Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

As Gaelin speaks the tone of the room goes from relaxed to dead silence.  All of the officers stop mid chew and immediately swallow hanging on each word as Gaelin talks of Daegon and Graal.  "You killed Graal or you think you mortally wounded him and he escaped with Daegon?" Reynala asks before continuing.  "Graal, the half goliath half orc with four arms?  That Graal?"  Each of the officers await any response tentatively, some with food still held in their hand in front of their mouth as if frozen in time.

"Yup" Aryn says with her mouth still full of food then swallows and says,  "Jinara turned his body to ash.  It was pretty cool.  He almost killed Mucor and Zinmaer though.  He was a tough one.  So how many times have y'all fought Daegon and his lieutenants?" Aryn asks.    

"None of us have seen Daegon.  It's a wonder you're still alive." the half-elf responds.  

"He's correct. We haven't faced him.  We heard that no one has seen him and lived.  Your group is either incredibly lucky or quite powerful." Reynala adds

"I fed Graal's ashes to his children" Mucor would say pointing over his shoulder to Button before handing the living mushroom a chunk of meat. "I had considered raising him as a zombie and using hin to fight against Daegon.. ya know... to add insult to injury... but I didnt trust that he wouldnt have worked out a way to steal control from me." The minotaur woudbfinish before cramming a fist full of bread into his mouth.

They each lean over peering at Button who raises his root-like arm to snatch the meat from Mucor and waves before devouring the food.  "Who are you people?" Reynala asks.

"They call themselves the Lightbringers general."  Davos responds quickly.

"I see." Reynala says pondering before exhaling and setting down her food.  "Well it seems you are all more informed than us.  If you're working with the Elanaetas then there's a high probability your mission outranks ours." She continues to talk while you eat and you soon finish your food quickly.  The servants come and take the plates and refill your drinks while Reynala speaks.  "Our army group is tasked with holding back the advancing horde. While other army groups have struggled to work together, ours has been through so many battles that we understand the value of cooperation.  Our best case scenario was to hold back the offensive for another 6 months.  Never did we think we could kill the general Rhazal.  We are grateful for that but I fear you have other things to tend to.  I suggest we share as much information as we have and go our separate ways.  If we are in need of you or you of us we have ways of communication". Reynala says nodding to the half-elf.  

I found a map in Rhazal's tent.  It may have their plans for future attacks contained within the notes.  Does anyone in your army group read orcish?" Aryn says as she pulls out the map and lays it on the table.  "What can you tell us about the sieges going on in Traes and Esterlin?"  Which seems more dire and are there any other areas that are in dire need?"

The officers each look over the map and recognize the area immediately. The half-elf casts a spell and begins to read aloud the notes and markings on the map. You sit patiently as they discuss their findings and look back to you. “This is a valuable find. We appreciate you sharing it with us. While Rhazal may be gone we think the drekthar may follow a similar battle plan. This will help us stay a step or two ahead instead of always being behind.” Reynala and Davos move the orcish map and roll it up setting it to the side and spread out another map of a similar area but with markings in common.

Reynala points to a city marker along the east coast of Zhora. “Traes has the added advantage of a cliff on its western shore that provides natural protection from attack. It also has a massive bridge that connects the peninsula to the mainland. The protections from sea are also a double-edged sword. Many resources and men protect the invaluable bridge and southeastern coast. The drekthar have chosen to avoid the mass losses on sea and focus solely on attacking on land. They have built giant towers and trebuchets to assault the walls. The number of orcs and zombies could not be counted but is estimated between 30,000-50,000. While the bridge is maintained the city has a chance to hold but the constant bombardment from the orcish trebuchets will eventually tear down the walls. In my opinion this is the most dire situation. One well aimed stone could destroy a gate or collapse a tower that may be the last line of defense.”

Moving her finger over to the west coast she continues, “Esterline faces the brunt of a two-sided assault on land and sea. Their armada of ships sit in a protective line along the coast. The ancient bridge that connected the once peaceful Eshan and Drekthar kingdoms was destroyed in the first year of the war. The drekthar assault has caused massive losses already but as long as the armada holds, it should be able to stand.”

“That’s all we know, but that information is nearly two weeks old. They could’ve fallen by now for all we know. Our group was sent in to stop the advance of drekthar away from the sieges. You’ve helped us accomplish that and we may even be able to push the lines back a few miles. In war every battle is dire but if either of these cities fall it could be the end of an empire. Both cities represent a vital port for trade and resources. The sieges have already caused critical damage to the supply lines for both kingdoms.” Reynala says as she stands upright a solemn look on her face.

"Who are the leaders or generals in Traes and Esterline so we can find them and see where we're needed most?  Also can you write a note or letter that will get us to the commanding officers as quick as possible.  The situation in each sounds worse than we knew. "  Aryn says looking at Reynala then turning to the rest of the group.  "What do you think? Which city should we go to first?"

(Also, what time of day is it? if afternoon or evening are we staying here for the night?)

"Traes sounds like it's the worst off.  Also sounds like the most dangerous.  I can't image what 30,000 soldiers even looks like."  Gaelin says.

(About 2 pm)

"Baern Ironfist is the commander in Traes and Beladar Keldrosh commands the armies in Esterlin." (Apologies, I mispelled it yesterday.  Should've checked.)  Reynala responds.  "I'll have a letter requesting an audience with each to you shortly. You're welcome to make camp here.  We won't be moving to a new site for three days.  We still have to search the surrounding area for any Drekthar forces."

(Y'all still alive out there?)

(Yup, still kickin)

(Still here as well. Just working a golf tournament and my whole day is locked down. I'll be back to normal on Monday)

(OOC: I was camping the last couple days, I thought I put it in all my PM's for my games but forgot this game doesn't have one lol.)

Mucor would rest his aching muscles as they setup camp. "You all faught well once again! Even you Button! I am proud of you" The Minotaur would say with a smile.  Looking to his companions and to button. 

(No worries.  I think this has been a busy weekend for all.)

"Thank you for all the information and hospitality.  I think we should be able to stay the night.  Is there anything around the camp that needs attention or would you like us to scan the area from above while we still have daylight?"  Gaelin says to Reynala.

"If any of you have medical expertise, the triage could use some help.  For those that don't, an overhead view of the area would come in handy.  If you spot any signs of Drekthar, please report back to us before acting on your own though."  Reynala responds.

If you want to aid at triage make a medicine check.

If you want to scout the area make a perception check.

While Aryn was still relatively fresh and wanted to leave for Traes, she knew many of her comrades were tired, beaten or tapped out of spells and would make due scouting.  Aryn would reluctantly agree to Reynala's terms and scout the area and hop on Calypso.  She would patrol the skies with her bow at the ready.  If there weren't any Drekthar nearby she could at least hunt some food for the troops. 

 Perception:   27

"While I have both a keen eye and a steady hand... perhaps it would be best if I helped to attend to the wounded" Mucor would say with a nod before attending to the injured.

medicine 10

"I'll join you." Gaelin says as he exits with Mucor.  Gaelin will also cast Spare the Dying on everyone who needs it.

Medicine:   31