Nathaniel
The other team members have more personal investment in the rescue. He has not met the unfortunate captive but selling people as cattle is not something he would condone.
He will help navigate and also prep the gun upon its mounting, breech loading a charge ready for any violence.
Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
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- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Arthur
"It seems to me that coming from the South-West would be the best option"
"It seems to me that coming from the South-West would be the best option"
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Diana Hayes
Diana had watched the group as they sailed to the rescue. She had been out of touch with Jo, and Remy, and most of the others were new to her. Arthur was a welcome rock, and as she chatted with each person individually she tried to draw their measure. Likely they did the same with her.
There are natural born leaders, and Diana was smart enough to know she wasn't one of them. She wasn't even a well trained administrator, and they were all going into a big risk. Gambling, though, she knew. How to gauge the odds, when to charge forward, and when to lose a hand to win a game. She hoped the idea worked as good as it sounded.
She had spent time with her gear; oiling the actions, making sure the ammo was ready and in place. Figuring out how to carry as much as she could so she could do as much as possible to free the captives.
When she had a chance, Diana spoke with the group.
"Rescuing a Britannic noble and returning them to the territory should provide a decent reward. If you are of a bent, it could improve your social standing. There is much to be gained from a heroic rescue."
She shrugged. "Much to be risked, as well. I'm not sure how well you all work together, but having talked to you, here are my thoughts on all of us doing the best we can and getting back aboard safely. Remy, you're the master of the quiet blade. Jo, you know the internals of ships well, and we'll need to be aware of our own state and that of any other ships. If we need to take another ship because ours is damaged, you need to figure out which one to take. Nathaniel can probably assist as well, since other ships may be sailing vessels."
Diana glanced at Remy, and smiled. "The longer we can stay quiet, the longer we can maintain surprise. I can open a door, sometimes without a key. Though the key is usually faster. Arthur, dear, when we find our missing Britannic noble, you attache yourself to them and get them to safety. That should put you back on the ship soonest, so that you can ensure the engines are ready to steam us away at maximum, whatever you Navy people say. So we can go fast. One of our doctors should join you and prepare for any medical needs that will arise."
A moment, and a look around the group. "My insufferable brother wouldn't let me live it down if I didn't try to rescue everyone else. A Britannic noble brought us here, but as long as there are souls to save, I will do my best to bring them aboard. We may need your language skills, mine are limited. But let's try and take as many people to freedom as we can, shall we?"
Diana had watched the group as they sailed to the rescue. She had been out of touch with Jo, and Remy, and most of the others were new to her. Arthur was a welcome rock, and as she chatted with each person individually she tried to draw their measure. Likely they did the same with her.
There are natural born leaders, and Diana was smart enough to know she wasn't one of them. She wasn't even a well trained administrator, and they were all going into a big risk. Gambling, though, she knew. How to gauge the odds, when to charge forward, and when to lose a hand to win a game. She hoped the idea worked as good as it sounded.
She had spent time with her gear; oiling the actions, making sure the ammo was ready and in place. Figuring out how to carry as much as she could so she could do as much as possible to free the captives.
When she had a chance, Diana spoke with the group.
"Rescuing a Britannic noble and returning them to the territory should provide a decent reward. If you are of a bent, it could improve your social standing. There is much to be gained from a heroic rescue."
She shrugged. "Much to be risked, as well. I'm not sure how well you all work together, but having talked to you, here are my thoughts on all of us doing the best we can and getting back aboard safely. Remy, you're the master of the quiet blade. Jo, you know the internals of ships well, and we'll need to be aware of our own state and that of any other ships. If we need to take another ship because ours is damaged, you need to figure out which one to take. Nathaniel can probably assist as well, since other ships may be sailing vessels."
Diana glanced at Remy, and smiled. "The longer we can stay quiet, the longer we can maintain surprise. I can open a door, sometimes without a key. Though the key is usually faster. Arthur, dear, when we find our missing Britannic noble, you attache yourself to them and get them to safety. That should put you back on the ship soonest, so that you can ensure the engines are ready to steam us away at maximum, whatever you Navy people say. So we can go fast. One of our doctors should join you and prepare for any medical needs that will arise."
A moment, and a look around the group. "My insufferable brother wouldn't let me live it down if I didn't try to rescue everyone else. A Britannic noble brought us here, but as long as there are souls to save, I will do my best to bring them aboard. We may need your language skills, mine are limited. But let's try and take as many people to freedom as we can, shall we?"
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
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- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Nathaniel
"Planning is good. But let's see who is about and what the situation is. How many other ships and buyers could be here."
"Planning is good. But let's see who is about and what the situation is. How many other ships and buyers could be here."
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16: Shift 3: 1 Bells [5km SW of Slaver Coordinates]
Jacques Bonnet, Diana Hayes, Arthur Grayling, Remy Hernandez, Mercutio Routledge, Samuel Linkletter, Josephine Baxter-Smith, Nathaniel
The Dancer changed course to circle the structure at a range pf about 5 km. The large triple widows facing SE with their matching dormers above, all lit from the inside, gave way to a windowless southern wall and a heavy wooden door on the SW wall with a lit dormer above it. The guard moved briefly from his post as the bell marked the change of shift, with both the departing and arriving guard making a cursory sweep of the perimeter walk. Neither spotted the Dancer running in the dark with no lantern. The new guard took position somewhere along the NE side of the building, likely to take advantage of the leeward shelter from the prevailing wind and wind-borne spray.
During the voyage around the structure, Mercutio Routledge and Samuel Linkletter fall into a bit of a gentlemanly [SCHOLAR] discussion about whether the stone caisson was erected using the more primitive method of building it up from individual stones, or if the stove was merely a veneer over a modern cast concrete structure. Borrowing the spyglass to examine the stonework more closely (from a distance), both gentlemen spotted a construction anomaly.
Along the south wall of the caisson, about 10 feet above the gravel beach and located just below the spiral stair attached to the wall, a section of the stone appeared to be painted to look like stone. The paint job was quite realistic and only the peculiar angle of the predawn light and the intense study of joints to reveal construction made them aware of the flaw on the shadows under the current lighting conditions. In the dark, the detail would have been invisible and after sunrise it would have been hidden beneath the shadow of the stairway spiraling above it.
The Dancer approached within 400 yards of the tower … from the SW … still unnoticed. The engines were dead slow to avoid being heard over the waves breaking on the beach. A long, gravel and cobble (fist-sized stone) island stretched a slender finger east and west from the tower.
Jacques Bonnet, Diana Hayes, Arthur Grayling, Remy Hernandez, Mercutio Routledge, Samuel Linkletter, Josephine Baxter-Smith, Nathaniel
The Dancer changed course to circle the structure at a range pf about 5 km. The large triple widows facing SE with their matching dormers above, all lit from the inside, gave way to a windowless southern wall and a heavy wooden door on the SW wall with a lit dormer above it. The guard moved briefly from his post as the bell marked the change of shift, with both the departing and arriving guard making a cursory sweep of the perimeter walk. Neither spotted the Dancer running in the dark with no lantern. The new guard took position somewhere along the NE side of the building, likely to take advantage of the leeward shelter from the prevailing wind and wind-borne spray.
During the voyage around the structure, Mercutio Routledge and Samuel Linkletter fall into a bit of a gentlemanly [SCHOLAR] discussion about whether the stone caisson was erected using the more primitive method of building it up from individual stones, or if the stove was merely a veneer over a modern cast concrete structure. Borrowing the spyglass to examine the stonework more closely (from a distance), both gentlemen spotted a construction anomaly.
Along the south wall of the caisson, about 10 feet above the gravel beach and located just below the spiral stair attached to the wall, a section of the stone appeared to be painted to look like stone. The paint job was quite realistic and only the peculiar angle of the predawn light and the intense study of joints to reveal construction made them aware of the flaw on the shadows under the current lighting conditions. In the dark, the detail would have been invisible and after sunrise it would have been hidden beneath the shadow of the stairway spiraling above it.
The Dancer approached within 400 yards of the tower … from the SW … still unnoticed. The engines were dead slow to avoid being heard over the waves breaking on the beach. A long, gravel and cobble (fist-sized stone) island stretched a slender finger east and west from the tower.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Diana
"Okay, boat people. We're assuming that we're in the right place, and the people were about to meet are bad people. I have no idea how to prove or disprove that; if you have an idea, speak up. Otherwise, what's the best way to secure the Dancer so she stays in place but doesn't break her hull against something? Remy, you and I take the lead; are you ready?"
Diana will contribute to the boat work by staying out of the way, and then she and (hopefully Remy) will be the first off.
"Okay, boat people. We're assuming that we're in the right place, and the people were about to meet are bad people. I have no idea how to prove or disprove that; if you have an idea, speak up. Otherwise, what's the best way to secure the Dancer so she stays in place but doesn't break her hull against something? Remy, you and I take the lead; are you ready?"
Diana will contribute to the boat work by staying out of the way, and then she and (hopefully Remy) will be the first off.
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
What is our plan? Clearly we need some information first before doing anything that might rile the locals. We should not leave the boat unattended while we send a shore party. Who should best stay with the boat? It would make sense for one of our doctors to stay aboard to be ready should anyone arrive back at the boat in need of medical attention.
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Who is your character asking? Or just to the group in general?
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Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
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- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
It seems that we need to infiltrate and find out more. That means knives, if possible. I don't think this is an opportunity for bargaining and conning, but opportunities may arise.
That painted section appears interesting, maybe it's a hidden door for rowboats?
It looks like there aren't any other ships nearby, which I think is good. Hopefully, the tower isn't brimming with slavers.
Jacques
"Agreed, Lady Diana. How about Doc stays on the anchored boat, just off the shore? No sense running aground. Maybe we examine that painted area you two spotted. A door, perhaps? Or a hidden gun! Hmm. Let's make sure we anchor at a poor angle to that spot. We go in, try to find another entrance, but if all else fails, we climb those stairs."
Am I right in saying that of the 40ft tower, there are no obvious entrances or windows? All of those are in the wooden structure above?
That painted section appears interesting, maybe it's a hidden door for rowboats?
It looks like there aren't any other ships nearby, which I think is good. Hopefully, the tower isn't brimming with slavers.
Jacques
"Agreed, Lady Diana. How about Doc stays on the anchored boat, just off the shore? No sense running aground. Maybe we examine that painted area you two spotted. A door, perhaps? Or a hidden gun! Hmm. Let's make sure we anchor at a poor angle to that spot. We go in, try to find another entrance, but if all else fails, we climb those stairs."
Am I right in saying that of the 40ft tower, there are no obvious entrances or windows? All of those are in the wooden structure above?
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Yes.Monsieur Rose wrote: ↑Wed Nov 17, 2021 11:07 pmAm I right in saying that of the 40ft tower, there are no obvious entrances or windows? All of those are in the wooden structure above?
More than half of the 40 feet would be taken up by the difference in sea level between low tide (now) and high tide (in about 10 days at noon).
This sand bar will only remain above water for a couple days.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Doc Routledge points out the false rock on the wall. "What do you suppose that is?" he asks.
When the conversation turns to keeping one of the doctors on the ship, he asks Linkletter which of them should stay behind.
When the conversation turns to keeping one of the doctors on the ship, he asks Linkletter which of them should stay behind.
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16: Shift 3: 1 Bell [100m SW of Slaver Coordinates]
Jacques Bonnet, Diana Hayes, Arthur Grayling, Remy Hernandez, Mercutio Routledge, Samuel Linkletter, Josephine Baxter-Smith, Nathaniel
The ship lay anchored a short distance from the rocky shore. Doctor Linkletter stayed with the ship to tend the boiler and maintain a state of readiness.
Diana and Remy led the party ashore with a splash into knee deep water and a short wade through the 70 F water to the shore. Gravel crunched under foot as you trekked the 100 yards along the barren island to the tower. The sound of waves breaking on gravel drowned out all but the loudest noises.
The group clusters against the south wall where the stone disappears into the gravel beach. Above you, a spiral stair projects from the stone wall and leads from the beach to the Main Level Deck that projects out past the stone tower. The guard, when you last saw him, was 40 feet above you and on the opposite side of the building.
A close examination of the wall above you revealed a metal door, flush with the surface and painted to look like stone. There were no handles of any sort on this side, however there were two keyholes in the door … one near the edge and one near the center. Your best judgement is that the door pivots on pins set in a metal frame at the top and bottom of the door, with multiple deadbolts around the perimeter.
[Obvious possible actions include (1) attempting to pick the locks or (2) attempting to attack the guard using stealth. Just let me know if anyone wishes to attempt either task and roll 2D6 (twice) per person.
Of course players are always coming up with lots of other ideas, so feel free to do something else – those were just the obvious actions based on the conversation.]
Jacques Bonnet, Diana Hayes, Arthur Grayling, Remy Hernandez, Mercutio Routledge, Samuel Linkletter, Josephine Baxter-Smith, Nathaniel
The ship lay anchored a short distance from the rocky shore. Doctor Linkletter stayed with the ship to tend the boiler and maintain a state of readiness.
Diana and Remy led the party ashore with a splash into knee deep water and a short wade through the 70 F water to the shore. Gravel crunched under foot as you trekked the 100 yards along the barren island to the tower. The sound of waves breaking on gravel drowned out all but the loudest noises.
The group clusters against the south wall where the stone disappears into the gravel beach. Above you, a spiral stair projects from the stone wall and leads from the beach to the Main Level Deck that projects out past the stone tower. The guard, when you last saw him, was 40 feet above you and on the opposite side of the building.
A close examination of the wall above you revealed a metal door, flush with the surface and painted to look like stone. There were no handles of any sort on this side, however there were two keyholes in the door … one near the edge and one near the center. Your best judgement is that the door pivots on pins set in a metal frame at the top and bottom of the door, with multiple deadbolts around the perimeter.
[Obvious possible actions include (1) attempting to pick the locks or (2) attempting to attack the guard using stealth. Just let me know if anyone wishes to attempt either task and roll 2D6 (twice) per person.
Of course players are always coming up with lots of other ideas, so feel free to do something else – those were just the obvious actions based on the conversation.]
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 3012
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Nathaniel
Uses his basic cobbled together strands of wire and long nosed pliers to try and pick the lock on the door.
Nathaniel. JOAT's lock picking the door [2d6]=6 [2d6]=5
Uses his basic cobbled together strands of wire and long nosed pliers to try and pick the lock on the door.
Nathaniel. JOAT's lock picking the door [2d6]=6 [2d6]=5
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Remy went closer to the guard, but not with the intent of killing the man.
Not yet. If he had failed to spot the group, he'd live. If he was up to his task, he'd die quietly.
Sometimes, the reward for serving a master well is death. Especially when one has picked the wrong master, Remy muses.
Not yet. If he had failed to spot the group, he'd live. If he was up to his task, he'd die quietly.
Sometimes, the reward for serving a master well is death. Especially when one has picked the wrong master, Remy muses.
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Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6106
- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 3012
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Cycle 1063 (Winter): Day 16
Nathaniel
Steps aside to let the more adept lockpickers try their hands at opening the door.
Steps aside to let the more adept lockpickers try their hands at opening the door.