Stone Talon Panacea, Part 3
Log Info
- Title: Stone Talon Panacea, part 3
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Thurid, Elyanna, Hades
- Place: Stone Talon - Blar Army Camp, Medical Tent, in the City itself.
- Time: Thursday, January 21, 2021, 2:05 PM
- Summary: Thurid remains at Stone Talon, a few others from Alexandria, among them Hades and Elyanna, have disembarked to assist her while Shalethiste escorts the patients and two prisoners back. Captain Infalia promises she'll be back in two days and lifts off. For good or ill, the adventurers are trapped. Their first hurdle is convincing Ezrechu's bodyguards that Gadrany is in charge. A show of force by a disguised Thurid and and a revealed Elyanna go a long way in helping Gadrany. Elyanna is recognized as a former Bludguni Slave Keeper, this is dismissed by the new Colonel. The next task is re-organizing the healers and setting up the Medical tent. The overcrowded facilities are stripped, reduced to half capacity and cleaned. A Vanguard, a Pale are contesting for leadership but Elyanna selects a quiet hob Mourner to take over and she seems up to the task. Next in the campaign tent, Col. Gadrany confers with the Lt. Col's from the other camps and his Special Advisors over priorities. Stopping the maurading Blarite soldiers who ignored the recall, preventing a slaughter or problems at the colosseum, and seeking the Bludguni leadership are selected. Finding deserters, accepting surrender and locating civilians, as well as securing the Stone Talon hospital and temples will have to wait. Troops are assigned, with the Special Adisors leading them. Thurid is very successful in her task, finding enemy and friendly soldiers and managing to secure an Inn and a Brewery. Elyanna makes it to the colosseum and successfully frees several prisoners, but the slave pens seem endless and she is harried by Bludguni holdouts. Hades discovers that what remains of the organized Bludguni army has contracted around their leadership and he is repulsed with heavy casuaties. All around them, skirmishes occur, waiting for the tide to go one way or another.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hades 6'0" 170lbs Lb Half-Elf Male A simple-looking young man with a trident in hand. Thurid 7'1" 249 Lb Giantborn Female Bright-eyed, muscular, blond Giantborn woman. Elyanna 5'11" 153 Lb Half-Orc Female A grim, Arvek-blooded woman in raven feathers. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- NPCs of Note =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Gadrany Hobgoblin Female Gadrany the Blade, Blar Army Colonel Frila Hobgoblin Female Vanguard Frila, Major, Blar Army Cleric of Serriel Vibibi Hobgoblin Female Mourner Vibibi, Major, Blar Army Cleric of Vardama Choao Goblin Male Pale Choao, Major, Blar Army Cleric of Thul -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- As the GM -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
The Breaking of Stone Talon - Blar Army
The patients are loaded on the Airship in record time. Captain Infalia is standing straight, for once, tall and proud. She's radiating pride, for once happy with her assignment since she and her crew were conscripted. The engine is warm, the gasbag is full, the levitators humming, ready to power on, the anchor lines about to be cast off.
"Two Days! I'll burn 'er the whole way. Count on us!" Infalia calls, standing at the controls, "Cast OFF! All Lifters, FULL POWER." It's not diving into a volcano, but the Airship springs and shoots up, arcanite devices and physical properties pulling it into the sky.
A few crew were left behind, to help with the transition. They're with Thurid, the new Colonel Gadrany, and the now empty Medical Tent. A few of the Blar medical officers are wandering up. The recall horns have been sounded. A lot more soldiers of all sorts will be arriving soon.
Hades stood there, dressed in his robes, which left his right arm and side of his torso normally exposed, were it not covered in armor. In his hand is a mighty Trident as he stands watch over the situation. "May the wit of Tarien go with you." the young man mutters under his breath, even if his attention shifts lightly to Thurid.
"Do you believe the prisoners have a chance of escaping?" He asks in a light tone, as if it were a humorous thought. "For I fear we have not yet seen the end of this." his light tone replaced with one of dread and melancholy.
Being as how the job demands a certain degree of duplicity, Thurid has opted to stow her usual Scapular away somewhere. Instead, she has found herself a pothelm and suitible nondescript brown tabard to wear instead. The pothelm leaves little of her features visible, with the visor down as it is- shadows behind a steel grill. Of course, it only goes so far. Her arms and legs are still mostly bare, and she is still rather large, and she still doesn't speak any of the native languages- but, the chances of her being taken for an ogress are certainly higher with her face hidden.
"They'll have a time of it, if they do. Unless they can fly." she says, and gestures towards the airship as it takes off. She has her hammer with her always, now, currently slung over a shoulder to carry it. She turns back to Gadrany, "So. Have you come to a story, yet?" she asks the recently promoted Hobgoblin.
GAME: Thurid rolls disguise-2: (7)+2+-2: 7 <OOC> Thurid says, "RAR I am Ogress! Honest! >.>" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4: (5)+4: 9
In light of past sins, and more recent frustrations, a hobkin of fine, if diluted breeding is doing what she can to help, now that her duties aboardship have been assumed by others. Elyanna, clad in suitable weather wear emblazoned with a family crest at breast and shoulder, though without Unit markings of any kind, makes her way to the Jotun acting as Liason, considering the newly promoted woman and, "Hello, Colonel, how may I be of assistance?" she asks in a polite, businesslike tone. She regards the elfblooded man on his query, but leaves it to the large woman to answer.
"Not... yet." Colonel Gadrany says, "the Desertion story will be a hard sell. Removed by Command is easier. Although not sure what a good reason is. The other camp commanders will be easier to convince than her bodyguards. I was hoping you had some inspiration."
The colonel glances Elyanna's way. Her skin tone and appearance get a second glance from her, but no signs of recognition of her face or family crest. "I don't know. Survive the transition, then we'll need organization, searching and some fighting."
Gadrany's attention turns to Hades next, "I'll have to trust the civilian captain with that. Be ready."
The Bodyguards
Boots. Bodyguards approach. Six. A hobgoblin squad of mixed sexes but similar expression, angry, unyielding, cruel. Ezrechu selected those of a like mind. They're ready for battle and had a nice bit of pillaging penciled in, and now their commander is missing.
"Where is Colonel Manslayer?" The closest growls.
"Gone." Thurid grunts as she steps forwards, her grip twisting on the haft of her axe as she regards the lot of them. She does her best to sound gruff, as she regards them each in turn. "Gadrany is the new boss. You don't like it you can jog on." she adds a moment later. Her jaw is set, and her bright eyes pierce from the shadows of her helm.
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll aid Gadrany" GAME: Thurid rolls intimidate: (12)+2: 14
Hades nods ever so slightly. "So I see." a smile though is offered to Gadrany, though any shine of a smile heh ad is immediately lost when the goblins step forward. Respectful, even to enemies or to those who may suddenly turn hostile, Hades offers only a bow of the head.
He lets Thurid speak, for while he is intelligent, a great speaker he has never been. But his eyes are on the Goblins themselves, for any hint of any plots that are occurring behind the scenes. But otherwise, his posture is simple and tall, with a look of calm on his face.
GAME: Elyanna rolls intimidate: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Elyanna says, "I feel like will Wheaton." <OOC> Elyanna says, "going to use my reroll" GAME: Elyanna rolls intimidate: (12)+11: 23
Elyanna eyes the incoming crew with a stern, uncompromising glare, and while her hands are no closer to her weapons, the array of them promise unpleasant tidings for dissenters. Calling back on old habits as it were.
A six-pack of angry stares are returned. Thurid's simple, menacing words have their effect. The bodyguards have to look up, and while they aren't convinced she's an ogress, there's enough intrinsic danger in her size they aren't going to test.
"She's a Von Diesel," one of the bodyguards says to their leader, thrusting a chin towards Elyanna, "I recognize her. That's Keeper Otilla Silverlash, from the Kill Deck, look at those whips."
The half-elf is ignored. His calm demeanor would be unsettling, he is too calm, but it lacks an obvious willingness to violence, and the bodyguards eliminate him as a threat.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+15: (13)+15: 28 (Gadrany's intimidate)
"Gone." Gadrany echoes Thurid, a dagger in her hand pointing at the rising airship. She was called 'Gadrany the Blade' by Infalia, and while she wears standard military armour and has an arming sword daggers do seem to be her calling. In an eyeblink she's pressed chest to chest with the lead bodyguard, her off-hand dagger point pressed into the gap between breastplate and waiste guard, "Recalled by Command. I'm in charge. Accept it or your next order will be to report to the medical tent to get your guts put back in."
Stares. The bodyguard blinks first. Her eyes drift to the new rank on Gadrany's armour. "Of course Colonel. We're loyal bodyguards. Your bodyguards now." The others snap a salute; the one on the daggerpoint remains still, waiting for permission.
Thurid offers a nod of her head in approval, and she turns the hammer off her shoulder, allowing it to drop head first into the ground with a heavy thump. She lifts a foot and places it atop the chunky of steel, leaning forwards, "Good. Now that's done. We need to round up the ones what are sick. 'fore the whole city ends up running away like cowards." she says.
Elyanna is less surprised that her Bludgunni name comes up than she is as the odd resonance it strikes within her. There is the faint peaking of an eyebrow as the bodyguard so names her, but it doesn't cool her willingness to transition Reputation, which is gossip, people talking, to Fact, something real, and more solid. Instead, a considered "You are well informed." She doesn't look back to her Alexandrian companions, nor to the new Colonel, though she expects there are going to be questions once certain other greedy ears are out from underfoot.
Hades tends to do his best work when no attention is onto him. He sees Gadrany apparently stepping up to her command, slightly alerted, but it doesn't show. Instead, he seems aware that goblin politics typically involve leadership of the strong, and strength earns respect immediately, whether it be by muscle or swiftness.
His attention shifts then to Elyanna, then to Thurid. "Agreed. The sooner we begin acting on it, the better." Then a simple glare is given to the goblins, as if in subtle warning.
"Good." Colonel Gadrany steps back, her daggers returning to their sheaths. The bodyguard steps back, snaps a salute as well, and by their posture they have all stood down. The first hurdle is past.
"She's loyal to Blar. An Anti-Slaver." Gadrany adds, a head nod in Elyanna's direction, without looking at her, "That card is out of date."
And Thurid's statement draws agreement from her as well. "The other camp comamnders will be arriving for a tactical update, Special Advisor Thurid, we'll meet in the Campaign Tent, detail the plan there."
"Wait for us there. Set it up." She orders, and the hobgoblin bodyguard squad salutes, heading off. Gadrany exhales as they get some distance. "Good job. Thanks."
The Medical Tent
Command decisions are never done. Another group stands beside the medical tent. Healers, hobgoblin Clerics mostly, that weren't worth sending into battle for various reasons. Holy symbols of various Gods on emblazened on their armour, primarily Vardama, but other faiths are represented. One asks, "You sent for us. What is your command?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "k/religion DC10 to recognize the Gods." GAME: Thurid rolls knowledge/religion: (4)+5: 9 <OOC> Thurid says, "Clearly, their gods are not muscular enough for me to remember them." GAME: Hades rolls Knowledge/Religion: (2)+8: 10
Thurid leans on the haft of her hammer as the first group leave and then she settles back a bit once they are gone- only for the next group of healers to show up. "We need to round up those still suffering from the fear sickness." she says to the healers, "While we're searching for them and bringing them in, these medical facilities need to be stripped down, cleaned, sanitized, made ready to recieve patients." she says to the other healers that have arrived. "As it should have been already, rather than for whatever twisted experiments that doctor was doing."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "LG: 1 Daeus, 2-4 Serriel,
LN: 5 Navos, 6 Rada, 7 Reos, 8-10 Vardama,
LE: 11 Maugrim, 12 Thul
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (2): 2 (Serriel)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (2): 2 (Female)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (1): 1 (Male)
The Hobkin noble nods to the assertion, but doesn't feel obligated to elaborating further. Elyanna, instead, remains dutifully flanking the Colonel as simply another of her hands. Her hands remain free at her sides, but don't seek the comfort of her old friend as things seem to be going so well. As Thurid elaborates on how things are going to go, she chimes in with, "I have some understanding of proceedure from the magic plague of months past, I can help organization unless you would have me bring in the lost."
"A great shame this day, for I do not see the colors of Tarien. Even the trickster should be recognized." The Clerical Wizard mentions in passing, but he sighs ever so softly and falls into a steady silence, watching and ready to organize people into action. Perhaps this time a colonel and a sadistic doctor won't get in the way?
"Vanguard Frila," A Cleric of Serriel steps up, introducing herself. Positionning herself in charge. The half-elf's observation causing the hobgoblin to blink, "War isn't a joke."
She addresses Colonel Gadrany, with glances to Thurid and Elyanna, "It's clear the Medical tent needs cleaning. Do you want to keep the current capacity and crowding, or reduce it? We are familiar with the symptoms and can fashion gentler restraints."
She gestures around at her companion healers, "We're from different siege camps around the city, and similar ranks. Our command hierachy should be established. Who's in charge?"
"I should be!" A rare goblin steps out of the pack. A Thulite, based on his armour, "I know just how to handle things! Pale Choao."
"What are your thoughts, Special Advisors?" Gadrany asks.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Can I try a Sense Motive check to see who seems best to lead?" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Yes! DC20 is 'hunch' which would do that." GAME: Thurid rolls sense motive: (2)+10: 12 GAME: Elyanna rolls sense motive: (16)+7: 23 GAME: Hades rolls Sense Motive: (4)+6: 10 <OOC> Hades says, "reroll?" GAME: Hades rolls Sense Motive: (10)+6: 16 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (10): 10 (Vardama) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (2): 2 (Female) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d10: (8): (1 Goblin, 2-9 Hobgoblin, 10 Bugbear) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (4): 4
"No, take half the beds out- we'll find another tent and set it up if need be." Thurid answers the first question, as for Leadership, she looks about them all and shrugs her massive shoulders, "I've no preference. So long as you are willing and able to heal rather than hurry them to the halls of waiting or worse, you all seem fit enough." she says on the topic of leadership.
Hades looks to the Cleric that approaches. "Nor is it a laughing matter, yes. However, the Trickster possesses a nearly-unmatched level of cleverness and mischief, both tools are useful in war for causing chaos in the enemy ranks, do you not agree?" He offers, before his attention shifts to the others. "I can heal as best as I can, though I am by far not the best of us, I can still try." he offers.
When advice is offered, he looks to Gadrany. "If I may -- I recommend the representatives of evil gods not be in the running of leadership." He informs lightly.
Elyanna takes in the auditions from the ambitious amongst the healers, sparing a moment to arch a brow toward the half-elf with a dry, "You must be joking." Her deadpan is pretty good, though the levity seems to help her mood. In the time it takes the Hobkin to turn her head back toward the Colonel, a slow blink and she lifts her chin toward the quiet Hobgoblinne in the back, "That one. The Mourner." she replies, "We'll need a level base to adapt from, we've already seen what happens with ambition getting carried away." her Goblin talk much more flowing and natural than her stilted Trade.
"All right, we'll do that. Halve the beds." Vanguard Frila replies, "Well we'll put your healing to the test."
"Only use the top bunks after we've filled the bottom!" Pale Choao interjects. He's height biased, but it's still a good suggestion. He glares up at Hades, fists on his hips, "Who asked you? I heal people just fine!"
"I asked." Gadrany says, waving a hand dismissively.
There are twelve clerics that seem like possibilities, one from each represented faith with a couple more from Serriel and Vardama. Despite Frila's initiative and Choao's enthusiasm, neither of them would be best in charge.
The cleric that caught Elyanna's attention, the silent hobgoblin Mourner standing at the back of the group, might just do. While Mourner's duties generally are preparing those for Waiting, they are trained healers. The Mourner has a very attentive gaze, watchful of the other clerics and the Colonel's group. When Colonel Gadrany nods her assent at Elyanna's pick, the lavender skinned Mourner nods, "Ok."
She indicates six others from the group. "You're under me. Pick your assistants from the rest and the enlisted if you need others. Let's get to the beds."
Her orders issued, the Mourner enters the Medical Tent with the others following after.
"I'm going to the Campaign Tent," Gadrany says, "Make sure they're doing the right thing, then join me there."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "so, roll Heal to help out, DC20 GAME: Thurid rolls heal: (10)+11: 21 GAME: Elyanna rolls heal: (10)+2: 12 (to assist) GAME: Hades rolls Heal: (17)+6: 23 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Diplomacy to try improving the medical's staff opinion, DC10 indifferent currently" GAME: Thurid rolls disguise: (15)+2: 17 GAME: Thurid rolls Diplomacy: (12)+7: 19 GAME: Elyanna rolls diplomacy: (2)+10: 12
Hades' healing contribution improves the condition of the tent. Vanguard Frila follows him around asking for suggestions. Thurid, the healers are all impressed with her healing knowledge, and also seem to be acting as if you're an ogress. Pale Choao ends up following the Jotun around. Elyanna, the Mourner she picked out picks her to assist her also temporarily, and orders the halfbreed hob to do various things while she's available. All the healers are 'cool' towards the 'Special Advisors' at first, but warm up as they assist for a time. It's pretty obvious to everyone what needs to be done, and the experience from DEVA station is a useful reference.
The half hour passes quickly.
Well learned, it seems, were the lessons of Salina's plague.
Elyanna, hard tested at the Soldier's Defense during those troubled times, nonetheless picked up enough basic plague management to suggest the methods the Alexandrians used to transport patients and swiftly prepare bunks. This she does in an efficient, comfortable Goblin-talk, an assured tone bought with albeit lay experience, but she makes some use of volunteers to show postures, even as she relates the reasonings as she understands them. As well she advises how to handle linens, which the Keeper helps with, using certain gestures, accompanied by a soft, intricately whistled melody; a prestidigitation to cleanse those that are salvageable.
Being as she ordered half the beds removed, it only stands to reason that Thurid will begin doing just that- especially given she is just about the largest person in the room. She sets her hammer down, if reluctantly, leaving it leaning up against a tent pole to free both hands for the activity. She demonstrates her impressive strength by hauling the bunk beds out. At first, she says little, but eventually begins speaking with the other healers- mentioning that she has treated other patients with the same sickness before, and what she did to help them. She also does a little boasting- the time she threw a boulder down a mountain, and the time she smashed a demon's horns off. She shows off the charm she wears to commemorate that occasion, when she has a moment.
Though she has to be careful not to step on her goblin follower, he proves a handy addition- with her brawn, and his ability to fit into tight spaces, cleaning around and under the beds they intend to keep goes smoothly.
Realizing he was being followed around in the tent, Hades put his healing knowledge to goo work, instructing others in how to treat wounds and sickness His healing ends up improving the condition of the tent noticeably, and despite hard work, Hades doesn't boast about it.
"Keep covering this with cold water until the swelling starts going down. If they develop a fever, take those plants and ground them up."
He turns to Frila then with a light smile. It is a remarkable thing really, how a common cause can bring so many together in friendship. But, he continues to move about and diagnose and offer healing salves.
The new heirarchy clicks right into place, and the Medical Tent shows immediate improvements. Beds are removed. Contaminated bedding is disposed of, the floors are cleaned, the beds themselves are stripped and cleaned and used bandages and medicines are cleared out.
Pale Chaoa is impressed with the Jotun and helps out, eagerly following orders and once she starts talking getting a few boasts of his own in. They aren't as impressive, of course, and while she can sense there's an unpleasant nature underneath he does seem to have a genuine nice demeanor on the surface. Still, he's not one to be on triage or making life or death decisions. Her potential ogres status and attention will improve his standing among others and he absolutely appreciates her power.
Mourner Vibibi has her hands full, taking charge. Her orders are minimal statements that rely on the skill of her underlings to fully enact, but she chose her assistants well and they interpret and expand her commands well. Elyanna finds herself fetching things, filling in details based on her own experience, and doing quite a bit of running.
Vanguard Frila accompanies Hades, and eventually accepts his jocular interjections and dials her seriousness back a notch. She's efficient with the preparations, although it's clear that people and not stuff hold her passion so the rearangements of the medical tent are necessary but not engaging her fully. The Tarienite ends up prompting actions, which she readily aggrees to.
As more healers are pulled in, and some soldiers selected for general labour, the Medical facilities improve. Soon there are enough present and briefed to handle the new capacity, one hundred, two hundred if the top bunks are used. The healers themselves appear much happier to be doing this work. It's very likely that the reason they aren't out in the field is their spells were expended for combat enhancements, making them better as reserve than front line. Now, they can dedicate their efforts to their calling.
The Campaign Tent
The 'Special Advisors' are summoned to the Campaign Tent. Gadrany appears to have convinced the other Lt. Commanders she is in charge, with the assistance of the bodyguards. She looks up as they enter, a map of Stone Talon is laid out on a large table. It's impressive, three dimensional, and fairly accurate compares with the view everyone saw flying in. The Blar Army camps are positioned around the city.
"We have a lot of resources, but we need to prioritize. I've outlined some details to the others. We have our own escaped patients to locate, enemy soldiers to take in surrender, suffering civilians, and likely Bludguni patients in the main hospital." Gadrany indicates around the map. She grimaces, "Also, not all units responded to the recall, and there are potential other concerns as well."
With all the options on the table, Thurid goes to run her hand along the back of her neck, but realizes she can't reach it with her helmet on so she lets out a huff. "These missing units- they the rape and pillage sort?" she asks then, as she tries to weigh the options.
"Yes," One of the Lt. Colonels growls.
Thurid nods, not surprised by the revelation- her helm does a good job of hiding how she feels about it. "I reckon first priority ought to bring those to heel. They'll be spreading the sickness as they go, like as not. And they'll make it harder to see to our other tasks as well." she says then. "Decent hammerin' ought to set them straight." she says.
"The Collosseum's pens." Elyanna remarks softly, "Depending how long the seige has been going on, there will be a significant number of slaves, there." Assuming they hadn't ended up rations, of course. There is a certain light in her eyes, "We may perhaps even intercept some squads headed there for easy sport. I would see to them, Colonel."
"It should." Comments another Lt. Colonel, "Troops won't like engaging their own, but it wouldn't be necessary if they were obeying orders."
Gadrany frowns, nodding ominously, "That crossed my mind. One of the 'other' considerations. Some of our PoWs might be there also. I know the pens. Thank you."
The Hobkin meets the Colonel's gaze and nods, "As do I."
"All right then. Those will be the priorities." Colonel Gadrany leans on the table with both hands, staring around at her sub-commanders. "Return to your camps, organize units for those tasks. I'll be sending my Special Advisors out with your troops. Also, to emphasize, the previous Summary orders are rescinded. Our soldiers, the Bludguni are suffering for a disease that affects their mental capacities. Surrender in any form is to be accepted. 'Deserters', enemy soldiers, civilians, are to be considered 'charmed' or 'dominated' and subdued with the minimum force necessary. No killing, unless it's absolutely unavoidable."
She makes a long, heavy sigh, "We will suffer casualties for this. It is the right thing to do. This has been out of control too long." Gadrany stands decisively, "We fix this. Now. You have your orders. Move out."
She salutes, they disperse.
Elyanna straightens away from the map and awaits the room to clear before she ventures close to the commander once more. "If I am taken, as the traitor Otilla, my death will be... interesting." She considers the map once more, tracing her finger along some route on the map, "Save your men if you can, but don't waste any lives on me. Send a missive to Lord Jowallis von Diesal, tell him Elyanna fell trying to set things right."
She straightens anew and turns to look into the fullblood's eyes, "Will you do this thing, Colonel Gadrany?"
"Yes. Of course Lady Elyanna." Gadrany says, a long intense stare. "Are you sure? Lives spent protecting you wouldn't be wasted. There would be volunteers. If you insist though, go alone. I will send the missive."
Elyanna shakes her head, "I... will need men for the mission. i have no illusions about my chances, alone." Her fingertip traces around some of the entrances of the Collosseum, "There are usually several squads' worth of guards here, and any number of Keepers, depending if the shows have continued during the seige. If we are captured, your men may be put in the pits as prisoners, I'll likely be kept seperately for proper excruciations." a wan little smile, "Save them, if you can. My life alone is not worth theirs."
She starts to depart, but pauses near the door and looks back, "Also, there is a mourner in Alexandria, Ashlee Ciardh. Send word to her as well. Give her my gratitude."
And with that, she slips outside to gather her men...
Around Stone Talon
Stop the maurading Blar Soldiers
They might not have returned because they're evil, and this is their revenge for the conditions of the siege. Or, they might not have returned because Doctor Deaztor's potion put them in a rage. There's the possibility the horns weren't heard, but that's a feeble excuse. When the walls fall, the conquering army can become a wild beast.
Now, it's split, recalled troops reassigned to going back into the city and pulling their own out. Thurid is assigned a group to lead. It's simple enough, head towards the sounds of fighting, or looting. Or screams. Stopping whatever is found, will be harder.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Perception DC25 to avoid an ambush.
Then Intimidate or Diplomacy to force a surrender."
GAME: Thurid rolls perception: (7)+9: 16
GAME: Thurid rolls diplomacy: (7)+7: 14
It isn't far to the first engagement. There is a line of inns along the walls near the city gates. From the sounds of it the soldiers are into the drinks.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "so it will be the full 4 attacks or CMBs.
attacks can be lethal or NL (at -4) these are enemy soldiers.
CMB is to 'grab subdue, vs CMD20"
GAME: Thurid rolls cmb: (3)+9: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls cmb: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Thurid rolls cmb: (5)+9: 14
GAME: Thurid rolls cmb: (4)+9: 13
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll reroll one of those"
GAME: Thurid rolls cmb: (7)+9: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (7)+11: 18
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (8)+11: 19
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6 (Damage to Thurid, 6 Total)
Thurid is not accustomed to wearing a helm- the reduced field of vision is a real hinderance, so the first she notices the ambush is a bullet punching a hole in her chainmail and burying itself in the flesh beneath. "Ambush!" she bellows, too late. She leaves her hammer behind, to climb up the outside of the building- under fire- several more rounds glancing off her armor or splintering the daub and wattle inn wall she clambers her way up.
The troops assigned to her hunker down and return fire. Meanwhile, up on the rooftop, Thurid charges into a pack of hobgoblins and tackles one to the ground. "You are ordered to return! Desist and I won't kill you myself!" she warns them, rolling the one she tackled over and wrenching his arm right up till it's almost dislocated. Another swings for her, and she releases the first to shoulder him, sending a couple of them tumbling from the roof- broken bones, perhaps, but they'll live.
She lifts up the first hobgoblin she tackled, hoisting him off his feet with an arm behind his back. "STOP!" she bellows out as loud as her voluminous lungs allow her. "Go back to your camps! The recall has been sounded!" she bellows again.
The fighting piters out, as the better equipped and fed troops win the day- though not without a handful of casualties on both sides.
With covering fire and the Jotun's direct engagement, the troops supporting her are able to neutralize the attacking Bludguni. Restraints are placed, and then they spread the message into the inns, disrupting their Blar brethern. Return! The recall has been sounded.
They obey the show of strength.
While elsewhere the search for Leadership is struggling, it's not hard at all to find looting. A search is unnecessary, especially when there's an obvious brewery. Barrels are broken open, drunk hobs and gobs are all over, their kit lying about as they carouse and sing. At least it's only property damage, but they still ignored the recall.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thurid, Diplomacy or Intimidate DC25 to get them to stand down without problems,
+2 on the roll because of your previous success."
GAME: Thurid rolls diplomacy+2: (9)+7+2: 18
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, it will be knocking some heads again, 4 attack/cmb rolls."
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll be going for some nonlethal hammering this time."
GAME: Thurid rolls weapon12-4: (16)+9+-4: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls weapon12-4: (1)+9+-4: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Thurid rolls weapon12-4: (16)+9+-4: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls weapon12-4: (2)+9+-4: 7
GAME: Thurid rolls damage12: aliased to 2d6+7: (12)+7: 19
GAME: Thurid rolls damage12: aliased to 2d6+7: (6)+7: 13
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11-2: (7)+11+-2: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11-2: (13)+11+-2: 22
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11-2: (17)+11+-2: 26
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11-2: (2)+11+-2: 11
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you are very effective, 32 damage vs 7, so they're convinced."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "+5 on your next intimidate roll, 32-7=25/5= the +5"
"Oi you nobs!" Thurid grunts, hefting her hammer from its place on her shoulder as she approaches the scene of the carnage. "You 'eard the horns, and there's no point saying you never." she says to them. "Head back to camp now, and I won't have to drag you." she offers, once again, the chance for them to give up willingly. They don't.
One of them tosses a bottle at her, which bounces off and shatters against the ground. So she does what she does best, and thunders towards them. She strikes someone in the chest with her hammer, driving the wind out of him and probably cracking a rib but leaving him standing. Her next swing, at someone coming at her, goes wide- and worse, the head of it smashes right through a nearby wall and becomes lodged. She braces her foot against the wall to try and wrench it free- but while she does, a dagger comes up under her armpit and draws fresh blood from her.
With a mighty roar she tears the hammer and a chunk of the wall free, and then sends the dagger-wielding goblin flying head over heels to crash into one of the few unbroken barrels and finishing it off.
The troops rush in after Thurid, and subdue a number of the drunken looters themselves, emboldened by Thurid'd ferocity if not her technique. Bruised and bloodied, Thurid makes her way back out of the brewery only slightly more smashed than she found it.
Cowed and ashamed, the errant Blarite soldiers lick their wounds and stagger back to the camp, drunk from the alcohol, dizzy for the headbashing. The troops with Thurid remain fresh, ready for more. "Lead on Commander."
Her search continues, meanwhile....
The Colosseum Slave Pens
The colosseum is more involved. It was formerly an amphitheater, a place of high arts and oratory when the city was in Myrrish hands. In Bludguni it has been converted to the finest of fine arts: The bloodsports. During peacetime, there were daily combats, executions, mauling by beasts and battles with giant artifice golems.
Now after months of siege, its fate and the fate of the prisoners and slaves kept there is unclear. It's a long trip through contested streets to reach it, but once there it's easy enough to get to the bloody sands.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay Ely, Stealth DC25 to avoid an ambush.
Dip or Intimidate to win the prisoners over"
GAME: Elyanna rolls stealth: (14)+6: 20
<OOC> Elyanna says, "full attack nl"
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (16)+9: 25
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (15)+9: 24
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (2)+9: 11
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (16)+11: 27
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (6)+11: 17
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (5)+11: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, you take 6 damage, fight off the ambush.
You have +2 on your intimidate or sneak next turn.
Roll diplo or intimidate."
GAME: Elyanna rolls diplomacy+2: (14)+10: 24
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you have made it to the colosseum,
you were ambushed but you and troops fought it off.
Prisoners were found, cells open, they are reluctant to come out, come along.
Some are very sickly. So you'll need to make another convince attempt"
GAME: Elyanna rolls stealth+2: (13)+6+2=2: 23
<OOC> Elyanna says, "missed the second +2 so 23?"
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (8)+9: 17
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Elyanna rolls weapon5: (17)+9: 26
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Elyanna rolls 1d3+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (17)+11: 28
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "WOOT! 1 in 8000!"
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, so attacked while in the colloseum, fight it off, get hurt,
you have a +2 on your War-Turn 3,
for now should roll diplo or intimidate, +2 vs DC25, and make the poses."
GAME: Elyanna rolls intimidate+2: (7)+11+2: 20
The stealthing was going along so well, aided in no small part by the associated chaos as well as her own familiarity with the city. That is, until the Collosseum gates themselves, where a group of overachievers manaes to notice their skulking and give battle. This is traded in fierce abandon on both sides, leaving some of her men wounded in the aftermath, but, they are able to reach the slave pens and their reticent inhabitants.
"We are here to see you free of this place, those of you who know how to fight, gather what weapons you can muster. Those fit, but unskilled help carry the wounded and sickly to safety. Stay close to us and be silent, and you can have a brighter dawn outside these walls!"
Inspiration given, the former Keeper considers for just a moment, leaving the enchanted tresses of Maidenhead behind, but, decides against it. There is too much yet between Keeper and lash, this lash and it has already done good toward freeing slaves. Instead, she withdraws the coiled leather of her second whip, taken from another slaver and discards it on the way out.
The second venture goes better, in that the elusive mass she's trying to lead is much more significant than before, but ultimately, it too runs afoul of native defenders and another melee ensues, one that leaves most of her men, and she herself rather the worse fo the exchange, but the mission is incomplete.
She won't give up.
Not on these men.
Not on these people.
Not now...
- or ever.
There are more to rescue, meanwhile...
Finding the Leadership
Finding the leadership will be a challenge. They'll be in the most protected part of the city. Likely that's the center, in the government buildings. They could be holed up almost anywhere; If they haven't escaped in the confusion when the walls were breached.
The troops assigned to Hades follow his lead, intersection after intersection, into the heart of Stone Talon. It's quieter here, not many Blar troops penetrated, and the remaining resistance has pulled back and concentrated themselves. Despite their best efforts, they find themselves caught in an ambush outside City Hall.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Hades, you need a Stealth DC25 to avoid an ambush,
and a Survival DC25 to find where leadership might be."
GAME: Hades rolls Stealth: (17)+-2: 15
GAME: Hades rolls Survival: (19)+2: 21
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, decide full attack lethal or NL(-4) or CMB, and roll 4 times."
GAME: Hades rolls 1d20+1: (15)+1: 16
GAME: Hades rolls 1d20+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Hades rolls 1d20+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Hades rolls 1d20+1: (9)+1: 10
<OOC> Hades says, "my AC is 18"
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (15)+11: 26
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (10)+11: 21
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (17)+11: 28
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7
So. Hades decided to try and track down the leaders, but...well, they were well-hidden and even better positioned. What happened next was a slaughter.
Hades was struck with arrows that accurately went straight through his armor. Others of his soldiers were also hurt. "Fall back!" he howls, and though alive, they learned a valuable intel from their defeat: the enemy is -very- ready for them. It's simply too difficult. It seems the Bludguni were ready. Arrows seem to be coming from every direction. Commands you want to obey are the easiest to follow, "Fall back! Fall back!"
It's two blocks of retreat before the arrows stop and cover is adequate. Hobgoblins surround Hades. What they do next is up to the half-elf, "Orders sir?"
They await Hades command...
The Battles Rage On
Throughout Stone Talon, small battles ebb and flow, determining the city's fate.
A Jotun searches the streets for the soldiers that refused the recall, and the enemy soldiers still dug in.
A half-elf attempts to find the enemy commanders, repulsed at every turn.
A half-hob strives to redeem her past, by charging straight into it. In the Colosseum, weapons are taken up. Prisoners, prisoners of war, gladiators, fodder, slaves all are in the pens. The seemingly endless pens. There's always another wing, another corridor.
The beasts can be left locked up, those that survive. Releasing them on the city would only cause further chaos. Perhaps putting the starving creatures out of their misery would be a mercy, and a safeguard. There are still Bludguni forces in the city, someone might have the idea to let slip the scrany lions and manticorse.
This falls to the half-breed noble to decide.
Everywhere, in the streets, in the buildings, the conflict rages.
An army against itself, against a broken army, with delirious and diseased from all sides and a few heroes struggling to turn the tide. To haul the once beautiful Myrish municipality back from the brutish fall it is about to take, from monster city to monstrosity, from tragedy to atrocity that will stain all involved, for all time.
OOC Explanations and Combatty Stuff
<OOC> Cryosanthia nods, "Okay. Hades, any player that shows up on time before my set-pose gets 1 free re-roll during the session. Normally, this costs 3RPP, it is to encourage players to sign up and show up. other GMs don't do this, so don't expect it with them, you'll have to pay the 3RPP."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Quick P2 scene recap and what is happening in my set to you can work on your poses. You took out the Colonel and the Plague Doctor, they were taken prisoner. Patients were put on the airship. Airship left some behind, Thurid, likely Hades and Elyanna. Airship is going back to Alexandria, approx 2000 miles away, so every PC came via airship or was part of the seiging army for some reason. Blar Army has been recalled, and Thurid and the new Colonel are about to meet the other Lt. Colonels and convince them things are copasectic when they just pulled of a forced changed in leadership."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I'll be trying something non-standard with combat to make it faster. It may or may not work. To keep things moving, if we're in combat and inits are up and it's your turn and I don't hear from you for 5 minutes we'll move to the next and you can jump back in when you return."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thanks for coming and apologies Hades if it's a bit confusing, it's the midst of a side quest on a long arc dealing with diseases that were possibly artifically created and being used in a war between Blar and Bludgun, a hobgoblin city-state and a hob-goblin nation. Lots of Goblinoids about, assume any NPC is a Hob or Gob unless it's stated otherwise."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "This can be considered Skills Combat, so if you are so inclined, you can make a pose that's diplomatic, a bluff, an intimidate. Thurid's, I would count as an intimidate. You have the option of 'aid another' or making an attempt on your own. Aid another is a DC10 and gives a +2."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "It will be DC22 to change the bodyguard's opinion, and you need two successes to move them at least 2 steps. So, that is either a very high roll by Gadrany or multiple successes. So, a +11 on a standalone might work better than a +2. Also, PC agency."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Just so you know, it was DC22 for 1 step improvement and DC27 for 2 step, so Thurid's aid another pushed another step and with Elyanna's roll they went from hostile to friendly"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So Gadrany needed the assist there."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "'on the table' are: Search for Deserters; Search in Stone Talon for diseased or surrendering; Stone Talon Hospital Rescue; Blar Murder Bands - ie stop the units that didn't come back; and not stated yet but available are, Deal with the Colosseum, or search for Bludguni leadership."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "there are enough NPC units to assign to all of these, but you should discuss which ones you consider 'priority' and want to go along with a group."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "also, you can split up. I have an idea for quickly handling combat I want to try."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay. So. My 'compressed combat' idea. You have the support of troops. Your tasks have some certain skills associated witht hem."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "if you make the skill rolls, it'll give you some bonuses. Then you can make 4 full attacks or CMBs, and the enemy will make 4 full attacks. Some of the skill rolls might reduce those. It's mostly to see 'how much it hurts' before you get control. Then you can make a pose covering the whole engagement and I'll come up with something for the enemy. So, there will be a task-set, the rolls, then poses. Sound good?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Perception DC25 to avoid an ambush. Then Intimidate or Diplomacy to force a surrender. ACK... if you want to give orders and such, do so, I had a desc of what the first 'area' looked like, I'll put that a quick para together"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay, do not spot the ambush, do not manage to talk them down at first, so it will be the full 4 attacks or CMBs. CMB is to 'grab subdue', attacks can be lethal or NL (at -4) these are enemy soldiers."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thurid, Diplomacy or Intimidate DC25 to get them to stand down without problems, +2 on the roll because of your previous success."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you are very effective, 32 damage vs 7, so they're convinced."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "+5 on your next intimidate roll"
You paged Thurid with '32-7=25/5= the +5, if you're curious'
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So if it isn't obvious mechanics wise. Every success on your task will generate a +2 for the others on their next turn. The damage you do will create a bonus to your next turn."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thurid has had 2 rounds, so this will be your second, you get a +2 on your rolls now, to avoid attacks, from Thurid, and also a +2 from doing so much damage, so +4, as there are fewer people to avoid."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I mean intimidate and stealth in the previous pose. fewer people, prisoners impressed as they hear from the troops how things are going."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thurid would have had a +2, but she succeeded and we were badly staggered because of DCs."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay, thanks very much for coming. Did you like the 'faster combat' format for big stuff?"
<OOC> Elyanna says, "it was ossum ty!"
<OOC> Thurid says, "It works pretty well! It could be a bit tricky to make it work for folks like mages and sorcerers, since they aren't especially skilly, and don't have good BaB/CMB"
<OOC> Cryosanthia nods, "That's true. Well, concentration rolls might still apply, and they'd have 4 rounds of spells to do something with. Like, they take the 4 hits, make concentrations, and if successful can cast spells
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "or if they summon, the summons get 3 or 2 or 1 depending on when they were pulled in"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I didn't want to use the troop auto=damage in abstract, because I think AC should help"
Image Refs
Thurid's pot-helm https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/32318/files/81224531/600x600x2/pot-helmet.jpg
Mourner Vibibi, assume a hobgoblin version with more clothes, https://tinyurl.com/y5gfhsf4
