“Ah haaa!” Greze exclaims excitedly. “ Yes, I too was in favor of searching for a cave entrance on the beach. But even as clever as I am, I did not think to look for a cave UNDER the beach!  Yes yes, I like this splendid idea. Barnabus, good man!  Volunteering to test your bravery against the wild seas!  Unfortunately I agree that all your armor would make you sink like a rock... that is wearing armor. Then of course, there is me! Just as brave I am sure. Oh and I have a good deal of experience with coastlines and sea cliffs and the like!  So I believe I am an excellent candidate to go on the intrepid search for sea caves!... as an assistant!   Hardauin, you look like you’re no stranger to wave and tide. While alas I am not exactly what you would call... an expert swimmer. I would, however, be most pleased to scout out the area and give you whatever Guidance I can!”

“Oh, wait.” Greze says, with a note of uncertainty. “Did you say something?  Sorry, I was so excited, I’m afraid I may have been talking over you. Did you say something about Sea-Devils And Men-Fish?”  Greze pauses a moment and then turns back to Hardauin. “On second thought my friend, perhaps we should stay with the others and check out that above-ground-cave after all?”

Hornom looks back and forth in excitement at the sound of seeing Sea Elves, but noticing Greze's sudden reluctance decides maybe these elves aren't so friendly. He thinks to himself "Hmm seems like the beach cave option it is then... hmm... I wonder". He clears his throat, "I have an idea that may be helpful in a bind." He pauses and wrings his hands. "If we come across a half-ogre sentry and are able to incapacitate them I should be able to take on their appearance. In which case we could pretend that I had captured a couple of spies and was taking them to the leader or something. Maybe we wrap some rope around their hands to look like they're tied up but not really? Then we could walk through the camp or at least bypass some of the sentries?" Hornom scratches his head, "Um anyone know what language half-ogre's speak?"

Donell speaks up "well they would have to speak Orcish right?

'

"Anyone speak Orcish?" Voria looks to the others. "We should come up with a plan and enact it. The longer we sit here, the more we will draw attention."

Turning to greze Finbarr says "the place we saw wasn't really a cave more like for drainage..it's only about three feet in diameter" .

“Drainage!?!” says Greze with surprise. “What?  Do you mean to tell me that in the past 2 minutes we’ve gone from underwater adventure to cliffside spelunking to, now, Orcish sewer dunking?  Oh this just keeps getting better and be-... Heeey, why did you turn directly to me when you said that, Finbarr?  Are you trying to imply something about my height with this casual little reference to “only about 3 feet”?  Hmmm?  Well I will have you know that I am well over 4 feet tall... a whole 2 inches over 4 feet to be exact. So don’t go assuming I can just tra-la-la down the sewer pipe so you don’t have to!”  Greze catches his breath after much mock indignation and more calmly says, “Besides, I have a better idea to try first!”

"Actually I was thinking of Gilda." Finnbar says quietly to Isolde.

Greze cranes his neck, looks around, and then continues, “Everyone take a quick look around and see if you can spot any animals, preferably something like a rat or lizard or even a housefly. Any small animal that might not be opposed to going into that sewer pipe will do. As a Forest Gnome I have a knack for communicating with small beasts. If we could get one to take a stroll through the drain and have a look-see, we might learn something interesting. Like... ‘Is the tunnel blocked?’, or ‘Is it dangerous?’, or ‘Did you see any people?’ Any information we can get ahead of time may be very useful as I’m the only one of us who can (somewhat) easily get through. Several of you biggies would probably have to crawl your way through in a single file line. If there is much trouble, I’ll be way outmatched and you’ll all be sitting ducks!”

OOC: any who try let me know how you try this.

Perception 

10 

Luckily you are in a forest and have no problem. you are however over a mile away from the area you are concerned with.

Voria bends down and looks at the ground, looking for animal tracks, but as she does so she says. "I am not so sure this idea of a cave is going to work. Perhaps it's best to go over the walls"

" Well I didn't expect to try it with me armor on. I ain't that stupid. " grumbles Barnabus. " If the cave is too small let's just go over a wall." Drawing on his limited military knowledge of fortifying an encampment the red headed dwarf continues, "Look it they were smart they would have placed guards on the corners of the building higher up, not just on what they perceive as the entrance. The only other option is we draw out the guards and either eliminate them or sneak in behind them. I ain't one for sneaking." at that moment, as if to accentuate the point, Barnabus' shield clanks against his chain mail as his horse shifts its weight. "So let's get to it then, 'cause I be agreeing with Voria. We're wasting time. So go ahead and talk to your mice or have "Gilda" do whatever. Me self? I' m gonna find a way over that wall" The dwarf spies a downed tree that looks like it will serve his purpose. Dismounting he goes to the log and begins to cut notches about every foot along the 10ft trunk. "See we just lean this up against the wall and it's run right up and over. " 

"another great idea sergeant. Everyone remember their teams? once we are over, we will split. we will meet back here at this time tomorrow. we leave at midday. if you dont make it we will assume you are dead. Find the spear, get back here before we leave. Capisce?"

"Thank you Captain!" beems Barnabus. " If I might suggest one other thing...lets ride in from the east and tie up about a quartermile out. Less distance to carry the ladders and a faster escape if needed but still far enough that we shouldn't be heard." He proceeds to locate and prep a second 10 ft log.

Hardouin agrees and assists with the preparation. Clearly battle tactics are the dwarf’s strength.

Whilst he works, he suggests that Illyaas and Greze are perhaps the best suited for scouting stealthily, whilst he, Voira, Hornum and Barnabus carry the logs into position. 

Ilyaas agrees and sets of with Greeze (if he Ag-greeze of course. he. he he. comedic genius).

Barnabus acknowledges Harduin's help,

"Well done, one for each team should be good."

He then proeeds to tie each log to one of the large draft horses so they can be dragged closer.  Then mounts up on his own mustang and starts heading in a large arc that will end about a quarter mile from the citadel on the east side.

As Hornom walks alongside his draft horse pulling the log-ladder, he notices Corporal Donell starting to fall behind and heads over to him. "It's a fair run between the tree line and the wall, and you're carrying so much stuff it'll slow you down. Dump the rations in the treeline along with your bedroll. I've got food and water for us. More important you keep up." He smiles and moves back towards the horse.

On reaching the staging point for the assault, Hornom studies the terrain in front of them for any natural hazards (e.g. quick sand, difficult terrain). Survival check: 10. Satisfied with the terrain, he then examines the wall to see if he can notice any guards nearby. Perception check: 15

Anything he sees he whispers to the others of the group before unloading the log from his draft horse and hefting the log-ladder over his shoulder.