(Orchard Operation) Soot Blackened Fruit

[Rhodes]

The Autumn King had closed his eyes, clamping down on his temper. He was still seething, but this wasn't anyone's fault. Maybe they should have moved faster. It was hard to say. Too many unknowns, too many variables. Forcing his breathing to slow. Taking in the thoughts and preparing a path forwards.

When a question was directed to him, he slowly opens eyes any looked to Gerrit. "Only by moving one of the mirrors present - it would be better to leave as is, and I simply employ the same contract," he gestured to the Mirror still reflecting the images of the past. Looking to his wife, he added, "I realise you want to remove this threat, darling, and we all have some manner of scores to settle here. But blowing this up now also removes the closest thing to a direct access to Ann we have. The fact is we are no-where nearer to finding her and this is a bigger asset to us than a threat." His words were calmer now - there was nothing to be gained by turning on each other.

"A compromise, perhaps, to assure the worth of keeping this place. Open the gate. See what we can see. Not as an attack, but as you say - for intelligence. Look around, and out. We clear anything that remains in the orchard, and come back loaded for bear. To deal with this path and anything beyond. How does that sound?" He looked around. "Truth be told I'm as curious as everyone else what lies beyond; we will be back, so we should try and know what we're prepared for.. We can tweak this to our advantage. The weaker one's connection to the Hedge, the shorter a gate stays open. I have dedicated much to strengthening that connection to the Wyrd, so perhaps someone else should do the honours." Whatever else, diplomacy was an art as much as anyhting.

[Saber Sloth]

The Lost, the Whirling, and the Reflections only Rhodes could see, continue as they had been. Suspended in this moment of decision.

Unless my Sloth brain has missed something y'all are still trying to decide what to do! @me if I'm wrong

[Colonel Worm]

"I'll take that compromise," Worm replies to Rhodes. "And I'm happy to be the guy to pop the gate." He's not nearly as strong in the Wyrd as the Dread Lord. No shame about it either.

The Colonel strides over to the mirror or doorway that Rhodes has indicated and places a hand on its frame. White-with-white eyes move between his companion. "Y'all ready to get your spy on?"

When everyone agrees on the plan, Worm will spend the Glamour to open the gate as Rhodes has proposed.

Equipment:
Khukri knives (+ sheaths) x 2 2L*
Brass Knuckles x2 1B (in pants pockets)
Kevlar Vest (thin)
Reinforced Clothing (Motorcycle jacket)
Advanced First Aid Kit
Water bottle (in first aid kit exterior pocket)
Bag of Beef jerky
Tree tags
Cigarettes + Lighter

[Seraphina]

Thinking over what Gerrit said, she didn’t have a better idea. Or an idea on how to construct a trap. It just wasn’t something she’d ever done before or put any thought into.

So she nods in agreement with him.

Rhodes was right, she wanted to see this end here and now. But they were simply not prepared and didn’t have the manpower. It would be a suicide mission.

But this had been taking too long as it was. “Lets do what we came here to do, then regroup later.” She was curious as to what Circe could dd to this plan.

Looked like Worm was volunteering to open the gate. But at least they were doing something instead of debating it more.

A nod to him, she was ready.

Hedgespun jacket(+1 INT, +1 DEF), Hedgespun Necklace(+1 singing), dagger, 2 bottles of water, bag of trail mix, gauze and tape, costume jewelry for trading(one necklace, one pin) sun catcher for trading, gardening gloves, notebook with pencil
Health 7
WP 3

[Gerrit]

Gerrit just nodded - first at Rhodes, then at the Colonel. Those were all the ideas he could contribute to the operation for now, so there was no need to discuss this further. And if Rhodes had remote access to those mirrors now? Even better.

The Ogre positioned himself to have both the mirror in question and the door they came in through in his field of vision. "Ready when you are."

Equipment: Backpack - First aid Kit, Rope, a separate bag, a bottle of water, a notebook and a pen, Tags for Rhodes' Contract.






Shadowpatch (+3 to Stealth)

[Rhodes]

The Dread Lord says nothing, but gestures for Worm to go ahead.

Equipment: Sturdy boots, Hedgespun coat (+1 def, +1 talking to crowds when active), hip flask (scotch, 3/4 full), Wallet containing a photo of Sera, ID and $147, a satchel containing: 12 tags each with "Rhodes" on them, 2 knives, a book of poetry, some cheap silver rings, earings and a necklace with bright stones.
Health 7/7
WP 2/2

[Saber Sloth]

Which gate/door do you want to open? Is it one of the mirrors? Or one that hasn't gotten attention? And remember there's one already open, the whirling lamp post arch

[Colonel Worm]

Hey Saber Sloth Survey says: Whirling Lamp Post Arch.

[Saber Sloth]

The Lost choose the Gate, open and waiting. Beyond them is a blurry darkness. Distant shapes point towards this being a warehouse of some kind. Sera had pointed out that the briar covered wires tangle up in the posts, but lead through the open portal. The battery keeping the Gate open rests beyond the sight of the Lost gazing through the archway.

In their formation, the slowly press through. As they do, there's a jolt, static against their skin, and a brief blink and you miss it, taste of iron on their tongues.

Surrounded by the blurry dark, whatever devices their kept in their pockets, ding or vibrate as they reconnect to their networks.

Perception please!

[Colonel Worm]

Both knives still in hand, Worm advances. Slow, wary. Watchful. Ready to fight, to kill, to protect his comrades. Whatever it takes.

Perception, 3 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-10 15:12:21	Colonel Worm rolls 4 to Wits + Composure -1 (clarity) (10 Again)	9, 10, 2, 8, 1	3 successes

Equipment:
Khukri knives (+ sheaths) x 2 2L*
Brass Knuckles x2 1B (in pants pockets)
Kevlar Vest (thin)
Reinforced Clothing (Motorcycle jacket)
Advanced First Aid Kit
Water bottle (in first aid kit exterior pocket)
Bag of Beef jerky
Tree Tags
Cigarettes + Lighter