Montego squints through his early morning hangover, still dead tired from not sleeping enough, or at all.
He helps get the wagons ready for travel, relieved to hear that he might be able to sleep along the way to the next fort.
"I just hope the next place isn't under siege when we arrive."
Along the Border Watch
Re: Along the Border Watch
Adelphocles
The centaur looks from the bandit to his companions. What do you think? The back to the bandit. Where are your people encamped? Who is paying you? Where do we find them? What is their reason for wanting this carnage?
Whether the bandit answers or not, the centaur will turn him over to Captain Drex and shares what he has learned so far. Maybe he can find some redemption and a new life here with you. Maybe not. But I leave it to you and your people whom he wrong to decide.
Later when speaking with the others. I do hope that the next place we go is perhaps Fort Full of Glorious Fillies and an Abundant Supply of Premium Mead Behind Impervious Walls.
The centaur looks from the bandit to his companions. What do you think? The back to the bandit. Where are your people encamped? Who is paying you? Where do we find them? What is their reason for wanting this carnage?
Whether the bandit answers or not, the centaur will turn him over to Captain Drex and shares what he has learned so far. Maybe he can find some redemption and a new life here with you. Maybe not. But I leave it to you and your people whom he wrong to decide.
Later when speaking with the others. I do hope that the next place we go is perhaps Fort Full of Glorious Fillies and an Abundant Supply of Premium Mead Behind Impervious Walls.
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Along the Border Watch
Muldgarr bids the folks farewell...as he readies Nantathren...he thinks to himself, it’s ironic that every fort we have arrived at, comes under siege. He will keep a watchful eye for anything out of the ordinary.
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ChubbyPixie
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6109
- Joined: Sat Dec 08, 2012 12:07 am
Re: Along the Border Watch
Kranston mounts Eustace and trots away content at a nights work well done, barely ever dozing off in the saddle as they ride.
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 8311
- Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 11:03 am
- Location: NC
Re: Along the Border Watch
Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Godsday 18, Samhain, All Hallows Eve!
Leaving Fort Disaster and its common folk behind, the heroes of the Border Watch move on down the road. Hungover and tuckered out, the first day on the road is rough. The next seven days are even worse as rain continues to fall and the air turns colder. Is there a hint of snow on the wind? Perhaps, but at least the way is clear of Orcs, Ogres and Bandits, and Talon scouts (and hunts) freely along the way.
Adelphocles thinks back to his final conversation with Captain Drex after handing over the lone bandit they kept alive.
Drex told him, "The road goes ever on it seems, eh? We could sure use men...like you and your friends here at the fort. Hell, we might even change its name after last night's stand. Once you are done with your guard duty, I know my men would welcome you back. I would put in letters of accommodation for you in the Furyondian army. Won't you consider it?"
Sai has been practicing with his new long sword. He was successful in trading the bardiche for it to a big man who needed "something for cutting down Orcs like cutting down weeds back home." The sword was well-used but as sharp as glass, to which Sai could attest after laying the skin open on his thumb when testing the edge.
Cassius greets the trip as most Elves do, seeing it as another adventure, another day to be alive. He makes it a point to join Jasmalus in his wagon, even though the elusive merchant says nothing to him unless prompted.
By the 8th day, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, the weather has turned much cooler. There IS a hint of snow in the air and the company travels hunched in their cloaks, Emerall and Jasmalus huddled in blankets, while Malin rides stoically in the front, seemingly impervious to the weather. And it is Malin who insists on pushing forward even after night has already fallen. You cross the Crystal River, it's waters swollen by the recent rains. The horses are hesitant, but with some urging, you are able to make it, even though Eustace basically swims across, soaking Kranston to the bone.
An hour after crossing the river, two riders approach, hailing your caravan. They carry torches and their shields bear the symbol of Furyondy. They escort you toward a small town which has seen better days. Most of the town surrounds the fort ahead, where there are torches burning.
"This is the village of Barduk," Malin says, although it looks mostly deserted. As you pass through the town, you notice most of the buildings appear damaged, either from physical attacks or from fire. Most of Barduk's barns, warehouses, and shops lie demolished, while evidence of heavy Orc raids - arrows, rusted shields, and axes - lie strewn about the ground.
There are smoldering buildings from the latest raids, but more obvious is the large bonfire near the fort wall.
People are dancing around the bonefire, shouting and drinking, calling out to the gods for protection from the spirits who are awakened on All Hallows Eve. As you ride, Malin explains:
"Since the war, the town has begun to disintegrate. Many of its men became soldiers and did not survive the war, and many families have moved away to work in Willip. Last winter brought an epidemic to the town, which naturally reduced its population, and now the increase in Orcish raids threatens to shrink it even further.
"Worse, the plague and the raids have virtually decimated its militia. My guess is there are not more than a dozen in the militia. Were it not for the Orc war bands also contracting the plague, the fort would have fallen long ago.
A Shield Lander named Captain Rillian heads the ragtag remnants of the border post, all veterans of the war. Normally, folk of Furyondy resent Shield Land refugees, but residents here accept them as fighters in the greater cause. Were it not for Shield Landers, Barduk would have no militia at all.
By coincidence, the entire surviving garrison hails from the same town inside the Shield Lands, thus earning Border Post Number Four the nickname 'Fort Critwall' - even though it lies 100 miles from their captured city's border.
During the war, the post served as the southern end of the border defenses against The Horned Society. Prior to the war, it did not share a common border with The Horned Society, and so became the place where Furyondy sent its least capable troops. Thus, it was not well built, nor was it maintained well with the little money it did get. So, I'm afraid some of ya might be a bit disappointed in the over condition of it, although, I dare say it will at least have four walls, nor does it look to be under siege at the moment."
Malin grins at Montego and Adelphocles, and then turns back to the fort.
An earthen wall, 20' tall, surrounds the fort, apparently of new construction. The wall slopes up to a 10-foot-wide top, with randomly placed spikes covering the outer side of the wall. A six-foot-deep, 10-foot-wide trench surrounds the wall, completely encircling the fort save for the main avenue that leads into its entrance.
You pass through the guarded entrance to enter a small, open plaza. In addition to a tower, the earthen wall circles a two-story inn and a combination smithy and stables.
Malin directs the teamsters to find a place for the wagons, and then says to you, "You earned some rest. Take it and be glad to get it. I need to see to the horses and get some rest myself. We pull out in two days."
- water-rain-web-701x468.jpg (73.94 KiB) Viewed 5043 times
Leaving Fort Disaster and its common folk behind, the heroes of the Border Watch move on down the road. Hungover and tuckered out, the first day on the road is rough. The next seven days are even worse as rain continues to fall and the air turns colder. Is there a hint of snow on the wind? Perhaps, but at least the way is clear of Orcs, Ogres and Bandits, and Talon scouts (and hunts) freely along the way.
Adelphocles thinks back to his final conversation with Captain Drex after handing over the lone bandit they kept alive.
Drex told him, "The road goes ever on it seems, eh? We could sure use men...like you and your friends here at the fort. Hell, we might even change its name after last night's stand. Once you are done with your guard duty, I know my men would welcome you back. I would put in letters of accommodation for you in the Furyondian army. Won't you consider it?"
Sai has been practicing with his new long sword. He was successful in trading the bardiche for it to a big man who needed "something for cutting down Orcs like cutting down weeds back home." The sword was well-used but as sharp as glass, to which Sai could attest after laying the skin open on his thumb when testing the edge.
Cassius greets the trip as most Elves do, seeing it as another adventure, another day to be alive. He makes it a point to join Jasmalus in his wagon, even though the elusive merchant says nothing to him unless prompted.
By the 8th day, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, the weather has turned much cooler. There IS a hint of snow in the air and the company travels hunched in their cloaks, Emerall and Jasmalus huddled in blankets, while Malin rides stoically in the front, seemingly impervious to the weather. And it is Malin who insists on pushing forward even after night has already fallen. You cross the Crystal River, it's waters swollen by the recent rains. The horses are hesitant, but with some urging, you are able to make it, even though Eustace basically swims across, soaking Kranston to the bone.
An hour after crossing the river, two riders approach, hailing your caravan. They carry torches and their shields bear the symbol of Furyondy. They escort you toward a small town which has seen better days. Most of the town surrounds the fort ahead, where there are torches burning.
"This is the village of Barduk," Malin says, although it looks mostly deserted. As you pass through the town, you notice most of the buildings appear damaged, either from physical attacks or from fire. Most of Barduk's barns, warehouses, and shops lie demolished, while evidence of heavy Orc raids - arrows, rusted shields, and axes - lie strewn about the ground.
There are smoldering buildings from the latest raids, but more obvious is the large bonfire near the fort wall.
- Samhain+bonfire.jpg (205.62 KiB) Viewed 5043 times
People are dancing around the bonefire, shouting and drinking, calling out to the gods for protection from the spirits who are awakened on All Hallows Eve. As you ride, Malin explains:
"Since the war, the town has begun to disintegrate. Many of its men became soldiers and did not survive the war, and many families have moved away to work in Willip. Last winter brought an epidemic to the town, which naturally reduced its population, and now the increase in Orcish raids threatens to shrink it even further.
"Worse, the plague and the raids have virtually decimated its militia. My guess is there are not more than a dozen in the militia. Were it not for the Orc war bands also contracting the plague, the fort would have fallen long ago.
A Shield Lander named Captain Rillian heads the ragtag remnants of the border post, all veterans of the war. Normally, folk of Furyondy resent Shield Land refugees, but residents here accept them as fighters in the greater cause. Were it not for Shield Landers, Barduk would have no militia at all.
By coincidence, the entire surviving garrison hails from the same town inside the Shield Lands, thus earning Border Post Number Four the nickname 'Fort Critwall' - even though it lies 100 miles from their captured city's border.
During the war, the post served as the southern end of the border defenses against The Horned Society. Prior to the war, it did not share a common border with The Horned Society, and so became the place where Furyondy sent its least capable troops. Thus, it was not well built, nor was it maintained well with the little money it did get. So, I'm afraid some of ya might be a bit disappointed in the over condition of it, although, I dare say it will at least have four walls, nor does it look to be under siege at the moment."
Malin grins at Montego and Adelphocles, and then turns back to the fort.
An earthen wall, 20' tall, surrounds the fort, apparently of new construction. The wall slopes up to a 10-foot-wide top, with randomly placed spikes covering the outer side of the wall. A six-foot-deep, 10-foot-wide trench surrounds the wall, completely encircling the fort save for the main avenue that leads into its entrance.
You pass through the guarded entrance to enter a small, open plaza. In addition to a tower, the earthen wall circles a two-story inn and a combination smithy and stables.
Malin directs the teamsters to find a place for the wagons, and then says to you, "You earned some rest. Take it and be glad to get it. I need to see to the horses and get some rest myself. We pull out in two days."
Winter is coming...
Re: Along the Border Watch
Adelphocles listens and clearly considers this. He can't help but think of his current charge of protecting the caravan and the idea of raising his own people back up to their former glory... But... making allies is an important part of that. He turns back to Captain Drex and nods. I will certainly consider returning here. I see much I could do to help these people, and, gods willing, my own as well.hedgeknight wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 7:32 pm Adelphocles thinks back to his final conversation with Captain Drex after handing over the lone bandit they kept alive.
Drex told him, "The road goes ever on it seems, eh? We could sure use men...like you and your friends here at the fort. Hell, we might even change its name after last night's stand. Once you are done with your guard duty, I know my men would welcome you back. I would put in letters of accommodation for you in the Furyondian army. Won't you consider it?"
It is later in the trip as he reflected on the exchange that he wondered just what he could do to help. In the end, he smiled, remembering what his father once told him long ago. Just show up lad. Be there. Be seen doing good. Others will follow. Yes Father. I will. he mummers to himself and the wind.
=====================================
On Samhain, Adelphocles is in high spirits and practically plunges into the river at the crossing, happily dunking his head and washing himself off with a good scrub. He comes out the other side shaking off the water and laughing. It's warmer than you think! he grins and trots on along with the caravan, dripping dry and singing songs in Sylvan praising ancestors and the harvest the whole way to Barduk.
Once they arrive at the town, the centaur looks right at home looking around at the celebrations. He takes in the information about the towns history and that hard times it has had from plague and raids, but it is a day of celebration, and celebrate he will. Come Montego & Sai! We will sing and drink to our ancestors! He will seek out the largest fire he can find and whoop as he begins joining in with the revelors.
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
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OGRE MAGE
- First Gentleman
- Posts: 37523
- Joined: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:16 pm
- Location: The Birthplace of RPG's
Re: Along the Border Watch
Montego joins the others on their way to the fire, happy to dry and warm himself without fear of being shot with an arrow.
Once inside, he mingles with any of the townspeople who seem willing to talk.
"How goes things here in Barduk? Anything you wish to share that your protectors wouldn't tell us?"
Once inside, he mingles with any of the townspeople who seem willing to talk.
"How goes things here in Barduk? Anything you wish to share that your protectors wouldn't tell us?"
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Darklin2
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 2441
- Joined: Mon Sep 30, 2019 4:15 pm
- Location: Mountains of North Carolina
- Contact:
Re: Along the Border Watch
Sai
Helps Emerall put up her wagon. So what are your plans for this evening? I think I am going to get as much rest as possible while here in a real Inn. Seems like this trip just keeps getting harder and harder. Come find me later if you have trouble sleeping.
He then gathers his gear from Goliath and removes the Saddle bags and Bastard Sword. Takes the Warhouse to the stables and brushes him down and gives him some grain. Then returns to the Inn for a private Room, hot meal and a Stiff drink.
Passing Alelphocles he says.
I need to drop off this gear in my room then we will have a few to celebrate getting this far. Saddle bags over his shoulder, Sword in hand with Bow and Quiver. I will be back.
TALON: Take a day off, Hunt and Rest we stay here for a while. Rest and be ready to leave on the second sun rise. Call if you need me.
Helps Emerall put up her wagon. So what are your plans for this evening? I think I am going to get as much rest as possible while here in a real Inn. Seems like this trip just keeps getting harder and harder. Come find me later if you have trouble sleeping.
He then gathers his gear from Goliath and removes the Saddle bags and Bastard Sword. Takes the Warhouse to the stables and brushes him down and gives him some grain. Then returns to the Inn for a private Room, hot meal and a Stiff drink.
Passing Alelphocles he says.
I need to drop off this gear in my room then we will have a few to celebrate getting this far. Saddle bags over his shoulder, Sword in hand with Bow and Quiver. I will be back.
TALON: Take a day off, Hunt and Rest we stay here for a while. Rest and be ready to leave on the second sun rise. Call if you need me.
All things are possible through Magic.
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ChubbyPixie
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6109
- Joined: Sat Dec 08, 2012 12:07 am
Re: Along the Border Watch
Kranston guides Eustace to the stables and gets her sorted there. He asks the hands to take extra good care of her - though she is hardy, she is emotionally sensitive, he informs them.
Later at the inn, he considers turning in early, then gets ahold of himself. Turn in early? That's ridiculous.
Instead he takes his drum down from the hooks by the door and composes the best extemporaneous tavern song ever written.
Subjects covered:
- Fighting
- Traveling
- Fighting and Traveling
- Beard care
- Sieges
- Defending the wall
- Defeating ogres with the power of song (and giant friends).
- Sensitive ponies
- Dwarven ladies
- Wine
Later at the inn, he considers turning in early, then gets ahold of himself. Turn in early? That's ridiculous.
Instead he takes his drum down from the hooks by the door and composes the best extemporaneous tavern song ever written.
Subjects covered:
- Fighting
- Traveling
- Fighting and Traveling
- Beard care
- Sieges
- Defending the wall
- Defeating ogres with the power of song (and giant friends).
- Sensitive ponies
- Dwarven ladies
- Wine
-
Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6096
- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Re: Along the Border Watch
Cassius
Cassius watches and chats with Jasmalus the whole ride, failing to get him to open up. By the time they reach the Crystal River, the elf has finally started to lose patience with the old merchant. A harrowing float across distracts Cassius and the introduction of a new town pushes the obstinate human out of his thoughts.
"Barduk, eh? Looks decent. No active fires, no bloody corpses." Cassius nods at Malin's words and offers to help the merchants into their rooms.
Afterwards, he makes his way to the inn/tavern in time to catch the 12th verse of the bard's tale.
Cassius watches and chats with Jasmalus the whole ride, failing to get him to open up. By the time they reach the Crystal River, the elf has finally started to lose patience with the old merchant. A harrowing float across distracts Cassius and the introduction of a new town pushes the obstinate human out of his thoughts.
"Barduk, eh? Looks decent. No active fires, no bloody corpses." Cassius nods at Malin's words and offers to help the merchants into their rooms.
Afterwards, he makes his way to the inn/tavern in time to catch the 12th verse of the bard's tale.