The Fall of Triel RP Thread

[Maverick 40]

(( This thread is for all of the players and factions IC reactions to the defeat of the allied forces at the hands of the treacherous Soubar Mercenaries and the terrible ferocity of the Black Orcs))

[Maverick 40]

Laisren stared back into the fire, a pained and shameful look upon his face. "So, what had happened next?", the voice of one elder asked him.

Laisren shook his head slightly then answered, "We set a defensive position upon the bridge protecting the northern road but.....", he hesitated to finish. The elders simply waited for the answer and he then finally finished, "The Half Orc leader of the Paladins would not hold the line with us, seeking to remove his people to return south", he said sourly.

The elders gave a commotion to this and whispered amongst themselves. "What of the northern road's defense?", they asked in unison. "It was abandoned Elders, we could not hold it alone once the Orcs had finished sacking the town", Laisren stated stoically. "We gathered our fallen and moved with haste toward northern first pass before any Orcish scouts might be organized to track us", he concluded.

"So, the humans forces you had allied yourself with has betrayed you and the Black Orcs are now free to move the northern passes you are saying?", they asked Laisren. He looked up from the fire and around to each of them before he answered, "Yes".

[7threalm]

A dwarven messenger half-bruised and bloody, a bolt lodge in his side reaches the home of the northern elves, In his hand is a letter with the Seal Of King Battlehammer of Kraak Helzak.

Elves of the Northern Lands,

We the Dwarves of Kraak Helzak attempted to march east to aid you and the humans to south in this war with the black orcs only to be met with arrows and bolts from the humans we were suppose to assist. Now a Large force of these humans block the trade way across the boressky bridge thus cutting us off from your lands and trade. Something Must be done with these longshanks'. If this letter reaches you...know that our Alliance still holds....


Signed

Dovkin Battlehammer

[Hoihe]

After about a half a tenday's worth of days of recuperating, a battered Hoihe with ripped and stained coat used in laboratories, covered in blood and the salts of experiments travelled south back to Candlekeep. Massively unshaven, save for his mustache for it was of the highest quality as always, his blood vessels still pained from the unusual application of his hidden magics he did make it safely back south. He travelled unlike he normally did, taking care to sneak with the guidance of his familiar, invisible and making the least sound possible.

He reached the path leading towards Candlekeep, still a few miles out into the Sea of Swords though and outside the powerful wards, Hoihe contacted Laitae and told her of his return. Later he conversed with the sun elven Guide of Candlekeep at length and moved to finally shave himself properly and get his equipment into acceptable quality.

He shared the story of the battle over a few glasses of wine and bottles of rum with Stanley, Rico and Sonny, warning them about strangers and telling the guards to pay attention to the acolytes as well.

The Dragon Warrior then finally returned to his studies on various things, wondering whether he should do anything further related to this case or not. He does enjoy Triel a lot but it no longer is Triel.

Three other things haunt his thoughts, the elf Amarven and his former leman, Valge. He wonders what the elves of the north plan. And of course, the betrayal. Eventually he got himself into a proper mindset and got a fellow avowed to help him out with a certain task..

[Maverick 40]

Deep within the High Moor, Hilga Winterfang stands outside her father's tent watching a dozen bloodied and broken spearmen walking slowly back into camp. Their heads held low and their eyes betraying the look of those who had seen great horrors. Hilga looks for Nerys the skald of Battlesong, the herald of their force in the battle for written people's town of Triel.

Hilga walks briskly over to one of the spearmen and in voice strained to control it's anger asks, "Where are the rest of our warriors, where is Nerys?!?".

[DM Novus]

The Council of Four sought out two representatives of the leadership of each guild that stood ground at Triel against the Black Orcs, to be received at court in the Duchal Palace. Initially there were the guilds of the Order of the Silver Rose, Order of the Radiant Heart, Kraak Helzak, Doron Amar, the Elder Circle, En Dharasha Everae, and a lone representative of the Barbarians of the north.

The meeting began under a unspoken pretense to unite the guilds that had been witness to the fall of Triel, to both the Black Orcs and a traitorous group of mercenaries believed to be from Soubar.

However, it did not end on the best of circumstances...yet faith still lingers in the air.

The Dukes attempt to listen to each tale of bravery, battle and eventual defeat was often challenged by the established opinions and bias that stood clearly on the faces and lips of the different races, tribes and guilds. But this is a known complication in the allegiances that the human-led Baldur's Gate has fostered for some time.

While the Dukes did lend an ear to the tales spoken, they also took turn to speak and discern the actual events based on their own...scouts. And, they spoke to express their concern with the guilds abilities to come together under a temporary-yet-solid leadership, for the Dukes implied that basic strategy without good leadership would only go so far in defeating the great enemy that stood before them: the Black Orc chieftain—who's name was never mentioned but would be known by all—as Gajutar Spearback, the blood hunter.

But the words the Dukes spoke did not fall to the liking of some. The Dukes, as is their way, spoke at times harsh on the failure to defend Triel...and this insulted some of the assembled guilds. Those insulted guilds left the meeting in haste, some even storming out of the audience with the Dukes, and their current status in the region's allegiance was left unresolved.

Those that stayed and parlayed for a new tactic and for forming solid leadership—the Radiant Heart, the dwarves of Kraak Helzak, the barbarian tribe, Doron Amar—admitted to their errors and forged a new respect, albeit weak in this fledgling state. Planning for the future was now in motion, and now in the hands of guilds and their respective leaders...

The Council of Four did decree that the Flaming Fist would be ordered to defend a northern line around the immediate lands of Baldur's Gate, so that neither Black Orc nor unknown warring force could gain ground further south than Triel. This would have an effect on the oversight the Fist kept within the Baldur's Gate region, as the mercenary force was still recovering from losses in two wars of the recent year. Previously, the Fist had been utilized to protect the supplies from Triel...but the Four would not extend Fist forces to fight to liberate the town.

To any of the assembled before the Dukes, it was obvious that the Council knew more than they were willing to share with the guilds. In return, it was not lost on the Dukes that some guilds did not hold back their frustrations.

To what end and how Triel will be liberated, or to how the traitorous mercenaries' origin will be revealed, hangs precariously in the lasting winter wind...and could be as easily undermined as is resolved, shall all forces with an interest in the northern region, rise...

[Duster47]

The barbarian Emissary listens as the others talk, talk, and talk some more. She becomes frustrated at few words of action to actually do something against the Black Horde.

[Tempist]

Tyn Stormed out of the meeting with the Dukes, his dwarven nature overriding protocol. He had heard enough from all parties. Not all were right and not all were wrong. Many a valid point was made, but it fell on deaf ears. Too much finger pointing and blame gaming, Tyn was not above it either, he held the Duke responsible for much of what happened, and told them as much when he suggested they take the field next time there is war, so they can better appreciate what those assembled endured.

Tyn walks off, muttering under his breath, planning the next move.

[flipside43]

Uriel and the Order of the Silver Rose wait quietly until they are given their turn to speak before the Dukes, at the Dukes calling. The court was the typical chaotic mess, many speaking out of turn and not showing proper respect and order. When finally given his turn to speak, others failed to return the honor given to them and begin to interrupt. When finally Uriel is able to speak, he begins by explaining what he was witness to, though the Dukes accuse him of trying to rehash Arkaine's argument and blame others for the loss of Triel. Although this was completely not Uriel's intention, he willingly swallows their poisoned words and explains the Order's current status. Seemingly the assassination attempts upon his himself, Lady Svala and Sayiel the Heart of Doron Amar were already known to their network. A nod from Jhasso to Duke Entar confirms his thoughts. He goes on to explain,

"Half of our Knights are missing, the other half injured including myself. Most are not capable of armed combat currently and are training to recover their skills. We are currently sending rescue patrols for our missing brothers and sisters and gathering what we are able for supplies. In all honesty our supplies are depleted. We will continue in this until we find our brothers and sisters. This is our highest priority currently. We leave no one behind. If there are any attempts to strike at the Horde I will give permission to any available Knights to join in the attempt though, as is our honor and duty."

As the court erupts into chaos once more, Uriel respectfully begs the Dukes forgiveness as they are expecting a search party to be returning soon and did not wish to miss them. He bows formally and the Order of the Silver Rose leave the court.

[Maverick 40]

Having returned with Deacon from their summons by Dukes of Baldur's Gate, Laisren stands atop the platform of Menelmen'iilor and looks down upon the village, his arms folded across his chest. A gentle breeze blowing, he watches the elven children play below. A pained expression betrays his scarred features when suddenly his ears catch the sounds of footsteps falling behind him. He doesn't need to look to see who it is, "My love", he says with a hint of emotion tinging his words.

"Laisren, what troubles you?", his wife Saline asks in an empathetical tone. Laisren turns his face to regard her, his one good eye still carrying a sense of emotion, the other having been turned to glass by the curse of Lloth, seemed to stare into some great abyss. He looked at her and a half-hearted smile betrayed his lips but it passed quickly. "I was thinking of a story my mother once told me", Laisren stated while turning back to regard the children.

"Twas this story my love?", Saline asks while sliding next to him, placing an arm around his slender waist and looking down to where Laisren watched. "Twas the story of a young elf of the Moonshae Isles", Laisren began without breaking his concentration upon the children at play. "He was taken as a servant by the overlord of his people's village, this was to secure his family's safety but this lord treated the boy very harshly", Laisren said stoically, seeming to be lost himself in the telling of the story.

"The lord would beat the boy for any infraction and made the boy to handle all of his errands", Laisren continued. "Then, one day the elven boy caught a extraordinarily large fish down by a stream and the lord demanded the boy prepare it for his dinner", he said without breaking rhythm but smiling once when watching a girl below begin play keep away from one of the other village boys. Laisren continued telling the story,

"So, the boy went on to cook the fish. He then brought the fish to his human overlord. The Northlander asked the boy, Did you taste the fish? The boy shook his head no, receiving a beating about his head and neck for this by the Northlander. How am I to know it is safe to eat?, the Northlander yelled at the boy. So, the boy slowly tasted the fish and suddenly a surprised look overcame his face. The boy knew then what this extraordinary fish really was. It was the Salmon of Knowledge, a fish said by the bards of his people, that when eaten offers all of the knowledge of one's world.

The Northlander looked at the boys expression. So, is it safe, or not?, he asked. No lord, you would not wish to eat this fish, it is rancid, the boy said. Then go fetch me another, now!, the lord did say and so the boy ran off with the already prepared fish. He devoured the whole of the fish and came to gain all the knowledge of his own world."

Laisren finished the story and fell into a silent preponderance, as if contemplating the meaning for himself. "So, what became of the boy?" Saline asked with interest. Without turning, Laisren responded, "He freed his village and his people". Saline look at her husband quizzically for a moment and then asked, "So, what does it mean my love?".

Laisren finally turned to regard Saline, "I am tired of our people being made to taste for poison Saline, I think it time we become wise", he stated, a saddened look within his one eye..........

[Duster47]

Deep within the High Moor, Hilga Winterfang stands outside her father's tent watching a dozen bloodied and broken spearmen walking slowly back into camp. Their heads held low and their eyes betraying the look of those who had seen great horrors. Hilga looks for Nerys the skald of Battlesong, the herald of their force in the battle for written people's town of Triel.

Hilga walks briskly over to one of the spearmen and in voice strained to control it's anger asks, "Where are the rest of our warriors, where is Nerys?!?".

One spearman responded.
"I last saw the skald on the steps of the fort. She was in the thick of the battle. Another archer was at her side. Arrows launched left and right. Then fighting errupted behind them inside the fort. Smoke quickly covered the area. The battle... it was glorious until then," excitement in his voice. He pauses a moment, shoulders droop, "Then it was lost.... Only a fool fights in a burning house... she once told me." He rubs his bloodied chin, "If she died, then it was a honorable death. But if she's gone, who'll remember our stories now?!"

[Maverick 40]

Moving under the cover of darkness and with all care to conceal his presence, an elven messenger bearing the seal of En Dharasha Everae arrives at the Hall of the Silver Rose. He carries with him a message which he says he would give only to the General. If the General were to grant him audience

"General, I come bearing word from the elves of the northern lands. Ahk'aegis Laisren has commanded that we might aid you in the recovering of your people from the Orcish held land. Villi Mendel and the Master Ranger Feralyn stand prepared to aid you in scouting the area in and around Triel. If you agree to this, I have been commanded to return this word to our village that they may begin their expedition to find the whereabouts of your people. What would I tell the Ahk'aegis General?"

The messenger awaits word.......

Moving under the cover of darkness and with all care to conceal his presence, an elven messenger bearing the seal of En Dharasha Everae arrives at the Hall of the Kraak Helzak. He carries with him a message which he says he would give only to the Ambassador Durin Ironfaar. If Durin were to grant him audience..............

"Ambassador, I bring word from your allies the elves of the north, En Dharasha Everae. Ahk'aegis Laisren Ua Tiernan bid me tell you that we remain by the side of the Dwarves in these dark days. We continue to hold our oath to your people as solemn. We received word of the regretful human treachery which befell your people on the road to Triel."

"It is En Dharasha's stance this threat must be removed, to restore our trade and reestablish our vital supply lines to our allies. We would work with the commander of your forces in this endeavor. If you should agree to this, I would return with word to our village, that our Villi Mendel may begin preparations for a strike force. What may I tell our leaders Ambassador?"

The messenger awaits a response......

[mrieder79]

Ambassador Durin meets with the elven messenger as soon as he hears of his arrival. In his haste he spills ale on his beard and a sizeable piece of boar haunch finds its way beneath his breastplate. He does his best to make himself presentable as he hurries to meet the messenger.

Hearing the message of loyalty from the elves and a pledge to work together to clear the northern roads, Durin quickly relays the message to King Battlehammer, who is very pleased to hear the news that they will have aid in re-opening the trade roads to increase the flow of coin into the city's coffers. He dispatches a messenger to the elves of En Dharasha Everae.

To the Most Excellent Proconsul Laisren Ua Tieman,

King Dovekin Battlehammner sends his wishes for prosperous trade and productive crafting. He is honored and pleased that you offer your support in clearing the northern trade roads. He has dispatched his ambassador, Durin Ironfaar to meet with your military leaders to discuss strategies and tactics to defeat our common foe. He does regret that his royal forces are limited as the threat of the trolls still looms and their numbers continueally press our defenses. Nonetheless, the dwarven warriors will aid and bear their share of the patrols. Together we shall grind this foe into the dust from which it came.

So decrees King Dovkin Battlehammer