So? What's all this about?
"Gentlemen and Lady, this is the situation as we know it..."
Darnail will explain to them the discoveries in the mine, the upcoming invasion, the evacuation of the other town as well as the immediate danger of the ankhegs and the poisoned bolts found in them.
"..all of which concludes with evacuating the town as soon as possible as the necessity for your people's survival. These papers are notarized by theother mayor, to show his knowledge and acceptance of the facts of the situation."
(i really don't wanna keep typing those details out every second page =p )
"That said, how long until your people can be on the move?"
Aware he's dropped a literary bomb on the elders, he will give them a few moments to process the information , talk among themselves, and ask any questions they might have while he waits quietly and patiently.
Rickard speaks up first, wide eyed My My that is some news. You sure about this son? Perhaps we better leave?
Thaddeus will put up his hands and say Now let's not be hasty. We can't just leave. We're in the middle of planting. We need to think about this and talk it over.
Evelyn will look back and forth between the two as they start talking about the pro's and con's of evacuating.
"Ye stay here, ye be already dead. They be comming, toss a spell on us to find the way of us, if ye don't believe it. That'll show the way o' it... What? Ye think that the mayor of the last town be false? Ye think that his folk, who be on the move, be wrong?"
I take a slow slip of the mead.
"Don't believe us? Do nothing, plant crops... Or, if ye believe us and ye travel to Saragost then ye do so on the say-so of the 'no-account mayor' of the last berg... But, if be right... then ye be the lads that just saved the entire village, eh?" I say with a tip of my mug.
Thaddeus looks over at Lance and looks as if he is about to admonish him, probably something along the lines of respect your elders or some such, when Evelyn touches his arm and says These people have risked much to bring us this information. The mayor of Bronce may be a bit daft but he is not so daft as to sign a lie such as they brought, therefor it must be true and that's his scrawl alright. You know as well as I do Thaddeus that we canna risk the people for the crops. Apple? Apple? Where is that girl?!? She turns around and sees that Apple is standing right beside her, she gives a start and says Now see here missy! What did I tell you about sneakin up on folk our age? Gonna send me to an early grave ye are! Go and round up the townsfolk on the Green. We're evacuatin to Saragost. Don't tell anyone that or there may be a riot on our hands. We'll do it nice and gentle like. She looks at the group still at the table and says and you all will be up there with us to answer any questions the folks may have. They'll be plenty scared but I'm sure we'll manage with ya'll there to back up our words. You get the feeling that wasn't a request and she is just accustomed to people jumping when she says frog.
Thaddeus looks like he is about to argue along with Rickard but Evelyn says Now you two shut yer holes! Them there make sense and I canna see them tellin a lie. So we gonna do it hows I said it or so help me I'll make sure yer wives feed ya nothin but onion broth for a month!
"In reasonable doses onion broth can be quite tasty. Nevertheless we shall attend and answer whatever is asked. We need to be on our way soon however. Also, might the village spare two horses? we do not have enough for our whole party so cannot pass the word as fast as we would like."
Darnail will give a bow of his head to the three elders that have been so reasonable.
Germon looks at the sword in mild disbelief. He sheathes it. "I've seen many a battle where walls fail. A big hunk of rock doesn't stop an army for long, especially one that has planned properly and these foes seem not the type to do things blindly. Were not dealing with orcs or any of the like. If drow are in fact involved, this wont bode well no matter what path we take. For now, walls seem to be the only thing we have time for. I hope there are enough fighting men to hold against this foe." Germon will stand back up and make his way back in the tavern.
Germon enters in time to hear the final debate of the elders. "We have less than eight days to get everyone to this city of Saragost. I don't like it but it is also not my army. Therefore I will lend my sword.....and the talking sword in the defense of this city. I leave whatever tactics there may be in the hands of the generals and ruler of this kingdom. If we are to travel to every single settlement, I suggest we don't linger longer than we have to. However, I would ask that the elders of this city consider sending their own emissaries to the other towns rather than complete strangers." Germon turns to the group. "I am asking permission out of respect for you as my comrades as chosen by fate. I want more information on our foe. I know of the drow. I know their history and habits and goals. What I want is variables, numbers, supply counts and locations. Supply lines, and the location of this access point that is mentioned. I am hoping it isn't too late to try and acquire some of that information. What I am asking is to search the area where we fought those monsters and see if we cannot find their source. I hope we can find a band of drow or Deurgar and either take prisoners or more documents. Information will aid us in the defense and I'd like to show up at the castle with as much as I can. Are you opposed to this?" Germon looks to each of his comrades for some sort of confirmation that his idea is good.
Germon looks at the sword in mild disbelief. He sheathes it. "I've seen many a battle where walls fail. A big hunk of rock doesn't stop an army for long, especially one that has planned properly and these foes seem not the type to do things blindly. Were not dealing with orcs or any of the like. If drow are in fact involved, this wont bode well no matter what path we take. For now, walls seem to be the only thing we have time for. I hope there are enough fighting men to hold against this foe." Germon will stand back up and make his way back in the tavern.
Germon enters in time to hear the final debate of the elders. "We have less than eight days to get everyone to this city of Saragost. I don't like it but it is also not my army. Therefore I will lend my sword.....and the talking sword in the defense of this city. I leave whatever tactics there may be in the hands of the generals and ruler of this kingdom. If we are to travel to every single settlement, I suggest we don't linger longer than we have to. However, I would ask that the elders of this city consider sending their own emissaries to the other towns rather than complete strangers." Germon turns to the group. "I am asking permission out of respect for you as my comrades as chosen by fate. I want more information on our foe. I know of the drow. I know their history and habits and goals. What I want is variables, numbers, supply counts and locations. Supply lines, and the location of this access point that is mentioned. I am hoping it isn't too late to try and acquire some of that information. What I am asking is to search the area where we fought those monsters and see if we cannot find their source. I hope we can find a band of drow or Deurgar and either take prisoners or more documents. Information will aid us in the defense and I'd like to show up at the castle with as much as I can. Are you opposed to this?" Germon looks to each of his comrades for some sort of confirmation that his idea is good.
...
"Beg pardon, lad, I can't speak for the rest, but I ain't opposed to it at all. Matter o' fact, I suggested that same plan to you three times now. I thought it was a good plan then, and think it is a good plan now. But if you were waiting for permission to do it? Well, no worries. Hell, I hope ye do find something to help us with... after all, more information be better then less on this account."
The elders look back and forth between Lance and Germon and Evelyn says More info be good but gettin the word to Saragost be better. I'll loan ye horses from my own farm to get ye there quicker. Here's what I suggest. You and yers hit all the towns along the great road. Lower Scumsgrove, Churney-on-the-green, and Hockton Barrow, before gettin to Saragost. Let each of the towns know to send out riders to any minor villages in the area, as we will here. The most important thing is to get Saragost to mobilize and that will best be done by far by them that found out about the army in the first place. One thing ye may not have considered though, I expect that them drow aint expecting to be found out about before they breached the surface so t'aint a surprise attack no more. Ye done good the lot o'ya. Once ye get to Saragost ye see the Ruling Council, they got's some good minds and some potent warriors among them that can help with the sort of strategizin your talking about. Now by my reconning it'll take ye 2 and a half days of hard riding te reach Saragost not countin the stops to tell the townsfolk about what be happenin. Should leave ye some time to get some of that info yer lookin fer.
Cael has been outside preparing the horses that we do have. When the rest of the party finally comes outside he will speak I still think going to that prison is suicide but you are the closest I have to friends here. I will protect you.
Darnail will nod at Elder Evelyn's words.
"Much as i planned to do as well. The offer of horses is much appreciated. We have three, so could use up to four more. Might i also request that you pen a missive stating that you are evacuating as well, to lend further weight to the letters from the other town?"
Finished with his plate, Darnail will mentally calculate time. Would we be able to travel further tonight after the town meeting? Would we be looking at staying here for the night?
"How long until we can have the villagers assembled and give them the news? Time is of the essence."
Eats and drinks in silence, watching the conversation..
Germon will sit and wait patiently for the meeting to conclude. "It is good that there is now some common ground between us. After this meeting is done I wish to investigate the place where the monsters we killed came from. Not too far in but hopefully there may be some clues to find or if we are really lucky, a scout has stuck around. That might be too hopeful but worth a shot in my mind. Any of you care to join me?"
"I will not be traveling a day back to search and spend a second day to return to this point at the earliest, when passing word to Saragost as soon as possible is my goal. To be blunt, i think that window has closed option wise. If you wish to do so, as i said before, best of luck to you."
Darnail will shrug slightly.
"Beg pardon, Hamzan... what be yer plan, after hearing the back and forth?" I ask, taking another sip of my mead.
"Well, Ser Germon does have a valid point. The more information you have the better prepared you are, but gaining info at the possible cost of harm to the villagers, I'm not ok with. If we split up and send a small team to scout, I will go with the scouts as that's where my talents lie. However, word must get to people of the impending danger and I felel that's where our priority should remain."
"It seems I am outvoted". "Fine". "Last time I tried to do something for ourselves in stead of running for someone else I almost died". "So I will go along with the majority". "Though I must admit, adventuring is a lot more painful, and less heroic than I had imagined".
Apple comes running in to the inn and says The people are assembled, Elders.
Leading you outside the elders take you to a raised bit of hill on one side of the village green. You see what is probably several hundred men, women, and children assembled before you. Thaddeus gets up on the hill and says These people here have some news that concerns us all. Now ya'll better listen as they gots our full support and what they be sayin be true s'far as we kin tell. He then steps aside as if to say "Yer up"
Germon will take the stand. He looks out at the people gathered and nods his head. "People of Lichegate, we come bearing ill news! In less than eight days at most your lands will be invaded by several hundreds to even thousands of underworld dwellers!" Germon pulls out the documents that detail the planning. "These are documents describing their plans! This matter is of grave importance to you and everyone in this land. You must take whatever emergency procedures you have been given. Flee to whatever keep you have been instructed too and send word to all neighboring community. Time is of the essences! Ready yourselves for this onset as quickly as you can and you may survive. The best suggestion is to take only what you can carry and rally together at the nations capital. There you will make your stand under the guidance of your ruler. Gods speed to you all. Keep your faith and we will get through this."
Germon steps down to join the others.
"Does anyone have anything they want to add. I tried to go along with what you all wanted but if I left anything out please feel free to pipe in."
"Does anyone have anything they want to add. I tried to go along with what you all wanted but if I left anything out please feel free to pipe in."
"That was a fair enough summary, we'll simply address any questions they bring to us."
"Enough talk". "We have done nothing but debate and explain". "It is time for action".
You all see some grumblings and mutterings. Hearing words like "outsiders" and "don't trust" which seems to be gathering a bit of steam before Apple jumps up and shouts OY! These folk just saved a couple o'yer kin John Black! So ye best quit yer mutterins about yer flock o'sheep and worry more about yer two little ones! Same goes for you Darver! How many potatoes you think you'll hoe with a Dark Dwarf axe in yer spine? Ye heard what they had to say and here be my piece. I'm heading to Saragost because that be the only place on the island we'll have a hope to be stoppin these underfolk. I suggest you all do the same! With that she jumps down, gives you all a nod, and heads over to help some farmers with a couple of pigs they are trying to load. It seems that your combined efforts have worked though as people are starting to move.
What are your plans now? It'll take you a full day and a half to reach the next town from here.
Germon nods. "Well if we're gonna do this, then we best get moving because the Deurgar aren't going to wait on us. Let's get to bed early and head out for the next village first thing in the morning." Germon turns to Apple before she heads out. "M'Lady. You are sending word to the towns east and west of here I presume?"
Darnail will turn from the address once the villagers begin their preparations.
"We should get what rest we can now, and leave come daybreak to make the best time possible. Meet up outside the Inn come dawn everyone?"
Having said that, Darnail will track down the Elder who said they would provide horses, (4 would be perfect) and then make his way to the village Inn to get a room.
"Sounds good."
Hamzan will go get a room at the inn as well.
I'll finish my meal, pay my tab, gather my things, and go to bed, too.
The night passes uneventfully and in the morning you are pleased to see that much progress has been made on getting everyone going. After breakfast you all group together and head out south along the road. The road weaves around and through rocky hills for a while before moving to lowlands and marshes as you near the end of the first day south. You are making good time and suspect that you have another half day before you reach Lower Scumsgrove. You all find a dry patch of ground beside the road that looks to be a good place to set up camp. Let me know what everyone's plans are including watches and such.
The night passes uneventfully and in the morning you are pleased to see that much progress has been made on getting everyone going. After breakfast you all group together and head out south along the road. The road weaves around and through rocky hills for a while before moving to lowlands and marshes as you near the end of the first day south. You are making good time and suspect that you have another half day before you reach Lower Scumsgrove. You all find a dry patch of ground beside the road that looks to be a good place to set up camp. Let me know what everyone's plans are including watches and such.
"Lower Scumsgrove. This sounds like an in demand tourist location. I'll take that mostly dry spot over there i think."
Darnail will setup his bedroll.
"Three watches should suffice? We should also make use of a campfire. I'll take...third watch i suppose, so i can greet the dawn. Pair up for the other watches and keep your eyes peeled. Night is the time the enemy would be most active if they are in a position to attempt something against us."
Keeping his belongings close by Darnail will turn in for the evening, unless someone else speaks up on a topic or plan that he would participate in.
"I would most benefit someone on watch when there is still some light."
The Slice would be glad to share first watch with someone.
"I'll take last watch with ye, Darnail, lad... I can't see in the poxin' dark anyhow... Best be on watch when there be some light out, eh?" I add with a grin.
Then I wrap myself up in my bedroll and nod off. I have full confidence that the others will easily be able to handle watch until it is my turn to wake.
I have some concerns. I know that have been a bit of a bother with character relations and I must trouble once more about some details concerning my character build. These are some questions I should have asked before the game began but am asking now as depending on your answers will change the way I play the game.
1. I plan to take the prestige class battle herald and the feat Leadership. I want to know how you handle Cohorts and Followers, how do I acquire them and do I get to play as them or do you?
2. If I can use the leadership feat to gain followers and a cohort, I want to recruit Drow into those slots. I know that is asking a lot but in the end it is all up to the GMs discretion.
I need to know if any of this is possible. If not I may want to change some things about my character. For example, I will not pursue Battle Herald any more. I may even desire to change my current classes but I hope it wont come to that. Is what I am asking unreasonable? Thank you for hearing me out. Again I apologize for being a pain of a player.
Germon nods towards Barrett. "My eyes aren't as good as an elves but Barrett here has the best nose in the business and I trust him to sniff out any intruders. So I will take the darkest watch with Barrett and anyone else who would like to join me."
"OK! First watch with Slice it is."
Lance/Darnail: During the last watch about an hour before sunrise you start hearing a snuffling sound from the swampy woods off to the east of the camp. As you take another listen you definitely hear something moving around but you cannot tell what exactly.
Using some manner of Stealth, I shall move to silently awaken my companions and inform them of what is going on.
I would prefer to take 10 on this roll at least, if I can (which would be a total of 18), but that is up to the GM.
If I need to roll, here it is -
Darnail will stare out into the darkness, hoping his low light vision will let him see whatever is out there due to the presence of the campfire. He will see Lance moving to wake others, so will cautiously ready a light spell to be cast in the direction of the sound should something rush in, hoping to perhaps blind whatever while illuminating as well.
hey guys, sorry about the lack of posts. I have a ton of stuff going on irl. Having to change to a night shift this week so its screwing with my schedule. I will try and post some more stuff.
Germon: I'm fine with you taking leadership. There will come a time where a drow MAY be ok for a cohort but the earliest that can happen is immediately following book 1 so not until level 10. If you can wait that long then I am fine with it. The way I do cohorts is you control them during battle and such and design them in terms of how you want the build, but I handle their rp just like an npc. I don't know about drow followers but a cohort may be possible. We'll have to see how things pan out for the followers.
All of a sudden you see the grass rustle and a deer jumps out into the campsite and sprints away.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. You spend the rest of the day travelling to Lower Scumsgrove. The town ahead looks like a scab on the flesh of the land, crusted around the river. Smoke from many chimneys rises over it like a fog. Buildings jostle against one another, crooked
and cramped. You have seen pleasant towns and ugly towns, but this town is so hideous that it seems almost surreal. Surely nothing in the waking world is as depraved as this?
A bit bemused from the past evening's "encounter" Darnail will regard the town ahead.
"I suppose it does justice to it's name. Yet i admit i hoped for something ...more...grand."
He will nudge his horse into a canter, approaching the outskirts, but will also sweep the area with his eyes looking for anything distinctive, or out of place.