[D&D 4e IC] The Revenge of Atesh

Ain Soph

THE REVENGE OF ATESH

Players:

Corporal Perra m'Donaar, Dragonborn Warlord - Played by Rainfall

Lance Corporal Gargoth, Goliath Fighter - Played by El Skid

Lance Corporal Mazir Kyani, Genasi Swordmage - Played by Jebu

Cadet 1st Class Terkanus Feamere, Human Druid - Played by fe1dman

Cadet 1st Class Kalas, Elf Avenger - Played by robp85

Cadet 1st Class Shepherd, Warforged Barbarian - Played by Iron Weasel

"12th Legion. Report to the Western Garrison Supply Depot immediately."
The graduation ceremony had finished only an hour ago, and you are already being shipped out for war. You were all familiar with the Western Garrison supply depot, as it is where you all had only 20 minutes ago picked up your weapons and supplies.
Each of you individually make your way back to the supply officer, a slight human with little defining characteristics. As you hand him you orders, he says in a trained manner "12th Legion, rear map room."
The map room is dimly lit and you find yourselves accompanied by five others who had just graduated, and single dragonborn guard in plate mail who stands resolute inside the door.
As each of you find a seat around the small table in the center of the room, and uncomfortable silence overtakes the room as you look around and take time to notice the piles of maps in the corners of the room, as well as the large maps nailed to every wall, including the ceiling. Each one scrawled with scribbles and notes.
It seems as if one of you is about t speak, you all hear the door creak open one more time, expecting to see another gruaduate entering the room, only to hear the dragonborn guard standing by the door shout "Room! Atten-shun!" you all quickly stand at attention as a tall human with a captains insignia walks into the room.
"At-ease everyone, take your seats." He speaks in a calm voice, moving to pull a map from the pile in the corner. Pulling out a chair and sliding into it, he unfurls the map and lays it across the table. Then, reaching with an outstretched hand he speaks again "I'll take your orders."

"I'm Captain Tiras Sulestri. And it looks like you have all been assigned to the 12th legion. The good news is that means you're all in the right place." He takes a moment to pause as he looks over the documents. "I see some of you have prior military and combat experience. That's good. That's why you're in the Victrix Legion."
He looks you all over before continuing once more. "Let's get started, shall we?" He files away your orders to his left side and points to the capitol of Ilfay on the map. "We are here. And over here is the 12th legion" He points to an area in Faetrum, northeast of the wall. "They have been patrolling here along the wall, but after several recent skirmishes, their numbers and supplies have dwindled. They have been rerouted to the Hamlet of Oak Hill. 4 days march west of them. While only a 2 day ride for us." He points to a small dot on the map in southeast Ilfay.
"The Commander has determined that Oak Hill is of strategic value. So our task is two-fold. We are to escort a small supply convoy to Oak Hill. Wherein we will work with the local militia to set up a base of operations and prepare for the arrival of the rest of our legion."
With a resolved look on his face, Captain Sulestri rolls up the map on the table and places it in a leather bag at his side. "If there is any last minute tasks that any of you must do, you only have a short time to do it. We will be meeting our convoy at the Western stables within the hour, and from there we will be leaving immediately."

At this point you can all describe any pre deployment tasks any of your characters would have before meeting at the western stables, and their thoughts before their first deployment.

robp85

Sulestri, Kalas thinks to himself. I wonder if he's related to the Master General in any way.

He quickly pushes the thought from his mind. He just received his first order and would not be distracted by frivolous thoughts. As the captain finishes his closing comments, Kalas quickly salutes before turning to the door and exiting. A combination of excitement and nervousness rack his brain as he makes his way to the barracks. Coming to a halt in front of his bunk, he gathers the few supplies he has before he drops to his knees saying a silent prayer to Bahamut.

As he finishes talking to his deity, the elf stands to his feet, straps his greataxe to his back and ensures he has everything one last time before walking out of the barracks. He makes his way to the Western stables at a brisk walk. He would begin fulfilling his life dream in just a couple days time.

Iron Weasel

The warforged called Shepherd sits stock still through the briefing, absorbing the details of the Captain's plan. As the briefing concludes, he finally takes a moment to look around at the other newly-minted twelth legionnaires. His eyes naturally fall on the huge goliath first, whose scars and stance speak to a life spent in combat; Shepherd quietly approves. The black-scaled Dragonborn has a similar bearing, but hers is the look of one who takes a longer view than the immediacy of combat; Shepherd does not need to see her rank insignia to know that she is squad leader.

The human and the elf are of concern, being comparatively small. Still, they survived basic, so they must not be entirely without skill.

The genasi is hardest to read. There is a strange air about him - defiance, perhaps? - and Shepherd resolves to keep an eye on that one.

His joints creak slightly as he rises from his chair and salutes the Captain. Deciding that the map room is no place for idle chatter, Shepherd nods to his fellow soldiers and follows the elf out, making his way across the muster field towards the western stables. Each step is as the sounding of a drum to him. Once more into the breach, he thinks.

Jebu

Mazir gives a curt salute as the captain leaves. As he looks at the other soldiers who had been chosen, he feels a sudden surge of anxiety. He didn't mind simple tasks like being sent off to a peaceful town to set up a base camp, but only being with five other soldiers as opposed to an entire legion made them much easier to pick off, and there would only be more dangerous missions after this. Damn Sulestri and damn my own pride. I knew I shouldn't have shown off in training, but I couldn't help myself, could I?

He gives his new corporal a glance up and down, then nods to her. Something about her seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Still, she was his best shot at making it through this alive. He made his way out of the tent and out to the field, deciding that practicing with his sword before heading to the stables would be the best way to calm down.

Rainfall

Perra stands up the moment the briefing is done, saluting briskly. "We'll be ready, sir. Everyone, you heard the officer! Be at the stables in forty minutes!"

With that, she heads out the door, moving at a brisk pace to once again check over her gear. If anything goes wrong on this mission, it won't be for a lack of preparation.

After repeatedly running through her checks, with a few minutes to go before she had to leave for the stables, she brushed her fingertips against the fragment of eggshell at her throat. "Rhogar... I'll come home to you. I promise."

El Skid

Gargoth sat in the map room, doing his best to keep his face rock hard and expressionless as he awaits his first orders. Luckily, his species is all too good at looking rock-like, and he is fairly sure he has hidden his concern.

Gods, I hope this isn't a combat mission, he thought to himself, though not out of cowardice.

Several days earlier, a corporal had tried to make an example of him, challenging the gentle Goliath to a "friendly duel", confident the ex-gladiator was afraid to fight him and that he could gain reputation by defeating such a massive foe. The words he used to goad Gargoth into the fight had been hurtful- cissy, wimp, coward, and by the time Gargoth had accepted the duel, he was seeing red- so much red that after knocking the corporal down with his first blow he barely maintained enough sanity to not follow through with another attack- likely a fatal one... And he still wasn't sure that he could stop once he started killing. The corporal still didn't know how close he had come to bloody dismemberment- noone did.

Sitting down and receiving his orders, he was flooded with relief. Guard a caravan, help set up a base of operations. No fighting, no killing.

Not yet.

Once the Captain finished, Gargoth stood, a huge smile splitting his face. Bumping his head on a beam as he stood, he looked around at his comrades... And was pleased by what he saw. Of course they were small, but he had seen one or two of them during his training, and they all looked competent.

His smile sagged a bit as the dread intruded itself once again Hopefully I don't lose control and slaughter them all before this is done.

fe1dman

Terkanus rises slowly, pulling himself up by his staff and gives the Captain a salute. What strange bedfellows, as he looks at compatriates. His attention converges for a moment on the warforged and the genasi as they stand and leave. Interesting, don't see those too often in the woods.

As the others file out, Terkanus approaches the captain. "Permission to speak sir," he pauses for the captain to acknowledge him.

"Has there been any more news on the Atesh raiders? Any patterns, similarities, or any information gathered about what their goals might be at this point aside from mindless destruction?"

Terkanus tenses upon speaking the words, remembering the devastation and aftermath of raids he witnessed on his way to join rank.

Ain Soph

"Cadet Feamere, was it?" Captain Sulestri asks rhetorically as he readies himself to leave the map room "I'll fill you all in on the news as we head to Oak Hill." With that he turns and leaves. Walking quickly out of sight to fulfill some unknown pre-departure task.


An hour passes as each of you finishes your final preparations find yourselves at the Western Stables.

At the stables you see 7 covered wagons, fully loaded with food and supplies. At the head of the caravan you see a heavily armed and armored dwarf shouting orders to what seems to be the rest of the caravan crew. A motley assortment of races. Each of them as heavily armed as their dwarven leader.

"Oi!" He shouts to the six of you as he turns to greet you.
His stumpy legs carry him to you. On closer inspection you notice that his vast array of wrinkles indicates that he's a very old dwarf. Oddly though, on his armor is no military insignia whatsoever.
"You must'n be the six Cap'n Sulestri said sumfun' 'bout." He looks each of you over.
"Fresh meat for t'grinder, eh?" He says with a chuckle. A more serious tone quickly replaces his smile though. "I feel sorry fer yer lot, I really do. Victrix seen some nasty fightin' lately. Though I am happy to see a military escort for once. I guess fortune favors us that both'en us need ta be in the same place."

With that he spits and turns his head to look back at the caravan. "Looks ta be we're ready. When the Cap'n gets here we'll be on da way."

With all the commotion at the western stables none of you noticed that Captain Sulestri was nowhere to be found. It seems you all have a brief few moments to yourselves before he arrives.

fe1dman

Terkanus turns to the other five, "I may have met some of you before in basic training, but I guess formal introductions are in order. I am Terkanus Feamere, Cadet First Class. I grew up as a Lookout in the eastern wilds known as Morningwood. I guess I never grew out of it. If ever you find yourself in the thick of things and need some relief or support, I'm your man."

Terkanus demonstrates with a subtle snap of his finger, calling down a miniature zap of lightning that startles a squirrel getting too close to the grain supply. The squirrel takes a half leap back, waits a breath while cocking its head and chittering. When it ventures forward again, an arc of electricity springs up from the ground and singes its whiskers, driving it off to the bushes.

El Skid

The Goliath stepped forward, towering over the other enlisted men- even the dragonborn. "I am Lance Corporal Gargoth. I grew up... in the mountains, though I have found my way here quite recently. I hope to help however I am able, and will do everything I can to protect you all from harm."

Iron Weasel

The warforged looks his companions over. "Maul, greataxe, greatsword, greatsword," he says, pointing to Gargoth, Kalas, Mazir and himself. "Heavy-hitters; that's good." He stares a moment at Kalas. "We'll have to see about staying power."

After a moment, he continues. "I'm called Shepherd. I fought in the last war. I've been brought out of retirement to fight again."

He pokes a thick metal finger at his rank insignia. "Apparently I get to be a cadet; we didn't have ranks last time."

Jebu

As he hears the others introducing themselves, he turns and nods to them. "Lance Corporal Mazir. I hail from Citiro." He grimaces and says in a low voice, "Not that that matters now." His skin seems to shudder slightly, like ripples on a pond, and he looks over to the scorched spot where the druid's lightning hit. "I suppose if we have any problems with squirrels on the road, you can take care of them, Terk."

robp85

"I am Cadet First Class Kalas," the elf states. "Point me at the infected and I will cleanse them."

The elf leans against one of the wagons as his hand reaches for his holy symbol tied around his neck.

Iron Weasel

Shepherd looks at Kalas and says, "If they behave anything like they did the last time, the infected will be pointing themselves at us soon enough." He cocks his head at Mazir. "Why doesn't it matter where you're from? Everyone I've ever met has always considered their home to be important."

Rainfall

Perra claps her hands together twice as everyone finishes their introductions, nodding to the group. "Corporal Perra M'Donaar. So long as you're all willing to fight together and not kill me in my sleep, we shouldn't have any problems. I was born and raised on the Isles of Citiro, and I've got a damned lot to protect back at home, so if anyone screws up, you're going to have more than just infected to worry about.
I've got combat experience, like some of you others do. A few years hunting pirates, but that's nothing like full-scale war that we're going to hit. I hope none of you have serious objections to the call of war?"

She walked back and forth in front of the others as she spoke, the lights glancing off her glossy-black scales. As she mentioned home, a talon came up to gently brush against the eggshell fragment on her throat.
Rhogar. I'll return for you.

Iron Weasel

As Perra speaks, Shepherd snaps to attention, his knees squeaking slightly. Looking straight ahead, he answers her. "Ma'am! I was built to answer the call of war. You can rely on me, Corporal."

Jebu

Surprise crosses Mazir's face at hearing Perra's words, then hatred. He grits his teeth, and the rippling effect on his skin increases. His hand begins to stray to his sword, then stops, and moves away. Nothing to be done about it now. But I'll have to have a word and much more besides with this lizard bitch when I can get her alone.

"Aye, Corporal. Fighting's what I'm here for." He starts to walk towards the wagon, stopping by Shepherd briefly to say, "You want to know why it doesn't matter where I came from? Because I'm never going to be able to go back."

Iron Weasel

Shepherd nods sagely at Mazir. "Yeah, me too," he says. "Looks like we have something in common."

fe1dman

Ignoring Mazir's passive-aggressive quip about squirrels, Terkanus slaps his hand on the goliath's shoulders. "What do you say, Gargoth? I think these boys can hold their own, but 'preciate the offer."

Terkanus takes rest from the sun in the towering goliath's shadow, leaning on his staff. "So you grew up in the mountains huh? I think you and I are going to get along just fine."

He moves the bit of straw he was chewing on to the corner of his mouth and looks up at Gargoth's face, squinting against the backdrop of the sun. "How tall would you say you are? Got any experience fetching honey from beehives? I reckon you'd be good at it."

El Skid

Gargoth regarded Terkanus with a bemused expression.

"I'm...about seven and a half feet tall, and I suppose I am quite good at reaching things that are high up. Outside of crossing rickety bridges and swimming through deep water, I have quite a few talents." As he spoke he flexed his massive biceps, which didn't ripple so much as creak- he very much seemed to be carved of stone.

"I expect we'll all get along just fine. So long as everyone uses their heads and helps each other out, I think we will do just fine." Though the druid was somewhat more forward than he was used to, he could see that he meant well, which was what was important.

Getting friendly with them is good. I can't kill someone I like in a blood rage, right?

Ain Soph

The dwarf caravan boss chuckles listening to each of you introduce yourselves "Well I'll be a rude one. Apologies on me part. I am Olvan Jaess. And the boys you see back at the caravan are the Crimson Moon." He speaks as he lifts his left sleeve up to a metal bracer, revealing a red crescent moon tattoo on his wrist. "Pleased to have yas all along."


Just as Olvan finishes speaking the swift gallop of a horse can be heard as you see Captain Sulestri ride up to your group atop a large black steed.
"Good to see you're all here on time. Each of you should go ahead and find yourself a comfortable spot in one of the wagons, we have a long 2 days ahead of us."

He turns his gaze to the dwarf, "Olvan, I assume you're ready. when these six get situated, we are to leave immediately."

"Right, boss." replies the Dwarf as he runs back to the caravan and hollers to the rest of the Crimson Moon crew "Lets shake some dust!" before hopping onto the lead wagon.

DAY 1

The first full day of riding passes without incident. The road is bumpy, and off the beaten path, but is the most direct route to Oak Hill. As night falls upon the world once again, the caravan pulls to a stop to camp for the night.
The crimson Moon caravaners show with obvious experience how to set up a camp quickly and properly, as several camp fires and tents are erected within minutes of the wagons stopping. From the light of the fires you can see Olvan and nine of his thirteen men strewn lazily about the area, talking in hushed tones. While the remaining for stand guard at the edge of the fires, staring out into the darkness. The mood is somber, and it seems there is little to be jovial about.

Propped against a wagon, you see Captain Sulestri reading various papers and reports.

The six of you have a campfire to yourselves, but you each have free reign of the camp before turning in for the night.

El Skid

Gargoth sat at the fire, but strangely faced straight away from it, out into the night, a brooding expression on his face. Can't lose my night vision he thought, we're only a day away from civilization, but with everything that's going on, I can't afford the minute it would take my eyes to get used to the dark again.

He gave off an unintentionally heavy sigh as he stared off into the darkness.

Rainfall

Perra carefully ran the cloth across her glaive, polishing it to perfection once more before resting it on the ground. With a long, curious look, she regarded the Goliath. "We have men on watch, Lance-Corporal. We do get to look at the fire once in a while. You'll get your turn to stare into the dark later tonight."
She laughed quietly, then carefully placed the polishing cloth on a rock next to her.
"What's your life like back home, Gargoth? I've not seen a Goliath in battle, being from the Isles and all, but I hear you're fearsome warriors. Were you the champion of the tribe?"

El Skid

Despite the Corporal's words, or perhaps because of them, Gargoth stayed looking into the darkness, his voice strangely devoid of emotion.

"I was taken from my people when I was young. I had family members who were fierce in battle, and I have grown to be bigger and stronger than almost all of them... But I'm afraid that the right to prove myself as my tribe's champion was very much stolen from me."

robp85

Kalas quietly listens to his companions chat as he finds a comfortable spot next to the fire. He grabs his symbol of Bahamut from his neck and slides it over his head. His hands hold the symbol in front of the fire allowing the light from the flames to dance across the necklace. As he stares into the silhouette of Bahamut, the avenger silently thinks a prayer to his god for safety through his journey. Before, he was ready and eager to fight. Now that the time for fighting is drawing near, the elf begins to feel a little anxious about the battles ahead. It will take a long time for him to achieve his purpose and this adventure would be the first of many in reaching his goals.

fe1dman

Behind you comes the sound of much rustling and the cries of a few Crimson Moon caravaner annoyed at being woken.

After a while Terkanus hollers "Gargoth, help me with this empty barrel" followed by the sounds of more angry caravaners ejecting the human druid from the supply wagon.

Terkanus comes and sits next to the fire, his pride injured more than anything else. "Well guys, we'll have to wait until I get my hands on a large enough jug before Gargoth and I can make my honey mead." He sits in relative silence rubbing his running nose and sniffling every so often.

Moments later he is on his back with his mouth open, sawing logs.

Feel free to wake me for more RP

Rainfall

"Now there is a man who should not be with us tonight." Perra smiled, carefully packing away her polishing kit.
"Gargoth, I apologize. I shouldn't have pried, I doubt most of us are here because we want to be. Bahamut knows I'm not. I just want to know that you're ready to do what it takes to come out the other side."
The dragonborn paused, black scales reflecting the firelight as she let out a heavy sigh, a talon running across the shell at her throat.
"Cadet Kalas, yeah? How'd you get dragged into this affair?" Perra gave a friendly smile to the young elf, finally finished with her weapons and taking a chance to relax in front of the fire.

Iron Weasel

Shepherd sits by the fire with his squadmates, the flickering light playing across the metal plates of his hide, listening to their banter and watching their behaviour. The Corporal was turning out to be every bit the leader he'd expected; professional and efficient, though rather more familiar with her troops than he was used to. A kinder, gentler army? he wondered idly. The human Terkanus was proving to be something of a loose cannon already, but so far no harm had been done. The goliath was ... well, he wasn't sure yet.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Corporal," he says, "but I was wondering what that thing at your throat is. Some kind of good luck talisman, perhaps?"

Jebu

As he sees the elf stare at his holy symbol intently over the fire, Mazir again feels a wave of unease. A pirate hunter and a damned zealot. What in the nine hells was Sulestri thinking putting me in this outfit? He smiles at the snoring human. Terk at least seems a bit more morally flexible. He could be useful in the days ahead.

He moves closer towards Gargoth, careful not to get too close to the fire or the elf, and leans back to see the goliath's face. "So you were taken too, eh? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that it's happening everywhere, not just Citiro." He pauses, then whispers softly, "You and me, we're the cadets' best hope of making it through this alive. The only way we're all going to make it through this is if we watch out for each other." He holds a hand out to Gargoth, hoping the goliath would reciprocate. "So just know that I'll back you up when the time comes."

El Skid

Gargoth looked at the hand for a moment as if surprised, and moved to shake it, engulfing the Genasi's hand.

"...Thank you." he said simply. "It's nice to know I'm not alone."

robp85

Kalas tears his gaze from the pendant in his hand.

"Believe it or not, ma'am, I actually volunteered. My current home is in the isles of Citiro in one of the temples of Bahamut. It is Bahamut's will that leads me to this fight. I am to help clear out the evil that comes from this infection. I realize that many of you were drafted and that you, Corporal, have a family to return to. I know you want to leave this war alive. I will fight to the death if need be." The elf turns his back to the fire having warmed the front of him sufficiently. "That being said, who really wants to die?" Kalas smiles back at Perra.

"What about you, Corporal? Where do you come from?"

Rainfall

"Oh, this?" Perra smiles, gazing deep into the fire. "My son, Rhogar... it's a piece of his shell. To remind me what I'm fighting for. What I have to return to." She looks at the Warforged for a long moment, studying him intently. "You're more perceptive than I would expect from a machine, Cadet. That's good."

It was a long pause while she held Shepherd's gaze, then she turned back to Kalas as he finished his answer. "You volunteered? I guess it's not too surprising, if you're of the faith. I'm from Citiro, like you. One of the sourthernmost isles, Hesh. It's beautiful by the water, but on the interior it's nothing but a dying slum. I joined the army to get off the streets, it was so bad." Perra smiled. "Of course, I left, but now I'm back. Nothing like a war to save our world, right?"

Jebu

Mazir grins as he shakes hands with Gargoth, then jovially claps the goliath on the shoulder. He abruptly rises to walk over to the leader of the Crimson Moon, Perra's words making him anxious to get away from her. Can't trust a damn word she says. Not yet.

He looks around at the heavily armed dwarves, admiring the quality of their weapons. "Should we be worried about the raiders this far from the wall, Olvan? Or are your men on the lookout for more mundane beasties?"

robp85

Kalas chuckles quietly after hearing Perra's final comment. She's different than I would've imagined, Kalas thinks to himself. This outta be an interesting group.

Stretching his legs out and folding his arms across his chest, the avenger allows his eyes to close as his back absorbs the warmth of the fire keeping him warm. He takes a moment to relax realizing that rest will become a scarce commodity soon enough.

Ain Soph

Olvan looks up at the young watersoul and grimly replies to his question, "Out here in da wilderness yas has to be on the watch for anything. A dozen beasties out 'ere would love ta have ye fer a meal. Even what you calls 'mundane' could snatch ya up with no one else in da camp any bit da wiser. My advice ta ya lad is ta sleep light. Same goes to your friends o'er der." With that he turns to one of the crimson moon caravaners and mumbles something under his breath following by a soft chuckle.

Jebu

Mazir grins. "I don't think anybody'll be doing any sleeping with all the ruckus going on," he says as he jabs a thumb back at the snoring druid. "But thanks for the advice. Have you all been to Oak Hill before? Anything important we should know about it?"

Iron Weasel

Leaning forward, Shepherd waits for Perra and Kalas to conclude their chat before speaking again. "Begging your pardon, Corporal," he says evenly, the firelight flashing in the crytalline lenses of his eyes, "but a rope and pulley is a machine; a crossbow is a machine; a catapult is a machine.

"I'm Warforged - a construct - and I'm alive."

Rainfall

Perra shrugs easily. "You were made. I was born. There's a difference there, Cadet."

Iron Weasel

"A machine does because it must. I do because I can. I believe there's a difference there as well, Corporal." Shepherd leans back and heaves his shoulders - a sigh?

"I'm sorry, ma'am - I'm not trying to argue with you. Ninety years ago I wouldn't have cared what you called me. But ..." his gaze seems to wander far away before returning. "I don't know," he says at last, poking himself in the sinewy part of his elbow joint, "maybe I'm going soft all over."

Ain Soph

"Never been ta Oak Hill itself." Olvan says looking back towards Mazir "Hadn't even heard of it 'till da Captain told us where we was headin' next. But knowing how places are that close ta da wall, prolly full o' whores n thieves."

Jebu

Mazir laughs. "Sounds like my kind of place." He nods to the dwarf. "Thanks for your time, Olvan. I'll let you get back to your duties." He walks back to the fire and sits down, feeling too anxious to go to sleep just yet.