(057) Dawn Patrol

[Eris]

"Olaf and I know a way in over the rooftops," volunteers Highbough. "Does anyone fancy a look from up above?"

Olaf nods, "And this time I think we all should take that route."

[waysoftheearth]

Those who paid more attention to the geography during the flight (notably Dieter and Dorgon, who are tactically minded) have established that the abbey is positioned on the broad slope of a great fold in the roughlands. It is approachable from below--indeed, this approach is made clear by a little used track--and also from above.

The abbey itself is not visible from your current position, approximately a mile downhill. It is unknown whether the hippogriffs were observed by the anyone at the abbey. You didn't spot any movement therein during your descent; the whole of it appeared quite still and serene from above.

Last time you visited, the main company approached from below; ultimately gaining entry through the front gate. Only Olaf and Highbough circled around the perimeter to scale over the rear walls. However, it is entirely possible for the whole company to hike around the abbey, hidden from view beyond the rocky crest, and then circle around to approach from behind/above.

[sully]

Dorgan says, "We oughtta assume that if anyone saw us comin', they're gonna be lookin' fer us ta come in from below. So I say let's hike around and come in from behind. No one ever regretted the element of surprise."

[Tonneau]

"Well said my good dwarf", says Gustave, getting to his feet having regained some of his colour.

"I know not what remains of our former foe, but I am in no hurry to face the beast of fire again without any advantage we can accrue"

He shoulders his pack, and arranges several wineskins about his person with some care.

"Lead on", he says, with a nod at Dorgan.

[coffee]

Desmond drops the large sack containing his mail and helmets and, quiet as a mouse, slips into the brush ahead. Almost immediately disappearing from view, the two-headed fighter-turned-sneak scouts their path.

Dieter takes up the sack and attempts to see the tiny scout.

"We'll have a devil of a time helping him if we can't see him!" he mutters. "Still, maybe that means nobody else can see him, either..."

He'll keep an ear open for any sound of trouble, standing by ready to relieve or reinforce Desmond as necessary.

[sully]

Dorgan looks at the receding figure of Desmond disappearing into the brush.

"Hope he heard the plan afore he took off. Time to get moving."

The dwarf will take up a spot next to or behind Dieter in the marching order.

OOC: Happy to be the rear guard if the party thinks we need some firepower back there.

[mgtremaine]

Wen grows quiet after leaving the Elves behind. He enjoys the flight of course but seems concerned with something. Once the party lands he adjusts his equipment and armor and carries the new short bow he picked up, arrow at the ready.

[verhaden]

Torben

Torben readies himself with his bow as well, and will volunteer to take up the rear of the party.

OOC: First and last in line should always have some firepower, in the event of ambush or party separation.

[Olroda]

Beringar, eager to prove his worth, hurries up front with spear and shield at the ready. He keeps his eyes fixed on the horizon, wary of any sign of trouble.

[danhem]

Ulric positions himself behind the front line fighters, ready to provide immediate, and deadly, support.