Towering 8' tall, and weighing over 300 pounds, Sovok is an impressively strides in.  His stocky and muscular form clad in wool and leather clothes, With heavy boots and a broad leather belt.  At his hip rests a saex and handaxe, while slung across his back is a heavy maul, and several javelins. His bald head and beardless face are blockish and craggy, with two blue eyes gleaming like ice diamonds from beneath heavy brows.  "The small folk are gathering.  Good!". He says in a deep voice.  "I am Sovok!  Here to fight these Red Foot!"

Victor had entered the siege camp alongside Tiria, his splint armour clinking slightly under his heavy winter cloak.

"This is it then?" he asks the elf who seems to be distracted and glaring at the white skinned goblin that could only be the one called Gruznak.

Tiria turns her head to spit on the ground, gritting her teeth and clearly seething about something. "Yes," is her only reply as she collects her hair together and ties it back.

There is a short look of concern from the paladin as the wizard bends to smear her saliva in the dirt and snow with her fingers and raise them to paint vertical stripes under her left eye. The ruddy brown smudges look somewhat like dried tears of blood.

"Oh," he manages, slightly stepping away and making a little space between them, "I don't think he's one of them,"

"No, but that will not change how I feel."
All the mischief and levity of the small elven woman appear to have evaporated, leaving only a countenance of cold and calculated potential for violence.

---

OOC: Victor's prepared spells: Bless, Cure Wounds, Shield of Faith, Wrathful Smite

Tiria's prepared spells: Flaming Sphere, Grease, Magic Missile, Mirror Image, Shield, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Enlarge/Reduce, Blindness/Deafness

Carmen walks into the siege assembly area, fresh from her recent troublemaking within the town. Rumour had it that a number of local criminals had been captured and sent to prison and that Carmen had been the one to capture them. She doesn't think herself high and mighty enough to approach the table, and instead notices Victor standing with one of the other team arena combatants. Not wanting to spoil any potential romantic liaisons he may be enjoying, she decides to approach the arena master Tidelan instead.

"Seems to be a fine morning for an assault. Let's hope that this leader knows how to plan a decent strategy." she says, making smalltalk.

Having spent the last while slumming around in an inn, awaiting the beginning of this mission, Larwick was feeling down on his luck, not having made a lot of progress since coming to this end-of-the-road, ass-freezing town.

Spitting out a glob of black liquid that is not quite saliva, judging from how it sizzles audibly when it makes contact from the snow, Larwick places his hands behind his head and stretches leisurely as he awaits his assignment.

Without any intention of his own, his eyes begin to gaze around him. He sees seven notable individuals, comprised of five residents of the town, and two goblins

The white goblin he remembers is named Gruznak. He thinks it is a stupid name, but maybe it is commonplace in goblin society. Nah, it would still sound stupid to him.

It is wrong me to speak. I don't even use my birthname around people.

Pah! That's no fun~ c'mon! Laugh at the primitive culture~ hee hee hee!!

Clearing his mind, Larwick studies the other goblin. He seems to be a scribe of some kind. Perhaps he had some talent with the arcane? It seemed most wizards were bookworms, at least that was true back in Zantum with all those goddamned spires all over the place, lording over the people of the streets.

As for the other five, he was not expecting much. They were a civil militia thrown together by the leader of a pioneer town.

At the very most he was expecting a couple veteran mercenaries, and maybe even a few novice wizards looking for money to buy their way into an academy somewhere.

Instead, he found that he was looking at an eight foot tall half-giant that looked like he could crush a man's skull into meat paste with a single strike and a dwarf that was built like a wall and armed to the teeth. He could not easily tell how strong these two were, but they looked to be capable of taking down a whole guard patrol if they worked together. They could possibly even best an imperially-trained knight?

His eyes nearly bugged out of his head when he noticed the next four. An astoundingly gorgeous woman with vibrant red hair was making small talk with someone after arriving.

Oooh, what if we-

Stop. You will die.

And then he shivered because he felt that was right. His infernal eyes could recognize some sort of dark power within that woman. She had likely borrowed power just like he had, yet she was certainly much more proficient with hers.

His eyes looked away out of pure instinctive fear, and he next saw a strange duo. A slender elven woman, and a gleaming demonic paladin stood side by side. Internally, he felt a little strange seeing another tiefling fighting in the name of a god... well, perhaps it would make sense if he were fighting for an evil god?

Perhaps the man's appearance was a deception then, and he was a blackguard.

His eyes nearly skipped past the small woman, but then he realized something was strange... Yeah, he recognized something about her. He could sniff out a wizard from a mile away.

Lastly his eyes fell on a blue man soaked in dried blood. He momentarily wondered why he had even bothered to clean himself up for today.

He didn't really see what was so special about this g-

The man made eye contact with Larwick just as he was about to look away. Larwick gulped, an instinctive fear pressing down on him. This man had a countless number of ways he could confirm-kill him.

Maybe he was getting dizzy, because Larwick could swear some kind of aura was emanating from the man. Larwick immediately lowered his head and looked away.

What kind of town had he stumbled into? Was everyone here some kind of monster?

Still... if he could get that strong...

For once, the voices in his head were silent, as if in agreement.

Izayah didn't look to be his normal jovial self as he entered the camp. Gone was the easy smile and relaxed stance. There was an air of seriousness about him this time. This was an important event and he was not taking it as anything less than that.

He looked around slowly and walked towards where everyone from Smith's Gambit seemed to be gathering, hands resting on the hilts of his twin rapiers - not fidgeting or anything, just resting and ready.

He gave a nod of greeting to those he knew already.

Tidelan turns his head slightly towards Carmen, before giving her a nod of acknowledgement.

Though some knew him as a man of few words, some also knew he had a very wise side that liked to endlessly expunge on profound topics to listeners, sometimes for too long.

For whatever reason, Tidelan replied when Carmen finished speaking, "I do not believe Smith would choose a bad war-leader..." his voice was very measured and emotionless like usual. It was probably because he didn't really speak this language all that well...

Then, he turned to Carmen and a mischievous glint could be seen in his eyes. In truth, he was imitating what he had often sensed from her, and he said "If it is true that he is a weak and stupid man... we can end his life and choose a new captain"

It was unclear how serious he was being, which was strange for Tidelan who was normally always 100% serious about everything... well, except that time he had put on a pony show...

The man walking in to the camp is not short but looks frail, skinny to the point of ribs showing, unhealthily gaunt, as if he might pass out from exhaustion or starvation at any moment. He walks with care, each step carefully measured, a rune-carved staff in hand to help him. He looks almost as if all color were drained out of him, skin so pale it's white, long uneven hair the same except for the tips and occasional streaks. His eyes, however, are a sickly yellow color.

He steps slowly towards the table where the white goblin is at, taking his time or being careful not to fall. As he passes some of the other adventurers standing around, and when he reaches the goblin, he gives each a small nod and says, "Greetings."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Sun 31 Oct 2021.

Wordlessly, Tusk enters the encampment. He moves close enough that he can see what's going on, which puts him right up front. While nowhere near the largest campaign he's been a part of over the years, this is certainly grander than most in recent memory.

He grimaces slightly as he surveys those present. He's never had much respect for goblins' ways of war, as their disorganization is frequently their undoing. As he quickly loses track of the number of goblins counted among his allies, he forces that thought from his mind.

With an almost imperceptible shake of his head, he slides his arm through the straps of his shield, closing his hand around the last one. With his other hand, he idly fingers his handaxe. For the first time since arriving in Smith's Gambit, he truly feels where he belongs.

The large white goblin speaks in Common, with a similar, but heavier, accent to the Fierce Hearts tribe, a well as other tribes some of you have come across in the region. His voice is loud and clear, though not so loud as to be heard from the fort across the river. He gives the faces of those of you he's met a look of recognition, and reads aloud from a scroll, "On behalf of all the tribes in the Rimewood who wish to be free of the predations of the Redfoot, I welcome you, people from Smith's Gambit, and thank you for answering our call for aid. We have lain siege for weeks in preparation of your arrival, and determined a way into the fortress for your infiltrators. Your strong warriors will keep the attention of the archers at the gate, until the infiltrators can sneak into the north gate tower, eliminate the archers inside, and the guards at the base, then bring down the drawbridge. If the warriors can eliminate the archers in the north tower first, that will make it easier on the infiltrators. Then the warriors will move in, and fight any Redfoot they see. The infiltrators will locate, and attempt to trap Largath and his warchiefs. They will likely be in the main keep's central tower, so if the infiltrators move quickly after the drawbridge opens, they should be able to block them. Once the drawbridge is down, they will quickly move to lead their troops. Once the drawbridge is down, we will move to the gate, to guard your flank, and if necessary, your retreat.

"While all this goes on, two squads will wait along the roads to the north and south, to prevent any reinforcements or supplies from entering, or messages from going out. The enemy will be sending regular reinforcements to attempt to break our siege, but as long as no message escapes, they will not know you are here, and won't be prepared for your strength. Be vigilant. We remain here, to fight any reinforcements who slip past you."

Malkus rides into the camp, with the worg threading her way through those assembled. As it appears that the goblin warlord is getting ready to speak, Dread drops to a lying position, still leaving Malkus about a head taller than most who are here.

A lean elf dressed in leather worked with blue-green scales leans against one of the palisade posts, idly fiddling with a dagger. At first glance it seems as though he is bored, but on closer inspection it appears the repetitive motions may be some sort of training exercise. A tiny owl peeks out from his hood before retreating back into its warm hiding place. As the white goblin begins to speak, Sai sheaths the knife and stands straighter, though not exactly at attention either.

Golun had spent the days before the assault speaking to locals as well as representatives of the other local tribes, to try to gain more information on this Redfoot tribe. It seemed they were universally unpopular, and with good reason. The mission to combat their expansion plans seemed to be merited, and their cause just.

The night before the assault he spent deep in prayer, seeking guidance from Selune and asking her to guide him in the battle to come. Though confident in his own abilities, he was unsure exactly what dangers they faced.

In the morning he arrived in good time with the others. He took his place quietly amongst the assembled horde, listening carefully to the plan being delivered by Gruznak. His role seemed simple enough, keep the road safe to allow others to do their job. He could do that…

Once the briefing was over he met up with his squad and prepared for battle.

———— > To Squad 3 thread.

Elisar snuck into the briefing a few minutes late. Gone was his usual showmanship, this time he just made his way quietly through the crowd and found a seat close to Izayah.

He looked different. Gone was the foppish red hat with its black feathers and the heavy winter cloak. Instead he wore a soft green cloak, or was it brown. The colours seemed to move subtly as he settled into his seat. And his face was different too. He looked more... serious, well, certainly more serious that usual. On his back was a small, simple bag, though some would recognise the features as they had similar bags themselves, gained as reward for missions accomplished. As his belt was his rapier, and across his chest his usual belt of throwing darts. In his hand he held a beautiful lute, adorned with delicate carvings. He looked ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

He listened carefully to the plan, and his role within it. He glanced around at the fellows who would be in the squad with him. A rough lot, some he recognised while others were new to him. Izayah he knew to be brave and a useful ally, hopefully the others would be just as strong in their own ways.

As he looked around he spotted Malkus across the way, sat astride a giant canine. He chuckled to himself and leaned over to Izayah, whispering quetly. "At least this time we won't have to worry about finding any wolves, it seems our friend has brought one with him to save us the bother!"

Izayah slowly turned his head to look at Elisar with baleful reproach on his face. "First off?...Not funny." His eyes then glanced at the 'mount' of Malkus and he shook his head. "B? THAT...AINT no wolf, man. Intelligent, evil predators." He didn't know what Malkus was doing with one of those and how tame it could be. Sure, goblins and orcs used them as mounts but they were still vicious and hard to control.

He let out a sigh and stood. "Let's go get this thing done."

----> To Infiltration Squad thread!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sun 31 Oct 2021.

Despite being a human-sized bird man, Nutcracker had managed to go unnoticed in the background of the meeting. He had spent a week hunting for the tribe, so his archery practice was up and ready to take on picking off enemies from afar. Several of his blue bees could be seen crawling over and inspecting his supplies.

There were far more people here than he had met previously, but he had come into town and immediately left again on several occasions and so never got to meet many more than the group he had gone on missions with. Now it seemed there would be some new voices.

[To Infiltration Group]

Round 1 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 2!

Round 2 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 3!

Round 3 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 4!

Round 4 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 5!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:26, Mon 06 Dec 2021.

Round 5 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 6!

Round 6 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 7!

Round 7 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 8!

Round 8 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 9!

Round 9 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 10!

Round 10 of the assault has ended!
Please begin round 11!