Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

[Darren]

Kal once again reiterates his plan for Ralsor.

Text from previous post:

"As you say, Captain, Mist, Lever, and Fherina will stay aboard the ship with you. The rest of us are going down to the obelisk to check out the surrounding area and see if we can't line anything up with that map we've got. Try to stay low to the ground where we can get to you, but if trouble comes your way, take to the sky and try to come back when you can. If we're not back by nightfall, head for the sky and come back down in the morning. If we need to, we'll try to signal you by some sort of flare shot into the sky."

Also, I think we can safely say that SOMEONE got the lockpicks for Charis.

[Jeff]

"There is the matter of just how low to the ground and how close to this manor, Kal." Ralsor shakes his head, not entirely sold on the plan.

If we need to, we'll try to signal you by some sort of flare shot into the sky."

"You intend to make this up as you go?" He sighs. "Maybe I can find something for you..."

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Also, I think we can safely say that SOMEONE got the lockpicks for Charis.

Actually, no. I need to ask these things. One person's question doesn't make it happen.

[Darren]

Okay, fine. Kal will go get the lockpick kit and give it to Charis.

"Of course I'm making it up as I go along, d'Lyrander. I'm using what I've got. I'm sure between Belarin and myself, we can find a way to send something bright into the sky for you to see. As for how low to the ground, low enough that you can see us and drop the ladder, quickly, if need be. And for where, I want you to stay here, unless you see trouble, and then you move." Kal exhales, exasperated. "I thought you to be a man of action. Or are you soft as an Aundairian woman, d'Lyrander?"

[Jeff]

"I don't see the point of your swaggering, d'Deneith," Ralsor says. "Very well, I will keep the ship right where it is now. However many miles you find yourself going, good luck spotting the rope ladder from there."

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Grafth, Streko, and Torhak share a cabin. Pel's gear is stashed with Grafth's designated space; is he allowing Kal to go there and sort through it?

Yes, I'll keep asking this.

[Jeremy]

Goran turns back, utterly exasperated with the Deneith.

"Kal! Enough! This is no time for your signature mixture of flattery and demand. Ralsor is the captain of his own ship and should make his own decisions. We have the manor to worry about now, and that's enough!"

"...let's go."

[mike]

"...let's go."

"Agreed. Let us head to the Manor."

[Josh]

Grafth retrieves the lock picks for Charis, and lets the others know that if the want to take stock of any of Pel's gear, they may do so freely... unless of course they wish to ask Pel.

He then descends the ladder to the ground below, joining Goran in surveying the landscape.

[Jeff]

Between Grafth and Goran, the following tracks have been easily spotted:

(1) A pair of heavy, two-toed warforged tracks leading back from the battle site, to the cage Charis was in, which originated from the west. Charis knows that this leads toward where the airship she came on had dropped her off, but she doesn't know whether the warforged had been aboard the ship or came from somewhere on the ground.

(2) The tracks made by the two gray-cloaked mages, originating from the northeast.

(3) The tracks made by Captain Relith, his men, and Belarin's group.
Belarin, of course, know these came from the east, along the south end of the forest.

(4) The mysterious new tracks found by Goran, winding in a rough circle around the battle site and originating somewhere from the north.

Grafth has retrieved the set of "thieves tools" from among Pel's gear and give them to Charis (whose equipment list has been updated).

Ralsor looks upon the group as it gathers around the tracks. Before Charis heads down, he stops her, frowning. "Lady, you really don't look well-equipped against these enemies we've made. I seem to recall a battered old suit of leather armor—a woman's—somewhere around here in my storage chambers. Once belonged to a crew member. Maybe it would serve you better than it did her? Would you care for it?"

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If you wish to follow the warforged tracks, turn to page 93.
If you wish to slap Kal upside the head, turn to page 14.

[Darren]

"He is certainly free to do what he wants, but he never said what he wanted to do. He simply chose to say he didn't like what I told him, without offering another idea. If Ralsor wants to be Captain, that's fine. But then he should learn to lead." Kalarian rubs his brow in frustration. "That's enough on that matter," he says with resignation.

"I think it's likely that our quarry lies somewhere in that direction," Kal says, pointing vaguely between north and northeast. "I am no tracker, though, so I leave it to the two of you to guide us," he says to Grafth and Goran. While he speaks, Kal looks around to see if there is anything that would resemble a path, as mentioned on the map.

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Where is the obelisk in relation to the sun? i.e., when casting a shadow, where would the obelisk's shadow be?

[Jeff]

As it is still early in the day, the standing stone's shadow is facing west, slightly to the north.

This is where you are right now, by best approximation (the purple dot):

[Darren]

Checking the sun and the location of the shadow, and once again consulting the tracks, Kal makes up his mind. "Yes," he says firmly, "I'm pretty certain we should head northeast."

[Marcy]

Jun 3, 2008 11:16:16 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Ralsor looks upon the group as it gathers around the tracks. Before Charis heads down, he stops her, frowning. "Lady, you really don't look well-equipped against these enemies we've made. I seem to recall a battered old suit of leather armor—a woman's—somewhere around here in my storage chambers. Once belonged to a crew member. Maybe it would serve you better than it did her? Would you care for it?"

Charis smiles gratefully at him. "Thank you, Captain; that's very kind. I don't usually go about in armor -- the weapons of politics are usually verbal, after all -- but, in this case, it might be a wise choice. If you don't think it will delay us unduly, that is," she says, casting a sidelong glance at Kal.

[Joe]

Streko watches the proceedings quietly. He will listen, but stays out of the arguments. He's been down that road before and it's gotten him nowhere.
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Did Streko have the opportunity to pray for his day's spells before we embarked on this? If so, perhaps I should choose the spells Streko would like to wish he had.

[Darren]

Kal gives Charis a wide grin. "But of course, beautiful. Wouldn't want anything to damage that lovely exterior of yours." He lets his gaze linger a moment, perhaps a moment too long, and then turns to address everyone else. "In all seriousness, my friends, now is the time to make sure we're ready. Arm yourselves, prepare yourselves, do whatever you must. We may be walking into a fortress, for all we know."

[Jeremy]

When Kal calls Charis by the name of 'Beautiful', Goran snorts and chuckles, shaking his head. He faces the group.

"We head northeast...to follow these tracks here. I think they'll lead us where we want to go. If not, we can always peel off toward the manor. But my guess is whoever made these tracks knows about us, and perhaps our errand. Possibly we are already being tracked, so keep your eyes open and, if possible, your mouths shut."

Snapping his dagger back in its sheath (which he'd be using to pry about in the dirt), the half-elf shares a knowing glance with the others.

"If you need to talk, keep it quiet, and brief. And Torhak, my friend, I had not forgotten you...but I don't know your style yet. Where do you think your talents will be best utilized in the line?"

Goran turns and begins to walk off to follow the tracks. He wiggles his eyebrows at Grafth, as if to say 'coming?'

[Jeff]

After digging around for a bit, Ralsor approaches Charis with the suit of armor. It is indeed battered and well-worn, but she knows it will serve. The only unnerving part is that there's a disturbingly large hole punctured into the suit, right at the center of the back. Now the leather is frayed there.

"Sorry," he said. But he offers her a gray cloak which, at least, will also conceal.

It only takes her a few minutes in her cabin to don the armor, which actually fits pretty comfortably.

Ralsor also digs up a rusty dagger and a rapier sheath (if she wants one) to offer her.

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Yes, Streko should pick spells!

Pel's gear also included a light crossbow and some bolts. Does anyone wish to offer this to Charis as well?

We head northeast...to follow these tracks here.

Jeremy, which tracks do you mean? Are you intending to head northeast regardless of tracks, or do you intend to follow a specific set? Maybe give me a number from this post...

[mike]

And Torhak, my friend, I had not forgotten you...but I don't know your style yet. Where do you think your talents will be best utilized in the line?"

"Both you and Grafth move at a faster pace than I," says Torhak. "But I will stay as close as I can to you, in case you need my axe quickly."

"Otherwise, I shall guard the rear flanks of our motley band of wanderers, to make sure nothing wicked sneaks up from behind."

[Ken]

Belarin had been watching the discussions and occasional bickering on the ship with interest and the occasional chuckle, but after a while, his feet began to tap impatiently by the rope ladder.

When the ladder finally descends, he climbs down eagerly and says to Ralsor, "Not to worry, good captain! As Lord Kalarian has said, between us we should be able to arrange some spectacular display for a signal. Should you see two bolts of red-and-silver magic shoot straight up from the trees, know that it's a signal for aid. Either that, or I'm trying to kill a bothersome raven. Damn birds talk too much."

After Torhak speaks, Belarin addresses Kal, "And as you've no doubt concluded with that razor-sharp tactical mind, my lord, my talents are best used from a slight distance. My sight may not be as keen as Goran's, but my aim is impeccable." He waves his hand dramatically.

[Marcy]

Jun 4, 2008 0:47:36 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal gives Charis a wide grin. "But of course, beautiful. Wouldn't want anything to damage that lovely exterior of yours."

Charis gives Kal a pretty pout in return. "Now, now, Deneith. We've had this discussion before. If you refuse to use my name, I shall do the same and will have to use an attribute of yours as your moniker...arrogant, perhaps?"

Charis then follows Ralsor and accepts the armor and cloak, as well as his offer of dagger and sheath. "My thanks again, Captain. I don't know if your journeys will take your near Flamekeep any time soon, but rest assured that if and when they do, your generosity will be well repaid." She calls her rapier forth and sheathes it, then uses her ring to "hide" the lockpicks for easy access later.

She rejoins the others. "Now, if I just had a hand crossbow and some bolts, I might actually feel prepared for this venture."

[mike]

"If I had such weapons to give, they would be yours, good Charis," says Torhak. "But the warriors of my clan never use bows, cross or otherwise. "

"Perhaps Ralsor may have one to spare?"

[Darren]

"Arrogant, hm?" Kal muses with a smile. "If you must, then you must, dear lady Charis."

Kalarian walks over to the area where the fight from the previous night occurred, checking to see if any of the soldier's equipment still remains, hoping to perhaps find something that would be of use to Charis.

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I assume the stuff we didn't take is still there? If it's not...well, Kal will make note of the fact that someone came and took it.....

[Jeff]

Matheu clings to the hull of the ship, rarely deigning to simply land on the ground. He watches everyone discuss plans for a short while. Then, I believe I will accompany this expedition, for a time. I wish to continue to observe Torhak, per our agreement.

A slow and steady rain begins to fall. "Good luck," Ralsor says. "Seriously. Stay safe. I'll look for your sky fire, Belarin. I don't know how far you're going to need to go, but if you ever need me to find you, the best chances are at night. In the dark I might see the signal better."

"I'll keep an eye on Relith, captain to captain."

Fherina waves. "Do be careful."

Mist observes silently.

Lever waves. "Bring back something interesting for me to study."

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So which tracks are Goran and Grafth following? I need to be absolutely sure.

[Darren]

Jeff, I just want to be sure you noticed my question above....

[Jeff]

Ahh. Didn't even see your post; mine appeared 2 minutes after yours.

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Although there are those new set of tracks circling the area, nothing obvious has been touched or removed from the scene. Therefore the warforged's weapons are still there, as are the burnt bodies of the Emerald Claw soldiers.

[Darren]

Gesturing towards the bodies, Kal says, "They had crossbows on them. Regular ones, but they still might be of use to you, Charis." As Kal speaks, he picks up one of the weapons and a quiver of bolts and hands it to Amal without any further explanation. "You may want to grab their rations, as well, and possibly the sunrods. I'd take them myself, but my pack is getting rather full," he adds, taking some of the rations and adding them to his own pack.

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How many days worth of rations were there? Kal will add at least one day's worth to his pack, leaving the rest for the rest of the group.

[Marcy]

Jun 4, 2008 23:15:08 GMT -4 Darren said:

Gesturing towards the bodies, Kal says, "They had crossbows on them. Regular ones, but they still might be of use to you, Charis."

Charis walks over to the bodies, passing Kal as she does. She reaches out to touch his arm. "Thank you, Kal," she says sincerely, then leans in to murmur something softly to him.* Not waiting for an answer, she kneels and collects a likely looking crossbow and a quiver of bolts, as well as trying to salvage a pack for her own use.

---

*See my private thread, Jeff.

[Jeremy]

Goran has chosen the set of tracks that had circled the site, that pointed northeast, I believe? Do they lead off that way? If not, Goran will direct them that way nonetheless.

[Jeff]

The tracks that circled the site actually head due north in a somewhat wandering path. The grey-cloaked mages' tracks are the ones that move in a steady line northeast.

[Josh]

Grafth, observing the tracks alongside Goran, says to the group, "Let's move. If we're assuming the grey cloaks came from the manor, we'll follow these tracks, heading northeast." Turning back to the tracks, the shifter heads forward, observing the landscape beyond.

[Jeff]

Guys, things are getting a bit disjointed here. Please be mindful of where you're at, who you're speaking to, what you know, and what has already happened.

The Emerald Claw soldiers' gear is largely salvageable. As no one took anything from them the night before, most of it's been burnt up by Streko's burning of the bodies, and the rations that aren't burnt up have fallen to scavenger birds.