The Captain nods but it seems that he has already thought of that.
"Trading is a good idea, but so far we only have our weapons and armors to trade. And we really need those because we have far less of those than people. We resurrected without anything."

Gulmina then takes the word.
"That leaves with our only option being the hope that the inhabitants of these lands have a very serious problem with bandits. We can of course raid one or two towns, but if we are discovered or we let one of them escape, we will be the ones with serious problems."

"At least we have pure water now." Captain Alphileus continues. "And the river that is close from here can give us fish. So would the sea, but we don't have any ship."

Maria listens man's tale about the battle, she had lived and endured a far worse and cruder men's company in during her training in distant monastery dedicated to art of blade and warfare. As man finishes she replies; "I can only tell merits of the alliance and speak out for them but you need convince the king that despite your unit's past you can be boon to the kingdom and that your willing follow local laws and become part of the kingdom. Just make it point any deeds your unit did against this kingdom if any was under orders and needs declared by the empire which your unit formerly served, than by whimsical personal desire to do so.

But tell me more about your leader; who he is as I did not meet him as I departed before battle started full with you and the elves and dwarves."

Elliana politely nodded as he understood her request, not caring if his smile was forced or not as she quietly put aside her wine. Too much would cloud her mind and she wished to properly see what came between the king, the elves, and the pelorites. The bridgeburners were just the perfect end to this day, backed by the elves after being demeaned by the Pelorites. She couldn't have set it up better if she had tried.

Ezourer wants to laugh. Who would have said that the Bridgeburners would have to depend of sea months ago?
"We can't become farmers from night to morning. And I guess the same rule goes for fishing, Captain. But I trust that Glasenter will be able to cast spells soon. I hope he can help us in providing food to the troops. Others are expert in survival too. I mean, we will be hungry, but not that hungry."
This message was last updated by the player at 15:45, Mon 01 June 2015.

"Believe me Lady Red." Martil chuckles "The last thing we want right now is to get in any more trouble than we are right now. It is in our best interest to follow these land's laws and commands. And we are pretty good at following orders."

When he is asked about his leader Martil keeps silence. Without even asking for permission, he takes a loaf of bread and starts eating it. He doesn't look at anyone anymore. He just seems to stare at the wall, trying to find the exact words.

"The captain... Captain Alphileus is the kind of control freak bastard that everyone hates."

------------------------
The captain nods to Ezourer and looks around. "Enough with talking. Let's take a walk and inspect the troops." He leads the group of healers, walking slowly. Everyone knows what he is doing. He is paying attention to the tiny details. Searching for imperfections as he nods to every group of soldiers that salutes him in his round.
------------------------

Martil stops chewing and adds "He thinks that, somehow, we are his private property. That he owns you and because of that, he can do what he wants with us. Like a kid with his toys. Sometimes I wonder if he sets a goal for the day for how many people wants to see him dead."


------------------------
The Captain suddenly spots something that calls his attention. Two Bridgeburners warming their hands on a nearby fire, their weapons against the wall of one of the houses. And the distance of the last point where the group has seen someone standing on top of the city walls doing guard duty indicates that they are the one who should be there, at the top of the wall with their weapons ready.
The tone and the volume are not from a throat of the civilized species. It is way more primal and powerful. What comes from Alphileus' mouth is not a shout. It is a roar, twisted in such way that it appears to have words inside of it. The sargeant in charge is instantly summoned and the three Bridgeburners are as pale as snow. But suddenly the Captain smiles and pats their shoulders, like an understanding father. His voice becomes soft. "Don't worry Bridgeburners. I know how cold you are. I understand perfectly the need to have some warm to keep vigilance on our only line of defense..." The privates smile. They don't know better like the sargeant. He knows what is coming after a soothing voice from his Captain. "AND I KNOW THE BEST CURE FOR THAT, YOU DOGS! YOU WILL GIVE TWENTY ROUNDS AROUND THIS FUCKING TOWN, YOU MAGGOTS! THE EXERCISE WILL WARM YOU UP AND CREATE A PERFECT BOND BETWEEN A SARGEANT AND HIS SUBORDINATES! YOU WILL LEARN TO LOOK UP FOR YOUR MEN, SARGEANT! DOUBLE TIME, MARCH!" Of course the sargeant leads the troops. He must think how to get even with the two privates that caused this after all and cold calculates punishment won't be possible with him looking at them.
------------------------

Martil then pinches again the loaf of bread and smiles. "But you know... that often plays in your favour in the battle. Because like any child, he has no problem in breaking his toys. But woe of anyone else who breaks them. In that way, we are way better than with any other commander. Noone demands the things he does. But noone gives a copper for your life either. Noone except him."

------------------------
The Captain then walks to Ezourer. "Make sure those idiots make the twenty rounds, but spare them if they fall of exhaustion before that. Just make sure it is from exhaustion. Those two imbeciles could have let an enemy kill us all."
------------------------

Martil sighs. "The Bridgeburners are the most condecorated company of the Karot Empire. But I don't feel hard to fight like a berserker with the Captain commanding us. Not with a man that doesn't doubt in ordering you to retreat while he stays behind stopping and receiving all the attacks your supposed brothers in arms are throwing at you."

------------------------
It is there when the captain seems to flinch. Sorium, one of the healers, rushes to him. "Captain, you have not ate anything yet. Let me bring you something." But Alphileus dismisses him, pushing him at a side with a gentle but firm palm. "No. First the subofficials, the privates... I can wait."
------------------------

They leave Ezourer to take "care" of the running trio. After the tenth round, they fall to the ground.

Ezourer sighs. That is the Captain for you. The worst son of a whore a moment, and the man that watches your back  even when that means that getting screwed at another. He refrains on commenting about his state of health and needs, Captain Alphileus is more than capable of taking care of himself. And of anyone else.

He sees the bodies of his fellow on the ground and approaches, walking slowly. "You better not be acting! Or I will tell the Captain!"

When he is there, he kneels and checks them up.

OOC: Heal checks to see how exhausted they are. I guess?
22:14, Today: Ezourer rolled 23 using 1d20+18. Heal check Soldier 1.
22:14, Today: Ezourer rolled 31 using 1d20+18. Heal check Soldier 2.
22:14, Today: Ezourer rolled 27 using 1d20+18. Heal check Sargeant.

Lady Maria listens Martil talk about his commander, then at end when he finishes she speaks; "So, he is like father who gives tough loving for his kids then. I can respect that sort commander even if he would be otherside battlefield. Anyways we see how the meeting between you and king will go, as even if you had defected from Karot Empire and your unit is potent and I had seen it first hand, only what I can do for you is just give recommendations to the king about your potential and he then decides a final decision which I as king's subject will have to follow and respect."

Elliana finished her food and wine, waiting quietly for the king's return. She had nothing to say about the Bridgeburner, she hoped it would work well in his favor just to spite the servants of Pelor though and strain the alliance. The fact was though she was, at least at the moment, a relatively minor noble and her opinions had little bearing to many compared to that of Maria's. She didn't mind much though, she was pleased with how she had proven herself so far with skill and action rather then many of those who looked down upon her.

Bridgeburners
-------------

The men seem to be still alive. At least they breath. And the swept in their skin seems to give the reason to the Captain's words. But they lay still on the ground and the begin to shiver. The ground is cold and the men have little in their stomachs to keep them warm for long.

Their legs seems to be stiff, and their breath irregular.

"We can't go anymore, Ezourer!" Nathan, one of the soldiers say. "Let us rest, please!"




--------------------------------------

Zarusian Soldiers
------------------

"Father?" Martil raises his eyebrow and smirks. "Lady Red, I am glad I am not your brother." But then his cockiness fades and drinks another sip. "But it would be nice to meet my parents. The Bridgeburners killed them and took me with them." He just shrugs. "That is life for us. Bleh."

Just then the king comes accompanied by Fieryheart and the elves. Neither looks happy. The king sits at his throne and the elves stand before him, and signals Martil to come with them, visibly annoyed that he is in the table with Lady Maria and Lady Elliana.

"Wish me luck" Martil smiles to them and joins the elves kneeling with them.

"Martil of the Bridgeburners. Why isn't your leader with us tonight?" Fieryheart asks in a stern voice.

"My Captain is surely busy reorganizing my unit. If we are to be use of you, he must be sure that your forces are in top condition." Mithran's reply is swift, as if he was expecting it.

"Is it true that your Captain was killed and resurrected? How many people capable of bringing him back from the death are in the Bridgeburners?" Now is the young king asking.

"I... really don't know how the Captain and the others were resurrected, your Majesty. I had been told that Glasenter, a corporal, managed to use magic from the Lich that we destroyed and he used it to resurrect them all. But I don't know the details, your majesty, although this speaks volumes about the kind of power we offer you."

"That is another question. How can we be sure of your loyalty? You had just been sent here to destroy us all. Now you say that you will fight for us. Why shouldn't we believe that you will backstab us and go back to your masters at the first opportunity?" Fieryheart asks again.

"Because the empire wanted to kill us. And noone is fool enough to trust again in an employer that wanted to kill you. But we are soldiers and we know how to fight. And for the looks of it, you will need soldiers in the near future. My elven friends here can testify about the power of the Captain." The elves clear their throat visibly annoyed.

"Need soldiers in the near future? But why? We have defeated the undead horde and the Karot Empire retreated, leaving you alone here!" The King stands up, demanding an explanation.

"We defeated the lich. But it can only be destroyed if we destroy his phylactery. He will come back. For you this time. And the Karot Empire knows you are here. For how long do you think you will be safe, your Highness?"

The king falls again on his throne. "No... I want peace. I want security for my kingdom and me."

"And what do you expect to get out of your services, Martil of the Bridgeburners?" Fieryheart suddenly asks.

"The town we are in as a base. Metal to forge weapons. The possibility to trade with goods. And food."

"Food? Can't you fish? Hunt? Farm? Why food in particular?" Fieryheart smirks.

"Some of us are good at hunting. But they are not enough to feed us all. And we are soldiers. Very good soldiers. The kind that comes of the complete dedication to the martial life. The elves have spoke well of this arrangement. Believe me that they wouldn't have spoke so well if we had other things in our mind besides the battle."

Badan Alauie then takes the word. "Your highness, as I said before, the dwarves would also pay you a rent for the town. We too. We will also participate in the price to be paid to the mercenaries. You don't need to worry much about that."

Fieryheart sighs. He turns to the King. "It may be a good treaty, my King. Almost too good to be true. I have my reserves. The Brigeburners are cruel and vicious warriors and I fear for the security of the entire alliance."


The King just stares at Martil and sinks his face on his open palms. "I don't know what to do. Please someone tell me what to do."

Siarani Fieryheart then walks to take a seat to his side, wearing a soothing smile.

Lady Maria listened Martil's story about his parents she replied; "And you hold no grudge towards those who killed your parents in first place?" However before any grander discussion on that could start, Martil was summoned before king and Lady Maria observed from the sidelines the talks.

As it continued on and when king just sighed and openly declared he did not know what to do but more quickly than enough Siarani Fieryheart is moving in with her comforting smile besides him.

Lady Maria sighs and raises goblet to sip but mutters (only loud enough that Elliana and her mother could only hear her; "King is weak and pelorite slut exploits it. So we got no king but slut queen ruling the kingdom." That's her opinion anyway, it feels pelorites would not ever make king strong and be capable leader and just use him as puppet....and that disgusts her.

Once Lady Maria finished sip from her cup she spoke loudly now enough to be heard by the king; "You do know what you want my king? Peace and security for kingdom and yourself? Reason why lich or Karot Empire keeps attacking us is because they do not fear you nor your kingdom nor it's champions and military. They view your kingdom weak, exploitable and something which can be conquered and taken from you.

If these enemies would fear what would happen when they would attempt strike you or take what's yours, they would not strike you at all. Increasing your military might, create stronger defenses and have more soldiers would make your foes hesitate to attack. As counter they would build bigger and stronger army to try overcome you. Or attempt sabotage yours to be weaker.

But you must match the pace of their planned growth in growing your own kingdom forces also. A mercenary band which is vicious and has already feared reputation would help increase the height of the wall which your foes has to climb over to try conquer your kingdom.

Peace is formed either by through mutual understanding or to fear. It's clear there can be no mutual understanding with lich and with Karot Empire. So only tool left is fear. You know my opinion already on Bridgeburners, I just point out reason why enemies attack you and will keep attacking you and pointed out solutions for it."

Elliana agreed with Maria though she said nothing, listening to Lady Maria's words carefully. Once more her 'friend' spoke well, fear or understanding worked best but it seemed to her as if Maria was appealing more to the nobles around them then the king himself. She waited a moment before she stood, both out of respect, as well as to make sure eyes where on her.

"My Liege, I hope you can forgive me for speaking above my station but there is something that has yet to be addressed.

If you doubt the bridgeburners loyalty, a simple Zone of Truth and direct questions would guarantee honesty. But they are soldiers seeking a home, more then that they seek to occupy a city that is already a major target which will need to be razed or re garrisoned.

Even more, though you believe in peace, those at peace still prepare for the worst. Monks train to fight even as they seek inner peace, many acolytes learn divine spells for offensive measure as well as defensive. Please do not confuse Peace with Surrender ."

Elliana let her words resound for a moment before she leaned forward, her hand resting on her Helmet. The scorch mark was obvious, but turned so the king could stare directly at it as she glanced at Fieryheart.

"Even though many may hesitate to take my words on peace and war considering my faith in Zarus, even your own Pelorites prefer to settle slights and rivalries with fighting. At peace, or at war, we must be prepared to defend our lands and our people. To do anything else is nothing short of Surrender. Whether the Bridgeburners or others, knowledge of this threat is good enough reason to shore up the armies and prepare them for the worst."

Elliana inclined her head politely before she sat back down, hoping her point had been made. The scorch mark, freshly made, continued to face the king and Siarani directly. Whether the Pelorites had spoken of their duel or not, the king and everyone else had seen how pristine her helmet had been when she stepped outside at lady Fieryhearts command.


OOC: so Elliana might not make sure the helmet is noticed by all the Nobles with that roll, ew, but hopefully enough to get them talking. Should it have been another roll besides Innuendo/Bluff, please let me know.
09:09, Today: Elliana rolled 15 using 1d20+12. Bluff: Innuendo (Pointing out the Helmets damage to everyone while with Fieryheart).
09:07, Today: Elliana rolled 38 using 1d20+22. Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Thu 09 July 2015.

"You have much energy in that throat, Bridgeburner!" Ezourer laughs, not afraid of joking at all. "My rank is Sargeant. When you address to me, be sure to remember that. Is that understood, Bridgeburner?." He waits for the soldier's answer, now understanding why the pricks that got an ascension were so ready to rub it on his nose. It feels so good!

If he says something like "Yes, sargeant, yes!", the guys will earn an arm to help them stand up and walk to the nearest house. But in any case, Ezourer feels that the guarding position must be filled. He would not attend immediately the Bridgeburners, but secure the wall taking the position they should have kept.

Zarusians

Siarani is going to speak something when she is interrupted by Maria's and Elliana's words. She looks at them as if she wants to eat them alive. The two Zarusians can even see a little shake of rage taking her body.

But then Siarani turns to the king and sees him nodding, agreeing with the words just told to him. She immediately takes the King's hand and speaks to him. "They zarusians took the words from my mouth, my Lord. But we can't trust the defence of this kingdom to this band of mercenaries alone." He looks to the elf an adds. "And I am sure our elven and dwarven allies agree that dark times will come to these lands if indeed the Lich and the Karot Empire has set their eyes upon us."

The girls suddenly stands up from her seat and kneels in front of the King, looking at his eyes and still holding his hand. "The Army of the Alliance must not only be mantained but enforced. Against these perils, our Kingdoms must not have any difference. They must fight as one. Your leadership must not be questioned. Your strenght recognized. Make arrangements for building roads across our lands, my lord. Connect yourself not only with your loyal subdites, but also with your allies. Both nations must have a clear way to help you. And they must know that your army will immediately come to help them. Call for representatives of the three kingdoms to gather in Pale both to control the Bridgeburners and to form a task force that can custody the three realms swiftly and decisively. We need your leadership, my lord!"

King Kurtac Stonewill hears her speech and stands up. His eyes are open wide, showing how Siarani's speech has inflamed his heart. "Yes... Yes! Badan Alauie, tell Eurielmen the Chainbreaker that the three armies can't operate on their own anymore! A permanent task force must be immediately sent to pale to control the Bridgeburners and to... to... to act very fast if one of our kingdoms are in peril! I will send a message to our dwarven allies saying just that!"


Badan Alauie bows his head. "As you wish, King of Baviar."

But Siarani is not done. Not yet. She smiles and look to the empty seat where Martil seated just moments ago. She stands on her feet and walks to the King's right side, caressing his arm. "My King, you may choose your champion right now to show our elven allies the seriousness of your decision. And who better than Lady Maria Brightmane and her mini... right hand Lady Elliana Zusari for that job? It is obvious that the Brigeburners know them well. This soldier here was sitten at their side, enjoying the meal you offered to your nobles."


The elf can't believe what he is hearing "King Kurtac! She can't be serious! Sending the Zarusians to garrison with our troops? Surely the champions of Pelor can be better for this task and..."

"Don't talk to me about the Champions of Pelor!" Siarani shouts in rage but immediately regains her composture. The King's eyes move from Badan Alauie to Siarani Fieryheart back and forth. She looks at him and speaks again, in her usual submissive tone of voice. "My dear elven friend, we wouldn't impose you any more than your petition for allowing war criminals to stay in our lands. I am sure that everyone will find their combat skills extremely well suited to attack our enemies..." she moves and takes her seat again "... at the vanguard."

The elf keeps silence for a few seconds. He looks to the Zarusians and then to Siarani. "Always at the vanguard?". She doesn't respond. Instead she looks at him and takes the king's hand.

And the King looks at her and nods. "Yes, very suited to be at the vanguard of our army."

Martil looks at everyone and smiles. "So... we get food, right?"


-------------


Bridgeburners

The hours pass and nothing happens. Fortunately. Another Bridgeburner comes to relieve Ezourer. And when he puts his feet on the ground again, he finds the Captain looking at him with his back on a wall of a house.
"You could have ordered anyone to guard that position. You even could ordered the idiots to do it. But instead you took that responsability." A spark in the captain's eyes speak of how proud he feels for the shifter. But he doesn't say anything. There is no need for words.

"Go to sleep now. Tomorrow I want you to make sure that Glasenter will be able to cast spells. You will hunt again Sargeant and this time I want you to bring food."

Elliana was quick to reply, even before Maria for once as she raised her glass with a warm smile. It was obvious to her she and her kin where sacrifices, hopefully left for dead. But she saw what Fieryheart did not as she made sure eyes where on her.

"I may not speak for Lady Brightmane, but I for one thank you kindly Lady Fieryheart. Your words have shown me what I must do. At your words I will spread the word and might of Zarus across the kingdoms. At your words I will help Vanguard this army, showing to both elves and dwarves the wisdom of seeking Zarus's aid. Picture it! Every where the army goes, everyone shall see the kings army championed by the might of Zarus. Every ally will see he trusts in the church of Zarus. Even the church of Pelor believes our strength is unbreakable, enough to risk their allies lands and lives!"

Elliana took a deep breath, eyes shining at what this could mean. She was seeing a picture, a big picture, that had gone well over Fieryheart's head.

"On order of the church of Pelor, and the king, we will march through the lands of our kings allies. We shall show them our unbreakable strength, how under our might they are safe and have no need to worry. What better way to spread Zarus's word? To prove his kindness to the masses, both of humanity and the other races. I thank you personally Lady Fieryheart, for believing in the might of Zarus enough to make us the Sword and Shield that humanity will rally behind."

She made sure to lift her cup extra wide, the beautiful smile on her lips as she cheered out the last words loud enough for the soldiers in the hall to hear.

"TO THE VANGUARD OF ZARUS IN OUR DARKEST TIME. LIVE OR DIE, WE SHALL BECOME LEGEND AND INFLUENCE COUNTLESS GENERATIONS TO COME ACROSS ALL THREE RACES!"


23:38, Today: Elliana rolled 33 using 1d20+22. Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Thu 06 Aug 2015.

Lady Maria was slower to react, as she analyzed lady Fieryheart's words and wondered was she entirely a fool or cunning? True one way to get rid rivals is to send to front lines to die but does she completely underestimate both lady Maria and lady Elliana's abilities?

It's clear she hates both lady Maeria and lady Elliana as they both stole her spotlight as king's advisors....so is she seeking just buy time to wrap her little fingers around king's heart while keeping both her and lady Elliana away?

But then lady Elliana makes truly marvelous speech....lady Maria envies her, she clearly has much better skills in making speeches than her. While she herself is not without grace but hers is more refined for fields of battle than court which she herself can admit.

She moves to stand as lady Elliana raises her cup and she does so and speaks; "My father was known as green tide breaker, he was the vanguard who protected the kingdom from horde of goblins and orcs years ago in the northern parts of the kingdom. A act which proved his mettle which was blessed by Zarus and was knigthed to nobility and brought Zarus teachings to this land. I, lady Maria Brightmane, will gladly carry on my father's legacy in this vanguard if king so commands!"

As lady Maria spoke her words resonated with extra thunder and might which powerfully reminded nobles and kings alike the legend of her father, a deed which is hero's tale despite how much pelorites tried demonize her father's actions later years. Remind them it's not first time Zarus champion has protected the kingdom from peril.....which may make lady Fieryheart actually tiny bit regret for suggesting sending lady Maria and lady Elliana to vanguard and on leadership position of the garrison formed by Bridgeburners and from elven and dwarven armies.

OOC: Cast divine Insight to bolster her perform:oratory and aid another roll for Elliana. Perform got 23 roll (rolled poorly :P. But still counts as great performance in oratory) and diplomacy got past 10 to give Elliana +2 to her diplomacy roll.

OOC: Spells are not allowed here.

The king smiles and even begins to clap a little, moved by Elliana and Maria's enthusiasm. The nobles begin to murmur, some in disapproval but others looking at the Zarusians with a little more respect.

But it is Siarani who takes her cup and stands up, raising it to salute the Lady Knights. As she speaks, she slowly walks to them.

"Indeed, Noble Zusari and Fieryheart. I foresee that this is the start of a tale that will be told during generations. Your deeds will be recorded. Your actions, known by everyone. Songs will be heard, talking about what you do with your hands, your hearts and your souls, till they will written in the history of our country. And everyone will remember you."

Siarani Fieryheart now stands before the knights and smiles with the sainthood of an angel and the cunning of a snake.

"It is the custom of this kingdom that a Lady wishes good luck to the champion and the favor of the gods on the mission with a kiss. Please allow me this honor."

She gives a kiss on the cheek on each Zarusian knight...




... and cheers for them. "For the victory that our champions will soon bring us!"

Martil applauds too. "But we will get some food, right? Right?"

Siarani immediately turns to him and then looks at Kurtac Stonewill. "Great King. I think that our troops will need food. Enough to not die till the arrival of the Armies of the Alliance." She sits again at his side and declares. "You will have your food, Martil of the Bridgeburners. The church of Pelor has grains for those who suffer hunger." She looks to High Priest Fieryheart who looks her back and only nods.

"Eat well, Martil of the Bridgeburners. Tomorrow you will travel back to Pale and bring the Bridgebuners food with an emmisary of Great King Kurtac Stonewill. And then, with our army assembled, our chosen champions will join you in your headquarters."

Then Fanastida and Lord Soldercot rise from their sits applaud. There is pride in their eyes. And slowly, some of the nobles begin to clap too. And Siarani looks at them, taking mental note of who is cheering for Maria and Elliana.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:06, Sun 23 Aug 2015.

Ezourer nods and salutes the Captain.
"He won't be able to put any excuses, Captain!"

Glasenter was recovering, but as a healer, he needs to get results quicker. He walks to his quarters to take care of the bookworm accompanied by Galú. He opens the door and enters after letting the dinosaur enter as well.

After checking that Glasenter is doing OK, he gives the good news.
"Rest well, bookworm. The captain expects you to be in top condition starting tomorrow. I will hunt and you will prepare meals. Like a good wife!"

After a laugh, he prepares to pray to the Bridgeburners of Old for help tomorrow and get a good sleep.

Lady Maria was bit surprised on the welcoming attitudes growing even amongst nobles who had scorned her and her family name before, more so when Siarani came to kiss her and albeit no doubt there is some trickery involved in the affair....she plans face whatever challenge in form of her trickery she throws at her and lady Elliana. So she accepts the kiss on the cheek and as it's toasted and cheered for the plan, so does she raise her cup and sip from it. Notice those who start clap for her and that Siarani is watching them carefully.....

Either the case after toast and sip is done she returns back down to her seat and says; "You heard Martil of Bridgeburners, eat well your fill and prepare for early march tomorrow as I and lady Elliana will escort you along with food supplies to Bridgeburners the food they need to recover their strenght and fight for the threats against this kingdom." Lady Maria also notes who clapped for her and tried remember any trivia what she had learned in past of the individuals in question. However she had been long away from noble social circles she recalls very little though.

OOC: Just general 'remember names and backgrounds' for K:nobility.

01:28, Today: Lady Maria Brightmane rolled 5 using 1d20.  K:Nobility (+4).

Total result; 9 or 14 if count collector of stories bonus in. Anycase ready to time skip to move to tomorrow unless anything else is planned for this day. Oh, also lady Maria rolls sense motive vs Siarani, to get 'hunch' what she may plan.

01:30, Today: Lady Maria Brightmane rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sense Motive (+7).

Total result; 20.

Elliana accepted the kiss with grace, offering Sirani a soft smile. No matter the intent behind the Pelorite's kiss, she was happy with this chance to prove herself as she basked in the cheers for the followers of Zarus. She was done with her wine, knowing better then to drink overly much as she sipped at her water and allowed the others to speak.

She was considering whether a stop by her own estate for a pair of translators would be best. She was hesitant to take her ladies into battle, but knew they would also be thrilled to see their homelands once more. And she would prefer someone who knew the local area that she could trust.

Bridgeburners
---------------
The days pass by and Glasenter regains his strength (Or usual weakness). The captain interviews him several times after he is fully recovered.
No matter the effort, the amount of food that is gathered, hunted or fished is not enough. The soldiers are hungry. At least, they share their hunger, so noone has a full belly. But six days later, a caravan is seen. And leading it, the bald head of Martil shines with the little sun that falls to the hills.

The Brigdeburner is receibed by his pairs with celebration worthy of a war hero. Because blessed is the one who brings food to an army, or so says the creed of majority of the armies of the world.

Four wagons full of grains and other foods follow the hero.

"Open the gates!" The captain orders with a satisfaction smile on his face. The Bridgeburners rushes to obbey the captain, more motivated by their empty stomachs that by duty. Everyone opens the path for Martil and everyone who is with him.

Ezourer is standing among the crowd.

OOC: Give me Spots and Knowledge Religion checks.







Zarusian Soldiers
-------------------

Siarani Fieryheart returns to her chair (Throne?) and smirks. "No, Lady Brightmane. You and Lady Zusari should stay here to prepare the troops." She smiles to the king and puts her hand on his. "Our King will select the emmisary that will ride along Martil of the Bridgeburners with the grain given by the mercy of Pelor."

"Yes... I will." replies the young King looking at her.

"It is all set then. Let's eat well. Today is the beggining of a new adventure and I am sure it will mark the destiny and success of our kingdoms. You too, Martil of the Bridgeburners. You may return to your seat, I am sure your presence will be welcomed there."

The soldier happily obbeys the order and proceeds to sit and eat. Then Siarani excuses herself to work with the documents to formalize the task force, followed by the elves that are called to cooperate with her. The rest of the evening is uneventful.



The next morning is cloudy. Martil is already gone with the emmisaries chosen by the King. And Siarani Fieryheart is waiting for you with her uncle High Priest Fieryheart in the throne room. It seems that the servants of Pelor raises earlier than the god.
"Greetings Champions of the Realm. We are just discussing the war effort that will be put under your command." The High Priest salutes you. Siarani is sitting in a desk next to him, reading some papers.

"The noble houses will be asked to give men, weapons and food for our task force. Since you are in charge of this expedition, my dear ladies, I am sure you can set your level of commitment and be an example for them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:25, Mon 26 Oct 2015.

Ezourer pets Galú, looking at the food that Martil brings and applauds as it enters the town. "Well done Martil! You are the man! Martil! Martil! Martil!".
He also looks at everything else, just in case.

OOC:
15:17, Today: Ezourer rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge Religion check.

15:16, Today: Ezourer rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  Spot check.

Martil jumps from his horse and rushes to the Captain. Everyone keeps silence. Everyone knows that the Bridgeburner has a knack to talk with people and that it is no surprise that the Captain chose him for that reason to talk with the rulers of these lands. He salutes him and the Captain salutes him back.

"Mission accomplished, Captain. The Bridgeburners will have food."

Everyone cheers and chants Martil's name.

"Captain, let me introduce you to Argail Favaren. He is the Kingdom of Baviar's representative that has come to bring us food. He is here to discuss terms and conditions with you."

The Captain and Favaren look at each other. No doubt measuring themselves. Finally both of them seems to know enough of each other to give an acceptance nod. "Welcome Argail Favaren." The captain says to him and begins to walk to the headquarters, followed by the Baviar representative.

The people that Favaren brought with him stand up on their wagons.

Just then Glasenter comes over. "Hope the negotiations be short. I am hungry."

Elliana had not expected privacy though at feeling the magical sensory she had certainly felt her privacy violated. She had obviously felt it though because when she changed, she refused to remove her slip and undergarments. She had suffered worse upon the trail and had no desire to give someone, most likely lady Siarani a 'show'. She followed after Lady Maria respectfully and took her seat as Siarani spoke of war efforts and household contributions.

She was silent, lightly chewing on her bottom lip as she carefully considered what her lands could offer without risking too much. Oh the numbers of her keep were high enough to spare a few she knew, and those she owned were fiercely loyal besides her guards. But she had fields that needed tending, guards posted, and shifts cycled. She was irritated to think that her handmaidens where the first to come to mind as those whom technically weren't needed at the keep, though they had been left in charge of the household itself. But there were other's whom could work as a steward and she sighed softly.

"My household is barely forty strong, not including myself or my siblings. But I think I can spare around a fifth of that for the war efforts. I'd rather avoid taking anyone with a family though I think there are enough men that fit those efforts. It's not much but I should be able to provide... Two of my militia, which is only ten in number, and four able bodied slaves whom could help with the supplies or fight. They know enough to defend themselves. My handmaidens might be best joining us as well though I am unsure, they would not be good for war but they could help organize the supplies and attend me. As for supplies, I should be able to provide for my men and offer a few wagons and other things on top of that."

It seemed for the moment 'politics' where put aside. She didn't care the woman across from her was a Pelorite, and she knew the numbers and supplies of her household was minor. But she was their lady and she would not strip them bare for some political staging, her household was important to her and she would not leave it lacking. A fifth of her keep was a rather large number in her mind, even if it only attributed to eight individuals.

Lady Maria nods on Siarani's words from them staying and form the task force. The rest evening she dined and socialized but also were worried for potential hidden ploys Siarani planned for her and Elliana's downfall....

Next morning

After doing morning exercise, prayer and then bath and get dressed back on her armor she came to the meeting. As high priest salutes she nods and replies; "Greetings high priest." Seeing Siarani read and handling papers which should be read and handled by king further cements that who wears pants in that relationship and who actually rules the kingdom.

As discussion for setting example, Elliana speaks of her contribution and Maria sees she gave it careful thought and clearly understood reasons why it was hard decision for her. Lady Maria then looks high priest as she replies; "I will take a one third of my forces with me, that's maximum amount what anyone should contribute for the cause really where as one fift would be minimum demand. Priority should be going to soldiers and then artisans and craftsmen and those who have no spouses nor children to take care of. Those who own business or farms must arrange a agreement with their neighbhors or other relatives who stay behind to take care of the business while their gone on the campaign.

My contribution will hold a twenty soldiers and a carpenter, blacksmith, doctor or healer and a personal assistant."

Siarani smiles pleased with the upcoming of events.
"Very well then. I am happy to see that you have come with such commitment. I am sure everyone will follow your leadership."

The pelorite writes a paper and handles it to both of you, detailing the number of soldiers and the percentage each are going to give. Once you sign them, Siarani calls for a notary.

"Tell our lords and ladies the soldiers the King expects from each land. Lady Brightmane and Lady Zusari must not meet a commitment to our ideals lesser than this in them."

She stands up and smiles to you. "Now, my ladies, I am sure you will have much to plan and prepare in your keeps and lands. After all, we will have to augment the king's share in the crops to mantain our army. We will meet in a week, here when you will lead our army to Pale Town."

And then she sits and a smile, that wants to be sincere and because of that is terrible false, forms in her mouth.

"You are dismissed."