Search Posts
I apologize gentlemen I meant to move us forward properly before my other job dragged me out of state for two weeks. I will try to get something up, but it will most likely be a few days. Once I am back on the 28th I would like to make a post explaining what I have worked out to hopefully smooth posting and get things running.
"It was not thought that it would be needed." Lanril says with a look of confusion, "You had no walls and few defenders. It was believed you would simply submit as the other villages previously taken in. A show of force was the plan, though I wonder if the head of their order did not plan for this to happen. Most of our remaining troops were here sent out." She then looks to the forest. "Is there really any advantage to apporaching a smaller force through trees and swamp?"[/b[ she asks, [b]"I am not a tactician, but does that not favor the smaller force?" She then turns to Alden's previous question. "They garb themselves as followers as Sarenrae." she says simply, "For that is what they think themselves, no matter her punishment toward them."
Lanril hesitates, clearly torn on giving Alden any information that would potentially cause her people harm. "The outlying villages are just simple farming hamlets." she said, "A few have been conscripted from them, but other than that they simply provide a small measure of tribute. Each only has a single member of the church to preach to the faithful." She considers what to say next. "The temple proper is known as the Temple of the Redeeming Sun." she says, "There is a significant guard, but since the temple was within the city walls we do not have any ballista or the like that you have. If you are going to target the cult they tend to stay in the eastern wings of the temple. The western wing is where most of us true clergy reside but... most of the temple is a shared space." With a sigh she looks up at the group, with the exception of Kevan who she is the same height as. Mostly. She seems to have an inch on him.
Alden, you need to play an oracle sometime. :D
Lanril considers Alden's words. "I thank you." she says with a slight bow of her head, "But please do not think you can destroy the tome. It is guarded for a reason. It is a cursed artifact, and it would be best if you just left it locked away. Preferably looked over by the church... should enough of us survive." ************************** The two soldiers continue to flee, coming together once safely out of range. The cavalry has not yet turned to wheel toward the three separated by their pursuit, but who knows if and when that will change.
*************************** As the battle is wrapped up Tymos finishes speaking to Tel Beys and meets with the reunited force of heroes. "What is your plan going forward?" he asks, "We can defend our own land to an extent, but if they have cavalry they could harass our farms and quarries at their leisure. Knowing you lot you'll want to explore a bit?"
Kevan's bomb just narrowly hits one of them, the man cursing loudly enough to be heard as the two flee yet again.
"You speak of the translation." she said, already shaking her head. "It remains under guard. One of our shared beliefs is those pages should never see the light of day again." she explains, "Just as not all arcane casters are studious wizards, not all who touch the divine are clerics." She is quiet for a moment as she contemplates. "I believe those left of my order would be happy to have peace. It is all we ever wanted. Though it will be a messy affair if the cult decides you are their enemy. Which they most definately have." she reasons, [b]"My lady teaches that even at the point of a sword mercy can be shown, and that is what you will have to do. We cannot extricate ourselves from them without the risk of being stabbed in the back. We don't have the numbers to fight them."
The two soldiers look from Kevan to the other two, measuring their options. Then they take off running, shouting for the cavalry who are likely still too far off to hear them.
************************************************** Alden:
One of the translations of the book of the damned is kept in that temple under guard. "Not all get their power from the gods." Lanril says before growing agitated, "Call them out? Onto what? The field of battle? They revealed what they are." She frowns up at him. "Do you pretend to suddenly be blind paladin? I'm not. I can see the man who leads your soldiers for what he is. Why have you not smited him long ago? I'm a true cleric of Sarenrae, but I don't remember deadeye being the most forgiving god around." she chastises, "You think these lot parlayed with you because that was their idea? You think indenturing non believers rather than burning them at the stake was?" She sighs, her frustration giving way. "Not every cleric is a warrior who stands up to evil with their breast ready for a blade." she admits, "I am only an acolyte, and always has my focus been on healing. On seeking redemption for others. I still do what I can to stop evil in the hearts of others."
In a world where you can be healed in an instant I see it as a means of forcing them to use resources or to let these guys sit out the fight. It's not like I'm cutting off their feet. ...yet.
Geneva has a few suggestions about foot mutilation and fire bombing. :D
Oh no! Lawful good on lawful good violence!
The two men look at their discarded weapons. "You want us to pick them back up?" the first soldier muses mockingly. "What, looking for an excuse to kill us already?" the other taunts. They clearly intended to be difficult. While disarmed, there was the threat of potential reinforcements coming shortly. A decision would have to be made on what to do with them. Dragging them along as prisoners might run the risk of getting mowed down by cavalry. Not keeping them prisoner might mean having a large crossbow leveled at the group again in the near future. ******************************************** Back at the front, or the mess that remained the militia was kept busy peeling armor from the wounded and the dead. Tymos and Tel Beys were talking off to the side, the mayor holding the discarded helm of Gregor. Gregor himself was stripped of his armor and bound. He had stopped struggling after one of the soldiers had sat on him. Now he just glowered indignantly at Tel Beys and Tymos as they talked. "The cult hid among our ranks." Lanril explains with a wave toward where Canith was staked to the ground by a ballista bolt, "For all that time. Those like Canith who could use divine power not granted by the goddess. Those like Gregor who served among our ranks without blessings of our lady. Where better to hide than... well, never mind that." She then turns her gaze back to Alden. "When the world was sundered many of our champions were out in the city beyond the ground. Gregor was one of the few of the Blessed Orchid who were taking their rest in the temple. Now there are none left besides him." DC17 Religion:
The Blessed Orchid were champions of Sarenrae who were tasked with guarding the mayor of the city state of Merab. Members of the Temple of the Redeeming Sun.
"When we found ourselves alone the cult revealed themselves." she continues, "They had no more need to hide. Their numbers matched our own. We did not wish to kill the only other people left to us, and they did not wish to kill us." "Each shard we joined with, we petitioned the smaller settlements to join us." she said with a look to the horizon, "They converted. Mostly. Those who did not, were indentured. We would not let the cult kill them." Her words turned colder, bitter as she continued. "Our numbers began to thin. The cult converted some... others... accidents with the indentured. Or so they said." she elaborates with a half hearted wave of her hand, "Few of our followers remain. Fewer now, since we sent many of remaining soldiers with this force to ensure no harm was brought."
Guys... you guys... guess what's coming? ...the cavalary! Eh? Ehhhhhhh?
The halfling cleric looks afraid at first, but then settles as she seems to remember what Alden is. "Gregor is a knight, not a priest." she says with surprising firmness, "You have not met the high priest. Not of my order, and not of the cult either." She seems to relax after saying that. "They are still two different things." she says with a weak smile, "Even if the cult insists otherwise." ************* The two soldiers scoff at Kevan. "You are our enemy." one begins. He seemed to have more to say but the other soldier cuffed him on the shoulder. "We'll give you nothing." he adds, "Do your worst." DC18 Perception: In the far (+200')distance you see a half dozen large figures moving fast in what can be assumed to be the position of the other crossbow pair, though there is no sign of the pair. The outline looks to be men mounted on horseback.
Short post for how long I made everyone wait, but things should kick up a notch now.
The wounded are collected with ease, given all the real casualties are on the enemy side. With the aid of first aid training and magics a...
...large handful of those downed enemy soldiers are able to be saved. Meanwhile the pursuit ends as Jaxom and Lars have decided they have had enough of the crossbow team and cut them off. The two men pull up, glancing between each other and their opponents. There is a pause, then both men look into the distance. With a shrug they throw down their arms. "You might want to get back to your friends." the crossbowman says while his banner holding ally clutches protectively at the standard of Sarenrae. A moment later there is a shriek of a signal bolt in the distance. The other pair who made their escape in a different direction going off.
Just an update, out of town through the weekend. Meant to post Thursday but was tied up. Will try to post Sunday night when back.
Lars the lovable lycan would make a great children's show.
The pair continues to run, though the two chasing them were faster. They showed no intent to stop.
As Alden kneels over the priestess and cast she remains still and unmoving. Then, she sucks in a gasping breath and continues to lay still. Some of the other soldiers potentially still lived, though no one was currently tending to them as Gregor was getting restrained and the line pressed forward.
Jaxom drops one of the shield bearers, the man flopping to the ground like a sack of potatoes as he is tripped. Then he sprints after one of the armored archers and their loader/bannerman, easily able to pace them. Lars pursues as well, loping after them in his beastial form.
The soldiers, mostly behind their shields, hardly even see the projectile coming from Kevan, and the primary target howls in agony as he goes up like a candle. He drops his shield and weapon, screaming and falling to the ground to roll about. Not dead, but very much out of the fight. The other man also cries out in pain as fire washes over him, and he throws down his arms and kneels by his comrade. One hand up and the other resting on his brother in arms. Patting out some of his flaming livery. The unmolested pair of loader and crossbowmen make no sign of slowing down at Milton's warning. Either a sense of duty or something else pushing them to keep running. Tymos calls on the militia and his men to stop pursuit a moment before Gregor is wrestled to the ground and pinned by several men. Tel Beys looks to the ballista, but the dwarves raise their arms and cross them over their heads to indicate they didn't have the range on the fleeing troops. "Save who you can." she calls out, "Even if they just spend the rest of their lives breaking rocks they're better off alive." So that leaves two scorched and surrendered shield bearers. One tripped and unmoving shield bearer, and one more who looks around unsure of his situation... before he too throws down his arms. That leave the two teams of crossbowmen and loader on the run. Jaxom and Lars are faster, and can in theory cut of the pair they are pursuing.
Still here. Let's get you all updated.
Good, just struggling.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
Lars tears through the last standing frontliner other than Gregor himself, and Milton moves up to hit the halfling cleric with a burning bolt of lightning. It strikes the unarmored healer in the collar, and she shrieks in agony before falling to the ground. Meanwhile, on the flanks, Jaxom crashes into the prepared defense of the tower shields, unable to get to the crossbowmen beyond. There is movement behind the defense as they prepare their next action. Kevan's bomb falls short of the other group, and his alchemical fire splashes against the cover of the heavy shields. He cannot see what damage he might have done beyond that. Tymos and his militia move forward over the downed frontlines. The men mob Gregor, grabbing at him and trying to restrain him. "Shields advance. Tymos calls to those of their own with tower shields protecting the militia archers.
Lanril lays still in a smoking heap, her tiny form unmoving. Tel Beys makes it to the front line with the shield bearers coming up behind her.
One of the bow shots finds a target past the cover of the shields and a loud cry is heard. "Flee!" comes a call. The crossbowmen on either flank and their loader grab up their banner and run. Those soldiers with the heavy towers shields pull back, not moving as fast but giving a full retreat.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
Gregor lifts his shield arm, not to try and block the strike with his shield, it was far to late for that. No, he did it to raise his pauldron just enough to deflect the cut of Alden's sword from finding his neck. "We bring the light!" he snarls back, "To those who know lesser gods."
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
Milton works his magic, opting for a more defensive posture. Three fractal images shudder and rotate around and through him like shuffled cards of illusion. When they take proper form it is no longer clear exactly where in the space the wizard was, each perfect copy replicating the movements of their caster. Tymos and his soldiers reach the frontline. While it was only a few moments behind the rest of the party closing in melee it somehow felt like forever. Now though, they crashed into the enemy all around the party and made themselves known.
The experienced lines slam into each other. The soldiers in plate had an advantage of better armor and reach, so they managed to defend most of the blows. Two fall though, one cut into by one of the soldiers, and one by Tymos himself. The warden's blade sweeps in, pushing his enemies spear arm far enough aside that it threw off the man's balance. Then, with the guard out wide and shield jarred he plowed the blade through the man's armor like a spike to end him. "Filth!" Tymos barks. The halfling priestess sees the ensuing melee and desperately calls on her goddess. Even as the soldiers in front of her start to fall she risks herself to channel healing into them.
She seemed on the verge of weeping, most of the soldiers were down at this point. Only four and Gregor remained standing. Yet many of those who were down rasped out breath even if they did not rise. Tel Beys had to struggle with her bad leg to make the frontline, but she calls out for another volley as she does.
One of the remaining soldiers took a ballista bolt to the chest and was tossed back to fall and not rise. Another soldier took an arrow in his neck, clutching at it and falling to a knee. He was not dead, maybe not dying, but he did not push through the pain to resist any further. Only one soldier still fought on the front line of the clash, and he stabbed back at Tymos.
A blow that the experianced Tymos saw coming, heaving his shield up to send the thrust of the spear sailing high. "Filth!" he shouted again.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
Jaxom and Kevan dart around the sides of the main melee. Jaxom closing as much distance with the crossbow formation as he can. Kevan working around the back of the front line. Meanwhile, the melee was on in full. Alden cuts through the open guard of the same soldier who speared him, pushing forward and chopping down between the pauldron and gorget enough to hit the flesh below. The man's collarbone being cleaved through was enough to down him. On the flank of that line the corner man found himself desperate not to attack anymore, but to defend himself from a werewolf. He screamed and struggled as Lars peeled away his defense and dug his claws through the space between plates. Finding tender flesh within and curling those fingers into the man's torso until he buckled and fell. The crossbow formation moves in coordination. As Jaxom approached one flank backed off slowly. The crossbow team moving away to fire and reload, and the tower shields falling in after and throwing down their cover. The other flank hesitated but a moment, and then took aim the wizard again since the ballista crew had good cover and were at a longer distance than was practical.
Both shots missed badly, perhaps a cold fear running through the crossbowmen to get the bolts out before a dangerous looking man closer on them, and an obviously lethal wizard decided to target them next. Gregor meanwhile, despite being staggered, singled out Alden in the melee. He did not raise his spear high and try to impale Alden from collar to backside. Instead he made a ferocious and disciplined thrust that belied both his training and skill.
Instead Gregor's plant foot slid in the gore of Alden's last enemy.
Letting you guys know I will be unable to post until Monday. Running this combat is a bit much for a phone.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
As Lars watches the havoc that Milton's spell brings to the enemy frontline he notes the halfling cleric hustle forward to the decimated line. Holding her holy symbol she seems to plead with her goddess, and a wave of positive energy rolls out from her.
The three downed soldiers do not rise, either because their wounds were too great or they were dead. The others showed some relief, but were still by and large wounded terribly.
Tymos then begins to march forward, and the line marches with him. There is no angry charge. Just disciplined stamping of feet through the grass. It's almost intimidating. Tel Beys calls out for another volley, and the bowmen and ballista deliver.
One of the bowmen deflects off heavy armor, but the other places the shaft of an arrow into the exposed collar of a shocked soldier, dropping him. The ballista however, picks a softer target. The portly cleric, Canith, looked like he was also going to move forward to help the front line. Instead, he took a ballista bolt through his belly. The man's form folded as the bolt pierced through his middle and planted him in a heap to the ground. The well armored soldiers, despite their grievous wounds, closed the distance and made to strike.
The line was ready, disciplined, and most of the pointed spears caught armor or shield. Alden and one of Tymos guardsman each took a stabbing wound. The guardsman because his guard was found wanting. Alden, because he only had one shield.
On it. I've really struggled to find motivation to post lately. Not sure why.
I know Lars posted they were just watching, but I figured I would give him a chance to take an action.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
The slow start to combat as the line of plate approached seemed uneventful. A few harmless bow shots and a javelin tossed aside. The opening salvo from the ballista had missed. The only noticeable blow had come from Kevan's incendiary striking Gregor dead on and splashing against the armored men beside him. The blazing firebomb across Gregor's chest and collar mad him snarl and smack at it with his shield arm. He glared at the halfling but kept his discipline. Then, a small blue bead was conjured and flung by Milton. A bead that Gregor clearly recognized as panic struck his features. "Spread Ou-" he tried to command. Far too late. The small flicker of concentrated mana struck among the ranks of the men, and when it went off arcs of electricity twisted out in a half sphere like ropes of blue white death. They were drawn to the mass of metal armored soldiers, lancing through them and scorching their bodies. Exposed flesh glowed, armor shone like lantern glass, strained moans of pain carried across the field as bodies convulsed still standing. As the spell ended the three men who had been singed beside Gregor collapsed in charred heaps. The remaining seven men of the front line slumped, gripping their spears and propping themselves up, badly wounded and looking like a stiff breeze would knock them over. Gregor himself had smoke rising from his armor and looked staggered badly. The wizard's spell had decimated their front line. The front line of the guard waited for Tymos to lead them forward. The crossbow groups on either flank stayed were they were. The overly large crossbows were carefully leveled. They took careful aim at Milton, recognizing the wizard. Then, both men fired with frightening precision across the length of the battlefield.
Despite the distance and the bodies between the crossbows and their target, Milton was surprised to find a very thick bolt now stuck between his ribs.
Once the large crossbows had been fired the tower shields in their formations came around to provide complete cover as the other men in the formation reloaded for the snipers.
Yes, double move of 20'. Also, once again, not really much room for hiding in the open field of grass.
Initiative Order: Tel Beys, Bowmen
Kevan misses his chance to perhaps ask for trial by combat. His words falling on deaf ears as their opponents march away from the parley. When the group returns and Alden relays what the situation is the soldiers and militia look at each other.
Then Tymos spits in the dirt. "They can choke on their mercy." the man says with disdain, "I will run through any man who raises a sword to me." He raises his longsword in defiance and shouts out at the opposing force. Several of his men follow suite. The militia give a chuckle or two. Timalt was shaking his head. "Leave it to the marshal to make things plain." the leader of the militia commented. The men formed up as the opposing force readied to march. Once Gregor signaled the advance everything started to happen at once. Tel Beys raises her spear high and shouts out a battle cry. One that is followed by Tymos and the rest of the soldiers. The dwarves running the ballista didn't miss their cue.
The large ballista bolt thumped into the ground short of the advancing men. Meanwhile the militia archers took aim and loosed.
One arrow deflects off plate, and the other is intercepted by the raised shield of the marching enemy. Gregor and the line of plate wearing soldiers advance as the crossbowmen linger behind on the flanks.
Does anyone know something I could use other than google maps to serve as a virtual "table" for me to slap images down on and use as a map? Google docs is just not doing it for me for this map. I'm literally just looking for someplace I can upload the maps and tokens to and use. Full stop. I don't want to f+!! around with foundry, or roll20, or any of these other "tabletop simulators". Ugh. I'm already using Inkarnate, but honestly think I will move on from that. I think I will go back to uploading maps and I will give the grid numbers and letters so you can simply tell me your moves or targets using grid designators. Then I can update the map.
Just to point out a few things to the party: 1. You have no town walls back at the village. There is a ballista crew with cover atop the mill nearby. 2. They don't outnumber you by as much as you think. You have two dwarves on a ballista that can fire every turn, archers to their crossbowmen, and far more adventurous types. I know this party is very risk adverse, so just giving you a nudge that this is not a dragon ten CR above you. I'll make it obvious and/or ask the ever important "Are you sure." before I throw you into that kind of fight. That said, I want to apologize for the continued delay and give a bit of an explanation. No, life hasn't been busy and no I haven't had any accidents. Truthfully balancing and setting up the encounter has been more trying than I initially planned. This many character involving npcs and PCs has been something else. Ran a simulated fight or two and things were extremely chaotic (go figure) and I wasn't liking what I saw. Over a few days I retuned things, got them a bit more consistent. That said, this is going to be a lot of work as an update. I normally do these things all at once, and every time I have meant to do it something has come up. Tomorrow I have a few hours set aside, so expect an update then. Okay, DM screen back up as it were.
Divo places a hand on the man's shoulder. "As I said, there are children waiting for us ser." he explains, "I was in the guard once, and there is always a need for those with our skills. Please, come with us. We know little of what is happening, and I would be grateful to hear your tale."
"Then we have your answer." Gregor says with a bitter scowl, "As is our practice we offer mercy to those that surrender. Make sure your men know this." He offers Alden a short salute and turns. Canith nods to the group. "He was truthful when he spoke of mercy." the man said, "Our lady teaches to be merciful even to those who choose to be our enemies." The two clergy members turn and follow him. The halfling priestess stepping cautiously and casting a worried look back to Kevan.
As Alden and Kevan step forward across the field the three leaders of the opposing force wait. Sense Motive DC12:
While the more rotund and official looking man is a mask, the halfling and soldier are less practiced in hiding their feelings. The halfling, in particular, seems distressed about the potential conflict. Not for her own sake, but for yours. The soldier is harder to read, but there is a hint of impatience in his actions. Tel Beys plants her weapon down with an air of challenge, an odd choice for speaking peace, but her features are relaxed and set as she gives a steely look over your three opposing delegates. "I am the duly elected leader of our people." she says firmly, "These men with me are two of our champions, who have brought down ghouls and tyrants before you. If you march for the lady, explain your actions in burning our livelihood." The soldier seems a bit taken aback by the challenge in the woman's tone, but the other man speaks up in response. "We are servants of Sarenrae." he affirmed without hesitation, "My name is Canith, this is Gregor, and our young priestess is Lanril. As her servants we give all a chance to redeem themselves and serve good. Those who fled from us showed us to be at odds, so we did not hesitate to act when they rejected our lady." Then the soldier finds his voice, and it is stern and clipped. "Will you serve our goddess or be cleansed in her fire?" he asks pointedly. The other man visibly sighs but the soldier continues, "Will you convert?" he asks plainly while locking eyes with Alden.
Took me entirely too long to get back to it. Sorry about that gang.
The opposing force drew closer. As they did their formation and those forming it became more apparent. A column of men five wide and two deep served as it's center. Those in the front did indeed wear shining silver plate, with heavy metal shields and fierce looking pikes. At the hip of each was belted a scimitar. The next rank deep bore half plate, and held fierce looking halberds also with scimitars on their hips. That would have put their number at only ten. Ten heavily armed warriors. Except to either flank were squares of five men. These clad in breastplate with one man in the center bearing a standard held high bearing Sarenra's banner. The three of the remaining four bore tower shield and spear, similar to Tymos own mixed flanks. Though the final soldier in each flank bore an extra heavy crossbow. So twenty. Twenty soldiers. A trio marched before the center of the line. One was a tall, broad shouldered man in full plate. He wore a white tabard with a pink and white orchid on it. On either side of him were a pair of Sarenrae priests. An older, heavier set man with a plump face and long silken robes bearing gold trim walked along, seeming to be breathing hard from the limited activity. On the soldier's other side was a fair featured halfling woman sporting wavy hair that fell down to her shoulders. She was very pretty, and unlike the others she wore no formal robes or armor. Instead, wearing a simple white tunic over light blue linen pants and shirt. The air was tensed, both sides ready as the force approached. Neither raised a weapon though. About fifty paces out the leader started to call out a cadence, then commanded the march to stop. As one, the force came to a halt. The soldier then removed his helmet, revealing a man no older than Alden, with a mane of golden blonde hair and handsome features. "Those who would stand across from us on the field of battle." he called loudly, "If you would speak terms, send three forward and we who march for Sarenrae will meet with you. Do you accept, or do we march through you?" Tymos grimaced and went to shout something, but stilled as Tel Beys placed a hand on his arm. "Shall we?" she asked Alden and Kevan.
I apologize to the group, but an update will be slow coming. The extreme cold has exposed issues with my heating system as well as some of my water freezing. I should have it handled (fingers crossed) within a few days, and will keep you all updated. Giving you all a heads up so you're not left wondering.
"I only cast spells to aid in gathering everyone and fleeing." Norian explained to Milton, "Bart noticed them in time, but it was a hurry to escape." Tymos snorted at that. "Would have been a better deterrent throwing some fire or lightning." he said harshly even as his men formed up before him. Norian gave the man a scornful look in return. "I am a TAILOR." he insisted, but both Tymos and Bart rolled their eyes in exasperation. There was a shout from the ballista atop the mill, Siegfried waving down and pointing. In the distance, with the smoke of the fires behind them marched the coming group. Metal armor gleamed though they were still in the distance. Pointed spears rose as well as a pair of banners. "We don't have the lurxury of hit and run tactics." Tymos growled, "They'll march right through the village." His voice rose into a bark as he added an order, "Form... up!" The eight soldiers under his command split into two squads, and a pair of the militia joined each. The volunteers wielded tower shields, standing before the group. The remaining two were armed with crossbows, and though they weren't professionals it was hardly a weapon requiring one. As the men formed ranks and the dwarves readied the ballista Tel Beys finally arrived, wearing a shining breastplate and wielding a spear and heavy metal shield. Her limp was all but gone, or at least she was doing a good job at pretending. "Norian, Bart... go to the lumber mill." she said, "In case we fail." The sorcerer quickly did as she asked, and the monk reluctantly followed. "You want to talk, I assume?" she said curtly to Alden. The figures in the distance marched closer.
The shard merged to the northeast. East of Talschornvox's forest and north of Norian's tailoring shop. Need to update the map but it isn't an easy process and I have been struggling with some RL issues. The gems fell east of Norian shop. They seem to have marched on Norian's shop first as it was the closest. If they have the gems remains a mystery.
As Alden and the others arrive at the inn they find the village a chaotic rush. People gathering supplies and their families, many heading toward the lumber mill. Tell Beys was meeting with Milana, and she had a strained look on her face. "This isn't good." she said grimly, "We received a message from Norian. Armed soldiers. The Cult of the Dawnflower. Tymos is with his men at the mill. Will you go and meet with him?" Even as she speaks smoke rises in the distance. It seemed to be from the direction of the tailor's shop and the few farms near it.
As the group makes their way to the mill they see Tymos' soldiers there, as well as a few of the militia that had been trained over time. Eight professional soldiers, and a half dozen inexperienced combatants... though they had proper training and the smithy had seen everyone well equipped. Breastplates and chain mail shone in the sun and boots tramped the damp earth and collected mud on fresh leather. The group was installing a hasty wooden cover up on the side of the mill where the ballista was. Both shielding it partially from view and assuring there were be some partial protection to the men operating it. Siegfried and another man the party wasn't familiar with were up there. Tymos gives the faintest sign of relief as he spots the party, even going so far as to raise his hand in respect to Alden. "Good, we won't be short on people." he said, "The sorcerer didn't give us numbers, but if he ran they can't me minor." Coming their way over the plain and into town were a number of families, carrying supplies and keepsakes with them, and they were led by Norian and Bart. The made sure the families were headed in the right direction and then joined the group. "Numbers." Tymos said sharply. Bart frowned but replied just as sharply. "Two dozen or more. Most in plate. They have clerics or something among them." Knowledge: Religion/History DC12[/ooc: The Cult of the Dawnflower lost their divine connection with Sarenrae for their actions and were defeated long ago. If this is indeed the same cult they have either come back into power after the sharding, or have found newfound support from the goddess.
Alden has to be careful with his ferocious wolf, as the lack of pets in the community has him suffering from the combined love of every wide eyed child who can find the courage to approach. At the same time Milana, and surprisingly Tel Beys, do their utmost to spoil him rotten whenever the paladin isn't looking. It is when he stops to visit Sarana that Alden discovers the odd shadowing that he had seen in the woods wasn't her. At least, not just her, as she seemed to have a new pair of sisters. Of course, introductions were cute short. Learning their names were Tricia and Mercia was about as far as he got before an image SLAMMED into his head. Alden was overtaken with the image of a weather eye with a bow across the pupil. He saw briefly the majestic temple from one of the previous joinings, and then he saw men in shining armor, some of it plate, armed with pike and shield. Fervant priests stood behind them, shouting orders as they prepared for battle. A banner of Sarenrae was held amongst their formation, and yet old one eye was filling Alden with dread as fire started to rise. The heat of the flames were joined by the sounds of screaming and a formation of boots marching. As he snaps from the vision he can see there is already a pair of multicolored lights joining in the sky before streaking to the ground.
The barrier of the shard to the northeast heaves and the smoky wall collapses downward and the shards streak down past where you know Norian's shop to be. Somewhere in the hill plains beyond. [ooc]Where are you lot gathering?[/ooc[
Might be Sunday night/Monday. I just... got s+## to do.
More dealing with s+#& than having a good time. Should be getting an update in this week.
By the end of the following month some of the workers asked to be swapped out midway. Those that remain curse that this mine is just that... cursed. Support beams crack and you suffer a minor cave in. No major injuries. From that. But then there are several other accidents as well. One man has a loadstone slip free of dirt in the wall and crush his foot. Another slips and has their leg double as a lever... that snaps. The quick progress expected is quickly lost, and while ants still don't push out their territory more are spotted on the horizon.
That was done during the CD period yes.
Womp womp womp. |
