The Fall of Carinahl IC

[Verlaufen]

You are awaken early by the bugler of the camp playing rather loudly near your tents. You have been asigned to start the journey to Fort Torrent today, which is about 3 days by foot should you keep on track.
General Hammerfell is known throught Carinahl as a ruthless bloodthirsty savage with the most powerful axe in all of Mynxazk. He is to accompony your group along with Colonel Orsinium.
Unfortunately for you, today is a bad day to be a spy. Carinahl had a second group of infiltration units. they attempted to kill the returning leader of the storm on streyhill, but failed. Morinal is abuzz with news.
You arrive where you were scheduled to meat Hammerfell. He looked a mix between worried, angry, anxious, and cautious.

Hammerfell: Well met. General Hammerfell. I've been told you are very experienced fighters. But you can't trust anybody anymore. You did here of Carinahl's filthy spies didn't you? from what I heard they tried to take down General Colovian.
But I'm talking tooo much. Shall we begin our march to Fort Torrent? or is there anything else you must do?

[Bleedingblade]

Slightly tired and still yawning Bentar aprroaches General Hammerfell and says"Really now? A group of spies from Carinahl? First I heard of it. And to believe they have the gull to attempt to harm General Colovian. Anyway, I digress. I believe I am all ready to head out."

[Meat Shield]

The hangover from the night before (induced by imbibing too much of something the Seargent called a "Foaming Gnoll Ale") beginning to fade into the background as he realises it's 'go time', Eaden pats the handle of his massive warmace.

Eaden:Point the way, sir. Nothing those dishonorable rats can do is going to stop me."

OOC: NoD, Can you give us a roster of the important NPCs and countries/locales we are dealing with please? I thought I had the story down, but your post above makes me think my backstory actually makes me working for the bad guys.

[Kanti]

Returning from the perimeter of the camp where he had been keeping the nightly watch, Eidreven, approaches the general"I have heard of these spies! Filthy curs with barley an ounce of talent among them. Tis a sad thing that they claim to be of our same profession"

edit: I think i may be mistaken but, are spies as assigned to be by the general, or of Carinahl? if the general then this post is okay. If from Carinahl, disregard this post as having never happened.

[Spyder_Cel]

Raven walk towards the general with his wolf. It is unfortunate of the attempt on General Colovian's life. I'm sure there can't be too much to worry about though. I believe he is quite capable of killing any spy that gets in his way. I don't know much about the guy, but I'm willing to assume he did in with his attackers quite easily. Do you know how he did it. I bet it would be pretty amazing to see him in action. Anyways, we're ready to go. Trying to get what little tactical information he can about Colovian, but not trying to push the subject.

[davidthespecial]

Ebeth drifts over, shaking his head slightly in amusement as he recalls the rampant drunkenness that many had elected to achieve the previous night. He personally elected the path of the pleasant morning instead, having consumed enough ale in his scholarly days to last him a lifetime. That said, he’d rarely had an unpleasant morning after – it had tended to be an early evening after, or even a morning-after-after.

His amusement fades as he reaches the general, to whom he bows slightly. “A grave matter indeed” he says, frowning a little, before his mind returns to his preparations for leaving. “I believe I am ready to depart”

He eyes his belongings without much enthusiasm, less than thrilled to be carrying them for a three day march. Still, at least he’d have an easier time than the bard – he’d better offer to help carry things if the bard appears to be struggling.

[Verlaufen]

Important OOC Note: I will allow a check of knowledge local, geography, or history to find out towns and people. Bardic knowledge can also be made if you choose to do this, post your knowledge modifier in an OOC note and I will PM you information.

Hammerfell would be able to recognize a hangover from a mile away. "I see you still have a bit of a hangover. It'll clear up. The road to Fort Torrent would have us going on the main road toward Miran, but we'll have to avoid it. We should go through black flats cave. I know an exit from there just a few miles from Fort Torrent. Hammerfell begins his walk southwest, expecting you to follow him.

[davidthespecial]

Regretting his woeful lack of local knowledge, Ebeth falls in line behind Hammerfell, refraining from speaking lest he display his ignorance. To comfort himself, he begins silently reciting from Selmoc’s 7500 songs in praise of Syreth. A sizeable portion of comfort is derived from the fact that he knows enough of it not to need to carry the tome with him.

[Meat Shield]

Eaden:Aye, sah. A brisk march will take care of the dwarven forge in me head.

He shoulders his pack, flicks a speck of dirt from his breastplate, and strides forth. Once the pack is comfortable and his stride regular, he draws his axe and absent-mindedly sharpens it as he softly whistles a drinking song. Careful observation will note that he is already watching the hills and greenery to the sides of the trail for signs of ambush - he only seems distracted.

OOC: NoD, sent you a PM with some questions to clear up some things for me. Thanks.

[Kanti]

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Knowledge geography (1d20+10)[20]
and for good bearings on the road Knowledge nature(if its okay)(1d20+10)[16]

Allowing the general to take a large lead on him, Eidreven eventually begins to follow, keeping silent and ever vigilant as he moves.

[Spyder_Cel]

Slightly frustrated at the general for ingnoring him he fallows suit with the rest with his wolf at his side. Bow drawn, and ready for action.

[Bleedingblade]

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bardic knowledge (1d20+6)[9]

As the rest of his companions follow suit, Bentar sighs and starts to tread in the path behind them.

[Meat Shield]

During the march, Eaden will try to observe the good General and the Colonel. He is trying to get a feel for how they move, how they handle themselves, and a general feeling of whether or not they would be a worthy challenge for himself. If questioned, "Well sah, we are possibly stepping into the dragon's mouth on our march. I must learn how you and the good Colonel move in order to properly protect you from any assailants. After all, that is my job."

I'm guessing Martial Lore for this kind of check: (1d20+5)[11]

Edit: and of course I do it surreptitiously. BTW, how are they armed and armored? Any mysteriously glowing items I should be concerned about? Venom dripping from fangs? That sort of thing. (Just the obvious stuff, not anything I would need a spot check for. I'll just take ten on it.)

[davidthespecial]

Ebeth's silent praising, and the subtle head-bobbing that accompany it, gradually fade away. Despite his confidence that his vast array of pointy instruments of creative violence will allow him to handle any situation, he hopes to avoid being caught unawares, and thus stays alert for anything untoward.

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If anything odd is going on, could you roll me a sense motive check (+10 modifier) to get a hunch that something is up?

[Verlaufen]

Hammerfell actively ignores Eaden and pulls out his compass. he orients it and the needle points southeast. He heads in the direction of the needle.Black Flats cave is known for treacherous monsters. You've all heard the tales of Black Flats, right? He makes a sudden surprised expression and turns to the party. I've failed to hear much of you. From where in Morinal do you come from? and you must have proffessions. What've you done before you came into the army?


OOC: So sorry I haven't been posting. But my sweet internet is back! Hooray!

[Bleedingblade]

Bentar, with his quick wit has already formed a background story to apeassed those who asked ahead of time "If you must know, I originally hail from the city of Miran. There I lived with my family and the learned the art of performance. I would happen to be both a musician as well as a comedian. And to brag sir, but i am quite the ladies man. I happen to seduce many women right off their feet. However, when I reached the age of 26, I relized that my talents could be used to boost up the morale in the army and I enlisted." As Bentar finishes his story, he turns to the others hoping they can come up with a half-decent fake background.

[Meat Shield]

Eaden:"I hail from the capital, sah, but my story is nae so rosy as my companion's here. My parents were but simple soldiers in this war at the beginning, and were lost to Carinahl treachery early in the fighting. I was given to an uncle who cared more for rolling bones than dealing with me.

I snuck away as often as I could to sit at the feet of Master Colovarius, a retired warrior. The stories of adventure and honor and combat he told fascinated me, and eventually I ran away to study the way of the sword at the same school he learned at.

As for how I came to be here, I would say it was a thirst for revenge for what they did to my parents, and that would be true. But also true would be a magistrate back home gave me a choice after one too many altercations at the pub - the stockade or the army. And thus I am the lowly private you see before you, sah.

When he is out of earshot of the General and the Colonel, he turns to Bentar and whispers "Do you know anything about these Black Flats? I dinna hae much time for reading...."

OOC: I will roll for what I know about the Black Flats (I have five ranks in both K(History) and K(Local). I am assuming I only get one roll so I will take K(Local):

Knowledge(Local): (1d20+5)[21]

So what do I know?

EDIT: OK, so maybe I did read something. Good roll! w00t!

[Spyder_Cel]

Eh, I'm a tracker and a drifter. There is no one place I call home. I travel from place to place, where ever there is work to be done. How about yourself, where do you come from and what is your speciality?

[davidthespecial]

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What do I know of the religion of the area? Do they have religious scholars? Would a worshipper of Syreth face any particular persecution, and are there any obscure religious orders to which I could fake membership if necessary? knowledge:religion - (1d20+6)[9]

[davidthespecial]

Assuming Hammerfell turns to him:
"I go where my Lady calls me, from scholarly halls to the midst of war"

Deep within Ebeth's mind, a switch suddenly clicked. He was almost... asking... wasn't he?

His eyes light up; his body almost quivers with excitement. "Oh, let me tell you of my Lady, let me sing her praises to you, for she is everything to me! She saved me from my drab and pointless existence. Hang on, I must have some tracts in here somewhere..."Ebeth begins to rummage through his belongings. His manner, his expression, the slight edge to his voice: all combine to give the universal warning ALERT! ALERT! Enthusiasm approaching! Flee, while there is still time!

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OOC: This is my last post until sunday - I thought it would be an excuse for Ebeth to find himself guarding the rear or something until I return, but whatever you think best. Be joyous.

[Verlaufen]

To Bentar: Well, people like you could actually make very good solldiers. With General Colovian under prime protection, I'd bet not even Guillian could make it in their. The axe on his belt glows a flourescent purple for about a second. I never know why that happens... His voice trails off.

To Eaden: So many people just like that. But I'd say you're relatively calm. I've seen some people just try to skip training and charge in to take revenge. They're rather stupid. I hope your mission will be succesful.

To Raven: I don't talk about me. People say when I remember I get angry. anger leads to strength and a loss of your own control. This horrid combination of anger causes many great warriors to fall.

To Ebeth: Hammerfell makes a expression. That slowly fades to a expression. I'm rather confused. You talk of "your lady." Would this be somebody from your town or perhaps...Syreth?

Hammerfell looks at Eidreven. And what of you?

OOC: I'll send out PM's to who needs them as soon as i can.

[Meat Shield]

Eaden:"Thank you sah. I am sure it will be successful."

Knowledge(Local) on who "Guillian" is: (1d20+5)[7]

EDIT: Yeah, apparently I have no idea who that is. Any word on Stupnick?

[davidthespecial]

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ooc: ooh, still here

Delight radiating from every pore, Ebeth's face is transfixed with joy.
"You know of her? You know of my Lady Syreth? Oh, what a blessing! I planned to hold a private Compline at dusk, and you would be most welcome to join me."

Satisfied, Ebeth returns to his usual, slightly better controlled, self. The head-bobbing returns though.

[Kanti]

((sorry for the delay in posting backround but here it is.))
"I hail from Arshlac sir. I am as well a ranger but am not so much as a nomad. I find peace when i am home with my family(wife and 4 children), but the army requested my services and who am i to deny." Not reveiling much about him self, Eidreven finishes, and returns to watching the trail.

[Bleedingblade]

Bentar was now slightly releaved after the others stories were told, especially after Ebeth's outbreak. He turned toward the others and smiled. He turned back towards the general. "I thank you for your kindness. I try my best to make others see that strength isnt the only way to make a good soldier."

[Spyder_Cel]

In his head he thinks "Barbarian...Great." He does not ask anymore questions and just continues following.

[Verlaufen]

A slight breeze picks up blowing from the Northwest to the southeast, almost horizantily. This is combined with a trickle of snow. This shouldn't matter to much, we'll be in the cave soon Hammerfell was confident the snow wouldn't hinder the party...

Great Voice of the DM: Never ever say never. That will make it happen.

After several hours, the snow has turned into a blizzard and almost a foot of snow has already built up. The wind is like a giant hairdrier. It's tremendously strong and loud but still pointed southwest. I THINK I SEE A CAVE! Indeed, there is a black, cave shaped structure ahead. IF YOU STAY OUT HERE TOO MUCH LONGER YOU MIGHT DIE! INTO THE CAVE! Hammerfell and orsinium rush to the cave. the cave should block the wind and snow almost entirely. The snow is starting to weigh on you, and you'll be in trouble if you stay out any longer.

[Meat Shield]

Eaden: "Come sah! Let's get thee in there as well! You're too important to risk out here in this wicked storm!" Eaden assists the General and Colonel into the opening, but hangs near the opening a moment until his eyes adjust to check out the cave.

In a dark tone Eaden mutters 'Tis many a good man hae ne'er came out o' this fell warren. We must be cautious."

Spot check: (1d20)[2] (Yes that is right, no ranks in spot. All you elven types better step up.)

EDIT: And apparently I have gone blind. Sigh....

[Verlaufen]

OOC: ...The..general colonel rushed to the cave while they were calling you... You see nothing but darkness, Meat Shield.

IC: Hammerfell knows his party is in danger. HE can't keep his secret forever. GET IIIIIN! he steps outside and plunges his axe into the ground. His axe glows the same flourescent purple and the snow covering the path between where the rest of the party is plunged up into a tunnel that is made to block the wind and snow and leave a path to the cave. GOOOOO!

[Bleedingblade]

Bentar rushes into the cave folowing the general and starts to play his lute to a quick tune. "Let's go my comrades. I don't want to lose anyone to the elements."

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Im playing inspire competence to spot