GreenDragonPage
   
   The Eastern War     
  A Tale of Mercenaries Forging Their Own Path in a New War  
 

During the Last War, mercenary companies were plentiful. Some earned fame for acts of bravery, while others became infamous for their dark deeds. You belong to a mercenary company founded shortly after the war began, which fought with honor and gained respect across Kingdoms of Karrnath and Cyre. However, near the war’s end, your company was ambushed &amp; massacred by cohort of Valenar cavalry, led by the fearsome whirling dervish known as Eltaor "The Dusk Blood" Wyndi. Remembered as the Battle of the Crimson Grass, it was the largest defeat suffered by a mercenary force in the twilight of the Last War (outside of those who died in the Mourning). Now, with the company shattered, only you and a few comrades remain. It falls upon you to rebuild the company and restore it to its former glory. With the looming threat of war between Karrnath and Valenar, this may be the perfect opportunity—not only to rebuild and expand your ranks, but also to seek revenge for what happened six years ago...



 

------------------  
The remnants of your company—once mighty and renowned, now scarred but not broken—have gathered in the shadows of Karnath’s southern reaches. The Valenar, with their bloodlust and ruthless precision, shattered your ranks at Crimson Grass, and the haunting memory of that defeat binds your group together. But there’s a fire in the hearts of your comrades, a resolve that was forged in the hardships of war and a shared thirst for vengeance.

The end of the Last War may have left the kingdoms in a fragile peace, but to your company, it is nothing more than a temporary reprieve. The shifting sands of politics and skirmishes offer a chance for those who know how to navigate the chaos. Now, with the Valenar overreaching into Talenta, your small but seasoned band sees an opportunity—a chance for vengeance, for wealth, and for your company’s rebirth.

Your mission is clear: find a way to strike at the Valenar elves without reigniting a full-scale war (unless it comes to that), support the halflings and their claim to the mines, and build your reputation and power anew. The road ahead is treacherous, but you’ve fought through worse.

What is your next move as the leader of this newly-reformed company? Will you strike out to gather more allies, scout the Blade Desert for weaknesses, or perhaps send emissaries to Karnath’s court to influence the brewing conflict?

 ------------------  
You find yourselves in the basement of the Bronze Serpent Tavern in Vulyar, Karrnath. Normally, the rent for the space is 25 gold a month, but thanks to the charming talents of your bard, Ash, the owner—Jaynys Shadowcobble—agreed to lower it to 20 gold, with the understanding that Ash will perform on stage a few nights each month.

Though the basement is humble and unremarkable, it marks a fresh start for both the company and its members, serving as a headquarters from which to rebuild your legacy.

It is the 11th of Nymm, and while the summer heat has yet to fully take hold, many expect it to arrive in the coming weeks. Tomorrow marks Brightblade, a major festival dedicated to Dol Dorn of the Sovereign Host. The day is traditionally celebrated with displays of athletic prowess and mock combat, where participants test their strength and skill in honor of the god of war and valor.

Lord Nery ir'Welbrix, nephew of the local Baron, took offense at a perceived slight from a recent arrival in town, Baldrum d'Kundarak. In a fit of arrogance, the young lord rashly challenged the dragonmarked heir to a duel. Recognizing the trouble this could bring to his family and the town, the Baron intervened and cleverly transformed the duel into a Battle of Champions.

To represent him, Lord Nery hired a band of local thugs. As a newcomer with few local ties, Baldrum lacked the sway to call upon local strongmen for aid and due to the short notice of this event, he was unable to send for aid from House Kundarak. Instead, he turned to your company for aid.

Your company’s current job could be a crucial steppingstone to restoring your reputation. The melee during Brightblade presents a perfect stage for a grand display of strength and skill—an opportunity to earn both coin and local renown.

The rules of the melee are clear, but there's more to this fight than just skill with a blade. Lord Nery’s band of thugs may be untrained brutes, but they’ll likely fight dirty to avoid losing face. Meanwhile, you and your companions must show both finesse and honor to win over the crowd and leave no doubt about your worth.

You have until tomorrow evening to prepare. How will you spend the remaining time? Will you focus on drilling your team, studying the opposition, or perhaps look into the local politics and any possible advantages?

 ------------------  
The Bronze Serpent is bustling as farmers and field hands from the surrounding areas gathered in town for tomorrow's Brightblade festivities. The atmosphere is lively, with the smell of mutton stew and raspberry pie filling the air, mixing with the thick, earthy scent of lagers being poured generously. A bard has taken to the stage, performing songs from old Galifar, though his pitch is slightly off - sufficient for the tavern's patrons but lacking polish.

The tavern is about three-quarters full, mostly with locals, but a few figures stand out among the crowd:

 
 A human woman dressed in fine Aundarian fashion, her clothes contrasting sharply with the rustic surroundings. 
 Three halflings in leather armor, seated together, speaking in hushed tones while keeping a watchful eye on the room. 
 A man in his fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a lightweight gray jacket. He sits quietly, observing the crowd with a calm, discerning gaze. 
 An elderly half-elf woman in the uniform of the Karrnathi Army, her posture still rigid with the discipline of years of service, though her face betrays her age and weariness. 
 

The mood is warm, but these unfamiliar faces suggest there’s more going on beneath the surface of this small town gathering...

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Rules of the Melee are simple, a party member will be considered out, if they are knocked unconscious.

Baldrum has hired you for 20 gold to compete, plus 20 more if you win, and 10 more if none of you are knocked out.
 

 
 Spoiler: Connected Threads 
In-Character:  1 
Out of Character:  1 
 
Obscurejones
Two months rent.  Nothing to sneeze at, that.  A chance for the company to have a stable footing, at least into the next season.

... But not enough to expand on its own.  The bonus for a good showing certainly might help, but weapons, armor, cannon fodder, all these things and more come with expenses.  And ten extra gilt pieces would only provide for what they had now, not allow it to spread...

And losing is right out.

So a showing is needed, and a flashy one.  Something that ensures not only this payday in full and fine fashion, but sets us up for the next one.

These are the thoughts that flash across James' mind as he wears a groove in the dirt floor of the Bronze Serpent's basement.  He's been pacing for an hour, torn between trying to get something going in the tavern above and his devotion to numerous adages about not soiling one's own kitchen.  Finally he makes up his mind throwing up his hands in frustration, and striding over to his small corner of the space to strap on his weapons.

 "Seems like someone ought to go take a look at the fighting grounds.  Figure out what space we'll have to work with.  Anyone care to come with?" 
CardTrick
Yenci, still somewhat sore from having been recently near trampled to death,  grimaces both at Ol' James' can-do attitude and the days situation in general. There were barely any of them left and he'd apparently been outvoted in deciding the very first gig they should sign up for is putting themselves smack dab in the middle of a dispute between two nobles. Even if they won, they could look forward to the baron's nephew making life impossible for them in town for the foreseeable future.

Mustering up a feigned smile, Yenci nonetheless to heads in the direction of the door,   "Sure, why not. Seems like a nice enough day for walk anyways."
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Ash 
  Tiefling Bard 1 
 AC:  13  | HP:  9/9
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/2
 Spells Known: 
1st - Command, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Hideous Laughter

 Bardic Inspiration:  3/3
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Ash groans. The "bard" playing, if you could call him that, was so off key it was making her  soul  hurt. The sooner they got out of here the better, otherwise she might break the cardinal rule of entertainment and upstage him. So she turns to James and says "Any opportunity to see our opponents. Lead the way."
Janwin
While the others were below in their headquarters, Thruffgar was upstairs in the main room of the tavern enjoying a flagon of ale.  It wasn't particularly good ale--certainly nowhere near the quality of the fine dwarven ale he grew accustomed to in his youth--but it was alright.

He was trying to forget his memories of the prior battle, but not really doing a very good job of it.  No matter how much he drank, or how distracted he tried to be by the music and revelry of the inn, it didn't seem to work.

It was then that he noticed the rather out of place human dressed in finery.    Odd.    With a last gulp, he finishes his ale, rises to his feet and makes his way over to the finely dressed human.

 "G'day, ...lady...?  Me apologies, but I dinnae know yer proper title, but given th' clothes and demeanor, I presume ye t' be of th' nobility.  I am Thruffgar, of clan Dorrimsmar.  Kin I buy y' a drink?  Might be a decent wine t' be had here, but if not, the ale's alright." 
GreenDragonPage
As your three quarters of your mercenary company makes its way across town toward the fairgrounds, the streets buzz with activity. You pass vendors selling festival wares, street performers entertaining crowds, and families gathered to enjoy the pleasant weather. Among the visitors, you spot clusters of people who stand out.

Some are rough-looking, hardened fighters—mercenaries or hired muscle, perhaps even rivals, judging by their well-worn weapons and watchful eyes. They move with purpose, their hands never far from their hilts. They must be here for the melee, sizing up the competition or scouting for opportunities.

Others are more relaxed, likely locals or travelers drawn to the festival for leisure. They wander between stalls, laughing and chatting, holding drinks or nibbling on treats from food vendors. The contrast is stark—two worlds colliding for a moment in this bustling atmosphere.

As you approach the fairgrounds, you can hear the cling clang of people sparring with weapons while wearing armor.

The fairgrounds have two make-shift arenas set up, one to watch the jousting matches and a second to watch the melee battles. Each are lined with bench style seating, rising up from ground level, three levels high. Two elderly looking men clad in well-worn plate armor are practicing their jousting maneuvers. They pay you little mind as you walk by, instead focusing on perfecting their thrusts. Based on what you saw, they must be master jousters. Perhaps even grizzled veterans of the Last War.

In the melee arena, three humans - all young, with a rough-and-tumble look about them, are practicing their moves with blunted weapons. One of them spies the party meandering over. He is tall, easily six foot two, clad in black leathers. He has medium length brown hair, slick with sweat. He calls out,   "You that lot the oaf hired? You best quit now, while y'all still standing with all your bones intact!"  

The shortest of the men with scraggily black hair and rat-like teeth chimes in,   "Yeah! You best be worried! I'd quit if I were you! We're the Field Snakes!"   

All three men throw up their arms high into the air, their fingers and thumb making what looks like a snake head. All three call out in unison,    "Field Snakes for life!"    as they strike what they assume is an intimidating pose.

 
 Spoiler: Snake 
 
 


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

Meanwhile back at the tavern, Thruffgar wanders up to the nicely dressed woman. She looks the man over a few times, then responds,   "Hmmm, interesting. You are the first person to attempt to engage in conversation with me. I was beginning to think this place was filled with cowards."   She peers down at her glass and sees it is almost empty, "  I will have another glass of red wine, if you are buying."  

With her finger, she gently caresses the rim of her glass.   "To the people here, I am Lady Gwendoline ir'Zeden but you - you can call me Gwen. Tell me, master Thruffgar of clan Dorrimsmar, what brings you to this small town in the middle of no where?"   
Infernally Clay
      
  Ash 
  Tiefling Bard 1 
 AC:  13  | HP:  9/9
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/2
 Spells Known: 
1st - Command, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Hideous Laughter

 Bardic Inspiration:  3/3
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"..."

It takes more control than she would like to admit to not laugh.

"The Field Snakes, huh?" she says, mimicking their pose, "Did someone already claim The Munching Sheep?"
CardTrick
Yenci mentally sighed at the bizarre serpertine pagentry on display in front of him and likewise rolled his eyes at Ash's teasing of the young trouser snakes, before slightly turning heel in Ol' James' direction.   "Alright, we've seen the space. Uh... I'll be over there..."  , and pointing in the direction of a random cluster of fair stalls,   ".... if you need something."  
Janwin
Thruffgar gestures for one of the bar's serving staff and orders a glass of red wine and another ale for himself.   "As y' wish, Lady Gwen."   Though granted permission to reference the stranger informally, even in these environments the training that was drilled into him throughout his entire upbringing comes back out of reflex, and he finds it difficult to drop the appropriate title.

 "When y' grow up 'round finery all y' life, y' seek out th' company o' those strange t' y'..."  A slight grin then comes onto his face.   "...if'n only t' jab y' finger in th' eyes o' y' parents who think it's below y'.  Plus, seems as fine a place t' prove me mettle as any other, what wit' th' festival." 

The timely arrival of the serving staff allows an opportune moment to try to redirect the subject of conversation to the noble curiosity.

 "An' what o' ye, Lady Gwen?  What brings y' t' this fine establishment?  I cannae imagine it's for th' wine." 
Obscurejones
 "Now Ash, I'm sure these gentlemen must know something I don't about the possible ferocity of serpents of the high prairie."
 James scans the field.  Damn.  Flat, open, nothing in the way of cover or the possibility for trickery.  At least not in the field itself.
 "After all, I'm certain they must be skilled and mighty warriors to draw the attention and the purse of the Laird Nery.  And I'm sure it must be a considerable purse.  Enough to provoke my curiosity.  What is the Laird offering you fine gentlemen to potentially bleed on his behalf?" 
GreenDragonPage
The Field Snakes all scowl at Ash's mockery. They look like they are ready to jump the bard before Yenci &amp; James intercede.

  "We are paid handsomely for our efforts - two free trips to the brothel and five kegs of the good stuff! Also, if we win, 20 gold a piece! Can't beat that!"  

All of the goons cheer loudly, then throw up their hand sign once more,    "FIELD SNAKES FORVER!"    

As James talks with his allies and the Field Snakes a band of builders walks out onto the arena. One of them, the supervisor calls out to his men,   "Ok, we will have 4 tall barriers erected onto the field. We have the materials on hand, you lot just need to work your asses off and actually build them. 10 feet tall, 5 feet wide - with a platform on top. We will need to dig four post holes per barrier, to ensure they do not topple over and crush the competitors. Last thing we want is for a bunch of corpses on such a holy day!"   

The men grumble at the thought of all the work they will have to do before nightfall.

The Supervisor then walks over to the two groups of combatants. He is a stern, white haired man with a clipboard in hand and a scowl on his face.   "You lot need to move out. My builders need to build. Save your fighting for tomorrow."  

----

Lady Gwen listens intently to what Thruffgar has to say. Smiling as he speaks, nodding along. "  I bet you have a lot of mettle... To prove. I am sure a broad-shouldered, handsome dwarf like you will find success in anything you set your mind to."   She takes a big sip of her wine, then comments,   "If you can keep this a secret - and I am sure you will - I am an envoy from Aundair. Sent here to keep an eye on what is going on with Valenar and Talenta. Her grace, the Queen, may want to support Karnath, if the King plays his cards right."   

She pauses for a mement, then leans in,   "I might have need for someone like you in the near future. A hush hush kind of mission. Very mundane but very secretive. Can I trust you, master Thruffgar?"   
Obscurejones
 
 Originally Posted by GreenDragonPage 
 The Field Snakes all scowl at Ash's mockery. They look like they are ready to jump the bard before Yenci &amp; James intercede.

  "We are paid handsomely for our efforts - two free trips to the brothel and five kegs of the good stuff! Also, if we win, 20 gold a piece! Can't beat that!"  

All of the goons cheer loudly, then throw up their hand sign once more,    "FIELD SNAKES FORVER!"    

The men grumble at the thought of all the work they will have to do before nightfall.

The Supervisor then walks over to the two groups of combatants. He is a stern, white haired man with a clipboard in hand and a scowl on his face.   "You lot need to move out. My builders need to build. Save your fighting for tomorrow."  ] 
 

 “Twenty gold… Assuming a fine keg, as befits men of such good standing as yourself… And a fine house of companionship as well… I would lay the expectation of your compensation at twenty five gold, barring any sort of deals that have been worked out on your master’s behalf…

That seems low, doesn’t it?”  James turns to enquire of his allies, feigning a puzzlement.

“ As we were offered double that number, and being ourselves able, but not such a well oiled fighting force as the Garden Snakes. Myself? Not even a fighter, really.”  He draws one of the long curved blades at his side, making a show of checking the edge.

“ I am myself, a cook. I have no skill at knocking skulls about, or driving men to the ground. No, when I put my work to flesh it is only ever to hack it apart. To separate a limb from the shoulder or slit a throat to bleed swine. I wouldn’t know how to do anything else.”  He eyes the Field Snakes ruefully.

“ Twenty five gold seems terribly short a fee to brave an amateur’s butchery. But I’m sure you fine gentlemen are confidant that you have found your worth.” 

He looks to the approaching foreman as though being shaken from a reverie.

 “Fighting? Wouldn’t dream of it. As I was telling these men, I haven’t the knack.” 
Janwin
 
 Originally Posted by GreenDragonPage 
 Lady Gwen listens intently to what Thruffgar has to say. Smiling as he speaks, nodding along. "  I bet you have a lot of mettle... To prove. I am sure a broad-shouldered, handsome dwarf like you will find success in anything you set your mind to."   She takes a big sip of her wine, then comments,   "If you can keep this a secret - and I am sure you will - I am an envoy from Aundair. Sent here to keep an eye on what is going on with Valenar and Talenta. Her grace, the Queen, may want to support Karnath, if the King plays his cards right."   

She pauses for a mement, then leans in,   "I might have need for someone like you in the near future. A hush hush kind of mission. Very mundane but very secretive. Can I trust you, master Thruffgar?"    
 

He nods thoughtfully at her words and revelation, takes another sip from his ale and lower his voice in response.   "Aye, ye kin trust me discretion. Though I kin nae promise t' accept th' mission wit'out th' input o' me company.  Though if'n it means Karnath gets a much-needed ally, I be sure me company's ears'll be open t' what ye 'ave t' say." 
GreenDragonPage
 
 Spoiler: Arena 

 
 Originally Posted by Obscurejones 
  “Twenty gold… Assuming a fine keg, as befits men of such good standing as yourself… And a fine house of companionship as well… I would lay the expectation of your compensation at twenty five gold, barring any sort of deals that have been worked out on your master’s behalf…

That seems low, doesn’t it?”  James turns to enquire of his allies, feigning a puzzlement.

“ As we were offered double that number, and being ourselves able, but not such a well oiled fighting force as the Garden Snakes. Myself? Not even a fighter, really.”  He draws one of the long curved blades at his side, making a show of checking the edge.

“ I am myself, a cook. I have no skill at knocking skulls about, or driving men to the ground. No, when I put my work to flesh it is only ever to hack it apart. To separate a limb from the shoulder or slit a throat to bleed swine. I wouldn’t know how to do anything else.”  He eyes the Field Snakes ruefully.

“ Twenty five gold seems terribly short a fee to brave an amateur’s butchery. But I’m sure you fine gentlemen are confidant that you have found your worth.” 

He looks to the approaching foreman as though being shaken from a reverie.

 “Fighting? Wouldn’t dream of it. As I was telling these men, I haven’t the knack.”  
 
 


The Field Snakes grow quite angry when they hear how much their rivals are being paid. Two of them look as if they want to start a fight moments before the worker arrives on the scene. The tallest of the snakes screeches,   "We will see you in the arena tomorrow, fools!"   before they bolt off down the road.




 
 Spoiler: Trufgar 

 
 Originally Posted by Janwin 
 He nods thoughtfully at her words and revelation, takes another sip from his ale and lower his voice in response.  "Aye, ye kin trust me discretion. Though I kin nae promise t' accept th' mission wit'out th' input o' me company. Though if'n it means Karnath gets a much-needed ally, I be sure me company's ears'll be open t' what ye 'ave t' say."  
 
 

  "Very good. Very good."   She takes a big sip of her wine, finishing it off. She then looks straight into  Thruffgar's eyes and whispers,    "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship."   The woman then stands up and walks out of the tavern. Right before she leaves, she dares a single glance back at the dwarf, smiles gently, then exists.
CardTrick
Yenci momentarily pauses when the antics of the field snakes abruptly go from whimsical to hostile, but sees no reason to interfere with Ol' James handling of them, particularly with the builders and their supervisor being present. Ultimately just giving a dismayed headshake, the young man again turns to investigate what the locals are putting together at the various nearby stalls.