7. The Village and the War Camp
As the party approached Gredel’s entrance, a band of armored men, led by one named Henry, stopped them, requiring a fee in order for their group to take shelter within the village’s walls. The party managed to acquire a private conversation with Grenthor’s acquaintance, Martha, who informed them that the men had been serving as the village’s defenders, albeit for a price. Andraste attained entrance to the village by providing healing and medical aid, while the party unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate before engaging in a scuffle with the armed men. Though the party sought only to incapacitate, their opponents replied to the assault in full force, but before the situation could have physically irreversible ramifications, Andraste put a stop to the violence through his words, and threatening to invoke divine judgment. With the scuffle put to an end, the party and the merchant set up camp beyond the village, nearing the woods.
Throughout the night, Varris detected figures seemingly watching their camp from the south, though ones which did nothing to them directly. As dawn approached, Andraste spotted a hooded figure emerge from the northern woods. Fearing not this newcomer, the cleric approached with a peaceful greeting, which the figure returned in kind. Introducing himself as Tycus, the man learned of the situation in the village, before informing the party of a significant orc camp to the north. With the exchange of information, Tycus left the party to the remainder of their rest before at last going to the village. In the morning, the party informed one of the armored men of their findings, while Andraste once again returned to the village to provide aid. While there, the cleric caught sight of Henry and his men conversing with another armored individual. As the man greeted Andraste, it became apparent that he was none other than Tycus. They discussed the orc camp nearby, along with the possibility of an assault, in which Andraste agreed to aid. Returning to his party, Andraste informed them of the intended assault before they entered the village for further planning and preparation.
Despite the tensions between Henry and the rest of Andraste’s party, they agree upon an approach to at least deter the orc camp. After gathering supplies, the groups set off to the north. While Henry’s band conducted a more direct assault to lure away members of the war band, the party with Tycus attacked from the other side, breaking through the palisade to gain entrance to the camp. The battle saw them surrounded by many orcs as well as the war chief and his lieutenant. The ensuing combat had all members of the party on the brink of death, but ultimately, they prevailed despite being outnumbered. With the leadership, their subordinates, and the reinforcements seemingly dealt with, the party paused to take a breath of relief, and reap their spoils.
"In these times, it has become rare to find those who would lay down their lives for the sake of those they hardly know. For that, they have my respect."
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