(014) The Ravine

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

"Boris, Fix. Place those coins in the chests. Can either of you use a bow? We'll need you to join us in our next foray into this ruin. As you can see, the reward will be worth the risk."

"Sure," says Boris, "I'm as fair a shot as the next Man,". Fix merely shrugs in the affirmative.

The two hirelings gather up the miscellaneous coin purses and dump them into the chest with the smashed lid.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Mads sets himself down to rest as the rest of the company discuss the options.

With the grey light of dawn beginning to fill the sky, you account for the detail of the environment.

You are in a steep walled ravine. On either side of the canyon and near directly above you, you can spy the feet of a ruinous watch-house. A stone bridge once spanned the gap between them, but it has long since tumbled down.

It seems very likely that dunjon you explored yesterday evening was beneath one of the watch houses. It seems equally likely that there may be another catacomb beneath the other watch house.

The Ogres occupied the first dunjon, so it seems only logical that Saxxon's band occupied the other.

There must surely be another entrance from the watch-houses themselves, up on the lip of the ravine...

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
Gustave eyes the watch house at the cliff top.
"Perhaps if we find our way through further tunnels we can find a way up there...", he ponders aloud.
"We could stash our loot back inside and seal the way with Highbough's magics, then explore further."
"We still have supplies", he notes, raising the flaggon, "so I see no reason to run for home just yet, and that up there is as stronger position as we could find to stage a fight. Ill wager there's further bounty to sweeten the view too"

[waysoftheearth]

heartless wrote:

"A good cook is worth his weight in gold, Wibert." Olaf says with a nod and a smile, "I've noticed that you seem handy with your knife and chopping ax, too. Out here that's worth even more than your ability to cook."

Olaf, Sharp Eyes

"Well thanks Olaf, I can tell we will be good friends. No I need to find some herbs and roots to make a stew you will not believe. I will just have a quick look around here for anything. What I wouldn't give for a goat, they make good stew", says Wibert.

Wibert will look around, while the party rests, for things to put in a stew. He will search for any other entrances the ogre could have gotten out of. Plus look around for any items still left around, like arrows, he can make use of.

[waysoftheearth]

Guest wrote:
"Ok lots o' talk. Who decides for this band or is it done by vote? Are we leaving and hiding the loot, counter attacking or delving into the caves to try to find another way out?"

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
"Well what are our goals this day?" Highbough asks the group. "I for one would sleep well tonight in a clean, easily-defensible tower or stronghold, cleared of Ogres, Knaves, and creepy-crawlies."

"The only real question, then, is do we start at the bottom, reentering the dungeon through this door, sealing it behind us, and working our way to the top, methodically exploring every room and eliminating all dangers, or do we explore the outside, find the top entrance, and work our way down?"

"My vote is to take advantage of the daylight and remain outdoors. Perhaps the swifter among us can form a scouting party, while the Fighting Men maneuver the cart (and treasure) to high ground?"

[waysoftheearth]

Valandil wrote:

"My vote is to take advantage of the daylight and remain outdoors. Perhaps the swifter among us can form a scouting party, while the Fighting Men maneuver the cart (and treasure) to high ground?"

Andaros: " I agree. I say we rest for one night, and then come back inside, to the ogre lair..."

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"I also agree we should find our way out of the ravine, make camp, then find the entrance to the upper tower and eliminate the Saxon gang."

"Highbough, you should secure the door using this Trammel you spoke of to keep Saxon from gaining access to the ogre lair. At least from this direction anyway. Deggerhund made his way outside somehow. I wonder if this is the only entrance to this dungeon?"

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:
[img]defaultavatar.png[/img]/post/61444/threadDec 8, 2010 7:53:34 GMT -6 @ghostofmarx said:"Ok lots o' talk. Who decides for this band or is it done by vote? Are we leaving and hiding the loot, counter attacking or delving into the caves to try to find another way out?"
"Before now, we've always done things by concensus." says Olaf, "And I'm not saying we should *leave*, just withdraw and come in a different way. I'd like the get the cart and horse...and the treasure to some more safe spot where we can leave them. I don't think it is safe down here for them or us."

"Before we head back to town, though, I am all for clearing that tower. There is likely to be more treasure to be gained." Olaf says smiling, "And then that ruin on the other side as well."

Olaf, Sharp Eyes
Fighter-2

[waysoftheearth]

Guest wrote:
"If we want to take the tower now SHOULD be a good time. Unless the second group has returned there would be very few manning the defenses. The good Master Hobbit and Myself may even be able to gain entry without a fight since until just a few moments ago we were counted allies. Mayhap the rest of you could even disguise yourselves with the knaves garb. I say we march in the front gate with loud shouts of victory and promises of gold and catch them unawares!"