Redlun XXXVII

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>Redlun Archives </B></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U><B>Volumes I to XXIV</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U>Redlun XXV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id204.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVI"><U>Redlun XXVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id207.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVII"><U>Redlun XXVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id213.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVIII"><U>Redlun XXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id214.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIX"><U>Redlun XXIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id215.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXX"><U>Redlun XXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id232.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXI"><U>Redlun XXXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id255.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXII"><U>Redlun XXXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id261.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIII"><U>Redlun XXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id263.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIV"><U>Redlun XXXIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id264.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXV"><U>Redlun XXXV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id266.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXVI"><U>Redlun XXXVI</U></A>   |   <B> Redlun XXXVII</B>   |   <A HREF="id278.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIIX"><U>Redlun XXXIIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id280.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIX"><U>Redlun XXXIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id281.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXX"><U>Redlun XXXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id284.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXI"><U>Redlun XXXXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id285.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXII"><U>Redlun XXXXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id288.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXIII"><U>Redlun XXXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id290.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXIV"><U>Redlun XXXXIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id292.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXV"><U>Redlun XXXXV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I> Redlun XXXVII</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> You have just entered room "Missiledine Chat99."</div> <div> Dukejr01 has entered the room.</div> <div> Dukejr01: greets</div> <div> Missiledine: Might as well set up for Troy's arrival</div> <div> Missiledine: Ok, when we closed the meeting was in full swing and the talk was about the forces available</div> <div> Dukejr01: k</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell says, "One hundred seventy six men, plus Lord Athamar and Jules, and Master Beal, Lord Boma, </div> <div> Missiledine: the Sherif, and My Lord Baron." He thinks for a bit</div> <div> Missiledine: "How many mounted?" He asks</div> <div> Missiledine: The Sherrif says, "All the Rangers and the Count's fifty will be mounted infantry."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <we have 13 horse, correct?></div> <div> Missiledine: Lord Boma says, "I can mount..." He pauses."Maybe half... Twelve for certain."</div> <div> Missiledine: <Yes I believe></div> <div> Dukejr01: <yup. I am remembering corect, including 2 draft horses. I have 14 horses.></div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron says, "Most of my force is infantry... Only twenty five will be mounted."</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell looks at you</div> <div> Dukejr01: When if comes round to Athamar. "My 13 will be horsed></div> <div> Dukejr01: if = it</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Water will be a problem. the area is arid, even more so toward the cliffs and the desert."</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell frowns, "Seventy infantry... " He nods, "Water and food. We should assume we will be in the </div> <div> Missiledine: field for three weeks."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <wait, bought two more draft horses on Gallus' trip to Drunmore. have 15 horse including 4 draft></div> <div> Missiledine: <ok></div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron says, "We will need a couple wagons for supplies... "</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods, he looks at Ollyn to see if he has anything to add.</div> <div> tacit01 has entered the room.</div> <div> Missiledine: Hey!</div> <div> tacit01: yo</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn is an old campaigner, but planning this kind of operation is a bit more involved then he is </div> <div> Missiledine: used to</div> <div> Dukejr01: k</div> <div> Dukejr01: Was that Gallus' job?</div> <div> Missiledine: Lord Boma asks, "Should we take any siege weapons?"</div> <div> Missiledine: <Your father did this type of strategy planning.></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Might need a battering ram for the various gates in the complex."</div> <div> Missiledine: <Gallus organised it, Ollyn carried it out></div> <div> Dukejr01: <gotcha></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is on the learning curve.....</div> <div> Missiledine: One of the Captains says, "Thats what the mages are for."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron says, "You can take out the gates, Lord Athamar?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grins, "I might take an arrow in the eye, best consider the possibility. The gates I can take</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmmm, good point." He looks at Dell. "What can we take?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "take down if they are not magically reinforced or some such"</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell says, "We have several field catapults... We can have a small ram ready in a day or two. Can't </div> <div> Missiledine: be too big or we won't be able to maneuver it inside."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron says, "Very well, see to the construction. Everyone is responsible for provisioning his </div> <div> Missiledine: own men. We will depart here in five days and all forces must be in Windhook in seven days." He </div> <div> Missiledine: looks at the Sheriff as he says that. That individual nods in agreement.</div> <div> Missiledine: "I will be there with the Count's troop seven days from now."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.</div> <div> Missiledine: "We will assume a week to reach the smugglers, infantry and wagons are slow..... A day to take it...</div> <div> Missiledine: a week back. We will leave a garrison to occupy it. We must assume that there will be no provisions</div> <div> Missiledine: available after taking the lair."</div> <div> Missiledine: "The extra week will give us some leeway for extended operations."</div> <div> Missiledine: "The real question is this... How do we approach close enough, with 180 men, to stage a surprise</div> <div> Missiledine: assault?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "If we don't achieve some degree of surprise it could turn into a costly battle."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar squeezes the bridge of his nose. "Not easy. the land works against us..." He draws in his </div> <div> Dukejr01: breath.... "If we go south into the more arid area, then turn west the last leg of the journey will </div> <div> Dukejr01: be level and faster travel. we can close the distance more rapidly...."</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn says, "A night attack?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "... I can supply magical light sources to speed any night travel we may wish to make..."</div> <div> Missiledine: <sorry></div> <div> Dukejr01: <for what? Ollyn read my mind></div> <div> Missiledine: <cutting in, thought you were done></div> <div> Dukejr01: <np. typing. Assume A was pausing to think></div> <div> Missiledine: Dell shudders "A night attack across a landscape of trip wires, caltrops and what all..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Well. if not a night attack. maybe we can close the last few leagues to their base at night and </div> <div> Dukejr01: give them less warning of our coming. be in place and ready to jump off come light"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron nods, "Harrummph! Yes, I think that is best... Tho we must wait and see if Mitra will </div> <div> Missiledine: deliver them into our hands!"</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell doesn't look happy, but he says nothing more</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron says, "Very well! Is there anything else? Everyone knows what to do?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar can;t think of anything.</div> <div> Missiledine: No one says anything. "Good." Then tomorrow return to your respective holdings and make your </div> <div> Missiledine: preperations for the battle." He stands up. "May Mitra be with us!"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot says, "I will have prayers said everyday you are gone."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods and looks pensive.</div> <div> Missiledine: Everyone is getting up and stretching... The Baron and Lord Boma are drinking brandy</div> <div> Dukejr01: He stands, looks at Ollyn and Jacinta. Nods for them to follow</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell and the two captains are talking quietly</div> <div> Dukejr01: Jacinta can gather the maps..... :-)</div> <div> tacit01: <yes sir></div> <div> Dukejr01: <lol></div> <div> Missiledine: Dell looks up as you start to leave, "Lord Athamar! A moment please."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar smiles. he was expecting that.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Of course."</div> <div> Missiledine: One of the other officers gets up, giving you his seat</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods his thanks.</div> <div> Dukejr01: sits</div> <div> Missiledine: "My Lord, I understand you are a mage. I must ask, for tactical reasons, Just what can you do?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. "I was not trained as a combat mage, as I mentioned. And frankly, I graduated only </div> <div> Dukejr01: months ago. My primary colleges are Earth and Communication, with a couple spells of light."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "That means that I can shape and move earth or stone, but doing so is exhausting. I can sense </div> <div> Dukejr01: life, read minds, and cast a couple lesser combat spells."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Earth and Communication? Hmmm, both of great value in a siege."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Niether combat spell will be much use inside the complex."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "Yes, I can tell you how many guardsare behind a door or around a corner, for example"</div> <div> Missiledine: "I must be frank, Lord Athamar. I do not think this will be an easy assault without the use of magic.</div> <div> Missiledine: The potential for a protracted siege is here, and we are not well placed for such an event. There is</div> <div> Missiledine: little to construct engines with, and no water to supply the troops."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I agree. I know of two and perhaps three sources of water, the nearest of which is several hours </div> <div> Dukejr01: away."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Several things in particular concern me. First, crossing the perimiter. The traps will slow us, </div> <div> Missiledine: maim troops and spread the alarm as well as confusion in our own ranks."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "Would you like to interrogate the prisoner yourself?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Can you use your earth moving skills to clear us a path?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Yes. I could do that, fill in pits and lay down a path as we go......"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Frankly, I would be happier if I had some extra powerstones to increase my effectiveness."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmm, perhaps Jules may have one or two..." He considers. "I will see what can be done about that."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar narrows his eyes in thought. "Knowing now what I do, I am surprised we got so close</div> <div> Missiledine: "Second, surprise. If we cannot get within striking distance undetected the rats will flee through </div> <div> Dukejr01: the first time. a small group of seasoned men could sneak very close to the pits if they are </div> <div> Missiledine: the bolt hole at the base of the cliff. I do not fancy a desert trek."</div> <div> Dukejr01: careful and have cover."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "If they escape to the desert, they will almost certainly escape. they have desert horses in the </div> <div> Dukejr01: lower cave and the leader is a relative or in-law of a caravan that travels by frequently."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Perhaps, but could your magic be used to stop up the drain, so to speak?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I considered that. if we can make it to the central area, I can seal the corridors, allowing us</div> <div> Dukejr01: to mop them up at our lesisure.... however, I assume the mage has another escape tunnel."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I had something else in mind... Descending the cliff at night and sealing the cave entrance from </div> <div> Missiledine: outside."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I can't fly, but if you can think of a way down the cliff, I am game."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I can even find the entrance with magic. though personally, if I had the resources, I would </div> <div> Dukejr01: conceal it from magic.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Perhaps something might be done... But it would be of a limited scale..." He hesitates "A potion."</div> <div> Missiledine: "It means going alone."</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn, who is standing behind you, stiffens at that</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. "Needs must. I can see a number of ways sealing that entrance could go wrong..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <how far is drunmore? Can we get there and back in say, 6 days?></div> <div> Missiledine: <Barely></div> <div> Missiledine: <If nothing goes wrong on the road></div> <div> Dukejr01: damn charactor limit</div> <div> Dukejr01: <I am thinking of a quick jaunt to Drumore for supplies></div> <div> Missiledine: <So I gathered></div> <div> Dukejr01: <powerstones and a flying potion to be exact></div> <div> Missiledine: <It sounds as tho Dell already has that in mind></div> <div> Missiledine: <And probably on hand></div> <div> Dukejr01: "I am considering a fast trip to Drunmore for a powerstone or two.... is that what you were thinking</div> <div> Dukejr01: as well?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "There may well be a powerstone or two available here abouts." Dell says. "Not for sale perhaps, but</div> <div> Missiledine: for loan."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.</div> <div> Missiledine: 'And I know where I can lay my hands on some ungent of flight..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: He is clearly pondering. "Timing will be critical. I doubt they use the secret cave entrance </div> <div> Dukejr01: frequently, but if they discover it blocked, that will surely set off their alarm. and I must have </div> <div> Missiledine: "There will be guards though. You must seal the entrance and return topside to join in the assault </div> <div> Dukejr01: time to return to participate in the assault"</div> <div> Dukejr01: <lol></div> <div> Missiledine: to clear the path in."</div> <div> tacit01: <ooh, scary></div> <div> Dukejr01: <was there any info that they guarded outside the secret entrance></div> <div> Missiledine: <Yes, there are usually guards in the area, just to protect the horses if nothing else></div> <div> Dukejr01: <okay, I thought those were inside the cave?></div> <div> Missiledine: <They are></div> <div> Dukejr01: <okay. so there are no guard outside the cave</div> <div> Missiledine: not usually</div> <div> Dukejr01: <great></div> <div> Missiledine: "We are asking a great deal of you Lord Athamar. Sealing the exit, clearing the path, breaching the </div> <div> Missiledine: tower."</div> <div> tacit01: <marrying the ugly sister...></div> <div> Missiledine: lol</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Hmmmmm... I am thinking its worth a shot. My only concern is that dependence could easily</div> <div> Dukejr01: bring disaster if the unexpected happens. My father taught me to expect the unexpected."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "the question is how to plan for contingencies.... I can use earth vision to show me underground </div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes, you unexpected demise would be a great blow to the plans"</div> <div> Dukejr01: traps and pits, but aboveground traps are another matter, do we have someone experienced </div> <div> Dukejr01: in that area?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Some of my men are quite good. The Rangers may be useful in spotting such as well."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <did you change the cost of earth vision as well as the depth? cost now is 2 per 10 yards.></div> <div> Dukejr01: <another question.... if A casts earth vision does he need a light source? after all its dark under</div> <div> Dukejr01: the ground></div> <div> Missiledine: flat 2... no extra costs</div> <div> Dukejr01: <k, can I reduce that to 1 and not look so far underground? :-)></div> <div> Dukejr01: <worth a shot...></div> <div> Missiledine: <good one... but no, it is not the same as Dark Vision.....no I don't want that as a spell with a </div> <div> Missiledine: cost of 1></div> <div> Missiledine: <Everybody and their brother will become zero cost human mine detectors...></div> <div> Dukejr01: <GD charactor limit></div> <div> Dukejr01: <okay. so, if A casts the spell and looks underground and there is no other light...></div> <div> Dukejr01: <can he see underground?></div> <div> Missiledine: you use the light about you... sun light, moon light if on the surface... candle etc underground</div> <div> Dukejr01: <gotcha.></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Do you think we should take out all the watch posts before the assault or simply breach the</div> <div> Dukejr01: perimeter?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Slam through the perimeter with the main force, sop up the sentry posts with skirmishers. Too much </div> <div> Missiledine: of a chance of an alarm being sounded if we get fancy."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A nods. </div> <div> Missiledine: "As long as they have no way of getting a force behind us to pinch off the saliant and trap us inside</div> <div> Dukejr01: <was there a bell or alarm underground? or does someone haveto run downstairs?></div> <div> Missiledine: the perimeter, we should be ok."</div> <div> Missiledine: <Bell></div> <div> Dukejr01: <pulled by a rope? where is rope?></div> <div> Missiledine: "To be honest My Lord. The worse course of events would have you being killed after we penetrate the</div> <div> Missiledine: trap ring and before you open the gate."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Retreat would become difficult and an assault would take far too long."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grins. "I was thinking the same. If I had 20 men charging my main gate without a ram, I</div> <div> Dukejr01: would tell my archers to shoot ath the guy who was not wearing metal armour."</div> <div> Missiledine: <There is a rope pull on the roof, running down through the tower along the ceiling of the first </div> <div> Dukejr01: < not></div> <div> Missiledine: floor room to the central underground chamber. A similar arrangement runs up from the lower stables></div> <div> Dukejr01: <k, thanks></div> <div> Missiledine: "Then perhaps we will carry the ram in." Dell says</div> <div> Dukejr01: <how many murder holes in the tower?></div> <div> Missiledine: "We will post two men with large shields to help cover you from srchers."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I like that. do you think Jules should be in the first assault?"</div> <div> Missiledine: <At least 4 that the prisoner knew of></div> <div> Dukejr01: <k></div> <div> Missiledine: "His fireball ability will make him invaluable in controlling the roof and second floor of the tower.</div> <div> Dukejr01: <now, if A reached into the gate house with his staff after the doors fell....></div> <div> Dukejr01: <could he close the loopholes without exposing himself?></div> <div> Dukejr01: <2 hex reach....></div> <div> Missiledine: <Standing outside?></div> <div> Missiledine: <You would have to reach up to the second floor></div> <div> Missiledine: <There are no loopholes on the first floor></div> <div> Dukejr01: <yah. around the doorjam or something. how high is the ceiling?></div> <div> Missiledine: <Over 10 feet></div> <div> Dukejr01: <okay. let me restate that. I am not talking about the loopholes, I am talking about...></div> <div> Dukejr01: <the murder holes></div> <div> Dukejr01: <sorry></div> <div> Missiledine: <You could reach the ceiling...OH! Yes.></div> <div> Dukejr01: <k. now, how much stone can A shape in one spell? can he take the stone aroudn he hinges off </div> <div> Missiledine: <Doing it without exposing yourself might be possible, tho tricky></div> <div> Dukejr01: and use the same casting to close muder holes?></div> <div> Missiledine: <hinges of what?></div> <div> Missiledine: The floor between the first and second loor is planks and beams</div> <div> Dukejr01: <the gate.></div> <div> Dukejr01: <oh, so the murder holes are not in stone></div> <div> Missiledine: <Move the stone across the wood? No, the ceiling/floor is of thick planks</div> <div> Dukejr01: <cheap contractors..... :-P></div> <div> Missiledine: <A quality construction would be of stone, this isn't></div> <div> Dukejr01: <hard to make stone crawl across the ceiling...></div> <div> Missiledine: uh huh</div> <div> Dukejr01: <I was assuming stone ceiling. nevermind></div> <div> Dukejr01: okay, where were we?</div> <div> Missiledine: lol</div> <div> Missiledine: considering what will happen if you get axed</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar ponders.... "now, once we penetrate the stronghold, and we take the central area, what </div> <div> Dukejr01: next? go after the mage or clear one of the other areas?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "If we push a hundre plus men into that central area, after inflicting casualties on the defenders </div> <div> Missiledine: above... we should be in a three to one or better advantage. If the exit below is closed, we block</div> <div> Missiledine: the passage up and clear the other areas first."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thety lost 7 men in their encounter with me. and at the time the prisoner was last in the </div> <div> Dukejr01: stronghold, only 2/3rds of there men were present. who know hoe many will be there"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "when we hit them"</div> <div> Missiledine: "True" <The GM knows! :-D></div> <div> Dukejr01: <lol></div> <div> Missiledine: "Well," Dell sighs. "To plan any further now is a waste of time. We must see how the assault goes."</div> <div> Missiledine: <shit></div> <div> Missiledine: <Damn AIM></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Very well. Do you need to see any of my information or do you wish to interrogate the"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "prisoner yourself?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Thank you for your time, Lord Athamar. We shall have ample time to refine this on the march."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Allow me to borrow your sketches, please."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Of course." A gestures to J</div> <div> Missiledine: "I doubt that my crude methods would extract anymore then you already have obtained."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A stands up, looks aroundthe room a bit.</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot catches your eye</div> <div> Dukejr01: "If oyu have any specific questions you want to ask that I may not have, I can do so."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I will think on that, my Lord. Thank you."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar smiles at him and will head over just as soon as Dell answers. "Very good. Thank you, </div> <div> Missiledine: Dell stands up, "Good night my Lord."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <Master?> Dell"</div> <div> Dukejr01: A goes to talk to he Abbot</div> <div> Missiledine: <Yes></div> <div> Missiledine: "I have not had a chance to say how pleased I am to see you, Lord Athamar." The Abbot extends his </div> <div> Missiledine: hand</div> <div> Dukejr01: A grins at him.</div> <div> Dukejr01: A takes it, slightly mystified.</div> <div> Missiledine: "I do not wish to trouble you, but there is a small matter in which I need your assistance."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Of course, Your Eminance. Anything within my power"</div> <div> Missiledine: "First, please help this old man to stand up..." He pulls on you to rise</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar does so.</div> <div> Missiledine: Once he is on his feet he says, "If you would be so kind as to come to the monastary in about an hour</div> <div> Missiledine: and bring..." He looks about, "Uhm, Jacinta if you would?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "As you wish, Your Eminance. Jacinta only?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes, that will be most helpful."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I will be there of course."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Until then Lord Athamar." He smiles, waves and totters off</div> <div> Dukejr01: Whew! busy night</div> <div> Dukejr01: Is Boma about?</div> <div> Missiledine: The meeting is clearly breaking up... Boma is finishing his drink with the Baron and nods to you</div> <div> Missiledine: He heads over your way</div> <div> Dukejr01: "A word if I may, my Lord..."</div> <div> Missiledine: "So Athamar, you certainly stirred the pot with this one!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Yes. It certainly hasn't been quiet in Redlun. Its one damn thing after another....."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar smiles at that. </div> <div> Missiledine: "So, what can I do for you?" Boma grins and sips his drink</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Ummm... first, may I have your permission to write your daughter?" </div> <div> Missiledine: He smiles, "Absolutely."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "One should be proper and all... a couple questions if I may.... " Athamar ponders a bit.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "My father was the seasoned leader and was the stratefic planner... Since his death I am bereft </div> <div> Dukejr01: of his council. I was wondering, of the men you are taking on this task, will you take any milita </div> <div> Dukejr01: and what kind of forces will you be leaving in Boma?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hmm, mostly I will take men at arms, but there will be eight or ten of my better militia present. </div> <div> Missiledine: Most of the guards at Boma will be militia with a core group of men at arms under my steward."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Danika will be safe, I assure you."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.... and smiles at that. "I can't thank you enough for looking after her, frankly, I </div> <div> Missiledine: <You have been getting off easy on that dependent thing! But that will change!></div> <div> Dukejr01: am grateful that she can have a fine Lady as your wife to be her example. Since our mother </div> <div> Dukejr01: passed away, I fear its only us men for the most part."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <I am sure></div> <div> Missiledine: <:-D></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Are you planning on taking a wagon for supplies? perhaps we can pool our transportation."</div> <div> Missiledine: "We have enjoyed her company." Boma replies</div> <div> Missiledine: "Probably two wagons. One for water and one for food. That might be a good idea. I figured to fill </div> <div> Missiledine: the barrels at Windhook rather then haul the extra weight that far."</div> <div> Missiledine: "The horses will need fodder as well. There won't be time to let them forage on the way out. Have </div> <div> Missiledine: your men take grain with them. The return trip will be more liesurely."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. "Well, there is much to do.... I will have a misive for Roweena in the morning."</div> <div> Dukejr01: s</div> <div> Missiledine: Boma nods, "Good enough. I will be leaving after breakfast. Until then, good night."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Good night."</div> <div> Missiledine: He moves away</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar takes his leave.</div> <div> Dukejr01: I suppose Master Beal is left.... :-)</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn waits till you and J are alone. "With all due respect.. Are you crazy?"</div> <div> tacit01: ?</div> <div> Missiledine: <Yes, no sign of Beal, the Captains or the Baron as you leave.></div> <div> Missiledine: "Going down that cliff alone!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "About the sealing of the cave? Perhaps."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Perhaps! Perhaps! Mitra save us!" Ollyn sighs. "My Lord Athamar, I have known you all your life... </div> <div> Dukejr01: "Actually, I would like to have a few guards with me. I wonder if that Jules is about. I</div> <div> Dukejr01: would like to see what he can do...."</div> <div> Missiledine: I taught you how to fight... I know what you are capable of... "</div> <div> tacit01: "Like? I suspect you will have guards about whether you like it or not!"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Bloody right a few guards!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar stops and looks at Ollyn. "I know. I can't fight worth shit."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "The question is how to pull this off. I am going it ask the Abbot if he has any ideas.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "And I am thinking about a trip to Drunmore for some powerstones and maybe a potion."</div> <div> Missiledine: <Speaking of which, you had best get a move on if you are to make the meeting></div> <div> Dukejr01: Right. "The Abbot wants to see me and Jacinta, it seems. Best get to it."</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn grumbles something and summons a page and tells the boy to have your horses saddled</div> <div> Missiledine: To Jacinta he says, "Do you think you can keep him in one piece and both feet on the ground?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar chuckles.</div> <div> tacit01: "for the night, at least :-)"</div> <div> Missiledine: Ollyn stalks off, grumbling something about "..bloody magic ... bloody flying..."</div> <div> Missiledine: Your horses are at the gate when you go outside</div> <div> tacit01: "I don't think he's happy with you" J suggests to Athamar</div> <div> Missiledine: it's a bit under a mile to the gates of the monastary, you will have to ride to make it in time. </div> <div> Dukejr01: "I know. Frankly, I am inclined against going down there by myself"</div> <div> Missiledine: It's quite cold outside now, it's going on 11pm and the night is clear and starry. There is a heavy</div> <div> Missiledine: frost on the ground</div> <div> tacit01: "Then you'll be looking for volunteers.." J hints</div> <div> Dukejr01: "have somethign in mind?"</div> <div> tacit01: "Well, you have been in tight situations with Ollyn and myself -better to try...</div> <div> tacit01: something like this with people you're used to working with"</div> <div> Missiledine: <I'll brb, the dog needs to be aired out></div> <div> tacit01: <he smells stale></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Accepted. You know, I was planning on offering you a position as Hauscarl.... but I think"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "marriage to Master Beal would be a greater opportunity for you."</div> <div> tacit01: "I think we need to get through the next 2 weeks before I make any career decisions"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar laughs. </div> <div> Dukejr01: <the GM is trying to get Athamar killed....></div> <div> tacit01: Athamar doen't seem unwilling</div> <div> Dukejr01: <Kill meeeeee! I'm right here!></div> <div> Missiledine: back</div> <div> Missiledine: <Somebody wants to die?></div> <div> tacit01: <does your dog have that new car smell now?></div> <div> Missiledine: You arrive at the gates of the monastary, which are closed, but you are clearly expected and they are</div> <div> Missiledine: opened</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar trots through.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Hardly! He's too old for that!></div> <div> Missiledine: The Sacarium Guards salute you as you enter</div> <div> Dukejr01: <aired out means. he stretched and farted alot></div> <div> tacit01: <understood></div> <div> Dukejr01: A returns the salute, or whatever is appropo.</div> <div> Missiledine: There is a monk standing waiting. He bows as you dismount</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Good evening, Brother."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <Brother, right?></div> <div> Missiledine: "Lord Athamar, good evening. His Eminence asked that I bring you to him."</div> <div> Missiledine: <yes></div> <div> Missiledine: 'Please follow me."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Lead away then." Athamar </div> <div> Dukejr01: says</div> <div> Missiledine: He leads you into the main hall and down a side corrider where two guards snap to attention. There is</div> <div> Dukejr01: <lotta snapping going on around here.></div> <div> tacit01: <A's a snappy guy></div> <div> Dukejr01: <snappy dresser></div> <div> Missiledine: a heavy oaken door, set with silver studs at which the monk stops</div> <div> Dukejr01: A blinks and looks at the studs carefully.</div> <div> Missiledine: The monk bows slightly, opening the door and stepping back</div> <div> Dukejr01: A nods and steps thru</div> <div> Missiledine: Beyond is a chapel... It is small but very ornate. The woodwork is heavy, richly carved and inlaid </div> <div> Dukejr01: nice</div> <div> Missiledine: with silver. There is an altar that is glowing with some mystical light and there are hundreds of </div> <div> Missiledine: candles lit and placed through out the room</div> <div> Dukejr01: cool</div> <div> Missiledine: You see the Abbot, alone, sitting on an ornate chair, head slumped, either asleep or in prayer</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar relaxes some. He feels comfortable and protected here.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar goes and prays.</div> <div> Missiledine: The abbot looks up as the door closes behind the two of you</div> <div> Missiledine: "Ah, thank you for coming."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A bows. "My pleasure, Your Eminance."</div> <div> tacit01: J bows</div> <div> Missiledine: He stands up and approaches the altar and bows deeply, then steps up and behind it. There is an </div> <div> Missiledine: heavily carved wooden acbinet behind the altar and he opens the double doors to reveal an ivory </div> <div> Missiledine: figurine/icon</div> <div> Missiledine: "This place is the Chapel of Truth. Every Cathederal, temple and monastary has one. And this," He </div> <div> Missiledine: picks up the Icon. "Is the Icon of Truth." He holds it reverantly. "It is a minor artifact of the </div> <div> Missiledine: Church. There are three of them, made by a Priest, Father Rhodas, who was also a mage and enchanter,</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar raises an eyebrow.</div> <div> Missiledine: some three hundred years ago. They have of course been duplicated since then, but this is one of the</div> <div> Missiledine: originals."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot turns and holds it carefully so you can see it. The carving is of a white bull surrounded </div> <div> Missiledine: by flames and stars</div> <div> Dukejr01: <I thought the white eagle was the symbol of truth></div> <div> tacit01: <don't argue with the GM!></div> <div> Missiledine: "The unique property of the Icon of Truth is that when one holds it, one is unable to lie."</div> <div> Missiledine: <There are three of them, they are not identical></div> <div> Dukejr01: <l></div> <div> Dukejr01: <k></div> <div> Missiledine: "The holder must always speak the truth, no matter what he, or she, is asked. Do you understand?"</div> <div> tacit01: "yes"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Athamar? Do you understand?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Yes"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Do you require a demonstration, or will you accept my word on this?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I will accept your word."</div> <div> tacit01: "I'll accept your word"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot bows slightly, "Thank you. Jacinta." He holds out the Icon. "Will you take it?"</div> <div> tacit01: "yes" J takes the icon</div> <div> Missiledine: "Now, Lord Athamar. Jacinta wishes to tell you something. What she speaks is the Truth."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamr turns to Jacinta, he looks interested.</div> <div> tacit01: "My name is Jerusha Havnar. My grandfather was the previous lord of Redlun"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar looks astonished....</div> <div> tacit01: "My father has disowned me - I cannot return to Khun Dharga."</div> <div> tacit01: "I do not want to take Redlun from you... I want to redeem myself for the crimes of my family"</div> <div> tacit01: J will pause and let this sink in a minute</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts and nods.</div> <div> Dukejr01: He is clearly thinking....</div> <div> tacit01: "I had heard stories growing up of secret tunnels in Redlun - that is how I found the... </div> <div> tacit01: "passage, which you have now sealed."</div> <div> tacit01: "I know of no other secret passages"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.</div> <div> tacit01: "In that passage, I found a sword which is both magic and cursed - The abbott..</div> <div> Dukejr01: <one query answered></div> <div> tacit01: has graciously exchanged it for another sword, which is now yours"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot stirs slightly, "It is not cursed. It is what it was made to do."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar raises another eyebrow. interesting story there</div> <div> tacit01: "ah - I misunderstood"</div> <div> tacit01: <I believe j will have the sword with her now - if so, she will give it to A></div> <div> Missiledine: <ok, but your hands are full at the moment></div> <div> tacit01: true</div> <div> tacit01: nevermind</div> <div> tacit01: "have you any questions for me?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar waits until she is done...</div> <div> Dukejr01: "No. that will be sufficient."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I trust that my next questions will be answered truthfuly without compulsion...."</div> <div> tacit01: J nods</div> <div> Missiledine: If you are done with the Icon the Abbot takes it</div> <div> Dukejr01: A waits until the artifact is returned to the Abbot.</div> <div> tacit01: J nods, gives the idol back to the Abbott</div> <div> Dukejr01: "You are my second cousin, and if you are no longer a Havnar, that makes you family....."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot says, "Lord Athamar, do you wish to hold the Truth?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar blinks. "I don't have any confessions to make..." Athamar takes it.</div> <div> Missiledine: "The Truth is often more then a confession."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Atahmar holds it. </div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar doesn't understand that. but okay.</div> <div> tacit01: .</div> <div> Missiledine: ..</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I..." Athamar ponders a moment. "Are you planning to marry Master Beal, Jerusha?"</div> <div> tacit01: "I haven't planned one way or the other yet - he'd certainly be a good husband...</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "You are family and therefore I have obligations to you that go beyond the simple</div> <div> tacit01: but I have to resolve this issue before I can consider marriage. WHy do you ask?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: contract we have signed. To openly declare your identity would be probably get you killed</div> <div> Dukejr01: if not by the law then by the Khun..... This kind of secret would be a heavy burdon in a marriage.</div> <div> tacit01: "I am aware of that - my hope would be to prove my loyalty and earn a pardon"</div> <div> Dukejr01: You know... what I am about to do gets my family in trouble regularly... Jerusha Havnar, you </div> <div> Dukejr01: don'ty need to prove anything to me, I will keep your secret without prejudice."</div> <div> tacit01: J looks visibly relieved</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot says, "You will never gain a pardon from Urien. Your best hope is that the next King will </div> <div> Missiledine: grant it."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar hands the Icon to the Abbot.</div> <div> Missiledine: He takes it carefully and puts it away.</div> <div> tacit01: J looks a little worried at that news</div> <div> Dukejr01: "This will be rough on Beal.... but I insist on giving he bride away.</div> <div> Missiledine: He turns to you, Athamar. "There is something else you wish to ask?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "I will speak to Beal if you wish." The Abbot says to J</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar blinks. "Oh yes. what was that sword that was... errr. found?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "It is a weapon of great power... One that was made with but a single purpose. To kill the rightwise</div> <div> Missiledine: crowned, King of Velitrium."</div> <div> tacit01: J nods</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar exclaims "Oh, shi.... " she looks up and shuts up looking contrite for nearly swearing in </div> <div> Dukejr01: church</div> <div> Missiledine: "Fear not, it is safe against future need."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar struggles to find words.... "Okay. what are we going to do with that?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is clearly not too happy with that idea.</div> <div> Missiledine: 'There is no need to do anything with it." The Abbot pauses and says quietly. "There may come a time,</div> <div> Missiledine: and indeed there have been times, when he who wears the Crown, is not desireable for the good of the</div> <div> Missiledine: Kingdom."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar sighs. </div> <div> Missiledine: "Such a time may soon be upon us."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is really unhappy to hear that.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Mitra guide us."</div> <div> Missiledine: "There is one, and Jerusha knows his name, who may hold a claim that is unshakeable. If he should sit</div> <div> Missiledine: on the Throne of Velitrium, then that blade shall be needed." The Abbot almost smiles. "Considering </div> <div> Missiledine: who made that weapon, it shall be most appropriate were he to die by it."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar frowns thoughtfully.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "a great deal to think about, Your Eminance."</div> <div> Missiledine: "As I said at supper. There are uncertain times ahead."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. </div> <div> Missiledine: "King Urien, may Mitra protect him, is not long for this world. He is not of the Blood, so his days</div> <div> Missiledine: are winding down. Who will be the next King is a matter of grave importance to all of us."</div> <div> tacit01: J shakes her head</div> <div> Missiledine: <GM note: The term "Of the Blood" refers to being one of the hereditary Lords of the Velitar, whom,</div> <div> Missiledine: according to legend, were very long lived.></div> <div> tacit01: J will give A the sword</div> <div> Missiledine: <This is not THE sword></div> <div> tacit01: the replacemet one</div> <div> Missiledine: <right></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar takes it. studies it a moment, then hands it back. "Keep it. I can't use it, what I need are </div> <div> Dukejr01: powerstones and flying potions."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot sits down with a sigh</div> <div> Dukejr01: "ay I get something for you, your eminance?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: <may></div> <div> Missiledine: "It is getting late my friends and I am getting old. Though your company is most pleasant I must soon</div> <div> Missiledine: rest.</div> <div> Missiledine: But I must charge you with this... Speak to no one. No one! Of the existence of the sword! Do you </div> <div> Missiledine: understand?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Of course, your Eminance."</div> <div> tacit01: "of course"</div> <div> Missiledine: "It may come to pass that all our lives depend on that blade."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A looks at J and deadpans, "Practice."</div> <div> Dukejr01: he winks</div> <div> Missiledine: "For now I will bid you good night. Jerusha, if you wish I will speak to Beal. It is up to you."</div> <div> tacit01: "Yes, m'lord"</div> <div> tacit01: :-)</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Good night, your Eminance"</div> <div> Missiledine: He waves you away. "Good night."</div> <div> Dukejr01: We leave</div> <div> tacit01: "do you think the burden of my secret too great? I would not wish to compromise him"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Tell my shadows that I will be out shortly."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Beal?"</div> <div> tacit01: yes</div> <div> Missiledine: "I will think on it. He is a sterong man."</div> <div> Missiledine: strong</div> <div> tacit01: "and loyal to his duty"</div> <div> Missiledine: "His duty is to protect... Are you a threat?"</div> <div> tacit01: "no - but Urien would disagree"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Urien is a stubborn old man. I know the type well."</div> <div> tacit01: "do not speak to him yet - after we return from our expidition, perhaps"</div> <div> Missiledine: The Abbot nods</div> <div> tacit01: "good night, Eminence"</div> <div> Missiledine: 'As you wish, Ladt jerusha."</div> <div> Missiledine: lady</div> <div> Dukejr01: As they walk to the door. A comments "I would offer you a place in my household now if it wouldn;t</div> <div> Missiledine: "Good night."</div> <div> Dukejr01: stand in teh way of your relationship with Beal."</div> <div> tacit01: "thank you - we have time to consider these things -for now, I am your swordsman...</div> <div> tacit01: and we have work to do"</div> <div> Missiledine: <like the Abbot, this old man is about ready for bed!></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. "Right then."  </div> <div> tacit01: <agreed></div> <div> Dukejr01: night</div> <div> Missiledine: you will return to the Baron's keep and your bedchambers without incident</div> <div> Missiledine: <start the next session in the morning></div> <div> tacit01: cool</div> <div> Missiledine: until then.....</div> </td> </tr></table></body>