The Scattered Ones

[dorin]

Seebor studies the outside of the tower including possible rapid exits (e.g., windows) and guard placements.

[Spot Check 12 + 4 = 16]

After a while he glances at each of the gnomes for a second or so, and then returns his gaze towards the tower. A few more seconds go by and then he suggests subtly (well – subtly for him):

“Maybe Amaryllis and Tomas should do most of the talking?”

 

[Amaryllis]

Amaryllis smiles at Seebor's suggestion and states "Well, if no-one has any objections".

[OOC - I am not sure how close we are to the tower; I assume we are not yet within speaking range]

I look around to see whether I can see the waterfall - if I can see it as well as hear it, I try to notice its dimensions and size and wonder whether a person who jumped off it would survive.

Otherwise I make a conscious effort to appear friendly and unthreatening as I approach the tower. I smile in the general direction of the guards as the party approaches the tower. I also try to notice the position of all the dwarves etc. on, near and in front of the tower. [Spot check = 10 + 4 = 14]

Not sure what our current marching order is, but in case it is not already the default, I suggest that the strange looking gnomes go to the back.

I am also not sure whether the fighters (and others who have use for these things) have their weapons in hand - if so, I suggest that they sheith [sp?] them so that we don't look like we are about to attack. Personally, I don't draw my crossbow.

 

[Malin Genie]

Suggestinginsteadcentralpositionofcleric, formaximumstrategicadvantage. Inanycases, youarealltobewearingrings, forsotoallowingapplicationof"benificientsacrificialshieldingofboccob"spell

In deference to the members of the group, who aside from Neblin all seem to have trouble keeping up, Namfoodle injects several supernumary pauses into his delivery.

Any remaining confusion is eliminated as he demonstrates by slipping a slim platinum band etched with runes onto one stubby finger and offering a similar ring to each of the other party members in turn.

Losing interest in the debate over strategy and nomination of spokespersons, he soon wanders away to cast an appraising eye over the squat dwarven tower; making a quick estimate of how far beneath the ground the structure is likely to extend based on the angle, materials, and structural characteristics of the walls.

OOC: Knowledge (architecture & engineering) 16 +8 =24

 

[Morbidity]

OOC: Unless we are in a combat situation, I'm going to declare that anyone who doesn't post by the time of my last post on the next working day, isn't doing anything.

You proceed the rest of the way to the tower. The tower is clearly a defensive position. There are no windows large enough for anyone to enter or exit through, only a few arrow slits here and there. There is only one entrance that you can see and that is a door at the top of a flight of stairs.

The river flows on the other side of the tower, tumbling down off the edge of a gorge. Amaryllis, you can't see the waterfall from where you are. Do you wish to go and investigate? From the sound of the water, it is a long way down.

Namfoodle you notice that the tower is of excellent Dwarven construction and would likely extend down as well as up. Given that it appears to be a single defensive outpost and from the angle of the walls, you doubt that the distance below ground is all that much greater than the distance above ground.

Anyone who happens to be looking at the dwarves rather than the waterfall's rather pretty rainbows or the tower's superior stonework, will notice that there are in fact 4 dwarves standing around. They are wearing chain shirts, baggy clothes, with dwarven battle-axes tucked into their belts or slung over their shoulders on straps. There are also 5 dwarven bodies lying on the ground. Those of you who were examining the tower would have noticed that there are a number of crossbows near the steps leading up to the door. There is also a hairy, dead creature on the steps by the front door.

 

[Amaryllis]

Amaryllis does not go to investigate the waterfall, but proceeds with the party towards the tower. She sees the dwarves (alive and fallen) as well as the crossbows.

[OOC - Are we within "talking distance"? I assume you will tell us when we are.]

"That's funny," she says to the group. "I have never thought of crossbows as a particularly dwarven weapon". She tries to gauge whether the dwarves who are remain standing look friendly or hostile and what their attitude towards us is (curiousity, fear, hostility, anger, etc.). Also, tries to gauge which dwarf, if any, might be best to engage in conversation.

 

[Morbidity]

You are within speaking distance. I presumed that was the case since detailed checks were being made of the Tower's stonework.

The 4 dwarves have now stopped what they were doing and are regarding you warily. The dwarf who pointed you out to his companions appears to be the leader as the other three keep glancing his way to see what he will do.

 

[dorin]

Seebor concentrates on the bodies, in particular if there was a violent death (e.g., crossbow bolts sticking out of them) or any signs of disease.

[Spot check 14 + 4 = 18. Are there signs of a recent battle?].

If the 4 living dwarves don't do anything too hostile Seebor attempts to approach them (with other party members if they want to come) and introduces himself in a non-threatening way.

 

[Amaryllis]

In that case, I say to the "leader" dwarf, "Greetings. It seems there has been some activity around here. Do you speak Common?"

[Diplomacy check = 16+8=24]

 

[Morbidity]

The Dwarven corpses are definitely the result of a violent death. They show a mix of clean-edged wounds and rougher wounds. One of the bodies looks like it has been flayed open with internal organs being prominently displayed for anyone with an interest in such things. The hairy creature on the steps looks like it has been melted.

The “leader” dwarf responds to Amaryllis’ query.
“Yes, I speak common. We arrived only a short time ago to find these bodies. Our leader Bloodbeard is currently inside, trying to work out what has occurred here. We haven’t dared to venture beyond the main floor though. For all we know the culprits could still be inside. Why have you come here? What were your intentions?”

The 4 dwarves are still watching you very warily.

 

[Amaryllis]

Amaryllis attempts to gauge whether the dwarf is telling the truth.