xenon

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@ZapdosIt'd be up to the boss man on that one.

@Dark Cloud

It's up to you all, how you proceed.

I will remind you though, that it's the village Second Chance just came from, Cherrad, that would have Clive there and back by evening.

Clive actually going to the nearest city (providing he can get directions) would take more than a day of hard riding. That's where a properly sized and trained garrison could potentially mobilize as reinforcements for a battle. Just making that clear.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Oh wow, I really should watch that LOTR trilogy again sometime soon. Legendary movies.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

If our lovely GM's dice rolls try to screw us over,

@Zool

Almost every dice roll has been kind to you since this RP began. You are due a Nat 1!

Your choices, clever and creative posts make it impossible with all the 'Roll with Advantage' and Lowered DC's you rack up. Sometimes I wish misfortune on you lol. Never happens though. So many planned segments just completely skipped over

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Would waiting for midnight or early morning (before the sun is up) give Clive enough time to go to Cherrad and return?

@Loksfjoer

It's Early Afternoon right now. On the back of Daisy, Clive could probably make it there and back by Evening haha. That girl is the fastest horse in Mytheria and I believe Clive's an exceptional rider.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

Time for another Group Vote!

The Group Vote will be a 2-part election:

-1st Round voting will eliminate the least popular options.

-2nd Round will have the additional suggestions from the players and the most popular options from the 1st round.

If you want to vote on Second Chance's next course of action by OOC or by PM, you can do so. Or if you want to write out your next IC post to show how you've voted, you can also do that too.

(I would suggest that voting via OOC might make it a bit easier to give reasoning to the whole group on why you chose what you chose. Also OOC collaboration and planning may make IC posting easier. But it really is up to you!)

_____________________________________________

This week posting in the IC will simply be about the end-leg of the wagon ride and the reaction of the main cast to what they are seeing when the wagon driver stops. So no need to delay posting to wait and see the results of each Voting Round. Just keep the characters and story ticking along for now, regular posting rules apply. If there are any questions, as always, I'm happy to answer help.

Results of the 2-part election will hopefully be done established within the next 7 days, so then next week's GM Update can reflect the next step in the plot.

So get your 1st Round Votes in as soon as possible!

Thanks guys!

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

As the flat-bed wagon rolled finally up and around the last mountain in the wild central region, the view opened up to broad flat expanse of westside farmlands on the outskirts of the Valhiem. The wagon driver halted immediately. The farms were on fire.

With time to take in the view, it was possible to see small regiments of mounted soldiers moving around outside the city. Some of the regiments might be mistaken for Valhiem Garrison Cavalry. However, there were other regiments that were not so easily mistaken.

Lizard Cavalry.

Second Chance's temporary chaffeur was frozen stiff, not even able to utter a curse. Even from the distance they were at, which made the Lizard Riders look small, it was clear that they were not horses.

James Sirius was correct: Valhiem was under seige.

Sharp eyes might see the translucent distant glimmer in the sky of the massive magical barrier that spread across the northeast quarter of the city, or the enemy artillery fire exploding into dust as it hit the shield, high up above the city.

"We knew it would happen one day." The wagon driver finally found his voice. It was trembling. "The war in the East has come to us."

_______________________________________________________________

The wagon driver was forced to turn around at this point. It was clear that enemy patrols were keeping people from leaving the city, which also meant that they were keeping those outside from entering too. If he got too close, they were would be noticed undoubtedly attacked. He also needed to get word to the villages and towns in the region. They would have to be ready to exodus to the West, if Valhiem fell.

Second Chance had a decision to make:

1. Forge ahead down the road, making a rush for the Southwest Gate of Valhiem. With good timing and fortune, the shortest route to may a defensible, tactical retreat. Providing there was someone brave enough to open the gate upon seeing them, or not mistake them the enemy and shoot at them. (Even with Second Chance's injuries and poor health, this might be possible.)

2. Try to sneak slowly and methodicallly, along the same direct route to the Southwest Gate, using cover of bushes, trees, burning buildings and fire-ridden cropfields. Once close, send one member of Second Chance to go and try to get the gate open for them, or scale the wall if possible.

3. Move around the Southside of the outskirts of the city, at a safe distance, to the high ground where the edge of The Mazy Hillocks sat. From that familiar vantage, and with the river at their side, they might time it right to swim up the channel, or sneak along the riverside, and hope not to get seen. (Or attacked by Friendlies as they tried to breach the riverway war-barricades.)

4. Move Southside to the edge of The Mazy Hillocks, but make camp and survey the situation for longer, perhaps waiting for the night time to use the cover of darkness. (Waiting until midnight would also restore any 'X-Times-per-Day' powers of the adventurers and sleep would recover their injuries and health up to 70%.)

5. Turn around and go with the driver to request horses from Cherrad and directions to the closest city to go and get reinforcements (also giving them the chance to recover back to 100% at a hospital while doing so.)
the
6. Turn around and head West, perhaps for Capitol City, for safety and to inform the highest authorities in the kingdom of progress of War. (Bare in mind, Capitol City is the most logically likely place that Second Chance might get some answers to the Big Question: "Why are they in this world?")

7. Head North to Mountain Fortress of Fornost. Glee John Artorius had once hinted to Adam Phillips that Fornost was the location that most strong adventuring parties had been called to. From the big-picture perspective, tactically, perhaps Second Chance would be best off making a difference to the War Effort there.

8. Choose another path entirely, or some combination of the above. Split up? Go around to the Eastside of Valhiem (where the enemy had surely approached from.) It was up to The Heroes from the Sky to figure out their own destiny.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

And so, after saving the local region from Drath'tuthan the Greater Wraith and his brainwashed cult, Second Chance were heralded heroes by all those the lands around. Storytellers and writers would spread their great deed from village to village and town to town, putting yet another tale in circulation of the current culture, gossip and news of Northern Central Mytheria.

With Zigmund Mugba-Zarak finally dead, the Heroes from the Sky would finally be rid of their persistent nemesis. Although, James Sirius' use of the Lathop Blessing might mean that the Elite Agent of General Saladin's Scout Force will live on in another way.

@Jay009

Antonius, the village elder in Cherrad sent news down to the village that Jon Gringot, former priest of the Temple of Hades, was dead. Instructions were that a new temporary priest was needed, until the necessary organization of the religious heirachy could be re-established. Antonius therefore named one of Cherrad's own devout worshippers to hold the position. All of this, the wily old man did ahead of time, and so by the time Second Chance were off Temple Hill and back in Cherrad, a scribe had already written up a missive, asking for the blessing from Valhiem's High Septum, Areleth, for this emergency declaration.

Antonius recieved the rolled-up parchment from the scribe when he entered the village, and before Second Chance could leave, he asked a favor of Barracker Kassel.

"Sir Paladin," Antonius bowed his head, forcing a respectful tone to Barracker. It was not he was scared or hateful of Barracker for being afflicted with vampirism. Barracker had proven himself a heroic man and carried himself with an air more noble than half of those who would dub themselves 'nobility.' It was just that, with all of the stories of vampires that went around, it was a litle unnerving to be in the Paladin's presence. And it was extremely weird to know that this vampire was a righteous and noble Paladin of the Church and devout servant of Hades. "I beg of you one last kindness, if you would allow: Please deliver this missive to the Temple of the Quinity." He explained to Barracker what it was for. "It is probably more than necessary, but it would relieve an old man's heart to know that the High Septum is aware of our crisis here."

Antonius bowed his thanks and bid Barracker well.

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

The flat-bed wagon, used for transporting felled trees or finished lumber, was now transporting Second Chance all the way back to Valhiem. The roads in Northern Central Mytheria were well paved and wide enough that Clive Michel could easily ride his own horse alongside the large vehicle, if he chose to. If not, then he and the rest of the adventurers could lounge together while a wagon driver made sure they were en route to the big city.

They would arrive at Valhiem early afternoon, but for now, they could enjoy a moment's peace together, and the beautiful mountains, streams and evergreens of Northern Central Mytheria as the wagon rolled down the road.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

General Saladin's Marquee, The Head of the Besieging Force Encampment...

The Orc Captain of Engineering stood in a permanent salute as he gave his report to his leader, who was stood with his two bodyguards on either side of him.

"An additional 100 catapults will be built by the end of the day. We are chopping down the nearby forest for more materials as we speak, sir."

General Saladin smiled. "Good. The enemy have nowehere to run. Their closest possible armies are 3 weeks away, in Fornost. And with The Wellsprings currently broken, there will be no chance for any strong Adventurering Parties to get here in less than 2 weeks."

"Then we continue the bombardment, sir," the Orc Captain surmised.

"Yes. We will maintain artillery fire for 10 days. Run dry the cities magical reserves on artillery defence. Then a full-scale assault will be child's play." General Saladin laughed. "The Free People's Empire cling tightly with both hands on Fornost, leaving no one to catch Valhiem as it falls into our hands."

In the corner of the tent, a mouse was scratching it's ear with a foot. Occasionally it looked around, seemingly oblivious to where it was. But it's eyes had a faint turqoise glow to them. It was no ordinary mouse.

The Citadel, Valhiem...

"Cavalry forces circle the outskirts of the city," Commander Thorn replied. "Lizard Heavies and the faster Dark Riders. Within 2 days, enemy regiments will be posted on all roads out of the city."

This was the 2nd War Room meeting.

Mayor Pendlebury was sweating, clearly stressed. "Then if we cannot evacuate the city, we should begin drawing the citizenry up the mountain."

Clarissa Shields entered the War Room late, bringing with her The Academy's best Druid. Everyone's head turned as she spoke. "10 days." She came to the table but did not take a seat. "10 days of bombardment from their artillery. 5 Source cannons. An every-growing number of catapults."

"Good information?"

Clarissa motioned to her Druid friend. "We got a spy into their camp."

Enio Ivey, Director of Witchcraft and Wizardy Studies, shook his head. "10 days of constant bombardment is going to drain our defensive lines. Our Ritual Barrier's are keeping out 100% of missiles and magic attacks so far, but keeping the city safe for 10 days is going to render our Magic Regiments ineffective by the time the real fighting comes. We'd be better off if they attacked today!"

Clarissa Shields disagreed. "Maybe not. My team have recently come into possession of an enemy artifact. Our current analysis of it suggests that it might be helpful, if we can just figure out enough to get it working. But we aren't close. We need more testing. Everyday is crucial."

Mayor Pendlebury spoke again. "So we keep the city running, business as usual, for now?"

"Business as usual," Clarissa replied. "No sense in crowding The Academy and Citadel until it's absolutely necessary. We must be efficient with the time we've been given." She turned to the two men in the fanciest armour. "Commander Thorn & Inquisitor McGarren and their men will be able to operate in preparation more effetively if half of our defence force isn't bogged down in unnecessary 'people moving' just yet." She then turned back to everyone. "Any news on Director Reginald De Wran?"

"Not yet," answered another Academic. "We believe they will try to sneak into the city by the South River. We are watching hawkishly. There's been no sign of trouble or fighting in that direction, so that's good reason to believe they are biding their time for a good moment."

High Septum Areleth, who'd been quiet up until this point, now spoke. Everyone listened. "With any luck, his secret operation will bear the most fruit on this barren tree. Getting into contact with the mysterious adventurers who claim to be from another world... this should remain a top priority."

Temple Hill, Northern Central Mytheria...

Food, medicine, bandages, antiseptic. Non-magical healers and well-wishers. Hardul had summoned all Cherrad could offer to come and help their saviours, Second Chance.

By the time they arrived atop Temple Hill, the rain had slowed to a stop.

First aid and potion administration was done on the spot, at the shelter. But there were offers to bring Second Chance back to Cherrad for a real shelter with real opportunities for bedrest. The loggers and lumberjacks who'd come in case there was a need to search for survivors in the collapsed temple entrance, were also ready to clear a Flat-Bed Wagon and Horses and offer Second Chance a ride back to Valhiem.

But one step at a time, the villagers only wanted to make sure that Second Chance were fit and hale.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

Hardul slept peacefully for the first night in a long time. The dwarf woke up shortly after sunrise, watched his wife sleep with a serene look on his face, then quietly got up and dressed to go outside. It was raining, but that didn't stop Hardul. He had thanked Adam before leaving, but didn't get the chance to thank the rest of Second Chance for ending his nightmare. In particular, he wanted to show his gratitude to MacKensie for believing in him.

With a steady pace, he ascended Temple Hill. When he arrived at the top, he was aghast at the sight before him. The entrance to the Temple of Hades was in ruins and on the grounds in front of it looked like a battlefield. The members of Second Chance looked more than worse for wear.

"By the forked beard of Ares, what happened here!" He saw MacKensie, who didn't look quite as hurt as the others and assured her that he would fly back to Cherrad to get help. "I will bring our best healers and medicine, don't worry!"

And so he ran down the steps to wake the village. Unfortunately, many of those who knew actual healing magic were some of the first cult members to be drained of all life by Drath'tuthan. Attacking the overall strength of the Light Domain in the region had been one of The Listener's goals. But that didn't mean there weren't any villagers knowledgable in first aid and alchemy.

Hardul knew that Cherrad would bring all capable hands to help the heroic adventurers in any way they could. It was the least they could do. For they had been given:

A second chance.

____________________________________________________________________________________

@Jay009

Zigmund's lifeforce was so powerful that all of Second Chance would see and feel the purple glow of their Source Crystal as the enemy's Source filled their crystals. It was a lot, but only Barracker would feel the overflow of his crystal: The power of Ascension to a higher level.

It had taken Barracker many years to reach his previous level of Ascension, and he had spent many months, many battles and many scars to reach this new level. And yet he had barely stayed within reach of the unique and amazing powers that the Heroes from Another World currently wielded. Keeping up with the rest of his party members through Source and Ascension would become more and more clearly an impossible task, as time went on.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Zigmund lacked his usual edge. And he got it back a little too late