With some rope and a careful approach, Utar easily makes his way back to ground level and rejoins the party with Ixas' body in tow. He informs the others about what he found at the tiefling's pockets but lets anyone else have a look for themselves, should they want to.
Doozey tries to read in between the lines in the uncovered letter for a minute, but then refocuses on administering care to his companions. While working on Utar, the halfling makes sure to detail the most recent spoils of war the he and Villonah found. Neya responds by shoving it all inside the Bag of Holding, at least for now.
Utar then encourages the party to regroup with the nobles and others. The suggestion is well received and, soon enough, most of the party begins heading northeast. Before they go too far, Graxx mentions that he still has to keep his word to Rhonda, which earns a tongue-click from Yalek. The barbarian is also interested in learning more about what happened to his people. With the second of those tasks taking priority, Graxx decides to walk back toward the barracks (south). Villonah says something about not letting him go there on his own, and offers to accompany the barbarian.
The courtyard here still closely resembles the state in which it was left when CRAP last passed by the area. There are some dead hobgoblins about but it does not look like any additional battles took place here, which might have had something to do with the bell in the nearby tower never ringing.
The barracks' door is still shut. It looks like those inside have made some progress in trying to force it open, but not enough for them to squeeze out. The loaded-up, broken wagon with a dead horse still hitched offered enough of a blockade for this group of enemies to not be able to join the fight. From inside the barracks, a multitude of voices yell at each other, in what is clearly a drunken argument of great proportions. It wouldn't be too farfetched to assume that inebriated brains also had something to do with this group not being able to use enough leverage on the door to force it open.
There are no other teams' members here, or soldiers from the nobles retinues.
Much of what happened here could already be determined during the fight against Garbul and Ixas by looking downhill from a distance. Hobgoblins, cultists, and soldiers lie on the ground, many facing the mud. A group of hobgoblins has been striped of its fighting gear and is in the process of being shackled. A tent has been pitched to provide aid to allies who are injured. Within this tent, Olisara orders some young soldiers to help Harper, who is bloody and unconscious.
A dreadful blood-ritual circle is situated right in the middle of this battlefield, though it has been smudged. Within this circle, half-a-dozen Thayans lie dead, including one who looks particularly more wealthy than the others, judging by her attire. Aleyd is also within the circle, as is Brother Keefe. The Black Fist captain studies the Thayan leader's body, while the Kelemvorite lies still on the ground. Chaab is nowhere to be seen.
The nobles, Valero Brokengulf and Dala Silmerhelve, are ordering their troops about. Valero seems preoccupied with gathering intelligence, while Dala is in charge of managing the recovery of the fallen soldiers' bodies for proper burial rites.
(OOC: No one in particular approaches the party as you arrive. It is up to you to choose whom to talk to.)
Torn between a debt owed and personal animosity for Rhonda, Doozey hesitates to follow after the barbarian, but would do so if either Utar or Neya chose not to go alongside Villonah, if only just in case. It wasn't as if he was particularly keen on doing any talking anyhow. But without the personal obligations, the choice would've been far easier to make.
If either Utar or Neya do not join Graxx:
"So, how do you want play this, Mr. Graxx?" Doozey asked, giving the barbarian a sidelong look. "We waiting until they finish brawling it out a bit more, and hope they knock out and/or kill enough of each other as to put us on the stronger side of any negotations? Or, have you seen enough, and just want to keep watch on the situation until that retinue gets here?" Doozey then gestures to the left side of the building they passed on the way back.
"There's the third option of checking that door there. See if maybe there's a way to the innards proper. But, even if so, I can't say recommend it for obvious reasons. But, if you insist-..." As he trails off there, the stoutling reluctantly pulls out his buckler and begins tightening it into place.
If either Utar or Neya DO join Graxx:
After scanning the area and seeing Brother Keefe down and untouched, it didn't take a genius to figure out the man's condition. And even if wrong, Doozey wouldn't postulate further before trying to focusing on anything else in which he might yet be of use. Returning to Olisara, the stoutling bee-lined it to her side without a word to the others; only trust in that they'd leave interactions with the half-elves to him for a bit while they focused on the more important task of speaking to the others.
"I see you lot had it rather rough." He chimed in once in easy speaking range. "Mind if I have a look at him before he's moved? I do have a herbal remedy that aughta put some pep back into his step, as well as a potion too to spare, if'n that's alright?" If then given the go ahead, Doozey hustles on over to begin treatment on Harper to the best of his ability.
Graxx looks at the doors then looks to Doozey and sighs.
"Doozey... As much as I would love to take the offensive here I'm afraid I don't have it in me. To go in with me in this state would mean certain death. We'll need to wait for the nobles to get here and let their fresh fighters take the brunt. Hopefully they get here soon."
Doozey quirks a brow. "So, basically we're glorified watchers."He deadpans, looks back to the barracks, then with a sigh, pulls out Taters to sit beside the duo. "I'm gonna go check out that gatehouse. Doubt I'll find anything of use, but Tater's can stand in my place well enough."Without waiting on another word, the stoutling marched his way over to the northeast structure for a look around inside.
----> Perception: 21. (If Investigation would more appropriate, I believe its +0)
Captain AHB to Utar: "It is good to see you still on yours as well, Utar. Our path to this gate was not so straightforward, and this necromancer at my feet was a powerful opponent. The Kelemvorite gave his life to defeat her, and you'll be happy to know his was the final blow. I hope the absence of your other companions does not mean they met a similar fate."
Utar kneels next to Brother Keefe and, after a quick exam, confirms that the human priest of Kelemvor draws no breath. A gnarly slash cuts across much of his back. It looks like his enchanted armor and shield did little to help him.
Yalek is walking about, talking to some soldiers about the fight. He tries to keep himself near Utar. It doesn't look like he knows many others here.
Elsewhere... Olisara to Neya: "Hello, young warrior. I'm happy to see you are still among the living, though it certainly looks like you have seen better days. I can say the same about my compatriot, Harper. He has taken a beating but he'll survive. And yes, the dragon was quite a formidable opponent. Our group took the brunt of her initial attack. Not all of us survived it."
Neya helps suture a soldier' wounds as she listens. The young halbardier will survive his first encounter with a necromancer and a dragon. Not many can say that.
Doozey ponders on next steps and frowns a bit once Graxx reveals that despite all his rage during battle, he'd rather take the patient approach now. Villonah backs up Graxx, asking if he'd feel better if she were to rub some more of her magical ointment on his wounds?
A bit impatient, Doozey then decides to explore a bit. He enters the northeastern-most section of this south part of the stronghold. Opening the door, he finds a well furnished room within a not-so-finished structured. The walls and roof still need to be completed but whoever took residence here was surely not bothered by it. Doozey deduces that only some sort of leader within the ranks would be deserving of a room for themselves. There is a bed and a nightstand, a desk with many candles on it, and mannequins adorned in several armor pieces. Some shelves with books and trophies can also be found here.
Back outside, a winged creature approaches swiftly and lands next to Graxx. Senitir greets: "Greetings great warrior of phe north. How fared your battle? How are your companions?"
"Must've been Mutton Chops little Oasis. Figures he'd have his more established than the rest too." Doozey commented. "Hm... No... If I don't do it, -they- will. And we'll need everything we can get for what's to come." With that assuaging thought spoken aloud, Doozey checks the night stand and desk drawers, as well as under the bed for any signs of anything of value or useful, be it coin, potions, or perhaps even something the gate commander had been keeping to himself. And though he would feel silly for a moment, considering the fresh construction work, he even puts the Wand of Secrets to work once just to be sure.
After all that, he peruses the books as well, stuffing any interesting materials into his back pack before heading outside; only to head right for the double doors to the immediate south next.
(@Lerus: Since he believes they'll be waiting for a good while, Doozey is taking his time for a thorough search for what that matters.)
Meanwhile outside, Taters, for all his armor and bravery, hid behind the back of Graxx' leg since sighting the Owl Men. And by all appearances seemed not to one a single thing to do with the Owl Man for obvious reasons.
His suspicions confirmed, Utar lays a hand on Keef's armour and intones a short, silent prayer for the Kelemvorite.
Standing, Utar wipes his face and faces Burral.
"We're all still on our feet, thanks and likely faring better than most."
He casts about for a moment, not really sure what to do and sighs.
"I don't miss this part. Checking who's made it through, who hasn't... Anyway, I had better make myself useful in the healers tent unless there's anything to be done here."
Graxx looks uneasily at the barracks and then to the Owl Man.
"Hiya, Senetir... Our small battle went well as we all still have our lives..."
Graxx shakes his head.
"It was mighty close though. That was my first time facing a big dragon like that and for a minute it seemed like it might be the last."
Graxx motions to the barracks.
"We got a whole heap of enemies still in that barracks. We blocked them in so they couldn't come and reinforce. I'm waiting on our reinforcements to arrive before going in as there are too many for us to take alone."
Graxx looks Senetir up and down.
"Glad to see you're still standing friend. Enough about our battle. How did ya'll do?"
"Yes, I did see that our side has sustained great losses. Unfortunately, this siege was the the easy part, relatively speaking. We now know who the dragon truly is..." Neya says, "But, now we have a burning question, why did it move here? Granted, right now is not the appropriate time to discuss such things..."
Before Utar makes his way to the healing tent, Captain AHB warns: "Utar, we may have dealt a significant blow to the Cult of the Dragon this day but I fear their power and influence has grown to such a level that they'd be able to quickly recover. I suspect they have greater plans for Phlan. Stay alert."
The cleric passes by Neya and Olisara as the pair continues to talk. The elven woman tells the human one: "Weird, isn't it, when victory feels like defeat. Let me know once your group is ready. As an advisor to lady Dala, I think your group and ours (nobles and advisors) should meet to discuss this dragon."
From the corner of their eyes, both Neya and Utar see that Dornal Whitebeard and Zern Xerkstil are approaching the tent. The half-orc paladin carries the unconscious body of Buhrell Caah in his arms.
Senitir commiserates with Graxx: "I'm afraid our own battle was not as successful. We were teleported near phe horn but did not notice it until it was too late. We managed to destroy pheir siege weapon, but one of phe Cult's lieutenants, phe one named Alandra, escaped our grasp." His owl claws close as if he was about to swoop in and snatch a rodent in the dark of night. Taters gets even more uncomfortable.
Seronalla then approaches atop a strange flightless bird that somewhat resembles an ostrich in shape. The animal moves fast and obeys the forest gnome's commands perfectly. She announces: "Soldiers are on their way. It looks like they are ensuring the stronghold is cleared. How is everyone here?"Villonah gives her a quick report, to which she replies: "I see. And where is the rest of your team?"
Surely enough, Graxx hears the steps of approaching soldiers. (OOC: Feel free to give them directions on what to do next.)
Inside the nearby buildings, Doozey continues to search about. Somewhat surprisingly, drawers are mostly empty, as are the desk and nightstand tops (besides candles). Whoever used this room must not have fully moved in yet, which seems fair considering construction was still ongoing. Under the bed, however, Doozey spots a leather pouch. It is full of small little gems, totaling 300gp in value. Books on the shelves mostly regard military tactics and history. Doozey picks a few of them and puts them in his bag.
The ranger also uses his wand of secrets and discovers a small hole in the south wall of this private room. He looks through the whole and sees what looks like an enclosed holding or waiting area next to the main gate... or perhaps a side entrance for those who wanted to move in and out of the stronghold without necessarily opening and closing the main gate repeatedly. The owner of this room clearly wanted to peek at those waiting in that other room without being spotted themselves. When Doozey moves to the double doors, he confirms his calculations that they simply lead to this holding area, which is mostly empty and void of features.
While moving from one room to the other, Doozey spots Senitir and Seranolla out of the corner of his eye.
Doozey bags the pouch, figuring at least he could worry about what to do the gems at a later date. While not so grubby hand as to be inclined to keep them for himself, the thought... did at least pass through mind in thinking of the headband. Plus, it was chump change compared to the gold awaiting them in the chest.
Either way, his search is concluded, and soon the beleaguered stoutling is marching his way over to the gathering. Taters dared not even try racing to his partner until the stoutling was a few feet away. The moment that happens the beast nearly bowls him over leaping into his arms, and after much clamoring over the startled hunter, is soon secured into the backpack. "Oi. Silly Rabbit. Starting to get as bad Biscuit." He murmurs, shook his head, and then regarded Senitir and Seranolla with a faint but pleased smile.
"Glad to see you two made it out alright, all things considered. If you need a bit of treatment, I do have some remedies yet available to help." He suggests, and would happily commit to lending the aid for each of them. Though regardless of their answer, there was yet more to be said from Doozey. "Not sure if the Fey Lord extended you lot the same request. But before he buggered off to mend... at least, so we can only expect and hope, he bid us come see him when we're ready. Though-..." He looks to Seranolla. "I believe you and I both know what 'when we're ready' really supposed to mean." He added with a smirk, before again turning to address the duo. "Any.. advice regarding the lord in particular before we go meeting them? And, uh... there was something else I mean to -- Oh! Right! The radiant, uh... what was it? Radiant Spring? Either of you wouldn't happen to know a thing about that, would you?" He asked preferably the retinue shows up.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I'm sorry to hear that friend. We wanted to try to get to the horn but ran right into Ixas and a hobgoblin commander that tied us up. Don't fear... We will find this Alanda... Now, it seems the calvary has arrived."
Graxx walks to approach the soldiers.
"Well met! There are many enemies still inside the barracks. We barricaded them inside. I have not commanded them to surrender as I wanted to wait for backup to arrive. We need as many alive as we can as we need information to the Cult's next move. Now... Let's get this started."
Graxx walks up to the barricade and shouts into the barracks.
"Alright you cultists and mercenaries now quit your flailing about in there! The keep has taken and you are all commanded to surrender. Pile up your weapons and armor in the middle of the room and line up along the back wall. If you don't do what we say you'll meet the same fate as others who resisted and will be slain!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya nods in response, "Indeed, this new knowledge will change our approach."
Neya speaks with Dornal and Zern as they enter, "Good to see more faces come out on the other side of the chaos. May I take a look at her?" She motions to one of the precious few empty spots in the tent.
Neya stashes the stuff she finds in the bag of holding and goes with Utar to check on the other teams.
"I'll come with you, Utar. Many hands make light work. Hopefully, we can help get them back on their feet."
Extended Signature
With some rope and a careful approach, Utar easily makes his way back to ground level and rejoins the party with Ixas' body in tow. He informs the others about what he found at the tiefling's pockets but lets anyone else have a look for themselves, should they want to.
Doozey tries to read in between the lines in the uncovered letter for a minute, but then refocuses on administering care to his companions. While working on Utar, the halfling makes sure to detail the most recent spoils of war the he and Villonah found. Neya responds by shoving it all inside the Bag of Holding, at least for now.
Utar then encourages the party to regroup with the nobles and others. The suggestion is well received and, soon enough, most of the party begins heading northeast. Before they go too far, Graxx mentions that he still has to keep his word to Rhonda, which earns a tongue-click from Yalek. The barbarian is also interested in learning more about what happened to his people. With the second of those tasks taking priority, Graxx decides to walk back toward the barracks (south). Villonah says something about not letting him go there on his own, and offers to accompany the barbarian.
FOR THOSE HEADING TO THE SOUTH GATE:
The courtyard here still closely resembles the state in which it was left when CRAP last passed by the area. There are some dead hobgoblins about but it does not look like any additional battles took place here, which might have had something to do with the bell in the nearby tower never ringing.
The barracks' door is still shut. It looks like those inside have made some progress in trying to force it open, but not enough for them to squeeze out. The loaded-up, broken wagon with a dead horse still hitched offered enough of a blockade for this group of enemies to not be able to join the fight. From inside the barracks, a multitude of voices yell at each other, in what is clearly a drunken argument of great proportions. It wouldn't be too farfetched to assume that inebriated brains also had something to do with this group not being able to use enough leverage on the door to force it open.
There are no other teams' members here, or soldiers from the nobles retinues.
FOR THOSE HEADING TO THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Much of what happened here could already be determined during the fight against Garbul and Ixas by looking downhill from a distance. Hobgoblins, cultists, and soldiers lie on the ground, many facing the mud. A group of hobgoblins has been striped of its fighting gear and is in the process of being shackled. A tent has been pitched to provide aid to allies who are injured. Within this tent, Olisara orders some young soldiers to help Harper, who is bloody and unconscious.
A dreadful blood-ritual circle is situated right in the middle of this battlefield, though it has been smudged. Within this circle, half-a-dozen Thayans lie dead, including one who looks particularly more wealthy than the others, judging by her attire. Aleyd is also within the circle, as is Brother Keefe. The Black Fist captain studies the Thayan leader's body, while the Kelemvorite lies still on the ground. Chaab is nowhere to be seen.
The nobles, Valero Brokengulf and Dala Silmerhelve, are ordering their troops about. Valero seems preoccupied with gathering intelligence, while Dala is in charge of managing the recovery of the fallen soldiers' bodies for proper burial rites.
(OOC: No one in particular approaches the party as you arrive. It is up to you to choose whom to talk to.)
Torn between a debt owed and personal animosity for Rhonda, Doozey hesitates to follow after the barbarian, but would do so if either Utar or Neya chose not to go alongside Villonah, if only just in case. It wasn't as if he was particularly keen on doing any talking anyhow. But without the personal obligations, the choice would've been far easier to make.
If either Utar or Neya do not join Graxx:
"So, how do you want play this, Mr. Graxx?" Doozey asked, giving the barbarian a sidelong look. "We waiting until they finish brawling it out a bit more, and hope they knock out and/or kill enough of each other as to put us on the stronger side of any negotations? Or, have you seen enough, and just want to keep watch on the situation until that retinue gets here?" Doozey then gestures to the left side of the building they passed on the way back.
"There's the third option of checking that door there. See if maybe there's a way to the innards proper. But, even if so, I can't say recommend it for obvious reasons. But, if you insist-..." As he trails off there, the stoutling reluctantly pulls out his buckler and begins tightening it into place.
If either Utar or Neya DO join Graxx:
After scanning the area and seeing Brother Keefe down and untouched, it didn't take a genius to figure out the man's condition. And even if wrong, Doozey wouldn't postulate further before trying to focusing on anything else in which he might yet be of use. Returning to Olisara, the stoutling bee-lined it to her side without a word to the others; only trust in that they'd leave interactions with the half-elves to him for a bit while they focused on the more important task of speaking to the others.
"I see you lot had it rather rough." He chimed in once in easy speaking range. "Mind if I have a look at him before he's moved? I do have a herbal remedy that aughta put some pep back into his step, as well as a potion too to spare, if'n that's alright?" If then given the go ahead, Doozey hustles on over to begin treatment on Harper to the best of his ability.
---> Healer's Healing on Harper for: 17.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar approaches the ritual circle and hesitates entering until he sees that it is smudged and no longer complete.
"Good to see you still on your feet, Captain."
Kneeling beside Brother Keefe, Utar checks on the Kelemvorite, giving him a once over.
Medicine 20
Graxx looks at the doors then looks to Doozey and sighs.
"Doozey... As much as I would love to take the offensive here I'm afraid I don't have it in me. To go in with me in this state would mean certain death. We'll need to wait for the nobles to get here and let their fresh fighters take the brunt. Hopefully they get here soon."
Neya goes to the medical tent and starts helping tend to the wounded. As she does, she speaks with Olisara.
"Glad to see you are still with us. I was concerned when that dragon started attacking before the fey lord got its attention."
Medicine: 18
Extended Signature
Doozey quirks a brow. "So, basically we're glorified watchers." He deadpans, looks back to the barracks, then with a sigh, pulls out Taters to sit beside the duo. "I'm gonna go check out that gatehouse. Doubt I'll find anything of use, but Tater's can stand in my place well enough." Without waiting on another word, the stoutling marched his way over to the northeast structure for a look around inside.
----> Perception: 21. (If Investigation would more appropriate, I believe its +0)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Captain AHB to Utar: "It is good to see you still on yours as well, Utar. Our path to this gate was not so straightforward, and this necromancer at my feet was a powerful opponent. The Kelemvorite gave his life to defeat her, and you'll be happy to know his was the final blow. I hope the absence of your other companions does not mean they met a similar fate."
Utar kneels next to Brother Keefe and, after a quick exam, confirms that the human priest of Kelemvor draws no breath. A gnarly slash cuts across much of his back. It looks like his enchanted armor and shield did little to help him.
Yalek is walking about, talking to some soldiers about the fight. He tries to keep himself near Utar. It doesn't look like he knows many others here.
Elsewhere... Olisara to Neya: "Hello, young warrior. I'm happy to see you are still among the living, though it certainly looks like you have seen better days. I can say the same about my compatriot, Harper. He has taken a beating but he'll survive. And yes, the dragon was quite a formidable opponent. Our group took the brunt of her initial attack. Not all of us survived it."
Neya helps suture a soldier' wounds as she listens. The young halbardier will survive his first encounter with a necromancer and a dragon. Not many can say that.
AT THE SOUTH GATE:
Doozey ponders on next steps and frowns a bit once Graxx reveals that despite all his rage during battle, he'd rather take the patient approach now. Villonah backs up Graxx, asking if he'd feel better if she were to rub some more of her magical ointment on his wounds?
A bit impatient, Doozey then decides to explore a bit. He enters the northeastern-most section of this south part of the stronghold. Opening the door, he finds a well furnished room within a not-so-finished structured. The walls and roof still need to be completed but whoever took residence here was surely not bothered by it. Doozey deduces that only some sort of leader within the ranks would be deserving of a room for themselves. There is a bed and a nightstand, a desk with many candles on it, and mannequins adorned in several armor pieces. Some shelves with books and trophies can also be found here.
Back outside, a winged creature approaches swiftly and lands next to Graxx. Senitir greets: "Greetings great warrior of phe north. How fared your battle? How are your companions?"
"Must've been Mutton Chops little Oasis. Figures he'd have his more established than the rest too." Doozey commented. "Hm... No... If I don't do it, -they- will. And we'll need everything we can get for what's to come." With that assuaging thought spoken aloud, Doozey checks the night stand and desk drawers, as well as under the bed for any signs of anything of value or useful, be it coin, potions, or perhaps even something the gate commander had been keeping to himself. And though he would feel silly for a moment, considering the fresh construction work, he even puts the Wand of Secrets to work once just to be sure.
After all that, he peruses the books as well, stuffing any interesting materials into his back pack before heading outside; only to head right for the double doors to the immediate south next.
(@Lerus: Since he believes they'll be waiting for a good while, Doozey is taking his time for a thorough search for what that matters.)
Meanwhile outside, Taters, for all his armor and bravery, hid behind the back of Graxx' leg since sighting the Owl Men. And by all appearances seemed not to one a single thing to do with the Owl Man for obvious reasons.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
His suspicions confirmed, Utar lays a hand on Keef's armour and intones a short, silent prayer for the Kelemvorite.
Standing, Utar wipes his face and faces Burral.
"We're all still on our feet, thanks and likely faring better than most."
He casts about for a moment, not really sure what to do and sighs.
"I don't miss this part. Checking who's made it through, who hasn't... Anyway, I had better make myself useful in the healers tent unless there's anything to be done here."
Graxx looks uneasily at the barracks and then to the Owl Man.
"Hiya, Senetir... Our small battle went well as we all still have our lives..."
Graxx shakes his head.
"It was mighty close though. That was my first time facing a big dragon like that and for a minute it seemed like it might be the last."
Graxx motions to the barracks.
"We got a whole heap of enemies still in that barracks. We blocked them in so they couldn't come and reinforce. I'm waiting on our reinforcements to arrive before going in as there are too many for us to take alone."
Graxx looks Senetir up and down.
"Glad to see you're still standing friend. Enough about our battle. How did ya'll do?"
"Yes, I did see that our side has sustained great losses. Unfortunately, this siege was the the easy part, relatively speaking. We now know who the dragon truly is..." Neya says, "But, now we have a burning question, why did it move here? Granted, right now is not the appropriate time to discuss such things..."
Extended Signature
AT THE NORTHEAST GATE:
Before Utar makes his way to the healing tent, Captain AHB warns: "Utar, we may have dealt a significant blow to the Cult of the Dragon this day but I fear their power and influence has grown to such a level that they'd be able to quickly recover. I suspect they have greater plans for Phlan. Stay alert."
The cleric passes by Neya and Olisara as the pair continues to talk. The elven woman tells the human one: "Weird, isn't it, when victory feels like defeat. Let me know once your group is ready. As an advisor to lady Dala, I think your group and ours (nobles and advisors) should meet to discuss this dragon."
From the corner of their eyes, both Neya and Utar see that Dornal Whitebeard and Zern Xerkstil are approaching the tent. The half-orc paladin carries the unconscious body of Buhrell Caah in his arms.
AT THE SOUTH GATE:
Senitir commiserates with Graxx: "I'm afraid our own battle was not as successful. We were teleported near phe horn but did not notice it until it was too late. We managed to destroy pheir siege weapon, but one of phe Cult's lieutenants, phe one named Alandra, escaped our grasp." His owl claws close as if he was about to swoop in and snatch a rodent in the dark of night. Taters gets even more uncomfortable.
Seronalla then approaches atop a strange flightless bird that somewhat resembles an ostrich in shape. The animal moves fast and obeys the forest gnome's commands perfectly. She announces: "Soldiers are on their way. It looks like they are ensuring the stronghold is cleared. How is everyone here?" Villonah gives her a quick report, to which she replies: "I see. And where is the rest of your team?"
Surely enough, Graxx hears the steps of approaching soldiers. (OOC: Feel free to give them directions on what to do next.)
Inside the nearby buildings, Doozey continues to search about. Somewhat surprisingly, drawers are mostly empty, as are the desk and nightstand tops (besides candles). Whoever used this room must not have fully moved in yet, which seems fair considering construction was still ongoing. Under the bed, however, Doozey spots a leather pouch. It is full of small little gems, totaling 300gp in value. Books on the shelves mostly regard military tactics and history. Doozey picks a few of them and puts them in his bag.
The ranger also uses his wand of secrets and discovers a small hole in the south wall of this private room. He looks through the whole and sees what looks like an enclosed holding or waiting area next to the main gate... or perhaps a side entrance for those who wanted to move in and out of the stronghold without necessarily opening and closing the main gate repeatedly. The owner of this room clearly wanted to peek at those waiting in that other room without being spotted themselves. When Doozey moves to the double doors, he confirms his calculations that they simply lead to this holding area, which is mostly empty and void of features.
While moving from one room to the other, Doozey spots Senitir and Seranolla out of the corner of his eye.
Doozey bags the pouch, figuring at least he could worry about what to do the gems at a later date. While not so grubby hand as to be inclined to keep them for himself, the thought... did at least pass through mind in thinking of the headband. Plus, it was chump change compared to the gold awaiting them in the chest.
Either way, his search is concluded, and soon the beleaguered stoutling is marching his way over to the gathering. Taters dared not even try racing to his partner until the stoutling was a few feet away. The moment that happens the beast nearly bowls him over leaping into his arms, and after much clamoring over the startled hunter, is soon secured into the backpack. "Oi. Silly Rabbit. Starting to get as bad Biscuit." He murmurs, shook his head, and then regarded Senitir and Seranolla with a faint but pleased smile.
"Glad to see you two made it out alright, all things considered. If you need a bit of treatment, I do have some remedies yet available to help." He suggests, and would happily commit to lending the aid for each of them. Though regardless of their answer, there was yet more to be said from Doozey. "Not sure if the Fey Lord extended you lot the same request. But before he buggered off to mend... at least, so we can only expect and hope, he bid us come see him when we're ready. Though-..." He looks to Seranolla. "I believe you and I both know what 'when we're ready' really supposed to mean." He added with a smirk, before again turning to address the duo. "Any.. advice regarding the lord in particular before we go meeting them? And, uh... there was something else I mean to -- Oh! Right! The radiant, uh... what was it? Radiant Spring? Either of you wouldn't happen to know a thing about that, would you?" He asked preferably the retinue shows up.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx nods in solidarity.
"I'm sorry to hear that friend. We wanted to try to get to the horn but ran right into Ixas and a hobgoblin commander that tied us up. Don't fear... We will find this Alanda... Now, it seems the calvary has arrived."
Graxx walks to approach the soldiers.
"Well met! There are many enemies still inside the barracks. We barricaded them inside. I have not commanded them to surrender as I wanted to wait for backup to arrive. We need as many alive as we can as we need information to the Cult's next move. Now... Let's get this started."
Graxx walks up to the barricade and shouts into the barracks.
"Alright you cultists and mercenaries now quit your flailing about in there! The keep has taken and you are all commanded to surrender. Pile up your weapons and armor in the middle of the room and line up along the back wall. If you don't do what we say you'll meet the same fate as others who resisted and will be slain!"
Intimidation: 24
Neya nods in response, "Indeed, this new knowledge will change our approach."
Neya speaks with Dornal and Zern as they enter, "Good to see more faces come out on the other side of the chaos. May I take a look at her?" She motions to one of the precious few empty spots in the tent.
Medicine: 18
Extended Signature