It is late afternoon by the time you all see the town of Lurion in the distance. Growing closer, this town seems like many others you have seen on your journey; clearly still living in the aftermath of the Goblinblood Wars. As you approach you see what looks to be a simple graveyard, filled with unmarked mounds of earth. As that gives way to burned out buildings, you find yourself in what could be considered the town proper. The still standing and occupied structures seem to be those farthest from the forest and your guess would be that while the town now only holds 150 or so individuals, it once held nearly three times that amount.
As you ride through the town, however, the townspeople do not seem terribly unhappy. It is clear that they are hurting and downtrodden, but they seem stoic. Even the disproportionately large number of children, a common sight in Isger, seem in relatively high spirits and many of them point at your group with a mix of awe and caution as you ride past. The adults seem relatively unphased, though some point and seem to speak questioningly about the symbols of Cheliax on your horses and tabards. All of the residents seem concerned enough to keep their distance, but they otherwise seem to go about their business.
On the far side of town there is a single building of new construction, small as it is; a church to Asmodeus sponsored by the Chelish government. If your prior experiences have taught you anything, such a place is generally the best location for your group to settle for the night and find at least basic food and supplies.
Lucrezia will be sing some cheerful songs as they ride up.
When asked about the Cheliax symbols on our gear, Lucrezia will talk about how her party is but one of several that has been sent out to travel the countryside to deal with the dangers that small villages like this one aren't capable of handling on their own.
Lucrezia's performance attracts the attention of most of the villagers that are milling about. The children especially seem to enjoy the singing and when it ends, people stay nearby and are quite willing to talk with the group. When told about the purpose of the group, hushed whispers pass through the assembled townspeople before one of the men steps forward to speak.
We are quite resilient milady but the Goblinblood Wars have left the town in shambles and we have few able bodied men to defend the town left. The army hasn't been seen in months and bandits have taken to raiding the town whenever we seem to have a surplus of supplies.
He pauses, suddenly seeming worried before blurting out the following.
N...not to say that the church hasn't helped. They of course act as a pillar of the community...they help care for a lot of the children...but even Asmodeus seems not to send warriors...
"Well, Cheliax has sought fit to send us to help. From which direction have these bandits been coming from?" Lucius asks the villager.
Lucrezia will be sing some cheerful songs as they ride up.
When asked about the Cheliax symbols on our gear, Lucrezia will talk about how her party is but one of several that has been sent out to travel the countryside to deal with the dangers that small villages like this one aren't capable of handling on their own.
"That was another lovely song Lady Villanova. You have a beautiful voice, it has helped with the long and otherwise uneventful journey." He says to the bard while attempting a smile of sorts.
Hafdan smiled at the children he saw, waving to a few of the braver ones who came to see the strangers. He shrugged his shoulders stiffly, still feeling a little foolish wearing the tabard of Cheliax across his chest, like a target waiting to highlight him to an enemy archer. He knew the need to show the people that their country still cared for them but he couldn't wait until they were in the field and he could pack it away again.
He nodded along with Lucrezia's voice but still kept his ears open when the villagers made their plight known. He couldn't help but chuckle a little at the villager's reluctance to besmirch Asmodeus' flock. Hafdan could understand that kind of frustration, it was hard not to get upset when the resources you counted on weren't there when you needed them.
"We'll help the best we can good sir."
Marc nods towards the church.
Perhaps we should see if we can find a place to sleep and some food. Then discuss with these people what we can do to help them.
Marc nods towards the church.
Perhaps we should see if we can find a place to sleep and some food. Then discuss with these people what we can do to help them.
"Agreed. It has been a long journey. While rations are sufficient, some real food would be nice." Lucius says while heading towards the church.
"Well, Cheliax has sought fit to send us to help. From which direction have these bandits been coming from?" Lucius asks the villager.
The bandits travel sir...though they rarely come from the Chitterwood. Even the bandits have the sense not to go in there most times.
When the topic of the church is brought up the townspeople step back to let you all continue on. As you all ride away, the townsfolk chatter loudly behind you.
The church itself is a small building with three rooms, the main hall where worship occurs, a small room for the priest, and another side room where education of the children occurs. Upon riding up you are all greeted by a young man wearing black and red priest's vestments. He bows slightly and smiles as he stands in front of the door.
Good eve fellows. I am Valix Stark, priest of the most high Asmodeus and servant of Cheliax. What brings you to humble Lurion?
"Well, Cheliax has sought fit to send us to help. From which direction have these bandits been coming from?" Lucius asks the villager.The bandits travel sir...though they rarely come from the Chitterwood. Even the bandits have the sense not to go in there most times.
"Thank you sir for the information. What is wrong with the Chitterwood?" Lucius asks the villager.
When the topic of the church is brought up the townspeople step back to let you all continue on. As you all ride away, the townsfolk chatter loudly behind you.
The church itself is a small building with three rooms, the main hall where worship occurs, a small room for the priest, and another side room where education of the children occurs. Upon riding up you are all greeted by a young man wearing black and red priest's vestments. He bows slightly and smiles as he stands in front of the door.
Good eve fellows. I am Valix Stark, priest of the most high Asmodeus and servant of Cheliax. What brings you to humble Lurion?
"Hail Father Stark. We were sent to handle the bandit problems here. We need a place to rest and to get supplies. I assume that should not be a problem?" He says to the priest.
Sent to handle the bandit problem? He asks, stepping to the side to allow access to the door. Well I'm sure that will help. Sent by whom if you don't mind my asking? And it should not be a problem to stay here...I assume that you are working on behalf of Cheliax?
Sent to handle the bandit problem? He asks, stepping to the side to allow access to the door. Well I'm sure that will help. Sent by whom if you don't mind my asking? And it should not be a problem to stay here...I assume that you are working on behalf of Cheliax?
"Yes, of course we are working for Cheliax. Is there anything you can tell us?"
Yes Father Stark, we are working on behalf on Cheliax and commissioned by the government. Is there a place where we can water our horses? Lucrezia looks around the area surrounding the church to see if there is a decent place to put the horses for the night.
Marc dismounts and nods to the priest.
Thank you, sir. We're actually on our way to Gillamoor, on account of it being plagued with something or other. But there's no reason we can't sort out this bandit problem while we're here.
"I'm a servant of the Inheritor, but I also serve Cheliax" as he approaches some of the children
Diplomacy
"I serve the law above religion and state, there is nothing above the law, those who go against the law shall be punished" as he returns to the group "I will present my service to this town while we are here, it is my duty to see that the laws are respected and held in esteem"
Hafdan dismounts and hitches his horse to a post outside the church. He gives a laugh at the priest's words. "Our tabards would certainly seem to say we're here under Chelaxian order. At your convenience, could you tell us what has been transpiring here recently so we may better aid you, Father? We seek only to help our fellow countrymen."
"I never needed my tabard for that Hafdan, it's obligation and duty that is all" as he awaits further more explanation of what is happening in town.
Valix smiles and nods at the group's comments. He seems to be listening patiently to everything that is said.
The horses can be tied up behind the church. We don't get many travelers, but I believe that I have something that will work well enough as a water trough. As for the bandit problem, it is perhaps less simple than you may have heard.
He pauses a bit to try to find the words to describe things before sighing and shaking his head.
You see, during the Goblinblood Wars, the army of Isger was decimated and has pulled back to mostly protect the trade routes for Cheliax. Most of these small towns, also devastated by the war, are now without protection, most of their able bodied men killed or maimed during the fighting. This has made for a region often plagued by bandits...so it is not as though I could simply direct you to one hideout for these bandits and their number could be swiftly dispatched. They attack, steal, and at times take the children for slaves. I do not know where they sell the slaves...taking citizens of Isger as slaves would be a rather significant crime in Cheliax.
If you would like to at least stop some of the worst...might I suggest removing your markings and perhaps hiding your weapons? The bandits typically will not attack those they suspect are a threat. You will certainly find more of them the farther you travel from Citadel Dinyar...they know better than to walk within the Hellknights' gaze.
He pauses again and then holds his finger in the air as if an idea has come to him.
In fact, I am sure that at least a couple of my children would volunteer to act as bait if you wished to draw out some of the slavers.
Valix smiles and nods at the group's comments. He seems to be listening patiently to everything that is said.
The horses can be tied up behind the church. We don't get many travelers, but I believe that I have something that will work well enough as a water trough. As for the bandit problem, it is perhaps less simple than you may have heard.
He pauses a bit to try to find the words to describe things before sighing and shaking his head.
You see, during the Goblinblood Wars, the army of Isger was decimated and has pulled back to mostly protect the trade routes for Cheliax. Most of these small towns, also devastated by the war, are now without protection, most of their able bodied men killed or maimed during the fighting. This has made for a region often plagued by bandits...so it is not as though I could simply direct you to one hideout for these bandits and their number could be swiftly dispatched. They attack, steal, and at times take the children for slaves. I do not know where they sell the slaves...taking citizens of Isger as slaves would be a rather significant crime in Cheliax.
If you would like to at least stop some of the worst...might I suggest removing your markings and perhaps hiding your weapons? The bandits typically will not attack those they suspect are a threat. You will certainly find more of them the farther you travel from Citadel Dinyar...they know better than to walk within the Hellknights' gaze.
"I assume we can store our tabards and such here then?" As Lucius tries to figure out some way to hide a bow.
He pauses again and then holds his finger in the air as if an idea has come to him.
In fact, I am sure that at least a couple of my children would volunteer to act as bait if you wished to draw out some of the slavers.
"It sounds like a solid plan. We set up an ambush, we defeat them, and then we use them to find the other slavers." Lucius comments listening to his plan.
Looking thoughtful, Though I dislike using children for bait, it does sound like a viable plan and one that could be accomplished quicker than any other I could come up with. After all, we do have to still reach Gillamoor and I don't wish to spend weeks trying to track down the bandits when we can draw them to us, defeat them and then be on our way to do more good.
Lucrezia will begin to remove/hide the Chelxian symbols on her gear.
Valix shrugs a bit.
It may be dangerous, but the children are loyal to their lord Asmodeus and they recognize that even if they are to come to harm, it may be necessary to root out these bandits. Besides, I believe that they will ask that they be given a share of anything that is recovered from the bandits should they participate. I trust that won't be a problem? Danger is plentiful out here but by helping you at least they can feed their avarice.
He chuckles slightly.
And yes, you may store anything that you wish here in the church. As you travel it is your decision whether or not you wish to wear your Chelish colors. Regardless, do know that while the bandits avoid the Chitterwood, the dangers from it will not care what emblems you wear and they too grow more significant as you move away from the Citadel. I have heard that the area around Gillamoor is particularly bad as the quarantine prevents even bandits from entering and potentially coming into conflict with the goblins raiding from the forest. While I am sure that they have the sense to avoid the plagued town itself, do not be surprised if they are numerous around it.
Valix shrugs a bit.
It may be dangerous, but the children are loyal to their lord Asmodeus and they recognize that even if they are to come to harm, it may be necessary to root out these bandits. Besides, I believe that they will ask that they be given a share of anything that is recovered from the bandits should they participate. I trust that won't be a problem? Danger is plentiful out here but by helping you at least they can feed their avarice.
Since it likely that what we recover from the bandits may have been taken from your village to begin with, I have no problem with them taking some things back.
Looking thoughtful, Though I dislike using children for bait, it does sound like a viable plan and one that could be accomplished quicker than any other I could come up with. After all, we do have to still reach Gillamoor and I don't wish to spend weeks trying to track down the bandits when we can draw them to us, defeat them and then be on our way to do more good.
Lucrezia will begin to remove/hide the Chelxian symbols on her gear.
"I find using children distasteful as well, however it is the most logical way to draw them out. They are slavers who take children so there is no better bait." Lucius says.
Marc frowns as he listens, While I'm not opposed to fighting bandits, I'm not keen on using children for bait. And this problem seems to be beyond our abilities to solve. There will always be more of them no matter how many we kill. He pauses and looks back towards the forest. Perhaps a wall would be of more use than a few more swords. Something to hang the bandits from when caught, to warn the others.
Hafdan shrugs his shoulders at the others' words. Bait is bait. The needs of the many, friends. While I certainly don't relish the thought of using children in this way, battle knows no age. These bandits are as much an enemy of these children as they are of their parents. Should they not have the opportunity to defend their homes in any way they can?
Hmmm...well if you wish to brave some of the forests for material to make a wall, I am sure that the residents would appreciate it. The edges of the forest were burned at the end of the war, so you may have to go farther in to find wood suitable for construction or perhaps take some of the rubble from the burned out houses.
He motions towards the ruins of homes nearer to the forest.
Come to think of it, if scaring off the bandits is something you'd like to do...maybe the forest is exactly where you should go. If you kill something even more dangerous and hang it up on a wall or a pike...I bet it would give them all pause. As I said, they are cowards looking for an easy target.
What sort of creatures roam the forest near here?
Hmmm...well if you wish to brave some of the forests for material to make a wall, I am sure that the residents would appreciate it. The edges of the forest were burned at the end of the war, so you may have to go farther in to find wood suitable for construction or perhaps take some of the rubble from the burned out houses.
He motions towards the ruins of homes nearer to the forest.
Come to think of it, if scaring off the bandits is something you'd like to do...maybe the forest is exactly where you should go. If you kill something even more dangerous and hang it up on a wall or a pike...I bet it would give them all pause. As I said, they are cowards looking for an easy target.
"That may be a more desirable plan, though it sounds like a temporary solution. We may have to strike at them directly if we want real results."
Lucius says with a solemn look on his face.
Marc nods. My concern is that the children will not appreciate the danger that we'll be putting them in. And in their rush to serve they'll disregard any words of warning we give them. Looking again towards the forest and the burned buildings. And again, I fear this problem is beyond our means. Killing some bandits won't make the rest of them stop. There's never a shortage of...desperate men. Not that I'm opposed to doing so. It just seems like a bad idea to endanger the children for such a minor benefit to the town.
Marc seems to be surprisingly confident in his knowledge of how to handle bandits, given his lack of general knowledge about most things. It's almost as if he's quoting someone else when he speaks.
Well, when you want to keep the crows out of your field you put up a scarecrow rather than going after wherever they nest. So perhaps a dead monster as a scarebandit isn't too bad an idea?
Well, when you want to keep the crows out of your field you put up a scarecrow rather than going after wherever they nest. So perhaps a dead monster as a scarebandit isn't too bad an idea?
"That is an interesting way of putting it, Lady Villanova. Though I do not think that they will scare as easy as crows do. But it would not hurt to try this plan."
The rumors are that the forest still contains roving bands of goblins and hobgoblins that are attempting to expand again since the war. I am new here however and don't know what other dangers may now abound. Prior to the burning of the forest, the goblins held the territory and no doubt wiped out whatever other hostile creatures might be there. I do not know what might exist now that such destruction has occurred.
Marc chuckles, In my experience, men are easier to scare than animals.
Although that particular conversation has passed, Bealzius awakens from his silent reverie of their recent experiences to remark on the earlier moral conundrum.
"If the children wish to serve Asmodeus or the Chelish government by acting as bait, I don't see why they should not. In my youth, I always felt it an honor to perform the duties the Church required of me."
Bealzius stores his spellbook in his backpack and links the cage holding his compsagnathus to his belt.
"Goblins and hobgoblins are nasty business, certainly. And I am surprised that they have acted so boldly when this church is here. Then again, they are children of a lesser Power, so it is not so surprising."
"I'm happy to listen to a new option for the use of children as bait is to dangerous and something I cannot agree upon" as he rubs his chin thinking for a second "I have no problems slaying some goblins or hobgoblins"
Marc sets his pack down and looks around the village. Well, I can look around at those destroyed buildings for materials and plan out a wall for this town pretty quickly. I don't think we have time to see it through to being finished, but we can at least make a start on it and the villagers should be able to finish it. Doesn't take much to put up some wooden walls and maintain them. Shouldn't need much of a wall with so few left in the town either. He scratches his chin as he thinks. Probably a day to check out those buildings and set up plans with any men available in the town. Not more than that, I'd guess. Then we can find some bandits, or worse, to hang up outside of town and I think these people will have a lot less to worry about.
Marc sets his pack down and looks around the village. Well, I can look around at those destroyed buildings for materials and plan out a wall for this town pretty quickly. I don't think we have time to see it through to being finished, but we can at least make a start on it and the villagers should be able to finish it. Doesn't take much to put up some wooden walls and maintain them. Shouldn't need much of a wall with so few left in the town either. He scratches his chin as he thinks. Probably a day to check out those buildings and set up plans with any men available in the town. Not more than that, I'd guess. Then we can find some bandits, or worse, to hang up outside of town and I think these people will have a lot less to worry about.
"Sounds like a decent plan. I see no issue with helping these people raise their defenses. What does everyone else think?"
I am in favor of it.
"For the Glory of Asmodeus, and the House of Thrune."
He turns back to the priest. "I fear I have few arcane powers which would be suited to such a task. Do you know of any scrolls or spellbooks I might be able to trade for? Spells that will assist with this rewalling?"
"Sounds like a decent plan. I see no issue with helping these people raise their defenses. What does everyone else think?"
"Then let us put our belonging away, so we can work on those defenses, that is one good idea I might add"
"For the Glory of Asmodeus, and the House of Thrune."
He turns back to the priest. "I fear I have few arcane powers which would be suited to such a task. Do you know of any scrolls or spellbooks I might be able to trade for? Spells that will assist with this rewalling?"
"Well if you can not accomplish this task with magic, then I suppose you could help in a more mundane fashion?"
"Then let us put our belonging away, so we can work on those defenses, that is one good idea I might add"
"Agreed, we should get to work as soon as possible."
Valix frowns at Bealzius and shakes his head.
I do not believe that there are any arcane spellcasters in the town, much less any that might be selling books or scrolls. This town isn't very affluent and any most with any real talent have left or perished in the fighting.
As for the goblins...they don't usually come out of the forest anymore, at least not as far as any of the towns, but they are in there and rumor has it they are trying to reform. But there might be other things in there...things left over from the wars.
You are all able to find a few basic materials from the burned out homes and the biggest lift is either driving posts into the ground for a fence-like structure, or digging a trench if you'd prefer to design the wall in that fashion. Some of the men from the town offer assistance when they see what you are doing, but most of your help comes from various children.
Marc looks up and says, I think there's enough light left to take a quick look at those buildings while dinner's being made. As long as someone doesn't mind handling the horses and getting them some feed. He looks over at Bealzius, If you've got some spare paper, you can make a list of the materials we'll need.
He then guides his horse behind the church to be tied up, unloads it, and wipes it down quickly. He spends the rest of the evening, until dark, walking around the destroyed houses, taking note of any usable materials. While not an architect by anyone's stretch of the imagination, Marc attempts to plan out how large a wall the town could handle and maintain and put up relatively quickly.
During his walk around the buildings he takes no notice of how dirty he gets and often walks within the burned out buildings, tossing burned wood and other materials aside. He often stops to test a wall, or pull part of a fallen roof. He takes note of any stone that could be of use.
He'll thank any of the townspeople that come out to help and will ask them a few questions about the houses. He'll also ask how often they go out of the town, for what, and how many gates they think they'd need. Assuring them, if needed, that the plan is to make a relatively simple wall just to make it more difficult for the bandits to come through whenever they wish. We'll probably need some wood from the forest to finish, but there's a bit here we can work with. If you have any spare horses and men, we can probably find a decent and safe place to cut some trees and run them back. I'm no expert on what trees make the best walls, so if you have someone in town that knows a bit more about building, I'd be glad to get some insight from them.
To the children, If you're up for it, we'll need as many hands digging as we can get. And those of you that can't dig can make yourself useful by running water to those that can.
Bealzius takes a page from the back of his spellbook, carefully ripping it to make certain that the binding is not loosened. He follows Marc and makes notes of needed materials and diagrams whatever plans he lays out.
To the children, "Remember to serve the Church and your superiors well. Rewards await the strong who follow the role that is given."
Stuff that sounded good...
"I think that perhaps Kendall and I should go into the forest with some of the men in the village to collect wood for the fence. Unless of course, someone can think of something better for us to do." Lucius says after tying his horse and putting most of his equipment away.
Hafdan wiped the sweat from his brow, perspiration pouring down his skin. Even without the armor and shirt, he was still sweating buckets. And here I thought I was finally done digging ditches and holes. Seems that the Army still knew better than me what I needed.
One of the children ran up and brought him some water. Hafdan smiled and patted her on the head before she scurried off, muttering under his breath. Better than being bait I imagine little one.
Hafdan shook his head with a chuckle and leaned back into the work, but not before glancing out to the woods beyond the village and loosening the swords in the scabbards belted to his waist. There was always work that needed doing, in some form or another.