Apple looks stunned for a moment before gathering herself and saying Are you sure? Never mind of course you are, no one in their right mind would make up something like that and the lot of you can't ALL be crazy. We need to bring this before an emergency meeting of the council. I will give my opinion but ultimately it will be up to the council. It might take some convincing to get people to believe enough to leave their homes behind and head south. That is where you mean us to go right? Saragost?
"Indeed. That would seem to be the most defensible place on this island, from all reports we have heard. This 'council meeting' should happen sooner than later Miss Apple, is there anything we can do to expedite matters? We can speak more on the way into town."
"Saragost be the most likely o' places, as it be the captial and presumeably the most defensible place. If it ain't, or rather, if ye know of somewhere else that could be repelling an army, I guess we'd best go there instead. I ain't familiar with this land, and ain't clear on the best place to fight; so far Saragost seems like the best place. If it ain't, better know now then later... What's the straight word miss Merrywind? Where be the best place to hold up and defend against an army? If it be Saragost, we go there... but fer now, let's go back into town, knock a few heads together, and get them to move. Nay time to delay, eh?"
Germon listens quietly. Moreover he keeps looking down to the documents in his hands. Why do things have to be so.... the word just couldn't come to mind. He stood there listening. Quietly thinking. This attack only serves to fuel everyone's hatred of these races. They don't even try and get along but I know it has been done. I now it.
Hey guys powers out after hurricane posting on my.phone may.be out.of touch for a few days. Please bear with me. You have not been forgotten.
Hey guys powers out after hurricane posting on my.phone may.be out.of touch for a few days. Please bear with me. You have not been forgotten.
hurricane eh? hope things get stable for you quickly man. we'll still be here, do what you have to!
casually thread bumping because i'm still around.
Cael steps out from the background and moves to speak Seems to me everyone is worries about evacuating people. Has no one considered moving for a counter strike if not a scouting mission to see where they are. I would much rather be proactive in this matter than simply sitting and waiting for them to attack. Germonperhaps you would know best where to begin.
The Slice slouches against a nearby tree, and casually flips one of his knives about the knuckles of one hand, weaving it among his fingers in a blur of steel. He waits to see what the plan is going forward.
Germon looks at Cael. "The good captain doesn't believe these people should try and fight. Most of them shouldn't but if there is any army on this island, I say we need to for it and make the first move. We would have the element of surprise on our side. If sitting and waiting is what the rest are dead set on, then I suggest we at least try and implement traps by any city gate, and any entrances to the underground we find. Also, I like the idea of setting light base traps such as readying bonfires with fast burning oil, spells that produce large amounts of light and accompanying them with ambushes. These creatures will likely attack at night but if we do this right, we can turn their strengths against them. It is presumable they do not know we know they're coming. However, all our activity up here my tip them off and they may respond accordingly. Creatures of the underground could pop up anywhere. We really should not let our guards down for even a second." Germon looks at the group. "I don't like running. I would like it better if we would prepare. We only hurt our chances by moving so many people all over the surface like this." Germon looks to Lance. "I respect your authority as a captain of a ship and a leader of men but we are not at sea. I am a former Lieutenant and have studied much in the ways of land based combat. This measure of evacuation will end in failure and may cause more problems for when the inevitable attack will occur." Germon looks at the others. "So at this council meeting we should discuss strategy. Not evacuation plans."
Germon looks at Cael. "The good captain doesn't believe these people should try and fight. Most of them shouldn't but if there is any army on this island, I say we need to for it and make the first move. We would have the element of surprise on our side. If sitting and waiting is what the rest are dead set on, then I suggest we at least try and implement traps by any city gate, and any entrances to the underground we find. Also, I like the idea of setting light base traps such as readying bonfires with fast burning oil, spells that produce large amounts of light and accompanying them with ambushes. These creatures will likely attack at night but if we do this right, we can turn their strengths against them. It is presumable they do not know we know they're coming. However, all our activity up here my tip them off and they may respond accordingly. Creatures of the underground could pop up anywhere. We really should not let our guards down for even a second." Germon looks at the group. "I don't like running. I would like it better if we would prepare. We only hurt our chances by moving so many people all over the surface like this." Germon looks to Lance. "I respect your authority as a captain of a ship and a leader of men but we are not at sea. I am a former Lieutenant and have studied much in the ways of land based combat. This measure of evacuation will end in failure and may cause more problems for when the inevitable attack will occur." Germon looks at the others. "So at this council meeting we should discuss strategy. Not evacuation plans."
"Ye be right and true, lad... Ne'er a fairer word be spoken. Ye wan'ts to strategize and take a first step, eh? Well and good, though it ain't suiting me much. I don't know much o' a tinker's cuss on land battles, as ye right guess, but me limited experience seem to suggest that a wise boss out to pick the place of his fight, not the enemy. I may be thinking, if I can do a piece, that the enemy be striking where the folk live. If the folk ain't there, mayhap the enemy don't be striking them... I even take it up further, and reckon on putting lads behind tall walls, rather then tossing up traps about a town like this little berg we done be riding up on... but ye be right. I don't know nay strategy much fer land. Still and all, I reckoned the reason they done build tall walls instead o' scattered villages be to get a strong place to gather the folk in. Like, a place that can hold plenty o' food, supplies, magic weapons and healing... and then the enemy be breaking on the walls like water. Now, that be my line o' thinking on it... Else why have a castle, or a keep, in the first place, 'cepting to put the folk in it protect 'em. But as fer discussing tactics and what not? Maybe we ought to be looking at the tall walls before we make plans on where and how to defend it first, eh? And maybe, hard as it be to imagine, the lord o' the castle be having defenses in place that we don't be knowing about... Maybe the lord o' the castle got such traps, or even better ones laying about... Maybe we ought to be looking at the castle, if he got one propper, before making suggestions or ideas on how to defend it better. 'Course, that be just a thought..."
"But now ye be saying ye don't think "running" be the way of it, that we ought to fight. Well, we can go back and forth on the virtue or where to stand and fight; here, or o'er there, or behind the walls of the capital of a city. Personally, I be thinking the capital be better then here... but that just be a guess. Ye talk on strategy, though, eh? Mate, best way to guess the enemy, land or sea, is to know what's he up to. Most information we done got came from that letter we found yesterday. Nay more then that... Seems like a good idea to get more information, as were. Funny thing is, I already tossed that suggestion to ye already. But ye weren't having it, as ye may recall?"
"Here's the thing, lad... I said the before, as were... Get more information, I said. Scout more, I said. Take the dog there, sniff around the caves or tunnels or ground where them bugs done come out, and see what ye can see, I said. Maybe ye'll find clues on why they attack the farm here, if ye scout a piece. I added it be wise to get more news, if ye bother to recollect it, eh? Hell, it ain't but a few minutes ago, eh? And what did ye say to me? What were yer own words? Why, as soon as this here lass rode up, ye had a different tune. Said a different piece. Ye recall them words? If nay, I'll say 'em back to ye... Ye done said: We must prepare ourselves as quickly as possible my lady. Ready what soldiers you have and evacuate the others. We hope to move on to the capital but we want the other towns to be aware and ready in the way that best serves them... ye recall saying that just now? That were done yer words, lad... not mine, ye said 'em... I liked that plan, and I like it still, but now, all o' a sudden, ye saying evacuating be ending in failure? Why's that? Is it because ye reckon on being contrarywise to anything I say? Is it personal? Or is it be something else... "
I watch Germon flatly. Clearly whatever plan I am suggesting seems to annoy the man. No matter what suggestion I make, he stands at odds with it. Is this a personal thing? A grudge? I don't know...
However, I do know that defending yourself behind strong walls is safer then an open village, especially against an army of 10,000. I also know if he persists in agruing with me, jumping back and forth between points, even seeming to argue with his own suggestions... then we delay. We wait. We don't take action.
Even now we ought to be speaking to this "council" about getting the innocents to a safe place, not sitting down to a meeting to discuss tactics with villagers when somewhere east of us is a lord in a castle who might actually have an army to use or to put into the field of battle. Because when such a lord eventually calls his army together, if he does, then what?
The army will be engaging itself with defending the castle, not sending out outriders all over the island to warn far off villagers. And even if the lord does send out outriders to get villagers, that will leave his castle less defended. And how long will it take for the outriders to get each village? And what garauntee is there that the outriders, having secured the villagers all over the island, will be able to turn around, and come back to a castle fast enough to avoid an encroaching army? And while they are riding back and forth in the open plains, they may be attacked by the army's advance scouts, or worse. Meawnhile, such a journey will take days, and the information we have seems to suggest that we have barely a week!
"Anyhow, lad, ye seem to think yer way, and I be thinking my way. Seems also we but heads a lot. Well, maybe we two ought to split up. Hell, ye could stay here with the village soldier folk, and I can ride ahead with the villagers themselves... the old, sick, weak, children, that sort o' thing... Then ye got lads about here to defend this village from an army, if ye want, and I get the folk that can't fight or defend themselves to a castle for safety in the meantime. Though I don't be thinking this village can muster enough lads to be troubling an army... But then, I think that be a bad plan anyhow, I think soldiers be better suited behind castle walls then this here village, and I also be thinking that if they be splitting up family; ye know, daddy be gaurding the house while his wife and baby make a run fer it... I don't think half the village will be going anywhere. But anyhow, I done speak me thoughts, as were. Ye got yer own ideas, as it may be, and they change a mite too regular, fer my taste, but I said me piece. What do ye be thinking on, now?" I say, watching Germon.
I wonder what he will say, if he will disagree with me again, or offer me back my own advice again. Will he actually try to scout for more information? Will he be in favor of evacuating this time, or not... saying that this time it is right, or wrong, or... I don't know. Perhaps I will just have to wait and see.
These are creatures of the underdark, We should strike when the sun is high in order to give these people time to get to the safety of the city walls. We have the element of surprise. Lets ready those elephants and battering rams and gunpowder and make them think twice about harming the innocents up here.
To follow up in depth: Lance believes you are Drow sympathizer. When we tried to evacuate the last town, you didn’t want to, you wanted to go back down the tunnels for some reason – suggesting scouting, or gathering clues. As I am learning about your character, Lance naturally assumes you are a person who likes and wants to get more information about a situation, and also (in this case) wants more information about how linked the Underdark issue is to the possible invasion.
Lance believes you like to gather evidence before formulating a plan. Well, we just saw giant bugs tear out of the ground; we searched their bodies, found arrows in them with poison that is consistent with Drow use. In-game Lance recommended that you take your dog, search the places they came out of, and find evidence. Who knows? If you are looking for clues, you may find them. You chose not to do that. This was confusing to Lance. If you really wanted evidence, why would you turn your back on the chance to find it?
Instead, you said, in game, you wanted to do what you could to evacuate the town as fast as possible You said that to the Halfling who came riding up. So, when Lance agreed to help that issue, in terms of evacuating, I thought we were on the same page. You no longer were looking for clues, you made up your mind to get the people to safety, and we were going forward. However, at this time, when we are ready to go, you say in game, evacuation is a bad idea, we should sit around with these people and make strategy.
Again, in game, this is all very confusing. Lance thinks you support Drow anyway, you’ve indicated such opinions. We have circumstantial evidence that Drow may be linked to an attack with this current town. You ignored the chance to find more evidence to refute or deny this claim and instead said to get the people out of here when a law enforcement agent rides up and claimed it was a good idea to evacuate the town. Then, when Lance agreed with your plan to evacuate – and recommended going to the capital city (being that he figures a capital city will have walls and guards an army and temples and all sorts of things to help us), you inferred that evacuation was a bad idea, and that we should stay here and strategize; which at least would delay action and encourage the chances of an enemy army to catch up with us, depending on how long we stayed.
I should add that Lance is simply a character. We’ve never met, I don’t know you, I have no reason to dislike you, nor do I. But just because you are PC, not an NPC doesn’t mean I won’t be suspicious of you. You’ve given me little reason to trust you, and lots of reasons to be suspicious of you; hence, Lance’s frustration and suspicion.
I hope that was helpful, I don’t mean to come off harsh in my postings as my character and sometimes I can, I apologize if it came off harsh. I don’t like OOC’ing when we can settle in-game via conversation, and was looking forward to the chance of social RPing out with your character a growing/gradual friendship that develops over time. I hope the above information assists you in your response, and apologize again for the length of this post, especially as it is OOC.
Apple looks at the back and forth with apprehension. Not really knowing what is going on between you she says, If an army is coming up from the underdark, even a small one, the only place on this island that has anything approaching the defenses necessary for repelling such an attack is Saragost. The rest of the enclaves are villages or jumped up towns with little to no defenses beyond a town watch. We here would be hard pressed to repel a largish band of orcs let alone disciplined military might such as the denizens of the underdark would throw at us. Saragost, you see, is our only option then if there truly is an army coming at us.
Apple looks at the back and forth with apprehension. Not really knowing what is going on between you she says, If an army is coming up from the underdark, even a small one, the only place on this island that has anything approaching the defenses necessary for repelling such an attack is Saragost. The rest of the enclaves are villages or jumped up towns with little to no defenses beyond a town watch. We here would be hard pressed to repel a largish band of orcs let alone disciplined military might such as the denizens of the underdark would throw at us. Saragost, you see, is our only option then if there truly is an army coming at us.
"Well, what are we waiting fer? Let's go rustle up the folk here and get these people to safety," I say, tipping my hat at the Halfling.
I would not die within the confines of a prison under any name. I say we meet them in the open with the sun beating on our brow. Cael says fervorantly.
I would not die within the confines of a prison under any name. I say we meet them in the open with the sun beating on our brow. Cael says fervorantly.
"City ain't be a prison, lad. Just a strong place to defend oneself, and the innocents here that need looking after. And what ye say been noted, twice now. But if ye think ye can take on an army of 10,000 folk; be they Drow, Duegar, or even bloody kobolds... well, go ahead, I ain't standing in yer way, not at all. Find the army, lead them out to noon attack, maybe they even be comming up to fight then, then draw yer blade and cut 'em down."
I turn from Cael, and look to the Halfling.
"Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am, but ye got a village that needs to be evacuated. These folk need to be getting to safety. Ye say that this town can't muster enough troops to defend against a large cohort of lads, not to mention Underdark folk... and we got evidence that an army of 10,000 be comming. That's too many fer me to handle, and I'd just assume get yer folk to safety. If ye don't mind, I'd just assume go talk to yer council folk and let's see what we can do to make things work," I say to Apple, hoping she'll lead the way and we can start taking direct action to get these people to safety.
I await her response.
Four Walls. Limited means of egress. Sounds like a prison to me. Meet them in the open plant traps make them chase us. A small band moves faster than an army.
Apple looks between Lance and the barbarian before turning and getting back on her riding dog.
Umm...this way please. I will take you to the inn and then bring the council to you. Before anyone can say anything else she moves her dog to a walk so that you can keep up but staying a bit ahead of you.
As you enter the town you see that your perceptions of the town before are correct...this is the most unremarkable town you have ever been in. People are going about their business pleasantly...children are playing in the village green...old men are playing bones in front of a general store...and so on. The inn that Apple takes you to is a two story building of strong timber called simply the Tavern Inn. What you make of that is up to you but a couple of boys come to take your horses into the stable while Apple leads you inside and sits you all at a round table.
Apple looks at you all and says It'll take a few for me to gather up the Council of Elders. Have a pint on me while you wait. She then shouts to the innkeeper, of course a portly man with a friendly smile and bald pate named Jacob, for him to give you a round on her tab to which he says he will. A few minutes later a nice mug of ale or wine is placed in front of each of you, like the town it is pleasant but unremarkable.
Well this is certainly a nice town isn't it? Saradel says cheerily.
Four Walls. Limited means of egress. Sounds like a prison to me. Meet them in the open plant traps make them chase us. A small band moves faster than an army.
"Do ye really believe a few folk can take on an army of 10,000 lads from the Underdark? I mean that question sincere, because I don't think it is possible. I know enough about Underdark lads to know they got lots of magic; and only magic can fight magic. No sarcasm, no dry wit, nay trying to be rude... I'm really asking; you really think that standing here and fighting 10,000 lads from the Underdark will be succesful? I mean, not fer nothing, but ye don't think that they can't cast a spell to put out fires, or bend the earth, and ye think fer any reason they be attacking under the noon day sun, if that be hurting them? And as fer running? How fast and how far can ye run? Because magic has a far reach. If they see us, they may be able to cast a spell to blot us out o' living. Ye toss up fire on the fields, they can put it out with water. Ye arrange a firing line o' arrows, and they smash it with a fireball or worse... Maybe, as the Halfling here be suggesting, the capital of the nation be the strongest place to defend oneself."
"Then again," I continue to the barbarain over my drink, "I guess it all depends on yer definition of success, I suppose. Dying in battle, gloriously as were, that might be considered successful to ye. If ye want to stand here and do that, well; ye can do that, but in the end, there's a lot of good people who will die if they aren't warned. I'd rather put that speed ye be talking on to good use warning them, rather then playing blind man's bluff with an enemy army. That be the priority, saving the innocent folk, not bickering. But if ye don't want to get these folk to safety, if ye want to stand to fight, and die gloriously, or try to run from the army and gamble that ye might survive... well, it be kind o' selfish to the inoccent folk on this island, if I may be so bold."
"Sorry I be speaking at length, Gael, I just be real confused as to why you and Germon want to stand and fight, instead of getting innocent folk to safety, especially when even the sherif of this berg be saying that the capital be the only safe place to defend ourselves propper. Just don't make sense to me, is all... But anyhow, do as ye want. I just think if ye do, ye'll be killed, and we lose the chance of getting good folk to the only safe place on the island, at least, as the Halfling lass seems to be saying..."
Well this is certainly a nice town isn't it? Saradel says cheerily.
"That is is, ma'am... and the folk seem kindly enough... I'd just assume they be living safe and long lives. Ye think we can move them out o' here, and to safety like? Let me know on yer thinking; I'm curious to know what ye think be best - seems as I'm all mixed up, as were," I say, and toss a dried date to her monkey for a snack.
"Thank you Miss Apple. We look forward to your return with the others."
Darnail will take a seat at the table, sip his ale, and regard his companions, intent on his own thoughts. After a long moment, he sets his mug down looking pointedly at Lance, Germon, and Cael in turn.
"I believe it would behoove us to clear a few things up and be done with them, so as not to emasculate our goals by bickering in front of others or not appearing to have a united front."
He will make a gesture to the whole table.
"Any or all of you are welcome to comment."
"I keep hearing: we should talk to them, they can't be really bad. We should evacuate. We shouldn't evacuate. We should attack them first. We should set traps for them. They can't deal with us if we fight them at noon under a bright sun. Citys are prisons and to be avoided at all costs."
"Really, i am truly at a loss at some of these, but let's discuss these matters, shall we?"
Darnail will steeple his fingers together.
"Thank you Miss Apple. We look forward to your return with the others."
Darnail will take a seat at the table, sip his ale, and regard his companions, intent on his own thoughts. After a long moment, he sets his mug down looking pointedly at Lance, Germon, and Cael in turn.
"I believe it would behoove us to clear a few things up and be done with them, so as not to emasculate our goals by bickering in front of others or not appearing to have a united front."
He will make a gesture to the whole table.
"Any or all of you are welcome to comment."
"I keep hearing: we should talk to them, they can't be really bad. We should evacuate. We shouldn't evacuate. We should attack them first. We should set traps for them. They can't deal with us if we fight them at noon under a bright sun. Citys are prisons and to be avoided at all costs."
"Really, i am truly at a loss at some of these, but let's discuss these matters, shall we?"
Darnail will steeple his fingers together.
"I be at a loss, too, mate. So I say my opinion neat, as it were. I think Drow be evil. I think that their race done evil acts. Now, Drow aside, and just looking toward Underdark folk... I think the Underdark have powerful magic and powerful evil folk. I think we got evidence that an army of Underdark be comming up to sack this island. I think the best thing to do is get everone in the safest place to defend themselve for a big attack."
I sip my mead, and continue.
"I think if ye get an army of 10,000 lads together, of any race, ye make plans in advance. Ye don't come with that many to invade, and then turn around after a talk. I don't think they'll talk it over, because after getting so many together, with promises o' loot and glory, those lads won't just turn around. I think now they're on the move; they're comming to fight. I think if these villagers have any chance of living, it be with the protection of real soldiers, not a group of lads like us; an army against an army as it were. I think we need magic to fight an army, and the capital of a nation is the most likely place to find magic. I think we need to move with all speed, and get everyone to safety, because when the storm hits, anyone outside be caught in the rain, as it were. Now, that be my opinion. Others have other opinions. But I intend to warn the people here of the army comming, and then, when they're on the move, I intend to ride to the next town and use all the time I have on the way to the capital to warn as many people as I can."
"Finally, I think any chance o' setting traps or luring them out to fight in the sun, or whatever plans we make, are foolish. Anyone who can afford to pay for the upkeep and disuprsement of wealth for an army of 10,000 use scouts to make sure it's succesful. I think the scouts will be using magic at least, and they'll know about any crude traps we try to set up. And at the very least, if using the sun will help us against the Underdark... if it really hurts them that much... I don't think they'll allow themselves to be lured to attack us in the sun. I think all this talk about strategy, with such limited resources, is not very likely to succeed. I think, in the end, the only way we can hope to win is by gathering the biggest ammount of folk together in the strongest place to defend ourselves. And as the people on the island seem to suggest, and I agree with them, the best place to do that is in the capital. So why not just gather them up like we've been doing, and get everyone to the capital as soon as can be," I say, taking another sip of my mead, and tossing another date to the monkey.
"Brother Darnail... it seems that this group be somewhat divided... I be all fer keeping the things together, as I think we better suited to travel as a unit then apart, but it be up to ye on that account. I say it to ye clear, as may be; I would prefer to get this town roused, and set to going to the capital as fast as can be. But if the group o' traveler's I be with decide against it; if they want to stay here and try to go after an army, or encourage the villagers to stay and fight an army instead of staying in defensible positions of this here Saragost, and this village doesn't go? Well, if I can't persuade 'em otherwise, I intend to ride on, and keep riding on, to warn all the innocents as I am able. If the others encourage the village to stay here, and die as likely as not, will you stay at this village, or keep riding on to warn the rest of the island? I'd be obliged if you came with me, if you'd care to... 'Course, that's presuming these lads stay here. If they ride on, well, I'll be happy to go, if not... I won't be staying here, I'll ride on to the next town, and the next town after that... until the whole island be warned."
I take a sip of the mead.
"Anyhow, that be an offer to ye, if ye'll have it," I say to Darnail, then looking around at the others "And to any of ye that wants to stay here, gods be with ye... if ye want to ride on and warn the rest of the villages before the army comes; then I be happy to ride with ye, too."
Germon is really unsure as to how he should respond to Lances constant rambling. The guy seems to speak little of relevance aside from his own problems and complaints. Rather than argue with the man, Germon simply nods and remarks. "You talk a bit too much. I sincerely hope I am not the first person who has told you this." Germon will be quiet regardless of how Lance responds
----
At the tavern Germon simply sits quietly staring constantly at his new "Comrades". After a bit of thinking he pipes in. "I have been trained in a kingdom of warriors and tacticians. I will admit. This is my first battle. I know walls are good for keeping people safe but they should be a last resort. The best fought battles are the ones that are won with little damage to the mother land. If the battle has reach the walls of your capital, that is a sure ill omen and though the battle may be won, the damage can be near irrecoverable. Many kingdoms have fallen due to land damage alone. ?" Germon sighs heavily. "I am unsure as to how to continue. I want to be a great leader someday and rebuild my home for the better. I know one thing for sure and this is what my uncle taught me. An ancient proverb. "Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories." The first problem is that I do not know our enemy. The second is I do not wholly know myself either. I need intel. I need to not only research our enemies but I need some time to know my own limits. I want to defeat our enemy before they even step foot on our lands but I am unsure as too how to do it without a good source of intel. I do not know this kingdom. There has to be a way to gain more knowledge." Without another word, Germon stands up and moves to leave the tavern.
I'm not saying attack the army all at once. That would be a fools errand. No, we use guerilla tactics and take their scouts by surprise. Then we can learn what exactly they want up here. After all why would a race who thrives in darkness want to come to visit where the sun shines brightly. We need to learn their motivations for the insurgency that way we can at least gain an upper hand. I'm asking you who call yourselves warriors to stand up and do your jobs and protect these people by stopping a threat. Not by going into a city you might as well go into your tombs all dressed up. Cael slams down the mug of his second drink and walks outside. Stops by the horses and begins taking proper care of the animals. If observed farther he will be sharpening his sword.
I continue to sip my mead.
I suppose I will enjoy my drink, see if either Darnail, Saradel, or The Slice respond, and in the meanwhile, I will wait for Apple to arrive with the town council.
Hopefully, they will arrive soon.
Darnail for his part will seem completely surprised and will watch speechlessly as cael and germon rant and take their leave.
"I must be getting old" He will say afterwards.
"I always thought discussing something involved listening to others."
"It seems that i was mistaken."
He will look very sad for a moment, but that will vanish.
"Very well. Slice, Saradel, and Havlem. Do any of you have anything you would like to contribute? I have a few things to say myself, but unlike a certain pair, do not mind listening to companions or discussing things."
Darnail will place one of the bloody crossbow bolts on the table.
"In point of fact. The presence of the beasts here, after we raced through the night to arrive tells us something we did NOT know beforehand.
We are not racing ahead of them to warn the villages and formulate a defense. THEY are already here ahead of US. They will not have scouts arriving, they have them already in place.
We can now realize we are at a huge disadvantage. They may have more then one surface access point for this. Logistically it would be a sound strategy. They are harrying the village to keep them occupied so the troops can be upon them before they can even react. They may have spies or infiltrators inside the populace itself. Setting a trap or skirmishing would run the risk of traitors, or encountering troops in coming from a direction we assumed would be safe and is not.
I truly fear that every village we do not spread word to and evacuate will be destroyed to the man, or captured and put into slavery.
We come from different backgrounds, and are gathered here for some still unknown purpose. Yet here we need to make a decision. We need to choose our course. If you would try to evacuate the locals to saragost, and save lives that way, i ask that you follow me in this. If you feel otherwise, like germon and cael, then i humbly suggest you go after them and assist them to the best of your ability.
I won't hold your decisions against you in any way, so please, choose. We are too fractured, squabbling among ourselves. My kind tends to stay out of affairs involving the other races, but this is something i cannot do here. I will be putting my knowledge and wisdom to the task of dealing with this invasion.
You may choose to heed it or not as your own choice. Lance, based on what you already said, i hope you will come with me on this course."
Well I don't know much in the ways of warfare but I do know a good bit about the drow and duergar and other races of the underdark. For one, I do not think there will be many points of entrance into the world above for them. There are not that many entrances to the underdark as a whole as it is more than just a cave system. Also to move through the sheer amount of troops and equipment needed for that many troops necessitates a large and safe passage like the one we found. They will not be climbing ropes in caves and such. They need more like an underground highway to move. This is only logical. They might move a few troops here and there through smaller caves but not their main force. In addition, we do not have the manpower to attempt an assault against them in any capacity I don't think. I could be wrong in my thinking but even if we got every man woman and child from this village to attack we would still be outnumbered more than 50 to one by a race that lives upon military might. All drow have innate magical ability as do duergar, from the meanest cook to the highest general, all have magical abilities such as summoning globes of darkness and increasing their size to making themselves invisible. These towns and farms are lost but they can be rebuilt. The lives of the people within them cannot. They are what we need to protect from this hoard. Also, this is not necessarily true that going into Saragost will be like entering four walls and being a tomb. A capital city like this, placed upon the coast like the good fathers map suggested, means that it is a sea port as well. We can flee across the waters if it comes to that.
Saradel looks around cheerily before saying, But what do I know? I have no head for military matters.
Well I don't know much in the ways of warfare but I do know a good bit about the drow and duergar and other races of the underdark. For one, I do not think there will be many points of entrance into the world above for them. There are not that many entrances to the underdark as a whole as it is more than just a cave system. Also to move through the sheer amount of troops and equipment needed for that many troops necessitates a large and safe passage like the one we found. They will not be climbing ropes in caves and such. They need more like an underground highway to move. This is only logical. They might move a few troops here and there through smaller caves but not their main force. In addition, we do not have the manpower to attempt an assault against them in any capacity I don't think. I could be wrong in my thinking but even if we got every man woman and child from this village to attack we would still be outnumbered more than 50 to one by a race that lives upon military might. All drow have innate magical ability as do duergar, from the meanest cook to the highest general, all have magical abilities such as summoning globes of darkness and increasing their size to making themselves invisible. These towns and farms are lost but they can be rebuilt. The lives of the people within them cannot. They are what we need to protect from this hoard. Also, this is not necessarily true that going into Saragost will be like entering four walls and being a tomb. A capital city like this, placed upon the coast like the good fathers map suggested, means that it is a sea port as well. We can flee across the waters if it comes to that.
Saradel looks around cheerily before saying, But what do I know? I have no head for military matters.
I nod my head at the good Saradel and toss her monkey another date.
"Darnail, ye heard me notion already. I be agreeing with ye. Scouts, or spies, probably be around us right now, or at least spying with magic. We best be on our gaurd for that. And ye know, or should know, that as soon as we get this town moving propper, then we ride fast to the next town. All that needs is talking to the council, who, I don't doubt, be comming to this here tavern soon enough, as said the lady Apple. Anyhow... we talk to them, show them the proof of the army comming, and hopefully ride on. I'm sure enough for that plan, and I'll ride hard with ye, Brother Darnail, as soon as able."
"And miss Saradel, ye may have no specific head for military matters, but ye sure have a good head for basic common sense. I'd be obliged if ye came with us, as it seems ye might be... and o' course, be bringing yer monkey - I got a hunch he can lend a paw, er... lend a hand in a fight, too, if we all go."
"Now... were be that council! We need to get things settled as soon as can be, and no time to lose. By the way, Mr. The Slice, ye on board with this venture with us? We done butt heads, but mayhap we ought to look the other way on that and try to do good rather then argue... there be innocent lives at stake here, eh? What say ye, ye plan on comming with us?" I say, turning to look at The Slice, waiting for his answer, and the presence of the town Council.
Watches the conversation, and listens silently before speaking
"The kind of tyranny the Drow are capable of visiting on these people needs to be avoided with all our power. I will fight tyranny in any form, so I am with you, priest."
Watches the conversation, and listens silently before speaking
"The kind of tyranny the Drow are capable of visiting on these people needs to be avoided with all our power. I will fight tyranny in any form, so I am with you, priest."
"Good lad," I say raising my mug at his choice.
"Happy to have ye come with us - sorry I didn't speak on ye before, didn't mean to be rude, just lots on me mind. Anyhow, cheers!" I conclude at his choice, finishing the mead with a gulp.
Darnail will listen to everyone in turn, nodding.
"Alright. It seems we are in agreement here then. We'll present our case to the elders when they arrive. Let's get a meal while we are here as well."
Darnail will order a small meal for himself, since there was no telling what tomorrow would bring.
"Saradel, are you from Xoth Sarandi, or one of the smaller communities on the mainlands?"
Saradel looks confused for a minute smaller communities? I'm from Shallenoi in the capital. Have you been there Darnail? It is absolutely beautiful! The trees are gorgeous this time of year and the Salunia'thien birds of paradise are doing their elaborate mating dances. The purple throated ones are my favorite. The monkey snorts a smoke ring at this point and looks at her in disgust before Saradel laughs and says My favorite bird Mr. Mephisto. You are my favorite in all respects but you are not a bird are you. Mephisto goes back to snacking on the dates that Lance tossed to him, which he accepted with a slight nod of his head, clearly it is only his due.
I lean back in my chair, put up my feet, light up my pipe, and listen to Saradel telling us of her homeland, and wait for the council elders to arrive. I will also look at The Slice, and see if he is interested in comming with us, curious to know his response as well.
"I have indeed. My Recital and Light-Blessing were in fact done at the temple there."
"You have the air of a student. Were you perhaps aiming to become a Researcher? If so, what was your focus of study?"
Oh no. My family would not be happy if I became a Researcher. Not to say it isn't a respected profession! Because it definitely is! It's just my mother is a mysteriarch of the 5th degree and my father is a mysteriarch of the 3rd degree. So you see obviously I have a lot to live up to. What about you Darnail? What do your parents do?
The Slice clears his throat, and takes another sip of the Ale. As he speaks you can see that it takes effort, and some discomfort to form the words.
"The problem with this situation, is there is no right recourse". "We can only do the best we can do". "Since this group has been forced together, we've fought and bickered non-stop". "The main reason is we are fractured as a group, and have been since we started". "We are all headstrong, and I believe all good people, but we all want things to go our own way, and refuse to be flexible". The Slice pauses to take another drink.
"We are all reacting to the situation, instead of trying to understand it". "The real question we should be trying to understand is why is this invasion occurring"? "Why are the surfacing, and why now"? Until we have the answer to these questions we can't plan an appropriate course of action".
"Lance let's say we follow your suggested course of action". "First of all while we might be able to evacuate the major villages, we won't be able to evacuate the outlying areas, or any villages not along our path". "Sure we'd save a lot of people, but we might lose the war". "If the motive of the drow is to take over the land, then by deserting it we are giving them what they want". "Let's say we escape with everyone and all make it back to the castle". "The drow then just take over the rest of the land, and either let the capital either starve itself our, or if possible escape". "In either situation they win without giving up a drop of their blood".
"On the other hand, if we follow Germmon's way we stand to not only die quickly, but many more will die that were not warned". "Yes we will be able to bloody them a bit, and take a few more with us, but the outcome will be the same". "Without knowing our enemies motivations, and reasons for this battle, we don't stand a chance of defeating them". "At the same time word must go to the capital that the invasion is come".
"So my suggestion is that we do both". "Word must be sent to the capital, but who is to say that residents of this land won't have a better chance to be listened to by their own people". "Let them spread the word to the capital". "A council of leaders from all the villages along the route, would certainly carry more clout than a group of outlanders". "These people need to take responsibility for their own survival". "In the mean time we could serve as a rear guard...perhaps supplemented by people from this land that know the lay of the land". "A small group of guerrillas could move much faster than an army of 10,000". "We harry them, destroy any resources they can use on their approach". "Make them bleed, and understand that this invasion will cost them". "This also gives more time for the word to spread that the invasion is happening, and Sargost can take time to build up it's own defenses, and military". "We can not win this war nor stem it's tide without the locals". "So let's don't try". The Slice then begins a painful coughing fit, his eyes tearing at the pain, and futilely trying to lubricate his sore throat with more ale.
Germon will leave the tavern as the others begin to converse among themselves. He finds Barrett and a bench outside. He sits on the bench and beckons Barrett to lie down next to him. He will sit and ponder.
"Why am I here? I am a warrior and tactician but have no information on this land at all. I know the drow but have not spent much time studying the Deurgar. The best way to prepare is to gather intel. But we have no kingdom that will trust our leadership. This is not an easy thing for me too do but it seems moving the people is the only thing we have time for. Time, How much time do we even have? Germon pulls out the document and goes over it. He begins to mutter. "Access point. There is one place in which they plan to enter. Mustering points. Five hundred warriors in each. Definitely a lot of soldiers. They have weapons all divided out to each commander. Where in this does it say 10,000? The way it looks, there could be more. A whole alliance in ten days. General Ulsnurr is their top general. So much that he has a throne they must carry around. Ten days? From when? The time this was written or found? How much time do we have?" Germon will pull out the magic bastard sword. "You, I heard you speak before? What have you to say? What powers do you possess and do you know anything about these warriors of the underworld? Most importantly, why did you choose me?" Germon waits to hear if the sword says anything.
[elven]"My parents? They are a lesser House. Mercantile nobility which makes them both above their place and not good enough depending on whom you are dealing with. I had more then a few misadventures due to that amusing detail. Still they have made the most of their chosen path, and live it to the fullest."[/elven]
"Slice, i hear your words, and agree with some while not with others. Sheriff Apple would likely have not been able to deal with the ankhegs without our being there. She is probably one of the most competent warriors in this village for her to have that position. Other villages may be under the same threat.
I did not see any place that screamed defensible or ambush worthy in the terrain we passed through to get here, but i do not have the best eye for those things as well. Still, i highly doubt that the locals here would be able to pull off any real slowing action that throwing their lives away would be worth it. I don't think anyone who stays behind will make it back.
The last time we followed the take it to them mindset, we got a small child killed. I'll not see the same mistake again and offer my wisdom against such. After meeting with the elders here i Will ride on, though if you choose to stay i wish you and the others the best."
Darnail will take another drink and though he does not have a large appetite, eat the plate of food he ordered knowing that the future may change at anytime.
"Well, ye know that I be all fer riding on as well... said as much, but I reckon the best thing to do before we make a call one way or the other be trying to figure out what the council here be saying. Mayhap they'll give us some wit or wisdom on the matter that could prove useful that we ain't come across yet. Who knows? Maybe there be some hidden basecamp out in the hills that can make a good stand for. Or maybe the council'll reveal it has less worth then the mayor at the last town. Riding on be best, I say, but directions be not amiss neither. I guess we don't be needing to be too hasty till we get the word o' the council, who ought to arrive any time. Once they speak, maybe Slice'll be fer running with us, rather then waiting behind. Then again... maybe, and this be far unlikely to my thinking, no disrespect, the council be giving us some details that may support Slice's line o' thinking. If it be doing that, then we may be needing to rethink things a mite... though I be reckoning on both Miss Apple and what we done seen here with our eyes, and at the last berg - the best thing fer these folk be to get the hell out o' here and to safety. 'Course, I could be wrong."
I sip my ale and reach around to thump Slice's back as his coughing seizes him.
"Don't choke, lad... it'll spoil the chance to hear you offer opinions more regular-like, rather then sitting there silent," I add with a look of concern at Slice's medical condition.
Did he contract some sort of poison in the caves? Or is he simply fighting a chill from all the rain and hard riding... I hope not! Poor weather and damp caves can cause trouble to the health, 'tis true. But if he is ill so easily... especially after his near death...
I decide to keep my eyes on Slice and pray for his swift recovery from whatever illness has beset him.
Apple come back at this point followed by three extremely old people. Gentleman and lady, may I introduce the council of elders. Thaddeus Quint, Evelyn Masters, and Rickard Shaw.
They each incline their heads as they are introduced. Thaddeus is the eldest and looks as if he was carved from gnarled wood. You can't put and age to him but "ancient" would not be a bad fit. Evelyn looks only slightly younger with straight white hair and walks with a pronounced limp. Rickard is the youngest by far, those familiar with human aging would place him in his 70's as opposed to 90's as you would guess for Evelyn and Thaddeus.
Thaddeus speaks up first and says with a voice like a dry rasp, So Apple tells us you have a matter of life and death to speak with us about?
Evelyn speaks up and says Now now Thaddeus, there is time for that. I could use a cup of mulled wine before we got started. She signals to the innkeeper and he busies himself heating some wine and putting spices in a cookpot with the wine.
Rickard rolls his eyes at Evelyn before looking at you all with a smile as if to say Women...what are you gonna do eh? So? What's all this about?
The voice comes back...very mysterious for a moment and says Noble questions! The answers you seek lie within! the voice starts laughing after that and says I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I just couldn't keep from laughing using that voice. So you want to know why you? I know I'm supposed to have some sort of insight and all but the truth is I haven't the foggiest idea why you. None of us ever really knows why we are chosen other than we each possess some skill or potential needed in the battles against the void. As far as what I have to say on the matter of the issues with which you are currently dealin', well...personally I think that attackin' any sizable force with what ya got currently is a fools errand...no offense meant, but ye don't be havin the manpower to mount any sort of attack against them underfolk. Specially them drow. Ye don't want to tangle with them in a guerrilla style war no how. Ye get yerself and as many possible behind big stout walls and let um come to ye. In the open they'll shred ye as ye are now. Ye got no magical support cept some little girl elf who looks competent enough but that's nowhere near what ye need. Personally I'd take yer companions advice. Warn them towns, get to Saragost, and get them leaders there, whoever they are, to mobilize everything they got because even if'n it's not 10000 troops arrayed against ye but half or a quarter that, it's still about 90% more'n you can handle. I like yer willin'ness to keep an open mind about them drow, boy. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption. But ye make no mistake, as a whole that race'll subjugate and enslave the world if they are given the chance. He shuts up at this point and you can feel the presence receding as if saying so much tired him.