A Tale of Two Orphans — IC

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Scratcherclaw
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Recognizing the elf's word as his own native tongue, Caelen interjects, "Her name isn't Derwllwyn. It means Oakengrove in our tongue." Noticing the elf woman's bewildered expressions and hoping to ease her, he says, "Rhaid i chi fod mor ddryslyd ac ofnus, ond nid ydych yn poeni. Rydych chi ymysg ffrindiau." Hoping to solve the mystery of her real name, he asks, "Beth yw eich enw chi?"

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

You must be so confused and scared, but worry not. You're among friends.

What's your name?

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

The elf's eyes light up as she hears Caelen speak, likely the first person she has understood for a long time, "oh! Elf arall! Mae wedi bod cyhyd ers i mi siarad â rhywun," she says, a single tear of joy emerging from her eye.

"Fy enw i yw Rhian. Rwy'n ceisio mynd yn ôl at fy nheulu yn Derwllwyn ond nid wyf yn siŵr a ydyn nhw'n mynd â mi yno ai peidio. Ydych chi'n gwybod sut i gyrraedd yno? Dydw i ddim yn gwybod yr ardal hon, felly does gen i ddim syniad ble rydym ni," she says, still happy to be speaking to someone.

"Ah, I see," says Karmin in response to Caelen. "I suppose she must be trying to get there, then. Well, we are already going in that direction, at least until Red Bridge, so I suppose it is a good thing she tagged along," he finishes with a friendly smile, nodding towards the girl as he does so.

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"oh! Another elf! It has been so long since I've spoken to someone," ... "My name is Rhian. I am trying to get back to my family in the Oakengrove but I am not sure if they are taking me there or not. Do you know how to get there? I don't know this area, so I've no idea where we are,"

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Valcus nods in admiration of Daria's story. "An impressive task," he offers with a smile, knowing he had undergone many of the same trials as her. Addressing not only her but the others, he continues. "Nobility or not -- you are all welcome under our watch. Many of the refugees are in the center of our caravan, protected from the flanks by a company of Serran mercenaries that have found their way in our service. I cannot pledge your safety up front here in the vanguard, though it is ultimately your choice."

"However, I am quite sure Ser Daria is as able as you say, Mayor Beasley. If the five of you'd like to walk with us up here, I'm sure we would enjoy your company." He chuckles as he eyes the two elves speaking.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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The elf boy grins brightly as Rhian finally lights up. Turning to the knights, he says, "Her name is Rhian. She's trying to get to Oakengrove, where her family is." Turning back to his new elven friend, he responds back in their native language, "Ar hyn o bryd rydyn ni'n mynd i Bont Coch, sydd ar y ffordd i Derwllwyn. Pan fyddwn yn ei gyrraedd, gallwn drefnu i rywun esgor ar eich cartref i'ch teulu."

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"We're currently headed to Red Bridge, which is on the way to Oakengrove. When we reach it, we can arrange for someone to escort you home to your family."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Namelessjake »

"Knighthood has always be a way for the common folk to better their lot in life. Those deserving at least," Drake says with a nod directed at Daria, also impressed by the knight.

"As Lord Torrinn says, we're all headed in the same direction and you're welcome to join us. We should keep moving though. We need to get these refugees to safety as quickly as possible so we can continue with our endeavour," Drake starting to signal to the rest of the caravan to start moving forward again.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Diolch yn fawr iawn, syr!" Rhian responds to Caelen, still excited to be talking to someone. "Mae'n bleser imi weld marchog elfennog. Roeddwn o dan yr argraff bod pethau mor wael yma gan eu bod yn y dwyrain."

"I'd be happy for the company as well," Karmin responds, at the offer to join the group. "Not to mention the added safety from traveling in large numbers. Its a wonder we even made it this far without encountering much trouble, save for those thugs just a moment ago."

"Sir," Daria interjects, looking concerned. "Would it not be wiser to move further back into the group, where you are protected by these mercenaries? I could not protect you back there... I don't want you to be caught in that situation again."

"You were one against seven, don't be so hard on yourself. These folk showed up, and I am sure their mere presence is enough to scare away any other small bands of raiders. If not, I can at least vouch for Lord Aerden's prowess in battle, and I can only assume he keeps similarly-impressive companions."

"You are right, sir. I will follow wherever you go," the knights adds, still showing concern but not wanting to push the point further.

"We'll stick to the front, if that's alright. I'm not keen on being in a large crowd if I can help it," the mayor says.

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"Thank you very much, sir!" ... "It pleases me to see an elven knight. I was under the impression things were as bad here as they are in the east."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Well then," Valcus says, dusting a boot off. "Welcome to the vanguard." He offers a smile, content to have found like-minded allies amidst ominous times. The knight turns to face the caravan behind him and bellows a "Forward march!" before continuing on alongside his new allies.

"And Lord Aerden -- I suppose you owe me a few tales of your tournaments over a pitcher of ale. I didn't know you were as renowned as the Mayor says."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Wel nid yw pethau'n berffaith yma, ond maen nhw'n ffordd well nag ar ochr arall y mynyddoedd," the elf boy responds to the excitable woman, glad that she feels more at ease now.

With the new group in agreement of joining the caravan towards Red Bridge, Caelen follows Valcus' orders and continues his march forward, eager to continue their journey.

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"Well things aren't perfect here, but they're way better than on the other side of the mountains."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

Continuing on the group encounters little of note for the rest of their first day on the road. As evening draws near they stop to set up camp, though with the materials they are carrying there is not nearly enough bedrolls for all. The refugees and mercenaries are instead left to sleep on the ground, in the road, and hope that nothing lurks out of the forests nearby. Watch shifts are set for the mercenaries and the group is able, for once, to rest peacefully without needing to keep watch themselves.


The following morning is uneventful, as everyone scrambles to wake and eat before heading back down the road. As the civilians are being gathered it is clear that not all have survived the night. A number of the more sickly or elderly passed away, possibly in their sleep, and their bodies remain on the road. Their loved ones plead for proper burials, but it will take time out of the day, so the mercenaries direct their request to the group.

Mechanics
[SHOW]

There are a total of 19 confirmed deaths from the first day, primarily those already known to be ill or old and near-death, though one seems to be due to some sort of injured sustained along the road. The families of the deceased are understandably distraught, and would like to hold proper funerals and burials for them.

Burials alone could take awhile, as you lack shovels and there are many holes to be dug. Funerals would take even longer, and some of the other refugees are clearly worried that stopping for such a long time could be dangerous.

Supplies Updates
Food consumed: 1148 lbs (distributed as evenly as possible among the various types)
Food foraged: 27 lbs (mostly berries and the like, though a few small animals like rabbits and birds were hunted as well)

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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The night's rest is hardly restful for Valcus. Despite the safety in numbers, he can't help but stare out into the depths of the forest -- waiting for something. What though? He didn't know. Perhaps Zara -- or whoever she really was -- would emerge with her terrible abomination of a creature. Or night creatures. Or more probably, an ambush of Northerners.

In the morning, the knight holds a downcast look as the tally comes in. Nineteen... That's nineteen more deaths burdening the conscience of these invaders. Atop every other brutality committed. He shakes his head in disappointment. "We must absolutely take the time to bury our fallen. I don't care how long it takes or if we lack the tools to do so. The moment we stop treating our dead with their due respects is the moment we turn into monsters ourselves."

Taking out the shovel of his own, he steps off the path a bit before thrusting it into the earth. Removing earth bit by bit, he begins the first grave. The first of nineteen, he thinks. Hopefully I'm not alone in this.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"It seems I do," Drake says in reply to Valcus. "There's little else for rich young men to do than fight each other," he laughs.


"Perhaps we should burn them instead," Drake says as Valucs takes out his shovel, the young lord thinking back to the group's previous encounters with the dead.

"We might not know the words like... she did, but it's probably better than nothing," he adds thinking of Zara. If her rituals were even real. For all we know her every action was to our detriment in someway.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by ratwizard »

Mechanics
[SHOW]

History check to know what kind of burial services are common across Southern Tulrisse -- Are pyres common and accepted? Or is ground-burial the standard?
13(1d20) +7 = 20

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Scratcherclaw »

"That may be a good idea," Caelen replies to Drake. "These people deserve a proper rest, and coming back as one of those night creatures won't allow that." And I'd rather not let ourselves get attacked by those walking corpses. Especially with so many people to look after.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

Valcus
[SHOW]

Burial practices vary widely in Tulrisse as a hole, with specific practices often tied to the terrain of the region. Many fishermen along the coast opt to have their bodies bound to heavy objects and dropped into the sea, food for the fish that their descendants will live off of. The highlanders of Volberg have a similar practice of leaving corpses on hilltops for the birds of prey - especially those of the Raptor Corps - to feed on.

Most farming communities, making up the bulk of Tulrisse, practice burials. The large, open fields provide plenty of space for such burials, and the decomposing corpses are known to boost yields in areas where they've been interred. Most of these graves are unmarked, so as not to disrupt fields, though some wealthy individuals choose to be buried in permanent graveyards or, less commonly, in crypts or mausoleums.

While far less common, people in more superstitious parts of the region do practice the burning of corpses. This is especially true in Blackstead and other cities along the edge of the Great Swamp, where undead sightings are more common and the fear of becoming one is much more widespread.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"A proper funeral pyre," Valcus considers. "I hadn't thought of that." He pauses the trench-digging and looks around at the supply of wood around. "I've got two hatchets and a hacksaw. Let's gather as many logs as possible."

OOC
[SHOW]

How dense are the forests around us, if any? Also, is there a clearing Valcus can see that would be safe for a pyre, without fear of starting wildfire?

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

Valcus
[SHOW]

The forest is still a mile or so away from where you are on the road, though there are a few smaller clusters of trees that are closer - some as close as only a few hundred feet away. The land around you in both directions, apart from these small clusters of trees, is mostly flat and grass plains, which, once cleared of the grass, could fairly safely hold a pyre.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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OOC
[SHOW]

Is there any firewood scattered about? Or should I roll Athletics to try and hack some trees with with help from the party and/or volunteer labor I have two hand-axes and a hacksaw.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Valcus
[SHOW]

There is no firewood along the edge of the road, but it is possible there will be fallen branches or small trees to chop down at the small clusters in the distance.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Getting to work, Valcus passes out his two handaxes to anyone interested and makes his way toward a few clusters of the trees. Using the hacksaw he has, he begins to fell a few branches from trees, assigning others to haul back some of the fallen limbs. "We need enough to cremate our nineteen fallen," the knight reminds the others.

Mechanics
[SHOW]

Athletics to chop trees and gather in a timely manner: 19(1d20) +8 = 27

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Eager to get the funeral pyres built so the caravan could continue its long journey, Caelen joins Valcus in collecting wood. Given his smaller physique, the elf knows he won't have much luck with chopping down the nearby trees for wood. I'll leave chopping to the stronger among us. Instead, he searches for any fallen branches or sticks that could be used to build the fires required.

Mechanics
[SHOW]

Perception to look for branches, sticks, general pieces of lumber already on the ground: 2(1d20) +13 = 15

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Daria nods to Valcus and follows after him, eager to aid in the process. A few of the refugee trainees join in, some aiding in chopping the trees, the rest helping to haul the gathered lumber. Some others follow after Caelen to gather smaller pieces.

With so many hands the group makes relatively short work of what would otherwise be quite a daunting task. Within about an hour to and hour and a half, enough would has been gathered to create nineteen modest pyres. The kindling is uneven and sometimes awkward to stack, but it is the best the group can manage in such a short time.

As the bodies are gathered in the fields for their funerals, Karmin takes his hat off and holds it in his hands with his head slightly down. "Sad times we live in, that such folks are dying while fleeing for their lives instead of safe in their homes." He watches the younger folk hauling the bodies and turns to Drake and Valcus. "I've never been good at giving speeches, one of you should say the words."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"We shall celebrate their lives," Valcus says, his voice reaching those who watch the funeral rites. "Not their passing. They were taken from us too soon -- but know they rest in peace now, indelible and forevermore within our minds and hearts. May the Pantheon above guide their spirits to what may await them, be it eternal rest or another chance at life."

He takes a torch from those helping and lights the pyre, stepping back to watch the spreading blaze. I have a sinking feeling these will not be the last funeral rites we will undergo on the roads north.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Many watch on as Valcus begins lighting the massive pyre, some weeping, others consoling the more grief-stricken, and still others seeming unfazed by the deaths. Rhian looks on and, once the man finishes speaking, begins sprinkling grass and leaves on the bodies before they are engulfed by the flames. Karmin motions for the other men in his small entourage to remove their hats as well, and some of the refugees follow suit in holding their hats in their hands. Daria lowers her head and silently mouths a small prayer to the gods.

The group watches for awhile as the bodies burning, mostly in silence apart from the sounds of the flames. Eventually, once the pyre is reduced to mostly embers, a small group of refugees works on covering the smoldering cinders with dirt from the road to prevent its spread. With the funeral over, the caravan begins to move once more down the road towards Red Bridge.


A few more hours down the road, around midday or early afternoon, the sounds of whistling can be heard from the back of the caravan, moving up the ranks towards the front. One of the mercenaries towards the front lets the party know that this is how they notify one another of an issue of some sort, and suggests stopping to see what the problem is.

After a minute or so of waiting, a group of four mercenaries come marching up to the front from somewhere further back, two half-carrying, half-dragging someone behind them in ragged, dirty clothing. The other two seem to be escorting the first two, and these mercenaries each have their weapons in hand as they walk.

Once the small group has reached the party they nod towards Drake and Valcus, with one of them speaking up. "Found this man lurking in the distance and tailing us. Been doing so for awhile. Figured we'd catch them and bring them to you to decide what to do about it," the mercenary says, giving their captive a sly smile.

"I ain't no man," comes the deep, but clearly feminine voice of their prisoner, who squirms and tries to free herself from their grasp. She looks up at Drake, and says, "Lord Aerden, I've news from the Spear! Could you ask these louts to release me?!"

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"She is as she says," Valcus says with a grimace, waving the mercenaries to let the scout free. "But I thank you for your efforts. Glad to know we've got good eyes on our flanks."

Looking at Lord Aerden to check his expression, the knight turns back to the scout. "You're quite committed to have reached us this far north." He takes some rations from his bag for her and offers a pull of his waterskin. "What news do you have for us?"

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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The mercenary's smirk fades and he and the others nod to Valcus, the two holding her releasing their grip as the others sheathe their weapons. The woman shakes her arms a bit as she is freed, popping her neck before she turns to face her liege. She expects him to speak, but turns in slight confusion as Valcus does first. She briefly glances between him and Drake, but seeing no signs of discontent from the Lord of the Spear, she happily takes the waterskin and begins to talk.

"Bad news," the woman says, taking a swig from the waterskin and wiping her mouth with her sleeve. She is androgynous and has many more masculine mannerisms, making the mercenary's earlier mistake not wholly unfounded. "They took it. Came out of nowehere," she continues, taking another swig, her actions clearly showing her exhaustion from making it all the way here.

"The army?" Karmin butts in, stepping forward to see the woman, seeming intrigued by her words. "The marsh is not exactly full of places to hide, how could an army 'come out of nowhere'?" he asks, looking with a mix of fascination and confusion.

The woman shakes her head and hands Valcus back his waterskin, it now having a bit of dirt - or what he can only hope is dirt - in the spot where she'd been holding it. "Nah, no army. Not sure if an army ever showed up. Was a woman and some... thing," she says, her eyes showing terror at the mention of whatever 'thing' she can recall.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Zara. Valcus stands aghast, unable to fully process the news. "What... What happened?" His eyes wide, the knight is restless and anxious. "She took the keep? What of the castellan, the people?"

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Drake sighs at the news his home has been captured. "Well it was to be expected I suppose. We knew they would be headed inland and the manpower of the Spear is all but gone," he says.

"I hope they had the sense to leave before hand," Drake says to Valcus, thinking of the people he had left the care of the castle too.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Caelen's eyes widen as the scout brings mention to a woman and an unknown creature, fully knowing she means Zara. If she can take down a city without an army, she's more dangerous than we thought.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"I don't know all the details," the woman says, looking a bit disappointed. "The woman showed up at the castle asking to speak to the lord. As you'd expect, the few guards turned her away. When she insisted they tried to force her away. She was too fast for them and made it inside. They drew their weapons and followed her inside, but they never came back out. Then there were screams from inside and I left. Went into the town and told everyone to flee. I hope they all made it out safely..."

As the woman speaks, Rhian moves up next to Caelen and looks up at the elf boy. "Beth sy'n digwydd?" she asks, having been watching the events from the sidelines with the others. "Mae pawb yn ymddangos mor synnu."

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"What is happening?" ... "Everyone seems so surprised."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Consider the castle fallen if that woman is around," Valcus says with disappointment in his eyes. "We were unfortunate to cross paths with her as well." The pit in his stomach deepens. How could she have lied about herself to us for so long? Toyed with us? He sighs, irritated. And to think I felt something for her... It blinded me. Perhaps if I had kept myself in line I could have noticed where her true fealty lay.

"Where will you go now? It is not safe around Spearpoint for you." The knight turns to Lord Aerden. "Perhaps if you both think it appropriate... We really could use a forward scout."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Namelessjake »

Drake sighs slightly at the more detailed account of his home falling. "Yes a forward scout would be useful," he says agreeing with Valcus.

"Especially escorting these refugees to Red Bridge. And then possibly Menora of needs be. The Imardanians draw further inland with every passing day, it would be useful to know what awaits us on the road."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Aye, my Lord, I can certainly go on ahead. Where exactly would you like me to scout? Only towards Red Bridge, or shall I proceed further?" the woman asks, looking to the noblemen for guidance.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"To Red Bridge, I'd recommend." Valcus looks between both the woman and Lord Aerden, not wishing to overstep his boundaries. "Our situation may change upon arrival, so there is limited use scouting further than our first stop."

"And thank you," the knight says to the scout directly. "We would spare a horse if we could, trust me. Your efforts are much appreciated." He couldn't imagine the nerves it would take to scout in a war. The snap decisions, the fear of being ambushed alone... I prefer the comfort of brothers and sisters at my flank, fighting alongside me.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Scratcherclaw »

Turning to the Elven woman, Caelen replies, "Newyddion o'r rhyfel. Mae dinas arall wedi disgyn, wedi ei ddal gan fenyw Imardanian unigol a rhyw fath o ... ffiaidd." He is not sure how much of the war the woman understands, as she seems mostly a stranger in these lands. May she never have to see the horrors of war. With a weak smile, he adds, "Rhaid i Derwllwyn fod yn un o'r lle mwyaf diogel yn yr amseroedd hyn."

Mechanics
[SHOW]

News from the war. Another city has fallen, captured by a lone Imardanian woman and some kind of... abomination.

Oakengrove must be one of the safest places in these times.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Drake nods along with Valcus. "Yes around Red Bridge is the important area at the moment. Menora will be safer further inland and we might not have to travel there anyway if The Warden will take the refugees in," he says, echoing his friend's sentiment.

"Speaking of Red Bridge, no sense in standing around for any longer. Forward!" Drake says, signalling the convoy to start moving again. Every time we stop we put ourselves in more and more danger.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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The scout nods to her liege and gives him a quick salute, tossing a quick nod to Valcus as well before turning to head down the road. She makes much quicker progress than the caravan, and it is not long before she's moved out of view of the vanguard.

As she moves, the elf girl's eyes widen at Caelen's tale, and she stammers out, "Rwy'n siŵr obeithio felly. Nid oes gennyf unrhyw le arall i fynd." She sticks close to the boy as the caravan begins to move once more, finding comfort in their shared heritage and, even more so, in the fact that he is the only one she can meaningfully speak to.


The rest of the day passes by uneventfully. The bandits that had plagued Karmin and his entourage are still not encountered, likely aware of the futility in trying to rob such a large group of armed people, and no other similar groups are encountered either. In the late afternoon the scout returns with word that the road ahead is clear. She sticks with the group for the rest of the journey to the city, which only takes a few hours more after her return, the group arriving roughly an hour or so before dusk.

As the group draws near to the gates of the city, the sound of a horn can be heard and the ramparts of the walls are quickly filled with archers, their bows trained on the gathering refugees and mercenaries. Some of the mercenaries respond in kind, drawing their weapons and looking ready for a fight, though many look towards the group leaders for guidance.

"They must see us as an invading army," Karmin says to the noblemen, stepping forward a bit enough for them to hear, but not wanting to get too close to the front lines.

"What sort of invaders wear rags and hobble slowly? If they do, they are not very perceptive," Daria responds, bluntly.

OOC
[SHOW]

Despite the journey so far being fairly smooth, it is clear that over the past couple of days the overall morale of the refugees seems to have diminished somewhat. It is not obvious the exact causes, but the deaths this morning were likely at least one such contributing factor.

Elven Translation
[SHOW]

"I sure hope so. I don't have anywhere else to go."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by ratwizard »

"I wouldn't put such a ruse past the Imardanians to pose as refugees," Valcus says in response. Turning to the caravan behind him, he gives a curt, sharp blast of his horn. "Sheath your weapons! Stand down!"

The knight hails the defending soldiers with a wave. He turns to Ser Daria, nodding to her and Karmin. "Keep order, if you can." Valcus walks forward alone (or with allies should they accompany him). Attempting to edge into earshot, he moves confidently, knowing there are probably several dozen bows trained on him.

"Refugees from the South," he calls out. "We mean no harm and have news of the warfront. Will the Warden have us?"

Mechanics
[SHOW]

Diplo to not get crossbow bolt in the face: 12(1d20) +11 = 23

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

One of the me on the wall, likely the one in charge, holds up a hand and the others lower their weapons as Valcus approaches. "Hold, I know those colors," he says, looking to each man as some are reluctant to put their weapons away.

"You are from Twinriver. A shame what happened to your lord," the man says, lowering his head briefly. "The Warden has ordered the city sealed, the bridged closed to travel. We have no room for refugees," he says, sounding apologetic in tone.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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Downcast in expression, Valcus shakes his head, looking away from the man. I didn't want to think it, but I somehow felt this coming. He peers back up at the guard. "Aye, Twinriver. I was a ward to Lord Halstos, and am now his heir." He straightens his posture.

"I plead to Warden Marsten that he meet with myself and Lord Aerden from Spearpoint," the knight says, sadness in his eyes. "If housing these hungry and weary refugees is not in his ability, then surely he can at least give his equals but an hour of his schedule."

Mechanics
[SHOW]
Diplomacy check to convince guard captain to arrange a meeting: 16(1d20) +11 = 27
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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The man's voice sounds surprised at Valcus' words, calling back, "You've the Lord of the Spear with you as well? I suppose the Warden would allow your entry, though we've no room for your entire caravan. The rest will need to remain beyond the walls."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"Understood," Valcus calls back up to the man. "Give me a moment." Heading back to meet with the others, the knight explains their situation. "No room... We have to move onto Menora. However, the Warden has agreed to see us. Perhaps we can convince him to rally alongside our coalition."

"Ser Daria, can I leave the caravan in your command until we return?" He hardly knows her, but the man feels he can trust the mayor and her. "It won't take long."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Scratcherclaw »

"Menora is no doubt safer, if we can reach there safely," Caelen replies to Valcus as the refugees have been turned away from Red Bridge. "It's further from the warfront, but who knows if the Queen will have the room either." You'd think these lords would be more welcoming of their fellow people in times of war.

"Perhaps you two will be able to convince the Warden to accept at least some of the refugees," he adds with the knights having secured a meeting with Red Bridge's Warden. I'm sure the city has more room than they're letting on.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"You're coming with us, Caelen. I think you've earned your right many times over." He beckons the young elf alongside him as he goes with Lord Aerden. "Perhaps your perspective can take away something from this meeting that we might miss."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Namelessjake »

"Indeed, we shouldn't pass up this opportunity to meet with the Warden of Red Bridge," Drake says having let Valcus take the lead in the talks with the guards.

"Red Bridge is an important strategic locatition. If we can join the men of Fausta's Steppe to our side it will help keep the Imardanians spread out across the length of Tulrisse, rather then letting them join together."

He nods in agreement with Valcus' words about Caelen. "You may not have the titles to stand along side us Caelen, but you've more than earned your place in our party," he adds.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Scratcherclaw »

Caelen is slightly astonished to see the knights insist upon him joining the meeting with the Warden, having grown accustom to the lords of the party handling the more diplomatic affairs. I hope I don't make a fool of myself with this Warden. Speechless and unsure of how to respond to Valcus and Drake, the elf boy instead returns a swift nod, following the Twinriver and Spearpoint lords.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

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"The rivers would be near impossible for an army to ford in a timely manner. If Red Bridge aids our cause, or even agrees to permit Tulrissian access, then we have found ourselves a boon in Warden Marsten's wisdom." He walks toward the gates again, with Lord Aerden and Caelen in tow.

"We are ready to meet with the Warden, captain." He gestures to his allies. "Lord Aerden, as I'm sure you may guess. And this is Caelen -- an advisor of ours."

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Fialova »

Daria nods and gives a salute to Valcus at his request, saying, "you can count on me, se- er, my Lord." She glances to Karmin, who lightly chuckles before adding, "yes, we won't run off anywhere without you. Not that I suspect this mercenary force of yours would follows us, anyway."

As the group makes their way back to the wall, the man who'd spoke before turns from a conversation he'd been having with another man on the wall and looks skeptically towards Valcus and the others. At seeing Drake he nods, and once hearing of Caelen's position he responds, "Very well. If you deem him of value, I will allow it. Raise the gate!" he calls out to his men, who begin to crank the hoists that control the gate mechanism.

Once it is about 6 feet or so open, the party makes their way in the gate, where it is quickly lowered behind them. As they make their way through, the man from the wall steps down from a staircase to the right and greets them with a handshake. "I am Ser Gildras, my Lords," he says, nearly as formally as Daria had been. "Sentinel of the South Gate. I will escort you to the Warden's Watchtower, where you may have an audience with him. I've already sent a runner ahead to inform him of your arrival."

The man begins to walk forward as he talks, leading the group along a short road towards the bridge itself. Now within the walls you can see it in the distance, the greatest bridge in Tulrisse. It is wide and lined with shops and houses, smaller structures built underneath its massive arches. In the center of the structure is a large tower, the aforementioned Watchtower, which serves both as a lookout perch for the surrounding region as well as housing for the Warden.

As the group passes through a small market at the southern edge of the bridge, there can be seen a small gathering of performers showing off talents. Though they seem skilled, none of the villagers passed seem to pay them any mind. They do seem to notice the group, however, with two of the members - a man and a woman - rushing up to meet the men.

"Hellooo~" says a young woman with short hair, who'd just been adeptly tossing knives at a wooden post, as she does a series of somersaults before landing near to the group. She is followed by a young man who juggles as we walks, doing an especially impressive flourish as he nears and giving a bow.

"Greetings, travelers," the man says, before the woman butts back in.

"You just arrived to the city? Finally! A new audience!"

"Come, come, we've much to show you," the man says, motioning for the group to head with them to a gathering of what can only be other, similar performers.

Red Bridge
[SHOW]
Rough Layout of City
[SHOW]

Image

Inspiration for Bridge Itself
[SHOW]

Image

[/sblock]

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Pashalik »

Behind the first two performers trails a third, a walking mountain of orc with waxed mustachios, shirtless to show off his considerable bulk. He beckons with a deep, resounding baritone, "Ah, warriors of reknown! Perhaps there will be one among your number with the confidence to challenge the World's Strongest Man! I can fight one or many!"

Last edited by Pashalik on Sat Sep 30, 2017 8:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by ratwizard »

As Ser Gildras leads the three of them through the city, Valcus tries his best to keep to himself. That is interrupted when the two performers begin to tail them, eager to have their audience.

"I am sorry -- we simply lack the time," the knight says as they follow alongside. "Excuse me."

Valcus is taken aback, however, when an orcish man the size of a boulder steps forward to challenge them. Gods be good... that might be the largest orc I've ever seen. He stares at the figure, eyes wide in astonishment. "That's quite the bold claim," Valcus calls back over his shoulder, not breaking pace. I wonder if he can swing a sword? The knight's glance passes over the the shirtless orc's core. Might be able to swing a few of them.

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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC

Post by Pashalik »

The orc flexes as he responds, "The Great Ghor never loses in a contest of strength. If you doubt my claim, make me a wager and you can make some coin, hey?"

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