Nia'Nikta smiled as she was specifically addressed and pushed off the wall.
"My specialty is pointing out an enemies openings and also how to move to keep their blows from landing. Also, if they bring magic to bear how to better resist it. Now I can only point out one type of enemy at a time. After all what works for goblins does not work for ogres. That being said I am of a tactical mind and am handy with my sword and shield. They are not for show." Looking at Sakuro and nods at her spell selection.
"I may not have that much versatility but I have some spells that will help us also. My knowledge is my true strength, though there is much I need to learn." looking at each in turn.
"I am Nia'Nikta, it is a pleasure to meet you all and I wish to soon make your acquaintance and meet you properly. I do apologize for not introducing myself to you all before but prudence dictated that the more pressing matters of the Ogre's get discussed. I for one agree that the patriarch should be taken out. It should be done on our terms if possible. If we go into their den, sneaking past to get to him won't go well unless someone knows of a back entrance where we can get to him. If we meet him on the fields, as they move towards us then we have advantages and disadvantages. Nights are an ogre's friend as they can see in it. Also, he will be angry that he has lost so many. This will do one of two things. Make him make a mistake or make him brutally focused."
Jun finds a seat to get off his legs, "So they are like bullies. You need to stand up and show your worth to them or they'll never leave you alone. We need to convince them to go elsewhere, anywhere other than staying here."
In the meantime, while you were out bein' heroes, we set up a buncha barricades, with spears...er...pointy sticks...stickin'outta the front ta make it harder ta get to folks, an' archer stands - mostly hidden inna trees, higher than a ogre kin reach. We ain't got many real archers. Maybe a couplea you might take a stand?
The sheriff looks everyone in the eye.
So, I guess we believe that the ogres are coming and we are staying here?
Aya goes to a corner of the room and starts scribing a scroll.
Antonio nodded.
"Nothing for it but to lance that ogre-sized boil once and for all."
Sadly, the closest Baldek can find is a dwarf merchant in the festival grounds - he has a nice, suitable array of high-quality weaponry on display, but no armor.
Armor, ye want? I'll need some measurements. What style be ye lookin' for? A breastplate? Segmented? Full plate? Me father makes it. Weapons be his specialty, but no fear - he's the greatest smith in the northlands!
Should be easy enough.
The sheriff takes a mental note.
Torsten looks rather blandly across his wares, raising an eyebrow.
Drokart! This fine dwarf thinks he needs some armor, and seeing as you wear the only dwarven armor in the village...
A stout dwarf appears some distance away, amidst the wagons and animals, and movees up quickly. He's outfitted in an excellent breastplate, and carrying a waraxe and heavy shield.
The hell you say?
His voice carries over the subdued crowd.
Torsten shrugs.
My bodyguard. You'll have to talk to him...unless you'd be happy with my crafting leathers.
Torsten taps at the thick apron he wears.
Aya spends the next 2 hours scribing a sleep spell and eating lunch. She then starts a second sleep scroll.
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I was expectin' to, yeah. Looks like damn near the whole village is, an' I'm a damn shot better at it than they are. I gotta protect the young fella here. His father...he made this for me.
He hefts the waraxe - not all that much smaller than the greataxe you're carrying.
It's obviously fine dwarven make.
Nia looked around at everyone and listened to them as they talked quietly.
"As much as I would love to have the height advantage to see the battlefield it is best I am up supporting those on the ground. That being said. I would welcome the option to buy more arrows." She looks over at Tania.
"Other things we can use is a simple spell to sow confusion. Ghost sound we can use when they are close to make it seem like there are more or as a distraction to make them believe something is behind them. Its a cheap trick but make work if we seem out of viable options. After all in the heat of battle if you hear a roar or loud noise behind you you will look if it is scary enough."
"Same thing can be done with mundane means also but I figured those engaged in combat would rather try to hurt the ogre's then not. Have any of you considered challenging the leader using his ego against him?"
She waited for the question to sink in before continueing.
"If we can we can try to draw him out to challenge those that hurt his tribe. Saying if he is such a great leader then a few meager humans wouldn't be a challenge. This could give us the chance we need. Now it does put us in a tight spot but can stop the fighting if we can direct challenge him. I don't expect him to fight fair and that is where everyone else would come into play. You keep the other ogre's from interfering while we take him out. Have rope traps set around an area we try to dictate and trip up any trying to help." Shrugs delicately.
"As for assault, if they break through we want to be able to funnel them into circles to beat on them as much as possible. I am not familiar enough with the town to do such things but I am sure the Sheriff knows how to best do that."
Nia'Nikta knew that her natural inclination to dictate things would not work here as she was now part of a team. It suited her well to give the advice and see how people took it. It taught her many things.
It's almost amazing.
You would swear you'd only been.discussing things for a few minutes when Manton walks through, and then comes back with platters of food - one with meats and cooked vegetables, the other with fruit and cheese, and a loaf of bread on each, and two pitchers of ale.
I heard somebody might be hungry?
"Hey, someone's coming," a young farm hand in an ill-fitting suit of leather armor calls out to one of his fellow conscripted watchmen.
"Is it an ogre?" comes the response.
"No, there on the south road... it looks like a man... with some kind of gold coif, maybe?" The two men ready themselves by the road and wait for the stranger's arrival.
A few minutes pass before he draws near, and as he does both men are awed slightly by his stature. The new arrival stands nearly six and a half feet tall with broad shoulders and a well muscled frame. Even more impressive is his beauty- he looks like a master's painting or a flawless statue come to life, with sapphire-blue eyes and hair that seems to be made of finely spun gold. He wears a sturdy breastplate of good dwarven make and carries a greatsword on his back, but he smiles amicably at them before they speak.
"Who are you and what business do you have in Lakeroot?" the young farm hand calls out.
"I am Auric Lightmane," the newcomer begins, "a servant of the Granite Judge, sent from Deep Furrow at his bidding. The head of my order gave an oracle from the Stone Watchmen that something would begin at the harvest festival in which my destiny was entangled." After looking the men up and down, he continues, "it appears that whatever it is has already begun, unless this is a most unwelcoming festival... please tell me what has taken place and who I must speak with to help."
The two young men whisper hastily back and forth, the granite who... don't matter, look at him... from Deep Furrow so you know he's no fan of ogres... he sure don't look like a dwarf though... After a moment's discussion they decide he is trustworthy and the man in the ill-fitting armor says, "follow me."
He offers Auric a quick summary of all that he knows about the ogres and the events of past several days as they walk briskly toward the Giant's Mug. When they enter the common room a woman with serving trays stops in her tracks and stares with wide eyes and a broad grin. Several men take notice as well though their attention seems to be more focused on the quality of his gear and the strength of his arm. "Where is the sheriff?" the young man asks, and several people point toward the backroom.
The two of them move quickly through the door, nearly crashing into Manton as he sets down his trays of food. "Sheriff," the farm hand calls out, "this man is here from Deep Furrow to help us!"
"Auric Lightmane," the large man offers as he smiles and bows to all in the room. "My lord, Goldar*, bid me come and help... and it is my pleasure to serve," he explains before waiting for the sheriff (or someone else) to respond.
"Thank you Manton! You are a saint!" Declares Antonio as he tucks into the food.
Manton blinks a couple of times.
You...ah...
...don't look like no dwarf.
The sheriff finishes Manton's sentence, looking Auric up and down. He turns to the young farmhand -
Best get back up to the road.
"No, indeed I am not a dwarf," Auric says with a smile, "I was born and raised among the barbarian tribes of the eastern wastes, but I was unsatisfied with their code of law and views on right and wrong; so, many years ago I relocated to Deep Furrow, where I trained among the servants of Goldar."
As he speaks, Auric looks around the room trying to quickly appraise people's abilities. He continues, "I completed my training a few months ago and served as an attendant in the temple while trying to discern the Stone Watchman's will for my future... The head of the order delivered an oracle that I was to come here to participate in something that would shape my destiny... I believe it must have something to do with the events that have been unfolding here the past several days... What can I do to help?"
Reiko, satisfied that the village at least has a plan now, begins to eat. Even with the chaos and fear running rampant, his motions and manners are still polite, still noble, and still extremely precise. When the newest newcomer shows up, he looks him up and down, and continues eating. After he finishes off a heap of vegetables, he speaks up.
So your destiny is here, and you want to fight? You will want to speak with Alyra. She has been telling us something similar. You may want to ask yourself though, are you ready to fight ogres? That armor is good quality, and so is your blade, but if you don't have the proper skills, they won't do you much good. Are you truly ready to die for a village you have no ties to?
He looks at the man, his hands neatly in his lap, expecting an honest answer.
Auric looks at the dwarf and chuckles softly at his lack of concern for what is happening around him beyond the food on the table and the prospect of magical armor. Making eye contact with the unidentified elf, he responds, "I have never entered battle unprepared to die; one of the first lessons taught to all young warriors among the eastern barbarians is that the fear of death is man's greatest weakness," without any hint of deception or pride. Then turning his attention to those in the room who appear to be natives of this region, he adds, "and I can think of no cause as worthy of dying for as protecting innocent lives from monstrous attacks."
Eying the food, Auric pauses for a moment and then continues, "I hate to impose but it has been a long journey here and it sounds as if there may be a hard night ahead... I would be most grateful for an opportunity to sit and eat, and perhaps hear of any plans you've laid and of how I can be of assistance? I have no basis for comparison among your people, elf, but among my people i was considered a talented warrior, and I am no stranger to combat."
Alyra has been following the discussion.
He could well be one of the heroes as well. I can never know who will step up, even though I sense the potential. There were several brothers of the Silver Shield that did their duties, but never became true heroes. Still, they produced more than any others. They usually were already on their path.
Alyra looks around at the gathered group.
I sense the potential in all of you - but in truth, you will determine your own fate.
She pauses again.
No matter how much you're needed.
Manton, obviously impressed with the new arrival, shrugs.
If it's not enough, I can get more. Food, that is. Here. He pulls out a seat.
Reiko nods in appreciation of the newcomer's answer.
Indeed. You're a true warrior then, and understand what it means to draw a blade. Sit then, and eat. We welcome your aid.
He then lays out the plans so far.
As Auric looked around he saw a tall statuesque woman dressed in an explorer's outfit made of good quality. A sword by her side, chainshirt and a shield. She looked like a lightly armored fighter and by the way she held herself very confident.
Nia'Nikta looked around quietly at everyone. No one had bothered to answer her queries or ideas so she sat back for now. It seems everyone was more impressed with this newcomer and he had some destiny. Considering his fine looks and stature, his apparent good heart and adherence to law and order, she wouldn't be surprised if he was descendant of an Archon of some type. That was if he truly had celestial blood like she suspected. Though, being raised barbarian, he could have some interesting quirks.
'Alyra, just what and who are you. It seems you know more about people and yet the way you move isn't like that of someone.....who can see. Are you blind?' She mentally asks herself as she observes them all. Stepping away from the table letting everyone crowd around for food she chose a chair off to the side to sit after grabbing something to eat.
Noticing Manton's pulling the chair out for the newcomer and the look saying he was impressed told her a lot. Seems she for now would be a bit of an outsider to this group until she made a similar impression or showed competence in something they could appreciate.
Auric smiles broadly as he sits and gathers a plate of food. After offering a short blessing over it in the dwarven tongue, he eats quickly but politely while the elven swordsman lays out the plan. When all is made clear he swallows and says, "I will stand with those who face the leader, if you'll have me, but I should very much like to hear each of your names... and perhaps what abilities you have, or what role you see yourselves playing in this plan... now that I have told you of myself..."
Then let me start. I am Alyra, of the sisters of the sea, healer of heroes. Before the battle, allow my touch so that I may link with you. I would prefer to link with those going directly into battle first, so that I might heal you easier.
After speaking, Alyra settles back silently.
"Jun Korter, former guardsman." He points his twisted leg that hobbles him and takes off a glove showing his burnt hands, "I am still finding my way, but after my accident that left these wounds I have been manifesting strange abilities, many the same as the fair Alyra there. I am hopeful to be as skilled as her one day."
Finishing a bite and politely wiping her mouth before she spoke. "Nia'Nikta, Court Bard. As I stated before you entered my specialty is pointing out an enemies openings and also how to move to keep their blows from landing. Also, if they bring magic to bear how to better resist it. Now I can only point out one type of enemy at a time. After all what works for goblins does not work for ogres. That being said I am of a tactical mind and am handy with my sword and shield. They are not for show." Her voice was cultured and even her eyes looking straight into his as she spoke to him.
"My true expertise is the knowledge I bring to the group in and out of battles."
Aya looks up from her scribing and looks around at the group, especially the newcomers. I am called Aya, I am a lowly farm girl and recently completed my apprenticeship with a wizard in Round Roc. I have used many of my daily spells but can enlarge one person and can unleash a few more Force Missiles. I am working on a sleep scroll that, I hope, will reduce the number of ogres charging us a bit.
She then returns to her scribing, but keeps an open ear to the conversation.
Ain't no 'lowly farm girls' back here. She's a trained wizard, fer cryin'out loud. Just humble is all.
Sheriff Perton shakes his head. He seems to be gaining a new respect for elves. For some elves, at any rate.
"Nia, the tribe I grew up in had a skald- very similar, from what I've been told, to the more civilized bards... if you're abilities are anything like his, I believe you will be a welcome ally in the battle," Auric says warmly to his fellow newcomer. Then, turning his attention to Aya he adds, "they had a shaman too, one who could also employ magic to enlarge people... her spell never worked on me though... she said that whatever magic caused my hair to look like this must also prevent certain spells from working. Perhaps one day we shall see if you are able to affect me with this spell, but for today I wouldn't risk that one opportunity on me."
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He's also known as Harald Lawspeaker.
Reiko looks up from his thoughts and speaks in his cultured tone.
I am Reiko. I am fr... I am a wandering swordsman in these lands. I happened across this village before... The attacks started, and have been doing all I can to assist. I am trained in both the sword and magic, though it is mostly offensive magic. I am pleased to have both of you at my side. Auric, your strength will be important to our success, but Nia, I learned a very long time ago that knowledge is the most powerful thing to have, stronger than any warrior or weapon. Together we have a much better chance at bringing down that leader.
He mentally shakes himself when he almost talks of the Misty Isles.
They don't need to know that! If people find out about what I was then they won't help us, and we need that help!