"Well, we did get all the way in, and did get some kills in before leaving. And I didn't see any defenses there. And we don't know if we broke the seal, when digging under the door. But yeah, I did forget about filling in the dirt under the door. Still, I would prefer any element of surprise we could get. But let's set up camp 2 hours before reaching the tower."

OOC: I have a few holes in "my memory," as I wasn't actually there, so it is fine to "remind" of what actually happened :)
We still need to hear the final vote from Hannatti (though I think she chose to note vote), and I am not sure if the NPC have a vote, and if they may also change the decision. But I think dice have been cast.
I can add that Balir has Overconfidence. He is confident the group can handle themselves now that they are prepared.
Also, how do shifts work here? Do we have shifts with 2 person in each for 3 hours?
This message was last edited by the player at 09:25, Sun 31 Oct 2021.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 720):

Hannatti remains quiet. She keeps a close eye on Aethul trying to pick up any elements of his bushcraft.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 720):

"Happy to stay well back, though two hours seems like a lot. One hour away should be well out of sight if the location is secure enough."

[OOC: Yes, I think most of us are aware of his overconfidence, and therefore think twice about following him!Will work with the reminder think...not a big deal! I think we are doing 3 shifts of 4 hours, though happy to do 4 shifts of three hours or even 5 shifts of 2 hours if we have the groups for it. Kirpich/Snorri/Chunky, Aethul/Balir then Marlena/Hanatti]

"Alright you say, 1 hour. Aethul suggested 1 or or 2 hours. I would prefer not staying too close to those creatures of the night, so I would prefer 2 hours. I guess we have another vote then. Which one would you prefer Aethul? 1 or 2? Or maybe meet in the middle for 1½ hour?"

OOC: Not trying to be argumentative here, but personally I am really not happy about camping too close to those vampires (not the character, but me, the player). One of them is even a sword master :).
And in spite of Balir's overconfidence I would much have preferred to attack the tower with only 2 or 3 hours to go before nightfall, as I have this fear, that the lock on the gate was broken last we broke in. Being attacked at night out in the open, by a large nest of vampires, will give all initiative and tactical advantage to them. So I really hope you are right, and the seal is still intact :)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 723):

"Is there a place with stone walls thatlies more or less on our path and is between one and two hours from our destination?" harps Hannatti.

"Oh, that is what you meant before, Hannatti!" Balir looks at the human and nods. "Yes, I would definitely prefer to camp in a place with walls around it. I am now voting for Hannatti's suggestion instead. Maybe we could even set up some makeshift defenses too."

OOC: I don't know remember anything about any buildings near the tower. But if any of you who were actually there DO, then maybe that is the place to spend then night?
This message was last edited by the player at 09:03, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 725):

She shakes her head, "I've never been there, so it was just my thoughts."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

"Yeah, I knew the odds of you having been in the area were probably slim. I can't quite remember any buildings from the last time I was there. But maybe the others have a better memory. Another option is if Kirpich can move some earth around to make a makeshift fort of sorts. Perhaps even with a roof? I don't know how that magic works. Then we could stay in all night there with a guard or two at the entrance. Then I would almost be up for camping right next to the tower if need be," Balir says and strikes up a laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:45, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 727):

"If you don't mind me saying, the hour or so away sounds more attractive," Hannatti adds and then shuts up for the others to decide between them..

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 728):

"There is a farmhouse we used not so far that I have in mind, where there was a widow and her child. If the beasts have escaped, she will not likely be still alive, so after checking the seal on the tower, I intend to camp the night there, and check she is still ok. That will give some indication of how well founded your fears are."

"Yes, I suppose so, but if I remember correctly that house was made of wood. And wood is often not the best fort to set up in as it is easily burned. It could end up putting us in a worse position than if we just camped out in the open. That being said, since we are not attacking right away anyway, we might as well swing by to see how they are doing. We can see if there are any good positions around there to camp for the night."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 730):

"Given the roof was burnt off, I doubt the walls would have any wood left. They would be earthen or brick, from memory, perhaps stone. There was the cellar underneath we found the woman in, remember? It is a good quarter to half a mile from the tower."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:12, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

"Ah yes, I vaguely recall now. Well, then the cellar should be a strategically sound place to spend the night. I say we go there and do that then."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:30, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

Hannatti just looks at Snorri and Aethul to see if they have opinions.

A fair plan, so long as we don't displace the woman. She has had more than enough bad things happen.

"Why would we be displacing anyone? If anything we'd be protecting her on the last night those vampires could be free to roam.
But, then it is settled. Let's pick up the pace, and ask if we can stay in her cellar for this one night. We can always give her a few coins and some food."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 735):

"Fine. Let's be on our way then," urges hannatti. She continues to shadow Aethul watching the skills he shows in this terrain and suppplementing her understanding with occasional questions.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 736):

He is some ways ahead of the group to scout, and will look at Hannatti and ask when she is going to quit stomping through the wild ;-)
he will then try to teach her to walk more quietly.


[Private to GM: 19:15, Today: Aethul rolled 8 using 3d6.  Teaching.  which is 5 under his stealth score.]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 737):

So then, headed for the tower to check the tunnel and seals, then to the farmhouse.

OOC: That would require a new vote. I don't recollect anyone agreeing to go to the tower first, if we weren't to assault it immediately. I think it would be a bad idea to notify the vampires of our presence and then leave the tower for the night.

Balir votes to EITHER attack immediately OR go to the farmhouse immediately and spend the night.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 739):

"Farmhouse."

Pretty sure the check was always part of the deal...but the check during daylight hours does not notify them. They are nocturnal.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 741):

"We'd leave traces though, wouldn't we? Don't they have a sense of smell? Or maybe creatures that do?" and Hannatti, unsure. "Look, why don't we just get a move on and go to the Farmhouse? We can decide the next bit there."

"They have servants. If I remember correctly, not all of the ones we fought were vampires. Those servants will notice us. Either way, we need to hear Aethul as well, before we decide."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 743):

the roof of the farmjouse had been burned away by the beast. the root cellar is a smallish space dug into a hill with a diet floor and stone rubble interior walls. it just looks like a door outside. there might just be space for everyone except the pack beast.