U'lin nodded respectfully to the Lord Protector, and was appreciative of the award bestowed upon them - indeed, the cleric still wore the small present of a little girl given not so long ago when the party saved her twice.

The halfling's comments about not pursuing the giants - again, for a third time.... that did not go over as well.  The very tall and very large firbolg stilled, then turned to gaze down upon her, dark eyes very serious, and measuring as she continued her words.  Broad lips shaped a silent "Negotiating?"

"It is an imprudent smith working on another's project without blessing," he quietly agreed on the Moira's point of support.  "Respected agents of your effort certainly lends to a strength of belief greater than simple coin, and more to efforts to aid than land than disappear without account.

"As to the giants, my friend speaks with the caution of a captain to not provide braggadocio or airy promises to serious threats.  The giants we have encountered and defeated were all extremely dangerous and powerful threats, and a pair of them, powerful enough to breach the walls and hurt the city - that is not something to consider lightly.  She also appreciates that you are not seeking the moon in a net, but solid efforts - and that the giants are indeed a great peril to the lands, and others have killed many people, and it would ill behoove any to treat only a small hurt of the past while ignoring the rampaging threats.  We are not ignoring the threats, and tracking down those giants is vitally important, and we understand that all.  It is a critical threat, a very serious duty, and of importance to us all.

"It is also very challenging, not that we shy away from difficult situations, as you have direct experience."

"Also, speaking as one of the group's arcanists?  I have zip that would work against a Fire Giant--I can't bind them, I can't hurt them with fire, and while I could certainly just shoot all kinds of zappy stuff in their general direction, that's a really inefficient use of power."  Zaiya added.  "I'd need a few days at the very least to fully sift over what can be salvaged from that arsehole's book and copy what I can before I'd want to risk giving it a go."

"I've no fear of fighting a giant," Ethgar insisted, doing his best to look resolute and intimidating despite the lingering weakness in his limbs from the wizard's malicious experiments. "And I will aid you in this task, if you will have me. That bastard ensorcelled me, and I am still feeling the effects. But I assure you I've not forgotten how to swing an axe, nor the thrill of doing so.

I've dedicated my life to courage, and to valor in battle. I have sung its virtues, and I have practiced it myself. My people - the Elk tribe -" the barbarian snorted, and stopped himself just before spitting on the floor of the Keep. "I thought they believed the same. But they are cowards!

You all, though... you smack of the real thing, small though you may be." He cast his gaze over Moira and Zaiya. "What you did back in that tower... what you did for me..." His hand closed into a fist. "I shall not forget. It would be my honor to fight alongside you. It would be... a much needed reminder. That there are those in this world who still know the meaning of valor. Who still value it."

"I've no need for coins or other shiny things," he told the Lord Protector, then looked back to the party. For a moment he seemed he might kneel, though he did not. "It would be my honor, and privilege."

The young woman standing respectfully before the Lord Protector was polite, if somewhat untalkative, not seeming in any rush to express her opinion until the rest had spoken their piece. To those who had known her for longer, it was clear that Claire remained somewhat withdrawn. Her eyes were no longer reddened, and her expression composed. It had been only at Moira's urging that she'd left the still-warm bodies of the beasts she'd led into a forest clearing just outside Triboar's west gate. The poor creatures had trusted her enough to follow her out of the tower - a bizarre sight for what soldiers and citizens witnessed the odd procession of a bear, a wolf and a woman cradling a half-petrified eagle. The beasts' ends came cleanly and painlessly, but that only went so far to mitigate the tragic reality of Hyuth's atrocities. And that was merely a footnote to a dark chapter for Triboar, in which many other innocents had suffered or perished.

Such matters weighed on Claire's mind as the conferment of honours took place. "Thank you, Lord Protector," she acknowledged simply. She did not exhibit much interest in matters of compensation or prestige - her heart wasn't quite in it at the moment. The priestess' thoughts drifted back to Thente, who must still have been in care of Triboar's healers. She'd have to thank them properly for their selfless service before the party got on the road.

Her presence of mind turned back to the conversation at hand, Claire eventually felt compelled to offer her opinion, not least because a common front with her companions might make Moira's job easier. "I too am not afraid to face a giant if it comes to it. Miss Moira is right that we have other duties to see to, and many of them see us headed to Yartar with all haste. That said, it's plain as day that giants rampaging the area is everyone's concern. Should we be provided with some means of getting word to you, I'm sure all present would be most willing to keep you informed of happenings further afield. Gods willing it may save lives."

"Knighthood," Daratha answers, eyebrows furrowing, "....possible. It would mean your actions reflect on me, as your apparent liege. While this is something I only grant to my most trusted soldiers," the Lord Protector nods, "you four have well earned the right."

"There will need to be a ceremony. A brief one. I will need time to draft letters and prepare medals- four of them," she shoots Ethgar a brief glance, before turning back to Moira, "I'm afraid I cannot justify granting such a position to a ba- an Uthgardt. There are too many tensions between the cities and their folk- no one would believe it. Besides, I do not believe he was part of your original group...?"

"In exchange, you will aid Triboar's efforts to stabilize the region. I do not intend to infringe too much on your vaulted personal freedoms, only make the following requests:"

"First, that you inform all cities you are traveling to and through about the threat posed by Giants. I have already called for a Council of Lords- the more Alliance members that are convinced of the problem, the easier it will be for Triboar to gain proper aid."

"Second, that the contents of the Hyuth's Tower and its properties, along with half of the mundane assets seized be granted to Triboar for rebuilding. You may keep any magical items- gods know you could use them."

"Last, that you refuse any offers of allegiance or contracts with the Waterbaron of Yartar. They have enough adventurers there already."

"Agree to these terms, and I will grant you your knighthood and the rank of Captain, along with the Letters of Merit."

Moira shook her head gently and cast a sympathetic look over Ethgar's way.  "Mister Ethgar here was one of th'folk kidnapped and experimented on by Hyuth.  Still in a bit of rough shape after we freed him, but if he's willin', he might be able t'share some insight with y'wizard-folk as t'what happened."

Contextualization aside, Moira fell silent in consideration of the terms as set.  Under normal circumstances she never would've been so presumptuous as to outright request a title of knighthood; it was poor form at the very least but, given the circumstances both the party and the Lord Protector were in, felt like a good avenue worth the risk.  Daratha's practical appraisal of the whole matter was a reassurance; there was no good to be had in leaders who responded with ego over pragmatism.

Inform cities of the threat: they were already doing that to begin with, so no change in practice there.  But with knighthood, they'd have the seal of Triboar to back their claims and be taken more seriously as more than a gaggle of travelers having to prove themselves.  A positive, overall.

Donate to the rebuilding of Triboar: a matter already heavy on Moira's mind to begin with, as she thought back to Foehammer.  She needed to speak with him again...

Refusing allegiance with Yartar though?  That stuck a bit in the Halfling's craw; they had no reason to seek such a relationship at all to begin with, but her merchant's sensibilities rankled at the prospect of shutting a door early.  Still, it was a generally acceptable loss in the bigger picture.

"I ain't so crass as t'haggle a matter like this, but there's things what need clarifyin' all th'same." she continued as she produced the ledger of Hyuth's tower she'd scripted down from her logbook pages and offered them over to Daratha.  "Here's an account of what we found in th'Tower and some estimates of value.  Some of th'magic stuff can't be taken off th'grounds without destroyin' it, accordin' t'our Miss Zaiya, and would be of more use t'Triboar anyway.  I'm not at all against a fair split t'help fund Triboar; it just needs more bean countin' before we call it a done deal.

There might be more we can offer th'town anyway, dependin'.  I don't wanna go volunteerin' anyone for somethin' without their say-so, but we're in th'company of a skilled apothecary named Emma.  She's already been helpin' out y'wounded men since all last night outta th'goodness of her heart and deserves proper recognition as well.  Might be worth speakin' t'her, see how she may feel 'bout puttin' roots down here, if it suits her."

On the matter of Yartar, the Halfling sighed a bit and set her hands to her wide hips in a passing moment of consternation.  "As for th'Waterbaron; we got neither boon nor bane for him as is.  We're only headin' there on behalf of a friend who needs us.  I don't mind an exclusivity contract with Triboar... but that don't overcome doin' what's right." she lifted her gaze to meet the Lord Protector's.  "If we get t'Yartar and there's folk what need help, such as here or anywhere else we've passed through, then we'll do as we will for others' sake; life, limb, and legacy be damned.  But that'd be our own choice, not somethin' by hire of th'Waterbaron, rest assured."

With all that said, Moira looked back over either shoulder to her companions and gestured to prompt them to speak their own minds if they had anything to contribute on the matter.  "Otherwise, th'terms are broadly agreeable.  What d'ya lot think?"

"Me?  I think it's a lovely deal"  Zaiya claps her hands together and grins.  "One can never be too respectable after all, though I must stress again, that I am in no way prepared to face a Fire Giant at the moment...  But that should be able to change given a little work--what is magic after all but a tool that can be shaped to get what needs to be done sorted out?"

She gets a little bit toothy at that point

"Oh I can't wait!"

Ethgar let the women do the talking and simply glowered at this Lord Protector. He fully agreed he'd done noting to warrant knighthood, nor did he have any interest in it. Nonetheless, he resented Darathra singling him out as she had done.

He answered Moira's suggestion with a noncommittal grunt. "Don't remember much..." he muttered. Everything about this Keep made him uncomfortable, and his back hurt besides.

He shot Zaiya a suspicious look when she mentioned magic as a tool for shaping. With the detritus of Hyuth's experiments still literally embedded in his skin, this was a sore subject for the barbarian.

"Aye Lord Protector, Miss Moira here's spoken well what's in my heart. May the Great Mother be as generous to you and your city as your terms are to us," Claire touched the sigil of Chauntea on her breastplate. "My late father was a Knight of Waterdeep, and it would be my privilege to follow in his footsteps to serve the people. It seems like trying times are ahead, and I believe that the broadest mandate to do good will not only benefit the realm at large, but also bring honour to your city."

"As for the issue of the tower, I'm of course entirely agreeable to the city's claim on that villain's property. I'd only urge you to permit a thorough cleansing and sanctification of that accursed place, which I'd be most willing to volunteer for, along with U'lin and any other clerics in your employ, if they aren't indisposed with other matters."

OOC: To clarify, the Lord is requesting more of the initial haul you estimated in the thread - basically the 7 way split that Moira proposed. Is everyone okay with that?



"The current Waterbaron is a 'her', I believe," adds Daratha, "Lady Nestra Ruthiol. The city seems to change Waterbarons with every turning of the tide. Chivalry is all well and good, Deputy-soon-to-be-Captain, but be careful you are not taken advantage of. Ruthiol is a cunning bi- woman. The politics of Yartar is as a den of snakes."

"Besides that, it seems we have an agreement. The ceremony will take place tonight- all citizens of Triboar invited to attend. I may have to take some liberties with your stated mission, angle it so it sounds like you're chasing or at least investigating the perpertrators behind the attack. For morale, you understand."

That warning got a bit of a rueful chuckle out of Moira as she lifted a hand to habitually rub the side of her choker-clad throat once more.  "Some risks gotta be takin'.  I ain't th'sort who's fussed over losin' out if it means helpin' folk; even death won't stop m'from doin' right in this world."



"'bout that..." another glance was lifted U'lin's way as the topic of trailing the Giants came about once more.  The Halfling hesitated a moment but steadied herself with a breath.  "Lord Protector, can we speak with y'candidly?  And privately?" Her eyes bounced around to the various aides and soldiers who moved about the room.

OOC: this will require a persuasion check

Persuasion
Moira Ruadh rolled 12 using 1d20+6

Not great.  Can I get Help from someone in the party, or by context of the situation since Moira already mentioned they had more to discuss about what they found in Hyuth's Tower that would require discretion?

"...what do you wish to discuss that requires a private audience?" the Lord Protector asks guardedly, as a few soldiers glance over. It seems that while your actions have earned a large amount of trust, requesting a private audience is still a few inches over the line.

Moira, you can attempt another persuasion check, though you'll need to give a good reason to mollify the Lord's suspicions first.

Moira Ruadh rolled 78 using 1d100

It seems that they did manage to recover two of the stones! The first works perfectly, the second is a bit damaged though, cracked from the fire. Messages can largely be only sent one way, with the reply being a single syllable word. Repairing it will be very tricky (Arcana check, difficult DC without a library at hand)

Moira didn't envy the life of politicians and nobility one bit.  They'd gone to such lengths, risking horrible death several times over within the span of a day without even asking for a suitable reward, and still the Lord Protector had to take caution about privacy?  If one could meet others in those circumstances and still have reason to harbor worry that something amiss could happen just seemed like a terrible spot to live in, to her.

"Politickin' matters, I'm afraid.  If privacy's too much t'ask far as security's concerned, then confidence at least; keep whoever y'please at y'side so long as y'have full trust in 'em bein' able t'hold their silence." the Halfling elaborated.  "Y'surely more than understand some conversations shouldn't go flittin' away on passin' ears, yea?"

As part of a gesture of trust on the matter, Moira withdrew the little ledger of sordid information they'd found in Hyuth's chambers; in her review of everything, she'd bookmarked relevant points with slips of parchment to make for quick reference.  With only the indication that it was part of a larger conversation that would require discretion, she slid the book over for Daratha to peruse.

I think it got shuffled into the general inventory, though I'm uncertain and just assuming Moira has "Hyuth's Little Black Book of Criminal Connections and Conspiracy" for the sake of narrative convenience here.  Let me know if this covers the conditions for another roll or, even better, having some physical evidence to show negates the need for a roll entirely.

OOC: Didn't see another roll, but showing the notebook and the need for discretion works enough for a retry.

10:53, Today: GM, on behalf of Moira Ruadh, rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Persusasion.

The Lord Protector's eyes narrow at the sight of the notebook. With a sigh, she stands up from her chair, the wood creaking as the gathered soldiers look over in surprise.

"...walk with me," Daratha commands, gesturing for Moira to follow her out of the tent, "what are the rest of you staring at? Get those reports sorted now! Orthag, I want those campfires marked out by the time I get back! Get me troop numbers and caster sightings! Go!"

Having done so, the Lord Protector eases herself out of the command tent, briskly walking towards the rear of the keep. Within minutes, she leads you over to some sort of holding area, where a sleepy looking guardsman is watching over a mass amount of crates and spears.

"Leave us Private," Daratha instructs to the soldier, who hurried nods and moves away with wide eyes. Once the man is out of earshot, the woman sighs and turns to Moira, rubbing her eyes with her one good hand.

"...so. What else did Hyuth do with my name?"

As Daratha gestured for her to follow, Moira hesitated long enough to give the group a quick regard.  "I'll take care of th'details.  Y'lot go rest, sort out matters what need sortin'.  Check on Thente and Emma, yea?  I'll catch back up in a bit." she frankly would've liked the others to keep with her - at least U'lin, given his knowledge of the situation with the Giants - but if Daratha only trusted a one-on-one then there was little that could be done.

Once it was just the two of them alone amid supplies, Moira hopped up to stand herself atop one of the crates to put herself a bit closer on the Lord Protector's level.  More out of consideration for the poor woman's neck by that point, really.  She took Daratha's weary demand as an invitation to be frank.

"Ain't entirely certain yet.  We didn't have a lot of time t'sort through all his documents, so I figure that's just scratchin' th'surface.  Our scholars can give th'papers a closer look tonight unless y'prefer t'have y'own handle that.  At th'very least, we also found plenty of heavily detailed maps of Triboar's defenses, as well as some kinda map of magical leylines.  Given Hyuth's involvement with th'town's walls and sewers, there's no tellin' how many outside forces he's sold y'out to or how long it's been goin' on." she began.  The Halfling mulled for a moment to rub at her chin, then started again.

"Well, th'real reason I wanted t'speak quiet-like was on th'matter of th'Giants.  Namely, their motives.  M'company's been travelin' up th'coast from Nightstone over th'past two weeks now, ever since th'town was destroyed by Giants flyin' 'round on a damned cloud of all things.  Been nonstop chaos and bloodshed each step of th'way.  We've learned that th'Giants' heirarchy - somethin' called th'Ordnin' - has been broken by th'apparent death of its leadership.  Th'lot of 'em are in a civil war scrabblin' t'grab power and change their ranks in th'peckin' order with all creation caught in th'crossfire." Even describing a fragment of the situation they were all caught in made it sound vast beyond hope of confronting, but it wasn't as if they had any choice.  "Th'Fire Giants what attacked Triboar are a pair we've been halfway tailin' for a while now.  They're diggin' up old vaults tryin' t'piece together some kinda weapon t'secure their place at th'top of th'heap.  One of those vaults was under Hyuth's warehouse.  Ain't sure what kinda deal he wanted t'cut with th'Fire Giants, but no doubt that's what he bargained with.  Dunno what th'weapon exactly does but... it's bad.  Like, th'sort Giants use t'fight each other or Dragons with, bad."

There was, of course, the unavoidable matter of how exactly Moira and the party had uncovered such knowledge.  To that point the Halfling gave Daratha a moment to digest everything she'd disclosed thus far before she began to pile more on.  "Does th'name 'SEER' mean anythin' t'ya?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Sat 03 Apr 2021.

For a few seconds, Daratha Shendrel simply stares at Moira, brows furrowed. Finally, the woman sighs;

"This is...what you're describing sounds like some sort of Giant-kind...coup," the general shakes her head, "and yes. I am aware of the Mistress of the Tea Garden, as some like to call her. One of the factions within the Lord's Alliance that focuses on intelligence and counter-intelligence through the use of few but select ag-" the Lord Protector pauses, then groans, "you're her agents aren't you? Or at least a direct piece on her board. That would explain the ridiculous coincidence of a highly-specialised group of adventurers showing  up exactly on-time to handle the problems we cannot."

"If the Garden is involved, then matters will escalate- worse, this Ordning sounds like things will get political. Either way, my duties as the Lord Protector remain the same- that said, I assume you have some other goal in bringing me here besides adding to my growing pile of headaches?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:42, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Once Daratha confirmed she did indeed know of SEER, it was only a matter of time before the realization fully sank in.  Moira just waited in silence to let it happen at its own pace and offered a sympathetic shrug at the resulting groan of frustration.

"We're agents of sorts, in that she's payin' us for information 'bout th'Giants.  Ain't like we're some crack team or anythin' like that.  Just a messy band of folk what ended up together.  Hells, we literally picked up U'lin on th'side of th'road." the Halfling gave a bit of a half-hearted chuckle.  She reached up to drum her fingertips on the edge of the holy symbol of Waukeen mounted at her throat.  "Ain't like us bein' here is some machination outta Waterdeep or nothin' like that, but I feel like there's meanin' in it.  Schemin' is one thing, luck's another, but I don't believe in mere coincidences.  Much as I hate th'idea of squarin' up with Fire Giants or worse... feels like there ain't gonna be much choice in th'matter sooner than later."

"Either way, my duties as the Lord Protector remain the same- that said, I assume you have some other goal in bringing me here besides adding to my growing pile of headaches?"

"Assurance of privacy's mostly it.  Like I've said, I hate all this politickin' nonsense - ain't my taste, despite how often I get wrapped up in it.  I wasn't certain what'd be safe t'say in th'open and what's best for specific ears only.  But if we're t'be vassals of Triboar then I don't want this startin' on secrets and half-told truths.  What's comin' on th'horizon needs t'be known.

First of all, I got a lil' bit of good news for ya'.  Before Triboar, we were in Red Larch and helped 'em out with their Stone Giant problem.  Solved it tidy like with no bloodshed.  Mayor Orna and I became fast friends, I'd like t'think, and she sends her regards." Moira was careful to move slowly when it came to drawing anything out of her satchel for the sake of Daratha's nerves and withdrew a wax-sealed letter that Orna had given for delivery to the Lord Protector.  "And now for all th'bad news.  Y'wanna have a sit?  Y'might wanna have a sit."

What came next was bound to be a lot of hassle and headache for the already taxed Lord Protector to contend with.  But it had to be known as Moira laid out the same sort of rundown of events as she'd given Orna previously; a full telling of what the party had witnessed, experienced, and accomplished since Nightstone.  Everything from driving out the Zhentarim, to the Resurrection Project underway, to all they'd learned of the broken Ordning, the super-weapon Vonindod, the scattered remnants of the Dragon Cult, and the mounting crisis of the lycanthropic Uthgardt marshaling their forces for a quickly-approaching date in the near future.  She spoke of House Nandar, of SEER, of Amphail and Red Larch and Westbridge.  She spoke of Stoor, of Emma, and of Thente along with their intentions to seek out aid in Yartar and Silverymoon beyond.  It wasn't some dry, technical report like she'd managed during the burning of Triboar, but rather as she spoke Moira's tone and bearing grew burdened.  As if saying it aloud weighed progressively heavier upon her with the full scope of what they had to contend with.  Worse yet, that what she had to tell was surely only a fraction of what was truly happening in the broader scope of the coast that they'd yet to even encounter or uncover for themselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Another long silence stretches between the two women as the Lord Protector gradually digests well, everything. Moira can see a faint twitch to the woman's prominent eyebrows as she takes a deep breath;

"...I assume SEER and the Alliance are at least partially aware of this," she begins, "I will need to confer with my lieutnants, of course. But it sounds like there are multiple fronts boiling over- Uthgardt, Giants, ancient super-weapons..."

"Had Triboar not suffered such an attack, I would have deployed the army to secure the towns along the Long Road. With things as they are..." Daratha massages her head, "we may need the help of the other Factions."

"The Alliance is powerful, but the Realms are more than just the cities and their wealth. There are the churches of good and law, represented militarily by the Order of the Gauntlet. There are the scions of nature, whose few messengers hail from the Emerald Enclave."

"And as with all horrible crisises in the Realms, there are the Harpers."

"I and SEER can deal with the Alliance. A Council will be called, one way or another. What you may wish to consi- no, what I would ask of you, as knights, is to seek out the other Factions."

"The Enclave is reclusive, though perhaps your Uthgardt friend can find them. The Order holds more influence further North- if you are able to reach Hawk's Nest, the base of their mounted operations, you may be able to garner some attention there. And the Harpers meddle everywhere- though should you reach Silverymoon, I suggest you ask for tea at the Moonview Inn. That may grant you an audience."

"And as for the Zhentarim...perhaps it is best that we do not deal with them. For now. For all their dirty deeds, the Black Network still needs a Realm to trade in."

Having said that, Daratha Shendrel takes a moment to look over Moira, taking in the halfling's stressed expression and hunched posture.

"...after you get some rest, soldier. These other organizations will not be easy to deal with. And the North is far more treacherous than the south. Since you have business in Yartar, you may want to take a few days there to recover and prepare yourself for the journey forward. I believe they are having a festival now," the general snorts, "like they always do. Maybe this crisis will finally give them the waking call they need. No standing army my left tit...!"

"Safe.  We've been makin' almost daily reports back t'SEER as we go, and we ain't th'only folk workin' on her payroll either." Moira confirmed that point.  As the Lord Protector went on about different factions and groups they could speak with on her behalf, the Halfling drew out her logbook to take notes for her own sake.  Though she gave a rather decidedly displeased expression when it came to mention of the Order of the Gauntlet and the Emerald Enclave.  It was all she had not to just roll her eyes, but there was no dismissing potential allies in dire straits... even if they were nearly more trouble than they were worth.



That the Lord Protector would even indulge the idea of cooperating with the Zhentarim was enough to keep that furrowed brow of Moira's tensed down.  She was no bright-eyed idealist; she knew full well that organizations like the Zhentarim wormed their way into becoming a vital facet of major communities and economies, to the point that those in power rationalized them as a 'necessary evil'.  It was part of why she fought so immediately to expunge any trace of the Zhents out of Nightstone before they could sink their claws in.  "If y'care for m'say on it, I'd take Triboar burnin' t'its foundations as a chance for a new start.  Good opportunity t'break ties with th'Zhentarim and take a hard stance against 'em.  After runnin' 'em outta Nightstone, I doubt they're gonna be especially keen on me anyway.  Least I only gotta worry 'bout small grudges of individual agents rather than havin' th'whole network out for m'neck."

When Daratha called her 'soldier', Moira perked a bit and couldn't help but give the woman a lopsided smirk.  "Oi, now I've still got a few more hours 'til y'can go 'round expectin' salutes and 'Yes'sir's.  Lemme enjoy still bein' a civilian who can pop off at y'while I can." Only half a jest, really.  Though her thoughts shifted to the others as she shook her head.  "In any case though, y'got m'thanks for y'cooperation on all this.  But best y'don't expect obedience outta th'rest of m'group.  They ain't soldiers.  Don't got th'nature for it.  Maybe Claire, but... I don't want that life for her.  They've all got so much more waitin' for 'em than war.

Let's sort this all out for good, yea?  Give folk their lives back before any more gets taken from 'em."

"I know better than to expect any sort of obedience from adventurers," Daratha waves a hand dismissively, "why do you think Triboar has an army, instead of that hodgepodge of mercenary companies Yartar employs? You are knights because our goals align, because Triboar pays its debts, and because at the end of it all when you hopefully retire, having your homes on my land will serve as an excellent deterrent, on way or another. I'm sure a 'merchant' like you understands."

Left unsaid were Moira's apparent ties to Hillsfar little underground operation.

"Moving on, your...project with Nightstone is," theres a bit of a hesistant pause in the general's tone as she struggles to find a a diplomatic response, "ambitious. I'll grant that much. Triboar...cannot help you, I'm afraid. Furthermore, I'll go as far as to say that your current tensions with the Zhentarim are not a concern for myself or the city."

"Triboar has never really had any 'ties' with the Zhentarim in the first place, though the Faction certainly managed to stick a few fingers into our business. I know at least one information broker in town was affliated with them; more likely still exist. Things as they are, it is a good time to prevent outside influences from steeping in too much." Daratha concludes firmly, "Triboar is of the Alliance, and will remain with the Alliance. Is that enough for you, Civilian Moira?"

"One of th'most daft things most anyone's ever set t'doin'?" Moira supplied dryly.



That got a gentle shake of her head.  "Didn't come t'Triboar seekin' help or funds.   Hells, when we laid sight on th'town under siege, we'd just done a three-day forced march with no sleep gettin' here.  Felt like I was 'bout t'drop where I stood, but all I could think of was helpin' whoever I could." Even though she had gotten rest, finally, it was clear that Moira had yet to fully recover from the ordeal.  There were still dark rings about her eyes both from weariness and stress alike, but she refused to let it slow her down.  "Nah, m'debts of any sort are m'own and I intend t'see 'em through without boggin' other folk down with it.  If I had m'way, Triboar would be next on th'list for such a project... but, frankly, it's a miracle I've gotten this far with it just bein' Nightstone."

Reassurances about keeping the Zhentarim at bay, surely along with other factions that might see Triboar's weakened state as an opportunity, were taken with a nod.  Far be it from her to lecture the Lord Protector herself on how to manage her affairs; Moira could be bossy, but she recognized her own depth well enough and knew full clear when she was out of it.  "That's reassurin' t'know, and y'have m'thanks again.  But I've taken enough of y'time already, so's best we each get back t'work.

M'company'll be here in town a mite longer still; got affairs what need tendin', but we're at y'disposal until then.  I suggest y'might wanna speak with th'apothecary we got with us - Miss Emma - see if she might be interested in opportunities here.  And if there's any more news of th'Giants or Uthgardt in th'meantime... well, I suppose we'd best be ready t'hear it, yea?"

That basically covers everything Moira wanted to address, as far as I can recall.  She'll still want to take some time to get copies of various documents and sort out matters of funding and loot distribution, but that can all be managed "off-screen".
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sun 11 Apr 2021.

[Later that evening]

The ceremony is simple and brief- more would be inappropriate, with the looming carcass of Triboar still smouldering in the background. A small stage of wood, chipped together in an afternoon, with a dozen soldiers in ceremonial armor standing as an honor guard.

Upon the stage, Lord Protector Daratha Shendral stands, clad in polished silvery armor and a brilliant red tabard bearing the arms of Triboar. In her hands in an ancient, silvery spear, worn with age but clearly well-kept. Moira, Claire, U'lin and Zaiya have been led upon the stage, where the attending knight gestures for them to kneel.

"...for their efforts, and their heroics. I dub thee as Knights of Triboar. May you carry forth in your journeys as you have today, showing honor, resourcefulness and courage, the three traits of our brave city."

Having said that, Lord Protector touches each of you with the tip of the spear. All around, the crowd cheers- quiet at first, but steadily growing in strength. You catch sight of Staff-Sergeant Grimes nodding in the crowd, while Tetri and Foehammer raise mugs in your honor. Up on the Beetle, perched on the roof a red-faced (and slightly drunk) Emma woops and yells praises to Gond. U'lin and Claire recognize a few smiling faces from the healer's tents - people they have helped over the last day or two, many whom may not have survived to this day, now healthy and grinning as you walk off stage.

Alaestra unfortunately, is not present.

As the clapping dies down, the knight leads the four of you off stage. The Lord Protector continues her speech - a rousing tale of rebuilding, of unity in the face of adversity, of courage in the face of strife. Triboar will rise again, Daratha intones, and despite her lingering injuries the woman's voice carries over the cheering crowd- powerful and hopeful. If anything, seeing their leader injured but standing, weakened but clearly unbroken only helps drive the message further for the citizens of Triboar.

A trumpet sounds, marking the end of the ceremony. The men disperse, as does the crowd. With a nod at the four, now five of you, Daratha heads back to the command tent. The battle of Triboar may be over. But the war has just begun.

[Chapter 3 - Triboar: END]

Moira, U'lin and Claire - for your efforts in saving Triboar,  rescuing its survivors and helping its villages, each of you gain a point of Piety for your respective deities. More details will be sent in a PM sometime in the future :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:46, Tue 13 Apr 2021.