no worries...
No problem! We are patient. ^_^
Is this still running or did it die?? I know we were waiting for the DM, but is he coming back?
He said 8 weeks back on June 4th. That would put it to about first week of August. Let's give him until about the 10th.
Not for, I cannot continue.
Will do...I hope he does come back!
Sorry to hear that Ras. It was good to have your blade at our side!
I hope so too. I really want to go through this AP. DM said that when he comes back, he would open up recruitment again. Here's to hoping!
The lone cleric and warlock wait to see what the Govenor will ask of them. Most of the group they had started out with have left after the last dangerous encounter with the Raiders. Vax takes the time to pray and Ammon is quite. The room is heavy as the cries of the wounded and dying are all around you. A young Soldier says I believe there are some more heroes here to help
The cleric smiles a tired smile at the newcomers, "Welcome and well met. I am Vaxillis, of Reddansyr, humble cleric of Ilmater."
The middle-aged human absently rubs a strand of prayer beads between his thumb and forefinger. The prayer beads are darkwood carved to resemble chains and at the clasp is a larger bead with engravings of a shackle.
"And I am Ammon", says the obvious male Tiefling.
He stands just over 6' and is slim of build. His deep red skin and horns give away his demonic heritage. He keeps covered in a cloak, but a tail can be seen swishing back and forth under the cloth.
At the soldier's mention, a young halfling looks up from where she's aiding in tending the wounded. After quickly finishing up tying a bandage, she walks over to Vaxillis and Ammon, wiping her hands on her rough cloak.
"My name is Nacha," she offers. "Wouldn't call myself a 'hero', though--" shooting a look at the soldier, "just happened to be here."
She looks the pair over. "You've been in the fighting."
One of the upper ranking officers comes over to the halfling Thank you for any help. As reports come in from the town I will let you know what is needed. The group still has a moment before anything else happens.
"None of us call ourselves heroes, little one," the human smiles, "That being said, any help would be welcome."
At the halfling's observation the ex-soldier laughs, "You could say that, but our blades and maces are fewer as time goes on. Hopefully, the Governor can find us things to do that have less to do with fighting, but one can only hope."
Vax begins shimmying out of his chain shirt and donning a suit of scale mail that he got from the quartermaster. "Hopefully this will provide a little more protection, even if I give up a little stealth for it... you can hear him mumbling to himself.
"Have you any idea what's brought on the attack? There's so much panic and speculation in here I can't make heads or tails. Just a random dragon raid, do you think, or something more?"
"We are in the dark as much as you. We arrived to see a dragon circling the town and, being the adventurous types, we jumped right in!", the tiefling adds with a chuckle.
"As my friend, Ammon, said we were just approaching the town and saw it under attack," the smile fades from Vax's face as he continues, "I have never heard of a dragon using minions to assault a town. I mean, it is not like the town poses the dragon any threat! Something is strange here, the robed humans seem more like they are religious fanatics than marauders. Hopefully the Governor will know where we can find some answers..."
Nacha nods, "I've heard kobolds may follow dragons around, but working with...humans? The ones in robes are human, I assume -- I've only seen them from afar."
The Guard comes to the group and says. i have just been told Dozens of townsfolk have barricaded themselves inside the temple to Chauntea, but raiders have it surrounded. The attackers tried setting fire to the stout structure but had little success. Now they’ve deployed an improvised battering ram. It’s only a matter of time, possibly minutes,before the temple’s main doors crumple under the assault, leaving the villagers inside helpless.
As each of you know from seeing the town.
The temple is a large building, made of fieldstone with a peaked slate roof, and square in shape. It is taller than most other buildings in town. Inside, the altar occupies the middle of the temple, with other worship areas arranged around it.
"'Surrounded?' And only the three of us to attempt a counterattack? I'm not sure we could do much good in those odds -- no offense intended." she adds to the others. "but it would be good to capture one of them for questioning. perhaps some of the garrison could add to our numbers?"
You could hear the jangling first. It happened with every quick step. Ren rounded the corner and adjusted his trousers. "That's better!"
He was happy to relieve himself. The pressure had begun to build. One would be surprised how few chamber pots were available in a time of crisis.
He stood to face the group during their discussion. With hands on hips the "wizard" addressed them, "So, what're we doing?"
Despite his obvious ignorance, the wide smile never left his face.
"We're looking to break a little siege," the ex-soldier's grin growing across his face, "Are we all capable at range? Let us see if we can break the siege at distance."
Ammon looks at the new arrival with a bit of surprise. The aura of Hell was strong around him, much like his own.
Nacha peaks an eyebrow silently at the new arrival before responding to Vaxillis, "If we're to try anything at a distance, I'd like to see about a new weapon from the guard." Gesturing at a longbow comically large for her size, "I had to pick this one up off a dead bandit after losing my own weapon on the road, but it's hardly ideal."
"Ahem." Ren said aloud, clearing his throat. "As important as this 'siege' is. What I'd like to know is who everyone is. By that I mean introductions are in order. I'll start!"
Adjusting his hat and straightening his robes, he declared, "My name is Ren Marthan, top of my class in Wizardry and Arcane studies at the Academae of Magic in Baldur's Gate. After hearing about the increased Dragon activity in the area I decided to apply my skills toward ending the crisis. My sturdy staff and book of spells will be quite a match for those who seek to harm the innocent."
He turned to face the Halfling woman, changing languages to his native one. ["And protect beautiful women such as yourself from harm..."] He dipped low in a bow before her after he spoke.
"I am Vaxillis, of Reddansyr, little one. I am a simple devout of Ilmater, and guide through the Suffering. One learns much of themselves when things are not ideal."
The human cleric looks worn, scarred, but the easy smile on his face is disarming. He often casually rubs a string of prayer beads between his thumb and forefinger.
"And I am Ammon, known as the fiend. You smell of brimstone and fire little one. Have a care, or you might get burnt!"
"My name is Nacha, and my blades do quite an adequate job of protecting me, sir." Her accent places her as a traveler from some distance, as she fixes Ren with a look of distaste.
The scarred devotee laughs, Well met, little ones! Now, let us see about saving those people in Chauntea's shrine!"
The guard looks at the halfling and says My aide here . He points to a ragged looking human standing in the corner. He will take to our armory and see what you can get. As far getting to the Temple. You will need to out the tunnel and go east. The woods around river should provide you cover. I have been told that the Foes are stacked like this. He then bends down and draws a temple in the soot on the floor. He draws the river and the woods as well. He then says The force outside the temple is split into three groups. One (A) is battering at the front doors, another (B) is circling the temple in a screeching mob, and the third (C) is heaping burning straw against a rear door. You will need to figure out what to do this report is 12 minutes old. Please let me know when are ready
Governor Nighthill then approaches, he looks weathered and tired. You can tell this gentleman has made hard calls this day. He clears his voice and then says
“I’d give anything to know what we’re up against, and why. For that, we need prisoners. A commander, even a low- ranking one, is best. I would hope you can provide us with that. [/b]
"I suggest we hit the group at the backdoor first and maybe see if we can get the people out that way. What do you all think?", Ammon asks as you all move into the tunnel that leads out into the forest and stream.
Ren froze for a moment at the Tiefling's comment, but quickly regained his composure and addressed the man directly. "That smell is from the burnt buildings I searched on the way here looking for anyone who needed help. Or, perhaps, what you smell might be closer to your nose than you realize, Ammon the Fiend."
"Nacha was it? I would be honored to see those blades in action." The exotic Halfling intrigued Ren and he wondered if he would be able to impress her somehow through the coming days.
The roughed-up man's words sent shivers down Ren's spine. "What are you talking about, the Suffering? That's kind of ominous, don't you think?" The sheer ignorance dripping off of the wizard was palpable.
He looked at the Guardsman and Mayor next, "I'm ready to go! Point out the trouble and I'll snuff it out!"
Vax looks thoughtful, "That would be the best if we could somehow signal the people inside that we are 'friendlies'. We also should be wary of the band screaming around the perimeter. let's discuss it as we make our way through the tunnel."
"What do you all think about sneaking through the woods, to the rear of the church. We could hit that group hard and hopefully finish them before the perimeter guard comes round the back."
He looks at Ammon and Ren, "Do either of you have the ability to put out the fire if it is already lit?"
EDIT: In response to Ren's comment, the human cleric smiles, "Not ominous, little one, a simple fact. Everyone goes through points in life that test them. Some faiths call them trials, some lessons. Ilmater calls them the Suffering. It is the crucible that tests you and gods willing, you emerge stronger for it."
"Nacha was it? I would be honored to see those blades in action." The exotic Halfling intrigued Ren and he wondered if he would be able to impress her somehow through the coming days.
"It sounds like you'll have the chance soon," Nacha replies with a grim smile.
Turning to the guardsman, "Did your report include any numbers on the groups at front and back doors? And all of the groups contain both humans and kobolds? As long as teh armory is on the way to the tunnel, I'm ready to go; we can continue our planning on the move."
Ammon gives the halfling a glance, but lets the quip drop as they have more pressing issues to deal with.