(021) Vegetable Soup

[waysoftheearth]

Professor P wrote:
KOCH

"If I never see this place again, I won't be disappointed. I'll help get the cart..." KOCH quickly stands up and just as quickly sits back down with a wince. "On second thought, with this injury, I will stay behind and help fortify the gatehouse."

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:
"I'll go to fetch the cart." Olaf says, "It will take several of us to push it back here and while we're pushing there should be someone keeping watch."

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
"I'll go, too," Dieter says, opening his pack. "Meantime, the little guy can see what he can do with this." And he dumps the rest of his rations on the table.

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
"Let the strongest of us go fetch the others and the cart", suggests Gustave, voice somewhat more rasping than usual.

"I say we then set ourselves up here for the night in what comfort we can, and recover our strength. If I am right in placing my trust in our innovative and industrious gourmet ", he says, with a nod towards Wibert, "and another hot meal can be prepared, it will serve us greatly in stead of trail rations and rain."

"Tomorrow we can take stock of what stores we have and decide how next to proceed", he continues, his voice regaining some of its strength now lubricated with the hearty soup.

"I myself am not ready to depart this place. The enemy is not yet finished and if we leave now he may recover his strength. There is also the matter of leaving Nidhogg behind...though we also begin to suspect where his allegiance lays."
"There remains the puzzle of Copernicus, who disappeared following our brief acquaintance, and finally", and here his face turns dark, "there is the issue of my missing cigars...which I am most hesitant to abandon."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The company plots its course as the rain continues...

It is agreed that the strongest will go out into the ravine lands to fetch the Boris, Victor and the loot. The strongest are Dieter (17), Olaf (14), and Andaros (14). Next are Koch and Highbough (13 apiece)

Gustave ordinarily has a strong arm too, but is still feeling much weakened (7) from his recent poisoning.

Looking out at the ongoing rain and wind, it seems an unenviable chore they are set upon -- what, hauling a damaged cart load of silver through the muddy, rocky ravine in this weather without a mule...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Ulric produces the map from his pack so that all can pore over it...

It is so overcast outside now that he is tempted to light his lantern in order to better see the parchment laid before him.

It is clear from the map that following the old river's course is the most direct route back to Ket. The trade road indicated is a long, lazy loop that travels mainly east from Ket, following near enough along northern edge of the Wild Wood.

There is no road marked that joins the trade road to the gate house, but Highbough recently spent most of an hour on the battlements and observed that there is, in fact, a disused trail which runs east from the old gatehouse, out into the plains, and which must eventually either vanish or meet the trade road.

In summary, it will be almost twice as far to Ket along the road, but the going will most certainly be a lot easier. It might be the only practical option...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Only the south-east and north-west stairs descend to the dungeon level below.

The kitchen (in the south-west corner of the gatehouse) has access to the cellar.

There is no underground access from the north-east tower.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Gentlemen, who is going to brave the elements to go in search of Boris and Victor?

Thus far Dieter and Olaf have volunteered. Andaros is not bothered by the cold and will go also. Anyone else?

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
"I am willing to help with the cart," says Highbough. "though I suggest someone keep watch from atop the walls at all times, with a rope ready to lower. If I were the enemy, I would view the strongest members of the party stepping outside as the perfect opportunity to lower the portcullis."

As he finishes his meal, he idly carves a few small scraps of wood. "We can use these Elfish signal whistles to call each other in case of emergency."

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
(Remember that you will (presumably) also have the backs of both Victor and Boris (both strength 13) to assist with the chore)