Red Dead Annihilation: Campaign Thread

The red haired dwarf nods solemnly as Meili describes the fight with the dinosaurs.  "Aye, that sounds like Dom.  The last to run from a fight.  I'm sure he gave those lizards as good as he got."

Perne looks like she has more questions, but Mica and Velan jump in with their own comments before she can ask.

Velan:

 Perne nods at Velan's words.  "You're far from the first to pass this way investigating the 'death curse.'  I doubt you'll find any news here, though.  We have our hands full dealing with the old-fashioned undead and more mundane horrors this jungle holds."  After a moment she adds, "It is good to know Savras has taken an interest in getting involved in the pursuit of righteousness, rather than just watching.  With those all-seeing eyes of his, one would hope he would do a little more about the suffering and injustice in this world."

"Has he told you to look in the Aldani Basin?"

Inete steps forward.  "Yes and no.  My name is Inete, student of Savras' teachings.  While he tasked these brave Seekers with finding the cause of the death curse, he chose me to investigate certain actors who have set up a base within the Swamp of Sorrows.  These folk are my escort to the swamp... from there they plan to continue their search for the curse."

Perne listens carefully, but only nods.

Mica, you study what can be seen of the camp while the others are talking.  [Just sharing this with everyone as I'm sure Mica would communicate all this in time.]  The camp has enough tents to house 40-50 soldiers.  Adding in the rooms at the base of the watchtowers and the interior of the gatehouse, this place could probably hold 75-100 before they would run out of room.  At the moment, however, you cannot count more than 22 troops out and about inside the camp, though certainly there must be more hidden inside their tents.  There are the two lieutenants, the six who stood beside them on the gatehouse, another guard atop each watchtower, and another 10 gathered around the campfire eating stew from wooden mugs and watching your group warily.  Many show signs of healed injuries and scars, most are covered in bug bites or rashes, and nearly all have the long stares of men and women who have seen too much carnage.

At his question about the Order's mission, Perne looks to Mica but Ordan answers first.  "The Order of the Gauntlet is here on a mission of mercy and justice.  Our leaders back on the Sword Coast made a promise to the people of Chult, that we would stand with them against the hordes of undead that plague this land.  Camp Vengeance is the tip of the Order's spear.  We strike out at the heart of darkness, and once we have established a safe zone along the river, additional forces will be allocated to the fight and we will spread out to purge this land of undead once and for all.  It's dark and bloody business, but there is no more righteous fight to be had on the surface of Faerun."  Seemingly satisfied with Ordan's answer, Perne doesn't add anything.

Danica:

 Perne nods at Danica.  "And you may be called to defend the camp.  Most nights we receive attacks from the jungle.  Last night was particularly bad, so let's hope we get a reprieve tonight."

Before any more questions can be asked, you see Will emerge from the Commander's tent and walk slowly towards the infirmary.  The man who escorted him there returns to the group near the gate.  "Lt. Salhana, Commander Breakbone wishes to see the newcomers immediately."  He hesitates for a moment and then continues, "And... and he wants a patrol at first light.  To look for any remnants of the batiri goblins in the area."

Perne listens, then looks down at Sir Dominick's sword in her hand.  She reaches out and presses the sheathed sword into the man's arms.  "Congratulations, Harlon.  You're squad leader now.  Go find five more men and let them know to prepare for the patrol in the morning.  Start with Rackham... he's been nursing that trenchfoot long enough.  It's time he start pulling his weight again."  Harlon gulps and looks down at the sword as though Perne has just handed him a poisonous snake, but he does not object.  He takes the sword and turns, slowly walking away toward the campfire.

Perne then looks back to your group.  "Best get in there.  A word of wisdom... the Commander is under a great deal of stress.  And the last visitors we received tried to rob us.  Don't give him any reason to doubt your intentions."

Before they head into the comander's tent, Ran asks Perne a question.

"Do you get many visitors then? Who were the last ones? We had a couple of lasses try and take one of our canoes," Ran says. "Wonder if these are the same ones."

Perne pauses and raises an eyebrow at Ran.  "That sounds terrible.  How long have you been traveling upriver?"

“Dark and bloody business indeed.” Mica replies to Ordan as Perne questions Ran.  Mica is thinking of the piles of corpses outside the walls and the condition of the soldiers within “You can count on us to do our part while we stay here.  I have no love for the undead.  We ran into a few downriver.  Have your patrols made it down into the Aldani Basin?  What lies ahead of us further upriver?” 

Ran frowns a little at Perne, trying to decide where to take his small fabrication.

"Feels like we've been out in this grotty jungle for weeks, but we've been making steady work of the miles since we left the Port," Ran says.

He pauses as he looks around the camp.

"What did you do with the bloody thieves?"

"Hrmph," Ordan grunts to Mica.  "The basin isn't quite so infested with undead as the surrounding jungles.  But don't that be lettin' you think its a walk in the park.  Imagine leagues upon leagues of marshy grasslands, broken up by crocodile infested lakes and creekbottoms, all of it cris-crossed with game trails traversed by great herds of the big grazer dinosaurs, who are in turn stalked by toothy predators... and all of that, covered in a dense fog nineteen days out of twenty.  Local legends would say that's not even the worst of it... but its enough to keep us out of there and focused on the immediate surroundings of our camp."

Meanwhile, Perne gives Ran a cool look.  "The wizards who tried to bewitch our guards, we gave them a chance to be put to work.  Instead they opted to languish in the stockade, until sickness claimed them.  The woman cut-throat who tried to steal our supplies is still in a cage out back."

"Now, best not keep the Commander waiting... right, Seekers?"

Ran nods to Perne.

”Can’t help someone who keeps making shite decisions, can you?” Ran says.

He adjusts his pack, ready to join the others and head to the commander’s tent.

Meili followed quietly. Neither the place nor the conversation or the meeting with "mad commander" ahead encouraged light conversation. She listened, though (the basin did not sound too terrifying, no more than the river and the jungle so far anyway) and she looked. Nothing special, just to learn the surroundings - whether they were to fight here together with the knights or against them, it would be better to know the ground.

(Perception: 10, to memories the camp plan and to locate the cage with the thief)

[Based on Meili and Mica's excellent perception rolls, and Ninlil/Velan's scouting, I am providing a new map with some labels.]

Insight check on Perne when Inete mentions a base within the Swamp of Sorrows: 9  (yaaaay...)

Listening to Ordan's rather rote and self righteous speech, Danica couldn't help but be bored and then realized that was likely hypocritical of her considering their own mission. "Sounds like our goals aren't too dissimilar." Nodding at the soldiers with grudging respect. They certainly seemed more decent than the Flaming Fists, if a bit stuck up. 

Watching the exchange between Perne and this Harlon silently, the elf couldn't help but feel as if Dominick's sword might be a little cursed and hoped that it's new owner would fare better in spite of it. She felt tense watching the exchange between Ran and the Tyr worshipper, feeling like one slip of a word would change their circumstances and silently willing Ran to be careful. Clearing her throat, she asks of Ordan, "Would ya happen to know what local legends do say is the worst of it?" Feeling any information, even just legends, would be more helpful than walking in half blind.

Walking to the Commander's tent, Danica stepped close to Velan to whisper as quietly as she was able, "Careful with your magics, can't imagine their run in with those wizards made them friendly to that sort." Glancing back at their group, she then nodded at them before stepping up and parting the tent flap, entering first. Once all of their group had filed inside she would then greet with a sharp nod, "Commander Breakbone. Thank you for allowing the Seekers and our companions entry, for however brief that may be. Danica Amastacia, at your service, albeit temporarily." 

Ordan shrugs at Danica's question as she and the other walk toward the commander's tent.  "The locals have all kinds of stories.  That there's a flying mountain out there.  That dragons hunt the deepest parts of the basin.  That mermaids live in the shallow lakes and pools hidden in the mists."  He shrugs again.  "This is a strange and wild country."

The seven of you proceed to the large orange tent near the center of the camp.  A single guard stands outside, but me moves to allow you entry and holds open the tent flap.  Inside, you must step up onto a wooden platform built to keep the tent and its contents out of the much.  There is very little available floorspace, the interior of the 15x15 tent almost entirely filled.  There are bookcases filled with treatises on war and tactics.  There is a stand, holding the saddle and chain barding for a warhorse.  A table and chalkboard are both covered with maps small and large, depicting the jungle and the Soshenstar River.  A large bed covered with wolf and bear pelt blankets sits on one corner, and in the center of the tent, a large mahogany writing desk serves as the office for the man standing behind it, Commander Niles Breakbone.

The man wears the finery of a noble, though it is stained with months of sweat and less than proper cleanings.  His long blond hair is damp and stringy, and his eyes are dark and sunken, as though the man has seen little sleep.  His eyes are keen, however, as they peer out at you from below his brow.

"The Seekers, I presume.  I am told I have you to thank for the return of Mister Quick, and the delivery of news of the fate of the rest of the patrol."  He looks down, finishes writing something, then rolls the parchment and fixes it with a wax seal.  Then he steps around the desk, stands in front of you, and crosses his arms.  "Your arrival is fortuitous and well timed.  We had been short canoes, but with yours added to ours we have enough boats to evacuate our wounded.  I have eight soldiers currently too sick to fight and they need to be transported downriver to Port Nyanzaru.  Additional reinforcements should be arriving this month, and I have messages that need to be carried off as well."

He continues, without waiting for response.  "All together, travel to Port Nyanzaru will take roughly 15 days, round trip.  Between the acolyte to care for the sick ,and the healthy soldiers required to man the canoes, our already undermanned camp will be dangerously depleted and I will need additional temporary manpower.  So, for the duration of that evacuation and until my soldiers return with reinforcements, I will have need to conscript your group into the service of the Order of the Gauntlet."  He raises a hand, as if to hold off anticipated questions.  "You will have hot meals and rations, and when your service is complete I will see you are paid a fair wage from our coffers, and you will be free to take your canoes and go.  Which reminds me, be sure to get anything you own out of those boats.  We will need all the space for the sick and wounded, and they will be leaving in the morn."

He turns and walks back behind his desk.  "Talk with Lt. Salhana.  She will see to it that each of you is assigned duties most appropriate to your skill set.  Welcome to Camp Vengeance."

Being wary, Danica pre-emptively cast Guidance on herself before entering. Immediately upon laying eyes on the human man gave Danica pause. What she had expected upon reputation and name alone was a haggard veteran warrior. Not some drowned rat looking noble. It was rather apparent that he thought himself better than any of the soldiers beneath him considering the larger tent and finery he surrounded himself with. Who brings a full desk with them in the middle of a jungle?? And then the man began to speak. With every word that passed his lips, the elf's hackles were only raised further. It took every ounce of willpower in her to not seem more outwardly angry with the Commander's suppositions and orders. 

There was a pause after he had returned to his desk and Danica stared at the ground where he had stood before before flicking her eyes to Hew and then the rest of the Seekers before she stared down Breakbone. "No." She said simply, letting the word sink into his ears and mind as she doubted he heard it often, before elaborating in a clear clipped tone.

"We are not your soldiers. And have no allegiance to you or yours. We did what was right by returning Mr. Quick to his allies. As much as I respect you for wanting to do everything you can to make sure your people return safe and sound, if that involves us relinquishing our only means of transport but for our feet, we cannot oblige. Though I admit your 'offer' is fair, if a bit rushed." 

Gesturing to Inete, the sailor explains, "We are on a holy quest of our own and time is of the essence. While your cause is just and righteous, it is not reason enough to get in the way of the Gods' will. But by no means are we asking for a night's lodging without pulling our weight. I'm sure there are things that our group can do for yourself or the camp at large that would be of aid. Healing your sick and wounded, cleansing your food, hunting, guarding the camp for the night. But that is all." Danica's expression serious as she met Niles' gaze. 

She was banking on two things. One that this group was religious enough not to defy the Gods' will, assuming they believed them. And two, that they were honorable enough not to just kill them in the middle of the camp simply to take their canoes. 

Persuasion: 7
Guidance: 3

Meili, with all her humble and definitely devoted look, stepped closer to the captain and met the stern gaze of the Commander with no less passionate dedication to the cause. The pantomime was supposed to underline Danica's words and demonstrate the group's unity on the matter.

(If it happens work as a "Help action" to give Danica an advantage - the better)

[I would allow the 'help' but its not going to make a difference... Commander Breakbone is not about to be won over on this issue....]

As Danica speaks, Commander Breakbone picks up a quill and begins writing another letter.  As she continues, the pace of his writing picks up, until it sounds like he is tearing holes in the parchment with each stroke.  This keeps up for a few seconds after Danica finishes.... and then he drops the pen and pounds his fist on the table.

"Perhaps I was too gentle.  Let me be more clear - this is a warzone.  I have been placed in command of the vanguard in a battle between the living and the dead.  Each day, I see more of the men and women under my command fall to the curse of this jungle, and then must burn their mortal remains lest they rise up in service of the darkness that corrupts this place."

His eyes flick back and forth between each of you before coming back to Danica.  "You claim to be on a mission from the Gods... I say Tyr has brought you to me so that I can get my sick out of the field and reinforce with fresh warriors.  Whatever other task you have before you, any fool can see it must wait!  Have you not seen what lurks in these jungles?  Our own scouts have been slain and turned against us... each night the climb the trees outside our walls and shout curses at us... taunt us with the names of our children and loved ones... beckon us to join them in undeath.  And they throw mobs of skeletons and zombified dinosaurs against our pallisade."

"But we are not broken.  These unliving monsters fear us.  Why else would they run from open battle, only striking from the shadows and then fleeing back into the dark?  They know they cannot stand against the light of justice.  All we need is enough men to march out in force and draw them into a decisive fight."

"And I will not lose this opportunity to resupply and prepare because some travelers think they have something more important to do.  There is NOTHING more important than this fight."

"If you think otherwise, then perhaps a few nights in the cages with the su-monsters will bring you around.  Don't make me do that.  Go see Lt. Salhana before my patience is exhausted."

You can not sway a fanatic Meili knew it as well as anyone else here, but... It was too hard to stay silent. Against all her trained patience she answered with as much passion as Commander put in his words. "It is not for you to speak for the gods! Savras himself sent us on this mission and each of us bound ourselves to his will. Neither you nor your god can free us from our task."

Meili took a deep breath, reminding herself about the uselessness of anger with a such man but had to add. "If the anger of the god is nothing to you, what of your people? We are a group that fought their way here, not a lone thief. You will try to use force with us, some of your men will be injured, maybe dead. You just said you do not have enough as it is, do you really want to risk losing more?"

Mica barks out a sharp laugh at the Commander’s words, then stops suddenly “Wait, you are serious? Is this what you do to all of the travelers on the river?   I have no love for the undead, but we are not some hapless wanderers you can press into your service. “

He shares an uneasy look with the others “I have no wish to serve the Order,  but I like the idea of spending the night in cages even less.  Perhaps we can come to some sort of other arrangement?”

Ran looks around the tent as the others talk to the commander. He slowly moves his way back to the entrance, ready for any guards the commander calls in.

History Check: 9

Religion Check: 25

Ran turns away from the entrance to the camp and leans in a little closer to Danica.

"Let's go get settled for the night, Cap'n." Ran says quietly. "This isn't the time to see who's bollocks are bigger. Lots of time tomorrow for that."

Countless scenarios flashed through Danica's mind as Commander Breakbone had his outburst and laying down his demands. None of which likely would end well for either party in the long run. Short of the man before them the rest of the Order didn't seem like a bad sort. Though she wasn't familiar with them, she knew enough to know they were well known and generally well liked so getting on their bad side wouldn't bode well for any of their group upon return to civilization. Assuming they survived to do that. Even if they did try to fight their way out, could she instigate such a situation and live with the guilt of the death of any of her crew on her conscience? There were only seven of them and at least twenty-five or so soldiers. Hearing Meili's impassioned speech, Mica's nervous incredulousness and Ran's words of caution, she never once broke her staring contest with Breakbone. But Velan, Hew and Inete's silence on the matter felt louder than anything though it was clear what they were communicating: Give an order. Any order. 

Taking in a deep breath and holding it for a moment, the sailor who had somehow become a Captain without a ship closed her eyes. Opening them with newfound grit as she met the Commanders eyes she stated, "Fifteen days Breakbone." Emphasizing the 'break' in his surname. "Not even an hour more. Hopefully Savras will understand that delay or we'll point him in your direction. Though as God of Divination I'm sure he already knows plenty about you. And I'll be holding you to your promises of food and fair pay."

Glancing between Meili and the Commander she reassured, "I'm sure neither of us want any more of our own to be lost or injured. I understand playing to our strengths but we're a crew. Not to be split up besides just inside the camp. If you want to send one of us outside the camp for hunting or the like, either all of us go or none of us. We have our own tents and rain catchers. I assume other than the canoes we can keep the rest of our things?" She asked almost challengingly, arms now folded as she cocked a hip, resting her weight back on her left foot. Assuming that he didn't go against that, Danica would ask, "Right. Where's this Salhana?"  

DM: