Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

May 5, 2025 5:06 pm

"A hundred strong... They outnumber us at least two-to-one and have at least one mage."

Lauretta looked around at their forces in contemplation. Conscripts who probably barely know how to wield a weapon. We need to find some advantage or this will be a bloodbath. She nodded in response to the knight's suggestion, but was caught off by R3N-L3 before she could do much more than that. Instead, the Preceptor looked to the clockwork with frustration.

"We have two objectives here. To save as many lives as possible and to drive back these murderous heathens. Failure to do both will give us a pyrrhic victory at best. We have to aim for both, Renly. Now, I like your idea, Sir Reginald. If there are any who would be willing to take up arms among the pilgrims, it would help even the numbers even slightly. Still, it's a chance we can't rely on."

Looking back to the map, Lauretta points out the Haunted Ruins, the Holy Brothers, and Greyfall Woods.

"What do we know of these ruins here? It looks to be a great position for scouts to lay low and alert of us the movement of the enemy band in advance. Additionally, what of these Holy Brothers here? Is this keep defensible or contain those willing to fight? Lastly, what of these woods? How safe are they? We have rangers, so it would be good to know if we can take advantage of them."

Dmbrainiac

May 5, 2025 5:49 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Father Montaigne provides more information about the locations:

Haunted Ruins: A jumble of old stones lays heaped in a pile in the middle of a field. No one living here has any idea of what the place was, who built, and what happened to it, but almost everyone believes the place haunted.

Holy Brothers Monastery: A two-story stone building with walled garden in the back rises from the slopes of a mountain and overlooks the valley. Some three dozen monks live, work, contemplate the nature of the High One, and maintain their residence. They trade with Auxen village several times a year and remain on friendly terms with them. The monks have all sworn vows of peace and so most likely will not be willing to help in a fight.

Grayfall Woods: Before the founding of Auxen village, the Grayfalls Woods covered twice the ground that it does today, shown by the stumps the woodcutters left when the cleared away timber for the lumber they used to build their homes, temple, and shops. Though diminished, the woods remain teaming with wildlife. Here and there, one finds evidence of a much older people who claimed this territory. These "elf ruins" include a few columns that stand between the trees, a staircase that climbs to nowhere, and many weathered statues carved to depict wondrous creatures.

Tzal 'Indigo' Pointius

Stalker05

May 5, 2025 6:34 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Tzal eyed the map and stroked his beard in contemplation, "I need to know, are we preparing a defense against the raider's attack in the vale? It doesn't seem like a defensible position. If we are facing the raiders there, then we need to fortify the Auxen Vale and set up defenses."

Dmbrainiac

May 5, 2025 6:55 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"Yes, we need to fortify the vale, especially the village, as much as we can. And I do not think we will have a lot of time to do so before the raiders make their move," Father Montaine says.

Wolfram

Windyridge

May 5, 2025 9:29 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"Easy for you to say," Wolfram quips below his breath at the clockworks' ease of offering up sacrifices. It wasn't unexpected though.

After Father Montaigne described the various locations, Wolfram happily offered aid in any way he could, suggesting the best use of his skills would be from within the woods.

"I am at home in the woods and can move with the ease of an invisible predator."

R3N-L3

Lcythas

May 6, 2025 5:48 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"You wish to minimize the expenditure of lives whilst maintaining at least a symbolic victory over the raiders." R3N-L3 said in a confirming manner to Lauretta, before settling back. A soft whirring sound permeated the tent for a few minutes, the glittering sapphire lights of his eyes slowly dying away into distant blue embers. Then, abruptly, they flared back to life as he rose.

"Computation complete. Assume the raiders are organics of an un-fanatic pursuit. Probability, 45%. Assume the raiders are not fanatic enough to be considered immune to terror tactics and mutual destruction paradigms. Probability, 84%. Assume their primary directive is the pursuit of material goods. Probability, 19%. Assume a secondary directive is material desire. Probability, 91%."

Reaching into his bag, R3N-L3 took out a sealed parcel, unwrapping it to reveal an assortment of masterfully baked cookies. Without comment, he placed one on a piece of clean paper in reach of each of the participants, before breaking his into pieces. He placed one on the center of the vale.

"Marauders. A middling threat, less dangerous than humans with good intentions but more dangerous than beasts. However, their quantity scales the threat to a considerable degree. They are tasked with eliminating traces of the High One, with free license to plunder and kill without quarter. In fact, they are commanded to. If I was the commander, I would hit the pilgrims first. Therefore, the pilgrims must leave, going through the haunted ruins in the direction of Greyfalls Woods. Assuming any dissidents have been snuffed out, they will make good progress if in forced march. We will also determine the veracity of these haunted ruins by using them. The ruins' contents is unlikely to kill all pilgrims, which is more than the marauders will spare."

"Bandits are superstitious. Even if they find the trail, they will hesitate if they've heard any rumors about the ruins. That will make them tarry. Meanwhile, the village must raze itself to the ground, along with anything of value they cannot reliably take with them on the march. Both villagers and pilgrims should be doing such, scorching the earth and ruining any sources of food and water for the opposition. If possible, false trails should be led in the direction of Harrow Keep. It is a defensive structure of aged but useful value. If I was the commander, I would expect them to try and hole up in the keep. Indeed, we would prolong a siege, but we would likely lose. They would starve us out. You organics need to intake food on a semi-regular basis, and the juveniles start crying with considerable volume if they are denied food, after all."

"Best-case scenario. Both pilgrims and villagers extract to the right side of the valley whilst removing any supplies of use for the marauders, including the poisoning of the river. The marauders assume they are headed for the keep, and come to an abandoned ruin. They must backtrack whilst taking losses from lack of supplies. Worst-case scenario. Either the pilgrims or the villagers are wiped out, if the marauders predict this stratagem. Both temple and shrine should be razed, any relics of significant value taken. The marauders will go for those two targets immediately, if both village and camp turn up empty. The Inn should be emptied and razed as well if the marauders attempt to go for it in force. If not, any patrols should be picked off at leisure. We will fight in the woods. Guerilla tactics will work best there. This general paradigm will mitigate loss of life to the greatest degree on our side, until they set fire to the woods and burn us out. Then a pitched battle will be unavoidable, if we do not wish to abandon the Vale."

His strategy also meant making it so that the Vale was virtually unlivable, any shrines and places of shelter and civilization torched to ash by their own hand. It was cold, unfeeling precision which would be the very definition of a pyrrhic victory in any other sense, prioritizing saving lives and culling the marauders through starvation, poison, and skirmishing above all else. It met precisely Lauretta's stated requirements, and precisely nothing more.

Tzal 'Indigo' Pointius

Stalker05

May 6, 2025 7:21 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Tzal listened closely to what R3N-L3 said, ignoring his strange behavior, which he had grown accustomed to. After he relayed the plans, Tzal spoke up, "This is a very solid plan, but I think we need to address some issues. The church of the High One won't accept any more losses to shrines and temples if I know them correctly. You are right that the forest is a much better place to hide the pilgrims, but I don't think they will really want to take root in the haunted ruins. Besides, we will have to venture there and make sure that the ruins are clear. Also, what are the people of Auxen Vale saying about the marauders? Are they willing to leave their house? We can perhaps convince them to join the fight? I also need to know about the Holy Brothers. I understand that they are pacifists, but what if marauders attack them? Would they give away their lives? Finally, this is my suggestion, let us trick the marauders into thinking that the pilgrims have resided in Auxen Vale. But we will take them to the forest. We will convince the Holy Brothers to help us in the fight in the Auxen Vale. They will not fight, but they can definitely tend to the wounded and help us create fortifications and traps. As for the battle, I have some ideas about creating traps that might help us. However, I need at least three days and some expensive materials (10 gp) to prepare a batch of spells that might help us. Worst case scenario, I can cut corners and make four spells but I will still need 4 gp of materials, and I will also be fighting at less capability if I do not have time to replenish my mental prowess."

R3N-L3

Lcythas

May 6, 2025 8:09 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"The marauders are likely to target the pilgrims or the village. If the villagers will not fight, and you are not willing to sacrifice the dissenters, then necessity dictates the village to be the battlefield. That is the worst choice, as it would require a pitched battle with the burden of civilians against superior numbers, losing the initiative." R3N-L3 intoned in his usual passive monotone. He didn't appear to care whether or not they won or lost, unperturbed at either possibility.

After a second of regarding Tzal's second opinion, R3N-L3 reached into the folds of his cloak, taking out a coin pouch that dispensed ten silvers and an assortment of coppers. "This unit is willing to loan you this amount, to be paid back at an unspecified deadline sometime before this unit's destruction." R3N-L3 informed the mage. He didn't appear to have spent any of his own money.

Lauretta Shoemaker

TheForsakenEvil

May 6, 2025 6:45 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

A burgeoning headache began to pound on Lauretta's skull. I was present for planning battles, but I was never the commander. Is this the pressure they felt? She stared at the cookies laid out by R3N-L3, finding them to still be the habit she least understood about the clockwork. The degree to which he literally interpreted the objectives she mentioned certainly wasn't helping her headache.

"I think the cost of your materials is the least of our worries, Tzal. We don't seem to have three days as they could strike at any moment. We need to act now. Since meeting the raiders in the open and engaging them directly will likely go horribly, a more strategic approach is for the best. But razing the entire valley will leave the lives we saved with nothing and nowhere to live, Renly, so I'm going to have reject that plan. I also don't think we have enough time to convince the villagers to evacuate across the river and get to a safer location, as Father Montaine has repeatedly reminded us that time is short."

The Preceptor reached forward, moving the piece of cookie the clockwork placed on the pilgrim camp to the village of Auxen Vale.

"We have to protect the people before any more of them are slaughtered. The only way we can protect both is if they're together. Otherwise, we run the risk of these raiders attacking the one unguarded. I was initially going to suggest the gambit of leading the raiders on a chase into the woods, as Renly suggested, but the harsh reminder that they can just burn us out quickly quelled that idea. I say we move the pilgrims to the village and prepare to ambush these raiders when they attempt to cross the river. Since they'll have to cross the river to come for the pilgrims and the village anyway, it's the best time to catch them out of position. We'll use that opportunity to break their ranks. This would help us thin their numbers, reduce their morale, and secure Auxen Vale some time to set up defenses. I believe that's the best we can hope for."

Feeling confident now that there was no better approach, Lauretta looked around the war council to gauge their thoughts.

R3N-L3

Lcythas

May 6, 2025 10:33 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"Watercraft needed to fulfill that objective. It is only the twenty-seventh most likely to fail, however, which is within acceptable parameters. If I was the enemy commander, I would ordinarily split my forces, but the marauders are a far cry from the soldiers I once led. Instead, I would elect to shed baggage, moving along the river to seek points of egress before my opponent can mobilize to block me off." A metallic finger traced up and down the river.

"That is where watercraft are needed, with shields along the bow in the northern style so as to shield from skirmisher fire. My second response as the enemy commander would be to pick off the men on those boats, and take them for myself, after all. We will also need to ensure that the enemy does not ford the river before we are ready. Best proposition would be to send a messenger to parley and stall for time. Hopefully, they will be killed slowly enough to buy adequate preparation time. However, if you do not wish to sacrifice a living thing, friend Lauretta, then offering a duel once they arrive may be best. Marauder leaders usually cannot afford to look weak by turning such a proposition down, although they are never above cheating. I am best as such a sacrifice, as I can retreat into the river during or after the duel, and the bandits cannot, for they need air."

Wolfram

Windyridge

May 7, 2025 1:45 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"But where will we hide if we are to set an ambush by the river? There aren't many places to take cover other than the camp. We would lose the element of surprise, wouldn't we? Unless we hid in the river itself."

The last was a silly idea. Too bad they couldn't breathe underwater.

R3N-L3

Lcythas

May 7, 2025 4:10 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"An ambush by the river is impractical. That would require a significant bevy of trained troops who are willing to properly drown their foes while giving no quarter, something that these individuals seem unable to due for cultural and religious reasons. However, the river is a significant defensive position. Of course, it is simply countered by...." Reaching over, R3N-L3 slid the cookie that represented the marauders slowly away from the river, towards the shrine to the east of the valley. He looked at Lauretta.

"Friend Lauretta, your stratagem necessitates settling on the west side of the valley. What happens when the marauders simply leave to plunder the east side, where there is no one to stop them?"

Lauretta Shoemaker

TheForsakenEvil

May 7, 2025 11:24 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Watercraft? Drowning? How are you so strategic and yet miss the obvious advantage? Lauretta rubbed at one of her temples, her headache worsening.

"We don't need a boat. We just need to be in some cover and give them a volley of arrows while they're trying to cross the river. They'll be slowed down and struggle to evade the bowfire. This should cause panic, but it isn't easy to run away when you're in the middle of a river. Your idea of a duel is interesting, but it's getting a bit far ahead of things. Wolfram, I don't imagine the area around the river is so bereft of trees and rocks that our small forces can't find cover. That said, if anyone could help with a fight in the water, I'd have to ask our water mage."

Her hand relaxed and pulled away from her temple as she watched the cookie move from one side of the map to the other intensely.

"We send someone to warn the Holy Brothers and the inn to evacuate. Shrines and temples can be rebuilt. The third virtue of the High One is to support the less fortunate. The people of this vale take precedence. If they live to see victory, they can follow the sixth virtue: support the Church with offerings. Places of worship have no meaning if there is no one to worship in them. Consider it a strategic sacrifice."

Last edited May 7, 2025 4:52 pm

Dmbrainiac

May 7, 2025 12:32 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

"Do not forget that we have a strong advantage over these murderous raiders," Sir Reginald rumbles. "The High One protects us. Their numbers do not faze me. In any direct confrontation, we will prevail."

Praiden the ranger seems to be of a more practical mindset. "I can move swiftly through the vale. Please, allow me to travel to the monastery, the inn, and the pilgrim's camp to warn them of the impending assault. They may be reluctant to trust the word of a stranger, but if I can, I'll convince them to come to the village so we can all make a unified stand there. You can stage your ambush by the river, then fall back to the village and join us there."

Lauretta Shoemaker

TheForsakenEvil

May 7, 2025 4:02 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Lauretta pierces the old knight with narrowed eyes, analyzing him. Fools don't typically live this long.

"The second virtue of the High One: Be industrious in all things. There is nothing industrious about blindly throwing oneself at an overwhelming force and believing the High One will take care of it. We should be clever. I was a warrior long before I was a priest, Sir Reginald. Do you know how many men I saw die while praying to the High One? What about the priests and pilgrims that have been butchered by these marauders already? Did they not have the High One's protection? I would expect a more thoughtful response from a veteran such as yourself."

Praiden's practical approach was very agreeable to the Preceptor, but the distraction posed by the knight delayed her response.

OOC:

I'm using the Inquisitor's Dire Attention talent here on Sir Reginald. Since it's a luck roll with 1 bane, I will simply roll for him since I don't need to know his attributes. :)

[ +- ] Dire Attention (Magical)

Last edited May 7, 2025 4:08 pm

Rolls

Sir Reginald's Luck Roll vs. Dire Attention - (1d20-1d6)

(10) - (2) = 8

Dmbrainiac

May 7, 2025 4:06 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Sir Reginald shakes a bit under the weight of Lauretta's scrutiny. He is not under any disguise, nor is he lying.

"F-forgive me," Reginald stammers. "Alas, I know all too well the death these raiders are capable of dealing out. I lost my long-time squire to them mere weeks ago. I fear my desire to avenge her may be clouding my good sense. I shall pray to the High One for forgiveness."

Tzal 'Indigo' Pointius

Stalker05

May 7, 2025 5:25 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Tzal shook his head in disappointment and then turned to Praiden, "Master ranger, it is a very valid point that you raise. Maybe if you can rally all the people back to the Vale we can perhaps conscript more people and make a defensive stand. Meanwhile, if we are to ambush the marauders, we should get moving and find a spot."

Wolfram

Windyridge

May 7, 2025 5:51 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Agreed. Whatever we decide, we need to start enacting our plans now, Wolfram announced impatiently.

Moving scared villagers around was no quick task.

R3N-L3

Lcythas

May 8, 2025 1:01 am

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

The automaton remained staring at the map for a few seconds. Placing the cookie halves back in place on opposite sides of the river, he broke the marauders in half, and sent them up and down on their side of the river, surrounding Lauretta's forces. "This is the reason why watercraft are needed. They have more men, and prepared positions take time to set up. An attack across the river, however, does not require time. If this is not able to be met as a requirement, our forces would also need to be split....Which may not be disadvantageous, although it would result in greater potential casualties."

"The one way to circumvent this, is to have them lay in wait, until the marauders have committed to fording. This necessitates stealth, secrecy, and the ability to not immediately engage the first one across." R3N-L3's eyes looked briefly towards the old knight.

"Your squire is dead. There are worse fates than death, and worse ways to die." Sweeping the broken cookie off the map into a gauntleted hand, R3N-L3 nodded to Lauretta.

"This is your jurisdiction and directive, friend Lauretta. I leave you to it, provided you do not cease functioning as a result of following this directive. I am unable to bring back the dead as of currently." Having said so, R3N-L3 trooped out to feed the sparrows bits of cookie and wait for the war council to conclude, having said his piece.

Lauretta Shoemaker

TheForsakenEvil

May 8, 2025 3:03 pm

Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Lauretta's shoulders relaxed and she exhaled, backing off after it became clear why Sir Reginald was being so foolhardy. There was a slight pang of guilt at knowing the man's behavior was one fueled by grief or pain. Still, that guilt did not win out over the knowledge that the knight needed to be tempered.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Sir Reginald. God willing, we will save the people of this valley and avenge your squire. These heathens have left a number of people needing avenging, and it will not be allowed to stand. But for now, we prioritize saving lives and trying not lose ours."

A nod was given to Praiden, Tzal, and Wolfram once she turned back to them, feeling confident in what they had laid out. R3N-L3's further elaboration received a knowing nod in response as well.

"Aye, stealth and patience. What you're describing is an ambush, Renly. That's exactly what I had in mind. It's necessary for us to be clever and cautious if we're going to succeed. I'm sure those among us would agree that we can adopt the tactics we need to if it means preventing any more unnecessary death. I am grateful for your advice as an unorthodox source with considerations I wouldn't have thought. Now, I believe we're all in agreement?"

The Preceptor stepped back, taking a confident, commanding stature to address the war council. They need a leader. It has to be me.

"Praiden will warn the others in the valley to evacuate, including the pilgrims to retreat to Auxen Vale. The rest of us will make sure pilgrims make it back safely on our way to the river. At the river, we will seek out points of ambush in preparation for the marauders to make their way towards Auxen Vale. By the High One, we will honor Sainted Mikkel's sacrifice for the people of this valley and put our lives on the line as well. Let's move!"

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