Salix's return and the Mocker's offer
Subject The Mockers offer
While Salix is out scouting, Surin tells the group what he found out from the Mockers. They are able to forge documents to get us onto the estate. They also have some potions they will sell us, at a high price. They have 4 invisibility potions, 5 cure medium wounds, and 3 bless potions.
What do you guys think? Should be buy some of their potions? Do we want the forged documents? If we do, we should get them quickly while Salix is out scouting so we're ready to go when he gets back.
From: Josh
Subject The Mockers offer
Did we ever get those armors identified?
Kal's potentially interested in them, but there will probably be a number of sets we don't need. Can we trade them?
From: Mark
Subject The Mockers offer
They have not been identified yet as Kal and Surin just got back a few hours ago. Surin is sure that the Mockers could identify them and would be willing to buy them if they are usefull to the Mockers. For example a suite of full plate would not fetch as much as studded leather.
From: Kevin
Subject The Mockers offer
Harp responds to Surin "Depending on how much they want to charge, we may be able to trade them some of the armor sets we acquired last night. Surin, why don't you and Kal go talk to the Mockers to get the forged passes and see if they will trade for the armor?"
OOC: Mark, Harp knows what type of wagon he used to take the bodies out to the estate. Has he seen similar wagons that they might be able to buy (or steal if they needed to?).
From: Kevin
Subject The Mockers offer
Welcome to the game Chris. Good to see little Surin is back with us.
Have fun with him.
From: Mark
Subject Wagons
There was nothing special about the wagon. A typical 2 horse flat bottomed wagon with sides.
From: Mark
Subject Salix's return
Every 1/2 hour Ally returns to the room and opens the window for a few minutes. The second time he goes to do this he sees a large bird sitting on a ledge on the building across the street. It is an evil looking bird, looking a bit like a large eagle, but with blood colored beak and ugly yellow talons. In its claws is the body of a large hawk. The eagle is ripping the entrails out of the hawk, looking at the window and making a strange laughing sound.
From: Kevin
Subject Salix's return
April Fools, I hope.
From: Karl
Subject Salix's return
When Salix returns to the room, he will share what he found with the group:
"As far as I can tell, there are three barbarian camps situated around a sort of dell. I didn't see any movement between the camps, which are at least 2 miles apart, so it's possible they don't know about each other. An altar of some sort has been erected on a small hillock in the middle of the dell, around which the camps are situated. If the barbarians are somehow confined to their respective camps, it's likely they don't know about the altar site. It's not visible from any of the camps, as far as I could tell. There's a small group of people prepping the altar site, presumably for the ritual.
"The camps look like they have about 400 people each, half that number men and the other half women and children. I saw totems in the camps. I think those are the Weasel, Snow Rabbit, and Snow Leopard clans." Salix looks at the group. "Do any of you know anything about these clans?"
From: Kevin
Subject April fools joke
I'm glad Salix made it back alive.
My evil brother's sick idea of funny.
You guys have no idea of what I have had to put up with over the years.
I'm just glad I'm still sane. Life's been good to me so far...
From: Kevin
Subject Salix's return
Harp listens to Salix's report.
"Salix, how far are the tribes from that building that I was dropping the bodies off at?" Harp will indicate which building he is referring to on the map.
OOC: Mark, would you be able to show where the altar and tribes are compares to the main estate building? At least general directions and distances? The location of the altar will be most important.
Barbarians, guards and choices
Subject Salix's return
He got me. I was like "Oh Shit!" I thought he was writing me out of the game since he couldn't find anyone to play Salix.
From: Karl
Subject Salix's return
How far was it Mark? 3 miles?
From: Randy
Subject Guards
OOC: Mark just gave me one more thing that Ran learned.
Ranthir also adds that most of the house guards are being sent out to the estate in the evening. There will only be 5 or so guards at the house (-1 for Ran). He doesn't know why they are being sent but perhaps The Mockers could do something to stop them from reaching the estate.
From: Kevin
Subject Guards
"Ran, that's a great idea. If the Mockers can slow them down, or even stop them, it would be that much less we would have to worry about out there.
What do you think, Salix, should we have Surin check on that while he and Kal are trying to trade the armor for the potions?"
From: Porter
Subject Barbarians
OOC: Mark, please correct me if this is incorrect.
IC: "Weasel, Snow Rabbit, and Snow Leopard? Yup. Those are three of our tribes. Smallish ones, though."
"I guess I'da better tell y'all a bit how things work with the tribes. There are about two dozen big tribes, and about twice that many smaller ones. Each one is led by the clan chief, chosen by rite of combat each year."
"A lot of the tribes don't get along, and have been fighting together for a long time. I reckon if we ever fought together, we could rule the world, but it ain't like that's ever gonna happen."
"I don't know much about the weasels, snow rabbits, or snow leopards, though. They probably don't have no grudge against each other, or they wouldn't have come together all peacable-like."
From: Derek
Subject Guards
Allistair speaks up. "If only we had more people here... if there will only be 5 people at the house, it would be much easier to rescue Sephira. But I suppose getting Acer is our first priority."
"As for the barbarian tribes, I think one thing we could do is attack/destroy the altar that's in the center of the three tribes. Whatever foul rite Faldor has planned for tribes will certainly involve that altar. If we destroy or desecrate that, it would most likely cause Faldor to postpone the sacrifice of Acer also. Since there is so much open area on Faldor's estate, we could hide out there for quite a while, especially with Salix's knowledge of nature and my Rope Trick. Or if we can get on a friendly basis with one of the barbarian tribes, they might be willing to help us hide."
From: Jason
Subject Guards
Ragnar speaks up "I've been thinking along the same line, with the altar. It seems highly likely that the area around it will be specially dedicated to Nerull. If so, I have a blessing that will cut off its connection to Nerull. This might be particularly important, because if it is so dedicated, it will make undead significantly stronger, as well as weakening our ability to call upon Heironeous to smite them."
From: Karl
Subject Guards
Well, we've paid for a distraction we haven't cashed in yet. It's tonight or never.
From: Porter
Subject e-mail
Did anybody get an email that I sent out this morning?
From: Jason
Subject E-mail
I got one where you talked about which 3 clans were there, and a very brief overview of tribal relationships.
From: Mark
Subject Guards
Ok is anyone waiting on an answer from me? If not what is the plan?
From: Karl
Subject Choices
Salix addresses the group. "So, we can approach one of the tribes and see if we can persuade them to join us, we can deface the altar, and we can infiltrate the estate and rescue the Stormfather." He touches a finger with each option he names. "Of these three, our most important task is to rescue the Stormfather. The others may be equally important, but only if they serve to help us with this primary task.
"I believe the tribes need to be warned of the danger they are in, but I'm afraid of tipping our presence here. If they will not hear us or be moved, then they will surely try to warn Faldor or his minions. Likewise if we attempt to destroy the altar and are discovered. It might make it harder for us to reach the Stormfather."
Salix looks to the group, clearly at a loss how to decide their course of action. "Ragnar, how important is it we destroy this altar? How badly will it weaken you and the others of Heironeous if it stands? Mund, do you think it wise to try and reason with the barbarian tribes? Would they ally with us, or would we just be risking ourselves to save them from a fate they have chosen, albeit blindly?"
From: Porter
Subject Choices
"Well, I look at it this way. They've been promised power from Faldor, who obviously has it. Why would they believe us when we say he's lying?"
"Like I said before, the clan leaders are chosen by rite of combat, so they're all strong, but that don't mean they're good at logicating. There's no way to know what they'll do."
"I wouldn't mind trying to talk to them. It might to some good. But before I went in there, I'd first be thinkin' about ways to escape of the chief thinks we're trying to cheat him out of what he's been promised."
From: Kevin
Subject Choices
Harp hears the frustration in Salix's voice. Too many choices, too little time, too few people to accomplish it.
"Salix, as you said, rescuing the Stormfather is our main goal. Without him, Faldor will not be able to complete the ritual he wants to do. My guess is, the tribes will not take to that kindly. While I would love to see that altar destroyed, if trying to do that diverts us from our main mission, then we let it go. If we stay away from there, then it can't directly hurt us.
It is your decision, but I will support whatever you decide."
OOC: Mark are we to the point where Ragnar would take care of Harp's little problem? Also, what has been decided about sending Kal and Surin to the Mockers with the armor and trading for the potions and having them set up an ambush of the guards heading to the estate later in the day?
From: Porter
Subject Choices
That burning sensation?
From: Jason
Subject Choices
"Pardon, Salix, I misspoke slightly. It is only important that we destroy the altar if we are going to do any fighting near it. If we can manage to rescue the Stormfather before the ritual is begun, the altar itself is trivial compared to the importance of getting him to safety."
Harp repents and the Mockers, part II
Subject Harp repents
Since it is early afternoon the next day you and Jason can take care of it.
I am on vacaction this week. We are staying at home, working around the house, so I will be able to do some stuff, but at different intervals.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp repents
How long of a ride was it from town to the estate?
Guys, if we want to get this done, we probably want to try it before we get to close to midnight. Harp can see in the dark, but a lot of you others cannot.
Jason, do you want to write up anything about Ragnar helping Harp with his little problem?? Please???
From: Jason
Subject Harp repents
Ragnar reflexively awakes just before sunrise, as is his habit of several years. He is unsurprised, but slightly envious, to see that Harp is not only already awake, but appears well rested. "We all make different sacrifices," he grumbles in his head. Then he quickly gets out of bed and joins the half-orc for their morning devotions.
When the sun has completely cleared the horizon, Ragnar closes his eyes and shakes his head slightly, re-entering the world around him. Harp looks at him hopefully, and Ragnar smiles back, saying "I am ready." With the huge half-orc still seated on the ground, Ragnar puts both hands on his head and says "The death-god can have no power over you. With your life you will serve Heironeous, and with your death you will enter into his rest. In the name of Heironeous, I banish the evil powers that have come upon you!" (Remove curse)
From: Kevin
Subject Harp repents
OOC: Mark, the following will assume that the Remove Curse was effective.
IC: Harp spends the time as the sun rises in peaceful prayer with Ragnar. It felt good to have a fellow belierver to share his devotions with. While Harp had never been a big one for proseletyzing (sp?), it was always nice to have a fellow believer to share this time with.
As they end their devotions, Harp looks to Ragnar with a hopeful gleam in his eye. Ragnar had said that he would be able to restore Harp, but Harp was still somewhat worried that he would be left a weakling, good for almost nothing. His strength had been his one asset his whole life, and now, he did not even have that.
Ragnar motions to Harp, and Harp goes over and kneels donw in front of him. Looking at the dwarf almost eye to eye, Harp is steady as Ragnar reaches his hands out and puts them on Harp's head and starts a surprisingly short prayer. As he complete the words, Harp feels the power of the Battle Lord seethe through his muscles, their strength returning. Standing up, he flexes his arms, the biceps bulging. With a shout of joy, he picks up his fellow cleric and lifts him to the ceiling. "Ragnar, thank you, thank you, thank you. With the Battle Lord's grace, you and I will go and stop Faldor from his evil plans."
From: Mark
Subject The Mockers Part II
As Salix heads upstairs to go check on the location of the barbarian tribes, Surin leads Kal out into the streets of Bodentown. 1/2 an hour later the halfling finds Jimmy the Hand and the two go through the same process of finding the Upright Man. Jimmy checks on the mule containing the armor that the two had rented for the morning. There was almost 200 lbs of armor they had to carry and they knew they could not handle it on their own.
They are soon brought in to the presence of the Upright Man. "Surin, my little friend, have you come to tell me when you need my Mocker's distraction at the Maryor's house? We have been ready to go at your word."
"Well, you see, there's been a slight change.." Surin starts to explain how the action has moved to the Mayor's estate out side of town. It is hard to tell in the dark that hides the Upright Man from view, but his repsonse is not a happy one. "The Mocker's do not work out of Bodentown. True the Mayor has violated the agreements we had with the old Mayor's but we will still not work out of the city."
"In the city my children have a chance at escape. Take Jimmy here. Give him a minute head start and I would put money on his not being found. Out in the country, in unfamiliar teritory, he would not stand a chance." Jimmy starts to make a protestation but a sharp hand gesture from the Upright Man silences him. "I would be hard press out there. No I will not risk my children that way. What else can we do to help?"
Surin thinks for a moment. "Tonight, a small caravan of guards from the Mayor's house are going to be heading out to the estate. There is some type of ritual going on and it looks like they want more guards. Could you waylay the caravan?" The Upright Man thinks for a moment and then speaks "It is possible, but would be expensive. Do you have the funds?"
Surin smiles and gestures for the mule to be brought in. He pulls out the suites of armor, 9 in total. 4 studded leather and 4 chain shirts. "These sets of armor have been enchanted. They were taken from one of the press gangs. They are yours if you help us."
The Upright Man's voice comes slowly "Surin, if these are as you say, then they are enough of a price. Enough and more. Let me have one of my people look at them and then we can discuss terms. But may I ask you something? The other day you come with a barbarian of the north. Today you come with and elf. You would not be surprised to know that I have had you followed. I know who you stay with. I think it is time for you to tell me everything. I say this becuase I think a major shifting point is coming. Something that will put things back the way there were.'
"I am not a goody two shoes. I tread the dodgy path, as do my children, the Mockers. But what this Mayor does goes beyond the pale. I have a very bad feeling about him and think now is the time to act. You and your friends may be just what is needed to shift the balance of power. What say you? Will you trust me?"
OODM: I will wait on Chris to respond.
Armor and a deal
Subject Armor
OOC: Kal's wearing a masterwork studded leather. If the studded leathers we have here are better, he'd want one of them, if no one else in the party objects.
From: Kevin
Subject Armor
Mark, Josh, and Kal, did express that interest back when he help beat these guys. If he kept one suit for himself, not the end of the world.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
That can be part of the deal you work with the Upright Man
From: Chris
Subject A deal
Surin thinks for a moment. When it comes to honor among thieves, experience had shown him it all depended on the thief. This Upright Man represented all that Surin had been trying to keep his life from becoming. Still, he seemed to genuinely care for the rogues in his band and thus had to follow a code higher than himself.
On the other hand, it would be foolish to trust him much farther than the point where their goals were the same. It had to be in his best interest to neutralize this mayor, regardless of how it helped Surin and his friends, and anyway there was no way Surin would be able to out bluff him. He might as well put their cards on the table and hope for the best.
Surin tells the Upright Man the nature of their mission, recounting only the part where they were acting on behalf of the druid council to rescue the Stormfather. He simply does not mention the larger goal, not really trying to hide it, but figuring it unnecessary information. He adds that they have an important ally in Sister Sephira who is being held in the Mayor's mansion in town who they couldn't rescue earlier for fear of alerting the Mayor before they were able to rescue the Stormfather. He asks the Upright Man if there's any way he might help in her rescue.
From: Mark
Subject A deal
"Ah, my little friend, you surprise me. IN league with the druids." Surin starts to get a sinking feeling in his chest. "We have no problem with the druids. They tend to keep to their woods and we tend to keep to the city. We will help you." Surin lets out his breath, glad that he had read the situation correctly.
"You may have what potions we have. Jimmy, get them the potions." The boy scampers off and comes back with half a dozen potions.
"Let us have those 8 sets of armor. They will provide some added protection for my people. Do you have a map of the basement?" Surin draws a quick map, based on what Harp and Salix had told him. Jimmy takes it over to the Upright Man and he studies it. "Well, we can not enter the way your two friends did, but I think this hallway here leads to a barn out back. We can probably get in that way. We will do this for you. Where do you want us to meet you if we are successful?
From: Josh
Subject A deal
Kal speaks up: "I intended to keep one of the Studded Leathers for myself. It was through necessity of haste that all 8 sets have been brought before you. Will you accept the 7 sets of Armor in exchange for the potions?"
OOC: Mark, did we get these Identified? I'd hate to trade a masterwork leather for a -4 vorpal Studded leather or something. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject A deal
Shit I forgot one guy got away.
There are a total of 8 sets of armor, 3 studded leather and 5 chain shirts. Kal keeps 1 studded leather so they have two sets of studded leather and 5 chain shirts to trade.
From: Mark
Subject A deal
"Yes the 7 sets will do. I wish you had more of the leather, as my Mockers would find them more usefull in day to day life, but with what is going on tonight my bashers will like the chain shirts. Jimmy, go get Maltek. Tell him to bring his scrolls." The young boy scrambles out and returns a few minutes later with an older man, thin with very pale skin. "You called me?" he says. "Get out those scrolls you have, the ones that identify magical items. Use them on these sets of armor. We want to see if there is anything special about them." replies the Upright Man. The next several minutes is spent with Maltek using some old dusty scrolls to identify the armor.
OODM: the studded leather armor is +1 and the chain shirts are also +1.
Plans for the Estate, potion list
Subject Plans for the estate
(ooc - What are our options for escape? Assuming the Stormfather is going to be in no condition to help us much, we're basically going to have to flee back in the direction of the Druid circle, are we not?
If we're fleeing from the estate in that direction, does it take us back by the town? Could we have Surin tell them to meet us by the nearest gate?)
From: Mark
Subject Locations
The Woods is south from about everything where you are at. The area where the party showed up is west from the town, IIRC. I will have to go back and check my maps. The tree you came in on was dying when you showed up. That tree is about a days ride from the Mayor's estate, and that is going by the town.
From: Derek
Subject Plans for the estate
As long as we can get away into the woods, Allistair can cast Rope Trick and we can hide completely unseen and unscryable for the duration of the spell. (Assuming we all fit, but Allistair does have 2 of them memorized.) It's not a permanent solution, but it could be a way to throw off the initial pursuit.
From: Chris
Subjet: Plans for the estate
"Once we have the Stormfather safe with us, we will probably be leaving in a hurry. Maybe you could meet us at the gate (indicating gate closest to where they entered) . . . unless you know some place secure where we can hide while we try to restore Sephira and the Stormfather to health."
OOC: Did Surin already get the forged documents as part of this deal? If not, he will ask for them as well.
From: Karl
Subject Plans for the estate
Can spellcasters rest and recharge in the rope trick?
From: Derek
Subject Plans for the estate
Not at Allistair's level. It lasts hours*level, and Ally is 7th level right now. A spellcaster needs 8 hours rest to recharge spells.
From: Jason
Subject Plans for the estate
The divine casters merely need to wait for sunrise. But the arcane casters would need another hour.
From: Mark
Subject Potion list
Here is the potion list.
From: Porter
Subject Potion list
OK, Mund still has on him one of the potions we were given before we went into the dungeon, and that bright green potion we found there. I know we identified it, but I can't remember what it was.
From: Kevin
Subject Potion list
OOC: Mark, would Harp or Ragnar know if the Bless potions work the same way as the spell. i.e. a character drinks it but if affects allies withing a given radius? Or does it only affect the drinker?
Turn, potions, armor and a deal is made
Subject Turn
I will get something out tonight. Working around the house this morning and going to see Grindhouse this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject Potions
Bless potions only affect the drinker.
From: Kevin
Subject Potions
Those are relatively useless then, aren't they.
I guess Surin could drink one while he was invisible to give him a better chance at hitting something with a sneak attack.
From: Mark
Subject Grindhouse
Ok I just got back from the movie and am going to have some dinner. Then I will write a turn.
I have to say that Rose McGowan is hot, even with a machine gun stump. ;)
From: Karl
Subject Grindhouse
Chris and I just saw it too. I thought it was fantastic. Quintessential Quint, so if you're not a fan you probably won't care for this one either.
From: Mark
Subject Grindhouse
The Aussie chick stunt lady was amazing in that car chase. My guess is she did all of that stunt herself.
From: Mark
Subject Potions
This is OOC but green potions in my world are almost always healing potions, the brightness/greeness of it telling you the power. I would expect it to be a CMW potion.
From: Porter
Subject Potions
That's what I remembered.
From: Mark
Subject Armor
Josh
If you have not done so, you should update your character sheet on Sakeriver with this new armor.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
OK I have just spent the last hour updating the archives with the 121 posts from the past week and a half. I am going to take a break and watch Ghost Whispere with the wife and then I will write up the rest of Surin/Kal with the Mockers. This week we can concentrate on starting the fun on the estate.
From: Josh
Subject Armor
Donaroo.
From: Mark
Subject The deal is made
"We can meet you at the Merchant Gate. We still have a little influence there and also a secret way out. We will have your lady, if she is still alive, just after midnight. We will wait until dawn. If you are not back by then, we will do what we can for her. Now let us finish our plans and start our preperations."
The armor is handed over and the potions are collected. As the two make ready to leave the Upright Man speaks again. "Friend Surin I hope this night changes the fates of all of us. I wish you the best of luck. Know that you are always welcome in Bodentown." With a gesture Jimmy leads them out of the room and back to the streets. Half an hour later they are back with the rest of the party. It is getting to be late afternoon (3:30PM) and everyone is together in the largest of the two rooms they have been using. Harp has a smile on his face a broad as his shoulders. He makes a scene when Surin and Kal return, picking them both up in a bear hug when they walk in the room.
OODM: OK I need every one to finalize their spell lists. If you do not know how or are unable please send them to Kevin and he can update the list on Sakeriver. I need at least the plan for the first step, getting onto the estate. Everyone has full spells except for Ragnar who has used one Remover Curse, which is a 3rd level.
From: Porter
Subject The deal is made
Go mockers!
Grindhouse, potions
Subject Grindhouse
After the crack about CGI, it had better be all from practical effects, too. LOL
From: Mark
Subject Potions
I just realized that there is no such thing as bless potions. Let me look through the list and see what is comparable.
Potions
Subject Potions
Well that sucks. It would sure make the selling of indulgences a lot easier.
Step 1
Subject Waiting
Imagine how valuable an atonement potion would be worth!
From: Mark
Subject Step 1?
Ok the potions are Shield of Faith, +2. There are the same number of those as there was bless potions.
I guess I need to get a basic plan on what step one is.
From: Mark
Subject Step 1?
Anyone? Plan?
From: Jason
Subject Step 1
Well I'm not exactly the group leader, and Ragnar isn't exactly the planner in the group, but I want to move on so I'll write up what I remember and people can comment/edit as they see fit...
Allistair will disguise someone (probably himself) as the cleric of Nerull, and that person will be wearing his robes. Harp and Mund will be acting as workers, carting the wagon* with the bodies on it.
*I don't think we actually have a wagon. Apparently any common thing will do, from what you said. Not so much a wagon as a handcart. Presumably we can find/buy one fairly quickly.
The five of us lie on the cart like we're dead. Harp and Mund take us to the barn that Harp said was being used to store bodies.
Potential problem: What do we do with our armor and weapons? Just keep wearing them? It might raise some suspicions, might not.
We also discussed the possibility of having Salix wildshape his own way in, as well as having Surin go invisible, but it seems to me it'd be better to keep us together and save the spells/wildshapes. Either we'll bluff our way in or not, having those 2 on the wagon shouldn't arouse any more suspicions than just Ragnar, Kal and Ran.
Once we get to the barn, we don't have a plan, the idea is to do more scouting. We would have people watching the entrances and kill anyone who comes in before they can raise an alarm.
From: Kevin
Subject Step 1
I think that was pretty much it, except that Ran could go along as a guard as well if needed.
Mark would Harp know if the wagons got inspected much? We could just hide the armor in the wagon if needed.
From: Karl
Subject Step 1
Sorry, busy day today.
Yes, that sounds like the plan so far.
From: Mark
Subject Step 1
Ok I will try and get a turn out tomorrow.
Comments, Surin's plan
Subject Comments
Any one else want to put in a comment? I will be writing the turn this afternoon.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
You had mentioned that the Mockers were able to get us forged documents for gaining entrance to the estate. Would Harp know from his previous trip if there was a pass needed for the wagons or were the wagons just expected?
From: Porter
Subject Comments
Mund asks "So, what do you guys think? Should we go and try to talk some sense into one of the clan cheifs?"
From: Mark
Subject Comments
The pass was used to get by the gate guards and to let them know where on the estate you were allowed to go.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
Did we get the impression that the Mockers could forge that type of pass?
From: Mark
Subject Comments
They already have. Surin and Kal have it, along with the potions.
From: Kevin
Subject Comments
Oh, OK, I must have missed that part.
Never mind.
From: Derek
Subject Comments
"I think we should," says Allistair. "Once we get into the estate and get to a hiding place, we could try and sneak off and locate the tribes, and then see if any of the chieftains will listen to reason."
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
The discussion slows and Salix looks around the room. The others are quite, lost in thought, trying to think of things they had forgotten or options they had over looked. "We are decided then? Slip on to the estate, get into the barn. Then figure out what we want to do next?" The others nod and Salix starts assigning jobs. "Surin you, Mund and Ran, go get a cart and get it ready to get us on to the estate." The halfling nods and the three get up and leave the room. "The rest of us, spend some time praying for what grace you think we will need or preparing the spells we have discussed. After those three get back, we will get a good meal and head on out." The other 4 nod and head off to prepare, Ragnar and Harp to one room, Ally and Kal to another. Salix stays in the same room with Ragnar and Harp, comforted by the presence of other men of faith.
An hour later all five end their study or meditation and head down stairs. Surin and the other two are waiting for them. Ranthir looks a bit green around the edges, but Mund and Surin both have a sly grin on their faces. Salix starts to ask what is going on but Surin holds up a hand and motions to the food and then to the upstairs. Salix gets the hint and the party loads up on food and drink and then heads back to the larger of their two rooms. As they start eating Salix finally asks the halfling to explain.
"Well, I was thinking about the problem of getting us in on the wagon. Maybe three of us could act as guards or help. You know Harp and Mund and Ranthir over there, but what about the rest of us? I might be able to sneak in, but you or Kal or Ally or old Raggy over there would have to use some sort of power, power we might need later. So I got to thinkn, what would the guards expect to see in the wagon we are driving? Bodies. Where do you get bodies? Well Kal and Harp supplied me with that answer." A few of the party members still have a puzzled look on their faces when Mund bursts in. "It's brilliant. It's sneaky. We got those thugs Hack and Kal killed last night. Took the wagon we got, drove over to where Kal took Surin this morning, and put the bodies in the wagon. Covered it up with a tarp. We mix you guys in with the dead bodies and they'll never suspect anything."
Salix looks stunned for a moment. Ally's face is starting to look like Ran's. "You want us to travel with a bunch of corpses?" Surin nods earnestly. "Think about it. They will see what they expect to see. We can hide the armor under the bodies, smear some blood on you. All you have to do is hold still. Trust me, it will work." Salix turns and looks at the others, especially the ones who would have to travel with the bodies: Ally, Kal and Ragnar. "Are you willing?"
OODM: I need peoples yes or no to the plan. Every one please check in.
From: Porter
Subject Surin's plan
aye
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Since Harp will not be on the wagon, so to speak, he will have no issue with it.
We can always offer to put some type of rag plugs in the noses of the guys in the wagon.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Mark, I thought that when Harp was involved with taking bodies out to the estate, they weren't dead yet, just knocked out and bound up.
Did I misunderstand? Why would we be taking dead bodies if they are not expecting dead bodies?
From: Mark
Subject Surin's plan
Harp got the impression that the condition of the bodies was not all that important. His load happened to be alive.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin's plan
Oh, OK. Just did not want to make it too tough on these guys gentle dispositions.
From: Jason
Subject Surin's plan
Hilarious. Ragnar is ok with the idea.
From: Karl
Subject Surin's plan
Salix looks a little uncomfortable at the prospect, but finally says, "That's brilliant, Surin. I should have thought of that myself." In case any of the others might object, he adds, "And if they think we're dead, they won't suspect any trouble later, as they might if we were just knocked out and bound. I'd hate to be questioned if anyone suspected we didn't look like locals. If we're dead it won't matter who we are."
From: Chris
Subject Surin's plan
Since it's Surin's plan, it is obvious he is going along with it.
From: Josh
Subject Surin's plan
Kal thinks for a moment and then says quietly "It's a good plan."
From: Derek
Subject Surin's plan
Allistair's face mimics that of Ran's. "It's a good plan, Surin, at least objectively. But subjectively, I don't know if I can lay down in a cart full of dead bodies for a few hours without becoming sick. But if I do, it will probably be long before we reach the checkpoint, so I don't think I'll give us away. Let's give it a try."