You will take up your role and you will be the Baron

General Summary

As the Moonlit King fell we turned to Baba Yaga and Marcus said, "What happened in the hall of the Huntsmen?" Baba Yaga looked around and watched the orc horde streaming from the field. "The Morrigan promised land to the orcs if the took Blackbird Point . She promised they could have all of that land for themselves." I looked nervously over at Cap, our deadline was looming ever closer. "Baba Yaga," Cap said, "Do ye have a way we can get over to Blackbird Point quickly?" "If it helps," I said, "We have your pestle, it's what enabled us to follow you so quickly." "You're such a dear," she said waving us into her pestle. We climbed in and she steered us through the forests to the outskirts of Blackbird Point. We stopped outside the burned remains of a farm.
Marcus cast about the ground examining it, "This was not a natural fire," he looked back at where we had spread out to examine the remains. "We need to go to the Colonel's homestead," I said looking over the grounds, "He'll know the current lay of the land.

McAllister Farm

The Colonel invited us in, and we caught up on how each of us was doing then I asked how the town was since our adventures had led us so far from here.
"The old Father finally retired," Colonel said leaning back and putting his feet up on the table. One of his daughter-in-laws shook her head at the habit, but said nothing. "The new man in charge of the cathedral is Father Allbright, a conscientious man, who works hard, and seems fairly devout when I go in for service once a quarter. The monastery is overseen by Abbot Longsleeves." "Is he a member of the Order of the Smudged Hand ?" Cap asked. Colonel paused in drinking, and assessed Cap, "Not sure why it matters, but yes he is." I nodded, "For what we need to do, it matters. Need to know, sir. Who is in charge of the city?" "The council continues to be in charge, they continue to argue and be annoying. If you can convince them we need organization, they might gather together to defend the town." I nodded, not what I wanted to hear, but what I expected to hear. "How stands the guard right now?" "The Black Prince summoned up the army and sailed away a few weeks ago. The only guard left are a few new recruits. Of course, most of the old unit is around." "Thank you sir," I sat back and the conversation turned to the random moments of life.

We headed into town

Cap immediately headed to the cathedral and we met with the Abbot. He was willing to let us in to do the ritual when we were ready, we thanked him and head over to city hall. The councilors were about what I expected. The town had grown since we were last here and had become a trade hub, and the councilors were more worried about protecting their power and their money, than protecting the city. We tried meeting with Colonel McCallister's brother, but that also went nowhere. "This isn't working," I said as we regrouped after a short time of errands. "I'm going to go back to the Colonel's and convince him to take up his role. He can get them to cooperate." "That be a good idea Addie," Cap said. "I intend to spend the night in the chapel and commune with the Creator, after that I'll meet with the underground perhaps one of them might be able to put me in touch with the rebellion. I can also ride with my horse over to the other towns and try meeting with them." "I can-" Marcus started to say. "The would be king needs to meet train for the ritual," Baba Yaga interrupted him. "I need him to train and learn how to wake the Sleeping Lady." "As I was saying," Marcus said, "I will be training to raise the Sleeping Lady." "I will see what I can do to find the underground myself."

Convincing the Colonel to take his job

I rode back to the Colonel's ranch and he invited me and we sat down at the table. "What brings you back here Sergeant?" "Sir, you need to take your post." "I am, I have built a thriving ranch, my family is safe, and all are well," he furrowed his brow and looked at me. "You know full well, what I mean sir." I stared back at him. "The council will not unite." "My brother-" " Your brother barely gave us the time of day, don't try that sir. You know who he is," I put down the drink he gave me. "You must take up the barony." "I don't want that," he said, "I did my bit for king and country, do not ask more of me." "You may hole up here, and you have fortified your ranch well enough, that your family might survive," I said staring him down, "But your Family, the soldiers you fought with, and swore to help, they will die. Every last one of them, and they will die knowing you could have changed this, but refused because you didn't want this responsibility." He stared me down and looked over at his grandchild playing in the corner by the fire place. "Forsworn Powers, you can be annoying sometimes." I blinked at the epithet from him. "Curse you, I'll do it. Look for me in two days." "And where should I look for you?" "It will be obvious, I assume you do not have your uniform still?" he asked raising his eyebrow. "No, I left it on my farm, which..." my voice trailed off and he nodded. "See you in two days Sergeant." He stood and saluted. I stood and returned the salute, "Yes sir."

What Cap did while I was gone

"I have proof I have a ship," Cap said to the disbelieving crowd of ruffians he drank with. He reached into his pack and pulled out the toy boat that was linked to the Crystal Pearl. The sailors laughed and encouraged him to tell another story. As you can imagine from the short bit I've told, it went downhill from there.

The Baron takes his residence

Two days later John McAllister rode into Blackbird Point  with 40 soldiers behind him in full dress uniform with the banners of the Black Prince's company behind them. He rode up to the gate, and the guard briefly attempted to stop him, but one look from Colonel McAllister and the protest died on his lips. He rode into the town hall and with 40 soldiers standing behind him told the town council that he was taking up his role of baron, and would be taking his residence in the baronial residence. He turned to me and said, "Sergeant, you will be my aide de camp," and I knew my fate was sealed. This was my punishment for forcing him to take up the role he despised. Over the next several hours we posted drafts of all able-bodied men, with his veterans training them; the woodcrafters were drafted to create shafts for arrows as we started to make more arrows; he sent out requisitions of supplies and armor; and Cap was sent off to Carrington with request for aid. Athea used some of her abilities and gained intel of the orc army. They had approximately 4,000 soldiers, possibly more, and 3-400 shamans among the horde.

What Athea found as she investigated

Athea is amazing at getting contacts with various less than legal groups, and had found hints of the rebellion, and had investigated three warehouses of several council members. She came to my new office. Yes, I now have an office because the Colonel is a sadist. I guess I should call him the Baron. "I have a lead on more weapons, armor, and food, but it's not legally obtained. I also may have a contact with the rebellion." "One moment, the Colonel will want to hear this." I knocked on his door and we were summoned inside. I quickly explained and let Athea take over explaining. "As I was exploring different buildings I discovered Red Finster has weapons and armor, enough to equip 1000 men boxed up and ready to send elsewhere," as she reported the Colonels eyebrows went down and he started making notes. "In Kyle Linster's warehouse I found enough food to feed people for several months. I don't know if it would feed the entire city for months, but it would severely extend our supplies." Athea fidgeted, then started on her final information. "Cranston Brown has an armory I believe is ready to be sent to the rebellion. I have a suggestion." The Colonel held up his hand and turned to me, "Sergeant, make note all ships and wagons leaving the town for the foreseeable future will be inspected for supplies necessary to the town before leaving town." I nodded, and he gestured for Athea to continue. "I want to recommend we work with the rebellion, perhaps agree to let bygones be bygones if they agree to a ceasefire and they will help us drive off the orcs. From the tales I've heard they are quite adept at harrying and surprise tactics, which won't stop the orcs, but will slow them down and give us more time to shore up the city." "Make it happen," the Colonel said.
Athea was able to make contact with them, and negotiate the agreement. The rebels were able to slow the orc army down for an additional 3 days, destroying the bridge over the river. The Baron's inspection protocol stopped the arms from leaving the city, and suddenly Kyle Linster had some food he'd just remembered the city could buy from him.

Report Date

03 Feb 2023