Fengel and Durgil hiked up the Carnen, well past Ulvanin. Their goal was to try and swim the river, all the while its current bringing them back towards town, but on the opposite side of the river - where lay the Easterlings camp.
[OOC:] I need from Fengel and Durgil a Swim test TN 12 - I will extend a +5 modifier if you guys garner a float of some sort (i.e. log).
To find a log... Observe (Spot) - (5+3)+3+2=13
TN 12 Swim - (6+5)-2+5(log) = 14
Stealth (Sneak) - (6+2)+4+2=14
Scouting the bank of the river can be dangerous as Durgil almost found out. While looking for a sizeable log to assist in their crossing, he trips over their, cursing his sore shins. Dragging the log out into current, the two men propel themselves across as quietly as they could.
Swim TN 12
Swim -1
Roll(2d6)+4: 2,4,+4 Total:10 +1 courage = 13
Fengel was like a cat in water, though the two made the crossing without drowning it was no easy task for Fengel.
[OOC:] Hmmmm... looks like water could be one of the greatest challenge I can throw against you guys! :]
Paul, give me a stealth test roll too... I will use the better of yours and Matt's to do an opposed Observe test.
And if you guys can let me know what the goal is here - are you entering the camp? Just spying it out? or what? Thanks!
Flitting from shadow to shadow and using all available terrain, the two men moved closer to the Sagath encampment.
Stealth +2; Nim+1; Sneak+2
Roll(2d6)+5: 3,6,+5 Total:14
OOC: We are looking for Gleowyn firstly then any opportunities to exploit. We will first observe the camp then enter.
[OOC:] Sagath opposed Observe test TN 14
Observe +6, Specialty +2, Darkness -5
Roll(2d6)+3: 4,6,+3 Total:13 FAILED - but close! :SS
Fengel and Durgil move to a position of cover that allows them to watch the camp. The tension was high as Sagath sentries moved along the fringe of the tent village keeping watch, and once or twice the men feared that they had been seen. But no alarm came and now they stood within a small grove of trees that grew along the river and allowed them a good view of the goings on.
The Sagath were busy with the packing and stowing of gear - stuff necessary for an army to move, not the semi-permanent structures and tents that had been constructed over the last two years of residence. From their vantage, Fengel and Durgil could see what appeared to be a circular arena centered in the camp. Just to the north of that was a large canopy covered building that had more luxuries than those around it and both assumed that it was the Easterling leaders. To the left of Harizän's tent was an open pen for the numerous beasts of burdens owned by the Sagath army, and next to that (and partially within the area where the animals were kept) were makeshift lean-to's and tents. The crude shelters had to be constructed by the prisoners who took whatever they could to protect themselves from the elements. Fengel could also see posts with bindings hanging from them where the hapless were tied for punishment. The darkness did not allow the two men to see anything within the pens but unrecognizable shapes that both assumed were haggered people. The number of shapes were few and both men shuddered at the thought that the shadow that came the night before had come to take them.
The Sagath that were within the tent camp, even at the hour was thin - most were down by the river assisting in the crossing.
OOC: do you happen to have a map of this place? is there, from our vantage, a remotely safe path (avoiding patrols, difficult to see, etc.) that would get us closer to the prisoners?
[OOC:] I will post one tonight or tomorrow Matt.
[OOC:] That is one heckuva tonight or tomorrow - he says 5 days later! I will get the map up tonight. I have been busy with the ST game getting the end of the Episode done and the new Ep started.
OOC: No prob, it is the busiest time of the year after all. (> Fa, la, la, la, la...
[OOC:] Below you will find the map of the Sagath encampment with all symbols defined.
On the map is also a series of routes into the camp to different parts of it. Each route is broken into segments that have an assigned stealth TN to cover that distance. For each stealth test made, the Sagath will get an opposed observe test against the stealth result for that leg. There will be modifiers against the Sagath i.e. darkness, confusion of activity, etc. but I will decide them by leg.
Quietly, Durgil espies the area, searching for a route to the prisoners. None he deems are easy, especially with the sentinels about, but he believes the best way is to move along the lower ground and around back of the pavilion. He draws a crude map in the dirt by the scant firelight so that Fengel can understand him.
OOC: If Fengel agrees...
TN 10 Stealth - (5+3)+6=14
TN 7 Stealth - (4+2)+6=12
TN 10 Stealth - (5+1)+6=12
TN 12 Stealth - (4+3)+6=13
With a stern nod, Fengel agrees with Durgil's unspoken plan.
TN 10 Stealth - Roll(2d6)+5: 1,5,+5 Total:11
TN 7 Stealth - Roll(2d6)+5: 2,6,+5 Total:13
TN 10 Stealth - Roll(2d6)+5: 4,5,+5 Total:14
TN 12 Stealth - Roll(2d6)+5: 4,1,+5 Total:10 +3 courage = 13
[OOC:]
The Sagath sentries attempt to spot the companions - TN's 11, 12, 12, 13 (took worst of two characters rolls)
Observe +5, Specialty +2, Darkness -5 (-3)
Roll(2d6)+2: 2,3,+2 Total:7 FAILED
Roll(2d6)+2: 4,4,+2 Total:10 FAILED
Roll(2d6)+2: 1,1,+2 Total:4 -5 = -1 FAILED
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,2,+4 Total:9 FAILED
The two companions moved through the silence of night, using terrain and darkness to their advantage. They manoeuvered themselves north around the camp and came at last to the livestock paddock. A sentry walked his patrol some feet away and Durgil and Fengel held their breath until he had passed out of sight.
Before them was the regal pavillion of Harizän along with an ancillary square tent behind it. The two men could see the shadow of a guard, outside the tent, waivering from the torch posts that flared about the camp. In the paddock, prisoners huddled together and the sound of weeping could be heard.
Durgil figured that Fengel would be better to go and see to his people instead of himself and whispered as such. He would remain at that position keeping an eye out for any of the guards that might come too close for comfort.
OOC: I guess since we didn't indicate previously, which weapons would you have allowed us to bring with?
[OOC:] I go with the assumption that Durgil, with his lean towards archery would have his bow with him, as well as his sword; Fengel would have his own blade.
Fengel waited for the guard to move far enough away then approached the paddock hoping to locate his sister quickly.
Fengel entered through the post fence of the stockade, hunched so his shape would intermingle with those of the ponies that stood about either cropping quietly or sleeping. The Éothraim made quiet soothing sounds as he brushed through the animals so as not to spook them, and the horses allowed him to easily pass.
He made his way into the inner area of the paddock and came at last to one of the unmoving forms of his kinfolk. It was a woman, who immediately tensed up when she realized his approach, though she did not cry out. Why that was became obscenely clear when Fengel realized the woman's tongue had been removed. The warrior cringed as he saw her disfigured face, even in the darkness, but whispered words in their language to soothe her even further. The woman began to quietly weep and she grabbed Fengel's arms, needing to touch a freedom that she no longer had and to feel the strength and protection that had as yet failed them.
All about Fengel, he could see other forms lying asleep and wooden posts sticking up from the ground. He noticed thick hemp ropes nailed to the tops and he knew that the stakes were not only for the beasts of burden. The other prisoners who were unable to sleep began to take notice of the warrior.
Outside the paddock, Durgil immersed himself into the shadows of the grand pavillion's northeastern edge, all the while having an arrow nocked to his bowstring. He silently wished his friend to hurry, but knew that Fengel would need time.
Fengel pressed his finger to his mouth hoping to keep his kin from bringing the attention of the guard. He then leaned close to one of them and whispered his sisters name.
To Fengel's inquiry, only a struggled gesture was made - one of the prisoners raised a shaking hand and pointed to the ancillary pavillion. The Éothraim warrior looked out at the tent and felt his heart leap into his chest. He was so close at last!
In a shadowed corner, Durgil could be seen waiting, but also could be seen the two Sagath warriors that guarded the tent entrance.
Fengel wanted nothing more than to fight his way into the tent, but he needed some plan. He whispered to his captured kin, "Hold on a while longer, your freedom will come soon. And your suffering avenged." He didn't think that there was much fight left in them but he also asked for any that could, to be ready to lend aid.
Fengel then carefully made his way back to Durgil's position. Fengel leaned in close to Durgil, "My sister is in that tent. My heart would slash my way in there right now. Tell me you know of a better way, for my mind can not."
The Dunadan thinks for a moment while looking around and gauging the situation. "We could take the two at the entrance relatively easily I think, but we need a distraction for the guard over there," says Durgil, pointing to the one in the distance near the prisoner's paddock.
[OOC:] Now that were back from the holidays, I am waiting here for Fengel to continue the conversation with Durgil before I move on the story.
OOC: Sorry for the delay! :-[
IC: Fengel thought that Durgil was going to talk him out of it, so a grin formed on his face that even Durgil could see in the darkness. "I'm sure that the easterlings have become lax in their watches since there is no threat to them here. Lets draw closer to him and when his back is turned we will make him a threat no longer." With that he began to slink off into the night.
"Alright, I'll follow and you take care of him. Someone needs to keep an eye out for trouble."
Stealth (Hide) - (6+4)+4+2=16
Stealth (Sneak) - (4+3)+4+2=13
OOC: Durgil will keep an eye out for others, but most of his attention will be upon the guard(s) at the tent (Aim action).
Stealth +2, (sneak) +2, Nim +1
Roll(2d6)+5: 1,1,+5 Total:7 Well Fengel only has 2 courage left I guess he'll have to burn'em. =13
[OOC:] :( Sorry Paul, but you also need to roll a d6 and subtract that from the total, if it is a 6, it needs to be rolled again, and so on. This is a house rule that we have for our game.
If you need more info, see the House Rules thread.
I will give you guys a results post here shortly.
Quote from: tomcat on Jan 09, 2008, 11:09 AM
[OOC:] :( Sorry Paul, but you also need to roll a d6 and subtract that from the total, if it is a 6, it needs to be rolled again, and so on. This is a house rule that we have for our game.
If you need more info, see the House Rules thread.
I will give you guys a results post here shortly.
OOC: Sorry, I was thinking of that last night.
Roll(1d6)+0: 3,+0 Total:3 7-3=4 That is probably the lowest roll anyone has ever rolled in this game. :roll:
I guess I will use the courage anyway and make that a 10.
[OOC:]
The Sagath sentries attempt to detect the companions - TN 10 (took worst of two character's sneak rolls)
Observe +5, Specialty +2, Darkness -5
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,4,+2 Total:9 FAILED #:S Nice and lucky!
Okay, you guys sneak off to where you want to go... but I am not sure which sentry you are approaching, and what the intent is. Just know that do to the stealth of the attack, I am granting a +5 to any first attack (from both PC's), and they will be undefendable.
OOC: We are going after the sentry on the north side of the paddock. Then make are way back to the ancillary tent to take care of that guard too. Thanks for the kindness bestowed toward Fengel's poor roll.
Fengel didn't care whether this man lived or died but he couldn't risk him calling out, so he decided to use the pommel of his sword to crack open the easterlings head.
2 handed attack:
AC+8; blades+2; nim+1; warwise+3; Cerduil+1; 2handed+2; sneak attack+5
Roll(2d6)+22: 2,2,+22 Total:26
The Sagath warrior made a muted sound as Cerduil's pommel struck him in the back of his head, and the sentry went to his knees and then fell forward, unmoving. In the dark, Fengel could not tell if the man still lived or was dead.
Behind the Éothraim, Durgil moved along quietly with his bow readied and pointed back towards the tents and the few guards that still mingled about.
Thus far, the only folk that knew of the two companions' presence were the huddled prisoners within the stockade.
Fengel felt a little gladness in seeing the man fall to his knees, he hoped in his subconscious that the easterling would not recover. As quietly as possible he rolled the man into the brush so he wouldn't be found easily. He then turned back to Durgil and with a tap on his shoulder and a quick point toward the ancillary tent he was off again.
OOC: another stealth roll? :SS
[OOC:] Please. ;)
Stealth+2, Sneak+2, Nim+1
Roll(2d6)+5: 5,3,+5 Total:13 [< It might help.
Durgil follows a little and holds a position in the shadows with a bead on the two at the entrance.
OOC: If one or both are alerted to Fengel OR Fengel engages one, he will attempt to take one or both out quickly.
1) Aim
2) RC: Bows(Shortbow) - (4+2)+14+2+3=25
Free) Reload
3) RC: Bows(Shortbow) - (6+2)+14+2-5=19
If needed,
Stealth (Sneak or Hide) - (6+1)+4+2=13
[OOC:]
The Sagath sentries attempt to detect the companions - TN 13
Observe +5, Specialty +2, Darkness -5
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,1,+2 Total:6 FAILED miserably!
Okay, you guys sneak off to where you want to go... I am granting a +5 to any first attack (from both PC's), and they will be undefendable.
With the sentry down, Fengel moves back towards the pavillion, and towards the enemy soldier that guarded its entrance. As he did so, Durgil used the elevation of the surrounding landscape to allow him a concealed approach but very liberal view for a potential bow shot.
OOC: Sorry guys, I have been crazy busy. I will post tomorrow.
Fengel again moved to knock the easterling guard out.
2 handed attack:
AC+8; blades+2; nim+1; warwise+3; Cerduil+1; 2handed+2; sneak attack+5
Roll(2d6)+22: 6,6,+22 Total:34 Roll(1d6)+34: 3,+34 Total:37
[OOC:] You guys probably think I have died... but no. I am here. Just been mentally elsewhere. Anyway, here we go...
Cerduil's pommel struck hard against the Sagath's neck, just below his skull. Fengel heard a cracking sound from the blow, and though he never thought himself an assassin, he would not mourn the man's death. He quickly grabbed the limp body to quiet it as it fell and drew the Easterling into the shadows of the tent. Another form quickly approached - it was Durgil who had been sitting in overwatch of his friend.
The two men entered the pavillion.
The dim lighting required both companions to pause a moment for their eyes to adjust from the brighter torchlight outside, and then they looked about. The initial assault on their senses was the smell - it was the scent of caged animals - straw, urine, and uncleanliness. Durgil took up a position of watch just within the tent entrance as Fengel moved further inside.
The Éothraim could see a series of pens that one might keep livestock, and laying within each was the slender form of a woman. There was a total of ten stalls and from the sounds of the breathing, some soft and others rattling with sickness, the occupants were asleep. Fengel thanked the powers for granting these women that slightest of graces. Again he felt his rage grow within for seeing females of his people, and potentially his kin, held here as chattel.
Fengel went to one of the pens and bent over to see the sleeping form within in hopes of recognizing her. Sensing him over her, the woman started awake and like a broken beast, crawled rapidly on all fours into a corner where she balled up in fear. The warrior not expecting her panic, jumped back himself, mortified for causing such terror in this woman. With tears welling, he stepped over the rail of the pen and moved closer to her, his arms out and hands open. The woman waved her arms at him in an effort to ward him off, but he grabbed her and peered at her in the darkness.
"Gléowyn?!" he hissed in whisper.
The woman recognized the man's accent in his use of her language, and the proper way to say the name - fear took a pause for just a moment. She said nothing, but pointed to another pen across the pavillion.
Fengel nearly leapt up as he moved in the direction shown, to where his sister might lay. Upon his entrance, this female, too, started awake and reared back in defence and fear. The warrior again spoke her name, unable to discern whether this was truly his kin, her straw-colored hair dirty and matted with hay.
"Gléowyn?!"
The shadowed form paused. There was recognition. Joy overcame fear as the woman threw herself forward into her brother's arms and wrapped her own around him in the strongest embrace her weak form could muster. Like the breaking of a dam, the emotions poured from her body and Fengel felt his sister shake as she quietly sobbed.
"Fengel..." he heard her whisper. He knew nothing else to do but to draw her in tighter and hold her close.
Beyond the pens, at the tent entrance, Durgil also felt his eyes well as he listened to his friend find his beloved sister at last.
Though he maintained his bearing and watch on the outside, Durgil couldn't help but feel curious at finally meeting this woman his friend cherished beyond all things.
Finally all of Fengel's fears have passed. He was overcome as he held his dear sister. It all seemed like nothing more than a nightmare until he wiped the tears from his eyes, then he could see how abused Gleowyn was. He was glad to be free of the worry and pain that he felt, but now the wrath and vengeance was welling up with new fervor. "One thing at a time he spoke to himself." He pulled Gleowyn from his chest and spoke softly, "We must flee now. Speak with the other women quickly and let them know they must be strong and quiet if we are to escape this place." He then moved to the entrance near Durgil.
Durgil could barely hear what Fengel had said, but he'd heard it. When the Eothraim approached, he quietly asked, "How do you plan to get everyone out of here? I thought we had come just for your sister. We are only two swords against many; there will be more innocent bloodshed if we attempt to free them all." He knew that reason likely wouldn't sway his friend to sense, but he had to voice his observtion.
To accentuate Durgil's point were the voices of two Sagath sentries calling and laughing to one another somewhere outside the tent.
"Truly you are right my friend. Perhaps Dirnhael will secure some military aid and we could return soon. It just sickens me to leave them to this." He went quickly to Gleowyn and grabbed her arm, "We can not risk taking them now. But we will return soon." To the few that were alert he whispered hold on to hope daughters of the Eothraim, we will return to set you free and take vengeance upon your captors." With that he firmly pulled Gleowyn along to exit the tent knowing that she would protest if he did not.
He was right, she did attempt to protest, but Gléowyn's strength was greatly diminished and she could not stop her brother from leading her out of the camp.
[OOC:] I need one more stealth roll from you guys. I am not going to roll for Gléowyn, but I am going to give you both a -3 to your tests to try and escape from the Sagath encampment.
Gee thanks... as if I was rolling well or something. :roll:
Stealth+2, Sneak+2, Nim+1
Roll(2d6)+5: 6,2,+5 Total:13 - 3 = 10 :SS
Stealth (Sneak) - (4+2)+4+2-3+3 Courage =12
Durgil began to move out, keeping to the shadows with an eye out for more sentries. It was difficult for the two men to make progress undetected with the battered woman.
[OOC:]
The Sagath sentries attempt to detect the companions - TN 10
Observe +5, Specialty +2, Darkness -5
Roll(2d6)+2: 2,2,+2 Total:6 FAILED miserably!
Nice job guys - luck was definitely on your side this 'game' evening. You guys snuck in and out with no one seeing you!
The story will continue in the new thread that brings 2/3's of the company back together.