Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Chapter 4- The Second Invasion)
- Thread starter Deuce Traveler
- Start date
Blarkon Dragonslayer
First Post
Nikkolos looks around, seeing the dead noble, and shaking his head. Then he looks at the somewhat faltering orc attack, and a frown crosses his normally cheerful face. "Well, nothing like witnessing events from the middle." Then he moves towards the orc that seems to be giving the most orders, grabbing as many loose Dorinthians as he can manage, trying to get close to the leader chosen.
Bloodweaver1
First Post
Caramip Ashhearth
“Looks like someone got themselves into a loosing game of ‘Kill-the-Carrier’...” Mentions Caramip to both Silas and Dartis as she spots the small Halfling running for his life. “You think you might be able to help even up the odds while Silas and I get everyone in position?” Asks the Gnome to Dartis.
“Looks like someone got themselves into a loosing game of ‘Kill-the-Carrier’...” Mentions Caramip to both Silas and Dartis as she spots the small Halfling running for his life. “You think you might be able to help even up the odds while Silas and I get everyone in position?” Asks the Gnome to Dartis.
Danica turns, and it's like her eyes suddenly come into focus for the first time throughout this whole enterprise -- her silent demeanor and blank face are replaced with a small smile, curving up at the corner of her lips, as she begins to engage with the chaos that surrounds her.
She is ready to fight, and she's looking for a target amidst the many lights in the darkness. For Dorninthia.
[OOC: sorry for the long absence, all. Back now.]
She is ready to fight, and she's looking for a target amidst the many lights in the darkness. For Dorninthia.
[OOC: sorry for the long absence, all. Back now.]
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Deuce Traveler
Adventurer
After this, see OOC thread for XP.
Barok
[sblock]
As you continue to flee down the hill, tumbling and dodging blades along the way, you use the vegetation and rough terrain to keep just ahead of your pursuers. Unfortunately, the vegetation begins to disappear and the ground become flatter as you reach the base of the hill. You could swear out loud, when you hear the sound of hooves thundering upon the ground. Coming quickly at you is Dartis and five Dorinthian horse archers. They have bows drawn. Behind them are more riders, and some armed militia under the command of Silas and Caramip. The cavalry has arrived.
[/sblock]
Dartis, Caramip, and Silas
[sblock]
Dartis rides forth with a handful of men while Caramip and Silas lead the others. As the group gets closer, Dartis yells to his men to fire at the pursuers. They are orcs, and the man who they are chasing is Barok, who must have been the arson in their camp!
[/sblock]
Dartis, Caramip, Silas, and Barok
[sblock]
As one, Dartis and his five men commence fire, slaying two of the orcs outright and injuring several others, including the massive older chieftain in the lead. With a panicked look, the orcs quickly turn and run, but the cavalry is able to run down two more before a severely wounded chieftain and a lieutenant flee up the hill. The chieftain begins blowing several notes on a war horn, and you see the mass of orcs attacking the center of the town begin to withdraw.
The withdrawal becomes an outright panic as everyone in the town can see your cavalry and militia swarming over the remnants of the camp. Dartis and his men ride through the fleeing orcs, using up most of their arrows to rain death down. The yell of Dul-Keyar delivering more chaos. Barok, Caramip and Silas lead an assault that sweeps the remnants of the camp off the hill, while Rix and a few dozen kobolds leap upon the injured fallen and murder helpless orcs with such brutality that even the most stout Dorinthian turns away. Once the hill is cleared, the Dorinthians rally together to hit any retreating orcs left over in the town, while the kobolds loot the orc camp. What Barok, Silas, Caramip, and Dartis find in the town center changes everything...
[/sblock]
Ventus, Nikolos, and Danica
[sblock]
A scream from the administrative building reminds everyone that not all the orcs that got through were killed. Ventus and Cal enter the administrative building that some of the orcs were able to enter in order to protect Syra and the severely injured Alexander. They are able to slay three of them that stopped to loot the lower floors and finds the bodies of several more, fallen near the bodies of butchered men and women who were able to put up somewhat of a weak resistance. Cursing, the Imperial tightens his grip on his blade as he reaches the top floor and sees Alexander standing weakly before five orcs, a couple fresh wounds newly scarring his body. Amazingly, the half-orc is still standing with blade in hand, and protects a frightened knife-wielding Syra. The orcs taunt their kin and leer at the noblewoman with sadistic intentions.
Ventus and Cal draw the attention from their prey when Ventus slams into the closest orc and buries his short blade into the creature's ribs. Another quick strike to the throat finishes the badly wounded orc barbarian off, but not before Ventus gets a deep cut in his thigh. The Imperial is used to such pain, however, and grimly strikes down a second, younger orc warrior. Cal handles two others, his barskinned flesh deflecting several blows while he hacks up the enemy in rage. Alexander takes advantage of the third orc having turned to face Ventus, and grabs the creature by the arm and throat. With a twist, the incredibly strong Alexander tosses the screaming orc through the nearby window, where he lands with a crunch by the feet of Danica. The sorceress looks surprised, but quickly recovers and moves her weapon to the stunned orc's face and releases a bolt, finishing him. Looking up, she sees Alexander waving from above, a crying Syra holding him tightly. The half-orc turns to give Ventus a silent nod of thanks, and Cal sighs in satisfaction, glad to see that if his sister found a man to admire it at least be one who would fight to the death for her.
Suddenly, the orcs attack in one more wave and all able-bodied men move to solidy the defenses. Nikolos even sees his servants Redd, Shirte, and Gnaden near him close to the fighting. The scribe holds a spear and yells to him, in embarrassment, [color]"Sorry, master! Your books are safe in the basement of the building if it's any consolation."[/color] Then adds with a slight touch of surprising humor, "How goes your research thus far?"
The assault is weaker than the last one, and the Dorinthians both better prepared and angrier. The orcs begin to see that their attacks are failing when a war horn blows once more from the hill to the north. All turn to see the sight there, and it can be seen that most of the camp is now on fire and that Dorinthian cavalry and militia are swarming over it. The orcs panic and begin to fall back, while Radnal finds that he cannot control the enraged men any longer and Kyle Radnal is unable to hold back the men. He gives command to Cal who comes forth from the administrative building and turns the flight to a rout. The orcs are still numerically superior, and often stronger, but their disorganized withdrawal allows packs of Dorinthians to butcher them mercilessly.
The Dorinthians that raided the orc camp come down from the hill, and join the slaughter.
[/sblock]
The attack has been stopped, and the swarms of orcs begin to flee in all directions. The seven heroes meet up in the center of the town, but the happiness that should come in victory is nowhere to be found. A couple of hundred Dorinthians are believed to have been killed in the fighting, nearly five percent of the refugee population. The numbers would have been much higher if not for the efforts of the party. What is more, Baron Dorin has fallen in battle, giving his life to save his son. Confusion reigns as the angry Dorinthians question who will lead them now? Cal, Syra, and Dartis are all candidates, but none of them are yet willing to make a declaration and all three seem to want the position. Kyle Radnal stays out of it, and begins to create work details to bury the dead, put out fires, and rebuild. His militia and some of the people speak that he should lead the Dorinthians, and rumors swell that he himself is of noble blood. Cal and Dartis also look to see what remnants of cavalry can be put together to run down the surviving orcs, but the men are exhausted and the prospects questionable.
The biggest question, however, is why this happened. Why have the orcs come back? And why did it seem that they expected to find elves, not Dorinthians. And if this was an attack on the elven nation, how fares Saleentra and the Silver Forest? For a moment, Alexander, Rix, Silas, Danica, and Dartis recall the prophetic words of the Mad Gnome:
Saleentra will burn.
Barok
[sblock]
As you continue to flee down the hill, tumbling and dodging blades along the way, you use the vegetation and rough terrain to keep just ahead of your pursuers. Unfortunately, the vegetation begins to disappear and the ground become flatter as you reach the base of the hill. You could swear out loud, when you hear the sound of hooves thundering upon the ground. Coming quickly at you is Dartis and five Dorinthian horse archers. They have bows drawn. Behind them are more riders, and some armed militia under the command of Silas and Caramip. The cavalry has arrived.
[/sblock]
Dartis, Caramip, and Silas
[sblock]
Dartis rides forth with a handful of men while Caramip and Silas lead the others. As the group gets closer, Dartis yells to his men to fire at the pursuers. They are orcs, and the man who they are chasing is Barok, who must have been the arson in their camp!
[/sblock]
Dartis, Caramip, Silas, and Barok
[sblock]
As one, Dartis and his five men commence fire, slaying two of the orcs outright and injuring several others, including the massive older chieftain in the lead. With a panicked look, the orcs quickly turn and run, but the cavalry is able to run down two more before a severely wounded chieftain and a lieutenant flee up the hill. The chieftain begins blowing several notes on a war horn, and you see the mass of orcs attacking the center of the town begin to withdraw.
The withdrawal becomes an outright panic as everyone in the town can see your cavalry and militia swarming over the remnants of the camp. Dartis and his men ride through the fleeing orcs, using up most of their arrows to rain death down. The yell of Dul-Keyar delivering more chaos. Barok, Caramip and Silas lead an assault that sweeps the remnants of the camp off the hill, while Rix and a few dozen kobolds leap upon the injured fallen and murder helpless orcs with such brutality that even the most stout Dorinthian turns away. Once the hill is cleared, the Dorinthians rally together to hit any retreating orcs left over in the town, while the kobolds loot the orc camp. What Barok, Silas, Caramip, and Dartis find in the town center changes everything...
[/sblock]
Ventus, Nikolos, and Danica
[sblock]
A scream from the administrative building reminds everyone that not all the orcs that got through were killed. Ventus and Cal enter the administrative building that some of the orcs were able to enter in order to protect Syra and the severely injured Alexander. They are able to slay three of them that stopped to loot the lower floors and finds the bodies of several more, fallen near the bodies of butchered men and women who were able to put up somewhat of a weak resistance. Cursing, the Imperial tightens his grip on his blade as he reaches the top floor and sees Alexander standing weakly before five orcs, a couple fresh wounds newly scarring his body. Amazingly, the half-orc is still standing with blade in hand, and protects a frightened knife-wielding Syra. The orcs taunt their kin and leer at the noblewoman with sadistic intentions.
Ventus and Cal draw the attention from their prey when Ventus slams into the closest orc and buries his short blade into the creature's ribs. Another quick strike to the throat finishes the badly wounded orc barbarian off, but not before Ventus gets a deep cut in his thigh. The Imperial is used to such pain, however, and grimly strikes down a second, younger orc warrior. Cal handles two others, his barskinned flesh deflecting several blows while he hacks up the enemy in rage. Alexander takes advantage of the third orc having turned to face Ventus, and grabs the creature by the arm and throat. With a twist, the incredibly strong Alexander tosses the screaming orc through the nearby window, where he lands with a crunch by the feet of Danica. The sorceress looks surprised, but quickly recovers and moves her weapon to the stunned orc's face and releases a bolt, finishing him. Looking up, she sees Alexander waving from above, a crying Syra holding him tightly. The half-orc turns to give Ventus a silent nod of thanks, and Cal sighs in satisfaction, glad to see that if his sister found a man to admire it at least be one who would fight to the death for her.
Suddenly, the orcs attack in one more wave and all able-bodied men move to solidy the defenses. Nikolos even sees his servants Redd, Shirte, and Gnaden near him close to the fighting. The scribe holds a spear and yells to him, in embarrassment, [color]"Sorry, master! Your books are safe in the basement of the building if it's any consolation."[/color] Then adds with a slight touch of surprising humor, "How goes your research thus far?"
The assault is weaker than the last one, and the Dorinthians both better prepared and angrier. The orcs begin to see that their attacks are failing when a war horn blows once more from the hill to the north. All turn to see the sight there, and it can be seen that most of the camp is now on fire and that Dorinthian cavalry and militia are swarming over it. The orcs panic and begin to fall back, while Radnal finds that he cannot control the enraged men any longer and Kyle Radnal is unable to hold back the men. He gives command to Cal who comes forth from the administrative building and turns the flight to a rout. The orcs are still numerically superior, and often stronger, but their disorganized withdrawal allows packs of Dorinthians to butcher them mercilessly.
The Dorinthians that raided the orc camp come down from the hill, and join the slaughter.
[/sblock]
The attack has been stopped, and the swarms of orcs begin to flee in all directions. The seven heroes meet up in the center of the town, but the happiness that should come in victory is nowhere to be found. A couple of hundred Dorinthians are believed to have been killed in the fighting, nearly five percent of the refugee population. The numbers would have been much higher if not for the efforts of the party. What is more, Baron Dorin has fallen in battle, giving his life to save his son. Confusion reigns as the angry Dorinthians question who will lead them now? Cal, Syra, and Dartis are all candidates, but none of them are yet willing to make a declaration and all three seem to want the position. Kyle Radnal stays out of it, and begins to create work details to bury the dead, put out fires, and rebuild. His militia and some of the people speak that he should lead the Dorinthians, and rumors swell that he himself is of noble blood. Cal and Dartis also look to see what remnants of cavalry can be put together to run down the surviving orcs, but the men are exhausted and the prospects questionable.
The biggest question, however, is why this happened. Why have the orcs come back? And why did it seem that they expected to find elves, not Dorinthians. And if this was an attack on the elven nation, how fares Saleentra and the Silver Forest? For a moment, Alexander, Rix, Silas, Danica, and Dartis recall the prophetic words of the Mad Gnome:
Saleentra will burn.
Nephtys
First Post
Barok leans back against a wall, wiping sooty sweat from his eyes leaving his face a black-smeared mess. He laughs, a sharp harsh sound, his eyes shining with adrenaline and exhaustion, "Ha! And I thought orcs were tough, damn useless cowardly rabble. If only all our enemies were that soft we'd build an empire in no time. I guess this settles the elven issue, though. Those long eared limp-wristed sissies hate the piggies with a passion. They wouldn't dare turn against us now."
He looks at the faces around him, sensing their mood. "Oh, yeah. Due respect to the dead and the grieving, but man, we showed those bastards what it means to be Dorinthians, and Kobolds, and southeners, I guess.
"Rix, brother, and you too my liege," he bows his head to Dartis, "I owe you both a drink."
[sblock=Dartis]
Later Barok takes Dartis aside, "I believe the succession issue can be resolved tonight. There may still be a few orcs left, hiding in town just waiting for an opportinity. They would like nothing better than to strike against selected parts of our Dorinthian leadership..." [/sblock]
He looks at the faces around him, sensing their mood. "Oh, yeah. Due respect to the dead and the grieving, but man, we showed those bastards what it means to be Dorinthians, and Kobolds, and southeners, I guess.
"Rix, brother, and you too my liege," he bows his head to Dartis, "I owe you both a drink."
[sblock=Dartis]
Later Barok takes Dartis aside, "I believe the succession issue can be resolved tonight. There may still be a few orcs left, hiding in town just waiting for an opportinity. They would like nothing better than to strike against selected parts of our Dorinthian leadership..." [/sblock]
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hafrogman
Adventurer
Ventus remains standing as he meets with his traveling companions in the center of town. He sways a little, and the wound on his leg troubles him, but he yet has the energy to remain on his feet. His sword has been cleaned and returned to it's sheath, spotless, but the rest of him is covered in grime and blood. He turns to look at Barok, but hasn't the strength left to be irritated by the man's impudence.
"That may be it for one band of orcs, but it certainly makes clear that this refuge is not as safe as one might hope. It seems a wall is in order, if we expect to hold the town against any further attacks."
"That may be it for one band of orcs, but it certainly makes clear that this refuge is not as safe as one might hope. It seems a wall is in order, if we expect to hold the town against any further attacks."
GlassEye
Adventurer
Silas is relieved that the orc attack is broken. But when he took command of the camp-site militia he lost track of his father, wife, and son and desperately looks for their faces amongst the survivors in the town square. And then, to hear that Baron Dorin lies dead... It is almost more than he can bear. Looking around he sees that many feel the same but is relieved to see that Kyle Radnal has taken that task in hand and is organizing work parties.
Despite Silas' grief, distraction, and weariness, Ventus' mention of a wall snares his attention. "A wall," he murmurs. Interest piqued, he immediately turns his eye to mentally mapping out the town's layout. "Now. How would I..."
A nearby argument concerning who should assume rulership of the Dorinthians snaps him from his musings. Quietly, he says, "I should have spoken to Baron Dorin before on Lord Kalnian's behalf." He sighs, weariness once again weighing him down. Now, unless this is resolved quickly, things may fall into chaos. Unless...
[sblock=Dartis]Silas casually makes known to Dartis that he would like to speak with him privately. When they get a chance, he'll say, "Lord Kalnian, the time may seem inopportune but we are in danger of our people splitting into four factions. I feel you are most suited to rule but you must press your suit now. Seek Syra Dorin's hand in marriage; persuade her with co-rulership. Court the support of Kyle Radnal; I think he'll support you as you've proven yourself a sound commander. It is true that Cal has some support amongst the cavalry but he has always been ruled by his tempers and has become more erratic of late. You are the only choice in which Dorinthia survives, unified."[/sblock]
Despite Silas' grief, distraction, and weariness, Ventus' mention of a wall snares his attention. "A wall," he murmurs. Interest piqued, he immediately turns his eye to mentally mapping out the town's layout. "Now. How would I..."
A nearby argument concerning who should assume rulership of the Dorinthians snaps him from his musings. Quietly, he says, "I should have spoken to Baron Dorin before on Lord Kalnian's behalf." He sighs, weariness once again weighing him down. Now, unless this is resolved quickly, things may fall into chaos. Unless...
[sblock=Dartis]Silas casually makes known to Dartis that he would like to speak with him privately. When they get a chance, he'll say, "Lord Kalnian, the time may seem inopportune but we are in danger of our people splitting into four factions. I feel you are most suited to rule but you must press your suit now. Seek Syra Dorin's hand in marriage; persuade her with co-rulership. Court the support of Kyle Radnal; I think he'll support you as you've proven yourself a sound commander. It is true that Cal has some support amongst the cavalry but he has always been ruled by his tempers and has become more erratic of late. You are the only choice in which Dorinthia survives, unified."[/sblock]
Fenris
Adventurer
[sblock=Barok & DT] "I too owe you a drink for your ingenuity and resoursefulness. Indeed my friend, I would like to put your crafty mind to use as the Spy Master of Dorinthia. Well should I have any say over the matter that is." adds Dartis with a grin. "But as to your other concern. Well keep your eyes peeled for any threats to any Dorinthian. There are too few of us as it is. Of course, I'd be most appreciative of any threats you stop my way in particular." Dartis adds with a wink.
[/sblock]
[sblock=Silas & DT]
"Silas my old friend, I have always appreciated your advice. I have always sought it out in times of doubt. And I agree with you. But there are more important things to be done right now. What good does it do to unite Dorinthia under one leader to have it decimated. But I will have a discussion with my peers and see what civility we can bring to this process, but I will keep to your advice as best I can. In the meantime we have work to do to tip the scales in our favor. Notably to show the elves that we are allies worth having!" [/sblock]
[sblock=Ventus & DT] Dartis finds a quiet moment with the former legionairre. "Ventus, thank you for your stout defense. I hope you can placate some of your demons with your valourous deeds here. In any case, you have my thanks." [/sblock]
[sblock= DT]
Dartis finds Kyle and pulls him aside for a quiet word. "Kyle, the deeds of our fathers mean very little here, in a new land, a new city, a new Dorinthia. What matters here are our deeds here and now. And you have done a great service for our people Kyle. No one can question that. And I want to thank you for it. Without your leadership, the square would have fallen, many of our people would have died. We have many many trials yet to overcome to ensure that Dorinthia survives. And I am glad to know that our people are still served by men of honor, distinction and bravery such as yourself.
I also want to thank you personally for the use of Swift. He had been a loyal and brave companion to me. And I would ask that I keep him a while longer. My work is not yet done.
Lastly Kyle, I know that there is a great deal of confusion right now as to the leadership of Dorinthia. I cannot ask you to make a choice as to who to support. I only ask that you support whoever comes to power for the good of our country and our people. I do not hide the fact that I wish to the throne. I do, but only as I seek the best for our people Kyle. And I can only tell you that I do appreciate people for what they have done, not their ancestors. And I know that you have proven yourself more than capable of a leadership position. Every city needs a Captain of the Guards after all. But this may be premature, first we must ensure that our fledgeling city lives! I may be off again Kyle, shepard our people well"
Dartis goes to Baron Dorins old quarters and sends off couriers to find Syra and Cal. As they arrive Dartis addresses them both. "My friends, my peers, my fellow nobles. Our people look to us for leadership. My heart aches for you both for the loss of your father. He was dear to me as well. Still though we grieve, we must move on. We shall bury Baron Dorin as best we can. In the meantime we must present a united front. We can either throw our small nation into civil war as we fight amonst ourselves, and I am not even sure which of you has inherited his title. Or we can unite. We are still beset by enemies, orcs, the Tallione, perhaps the elves. We need to show our people we care about them, so they do not despair! Let us set aside issues of succession for one week, ruling as a triumverate. Out of respect for your father at least."
As Cal leaves Dartis calls Syra aside "Syra, the fact does not escape me, that you are the last lady of noble blood, and I the last gentleman of noble blood not related to you. There are worse things I could think of than to be married to woman as beautiful as you. Please consider a future for us, when you consider the future of our people. A royal wedding would cheer the spirits of our people and ensure the continuity of the throne of Dorinthia. A queen rules with more authority with a king beside her." says Dartis taking Syras hand and staring into her eyes.
[/sblock]
Dartis gather his friends together over some food and drink cobbled together. "My friends. I know you are tired, I know you are sore and injured. We have all given much to defend out town. But to know we were not the target gives me fear that our neighbours are in trouble. My plan is to ride forth, we few, for I will not detract from the city's defenses. But for us to ride to the elves and offer what aid we can. It may be symbolic, but I wish to show the elves that Dorinthia is a neigbour and an ally worth having. Additonally I feel it may be the best way to help ensure that the orcs are defeated or driven away from our city. But I have known some of you for longer than others, but I still value all of your efforts, and thus all of your opinions. Is this a wise course? Even if the elves survive the orcs, will they not betray us to the Tallione, unless we show them there are more advanages to keeping us? Please, my friends, let me know your thoughts."
[/sblock]
[sblock=Silas & DT]
"Silas my old friend, I have always appreciated your advice. I have always sought it out in times of doubt. And I agree with you. But there are more important things to be done right now. What good does it do to unite Dorinthia under one leader to have it decimated. But I will have a discussion with my peers and see what civility we can bring to this process, but I will keep to your advice as best I can. In the meantime we have work to do to tip the scales in our favor. Notably to show the elves that we are allies worth having!" [/sblock]
[sblock=Ventus & DT] Dartis finds a quiet moment with the former legionairre. "Ventus, thank you for your stout defense. I hope you can placate some of your demons with your valourous deeds here. In any case, you have my thanks." [/sblock]
[sblock= DT]
Dartis finds Kyle and pulls him aside for a quiet word. "Kyle, the deeds of our fathers mean very little here, in a new land, a new city, a new Dorinthia. What matters here are our deeds here and now. And you have done a great service for our people Kyle. No one can question that. And I want to thank you for it. Without your leadership, the square would have fallen, many of our people would have died. We have many many trials yet to overcome to ensure that Dorinthia survives. And I am glad to know that our people are still served by men of honor, distinction and bravery such as yourself.
I also want to thank you personally for the use of Swift. He had been a loyal and brave companion to me. And I would ask that I keep him a while longer. My work is not yet done.
Lastly Kyle, I know that there is a great deal of confusion right now as to the leadership of Dorinthia. I cannot ask you to make a choice as to who to support. I only ask that you support whoever comes to power for the good of our country and our people. I do not hide the fact that I wish to the throne. I do, but only as I seek the best for our people Kyle. And I can only tell you that I do appreciate people for what they have done, not their ancestors. And I know that you have proven yourself more than capable of a leadership position. Every city needs a Captain of the Guards after all. But this may be premature, first we must ensure that our fledgeling city lives! I may be off again Kyle, shepard our people well"
Dartis goes to Baron Dorins old quarters and sends off couriers to find Syra and Cal. As they arrive Dartis addresses them both. "My friends, my peers, my fellow nobles. Our people look to us for leadership. My heart aches for you both for the loss of your father. He was dear to me as well. Still though we grieve, we must move on. We shall bury Baron Dorin as best we can. In the meantime we must present a united front. We can either throw our small nation into civil war as we fight amonst ourselves, and I am not even sure which of you has inherited his title. Or we can unite. We are still beset by enemies, orcs, the Tallione, perhaps the elves. We need to show our people we care about them, so they do not despair! Let us set aside issues of succession for one week, ruling as a triumverate. Out of respect for your father at least."
As Cal leaves Dartis calls Syra aside "Syra, the fact does not escape me, that you are the last lady of noble blood, and I the last gentleman of noble blood not related to you. There are worse things I could think of than to be married to woman as beautiful as you. Please consider a future for us, when you consider the future of our people. A royal wedding would cheer the spirits of our people and ensure the continuity of the throne of Dorinthia. A queen rules with more authority with a king beside her." says Dartis taking Syras hand and staring into her eyes.
[/sblock]
Dartis gather his friends together over some food and drink cobbled together. "My friends. I know you are tired, I know you are sore and injured. We have all given much to defend out town. But to know we were not the target gives me fear that our neighbours are in trouble. My plan is to ride forth, we few, for I will not detract from the city's defenses. But for us to ride to the elves and offer what aid we can. It may be symbolic, but I wish to show the elves that Dorinthia is a neigbour and an ally worth having. Additonally I feel it may be the best way to help ensure that the orcs are defeated or driven away from our city. But I have known some of you for longer than others, but I still value all of your efforts, and thus all of your opinions. Is this a wise course? Even if the elves survive the orcs, will they not betray us to the Tallione, unless we show them there are more advanages to keeping us? Please, my friends, let me know your thoughts."
Blarkon Dragonslayer
First Post
As they sit over the meal, Nikolos pours himself a small glass of Craecian wine, and sits back, wincing a bit. He was a scholar after all, not a soldier, and the day's battle and exertions had taken their toll. "I will go with you, of course. With your permission, however, I will leave my staff here in the town. This doesn't seem like a mission for a scholarly entourage, and they may be able to do some good here. As for what the elves will do, even if they are victorious, it will still be a matter of what is more important to them. Do they value your allegiance more or less then they fear the legions of the Empire? That said, if you remain here, and simply defend this small corner of land, and your people, you will be far less valuable to the elves then if you offered direct and effective assistance to them."
Over the last short while, he'd come to like the Dorinthians. They lived in a way, even in the current dark days, that made the Empire, and Craece even more so, seem rather stultified and dead. A part of him wondered what that meant to his objectivity as a Witness of Adeiros, but it really didn't matter.
Later that night, in the privacy of his tent, he sat over a sheet of paper, with the pen in his own hand. That was a rare thing, most often he dictated to Gnaden, but tonight was different. The pen scratched over the paper, as he wrote:
To the Chief Witness, Antonicus Scipianus
As always, I remain a humble and devoted servant of Blessed Adeiros, and of the Order. However, things that I have witnessed, here in these northern lands, have brought me to a difficult decision, regarding my mission of Witness. As you know, Brothers Wilmur and Karros chose to remain with the Legions of the Empire, and I trust that their missions go well. Now, though, I must respectfully submit my Journal of Mission, and ask that it be placed into review by the Library Commitee. This missive will be included, with my notes and observations, along with the Journal.
Which brings me to the decision I mentioned. At this time, I formally sever myself from my Mission of Witness. My actions henceforth are my own, and bear no Seal of Mission from the Holy Church, nor are they condoned or authorized by any save my own conscience. Any blame or repercussions from my actions are mine alone.
Well, that certainly sounds ominous, doesn't it your Grace? In any case, I pray that your family does well, and that your grand-daughter's wedding was a great success. Remember me to our friends at the Great Library.
Yours in Service to the Seeking Eye,
Nikolos Viridikos
Journeyman Priest of the Order of Witnesses
Finishing the short letter, he dated and sealed it, and called in Gnaden. "Place this with the journals, please. We'll send the whole lot south when opportunity presents itself. While I am gone, you will write all of our various notes into the Journal of Mission, and do try to make the narrative flow, if you can."
Over the last short while, he'd come to like the Dorinthians. They lived in a way, even in the current dark days, that made the Empire, and Craece even more so, seem rather stultified and dead. A part of him wondered what that meant to his objectivity as a Witness of Adeiros, but it really didn't matter.
Later that night, in the privacy of his tent, he sat over a sheet of paper, with the pen in his own hand. That was a rare thing, most often he dictated to Gnaden, but tonight was different. The pen scratched over the paper, as he wrote:
To the Chief Witness, Antonicus Scipianus
As always, I remain a humble and devoted servant of Blessed Adeiros, and of the Order. However, things that I have witnessed, here in these northern lands, have brought me to a difficult decision, regarding my mission of Witness. As you know, Brothers Wilmur and Karros chose to remain with the Legions of the Empire, and I trust that their missions go well. Now, though, I must respectfully submit my Journal of Mission, and ask that it be placed into review by the Library Commitee. This missive will be included, with my notes and observations, along with the Journal.
Which brings me to the decision I mentioned. At this time, I formally sever myself from my Mission of Witness. My actions henceforth are my own, and bear no Seal of Mission from the Holy Church, nor are they condoned or authorized by any save my own conscience. Any blame or repercussions from my actions are mine alone.
Well, that certainly sounds ominous, doesn't it your Grace? In any case, I pray that your family does well, and that your grand-daughter's wedding was a great success. Remember me to our friends at the Great Library.
Yours in Service to the Seeking Eye,
Nikolos Viridikos
Journeyman Priest of the Order of Witnesses
Finishing the short letter, he dated and sealed it, and called in Gnaden. "Place this with the journals, please. We'll send the whole lot south when opportunity presents itself. While I am gone, you will write all of our various notes into the Journal of Mission, and do try to make the narrative flow, if you can."
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