm at the meeting place. It would look like a means of making myself noticed, but the idea is so Nissa can be there for me in case I'm rushed, and she'll be where she needs to be to set the trap—too high for the gnolls to get her, and the sail itself should provide cover so they can't swat her down with a sword easily—especially not on a rocking boat. If we secure the torch in a way it's bound in rope but can be pulled upward easily, she should be able to fly out of sword range before they notice she's there."

Did I forget something?

Noses!

Crap! Thanks, Nissa.

"Bressel, there is one other safety measure I'm taking. I need something with a strong smell, like a barrel with some fish in it or something, and a few fish haphazardly strewn about the floor of the boat. The idea is that the gnolls are to sit on one side of the barrel with me on the other. I need as many ways to keep from getting rushed as possible, but not ways that look threatening. I won't even have a weapon or armor. But it's not just a boundary. I need to confuse their sense of smell. Maybe I'll have a few stiff drinks, and spill a few more in the boat. I'm sure Gisla will supply it. I'll pay if she wants. And why not? She didn't charge me for the oil."



Having run out of things to say, I watch Bressel securing a barrel and wonder what he thinks of me. I didn't want him to know who my uncle was… damn.

Baldy, you have plenty of distant cousins with the Eisenberg name. Of course Bressel knows you're descended from Wulfgar or one of his brothers if he knows your last name. Relax.

Yes, I'll relax and build my death trap.

…

It is relaxing.

 

[Nihal]

The blacksmith and beyond

That the blacksmith wouldn't be at his shop during this chaos was expected, but I cannot feel grateful enough for these people not locking their stores. Fools.

I pull my dress close to my body, careful to not knock over some tool by accident as I head to the back of the store. My spear, over the bench. I run my fingers along the weapon. Untouched, unfortunately. To have it ready would to be too good to be true. I guess I should feel grateful for not finding it only half-done. I take it and look around.

No work, no pay. He might keep the money somewhere here, perhaps near the front, where he treats with his customers. I try to recall what he did with my payment while I search for it. It's only fair I take back what was paid for the work not done. Mayhaps more, for my troubles. Yes, that would be good. I grin. Not everything he has here, it would be too obvious, but a good part, yeah. What kind of thief doesn't steal everything and places the purse back?

What would his lady wife make of this, drinking or whores? Hah, I hope so!

((Whenever she finds the money or not.))

I take a peek at the street, locating the patrols. It's time to do what I've been avoiding, to decide what should I do next. I can't stay in Arendal, that's obvious. I move back to the street, making my way to the west. That's what the barbarian said. Aliron said he hid the children well, I cannot hope to find them alone. West, woods, sea, yes, I can only watch and follow them.

((Possibly back to Side Treks/PMs, uh? xD ))

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

Baldhart leaves, and I pinch the bridge of my nose to ward off a headache. She didn't even give me time to respond, nor did she say a word about Ankari and his treachery. Does she truly believe she did right in sending him after Cadell? After what she said about the greater good, I have to wonder.

No matter. If Cadell doesn't make it back to Arendal, I know exactly who to blame. But now that I know that, I cannot sit idle and wait. I can't help Baldhart with her trap -- I have to find Cadell, and protect him if I can.

Llucheden's tracks are not difficult to find in the snow. How far ahead is Ankari? Can I possibly sneak past him?

((Will relocate to Side Treks once Steerpike gives the go-ahead.))

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel
"I would suggest hiding a cheap weapon in case it comes to a fight. One you would not care it burned in the fire or is sacrificed to the god of the seas."

Aliron
Aliron follows his path back out of town that he entered to prevent leaving a new trail to follow. The path back will take longer, just to be sure no one is following, and will make use of every elven trick to obscure the trail. Time is important, but maintaining the secret location is even more important. If there is snow covering the ground, he will walk backwards in his footprints and head off in a new direction. He will climb trees and try to move in the trees as long as possible to throw off the tracker.
The ranger could track him, but the ranger is the one person that sacrificed everything for Branwen, so if the ranger followed, it would not be for harm to the girls.
If the opportunity arises, Aliron will take a rabbit or small game with his bow. So he of course will have the bow ready.
{{continued on side treks.}}

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Nissa is my weapon if it comes to that."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

"Sounds like a plan then." and with that we head back towards the inn for a drink or six.

On the way back to the inn we bump into baldhart and bressell heading down to the docks to rig the trap.

"baldy, If you get a minute feel free to join us for a couple of drinks once your done, You may well need a bit of courage. Im buying anyway, you may as well get in on it." I give a smile , then walk towards the inn with grimm.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I tell Aldar, "You won't be able to buy anything until Gisla's back, but I imagine she's on her way already. When you see her, tell her I could use something strong. Not for courage—I don't need a drink for that. I need something with a strong scent to confuse the gnolls so they don't smell the oil. A potent drink, some stinky fish…"

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I clear my throat. "whatever you say baldhart." I cannot help the grin from creeping across my face as i say it.

"Well grimm, looks like we'll have to wait for an ale, Well we are supposed to anyway."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I secure the last barrel and ready the trap as much as I can.

Looking good, Baldy.

Yeah… now I just need Gisla so we can get moving!



((@SP, when you said the trap could be rigged easily, did you mean with Aliron's help, or can Baldhart handle the trap herself? Basically, if this is something she is able to do, she doesn't leave the job half done. If the trap skill is required for the rope-pulley-stopper trigger, she saves that part of Aliron.))

 

[Steerpike]

((For the type of trap you are making, Baldhart can do it herself and she has time to do so. If you were trying to do it in a hurry, such as in the middle of a battle or something, I'd probably ask for a roll and you'd be better off having someone with practiced skill using rope. This is a relatively simple setup, and since Baldhart has time to be thorough, she can do it without making a check)).

Grim nods at Baldhart as he and Aldar head into the tavern. "If you have need of me, lass, do not hesitate to ask. I will be inside the Spear for now. This night has weighed heavily on me."

When Aldar enters the inn, Grim follows. The place has been closed for the evening, though it was rather hastily done. Behind the bar, mugs are in evidence, as is what remains of the key Aga was serving from before closing. The inn is quiet, with no guests remaining and the other party members having left for their various destinations.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I decide to take the time to finish the trap as it was originally designed, using the harpy's dagger to cut into the sail. If the gnolls ask, yes, the sail was damaged. That's why I'm rowing. No reason that should arouse suspicion.

Once the trap is complete, I'll wait by the Spear for Gisla if she's not here.

Things I need:

Fish, booze, or anything with a strong scent.
Rags and a towel.
And a fresh coat of woad paint.