As he finishes drawing the map as Solace gave it, Faith speaks.

”’Course, I don’t know what’s inside the deep interior, but the upper floors are a hazard and mostly collapsed.”

He jabs a stick into the part of the map representing the main gate. “Goblins rarely make good watchmen but I don’t fancy being caught between two walls and being turned into a pin cushion.”

He then jabs at the postern gate. “There’s arrow slits Solace saw here too.” Then at the scree and collapsed entrance. “A way in here too. Might be tricky to climb, and hard to get in silently.

”Of course, I have the ability to make one or two of us invisible. It might be that we can get in via the postern that way? Or those more acrobatic than me can risk the collapsed wall.” 

Matheris says, "Good work folks...Actually that's amazing what you can do with the animals."

He looks over the map and says, "It looks like there's two covert entry points Here pointing at C and Here pointing at 10.  I'm not sure we want to split up, but if we did I could take the C route in and probably get that door unlocked with either Karea or Lena.  If we all stick together we can make quick work of anything we come across although it might be a bit crowded with four of us working in a tight area.  What do you think Lena, Karea and Faith?

"I say we enter under the cover of darkness, so Lena and I cannot be seen. I should be able to pick any locks we come across. The concealed door is probably the better choice, as they won't expect us to enter that way."

Matheris nods and says, "I'd say once we finish here, we can work our way around to the north of the Castle. using the sunset for any distractions as we go around to the other side of the castle.  If we move around carefully staying about a mile away, we shouldn't have a problem.  Once on the otherside it'll be dark, and we can start working our way in.  If not, objections I'd say in the next few minutes we can get going."

Sildar fell back a bit indicating he was nursing a sprained ankle and caught up just as you get ready to get going, "I'm doing better and I'll be glad to get my gear back.  Count me in.  I'll bring up the rear."

Lena listend as they all discuss their preferences, adding her own thoughts, "I dun like the idea o' walkin' up t' tha front door. Even a bad archer is gonna have an easy shot at us that way. Now, that there canvas seems the easiest entry point. That door on the south ain't quite so well defended, problem with iron doors though, if they ain't kept right can make heluva noise even if we do open 'em right quiet." She points to the canvas screen. "Ain't no tent ever kept anyone out that wanted in...An ain't no way t' bar it behind us. That's where I'd be makin' me way int' the place. Sildar can guard there pretty easy, an' at night we'll have the pickins o' the rest o' the place." 

“Good to have you Sildar,” says Faith. 

The warlock considers the options. “If Sildar is happy to guard the way out, then I vote for the concealed canvas option too. It might be harder to stop anyone else from following us, but if we can make it down with a secure exit, anyone following us would be forced into single file and ripe for the picking.” 

Matheris says, "Ok, Canvas entry it is.  Let's work our way around there giving plenty of room to buffer our movement through the forest.  Just after Dusk we go stealth and move up."

Faith prays until sunset. Take the opportunity for a short rest. The burnished ring on his finger gleams more brightly. 

(Do we have time for a short rest?) 

OOC - Yes

OOC - Lena will use Pass Without Trace when we are ready to move in. She'll target all allies including Solace.
@DM - how do you want to rule PWT - do recipients have to stay within 30ft of Lena to benefit, or just be within 30ft when she casts it? RAW is the latter, RAI is the former.

Out of pocket today mom getting minor surgery.  I’ll post once I get her back home.

As I read it I’d rule it as RAI.

Matheris takes his short rest he signals he's ready...

Lena casts her spell near the castle but does so quietly and says, "We have an hour."

Matheris rolls his stealth check and waves off any invisibility spell as he'll be attacking which will void the spell on the first encounter.

Matheris Stealth :  22

Faith roll Stealth aslo or you can go invis if you wish until your first attack.

Lena and Karea are invisible in the dark.

The group make their way to the canvas.

This tower has almost completely collapsed, although the ground floor still has a little open space. Rotting crates and ancient barrels show that provisions were once stored here. A heavy curtain blocks a crumbling area to the south, and an intact door leads east. To the north, a short passage through the rubble ends before a screen of canvas. 

Where to?

OOC — hope everything’s ok with your mum. 

-

Faith casts invisibility on himself. He puts himself at the back of the line, being the least used to moving invisibly, and the worst up close with a goblin. 

My mom's surgery went well...Home healing well also...Thanks.

Faith's position noted.  I'll wait for Karea and Lena to post.  If nothing posted within 6 hrs time I'll proceed with the search of the castle.

OoC - Good news, hope her recovery is swift.

Lena checks her buckles, runs a fingers over the fletchings on her bolts, loosening them in their case, and checks the mechanics on her crossbow one last time. She casts her spell, pulls up her hood and takes a moment to melt into the darkness. Hiding herself and preparing for their approach in the castle.

Stealth: 17 + 10 = 27

Karea also prepares for action. She also shrouds herself in darkness. 

Stealth (includes pass without trace): 22 

Active magic...PWT 1 hr.....everyone Silent and no tracks with stealth bonus+10

Faith invisible spell....active until he attacks or voids it.

Karea 22, Lena 27 Invisible in dark plus stealth rolls.

Matheris stealth roll 22 and silent.

Matheris signals he'll lead...  He thinks to himself... They know the entry points are probably the weaker goblins..the area's they didn't get itel on is the head of the snake so let's get that...He guide the group into the ear on the map 14. Matheris listens at the door and hears two voices in a heated discussion—a loud, growling voice demanding payment for something, and a silky-smooth reply.

Matheris signals by hand 1,2,3 opens the door and charges in. Each of you following in single file but invisible see.

This chamber has been set up as a crude living space, with thick furs thrown on the floor to serve as carpets, old trophies hanging on the walls, a large bed to the north, and a brazier of coals burning brightly. A round table with several chairs stands to the south near the door. Near the table, on the floor, is an unconscious dwarf who looks badly beaten.

You've cut off the bugbear King Grol standing at the desk, his pet wolf and a dark elf.

You have advantage and surprise.  Three of you are invisible and have surprise for sure.  I'll check on Matheris.  Opening the door seems to draw attention so that he would be seen even with his stealth roll.  Invisibility is still granting Lena, Karea and Faith surprise and advantage.

Roll for Initiative.

Matheris rolls 19 that was the same as the Bugbear but has a better Dex than the BB so I lowered the BB to 18.

For the layout of the battle....I'll position the Bugbear (BB) on the southside of the room below the desk centered behind it.  The Wolf Snarl is at the bottom left corner.  The Dark elf is to the right and up one hex just to the East of the desk.  The row straight in is going to be Far east hex Matheris, then going West is Karea, Lena then Faith at the door inside the room.

King Grol screams what is the meaning of this?  Who are you? Looking at Matheris. 

Initiatives so far

Matheris 19

King Grol 18

Wolf Snarl 17

Dark Elf 6

Faith perception roll please with initiative roll.

Initiative: 26