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[Dragor23]

Theor stood in the commander table, watching a map which depicted Windheath. Not in a very good mood, he slammed his fists on the table, jerking the various little figures into the air, scattering them all around.  "CURSE IT." This son of a dog just fooled them! "We can't do anything about Parnoth now. We don't have a navy... Grrrr... We need this bridges repaired! For Bohromus sake, I need a drink." There was none. "I guess, there is nothing we can do. We lost this fight. We can only fathom where he will strike next. Our regent has not a nice father-in-law. But a clever one..."

[filiusenox]

Gather torches, poisons (if we have any) and other miscellany supply-destroying tools. At nightfall, take three archers and sneak into Donnerstein territory. Attempt to locate their supply train, and check what sort of guards they have before proceeding further.

[3][3][1] You manage to find a large chunk of rat poison and four or five torches, however, anything else would be too suspicious to buy or find in your larder. You throw the chunk into a pouch and tie it to your belt.
[4+1vs2+1] The forest is dark, cold wind blowing through the sparse trees. It’s hard to avoid stepping on crunching leaves or remnants of the snow from the night before. Every crunch and movement of your feet send echoes through the sparse woods. The sound bounces off the trees, making you wince with every silence-breaking sound.
[2]But, it works the other way, as well, and you freeze, slipping behind a tree as a man wearing a thin green cloak and leathers glances about, his hood tipping this way and that as he scans his surroundings. Two other men, dressed the same. The leader carries a charcoal-dabbed sword, his two comrades each holding two-handed crossbows.
They don’t see you, not yet.

Talinth moves on to investigate on the warehouse.

[2][1][5]
The first thing you notice when you approach the warehouse is the lack of windows anywhere but the second floor, and that window is small and boarded over. It’s of thick grey stone, with mortar lines so small you can barely see them, in the midst of night. You notice not a single person going near the warehouse, besides yourself. It sits next to a tavern, which is darkly lit. A man stumbles out of the warehouse, swaying a little, the door slamming shut behind him.
He staggers down the alley, slowly, with swaying steps and a strange grin.

[6]vs[?]
[3]vs[?]
You have the nagging sense of being followed.

See if the men are more receptive to heading West now or if they would rather return home...or find another path.

[2+1] The men scowl, the captain’s fingers clenching on their axes and blades, before they fall into discussion with one another, huddled and speaking softly, occasionally a loud swear breaking the hushed murmuring. They finally part ways, Sigurd striding back over to you to speak.
[5+1]”We’ll go, if you lead.” are the only words the grizzled raider speaks, turning away and heading towards a line of men.

[thatkid]

Zacharie's group was four, and there's was but three.
Zacharie's group was armed with the shortbows common to his regiment, and they had but a pair of crossbows and a blade.
More over: Zacharie's group had the element of surprise.
They knew what to do.

The three archers are to fire upon the three guards, focusing on the crossbow wielders first. As soon as the shots are fired, Zacharie moves in for a kill. They are to be as quick and silent as they can possibly be.
If victory gives me access to their supply train, proceed to poison the water and burn as many other supplies as I can before slipping off into the woods.

[micelus]

West...How can we reach the west except by an army that will lead to our deaths?

Impossible to sail by ship, impossible to cross axe with blade, impossible to return North with a head, not on a stick. It was too late, too late.

Osir gathered his men and spoke.

"Today we were slaughtered by a vast army and today we were forced to run...We simply cannot head West without getting through the very same army...As great as we are, we have no chance fighting an army of that size. I shall...speak with them and see if an understanding can be reached. Till then, head back to Adder's Keep, and don't stop till a raven is sent back...If none comes in three days, consider myself dead and do as you wish."

Order the army to return to Adder's Keep while I wait alone for the Royal Army. Have a white flag ready. Don't resist.

[Taricus]

The fangs had gotten lucky, being swept up in the Haeger's retreat. The haeger themselves however, were still in a formidable condition, and still capable of being a menace within the countryside.

To this end, the fangs had a solution: Burn the haeger food stocks, and let them starve to death. Burning the tents of the haeger troops was also a viable course of action...

Wait until nightfall, then burn the haeger supplies, torch any tents between the food and us, and make our escape into the woods once the food stocks have been set alight.

[Caellath]

Talinth stared at the warehouse, Sahainn behind him. He turned to stare at her, but she seemed focused on the doors straight ahead, her snout's tip twitching as if she happened to be smelling something foul. The blacksmith knight sighed and nodded towards the tavern, moving there while keeping Sahainn a little away from him.
"I will need to obtain information first, Sahainn."

Get into the tavern, ask around about the warehouse, keeping Sahainn hidden outside but prepared to help should anything wrong happen.

[Shootandrun]

[4] After half an hour of deliberation, Richard sent out word that the army would ride towards the Haegars, but that they had no intention of killing them if they were cooperative. Within the hour, the Royal Army and Renart's troops (with two standard regiments from Richard's to guard the fort) leave to march towards the Haegar forces.

Meanwhile, in the Haegar camp...

[1+1] While Osir is giving out orders, he sees a band of Haegars entering the tent, with Strigurd at their head. Before he can ask what's happening, he hears his bodyguard shouting something behind him, and all goes black. It would seem that the troops did not appreciate the defeat. However, some of Osir's men (namely, his own personal forces) choose to remain loyal to him, which causes the situation to deteriorate quickly.

[1] [6+1] [2-2] While the forces still loyal to Osir gather and start a battle in the camp to save their leader (despite the fact that they are dramatically outnumbered), a band of mercenaries set the supplies on fire. A few minutes and a Haegar on fire running in the booze stockpile later, the entire camp is a bloody mess, with soldiers fighting against everything they see and a massive fire spreading all across the place.

[3+1] The mercenaries, after a few scrapes with some of the fighters, manage to reach the woods without taking too much damage. [5-1] Miraculously, so do most of Osir's forces; in the chaos, most of the Haegars started simply seeing red and hitting everything, which allowed for the more rational ones to escape - while carrying their unconscious lord with them, of course. [2] Sigurd's Haegars... Are not so lucky. Most of them die to the flames or to their own brothers' swords, while the survivors scatter as they understand that they might lose the fight, and that the war camp is done anyway.

When the Royal Army arrives, they meet a vast scorched bit of land, still smoking in places, with a small camp to its south, filled with Osir's last loyal men. For a while, nothing comes of the soldiers as the marshal hesitates as to what he should do, but finally a messenger comes and speaks to the watchmen of the camp.

Osir is to come in our camp, alone and unarmed, before tomorrow night if he wishes to talk. If he does not come, or if he or his forces attempt to leave, they all die.

Osir wakes up a few hours later.

The three archers are to fire upon the three guards, focusing on the crossbow wielders first. As soon as the shots are fired, Zacharie moves in for a kill. They are to be as quick and silent as they can possibly be.
If victory gives me access to their supply train, proceed to poison the water and burn as many other supplies as I can before slipping off into the woods.

[646] One after the other, all of your archers jump out of cover and shoot. The first crossbowman dies without a sound, hit in they eye, but the other two see him. The swordsman charges and falls with an arrow through the throat, but the last crossbowman gets a shot off before falling too. [2] He hits one of the archers in the chest.

The last crossbowman and the archer both go through painful deaths, with the former having his throat sliced to prevent any sound and the latter being forced to keep quiet as blood filled his lung.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

[19:46] <Shootandrun> Your group advances on the supply train
[19:46] <thatkid> Righto
[19:47] <Shootandrun> [1] You realize that the supply wagons themselves are heavily guarded - they outnumber you dramatically.
[19:48] <thatkid> Hm
[19:48] <Shootandrun> Attempting to attack is risky, but it may be difficult to bring troops in
[19:48] <thatkid> Ok
[19:48] <thatkid> Backtrack to the fallen guardsmen
[19:48] <Shootandrun> Done.
[19:48] <thatkid> strip their corpses, and masquerade as them, hoping for the darkness to cover any blood spots that we cant easily wipe away
[19:49] <Shootandrun> [4] You disguise is surprisingly effective, and you only mildly smell of blood and shit as you approach the caravan. What next?
[19:49] <thatkid> Then, obviously, return to the supply wagons and attempt to slip into their camp. Utilize my stunning charisma to try to dissuade any suspicion
[19:50] <thatkid> my companion archers should remain in the woods, with bows at the ready
[19:51] <Shootandrun> [2+1] The guardsmen eye you suspisciouly and assume you are mildly retarded. They will allow you in the camp, but beware of being caught anywhere suspiscious.
[19:52] <thatkid> Locate the main water supply. Under the guise of refilling my waterskin, apply the chunk of rat poison that I've brought with me.
[19:52] <thatkid> or under any suitable pretense, really.
[19:52] <Shootandrun> [2] There's no water supply - they drink beer. The steward of the camp gives you a full wineskin when you ask for drinks, but you have no hope of poisoning it.
[19:53] <Shootandrun> Besides, you have one chunk, and there are many barrels.
[19:53] <thatkid> Right, right.
[19:53] <thatkid> Hm
[19:54] <thatkid> The two archers outside the camp should begin to take choice shots at anyone who wanders to far from the fire pits and etc. They are to change locations regularly to avoid being caught
[19:54] <thatkid> Meanwhile, I sip the wine to test the proof.
[19:55] <Shootandrun> [3] Your archers start offing the guards who wander around, with little success - no one wanders too much. [6] However, they are very efficient at hiding - you have no idea where they are exactly, but they're somewhere around the camp, shooting at people.
[19:56] <Shootandrun> [6] The wineskin turns out to be holding some good beer, so you take another sip, and another, and you accidentally the entire thing.
[19:56] * thatkid sighs
[19:57] <thatkid> I wait around in as a nonsuspicious manner as possible until the first kill is found, if they've even managed to kill anyone
[19:57] <thatkid> In the hopes that this diverts suspicion and attention from the inside of the camp to the forest beyond
[19:58] <Shootandrun> [2] You wait... And you wait. Either they're unsuccessful, or the guards suck at searching.
[19:58] <thatkid> Right. It should be pretty late. How many people are even awake still?
[19:58] <Shootandrun> [3] A fair number of guards and sentries, but the majority of the camp sleeps.
[19:59] <thatkid> Do I think I have a good chance of getting close to those barrels with, say, a lit torch or some other flaming object without being immediately caught?
[19:59] <thatkid> And how about the wagons themselves?
[20:00] <Shootandrun> (That roll is pure genius)
[20:00] <thatkid> Hm?
[20:00] <Shootandrun> [5] The steward went to sleep and there are no guards near. It seems safe to go.
[20:01] <thatkid> Right, as quietly as possible I tip and open a few of the casks so that they spill onto the others. I then light a torch and drop it into one of the barrels. Then I fucking book it.
[20:01] <Shootandrun> [5] You are not seen.
[20:02] <Shootandrun> [6] Miraculously, the casks have enough alcool in them to actually burn. In fact, they may have a little bit too much. The wagons spark into a glorious pyre of flames, waking up the entire camp.
[20:03] <thatkid> I haven't been seen near the burning wagons yet, right?
[20:03] <Shootandrun> [3-1] You rush out of the camp, only to find yourself intercepted by [4] two guards.
[20:03] <Shootandrun> (No, but you woke up everyone, you're suspiscious from the first place and you're running away)
[20:04] <Shootandrun> (Note that the guards aren't expressively aggressive, but they are definitely stopping you)
[20:04] <thatkid> Hopefully my archer buddies are around still, if not I use my natural charm to intimate that, thank god I found them, I just saw a group of three saboteurs rushing into the woods this way!
[20:05] <Shootandrun> [5] Your archers are indeed around. [3] They make a mess of the killing, and one of the guards starts screaming as if he had an arrow up his arse all the way into his stomach, which is in fact nearly the case.
[20:05] <thatkid> I let him be, and I continue to book it into the woods.
[20:06] <Shootandrun> [2] You narrowly make your escape, joining up with the archers, but there are many soldiers now following you.
[20:07] <thatkid> Assuming that both archers know how to get to our secret trail in and out of donnerstein territory, I order us to split up. I hook right, one archer continues straight, and the final weaves left.
[20:07] <Shootandrun> [116] You are quite lucky.
[20:08] <thatkid> I trust that the archers will be making pot shots at their pursuers as they go, of course, if they can spare the time.
[20:08] <Shootandrun> Not everyone is.
[20:08] <thatkid> Aw
[20:08] <Shootandrun> (Hang on)
[20:08] <thatkid> Sure
[20:08] <Shootandrun> [2-3] One of them is caught alive in the forest, thankfully far from the border.
[20:09] <Shootandrun> [6] He is tortured for hours upon hours, but he stubbornly refuses to tell where he's from. However, his accent leaves little doubt that he is from somewhere near the coast.
[20:09] <Shootandrun> The other ones dies with a spear through the chest.
[20:09] <Shootandrun> You make it back to the border unarmed.
[20:10] <Shootandrun> (Next action)
[20:10] <thatkid> I return as stealthily as possible to Fort Oathbreaker, where Alistair is no doubt waiting for me with a hot water bath and a change of clothes. Then I wait to see what rumors come to Oathbreaker of how Donnerstien intends to deal with a flaming supply train in the dead of winter.
[20:12] <Shootandrun> [6-6] Rumors come from the west - Donnerstein have pulled back their forces into the cities. However, no diplomatic news come from them personally; they keep silent. A note from your new friend in their nobility is sent in January, saying that an unfortunate event happened near the border and that he is trying to convince the court you're not behind it.
[20:13] <thatkid> Hehe good.
[20:13] <Shootandrun> I think we're done?
[20:13] <thatkid> yep

Get into the tavern, ask around about the warehouse, keeping Sahainn hidden outside but prepared to help should anything wrong happen.

Get into the tavern, ask around about the warehouse, keeping Sahainn hidden outside but prepared to help should anything wrong happen.

[3] The people at the bar mostly keep quiet. While they don't tell you anything, you have a feeling telling you they're not lying - they're probably just a bunch of peasants looking for a good time, and have no idea what you're going on about.

[4] You still feel like you're being watched, but... No one's doing anything strange. How curious.

------------------------------
In the Stormstead palace...

The doctor is nearly falling asleep. It's his watch again; he should be remaining awake. For many months now, he remains in the chamber, awake (or nearly awake) every three night, watching over the sleeping king, praying not to be contaminated, contemplating his own incompetence over the matter. Lately, he no longer tries to stay awake; a part of him doubts that he would be of any use even if something - anything - happened to Albert.

This night, however, something is nagging him. He is unable to catch what, but something just isn't there. He first got the impression nearly half an hour ago, but he has been unable to find out what exactly is out of normality. Nothing changed in the chamber. The guards are still on their shifts, the lights still lit; no intruder around. The silence is nearly total - the only sound to be heard is the occasional guard passing by and his own breathing. Nothing else-

The doctor's eyes open wide. Nothing but his own breathing. Suddenly panicking, he checks first to make sure, and then, as he realizes what exactly is happening, he rushes out of the chamber.

Throughout the palace, his screams are heard everywhere. Servants, guards, courtiers and lords all wake up to the same words:

"The King is dead! The King is dead!"

[Ardas]

Edgard knew that there would be no end to the problems, maddness and trouble for as long as the country was besieged within and without for as long as...

He hears cries. "Albert is dead? Oh gods..."

A letter is sent to Richard, informing him of his brother's death and recalling him to capital to take up the throne. Only Richard is informed at the moment.

[thatkid]

Ignore this. A new post will go up later.

[Dwarmin]

A man and a woman were floating away from Stormstead on a simple water craft, their sails catching the warm evening wind. They were dressed as commoners...but they carry themselves as something more. They could both hear the tolling bells behind them...

The King was dead.

The young man rubbed his chin, where scant whiskers grew. He seems to have recently recovered from ill health-but...very happy, all the same. Like a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"Pity, those bells-they toll for the King. He departs this life and goes to the next." He said, smiling slightly.

The Woman considers that, smiling shyly in return.

"I guess his long labor is over at last. The Kings brother will be sorely hurt. But...he has been living in Alberts shadow far too long. It is time he grew in the sunlight."

They both look out over the water.

"...Very sad. I hear he suffered greatly-the ravages of the fever will have all but rendered him unrecognizable. They will have to use a closed casket during the funeral." He says, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"But the people loved him-and they would do anything for him, wouldn't they?"
 
"They would. Even take his place, I'm sure."

...
The wind picks up, carrying the ship swiftly to clearer waters. They lean on each other.

"But, why dwell on things we can't change...

...Tell me, can you still play Le Guitarra, my love? Play for me..."

He nods.

And taking it-for it has been many a month since he held it-begins to play, lonely strings echoing out over the water.

Later, the stars will come out (for there are always lights, even in the darkest night), and they will watch them together.

Forever and ever, amen.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

No really, I'm gone from the game.

But, I defy Shoot with last breath. And by extension, I defy all the horrible things that have happened in my life lately. You know what? Screw you. I get a happy ending.

[Caellath]

Talinth's gaze shifted from side to side as he walked around the tavern. Even if Sahainn wasn't present to hinder any possible information-gathering, most of the customers seemed simple people trying to enjoy their lives, their escape from a harsh life, through spirits.

He couldn't blame the men, but his search wasn't about their drinking matters.

Leave the tavern and check the warehouse itself with Sahainn. Circle around, search for anything suspicious and then get into hiding, waiting for anything worthy of note to happen.

[Taricus]

Head back to northwatch.

[thatkid]

He had lost three good men last night. Or, at least, he assumed that he had lost them. If any survived, they certainly had not returned home yet. Zacharie let out a quiet sigh, and dipped his quill into a pot of heated ink before setting words to parchment. It was a victory, none the less, but a bitter one all the same.
And what was more...The King was dead?

Marquis Zacharie De Chastain writes a letter to both Duc Edgard and Duc Richard, it is transcribed below for their player's pleasure and delivered by a trusted man from within Zacharie's ranks.

Spoiler: The Letter (click to show/hide)

It is with a mix of pleasure and confusion that I would like to inform you of a change in the state of our western border's defenses. A contact of mine within Donnerstein's Noble houses has written to inform me that some sort of catastrophe has struck near their border. One in which I am, for some odd reason, implicated. The net result of whatever strange travesty has befallen them is this: The armies of Donnerstein have withdrawn into their cities.
As such, I must regretfully inform you that should we require their aid this winter, they will be unable to enter our lands. For they are no longer at our borders.

Conversely, my own men need no longer remain in Oathbreaker in order to treat with them. Should you require my archers elsewhere, I would be happy to oblige.

Sincerely,
Zacharie de Chastain, Marquis Oathbreaker

Alistair is to locate the dependents of last night's fallen soldiers. If they are without any means to support themselves, they are to be offered work as castle staff.

(Charisma) He also writes a letter to Count Rudolph of Clearfalls Way, wherein he expresses sorrow at the news that any sort of ill has befallen the good people of Donnerstein, assures his friend that he has nothing to do with anything untoward, and asks if there is anything he might be able to do to help.

[micelus]

Very well...I've failed already anyway.

After awaking and hearing of the news, Osir said his farewells to his men, thanking them for their loyalty and service. He had little belief that he would live, but he truly had little care for it anymore. He agreed to enter the royalist camp...weaponless.

He arrived and disposed himself to the guards' tender mercies.

[Shootandrun]

Very well...I've failed already anyway.

After awaking and hearing of the news, Osir said his farewells to his men, thanking them for their loyalty and service. He had little belief that he would live, but he truly had little care for it anymore. He agreed to enter the royalist camp...weaponless.

He arrived and disposed himself to the guards' tender mercies.

Edgard knew that there would be no end to the problems, maddness and trouble for as long as the country was besieged within and without for as long as...
A letter is sent to Richard, informing him of his brother's death and recalling him to capital to take up the throne. Only Richard is informed at the moment.

He had lost three good men last night. Or, at least, he assumed that he had lost them. If any survived, they certainly had not returned home yet. Zacharie let out a quiet sigh, and dipped his quill into a pot of heated ink before setting words to parchment. It was a victory, none the less, but a bitter one all the same.
And what was more...The King was dead?

Marquis Zacharie De Chastain writes a letter to both Duc Edgard and Duc Richard, it is transcribed below for their player's pleasure and delivered by a trusted man from within Zacharie's ranks.

Spoiler: The Letter (click to show/hide)

It is with a mix of pleasure and confusion that I would like to inform you of a change in the state of our western border's defenses. A contact of mine within Donnerstein's Noble houses has written to inform me that some sort of catastrophe has struck near their border. One in which I am, for some odd reason, implicated. The net result of whatever strange travesty has befallen them is this: The armies of Donnerstein have withdrawn into their cities.
As such, I must regretfully inform you that should we require their aid this winter, they will be unable to enter our lands. For they are no longer at our borders.

Conversely, my own men need no longer remain in Oathbreaker in order to treat with them. Should you require my archers elsewhere, I would be happy to oblige.

Sincerely,
Zacharie de Chastain, Marquis Oathbreaker

When Osir enters Richard's tent, following by two soldiers making sure there will be no mischief, he is welcomed by the sight of the marshal reading a letter. Renart is also in the tent, although he has not been informed of what's happening. When the prince looks at the two nobles, his eyes are grim.

"What you'll hear here must not leave this tent until we make a public announcement out of it.

Albert is dead. Left us in his sleep a few days ago. However, there's no time for grief. Parnoth is still, from what I know, somewhere along the coast; and his daughter has a good claim to the throne of Windheath. I will have to rush to Stormstead to be crowned, if only to prevent him from claiming the throne before hand. If I can get the Church behind me and have the ceremony done in a cathedral, it should strengthen our cause and weaken his, too. Renart, I am giving you the command of this army, with the duty of guarding the eastern coast against Parnoth. Osir, you're coming with me. Once in Stormstead, I'll forgive you for everything if you swear allegiance and give us some info about what's happening up north - I won't even take you as hostage. Any questions? If not, let's move."

Alistair is to locate the dependents of last night's fallen soldiers. If they are without any means to support themselves, they are to be offered work as castle staff.

(Charisma) He also writes a letter to Count Rudolph of Clearfalls Way, wherein he expresses sorrow at the news that any sort of ill has befallen the good people of Donnerstein, assures his friend that he has nothing to do with anything untoward, and asks if there is anything he might be able to do to help.

[5] The soldiers have no families whatsoever, from what you can learn. They were brothers who'd lost their parents in a forest fire, and were doing soldiery for a living. Their family died with them.
[4+1] Rudolph replies to your letter with enthusiasm, glad that you weren't involved, and informs you that he has convinced his political allies (who, together with him, form the bulk of the loyalist lords of Donnerstein) that no mischief from your side of the border was involved. The poor man is quite naive.