(017) A closer look at the Gatehouse

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
Pelenwin the brave takes out his pole and and starts to poke around at the walls and floor with the wooden end.

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:

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

"Clearly," Dieter mutters, "they are invoking the vile magic of the Hokey Pokey. This is greatly to be avoided."

He scratches his head.

"Yes, let us climb the outside of the gatehouse and see what we can see."

With that, he readies his grappling hook and throws it aloft, to catch the edge of the parapet above. When it is connected sturdily, he will climb.

[waysoftheearth]

Professor P 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?"

KOCH listens to Boris' retelling of the recent battle, "Excellent news, perhaps raiding the gatehouse will now be an easier endeavor. I am sorry for the loss of your companions, I know the feeling well."

As Wibert rifles through the cart, KOCH notices the stocked treasure chests and asks, "You didn't happen to find any fine silks in your adventures, did you?"

Upon finishing his meal, KOCH feels invigorated, "That was wonderful Wibert, best meal I've had in some time, thank you. Now, I'm ready to get to work."

KOCH graciously accepts Victor's finely-wrought handaxe, "Thank you Victor, I will treat it with the respect it deserves." On closer examination of the handaxe KOCH remarks, "Hmm, the work of this axe greatly reminds me of my own shears. I wonder if they share the same maker."

KOCH collects some water in his empty bottle (unless he can find an unused waterskin) and caps it as best he can. He'll also collect whatever leftover food is available for later. Finally, he'll collect an additional 5 stones for slinging (bringing his total to 10).

"I'm ready to go," he excited exclaims, while adjusting his helmet and shield.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric stands back far enough that he has a clear line of sight at the battlements above Dieter as he climbs. He readies his short bow and knocks an arrow.

[waysoftheearth]

Valandil wrote:
Andaros, who has been silent and quiet this whole time, readies his newly acquired short bow and says:

"The stones are whispering, warning us... we're being watched."

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

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

"Clearly," Dieter mutters, "they are invoking the vile magic of the Hokey Pokey. This is greatly to be avoided."

OOC: Oh, no he didn't! [img]images/smiley/grin.png[/img]

He scratches his head.

"Yes, let us climb the outside of the gatehouse and see what we can see."

With that, he readies his grappling hook and throws it aloft, to catch the edge of the parapet above. When it is connected sturdily, he will climb.

Olaf examines the raised portcullis, he is looking for a way to jam it open so it can't be dropped on us trapping some inside and some outside the gate. If he can't find a way he'll shrug and turn back to the others, and says very quietly, "In for a penny, in for a pound, I suppose, but if we're rushing in, I think we should *all* rush in together. I'd hate for only a few of us to be trapped inside while the others are trapped outside."

Sling his bow and drawing his sword Olaf continues, "So, if you agree, on the count of three..."

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond nods his head in agreement and prepares to enter right behind Olaf.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"Hold on Olaf," Ulric says and points to Dieter who has already begun to scale the wall. "Lets secure some high ground first and see what happens before we walk blindly into a shooting gallery."

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

"Hold on Olaf," Ulric says and points to Dieter who has already begun to scale the wall. "Lets secure some high ground first and see what happens before we walk blindly into a shooting gallery."

Hearing Ulric, Olaf pauses and frowns, but he does stop short of passing through the gate. Olaf moves to the wall again and says, "Alright, I'll wait, but when we go we all need to go together and quickly."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
At the Gatehouse

Desmond, Olaf and Pelenwin search the archway thoroughly, but do not spy any clear sign that it might be trapped. In fact, the portculis itself is heavily rusted and somewhat bent. It might even be stuck in the raised position...

Meanwhile, outside, Dieter unfurls his beautiful grappling hook -- a masterfully designed spring loaded device -- and by dint of his great arm hurls the hook up to the battlements (some 20ft above). The arms of the grapple spring open, catching it securely between two of the castellations. Satisfied that the line will hold, Dieter belays himself slowly but surely up the wall. It is an enormous strain, equipped as he is in full battle-ready kit, but so too is Dieter's strength enormous. Eventually he attains the wall, and hauls himself over. The others wait patiently below...