Lars Ulverth leads the heroes into the meeting of the war council. The low murmur of a dozen muted conversations falls silent as the great double doors of this great hall are opened by a pair of guards for your passage. The room beyond is a large chamber, the floors polished smotth and the walls are set with many alcoves, each containing a trophy or work of art. The ceiling rises to a cavernous height of nearly forty feet. Many people sit at two long tables in this room. Its surfaces covered with books, maps, ledgers, parchments, sketches, drinks, and plates of half-eaten food. Sitting around one table are many familiar people including Lord Kerden Jarmaath, Lady Celiira Nesten, Orthrek Hammerfist, Verasa Kaal, Jared Kaal, and Sellyria Starsinger. At the other table, you recognize Norro Wiston, the speaker of Drellin's Ferry, Dwelgar, Son of Orthrek, Killiar Arrowswift, Kelarius Corellandar, Captain Sorrana Anitah, and last but not least, a lovely elf maiden that Bofus knows by the name of Elyrial.
Lars Ulverth raises his hand and announces the arrival of your company, "Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, may I present to you the Heroes of Elsir Vale. Sir Mantooth Longbrow, Bofus Beechnut, Tirion Jörðhár, Thordak, Son of Throtgar, and Jorr Natherson!"
"Come in! Come in! You are most welcome here my friends. We feared the worst for your safety, but it brings us great delight to see you returned to this hall safely! Please come in and join us at this table and tell what news you bring."
"I beg you pardon, my Lord, but do we honestly have time to hear from these mercenaries when we have the Horde of the Red Hand pressing in on our borders?! Time is not in limitless supply!"
The High Lord of Brindol glares at Jared and replies firmly, "Enough, Magistrate Kaal. Yes, I believe these folks have important information for us." Turning to the Heroes, he walks up and embraces each of you and declares, "Please, my friends, come in and sit down. Let us bring food and drink for you. When you are ready to speak I wish for you to tell us what you may of the Red Hand. First, however, I believe introductions are in order. Let me present to you some of the greatest leaders of the Elsir Vale. May I introduce Lady Celiira Nesten, the Duchess of Talar. Over here with the splendid beard is the honorable Orthrek Hammerfist, clan chief of the Hammerfist Holds. This wise elf is Sellyria Starsinger, Speaker of the Tiri Kitor. On the end of the table is Lady Verasa Kaal, the matriarch of a wealthy family in Brindol, and this is her son Jared Kaal, our current magistrate."
Turning to the other table he extends his hand and declares.
"Other friends and allies to our cause we have Speaker Wiston Norro, and Captain Sorrana Anitah from Drellin's Ferry, Miha Serani of Terrelton, and Dwelgar, Son of Orthrek, of the Hammerfist Holds. These fine elves are Killiar Arrowswift, Kelarius Corellandar, and the lovely Elyrial of the Tiri Kitor."
Finally, Jarmaath gestures to a half-elf in the corner and says, "I would also like you to meet a dear half elven friend of mine not to mention an extraordinary bard. May I introduce to you the one and only Rebel Red."
The Clan chief of the Hammerfist Hold gets up and rushes up to greet Thordak, "Well, bless me beard! If it isnae Throtgar's son, Thordak! It is gud tae see yae again!" He says as he grabs Thordak's hand in a tight embrace. "Yae dannae look the worse fer wear than when Oi saw ye last. Oi wanttae thank ye fer comin back tae the Holds tae tell me aboot these nasty hobbies! If yae didnae come when yae did, Ahh dannae think we wid a made it in time! Thanks tae yer work, these fine folk o' Brindol may noo stand a chance!"
Sellyria also stands up gracefully and addresses the heroes with a calm and respectful voice. "I too am glad to see you return safely. You have done much, my friends, to unite us against a common enemy. Your work against the Wyrmlord Saarvith has does much to gain you a great deal of respect among my people. We are now here to answer the call of help and assist as we may in putting a stop to this evil threat. Thank you again, my friends."
Lady Celiira Nesten looks to the Heroes with a small smile on her face. "I am sorry to inform you that Talar has been taken by the Red Hand, but I am grateful for your assistance rendered. My people would not have escaped safely had you not warned me in time. I also wish to thank you for the help you gave in the personal matter I was dealing with. I am ever grateful!"
The bard in the corner misses a note on his mandolin and looks up at the party smiling. He wears a natty red beret that has clearly seen better days, and all his clothing appears to have a theme of various shades of reds, crimson, and scarlet.
"Well met friends, I have only just returned here, so long since I was last in these parts performing, and I must say I am not so fond of the more recent developments. I hear tales of dragons, gallant deeds, fell foes and all sorts of wild stories that have not been properly chronicled and when Lord Jarmaath sent word that these stories were indeed true then of course I came with much haste..."
From the shadows of the corner, another mandolin takes up Red's tune.
"...meaning the rest of the tour just fell by the wayside? We had bookings! Posters made! People expecting us! Audiences to please! and we just drop it all to come here? Oh you are such a chore"
This tiny woman has a lithe form with delicate butterfly wings. She is surrounded by sparkling lights and gentle rainbow arcs. Her dress is the stylish yet functional clothes of a traveling minstrel, she too sports a range of instruments.
"They will understand, musicians are mercurial and finely balanced beings, like our instruments. Our absence will only make them fonder. Besides, there's probably likely to be some adventure here, a wealth of possibilities and food for even more fabulous tales later!"
"Every place we go to has adventure, and when there isn't we usually start some, I thought we were going to a fancy capital with nice statues, wide streets, big gardens, amazing clothes and large theaters... not here. I don't mind playing local taverns as we roam, but will we even get a chance to play? I'm not sure this is a good idea... these strangers don't look like fans, they don't even have so much as a tin whistle or a paintbrush, do you think anyone here truly appreciates art?"
The Half Elf looks a little stuck, then a moment later smiles "Think of the poor children then Poppy. If there is to be a battle then there is sure to be glory and mighty deeds, but on the flip side of the coin there are always the orphans and the woe it leaves behind..." Rebel strums a slightly heartfelt but morose tune "We might need to be here to cheer them up" he suggests rather sensibly.
"I suppose, that does make a certain sort of sense... this isn't going to be like last time is it?"
The paladin embraces the Lord who knighted him and declares, "We are honored to serve. We only hope it is not too late to make a difference."
He respectfully greets each of the leaders with a polite handshake. When he reaches the bard he introduces himself. "I am Mantooth Longbrow. I am a knight of the Elsir Vale and I am pleased to meet you. Friends of Lord Jarmaath are friends of mine. You are most kind to come to Brindol to assist us against the enemy. I find music most inspiring when played well and it will not be long before we can all use some encouragement here. Perhaps we will not be the audiences that you are use to, but we will be grateful for whatever you offer. In the days that come, I hope the Inheritor will protect you and keep you safe against the horde that moves ever closer."
"I take no responsibility for that, it was just some harmless fun that went too far, and although it was rather hilarious in retrospect how was I supposed to know that those other Elves were such devout Calistrian worshipers and would take such offense at my 'to bee or not to bee' joke? You laughed." He finished with some suggestion that the laughter of his fellow musician suggests she endorsed whatever took place.
"So where does our new mission take us? What plans?"
"Mantooth Longbrow, hmmm a dashing name for a gallant fellow. Brindol is in need and I was compelled to come to offer aid where I could, my dearest Calliope feels a bit disappointed that will will be letting down many others with our impulsive detour, but we at least agree it is for the greater good. There will be need for uplifted spirits, and we can certainly provide for that... and if need be we are more than happy to get in amongst the thick of the action, we are no mere wallflowers"
"I am a Bard, but a Bard who lives with an angel upon his shoulder."
"Azata" Calliope corrects.
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Bofus, ever willing to combine schmoozing with making mischief and causing woe to his foes, greets the Lord warmly. My good Lord!! A great pleasure to be back in your seat of power, rightly held and righteously run! While we're grateful for your hospitality, you may not have been aware that we have already met just about all of your fine folk here! And most of these guests are on very good terms with us... here Bofus glances around to the folk of the nearby communities they have warned, and thus saved ...isn't that right, my friends?!
Bofus makes a tour of the room, shaking hands with each person he already knows, greeting them as old friends (taking extra time to kiss Elyria's hand) and making a quick note of their town's people being saved, or garnering alliance and aid. As he nears the Kaal Kontingent, he says jovially I know few mercinaries who can claim THAT much success, eh? with a wink at the young Magistrate.
He also greets those he does not know with courtesy. Greetings, friends of Brindol! And my dear Calliope--may I also call you "Poppy?" that's lovely, it suits you--don't let the lack of paintbrushes or musical instruments stir up your wings. There are many forms of art. You just haven't witnessed ours yet! (here he throws a serreptitious wink to Elysia)
He gives a hearty handshake to the Bard. Well, then, Mister Red, a pleasure to know you! I heard a wise man once say "the adventure isn't over until the story's been told," and it sounds like you subscribe to that nugget of wisdom too! Mayhap we can regale your ear with some of our tales to add to your store of stories!
But this isn't the time for stories, it is the time for war council. Gentlemen, which of us should give our bit of good news?
Tirion smiles and shakes the Lord's hand.
Lord Jarmaath, it is a pleasure to see you well. Looking to the others in the room. And to see so many we have recently met with to be here supporting the defense of this great land.
Looking at Magistrate Kaal and then at his mother briefly before turning back the Lord Jarmaath: It is sad that there are those here who do not wish out assistance. If those would prefer, we can tell the horde to find another black dragon, another green dragon, several new wyrmlords, and a new Ghostlord. I am sure that the horde would appreciate having these assets back. Personally, I would consider it a wise choice to strengthen the defenses of this wonderful city by eliminating those who would politically undermine the defenses of the city, but I am not a politician and the choice of who is welcomed in this meeting is not mine.
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When the new bard is introduced, Tirion smiles at her:
A bard, a recorder of tales and raiser of spirits. A fine bard travelled with us for a time, but sadly her calling was to return to Galt. We would welcome your assistance if you are interested in sleeping beneath the stars and occasionally attacking dragons. Oh, and we need someone to offset our grumpy dwarf and stoic paladin.
Tirion then looks at the tiny lyrakien and laughingly says: And I am sure that my wee friend Bofus here would enjoy not being the smallest member of the party for a while.
"Whilst it is fun to be the narrator, I am a man of both action and adventure and at home under the stars, in the moonlight is where the Desna weaves her magic, not just the bedrooms of the comely ladies tha-"
"DON'T EVEN FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" replies the small fairy, hurling the bow of her violin at Red as though he has hit a nerve.
Looking somewhat contrite, he continues "Yes well now you don't have a bard, you have a band...and I look forward to seeing a dragon in full flight, won't that be something?"
The Clan chief of the Hammerfist Hold gets up and rushes up to greet Thordak, "Well, bless me beard! If it isnae Throtgar's son, Thordak! It is gud tae see yae again!" He says as he grabs Thordak's hand in a tight embrace. "Yae dannae look the worse fer wear than when Oi saw ye last. Oi wanttae thank ye fer comin back tae the Holds tae tell me aboot these nasty hobbies! If yae didnae come when yae did, Ahh dannae think we wid a made it in time! Thanks tae yer work, these fine folk o' Brindol may noo stand a chance!"
Thordak returns the squeeze of his hand as he greets the fatherly dwarven chief. "Well met, Orthrek Hammerfist! Oi knew that ye would come and show these folk how the dwarves go te battle. It is an honor to have you with us, sir!"
The dwarf then goes about and greets the others.
"Lord Jarmaath, Oi'm glad te be back and Oi see that yer hospitality is second te none in these parts!"
Thordak then proceeds to the corner to meet with the half-elven bard and his Azata, "Well met, Red! Oi'm Thordak, Son of Throtgar, and Oi sure hope ye know some dwarven tunes to share with us when the going gets tough. Oi find they've just the right beat tae get yer blood pumping fer battle!"
Bofus makes a tour of the room, shaking hands with each person he already knows, greeting them as old friends (taking extra time to kiss Elyria's hand) and making a quick note of their town's people being saved, or garnering alliance and aid.
The beautiful elf blushes slightly as Bofus kisses her hand. You all cannot help but see that she gives a radiant smile as the young halfling nears. "It is good to see you again, my brave one."
As he nears the Kaal Kontingent, he says jovially, "I know few mercenaries who can claim THAT much success, eh?" with a wink at the young Magistrate.
The young Jared Kaal glares in contempt at all of the attention the heroes are getting from the dignitaries present, but refuses to speak until Tirion addresses him.
Looking at Magistrate Kaal and then at his mother briefly before turning back the Lord Jarmaath: It is sad that there are those here who do not wish out assistance. If those would prefer, we can tell the horde to find another black dragon, another green dragon, several new wyrmlords, and a new Ghostlord. I am sure that the horde would appreciate having these assets back. Personally, I would consider it a wise choice to strengthen the defenses of this wonderful city by eliminating those who would politically undermine the defenses of the city, but I am not a politician and the choice of who is welcomed in this meeting is not mine.
"If you think that it is not wise to question someone who is filled with the blood of a black dragon, gnome, then it is you who are the fool! If I had my way, I would just assume you be locked away in Brindol Prison with all the rogues that you associate with!"
"Enough, my son!" the matriarch of the Kaal family commands. "Let us hear what these lovely heroes have to say. It appears they have been rather busy in their absence from Brindol. She says with an intense eye on Bofus. She then appraises all of the heroes and declares, "Please speak and let us hear the wisdom of your words. What news do you have to cheer us up in this plight we are in?"
The paladin moves to the dais at one end of the room and addresses the crowd gathered. "I, Sir Mantooth Longbrow, Knight of the Elsir Vale, have not endured attacks by blackspawn raiders and ghostly lions to hear the accusations of a young magistrate. Tirion is beyond question and if you have a problem with that, Magistrate Kaal, you can take that up with me!"
"Lady Kaal, you ask for cheerful news and there is little of that I can offer. However, I can tell you that we have averted a far greater catastrophe than could have befell us. When we were hunting down Wyrmlord Saarvith in the blackfens near the ruins of Rhest, we came across a phylactery that belonged to Urikel Zarl, none other than the legendary Ghostlord of the Thornwaste. You see, the Red Hand had somehow stolen this Lich's phylactery and was using it to blackmail his support and force him to create an army of undead. For good or bad, we have taken this soulcage and returned it to Urikel. In return, the Ghostlord has dropped his allegiance to the Red Hand and last we knew, was hunting down Wyrmlord Stormcaller to destroy her."
"Yes, the Red Hand is still on their way, and we have done what we could to impede their march. However, at least they will not reach us with any army of undead, bonedrinkers and greenspawn razorfiends. Yes, we will still need to battle the Red Dragon, Abithriax, and the hobgoblins, giants, manticores, and Blackspawn raiders, but if we are united and stand together, we may yet cling to hope."
"Don't think that Magistrate is a very happy fellow at all, very upset about something I wager"
"No he seems rather uptight, perhaps a tune to lift his mood?"
The half elf and the fairy tune their instruments and the Half elf begins to sing his tune...
"I stood before the judge that day
As he refused me bail
And I knew that I would spend my time
Awaiting trial in jail
I said there is no justice
As they led me out of the door
And the judge said, "this isn't a court of justice, son
This is a court of law."
His eyes don't leave the magistrate, and they contain more than an ounce of judgment.
Magistrate Kaal glares at the bard as the song is sung. "Are you, mocking the law, bard?! You do not know half of what these mercenaries are capable of! The gnome and the dwarf need not be the only ones to spend time in my prison!"
"Wait just a minute, Jared. Leave the bard in peace. He has made his intentions clear. However, what interests me the most is what the good knight has just made clear. Sir Longbrow, are you saying that you, a paladin of Iomedae, returned a phylactery to the Ghostlord?! How can you live with yourself, knowing that you have given a lich its power to live an eternal life?! I thought that you paladins had some sort of code of ethics you needed to follow. I'm not sure how you can even live with yourself, not to mention call yourself a Knight of the Elsir Vale. Kerden, you certainly choose the most unsavory of friends to aid us in our cause! I think we are going to need to look elsewhere for help. Perhaps I could suggest a few allies."
Lord Jarmaath quickly goes to the defense of his friends.
"Magistrate Kaal, first of all, you will not threaten my guests here in this hall! We are here to plan and prepare for the onslaught of a great horde driven by Wyrmlords and the guidance of Tiamat. Let us not let past history and petty rivalries stop us from doing what needs to be done!"
"Lady Kaal, we are not in positions to judge the actions of any of the Heroes of Elsir Vale. For most certainly, without their support, we would not even be as prepared as we are at this moment. Yes, it is unfortunate that the Lich's phylactery has been returned, but I myself may have likely made the same a decision were I in their shoes. We are not in a position to battle both the Red Hand and the Ghostlord at the same time. Do you not see the wisdom in their decision? At the very least, our friends have disrupted the alliance of an evil lich and the humanoid horde of the Red Hand. We certainly cannot afford all of our enemies to be united as one, especially when we ourselves sit here in chamber and cannot even agree on who is to be trusted."
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Under his breath--but not TOO far under--Bofus mutters Bicker among ourselves? I only see a select few bickering...
Under his breath so that only the immediate company can hear it, Bofus leans to the bard after his song and says with a gleeful twinkle in his eye, You and I are going to get along swimmingly, old chum!!
After the Lord's words, Bofus immediately speaks up. You are too kind, my good Lord! My friends and I have only done what we believe to be right, and in the best interest of the great city and the region, in a less-than-ideal situation. I would recommend, in the strongest terms, NOT to judge Sir Longbrow too harshly. His actions should speak for themselves, considering the dragons (that's PLURAL, with an "s") he has faced in hand-to-claw combat along with our good friend Thordak--may his beard grow ever longer!--in direct defense of this town. I believe it is not the power one has that makes one important, it is what one DOES with that power. I challenge anyone who would question the mighty Sir Longbrow to face even a fifth of the horrors he has faced, and refrain from changing your knickers!!
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Furthermore, I openly invite anyone to examine the actions of our little band, and determine whether we have been beneficial to the city, or detrimental. I'm confident which way the scales will lie. THEN you can decide whether you should listen to us, or scorn us.
Before letting too much time pass, Bofus turns to the Lady Kaal, and bows deferentially.
My Lady, you express displeasure at our course of action in preventing the Ghostlord's forces from joining the fight. Pray, give us your wisdom and courage--how would YOU have proceeded had you come into possession of this item and the intelligence of the matter? I'm sure we will be floored by what deeds you would have accomplished, and perhaps our paltry, common minds can expand at what you prescribe.
Tirion nods at Bofus' retort: Yes m'lady, how would you and your law abiding magistrate son have defeated the lich and the horde? Do you have an army of powerful paladins hiding in your home? Perhaps you have an allegiance with a battalion of elvish arcane archers or a school of sorcery. So far, all that I have seen is you seeking to undermine all that the good Lord Jarmaath has attempted. Good which the leaders of nearly every other town in this land would agree has resulted in to savings of hundreds, if not thousands, of the citizens of this good Vale's lives.
Now then, if you can set forth a better way to impede the horde than to take away the coerced support of an undead lord and to destroy the breading grounds of draconic spawn, please let us know what it is as we all would like to know this so that we can work to effectuate your plan to stop the horde before it is knocking at Brindol's front gates.
"Well, Master Beechnut, for one thing, I would have sent heroes that could have fought the lich and destroyed it. Why else do we have fighters but to fight? I am just unclear why you chose to leave such a creature unchecked, especially when you had in your possession the one artifact that would have allowed you to defeat the lich for good. But no matter, I see that you have done all that you were capable of. What is there to argue when our heroes are content with mediocrity."
"As for the present, I will argue again what I have already said. We should send the Lion Guard out to face the Red Hand directly in the fields before they arrive. This tactic will slow down the advance of the horde and if successful, will keep much damage from being done to the city itself. We can then use the Brindol Guard and my own personal guard to defend the city from the walls."
"This tactic would cost too many lives!" Captain Ulverth interjects. "The horde outnumbers Brindol's forces so greatly that to meet them on equal ground would be foolish. I maintain my argument that the armies should use the city walls and buildings for fortifications. Let the horde expend precious resources battling down walls and houses, while the defenders focus on defense rather than fight at a disadvantage on the field."
"Captain," Lord Jarmaath argues, "Despite my disagreements on many other matters with Verasa Kaal, I think she does have a good point here. Our soldiers are exceptional and I like the idea of avoiding as much damage to the city and keeping the fighting here to a minimum. Could we not make our stand outside of the walls and try to avoid as much harm to our infrastructure as possible? What do you think?" Jarmaath turns to ask the heroes.
Tirion frowns:
Has anyone here ever fought a dragon? Their giants could stand a hundred feet away and toss barrels of oil while the red wyrm simply flies by lighting your Lions aflame. Here in the city, you can construct ballista and catapults that can launch fire and stones at the giants. Perhaps trebuchet that are actually capable of piercing the dragon's thick hide and causing real damage.
What is most interesting is that Lady Kaal seems to only want to send out those who are not under her sway. She is not sending the guard which her son has a moderate control of. She is not sending her own guard. Just the Lions.
No, sending the brave Lions into the field to fight this horde would be foolhardy. If you have stealthy and fast archers, they could harass the horde and kill outliers and scouts. You can dig trenches to slow any siege engines they may possess and allow your own defenses to rain death upon them.
In addition, I have not seen them, but there may be some good forest giants who hate this horde just as much as the people of Brindol hate the horde. When they arrive, they can launch stones at the enemy to take down the horde giants. As my companion has said, you need to draw them in and trap them. You are outnumbered and out manned right now. What you have is skillful leadership and wise fighters. The horde is held together by greed and fear. Take out their leaders, and the horde will implode on itself. Take out more of these wyrmlords as we have been doing, take out the tall giants, and if possible, take out the red wyrm. Then you stand a chance. Face the horde on the open field, then you might as well just give up and waive a white flag.
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Tirion speaks rightly. He and I are the only ones who have actually walked inside this army's troops. He and I are the only ones with a true, visceral knowledge of the might laid before us. He and I are the only ones with the most accurate estimation of what the army is composed of. I'm certain that our current scouts are providing excellent recon intelligence, make no mistake--but they are not walking among the monsters this force is comprised of, as we have.
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Meeting them on the field would be folly, would be throwing away lives of good men who would be better put to use behind the city walls--or creating some of the fortifications and subterfuge I expressed to the mighty Captain before entering this hall. Meeting them on the field would be squandering our only military advantage: a defensive position.
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And, the Lady Kaal would be well advised to listen to Tirion's other point: that of troop distribution. I'm certain that she would like to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or political maneuvering in this, or darkest hour. Volunteering her own troops to stay in relative safety would certainly smack, to any who are the least suspicious and don't understand what are certainly motives most pure, of preparing for something of a coup! Ha, can you imagine anyone thinking that?! Perhaps the Lady might consider volunteering an equal division of forces to meet this scourge in sortee, and to stay behind, if she truly believes this to be the best military course.
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By the way, what military training have you had, Lady Kaal? More than the Captain yonder? What reason should we have to trust your recommendation over that of a successful veteran? I can only imagine one of your intelligence would realize how much sway the Captain's opinion would hold sway in his area of expertise, so please, I beseech you--do brag about your military credentials! I'm all ears. OH, and while I have your attention, perhaps you might also share the names of the heroes you have in mind who could defeat a lich. I'd love to meet them, get their autograph... He gives her an impish smile and waits expectantly.
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"I met the face of nastiness
a mother and her son
they blew and bluffed and blustered
and browbeat everyone
The crone she thought that she was smart
Twice as clever as a fox
but when shown up as a lack-wit
the son threatened chains and locks"
The two bards have a good giggle as they sing and play, giving a wink to Bofus, then the music stops.
"So is there a way to go after the Wyrm by itself? Maybe find some of their leaders not so heavily protected?"
Tirion speaks rightly. He and I are the only ones who have actually walked inside this army's troops. He and I are the only ones with a true, visceral knowledge of the might laid before us. He and I are the only ones with the most accurate estimation of what the army is composed of. I'm certain that our current scouts are providing excellent recon intelligence, make no mistake--but they are not walking among the monsters this force is comprised of, as we have."
"Yes, I heard that you did some initial stealth work by sneaking into the encampment of the horde. You have made it clear that you are very good at working in shadows, but I also understand that you needed to flee once your presence was detected. It is very interesting that your information is now weeks old and rather outdated."
"And, the Lady Kaal would be well advised to listen to Tirion's other point: that of troop distribution. I'm certain that she would like to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or political maneuvering in this, or darkest hour. Volunteering her own troops to stay in relative safety would certainly smack, to any who are the least suspicious and don't understand what are certainly motives most pure, of preparing for something of a coup! Ha, can you imagine anyone thinking that?! Perhaps the Lady might consider volunteering an equal division of forces to meet this scourge in sortee, and to stay behind, if she truly believes this to be the best military course.
"Mr. Beechnut, we are all in this together, and your ludicrous little schemes do you no honor. The only reason I suggest the Lions meet the horde on the open field is because clearly the Brindol Guard and my own personal guard are not nearly as prepared as the Brindol Lions. The Lions have been trained by the good captain Ulverth and we would have done well to have more of such soldiers. But alas, we are stuck with what we have and that option seemed the most reasonable way to protect our assets here in Brindol."
"By the way, what military training have you had, Lady Kaal? More than the Captain yonder? What reason should we have to trust your recommendation over that of a successful veteran? I can only imagine one of your intelligence would realize how much sway the Captain's opinion would hold sway in his area of expertise, so please, I beseech you--do brag about your military credentials! I'm all ears. OH, and while I have your attention, perhaps you might also share the names of the heroes you have in mind who could defeat a...
"Mr. Beechnut." Verasa Kaal replies impatiently, "Naturally, I have not fought in any battles, but you should know that I am a very shrewd merchant and I know how to get what I want! Hostile negotiations are not that different from what we are dealing with here. I am just making my point clear, considering it is my merchant family that has driven the economy of this land and brought so much wealth to this land. Now clearly, if you have another idea on how to defend this place, we will gladly listen to it, but just be aware that by choosing to battle here in the city, you are putting people's homes and businesses at serious risk. Furthermore, the economic considerations are dire!"
Finally, Verasa Kaal appears to lose her temper and shouts across the room at Rebel Red, "Would you stop with that music?! This is not the time for it. Who invited the bard to this council anyway?! I can barely hear myself think!"
"Oi've heard enough! Oi dinnae mind the loverly music, but we didnae come all this way tae listen tae the rantings of a daft woman who is only concerned with her assets! The company o' Heroes have convinced me enough that we need tae be defendin this city and nae sendin oor men tae be slaughterd ootside the walls! Lord Jarmaath, mae axemen will fight fer yer city with all their hearts, but we willnae be throwin awa oor lives like wee lambs tae the butcher! If yae give the word, we can be setting up catapults and the like. We dwarves know how tae defend!"
"I agree with you, Lord Othrek! From all of my dealings with these four heroes, I have a great deal of respect for their judgement and what they say makes complete sense to me. If we must go to war, we must weigh the cost of lives and use our people wisely and assign them tasks to their strengths. The Tiri Kitor will fight in a way that is best for my people, but not to defend assets and commerce in an open exposed field with a dragon flying nearby! Let us defend this city and put to use all of these structures against the enemy."
"Then it is settled." Jarmaath gives the final word. "Captain Ulverth, I'm sorry that I did not listen to you sooner. You may proceed with preparing the Lions to defend against the horde within the walls of the city as you see fit."
"So is there a way to go after the Wyrm by itself? Maybe find some of their leaders not so heavily protected?"
"This sounds like a good idea, Red. If there is a way to divide and conquer the enemy, we may just stand a chance! However, thus far our scouts and patrols have had a difficult time simply getting close enough to the horde. Truth be told, they have never gotten anywhere as close as Bofus and Tirion and those who attempt usually lose their lives trying. The enemy is very clever and the wyrmlords have not allowed themselves to be exposed too easily. The dragon, however, may be a different matter. I wonder if there is a way to draw Abithriax out and take him down separately."
"Then it is settled." Jarmaath gives the final word. "Captain Ulverth, I'm sorry that I did not listen to you sooner. You may proceed with preparing the Lions to defend against the horde within the walls of the city as you see fit."
"As you command sir." Lars Ulverth replies. He hesitates for a moment longer ready to say something and then he finally does. "I hate to bring this topic up, but we should really discuss what to do should the unspeakable happen. What happens if the walls do get breached by the horde?"
"Dragons are arrogant and vain, it is like sheer hubris pumps in their veins and self indulgence fuels their every thought. That's the pathway to the dragon, right down the middle with flute and fiddle. I don't require any strategy to storm the dragon nor pick my way through its ranks, I have a different idea, much safer."
With that, the two bards go back to tuning instruments and strumming some gentle background music.
After a few moments, Poppy looks up expectantly.
"Well are you going to tell us?"
"No"
"Maybe later. Oh C minor on the next one please"
They continue to gently strum.