In reply to Maeve Hassan (msg # 265):

If Baldwin really insists on being on the front line, GriphonKeef will take him.

Zuriel looks up in surprise as a griffon lands in front of him. After a start of alarm, he notices its riders and his face breaks into a wide grin. "Maeve! Boreas! You two are a sight for sore eyes indeed. Talk about arriving in style..." Zuriel nods appreciatively at the griffon.

Shahara, for her part, tosses her mane and eyes Sekhmet frostily.  She paws the ground with her front hoof, almost daring the griffon to start some shit.

This lionbird creature seems to think it could make a meal of me, she says with dry amusement before tossing her mane again in a clear indication of 'as if.'

Zuriel pats Shahara's neck soothingly. Just ignore it if it won't be nice, Shahara.

He looks back up to the warrior and the warlock.  The massive frame of the Awe looms in the background, a constant reminder of the gravity of their situation. "I have an idea, but we're going to need everybody working together. Even then, it won't be easy. We need to call a war council."

[OOC want to call a meeting with representatives of each of the armies present.]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:52, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

Lyriel nods, and organizes the Sending chain that will call the Protector General, the Grand Marshall, Cassie, Baldwin, and representatives of the Sylvan and Imperial armies together.

Having completed the summons, she stares out across the water downstream. Her eyes narrow and her pulse quickens as she surveys the invasion force intent on bringing destruction to her home.

You come to our shores, unprovoked, to bring death and destruction? I don't think so.

You will all burn.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 268):

The war council is convened with haste, including the Grand Marshall, the newly designated Protector General Edrahil Silendril (formerly the Knight-Captain), the P.A.R.T.Y., Gwendowhachamacallit of the Sylvan Remnant, and General Alexis Malone, Supreme Commander of Imperial Allied Forces.

Supreme Commander Malone deserves a bit of backstory, as everyone present would be aware of it. The amazonian-like woman is pushing 50, but remains strong as a bull even now. She has a reputation for preferring overwhelming force to subtly, but is also known to be quite cordial when considering the tactics of junior officers. She is also the first female to hold her position in the Empire.

(Still waiting on Boreas to truly progress, but I wanted to response to Zuriel's indicated action in case that affects his plans.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

Prior to the meeting, Zuriel spends a good while speaking with Boreas and Lyriel regarding magic on a large scale. After hearing Zuriel's outline, Boreas suggests a rather brilliant addition, and for the first time after seeing the dread fortress, Zuriel feels they might just have a chance.

The war council is called in short order, and not much longer after that all the representatives are sitting at a long campaign table with an oversized map of the Trisian river basin.

"Lords and Ladies," Zuriel begins, "I won't waste your time waxing poetic on the gravity of the situation here. We all know what is at stake. The question is: what are we going to do about it?"

He indicates the current position of the Awe on the river.  "Before long, Saul's fortress will be within artillery range of Tris. And while that would allow us to bring Tris' own weapons to bear, I think we can all agree that the devestation caused to the city would be immense. We have to stop it here, and now."

Gesturing to the markers indicating the various Imperial and Imperial-aligned forces, he continues. "Over the past two weeks, we've been testing this thing's defenses. A full scale assault on the Awe would likely not only be useless, we would  be throwing away the lives of  our men putting them in range of the dragonsbreath cannons. Thanks to the ingenuous efforts of Boreas, however, there is a better option."

"There is a small opening in the hull, not much larger than a swamp rat, where Boreas turned the flying barrage ship's guns on the fortress. Using that as an ingress point, a small team of elite fighters could infiltrate the Awe from within, dismantle the war engines, and ultimately confront Saul. The obvious question of course, is how to get such a team onboard."

He waves a hand at the entire assembly. "That's where all of you come in. The first part of the plan would be to utilize the power of our druids and clerics to temporarily damn the river. With enough casters working in unison, we could temporarily dry out the riverbed, forcing the Awe and Saul's fleet to a halt. Then, we release the pent-up water at once in a massive wave to founder their ships. I don't expect we'll be so lucky as to take out the Awe, but the Kordican longships ought to founder outright."

Zuriel fixes the Supreme Commander and the Grand Marshall in particular with a piercing gaze. "That's where this gets fun for the ground troops. Advancing on the heels of the deluge will be the greater part of our forces. Not to engage the Awe but to push past it and finish off whatever troops and ships Drynn has remaining to it. Maximum destruction, maximum mayhem. We need the Saul's attention on the grand melee."

"Meanwhile, a small team comprised of representatives from each army will infiltrate the Awe itself, using any combination of water walking or flying magic. Once inside, we will systematically dismantle the fortress, and bring this conflict to an end. Then we can rejoin the greater army and march back to the sea, kicking Drynn from our lands for good."

Zuriel's mouth tightens into a grim line. "Any questions?"


This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

Boreas dismounts behind Maeve, approaching the council with his trademark smirk.  It turns to a genuine smile at the sight of his old friends after so long apart.  He poses no objection to the ideas proposed so far.

Maeve, more than a little starstruck, does everything in her power to secure a spot near Commander Malone at the council, up to and including shoving other people out of the way.  When Zuriel is (finally) done speaking, Maeve stands up.

"I think it goes without saying that Gwen" [seriously Boreas, *what* is her name?] "and I will volunteer to lead a cadre of Sylvan on the mission that Zuriel proposes.  We don't have much in the way of magic, but we have been training extensively with the griffons that Lady Krall was kind enough to donate to our effort."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

In reply to Maeve Hassan (msg # 272):

"I would like to volunteer for the away team, as well," Baldwin says, glancing at the P.A.R.T.Y. encouragingly. "I'm really feeling much better."

"But what of my men?" Grand Marshall Harlindon says. "The ground forces would benefit more from your leadership than the elite team, and make the feint more convincing to boot."

Baldwin ignores the man.

"I shall lead the Heartseekers in the melee," the Protector General says, with Lt. Faye nodding eagerly beside him. "Espionage and infiltration are not my strong suit."

"I'll go," Cassie says, winking suggestively at Zuriel when no one is watching (except Lyriel, of course). "It seems like the right thing to do."

"We should come, too," the rumbling voice of the Everstaff says as it works its way through your mind, though it seems that only the P.A.R.T.Y. can hear it. "I have a score to settle with Kazul..."

You'll need to decide who stays and who goes on the mission. Taking too many people is a bad idea, but so is taking too few. Choose well!
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:17, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

Zuriel looks around the table, weighing their options. The council seems to have broken into smaller discussions, so he takes the opportunity to stand up and move around. He walks over to Cassie. After a quick but warm greeting, Zuriel pulls her aside. "Actually Cassie, as much as I'd love to have you fighting by our side, I was hoping that you'd be willing to lead the task force of druids and clerics. They won't be used to working together, and manipulating the water on that scale with that precision will require somebody who can make everybody get along. You seem to be rather good at that." He smiles at her. "Then of course you'll be needed with all the fire and lightning you can summon. I imagine you'd be able to do a lot more good outside in your element, rather than on an enclosed metal fortress."

"It is entirely up to you, of course. We'll be happy to have you in whatever capacity you think is best."

Leaving Cassie to consider her options, Zuriel walks over to Baldwin. "We need to get a hold of Choso," he says quietly. "He may not be able to come directly, but Sir Culley would be a great boon. Lyriel or one of our priestesses can conduct the Sending, if you'd like."

Lastly, Zuriel moves over to Harlindon. "Excuse me Grand Marshall, but I wanted to offer you a place in the boarding team, if you want it. I know we've certainly had our differences, but your strength is undeniable, and we are facing true, unadulterated evil here."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 274):

After much debate and discussion, the Supreme Commander formally commissions and assigns the following individuals to the away team:

• Sir Zuriel Silendril
• Lady Lyriel Vesper
• Lord Boreas Krall
• Major Maeve Hassan
• Keef, Cabin Boy Extraordinaire
• Knight-Errant Finwë Harlindon
• Baldwin
• Titus Chubbicus, 4th of His Name, Lord High Stweard of RottenStump, Holder of the Sacred Stool, Retributioner of the Everpool, and Master of the Fifth Ring

Unfortunately, neither Sir Ravn Culley nor Tyrant Morachiga Choso are able to extricate themselves from matters at court to join the expedition.

The Grand Marshall and the Protector General both vow to dole out appropriate amounts of smiting on the battlefield, as does Gwen.

Cassie sulks a bit at being left behind, as do Karl, Oliver, and Rachel, but they do perk up at the prospect of being useful in the battle to come.

"We must all make our preparations," the Supreme Commander says as the company is dismissed. "Tomorrow is a busy day."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Mon 10 Nov 2014.

Zuriel spends his time before the battle catching up with old friends, especially Keef, Boreas, and Maeve. He also makes a point to visit Cassie, Baldwin, Rachel, Oliver, and Karl. There's a lot of news to catch up on, after all.

Towards evening he wanders through the Heartseekers' camp, offering support and encouragement where he can. He speaks for a while with his father and Lt. Faye, and then retires to his camp tent for a nice, quiet dinner with Lyriel.

With nothing else to do, Maeve tries to catch Commander Malone at a moment when she's not busy.  She approaches the legendary woman almost timidly.

"If it's not being too forward, ma'am, I. . .I just wanted to say that I'm a big fan.  That is to say that I admire your career greatly!  You've done such amazing things!  Damn. . ." Maeve trails off, flushing, realizing that she'd probably rambling.

In reply to Maeve Hassan (msg # 277):

"Don't apologize for making a courageous approach, Major," Commander Malone says, though there is kindness in her eyes. "And please, stand at ease. From what I've heard, you and your squadron of griffon riders have done some amazing things yourselves."

She smiles at Maeve, though the thought behind it remains a mystery. Her wizened features seem to read Maeve's stance, posture, and eyes like a book.

"Let me share a secret with you, Major. One that took me far too long to learn: There is no shame in having an admirable pedigree. There is no shadow to escape. General Hassan may be a great man, but my reports from the front show that Major Hassan is many things, as well. You've been noticed."

"Compassionate. Strong. Smart. Loyal," she recites as though from a memorized list. " Good qualities for any soldier, but all too rare in those who aspire to lead them. You're a force worthy of recognition on your merits alone."

She places a hand on Maeve's shoulder and squeezes gently.

"Good luck tomorrow, Major. Trust in your arms, and they will never let you down. I look forward to hearing all about it over dinner when this whole nasty business is said and done."

With that, the Supreme Commander favors her with a final smile, nods, and makes her way out of the tent.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Tue 11 Nov 2014.

Lyriel raises her eyebrows as the roster is announced. Lord Krall? she murmurs to Boreas. When were you going to tell us that little tidbit?

She doesn't seem offended, more bemused. There were more important things to be concerned about.

At Lyriel's insistence, her early dinner with Zuriel stretches late into the evening, and then the night. Somehow, she didn't quite seem to make it back to her own tent. If anybody noticed the priestess' impropriety, she certainly didn't care.

With the dread of impending battle the next day, she took advantage of every moment of happiness she could.

Maeve vows never to wash that shoulder again.  It and Boreas should get along swimmingly.

Boreas looks a bit sheepish.  I wasn't intentionally not telling you.  It just never really came up.  I'm sure you've figured out that I'm not much like the rest of my family by now, anyway.  He smiles, still a little off-balance by the unexpected revelation.  Besides, 'Highwind' sounds much more impressive, don't you think?

**Earlier**

Lyriel gives Boreas a wry look. Do you really think we would have judged you by your family instead of your actions? I mean, just look at *my* mother...anyhow, it's good to have you back... her face breaks into a wicked smile, Lord Krall.

Before meeting Zuriel for dinner, Lyriel will also catch up with the PARTY. She is particularly surprised by how much Keef has grown in the past 8 months.

Look at you! she exclaims, giving Keef an enthusiastic hug. You must have grown almost half a foot! You're filling out those robes, too. Lyriel grins at the young mage. I'll bet all the girls in Lo'driel were all over you. Did you manage to get any studying done at all? She turns to Chubbs. You'll have to keep an even closer eye on him, I think, Sir Titus Chubbicus.

After taking her leave of Keef, there is one other visit Lyriel needed to make.

The priestess finds Cassie leaning up against the side of the war council tent, tossing pieces of jerky into the air for Fluffums to catch. Lyriel watches her from a distance for a moment before approaching and announcing herself.

Hello Cassie, she begins, unsure. I'm glad you're here. That is to say, here and safe...

Lyriel looks off to the distance, words not coming out quite the way she wanted. Last time we spoke, I was...unfair, and unkind to you. I just...wanted to apologize. I didn't really mean it, and shouldn't have said it. And with all this... she waves a hand towards the glow on the horizon that indicated the Awe, it rather puts things in perspective. I've heard remarkable things about how much you've aided us, and well, I'm proud to count you an ally. And, if you'd like, a friend.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 282):

"How could I stay away?" Cassie says with an easy smile, Fluffums curled up nearby in a big purry ball of fluff. "The last time Drynn invaded, the entire southern edge of the continent lost its basic ecosystem. We can't afford to have the same thing happen here, or to the river."

Her eyes hold a playful character to them.

"Besides, I kinda like you guys. What're friends for?"

Lyriel flings her arms around Cassie, drawing the surprised druid into a fierce hug. Be careful tomorrow, alright Cassie? When this is all over, you, Rachel and I are going to have night out on the town that Tris won't soon forget.

She bends down to pet the adorably purring Fluffums. Take care of her, Fluffums.

Then, before things can get too much more emotional, she departs, drying her eyes and finding Rachel to convey similar sentiments, minus the overdue apology.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 284):

Evening passes and morning comes, dawning bright and clear in a cloudless October sky.

The winds have begun to get rather nippy, and the water is downright cold -- the
perfect conditions for making anyone doused by the tidal wave of river water uncomfortable and potentially hypothermic.

Cassie is nowhere to be found, having left at the crack of dawn with the other watershapers to begin the process of creating a massive tsunami, which will be contained between the riverbanks to scour the Drynnian invaders from its surface.

The Flamebringers, Heartseekers, and Imperial Army stand ready to charge alongside the the unleashed torrent of water, their goal being to engage any land forces they come across and push them all back to the ocean and out of Aestrenia.

Tactical Maneuvers

The column of cold, churning water blasts against the Awe, nudging the enormous vessel backward only slightly while dealing significantly greater damage to the longships behind it. Curiously, the water curls harmlessly around several of larger Kordican vessels -- apparently the minotaur have clerics, druids, or both among their ranks.

Still, the damage is done. The bulk of the attacking ships are smashed outright or driven all the way back to the mouth of the river, where the Drynnian blockade vessels must struggle to avoid being wrecked themselves.

The ground forces find piecemeal resistance until they reach the beachhead, which has been reinforced by the troops that had been garrisoned in the remaining naval ships. These have been further reinforced by the remnant of the force that retreated from Lo'driel, which has looped around the continent in the intervening months to reploy here with the rest of the Drynnian army.

The Grand Marshall, the Knight Protector, and the Supreme Commander take stock of the situation, then order an all-out assault upon the beachhead, bearing down upon it with crippling force.

The results of this charge, however, remain a mystery, for our heroes have other work to attend to.

The Away Team

Boreas, Lyriel, Zuriel, Keef, Maeve, Baldwin, and Finwë make their way through the churning haze and confusion of combat to board the flagship. Boreas dissolves the offending tower shield with a word and a gesture, and the gasp of surprise from the sentry is quickly followed by a distinct SPLUNK a Maeve hauls him bodily off his feet and chucks him into the river below.

The group quickly assembles within the vessel, taking stock of their surroundings. For all the ship's outward size, the interior is still very much a ship, which means the doors and passages are more narrow than is strictly comfortable. Two abreast is possible in some places, but single-file is required for others.

Eventually you come across a loosely detailed map of the ship, which has been painted onto canvas and placed behind a waterproof shield of glass. From this you learn that the ship has eight decks -- nearly twice that of a standard ship-of-the-line. Maeve quickly points out various sections of the ship and makes guesses about what might be located where, with a little help from Baldwin here and there.



The P.A.R.T.Y. is definitely on Deck 8 somewhere, but the dome is constructed in such a way that you can't see much below you beneath the floor of steel, timber, and canvas. There are ladders every so often leading downward, and keen ears can head the sound of footsteps working their way around the deck you're currently on, as if on patrol.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:29, Tue 11 Nov 2014.

Boreas turns to the others, whispering, Wait here.

He fades from view before heading down one of the ladders to scout around.

[Casting Walk Unseen]

Zuriel spends a while looking at  the diagram, trying to get a feel for the ship's layout. Never before had he been on a ship so massive. He wasn't even sure how the leviathan of a vessel managed to stay afloat.

After a few moments of contemplation, he drafts a tentative plan, which he shares in hushed whispers with the boarding team.

"Alright, this might get complicated, but I think I have an idea. We have an advantage with Boreas here: if we don't have to follow the ladders if he can teleport us. And he can scout out safe compartments to ferry us to and from when we change decks."

Zuriel narrows his eyes at the diagram. "So let's stir the pot a bit, shall we? I propose we descend to Deck 2, and cause some ruckus. Destroy the tiller and their steering, sabotage their armaments. Hit them hard, fast, and loud. Cutting the steering should make it harder for them to bring their arms to bear. Then, while they scramble to investigate and their troops are drawn down to the bottom decks, we port back up to the main deck, and handle the dragonsbreath cannons. Then, we confront Saul."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 287):

"Let's also see if there's anything we want to take for our own use.  The sick bay might have helpful potions."

Zuriel nods. "If we have the opportunity, sure. But our priority has to be shutting down those guns. Otherwise a lot of our troops are going to die. They can skirt around the Awe for a while, but eventually it will catch up."

He nods to Lyriel and Finwe. "Between the three of us, we have an awful lot of healing already."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Tue 11 Nov 2014.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 289):

"Among, you mean," Baldwin says, raising his eyebrows as the others look at him. "What? You use 'among' when dealing with more than two things, and 'between' when dealing with only two."

He clears his throat self-consciously.

"Right. Well, Boreas's plan to scout ahead is sound, but how do we want to deal with the approaching sentries?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:30, Tue 11 Nov 2014.