Redlun XXXIIX

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>  </B></div> <div> <B>Redlun Archives </B></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U><B>Volumes I to XXIV</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U>Redlun XXV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id204.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVI"><U>Redlun XXVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id207.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVII"><U>Redlun XXVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id213.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXVIII"><U>Redlun XXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id214.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIX"><U>Redlun XXIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id215.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXX"><U>Redlun XXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id232.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXI"><U>Redlun XXXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id255.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXII"><U>Redlun XXXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id261.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIII"><U>Redlun XXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id263.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIV"><U>Redlun XXXIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id264.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXV"><U>Redlun XXXV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id266.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXVI"><U>Redlun XXXVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id271.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Redlun XXXVII"><U> Redlun XXXVII</U></A>   |   <B>Redlun XXXIIX</B>   |   <A HREF="id280.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXIX"><U>Redlun XXXIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id281.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXX"><U>Redlun XXXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id284.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXI"><U>Redlun XXXXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id285.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXII"><U>Redlun XXXXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id288.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXIII"><U>Redlun XXXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id290.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXIV"><U>Redlun XXXXIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id292.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXV"><U>Redlun XXXXV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Redlun XXXIIX</I></div> <bR> <div> Missiledine: We all here?</div> <div> tacit01: I see 3 of us</div> <div> Missiledine: ok, we can get this show off the ground</div> <div> Dukejr01: yah</div> <div> tacit01: KILL!</div> <div> Missiledine: Ok, when we wrapped up you two were leaving the Abbot and returning to your respective bedchambers</div> <div> Missiledine: We are picking up in the morning</div> <div> Dukejr01: k</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar composes a letter for Rowena and a somewhat shorter one for Danika after reading theirs.</div> <div> Missiledine: After getting up, getting dressed etc, you meet in the main hall for breakfast and a short followup meeting before everyone departs</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: going to play out hte meeting?</div> <div> Missiledine: The room is mostly empty, the servants and such are keeping their distance unless summoned. The key players are all seated at one</div> <div> table so you can talk and eat. From the group last night, only the Abbot is missing</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamr eats lightly but makes sure to complimetn the Baron.</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron asks, "Since we have all had time to think on this, is there any more comments, ideas, or suggestions before we split up?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: for his hospitality</div> <div> tacit01: J has no further comments</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron looks you over, then says "Very well then. We meet again in Windhook in seven days. Be ready for three weeks in the</div> <div> field."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "What sort of timetable are we looking at for the assault?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: <sorry,. was having trouble with the buffer></div> <div> Missiledine: "A week to get there, a day to take it, a week back with some extra time in the middle</div> <div> Missiledine: to allow for extended operations and for rations for any garrison we leave."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I mean for the actual attack. I would like an idea of how much power I can have available for spells."</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron looks at his Captains, Dell says, "If it goes smoothly, two hours from start to finish. Otherwise...." He shrugs</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hopefully crossing the open space and penetrating the tower will take only a few minutes. After that is anybody's guess. It all</div> <div> depends on how much guts they have for a fight."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar frowns slightly. "I have been thinking about what we discussed last night." Athamar is looking at Dell. "It will take some time to recover from</div> <div> before the assault onthe tower begins, if I go "plug the drain"</div> <div> Missiledine: Lord Boma says, "If we can block their bolt hole, they'll fight a hell of a lot harder. They are all looking at the Gallows or life on a labor</div> <div> chain."</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell says, "How much time?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "To completely recover, nearly an hour. If I have lots of powerstones, I can simply use them. To give you an idea.... casting one Shape Stone spell on</div> <div> worked stone uses the same power as 2 explosive fireballs."</div> <div> Missiledine: "But if we let them escape into the desert, with minimal water and transport, the Desert will save us the Executioner's Coin." Boma</div> <div> adds (Sorry, lost the context of the thread.)</div> <div> Dukejr01: <np. happens.></div> <div> Dukejr01: <I am calculating a cost of 11 fatigue for one shape stone. btw></div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron frowns, "I shall see if we can borrow a Powerstone or two for your use, Lord Athamar."</div> <div> Missiledine: <ok I haven't done the math yet></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "Thank you. That would greatly improve my usefullness."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <worked stone costs 3 times as much to shape></div> <div> Missiledine: <true></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athmar wants to talk to Dell afterwards, but that is all he has to say.</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell says, "We may have to revise the tactical details depending upon the available power. That may not be known before we reach</div> <div> Windhook."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.</div> <div> Missiledine: Beal says, "Are we comfortable with letting some, or all ofd these scum escape into the desert on the off chance that they may die out</div> <div> there? I personnally am not. They may have secret stashes of supplies for just such an event."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Ideally, we could put a small force to block the exit below. that would take magic."</div> <div> Missiledine: Lord Bome says, "If they know that there is no chance of escape, they may die to the man while inflicting unsustainable casualties on</div> <div> our people. Remember, most of our men are not professional fighters. Our Manors rely on these </div> <div> Missiledine: men to work them."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Whether the exit is blocked by stone or steel, the effect will be the same." Boma says</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar scratches his head, he shrugs slightly. "More likely to gain surprise if the tower is assaulted immediately."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Chopping ourselves in the foot, in the pursuit of justice, will not do this area and our peoples any good in the long term." He adds</div> <div> Missiledine: "Perhaps," Beal says "If we were prepared to pursue them if they get into the desert and harry them so that they are not able to</div> <div> resupply?"</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell says, "We can send our mounted force after them... we will need extra water, food.... Have to keep the horses handy for</div> <div> immediate pursuit..." He trails off thinking</div> <div> Dukejr01: "If we gain the central area, <Athamar points> the only people to be able to escape are the ones already down the passage toward the desert."</div> <div> Missiledine: "True, but if word has spread that the exit is blocked, and it certainly will, the bandits will fight like demons to drive us out or avoid</div> <div> capture."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Seems to me, correct me if I am wrong, the critical point is there. Once that is controlled, I could, assuming I am not exhausted completely, seal off any</div> <div> of the passages with stone and leave them for our leisure."</div> <div> Missiledine: "If they think they have an escape route, only those trapped in the dead end tunnels will be desperate."</div> <div> tacit01: <is the exit large enough for mounts, or would excapees be on foot?></div> <div> Dukejr01: <the desert exit has desert horses in a natural cave></div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes, that will be the deciding fight. But how hard they fight to control that area will depend on if they think they can retreat."</div> <div> Missiledine: "These are not Oathed Hauscarls, they will not die for their Lord. They are brigands and tavern scum. But they will fight like cornered</div> <div> rats if they are staring at the Gallows as their only option."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar rests his shin on his hand and stares at the map thoughtfully.</div> <div> Dukejr01: <chin></div> <div> Missiledine: "If a third of our force are crippled or killed, what will be the impact on next years harvest? What happens when Goblin raiders hit us in</div> <div> the spring?" Boma asks</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is with Boma, he nods in agreement</div> <div> Dukejr01: A catches Ollyn's eye to see if he agrees.</div> <div> Missiledine: He nods slightly</div> <div> Dukejr01: This isn;'t up for a vote, but Boma has convinced Athamar.</div> <div> tacit01: "is there a way to take their horses, but leave a route of excape open? if they ran...</div> <div> tacit01: "they'd be on foot, and easier to hunt down after the initial fight."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A can't think of anything.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I can;t think of anything short of a Druid or a raid into the guarded cave below. Which would set them off."</div> <div> Missiledine: "What if we only close the exit partially? Leave enough room for the men to crawl out, but not take the horses?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "The risks of bottling them up are great, the benefits relatively modest."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <how big is the exit?></div> <div> Dukejr01: <does the exit swing in or out or niether?></div> <div> Missiledine: From what you know, its about ten feet wide and twelve feet high</div> <div> Dukejr01: whoa. lots of energy.</div> <div> Missiledine: no door at all, just a sharp bend that blocks light etc</div> <div> Dukejr01: oh.... okay. didn;'t know that.....</div> <div> Missiledine: <sorry></div> <div> Dukejr01: I thought there was a "secret entrance" that I could simply jam with a simple stone shape.</div> <div> Dukejr01: shape earth followed by earth to stone would be needed....</div> <div> Missiledine: its not easily visible unless you know where it is, but there is no door</div> <div> Dukejr01: k</div> <div> tacit01: "if we allow them to escape, than what measures will we take to keep them from....</div> <div> tacit01: "reoccupying after we leave?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "partial blocking is possible but inceases the risk. I am afraid that if I block teh entrance down below the guards are going to notice even if they don't see</div> <div> me. the sound of the wind or desert is suddenly going to stop even if...</div> <div> Dukejr01: they don't have guards outside.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "A few days and the place can be sealed up. another mage or a lot of sweat will reopen it, the onlt real solution is to visit occassionally to makesure its</div> <div> clear,."</div> <div> Missiledine: <hang on a sec></div> <div> Dukejr01: "I find myself convinced by Lord Boma's arguements, these scum are not worth the lives of our people. If they escape they go to trouble he desert</div> <div> people...."</div> <div> tacit01: J nods - "And if they do not reoccupy, so we're not doing this again next year..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "The mage is the most likely to trouble us again, but he is most likely to escape anyway."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "Their success depends on secrecy. Their secret is out. In their shoes, I may have cut and run already."</div> <div> Missiledine: Dell nods, "Yes, they may already be gone."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar has no further comments</div> <div> Missiledine: Everyone sits, contemplating the issues for a few minutes... Finally the Baron speaks...</div> <div> Missiledine: "Very well, the consensus is that we don't try and trap them. We will seek to harry them with our mounted troops, possibly catching</div> <div> them in the open."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Very well then, until we meet in Windhook." He salutes you and the meeting ends</div> <div> Dukejr01: A returns it.</div> <div> Dukejr01: He leaves</div> <div> Missiledine: <Did you want to talk to Dell?></div> <div> Dukejr01: nah. we arent; gonna bottle them up anymore</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: that was what he wanted to talk about. protection</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar will send the letters with Lord Boma. </div> <div> Missiledine: You gather your belongings and people. Lord Boma meets you in the Courtyard. "Sorry Athamar, I didn't mean to steal your moment</div> <div> of glory."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Eh? Oh, that. Think nothing of it. To tell you the truth, I was chewed out by my houscarl for even contemplating the risk, and the more I thought about it,</div> <div> the more rash it sounded."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar shrugs.</div> <div> tacit01: <LOL></div> <div> Missiledine: He laughs, "Well you won't be doing that now!"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Best make sure your people bring extra water bottles tho."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar chuckles. "Good idea. I need to listen to the seasoned campaigners."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is willing to chat a little while but he is anxious to get moving....</div> <div> Missiledine: Your horses are ready and the gear packed. Boma takes the letters. "I will see you in about a week." He mounts </div> <div> Dukejr01: "Fare well"</div> <div> Missiledine: He waves and rides off with his men. They bring your horses up... Dell is there</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar nods to him.</div> <div> Missiledine: "The Baron will arrange for the use of several Powerstones in the off chance that it is needed."</div> <div> Missiledine: "But we will plan on a mounted pursuit." He seems unhappy about this</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Very good of him. Thank you."</div> <div> tacit01: J will say goodbye to Beal</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar sighs and nods. "I have some spells that may help with that."</div> <div> Missiledine: The professional in him thinks that this is a sloppy solution, he would do it differently if the attacking force was all mercs</div> <div> Dukejr01: <yeah. so would I, esp with a couple battle mages></div> <div> Missiledine: He waves farewell, "Until we meet at Windhook, My Lord. May Mitra go with you."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Until then, Mitra protect you, Master Dell."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamr rides back to Redlun.</div> <div> Missiledine: The trip back is uneventful... You have a lot of prep work to do on this... Who are you taking?</div> <div> Dukejr01: yes, Athamar puts his head together with his men. A is think of taking more than 13 men if the militia seem interested. leave say,. 4 regulars here and take</div> <div> 6-11 militia.</div> <div> Dukejr01: some would be afoot, but that is okay a lot of other are afoot. need guys to drive the wagons anyway</div> <div> Dukejr01: we have... 15 horsesm I think. are any of the new ones broken enough for harness?</div> <div> Missiledine: maybe half</div> <div> Dukejr01: Ollyn worked with e milita, does he know who would be best?</div> <div> Dukejr01: well then. we can use those to pull the wagons. take two of the largest with lots of water?</div> <div> Missiledine: your going to need it... use some wine barrels</div> <div> Dukejr01: yup. lots of water, split the water among he wagons. maybe take 3 wagons. 2 4 horse and 1 2-horse. some fodder, food. blankets. wood for fires. the</div> <div> tents. need herbs and as much healing grass as we can spare.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Look over your militia and decide, based on weapon types etc, who you want to take.></div> <div> Dukejr01: maybe call for volunteers among the milita. they get a share of the loot.</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay</div> <div> Missiledine: <You won't have trouble gettingg volunteers, the majority will want to go along... Nothing much else to do in mid winter></div> <div> Dukejr01: we recently opened up teh armouries to upgrade them milita. lets get the ones in metal armour. esp those that can use spears or swords. and bowmen. I</div> <div> am thinking in the tunnels, that the second rank will be using...</div> <div> Dukejr01: spears over the shoulders of the first rank guys</div> <div> Dukejr01: <cool></div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Missiledine: crossbows might be better in the tunnels, tho RoF is lower</div> <div> Dukejr01: I am thinking crossbowmen over bowmen. </div> <div> Dukejr01: lol. great minds</div> <div> Dukejr01: likely we will have one volley then melee</div> <div> Missiledine: suppression on the outside will benefit from archers</div> <div> Missiledine: also more useful in the desert</div> <div> Dukejr01: lets keep it simple. how many men should be left behind? the spear levy of course. and say, half the milita? more?</div> <div> Dukejr01: get the three smiths working on equipment. actually, they probably were before A left.</div> <div> Missiledine: half the militia is a fair number</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. we have 33 milita if I remember right.</div> <div> Missiledine: I think that is correct</div> <div> Missiledine: <Without opening files>?</div> <div> Dukejr01: take 15 of them. A is rather more concerned about Redlun. others will bring larger contingents.</div> <div> Missiledine: and how many of your money fighters?</div> <div> Dukejr01: lol. I am adding the 23 from the original folk plus teh new people.</div> <div> Dukejr01: 11 mercs and 2 hausecarls.</div> <div> Missiledine: so, 28 total, plus you</div> <div> Dukejr01: well. I am thinking leave 4-5 mercs here to stiffen redlun.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: I supposethey all want to go along.</div> <div> Missiledine: chance for loot!</div> <div> Dukejr01: yeah. lol. A would like to take them all along.... but that is probably not such a good idea.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Well, 6 of them got some loot already. perhaps its some other mercs turn.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: well, leave 4 mercs. so its 24 plus Athamar </div> <div> Missiledine: and who will be mounted? You are taking 15 riding horses and 10 cart animals?</div> <div> Dukejr01: that is a good number. morethan I said I would take.</div> <div> Dukejr01: well, lets mount the regulars. and use the extra mounts to spell teh scouts so they have fresh horses. the ilita can walk or drive the wagons. As supplies are used they can spell eachotehr riding.</div> <div> Missiledine: assuming that 15 ride, 6 others can drive the wagons (using the seats) that only leaves 4 walking.. They can probably ride in the wagons</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Dukejr01: well, if we are in need of speed. we can simply mount the militia that are walking. </div> <div> Missiledine: going to have a remuda then?</div> <div> Dukejr01: eh?</div> <div> Missiledine: spare mounts</div> <div> Dukejr01: maybe the rangers wil ldo most scouting. if so, no need to spell the scouts.</div> <div> Dukejr01: lets say one spare kept for each scout. the others ride. that is best I think. two scouts so that makes 6 walkers who can probably still ridehte wagons.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Remuda: A term referring to the pool of unused riding horses on a cattle drive></div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. new one on me</div> <div> Missiledine: <Hollywood aside, most cowboys didn't own their own horses and they went through three or four a day></div> <div> Dukejr01: true</div> <div> Dukejr01: <my dad hated horses when he was growing up on teh farm></div> <div> Missiledine: Okay then... You select your force, the smyths work night and day to ready any extra armor and weapons needed, you load the</div> <div> wagons with food, water, fodder, firewood...</div> <div> Dukejr01: bandages.</div> <div> Dukejr01: beer</div> <div> Missiledine: <We bred thoroughbreds when I was a kid></div> <div> Dukejr01: blankets, tents, spare horseshoes. shoeing supplies.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Spent every Saturday night at the racetrack since at least one of our horses was running></div> <div> Dukejr01: <cool></div> <div> Missiledine: <I never go there anymore!></div> <div> Dukejr01: extra arrows nd bolts</div> <div> Missiledine: how many per man?</div> <div> Dukejr01: how many do we have? 3 extra quivers full would be minimum imo</div> <div> Missiledine: hmmm, good question....</div> <div> Missiledine: you don't have anyone to make arrows, so its only what you have bought...</div> <div> Dukejr01: lol. not much. maybe we should run to the store.</div> <div> Dukejr01: should have thought of this before....</div> <div> Dukejr01: one of the many many details that were left out. </div> <div> Missiledine: assume twenty rounds per man, which will leave some to defend the manor with... </div> <div> Dukejr01: okay.</div> <div> Missiledine: Well, shit happens!</div> <div> Dukejr01: lol. </div> <div> Dukejr01: we will buy a few hundred when we get to Drunmore again.</div> <div> Missiledine: ok</div> <div> Missiledine: ok... after much frenzied preperation, you are at last ready to march on schedule!</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. do we have anything? <everyone go to the can before we leave...></div> <div> Dukejr01: yay!</div> <div> Dukejr01: rah rah!</div> <div> Missiledine: At dawn the next day you set out on the road towards Oakhall and on to Windhook...</div> <div> Dukejr01: <rah rah ree! Kink em in the knee! Rah rah ras! Kick em in the other knee!></div> <div> Missiledine: As you are moving through the village, one of the villagers calls to you and points back down the road towards the manor....</div> <div> Dukejr01: A looks.</div> <div> Dukejr01: <hope its not on fire.></div> <div> Missiledine: You see a column of men exiting the woods in the distance... It is Boma and his troops</div> <div> Dukejr01: A goes to meet them.... he takes a couple men</div> <div> Missiledine: Roweena and Danika are with him</div> <div> Dukejr01: A looks over the approaching men. he is a little puzzled. but he grins when he sees his sister and Roweena.</div> <div> Missiledine: They have quite a bit of luggage between them, they are clearly planning on staying awhile</div> <div> Dukejr01: A whoops and gives her a big hug.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Danika that is.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Uh huh...></div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar is quite proper with Roweena... for now.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Time to make life in Redlun interesting!></div> <div> Dukejr01: oh, boy.....</div> <div> Missiledine: :-D</div> <div> Missiledine: Lord Boma shrugs, "They insisted.... My wife is happy to se the back of the two of them for a few weeks anyway."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "What a surprise! I see you are staying...."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar laughs. </div> <div> tacit01: :-X</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Redlun is a little rough right now, but its home. Lets get you two settled."</div> <div> Missiledine: The servants will come out to collect the luggage and you can continue on when you are ready</div> <div> Missiledine: Danika says, "You keep your head down! A battle is no place for you!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "And to think I worry about you!" Athamar chuckles.</div> <div> Missiledine: Roweena will give you a chaste little kiss and hug and wish you well."</div> <div> Missiledine: Please be careful My Lord!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: "I will, I have good reason to return in one piece." he smiles at her.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Okay Troy, now that Roweena is in Athamar's hair on a daily basis, I'll be happy to entertain any suggestions from you on how to</div> <div> complicate his life!></div> <div> Dukejr01: <have mercy!></div> <div> Missiledine: <Well, turn about is fair play!></div> <div> Dukejr01: <ahem!></div> <div> tacit01: <for starters, she can throw herself at him every chance she gets - Expecially when Lord Boma is around></div> <div> Dukejr01: <whee!></div> <div> Missiledine: <okay... go on!></div> <div> Dukejr01: Anyway.... Athamar waves goodbye.</div> <div> Missiledine: <I think Athamar should have reduced IQ rolls when it comes to dealing with Roweena... You know how love can make saps of</div> <div> otherwise bright people.></div> <div> Dukejr01: <lol></div> <div> tacit01: <ooh - Lover's Distraction disad!></div> <div> Missiledine: <Or Harried Husband Disadvantage></div> <div> Missiledine: The combined force marches on down the road on its way to fame, fortune and ignominous defeat....</div> <div> Dukejr01: <Right int he middle of the fight for the tower: "The sheen on that stone is like Roweena's hair shining in the silvery moonlight..."></div> <div> Missiledine: lol</div> <div> Missiledine: <Or....'Oh My God! I forgot to pick up the milk! Roweena will kill me!'></div> <div> Dukejr01: <that one is easy: "Servant. go get My Lady some milk."></div> <div> Missiledine: <Ok... Try this one! "Mitra! I forgot her Birthday!"></div> <div> tacit01: <"you didn't pick this milk out - you had your servant do it for you - YOU DON"T LOVE ME ANYMORE!></div> <div> Missiledine: <LOL!></div> <div> Dukejr01: Anyway. Athamar leads the merry men over the new bridge spanning the new canal surrounding Redlun.</div> <div> Missiledine: <He's trying to dodge the issue! Coward!></div> <div> Dukejr01: Once safely out of earshot. Athamar grins at Ollyn and says: "I wish Gallus well...."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <yes yes. women. Athamar is doomed. got it></div> <div> Missiledine: "Aye, we'll probably see him hoofin it down the road behind us in a few hours."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar chortles.</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar chats with Lord Boma amiably on the way to Oakhall.</div> <div> Missiledine: Ok... You reach Oak Hall with out issue... With over 40 armed and armored men it is unlikely that anyone will mess with you</div> <div> Missiledine: The Baron's men direct you to an area to camp outside the town</div> <div> Dukejr01: Camp away.</div> <div> Missiledine: okay...</div> <div> Missiledine: You and Boma and your chief people will dine at the Baron's, everyone else will feed outside... Mutton courtesy the Church</div> <div> Dukejr01: that would be Ollyn and J. I think.</div> <div> Dukejr01: I suppose nordan is not along.</div> <div> Missiledine: Nothing of note will occur or be said during the meal, but afterwards the Baron asks that you stop by his study</div> <div> Missiledine: No</div> <div> tacit01: yes, that is correct :-)</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Of course, my Lord."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A goes.</div> <div> Missiledine: Once the meal and dessert are done, and the entertainment, several traveling Jongeleurs, is finished, the company breaks up and you</div> <div> find your way to the study</div> <div> Missiledine: There are guards outside who salute as you approach and knock once, then open the door for you</div> <div> Dukejr01: A nods to them.</div> <div> Missiledine: Baron Lodlass is alone in the room, looking at some papers. "Ah, Lord Athamar. Please come in."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <Col mustard did it in the study with a candlestick.></div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thank you, My Lord." A sits.</div> <div> Missiledine: There is brandy, tobacco and cigars if you want them, he waves towards the side board. "Help yourself."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thank you." A takes a little brandy. a couple fingers.</div> <div> Dukejr01: "ahhh..."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Very good."</div> <div> Missiledine: He pushes the papers aside and says, "We have not had much of an opportunity to get to know one another, Lord Athamar. I hope</div> <div> that we can remedy that in the future."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "We will be neighbors for some time, Mitra willing." Athamar smiles.</div> <div> Missiledine: "Yes indeed... From what I hear you have put a lot of effort into building up Redlun, it is comforting to know that my western flank is in</div> <div> capable hands."</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Thank you. Redlun needs a lot of work."</div> <div> Missiledine: He opens a small wooden coffer that is on the desk and takes out a soft leather pouch. "I have borrowed this from an old friend for the</div> <div> duration of the campaign. I fear that I must ask for its return when it is finished." He offers</div> <div> Missiledine: you the pouch</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar looks interested. "Naturally, my Lord. I will take the best care." A weighs it in his hand.</div> <div> Missiledine: inside is a magnificent blue topaz of almost a carat in weight... (GM Note: I do not ascribe to the rule that Powerstones MUST be</div> <div> Opals.></div> <div> Dukejr01: that is a bigass powerstone, yes?</div> <div> Missiledine: You can feel the mana in it as it rests in your hand</div> <div> Missiledine: <Potentially yes... But it is not yet at its full capacity></div> <div> Missiledine: "It is, I understand, a work in progress." The Baron says</div> <div> Dukejr01: A lifts an eyebrow. "A magnificent stone, My Lord...."</div> <div> Dukejr01: can A gauge the stone?</div> <div> Missiledine: <The stone or the power in it?></div> <div> Dukejr01: the power</div> <div> Missiledine: <Not exactly, but it holds somewhere between 15 and 20 points></div> <div> Dukejr01: A doesn't much care about the value except that it belongs to someone else and its A's responsibility.</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay.</div> <div> Missiledine: <Analyze is needed for exact number></div> <div> Dukejr01: "I will keep it safe. Thank you.. and you friend for entrusting me with it."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I regret that I am not at liberty to discuss its owner."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A waves it off. "Of course, I understand."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A closes the pouch.</div> <div> Missiledine: The two of you will chat for a bit more, on general topics (unless you have a specific thing to ask) then the Baron will bid you good</div> <div> night</div> <div> Dukejr01: Nothing in particular, A does bring outthe topic of Goblin raids in the area. general info</div> <div> Dukejr01: no need to go over it here</div> <div> Missiledine: "They happen, of late, since the Rivermarch camapaign, the Gobs have had a lot of their energy drained off in that direction, making</div> <div> things a bit easier in these parts."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A grunts and nods. "Best to be prepared. Often in the spring, I understand?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Aye, their winter stocks are depleted and the young ones are itchin for some action."</div> <div> Dukejr01: A frowns in thought....</div> <div> Dukejr01: Anyway. A has no other topics to discuss.</div> <div> Missiledine: <ok></div> <div> Missiledine: You return to the encampment, your tent and your men...</div> <div> Dukejr01: right. they hvae some beer with there vittles?</div> <div> Missiledine: The next morning you set off again, with the baron's troops in the lead</div> <div> Missiledine: Yes</div> <div> Dukejr01: We should work out some passwords etc</div> <div> Dukejr01: A grand parade are we.</div> <div> Missiledine: On the road you are joined by the Count's troop and the Rangers... The Priest and his guards are near the Baron.. You and Boma are</div> <div> expected to ride up front with the Baron</div> <div> Dukejr01: okay. A doesn't mind.</div> <div> Missiledine: Everyone turns out to watch you march off, there is much waving and cheering from the crowd... Along the way the farmsteds all turn</div> <div> out to watch as well</div> <div> Dukejr01: <"Who are they?" "Must be Lords..."></div> <div> Dukejr01: A makes sure to greet everyone properly and will find time to chat with anyone who feels inclined. like teh priest.</div> <div> Missiledine: Periodically you ride back along the column to check on your men, though Ollyn has things well in hand... Boma's troops are marching</div> <div> behind yours </div> <div> Missiledine: and on one of your trips back, when you are only a few hours out of Windhook, one of the men marching near the front of Boma's</div> <div> troops catches your eye... </div> <div> Dukejr01: A would rather be with his guys, but he doesn;t say anything.</div> <div> Dukejr01: eh? hmmmm.....</div> <div> Missiledine: He is a slight figure, wrapped in a cloak with his hood pulled over his face... There is something about him...</div> <div> Dukejr01: Tassiter?</div> <div> Missiledine: Yep</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Tass, you.... Ugh!"</div> <div> Missiledine: "Hoi Brother! Nice day for a march!"</div> <div> tacit01: :-)</div> <div> tacit01: <i mean, >:o></div> <div> Missiledine: "You didn't think I was going to miss this, did you? Besides, now that Danika is home with her evil twin... your not really going to</div> <div> marry her are you? I wasn't going to hang around any more then I had to."</div> <div> Missiledine: "I heard them talking about wedding gowns and colors... If you plan on staying free you better look to your defenses!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar sighs. "Save your breath for marching. You will be doing a lot of it...." Athamar grins.</div> <div> Missiledine: "S'all right by me!"</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar pulls up beside Ollyn. "Not unexpected."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Aye, he's like a bad penny... Should ave locked im in the dungeon."</div> <div> Dukejr01: Athamar chuckles. "Make sure he walks."</div> <div> Missiledine: A few hours later the scouts report Windhook in sight... Riders are approaching... Master Beal has ridden out to meet the Baron</div> <div> Dukejr01: A returns to the otehr Lords.</div> <div> Missiledine: There are campsites set up outside the village, and Beal has prepared a feast in honor of the Baron and you and Boma.... Once you</div> <div> are set up you will all meet in the Keep</div> <div> Dukejr01: A settles his men. </div> <div> Missiledine: Beal will come looking for Jacinta while the tents are being set up</div> <div> Dukejr01: "Tass, clean yourself up."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Jacinta!" He asks, "Is all well with you?"</div> <div> tacit01: <J, the blushing merc...></div> <div> Missiledine: He will lead you into an empty but finished tent for a proper greeting in a bit of privacy</div> <div> tacit01: "yes, all is well - and with you?"</div> <div> Dukejr01: <refrains from comment></div> <div> Missiledine: "Good. We are ready here. I hope to speak to the Baron, and Lord Athamar, about our future as soon as things are finished on this</div> <div> campaign."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Perhaps we can find some time to... meet after the feast tonight."</div> <div> Missiledine: "If our duties permit."</div> <div> tacit01: "we are as ready as we'll ever be - though we ended up bringing an extra man..."</div> <div> Missiledine: "Oh?"</div> <div> Missiledine: "The prisoner?"</div> <div> tacit01: "Athamar's younger brother invited himself along"</div> <div> Missiledine: Beal laughs, "Yes, youth is ever the fool. I did something similar in my younger years. Of course, it lead me to this." He gestures</div> <div> about "And you. So perhaps it wasn't completely foolish."</div> <div> Dukejr01: <what a sweetheart></div> <div> Missiledine: <lol></div> <div> tacit01: J looks a bit embarrased</div> <div> Missiledine: <just wait, your turn is coming!></div> <div> tacit01: "If I can get free, I will look for you"</div> <div> Missiledine: "I will look for you! I must go now." He gives you a kiss and leaves</div> <div> Missiledine: <Well guys, I hate to end this, but its 2:30 here... Next week we will try and actually get you all killed.></div> <div> tacit01: oh, yippee</div> <div> Dukejr01: <okay.</div> <div> Dukejr01: thanks for running us. was fun</div> <div> Dukejr01: finally gettign somewhere</div> <div> Missiledine: your welcome!</div> <div> Missiledine: well, good night gents</div> <div> Dukejr01: nigth</div> <div> Dukejr01: night, even</div> <div> tacit01: night all</div> <div> Dukejr01 has left the room.</div> <div> Missiledine: bye</div> </td> </tr></table></body>