|
|
Post by The Sergeant / Alisha on Oct 1, 2017 16:03:39 GMT
Allies have joined our cause, ready to fight the Twilight.
We now know they are out of the gorge, but we also know that via the Underdark we can attack them where they won't expect us.
We need to call on the Merchant Prince for help and assistance. Will he provide us with the might of the town guard? Or can he provide us any additional help in our fight? Perhaps he has the resources to reveal more about the Perversions of Shar, as the Drow of Kantas has called the Twilight.
Who will join me in this final task before we attach the Twilight
DMs - if this is a pre-session task just let us know. Putting it down as a full session so we have the option.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dorian on Oct 1, 2017 17:30:34 GMT
Of course you can rely on me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nuno (Rholor) on Oct 1, 2017 17:55:55 GMT
It is time we get this done. Let's wrap it up with the Prince, count me in.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Sergeant / Alisha on Oct 2, 2017 13:55:02 GMT
andycd - you said all we had to do was ask  shall we have this as a seperate session?
|
|
|
|
Post by andycd on Oct 5, 2017 13:33:32 GMT
(All right, let's just deal with this here)
==
A delegation of adventurers is granted audience with Viscount Willum Daffles, Mayor of Daring Heights and Merchant Prince of repute. When you enter, he is standing before a large drawing hanging from a wall, which you quickly realise is a roughly drawn map of Kantas, based largely on the table in the Three Headed Ettin.
Willum is a decidedly average-looking man, of average build and countenance, but when he turns to look at you, it is immediately evident that there is a cunning glint in his eye which speaks of intelligence. Beside him stands his closest advisor, partner and friend, the Aasimar wizard, Aurelia. Being part-celestial, she has a presence which seems to radiate from her even while she stands quietly by.
"So, you're looking to take on the Twilight head on, are you?" he asks after you've entered, hands clasped behind his back. "I assume you're here to ask for help? Tell me what you're looking for and what your plans are."
(anyone who wants to can answer, I assume the 'delegation' to consist of whoever happens to respond)
|
|
|
|
Post by Nuno (Rholor) on Oct 5, 2017 16:01:26 GMT
Rholor walks in with a sullen look on his face, sunken eyes, frowned brow and delayed gait. Is it worry that drives him sleepless, is it the constant strategising of the past few weeks, is it still the effect of the devilish sorceries of the Necrodancer? It is uncertain what the reason behind his tired and weary figure is but in is mind he thinks it should reinforce the idea of urge and importance that this dialogue will require.
"Greetings Mayor Daffles, we thank you for your time." - Rholor says with a tone one would use in Tethyrian societies to address someone of higher social rank - "Aurelia, glad to see you well, hope I can count on your fair judgement today."
"We have indeed come here to ask for your aid in this affliction that befalls us all. As your excellency might've herd, although we managed to temporarily hinder the Twilight's advance they have bypassed our obstacles and are now resuming their expanse.
Over the last few weeks my companions and I" - Rholor says making a mildly flourished gesture towards the rest of the present - "have been laying down a battle plan and recruiting allies. Before we decide on a definite plan we need to know exactly what we can count on on the day and for that we would be glad if you would consider the following requests.
"
As Rholor prepares to list the terms to be negotiated, a different voice echoes from two steps back - "I mean not to speak out of turn, but you must understand yours is the last piece to be placed in the board my lord, we have the Erina who have based themselves here, we have the the fury of the Grungs and the Boli whom we saved from mutual extermination, we have one hundred strong Orcs ready to rally under our banners and even the Ambar of Kotu has offered his assistance to help save Kantas. Once we get your answer, the pieces will begin to move, ponder that while making your decision..." - as Val heatedly raises his voice for all to hear.
Rholor directs a small nod towards Val - Approval - And continues - "This is what we request of you:
-At least some armed men to aid us would be a great deal since one of our weaknesses at the moment is, as a matter of fact, numbers.
-Additionally, if some funds could be re-allocated into hiring some trained help or to arm anyone eager to fight, that would be greatly appreciated.
-Also, if the plan we are currently considering goes through, quickly speaking: combining a main attack force above ground and an elite strike team through an underground entrance discovered during one of our previous reconnaissance missions, we would also appreciate some funds allocated into gearing this strike force appropriately.
-As a final request, if a word and some coin could be put with the town's siege weapon master, having some heavy duty weaponry would, most likely, prove an invaluable aid."
Rholor's eyes suddenly change from helpless to cuning as a different game is about to begin - "Now, my Lord, I am well aware this is a negotiation so by all means let us negotiate. These are our requests, if any of those is within your power to grant let us begin negotiating" - the stress in the word deeper than the rest of the sentence - "and make haste. Time is NOT on our side.
If you wish to know anything in particular about the Twillights or our plan, feel free to ask. I believe that will prove to be more valuable than if we spend two hours telling you all we know... the clock ticks and the future of Daring Heights hangs by a thread." - he finishes as the small spark of defiance in his eyes slowly dies as he stands up straight to match the Mayor's posture.
|
|
|
|
Post by andycd on Oct 5, 2017 16:24:28 GMT
Willum watched this erudite priest carefully throughout his entire speech, eyes only glancing briefly to Val at his interruption. As Rholor finishes speaking, he gives a small nod, perhaps in acknowledgement that he now has the floor, perhaps in respect to eloquence and arguments well made.
"You have been busy. You've managed to gather almost all of the threats to Daring Heights and convinced them to attack our greatest enemy. This, I applaud. It's a splendid use of resources, though I would suggest you let me know of such endeavours AHEAD of time, rather than me picking it up from the gossip I gather from the Ettin. You want me to put funds behind this endeavour? In principle, fine. This is clearly important and in my interest to help succeed. You want me to put the good citizens of Daring Heights into this battle, alongside evil monsters? That's a much steeper ask."
"Mercenaries are an interesting idea, but I must be wary. Mercenaries have a tendency to not go away just because you stop paying them."
He pauses for a moment and looks to Aurelia, who shrugs gracefully, which is apparently a thing a person can do. "The Twilight must be stopped. Whatever happens, you'll certainly have my aid on the battlefield," she says in her musical, sonorous voice. "There are not many soldiers here. The guard are decidedly thin on the ground. The port is quite well defended though, and they can be persuaded to join easily for a few days pay."
The Viscount nods, and then turns back to face the adventurers, his eyes searching over all of them. "I have had many reports of the size and ferocity of the Twilight forces. They are quite stupendous. Even with your 'allies', I must ask you: if I send my soldiers into battle, what is the difference between them and... 'cannon fodder', as the gnomes put it? What will they be in for?"
|
|
|
|
Post by The Sergeant / Alisha on Oct 5, 2017 17:37:28 GMT
The room was silent. Val watched Rholor inhale ready to reply.
"Cannon fodder," Val rolled the words around in his mouth. Rholor turned, watching as Val stepped forward. "What would you prefer my merry Lord, your troops cower at the back. Watching as Orc and Erina and Boli lead the charge. A fine example."
The blood in Val's body rose in temperature, increasing with each breath, "We have fought these things, we have seen them corrupt good into evil, destroy life and lay waste. We have sacrificed our lives, our friends, our sanity. And now we ask for your help. The people of this town need you to protect them." Val's voice was full of grit, low and tense, "Because if you don't, if you don't fight alongside those brave enough to face the Twilight, then there is a shit tonne of Twilight coming this way if we are defeated. They don't kill their prey, they corrupt them into their twisted forces. And when one hundred Twilight Orcs arrive at your half finished wooden walls, where will your troops hide then. We need everything you can offer" Val took a breath, turned and walked back to where he stood, "My lord, the only monsters are the ones who don't act when they face true evil."
Val stood silent, adrenaline raging through every muscle in his body. For a moment he regretted his outburst, but only for a moment.
|
|
|
|
Post by andycd on Oct 6, 2017 8:41:41 GMT
There's the faintest of noises from the other side of the door behind you. It sounds strangely as if one of the guards outside the doors just said "Oh, snap!" under their breath.
Willum straightens even further, somehow. He seems to gain height as he looks squarely at Val, searching his angry face for a long moment. Aurelia puts a hand on Willum's shoulder and he relaxes a little, sighs and nods.
"All right. I have conditions." He strides back suddenly to his desk and puts a quill to a parchment, writing as he speaks.
"First, I have no generals to command my forces save for Captain Thundercog of the Watch, but I understand him to be a cunning tactician. He is to be in charge of the disposition of all forces, Bullywug, Grung and Erina alike. He will work closely with the heads of the other groups, but ultimately he has the final say.
Second, Keladry is serving as their general now. She sends me letters sometimes to mock and threaten me. I generally burn them. But anyway, if there is to be a battle, she will be there. I want some of you on hand during the battle to take her out. My troops will fight monsters but that thing Keladry has become is beyond them and you know it. That falls to you.
Finally," and he puts the quill down and gives you all a grim look. "To make sure you stay focused. I will pay for the soldiers, the equipment, all of it. You will pay for the funerals."
|
|
|
|
Post by Nuno (Rholor) on Oct 10, 2017 11:40:05 GMT
Rholor clears his throat in a feeble attemp to lower the tension in the room.
"Uhhm my Lord, although I apologize for my companion's... outburst, he does bring up a valid point.
I do think your terms are somewhat valid, we do not intend on losing any lives that can be otherwise be spared. The. hopefully, small number of funerals will be payed for.
I would allow Captain Thundercog to be part of the War Council, if one would call it that, but all decisions should be decided in a democratic manner. I propose Val, Dorian, Aza of the Orcs, Captain Thundercog and I to decide the plan together. Feel free to suggest any more names you would deem valuable for strategic planning.
As for the the battle itself, if the plan of having a frontal assault and a strike force is to be chosen, I would be more than happy to count on Captain Thundercog to lead the frontal assault." - Rholor pauses gauging the Mayor's reaction
"About Keladry, we want to neutralize that threat as much as you do. You can count on us for that.
Now... if we are in agreement, unless you have something else to discuss, we would take our leave. You can have Aurelia send word to me when you have the final numbers of men and funds you can provide. I will reply in a timely manner." - he says while directing a half-hidden smile to the wizard.
"Thank you for your cooperation Mayor, let us make this town safe!" - Rholor raises his fist clenching it in mid-air while he awaits the Mayors permission to leave.
|
|
|
|
Post by andycd on Oct 10, 2017 12:54:29 GMT
On the subject of the war council, Aurelia inclines her head and interjects: "I will attend as well. I have no taste for battle, but I know the requisite spells and can be of use in planning."
As Rholor clenches his fist in the air, Daffles tilts his head, but shrugs and nods. "Done then. Go with strength, and you will hear from me regarding numbers presently." He gestures and a servant opens the doors to allow you to leave. He turns back to the map and begins studying the northern regions intently.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Sergeant / Alisha on Oct 10, 2017 15:46:19 GMT
Val walks out of the door, being sure not to tempt fate, or Daffles patience, with a final farewell.
With the doors closed behind them, he turns to Rholor, "Looks like we have our army. The Fists of Kantas," Val lets the name linger in the air, before shaking his head, "We can figure that out later. Now we better figure out our plan. Who is with the army up top, and is anyone going through the Underdark to attack the base from behind."
Val continues to walk, before pointing to the Cleric, "And you can thank me for my 'outburst' later. There's only one way to move a donkey...light a fire under its arse and it will bolt."
|
|
|
|
Post by Nuno (Rholor) on Oct 10, 2017 15:53:41 GMT
Rholor shrugs failing to keep an amused smirk hidden.
"When the donkey thinks he's a full-breed horse... when he bolts, you need that carrot scent to guide it. We did well, the good-guard, bad-guard actually worked." - he says while continuing down the corridor patting Val on the shoulder letting those words linger - "... it actually worked."
|
|
shall we have this as a seperate session?