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<blockquote data-quote="Renfield" data-source="post: 1837563" data-attributes="member: 13493"><p><strong>Preludes 2: A Time for Peace and a Time for War</strong></p><p></p><p>Meldrith grumbled to himself as he rubbed at his aching back, the aging gnome had had a long trip and trains weren't exactly known for their comfort when one rode coach, but it had gotten him here faster than a horse and carriage might have and that was all that mattered to him. He stood on the broad city street and lifted his sizeable nose to skyward and inhaled the salty air. Galedorns capital city lay against the Silver Coast and was was an amazing sight to see on a beautiful day. A pity it had been cloudy for the past tenday.</p><p></p><p>The past rains however had left the air with a crisp scent amplified by the nearby ocean. His smile faded as he saw his destination. The Palace of Tears. A rather sobering name for such a grand and splended palace, however every country had a history, and Galadorn, as well as the other border kingdoms, had ones with a bit more struggle and tragedy than most. Building these lands to their present state hadn't been easy, much blood had been shed, but such was the way of the world.</p><p></p><p>Now another aspect of life and the world was going to be faced: War. </p><p></p><p>The border kingdoms spent their lives defending the lands to the south from the hordes to the north. It was such that during the rare times of peace the soldiers, men and women both, were kept busy with training. They could never grow lax, the danger was far too great. Unfortunately it seemed that soon their attentions would be divided.</p><p></p><p>The gnome ran a hand through his stringy gray hair and covered his balding skull with his hat before picking up his small suitcase and began walking toward that imposing majestic symbol of the north. He chuckled as he noticed large winged shapes flying around the castle, the Gryphon Guards of Hallaran were here, which meant the delegates of the same land were here as well. Chances are he was one of the last... well, they would have to wait for him, especially if they wanted any assistance of the Long Patrol.</p><p></p><p>It was a longer walk than it appeared, the crowds were thinner at this time of morning but the streets were crowded enough, the gnome certainly preferred towns or villages to large cities. Though cities were fine enough to visit from time to time. The palace gates took their time getting closer to him and as he approached he reached into his jacket and removed a folded leather wallet and gave it to the guards to inspect before they could say a word. They were both tall, and both had brown hair, sometimes he swore every guard had brown hair, but whenever he voiced such opinions in would walk one with blonde or black. Well... humans were humans. The guard nodded and handed the wallet back to the gnome who folded it up and slipped it back into his jacket. The guards led him to a door and opened it for the gnome without a word, all for the better, this was not the time of morning for idle conversation.</p><p></p><p>He made his way to the designated door after getting turned about twice, he managed to get by without asking directions, he had been the best scout in his squad and was far too proud to ask for directions in a city, no matter how mazelike. Finally he made it to the large door, guarded by two considerably large men, then again all these damned humans were considerably large. They almost looked like they didn't need the sabres sheathed at their hips, or the pistols holstered at their sides, and the rifles shouldered looked like they had been used for violence a time or two. Galedorans didn't take security lightly, he could be certain their were sharpshooters eyeing him this very moment.</p><p></p><p>The guards looked at his pass and opened the door for him so he may save the dignity of having to stand on the tips of his toes to reach the high handle. He was short for a gnome, which helped him in his scouting, but still lead to annoying situations. Still, he was respected for his abilities, even halfling scouts took lessons from Meldrith.</p><p></p><p>"What do you mean they've crossed the Selgrid River!" a loud voice shouted as Meldright entered the room. "Don't they know that's a clear violation of treaty?" It was a circular chamber with a large round table within, on the table were a scattered collection of maps and charts, as well as carved blocks to show troop movements. The gnome had hoped, that somehow, some way, war wasn't as close as people thought. The looks on the faces of the rooms occupants cleared away every last glimmer of that.</p><p></p><p>If there was one thing the Border Lands needed, it was more war, let alone war with humans.</p><p></p><p>The angered speaker was one Bran Cardine. A good soldier, if a bit hot headed, his strategies hit hard and furious and held the philosophy of 'A good deffence is a damn better offence.' "Seems there's no more treaty then." Meldrith said with a dry chuckle as he hoisted himself into his chair. "Now, what did I miss?" </p><p></p><p>A dwarf, mountain by the looks of his dusky skin and long beard decored with beads of rank, spoke up first. "It appears Allfather Ossrick is making his move. Arades forces have crossed the Selgrin and are making their way north. It appears more are following behind."</p><p></p><p>Bran tugged on one side of his handlebar mustache and cursed under his breath "They aren't holding back if they're sending the warrior scholars in are they, what of sects located within our lands?" at this a few other people began to speak as well as more.</p><p></p><p>There were a few others present. Lady Cara of Hallaran was here, they had actually sent their military leader, not just a delegate. She was a woman in her fourth decade however from the looks of her Meldrith imagined she seemed barely in her thirties, still, humans were humans, though she still had nice raven black hair that was oddly renowned of the populous demi-human and human alike of Hallaran. One of the few Gaian nations left. </p><p></p><p>Along with her were some Dwarven representatives including Delgrith Stonebeard of Battleguard Hold. The grizzled veteran had fought many battles with the fell below the surface, and considering he was old by dwarven standards said much of his cunning and skill. Mountain dwarves weren't ones to take lightly in matters of battle and war. The wisdom of their age assisted as well. His head was bald, wether natural or shaved and polished the gnome couldn't tell, but it was his beard in which his beads of rank were strung. With him were a few other key figures of the dwarves though he was quite obviously the spokesman. Dwarves respected age.</p><p></p><p>Lady Cara had the captain of Hallaran's gryphon riders with her, some elf, rather grim by the looks of him. Of Galadorn there was War Marshal Geraden, a stalwart man who was rather liked among the dwarves, while he was certainly human his still at tactics was legendary, especially considering he was indeed barely in his third century. Quite odd for a human to be so competent when so young.</p><p></p><p>These were the people who held the most voice, the others were advisors or heads of other military units or branches and, oddly enough, a Naer Dess was here in counsel. No, not too odd. Allfather Osserick would spare no one who were not of the faith. Even those who were and fought for the north would be excommunicated and branded as a trator with the only mercy being a swift death. No, this was their war too, no matter how cloistered their community was. Now if only Meldrith could find out exactly what was happening.</p><p></p><p>"Will someone tell me exactly what's going on, unlike all you curs I'm stuck in the wilderness for months on end in a light forsaken keep directing patrols in catching the dangers that would come and bite you and yours in the arse." The gnome finally shouted above the din that had turned into a moderate roar. "We're military leaders not councilmen, let's try and show a little more competence." With that there was a hush and a few smirks here and there. Finally Car spoke up.</p><p></p><p>"As you know Osserick has been building up his forces since he annexed Sardos and Marendia." she said, the gnome nodded, the move had shocked many however the nations had swiftly worked out preace treaties and the like with the kingdom of Ismar in order to avoid further conflict, pity they had actually believed in them. "The church of light now has control of either kingdoms military as well as their own considerable forces."</p><p></p><p>"Such as the Order of St. Arades?" Meldrith said, St. Arades was the warrior scholor, originally a desciple to Azzel in life who eventually gained St. Hood for his works. His held two deadly combinations: religeous fervor and military might. Needless to say the order was very skilled and not one to be trifled with. Osserick had come from that order before becomming a Shepherd of the Inquisition and later gaining the highest rank in the Church of Light: that of Allfather.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, as well as the forces of St. Cordell and the Blood." the lady said in her well enunciated no nonsense tone. "They essentially have seventy percent of all the Churches military forces with fifteen percent staying neutral and the remaining fifteen percent fight with us." Grim news indeed, though Meldrith knew which orders would help, the Scholastic Monks of St. Berdine would likely lend what assistance they could as well as some of the smaller more contemplative sects. But the formost would be the Knights of St. Promethius. </p><p></p><p>As competent as the Order of Arades was Promethius excelled. Take one soldier of Promethius and pit him against Arades and you could be garunteed the Promethian would win. Unfortunately Arades had greater numbers. The church was divided, the lands were at war after a good couple hundred years of peace, and so soon before Meldriths retirement too. "So, theirs is about as strong as ours..." the gnome mused aloud "However our forces are divided, we cannot focus solely on these damnable zealots but we also have the border to think about. The Fell would love to rain down upon us."</p><p></p><p>"That's actually why we asked you here." Geraden spoke up, his voice carrying a resonance of one who knew how to speak on the field and be heard without tearing up ones throat. "Our focus is divided, we've all fought the fell, church and country alike, however these are our brethren, be it of our church or of the nations from which our countries sprang. We need as much focus on them as possible.</p><p></p><p>"You are the head of the Long Patrol, you work with and know the customs of each of the border lands whild calling none your true home," damn them, they were really going to make him work for his retirement, Meldrith knew where this was going. "We need you to take over full protection of the Border. Officers of each land will be assigned to help direct those forces left to defend the northern front but you will ultimately be in charge during our war with Ismar."</p><p></p><p>Everyone was silent, waiting to hear what the gnome had to say, they were being subtle about it but after a fashion they were pulling rank. When the Alliance council came to a decision and made a demand one who was a part of that council could not refuse. "Allright then, however you're only getting two score of my Long Patrol scouts, Light knows you'll need them." he said at last. Damn them damn them damn them. He wasn't looking to be stuck in the history books, but it seemed inevidable, atleast once this was over he could retire and die in peace, preferrably somewhere warmer than those damn mountains.</p><p></p><p>Lady Cara smiled "Thank you Meldrith, Gaia grant you an even longer life you crusty old gnome." she said, damn woman still teased and taunted. </p><p></p><p>"And may the Creators light fill your spirit in these dark times." Meldrith said in return. </p><p></p><p></p><p>(allright, a little rusty as I'm still working some kinks out but I hope it satisfies your appetite until the campaign gets on it's feet.)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Renfield, post: 1837563, member: 13493"] [b]Preludes 2: A Time for Peace and a Time for War[/b] Meldrith grumbled to himself as he rubbed at his aching back, the aging gnome had had a long trip and trains weren't exactly known for their comfort when one rode coach, but it had gotten him here faster than a horse and carriage might have and that was all that mattered to him. He stood on the broad city street and lifted his sizeable nose to skyward and inhaled the salty air. Galedorns capital city lay against the Silver Coast and was was an amazing sight to see on a beautiful day. A pity it had been cloudy for the past tenday. The past rains however had left the air with a crisp scent amplified by the nearby ocean. His smile faded as he saw his destination. The Palace of Tears. A rather sobering name for such a grand and splended palace, however every country had a history, and Galadorn, as well as the other border kingdoms, had ones with a bit more struggle and tragedy than most. Building these lands to their present state hadn't been easy, much blood had been shed, but such was the way of the world. Now another aspect of life and the world was going to be faced: War. The border kingdoms spent their lives defending the lands to the south from the hordes to the north. It was such that during the rare times of peace the soldiers, men and women both, were kept busy with training. They could never grow lax, the danger was far too great. Unfortunately it seemed that soon their attentions would be divided. The gnome ran a hand through his stringy gray hair and covered his balding skull with his hat before picking up his small suitcase and began walking toward that imposing majestic symbol of the north. He chuckled as he noticed large winged shapes flying around the castle, the Gryphon Guards of Hallaran were here, which meant the delegates of the same land were here as well. Chances are he was one of the last... well, they would have to wait for him, especially if they wanted any assistance of the Long Patrol. It was a longer walk than it appeared, the crowds were thinner at this time of morning but the streets were crowded enough, the gnome certainly preferred towns or villages to large cities. Though cities were fine enough to visit from time to time. The palace gates took their time getting closer to him and as he approached he reached into his jacket and removed a folded leather wallet and gave it to the guards to inspect before they could say a word. They were both tall, and both had brown hair, sometimes he swore every guard had brown hair, but whenever he voiced such opinions in would walk one with blonde or black. Well... humans were humans. The guard nodded and handed the wallet back to the gnome who folded it up and slipped it back into his jacket. The guards led him to a door and opened it for the gnome without a word, all for the better, this was not the time of morning for idle conversation. He made his way to the designated door after getting turned about twice, he managed to get by without asking directions, he had been the best scout in his squad and was far too proud to ask for directions in a city, no matter how mazelike. Finally he made it to the large door, guarded by two considerably large men, then again all these damned humans were considerably large. They almost looked like they didn't need the sabres sheathed at their hips, or the pistols holstered at their sides, and the rifles shouldered looked like they had been used for violence a time or two. Galedorans didn't take security lightly, he could be certain their were sharpshooters eyeing him this very moment. The guards looked at his pass and opened the door for him so he may save the dignity of having to stand on the tips of his toes to reach the high handle. He was short for a gnome, which helped him in his scouting, but still lead to annoying situations. Still, he was respected for his abilities, even halfling scouts took lessons from Meldrith. "What do you mean they've crossed the Selgrid River!" a loud voice shouted as Meldright entered the room. "Don't they know that's a clear violation of treaty?" It was a circular chamber with a large round table within, on the table were a scattered collection of maps and charts, as well as carved blocks to show troop movements. The gnome had hoped, that somehow, some way, war wasn't as close as people thought. The looks on the faces of the rooms occupants cleared away every last glimmer of that. If there was one thing the Border Lands needed, it was more war, let alone war with humans. The angered speaker was one Bran Cardine. A good soldier, if a bit hot headed, his strategies hit hard and furious and held the philosophy of 'A good deffence is a damn better offence.' "Seems there's no more treaty then." Meldrith said with a dry chuckle as he hoisted himself into his chair. "Now, what did I miss?" A dwarf, mountain by the looks of his dusky skin and long beard decored with beads of rank, spoke up first. "It appears Allfather Ossrick is making his move. Arades forces have crossed the Selgrin and are making their way north. It appears more are following behind." Bran tugged on one side of his handlebar mustache and cursed under his breath "They aren't holding back if they're sending the warrior scholars in are they, what of sects located within our lands?" at this a few other people began to speak as well as more. There were a few others present. Lady Cara of Hallaran was here, they had actually sent their military leader, not just a delegate. She was a woman in her fourth decade however from the looks of her Meldrith imagined she seemed barely in her thirties, still, humans were humans, though she still had nice raven black hair that was oddly renowned of the populous demi-human and human alike of Hallaran. One of the few Gaian nations left. Along with her were some Dwarven representatives including Delgrith Stonebeard of Battleguard Hold. The grizzled veteran had fought many battles with the fell below the surface, and considering he was old by dwarven standards said much of his cunning and skill. Mountain dwarves weren't ones to take lightly in matters of battle and war. The wisdom of their age assisted as well. His head was bald, wether natural or shaved and polished the gnome couldn't tell, but it was his beard in which his beads of rank were strung. With him were a few other key figures of the dwarves though he was quite obviously the spokesman. Dwarves respected age. Lady Cara had the captain of Hallaran's gryphon riders with her, some elf, rather grim by the looks of him. Of Galadorn there was War Marshal Geraden, a stalwart man who was rather liked among the dwarves, while he was certainly human his still at tactics was legendary, especially considering he was indeed barely in his third century. Quite odd for a human to be so competent when so young. These were the people who held the most voice, the others were advisors or heads of other military units or branches and, oddly enough, a Naer Dess was here in counsel. No, not too odd. Allfather Osserick would spare no one who were not of the faith. Even those who were and fought for the north would be excommunicated and branded as a trator with the only mercy being a swift death. No, this was their war too, no matter how cloistered their community was. Now if only Meldrith could find out exactly what was happening. "Will someone tell me exactly what's going on, unlike all you curs I'm stuck in the wilderness for months on end in a light forsaken keep directing patrols in catching the dangers that would come and bite you and yours in the arse." The gnome finally shouted above the din that had turned into a moderate roar. "We're military leaders not councilmen, let's try and show a little more competence." With that there was a hush and a few smirks here and there. Finally Car spoke up. "As you know Osserick has been building up his forces since he annexed Sardos and Marendia." she said, the gnome nodded, the move had shocked many however the nations had swiftly worked out preace treaties and the like with the kingdom of Ismar in order to avoid further conflict, pity they had actually believed in them. "The church of light now has control of either kingdoms military as well as their own considerable forces." "Such as the Order of St. Arades?" Meldrith said, St. Arades was the warrior scholor, originally a desciple to Azzel in life who eventually gained St. Hood for his works. His held two deadly combinations: religeous fervor and military might. Needless to say the order was very skilled and not one to be trifled with. Osserick had come from that order before becomming a Shepherd of the Inquisition and later gaining the highest rank in the Church of Light: that of Allfather. "Yes, as well as the forces of St. Cordell and the Blood." the lady said in her well enunciated no nonsense tone. "They essentially have seventy percent of all the Churches military forces with fifteen percent staying neutral and the remaining fifteen percent fight with us." Grim news indeed, though Meldrith knew which orders would help, the Scholastic Monks of St. Berdine would likely lend what assistance they could as well as some of the smaller more contemplative sects. But the formost would be the Knights of St. Promethius. As competent as the Order of Arades was Promethius excelled. Take one soldier of Promethius and pit him against Arades and you could be garunteed the Promethian would win. Unfortunately Arades had greater numbers. The church was divided, the lands were at war after a good couple hundred years of peace, and so soon before Meldriths retirement too. "So, theirs is about as strong as ours..." the gnome mused aloud "However our forces are divided, we cannot focus solely on these damnable zealots but we also have the border to think about. The Fell would love to rain down upon us." "That's actually why we asked you here." Geraden spoke up, his voice carrying a resonance of one who knew how to speak on the field and be heard without tearing up ones throat. "Our focus is divided, we've all fought the fell, church and country alike, however these are our brethren, be it of our church or of the nations from which our countries sprang. We need as much focus on them as possible. "You are the head of the Long Patrol, you work with and know the customs of each of the border lands whild calling none your true home," damn them, they were really going to make him work for his retirement, Meldrith knew where this was going. "We need you to take over full protection of the Border. Officers of each land will be assigned to help direct those forces left to defend the northern front but you will ultimately be in charge during our war with Ismar." Everyone was silent, waiting to hear what the gnome had to say, they were being subtle about it but after a fashion they were pulling rank. When the Alliance council came to a decision and made a demand one who was a part of that council could not refuse. "Allright then, however you're only getting two score of my Long Patrol scouts, Light knows you'll need them." he said at last. Damn them damn them damn them. He wasn't looking to be stuck in the history books, but it seemed inevidable, atleast once this was over he could retire and die in peace, preferrably somewhere warmer than those damn mountains. Lady Cara smiled "Thank you Meldrith, Gaia grant you an even longer life you crusty old gnome." she said, damn woman still teased and taunted. "And may the Creators light fill your spirit in these dark times." Meldrith said in return. (allright, a little rusty as I'm still working some kinks out but I hope it satisfies your appetite until the campaign gets on it's feet.) [/QUOTE]
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