Summary 48

Preparations were completed for the raid on Sisimithrae. You were given a mixed group of mercenaries and militia (armed with muskets), baggage and a galloper gun for the job. Jakob was a trifle concerned about the rationale for the job, since he believed that Bossan was too pragmatic to give into revenge for the death of Diophantes Bossan's son. You left the politicking and headed for the cliffs. Deciding to scout around and behind, you found little of interest. The only entrances were from the front and the base, with the right hand side having one route from the top.

Wolf did some scouting along the face. Basically there are three clumps of entrances: middle, right, left (as one would see them from the front). The left was very worn and would need some climbing equipment to be totally safe and it was decided to leave this for the time being. The middle, Wolf was seen by a guard - which proved (at least) that it was occupied. You retreated to let things settle down. Wolf having removed his armour, you were optimistic he would be thought of as in inquisitive fisherman or somesuch. You elected to investigate the right side, from the top (Morgan and Thomas as scouts) with a prepared force attacking from below.

These caves were occupied by lizardmen. They appeared disinterested in you, although prepared to fight you off. You discussed whether to attack them, partially as you are a bloodthirsty group and mostly as you considered it probable that an internal entry would offer easier access into the middle group of caves. Jakob eventually noted that these lizardmen wore no armour or jewellery and carried no weapons - this suggested to him that they might not be part of whatever was going on. You elected not to attack, and prepared for assault on the central entrance.

The attack went well, although your tactics continue to puzzle. Rather than make use of the soldiers, the PCs (some still first career) charged in and were nearly overwhelmed by the experienced bandits. However, their low morale and the timely arrival of your reinforcements, eventually won through. Things got bloodier than they need to have been, when negotiations over surrender broke down due to certain PCs' intransigence over terms. You might have been correct, but the bandits were not going to give themselves into the hangman's hands without a fight. Some of your own people died in this needless second combat too, and your leadership rating has plummeted with the group; they think you are murdering foreigners. Still, you ultimately did pretty well, captured two prisoners and searched the complex. No exits were apparent, and a number of caves searched, mostly looking out onto the lake (where the inhabitants have fresh air and light). The complex is clearly a mixture of natural caves into the external face of the cliff and some well-crafted rooms (with associated ventilation, lighting, heating etc).

You all looted bits of armour from your opponents. These were good, although made to look less so. They were marked with a strange symbol, reminiscent (though not identical) Morgan (I think it was Matt?) recalled of the armour being utilised by Prince Erdelyi's men. Other loot was mostly rubbish and your men got there (and to the stores) first. Some coinage was collected.

Having mapped out the place, you uncovered one of the exits, apparently blocked by a rockfall, was actually cleverly disguised. Whilst it was clearly intended to block passage, a small hole was intended to be used. You used this to widen out to allow passage. Stairs lead downwards, which is where we left the session. You have brought up the gun and mules into the cavern. Your soldiers believe that their job is done, but seem prepared to stay here whilst you investigate deeper.

Experience
Jakob  50
Wolf  20
Shangri La  90
Morgan  70 (60 + 10)
Thomas  90
Rebekah  70
Pelwhyn  100