(5.24 PBP) Vault of the Dracolich (IC) Redux

[Kobold Stew]

Urgan had found a stump, the tree cut some centuries before, and it provided a crook in which his bedroll could nestle between two of the larger exposed roots if they were to sleep here. He left is bags, uncertain of the responsibilities that had been thrust upon him. He was clever, he knew, and certianly could do more than most would have expected of him. The fact that the honour had been given to him without a full demonstration suggested either indifference in the group, or (and here he allowed the self-doubt instilled by years of reinforcement to be pushed aside) because he was actually ready for this.

When Volyanna had summoned them, he realized there was quite a group. Some he still didn't have a name for. The warforged, for example. Always watching, but so far unforthcoming, even with its name.

Urgan listened to the assessment. "If we are staying as one group, then I feel the caves of the kobolds are our best bet. We will have numbers, and we have no reason to believe they will be allies with the cultists. Kobolds have a reputation for traps, however, and we could easily get bogged down dealing with them. If we went that way, we would need to drove onward, perhaps making clear that we sought only to pass through. A bribe might help let us through.

"We are too many for boats, I fear. We could try that way, but losing one boat to capsize throws off everyone. Though it might makes sense for some to go that route, if we were to separate. I could make it to the gate past the watchtower unseen, as I am sure could some others." (At this he l was looking at Shade-9, but it was likely true of others was well). "I imagine there must be some traffic through the gate, even a changing of the guards, and perhaps that would offer an efficient way through."

"I welcome your thoughts. Together? Groups?" He turns to Volyanna. "Do we have a sense of the force at the main gate? Do any pass through?"

 

[Tonguez]

Volyana’s intelligence confirmed four primary ingress points to the Temple of Bhaal and Shade-9 analysed each in turn, reviewing risks and advantages and the observed capability of the assembled party.

The Gatehouse was eliminated as too high risk of scrutiny, although potentially a diversion would assist to draw attention away from the primary ingress targets. The Watchtower could be eliminated after the Ingress points were secured.

When he was ready, he sort out Volyana and Urgan Magall to make his Recommendation:
"I recommend 3 teams for Split Stealth Infiltration via Ingress Point 1 and Ingress Point 4 [Lake & Kobold Caves]" he stated his summary in his typical direct and unmodulated manner "Nighttime Operations to reduce visibility of Watchtower, and Silence Protocols for Lake Crossing and Ingress.

Western lake access bypasses Watchtower and Gate surveillance, but requires specialist boat handling and swimming aptitudes into unknown subterranean space - Flag: darkness and manoeuvrability hazards.

Eastern caves access may be in line of sight of watch tower or bridge, thus increased stealth protocols required. Flexible route dependent of disposition of inhabitants [Species: Kobold]. If inhabitants are non-aligned then negotiation may provide tactical advantage or heighten conflict risk. Suggest deployment of draconic speaking operative"

Team Three will provide distraction at the gatehouse, perhaps a false envoy or mercenaries seeking employment?

Contingency Plan: If Ingress Point 4 is secured, it may provide fallback position in case of detection. Signal Synchronization Required between teams. Team 3 to handle extraction as required.

Risk Profile: Contained within acceptable thresholds - Awaiting confirmation."

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Shamal had waited to be the last person in the teleport circle, but seeing that the one with the discordant poetry was not moving, entered before Shade-9. He had listened and watched as discussions and plans were made. Finally, Shamal spoke.

All of the djinn bless us, but the ways of Rabb al-Wahah are supple and quick to change. I say that we trust the path marked by al-Raml go to the caves.

Shamal realized the self-seriousness of what he was saying, and began to laugh.

Ho! I do not wish to speak in the poetic riddles of my sadiq here, he says, grinning at Shade-9, so I will be plain. I am comfortable with the desert, the sand, and the caves. The earth and the stone is a blessed place and I feel the pull of fate demands that I join the group going to the caves, where I can best put my shamshirs to use.

He thinks for a second. Still, I think that I agree with my sadiq here, if I understand him. Time is like a khanjar; if you don't cut it, it will cut you. I suggest we move forward as quickly as possible. If we believe that we are at our best divided, then I will happily enter the caves with those who would accompany me.

 

[Leatherhead]

"Kobolds, really." Coper says with a bit of distain while thinking about the economics of the situation. Kobolds are generally poor, not much to be gained from routing them, but peaceful negotiations into and out of Blackpeak along that particular path might cost them some hard earned treasure. The cave could have anything or even nothing at all in it. A lot of uncertainty with that gamble. On the other hand, the watchtower and the gate were more straightforward targets. People are people, and where there is people there is money. It was time to think like a burglar, something he was very good at.

"No need to throw rocks at a hornets nest, and risk two enemies for the price of one raid. Surely we can let the kobolds live and let live?" The goliath suggests. "Honestly, the watchtower might be the best bet for infiltration. Yeah, there are guards there, but they will be watching the gate, not their own backs. And any weapons we can get out of the cult's hands (and into ours) is a win for our side!"

 

[MetaVoid]

"We already know there is a convoy en route." offers the dwarf who followed quietly earlier.
He set his camp location a bit aside of the main camp and rested until called and this was his first interraction with everyone.
"If we ambush them, we can try and bluff our way inside. I can help with the first part. Second part only if there are dwarven mercs. Or I can be unseen backup."
He thinks for a moment.
"I can actually disguise myself so if it doesn't take too long, I can be anyone."

 

[Lidgar]

"Caves and kobolds, I say," intoned Bjorn. "The closer we are to Earth and Stone, the better." He then leaned against his quarterstaff, awaiting for the party to decide, while Bill sniffed around the campsite.