Darwin wanders over to Ida and Agnar and interjects into their conversation, whispering so none of the other prisoners can hear.
"I would also hear more of your mission. You are someone of importance in this Sólareyja you speak of aren't you, or at least your father is? That is why you are here", he says bluntly.
Hamish sighs and his shoulders droop when his magic fizzles. At least the runes didn't cause pain, but just nullified the effect. He continues to stare at the walls and the runes as he listens to Ida speak with this Agnar. When she describes Hamish as studying, he suddenly sees himself in a way he never thought about before. It was strange to acknowledge having been a guttersnipe just a few weeks ago. Now he could do magic and went on missions. And he had Ida and Darwin. He had never had anybody like them before other than Lucy. And he couldn't lose them.
Agnar arches an eyebrow at Darwin but turns back to Ida, 'My father became ill and fell into a deep sleep. I came to find an artifact that is said to be in the possession of a powerful healer who secludes themselves in the Lousumpf and take it back to Sólareyja. My ship ran afoul, however, and I was left stranded on the coast when these Orcs found me.' he answers. 'If I cannot find the artifact and save my father, the Island will be a much less beautiful place to me.'
After drawing the map Cade stands up and addresses the group.
"I think I have a plan for how we can get out of here. But its going to require one of you to punch me in the face. If we act like a fight is starting, the guards may enter to try to break it up since we do all the undesirable work."
Cade looks over the group.
"Now I know its going to be hard to muster the raw anger it takes to punch someone as lovable as me. But I believe someone can do it."
Darwin frowns at Agnar’s story. It was certainly compelling, but didn’t tell them anything about who he really was.
He turns to listen to Cade as he lays out his plan. “That might be worth a try when we are out in the open, but in here with these runes, I would not be of much use. Plus there is the other gate to contend with even if we do get out of here”.
”Although…”, he says and starts looking for pebbles to use with the sling that wasn’t confiscated.
Agnar arches an eyebrow at the idea and breaks out into a wide grin, 'You know, I wouldn't mind another shot at the Job Goblin...' he rolls his neck, causing a series of popping noises.
"We don't have the numbers on our side. We don't have Antonius, we have no idea if the other prisoners would help us or if everyone is well enough to travel to safety. We don't know about any transportation outside or a route back to a main road. We need a better plan before we attempt it."
”I understand your concern Ida, we don’t want to show our hand until we are ready. When we are ready, a distraction is a good idea. We could use it to try and pilfer a set of keys at the least. But make no mistake, I don’t want to be here to see the change of seasons as these folk have been, I won’t be caged like an animal”, Darwin says seriously.
“Agnar, how far do these runes extend in the cave system?”, he asks. “We need to find a good spot to make our move when the time comes”.
"We may need to wait. We need to understand our options. Can everyone try to avoid punching Cade in the face for now? We will take the time to plan when we know more. And it would be really useful to see Antonius first as I really don't want to try to escape without him."
Darwin nods, "That is fair, but if we are indeed only let out three at a time, we are going to have to act without all present. That is why obtaining a set of keys will be our first objective, that way we can free any others".
"Who are our 3 strongest fighters? If we can't get to any weapons, of all these people in this cage, who has the capability to kill or subdue an orc? It might be possible to get our 3 strongest outside when they want work done."
The next ten days are spent pretty in line with what you were told on that first night. Three a day you are brought a thin and grey soup like meal at the same time the guard directly outside your gate is relieved.
You each are taken out in groups of 3 for labor, and they seem careful to keep Darwin, Ida and Hamish separated on these work details. Each of you spend at least one shift with Cade.
You each meet Gruuk, who is a foul tempered Orc of impressive size, and probably tasked you with degrading tasks for his own amusement. You also see he has a seething hatred of Volen.
Darwin spends the time getting his own mental map of their surroundings, trying to learn the names of their Orc guards. He also pays particular attention to where the runes are situated and where magic can be used.
He will pay count the number of sets of keys carried about, and if there are multiple he will try and steal a set and hide it somewhere so it can’t be found on his person.
He will also try and commune with the Stranger whenever he is outside the anti magic field.
He tries to use his Forest Gnome ability to talk with small creatures, asking any birds to fly in circles above them as a small sign that might be spotted. He will occasionally pull a strand of Antonius hair when he is asleep and give that to a bird, hoping it might aid divination of their location.. And he will try and persuade any rats to nibble on Antonius during the night, and spare the rest of them. He still blames Antonius for their predicament.
He will attempt to ingratiate himself with both Gruuk and Volen, using his performance skills with music and juggling. At the same time he will try and sow further discontent between them. If possible he will very discreetly Hex their Wisdom before doing this, so they are more susceptible.
He will also mark the wall for every day he spends there.
Ida spends the time trying to speak with each of the prisoners that are willing to speak with her, as well as trying to notice every detail about the inside and outside of the cave.
She is very unhappy that they tend to keep her, Hamish, and Darwin separated, but she understands why. She only glimpsed Antonius once in his room/cell but wasn't able to speak with him as there were 2 guards on the entrance. She did drop what she was carrying to try to get his attention but he didn't turn around before the Orc guards moved her out of his eyeline. She realized then that he has no idea if the 3 of them are still alive, as neither Darwin nor Hamish had gotten as close as she did to his doorway.
She has avoided Cade because something feels like he could blow any plan they tried to develop. She stays close with Agnar and continues to question him about the orcs comings and goings to try to better understand where they are. She tries to avoid Gruuk when possible, and is very worried about Darwin trying to entertain him. She's afraid Gruuk could easily kill him for any number of reasons and she cannot protect him right now. Or anyone. She feels determined to be free, but finds herself feeling more helpless as no plan can be easily built.
She has had no time alone to speak to Peter. He is there, he has stayed at her side since she woke up in the cave. She senses that he is very unhappy and wants to protect her from any harm while in this place. But she doesn't know if he can, and she's confused with no way to find an answer.
As Agnar reported, the Runes only stretch as far as the end of the passageway that houses the slave pen.
There only seen to be two sets of keys, one carried by the guards posted on the outter gate and one carried by the guard at the inner gate. It seems that two guards are normally posted on the outter gate.
You cannot seem to make contact with the stranger, which isn't helped by the fact your time outside of the runed cell is closely monitored.
Darwin is put on water fetching duty only once during this time period but when you returned inside there had been birds circling the entrance to the cave system.
You are unable to reach Antonius, as he is kept in his locked cell, presumably working on the project for the Orcs but the Rats seem to be oddly absent from the slave pen at night.
Volen doesn't make much time for your antics but Gruuk is highly appreciative of the entertainment, fondly nicknaming you his Happy Halfling, for you make him happy.
Ida, you find that all the prisoners are happy to talk when directly approached. The Halfling was ungagged after a few days but is regagged whenever brought out on work detail.
After the Tenday is over, Gruuk comes through the outter gate pushing the trolley that carries the slop for the prisoners evening meal. As has become the custom, the Orc bringing the meal relieves the guard that had been on duty on the inner gate and then pushes the trolley into pen for the prisoners to eat.
Once the previous watch has left, he stands at the gate. 'Happy Halfling, come.' he says it quietly into the cell, beckoning Darwin to the gate.
Hamish will generally keep his head down and do the minimum on tasks he is assigned to. He defaults back to his meek and quiet self from being a streetkid to avoid any attention or scrutiny. He will try during what few breaks he might have from labor to see if his placement of the token allows him to see Volen remotely. He also tries to avoid using magic in sight of any orc guards to keep that ability hidden until they attempt something significant.
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Darwin wanders over to Ida and Agnar and interjects into their conversation, whispering so none of the other prisoners can hear.
"I would also hear more of your mission. You are someone of importance in this Sólareyja you speak of aren't you, or at least your father is? That is why you are here", he says bluntly.
Hamish sighs and his shoulders droop when his magic fizzles. At least the runes didn't cause pain, but just nullified the effect. He continues to stare at the walls and the runes as he listens to Ida speak with this Agnar. When she describes Hamish as studying, he suddenly sees himself in a way he never thought about before. It was strange to acknowledge having been a guttersnipe just a few weeks ago. Now he could do magic and went on missions. And he had Ida and Darwin. He had never had anybody like them before other than Lucy. And he couldn't lose them.
Agnar arches an eyebrow at Darwin but turns back to Ida, 'My father became ill and fell into a deep sleep. I came to find an artifact that is said to be in the possession of a powerful healer who secludes themselves in the Lousumpf and take it back to Sólareyja. My ship ran afoul, however, and I was left stranded on the coast when these Orcs found me.' he answers. 'If I cannot find the artifact and save my father, the Island will be a much less beautiful place to me.'
After drawing the map Cade stands up and addresses the group.
"I think I have a plan for how we can get out of here. But its going to require one of you to punch me in the face. If we act like a fight is starting, the guards may enter to try to break it up since we do all the undesirable work."
Cade looks over the group.
"Now I know its going to be hard to muster the raw anger it takes to punch someone as lovable as me. But I believe someone can do it."
Darwin frowns at Agnar’s story. It was certainly compelling, but didn’t tell them anything about who he really was.
He turns to listen to Cade as he lays out his plan. “That might be worth a try when we are out in the open, but in here with these runes, I would not be of much use. Plus there is the other gate to contend with even if we do get out of here”.
”Although…”, he says and starts looking for pebbles to use with the sling that wasn’t confiscated.
Listening to Darwin, Cade nods his head.
"I heard you loud and clear."
*smearing more mud on the tops of his hands*
Agnar arches an eyebrow at the idea and breaks out into a wide grin, 'You know, I wouldn't mind another shot at the Job Goblin...' he rolls his neck, causing a series of popping noises.
"We don't have the numbers on our side. We don't have Antonius, we have no idea if the other prisoners would help us or if everyone is well enough to travel to safety. We don't know about any transportation outside or a route back to a main road. We need a better plan before we attempt it."
”I understand your concern Ida, we don’t want to show our hand until we are ready. When we are ready, a distraction is a good idea. We could use it to try and pilfer a set of keys at the least. But make no mistake, I don’t want to be here to see the change of seasons as these folk have been, I won’t be caged like an animal”, Darwin says seriously.
“Agnar, how far do these runes extend in the cave system?”, he asks. “We need to find a good spot to make our move when the time comes”.
Agnar shrugs, 'I think they're only until the second gate.' he says, gesturing to the double gate system.
"We may need to wait. We need to understand our options. Can everyone try to avoid punching Cade in the face for now? We will take the time to plan when we know more. And it would be really useful to see Antonius first as I really don't want to try to escape without him."
Darwin nods, "That is fair, but if we are indeed only let out three at a time, we are going to have to act without all present. That is why obtaining a set of keys will be our first objective, that way we can free any others".
At that he moves to a wall, sits and waits.
Hamish nods, then adds, "And I won't be of much help until I'm out of this pen or those runes are gone."
"Who are our 3 strongest fighters? If we can't get to any weapons, of all these people in this cage, who has the capability to kill or subdue an orc? It might be possible to get our 3 strongest outside when they want work done."
Agnar puffs his chest, 'Well, I don't mean to brag but...' he shrugs and smirks.
The next ten days are spent pretty in line with what you were told on that first night. Three a day you are brought a thin and grey soup like meal at the same time the guard directly outside your gate is relieved.
You each are taken out in groups of 3 for labor, and they seem careful to keep Darwin, Ida and Hamish separated on these work details. Each of you spend at least one shift with Cade.
You each meet Gruuk, who is a foul tempered Orc of impressive size, and probably tasked you with degrading tasks for his own amusement. You also see he has a seething hatred of Volen.
Wat have you accomplished in this week?
Darwin spends the time getting his own mental map of their surroundings, trying to learn the names of their Orc guards. He also pays particular attention to where the runes are situated and where magic can be used.
He will pay count the number of sets of keys carried about, and if there are multiple he will try and steal a set and hide it somewhere so it can’t be found on his person.
He will also try and commune with the Stranger whenever he is outside the anti magic field.
He tries to use his Forest Gnome ability to talk with small creatures, asking any birds to fly in circles above them as a small sign that might be spotted. He will occasionally pull a strand of Antonius hair when he is asleep and give that to a bird, hoping it might aid divination of their location.. And he will try and persuade any rats to nibble on Antonius during the night, and spare the rest of them. He still blames Antonius for their predicament.
He will attempt to ingratiate himself with both Gruuk and Volen, using his performance skills with music and juggling. At the same time he will try and sow further discontent between them. If possible he will very discreetly Hex their Wisdom before doing this, so they are more susceptible.
He will also mark the wall for every day he spends there.
Ida spends the time trying to speak with each of the prisoners that are willing to speak with her, as well as trying to notice every detail about the inside and outside of the cave.
She is very unhappy that they tend to keep her, Hamish, and Darwin separated, but she understands why. She only glimpsed Antonius once in his room/cell but wasn't able to speak with him as there were 2 guards on the entrance. She did drop what she was carrying to try to get his attention but he didn't turn around before the Orc guards moved her out of his eyeline. She realized then that he has no idea if the 3 of them are still alive, as neither Darwin nor Hamish had gotten as close as she did to his doorway.
She has avoided Cade because something feels like he could blow any plan they tried to develop. She stays close with Agnar and continues to question him about the orcs comings and goings to try to better understand where they are. She tries to avoid Gruuk when possible, and is very worried about Darwin trying to entertain him. She's afraid Gruuk could easily kill him for any number of reasons and she cannot protect him right now. Or anyone. She feels determined to be free, but finds herself feeling more helpless as no plan can be easily built.
She has had no time alone to speak to Peter. He is there, he has stayed at her side since she woke up in the cave. She senses that he is very unhappy and wants to protect her from any harm while in this place. But she doesn't know if he can, and she's confused with no way to find an answer.
As Agnar reported, the Runes only stretch as far as the end of the passageway that houses the slave pen.
There only seen to be two sets of keys, one carried by the guards posted on the outter gate and one carried by the guard at the inner gate. It seems that two guards are normally posted on the outter gate.
You cannot seem to make contact with the stranger, which isn't helped by the fact your time outside of the runed cell is closely monitored.
Darwin is put on water fetching duty only once during this time period but when you returned inside there had been birds circling the entrance to the cave system.
You are unable to reach Antonius, as he is kept in his locked cell, presumably working on the project for the Orcs but the Rats seem to be oddly absent from the slave pen at night.
Volen doesn't make much time for your antics but Gruuk is highly appreciative of the entertainment, fondly nicknaming you his Happy Halfling, for you make him happy.
Ida, you find that all the prisoners are happy to talk when directly approached. The Halfling was ungagged after a few days but is regagged whenever brought out on work detail.
After the Tenday is over, Gruuk comes through the outter gate pushing the trolley that carries the slop for the prisoners evening meal. As has become the custom, the Orc bringing the meal relieves the guard that had been on duty on the inner gate and then pushes the trolley into pen for the prisoners to eat.
Once the previous watch has left, he stands at the gate. 'Happy Halfling, come.' he says it quietly into the cell, beckoning Darwin to the gate.
Hamish will generally keep his head down and do the minimum on tasks he is assigned to. He defaults back to his meek and quiet self from being a streetkid to avoid any attention or scrutiny. He will try during what few breaks he might have from labor to see if his placement of the token allows him to see Volen remotely. He also tries to avoid using magic in sight of any orc guards to keep that ability hidden until they attempt something significant.