OoC:
Assuming a meeting in Ansien . . .
IC:
When a number of individuals have gathered in Ansien, Elamien Lamier speaks to the assemblage: "My heart is glad that so many perceive the danger, which threatens eastern,--and perhaps all of,--Anuire. But, before we discuss our collective enemy strategically, I believe that we ought to introduce ourselves. For some of us may not have met or may only be loosely acquainted.
"So, I am Elamien Lamier, Guildmaster of the Points East Trading Guild, recently married to the Patriarch of Elinie. I, alone, represent my organisation; for, in truth, my merchants, on the whole, are not mighty adventurers. But I am certainly willing to place my own body in peril, in order to combat Manethander and his several corrupt,--or corrupted,--agents. And I do have some experience with a blade."
And she gestures, with a sweeping motion of her arm, palm upraised, that any, who would follow her introductory example, are welcome to do so.
Elamien adds, "Of course, if there is no desire to discuss strategy in a quiet setting, then I hope that all of you from foreign lands will at least enjoy your brief time in Ansien, before we set out to deal with the difficult task, which is before us."
Gaerred slowly raises his hand the move still the his Templars and the paladins present in the room.
"Which would only prove, that you are exactly what I believe you to be - a godless murderer - which would be in keeping with your Vos heritage - but unfit to the current role that you so deftly play," he says quietly to her for he is not a man prone to quick anger or hurried passion.
"Save your threats, they mean nothing to me - I am the Light of Avani and in that regard - threats are made powerless and irrelevant."
He quiets his mind and casts his soul to reverie in the Lady and then turns his eyes the the assembled people.
Kaleiman suggests that you pool you knowledge of vampires and how to fight them.
OOC: Meaning the DM compiles a list of what you know thus far.
Curriers of the Duhcess of Tuornen reach the Pontiffs column as it leaves Roesone.
They have with them a compiled volume of papers.
On the front side of the binding there is a text elaborately written in silver :"- Known Origin, Habitat and Spirit of a Shaded -
Silversleep Treatises on the entity know among humans as the Grey Duke, Manethander.
By Pervince Millbridge, Shadewise, High Sheriff, Master Shadow Walker, Most Stout and Esteemed member of the Highest orders of Burrows and famed scholar on the Shade.
Put to pen in the service of the Lady of Haes, Laela Flaertes, By the Grace of Haelyn Duchess of Tuornen."
The curriers await for any requests or inquiries.
Having waited to receive the compiled volume of papers ever since the Duchess emissary to the City of Anuire, Lauriel Anviraele, offered the help of the halfling Pervince Millbridge Silversleep. Having talked with Silversleep the Pontiff realized how much there was to be learned yet and asked for Silversleep to compile a tractus or two on the matter of Veil and the Grey Duke in particular.
The Pontiff ask the waiting couriers if Silversleep could perhaps join on the march and talk with the Pontiff during the evenings?
Thus it is with great anticipitation Wallac reacieves the papers and begun to study them every evening when encamped. So much to learn and so little time to learn it. Having twice traveled to the Shadow plane Wallac has little doubt how varied and unforseen a place it is; there seems to be certain rules and then again also no rules - rules that gets broken, rules that get bended and rules that simply makes no sense.
What is clear though is Duchess Laela Flaertes of Tuornen have helped greatly in the attempt to retrieve the Book of Law. Praised be the All Father for providing in the hour of need. Now how to minimize the chance the Grey Duke can dominate our mundane troops?
Through the various statements, Patriarch Rashid has been quietly studying the people present in the room. In particular the Archduchess has held his attention.
OOC: Bjørn, I am using Detect Evil on the people present here, the result may be best given in PM.
When Marlae prepares to leave, Rashid speaks before she gets too far.
"Archduchess, please, before you leave. It was news to me, that the Mhor had been slain and that the Archduke himself were there to do it. What state does that leave between Osoerde and Mhoried?"
"Balteruine is in Mhoried. Was the Archduke corrupted by Manethander, that he would invade Mhoried?"
"Is there a state of war between your nations?"
"While channeling the gods can destroy many of the lesser creatures of the undead, vampires appear to strongly resist it. It may work upon the weak and their other minions, but it is not guaranteed," he says.
"Yes, Baron Bellamie... " OOC: Assuming he has come back in during Kaleiman's long lecture.
"...You mentioned that there were certain distinctive patterns detectable on Tshalen, when observed with spells detecting magic. - This could be invaluable in rooting out ghouls working under cover."
OOC: I did? When? All I said was that I could confirm that Tshalen was a ghoul. Because he said so. Repeatedly.
Man, that guy would not shut up.
"There is a mystical connection between members of the Daouta bloodline and the Tomb. I will be able to find it."
"Beyond that, our enemy is able to use the Shadow to hide his camp and units."
"Does anyone have knowledge that can assist in piercing the Veil, if it becomes required? - And I mean for exiting as likely as entering."
Kaleiman:
"We must avoid the Shadow World for as long as we can - in the light of the sun we may hold the advantage, but on the other side..."
"Agreed. We do not know how powerful Manethander may be on this side of the Veil, but should we cross into his domain, we grant him every advantage possible." Baron Bellamie speaks with adamant conviction. "Archduke Osoer and I followed the OIT into the Shadow World when the Book was first stolen. Even within our own kingdom, much further from the heart of his power, his might was enormous. Barely a tithe of our forces survived his magic. At the very least, we must draw out as much of his strength as possible into battle within the Daylight World and see it defeated before we ever consider a crossing."
IC:
After a pause, Elamien, looking at the High Hierophant, states, "Of course, a very small party,—and I mean the Patriarch accompanied by two to four individuals,—could attempt to locate the tomb and then to return to the rest, that spells might be directed with confidence. But, in my opinion, that is not sound strategy . . . although I would be willing to participate."
Entering the Grey Hills Wallac seek out Maester Kaleiman to ask him a question or two among..
"Maester Kaleiman I wonder if some people are more prone to the Vampires influence than others? I've heard that having the divine blood of the old gods running in ones veins confers a much higher resistance than a normale mundane - is it so? What about my Sidhe friend? He has no divine blood but he is Sidhe - will that help him against the vampiric influence?"
Its a drab morning. Clouds roll heavily down the sides of the hills. Here the craggy faces and steep slopes seem more like true mountains.
Plants are sparse, straggly trees and other hardy growths cling to cracks where soil have gathered to allow them a tad of nourishment.
The horses are suffering, the hard ground makes it easy to throw a shoe and care must be taken or the horses go lame too quickly.
The Patriarch is sitting on his own. A fine Elinien stallion. He rubs its neck, sensing its wary demeanor and weariness beneath. "And not even half way in." He thinks to himself... As he has done many times before, Rashid closes his eyes and clears his mind.
"Where are you. Lead me now Hammoud... Let my Blood remember your deeds and lead me to your legacy. Where should I go, to end this, and preserve Elinie from this horror."
"Pontiff Isilviere, less than a week ago I placed one of my own guardsmen in chains to be shipped back to Ansien and await our return," Bellamie says from one corner. He leans idly against one of the tent supports, arms crossed. "Marious was my man for fifteen years, seven in my personal guard. He accompanied me against the wraiths of Ilien and into the Shadow World in pursuit of the Book of Law. His bladework saved my life from Queen Swordwraith's assassins. And he was bound to Manethander's service nonetheless. This task is like none other your or I have seen, and should we carry those unready to withstand its dangers down with us, then we will merely add their strength to our foe's. And I have no taste for slaying my own men... nor yours, for that matter." He looks to the Patriarch. "Patriarch Daouta, I am certain, would never question the strength of will of Anuire's priesthood and nobility. But the soldiers in our employ, even the templars of the IHH, are simply insufficiently prepared to resist the Grey Duke's call. Bring them into the heart of his power, and you endanger us all. The nobles of realms, great magi, the chosen voices and swords of the gods, they are what will be required today. To take others would be to repeat the folly of my last quest after the Book, a folly which nearly cost me my life. Is that what you would see occur this day?"
Kaleiman: "I could halt the flow of the river for a time. Or freeze it. Or some other thing. But I am not sure it would do us any good. If the Patriarch remembers immersing himself in the river, then that is what we must to to pass across to the other side. Movement and symbolism both. Yes, it should be sufficient, for I think this way has been used many times before. If not, then we shall be forced to employ rites such as those described by Baron Tristan...
Moreover I think I could ward a few men against a loss of memory...but not an entire army."
Human-sized bones or larger?
The portal is a gateway into an ancient mausoleum, buried deep inside the rock. And though the portal may have been built large for show that's not the whole story. The steps that lead down into the dark are so large that it's difficult for ordinary men to traverse them. And at the bottom for the stair can be found corridors and halls, all suitable for giants and their kin. All watched over by great statues...standing silent vigil over great stone sarcophagi. Here too the Veil is thin.
Meanwhile:
Scouts signal that they have found something, or several things in fact.
One is a set of stone stairs that seem to go down into the river. It has become visible now that the evening sun shines down into the valley (because of the steep sides it mostly lies in shadow - fittingly enough). You wizard quickly confirms that there is magic involved - one spell to hide the stairs and something else as well.
The second item is a portal hewn into the rock face further down. It's partially ruined, but they way inside is not completely blocked. What really sets it apart is the fact that its nearly fifty feet tall (unlike the stairs, they are of more normal size).
Finally they have found what appears to be the remnants of an old battle. White bones, corroded metal, that sort of thing.
Meanwhile:
Scouts signal that they have found something, or several things in fact.
One is a set of stone stairs that seem to go down into the river. It has become visible now that the evening sun shines down into the valley (because of the steep sides it mostly lies in shadow - fittingly enough). You wizard quickly confirms that there is magic involved - one spell to hide the stairs and something else as well.
The second item is a portal hewn into the rock face further down. It's partially ruined, but they way inside is not completely blocked. What really sets it apart is the fact that its nearly fifty feet tall (unlike the stairs, they are of more normal size).
Finally they have found what appears to be the remnants of an old battle. White bones, corroded metal, that sort of thing.
Gaerred wonders to Kalieman that perhaps each one of these directions presents a path to take: the Mausoleum, the Stairway or the battlefield.
Baron Bellamie will recruit a group of the IHH's templars and lead an exploration of the Mausoleum, ordering them to touch nothing and speak only when necessary. "This is a place of power and one of stillness. Disturb it at your own risk." Despite his words, though, he moves quickly, snapping orders at any man who seems hesitant or slow. Night approaches rapidly, and he fears what might issue forth from the place once darkness falls fully upon it.
The captains of the units brought with the heroes, meanwhile, are ordered to establish camp and post sentries, including scouts set to watch the river bank and the battle site. Either could prove a source of attack as well.
Wordlessly, the Baron motions to his escort to remain within the cave mouth and wait. He steps out, keeping to the shadows around the walls of the valley, and disappears into the night, using all his skill and art to remain unseen. Carefully, he approaches the waiting army, trying to make out the banners and the nature of the men composing it - if men they are, in this place forgotten by time.
Gaerred disappears into the river.
Meanwhile Kaleiman is doing what he can...but he is very reluctant to use his powers at this stage. He fears the trials to come will test him to his limits and thus cannot spend his might at these minions. He does, however, conjure forth a great ribbon of light to illuminate the battle-field, knowing that such magics will be useless on the other side. The magelight reveals Landen Tshalen to be gone...or should we say replaced...by a hulking brute that can only be the Ogre! Facing him is Dragon Tanar - who is generally busy staying in one piece. But now that the Ogre is busy trying to squash Drago he's no longer ripping the templars to pieces. They close ranks again and the Osoerdans cannot seem to break them.
While doing what he can Wallac keep looking for a chance to run down the damned stairs
While doing what he can Wallac keep looking for a chance to run down the damned stairs
It is either run to the water and descend the stairs or stay and fight. You can't do both (unless you mean to stay and fight first then descend later - if the situation permits).
Yes the aging Marshal Edwin Balter of the Aegis. I would miss his odd remarks too much if he was left behind.
Rogal Destar was not allowed in the Valley. He is with the main army as well as Wallacs bodyguard.
What about the men that went with Tristan? Can they attack the Orogs at an opportune moment?
The clashing blades sends splinters of pain through the Swordmage's arms. She barely succeeds in beating the orog's blade aside and suddenly finds herself grappling with it. It howls at her as she smashes her helmet into it's face, feeling the sharp ridges cut into flesh and bone. As it stumbles she rips her blade up and across it's body, cowering herself in it's blood as it falls down, stomach torn open and organs tumbling freely. She barely has time to register that the orog warrior falls, before the next opponent smashes into her shoulder. She tries to shout something, but the weight is suddenly removed as an IHH templar tackles the orog. They both go down disappear under the throng of fighting men.
"Kriesha's tits, this is going badly. Where is Drago, I need to... something." She keeps favouring her left side, occasionally stumbling a bit. She twisted something as she fell to the ground, though her sorcery took most of the fall. Every extremity feels oddly numb, due to the power she grounded in herself and the Ogre before leaping off the Colossus. Grimazing, she begins to recognize that there is no hope here. She turns to a nearby officer, thrusting herself close to him.
"I need to, I need to get back to the column. Let yourself be pressed against the walls of the cliff, fight with your backs to it... we will pour arrows down into the middle of the valley. Aid is coming."
Then she dregs up some strength, reaching for what power remains within her. She launches herself into the air, chanting underneath her breath. A wind lifts her up the cliff face. As she rises prepares for pain. She knows that her cloak, enchanted and bladed as it is, will take most of the punishment, but she is well aware that she is a target as she rises up. She assumes that the archers on the valley edge will recognize her and not fire at her. She is going to rejoin the first column outside the valley.