"Nyoh? trying to bribe me?"
I look back from the door.
"It might work, for 420 silver"
Zamiel:
In-between bouts of crying the child tells you that the dog is gray, with spots of brown. The doll was made out of hemp cloth and stuffed with straw. "It wa-as a d-doll my mo-other made." He points off down the main roadway, trying to tell you where the dog went, but his words fail him now.
Zamiel starts down the way the child points, looking for the dog but keeping his wits about him.
Grumbaki and Zanton:
You have your drink and conversation, you notice the tavern getting very busy. It has become evening.
Nadia and Jerard
Zamiel
The tracks are destroyed by the footsteps of other people and animals. If you choose to keep searching for the dog, you'll have to do so by simply taking time and exploring the city which may take you until dusk.
"Agree to 425, and you've got a deal."
Having nothing better to do, Zamiel will spend a reasonable amount of time looking for the dog. If he doesn't find it by dinnertime, he will chalk it up as a loss and a lesson learned on the child's part and go find himself some dinner and perhaps a glass of wine or two before bed.
Something tells me I'll want to be well rested for the announcement.
With the tavern filling up, Grum soon left the surly gnome and the forced conversations behind. The night passed quickly enough for him, with 'friends for a minute' gained and forgotten as quickly as a mug could be emptied. Still, he moderated his drink. For coke morning he would hear this announcement, and if it was as boring as he expected he would go see the watch commander. When the crowd started to dwindle, Grum too took his leave, deigning to sleep in the safety of his own cart. Once it was locked from the inside, he went to sleep, eager for the next day.
Zanton's willing to finish drinking in silence, though he spends the evening trying to hear more rumors about the supposed "invasions."
I immediately walk outside and continue shopping at other locations, filling up my .
I shrug it off and go back to cleaning. Someone's going to buy this stuff anyway, no need to sell it that drastically under-priced. Already tried to give her a decent deal.
Zamiel
You do not end up finding the dog. Night as started to fall
Nadia
You shop around, with the bad layout of the city, and the busy streets it takes up the rest of the day to get what you were looking for.
Zanton
Some people freak out about the notion of an "invasion". Others chalk it up to "scare tactics" to get the common farmer to accept tax increases for "protection". Not too many people seem worried.
Grumbaki
After you spend the night merrily enjoying your drinking, you go to cart and prepare to sleep. As you lie there, you have a hard time falling asleep, at any point of the night you open your eyes and cast them skyward, you can swear you see a faint redish-orange glow, but whenever you focus your eyes on it, it vanishes into the starry sky.
Jerard
The rest of the day goes by uneventfully, you close up shop and are free to spend your evening how you choose. The streets are sparsely populated and the sky is clear.
everyone
If you have not, please detail what you are going to be doing for the rest of the night. After everyone's next post, I am going to forward us to the next day, which should make things a bit more exciting.
Zamiel checks into an inn, and looks for the nicest reasonably-priced inn. A place with individual rooms, meals that include meat other than varmint if possible, non-stale bread and more than poor ale or moonshine to drink.
I also grab an interesting Casting staff from a local magic shop, it's carved in a local flavor, and a bag similar to the one at "shop".
I return home quickly after work. So much work to complete before that announcement tomorrow. I must be prepared.
At home I make a plethora of preparations for the next day to ensure I'm ready for whatever comes.
Zanton will sleep in the cheapest room he can find that's not a stable. Possibly at the tavern where he spent much of the day.
Zamiel
You find an inn that runs you around 6 gold pieces. You get your own room, a bath with hot water. A meal that consists of cured venison, potatoes, carrots, and brandy or whisky for drink.
Nadia
Jerard
You find a mostly destroyed child's doll on your way back to your house.
Zanton
The tavern in which you spend most of your day doesn't accommodate rooms, but there's an inn a few buildings over. They offer you, when asked for cheapest, a spot in the common room for 5 sp.
Everyone
The night passes otherwise peacefully. You each wake up somewhere around dawn.
When Grum wakes he will make his way back to the watch house....after eating, washing up and generally getting ready for the day. At a reasonable hour he will go and ask whichever guard is on duty to see the watch captain with much the same speech he gave the first go around to get access to someone who will buy his weapons. His goal, of course, was to lighten his load...preferably of all of the weapons in his cart.
I wake up have some nice breakfast and prepare myself for the day.
I decide today I should check on what happened to the shipment, and head over toward the warehouse.
Zamiel heads down to the common area after collecting his things from his room, then looks to see what is happening as far as breakfast is concerned. He will ask the staff what time the big announcement is to be today.
Everyone
While you are going about your morning activities, you hear a horn sound in the middle of the town. To those who live in the town, you know it's the town gathering horn.
Grumbaki
You get about halfway through talking with the local watch guard when the horn is sounded. "Me highest apologies, this is mandatory for all o' us." heading to the center of town.
After completing my morning activities I head to the gathering location with Erys.
Once arriving I take a seat in a chair.
Muttering darkly, Grum follows to see what commotion could possibly be important enough to get between him and his coin. He ends up by chance standing next to Jerard. He doesn't spare the half elf a glance. Instead he sits there with his arms folded, waiting to see what happens.
The crowd is gathering and luckily you both(Grum and Jerard), to be near the front with a good view. As you are waiting, you see the captain of the town watch(if you lived/frequent visitor), the captain of the guard, the Silverfang ambassador, and a man in very ornate full plate. The town watch captain has a very stressed and uneasy expression on his face.
Zamiel makes his way quickly to the gathering to take in this most important announcement.
The crowd begins to become noisy as more gather and they start chatting to one another. Before any real conversation can happen you hear, ""
you not only hear this but you feel it too.
The crowd becomes silent almost instantly and the Silverfang ambassador steps forward. "For many days the news of the fall of the Silverfang empire, one hold at a time have been circulating around. Unfortunately... These are true. We are facing forces we have not seen before. True animosity and force unrivaled by stories of yore. They are.. Now this does not mean we will lose, we are just in a state of emergency. I will now let the captain of the Silverfang military speak now."
He steps back with a very worried expression as he watches the man in the full plate walk forward. He has a rough, gritty voice, it carries far and is very harsh. "I am not a man for words. We have declared martial law, and are enacting a draft. capable men will report to the guard barracks by sundown today, or be branded a traitor and sentenced to death. Those who are just passing by in this town are subject to the draft as well. All persons of nobility or importance will also report for the draft for financial asset seizure as necessary. You will be paid for your time, and assets. We have 135,000 gold to divvy up, the more you contribute the more compensation you shall receive. All military resources are under direct control of me and my vassals." He holds out a large scroll. "This scroll contains the names of all inhabitants, do not think you can run without consequences."
While this is being said, you can see the grim expressions on the town officials, especially the ambassador, who looks as if he's going to faint from the lack of empathy.
The crowd panic consumes the immediate area.
Jerard and Grumbaki
roll reflex saves or a strength check to keep yourself from being trampled.
Zamiel
you only have to make this check if you try to move into the crowd.
As the commander spoke, a huge grin broke across Grum's face. This was it! War! And the best bloody kind he could ever hope for. To face off against an orc horde...to have his goods seized...and compensated! It was as if though his God was smiling down upon him. No, not upon him. Upon them all!
His good mood almost vanished when the crowd went into an uproar. Shouting "Ye yellow bellied sons o' gobbos! Hold ye fookin' ground! Cowards, all o' ye!" Inwardly, he cursed at the humans. Cowards. One and all! No dwarven clan would ever behave so disgracefully with war on their doorsteps.
With those thoughts in mind, he began to weave through the crowd, elbowing anyone who got too close to him out of the way. He was determined that he would not disgrace his God by being seen as some cowardly vermin, fleeing from a fight.
Grumbaki
There are many in the crowd who aren't panicking mind you, but a lot of the women and children are. A few men stand their ground with you. As you push your way through the crowd, you actually see a ring of people forming around the announcement stage. It looks like there are others who are eager and ready for this. You notice the same cloaked traveler first in line.
"That's more like it! So there are indeed some real men 'ere, it seems."
Grum gladly joins the ring of people around the announcement stage, eager to begin the march towards war.
I keep my chair at the front of the pack as I arrived fairly early. Hearing the announcement I look to Erys.
Keeping my seating while Erys keeps her footing, I speak to her. "Erys, this is the adventure we've been waiting for!"
Erys claps excitedly and responds. "Oh! I just can't wait to see all the animals we will see!"
Zanton hears the shouting and, having overslept, follows it to the town square. But despite being on the edge of the crowd, he hears the announcement clearly.
And as soon as people start panicking, he slips out to go grab his weapons and shields. Joining a regimented army doesn't sound like his idea of a good time, but if he does decide to desert later, it would be easier after a long march than while he's in a town where quite a few people would recognize him.
Zamiel will stand in place, not wanting to be swept away. When a moment comes that he can move freely without being trampled, he asks simply, "Was this announcement made in all of the cities in the country? Or is this city just the enterprising sort that plans to defend the whole nation?"
I ask someone what the horn was and if they reply will head off with everyone else to the gathering.
--- X time later ---
Noticing the crowd breaking as I arrived...
I cast levitate on myself and move myself above the crowd, also trying to get a better idea of exactly what is happening. Hearing some things from the crowd I think to myself They're going to take my stuff. This really isn't good. Oh, and i guess the fall of the empire isn't great either.
I decide running isn't the best option and decide to watch for a bit from above.
The military commander looks at those who immediately stepped forward. "Glad some of you have some backbone. I am commander Yallus, if you are here to sign up, please see the attendants over there. Once they are done writing your name and familiarity of combat down, they will assign you into a regiment with their own leader." he points off to a small table set up with three people sitting with pen and quill ready.
He then directs his attention to Zamiel. "This announcement was made here first, because this city is now the front line. The mines have fallen." he gestures towards the direction of the mountains, small wisps of smoke can be seen rising into the sky. "I cannot tell you if that's the signal fire or the buildings burning as we speak. We have sent a runner to the capital of the Dwarves, Elves, and the grand port city of Sanlow. This city is in no sort of condition to fend off the full force of the invasion, so instead of waiting, we are going to them."
A man in the crowd speaks up, "What if we fail? We'll die!", in which Commander Yallus responds, "We'll all die if we don't stop them. It's better to die in battle protecting those you cherish, than to die like a coward, knowing you could have fought for your honor"
At this point the cloaked traveler speaks "If the Silverfang could not stop them, then what makes us any more suited for this? From how I'm seeing it, we're going to be used as cannon fodder."
Commander Yallus snaps to him, his general expression of confidence and indifference shifting towards anger. He steps down from the stage and walks up to the man. "Boy, those words reek of insubordination. You will jump when I tell you to, you will fight the goblins by yourself, if I tell you to, you will give your life from this empire... When I tell you to. There is no more room for free thought, you are now soldiers, and soldiers obey. The rest of you go sign up, you're coming with me" he begins walking away, one of the guards start escorting the cloaked traveler behind Yallus.
The other guards start moving the crowd towards the tables.
Barely able to contain his excitement, Grum immediately made his way to the attendants.
"The name be Grum, Son o' Baki. Travelin' arms merchant, an' priest o' Angradd. That's the Dwarven God o' Aggressive Military Tactics, ye ken? I'm no fookin' stranger tae war. Just point me at 'em!"
At the last sentence he pumped his arm in the air. The runic tattoos surged to life. The blue runic tattoos briefly glowed before electricity surged out of them, running down his arm like a snake before covering his fist like a glove. After about six or so seconds the power faded away, leaving his fist smoking.
"Ye get all that, lad? I'll nay be left babysittin' a bunch o' wet behind the ears children now, will I?"
In response to when his question is answered, Zamiel asks another question.
"To be clear, the other cities will be drafting people as well then? I wouldn't want any sneaky people fleeing here only to find solace in the bosom of another town that is not under your martial law."
Maybe the best course of action right now is to play it safe. I'll figure out some way to get a message home in front of all this chaos. Maybe I can even get out after they let their guard down once things calm down.
I decide to land early though will use levitate to go over any trouble areas toward the registration desk. Upon reaching there I try to wait in line if there is one, trying not to bring too much attention from the commander. I answer any questions very quickly trying not to give out anything I don't have to.
"Nyalia Caelus"
"traveling service provider. I can cast healing and comfort magics."
"hospital"
"none"
After I'm done I find some place to rest while I wait for something to happen, trying to not let the nerves get to me.
Zanton gradually filters into line. This whole endeavor seems like an absolutely terrible way to organize a regiment—but he shoves his many weapons to the bottom of his bag, hoping that they won't be "redistributed."
Zamiel:
You hear as Yallus walks away, "All will do their part in due time, do not fear deserters."
Grumbaki:
The attendant listens to you, without interrupting. "You will be assigned to a regiment which I feel like your skills will be best utilized. Which from the sounds of it will be Regiment C. You are a travelling merchant you say? If you so choose to, we will buy your stock for 3/4ths value now, and when the war is over, compensate you with another 3/4ths value of the original shipment at time of which they were turned over." He writes down a few things on the scroll while talking to you, glancing up at you occasionally.
Zanton:
Eventually you get to the front of the line, you can see Grumbaki still dealing with his attendant. "Gnome over here." you hear from your right, an attendant calls to you to approach his table.
Nadia:
The attendant writes down your information. "Would healing and comfort magics be the same thing you offer with your traveling services? If so, you will be best in Regiment H, please report over to commander Mankis." He points you over to a small group of people around a man with a banner next to him.
Grum nods. "Aye, aye, that'll be fine. Jus' tell me when and where tae bring me weapons in. An' tell me when tae report tae this Regiment C."
"Very well then. I wouldn't want anyone thinking they could escape. My name is Zamiel. I am a scholar and mage. I specialize in magics of the mind. I have never interrogated anyone before, but I could perhaps glean things not said if a professional were interrogating someone, if you catch my meaning. I have no combat experience save the hazards of field work. Delving ruins, abominations and the like, though I was never the heavy-lifter when the blades were drawn."
"yes, it would"
I go over and greet Commander Mankis. "reporting, I guess."
I stand up on my chair and eventually make my way up to the recruitment desk. "Jerard Reagan, at your service. Local shop clerk, so battle hasn't been my thing, but I've been practicing my bandaging and I have this sword!" I say pointing to the rapier on my hip.
"A gnome table?" Zanton mutters as he walks over. "Seems a bit racist."
Jerard:
The attendant looks at you funny with a raised eyebrow. "Firstly, what kind of stuff do you trade in? if it's military, I'll pay you 3/4ths value now, and 3/4ths value after that war. If you only do some healing I think you'll be suited for regiment H"
Zanton:
The attendant's ears perk up, the moment you approach the table you hear "frontlines" he looks up and says, "regiment C". He stares at Zanton while he says this."Next!" is the only thing heard from him there after.
"Well, I only sell the items, I don't actually own them. Otherwise I would have said local shop owner. You may want to speak to Mr. Ublick about the wares prices."
Zanton shrugs and walks away from the table, surprised that they didn't even ask his name.