GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

Rydell went up to the Middle of Trunau to Aleril's shop. Trunau was fortunate to have an excellent Bowyer and Fletcher in Aleril. An Elf hailing from Celwynvian, in the Mierani Forest. His reason for coming to far off Trunau, he kept close to his chest. Whatever his reason, Trunau was lucky to have him. Hed always been friendly with Rydell.

Shel knows from experience how physically draining it can be to host the spirits. Worried about her fragile state, Shel tucks Katreza into bed. "Thank you for your help these last few days. It cannot be easy to host the spirits and be deathly ill. If you can, you should resist the call of the spirits until you are stronger."

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Shel gathers her things as well as her share of the gold from the ssold items and bids Katreza and the others goodnight. She is exhausted but, if war is coming, she still has much to do this night in preperation. She makes for the House of Wonders to purchase supplies with which to scribe more scrolls. She is also hoping Agrit might have some information to share on the Hammer.

I assume the House of Wonders is where one would go to find magical items like scrolls?

No more info for Katreza. Ovril still has to drink his potion. Then we can role play until everyone heads to bed. Once 3 folks post here they head to bed Ill advance to the next day. tomorrow until the funeral in the evening its all about selling and buying..

Watching Shel and Rydel head their separate ways, Rory turns to Ovril and Imara, gesturing to the bakery next door. "Well, do you two want to get something to eat? I'm famished."

Two folks have left to make purchases. Have we sold off the goods yet? Obviously we have some cash and we can retcon placing orders and picking up tommorow...

hadnt rol played doing it, but like you said we can hand wave that. just assume you have split the loot already.

One of Agrits hopeful you students minded the House of Wonders while the Councilwoman was at the council meeting. She brought Shel in, and helped her find the Vellum, Scroll Ink, and a fresh writing utensil.

Rydell gives a nod and greeting.

Evening Aleril. I've finally scrounged enough for that bow I asked you to keep for me.. The one you made from that darkwood that I asked about? I'd also like a 6 arrows if you'd be willing to parse them out. Alongside 20 cold-iron arrows if you have them. I'd also like to trade in my old bow.. I kept it in good condition, and I know you can likely make it good as new rather easily.

He places his old bow on the counter.

so.. 653g, plus my starting of 7, +37.5 for 697.5g oh and the old studded armor. for 709.5, a masterwork Darkwood composite (2) longbow runs 670 I think. So thats perfect. 2g for the 20 cold-iron arrows. which leaves me 37.5g, 30g richer than when I started the adventure! lol.

Hi Rydell. heard you been having quite the effect in town. Of course. Have it right here. Yes thats an easy order. Been working on silver and cold iron arrow heads. and thank you for the compliment. Indeed I can freshen up your old bow and resell it again easy enough.

Rydell nods as, despite himself, eagerly takes the bow into his hands.
Yes.. I suppose that would be a rumor.. Just doing what I should is all..
He looks it over as runs his hand over the bow's pitch black wood before finally giving a small smile. Beautiful. With this, I may stand a chance of proving your equal in archery now. Rydell half chuckles.

I do wonder though, how my father's bow felt to use... He shakes his head, as if snapping himself back to reality before subconsciously resting his hand on the hilt of the sword his father left him.

Ah, anyway. I can't stay long, I told Rory I'd be back quickly for a bite and a talk.

With that, he gives a nod and heads back to Rory.

I didn't want to spend the money on this just yet... but with a possible attack on the city.. well, it may be important. At least I can still pay Cham for a month of time.

Once back, he makes his way quietly and quickly to Rory to join him for the meal.

looking I think the bow only costs 630 gold. 100 for composite. 200 for +2 str. 300 for MW and 30 for darkwood. (10x3 lbs) am I missing something? and it should weigh now 1.5 pounds.

for some reason I remembered a MW weapon being 350 gold... if it is not I won't complain.

its not. 300 gold for weapon. 150 for armor 100 for everything else

Imara grins in response to Rory's question. "More gold would let me buy more toys! Useful toys." She looks down as Phoenix approaches and places an old nail on her boot. "Oh...thank you, Phoenix, how very generous of you!" Maybe I can become friends with this chicken yet. She picks it up and tucks it carefully into her pack.

In response to Rory's question, she nods enthusiastically. "YES! And Sid will want to know how we made out!" She sprints across the road and bursts through the door to the bakery. "Sid! Feed us! We'll pay you!" She takes out two gold pieces and places them on the counter, inhaling the smell of fresh bread deeply.

She'll likely want to get some things as well, but I can post those in the discussion if we move on to the next day before I get a chance to post. I have to decide what to get first!

Sid spun and looked at Imara. He grinned ear to ear. Why of course milady! This humble servant is only to happy to please. He bowed deeply and put a several cinnamon and date croissants on the counter. Still hot. Then some Sweet breads made recently. I can offer some water to go with this if you dont have any in your skins.

Then he looked more serious. Imara, I was worried.

Lesser Resto: 1d4 ⇒ 4
I'm trying to figure out what items/gear Ovril needs and wants, but I've been drawing a blank. I'll try to make up my mind today.

Following Imara to her friends shop, Rory dismounts from Thistle outside the door. Turning to both wolves. he points towards the side, "Thistle, Storm stay." Thistle rolls her eyes and huffs, while Storm droops his ears and whines. Pausing, he pulls the antelope antler Thistle had been chewing out his his pack. Dropping it on the ground, he shrugs. "I guess you two will have to share." Making a mental note to himself as he walks in the building to get a second chew toy to carry.

As he climbs up into a chair in the small bakery, he listens ot Sid's selections, and asks, "May I have a couple slices of the sweet bread, and do you have any milk?"

turning to the others he asks. "So what does the giants and the hammer have to do with all of this?"

Sid looked humbly sorry at Rory as he commented. Im sorry, but with the outlying farms either coming here in case a horde comes, or going into hiding theres been no milk deliverys this morning.

Ovril pauses outside the bakery and downs the potion as Imara and Rory had. Quickly he feels the restorative bringing back his vitality.

Rydell enters, his new bow strung over his back and gives a curt nod towards Sid.
I'll just take whatever you like best. He says as he moves to sit or stand next to Imara and Rory. He seems lost in thought and doesn't immediately respond to Rory's question.

Phoenix hops up on the counter and dips his beak into Imara's glass of water, taking a beakfull of water and tilting his head back to let the nectar of life slide down his throat. He smacks his chicken lips and clucks Ahhh. That is good water. I would know, being water myself. He then goes back for more.

Shrugging at the lack of milk, Rory jumps off the chair and fetches his water bag from Thistles saddle. Nodding to Shel as he returns to his chair. Taking a bite of he sweet bread, moaning. "Mmmm raisins and walnuts with a touch of honey. My favorite." Frowning at the chicken on the counter, he looks at the others.

"I thought I was a bit of an aficionado on the Hold of Belkzen but I drew a complete blank on all this. Ovril told us Uskroth was a hill Giant Chieftain called the Storm King." He nods to Ovril in appreciation. "And when I was reading over Shel's shoulder I saw Agrimmosh was a powerful magical item he carried, supposedly buried with him. The Hammer of undoing, or something like that. It would make sense that the orcs would want to recover it." He pauses for a moment taking another bite of the sweet bread. "But what does that have to do with us right now? We know Trunau must preparing for an imminent attack, But what does that have to do with the hammer? Are the two related and should we talk to the council about it?"

to be clear. Katreza mentioned beware the Storm King. the hill giant named Uskroth was not called the Storm King.

Rydell lets out a sigh.

I'm not sure. Maybe they think Trunau has something to do with it all. If this hammer is as powerful as the tales say, they could be looking for it. Why they think it might would be here, or even something possible related to it... I couldn't say... Though I suppose if anyone would know, it would be either the Chief Defender, or Silvermane. Rydell will nod a thanks whenever his food is brought out. Then wait for Sid to leave ear-shot again.

Then again, it could all be a coincidence. Orcs don't need a reason to try and raid a town. I doubt half of them would even understand what a "reason" is. he says with a small shrug.

If they come, we will fight them back. After that, we can continue to look for this famed hammer.

Touched by his concern, Imara smiles warmly at Sid, then moves around the counter to hug him. ”We’re alright. It was Daktani. Brynia was killed, unfortunately…she had nothing to do with all of this.” She sighs and pauses a moment, letting it all sink in. So many up and down emotions today. The smell of the food is irresistible, though, and she grabs a sweetbread and eats it ravenously. ”So gub, Sib. Fank u.”

As she eats, Imara listens to Sid and Rory discuss the situation. ”Didn’t the story say that Uskroth may have been killed in the area, but no one knows where? Maybe they think he’s buried somewhere around here. With his hammer. I don’t know how that helps us, though. Except…if they are attacking Trunau, it suggests that maybe it’s IN…or under…Trunau.” A feeling of dread settles over her. ”Or maybe it’s around the Plague House. That could be what the tunnel was for…we might have to go back.” Dejected by that dismal thought, she turns her attention back to the food and focuses on the taste, smell and feel of the warm bread as she chews.

Nodding in agreement with Rydel, Rory knew he was right. Orcs didn't need an excuse to attack, but the hammer being nearby would certainly be an excuse. Raising an eyebrow at Immara's observation, he hadn't even wondered what the orcs were digging for. Taking a bite of the sweet bread, he pauses for a moment then adds. "Once the attack is over maybe we go back and look."

Trying to ignore the chicken, Rory turns to Ovril and Shel to see if they have anything to add.

I was going to wait to post, but going out of town tomorrow and may not get a post in.

Phoenix's feathers rustle in a breeze felt by noone else. In completely unrelated news, Imara notices that her roll is cooling at a far quicker pace than it should...

Phoenix uses prestidigitation to cool Imara's food.

Shel slumps over on the table, propping her head up with one arm. As far as she knew, she was the only survivor of her tribe after they were massacred by orcs. Another attack by orcs? So soon? She can still hear the screams; the sounds of slaughter as she fled into the desert. "Why must the spirits test me so? I do not want to be a warrior or an adventurer... I only..." She straightens, realizing she is thinking out loud. "Maybe the marked buildings are ones the traitors believe may hold the hammer." She quickly blurts out to cover her mumbling. "But you would think... there are more than a few that can detect magic in Trunau. Would such a powerful artifact not have shown itself over all these years?"

Shrugging as he finishes his sweet bread, Rory, starts to climb down from the table. "Maybe theirs some sort of clue somewhere their looking for. We're not going to sort it out tonight. Guess I'll feed the wolves and head to bed." As he heads to the door, he turns and asks, "Do we need to do anything tomorrow, or just meet at the funeral? I've got to get better armor for the wolves, and maybe a weapon or two."

"I don't think so. I'm going to stay here for a bit, then grab a few things and head home."

Phoenix hops onto Rory's head as halfling dismounts his chair. I suppose I should be fitted for armor as well if I am to be fighting giants on the morrow. Forward! Noble steed! To the armorers! He clucks from his perch, though his cluck is rendered unintelligible by the roll he holds in his beak.

Seeing the chicken hop towards his head, Rory waives his arm and gives the bird a glare, as the creature lands on his chair. Shaking his finger at the creature. "Don't make me let the wolves eat you." He turns to the others. "where were we, Oh, let's meet up tomorrow at the funeral."

yeah, sorry not sorry Phoenix, raised chickens for a time as an adolescent. Not letting one land on 'my' head. Just...can't...do...it...

chuckle

While the group was eating at the Bakery and chatting the sun had fallen on the horizon. Night came upon Trunau. It had been a very long day for the fledgling adventurers. Fatigue and stiffness was setting. In. Ovril sneezed and coughed a couple times, and Rory felt as if a fever was coming on. They looked at each other and remembered Lessie Crumkin's words about a disease and her preparing to cure it the following morning.

Looking out the door, they saw the gates were closed now. and they saw an awful lot of strange faces moving about. All the local farmers and tradesmen. Plus it seemed a few trade wagons had come in and were unloading. None of the Council had come down from their meeting yet.

The group gradually drift apart going their own ways to gather their wits and tend to their own affairs vowing to meet up at the funeral at dusk tomorrow at the Flame of the Fallen.

Ill post once more before I advance. Just wanted to give folks time to A) decide what they bought with their share of the goods and B) to make any final rp posts they wanted.

Shel glares angrily at all the strangers she passes on her way back to the Bramblehouse. "Why are the councilors letting so many people in at a time like this! Every one of them could be an enemy!" She scowls and stomps her way back to her room. The people of Trunau had always been foolish and soft. As many hardships as they thought they had endured, their walls protected them from far worse. It may be the spirits had sent her enlighten and guide the people of the walled city, but no one here listens to her; not about the threat of strangers and not about the warnings of the spirits. "I am supposed to be here. I am supposed to be here. The spirits have a plan for all of us." She mutters as she sets out a blank scroll on the small desk in her cramped room, unaware that she had lost her chicken follower somewhere in town.

Phoenix deftly interposed the roll in his beak between the halfling and himself, the unfortunate baguette absorbing whatever foul curse the outrider had just attempted to cast upon the water spirit.

====================

Sharing Shel's ire towards the strangers, Phoenix sets out to inspect the newly arrived wagons for giants hidden beneath their tarps and covers. Slinking off towards the wagons, he clucks and struts and bobs his head as if he were any normal-besides-his-obscene-beauty chicken and, when the loaders are looking the other way, he hops inside the wagons, keen chicken eyes peeled for contraband!

Bidding the others good night, Rory headed back to the Longhouse, stopping at the kitchen long enough to feed the wolves and get a bowl of stew for himself. returning to his bunk, he fell asleep quickly. Just before dawn he was woken by Storm's whining. Rory got up and took the wolves out to run a little. Glad that Storm had at least waited to go outside to pee.

Once the wolves had ran a little Rory returned to his bunk and geared up, again getting a quick meal and then back at it. He heads to the counting house hoping it isn't too early for Councilor Lessie Crumkin. She had told him to return in the morning after her prayer time. but he had no idea how early she actually got up.

after meeting with Lessie
Heading back to 'Clamor' to pick up the special breastplate Sara had been making for him. Putting the armor on, bending this way and that. He mounted Thistle, Standing in the stirrups, leaning forward in a crouch as one would with a lance, leaned clear over in the saddle as if to pick something off of the ground. Smiling and nodding he dismounted, "Very nice work Sara!"

When he had finished paying Sara, Rory headed to 'That 'n' Such' Purchasing a pack saddle for Storm and lamellar armor for both wolves. Since there was going to be a fight, they both would need better armor. After paying Jess. he decided to test the new gear and headed out the gates to patrol around the city for a little while. After taking a few laps around the town, he resisted the urge to hunt and instead returned to town.

While out of town, did he notice anything worthwhile? Will take 10 (21) on perception

Both Ovril and Rory showed up at the Counting House and Lessie came out and cast cure disease on both stopping any disease from claiming their health. Both had been exhibiting the beginnings of filth fever.

Ovril started going to the temples and Agrits to buy scrolls and this and that for inks and pens. Rory was busy training wolves and getting his items.

He did see Rydell practicing with his new bow.

Rory see's nothing that would cause him any amount of stress. Baterstones is all but empty and theres still afew stragglers from outying farms coming to enter because of the probable assault. None wanting to worry if a horde would kill their family on their ranches and farms.

It was late in the night before Phoenix returned to Shel, satisfied that none of the people in the commons appeared to be giants or orcs.

Shel knew she had til about 11 to get what she needed done, with the party gathering at sunset at The Flame of the fallen, then she would have to eat and go get a few things she might need.

Shel spends all of the next day scribing scrolls and preparing magics that would protect the townsfolk and a few scrolls to summon hawk spirits in case of battle.

Shel spends 12 hours between last night and today crafting scrolls, so she won't have time for anything else.

After testing his bow, Rydell will go collect Amelia before heading back to their room at Cham's. Where he will give Cham the gold coin due, and payment for the next two weeks as well. After which, he treats Amelia to whatever meal she wants before heading to get some rest while he can.

Imara relates the story of their day to Sid while slowly making her way through the array of baked goods in front of her. She’d like to stay, but there are some items she’d really like to find before tomorrow. And the thought of her bed and sleep is becoming more and more compelling. ”I need to get some supplies. Stay here – lock the door when I leave. Don’t go out tonight. I don’t think it’s safe. I’ll check in tomorrow. Thank you for feeding me!”

She feels jumpy and uneasy as she leaves the bakery and moves through town in the dark. There are so many unknown faces. The town suddenly feels unfamiliar to her. She crosses back to That N’ Such, hoping they are still open. She wants to see if Gorkis has a few alchemical items she thinks could be helpful in an attack. She sees a lantern still burning and is thrilled to hear that Gorkis does indeed have what she’s looking for. ”You really do have everything! I can’t wait to use these!”

When she finally returns to her room, she sees the journal still sitting on her desk and is struck by how normal and familiar her room feels. Unchanged after the events of the day. She sighs and moves to her desk, then sits down, opens the journal and begins to write.

Before going to sleep, she drags her bed in front of her door and arrays the flash seeds on the floor beneath the window. Feeling both foolish and proactive, she strips off her boots and armor and falls into bed, sleeping late the next morning.

Late afternoon people start gradually gathering at the Flame of The Fallen. The vast majority of the townsfolk were present by a little before sunset. Not so the farmers and ranchers. Some of them sat at a distance watching with curiosity. It wasnt often the sanctification of the Fallen was performed, not in recent days at any way. A wagon was pulled up with both Brynia's and Rodericks bodies within, dressed in their normal wear.

Kurst was leading the wagon, and had several militia members take stretchers and load the bodies on them taking them inside the tower and up the stairs within to the top, where they would be cremated in the flames.

Halgra followed them up within and would perform the duties of lighting the flames.

The Ritual proceeded and Halgra came down and began to speak

Halgra looks around at all present, everyone that was anyone was there...Even Katreza was sitting in the wagon, with Sara and Agrit protecting her.

She begins to speak as Tyari comes forward with Rodericks Hopeknife, and the new Hopeknife he had made for Brynia. She takes them up to the flame and she can be seen atop the tower praying and annoiting heach knife with oil and sticking them in the fire.

Halgras voice echoes out of the upper quarters Citizens of Trunau, we have lost two of our own recently. Both through horrible mis direction and deceit. Meant to appear not as it was, but one as a coward and the other as a betrayer. Yet both have been proven to be heroes. Just as High Priestess Tyari re-consecrates their Hopeknives, We shall re-consecrate their spirits sending them on their way together, as they would have wanted, to to the afterlife. However you view that in your lifeview. I want you to remember them as they had last been at the festival, both in love, and both very much happy. Trustworthy Citizens of Trunau. Let us part company now as the sun sets and go back about our business knowing we will survive any threats coming on the horizon united as one people. Half Orc and Human, just as Brynia and Roderick were. Thank you for coming Citizens of Trunau.

Just then a horse came galloping up from the Inner Quarter yelling To Arms To Arms! Upon it was one of the Patrol Riders who had left yesterday morning and Jagrins unconscious body draped over the horses back..

The crowd started to panic and poeple were looking al around.

The rider jumped off and ran forward to Kurst and Halgra saying. We were ambushed last night, I barely escaped with The Patrol Leader. Hes near dead. I managed to sneak through the enemies lines. They are upon us We must mans the walls. Thousands of Orcs. Several Giants. and siege weapons. They have catapults.

Just then as if to punctuate the Riders words A whistling was heard coming from several directions. The East Tower between Lower Quarter and Inner Quarter exploded in a shower of masonry and stone. The white cross an obvious marker for a target.

Several Boulders slammed into other places within the city.

The Battle for Trunau had begun.

The Chief Defender paused only a split second before she ordered....
Omast call General Quarters. send the Militia to their posts. You go to Inner Quarter and Defend it with your life. She glanced at her son. Malcolm, you are now promoted to Lt. Take half the militia and go down to the Lower Quarter. Now!

Omast ran and Malcolm followed.

Kurst, Grab Omasts Patrol ad whatever riders you can, except Rory, and lead a cavalry charger out to try and destroy those catapults, and may Iomedae bless you!

Kurst sprinted to the stables followed by several patrol members.

Tyari, Send your Acolytes to man the designated places to provide healing to anyone needing it. Lessie, Take Jagrin to The Counting House and then send your Acolytes to the towers of the Upper Quarter. Silverman, to The Hopespring to protect the water source. Agrit, Sara to the Lower Quarter to provide guidance and Leadership. Merriman, take Ruby, Othden and Amelia into the Ivory Hall and protect them with your life.

Pausing for a breath, she looked at the party and said To you Im assigning the important tasks of getting Katreza to the counting House, safe and then light the beacons. There are three. By The Commons, By the inner Quarter and by the Hopespring. In the dark without light, The Orcs will have an advantage. With the bonfires lit, we can see! Hurry.

Then she said Kessen arm those farmers and ranchers if they arent already. Its their fight too. Ill be right there to take command of them ...Move People!

Meet with the others for the funeral. Rory stayed mounted on Thistle with Storm sitting nearby. He still didn't trust the young wolf enough to leave him out of his sight. As Tyari anoints the knives and places them in the fire, Rory nods. this was the way in Tranua. As Halgras gave the eulogy, Rory wiped an eye. His friends had given their lives for the town. they had honored their vow when they accepted their hope knives all those years ago.

As Rory was deed in thought, he felt Thistle bristle as Storm gave a low growl. A rider was approaching, as a distant whistle filled the air. As the rider described the situation, Rory moves Thistle a little closer so he could hear. Listening to the Chief Defenders directions, Rory let a calm wash over him. This is what they prepared for, this is what they trained for, this is why he was a scout.

Hearing Halgra's orders to them, he saluted. "Get Katreza to the counting house, get the beacons lit. Yes Ma'am." Turning Thistle towards Storm, using Animal focus he cast bull/str on Storm, pointing towards Katreza sitting in the wagon. Telling the young male. "Storm guard Katreza." He turns to the others. "Do we take the wagon or try and have her walk?"

Rydell is ready to ride out with the patrol until he is stopped. He was about to shout for Amelia to come with him to the counting house but stops for a moment. He then runs off towards Amelia, grabbing her for a moment.

If anything happens, or if any of the orcs get in. Do not use that on yourself. He says pointing to the hopeknife.
And if anyone uses theirs on you, they better hope they aren't around for me to find.

I'll find you after this is over. Here. Rydell hands Amelia his handaxe.
Use it if you must, but do not throw your life away. He gives her a hug before standing up straight.

Now go!

He turns back to the others, bow in hand and looks over the wagon, trying to determine if it would be easier to use it, or just carry Katreza themselves.

Anything to roll? Are there horses tied to the wagon?

theres two cart horses pulling the small wagon.

Rory, shel, you two are good with animals right? Think you can steer those horses and keep them calm long enough to get back to the counting house?

Hearing Rydell's question, Rory raises an eyebrow wondering how Rydel expected him to guide horses while mounted on a wolf. He shrugs, "Maybe Shel can get in the wagon and drive it to the counting house while the rest of us cover her? Either from inside the wagon or out."

He looks back at Rydell. "Or are you thinking one of us should take Katreze back while we split up and light the fires?" He shakes his head, "I don't think splitting up is a good idea."

Thousands of orcs? How can that be?! How can we be so blindsided? The sentries didn’t see them coming? She only half hears Halgra gives orders, desperately searching for Sid. Suddenly, she realizes Halgra has turned toward them, asking them to protect Katreza and light the beacons. She nods, relieved to be told what to do and draws the tube for her liquid blade, as well as Brynia’s Love.

”I think we should stay together. Can we just take the horses by the bridle and walk them?” She moves to stand protectively next to the cart.

Phoenix rose early in the morning to prepare for the funeral. After feasting on some grubs with his fellow avians, he bathed in the Hopespring to wash the evil shadow spirits off of his feathers. He spent the rest of the day stealing sego lilies and prarie roses from peoples gardens and planters, inserting the stems of the flowers into his plumage till he was suitably adorned and dressed for the memorial. Before the bodies of the fallen are taken up the tower, he places one dried seed each with Brinya and Roderick - offerings to the fire spirits. He then joins Shel in chanting and dancing to speed the lovers on their way to the realm of spirits.

Shel is not sad for the fallen lovers. Death is a part of life, and Brinya and Roderick left this world together. She does not approve entirely of the abrupt wake. Traditionally it should be three days so that the deceased may be mourned and remembered, but the pyre is acceptable, at least. Ignoring what the spirit-blind people of Trunau may think, Shel begins to perform a traditional funerary dance, chanting to guide the couple to the afterlife. Her anklets and bracelets, adorned with bells and bone fragments, ring and clack in time with her movments, but her dance is interrupted when the orc nation attacks.

The cries of the outrider bring Shel out of her dancing and takes her back to the cruel past. For a moment she is a little girl out on the plains of the badlands with her tribe. A bloody scout rides charges in to the center of the camp. "Orcs. Hundreds of them." Nowhere to run. No way to fight...

Halgra's barked orders snap Shel back to the present. She numbly takes the reigns of the horses and guides them on, in shock that this is happening to her again.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Phoenix Assist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The crowd at the Flame of the fallen was reacting quickly. Halgra took Merriman, Othden, Ruby towards the front door, motioning for Amelia to follow. A couple of Militia members stood holding the door open. A Halfling maid was inside wringing her hands.

Omast had already reached the Longhouse and threw open the door shouting for the off duty guards who were inside. Most had attended the funeral, and were already forming up for orders. Malcolm stood besides him.

Kessen was moving to the Commons when another boulder slammed into the far side of it raining debris down on the citizens inside. Women and children were screaming. The pained cries of the injured came from within the community grounds. He started yelling for people to follow him and headed to the Longhouse.

Lessie was crying as she moved to the horse Jagrin lay across. He had several arrows sticking out of him, and a severe sword gash across his leg, that could easily be seen from where you stood. An Acolyte of Abadar went to lead the horse. Lessie leaned in and kissed his face, and layed hands on him, curing some wounds. He still lay unconscious though. She followed along beside the horse as they headed to the Counting House. It was common knowledge she was interested in him. He had been faithful to his wife even years after her death. Lessie had been trying to bring him out of mourning her for quite some time.

Agrit and Sara, were heading towards the Inner Quarter with many others who were heading to homes or business'

Another boulder slammed into the east tower sending more showers of stone plummeting down into buildings or people.

Chaos was erupting around the group as they moved to the wagon with Katreza sitting inside of it, looking pale. The horses were wild eyes looking around. Shel tried to calm them, but they werent in the frame of mind to be lead. Rory sat astride Thistle as he told Storm to protect Katreza, The Wolf jumped up in the rear of the wagon and moved to stand behind The Seer. Rydell said goodbye to Amelia and she went to join her friends Halgra gave Rydell a look that said 'She will be safe'

Imara looked through the crowd for Sid and saw him standing there looking at her, accepting a spear from Kessen. He nodded at her.

Out of the stable Kurst came atop a horse shouting for the other calvarymen and it was mere seconds before about 20 riders thundered past those heading for the Inner Quarter, the small gate allowing few through at a time. Atop the towers facing south ear the Inner Quarter Signal horns sounded and a loud *bwang* was heard, announcing the firing of the south facing ballista atop the cliff edge tower. From that direction a loud crunching could be heard tht sounded as if a boulder hit the palisade wall

Shouts and screams came from every direction as the group tied to gather their wits. Ovril stood looking around....

Signal horns were now sounding from the lower quarter as well...and now from the North Facing Upper Quarter Towers.

Terror courses through Imara. She sees Sid and feels a brief moment of relief, but notices he's holding a spear. He's not a warrior. She wants to call him to her, to protect him, but she is not sure he'll be any safer with her. They were given a job. She tries to wrap her head around the matter at hand. Protect Katreza. Help your friends. Light the beacons. That is what she needs to focus on.

She places her hand over her heart and nods back at Sid, then scans the area for any immediate threats. "Do you think we can get the horses to follow our direction? Are they too scared?"

She takes out the vial she saw the assassins use and pours it into the tube, then flicks her wrist, again modeling their previous attackers. A crystalline blade materializes from the tube and she feels a vague, distant sense of detached wonder.