Battle at River's End

[artemitavik]

Derik would be happy to pass on the information that Adrian, Lylan, and himself had already gleaned:

-- The town's walls are its primary defense. If the walls should be breached, the town will be at great risk of being overrun.
-- There are many gates into the town that will need to be fortified and sealed.
-- If the walls should fall, the most defensible positions are the fortress on the northern edge of the town and the New Arcane Liberation Front's Mage Tower.
-- The tunnel entrance next to the Tree is an issue that cannot be collapsed due to the way it opens up into the town. We're not allowed to damage the tree, but this likely will offer a direct route into the town if not dealt with.

He would then supply his thoughts for setting up choke points around those two positions in the case of a wall breach.

Aidan would show up with his work clothing, tools, and only a sword at his waist. He sets a large bag off to the side, his armor by the sounds it makes. With him walks a lone figure with whom Aidan seems to be having a conversation. The man most may know as Syl'kas, who offered to help Aidan with grunt work and defense when the time comes to protect the people.

Aidan takes his time and begins to measure and survey. He and Derik would speak as he turned to the more knowledgeable field veteran for advice on where to draw a defensive line, either built of stake wall or piled stone, were there enough time, a trench between. His intent is to have the villagers help with one final defensive and fallback point for the defenders between the Keep/temple and the enemies ahead. His work is focused on the construction of a catapult and would welcome any help from other engineers who want to work on the project.

DM Mimic Note: Please screenshot a Lore: Engineering or Craft: Engineering roll for me!

DM Mimic Note: In the short time Aidan has available to them, Aidan with the help of Derik and Adrian are able to assemble one makeshift catapult before the attack.

[Empoweredfan]

In the days before the upcoming battle, a somewhat reclusive Deleniel Vanaer can be seen busying herself around the non-combatants. Giving a helping hand where it is required and seeming to bring some happy and gay cheer to the overworked people around her. Rumour has it that she even taught the kitchen hands how to peel a potato using only a tight embroidering string.

DM Mimic Note: Deleniel's aid has bolstered the town's morale slightly!

[zhazz]

When not busy aiding with the exploration of the tunnels underneath the city, Adrian will assist both Derik and Aiden in their respective tasks towards securing the city. His main focus, however, remain on the tunnel exploration, and as such he doesn't have all his usual tools available and ready at hand.

After the Council meeting for beginnings of strategy, Derik himself stays in the town for several days if not longer. ((thank you for the event, Mimic!))

Leaving further coordination of street-defenses and ideas to Adrian, he would join up with Nicholas and the militia trainees. Now the Headmaster himself takes the classes while he is there, ramping up the intensity for the troops willing to or able to keep up with the lessons in personal and team combats as well as small unit tactics, how to cover each other, and how to employ area denial using reach, correct weaponry, and formations.

During the evenings for those days he will search for wood, iron, and rope to start putting together smaller Springalds. A simpler version of a ballistae, smaller, more easily handled. This version would be for setting up a large sling to fire a ballistic arc of a head-sized rock or say... a bundle of alchemist fire. If the materials do not exist on hand, while the city is prepping for evacuation, he will ask the city leadership if he can disassemble things like, robust merchant stall awnings for the wood and structure to make these siege/anti-siege weapons to be placed on the walls.

If/when he gets that material, he will contact Lylan, Adrian, and Michael for assistance in putting them together.

DM Mimic Note: Derik's additional training further improves the militia's defensive capabilities!

Screenie me a Craft Engineering or Lore Engineering roll please!

Aidan would show up with his work clothing, tools, and only a sword at his waist. He sets a large bag off to the side, his armor by the sounds it makes. With him walks a lone figure with whom Aidan seems to be having a conversation. The man most may know as Syl'kas, who offered to help Aidan with grunt work and defense when the time comes to protect the people.

Aidan takes his time and begins to measure and survey. He and Derik would speak as he turned to the more knowledgeable field veteran for advice on where to draw a defensive line, either built of stake wall or piled stone, were there enough time, a trench between. His intent is to have the villagers help with one final defensive and fallback point for the defenders between the Keep/temple and the enemies ahead. His work is focused on the construction of a catapult and would welcome any help from other engineers who want to work on the project.

DM Mimic Note: Please screenshot a Lore: Engineering or Craft: Engineering roll for me!

DM Mimic Note: In the short time Aidan has available to them, Aidan with the help of Derik and Adrian are able to assemble one makeshift catapult before the attack.

[lethzeee]

Gowned in a simple silver-adorned black robe, followed by a peculiar crawling automaton in the shape of a giant roach, both carrying along packages of materials, Lunaethar would arrive at River's End bearing no factional nor religious sigils, lending her aid to the town.

Aside from her expertise in the healing art, Lunaethar would offer to inscribe symbols and glyphs at critical entries and defense choke points, raise abjurations that forbid passage of evils, and even conjure temporary small fortresses that could last more than a day with a cost of her own vitality before the battle. The pacifistic priestess would however refuse to imbue her symbols and glyphs with lethal effects, but only those that are aimed to incapacitate or weaken the coming foes.

The aasimar would stay for consecutive days to reinforce her effort, with preparations of the offered spells each renewal.

Aside from the abundance of healing, spells Lunaethar is willing to provide includes (but are not limited to):

• Glyph of Warding (, Greater) (stored with non-lethal spells such as Dispel Magic)
• Symbol of Sleep / Persuasion / Weakness
• Stalwart / Renewal Pact
• Celestial Fortress
• Wall of Stone
• Forbiddance
• Hero's Feast

DM Mimic Note: Please provide me links to descriptions of pnp spells, i need to approve before they can be used.

(Added links to each of the spells.)

DM Mimic Note:

The following spells can be cast and will figure into the military power calculations. Hero's Feast will improve morale. Wall of Stone will increase the Walls modifier (and the associated cap on perimeter defenses)
Wall of Stone
Hero's Feast

The following spells exist in game with round/level or minute/level durations. These can be cast as part of the actual battle event and will not figure into the military power calculations.

Glyph of Warding (, Greater) (stored with non-lethal spells such as Dispel Magic)
Symbol of Sleep

Unfortunately, the below spells have effects that will be really difficult for me to manage on top of everything else going on. Therefore, I must deny them.
Stalwart / Renewal Pact
Celestial Fortress
Persuasion / Weakness
Forbiddance

[aceOdiamonds]

Once word of the coming battle reached the ears of Yorn, a young man and younger Hospitaler, also a devoted servant of Chauntea, he set out at once to meet with the defenders. Upon arriving on the scene where battle strategies were being discussed, defensive positions fortified, and the fighters were being counted and fed, Yorn looked for the forges. (8 Cleric / 9 Warpriest / 1 Hospitaler)

After locating the source of the billowing smoke and sounds of banging metal common to forge settings, Yorn would seek out the person in charge and mention how his work ethic is impeccable and would come at no cost to those needing to repair their gear. Drawing upon his skill with leather and metal, he would repair battered shields, reinforce worn straps, and hammer out dents from the armor and weapons brought to him by the gathered defenders.
(Idk how to put my screenshot here since it looks like url needed for img and I only have jpg, but...
Yorn's result was 40 for Metalworking [includes his 24 Mod] and 72 for leatherworking [includes 55 mod].)

To Yorn, such work was an act of faith, for every mended breastplate and sharpened blade helped to preserve the lives of those who would fight. If any additional weapons or armor sets were needed, he would forge as many as he could if provided with materials. Yorn would spend his days in quiet labor and faithful prayer rather than rest.

When the day of battle arrives, Yorn intends to offer prayers to the Great Mother, calling upon her blessings to strengthen the company with Mass Bull's Strength and Mass Bear's Endurance for the great burden they will soon carry. (If Chauntea approves, the spells will work, if not Yorn will pray and not be heard.) Yorn will also stand ready to collect fallen warriors during the fighting to remove them from immediate danger, administer aid to their wounds, and pray for them of course. (Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the event. I hope this help provided by Yorn will boost the numbers to ensure success.)

DM Mimic Note: The Town Council welcomes Yorn's aid in the battle to come! His smithing improves the militia's armory and armaments (which has reached its cap!)

[artemitavik]

As Derik's work on the Springalds proceeds for ill or for good ((still pending mImic's reply at the OOC time of this post)) Derik himself can be seen disappearing in full battle regalia in a flash of teleport with a bit of a conflicted yet determined look on his face.

Where he's going, gods only know.... ((am contacting Mimic privately for this))

((Reply received))

... however... he returns a day or two later empty handed...

DM Mimic Note: Replied Via PM!

[Whitenoisy]

Having been welcomed in the town, the two elves delivered an assorted mix of healing potions, traps, and magic wands.
In the days leading up to the assault, the pair of near-identical adventurers were seen chatting with the locals, both townsfolk and mages, and showing their support for the town's staunch desire to fight the invaders whilst safeguarding its sovereignty from foreign powers.

To any who overheard their chatter, it would appear that their enthusiastic support for the town's political stance was rooted in the pair's own Eastern cultural roots.

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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!

DM Mimic Note: The elves' gift of supplies is added to the town's armory and supply line!

[Labradorit]

* Perhaps late to the party, perhaps a watcher from the distance not yet able to make a move? Anyhow... if late to the party, at least he could bring some glitter... sparkles... or any other inspirirational aid in his skillset.

The gnome Sordoc, and many notes at the Silver Dawn Camps bonfire, lead Tramahsthas to the conclusion to stepp out and reach what is able to be aided and supported. As of course, the camp with it supplies would aid and help as well. And thus, it could be seen in Greenest, where the Gnome and the elf talked about the Village and the Battle. And soon, the elf would prepare everything what would be needed to get onboard and what would be needed for this "entertaning" happening, loading the ever supportive painted pony, Pinto of many Feathers. What a roadtrip might be up ahead? The spirits and omens will tell. *

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OOC:

If I can participate, I would like to do so. Please let me know if I missed anything still to do or what is needed to participate. Thanks!

[Gorebash]

After some gossiping with Trama in Greenest, Sordoc decides to send a missive to council of River's End, concerning the Daylight tree.

OOC - DM sent

[Ithrinael]

As she considered an underground attack, either using existing tunnels or digging new ones, Erythia gathered the courage to walk up to some villagers. She explained that a bowl, filled with water, placed in the basement, could help in detecting tremors in the ground, by creating small ripples over the otherwise calm water surface.
Such tremors could be the result of underground digging, which could be detected and triangulated with this method. Of course, other tremors could be cause for ripples as well. But those could be verified, if for example a new trench was digged by the defenders.

[Bassman]

Drew Latoner Eye of the Vigilant, By order of Head Watchknight Wai Li, Plans to join in the upcoming battle as the Helmites of Nashkel prepare to join the Battle at Rivers End. Drew brings only his desire to defend against all that would dare to prey on, or endanger his friends of the EDE, or the order of the Watchful Eye.

[calvinus]

Watcher Wai Li would make preparations to for the upcoming battle as the Helmites of Nashkel prepare to join the Battle at Rivers End. She would order Captain Latoner and Watchknight Bryanna to prepare in vigilance for the upcoming conflict as well and to the north by the date of battle. She would also make arrangements for all three Helmites from the south to rally with a platoon of Helmite soldiers ordered to the conflict by Overblade Valdore in Baldur’s Gate.

[ree]

The hustle and bustle of the Blushing Mermaid had formed the backdrop of most of the evenings that Ree and Jax had spent together at their favorite drinking spot. Curious visitors, reveling adventurers and just plain questionable characters all usually contributed to the noise around them. On this night though, the two friends sat huddled together at their table long after the customary activity around them had died down. Finally though, after long conversation and debate, they had a plan. It was a dangerous plan -- reckless even -- and it was very much a "them" kind of plan. But if it worked, it could be invaluable to the defense of River's End, and that was important to both of them.

Ree had strong personal reasons for wanting to see a blow dealt to the Cyrists, and Jax had strong personal reasons for more or less always backing Ree up.

They knew that to be effective, they would each have to play to their strengths. Ree was a master of shadows and hiding with keen eyes that allowed her to see in the dark. She was also an able investigator with sharp attention to detail and a well-practiced ability to investigate, seek out clues and find missing or obscured information. Jax was a master of subterfuge and disguise. While he was trained, to a far lesser extent than Ree, to blend into shadows and darkness, his real talent lay in his ability to mask both his appearance and his intentions as he used social skills to extract information. For his part, Sombra's talents lay in guarding Ree and sneaking extra sausages from Jax.

Always one to be prepared, Ree went through her horrendously over-burdened pack and ensured that she had all of the supplies she felt she might need for the journey ahead.

She added several bags of Crippling Powder to start with. Her hope was that if she needed to make a hasty retreat, it would help her to bewilder her pursuers. She'd also been warned about the "mind games" that their enemy liked to play. So, she packed a healthy supply of Juniper Berries, both as a road snack and as a constant deterrent to any mental tricks the Cyrists might try.

"Want some?" she asked Jax, holding out a handful of the berries.

"I've already got some! And a stick-wizard to help if I run out." he said with a smile.

Ferrick Card had promised that a contingent of Rangers would come to escort them to the field of operations. The druid had mentioned that the cultists had made their refuge within an underground cavern system where they were either digging to expand their network or perhaps working to craft something far more sinister. From what Ree understood, the Vindicators had already tried a frontal assault on this base, only to be humbled by archers, mages, and all manner of horrors that had left them heavily injured and cursed. Some time had passed since that failed attempt, and Ree hoped that complacency had settled in amongst their enemies now.

The journey with the Rangers was mostly uneventful if tense. Ree, Jax and Sombra mostly passed the time in silence, with the ones walking on two legs considering the plan they had agreed on.

The first step would be to 'borrow' an outfit from an unsuspecting sentry to help Jax blend in. If that didn't work out, Jax would make do as best he could once they arrived at the base.

Once on the scene, the rangers departed, leaving Ree, Jax, and Sombra alone once more.

Ree flashed Jax one of her signature cheeky grins as she spoke to Sombra, "If this works, I'm calling it my strategy...if it doesn't, then I'm blaming Jax!"

Jax smirked back at her. "Don't worry, Ree darling. This is going to go just fine. Nobody better to do it, right?" His tone was as optimistic and confident as ever, but he was as worried as Ree was, and they both knew it.

After attempting to procure a suitable disguise for Jax from an unsuspecting sentry, the two would part ways and...

--=♢ Ree's Plan ♢=--

Ree's operation was simple, even if it was also incredibly risky. First, she would leave Sombra somewhere near the entrance to the cave to act as lookout. He was no fighter, so his role would mostly be to give a few alerting barks and then scamper off if he saw anything notable or happening. This was not much different from his 'day job' at the Mermaid, lazily watching the door. Only this time, the stakes were much higher...and there would be no sausages from Jax, which really showed how dire the whole situation was.

Ree would creep slowly, quietly and deliberately ever deeper into the darkness of the tunnel system.

Her goal would be to get eyes on whatever was amassing within. She'd take her time, seeing all she could and even attempting to map out the interior of the cavern system using her "squiggles" as Jax called them.

Meanwhile...

--=✧ Jax's Plan ✧=--

Jax's plan was both complicated and risky. If the enemy was wearing anything like a uniform, it made it that much more important that he acquire one to complete his disguise. If not, then he would attempt to make due by altering his dress and appearance to get as close to the general presentation of the enemy soldiers. However he managed to secure his disguise, his plan would then be to slip into the base as a common soldier.

Upon doing so, his goals would be similar to Ree's, but his approach would be different. Rather than hiding and seeking whatever clues and plans he could see, he would attempt to speak with other soldiers and anyone else in the camp, using social skills to try to convince those he spoke with that he was entitled to the information he sought. In particular, he wanted to know:

• The size and composition of enemy forces including any equipment they were bringing.
• Any plans that the enemy were making with respect to the assault on River's End.
• Any crucial vulnerabilities or security challenges being faced by the enemy.

In addition to the above, where and when he could, Jax would plan to disrupt or sabotage the enemy in small ways. Stealing or destroying weapons, fouling water or food supplies, and so on.

Once he'd accomplished all he could, he would slip out of the base, remove his disguise, and meet with Ree at their agreed upon rendezvous point.

[sweetlikesplenda]

Beginning at Radiant Crossing and moving on foot or by air, Lord Aaron Lyonaler, the Dunn's, and Micar'mizzrym moved past Rivers End and made for ruins located to the south-west of the town. Along their path to the ruins the group came upon tracks of enemy scouts. Sabotaging explosive traps were set at the entrance to the cave that the scouting unit used to reach the surface and the group continued on.

Reaching a point near to the ruins, Aaron left his position in the sky, so as not to draw eyes upon them. Knowing his lack of stealthy would endanger the missions, he held back as the group began to co tinue on. A crazed man quickly spotted the Lord and ran up to him ranting that he would make a prize for his mistress. The man was quickly subdued and tied up to be left with Lord Lyonaler, while the rest scouted the ruins.

While in the ruins, it was confirmed that the Sunrise Spires was being used by elements of humanoid forces of the cult of Cyric, including the enemy Commander Saxton, Swords of Cyric, and Assassins. The scouting group was discovered and a brief exchange held, before they were allowed to exit.

The group returned to Rivers End to deliver the crazed man that seemed to serve the cult of Cyric, so the Mystrians could try to glean information from him, if possible, and file a report of what was discovered to the City Coyncil and defense leadership.