"I suppose it was too much to hope that such al-hadhar, errr city dwellers, would honor the codes of hospitality..." Nodjeim says to Jonathan when he shuts down the idea of being invited into the keep. "Just as well, we'd have been breaking the code of the guest if we used such hospitality for deceit."
The tiefling listens to more discussion on how to accomplish their tasks before chiming in again. "Could we not do both?" Nodjeim asks. "The mare and the bull. Both at once?"
"You seem to think it a simple matter to turn invisible and find this unicorn woman. I must admit, such is beyond me or my knowledge do I will trust in yours," Nodjeim continues, looking mostly to Ward. "If it takes but one of you to rescue the unicorn then if we coordinate well they could be rescued just as the rest of us engage the Red Bull. I assume there would be some furor once word of either event makes it's way around... If both happen at once then perhaps we can benefit by the ensuing chaos and the kings inability to send all reinforcements to a single problem."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Kaede just stands there, aghast and confused at the reactions she received from the townsfolk. After a moments hesitation, she finally blurts out "Screw 'em. They don't want our help? Fine. They don't get our help."
Taking a moment to self center, she mumbles "The warrior is always first a servant… The warrior does not serve because they cannot lead; they know that a person cannot lead if they do not serve." and then walks in amongst the rest of her team and announces "Right. Seems like we have an appointment with a ship full of skeletons and a dastardly bull. Shall we?" as she points towards the harbor where the ship supposedly is.
Amitola, having been lost in her own thoughts of everything going on, stood there, ready for what may arise. She knew that she would give her all to protect the ones around. Seeing there interactions with one another made her feel something, like she fit somewhere, family was something she had never had, but family wasn't the right word for this, this was something of the feeling of welcomed. For once in her entire life, she felt needed, and now she knew to do as told and give it her best, give the ones around her, her best, even the ones she hadn't communicated with and did not know. Hearing Jek call her a friend, in that moment she didn't have a response, for she hadn't been called friend in a long time, but when he said she had a place, she didn't realize what those words had meant until thinking upon them, at once they had settled in her thoughts, she realized, she was wanted, maybe even needed, she was ready to take action, to protect the ones around her. She was ready to be told what to do, and when to do it, for she would give it her best.
"We should not split up, too many variables for it to be safe. I believe it would be best for us to attempt and find Schmendrick, let him know what's going on, and evacuate the mare. Then even if the place is on full alert I trust that we can make our way through. However, I have thought of something to deal with the skeletons and the bull." Ward says, taking out what looks like an odd map and points toward the hills. "If I go under and above I can use this to map the thickness between, and then, using some fun items and my gunpowder reserves plant charges to attempt to bring down the hill atop them. If we can save the mare and before they are moved out of the hill bring it down upon them then our threat will be greatly reduced. Then, assuming the bull still lives we can deal with it swiftly, without the worry of a skeleton army reinforcing, while having our main goal safe." Ward says, closing the map and looking toward the group for their thoughts.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
“I understand most of the words you spoke,” Nodjeim says, “but I lack understanding about what you are saying. Still, if you have some magic or ways to kill the bull, so be it. It’ll make me question why I was recruited for this venture, but I’d at least get to see this feat…”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Ward looks at Nodjeim as he questions his place here and puts a hand on his shoulder. "You were recruited friend because we need every person we can. Two have already fallen into the darkness. More of us likely will. If you are able to make it through this mission while just watching, then it will be a thing of luck, and a mercy." Ward says
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
Ereni listens attentively to Ward's plan. She can't remember if it is his second or third one, but she nods. He does remind me of that one sergeant.
She responds in her customary glum drawl. "I'm with the axe man. Stakes are high. If all our best plans are some variation of Ward singlehandedly winning the day with his explosives and spells and other abilities, then that's what we should do. Can't say I have any better ideas. Beats failing and dying, though the bright side of that could be if our festering corpses nourish the soil so these villagers here can maybe grow a potato..."
She trails off, remembering what had happened towards the end with some of her brothers and sisters in arms in The Infantry before she had deserted. Rotting from within long before Vader destroyed it from the without. Same as it ever was.
"Either way, seems we all agree we don't know enough yet,. We got next to nothing from the villagers and not much more from the animals. So find Schmendrick? Still in the keep, could be. Can't collapse the hill anyway until we know the unicorn mare's not under there." If it looks like the others are ready to get moving, Ereni starts walking north towards the three structures to the north, partway to the keep. She brings Joy the dog with her.
"Oh, it will not be single-handed. While I have a great deal of resources at my disposal, a well-placed arrow can cripple me the same. When we fight this bull it is you who will deal the damage. I simply intend to occupy it and weaken it. I do have an idea to help their soils, however. But helping them all rests on if we can expel this king, which I think you may have given us a path with Joy there. A revolution is great and all but it only matters if the next government won't fall apart." Ward says
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
"If you force revolution upon a people who do not want it or at least are not ready for it, do you not become the same type of tyrant you are looking to overthrow?" Nodjeim asks, curiously. Otherwise he follows along with Ereni, or whoever is leading the way. Nodjeim is confused on if they truly have a plan or not but he aims to be at the forefront of whatever they go into...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Approaching the three buildings next to the road leading up the hill toward the keep reveals them to be almost deserted. Only one door slams as they get near as someone hides inside in the dark.
There are guards along the tops of the wall to the keep, but none of them stir or bother to challenge the approaching group...
“The art of war is to put your enemy in a position that he cannot fight from. I would advice against attacking so soon, when we have no insight into the disposition of the enemy. Nor whom even is the enemy.”
Kaede walks along the trail confidently, as if she was meant to be there. No skulking about.
“Confident walking is more successful than confused running, my friends. Be strong.”
Nodjeim looks up at the sentries and narrows his eyes trying to see if Ereni was correct about them being dummies or not. Either way, Kaede was correct in that they were better off walking in with their heads held high. At this point scurrying or hiding would definitely be a warning flag...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
The climb to the keep is quiet. A few people down below in the city of Hagsgate, city of course being a bit of an inflated word, wander back out of their houses to watch as the group approaches the keep.
The closer they get, the more it becomes apparent that the dummies on top of the keep are, in fact, dummies. Straw sticks out of gaps in weathered clothing and rusted armor. A crow lands on one and begins to pull straw free before flying away, probably to make a nest somewhere.
Finally, someone walks up to the edge of the wall and looks over. A man, tall and powerful, adorned in well made and well kept armor. He looks over at the approaching party of warriors.
"Come no closer. Identify yourselves and state your business." He calls out, regal and commanding.
Nodjeim pauses and looks up at the someone upon the walls. This one does not appear to be made of straw. Nodjeim takes in a deep breath to call out his response for it is in his nature to be straightforward and honest but he then thinks better of it and pauses, instead looking to the others for them to take the lead. He is used to just going straight at problems but these problems he is entangled with now are more their area of expertise than his own. For now he chooses to let them lead the dance...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Like Nodjeim, Ereni glances around briefly, waiting for the others in her group to speak up. All that talk of brilliant battle plans and the art of war, but suddenly everyone's gotten more puckered up than the arse of a crossbowman caught in a cavalry charge. She scratches Joy between the ears gently.
She briefly bows her head before looking up again, her dark green face scarf almost slipping off her nose. "Ereni Shaidaro, sir. Or your majesty, whichever applies. New in these parts so you'll pardon my lack of formality. My companions and betters here can introduce themselves and state our business better than I. But this lovely old doggie here, Prince Lir's friend, thrown out of the keep for chewing bones. Can't say I understand that as she was only acting as good dogs act, and her heart remains warm as ever. Even our blind old medic Morro back in the Infantry could see that as Joy has departed your steading, so too has joy departed your land. I've got a copper that says she's better company than these straw sentries adorning your walls."
Ereni's drawl trails off questioningly. She continues to pat Joy and doesn't otherwise move, but readies the dodge action.
The warrior on the wall barely listens to what Ereni has to say. He's not completely disregarding her, but as she scratches Joy's ears and mentions the Prince's dog, he reaches up and pulls the helm from his head.
"Joy?" The man on the wall calls down. The dog perks up. He's handsome, his neck length hair straw-blonde and eyes as blue-green as the sea. "I'm coming down."
Kaede approaches the wall, stands at strict attention next to Ereni (in the ready condition) and in her most regal voice, announces "It is I, Lady Kaede Ashikaga of the Shōgunate Ashikaga, rulers of Kings Landing. You shall address me as Lady Kaede. I am here to seek an audience with your Lord and Master, King Haggard."
She then stands there, looking quite noblish, as if her requests and demands are used to being complied with, without hesitation or delay.
Johnathan has been quiet for a bit as the group makes their way to the keep. He still has his disguise on as they approach. As he stands among the group he waits to see how each of the party wished to approach this. He takes particular note of Kaede’s introduction. Kings landing? Seems they may actually be royalty. Oh well.
As the others introduce themselves Johnathan speaks, though his voice is old and worn. “Hey sunny, what was that? Gonna have to speak up if you want old Bill to hear yeah”. While the others distract the guard Johnathan sends echo out to see if there are anymore guards nearby.
The warrior completely misses Lady Kaede's attempt at engagement. He departs the wall and reappears, moments later, at the gate. The gate grinds and gives, and then a system of chains and pulleys brings the portcullis up. The warrior steps out and drops his helm as he makes his way past the gate, and then kneels.
"Joy. Here girl." He says...and the old dog, with a bit of a limp, runs as quick as she can forward and throws herself into his arms. The warrior, a man who looks ready to visit violence upon anyone at any given moment, slumps into the dog and hugs her tight. He nuzzles his face into her shabby fur and sniffs, ruffles his nose because she stinks, then nuzzles his face to her again.
"I suppose it was too much to hope that such al-hadhar, errr city dwellers, would honor the codes of hospitality..." Nodjeim says to Jonathan when he shuts down the idea of being invited into the keep. "Just as well, we'd have been breaking the code of the guest if we used such hospitality for deceit."
The tiefling listens to more discussion on how to accomplish their tasks before chiming in again. "Could we not do both?" Nodjeim asks. "The mare and the bull. Both at once?"
"You seem to think it a simple matter to turn invisible and find this unicorn woman. I must admit, such is beyond me or my knowledge do I will trust in yours," Nodjeim continues, looking mostly to Ward. "If it takes but one of you to rescue the unicorn then if we coordinate well they could be rescued just as the rest of us engage the Red Bull. I assume there would be some furor once word of either event makes it's way around... If both happen at once then perhaps we can benefit by the ensuing chaos and the kings inability to send all reinforcements to a single problem."
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Kaede just stands there, aghast and confused at the reactions she received from the townsfolk. After a moments hesitation, she finally blurts out "Screw 'em. They don't want our help? Fine. They don't get our help."
Taking a moment to self center, she mumbles "The warrior is always first a servant… The warrior does not serve because they cannot lead; they know that a person cannot lead if they do not serve." and then walks in amongst the rest of her team and announces "Right. Seems like we have an appointment with a ship full of skeletons and a dastardly bull. Shall we?" as she points towards the harbor where the ship supposedly is.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Amitola, having been lost in her own thoughts of everything going on, stood there, ready for what may arise. She knew that she would give her all to protect the ones around. Seeing there interactions with one another made her feel something, like she fit somewhere, family was something she had never had, but family wasn't the right word for this, this was something of the feeling of welcomed. For once in her entire life, she felt needed, and now she knew to do as told and give it her best, give the ones around her, her best, even the ones she hadn't communicated with and did not know. Hearing Jek call her a friend, in that moment she didn't have a response, for she hadn't been called friend in a long time, but when he said she had a place, she didn't realize what those words had meant until thinking upon them, at once they had settled in her thoughts, she realized, she was wanted, maybe even needed, she was ready to take action, to protect the ones around her. She was ready to be told what to do, and when to do it, for she would give it her best.
"We should not split up, too many variables for it to be safe. I believe it would be best for us to attempt and find Schmendrick, let him know what's going on, and evacuate the mare. Then even if the place is on full alert I trust that we can make our way through. However, I have thought of something to deal with the skeletons and the bull." Ward says, taking out what looks like an odd map and points toward the hills. "If I go under and above I can use this to map the thickness between, and then, using some fun items and my gunpowder reserves plant charges to attempt to bring down the hill atop them. If we can save the mare and before they are moved out of the hill bring it down upon them then our threat will be greatly reduced. Then, assuming the bull still lives we can deal with it swiftly, without the worry of a skeleton army reinforcing, while having our main goal safe." Ward says, closing the map and looking toward the group for their thoughts.
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
“I understand most of the words you spoke,” Nodjeim says, “but I lack understanding about what you are saying. Still, if you have some magic or ways to kill the bull, so be it. It’ll make me question why I was recruited for this venture, but I’d at least get to see this feat…”
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Ward looks at Nodjeim as he questions his place here and puts a hand on his shoulder. "You were recruited friend because we need every person we can. Two have already fallen into the darkness. More of us likely will. If you are able to make it through this mission while just watching, then it will be a thing of luck, and a mercy." Ward says
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
Ereni listens attentively to Ward's plan. She can't remember if it is his second or third one, but she nods. He does remind me of that one sergeant.
She responds in her customary glum drawl. "I'm with the axe man. Stakes are high. If all our best plans are some variation of Ward singlehandedly winning the day with his explosives and spells and other abilities, then that's what we should do. Can't say I have any better ideas. Beats failing and dying, though the bright side of that could be if our festering corpses nourish the soil so these villagers here can maybe grow a potato..."
She trails off, remembering what had happened towards the end with some of her brothers and sisters in arms in The Infantry before she had deserted. Rotting from within long before Vader destroyed it from the without. Same as it ever was.
"Either way, seems we all agree we don't know enough yet,. We got next to nothing from the villagers and not much more from the animals. So find Schmendrick? Still in the keep, could be. Can't collapse the hill anyway until we know the unicorn mare's not under there." If it looks like the others are ready to get moving, Ereni starts walking north towards the three structures to the north, partway to the keep. She brings Joy the dog with her.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
"Oh, it will not be single-handed. While I have a great deal of resources at my disposal, a well-placed arrow can cripple me the same. When we fight this bull it is you who will deal the damage. I simply intend to occupy it and weaken it. I do have an idea to help their soils, however. But helping them all rests on if we can expel this king, which I think you may have given us a path with Joy there. A revolution is great and all but it only matters if the next government won't fall apart." Ward says
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
"If you force revolution upon a people who do not want it or at least are not ready for it, do you not become the same type of tyrant you are looking to overthrow?" Nodjeim asks, curiously. Otherwise he follows along with Ereni, or whoever is leading the way. Nodjeim is confused on if they truly have a plan or not but he aims to be at the forefront of whatever they go into...
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Approaching the three buildings next to the road leading up the hill toward the keep reveals them to be almost deserted. Only one door slams as they get near as someone hides inside in the dark.
There are guards along the tops of the wall to the keep, but none of them stir or bother to challenge the approaching group...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Ereni stretches and casually unslings her bow, not threateningly, but ready. Eyes scanning for threats. Face gloomy as ever.
"Could shoot the sentries atop the walls of the keep. But I don't think they'd die. Dummies stuffed with straw don't, as a rule."
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
“The art of war is to put your enemy in a position that he cannot fight from. I would advice against attacking so soon, when we have no insight into the disposition of the enemy. Nor whom even is the enemy.”
Kaede walks along the trail confidently, as if she was meant to be there. No skulking about.
“Confident walking is more successful than confused running, my friends. Be strong.”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Nodjeim looks up at the sentries and narrows his eyes trying to see if Ereni was correct about them being dummies or not. Either way, Kaede was correct in that they were better off walking in with their heads held high. At this point scurrying or hiding would definitely be a warning flag...
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
The climb to the keep is quiet. A few people down below in the city of Hagsgate, city of course being a bit of an inflated word, wander back out of their houses to watch as the group approaches the keep.
The closer they get, the more it becomes apparent that the dummies on top of the keep are, in fact, dummies. Straw sticks out of gaps in weathered clothing and rusted armor. A crow lands on one and begins to pull straw free before flying away, probably to make a nest somewhere.
Finally, someone walks up to the edge of the wall and looks over. A man, tall and powerful, adorned in well made and well kept armor. He looks over at the approaching party of warriors.
"Come no closer. Identify yourselves and state your business." He calls out, regal and commanding.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Nodjeim pauses and looks up at the someone upon the walls. This one does not appear to be made of straw. Nodjeim takes in a deep breath to call out his response for it is in his nature to be straightforward and honest but he then thinks better of it and pauses, instead looking to the others for them to take the lead. He is used to just going straight at problems but these problems he is entangled with now are more their area of expertise than his own. For now he chooses to let them lead the dance...
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Like Nodjeim, Ereni glances around briefly, waiting for the others in her group to speak up. All that talk of brilliant battle plans and the art of war, but suddenly everyone's gotten more puckered up than the arse of a crossbowman caught in a cavalry charge. She scratches Joy between the ears gently.
She briefly bows her head before looking up again, her dark green face scarf almost slipping off her nose. "Ereni Shaidaro, sir. Or your majesty, whichever applies. New in these parts so you'll pardon my lack of formality. My companions and betters here can introduce themselves and state our business better than I. But this lovely old doggie here, Prince Lir's friend, thrown out of the keep for chewing bones. Can't say I understand that as she was only acting as good dogs act, and her heart remains warm as ever. Even our blind old medic Morro back in the Infantry could see that as Joy has departed your steading, so too has joy departed your land. I've got a copper that says she's better company than these straw sentries adorning your walls."
Ereni's drawl trails off questioningly. She continues to pat Joy and doesn't otherwise move, but readies the dodge action.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
The warrior on the wall barely listens to what Ereni has to say. He's not completely disregarding her, but as she scratches Joy's ears and mentions the Prince's dog, he reaches up and pulls the helm from his head.
"Joy?" The man on the wall calls down. The dog perks up. He's handsome, his neck length hair straw-blonde and eyes as blue-green as the sea. "I'm coming down."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Kaede approaches the wall, stands at strict attention next to Ereni (in the ready condition) and in her most regal voice, announces "It is I, Lady Kaede Ashikaga of the Shōgunate Ashikaga, rulers of Kings Landing. You shall address me as Lady Kaede. I am here to seek an audience with your Lord and Master, King Haggard."
She then stands there, looking quite noblish, as if her requests and demands are used to being complied with, without hesitation or delay.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Johnathan has been quiet for a bit as the group makes their way to the keep. He still has his disguise on as they approach. As he stands among the group he waits to see how each of the party wished to approach this. He takes particular note of Kaede’s introduction. Kings landing? Seems they may actually be royalty. Oh well.
As the others introduce themselves Johnathan speaks, though his voice is old and worn. “Hey sunny, what was that? Gonna have to speak up if you want old Bill to hear yeah”. While the others distract the guard Johnathan sends echo out to see if there are anymore guards nearby.
Perception check(adv since using echo sense): 16
The warrior completely misses Lady Kaede's attempt at engagement. He departs the wall and reappears, moments later, at the gate. The gate grinds and gives, and then a system of chains and pulleys brings the portcullis up. The warrior steps out and drops his helm as he makes his way past the gate, and then kneels.
"Joy. Here girl." He says...and the old dog, with a bit of a limp, runs as quick as she can forward and throws herself into his arms. The warrior, a man who looks ready to visit violence upon anyone at any given moment, slumps into the dog and hugs her tight. He nuzzles his face into her shabby fur and sniffs, ruffles his nose because she stinks, then nuzzles his face to her again.
"I'm sorry. Did someone say something?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH