Search Posts
Lars Ulverth, the captain of the Brindol Lions knocks and enters Lord Jarmaath's Chamber. "Pardon, the interruption, my lord, but we should get the next of kin list from heroes before they depart. In case they do not return, we should know who to contact."
He stops on a dime, then whips to the Captain. "Sir, can we take this guard to the jail, spit-spot? I just had a very bad feeling that one dragon might have escaped our notice--one that has lived here in Brindol since well before today's festivities!" "And what guard are you referring to, Bofus? Who do you wish to imprison? I do not know about any dragon in Brindol other than that wretched Abithriax who nearly burned down the city!"
"YAAAAAAA!!! RUN BACK TO YER HOLES, ya filthy dogs!! Tell yer MAMMAS what happened here when you faced BRINDOL!!! Lars Ulverth steps up to Bofus and comments,"You have an awfully loud yell for someone your size, Mr. Beerswizzler! Indeed let us hope we never see the likes of them again! For most certainly, we have won the battle for today."
"Nicely done!" Lars Ulverth declares as he limps his way toward you to get a closer look at Wyrmlord Kharn's corpse lying on the ground!
The wounded captain of the Brindol Lions called out in excited jubilation. "The cowards are fleeing! We are victorious! General Kharn has been defeated and the enemy has been vanquished! Hooray! Three cheers for the Heroes of Elsir Vale!"
"Tirion looks to the Captain and Sergeant: "I will help, but am almost without spells at this time. I had hoped that we had done enough to force the enemy to pull back and regroup. Until I can rest, there is not much I can really do to help." "I know you must be exhausted and your resources drained, but I cannot stop the hoard from advancing. This is their final assault and if we do not make a stand, then Brindol will certainly fall." Lars Ulverth rummages through his bag and then pulls out a wand. "Here, take this, Tirion. This was taken off of a fallen war wizard. Perhaps you can put it to use."
"Now, unless there is more to discuss, I suggest we set up our defense outside of the cathedral. They will certainly want to destroy the temple."
As you leave the coffin maker's shop, Lars Ulverth approaches on horseback. "There you are! Thank the Inheritor that we found you!" the captain declares. "Wyrmlord Kharn is nearby. He has gathered several of his most powerful remaining minions and is marching on the Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance. He is intent on destroying it and removing critcal clerical support from Brindol's defenders. We just return from a harrowing battle to the north against Wyrmlord Kharn. We were able to kill a few giants and the last of the manticores, but there are still quite a few creatures in Kharn's personal entourage. I'm estimating that the Wymlord will attack the cathedral in less than 10 minutes. With my own soldiers badly wounded, we would appreciate any aid that you can give! I think this will be the final stand."
"I'm ready to head to the south wall to see what's what there." "I think they have the southern attack under control. It is the western wall that we are having trouble with. I sent Mantooth Longbrow and a contingent of guards to dispatch the giants, but he is the one I need you to go and support!"
"Mad? No, quite sane. Better I had goaded it into acting prematurely than engage it with the rest of the host. We still have to deal with it, only we now have to deal with it whilst dealing with the rest of the Wyrmlord forces. Better it was tricked into coming alone and into an untimely death, a death I could not rightly be blamed for - for those keeping score." "Here, you take the tailsman. If Abithriax shows up, I'll let you know where to find him! At least we've evacuated all of the town of all civilians." "Never mind, I have a battle to record." "Let's just hope that somebody will be around to read what you've written! Be careful, Red. May Desna's luck be with you!"
"I was kind of hoping he'd be true to his kind; rash young and foolish, full of bravado and a boastful braggart. Holding his patience and temper then coming in sensibly is the mark of a Black, I suppose I will have to taunt him with that then... who knows, the gambit may pay off yet, but sadly not as fruitful as I'd hoped" "What are you, mad?!! If the Red Dragon hasn't shown up, I would count your blessings! We are not exactly in a position to deal with a fire breathing flying reptiles that can take out buildings with a single swoosh of its tail!" "I have a tailsman to give to somebody to hear communication from Lord Jarmaath. Who shall I give it to?"
Starday, Lamashan 20, 4710, 6:45 am You awake the following morning in Brindol Keep to the sound of a clanging bell that Lars Ulverth rings as he enters the great hall where you all sleep. "Up and on your feet, my friends! I'm sorry to disturb your beauty rest, but you are all needed on the western side of the city. The Brindol Lions have engaged the horde from the walls on the southern side of Brindol, but we now have about five hill giants making piles of enormous boulders. Once they start throwing them, we are going to be in serious trouble. It would not take long for a few hits from these boulders to take down a good portion of the western wall. I've sent Mantooth Longbrow and some of the Brindol Guard out there to try and fend off the attackers, but I am certain that he could use a great deal more help from you."
"Well met, Sergeant. I am pleased to see you alive. Post a small garrison here at the docks and get yourself and the other wounded back to the Cathedral for healing. I'll take care of our fallen Lion. But we are going to need you at full strength for as long as possible."
"Captain, these are men and women of action!! If they remain here, I'd bet three kegs of my pappy's best ale that they will NOT simply "hope for the best!" "Perhaps you are right. I must admit, I have not seen a weapon that made such an awful din and at the same time delivered such devastating results. I wonder if such a device could be used against that dragon. These folks may prove to be valuable against such a creature. So what do you say, folks? Are yae here to fight the Red Hand or are you trying to find a way to sail away?"
"When a Dragon comes then it is time to deal with a Dragon, I draw my courage from the great people of Galt and Andoran, what is a Dragon to face when such brave libertarians threw off the shackles of Cheliax? Let them send what they will, until then, it's brie and brioche" "Well, All I can say is that I am pleased to have you on our side. I just hope our supply of cheese does not run low for you while we are under siege." "Bad time to be sailing into town" Red remarks to the new arrivals. Lars Ulverth chimes in and introduces himself. "Red speaks the truth. We are being invaded by the Red Hand Horde and you and your ship are in grave danger being here. Unfortunately, following the Elsir west will only lead you into conquered territory. Brindol is the last resistance to stand up to this Hoard. You may want to hold up here and simply hope for the best." "What's your name, Fella? I'm Captain Lars Ulverth, Commander of the Brindol Lions."
"They will be at it for hours, perhaps a nap is in order. Any proper siege begins with lengthy discourse, dialogue, and no doubt champions from wither side boring us all with puffed up self aggrandising displays. I'd prefer a nice Pinot, is there a fromagerie in town?" "A Pinot and a nap? I swear, Mr. Red, you must have nerves of steel. You exhibit no fear and you are more interested in the fromagerie than the armory. Do you know there is a real red dragon out there?! And we are not talking about some little lizard with red skin. I mean the whole fire breathing draconic sort! You still value your own life don't you?!"
Lars Ulverth approaches Bofus and declares, "That was a close one! I'm not sure how you took down all of those giants, but the City of Brindol is once again in your debt. Mind you, we are not through with this rabble yet! I've gotten word that the army of the Red Hand has reached the western edge of Brindol. The siege has now begun."
"Move out to the dock and draw your bows!" Lars Ulverth commands as he limps along behind his elite troops. "Do not let that giant come upon land!" He then steps over to Kouzin and helps with the fallen Lion. "Thanks for your help, Fella! Your assistance is most appreciated! Where did you come from?"
Captain Ulverth limps forward with his sword raised and calls out,"Ok, Lions, let's go take back Brindol and drive the enemy out of here! I don't want another enemy to land foot here on this side of the Elsir! Move out to the river bank and put an end to whatever tries to step out of that water!"
"Hail Tirion! So this is where you've been hiding. We're here to save the day! Point us to the enemy!"
"Giants are attacking the docks! They are crossing the Elsir on boat! We need reinforcements at once! Please come! Captain, shall I muster the Lions?!" "Let us be off! Race to the docks, Sergeant!" He replies as he gets to his feet. "I will deploy the Brindol Lions! My friends, there is no time to spare! Don't wait for me! Get yourselves to the docks as fast as you can! We must hold off the horde!"
Captain Ulverth limps over as he hears Mantooth ask his question to Bofus. "If you want my opinion, Magistrate, which you don't always need to listen to anyway, you will take up your post at Brindol Prison and make the office there your own. You may be able to start looking at those cases and if any monk or some such being comes to try and rescue her, then you will be there ready to catch them. If the horde arrives, we will be sure to let you know."
"No that should be enough! I just don't wand her to slither out of this one like the slimly little asp she is." Lars Ulverth helps Bofus to gather up whatever he wishes to take from Kaal's chamber.
"Naturally, Bofus. We wouldn't want to risk any appearance of impropriety, now, would we?" Lars Ulverth grins as he watches Verasa Kaal being led away. Once she departs, he asks the halfling, "So what do we have here? I know she is as guilty as fox caught in a chicken coop, but do we really have the evidence?"
""I can understand her feelings, it is unusual to lose a duel to a bard, most of us are lovers, not fighters" Red offers, really helpfully. "So Red, do you think she is more concerned about her family reputation and that her son lost to a bard or the bitter fact that she is losing her hold on Brindol?" Captain Ulverth looks around the marble floored grand chamber with wonder. "Look at this place! Can you imagine living with such wealth?! And just think of all the stink filled barracks I've lived in all these years while she was living in luxury! So what do we do now? She may genuinely be grieving the loss of her son, but I'm still not sure that I trust that lady for a second."
"Red's got the idea! Let's go! Time is running short and we still need to deal with the Lady of this house!"
Round 2 "Moving mighty slow aren't you?" "I take my time, but there is no rush. These fellas aren't going anywhere fast. Their end is clearly in sight!" Tirion casts Haste "Well, aren't you in a rush!" Lars Ulverth, Captain of the Brindol Lion moves with greater speed and swiftly steps in line with Red (J-6) and attacks the next House Kaal Guard (J-5).
Round 1 The Captain draws his blade and limps up (H-10) and crashes his bastard sword down into the neck of the elite guard (G-9). "It is not wise to defy the Town of Brindol!"
"Well, we've taken care of the son. Now we must deal with the matriarch herself. I know Bofus has been here, but let me warn you, this place is a well fortified keep in itself. I don't think this will be nearly as easy as it was getting into the Fortress. For one thing, the city does not own the estate as it does the prison, but more importantly we do not have any of our own guards on the inside. Until the treason, Jarmaath believed this small legion would fight for Brindol, but I am not so sure now. The House Kaal Guards are paid for by the Kaal family are loyal to them first and foremost. I know I would feel better with an army of Brindol Lions at my back than this group of mercenaries. What do you propose we do? Is this going to be as simple as walking up to the front gate and demanding admittance?"
"No, sir! We are men of Brindol and the city has our allegiance. You need not worry about us. We are here to serve!" "Well good! If you are here to serve, then you can start by putting his corpse in a box and keeping it safe until we can deliver to his family estate. We'll be back for it in time." "I have a Wyrmlord to see next" "Do you have time to join us for a trip to Kaal Manor? We could certainly use your assistance. I'm not sure the next order of business is going to go so easily." Glancing at the forest giant, Ulverth turns to Mantooth and comments, "I sure hope you know what you are doing by releasing Mongo. You are certainly more trusting than I am. You should know that he also had a large suit of hide armor and a great two handed battleaxe that he wore when he was brought in. If you want him to fight, you could rearm him with his own stuff. However, I'm not sure what he'll do. He's not the sort that looks like he will follow orders." "Before we go, you should also make a decision on what to do with that young tart who was caught with Jared Kaal. Do you want her held in the same cell as that bard? How long should we keep her for questioning? I don't like the idea of keeping her imprisoned here in the Fortress, but she certainly would not be safe trying to fend for herself here on the streets of Brindol."' "Well, my friends, once Magistrate Longbrow gives us his decision, shall we proceed and make our way to Kaal Manor? We are only halfway done our work tonight."
"Well done, Red! Justice has been served after all. I suppose that saves us having to go through a long drawn out trial. Nicely fought, my friend. All I can say is that I am glad you are fighting on our side. I think the Red Hand is going to have a difficult time in the days to come."
"Considering the time constraints we are under, this may be a perfect way to solve this problem." Looking to Longbrow for his nod of approbal, Ulverth commands, "Guards, go get young Kaal his sword. Let's solve this problem here and now. And while you are at it, send someone to House Kaal to go fetch young Bofus. I don't think he will want to miss this." Quietely turning to Red, he asks, "Are you sure you want to do this? Should I send for his armor as well? Just be warned, my friend, Kaal was a Brindol Lion before he became magistrate. This will not be an easy fight."
Captain Lars Ulverth speaks to Red discretely so that the giant cannot hear him. "He's probably not too bright that one. I doubt he even knows what a map is. Mind you, we've had a long history with the forest giants in the Elsir Vale. It probably started about two centuries ago when Amery Vraath and his mercenaries destroyed the steading of forest giants, forcing the Twisttusk giants who dwelt within it to fall back into the mountains to regroup. Those giants had their revenge not long after when they destroyed the Vraath Family Keep. If I got my history correct, most of the remaining giants opted to remain higher up in the mountains rather than return to the area, which they felt was cursed. If this giant is one of the Twisttusk, then he is likely from the Wyrmsmoke mountains. If he is one of the Crushstone giants, then he is likely from the Giantshield mountins. Whichever one he is, I wouldn't trust him for a second. Watch yourself, my friend."
"I believe a patrol of Brindol Lions found him wandering too close to the city. He had slain some cattle that belonged to a farmer north of the city. The giant must've been hungry or lost and came down from the Giantshield Mountains to the north. We did not think it wise to allow him to roam free and a decision was made to incarcerate the giant for the safety of everyone. Naturally the people of Brindol do not like having giants wander about. When a group of Brindol Lions fought the giant off, we successfully captured it, but we lost one of our own by the name of Barlan Holst. Magistrate Strickland was here when we brought Mongo in, but since then, I'm not sure where we are in the trial process. Unfortunately, I don't think much has happened in the giant's case since the young Kaal took over as magistrate. The question remains as to what we should do with him now. This may be the first big order of business for our new magistrate."
"Enjoy your night in a cold cell traitor." "You heard him, Kaal. Let's go and see where you will be sleeping tonight."
"No, you are not in any trouble from us, yet, but you have put yourself in a dangerous position. There is a horde of hobgoblins, dragons, and giants coming here to invade, and your decision to stay here, has put you at great risk! There was a good reason that Lord Jarmaath decreed that you were to leave." Turning to his companions, Ulverth asks discretely, "What do you all suppose we should do with this one?"
Lars Ulverth looks to the others trying to decide if she is mocking him, or is simply ignorant. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, he corrects her. "Well, Tiffiana, I am Captain Lars Ulverth of the Brindol Lions, and you may address me as Captain. My friends and I just have a few questions for you. Where are you from? Where is your family? How long have you had a relationship with Jared Kaal?"
"Good, good! I am pleased to hear it! Now, could you and Thordak, Son of Throtgar go and place Jared Kaal in a nice cozy cell. Make sure that all of his keys are left with Magistrate Longbrow." Turning to Thordak, he adds, "Will you escort, Jib Jib and make sure he gets himself settled in? Meanwhile, let's see what we are to do with this young lady. What is your name, lass?"
Lars Ulverth addresses the remaining guards. "We are going to put Jared Kaal in one of the cells here in the prison. I command you to guard him with your life. He is treacherous and his family has many resources. He is not to have contact with any of them. Likewise, if any of you should get the idea that you prefer to remain loyal to the Kaal family, then you yourselves with be charged with treason. If I find that anyone of you have broken the trust bestowed upon you by the Lord and the City of Brindol, then I will personally advocate to Magistrate Longbrow that you be put to death in the name of justice! Am I perfectly clear in this matter?"
He turns to Mantooth and Ulverth. "Captain, Magistrate. With your leave, I'll head toward the Kaal mansion ahead of you, to make sure the coast is clear for you to perform the rest of your duties..." "Go right ahead, Bofus. We should not be long behind you. I'm sure I need not say it, but please do not attempt to arrest Lady Kaal. We will handle that once we've secured the mansion." "Would you have a few trusted members of the Lions who could temporarily guard the former Magistrate while we complete our investigation?" "Naturally, I consider all of the Lions trustworthy, but there is not as strong a cell to keep him as there is here at Brindol Prison. When I get back to the barracks I can send a few guards over here to be sure that he remains locked up here. In the meantime, we should place him in the prison and see that the guards understand who they need to pay allegiance to."
Lars Ulverth moves along the hallway and commands the two guards, "Hold it right there, boys! Nobody is leaving until we have settled this whole affair. Now just wait and lets see what we have inside this office."
"What kind of incompetence do we have here in this prison?!" Ulverth moans. "Can I assume that Magistrate Kaal has been responsible for your training? If the young Kaal wasn't already ousted, I would try and see him fired!" Turning to Bofus, Ulverth asks, "Can you kindly open these gates and let us through?"
The captain limps forward and declares bodly, "I am Captain Ulverth and I demand you step aside this instant! You do not need to know the details of why we are here, and I swear that if you do not comply this instant, I will have you stripped of any rank and expelled from this guard this instant!"
"Captain, are there any other exits to this building? If Jared suspects what is coming, he could try to send someone out to warn Mommy Dearest. If there's another exit, we should cover it against that eventuality." "As far as I know, there is only the one way in and out. Unless he has had a secret passage built or has the ability to fly, I think we have him caught like a rat in a trap!" "Let's enter. I've got the warrant for the Magistrate's arrest."
Oathday, Lamashan 18, 4710, 3 hours before midnight Lars Ulverth leads you out of Brindol Keep, and in a hurried walk, he limps across to the main door to Brindol Prison. "Well, here we are. Brindol Prison. Most of the Brindol Guard are stationed here and Jared Kaal is likely to be here as well. What approach do you all want to take? I am happy to knock, but I am not sure if they will let us in."
"Be careful, you don't want that hippogriff of yours snatching it out! You remember the last time we had to deal with her when she caused havoc throughout the town and we had no corn to help? Hehe. She caused quite the stir if I remember correctly."
"What in the world are you crying for, Thordak? You certainly cannot be sad at the thought of arresting the Kaals?! I always thought you were such a no-nonsense tough dwarf. I did not realize that you had such a sensitive side to you as well. Here, take my handkerchief and wipe your eyes."
"I have no doubt that they will resist arrest. I don't think the Kaals would anticipate such of move on your part, my lord. If it is ok with you, I would just assume take along this company right here. I know they are prepared for anything that comes our way. Are you folks up for a little action tonight?"
"I'm inclined to agree with the gnome. I think that it's time to crush the Kaals while we have a chance. Her son Jared has been a thorn in our side quite enough! Kaal Manor and Brindol Prison need to be cleansed, especially while we have the chance before the horde arrives."
What is the expected time that the horde will arrive? We will have to make sure that all the work is finished to fell the bridges if necessary before they arrive. Also, if we are to make any attacks on the dragon, we should do this while the horde is preparing. Dragons are unbelievably difficult to surprise, but we can try. "From what our scouts have seen, and the progress they have made since Talar, they could arrive as soon as tomorrow evening. I don't know whether they will stop and set up a siege camp, or if they will simply attack once they get here, but whatever plans we need to follow through on, needs to happen soon."
"My lord, you forget, we are talking with the Master of the Gauntlet! What could possibly go wrong? You must admit that it is a very appealing thought though?" |
