A warrior, proudly wearing a crisp new uniform of the Mercenary Brigade, sits astride a quite regal looking hippogriff. His weapons stowed, with the exception of the lance at the ready, he looks at Alice. "This beauty here is Rocinian." He claps the beast lovingly on her withers. "As for me, I am Vandomir, soldier for hire, it would seem. Well, soldier currently under hire and in service to Greenwatch. Say hello to Alice girl."
The hippogriff preens at the feel of Vandomir's hand on her neck feathers. At his request, she looked over at Alice, and performed a slight curtsey in the newcomer's direction. She then approached slightly and bent her head down, sniffed a bit, and bumped her beak against Alice's hand.
Vandomir laughed, "she likes you, and she thinks you might have some food for her."
Greetings Alice, call me Markus or "Hot Dog", I most hit things in the face in mellee, talk way too much, and drive quartermasters crazy with my alcohol consumption levels. What did you do to your hair if I may ask? It looks pretty cool! I had long hair a long time ago, but found it risky because a) its really bad if it gets stuck to your oversized axe and b) effing Brimoraks setting it on fire all the time. Markus announces to Alice
What a beauty! Does she understand speech and if yes which languages? Anything to be generally recogniced by her as non hostile? I would offer food, but I dont know what Hippogrifs eat.
The merc seems quite impressed.
"She takes commands in Taldane, and for an an hour a day, she speaks it. Usually around the fire at night."
Eris collects her pack and spear, then gets in line for the portal trip.
Jorrast glances at the newcomer, then hears Xandar's comment. "Fey child? She looks.... well, mostly human. But I guess looks can be deceiving. Hi Alice. I'm Jorrast, or Jor for short. If you're hungry you better grab something that you can eat on the run. It was great food!"
He slings his pack over a shoulder and follows to the obelisk. When he hears someone mention mage armor on clothing he glances back, but then shrugs. He hadn't been able to afford such yet, and hadn't needed it, yet. But he had noticed an occasional tug from his chain shirt when combat had gotten 'interesting'. It was mithral and enchanted, but maybe enchanted clothing would be what he needed, in the future? Maybe later. For now, survive the coming battles!
He follows instructions and palms the obelisk.
Greetings Alice, call me Markus or "Hot Dog", I most hit things in the face in melee, talk way too much, and drive quartermasters crazy with my alcohol consumption levels."
The paladin was still in earshot, stopped, and turned around. "Alcohol consumption, eh! Surely this caydenite will have to put that to test. More than likely, after the failed invasion", Xandarian smiled.
"Is it possible to get a similarly colored caparison for Rocinian? One that won't interfere with her wings and such?"
The tailor would smile and states, "Of course we can get your mount outfitted too! Thqnks for asking otherwise it would have been overlooked."
The hippogriff preens at the feel of Vandomir's hand on her neck feathers. At his request, she looked over at Alice, and performed a slight curtsey in the newcomer's direction. She then approached slightly and bent her head down, sniffed a bit, and bumped her beak against Alice's hand.
Vandomir laughed, "she likes you, and she thinks you might have some food for her.
Alice smiles, rubbing the beak of the great bird beast.
"She is majestic indeed, and right as well. Though i then hope she likes rabbit jerky. Made it myself, actually.", and she holds out two straps of jerky.The stars feathered songbird leans in closer to Rocinian.
Some tweeting is directed at Rocianian.
"Greetings, large one. I am called Stella, nice to meet you."
"It seems little Stella likes Rocinian as well. She's often more cautious around other animals, especially those larger than herself."
Greetings Alice, call me Markus or "Hot Dog", I most hit things in the face in mellee, talk way too much, and drive quartermasters crazy with my alcohol consumption levels. What did you do to your hair if I may ask? It looks pretty cool! I had long hair a long time ago, but found it risky because a) its really bad if it gets stuck to your oversized axe and b) effing Brimoraks setting it on fire all the time.
"Talk makes a journey go faster. You'll find my tolerance is pretty high. My hair, it's an interesting question, actually. I dreamed of being above the atmosphere, and there were sights out there with mesmerizing colors. Usually with dreams, you forget them when waking up, unless they impress you greatly. To not forget, i dyed parts of my hair to as best i could remember. Oddly enough, the parts i dyed, seem to lose that color very slowly, even in growth. Almost as if something interferes with my natural color.", and she looks slightly towards the star patterned bird.
Well, hello, fey child!" The blue-haired man smiles. "I'm Xandarian. The brown hare is Boffy. We're off to save a town from mercenaries and barbarians. Follow us!!"
Fey child? She looks.... well, mostly human. But I guess looks can be deceiving. Hi Alice. I'm Jorrast, or Jor for short. If you're hungry you better grab something that you can eat on the run. It was great food!
"Well, i generally am still human, to my knowledge.", she chuckles. "But one in tune with a special companion, which may be the cause for developing certain features. And thank you Jorrast, i'll take you up on that advice."
She takes along a sweet roll, a few spiced sausages, and some sunflower seeds for her bird.
The hippogriff preens at the feel of Vandomir's hand on her neck feathers. At his request, she looked over at Alice, and performed a slight curtsey in the newcomer's direction. She then approached slightly and bent her head down, sniffed a bit, and bumped her beak against Alice's hand.Vandomir laughed, "she likes you, and she thinks you might have some food for her.Alice smiles, rubbing the beak of the great bird beast.
"She is majestic indeed, and right as well. Though i then hope she likes rabbit jerky. Made it myself, actually.", and she holds out two straps of jerky.The stars feathered songbird leans in closer to Rocinian.
Some tweeting is directed at Rocianian.
** spoiler omitted **"It seems little Stella likes Rocinian as well. She's often more cautious around other animals, especially those larger than herself."
Vandomir smiles at the interaction. "Rocinian is not overly choosy as to just what she'll eat, but jerky of all sorts is certainly a favorite. It's a staple of trail food, so she gets it a lot. She'll hunt herself something as well from time to time."
"Hopefully if she spots a stray fox wandering around she'll leave me alone." He laughs and suddenly shrinks down to a much smaller creature.
and moves up to sniff at the giant (to him now) bird. He also lets the hippogriff smell him before changing back to Kitsune form.
"Unfortunately I can hear and understand, but I cannot speak while in fox form. Yet."
Quince smiles and introduces folks to the various quartermasters that supply gear and any needed supplies.
He smiles when the hippogriff appears. He approaches and admires the creature. Noting how they are like and different to horses. "Beautiful creature. Does she speak as horses do?" He makes noises not unlike horses.
"Do hippogriffs hunt elk? We have a number of riding elk here and more in Elkheart. Might need to keep them some distance apart and well fed." He shrugs, "But we also have big cat here and some of the elk have had to ride beside a hell hound."
"Tyrrana, I throw things at people and climb things very well. Beyond that, um... Yeah it's mostly just that. Also, perfect, uniforms!" Having downed her turkey as quickly as she could, she hopped up to hurry after Bearik and get her uniform. Poking the obelisk after him and popping out of where she was, and into where she was due to be. Seemingly being one of the few who followed him, she hurried
Answering the asked with simple answers and a shrug. "Armor can be enchanted to become better, or made out of special materials. This breastplate here's made out of mithril, basically feels like I'm wearing no armor at all anyway! So I'll pass on magic clothes. As for magic items... My belt, my cloak, and my amulet are the only ones."
Once she got the shiny new uniform with a grin, she'd go and grab the uniform. Before stopping and giving a nod. "A little help with the breastplate's straps wouldn't hurt! Unless I wear this overtop of the breastplate... Nah, I'll wear it under. Should still be able to tell what it is, eh?"
She'll get changed as quickly as she can with the help of the maids. Checking herself out with the uniform on, she grinned wide before hurrying back to Bearik.
Quince smiles and introduces folks to the various quartermasters that supply gear and any needed supplies.
He smiles when the hippogriff appears. He approaches and admires the creature. Noting how they are like and different to horses. "Beautiful creature. Does she speak as horses do?" He makes noises not unlike horses.
"Do hippogriffs hunt elk? We have a number of riding elk here and more in Elkheart. Might need to keep them some distance apart and well fed." He shrugs, "But we also have big cat here and some of the elk have had to ride beside a hell hound."
"For about an hour a day, she speaks Taldane. I'll be sure and tell her to lay off the riding elk during that next period. Anything else she need to know?"
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Soon enough those who followed Bearik and got uniforms are returning down the stairs to the obelisk. From there they touch it and get whisked away to Tazyleford.
He asks of his Lord Commander, "Quince you have this handled? Anything else you need from me?"
Xandarian, Boffy and Tammi slowly walk through the portal Quince shown Vandomir and the others. The horse was slightly agitated to be so close to a hippogriff, but otherwise the teleportation went well.
The caydenite paladin looked around to see a heavily forested town. The distant sound of a mill could be heard somewhere in the distance. "Wonder is Tatzlford has a bar?" Xandarian pondered aloud to the hare and the horse.
Quince notes the agitation of Xan's horse and moves over smiles a nod at Xan and speaks to the horse gently in what sounds not unlike horse noises.
"There is an inn up that way. Though there is lodging for you at the castle and probably some drink."
The paladin looks Quince quizzically as he seemingly 'talks' to Tammi. Looking around at the natural setting, it's not too far-fetched for Xandarian to think Quince is some kind of druid.
"So, does the castle have any stables for Tammi or should I got to the inn and see if they have any there?"
Zsófia emerges from the portal and squints at the sudden change to daylight. So this is the Narlmarches, she thinks, and her eyes shine brightly with excitement. She cranes her neck around, taking in the shape of the settlement and the surrounding terrain. She inhales the earthy scent of the freshly-cut wood and the nearby trees-- and other smells-- so different from the city. Yes, I could learn to love it here.
She nods to Quince. "Milord, if you do not mind and we have the time, I would like to familiarize myself with Tazlford's boundaries and terrain, as well as some of the people who live here. It may help if we find ourselves defending the town. Will you be assembling the company at the castle? Might I meet you there?" She looks at Xandarian. "I will accompany you to the inn, if I may."
She bows farewell to Quince. "Your Grace," she says.
She nods to Quince. "Milord, if you do not mind and we have the time, I would like to familiarize myself with Tazlford's boundaries and terrain, as well as some of the people who live here. It may help if we find ourselves defending the town. Will you be assembling the company at the castle? Might I meet you there?" She looks at Xandarian. "I will accompany you to the inn, if I may."
Xandarian does his best approximation of a courtly bow. "It would be my honor, Lady Zsófia."
Paladin, duelist, hare, and horse make their way to the inn.
Chizzlall shifts as he sits, perched on the edge of a large rock outside the garrison of Tazlford. His animal companion, Rumbles, stretches out nearby, lounging in the shade of one of the many tall overhanging trees around which the town has been built. How much longer until the reinforcements arrive? he wonders, not for the first time. His impatience doesn't show on his features, since he learned long ago how to protect himself, how not to show what he was feeling, but his eyes flick again over the stretch of road before him, searching for anything out of the ordinary. The impetuosity of youth! Where do you have to go? When you are my age, you will sit for hours staring at the same rock without moving, and then you will know wisdom! He could still hear his father's quiet voice thundering in his head.
He stretches out his hand towards Rumbles, and the rivercat nudges it slightly with his snout before pulling back with a huffy snort. All right, Chizzlall thinks, I'll leave you alone. He knew he should probably join the rest of the militia to try and establish relationships with the men and women alongside of which he would soon be fighting, but he felt absolutely no connection with any of them. He was the smallest member of the group by a dramatic margin, and as infantry the tactics they were learning were more about fighting as a team in a phalanx formation. While he did wield a polearm, Chizzlall felt very out of place among them, whether he was riding on Rumbles or not. He felt like an outsider, admittedly by choice. Since they had arrived in Tazlford three days ago, more and more he had been spending his free time on his own. That's probably going to get me killed, he thinks somberly, and grimaces.
Instinctively, he clutches the wooden amulet his mother gave him on his 40th birthday, tracing the circle of the songbird's tail with his thumb. The goddess watches you, he heard his mother's voice intone in his head. Even in darkness, her light shines. She sees you, my little Ironshaper, and she knows your worth. You are beautiful. Chizzlall sighs. He hoped it was true, and that the goddess would protect him. Maybe it was because of Shelyn that he was here and his parents were not. Am I safe, or are they safe? he wonders. Probably neither of us. In time the darkness will take us all, and maybe that, too, will be beautiful.
Rumbles lets out a low growl. The gnome turns slowly to see if the cat was looking at him, but his hackles were raised and his attention was focused on the road. Something is happening, Chizzlall thinks. The enemy? The reinforcements? He slides off of the rock and peers along the way, not able to see much but listening intently. He knew Rumbles probably smelled something, but that his eyes were better and he would likely see it before the cat did. His hand twitched, ready to draw his weapon off of his back if it should become necessary.
The sight nearly blinded him. There, walking down the road in the company of a tall, almost angelic-looking blue-haired man leading a horse, was the goddess herself. She radiated a shining aura, all the colors of the rainbow, though her clothes were different from how Chizzlall had seen her depicted. Still, there was no doubt that he had experienced a vision, and that this woman walked in the light of the Crystal Rose. Without thinking, Chizzlall finds himself running forward to meet her, and he throws himself at her feet. "Goddess," he says in a gravelly, choked voice, "I am your humble servant."
He waits for what seems like forever. When he finally looks up, the woman is staring at him in surprise. She has drawn a long blade in a defensive position, but her expression is puzzled. Her multicolored cloak is thrown open in a dazzling display, but everything else about her seems to be a normal human woman, not divine at all. Her voice, while piercing and vibrant in tone, has no ethereal echo like Chizzlall would have expected. "Who are you?" she asks, with a curious quirk to her smile. "And are you talking to me?"
A little confused, and a little embarrassed, Chizzlall rises slowly. "Uh," he says eloquently, "I thought-- I thought I was talking-- to you. I'm-- I'm Chizzlall Ironshaper. Praise Shelyn."
The woman sizes him up, obviously noting the holy symbol he wears, and sheathes her saber. "Well met, sir. I am Lady Zsófia Dobós, Baroness of the Narlmarches, newly arrived to Tazlford with Lord Medvyed and his troops. Your welcome is encouraging! Do you live here in the town? And are all your fellow citizens as reverent of the Eternal Rose?" Zsófia gives the man beside her an apologetic look, indicating that he may go on ahead of her if he wishes.
As you move through the village you gain the attention of everyone in town. Captain Coren Lawry, commander of the Tatzlford guard, meets you soon enough quickly offering to escort you to the Tatzlford Lodge so they can meet Mayor Rezbin and speak with the young woman who’s brought them news of war. He continues offering, "I can give you a quick tour of the village if you would like," if so he points out shops and key sites.
Mayor Rezbin does his best to greet your group in a manner befitting your status as the highest dignitaries to ever visit Tatzlford. Within the castle courtyard he has green carpets rolled out from the portcullis to the castle. On either side of the carpets are a good portion of the guards and soldiers stationed at Tatzlford. On the stairs you can see a short, portly and unassuming man in fine clothes. Likely his wife, stands beside him in a practical gray tunic over a white blouse and green trousers, and a fur-lined cloak with a pair of knee-length boots for tracking about the forest and her farm.
Rezbin welcomes you all to Tatzlford, "Welcome my Lord Commander, Lord Jorne, and Lord Jacques. I welcome the newest protectors of our fair village. I am mayor Rezbin and beside me is my fair wife, Latricia
Evanore. I hear that you already had a feast so come into the castle and we can plan."
Rezbin comes across as likable, down-to-earth, and loyal.
Vandomir sits astride Rocinian and patiently waits for the council members to respond.
Alice decides to accompany Vandomir, as their respective companions took a liking to the other party.
"Vandomir, where did you meet Rocinian? One doesn't simply pair up with one as she, like one would with a dog or a horse."
The sight nearly blinded him. There, walking down the road in the company of a tall, almost angelic-looking blue-haired man leading a horse, was the goddess herself. She radiated a shining aura, all the colors of the rainbow, though her clothes were different from how Chizzlall had seen her depicted. Still, there was no doubt that he had experienced a vision, and that this woman walked in the light of the Crystal Rose. Without thinking, Chizzlall finds himself running forward to meet her, and he throws himself at her feet. "Goddess," he says in a gravelly, choked voice, "I am your humble servant."
He waits for what seems like forever. When he finally looks up, the woman is staring at him in surprise. She has drawn a long blade in a defensive position, but her expression is puzzled. Her multicolored cloak is thrown open in a dazzling display, but everything else about her seems to be a normal human woman, not divine at all. Her voice, while piercing and vibrant in tone, has no ethereal echo like Chizzlall would have expected. "Who are you?" she asks, with a curious quirk to her smile. "And are you talking to me?"
A little confused, and a little embarrassed, Chizzlall rises slowly. "Uh," he says eloquently, "I thought-- I thought I was talking-- to you. I'm-- I'm Chizzlall Ironshaper. Praise Shelyn."
The woman sizes him up, obviously noting the holy symbol he wears, and sheathes her saber. "Well met, sir. I am Lady Zsófia Dobós, Baroness of the Narlmarches, newly arrived to Tazlford with Lord Medvyed and his troops. Your welcome is encouraging! Do you live here in the town? And are all your fellow citizens as reverent of the Eternal Rose?" Zsófia gives the man beside her an apologetic look, indicating that he may go on ahead of her if he wishes.
The blue-haired man grins broadly to see such a sight. "And I'm Xandarian Quartermain, paladin of Cayden Cailean. The hare behind me is Boffy."
Xandarian's smile turns to a quick smirk looking at Lady Zsófia, then back to svirfneblin. "We were on our way to the inn. Do you know if the inn has stables, Mr. Ironshaper?"
Alice decides to accompany Vandomir, as their respective companions took a liking to the other party.
"Vandomir, where did you meet Rocinian? One doesn't simply pair up with one as she, like one would with a dog or a horse."
”What lie would you have me give you? I would protect you from the consequences of my previous life choices.”
What lie would you have me give you? I would protect you from the consequences of my previous life choices.”
She raises an eyebrow for a second, which slowly turns to a smile as she turns her face back ahead.
"If it bothers you, i won't push you to say anything you rather not want to. Then you'd need not lie, for starters. Pure curiosity, for me. Every time i venture to new places, there's new unexpected things to see.", she turns her head sideways again with a cheerful grin.
"Would you like to grab a pint when the formalities are over?"
The blue-haired man grins broadly to see such a sight. "And I'm Xandarian Quartermain, paladin of Cayden Cailean. The hare behind me is Boffy."
Xandarian's smile Xandarian's smile turns to a quick smirk looking at Lady Zsófia, then back to svirfneblin. "We were on our way to the inn. Do you know if the inn has stables, Mr. Ironshaper?"
Chizzlall looks back and forth between the two champions helplessly. He seems to be unable to form a coherent thought in the face of their overpowering charisma. But then suddenly, he tenses with surprising speed and gestures frantically with his left palm to the rivercat preparing to pounce on Zsófia from behind. "Rumpelt, nein! Runter!" The creature stops, swiveling his enormous ears toward the deep gnome as he glares at Zsófia suspiciously, and he drops into a sitting position.
Chizzlall looks apologetically at Zsófia and Xandarian. "Ah, no-- no-lady, and yes-sir. Chizzlall and Rumbles only-live here, uh, temporary-like. Chizzlall in the-Elkheart-militia, so I come-here with them." He looks embarrassed at his slurred speech but attempts to push through. "The-inn is ahead, sir-- they are-having the-stables. I-I can-show you." He gestures again to the rivercat, more of a beckoning motion this time. "Rumpelt, Ferse!" The cat lazily circles Zsófia and Xandarian to walk next to the gnome as he hesitantly leads the way down the road.
"Chizzlall never-see others who light-walk with Shelyn," he says. "Not since the-my-mother, who disappeared-into-darkness with the rest-of-my-clan. But taught Chizzlall she did, to follow the-Crystal-Rose and give-thanks for Her blessings and protection. I teach Rumbles too, but he does not have the-much-patience for the-theology." He makes a clicking 'tsk-tsk-tsk' sound.
Zsófia gives Xandarian another look like "This should be good!" and follows Chizzlall. "I see," she says, as she puzzles out the meaning of his words. "How do you find the militia so far, may I ask? Are you ready for battle, should it come to that?"
Chizzlall shrugs. He is silent for several moments. Then he says, "Chizzlall is hard-worker, not afraid-to-die. Chizzlall will hold-the-line. Rumbles too. But Chizzlall and Rumbles are better-scouts. Know this whole-area. Not supposed to leave-town, stay-a-unit." He makes his tsk-tsk-tsk sound again. "But The-Narlmarches is our-home. Lived-here before the-Greenwatch-people, before the-trolls, before the-dwarves. Chizzlall knows this-land. Seems too-bad to die here-in-the-line." He shrugs again and points to the building ahead that is obviously the inn. "Stables there, behind." He bows to Xandarian and to Zsófia, giving her a look like he is still enchanted, and steps aside for them to continue without him.
"Thank you for the directions, Mr. Ironshaper", Xandarian bows to the gnome. "I hope to see you again soon. Maybe we can grab a pint later."
"Would you like to grab a pint when the formalities are over?"
"I should be pleased to drink with you, but I will stick with water. I hope that doesn't offend."
Zsófia nods to Chizzlall. As they enter the yard, she says to Xandarian, "What a fascinating person! Let us quickly get your horse stabled, Xan, so we can return to the castle for the mayor's strategy meeting. I fear we will not have time to drink a pint together, unless you can draw one for our walk back?" She shakes her head. "Not much reconnaissance on this little expedition of ours, was there?"
Xandarian quickly jogs Tammi to the stable to see if the horse can be housed quickly. All the while, the blue-haired aasimar is looking mirthful, at times appearing to be holding in a laugh.
When Xandarian returns, Zsófia seems lost in thought. She nods to the paladin and they head back toward the castle. She notices that the strange little gnome is no longer waiting outside the inn, but she cranes her neck around as she and Xandarian walk, and she thinks she spies him and his companion sitting under a tree near where they met. She waves as they go by, but she cannot tell whether or not he responds.
They approach Captain Lawry, who (Zsófia thinks) very kindly waited for them after directing them to the inn. "Thank you, Captain," she says with a nod. A thought strikes her. "I wonder-- there is an unusual gnome that is serving in the militia, brought here from Elkheart. His name is--" She thinks, trying to remember. "Chizzlall Ironshaper? I have reason to believe that he has skills that would be valuable to us in our mission, and that he would be willing to follow my instructions. Could you have him and his animal companion transferred to my command?" She smiles. "I assure you, I will see that he is properly compensated for his efforts."
While the captain makes arrangements, Zsófia looks sideways at Xandarian. "I am not always such a soft touch," she protests with her chin held defiantly forward. "But I do believe he was sincere about his unsuitability for serving in the militia, and I agree that it would be a shame for him to die here in defense of the walls when his abilities could serve us more immediately on our expedition. Tell me, my friends, do you approve?" She watches him and Boffy carefully, almost like she is testing them.
While the captain makes arrangements, Zsófia looks sideways at Xandarian. "I am not always such a soft touch," she protests with her chin held defiantly forward. "But I do believe he was sincere about his unsuitability for serving in the militia, and I agree that it would be a shame for him to die here in defense of the walls when his abilities could serve us more immediately on our expedition. Tell me, my friends, do you approve?" She watches him and Boffy carefully, almost like she is testing them.
Xandarian is almost giggling. "OH! Believe me, Lady Zsófia! I absolutely do not doubt the sincerity of Ironshaper thinking you were Shelyn herself!!" The paladin chuckled.
"In all honesty, I'm very jealous! What an amazing compliment!!" The caydenite added. "I've never been openly worshiped in public before. I'm sure that's one of many things you have the advantage of me, dear lady!" Xandarian laughed. Composing himself, the paladin continued.
"Lady Zsófia, from what I just saw, I'd say it's a safe bet, our friend Chizzlall would serve you past the point of Pharasma's Embrace. You'd be a fool not to have him as your aide. I certainly approve."
Lady Zsófia could swear at times Boffy's chittering sounded like laughter.
Once the whole of the group makes it through the obelisk, Jorrast looks around the area. He considers excusing himself and switching to fox form to take a run around the town perimeter to get an understanding of what all they will be protecting. But, they are offered a tour of the town and a room for the night? He tries to remember the last night where his bed hadn't consisted of a thicket or bramble where he curled up and wrapped his tail around himself for cover and warmth. He could have afforded a room at the inn, but the bed in the field just seemed more practical.... He did hope that there weren't any bugs in the beds!
As they are introduced to the Mayor and his wife Jorrast nods in greeting. "Mayor Rezbin, Latricia. Thank you for having us in your fine town. It looks far too nice to allow an army to reach here and attack. I am Jorrast. No title. We'll do our best to stop them before they even get close." He turns to Captain Lawry and asks, "And the lady with information about the invading force?"
Zsófia weathers Xandarian's mirth with a tight smile, but her eyes dance with genuine amusement as they continue to the castle and see the opulent welcome the mayor has prepared for them. "I am not studied in the doctrinal differences between Shelyn and Cayden Cailean, but I suspect that they have a good many things in common when it comes to doing good works in the world. I have no special guidance from a divine emissary, so it is good to know that you and Boffy do not fault me for my impulses." She sighs. "I will be glad when all this pageantry is over and I can remove my distracting costume. It would not do for me to be mistaken for a goddess more than once a day."
"Oh, long are the tales of Cayden's appreciation and admiration of Shelyn, Lady Zsófia", Xandarian smiled, glad the noblewoman didn't get too upset with the duo.
"Divine rumor has it, that Shelyn inspired Cayden Cailean to learn how to sing. Granted, it was so the Drunken God could serenade the Eternal Rose from some lofty celestial balcony. But there you are."
After a bit, Xandarian continued. "Both Shelyn and Cayden Cailean are gods of Good, and can run in similar circles. It is my hope we both can work effectively together as well."
Zsófia snorts. "If my experience with drunken men is any guide, I doubt Shelyn could stop Cayden Cailean from singing." She smirks.
Mayor Rezbin leads your group into the dining hall of the castle. The largest room of the modest castle, that dominates most of the building. As you all sit down he states, "Kisandra will be here soon."
Kisandra is brought before the gathered brigade, escorted by several guards. Dressed as a soldier, filthy from travel, and wide-eyed in nervous fear, she presents herself and is willing to answer any questions they may have.
Her responses to likely questions are listed below.
Who are you?
“My name is Kisandra Numesti. I come from the Drelev Demesne, west of here on the far side of Hooktongue Slough—it was established by Baron Hannis Drelev of Brevoy. My father is Lord Terrion Numesti, a knight who once served the baron but then went against him and was thrown into the dungeon as punishment.”
Who’s attacking Tatzlford?
“Baron Drelev’s troops, along with a group of Tiger Lord barbarians and some enormous trolls! I pretended to be one of them until they drew near, then slipped away to warn you.”
Why would Drelev attack us?
“To save himself. And so he can claim all you’ve built for his own gain. Drelev surrendered to the barbarians and the Lord of Pitax so they wouldn’t overrun his kingdom. I suspect he sees attacking you as a way to prove his worth to his new master, but he’s always been jealous of your success. He covets just about anything he deems more valuable than what he already has. I’m afraid your nation is no exception.”
How do we know you’re not trying to trick us?
“Any loyalty I may have once owed to Baron Drelev died as soon as he allowed those savages to take my sister and imprisoned my father for refusing to obey his orders. To tell the truth, I hoped that by warning you I might earn your favor and obtain aid in freeing them, but even if you choose not to help me, I can’t sit idly by and watch as that madman attacks this village.”
Zsófia watches the woman carefully as she speaks to see if she flinches. She frowns, and indicates to her compatriots with a shrug of her shoulders and a nod of her head that she believes the woman speaks true. "Come now, surely the situation is not so desperate," she says. "With your warning, we have had time to prepare our defenses. Soon we will take the fight to the baron!"
Kisandra’s warning affords enough time to mount a defense of Tatzlford. She can tell you that the attacking group consists of 40 human mercenaries armed with longswords and composite longbows, 30 human barbarians armed with axes, and 12 immense trolls. The group is commanded by one of Drelev’s right-hand thugs—a pig of a man named
Ameon Trask.
Kisandra can tell you that the group is somewhat disorganized and sloppy—not only are they unlikely to notice she’s missing, but Ameon’s not all that great of a leader and his tactics for the attack are likely to be little more than orders to charge the village en masse. The group
is approaching from the north along the eastern bank of the Skunk River and should be arriving within a few hours.
This leaves precious little time to prepare a defense of the village. Tatzlford has a relatively small militia—only 50 residents are battle-ready (this includes all 21 of the village’s guards), and they have no
siege engines to help defend the place.
The citizens and leaders of Tatzlford suggest some of these preparations.
railings that could be fortified further to provide cover—a
row of archers on this bridge could devastate an army
marching along the river bank. Offense +2, Defense +1.
Barricades: Using lumber, trees, barrels, wagons,
rubbish, and some sharpened poles, all of the open gaps in
the city wall could be fortified with barricades to prevent
easy entry into the village. Offense +0, Defense +3.
Magical Defenses: None of the locals think of using
magic to defend Tatzlford, but if PC spellcasters
volunteer to use large area-effect spells to defend
the village, the town’s Offense and Defense could be
significantly increased. In order to utilize magical
defenses, a PC must cast one area-effect spell each
phase of the battle—the results of the spell are largely
irrelevant (but you should certainly be descriptive in
telling the PCs how fireballs and entangles and cones of
cold affect the attackers). Magical defenses do not add
directly to Tatzlford’s Offense or Defense, but each
round they are used, add a modifier equal to the level of
the spell used in that phase to the PCs’ rolls for attacks
and defense.
Snipers on Rooftops/in the Trees: By placing a few
snipers on rooftops or in trees, archers can make pinpoint
strikes against the army’s leaders or particularly
effective soldiers. Offense +3, Defense +0.
Traps in the Woods: Setting a number of quickly
built traps in the woods can not only help to slow the
enemy troops’ advance through the woods, but can
actually injure some of them before they actually
reach the village. Offense +1, Defense +2.
Trenches: Digging trenches in key locations
along the village perimeter can help to
delay the approach of the aggressors.
Offense +0, Defense +3.
Using Local Wildlife: By using
skills like wild empathy or spells
like charm animal or speak with
animals, both Latricia and Loy (and
perhaps some PCs) can recruit several
local wild animals to aid them in striking at
the aggressors. Offense +3, Defense +0.
Exiting the portal in wonder, Ulricha is immediately struck by the change in the air. This place was far loser to nature, the smells of the forest, strong. She looks around as they are led through the village, nodding to those that make eye contact, noting that many quickly redirect their gazes, while others openly stare. She was used to it.
As they are taken to meet the Mayor and the frightened, worn down soldier, she listens intently to her report of the advancing threat. At the mention of Kisandra’s sister being taken by the enemy Baron, Luricha’s expression darkens.
A coward and bully without honor. This man and those that follow him need to die.
Hmm, passive defense doesnt suit me much. How about we assemble a crack force, boink there scouts in the head and grab some prisoners for interogation? I have a degree of skill in taking foes alive, mostly by putting them on their backs, hitting them with a touch of gracelessness and asking them politely to yield. Markus offers, looking at Ulricha for a bit
Hej, these are some solid Abs right there!
"I should be pleased to drink with you, but I will stick with water. I hope that doesn't offend."
"Not at all. If i drink, it's only stuff with a very light percentage, or i resort to fruit juices. Orange or grape juice are best."
With the news of impending raiders, Alice ponders what would best serve the gathered group, when the time comes. Bolstering her allies would obviously benefit them, given the mentioned number of mercenaries.
The paladin chimes in. "I like the snipers being utilized in the trees and on the bridge. Unless anyone else has a better idea, I'll help guard the bridge."