(017) A closer look at the Gatehouse

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Wibert, Nidhogg and Koch

Meanwhile, the small party of adventurers make their way back to the campsite. For a while Nidhogg and Koch are convinced the Wibert is lost, or taking a scenic tour, or else searching for herbs rather than the campsite.

However, at some length he leads them to a rough rocky wall, and smiles "Just over here," then proceeds to scamper up the 30ft or so feet of steep, rocky ridge, and disappears over the top. The others follow, and at last find themselves at the campsite which they were beginning to fear they would never find.

"Well well, who have we here?" asks Boris when he spies Nidhogg and Koch.

Victor merely stares at the new comers grumpily.

"The others 'ave gone," explains Boris, "'alf an hour gone."

[waysoftheearth]

heartless wrote:
"Victor and Boris may I introduce our new friend called Koch that Nidhogg found. Let us have a quick breakfast, and then we can go meet the rest of the group. While we eat can you tell us what happens Nidhogg . And Koch how did you come to be here?" asks Wibert as he sits down to serve some food.

OOC: When we leave Wibert will take a few days food and his backpack of all his stuff and weapons, just in case it takes more than a day to return, he wants to be prepared.

[waysoftheearth]

Professor P wrote:
KOCH replies to Wibert's question while he eagerly awaits some breakfast, "My father's a tailor of fine garments. Saxxon's men raided a caravan of his containing the finest silks, ruining his business. My friends and I set out for revenge and to take back what was my father's. Unfortunately, Saxxon's men were ready. They outmaneuvered and outclasses us."

KOCH lowers his head in sadness and reverie and with a tear in his eye, he continues, "I was the only survivor. Saxxon has been holding me for ransom for some time, a week, two, three, I've lost count. Luckily, Nidhogg was sent to my holding place and he helped me escape. I am indebted to him and I am certainly indebted to your companions cause. Once I've had some food and drink, I'll be more than ready to help regain entrance to the gatehouse."

Turning to Nidhogg, "Here Nidhogg, take back your bow and arrows, my guess is you'll need it soon enough."

Once breakfast is finished, KOCH asks Nidhogg, Wibert, Victor, and Boris, "I only have half of my initial equipment. Saxxon's men took my armor and spear, along with my food and waterskin. Is there any extra rations, a waterskin, armor, weapons, or adventuring gear on your cart that can be borrowed for the time being? While a carpenter's hammer and some daggers do well in close combat, I would much prefer a spear or sword."

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

The Main Company

Dieter signals the scouts forward, then drops a knee to the cold muddy earth, his chain coat shunking as he does so, concealing himself partially among the swaying grasses.

As Olaf and Desmond skulk up to the gatehouse for a closer look... Dieter and Pelenwin begin to talk grappling hooks like boys enthusing over prize marbles while the others wait patiently.

From 30 yards, Desmond and Olaf have a good view of the gatehouse. It appears still and unoccupied. In fact, the portcullis that would block the arched entry is raised. Olaf waves the rest of the group forward, and Pelenwin immediately marches up. The others follow...

Olaf, staying low, moves forward toward the wall next to the raised portcullis. He senses that this *must* be a trap of some kind, but can't quite figure out what...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
At the Campsite

Wibert, Nidhogg, Victor and Boris listen on with interest as Koch tells his tale.

"Well, you won't have trouble with Saxxon's Men no more," says Boris with a grim smile, "We dealt them a harsh blow yesterday -- six or seven of them lie slain in yonder valley."

"Along with two of our own," mutters Victor. And spits.

Meanwhile Wibert riffles through what supplies are stocked upon the cart. Koch can't help but notice the two bulky treasure chests... one of them split and splintered and clearly full of loot.

The Halfling soon returns with a full, but bland meal for the ex-prisoners (and a second breakfast for himself). Hard bread, dried fruit, and chewy strips of dried and salted meat. All washed down with cold water.

As they chew on this, Victor grumbles to Koch "I have this here fine pair of hand axes. If needs be, ye can borrow one. But no losing it, you hear?"

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
At the Gatehouse

Olaf slinks up to the southern wall, the mist curling behind him like some ethereal cloak. Then, with his back to the cold, wet, wall, he moves around to the front wall cautiously. There is still no-one to be seen, and not a sound to be heard.

Sparing a quick glance for the muddy ground beneath the main arch, Olaf sees that the mud there is busy with foot-shaped prints and pools of water. Clearly there has been recent activity here.

He cranes his neck out to peer through the entry arch and into the courtyard beyond...

(1d6)

It is a messy, cobbled yard, with grasses pushing up between the stones, and littered with a few empty crates and barrels. He spies that the rear arch leads directly out onto the bridge, but that the portculis there is down.

What now?

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

At the Gatehouse

Olaf slinks up to the southern wall, the mist curling behind him like some ethereal cloak. Then, with his back to the cold, wet, wall, he moves around to the front wall cautiously. There is still no-one to be seen, and not a sound to be heard.

Sparing a quick glance for the muddy ground beneath the main arch, Olaf sees that the mud there is busy with foot-shaped prints and pools of water. Clearly there has been recent activity here.

He cranes his neck out to peer through the entry arch and into the courtyard beyond...

(1d6)

It is a messy, cobbled yard, with grasses pushing up between the stones, and littered with a few empty crates and barrels. He spies that the rear arch leads directly out onto the bridge, but that the portculis there is down.

What now?

Olaf waves the others forward then examines the prints in the mud closely. When the rain in the night, he figures the prints would be gone if they were from yesterday. Maybe the bandits have decamped...can he tell if it looks like the tracks are leading into, or out of, the gatehouse?

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
There appear to be prints going both in and out. And turning all about.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric waits anxiously for a trap to be sprung on Olaf. He sees the warrior examining the ground and then waving them forward but nothing seems to happen.

"They've either already left or are waiting for us to come inside to trap us there. I fear the latter is more likely. This stinks of an ambush."

Ulric looks to Dieter and Pelenwin.

"Perhaps your grappling hooks will be useful. You two could scale the side of the gatehouse and take the high ground. If nothing else, it may force their hand before we can be cornered."

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond readies his sword in his right hand and a dagger in his left and follows Olaf, constantly darting his eyes this way and that, looking for any signs of movement that might indicate a trap.