The tension is palpable as you navigate the chilly limestone corridors of the Hall of the Elders, ascending the now-familiar staircase and crossing over the blue carpet which leads to the massive oaken table in the shape of a half-circle. 'Sindiira Torani, Speaker of the Town,' reads the steel placard set before your designated seat. Assuming your place, you double check the fastening of your gauntlets and await the arrival of the other members of the Council of Elders for this morning's meeting, shifting your armored weight uncomfortably. How the High Captain attends every meeting in full plate without fail is a mystery.It was established last night that an army of forces most nefarious marches on Everlund, House Delyl's own forces amongst them. While the possibility of petitioning neighboring cities for reinforcements was raised last night, the High Captain remained adamant that Everlund's army is sufficient to defend it from any threats that may arise. 'We can't run crying to to Alustriel every time the city is in danger,' he stated verbatim.One by one your peers shuffle in. Prompt to arrive is Sten, who has refused to abandon his armor, opting to drape a fur cloak over himself and consider the matter concluded. Likewise, the Priestess of Corellon attends in her ceremonial armor, foregoing protection from the cold entirely. Minutes later, Emitia arrives, favoring a coat of dark fur over a midnight green dress, as befits the season. The Keeper of the Bridgers assumes his place, wearing black padded armor over a wool shirt to retain his warmth.Predictably, the High Sorcerer arrives late, and has not altered a thing about his attire, arriving in the audacious marigold robes that befit him, his black gloves pulled securely over his hands. Taking his seat, he leans the chair back, resting his feet on the table and folding his arms, rocking to and fro. "Shall we get started?" He asks.
>>6439583The initial reports are reviewed. The enemy force is mostly composed of an orcish army, one that is suspiciously well-equipped, with a drow force composed predominantly of goblin slave-fighters attached. Where they are sourcing their substantial supplies is unknown, although that is not your immediate concern. As a former commander and Ilythiirra yourself, you take this time to offer your peers a primer on the Ilythiiri way of war. The default shape of battle adheres to the pattern of scout, ambush, skirmish, retreat, reorganize, repeat. Typically, small elite units will confuse, harass, break up, frighten, and pick off opposing forces until the enemy either withdraws or cannot maintain a meaningful battlefield presence. This is where the myriad of infamous poisons come into play - while you yourself favor heavier weapons, your people at large prefer to inflict superficial wounds with short blades and projectiles and let the alchemy do the difficult work.Less effectual against armored targets prepared to defend, but devastating against softer targets and those caught unawares. When it comes to foes in heavier armors, the poisoned crossbow bolt is the weapon of choice. A successful puncture can leave a human knight paralyzed or hallucinating.In the event that a set-piece battle or siege becomes necessary, the army formations are filled out with slave soldiers, typically goblins. These troops are meant to restrict the enemy's movement with pure volume whilst Ilythiiri units act as vanguards to break up opposing formations or attack flanks, and finish with pursuit.
>>6439586Were you to create a scenario where your people would perform especially poorly in battle, you suppose it would be a pitched battle in broad daylight against armored formations and shock cavalry. That is to say, the classic human option. Even with the support of a slave army, an Ilythiiri army oft has no alternative but retreat if the lines prove capable of holding. Consequently, your people have a complicated relationship with fortifications. While prolonged siege is antithetical to the Ilythiiri mindset, infiltrating walls and defensive infrastructure is possible, with many spells and devices dedicated to slipping through or navigating over walls and other such obstacles. This is most frequently done in darkness, either artificial or under the cover of night during a surface raid.There is also the orcish factor to consider. While the green sort are much more formidable in open war, the High Captain has repelled an orcish army successfully once before, and assures that his forces are sufficient to do so again. It merits mention that the orcs are the most ancient enemy of your people, and conflict with them precedes even the wars against the darthiir. Any coalition between House Delyl and the Thousand Scars would be fortunate to last the full duration of one battle, if it does not collapse during the middle. This will be doubly true if victory is not swift and certain.
>>6439588After a brief discussion, you conclude that there are two ways of addressing the threat. The first is to allow the enemy to assail Everlund. Even with their advantages, walls are still walls, and Everlund is equipped with several additional defenses against siege. This would also permit you the time to prepare in advance for the attack. On the other hand, the opposition will no doubt attack nightly rather than daily, putting the humans of Everlund's army at a distinct visual disadvantage.There is also the option to intercept the enemy during their approach to Everlund. Initiating a battle in an open locale at the break of dawn will deny your foes many of their greatest assets, and neither the orcs nor your people have a particularly strong defensive tradition. This would also minimize damage to the city. Of course, this would mean foregoing Everlund's existing defenses, and a pitched battle is never pleasant nor easy.After some consideration, it is decided that...>We will make ready Everlund's defenses, and shatter their army with our resolve.>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.
>>6439588Previous Adventures: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures The Rules™: https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr Abilities:https://pastebin.com/FaJABuJs
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.Let's get their asses
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.It's where our foes are weakest, and on our initiative.
>>6439592>We will march upon our foes and take the offensive to them, spoiling their plans for attack.The sooner we can inflict damage, the weaker the siege will be on our homes.
>>6439592>>We will make ready Everlund's defenses, and shatter their army with our resolve.
Vote closed. Looks like Phaere's plan to use Vierna and the Delyl army to soak up most of the casualties by attacking the walls won't be coming to fruition. But where there's a will...
"Atta girl. I'll tell my men to gear up now, and we'll be off tomorrow morning. They're all professionals, so no need to wait around for levies or worry about training," says Sten, agreeing with your assessment. He confidently places a cigarette in his mouth and rolls it to and fro idly. "I will join you in battle, Arael’Sha!" Exclaims Arara enthusiastically, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword eagerly. "It has been far too long since my steel has tasted the rancid blood of slaugh and dhaerow!" She pauses, glancing at you briefly as she steadily becomes cognizant of the meaning behind the words that left her mouth. "Er, the bad ones, that is." The priestess coughs."Twinkle, you're coming too," orders the High Captain sternly, preemptively refusing argument. The High Sorcerer's eyes bulge, threatening to evacuate his skull as he loses his balance, falling from the chair and colliding with the floor. A thud resounds throughout the council chamber as all eyes fall upon Lael. Clambering to his feet, he slams both of his palms onto the table in protest, although his flimsy physique is insufficient to cause much of an impact. "Are you daft? They might kill me! I'll die if I'm killed!" He says without the barest hint of irony. "You're the High Sorcerer, dammit! Yer job's not to sit on your ass and read books all day. You're supposed to be the most powerful elven mage in Everlund!" Shouts Sten, who bashes his mailed fist against the table, the collision loud enough to startle the half-breed, who immediately stands upright and folds his arms indignantly. "Fine, fine. I suppose that I'll have to carry you all to victory on my shoulders. I'll do it.""I'll fight," you affirm. Though none here know it, you've a most individual stake in the outcome of this battle.
>>6440129"That just leaves Master Cawley and I to maintain civic order in our heroes' absence!" States Emitia, her eyes burning with resolve. "Rest assured, we will see to it that the city continues operating and will remain prosperous for your triumphant return!" The Keeper of the Bridges nods, his visage as stony and unchanged as ever. Even in crisis, the man is miserly with words and difficult to read. He has always proven reliable and voted to assist the Eilistraeans, if nothing else."Looks like we got that settled. We'll be two days' march away from the city at most, so we can pack light and move fast without worryin' about supplies. We're leaving tomorrow morning at the break of dawn, so make sure you don't forget anything. Questions?" Asks the High Captain, clicking his tongue after a period of silence. "See you then."With today's council meeting adjourned, you are left to your own devices. Though you have the utmost confidence in your existing forces, as you depart from the Hall of the Elders and venture out into the rime-slick streets of the Bell Market, you are struck by an epiphany. You have campaigned and fought wars before, yes. But this is a matter most personal, and you cannot afford to risk defeat when you've gained so much after your flight from the Underdark. Mayhaps there are a few individuals capable of tipping the scales in your favor...Pick any whom you'd like to request join you in battle.>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.>Though we have never agreed, there is no harm in asking Dulnur to offer his advice and guidance to the soldiers.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.>What we have is enough. I cannot ask more from those around me.>[Write-in.]
>>6440132>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.Ask around our own home first.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.This one would be very good for countering the leadership. The last thing the Ilythiiri will expect is for we humies to out-play then at their own game!>I wonder where that displacer beast is, and if she could be tempted with the flesh of the enemy...
>>6440132>I hate to ask this of Amaranth, but I need him desperately right now. He may well decide this entire battle.>Luaue is ready for this. Now is the time for her to prove herself as the defender of our people against Lolth and our ancient enemies.I'll bet Jez's favorite sword that Ilanis is going to run off and join in the fight without our knowledge.Also, talk with Amaranth and everyone else about our idea about using the Dreaming Dragon's magic crystal light show as a means to trap or disable the drow forces. Heck, if the orcs have low light vision, they could be effected too. Just gotta talk to... (sigh) Dulnur, about hiring a bunch of adventurers to "kidnap" us to "negotiate" with the opposing forces, offering them sacrifices for Lolth to leave our town alone, and to do the trade at the stupid elf winery just to rub salt in the wound. Just gotta make sure that Jez, Luaue, and Arara get tied up in ropes that would be easy to break out of, and are equipped with magic blindsight potions or blindfolds beforehand.>Though we have never agreed, there is no harm in asking Dulnur to offer his advice and guidance to the soldiers.Convince him by offering up the creation of a dwarven district, for all the future Dwarves inevitably migrating to retake the old fort the Eilistraeans were holed up in. Say it's a way that the (elven) People will honor their oath with the Dwarves, as made long ago, and as thanks for it's protection of the Eilistraeans.With that much pomp and historical precedence behind it, he'd have a hard time not to consider it.>If only I could somehow find that burglar. He has aided me twice before, and his skills will prove useful.Oh, and to get our burglar ally to send a note to the commanders about said deal, made after we feign being routed, of course.
>>6440386We, meaning our army, not Jez by herself. Derp.
I'll start working on this now, though I'll leave the vote open a while longer for any surprise picks or suggestions. >>6440381Inviting Malar's eyes to witness the battle, are we?>>6440386>Heck, if the orcs have low light vision, they could be effected too. That's right, orcs are also sensitive to sunlight, although not nearly to the degree that drow are. The so-called forces of darkness prefer to operate at night specifically because their physiology is adapted to low-light conditions.
>>6440482I just thought of something... it's not an actual suggestion, but I just remembered the whole Zzar wine wrestling tournament, and how Jez mentioned it's like being covered in an ooze...>We give an additional mission to the thief, this one to find Xelthryn and convince him to betray our sisters with the payment of free Zzar wine for life and a spot in next year's wrestling tournament, or a job as a wine wrestling coach. Alternativly, us asking him to promise us never to enter the contest, for the sake of Everlund's comfort, sanity, and sanitation.
Vote closed.
