(Does the secret bandit camp have a road that goes directly to its front door? Even in daytime, taking a cart through the wildlands will be tricky. It's one of several reasons Soar has suggested staying stealthy and mobile and being okay with ditching the cart some ways away from the camp, and only using the cart for a quick getaway, hopefully with a captive and freed prisoners. Jalt seems to be pushing hard for the cart option regardless, and Soar is both an optimistic lass and a trained professional, so that's what I'm trying to show with her dialogue. Going in broad daylight seems risky and when we've just stayed up all night, staying sneaky when we are on a scouting/infiltration mission, not a siege, seems the best course of action.)
From what Tored has told you, it will take you a little less than a day's travel to reach the camp - perhaps six or seven hours? It will be slower travelling at night, especially with a cart. You don't know if there's a road leading to the camp - you can ask Tored if you wish, as he's in prison within the keep.
Jalt pulls aside another guard.. Could you tell us where they are holding the prisoner?And would make his way in that direction so that they can question him in order to make their final decision.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Jalt, you (and any of the party who wish to accompany you) are taken down into the rooms beneath the keep, and along to what is obviously a dungeon. It's not particularly pleasant or unpleasant; you get the sense that it's not much used.
You stand before a wooden door with a window with bars; you see Tored through them, sitting on the floor, looking up at a narrow slit that admits light. He turns around and look at you, standing up.
The jailor, an elderly gnome, barks an order: Stand back from the door, boy. Tored complies, standing at the furthest part of the room as the jailor swings the door open. He's not been any trouble so far, but there's some folks would gladly give him a beating. Luckily, he's got me to protect him. She laughs, and motions you to enter if you want.
Jalt walks into the room just enough so Tored can see him. We've heard that you've been on your best behavior. That will go far with the governor, maybe securing an early release. The camp you mentioned before.. is there a road that leads to it, and if so, is it protected or watched?
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Tored slowly sinks to the floor, back against the far wall, and shakes his head. There doesn't seem to be any resistance left in him. There's no road. There's a trail, enough to get a cart up onto the plateau, but it's pretty far from civilisation, I guess you'd say. The camp is protected; watchtowers, guards, patrols. Not easy to get in or out. Why? What's your plan?
Well..Jalt pauses for a second. Take a group of about 25 men that we've sent for and seize the camp. You do think 25 will be enough? Jalt tries to make sure he looks at hismannerisms to see his reaction to that number.You see unfortunately, this cult has come across a town who currently had members of the Platinum Cadre in its midst. But alas saying anymore.. I do appreciate any help and information you've given. And if anything else has come to mind? Or suggestions? The Platinum Cadre always rewards all who assist us.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Tored shakes his head. Suicide. Maybe fifty of the fanciest bloody knights in the land might make it in, though some of the leaders would put up a fight. He shakes his head. Unless you've troops from Waterdeep or Iriaebor, don't go trying to seize the camp.
Jalt, you get the sense that Tored isn't really holding anything back. He hates being jailed, and he's trying to satisfy the terms of his deal so that he can go free.
I wouldn't. Look, sneaking about, it's not really my thing. I like to beat people up and take their stuff. That is to say, I used to like doing that kind of thing, he adds quickly. He sighs. I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you. I guess... I mean, there's always new people coming and going. People won't jump on you just because you're an unfamiliar face, though you have a problem if they recognise you from Greenest. But you'll need something to persuade them you belong there.
He thinks for a moment. The man who recruited me and my mates was Odder Leff. Human, in his fifties, big burn on his left cheek. That's a good name to drop. Most people know it, but he's usually out recruiting so won't be there to contradict you. Of course, if you're unlucky and he's right there, you'll be dead. Not much I can do about that.
Jalt nods. You've been of great help and if the information you have provided all of us helps find a resolution to the ills that have fallen on Greenest... I promise you will get out sooner. With that, Jalt leaves the cell and motions for the others to join him in conversation. The prisoner tends to believe that we can come and go through the area and camp. But as I had expected, Soar and I would not go unnoticed. It is a massive operation from the sound of it. So even if we sneak in, we will be immensely outnumbered.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Yes unless we could really disguise you or me, I'm not sure how pretending to be recruits and entering the camp would work," Soar says to the group. "I was listening to Tored down the hall. Wanted to stay out of his sight, because for some reason he seems to be very mad at me, even though to the best of my recollection, I actually spared his life. Anyhow, it seems the choice is between sneaking -- Plan A -- or Plan B, really trying to pretend to be recruits."
She pauses.
"Or, we could try both. Start with stealth, leaving the cart concealed nearby, and if it works, and we can go unseen and scope out the place, everyone's happy. That's Plan A. If someone sees us, we go into Plan B. There's still a chance they'll think we're recruits, and if we drop the name of the guy that recruited Tored, Odder Leff, we have a shot at making Plan B work. But only if we can try to keep Jalt and myself away from the eyes of anyone who saw us. And honestly, there are cultists and kobolds who saw Breena and Elspeth throughout the night and they might recognize them too. But maybe we get lucky, and no one recognizes us. So we'd stay for a bit, look around, and then try to sneak off when they're not looking. What do you all think?"
You gather as a group, to make your final plans. You are alone now, standing in the keep, without Nighthill or Escobert to give suggestions or aid, though you could probably call on them if needed.
Jalt looks to the group. We shall wait till morning and take the cart up to the plateau and find a nice area to hide it. Soar and I will hide in the back, just to make sure we dont garner any attention on the trip. Jalt points to Breena and Elspeth. You two will just casually try to scout the camp for any weaknesses, trying to blend in as mercenaries. If stopped or questioned, you mention the human Odder Leff or Tored. Tell them of his capture perhaps. Gain their trust to try and walk amongst them willingly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
(If Elspeth and Breena have nothing in particular they want to chip in at the moment, that's fine - please just make a brief post of confirmation, and we'll get underway.)
Soar watches the cleric read out his orders, concealing a smile, and making a subtle, funny face at Elspeth to make her laugh as Jalt finishes.
"Right, as Commander Jalt says, chop chop!"she says to the gnome and the tiefling, with a grin. "In all seriousness, you make some good points, Jalt."
She'll pull Jalt aside briefly and calmly say, in draconic:
"My friend, a friendly suggestion to remember we're your compatriots and allies, not troops to steamroll. This isn't like the monastic orders that raised us where you do what the hierarchy says with pure faith. Believe me, I've had to adapt with my days traveling with Elspeth, and I have to imagine Badger's the same. They follow their own hearts, and I'm joyful because it seems their hearts match my own right now, as does yours. Let's try to keep it that way. We're on the same team together. I admire your drive and gumption and I'm so glad you're at my side. But the only one I'll follow without question is my god. We can do this -- together."
She claps him on the back with an encouraging smile and switches back over to Common.
"I suppose if we're going to bring the cart, we don't want to lose it in a ditch in the dark, even though I don't want to give this cult any more time to prepare whatever it is they're doing next than we have to. But what do you think, ladies? I trust you both to get around without being seen once we're there, and we'll be right with you if you need us. Should we get a little bit of sleep and set out before dawn as Jalt recommends? Whenever we set out, we should all have our eyes peeled for anything that might prove dangerous between Greenest and this camp, and pull off the cart to hide before we make our approach."
(Does the secret bandit camp have a road that goes directly to its front door? Even in daytime, taking a cart through the wildlands will be tricky. It's one of several reasons Soar has suggested staying stealthy and mobile and being okay with ditching the cart some ways away from the camp, and only using the cart for a quick getaway, hopefully with a captive and freed prisoners. Jalt seems to be pushing hard for the cart option regardless, and Soar is both an optimistic lass and a trained professional, so that's what I'm trying to show with her dialogue. Going in broad daylight seems risky and when we've just stayed up all night, staying sneaky when we are on a scouting/infiltration mission, not a siege, seems the best course of action.)
From what Tored has told you, it will take you a little less than a day's travel to reach the camp - perhaps six or seven hours? It will be slower travelling at night, especially with a cart. You don't know if there's a road leading to the camp - you can ask Tored if you wish, as he's in prison within the keep.
Jalt pulls aside another guard.. Could you tell us where they are holding the prisoner? And would make his way in that direction so that they can question him in order to make their final decision.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Jalt, you (and any of the party who wish to accompany you) are taken down into the rooms beneath the keep, and along to what is obviously a dungeon. It's not particularly pleasant or unpleasant; you get the sense that it's not much used.
You stand before a wooden door with a window with bars; you see Tored through them, sitting on the floor, looking up at a narrow slit that admits light. He turns around and look at you, standing up.
The jailor, an elderly gnome, barks an order: Stand back from the door, boy. Tored complies, standing at the furthest part of the room as the jailor swings the door open. He's not been any trouble so far, but there's some folks would gladly give him a beating. Luckily, he's got me to protect him. She laughs, and motions you to enter if you want.
Jalt walks into the room just enough so Tored can see him. We've heard that you've been on your best behavior. That will go far with the governor, maybe securing an early release. The camp you mentioned before.. is there a road that leads to it, and if so, is it protected or watched?
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Tored slowly sinks to the floor, back against the far wall, and shakes his head. There doesn't seem to be any resistance left in him. There's no road. There's a trail, enough to get a cart up onto the plateau, but it's pretty far from civilisation, I guess you'd say. The camp is protected; watchtowers, guards, patrols. Not easy to get in or out. Why? What's your plan?
Well.. Jalt pauses for a second. Take a group of about 25 men that we've sent for and seize the camp. You do think 25 will be enough? Jalt tries to make sure he looks at his mannerisms to see his reaction to that number. You see unfortunately, this cult has come across a town who currently had members of the Platinum Cadre in its midst. But alas saying anymore.. I do appreciate any help and information you've given. And if anything else has come to mind? Or suggestions? The Platinum Cadre always rewards all who assist us.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Tored shakes his head. Suicide. Maybe fifty of the fanciest bloody knights in the land might make it in, though some of the leaders would put up a fight. He shakes his head. Unless you've troops from Waterdeep or Iriaebor, don't go trying to seize the camp.
Jalt, you can make an Insight check if you wish.
INSIGHT: 10
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Soar came with, but stayed well enough back to be out of sight of Tored and is just listening to Tored's responses, letting Jalt do the talking.
Jalt, you get the sense that Tored isn't really holding anything back. He hates being jailed, and he's trying to satisfy the terms of his deal so that he can go free.
Jalt nods. As a skilled mercenary, how would you infiltrate that camp?
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
I wouldn't. Look, sneaking about, it's not really my thing. I like to beat people up and take their stuff. That is to say, I used to like doing that kind of thing, he adds quickly. He sighs. I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you. I guess... I mean, there's always new people coming and going. People won't jump on you just because you're an unfamiliar face, though you have a problem if they recognise you from Greenest. But you'll need something to persuade them you belong there.
He thinks for a moment. The man who recruited me and my mates was Odder Leff. Human, in his fifties, big burn on his left cheek. That's a good name to drop. Most people know it, but he's usually out recruiting so won't be there to contradict you. Of course, if you're unlucky and he's right there, you'll be dead. Not much I can do about that.
Jalt nods. You've been of great help and if the information you have provided all of us helps find a resolution to the ills that have fallen on Greenest... I promise you will get out sooner. With that, Jalt leaves the cell and motions for the others to join him in conversation. The prisoner tends to believe that we can come and go through the area and camp. But as I had expected, Soar and I would not go unnoticed. It is a massive operation from the sound of it. So even if we sneak in, we will be immensely outnumbered.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
"Yes unless we could really disguise you or me, I'm not sure how pretending to be recruits and entering the camp would work," Soar says to the group. "I was listening to Tored down the hall. Wanted to stay out of his sight, because for some reason he seems to be very mad at me, even though to the best of my recollection, I actually spared his life. Anyhow, it seems the choice is between sneaking -- Plan A -- or Plan B, really trying to pretend to be recruits."
She pauses.
"Or, we could try both. Start with stealth, leaving the cart concealed nearby, and if it works, and we can go unseen and scope out the place, everyone's happy. That's Plan A. If someone sees us, we go into Plan B. There's still a chance they'll think we're recruits, and if we drop the name of the guy that recruited Tored, Odder Leff, we have a shot at making Plan B work. But only if we can try to keep Jalt and myself away from the eyes of anyone who saw us. And honestly, there are cultists and kobolds who saw Breena and Elspeth throughout the night and they might recognize them too. But maybe we get lucky, and no one recognizes us. So we'd stay for a bit, look around, and then try to sneak off when they're not looking. What do you all think?"
You gather as a group, to make your final plans. You are alone now, standing in the keep, without Nighthill or Escobert to give suggestions or aid, though you could probably call on them if needed.
What would you like to do?
Jalt looks to the group. We shall wait till morning and take the cart up to the plateau and find a nice area to hide it. Soar and I will hide in the back, just to make sure we dont garner any attention on the trip. Jalt points to Breena and Elspeth. You two will just casually try to scout the camp for any weaknesses, trying to blend in as mercenaries. If stopped or questioned, you mention the human Odder Leff or Tored. Tell them of his capture perhaps. Gain their trust to try and walk amongst them willingly.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
(If Elspeth and Breena have nothing in particular they want to chip in at the moment, that's fine - please just make a brief post of confirmation, and we'll get underway.)
Soar watches the cleric read out his orders, concealing a smile, and making a subtle, funny face at Elspeth to make her laugh as Jalt finishes.
"Right, as Commander Jalt says, chop chop!" she says to the gnome and the tiefling, with a grin. "In all seriousness, you make some good points, Jalt."
She'll pull Jalt aside briefly and calmly say, in draconic:
"My friend, a friendly suggestion to remember we're your compatriots and allies, not troops to steamroll. This isn't like the monastic orders that raised us where you do what the hierarchy says with pure faith. Believe me, I've had to adapt with my days traveling with Elspeth, and I have to imagine Badger's the same. They follow their own hearts, and I'm joyful because it seems their hearts match my own right now, as does yours. Let's try to keep it that way. We're on the same team together. I admire your drive and gumption and I'm so glad you're at my side. But the only one I'll follow without question is my god. We can do this -- together."
She claps him on the back with an encouraging smile and switches back over to Common.
"I suppose if we're going to bring the cart, we don't want to lose it in a ditch in the dark, even though I don't want to give this cult any more time to prepare whatever it is they're doing next than we have to. But what do you think, ladies? I trust you both to get around without being seen once we're there, and we'll be right with you if you need us. Should we get a little bit of sleep and set out before dawn as Jalt recommends? Whenever we set out, we should all have our eyes peeled for anything that might prove dangerous between Greenest and this camp, and pull off the cart to hide before we make our approach."
(With two players currently not able to post much, we'll pause the game for a few days, but don't worry, I'm still here and keen to get going again.)