>>5369676“We know where all the defenders are,” the Bastard notes. “Their physical defences are impressive… But siege crossbows, catapults, oil-drums? These all require males to man them. They lack the forces to operate them all properly. If we storm one gate with part of the force, then send the rets in at the other… They will have committed their forces to the first, be unable to defend the second.”
“If we march on them and hurl the humiliated ones at the gates, while showing how many surrendered willingly, their morale will be broken!” the Pit-Guard declares brashly, clearly buoyed by this outstanding victory. “We can stand well-back from their weapons, and demand they treat with us for the lives of their fellows.”
“It is true,” the Novice adds, eyes linger on you for a moment and ensure you understand the hidden jab, “that mammals are altogether too sentimental.”
“A small squad will be faster,” the Thief notes, “and I know a rear passage—intended for wase disposal—which we could sneak in, with such a squad. It would need to be composed of silkscales, elves, and kobolds—none larger. But we could open the gate for you!”
You idly wonder if the Potion of Diminution which you incorporated into your amulet could facilitate your joining them. After all, by the estimation of the dwarf whom you tortured, the Herbalist could even now be suffering as terrible a fate as you inflicted on that impudent ape… Or worse!
Better yet, you know that with the use of a <Jump> and some <Guidance>, you could enter the keep and be at your dwarven lover’s side in seconds… But then, whatever defenders remain, you would have to fight alone. It is the sort of risky play which would appeal to the Serpent Ascendant, but would you live to enjoy his favour? Is glory—for that matter, is DAVORA—worth the risk?
What do you do?
>Stage a two-pronged assault, drawing forces to one gate then crashing through the other>Besiege the fortification, and try to draw the dwarven defenders out to negotiate a hostage exchange and surrender>Go for the Thief’s sneakier assault, sending a force up the waste-chute to weaken the defenders and open the gates>There’s no TIME for this! Any delay means Davora, the loyal lover who brought you this victory to begin with, might die! You’re going in!>Write-in 