faderift | Player Plot: The Song Red Lyrium Sings

The group has just dismounted from their horses and other mounts and are coming out of the corral when a harried looking mage hurries up to them. "Thank the Maker you're here," he says, hand coming up to attempt to run fingers through his hair, but forgetting once again he's wearing the ridiculous Inquisition hat that goes with his mage armor. He ends up tapping the hat and sighing in frustration. At this point, he's going to fling the hat into a ravine.

"We have three soldiers sick from drinking some bad water and we were outnumbered until you showed up."

Christine gives Caspar a once over, a little surprised at his behavior. He's always so calm and collected, but now looks like he's on the verge of a breakdown. Then again, he's used to dusty books and research, not facing a superpowered enemy.

"The soldiers are ill? Sam and I can check on them."

"Please do, but I don't think you can cure what they have." He clears his throat awkwardly. "Dysentery."

"Hey! Are you going to blather on all day, or are you going to get over here and come up with a plan?" A very surly female dwarf stands at a makeshift table with a dark-haired Tranquil, and the yell clearly came from the former. When the group approaches, Sigred wastes no time in voicing her displeasure. Holding a dagger in one hand, she waves it to and fro as she emphasizes certain points.

"This is ridiculous. I'm here to research, not fight off Templars. I'm not warrior caste, you know. How they haven't attacked already is a miracle. Anyway, we've made a map." She points to it on the table with the tip of her dagger.

"Pretty pathetic, isn't it?"

At mention of dysentery, Inessa frowns in concern though she has little to offer--wait, bad water? That she can fix, in a fashion. Straightening, the slight elven woman speaks.

"If you need fresh water, I'll create a spring. Disease is not my forte, but I can offer that much." She glances to Christine, trusting her advice on where to place it, before sparing a sympathetic look to the dwarf woman. "We've worked with less. Tell us what you know and we'll do the fighting for you."

Edited 2017-08-27 23:57 (UTC)

"Grand..." Sam mutters to himself at the mention of dysentery. He was expecting complications, but that was a bit more of an issue then he had considered. "A spring would be appreciated, Inessa." They would need it for the sick, and for refreshing their own supplies now that the water source was in question. "We should have some stuff for fever..." He trails off, mentally going over the herbs they had brought.

"Do they know that you're here?" It would only be a matter of time if that was the case, but if they were just watching and waiting... that was rather worrisome that they were possibly retconning.

Kain makes a face at mention of disease. It's certainly outside of his expertise as well, being an enemy that couldn't be conquered with a blade. They definitely will have to take precautions. He's relieved that Inessa has a good solution at hand, anyway, and perhaps they have enough supplies on them to lend some aid to those who are already sick. For his part, he steps toward the map, studying it intently.

"What else can you tell us about these Templars? Once we've got the water taken care of, we can take care of that threat as well." That the Templars haven't attacked yet could very well mean they have an option for a surprise attack on them. Unless, of course, they're just biding their time themselves, making some sort of plan.

James came up last, patting Dauntless's neck gently to let him know it was all right to graze here, before whistling to Interceptor to come to heel with him. The water ... he could do nothing about. The map, however? That he could work with.

He looked over at the Tranquil for a moment, a flash of sorrow in his gaze, before he focused in on the dwarf, the map, and then Kain. "Yes, we need to know where they are, and in what numbers, if you know." He peered closely at the map, to see if they had at least managed to put in some idea of the terrain.

"Could you? Oh, that would be a big help. We've been boiling our water now. Anywhere over there would work well for the spring." Caspar points in one direction of the camp that is completely opposite the latrines. No need to create more problems. "The soldiers are in those two tents there, if you'd be so kind as to check in on them. We've made them comfortable as we can, but it will be good to have your expertise." The tents in question are the large kind where even a Qunari could stand upright in one. And speaking of Qunari... well, Vashoth. One appears from behind the tents, toting a battle ax casually on one shoulder.

"I can take it from here," he says with a smirk. The Tranquil makes room for him to stand beside the map, because she has nothing to contribute, but Sigred stays in place, still rotating her wrist to make the dagger swish. It might be clear to anyone watching that she actually has no clue how to use it. The Vashoth -- Kata is his name -- points at the weird little waves and circles on the map. "These are those rocks and hills down there. The Templars been keeping hidden around there, but we've managed to kite around far enough to see them through a spyglass. They've got swordsmen, shieldmen, archers, and those freaky bastards with the spike arms. Haven't seen those red horror things. But," And here there's a glint of excitement in his eyes. "They've got a big one. You know those giant ones with the sledgehammer arm? Behemoth? Yeah, I want to fight that one."

Apparently he's been enthusing on this for awhile, because Sigred and Caspar roll their eyes. Eloise the Tranquil says nothing, because she has no opinion.

"Moving on. We think they plan on making a push soon. They've been spying on us like we've been spying on them."

Christine nods her head. Maybe the Templars were waiting for the Behemoth to arrive, or they've had trouble wrangling it, and that's afforded the Inquisition time to send back up. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen now.

"Sam, let's check on the soldiers. Inessa, if you and Caspar could go out and place the spring? Kain can go with you." Just in case there's a Red Templar scout hiding out there. "James, you and Kata start working out strategies, please. Sigred... you and Eloise will be staying by the tents during the battle, to protect the ill soldiers." Honestly, it's more to protect the two of them, but they'll also be the last line of defense should the rest fall in battle.

Sigred lifts her brow, because she's pretty sure she should feel insulted to be shuffled to the back, but on the other hand, she's not about to protest that she can slit five throats before Christine can blink either. This works.

"Let's reconvene in twenty minutes."

Glancing over to where Caspar points, Inessa nods and directs Garahel to begin sniffing around for the best spot. She trusts her mabari's nose without question, having seen it bear fruit time and again. Turning her attention back to Christine, she nods, relaxing as a plan is formed.

"Very well." She wastes no more time in following her mabari, expecting the rest to follow as well. When Garahel pauses and looks up expectantly, she knows he's found the right spot. Not wasting time, she probably sets about to tracing a glyph in the ground.

Ciri has hung back, silent and listening somewhat beyond the conversations happening. Her eyes dart around them with glances toward any points that might offer an advantage for a spy or, perhaps, a sniper. After all, as she learned during her battle with Samson and his Red Templars, there was not a lot of thought that went into much of their actions depending on how far the lyrium had spread.

Her hand, in turn, rests on the hilt of her sword and hopes she brought enough of her flasks with her. Hopefully, this fight, would not end with her having to shove a grenade in someone's throat but it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen.

"You go ahead to the tents, Christine. I'll go gather our supplies and meet up with you shortly." Caspar had pulled them into business so quickly they hadn't had time to unpack, and clearly they were going to need what they brought with. He was just hoping that they had enough supplies, and that they would hold out for just a bit - they weren't exactly planning for this.

"Right." James moved closer to the map, green eyes narrowing as he skimmed over the position of the Red Templars. "They're keeping spread out - that's smart - but if you've seen them here, here, and here --- central location. Their main camp should be in this area."

He looked over to Kain and Ciri. "Wardens, what do you say about culling the herd? If their scouting, or rather hunting parties go wide enough, we can do some quick strikes to clear them out, and then focus our attack on where the main camp should be located."

The team splits up to take care of camp business, and Inessa will find no trouble as she goes to create a spring. Caspar will chatter a bit about their research as he watches her get to work and will offer a hand for Garahel to sniff, but beyond that, he doesn't want to slow her down. At the main part of the camp, Eloise will offer to carry supplies for Sam or anyone else, while Sigred listens on to James and Kata. She spares a look at Ciri's sword, and there's a slight glint of jealousy in her eyes because she's been stuck with this spare dagger. Again, Sigred doesn't actually know how to fight, but the slight is felt all the same. You can take the snooty dwarf out of Orzammar, but not the Orzammar out of the snooty dwarf.

Kata rubs at his beard for a moment before nodding at James. "Not a bad idea. I'll stay here and move out with the main force. Just don't take on the big one without me."

"Will you return to the camp once you've cleared out the scouts, or strike them at their base from out there?" Sigred asks, determined to contribute in some way.

Christine, meanwhile, heads into the first tent to find two soldiers lying on cots. One is asleep, but the other hears the fabric of the tent flap move and opens his eyes.

"How are you feeling?" she asks in a low voice, so as not to wake the other.

"Better," he replies, though he's huddled under a sheet. The tent is well kept, with fresh sheets and fresh clothes on the men. The sleeping one has a wet compress on his head, and a pitcher of fresh, cool water that has been boiled first is set on a stool between the cots. Both men have a tankard set beside their beds, and Christine reaches for it.

"You should replace your fluids," she states matter-of-factly, refilling it for him and helping him sit up enough to sip as they wait for Sam to arrive.

Kain nods agreement. Now that there's a better idea of what's going on... they have a better idea of how to approach this. "That's easy enough to accomplish. Yes. It would ensure us a better chance, if we can take out some of those parties..."

They'll certainly have to keep an eye out for the red templars, and that behemoth in particular. If they pick off some of the less strong enemies first, then they'll be able to concentrate themselves on those tougher ones.

Inessa's rather efficient when it comes to making good on her intent. After Garahel's sniffed out the best spot for its placement, she begins to trace glyphs on the earth, careful and precise. It's given a critical eye before she proceeds, knowing it would be disastrous to create anything sloppily. When satisfied with her work, she stands and strikes the glyph with her staff. A spring promptly bursts forth from that spot, and the slight hollow will become a pool before long.

Gathering the herbs was taking a bit longer then he had anticipated, mostly because Conan was being fussy when he tried getting the satchels off the nuggalope, but eventually Sam found his way to the tent where Christine was in.

"How are-" he started, stopping when he noticed one was sleeping. When he spoke again it was softer. "How are things in here?"

Christine has helped the soldier sip at some water and he's now moving to rest his head back on the pillow again.

"I believe they're past the stage of danger," she murmurs. "But achy and exhausted." The soldier gives a weak nod, folding his arms over his chest and sighing. Those affected have weathered the storm well, and the researchers have provided what aid they could. "Sam could give you something to help you better sleep."

Meanwhile, with the spring placed, Caspar leads the way back and lets Eloise know she can fetch water from it for the soldiers. She nods and goes to fetch a wooden bucket. Kata gives the team heading out in search of scouts some last minute information on their possible positions. "Over here to the west there's some good cover. I'd try that way first. It gives a pretty good view of our camp from here, so they'd be stupid not to be there now to watch our reinforcements."

"Fine by me," she says with a frown. "Might give us an idea of what we're working against here."

And it gets her out of camp, too. Ciri wasn't good with watching others sick and suffering perhaps because she wasn't a healer and had nothing in the way of first aid beyond the basics. Her job was always better suited for out in the field, stabbing folks and throwing bombs. Barbaric, sure but it suited her just fine.

Still... it was always a little different with the Reds involved. She was never quite sure what to think of them, and that is likely written on her face as she glances out over an area not too far from camp. It has a perfect advantage, somewhere high enough to look over the camp but not easily to be seen but if someone had been here then they are covering their tracks well.

"Nothing ever feels right when the Red Templars are involved." She mutters, quietly. "Even the air feels wrong."

James looked at the map again, before he tapped out the area to the west that Kata had pointed out. "If we put the bulk of the troops here - after we signal that we have cleared out the scouts we can move here, to the east. Draw their attention."

He pointed again to the west. "Then you come up behind them with the bulk of the forces. Take them by surprise and squeeze them inbetween us. We'll need scouts running back and forth to keep us appraised - so we know when we are in position."

"Yes. There's something especially disturbing about those red templars... All the more reason I'm looking forward to killing a few of them." There are some more personal reasons behind it all of course, reasons which had driven Kain to sign up for the red lyrium division in the first place. Ever since that possible future had come up, he's loathed the very notion of that lyrium's existence. He needs to end these templar's lives, end their suffering.

He glances at the map. "It seems like a sound plan to me. We ought to be able to handle that."

Sigred exhales a short laugh. "We don't need scouts. We all have sending crystals, don't we? Use those." Kata looks far down at the dwarf woman with an amused expression before turning back towards the Wardens and Templar going on this sneak attack.

"I'll go round up the soldiers and you let us know when to head out."

By the time Christine returns after having looked in at the soldiers, she sees a plan ready to execute. It sounds like the battle will occur closer to the Red Templars' camp, but she still wants to make sure their own camp is left defended. A few soldiers are spared for the task along with Sigred and Caspar as the last line of defense.

With everything established, James, Kain, and Ciri are free to head out and look for outliers.

[ ooc: those three characters can keep going in this thread and i'll npc an encounter, but i've posted part 2 here below so we can all get started on the main fight. nothing too drastic will happen to ciri, kain, or james in this part, so that we can be assured they contacted the rest to coordinate. ]

James smirked faintly at Sigrund - she made an excellent point. He tapped his fingers against his blade, and glanced up to Kain and Ciri.

"Shall we go clear the field, Wardens?" Beside him, Interceptor was already on all fours, his blue eyes narrowed and focused on the hunt.

Kain nods seriously. It seems they're all set for this. He draws his sword, holding it at the ready.

"Yes... let's go take them down."

"Like you even need to ask," she says with a low chuckle. "They're giving darkspawn a run for their coin. We might have to change focus if they keep it up."

Ciri draws his own sword, hand at her belt and releasing a flask of fire from its strap.

James nodded his head, pleased that the Wardens were ready to go. He grabbed his helmet and hooked his shield over his shoulder and his sword on his hip. "We'll leave now, go and do a sweep of the area. I am not as silent as I could be - so if either one of you has a rogue's sensibilities ... please, feel free to take point."

The group won't have to travel far. As Kata said, to the west of the camp are hills that provide good cover, and if anyone is a good tracker, they'll see two sets of footprints in the dry, patchy grass and dirt that circle the base of one such hill. If not, then Interceptor will pick up a scent and can alert James to it. In fact, he can lead the group straight to the two spies who are currently resting against the backside of a nearby hill.

Kain certainly isn't a rogue, so he's glad to let someone else take the lead. But he's observant, and careful to keep a close eye on things as they move along on their way. He's hunted before plenty, at least. The enemy may be anywhere... He's definitely ready, hand waiting above his weapon by the time they come across those spies...

"Thankfully you lot have me," she says with a chuckle. "Just keep an eye out for my signals."

With that, she takes the lead with careful steps and calculated looks around. Tracking humans wasn't too different from hunting animals, they made just as many mistake and it was easy enough to pick up a path to follow. The footsteps, as it turns out, is especially easy to follow to the two spies.

Quietly, she make a sign at her companion indicating the two spies and carefully looks over to follow whatever plan might follow next.

James followed in Ciri's footsteps, his gaze thoughful as he took in the spies. Easiest way to do this was give them a target, and let the other two take the spies from either side. He tapped his nose, letting the Wardens know he was going to take them head on, then brought his hands out wide, signalling they should come in from the sides to attack.

With the plan set, he moved to get ahead of the spies, making as much noise as possible as he came out of the bushes, and stopped dead, staring at them in mock-surprise, before he set his teeth, dropped his helm, and made ready to fight.

The sound of James bumbling through causes both scouts to jump up from their positions and ready themselves. Before the corruption took hold, they were fast, agile men. The red lyrium seemed to recognize the way the two were built, and granted them long spikes where their arms used to be to lash out at anyone who crossed them. One comes at James head on, screeching and slamming forward with those red spikes. The other crouches low, going for James's legs.

The first doesn't get a hit on James because for all that noise the man made coming in, he sure was prepared by the time the scouts got up. But surely James can't block two enemies coming at him from different angles at once. The second swings at James's legs, but they're well protected and the hit does little. Still, that isn't about to deter the two.

Kain nods to acknowledge the plan, readying himself and waiting for the right moment to attack. The sight of the red lyrium growing from their arms unsettles him beyond words... and it makes him all the more eager to cut them down. The sooner the better, to put them out of their misery.

He glances to Ciri, pointing to the left one to indicate he's got that one. The lyrium-infused spies seem well-enough distracted at the moment, anyway, so now's the time to act. He glances and gives a nod to Ciri, then springs into action, sword swinging toward the scout.

( ooc: sorry for the wait guys! gmail has been ruining my life by throwing messages into my spam folder. :( )

Ciri returns Kain's nod, slipping her hand to rest atop the hilt of her sword as she quietly approaches the scene playing out before them. There is a shiver of... something that runs of her spine when she sees the lyrium growing out of them like a cancer. It takes her back to the against Samson and even further back to that cave, it all ignites a fire in her chest.

Pressing on, she eyes the ones seated on the right and passes off a sign before focusing on the one seated to the right. She doesn't draw her sword right away, instead taking aim with a knife and throwing it toward her target.

More distractions coming up.

The moment he sees movement beyond the corner of his gaze - James puts his shield up to hold against the two scouts. Gone is all stumbling - now he is a wall for them to fell their blows against, while they are struck from their vulnerable rears. Still, the sword is at the ready, waiting for the moment that either one of them turns their attention towards the other two.

One scout never gets the chance to turn his attention away. When Kain descends on him, it's with a heavy blow from his sword that lacerates deep into his side where his armor is weak. He lets out an inhuman screech of pain, back arching and knees buckling. Falling to the ground, he struggles to get back up, but he's bleeding too heavily to gather the energy. Whether or not Kain continues swinging, this scout will be dead within moments.

The scout on the right is also too focused on James to turn away, but the knife flung into his back certainly gets his attention. With a scream, his spike arm jerks back, trying in vain to grab at the hilt, some distant memory of when he had hands coming forward, knowing he should be able to grasp it. Why can't he grasp it? Vulnerable and in excruciating pain, he turns his back to James to face his attacker, spike arm still flailing uselessly at his back. He isn't focused on the fight at all.

In true warrior fashion, Kain swings again with his heavy sword, striking another blow to ensure that the lyrium-infected scout won't get up again. Good riddance... and good that he'd freed them from that agonizing fate. He glances over to see that things are likewise going well for Ciri, and lowers his sword. That part is taken care of, anyway.

Ciri almost laughs, almost. She manages to keep it in though as she uses the chance she gains as the Red screams, grasping at air and withering from the pain her knife has caused. There isn't a second thought before she draws her sword, rushing forward and aiming to pierce where the armor seems weakest.

Not that anything could be gained just from first glance. Who knew how much this lyrium did them both inside and out, but in the end--there was always bombs. Took care of the last ones, anyway and they were twice the size of these guys.

When the call arrives to come in behind the Red Templars, the group heads out where instructed. Christine is near the front with her spirit blade hilt in one hand and her staff in the other. Kata stands to her left with his huge axe at the ready. Sam, Inessa, and ten soldiers fill out their ranks, and they have only to come out from cover and announce themselves, which they should do before the other three who are running distraction get overwhelmed.

Giving the signal, Christine then waits as two of the Inquisition's archers poke out from hiding and fire arrows into the main force of Red Templars. That certainly gets their attention and the pressure on Ciri, Kain, and James is now lessened as the group comes out to face their enemy. Things are hectic, but with some quickly barked orders, the Red Templars split up to face their enemy on both sides. Archers in the rear fire toward the Wardens, and two swordsmen advance. In the other direction, shieldsmen set up to block the arrows coming from the Inquisition and send out their own swordsmen. And far back behind the lot of them, a Red Templar Behemoth lumbers around, the sounds of battle drawing it slowly closer as it roars.

Inessa is well-prepared for battle, having already set her array of ice mines just before her. While Garahel acts as guard, ready to attack anything that gets too closer, she casts Barrier to shield her group from the arrows. The Behemoth is definitely noted, though while other enemies are closer she doesn't dare take her attention away from them.

Such as the archers. Casting Pull of the Abyss, she creates a small but powerful rift. It will draw them toward it, and each other, with enough force to wound. Then she'll take further action before they can get back to their feet.

With so many arrows flying from both sides, Sam sets his focus on supporting the section of soldiers he was with. Barriers were set up of course, but a lot of his efforts went to blasting arrows out of the sky, preventing them from even touching their forces. From time to time though he went on the more offensive, such as taking an opportunity to blast a group of Templars who had suddenly been sucked to one spot and momentarily phased.

The vulnerable Templars who are pulled into Inessa's rift quickly take a beating, skewered by a hail of arrows and followed up by the attacks of the mages. Christine casts Winter's Grasp on the group of them, freezing several solid and slowing the others down as they try to regain their footing. Without hesitation, Kata rushes forward and takes a wide swing at them with his axe. Two are cut down immediately and a third collapses under the combined power of Inessa and Sam's attacks. The two left who are slowed struggle to shield themselves as their teeth chatter.

The Red Templar archers start to lose their composure and begin falling back, firing at the Vashoth and mages as they go, but either from their panic or sheer luck, their arrows miss or hit the Barrier spell instead.

"Keep pushing forward!" Christine calls. She wants their team to meet back up with their Templar and Warden allies before they try taking on the Behemoth. Besides, there are still plenty of enemies left before they even get to that.

Player Plot: The Song Red Lyrium Sings

{ arriving at camp }

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SNEAK ATTACK

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and both my spiky boys failed their dice rolls

excellent!

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{ the battle }

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