Crashing the Party
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"If these are not Elise's men, we can't be sure that they are even our enemies. Firing arrows into innocent men-- I do not think that would be wise, Rennick, dark or not," Mission says sharply. He hardly believes his ears-- the halfling was mulling over whether to attack these men right out, not knowing their intentions, their motivations, their characters.
"Yes, we should definitely talk with the others."
Mission will then stealthily make his way back to the others, not waiting for Rennick.
From: Ty
Subject: A jungle path; crashing the party
Farron has a few anxious moments before he hears a quiet rustle and chitter at his feet. Jack climbs up his leg and takes a perch on his shoulder where he explains that he didn't see any big snakes, but he could smell them everywhere, and it is probably wise that he stay here for a while.
After that, there is only quiet. It becomes difficult to tell the passing of time in this incredible blackness. It seems like it has been hours by the time Rennik gives his hooting all clear signal, and he and Mission return.
Rennik quietly describes the tower, and the four men he saw. Mission points out that there is no way to know who they are, or what their motives may be.
[Waiting for discussion, planning, or any moves you want to take. Everyone except Raja please check in before the next turn. Thanks :)]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Mission cocks his head toward the tower. "We don't know these men, whether they're with Leggy Dame, or with the Murrakat, or are brigands, or adventurers. Whatever we do, we should be cautious.
"I think that Garyth and Cadfael should try and speak to these men. As the most heavily armored of us, they should be able to bear the brunt of any melee better, should it come to that. If it comes to fighting, the wizards and I can cover Garyth and Cadfael with crossbow bolts and. . .magery." He swallows. "Rennick can try the hole in the wall-- if he can squeeze in, he can flank the men inside with his arrows and axe."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Farron briefly confers with Sa'id quietly, then to the group he says quietly, "Well, they don't sound like a hunting party, and I can't think of any *good" thing that would bring them out here. (Though anyone coming upon us right now might think the same thing.) Still I don't see how we can justify an attack on them before we know more.
"But we are with the group in whatever is decided".
With that he and Sa'id will wait to see what everyone else thinks.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Garyth nods. He whispers, "I can investigate, and having flanking cover would make me feel more comfortable. It's likely they'll hear us coming--I'm not the stealthiest of people--which will lose us any element of surprise. So we must be ready for action, perhaps without any warning." He looks at Rennik. "But we must also make sure not to get ahead of ourselves."
He glances at the tower again, and continues whispering. "Sa'id, Farron and Mission can take positions flanking the doorway, and Rennik can take the hole in the back. Cadfael and I will begin approaching the front door when Rennik is in position."
He looks at Cadfael. "Ready?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Cadfael nods in agreement. "I fear these men are not here on noble purpose, but you are right that we cannot take action until we know for sure. If we manage to get within crossbow striking distance I can pray to our Father for guidance. He will be able to tell me something of their intentions. If these men notice our approach, well, we shall just have to find a way to be diplomatic. Speaking of which, who speaks to the group, Brother? You or I? And what is our story?"
"Brother Rennik, before you head out it would seem prudent to offer you some protection. Sadly, I cannot offer you anything to turn attacks away, however," he smiles, "I do have something I think would be a little more your style. If you would have it, you may draw upon Pelor's might for several hours to come. Hopefully this will allow you to strike your enemies down with such force that they will not be able to raise a hand against you. Brother Garyth, I can offer you the same. Although, knowing that Pelor's healing causes you some pain I cannot promise that this will be any more pleasant for you."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"I know not their motives. I know not their names. They are men of battle and have made camp expecting attack. They use the castle keep, but I do not know if they were here at the same time as Elise."
"Still, they are dangerous men. We must be ready to kill them if need be, quickly and without reservation. Talk is good, but it is better when your friends have arrows at your enemies' backs."
"I know nothing of this back room which you would have me use. It could be a closet, a prison cell, or sleeping quarters for more men. Before we decide its value, I will need to scout it out."
He looks to Garyth and Cadfael, furrowing his brow a bit.
"It is true you will be heard. I suggest that Friend Mission and I sneak as close to the building as possible, with Friends Sa'id and Farron offering cover from the edge of the woods in view of the castle door. If the back room provides an opportunity, I will take that. The two of you should make no effort at stealth, and come to the keep looking for shelter and a warm fire - as if you had lost the trail. Then you may speak, and we may cover you unseen."
"Brother Cadfael, I accept the blessing of your god, and pray that Mielikki will also smile on you under the canopy of these trees."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
OODM: Final plan, guys?
So far I have:
Cadfael will cast bull's strength on Garyth and Rennik.
The group will move to the tower.
Sa'id and Farron will stay in the bushes 50 feet from the door.
Garyth and Cadfael will pretend to be travelers and will walk right up to the front.
Mission will stay with the mages and cover with his crossbow.
Rennik will scout out the hole leading into the back room.
Anything else I need to know before I write up the next turn?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
Mission nods to Rennick. "I misunderstood-- I thought that the hole led directly into the tower. It would be best if you were to scout it out first. Perhaps we should wait for your signal again before having Garyth and Cadfael move into place?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
OOC: Nope
From: Matt
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
"That is wise. You, Sa'id and Farron should take positions while I check the back room. When I am certain the room will suit our needs, I will make the same call as before. If it does not, I will retreat to the forest line with my bow and make the call then."
He turns to Garyth and Cadfael.
"When you hear the call, approach the tower," and then with a wry smile, "I'd tell you to talk and make noise, but you seem to handle that well on your own."
Before his jab sets in, he'll disappear into the forest again on his way back to the tower.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: A jungle path; crashing the party
The party moves cautiously to the edge of the tree line, then circles until the front doorway is in view. On this side of the clearing, it is about sixty feet to the tower. Garyth and Cadfael wait for their signal, while Mission kneels and holds his crossbow aimed at the entrance.
Sa'id and Farron stand behind them, and a little to the side, ready to cast spells if needed. Sa'id is curious about the clearing itself. The tower is obviously very old, and no one is keeping it up. Why do trees not grow closer? He inspects the ground around the tower as well as he can in the dim firelight, but sees nothing that would explain it.
Everyone settles in to wait for the signal.