the camp is up in the hills with a good view and easily dependable. Markus's additions make it that much better defended.
The exhausted downcast wench nods and states, "No rooms here but the stable or ask one of the farmers about a place to rest." Then sets up your order, she comes back with two ales before returning to her rounds. She seems to be the only worker besides the bartender and cook.
Not sure what I would respond to Jorne here. Was there a plan? I don't remember any direct plans of what would happen once we got here beyond. Flying invisibly over the wall and finding the contact inside the city. I mentioned setting a camp cause I figured we couldn't fly all our animals in and even if we could housing them without causing a seen inside the city seemed an impossibility. So I am not sure what Jorne is getting at.
As you question he agrees, "Yes with the element of the dark night we advance and when needed we fly invisibly over the wall, finally we find the contact inside the city."
He nods understanding, "I shall go help Markus then!"
On the hill after discussing a few things with Quince he pulls out his shovel and helps Markus with the defenses.
Jorrast lets Xandarian start with the charm as he takes a sip. He pulls out some coin to pay for the service, adding a gold for the girl's troubles. "I don't think I've seen the like anywhere before."
Ulricha finds herself a good vantage point to keep watch. If Xandarian and Jorrast's little excursion into the village went poorly, they would likely send up some sort of a message for help, or come running out of the village with enemies in pursuit.
With the retinue's help the basic trenches are made then they focus on making camp. Leaving the finer details and a moat to the adventurers.
Alice, Chizzlall, and Quince all begin to help the others to get the job done sooner. Now it only takes 3 hours.
"Will the authorities miss you? Will they let us leave with you?" Xandarian whispers to the bar wench crying in his neck. "What is your name?"
Jorrast listens and watches the display, pretending to be amused. He sips his ale and hesitates. When the girl 'snuggles up' to Xandarian he grins widely, and speaks loud to cover anything said. "No rooms available? And I've had better ale in a war zone! I remember now that we passed a farm with an empty looking barn not too far back. And another night for my own cooking won't kill me...." He stands and gathers himself for the road again. "Xandarian? If the young lass wants to ride you'll have to share your saddle. I'm not that good on horseback!"
She makes a strange *paghs* sound, obviously you are missing something. Then she whispers, "Why would the authorities miss little ole me? I have paid my debt and the bartender is the only one who really cares, to get his money. They call me Kat, but my name is Katrindra Smith. Some of the men have had their eyes on me but they wouldn't dare stop either of you." With Jorrast's cover you can easily exit with the wench in tow.
Outside she asks, "Do we have time to collect some of my personal items? If not I can leave them."
If you agree she darts from one building to the next staying out of view of the spotlight from the demonic tower. Likely with your aid she takes you to a small log cabin. She states, "I will be right out." She opens and quickly closes the door quietly, you hear a little bit of rustling and after several minutes she comes back out. If you are interested in the living quarters and peek into the cabin, you see there are bedrolls hanging from the walls, cover the floors, and bunk beds are filled three to a bed. It smells horrible but at least it is warm.
Ulricha can see Xandarian and Jorrast return with at least one more figure... maybe more.
Vandomir calms Rocinian while the group waits.
"Let's just stroll down the road like we're heading back to that farm. Once we're far enough we can head into the woods to our camp."
As you walk casually away nothing and no one approaches you. Not many people are outside anyway, it is pretty late.
Soon enough the three of you get spotted by Ulricha and soon enough to the camp in minutes.
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When the rest of the group was done with the ditches, Alice approaches the burly 1/2 orc.
"Markus, wasn't it? Pardon me, but i'm curious.
What -was- going on that moment when you gotten your new features? I could swear i heard some woman talking back then."
Watching as the pair leave the village with a woman, Ulricha keeps an eye out for any sign of them being followed, ensuring that they are left alone before moving to meet up with them.
"That was quicker than expected." the imposing warrior says to her companions with a hint of a smirk.
"How did it go?"
Xandarian steps forward. "Vandormir. Ulricha. Please allow me to introduce Miss Katrindra Smith. Former tavern server. I think Quince and Jorne need to speak with her. She has some dread insight on the town below I hope she will share."
When the rest of the group was done with the ditches, Alice approaches the burly 1/2 orc.
"Markus, wasn't it? Pardon me, but i'm curious.
What -was- going on that moment when you gotten your new features? I could swear i heard some woman talking back then."
I got a quest, a vision perhaps? Weird you heard it, but hej, could work, she is probably among the strongest non deity telepaths and is rather volatile. He shrugs
My demonic quest is to set the enemies warleaders pants/loincloth/underarmor/whatever he is wearing on his private parts, or his private parts in the not so unlikely case he is wearing nothing on them, on fire, while informing him about the objective wrongness of his assessment regarding the anatomical features of a certain nascent demonlord to whom I sold a couple of hotdogs, once. Also, kill him while while doing the whole informing him and setting his private parts on fire. From previous employment experience, doing all 3 things is great, causing his death is sufficient.
He pauses
As far as demonic quests go, its definitly on the mostly wholesome side. If you think that this is utterly insane and crazy well... I have been to the midnight isles. That place is both insane and insanely rich. By going with the crazy you can often avoid the extreme evil.
He pauses again
As far as high functioning demons do, when they tell me of a rewarding mission, that does not involve burning down orphanages or such pointless evil bullcrap, I ask smart questions about it, like, the how exactly, no questions about the why, and then I do it competently.
There is a sizeable market for that, and that niche is fairly comfortable. The other funny thing is that I dont worship any of the horned freaks, if I would they would likely lose whatever respect they had for me.
when the maiden appears, on a dime, Markus switches his posture, way of speaking and several other aspects.
Greetings Lady Katrinda, I am Markus Lyranus, formerly of the Orchestra private military company, now part of the Greenwatch military. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I look forward to conversing with you about the town, and how situations maybe resolve with a minimum of injury.
Vandomir bows slightly, "you are welcome indeed Miss Smith."
Jorrast looks around for Quince or Jorne and directs the others in their direction. "Camp looks good. we're back 'cause we found someone that wanted out of the town."
"There in the village? What did you learn?"
While Chizzlall has been helping secure the camp, Zsófia remains near Quince to discuss strategy and speculate wildly about what they might encounter when they enter Drelev. Zsófia is wearing a cloak with a deep hood as a consideration towards subtlety, but in their tents and as long as they are not actively infiltrating their destination, she allows her multicolored hair and ribbons to flow freely.
Unfortunately, Zsófia hasn't yet come up with any concrete plans, proposing instead to play things by ear once they get inside, as she often does. She listens with interest to Jorrast's intelligence, fidgeting with the hilt of her dueling sword.
Ulricha listens, awaiting the woman's explanation of her reasons for fleeing the village.
You see there is a river outside of the village. The river seems to feed into a lake of some kind. Late at night you can see the stars above and a large outpost with a fort in its wake. You believe it to be Fort Drelev.
There are a few two maybe three story buildings in the village. It looks to be mostly just simple homes but it hard to tell because of the darkness.
There are fields of crops surrounding the village and leading up along the river. More farm houses dot along the river. You even see a large stone bridge created to ease the access of the villagers to the town.
---
The simple girl looks at Markus not understanding some of the words that come out of his mouth. She shakes her head in confusion. She is a bit in shock with so many greeting her.
Once you give her some room she tries to answer your questions, "My reasons for fleeing the village? I got into a bit of trouble as I don't like being touched, as a wench of a tavern, well you know. I had to pay for drinks and such because of the scuffles, thus I became in debt to the rat of man who owned the tavern, Elgris Rotworth. With these two find gents offered coins in tip I was able to get out of that debt.
My family is dead, locked away, or worse... many people of Fort Drelev and the surrounding villages are set that way. The mercenaries do what they want, and make sure people don't leave the town. Sometimes they come to the villages.
Demons or devils have filled the actual fort! They have created black stone towers with a devil's eye upon it which watches the village. I think it looks for travelers and if villagers begin to gather... you know rebellion and such.
I was given a way out, why would I stay. Oh the living conditions are horrible, most of the food is eatable but rot passes quickly. We sleep in cabins to keep warm at night but then that brings its own problems too. We are all but indentured servants or slaves to the town. Most of us don't have the ability or will to move away. Those who did were gone months ago."
What Devils or Demons? Can you describe or sketch them? Several of us have some experience fighting with such foes.
He turns to the party
Hmm, if they have a surveiliance system, do we have people skilled enough in the arcane to like, hijack it or disrupt it? I know that such things can be done, but I dont know how or what is needed to do so.
He pauses
Of course He says looking at his fake Abyssal explosive runes
It could also be a clever fake. Make people believe they are always watched and they will behave.
Once you give her some room she tries to answer your questions, "My reasons for fleeing the village? I got into a bit of trouble as I don't like being touched, as a wench of a tavern, well you know. I had to pay for drinks and such because of the scuffles, thus I became in debt to the rat of man who owned the tavern, Elgris Rotworth. With these two find gents offered coins in tip I was able to get out of that debt."
"That must be one of the most powerful tips I've ever witnessed", Xandarian comments.
The economies of misery. That particular tavern owner likely played rather loosely with the actual amount of outstanding debt, stating debt levels that seemed almost doable, but just so tantalizingly out of reach. It is a way to motivate, but if someone walks in an upends the economic situation they may just end up being debt free. Markus seems lost in thought for a moment, perhaps speaking from experience?
It is less about economy though, and perhaps more about wishing to have a choice? The Lady Katrinda was offered one and took it.
"Hmm, Elgris Rotworth you say?" Vandomir pulls out a notepad and scribes the man's name into it. He looks at the girl, "I don't suppose you could provide a description of this walking corpse?"
"So most of the town lives like this?" Ulricha asks with a frown.
Jorrast listens to the girl's story and thinks about what they'd seen in the town. "We saw the black tower. I think a couple of us should sneak back in and check that out. Maybe invisible, but keeping stealthy in case whoever or whatever is in there can see through an invisibility spell. Avoid the townspeople this time. I wouldn't trust shape shifting either, in case they post a guard with true seeing. Scan it for magic, and anything moving if there are windows."
She shakes her head at Markus stating, "I haven't seen any of them. Thankfully I was not in town but in the village."
She replies to Vandomir, "Elgris Rotworth is the bartender of the only tavern in the village. He is tall and lanky, dark unkept hair and rotting teeth. Too much drinking of his own supply is my guess."
"I don't know about the town. There hasn't been anyone coming from the town for several weeks now, well except for the mercenaries. But yes, food going bad, crops withering, rot in more places than not, seperated and don't know where you loved ones might be. It has been horrible since the Tiger Lords came."
Vandomir jots some notes in his book.
"So most of the town lives like this?" Ulricha asks with a frown.
Quince listens clear sympathy on his face, though a fire has lit brighter in his eyes. "Sounds less like living the more I hear."
"Hmm, Elgris Rotworth you say?" Vandomir pulls out a notepad and scribes the man's name into it. He looks at the girl, "I don't suppose you could provide a description of this walking corpse?"
Quince looks up at Vandomir, and nods.
Quince looks at the woman, and encourages her to continue her story, "Since the Tiger Lords what?"
Upon hearing "Tiger Lords", Markus brainstorms makeing a super annoying and kitschy banner, a naive looking cute catgirl clad in "revealing noble clothing" with the words "Nya, I am a Tiger Lord" written in Abyssal beneath. He intends to use this to focus the attention of the barbarians on him.
"So most of your people see the Tiger Lords as an oppressive enemy? Would they join a fight against them if they believe victory possible?" Ulricha asks.
She looks a bit confused. Then states again, "since the Tiger Lords came to fort Drelev. They didn't do much, but since they came and went living conditions have gotten worse. And the rot came. They may have brought it with them but I don't know."
Responding to Ulricha, she quickly blurts out, "The Tiger Lords are brutes and barbarians."
The mighty warrior nods. It was clear that the Tiger Lords had brought nothing but misery to Fort Drelev, and overthrowing them would likely make the population loyal to those who freed them.
Alice had been quietly listening to the tale.
"Say, have you per chance noticed any unease among those Tiger Lords that came? Dissatisfaction that could be used to sow disagreement between them?"
"I mean, sometimes words or rumors can hurt more than a blade could."
Quince looks between them all and the woman speaking, "Rot? Metaphorical or literal?"
Xandarian and Boffy intently listen to Katrindra's tale., while looking for something for the former bar wench to drink.
She thinks on Alice's words, she offers, "I don't... I haven't seen them at all. Just happenstance I suppose. Now rumors is something I have in spades! Yes word has it the barbarians would like to go back to simple tribes. Angmar has many tools and witches at his call. Lord Drelev may dead. Demons or Devils have taken over the fort proper. The Rot is both. Rumor says all sorts of strange blighted, mutated, animals have emerged bearing the mark of the Rot. If the magical Rot touches you, you are looking for a slow painful death most cut their own throats after days."
A disembodied voice, which you soon realize it is Jorne's, states with interest, "So do you know if the Tiger Lords are still in there? It sounds like we need to move into the town sooner than later and get to the bottom of all this."
She quickly states, "No. The Tiger Lords seem to have come and then left with most of their tribesmen. A few contingents were sent out toward Greenwatch with the poor souls of the inturned." He looks towards where the voice came from and seems to shiver not seeing who was speaking.
I am still doubtfull about demons and devils taking over a fort together. Like, there is the occassionaly devil in Alyushinyrra, particularly in the gambling districts, and there is that Erinye divorce lawyer, although she is mostly there to divorce people in Alyushinyrra from their significant others on material planes who did not approve of that particular holiday trip destination... He pauses stroking his chin.
I mean, Alyushinyrra is specifically famous for tolerating not just non-demons but opposed outsiders. Never been to Dis, but from what I heard there are some demons in some of the arenas, and some Succubi and Alu in horziontally employed positions, and some Abrikandidu art-critic-slaves, but like, in most of the time demons and devils dont get along at all.
Can you describe or make paintings of these demons and devils, if you have seen them?
I am still doubtfull about demons and devils taking over a fort together. Like, there is the occassionaly devil in Alyushinyrra, particularly in the gambling districts, and there is that Erinye divorce lawyer, although she is mostly there to divorce people in Alyushinyrra from their significant others on material planes who did not approve of that particular holiday trip destination... He pauses stroking his chin.
I mean, Alyushinyrra is specifically famous for tolerating not just non-demons but opposed outsiders. Never been to Dis, but from what I heard there are some demons in some of the arenas, and some Succubi and Alu in horziontally employed positions, and some Abrikandidu art-critic-slaves, but like, in most of the time demons and devils dont get along at all.
Can you describe or make paintings of these demons and devils, if you have seen them?
"If she describes them, i can sketch it, i reckon."
"As I have said, these are all rumors. I have only seen the mercs and the tower."
"If we encounter demons or devils, or whatever...we can deal with them then, and put all of your experience to use." Ulricha says looking at Markus. "All this talk of their nature accomplishes nothing. The people in there are suffering and we need to overthrow whoever is in power there now, Tiger Lords or whoever else!"