"Maybe the fact that all our compatriots died gnome," Ora hisses but stops when Mattias give her a hard look. 

"It's a sorry thing to wake up with a garrison bustling with life and that same evening have none but yourself and another soul to look after," Matt replies his tone easier but he's still intense. "I slept Thomas but not easily," the dwarf answers looking over the party. "We have some shoring up to do today but my plan is this," he begins again taking a seat as Artemis lingers nearby. "I will remain to banish the beast," the dwarf says holding up hands to silence any protests. "You will take a map I have and Artemis with you and leave this place," he adds next with a frown. "The camp is lost and staying here would be a death sentence," he adds next with a curt nod. "I am the highest ranking officer here," he then levels a glance at everyone, "those are my orders," he adds next with a curt nod. Matt then stands up stroking his beard. "Ora will go to," he then says as the young paladin crosses her arms over her chest. 

"I would hope I was included in the escape plan," Ora replies with a grimace. "Mystra has much more for me to do in the world than to die here," she adds with a sigh.

"Artemis is the only machine capable of moving beyond the walls," Matt then says gesturing at the warforge. "They are quick on their feet and can be a tremendous ally," the dwarf adds. "Sister Calius you will leave as well," Matt adds as the humble Sister nods and does not speak. "Provisions and winter gear is a given," he adds next. "Finding both, however, will be a task for today and tomorrow," he adds. "I will have what I need to assemble to banish the beast by then," he adds. The old dwarf paladin sounds sure, maybe too confident but he seems to want to lead at least!!

Lebenha says nothing, listening to the dwarf giving orders and deciding who lives and who dies with a somber look in her face. 

She looks to Hrain to see if he agrees with this or will try to put some common sense into the dwarf. He is brave, that's for sure, but she cannot help to think that his strength and wisdom would be better put to use helping them facing the wastes than dying trying to banish the dragon. But he seems to have his mind set to that and everyone can choose the way they live.. and die. 

"Matthias, can we aid you in any way?  I will not lie to you, I question things, not least your ability to banish the dragon, although I greatly wish to be mistaken, but I do not see a path where we face it and claim victory so I am willing to support you in this and any that I command are at your disposal if you believe you can make this happen." Hrain looks over at the casters, I now I have no authority over you all, I hope you will offer anything you feel is relevant, as you have done so far.  Furthermore I hope you plan on accompanying us as we retreat from the camp.  There is nothing left for any of us here and there is certainly safety in numbers.  Even if we get clear, the area is inhospitable and dangerous, we will be far more capable together at reaching civilisation."

OOC: Although y'all are writing some GREAT exposition remember if it's NOT dialog or action there's NO way your other party members know what your thinking/feeling. RP it or don't post it. We've all got to keep your thoughts and actions separate hence why I usually only post a visible mood or expression but never huge blocks of "he/she/they thought/feel this"... Be mindful of blocks of 'feelings' posts with no dialog or action.

"You shame me and yourself doubting my judgement," Matthias exclaims his temper flaring. "As your superior I expected more from you than questioning my abilities again as well as doubting my orders in front of these people," he growls. "Take the living souls here and leave in two days time or when the tower falls if before then. I will perform the feat or die trying to distract it so you might flee with the others," the dwarf adds with a hard tone and expression.

Matthias then stalks away from the table awaiting no reprisals or protests. Artemis, however, remains.

"Shall we gather supplies," the slender metal machine asks after a long awkward silence. "We should start in the infirmary I think," they add before moving in that direction.

Leb walks over Hrain and puts a hand over his shoulder

"Leave it " she says to him in low voice, only for him to hear " He is already gone. The hope to give us the chance to live is what is keeping him alive and whatever sanity is left. Let's not waste our time, perhaps we do not get two days before the defenses fall" 

      "You ain't the only one that's lost their people this day, Shepherd," Folzi snarls as he jabs his spoon towards Ora. He glares with his mouth open as if he wants to say more, but just shakes his head and returns to his bland porridge. 

      Hearing the Mystran Commander's plan of action, he adds to Hrain's concern. "While I have no problem with him going toe-to-toe alone with this dragon while we make our escape - Thanks, by the way," he calls back to the retreating dwarf with a mix of sincerity and sarcasm. "I'm really torn on this one as I really don't want that thing chasing us through the Wastes if he happens to... 'die trying'."

When they are alone Lebenha adds

"I could conjure a storm that would hindred their ability to track us, but it wouldn't be more than a temporary distraction, nothing big enough to ensure our escape..." 

Thomas closes his eyes and deflates slightly at the heated exchange of words. As Matthias departs, he speaks quietly, but loud enough that any who try to listen can hear him.

"And so do mistrust, hate, and doubt threaten our our own self-destruction once again."

Thomas then stands from the table.

"Provisioning for the journey will be unnecessary thanks to magic known to a few of our number. Meaning protection from the elements is likely to be our greatest need. Does anyone here know magic that can help in that area? Anything we can afford to leave behind means swifter travel or more of other necessary supplies."

Looking down at the elven woman Hrain smiles slightly saying in response "I think you may be right, and I cannot fault a man for being willing to do such a thing for others, I only fear he will fail and in failing condemn us all when a different course could have led to a better outcome, but, as I have little to offer, I should be grateful he is willing at least to try, especially knowing what the cost is likely to be."

Seeing Thomas affected by the argument Hrain addresses the cleric in a conciliatory tone "I apologise, and before we go I will apologise to Matthias as well, I'm sure you understand my concerns but it is possible I should not have voiced them in this way."  Standing taller he continues "what's done is done though and in answer to your question I can only cast spells which can purify food, not create it but I do have the ability to summon a steed which may be a valuable ally to us, both in battle out in the wilds and as a beast of burden to help us move other equipment, and I may not be the only one, I suspect Ora could possibly do the same and maybe Cara too.  There has never been much need for mounted travel here as the world we have lived in has been so small..." he tails off thinking to himself.

Remembering what Folzi added about what might happen if Matthias failed the Paladin Captain turns to the gnome commenting "I think it is time we trusted in Matthias, all our chances have great odds against us, but the number of casters here seems to great for us to combat alongside the dragon.  If it were to catch us in the wild there is a chance, no matter how small that we could either damage it enough to force it to run or scatter so that some of us could escape, I do not believe that could be the case if there were a number of powerful magic users flanking it."

Hrain, Folzi, and Thomas make history checks please!

History 26

The final exchange between his own party and the Mystran command robs Haldur of the last of his appetite, and the mercenary lets his spoon fall from his hand into his unfinished bowl of porridge. He sighs loudly and vigorously rubs his head with his hands, sending his already disheveled hair further into disarray.

"At least the disgusting flesh thing just wanted to eat us," The sellsword mutters beneath his breath to himself, "here, pffft, Gods know what we're in store for."

Taking a last gulp of water, Haldur rises from the table and moves to stand with the others. He gleaned that they'd soon be collecting provisions and supplies from what the Mystrans could spare, and Haldur tried to focus on his gratitude to them in that respect, rather than focus on what might be a dangerously deranged chain of command. As the young warrior thought of the supplies and equipment he thought about why they might be so readily available, and the sad truth of the matter settled at the fore of his mind. The mercenary's demeanor became more somber and thoughtful, and he kept his opinions about their hosts to himself. He simply stood nearby and ready, and would grin reassuringly at any of his companions who looked his way.

History

12 

Folzi knows the use of magic in the White Waste is doubtful. It may or may not work.

     "It's not smart to rely on magic once we get outside the walls if the camp. The wards of the Shepherds and Sisters have been keeping the White Waste from creeping in here." He finishes his last bite of food and wipes his mouth with a sleeve. "Afraid we're going to have to do this the old fashioned way."

Lyra, who remained rather quiet for this mornings events, perks up at Folzi's notice, clearly not excited about these news. "I hope it will affect our opponent in the same way...but i doubt the dragon will be weakened by it. This escape is turning out to be more and more desperate...but i guess that's really all we have left." She rises up and joins the group, apparantly ready to gather supplies.

"Matthias gave orders I intend to carry out," OrOra replies sharply leaving the room.

"Ora," Cara calls out going after the other paladin.

"Shall we get started," Artemis presses with an even expression.

"Yup, let's see what we can find around here." Folzi hops up from the table and follows after the warforged.

"The sooner the better" adds the elf sorcerer following Folzi

Hrain joins the others in assembling supplies pleased to have something constructive to do.