Hooray. She doesn't get the feat until 8th level but it would be fun to set up things now.
Caitlyn noticed a curious thing, their many travails in dimly lit places bothered her greatly a first but she realized she hadn't felt the need for Jackun's mage light as much as she one had. Perhaps she was becoming accustomed to the dark? She wasn't entirely keen about that. It also occurred to her that her armor and hammer felt lighter than before. Wearing it continuously provided considerable excercise so it was little wonder.
As for Jackun's plan to raid the ancient fortress of Zhaman, Caitlyn wasn't sure the secrets held by such a place were wise to disturb. But then again what did she know about the ways of wizards? She knew she's support her companions wherever they chose to go next.
Autumn Harvest 27, Day 17
Solinari: Low Sanction, Waxing Crescent
Lunitari: Low Sanction, New Moon; -1 caster level, -1 save DCs
Nuitari: no one knows
The Companions quickly take charge of the Abanasinian refugees, or as much charge as one can of more than eight hundred people. With them came a few hand carts full of provisions kept on hand in the mines or hurried out of the fortress in the chaos.
Their course set, the companions and refugees start out from Pax Tharkas. As light snow began to fall, they found the ancient dwarf road. Only a few hundred feet from it, mountain pierced the sky with snow-capped peaks. To the east, the valley widened across grass and trees already turning white.
The terrible sounds of Ember and Flamestrike, still battling high above, followed the multitude south. Minutes later, a new sound cut through the din: marching feet by the thousands upon thousands with war drums and voices raised in shouts. The Dragonarmy had turned from Qualinesti and returned.
Caitlyn's reunion with her family was emotional. Looking after Justin had made Ma and Pa old before their years and the last few weeks had not been kind. Her mother weeped as she described what happened, "I can't believe it Caitlyn, they burnt Solace to the ground. All those Valenwoods, hundreds upon hundreds of years old all gone in an afternoon. It was more then Justin could bear he took out a group of those dragon men despite the agony his art caused him. He would have done more but the Highlord's dragon. It..." Suddenly Ma was too choked up to say anymore. Pa just looked at her with sad eyes, his spirit crushed and a reedy cough slowly sapping the life out of him. Hours later Caitlyn told them, "We can't give up hope. The old gods have returned, they say there's good dragons out there somewhere. Even if there's not we're going to find allies or whatever's needed to fight the dragon armies. Ma, Pa I need you and so do the refugees, there's more than a few hit head fools in their number. Somebody needs to be the voice of reason!" It later occurred to her that it was ironic that she of all people was calling for calm. Caitlyn the firebrand had always been something of an agitator but the events of the last few months had changed her forever.
It wasn't long before a draconian scouting party appeared at the edge of the refugee column, but the Companions made quick work of them and the small horde progressed a few hours from Pax Tharkas before settling in for the night. Almost as soon as they came to a halt, men and women found axes and began to set to the trees for firewood. Merry fires, perhaps a bit larger than necessary, began to push back the shadows and cold.
Shortly after the refugees settled in, a mismatched group came to attend them: a collected woman with an air of authority, a Seeker in mine-sullied robes, a plainsman that stood well away from the woman of authority, and a man who had seized some ill-fitting armor from a hobgoblin at some point.
"This is nonsense," the Seeker said as they approached. "These people are heretics. They have already infected many with their delusions of false gods."
"Say what you want, Highseeker Locar. These pagans saved us from the mines," the woman said. She sounded like someone from one of Solace's neighboring towns, perhaps Gateway.
"Did they? I think the dragons had something to do with that, Brooke," the armored man said.
"Dragons, men, we have many bellies to feed," the plainsman said. "That is the greater problem, unless you wish to build false caves and hide from your hunger."
"There is really no call for that, Briar," Brooke told the plainsman, testily.
"Yes. Enough savagery for one night," the Highseeker said. "We will attend our business later. We came here for a purpose, if you have forgotten." Composing himself, he turned to address the Companions as though he hadn't just slandered them to their faces.
Brooke neatly stepped in front of him, "Heroes of Pax Tharkas, forgive our poor introductions. I am Brooke Stonemason, of Gateway. The people have chosen me to represent the civilized folk of our lands in council." Composed, she sounded much like one of Solace's elders. The Highseeker bristled and Briar stared daggers at her.
Brooke's eyes passed over the minotaurs, then Thistletorp, then Mariel before settling on Caitlyn. She continued, addressing Caitlyn directly. "We are eager to have the advice of your company on how we should proceed."
"So long as it does not imperil the souls in our charge," the Highseeker amended. He spoke to Mariel without ever looking at her: "There is talk of your having a place among us, Madame Half-Elven, but in the interests of unity you must decline. It would split us down the middle and we cannot afford the division that your innovations would bring."
"Not on military matters, of course," the armored man added. "Some things are best left to the professionals. I'll be master of arms."
"Wisdom demands it," the Highseeker agreed. "But on matters outside of Master Sudor's competence we welcome your input." He clearly welcomed it slightly less than a dragon attack.
The half-elf simply smiles at the insult. Yes, innovations which take the Truth and twist it for the manipulation of people are not at all in line with what is saught. she replies.
Jakun chuckles, "Humans. But a day ago you were slaves in mines now you approach us and insult us and to our faces no less!" Jakun roars the response and rises to his full height danger in his eyes his nose snorting menacingly.
"How do you think you would fare against the hordes of Draconians which will begin to nip at our heels and soon Master at Arms without us here to aid you? I and my companions have stood toe to toe with two Dragons have you?
As to you Highseeker, if Mariel Uth Kaldar's Gods are so false, why do they answer her prayers where yours do not? Ask your Gods that and let me know the response you receive, excuse me, the one you make up.
Be grateful that one among you has the courtesy to approach with respect, Brooke Stonemason, and that another has the sense to know that food is what is needed, my Plainsman friend, and may I add less fire in the coming days would be wise. The enemy has Dragons and Wyvern that fill the skies as scouts, the only being you have that can Fly is me". He cracks his neck loudly.
"We affected a rescue of your people because we wish to help you. Some because they are from your towns and villages". Jakun gestures to Caitlyn, Mariel, and Thistle. "Mittens and I because we seek to do what is right as does the ElfLord Gilanthas. Without him no rescue would have been possible. Remember that in the coming days of alliance that the Speaker of the Suns risked his own son to aid you all.
I agree that Mariel is best suited to represent our group among you refugees both due to her excellence in diplomacy, her wisdom and her kindness. Do not mistake her kindness for weakness it would be a miscalculation.
Despite your rudeness, I shall continue to assist you, see that it does not happen again or you will receive more than a lecture from me". He leaves the threat there.
Jakun pauses and settles down, "The best course of action moving forward is to live off of the land and work our way south to the lands of the Dwarves. Once we arrive there, we can petition succor from them. If they refuse, my Companions and I are willing to risk the ruins of the Fortress of Zhaman. Legends state that magics to effect the opening of the Dwarven gates lie within.
If they will not give you succor, we will force them to open there gates that they may rejoin the rest of the world to bleed and fight for it as Men have. Only through the alliance of Men, Elves, and Dwarves can these armies be pushed back. I should like to have an army of my people as well but we too suffer under the yoke of the oppression of the Ogres who serve the Dark Queen still. That though is my cause, not yours".
Caitlyn found herself frowning at the meeting, she knew how to swing a hammer, but what did she know of politics? Clearly the factions where going to be trouble, the former highseeker in particular.
When Brooke spoke to her, Caitlyn was about to demur but then Jakun started lecturing the assembled crowd and Caitlyn had to hide her smile. They certainly had it coming! When the Minoutaur's words turned to living off the land, Caitlyn's humor vanished. He was right but he possibly didn't fully appreciate how difficult it would be to feed this many people.
There was a pause and Brooke was looking at her again, Caitlyn swallowed feeling strangely nervous. She coughed to clear her voice before speaking, "I would just like to say that I have seen and felt first hand the miracle of Mariel's faith. The old gods have returned, their healing miracles with them. I fear we shall have great need of them over the coming days for the way ahead will be arduous. As Jackun says, until we can get you back to civilization we must live off the land. That's not something I'd choose to do with a host this size but we have little option."
Meeting first Briar's then Brooke's eyes and the others after she tells them simply, "We'll have to send foraging parties far and wide, they can double as scouts. Wherever we do, we must keep moving, there simply won't be food to be had if we stay put. Finding or manufacturing even the crudest of litters will be vital for some of our number are very old and some are very young. We have a long way to go and it will be hardest on them."
None of the council were pleased with Jakun's rebuke, but Brooke and Briar took it best.
"Then you will yield the position amongst us that others would put in your hands in the name of unity? the Highseeker pressed. "Now is no occasion for theological debate."
"How do we know there's not another dragonarmy south of us?" Master Sudor said. "We could walk right into it."
"He speaks sense," Brooke said. "We may find some pass that will let us go to the Elfhome. They don't have walls to keep us away. Wouldn't your people shelter us, Elflord?"
"My people know the elves," Briar said. "They are honorable. The elflord may set a price, but it will be fair and they will not stand by and watch our small ones slain."
"And you say it yourself," the Highseeker said, briefly meeting Jakun's gaze. "The dwarves have shut their gates before. Say you find your magic. Say you open their gates. What happens when they boil out to slay us all? We will be invaders then and they would have every right to defend themselves."
Gilthanas spread his hands helpelssly, "My people even now flee the dragonarmies. If there is a way, which I know not, then you may arrive and find them gone."
"If he said it, it is so. Elves do not lie of such things," Briar told the others.
Time to look under the hood a little.
The faction leaders are amenable to the usual social skills. Their attitudes toward you influence how inclined they are to vote your way, but are not the sole variable. They are also responsible to their people and make their judgments in the context of the situation on the ground. Things going badly will incline them to vote against you even if they like you personally.
The question presently before the council is whether to strike east for Qualinesti or head south for Thorbardin. You can RP and roll diplomacy, bluff, or intimidate (the latter two might have serious consequences, especially intimidate) to answer objections and otherwise sway them.
"As Gilanthas has stated, the elves flee. The Plains burn, Solace, Haven, Gateway are over run. If the Dragonarmies are south as well then all is lost and there is nowhere left to flee Master at Arms.
Highseeker, it is for Mariel to consider taking a leadership position on her own but I would think she would want more than a minute to ascertain whether she will take it or no. As far as opening the Gates of Thorbardin, with the Dragonarmies behind us, they will see the true foe and aid us with shelter or strike at those armies themsleves. Indeed they may be upset, mayhap, even angry but they'll not attack children seeking shelter"
Jakun turns to Mariel and the rest of his allies, "I believe a moment to speak amongst ourselves is sensible here. No?"
Having got over her initial nerves, Caitlyn tells the assembled company with conviction, "The Elves I believe would be willing to fight but the oldest of them have seen this before and they know they can't stand alone. They need allies. We need allies, we need the Dwarves of Thorbardin and all the men we can muster. The Dwarves will see sense eventually, they can't stay stuck in their halls forever while the world outside burns. If they do, there will be nobody to help them when the dragon armies pound down their doors. We'll make them see sense, one way or another, this I promise you."
She nods at Jackun when he suggests they speak for a moment.
The Revered Daughter speaks I accept the responsability, in the name of my God, Paladine, to speak on behalf of the his Revered Children and the other gods of light. I look forward to working with this esteemed group for the safety and protection of all of the refugees. she says clearly and strongly.
The Revered Daughter speaks I accept the responsability, in the name of my God, Paladine, to speak on behalf of the his Revered Children and the other gods of light. I look forward to working with this esteemed group for the safety and protection of all of the refugees. she says clearly and strongly.
The Highseeker gave Mariel an openly disgusted look, but said nothing when she accepted the position. The council then withdrew so the Companions could speak amongst themselves.
As the members of the Council leave the Revered Daughter gives a short smile to the Companions.
I believe it best that I sit on this Council. I thank you for your support. The days ahead will be difficult, especially since I am the only True Cleric among us. If we only had a few more, but that will come, that will come. Paladine will be our strength. she says. My Lord Gilthanas, I have no right to speak on behalf of our people but would ask for your assitance, if you are willing to help.
Jakun looks to his Companions, "We should decide our objectives here. Is it our duty to bring these people to safety when they have already elected leaders?
Certainly rallying the Dwarves to the full cause is important. Thus far, the elves and the Wizards have refused the call something tells me the Dwarves will have zero interest in helping as well.
Should we send a scout to the Solamnic Knights? Perhaps they can aid us. I am at a loss as to what to do if none will help..."
Caitlyn listens to Mariel's words and tells her, "To be honest I have little desire to join their council. That Highseeker is going to be a problem and I'd probably end up doing something foolish. No Mariel is the right person and really what you need to do is spread the good word. The more clerics there are, the more obvious it will be that the Highseeker is just a load of hot air."
She then listened to Jackun's words and couldn't help but feel depressed. Sighing deeply she confided that, "I have a horrible feeling you're right and the Dwarves will be stubborn. I suppose there's always the knights." Caitlyn's voice was bitter, their rejection of her still hurt. Quietly she half whispered, "They're not what they where. It seems so unfair, the dragon armies have such an advantage over us. I mean where are the good dragons?! The stories of Kaz and Huma where full with metallic dragons but as far as I can tell they're still the stuff of Legends..."
Perhaps the words of the gods return will be carried to the land of my mother's people but our first and most pressing concern is this group of refugees.
As the members of the Council leave the Revered Daughter gives a short smile to the Companions.
I believe it best that I sit on this Council. I thank you for your support. The days ahead will be difficult, especially since I am the only True Cleric among us. If we only had a few more, but that will come, that will come. Paladine will be our strength. she says. My Lord Gilthanas, I have no right to speak on behalf of our people but would ask for your assitance, if you are willing to help.
"I must rejoin my people eventually, but my father did not demand I go at once. I will remain if you wish it, Revered Daughter."
The stories of Kaz and Huma where full with metallic dragons but as far as I can tell they're still the stuff of Legends..."
Your aid, my Lord, would be greatly appreciated she responds to Gilthanas Kanan.
Jakun shakes his head, "If we can discover where these evil dragons came from perhaps we can find the good Dragons. It makes me wish now that we had the opportunity to confront this Highlord Verminaard.
Very well Mariel, perhaps we can build an army of Clerics out of these people whose magic will turn the tide against these evil foes". He shrugs, out of any other ideas for the first time in a long time.
The work shall be taxing. It will be hard, our hearts and minds are far away from the gods, even though they are close to us, they always have been close to us. Will I be taunted? Yes. Will I be hurt? Without a doubt, but the will of the gods will be done. she says with a smile
Will I be hurt? Without a doubt, but the will of the gods will be done. she says with a smile
Perhaps it is best if we can find a defensible position to hide rather than bringing close to a thousand people to the gates of Thorbardin, especially since those gates were closed at the time of the Dwarfgate Wars 300 years ago. recommends the Revered Daughter.
Jakun believes that it would take the column seven days at best speed to reach Thorbardin, but that's without stopping for foraging and assuming no delays from weather, hostile action, getting lost, or the council voting to go some other place. With foraging, it would take double the time.
These assume the most direct route, which may not be what the council decides.
Distance to the Foothills: 39 miles
There to the Plains of Dergoth: 20 miles
Plains to Zhaman: 7 miles
Zhaman to Thorbardin: 19 miles
Total: 85 miles
The column can move 12 miles in 8 hours. More than that is a forced march which puts even a well-fed refugee at risk. So seven days.
But! That's without slowing down for foraging so unless you stumble on food supplies on the road you'd run out after two days and be at risk for starvation. Every day without food is a 20% chance to lose 1d10 people, starting with the weakest. This stacks for consecutive days. Going without food will risk the council's favor. People actually dying is a larger risk of that. Forced marches don't risk attrition in themselves, but each hour of them increases your chance of losing stock with the council.
Food, then. You have 814 people to keep alive, who each need one unit of food per day. You left Pax Tharkas with 1628, enough to feed everybody for two days.
The foragers among the refugees can generate 420 food per day, at the cost of slowing the column to half speed. If you rely on that, you can stretch the stores into four days' for everyone. Then you need to find enough to feed the other half of the host somehow.
Perhaps it is best if we can find a defensible position to hide rather than bringing close to a thousand people to the gates of Thorbardin, especially since those gates were closed at the time of the Dwarfgate Wars 300 years ago. recommends the Revered Daughter.
Jakun frowns at Mariel, "And if the Dragonarmies catch them will they not be trapped? It is seven days to the Dwarven gates without stopping. Twice that with foraging.
We have slowed down the advanced scouts of the Dragonarmies but they will come and they will be provisioned where we will not.
Still, these are your people and they chose you as a representative. I will follow your lead Revered Daughter as I know you only have their best interests at heart. Here among ourselves we can debate, out there with those jackals the Humans picked for leaders, we must appear fully united".
The dwarves will no doubt have sentries or other ways of guarding their realms, even if we are not aware of them. To take this large number of people to the foot of the mountain would be to invite trouble or out right hostility. says the Revered Daugther.
Caitlyn considered this and added, "I don't like it, but we're going to have to forage most of the way Jackun. There isn't much food maybe one or two days worth, and the folk know it. If we ask them to march all day, morale will likely suffer without something obvious goading them."
Turning to Mariel, Caitlyn asked "In the bard's tales, Clerics often summoned food and water. I assume that's not something we can rely on?"
The Revered Daughter shakes her head sadly. water is about the best I could summon right now and I am the only true cleric in the camp.
"Very well then, we shall proceed at a pace that allows for foraging and hunting. Hopefully the Gods of Good and Neutrality will be with us and if the Draconians still seek us, let us hope that Sargonnas is with us and guides our weapons with righteous vengeance.."
The Revered Daughter raises an eyebrow at the minotaurs's mentioning of Sargonnas Plead not with him and call not undue attention to the Consort of the Dragon Queen to where we are Jakun Stormfoot.
Gail coughs and puts her finger to her lips and whispers, "Shh try to keep your voices down. Wouldn't do any good for that lot over there to think we're divided. Anyway are we agreed on the course of action?"
Jakun shrugs at Mariel and does not respond as it is not worth trying to explain to her. He takes Mittens and Thistle's silence as agreement.
"Yes. We are all in agreement as there is truly no better alternative. If there was I know you would both seek that out. What you do, you do to save these people, all of these people".
With the Companions agreed that they should preserve the column's stores as long as they could, they pleaded the direct route to Thorbardin with the Council. Caitlyn's plea drew the close attention of Briar of the Plainsfolk, but in the end he still cast his lot against them. Mariel's, the Free Folk's, and the Townspeople's votes decided the matter: the refugees would start for Thorbardin.
That night, Mariel dreamed of a young man among her small flock. She knew none of them well, but him least of all. Slight of build and virtually silent, he followed her lead without complaint but never put himself forward.
"My dear one," the deep gentle voice she knew so well for hearing it only once before, spoke. "He has a voice that would carry far, but doubts silence it. Help him find his words."
Autumn Harvest 28, Day 18 (Day 1 of 14 to Thorbardin, 6 miles from Pax Tharkas)
Solinari: Waxing Crescent
Lunitari: Low Sanction, New Moon; -1 caster level, -1 save DCs
Nuitari: no one knows
The morning brought hard news. Cold, the Dragonarmy's abuse, and injury had claimed the lives of eight souls while the others slept. Even two of Mariel's flock lost their lives. When they were set to rest, the host moved on.
They soon came to a valley where the road showed better repair, with the close-fitted stone that the stories say marked dwarf work. A light snow fell across the road and mountains rose white-capped to the west. To the east, a pass clearly led toward Qualinesti. If not for the Companion's advice the night before, the host would have turned there.
As the column marched on, with the Compansion in the lead, Caitlyn saw a pack of white-furred, red-eyed wolves half-hidden by the snowfall and a copse of trees. Even as she saw them, red eyes fell on her. The pack snarled and raced for the column.
Since the townspeople are already friendly and Mariel votes for the Believers, I'll apply Caitlyn's diplomacy roll to the Plainsfolk.
Mariel votes for the Believers. yay
yay
nay
yay
Seekers are Hostile. nay.
The yays have it. Now next day stuff.
Attrition for the night in the open: 80% chance.
yes
2 Believers, 2 Free Folk, 1 Plainsfolk, 3 Seekers.
This brings the faction standings to:
Believers: 32
Free Folk: 48
Plainsfolk: 299
Townspeople: 180
Seekers: 247
Chance for opinion to decline.
Base: 0 + 5 (1 night camped in the wild) = 5%. Each faction has its % increase for the day by the number of people lost. Immaterial for Mariel and the Seekers, but matters for the others. This number isn't cumulative, it's just the last night's deaths.
No loss of favor today. Summary outside this spoiler.
There's that.
darkvision
low-light vision, darkvision 30
That means the bad guys are...120 feet out and the party is not surprised.
Inits