“The portal leads to the Great Cavern, and to Titan Forge, the stronghold of Vader’s forces. Within that lies the Duergar Blast Bellows, an artifact used in the forging of the most powerful items. Something that our allies dearly need, and even more dearly need to deny our enemy”, Rum explains to Greko.
”Beating up the troopers is only a means to an important end”.
Lady Kaede politely listens to the splendid details that Rum provides, before quietly commenting "My father, Shōgun Ashikaga, used to drill into my head as a child that 'All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.'"
Continuing, now in her own voice, "I believe there is no way we five can take on a force that large, and possibly even double that given the unknown level of reinforcements, without stealth and subtlety. Perhaps obfuscation is a better way. We have disguises that should allow us free entry into the stronghold. And some of this group are masterful wordsmiths, able to spin yarns that would convince an ice giant to buy ice. A proposal, gentlemen: rather than fighting our way in, or sneaking our way in, we merely walk in, like we were meant to be there."
Jek listens about all the people there. "Yea, it does seem like suicide to try and fight our way through. I can be very convincing. Hmmm, what can we do? We first... Bright Lady, guide me on your path."
Jek goes right up to the Drow prisoner and grabs his chin, forcing the prisoner to look at him. He says softly "Listen, I don't like violence. It is not my preferred method, but I'm adapting." As Jek is talking, his eyes start to change to a deep red color. "I don't like violence, but it has it's uses. Now, tell us what we want to know. What else can you tell us that could be useful about the base? Don't make me rend you shade from your flesh. That will be a pain like nothing you have ever experienced before!"
Greko watches Jek intimidate the Drow prisoner. Greko takes out a snack and offers it to the prisoner “Greko has sweets in exchange for cooperation instead of what Jek might do to you”
After combining the information he had gathered whilst scouting with what the Drow prisoner Istnar had told them, Rum considers what Lady Kaede has proposed.
"I like your thinking, Lady Kaede. It seems we have the knowledge to approach the gate as allies not enemies. I am still not certain about how we then proceed. Any ruse we come up with will be scrutinised closely, and questions asked. If we try to convince them we are the returning party, we must expect they will know these people well. Friend Jek, if you believe you can pull that off, then I believe you can. Especially knowing how good you are with illusions", he says to the others as they plan their next step.
"I believe I am best placed with Porkins, behind enemy lines and in the sky, just in case anything goes wrong. Greko the White, you have hinted that you are able to move unseen. By what means can you do this? It is possible that you and I can both perform this role".
Jek thinks for a bit as they talk. "Hmmm. It would be harder to convince them we are the same party coming back. And these red lizards are a problem. They would let them know if what they saw.... Hmmmm.... Okay, hear me out. We are Troopers coming from Dark Tower. We were ambushed on the way here, and the lizards didn't give us warning. We have reason to believe they betrayed us. They need to send out troopers immediately to round all all the lizards in this cavern before those damn rebels ambush us all. This way we sow distrust in there communication network, and can potentially remove a good amount of people in the base. Hmm, would something like that work?"
As they look over the enemy fort, Lady Kaede doffs her storm trooper helmet, and fishes her kabuto helm out of her pack, quickly putting it on. Casting See Invisibility, she scans the entire area, looking for potential enemy or fortifications that may be hiding, invisibly. Satisfied with what she sees, she'll tell the rest of her teammates what she observed, while replacing her special helm with the stormtrooper helm, completing her disguise.
Rum listens to the others and nods his head in approval.
"It is a good plan, friend Jek. Worth a try. And good to know there are no invisible enemies as well, Lady Kaede. Shall Greko the White and I remain hidden, and the rest of you approach in disguise then. If all goes well we wait for them to leave, otherwise we use the distraction to great effect", he says, looking to call Porkins over so he can take to the skies as soon as the others are ready.
"One thing, friend Jek. The trooper called it a Newt, not a Lizard. He said the Newts communicate in broken Undercommon, along with pictures and singing. They are a subjugated race, which lays credence to your words. Not sure if that is useful to know".
"Everyone ready?" Lade Kaede adds, voice somewhat muffled behind her stormtrooper helmet. "Through my other helm, I spied a literal invisible minefield leading up to the gate - there are invisible magical sigils all over the ground, perhaps as triggering mechanisms for traps. I know a clear pathway right though it, though, which will lead us safetly to the gate. Sir Jek...I shall follow you, as you are the troop leader here, but heed my directions with care!"
OOC: Whenever we're ready to march up to the gate, insert a montage scene here where Kaede directs Jek (and others....whomever else is walking in versus flying in) safely through the minefield.
As the Remnants approach the gate, they can see a flurry of activity begin in the central tower that they'll have to pass under. An Stormtrooper with a crossbow trains its weapon on them, while another Stormtroopers sounds a horn loud enough for the camp to hear. A few seconds later, the Newt begins piping. Next to the Stormtrooper with the Crossbow is another warrior that looks like a caster.
"We'll use force if you come any closer without stating your business!" The crossbowman calls as the team approaches the entry port. A glance around shows the other guard towers have crossbows aimed their direction as well...though how effective they'll be if the remnants duck into the entryway serpentine is another matter all together.
Jek looks up at the crossbowman that just yelled out. He stands as tall as possible and responds "What kind of reptile would dare attack an envoy from the Dark Tower? Let us through, we have matters to discuss with those that matter."
The Stormtroopers nods and lowers his weapon, then there are two horn blasts to the rest of the camp. Crossbows everywhere go down as the state of readiness lowers.
Beneath her trooper helm, Kaede realizes that she’s been holding her breath in anticipation. As they appear to be successful in their disguises, she finally exhales a long held breath, and relishes in breathing normally again. She continues to follow Jek into the camp.
As the other Remnants approach the gate openly, Rum and Porkins turn invisible and take to the sky to get a birds eye view and cover the approach of their companions. When the horn sounds and the newt starts piping, he looks closely at the activity both in and around the camp, but also in the distance. He also waits to hear if there is an answer to the piping.
He relaxes a little as those in the sentry towers lower their weapons when Jek mentions the pass phrase, but keeps a keen eye and ear out for any sign his companions might be in danger.
Walking forward through the serpentine, they are funneled beneath of the guard tower in the center of the corridor. The ground beneath them feels...spongey. Soft. Like they're standing on a trap door...because they're definitely standing on a trap door. Another trap door flips open above them, and three faces look down.
Greko was unsure what to do. Should he ride with Rum? Should he call for Baturday? Should he sit and wait? No, none of those things would do for Greko......
Walking forward through the serpentine, they are funneled beneath of the guard tower in the center of the corridor. The ground beneath them feels...spongey. Soft. Like they're standing on a trap door...because they're definitely standing on a trap door. Another trap door flips open above them, and three faces look down.
"Where is the rest of your squad? What happened?"
Jek looks to the three faces looking down on him. His eyes are definitely getting darker in color as he gets into character. He looks to where he heard the Newts piping from, then looks back up. He says quietly so only the three above can hear. "We were ambushed on the way here from Garthim Cavern. General Vurdrad sent us. There have been... discrepancies in the reports we have been receiving. Things are not right. We need to speak to the commander here right away... Do not speak any of this to the Newt. Now, let us through! We have been on a long journey and I do not like what I'm standing on!" Jek says this with a confidence and tone that surprises even him. Practicing to lie has been worth it!
Everyone in the tower looks at one another, then turns to look into the rest of the compound. They nod.
"The newt is next to the command tent. Proceed on. I'll summon Captain Shar. Wait for him before you get too close to the tent, if you wish to avoid the Newt."
They sound three short blasts of the warhorn, and then motion the survivors of the ambush through.
As they near the catapult, they see the Stormtrooper Captain, a big, gruff looking Hobgoblin, approaching from the command tent with his helm resting in the crook of one arm.
Circling up above, Rum strains to hear what is being said, and a small grins crosses his feline mouth as Jek and the others pass through the guard post.
He watches as his companions move over to speak with the hobgoblin with the ornate cloak. The one he assumes is the leader of this camp.
”If things go wrong, we must be prepared to dive down and fight. I am thinking either the ogre is the most pressing target, or perhaps the one who is sounding that horn”, he whispers to Porkins as he tries to spot the horn blower.
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“The portal leads to the Great Cavern, and to Titan Forge, the stronghold of Vader’s forces. Within that lies the Duergar Blast Bellows, an artifact used in the forging of the most powerful items. Something that our allies dearly need, and even more dearly need to deny our enemy”, Rum explains to Greko.
”Beating up the troopers is only a means to an important end”.
Lady Kaede politely listens to the splendid details that Rum provides, before quietly commenting "My father, Shōgun Ashikaga, used to drill into my head as a child that 'All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.'"
Continuing, now in her own voice, "I believe there is no way we five can take on a force that large, and possibly even double that given the unknown level of reinforcements, without stealth and subtlety. Perhaps obfuscation is a better way. We have disguises that should allow us free entry into the stronghold. And some of this group are masterful wordsmiths, able to spin yarns that would convince an ice giant to buy ice. A proposal, gentlemen: rather than fighting our way in, or sneaking our way in, we merely walk in, like we were meant to be there."
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jek listens about all the people there. "Yea, it does seem like suicide to try and fight our way through. I can be very convincing. Hmmm, what can we do? We first... Bright Lady, guide me on your path."
Jek goes right up to the Drow prisoner and grabs his chin, forcing the prisoner to look at him. He says softly "Listen, I don't like violence. It is not my preferred method, but I'm adapting." As Jek is talking, his eyes start to change to a deep red color. "I don't like violence, but it has it's uses. Now, tell us what we want to know. What else can you tell us that could be useful about the base? Don't make me rend you shade from your flesh. That will be a pain like nothing you have ever experienced before!"
Greko watches Jek intimidate the Drow prisoner. Greko takes out a snack and offers it to the prisoner “Greko has sweets in exchange for cooperation instead of what Jek might do to you”
After combining the information he had gathered whilst scouting with what the Drow prisoner Istnar had told them, Rum considers what Lady Kaede has proposed.
"I like your thinking, Lady Kaede. It seems we have the knowledge to approach the gate as allies not enemies. I am still not certain about how we then proceed. Any ruse we come up with will be scrutinised closely, and questions asked. If we try to convince them we are the returning party, we must expect they will know these people well. Friend Jek, if you believe you can pull that off, then I believe you can. Especially knowing how good you are with illusions", he says to the others as they plan their next step.
"I believe I am best placed with Porkins, behind enemy lines and in the sky, just in case anything goes wrong. Greko the White, you have hinted that you are able to move unseen. By what means can you do this? It is possible that you and I can both perform this role".
Jek thinks for a bit as they talk. "Hmmm. It would be harder to convince them we are the same party coming back. And these red lizards are a problem. They would let them know if what they saw.... Hmmmm.... Okay, hear me out. We are Troopers coming from Dark Tower. We were ambushed on the way here, and the lizards didn't give us warning. We have reason to believe they betrayed us. They need to send out troopers immediately to round all all the lizards in this cavern before those damn rebels ambush us all. This way we sow distrust in there communication network, and can potentially remove a good amount of people in the base. Hmm, would something like that work?"
Greko nods "Indeed! Greko can turn invisible but Greko can also shift into lizard, mouse, newt, spider, or other cave crawler"
As they look over the enemy fort, Lady Kaede doffs her storm trooper helmet, and fishes her kabuto helm out of her pack, quickly putting it on. Casting See Invisibility, she scans the entire area, looking for potential enemy or fortifications that may be hiding, invisibly. Satisfied with what she sees, she'll tell the rest of her teammates what she observed, while replacing her special helm with the stormtrooper helm, completing her disguise.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Rum listens to the others and nods his head in approval.
"It is a good plan, friend Jek. Worth a try. And good to know there are no invisible enemies as well, Lady Kaede. Shall Greko the White and I remain hidden, and the rest of you approach in disguise then. If all goes well we wait for them to leave, otherwise we use the distraction to great effect", he says, looking to call Porkins over so he can take to the skies as soon as the others are ready.
"One thing, friend Jek. The trooper called it a Newt, not a Lizard. He said the Newts communicate in broken Undercommon, along with pictures and singing. They are a subjugated race, which lays credence to your words. Not sure if that is useful to know".
"Everyone ready?" Lade Kaede adds, voice somewhat muffled behind her stormtrooper helmet. "Through my other helm, I spied a literal invisible minefield leading up to the gate - there are invisible magical sigils all over the ground, perhaps as triggering mechanisms for traps. I know a clear pathway right though it, though, which will lead us safetly to the gate. Sir Jek...I shall follow you, as you are the troop leader here, but heed my directions with care!"
OOC: Whenever we're ready to march up to the gate, insert a montage scene here where Kaede directs Jek (and others....whomever else is walking in versus flying in) safely through the minefield.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
As the Remnants approach the gate, they can see a flurry of activity begin in the central tower that they'll have to pass under. An Stormtrooper with a crossbow trains its weapon on them, while another Stormtroopers sounds a horn loud enough for the camp to hear. A few seconds later, the Newt begins piping. Next to the Stormtrooper with the Crossbow is another warrior that looks like a caster.
"We'll use force if you come any closer without stating your business!" The crossbowman calls as the team approaches the entry port. A glance around shows the other guard towers have crossbows aimed their direction as well...though how effective they'll be if the remnants duck into the entryway serpentine is another matter all together.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Jek looks up at the crossbowman that just yelled out. He stands as tall as possible and responds "What kind of reptile would dare attack an envoy from the Dark Tower? Let us through, we have matters to discuss with those that matter."
The Stormtroopers nods and lowers his weapon, then there are two horn blasts to the rest of the camp. Crossbows everywhere go down as the state of readiness lowers.
"You may proceed."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Beneath her trooper helm, Kaede realizes that she’s been holding her breath in anticipation. As they appear to be successful in their disguises, she finally exhales a long held breath, and relishes in breathing normally again. She continues to follow Jek into the camp.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
As the other Remnants approach the gate openly, Rum and Porkins turn invisible and take to the sky to get a birds eye view and cover the approach of their companions. When the horn sounds and the newt starts piping, he looks closely at the activity both in and around the camp, but also in the distance. He also waits to hear if there is an answer to the piping.
He relaxes a little as those in the sentry towers lower their weapons when Jek mentions the pass phrase, but keeps a keen eye and ear out for any sign his companions might be in danger.
Perception: 2+11=13 (Passive: 21)
Walking forward through the serpentine, they are funneled beneath of the guard tower in the center of the corridor. The ground beneath them feels...spongey. Soft. Like they're standing on a trap door...because they're definitely standing on a trap door. Another trap door flips open above them, and three faces look down.
"Where is the rest of your squad? What happened?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Greko was unsure what to do. Should he ride with Rum? Should he call for Baturday? Should he sit and wait? No, none of those things would do for Greko......
Jek looks to the three faces looking down on him. His eyes are definitely getting darker in color as he gets into character. He looks to where he heard the Newts piping from, then looks back up. He says quietly so only the three above can hear. "We were ambushed on the way here from Garthim Cavern. General Vurdrad sent us. There have been... discrepancies in the reports we have been receiving. Things are not right. We need to speak to the commander here right away... Do not speak any of this to the Newt. Now, let us through! We have been on a long journey and I do not like what I'm standing on!" Jek says this with a confidence and tone that surprises even him. Practicing to lie has been worth it!
Deception Nat 20, total 28.
Everyone in the tower looks at one another, then turns to look into the rest of the compound. They nod.
"The newt is next to the command tent. Proceed on. I'll summon Captain Shar. Wait for him before you get too close to the tent, if you wish to avoid the Newt."
They sound three short blasts of the warhorn, and then motion the survivors of the ambush through.
As they near the catapult, they see the Stormtrooper Captain, a big, gruff looking Hobgoblin, approaching from the command tent with his helm resting in the crook of one arm.
"What is it? Report."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Circling up above, Rum strains to hear what is being said, and a small grins crosses his feline mouth as Jek and the others pass through the guard post.
He watches as his companions move over to speak with the hobgoblin with the ornate cloak. The one he assumes is the leader of this camp.
”If things go wrong, we must be prepared to dive down and fight. I am thinking either the ogre is the most pressing target, or perhaps the one who is sounding that horn”, he whispers to Porkins as he tries to spot the horn blower.