IC - Romans Go Home!

[sean_hyer]

OOC Link

A giant graybearded man strides into the clearing in which you have assembled.

"Good Morning. As you should know, I am Warleader Geryon, and your warband is one of those in my charge.

"In a week's time, the army will be ready to march. But in our way, there stands a Hobgoblin watchtower, manned by soldiers of the hated Empire. Of course, we could attack in force, but that would tip our hand too soon.

"This is where you come in. The towers are frequently attacked by bandits, so another such attack will cause little alarm. Of course, they will be prepared for such an attack, but I am sure you are up to the challenge!

"There are two things to watch for. First, when the tower comes under attack, they may sound a horn. This will alert neighbouring towers, and any patrols in the area, to send aid.

"Second, they may try to send off messenger hawks. So long as you appear as bandits, these needn't really concern you. Ideally, though, none would be allowed to escape to prevent the Empire from learning of the tower's destruction. Better still would be if you could capture one or two, to send off misleading messages.

"Remember, though, that that doesn't mean you should take stupid chances. Destroying the tower is your primary objective.

"Now, I know you're all enthusiastic to get stuck in, and today's your chance. None of you are blooded in combat yet, so this is where you prove yourselves. This is where you fight for honor, glory, and freedom!

The last few words are delivered in a bellow. After a brief pause for shouts and cheers to die down, he grows more solemn.

"The quartermaster will handle any requisitions. Other than that; any questions?"

[dantiesilva]

Hercules had risen early today, it was the first time he would be meeting the group of people under his command, and as such he would have to go on this first meeting to choose his advisers. Getting out of bed he walked outside and began working out, and if he could find someone to, sparring with him, following the ancient teachings of Kord.

With his morning routine was finished he reported to the clearing he was to meet Warleader Geryon and those under his care. Though he was early he could see that though he was here early, it would seem that did not mean he was the only one here.

As the last straggler came to the appointed area Hercules looked over his men as their Warleader spoke. For the most part being reserved until Warleader Geryon told them they were going to prove themselves for Honor, Freedom, and Glory. All things he held in high respect being born near one of these such towers not far from his home village where the inhabitants would often harasser his people. At this he let out a mighty battle cry screaming out By Kords Sword!

When once again all was silent and the Warleader asked them if they had any questions Hercules stepped forward. Warleader Geryon, do we happen to know the number of forces inside this tower, or if they ever leave for supplies? And what is our timeline to get this done, and return to when we have? he asks wanting to cover all the bases he could think of.

[sean_hyer]

"Supplies are delivered monthly, but attacking a caravan is out of the question. They are even more frequently targeted by bandits than the towers, and don't have walls around them, so their military escort is formidable.

"As for the tower's guards; despite years of planning, few of us have been accepted into the military of the Empire; and most of those are kept posted far from their homeland. The tower is defended by a mix of hobgolins and their goblin auxilaries. There might be as many as 40 enemy combatants in total.

"If the tower has not fallen by the time the army is prepared, we will storm it and dare the consequences. So you have until the week is out, but not much longer."

[Jbr208]

Hearing mention of the walls, Rab's ear's prick. His voice trembling with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy
"A-about the tower, sir. I've, uh, never seen one myself." He takes a breath to steady his voice, "would it be a safe assumption that the tower is stone? What about the walls, are they made of wood? Is it a proper wall, or is it simply a palisade with a trench?" Seeing that he's asking a lot of questions, he gets a little nervous again, "And, uh, my last question sir. How long should the march to the tower take us?"

[RCgothic]

River

I lounge to one side of the meeting in a loose group with the other scouts. My demeanour is casual, but I cheer just as loudly at the warleader's words as everyone else. I do have a question myself.

"What's their usual response to raiders, sir? Do they send out a patrol to deal with it?"

[sean_hyer]

Geryon smiles grimly.

"Why should they do anything about raiders? Let us kill each other. If the raiders attack them, it might be a different story. But - you've heard stories of the skills of the elves with bows? Hobgoblins are just as good.

"As for the tower: this thing is a serious fort. The outer wall is only maybe 15 feet high, but it is made of dressed stone. The tower might be twice that, and again is made of stone. Buildings in the courtyard are wooden, and a fire inside the tower should take out the floors and render it uninhabitable, but not much else will burn.

"To get there, just follow the main road towards the Empire. At most half-a-day's march should get you there."

[dantiesilva]

Hercules takes in all that is said thinking about how best to tackles what they have been asked to do. It did not sound like the task would be easy, and with that many forces perhaps an early morning attack would do best, during a change of ****s. He thinks looking over the group. It seemed dervish enough for him.

[Hamste]

Do we know where the bandits are? They could be useful if we could bribe them. Do we have a map of the area from a scouting trip? It could be useful to know the terrain before hand. Also who do we make our requests for items from? We might need some items to get into the tower. Particulary a divine scroll of the spell sleep and magic writing materials for me, a horn possibly if we can't find a patrol and a grappling hook with rope among other things that others might think of. Writing materials as well in case if we get a hawk and need to send a false message out quickly. Any specific false information you want us to feed them if we do end up having to send a message quickly? Also do we know when the last caravan came in? Pyrom said as he thought about the problem and it's possible solutions.

[Princess Tari]

The frail girl that seems like she is to small and weak to be in the war slowly edges towards the group her long black hair moving slightly as she moves.

She saw her leader Hercules and said "Can I add I suggestion on how to take over the tower?" she asked him polietly.

[dantiesilva]

As the small girl comes over to Hercule's and asks him if she could make a suggestion he lets a loose smile come across his face. Of course you can, we are a team, and though I may be the leader, I do to know everyone's talents or abilities, as such I will be relying on all of you in that regard until I can assign my second as well as adviser. he says gently to her.

[Princess Tari]

Luna smilies and explains her idea. As Warleader Geryon said there used to attacks in the area so I was thinking if we can send a small squad as a decoy and attack another tower so the tower were going to attack lose troops. Then we can send scouts over the wall and open it up and then we attack the front in a pincher attack...that all I thought of she bowed and backed up so she didnt stand out as much.

[dantiesilva]

Hercules listens to her suggestion and after a few moments looks at the spot she was standing in only to see she had stepped back. A wise move, but if I may ask what is your name. I can not say I know any of you so it may take some time. I am Hercules by the way. he says extending his hand to her.

[Princess Tari]

Luna Starryn its a pleasure to meet you Hercules she puts her small hand in his and shakes with it delicately.

[dantiesilva]

Hercules bows as her small delicate hand is placed inside his own, The pleasure is all mine Luna Starryn Hercules says kissing her hand before rising up. With the insight and wisdom you have just shown I may have to make you my second. Hercules says looking at her and then the rest of the group waiting for them all to finish with their questions to move out.

[Princess Tari]

Blushing Luna backs away from him.

[Thokk_Smash]

Flipping his dagger up and down, Jacoby, aka "Jack" can't keep the grin from his face. This sounds like the perfect way to start his legacy in the army.

We'll probably need transportation to get all our stuff there, he says. A mule to carry it all wouldn't go amiss, either.

[Jbr208]

Rab nods, We should get over to the quartermaster, see what he has available for us. We're going to need a lot of gear for this mission.

[dantiesilva]

Hercules does not miss Luna blushing at he kisses her hand. But as matters are drawn else were he listens to the next two two speak. Perhaps we could get a carriage and a mule. Not one in good shape though on either account. Will help us blend in with the locals, with luck I may be able to find a church to Kord hidden inside a town near this tower and we can in list their aid in our plan. As the church of Kord has already pledged themselves to the cause. Hercules says with a smile. I think you are right, we should head over to the quatermaster. Perhaps some introductions though first? We all know who I am, but I do not know who you are.

[Thokk_Smash]

My parents gave me the name Jacoby, but I much prefer Jack, Jack says. Parents were farmers, but that life just didn't cut it for me, so I joined up as soon as I could. If you need something filched or someplace snuck into, I'm your man.

[Hamste]

I have a mule already. Anyways, my name is Pyrom. As you might guess by my interest in a divine scroll, I have the ability to cast spells. I also have a lot of knowledge stored up in my cranium plus I can speak 6 different languages if you count Drow Sign Language. Not sure how much languages will help but I figured I should point out. Pyrom said as he waited for the warleader to answer.

[Jbr208]

Turning to face Hercules more directly, I'm Rab, I come from a hunting family. Like Jack, I'm adept at sneaking, though I am also a reasonably skilled archer. Turning his head to more look at the others in turn, Good to meet you all.

[dantiesilva]

As Jack explains where he came from and what it is he did Hercules nodded. I will remember that Jack, and your skills will be very useful in this mission it would seem. Hercules says before listening to Pyrom speak on how he can cast spells as well as speak many different languages. The mule will come in handy, as for divine spells I also do the same. Who is it that you worship and ask for strength? Hercules asks before pointing out I believe all of us had to go through the class to learn drow sign language.

Turning then to Rab Hercules says Is there a way you could perhaps shot the an arrow into their foundation for us to get over the walls?

[RCgothic]

River

With the briefing adjourned, I stroll up to the rapidly forming huddle.

"A pleasure to meet you sir," I say to Hercules with a handshake.

"My name is River Glades - " I hold his eye and try to convey exactly how bad an idea commenting on that would be" - but you can call me River. You can count on me for all your scouting needs. Just keep me pointed at the Hobos and don't screw up and I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

I brush my long fringe out of my eyes as I survey the others in the group.

"Look, we can stand around and discuss strategy all week, but we're not going to be able to come up with any solid plans until we've seen the place and I've had a good look around. At a minimum we're going to need a means to set fire, some rope and grappling hooks, and some horses and mules for those who can't keep up. I'll go and see the quartermaster about that now."

I turn to leave, but I have one last comment to throw back over my shoulder.

"Oh, and I'd advise against shagging your subordinates. Sir."

With that I wander off to find the quartermaster.

[Jbr208]

Rab takes out his shortbow, Shooting an arrow into stone is quite difficult, with a simple shortbow it is all but impossible I would think. If we're looking to scale the walls, it would be easier to get a grappling hook into place than shooting an arrow into the wall. Unless, that is, we're trying to get from the outside of the wall to the watchtower itself; in which case we may wish to re-evaluate the plan.

After listening to River, I like the cut of her jib. Her take charge attitude is quite admirable.

[sean_hyer]

The grizzled man looks over at Pyrom disapprovingly.

"I'm not sure as there will be any bandits around there. They'll probably have joined up with us. I don't know if you'll be able to find a map, but I can describe the terrain quick enough. There's a road running through a mucking great swamp, with the tower just to the side.

"If you get a hawk - if - we'll decide what to send in council.

"As for the other stuff, I don't intend to repeat myself. Briefing dismissed."

Just before he turns to leave, the old man sweeps his gaze across you once more, a slight sadness crossing his face.

"And may the Gods be with you."

[dantiesilva]

To Rab Hercules says Yes using the line as a distraction making them think the watchtower is being attacked and we are trying to get in, from say a tree that a convenient placed arrow with rope tied to it. Hercules says before a strong looking women walks up. It is a pleasure to meet you to River, if you have as much skill as you are showing I would like to set you in charge of the scouts. he says before adding As for shagging my subordinate, I look at all of you as equals until you prove otherwise.

[RCgothic]

River

Hearing that I'm to be put in charge of the scouts raises my first smile so far, and I half-turn and salute casually before continuing my trip to see Q.

[Jbr208]

Bowing slightly to the Warchief as he exits, Rab turns back to Hercules "In that case, what we may consider is attempting to arc an arrow with a grappling hook attached onto the roof; that's realistically the only way that we'll get a rope connected to the tower in any fashion. It's difficult, and even if done well there is no guarantee that the grappling hook will be properly affixed to the tower. It depends on how the tower was built."

[Hamste]

Worship? Ah, I should clarify. I am not a cleric of the normal sort. I get my powers through the study of my prayerbook. You see through intense study of scroll containing divine magic I am able to learn how it works and make my own copy of it. This allows me to get divine powers that the average cleric will never be able to attain at the cost of being limited to only knowing spells that I have copied down in my prayerbook. I am not quite sure where my powers come from, I kind of assume there is a Deity of Knowledge out there that rather likes those who study and learn. I take it your deity is Kord from your scream earlier and from your hopes of finding them. So anyways what types of plans does everyone have? I was thinking of using a horn similar to the one they are using to draw people out. Pyrom said smiling. Hercules was obviously trying...even if his choices seemed haphazard and random so far. Giving second in command to a person who hardly spoke and a girl who had little respect for her leader?

[Prince_of_Games]

Blowing their horn to draw them out? A wonderful plan! Can I suggest we try to lure them into the swamp our Warleader mentioned? I think we'd have a better chance against them in there, especially if we lay a few traps first.

Lin is jittery, almost bouncing up and down, and seems extremely enthusiastic.