Session 44 - Warriors At The Walls

Picture from here: https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/pictorial-atlas-to-homer-s-iliad-and-odyssey-1892/ Just a few Moves and Kiah finds herself in another war.

The party crouched in the plains, observing the city down the hill. It was surrounded by a palisade of wood. There were no buildings larger than one story. The great hall was easy to spot, a giant's skull mounted above the door. The orange light began to fade as the sun set behind the walls.

Behind the city was the dark, wet expanse of the Drowned Lands

"First," stated Kiah evenly, "we try our luck with Ravens." She closed her eyes and raised her hands to the heavens, singing out an airy song, and asking "Where is Fate Render?" [Augur: Miss With Match - It causes a Delay or Puts Us At A Disadvantage]

Kiah waited for a long, good moment, but no ravens graced the sky. She glanced down and staggered back. Her mystic sight revealed the giant's eyes glaring at her.

"We need to hide!" she stated, "Now!"

Warhorns sounded from the city, and the party fled.

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[Face Danger: Strong Hit]

A warband from Red Hope raced out from the gates, led by snarling dogs. They rushed into the plains. The hounds caught several scents, and the warband split into three, each with five wardens, and raced off.

The night passed, and the sky lit as the sun rose in the east, when the warband reunited and headed back to the city. They looked haggard, frustrated, and tired. They had no prisoners or even a successful hunt to be proud of.

A distance away, to the east, along a path part of the warband crossed twice, the grasses rippled and Kiah and her companions pulled themselves up out of the illusion she cast. They looked relieved but exhausted.

"Let's find a place to hide and rest. We'll decide what to do tonight".

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[Make Camp: Strong Hit]

Though quite a ways from the city the party kept their fire low. A hill was between them and the road that led to Red Hope.

Gruff cooked a stew that warmed the soul. Morter shared a sip of ale he had brought along.

[Does Redhope Worship Bayara Doom Axe? - 50/50: Yes]

"You're certain there was no one with mystic power when you lived there?" Kiah asked the twins.

"No," answered Setara.

[Why did the twins leave? Co-ordinate, Honor]

"Red Hope was a mess when we left," spat Sayer, "it only got 'respectable' after they got Axe Brook's blessing. My guess is that's what drew a mystic there."

"A powerful one," Kiah huffed, "and on Bayara's good side."

"Why would Doom Axe help Rat Tooth?" sneered Setara.

"Why wouldn't she?" countered Morter. "She seems the type to favor bandits."

Gruff stared at him wide-eyed.

"He's not wrong," admitted Kiah. "Bayara favours the bold.' She scritched Shush under the chin, and the wyvern churred, "She only introduced me to this pretty one after I faced down a haunt."

"Could we use her to our advantage?" pondered Far Stride, considering Shush.

Kiah considered for a moment and then answered, "I don't think so. I won't risk putting her in Nisus' hands." "Don't blame you at all," commented Setara.

"Whoever they are, they've spoiled one of my spells already," mused Song Hood. "I can't guarantee my magic will disguise you within those walls," she stated to the twins.

"We're willing to risk going in without it," Sayer stated proudly.

The masked woman shook her head, "That won't satisfy my vow. I must help. I'll augur again, and ask a different question, one that doesn't peer into the city."

Morter pondered for a moment, clapped Kiah on the shoulder, and said, "I have just the question."

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The next morning, Kiah stood a few paces from camp, with her hands in the air, her party just behind her. She let out another airy song, her voice rolling out into the sky. Then, she spoke Morter's question, "Have the tools and workers of war traveled to Red Hope in the past few weeks?"

[Augur: Strong Hit]

[Is Red Hope Preparing For War? Yes]

Suddenly, Ravens flooded the sky and landed. They pecked at the fields, ripping at the grass like it was corpses.

Kiah's eyes went behind her mask.

Morter nodded grimly, "Thought so. They're preparing to take Fire Bridge."

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[Face Danger: Strong Hit]

[Endure Harm: Weak Hit]

[Oracle Does It Rain Along The Way?: No]

The party ran across the plains for two days. Collapsing exhausted the night in between and then continuing on. It was hard on Kiah, but she kept up nonetheless.

[Oracle - Does Axe Brook Attack Fire Bridge? Yes ]

[Oracle - Is Fire Bridge Fending Them Off? Yes]

On the second night, they stumbled into what they had feared. The flickering of war fires, the shadows of warriors, and the clashing of steel.

"How did they outrun us?" Kiah moaned.

"Hah!" Morter laughed, "They did not. This is Cadigan's doing, and he's having a rough time."

"Kiah," she could picture his grin in the dark, "your council saved Fire Bridge. If they had marched against Red Hope, Axe Brook would have seized everything they owned. Now," he cackled, "poor Fire Beard has an actual fight on his hand."

Gruff punched him in the shoulder in camaraderie and hefted his axe.

"Yes, Foe Slayer," Morter agreed, "time to join the fun!"