After you have a chance to procure and try the weapons and armor, Able and the large walrus-mustached guard (whose name improbably turns out to be Doom) lead you back down to the outer wall. As you get closer to the gatehouse, you notice that the gate is closing once again. Commmander Mako is in conversation with a new arrival. He is a cat beast, wearing the livery of the Tallon army. His short fur is oily black and smooth muscles ripple underneath. He is large for a cat, well over five feet tall.
As you approach, you catch the tail end of the conversation:

Cat: "--must be the leader."
Mako nods, "He'll be tough to target with all that new armor. Did he look like the blood-and-guts, lead-the-charge type or the stand-way-back-and-issue-orders type?"
The cat continues in a curiously deep but breathy voice, "The former.He still has his cunning, and his forceful way. He always was like that. The reaving just gives him the body to back it up."
Mako notices the party's approach. "Good work Shado. Ah, here's our new blood. Red, Scarface, Bandit, Vixie and Leathergirl, meet Shado." At the nicknames, Able gives you all a broad wink. As he does, a tiny head pokes out of Beka's pouch, "And don't forget me. I'm worth any three of you!" Peaches draws and flourishes her mighty four inch blade.
Mako takes this without blinking. "Excuse me, Killer. Now let's all get up into the gatehouse out of the rain, and I'll go over the situation with you."
He leads you up a short flight of steps, through a thick door, and into the interior of the gatehouse. The room is sparsely furnished, but there is a map of the area.

[Edited to add Nuyok to the visibility]

[EDITED on Thu December 12, 2002 @1:53 PM (PST)]

[EDITED on Sat March 1, 2003 @9:01 AM (PST)]

Map doesn't seem to be working, Keith!

It seems to be working over here. Try again. In any case, it's the same map as at the beginning of the Fort Lizard thread. I just put it here for convenience.

I upgraded, at Dan's urging, to IE5.5 today. I bet that is why I can't see the map. I just see that little red box with an 'x' in the center!

Help!

Thanks for the help! All fixed!

"Nice to meet you Shado, my name is Vixie though my friends call me Cas." Cas carefully extends a hand for a shake. Regardless of whether Shado accepts it or not she continues, "Would you be the tactician for this assault? I certainly would like to know the plan to take these things down."

Shado does not take your hand, but dips his head in your direction, almost as if to say, I don't want to insult you, but I don't like to be touched.

"No Cas, I am a spy, not a tactician. Commander Mako is our leader."

Looking at her pouch.
"Killer? Killer?"
Looking at Commander Mako.
"I'll never hear the end of that! Good thing we won't survive long...unless you have a brilliant plan of course. I'm all ears!"

.oO(Or I will be once we meet the Reavers!)

During the introductions, Celeste casts a glance at Faliol and mouths, "Bandit? Leathergirl?" Stepping forward she gives a nod to the catbeast, "I am Celeste."

"Hello Celeste." Like with Cas, he does not take the hand proffered, but nods instead.

OOC: Unlike Cas, I did not proffer my hand

"It be a pleasure and all... all around." Ricco's voice holds a bit of sarcasm, evident to those familiar with his speech patterns.

Peering about the room and the map the old 'coon speaks up, "What be the plan and all that Commandeer? Ol' Riccoco be a simple trader an' not be knowin' much about the fightin' ways. Besides, what all these Twisted folks be wantin' with the Fort o' Lizard. Seems passin' strange at the least."

Any other folks in here?

More soldiers crowd into the gatehouse. Apparently these are squad leaders who will pass info back to others. There is some nodding and general introductions are made. When all are assembled, Mako calls for order.
"All right, most of you are aware of the situation. There are some newcomers here and I've just received some new intelligence.
"Five days ago, we were attacked by three reavers. Not one but three. I've been a soldier since Prometheus was a pup*, but I've never seen more than one in one spot. all right, unusual, but not critical. Our walls are enhanced, including the spit. We've got enhanced guard chains to pull across the river gap, too, so we're defendable there.
"Then more bad news. There's a small pack of Riven with them. Again, not a critical problem. We've got arrows, they're only a few.
"The next attack is where the trouble started. Now we've got five of the damn reavers from best reports, and not only do we have the riven pack, but they've been joined by some nasty chimeras, most notably the big nasty that dropped the wall."
There are murmurs of fear and unease at the mention of this.
"After the wall dropped, The reavers got in. We lost our Lineman Sandra, and I have today learned that Lineman Yakob has died from injuries."
The room briefly breaks up into chaotic speech, including phrases like "damn doctors ain't no good; we need a Healer!" and "We are so doomed!"
"QUIET DOWN," Mako's voice carries over the tumult. "We still have Master Ash. The walls will keep their enhancement. We just have to make sure they stay up. And to do that, we need to take care of the megadeezel. For those that didn't see it, it looks like a normal deezel** but stands about twenty feet at the shoulder. Also, it seems to have skin our arrows can't penetrate.
"Now our ballista crew may have wounded it; it certainly broke off after breaching the wall. We broke the spare ballistas out of mothballs and we should be able to cover any point with at least two."
"That's for the megadeezel..."

There is obviously more to come, but he pauses and waits for feedback before continuing.

*i.e. "since forever"
**deezel = truck-sized buffalo

"I brought a Master Healer with me." Beka says quietly to Commander Mako.

"The Master who came with you was a healer? Excellent! I'm sure Master Ash sent him to the infirmary, but I'll check later. If only you had gotten here yesterday." Mako looks genuinely pleased, and a few of the long faces in the room brighten a bit.
"Do you know if he has any skill at turning reavers?"

Cas has taken the entire story quietly and without aparent reaction. She isn't afraid or nervous but her hand is twitching from some sort of unexplained anxiety.

"Well here is hoping for an overly successful outcome. Of course, I'm a pessimest by nature so I suspect that it will be a marginally successful outcome."

.oO( Nuyok is a Master? )

... and whispers fiercely, loud enough for those close by to hear, "Five Twisters? This 'coon's never heard the like an he be up an' down the Sabre since before Mako there been sucklin' at his pinkie mamma's teet! Somethin' be goin' on an' it'll keep goin' on till some folks be doin' somethin' about it." Here the 'coon breaks off and glances at the people assembled about the room.

Cas nods and tries to keep the same volume, "They are after something here. First three and now five. I don't know a thing about Reavers but they are after something they want really bad."

The human assemblage of the room stops talking and looks at Riccoco. (At this point our 'coon friend here may remember that "pinkie" is not a polite term, especially to use of a stranger. Especially an army officer. Especially in front of his troops. Especially before a battle.)
There is a cough and a nervous shuffle or two, during which Cas' response is clearly heard and falls dead.
Mako looks at you. He has no malice in his face as he says, "When I was a lad, I fought a gator who was trying to raid my father's farm. Damn stupidest thing I ever did. Wrestled the monster with only a buckknife. Even stupider, I did it near the edge of Tanner Falls. That gator and I went over onto the rocks and into the foam. By a miracle, I got out and he didn't. Funny thing is, ever since then, I've been a trifle deaf in my left ear.
"Did you have a question or an observation... Mister Riccoco?"

OOC: I'm pretty sure (actually I am sure) that the entire story was said to Riccoco because of his comment. However, how are people reacting to my comment or are they at all? It really does determine Cas's response. If there are some glares her way she will likely step up and defend Riccoco and make it like she is at fault. If not, she is going to step aside and let Riccoco handle it all.

Celeste's head comes up as the assembled room does the "E.F. Hutton Redux" She watches the assembled armsmen to see if intervention is necessary on behalf of her adopted brother. She will let no harm come to him from these people.

"Sir, my friend is just curious as to why five reavers would attack this fort. You must admit, it is a rare occurrence. Has anything out of the ordinary happened lately to instigate these attacks? It was my understanding that reavers and riven were chaotic and NOT prone to such co-ordinated attacks. So, with all respect, what has changed that could account for such prolonged and orchestrated aggression?"

.oO(That should take their attention of Ricco's verbal slip...)

Riccoco takes a steadying gulp and attempts a weak smile, "Gentle Masters, Riccoco be thinkin' Red here be sayin' what this 'coon be tryin' ta say. There gotta be some reason for the Twisters to come the way they are."

.oO(By the Toad, Riccoco you tryain' ta get yourself strung up. A 'coons gotta know when he can speak his mind an' when to be holdin' his rot-grubbin' tongue!)

For the record, the 'coon's player was aware of the possible reaction. Riccoco was just fired up and got a little excited when he found one more piece of evidence supporting his burgeoning theory. Sometimes... his mouth gets the better of him. Good thing he's so cute and plucky.

Mako looks at the people all talking at once. (Nobody was reacting to the others' posts, but only to Mako's, so I am deciding they were more or less simultaneous, except for Faliol's, which trails on due to it's length. I am further assuming that since it was a 'stage whisper', most people in the room did not catch the full interchange.)
"Well, you all certainly have no trouble coming to someone's defense, that's for sure." He pauses and directs his attention to the full assemblage.
"Yes, it's obvious that there is some goal. Reavers make riven. That is a given. They don't work together. That should be a given, but in this case it's not. They seem to be working in concert, and they are definitely attacking this fort. Once the wall was breached they did not do anything other than attack people. They didn't make their way to the storehouses, the armory, or anything of military or strategic significance. Just people and a few animals. Therefore, their goal seems to be consistent with reaver nature, even if their methods aren't."
"The reavers are our ultimate enemy. But if we can keep the walls up, they shouldn't be a threat. Therefore, priority for the ballisteers is to take out that Megadeezel. Now it takes two men to operate a ballista and we're already shorthanded due to casualties and the reavings. That's going to leave us a little thin on the walls.
"this brings me in a roundabout way to our next trouble."
More groans.
"Shado here has been doing some skulkin' about in the jungle and he confirms what we suspected. Most of our riven mates have banded together and joined those that were in the first attacks. That makes about fifteen or twenty total, plus whatever the reavers may have found in the surrounding territory. They are apparently being led by Lieutenant Houma."
More groans still, followed by someone in the back saying "Hardass Houma?"
Mako grins, but there is no humor in it. "Yes, Houma, the little bullyboy. He's sly and cunning, and now he apparently has the body to back up his talk. He looks even more like a cockroach now. Even has bug armor, whatchacallit--chitin.
"Unfortunately, now that the riven have our own ranks in them, we can only assume they know our weaknesses. So as thin as we are on the wall, we're going to have to spare some folk to patrol the harbor as well. We don't have linemen who can see through the water and we're down to two otter folk. It'll be more dangerous, since they won't have a wall, but I'll need volunteers for that duty. The rest of the folk I'll need here on the wall, particularly those that can handle bows and those with good night vision. We've only got about twenty five fighters, thirty with our new additions."
He indicates your party and pauses again for comments.

Ricco glances meaningfully at the females of their group while gripping his bow tightly in his leathery, fingered paws.

.oO(Might be a job for those three. Though, this 'coon don't like the idea of the cravan to be splitting up even more.)

Cas, who clearly has as much military experience as a newborn, "So we just take out hardass and they go away, right?"

As if talking to herself, Celeste mutters "Cockroach? You step on cockroaches."

OOC: Cockroaches would make it through to the Savage Earth pretty much the way they were around now. Damn, tenacious SOBs.

OOC: Would make it to space.

FYI, unless Riccoco is in late middle age for a raccoon, Mako is probably his senior.

[edit for visibility, sorry for the extra post]

[EDITED on Thu December 12, 2002 @9:00 AM (PST)]

I figure Riccoco is in his middle ages. I realize that Mako is actually probably older than Ricco. He used the metaphor to emphasize his point. He was really talking to Faliol, but spoke a little loud in his vehemence.

By making him this age, are his attrs not correct or anything. In his mind, he's older and more experienced than anybody else. He's been through more hard stuff and all that. I'm sure you've met this sort of person before. They've done and seen everything and bad stuff always happens to them. Worse stuff than anyone else, of course.

I'm having fun with it, I hope I'm not being disruptive. If so, please let me know and I'll change the behavior accordingly.

I just wanted to be clear. I'll remember when NPCs speak to you to adjust their behavior if they would act differently to a middle aged beast than to a young one.

Don't worry about your attributes. If you don't take the Age limitation, it is assumed that you are in good shape for your age.

Noticing his reluctance to shake hands, I nod towards the cat, "Nice to meet you, my name is Faliol."

Shado nods at you in return, but says nothing, since by this point the meeting is about to start.

At this point, there are three sharp knocks at the door. One of the soldiers goes to it, slides back a peephole. You here him greet someone and he calls back down the very short hallway, "Commander, supper's here."
He opens the door and in walks an attractive young woman with a crooked smile. She is clearly dressed as an inn hostess. She has a large pot on a shoulder stick which she sets down. Taking a pack from her back, she begins ladeling the stew into bowls and breaking off chunks of heavy dark bread.
As she does so, Nuyok follows her into the room.
"Eat up, all. It's going to be a long night", says Commander Mako, "Ah, you must be the Master Healer. Come in and join the briefing." As Nuyok enters, Cas can be heard to say with conviction, "So we just take out hardass and they go away, right?"

Riccoco stretches out, easing tensed muscles as he eyes the soup bowls and bread. A genuine smile splits his muzzle as Nuyok is identified.

.oO(Food be good. Master Nuyok be better. Maybe the Adept will help us get to the bottom of this here horror.)

OOC: I read the title "Enter Nuyok" and then I read this long description of the inn hostess. For a moment there I something happened that we might want to know about.

OOC: We might not want to know about.

OOC: LOL! There's more to adepts than you know

OOC: I guess I'm just out of my (a)dept!

: D

Entering and looking in the direction of the inn hostess, Nuyok says "Thank you, Cori," nods to the fellow caravan-goers, and looks for a seat to get a meal and says "What have I missed?".

Cas shrugs her shoulders, "Not a whole lot. We have to fight five reavers and a jackass. Riccoco almost got flayed and that guy over their once wrestled a gater with only a knife and as a result is a bit hard of hearing. Good to see you back here... Master Healer. When you get a chance I'd like to talk to you some."

...a riven deezel, big as a house, and many riven former fort defenders who know the layout in and out and all the weakness'. That covers it. Why are Reavers working together Nuyok?

Ricco swipes some beefy gravy from his muzzle with one paw. Around a mouthful of stew, he says, "That about be summin' it up. Did Master Nuyok learn anything from the Lizard's Adept? We all be thinkin' it passin' strange at the least!"

"Well, from what you all are telling me, it seems I have not learned enough from Master Ash. What I do know is that the Fort's adept linemen were killed, and they are awaiting reinforcements due to arrive in 10 days. They sent scouts to seek aid, but fear they may have been failed. Oh, and the wall was breached by a riven beast, most likely a deezel, but I think you know that already."

.oO(Ten @#$&*#@# days!!)

"Perhaps I heard wrong. Did you say TEN days?"

Grumbling, at lower volume, "Might as well be ten months...."

"I do not know why the reavers would be working together, nor did Master Ash tell me his thoughts on this. Perhaps they are drawn to something..." Nuyok takes on a thoughtful look.

Commander Mako looks at Nuyok after this last statement. "Master Nuyok, do you have any idea what they might be drawn to? Is there anything like this in the records at the Hall?"

Glancing at the grumbling fox, Nuyok responds "Nothing comes to mind. Is there anything out of the ordinary here at the fort, either person or object, or has anything out of the ordinary happened recently, other than the attacks, and perhaps prior to the attacks?"

At Nuyok's question, Cori of all people speaks up.
"I don't know if this means anything, but there was a traveller who came to the inn when all this started. I'm sure you all remember, it was about a week ago. He's still there, and frankly, he's kind of creepy."
Mako responds, "I thought of that and had the Master check him out. His name's Horn. His party was coming her from Adala, when they were attacked by a reaver in the jungle. He was the only one who got away. Presumably, his companions were the first riven party that attacked. I spoke to him, too. The sorry wretch is broken. I was going to ask the Sunrunner to take him back to Tallon as a charity when the rotations came."

Celeste sits quietly, eating her meal and listening intently to the exchange of information..oO(Perhaps his friends just want him back.)

.oO(Or perhaps he has something they want.)

OOC: Nuyok! have you been reading my mind again?

Riccoco's attention is captured by this. He stares long and hard at the Commander.

.oO(Now, this be somethin' to make a 'coon wonder... Came from Adala to this backwater? For what, Riccoco be wantin' to know.)

With an uncharacteristic smile, Nuyok thanks Cori for the information.

Celeste conjures up an image of a house-sized deezel stepping on a man-sized roach, and smiles.

"So then what is the plan?" Nuyok says, looking meaningfully toward Beka. "By the way, Master Ash has asked me to assist in the infirmary, so I should be going there shortly."

The plan? Don't look at me, my plan is to become riven very soon. Maybe then they will tell us what they're looking for and we can help them find it! I have no plan! (louder) I wish we'd never come here. I thought, mmmm, nice bed, good meal, get off the trail for one night. I wasn't thinking gathering of Reavers, riven army, giant deezel. (louder) I have no plan. I think we should go but it's probably too late. We won't get out and through in time. (shouting) So, my plan... is to follow his (indicating the commander) brilliant idea and hope I get to be huge and slathering rather than oozy and gelatinous. (quietly) OK, maybe I'm a little nervous.

Celeste is surprised by Beka's outburst. She recalls seeing a sailor who 'broke' and rambled on in a similar manner before jumping overboard into the tentacled arms of a water riven.

.oO(First Handle be runnin' off at the mouth. Now, Beka. This trip be gettin' stranger an' stranger.)

Cas is practically hopping up and down hoping that Nuyok doesn't forget that she would like to get a chance to talk to him aside.

OOC: And perhaps when Nuyok leaves shortly for the infirmary, Cas might need to step outside as well?

Mako chuckles at Beka's rant, defusing the grim mood of the room.
"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that. I don't plan to spend the rest of my existence as a freak.
"Now, the riven army is being egged on by Houma. If we can take him out, we'll either rout them or disorganize them long enough to hold out till the rotation troops get here, including a new lineman. According to Shado's info, the main riven attack should approach from the Adala road. We'll put the greater part of our archers there. Concentrate arrow fire on Houma and we should either cause him to break off or get a good solid hit.
"As for the megadeezel, we don't know what direction it will come from. It wasn't with Houma's main forces. We'll have to space out the ballistas instead of concentrating them.
"Those are our two biggest threats. Above all other goals though, we need to keep the wall up. Any break in the wall could let a reaver through.
"Master Nuyok, did Master Ash transfer any ley lines to you? Any bit would help. At the very least, the manor house wall lines should go to another adept. It'll give us a final retreat if all goes to Kings Court*.
"Remember that. If the wall falls, get into a tower or to the Manor. They will hold off the reavers. Don't try to distract one in order to save your buddies or any noble crap like that. All you will do is give them another enemy to fight tomorrow: your own riven self. Wait for Master Ash to turn them."
He pauses.
"Finally, there's every chance one of our messengers got through. We can't count on it, but it would be a blessing." Keep your spirits up and we'll get through this.
"You soldiers know your places; assign your men accordingly"
He turns to the party, "I'll trust your judgement as to where you would be most useful. We need archers on the wall, fighters to repel any wall scalers, sharp-eyed folk to patrol the harbor, medics, or ballista crew. Where do you want to be?"

*i.e. "goes to hell"

.oO(HOME)
Well, I don't use a bow though I'm sure I could learn if given a day or two. Since we don't have a day or two I'm best with hand to hand. Sword. Kinda hard to hit me (though many have done it I'm sure they were lucky shots). I'd give odds of one of the middle level fighters like maybe Tomba in a pit fight against another riven or super fighter human. Those odds were four to one when he fought Mint. That would be about right. Or maybe it was the same as that Gustav guy when he and his weird friends were in the Death Pits 'cause they made some stupid deal with Harker.
Or Exxon Ironhand...umm... Death Pits? Pit Fights? No never heard of them.
.oO(I think I ttend to talk a lot when I'm nervous.)
Sometimes I can tell what people are saying when I'm far away and can't hear them. That is very useful to know when your dad is going to do something foolish like send a caravan to Karkul because it's safer and Vance is too chicken to go anywhere else. And his "boys" have some deal with selling off folk for slaves. And you would make twice as much if you took the same stuff to Adala than if you just took it to Karkul...umm...sorry, that only helps if they have humanish mouths.
.oO(Shut Up!)
Anyway, I havent ever actally shot a ballista but I was near one when they were shooting it for practice in General Hannons practice fields. You can't really go there but I went because I knew on of the pala...umm.

I'm best at Hand to Hand. Where does that put me sir? On the wall to rapel anyone that thinks they might come in for a visit? Or watching the harbor hoping someone with a mouth says something I can catch?

Cas is kind of dodging the question at the moment, she slips over closer to Nuyok and in a voice that is audible to all nearby, "Nuyok can I please have a moment alone with you?" It look like it hurt for her to say the word 'please'.

Softly Seapking, Nuyok says "Sure, right now, or in a bit when I leave for the infirmary?" If now but not here, Nuyok will excuse himself to speak outside with Cas.

Listening to Beka rattle on..."That is very useful to know when your dad is going to do something foolish like send a caravan to Karkul because it's safer..." Celeste looks quickly at Beka.oO(She stole that caravan from her father! Hah! I guess we have more in common than I thought) Celeste sees Beka in a slightly different light.

If I were a riven, I would NOT attack a fort defended by a giant bowling ball adorned by a question mark!!!

Celeste, if her picture is accurate, looks like a dreaded skunk Reaver...

but I Told You SO!!!
.oO(I have a lovely piicture of Celeste but no...she says it's all wrong...
It's better than The Riddler's bowling ball!)

ol rong

Better than a "?" !!!

OOC: Faliol, little buddy, baby brother o'mine. Have you ever taken a good look at the similarities between Celestes picture and a REAVER?!!! Oh, and by the way, I am taking you up on the offer to watch while you light the lanterns. : p~~~~~

"I will be on the wall overlooking the Adala Road. With Betsy..."

I caress my bow.

.oO(Fire true tonight, old girl.)

OOC: What about Robbing Hood? Wasn't that Daffy Duck?

OOC: Robbing Hood is from the Wizard of Id.
Daffy was the definitive Robin Hood, of course.

I mean, if the riven have apples on their heads, Robin Hood is the man for the job! You simply cannot charge and breach a wall with an apple sitting on your head! You would need a dex roll of something like 25 or less and even Nuyok doesn't have enough points to buy that!

Are you thinking of William Tell, perhaps?
Robin Hood would be best if all of the enemies already have arrows sticing out of them. Then he could split those arrows and the target would get no defense whatsoever. It's the perfect penetrating attack! Man, those Twelfth Century Saxons were smart!

Yes, William Tell is the apple killer.

I'm surrounded by...

wait, I married one.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

OK, Did William Tell or Robin Hood hold their phase and shoot on the off phase so they wouldn't be at 1/2 DCV?

OOC: Who's a geek?

OOC: THEM, never me.

[EDITED on Sun December 15, 2002 @6:51 PM (PST)]

OOC: De Nile

signed

?

OOC: Who, you or me?

OOC: You sweetcakes. You should embrace your "geekness", become one with it, let it surround you, flow through you, oh wait, that was "The Force". Well, just admit it, you've been podded, and there's an end to it.

signed
?

In the 24th and a half, CENTTUUUURRRRYYYYY!

OOC: was always "my man". : )

Commander, I can assist with reloading the ballista, or you can put me on the wall with the archers. If you want me on the wall, I can give Beka some assistance with the bow." .oO(Someone needs to keep an eye on her.) Celeste gives the commander a significant look as if to say "You do understand what I am getting at?"

"Master Ash has not transferred any ley lines yet, I was trying to find out what the plan was first. I am not trained in the use of a bow, but if someone has some time, I would be interested in learning. Otherwise, presumably I will be assisting with the injured and helping Ash with the reavers."

Fast draw bow, 12-
3d6: 9 Sat December 14, 2002 @3:18 PM (CST)

.oO(Days on the trail, no one cares about archery. Then suddenly...)

To Nuyok, "This is my Betsy. A fine bow if I do say so myself. No, you cannot touch her! Never touch another kit's bow! Sorry, where were we? Pick a bow from the armory. You will know when you pick up the right one. Name your bow and treat her with respect. Then she will faithfully perforate your enemies."

Once Nuyok has chosen his bow, ""Make sure your wrist that holds the bow is bent at a slight angle or you will thump your forearm quite hard while shooting. Choose a bow that is not so hard to pull that you end up shaking while aiming. Use either two or three fingers placed like so (arrow nock between fore and middle finger), draw in one smooth pull and hold your hand with the nocked arrow on the side of your face. Sight along the arrow at a spot about a foot above your targets head for a mid range shot. The further out your target is, the higher up you aim. Don't shoot into a general melee. You won't believe how bad you will feel when you plug a buddy by mistake. Since you don't have time to practice, just fire into a large group. If you miss, you will probably hit something."

Commander Mako looks impressed by Faliol's bowmanship (even though we are technically indoors, we can safely fudge time and space to have this interchange take place while all are breaking up and heading off.)
"Well, I definitely want that attitude on the wall. Especially if you can shoot as true as your nocking speed hints at. However, we will not be firing into masses, just a dozen or two, and quite likely at night. The late great General Trask wrote, "If you want to train a good longbowman, start by training his grandfather". I don't want beginner bowmen on the wall; we'll just be wasting arrows and manpower."

Able speaks up. "I think that Leathergirl isn't giving herself credit, Commander. I gave 'em all a chance to show their stuff back at the armory. She hit the target as well as any."

OOC: Beka has WF: Common Melee Weapons.

Catching up to the commander as the assembled persons break off into groups, "Have you decided where you want me? With the ballista or on the walls?" Celeste will wait for his response before she continues. "I had a thought about bettering our odds against the riven. Tell me if you think it is workable or no. Is it possible to keep the reavers out while still allowing the riven to enter through the breach in the wall? If so, we could post archers high on the inside of the wall to pick them off as they come through. That might at least reduce their numbers and we could then concentrate on driving the reavers away.".oO(...... Or we could just give the strange,creepy traveller to them and see if they go away.")

Mako shakes his head. "Reavers won't even cross a rope if it's enhanced. That's why you never hear about them in cities. The walls keep them out. The problem would be in constructing a barrier that is enhanced, that the riven can cross but not destroy. If you have any ideas, I'm listening.
"Oh, and as for picking them off one by one, they're probably too cunning to fall or that. Would you go through a breach if the five people before you got nailed by archers?
"Lastly, I'd rather have you arching unless you have worked a ballista crew before."

You haven't the seige weapons skill, but you could be near a ballista if you wanted.

"Ah, I see what you mean. I guess I was thinking the riven would come in all together. I see I still have much to learn about them." Celeste pauses momentarily, "As for the ballista, no I have no practical experience with them. Put me on the wall with the archers then. If possible put me near the ballista and perhaps I can be of some assistance if needed. I am strong enough to help reset or load if need be.

Keith-bob,
Bows are normally listed in the "common MISSILE weapon" category, not "common MELEE weapon" category.

Mighty One, please do not slay Faliol for my crass pointing out of GM error...

Actually, that last post was a mis-type on my part. The character does, in fact, have Common "Missile" Weapons.

And don't worry, I would never slay you. That's what riven armies are for...

First I will try to tell Nuyok about the stranger and see if he knows anything about it or if this might be why the Reavers want in. (Adpets know everything of course.) I will eat and then go to the wall. (Taking the bow I must have gotten from the armory when I forgot I could shoot one.)

OOC: So what do you tell Nuyok of the stranger?

Nuyok says "I plan to check in with the infirmary, but intend to also investigate this stranger myself."

OOC: Isn't bow a WF: Common Missile Weapons? I'm not trying to be a wanger... But, all these posts over the weekend have me back pedalling.

"Commander, the archers need light to shoot effectively. If we placed some torches about 50 feet out from the wall, the archers could get more shots fired, with greater accuracy, during the intial rush. If they try and put out the torches, they will get shot at while they approach the torches themselves. If we are vigilant. It may not work, but it only costs a few torches to find out. You can lower me over the wall and I will keep them lit periodically."

Looking at Ricco, "I don't weigh THAT much!"

[EDITED on Sun December 15, 2002 @7:16 AM (CST)]

The Commander looks thoughtful, as if considering the strategy. "You know, that's not a bad idea at all. We'll need something to keep the rain from extinguishing them, though. I think we'll go with lanterns on hooks. And there's a sally port you can use instead of a rope." He gives orders to some soldiers to gather the appropriate materials.
"You know, you're a pretty damn clever fox. And you got guts. You ever think of military service?"

"Thank you, sir. Military service? No, sir, I had not given that career path much thought in the past. I will think on it when time permits."

.oO(Who am I kidding? Most pinks would never take orders from a beast... However, a job like Shado's would suit me.)

Once people begin to disperse, I place a restraining hand on Ricco and Celeste's shoulder. "My friends! Want to shoot some evil riven? Watch me from the wall when I set up those lanterns. I have a sneaky suspicion that the evil riven will not appreciate my bringing light to their area of the world and will seek to make a meal out of your favorite vulpine."

"If attacked, I plan on running full speed for the sally port. I will not stop and fight, since that would just make me into a fox-shaped smear. When I approach the sally port, the riven will likely be very good targets. I also need someone I trust to insure the opening of the sally port..."

"You two want to play?"

OOC: " Ricco and Celeste's shoulder. " You and I share a shoulder!

Celeste says with a smile, "Absolutely! Especially if it is the Cockroach General!"

OOC: Has anyone stopped to think how this will be affecting Rath? I mean here we are about to take out a bunch of riven who may not really be evil. How is our friend going to feel about this?

Celeste will make her way to the wall to cover Faliol as he lights the torches. Before they part, she turns to Faliol and says, "Why don't you ask Beka to go up on the wall with Ricco and me. She said she can see far off things pretty good. Maybe she can spot them for us before they get too close."

Since Beka does not have visibility for this thread of messages, I will request that she join us in a thread that she can see.

"This 'coon won't be countin' on the pinkies to keep you from riven food. Some folks along the Sabre be sayin' Riven be doin' all sorts of terrible things to their eattin' food afore they be eattin' it."

The 'coon peers dramatically at Faliol's tail, "That be a good hold for any Riven wantin' to dunk Faliol in some tasty sauce. Trust ol' Riccoco to decorate any Riven hide lookin' hungry at Faliol."

OOC: You're a guy. That's it, Mako is on my "S" list!

OOC: He just had a better idea than you. "S" for Super?

Once people begin to go their separate ways, I signal Ricco, Beka, and Celeste to remain behind for a second. Once the four of us are alone, I ask, "Miss Hamilton, will you join Celeste and hopefully Ricco, in dissuading the evil riven from making a fox-shaped smear out of me while I set up the lanterns and periodically re-light them as the night passes? I think it likely that the evil riven will take offense when I attempt to bring light to the battlefield. Actually, I am counting on it. When or if they chase me, I will return to the sally port at full speed. You may get some very good shots at short range. This will give us a chance to weed them out. I ask you three because I trust you to watch over me. To many of these soldiers, I am but a beast. Not much higher on the scale than the attacking riven."

OOC re: Celeste's comment about Rath's feelings. Notice Faliol's usage of "evil riven". Faliol believes individuals are evil or good based solely upon their actions. These riven have attacked and helped reavers to enslave others, therefore they are evil. Rath has acted as a friend making him a "good" riven and deserving of all the things we accord our friends. Remember, we sit in a fort that is being attacked. If we respond, it is purely defensive. Faliol does feel sympathy for Rath's plight, and would probably speak more sensitively if Grond, err, Rath were within hearing range.

Riccoco speaks up, "Havin' a good sword arm or two around would be a big help. Iffin' some of them Reavers decide to cllimb the wall when I'm coverin' Faliol here... This 'coon would be happy to have some help..."

Two actually.
"Four! Maybe eight 'cause I'm worth two o' ya!

.oO(Who's that?)
Oh me!

I would be glad to help. Anything where I'm not looking at a Reaver!

"Thanks, Miss Beka!"

[EDITED on Tue December 17, 2002 @10:58 AM (CST)]

OOC: Celeste was concerned because Rath seemed to identify so strongly with the dead riven on the trail. And here we are getting ready to take out a whole lot of them without apparent regard to whether they are truly "evil" or simply being compelled by a stronger force to attack the fort. If she were in Rath's shoes, she might be getting strongly drunk about now."

.oO(He be weighin' more than this 'coon needs to be haulin' up an' down that wall!)

Riccoco eyes Faliol skeptically until Mako offers up the idea about the sally port. Then, he swipes the back of his paw across his forehead.

.oO(That Fox be lickety-split quick with that Betsy, for sure.)

Cas relaxes a bit, "I'll talk while you head to the infirmary. As far as how you help, although a bowman I'm sure would be nice, Leaving poor Ash alone with five reavers might be a bit stressing for him."

The meeting is pretty much breaking up as people are heading to their posts. Go ahead and respond to this post and limit the visibility if you wish to keep things private from the rest of the group. If you just don't want the Fort Lizard crew to hear, keep the visibility normal.

OOC: I'm only keeping this restricted visible under the fear of my offer being rejected and reducing humiliation.

Once away from ear shot of others Cas speaks, "Nuyok, I have thought a great deal about this and upon learning that there are some five reavers I have come my position. I would like to act as your bodyguard tonight. I cannot use the bow and I feel this is the best use of my skills given our situation."

"Ah, it seems we are both lacking in bow skills. I would be honored in having you at my defense this evening, I may well need it if I am engaged in trying to turn the reavers. At this point, I plan to check in at the infirmary briefly, and then investigate the mysterious visitor here at the Fort."

"In that case I shall accompany you." Cas is really happy that her offer wasn't rejected.

"I gather there are no seriously injured, so I was going to check in at the infirmary briefly, with the intent to return to perform healing as necessary depending on the time remaining in the day. As for the stranger, I gather Master Ash has had the opportunity to examine him with his spirit sense, and nothing was awry, but I think it's worth a look, and possibly even to speak with him...and possibly to see what may be in his room." Nuyok looks at Cas for a reaction to the last part of the statement. "We may have some in our caravan that could help in that." Nuyok continues, "What do you know of this stranger? He's staying in the inn, right? Knowing more about him could help us all live through this, if there's a connection. If I speak with him, perhaps you could be nearby in case there is trouble."

Cas fully agrees with Nuyoks plan, "I think that this stranger knows more than he is sharing. From what the guards say he was near one of the original reavers when he lost his travel mates, now five attack this fort. I'm not Adept nor have I experience with Reavers but it is pretty clear that he may be connected. You will definitely need a guard when talking with him."