Lem swallows, incredibly, a comment about no one listening to him about warning Markelhay as soon as they could. He begins moving south to the Commons, nodding at Thistle. "Yes, you speak sense again, just get me with about 120 feet and I can light up anything. Even a beacon."His mechanical arm moves up and prepares to fire a fire bolt on anything hostile as he moves.
"We'll have to pick up Yokini as we pass by the temple."
Throughout much of the remaining ceremony -- that is, after the song and speech -- Zashier was able to hold it together. For a moment, he even smiled as Jagrin and Brinya embraced, as the man -- at least when it came to Brinya, was able to set aside an old hatred, and the wounds that went deeper than just the events of the war. But after it came time to set the blaze... after he resolved himself to not only take part, but carry out the honor... he could almost swear the fire might've been put out by his tears, as it took only seconds for the elphantine man to be practically blinded by them.
To his credit, Zashier kept his back to the crowd as Tyari gave a closing speech; chin up, back straight, and hands at his hip to cut a more determined figure. But anyone with the right angle or nto even that much insight could tell the truth...
Zashier... had every intention of staying by the flames until they finally went out, however long that took that evening and the day after if need be. Any thought of the whole war business had fled him, as he could think of nothing else except stand vigil until truly nothing remained of his Brother in all but blood...
But that was not to be. Lem at least /refused/ to leave him be, as AGAIN he would bother him with business that HE HIMSELF could FREAKING GROW A PAIR and HANDLE! Or maybe he'd only been hearing things? Thistle had no intention of moving as well, having made some signal to make aware her position. So maybe he hadn't approached...
Whether it be delusion or truth, either which way, Anger began to cloud Zashier's thoughts for a few moments. Rage and whispers and soon enough, the lingering physical pain of his transformation had been stoked, threatening to overwhelm him again. Fortunately, the sounds of shouts and screams and smashing boulder shocks him out of his state, and prompts him to whip around looking a mix of angry and confused all at once.
Shocked once again, if he truly looked for his family at all, its only by instinct, before Bireal approached him -- needing perhaps even to shout his name a second time to get his attention. "..."Unable to muster words, Zashier just nods curtly, though needed to take a second to push out all other thought, before finally searching/joining the others at the very least. He said nothing in response to the plan, but merely found himself nodding again before leading the literal charge for the Sanctuary, donning his shield, but leaving his other hand free of a weapon for the time being.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Lem looks up and back at Zashier, trailing behind, hoping he can snap out of it. Mourning and remembrance of the fallen and loss take many forms. The big guy felt things deeply, perhaps he'd managed somehow to forget what it was like to lose people. Lem envied him for that.
He says, "Romero would not want us to fall apart at a time like this. People need you, Zashier. Help get me close to the beacons so this city doesn't fall again. You can do this. We'll sort out of differences when we can breathe again."
He turns back again to the path in front of him, the shaking of his hands receding a bit as the adrenaline of chaos kicks in.
Unfortunately for Lem, the words seemed to fall on deaf ears, as he had not responded or so much as looked back at the dwarf after zipping ahead. For as soon as a plan -- any plan had been spoken of, there was no hesitation or slowing down out of the elephantine man. He had been on the move, racing forward and paying attention to little else except that which lied between himself and the temple.
At least for now, that was all he could focus upon, as those along the way were likely already on their way to the keep or the gates anyhow to reinforce them. What stragglers there were initially would have to fend for themselves, or rely on someone like Thistle perhaps along the way to make sure they were making the right moves.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
You make your way from the Flame of the Fallen towards the temple, chaos around you as the townsfolk scramble. You move with purpose, directing those around you to get to the wall to fight, or get to safety.
At the temple, one of the monks lets Yokini out after the crash. He opens the door, quickly, and says “We are under attack” then flees down the hall, and up the stairs.
Yokini, assuming you move to leave, Daktani will close the door behind you, shutting himself in. He looks at you through an opening in the door, and says “I betrayed them; I am better off in here than out there.”
Yokini makes her way back up to the main area of the temple and out, where she is greeted by her friends, but they are on the move. Zashier is moving forward, barely even slowing to acknowledge Yokini’s appearance. Again assuming you share with her the plan as you move, led onward hastily by Zashier, you continue moving towards the Commons beacon.
As you arrive just before the beacon, you see ahead of you a lynch mob has gathered, led by this guy dressed in old military garb, not a current town militia man, and they are stringing up Brinya Kelver to lynch her. On the other side of this mob is the Commons beacon. Locals would recognize the man as a local war hero from long ago, Baseil Sabask, and he obviously still holds on to his racial prejudice (played by “Reservour Dogs” era Michael Madsen).
You overhear him yelling to the crowd, rallying anyone who will listen.
Im tired of seeing war besiege my hometown, time and time again. And now my home, MY home that I live in, that my family sleeps in, is under attack! This dirty, filthy half-breed was the scourge of our village! She is the reason they are here! She is the reason we are under attack - its her fault! We must rid this town of her, and all her kind!
And there is an echo of assent from the crowd.
You are approaching from the back of the group. You can see him, and Brinya, half strung up, by his side.
Zashier, kind hearted Zashier, looked at first incredulous at the display unraveling before him, and then... he redness began to creep into the edge of his vision. Without waiting to see how the others responded, Zashier sucks in a deep, deep, DEEP breath, before through his trunk releasing the loudest trumpeting anyone has ever heard or seen towards the man over the throng.
"Baseil! Sabask!"He yelled with such utter righteous fury as he jabbed a finger in the man's direction. "You are FAILING the very TOWN you proclaim to be your home with this... THIS MADNESS! THIS COWARDICE! THIS UTTER DISGRACE TO THE VERY TITLE THAT YOU SHOULD BE LIVING UP TO! NOW OF ALL TIMES!"He added. If people have stepped aside at that point to give him a clearer path, he immediately started marching forward. "The town is being besieged at this very moment, good men and women are dying again to defend it, and all you can think of is passing the buck and mislead these people into doing the work of the very foes at their door step!?"
He then gestures to the beacon behind him. "Do you remember what that is?! Do any of you?! If so, and I do believe you know, why haven't you lit it?! HOW MANY MORE WILL YOU DAMN TO THE SLAUGHTER WASTING TIME DOING ANYTHING LESS THAN YOUR DUTY TO THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE!? ALL OF THEM! Human, Half-Orc, Dwarves, Gnomes -- ALL OF THEM!"He barked out one more time, before then finally allowing himself to take a proper breath. Even then, his eyes shone with a disappointment that did not stop at Baseil, but continued on to the crowd. "..... I know you are all scared... Angry... and so many other things at once that its hard to think -- to even breath... But this isn't the way. Hope is more than just a knife to deny your tormentors the satisfaction of breaking one's spirit. Courage is more than simply taking any stand, but recognizing your true foes both within yourself and without, and fighting that battle. No matter how hard it looks... And together, with these things in mind and heart, we are greater than any horde." He states, and would let the words sink for only a few precious seconds before gesturing back to Brinya.
"That woman is not the reason for what's happening today, and you all know it, or so I certainly expect... Now, enough of this nonsense. Those of you that can take up arms aughta be heading to the gate right this moment. The rest of ya aughta be doing what'cha can to make sure everyone else either make it to the keep where its safer, or helping those that can't quite do it." He states, before regarding Baseil. "That includes you. There's yet good people out there that respect you, and we never one we got."Zashier stated, conveying both warning, as well as the message of where the man now stood in the elephantine eyes.
Thistle knows when to keep quiet, and lets Zashier do his thing. He knows these people, and she does not. Instead, she watches the crowd carefully for anyone who might have been an instigator, acting squirrelly, etc.
Perception: 21 Insight: 21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
As you approach the mob, Yokini says "What are this idiots up to now?"
Zashier doesnt even both with a response. He pauses his stride long enough to let out a loud trumpeting, which immediately silences the crowd. They turn and look at Zashier, and he calls out:
"Baseil! Sabask!" He yelled with such utter righteous fury as he jabbed a finger in the man's direction. "You are FAILING the very TOWN you proclaim to be your home with this... THIS MADNESS! THIS COWARDICE! THIS UTTER DISGRACE TO THE VERY TITLE THAT YOU SHOULD BE LIVING UP TO! NOW OF ALL TIMES!"
The crowd parts as Zashier marches forward. "The town is being besieged at this very moment, good men and women are dying again to defend it, and all you can think of is passing the buck and mislead these people into doing the work of the very foes at their door step!?"
He then gestures to the beacon behind him. "Do you remember what that is?! Do any of you?! If so, and I do believe you know, why haven't you lit it?! HOW MANY MORE WILL YOU DAMN TO THE SLAUGHTER WASTING TIME DOING ANYTHING LESS THAN YOUR DUTY TO THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE!? ALL OF THEM! Human, Half-Orc, Dwarves, Gnomes -- ALL OF THEM!"
Seeing you gesture to the beacon behind Baseil, Lem shoots off his fireball, igniting the wood and tinder. A giant flame erupts, bathing the area in a warm orange glow - bright enought fight by, as the sun has gone down and in the fading light, the inhabitants of Fallcrest would have had a difficult time fighting their enemy.
Backlit by the growing flames licking up into the dark night sky, Zashier turns to the crowd and continues. "..... I know you are all scared... Angry... and so many other things at once that its hard to think -- to even breath... But this isn't the way. Hope is more than just a knife to deny your tormentors the satisfaction of breaking one's spirit. Courage is more than simply taking any stand, but recognizing your true foes both within yourself and without, and fighting that battle. No matter how hard it looks... And together, with these things in mind and heart, we are greater than any horde." He states, and would let the words sink for only a few precious seconds before gesturing back to Brinya.
"That woman is not the reason for what's happening today, and you all know it, or so I certainly expect... Now, enough of this nonsense. Those of you that can take up arms aughta be heading to the gate right this moment. The rest of ya aughta be doing what'cha can to make sure everyone else either make it to the keep where its safer, or helping those that can't quite do it." He states, before regarding Baseil. "That includes you. There's yet good people out there that respect you, and we never one we got." Zashier stated, conveying both warning, as well as the message of where the man now stood in the elephantine eyes.
Basiel stutters and stammers, but finally concedes. Unable to make eye contact with Brinya, or the crowd he had just garnered, he rushes off in the direction of the wall. The mob splits in half, some headed for the wall, some headed for safety.
Brinya collapses to the ground breathing heavy. She looks up at Zashier, her eyes brimming with glistening tears.
Thistle rushes over to untie Brinya with a quick slice of a knife. “Up you get, girl. Have you somewhere safe to go? If not, you’d best stick with us, though we are moving fast.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
It takes a moment for Zashier to notice the look from Brinya, as the paladin had been too focused on watching and making sure both War Hero and civilians truly were making good on their duties. And even then, its more so Yokini's question that alerted him to anyone even looking to him to guidance. Zashier's eyes flit about in their sockets, visibly weighing several things in mind, before squeezing his eyes shut. "She'll see it... She'll know what to do..." He mumbles to himself, took a breath, and then finally opened his eyes to regard Brinya.
Wordlessly, he dug Romero's notebook, took Brinya's hand, delivering some divine grace to ease her spirit if not any injuries (1 point of Lay on Hands spent), and gently placed the poetry book into her hand. "Do whatever you think is best. There's beacons we yet must see to, in case ya missed there. And-..."He takes a light hammer, and tries to pass that into her other hand. "May Pelor light help guide you." Zashier adds, now a true center of calm once more. The elephantine man doesn't wait for much of a response, as his immediate next act is to say, "Follow me to the elevator beacon next next. There's no time left.",before then charging off to the next destination, trusting the others to follow at their own pace.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Thistle, you help Brinya to her feet after cutting her loose. She looks at all of you , in that moment, her saviors. She takes several deep breaths, and finally says she does have a place to get to safety with the others, and tearfully accepts the poetry book. She then pats her pocket, and pulls out the flame-blackened knife. She looks in Zashier's eyes, and says
Thank you for finding the truth out about Romero. I think it is because of you that I will find acceptance from Jagrin. You , and your friends, have done me a great honor, and now you have saved my life. I am indebted to you. I dont have much, but please take this.
She thrusts it towards you, unintentionally being threatening with the blade towards your midsection (clearly she hasnt wielded a blade). If you wont take it, she insists. if you still refuse, she will give it to Thistle. She says
When the time is right, Romero's spirit will help protect those who laid his soul to rest
She hurries off to safety. If you take a half-second before running off to examine the blade, you see it has the inscription "My Love" in stark silver hammered into the black, steel blade. The blade looks blackened, but not just soot; not just burned. It has been magically imbued with some power, and there is a subtle glow around the blade.
But there is little time to worry about that right now. You must get to the next beacon.
The party rushes off, following Zashier through the city to the next Beacon, in Lower Fallcrest, moving in silhouette with the flames of the first beacon burning behind them...
Its an easy journey to the elevator, where several guards are manning the elevator - a makeshift thing of wood and ropes. Its a bit rickety, but you have used it for years and know it will hold you (yes Zashier, even you). You rush in, and the guards lower you down as fast as they can, cranking the gears to drop the cage. As you begin to lower and get more of Lower Fallcrest into your field of view, what you see is pandemonium, especially when viewed in contrast to Upper Fallcrest.
The battle started here at the walls in Lower Fallcrest.
A second flaming boulder comes flying through (from the East), crashing at the top of the elevator, destroying some of the machinery, and certainly burning the guards that were lowering you. The elevator crashes the last few feet to the ground, but you dont take damage from it.
You come out of the elevator in lower fallcrest. You see carnage laid out before you, like you are back in the old war days - houses in various states of disrepair, the sounds of battle, the cries of the dying, several of the towers are starting to crumble from being hit with these boulders. Right as you exit, in front of you, is a makeshift barricade. There are some medics and healers here, doing thier best to help the wounded.
You see beyond the barricade the beacon you were supposed to light....and it has been utterly destroyed. The wood and tinder has been scattered. Several buildings and homes have been set ablaze by the orcs that have infiltrated the town.
As you get your bearings, Bireal appears leading a squad of stalwart Fallcrest militia members towards the wall. She notices you, and comes over, calling out for to you to secure Lower Fallcrest as you make your way to the final unlit beacon near the Hopespring.
We are already under heavy attack! The lower area may well fall to the orc raiders if you dont restore some semblance of order!
Bireal moves off in the direction of the ferry (the one you have used before, that takes you across to where Zashier's farm would be) and you hear her say as she leaves
Im headed to drive that thing thats throwing boulders at the town closer to the wall. If I can get it closer, then the archers can finally do some damage to it!
And she and her militia members move off to the East, moving fast.
Between you and the next beacon lay many homes and lots of rubble, as well as invading orcs and slain townsfolk where you must restore order secure Lower Fallcrest as you make your way to the beacon.
--
For the future: The knife is a magical +1 dagger, we will call Brinya's Love. It has been imbued with a portion of Romero's spirit and Brinya's love for him. No atunement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
You are correct, commons would be the closest.
Lem swallows, incredibly, a comment about no one listening to him about warning Markelhay as soon as they could. He begins moving south to the Commons, nodding at Thistle. "Yes, you speak sense again, just get me with about 120 feet and I can light up anything. Even a beacon." His mechanical arm moves up and prepares to fire a fire bolt on anything hostile as he moves.
"We'll have to pick up Yokini as we pass by the temple."
Throughout much of the remaining ceremony -- that is, after the song and speech -- Zashier was able to hold it together. For a moment, he even smiled as Jagrin and Brinya embraced, as the man -- at least when it came to Brinya, was able to set aside an old hatred, and the wounds that went deeper than just the events of the war. But after it came time to set the blaze... after he resolved himself to not only take part, but carry out the honor... he could almost swear the fire might've been put out by his tears, as it took only seconds for the elphantine man to be practically blinded by them.
To his credit, Zashier kept his back to the crowd as Tyari gave a closing speech; chin up, back straight, and hands at his hip to cut a more determined figure. But anyone with the right angle or nto even that much insight could tell the truth...
Zashier... had every intention of staying by the flames until they finally went out, however long that took that evening and the day after if need be. Any thought of the whole war business had fled him, as he could think of nothing else except stand vigil until truly nothing remained of his Brother in all but blood...
But that was not to be. Lem at least /refused/ to leave him be, as AGAIN he would bother him with business that HE HIMSELF could FREAKING GROW A PAIR and HANDLE! Or maybe he'd only been hearing things? Thistle had no intention of moving as well, having made some signal to make aware her position. So maybe he hadn't approached...
Whether it be delusion or truth, either which way, Anger began to cloud Zashier's thoughts for a few moments. Rage and whispers and soon enough, the lingering physical pain of his transformation had been stoked, threatening to overwhelm him again. Fortunately, the sounds of shouts and screams and smashing boulder shocks him out of his state, and prompts him to whip around looking a mix of angry and confused all at once.
Shocked once again, if he truly looked for his family at all, its only by instinct, before Bireal approached him -- needing perhaps even to shout his name a second time to get his attention. "..." Unable to muster words, Zashier just nods curtly, though needed to take a second to push out all other thought, before finally searching/joining the others at the very least. He said nothing in response to the plan, but merely found himself nodding again before leading the literal charge for the Sanctuary, donning his shield, but leaving his other hand free of a weapon for the time being.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Lem looks up and back at Zashier, trailing behind, hoping he can snap out of it. Mourning and remembrance of the fallen and loss take many forms. The big guy felt things deeply, perhaps he'd managed somehow to forget what it was like to lose people. Lem envied him for that.
He says, "Romero would not want us to fall apart at a time like this. People need you, Zashier. Help get me close to the beacons so this city doesn't fall again. You can do this. We'll sort out of differences when we can breathe again."
He turns back again to the path in front of him, the shaking of his hands receding a bit as the adrenaline of chaos kicks in.
Unfortunately for Lem, the words seemed to fall on deaf ears, as he had not responded or so much as looked back at the dwarf after zipping ahead. For as soon as a plan -- any plan had been spoken of, there was no hesitation or slowing down out of the elephantine man. He had been on the move, racing forward and paying attention to little else except that which lied between himself and the temple.
At least for now, that was all he could focus upon, as those along the way were likely already on their way to the keep or the gates anyhow to reinforce them. What stragglers there were initially would have to fend for themselves, or rely on someone like Thistle perhaps along the way to make sure they were making the right moves.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Thistle will move quickly, keeping her eyes roving as the group goes.
(OOC > That's a Move, a Bonus Action (Cunning Action) Dash, and an Action to make a Perception check)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Yokini jumps to her feet and rushes to the locked doors. Banging on them, she calls, "What's going on?! Open up!"
You make your way from the Flame of the Fallen towards the temple, chaos around you as the townsfolk scramble. You move with purpose, directing those around you to get to the wall to fight, or get to safety.
At the temple, one of the monks lets Yokini out after the crash. He opens the door, quickly, and says “We are under attack” then flees down the hall, and up the stairs.
Yokini, assuming you move to leave, Daktani will close the door behind you, shutting himself in. He looks at you through an opening in the door, and says “I betrayed them; I am better off in here than out there.”
Yokini makes her way back up to the main area of the temple and out, where she is greeted by her friends, but they are on the move. Zashier is moving forward, barely even slowing to acknowledge Yokini’s appearance. Again assuming you share with her the plan as you move, led onward hastily by Zashier, you continue moving towards the Commons beacon.
As you arrive just before the beacon, you see ahead of you a lynch mob has gathered, led by this guy dressed in old military garb, not a current town militia man, and they are stringing up Brinya Kelver to lynch her. On the other side of this mob is the Commons beacon. Locals would recognize the man as a local war hero from long ago, Baseil Sabask, and he obviously still holds on to his racial prejudice (played by “Reservour Dogs” era Michael Madsen).
You overhear him yelling to the crowd, rallying anyone who will listen.
Im tired of seeing war besiege my hometown, time and time again. And now my home, MY home that I live in, that my family sleeps in, is under attack! This dirty, filthy half-breed was the scourge of our village! She is the reason they are here! She is the reason we are under attack - its her fault! We must rid this town of her, and all her kind!
And there is an echo of assent from the crowd.
You are approaching from the back of the group. You can see him, and Brinya, half strung up, by his side.
The mob is between you and the Commons Beacon.
Zashier, kind hearted Zashier, looked at first incredulous at the display unraveling before him, and then... he redness began to creep into the edge of his vision. Without waiting to see how the others responded, Zashier sucks in a deep, deep, DEEP breath, before through his trunk releasing the loudest trumpeting anyone has ever heard or seen towards the man over the throng.
"Baseil! Sabask!" He yelled with such utter righteous fury as he jabbed a finger in the man's direction. "You are FAILING the very TOWN you proclaim to be your home with this... THIS MADNESS! THIS COWARDICE! THIS UTTER DISGRACE TO THE VERY TITLE THAT YOU SHOULD BE LIVING UP TO! NOW OF ALL TIMES!" He added. If people have stepped aside at that point to give him a clearer path, he immediately started marching forward. "The town is being besieged at this very moment, good men and women are dying again to defend it, and all you can think of is passing the buck and mislead these people into doing the work of the very foes at their door step!?"
He then gestures to the beacon behind him. "Do you remember what that is?! Do any of you?! If so, and I do believe you know, why haven't you lit it?! HOW MANY MORE WILL YOU DAMN TO THE SLAUGHTER WASTING TIME DOING ANYTHING LESS THAN YOUR DUTY TO THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE!? ALL OF THEM! Human, Half-Orc, Dwarves, Gnomes -- ALL OF THEM!" He barked out one more time, before then finally allowing himself to take a proper breath. Even then, his eyes shone with a disappointment that did not stop at Baseil, but continued on to the crowd. "..... I know you are all scared... Angry... and so many other things at once that its hard to think -- to even breath... But this isn't the way. Hope is more than just a knife to deny your tormentors the satisfaction of breaking one's spirit. Courage is more than simply taking any stand, but recognizing your true foes both within yourself and without, and fighting that battle. No matter how hard it looks... And together, with these things in mind and heart, we are greater than any horde." He states, and would let the words sink for only a few precious seconds before gesturing back to Brinya.
"That woman is not the reason for what's happening today, and you all know it, or so I certainly expect... Now, enough of this nonsense. Those of you that can take up arms aughta be heading to the gate right this moment. The rest of ya aughta be doing what'cha can to make sure everyone else either make it to the keep where its safer, or helping those that can't quite do it." He states, before regarding Baseil. "That includes you. There's yet good people out there that respect you, and we never one we got." Zashier stated, conveying both warning, as well as the message of where the man now stood in the elephantine eyes.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"What are these idiots up to now?" Yokini asks, sounding disgusted.
Thistle knows when to keep quiet, and lets Zashier do his thing. He knows these people, and she does not. Instead, she watches the crowd carefully for anyone who might have been an instigator, acting squirrelly, etc.
Perception: 21
Insight: 21
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Lem also lets Zashier do his thing and he fires a fire bolt at the beacon,
Attack: 25 Damage: 9
Persuasion: 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As you approach the mob, Yokini says "What are this idiots up to now?"
Zashier doesnt even both with a response. He pauses his stride long enough to let out a loud trumpeting, which immediately silences the crowd. They turn and look at Zashier, and he calls out:
"Baseil! Sabask!" He yelled with such utter righteous fury as he jabbed a finger in the man's direction. "You are FAILING the very TOWN you proclaim to be your home with this... THIS MADNESS! THIS COWARDICE! THIS UTTER DISGRACE TO THE VERY TITLE THAT YOU SHOULD BE LIVING UP TO! NOW OF ALL TIMES!"
The crowd parts as Zashier marches forward. "The town is being besieged at this very moment, good men and women are dying again to defend it, and all you can think of is passing the buck and mislead these people into doing the work of the very foes at their door step!?"
He then gestures to the beacon behind him. "Do you remember what that is?! Do any of you?! If so, and I do believe you know, why haven't you lit it?! HOW MANY MORE WILL YOU DAMN TO THE SLAUGHTER WASTING TIME DOING ANYTHING LESS THAN YOUR DUTY TO THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE!? ALL OF THEM! Human, Half-Orc, Dwarves, Gnomes -- ALL OF THEM!"
Seeing you gesture to the beacon behind Baseil, Lem shoots off his fireball, igniting the wood and tinder. A giant flame erupts, bathing the area in a warm orange glow - bright enought fight by, as the sun has gone down and in the fading light, the inhabitants of Fallcrest would have had a difficult time fighting their enemy.
Backlit by the growing flames licking up into the dark night sky, Zashier turns to the crowd and continues. "..... I know you are all scared... Angry... and so many other things at once that its hard to think -- to even breath... But this isn't the way. Hope is more than just a knife to deny your tormentors the satisfaction of breaking one's spirit. Courage is more than simply taking any stand, but recognizing your true foes both within yourself and without, and fighting that battle. No matter how hard it looks... And together, with these things in mind and heart, we are greater than any horde." He states, and would let the words sink for only a few precious seconds before gesturing back to Brinya.
"That woman is not the reason for what's happening today, and you all know it, or so I certainly expect... Now, enough of this nonsense. Those of you that can take up arms aughta be heading to the gate right this moment. The rest of ya aughta be doing what'cha can to make sure everyone else either make it to the keep where its safer, or helping those that can't quite do it." He states, before regarding Baseil. "That includes you. There's yet good people out there that respect you, and we never one we got." Zashier stated, conveying both warning, as well as the message of where the man now stood in the elephantine eyes.
Basiel stutters and stammers, but finally concedes. Unable to make eye contact with Brinya, or the crowd he had just garnered, he rushes off in the direction of the wall. The mob splits in half, some headed for the wall, some headed for safety.
Brinya collapses to the ground breathing heavy. She looks up at Zashier, her eyes brimming with glistening tears.
Thistle rushes over to untie Brinya with a quick slice of a knife. “Up you get, girl. Have you somewhere safe to go? If not, you’d best stick with us, though we are moving fast.”
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Yokini clicks her tongue. "Wow," she says, sounding impressed. "That was ... well, impressive." She winks at Zashier. "Good job. Where to next?"
It takes a moment for Zashier to notice the look from Brinya, as the paladin had been too focused on watching and making sure both War Hero and civilians truly were making good on their duties. And even then, its more so Yokini's question that alerted him to anyone even looking to him to guidance. Zashier's eyes flit about in their sockets, visibly weighing several things in mind, before squeezing his eyes shut. "She'll see it... She'll know what to do..." He mumbles to himself, took a breath, and then finally opened his eyes to regard Brinya.
Wordlessly, he dug Romero's notebook, took Brinya's hand, delivering some divine grace to ease her spirit if not any injuries (1 point of Lay on Hands spent), and gently placed the poetry book into her hand. "Do whatever you think is best. There's beacons we yet must see to, in case ya missed there. And-..." He takes a light hammer, and tries to pass that into her other hand. "May Pelor light help guide you." Zashier adds, now a true center of calm once more. The elephantine man doesn't wait for much of a response, as his immediate next act is to say, "Follow me to the elevator beacon next next. There's no time left.", before then charging off to the next destination, trusting the others to follow at their own pace.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Will you be okay?" Thistle asks Brinya as Zashier moves off.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"Come on, Lemmy!" Yokini calls, sounding almost cheery as she rushes after Zashier.
Thistle, you help Brinya to her feet after cutting her loose. She looks at all of you , in that moment, her saviors. She takes several deep breaths, and finally says she does have a place to get to safety with the others, and tearfully accepts the poetry book. She then pats her pocket, and pulls out the flame-blackened knife. She looks in Zashier's eyes, and says
Thank you for finding the truth out about Romero. I think it is because of you that I will find acceptance from Jagrin. You , and your friends, have done me a great honor, and now you have saved my life. I am indebted to you. I dont have much, but please take this.
She thrusts it towards you, unintentionally being threatening with the blade towards your midsection (clearly she hasnt wielded a blade). If you wont take it, she insists. if you still refuse, she will give it to Thistle. She says
When the time is right, Romero's spirit will help protect those who laid his soul to rest
She hurries off to safety. If you take a half-second before running off to examine the blade, you see it has the inscription "My Love" in stark silver hammered into the black, steel blade. The blade looks blackened, but not just soot; not just burned. It has been magically imbued with some power, and there is a subtle glow around the blade.
But there is little time to worry about that right now. You must get to the next beacon.
The party rushes off, following Zashier through the city to the next Beacon, in Lower Fallcrest, moving in silhouette with the flames of the first beacon burning behind them...
Its an easy journey to the elevator, where several guards are manning the elevator - a makeshift thing of wood and ropes. Its a bit rickety, but you have used it for years and know it will hold you (yes Zashier, even you). You rush in, and the guards lower you down as fast as they can, cranking the gears to drop the cage. As you begin to lower and get more of Lower Fallcrest into your field of view, what you see is pandemonium, especially when viewed in contrast to Upper Fallcrest.
The battle started here at the walls in Lower Fallcrest.
A second flaming boulder comes flying through (from the East), crashing at the top of the elevator, destroying some of the machinery, and certainly burning the guards that were lowering you. The elevator crashes the last few feet to the ground, but you dont take damage from it.
You come out of the elevator in lower fallcrest. You see carnage laid out before you, like you are back in the old war days - houses in various states of disrepair, the sounds of battle, the cries of the dying, several of the towers are starting to crumble from being hit with these boulders. Right as you exit, in front of you, is a makeshift barricade. There are some medics and healers here, doing thier best to help the wounded.
You see beyond the barricade the beacon you were supposed to light....and it has been utterly destroyed. The wood and tinder has been scattered. Several buildings and homes have been set ablaze by the orcs that have infiltrated the town.
As you get your bearings, Bireal appears leading a squad of stalwart Fallcrest militia members towards the wall. She notices you, and comes over, calling out for to you to secure Lower Fallcrest as you make your way to the final unlit beacon near the Hopespring.
We are already under heavy attack! The lower area may well fall to the orc raiders if you dont restore some semblance of order!
Bireal moves off in the direction of the ferry (the one you have used before, that takes you across to where Zashier's farm would be) and you hear her say as she leaves
Im headed to drive that thing thats throwing boulders at the town closer to the wall. If I can get it closer, then the archers can finally do some damage to it!
And she and her militia members move off to the East, moving fast.
Between you and the next beacon lay many homes and lots of rubble, as well as invading orcs and slain townsfolk where you must restore order secure Lower Fallcrest as you make your way to the beacon.
--
For the future: The knife is a magical +1 dagger, we will call Brinya's Love. It has been imbued with a portion of Romero's spirit and Brinya's love for him. No atunement.