(045) Crags and Foothills

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The Long Way Around
(Olaf and Highbough)

Despite Highbough's commendable agility for his advanced age, he has some difficultly keeping up with Olaf's efficient lope (constitution 5), and although Olaf doesn't say anything, he suspects that he slows them down somewhat on their route around to the back of the abbey.

So it is that the gate party have already reached their goal as the pair of them attain the top of the rise overlooking the abbey from the far side, from a modestly uphill position with some degree of cover provided by the wiry trees on the upper slope.

There is no immediately visible activity within or without, though much of what is within the walls is still concealed by the internal roof tops. They see for certain, however, that there is no catwalk inside the outer wall -- it is a great fence more than a fortified wall. The main open space behind the wall appear to be occupied by a well kept vegetable patch...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The Front Gate
(Dieter, Desmond/Mondes, Dorgan, Ulric, Josiane, Gustave and Torben)

Soon enough the gate team reach the gate.

Though of basic timber construction, the outer wall looks very imposing up close. It is probably a little over 10ft tall, and dug into a 2ft high rim of broken up pebbles.

The gate is a huge steel-reinforced door seemingly large enough for an Ogre, and held fast between two thick columns of whitewashed stone. There is also a small, closed peep-trap in the door at about face level, and a dainty little door-bell hanging from a triangle of iron affixed to the left hand column.

There is no sign that you may have been noticed on you approach... and no sound carries over the wall.

What now?

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"A fine gate," Ulric says admiring the work. "I wonder how this abbey fell? If it were taken by brigands I would have expected some sign of damage. But it all looks pristine. Either we have been sent on a fool's errand or those that took this place are far more sinister than mere bandits."

Ulric looks around carefully to make sure nothing is lying in wait.

"If things become dire, draw in close about me and I will burn this place and all within to the ground."

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
Josiane is in agreement with the learned sorcerer, (though she blanches slightly at his ominous promise of widespread immolation for all and sundry within should events turn violent). She looks around carefully for any sign of forced entry to the abbey or similar damage.

"Given my experiences with the Sisters hitherto," she says quietly; "If those within follow their ways, either in earnest or pretence, no-one will be admitted who goes armed and armoured. Indeed, it may be that they will give willing access to no-one but myself; perhaps not even to I."

She looks at the great doors with a degree of apprehension.

"I am willing to attempt an entry, though the thought of passing undefended into a place we believe to be held against us sits ill with me. Lord Dieter, Lord Ulric - I ask that you stand ready with the magicks at your command should things go ill."

She takes a deep breath and contemplates the door-bell.

"Shall we proceed?"

[mgtremaine]

mgtremaine wrote:
Wen would at least move forward to the edge of the crag, to get a better view and to be ready incase things go very wrong.

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:

She takes a deep breath and contemplates the door-bell.

"Shall we proceed?"

"We're behind you," Dieter says. "Go ahead."

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric focuses his mind.

"I am prepared," he says.

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
Highbough is in position and ready for whatever happens.

(OOC: Is the wall wide enough on top that we can move around to different positions? Is it low enough that we can drop down to the other side without getting hurt? Would it be possible to hop (or blink using the Ire Spear) onto the internal rooftops and move around the compound that way?)

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
"Very well," breathes Josiane.

"Dorgan? Please stay close," she says, flashing her dwarf friend a nervous little smile.

And assuming her examination of the abbey's gate and wall provides her with no further clues as to what has occurred here, she reaches out her gauntleted hand and rings the bell...

[waysoftheearth]

sulldawga wrote:
Dorgan grumbles to himself. "Speakin' of stayin' close, I wish the reserve wasn't so far away... But what does the dwarf know?"

He inches closer to Josiane as she rings the bell.