North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-03-31 - Cain as a Rough Knight (log)

Charlatos 31-Olaesta 1, 5123

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character who was present to record them. The player posting it holds no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

Against future Baron Elidal's orders, Squire Cain and several settlers go out to attack the Ember Vale reivers, seeking justice for past deaths in the camp. Their screams soon fill the night, then horns blare through the grasslands, woods near the Voln monastery, valley beyond the mine road, and Aillidh Brae as battle breaks out across the environs! Eventually a warhorn sounds and Warchief Haidan calls his people to return, saying perhaps the Empire has learned its lessons or perhaps not, but they will again if not.

Hours later, a Landing guard shouts out seeing something in the woods and adventurers hear the sound of a hammer. Near the skull of Hagga, they discover a corpse nailed to a tree--and Haidan tells the "great invading baron" that he's returned his squire and will return a thousand more if he wishes, all in that manner.

People tell Elidal where to find him. He thanks Kialeigh for trying to warn them to stop, as he too had done. The group notices a crest on Cain's corpse and Councilor Kayse inquires about it; Elidal says he doesn't think it means anything to anyone but Cain, who fancied himself a knight one day and felt he needed a crest. He whispers to the body that Cain will have his spurs in death the moment the crown hits his head, then pulls down the corpse and carries it back to the camp with others' escort.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.

Log

Charge

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the malachite Jadedragan disk, the Guarrin disk, a silver-tipped smoke grey wolf, the cherrywood Arianiss disk etched with lotus blossoms, the Sonor disk, a blue-footed lesser booby that is flying around, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, a tiny orange calico kitten wearing a tiny tricorn charm, the faenor Chandrellia disk inlaid with intersecting bands of jet, the Xukundi disk, the drake-incised Draelor disk, a massive grey wolf, the Qwizzer disk, a tiny brown mouse, the skull-shaped Irval disk, a roguish badland spirit that is flying around, the Amindyr disk, an iron wand, the Kanrik disk, a hibiscus-cut diamond, the Jahlah disk, a round of fried dough branded with a charred design, a large acorn, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, an old well, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Salvashion says, "I knew i had a gem somewhere."

[General] Falvicar thinks, "No wonder people can lend a hand...."

Irval says, "Council. The Lady Kialeigh and myself earlier spoke to the squire, seems him and some others are going to attempt to attack the reivers."

Chandrellia says, "Oh for heavens sake."

Kialeigh says, "That was a coincidence.. i didn't come cause he called me."

[General] Yipsy thinks, "There's a corpse 'n th' North Market an' don' look like anyone's fixin' t' raise 'im."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna asks, "Squire?"

Speaking to Irval, Vaemyr asks, "Squire?"

Speaking to Irval, Kayse says, "Yes the townsfolk walked passed again and I over heard that."

Irval says, "Aye the Squire in the encampment."

[General] Meliyara thinks, "The corpse has shown no interest in getting back to its feet."

Chandrellia says, "This back and forth has to stop if we are try for any amount civility."

Jadedragan says, "Should make for a fun evening."

Chandrellia recites:

"Everyone join Cryheart"

Kayse says, "I believe Sir Guarrin was trying to get ahold of Elidal."

[General] Directed to Yipsy, Yardie asks, "You kill him, sis?"

[General] Falvicar thinks, "If it aint talkin, it aint walkin."

Speaking to Cryheart, Chandrellia says, "I tried waiting."

Jadedragan says, "Before we join Cryheart, one question."

[General] Yipsy thinks, "Wadn't me this time."

Cryheart says, "Aye."

Jadedragan says, "What are y'all planning to do."

Vaemyr says, "I had heard some rumers as much, hopefully we can urge some restraint, if people take the battlefield there is very little we can do to protect them."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Chandrellia says, "Who knows."

[General] Directed knowingly to Yipsy, Yardie repeats, "This time."

Cryheart says, "We shall find out."

Speaking to Kayse, Guarrin says, "Yes, I have been. Rather unsuccessfully."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Kiyna says, "Stop our townsfolk from going up against reivers. They'll be killed. Reivers are veteran warriors."

Cryheart says, "Try to prevent the settlers from leaving the camp, I imagine."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Chandrellia says, "Maybe I'll just eat popcorn and watch from the sidelines."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Vaemyr says, "Hopefully tell people to go back home, probably will end up fighting something or another."

Cryheart says, "And those in Landing."

Speaking to Kiyna, Jadedragan asks, "I was under the impression that neutrality was dead. Did someone change their mind?"

Kayse icily says, "I think you mean watch our townsfolk be slaughtered by Reivers by someone who supplied them weapons--yet wants the best for the town."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Chandrellia says, "I am sure we will try to talk sense into the young squire."

Speaking to Kayse, Jadedragan says, "Perhaps we should have sued for peace among the Empire and reivers."

Jadedragan says, "Instead of picking sides."

Chandrellia says, "I will nae stand by and watch innocents get slaughtered, I will wither every reiver I see if that happens."

Speaking in Sylvankind to Kayse, Falvicar asks something you don't understand.

Irval says, "And truth be told. I get their anger...So i'm remiss into letting them think they can march off to their deaths. So I'll most likely join them to try and save a s many as I can."

Jadedragan says, "But lets see what fun we have tonight."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Kiyna asks, "Does it please you to sit there sneering so, pretending you haven't chosen your own side?"

Speaking evenly to Jadedragan, Kayse says, "I am unsure what that has to do with you possibly becoming an enemy of this town and the Empire."

Kialeigh says, "The squire had no want to stop. He and his people seem set on revenge for the orphans and such."

A clap of thunder echoes in the distance.

Irval says, "If anything, their bravery...and subsequent deaths could potentionally create a gap that we ourselves could take advantage of."

Kialeigh exclaims, "I guess we're just gonna have to go there and carry em home!"

Irval says, "And foolishness."

[General] Mistdy thinks, "Looks like something is stirring in the weather."

Guarrin says, "We'll do our best to convince them otherwise."

Speaking to Guarrin, Vaemyr says, "Aye."

Drazaa whispers something to Kayse.

Jadedragan asks, "Has the Landing had issues with the reivers?"

Kialeigh says, "Maybe more than just 2 of us will convience them. They seemed reluctant to even discuss it."

Jadedragan says, "Or did their Warchief NOT say to stay in our walls."

Cryheart says, "Ok..to the camp."

Kialeigh says, "They pretended like they had nothing planned."

Arianiss says, "Hmm."

Cryheart says, "Join or stay behind."

Vaemyr says, "I'm going to head over toward the camp, and see if there's anything going on, perhaps if they are still gathering I can try to disuade them from leaving."

[General] Yardie thinks, "So...people are going to head out to attack the reivers."

Kayse whispers something to Drazaa.

[travel]

Speaking to Jadedragan, Kiyna says, "You want to obey the reiver warchief? That does seem to be where your loyalties are."

[General] Rysul asks, "Anyone like to come hunt forest trolls with me?"

[General] Lithyia thinks, "That is...not good."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Chandrellia says, "I will not stand by and watch innocent women and childeren get slaughtered in or out of our walls."

Kayse adds, "By his weapons."

Jadedragan says, "Why is obeying the Empires mandates any better."

Kialeigh says, "Angry kobolds."

[General] Lithyia asks, "Yardie, where are these people?"

[General] Elidal thinks, "Settlers. Stop. Return to the camp immediately."

Kayse says, "It is probably Tikba."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Elidal. Get them back to the camp."

[General] Irval thinks, "Been trying to get them to stop! They seem bent of self-destruction in the form of foolish bravery."

[General] Mistdy thinks, "Looks like Lower Dragonclaw forest has something moving about."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "We hae a few of us at the bonfire."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Yeah y'all really don't want to go out there. There's gnawing Aelotois just a few nights ago."

[General] Yardie thinks, "I am glad that you are talking some sense into them. Although...the time to talk to the reivers about their concerns may have come and gone."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "For those settlers thinking its best to run off and fight this night I urge you to reconsider."

Cryheart says, "Seems some left."

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "Please settlers, and townsfolk of the landing, return to your homes."

Irval asks, "Could they know of another way to the vale?"

[General] Cryheart asks, "Lord Elidal, can we catch the settlers?"

[Realm] Chandrellia thinks, "Getting yourseve killed will not help your cause or those at the settlement trying to build what you have."

Irval says, "I tried...I really did. I spoke of admirable courage, but yet utter foolishness."

[General] Elidal thinks, "Squire Cain, if you hear me, this is not how you acquire spurs. Come home now."

Zillin softly says, "Havent seen an invasion in a long while."

[General] Maylan asks, "Harr, what's going on over there? Trouble afoot?"

Kialeigh says, "We did our best. They didn't want any part of logic."

Jovinia says, "Me neithers."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Why talk to the reivers? We can just side with the Imperial desires and let them run rough shod everywhere. THAT is Landing neutrality."

[General] Bakarus thinks, "Seems fine."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "But hey, I'm sure this action will sure 'preserve profits'."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "Settlers, know that you go to your deaths. Torches and pitchforks will not avail you against hardened warriors. Listen to your leader."

[General] Rysul exclaims, "No one wants to hunt forest trolls with me? okay!"

Kialeigh says, "It's ok babe. You did all you could."

[General] Mysticismic asks, "Does a ruby amulet have a set spell like a crystal amulet, or does it need to be detected to know?"

Irval asks, "I dont even know how they can find a way! Are they just going to wander aimlessly though an hopefully find nothing?"

[General] Alosaka thinks, "Though to be fair, these 'hardened warriors' have yet to actually fight anyone who was able to fight back."

[General] Elidal thinks, "We will have justice, I promise you. But this is not it. This is not how it will be accomplished."

Irval asks, "Is the maw open?"

Cryheart says, "No."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "You will return to the camp, squire."

[General] Leafiara muses, "If they're thinking that the reivers are less powerful than Gnul's forces and that's why they're willing to take the risk, that's probably a tactical mistake."

Cryheart says, "I dinnae think so."

[General] Directed to Jadedragan, Yardie asks, "Because they have stake in their homes as well. I appreciate Elidal in talking to the Thorns, but in order to lead, one must acknowledge the concerns of others. That was not given to the reivers, not quite. But his plea to the settlers to turn around, is...actually a good thing?"

Cryheart says, "We can go."

[General] Kialeigh thinks, "Think of the next wave who will have to avenge you.. and then the next wave.. and then more attacks.. it's never ending. At least come back and let's talk about it."

A wild scream fills the night.

Irval says, "Noo..."

Kialeigh says, "Oh no."

[General] Nyaria asks, "Where is the fight going on?"

Irval says, "Ive no idea where they could of gotten too."

Irval says, "Find them we must."

Kiyna asks, "Toward the vale, surely?"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Warchief call em off,"

Irval says, "Foolish and brave they are."

A second wild scream fills the night.

[the group has been wandering the entire time but has seen nothing]

[General] Alosaka thinks, "These reivers have an enviable record of success fighting children, unarmed settlers, shepherds and hunters."

Cryheart says, "Maw is nae here."

Tikba says, "The maw is north still."

[General] Rolfard thinks, "Frostling in the glade."

[General] Lylia thinks, "If you seek vengeance, it is best served cold. It is folly to take the fight to them. Be better than the ones you seek to fight."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Why talk when you can demonize? That's the way."

[General] Directed to Alosaka, Dendum thinks, "Ahh they must truly be humans then."

Rasson exclaims, "Missing the wild party listen to those screams!"

Lylia says, "I have no hope that they may listen to reason."

[General] Nyaria thinks, "Right, so stay here in the Rest, got it."

Irval says, "They were bent on vengeance."

[General] Alosaka thinks, "These reivers have an enviable record of success fighting children, unarmed settlers, shepherds and hunters."

Irval says, "They must be around somewhere."

Lylia says, "I can understand their ire. But it is an ill-considered plan. Not really a plan at all..."

[General] Tikba mildly thinks, "That is who goes to face them now."

A third rattling scream fills the night, then is silenced quickly.

[General] Faerinn thinks, "So probably unwise to send more waves of them against the Reivers."

[General] Rysul thinks, "Screaming."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Ha! Like our illustrious mayor? The Empire itself? Self serving, hypocrites one and all."

Kiyna says, "I'm going to look for them."

[General] Guarrin asks, "Oh?"

[General] Elidal thinks, "I warned you...."

Drazaa ventures, "A call to arms."

Irval exclaims, "Where did we fight the reivers last time!"

Irval says, "To there we must travel."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "I guess that could work if maybe they want the reivers to get bored and leave."

Irval asks, "Da brae?"

[General] Directed to Yardie, Yipsy asks, "Should I be killin' somethin'?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ugha bajah glurn ploodoo."

[General] Arianiss exclaims, "Me, pick me!"

Kayse asks, "Why have we not tried to move towards the screams?"

Speaking to Lylia, Jadedragan asks, "I don't think the velnalin was the issue?"

Tikba says, "We must find them."

Cryheart says, "There are folks there already..no sign yet."

[General] Falicor thinks, "It does seem that if you have time for amateur philosophy, You have more time to find those who need assistance. Unless you are more worried about grandstanding."

Lylia says, "Warming up."

Alosaka says, "No sign out by the portal Haidan used."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We kill Readersh?"

Speaking to Jadedragan, Yardie asks, "You're going to fight?"

[General] Tikba evenly thinks, "It is not your place to warn your people, Elidal. It is your place to convince them."

Cryheart says, "Some there and no sighting yet."

In a fair imitation of Dendum, Gutstorm says, "Howdy."

Cryheart says, "Aye, and no maw."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Dendum says, ""Can hear the sounds of battle but not see the signs...."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "We checked the wooded hills..and one sighted and the maw is goine."

Drazaa whispers something to Kayse.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me not hear buttin."

Kiyna says, "Fighting's just broken out near Luinne Bheinn."

In a perfect imitation of Gutstorm, speaking to Gutstorm, Dendum says, ""Argh is fight'n things."

[General] Irval exclaims, "To me!"

Kiyna says, "Vaemyr is battling the reivers."

Kialeigh says, "Reiver's are on the way to attack.."

Kayse whispers something to Drazaa.

Kialeigh says, "Get ready."

Kialeigh says, "Irval is fighting them."

[General] Alosaka thinks, "By the Mine Road."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Err no one sighted there in wooded hills."

[General] Yardie thinks, "Iliyaas spoke highly of you. It is time to give them hope."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh, me gonna ambush Vaemyr den."

[General] Alosaka thinks, "Reivers by the Mine Road."

Chandrellia says, "Ready."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Too near."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Reivers about the exterior."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Or Elidal it maybe time to *lead* them back to the camp."

Tikba mildly says, "I see they have chosen to join the settlers in their assault."

Jovinia, Town Councilor Kiyna, Sornryn, Bakarus, Oishian, Jadedragan, Sir Cryheart

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

As you stand next to the southwest corner of the Landing, you have an unobstructed view of the plain. Some distance away you can make out the vague figures of shepherdesses tending their flocks of Rolton -- sheep indigenous to the region. Further south the grassy expanse turns hilly, eventually terminating in stark mountains that line the horizon. You also see a rolton, a mace, the Samaarkan disk, a wide-eyed reiver skald that appears dead and a wooden signpost.

Kiyna says, "I'm hearing word that there are those damned sympaths. Be careful of staying in a large group."

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "Sympaths near Luine Bienne."

[General] Rosaleigh thinks, "I'm ready."

Bakarus says, "A dead Reiver."

[combat]

[General] Directed to Vaemyr, Dendum thinks, "Perhaps stop attacking things."

Bakarus says, "We should talk first."

[travel]

Battle

A horn blares along the Aillidh Brae.

A horn blares along the Valley beyond the mine road.

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Warchief this wont end well for your clan, take head and call em off."

[Glatoph, Vent Hole]

This shallow tunnel stops at a dead end. If you examine the far wall, you will notice that the tunnel used to go through -- it looks like fresh lava came bubbling up to this point, then hardened. Towards the ground is a small crack. You look around, wondering exactly how stable this mountain is. You also see a firephantom, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, a tiny orange calico kitten wearing a tiny tricorn charm, the Kialeigh disk, the faenor Chandrellia disk inlaid with intersecting bands of jet, the Zillin disk, the Jovinia disk, the Arahnim disk, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the Falvicar disk and a bushy-tailed golden brown coyote.

Kayse confusedly says, "Why..."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa asks, "Do you wish to stay here?"

[General] Tikba mildly asks, "Have you all decided to aid the settlers in their attack?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Sorry, thought ye would follow."

Kayse asks, "Did I miss why we are here?"

[going this way split the group up and the logging character couldn't figure out where the front line went, so from here I'll move to only thoughts]

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Go to the mine road."

[General] Arianiss thinks, "At tikba I think that's what's happening now."

[General] Yardie thinks, "They won't know the different."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Let's clear around town first."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Tokba, I wont let innocent childeren die, or families be killed I see it too much in our town with our own orphans, I will defend the innocent."

A horn blares near the grasslands.

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Tikba, sorry frustrted."

A horn blares loudly within the woods near Voln.

[General] Zillin asks, "Where did everyone go?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Back to the Landing, and defend."

[General] Irval exclaims, "The mine rod area! Upper trollfang!"

[General] Perigourd exclaims, "Be careful that they make you sympathetic with magic!"

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Where are the points of engagement?"

[General] Arianiss thinks, "Outside town."

[General] Alosaka thinks, "Right outside the west gate... rather weak enemies."

A horn blares along the Valley beyond the mine road.

A horn blares along the Aillidh Brae.

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Stormy, it dokay me push firelarm?"

[General] Alosaka thinks, "And out east. Mine road, into the vale. Horns in the grasslands south of town."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "North gate is mostly clear."

[General] Tikba mildly thinks, "How fortunate that we have such a brave knight to defend us against such enemies. Honor and mercy combined."

[General] Pukk asks, "Have they started attacking the town?"

A guard's voice shouts out from nearby, "Someone has set off the town's flare alarm! Man the towers and arm yourselves! Danger approaches!"

[General] Tennalnen thinks, "West Tower Roof, join me for Ballista firing."

[General] Directed curiously to Tikba, Leafiara asks, "Oh, is Sablo back?"

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "There have been some slight skirmishes here, yes."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Well, there's krolvin around."

[General] Directed amusedly to Leafiara, Tikba thinks, "Sablo does not pretend to be other than he is."

[General] The ghost of Cherilann thinks, "I could use a hand in Melgorehn's Valley , if someone can come."

[General] Pukk thinks, "I will cover west gate."

[General] Directed surprisedly to Tikba, Leafiara thinks, "Oh, so you're talking about someone else."

[General] Dendum asks, "Why is there Krolvin?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "If the reivers try for the town, I will protect."

[General] Skorrian thinks, "Get eph."

[General] The ghost of Jadedragan thinks, "The krolvin were over past the Vale."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "You can come take north gate, there are few that are here..skalds likely lost looking for someone to tussle with."

[General] Nalver thinks, "Found a reiver near town."

[General] Directed to Jadedragan, Yardie thinks, "I told you, they set the boundaries and are adhering to those areas."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "North gate is taking steady but --gentle--attacks."

[General] Lylia thinks, "They are too close to the Alabaster Spire."

[General] Yipsy thinks, "I kilt bunch'a 'em."

[General] The ghost of Toxyrox thinks, "Fireweaver got me."

[General] Pukk thinks, "They were at northgate. That is too close."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Skirmish along mine road."

[General] Directed to Lylia, Yardie asks, "Why are they near the Spire? Perhaps it deals with why Iliyaas had interest?"

[General] Nalver asks, "Yall seen all the wagons and reiver settlers on the Mineroad?"

[General] Jadedragan asks, "Are we really just ignoring the krolvin over here?"

[General] Kemouri thinks, "Of course they are- the Krol don't fit their political narrative."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Krolvin too? I guess that makes sense... they'd strike while the reivers are distracted."

[General] Pukk asks, "Where is the krolvin?"

[General] Directed to Pukk, Arianiss exclaims, "Behind you!"

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie thinks, "Pukk beat me to it."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Hey, how turn da Pylon on."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Lyserian hills as well."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "I'm killing the the Krolvin... but those Krolvin mercenaries are always around this area."

[General] Arianiss asks, "Does anyone need rescuing?"

[General] Alosaka thinks, "We've seen some of the incarnadine spiders."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Trouble just outside the gate to the Alabaster Spire."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Priests and their spiders. Beware."

[Realm] Maylan exclaims, "I'm scared!"

[General] Directed to Guarrin, Stormyrain asks, "Where is your group?"

[Realm] Kemouri thinks, "Hi, scared. I'm dad."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Maylan and I escaped into the gates and the wards here, but just outside..."

[General] Pukk thinks, "North and West clear so far."

[General] Maylan exclaims, "I don't like it!"

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Owlie kilt Reggie!"

[General] Nalver thinks, "These spiders are big."

[General] Yipsy asks, "Where's more t' kill?"

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Attacking the Holding as well."

[General] Tikba mildly thinks, "Perhaps it would be best to bring the dead to Voln, or to the imperial campsite."

[General] Chandrellia asks, "How is TSC holding up?"

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "Vale seems mostly clear now..."

[General] Monolis thinks, "We miss CHandy."

[General] The ghost of Yipsy exclaims, "Stormy kilt me!"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "If TSC gets over run go to Thraks Inn Trophy Romm, if not there then make Voln our locale for healing and triage."

[General] Irval asks, "Did anyone find the Squire?"

[General] The ghost of Yipsy exclaims, "Someone help Maylan an' Stormy!"

[General] Lylia thinks, "Sympaths. Eradicate every last one of them."

[General] Directed to Chandrellia, Yardie thinks, "I'm not sure if they're going in the city....the spiders might, though."

[General] Pukk thinks, "They attacked me, they will die."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "That was my thoughts too Yardie its why I sudgested what I did."

[General] Irval asks, "Lord Elidal! Has any of your people contacted you?"

[General] Falvicar thinks, "Spiders."

[General] Tikba thinks, "They are not coming within the walls yet, for they promised not to. But it is hard to say how long that promise will last, since those within the walls have set out to exterminate them."

[General] The ghost of Stormyrain thinks, "There is a sympath here with us, be mindful."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Four of us in upper trollfang patrolling."

[General] Irval thinks, "Keep the fight contained."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Randsford, Roe, Falv and I on old mine road."

[General] Arianiss asks, "Does anyone need rescuing?"

[General] Jovinia thinks, "I don't think you're in the way."

[General] Dendum asks, "Where is this Warchief of the Vale.....who lets warriors wander around aimless and without purpose?"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Warcheif your forces are growing thin."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Warshef should do battle wit our besht Warshef, shave lotta killin."

[General] Directed to Chandrellia, Yardie asks, "I don't think it's wise to taunt them?"

[General] Yardie asks, "Umm....Opalina?"

[General] Irval thinks, "Ive ascended to the top of the cliff with Peche. Not seeing a gateway."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "I'm still holding out hope we can work with Warchief Haidan to pull this back. But it seems clear no one wants to actually engage in peace outside of wholesale slaughter."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "I guess death is its own peace."

[General] Julenne thinks, "Heyas."

[General] Dendum asks, "Is there someone in Icemule?"

[General] Starmizt thinks, "In icemule."

[General] Dendum exclaims, "Good you can watch angry bird!"

[General] Starmizt thinks, "Just left."

[General] Starmizt thinks, "Angry bird did."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Drazaa, you brave brave man."

[Realm] Guarrin asks, "How are things outside the gates?"

[Realm] Maylan thinks, "West gate is clear."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Dey'd be fine if deez cold heared killersh would let ush talk to a few of dem."

[Realm] Jadedragan thinks, "So have we found the Squire? Or any of the reiver leadership? Or is this just all wholesale slaughter."

[General] Lylia thinks, "They muster near the gates of the Alabaster Spire. I push them back most of the time. Sometimes they push me back."

[General] Yardie thinks, "They won't enter the north gate."

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "I've looked, no corpses of the squire, no leadership..."

[General] Zillin thinks, "They by volnd."

[General] Dendum thinks, "Someone throw big sword in dirt so Reivers know it is time of talking."

[General] Directed to Dendum, Yardie asks, "That..works?"

[General] The ghost of Irval thinks, "Got me along the ridgeline."

[General] Directed to Yardie, Dendum asks, ""Worked once might work again...you have the Big Sword?"

[General] The ghost of Irval thinks, "In Liath. I tried to stem the tide."

[General] Directed to Yardie, Leafiara explains, "It's how Rheshay has approached for parley before, so... possibly, but only if she's around."

[Realm] Guarrin thinks, "Few waves in lyserian hills again. Returned to voln for now."

[General] Arianiss asks, "Does anyone need a rescue?"

[Realm] Cryheart asks, "How is everyone?"

[General] Falicor asks, "Are we doing diplomacy yet, or are reivers still just throwing lives in the meatgrinder?"

[Realm] Tennalnen thinks, "Towers are clear, nothing in sight at any of the four."

[General] Nalver thinks, "I found a boss of sorts."

[General] Nalver thinks, "I can't hit him and he can sure hit me."

[General] The ghost of Irval thinks, "I didnt see any hide nor hair of the Settler's. Im sorry Elidal. I was looking. Mayhaps someone else will have better luck."

[General] Nalver thinks, "It's a Reiver Hunter."

[General] Zhagen asks, "What's happening west of the spine?"

[General] Maylan exclaims, "Reivers are invading the Landing!"

[General] The ghost of Irval thinks, "There are hunters, preachers , windcallers , firebringers, sympaths, and more."

[General] Zhagen thinks, "Don't worry Maylan, I am sending you thoughts and prayers immediately."

[General] Maylan exclaims, "Thanks mister!"

[General] Irval thinks, "You can."

[General] Tennalnen thinks, "Anyone who wishes to help defend the town, but is unsure they will survive outside, send me a thought and I will direct you to a tower."

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "More spiders on the mountainside, dealing with them."

[Realm] Tennalnen thinks, "Anyone who wishes to help defend the town, but is unsure they will survive outside, send me a thought and I will direct you to a tower."

[Realm] Arianiss exclaims, "Death to the spiders!"

[Realm] Yardie thinks, "I don't think they're entering the gates."

[Realm] Jadedragan thinks, "They've not wandered in since we've been standing at the North Gate."

[General] Yipsy thinks, "Pro'ly 'cause they're scared."

[General] Tennalnen thinks, "One near the bridge."

[General] Tikba patiently thinks, "They said they would not enter the gates."

[General] Julenne thinks, "Invoker soon."

[General] Lylia thinks, "And have they? I am not near town."

[General] Kayse thinks, "We saw one in town."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "That invoker will be much appreciated soon."

[General] Irval thinks, "You've all heard the fable of the scorpion and the frog? Well as hagga's son. You can be sure that this is the case. Else no control on his people he has."

[General] Irval thinks, "And the spider dances the people of the ember vale to his myriad of webs."

[General] Dendum exclaims, "Is is scorpion or spider? Pick a story!"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Maybe its a scoridewr."

A warhorn sounds in the distance.

[General] Julenne thinks, "Invoker."

[General] Haidan thinks, "Champions o' the Vale, return tae the fold. Perhaps they have learn'd thar lesson, perhaps nae. But they will again soon enough."

[General] Arianiss asks, "Who is they?"

Several reivers begin to turn and march back into the forest, some of them even shimmering and vanishing into thin air.

Discussion Afterward

[Realm] Cryheart thinks, "Head warchief of the Ember Vale clan."

[Realm] Nalver asks, "You found him?"

[General] The ghost of Julenne thinks, "Aye.. in voln."

[General] Chandrellia asks, "Warchief, your forces were drawn thin this, perhaps you should reconsider and think about a treaty yes?"

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "Whomever had an animated loremaster I healed it for you."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Thank you."

[General] Lylia thinks, "He is with me now, though he has no secrets to tell, it seems."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Vale and the mountain seem clear."

[General] Directed to Chandrellia, Yardie sighs, "You're still not listening. Treaty? No one spoke to them and they're angry. I would hope Elidal and whoever brings this to a halt...though I fear the worst is yet to come."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Who winned tonite? me not tell."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "We all lost tonight. Except whoever profits. Because, you know, can't interfere with profits in any way."

[General] Directed to Gutstorm, Yardie thinks, "Me neither."

[General] Directed to Yardie, Pukk thinks, "Treaty or no. If they come into town and start swinging. Then they are an enemy."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Well something has to be done, we asa town are caught in the middle and nae fair to us."

[General] Maylan asks, "Are folk gathering somewhere?"

[General] Kisun thinks, "The Krolvin won, because there's less reivers in the world now."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Me think da mifril weppin shtuff wash bogush, me no shaw any."

[Realm] Faerinn thinks, "Well that's dark but possibly true."

[General] Lylia thinks, "I focused much of my ire on the krolvin tonight."

[General] Mauss wryly thinks, "I'm sure da herb-sellers are flush with cash fer a l'il while."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "As you have good reason to Lylia."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Well that's all dark and possibly true."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "And the weapons merchants who helped the settlers launch that."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Weapons merchants? There were weapons to be had, amply supplied on both sides."

[General] Kisun thinks, "Well you know what they says, The night is dark, and full of reivers."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Well it was."

[General] Kisun thinks, "Or somethin like that.."

[General] Nalver asks, "These all the reiver wagons they left behind?"

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Reivers don't have wagons."

[General] Yipsy asks, "Some o' ya need t' think t' yerselves, D' I wan' be on th' side o' th' ones makin' gian' spiders pop outta folks?"

[General] Monolis thinks, "We need more ice in TSC,my drink is warm."

[General] Nalver thinks, "Whoever located, try again."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Reiver wagons? If you mean the remains of the wagons the settlers traveled in, in which the parents were slain and the children taken, then those are the wagons. Yes."

[General] Nalver asks, "The ones that were forced to settle here by the imperials?"

[General] Alosaka thinks, "If any settlers were forced to come here, they have not said so to me."

[General] Lylia thinks, "I am merely clarifying which wagons you mean, as the reivers do not use wagons in their reiving."

[General] Irval asks, "Haidan, did you and your people take hostages. Or did you slay them to the last man?"

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Those are settler wagons."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "Reivers used wagons when we hekped hide them up in ice mule."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "No one forced the settlers to come here... though I strongly doubt they were adequately informed of how dangerous the North is to live. In winter, no less."

[General] Kialeigh thinks, "They didn't seem too keen on talking as they sliced me to shreds running by..."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "I would almost go as far to say they were lied to."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Well done everyone."

[General] Nalver thinks, "One spoke to me. Said I was in his way and that's why he was swinging."

[General] Arianiss thinks, "Still a brute roaming around if Elidal wants it."

[General] Mauss pontificates, "If all's ya see is red... well, everybody's kinda in yer way!"

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Get 'em Baron Elidal. So your people what yer made of."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "The Reivers are evil, we should wipe them out completely, the town must protect the realm and the barony."

[General] Directed to Chamorr, Yardie thinks, "Well this is a surprise."

[General] Directed to Chamorr, Dendum thinks, ""Careful half the minds listening will believe these words."

[General] Jadedragan thinks, "Evil? That seems a stretch."

[General] Directed amusedly to Yardie, Leafiara thinks, "This is Bear, he's being sarcastic."

[General] Lylia asks, "Did anyone else see a blue light in the sky at some point...?"

[General] Directed to Lylia, Dendum thinks, "Yes."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "That was a good one."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "That was sarcasim."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "Bears are sarcastic?"

[General] Goldstr asks, "Mourdeyan Smooches! Heya hun! Happenings?"

[General] Directed to Lylia, Dendum thinks, "At the north gate saw this."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Sadly no, I was busy trying to keep my group alive."

[General] Directed simply to Yardie, Leafiara thinks, "This one is."

[General] Mourdeyan thinks, "And grumpy."

[General] Directed drunkenly to Yardie, Gutstorm thinks, "Bearsh are potty traint too."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "Well his hibernation was interrupted with squirely antics to instigate the Ember Vale. Or whichever tribe he did attack."

[General] Faerinn thinks, "I'd be grumpy too."

In the Woods

[hours later...]

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Ardimas disk, the Guennwhfar disk, the flaming Nairena disk, a gargantuan cloudy grey tiger, a grizzled giant purple squirrel with onyx black eyes, the skull-shaped Irval disk, a large acorn, the Arahnim disk, a large acorn, some crimson robes, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, an old well, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk asks, "After that brief battle with those reivers. Are we safe for the night?"

Speaking to Pukk, Kiyna says, "Hard to say."

Delyorik asks, "The heck are people bowing to me again?"

Delyorik says, "Anyway..."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody bow to Delyorik!"

Delyorik says, "Focus, people."

Delyorik says, "Shush."

Speaking to Lionardo, Delyorik says, "Rain makes people crazy."

[General] Jaffrey thinks, "It's raining in the landing."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Vaemyr!"

Delyorik says, "Someone needs to teach you things."

Lylia admits, "I was napping in the Spire's pinnacle."

Delyorik says, "For now..."

Speaking to Lionardo, Delyorik says, "Stick around for a few moments after you're alive again."

The ghostly voice of Lionardo says, "Im in no position to argue."

Lylia says, "Do pardon me a moment."

Oblerone says, "She didnt see me."

Guennwhfar says, "What the heck? Dhe'nar are never unsire of themselves."

Lylia says, "A moment. Truly mean it this time."

A clap of thunder echoes in the distance.

Goldstr asks, "Thinkin a checkin da Settler's camp?"

Arianiss says, "Nothing there a minute ago."

Jaffrey says, "Let em rot."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Vaemyr. I temporary Cryheart for the night!"

Guennwhfar asks, "Temporary what?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "Thank you for volunteering."

A guard shouts from a tower at the north gate, "I saw movement in the woods!"

Irval says, "Oh no."

Irval asks, "More movement?"

Kiyna says, "Let's take a look, then."

Vaemyr says, "Going to take a look... I guess."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Be at the ready, Landing. Who knows what this is."

The sound of a hammer rings out in the distance.

Vaemyr asks, "Hammer?"

Irval says, "Check the pike."

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Forest]

Modwir trees predominate this section of forest, as though the oak, satisfied with its allotted space, has made room for the tall pines. You also see an animated flayed gigas disciple, a tattered human corpse nailed into a the trunk of a nearby tree and a charred skull on a pike.

Irval says, "I feared."

Irval says, "Oh no."

Irval says, "Its the squire."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Any sightings yet?"

Irval says, "Go back." [Vaemyr has passed it]

Irval says, "Please."

Irval says, "Its...Squire cain I think."

A kobold pokes Xorus in his ribs and says, "Ye elfy things don't haf 'nuff meat on yer bones!"

Irval says, "Me and the lady Kialeigh and I spoke to him..."

Irval says, "He pretended he didnt know what he was going to do."

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk asks, "Can you animate it?"

Speaking to Lylia, Xorus says, "Well, it is true. We do not make the best 'eatings'."

Stormyrain says, "There does not seem to be anything I can pull from it, myself."

Irval says, "We tried..."

>l corp

The corpse might have once been a young man, but his body has since been ravaged by dozens of wounds, his flesh tattered and swathes of entire skin flayed from his lanky arms, back and sides. His mouth is open and vacant, pooled with dried blood and devoid a tongue. His eyes are still bright, even in death, but they have been peeled open with barbed wires, wedged into the skin around the sockets like fish hooks.He wears a patchwork uniform, generously stained with blood and emblazoned with a hand-stitched emblem of a silver moon on a field of red.

Tikba quietly says, "I do not remember this emblem."

Stormyrain says, "I don't..think that's coincidence."

Irval says, "I really...tried."

Goldstr asks, "Wha da Emvlem from?"

Lylia says, "There is not enough left of him to work with, necromantically speaking."

Kiyna says, "Silver moon on red, huh..."

Speaking to Kayse, Tikba asks, "Do you recognize it?"

Vaemyr says, "Isn't that."

Stormyrain asks, "Is this, mayhaps, the crest they've choosen for the Barony?"

Irval says, "I will bleed them..."

Irval says, "For this..."

Xorus says, "I recall one of the settlers, some would be squire or another, wearing such a symbol months ago."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Goldstr says, "Nae sure."

Speaking in Aelotian, Kayse slowly says something you don't understand.

Irval says, "Elidal...needs to be notified."

Speaking in Aelotian, Tikba asks something you don't understand.

[General] Haidan thinks, "I have returned ye squire, great invading baron. We shall return a thousand mer if ye wish, all in that manner."

Irval says, "He knew this one personally. He was the squire in the encampment."

Goldstr says, "Ah."

Tikba grimly agrees, "Yes."

Kiyna says, "He speaks in our thoughts."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Yes. So we have seen."

[General] Arianiss asks, "Did you mutilate him before or after death?"

Tikba asks, "It was this squire that led the settlers to their deaths, yes?"

Irval asks, "We've all seen him in passing. I wish Id of I don't know. Said more? Tied him up?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "That seems to be the case, yes."

Xorus says, "Flayed corpse next to the skull we keep on a pike. Seems straight forward enough."

[General] Elidal asks, "Where is he?"

Lylia quietly says, "He shall teach a memorable lesson to many others."

[General] Arianiss thinks, "North of the settlement."

Speaking evenly to Lylia, Tikba agrees, "We must hope."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "We are at him, he is by the head of Hagga..."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "We are with him, Elidal. Don't bring anyone you don't wish to see this."

[General] Irval thinks, "Im sorry Elidal. I...I tried."

[General] Kayse thinks, "We are north of the camp entrance."

[General] Tikba evenly thinks, "But you should come and see it."

[General] Irval thinks, "Where Haidan's mother's skull resides on the pike."

Irval says, "Rather I see, you thought something but my head is fuzzy. I just spoke with him..."

Udari says, "Should have been alert."

Tikba evenly says, "He should have stayed home."

Vaemyr says, "Like it or not, he should of never tried to do what he did."

Lylia says, "Just so."

Slain Squire

Lord Elidal just arrived.

Elidal's face turns slightly pale.

Speaking to Elidal, Vaemyr says, "You didn't need to come..."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "No... I think he did."

Irval softly says, "Sorry..."

Speaking to Elidal, Goldstr says, "Sad news Baron."

Lylia says, "I am glad you did."

Kialeigh says, "We warned him.."

Tikba evenly says, "He must see it."

Irval softly says, "We tried to stop them..."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Irval softly says, "We even went after them..."

Kialeigh says, "Died forthem."

Elidal looks over at Vaemyr and shakes his head.

Elidal says, "He is one of my people..."

Vaemyr nods at Elidal.

Elidal says, "There is no one better to come."

Vaemyr says, "Understood."

Elidal says, "I tried. I tried to convince them..."

Elidal says, "I did some."

Elidal says, "But I could not turn alll of them."

Elidal frowns.

Speaking to Elidal, Kayse asks, "How many others joined this squire?"

Speaking to Elidal, Kiyna says, "I tried to help. I hope I turned at least one back."

Elidal stands in front of a tattered human corpse nailed into a the trunk of a nearby tree.

Lylia says, "It is impossible to speak reason to some."

Kelfyr says, "That's the nature of a mob."

Elidal asks, "I don't know. We're...confirming. A half dozen?"

Elidal says, "By all reports."

Speaking to Elidal, Nazarr asks, "Is there some reason you did not put them under arrest for disobeying orders?"

Kayse grimly says, "And none returned...."

Irval softly says, "The message putting his remains next to Hagga is...dire."

Elidal says, "None."

Speaking clearly to Elidal, Tikba asks, "How can you be a baron if you cannot convince your people not to follow a child with a sword to their deaths?"

Lylia says, "They would have had to catch them first. They were already in the wind by the time anyone knew they were gone."

Kayse carefully says, "I assume then, if any of your townsfolk joined--that they did not return either."

Nazarr says, "Six fools declaring war against an army."

Kayse corrects, "Our."

Elidal says, "They disobeyed when they left the camp...they did not return in a manner to hold them."

Tikba says, "You told us days ago that you knew they were considering this. You seemed sure enough then that it would not be a concern."

Elidal asks, "Perhaps I am more fit to be a mayor of a divided town?"

Elidal peers quizzically at Tikba.

Speaking to Tikba, Lylia says, "I cannot blame one man who fails to be so persuasive that everyone listens without question. He is not the Faendryl Patriarch."

Speaking to Elidal, Kelfyr says, "Mayors have to be chosen by their people."

Kialeigh says, "We reasoned with them earlier, tried to warn them. They didn't listen."

Elidal nods at Kialeigh.

Elidal says, "Thank you for trying as well."

Elidal nods at Kialeigh.

Stormyrain offers, "Was not this Baron chosen by the settlers that followed him here?"

Elidal slowly empties his lungs.

Lylia says, "I could never achieve perfect consensus either. Though I certainly tried."

Knighting

Speaking to Elidal, Kayse inquires, "What is the enblem the squire wears?"

Kialeigh says, "Their need for revenge outweighed their ability to heed warnings."

Kialeigh says, "It was all they saw."

Irval softly says, "Thats not it. They were angry. We are angry. But nothing we said would dissuade them."

Elidal says, "He made it himself."

Elidal nods at Kayse.

Elidal shrugs.

Speaking to Elidal, Kayse asks, "Do you know what it represents?"

Kayse adds, "Or means?"

Elidal says, "He fancied himself a knight some day...he felt he needed a crest."

Elidal shrugs.

Elidal says, "I do not think it means anything but for him."

Elidal stands in front of a tattered human corpse nailed into a the trunk of a nearby tree.

Kiyna asks, "This was the squire's own emblem he made for himself, hm?"

Irval softly says, "It could mean more..."

Speaking to a tattered human corpse nailed into a the trunk of a nearby tree, Udari says, "Maybe he can be a knight in the next life."

Kialeigh says, "Honestly it probably seemed like a hopeless situation... revenge.. and fail and die. In which case no reprecusions to them.. or win, and perhaps be seen as heros."

Elidal touches the corpse's face with his hand, drawing in close. He leans in, whispering, "The moment the crown hits my head, you will have your spurs, even in death."

Speaking evenly to Elidal, Tikba says, "If nobody else will speak the truth, I must carry the burden. You have chosen to lead these people. You cannot watch them die and say you tried your best."

Tikba says, "The spurs will do him no good now. Life would have."

Nazarr asks, "He marched into a situation he was not prepared for and got himself and those who followed him killed. How does that merit knighthood?"

Irval softly says, "Little compassion for the dead. Regardless of how foolish his death was. He was brave."

Irval softly says, "He wanted to avenge his people."

Irval softly says, "Nothing wrong with that. Just the manner in which he did it."

Goldstr exclaims, "Spurs have a reat meanin folks, in life AND after!"

Lylia says, "One does not reward madness by calling it bravery."

Kialeigh says, "He sought only to serve the people he cared for, and in doing so he died."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Bravery is just another word for being afraid. How you manage fear is what speaks of you."

Speaking to Irval, Tikba says, "I have seen many brave corpses."

Elidal slowly empties his lungs.

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "Sometimes, regardless of how hard you try, you can never convince someone to go against what they believe they should do, it could be the Arkati themselves I think, and they wouldn't have much better luck against the hard heads of those whom willingly choose to come and settle in the frontier."

Kialeigh says, "Mad or not.."

Lylia diplomatically says, "But it is not for me to judge, certainly not aloud."

Elidal says, "It is not up for debate, for one, sweet Imaera, this is one thing I decide and decide alone, and your thousand factions cannot tear at like angry cats."

Nazarr says, "I don't think I belong to any faction, to be honest..."

Kialeigh says, "It's not about us."

Elidal wraps his fingers around one of the large rusty nails wedging the corpse into the tree.

Speaking to Nazarr, Goldstr exclaims, "Ye ewside in a House of Honor! Ye do!"

Lylia simply asks, "May we help take him down?"

Sirona quietly says, "Well we can't leave him here."

Elidal says, "No."

Lylia nods once.

Elidal says, "I thank you Lylia but..."

Elidal says, "I failed, and he is here now."

Elidal says, "I will carry the burden. But my thanks."

Lylia says, "I understand."

Lylia nods respectfully.

Vaemyr says, "The squire followed what he believed it, it was foolish, but how many of us have done similar in our lives? Rushing head long into danger..."

Udari says, "Perhaps his corpse staying nailed tot he tree will deter others from braving out so foolishly."

Speaking simply to Vaemyr, Tikba says, "Alone."

Speaking to Elidal, Kialeigh says, "Just know we feel for you. Don't blame yourself too much."

Elidal pulls at another nail, then the third. The body begins to slump forward, sickeningly peeling from the tree and almost falling into Elidal's arms.

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "At the end of things, we are all alone."

Speaking to Udari, Kiyna says, "That's not for us to decide. He's made his decision."

Elidal hoists the tattered human corpse into his arms, his back slouching under the weight.

Kialeigh says, "I dunno that I'd want a love one left nailed anywhere.. no matter what."

Speaking to Elidal, Kiyna says, "There may still be reivers about. Take care, Eli. We can at least walk you back."

Lylia says, "Indeed."

Goldstr asks, "We should escort?"

Elidal nods.

Lord Elidal just limped south.

[travel]

Kialeigh says, "Interesting that's even still there."

Pukk says, "I don't need to say it."

Lord Elidal just limped south, with his group following closely behind him.

Irval softly says, "We stand by. To show our support for the burden which you find yourself carrying. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. But allies can help ease it."

Lord Elidal just limped south, with his group following closely behind him.

Elidal nods.

Elidal slowly empties his lungs.

Elidal stops several feet before the trail. Beyond, several settlers watch on, some in silence, some in shared whispers.

Elidal clenches his jaw.

Elidal looks around those gathered. He swallows hard, clenching his jaw.

Elidal says, "Thank you."

Elidal repositions the squire's corpse in his arms, readjusting his own balance and with a long exhale he moves forward, each step heavier than the next as he carries the body down the trail and into the campsite, where settlers turn and follow him and they disappear into the settlement.