The Dance of Souls

[Patlin]

Even at a distance, Banion's excellent hearing picks up the whisper quite well. He gives a thumbs up and points to the area ahead, then waves his companions forward.

Always warry of a counter ambush, he checks out the area around the corner stealthilly, just to make sure there isn't anyone waiting there.

 

[SlagMortar]

Once Banion gives the ok to come forward, Beamer moves up to the appointed spot. He looks around for a hasty method of blocking the road. Failing that, he will find a good spot where he can fire his crossbow from cover. At the first sign of the search team, Beamer will cast mage armor on himself.

He says quietly, "Great looking spot, Banion. I only hope that we are as fortunate as last time. Azaroth, after we spot them, would you like me to cast Mage Armor on you so you can save your spells for magic missles?"

 

[Knight Otu]

Banion carefully looks around the corner, and quickly determines that his worries are unfounded. No ambush is in sight. A few lone, smallish trees are near, which could make for a quick roadblock.

 

[SlagMortar]

Beamer raises a question to his allies, "Do you think they will be driving a wagon like the others? Or perhaps they will be on foot or horseback? I think we could block the path against a wagon, but not against men on foot or horses. What if they just flee back to the Keep when attacked?"

Beamer is no woodsman, but does the terrain and conditions of the path give Beamer any clue about whether they would be able to pull carts or ride horses?

 

[Patlin]

"A wagon seems unlikely. Whatever they wanted from those mountains, it seems likely that a wagon would cause more trouble than it would help with. Men on foot seem most likely to me, but horses are certainly a possibility."

 

[Xaov]

Azaroth looks at Beamer. That would be much appreciated Beamer. The more I can blast the enemy from afar the better off I'll be. In the mean time I suggest we take this time and make a plan. I don't think we have the tools to use those trees as a road block. Besides if what Banion believes is true, a road block wouldn't cost them much more than a few extra minutes of time.

 

[SlagMortar]

Beamer stares deeper into the mountains, his small brow furrowed in thought. How to make sure they don't run back to the Keep? His face suddenly brightens, "After we spring the ambush, I will call out 'We have your friend Cado as prisoner. No harm will come to her if you surrender.' Even if the do not surrender, perhaps they will seek to rescue her instead of fleeing to the safety of the Keep and warning everyone of our presence."

 

[Patlin]

Squinting up into the mountains, Banion hopes for some sign of movement. If whatever the enemy sought in the mountains lead to their death, the ambush won't even have a chance to get started.

"Relying on these villians to respond to bonds of friendship might be optomistic. Don't rely too much on it, my friend."

 

[SlagMortar]

"Yes, that's why we shoot first and make threats second. We've got nothing to lose by it. I don't have any other ideas for how to keep them from fleeing."

 

[Patlin]

"I don't think they will flee back into the mountains. I suspect their travels in the mountains have been dangerous, and that they will either fight us directly or try to force past us to the questionable shelter of the keep. Also, fleeing to the mountains would allow us to pursue, as they likely have no reinforcements in that direction."

"If they try to force past, our best bet will be to make them pay in blood for the maneuver."