Gallia Campaign 1

Casmir follows the cart, too. He wants to see how the conversation goes and be on hand in it goes poorly.

Stannic looks at the Knights with interest as they approach the party, but quickly becomes distracted and bends down to watch a small centipede wriggle through the mud near his feet as Gundren talks to them.  He stands up suddenly as the Knight points out the smoke.  “I would think you would make this area off limits to Orcs instead of humble travelers such as ourselves.”  He follows as the Knight leads the party on to meet the one in charge, walking quietly by the cart.

@ the party, The Knight notices Stannic's comment. Knight of Emberhorn: (to Stannic) "That was the idea, unfortunately we needed to take precautions before doing so. The precaution being evacuating civilians to safety." The two knights lead the way, Gundren, Greg and the wagon follow. The party is in their normal positions around the wagon. After a short ride, You all make it to what appears to be an army camp. Knights preparing for a fight, squires tending to the knights. Blacksmiths and quartermasters handing out and fixing up weapons and armor. The Knights lead Gundren and the wagon to a spot and indicate to leave the wagon here and follow him. Gundren talks to Greg. Gundren then gets off the wagon and waves to have the party follow. All of you eventually make your way to a big tent. Even before you enter the tent you can hear arguing. Theres a Human with large shiny armor on. A helmet is on the table near where he is standing. Across from him is a Halfling man wearing a mixture of furs and leathers, and holding onto a staff. Halfling: (to the Knight Officer) "And that is precisely why we should attack with haste!" The Knight leading the party and Gundren into the tent clears his throat to get their attention. Knight of Emberhorn: (to the Knight Officer) "Sir, I have some travelers demanding to speak with you." The Knight Officer turns back to the Halfling. Knight Officer: (to the Halfling) "I'm sorry but you'll have to wait." He then turns back to the Knight. Knight Officer: (to the Knight) "Thank you, Dismissed." The Knight Salutes and then leaves the tent. The Knight Officer motions for Gundren and the party to come further into the tent. Knight Officer: (to the party) "Now, how can I help all of you? This is a restricted area. A large Orc war band has destroyed the city of Thundertree. I'm trying to prepare to rout those monsters." Gundren: (to the Knight Officer) "I respect all that, but my personal matters are timely and I would not take longer than I have to to see them through. If you'll allow it, my bodyguards and I can go around this battlefield and get to our destination. Nothing for you to worry about."

@ the party, (OOC: What do you do? Or say in this situation.)

(OOC: date July 31st. time 11:30 a.m.)

(OOC: quests in the spoiler below)

Gimble thinks to stay silent, then says, “I’m glad there are knights such as yourself out there thinking of us little folk. Some of us need protection.

But we’re not new to the concept of protecting others. We’ve earned favor from the Clerics of Tymora, Harbin Wester, and Iarno Albrek. I won’t assume you know of our dealings, but surely, the Crowns Guardians or The Fated Eight or Princess Vani may ring a bell.

Now I don’t want to come across as pushy, but perhaps this knowledge will help in your decision making process. We have proven to be more than a match for bandits and goblins and even drow. I believe our abilities will keep this caravan safe to our destination.”

And then thinking he may have over stepped, Gimble  just lets that sit there, saying nothing more.

(Don’t know if this is necessary but Persuasion 11 )

@ Gimble, The Knight Officer turns to you. Knight Officer: (to Gimble) "Unless you got a signed order from The Princess, Iarno, or Sir Drexel, I don't care who you are." He stops for a second. "The Fated Eight? But there are only 6 of you." You note he is counting Gundren in your number.

"Two of our number were fated to not be with us anymore, Sir Knight" says Casmir "we count them as a way to honor their memory." (arithmetic is not Casmir's forte)

"We don't mean to disrespect your order. As the wise Aurelius said, 'if it is not right, don't do it'. But we have an obligation to our patron here..." he continues, pointing at Gundren "And his family and friends. Given that your mighty host is about to engage the orcs, and Tyr being our protector" at this point Casmir touches the holy symbol hanging from his neck "maybe we could steer clear of trouble and be on our way, out of your way."

(OOC: Persuasion 21)

Syl had quietly followed along in her standard position, after discretely picking a moment to come out of hiding so as to not startle any of the knights.  She nods at Casmir’s words. “We understood the risks when we signed on to help Gundren.” She adds 

“We want no trouble with you or the Orcs” Stannic adds “We will steer clear of your operations and escort these gentlemen out of danger.”  He gives Gimble an interested look as he mentions the Princess and the Crown Guardians; there was more to his companions than he had fully realized.

“As my friends have said, we were eight. Maybe we will be again. But for now, our goal is to protect this man during his ventures which are on a timetable. Just as an army expects supplies or reinforcements, so does a business. And we only put ourselves at risk. We don’t ask for a guide.

 And no , we don’t have paperwork, we only have our word. Just as they only had ours to get the job done. I understand that the army needs orders so it makes sense that you’d expect that from is as well. Next time, I will ask for it.

 So let’s say there was a way to allow us past. So we can move on with our orders and you can move on with yours. What would it take?“

@ the party, the Knight Officer listens to what the party has to say. Knight Officer: (to the party) "I'll give you two choices. One you assist us in taking out the Orcs, or Two, you wait in our encampment until we dispatch them. If you are as capable as all your boasting, then it shouldn't be a problem. As well as would speed the process along getting you to your destination." Gundren looks to the party. The Halfling steps forward. The Halfling: (to everyone) "I am definitely for these adventuring types assisting us, and attacking the orcs immediately!" He then turns towards the Knight Officer. "If you do not commence this attack soon, I might try to coax these adventurers into charging in." Knight Officer: (to the Halfling) "Now hold on a minute. No one is doing any reckless charging. We need a plan of attack, and if these adventurers help, I think we got one."

Syl says “I’m ready to help, if Gundren is in support of it.  I have some spells that can help, also, for a short fight I am quite good with the blade.”  

Stannic looks up at the ceiling of the tent, muttering to himself “Oh my, first goblins and now Orcs.  Still, they brought it on themselves, those poor townspeople, they did not deserve to be forced out of their homes, or worse.”  He looks to Gundren “It seems every path leads to the Orcs.  But allowing us to help deal with them will hurry you on your journey.”

“Well, if those are the options, we’d rather not sit on our duffs. What’s your plan?”

@ the party, Gundren: (to Syl) "Yes, Lets help these people and be on our way. At least if we deal with the orcs now we do not have to do it later." Knight Officer: (to Stannic) "I assure you we got here in time to safely evacuate the civilians. The only things lost were homes and possessions not lives." The Officer turns towards Gimble. "I need your group to distract the orcs while my men get into position. Our mounted knights will charge from the sides in a flaking maneuver. Hopefully between your engagement and ours we will take enough of them out that the rest will rout, or at the very least their numbers will be dwindled and dazed the rest of the fight will be easier. Once my men and I hit them from the sides you can all fall back if you wish. No dishonor for getting to safety. You of course can stay in the fight. If its an extra incentive, I'll allow you to loot the bodies after the battle is over. We only wish to dispose of everything you do not take. It might take a while to get into position for the maneuver so you might have to fight waves of Orcs. Do you think you all can handle it?" The Halfling speaks up. The Halfling: (to the Knight Officer) "I will assist the adventurers, so they will not be alone." Knight Officer: (to everyone) "Very good."

“What kind of orcs are we dealing with? Have you seen any banners flying? And well, waves. Um,” Gimble looks to the group. “Yeah I think that should be fine. Where is the battlefield you’ve picked out? Is there some cover for some attacks from a distance?”

“I am good with distractions,  and most orcs love nothing more than killing a female elf.  I should be able to lure them right into the trap”. Syl says, with a smile.  

Thok says quietly, "I think we can manage a distraction. Bring them on."

@ the party, Knight Officer: (to everyone) "Its a typical raid band. Young orcs hoping to start a real fight and earn themselves a name. They are flying banners, they brought some siege weapons. Unfortunately the battlefield will be the burning ruins of Thundertree. The damaged and burning buildings will provide them some cover. I am hoping that advantage will work both ways, you can fight limited numbers of them at a time if you stay between the buildings rather than being out in the open. You only need to fight them long enough for us to get into position, and if you can lure them out into the open as you flee, our mounted flanking charge should instantly rout them. If they stay in the ruins of the city it will be a longer fight but they should still fall all the same." the Knight Officer looks into Syl's direction. "While its true Orcs and Elves hate each other, I'm pretty sure this group doesn't care who they fight. As soon as your group is ready, I will organize and rally my men to get into positions, and we'll charge in as soon as possible. You all will have to hold out for a bit. I am trusting you all. I don't want to follow this plan if you are not capable of both distracting them and taking a few out." The Halfling: (to the Knight Officer) "Not to worry I will be with them, I will make sure the plan works."

@ the party, (OOC: let me know if you are ready to advance to Thundertree, or if you have any last minute preparations.)

Casmir's ready!

Syl nods.  A tiny owl appears on her shoulder. “Don’t shoot this owl, she’s with me.   Can help keep an eye from above on the battlefield.   I am ready. .”  

(She had cast mage armor daily as usual, so has no other preparations to do.)