The Ebon Blade Public Rp Thread

[BigJ]

DM Dialectic:
Rumors of Soubar's fierce frontier preference for independence and lack of authority makes even this accomplishment seem an impressive feat, whether inspired by a perceived threat of Black Orc raiders or not. Some locally gossip that while there is no chance that the newly trained militia would do much to stop large attack against Soubar, it would likely prove capable against a smaller sized raiding party of orcs, goblins, bandits, or otherwise here or there and complement materially any Ebon Blades joint defense if there were to be larger threat against Soubar.

A letter arrives at the Winding Way Tavern, addressed to the Captain of the Ebon Blade Company . .

Dear Captain,

I have heard some rumors of a militia force forming in Soubar, trained by your good selves.
I would appreciate the chance to meet and discuss your efforts as a basis for a possible article in the Baldur's Gate Herald.

Hopefully we can arrange something within the next tenday.

Kind Regards,

Sandrue Tomas, writer for the Herald.
(Can be reached via the Blade & Stars Inn, Baldur's Gate)

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael continues to work with the volunteer archers throughout the following days, as their work and chores allow them the free time to do so. The group has graduated from the less than lethal blunt shafts to iron-headed arrows, and more care is taken during practice that no one gets in range of the hail of arrows.

"We're not shooting apples off heads, we're practicing for a horde of orcs thicker than cold molasses. They're going to be a lot of them, and our jobs going to be getting arrows out of quivers and up in the air." Michael explains to the assembled.

"Sure, when they start to get close enough you can smell them, you're going to want to be specific with your aim, but by then they should be presenting a pretty big target." He looks the crew over, and a small smile appears on his face. "Now, because they're a tough and ornery lot, we're going to be using better than iron on their hides, we're going to share the warmth of the light of day with them - in the form of fire. Lets get a head count, so I can get up Horfire Taletreader for an order of fire arrows."

//@Dm Dialectic, when a number of the archer volunteers is gathered, will purchase and/or turn over the amount of gold it would require to arm each with 30 fire arrows, such as those purchased from the npc Horfire Taletreader of Soubar.

[Darradarljod]

The arrival was from the south. He came by night on a black mustang, riding without a saddle, carrying a long war-axe.

The morning after his arrival the barbarian began expressing his desire to meet with the Lord of the Ebon Blade Mercenaries. When residents inquire as to why, the berserker informs them that "I am here to fight for the man".

The fact that the vagabond leaves no written missive suggests he may be illiterate - but his appearance is distinct and he may be easily recognised easily by the following description;

A sullen eyed, raven haired man in his early twenties. Stout but strong at 5'5" in height, skin sun-bronzed and battle-marred.

He wears a distinct leather battle-harness with soft winter-wolf skin boots and carries a two handed war-axe typical of the far north-east.

He calls himself Kanithar - a name common among the berserkers who hail from distant Rashemen.

[TarnishedSoul]

An envelope containing several parchments arrives in Soubar. The package is addressed to "Captain Greil Nightgale" and bears the sending address of "Seekers' Quarters, Candlekeep."

[TarnishedSoul]

Two identical envelopes containing several identical parchments arrive in Soubar. One package is addressed to "Captain Greil Nightgale," and the other is for "Mister Michael Dunn." Both bear the sending address of "Seekers' Quarters, Candlekeep."

[Daamien]

Rumours spread of the trade route through Thundar's Ride being patrolled, although not by Baldur's Gate or some other settlement.

Caravan drivers speak of a body of eight or so dark clad warriors who area seen walking the route - slowly, it must be said - and hunting and killing any bugbears or similar hazards who stray too close.

Although the caravan drivers do not speak of ever seeing the mercenaries actively seeking out battle, they do say these soldiers are contributing to keeping the trade route itself safe.

When hailed, the warriors state they march under the banner of the Ebon Blade, and its generous captain. Although they are quick to say their blades will be red, if they get any trouble, no reports come back of these soldiers acting as bandits or the like.

There is some talk of how disturbed Thundar's Ride has been over the last few years, wtih infighting amongst the humanoids and then the impact of the recent war against the undead. Some caravan drivers wonder if this armed human presence might provoke a reaction from the tribes; others suggest it might keep them firmly down.

Another group of warriors, clad in similar garb, might be spotted marching between the hillocks and alongside the streams of Thundar's Ride. An observant traveller would count their number at half a dozen, including a half-naked berserker with long, raven hair.

This group differs from the other; it marches in formation and at a quicker pace.
They also seem to be combing a wide area around the main trails, and are not afraid to tackle larger groups of the resident humanoids. The slain bugbears are left to rot where they fall, as a grim warning to any who would threaten the safety of the trade routes.

Travellers passing near Soubar may hear the locals speak of the same Ebon Blade patrol swinging Northward into the High Moor. Many columns of smoke are seen that night, with rumors trickling in from local hunters of burnt out camps and heaps of blackened hobgoblin bones piled as high as a man.

[MedalOfValor]

Having had a long-standing working relationship with the Ebon Blade, Eleanor did not mind becoming an independent contractor this time around.
In order to have a full picture of the little village and its people, she asked two of the Ebon Blade members, sailor-turn-cook-turn-outcast Michael Dunn and Rainbeast, to show her around before they devise a plan of how to recruit and train the local Militia.



The trio walked through the tentfilled area where local folks reside.



Ranger and the ex-paladin discussed the state of the outer walls and food supplies.



They also took a moment to talk to a priestess standing at the remains of some long forgotten structure.



Eleanor and Michael approached some of the locals and asked them questions. She tried to be unobtrusive and diplomatic but also did her bast to gauge the state and atmosphere of the community.
(((OOC: Diplomacy 43, Sense Motive 40, charisma 24



Finally the three of them walked to the other end of the settlement and decided on exploring the hills surrounding Soubar.



Rainbeast kept them safe while they ventured into the northern trade way.



They stumbled upon a ruined building and the ranger came up with the idea that possibly could help solving the issues with Soubar's outer wall breach.



Nurturing the new idea, curiosity led them towards Triel where Dunn and Eleanor expanded on the concept of the solution.



Once back in Soubar the two discussed the upcoming Militia Training a little more. Some conclusions about the outer wall were made.

[TheTwiste11491]

Those traveling along Thundar's Ride take notice of a man donning Armour of an ebon hue tracking down and slaughtering many of the Bugbears in the area leaving the fallen corpses why they fall. He is noted to travel along the roads as well as off in the wilds of the region clearing up many of the beasts in the region. After many hours of patrol he is seen taking a swing of his axe peppering the ground with the blood of his victims making his way back north.

[TheTwiste11491]

A very successful meeting between Endelyon Of the SCCE and Captain Greil Nightgale of the Ebon Blade Mercenary Company can be over heard among the people of Soubar. It can be heard that the Exchange has offered to sale the Ebon Blade the buliding supplies they need at cost, and in return the Ebon Blade have agreed to use the Exchange as their primary mercantile provider providing them with a foothold of sorts in the North.

[MedalOfValor]

Happenings in Soubar

Lately, The Winding Way Tavern tends to be packed. Lots of business seems to be going on there.



***

Recruitment Run

Having finished the plan for the Militia training, Dunn and Eleanor with the loyal Rainbeast following suite decided to make another recruitment run around the hamlet. But first, some business regarding a silver sword had to be concluded.


Further into the hamlet, the two met a small group of adventurers. Dunn informed them that Ebon Blade is still hiring those willing to join their ranks. A long discussion took place and all the questions asked by the group were answered.




After speaking with potential recruits ex-paladin and ranger moved to the second task on their agenda. They walked around the village, informing its denizens about the Orc threat and the initiative of creating a Militia.
The two explained that training sessions, free of charge, will soon be offered to all the volunteers.




Eleanor and Dunn took their time, making sure they would speak to everyone who wanted to listen. To the best of their ability they tried to convince as many as possible.
(((OOC: Diplomacy 40(43with item), SenseMotive 40, Charisma 24, Bonus: Rainbeast being cute!






Ebon Blade Merc and his companion went as far as visiting some of the locals in their "homes".

[MedalOfValor]

Ebon Blade Northern Tradeway Patrol - Hin hunting


The Ebon Blade gathered the other day to make a patrol along the Northern Tradeway.



The group was hoping to lure out some of the rumored hin bandits but the confrontation brought little resolution.



After an exchange of arrows between EB's archer and a masked bandit the group went back to Soubar.

[TheTwiste11491]

Two Men donning Ebon Armors ,one of plate the other cloth, are seen hikeing up to the Gray Peaks one dragging a corpse. Upon reaching the Lava pools the two men set the corpse along its bank. After a few moments and an unnecessary eulogy, The one in plate kicks the corpse over the bank and the two men watch as the Lava begins to work neither man leaving until nothing remains.

Hidden: show

[MedalOfValor]

Enemy at the walls - The orc horde closing on Soubar

A small group of orcs was spotted on the northern trade way and as far as the north gate of Soubar.

After the first two waves, Eleanor and Ashan, having been the ones that spotted the attackers and drove their initial attack away from the hamlet, had to fall back to the walls. They rendezvoused with the reinforcements there.


With the Captain back and the local Militia mobilized they went to face the threat.

Hidden: show

They met the orcs down the northern tradeway with fire arrows and steel.


Unfortunately, the force deployed by the horde was stronger than anyone might have thought and the defenders took heavy losses.
Captain Nightgale, Lieutenant Cormier, and recruit Ashan were KIA, but their bodies were recovered by Lieutenant Eleanor and recruit Xela and comrades were brought back to life.

After a short and tense meeting in the inn after the battle, Eleanor could be seen tending to the wounded and dead before leaving Soubar and heading north.

[MedalOfValor]

A bright flash marks the arrival of El and Dunn in Soubar. El can be seen making some arrangements with Mag before she makes her way to talk to members of the local militia. She delivers some healing supplies and makes sure the archers have their arrows restocked.

Lieutenant visits the two Militia members that survived the encounter with the orcs and spends some time talking with them.

[MedalOfValor]

Split duties - Between Soubar and Candlekeep

Eleanor can be seen continuing the routine of traveling back and forth. She visits Candlekeep to perform her guard duties.


She makes sure Seeker Keenan is safe and cared for when neither Tarina nor Orlich can be at Alexandra's side. El seems to be especially focused on reminding the Seeker about meals.


When her watch is over Eleanor leaves Candlekeep and teleports back to Soubar to perform either patrol duties or tend to the training of local Militia.