(Hedge Storm) Tunnel Rats

[Nightfall]

Nightfall gave Harvey a curious look, but didn't say anything. Maybe the Ogre felt more comfortable that way, or thought it would be easier to maneuver in the tunnels. Personally, if he were going to fight hobs, he would have stuck with the big badass Ogre look.

Or maybe Harvey thought he was an anti-Seemite.

He gave the three companions a nod as he continued to look at the map. "So which one do you recommend we attack?" he finally asked.

Truth be told, he was ready, and he'd certainly never been guilty of over-strategizing.

[Doctor Jack]

Surprisingly, Doctor Jack joins the tunnel rats as they are examining the layout of the underground labyrinth. Wearing combat fatigues and black face paint, he looks like an extra from Apocalypse Now as he walks over to the others. After greeting each of them, he is silent as he listens to the attack plans. After all, he's just a soldier. Whatever Katrin said to him must have done the trick, since most of the madness is gone from his red-rimmed eyes. Most. His face paint looks like it was applied in imitation of a skull.

"Sergeant. Bert. Neil. Terri. Harvey."

[skarecrow36]

Bert is almost distracted by Jack's sudden appearance, for a brief moment he stares at his friend, wondering just how capable he is of controlling the mania he'd seen before. He returns his attention to the Sergeant after Nightfall asks a question, nodding to Jack, Terri and Nightfall in acknowledging them.

[Forn Clakes]

"Well," Lamplight says, picking up his blunderbuss and nodding to Jack, "I'd say we start by checking out our currently held encampments, agreed? We can then adjust to anything that may occur from there."

Terri simply nods, a stern look on her face. She edges closer to Jack in an effort to speak with him when they move out.

[Nightfall]

The answer didn't thrill Nightfall. It was rare when the person who struck first didn't gain an advantage; to take a reactionary stance rubbed his training and instincts wrong. Still, the Sergeant must know best, having fought this battle day in and day out.

Deft fingers lightly touched his clothing and belt, affirming all of his weapons and equipment were in place before following.

[Forn Clakes]

Lamplight begins the trek through the underground tunnel system and immediately, he has his blunderbus in hand, eyes scanning the soft illumination of the lichen growing here and there enroute. In the shadows, clockwork soldiers lurk on guard duty, automaton senses peeled for any movement not of their own side. As the changelings pass by, they give a nod of the head, a slight creak as the neck-joint protests from being still for so long.

Sentinel duty could last for days, it seems.

The first tunnel eventually opened up. The cavern was not as big as base camp and had many more artificial structures; mainly barricades of concrete that guard two further tunnels that lead deeper into the trench zone. As Lamplight enters, the surrounding soldiers, mostly clockwork but a few fae leaders, salute the officer in charge. One changeling, a Darkling by initial inspection, joins them, her sinious movements like a worm slithering.

"Sir, all quiet. I've sent a scout up ahead, should be due back any moment now." She looks at the group, weary and tired in her appearance, dirt coating her skin.

"Very good, Corporal." Lamplight turns to the group, introducing the fae. "This is Sparks. She's the OiC of Cave One."

Terri throws a wave while Harvey simply lurks nearby, checking out the surroundings. He silently fiddles with the blunderbuss in his hands

[skarecrow36]

Bert readjusts the blunderbuss around his shoulder as he follows lamplight to the first cabin and smiles to Miss sparks when she is introduced to them. He ponders on the fate of her scout and counts the seconds silently as he awaits for them to return as he listens to be briefed further.

[Nightfall]

The blade that had appeared in Nightfall's hands just as quickly disappears as they're introduced. He gives the Corporal a sunny smile and wave even as he takes in the surroundings, especially the two trench caves.

"How long has it been since the last encounter? And what weapons did they use?" he asked. "Corporal," he belatedly added, with a nod of respect. His father had been forced to do mandatory service in the Red Army, and despite the conscription, had gained a respect for the military he'd passed on to his son.

[Forn Clakes]

"Two days," she replies looking at Nightfall. "Luckily for us, the Storm don't make use of anything too intelligent, just whatever they can scrounge up."

Lamplight spoke up next. "Whatcha have to remember is that around ninety percent of the Storm's armies are actually unwilling pawns caught under its power. But what they lack in firepower, they make up for with sheer numbers. About four months ago, that tunnel," he stated, pointing towards one of the exits from the cave, "was choked with bodies of the slain. It took us a week to clear it."

[skarecrow36]

Bert looks at the tunnel lamplight points to and bites his lip. If it was giong to fill up quick, it was going to fill quicker with his large behind as well. "Once they get the chance, how quick are they able to fill up a tunnel?" he asks, wondering how fast they'd have to react to pushing them back if the numbers started to get overwhelming.