Fantasy A Tide of Flames: a d20 Dungeons & Dragons adventure

Ragnar Ingvarsson, Evelios D'Rtan

The Laughing Manticore Inn, Brindol, Elsir Vale
Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

The man's humour was drying up. "I'll make you an offer. You both walk out of this inn right now, and I won't order the nine crossbows pointed at you to loose their bolts. If you want to sample the various poisons on those bolts, be my guest. If anyone assaults you on the way out, they get the same. Get out."

TAG: Ramza, Peng

IC: Mazarun Zothyrr
Cathedral of Lathander

Mazarun smiled wryly at Skadi's comment regarding Evelios. It did, however, have the effect of reminding him that a significant portion of the group was elsewhere, and wouldn't know if they moved on to a new location.

True, not all of those elsewhere were among the group members he thought likely to come find them at need, but it wasn't as though he could be selective with his message.

The drow touched his ring. "We've been informed Lions of Brindol wait outside the cathedral for us. One of our esteemed hosts tells us they look as though they've been sent as escorts, so it seems likely they intend to take us to Lord Jarmaath. If you decide to come back, you won't find us quite where you left us," he said quietly, a hint of dryness tinging his comments.

TAG: The Company

Sa'adi Adim, William Marshall, Mazarun Zothyrr, Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral of Lathander, Brindol, Elsir Vale
Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

Mazarun’s eyes turned, out of habit, to study the room as the Outcaster spoke on; turned, briefly, to those of the hobgoblin, Ulwai, who was still sitting in the room. It might have surprised the drow to realise that the hobgoblin was, in fact, looking at him. Might have surprised him as he lingered for a moment while Skadi nodded to the rest of the group and they began to head out of the room.
“Thank you,” said Ulwai, quietly, to him. “I will … try to remember what you have said. May T—may whichever god you follow go with you, saer.”

And then the drow was turning to follow the others out of the sanctuary, following Devin Barrowill down the staircases of the cathedral to the main transept and down the aisle of the cathedral to the great doors.

Breathing in the warm morning air, Skadi counted fifteen Lions of Brindol, eight horsed, seven foot. Still the same white lion on blue tunic, and chain mail beneath, but the footmen were armed with spear and bow, and each man on horseback had a heavy crossbow and large shields hung from their saddlehorns. No familiar faces amongst them from what the cleric could see.

The closest one on horseback urged his mount closer by a couple of steps. “Sa’adi Adim?”
“I am,” replied Skadi. “What would you have of us, guardsman?”
“Where are the rest of your company, m’Lady of the Balance?”

TAG: Cassie, Rilwen, Mitth, @DarthXan318, @Ramza, @Penguinator, @Ktala

OOC: Ktala, Ariel is probably walking back down the hill towards the Cathedral, so can see this happening from quite some distance away. Ramza, Peng, you guys are not likely to be able to see this conversation going on at the moment, and Xan would obviously be right out of visual range at least.

Ariel Elandinai
Garrison Hill, Brindol, Elsir Vale - Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning

Ariel was walking back, looking for a bit of breakfast. She was feeling quite well, after such a fine workout with her new sword. And her time within the woods had done wonders for her demeanor. So feeling a bit refreshed, she walked away, looking for something simple to eat. She smiled to herself. It had been quite some time, since she had so much free time to herself. She hoped that was a good thing.

She didnt have long to ponder the thought, when the sensation came from the ring. She brought her hand up closer to her face, as she waited to hear Skadi's or perhaps Zanaek or William's voice come through the ring.

"We've been informed Lions of Brindol wait outside the cathedral for us. One of our esteemed hosts tells us they look as though they've been sent as escorts, so it seems likely they intend to take us to Lord Jarmaath. If you decide to come back, you won't find us quite where you left us," he said quietly,

The voice caused Ariel to pause. Mazarun? Why was he telling them this, and not the others? Ariel wondered to herself. She continued walking, wondering if any of the others would chime in. It stayed silent. Walking down the hill towards the Cathedral of Lathander, Ariel walked a bit faster. Mazarun's message, though a bit curious, was not exactly a clarion call for them to 'hurry up and get there.' And of course, a fight with the city's guard would definitely be something Skadi and the others would do their best to avoid. As she made her way down, her sharp eyes noticed a large gathering near the building. A group of roughly fifteen, eight horsed, seven foot, all dressed the same. Yes, that sounded about right. My, that was a rather large 'escort'. She wondered who's benefit was that for.

Still, it seemed someone was taking the group seriously. Then again, they had teleported into the city. Oh well, it does nothing to try and guess so many possibles. Best to simply confront them head on, and find out what was going on. Of course, she would be faster if she flew. But she opted to stay walking right now, as she watched the scene unfold in the distance. If Evelios wasnt there, that probably meant that things would go much more smoother.


TAG: The Company, Saintheart

IC: Corrath Marktos

So: not much activity in the taverns, but the walls were being shorn up and troop activity had increased. Lady Kaal's influence? Perhaps ... but if so, not directly ... from her predilection for traps and her association with people like Cragg, Corrath doubted she'd have much to do with movements of the guard. The ear of the person who did, though - that she'd likely have.

She ambled up the Thieves' Highway (insofar as one could amble across rooftops, anyway) in the direction of the walls. Yes: definitely being prepared for an attack. Not that it would do much against a dragon, or even a determined attack (Corrath still vividly remembered how the walls of Cadeford had crumbled, in the end), but it was a start. Hmm. What else -

Mazarun's voice, through the rings. "We've been informed Lions of Brindol wait outside the cathedral for us. One of our esteemed hosts tells us they look as though they've been sent as escorts, so it seems likely they intend to take us to Lord Jarmaath. If you decide to come back, you won't find us quite where you left us."

Crap. Corrath bit back a reflexive curse; sound carried on the rooftops. What could Jarmaath want with them, to send the bloody city guard?

Perhaps he just wanted to talk. Kaal had sent troops after them, too.

"I'm on my way," Corrath murmured through the rings, already turning back to the Noble's Quarter. "Where are they taking you?"

Tag: All

Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral of Lathander, Brindol, Elsir Vale

Zanaek counted the so called escort. Fifteen men strong, half on horseback and the rest on foot and all armed with weapons that could put an end to any kind of resistance they might put up if it came down to it. For an escort that was probably just going to bring them to Lord Jarmaath, it was rather intimidating and worrisome.

"I'm on my way," he heard Corrath. "Where are they taking you?"

He activated his ring discreetly so that the others not present could at least hear his end of the conversation.

"What matter causes His Lordship to send an armed force of fifteen men to inquire about our companions?" he answered the guardsman's question with a question of his own. He was not about to inform him of where the others were, even if he knew where they had gone. Though he suspected Ragnar and Evelios were probably cruising the taverns, Corrath he had no clue where she had gone and Ariel, he suspected went to check out the woodland elves that had arrived.

TAG: @Saintheart @DarthXan318 @Ktala @Ramza @Rilwen_Shadowflame @cassie5squared

Sa'adi Adim, William Marshall, Mazarun Zothyrr, Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral of Lathander, Brindol, Elsir Vale
Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

"Whatever matter it is, it requires all of you to be gathered in," said the guardsman. "M'lord's asked for your immediate attendance at Brindol Keep - you and all your companions. This guard's commanded to bring all eight of your band into His Lordship's presence. From what we're told, the northman, the bard, the avariel and the half-elf aren't here. So, let me ask you again: where are your companions, that we may safely bring them to His Lordship?"

TAG: Mitth, Cassie, Rilwen

IC: Corrath Marktos
Thieves' Highway

Lovely. Corrath sighed as she cleared the gap between two rooftops and began scaling a drainpipe. Fifteen against four ... and it sounded like they were looking for the rest, too. Definitely not a cordial invitation, then.

That was warning enough to stay well away, but Corrath was not a coward; and anyway she was confident the Lions wouldn't be able to handle the rooftops.

"Keep talking," she whispered, hopping over a sill.

Tag: All

IC: William Marshall

Despite the number of guards, William was actually beginning to feel less anxious. This didn't seem to be a formal arrest, or they'd have disabled him and the clerics right off; spellcasters were not something you wanted to take chances with in a fight, and these men had to know that.

"Keep talking," came the murmur over the rings. So Corrath at least was on her way back. Fair enough, he'd talk. It seemed a good idea to both give her the time and try to get more information out of the Lions anyway.

"They have taken themselves off to elsewhere in the city," he replied mildly, shifting forward to face the one who seemed to be the Lions' spokesman. "While I expect they will return soon, your unexpected presence may well startle them, and they are likely to be suspicious of the intent behind so many of you coming for us. It would likely be in everyone's best interest if we had a reasonable explanation beyond Lord Jarmaath's vague request for our presence ."

TAG: Everyone

Sa'adi Adim, William Marshall, Mazarun Zothyrr, Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral of Lathander, Brindol, Elsir Vale
Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

"Have you any idea where exactly they went in the city?" asked the guardsman. "Some places are not exactly the safest to be right now. As for explanations - saer wizard, when you've a title that exceeds that of the Lord of Brindol, I'll probably have no choice but to answer that. As it is, you don't. And more to the point, we don't get given explanations for why the Lord wants people brought to see him. We get told a when. And that when is right now. I'd prefer all of you be here, but I'll settle for half."

TAG: Cassie, Mitth, Rilwen

IC: William Marshall and Maeghen

William sighed and glanced at the others. Spotting the trick Zanaek had used with his ring, he decided to do likewise and at least let the others know what was going on. He scratched at a small area of stubble that he'd missed last time he shaved, thumb pressed to his ring as he talked.

"I'm afraid I can't say where our other companions are right now, because I'm not sure. If you're bound to take us all to speak with Lord Jarmaath, though, I've no doubt they'll hear of the escort you're providing fairly quickly and either meet us on the way or come up to the Keep to join us."

On his shoulder, Maeghen sighed quietly. {Are you sure it wouldn't be better for me to try to find the others and talk to them?}

{...Why didn't I think of that? All right, go ahead; it'll be easier than this playing around with the rings.}

She spread her wings as he looked up at the guard again. "My familiar will find them and guide them our way, if you don't object."

TAG: All

Ariel Elandinai
Garrison Hill, Brindol, Elsir Vale - Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning

From her vantage point, Ariel listened in to the conversation, now be broadcasted across the rings. What really caught her attention was that the guards knew EXACTLY who was missing, and who was not. They even knew that what she was. Well. Now that was interesting indeed.

Oh well, it looked as if breakfast would have to wait a bit longer.

Her ears did perk up, when one of the guards mentioned that some parts of the city were not the safest to be in right now. Most likely anyplace Evelios was in, if truth be told. Ariel smiled at that thought. She picked up her pace, as she whispered softly into the ring. "I see you. I should be there in a moment."

So, the group might be there to protect them? It is true, that people, worrying about a battle to come, might strike out at strangers. And if others besides the group from Drellin's Ferry came into town, and spoke of what was to come, yes that could cause quite a stir. And she was sure the arrival of the elves caught some folks attention as well. Well, there was only one way to find out what was going on, and no reason to make them wait. She would rather glide, but she stuck to moving at a quick pace.

She just hoped that this person the group was going to see, was more reasonable than some of the other 'officials' she had met so far.



TAG: @Saintheart @DarthXan318 @Ramza @Rilwen_Shadowflame @cassie5squared @CmdrMitthrawnuruodo

The Party

Brindol, Elsir Vale,
Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

Freerunning.
That was what Barsillus had called it.
Well, in some of his more poetic moments. Most of the time he simply described it as what you need to do if you're running across rooftops and you don't want to die. Of course, it perhaps wasn't strictly necessary for Corrath to take this route -- she knew well enough where the guardsmen were likely to take the Company -- but there'd been some impulse in her. Maybe brought on by feeling alone on the rooftops. Maybe the prospect of getting the drop on a guard with a short bow. Or maybe because it was just a fine morning.

Either way, it was a small joy to do, and breathtaking to watch. Humans, of course, did this: pushing off corners and cornices to get up and over sheer walls, pulling somersaults across clay rooftiles, grabbing loose washing lines and using the slack to swing safely across to the next street. But it took a certain amount of elven blood to do it well. What would have passed as athletic on a man the size and build of Barsillus instead looked like a dance as Corrath did it.

Guess my mother's blood was good for something. But she left that and the covey of thoughts two buildings behind her as she twisted neatly in the air, landing lightly on another flat rooftop and then going into a running jump. Actually, that far roof was a fair distance across -- maybe she ought to--
--she did it anyway, bunching legs beneath her, swinging her arms to give her just that extra amount of momentum...
...and landed with a good six inches to spare on the far roof, crouching silently. In the long shadow cast by the morning light, she had a pretty good view of Cathedral Square and the troop of guardsmen surrounding them. And movement across the square that looked familiar--

--a couple of the guardsmen turned as Ariel approached, walking. Even so, the fact her wings weren't visible didn't seem to be much of a disguise; the guardsmen had looks of recognition on their faces, and their leader turned his mount to face her. "Saer Elandinai," he said. "If you'll come with us. We've been commanded to bring you to Brindol Keep and Lord Kerden Jarmaath."

He turned just as quickly back to William Marshall. "I've no difficulty with you sending your familiar on, saer, but I'm not certain how exactly he'll get inside the keep. We do have a guard up. Still, I could leave word with my men at the gate--"

"And why is Lord Ettardt Stark sending Lannister men to find his daughter? I am wonderink," a voice boomed across the open green of the grounds before the Cathedral. A voice trained to project to large audiences. A voice that had adopted what sounded to Zanaek and Skadi like an outrageously bad Amnish accent.
The guardsman had turned to face the newcomer. Or newcomers. As did Skadi (wearily).
As expected, a bearded bard and an oversized northman were walking across the square. Evelios had adopted some sort of gait, something like a stork, or a crane perhaps, as opposed to his usual shambling stride. Ragnar's stride, though, was easy and long, the heavy maul bouncing jauntily against his shoulder.

"Eddard Stark?" echoed the guardsman. His confusion was the confusion of a hundred men and women the Company had encountered whilst travelling with Evelios. As was the wary look of the guardsmen around them at the tall barbarian with the massive hammer next to him. "Lord Kerden Jarmaath is master of Brindol--"
"Yes, I am shoor of that," replied the bard. "Just so. Dat is why I was appointed Arya Stark's danseeng masturr."
"Dancing master?"

Evelios suddenly slumped back into his ordinary gait. "Well, I don't know if I'm a dancing master. Not certain about that. Pretty sure that rank hasn't been around since second edition, eye eye arr cee. But I think," and like quicksilver, he rummaged around in the pouches at his waist, pulling out a dusty, well-worn piece of parchment. "--yep. Here 'tis. See that there? Where it says 'Perform'? That there's a plus, an' that's a thirty-one after the plus. And see that over there? That's an enn bee. After an em dash, no less. Least I think so. Says it's plus thirty-three if I do two performing checks at the same time. And even more if I'm usin' a harmonising rapier at the time. I got Perform bracket Dance close bracket in there, so, well, I guess that makes me a dancing master--"
"If I may," said Skadi, "present Evelios and Ragnar, members of our troop?"
"--see, stacking different types of bonuses is what it's all about. I mean, takealookatthatthere thirty-five. Little numbers stack up. Got me an eight just from the 'cha'--"
"Is he dangerous?" asked the guardsman after a moment.
"More than you can imagine," said Skadi. "In truth, no. He has ... moments such as this. I believe it is high stress that brings it on."
"--only a plus two from the Nymph's Kiss, I mean, that's a bit undervalued, if Lia ever gets wind of that she'll probably have some big complaints to raise with--"
"Well. Ah--may we escort you to the Keep?"
"--course, they never really explained that whole level plus three thing all that well, I mean, I'm pulling thirteen from that alone--hey, waitaminute, what's this 'Magic Items and Body Slots'? Geez, I didn't know he was allowing content from the Book of Erotic Fantasy, for crying out--"
"Yes," said Skadi. "I'm ... sure our last member will be joining us soon enough."
"--Wait. What keep? Where are we going? WHAT DO WE SAY TO THE GOD OF DEATH?"
Silence erupted.
"Er, well, I suppose it'd be 'How are you, would you like some scones, sorry, got another meeting, would you like to wait here for another four hundred years or so'?"

It took a few moments, but then they were on their way. The guardsman formed into a loose cordon around the Company, and a few withering looks seemed enough to keep the curious passerby away. The walk up the hill to Brindol Keep -- the highest point in the city -- was short enough, and company members could not but fail to notice the winged owls circling around the small wood Ariel had visited earlier. But those sights were overwhelmed by the sight of the Keep itself. It was a squat, four-towered keep built in the old style; Skadi had little doubt that its walls dated back to Rhestilor. She was aware, shifting uncomfortably in her armour for a moment, that she, too, dated back to that time -- or at least, her armour did. Verassa Kaal's warnings about the dislike of the Kharmantles in Brindol echoed back to her.

Still, they were escorted quickly into the keep itself. Like the walls of the city itself, it too had the look of recent repairs and a certain vigor and alertness to the men manning it; there were two Lions of Brindol at the drawbridge who had drawn blades and challenged every entrant in or out with at least a look if not an actual accostment, and Skadi glanced up to see plain-clothed peasants working on the murder holes in the gatehouse roof. She shivered. If it came to those things being used, there'd be little enough left to save here.

There were echoes through the halls of hammers working, of whetstones screaming across steel, raised voices familiar to her as those of drill sergeants. Brindol Keep, it seemed, was making ready for war. And then they were being ushered up stairs and down hallways.

The low murmur of a dozen muted conversations fell silent as the great double doors at the southern end of the Keep's Great Hall were opened by a pair of guards for the Company’s passage. The room beyond was a large chamber, the floors polished smooth and the walls set with many alcoves, each containing a trophy or work of art. The ceiling rose to a cavernous height of nearly forty feet, and deepset narrow windows reached nearly to that height along the northern wall. Banners hung from many of the open spaces around those windows: several lions, of course, but half a dozen other insignia: a double-headed eagle Skadi recognised but couldn't place; a rearing horse in black on a white background; three feathers bunched together on a field of deep blue; and others she didn't have a chance to inspect closely before her attention was taken by the hall's occupants.

A single long table dominated the middle of the room, its surface covered with books, maps, ledgers, parchments, sketches, drinks, and plates of half-eaten food. This place had the feel of conversion to a war room.

And the people in the room had the look of conversion to war. Six people here at present; some familiar, some strangers:



The six people looked up at the Company’s entry.

TAG: All

OOC: Xan, there’s room enough for Corrath to either join the Company or stay silent and outside if she so wishes. Or indeed perhaps room enough to infiltrate the place.

IC: Mazarun Zothyrr

Mazarun hadn't been expecting Ulwai to thank him. The surprise of it lingered, as did the wondering about what she'd been going to say. Tiamat or Tyr? Had she lied about her conversion, or not?

But she'd spoken of whichever god he followed going with him. He'd never formally recanted the faith of his home city. But he hadn't done more than go through the motions in a very long time, either.

He didn't say Her name if he could help it; he tried not to even think it if he could manage. Anything to avoid drawing Her gaze. Even priestesses could be turned upon in a heartbeat by the fickle whims of the goddess, and he was no priestess, no channel of divine power ostensibly valued by a deity. She would not favour a warrior, and a male at that, as She would Her chosen servants, and the favour they got could be cruel enough already. How much crueller might Her attention be for him? Her priestesses strove to emulate Her, and he knew well enough what pains could accompany their attention.

The priestesses traded their worship for power, and he'd been both helped and harmed at different times by the results of that transaction. And it was a transaction; deep in the most secret parts of his mind, he found himself suspecting there was nothing truly special about it.

Gromph Baenre, the Archmage of Menzoberranzan, was more powerful than Mazarun. If the Archmage chose to kill him, there would be little Mazarun could do to stop it. But that didn't make the Archmage a god, even if he did have access to magic far in excess of anything Mazarun ever would. If Gromph demanded something, self-preservation would recommend Mazarun obey. And it might be that he'd be rewarded for doing so.

So what was the difference? Powerful figures cajoled, threatened or compelled less powerful figures to submit to their power. If they chose to destroy the weak, it wasn't because of anything remarkable; the weaker person would die because a stronger person had decided to kill them. And a deity? A deity was powerful, and therefore could kill if angered. A deity was powerful, and therefore could buy the attention of followers with rewards.

(It wasn't as though he objected to trading service for rewards; that part he accepted readily enough. The apparent insistence upon regarding the gods as special cases, for whom service was sanctified and superior to all other kinds of service, and whose very nature was somehow an untouchable exemplar of greatness? That was what bothered him.)

With one part of his thoughts turned inward for these theories, and another dedicated to the constant assessment of potential threats around him, Mazarun's focus upon their actual destination was limited until they'd actually arrived. Putting aside his musings for a moment, he looked at the assembled personages. A hint of dread touched his mind at seeing Tredora involved; she was probably still annoyed with them, and probably wasn't going to make this situation any easier.

The disguised drow stood behind the others; maybe they recognised more of these people, and in any case they would probably be better - mostly - at talking to them. He'd only speak up if he genuinely felt he needed to.

Tag: Saint, Company

Zanaek Grahorn

Brindol, Elsir Vale

Zanaek wanted to hide his face in the palm of his hands at the sight of Evelios and his rather unusual, but usual antics. Instead he opted to keep a straight face and remain calm, hoping that the guardsmen would think nothing more than that his companion was simply drunk. He certainly smelled like he had been drinking one too many. There was no mistaking the scent of ale even from where he stood.

With everyone but Corrath gathered at the cathedral, the guards escorted them through the streets of the city and Zanaek drifted toward Ariel as they traveled. He conversed quietly to her so only she could hear, "This is not exactly how I expected to spend the morning after dealing with our demonic problem. But... we did want an audience with him."

When they reached the Keep and were admitted inside, the Tormite cleric took in their surroundings. At least they hadn't been taken to the dungeon but there was still plenty of time for that to still happen. Especially if the coming conversation did not go well. Though if all they had heard about Jarmaath was true, he needn't worry.

Zanaek stepped forward once attention had been drawn to them by all that was present. He bowed respectively to the six that obviously held authority, recognizing a few of them present. "My Lords and Ladies," he greeted. "I am Zanaek Grahorn of Torm. You already know Sa'adi Adim of Tyr," he gestured to his fellow cleric beside him before introducing the rest of his companions, excluding Corrath since she was yet to be present.

Once he had finished the introductions he went straight to the reason they had been summoned by simply asking, "How may we be of service?"

TAG: ALL

OOC: Corrath would indeed like to try infiltrating. Is that a Stealth check?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

OOC ... Yes it is. Call it three checks.

34, 37, 38

edit - actually, let me write up her approach so this isn't just RollPlay ... two secs...

EDIT THE SECOND -


IC: Corrath Marktos
Brindol

Corrath arrived at Cathedral Square in time to see Ariel walk up to the guardsmen 'escorting' the rest of the company. Not the approach she herself would have chosen, but anyway ... the guards evidently had been supplied with Ariel's description, for the leader turned his mount to greet her. Corrath didn't catch what was said, not at this distance, but it was likely something along the lines of "Hey, you, come with us."

She strained her ears - the guard was expressing his doubts that Maeghen would be able to get back in - and touched her ring. "Tell Maeghen not to look for me," she whispered. "I'm here - "

And so were Evelios and Ragnar, from the sound of it. Corrath grinned at the guards' dumbstruck expressions, but Skadi was well practiced at explaining his crazy, and soon the Company was on its way - the seven on the ground surrounded by a cordon of guardsmen, and Corrath on the roofs pacing them until they disappeared into Brindol Keep.

Now here was a conundrum. Corrath frowned meditatively at the building. Presenting herself to the guards like a lamb to slaughter was out of the question. Sneaking off into the city to remain free in case they turned out to need rescuing was a possibility - but a dangerous one - if the guards recognised Ariel in her wingless disguise, they would most definitely recognise a half-elf with a stealth cloak and deep blue armor. She was likely safe while she remained on the rooftops, but she'd have to come down eventually, and she wouldn't be able to evade the guards on their home turf forever.

Besides, she was curious.

That left sneaking into the keep under the watchful eye of guards that were actively looking for her to begin with. Corrath grinned. A challenge. Good.

Tag: Saint

OOC: Some liberties taken here with Corrath to make this all happen.

Corrath Marktos

A rooftop, Garrison Hill, Brindol
Nine bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

She dropped from the rooftop she was on without incident; the flaring of her elven cloak and her own lightfootedness meant the ten-foot drop didn't cause her any harm at all. The morning sun cast long enough shadows to keep her hidden, at least for the next few moments. She was about fifty feet south of the dry moat and the lowered drawbridge - the keep's main gate was on the south side of the hill, naturally enough. But the short distance might as well have been half a mile; it was clear, open ground from here to the drawbridge, and there were sure to be guards wandering around the battlements watching over the scene, to say nothing of the two guards at the drawbridge itself.
Then do not let them see you, came an unpleasant thought. Or an unpleasant voice, perhaps - one that sounded a lot like the storekeeper, Jarrett Nurth. And with it, a certain feeling welled up inside her. A sense of something stirring at her core, something that made her weapon, Carduus, seem to vibrate in harmony with it.

Corrath looked back out. It was clear enough of passerby, at least for this moment - if you excluded the guards. She could throw a rock, perhaps, to distract them, but they'd be quick enough to see where it came from. This way was much better.
The shadow inside her whirled; coalesced, a pillar of smoke inside her that began to glow with the fire that was its origin. She pointed a hand - and, with a small whoomp of igniting flame, a fire elemental burst into existence out in the open, across thirty feet and near the two guards. They shouted in alarm.
Satisfied, she turned her mind to the next step. This would be somewhat more tricky...
And, with a thought, she disappeared from her crouching position, reappearing twenty feet out in the open, off to the guards' side. But then the shadow within her reached out, coiling around her, and in a split-second, she'd vanished from sight ... for a few brief moments.
But then, those brief moments were all she needed. Corrath sprinted across the remaining distance behind the guards, dropping neatly over the dry moat's edge and sheltering under the drawbridge, where she reappeared. And a second later, the distracting ember she'd cast for the guards vanished into thin air, too.

The guards were still discussing exactly what in the Nine Hells had happened as she crept across to the keep, slowly refocusing her mind and heart. She called on the shadows again, and once more disappeared from view -- this time, stepping out, teleporting onto the drawbridge once more, and then teleporting past a bored-looking blacksmith who was the only occupant of the gatehouse at that moment before reappearing.
The shadows of the Keep's high passageways, ledges up near the ceiling, and narrow corners, gifts to any rogue, welcomed her.

She was inside.

TAG: Xan

OOC: Three charges of Boots of Lesser Teleportation used up. Consider your martial maneuvers used during this infiltration all recharged, though.

The party (except for Corrath)

Great Hall, Brindol Keep, Brindol
Nine Bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, Morning
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1378 DR)

The man standing at the centre of the table with a white scarf tied round his neck came round to meet the Company. From this closer distance, he looked older than the thirty-five or so Skadi had thought him to be; possibly it was the dark rings below his eyes and the fact he hadn’t shaven.
He’s been using potions to keep himself awake, she realized – but the smile the man displayed looked genuine and bore no weariness at all.
“My thanks for agreeing to see us at such short notice – to all of you,” said the man. “I am Lord Jarmaath - Brindol is my demesne. Although it’s belated, may I say you are most welcome here. From what I understand,” and he glanced back to Norro Wiston, the Speaker of Drellin’s Ferry, familiar to all of those present except William Marshall, “you’ve already done us a great service by buying enough time to evacuate the westernmost settlements in the Vale.”

He offered his hand, which Skadi took. A firm grip took her own; one that had held a sword at some stage, or she was no judge. On the other hand, a flickering glance to the other people on the table revealed Tredora Goldenbrow looking off to a suddenly-interesting statue at the side of the hall, an irritated look on her face.

“I must say, I’m disappointed saer Marktos is not with you,” he continued, stepping back. “Speaker Wiston and Sellyria Starsinger of the Tiri Kitor have spoken much about you. I’m told she’s a formidable fighter with two blades, and quite the finesse fighter. Frankly, I wish we had more like her – we’ll need every sharp edge we can get if the extent of the problem is as great as suggested.”

The lord tapped his forehead, exhaling. “Forgive me – I did not make the introductions. I understand you’ve had some changes in your company – my condolences for your loss of your dragonborn companion, may I add. Nevertheless - let me get everyone reacquainted.” He smiled wearily as he walked back to the table, looking at each of the Company members there. “I’d intended to introduce you myself. There’s been so much good word of you all you did was confirm your identities in my mind.”

Jarmaath indicated the gaunt man with curly hair who wore armour of a similar cut to his own. “Captain Lars Ulverth – commander of the Lions of Brindol, the heart of the troops we have to hand.”
“Pleasure,” said Ulverth, and little else, though his look was a frank, assessing gaze.
Jarmaath moved past the next occupied chair. “This is Lady Verrasa Kaal.” A different tone, there: one that Skadi could clearly detect. A coldness in his voice. “Her house guard forms a decent part of the city’s complement of troops.”
Verrasa Kaal said nothing; not even a nod. No look of recognition to those of the Company who had already met her. Her face might have occupied one of the statues in the alcoves.
Jarmaath was already moving to the next two chairs. “I think all of you except saer Marshall would remember Speaker Norro Wiston, the representative for Drellin’s Ferry, and his captain of guards, Soranna Anitah.” Here the smiles of recognition were plain from the two Valesfolk; it had been only a few days, but clearly a lifetime had passed for everyone.
“And this is Lady Tredora Goldenbrow, mistress of our Cathedral of Lathander,” said Jarmaath, turning to Tredora. Skadi blinked. Was that a smile for the Company, or was it for Tredora? She was fairly certain the Lathanderite’s look of annoyance had flickered towards a coy expression when Jarmaath looked at her.
“We have had the pleasure of the Lady’s counsel,” said Skadi, forestalling (she hoped) any cutting remarks.

“I’m glad,” said Jarmaath, turning back to them. He beckoned a couple of servants stooging around in the shadows, and chairs were rapidly brought across to the table, scraping noises echoing through the hall. “Please – sit down.”

The Lord resumed his seat, knitting his fingers together as Skadi did the polite thing and took a seat opposite him. “Let me come to the point – we have scraps and morsels of information. Speaker Wiston has told me part of the story from your accounts to him, and Lady Kaal has … provided some reports that do corroborate it.”
“We’ve also looked at the papers you sent back with one of my people,” added Captain Ulverth.
“Yes, the implications are, well, frightening to say the least,” said Jarmaath. “But it seems certain to me you have been, in effect, the Vale’s front line against the horde that is headed our way. I need information, saers. I need it badly – a report, whatever you can tell me of the hobgoblins and their plans.”

TAG: All (bar Xan)

IC: Corrath Marktos
Brindol Keep

A younger Corrath, fresh out of Silverymoon and Barsillus' teachings, might have stopped for a moment to savour the feeling of having made it all the way into Brindol Keep. Not so the Corrath who had spent over a year in the Company of the Crescent Flame. This Corrath - an experienced, canny rogue who was well aware that there would be more guardsmen (not less) within the keep than without, was already searching for her next move.

There: the ledges up near the ceiling of the Keep's high passageways. In Corrath's experience, beings tended not to look up. (Even Ariel, gifted as she was with flight, tended to describe things as a two-dimensional map rather than a three-dimensional model.)

She leapt, easily scrambling up to the ledges near the ceiling, and paced the rest of the Company as they were herded towards their audience with Lord Jaarmath.

Tag: Saint, all

Ariel Elandinai
Great Hall, Brindol, Elsir Vale - Eight bells, Twenty-third of Mirtul, morning

Ariel walked up to the others in the group with the guards nearby. She was suprised to be addressed by her last name. That was interesting. That, and the fact that he did seem to recognize her. Either someone who could give some really good descriptions, or else magics were involved. It was curious, by any case. As they seemed polite enough at the moment, Ariel merely nodded, and fell into step with the rest of the company. Evelios and Ragnar joined them as well, before they began to make their way towards the key. Ariel noted silently, that Corrath did not choose to join them. She could understand it. As they began to walk, Ariel noted the group was given a wide birth. Zanaek came to walk close with Ariel. He spoke quietly to her so only she could hear, "This is not exactly how I expected to spend the morning after dealing with our demonic problem. But... we did want an audience with him."

Ariel gave Zanaek a quick nod. "And it seems he wants one with us as well." she said softly as they walked. The Great Hall of Brindol was impressive..well, as impressive as grounder buildings go. She could appreciate the high arches and space above. She could also see that it was a building preparing for war. At least they took their words seriously, it seemed. That was good. Soon, they all were led into a very large room, with a large table within. A group of people stood around it. Some Ariel recognized, others she did not. The man, in the center looked tired. Most possibly, the leader. Ariel listened as the man standing at the center of the table with a white scarf tied round his neck came round to meet the Company. He smiled. That was a good sign.

He quickly introduced himself as Lord Jarmaath...the man Skadi had been trying to meet. And then he welcomed them into the city. Well, after what she had been hearing earlier, she thought they would not receive such a warm welcome, but so far, this seemed quite reasonable so far, considering the circumstances.

“My thanks for agreeing to see us at such short notice – to all of you,” said the man. Ariel gave a slight smile, happy to see Norro Wiston, the Speaker of Dreliln's Ferry. So, the group had made it to the city. The grounder then shook Skadi's hand. One of the women, looked away, looking rather annoyed. Ah, yes. Ariel watched the others of the group. This was interesting.And the Tiri Kitor Speaker seems to have talked quite a bit as well. The man even mentioned Corrath. His intel was good. REAL good. He then quickly introduced the others around the table, to the Company. Ariel decided that if introductions were being done, they she would be done with her cloak for now. She deactivated her hat, as she pushed away her cloak, letting her wings go wide, before she gently folded them behind her, as the man began to introduce the others.

“Captain Lars Ulverth – commander of the Lions of Brindol." Ariel looked the man over, as the man was clearly doing the same towards the company. Lady Verrasa Kaal. was introduced netxt..thought Ariel could detect a change in the mans voice. House guard? That sounded interesting. The woman wore a face of stone. Probably angry that Lord Jarmaath outranked her. He then moved to introduce Speaker Norro Wiston and his captain of guards, Soranna Anitah. Here, they smiled at the company, and Ariel was only to happy to return the gesture. And then he introduced Lady Tredora Goldenbrow, and Ariel held a straight face. She also noted that Skadi QUICKLY spoke up.. most likely to prevent anyone else from saying anything. Ariel crossed her wings slightly. She watched the others at the table, as Jarmaath spoke up. Hopefully, a mutual respect for self preservation, would keep silly arguments down to a minimum...it was difficult to tell, with grounder nobles. Or ANY nobles, for that matter.

Jarmaath, then beckoned a couple of servants and chairs were rapidly brought across to the table, scraping noises echoing through the hall. “Please – sit down.” Ariel moved off to the side, and looked at the chair. She turned it slightly, before sitting down, giving her wings a chance to relax. Skadi took a seat opposite him. If nothing else, the man was quick and to the point. They needed information. They wished to know what was going on. A reasonable request. Ariel thought about it. They know what had been planed. But, if the Horde had caught on to what was going on, and knew that their plans were being disrupted, especially with the Ghostlord gone...well, they might have sense to change their plans. Some things would most likely still happen, but she was sure their plans were changing.

Ariel vaguely wondered if any mention of the demon would be told. Of course, with the demise of the Ghostlord, he was almost a minor thing. Almost. In any case, Ariel continued watching the group carefully, as she looked for any insights the Winged Mother might show her.





TAG: All

IC: William Marshall and Maeghen

William took a seat as requested, inclining his head to the dignitaries, and rested his hands lightly on the table as he considered the situation. Maeghen took a perch on the back of the chair, remaining quiet and watching everyone else cautiously. When it seemed nobody else was willing to be the first to speak, he decided to do it himself.

"While I have less direct experience with the horde's forces than the rest of the Company," he began, "I can easily say that rumours of an army thousands strong are not an exaggeration. As for their plans? Well. " He shook his head slightly. "They intend to conquer and destroy in the name of Tiamat, whom they believe favours them. They are fanatics, for the most part, and will die willingly in her service. They are marching this way and expect nothing that will be able to match them. I've seen the maps that have been captured from their commanders - they expect some heavy resistance from Brindol, but nothing that would actually be able to stop them. On the other hand, they've had some fair blows dealt to them since my companions entered Elsir Vale; two of their dragons destroyed and three commanders neutralised, some delays, and most recently - the reason for our absence from the city - the elimination of a deadly ally, the Ghostlord of the Thornwaste, who had been creating extremely dangerous undead to aid in their battles. They may wind up being less confident than originally thought."

He paused for a moment, thinking over everything his companions had told him of the information they'd gathered. "They've been set back considerably from their original plans, but they are most definitely on the march." He looked to Norro and Sorrana with an expression of clear sympathy. "I am sorry to say they have sacked Drellin's Ferry. We saw the smoke yesterday morning."

TAG: All

Zanaek Grahorn

Great Hall, Brindol, Elsir Vale

"My companion speaks truthfully," Zanaek continued once he had taken a seat. "Drellin's Ferry is gone, but at least it's people are not. As to what Brindol may face, there are at least two dragons remaining in the Red Hand. A blue and a red. The white one had been slain, from what we've learned, by its own kin in some draconic duel. The Ghostlord and the undead army he had been creating has been dealt with and is no longer a concern. To the north at the Rhest ruins, they had tried to breed greenspawn and as far as we can tell they have not made an attempt to recruit the lizard folk that live in the swamps there. However they have pretty much recruited any and all goblinoid races in this region to their cause."

He reached into his backpack and grabbed the map they had filched from the first commander from long ago. There were notes written in his hand writing, translating the draconic language into common. "We don't know where exactly the two remaining dragons are, but it would be safe to assume that at least one of them, most likely the blue, will make an appearance at Brindol. We do know that somewhere in these mountains," here he circled a range of mountains. "Is where their leader makes his camp. The red drake will most likely remain with him. Whether he will make an appearance at Brindol or not, I do not know.

"We have some good news though. We did manage to clear the roadways to the north of their blockades so that reinforcements from the north can come and, as you probably already know, we've procured the aide of the elves. So Brindol will not be standing against the Red Hand alone."

TAG: ALL