Arabesu's Eyes of the Lich Queen - IC

[Fangor the Fierce]

"Then another day of waiting, and making sure we're ready for this should be taken." Trent seems satisfied, as he didn't want Hightower heading into this soon to come battle not at 100%. Besides, they have the option to prepare, so why not take that option?

 

[renau1g]

"Agreed! Let's hope our new friend can tell us more about our enemies, they're both scaly after all" Fenwick pipes in.

 

[Arabesu]

The group consensus is to the spend more time in relative safety in the cave, assuming that whatever preparations have been made at the temple entrance below will be unaffected by an additional day or two.

The weather gets much cooler the second night, a refreshing change from the sweltering heat of the previous few days. No clear change is seen from the temple, although occasionally a rumbling voice is barely audible even at this distance by those with the keenest ears.

The third night warms again, and it is during the middle watch that Trent and Verdin notice something out of the ordinary: There is a faint light in the far east held in stark relief from the dark night. Probably only visible from the cave, whomever has gathered around this campfire is unaware of that they are but a day’s walk away from the rather viscious encampment of blackscales and has not taken precautions to hide their camp.

Verdin explains that it might be that someone has camped near the old pile of stones, rubble that remains from some long lost humanoid buildings. Unlike the temple in the valley below, this ruined temple appears to have been utterly destroyed during one of the numerous wars that have in years gone by swept through the area.

Features of the area suggest a defensible location unless one knows something of the denizens of these parts; the encroaching forest provides too much cover that an invading squad could use to approach unobtrusively. The blackscales had suggested that the poisondusks use it as a base when on far patrol, but he had refused for the aformentioned reasons.

Someone, perhaps Trent, brings up that this fire may be the camp of the priest sent by Sur'kil to assist you. If it is Kuma, then they should be warned and directed to assist you. Of course it could be someone else.

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

Trent turns to Verdin, saying low enough to not awaken the others, "Perhaps that is our ally in not so much of a disguise? I want to check out the guest and if it's who we were expecting, then we'll return. I think I'll wake up one other, to perhaps keep watch as well."

Trent moves to the person who would be taking third watch. Hopefully not Rosa, as she needs her rest for her spells. "Quiet. There is a camp, it appears, and not far off. I am going to investigate. Keep watch on the camp, while Verdin and I go to the camp, and report our findings. If we are lucky, it will be out ally. Until then, keep watch while we investigate."

With that, Trent heads out to the light, with Verdin in tow. Between the two of them, they should be able to get there relatively easily and unnoticed. Hopefully...

 

[Arabesu]

it appears, and not far off.

Its almost a day away from you as well, on foot. That darned jungle keeps getting in the way you know.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XX
XXX-Temple-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXX
XXX__XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXXXX
X__XXH-Cave-HXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXXXXX
X__XXHHHHHHHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__-Camp-XX
X__XXHHHHHHHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXXXXX
XX__XXHHHHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXXXX
XXX___XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX__XXXX
X=jungle, __ = road, H=hill

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

In that case, Trent will wait, keeping an eye on the camp, and warn the others when they awake. "There was a camp, to the east. About a day off. Perhaps we should make sure that its our reinforcement? If we head that way today, we should meet halfway, and be back here by night to the cave. Someone can stay here and keep guard on it while the others see what this is about. I don't want to go into the Temple, and then come back out only to be surrounded by another enemy. Covering our rears, and all, you know?"

Trent waits for the others to state their minds as well, as he really is not sure what they should do.

 

[Vertexx69]

Hightower quietly takes in all of the information as he attempts to leech the poison from his body faster during the ample down time, while the group waits for it's new healer to catch up.

 

[moritheil]

Rosa tilts her head. "It sounds like you want to defend this base. If it comes to that, we could send two of us to find the other, leaving a fighting force here, and agree on a signal and a place to meet later.

"But really, that strikes me as unnecessary when we could just stick together and keep our fighting ability concentrated. They do not seem to be capable of beating all of us at once unless we allow them to surround us in great numbers. If we stick together we stand better odds of punching through any encirclement."

Abruptly, she coughs and looks away, embarrassed. "Well, that's what the military theory books say. I haven't had that much practical experience."

 

[Arabesu]

"Even a blind hog picks up an acorn, once in a while."

When everyone looks askance at Veridin's odd comment, he continues, "Its a saying we have in these parts. What I mean is that even though this area is secret, those down there may get lucky and find you before we get back. If you feel comfortable defending this hole by yourself then you may be taking a great risk. As to your friend, I would guess they are off course if they have strayed so far east. It could be some time before he realizes it and doubles back. Since you desire his companionship, you may wish to contact him or journey to him. Rosapila, has the right of it in my opinion, moving as a group would be safest. Has my poison really debilitated you so much that you can't travel? I am surprised is so, it is good for bringing down weak targets, but I would have thought that those of your fortitude could soldier on."

 

[Vertexx69]

The goliath rubs his chin in thought for a moment, his steel-clad hand creates a harsh grinding tone as it moves across his stoney flesh. "Hmmm, if we have spotted the camp from here, it is a possibility that those in the temple can spot it as well." Hightower begins gathering his gear, to be ready within 15 minutes.