Evesa watches the group approach. She smiles at them in turn laughing to herself at the Paladin's fine flowing speech. With laughter in her voice she speaks to Atalakis "Hail to you all and thank you for your kind words Atalakis. My name is Evesa. Your friend here has told me that you are hired to remove the orcs from the Keep. Maybe we could combine our knowledge and skills to perform this challenging task."

Zyphen seems indifferent at the idea of joining forces, but impatient to be off.  "Come, we are wasting daylight, and orcs are creatures of the night.  I would rather advance on the keep while we all can see, rather than just a few of us.

It seems you are both in agreement on banding together.  If you want to talk about it more, do so as you walk."

Zyphen will slip off into the brush, scouting ahead per his normal patterns, leaving marks for the group to follow as necessary.  As we approach the keep, Zyphen will keep the group under cover--trees, bushes, etc. so that people cannot see us approaching from the windows of the keep.  When we get to the point where we run out of cover, I would like to stop the group and consider our options of approach.  Zyphen will of course keep an eye out for any orc guards or scouts.

Led by Zyphen you move quickly back around towards the main path.  He is careful to make sure that everyone sticks to the trees and makes no unnecessary noise.  It seems his efforts were unnecessary.  At least you see no sign of any orcs scouts or sentries.

From your new position you can see the main path as it climbs towards the keep.  You might expect the road to wind back and forth in a number of switchbacks as it rises towards the gates.  This is different.  It appears that a natural spur jutting out from the hillside has been modified to create a long, straight, but very narrow ramp.

The alternative to the ramp, from your current position at least, would be to move further around the Keep and try to find a good point to scale the cliffs below its walls.

Time to make a decision.

Do we see any scouts?  Is there any cover approaching the cliff from the back?  Can Zyphen circle around and see what would be back there?  If we climb up the back is there a way in?

Zyphen's tentative plan would be to use the rear entry.  I would levitate up the cliff and drop a rope.  Preferably I would levitate to an actual entry point of the keep, like the roof (if there is likely to be a way in from the roof--are there scouts up there?) or a window.  If not, then the bottom of the cliff would work, especially if there is a back door.

"An addition to that plan may be to create a distraction." Cuaglar would note.  "Perhaps a large campfire, built on or near the causeway, would attract enough of the sentries' attention that we will have a greater chance of climbing up the back way and remain unseen."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Tue 05 Feb 2008.

"Not a bad thought yet it would leave one or two people in the firing range when they light the fire. Also it would alert the orcs that someone was around and interested in the keep. I would like to get a better look around all entry points before making a decision." Evesa comments.

Zyphen has climbed a nearby hill or tree to get a better vantage point, staring off at the keep.  At Evesa's words, he speaks without glancing down, his soft voice carrying mysteriously well over the wind.  "A better look?  That implies you have had a look at all.  What do you know of the keep then, lady?  I plan to scout it, but I would have as much information as I can, first.  Have you seen scouts?  Is there cover approaching the back cliff?  Is there a way in from the back--a door, window, or evidence of a hatch on the roof (such as guards there)?

My preference would be to approach the back cliff from cover, and ascend and secure a rope to an entry point.  I would wager the front doors are most heavily watched.  What say you?"

"Well firstly the back of the keep in against the cliff. You would need to go around a ways to get above the keep and come back. This would leave you exposed and easily noticeable. I have not been up that way.

Secondly I have only seen sentries posted in pairs in the towers. It does not seen to be very strict either as the orcs seem to love to fight each other. No scouts  or anyone else for that matter. I have not been close enough to see doors or windows that might be useful."

Zyphen will nod, then with that information go to scout himself.  Keeping to cover or shadows, he will scout the keep for possible points of entry, such as windows.  He will watch guard patrols and try to note defenses.  He will spend a period of time watching each reasonable point of entry (including the front door) to see how the orcs guard it.  If tracking would be helpful, he will do that as well.  He will also be mindful of the fact that if we want to attack today, we want to do so before evening.  (I am not sure what time of day it is.)

Basically, he is looking for anything that would make this something other than Atalakis' favored "charge the door, kill all the orcs!"  Any information he could gather about other subtleties he would find helpful.

10:47, Today: Zyphen rolled 14 using 1d20+9. Tracking.
10:45, Today: Zyphen rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Hide.
10:44, Today: Zyphen rolled 11 using 1d20+10. MS.  Note:  Please add +5 to this if it seem to Zyphen someone might hear him; he will use his Walk in Silence ability ((Su) (3rd Ranger (Shadow Sword)): 1/day, swift action: +5 circumstance to Move Silently).
10:44, Today: Zyphen rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Listen.
10:44, Today: Zyphen rolled 26 using 1d20+7. Spot (-1 if bright light).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Tue 12 Feb 2008.

Before Zyphen leaves, Atalakis will survey the situation.

I cannot see a good way to climb up the back wearing my armor. I don't know if Sune, nor my tailors, would ever forgive me if I fought another battle without armor. He says, once again fingering the slash marks on his tabard, which we surrounded by red stains.

He sighs, Not to mention my trusty steed lacks climbing ability... and the bards rarely sing of the brave knight who gallantly snuck in the back window to subdue his foes. Nay, that is a tale of a different sort.

I can't help but see the evidence mounting against such an approach. However, I am open to suggestions. So see what you can find and we can decide from there.

Zyphen's scouting reveals some details, but the forward defences of the Keep are fairly obvious and the others can see almost as much from where they are.

The Keep is built on a shelf in the hillside.  The cliffs in front of you curve away in a shallow arc to either side until they meet the sheer hillside beyond.  The cliffs are topped with the Keep's stone wall and three towers, which stand upon the edge of the cliff, but behind those can be seen the rest of the hill.  The cliffs behind seem almost as abrupt as those in front.  The wall is in poor condition.  You can see gaps where sections have partially collapsed.  Some of them are marked by small piles of fallen masonry at the foot of the cliff.

The road rises towards the central tower and a reinforced door can be seen where the road enters the Keep.  The towers to either side have only arrow-slit windows and crude crennelated battlements.

There is little sign of any sentries but every so often a head can be seen moving above at the battlements.  So far, they seem confined to the towers.

OOC: Sorry, I've been planning to put a map together for ages but my crude version of Dungeoncrafter really isn't up to it.  I'll go ask for some pointers in the DM's Lounge and with any luck I'll be able to show you what I'm trying to describe.

Zyphen returns from his scouting, and discusses the matter with the others, Evesa in particular who has scouted the gate earlier.

"I hate to admit it, but the paladin's plan, however impudent, might be the best.  We could attempt to scale the walls.  We have no skilled climber, but I could levitate to the top of a wall and throw down a rope.  I am not certain if I would successfully make it to the top without being spotted.  I might end up having to hold the wall while you all climb.  Dramatic, but I am no knight in armor.

Besides, the entire point of such an exercise would be to catch them at unawares.  It seems, however, they they are unawares anyway.  If we went quietly through the front gate, we would probably be just about as unlikely to alert the entire keep of orcs as if we went up the walls.

I would propose that we move quietly towards the gate, keeping cover as much as we can.  The paladin will have to tie and leave his horse--there will be little chance to use it in the keep anyway, it would be safer in the forest.  I will attempt to take out any sentries with arrows from a distance, if I can.

Evesa, I understand you examined the gate earlier, and it was not locked or barred, and the porticalus was up, perhaps stuck.  When you examined it earlier, you did so with Silence and Darkness.  Darkness would stick out in the day, but Silence might be useful.  The pastel fool is anything but quiet.  If you think it a worthy expenditure of resources, you could consider placing Silence on a stone and carrying it with you.  If a sentry appears likely to call out, you could try to pitch the stone near him.  I will, of course, attempt to make sure they have no time to scream."

Zyphen's tone is cold and emotionless.  He does not seem scared or excited--killing a keep of orcs is just another job to him.  In that vein, he would also take no offense at changes or suggestions for the plan.  It's just business.

OOC:  Fletch, Zyphen would like to see if there are any points where he can get clean shots at the few sentries from outside of the walls--the sentries near the front gate, and any that patrol.  Also, is there anything special I would need to do to kill them before they could call out?  One shot kills or something?  If they do call out, what are the likely results?

Also, is Zyphen correct that Atalakis is unlikely to be able to use his Horse in the keep?

Finally, is Zyphen's underlying premise sound, that if we rushed the gates in relative silence (no screaming cavelry charges), we would be just about as unlikely to alert the entire keep of our presence as if we climbed a wall and started killing things there?

Thanks!

"I'm not such a bad archer myself," Cuaglar reminded Zyphen.  "I'll help with the support fire."

OOC: You can get a good shot at anybody standing up to the battlements, which should be all you need because there the one's that will spot anyone approaching.

You'll have difficulty covering all three towers, but while the other two towers can see at least the lower part of the approach they're less likely to notice anything because of the distance.

To keep them from calling out would be either a one-shot kill, which would be feasible with a basic orc; or a called shot, -4 to hit on top of some already severe modifiers for distance and cover.

There's no way for you to know what the results would be if they call out.  Also there's no way to be sure what the conditions like for a horse inside the Keep.  On the other hand it would be hard to get a horse past the barricade Evesa described.

There's no way to be certain whether you're premise is correct, but it's a pretty safe assumption given the information you have, particularly the fact that none of you are strong climbers. :)

And yes I know all this should go in OOC.

Zyphen considers the elf, then nods.  "A fair plan.  We will time our shots to fire at the same guard simultaneously.  Come, Cuaglar, let us find a good vantage point."

Zyphen will find a good vantage point for Cuaglar and himself, one that minimizes the range penalties, cover bonuses, and concealment bonuses of the enemy guard.  Zyphen will then wait until any last prep for the plan is complete, and time he and Cuaglar's shots so they are simultaneous.

Tossing out a roll for you.

10:10, Today: Zyphen rolled 9 using 1d8+4.
10:10, Today: Zyphen rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Shot at guard (sim w. Cuag's shot).

My range increment is 130'.  So he is at base range if he is 1-129' away; -2 penalty if he is 130-259; etc.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Tue 04 Mar 2008.

Cuaglar followed Zyphen, crouching along and nocking an arrow to the string of his bow.  When he had followed Zyphen, he aimed along his arrow, and let it fly at a dark shape on the parapet.

OOC: Synchronizing shot with Zyphen's,
14:04, Today: Cuaglar Annondur rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Attack roll, applied a -2 modifier because his bow's range isn't as long as Zyphen's (100 feet) but he's probably shooting from the same place.
14:08, Today: Cuaglar Annondur rolled 6 using 1d8. Damage.

Cuaglar and Zyphen wait until an orc sentry approaches the battlements.  He gazes dispiritedly out across the forest shading his eyes against the glare.  Then it appears that he rummages around with his clothing for a moment and a small stream of liquid trails out over the edge of the wall.  He's taking a leak.

Not ones to pass up such a golden opportunity, Zyphan and Cuaglar shoot in unison.  Both arrows hit, or appear to.  The orc staggers back a step and for a heart-stopping moment it appears he will fall backwards.  The arrows in his chest will surely alert any others who are with him.  Then the orc flails, over-corrects his balance and pitches forward off the wall.

Amazingly, the orc lands feet first, but it is apparent from the way he crumples that he is already dead.

Another sentry appears at the battlements.  He must have seen the other orc fall, but must surely be ignorant of the reason for he leans far out to look for his fallen colleague.  He can be heard calling out in the crude Orcish tongue.

A perfect opportunity?

One less orc now would be one less orc later, whenever later came.  Cuaglar bent his bow again and sent a shaft whistling through the air.

OOC: 15:47, Today: Cuaglar Annondur rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Attack Roll.
15:48, Today: Cuaglar Annondur rolled 3 using 1d8. Damage.

Zyphen smoothly knocks and draws again, then nods slightly at Cuaglar as both fire their arrows at the next orc.

14:38, Today: Zyphen rolled 9 using 1d8+4. arrow damage.
14:38, Today: Zyphen rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Shot second guard.

Cuaglar's second shot clatters off the stone battlements of the tower wall.  Zyphen's is slightly better but the arrowhead is turned at the last second by the orc's filthy armour.  The orc may not be terribly bright but it knows that it is being attacked.  It turns away from the battlements and quickly passes out of sight.

Down below, Evesa holds those waiting at the foot of the ramp from charging when the second orc survives.  "Wait!  All it knows now is that there are archers in the woods.  It doesn't know we're about to attack the gate."

She waits only just long enough for the orc to be out of sight.  "Come on!  Now's our chance!"

Zyphen will follow Evesa.

Cuaglar ran swiftly alongside Zyphen, though perhaps not as quick as the light-footed genasi, he could certainly run longer.

OOC: Maybe Endurance will come in handy, for a change.  Why the heck I picked that feat is beyond me.

Atalakis spurs his horse to follow the group, keeping a wary eye out for enemies.

Corven will bid Tacky the Wonderhorse to remain behind at camp.  "Watch our backs, Tacky," he whispers to the large equine, before taking his place near to Evesa.  "Just let us know when we are to attack!"

Your attack on the Keep begins on Evesa's signal.  Evesa and Atalakis set off up the ramp; Corven a step behind, having missed the signal while he left instructions with Tacky.  Zyphen and Cuaglar have further to come but Zyphen quickly catches up.  Cuaglar is still a bringing up the rear when everyone reaches the top of the ramp, but he's the only one not breathing heavily from the dash up the steep slope (well, apart from Atalakis, who's riding).

You find that Evesa's earlier information was correct.  The remnants of a wooden gate hang from rusted hinges and the points of a portcullis can be seen in a gap in the ceiling, but the only obstacle is a makeshift barricade that appears undefended.  Behind it you can see a passageway running through the tower.  It emerges into the open some 40ft further in.

OOC: Spot checks everyone please.