The Dimming Fire (IC)

[Valery]

The sun hangs high in the clear blue sky near the border of Wir-Stand and the former country of Tremise. Soft rolling hills covered in green pastures line the path way to the boarder, but for all the peace in the landscape, there is still fear from all those traveling. The convoy marches slowly to the safety of the border, as hushed whispers float through the air. Everyone is a buzz about getting to the border. Their conversations can be heard all around the convoy.
"What if we're denied access?" One elf remarks.
Another says back, "It's Wir-Stand, come on. They wouldn't turn us away...I hope."
"But I heard their refugee camps were full. Who are we even following anyway? The tattooed man? Does he seem like a reliable leader to you? I mean, he's covered up almost completely in that cloak."
People of all races are here, looking for shelter. Up near the front of the convoy in one of the wagons sit two humans, one known only as Roland, the other Rose Silverhand with her dog Pooka. Rose's companion Fiola Merryband sits close by silent as they travel. They loom wearily over the unconscious form of Findecáno Oronrá, who keeps going in and out of sleep. They'd nursed him back to health, but he still lay prone, resting perhaps?

Meanwhile, in the adjacent wagon, Firyr Nuali and Cora Thorngage sit at the back entrance of their wagon. Walking just behind them Gird, who's want to join them on the wagon was dashed when the owner of the wagon claim that Gird may break it with his immense weight. They can hear two Halflings talking carrying on a conversation near them:
An older looking halfling is rammbling frantically, "We need to get there faster. Oren's soldiers could be near. You've heard what they do to those trying to leave Tremise? That's right! They just kill them all. They wouldn't show us any mercy. Especially not us."
"Quiet down dad," a woman says, "Just about 20 more miles to the border. We'll be fine. You've already seen a group of Wir-Stand cavalry go by. We're safe enough."
"Are we? What do you suppose that they were running to?"
"Well, the war is that way."

Behind Gird, Guldan Swiftfoot and the halfling Issdal the Benevolent, walk side by side, listening to the elderly Halfling rant.
"I don't care if I'm scaring people," he says, getting ever louder, "No, its important to talk about the issues."
Suddenly, a human on a horse rides up through the convoy, to where the whole party is located. He's wearing armor with the insignia of Wir-Stand(A Dire Bear). He addresses everyone around him, "Who here has fighting experience? I must know. Who's in charge of this caravan?" He's pale, speaking as though winded. He looks around again and yells, "Anyone at all?!"

[Ophidian]

Firyr stirred, hands clenched around his quarterstaff. The human rider sounded tired, as if he'd rode at a great pace or...ran away from something. On top of that, he wanted people with fighting experience. That boded ill for the caravan and for the tide of the war. He glanced down at his companion and fellow student, wishing, not for the first time, that the formidable old Halfing who'd trained them was here. "I'd be ready for trouble. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Firyr raised his voice and addressed the rider. "Why? What's happened?"

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora looks up to Firyr from where she lays on a pile of old sacks next to him on her front, heels lazily kicking in the air, her chin in the palm of one hand. "Do you think I should have a look around?" As she speaks, she snaps the fingers of her free hand and a small white dove materializes on her shoulder. "I can get the lay of the land at the least."

With that she lets the small bird loose, directing it to fly up and start circling back the direction the rider came from. As it moves back away from the group she glances through its eyes periodically to see what she can see.

Using Bird's Eye Viewing, gained from her current bind to Malphas. Spot check is from the dove as she uses its eyes.

Spot: [roll0]

[Trasilor]

The sudden arrival of a stranger stirs Pooka's proctective instinct. His body leans forward, muscles taut ready for action, as his hindquarters raise ever so slightly off the bench. "Easy boy," Rose begins, as she pushes his back down. "He means us no harm, he is just scared."

Putting down her violin, she turns towards the rider, "Please be at ease my friend, there are indeed people who may be able to help." Her mouth slowly parts into a sincere smile. ""Perhaps you might be able to tell a bit more about the nature of this emergency? This caravan is our home, and we call many here family, I would like to know if something is threatening us.

Rose is essentially making a Gather Information check. [roll0]

[Kul AlDun]

Roland peers down at his employer, Findecano, with steely blue eyes from beneath a dark hood. His brow knots as thoughts churn in his mind like dark clouds. Bleedin elf, ye best not pass on til ya paid up what's owed ta'me. Roland turns his head and spits a stream of red rag weed juice over the wagon edge into the trail dust wishing Findecano was awake so he could spit it into his eye instead. At the sound of hoof beats Roland turns towards the sound much like a viper coiling, his right hand half drawing steel while the other protectively covers his investment. He relaxes slightly as the rider comes into view. He listens to the rider speak and looks down at Findecano again, his mouth twisting angrily, words seething out in a hoarse whisper. "Wake up ye blighted bint! Blood is come commala and yer gormless self is a'coming burden!" Danger might be close and the dasted Elf was still napping. Whether or not he should leave his payday in such a predicament was difficult to decide. Perhaps a decision would be better made once the rider explained more.

Roland is low born thus his speech is low as well. I imagine him speaking like someone crossed a filthy mouthed cowboy with a dirty English peasant. Just a heads up if anybody wonders why he talks so weird.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird pets Chompy affectionately and blinks when the panic-stricken man speaks. After a short while he stands up and raises his hand I fight. he says Why big-folk want to know?

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora rolls her eyes as the young minotaur volunteers right away. She hops down off the wagon as it stops moving, landing crouched with feline grace before standing and poking the veritable giant in the knee playfully. "Hey now, don't go volunteering before you know what they want you for, you big goof." She smiles up at Gird, completely unafraid of him despite their vastly different sizes. She's always treated him as a little brother, ever since he was adopted into the caravan much as she herself was, though he's never been all that "little" when compared to her. "We don't know what they want yet, so why don't we just wait for an answer eh?"

She turns away from him, climbing back up into the bed of the wagon, her head level with Firyr's while she stands next to him. She stares at the rider, awaiting an answer, when there's a small puff of sulfurous smoke next to her on the rail of the wagon. Out of the smoke rolls a tiny woman that seems to be made of water, even smaller than Cora herself. Cora whirls on the small elemental immediately, raising her voice in an imperious manner that is somewhat out of place considering how small she is. "And what EXACTLY took you so long Inara?"

The small aqueous woman pats her thighs coughing, ripples forming on her skin where her hands slap. She flinches slightly as Cora speaks, coughing once more "Ah-Ahak... I'm sorry Miss, I had to go to The City of Brass to get your Silent Image..."

Cora glares at her, interrupting the elemental, "WHY would you go there? You KNOW the Sultan always makes things difficult since your little screw-up with that Chill Touch. Well? Explain yourself!"

Inara flinches again, "I'm truly sorry Miss. Where else did you expect me to go to get a mirage though?" She steps forward, touching one finger to the exposed skin of Cora's arm, causing a spot to glow for a moment as the spell is transferred.

Cora smiles down at her, patting the little elemental woman on the top of the head. "Well at least you got it." She turns away, flicking her fingers over her shoulder towards Inara. "Well off you go again, bring me refreshers for the others, you're dismissed."

Inara giggles, rolling her eyes as Cora turns away. "Yes Miss, I'll be back soon." She twirls on the point of one toe, her body deforming into a small whirlpool that gets smaller and smaller as if going down a drain before she winks out of existence again.

Cora turns her gaze back to the rider, awaiting his answer to Firyr's question.

[Eloel]

Issdal, a relatively poor looking halfling with blonde wavy hair, a brownish cloak and a walking cane stops at the mention of fighting. Wary against this stranger that talks of fighting, she turns towards the source of the sound. She speaks loudly, but at noone at particular. "Fighting? There has been enough fighting already, our people have suffered enough, and so has everyone else. I wonder what sick cause could force someone's hand to ask for fighting help from halflings."

She looks expectantly for a good reason, but she's ready to calm down anyone who gets aggressive - including the members of the caravan.


Everyone around Issdal (20ft) is under effects of Calm Emotions, unless they succeed on a Will DC13. Don't get aggressive guys :smallsmile:

Readied action to cast Calm Emotions on the first person to try to attack someone else.

Diplomacy check to be overheard as a pacifist that tries to keep the caravan out of trouble and fighting - trying to convince the guy to recruit elsewhere unless he has a very good reason.
[roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr watched the rider intently, waiting for the response. The entire caravan had, somewhat predictably, exploded into action as the rider entered their midst. At least three other people had responded to the query and the healer, it seemed, had decided to take matters into her own hands. This was....going to be an interesting day. In all the wrong ways. That much was becoming rapidly apparent. He wished he had a convenient study to shut himself away in. Just prop a desk in front of the door and wait for the whole things to sort itself out. Sadly, the universe seemed intent on being cruel and did not magically produce a study for him to take shelter in.

[roll0]

Rolling for will. Since Firyr is near the rider, if I understood correctly, I figure it applied. If not, better safe then sorry, what can I say?

[changed4life]

Guldan keeps his head mostly covered by the dark hood he has. You can see strands of his long dark hair rolling down the sides of his cheeks as he looks at the man who addressed the party. "I have been known to throw my weight around sometimes. What can we expect to find?

[roll0] For the will save cause I assume I am close enough... Also, as before better safe than sorry!

[A'den]

A horse charging through the morning mist, screams and cries of men and Elves mixed with the ring of steal on mithril, the smell of bat guano and feces, the feel of cold wood in two hands tipped with more than a hand's length of cold iron. In front of the horse galloping straight down at him more than a span of lance aimed straight at Findecáno Oronrá's head. A voice shouted at him, maybe Roland's. The tip of the lance leaped at Findecáno's face he ducked his head down and to the right. The air whooshed in his ear at the metal passed hairs from his face at the same moment he thrust two spans of spear into the horse. Screams followed and the horse galloping crashed down on him and darkness fell.

Findecáno surged awake to the foul smell of tangy rag weed and the lyrical assault of Roland's words. Wagon, bundle, he was wrapped in blankets. The sun hung in the zenith point. The scratch of cloth he was wrapped in itched furiously. The sway and creak of the wagon stopped as their movement halted. A small wooden bowl lay near his head he hoped whatever mixture of herbal filth was in there had not been pressed into any open wound.

"'Quelamrun (Good morning), Mister Roland." He moved to brush the human's hand away from his chest but noticed the man's eyes fixed on something over the top of the wagon. No doubt the other hand baring a span of naked steal or more. Danger. No they were not under attack yet the day was still quiet. Voices a mix of young and old, quite a few Halfling, human, and two different.

Findecáno brushed a length of shimmering silver blond hair out his eyes and touched two fingers to his own forehead and murmured two words scarcely audible. The air became tepid for a moment as white light like a candle touched the elf's forehead and he immediately felt refreshed as if he had slept a week on a goose down bed.


Virtue: 1 min 1 THP.

Fin threw the blanket off and stood up, of course he was naked, taunt lean and muscular far more so than most elves. Skin like ivory clashed with the ruddy hues of sun worn commoners around him. Silver blond hair hung loosely down to his backside in Elven fashion. His eyes each a shade of intense daffodil touched on a worn jute bag bulging, he looked kindly at Roland.

"You did not sell them, there is hope in making you a gentleman yet."

Quickly the naked elf dumped out the bag first checking his sword he bared an inch of the blade, the tell tale glow of the family heirloom was truth enough to its origin he kept it close at hand as he pulled on breeches and a under shirt as he quickly donned his armor. To an untrained eye it looked like a nightmare of leather straps, metal plate, and chainmail but in three short minutes he adjusted the girdle strap his scabbard hung from everything put aright. The armor was worn but showed signs of once belonging to a wealthy man, each plate bore bits of silver gilding muted with a few brush strokes of midnight blue, a color on House Oronrá's banner if it still hung in hall of the royal palace.

The wagon shifted as Fin stepped down a few armor plates clanked. He made no hurry to rush toward the picketman from Wirstand but regarded Roland, "One morning you will have to explain the difference between bint and gormless."

He looked around with yellow eyes soaking in details of the terrain, the picketman plus green rolling hills. It seemed they were far north of where he originally intended to be. He gripped the pommel of his sword and turned his eyes back to his employee and then back toward the commotion at the front of the caravan they appeared to be a part of.

"Thank you again for your service Mister Roland. Let us see what the commotion is about up there."

[Trasilor]

Rose giggled to her self as she watched the once prone elf rise in the back of her cart and get himself prepared. She silently thanked Fiola who convinced her to remove all the 'constrictive' clothing from the elf - for healing purposes, of course.

Rose peered around her fellow caravan travelers and took note as to who spoke up. She wasn't too surprised to find six other individuals who had seen some fighting. As this war dragged on, it seemed more and more common to find people who were versed in combat rather than those that weren't.

However, the halfling pacifist took her back for a moment. She was certain all those that had not fought had been killed during the many conflicts. As she approached the rider, she felt a magical compulsion emanating from the healer.

Turning back to the rider, she awaited his response.


Not entirely sure if she is within the range of the Calm Emotions
Rose's WILL: [roll0]
Pooka's WILL: [roll1]

[Valery]

In the distance, you can see a few other riders among the wagons of the convoy, there are people stirring around them, grabbing belongings and weapons.



Firyr stirred, hands clenched around his quarterstaff. The human rider sounded tired, as if he'd rode at a great pace or...ran away from something. On top of that, he wanted people with fighting experience. That boded ill for the caravan and for the tide of the war. He glanced down at his companion and fellow student, wishing, not for the first time, that the formidable old Halfing who'd trained them was here. "I'd be ready for trouble. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Firyr raised his voice and addressed the rider. "Why? What's happened?"


The sudden arrival of a stranger stirs Pooka's proctective instinct. His body leans forward, muscles taut ready for action, as his hindquarters raise ever so slightly off the bench. "Easy boy," Rose begins, as she pushes his back down. "He means us no harm, he is just scared."

Putting down her violin, she turns towards the rider, "Please be at ease my friend, there are indeed people who may be able to help." Her mouth slowly parts into a sincere smile. ""Perhaps you might be able to tell a bit more about the nature of this emergency? This caravan is our home, and we call many here family, I would like to know if something is threatening us.

Rose is essentially making a Gather Information check. [roll0]

The rider passes into the aura of Issdal's calm, but he succeeds in his save and as brashly as before continues his frantic plight.
He addresses Firyr's question first saying, "Our cavalry unit was on the way to support another smaller force in a village not far from here, but encountered a stray Oren force not but two miles from this convoy, they were likely stalking you for plunders sake." Then too Rose, "We were sent out by General Mann(Knowledge History or Nobility for info on him), because there's no defined front line yet. Occupational troops are everywhere, scattered. When we got into the fight, my captain sent us ahead to warn you of the danger. The Oren force was too large for us to defeat, but the captian is buying us some time to prepare here before the attack begins."


Gird pets Chompy affectionately and blinks when the panic-stricken man speaks. After a short while he stands up and raises his hand I fight. he says Why big-folk want to know?

The soldier looks taken a back by the large Minotaur calling him big-folk. "Oh," he says, blinking furiously out of confusion, "Well, big-folk need you ready for...fight? Clearly you fight...I mean...no...I'm sorry I've never met a Minotaur, not sure how to respond to being called big-folk."


Issdal, a relatively poor looking halfling with blonde wavy hair, a brownish cloak and a walking cane stops at the mention of fighting. Wary against this stranger that talks of fighting, she turns towards the source of the sound. She speaks loudly, but at noone at particular. "Fighting? There has been enough fighting already, our people have suffered enough, and so has everyone else. I wonder what sick cause could force someone's hand to ask for fighting help from halflings."

She looks expectantly for a good reason, but she's ready to calm down anyone who gets aggressive - including the members of the caravan.


Everyone around Issdal (20ft) is under effects of Calm Emotions, unless they succeed on a Will DC13. Don't get aggressive guys :smallsmile:

Readied action to cast Calm Emotions on the first person to try to attack someone else.

Diplomacy check to be overheard as a pacifist that tries to keep the caravan out of trouble and fighting - trying to convince the guy to recruit elsewhere unless he has a very good reason.
[roll0]


He then addresses Issdal, "If it were up to me you wouldn't have to ma'am, but this force is too large. My unit won't hold out long against them. We only have time to prepare. Then enemy will be upon us soon."


Guldan keeps his head mostly covered by the dark hood he has. You can see strands of his long dark hair rolling down the sides of his cheeks as he looks at the man who addressed the party. "I have been known to throw my weight around sometimes. What can we expect to find?

[roll0] For the will save cause I assume I am close enough... Also, as before better safe than sorry!

"Great! Anything to hold them back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to see the lead of this convoy."
The rider flicks the horses reins and speeds off towards the front of the convoy, as he does, he yells back at the group, "I'll return shortly!"

[The Bandicoot]

Gird blinks and points to a halfling You not them? You bigger than them? You big-folk. He then listens to the man explain the situation. He stands there staring with a blank look on his face for a long while before finally tilting his head to the side Bad big-folk come to hurt? he pauses and blinks again Ok. he slowly bends down, picks up Chompy, and places it in the back of the wagon, pulling out the rest of the rope that constitutes his leash and tying it to the wagon with a quick but firm knot. He pats Chompy on the head No eat rope. he says sternly, pointing an accusing finger at the goat.


[roll0]

[Kul AlDun]

Roland turned to eye Findecano as he stirred awake. He let loose a sigh that was a mixture of relief and exasperation. Roland seemed to have a talent for conveying emotion in such a way that it was never tainted fully by the positive. He grunted in response to Fin's morning salutation and returned his gaze to the rider. The rider was conversing with some of the other caravaners and he pondered at the name of General Mann, a slightly familiar one.

[roll0]

At Fin's suggestion that he might somehow be turned into a gentleman Roland merely spit another stream of red juice from his lips contemptuously into the dirt. "Had ye not awoken I would'a sold it all, even yer maggoty bones, ye still owe me a dear price."

He followed Fin out of the wagon his cloak billowing in the wind as he stepped out onto the road. He cold eyes spread back and forth causing a few halflings to fall back and give him a wide birth. Apparently they had learned to stay away from the Duskblade after a few had been kicked out from underfoot. "Harriers I wot, this road be lousy with 'em with war come. Come to bleed these sheep, and yon picketman thinks to rally 'em. I say we quit these halfers, ride on to Wir-Stan. I'd not bleed for the sake of such. No profit I says." Roland hoped Findecano would no be brash enough to think of defending the caravan. If Fin decided to stand and fight Roland would have no choice but to stand with him.

[changed4life]

Guldan walks closer to gird and asks: "hey Gird! Do you mind if I pet your goat?? guldan also spins a dart in his hands while waiting for the response and for what others are going to do

[Trasilor]

Rose turns towards her friend, who looks worried at the mention of soldiers. "Don't worrie Fiola, I won't let anything happen to you. Pooka and I will check this out - perhaps we can aid others."

Hopping off the cart she quickly checks her gear and pulls her crossbow from her pack mule. "Better safe than sorry" she mutters to herself.

"Pooka, heel!" she commands to the large dog. The large black and brown dog quickly leaps from the cart rocking it from the sudden shift of his weight. If it wasn't noticed before, the dog's immense size becomes obvious as it's head easily reaches Rose's shoulder.

She looks around at the other travelers, curious to see who will hide, who will run and who will fight.


Handle Animal Check DC 8: [roll0]
Knowledge Nobility: [roll1]
Knowledge History: [roll2]

[The Bandicoot]

Gird grins widely Yes his face turns serious Careful, Chompy bites.

[Ophidian]

Firyr froze at the rider's words. His worst fears had been confirmed, he'd escaped one war with his life, through luck and more then a little cunning. Now another one had set him in it's sights. His mind choose this moment to betray him utterly, twisting the proverbial dagger in his back a bit by summoning up one of the memories from that time he'd failed to shove completely into the depths of his mind. Before Ur Kal, before the caravan, before Veit and his 'justice', before Marie and her own zealous brand of purity. A time he'd give anything to forget.

The forest around the village was on fire. Flames licked into the air with wild abandon, trees that had stood proud and defiant against the march of time and entropy fell with nary a fight to the fires. Perhaps it was just his mind playing tricks on him, but he could have sworn he saw laughing, jeering faces in the flames as another of the ancient trees feel, bark scorched and scarred by the ever-ravenous fires. He could feel the embers hitting his body, his face, but he couldn't find the will to care. The flames were standing in the way of what he desperately wanted to see. The battle. If they could force the enemy back then maybe they'd have time to get away. To hide. The war was over in all but name, the proud armies of Tremise had been battered and broken. This was just....an indulgence on the part of the enemy. Yes. That was it.

Surely if father and the rest of the guard could put up stiff enough resistance, the enemy would quit the field and find easier prey. He could recall the councils talk of resistance to the last breath, and a treacherous part of him whispered that the enemy would make an example of the village. He shrugged off the logic. He couldn't afford to believe that. If he did it was all over. Somehow he knew that in his bones, that it was very important not to believe that. To deny it. He had to believe in father and the guard, not that. Squinting through the flames, peering through the smoke, he could make out shapes on the road leading to the village. At last he began to make out the gleam of Mithril breastplates, the shine of long thinblades and a black banner with a rising moon upon it waving in the wind.

The battle. Or what was left of it. It was clear that the guard had been completely routed. The Mithril breastplatea adorned broken bodies, the thinblades had been tossed to the ground by fleeing guardsmen or were wielded by the brave few that had remained behind to die. The banner was torn and burning. It was already over. Silently, he begged the dead guardsmen to rise and fight again. To keep fighting. However impossible it was. It was all he had left. Everything else was turning to ashes.

They did not stir.

Firyr shook his head, trying to force the memories away by sheer force of will. The rider had mentioned a General Mann, his commander. Perhaps the man would be able to prevent disaster. Perhaps. Firyr looked over the caravan, at the children, at the infirm...and he sighed. "I'll do what I can to help them." Firyr wasn't going to let the past repeat itself today. Not while he still had spells at least. He hefted his quarterstaff and took off his backpack. He'd only take the essentials. His spellbook, his components and the like. He pocketed one of his potions out of caution. One could never be too careful when it came to battle.

Without another word, Firyr dropped off the court, and made to follow the rider, though he stopped suddenly and turned around. "Cora...if I don't make it back...could you write to master? Tell him what became of me?" He didn't know if the Tibbit was coming, but if she wasn't, he'd like Ur Kal to at least know his fate.

As he strode forwards, he searched his memories. General Mann....who was that? He felt as if he should know the name.


Rolling Knowledge (history) for General Mann.

[roll0]

[A'den]

: Take 10 for a 14 if an 11 from OOC wasn't enough.

Findecáno looked over his shoulder as the young human girl jumped down too, then he remembered her snicker. Oh that's right humans are bashful about a naked body. He shrugged and regarded Roland. In a lower voice he spoke to the mercenary.

"Chin up. I do not plan on bleeding for anyone but two men alone are much more likely to be run down by cavaliers. Harriers will be looking for an easy fight, we pounce on them fast with you, me, a few of the pickets and maybe that minotaur over there, wow that really is a minotaur, they'll break ranks when they go for the civilians we can pick them off in small groups quickly before they realize something is awry. Plus we need horses."

Findecáno eased his sword in its scabbard and spoke louder.

"Yup we're fighting."

[changed4life]

Guldan looks around at his location and has waves of memories overtake him... Some good, more bad. He looks at the area and tries to remember information regarding the soldiers, Locations and other things

[roll0]

He then pats the goat on the head kinda roughly and jumps back when the goat just slightly moves his head, obviously scared of the words "bite"

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora rolls her eyes as Gird volunteers and Firyr follows suit. "Well I suppose we can't be letting the old and infirm come to harm now can we?" With that she tugs out her pack, digging inside to pull out a short length of black wood, carved with arcane symbols, which she slips behind her belt. Digging deeper, she pulls out a scrap of folded parchment, slipping it into a pocket for easy access. Then she slings her pack over her shoulder and hops down out of the wagon.

She walks over to Firyr where he stands near the rider, kicking him gently in the shin. "Pfft... What you think the old coot wouldn't know if we all dropped off the face of the earth at the same time?" She points over a shoulder with her thumb towards Gird, "Do you really think I'd let you and this big galoof go off and get yourselves killed without me? Where's the fun in that?" She giggles lightly, "Besides, he'd probably bring us back himself, if only to stop Granny from beating him half to death with that old thornwood cane she hobbles all over with." She rubs the back of her head with a hand, speaking in an aside to no one in particular "That thing hurts..."

"Oy! Which direction are they?" She calls up to the rider, mentally directing the dove to hold position, intending to send it in the direction he indicates to see what she can find out.

[Valery]

• DC 5: Notable general of Wir-Stand. Goes by the title of “The Wall”
• DC 10: Famous for keeping the fortress of Hochburg standing against an Elven Siege in the First War on Paradise.


DC 5: The main population of Wir-Stand consists of Dwarves and Humans. It is known for its stress on strength in community and as a result, adopted a council format to their governing body. There are three sections to Wir-Stand, a high, middle, and low. The people of this land are normally hardy and friendly. They have many laws that maintain the peace and coexistence between the Dwarves and the humans.

DC 10: The three sections of this land have their own capitals: Untterstadt, Recht-Stadt, and Hochstadt. From the three sections of Wir-Stand there are three representatives. 3 humans from the lower section, 3 of any race from the middle section, and 3 dwarves from the high section. Together, these representatives make up the Northern Council.

DC 15: (You got enough for basic Military Knowledge!)
- Flatland Riders: Specialized cavalry units that patrol the lower plains of Wirland. They are the first line of defense against threats to the south.
- Rangers: They are the scouts and protectors of the hills and forests of both the lower and middle regions. They are generally in charge of making sure that people are safe along the wilderness paths.
- Cold Guard: The Dwarven elites, they are the last line of defense for the military and citizens of Wirland. They are stationed up in the mountain strongholds, as well as the strongholds that exist along the former border between Tremise and Wir-Stand.
- The Locked Fleet: They control the rivers of Wir-Stand and will normally provide protection and transport through the region while not at war. The fleet consists of a series of long and short ships that are used to navigate the rivers and streams of the region.


• DC 5: Notable general of Wir-Stand. Goes by the title of “The Wall”
• DC 10: Famous for keeping the fortress of Hochburg standing against an Elven Siege in the First War on Paradise.
• DC 15: His command post is at Wachturm, where the first war officially began.
• Lost the first major battle of the First War on Paradise, at Wachtrum when the elves invaded Wir-Stand and destroyed the entire city. While not an official "hero" of the first war, because he did not kill any Foul Highs, General Mann is an influential military figure, one of the smartest that Wir-Stand has produced. Famously quoted as being "The only poor general in all the land", it is a known fact that he keep very little for himself and gives away much of what he receives.

[Eloel]

"As far as I am concerned, you're just another warmonger. You attack their villages, they attack yours. You raid them, they raid you. I will come along, but it's for the sake of the innocent in the village who may need my care - not for your sake when you are so eager to fight." - Issdal loudly explains after the rider, who is probably too far to hear half the words.

"And you," as she points around. " should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you really think fighting is going to help anyone? What do you fight for? Money? Revenge? Are those worth risking death over?"

Her voice is stern, but motherly. She may only be 37, but her voice has wisdom beyond her age, and she is clearly scolding them for being trigger-happy.

[Ophidian]

Firyr scowled at the healer. The woman clearly knew nothing of how the world worked. When he spoke, there was genuine anger in his voice. "You know nothing of war and nothing of it's price. You preach empty ideals in the face of destruction. Ideals that will do nothing to stop the slaughter of these people. Do you think pretty words will sway an army? That preaching will stay a raiders blade?" These were his people. A caravan much like this one had taken him in. He would never forget his debt to the little folk...and this mad woman would see them die rather then raise a sword in their own defense.

He resisted, if only barely, the urge to raise his voice to a shout.

"If fools like you had your way, Wir Stand's cities would already be burning. Her people would be playthings for the victorious enemy. If you count that rider as a 'warmonger' then I shall be proud to share that title." He'd seen war, far closer then he would have liked. If this fool could not see the difference between defending one's home and attempting to conquer that home then his words would likely be a waste of breath. Made him feel better though.

So there was that. Even as he finished speaking, Firyr's mind was turing to other matters. If General Mann was nearby, there was still hope. He recalled the general now. A fine man, a clever one...but it was clear he needed help. Hopefully it would be enough.

[changed4life]

"Honestly, Im with him.(pointing to Firyr)He was not asking us to partake in war, but simply to aid in holding a raiding party back. If I understood him correctly. So, if I have to put a hole in a few people that threaten the lives of innocents, I will be willing to be known as a "Warmonger"

[Eloel]

"You are misguided. Blinded by patriotism. I admit I do not absolutely know what passes their leader's mind, but even those people you call raiders cannot have the sole purpose of burning innocent villages down. They do not come here out of their malice, they come of their greed. And when their greed clashes with the greed of people - people like you, that's when the war begins. One ruler or another, the villagers would not care, they would not be affected. Your so-called righteous war-leaders? This Mann person? They are the ones that force the war. It's only them that force the 'enemy' to burn villages down, and that's only because those villages are used to fuel their war."
She moves closer to Friyr, trying to comfort him.

"I know you have been through a lot, so has all of us. But more fighting is not going to rewind those sufferings, it will only create more suffering. We can still help defend, but it does not have to be by force. We can fortify, we can prevent attacks, we can try to convince the army that the villagers are not going to join the war effort if they're left alone."

"And if everything else fails, only then should you ever consider shedding blood.", as her voice gets softer and softer. She does not cry, but she comes very close.

You're in the aura, DC13 Will, please.
Also, diplomacy to see if this convinced any NPCs to speak up and help with her cause?

[Ophidian]

Firyr went still, stunned by how utterly naive the woman was. "You utter fool. You complete and utter fool. You really don't understand at all do you? Attacks do not stop because people do not fight. It merely makes them targets. Or do you think whatever fortifications we can throw up will hold against a determined force fresh from a victory?" He shook his head, the dazed feeling retreating before a fresh resurgence of righteous outrage. "No. You don't get to answer that question. They wouldn't. I'll tell you what would happen." He stepped closer to the woman, eyes boring into her.

"They would burn the fortifications, set the wagons alight. Kill anyone we sent to talk with them to demoralize the defenders. When the fires spread we'd be forced to retreat. To run. Then they would run us down. One by one. They'll probably take some of us for entertainment, but most refugees are of no use as prisoners. So they'd kill us and loot the bodies. Maybe one or two will be fast enough to get away." He paused. "Actually, they'd let one or two get away. To spread panic. To demoralize the country. If you think me greedy for wishing to prevent this, for wishing to stop this....then I suggest you go to the enemy lines and see if they need a healer. Because we'll have precious little use for you."

[Eloel]

"And what do you think they would be trying to achieve by slaugtering innocents and burning their village down? They're not mindless undead, or constructs. They're not spawns of hell fighting celestials for sport. They're humanoids, like you or me. Mindlessly fighting them does not make you better than they are, if anything, it makes you worse."

"You are welcome to fight. I will take no part in any sword you swing, any spell you cast. Pray Yondalla that your soul may be saved, but you seem too far beyond that."

She leaves Firyr to his own, and moves closer to the rest of the group and listens to them.

It's either Yondalla, Pelor, or some god equally benevolent (and halflingy, if possible). We don't have a definitive answer on the deities yet, unfortunately

[Kul AlDun]

Roland muttered a curse as Findecano volunteered them for the fight. Fin had a solid reason to stand but Roland didn't like it any more. He cast his gaze about and all he saw were sheep to be slaughtered. With another muttered oath he produced a pair of worn finger less leather gloves and donned them. If he was to swing steel best to have a good grip. "Ye best keep yer arse in one piece ye blighted dint. I aint'a patchin you up again gennit?"

As he watched the rider move one a sudden remembrance came upon him. He had heard of General Mann before. Roland turned towards Fin, "That rider, said he come from General Mann. Ol'Mann is a trig one sure'nuff. Held Hochburg against the pissies in the first war. Do that one a good turn perhaps there be profit after all eh?" As he spoke he tightened his sword belt and drew his hood back. long golden locks falling to his shoulders. An old sergeant had once told him back in the war such pretty hair made him look like a camp boy. Might have been true, but nobody said such again after he cut the man's tongue out. He drew his hair up and tied it off into a top knot revealing the sides of his head were shaven and tattooed with ravens.

He was about to say more when he heard some lady ranting after the rider about warmongers and such. He listened half way before becoming bored. "That's the first sheep to go I wot."


I've decided to include a handy guide to Roland's unique vocabulary in my posts in an OOC spoiler. This is as much for anyone's enjoyment as it is for me to keep track of new slang words I come up with for him to use. Roland was born a peasant and therefore his language is low and full of slang. If you have any interesting slang words you think he ought to use lemme know and I'll try to incorporate them. I'm trying to think of a good one for Orcs right now.

Gormless: Stupid, Foolish
Blighted: Ugly, Disgusting, Generally Unattractive
Dint: A derogatory word for the female gender. (Roland considers Elves to be effete and unmanly therefore he often calls them dints.)
Gennit: Understand and/or Comply
Pissies: A derogatory word for Elves.
Trig: Clever, Skillful, Conniving, Tricky Depending on inflection and intent.
Halfers: Derogatory Term For Halflings
Wot: To Bet or Swear To

Example Combinations:
Blighted Dint / Ugly Girl
Trig Pissy / Conniving Elf
Gormless Halfer / Stupid Halfling

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora stands silent as the halfling woman confronts Firyr with her somewhat naive ideals. She rolls her eyes as the woman walks away, "Honestly, one must wonder how we are supposed to stop the first man greedy enough to attack us from taking over the entire world, at least if everyone believed as she does." She makes a rueful face, "If only we could all live that way..."

Then, putting on a somewhat forced smile, she reaches up to tug on Firyr's sleeve. "Leave her to her dreams of a brighter future." She chuckles, "We're on our way to a possibly horrible death, put a smile on that face! Someone's got to make it so people like that can live in their beautiful fantasy world." She winks up at her friend, trying to pull him out of his slump.

[Ophidian]

Firyr grinned at Cora's efforts. "I suppose. Why not face death a smile? If they do manage to kill us, they'll have to contend with the master. I could die with a smile on my face, knowing that." Firyr glanced around at the caravan. "Hopefully, with our magic, we can make a difference and....Ah. Yes." He regarded the man who'd taken his side against the healer. "Name's Firyr. A pleasure to meet you....?"

[changed4life]

"Guldan" The Tiefling replies and holds out a hand to shake. "I don't run towards fights if I don't have to, but I would rather save many people, while risking my own life, than sit idly by while people are in peril!"

[Ophidian]

Firyr nodded. "I quite agree. Many here cannot defend themselves...I don't believe I could look myself in the eye if I left them to their fate. The Halflings have always done right by me. I intend to do the same by them."

[A'den]

"General Mann, eh? Hochburg was a stain on Tremise's honor at court. A great number of my brethren assumed they could take his head easily and a great number of fools died." Findecáno spoke plainly it was easy to carry on a quiet conversation under the din of the fools leaping into a philosophical debate.

"We could always throw the halfling into the biggest mass of soldiers and watch her shush them. Your hair looks pretty." Fin danced a step away from an anticipated cuff from Roland and stepped toward the group.

"Alright, alright, I'm quite sure the Halfling does not mean for all of us to fall on our own swords. You there Wir-Stander are you ready to sortie?"

[roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr fell silent as the armored elf approached the group. Here he'd thought that war would make it difficult for a man to appear handsome. Blood, violence and long marches had a way of doing that, he'd figured. Evidently the universe had taken offense to this logic and produced the perfect counterpoint. He would have offered greetings, but the other elf was addressing someone else. Considering the dire nature of the situation and the fact the armored man carried himself like a soldier, he thought it wise not to speak up.

He had no idea what his standing in the army would be for this battle, or even if he would have one, but speaking when someone might be handing out vital information or orders probably didn't mesh well with military protocol. He'd rather not have to write to Ur Kal and explain that he was being fined for conduct unbecoming or somesuch. That would be humiliating.

And the old man would never let him live it down.

[Kul AlDun]

Fin was wise to dance away. There were few words that could get underneath Roland's skin, but pretty was one of them. Before he could deliver a cuff the Elf had pranced away and engaged the others. Roland added this slight to a growing list that he intended to collect on when his contract with Findecano was finished. He followed after Fin, eyeing the volunteers like a man appraises meat in a market. It was a rag tag group of gormless misfits. Not a one worth taking into...was that a God's be Dasted Minotaur!? Roland gaped at the creature disbelievingly before snorting like a man does after hearing a bad joke. He again looked around his eye's falling on the trio who had been debating over peace and what not. It never ceased to amaze him that in the end it was worms like them that fed the war beast, while his kind reaped in the wake of it's passing. He hooked his thumbs in his sword belt, a wicked half smile creeping on his face. As the prospect of battle drew closer he couldn't help but feel a little excited. Blood letting was his trade after all, and he was gifted in his trade.

I've decided to include a handy guide to Roland's unique vocabulary in my posts in an OOC spoiler. This is as much for anyone's enjoyment as it is for me to keep track of new slang words I come up with for him to use. Roland was born a peasant and therefore his language is low and full of slang. If you have any interesting slang words you think he ought to use lemme know and I'll try to incorporate them. I'm trying to think of a good one for Orcs right now.

Gormless: Stupid, Foolish
Blighted: Ugly, Disgusting, Generally Unattractive
Dint: A derogatory word for the female gender. (Roland considers Elves to be effete and unmanly therefore he often calls them dints.)
Gennit: Understand and/or Comply
Pissies: A derogatory word for Elves.
Trig: Clever, Skillful, Conniving, Tricky Depending on inflection and intent.
Halfers: Derogatory Term For Halflings
Wot: To Bet or Swear To
Dast: To Curse, or Damn

Example Combinations:
Blighted Dint / Ugly Girl
Trig Pissy / Conniving Elf
Gormless Halfer / Stupid Halfling

[The Bandicoot]

Gird listens to the halfling preach and everyone argue and then he looks at the preaching halfling with a mixture of confusion and disgust. You dumb dumb. he says plainly. He pats his chest Not fight for land, not fight for war, not fight for other big words. he walks up so he stands right next to the halfling Know what I fight for? he asks calmly. Gird lightly pats the halfling on the head and extends his pointer finger. Then he points to the next closest halfling, then the next, then the next, and then he makes a broad sweeping motion. I fight for family. Big-folk say big-folk want to hurt family. I not let that happen. he crouches down and reaches to hug the halfling lightly, patting her on the back and speaking quietly Pray, pray to Yondalla. I pray too, but I to Arvoreen.

Letting the halfling go Gird stands up to his full height You watch Chompy. kay? Make sure he not eat rope.

[Trasilor]

Rose quietly ignored the two arguing over the nature of 'Man'. Instead she hastily approached the now dressed elf.

Extending her hand, she addressed the elven cleric, "An ngell nîn govano na vedui. Nányë Rose. Pooka suilon ná manalosto a tye-rehtien. Man esselya ná?" (Pleasure to meet you at last. My name is Rose. Pooka found you near death and I healed you. What is your name?)

[Eloel]

A dim smile can be seen on Issdal's face as Gird hugs her. "Family." she whispers, letting a single tear drop down. "That's a good reason, big guy. You are a good boy, and if you follow your heart, you will become a good man. Chompy is safe with me, don't trouble yourself.", her volume gets back to normal as she pets Chompy.

[A'den]

Findecáno smiled openly, pearly white under eyes of a soft golden yellow, to be greeted so politely he warmly took her hand and shook it, "Saesa omentien lle Rose, vanimle sila tirie. (Pleasure meeting you Rose, your beauty shines brightly.)"

He paused and spoke again in the common parlance, "I am quite thankful to you and Pooka for the gift of my life. I am Findecáno Oronrá, Findecáno if it pleases you Misstress Rose."

He held out his free hand palm down for Pooka to sniff. "I hope you'll give me the chance to repay my debt."

[Valery]

From the front of the convoy, comes the rider once more, "Told you I be back."
Coming up slowly behind him is a man wearing a tattered white cloak, his hood drawn over him covering his face from the rest of the world. All that are visible are his tattooed arms and legs. A deep commanding voice comes from the hooded figure, "Good afternoon everyone. I'm sorry for the delay. I'll get everyone I can across the border as quickly as possible, soon."
"This one has our backs for sure," the rider says, excitedly drawing his sword, "Now all we have to do is wait for my unit to show up and we'll be set to fight them off."
As this, Cora's bird can see horseman with red banners coming across the rolling hills behind them and alerts everyone to the coming force(I assume your bird is still an active effect). Out of the soldiers she can see there are no soldiers like the Wir-Stand rider in the mix. An ominous horn blares as they approach.
"Oh gods," the rider says, "I don't see anyone left." His grip tightens on his reins, teeth grit, and blood rushes to his face. "Oren's troops are as despicable as ever."
"They are effective, yes." The hooded figure seem calm and confident despite the news. "Of course," he begins again, "Oren's troops will surround us before they engage. There will be no time to cut them off before we are surrounded. Once we accept that there is nowhere to run, they'll expect us to give in to their demands. However, since we are decent folk, such tactics will not suffice. Therefore, all those not fighting need to get in the wagons, canopied or not, they are safer than being out in the open. I will try to convince them otherwise, but be ready should they assault us. Who have I to count on as those protecting the innocent?"

[The Bandicoot]

Gird steps away from the wagon and grimly raises his hand I fight. he says simply, retrieving his spear and holding it tightly.

[changed4life]

Guldan pulls out a second dart and starts spinning that one around in his hand saying: "I'm pretty good at throwing these things. I assume that will help out as well!"

[Ophidian]

Firyr stepped forward, one hand on his staff the other brushing lightly against his component pouch. "Gurth a chyth vín (death to our foes). You have my magics, for what they are worth."

[Eloel]

"I am coming with you. I am sure they will listen to reason that a halfling caravan is not a threat to them - we are just seeking for a place to live. If they are as unreasonable as everyone here seems to think they are, I want to see that with my own eyes. Give them a chance to reconsider their actions before blood is shed."

Issdal's voice was unbending - she was not asking, she was stating. She moves near the hooded figure, following him around to wherever he'd lead her.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird blinks at Issdal and rolls his eyes. Then he points at another Halfling You watch Chompy then.

[Eloel]

Issdal turns to Gird;
"Chompy needs to go inside with the others, it's not safe for him outside."

[Valery]

Gird steps away from the wagon and grimly raises his hand I fight. he says simply, retrieving his spear and holding it tightly.


Guldan pulls out a second dart and starts spinning that one around in his hand saying: "I'm pretty good at throwing these things. I assume that will help out as well!"


Firyr stepped forward, one hand on his staff the other brushing lightly against his component pouch. "Gurth a chyth vín (death to our foes). You have my magics, for what they are worth."

"Wonderful," he says, walking over to the Minotaur, "Its been a long time since I saw one of your kind. Lets see, where did I see them? I can't quite recall." He pats Gird's shoulder and then turns to Firyr saying, "My friend, be very careful when the fight comes. Elves on the battlefield get special priority over other combatants, given Oren and Tremise's history." He then looks at Guldan, "You're a fan of hoods as well...daggers...darts...are you a brigand?"


"I am coming with you. I am sure they will listen to reason that a halfling caravan is not a threat to them - we are just seeking for a place to live. If they are as unreasonable as everyone here seems to think they are, I want to see that with my own eyes. Give them a chance to reconsider their actions before blood is shed."

Issdal's voice was unbending - she was not asking, she was stating. She moves near the hooded figure, following him around to wherever he'd lead her.

"My dear, if only the whole world believed as you do. You may certainly accompany me when I go to confront their leader. However, if they will not listen to me, then they will listen to no being on this continent."

[changed4life]

"You're a fan of hoods as well...daggers...darts...are you a brigand?"


I am not... Replied Guldan I just prefer that people not know who I am. Especially around here.

[Valery]

I am not... Replied Guldan I just prefer that people not know who I am. Especially around here.

"Ah, yes. I understand the feeling. However, at some point our hoods will have to come off. Mine sooner than your's I suppose. In fact, its time for this face to see the light, no point in waiting for the enemy to get here to initiate my unmasking." He slowly removes the hood from his head. Underneath the hood in a human, who's shining bald head reflects brilliantly against the rays of the sun. His rough skin has been kissed lightly with a tan. With the tired eyes, he begins to force a smile underneath his elegant beard. "See, he says, "not so bad to be in the open."
The rider looks completely unnerved by the unhooded man.
"Procter!!!" he shouts as he drops his sword.

(Knowledge Nobility or History to know who Procter is)

[Ophidian]

Firyr nodded. "Le hannon meldir (thank you friend). The warning shan't go unheeded." The reply was quick, nearly instinctive. Hearing his native tongue spoken seemed to have reactivated some old habits. Firyr started a bit when the rider shouted.

Procter....? Firyr began to search through his memories, seeking to attach a history to the name.

[Trasilor]

Rose gave Pooka an affirming nod as he sniffed Findecano's hand. "Seems this pooch like you, my friend." Rose said with a genuine smile.

She turned once as the rider approached again. As he spoke, she instinctively turned her head towards the direction of the troops, hoping to see what he sees.

Listening to the caravan master describe the situation, she became slightly confused by his tactics. Leaning towards Findecano she wispered "Does he mean for us to circle the wagons?"

Upon hearing the halfing insist talking to the enemies directly, she mentally winced. Letting out a slow breath she once again whispered to Findecano, "While I do hope she successfully negotiates an end to hostilities, I seriously doubt it. Hopefully she gets out of the way before fighting begins. Her presence makes those around her act like the hop-heads who frequent the opium dens - not the most ideal fighting force"

Beckoning Pooka to follow, she walked towards hooded caravan master. As he revealed himself she realized she recognized this man - or at least his name. She wracked her brain trying to recall where and when she heard the name Procter.

Walking up to the caravan master, Rose extends her hand, "Hello sir, Rose Silverhand, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. The people within your caravan have been most welcoming to me and my friend Fiola, and I just want to thank you. Know that if the halfling is unable to dissuade those that would attack us, I will help as best I can."

[Eloel]

Purposefully ignoring Rose's comment about her getting out of the way - which she does not intend to do if she can help it, Issdal turns at the man and looks at him straight in the eyes.

"Issdal, and pleased to make you an acquaintance.", she smiles at the man, trying to understand what is so special about him. She also extends a hand, "But I did not catch your name, if you would be so polite?"


Sense Motive on the bald guy to figure out what he might be
[roll0]

Sense Motive on the rider to figure out if he's afraid or reverent or whatever else.
[roll1]

[A'den]

"He means the Oren horsemen mean to circle us. That woman will get run down before she can speak, its hard to hear anyone's words over the clatter of a galloping horse and a man in armor on top of it. There are not enough of us to to circle the wagons and each of us fighting alone against a few horsemen each is a good way to die, stay close to a polearm man then stab the rider who gets unseated."

Findecáno went to his wagon and retrieved his final possession a long spear taller than himself tipped in a foot of steal. He returned the sword to his scabbard and walked back using the shaft as a walking staff. He propped it against his shoulder as the hooded man pulled back his hood back revealing a bald head.

Procter... the answer was on the tip of his tongue, where had he heard that term before?

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora raises her small voice above those in the crowd, "We've got riders coming in!" She points in the direction she can see them through the Bird's eyes, though most of th caravan can't see them until a few moments later.

Yeah, the bird is an active effect. Its got no range limit so far as I can tell, and it lasts until I dsmiss the effect. It moves as I direct and I can see through its eyes/hear through its ears using its skill bonuses at will, but it makes me not able to see anything around my actual character. Its the first power granted by Malphas in case you'd like to look up the other things currently at my disposal. :smallsmile:

Cora elbows Firyr gently just above the knee at the bald human's words, Procter is his name I assume? That or some kind of title. No matter. She has little patience for the positions of humans in the world, unless they're in a position that can benefit herself and those she counts among her family. "Oh don't you worry, I'll keep him out of trouble, and I know Gird wouldn't let anything happen to us."

With that she tugs the scrap of parchment from her pocket, unfolding it and reading the words on the page in a low mumble. There is a quiet *pop* noise as the spell takes effect, surrounding her in field that should prove effective in blocking the blows of most attackers.

Using one of Cora's scrolls of Mage Armor. Its at CL 1, so it will last for 1 hour. Bumps her AC to 18.

Tossing the now worthless scrap of paper aside, she takes the wand from behind her belt, holding it in her right hand and giving it a couple experimental flicks. Then with a large smile on her face she looks around at the assembled volunteers, "Well then, shall we all go try not to die horribly?"

[Valery]

DC 5: Procter is the most famous of the heroes from the First War. It is common knowledge that he single handedly defeated two Foul Highs at the same time using only his bare hands. They were defeated just after their major victory at the Hill of Woe.

DC 10: Being the strongest and wisest warrior among the people of Oren, Procter was in line to become king at the behest of the tribes when the reigning king died. However, this opportunity was ruined for him when he openly spoke out against the treatment of the elves in their occupied territory. It was known that he was shut out from Oren politics, but still used as a figurehead of Oren’s strength as a nation.

DC 15: Originally known for his great hatred of the elves. His fighting prowess never seemed to be above the level of Foul Highs until he entered the battlefield against two of them on his own. Procter was a general in the army and his men had been surrounded, just like those at the Hill of Woe, however Procter personally challenged the Foul Highs the a duel, they accepted and he obliterated them. There were, however, terms of the duel. If the Foul Highs killed Procter, their army would destroy his, but if Procter defeated them, then the elven army would leave. When Procter won easily, he broke the truce and began to carve up the elves personally. Their army fled from him, but the force was mowed down, by the rest of the army.


DC 5: Procter is the most famous of the heroes from the First War. It is common knowledge that he single handedly defeated two Foul Highs at the same time using only his bare hands. They were defeated just after their major victory at the Hill of Woe.

DC 10: Being the strongest and wisest warrior among the people of Oren, Procter was in line to become king at the behest of the tribes when the reigning king died. However, this opportunity was ruined for him when he openly spoke out against the treatment of the elves in their occupied territory. It was known that he was shut out from Oren politics, but still used as a figurehead of Oren’s strength as a nation.

DC 15: Originally known for his great hatred of the elves. His fighting prowess never seemed to be above the level of Foul Highs until he entered the battlefield against two of them on his own. Procter was a general in the army and his men had been surrounded, just like those at the Hill of Woe, however Procter personally challenged the Foul Highs the a duel, they accepted and he obliterated them. There were, however, terms of the duel. If the Foul Highs killed Procter, their army would destroy his, but if Procter defeated them, then the elven army would leave. When Procter won easily, he broke the truce and began to carve up the elves personally. Their army fled from him, but the force was mowed down, by the rest of the army.

DC 20: At the end of the war. Procter was paraded around with the rest of the heroes through the grand streets of Exhalt, the capital of Tremise, as the celebrated hero of Oren. However, right after the parade Proctor resigned his post and work against the king and the tribes of Oren at every turn.



Rose gave Pooka an affirming nod as he sniffed Findecano's hand. "Seems this pooch like you, my friend." Rose said with a genuine smile.

She turned once as the rider approached again. As he spoke, she instinctively turned her head towards the direction of the troops, hoping to see what he sees.

Listening to the caravan master describe the situation, she became slightly confused by his tactics. Leaning towards Findecano she wispered "Does he mean for us to circle the wagons?"

Upon hearing the halfing insist talking to the enemies directly, she mentally winced. Letting out a slow breath she once again whispered to Findecano, "While I do hope she successfully negotiates an end to hostilities, I seriously doubt it. Hopefully she gets out of the way before fighting begins. Her presence makes those around her act like the hop-heads who frequent the opium dens - not the most ideal fighting force"

Beckoning Pooka to follow, she walked towards hooded caravan master. As he revealed himself she realized she recognized this man - or at least his name. She wracked her brain trying to recall where and when she heard the name Procter.

Walking up to the caravan master, Rose extends her hand, "Hello sir, Rose Silverhand, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. The people within your caravan have been most welcoming to me and my friend Fiola, and I just want to thank you. Know that if the halfling is unable to dissuade those that would attack us, I will help as best I can."

"Hello there," he offers out his hand, "As the good rider here said so elegantly, my name is Procter...no last name I'm afraid, but then I really haven't required one. I believe our peaceable friend hear may be able to do some good. However, these are men of my homeland. My people are not easily dissuaded from violence."


Purposefully ignoring Rose's comment about her getting out of the way - which she does not intend to do if she can help it, Issdal turns at the man and looks at him straight in the eyes.

"Issdal, and pleased to make you an acquaintance.", she smiles at the man, trying to understand what is so special about him. She also extends a hand, "But I did not catch your name, if you would be so polite?"


Sense Motive on the bald guy to figure out what he might be
[roll0]

Sense Motive on the rider to figure out if he's afraid or reverent or whatever else.
[roll1]


He shakes Issadel's hand and says, "Procter is my name. Now, I must say, when you go out to meet their captain with me, he or she may be liable to do us harm regardless of our peaceful intention. In the case that this occurs, it is incredibly likely that you'll be attacked. Halflings, after all, are not well regarded in Oren. I will defend you should our encounter tarry into unpleasant places."

First Check: You feel that he is someone of great stature, wise, and weary of others, not of you specifically, but he seems burdened and unwilling to relax despite his friendly demeanor.

Second Check: He's both. The rider is fairly awe-struck.

Everyone can hear the pounding of horses' hooves upon the ground, getting closer. The people of the caravan sound restless. They hurry to hide and grab one another for comfort.

The Rider scrambles to pick his sword up off the ground. "They're here."
Soldiers from Oren are coming from all sides. The caravan is most certainly surrounded.

[Eloel]

"Thank you, let's hope that will not be necessary."

Issdal lets Procter lead the way to the negotiations.

[Ophidian]

Ah. Procter. The butcher, the dealbreaker....

Yes. Firyr remembered Procter. He'd had a cousin at that battle. Had. Such matters were best settled when the bloodthirsty mongrels of Oren were *not* about to sweep through the caravan and slaughter them all like so many pigs however. He doubted Procter could dissaude them and he rather expected the Healer's attitude would make them more likely to kill everyone here. Out of a sense of duty to reason and sanity if nothing else. It would come to a battle.

"Yallumë. (at last)" Firyr muttered. A chance to a get little bit of his own back from Oren. It wouldn't quite suffice as a pound of metaphorical flesh, but it was a start. Firyr pulled a piece of cured leather out of his component pouch and began to chant in low tones, casting a spell of mage armor.

A few moments later, it was finished. He could feel the invisible energies of magic begin to fold around him.

Used Firyr's prepared mage armor spell. +4 AC. Should total...17 AC for the broody elf, for a total of three hours.

[A'den]

Procter... perhaps better known as the Wethrinaeren, Deciever. How could he have forgotten that despised name. Half the royal court had sons, fathers, and brothers lost at Hill of Woe, and killing him would garner favor with those that had lost much. Findecáno remained frozen for a moment only then resumed a quiet smile. He took a slow step back and stood next to Roland.

"I suddenly find myself vastly preferring your company Roland."

At the the sound of the approach of the Oren Soldiers he briefly mutters a few words causing a brief flare of divine power.



Since its before initiative rolls: [Previously Prepared
Cast on Myself
Bull's Strength
Divine Favor
20 Rounds.


He then placed a hand on Roland's shoulder and girded him in divine energy.


"Don't waste it these negioations will probably fail."

Shield of Faith: +2 to AC. 20 Rounds.

[Trasilor]

Rose watched Procter and Issdal walk towards the enemy. Part of her hoped the little halfling could convince the raiders to leave them alone, but she knew better than to rely upon hopes and wishes. "What did mom always say?" she asked looking down at Pooka. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst" she said with a sardonic smile.

"Pooka!" she called, followed by an simple hand gesture, "Defend!". Pooka immediately took a different posture, as he moved into position directly in front of Rose. The hair on his back prickled, he bared his teeth and uttered a low, barely perceptible growl.

Holding her crossbow in one hand, Rose uses her free hand to call forth some magical help. While making a quick chopping motion with her hand, Rose chants "Whoa, oh, oh!" as she begins her bardic music.



Handle Animal: [roll0]

Cast Inspirational Boost - Inspire courage +1.
Bardic Music - Inspire courage: +2d6 fire damage to all attacks
+2 save vs Charm and Fear.

[Valery]

Procter turns to Issadel and gives a small sad smile as they are surrounded. "Its time we go,".

The two begin to walk towards the Oren soldiers. One man on a horse, his armor decorated in gold trim, rides up to meet them. The party easily notices that the enemy has taken up a formation. There are archers and swordsman, but still some of the riders look more specially trained than the rest. They have some sort of trimming to their armor like that of the man who rode up to Procter and Issadel.

http://s22.postimg.org/6tzr63v9t/Battle_Grid.png
C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Unknown special unit
L= Leader
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel
H= Procter(was originally Hooded Man)


The Oren rider in the gold trim states loudly, "I'll be damned. When I came upon this caravan, I didn't think that I'd be greeted by a traitor and a half pint!"
"Please," Procter said to the rider, "turn around."
"That's all you have to say? Turn around?"
"That's all I should need to say. We don't have any quarrel with you."
"You're wrong about that. The whole military, Oren and Ariel alike are looking for you. Never thought you'd be trying to cross the border though. That's my problem with you at present. Secondly, you've got Wir-Stand soldiers in the caravan. We need them....dead. Third, fourth, and fifth, we must insist on everyone's supplies, your elves, and all halflings. Like this one here." He looks down on Issadel in an unseemly sly fashion, sneering between his unnaturally sharp looking teeth. "Those are my terms."

Inside the caravan, civilians continue to cower, many are still outside the wagons for lack of room.

[Eloel]

"Anyone who has joined this convoy did so with the best intentions, and will not be joining the war. We have all suffered enough. We have seen enough, we have lived through enough. We cannot supply you, we barely have enough to get by, what you're asking for means death to us. Surely you do not mean to harm those who do not threaten you? Let us be. Let us live. As you have said, we have people capable of fighting with us, but their only allegiance is to this caravan. We all consider each other family here, and whoever fights only fights for the lives of their family."

Issdal walks forward towards the man leading the negotiations.

"This man, you call him a traitor. I do not know of his origins, and I do not care. We do not hold an allegiance to him, yet he seems to come in peace, and whatever past sins he has committed, he seems to be doing his best to atone for them. You are not barbarians, you fight for a cause. Slaughtering innocents, people who do not fight against you, is that how you intend to win a war? That is not even strategically sound - even if a single man of yours dies, what do you stand to gain for it? Honor? Will honor win your war? Let us go, we live peaceful lives."


DC17 Will vs Calm Emotions on the leader

[Valery]

The Oren leader seems strangely calmer. His words don't carry as much resolve as they used to. "Alright," he says, "I will agree to not take everyone's belongings. It is very likely that most of you will not come back to take up arms against us. However, I do have orders I must follow. They are from the king and though you may not understand them, I still have to take all the elves from here, and all halflings. This would all move smoothly if you came with us peacefully. There are also the Wir-Stand soldiers among you. I cannot simply let them escape and allow our position to be given away. The rest of the riders are dead, because we must protect our location. My country intends to win this war, and what we define as innocent people are not as you define them. There are no innocent elves."

His eyes turn to Proctor. "This man, however, is wanted by the King and Queen of Oren for treason. Word is spreading that he let loose a Foul High from our prison at the start of the conflict. I need him to come with us, calmly, along with elves and halflings."

Spot checks everybody!!!!

[Eloel]

"The elves and halflings stay. The elves with us are innocent, you cannot possible charge them for what their ancestors might have done - they did not partake in any of that. The halflings, we are just nomads trying to survive, we do not or cannot mean any harm.", Issdal's voice is slightly more powerful than it was before, now that she has seen the leader back down. "And you will find no enemies amongst our caravan, only those who has had to defend their homes. They are no spies, and their only purpose is to live."

She faces towards Procter.

"This man, I will let him speak for himself. As much as I would like to see him atone for whatever he might have done, as all men are redeemable, I do not find it upon myself to talk for him, for I cannot represent him."

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora releases a series of hisses and spitting noises as she listens to the "negotiations", actually a stream of extremely foul curses to anyone else who understands Feline. She turns to Firyr, smirking slightly "Well it does look like we're in a little bit of a pickle doesnt it?"

She raises her voice, yelling over the intervening distance to the Oren commander where he converses with the bald man and the somewhat annoying healer. "Hey, sod off! No one here is coming with you!" Then, turning back to Firyr she winks, chuckling "Some people just can't take a hint."

[Ophidian]

IC

Firyr nodded slowly, trying throw off the icey claws of fear that had settled around him. He'd thought for a time, the Healer's first move would have been to turn over whoever the Oren wanted, simply to avoid violence. He was also painfully aware just how unfit for combat he looked, next to some of the others. Gird was practically all muscle and fought with the inborn talent of his race. Then there was the other elf and his companion....they moved with the easy grace and confidence of warriors.

And here he was. With his robes and some spells. Still, he found it him to respond. "I would say we're several miles past hopeless, but yes, this is something of a...pickle." He clucked slightly, the metaphor didn't rest easy on his tongue. He'd never really grasped Halfing metaphors.

[A'den]

"You dare! You dare speak in that tone! I am Findecáno Oronrá and my people will not suffer your insults lightly!"

Findecáno yellow eyes glared at the Oren commander with imperious rage his voice rang out with in a solid commanding tone. The Oren man's words struck a nerve in the Elven noble's normally gentlemanly demeanor. He lifted a free hand away from his spear holding it like a staff and called forth red spellfire. Heedless of the risk he threw the flames at the enemy leader. A ball of fire arced from his hand as he made a throwing motion across the gap between the party and where the Oren leader stood with the Procter and the halfling.


My Will Save was 23 earlier so I'm still good even with the new DC.
Produce Flame
Thrown Range Increment 120'
Attack: [roll0]
On Hit: Fire Damage [roll1]
Fire Can be Thrown 3 times.

[Kul AlDun]

Roland had taken a defensive position next to Fin and grinned as the elf let loose a fire spell. As much as he hated to admit, there were times when Fin wasn't so bad for an elf. "Always the one to make new friends. Alright then, let the blood come!" Looks like he was going to have to keep the dast elf alive yet again. Roland drew his bastard sword throwing his cloak back at the same time and took a defensive stance, his eyes searching the battlefield to guage the threat.

[roll0]

[The Bandicoot]

Gird shifts his weight and when he sees the fire arc through the air he ***** his spear arm back, getting ready to throw at the first enemy that moves for the caravan.




Readying action to throw the spear at the first enemy that makes a move.

[Eloel]

Issdal sighs audibly.
"I'm not going to bother telling you to excuse the insolence of the elf, as it does sound pretty implausible. It would really be honorable of you if you did not harm anyone not actively attacking you, for you should not let one person's actions define the whole caravan's."

She does not move out of the way.

Total Defense action in surprise round

[changed4life]

Guldan, noticing the spear fly over head, ducks behind the wagon, telling the civilian to come with him, and gets prepared to strike at an enemy that comes close

readied action to attack any enemy that comes within 20 feet (straight line sight) of guldan

[Kul AlDun]

Emboldened by the added strength of Findecano's spell Roland took a deep breath summoning his own arcane power. He wasn't about to let the dast elf have all the fun alone. His left hand suddenly blazed with fire as he cast Kelgore's Firbolt at the same rider Fin had attacked. Perhaps together they could crush the enemy leader and demoralize the enemy.

Ye know fin, sometimes, just sometimes, yer pretty trig for an elf

[roll0] for attack and the spell damage for kelgores fire bolt if hit [roll1]

[Valery]

Before Fin passionately assaulted the the leader of the Oren force, everyone began to notice the disgruntled soldiers stirring, clearly weary about their captain's demeanor(Was the spot check. They looked suspicious of what was happening.). However, due to the brash action of Fin, the whole force was surprised when the elf struck out at the captain. Fin's fire attack flew right in between Procter and Issadel, and into the chest of the Oren Captain. He lurchs back on his horse, clearly burned from the attack(8 damage).

Procter looks down at Issadel and shouts, "Run!" Procter continues to stand next to the Captain as if to shield Issadel.

SURPRISE ROUND FOR YA'LL!!!!!!

http://s8.postimg.org/z4cz5onph/Battle_Grid.png
C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Unknown special unit
L= Leader
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel
H= Procter

After surprise round.

"What the hell just happened?" the Oren Captain yelled, "You damned elf! You and all your kind will never threaten this world every again! Everyone ready the charge. Consider everyone combatants!"

For same number rolls, the higher Dex gets to go first.

Issadel (21)
Roland (21)
Swordman(E) (21)
Swordman(E) (18)
Swordman(E) (18)
Swordman(E) (17)
Cleric(M) (17)
Pooka (16)
Swordman(E) (16)
Cleric(M) (16)
Guldan (14)
Cora (14)
Swordman(E) (14)
Cleric(M) (12)
Swordman(E) (11)
Swordman(E) (11)
Swordman(E) (11)
Firyr (10)
Oren Captain (10)
Swordman(E) (10)
Cleric(M) (10)
Swordman(E) (9)
Swordman(E) (9)
Gird (8)
Rose (8)
Swordman(E) (8)
Swordman(E) (8)
Fin (7)
Swordman(E) (7)
Oren Cleric(M) (6)
Swordman(E) (7)
Swordman(E) (7)
Swordman(E) (5)
Oren Cleric(M) (5)
Swordman(E) (4)
Swordman(E) (2)
All Archers(A) (1)
Cleric(M) (0)
All Civilians(C) (0)

[Eloel]

Issdal does not budge. Still facing the Oren army, "Do not. There is no need for this carnage.".


Total defense action again. Also, name is Issdal, not Isabel or any variation of it :smallsmile:
It means Village (Iss) Shield (dal), if RotW is not lying to me.

[Trasilor]

Rose couldn't really hear Issdal's negotiation over her own singing. She honestly hoped the halfling could dissuade the soldiers.

Of course any peaceful negotiations came to an abrupt end as Findecano lobbed a ball of fire at the soldiers leader.

Oh crud thought Rose. Raising up her crossbow, Rose immediately looks for a viable target.

Recalling what that old ranger had told her about firing at armored people. "Don't aim for the breastplate. It is the most armored part of a man. Look to sides and places where they bend for weak spots. I know you think shooting them in head will work - but it is small and moves quickly. Hitting the liver, however" touching her side, "will also kill most humanoids. Remember, soft and squishy." he said smiling.

Soft and squishy Rose thought. Taking a small side step, she released the bolt at another archer.

Pooka, the ever faithful, and well trained companion mimics Rose's movement, keeping himself between her and danger.



Rose:
Knowledge devotion - +1 Hit and Damage (see OOC rolls)
Movement: free 5' to K25
Crossbow: [roll0] damage (if hits) [roll1] and [roll2]

Pooka:
Still under the Defend command - stay close to target and attack any who threaten.
Movement: free 5' move to K26

[Sidwwinder2k]

As the fire from one of the elves sails over her shoulder to splash against the Oren commander's chest, Cora hustles forward closer to the action.

Moving forward to space J13.

Edit: OOC I Derps

[Kul AlDun]

Emboldened by the added strength of Findecano's spell Roland took a deep breath summoning his own arcane power. He wasn't about to let the dast elf have all the fun alone. His left hand suddenly blazed with fire as he cast Kelgore's Firbolt at the same rider Fin had attacked. Perhaps together they could crush the enemy leader and demoralize the enemy.

Ye know fin, sometimes, just sometimes, yer pretty trig for an elf

[roll0] for attack and the spell damage for kelgores fire bolt if hit [roll1]

This post was meant for the surprise round but somehow got posted before you announced it on this thread. Just reposting it so it's in the right order

[The Bandicoot]

With a loud roar Gird launches his spear forward, vaguely aiming for the swordsman about 55 feet.


Intimidate: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]

[Ophidian]

Firyr knew he didn't have the range to hit the Oren from this range-he'd been expecting a charge, but the other elf's rather...fiery demonstration seemed to have caught the enemy quite off guard. He made a mental note to approach the blonde-haired warrior after the battle and offer him some wine. It seemed the least he could do. He needed cover and a position from which he could cover the others, if it came to that.

Which in all likelyhood, it would. He could probably take shelter n-his thoughts were interrupted when Cora moved closer to the enemy. That...did not seem wise. Without a word, Firyr hustled towards a slightly less vulnerable area. Between Gird and the wagons, hopefully he wouldn't end up with a few arrows through his throat.

Firyr moves 15ft to 20N

[A'den]

Findecáno grinned as his fire connected with the leader. He took a slower breath seemingly mentally preparing himself for the battle in a calmer fashion.

"Thanks Roland, don't call me Fin," He spoke half absentmindedly for the thousandth time correcting Roland. Findecáno's eyes scanned the enemy formations. His breath caught for a moment in a small start of surprise.

"Watch out for the guys in middle of north and south formations, their clerics and fire worshipers, the ones in the trimmed armor." He said louder to those in earshot.

[Valery]

After the brazen attack by Fin, the others acted quickly. Roland, following his companion's actions, assaulted the Oren Captain, hitting him squarely in the shoulder. Firyr and Guldan fell back to a safer position, and Guldan readied himself for the first enemy he saw to come into sight before he would unleash his weapons. Rose fired a shot with her crossbow to to no effect, while Pooka stood ready at her side. The mighty Gird chucked his spear clear across the battlefield and into the chest of the swordsman across from him. Meanwhile, Issdal remained unphased by the violent uproar and took a defensive stance against any attackers. Cora ran towards the enemy, and the surprised Wir-Stand Rider went after her, yelling to get back.

Procter looked back at the Oren Captain once more pleaded, "Get out of here! This doesn't have to happen! I can't let you harm them, but I can't kill my own countrymen!"
The Oren Captain drew his Morning Star and proclaimed, "Charge! Leave no one alive and secure the traitor!"
Procter then grabbed the horse by the throat, and threw it out from underneath the Captain, sending him to the ground. The horse, however, enjoyed a brief period of flight before he came crashing down.
"Don't tempt me!"
The Captain sneered at Procter and yelled, "Waste them!"

Now, the fight really begins. (Normal combat has started. Issdal goes first on the turn orders.)

http://i.imgur.com/gZHdGgv.png
C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Unknown special unit
L= Leader
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel
H= Procter

Issdal's go first.

All PC's
All Enemies
All Civilians(C) (0)

[Eloel]

"Do not do this. Leave. These people have no quarrel with you." Issdal's voice fell on deaf ears.

Issdal steps back to near where the rider is, and faces Gird.

"Stay close, kid. You will do alright." she assures the minotaur as she casts a spell on him.


Move to J12 and cast Shield Other (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/shieldOther.htm) on Gird.

[Valery]

The Gird suddenly feels more protected. Roland's go.

[Kul AlDun]

"Yer sissa said twas a'right to call ye Finny, but I'll abstain ye great lordship. I know how sensitive ye pissies can be about yer honors."

Trading barbs with Findecano during combat always seemed like good sport to Roland, and nothing put Roland into a sporting quite like bloodshed. At Findecano's advisement Roland spat the whole god of ragweed out into the dirt like a great bloody loogy. "Fire worshipers, great skat eating sons of curs!" Roland hated fire worshipers, he had seen the sort of carnage they dealt on the battlefield and had lost many a friend during the War on Paradise in their blazes. Roland's brow tenses as he summons another spell. A red incandescent light vaguely glows from his eyes as animalistic power flows through his body strengthening him. He grins maniacally facing the enemy at their side of the Wagons. He raises his sword and pointing the tip at one particular Flame Worshiper, pure murder in his eyes. "You there, I'm coming fer yer liver ye sheep skat stabbing son of a whore!"

Flame Worshiper Called out as free action N36 roll to intimidate [roll0] Spell Cast Self: Animalistic Power +2 to str, dex, con now under effects of Animalistic Power and Shield of Faith

[Valery]

The cleric at N36 seems completely unnerved by the comments Roland has made. Threats like that were clearly not something he was expecting during the battle.

With that, it is Pooka's go.

[Trasilor]

Pooka emits a low growl, his body tense - waiting....


readied action to attack any who threaten Rose or himself. See OOC for rolls

[changed4life]

Guldan continues to keep his cover waiting to strike at the first enemy that gets close!

Attack rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]

Damage rolls
1. [roll2] + [roll3]
2. [roll4] + [roll5]

Sneak attack dmg in case
1. [roll6]
2. [roll7]

[Trasilor]

Cursing her own luck, Rose turns towards the cart and her friend. Rushing over, she draws her rapier - Let's hope I am better with this than that cursed crossbow - then tosses the crossbow in the back of the cart. Turning towards the light cavalry, she takes up a defensive stance.

Pooka, ever faithful, follows his master, determined to defend her.

Rose takes a move action to move to Q24 while at the same time using a free action to draw her sword.
She takes another free action to drop the crossbow into the cart. For the remainder of the round, she is fighting defensively (-4 Attack +2AC)

Pooka, under the direction of Defend, takes up a defensive posture at Q25 ready to attack anything that comes near him. He no longer has a readied action as it was triggered - Rose moving.

[A'den]

"Finny... ugh, Roland I think that cleric over there is admiring your shinny golden locks." The elf quipped.

Findecáno took a step to be shoulder to shoulder with Roland his off hand still ablaze with spellfire that harmed neither him nor equipment. He took the long spear in both hands and slanted the point toward the riders to the south his stance spread with knees bent braced for the first rider.


Move Action: 5' Step to O26
Standard: Brace Against Charge Against first enemy to charge with in his reach.

Active Effects:
Divine Favor / 28 Rounds
Bull's Strength / 28 Rounds
Produce Flame 29 Rounds
Was Accidentally calculating spell length by spell level instead of caster level.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora thinks better of rushing to meet so many enemies head on, stepping back behind the rider as feverishly waves the wand she holds in the direction of the Oren Leader.

With a quiet *pop* a small lightly glowing fire beetle appears out of thin air near the enemy leader, it rushes at the man, its sharp mandibles glinting as it leaps for his throat.

Cora will take a 5 foot step diagonally into K14 behind the rider.

She will then spend a charge from her wand of summon monster 1 to summon a Celestial Giant Fire Beetle (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantFireBeetle.htm) in space K9.

The beetle will then move forward and attack the leader, using smite evil because there is no reason not to. If he is evil, then add 1 damage.

Bite Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] +1 damage if target is evil.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird draws his sword and waits, eyeing the swordsman.

[Ophidian]

Wolves die young...

Firyr couldn't remember where he'd heard that saying, but it seemed appropriate considering the current situation. Nothing for it but to prepare for the inevitable charge and try not to die. Firyr shifted his position slightly, a spell fresh in his mind.

If all else failed, he'd focus on taking as many of the Oren with him as he could.

Firyr 5' to N20 and he readies the Lesser Orb of Cold spell. He'll cast it at any enemy in range charging towards him-particularly if they look to be able to close the distance. I'll provide the rolls below. I hope I understood all of this.

Attack:
[roll0]
Damage:

[roll1]

[Valery]

Cora, lets loose summons another celestial animal to her aid and it strikes at the Oren Captain, but to no avail. Everyone else readies themselves.
The Wir-Stand Rider watches as Cora gets behind him for protection and mutters to himself, "I guess we'll hang on here then." He then takes a readied stance upon his horse, sword pointed to thrust at the enemy.

"Charge" can be heard coming out of the Captain's mouth.
"You wretched creature!" Procter exclaim loudly. Issdal can see his stoic friendly demeanor completely change. His angered gaze seems to run straight through the Oren Captain's soul.

The Cavalry begins its charge, the sound of soldiers' battle cries and horses' hooves ring through the air. The right and left flanks are enclosed by cavalry. Two civilians fall immediately to the onslaught, while another manages to dodge. Two other archers flank the right side of the caravan and both fire on a civilian, killing him. Two more civilians fall near the center of the caravan. A Cleric rides to the side of the wagon at G26-I26 and uses Burning Hands on it, lighting it a flame.

One swordsman moves to S19 and is met by Guldan's daggers, two lodge into his chest and he falls from his horse, dead.

An Oren Cleric charges for Cora, but the Wir-Stand rider quickly thrusts his sword dealing 5 Damage. The Cleric then swings at Cora, but she skillfully dodges the attack. Another Cleric attacks Cora's Celestial beetle, but misses.

Two enemies head for Gird, an archer and a swordsman. The swordsman approaches, but gird slashes out at him, Gird's sword cuts through him cleanly for 19 Damage and the rider falls. The archer takes aim and fires hitting Gird for 1 damage.

Meanwhile, an archer gets to the side of Issdal and fires, but misses due to Issdal's defensive prowess. A Cleric charges her and misses.

The rider whom Roland so gloriously verbally thrashed, decides to chose any other opponent but Roland and charges Fin, but is met by Fin's long-spear dealing 25 damage. The swordsman is immediately slain.

Next, Roland is charged by a Swordsman. His sword comes down on the duskblade dealing 6 damage.

Lastly, a swordsman comes after Pooka. However, Pooka crits and utterly murders the swordsman.....

The civilians start to flee towards the concentration of Fin and friends, but some are cut down in the retreat.

Procter looms over the Oren Captain menacingly.(Issdal can easily see all of this.)"All you had to do was leave, but no. Now, people are dying. I tried reasoning with you and yet you forced my hand." Procter pulls his fist back, winding up for a punch.
"You wouldn't do it," the Oren Captain says, nervously gripping the ground, "You're not violent. The report said that you broke into the prison and didn't kill a single soul. You're a pacifist!"
"You've been listening too intently to the king and queen's propaganda" Proctor throws his fist into the Captain's face, absolutely crushing it. With that Procter looks down at his blood soaked hand and says to Issdal, "I'll be back shortly. The other sections of the caravan aren't doing so well." With a quick step, Procter barreled towards the mid-section of the caravan, kicking up the ground as he went.

It's party's go!!!

http://i.imgur.com/kj2kD03.png
C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Oren Clerics
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel
An= Cora's Celestial Animals

[A'den]

After dispatching the first rider the elf noble pivots and lays into the cleric that got past him but was still in the reach of his longspear.


Attack Cleric M at M24 with Longspear: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] Fire [roll2]

If Crit: To Confirm: [roll3]

[Eloel]

Issdal, clearly disgusted by the sight she has seen with Procter, moves back.


Move to G15, total defense.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird spins around as he hears Chompy bleat in fear. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY hurts Gird's goat. With another roar he charges the swordsman(K22) swinging his falchion and lowering his horns.



Falchion Charge: [roll0]
Possible Falchion Charge Crit Confirm: [roll1]
Straight Damage:[roll2]
Dragonfire Damage:[roll3]
Powerful Charge Damage:[roll4]
Gore: [roll5]
Possible Gore Crit Confirm: [roll6]
Gore Damage: [roll7]

[Ophidian]

Swordsmen. Firyr felt a feral grin spread over his face. Swordsmen that were very much in range of some of his choice spells. First he'd dispose of the frontmost swordsmen, then he could *deal* with the his comrades. If he could secure the area or secure the aid of one of his newfound allies, he could use the time bought to bring some choice reinforcements to the battlefield.

He found there were very few problems a summoned skeletal minion couldn't help solve.



Welp. Time to use Lesser Orb of Cold then, on the unfortunate fellow in O17.

Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

[changed4life]

Seeing the mage looking person fire some sort of orb thing at the soldier in O17, Guldan thought that he might provide some support to the caster himself. He also thought he would provide some more aid to the civilians seeing as the soldiers are not sparing anyone.


Guldan 5 foot steps to O20 and then lets off a full attack at the swordsman in front of him (O17)
Attack 1: [roll0]
Attack 2: [roll1]
Attack 3: [roll2]

Crit (success/fail) confirm 1: [roll3]
Crit (success/fail) confirm 2: [roll4]
Crit (success/fail) confirm 3: [roll5]

Dmg 1: [roll6] + [roll7]
Dmg 2: [roll8] + [roll9]
Dmg 3: [roll10] + [roll11]

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora ducks as the cleric rushes by the wir-stand rider right at her, letting out a frightened squeak. As the cleric's weapon sails cleanly over her head she scrambles backwards, reaching over a shoulder to tug her crossbow free of the straps which hold it to her backpack. In the same instant, she points a finger at the cleric's chest, muttering a few words quickly, a ray of deep black energy springing towards the man.

As it is the start of a new round, the summoned beetle disappears. the wand is only CL 1, so it only last one round.

Cora will take a 5 foot step directly away from the cleric, into space L14, so she can avoid any AOOs.

Move Action: Draw Masterwork Light Crossbow

Standard Action to cast Enfeebling Ray on the cleric at J14.
Ranged Touch Attack: [roll0]
Strength Penalty: [roll1]

Penalty lasts for 1 minute.

[Kul AlDun]

Roland cursed as the soldier's blade cut him. "Dast Blood!" He had tried to evade the blow with a turn but this fellow seemed to have some skill. However he did not grimace, he only leered at the Swordsman with a savage grin. The blood that had splattered from his wound leapt to his blade rather than the ground, drawn to it like iron dust to a magnet. The blood droplets hissed amd steamed as they struck the blade infusing it was power. Driving forward Roland plunged the sword at the swordsman's stomach. "Die you shat eating son of whores!"

Arcane Channeling to infuse sword with spell Blade of Blood ((The players manual says +3d6 if take 5 points amage. I'm not sure if the damage Roland has already taken counts but I'll add the regular +1d6 and the +3d6 can be up to the DM.))

Attack roll: [roll0]
Crit (Nat 19-20 ) Confirm if Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] + Spell Damage [roll3] or [roll4] if DM sanctions

[Trasilor]

Rose continues to sing her inspirational music. Perhaps we will win this day she hopes optimistically.

With her sword she motions her halfling friend Fiola to get under the cart, hopefully her friend understands her message and hides under the cart.

Taking a five-foot step forward, she unfurls her whip and attacks the swordsman threatening to charge the civilians.

Pooka moves next to his friend and readies himself to attack any who approach him or Rose.


Rose moves to R23 ( - Free action. Draws her whip in her other hand - Move action. Attacks the cleric with her whip (Standard action)
Attack: [roll0]
Weapon Damage: 0 + [roll1] fire

Pooka moves to R22 - next to rose
Readied action - Attack:[roll2]
Crit Confirm: :[roll3]
Damage:[roll4] + [roll5]
Crit damage: [roll6]

[Valery]

Fin narrowly misses the attack on the swordsman, but follows up with a blow of his own, easily downing the enemy. Firyr shoots an Orb of Cold at one of the swordman, but misses his mark. Guldan attacks the same swordsman at O16 Firyr. Two of his daggers miss, but one hits its mark, dealing 7 Damage. Cora's spell misses completely. The Wir-Stand Rider attempts to attack the cleric threatening Cora, but misses his mark. Rose's whip lashes out at an enemy, but it fails to hit. Her companion Fiola gets out and hides beneath the cart. Gird, at the sight of he goat being in danger, flew into a rage and almost murdered the soldier near the wagon in a furious display of power. Issdal, on the other hand, went towards the enemy and took a defensive stance.

Enemies Turn:
The clerics near Cora and the Wir-Stand Rider, attempt to attack her celestial animals once more, but fail miserably at striking them.

The Cleric beside Cora attacks and strikes her for 4 damage. The archers near her open fire and shoot for the friendly rider, both narrowly missing.

Gird is attacked by two swordsman, but only one of them manages to slash him, cutting Gird across his chest for 5 Damage.

Two enemies rush Fin and a mace lands squarely across his face, dealing 2 damage. The other swung his sword for Fin, but Fin was able to dodge the attack with ease.

Roland is attack by a cleric and an archer, but the cleric is the only one successful in hitting the dexterous Duskblade. Roland takes 3 Damage.

Issdal is attacked by three of the soldiers, but her ability to non-aggressively defend herself is too great!

A swordsman rides for Firyr and lands a sword right in his shoulder dealing 8 damage!

Guldan, not left alone to throw whatever he feels like at his enemies, is charged by the soldier he just struck. A sword plunges deep into him, gashing him quite badly, dealing 11 damage.

Rose and Pooka are quickly attacked as well. Both soldiers miss their attacks, and Pooka retaliate by rending his assailant, he is down and bleeding out.

The rest of the soldiers begin to move in on civilians, killing some and wounding others. However, one of the wagons has begun to be raided, its occupants murdered and looted. A swordsman stands by with a torch to light the wagon with. Meanwhile, the surviving civilians who aren't in the wagons have huddled together. One lone civilian got stranded by himself and ran to the side of the Wir-Stand rider for protection.

PLAYERS' TURN!!!!

http://i.imgur.com/AQTO8LX.png
Those colored in blue are bleeding out/unconscious.

C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Oren Clerics
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel
An= Cora's Celestial Animals

[Sidwwinder2k]

FYI, the summoned animals disappear at the start of my next turn. Its a wand at CL 1, so the duration is 1 round.

Cora gasps in pain as the soldier strikes her, scrambling backwards quickly again as she waves the wand in her hand toward the soldier that attacked her. As she does, another large slightly glowing beetle appears in the space she just vacated, leaping to attack the soldier in front of it.

Cora takes another five foot step away from the soldier that attacked her, diagonally into space L15.

Use one charge from the wand to cast summon monster 1, making a Celestial Giant Fire Beetle (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantFireBeetle.htm) appear in the space she just left, K14.

Smile Evil because no reason not to.

Beetle Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] +1 if Evil
D.Fire Insp: [roll2]

[A'den]

The iron kissed Findecáno's face and he saw stars for a moment as his head twisted to the right and blood filled his mouth. He spat the mouthful of blood into the dirt as he turned his shoulder and the swordsman's blade clattered harmless against his pauldron and slid away. He dropped his longspear the shaft clattered on the ground as he pivoted on his back foot and grabbed the lips of his scabbard with his off hand, the fingers of his sword hand tingled as he gripped the familiar leather and drew the blade. In one stroke he drew the blade from the scabbard and executed a horizontal cut against the swordsman in front of him.

The blade glowed brightly with it's own magic it flared with white light for twenty feet around. He smiled red with bloody teeth glistening in the magical light, "Caela ie'lle! Roland take the one that got past me I'll hold these."


Free Action: Drop Longspear
Move Action: Draw Longsword
Standard Action: Attack O27: [roll0] Hit: [roll1] Slashing plus [roll2] Fire
Demoralize Opponent N26: Intimidate [roll3] Must roll 1d20+HD or CL + Wis against Intimidate DC or be Shakened.

[Kul AlDun]

"Caela ie'lle! Roland take the one that got past me I'll hold these."



Roland had tried to juke away from the clerics blow but he had been caught once again. "I'm flanked ye pissy!" These dasted Orens knew how to scrap afterall. He drew his bastard sword back for another attack, quickly wiping his free hand now dripping in blood accross the blade. Once again the blood hissed and sizzled as it gave the sword a fiendish power. Roland swung his bastard sword in a horizontal arc looking to gut the cleric, his teeth bared in a savage grimace. "I needs slaughter this piggy first!"

Hopefully this blow would fell the fracking cleric and free him to turn and move to intercept the fighter that got past him and Fin. However if the cleric stood he would have no choice but to stand and fight lest he be backstabbed.


Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage from bastard sword [roll1]and arcane channeled blade of blood [roll2]

Move Actions Conditional: If the cleric is basicaly one shotted Roland will turn and move to O24. However if the cleric stands he will remain to fight the cleric

[Trasilor]

As Rose continued to sing, her inspirational courage reached a crescendo in the song. Ugh, I hope this move works she thought to herself, Otherwise, I will find myself alone and surrounded by enemies.

Pivoting off her back foot, Rose performed a small roll to escape the swordsman in front of her to engage the cleric coming behind her. With a lunge, she strikes with her slender rapier.

Pooka immediately filled the space Rose was in and attacked the other swordsman. His powerful jaws ripped at the soldier trying to bring him down.


Rose continues her Inspirational Boost.
Note, Rose at this point has a Rapier in one hand and a Whip in the other. As long as she only attacks with one she won't suffer any penalties - although she can't cast spells.

Rose:
Free 5-foot move (with flair!): Rose moves to P23
Standard Action: Attacks Cleric at O23: [roll0]
Crit confirm: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] weapon +[roll3] fire

Pooka:
Free 5-foot move: Pooka moves to Q23
Standard Action: Attacks swordsman at R23: [roll4]
Crit confirm: [roll5]
Free Trip Attempt - opposed roll: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7] bite +[roll8] fire

If trip succeeds (and the swordsman is alive) - the enemy is on the ground prone. Getting up provokes an AoO from Pooka:
AoO Action: Attacks swordsman at R23: [roll9]
Crit confirm: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11] bite +[roll12] fire

[changed4life]

Guldan feels the burning throughout his whole body as he take a huge wallop. Yelping, he jumps back as to avoid more pain for the moment, preparing to take both soldiers out with one mighty attack!


Guldan will 5 foot step to P20 and full attack

First 2 attacks to the soldier in N19
Attack 1 [roll0]
Attack 2 [roll1]
Last attack is for the soldier in O18
Attack 3 [roll2]
Dmg 1 [roll3] + [roll4]
Dmg 2 [roll5] + [roll6]
Dmg 3 [roll7] + [roll8]

Crit success/fail confirm 1: [roll9]
Crit success/fail confirm 2: [roll10]
Crit success/fail confirm 3: [roll11]


As Guldan lets loose his flurry, he yells at Firyr: Im about to throw at the guy in front of you, this should free you up to do some more damage!

[The Bandicoot]

Gird pivots on his foot and brings his sword around to slash at the swordsman to his side (J23), also bringing his head to bear in a headbut-thrashing-motion attempting to gore him.

Falc(hi)on Slice!: [roll0]
Falc(hi)on Critical Confirm!: [roll1]
Falc(hi)on Damage!: [roll2]
Dragonfire Damage: [roll3]
Gore Strike: [roll4]
Gore Critical Confirm: [roll5]
Gore Damage: [roll6]

[Eloel]

Issdal shuffles around, trying to position herself between the two warring parties.


Total defense and moving to G19, provoking one AoO from the swordsman in the process.

[Ophidian]

Firyr shot a weak grin at Guldan, silently thanking him for the rescue. Trying his best to ignore the pain in his shoulder, and the blood trickling down his arm, Firyr took a step towards two enemy archer's he'd spied. They needed to be disabled, quickly. With decidedly more feral grin, Firyr produced a miniature silver fiddle from his pouch. Chanting an incantation beneath his breath, he slowly began to rub his finger across the small model, as though playing it.

Then, just as quickly, as ghostly fiddle bow sprang into existence, flying directly at one of the unfortunate archers.



Takes a five foot step to N20 and casts Bonefiddle on the archer at H19

The spell doesn't mention anything about AC, or rolling to overcome it. It only mentions a fortitude save, and as I can't find a specific answer on if I should roll it or not, of if I should what type of roll it would be, I'll simply roll the damage that'll be incurred if the Archer fails his fortitude save.

Save DC is 15

[roll0]

[Valery]

Cora summons yet another celestial animal to her aid, but unfortunately this one also misses its attack. Fin, however, plunges his long sword into the heart of the soldier in front of him, downing the soldier. Fin then succeeds in intimidating the soldier next to him(he is shaken). Roland strikes out put his blade merely clinks against the armor of the cleric. Rose and Pooka both assault their targets successfully, downing both in the process. Guldan swiftly recovers his faculties and sends his blades flying at two swordsman, killing one with a blade to the face and downing another with a shot to the side. Gird, ever protective of Chompy, seems to have lost himself in his need to protect his goat and narrowly misses all of his attacks. Firyr pulls forth a small silver fiddle and focuses his power on it. Nearby, an archer can feel himself writhing in agony as his spine painfully vibrates to the tune of an eerie fiddle 7 damage. Issdal is missed on her way across the battlefield. The archers she approach seem fearful of her as she seems to move with an unstoppable will. The Wir-Stand Rider, becoming ever more impatient with the situation says to Cora, "As it happens, I'm not much of a cavalry man, and I'm tired of this fighting style. I'll be back!" At this he rides for the cleric at J7 and pulls forth a second weapon, a dagger, and charges him. He slashes the cleric with his sword and stabs him right underneath the chin, lifting the cleric off the horse and killing him. The Wir-Stand Rider drops him and runs to another position, as if to make yet another charge.

Guldan is attacked by three opponents. A swordsman rides up to him and narrowly misses, but two arrows come from behind the swordsman and hit Guldan in the chest for a total of 7 damage.

Issdal is attacked by 4 swordsman, all of which swear up a storm as they continue to miss the illusive halfling.

Gird is also attacked by 4 opponents, but three of them fail to truly strike the minotaur. One archer manages to get a shot in, but barely effects Gird for 2 damage(halved by the Shield Other spell).

Cora, left to fend for herself for a moment, is attacked by two clerics, one misses her outright, but the other manages to strike a telling blow atop her head dealing 8 damage.

Rose is nicked by the arrow of an archer for 1 damage.

The Wir-Stand rider is struck by two arrows but seems completely unphased.

The wagon that was being looted was lite aflame, and the civilian next to Cora was brutally murdered by a cleric.

http://i.imgur.com/qSpWpk2.png
Those colored in blue are bleeding out/unconscious.

C= Civilian
E= Swordsman
A= Archer
M= Oren Clerics
W= Wagons
P= Pooka
RS= Rose Silverhand
Fin= Fin
RD= Roland
G= Gird
Ride= Wir-Stand Rider
GU= Guldan
F= Firyi
Cor= Cora
I= Issadel

[Trasilor]

Rose smiled to herself as she buries the rapier into the clerics midsection. Her victory was short-lived as an arrow slices across her should. Yelping in pain, she immediately end her bardic music. "Ghah! No matter how many times; it always hurts!"

Grimacing, she turns towards her attacker at the same time scanning the battle. Quite a few left she thinks to herself. <"Pooka, annihilate"> she commands as she motions towards the archer.

"Alright boys, let's tear these son's of whores a new one!" she yells. With a chopping motion of her hand, and chanting "Woah, oh, oh" she casts another spell and begins a second song of inspiration "We are the champions..."

Pooka tears at another soldier bringing him down to the ground. Hearing Rose's command, he immediately bolts towards the archer, intent on destroying him. Just as he leaps into the air to rend this threat asunder, the inspiring words of Rose can be heard.


Pooka's commands are in draconic - hence the <>

Dragonfire boost last 5 more rounds.

Rose:
Move action: Command Pooka to attack the archer - DC 8 - [roll0]
Swift action: Inspirational boost - +1 to inspire courage
Standard action: Inspire courage +2 to attack and damage, +2 vs fear and charms - note this is suppressed within Issdal's calming radius - unless you not affected.

Pooka:
Full action: Charge the archer who hit Rose - assuming U23 if Rose can't identify
Attack: [roll1]
Crit confirm: [roll2]
Trip - if hit: [roll3]

Damage: [roll4] + [roll5] Fire
Crit damage: [roll6]

AC at 19 from charge

[A'den]

"Mereth en draugrim." Findecáno pulled his blade out of the footman's chest spilling hot blood on the ground, the bloodchannel in the blade made it easy to pull it free of the corpse's suction. Turning toward the second opponent he paused a second to appreciate the surge of confidence he felt in himself partially from the bard's song and his own success but the shakened look of fear in the eyes of Oren cleric that really fueled his passion.

In almost a whisper he said to the Oren cleric standing against him, "She does not favor you."

Then he brought his sword up high in a two handed stance the blade whoosed as he brought it down in an overhead slash aiming to cleave the cleric in twain.


Standard: 2 Handed Attack with Longsword @ Cleric (M) at N26: [roll0] +1 for Rose's increased Inspire Boost for 17
Hit: [roll1] +1 for Rose's increased Inspire Boost for 17 Slashing and [roll2] Fire.
If he kills the cleric at N26 then 5' step to P27 and Intimidate Demoralize Opponent @ Cleric (M) at Q26.

As Findecáno finished his attack he called out, "Are there none! None who can challenge me?! I am Elf and I will take my revenge!!"

[changed4life]

Guldan yelps in pain as he gets hit by even more things, and hops back! He then gets ready to blast the soldier that dared to swing at him, knowing that if he takes out the soldier in front of him, he will have a better chance of surviving long enough to get healed!


Guldan 5 steps to O19 and lets loose another full attack to the soldier!

Attack 1: [roll0]
Attack 2: [roll1]
Attack 3: [roll2]

Dmg 1: [roll3] + [roll4]
Dmg 2: [roll5] + [roll6]
Dmg 3: [roll7] + [roll8]

Crit confirm 1: [roll9]
Crit confirm 2: [roll10]
Crit confirm 3: [roll11]


Guldan also recognizes the command word used for Pooka and smiles a little

[Eloel]

Issdal sighs at the incompetence of the swordsmen around her. "Guys, really? You're supposed to be this bloodthirsty army attacking an innocent caravan, what's with the incompetence?"

Move to J16 and ready an action to touch the first eligible ally to come in her reach. Eligible = Not Firyr, has < half hp. I am so provoking 4 AoOs from the guys around me at the start of my movement. Touching will heal them for 6 HP, so grab it while it's hot.

[Ophidian]

Firyr, smiling in perhaps not entirely wholesome satisfaction, let the eerie music from the bonefiddle flow over him. He could still feel his arm screaming to his mind in pain, feel blood flowing down his arm, no doubt staining his clothing terribly, but there would be time for that later. He had to focus, keep up the heat.

His smile grew a little wider when he heard the other elf's battlecry, and the music of the bard join the din of the battlefield. Revenge and music, a fine combination if he did so himself. Music had always helped him with his studies...

Focus....

Concentration check to keep up Bonefiddle.

[roll0]

If the concentration roll success, and the archer doesn't hulk up and pass his fortitude save, this'll be the damage.

[roll1]

[Kul AlDun]

Roland took a step back to place the cleric between himself and the archer still positioned to the south. If he could just kill this cleric he could be freed up to gut the archer afterwards. Gripping his bastard sword he swung it in an upward arc seeking to cleave the cleric from groin to nape. After his vicious attack Roland reached into his pocket to produce a thunderstone, a handy little thing to keep around for tough spots. Upon hearing Findecano he rolls his eyes at the Elf's words. "Yer a windbag Findecano, less jabbering more killin!"

Five foot step to P25
Attack on cleric in Q26 [roll0] Crit Confirm [roll1] Damage Bastard Sword [roll2] + Dragon Fire damage [roll3] Free Action: Ready Thunderstone

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora squeals in pain as one of the enemy clerics strike her once again. She leaps back from her attackers, putting her in reach of the (somewhat annoying) halfing. She pulls her morningstar from where it hangs from her belt, she isn't that great at using the thing, but it will help her defend herself at the least. She then swings the spiked weapon at the nearest foe.

Taking a 5-foot-step into K15, putting her in range of Issdal for the healing she pretty desperatly needs right at the moment. I'll go ahead and add that to her sheet.

Move Action: Draw Morningstar

Standard Action to attack the cleric in J14.

Morningstar Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[The Bandicoot]

Gird makes a vague "go away" motion towards the archer that shot him and continues his attempted assault of the swordsman


Falc(hi)on Slice!: [roll0]
Falc(hi)on Critical Confirm!: [roll1]
Falc(hi)on Damage!: [roll2]
Dragonfire Damage: [roll3]
Gore Strike: [roll4]
Gore Critical Confirm:[roll5]
Gore Damage: [roll6]

[Valery]

The fight seems ever more uncertain for the Oren soldiers. Pooka lashes out at another soldier, maiming him and killing him instantly. Fin stabs the cleric in the gut and the cleric falls to his blade and begins to bleed out. Guldan successfully lands a flurry of weapons and kills the soldier that harassed with the tip of his sword. Issdal, not giving a crap about the enemies around her, simply runs out from underneath their cavalry. Her nimble prowess clearly too outrageous for the skills of the soldiers. Meanwhile, the haunting melody coming from an archer's spine accents and suddenly dissipates. The archer falls off his horse, dead. Roland, with ever more beguiling speech, strikes out at the soldier next to him, but merely clinks against the armor of his opponent. Surrounded by Clerics, Cora attempts to strike back, but continues to miss her foes (that dice roller hates you....). Last, but not least, the violent antics of Gird play out much as they have during the whole of the fight, with unending bloody victory. With a flurry of his powerful blows, Gird rips apart the soldier in front of him, leaving the only one left next to him shocked and appalled.

The Wir-Stand Rider charges an archer directly in front of him, tear a huge gash in the archer's chest with his long sword and stabbing him in the forehead with his dagger, taking the archer right off his horse. The archer is bleeding out, barely alive.

With more than half of their force destroyed, the Oren cavalry falter and begin to flee. One cleric can be heard saying, "EVERYONE RUN!!! TAKE WHAT YOU'VE GOT AND SCATTER!!! WE'RE BEAT!!!"

The Wir-Stand Rider goes back to Cora and says, "I'm sorry I had to leave you like that. I hope you're not too hurt."

As the Oren troops run off into the distance, the extent of the battle can be seen by a keen eye.
There are fires bellowing from many of the wagons. Bodies line much of what was a vibrant refugee convoy, and the survivors are coming out of hiding, or celebrating the fact that their own fighting skills saved them. More than half of the convoy is ablaze.

Out from the carnage, comes Procter. His arms and hands are covered in blood, and he carries with him the body of an elf. He places it in one of the carts, and turns to look at the party. In a sad voice he says, "Help me get as many on the wagons as we can. And, if you please, take the weapons and armor of the fallen soldiers. I'm sure they will be of use."

[Valery]

EDIT: @Everyone gets 1500 exp!

[Ophidian]

Firyr, mouth locked into a tight grimace, nodded at Procter's words. "At the very least, we'll be better armed if our cowardly friends back there elect to come back for a second round." The fact one of his arms was hanging at his side, and his sleeve was stained with quite a bit of blood, went tactfully unmentioned. He'd gotten some small fraction of his bound of flesh today, that dulled the pain. "Though...I wager some of those wounded dogs would make handy hostages or, perhaps, shields, if it comes to that." Those monsters had reaped quite the hostage amongst the innocent and unarmed today, it seemed fitting that they repay a bit of that debt if another attack.

[Eloel]

"That got ugly." Issdal comments, as she tends to the wounded. Needless carnage, on both sides.



Everyone, including any alive civilians, get healing in multiples of 6, upto 5 above your half HP. (half-1 is the latest spot I can heal you).

Are there any alive but wounded enemies?

[changed4life]

Gulden searches for some rope to tie all of the wounded soldiers up with as the healer does her own work. Then he searches for his darts throughout the wreckage, and finally begins to loot the soldiers who didn't make it. Guldan also makes sure to close the eyes of the deceased soldiers keeping a stoic demeanor about him.


Search for rope: [roll0]
Use rope: [roll1]
Search for daggers: [roll2]

[Kul AlDun]

Roland spit into the dirt as the Orens turned tail and ran. He wanted the clerics liver...Perhaps he would get his chance again. Looking around he took in the scene of carnage with a frown. Upon Procter's words he merely spat again on moved about his own business. Roland approached Findecano and gripped one of his arms to lift it, making his inspection of his employer easier. "Ye scratched yer highness?" Roland honestly didn't care whether the Elf was hurt or not beyond that Findecano was his employer and paid him a healthy sum to keep him alive. It was always wise to ensure one's source of revenue was intact. After his inspection he tore a piece of cloth from the fallen enemy to wipe his sword clean and sheathed it. Placing his hands on his hips he once again surveyed the dead and went about searching the bodies for anything valuable, enemy and civilian alike. While some may have looked dismayed by the carnage, or held themselves in a manner to respect those who had fallen, Roland moved in a way that only a man who had spent most of his years at war. With a light step whistling. While he toiled away he sang a little ditty to make the task less tedious
"OH, A bathing dint whose robes were strewed
by winds that left her a'bit nude
saw a gad a'comin and...Ooo shiny"

Spot Check [roll0]

[Trasilor]

Seeing the soldiers flee, Rose immediately stops singing. "Pooka vhira!" she shouts at her faithful hound. Pooka, hearing the command, bounds over to Rose, his muzzle a dark crimson. "Wiilirk" she commands as she pats her hip, "let's make sure people are ok, boy. Time's a-wastin'. "

Moving over to her cart she first makes sure her friend is unhurt. Peering underneath she calls out "Fiola, you under there, girl?". Taking a moment to make sure her friend is unhurt, she the begins, "Ok, lets get the cart situated and start securing some of these horses while I de-arm and de-armor these soldiers. Procter feels we may have need of them, and I don't rightly disagree".

As her friend begins to reorganize the cart and start to round up the stray horses, Rose moves over to the fallen cleric and begins to remove his weapons and armor. Feeling a pulse, she stands up and yells "Hey Issdal! I think this guy might still be alive!"

For those that want to take shots at the fleeing soldiers: +2 to Attack and Damage for 5 rounds and +2d6 fire damage for 4 rounds

I am assuming the Fiola NPC is ok per Valery's previous posts. Otherwise, I will edit.

Pooka's commands are in Draconic - Down and Heel (follow) respectively. No real reason other than I don't want casual conversation to set him off, and I thought it would be nice :smallbiggrin:.

[A'den]

Findecáno turned from the fleeing Soldiers and paused only a moment to finish the Oren Soldier bleeding out next to him with a quick stroke to his unconscious man's throat. He wiped the blade down with the dead man's tunic before returning the sword to it's scabbard. He bent and picked up his longspear before walking over to Roland he pushed a hand against the human's exposed skin and muttered a word in Elven.

Light briefly suffused palm and positive energy surged into Roland.
[roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr, having not quite exhausted his spells, had broken from Procter's presence after his initial comments. He muttered quick chant under his breath and..soon after, his senses seemed to shift and...not quite expand, but open up to new possibilities. Detect magic was a useful spell, and it stood to reason that any magic weapons or items would be sorely needed, particularly with the strength of the caravan in doubt.

He felt something land on his-thankfully-unwounded shoulder. "Ah! Nailo. Slept through the fight did we? Can't say I blame you for sitting that out." He brushed the top of the brown bat's head, just for a moment, before turning back to his work.



Firyr casts detect magic-3 minutes. He begins to sweep the area for magical items.

[Eloel]

Issdal moves over to the fallen (but not dead) cleric as soon as she's done tending the wounded.

"You. Why did you have to attack?" she asks as she stabilizes the cleric. She gives way to her allies to bind him with rope before healing him to consciousness.

"Look, I know you did not attack of your evil heart. Who prompted you to attack, and how much back-up will arrive here?" she asks in a scolding tone.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird looks for Issdal and upon finding her picks her up in a big hug. After setting her down he suddenly realizes he is covered in gore, some of which no doubt transferred over to Issdal. He lets out a low whine and shakes his hands, some of the gore splattering to the ground. Sorry he says apologetically. His face lights up and he quickly picks through his pack, grabbing a piece of soap and handing it to her For clean He leans away from the halfling and quickly undoes his hair, pouring his waterskin on his head. He runs his fingers through his hair to clean out the blood before it cakes on. He turns to look at the carnage I gonna go help. he says, patting Issdal on the head.

Gird then turns around and goes off to find his spear and pick through the bodies, all the while muttering about how difficult it was going to be to get all the blood off of his clothes.

[Trasilor]

Seeing Issdal covered in gore and minotaur hair, Rose feels bad for the halfling. "I have a spell that can help if you'd like" she says looking at the halfling

[Eloel]

Hey, big guy, I'm glad you're on my side. Issdal smiles at the Minotaur covered in blood as she starts cleaning gore off her clothes.

Sure, thanks a bunch. Issdal heads over to Rose.

[Trasilor]

With a wave of her hand, Rose calls forth a simple spell "Prestidigitation" and touches Issdal on the shoulder. "Give that a few moments and you should be right-as-rain." Looking down she commented, "Looks like I could use a cleaning too.". Touching her shirt, it began to clean itself.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora stands watching the remaining attackers as they flee for a moment before dropping to sit in the dirt, exhausted as the rider approaches her again. "Oh its no trouble at all friend, it was my own fault for getting so close in the first place." She smiles up at him ruefully, rubbing the blood from her skin where the wounds were closed up by that odd halfling, flinching as they're still somewhat sore.

"Thank you for doing your best to protect us at the very least, I'm sure many more would have died had you not stepped in to provide assistance." With that she forces herself onto her feet once again, moving as the bald human suggests to search the bodies of the fallen attackers.

Spot: [roll0]
Search: [roll1]

[A'den]

Once Roland was fully healed Fin used his remaining spell power to stabilize any of the civilians and helping a few folks climb into the back of the wagons. With that bit of labor done he moved over to where the others were gathered with the Procter.

"That was a bit out of control for Oren soldiers even by the standards of the war, good Procter."

The elf noble smirked at the Procter overall he was pleased with the outcome. Anytime he got to wet his sword with Oren blood was a good day.

[Valery]

Cora says to the Wir-Stand Rider, "Thank you for doing your best to protect us at the very least, I'm sure many more would have died had you not stepped in to provide assistance."

The Wir-Stand Rider dismounts his horse and puts away his weapons saying, "It's not much of a victory. A lot of them got away, but at least we're alive. I'll find a new regiment and get back at the front in no time. For now, I'll just see what remains of this party across the border. I suppose, since I'll be seeing more of all of you for the time being I should tell you my name." He holds out a hand to Cora and says, "My name is Vex Mardet. You are?"


Guldan successfully finds enough rope in the caravan to tie up all of the remaining living soldiers. Issdal begins her work in healing the remaining wounded, enemy and civilian alike. However, Fin takes the time to finish one off out of spite for the soldiers. Meanwhile, Rose calls out for her friend Fiola, who is just now coming out from under the wagon, "Here I am!" Roland and Cora walk among the scattered bodies of the dead, finding a ton of masterwork swords and armor on the soldiers, so many that they can't get all of the weapons together. Firyr, however, having cast Detect Magic finds a single source of magic on the Oren Captain (you would go to pick it up I assume). In Firyr's hands is a red cloak that lightly shimmers with brilliant orange flares, not harmful to the touch, but noticeable to the naked eye.

Fin says to Procter, "That was a bit out of control for Oren soldiers even by the standards of the war, good Procter."

Procter looks at Fin as if confused, "Good Procter? I have not heard an elf call me good in quite some time..." He puts another body on the cart. "Tell me, sir. Do you know where it is I have been riding our convoy to? The place in question? Not just across the border."

Issdal begins to question one the clerics. His eyes dart back and forth. Most of the other soldiers and civilians have been pacified by her aura, but this cleric is stead fast in his will. "Why did we attack you ask?" he says in response to Issdal. "We can't very well let elven refugees go, neither can we let any of your kind leave. We would've killed the elves for sure, but not your kind. No, halflings are strictly for questioning. We would've had a quick little raid, in and out, if your elven friend hadn't assaulted our captain. Then Procter started fighting back, but we were already in the thick of it. Had to keep going, can't let your enemies win, or else they'll oppress you. Take your freedoms."

Both of you find your thrown weapons, since there is plenty of time to collect them.

[Eloel]

With an angry and high-pitched voice, Issdal keeps questioning the cleric.
"Look at these people, the civilians. Is that freeing yourself? Would you have achieved this freedom of yours if you slaughtered every innocent being? These people were only defending themselves. You've been told, you'd find no enemies here, only survivors."

She takes a moment to let the cleric think, checking around for any reactions from her newly acquired healees.

[changed4life]

Guldan helps load all of the looted equipment into the carts for transportation and decides he should try to appraise the weapons and armor as well


Appraise roll [roll0]

[Trasilor]

After helping load up some of the equipment found on the defeated soldiers, Rose decides she will help round up some of the soldier's horses.


[roll0]

[A'den]

Procter looks at Fin as if confused, "Good Procter? I have not heard an elf call me good in quite some time..." He puts another body on the cart. "Tell me, sir. Do you know where it is I have been riding our convoy to? The place in question? Not just across the border."

Findecáno regarded the Procter, his eyes narrowed marginally before he smoothed his features to a neutral diplomatic expression not smiling but not glaring at the Orenish man.

"Unfortunately no, I only recently recovered from wounds in a previous skirmish with other invaders. Fortunately that Wir-stander rider caused enough commotion I woke up. I don't think these folk know where their going much other than the boarder. You were a former Orenish noble correct? You must have some idea as to their standing strength of men'o'arms?"


[roll0]

Country Information about Oran. [roll1]

[Ophidian]

Firyr, the magical cloak neatly tucked beneath his arm, made his way back to Procter. His expression was still set in that same tight grimace and the savage joy that he'd felt in the battle he not quite faded from his eyes. "I found this on their captain's corpse. It appears to be magical in nature, but I'll need some time to tell you what, precisely it does." The elf necromancer shifted slightly, allowing his wounded arm to hang down in more comfortable position. There'd be time enough to deal with that later.

[A'den]

"Findecáno Oronrá." He spoke as the other elf approached with the red cloak tucked under his arm. He reached out and touched the elf's wounded arm lightly and expelled one of his last healing spells.


[roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr let out a relieved sigh when the wound closed. "Mae govannen. Le hannon Findecáno Oronrá. Firyr Nuali i eneth nín.*" He'd hazarded a guess that the other elf would prefer their native tongue over common. Firyr was indifferent on the matter himself, when there were not Oren about to anger. What he was not indifferent too, however, was staying on the good side of the other healer in the caravan. Potions only went so after all. Besides, a warrior of his sort had earned some respect at the least.

*(Well met. I thank you Findecáno Oronrá. My name is Firyr Nuali). According the guide I found online at least.

[Sidwwinder2k]

The Wir-Stand Rider dismounts his horse and puts away his weapons saying, "It's not much of a victory. A lot of them got away, but at least we're alive. I'll find a new regiment and get back at the front in no time. For now, I'll just see what remains of this party across the border. I suppose, since I'll be seeing more of all of you for the time being I should tell you my name." He holds out a hand to Cora and says, "My name is Vex Mardet. You are?"

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Mardet." Cora takes the rider's hand with a smile, "The name is Cora Thorngage, binder of spirits, practitioner of nearly forgotten magics, and uh... halfling I suppose, to get beyond the fun of made-up titles." She chuckles lightly at her own humor, trying to keep a positive outlook despite the horror of the current situation.

She wanders the battlefield, doing her best to gether up all the fallen weapons and armor she can, at least what she is able to carry, and packing as much as possible into the wagons. When she's finished, she finds Firyr in the caravan, giving him a gentle punch to the thigh as they come back together. "Made it through in one piece I see, or at least mostly." She grimaces, taking in the blood that covers the both of them. "Quite a sorry pair we make don't we? The old man would be at least a little disappointed I'm sure."

[A'den]

"Seasamin <My pleaseure>." Findecáno spoke as he ran an appraising eye over Firyr the elf looked bedraggled and had the air of an absent minded scholar. A few years ago he would of dismissed him outright as a pauper but among foreigners and heading into foreign lands it was welcome to hear someone speak his native tongue, even if the accent was mongrel.

He paused politely as a rather boisterous halfling woman approached Firyr gore spattered as they both were he glanced over her torn garmets but it seemed her wounds had already been healed. His own armor was far less blood decorated his only wound he had healed immediately as soon as the fighting finished, divine healing being the most important aspect as a mace to the face would have left a disfiguring scar likely. He heard a few nobles taking pride in their battle scars but Fin had never subscribed to such idiocy.

"I believe my goodwoman," Eying her clothes and companionship with Firyr he pegged her for commoner, "any battle you survive is not one you can be disappointed about. But we should hasten the onward movement of this caravan. They might of broken but they will likely be back and in greater numbers I fear too."

[Valery]

You think that all of this equipment is worth about one billion American Dollars. You're not sure what those are, but you're fairly certain that's how much they are worth. (But really, you don't know how much all this equipment is worth).

You don't know too much about the nobility of Oren. However, you are certain that there is a King and a Queen at the top of their governing body. They are elected by the head tribesmen of the nation, but you don't know their names specifically. You do know that the country is currently ruled over by King and Queen Mar.

You manage easily command two of the horses to follow you.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Mardet." Cora takes the rider's hand with a smile, "The name is Cora Thorngage, binder of spirits, practitioner of nearly forgotten magics, and uh... halfling I suppose, to get beyond the fun of made-up titles." She chuckles lightly at her own humor, trying to keep a positive outlook despite the horror of the current situation.

"Cora, huh? Nice to formally meet you. I'll rally the rest of the survivors, hopefully someone from my unit made it out." Vex rides off towards the other sections of the caravan.

"That's a fine cloak you've got there, Mr. Firyr." Procter says, feeling the cloth. "I remember seeing some of these worn by my countrymen, but I can't remember what they do other than make one more presentable on the streets." Procter turns back to Fin, "I'm not so much a noble as I am a general....or....was. Much to my shame. If you really want to know how powerful Oren military is, I can tell you that their numbers are in the millions. They aren't something to be trifled with. What we faced today was a weak force." He lets loose an exhausted sigh and puts his hand in the palm of his hand. "Then there's Mar...that damned man...but enough about that. I've been leading you to the border, but the place specifically, is the ruined city of Wachtrum. It sits right under the gaze of fortress Hochburg. That's where general Mann is stationed. You'll all be safe there and I'll get to talk to the good general."

Meanwhile, the cleric that Issdal is speaking loses his fiery speech and becomes much more solemn.
"If we had managed to kill of you, then yes. I'd be free right now. Not tied up, answering to my captures. Killing all of you....wouldn't have made much of a difference. Now, we'll be turned over to the Wir-Stand Army and become prisoners of war, but not after the questioning. I don't see how it could play out differently."

[changed4life]

Guldan's eyes light up as he looks at this armor from the enemies. Guys! He exclaims. I may or may not have seen this armor before, but it looks like it could be REALLY REALLY expensive! Ill bet we could get something like a BILLION Gold for this! and I don't even know if thats a real number, is that a real number? I feel like thats a real number!

[Eloel]

Meanwhile, the cleric that Issdal is speaking loses his fiery speech and becomes much more solemn.
"If we had managed to kill of you, then yes. I'd be free right now. Not tied up, answering to my captures. Killing all of you....wouldn't have made much of a difference. Now, we'll be turned over to the Wir-Stand Army and become prisoners of war, but not after the questioning. I don't see how it could play out differently."

Wir-Stand Army? Have you not been listening that this caravan is not aligned with either of the armies? See, we have no stake in the war, we're only hoping it ends sooner than later. Neither do you, except you happen to have ended up on one side. That doesn't make us enemies.

[Valery]

Wir-Stand Army? Have you not been listening that this caravan is not aligned with either of the armies? See, we have no stake in the war, we're only hoping it ends sooner than later. Neither do you, except you happen to have ended up on one side. That doesn't make us enemies.

"So, you're relying on the fact that everyone else who survived this fight will suddenly forget that we murdered most of the caravan and not turn us in once we are across the border?"

[Eloel]

"So, you're relying on the fact that everyone else who survived this fight will suddenly forget that we murdered most of the caravan and not turn us in once we are across the border?"

I'm relying on the fact that the man who gave the order for you to murder people is dead.

[Ophidian]

Firyr shifted a bit at Procter's commentary. "As I said, I'll need some time to determine what it does. If it's common though...that'll be easier. I'll start in on it once we're moving again." The necromancer shifted again, turning towards Findecáno. "That seems possible. This was a weak force...scouts maybe? A prelude to invasion? Worrisome..." He paused a moment, going over his remaining spells in his head.

[A'den]

[roll0]: General Mann and general Wir-stand politics and their army size.

Common Size Armies during the First War and average Elven population. 18 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?400745-The-Dimming-Fire-%28OOC%29&p=18967156#post18967156)

Locations of Wachtrum and Hochburg, and any battles that have happened at either before. 13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?400745-The-Dimming-Fire-%28OOC%29&p=18967156#post18967156)

"Ed' i'ear ar' elenea!"<By the Sea and Stars!> Common exclamation of shock.

Findecáno is momentarily stunned at the Procter's comments, the sheer volume of supplies, metal, and horse flesh to arm and maintain armies of that size staggered the noble. It appeared as a slight widening of his eyes and a moment where he sucked a breath in a little too sharply. That force could of been the pickets for any number of battalions when dealing with formations of that scale.

"Very worrisome." He agreed with Firyr. He looked around it seemed most of the armor, wounded, and horses had been gathered. He cared not for the dead.

"Get these wagons moving people, the safety of the boarder is almost in hand! Procter would you care to take the lead again? I fear your former countrymen would like to avenge their fallen comrades if we stay here as an easy target."

The elf looked around from his position he spied nothing immediately that needed his attention yet he felt like he was forgetting something.

[Ophidian]

Firyr's eyes narrowed as the implications of Procter's statement fully sank in. "I think it all depends on their tactics...Pardon. I'll need a moment." The necromancer suddenly seemed alive with nervous energy. He'd read up on the war and the figures within during his spare time as an apprentice...well, the spare time when he wasn't sneaking out to spy on Haae but no one here ever needed to know that. Hopefully, he could still recall the pertinent passages.

[roll0]

Rolling for historical Oran tactics regarding raids like this and invasions.

[Trasilor]

Riding up on her newly acquired horse, Rose approaches the group and surveys the scene before her - and she is thoroughly dismayed. Using the skills she has mastered over the years on countless stages, Rose shouts with a voice that can be heard across the caravan, "Why are you standing around! Mount up and get this caravan moving!"

Turning towards the halfling she continues, "Issdal, get your prisoner secured in the wagon. If you need help moving him, I suggest asking the Minotaur or a couple of the conscious civilians. You can continue questioning him along the way." Then she looks at Guldan, "My dart throwing friend, secure the other soldiers in another wagon. We don't want them getting loose, otherwise we will have to run them down."

Pulling forth the second horse, Rose looks at Findecano and Roland, "Findecano, Roland either of you two know how to ride?" and tosses the reins in their general direction. "Findecano, I suggest you get the body of the leader. I know that magic can allow persons speak with the dead, he may knowledge that these grunts" she indicates towards the tied-up swordsmen and cleric "may not have."

Lifting her head and standing high in the saddle, she once again calls upon her voice training and addresses the caravan, "Everyone, we cannot allow ourselves to be caught again. Quickly gather anything you can and get into the wagons. We are leaving, NOW!"

And, with that last statement, Rose move forwards and starts to get her wagon moving again, albeit slowly. Using her horse, she moves among the people get them to load everything into wagons, either her's or someone else's.

Rose is trying to get the caravan moving once again, but slowly - like a speed of 10. She is using her increased mobility, via the horse, to get civilians motivated to move.

[changed4life]

Guldan does as the loud lady says, reminding himself to ask if he can pet her dog...

[Valery]

The cleric snaps back to Issdal, "That does not change the fact that we acted on his orders!" He seems very adamant that he will be punished for his actions.

Procter looks curiously at the two elves and says, "Oh, you must not have realized. A force like that wandering around near the border, should be common for a few weeks. See, when the lines were drawn up for the occupation of Tremise, we had smaller units from each nation just sort of going in and out of territory. For that cavalry group to just come up out of no where, means that they were already stuck in the general area when the war broke out."

At Rose's and Fin's command many of the people left in the caravan pack up their things and hurry themselves onto the wagons and horses that are available to them.

"You're both right. We should keep moving. The faster we get to the border the better."

Vex Mardet returns and says, "I've found everyone I could, but my other collegues.....didn't make it..."

If everyone is ready to continue, just say so in the OOC.

I'm going to move the plot forward, so jump right in when you feel like it.

[Eloel]

Everyone here has acted on orders once. That does not mean they liked the orders - just that they had to. I don't want you to die - you have probably noticed that I don't want anyone to die. I can't prevent it unless you cooperate though.

[Valery]

"What is your plan? How will you keep everyone from handing us over? What would you have us do?"

[Eloel]

Issdal sits across from the bounded cleric.
Scrap your previous allegiances. This caravan needs all the hands it can have, including former enemies, if they turn a new leaf. We don't ride into war. We don't ride into destruction. We only try to survive, however that must be. Being on what amounts to the death row, I think you can appreciate what survival means.

Do you have a family?


OOC: I'm ready to move on whenever, we can fast-forward to wherever you think this talk will lead into

[Trasilor]

Riding up along side Issdal, Rose asks the halfling woman, "Any luck getting him to talk?" indicating the cleric with a nod of her head. "Have you asked why they were targeting halfings as well as elves?"

[A'den]

"Thank you Rose."

Fin accepted the reigns and mounted the horse he was an ill accustomed rider but it came to him easy enough without any threats around.

Take 10 to mount.

He road along side Procter and Firyr while he kept an eye and ear out for more trouble.

"So war has broken out between Oran and the its former allies?" He posed the question to the Procter.


Spot: [roll]1d20+5[roll]
Listen: [roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr would be the first to admit he hadn't the faintest idea why someone had shoved the reins of a horse into his hand, but he knew how to roll with the proverbial punches if nothing else. If his recall, which seemed to be far from perfect at the moment, was reliable, the Oran normally hit hard and fast...and Procter seemed to think it was nothing to be overly worried about...and he would know.

Unless, of course, he was amongst the best of double agents.

Well.

That thought was going to fester.

[Valery]

The convoy begins to move, once more, towards the border. All the survivors begin to trudge along. Much moaning can be heard from the wounded and those who have lost friends in the fight.

The Cleric looks at Issdal, "Of course I have family. My only concern is your ability to convince Wir-Stand to let us be, despite the fact that we fought against. We've lost, but if you can get us out of trouble, I'm sure we can repay you at some point in the future." He turns to Rose and says, "I'm not entirely sure why we are arresting halflings. The captain seemed to know why, but it was more of a hushed subject. As for elves, our people can not abide by them. You may not see it, but in my eyes elves are worthless filth that have plagued this world with their 'holier-than-thou' authority for far too long. The elves that would be handed over would either be killed or forced into labor camps."

Meanwhile, at the front of the convoy. Procter answers Fin's question. "Ah, I see that the blow to your head must have made you forget. Well, it is more that war has broken out between Wir-Stand and its former allies. Wir-Stand couldn't bare the way Oren and Ariel were treating the elves, so they finally had enough and declared war on both, knowing that they were outnumbered. The good news is, elven revolts have sprung up everywhere, so their not alone in this. I'm told that the former elven capital has revolted entirely, or so I hear."

[A'den]

Findecáno tapped his lip in thought as he bobbed along to the horse's plodding pace. Riding in heavy armor beat walking but he knew he would be saddle sore by the evening. These concerns dwarfed his other thoughts, while it had almost been enough time since the last war for human nations to raise two generations of Soldiers it had really only been enough time for a single generation of elves to come of age. While more skilled as a naturally superior race they didn't have the advantage of the human's ability to mature so quickly. Though most of their veterans would not be aged into earlier graves or uselessness like the humans, so while Findecáno believed numbers may not favor his agenda overall the world had a better chance of realizing his life long goal of a resurgent Elven empire.

"A momentary lapse, it has been sometime since I have been in any court. I wonder if we hit a few more of these Oran pickets over the next few days if we will be able to assist in the delay of the Oran assault on Wirstand? Do you think so? Firyr you seem to have a militant mind for a commoner, up for taking it on the offensive?"

[Ophidian]

Firyr felt another feral grin split his face, out of sheer reflex. His mind instantly flashed to the fate of his hometown at the hands of enemy occupiers. It was nothing quite...as dramatic...as mass graves or genocide, but marauders of a different sort had raided in the dark nonetheless. Sucked every coin and bit of wealth from the town. At least a slaughter would have been quicker then the slow-semi death that he had watched it endure.

"Without a doubt. Worst comes to worst, I'd like to be able to say I accounted for some of the bastards before I went down. I don't think I could look myself in the eye if I spent the war behind a wall. Not while Tremise is trying to throw off the shackles at least."

[changed4life]

Guldan looks around at the rest of the soldiers in the wagon he is riding in. So guys,He says, Why did you feel the need to go after the people in this caravan? Why must you go after people who clearly have nothing to do with your whole war thing?

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

As the caravan begins moving once again, Cora slips beneath one of the wagons. She rolls her shoulders in the hidden space under the wagon, releasing her halfling-like form and falling to all fours as the ground speeds up towards her. Her transformation complete, she arches her back in a long feline stretch before slipping out from beneath the wagon and going to find Firyr in one of the wagons. When she has found him, she leaps up into the wagon lightly, sitting back on her haunches and cleaning a forepaw as she listens to the conversation around her. **Its good that most people never bother a cat overmuch, its much easier to relax while traveling like this, and boy to I need the rest...**

[Trasilor]

"Issdal, I don't think I've properly introduced myself." Rose says with a friendly smile, "Name's Rose, performer and singer. I figure, if we will be travelling together, might as well get to know everyone." she says with a crooked smile. Pointing with a nod of her head, "driving this cart is my friend Fiola. And this - com'ere boy" waving her hand towards the back of the cart as a large black and brown dog, still muddy and bloody from the battle, bounds into the back of the cart, "is Pooka.". Pooka immediately lies down, his tongue hangs out the side of his mouth, panting.

Rose is disappointed the cleric doesn't know more, but it does remind her to check on something. "Issdal, you don't mind if Pooka sits here and rests awhile do you? He seems quite content next to you." Rose takes a second to blow a quick chirp in her special dog training whistle. "Pooka, zexenuma!" Pooka raises his head just long enough to hear the command, only to put it back down.

Pulling her horse around, rose rides up next to Findecano and the elf wizard Firyr. "Don't think we've met, sir. Name's Rose. I'd shake your hand, but I'd likely fall off in a most un-ladylike manner. You handled yourself quite well out there. I really liked your musical spell, perhaps, when things are calmer, you can show me some of the intricacies. However, I have a quick question for Findecano, here"

Turning towards Findecano, Rose looks him over. "Good grief, your filthy. Let me help you with that - I've got some time before this spell expires." Riding next to Findecano, Rose touches his arm and his armor, clothing and weaponry begin to clean themselves. "So, the cleric is doesn't have any useful information. I don't suppose you grabbed the body of the commander? I don' recall the specifics, but I remember hearing stories about how spellcasters can speak with the recently departed. I figure someone in Wir-Stand would be able to talk to the dead commander. If you didn't, oh well. I going to check out this gear - someone says we are rich beyond our wildest dreams." She gives Findecano a wink and begins to turn her horse aside when she spots the cutest cat land upon Firyr lap.

"Oh. My. Gods! That is the cutest cat ever!" Rose squeals. Moving closer and bending down low until she is nearly cat level. "Wook how cute she is! Wook at her itty-bitty paws." Sitting upright again, Rose looks pleadingly at Firyr. "Is she friendly? Do you think she will ride with me? I bet her and Pooka would get along." Rose sits back on her saddle and pats her lap, trying to coax the cat to hop onto her horse.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird, having been walking close by Firyr when the wagons started moving, breaks into a big grin when Cora appears. Kitty! he exclaims Not get hurt much in fight, right? he asks, gently petting Cora.

[A'den]

"Thank you, Rose." He breathes a slow sigh of relief as the grime is cleared away.

Findecáno smiled as he watched Rose degenerate into fits of cuteness over Firyr cat's which he hadn't noticed until Rose shrieked with delight.

"I believe the Procter tossed the body in with the corpse wagon, yes you are quite right but I lack the current skill level to summon a soul from beyond the grave to question it. Usually the souls of opposing factions have some degree of ability to resist questioning also. Though a cleric of sufficient skill may reside in the Wir-stand camp."

Its a 3rd Level Cleric Spell so Fin couldn't prepare until 5th level.

He watches the exchange with an amused cast on his expression. He drubbed his knuckles along the spear that was balanced across his lap.

"It might due for some of us to range ahead and make sure the way is clear."

[Ophidian]

Firyr started as the Cora landed in his lap, and in the moment it took him to calm down, an exceptionally talkative bard pulled up beside him and introduced herself. Before he had a chance to properly respond, she moved onto Findecano just as quickly.

This was, he reflected, what they must have met when they coined the term social butterfly. Then in the blink of an eye, she was back again, just as Gird chimed in. "I think she's fine Gird, probably appreciates the concern though...and well, Rose, I think that's up to her. You interested?" He looked down at Cora, who must have been feeling rather proud of her disguise at the moment. He turned to look at Findecano as he spoke up, pausing only to make a mental note. He really needed to know how his fellow elf kept his hair so neat.

His own hair tended to break any combs that dared try to tame it. "I've a few spells left, not much, but I'd be willing to assist, if it came to it."

[Valery]

"A direct assault on Wir-Stand, so early into war?" Procter said to Fin, "I wouldn't go so far as to say that just yet. We are two weeks into war and the front line is still being drawn. Don't get me wrong, every little bit helps." Then to both Fin and Firyr, "I'm glad to see your enthusiasm in the matter of fighting my countrymen. I hope to do the same."

When Guldan asks about why the caravan was targeted, the cleric responds with, "In war, sometimes you must do rash things in order to survive. Our force was caught out close to the Wir-Stand border. If we were cut off from most of you other comrades, we wouldn't have had to raid the caravan."

When Rose rode up to meet the Fin and Firyr, posing the question as to if the body of the Captain had been taken, Procter responded with a small grimace. "I did not think to grab his body...or any of my countrymen for that matter...I don't want to bury heathens..."
Just then, Vex Mardet rode up next to them, "I actually had the same thought, so I grabbed him. Saves us the miles long trek back to grabbing the bastard. I'm sure that General Mann has someone who can help with the interrogation."
"If anyone would like to scout ahead, please feel free," Procter said, eyeing Fin. "I need to stay here in case anything happens."

When everyone is ready, we can fast forward more.

[changed4life]

Guldan looks at all of the other people playing with the cute animals and quietly mumbles to himself but I wanted to play with the animals... He then looks down and starts twirling his dagger around in his hand.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

Cora rolls her eyes, a decidedly un-catlike thing to do in most situations, but the talkative bard certainly warrants the expression. **Some people turn into such gibbering fools around animals.** As Gird reaches down to pet her, she tilts her head sideways, the giant minotaur may not look it, but he is surprisingly gentle for his size, and he knows just to spot to rub behind her ears.

The talkative bard continues making noises at her, and Cora momentarily quite pleased with the success the disguise this form provides, as she always is of course. Then, standing and stretching, she looks down off the edge of the wagon, gauging the distance between the rolling wagon and the woman's saddle. **The things I do for group solidarity...** With that thought she gracefully makes the leap from the wagon's rail onto the young woman's lap. She immediately sits back on her haunches, small body swaying with the horse's movements.

[Trasilor]

Rose is ecstatic that a cat hopped onto the saddle with her. As she gently strokes the cats fur, she is reminded of the various cats that frequented the taverns when she was younger. "I wonder where you were hiding during the fight" Rose ponders to the cat. After petting the cat for a few moments, she begins to hum a simple melody as she guides her horse along the countryside hoping to reach the Wir-Stand boarder before more Oren soldiers harass them.

[A'den]

Findecáno nodded in thanks to Vex, "Good work Mr. Mardet, can't say I would enjoy doing the task myself. Alright Procter I'll leave things here to you and ride ahead to scout the path to the boarder.

Findecáno spurs the horse up to a trot riding a few hundred feet ahead.

Ready to advance time, Findecáno take's 20 on Spot and Listen Checks during the hours advanced for 25/25 and meets up with the party at the boarder unless he finds anything of note.

[Valery]

I'm moving the plot forward, since we seem to want to fast forward.

Fin finds that the way is clear and everyone moves safely across the border.

The southern part of Wir-Stand is covered in lush, green pastures, and farm land. A few miles in, the come across the great Illa River and follow it north towards Wachtrum. Along the way, other refugees are spotted making the same pilgrimage north. Wir-stand soldiers can be seen either helping the refugees or making their way south towards the border. Finally, not far in the distance, everyone is able to see their destination. A city just a few miles off.

"Here it is," Procter exclaimed joyfully, "The city of Wachtrum!"

The party comes across a booming refugee laden town. People of all walks of life walk the dilapidated streets. The city is in a state of ruin. Partially crumbled buildings, fallen towers, and jaded streets can be seen throughout. Many refugees have set up small shops amid the rubble. Makeshift roofs have been constructed over caved in buildings, providing respite from the sun and other elements. The group rides to the center of the city, stopping in a large market square being looked over by a decimated temple, who's grand spire rested squarely in the market. Soldiers are handing out food and blankets to refugees, as people clamor for supplies.

"General Mann is likely somewhere in the crowd," Vex Mardet said. "Once we find him, we can begin to get things sorted out with the prisoners and....."
Vex was suddenly silence by the thunderous call of Procter towards the crowd.
"General Fredrick Mann!!! Get over here and give old Procter a proper handshake!"

At this, the crowd all turned and looked at the scream bald man, and in an instant many of them began to panic.
"Oren's champion is here! We're all going to die!"
"Save the children!"
"Save my cat!"
"We're doomed!! There are no gods!"

Many of the soldiers responded by taking up arms, but were all very obviously unnerved by his appearance. A few of the soldiers began to shout at Procter to surrender, but then a voice was heard among them.
"This is no way to act in front of my guest." A short well-shaven dwarf, with a skinny physique, in long blue noble's garb, and carrying a satchel filled with books stepped out of the soldiers. He's smoking out of a corncob pipe, his voice is stout like that of a fine dark ale, but he speaks with a learned man's tounge. "This man doesn't mean you any more harm than you could give him. Rest assured, gentlemen, that if this man wanted to kill everyone he would've done so by now." He walks over to Procter and puts out his hand. "What brings you to Wir-Stand?" he asked, smoke rising from his lips.

"Simple," Procter said, grasping the dwarf's hand tightly, "I'm defecting" Procter turns around and looks at the party. "Everyone, this is General Mann, the Wall"

[The Bandicoot]

Gird looks up at Proctor and mutters If he going poo why he say so? Why in middle of the street? he shakes his head Nevermind, not want to know...

[Trasilor]

Swinging her leg over, Rose gracefully dismounts her horse as she lands on the soft earth. Walking boldly to the skinny, clean-shaven dwarf, she extends her hand. "Good day to you, General Mann - Rose Silverhand." Rose begins in a loud clear voice. "My companions and I have been travelling through the Oren countryside trying to avoid the soldiers in hopes of seeking refuge in Wir-Stand." she says while using her other hand to gesture towards the caravan.

Speaking more softly, she continues. "Unfortunately, our caravan was attacked by group of Oren soldiers. Regrettably, several people perished in the conflict. However, we were able to capture several soldiers - although they proved to have very little information." In an even softer tone, she leans in closer to General Mann, "But, we did bring back the body of their commanding officer with the hopes of magically interrogating him."

Standing upright, her voice once again clear. "Thank you for allowing us to take refuge in Wir-Stand."

With that, Rose walks back to her horse.

[A'den]

Findecáno observed the 'General' with a casual eye as Rose introduced herself he suppressed the urge to cluck his tongue first the Procter annoucing himself like he the savior of mankind and causing an unnecessary ruckus then Rose laying all their cards right on the table to start with. He dismounted a tad slower than the others and left his longspear with the horse before approaching General Mann and the Procter.

"General, Findecáno Oronrá of Tremise, I fought against your men at the second battle of the Wells, you really did earn the nickname 'The Wall' that day. Miss Silverhand has the right of it, though there are several men here interested in joining the fight."

[roll0]

[Ophidian]

Firyr fought back a yawn. It had been...quite some time since he'd had the time to sleep. The ambush had set him on edge, truth be told, and though he would be the first to admit his eyesight wasn't extraordinary...he really did not want to be caught off guard by another ambush. Now though, they were in a secure location hopefully he could grab some shuteye.

Well.

It was more secure then the wilderness at least.

[changed4life]

Guldan looks around the land taking in all of the changes to this country side since the last time he was here. He puts his hood well over the top of his head, adjusts his cloak so that his neck isn't being constricted, and continues to play with his daggers.

[Valery]

Everyone sort of looks oddly at Gird's comment, but more to the point they all eye Gird. Clearly bewildered by the presence of a minotaur.

Procter says to Gird, "They don't know me, so 'pooping' themselves isn't all that strange....I guess..."

"At any rate," General Mann exclaims, "It's a pleasure meeting all of you. I'm sorry for your losses. Please, accept my sincerest apologies. Were we to have acted faster, more people would've been safely spared of the fighting." He addresses Fin, saying, "Yes, I do remember that encounter. A shame that you and yours had to be on the offensive that day, but we must forgive and forget. Justice for your people demands that we must take in all manner of allies to achieve peace. So, you are welcome to be present during the fighting."

"You'll need everyone you can muster," Procter interjected.

"Indeed, your acquaintances will be useful, however, they will not be enough. I'm told that the council is to have a meeting on the matter. We are too few to win this war, even if all of Tremise joins in the uprising. And, I dare say, that if you are intent on defecting, you'll have to meet them. You are still Oren, after all." Turning to the group. "As for all of you, I would like to congratulate you on making it here. It takes a courageous bunch to trek all the way here. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me now. I'll be happy to oblige."

[changed4life]

Guldan hops off the wagon and repliesYou can point me in the direction of where I can sell goods we have acquired, buy supplies, and where we can sleep for the night.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

Cora turns a small feline glare on the bard as she is dislodged from her relaxed position on the woman's lap, watching her swing from the saddle to the ground, going to make her introduction to this general. For her own part she curiously peers around the courtyard from her relatively high position on the horse's back. After a moment, she makes a decision, leaping gently off the horse's back to the ground below. **Perhaps I can find glean some more specific information about our standing, these military types should be more likely to loosen their tongues around me than in the presence of any of my companions.**

With that thought she wanders the courtyard for a little while aimlessly, trying to determine where the soldiers are holding their base of operations, before slinking away from the group, keeping her ears and eyes perked for information as she slowly circles the courtyard, slipping in and out of buildings and back streets.

Spot?: [roll0]

Listen?: [roll1]

Bluff?: [roll2]

Gather Info?: [roll3]

Hide?: [roll4]

Move Silently?: [roll5]

Most of these should be right for Cora being in cat form slinking around. Just thought I would roll anything that might be relevant for snooping about trying to gather information relevant to the group's position or anything they can do to earn their keep. Specifically for herself, Gird, and Firyr; though she will keep her ears open for anything that the larger group can participate in.

[A'den]

Findecano nodded along with the General, "Tremise might, might not meet the muster of the old Empire twenty years ago but there should be pockets of my people across the whole of Sara we just need to be able to message them freely. How soon do you expect the Oren to bring the fight across the boarder? And does the council have an Elven representative? I imagine there is not a short list of tasks you also have for a group of irregulars like us."

The elf appeared to become more at ease as Mann remarked on their battle together the dwarf might of aged into a middle aged man but Fin had hardly changed at all in the scope of time.

[Ophidian]

Firyr did some quick thinking, regarding the conversation with Mann and Fin's proposal regarding a group of irregulars. "If you do make use of such a group of irregulars, I'll gladly lend my spells to the task." He nodded at Findecano, silently thanking him for bringing the topic up. "I think it's fair to say I've got a bit of personal stake in this...I lived under the occupiers for sometime. The scales need a bit of evening, if you take my meaning."

[Valery]

You hear a lot of tales of confusion regarding the state of the war at the moment. Soldiers are speaking of uprising across Tremise, making it difficult for help to be provided to the elves. On other notes, you hear that the refugees need even more help than the military can give at the moment. The overall mood about the conflict so far, from what you can tell, is that Wir-Stand and Tremise seem destined to lose this war if help doesn't come from somewhere more quickly. The soldiers make mention of a few border towns that regiments are held up in, but no certain footholds have been made past a major city in Tremise called Dominion.

General Mann addresses Guldan first. "You're very
to-the-point' about this sort of thing. If you've got military supplies, then I'm your buyer. Much of our current populous could possibly hope to pay. Just show me your wares and I'll sort it all out."

Then to Fin: "I'd give them a month or so before any major offensive is conducted against us. All the 'Walls of God' along our border are secured. However, we are still getting smaller raiding parties about random locations from when we lent occupational control of some towns. Nasty business sorting all that out right now, but the insects just pop up and we have to clamor to meet them." He looks at Vex Mardet for a moment and says, "Speaking of which, Lieutenant Mardet, I need a debriefing on your regiment. You came alone. Am I to assume the worst?"

"Yes sir," Vex says begrudgingly.

General Mann addresses the group once more, "Irregulars? Hm, we are taking on new recruits, but I'm not sure that I could use your unique sort of help." He looks upon all of you, clearly conjuring some scheme in his head. He pulls from his satchel a piece of parchment and examines it careful before looking up at the group again. He snickers and chuckles under his breath. "I may have something for all of you after all. If you're willing, that is. However, there are people here who need my assistance, and they are my priority for now. I'd like to invite all of you to join me and my fortress at Hochburg. I'll explain there. Oh, and Procter, I'm not asking you to be there. I'm demanding it. Before I forget," he looks at Guldan, "Show me your weapons, I'll see what I can offer."

[Trasilor]

"General, I would be honored to join you in Hochburg. However, our horses need a proper brushing, feed and rest before we continue on." We could all do with a bit of refreshing Rose thought to herself "Could you point us in the direction of where we can stable our horses?"

"Also, I can only imagine how tough it must be for your soldiers. Is there a place where many tend to gather? I would like to offer my unique skills as a musician to lift your soldier's spirits while my horse rests. Normally, I would frequent a tavern, alas, I don't think any remain standing."

[A'den]

"I will leave you to your business General Mann and meet you at the Fortress." Fin sketches the briefest possible formalities between the two as he lets Guldan and Rose take over and turns to his fellow countryman, Firyr. He clasped the boy... no man... on his shoulder and nodded, "Don't worry everything will be set aright to as it should be, in time."

His hand lingers a moment longer on Firyr's shoulder then he drops it down to his side resting on the pommel of his sword. "Care to find what swill these cretins might be passing for drink around here?"

[Ophidian]

Firyr started, slightly, when the hand came down on his shoulder, out of sheer surprise and reflex if nothing else. "Well. I've actually got some wine stashed away. Not the best. But not the thin wine-like substance they probably serve hereabouts. "And...thanks. It's good to know someone thinks that, at least. There wasn't alot of room for luxuries like hope, where I lived."

He wondered, briefly, where Findecano had spent the years of occupation. For all he knew, it was somewhere even worse. Hefting his quarterstaff, he gestured torwards the caravan. "Anyway, the wine. Right. I've got it right over there."

[changed4life]

Guldan brings the General to the wagon that they loaded the looted weapons. Here are most of the weapons and armor we looted off of the soldiers that raided us. I believe some people took some of the weapons for their own, but I don't know of any more use for these. He turns to the rest of the Caravan and asks Would any of you care to pull from this pile before we sell the rest? I'm sure we could all use some more money!

[Trasilor]

Rose walks over to cart full of weapons and armor. She already pulled a shortsword and shortbow, but it never hurt to check one more time. I don't suppose there is high quality rapier in there.

As Rose was checking the cart, she realized that she forgot to snag arrows when she grabbed the shortbow. Guldan dear, I don't see any rapiers...but I will take a few of these quivers.

I actually forgot to snag arrows :smallbiggrin: Rose will grab 3 quivers of arrows. I don't recall any soldiers using rapiers - hence the comment - so I doubt there would be one, but it never hurts to ask.:smallsmile:

[Valery]

Unfortunately, there are no Rapiers.

General Mann eyes the quality of the weapons and mumbles to himself, "Masterwork...Masterwork...all Masterwork..." He grabs another piece of paper from his satchel, quickly examines it, and says, "I'll give you 7000gp for the lot. You've got a fair amount here, but I see nothing terribly intriguing. It fine equipment, but I'm confined to paying only so much for what I see here."

[changed4life]

Guldan hears that ridiculously large number and almost yelps! However, he stifles the yelp, turns to the party and asks them: "I am not too familiar with the cost of these weapons, does that seem like a fair price you?"

[Trasilor]

Guldan, that seems like a fair amount to me. The general seems to be an honest dwarf and I am not here for war profiteering. I say, shake his hand and seal the deal.

Placing her hand on his arm, she flashes Guldan a smile and leans in close and quietly says in his ear. Besides, the sooner we get done here, the sooner we can join our Elven friends in revelry. indicating Firyr and Fin with a tilt of her head.

[A'den]

Fin nodded and followed the other elf to where he was talking about the wine.

"I can agree with you that the Imperial palace was never really the same after the occupation."

[Ophidian]

Firyr nodded at that. "Didn't mean to bring down the mood. Ah..." He began to dig around the wagon, searching for something. "Here they are. Some of them are Halfing make but...I think...yes, yes it is." He held up a bottle of wine, grinning widely. "Not the best vintage. But elven. Figured you'd appreciate it. Been saving it for a special occasion but...I'd say coming out of that ambush without a sword through the gullet is a pretty special occasion."

The necromancer uncorked the bottle with an unceremonious 'pop'. "And I...uh, appreciate the assist with my arm earlier. Sooner die then give that self-righteous hag the satisfaction." He held the bottle out to Fin. "Guess what I'm saying...first sips yours."

[The Bandicoot]

Gird peers about Where can I wash up? he wonders aloud I smell bad.....

[changed4life]

Guldan voices his agreement with gird and would also like a shower and rest

[Valery]

Takes Guldan's hand and shakes it firmly saying "We have a deal then sir." The general hands Guldan the money and orders a few of his men to take the weapons and armor from the wagon. He then turns to Rose and says, "My good lady, I'm afraid that many people here are in need of any music you can bring to their spirits. The ruined temple should be a suitable place for your playing. Many soldiers and refugees gather there. There is no stable for your horses, you'll merely have to tie them up while you're in town. When you make your way to Hochburg, I'll be able to provide you with stables."

General Mann looks over the Minotaur. He scratches his head, and says, "Well, there's no clean source of water here. I've acquired some amenities for bathing at the Fortress, but if you're insistent having a good cleaning now, you're welcome to go to the bank of the river Illa. It's clean water, good for drinking and bathing."

"Now, before I resume my duties, sir elves might I have a word with the two of you in private?"

[changed4life]

Guldan jumps at the idea of going down to the river seeing as he has nothing better to do, and he has always loved playing in water. He asks if anyone else would want to join him there since it is probably best we travel in groups.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

Having not heard anything of major importance during her slow circuit of the courtyard, and certainly nothing to warrant further investigation, Cora makes her way back to the center of the courtyard fairly swiftly while still maintaining the guise of a simple curious feline. Her pristine white fur is stained brown around the pads of her paws, though the rest of her remains fairly pristine considering the state of the city she has been making her way through. Finding her way back to the wagons, she slips between the legs of bystanders and horses alike, slinking underneath the bellies of the large wagons until she discovers where Firyr has gone off to.

Once she manages to find her travelling companion she makes a great show of weaving between his ankles, brushing her sides up against his rough boots until such a time as he notices her, then sitting back on her haunches and staring up at him. For the benefit of her 'disguise,' in the presence of the other elf, she lets out the most pitiful "meow" she can muster.

[Trasilor]

Guldan, are you proposing we all bathe together? I never knew you to be so forward. Rose says with a coy smile. Tell you what, help me feed my small menagerie and I will join you in the river for a wash

Turning to face the general,General, after I wash the road from my skin and get my animals fed, I will gladly put on a small concert for your men. Per your suggestion, I will attend the temple ruins. with a small bow, Rose turns and leaves the general.

As she is leaving, she once again spies the adorably cute cat. Hello princess, is that elf ignoring you again? Squatting down Rose reaches into her pocket and produces some animal treats. Here precious, I have some delicious kitten snacks for you she says in an almost sing-song voice.

[changed4life]

Guldan's face lights upon hearing about animals. Of course I will help you with animals! And I never said we would have no clothes on during this bath. I fully expected to be wearing most of my clothes still, unless that is a no go now. Guldan moves toward Rose to help her with everything.

[A'den]

Fin nods, "Think nothing of it really."

He took a long pull before handing the carafe back to Firyr.

He takes a moment to stare hard at the cat around Firyr's ankles then thing seemed quite attached to the boy.

Before he could comment on the matter General Mann approached, "By all means General lead the way..."

[Valery]

General Mann starts off with the elves and cat Cora away from the market. The party splits. One group heads for the river, while another goes towards the ruins. The sun is almost at it's peak in the sky. Noon is approaching.

Walking through much of the ruins, the town is much the same state as the south side that they arrived on. The group sees a vast majority of elves squatting in the town, while soldiers, mostly human but some dwarven, try to assist the refugees as best they can. Many of the soldiers are helping to construct livable quarters among the debris. Scenes like this eventually give way to what seem to be a more commercial portion of the town. Broken shops begin to line the area, some shanty sellers can be seen barking about their wares to any passerby. Soon, the group reaches an old pier jetting off from a boardwalk worn away by the river. The structure dilapidated, however functional. Some people can be seen fishing off the side and giving away their catches. The group has reached the bank of the river Illa. People are scattered about the bank, bathing, and cleaning their clothes in the clear river.

An halfling approaches the group quite suddenly holding a bar of soap in her hand. She shoves it towards Rose and says, "Oh, my dear, see her. Yes here! You've come to wash, well not much soap around here, not much. Ah, but in my hand, and my basket, there be good cleaning supplies. All I ask is a little silver, or gold if you're generous. Surely you're aware of my kind's difficulties. Just some, a little, gold would do. Help pay for the others, not the damned fanatics in my kin. No, they're is nothing I'd rather give them than a good smack."

General Mann leads the three through the crowds, often being stopped by a grateful refugee or a soldier looking for orders. They head toward an old mansion near the edge of the market. The mansion has three floors, its charred brick warped by fire damage, many of the windows are blown out, and the east end of the building seems to be leaning precariously towards the street. At the third floor of this mansion, a tower jets out right from the middle of the build.

"We'll discuss things in here," the General said, opening the door to the decrepit manor.

The door creeks open slowly and falls off its hinges. The General seems unphased by the easy destruction of the door and saunters in as though everything were normal. Inside, the remnants of a modest household can be glimmered in the marred figure of the rooms. Much of the building seems like it could fall to pieces at a moment's notice. Wooden beams hang from the ceiling, ash and broken glass are scattered across the floor, while the walls give out unnerving creeks. The general leads them a spiral staircase in the middle of the small estate. Its in remarkably stable condition compared to the rest of the manor. At the top, the group comes upon a single door, he opens the door and inside is a small, makeshift living quarters for one. A desk, one chair, and a floor mat.

"Welcome to my abode gentlemen," he says, taking a seat in his chair. "We'll get all the privacy we want here. My friends, I understand that one of you mentioned that you'd been at the palace in Tremise. The one in Exalt. And Findecáno, you'd asked earlier about an elven representative for the Council? Well, gentlemen I must say that I've been looking for such a representative to the Council, and what luck should strike me as to come upon an elf from the palace? The Council has need of such a representative, for the time being. I should ask both of you if you know anyone with diplomatic expertise who would be willing to serve on the council. I would've requested this knowledge of the two of you during the evening, but there are too many sly ears in the walls of my Fortress. Better to hold such conversations in burned out buildings that no one cares to be in."

[The Bandicoot]

Gird smells the soap and fiddles around in his coin purse, pulling out six gold coins and gently placing them in the halfling's hands. For me and the big folk. he says with a smile.

[changed4life]

Really? Guldan replied looking at gird. How much do I owe you? reaching into his bag to pull out some gold coins

[The Bandicoot]

Gird looks quizically at Guldan and then shakes his head with a smile Nothing. You owe nothing.

[Trasilor]

Rose, graciously accepts a bit of the soapThank you Gird. Turning towards the halfling, Perhaps in addition to the soap my friend so generously purchased from you, you could help us with some information? Rose says to the halfling woman with a warm smile.

Like many of your kin, we have fled the war-torn countryside. Is there a place here where we can safely rest our heads and our animals? Also, you mentioned fanatics. Who are these fanatics?

[Valery]

The halfling looks up at Gird, in a quizzical manner, apparently no one in the area has ever thought they'd see a minotaur, let along one who desires soap. All the same, she replies to Gird gratefully with soap and a thank you.

When Rose asks about a safe place to rest and put up animals, the halfling says, "Anywhere you'd like dear. Not much in the way of inns and such. We've been fortunate enough to have many soldiers around, not much stealing what with them patrolling, but be weary anyway, a good pick pocket can come about in crowds. But deary, that shouldn't discourage you from a fair rest." When asked about the fanatics, the halfling grumbles and replies in a gruff manner. "Ye must not be too familiar with my kind dear. There are those of us among the caravans that worship the contemptible demon Gnimil Elyk. Their hedonists! Rooten to the core! We've got none in the caravan I hail from. Best steer clear of them. They'll try to 'convert' you. Yes, that's what they call it, tricky word for tricky people."

[changed4life]

So it would be best to go find a tent and find a place to park? Is there a market that we would be able to visit to purchase supplies and the such? What about any other pertinent information you have? Guldan smiles politely as he finishes his sentence. He is really excited to rinse off because he knows it has been a while since he has actually used soap to wash off. Normally he just lets rain and water wash off his filth, but is happy to get clean.

[Trasilor]

Easy Guldan, I have a tent on my mule. Turning towards the halfling washerwoman I thank you for these words of caution regarding these worshipers of Gnimil Elyk. Turnind back to Gird and Guldan, Come on boys, lets get cleaned up and then find a place to make camp.

Moving upstream just a bit beyond most of the people, Rose begins clean not only herself but her animals. Removing most of her outfit as it had already been cleaned via her magic, Rose sets about cleaning her animals. Pooka seems like a pup as he spashes around in the river water, the layers of blood and mud soon give way and his dark coat begins to shine through. He attempts to play with either Guldan or Gird as he jumps in the river.

Meanwhile, Rose removes the gear from her mule and begins to brush him down. Days of road dust fall into the shallow water as the mule enjoys a long drink from the clear cool river. Takeing a few moments, Rose inspects the mule for signs of any sores the pack saddle might have caused.

Once the mule is cleaned and refreshed, she sets up his feed bag and proceeds to tend to her horse. Going to need to name you big guy. she says patting his strong neck. Like with the mule, Rose removes his saddle and brushes down the horse. Using some of the soap and water, she scrubbs out some of the caked on blood and mud from earlier battle. Rose sets up a long tether to allow the horse to graze on some of the nearby grass.

Once the mule and horse are tended too, Rose turns her attention onto Pooka, who at this point is fully playing with Gird and Guldan. Seeing that he is happy and for the most part clean, decides to clean herself.

After washing herself, Rose finds a large flat rock that had been warmed by the sun and lies down. She lets the warmth from the rock and sun dry her as she relaxes. It had been a harrowing few weeks, fleeing Tremise. Never knowing if one would run into a patrol. Villages, like this one, burnt to the ground. While she didn't know what lay ahead, she was happy for the reprive.

After a few minutes, she sat herself up and called to the boys Hey guys, don't worry about cleaning your gear, just set it next to mine and I will clean it all.

[A'den]

"Then General perhaps I should clarify my stature I am Findecáno of House Oronrá. Before the First War my father was a top religious minister in the monarchy. Unfortunately the House was destroyed in the First War and I was allowed to stay in the palace at Exalt by House Telemmaitë, they control much of what used to be the capital though I never saw eye to eye with the head of the house on his stance of appeasement still I am to his son-in-law after a fashion I am engaged to his daughter Elemmírë, the next heiress to the line. Though politics can shift quickly for those away from court I may be the best placed man to be on your Council. After all I did leave Tremise in the first place to take the fight to the invaders. Though perhaps Firyr could serve well as an aid or junior member. I appreciate your confidence in us."

Fin spoke eloquently as he detailed his noble credentials there was a small spark in his eyes like he felt alive again for the first time in a while.

[changed4life]

Guldan was surprised by the offer of Rose, and took off his armor, knives, and holster. He then hops into the river with his cloak still on trying to rinse off the rest of his clothes. He then happily played with Pooka and made sure to pet him a lot. He then brings pooka to the side, and tells him to sit in draconic seeing if it works. After that, he pets Pooka more and continues to play with him while he rinses off more. Guldan's smile is huge during this thinking back to simpler times when he played in rivers all the time.

[Trasilor]

Rose marveled at Guldan's joy at playing with pooka. She almost burst out laughing watching Guldan try to get Pooka to sit - a trick she never actually taught the pooch. And without a treat! He is brave indeed she thought to herself.

OK, boys, I am sufficiently rested and clean, If you bring me your clothing, gear and anything else that is dirty I will use a bit o' magic clean and dry them right up. With a flick of her hand and a speaking in a sing-song voice Rose calls out Prestidigitation!. The then immediately proceeds to touch all the clothing, gear and equipment causing them to immediatly clean and dry themselves.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird throws his gear a decent distance to land close to Rose and steals Pooka away from Guldan, laughing and rolling in the river and playing with the dog. Suddenly Gird's eyes widen and he whistles for his own pet. The somehow untied goat trots over moments later and Gird gets to washing him.

[Trasilor]

Pooka's excitement and joy are clearly evident by his loud barking and tail wagging as he jumps all over the two men. Even after being wrestled by Gird, he simply wiggled free and starting barking and jumping again.

Rose smiles as she watches Pooka, Guldan and Gird wrestle in the water. After cleaning the last of their equipment, she begins to realize how hungry she is. If you fellas are done cleaning, might I suggest we find some food and perhaps a place to camp? she yells across the river.

Turning back to her gear she dresses herself and begins to pack up her eqipment. Once everything is properly stowed - she begins to tune her violin.

[changed4life]

Guldan hears the word food and his stomach begins to growl loudly. He looks down at it, smirks, and shouts back: Food sounds amazing right now, my stomach would much appreciate it! He then pats Pooka one more time and runs over to gather his gear back. Once he gets it all adjusted and situated just right he finds a rock to sit on while waiting for everyone else to be ready.

[Valery]

Before the halfling woman leaves, she remarks to Guldan's questions. "Well, I suppose, since you've ask, and been ever so generous to me, ever so generous, the outskirts of the town, north that is, would probably be the best spot to camp out if you were looking to get away from people. Most people are filling up the place from the south up. If you be needing any sort of little things all you need do is ask around. But, my dears, what do you seek? Their are buyers and sellers of all manner in town at the moment. Unfortunately, those with anything of real value are the military and......my unsavory kin....they've got an eye for goods, but I've not spied their caravan. I suppose they don't belong to one, since the lot of them are weasels, but can't be sure."

The General stuffs a bit of tobacco into his corncob pipe, lights it, and takes one large puff. He blows smoke towards the three. Smoke fills your field of vision. When it clears the General is sitting with his legs crossed, his demeanor becomes much more serious, and he seems to be biting down on his pipe. "I see," he seems to say with remorse, "so you're from that House Oronrá. You're father was one of the few high ranking clerics to escape trial after the war, much to my displeasure. As if, your people's contemptible righteousness towards Sire wasn't strong enough. Though I appreciate your information, I can't have the representative for the elves be of the old order. It sends the opposite message to the people of both our nations. I do not wish to offend, but my malice on certain subjects can not be halted."

Whenever you guys want to jump in is fine. I'll just move things along.

[Ophidian]

"That wrong message, being of course, that our people won't be bent over and taken for all they have when the war is over." Firyr snorted. "You want a puppet, a mouthpiece. Not something that could be dangerous. Not an equal. I suppose it makes sense that you seek out what you want in a nation from it's representative." There was a light note of venom in Firyr's voice at this point. He'd dared to hope differently, but the general had just laid it down clearly enough. It seemed, at least too an angry mind, that the only difference between Wir-stand and the other nations was that they were more direct in their intentions.

[A'den]

Findecáno Oronrá curled a lip in disgust at the general, "You think it's better now? With the Oren and Aran scraping over the corpse of the Empire, how long can you afford to cling to those values before your beautiful Wir-stand is ground to mill between two stones. I am not my father I have no interest in religious politics merely to liberate my people from bondage and genocide."

He patted Firyr on the shoulder, "As you can see it won't be as easy to just make that offer to anyone. It appears I don't have what you are looking for in a council member and I suddenly find myself disinclined to work with men who are not interested in talking about these matters on equal footing. I am interested in taking the fight to the enemy, there are people out that can't wait for a committee to come to a resolution. If we cannot be allies then I will conduct the task myself, alone if necessary."


Diplomacy: [roll0]: If the general is not already indifferent/friendly then to keep him becoming unfriendly and impeding Fin's future actions.

Fin will head back to the group if there's nothing else to be gained here.

[Valery]

"I see I have offended you, forgive me, it was a laps in judgement to speak too much of my mind. I do not require a puppet, quite the opposite. There are some individuals that would have the elves be our puppets, and some who would prefer your kind to be viewed as the enemy even now. In Wir-Stand, it is out duty to one another, as countrymen and as people, to defend each other, commune, and prosper. In the spirit of such endeavors, I have elected to find some who would bring our nations together. Not into one unified state, but grand allies."

General Mann rises from his seat and looks out the window of his dilapidated tower and says, "Findecáno in my haste I have been able to glimpse a wonderful portion of your character. Someone like you would be better served as the elven ambassador. I look down upon the elven refugees in the city and they cry out for freedom! Something many among my countrymen would gladly give you. During the occupation, our forces were more often policing than rebuilding, making sure that the abuse Ariel and Oren were dealing came at a minimum, but that was folly. I apologize for my outburst against your father. It was, after all, the worship of Sire and the Sire's subsequent alienation of all the other races that began the thousand or so years of elven domination."

Knowledge History Roll to know what General Mann is talking about regarding Sire and the elves.

[A'den]

Findecáno paused and looked at the General again more openly, "Well it seems we understand each other more now, I thought perhaps you only looking for a man to whip the commoners into a fervor as fodder, but perhaps my arrogance got the better of me. I can accept your offer on the basis that each of the council members represent their people equally. What do you have planned?"

[Trasilor]

Gathering her gear and animals, Rose takes the advice of the halfling woman and begins to heads north of the encampment to make camp with Guldan and Gird.

Perhaps we can find a homestead that will put us up for the night for few coins she says to Guldan and Gird. In the mean time, we should get a feel of this camp. I am especially curious about these halfling radicals.

As they move from one shop or campfire to another, she talks to local vendors and other refugees about these worshipers of Gnimil Elyk (at the same time, she purchases some food for herself and her animals). At first she talks about them with casual interest, telling the story about the halfling washerwoman's dire warnings moving on to more serious inquiries if the person seems to know anything. Rose hopes to gain information on where they are camped within the city, how many their are, how they are viewed by the general populus.

Regardless of the information she finds, Rose will also reconnect with her friend halfling friend. Both she and Rose had thought this town was more town and less refugee camp, so she too will be looking to move along. Fortunately, like Rose, she would have sought less crowded area to check her gear and clean her animal. With a few probing questions about the location of the newest arrivals, Rose is confident she will reunite with her friend.



Gather Information on Halflings
[roll0]

Gather Information on Fiola (her friend)
Take 10 = 21

[changed4life]

Uhhhh Guldan says with his voice wavering. Why are we seeking radicals? I would prefer to not bring too much attention to myself because people around here might not like to see me around. Guldan follows Rose around, keeping his head low and his hood up. When they finally come on a place to stay (however long it takes) Guldan sets up a nice small area of relaxation.

[Trasilor]

We seek these radicals because they have goods we may be interested in. As your poignant question to the halfling woman alluded too, the only people with goods worth buying are the military and these radicals.


Besides, Are you seriously concerned about standing out? she asks Guldan raising an eyebrow.

I mean, c'mon, look at me. I do everything to stand out. No one will even notice you as all eyes will be on me. . She says with a disarming smile.

To be honest, I find it easier to get people to talk when they are distracted.

And then of course there's Gird.
indicating the young Minotaur with her head.

If the good people here tolerate him, I'm sure you will be fine.

Besides, what did you do?

[changed4life]

It was nothing that I did! Guldan said, looking incredulously at Rose. Im not even sure why it happened. At one point, I was wowing crowds of people here with some cool dagger tricks that I had picked up. Next thing I know my father is not my father, and I am being rushed out the house before some "paladins" Guldan snarks at the sound of paladins rolling off his tongue - come in after me. Only later did I find out that my parents died in that attack, and I have no answers as to why it happened. All I know is that some people wanted me either dead or imprisoned here in Wir Stand, and I have no desire to have someone else come after me right now.

[Valery]

Ya'll are chatting so I'll forward it when you guys are ready.

"Well, the council members certainly represent the people as best they can...for the most part...there are one or two individuals who seem to enjoy being at odds with others, but they do acquire results. Honestly, I don't quite have much of a plan formulated at the moment. A thought did occur to me, having met the lot of you in the market. Its incomplete. I'll need time to prepare a statement, but then that is why you are all invited to the fort later. I'll serve you food and drink, and we'll all have a good chat. But, Firyr was it? Tell me, what is your stance on the current affairs? Do you know anyone of repute for the council? Perhaps even yourself? Wir-Stand's council may be looking for a single representative, but I believe differently on the matter. A country should have more than one person vouching for them in political trials and tribulations."

[The Bandicoot]

Gird perks up at the mention of his name but he quickly grows disinterested in the conversation again. As he walks he looks all around and whistles a tune, absent-mindidly tugging at his goat's leash.

[Trasilor]

Stopping in the street, Rose faces Guldan I am so sorry for your loss, I had no idea. I never thought you could do something wrong, in fact quite the opposite.

Tell you what, since this is making you uncomfortable, I will let you decide. We can find a spot to make camp where you can rest while I look for these halflings or we continue to look together. Your choice.

[changed4life]

We are fine to continue this together. I might actually be able to get some information on what actually happened that night. You are just going to have to take the reigns for the questioning. Also, don't worry about brining up my past, I will if I see an opening. Guldan gives a wry smile, and then adjusts his hood more to cover up all his head, and some of his face.

[Valery]

Rose's ability to gather information is uncanny in finding both her friend and information on the whereabouts of the fanatical halflings. Fiola was easily found pursuing her passion for bartending at a run down local pub where Wir-Stand soldiers were drinking away their current stresses.

When inquiring about any fanatical halfings in the area, many seemed to be shocked that the three would want to even associate with the worshipers of Gnimil Elyk, but at last she find someone who knows of a small location on the east side of the town. He tells them that the halfings can be found in a burnt out inn and that there is a guard at the inside. She judges whether people get to see the halfings or not. He warns you that she is not to be trifled with.

The walk to the eastern portion of the town was no more dismal than any other place in town, but you all note that for a fanatical group secretly taking up residence in an inn there a many refugees and soldiers walking around.

The inn has no doors and much of its ceiling has caved in on the second floor of the building. There is a hole where the front door should be and inside, sitting quietly in a rocking chair is a young human woman in a red dress that comes down over her legs, knitting. She has long blonde hair and a soft complexion. Her thin hands skillfully weave what looks to be a half finished legging.

She looks up from her work and spies the three. Resting the unfinished linens on her lap, she says with a welcoming smile, "Good afternoon, please come in."

[Trasilor]

Leading her horse and mule to a post to tie up Rose whispers to Guldan keep a sharp eye then proceeds to the entrance. With a smile and nod of her head to the knitting woman, Rose enters the building with Pooka close on her heels.

[changed4life]

Guldan does as Rose says, and stays close by her keeping his hood high and tight over his head

[Valery]

"You're a quiet lot. I assume that you're here for certain services?"

[Trasilor]

Good afternoon, I am Rose and these are my friends Guldan and Gird Rose indicates with her hand.

We may indeed have need of your services. Additionally, I was also informed that you might have interesting goods for purchase. Unique things that are not normally found in a market.

But before we get to that...you must forgive me, I was expecting to find halflings. I was under the impression a group of halflings had taken up residence here. Was I misinformed?



Knowledge Religion (Gnimil Elyk): 1d20+5
Diplomacy (take 10): 17 - to improve attitude
Sense Motive: 1d20+2 - to get a feel for this woman.

[Ophidian]

Firyr paused, slightly shocked at being asked for his opinion on the matter. "Beyond Findecáno here? I've seen his abilities in battle, and I don't doubt his dedication to Tremise for a moment. That said....if no one else is available for the position, I would do what I could. My people have been through...enough." Firyr cocked his head, clearly trying to marshal his thoughts. "I would warn you that I was not trained for such a thing and I believe many of the nobles might view someone...like myself gaining such a position in a negative light." A certain glint was making it's way into the necromancers eyes now. "However, I am very knowledgeable about the conditions of the common man in Tremise, and what challenges they'll face and have been facing." He lift his hair slightly, showing his scar. "Let's just say I have a bit too much experience for comfort in that field."

With growing confidence, the elf continued on. "I also have quite a bit of more..esoteric knowledge, as a result of my studies under Ur-Kal. I'd be happy to apply such things to the aid of my people. Beyond, of course, using them to deliver some much-needed vengeance upon our enemies. As for my stance.....I think you know them. I want to see Tremise freed, her enemies made to pay in blood and I'd like to be there to see it. I am not a simple man, but in this regard, my views do tend towards the uncomplicated side of things."

Of course, even if he was, against all odds, appointed to such a position, Firyr would make a point of seeking Findecáno's council. The older elf was far more experienced in politics, and Firyr wasn't vain enough to try to go it alone. Or stupid enough come to think of it.

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

Cora spends some time wandering the room while the two elves speak with the dwarven general. All of this high-minded choosing of representatives doesn't interest her all that much, and she finds herself wondering why the larger folk cannot just relax and ignore most of the things around them like cats. **They really are much simpler.***

Finished with her cicuit of the room, she returns to the desk around which the three others crowd and makes the leap up onto the desk's surface, walking across the top of it, looking to see if she can make any sense of any papers lying out in the open on top of it. Whether she can or not, she then takes a seat primly in the center of the desk, locking her eyes on the dwarf as the others continue their conversation, her tail twitching slightly back and forth.

[A'den]

Findecáno Oronrá

Findecáno examined the cat on the desk as he listened to Firyr's words a few pieces finally clicked into place. One he not seen the slim what he thought was a halfling girl Cora that had been almost unceasingly hanging on Firyr's arm since the end of the battle. Two this cat had been tailing them since they began speaking with the General. Three the little woman Cora had not been seen since the cat had came around which seemingly being an older sister figure to the young elf seemed odd. He resisted the urge to grab the cat by the scruff of his neck and toss it out the window, it wouldn't be apt to mistreat Firyr's friends in front of him.

"Perhaps we can strike down two problems with one stone. Perhaps Firyr can represent Tremise to the council as a native citizen, you yourself commented on my ties to the old guard, unfortunately more politically minded members of your council would be apt to exploit them. There is also the issue of the internally displaced elves some several regions that have never aligned with Tremise but had no where to go after the Empire fell. I believe I can make it my task to unite those who are not recognized as citizens in their current lands and bring them under a refugee banner, and of course I would be happy to mentor young Firyr on the necessary statecraft to work effectively with the council. How does that sounds to you Mann?"

Findecáno scratched the cats ears his blue eyes flashed between Firyr and the old dwarf calculating his response and already formulating his next idea. Firyr had suitable drive and motivations it seemed he would have to have a word with him later about wearing his heart on his sleeve there would be people who would take advantage of that. There would be time for that later...

[Valery]

I rolled a a 24 on knowledge religion and a 21 on sense motive, since GiTP didn't register your rolls.

You know quite a bit about the religion revolving around the demon, Gnimil Elyk. You know that the religion sprung up about seven hundred years ago, when a small cult in the area of what is now known as the nation Confederacy of Five, started to preach their hedonistic values towards what was then halfling land. The religious movement gained significant ground throughout the whole of halfling culture. They focus on all sorts of pleasure, usually appealing to a person's personal needs. A one has to do is praise Gnimal Elyk for liberating them from their controlled lives and spread their religion joyfully.

About a hundred year passed until the religion reached its peak. The followers of Gnimal Elyk covered most of the halfling populous, but in the end, began to spread itself violently towards its neighbors and even the great Elven Empire of Tremise. The religion imploded on itself when it openly rebelled against the Empire, and was ultimately crush, dispersing the Halfling nation and creating a diaspora across all of Sara.

Today, people still worship Gnimal Elyk and follow his hedonistic teachings. However, the following for the religion is heavily frowned upon by every country. People who worship Gnimal Elyk are either begrudgingly tolerated or outright despised. About twenty percent of Halflings still worship Gnimal Elyk and are prone to actively trying to spread their religion.

You feel that she is reserved, not judgmental, she seems to be looking at all of you as though with the eye of a scientist. Examining without revealing too much.

She seems not to waver much in her attitude, but she does become a bit more welcoming.

"Halflings?," she says, giving a coy smile, "They're around if you're looking in the right places. Whether this is the right spot to find them...well it is up to me to decided I suppose. I, however, am not the one you'd be seeking goods from. The goods are here I assure you."

The blonde woman reaches out her hand to Rose and the others in a friendly gesture. If you take her hand, make a Will Save.

You see a brawny woman, in full plate, with large hands expertly working the needle she was using through her fingers. Her face and long blonde hair remain unchanged. She is not carrying any visible weapons, but

"My name is Sam. Just follow me."

Sam leads you to a corner of the destroyed inn where a great amount of debris had been massed. She begins to remove lumber from the pile, piece by piece, until the group see a hatch leading to a basement. Sam opens it up and motions for all of you to follow her down into the cellar.

The door closes behind you and you find yourselves in darkness, until a sudden flicker of light appears. Sam, now wielding a torch, begins to lead you deeper into the cellar until you reach a door. All of you can hear a decent amount of noise coming from the other side. The sounds of revelry and merriment echo in the cellar as Sam opens up the door.

A large amount of halflings are having a rough obnoxious party. People are falling over each other, drunk, or inebriated in some way. Praises can be heard for Gnimil Elyk and halfling is flung through the air. Another person does the same, and is also flung through the air. When they both land everyone cheers and continues their drinking.

"This is where I leave you," she says, giving yet another coy smile, "Go to the back end of this room, there's a door back there. That's where you'll find what you're looking for. Just, knock before you go in."

The General speaks first to Firyr saying, "Don't worry, this war will have plenty of bloodshed for your pallet, I'm sure. The elves will have retribution against Oren and Ariel if I have anything to say about it. I do revel in the idea of the common man and nobility coming together to generate the future. And I believe you're correct Findecáno. Firyr doesn't seem like a push over in the slightest." The General blows a large bloom of smoke and grins saying, "I do believe I found my candidates. I'll still have to vouch for you at the council, but we can speak of these matters thuroughly when you and your companions arrive at the fortress tonight. Until then, I'll attending to the refugees. We must'n let a soul starve or go unclothed."

General Mann gets up from his desk and makes sure his papers are in order, but before leaving makes sure to pet the cat who's perched herself on his desk.

[changed4life]

Guldan asks what Rose knows about this religion, and after learning (or not learning) decides to follow her lead on what to do next. He stands behind Rose as to stay more hidden from the room.

[A'den]

Findecáno Oronrá

"Right then, we'll leave you to it then. We should probably check on the rest of our party then. Make sure they haven't fallen down a well or something. General I look forward to tonight."

Fin clasped Firyr on the shoulder and turned toward the door leading out.


Probably head out and check on the rest of the team.

[The Bandicoot]

Gird very quietly follows Rose, picking up his goat as he does so.

[Trasilor]

Rose follows Sam down the dark stairwell into the cellar. As the door opens to reveal the halflings in revelry, she turns to Guldan and says quietly Followers of Gnimil Elyk are hedonists. They fell into disgrace with the war of Tremise.

Turning towards Sam, Rose thanks the woman and heads into the halfling revelry.

Rather than disturb the halflings in revelry, Rose politely heads to the rear of the room to locate the door mentioned by Sam. Knocking on the door she awaits for a response.

As the halfings notice their arrival, Rose decides to facilitate their revelry and pulls out her violin. It is a beautiful crafted piece made with some of the finest materials. Knowing a few halfing songs, she recalls one that is always popular at receptions, parties and other joyful events. [roll0]

[Sidwwinder2k]

Cora

Cora relaxes on the table, enjoying the head scratches from Findecano and the general as well before he heads out of the room. Once the general has left the room she takes the slight drop from the table to the floor before reverting to her humanoid form, stretching her arms above her head and arching her back. She turns towards the two elves, smiling brightly up at Firyr. "Bit of a long-winded fellow isn't he?" She twists her braid around one hand loosely before dropping it forward over her right shoulder. "I needed the rest after that horrid fight though. I hope you've been enjoying yourself, getting the general to nominate you for some hoity-toity council position. I hope you don't let it all go to your head and forget where you've come from. Old man Ur-Kal would never forgive me if I let such a terrible fate befall his prize student."

She then turns to address the two of them more equally. "I've never much cared for dwarves much myself, they like cramped little spaces far too much for my liking. He seems like a nice enough fellow though, and he gives delightful scratches." She glowers up at Findecano for a moment, "You on the other hand could use some practice. Too much palm and not enough fingernail."

[Valery]

Unfortunately for the three of you, the halflings, despite be drunk and having one hell of a time, do notice that a human, a hooded teenager, and a hulking minotaur enter the room. Immediately, the halflings that were thrown haphazardly across the room rush up to you.

"Oh golly, look at the size of this one," says the first one, in reference to Gird. "He be like, like.....buffalo tree? Buffalo the size of tree?"
"Nah," the other exclaims, "He be like a horse....look at his hooves? Feet? Clip-cloppers?"
"Do ye party?," he asks you all.
At this point, Rose pulls forth her Violin and begins to play a joyful tune, something the likes of which the halflings had never partied too.
"By the Great-High-Exalted-Merry-Making Gnimil Elyk, the Lass can play a tune for the ages! Truly, this party will suffice for our celebrant god!"
The other halflings begin to cheer for Rose and a few halfling women come up to Guldan and become him to dance amoung them. Gird, however, is the target of being surmounted, as though he were the peak of a great and wondrous mountain beckoning all who live to conquer his majesty. As the halflings attempt to ascend Mt. Gird, their plans fail quickly as their inebriated states bring them falling to the cellar floor.

At the risk of dragging out the party coming back together, I'm going to roll gather info checks for you guys with a +4 to the search since there is a very obvious Minotaur in the town.

Cora's roll was a 28, so clearly enough to find where the rest of the party went off to. Its up to you guys whether you want to keep having a conversation or not, but I'll post what happens next for you in order to speed things up, if that's what your group is inclined to do.

As Cora and the Elves make their way through the town in search of their companions, their inquiries lead them to a man who knows of their whereabouts. He tells the group that the Minotaur and his group were asking about halfling Worshipers of Gnimil Elyk and where they could be found. He tells Fin and friends of the same location, the burnt out inn on the east side of town, and imparts the same warning upon the group that there is a bodyguard keeping watch over the area. She chooses as to who may see the halflings.

On the way to the destroyed inn, the groups notices nothing out of the ordinary for a place that supposedly harbors fanatics. There are plenty of soldiers and civilians alike taking root in the area. No obvious indication of the halfling presence in apparent when the three make their way to the gaping hole where the front door of the inn should be. Inside, plain as day, there is a human woman with long blonde hair, fair skin, and comforting look on her face as she sits down upon a rocking chair. She is wearing a long red dress that covers the entirety of her legs. She picks up a needle and thread and begins to work at her leggings again, when she notices the group in the doorway.

She sighs, puts her unfinished legging in her lap and says, "Well, I've certainly got a lot of visitors today. Come in, please, how can I help you?"

[The Bandicoot]

Gird giggles and laughs, trying to help the halflings climb and even going as far as to pick one up and place it on his head.