Session 28.5: The Freeing of Rossy
General Summary
Rumors fly around The Throne that something big is going down at noon on what will be day 5. Apparently Xor'chylic and Hurda have decided what to do about The Kennels. There is still no sign of Sergeant Clint, and Rossys Fernmouse's petrified statue remains untouched in the middle of the street.
Around 11:30am a large contingent of the Znir Pact form up near the bridge. Their armor gleams in the late morning sun and they carry themselves with an impressive discipline. At 11:45am Xor’chylic and Hurda emerge, moving to the front of the soldiers, and without stopping they continue onto the bridge. The Znir Pact move smoothly into place behind them- at least 100 gnolls marching in perfect time. They crest the bridge and begin moving toward the Kennels.
The Kennels, meanwhile, are scrambling. House Deneith guards, determined not to be outnumbered by their gnoll counterparts, are attempting to form up. However, Sargent Clint’s lack of discipline extended beyond the personal, and it is now painfully apparent. They scramble, the lack of leadership on full display. Indeed, most of the Houses appear in a similar plight.
However, a careful observer might note that Luka Sharman, dressed in his finest (which is saying something), appears entirely unperturbed. He is standing in the middle of the street, a respectful distance from Rossy’s petrified form, looking past the statue toward the oncoming entourage. That same careful observer might note House Orien's sole representative, Brenden, similarly dressed and unperturbed, join him a minute later.
At noon exactly Xor’chylic, Hurda, and over 100 of the elite gnoll guards come to a stop in front of Rossy’s statue, equidistant to Luka and Brenden on the other side. The House Deneith soldiers, who formed up in front of their own building, look around in confusion before mostly giving it up as a bad day. The designated representatives from the Houses scramble to join Luka- though the shrewd ones had already done so.
Hudra takes two steps forward. There is a tension in the square, though it doesn’t appear to extend to medusa, illithid, or gnolls. Hurda radiates a casual boredom, the gnolls a sort of bemused confidence. Xor’chylic’s undulating tentacles are effectively unreadable.
After a moment, Hurda steps close to Rossy’s stone form. There is a pulse of magic, and the redheaded halfling regains her life. She throws herself back from the medusa, screaming. A few of the House leaders begin to move to help her, but after a glance at Luka seem to think better of it. After a moment Rossy’s screams abate. She sits in the dirt, staring through teary eyes, as Hurda speaks to the crowd. “Let it be known that the warriors known as Ripper, Celosia Senho, Toox, Hult of Clan Cragmaw, Tarryn Rowntree, and the warrior known as Doctor Simon Twoorb have requested Rossys Fernmouse be given her life. In recognition of their service we have acquiesced.”
A stunned silence follows. Hurda looks to Rossy and continues.
“You, and your descendants, are hearby banned from Drooam. Stepping foot onto our lands mean forfeiting your life. As an act of good faith we will turn you over to Luka Sharman of House Tharashk to ensure you leave with all haste to face whatever… consequences… your people deem appropriate,” Hurda’s tone makes it clear she expects very little to come from this.
Luka, however, bows deeply. “Thank you for this kindness. I will be sure to relay your graciousness to my leaders.” Rossy, still dazed, looks around in confusion. Luka snaps his fingers, and two large half-orcs lift the halfling to her feet and hold her fast.
Hurda steps back to join Xor’chylic. For a moment nothing happens. The tensions ratchet quickly as House Deneith soldiers seem to chafe at the “gift”. The Znir Pact, while still not making any visible movement, radiate menace. Then, just when violence seems imminent, Xor’chylic turns and begins his slow trip back toward the bridge. Hurda follows, and the Znir Pact adjust their formation as smoothly as they can to follow.
Luka nods to his men, who escort Rossy back inside the House building.
Around 11:30am a large contingent of the Znir Pact form up near the bridge. Their armor gleams in the late morning sun and they carry themselves with an impressive discipline. At 11:45am Xor’chylic and Hurda emerge, moving to the front of the soldiers, and without stopping they continue onto the bridge. The Znir Pact move smoothly into place behind them- at least 100 gnolls marching in perfect time. They crest the bridge and begin moving toward the Kennels.
The Kennels, meanwhile, are scrambling. House Deneith guards, determined not to be outnumbered by their gnoll counterparts, are attempting to form up. However, Sargent Clint’s lack of discipline extended beyond the personal, and it is now painfully apparent. They scramble, the lack of leadership on full display. Indeed, most of the Houses appear in a similar plight.
However, a careful observer might note that Luka Sharman, dressed in his finest (which is saying something), appears entirely unperturbed. He is standing in the middle of the street, a respectful distance from Rossy’s petrified form, looking past the statue toward the oncoming entourage. That same careful observer might note House Orien's sole representative, Brenden, similarly dressed and unperturbed, join him a minute later.
At noon exactly Xor’chylic, Hurda, and over 100 of the elite gnoll guards come to a stop in front of Rossy’s statue, equidistant to Luka and Brenden on the other side. The House Deneith soldiers, who formed up in front of their own building, look around in confusion before mostly giving it up as a bad day. The designated representatives from the Houses scramble to join Luka- though the shrewd ones had already done so.
Hudra takes two steps forward. There is a tension in the square, though it doesn’t appear to extend to medusa, illithid, or gnolls. Hurda radiates a casual boredom, the gnolls a sort of bemused confidence. Xor’chylic’s undulating tentacles are effectively unreadable.
After a moment, Hurda steps close to Rossy’s stone form. There is a pulse of magic, and the redheaded halfling regains her life. She throws herself back from the medusa, screaming. A few of the House leaders begin to move to help her, but after a glance at Luka seem to think better of it. After a moment Rossy’s screams abate. She sits in the dirt, staring through teary eyes, as Hurda speaks to the crowd. “Let it be known that the warriors known as Ripper, Celosia Senho, Toox, Hult of Clan Cragmaw, Tarryn Rowntree, and the warrior known as Doctor Simon Twoorb have requested Rossys Fernmouse be given her life. In recognition of their service we have acquiesced.”
A stunned silence follows. Hurda looks to Rossy and continues.
“You, and your descendants, are hearby banned from Drooam. Stepping foot onto our lands mean forfeiting your life. As an act of good faith we will turn you over to Luka Sharman of House Tharashk to ensure you leave with all haste to face whatever… consequences… your people deem appropriate,” Hurda’s tone makes it clear she expects very little to come from this.
Luka, however, bows deeply. “Thank you for this kindness. I will be sure to relay your graciousness to my leaders.” Rossy, still dazed, looks around in confusion. Luka snaps his fingers, and two large half-orcs lift the halfling to her feet and hold her fast.
Hurda steps back to join Xor’chylic. For a moment nothing happens. The tensions ratchet quickly as House Deneith soldiers seem to chafe at the “gift”. The Znir Pact, while still not making any visible movement, radiate menace. Then, just when violence seems imminent, Xor’chylic turns and begins his slow trip back toward the bridge. Hurda follows, and the Znir Pact adjust their formation as smoothly as they can to follow.
Luka nods to his men, who escort Rossy back inside the House building.
Report Date
22 Jun 2021
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