The Margrave's Council (Summer 669)

[scarik]

With all the regional instability cropping up the Margrave, Sir Kelemer, sends out a call to all the lords and heroes of the Borderlands. He invites them all to Vizkeep to determine how they can band together and answer the threats before them.

He also sends messengers eastward through the mountain pass to inform the king but does not expect assistance to come in time. So far as he can tell the people of the Borderlands are on their own.

[scarik]

Aneq rides hard for Vornhill to bring the message and sends riders ahead to inform of the Dawi delegation on its way. Aneq and the bulk of his companions remain with the Dawi as an escort. By the time they reach Springkeep the party there is ready to depart as well. The road from Springkeep to Ravenswell is still wilderness kept at bay only by the steel and faith of the Paladins. And so Reverend Tomas prudently chooses to wait for the Dawi and travel together with his escort of Paladins and knights from Vizmark and Atwood.

The last to arrive are Morwen and Earnan accompanied by Morwen's faithful guard, Macnav, and Aedaen Halfelven's band.

An attempt was also made to send word to the Druids of the Northwood but no answer was given. With her magic Morwen was able to communicate with Aedaen's brethren, but they are unable to send any other representatives and trust that those Eldar present will be sufficient. They do relate a situation much like that of Vornhill, though. They are engaged in weekly skirmishes with bands of ever bolder Orcs and have taken to sending raiders of their own into the hills to disrupt the enemy where he sleeps.

So other than those reclusive folk all the free peoples of the Borderlands are represented at Vizkeep.

[tibbius]

Dramm attends the council. He is a bit awed of the Margrave, and somehow amused that as a Paladin he's invited to converse with a lord of lands. "Guess helping killing a dragon makes one important, eh?" he asks Barnaby. "Come on with me, lord bard; they'll need someone to keep track of what's said, I'll be glad of your company, and this may be good soil for songs."

Barnaby laughs, and agrees. So he's there too, in his sidekick role.

[Leitz]

Ji-ho paused just inside the doorway as servants quickly dashed to take his gear, each man bowing and each of the lovely ladies giving a newly learned curtsy. Malte and Gar came down the stairs to greet him, and Gar could not hide the glimmer of amusement at Sir Ji-ho's discomfort.

Gar nudged Malte from behind, so Malte bowed properly and then spoke up. "Sir Ji-ho, welcome. Your room is prepared, if you wish, but I believe the keep is also expecting you to stay there. We have baths drawn for you and your..."

Malte stumbled a bit as Zruk stepped in from behind Ji-ho. He caught himself, though, and bowed to the Wolfrider leader. "... leaders. We have made arrangements for everyone else in your troop, and the healers are always at the ready for you. Has the pass been secured, and are you all staying long this time?"

While the building wasn't opulent, it was well above the standard for the area. The wood staircase was recently scrubbed and oiled, the shutters repaired and fully functional. They were also heavier than normal, giving some defense value. Other buildings in the area were a bit more defunct, the Polite Society Meeting House stood as a rejuvenated hope for civility and adventure.

"Some will stay here, a few of us will go up to the keep," Ji-ho said. Hemia walked by, giving all the young servant girls a matronly scowl while holding tightly to her husband's hand as they went upstairs. Ji-ho smiled, and continued. "Please ensure that Dramm, Earnan, Morwen, Zenkris, and Jared know they and theirs are welcome here. If they need anything, please help them find it. Zruk and Aneq's people are camped together outside of town, and may need supplies that local merchants have but who aren't used to dealing with our people. Gurav's people are camped on the other side of town, of course. Malte, you are the best at that, I leave it in your hands."

"And yes, the pass is secure. It has been a good time for it, while others gather at the Margrave's call. Our troops have integrated well with Vizmark's, we've found better ways to operate, and see even more opportunity."

Later, after a bath and change of clothes, Ji-ho and a few others went up to the keep to report. Zruk and Aneq were there, representing their people. And, of course, remining everyone that causing issues with the Wolfriders or the Plainsmen would get Sir Ji-ho's personal attention. The council would start tomorrow, but Ji-ho wanted to let the Margrave know the current status, and issues.

"a few others" includes any PCs interested. JJh has gone back down the pass for a bit to find any Vizmark soldiers left behind, and to ensure any scroungers or leftover orcs were properly dealt with. It is very much a time for the different peoples and skill sets to find ways to work together, since the looking problems are more than any one group can handle.

[scarik]

The meeting with the Margrave is only of principles (PCs, henches of notable quality, major NPCs.)
Jiho, Siwoo, Hemia and Rolton
Aneq and Zruk
Morwen (with Macnav)
Dramm and Barnaby
Earnan
Elder Tomas and Sir Ebroin the Paladin Commander
Sirs Tylar and Kyl
Aedaen Halfelven and Ryfon (Both from the Elf kingdom in the western region)
Zenkris, Evelyn and Robyn (Elves from other Regions)
The Margrave and Markessa, their children Fylla and Kornel
Sirs Antal, the seneschal Marton, the marshal Zobor, the castellan and Bognar, the herald (the Margrave's chief officers)
Magos Tobran (the Margrave's uncle)
Magarra and Gurav (with Beletrada, Borav and Korev)

The meeting is called to begin at mid-day in the Margrave's main hall. There is a war-room attached to the side but with two dozen principal attendants, their squires and body servants there is not enough space and so the main room is used. Typically the Margrave holds court here from the raised throne set to the rear but in the company of luminaries that seat is left vacant and he joins the others around a pair of trestles. One is set with plates and bowls of lunch offering for the participants to take as they wish while the other is set with maps of the northeastern parts of the region. Wooden figurines representing for soldiers are available for them to place and each of their forts is marked with a wooden tower.

NE Borderlands Summer 669.jpg (270.52 KiB) Viewed 509 times

"Welcome friends new and old, please take your time to eat and reacquaint yourselves. Sir Bognar, announce our guests." The Margrave, Sir Kelemer, says.

He does so in an order that has surely been carefully chosen to minimize offense. Typically that would be the lowest ranking first but he starts with the Margrave and his family then his officers, then in a more typical manner for the humans (Atwood, then Eastfort, Springkeep (Dramm is included with the Abbot), and then the representatives of the Plainsfolk and the Goblins (deliberately placing them here to make a point about their status as honored guests). Next come the Dawi above the Goblins to show old vows, but notably lower than Ravenswell and finally the Elves in the order of how far they have travelled to be here. Earnan is thus introduced last just after Zenkris.

One notable mention is that Ryfon (whom several of them once met in the forest with Zenkris astride a mighty elk) is revealed as the Markessa's Uncle (brother of her Elven mother). The familial resemblance is hard to see for non-Elves as they are often unable to see past the typical comeliness of the Eldar to make deeper distinctions, but for those who do it is clear that Ryfon and Aedaen are close kin as well. Robyn and Evelyn are identical twins, a remarkable occurrence among their folk.

[Leitz]

Having seen the map, and understanding what Kelemer planned, I'm thinking JJh would have really enjoyed preparing his talk.

Amongst JJh's "body servants" are a half-orc serving girl and a Reisker scribe.

"Sir Kelemer, if I may share some news with your guests?" Ji-ho smiled and then walked over to Barnaby and laid a gentle hand on the bard's shoulder. "Many of you have heard Barnaby's voice, and depth of story, so you will want to hear his words about the recent demise of at least one great evil. His words will be better than mine, but heed what he says: he was there."

Ji-ho walked as he talked, gently resting a hand on each person as he spoke. "Aneq and the Plains people joined in the fight, alongside Zruk and his wolfriders, to cleanse the area around an ancient watchfort. Cleanse of the spawn of a dragon, no minor feat. Earnan led those that cleared the path, allowing the malevolent beast to remain unaware of how soon it's reign of evil would end. Darfilla, Macnav, and Friend Morwen fought hundreds of kobolds and dragonborn in their own filthy lair and still managed to fight the dragon at the same time."

He looked at Elder Tomas as he rested a hand on Hemia's shoulder. She developed a deep blush. "The Lawgiver is everywhere, and He sent His Templar and her husband as a bold witness of His might. You can ask Sir Rolton about is as well, if you like, or speak to Thane Gurav and Magarra of the stout hearted Dawi."

He reached into his robe and took out an ancient coin from the treasure, then walked to the map and placed it on top of the last watchfort. "Because of these people, an evil dragon is dead and the land can begin to heal. Think of what we can do if we work together. Sir Kelemer brought us here because there is a great evil, and he brought into your company those who have begun that fight. It was just one battle, though. The war is just begining. The people need heroes; they need the stories of Sirs Tylar and Kyl, and Dame Fylla going against orcs and giants. The Dawi will tell tales of Magarra's forces and Thane Gurav's long journey to reclaim his kingdom. While they fear the magic wielded by our enemies, they will know that they are defended by mages as well."

Ji-ho paused, and then let command enter his voice as he straightened up and walked to stand beside Dramm. "Sir Kelemer, I have been remiss. I do not know the practices of knighthood here, and I beg your wisdom."

He looked at each and every knight in the room as he put one hand firmly on Dramm's shoulder. "The Lawgiver transforms those He calls, Elder Tomas can attest to that in a sermon. Others...another, might not speak of his own calling save by bold deeds done in service. Who, grievously wounded and dying himself, stood in the face of the beast and slew an ancient evil. Can any knight here give reason that Dramm, Dragonslayer, should not join our ranks?"

[scarik]

i hope to continue tomorrow. I will add the main decision points.

[scarik]

Spirited discussions take place as those with some expertise speak amongst themselves.

Knights both secular and sacred discuss the art of war with the latter the more aggressive and least concerned with the possibility of failure. The Dawi are curiously conservative. Yes they wish to slay the Urk, but they are foremost concerned with the reclamation of Kraka Grak. To that end they are glad to throw their flesh into the furnace of war, but on other fronts they are more cautious and prefer defense. Occasionally one of the Elves will remind them that they have some skill at arms, but it is only Aedaen who possesses the proper perspective from a mortal point of view. The Eldar take savage joy in the destruction of Orcs, but their methods are unlikely to keep Springvale safe.

Meanwhile mages find themselves discussing what sorts of magic they expect to encounter. It is hard to say who holds the greatest expertise in this regard. Tobran is the most personally skilled at manipulating magic and he has devoted his entire life to its study, but with several of the immortal Eldar present that span of time is not so long as it may seem. There is something to be said for the urgency of mortal study, though, and so while Zenkris is the eldest he and Tobran have similar breadth of lore. But given the wicked arts of the enemy it is Morwen who all must acknowledge will understand them the best, with the caveat that the feathered folk do not practice fire magic of any sort. Darfilla, however...

The clergy can only provide moral guidance. The Adversary but be confronted, but they leave the methods to those with greater expertise. Certainly they believe that Springvale, with its healing waters, must be protected above all other places, but how can that be done without leaving the meek to fend for themselves? Many sacred passages are quoted, and their meanings and appropriateness debated. In this eyes all turn to Elder Tomas and Reverend Hemia The Abbot is no warrior, and so allows the paladins to speak on that front, but he is by far the most learned in theology of the two. Hemia, by contrast is a capable warrior, but more importantly she wields the Flame Imperishable. Those who understand the dynamics can only pray that both will show wisdom.

To the north an Orc horde is gathering. This is the most obvious threat and it is only a matter of time before it surges southward. The total force available to you is currently about 1000 soldiers. JJ and Tylar have 100 each, Vizmark and Springvale 300 each. Add in 100 Dawi, 100 Goblin riders and another 50 from Morwen. You have many, many, more heroes than the enemy and a vast cavalry advantage. But there are at least 2500 Orcs in the northern mountains given the number of fires.
To the east the Orcs are scattered in the pass, but they had Giants and Ogres among them. The Borderton garrison can easily hold out against an attack if they manage to regroup, but the pass would be closed to travel.
In the west you have the Broken Lands around Kraka Grak. You know they are dangerous, but you need to send parties to determine how much. Given that it was a full Dawi kingdom and I'm a fan of Tolkien you know its going to be a lot. What you don't know is how proximate the danger is from that side.
You know almost nothing about the south.

He looked at each and every knight in the room as he put one hand firmly on Dramm's shoulder. "The Lawgiver transforms those He calls, Elder Tomas can attest to that in a sermon. Others...another, might not speak of his own calling save by bold deeds done in service. Who, grievously wounded and dying himself, stood in the face of the beast and slew an ancient evil. Can any knight here give reason that Dramm, Dragonslayer, should not join our ranks?"

I'm not sure what is being asked here. I suspect its a miscommunication. Dramm is a Knight of the Law and a Paladin of Springvale. He is a questing knight and not part of the standard militant order but he is still a knight. He holds no rank but he's held in very high esteem by his fellows.

In the social order there are three main tiers of people present: Lords/Luminaries, Officers and Retainers.

Lords are the Margrave, Jiho, Morwen and the Abott.
Luminaries include Magos Tobran and all the Elves. There is a matter of status between Ryfon and Aedaen, but they keep it to themselves. Otherwise the Eldar organize themselves by expertise and age among themselves. The mortals don;t really know what to do there so they treat them all the same unless told otherwise. Ryfon does get preference here as he is kin to the Markessa.
Magarra and Gurav are accorded this status as well. They are lords without a realm, but as the highest ranking Dawi present they are honored guests.
Officers includes all the knights and main henches invited. Of the PCs only Dramm is here, and his deeds are what gives him a voice.
Retainers is everyone else, but they aren't part of the conversation. If they have anything to say then they would first need to have it go up their chain of command and their lord would then ask the others to hear them out. The Margrave is more formal than Jiho, but far less so than the court Jiho grew up in.

After that there are the subgroups of those present. This is largely based on character class. The fighters are the primary voices in military matters. Then you have clergy who take precedence in spiritual discussions followed by mages who advise on the esoteric. Elves are all mages in this regard. They may have some skill at war, but not on the scale that the Men and Dwarves possess, and their people won't be bearing the brunt of the fighting at any rate.

[Leitz]

Setting aside the question of Dramm's secular knighthood for the moment...

After those who wanted to speak had time to do so, and once the perceptions and values of everyone was heard and assessed, Ji-ho spoke up. He pointed to the different sections on the map as he referenced each bit, and looked to those who knew more to add to or correct what he said.

"Magarra's people, Sirs Tylar and Kyl, and Dame Fylla, all at great cost, have rendered Borderton safer than most places. If worst comes to worst, I suggest here be our final fall back point and build stores and defenses with that in mind. While the orcs, ogres, and giants of the pass are close, other enemies will have to travel much further, and they seem unwilling to do so. At least for now."

"We know that ogres travel from the south, in small bands, but we don't know why or where to. Kraka Grak has been quiet so far, and hopefully it will remain so for a little longer. Also, to our disadvantage, the broken lands would be much harder on cavalry and thus limit one of our biggest advantages." Ji-ho pointed to the woods west of the Springvale road, and added, "We, or at least I, know little of what is in the wood. Our Elven friends, druids, spiders, werefolk, and other things. I'm not sure we can consider the road between Borderton and Springvale secure."

"The road between Springvale and the Dawi in the northern parts of the Broken Lands is much worse for wear than that from Eastfort to the Broken Lands. Aneq's people travel that area several times a year, and while it is passable for large groups, it is not secure yet, either. We need to engage the Dawi there, and that is in process. Perhaps they can tell us more of the Broken Lands and the threat there."

"Earnan as ranged through much of this territory, and perhaps others as well? Can you give us a better understanding of what is there, and what you understand about it?"

[scarik]

I am giving time for Players to comment. If you need some help or have questions before you do please PM me.

[CarrieVS]

"Earnan as ranged through much of this territory, and perhaps others as well? Can you give us a better understanding of what is there, and what you understand about it?"

"I have ranged many places, but very little in this region, alas," Earnan answers. "I have but skirted the edge of the Broken Lands, and that only for a few leagues. I can tell you only that they seemed to abound with savage beasts - I saw wargs, giant spiders, and hippogriffs, all in a short space, but I noticed no orcs.

He shakes his head. "I have never ventured towards the north of the plains, and only into the edge of the eastern forest: I will happily be part of any scouting expeditions, but for now I do not think there is anything to the purpose that I can tell you."

[Leitz]

Ji-ho nodded as Earnan spoke. "Your travels give you insights that many of us do not have, to include what might be. With what you have seen of the Broken Lands, it sounds like an immediate, large incursion from that direction is not as likely." He turned to Aneq and Zruk. "Ensure your peoples know our perceptions, and that they are tasked to let us know if we are wrong, or if things change."

Unsaid is that Vuird and his people will be the first to suffer if Ji-ho is wrong, and that weighs heavily on the captain. And, of course, they know nothing of the lands to the south. Still, resources are limited and risks must be taken. He thought for a moment, and then looked at Sir Kelemer. "Two questions for you, and then we can ask the mages here to explain what they think may be driving things, and what issues and options we have. First, the simple question; would you want to invite the lead cartographer to the discussion? They may have maps, or rumors of places, that we do not know of."

He paused, and took a deep breath. "The second question goes to priorities. If we do not expect help from over the pass, but we can hold our side of it it, do we need to prioritize clearing it out at the moment? If the enemy expends forces to deny us a route that we do not care to use, it allows us a chance to move the army where it is most needed for offense."

Ji-ho let that go, and looked at Morwen, Tobran and the elves. "An evil mage, or something, drove the orcs and bandits last time. What do we know of the woods to the east of the High Road, and what do we need to deal with there? Springvale seems the most at risk, right now, and being able to freely move supplies and troops there from Borderton and Eastfort is a priority. I think one of the highest priorities, but that is for us all to decide."

[CarrieVS]

"An evil mage, or something, drove the orcs and bandits last time. What do we know of the woods to the east of the High Road, and what do we need to deal with there?"

Earnan has a little more to say on this point. "Aedaen and his friends will have both more recent and extensive information, but when I was there this spring, I did learn a little from some of the Druidfolk who live there. They knew of orcs in the woods, but said nothing of their being especially organised or driven, at that time, and orcs were not their greatest concern. They believe there to be a hag in the deep woods and while she is there, doubtless ogre bands will continue to trouble these parts from time to time, which worried them more than orcs.

"They also told me of an ancient demon, in spider form, deep in the forest, but other than being the source of the giant spiders that plague the woods, it did not sound as though this thing troubles any who do not venture near its lair. I doubt there is any connection there.

"As for what I found myself, merely beasts of all kinds that call a forest home. Some more dangerous than others, to unwary travellers in their territory, but little worse than that. Wargs might be of concern but the pack I found, at least, seemed independent of any other influence - at the time."

[Leitz]

Ji-ho thought for a moment. "In my homeland, orcs are often mercenaries and functional, if not exemplary, soldiers. While I hesitate to brand the entire species based on what we've seen here, it does make me wonder. Someone is using them as mercenaries. To a degree, our fight isn't against the orcs as much as it is with their masters."

He shrugged. "A nice philosophy, but we have a more urgent issue than pure discourse. This does bring up some questions; how open are the druids and other folk of the woods to cooperation? I was told that at least some of the were men would fight us just as readily as they would fight orcs. And on a different note, are we willing to build our heroes?"

Ji-ho looked at the Margrave and smiled. "When I came here, not long ago, I was able to help the Dawi and to resolve a debt. I'm not that special, so I wonder if we can use smaller threats as a training ground for those who can face the targeted threats of the orc's masters. The more heroes we have, the better our chances are. We can grow heroes faster and cheaper than we can empty our cities into an army."

[scarik]

Here I think we see the crux of the decision.

Do you prefer to handle these threats using armies, as adventures, or a mix of the two.

[tibbius]

"I am no great leader of men," says Dramm, "not like you, my lords. My power is in my own hands and back, not my head. To the extent that problems need solving I am one to strike them with a sword, not guide other men to strike in my place."

[roobeastie]

Morwen bobs her head and follows along with the over all military discussions. She isn't an expert, but Macnav knows a bit about how to employ force as a group, and so she pushes him to step up and take part.

"I prefer to meet the enemy on my terms and not his. On our own we Ravenfolk would let the enemy assume we are weak and draw them to where we are most deadly. Once committed we would pin them in place with undead soldiers and pick them apart with skirmishers." the black-feathered warrior gestures to the others, "But with our more grounded allies we have options. My people are swift and rough terrain hardly matters to us."

To demonstrate he hops up onto the table and then leaps upward toward the ceiling with a mighty flap of his wings and then glides in a wide arc around the entire room. Macnav is of uncommon athleticism among his people, but for those who have never seen such a display his point is made. Not even Elves can match his movements without magical assistance, and there are less than a dozen Elves available to assist while Macnav can call on scores of Ravenkin fighters.

Macnav lands with a flourish and to drive his point home he picks up his goblet with his foot and takes a draught before once more taking it in hand.

Morwen clucks at her guardian, "My Stormcrow preens too much but he is not incorrect. I can use wind magic to make them even more deadly, but fire magic would be even more potent when delivered from on high. I cannot provide that myself, by my workshop is open to those who can.

[Leitz]

Ji-ho glanced at Darfilla and got a nod in reply. "Eastfort also has a mage's lab, and Darfilla can instruct in how to make fire potions and fire magic. We saw the benefit against the kobolds, and I'm not sure who could stand against Friend Morwen's people so equipped."

He looked around the room for a moment, and then continued. "We have many advantages; good people from different cultures and races. We have the advantage in individual heroes, scouting, and discipline. However we do not have an advantage in numbers, and while all of you bring high value to the effort, we have absolutely zero experience working together in the field. Trying to learn how to support each other, and use everyone to their best capabilities, is not something to do in the face of an overwhelming enemy. Here's what I recommend."

"We need an awareness of the southern forest. At least enough to know what seems to make a habit of traveling out of the forest and onto the plains. The fewer surprises we have, the better. I have rangers who can do that, along with a few of Zruk's people. Eastfort's tower is almost complete, and I suggest Springkeep hire them and some of Vruid's people to improve the defense works."

"They are laborers, though, and we don't want them attacked enroute. Sir Kelemer, this would be our first march as an army, we will march to Springkeep. Each day's march will include building a defensive camp, by the time we get to Springvale we should have it well figured out. Two days of rest at Springkeep while we scout the orc positions, and decide if we will draw them into an attack or not. Gurav, can you have your craftsmen figure out how to make our siege engines portable? If we can attack the orcs at range, and draw them out with fast riders, then they are more likely to act without organization."

"We do not want to march into their hills just yet, but if we strike them hard enough right now then that may give us until spring to have to deal with them again. That means we have time to deploy groups of adventurers for other tasks, and to scout the Broken Lands more. It also may give us insight into who or whatever is motivating them. It means the army should only be active for a month, and home in time for harvest. Now, I'm sure the idea can be improved; how?"

[Leitz]

I'm reading a book about the mental game in boxing, and seeing how the concepts relate to many other factors in life. And in the game, which is part of what JJh is doing. By getting the army together, and used to marching together, seeing what everyone else can do, it normalizes "being an army". Thus whenever the actual fighting starts, the morale of the troops will be higher because they've dealt with a lot of the small annoyances and stressors already. There will still be fear and anticipation, but reducing it will increase the army's chances of survival. They will march, they will form up as units and draw swords, they will deploy, and the leaders will rise to the top and those who can't lead will be replaced. All before a single orc is in sight!

[scarik]

Here's what I see right now.

1) Muster the army and march to Springvale, then get a better idea on a macro level as to what the threat is there. THose taking part in Army-Level-Things will need to provision their troops and pay their campaign upkeep. For the PCs I think at this point its just Ji-ho who is doing this as Morwen prefers to let her minions stay inactive until needed. No one wants there to be a bunch of undead milling around near Springkeep.

2) Scout more. You will have to decide how many parties to send out and in what composition.
Earnan is fully capable of going alone and unseen, only other Elves can really keep up with him there. Aedaen is willing to do so. So long as the number of non-Elves is low and consists of otherwise fast and stealthy types they could join. I'm thinking Ravens and Rangers qualify.
Dramm probably doesn't want to stay idle for long so he should join the northern scouts since cavalry are most useful there. Unless you all wish to scout toward Kraka Grak.
The Dawi want to be as sure as they can of what the threats are near Kraka Grak, even if that means helping the Goblins. But they will also join the northern march to help make camps and they make good scounts in hard terrain.
The Goblins are rich in bodies. Their riders are good at scouting any direction you want them to go and can ride in hills much better than horses can. They can also dig better than humans to help with the camps.

3) Scouting into the Broken Lands or Southern Woods are both proper adventures.