Red Dead Annihilation: Campaign Thread

Once they’re close to the camp, Ran gets more alert and visible tension slowly builds in his muscles. He adjusts his blades more and more the closer they get.

”Do we want to let a couple of us out here to approach the camp overland? At worst it’s a wasted journey. But if the camp is openly hostile we might not all want to show up at the front door right in line with whatever arrow slits they have.”

Watching from a distance it was almost hard to believe the land of Chult was plagued with undead. Everything in the jungle there was color. Spectacular could not start to describe the local fauna and flora. So much variety, so many fascinating things. Velan could not help but have some of his breath taken every time he saw a dinosaur. Ninlil was less impressed and more alert, continuing to relay him that there was no danger. By the time Will said they were close the wizard was covered in sweat, his muscles ached, his throat was dry. He was positively tired, but completely free of any wound.

“I agree with your idea.” The chronurgist told to the warrior. “So, the plan is to tell we found Will alone and sick in the jungle and he asked to be brought back here. Assuming the commander listens and does not shower us with arrows we ask for respite and during the night I work Invisibility into Ran so he can check if his sister is being held there.” He them temporarily dismissed his familiar to a pocket dimension. “We should discuss now what to do if your sister is there. Assuming we get inside, exiting, specially with a prisoner, won’t be easy.”

The question would be who to send. Danica was the contractor and Will their introduction letter. But who else?

Should Meili hear the suggestion (being on another boat) she would ask between rowings: "The dinosaurs on the shores looked small so far but we do not know what is lurking near the walls. Two can be overrun easily. And if someone from the camp saw us already, they might get more suspicious should we leave some people on the shores."

She did not say not to do it, obviously, only added her thoughts.

[To make sure I understand... the proposal is to have a couple get out here and sneak to the camp through the jungle, while the rest row up to the front gate?]

It was odd seeing the wizard's eyes go white all of a sudden and she wondered what it felt like for him to see through his familiar's eyes. Did he also share other senses like the exhilarating feeling of flight? She'd often seen hawks in her home forest and later gulls at sea and hoped that she'd be able to hone her magic to experience flight like them one day. Staring at the man that she couldn't quite pinpoint his race on, she was grateful that he trusted their group enough to rely on them while he was deaf and blind like this. Even new crewmembers aboard her old ship took longer to warm up, but in life or death situations in the jungle like this, one couldn't afford not to trust their companions. 

Grimacing as she rubbed yet more insect repellant, Danica took her place in one of the canoes, using the greasy nature of the insect repellant to rub into her calluses. While she was used to working with her hands on a ship, the repetitive nature of rowing with oars was getting old. She was more used to rope burn. As they got closer to their destination and Will alerted them of such, Danica was quiet at first as they discussed their plan. "Velan, do ye have to be close to Ran to keep him invisible? If not, then it'd probably be best for you to stay out. An not just cuz yer fragile." She poked him with a smile before explaining, "Since you can see and hear through that bird of yours, you can send...her? In, or just have her with us to begin with and that way you can keep up with what's goin' on an act if needed. Just wish you could talk through her too..." 

Glancing over the Seekers, her gaze lingered on Ran. He needed to come invisible or not to be able to tell them whether or not his sister was there. Grimacing she said hopefully loudly enough for both canoes to hear, "If this place is as much of a fortress as they say and we need rescuing, that'll make the job that much harder for anyone that stays outside. If they are openly hostile, they'll shoot on sight regardless, not worry about wiping us out, more driving us off. But what should we do if they only allow Mr. Will Quick here entry?" 

Ran looks back over at Danica.

”You’ve a point Captain. We might as well row in closer. If they shoot at us we’re no worse off. I’d still have to find another way in. If they let us in, even if it’s a trap, then at least we’ll have gotten through the front door.”

Mica shrugs from his place in the other boat. “I’m all in for the front door.  Probably easier to fight our way out of the place than fight our way in if it comes to that.”

Opting to approach the camp directly, you continue rowing south under the final rays of the setting sun.  Rounding the last bend of the river, you come upon Camp Vengeance.

Just off the beach, you see a  timber fortification — a walled compound with watchtowers and tents inside it, encircled by a ditch bristling with sharpened stakes. A large gatehouse faces the river, on the shore of which are two rowboats tied to a wooden post.

The camp is ringed by a ditch lined with sharpened stakes backed by a stout looking, 12-foot-high log palisade. The depth of the ditch isn’t apparent because it’s currently filled with muddy water. The spikes look too big to be effective against undead but they would be dangerous to Large and Huge beasts.  Even so, in places the palisade wall is marred by large cuts and claw marks.  The gatehouse appears heavy enough to withstand a charging ogre.  An open air archer platform sits atop the gate house, and four more watchtowers loom over the camp wall.

Scattered around the fort are piles of charred humanoid corpses and flayed animal carcasses swarming with flies.

As you approach, three members of the Order of the Gauntlet are gutting and quartering a wild boar on the beach, tossing larger bones and offal into the river as they work.  They spot you quickly and give up a cry.  The three men run back to the gate and are let in before the heavy door is shut again.  Soon there are a dozen figures standing on the platform above the gatehouse, armed with bows and crossbows and peering into the gloom, watching your boats.

Velan:

"Antsy sort, eh?" Ran says to the others as they paddle up. "Look at all those punters up there. A dozen bows at least."

As they get closer to the fort, Ran cups his hands and calls up to the fort.

"Oy, in the fort. We're not dinos or zombies. Right knackered though. How's about you rattle your dags and find us someone in charge we can chat with."

“Let’s be honest, in order to me be considered fragile I would need to more than double my current constitution.” He told Danica with a half smile, the effects of the trap on the tomb still vivid on his memory. “The spell takes effect only in a willing creature I touch so I won’t be able to stay behind in relative safety, which believe me, I would love to do.” The wizard said conjuring once again his familiar and giving her orders to fly high and away from the group. “I will go to Ninlil and tell what I see. If anything happen, someone pull my arm.”

Velan could only hope such thing was not necessary. Worst case scenario they would retreat into the jungle and he would cast disguise self to assume the form of the prisoner, provided Ninlil could see her. That would ensure Ran would only need to attempt invading the place invisible if it really was his sister.

“Their palisade is fortified by trunks and a rampart. Sturdy, but the rampart is also preventing the camp from staying dry.” He started to rely his literal bird-eye’s vision. “There are puddles of stagnant water and mud all over the place. At the highest ground there are eleven tents with capacity to house three or four soldiers, give or take. There is a larger command tent and some more around that camp that I can’t quite identify the purpose. There are living spaces on the base of each tower."

Notes: Does Ninlil sees someone like a prisoner?

Perception Check: 19

Velan:

"You can chat with me, for now, Runt," a voice, unmistakably dwarven, calls out.  "This is Camp Vengeance, last outpost of civilization, and local headquarters of the Order of the Gauntlet.  Unless you have word and supplies for us from Port Nyanzaru, you have no business here."

Mica calls out from his canoe "We are returning some of yours.   They ran into a bit of trouble downstream.”  “He looks over at Will and nods, adding in a quieter voice “Now is your chance, lad.  The hero returns.  Let them know how you fought off the goblins and the dinos.”  

Mica turns and looks over the camp, making note of the claw marks on the palisade and the freshly butchered boar on the beach..  He mutters to Hew “The fools are ringing the dinner bell and bringing the beasts to their front door.  Every meat-eater in miles will be drawn to that blood and offal.”

Hew doesn't voice any answer to Mica's mutterings but he does point silently to several large burn pits outside the perimeter of the camp... it looks like many dozens of undead corpses have been piled up and burned, along with a few larger, less identifiable beasts.

At Mica's prodding, will sits up higher in the canoe.  He calls out, his voice shaking as he still shivers from the sickness.  "It's I, Will Quick.  From S-sir Dominick's patrol.  I fear I am all that remains.  Goblins pinned us down and Ceratosaurs finished us off.  I managed to retrieve Sir Dominick's s-sword and tried to return," he says holding the sheathed blade high, its pommel reflecting in the torchlight from the camp, "but I was succumbing to the shivering sickness.  I would have perished along with the others, had these explorers not found me and offered aid.  They can be trusted... you have my word, as a faithful servant of the Order."

Now Hew chimes in, "Hew Hackinstone, licensed guide out of Port Nyanzaru.  I am escorting this lot to the Basin, yonder.  We brought this boy back safe to you... I have to think that earns us a chance to stop and trade, and shelter within your walls for the night.  What say you?"

There is a discussion atop the gatehouse, and then the order is given for the doors to be opened.

"Come ashore, then.  Tie off your boats and get yourselves inside."  

The heavy wooden doors slowly creak open and you are allowed access to Camp Vengeance.  As Velan indicated, the camp is surrounded by stout walls, but the ground inside is damp and muddy, and the air is thick with swarming insects.  A few torches are lit with bug repellant but it seems to do little to drive off the masses of biting flies and mosquitoes.  

As you enter, you are greeted by a handful of soldiers.  Like Ran, they look miserably overdressed for the jungle, in heavy chainmail or even half-plate armor.  Two step forward, including the dwarf who hailed you earlier.

He looks at will, shaking his head.  "Good to have you back lad.  Damn shame to hear about Dominick.  Damn shame."  He claps a mailed hand on the young man's shoulder.  "The Commander will want a report.  Best get it over with now.  Harlon!  Escort mister Quick to the Commander's tent."  A soldier jumps to take Will by the arm and starts to lead him away.  Then the dwarf turns to look at the rest of you.  "Ordan Firebeard.  2nd Lieutenant here at Camp Vengeance.  If you're looking for down pillows and fine wines, you're in the wrong place.  But if you're hungry and desperate, and you're willing to die defending the walls if need be, then you're welcome here for the night.  Assuming Commander Breakbone doesn't say otherwise."  Whether is it a family name or a nickname, 'Firebeard' suits him well.  He has a long, red beard, immaculately braided and styled, matching his red mohawk.

Beside him stands a young woman in halfplate bearing the mark of Tyr.  

She stops Will before he leaves for the Commander's tent.  She takes the sword of Dominick from him, exchanging a silent nod.  "I'll see what the acolytes can do for your illness.  Sister Cyas has fallen sick as well... but we will see that you are taken care of.  Good to have you back, soldier."  Then she likewise turns to you all.  "Perne Salhana.  1st Lieutenant and second in command.  The Order appreciates you returning one of our brothers to us.  Commander Breakbone will want to talk to you... of that, I am sure.  But for now, tell me more of what happened with Will... and what on earth has you traveling to the Aldani Basin?  These are mad times for civilians to venture so far into the jungles."  She is classically beautiful, but at the same time possesses an arresting aura of command.  Her green eyes are intense, and you immediately get the impression that little escapes her notice.

Meili was silent all the way through the exchange, feeling, that the fewer people annoy their potential hosts with the chatter, the better. But now she nodded to the invitation to introduce herself and did so. "Meili Liang, of the Cloud Valley Monastery. Now part of the expedition to discover the source of the Death Curse." Meili did not see the need to hide the group's purpose and would talk about it anyway later on. "We found your people on our way here - where we hoped to get some rest. Some of them were gravely wounded or sick. We did what we could to help, but unfortunately, the sudden dinosaurs' attack took the lives of almost everyone in the camp. Sir Dominick fell holding the line to let at least some people escape".

To Meili, the story was truthful enough to say in full honesty. The only missing part concerned the deserting (something for Will to sort out) and the attempt of that dwarf to steal the canoe (unnecessary detail, considering the dwarf was dead by now). The girl bowed her head, indicating that she finished, and stepped back, letting the others introduce themselves.

As the two lieutenants and then Meili speak, Ran scans the interior of the camp, looking for anywhere that might pass as a jail or prison, keeping an eye out for his sister.

Perception: 13  

"Ran Deadgleam," Ran adds with a small nod. "As Meili said, looking for the Death Curse and any lost souls along the way."

Ran, you can't see anything that looks like a prison.  The interior is all tents and watchtowers, with brightly lit torches and pockets of dark shadow.  

Keep an eye on her, the wizard said to his familiar using the voice of his mind before returning to his senses. I want to see as much of her appearance as possible. He needed a clear vision of at least her face to show Ran. Maybe it was his sister and that meant they were sure to have some trouble with the men at the camp.

“I am Velan.” He said after his companions. “No surname, just Velan. Like my friends here I received a prophecy from Savras through Grandfather Zitembe that instructed us to seek the source of the Death Curse.” Velan mentioned anticipating questions about what could led an unlikely group like theirs to take on such a quest. Besides, mentioning such prominent figure from Port Nyazaru wouldn’t hurt.  “According to the god we have an actual chance to dispel it, although he was unfortunately less than clear regarding how exactly.”

Going by what Zitembe had said to them, the chronurgist was sure not even Savras knew how to break the malediction, but that was an information that, he knew, was best left unsaid to the soldiers of that camp. Now they could only wait for the captain’s decision. Wait and hope he was not half as mad as the other deserters made he sound.

“Name is Mica. I am a hunter.  As the others said, hunting the death curse, maybe one of these big carnivores everyone is talking about.” he flashes a smile “and who knows what else we will find?”  His eyes scan across the camp, taking in the squalid conditions and trying to get a good sense of the number of soldiers present. “And how about you Lieutenant, what is the Order doing all the way out here in the jungle?”   Perception: 14.

.

A laugh cracking out from the sailor, Danica leaned forward from her spot at the back of their canoe to pat the wizard on the back with just a tad more strength than necessary, "That's why you stay at the back Velan. Or very least sandwiched between us. An you got it, we've got ya."  She couldn't see his eyes go white from her position sitting behind him, but he did become much more still, like when one was high up in the crow's nest and trying to keep eye on a specific ship. Listening to him describe the camp they were approaching even as they did was rather fascinating and dead useful. 

Seeing the first people they see scatter upon laying eyes on their pair of canoes, Danica hummed after Ran's observation. "Better safe than sorry so the saying goes. Can hardly blame em." The elf hesitated to pull Velan out of his scrying, waiting with bated breath as she listened to the exchange between Hew and Will and the dwarven member of the Order of the Gauntlet. But as soon as the order was given to allow them entry she put a gentle hand at his elbow but he had already came back to himself.

She didn't try to hide her open curiosity looking around the camp while keeping half an ear on the conversation before finally speaking up with a raise of two fingers, "Danica Amastacia. All us are just looking to end this Death Curse for various reasons and return back with as many alive of our Seekers as possible. But happy to help any good folk along the way." Nodding a genial farewell to Will Quick. "And I've no qualms with aiding in the defense of whatever camp we're settled at for the night." 

Nodding at Meili's explanation she simply added, Sir Dominick was valiant til the end. Will was the only one we were able to save and even he we were worried of losing to sickness. Seems to be pulling through alright for now though." 

Religion for knowledge on Tyr: 4