"Of course. As I'm sure you all are as well. However," the general closes his eyes for a moment, almost as if he was concentrating on listening to something, "the real protection lies in the army marching at my behest. We're marching to Piren's Bluff. But, most importantly, we're marching for you. Come inside, then. I'll explain everything."
He waves you inside a large tent, and motions for you to take a seat, as he does.
"Now, I'm sure that at least some of you are not local to the area," he says, looking at the Halfling, "so perhaps it's best to start from the beginning. After three decades of civil war, in which the diabolists of House Thrune consolidated their hold on the mighty empire of Cheliax, the tide of revolution swept through Andoran. Frustrated with centuries of foreign rule and appalled by Cheliax’s new masters, the people of Andoran banded together to throw off the shackles of empire and embrace republican rule. During those days, the Andoren nobility faced a difficult choice: side with the people of Andoran and forfeit their titles, or join with the evil Chelish empire and face the wrath of the people. In the end, those who openly sided with Cheliax were killed or driven into exile, while those who embraced the revolution retained much of their wealth and influence. A brave few
nobles chose neither side, unable to relinquish their cherished nobility and unwilling to side with the foreign empire. The most famous of these is Baron Vendikon, once master of a large barony, who now controls little more than the few miles around his keep in Piren’s Bluff. While his remote holdings were small enough to avoid the wrath of the mob during the revolution, Piren’s Bluff is key in defending the new nation of Andoran from its enemies in Cheliax. Of late, the People’s
Council in Almas has been leery of leaving such a strategically important position in the hands of a neutral party, but as of yet, they have been unable to take direct action."
The General clears his throat. "That is, of course, until now. We have recently learned, through some of our contacts close to the Baron, of some Chelish movements in Piren's Bluff. Let me explain. In the last few years, Chelish emissaries have visited numerous border towns in a subtle scheme to gain the sympathy, and eventually the fealty, of their leaders. Their plan is to take back Andoran one town at a time by instigating civil unrest, and hopefully even civil war. Piren's Bluff is their curent target. Emissaries came to Baron Vendikon and whispered promises of arcane power and political might beyond his dreams. At first, the baron, still very much the political player he had been at the height of his power, entertained his visitors and politely rebuffed their offers. Yet the trickle of Chelish visitors coming to Piren’s Bluff bearing small gifts—magical scrolls and baubles or rare texts—continued to swell, and the seeds of rebellion they planted in the baron’s corrupt heart began to flower. Eventually, Baron Vendikon’s passion for arcane knowledge and the secrets of the planes overcame his good sense, and he began accepting the more diabolical Chelish gifts—everything from hell hounds to a fiendish magical assistant. Finally, 2 weeks ago, the baron recanted his neutrality and vowed to hold Piren’s Bluff for his allies in Cheliax."
"Now, Cheliax is moving swiftly to consolidate its position. Sinister agents of the House of Thrune and its allies have already arrived in town, and soldiers from the Chelish army are not far behind. Although Baron Vendikon made every effort to keep the Council from learning of his treachery (at least, before it was too late), the townsfolk of Piren’s Bluff guessed the truth and managed to get word to the Andoren forces in Darkmoon Vale. The military is already mobilizing to take back the town and oust the corrupt baron before a Chelish army
pours across the border. "
"While our army marches to Piren’s Bluff, our contacts have learned that some members of the town still oppose the baron’s plans. You must understand, we have no desire to kill loyal Andorens," the General closes his eyes again," and a full out siege would necessarily cause the death of innocents. Instead the marching army is a front. Instead, I'd like you to infiltrate Piren's Bluff. While the army surrounds the town and gives all appearances of a prolonged siege, this small group will sneak into the keep and put an end to the baron and his Chelish compatriots once and for all."
General Dakoyva opens his eyes finally, and meets each of your gazes.
"Do you understand, then? Does it make sense? Do you have any questions?"
Pae,
