CH. 01.5 - Greenest in Flames

[Pr0l0t0r]

Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Kagonesti Lorekeeper (Circle of the Land [Mountain] - Druid) 2
AC: 13 | HP: 13/13 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: Inspiration | Spell Slots: Level 1 (0/3)
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Ironwood follows Escobert into the armory and reviews what's on offer with a distracted air. He was preoccupied with worry over the innocent lives trapped in the Temple of Habakkuk and frustrated that Brother Falconmoon hadn't heeded his warning in the inn. He was reasonably sure that he had survived the initial attack given the temple's seemingly organized response in the face of the raid, but the safety was relative and fragile in the face of a fully-grown dragon. Distracted, Ironwood does not arm himself beyond what he already carries; his magic was sufficient defense and offense.

As they head back to coordinate their approach to the temple and Conard and Caelin begin bickering, Ironwood slams his staff into the ground. Enough! You children snipe and nip at each other like pups in their first heat. While you bicker, innocents die outside to dragonwrought. Stow your pride and your manhoods at least until we liberate those trapped in the temple, yes?

[PallentisLunam]

Conard Marpique, 2nd lvl Ranger
AC: 17 | HP's: 18 of 18 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege
Conditions: None.

"Honor is all that separates us from the pillagers outside these walls, who are doing their duty to their masters!" Conard feels his face reddening as his temper flares. "'My honor is life!'" Conard declares in a tone that clearly indicates he is invoking words of great meaning. "But still, I am not suggesting that we sound silver trumpets as we sally out to save the people of Greenest. Yet, neither do the ends justify the means!"

The young man takes a step closer to Caelin lowing his voice. "Neither the circumstances of my birth, nor my oaths, nor any former allegiances," Conard says in a tight, clipped tones with a glance aside at Escobert, "make you my lesser, but your actions might. You are not bound by my chosen creed, but think carefully before you accuse me of risking the lives of innocents."

Conard's fire fades as Iro admonishes him and Caelin. "Arguments for another time," he grumbles, stepping away from the other man. "Escobert, do you have a spare surcoat of Lord Nighthill's guards? I will wear that to satisfy my honor and Caelin's desire for stealth." Hefting his new spear, Conard fixes his sword to his belt. "My blade will remain bright, but sheathed," he says with a nod to Caelin.

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
HP: 18 of 18 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0
Conditions: None.

Caelin was furious, he had risked everything in an attempt to oppose the cultists, to warn the townsfolk of Greenest, and now to rescue those they had left behind. And this ... this ... vainglorious youth questioned his virtue because he was offering them his with and guile in combatting an unknown force.

It's admonishment stung, as Caelin was not the one pushing the conflict or disparaging his comrades. However, he had suffered far worse than cutting words in his past, so why did this sting so much? Perhaps because he'd grown to like these people, to respect them ... he had relaxed his guard. Conard's words were a reminder of how alone he truly was.

"Do as you will." His voice was quiet, clipped, and bereft of emotion as he turned towards Escobert. "I will only need lard and soot suitable for myself, a flask of water and a strip of heavy linen."

[Daos]

CONARD:  "How many men can you spare to await our return? We may well be pursued and it would be a great help to have even a few on stand-by to unlock the gate and direct civilians deeper into the keep, or even to come forth and drive the foe back long enough to retreat."

"Most of the men are stationed on the walls, in case the dragon attacks, but I can spare a few to keep watch on the gate," Escobert replies.  "However, it is imperative that the enemy does not see you enter or leave from the grate.  If they learn of it, they could easily get in here through there.  If you are being pursued, it would be better to stand and fight or to first shake them before returning here."

CAELIN:  "Allow me to speak plainly then, I require lard & soot so we can conceal ourselves without fear that our arms and armor will reflect the fires and draw attention from raiders or dragons. I will need strips of cloth and flasks of water with which to soak them, so we may wrap our faces in the event the temple is alight while we try to save those within."

Escobert gives directions to the kitchen, which should have everything he neds, but adds, "Just make sure you hurry.  The people in that temple don't have a lot of time as it is.  My lord said he saw them carrying a battering ram toward the temple.  I fear the worst should they manage to break down that door."

When the two start to argue, Escobert looks between them, and seems about ready to speak up, but then Iro does so for him.  Once the argument has settled, he says, "When you all are ready, meet me down below again.  I'll show you the entrance to the tunnel."  He then makes his way back down to the dungeon to wait for the party.

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(OOC:  Make sure to specify if you are following Caelin to the kitchen, going straight down to the dungeon, or something else entirely.)

[Zero Prime]

Caelin Valaerys, pariah of Tarkhisis
HP: 18 of 18 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0
Conditions: None.

Caelin nodded towards the dwarven steward, sprinting off in the direction indicated. He moved through the halls quickly, avoiding running into pages, guards, and others as he sped towards his destination.

[Igordragonian]

Zakkoth remained silent, and just nodded with respect to Lord Nighthill.
His mouth curve into a cynical smile.
'Ahhh! The bickering, arguing! This bring memories from the Dragonarmies, and how it has ruined us, even before any shiny dragon or knight or 'notknight' has attacked. Go on, soft skins, it sure a good omen to start the war like that."
He mostly stay by Iron's side, respecting only him for now.

[HorizonsDream]

Eliana frowns as Conard and Caelin begin to bicker, but there isn't much that she could say to stop that from happening. Iro, thankfully takes care of the situation. It amuses her that the older elf reminds her of her father or grandfather. Though, once Caelin disappears to get what he needs, she approaches Conard. "Don't you think you were a little harsh on him?" she asks softly. "How honorable is it to force your concept of honor or beliefs onto someone else?" she asks.

[PallentisLunam]

Conard Marpique, 2nd lvl Ranger
AC: 17 | HP's: 18 of 18 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege
Conditions: None.

Conard doesn't quite scowl at Eliana but his tone becomes petulant. "I did no such thing," he insists. "I kept Caelin's secret before my lord, despite his continued provocations, referring to me as a knight, and then when he asked for food I attempted to provide it. He is not bound by my oaths, but neither will I compromise them for his beliefs that whatever he thinks is necessary is also right."

Conard crosses to a wardrobe while unbuckling his belt and takes out a surcoat. Pulling it over his head, he recinches his weapons around his waist, over the top of the garment, making sure he can draw them quickly and easily if he needs to. Turning to the door, Conard says, "I'll meet you in the cellars."

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 17 | HP: 18/18 | Hit Dice: 1/2 | Lay on Hands: 9/10 | Passive Perception: 15
Spell Slots: 2/2
Conditions: None.

While Perceval did not appreciate the bickering between the two younger men, it was also not his duty to adjudicate their difference. So long as their disagreements did not prove to be an immediate danger, he would let them be for now. Picking out the pieces of equipment he felt would be essential for the task ahead, Perceval leaves the remainder of his heavy pack behind in a corner of the armory before following Escobert down towards the dungeon.

[Pr0l0t0r]

Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Kagonesti Lorekeeper (Circle of the Land [Mountain] Druid) -- Level 2
AC: 13 | HP: 13/13 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: Inspiration | Spell Slots: Level 1 (1/3) | Wild Shape: 2/2
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Ironwood lets the argument come to its natural close following his interruption; there was no need to further needle these men, they were each too proud in their own ways to push further right now.

While Caelin sprinted off towards the kitchens to get the soot and lard, the Kagonesti took a moment to place his travelling gear in the care of one of Lord Nighthill's staff. One did not hunt with the weight of a boulder strapped to one's back. 

He then follows Esocbert to the dungeon.

[Kvard51]

Garald follows the Steward to the dungeon, more than a little impatient to be on his way.  The infighting between the squire and Caelin are beginning to make his head hurt.  On top of that, he is torn between his need to look after Maddy and his desire to rescue those afflicted by the dragon.  Once they arrive at the exit, he stands at the door, bouncing from one foot to the other and muttering under his breath.  "I know it's dangerous, but that is why we are here.  Yes, Maddy is likely to wake while we are out and I hate to not be there.  People are under attack from a dragon.  I don't know what your agenda is, but you chose me.  You will help me achieve my agenda, too.  That was the agreement...."

[Daos]

Caelin makes his way to the kitchen, and quickly realizes that he is alone.  None of the others have accompanied him.  He finds the kitchen empty of people at this hour, but there are plenty of supplies here he can make use of.  There are a few barrels of lard and some of water.  There's plenty of soot still in the currently cold oven.  He also finds a clean apron that can be cut up to make strips of cloth.

Meanwhile, the others head down to the dungeon again, after Escobert.  He meets up with them and leads them to an ironbound door in the back, that is completely blocked off by barrels and crates.  Chuckling in a bit of embarrassment, he says, "Uh, sorry.  This tunnel hasn't been used in years.  Guess we'll need to move these out of the way first.  Mind giving me a hand?"  By the time he and the party have cleared the way, Caelin has finished with his business in the kitchen and rejoined them.

Conard uses the key the dwarf gave him.  The lock is stiff, but it does open.  Pushing open the door reveals a dark, narrow tunnel (wide enough for the party to traverse single-file), that is choked with spiderwebs.  They can hear the echo of rushing water in the distance.

"Good luck, and may the gods be with you," Escobert says.  "And remember, don't let anyone see you coming or going.  I'll go grab a few men off wall duty to keep an eye on this door, just in case."

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(OOC:  Make sure to specify marching order.)

[PallentisLunam]

Conard Marpique, 2nd lvl Ranger
AC: 17 | HP's: 18 of 18 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege
Conditions: None.

"As you say," Conard tells Escobert with a nod, acknowledging the dwarf's benediction and his orders. The young squire enters the tunnel first, his shield held out in front of him using his spear both to clear cobwebs and to tap his way along the tunnel walls when the light fails.

[Yuki.N>]

Perceval Lenos, Paladin of the Legion
AC: 17 | HP: 18/18 | Hit Dice: 1/2 | Lay on Hands: 9/10 | Passive Perception: 15
Spell Slots: 2/2
Conditions: None.

Peering into the unlit tunnel, Perceval stops Conard before he moves further in.

"Careful, we don't know what's down there. Escobert mentioned that the tunnel has been in disuse, and I can't tell if that running water is from the river or somewhere in the tunnel."

Turning to the remainder of the party, Perceval enquires about their options.

"If anyone here has magical lighting that can be quickly extinguished that would be ideal. Otherwise, I will light a torch and take the lead with Conard here."

[PallentisLunam]

Conard stops and adds, "A candle might serve better." But regardless he waits for someone to produce a light source before continuing. "I suppose a nice, dark and unused tunnel would make a fine home for any number of less than friendly things. To say nothing of the hazards of disrepair..."