Battle at River's End

[Deragnost]

It was a simple late afternoon, just after dinner, that people noticed something different in the village of River's End. Strange noises were coming from the hearth in the central square. Perhaps it was some naughty boy, or perhaps the sentries were raising the alarm: could the armies have begun to move earlier than expected? If so, the situation was far more than dramatic... it was disastrous.

However, the worried ones discovered their fears were unfounded: it wasn't naughty boys, it wasn't the sentries, but it was, although unusual, a minstrel. She had fiery red hair and clothes that were quite unusual but definitely in line with what one would expect of a bard, and of course, a wide hat, reminiscent of a duelist's, complete with feathers. In the center of the square, she was simply singing to the town. Happy songs, songs that can revive the heart, songs to reflect on, melancholy songs, and sometimes even songs of inspiration.

Among the songs sung, many considered popular emerged, including: Ever a Hero Be, The Crafty Maid's Policy, The Ballad of the Dream Weaver, the Ballad of the Wayfarer, and her version of Wind by the Fireside.

...But deep in halls dark and haunted
Even heroes bold, high-vaunted
Twice and thrice, to end up daunted
Think of loved ones deeply wanted
And much safer places to be...

Come listen a while and I'll tell you a story,
of three merry gentlemen riding along.
They met a fair maiden and unto her did say,
"We're afraid this cold morning might do you some harm."

"Oh no, kind sir," said the maid, "you're mistaken,
to think this cold morning might do me some harm.
Yet there is one thing I crave, and it lies twixt your legs sir,
if you give me that it will keep me warm."

"Oh since you do crave it, my dear you shall have it,
if you'll come with me under yonder green tree.
Oh since you do crave it, my dear you shall have it,
I'll make these two gentlemen witness to thee."

The gentleman lighted and straight way she mounted,
and looking the gentlemen hard in the face,
said, "ye knew not my meaning, you wrong understood me."
And away she went galloping down the long lane.

"Come gentlemen lend me one of your horses,
that I might ride after her down the long lane.
If I over-take her, I warrant I'll make her,
return unto me own horse again."

This young maid was watching, she saw them a-coming,
she instantly then took her pistol in hand,
said, "doubt not my skill, or it's you I shall kill,
and I'll have you stand back or you are a dead man."

"Oh why do you spend all your time here in talking,
oh why do you spend all of your time here in vain?
Come give her a penny, it's what she deserves,
and I warrant she'll give you your horse back again."

"Oh no, kind sir," said the maid, "you're mistaken,
for if it's his loss then it is my gain,
and you are a witness that he gave it to me."
And away she went galloping over the plain.

I cast my net in the sea of night
And bring back a catch of glittering dreams.
Which will you have, proud lord, laughing lord?
This bright one, perhaps, or that?
Gleaming silver-blue, winking at you
With its own mysterious, inner light,
It is so beautiful.
Yet so is that one, and that, and this, too.
I cannot choose.
Take them all.
Take them all!

Another morn brightens the rain
And so I must travel on again
To see fresh marvels ahead.
Eating wayfarers' bread,
The leavings are my only pain.

So as you shiver in the cold and the dark,
Look into the fire and seen in its spark
My eye
Watching over you.

As you walk in the wind's whistling claws,
Listen past the howling wolf's jaws.
My song
Comes to you.

Faerûn will grow warmer,
And the gods will smile.
But hold your heart against the storm
My love still walks for lonely miles.

And when you're lost in trackless snow,
Look up high where the eagles go.
My star
Shines for you.

In deep, dark mine or on crumbling peak,
Hear the words of love I speak.
My thoughts
Are with you.

Faerûn will grow warmer,
And the gods will smile.
Wait for the dawn, though shadows fall
I’ll find you, though it will take a while.

You are not forsaken.
You are not forgotten.
The North cannot swallow you.
The snow cannot bury you.
I will come for you.

Faerûn will grow warmer,
And the gods will smile.
But oh, my love, guard yourself well
All this may not happen for a long, long while.

Faerûn will grow warmer,
And the gods will smile.
But oh, my love, guard yourself well
All this may not happen for a long, long while.

Finally, after all the songs, she gave those present a simple gift: a silver brooch depicting a five-stringed harp made of leaves. Each person received one for their audience, if there were any, and then she teleported away. The red-haired woman seemed to return and depart practically every day, singing different tunes each time, but always at approximately the same time after a long and exhausting day.

//My perform roll for Mimic, if needed, under the spoiler.

Hidden: show

[Alaric!]

A man in simple traveling robes appeared in River's End at night. Some of the defenders may recognize him by the golden rose pendant he is wearing. Judging by his movements he seems to be looking for something or someone but at the same time he was avoiding crowds or any special attention. Should he be spoken to he would greet the person with his usual warm smile and bow. If a curious nose would ask him about the purpose of his visit he would reply in a rather cryptic way: "To enlighten the hearts of those who stand in darkness and to deliver a message of hope to those who need to hear it."

Shortly after dawn, when he was done with his prayers, he would roam about and talk to some commoners or tell stories and play with some children.

[selhan]

To any solider, laborers of supply lines, masons or engineers or even hired mercs that set off to Rivers End wouldnt leave the city without rumors and tales about events but three years ago in regards to the Arcane Liberation Front. Some detailed emphasized, some less so to fit the narrative but the main focus of it all was simply to add distrust and hesitation amongst some of those that wish to aid the Arcane Liberation Front call for assistance.

Figures like the former "Leader" of the Arcane Liberation Front namely "Telius the Thrice Judged" and his deeds.

Another Arcane Liberation Front Fugitive Necromancer whom was a Murderer! Bronwyn the Scorned

And even the most sickening mage criminal whos deeds should never be overlooked for what he did to a farmers daughter, the man left remains not even a corpse! Kazaiev Dovrik

"Let them Mage Criminals from Amn and those Dark Sun Cult kill each other I say! The whole lot ol them are bad! Even that bugger Robb Strong! Word is he in bed with a Sharran anyways! "

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Elements of House Marshall make their own plans concerning the impending battle for the fate of River's End. A trio make a subtle visit to River's End, bearing no heraldry, house colors, or other distinguishing marks that would otherwise imply their allegiance to outside forces. Together then, using prior knowledge of the tunnel network located beneath the city, with a known entrance being by the glowing tree, they work with the local security and nALF forces to start trying to scout out and map the tunnels directly beneath the city.

Fearing an imminent attack by underground forces, Alexander Marshall, Vanira Dunn, and Michael Dunn approach the tunnel network located by the great glowing tree of River's End. Therein, they attempt to discern just how vast the network of tunnels is, and its complexity.

Attempts would then be made to either close off the tunnels via feats of engineering and smokepowder, or, failing that, on how to better shore up defenses beneath the township by preparing traps and improvised hazards for any attacking force.

[The Wide Bank]

Where there is to be a battle there will be a need for gold. Charity and war chests for sure but banks too.

Bill Paterson brought his mobile bank awning and ledgers close to the beleaguered River’s End offering those gathering and already there all the facilities required in troubled times.

Appraisals, bespoke weapon sourcing, borrowing and investment opportunities and charitable soap!

Nervously looking towards the scene of impending doom he tries to appraise value for potential loans from a very long distance against the likelihood of destruction. He paces making many uncertain notes.

For those close by his last underlined entry was seen to be - high risk.

[Whitenoisy]

As the impending day of the battle for River's End approaches, the locals would see a pair of Moon elves looking very much alike coming to visit the town from the West.
Bearing neither any insignia of secular or religious affiliation, the two would present themselves as pair of independent adventurers, who heard of the town's misfortune, and decided to offer whatever little help they could, free of charge.
The pair would bring several supplies with them, both magical and mundane, to be delivered to the defenders, and, should the town welcome their aid, they would stay and fight beside them when the time comes.

//OOC: Additional details and/or edits may be made depending on PM response!

[ree]

In the darkness of the night, when most of the Gate sleeps, an unexpected druid arrived at the Blushing Mermaid with a rather unconventional request to aid in the 'Rivers End' conflict.

Ree had always liked the man, despite her disagreement with most of his antics or rather his "worldly" views, she did indeed consider him a friend. She believed his intentions were genuine even if often miss understood, and she had never found reason to doubt Ferrick Card when his eyes glowed with the passion they did tonight.

The two traded the usual pleasantries before things took on a more serious tone. After a few drinks, and more than a little dodgy rhetoric with undertones of suggested affiliations or action, he finally departed.

The small Hin contemplated the man's words for several moments, staring into the entrancing reflection teasing her from her wine glass. After finally sorting through the mental tug-of-war in her head, she looked up toward one of her most trusted friends.

"Well Jax... It's awfully far from the Gate, and has little reward for our efforts. I do owe it to Ferrick to at least entertain the offer"

According to Ferrick, there would be Rangers to escort her and her companions to Rivers End where they would begin their scouting mission. Their goal was not to fight, and especially not to be detected... but the small hin was sneaky, crafty, and had sharp eyes. Her instincts, coupled with Jax' quick thinking and wits was quite often the defining feature that spared their lives when they embarked on their risky and fool hearted endeavors.

Deep down in the pit of her stomach, she was convinced that even those 'rats' they had located in the depths of the Gate had likely made their way to join this conflict. Though those particular cultists responsible were now dead, it clearly wasn't enough to stop whatever those creatures were that fled through the Outer City.

Ree stared into the last of her wine for another few moments before downing the dark red liquid. With a skeptical look she gave a small wince towards Jax.

"I've had worse ideas" she said playfully with a shrug.

With that, her, Jax, and Sombra, would do their part in scouting the enemy from a cautious distance, attempting to discern whatever information might prove valuable to those involved in the coming conflict. Where others had offered soldiers, equipment, coins or provisions, this little band of misfits hoped to provide intelligence instead... even if their methods tended to be more than a bit unconventional at times.

[DaloLorn]

In the days before the battle, a young redhead wanders into the village. Though this little city-slicker seems largely out of place in a warzone, there are those who may know her, by face or occasionally by reputation: Virin of the now-defunct Commons Militia, perhaps best known for her rescue of Micaela Navar from the Cyricist cult now threatening River's End, or her efforts to mediate between Katlyn Steel and Robb Strong in the final minutes before the latter's decision to leave Baldur's Gate.

Though she is the first to admit she's not really sure how to help, she makes no secret of being here to help, and of her dismay at how long it took her to realize she should be here.

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