This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Respar quietly, albeit briefly, mourns the loss of the two women. Both had been competent, and easy on the eyes. He especially had found Jesla intriguing, but there is nothing to do about it now. He keeps to himself mostly, doing his best to allay the suspicions of Captain Cadderly. But late at night, he slips back to the secret tunnel, each time mapping just a little bit more of the keep. During meals he chats with the locals, particularly those from the keep, looking for nuggets of intelligence on the folks inside. He hopes to learn who is romancing whom, who is jealous of which superior or colleague, that sort of thing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Things I'd like to keep, retcon, etc. for Kiven:
Keep
From the noble elven house Aloro
Breaking out of prison, dealing with his brother the warden personally, etc.
Running his mouth to Cardinal Thorn and being punished severely for it. Also Tiadora made him dance around the mansion naked.
Struggling to adapt to the rough life of an adventurer in some ways, but still displaying a sharp academic mind, etc.
Change
Kiven was never an archer, but rather a sorcerer.
Kiven is not shy to show his companions his arrogance, but has a silver tongue with strangers. Respar can still tell when he is mocking them while they fall for his false words, however.
Kiven has been kind to Grumblejack, as far as Jack knows at least, easily manipulating him into trusting he and Respar. Respar knows Kiven would sacrifice Jack in a heartbeat if it suited him best in the moment.
"A shame, the devil woman had real potential. She owed me a debt as well. As for the savage, even brute force has its uses if guided properly. What a pity. Luckily you still have me, dearest Respar."
Objectives during this time:
Figure out exactly how to poison Mama G's beef stew: 13
Find out as much information about the pair of battle mages, including daily patterns, habits, personal information, and info from Jacobian Scaramore if possible: 14
As they ride towards Aldencross, Blaupunkt remains in the disguise he's chosen - a humble friar, balding and overweight, dressed as suits a travelling piety-filled, simple minded priest. The conversation as the travel is mild and guarded, changing when anyone else gets near enough to hear. His deep voice reminiscent of a distant avalanche, he says "I hope these leftovers are at least mildly competent at their task, what ever it turns out to be. It'd be a shame to lose their services due to stupidity. The Cardinal will be expecting results worthy of us. Keeping them alive and on task had better not be difficult. I'll grind their joints into dust if it is."
Once they enter the town, he chooses not to dally and heads straight there with Selena. Arriving at the meeting point, his illusion of a smiling countenance starts fading to a frown as he tries to locate the contacts described.
OOC- I'll revise as Selena posts, if needed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena chuckles as they close in on Aldencross. She stands 5'10" and weighs 145 lbs. She appears fit but not muscular. Selena has an hourglass figure that draws attention to her. Her pale blonde hair hangs down to just below her waist and is usually in a braid. Her skin is fairly pale but clear. Green eyes shine out from her face and seem to look straight into a persons soul. Her face appears youthful and innocent and she uses that to entrap people. A chain shirt rests over the top of her emerald green knee length gown. A shimmering metal shield is slung on her back with a rapier at her side. There is a constant look of amusement on her face as they ride. " Blaupunkt, I don't expect much from them. You remember the stories from the house surely.. That fool Aloro... he was put in his place We will do it again if needed . We can not afford another failure. "
She gazes around the village as they look for signs of the other two. Selena shook her head as she thought of the upcoming meeting. Those fools must not be allowed to think they had leadership right over her and her companion. She smirks and keeps looking.
Exchanging the secret signals and other identifiers that allow them to verify their alliance, Blau goes with the two remaining Knot members. Once the group has moved into a private and secure location, he drops the disguise magic and almost two feet of height. Standing a blocky 4' 6", his heritage is apparent in both the granite-like texture to his skin and grey hair, and the embedded lines of gems running down his bare arms and legs. Their colours ranging from brighter red at the start, to a dark blue at the finger and toe-tips, the way they are actually growing from his flesh tells observers he is an Oread - product of an earth elemental or earth magic and another species. Other than a tunic, belt and other minor objects, he is basically equipped.
"I am Blaupunkt Riftborn. " He introduces himself "The Cardinal has commanded that we join and aid your Knot in your already assigned goals. My skills lie with close-in battle of our foes with my fists, but I do have healing available for those who fail to avoid injury. My requirements are normal for my species - a bit of mineral with my meals although not absolutely necessary. I am very durable, so should be up front in any combat. Glory to Asmodeus and his appointed Voice!"
When asked about his history he responds "My origins are typical - my parent encountered some great magic at some point during her pregnancy, and was so offended by my appearance, she disposed of me at the nearest shrine. While there for a few years, I was the subject of endless abuse and attacks, and I learned to defend my self until I encountered a priest of our dark God. They were far more accepting of my form, and soon I proved my mettle in many ways, training and gaining a special connection to His divine favor beyond a mere petitioner. Our Knot was betrayed from within by an incompetent bungler who has since had justice served upon him, and we were later assigned here. I hope your ability is greater than the fool who broke our task, but that shouldn't be too hard to achieve."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena stares at the two newcomers icily. Her blonde hair is braided and hangs down her back. Her piercing green eyes study them as a farmer would cattle. " I am Selena. That is all you need to know. I am skilled at persuading weak minds to do what i want. " She glances at Kiven as she says this. " Death follows along with me. I claim souls that i want and then take them. I enjoy the spilling of blood. It brings me peace in this chaotic world. " She licks her lips as she says this. Selena sniffs the air delicately. " I can smell it here... doom is coming. It can not be avoided. "
Kiven drops his old man Wulfric disguise revealing a six foot two, thin half-elf with pale skin, black hair and blue eyes. He is dressed in regal attire and does not have any weapons visible. Looking to Selena he asks "did you intend for your name to be 'all we need to know', or would you like us to consume the rest of that dark and brooding minutia as well? The statement is unclear." If she opens her mouth in response he waves his hand and says "no matter".
To Blaupunkt he also gives a wave of the hand when the stone man is done speaking and says "yes, yes" dismissively. He then looks to Respar and concludes "I guess they will have to do. Would you like to fill them in on the current situation?"
Her eyes glitter in anger but she manages to funnel it inward. " Watch how you address me Kiven. I will do more to you than have you dance around a house naked. " She shifts her stance and instantly her clothing is covered in blood. It looks as if she has been butchered. " Her eyes look distant for a moment and then she shakes out of it. " I see many things. I can see deaths that are to happen. Maybe your death. Do not trifle with me. "
She then ignores him and listens to Blau and Respar. A smirk is visible on her face.
Respar drops his disguise too welcome the newcomers, but before he can do so, they speak. And then Kiven replies with his usual haughty manner. Respar rubs his face with his right hand as he rolls his eyes. "I am Respar, and your arrival is welcome, despite what Kiven says. Basically, we were sent here to help pave the way for an invasion by forces lead by a bugbear friendly to our patrons. Using the knowledge of one of our recently deceased companions we arrived here in the guise of folks looking to start an alchemy shop. We had done a decent job, and managed to even ingratiate ourselves with the townsfolk. One or two of the people from the keep have been suspicious, but for the most part we have been accepted. We have also found a secret tunnel from beneath the tavern into the keep, and I have managed to explore the interior a bit. When we arrived, the bugbear said he needed another 3 weeks to unite the tribes, but then he would need to launch the attack within 3 weeks after that or he would lose control of them." He paused, trying to make sure he covered all the essential points. "Part of our plan was we were going to poison the food for the troops at the keep the day before we signal the attack to begin. Then in the wee hours we'd begin an infiltration and and start removing as many of the keep's personnel as possible." He shrugs. "Who knows? If we're able to open the gates for the invasion without an alarm being raised, so much the better."
He continues. "I don't know what His Eminence told you about us, but let me give you my basic skill set. I'm a rogue, thief, adept at lying, cheating, and convincing others. I excel at infiltration, and do my best to collect intelligence." He looks at Kiven to see what he says about himself.
Kiven doesn't even consider describing himself, his background, or his skill set. Everyone knows who Lord Aloro is, after all.
"There are two battle mages that we hope to learn more about. Mostly they just seem bored with their post here thus far, but I have yet to discern their true level of power. Additionally, a team of dwarves is here to work on repairs to the keeps foundations. I plan to learn more of the specifics of their work now that we have established ourselves here."
"What will be your reason for arriving in town? We do not need more eyes on Respar and I, of course. I might suggest that you are traveling East or something of the sort but heard that Ye Merrie Men are coming to town with William Marcus Marlow and thought it would be worth waiting for. This would buy you two weeks or so, at least. Unfortunately it is difficult to justify any reason to visit this paltry hovel otherwise."
With a gesture, Blau re-engages the set disguise, his taller, fatter form of the old friar restored. "I will be a penitent healer, helping the poor of this village get better from ailments and conditions. While I may draw a little more blood than necessary, now and then, my skills will see most of them to health. I am merely stopping here to help for a while until I feel the call to move on. I will not be using the gifts granted by my Lord Asmodeus to help these pathetic excuses for sentients, however, unless one of those proves useful to our goals."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena purses her lips thoughtfully for a short time. She shakes her head causing her blonde hair to billow outwards. " Hmm.. I suppose i am traveling to see the island. Well trained with my rapier and unafraid to travel on my own. I fell in with Blau on the way here...safety in numbers and all of that. I have heard about Ye Merrie Men coming soon and will await their arrival. That buys me some time to just be a tourist. "
" After that i will figure something else out. I don't think that we should all be seen together. Too much of a coincidence for 4 strangers to arrive in a village like this and be close friends. Maybe Blau and i stay in touch and either Blau or myself meet one of you every few days under the cover of darkness. We can work out a meeting place, set certain dates and times to meet and have a way to contact each other in case of sudden, urgent developments. It's easier for 2 to sneak around and meet up than 4. That's what i am thinking anyways...Anyone have a better idea?" She taps her fingers lightly on the table top as she looks at each of them in turn.
Respar nods. "That makes eminent sense." He pauses, then says to Selena, "Maybe in a week or so you could pretend to fancy one of us, giving you cover to spend more time at our, um, shop-that-never-was."
"Dead drops work well for urgent contacts. If you leave three unlit candles in your shop, we know you've been compromised, or things like that. Regardless of how we plan to associate circumspectly, we still need to keep on track for making this target as soft as possible for the bugbears. Water is by far easier to disrupt than food that can come from many kitchens - is there a main source for the keep that we could drop something with nasty and flavourless effects? If you have access under the keep, what about the foundations themselves? Is there a wall that could be weakened in one spot that would give way with a little effort?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
She considers this for a moment. " Come now, we have to make this believable. " Selena smiles and then listens to Blau.
" Who holds things together here? Is there one indispensable person? If we could determine that and remove them at just the opportune moment everything will collapse from within.. "
"The keep only has the one kitchen," Respar says. "So hitting either the food or water would work there. As to what to use, we might have to survey whatever Eya left behind. I seem to recall she had a secret stash in a wall in the basement. Kiven, you were in the process of gathering some of the local plants. Any thoughts on poisoning?"
"My academics never required such sinister purposes, but given the circumstances, yes I'd say my paltry alchemical skills are still vastly superior to most."
"I have been quite busy slowly recovering the arcane accessories I am accustomed too, but unfortunately this...place... lacks many of the proper resources. I shall devote more time to attempting to create this poison. I may also inquire further with the dwarves about the specifics of their work."
Dai, I think I'd like to do those two specific things at the appropriate time. Try to get more herbs if necessary, make a poison and test it on an animal or something. Rinse and repeat over a course of days as needed. Then also talk to the dwarves at some point, whether it be in the tavern or elsewhere during the day.
Blau adds "If my own knowledge with the nature and nurture of living creatures will help, then I offer it. The soft forms you wear are so easily ruptured and disrupted, it's a wonder you exist at all! Those birds you mentioned do need dealing with, just before the planned attack. Perhaps we can let loose a few dozen cats in their cages? Arrange with this bugbear general which gate he favours, and we will take out the guards posted there, on the day, and open wide the succulent morsels within."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Over the next few days, Respar will work on the following items of intelligence to gather, some of which he might have already learned.
1) How many shifts and guards are on duty at night in the keep. He should have been able to get that during the feast. "Enjoy the food! I hope you don't have to work duty tonight...oh, when does you shift start?...etc."
2) Respar will now play the grief-stricken brother in earnest. If anyone wishes to offer words of comfort, he will thank them. He is hopeful to learn more about the woman in the kitchen at the tavern. The keeper seems to keep her hidden. Is it his daughter? His mistress? Maybe she just asked him to keep the louts away from her. Regardless, he had developed a bit of rapport with Father Donnagin during the feast. The man might be willing to spend time with Respar. Maybe even get drunk with him. He would be likely to know things about how the keep works, and who does what when, and with whom.
3) Mott's wife...does she stay in the keep, or is she seen about town much.
4) Respar has mostly been around the ground floor of the keep. Has he seen how many guards are up and about at night? On the map, rooms 3, 4, 5 & 6 appear to be rooms for someone higher ranked than grunts. Are these NCOs, or are these where the officers bunk? When the one captain goes on patrol, how man men does he take? Does he take the same squad each time, or change it up?
5) Is there one soldier that is the group mascot? You know, the one guy who is not a great soldier, but very sincere and earnest, tries hard, etc., and everyone else will risk their lives for?
6) The captain who has a place outside the keep...Respar would like to mark his routines, so maybe we can break in to learn what we can about him.
Selena secures a place in town away from the inn. She will work on the human element of it all. Watching carefully she will happen to bump into various leaders. She will be assisted in this by her loyal black-feathered companion Poe. He will fly around from time to time relaying the movements of people after identifying various important people first. His dark eyes stare ominously at his surroundings as he contemplates the coming massacre. She will be flirty with any leaders she sees hoping to make a temporary ally.
Respar quietly, albeit briefly, mourns the loss of the two women. Both had been competent, and easy on the eyes. He especially had found Jesla intriguing, but there is nothing to do about it now. He keeps to himself mostly, doing his best to allay the suspicions of Captain Cadderly. But late at night, he slips back to the secret tunnel, each time mapping just a little bit more of the keep. During meals he chats with the locals, particularly those from the keep, looking for nuggets of intelligence on the folks inside. He hopes to learn who is romancing whom, who is jealous of which superior or colleague, that sort of thing.
Mapping the keep via tunnel 6
Gleaning intell via diplomacy, etc. 20
Things I'd like to keep, retcon, etc. for Kiven:
Keep
Change
"A shame, the devil woman had real potential. She owed me a debt as well. As for the savage, even brute force has its uses if guided properly. What a pity. Luckily you still have me, dearest Respar."
Objectives during this time:
Figure out exactly how to poison Mama G's beef stew: 13
Find out as much information about the pair of battle mages, including daily patterns, habits, personal information, and info from Jacobian Scaramore if possible: 14
*Can I also have worked on Crafting?
As they ride towards Aldencross, Blaupunkt remains in the disguise he's chosen - a humble friar, balding and overweight, dressed as suits a travelling piety-filled, simple minded priest. The conversation as the travel is mild and guarded, changing when anyone else gets near enough to hear. His deep voice reminiscent of a distant avalanche, he says "I hope these leftovers are at least mildly competent at their task, what ever it turns out to be. It'd be a shame to lose their services due to stupidity. The Cardinal will be expecting results worthy of us. Keeping them alive and on task had better not be difficult. I'll grind their joints into dust if it is."
Once they enter the town, he chooses not to dally and heads straight there with Selena. Arriving at the meeting point, his illusion of a smiling countenance starts fading to a frown as he tries to locate the contacts described.
OOC- I'll revise as Selena posts, if needed.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena chuckles as they close in on Aldencross. She stands 5'10" and weighs 145 lbs. She appears fit but not muscular. Selena has an hourglass figure that draws attention to her. Her pale blonde hair hangs down to just below her waist and is usually in a braid. Her skin is fairly pale but clear. Green eyes shine out from her face and seem to look straight into a persons soul. Her face appears youthful and innocent and she uses that to entrap people. A chain shirt rests over the top of her emerald green knee length gown. A shimmering metal shield is slung on her back with a rapier at her side. There is a constant look of amusement on her face as they ride. " Blaupunkt, I don't expect much from them. You remember the stories from the house surely.. That fool Aloro... he was put in his place We will do it again if needed . We can not afford another failure. "
She gazes around the village as they look for signs of the other two. Selena shook her head as she thought of the upcoming meeting. Those fools must not be allowed to think they had leadership right over her and her companion. She smirks and keeps looking.
Exchanging the secret signals and other identifiers that allow them to verify their alliance, Blau goes with the two remaining Knot members. Once the group has moved into a private and secure location, he drops the disguise magic and almost two feet of height. Standing a blocky 4' 6", his heritage is apparent in both the granite-like texture to his skin and grey hair, and the embedded lines of gems running down his bare arms and legs. Their colours ranging from brighter red at the start, to a dark blue at the finger and toe-tips, the way they are actually growing from his flesh tells observers he is an Oread - product of an earth elemental or earth magic and another species. Other than a tunic, belt and other minor objects, he is basically equipped.
"I am Blaupunkt Riftborn. " He introduces himself "The Cardinal has commanded that we join and aid your Knot in your already assigned goals. My skills lie with close-in battle of our foes with my fists, but I do have healing available for those who fail to avoid injury. My requirements are normal for my species - a bit of mineral with my meals although not absolutely necessary. I am very durable, so should be up front in any combat. Glory to Asmodeus and his appointed Voice!"
When asked about his history he responds "My origins are typical - my parent encountered some great magic at some point during her pregnancy, and was so offended by my appearance, she disposed of me at the nearest shrine. While there for a few years, I was the subject of endless abuse and attacks, and I learned to defend my self until I encountered a priest of our dark God. They were far more accepting of my form, and soon I proved my mettle in many ways, training and gaining a special connection to His divine favor beyond a mere petitioner. Our Knot was betrayed from within by an incompetent bungler who has since had justice served upon him, and we were later assigned here. I hope your ability is greater than the fool who broke our task, but that shouldn't be too hard to achieve."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena stares at the two newcomers icily. Her blonde hair is braided and hangs down her back. Her piercing green eyes study them as a farmer would cattle. " I am Selena. That is all you need to know. I am skilled at persuading weak minds to do what i want. " She glances at Kiven as she says this. " Death follows along with me. I claim souls that i want and then take them. I enjoy the spilling of blood. It brings me peace in this chaotic world. " She licks her lips as she says this. Selena sniffs the air delicately. " I can smell it here... doom is coming. It can not be avoided. "
Kiven drops his old man Wulfric disguise revealing a six foot two, thin half-elf with pale skin, black hair and blue eyes. He is dressed in regal attire and does not have any weapons visible. Looking to Selena he asks "did you intend for your name to be 'all we need to know', or would you like us to consume the rest of that dark and brooding minutia as well? The statement is unclear." If she opens her mouth in response he waves his hand and says "no matter".
To Blaupunkt he also gives a wave of the hand when the stone man is done speaking and says "yes, yes" dismissively. He then looks to Respar and concludes "I guess they will have to do. Would you like to fill them in on the current situation?"
Her eyes glitter in anger but she manages to funnel it inward. " Watch how you address me Kiven. I will do more to you than have you dance around a house naked. " She shifts her stance and instantly her clothing is covered in blood. It looks as if she has been butchered. " Her eyes look distant for a moment and then she shakes out of it. " I see many things. I can see deaths that are to happen. Maybe your death. Do not trifle with me. "
She then ignores him and listens to Blau and Respar. A smirk is visible on her face.
Respar drops his disguise too welcome the newcomers, but before he can do so, they speak. And then Kiven replies with his usual haughty manner. Respar rubs his face with his right hand as he rolls his eyes. "I am Respar, and your arrival is welcome, despite what Kiven says. Basically, we were sent here to help pave the way for an invasion by forces lead by a bugbear friendly to our patrons. Using the knowledge of one of our recently deceased companions we arrived here in the guise of folks looking to start an alchemy shop. We had done a decent job, and managed to even ingratiate ourselves with the townsfolk. One or two of the people from the keep have been suspicious, but for the most part we have been accepted. We have also found a secret tunnel from beneath the tavern into the keep, and I have managed to explore the interior a bit. When we arrived, the bugbear said he needed another 3 weeks to unite the tribes, but then he would need to launch the attack within 3 weeks after that or he would lose control of them." He paused, trying to make sure he covered all the essential points. "Part of our plan was we were going to poison the food for the troops at the keep the day before we signal the attack to begin. Then in the wee hours we'd begin an infiltration and and start removing as many of the keep's personnel as possible." He shrugs. "Who knows? If we're able to open the gates for the invasion without an alarm being raised, so much the better."
He continues. "I don't know what His Eminence told you about us, but let me give you my basic skill set. I'm a rogue, thief, adept at lying, cheating, and convincing others. I excel at infiltration, and do my best to collect intelligence." He looks at Kiven to see what he says about himself.
Kiven doesn't even consider describing himself, his background, or his skill set. Everyone knows who Lord Aloro is, after all.
"There are two battle mages that we hope to learn more about. Mostly they just seem bored with their post here thus far, but I have yet to discern their true level of power. Additionally, a team of dwarves is here to work on repairs to the keeps foundations. I plan to learn more of the specifics of their work now that we have established ourselves here."
"What will be your reason for arriving in town? We do not need more eyes on Respar and I, of course. I might suggest that you are traveling East or something of the sort but heard that Ye Merrie Men are coming to town with William Marcus Marlow and thought it would be worth waiting for. This would buy you two weeks or so, at least. Unfortunately it is difficult to justify any reason to visit this paltry hovel otherwise."
With a gesture, Blau re-engages the set disguise, his taller, fatter form of the old friar restored. "I will be a penitent healer, helping the poor of this village get better from ailments and conditions. While I may draw a little more blood than necessary, now and then, my skills will see most of them to health. I am merely stopping here to help for a while until I feel the call to move on. I will not be using the gifts granted by my Lord Asmodeus to help these pathetic excuses for sentients, however, unless one of those proves useful to our goals."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Selena purses her lips thoughtfully for a short time. She shakes her head causing her blonde hair to billow outwards. " Hmm.. I suppose i am traveling to see the island. Well trained with my rapier and unafraid to travel on my own. I fell in with Blau on the way here...safety in numbers and all of that. I have heard about Ye Merrie Men coming soon and will await their arrival. That buys me some time to just be a tourist. "
" After that i will figure something else out. I don't think that we should all be seen together. Too much of a coincidence for 4 strangers to arrive in a village like this and be close friends. Maybe Blau and i stay in touch and either Blau or myself meet one of you every few days under the cover of darkness. We can work out a meeting place, set certain dates and times to meet and have a way to contact each other in case of sudden, urgent developments. It's easier for 2 to sneak around and meet up than 4. That's what i am thinking anyways...Anyone have a better idea?" She taps her fingers lightly on the table top as she looks at each of them in turn.
Respar nods. "That makes eminent sense." He pauses, then says to Selena, "Maybe in a week or so you could pretend to fancy one of us, giving you cover to spend more time at our, um, shop-that-never-was."
"Dead drops work well for urgent contacts. If you leave three unlit candles in your shop, we know you've been compromised, or things like that. Regardless of how we plan to associate circumspectly, we still need to keep on track for making this target as soft as possible for the bugbears. Water is by far easier to disrupt than food that can come from many kitchens - is there a main source for the keep that we could drop something with nasty and flavourless effects? If you have access under the keep, what about the foundations themselves? Is there a wall that could be weakened in one spot that would give way with a little effort?"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
She considers this for a moment. " Come now, we have to make this believable. " Selena smiles and then listens to Blau.
" Who holds things together here? Is there one indispensable person? If we could determine that and remove them at just the opportune moment everything will collapse from within.. "
"The keep only has the one kitchen," Respar says. "So hitting either the food or water would work there. As to what to use, we might have to survey whatever Eya left behind. I seem to recall she had a secret stash in a wall in the basement. Kiven, you were in the process of gathering some of the local plants. Any thoughts on poisoning?"
"My academics never required such sinister purposes, but given the circumstances, yes I'd say my paltry alchemical skills are still vastly superior to most."
"I have been quite busy slowly recovering the arcane accessories I am accustomed too, but unfortunately this...place... lacks many of the proper resources. I shall devote more time to attempting to create this poison. I may also inquire further with the dwarves about the specifics of their work."
Dai, I think I'd like to do those two specific things at the appropriate time. Try to get more herbs if necessary, make a poison and test it on an animal or something. Rinse and repeat over a course of days as needed. Then also talk to the dwarves at some point, whether it be in the tavern or elsewhere during the day.
Blau adds "If my own knowledge with the nature and nurture of living creatures will help, then I offer it. The soft forms you wear are so easily ruptured and disrupted, it's a wonder you exist at all! Those birds you mentioned do need dealing with, just before the planned attack. Perhaps we can let loose a few dozen cats in their cages? Arrange with this bugbear general which gate he favours, and we will take out the guards posted there, on the day, and open wide the succulent morsels within."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Over the next few days, Respar will work on the following items of intelligence to gather, some of which he might have already learned.
1) How many shifts and guards are on duty at night in the keep. He should have been able to get that during the feast. "Enjoy the food! I hope you don't have to work duty tonight...oh, when does you shift start?...etc."
2) Respar will now play the grief-stricken brother in earnest. If anyone wishes to offer words of comfort, he will thank them. He is hopeful to learn more about the woman in the kitchen at the tavern. The keeper seems to keep her hidden. Is it his daughter? His mistress? Maybe she just asked him to keep the louts away from her. Regardless, he had developed a bit of rapport with Father Donnagin during the feast. The man might be willing to spend time with Respar. Maybe even get drunk with him. He would be likely to know things about how the keep works, and who does what when, and with whom.
3) Mott's wife...does she stay in the keep, or is she seen about town much.
4) Respar has mostly been around the ground floor of the keep. Has he seen how many guards are up and about at night? On the map, rooms 3, 4, 5 & 6 appear to be rooms for someone higher ranked than grunts. Are these NCOs, or are these where the officers bunk? When the one captain goes on patrol, how man men does he take? Does he take the same squad each time, or change it up?
5) Is there one soldier that is the group mascot? You know, the one guy who is not a great soldier, but very sincere and earnest, tries hard, etc., and everyone else will risk their lives for?
6) The captain who has a place outside the keep...Respar would like to mark his routines, so maybe we can break in to learn what we can about him.
Diplomacy 15
Stealth 20
Selena secures a place in town away from the inn. She will work on the human element of it all. Watching carefully she will happen to bump into various leaders. She will be assisted in this by her loyal black-feathered companion Poe. He will fly around from time to time relaying the movements of people after identifying various important people first. His dark eyes stare ominously at his surroundings as he contemplates the coming massacre. She will be flirty with any leaders she sees hoping to make a temporary ally.
Selena bluff: @Kyrroeth game_die
Result: 1d20 (10) + 12
Total: 22
Poe perception: @Kyrroeth game_die
Result: 1d20 (13) + 9
Total: 22