Not so much hidden, as taking a path not quite normal to two legged creatures the bear that had spent most of the day sunning herself on rocks a few dozen yards upstream from the dwarves and their discussion about armored stealth chooses this moment to head into the water,  not making nearly as much noise as one would expect for such a large animal it doesn't even splash into the river so much as slide in.

The approach to the river's edge is steep in places but not difficult, and none of the guards atop the southern wall of the Keep seems to vary in their patrols.

The waters of the Dessarin River flow smoothly here, babbling softly over rocks worn smooth by its passage. The Keep's eastern wall is built into the river, forming a long pier that encloses a boat basin. A heavy chain that emerges from the tower to the south stretches across the entrance.

The river appears to be shallow enough for wading perhaps 5-10 feet or so from the shore, but it deepens quickly from there.

---

Map updated.

I placed the group on the map, to the south of the keep, along the river. Feel free to move about in general or according to coordinates indicated on the map where I have everyone placed at the moment (e.g., Jo is currently at AI46), and of course to do stuff as per usual =).
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Thu 06 Feb 2020.

Rowan continues moving toward the keep, examining the space where the river meets the walls in hopes of finding a submerged entrance such as a sewer grate.

Rowan notices nothing, except that the outer wall near the river starts to curve. Looking up, it's clear in the fading light that there is a guard tower of some sort on the south-eastern edge of the keep.

Abruptly a loud splashing sound can be heard on the other side of the river, some distance to the north.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:03, Sun 09 Feb 2020.

Makari had just started to climb in to the water quietly and had said, "I think we should go in to the river and around this tower to sneak in past the area that is just chained, not gated."

Then he heard a splash in the water from the north and frowned. "Uhhh...maybe we check that out too? It's on the way."

Durik follows behind at a distance.  Knowing that his armor might give the scouts away.

The swimming bear comes to a stop against the wall that extends out into the river, half floating next to it, half standing on it, watching both the party of humans and the source of the splash to the north, but mostly just waiting.

The splashing stops abruptly.

Magdrak follows along to the rear of the group.  At the sound of the splashing, his head whips around to look for the source.  Unfortunately the noise stops before he can determine the location.  He consciously walks as delicately as he can to avoid his armor giving him away.

Jo had just nodded along at the suggestions - they all seemed sound. While the dwarves might not be stealthy, Jo himself would not be a hindrance in this plan.

Now, the bear had been whispering information in his head, and he had tried to broach the matter carefully with the group - the last he wanted was to be suspected a mole. After all, where would he be getting all this information from?

Still, he tried to inform the group as elegantly as possible. "I've heard tale that the master of this here keep likes to take his evening hunt at right around this time. If we so wish we could stage an ambush. I'm not sure if he'll be alone or-" he trailed off at the sound of the splash.

Do I roll for stealth here?

Makari had stopped suddenly when the splashing sounds stopped suddenly. Had something made it to shore, or in to the keep? Or was something now under the water's surface, in the water with them? He frowned but then began to head towards where he to where he might be able to see where the splashing had come from while still heading towards his destination of entering the keep from the water.

The splashing of water echoes on the low hills off the banks of the river.

---

Yes, anyone who's trying to remain quiet or hidden as they move beyond their position on the banks of the river to the south of the keep should make a stealth or otherwise applicable check.

Makari attempted to swim or wade quietly as he slowly moved towards his goal. He kept an eye out but was having trouble being vigilant while navigating the dark waters quietly.

Rowan nods, glancing at the splash, but unable to make out anything in the darkness. "An ambush seems like a good idea, but I'd rather do it with the full group, not with half of us in the water."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

Time passes, and the darkness outside of the Keep deepens.

Abruptly, clearly visible as a dark shadow on a hill on the far bank of the river, a large shape of a boar is outlined against the backdrop of the half-moon in the sky, rummaging through the thick grass and digging at something.

Morg takes off his chainmail and straps it onto his backpack under his shield. Walking in front of Magdrak, he tries to help him by pointing out the quietest places.

He takes note of the location of the bear and boar, and approaches the chained entrance with the rest of the party.

---

AC=11.

Action: Help Magdrak to be stealthy, if that's possible.

09:09, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  Stealth check (not disadvantage because chainmail taken off).

If needed, can breathe underwater for 3 minutes, and will lift up his mouth above the surface for breaths if still in submerged after that.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

Durek continue to hang back.  Not as confidant as Morg to remove his armor.  He says a silent prayer to himself.

Makari kept moving towards the water-sided opening in the fort's walls, swimming quietly...and keeping an eye on the boar? that had appeared. Very strange. He kept his eyes and ears open, especially to make sure no alarm had been raised by the guards.

OOC: Can we tell if the boar looked wet, like it was dripping water having just climbed out of the water or anything?

Do we need to continue making Stealth checks every post?

Boars, Bears, the animals are out in style tonight.  Still just hanging out on the wall watching the humanoids approach from up river the Bear doesn't seem to be paying much attention to the boar, having glanced that direction a while ago and discarded it as a non threat.

The silhouette of the boar lifts his head up to sniff the gusty wind, snorting at something.

Makari and Morg make their way as quietly as possible towards the chain across the entrance to the Keep's boat basin. The water near the gate flows slower than out in the river proper. From their position swimming through the water, the dwarf and the half elf can see into the Keep grounds. A twenty-foot tall bluff of rock and earth separates the landing and a nearby tower from the rest of the castle grounds. To the north, a wide stream flows out of a cave mouth into the boat basin. An iron gate blocks access to the stream.

They can see no movement atop the wall or from within the nearby guard tower.

The chain appears to be easily passed by swimmers; it seems likely it is only in place to block the passage of boats.

---

Map updated.


No need to make a stealth check with every post unless you want to - if you don't I'll just reuse your recent one. If you haven't yet made a stealth check and you're trying to stealth then yes, please do roll one.

I rolled for a couple of folks:

16:37, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Magdrak, rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  stealth check (using help from Morg).
16:38, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Jo Tyrihans, rolled 11 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 7.  Jo stealth check.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

Morg slowly swims towards the landing, keeping an eye out for people and lit areas to avoid if possible, and crates on the landing or ship which the party could carry up the stairs pretending to be dockers.

---

20:14, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Perception check for people, lit areas, crates, etc.

Makari concentrated for just a second and an owl appeared on his shoulder, before immediately making a quiet noise of disgust at the water and flying up slightly. It stayed low, however, and flew along the wall in to the open area beyond the chain, swooping around to make sure no one was actually there. If there was, it would let Makari know telepathically.

Makari, meanwhile, went ahead and slipped past the chain with the intention of getting out of the water slowly and entering the keep itself.

Moon beams light the surface of the river as the party seems to move in two different directions, at least for the moment.

---

Map updated!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Whispering to those close to him; "Well it looks like they are in.  Hopefully then can get the gate open or at least signal us the way they took.  Gorm can you tell what that Boar is doing?  Any chance its a pet or a guard that we have to deal with?"

OOC:  DM is the boar in the area we were at?  I'm just wondering if its picking up our scent?

Makari looked back and suddenly noticed no one but one of the dwarves was following him. He looked surprised and then a mixture anger and disgust. He shook his head violently and banished the feelings and thoughts away for the moment.

He carefully crept up on to the landing, trying to make as little noise as possible coming out of the water and on to the stone. He started head towards where they might be able to access the gate, but then stopped.

He turned to Morg and bid him come close. He then, as quietly as he could, cast Invisibility on the both of them, and kept a hand on the dwarf as he lead the way towards their destination so they wouldn't get separated...hopefully.