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Hareth returns when the tornado hits the ground and disappears with a loud boom. He examines the crater with a deep scowl on his face... As far as he knows, everyone at the meeting was obliterated and his face twists in anger and grief.
Yes, it seems like it. There are no bodies, no survivors, just pieces of the pavilion and the mounts of those present, which ran paniked from the place.
You can say your cohorts and teams arrive.
Porablum rode in on her horse, immediately looking around at the crater, seeing if she can find any sign of what happened.
Seeing Hareth, she runs over to him, saying, "Hareth, what happened? What was that?"
"Some kind of vortex touched down and everyone is just... gone... Oh by the gods, Pora, I hope they aren't dead. I see no signs of anyone... but their dead mounts are here... if they were killed, their bodies would be here too, I think. We need to find out what happened to them."
Ten or fifteen people up and about, with plenty of other servants and all - heck, just the racket made at the other camps will draw the attention of the International Businessmen. A scowling Ghent Maston will walk to the camp gates to watch the tail-end charlies of the group led by the halfling cavalier, then shake his head. "Whatever." He turns to Zoë Nation, a dark-skinned female wagonner. "Coalhouse awake?"
Zoë shakes her head. "Don't think so; I'll check." She disappears into the 'command tent' for a few moments before emerging with a confused look. "He's not in there."
Ghent turns back towards the ruckus headed south. "Well, fvck. All right, go get Caleb, then wake Aly up - you know, presuming she isn't missing too."
"Got it." Zoë headed off at a trot, and for a moment Ghent enjoyed the sight before returning to look out the gate.
"What's up, Ghent?" asked the early-twenties human Caleb Tödbringer, tugging tight the ties to his leather jerkin.
"Coalhouse is missing, and everyone else is in a tizzy, heading south. Mount up, go see what's going on, come back pronto."
"Yessir," replied the young guide, turning and heading straight for the horse lines. Only a couple minutes later, before Alysandra was out of her tent, Caleb and his horse were heading out of the gate at a ground-eating, steady canter.
"Nice to see you awake," Ghent said to Alysandra as she finally showed up, still looking half asleep. Before she could ask, he told her, "Coal's not here, and half of the other camps have gone south. Something happening that I should know about?"
"Meeting of the oathtakers," Aly replied, trying to rub life into her face. "Coal said it was for three hours past midnight, but I wouldn't've thought it'd've lasted this long. You send someone to find out?"
Ghent grunted. "Caleb. Won't talk, smart enough to get out if it starts looking dangerous, best rider we have except for Coal himself."
Alysandra thought about this for a minute, then nodded. "All right, I can see that. What next?"
"Nothing," replied Ghent. "Hurry up and wait for information. You can go get your game face on; you're probably going to be front and center for whatever fallout we have to handle."
Alysandra nodded, looked south again, and turned back towards her tent while Ghent went to look for whomever's in charge of the king's camp at this point - Anando Verisisi by preference, but whomever is otherwise doing traffic-control and direction.
Riding south on a well-trained grey mare - all of the company's horses were mares, for multiple reasons - Caleb kept an eye on the path he was heading down. Right, lots of horses, big hurry ... He thinks about why a bunch of horses and men - the warlike companies of the other groups - would be headed this way so fast, and carefully makes sure his bow is strung, arrows near at hand. He arrives five or six minutes behind Burfoot and his group, sidling his mare around the more martial of the sudden gathering and trying to figure out what happened.
"What happened here??" he asks Porablum and Hareth.
"Not exactly sure... there was a meeting.... everyone who attended seems to be,... just gone... no signs of bodies, except the mounts, they are all simply missing..."
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The Younglings pound straight towards the raised standard of Paralictor Axhammer Rocknose and immedaitly set up a defenseive line while the second-in-command and him discuss what was going on. The Archers and Mages stood behind the front line of Two-Weapon Fighters, Dwarven Waraxe, and two handed rangers.
"Paralictor, we heard your warhorn and moved at great speed, the mounts are lathered and they will be hobbled if we push them to great speed to escape but if it is your will it can be done.
Alexander showed no worry as his bear huffed the air and looked into the sky clearly not sure what to make of it, and none to pleased by the sight and smell that he was getting.
Inside though the lad was on high alert, his head on a swivel if you will. Never resting his eyes on one subject over long and before looking at another one.
Caleb looks around, and gives a surprised - perhaps stunned - 'huh!'. Looking around for a few moments more, he then adds, "Huh! That's ... a mighty confident deer. With a huge rack of antlers, geez. Wait, it has a saddle. Did one of them have a deer for a mount?? Wow. Listen, maybe you might want to come to the IB's camp, or the king's, you know, when you come back - something bad happened, there's gonna be fallout, and Aly's got a knack for dealing with people." He looks about for a moment more, at the soldiers spreading out and, no doubt, spooking the horses again, and adds, "You want I should send back a few people to gather the horses? And deer, apparently?"
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Looking at the Banner of the Younglings, the High Banner of the Godclaw, and his sons personal banner he looked at his own and sighed. This had turned into something ,and he wasn't sure what it was. Kneeling down on the ground he took off his helm, and stabbed his sword into the ground and prayed even while his adopted son spoke to him. In other times and places he would have cuffed the boy as being out of line and not showing the proper respect for a man praying. But now wasn't one of those times, everything had gone sideways quick,fast, and in a hurry.
Lords and Lady of Law, I pray to thee. There is so much going on here, so much that I can't understand and I plead with all of you to send me a sign. Something to show me your hands in this.Lord Abadar, Lord Asmodius, Lady Iomeade, Lord Iori , Lord Torag, Your servant beeches ye. I am here by your Grace,and by Law and Order do I serve.
Standing he raises one gauntled fist high in the air, the group quieted down with but that one motion. "Now isn't the time to be Hasty, first we must ready to lay down our lives, there are innocents here. We shall first and formost make sure that they are allowed to leave this area and no harm comes to them, afterwards we will be finding out who did this, who summoned the thing in the sky, and who created this situation. Hold Ready, Stay Faithful!
The tall [for a gnome] mounts again pulling on his helm and walks his mount towards the group that had survived whatever had happened, "Time to leave I think, we are prepared to die to a man to protect Law and Order, do you have any injured that need immediate divine aid?"
Looking about, and studying the strong Evocation aura, Porablum silently cursed that she hadn't studied the intricacies of magic more. Looking at Hareth, she says, "Whatever did this was powerful Evocation magic. I'm not learned enough in magic to figure out what the exact spell was." Looking about, she noticed Jasrella and shouted, "Jasrella!" Furiously waving the woman over, as soon as she got there, Porablum explained the magical aura she was seeing. "Since Evocation magic is your specialty, could you study the aura and perhaps tell us what spell was cast on this area - or at least the effects besides a crater in the ground?"
Turning back to Hareth, she says, "Could you look about and try to find any evidence of anyone who was here - a weapon, armor, any sign of a body?"
Porablum looked between the two of them hopefully. She refused to believe Aramil dead until she was shown proof, and a scared horse didn't count. She also knew that King Rupert had been down here, which meant his fate would match whatever Aramil's was. That would carry with it it's own problems, given the resentment of the nobles of Restov towards Surtovas in general and the poor relationship between Noleski and Rupert. She fervently issued a silent prayer to Shelyn for their hopeful safety.
With the arrival of Caleb, Porablum looks at him, a plan forming in her mind. "Actually, that is a good idea, sir. The IB could be of vital aid at this time, especially Alysandra." Looking about, Porablum says, "As soon as I know more about what happened here, I will be going to the Surtova camp to speak to whoever is in charge there about the possibility of joining the Coursers' camp with theirs, given this incident and who is missing. Since Alysandra is quite good with people, I'd like her to meet me there to help me convince whoever that this is a good idea, not only for our protection, but also theirs and the princess's. Since Princess Rade met Alysandra at dinner last night, she might appreciate a familiar face, as well. Would you do that for me?"
As Axhammer comes up to the group and suggests leaving, Porablum shakes her head and says, "Good sir knight, we would like to continue investigating this issue for a bit. We thank you for your protection, but hopefully no one will have to die. Tell me, did you see what happened here? Have you any insight?"
Jasrella looks on as the the horses gallop out of site and into the night. The Coursers camp was on full alert now and there was no more hiding that meeting.
This is not good, not good at all. I need a drink.
She walks around the camp double checking that all is ready and that everyone is armed.
At the Secret meeting place,
the fast unit comes storming down that road. The lead horse pulls up some distance from the pavilion and calls a halt to the rest of the unit. Loaded crossbows are lowered and the unit moves slowly into the general area of the crowd of people. Their faces ashen as they look on for a few moments to take in the magnitude of what has happened.
A skinny short elf dismounts and signals for the others to do the same
I want a perimeter set up 100 feet out, set torches and keep your eyes open.
He stops one of the men, and points to a certain horse.
Go grab the old man's horse and get word back to the Captain. Ride like hell. Tell her I need the TuChux.
The soldier runs over to the horse, mounts up and takes off back the way they came.
The elf start to scan the area looking for tracks to see if there is anything he can pick up.
About 30 minutes or so after she sent the first team down towards the meeting.
A lone horsemen comes riding into camp. the soldier dismounts and makes his report to the Captain
Jasrella steps back a bit
We knew this was a possibility. Stupid idiots thought that they could handle anything. Now look at the mess we have to clean up.
TUCHUX!!!
Three large half orcs comes running up.
Mount up and head back down to the meeting place, you can not miss it apparently. You are the best that we have at tracking.
The three half orcs mount up and ride out of camp right away.
First Talon you are on me, let's go..MOVE!
A large dark skinned human comes running over to Jasrella. Followed by several other humans
Jasrella marches the unit over to the king's camp to report to the captain of the guards.
She informs the person of the situation and tells him that she is placing a unit of her men here to help protect the king's daughter.
I think that you should inform her of the situation in as delicate of a way as you can. She is not a child and should not be treated as such, but we do not know all the facts yet. She deserves to know what is going on though.
Hareth continues his search, looking for any signs of the missing ... either equipment, body parts, anything of the sort...
Leading the two companions close Fra Ezekiel who before stood at the edge of the clearing comes closer and looks around. What in Erastils name happened here?
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Sleina heads out of town and looks around for evedence of where everyone went when she finds the tracks of several horses she follows them to the pavilion and she gasps when she sees what has happened to it. What? she says. she sees Axhammer and the other cohorts of their group... but she doesn't see the other leaders.. she doesn't know what to do... is there anything to do? she doesn't know, all she can do is ponder the situation.
Ishana wakes up the following morning to the sound of confusion outside, dressing, Ishana heads outside, and quickly learns of the situation, before getting a mount and arriving at the scene.
"I tend to believe that if something was powerful enough to affect everyone present with the king, its difficult to see us fairing slightly better. So for the moment, I'd prefer we play defensively, ensure that the people are ok, put a strong leadership in place, and ensure there is some stability after an event such as this. Doubtless there was a motive behind the attack, and I would rather attempt to remain as unpredictable as possible."
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Axhammer, kneeled, feels a pang on his heart. Yes, forces of chaos are responsible for this. Yes, forces far too powerful, far too distant.
What you find are pieces of cloth and wood, and some food. The spell or event that caused this was really powerful, while at the same time very localized.
A group of riders approach. At the head, the leader of His Majesty Rupert Surtova's guards Kresten Garess, with Anando Verisisi and Rade Surtova close behind. Next a dozen of the Rupert's guards, Brevoy's banners on top of them. Finally Jazrella's escort, with orders of protecting Rade.
When Rade sees the destruction, and hears about the disappearance of his father and the others a pityful wailing escape her lips, as tears form in his eyes.
"Gods no! Father! Oh Father!"
She falls to her knees at the border of the crater.
Anando also approaches the crater, together with Kresten Garess.
"They should have escaped. There are no bodies."
He seems more gloom and serious than his normal, showing himself really downcast.
Kresten Garess shakes his head.
"I have orders. If he is dead, as it seems to be, I shall proceed acordingly to them."
Anando looks up at him, the halfling standing tall, as serious as possible.
"I speak for him in his absence. Until we know for sure he is dead, we proceed as planned."
Kresten starts for his horse, and Anando blocks his path.
"I am telling you! We are not sure he is dead!"
Kresten push him aside and continues towards his horse.
At the distance you also see a contingent of horses coming from Restov. Banners of the city on top of the dozen or so riders.
Hareth looks at Rade with a mix of empathy and pity on his face.. he approaches her hesitantly and kneels beside her. "Take heart, young lady... We have no proof that anyone has died here... There are no bodies, and no such signs. We are all hoping for the best. Great magics were at work here, and such things can transport as easily than they can kill. Please stay hopeful. I think most of us are here to assure that your father's will be done until his return. We would expect no less of you. Wipe your tears and be the princess your father knows you to be. You've had your moment of surprise and grief, now it is time for you to be brave." He stands at her side and holds a hand out to help her to her feet if she complies.
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Hearing the clash between the taller races and the halfling, Alexander blows his horn, three short bursts followed by a longer one. The Younglings moved efficently to block the Towns Guard from approaching the Kings Daugher, no the Queen. "Your Majesty the Queen, there approaches a group of soldiers and mounted men, what are your orders my Grace?"
They were approaching at some speed, and he gave orders now to raise bow and ready lance, "If there are any here who do not wish to support the Queen now is the time to say so, and not when the arrows start flying, I won't stop a single lad from gutting any here if they choose to not protect the Queen."
The young hellknight lowered his flag, and raised what he guessed was the flag for the new nation. Looking back to her, he smiled looking square in the eye and yelled "FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY!!"
With that said he readied for orders.
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Hareth looks at Rade with a mix of empathy and pity on his face.. he approaches her hesitantly and kneels beside her. "Take heart, young lady... We have no proof that anyone has died here... There are no bodies, and no such signs. We are all hoping for the best. Great magics were at work here, and such things can transport as easily than they can kill. Please stay hopeful. I think most of us are here to assure that your father's will be done until his return. We would expect no less of you. Wipe your tears and be the princess your father knows you to be. You've had your moment of surprise and grief, now it is time for you to be brave." He stands at her side and holds a hand out to help her to her feet if she complies.
Rade Surtova looks at Hareth.
"Do you think so? May he be alive? Yes! I feel it in my heart! he is not dead."She sobs, while holding her hands and looks at the crater.
Hearing the clash between the taller races and the halfling, Alexander blows his horn, three short bursts followed by a longer one. The Younglings moved efficiently to block the Towns Guard from approaching the King's Daughter, no the Queen. "Your Majesty the Queen, there approaches a group of soldiers and mounted men, what are your orders my Grace?"
They were approaching at some speed, and he gave orders now to raise bow and ready lance, "If there are any here who do not wish to support the Queen now is the time to say so, and not when the arrows start flying, I won't stop a single lad from gutting any here if they choose to not protect the Queen."
The young hellknight lowered his flag, and raised what he guessed was the flag for the new nation. Looking back to her, he smiled looking square in the eye and yelled "FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY!!"
With that said he readied for orders.
Rade looks confused, not knowing what to do.
"Queen?"
"Until your father is found and returned, you are de facto queen, milady, but do not let that dampen your hope for your father's safe return. Always keep that surety of his survival in your mind. Now, what would have me do? I am yours to command." Hareth gives the young royal a little smile of encouragement.
Porablum shoots Rade an encouraging smile, before heading over to where Anando was attempting to prevent Kesten from leaving. "Pardon me, good captain, but given the situation, I would think that assuming the King dead would be a bit premature. Look about you. Apart from this crater, there is no sign of battle. Last night, in addition to a fierce warrior such as the King, the four Restov Coursers were down here, as were, I'm sure, the Blessed Hospitalers and the Righteous Wanderers. Do not you think that if they were attacked and killed, there were would be more signs of battle? That so many great warriors would die without putting up a fight? This ground should be littered with signs of battle. Instead, there is but that. Rather than assume King Rupert dead, good Captain Garess, assume him alive, and that he shall return forthwith, along with his strongest vassals. Focus on protecting that he considers most important - the Princess. The Coursers will be happy to provide further protection. After all, is she not his most precious jewel?"
Bachu arises in the morning and sees Trawets is not back. When the tornado appears and causes a stir, Bachu spends his time in his morning prayers and then puts on his armor. As Trawets told him, he does not rush to the scene. The city's guards then pass the camp.
Well I was told to make sure news of any tragedy made it out and it looks like it has. My task is done and I am free to head down there to see what happened.
Bachu walks down to the sight and sees the pandemonium and mess.
He stands on a tree stump and shouts out, "Peace! All of you Peace! This is not the time for warring amongst ourselves! We must band together and find out what happened here! First order of business, should be protecting the King's daughter and getting her to a safer location as this one is most assuredly not! The King's guards should be able to accomplish that. But I will gladly go with them along with others, if it is felt more protection is needed. The rest of us should secure the area and try to figure out what happened."
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The older gnome looked around, his son having taken up defensive position he looks straight in the eyes of the new Queen, "Forgive my sons rudeness, but it seems he has choosen this moment to champion you, your cause and your country. Time to see to the others though."[B] Looking around he spotted Aolis, Daggit, and Treants groups of soldiers, and motioned all of thier Second-In-Commands over. [b]"Alright lads, lasses, looks like a tough situation has been handed to us, but I have always strove to get all of us out alive, and whole. He spoke to everyone, but he made sure that he was seen speaking, and his lips could be seen by Selina the Rose. "I won't lie to you, now or ever, my son set himself on a course that could cause much injury, but there does not look to be so many men coming that we can't handle this. Take up positions if you choose too, but for any love and care your Masters, Parents, and Teachers held for me, please see the Queen to safety if something should go wrong. If you have any quetsions now would be the time to speak them before I remount and attempt to keep those who would not listen to the Queen."
"The rest of groups, let me say something. I have no idea where the leaders are, or where the king is either. Since everyone is missing, its time for us to put asside our differences, and protect his heir. The Gods gave me a feeling that something Chaotic, and Evil did this, from far away. I saw what happened here, and I will speak on it later after we have secured the Queen."
Dismounting and following Rade, Jasrella scans the area. She kneels behind Rade letting her have her moment. Listening to the words Hareth speaks and gives him a nod of approval.
Hareth speaks wisely..and correctly. You are the heir apparent, the first Talon will act as your Personal Guard until a time that you feel you no longer need such men. That is if you wish it so princess.
Hearing the young halfling make his statement, Jasrella shakes her head
as Hareth speaks his words.
He is a young halfling, full of wonder, He is brave if not a bit naive. He is correct though....your Majesty. If I may,...lock it away, put your pain in a box and lock it away. No one is stronger or more dangerous than those that can harness their emotions; their past. Use it as fuel to light the beacon of hope your father started, as ammunition to fight for those that can not, as ink to write your own destiny.
Jasrella stands up and looks over at the three TuChux who give a quick report
Captain, it appears that there is nothing coming or going to all three rally points. The routes are clear for the moment.
Looking down at Rade
Your majesty I feel it is time to get you to out of the area. Let us secure your safety and then we can investigate the scene here.
Jasrella looks at Rocknose.
Sir Rocknose, while I do not presume to speak for the law. Do you not think it would be unlawful let alone unwise to allow your son to attack troops from the city of Restov while in their own land. Unprovoked. Protecting the queen is one thing starting a war is another. I will send someone out to greet the Restov Contingent.
Jasrella calls over the elf that arrived first on the scene.
I need you to intercept that contingent, find out what their intent is. If they do not stop get out of there.
The elf jumps on a horse and rides towards the Restov Contingent.
Bunches of people can't leave without it being noticed, especially when they're leaving from the place you happen to be. Activity in your own camp is also highly noticeable, and so Ghent and Alysandra gets a handful of others together (Freiya Fjar-Bana-Högg, Jocasta Crunch, the druid Arasëa, and the Sarenite priest Qadim Redsand) and leaves almost as soon as Garess, Verisisi, and the young Rade move out of the gate. They catch up to the group, if not with them then at least right behind them; as their baggage handlers, Aly and Ghent at least should be known to Garess and Verisisi.
When they arrive, Ghent glances around and gestures Caleb over; after a moment of quiet relating from the young man to the others, Ghent shakes his head and murmurs, "What a mess. We'll get the horses together - wait, is that a deer with a saddle? One of them had a deer for a mount?? Sheesh. Look, we'll get them together and calmed down, make a line." To Alysandra he says, "Go ... be politic."
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Kings Guardsmen?
I am unsure whos coming and going, are there a differnt group of soldiers coming up that are not with the now Queen?
So, summary.
- Kresten Garess, leader of Rupert Surtova's guard, is there at the crater, together with 6 of the guards, flying Brevoy's color, as if saying "We work for Nolesky Surtova, King of the Dragonscale Throne. He seems eager to leave back to camp, "following his orders"- Anando Verisisi, the Cohort of Rupert Surtova's tried to prevent him to leave, with no success.
- Rade Surtova, daughter of Rupert, and his heir apparent, is there being hailed as queen, and very confused.
- Half a dozen riders from Restov, with Restov's banners, as if saying "We belong to Restov, and don't like Brevoy", are approaching.
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"Until your father is found and returned, you are de facto queen, milady, but do not let that dampen your hope for your father's safe return. Always keep that surety of his survival in your mind. Now, what would have me do? I am yours to command." Hareth gives the young royal a little smile of encouragement.
Rade Surtova seems confused.
"But me? What should I do?"Porablum shoots Rade an encouraging smile, before heading over to where Anando was attempting to prevent Kesten from leaving. "Pardon me, good captain, but given the situation, I would think that assuming the King dead would be a bit premature. Look about you. Apart from this crater, there is no sign of battle. Last night, in addition to a fierce warrior such as the King, the four Restov Coursers were down here, as were, I'm sure, the Blessed Hospitalers and the Righteous Wanderers. Do not you think that if they were attacked and killed, there were would be more signs of battle? That so many great warriors would die without putting up a fight? This ground should be littered with signs of battle. Instead, there is but that. Rather than assume King Rupert dead, good Captain Garess, assume him alive, and that he shall return forthwith, along with his strongest vassals. Focus on protecting that he considers most important - the Princess. The Coursers will be happy to provide further protection. After all, is she not his most precious jewel?"
Kresten gets into his horse.
"I have orders, my lady, and while Rupert Surtova does not appear, I will assume he is dead and proceed accordingly."He looks at the riders coming from Restov, and frowns.
He stands on a tree stump and shouts out, "Peace! All of you Peace! This is not the time for warring amongst ourselves! We must band together and find out what happened here! First order of business, should be protecting the King's daughter and getting her to a safer location as this one is most assuredly not! The King's guards should be able to accomplish that. But I will gladly go with them along with others, if it is felt more protection is needed. The rest of us should secure the area and try to figure out what happened."
Diplomacy=11 (Natural 1)
Bachu's summon is largely ignored by everyone, but the "King's Guard" closer to him snickers.
"We are not here to protect the girl... you can do it, we have more important things to do.""The rest of groups, let me say something. I have no idea where the leaders are, or where the king is either. Since everyone is missing, its time for us to put asside our differences, and protect his heir. The Gods gave me a feeling that something Chaotic, and Evil did this, from far away. I saw what happened here, and I will speak on it later after we have secured the Queen."
Dismounting and following Rade, Jasrella scans the area. She kneels behind Rade letting her have her moment. Listening to the words Hareth speaks and gives him a nod of approval.
Hareth speaks wisely..and correctly. You are the heir apparent, the first Talon will act as your Personal Guard until a time that you feel you no longer need such men. That is if you wish it so princess.
Your majesty I feel it is time to get you to out of the area. Let us secure your safety and then we can investigate the scene here.
Jasrella looks at Rocknose.
Sir Rocknose, while I do not presume to speak for the law. Do you not think it would be unlawful let alone unwise to allow your son to attack troops from the city of Restov while in their own land. Unprovoked. Protecting the queen is one thing starting a war is another. I will send someone out to greet the Restov Contingent.
Rade Surtova smiles to Axhammer and Jasrella.
"Thank you. But please, we must find my father, and the others!" And you sure don't think there will be a war, right?"Jasrella calls over the elf that arrived first on the scene.
I need you to intercept that contingent, find out what their intent is. If they do not stop get out of there.
The elf jumps on a horse and rides towards the Restov Contingent.
The Restov riders will ignore him and continue forward.
"So her father is dead or proclaimed dead? If he ain´t she ain´t the queen! She is the princess-regent! Pff foreigners!"
Fra Ezekiel doesn´t seem interested in protecting the kings get and neither following some obnoxious gnomes orders.
"She is indeed the princess-regent, for now, and deserving therefore of respect and protection." He turns to Rade and holds out an arm for her... "If you will allow me to escort you, your majesty, it IS time to depart this place, as it doesn't seem safe, and is getting less so by the moment..."
Not sure exactly WHERE to go, but i suspect the arrival of the Restov contingent does not bode well... and getting Rade out of here before they arrive would be the best we can manage at present. I wish Az was here... he'd know what to do.
Alysandra gives a wry smile and, having used her sleeves of many garments along the way to make her clothes appear to be a riding outfit of the wealthy sort (and one to flatter her form and coloration), she watches and listens to the interactions until Jasrella sends the elf back up the road; the ... assertiveness of the Rocknose pair causes her some disquiet, but she conceals it by dismounting.
What has her especially concerned is the split between Garess and Verisisi, and since Rade Surtova and Porablum are both there, the latter having wanted to speak with her, that's not a bad place to be. "I personally believe," she interjects smoothly, "that the missing are alive; Coalhouse is a tough nut to crack, and since I presume by the presence of so many of us that all the top members of our groups were here, it would have been a vicious fight - which doesn't seem to be displayed by the surroundings, or the fact that we didn't hear all the bangs and booms and caterwauling that usually accompanies a battle. However, if we could be informed of the instructions you two are speaking about, we might better be able to make an informed decision about the best way to move forward." Her gaze turns to Garess, as he seems to be the one who intends to go shooting off, and if that can be nipped in the bud, well, all the better. "Captain Garess, would you be willing to go first?"
Take 10 on the Diplomacy check to talk some sense into Cpt. Garess and Mssr. Verisisi; 10 + 20 = 30. (And maybe in a bit I can get Garess to hold off for a couple days ...)
Ishana seems not to hear any of Axhammers commands as she addresses Rena and the people around her.
"I know for a fact, that one of the last commands given by the king was insisting that his daughter stays safe. I know this, because he mentioned this to Amavin after proposing. Amavin then told me, so that I could be in a position to help if Rade ever needed assistance. Regardless of the fate of king, it's clear what his wishes were at the least, and they should be honored".
Ishana lets the sentence hang for a moment before shrugging and heading over to stand in front of the sniggering Kings Guard, choosing not to say anything, instead, her dark eyes bore into the man's own while
Alysandra attempts to start a civil discussion.
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"She is indeed the princess-regent, for now, and deserving therefore of respect and protection." He turns to Rade and holds out an arm for her... "If you will allow me to escort you, your majesty, it IS time to depart this place, as it doesn't seem safe, and is getting less so by the moment..."
Rade takes Hareth's arm and let him escort her.
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Kresten Garess seems somewhat taken aback by Alysandra's presence.
"My lady. I have precise instructions from the Dragonscale throne. If His Majesty Rupert Surtova is to die, or disappear in this case, I am to take the resources set up by Brevoy back to the capital, so they can be disposed of as his Majesty Noleski Surtova sees fit. I have the orders, sign and sealed by him in the camp, if you want to see them. I won't allow Restov's government to appropriate them for their own purposes. As for the fate of those here, I think the is no more sign of struggle because they where completely obliterated without a chance to fight back, and I plan to leave before whatever got them gets to me. Now, if you excuse me, I must take haste, as I need to move quickly."
Anando Verisisi looks at him sadly, slumps his shoulders, defeat in his eyes.
At that, Porablum moves slightly away from Kesten, and takes out her lute and begins quietly playing a melody. To most, it is nothing but a very pretty melody, but it seems to Alysandra to show her ways to help convince this gentleman not to pull the resources - at least, not yet.
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Axhammer looks straight at the man demanding the Queen leave, and simply gets inbetween them, "I saw...things, we should discuss what I saw and where the others could have gone. The King being with them, when that, creature appeared. But for now I insist that you come back to the Righteous Wanderers Camp. Any of the others who wish to find out what happened to thier leaders are more than welcomed to show up. Simple rules of ettique apply when entering the camp, announce yourself, and allow the guard captain to detect your alignment and origion, it wouldn't do to allow any chaotic or evil outsiders into our camp."
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The Younglings and Alexander are now bodily creating a barricade between anyone the Queen does not wish to approach, and eye the 'guard captain' who seems to serve another throne rather than the queens.
, Alexander speaks to the Younglings, "If he tries to take her, or any of the guards try to snicker or get fresh with her, be ready to fire missles of force into the person. Archers to string bows, and the rest of you to carve a path out of here. She will not be sword wed, nor will her rescources be taken from her by some pretentious puke of a human.
"Come your highness... let's get out of here... back to our camp where you can be protected, until we are ready to take whatever actions are deemed appropriate to find your father and our leaders." Hareth leads the princess to his own mount, where he helps her mount, and allows her to ride while he leads the horse.
On the way back to camp, Hareth asks Rade, "THere are apparently folks who want to take the resources given your father and return them to whence they came. We simply cannot let that happen. To continue his good work and his vision until he returns, we have to have those resources. Can you tell me what they are and where they were being kept? I can't do anything to protect them unless I know what and where they are. That might have to be our first order of business... and I might have to ride with you if you would allow that, as speed may be of the essence. Arrow should be able to carry us both for a few miles."