Night Falls [The War Room]

[Rabbit]

Having bested the bugbear general, Ra’Ja, the three new companions made their escape back towards Night Falls. The jungle around them was teeming with The Horde’s multitudes. Though the three companions were hoplessly outnumbered it appears that the monsterous beings around them could not muster their numbers into a purposful persuit. Other than a few minor skirmeshes the companions were able to reach Night Falls safely.

Once inside the sieged city the three were led directly to Duke Ackermann’s Warroom to give a report. The Duke listened intently as the three recounted the battle with the bugbear, his strange troll-vestment, and the perplexing chaos that ruled over The Horde. Afterwards the companions were each led to their private quarters were they could rest and collect themselves. The Duke was uncertain what the immediate effect the general’s death might have on The Horde; there was little to do now, but observe and be vigilant.

Now, it is the next morning when you are each summoned again to the Duke’s Warroom. This time you are led to the waiting room outside the warroom’s closed doors. You do not wait long before your two companions also arrive. Once you are all together the large doors open and a guard calls you into the large hall. As you enter you see that Duke Ackermann, Mage Councilor Margo, and the duke’s military advisors are all present. They look up from a map they are studying. The Duke is the first to speak.

“Ah, our three champions.” He says. His words are kind, but his voice and eyes betray that the Duke is a very tired man. “We were just going over some scouting reports. Please come join us.”

[icnivad]

Having studied warfare, Eldrick has always revered the military advisers of the city. Now that he has had a chance to work with them, he is starting to have doubts as to how this war is being conducted. This last mission seemed poorly planned out to the divination wizard who has spent his life learning the value of proper preparation. Where was the intelligence? Where was the scouting before we were teleported into the middle of an entire army. We should never have been sent into a battle without knowing what lay ahead of us. Eldrick glances at his two companions. Both phenomenal fighters, if not for their skills on the field, the fates of the three newly formed companions would surely have been sealed.

Walking into the room, Eldrick does not for an instant let his doubts show. There will be a time to question, but not quite yet. He gives two hearty bows. "My Lord. Councilor." He says with respect in turn. "What news have you?"

[michael]

Having experienced battle, Ragnar has always respected the military advisers of Night Falls. Now that he has had a chance to work with them, that respect has deepened. This last mission went exactly as they had planned. A glorious victory! Send the right troops into the right fight, and watch the enemy crumble! Ragnar looks over at his two comrades in arms, the "right troops." The Purple Dragon was a phenomenal fighter; if he had not been there to guard the flank, the battle could have easily turned the other way.

Eldrick was invaluable as well; his spells played no small part in their success. However, Ragnar worried about the mage. He may over-think things sometimes. Something like that might save your life when you're getting ready for the battle, but it can kill you when you're on the field. I can hardly protect him if he runs towards the enemy when I sound the retreat! They'd have to have a talk later about proper discipline on the battlefield. Now, though, it was time for a briefing with the Duke.

[icnivad]

[OOC: haha. Well played Michael. I love your juxtaposition here and look forward to seeing where this goes. Keep in mind, though, that Eldrick is not military and does not follow any military chain of command. If he did, it would be allegiance to the mages guild, rather than the military. But I understand that your character might not be ok with that and would still want to bring it up.]

[reefwood]

No matter how hot the day, desert nights always brought a cooling relief. Such was not the case in Salas. The muggy air teeming with moisture seemed to hold heat nearly as well. It was not a terrible discomfort but served as a constant reminder that Jholmyr was far from home. In more ways than one. Not just out of the desert but across the sea and now even separated from the Purple Dragons. He would need to adapt, and flexibility might be key in dealing with a volatile enemy like the Horde.

Elves required little rest, so Jholmyr spent part of the wee hours tending to his equipment. Appearance was not as important to him as some in the military, but he would need to be vigilant to stave off rust in this humid environment. Once the work was done, he meditated on the battle and his new unit.

Since arriving on Salas, Jholmyr had served as part of an escort and then as a messenger. It felt good to be on the offensive again. While he was not very familiar with bugbears or their tactics, they clearly lacked the discipline of hobgoblins. This was vital to their success. For the plan had gone more or less as planned. The information on the enemy general's location was sound. They were placed a stone's throw from his tent. He accepted the challenge by Ragnar.

The dwarf was certainly a diamond in the rough. Powerful but raw and in need of shaping before his full potential could shine. Whereas, the human was no typical warrior, if he could be called one at all, but the magic wielded by Eldrick could transform a good warrior into a great one, and a great warrior into a force to be reckoned with.

A blade and a boon, and Jholmyr served as their shield. Together, if not each one directly, they defeated the Horde general, and the fruits became immediately evident. Discourse that sowed during their battle erupted into all out chaos when Ra'ja fell.

* * * * * * *

Stepping into the war room, Jholmyr felt comfortable. Enough to ask for specifics, "What news is there of the Horde? Has a new leader stepped forward? Or has the in-fighting spread?"


[OOC: Was going to write more but need to get ready for work.]

[Rabbit]

“Ah, our three champions.” Duke Ackermann says. His words are kind, but his voice and eyes betray that the Duke is a very tired man. “We were just going over some scouting reports. Please come join us.”

Walking into the room, Eldrick does not for an instant let his doubts show. There will be a time to question, but not quite yet. He gives two hearty bows. "My Lord. Councilor." He says with respect in turn. "What news have you?"

The Duke gives a slight nod of acknowledment as does Mage Councilor Margo. The Mage Councilor is the one to respond to Eldrick.

“It seems that our plan bears fruit,” The elder mage confides. “Night Falls may be in your debt Conscript, should we live to see this through…” Councilor Margo lets his words linger the way wizards are known to do.

Stepping into the war room, Jholmyr felt comfortable. Perhaps more than Ragnar or Eldrick, and so, he was the first to respond, "What news is there of the Horde? Has a new leader stepped forward? Or has the in-fighting spread?"

After the Purple Dragon’s assertion there is a communal pause, a breath of hesitation. The several noblemen and military advisors in the room exchange subtle glances at each other and towards the Duke. The Purple Dragon’s activities on Salas have stirred up political upheaval across the entire Eastern Pennisula. They are sworn allies of an adverarsy of Night Falls. But now in the hour of Night Fall’s greatest need that adversary, Lord Baron Ellston, promises aid for the seiged city. So far, it has only come in the form of a single Purple Dragon. The elf is a solid warrior who has already proven himself, but far more will be needed before the city is safe. For the rulers of Night Falls the immenent arrival of the Purple Dragon’s army brings a mix of releaf and trepidation.
Now that a Purple Dragon stands in their war room the nobles and even the royal wizard look to Duke Ackermann to set the tone. The Duke is undoubtedly aware of these social intricacies playing out, but his face shows no notice.

“Your work last night does seem to be having an impact, yes. I thank you.” Duke Ackermann says to all three companions but his eyes fix on Jholmyr. “Please come, Gerneral Veith will brief you. General…”

The ‘public’ display of thanks is a subtle one, but it seems to have an immediate effect on the other nobels in the room. They all notabley relax and some resume talking amongst themselves in low voices. General Veith, a human, is young for a general but he has a worriar’s stare. He allows himself a lasting glance at Jholmyr. Then he clears his throat and begins pointing out locations on the map with a dagger, “The Horde units in the perimeters around Ra Ja’s encampent are in disarray. Lots of movement but they did not assault the city at all last night. Same with to the East and the South East. And when other units of The Horde assaulted the city’s fortifications they were notabley… ineffective. If this loll holds we might be able to put out some of the fires in The Run and restock rations… That’s a big if.”

[ooc: feel free to move this scene as you see fit. you can question the NPC's more or if you wish to have side conversations with one in particular or each other that is fine, too. the war room is very large chamber and the NPCs have a lot of things to occupy them so that should help in providing some privacy if needed.]

[reefwood]

Jholmyr had grown accustomed to serving under commanders who were less than half his age. Humans weren't the only people short in their years, and he even had some distant kin who were half human. The sight of General Veith, however, was a stark reminder of humanity's infancy.

Despite the gift of long life, as a warrior, Jholmyr knew that death could come at any moment. It provided him with an understanding that you could not blame humans too harshly for hurriedly trying to accomplish centuries of work in only a few decades. Haste often bred sloppiness, but every hundred attempts was bound to produce a success or two, even if by chance. At the very least, their constant efforts seemed to spark ingenuity, and this certainly proved a boon to humanity.

Jholmyr knew nothing of Veith as a general or a man, but his leadership had gotten Night Falls this far and laid the groundwork for last night's stunning victory. The elf would listen, and advise Ragnar to do the same if it seemed prudent.

[michael]

Ragnar listened quietly to the exchange of pleasantries, and the General's briefing. The tension in the room was difficult to miss, even for him. Damn politics. Makin' a tough spot even tougher. Absent-mindedly, he took out his pipe and prepared a smoke, then waited for a lull in the conversation before speaking.

"There's somethin' else, prob'ly bears sayin'. There were a wolf in the tent. Big one. At first, I thought it was one o' them... whatchacallem... Bire Wolves, or somethin'. I was thinkin' Ra'Ja'd ride 'im, an' we'd have ourselves a mounted duel. Oh, wouldn't that've been a fight."

Silence filled the room as the dwarf took a long draw on his pipe, thinking fondly of both the battle that might have been, and the battle that was. Then, his voice going grave, he resumed his tale.

"Well, the wolf didn't get rode. In fact, it didn't do much of anythin' at all, 'cept look. I kept waitin' for it to jump at me, but it just watched, the whole time, while their general got hacked apart by axe and tooth and claw."

Ragnar could see impatience rising in a few faces. I may not be the smartest dwarf around, but least I know how to listen. He made a mental note of those that showed interest in his tale. These people will be playing politics whether I like it or not, all of 'em tellin' me different things for different reasons. Might as well try to sort out which ones are worth listening to.

"T'were only when the general was finished that the wolf did anything. After Ra'Ja was dead, that beast looked me straight in the eye, an' spoke to me. Told me 'This changes nothing.' Said it the way someone in charge would say it. An' while everyone else was fightin' over that bugbear's troll-cloak, this talkin' wolf just ran off. Now in my experience, when it comes to evil creatures like this, they're all pretty keen on getting power. An' this wolf was right there, and he sure looked tougher than the competition. Way I see it, he coulda taken over if he wanted. But why fight over the major's post if you're the general?

We already know were-beasts are workin' with those hag sisters. Now we get a big talkin' wolf, acting like he's in charge, then runnin' off. He's not even worried 'bout all the confusion with the horde. I say it's 'cause he's got bigger plans. He an' the hags. I prob'ly don't know half as much as anyone else the rest of this room, but I sure know evil. And those things are the evil that needs worrying about."

[Rabbit]

“Master Hammeday.” Mage Councilor Margo is the first to speak. “Thank you for your account. And thank you for your deeds. Though I am not sure this talking wolf is a lycanthrop, as we believe the dwarves who assaulted Stone Crow were. Our first hand accounts of those dwarves describe them as rats, not wolves. …still, the jungles west of The Great Wall have many mysteries and some can be quite dangerous.”

A young nobel approches the table. The man is in nobles clothes with a pendant of Wee Jas revealing his association with the Ground’s Keeper Guild. “Did we not already all agree that the Hags are the greater threat? That this entire seige is a ruse, and now that the tide is turning our champions may seek out these greater evils?”

“Pardon me, Lord Defher, but I believe we agreed the city’s defence is where our focus should be.” General Veith interupts. “The hags have retreated, for now, and The Horde is in disarray. If we do not give the seige our full attention we might not live to see the Purple Dragon’s arrival.” The general speaks as though invoking the Purple Dragon’s name leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

The general pauses before adding a verbal jab at Lord Defher, “Not all of us are so eager to go to our graves, my lord.”

The room rumbles into several conversations. Nobles, mage councilor, and military advisors all seek to speak. Duke Ackermann does not join in the commotion nor does he seem interested in immediately halting the commotion. Instead the Duke puts his hands behind his back and looks to the floor. He wears a weary patience on his face.

[icnivad]

[Does Eldrick recognise this noble? Knowledge(local or nobility and royalty): +9 (is that Lord Defher?)]
Eldrick spends most of the time in quiet observation with his hands held neatly behind his back. As Ragnar gives his account, Eldrick nods solemnly, agreeing that the wolf is a new threat that needs to be addressed. As the room breaks out into dischord, Eldrick steps forward, raising his hands. "Gentlemen, Gentlemen." [Diplomacy: +17 to quiet the room and restore order]

Once the room quiets down, Eldrick continues. "Perhaps we are thinking about this the wrong way. There is no most important strategy here. There are two tasks with importance of equal stature. Surely, if we abandon the walls," Eldrick gestures towards the general, "Then the city will fall. This is not an option." He concedes with a nod, "But Lord Defher also brings up an excellent point. The hags -- and now this unknown wolf threat -- There are greater powers at work here than an army. I do not claim to know what their goal is, but it has become apparent that they do not care whether this army wins or loses. If we simply fight the fight we can see in front of us, then we have already lost. I think that going after the hags and this wolf is necessary. If nothing else, we must at least determine what their true intentions are. Remember, 'All warfare is based on deception.' Our enemies play this well. Let us not fall into it. If they are going to attack us on multiple fronts, we must push back on even more."

[Rabbit]

May 10, 2010 16:01:45 GMT -5 icnivad said:

[Does Eldrick recognise this noble? Knowledge(local or nobility and royalty): +9 (is that Lord Defher?)]

[Eldrich recognises the nobleman, Lord Defher. But only by name and reputation. The Defher family is well to do and has several members in the Grounds Keeper Guild. Lord Defher is not an official member himself, but his connections to the guild are public knowledge.]

[reefwood]

The account of the wolf piqued curiosity in Jholmyr. He caught sight of the enormous beast in the tent, but never seeing it engage, the elf did not pay it much mind. He was more focused on the goblinoids and trolls encroaching on the trio. Enough so that he did not hear the wolf speak. Its words were ominous, and the deduction by Ragnar resonated with the elf. He was pleased to see that the dwarf had a sharp mind for picking apart strategy.

Equally reassuring was hearing what Eldrick had to share. The little man might not look like a warrior, but he could see the big picture when it came to war. Though, his ideas might be a bit ambitious for Night Falls. Their defense was stretched thin not so much in numbers but in thinking. The various heads of state seemed at odds. If they could not fall in line to stand together, it would be difficult for them to withstand a single front, let alone multiple ones.