Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

"Ready as I'll ever be..." Neya says with a nod. "Into the breach..."

(@MB: Yes, go ahead and recover your spell slot. Don't forget to mark down a use each of both your Harness Divine Power feature and your Channel Divinity feature.)

Before getting too close, CRAP makes sure that they are ready. Utar uses his cultist robe to cover his allegiance to Torm, while Graxx makes sure to communicate to those inside barrels that it is almost showtime. They sort of agree on "Tempus" being the keyword for "the jig is up" and Neya agrees with a nod. From inside of the barrels, the rest of the group hears a knock from Doozey, and a double-knock from Villonah. Yalek is all smiles. Rhonda is all frowns.

Onwards they go. A stout gate wide enough for two wagons begins to swing open as you approach. Hobgoblin archers study you from an adjoining tower and catwalks. The tower connects to the palisade via these catwalks, and has windows above the palisade. There is also a large door at ground level. Other hobgoblins exit the tower through this door and await your arrival. Counting those on the catwalks, you see a total of four hobgoblins at the moment. One of the hobgoblins asks: "What took you so long? The other supply wagon already arrived." If he meant to say anything else after that, you can't be sure. He is interrupted by a more official-looking hobgoblin: "Halt! We'll perform a quick inspection."

The two hobgoblins on the catwalk are armed with longbows, white the one approaching the wagon carries a longsword (his bow is strung across his shoulder). They all seem well armored and have shields within reach if not already on their person. The more official looking one (mutton chops, medals on the armor) doesn't have a shield but carries a small arsenal with him (you see a greatsword and javelins, but he probably has more stuff on him.) He is also approaching the wagon. The soldier also asks: "Oy, Nordling, what happened to your robe? Why are you half-nude?"

(OOC: Do you react to them approaching the wagon or allow the inspection to happen unhindered?)

Utar hopes that these hobgoblin guards have some sort of idea of military rank and associated hierarchy. He also hopes that his robes might put him on higher footing than the guards inching ever closer to the barrels holding Doozey and Villonah.

Snapping at the hobgoblins, Utar tries to recall every ticking off he's ever received from a superior and channels it now shouting directly at all but the mutton chopped hobgoblin. After all, a robe probably doesn't best a medal.

"Why in the hells do you think we're late! How many horses pull the wagon now? How many left? If brains were shite, I doubt you'd have enough to fill your pants!"

"Inspection? Inspection?! We're late. With vital supplies. And intelligence. And you're asking for an inspection? I want your name guardsman and the names of your cohorts. When I get chewed out by Ixas, you can be damned sure I'm passing on your names too!"

Intimidation - 6

(OOC Whelp I tried. Someone needs to save this)

Graxx looks at Utar.

"Can you believe this nonsense?" huffs Graxx.

Graxx looks back to the solider.

"What are you my mother?  Don't worry about how I look or what I wear.  Worry about yourself.  I have this and that's all I need." says Graxx.

Graxx motions to his Pike.

"Now as my friend said here... We don't have time for your inspection... Or for your stupid questions."

Intimidation:  20

Utar relies on his military experience to improvise a response and appeal to the hobgoblins' own sense of military ranking. Recognizing the more senior rank of the hobgoblin with facial hair, Utar smartly aims his barking at the nearby soldier. They look confused at first and are about to respond when Graxx intervenes, delving deeper into the ruse. The well-played demonstration seals the soldier's silence (the other two are a bit too far for being a part of this discussion.)

The hobgoblin superior waits a couple of seconds before stepping up. He looks Rhonda and Yalek up and down before coming to Utar and Graxx. "Late indeed, and you shall be punished for it later. But let us not punish those who depend on these supplies by delaying you any further at this moment. Go and unload them at the usual spot." He looks over his shoulder to his soldiers and says: "Let them pass. Let us waist no more time."

CRAP begins to lead the wagon inside. The bearded hobgoblin says a few more words as the party pass. He aims them at Utar specifically: "Know your place, mercenary. It is clear you have served within the ranks before, but neither your current occupation nor the cult you serve respect these ranks. Our adherence to them do not extend to tenuous allies either. Pull that card again and I'll personally take you to the brig."

A silent Rhonda takes the group and the wagon to a corner. "This is where we have left the wagons in the past." This parking place is not very far from the gate and, in fact, the hobgoblins are still keeping an eye on the group. The two archers even have arrows nocked. From here, you can also see that much of the stronghold is still under construction. Amongst the massive trees and a few ancient ruins are piles of earth and rubble, partially built dwellings, and dig sites for building foundations. Not far from you is a small pile of building supplies, including wooden planks, chiseled stones, ropes, chains, oil tubs, and more. Next to it, there is a recently completed, large, and windowless building. From the sounds within, you assume it to be a barracks, filled with reinforcements. Yalek verbally confirms your suspicions. "If we could hinder the barracks somehow, this would go a long way should we run into trouble later."

Graxx looks at the planks and rope and then looks at the large windowless barracks.  Graxx would like to direct his vision specifically to the door.  How does it open?  Would there be a way to wedge a plank in between the door handle to prevent if from opening?

Investigation:  4

How many entrances does Neya see on the building?

Graxx and Neya respond to Yalek's suggestion by taking a good gander at the barracks. Although that specific building is not too far from the group, it is still far enough that Graxx can't quite make out the smaller details of the door. He gathers that the large door opens outwardly, but would likely have to get closer to study its features. Neya only sees the one large door on the barracks, but three overall in her vicinity. (OOC: The other two being the one on the tower where the hobgoblins came out of, and the gate the wagon passed through.)

Rhonda begins to unload the wagon as ordered by the hobgoblins. She does so slowly.

Utar pitches in with unloading the cart, careful to gently lift the barrels containing Doozey and Villonah out of sight of the hobgoblin guards. Giving a knock on top of each of the barrels to signal their arrival in the camp.

Catching Rhonda's eye, Utar sidles up her while unloading the cart.

"Do you have smaller robes for smaller mercenaries?"

Doozey refrains from knocking back, but rather slightly unsheathe 'Apostle' in anticipation. So far, the angle hasn't been particularly good for trying to spy a path to sneak past the guards. Thus, he kept a close ear out alongside Taters, following along as best as he can to conversations.

Graxx will inspect what is in the wagon to be unloaded.  Does anything look like it would benefit being delivered inside the barracks?

Investigation:  6

Neya will help with the unloading of the supplies. As she does, she will try to get a sense of the area she can see in terms of blind spots, hoke points and other ways a large group would be inconvenienced.

Perception: 17

(@Grx: No need to roll to look into the wagon again. CRAP had more than enough time during the break to look at the wagon's and cargo's every last inch.)

As Rhonda begins to unload the wagon, Yalek, Neya, and Utar lend a hand, at least to keep appearances for now. Graxx play the role of watcher outside, making sure the wagon remains secure. He continues to get looks from the hobgoblins. While he watches, he peeks into the wagon as a quick reminder of the supplies they were bringing. Graxx confirms that the cargo includes valuable building materials, food, and tools (hammers, ropes, wood, nails, oil, etc.) Judging by the ongoing construction around him, he surmises these materials are vital to the stronghold. Maybe some of the food could be delivered directly to the barracks, he ventures a guess...

Rhonda picks one of the smaller crates and heads to the door of a small supply room right next to where the wagon is parked. She explains: "This is the only room we have been allowed to enter. It's a supply room. We unload the supplies here." Right behind her, Utar carries the barrel containing Villonah, and Yalek brings in the one containing Taters and Doozey. Entering last, Neya brings in another crate. The small room is already partially filled with other crates and barrels and boxes, and there is a large, round vat of water in the center too. "This used to be for the horses. We'd bring water out to them. But then they brought the undead ones and told us to use those. Cost cutting, they said... Speaking of that, no, I do not have extra cloaks, small or otherwise." 

(OOC: This is also the room where all of those construction materials I mentioned in my last post are located.) 

Then, Yalek suggests the obvious: "This is probably the most hidden we'll be. Inside this small room. Time to let our small friends out." Neya agrees and steps out, mentioning she'll get their bearings again while slowly picking up another box. Yalek follows, also aiming at picking up another box since he knows the hobgoblins are watching.

Here's what Neya sees (all are welcome to look): 

Utar follows up on his earlier questions to Rhonda, not wanting to leave anything unsaid.

"But are there cloaks out there that would fit these two? We might be better placed to do whatever needs to be done if we can all move about freely."

Turning to the others for some input on formulating a plan, he continues,

"Reckon the second thing to do is to start spotting guards and opportunities to cause a little trouble. I like the idea of blocking up the entrance and exit to the barracks, but we need to do it without being spotted... Rhonda, Yalek, how likely is it that we might find some help from the other mercenaries?"

"Were you supposed to report to anyone after the job was done?" Neya asks Rhonda and Yalek, "We wouldn't want to raise too much suspicion by loitering somewhere for so long when there was someone expecting a report or the like."

"I haven't seen many halflings or gnomes or other small races with cultist cloaks out there, but the Cult's clout goes far, so who knows..." Rhonda tells Utar. She continues after the half-orc's follow-up question: "Unlikely. The Cult pays well and even I am only helping because I would otherwise be dead. I say you do your little bit of sabotage and prepare for the worst. How are you planning to remain anonymous after doing whatever it is you are planning to do to the barracks?"

Outside, Yalek answers Neya's question. "Not really. The hobgoblins make sure we complete the delivery and then we hang out at the barracks until they point out another trade wagon for us to waylay. But, if you can think of a reason why our merry band of mercenaries would need to talk to some leadership, maybe they can take us to see Ixas. She was the one who hired us, as Rhonda had mentioned."

Inside, Villonah pops out of her barrel, semi-covered in raw rice grains. "Whatever we decide to do, we should probably do it soon. Once the other teams arrive here, especially the nobles and their retainers, there will be no more hiding."

Rhonda gasps: "Nobles? Retainers? What did you get me involved in?"

Hearing Villonah's voice, if albeit muffled, Doozey pops out of his barrel as far as his head, semi-covered in jerky. "Oh please. Did you really think your little raids were small potatoes?" He would say, giving Rhonda a dry look. "You did this to yourself well before we got involved. You'd have been lucky enough to happen to not be here by the time they arrived. But, none of that matters right now. You all at least can't linger here. If there gonna send ya to the barracks anyway, perhaps one or two of ya can go there ahead of time, saying those that stay behind can finish up."

"Then from there, make other arrangements for impeding those inside, if not at least confirming the lot in there. Then just relay what ya see via the stone. Meanwhile... Oh vey. What I wouldn't give fer me great grandad Froggo's supposed ring of invisibility right now." He sighed softly, then curtly shook his head. "Say Villie. Don't s'pose there's any food or supplies here ya can whip together for a smoke screen now is there?" He asked, keeping his words soft as usual for any hobgoblins yet listening too closely. As she's considering that, Doozey looks around at the walls, trying to look for an alternative route out of the room. At least, one that with some work might fit a creature as small as a gnome or Taters.

Investigation: 20. (if perception would work instead, its +9)

Graxx will take the barrel Doozey was in and will place some of the oil containers in the bottom of it.

"Remember, if you hear me shout for Tempus.  That means come a running." says Graxx.

Graxx will take the food and stack them on top of the oil containers.

"You all do what you need to do.  I'm going to go into that hobgoblin tower and see if I can find the horn.  I just got to get by these guards.  If I can get to the top, I'm going to try to shoot the breeze with those hobgoblin archers and try to ruffle their feathers a bit.  If that doesn't work I'm going to use this here oil to set that tower on fire."

Graxx will take the barrel and will confidently walk towards the hobgoblin tower.

"Here ya'll.  Since we was running a little late I wanted to bring the food straight to ya and deliver it personally.  No telling what will be left of it if it goes to the barracks first."

Deception:  12

"You didn't seriously think this was a single-front operation, did you...?" Neya responds to Rhonda, rhetorically, shortly before she moves to the barracks. Once she inside, she gets her bearings.

Perception: 12

Rhonda receives a sermon from both Doozey and Neya, and feels like her best response is to just shut up for now. Within that sermon, Doozey suggests that a few people should go ahead and check the barracks ahead of the others. Neya agrees and volunteers for the task. Rhonda weighs her options and chooses to follow. 

The doors leading into the barracks are heavy, and open only outwardly. Inside, the accommodations are set up like a mess hall that resembles more a tavern than actual sleeping quarters. There is even a hearth. There are dozens of people in here, none of which pay too much attention to the arrival of two more cloaked individuals, as most of them wear robes themselves. Neya sees many humans (some of which are generally build like Graxx.) and a few drow. There are no hobgoblins here, nor any of the other allied groups CRAP had previously defeated alongside cultists (Kuo-toa, Kobolds, etc.) There might be a few robed cultist of other races in here but Neya does not immediately spot them. Other than long wooden tables, simple chairs, caskets of food and drink, and the hearth, this room has little to offer. There are no windows and the only other door in here seems to lead into actual sleeping quarters. Some cultists are moving between these two rooms and so Neya can see simple beds/cots on the other side of this internal door when it is pushed open. Other than these general features, Neya's busy senses do not pick up anything special. As soon as she is inside, Rhonda finds a vacant chair somewhere in the room and pours herself a drink away from Neya.

Meanwhile, Graxx explains his own side-plan to the rest of the group within the supply room. He does so while stacking some food atop oil containers, all of which are then placed inside the barrel Doozey had just popped out of (there might be some jerky in there still.) Yalek seems to particularly enjoy Graxx's crazy plan and decides to accompany him. The initial introduction veiled within an apology goes well enough, though the captain takes an opportunity to be a bit snarky: "This is an awfully nice gesture from someone that was quick to anger just a few minutes ago. Are you afraid your cultist superior will chew your ear once you have to report loosing your cloak? You'll find no sympathy from me or my men." Despite those words, the hob-captain accepts the food offering. He orders one of the guards to take it inside their tower, for proper parceling out at a more appropriate time and according to rank. He does this while moving to block the door after the barrel has been taken inside in a clear indication that Graxx and Yalek are not welcomed within their tower.

Villonah, Utar, and Doozey are left behind in the supply room. Utar is bringing in the last of the supplies from the wagon. Villonah remains quiet for now, clearly worried about the next steps. Doozey checks out the walls and comes to the realization this small supply "closet" has no windows nor a second exit.