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Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us.

Posted by Dungeon MasterFor group 0
Dungeon Master
GM, 446 posts
Roller of Dice
Giver of Trinkets
Wed 9 May 2018
at 12:42
  • msg #1

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

The trip from the dwarven fortress was a slow one. The sick were loaded on stretchers, and carried by those dwarves who had previously contracted consumption and survived it. The Badger was left securely in a stone vault, unable to pass through the unfinished highway to Fildegarne. Sypher and Rebort lead the column, with the remaining dwarves and King Thadrumir guarding the flanks. The blow dealt to the rust monsters earlier in the day had crippled their numbers in the area, as only a scant few came charging up to the column, and were quickly dispatched at range with arrows and bolts. Rebort's messenger had sent word to move forward and that Oro was on his way, but none had seen the tiefling by the time the departure was ready.

As the procession arrived at the draconic ruins, they were met by more than just an anxious Thakous.

--------

A squad of 20 Fildegarian soldiers awaits ahead, with Thakous detained, his arms bound behind him. Each soldier carries a rifle and holds it at the ready, but doesn't shoulder it. An officer steps forward, a stern look on his face.

"I am Major Prein. I have been instructed to detain you, and escort you to the capitol. I am aware of your rank and unit designation, but I have my orders and I'd like to do this peacefully. Do I have your co-operation?".
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 217 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Wed 9 May 2018
at 12:57
  • msg #2

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

R.E.B.O.R.T. looks over to Sypher. "Detained? Have we done something wrong?"
Sypher Whiteraven
player, 302 posts
Human
Paladin/Monk - Gestault
Wed 9 May 2018
at 12:58
  • msg #3

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

"Rebort, please.  Allow me."  Sypher holds out a staying hand at the warforged.

Sypher steps out, hands spread wide.  "Of course, Major.  I am Lieutenant Sypher Whiteraven of the Eisenwolf unit.  We completely understand the situation and will offer you no resistance.  These are troubled times and we are here to both ask for help, but offer it as well.  We will cooperate fully."  Every bit of Sypher exudes calm and friendliness.  His posture is relaxed and friendly.  He offers a bit of a smile as he speaks, but not in a way that would be interpreted as fake or intentionally misleading.  "Do you need our weapons, Major?"
Major Prein
NPC, 1 post
Human
Soldier
Wed 9 May 2018
at 13:11
  • msg #4

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

A visible wave of relief washes over the Major's face. "I'm afraid so, lieutenant".
Sypher Whiteraven
player, 303 posts
Human
Paladin/Monk - Gestault
Wed 9 May 2018
at 14:15
  • msg #5

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Sypher sets the example for the rest by turning over his sword, then Shiaran's sword, then his shuriken, shortbow with quiver of arrows, his Buelter-Janes K-33, his two RG-1422 Pistols, Shiaran's short bow and arrows, Shiaran's shuriken and 4 daggers, 2 sais, 6 RG-1422 Pistols, and her SMP-12.  "To be clear, Major, not all of those are mine."  Sypher stands back and waits for others to disarm themselves.
Major Prein
NPC, 2 posts
Human
Soldier
Wed 9 May 2018
at 15:12
  • msg #6

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

One by one everyone steps forward, some more reluctant than others, and a pile of weaponry grows to near waist high. Prein can't help but raise an eyebrow at the arsenal. "I see that you have sick and wounded. We will take over carrying them and ensure they are cared for". He looks back at his men an whistles. 14 of the 20 sling their rifles on their backs and steps forward, relieving the stretcher bearers of their loads. He instructs two more to stand watch over the weapon cache until transport is arranged, while the remaining 4 break off in groups of two, one group in the front and one in the rear of the column.

"My men will move the weapons inside the ruins here for safe keeping in the mean time. It's to my understanding rust eaters are about, so we will take the proper precautions to ensure things are well kept". He leans in, speaking quietly to Sypher and Rebort. "From officer to officer, I can't honestly say why I was told to detain you, because I wasn't informed. But something wasn't quite right. I was also warned you would be heavily armed and potentially combative. Any idea on that? Because you've shown me otherwise, at least on the grounds of combativeness".
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 218 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Wed 9 May 2018
at 16:40
  • msg #7

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

R.E.B.O.R.T. follows suit, after Sypher, disarming himself as best he can. He lays down his Buelter-Janes K-33, a rather large sniper rifle, the Gerard M-92 Breech, as well as the gear he was holding for Beloc. After placing the elf's pistol, trench gun, and rather large silver falchion, the warforged follows up by saying "These are all the arms I am able to remove."
Sypher Whiteraven
player, 304 posts
Human
Paladin/Monk - Gestault
Wed 9 May 2018
at 17:18
  • msg #8

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Sypher considers the major's words.  "No, Major, though several hypotheses come to mind.  None of them good.  Please understand, at the moment, I view us as on the same side against the PCA.  However, I have a duty to protect my team and accomplish our mission.  I also have a duty to protect these dwarves who are under my care and have suffered greatly because of the war.  If it comes to light that the PCA have infiltrated the higher-ups in this city, I will defend my people."

He sighs heavily.  "I know you have your training and your orders, but I also hope you will remember that soldiers are not mindless golems that follow orders blindly.  The best soldiers are those who can adapt to the changing battlefield.  If the time comes, Major, I pray to Iehovah that you will do what is right."
Major Prein
NPC, 2 posts
Human
Soldier
Wed 9 May 2018
at 23:34
  • msg #9

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Commander Prein looks as if he's about to speak several times through Sypher's response, but he holds his tongue until Sypher is finished. "I'm well aware of how to mind my men, lieutenant". He doesn't sound angry, but there was a definite and intentional emphasis on the word lieutenant. "Orders to detain persons of interest aren't exactly orders to set up a firing squad. The notion that we've been possibly infiltrated by the enemy isn't one I take lightly either. Do you offer any proof outside of your hunches? Because I've been stationed at the capitol since this entire thing began and have seen no evidence of this. With the way our nobles lobby and petition the top brass, we wouldn't need enemies on the inside. We're already at the beck and call of a group of paranoid men who see themselves getting richer when we win".
This message was last updated by the player at 23:34, Wed 09 May 2018.
Sypher Whiteraven
player, 305 posts
Human
Paladin/Monk - Gestault
Thu 10 May 2018
at 00:00
  • msg #10

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Sypher allows a few seconds of relative silence, then bows slightly.  "Yes, sir."  His tone and posture only convey respect for the officer, his bow slight enough not to be mocking, but deep enough to be more than perfunctory.  The tone of his voice is quiet and contemplative, anything but confrontational.
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 219 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Thu 10 May 2018
at 01:17
  • msg #11

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

R.E.B.O.R.T. extends his arms, wrists facing upwards, as if waiting to be shackled. "We are now detained. Now what, Major?"
Major Prein
NPC, 3 posts
Human
Soldier
Thu 10 May 2018
at 02:12
  • msg #12

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Two soldiers step forward with irons, ready to shackle Sypher and Rebort. Prein holds up a hand, stopping the pair. "That won't be necessary, for the time. They've lain down their weapons and have agreed to come peacefully. They are detainees, not prisoners". He looks back to Sypher and Rebort. "We need to go now. There's an abandoned road that will lead us to the keep a few miles ahead. From there, Count Elm has requested we turn the two of you over to him. The dwarves will be cared for and treated as refugees".
Sypher Whiteraven
player, 306 posts
Human
Paladin/Monk - Gestault
Thu 10 May 2018
at 02:31
  • msg #13

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Sypher nods and does as commanded.
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 220 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Thu 10 May 2018
at 02:40
  • msg #14

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

R.E.B.O.R.T. lowers his arms and follows behind Sypher.
Dungeon Master
GM, 449 posts
Roller of Dice
Giver of Trinkets
Fri 11 May 2018
at 02:56
  • msg #15

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

For the dwarven group, the trip is a short on. The old highway that runs around the edge of the ruins took the group directly into a courtyard, much the same as described by the Fyreworm clan's own keep. Just inside of the entryway, a heavily fortified position with machine gun nests on sandbags points down the winding and sloping road; a precaution in the event the PCA ever discover the tunnel. Explosive charges meant to collapse the tunnel sit idle along the underground walls; an even more extreme precaution should the enemy discover the route.

As the group emerges, a half elf who is identified as Sylvis greets Major Prein. Those of the party who are non-dwarf are escorted by Sylvis and four guards, while a fair sized medical staff ushers the dwarves along in a different direction. Mixed looks of both relief as well as confusion wash over their faces as they watch their saviors from the mountain vanish behind closed door. In the holding room, you barely have time to take a seat before the door opens again, with a hooded man escorting Beloc, Apache, and Shiaran in.

-----

As Shiaran and Beloc are escorted to the keep, they're brought through a series of cut throughs and tunnels that pass beneath the public eye in District Two, where the civilian population is holed up and guarded. The way shortens the trip drastically, making what would be nearly an hour trip a more direct half hour. Even the way Wyck leads them into the keep is via unseen passage. The pair and their guard emerge into a tucked away antechamber from behind a sliding book case. From there, four guards remain with Wyck as he continues escorting Beloc and Shiaran to what looks to be a sort of holding area. The room is relatively plain. The walls are painted bleach white, and the crystal sconces on the wall give off a clean white glow as well. As they are brought in, they find Sypher, Rebort, Krem, Sigurd, and Gazra already sitting on the uncomfortable chairs provided. Irja, Oro, Kallium, and Darius are conspicuously absent.

"Have a seat, and await questioning" commands Wyck. As he glances around the room at everyone, his eyes fall on Gazra. His face screws up into a scowl and he leaves the room. The heavy iron door shuts loudly behind him, and a thick locking mechanism clicks in place. A blue sigil begins to glow on the door.
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 221 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Fri 11 May 2018
at 03:36
  • msg #16

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

R.E.B.O.R.T. spies the glowing sigils and glances around the room. "Impressive. With wards like this, it would seem they could contain just about any manner of beast."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:37, Fri 11 May 2018.
Sigurd Fyreworm
NPC, 7 posts
Human
Barbarian Underchief
Sat 12 May 2018
at 16:58
  • msg #17

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Sigurd looks to Shiaran and Beloc. "Where is Irja?".
Beloc S'Viscus
player, 474 posts
Wood Elf
Fighter/Druid - Gestault
Sat 12 May 2018
at 17:46
  • msg #18

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

"We got separated. She said she was going for a swim, headed towards the castle. She wanted to let them know we were coming with the dwarves. My guess is that's how they knew we were coming, but it wouldn't explain the hostility."
Gazra
NPC, 34 posts
Human
Sat 12 May 2018
at 18:08
  • msg #19

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Gazra sighs. "They probably wanna know where Oro is. Same crap, different day".

"But how would they've known, mate?" asks Krem.

"It's obvious. Irja. I don't know why, or what she told them, but my bet is on her".

Sigurd shoots daggers with his glance at Gazra. "And why do you say she would do a thing like that?".

Gazra shrugs. "Dunno. Money? Political power? Maybe she's got her eyes on your old man's throne. We both know she's never liked the isolationist approach Crasmar takes".

Sigurd stands up suddenly, pointing a hand at Gazra. "She is loyal to her people, Uncle. What does that say about you? Hmm?".

Gazra rolls his eyes. "It says you should shut up and sit down, because this is way out of your scope of view kid".

Sigurd spits on the floor, and starts pacing on the other side of the room.


Krem purses his lips, trying not to make eye contact with the pair. "So... anyone know any word games t' pass th' time?".

"Shut up, Krem" says both Gazra and Sigurd in unison.
Shiaran Whiteraven
player, 441 posts
Human
Wizard/Rogue Gestault
Sat 12 May 2018
at 18:12
  • msg #20

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Shiaran makes her way over to Sypher.  The two talk in whispers no one else can hear.
Beloc S'Viscus
player, 475 posts
Wood Elf
Fighter/Druid - Gestault
Sat 12 May 2018
at 18:53
  • msg #21

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

"Bickering in this cage isn't going to help anything. In fact, it puts the very reason we're here in jeopardy even further. The sooner we can get to the fault, the better."
Dungeon Master
GM, 450 posts
Roller of Dice
Giver of Trinkets
Sat 12 May 2018
at 23:46
  • msg #22

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

A sigil on the wall begins to glow brightly with a white hue. It had been hiding in plain sight, the same color as the walls. The muffled voice of an older man emanates throughout the room. The voice sounds cold, and is very business like and matter of fact. The man behind it doesn't sound menacing, but everyone gets the distinct impression he isn't one for games.

"My name is Count Elm. I will be issuing you a series of questions. Anyone will be free to answer, unless I address you directly. I am able to see and hear into this room, so there is no need to announce who you are or face a certain direction when speaking. With that, let us begin. What is the last known whereabouts of the one known as Orodoth Garamune? I am told he was a member of your party".
Shiaran Whiteraven
player, 442 posts
Human
Wizard/Rogue Gestault
Sun 13 May 2018
at 00:15
  • msg #23

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

Shiaran looks to Sypher who nods slightly.  "He was with us in the city briefly but returned to the underground highway to help the dwarves travel here and report to Sypher.  No one has seen him since he left the city. "
R.E.B.O.R.T.
Warforged, 222 posts
Fighter
Artificer
Sun 13 May 2018
at 01:07
  • msg #24

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

While Beloc listens to Shiaran’s statement, nodding periodically in agreement, R.E.B.O.R.T. walks around the room examining the various sigils adorning the walls. He doesn’t seem to be too engaged with what the rest of the group is focused on.
Count Elm
NPC, 1 post
Human
Noble
Sun 13 May 2018
at 03:21
  • msg #25

Episode Five: The Wolf Among Us

"I see. And what is your purpose here?"
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