Session 36 - The Return of Garrick & Sweetrede (to 30/9/97, 2713 AUC)

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6:14pm  2013-7-17 Smon Has entered the room
chris107: Hi Simon 
Smon: Hm, sound works on Chrome.  Hi guys!
chris107: How you been keeping?
Goonergeezer: eh-ya
Smon: Not bad.. kinda warm! Your PC sheets are here: http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/book-2-player-characters.html
Smon: I decided to put an adult content warning on the blog for the Mensink pics, but I don't expect content to change much 
chris107: Oh dear 2/18HP. He isn't well is he?
Smon: 
Smon: GM: After your emaciated bodies are hauled back to Castle Kallent, you spend two weeks in a high fever, tended first by the Cleric Fr Thadeus and lovely Helen Kallent, then by two angelic figures...
chris107: The White lady show up?
Goonergeezer: during my fever does my wife show up at my bedside?
Smon: As your delirium eventually subsides, Garrick recognises his wife, young Tabitha Kallent, and Sweetrede recognises the lovely Cassandra Starling mopping your fevered brows.
chris107: "Mistress you must not concern yourself, nor put yourself at risk of contracting this fever."
Smon: On the 14th day the fever has broken, you are both weak (2 hp) but of sound mind, and your bodies are beginning to heal.
chris107: (Do we remember much of our incarceration at the hands of that fiend?)
Smon: Cassandra shakes her head. "Do not worry Sweetrede; Father Thadeus' prayers guard us, just as they protected you and brought you through."
Smon: You have memories of dark dank incarceration, torture, thirst and starvation.
Smon: All the fun stuff.
chris107: (SR says a silent and more fervent prayer to the powers of Nature).
Goonergeezer: " I fear i have blocked out the whole affair, i can remember but snatches"
Smon: Tabitha kisses Garrick's brow. "My love... my husband. You have come back to me. Tis truly another miracle!"
Goonergeezer: (so as to not worry my wife and family)
Goonergeezer: "My dear, my gr4eatest fear in all of it was that i may never see your face again"
chris107: SR enquires how we were rescued.
Smon: Tabitha nods: "I prayed every day that you might return to me, my love. My brother thinks that this is the reason the White Lady saved him, in the Swamp - that he might in turn save you, for a higher purpose."
Smon: Cassandra: "Sir Edward will want to talk to you about that. He is here in the castle. Much has transpired..."
chris107: (Ah the White Lady!)
Goonergeezer: "then pass me my robes, we should waste no time, sweetrede are you fit?"
chris107: Sweetreed is as well as can be expected, he will do his best to shuffle after his more martial friend.
Smon: Tabitha glances to the robe on a nearby chair. "You should wait here my love, I'll summon Edward." She rises.
Smon: GM: You're in loincloths under sheets, your beds are together on opposite sides of a light airy bedchamber high in the castle. 
Goonergeezer: Garick settles himself down in a chair and waits for edward
Goonergeezer: @motoions to a servant "please could you bring some light food for us please"
chris107: SR will attempt to silently commune with nature.
Smon: GM: Tabitha leaves while Cassandra takes a moment to talk with Sweetrede. Garrick can see that Cassandra Starling looks to be clearly in love with Sweetrede as much as his own wife is with him, though the wise man seems oblivious.
Smon: Garrick rings a bell for a maid, and sends her off to fetch food. Cassandra: "My... Sweetrede, there is something I must tell you."
chris107: (SR cares for her like a sister. No more, he has higher goals and aspirations)
chris107: "Do go on sweet lady."
Goonergeezer: (by the way my goals have changed but i have not updated them yet)
Smon: (ok)
Smon: Cassandra: "Sweetrede, my mother Dam Judith is dead. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep. I am the lady of Starling manor, now."
Smon: Cassandra looks down. "I will have much need of your... counsel."
chris107: "Ah, sad news indeed. But we must rejoice that you may take her place so fully. I will be here to offer what small help I may. Your ladyship." He bows simply
Smon: Cassandra nods and smiles. "Th-thank you. Th-there is more. I must..." she's interrupted by the sound of a limping tread in the corridor outside.
Smon: The door opens, and in limps brave Sir Edward, Garrick's brother in law, Tabitha right behind. He looks older, with fresh battle scars on his lean face and muscular forearms.
Smon: Edward: "By Crisos, it's good to see you two returned to the land of the living! Have the ladies filled you in on recent events?"
chris107: "Sir Edward, Lady Tabitha." SR bows again but not quite so low.
chris107: "We await with bated breath Sir Edward..."
Goonergeezer: "we have heard nothing as yet, but we fear the worst"
Smon: Cassandra shakes her head. Edward nods: "Nothing terrible as far as Kallent is concerned - at least, not yet. Herdley is at war with Dunfalcon. Dunfalcon's ally the Black Priest Odric rules in Castle Herdley, while Countess Varuna languishes in her own dungeon. The remaining Herdley beseech us for aid..."
chris107: (OOC what's the campaign date by the way? How does it correspond with cutting new mistletoe etc.?)
Goonergeezer: (but for a twist of fate 
Goonergeezer: (nvm)
chris107: (You tried twisting her fate if I remember  )
chris107: SR flinches ever so slightly at the mention of the black priest. His wickedness still fresh in his mind.
Goonergeezer: (yep nearly)
Smon: (it's late M9/September YY 97) Edward takes a seat. "Apparently Odric discovered that a traitorous slave-girl within Castle Herdley was sending out notes as to the castle defences and suchlike. With this information he was able to seize the castle and capture Varuna. At the same time a Dunfalcon army crossed the border to besiege Castle Valiant. However with Odric gone from the Black Abbey, I was able to seize an opportunity - a rumour that he held prisoners there - seemed worth a shot... and here you two are."
chris107: (Thanks)
chris107: "My thanks to you Sir."
Goonergeezer: "thank the white lady for such miricles"
chris107: (SR silently thanks the White Lady)
Smon: Edward nods. "Yes, indeed. There were only a few of those nasty Bugbears in with the brigands, and no Anti-Clerics, thank the Lord."
chris107: (Who, he is pretty sure is the druidic bird we met at the village)
Goonergeezer: "so Herdly calls for our aid, how many do Dunfalcon have in the field?"
chris107: "We must make plans to undo this horrid fellow Odric and his unholy plans." SR says with uncommon fierce zeal.
Smon: Edward: "Dunfalcon struck without warning - they've enough to besiege Castle Valiant and hold off the other Herdley, but it's a relatively small force. They'll be raising more, I expect."
chris107: (SR imagines what a few well placed lightning bolts would do to castle Herdley)
Smon: Edward glances to Sweetrede. "My father the Earl has been reluctant to get involved, either way... but I'm sure he'd value your advice."
Goonergeezer: "in my mind our best bet to disrupt them would be a number of small guerrilla forces harrassing their supply lines, while a main force makes small tentative attacks on their rear, we could crush them in a smalll matter of time"
Smon: "He's checking our southern border, but we expect him back tonight. He'll be pleased to see you recovered."
chris107: "I am not a man of war Sir. But there are many ways to lay low such evil. I am yours to command if my lady Starling will allow?"
Smon: Cassandra nods. "Yes, of course dear Sweetrede. For the good of Kallent." Edward to Garrick: "Castle Valiant protects a choke point at the Herdley frontier - we can't get behind it, just as Dunfalcon can't move past it in strength while it stands."
Goonergeezer: "then stand it must, at any cost, if they get past castle Valiant we are sure to be soon after"
chris107: "Then perhaps we must look for a way to bring this bastion low? A small force to slip within it's walls perhaps?"
Smon: "It's withstood siege before - but the Dunfalcon this time are strong and determined, while Herdley is in disarray. They can't even organise to recapture their own chief castle from Odric, never mind lift the siege of Valiant."
chris107: "Now we are aware of Odric and his powers we will be better prepared to meet him."
Smon: Edward sighs. To SR:"You see, the Herdley still hold Castle Valiant... perhaps I should fetch a map?"
Smon: Edward departs for a minute, returning with a map of Herdley - see here -http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/central-herdley.html 
Smon: Edward: "What do you know of Odric and his powers? I only hear that the Lord of Evil has empowered him."
chris107: Got you.
Goonergeezer: "he is a priest of Asmodeus and his powers are as dark as his depravities"
chris107: "Indeed Sir, his powers are great. From the Dark Lord himself. He can hold a man at a glance or lay him low with a word."
chris107: "But he is still himself a man. And we will undo his foul work."
Smon: Edward sighs at the first words. "As I feared..." he perks up when Sweetrede promises to undo his work. "I know the Lord has blessed you with powers of Light, father Sweetrede. I hope they can defeat Odric's foulness." 
chris107: "Sirs, If we were to remove the snakes head I believe his craven allies (held more by fear than loyalty) would flee."
Smon: He grimaces. "We found... corpses... in the Black Abbey. Maidens - sacrificed to his filthy idol."
Goonergeezer: "we should prepare ourselves if Valient does fall, we should pull all man, woman and child out and lay the land to waste, so that the enemy cannot gain from it"
Smon: Edward scratches his head. "Lay waste to Herdley? Hmm..."
chris107: SR looks sad at the mention of wanton sacrifice.
Goonergeezer: "i fear it shall not come to that, but, just in case"
Smon: Edward sighs: "My father does not wish to do anything to antagonise Dunfalcon. Perhaps you can persuade him otherwise."
chris107: "A small force to enter Castle Herdley by staelth and take Odic by surprise may work best. And leave the land unharmed..."
chris107: (SR makes a mental note of Garriks willingness to burn the countryside  )
Smon:  Edward nods. "Aye! "
Goonergeezer: "i must persuade him otherwise, are we Kallent, or are we dogs rolling over in the presence of our master!"
Smon: Edward: "If we could take Castle Herdley ourselves - kill Odric - that would greatly strengthen our position. We could negotiate with Dunfalcon to divide Herdley between us..."
chris107: "Nay fair Garrik, I too have suffered at the hands of this villian. I feel your pain. But wiser council must prevail!"
chris107: "Let us see if we can find a way to enter castle Herdley without notice. Do any here know the building?"
Smon: Edward: "You too have been inside Castle Herdley, yes? You can describe the layout to us, points of weakness..."
chris107: "Perhaps maps or sketches?"
Goonergeezer: "Herdly have long been a thorn in our side, if we were to destroy them and split the land with Dunfalcon, then we must be sure that the line of Herdley is completely destroyed"
chris107: "And the land protected!"
Smon: GM OOC: Your PCs have been in there, I didn't really describe it in-game but you recall the general layout. Garrick might recall some things the slave girl Lisa told him, too...
chris107: "For without the land these fair estate would indeed perish. It must be stewarded with care."
Goonergeezer: "i remeber that there is a refuse shoot that leads into the castle, i had arranged messages to be sent to us......."
chris107: "Now good Garrik we are thinking wisely!"
Smon: Edward: "Hmm... I wonder if those are the messages Odric discovered! If so, he must know of the chute? But there must be a point of weakness he was able to exploit..."
chris107: "Would you be able to lead us there in stealth and guile? So better to destroy this dreadful evil and save the land from blight?"
Goonergeezer: " A fair maid from the city of swans by the sea, i fear she was the one who was found out and caused this problem to escalate so quickly"
Goonergeezer: "if there was one refuse shoot, there must be others"
chris107: (or even less savoury exits, SR shudders at the thought)
chris107: Castle herdley is situated among wooded hills is it not? asks SR
Smon: Edward: "I can lead you there, once you're fully recovered..." He sounds keen, but Tabitha and Cassandra exchange worried looks. Tabitha: "My love, you have only just come back to us, after all this time - a year gone! And now already you talk of some deadly mission..."
Smon: Ed: "Wooded hils - yes."
chris107: "We must defend the land, regardless of personal cost my dears. But be not afraid. This time we know our foe and will be prepaired."
chris107: "These fair woods will cover our approach at least.
Goonergeezer: "my love if i do not take this mission then we may never spend a peaceful night, we will be attacked and if we survive then forever be on the run, we must take what time we have together and cherish it"
Smon: Tabitha sniffles: "But I could not stand to lose you again! I would surely die!" Edward: "Don't worry fair sister, this time they'll have me with them. And you know us Kallents, we always come back! Why of all of us here you're the only one not needed rescuing yet!" He smiles.
chris107: "And I feel I would mend better with a walk in our fair land."
chris107: To feel the sun on my face once more and the grass beneath my feet."
chris107: "Is it yet safe to walk the grounds? Perhaps Lady Starling you could finish your tale as we walked?"
Goonergeezer: "to sleep in a bed close to my wife" turns to Tabitha "the thought of you was the one thing that kept me alive in there"
Smon: Tabitha considers Garrick's words and those of her brother, and nods. "I... I understand." Edward turns to Sweetrede: "You want to go for a walk right now?" Cassandra: "I'll take you to the gardens, Sweetrede."
Goonergeezer: mmmmmmmmmm
Goonergeezer: (sorry, kitten)
chris107: SR bows and walks with Cassandra to commune more closely with the powers that he serves. While listening to the new Lady of Starling Manor.
Smon: Tabitha smiles, heart full of love for Garrick, and embraces him avidly. Edward coughs. "Well, I'll be going now. I see you both have business! See you at the war council this evening."
Smon: Edward leaves, as does SR with Cass, she supports him for he's still unsteady on his feet.
Goonergeezer: "this evening it is then, we shall decide the fate of not only kallent, but perhaps the world"
Smon: Tabitha immediately slips into bed with Garrick... 
Smon: GM: I'll do SR/Cassandra first.
Goonergeezer: "garrick spends every free moment trying to make lots of little garricks)
Smon: 
Smon: /roll 1d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 9,
Smon: Downstairs, Cassandra and Sweetrede walk in the enclosed herb garden, sunny and warm on a brisk autumn day. 
Smon: Cassandra is silent for awhile, seeming lost in thought. At last as you near the end of the garden, she turns. "Sweetrede... am I... " she looks down, biting her lip.
chris107: SR waits patiently
Smon: Cass: "I... Now that I'm Lady of the Manor, I have to..." she tails off, face reddening with embarrassment.
chris107: Using every once of his 15Cha to make her relax
Smon: Eventually she looks up, flushed. "Am I fair to you, Sweetrede?"
chris107: "Indeed you are child. You have always held a special place in my affections. I hope to serve you well as I have always done."
chris107: "Like a dear sister you are to me."
Smon: Cassandra shakes her head: "I... you know I mean... I mean, you know I... you don't...."
Smon: She sighs, looking down again, and mutters: "A sister. Yes."
chris107: (OOC SR is having nothing to do with this vulnerable child sexually.)
chris107: (OOC He will stand by his principles and beliefs giving loyal sevice but no more. He is married to nature)
Smon: She looks up again, more determined now - less childlike, perhaps. "I have to take a husband, Sweetrede. A man. Someone who can protect the Manor - protect me, and Little Aimswick."
Smon: "I thought perhaps... But... oh, never mind." She sighs.
chris107: "This I understand sweet girl. But make no hasty choise. Let me guide you in this as I have in all things..."
chris107: "For I have only your best interests and those of the Starling lands at heart."
Smon: Cassandra nods, somewhat resignedly. "Please help me to make a good choice, like Tabitha did."
Smon: OOC:  
chris107: He smiles warmly to soften the blow to the poor child.
Goonergeezer: (roflmao)
chris107: (SR thinks of the monster that Tabitha married and realises he cant do much worse!  )
chris107: OOC Does SR know of any great champion of nature, a Ranger or other such eligable chap that would suit both his and his ladies purpose?
Smon: Cassandra looks up at the castle walls and the window to Garrick's room, high above, from which faint sounds might just be heard. "A good, strong knight like Sir Garrick. Brave and true..."
chris107: (SR nearl chokes at this but keeps a straight face. He has bigger fish to fry)
Smon: GM: There aren't many Rangers & such in these long-settled lands. Sweetrede has heard tales of great heroes up in Yggsburgh, though. Mighty servants of Good - and Nature, perhaps.
Smon: /roll 1d100
Smon rolls 1d100 and gets: 07,
chris107: (SR will put his mind to work on this knotty problem one buggerlugs the anti-cleric has been gobbed)
Smon: make an INT check Sweetrede (d20 roll low)
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 5,
chris107: That's pretty low 
Smon: The most famous living Ranger is Lord Lochinvar Beechwood, Lord Mayor of Yggsburgh - but he's surely too old and married. He might know someone, though. Sir Alec of Gaxhill north of Yggsburgh has great reverence for Nature but is a Fighter.
chris107: (OOC Sir Alec sounds like just the chap)
chris107: SR will squire Cass around the flower beds regailing her with tales about this mighty chap 
Smon: Cassandra listens to Sweetrede's tales of the legendary knight; how he killed a giant, wrestled a worg to death, drove off a demon, etc etc
chris107: (He will plan to write discreet letters of introduction to these fair minded individuals when the opportunity presents itself. In the mean time he'll jolly here along with tales of their derring do)
chris107: (Whilst preying for spells and such from his true love - The earth)
Smon: Cassandra looks thoughtful: "I know Earl Kallent is planning a delegation to Yggsburgh to seek aid from the City... Perhaps we could go? That sounds ever so much better than that suicide mission you were discussing with Sir Edward earlier!" she says, hopefully.
chris107: "Nay lass, would you have them say that there's no spunk left in Starling Manor? I'll sort this piddling priestlet out then have you in the fair company of these noble chaps in double quick time. Trust me!" he beams!
Smon: Cassandra sighs. Then smiles. "Well, it was worth a try!"
Smon: From above, the sounds of Tabitha Kallent engaged in vigorous lovemaking near a crescendo. Cassndra grimaces. "It should be ok to go back soon..."
chris107: He tells a few (slightly)off colour jokes and show her flowers, animals 'n stuff. All healthy persuits for a young lass who he's got plans to make a bride of nature of eventually 
Smon: Cassandra enjoys spending a little time with Sweetrede discussing the various types of herb flower, the insects and such, in the sunshine. Eventually they head back upstairs, Sweetrede much firmer on his feet now (OOC you can pray for spells).
chris107: Now to find that rogue and 
chris107: (Thanks)
Smon: Garrick - inside the room you lie with Tabitha warm in your arms, for the first time in over a year.
chris107: 2 min, need to put the lights on
Smon: Tabitha nuzzles gently. "My love..."
Smon: OOC I'll go look for a bite 
Smon: brb
Goonergeezer: "I fear our time will quickly come to an end, the longer we wait the stronger Dunfalcon become, let us celebrate our love while we can, let me drink in the beauty pof your face and drown in the pools of your eyes"
chris107: OOC Well Ken, looks like we're straight back at the bugger who got us last time?
Smon: back
Goonergeezer: (good, he killed a lot of good men)
Smon: (& so did Garrick!) 
Goonergeezer: (ahem  )
chris107: (The bounder!  )
Smon: Tabitha gulps: "Oh, my love..." 
Goonergeezer: garrick holds his wife in a tight embrace
Goonergeezer: "soon all of this will be over, then i shall never leave your side again"
Smon: Tabitha nods: "Yes, soon..." Then Cassandra Starling opens the door to the bedroom without a knock, smiling a little impishly -perhaps hoping to catch Garrick & Tabitha in flagrante - but sees them only in a loving embrace. Tabitha smiles to her.
chris107: (SR gathers what components he can from the garden)
Goonergeezer: "come in, let us dine together before this eve and our council must start"
chris107: "Aye that sounds fine indeed! Too much bread and water these past month what Garrik?"
Goonergeezer: "you think that was water?"
Smon: Tabitha: "Welcome, Cassandra..." Cassandra: "Umm..." - she points. Tabitha looks down, realises that during the lovemaking she disrobed, and the sheets don't cover her from Sweetrede & Cass's gaze. She starts and pulls the sheet up. "Hey!"
chris107:  
Smon: Tabitha wraps the sheet round her. "It sounds horrible..."
Goonergeezer: "it is over thank the lord, and punishment will be served on this evil priest and his minions"
chris107: "Thankfully we had the courage lent by knowing such fair ladies awaited us... "SR teases gently
chris107: "I, Garrick. That I do swear."
Smon: (OOC gotta have a 'Carry On' moment every session, right? ) 
chris107: Just so long as it ain't Carry on Surrender to the evil priest like last time! 
Smon: It takes a moment for Tabitha to realise Sweetrede's tease. She blushes, then grins.
Smon: GM: I'll skip ahead to the war council now?
Goonergeezer: (yea)
chris107: Cool by me 
Smon: GM: That evening after a light dinner, a rested, recuperated and fully dressed Sweetrede and Garrick join Earl George, Sir Edward and the other senior Kallent men around a dark oak table in the Earl's chambers.
Goonergeezer: Garrick nods to each man in turn
chris107: SR bows respectfully like a good trusted sevent.
chris107: "My Lords." 
Smon: George: "Welcome Sir Garrick, Sweetrede! It's so good to see you back in the land of the living! We've had a letter from my good friend Sir Ulrich Hawkes in Yggsburgh..." Sir Edward nods: "Yes. He says that the Lord Mayor and Council remain non-committal on the question of sending us troops. They don't wish to antagonise Dunfalcon, and they also fear a surprise attack by Talworth, though Ulrich thinks the latter fear is overblown. He agrees that if we send a delegation it might meet with success."
chris107: (OOC SR's spells - Animal Friendship, Entangle, F.Fire, S/Animals X2, Charm, CLW, Heat Metal, Snare)
Smon: (Ok)
Smon: George: "Very good. I don't wish to leave Kallent during this emergency, though. Must ponder on that one. Any thoughts?"
chris107: "Do we know the disposition of the enemy?"
chris107: "Are his main forces now at Castle Herdley rather than the black temple?"
Smon: George raises an eyebrow. "The enemy? Officially at present we don't *have* an enemy - unless you count Odric and his filth."
Goonergeezer: "then we should send a delegation, but we should also plan ahead as if we get no help from yggs, i think we need to send some small groups of forces to harry dunfalcon, or to take the castle ourselves and see if we can split herdley between us and dunfalcon"
chris107: "He 'si' the enemy if you forgive my blunt speech Sir."
chris107: "If we allow this evil priest to live, your realms will never know peace."
Goonergeezer: "talk is all good and well, but most of us here are men of action"
Smon: Edward nods to Sweetrede. "Aye. As far as we know, Odric has still has most of his men - and other creatures - spread through the countryside, raiding as they have done these past two years at least. Now they focus on Herdley, they've been leaving us alone for awhile. But he does have a strong force with him at Castle Herdley - bugbears, in particular. Enough to fend off a Herdley assault."
chris107: "Then let us take your sharp blades and put an end to this abomination,"
chris107: "His forces will not stand without his will to guide them."
Smon: George: "Wait a moment. What I gathered down south today - one reason Herdley have not attacked Odric at Castle Herdley is his hostage, Varuna. He threatens to murder her most horribly. That's enough to deter those Herdleyans loyal to her, about half. Baron Melchett Arleigh would attack anyway, but he hasn't enough men."
chris107: "Let mighty Sir Garrick once more prove his worth to your house."
chris107: "His dread blade is legend among those here about."
Smon: Father Thadeus, the Nerian Chaplain, is among those present. He regards Sweetrede with a twinkle in his eye. "Father Sweetrede, has the Lord blessed you with any magics that might help in getting us into the castle?"
Goonergeezer: "before we can decide on what we should do, we should decide on what we want, do we want herdly for ourselves? if so then let then kill Varuna, or do we try to rescue Varuna and hope that our good deeds stand us in good measure with them when Dunfalcon come seeking revenge"
chris107: "Ah Father I am but a simple man. With only my whits to guide me. But with one such as Garrick beside me I would face any evil." He says piously.
Smon: Edward and George both grimace at the suggestion of killing Varuna, though some of their bannermen nod. 
Smon: Thadeus nods. "As you say, Fr Sweetrede. As you say."
chris107: (Though this gets SR thinking about maybe memorising Stone Shape to gain entry into the castle....)
Smon: Edward: "Sir Garrick's words contain truth father, though I would not have put it just like that. We must decide our aims! Earlier today I discussed with Garrick and Sweetrede a plan - we infiltrate the castle with a small force, slay Odric. His minions will be thrown into chaos. We seize the castle and present Dunfalcon with a fait accompli. They can divide Herdley with us, or face us with us in a position of strength. As for Varuna, we can hold her. In time, perhaps a nunnery..."
chris107: "Although the life of the fair Varuna must be uppermost in our mind, if we could slip into the castle and secure her person before any overt attack was made. Wouldn't this strengthen our position in any event?" SR suggest sweetly.
Smon: Edward nods. "Get in, grab Varuna, kill Odric?"
chris107: "In a nut shell my Lord."
chris107: "You are wise as well as skilled in battle."
Smon: Earl George looks worried. "It's a risky proposition. Though I hear Varuna did not maintain the castle defences well, still..."
chris107: "We must prey for guidance your lordship."
Smon: Edward: "Father, give me a squad of our best knights, give me Garrick and Sweetrede soon as they're recovered, and I will take the castle!"
chris107: "The powers of Evil can not prevail."
Smon: George rubs his chin worriedly. "Prayer, Sweetrede, yes. We must pray! And sleep on this?"
chris107: (Note SR didn't say who they must prey to or that good should triumph...)
Smon: 
chris107: SR nudges Garrick and whispers "Back in the fire my old friend  "
Goonergeezer: "we have many important things to ponder, shall we reconviene tomorow morning at breakfast?"
chris107: (Yup)
Goonergeezer: whispers (I'll have odric in the fire if i get my way"
Smon: Edward: "Father, I'll prepare plans. In a few more days Garrick and Sweetrede will be recovered. Then..." George nods to Edward and to Garrick. "Very good. Breakfast!"
Smon: brb
chris107: SR gives a surprisingly evil grin in return.
Smon: (cat squabbles) 
Smon: GM: Next morning the men reconvene for a working breakfast away from the womenfolk and their entreaties. Garrick is tired after a night of vigorous lovemaking, but refreshed by Fr Thadeus' blessings.
Smon: (We can just say 'in a few days you're at full hp')
Goonergeezer: (k)
chris107: SR casts CLW on self when alone
chris107: (Ah okay  )
chris107: (SR will rememorise Stone Shape as his 3rd level spell)
Smon: Earl George has made a decision: "Very well, I've decided. Let's do it. All will be ready within the week! An elite strike force will cross our border, evade both Herdleyan and Hell-priest patrols, and make for Castle Herdley. Hopefully you have a cunning way to get in there, Edward?" Edward shrugs: "I'll think of something... I mean, the Lord will provide, father." He grins.
chris107: SR playing with ideas
Goonergeezer: garrick will sketch out a map of as much of the castle he can remember
Smon: Edward: "I'll bring doves... once we've taken the castle I'll send back a message and the bulk of our army will advance. We'll need to move quickly to reinforce our advantage."
chris107: Perhaps we could use the time to make cunning bugbear suits out of straw? If we travel only in the forrest at dusk or dawn at a distance we may be able to get close with out nitice?
Smon: George: "Night travel? Yes, excellent!" Edward: "Mind you, night is when the *real* Bugbears are about..." He studies Garrick's plan. "...Hm, the cess shutes still might be a point of weakness. If we can get a grapple up there, climb from the moat..."
Smon: "If only we knew how Odric got in!"
chris107: "Surely the distance from the black abbey to the castle is too great for an underground link?"
Goonergeezer: "the dungeons beneath the castle are vast, i am sure there must be a long forgotten escape route that they gained access through"
Smon: Edward looks to Garrick: "Are there dungeons? Lost passages, perhaps? Hidden vaults?" (Garrick speaks at the same time) 
chris107: (SR thinks that maybe local burrowing mammals may know of a tunnel)
Smon: Garrick make INT check
Goonergeezer: "from the black abbey, yes, but there must be a closer one2
Goonergeezer rolls 1d20 and gets: 18,
Goonergeezer: that a major fail
Smon: OOC You're on your own with that roll 
chris107: 
chris107: OOC Maybe a druidy scout of the area may turn something up?
Smon: Edward: "Would that we had some gnomes or dwarves, to sniff out any tunnels."
chris107: (Or weasels...)
Smon: OOC Might do 
Goonergeezer: "if only Morgana was here, her hawk could do us a great service by scouting from the air"
Smon: OOC If you have stone shape you have a major advantage anyway, it looks as if the back/hillside walls of the castle are noticeably thin, as no siege engines could be deployed against them.
chris107: OOC That's what I was hoping 
chris107: "We must use guile my lords. Silence and stealth is our ally while we find the countess at least."
Goonergeezer: "so we have our way in, do we just blunder around blindly inside or do we know where our prey hides?"
chris107: "Alas I do not."
Smon: The knights nod in agreement. Edward: "We shall dull our armour and travel quietly..."
chris107: "But we have been told she is held in her own dungeons..
Goonergeezer: "perhaps we could disguise ourselves as slaves once inside the castle, i can remember clearly the kind of apparel they wore"
Smon: Edward: "If the accounts are true, Varuna is held in the dungeon while Odric disports himself in the Lord's Hall."
chris107: "Most dungeons tend to be at the bottom of the castle? While those in power are at the top?"
Smon: Edward nods.
Smon: Edward: "Varuna's slaves are mostly naked girls, aye?" He grins.
Goonergeezer: "once we have Varuna we should get her to safety, then her Bannermen will no longer fear attacking"
Goonergeezer: "there were some naked chaps too"
Smon: Earl George: "Slavery is an abomination - that reminds me, another reason to liberate Herdley..."
chris107: "While we go and take care of Odric..."
chris107: SR nods sagely at the earls wise words.
Goonergeezer: "If the men of herdley are attacking dunfalcons force then that may be enough of a distraction that we may get to Odric"
Smon: Edward: "I think we should get Varuna and kill Odric in one blow, if possible, else he'll be alerted. Many plans fail that way..."
Goonergeezer: "true, Varuna may know of secret passages that allow us easier access to the Lords Hall"
chris107: "Is it wise to split our already small force?"
chris107: "Or to take this poor lady back into danger?"
Goonergeezer: "Varuna can weild a dagger, it is her home and life we are saving"
chris107: "I bow to your knowledge of warfare as always Lord garrick. I am but a humble counciller."
Smon: Edward: "Hmm... I see. Varuna is likely to be lightly guarded, compared to Odric. So we grab her first, if possible without alerting the Keep - then she may know a way through to the Lord's Hall... And if it goes wrong, if we can't get to Odric, at least we have her. That sounds an excellent plan." 
chris107: SR bows his agreement.
Smon: GM: OK I'll skip to ca 1 week later when you are fully healed up, and a squadron of Kallent's 20 finest knights assembles for this daring mission in the courtyard of Castle Kallent.
chris107: 2 mins guys, just need to pop a pizza in the oven. I'm starving!
Smon: Armour is burnished to shine like wildfire in the weak autumn sun, though it'll be dulled once you cross into Herdley. 
Smon: (gonna finish tonight w you leaving)
Smon: (have to prep the journey) 
Goonergeezer: (k)
Smon: The fair damsels of Kallent and her bannermen are assembled to, to give their brave knights their ladies' favours.
Smon: Tabitha has helped Garrick on with a new suit of shining platemail, and after he mounts his courser she hands up a purple silk scarf emblazoned with twin red hearts entwined. "For us, my love." she breathes up at him.
chris107: back
Goonergeezer: Garrick bids a tearful farewell to Tabitha "mt love, our time together has been so short, i must go and make you and Kallent proud of me, soon i shall return and be forever yours"
chris107: SR looks for suitable leather armour in the stores.
Smon: Cassandra Starling is there too, in a sheer silk dress, looking thoughtful. As Sweetrede mounts his steed - a tough little pony - Cass steps forward, plucking a daisy-flower from her hair. She silently hands it up to Sweetrede.
Smon: (you got your leather SR) 
chris107: SR accepts it gratefully and touches her cheek in parting.
chris107: "Await our return brave Cassy."
Smon: Tabitha looks up at Garrick, her heart groaning with mingled love, pride and trepidation. She takes Garrick's still-bare hand and kisses it.
Goonergeezer: in the week prior is it possible to get ant paralysing poison for blades?
Smon: Sweetrede sees a single teardrop form in the corner of Cassandra's eye, her lip trembles but but she doesn't turn away.
Smon: GM: You're not an Assassin Garrick so I doubt it. 
chris107: (He's not?  )
Goonergeezer: Garrick holds wife beloved face in his hand and gently raises her chin "At night look at the North star, i shall look at it also and we shall be comforted that we are together under the stars"
Smon: (LOL) Stuff that causes infected/lingering wounds is easy to obtain, but semi-magical concoctions that kill or paralyse instantly are not lying around in Kallent. 
Goonergeezer: (you never know)
Smon: Tabitha nods. "I shall, my love. I shall!"
Smon: And with that I'll quit for tonight. 
chris107: Cheers Guys!
Smon: Next week - the journey! And possibly the infiltration, we'll see.
chris107: Good to be back
Smon: 7pm next Wednesday is good for everyone?
Goonergeezer:  tyvm both big thumbs up
Smon: Do you have your combat stats ok?
chris107: Shouldn't be a problem here.
Goonergeezer: yep, thats perfect for me, get the kids fed and sorted out by that time :0
Smon: 
chris107: Like?...
Goonergeezer: thaco and dam mods?
Smon: I think we have a full sheet for Sweetrede, but you're prob gonna hit level 4 from tonight - need to check.
Smon: Garrick needs current level THAC0 & dmg yup
chris107: Oh yes 
chris107: Cleric 4 is like ftr 3 
Smon: I might have it, but didn't see it earlier
Smon: 
Goonergeezer: yea i still got the sheet from before :0
Goonergeezer: 
Smon: Cool