Tales of The Valley......A Roleplay/Strategy Game

[Jagged]

OOC: To make a few things clear all player settlements have always existed in the Valley so despite the order of players joining the game you have all been settled there prior to the start of the game. We begin in the first days of fall. The year in game is 12 months with each month having 30 days.....all months. A turn is roughly two months with the exception of some actions like a main character locked in mortal combat or interactions between players. Any losses on the Eastern shore during the first days events mentioned in the introduction of the story do not count to or against your starting package I gave all players. So if you manage to rescue some workers from the other side they can be added to your starting totals, but if you only find dead bodies or nothing at all they do not subtract from these starting totals. At the start of our story before the players take hold there has been no rescues yet....Now the extent of your operations on the Eastern side of the Valley is up to the players, but there are no full time residence. Some may camp overnight from time to time to hunt or fish but no permanent settlements beyond some docks and a few cabins. Another thing that some of my writers from the Village thread asked about was about their Npcs that populate the world. Your followers, supporting cast, cannon fodder whatever you want to call them have their own ideas and desires. So as gold flows into your communities they will buy better equipment and larger homes. Some might not like your handling of a situation and go over to another player's team. Some may even change sides. Treat them well and it is more likely for them to be loyal. As to the peasants treat them as a group well they will be loyal. High rations, a safe town, some entertainment, and spiritual fulfillment they will be happy and loyal. Low rations, high taxes, and death squads may just get you an empty town and an assassination attempt. If you work them hard building your new castle for example make sure there is a bonus in it for them. So basically what I am saying it that characters have free will. It is both a plus and a minus to a player writer. That is not to say you don't control things it is just that it is not absolute. The one request is that you play your group as they are written. The Church of Peace and Happiness does not have a camp for training assassins for example. I doubt I would ever find a tribe of orcs that were art experts. Change in a people takes time. Players please feel free to make up your own relationships with each other prior to the begining of the game. Post your interactions to enhance the story. If two of you have something truly secret going on post to each other in pm and then send it to me as well so it is fair.

Bottom line though is that this is all meant to be fun and just a different approach on dividing up the work. Take for example The Hobbit. Battle of Five Armies had five different groups fighting for treasure, glory, and survival. If we where to write that story here like this each of us would be writing for one group and interacting. So post questions on the OOC thread if you think it will benifit others and pm with thoughts you don't wish to share with others.


So let us begin our adventure in The Valley......

The long hot summer of the Valley has now come to a close and the first days of fall have be gone. There is an early coldness in the air and it will not be long until the trees begin to change from green to a variety of bright fall colors. The River that has always divided the Valley is cold and deep flowing from the North to the South. All would appear to be well as everyone in the Valley begins preparation for the winter ahead. It has been 120 years since the last garrison of the old Hapsburg Reich was pulled out to join forces on the coast in their war against the Atlantean forces and their allies. The great wars which fractured the powerful old empires ended some one 100 years ago leaving many regions without governments. Powers who once controlled continents could barely hold capitals any longer and faded into the shadows. The Valley already isolated in the best of times now was cut off from the world to develop on its own. Some merchants pass through from time to time moving between to large cities. One some 50 miles Southwest of the Valley and another 60 miles to the Northeast. Many of these merchants chose to winter in the Valley and bring stories of the outside world. Otherwise contact is limited with no solid contacts outside of the Valley.




The fourth day of the 9th month of 1999 year of the arrival of the Gawds~Fall has Begun~

The Spring passes into Fall with the marked change in temperature and an odd light display. For three nights in a row bright flashes of light could be seen coming from the Eastern side of the River near the mountains during the last days of Summer. For most in the Valley this is an odd but wonderous happening. Even to the casusal observer notices though these "shooting stars" appear to be moving closer and closer into the Valley. It was no cause for alarm though in many people's minds. Some head across the River to there daily jobs while the curious pile into boats and cross the River to see what if anything is to befound. With packs and weapons they head out past the last of the work camps and wish their friends well over lunch and head out into the woods.......

The the 1st of Fall was like the 28th, 29th, and 30th with a strange night display, but all noticed that the lights were very close to the river's edge. Also many begin to talk and realize every night exactly 18 stars fell? More strangely is that on the morning of the 2nd none of the adventurer have returned to the Western docks. Some worry but most think they have decided to remain with the workers on the otherside for an extra day. People put it out of their minds and went about their business. On the forth day though.....people began to worry. Most settlements did not communicate so no efforts were combined. Almost every community though had some one missing. Soldiers, trackers, miltiamen, and concerned family members made the crossing. Armed with medical supplies and a variety of equipment not to mention dogs and horses. They would return on the nigth of the forth and the early morning of the 5th day.....with tales of horror and no rescues.

Generally the tales are similar to those describe by Ahreddan, Sergeant at Arms Third Trumpet Scout column who led one of the small rescue parties.....

"From early on we knew something was wrong. From the beginning there were all kinds of troubling signs. When we crossed to the Eastern shore we found a small fishing boat badly damaged on the shore with no sign of the crew...The dock was also damaged as well as the huts on the otherside the fishermen used. The camp was deserted as were all the other camps in the area. In the early part of the day we saw members of other settlements looking about and they reported much the same. We found the town standard with its spear broken and severed limb still holding it. In the clearing we found a horrible site. Bodies of friends and neighbors hung from trees looking like the were skinned. If not for the symbols on their broken shields we would have had no idea who they were.....among the dead was Dale our Chief. He broad sword broken and laying near the body. It appears that he was defending some who tried to run back for the river. Sadly they only died later. We took care to cut down and bury the bodies. We noticed a number of odd symbols carved perfectly into trees that are not known to us here in the Valley.

"It was only later after we combined all the smaller parties and formed a main camp did we encounter what our friends and neighbors must have......We were all sitting around the fire after our meal with sentries posted all around that they came out of the night almost silently. The battle came fast and furiously with first a wave of crossbow bolts and even flying nets which held two sentries I am positive that there were at least two types of creatures attacking us that night....One a nightmarish beast with a head of a bug and hug claws inside of hands and were black in color. I saw them claw and badly wound men and drag them off and make them into orange headed humoniod zombies! If you struct down the zombie with several hard blows the zombie would spawn a young bug headed monster! The other creature I know I saw and others can confirm is beast that looked lika large lizard with scaly green skin. The wore armor and had razor sharp blades. Some wore helmets but those I saw had a face of a lizard or snake with huge fangs. I know because I saw one rip a tracker's throat open. I know I saw other monsters hiding in the woods, but they did not come out to face us...though their comrades were brutal enough. We had a fighting retreat half the night to the river and I know they were always close by so we were never able to capture or take a body of these monsters. The best we could manage was take our own wounded. We made it back to find those left watching the boats battling with some strange aquatic man beast that was coming out of the river. We fought with them and forced them back into the water and pushed off though they would sink two boats and kill a whole crew of another while the enemy fired at us from shore with crossbows that fire further then I thought possible. Of the some 50 of my comrades that came with us 23 I know died brutally and another 7 are missing. Those of that remain all are wounded. We have little else to share....


OOC: All of the players receive stories similar to this from their personel. Once again these parties are extras and do not count towards your totals. Nobody sent more then 50 though and every one took heavy losses. For those of you not on the river perhaps you staged from another's settlement and are awaiting news in an inn if you like. My suggestion is decide and post what you think of the other settlements and contact those who are your friends.....or even enemies. Rumors and fear are beginning to spread. Take control of the situation or matter could become worse. Be watchful and be ready.

 

[chocolatemouse]

This a first throw i will update

Roleplaying

This day will never leave my memory and still today images of the ripped bodies, still haunt me, making a wave of fear and anger running across my spin.
Here is my story, perhaps it will be story of the salvation of my people, perhaps the last lines of my short life. My soul and destiny are in the hands of my Godess Mother.

As each morning, Mnelmaow Bloodtail, Choosen of the Mother Goddess, kneels at the Mother's Milk well. Her Long red mane floow over her shoulders, along her back, serpentine river ending on the furry curves of her hips.
She closes her almond emerald eyes, beginning to slowly sing a guttural but melodic anthem . Ritualy she begins to remove the gold and ivory wristlets adorning her wrist and ankles. Opening her eyes, she stands up, rises her arms toward the sun, the cardinal points, still singing the anthem.
Her bra slides revealing the furry mounts of her breasts , the dark generous flesh of her areolas. Her Anthem goes slowly,inexorably crescendo, thanks to her Goddess Mother, thanks to her Elders. Her loincloth, slides along her slender lengs, she is now nude before the eyes of the spirits, before the will of The Mother.
Cupping the Holly Milk from the well in her palms, she makes it flowing along the valley of her breast, between the mounts of her cleavage, snake of milk along the plain of her furry flat belly, river of life when it end it travel in the red curly forest of her womanhood.

She turn quietly her face toward her childhood friend Brucie, when this one approach, smiling tenderly and friendly.This smile only last last one instant when she see the grimly visage of her soul sister.
" What happened Brucie ? Why this sadness?"
" The elders request us Mnelmaow, grave events happened at the fishers setlement of Msarr Mnelda "( glade of the catfish)

Mnelmaow and Brucie heads to the Elders council. The mood being sad and grimly.
They learn that since the stars fell, there is nomore news from the fishers setlement and that the Elders ask her to join them for knowing what happened.

A rescue and information company is then prepared.
Will come Mnelmaow, Brucie, the shaman priestess Frria ( a childhood friend of mnelmaow and brucie), her father Mnrarn. With them 20 hunters with 4 hunt pantheras and 30 guardians with 6 war jaguars.
The felid march tactic is small groups,walking closely to each others, the pantheras and jaguar warning them from danger. Some group scouting and progressing in trees.


Research


Fryggr Fireclaw mastersmith ( felid title being "Sekmeth Omradar Seera" (Keeper of sekmeth blood)) in charge of our weaponry , heads proudly to the dwarf basement. He has some anger ,the dwarfs presence being for him a threat to his clan honor.
With him is Mnaraassi Blacktail the young new Mistress of the Wild( tittle given to thoses to thoses in head of taming and domesticating war and hunting beasts).
Both were asked by the council of the Elders to study with the dwarfs how to imrpove our feral cousins protections and claws.

In the same time Mnarassi and Brucie Shadowfur are studying how to tame our giants cousins the Sabertooth lions in being good mounts for us.
Mrarn Bloodtail father of Mnelraow and Captain of the felids warriors thinking about the project of a felid mounted unit of scouts /skirmishers and one of highly skilled unit of rangers/skimishers specialized in infiltration/trapping/ambushs and elimination.
Recruiting and training for theses two unit being in development among our most promising hunters and guardians.
When the rescue team is back , Erudites from the Shadowfur clan and the shamen from Moonpaw will study the remains we would have brought back, to learn a bit more about this new danger.


Building


At feet of the giants trees shelting our city BasthAamra ( the house of the Mother)
Felid workers are building , stables ,obstacle courses,rounds for the taming of the Giant sabertooth Lions and traing of our war and hunt pantheras/jaguars.

Worried by the events that happened at the edge of the forest , our carpenters improve the traps and protections of our city in the trees; building too several new storehouses.

Our carpenters are continuing to improve and build the distric / garnison we reserve for the Human barbarians who joined us. The garnison being build behind the Council of the Elders as a consideration of honor for our new friends.

New Houses are done if needed , when young felids reach adult age or when a familly need a bigger home. Having children is not a problem in felid society as all basic needed food and houses improvement are provided by the community in exchange of the participation of all in the city life. Actually main of BasthAamra ressources are still directed at citizen welfare but stocks are being done in prevision of future events.



Harvest

The harvesters are In 8 teams of 5 felids to harvest: trapped animals , vegetals for food, medecine or poisons, fruits. One forth of our havesting going to our storehouses, same from our farmers.
They are now forbiden to go near the river sides, where the danger is now avered to be.
Each team is now escorted by a group of 4 guardians with a panthera or a jaguar.

4 teams of 5( 1 panthera or jaguar for each team) among our hunters stop to hunt for food and leather in order to patrol the river sides.


Spying
( same teams than previously said ) 4 teams of 5( 1 panthera or jaguar for each team) among our hunters stop to hunt for food and leather in order to patrol the river sides. They have orders to stay away from any danger and to only collect informations. The primary order is in case of danger to immediatly send a carrier pigeon to our city and to join up with the trapping team to prevent them of the incomming danger for evacuation.

Military actions

Sfrarss Nightclaw ,Second in command behind my father and chief of the hunters , will study from the spies reports the best places where to install traps between the river and our city. The goal being to make any march in direction of our city a challenge for enemies nerves.
The trapping operation will be done by a troop of 20 guardians, 4 pantheras,5 Wood crafters, 1 mastersmith from fireclaw clan, 1 Shaman Priestess Frria Moonpaw ( to bring spirits luck over us, and to poison our traps), and 10 workers citizens . The operation is leaded by Sfrarss Nightclaw himself.

Our barbarian friends we name Sekmeth blessed ones ( sekmeth amrar sromsa adi) have the honor and duty to protect BasthAamra our city.
The remaining guardians will organize evacuation in trees of our felines cousins and of the dwarfs in case of emergency.

Diplomatic relations
Being still a young leader Mnelraow not yet had opportunity to meet any of the other nations leaders.


Until now felids relations with others nations are:

Divine's Blessing: We have with them polite relations, mainly commercial ones.
We sell wood , leather, furr and forest product in exchange for metal ore and manufactured products. we stay cautious about their will to spread draconic teaching and about the importance of the clergy power.

Trumpets: It is a pleasure to visit them and we enjoy their food and wines.
We trade with them forest products in exchange of their wine, tobacco and crafts.

Village of Peaudale: We respect the wood elves who share with us many ways of life.
Enjoying their craft and wine we trade with them for .

Valence: We have polite and cold relations with them.
Felids have in disgust the slavery, thinking that freedom is a natural right. Any escaping slave finding refuge in our lands will be considered as free, and never given back to former owner, escaped slaves are allowed to settle in our lands. Any slaver coming in felids forest will be first politely said to leave, if this is not done, it will be done by force if needed. On other way we have no prejudges about the demonblood, we dont really care of it, for us demons being spirits as all others.

Minotaurs: They are considered as valorous but a bit savages neighbours.Young felids consider as a nice game to tease them.
We see with sadness their patriarcal society and the place of females in it.Else this we respect them even if we take pleasure to tease them in provocation games.
Yes young Felids can be pests, i not said pets( take care to my claws).

Friar’s Church
This community and it leader Ricardo are respected for their fight for freedom .
We will likely trade with them and help them if they request help.

Ravenswood: They are a nation we respect, we like their respect of freedom and equality between men and women. we will trade likely with them and help them if needed.

Drows
They are a nation we not know well, we would enjoy to have more knowledge of who they are.

 

[Fishrule]

Roleplay

Rhyl'nar walked aimlessly through the halls. He knew he should do something but he had no idea what. All he could think about was the mutated bodies, the horrible demons, the zombies. He looked up. His wandering had brought him to the library, where all the major religious works were stored. It had helped focus him before, maybe it would again. He went in. When he came out half an hour later, a change had come over him. He moved with a purpose. That purpose? To do protect the drow and destroy the demons.

Research

Rhyl'nar strode through the halls, his cloak swirling around him. He had much on his mind, the foremost being how to protect his people. He stopped at the blacksmith's where he talked with Lael'vayas, the master smith. "I need you to figure out a way to work with the adamantium. With the demons across the river we need every advantage we can get. As soon as you figure out a way, start making weapons for our soldiers." After getting Lael'vayas' ascent, he quickly left him and continued on his way.
His next stop was the chemists where the alchemists worked. After spotting Riz'imar, the lead alchemist, he hurried over. "With war on our doorsteps the drow are going to need every little advantage we can get. Any potions you can make that will make the soldiers sronger, faster, smarter, anything, will be greatly appreciated. I will send some peasents through the tunnels looking for any fungii you can use. I'll have some scouts do the same on the surface.

Building


Rhyl'nar hurried trough the tunels. The adamantium and potions would take a while before they paid off. If the demons attacked before they did, they would have to be ready. The tunnel turned and Rhyl'nar saw the glow of the sun. He hurried forward and stepped out into the open air. He was in the middle of one of the few above ground settlements. he walked to one of the buildings and opened the door. Inside was Pellan'axle, leader of the drow who lived above ground. Rhyl'nar spoke. "Old friend, by now you know that there are demons across the river, demons that have no qualms about killing. You know also that if they attacked tonight these settlements would not survive. They need to have protections built. Walls and towers. First work on the walls and then if you have time, work on the towers. I must leave soon. Could you send a message to the head stonecutter and ask him to start work on a tunnel. It should about 5 miles northwest, ending at the begginning of the mountains.

Gather

Rhyl'nar turned as if to leave, then turned around. "One more thing. The hunters and fishermen should start bringing in more food. If we're under siege we're going to need it. And also have 5 of the scouts look for anything the alchemists could use. I must leave now. Farewell."

Military

Rhyl'nar's last stop was at the army barracks. The person he talked to there was Neer'teb, head of the army. "I need you to have 5 patrols of 20 always patrolling between the settlements and the river. They should be comprised of 9 archers, 9 swordsmen and 2 scouts. Also have 5 scouts cross the river. It's dangerous, but we need to know how many demons there are, where they are and what they're doing. One last thing. Have half of the remaining forces stationed above ground and put everybody, soldier or not, on a state of alert.

Summary

-Figure out a way to work with adamantium
-Work on making potions
-Build defenses around the settlements
-Build an escape tunnel
-Gather extra food
-Look for things the alchemists could use
-Have patrols patrol between the settlements and the river
-Have scouts go across the river

 

[Elayne]

The Valencians

Lady Christina met with the wounded scout in her town hall, listening to his tale carefully and asking him pointedly for details on the creatures he had faced and the symbols he had seen carved into the trees at the scene of the massacre.

Afterwards, she sends for a slave runner to carry out messages to summon some of her townsmen to meet with her posthaste.

Build

Christina's first meeting is with Marcus, a heavy shouldered mason who leads the construction crews of Valence. "Marcus, it comes to me that Illuvia was greatness can be described best in two words: Walls and roads."

Christina smiled and motioned for Marcus to approach to study a map of the city. "I want work started immediately on building a wall around the entirety of Valence from here..." Christina points and traces the map, "to here. Set it out far enough that the city may grow with in it, but not so far as to intrude on the good farmlands we need."

"You may set up an initial wooden palisade to act as scaffolding, but I want the wall to be hewn stone and buttressed as well. Begin work immediately."

Research

After her meeting with Marcus had ended, Christina summoned her Head Scholar, Artimedes, an old man who had the tell tale signs of daemon blood in his craggy features.

"Artimedes, what do these symbols mean to you?" Christina asked as she handed over the sketch the scout had made of the symbols from across the river.

"I want you to speak to the scout. Find out what these symbols mean, what these creatures could be... And how we can kill them."

Harvest

Next, Christina summoned to her Flavius, one of the wealthiest farmers of Valence. "Flavius, winter is coming and I want to lay our food stores. I want grains and salted and smoked beef, enough to last us for some time."

Flavius's eyes widened as Christina handed him a scroll of how much food she wanted to stockpile. It was more than enough for winter... It might have even been enough to survive a siege.

War

Lastly, Christina called for the captain of her guards, another demon blooded man named Cassius. "Cassius, what do you make of this situation across the river?"

Christina listened to her captain's opinion, then nodded and murmured. "I wish to withdraw all Valencians from that side of the river and gather them here. No more patrols at all on the threatened side of the river. We must draw our strength close and prepare, until we know more."

"In the meantime, I want our soldiers drilling and training. Have the gladiators also perform displays to keep morale up. But non-lethal displays. Good gladiators are hard to find."

Roleplay

Lastly, after her orders were given, Christina rose, summoning a slave attendant and headed out of the town hall, looking for Arabella the Valkyrie. Arabella was old and greatly experienced and often knew things that Artimedes could not find in his books.

"Arabella, tell me... Have you ever fought or seen creatures of this nature before? Or seen these symbols? What are we facing?"

 

[Tonofnoise]

The horn of Uradon bellows

Roleplay:
Utramel, the Minotaur leader, was shook during prayer by an odd vision. The vision showed huge beast and blood flowing from lifeless bodies. This vision was shared by others in the Minotaur tribe. Several of the other shamans have felt an evil chill over the past several nights. “A time of prayer is in order, Utramel said. If evil spirits have arisen that we must be ready.

As Utramel and the other seers feared, reports of an attack on unknown travelers and a few Minotaur hunters has occurred on the Eastern side of the valley across the mighty river. The reports from other scouts showed that other groups with in the valley have been affected. “By the blood of my ancestors this evil will not be allowed to live”. Utramel voice thundered through the labyrinth of Uradon city. It is a time of action, said Guradel, a fellow shaman and friend to Utramel.”

The horn of Uradon was blown and bellowed through out the city and the Golden plains. Like thunder rolling over the hills in a storm all the Minotaurs who could hear the call came rushing to the gates of Uradon. Up the stone stairs Utramel walked staff in hand, followed by his council of shaman to the crowd. “Good Minotaurs, I have called you here to inform you that an evil has descended on to this valley. Many of you have seen the stars falling from the sky. This divine gift may have been a warning. We will be sending out scouts out to determine the threat but till than all must be mindful. Send your prayers to She I ea and she will protect us. Until such time do not travel outside of the Golden plains alone or after dark. We will send word to the Felid and the Wood Elves to see what their standings are. That is all for now. May She I ea protect.”

Research:
Efforts are to be taken to develop better building materials for out labyrinths and tunnels.
Chief engineer Otterwen and Mining leader Osaruel are asked to handle this project.

Herbs for healing and herbs to stimulate the body and mind is given to Yuerell, mistress of herbalism and her 19 other herbalists. These herbs will be used for work, war, sickness, and for assistance in contacting the spirit world.

Another engineer, Turas of the golden hoof clan, makes it his duty to improve the traps and design of the labyrinths. With all excavated material sent back to Uradon to be used for the new great wall.

Building:
With the increasing size of the labyrinths and Uradon still being increased on floor at a time, talks are being made to construct a massive wall in front of the city doors and connecting to the side of the mountain.

Each of the five settlement leaders, Thorex, Urdeal, Ordean, Fasha, and Turrel, are asked to have built a monument to She I ea for local villagers to pray and to provide protection for evil.

A new Tunnel is also to be constructed leading to the Eastern woods. This to allow safe passage for weary or injured travelers.

Diplomacy:
Two groups of two diplomats will be sent to the village of the Felids and to the city of the Wood elves. With them will be our deepest condolences for any loss that they may have sustained and a letter signed by Utramel assuring them any assistance that they may need in facing these new creatures. With that will be safe and guarded protection through any labyrinth for any of their people.

Harvest:
With fall here at gates door hay, fruit, vegetables, and grain will be gathered and stored underground for storage. In addition new seeds and non- indigenous plants need to be gathered and regrown or transplanted into clay will drained pots.
Live stock need to be brought into shelters and barns will plenty of water and hay.

Military action:
10 hunters, 15 archers, 10 spearmen, 20 axe men, and 15 shaman will be assembled lead by veteran warrior, Tramear of the Blood Guard. A dedicated warrior and follower of She I ea Tramear will lead the force to the forest of the Felid and seek passage to the river side. There information from the Felids and wood elves will need to be gathers. Engage any creatures crossing the river but do not cross.

Gain contact with captain Aeson Shieldbearer for a base of operation for reconnaissance. Return to Uradon with any information and findings after no more than 2 months time.

Diplomatic Relations:
The Minotaurs have always faired kindly with humans so our views towards the Friar’s church and the Ravenswood clan is that of respect no matter what their laws allow.

The wood elves and Felid though annoying at times and frail in build make respectable neighbors. Their respect for nature is an admirable trait and one any Minotaur can agree with. We will always offer our assistance also as peace is maintained.

The Drow and Dragon kind we Minotaurs don’t have much deals with but will offer assistance towards a mutual advisory or any spiritual guidance that we may offer.

The few Valencians that hold Demon blood and practice the dark arts to be an abomination and not to be trusted. Their view of the spirit world offends most minotaurs but will not change their peaceful nature if asked respectfully for guidance.

 

[chocolatemouse]

Roleplay:


The horn of Uradon was blown and bellowed through out the city and the Golden plains. Like thunder rolling over the hills in a storm all the Minotaurs who could hear the call came rushing to the gates of Uradon. Up the stone stairs Utramel walked staff in hand, followed by his council of shaman to the crowd. “Good Minotaurs, I have called you here to inform you that an evil has descended on to this valley. Many of you have seen the stars falling from the sky. This divine gift may have been a warning. We will be sending out scouts out to determine the threat but till than all must be mindful. Send your prayers to She I ea and she will protect us. Until such time do not travel outside of the Golden plains alone or after dark. We will send word to the Felid and the Wood Elves to see what their standings are. That is all for now. May She I ea protect.”


Diplomacy:
Two groups of two diplomats will be sent to the village of the Felids and to the city of the Wood elves. With them will be our deepest condolences for any loss that they may have sustained and a letter signed by Utramel assuring them any assistance that they may need in facing these new creatures. With that will be safe and guarded protection through any labyrinth for any of their people.
..................
Military action:
10 hunters, 15 archers, 10 spearmen, 20 axe men, and 15 shaman will be assembled lead by veteran warrior, Tramear of the Blood Guard. A dedicated warrior and follower of She I ea Tramear will lead the force to the forest of the Felid and seek passage to the river side. There information from the Felids and wood elves will need to be gathers. Engage any creatures crossing the river but do not cross.





[/COLOR]

Vegetable cathedral, the forest canopy now hides the sky.
Unused to the forest mysteries and dangers,the Minotaurs walk with precautions. Each step, each breath , give birth to strange echos, around them grows a disturbing silence, while far in the forest resonate tha calls of beasts at each others, the death throes of a prey killed by an unknow predator.
Green almonds eyes are following the progressing company, lurking shadows between the foliages.
Poping up from nowhere a mocking voice intepellate the Minotaurs.

" What are our horny , ssssorry i mean horned friendzzz doing zhere?".........silence........." Arent you far of your sssafe plain and tunnels?"

Jumping from the foliage a felid hunter appear, behind him emerging from shrubberies, several others warriors ready to fight, walking at their side ,the black silhouette of a panthera sneaking silently.
A dialogue begin between the Minotaurs and the leader of the small troop.
It seems that the felids are worrying about what could have happened to their fishing settlement of Msarr Mnelda.
The godess daughter , Mnelmaow, her father the head commander and a group of warriors left the city a fews hours ago to discover what happened.
The felid hunter offer to guide them to the rescue company if they are not yet too far to be joined up with, and if of course their horned friends are not afraid to have their long horns caught it the forest branchs. This said with a not hidden smirk.


Nose kisss

 

[Devil's Grin]

ROLEPLAY:

Riccardo sat at the head of the long, wooden table, surrounded by his officers. Sitting at the table was also the local magistrate, Marcusio, who the old chief had used to maintain his lands; Riccardo was not completely sure he trusted the man, but he had proved useful so far.

"Men, remember what I have taught you. You are in unknown, and possibly hostile territory. What is the first thing you always do?"

Jerald, Riccardo's second in command, said "Build a defense, sir!"

"Yes. That has to be our first priority. The stone walls surrounding this city are in disrepair, and in any case are inadequate. We need to rebuild the city walls, make them at least 15 feet tall on all sides, provide better protection to archers on top of the walls. And make sure that the gate works properly, by the gods. Once the walls are constructed, see if you can find someone around here who knows how to make some decent siege weapons; not all monsters are easy to kill with a sword..." Riccardo shook his head, fighting off old memories of the dark days he spent in the arena "...ehm, not all monsters are easy to kill with a sword or a few arrows, but drop a boulder on their heads and they usually notice."

His men nodded.

"What's the second priority, Jerald?"

"Reconnaissance."

"Right. By this time tomorrow, I want to have a force ready to go. We need to make a reconnaissance in force down to the river, both to find out what's going on here, and to see if we can rescue anyone. I will lead the force myself. Jerald, I am going to leave you in charge here while I'm gone. I will take 50 men with me, and 10 volunteers from the militia who know their way around here. Speaking of the militia, how is the training going, Gāïus?"

Gāïus, a grizzled old sergeant with a thick gray beard, had trained many of the members of the mercenary army himself, and could still thrash most of the men with a sword or with his bare hands.

"Well, they don't need much training with the bow, that's for sure. They have a general idea of how to fight with a spear, but we're making pretty slow progress in teaching them how to fight in a proper line or phalanx formation. Meanwhile, the gladiators who joined us are all strong brave fighters, and some of them could even teach me a thing or two with the sword, but they have absolutely no discipline; it's going to be a while before they can properly take orders on the field."

Riccardo nodded. "Well, do your best. I have ordered all the members of the militia to spend two days a week training. The gladiators, you can spend as much time training them as you need to. Next, Marcusio, how is the harvest looking this year?"

As always, Marcusio seemed nervous talking to Riccardo, as if he wasn't quite sure how to react to this new chief. "Um, sire, the harvest should, um, be fine. It was a hot summer, but there was enough rain, so the crops did fairly well. The shepherds are also doing reasonably well. The old chief claimed , erm, 15% taxes on everything, although of course if you want to change the taxes..."

Riccardo shook his head. "No, no, that's fine for now, I don't want to change anything drastic right now."

"Erm, ah, good. Most farmers ended up paying in kind, with food, because they don't have much money, but most merchants and shipyards end up paying in coin."

Riccardo nods. "That's fine. Oh, one more thing, Marcusio."

"Ah, yes?"

"I want to make sure that the other settlements in the area don't misunderstand or think I'm here to conquer them all or anything. Write up a note to send to each one of them, letting them know my intentions are peaceful, ok? Oh, and include some kind of gift with each one...I'm sure you know what the people around here would appreciate better then I would, right?"

Marcusio turned even paler then normal. "Erm, sire, I...I'm not sure that I...uhhh..."

Riccardo smiled. "I'm sure you'll figure it out. Any questions, anyone? No? All right. I'm going to go inspect the men, and we're moving out tomorrow."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summery of orders:

Building: Build up the city walls, improve the gates, and then work on building siege weapons such as catapults and ballista that can be used to defend the walls of the city.

Training: Millie members are being trained how to fight properly in a phalanx or a line formation with their spears, training 2 days a week when they can be spared from their farms. Gladiators are also being trained how to fight properly on a battlefield.

Research: The blacksmiths that came with Riccardo's army are teaching the blacksmiths in the village how to make better quality iron, so that they can make better weapons and armor.

Harvest/economy: Riccardo will not interfere with the farmers, who appear to be doing fairly well this fall, and he will take the same taxes from them that the old chief took, 15%. The same goes for the shepards and merchants, who have a thriving wool trade that's the main source of income for the town.

Diplomacy/Diplomatic relations: As of yet, Riccardo does not have any formal diplomatic relations with any of the other settlements in the area. He has ordered the city magistrate, Marcusio, to send a letter of peaceful intent to all of the other settlements, and to send a gift with each letter.

Military action: Riccardo will personally lead a force of 50 of his men and 10 local militia to act as guides down towards the river, in order to do a reconnaissance of the area, to find out the location and number of enemies, and if possible to rescue any survivors. He will constantly scout ahead with his local guides, and will try to avoid any major fights with large numbers of enemies; as soon as he encounters any large force of enemies, he and his men will fade back into the woods, and retreat back towards his city. The goal is to get the lay of the land and find out what they’re up against, and while Riccardo would be glad to kill one or two of the monsters if he finds them alone, he will not take any unnecessary risks.

 

[Tonofnoise]

Tramear's reply

Vegetable cathedral, the forest canopy now hides the sky.
Unused to the forest mysteries and dangers,the Minotaurs walk with precautions. Each step, each breath , give birth to strange echos, around them grows a disturbing silence, while far in the forest resonate tha calls of beasts at each others, the death throes of a prey killed by an unknow predator.
Green almonds eyes are following the progressing company, lurking shadows between the foliages.
Poping up from nowhere a mocking voice intepellate the Minotaurs.

" What are our horny , ssssorry i mean horned friendzzz doing zhere?".........silence........." Arent you far of your sssafe plain and tunnels?"

Jumping from the foliage a felid hunter appear, behind him emerging from shrubberies, several others warriors ready to fight, walking at their side ,the black silhouette of a panthera sneaking silently.
A dialogue begin between the Minotaurs and the leader of the small troop.
It seems that the felids are worrying about what could have happened to their fishing settlement of Msarr Mnelda.
The godess daughter , Mnelmaow, her father the head commander and a group of warriors left the city a fews hours ago to discover what happened.
The felid hunter offer to guide them to the rescue company if they are not yet too far to be joined up with, and if of course their horned friends are not afraid to have their long horns caught it the forest branchs. This said with a not hidden smirk.


Nose kisss

Surrounded by small felid, some crouching in the trees with spear and small dagger the herd started to get jumpy in the already tight forest. The forest rumbled with the sounds of 71 massive Minotaurs all stumping in a small area. As normal the mocking Felid pack leader was the first to speak. " What are our horny , ssssorry i mean horned friendzzz doing zhere?".........silence........." Arent you far of your sssafe plain and tunnels?" Tramear looked up to see a brown, white, and tan Felid looking back at him hanging on to a branch with a short sword in hand. Tramear stepped forward, “Were are here to seek passage to through your woods to reach the river. Our Chief Utramel wishes us to assist with the new trouble from the east of the river. As well we’re here to return any injured to dead Minotaurs so they may be buried properly.” Silence separated the two races until the scout leader signaled to have the herd follow.

 

[chocolatemouse]

. We will send word to the Felid and the Wood Elves to see what their standings are. That is all for now. May She I ea protect.”

Diplomacy:
Two groups of two diplomats will be sent to the village of the Felids and to the city of the Wood elves. With them will be our deepest condolences for any loss that they may have sustained and a letter signed by Utramel assuring them any assistance that they may need in facing these new creatures. With that will be safe and guarded protection through any labyrinth for any of their people.
. [/COLOR]

A group of felids hunters escort the Minotaurs ambassadors at the bottom of giants trees in whiches the town of BasthAamra hide. Scaffolds scaters around, partially done barns,stables, obstacles courses, usualy cheeky and insouciants the felids seems anxious , their gazes following the horned embassy.
Not far rise black smoke from dwarves blast-furnaces, the song of the hammers resonanting.
Walking toward the minotaurs, two olds felids are coming, escorted by musculars humans in shining chainmails.
The grizzled lady is the first to talk " I am Frianssa Mneldir from the Elder council and here is kssao Sasstar". Welcoming the newcommers friendly in same time with sadness.
With a quavering voice the second felid adds" I guess that your are not coming this time for some bad joke one of our youngsters done again ?'" Looking at the ground, he sighs with resignation." Please be our guests until our scouting company is back with news i hope will be good"

 

[thewantonscribe]

Ravenswood

ROLEPAY:

I sat next to our standard and was hoping to draw some inspiration from the past when the scouts returned requesting a meeting. They were pale and winded from their trip. I asked them to sit while I gathered the Council.
"Fiona please ask the council members to join us here in the meeting hall? Also send word to Sister Una, leader of the Witches, I would like her to hear what is said also." Speaking to the scouts I asked, "Would you care for something to drink while wait for the others?" The scouts nodded but said nothing. I was worried because I could see in their faces they did not have good news.
It seemed an eternity before the rest of the group gathered. When they had all taken a seat I asked the scouts to tell us what they found. The tallest one spoke in a deep but quivering voice. "Sister Honora, Council Members and Sister Una, it is with a sadden heart I tell you that our small encampment was destroyed. All we found were parts and bodies that were not recognizable as even human. I know they were our people as they lived under our standard. Other than that we would not have been able to tell. I can tell you that along the way we heard many stories of similiar things happening to encampments of our neighbors. No one knows what has done this or what precipitated the attack but all the descriptions are the same. One beast with the head of a bug and claws coming out of hands, and a large reptilian or lizard with green scaley skin and large fangs."
I let the visions sink in a moment before speaking. "Sister Una, you have been in the valley longer than us. What are your thoughts on this?" She drew a breath and considered her words carefully. "Sister Queen, many moons ago I heard a tale of a such creatures being created by black magic. It was a tale that many of us considered just that - a scarey bedtime tale to keep us from using magic for evil. Hearing these descriptions now I am wondering if there were not some truth to the tales of the old. If it please you Sister I would like time to research the old books to see what is written there?" I nodded and told her "I would be grateful for your assistance Sister Witch. Please stay with us as we discuss the direction we should proceed."

RESEARCH:

The Sisters of the Pentacle will research the old books to see what is written about what the scouts saw. We will send for Venutius to see what his impression is on this situation. Brother Merchadd will ask the few old ones remaining if the symbols the scouts saw mean anything and will look within our history as well. In the meantime we will decide how to best prepare ourselves for war against an unknown enemy.

BUILDING:

We will continue building more permanent structures. Our meeting hall is finished and the Temple to Bran almost so. With the idea of attack approaching Brother Bruatan and Corthach recommend building a study wall around our village. We will be gathering the workers together soon. A more permanent storage for food is being constructed. Several of the metal guilds have joined building forges and crafting sites. The wood workers have joined erecting a building from which they can produce the chariots, wagons, etc we require. A barn and excercise area has been built for the keeping of animals for the village including the breeding and training of the chariot horses and riders.

Because of our irrigation system for the fields we were able to construct a live feed well in the center of the village. We chose to place the irrigation to the center of town underground so it cannot be seen or poisone by others.

DIPLOMACY:

I have sent a dispatch to all the neighboring villages with condolances for their losses. We included our good wishes and a willingness to work together to get to the bottom of this situation. We have a cordial relationship with all our neighbors. Bran's teachings have taught us to respect all we encounter. Knowledge is there if we are open to hearing it. Every race has something to each us.

HARVEST:

Due to the fertile soils and our irrigation system from the stream our harvest has been plentiful. The hunters have brought in many successful kills we are working on preserving. We will continue to work with the Sisterhood to gather herbs for potions and the clerics for healing. Food and medicines are not something we lack at this time.

MILITARY ACTION:

Brother Corthach has advised that the training needs to be increased. He has asked that the women train with the Sisterhood in the use of light weapons. He will continue to train them on the chariots and the heavier weapons. We will not dispatch any armies until we have had replies from the others. The training will continue and be more intense until then.

 

[Tonofnoise]

ew ew my turn

A group of felids hunters escort the Minotaurs ambassadors at the bottom of giants trees in whiches the town of BasthAamra hide. Scaffolds scaters around, partially done barns,stables, obstacles courses, usualy cheeky and insouciants the felids seems anxious , their gazes following the horned embassy.
Not far rise black smoke from dwarves blast-furnaces, the song of the hammers resonanting.
Walking toward the minotaurs, two olds felids are coming, escorted by musculars humans in shining chainmails.
The grizzled lady is the first to talk " I am Frianssa Mneldir from the Elder council and here is kssao Sasstar". Welcoming the newcommers friendly in same time with sadness.
With a quavering voice the second felid adds" I guess that your are not coming this time for some bad joke one of our youngsters done again ?'" Looking at the ground, he sighs with resignation." Please be our guests until our scouting company is back with news i hope will be good"

The eldest of the two Minotaurs stood facing the elder Felid. Covered in holy necklaces, bone jewlery, and studded with a golden snout ring he looked down to Frianssa Mneldir and said, " I am Ul radon Windspeaker and with me is my fletching Aldem Noraka." The bowing her head both to Frianssa & to Kssao for a moment than revealing a small wooden box which she stretched her arm out to offer the felid elders. Ul radon again spoke, "Please except this small gift of spices & incense as a thank you for allowing our search party to travel safely through your sacred woods. However us meeting today is not to discuss one of your kittens but to discuss an evil which we feel has fallen upon our land and who's every being could destroy each of our people if not stopped using our combined forces. Our information is that each of the races living in this valley has been effected by this new evil from east of the river. And thou protect we are behind your mighty trees and living underground passed our endless labyrinths we know that if your kind were to fall to his threat that our people soon too would be forced to leave the valley or worse. Our wise & power Chief Utramel has sent us with a letter offering all the Minotaurs assistace and spiritual guidence with concern to this evil threat. In return we ask for safe passage through your forest during this inpending confrontation." Ul radon lowered his head and waited for the felid's responce.

 

[Mantra]

Divine Blessing

Roleplay

Reverend sat cross legged on the very top of the plateau. There were people up top, but for the moment, he was alone, lost in meditation. The shrine, with it’s draconic runestones was more suited for sermons and worship and although he loved his caves, with their ever comforting strength and warmth, with roots which went deep into the heart of the Earth, today he had felt the need to be atop the plateau. And so he was. The sun warmed him as he sat, listening to the sounds of the wind. Everything was well.

…until the wind changed.

The breeze shifted, turning and coming in from the East. With it came the smells and the ever so faint whispers that he remembered long ago. In spite of his youthful appearance, reverend was much older. Older than any of the dwarves who lived among them in Divine Blessing. In fact, Reverend was older by several centuries and he remembered well.
The wind also brought the sounds of footsteps approaching. Even as light footed as the elves were, Reverend recognized the steps as well as the scent of Aurelion approaching. He was not alone, the footsteps and scent of Victor Cross, Reverend’s Archbishop, was also approaching.
“There is the scent of blood in the air.” Reverend said as the footsteps came to a halt nearby. “And disturbances in the wind. What has happened in the East, my friends?”
The two men bowed slightly as they were acknowledged.
“A group of the Faithful have been lost, my Lord.” Cross said. “Six gatherers, one hunter and one of the traveling clergy. All were murdered in a most gruesome manor.”
“A search party was sent out to find them.” Continued Aurelion. “Ten veteran soldiers and two scouts. Only three returned and they come with disturbing stories.”

Build:

For the next hour, the two told their stories, ideas and concerns while Reverend listened.
“We must see if this is an isolated incident or a part of a larger act of aggression. “ Reverend decided. “The plateau gives us a great vantage point to see over the valley. See that a watch tower is built on each side of the plateau and have it manned at all times. Report anything out of the ordinary.”

Harvest:

As Fall is settling, it’s harvest time for the farmers and gatherers. Crops and meat will be preserved, stored and rationed to make it through the winter. In addition, wood will be gathered and stored inside the caves. The mining will also continue, having ingots smelted down into bars until a need for them is determined.

Research

“Lord Cross, Take a handful of the scholars and delve into our library see if there is any references to these creatures or to the strange star showers of late. Perhaps there will be a clue to the future buried in our past.”

Training:

“Lord Aurelion, rally these nymph women and see how much they know about the woods. Perhaps you can make scouts or rangers out of them. I have also noted that some of them lack appropriate equipment. Heavy armor is not appropriate for them, but the dwarves can forge whatever weaponry they prefer. See that they are all equipped. “
“Would also like to have the clergy practice their healing skills as well as researching protective charms.”

War:

Reverend sent them off with a few additional instructions but he himself strode towards the edge of the westernmost face of the plateau. His golden eyes looked eastward and across the river. He gently started to fall forward, building speed as he suddenly dropped off the cliff face. His leathery, silvered wings opened wide, catching the wind as it rushed by and Reverend swept upwards and away. He would see these monsters himself if he could.