Off to War [IC]

From his earlier conservation with Fallon, and Dellex’s comment about better him then the “blasted dwarf”, told Alexander he was going to replace Martomum Stonebreaker; he did not know how well liked the Dwarf was, and just saying something that amounted to, “I’m here to randomly replace your commander” would not help him when dealing with the Gnolls. Meanwhile he also knew Dellex was giving him a chance to show his leadership, and he knew Dellex could speak Gnoll; he would have liked to just politely, get in, to talk to Martomum, and then take over slowly without causing a large stir. Oh well, he would just calm things down afterward.

It is always annoying when the margin of error is reduced from massive to tiny, but challenges should not be ignored nor left unanswered.


Alexander approached to address the trio, but still stayed well enough away that he was neither threatening them for nearly in their reach while he rolled his gold and black eyes around in their sockets before locking them, unflinchingly, onto the eyes of the Gnoll who asked the question “To Massacre the knife-ears.” he answered with a irritated growl seeping through, as if the question was insulating and foolish, as if the answer he gave was the only one possible, as if the mere idea that it could be answered otherwise was foolhardy, and he stared downwards at the Gnoll boredly with golden eyes, as if the gnoll was not their at all, as if his golden eyes could see strait through it and he was in fact looking at some insignificant insect behind it, as if it was some little bug and not something as imposing as a Gnoll.

Being use to seeing the shadows of Iron golems lumbering about made Alexander rather immune to being intimidated through something simply being large, something that most Gnoll's unknowingly benefited from and came to, in at lest small part, expect when dealing with most other races.

“Yet as for why I am here,” Alexander added while paying attention to the other two Gnolls, “I am here to instigate a correction in ye deployment, and…” Alexander continued dryly before turning his gaze back towards the previous Gnoll who instigated the conversation, and thus the one he assumed was the most dominant of the three Thou shalt lead us unto Stonebreaker.” He then finished as he told the Gnoll what was about to happen; the earlier growling sub tone was completely gone, instead replaced by a level yet commanding tone; he then motioned for the other two to stand aside. It was more forceful then he would have entered without Dellex at his back, but if it harmed him or gave him a boon had yet to be seen.

[sblock=OoC] Um, Did Dellex answer any more of Alexander’s questions during the ride over? It seems kind of daft to not bother doing so when they had a half hour to talk things over and all the questions he asked could vastly change how he behaves to any given situation. :/

Also, that is Alexander's Gnoll voice color ^^; [/sblock]
 

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[sblock=OOC]
As for the gnolls and their uses it is still to be determined. They have recently joined on as skirmishers and Bear was thinking of using them along with the Outriders as flankers. Their will be plenty of time to develop them into a fighting force as we march towards the front."

If this didn't answer most of your questions I have no idea which ones are left unanswered so you will need to re-ask those you wish a defined answer to.[/sblock]
 

[sblock=OoC]
unanswered questions in the order they appeared.
"To whom would I take my orders from"
Will he be reporting to and getting his order from Dellex? strait from Bear? , an other noble? who?

"would I need any documentation"
With Dellex accompanying he has no real need of it, so it is answered it a way :3

"how much autonomy would be expected of my leadership, how much autonomy would I have in deploying them"
While Dellex has said the Gnoll's role is yet to be, fully, determined, he said nothing about autonomy. Alexander is a novice commander, at best; he basically asked if he is to adhere to the main battle plane while taking the initiative were he can without moving out of line, if he is to use the primary battle plane as little more than a guideline and more or less do as he pleases, is he expected to charge if he sees an opening, is he allowed to fall back if combat is to his disadvantage or would it be a given that he holds to maintain the battle line? Etc etc. this is a very open question.

"what should I know of the Gnolls before going out to lead them"

He is just fishing for some 'good to know' information about the Gnolls here; things that he might not know that could either help or harm his command.

"will I be needing a runner when I need to contact you or do you have other means you would like me to contact you with? If the former, who should I use for a runner?"

Will he? :P[/sblock]
 

The lead gnoll nods his head deeply and then turns to leave. The follow me gesture not lost on Alexander and he kicks his horse into a slow walk to follow the gnoll.

[sblock=OOC] It is best to RP the questions if they are that important to your character. Dellex gave the answer he wanted to give but if you think you what more definite answers than our character needs to re-ask. I (HolyMan) didn't miss the questions I answered them like he (Dellex) would. Up to you how your character takes to Dellex I am trying to build something here without giving to much away.[/sblock]
 

[FONT=&quot]Alexander fallowed, while surveying the camp; its approximant size and the attentiveness of the Gnolls were of particular interest.

[sblock=OoC] its more along the lines of Dellex wanting to influence Alexander, as how Dellex answered could have affected Alexanders actions.[/sblock]
[/FONT]
 

The encampment of the gnolls is hardly that. It is really just an area that the gnolls chose to dwell in at the moment. Signs of how it has inched it's way this way and that are evident. There are no tents no bedrolls and no signs of cook fires.

The smile is quite unique as well and Alexander wonders how even though there has been no rain recently the area smells like wet dog and... and something he can't identify. Dellex lifts a handkerchief to his face in disgust.

The gnoll leading them sets out for a large tree surrounded by gnolls lying about it. As they approach they also see a dwarf with a salt and pepper beard lounging in the shade. the gnolls don't bother to move and the dwarf just looks up and squints at the group of riders.

"Oh it be ye mage. Wat it be ye needs I 'ave no..." Martomum starts to say but Dellex cuts him off.

"Martomum Stonebreaker, you are here by relieved of your command and should report immediately to the irregulars encampment to resume your duties there." Dellex says standing straighter in the saddle and removing the kerchief, but spoiling his imposing look by raising it again as soon as he is done speaking.

"Ha, ha. A poor jokes if'n I did 'ear one." Martomum laughs out loud. "Whose ye tink ta replace me. Ye do no speak tae dees gnolls."

"Lord Alexander Ravensworth will be taking over," Dellex says nodding to Alex.

"Wha-? A boy?" the dwarf says turning an eye to Alex. "He be in a cook pot by sun down or cry'n 'ome tae his momma. Be serious wizard."

"I am," Dellex responds in a tone to say that he is. "You are relieved. Lord Ravensworth the command is yours. Orders will be sent in the morning. I'll give you this evening to get settled in."

Then as if the smell is to much the wizard turns and starts at a trot back towards the regulars camp, leaving Alex and Martomum alone to stare at one another.

[sblock=OOC] I am setting up a side adventure and it will have it's own thread. As I like to keep anything not dealing with the main Off to War game separate. Also I hope to have another player interested in getting into the game. No more posting here I will post a link to the new thread in the OOC and we will continue on in it.[/sblock]
 

INTERLUDE -

Dellex sat behind his large desk and contemplated how things seemed to be getting out of hand. He was so sure of this mission when it was assigned to him (by King Haspen himself no less) and the goal seemed easy enough - find the half-elf Tharivol and bring him to Siere - but that was now out of his hands.

He had thought Tharivol would be at Harkon Manor or somewhere near, maybe living in his own cabin in the woods near the elven border. But that would have been to easy, and the gods loved to make sure Dellex's life was hard it seemed. "How else do you explain that accursed dwarf always being in my life," he comments out loud.

But Martomum was not the problem at this time, he was out of the way once more. The problem was Dellex had men (and gnolls) out looking for Tharivol and all he could do was wait to see if any were competent enough to get the job done without the wizard there to hold their hands (um.... paws?).

Dellex laughed to himself quietly, something needed to happen soon. All this waiting was slowly driving him mad.

_______________________________________________________

In the elven forest on the other side of the river across from Harkon Manor an unusual group sat hidden from anyone at the stone edifice that might spot them. Four humans, three elves, and two half-elves made for a large group. But with the help of Elder Tyion and the invisible Wardens that he commanded (and yet no one saw) they made good time through the forest and kept hidden from any patrols that may have been sent out from Tirol.

The Wardens had dropped off food without being seen and Elder Tyion had provided water with his divine abilities. So if not for the urgency of their flight and the mission before them, the trip through the elven forest would have been a pleasant time for all. The wonders they saw in the lush green, and the peacefulness that settled over them as they walked paths never trodden by humans would last with them for years to come and help in the dark times ahead.

"And dark times it will be," the ambassador says to the unspoken thoughts. "If we fail to bring the Crown of Isillis back to the empire. Dark times should the Purist have their way and every human be turned into the slave they believe they should be."

The group sits and waits. The Wardens were to be showing up soon with the ambassador's belongings and boats to once more cross the river into human lands. As they wait Aver once more gripes about the plan to explain why the ambassador would wish to travel with a human army.

"But let me get this straight once more," he says tossing a stone into the dirt. Everyone rolls their eyes and sighs. "You want to go to the humans. Say you have an urgent message to give their High King in Siere and that they should escort you safely through their lands no questions asked?"

"That is right. And do not forget that I am to be addressed as a Nandirly ambassador," the ambassador answers. "I will let them know that it is of great importance to stopping the Treylor invasion, all true mind you. And that all of you should accompany me as liaisons (Malaroc and Ernstine), bodyguards (Jarteh and Trinham), and..."

"And servant."
Aver interupts "Why do I have to be the servant."

"Because if I were to have a human servant, I would need to treat them as a slave. That I believe would not go over well. You make the best choice. Elder Tyion is going to go back to Tirol and will hopefully be able to keep us informed as to what goes on with the search for more Purist supporters. And as an ambassador I will need to have a someone on hand to help with my belongings. Where are they by the way?"

"Patience," Elder Tyion says smiling. "They will not fail. But I am curious. What about Tira and Tharivol? You did not give them... assignments. And yet the three of you talked quietly alone for hours each night on our way here."

"We will not be crossing the river," Tharivol says before the ambassador can speak. "At least not for a while yet."

"Yes they have something else to do. Something just as important if I am correct." the ambassador says a little vexed that Tharivol had spoken of it.

Tira grins as if bursting with a secret she wishes to tell. She looks up to Tharivol and he nods. Turning to Jareth she says quickly, "And we are to be married as well. Isn't that wonderful."

[sblock=OOC] Ok about a third as long as before but will try and give out all other info (and new gear ;)) as we RP.

Just wish EnWorld wasn't acting up -

"So little to do, so much time." - Willy Wonka (had to quote him it's my 10,000th post :p )

Great times ahead - promise

HM [/sblock]
 
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Jareth didn't particularly like the plan... Heading to the human capital rather than the Treylor lands seemed at first like a waste of time to him.

The red-haired man chuckles a little as Aver is once again identified as being the servant. "And don't forget, your people have supposedly had little-to-no contact with humans for years. Him having a human servant, particularly one treated like a slave, would definitely draw eyes and ire."

At Tharivol's words, Jareth's eyebrow rises sharply. He starts to say "But we need you to come with us", yet gets cut off by his sister's surprise announcement. He just blinks several times, stunned and puzzled by the news. Finally, he coughs out, "Married?"
 

Mal turns to the couple quickly, wondering just what type of wedding there was to be. "Are we invited?" he asks, jokingly.

He can't help but feel somewhat changed, as his recent discoveries and adjustments to his outward view on life has somewhat been changed. Feeling more quick-witted with comments, he can only wonder what Emmas tattoos have done to him. Once of them has started to burn slightly, yet he keeps it to himself.
 

Trinham smiles at the though of Aver being a servant but hopes the ambassador keeps a close eye on his belonging.

Once the elves have finish outlining the plan, Trinham rather sheepishly says "I am sorry ambassador but I believe there are a couple of problems with your plan. Firstly, if I remember rightly, you said that you have met Dellex before and I wouldn't count on him not remembering. Secondly, Jareth and I were sent to get Tharivol. Any story must account for why we have brought you instead of him."
 

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