Mention of Finlan, New Spells, Battle Plans
Subject: Time for the war
Ok just in time for Ty to start the war, I will be away from the computer alot the next few days.
I have greenery pick up for my son's Cub Scout pack tomorrow. I will be able to check in before noon, and maybe just a bit before 2:00PM, but the actual pick up starts at 2 and will not be done until 7:00, which really means 8. I might be able to check in after that.
Wednesday I am taking off work to watch the kids, but will be able to check from home.
Thursday is turkey day so I assume everyone is off.
Friday I am off work and will be able to check from home.
Mark
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The College
Thaddeus thinks a moment before replying. Farron remembers with great affection his former mentor's slow, studied manner. How he would always give such thought to each question posed to him. Finally, after staring off into space and toying with his cup for a few moments, Thaddeus says, "I confess, Farron, that I have never heard of this creature 'Kor Garesh'. I believe Master Tormin is the recognized expert on the history of the island and its peoples. Perhaps he may know something of the religion of the ancient halflings. But really, until you just told me, I had no idea there even WAS an ancient city in the interior. The jungle is a very disagreeable place, and the men who came to live here have always shunned it. I could do some research, but I must confess, I think it unlikely I will find anything. I think I would remember having read of this 'soul drinker', and I have read every book in our library.
"As for dark activities, I can think of none. Oh! We did have an apparent murder several weeks ago. A noble knight of the White Hart was killed, and another knight vanished. She was widely suspected of the deed, though no concrete evidence was found. I suppose that might qualify as dark activity. Of course, the fact that half our army just marched out the front gate might also qualify."
Farron shows his mentor the spell book. Thaddeus takes it gingerly, and looks it over. Looking at the front cover, he spots a rune that Farron had not been able to identify, and lets out a hiss. "Finlan! That evil conjuror. You say you killed the wizard who carried this? Then you have done the world a great service. I have known no other more despicable man of the arts than Finlan Haltane. A mercenary of the lowest order, and a murderer. I wonder how you came to cross his path? And I thank the gods he did not murder you as well! His book will surely be sealed with vicious magics. I can have our people here open it safely. We normally charge for such dangerous services, of course, but perhaps we can make a different deal. Allow us first use of anything unusual we find, and we will make everything else available to you. It might be very useful to know what sort of spells a black conjuror like Finlan was working on. Agreed?"
When Farron asks about additional instruction, Thaddeus laughs. "My dear Farron, you don't need any teaching from me! You were already a fine Diviner when you left here. That's why you have always had my recommendation for any post you applied for. However, the library and its resources are always available to you. And, if you find something in particular, I will always be available. I just hope you come visit more often. Next time, perhaps you won't need the rise of a dark god to find an excuse to visit an old man?"
[Farron and Sa'id can use the library to research one new spell per spell level. So, one new 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level spell. It's a little different from the normal rules, but you guys have had a rough couple weeks. :)]
From: Ty
Subject: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
Garyth, Rennik, and their two new companions quietly return to the marshalling area. In the confusion of the forming army, it takes several minutes to find Sir Jonas, the leader of the Blood Falcons. Eventually though, they do find the Blood Falcons forming in a quieter corner of the marshalling yard. Garyth is accustomed to it, but it is instantly apparent to everyone other than him that these soldiers are different from the rank and file. They are quieter, less given to wasted motion. Their horses look lean and fast, and they men wear lighter and more flexible armor. Armor like Garyth's; designed for mobility and speed. Several of the men greet Garyth like an old companion. Sir Jonas looks up as the group approaches, and greets Garyth warmly.
"Welcome back, Son of Arden. And look at you, a Captain now. It seems we have both moved up in the world." Garyth grips the commander's arm firmly. The commander continues, "Well, they warned me you had a new high and mighty rank, so I've got a special job for you. I want you to take command of my left flank. Your old sparring partner, Simon, will be on the right. We've only got a few Falcon's for this job, so the men you bring will really help." He looks Rennik and Melani over. "You little ones sure your up for this fight?" Rennik growls and starts to move forward, but Garyth places one hand on his shoulder, and says to Jonas, "I'd put a months wages on my friend here against nearly any Falcon in the ranks. We're lucky to have him with us." Jonas just nods and this, and says no more.
He points to a small group forming up not far away. "Those brave souls are your first command, Garyth. Keep them alive for me, would you?"
Garyth approaches the small group with some dismay. There are only five of them, though it looks as though Jonas and Simon only lead seven or eight each. The Falcon's will be a small force in this fight. Garyth's men look pretty much like any other group of Falcon's waiting for a fight. Light, but cared for armor, well used weapons, and the sleepy looks of dangerous men waiting for a fight. They all nod at him as he approaches, a few saying, "Captain." Apparently, they knew he would be in command before he did. A large man wearing heavier armor approaches. Up close, he looks less like a Blood Falcon raider, and more like a pugilist in a breastplate. His face is a mass of knots, and his nose looks broken many times. He reaches out one hand, and grips arms with Garyth. "I'm battlecleric Osred, a priest of Hieronious, the battle lord. I am the cleric assigned to your squad, and your second in command. They tell me that we will face many undead this day. They will be ash before Hieronious' cleansing light."
Garyth nods at him, then looks at his rank insignia. "Glad to have you, Sergeant. Can you tell me about the men?" Osred begins pointing them out one by one. "That Corporal Vincy, a good man in a pinch, but likes his wine a bit overmuch. I searched his backs and took care of that. He'll be dry on this trip. Hey, Vincy, maybe well make it back fast enough you won't even get the shakes, eh?!" He calls out, bringing laughter from the men. Vincy just gives him an obscene gesture and grins. "That there is Munch. I know, it sounds like a nickname, but that's the name his mother actually gave him. He's a good man. Beside him is Robert. He's your best crossbowman. Can knock a bird down in flight from 100 yards. That last man is Pickle. Oh, that is a nickname. We tell him it's because his old man is as long as a storebought pickle, but the truth is it's because the damn thing is green. I swear, I've seen it. He hasn't got any sense about where he sticks the bloody huge thing. It won't be so impressive when it rots and falls off, eh Pickle?" There is more laughing and insults after this.
Garyth remembers this. The boisterous camaraderie of soldiers going to battle. It's good to see it. These men have worked together, and trust each other. His squad may be small, but it is experienced, and he has the elf and the two halflings as well. This might not be so bad. One of the men brings a few horses around for Garyth and Pensive. A page is also sent to find a pony for the two halflings. After only a few moments, the entire squad is mounted and forming up with the rest of the Falcons. Even the horses seem impatient to be moving.
And then the massive group of men and animals begins to move out the front gates. The heavy cavalry, with the Under Marshall's group, moves out first, followed by four columns of pikemen. Then the smaller group of archers head out. And finally the Falcons, in three groups and on horseback. When the entire army is out, the heavy main gates of Nesalin bang shut. Only the much smaller man-gate will remain open, until the threat is gone.
***************************************************************
The army moves at best speed down the southern road to Overlook. Along the way, various signs of the undead army's passing can be seen. There can be no doubt of Garyth's warning now. Garyth only hopes that last nights delay didn't doom his town. But, realistically, it is amazing that the Marshall was even able to put together this much effort in so short a time. Garyth prays, Pelor, you have used us to get what you want. You used up Cadfael and then let him be murdered. You OWE us. If you are good, as I've always been taught, then you will help my home. You will keep my family safe until I can get there to help them. You owe me that.
A few hours into the march, a messenger comes back from the Under Marshall's group, and talks to Jonas. Jonas waves Garyth over, and as they ride side by side he says, "Alright, Captain. I've got a job for you. A rider from the advance party of cavalry has asked Sir Darius for some help. Our kind of help. They've been able to harass and slow the undead army, and it hasn't reached Overlook yet. But they've got some problems with a witch, and they're taking a beating from her. When they attack the army, she shows up and hammers them a bit, then flies off to distant hill when they ride away. They want to coordinate with us, and draw her out by attacking. While that's happening, your group will have moved around the hill from behind, and will be waiting for her when she returns. Hopefully, you can catch her off guard, and take her out of the picture. You'll have to ride fast." He shakes out a map, and points to a spot Garyth knows well. It is a large hill not more than fifteen miles inland from Overlook. "This is the spot. Think you can get there quietly and be ready for some knife work before noon?"
[Garyth does think he can get his men that far in time. I will wait for some replies to stuff so far, and then write up the next turn when everyone has checked in.]
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
Ty, would it be reasonable for Garyth to have procured himself a new bow and some arrows?
From: Mark
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
As they walk over to the soldier, Melani sees that these are veterans of many campaings. This makes her feel good. However, the size of the horses does not. Do they expect her to ride one of these monsters. Luckily the bring a small pony over for her to ride. She just hopes that the beast can keep up with the other horses.
As they travel she keeps an eye on the group, trying to size them up. The big human in the armor sounds like a walking metal can. She hopes that he stays behind if there is any quite work to do.
She sees Garyth go talk to his commander and eventually gets the story about what they are to do.
Finally she will be able to strike at the Nameless Ones.
OOC: Melani is ready to do whatever is needed of her.
Mark
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
"Think you can get there quietly and be ready for some knife work before noon?"
Garyth nods. "Consider it done, sir," he says with a salute.
Returning to the group, he relays the plan. "We'll need to get in fast, eliminate any support that the witch may have positioned behind the hill without raising an alarm, then ambush the witch as she comes over the hill."
He turns to the halflings. "Rennik, Melani, you are both experienced scouts and trackers. We will need your eyes and ears; our success may depend on swift and accurate reconnaissance." It's not quite a request, but not a command either. Rather, the tone in Garyth's voice and the look in his eye are of a man speaking to comrades that he knows have his back.
Finally, he turns to Osred. "Sergeant, do you have any magics that can help neutralize the witch?"
From: Jake
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
Osred's smiles grimly. "Aye sir, I think I'll be able to do a thing or two to bring her down."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
(OOC: Yay! We have a cleric! And it's Jake! Who has a propensity for playing ugly, brutish characters, it seems! Hehe...)
Rennik follows along behind Garyth, falling in behind him much as the guardsman had done behind him in the jungle. This was his domain, his territory, and he was as comfortable in it as the halflings were in the forest.
As Rennik and Melani struggled to move through the crowds, not used to the press of people, Garyth slid through unthinkingly, just as either of the two scouts would have moved through a patch of briars or dense copse of trees.
Watching intently at how the humans interact, and doing his best to pay close attention to the behaviors for the time when he would need to speak for his people, Rennik is taken by surprise at the Commander's words.
"You little ones sure your up for this fight?"
The growl comes unbidden to Rennik's throat as he steps forward to the man, but Garyth's hand restrains him. He would have to learn to control those reactions among the humans...
Rennik's pony is not too happy with Tichenor loping alongside, and it takes all Rennik has in him to keep the beast from rearing up. He would much prefer to be on his feet, but he again understood the need for speed.
When Garyth mentions using him as a scout for the witch, he simply catches the guardsman's eye and nods once, simple acknowledgement of Garyth's leadership in the field.
The witch. He looked forward to the ambush, and to the empty look in her eyes when the life seeped out of her back into Mielikki's bosom.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War
Garyth nods. "Good. Then let's be off."
OOC: That's all for me.