[Player Plot] Protecting Val Gamord from Darkspawn - Pt 1

[sunshinethroughgrey]

WHO: Bethany Hawke, Teren von Skraedder, Ciri, Merrick, Inessa Serra, Kain Ventfort, Aleron Darton, and Amelie Durand
WHAT: The Marquise of Val Gamord has called to the Inquisition for help, and the Inquisition has answered.
WHEN: Last week of Harvestmere, first week of Frostfall
WHERE: Val Garmond, in Orlais.
NOTES:Based off the war table mission. OOC details are here

Val Gamord is a small village in rocky hills, surrounded by walls, and presently very cold. Outside the walls, a sizable and semi-organized force of darkspawn has gathered. Reaching the village without passing through the darkspawn requires traveling along a narrow path to reach a small opening in its gates. The main road and entrance to the town are blocked and being battered by darkspawn on a nightly basis.

As noted in the original War Table Operation from DAI, Marquise Bouffon has already committed her handful of personal soldiers to the Inquisition's cause, so the town's only defenses at the moment are its walls and the efforts of the farmers and merchants who have taken refuge there. They'll all be exhausted and incredibly grateful for help. Several will be quarantined and suffering from blight sickness. (Note: They can't be saved; if the team does attempt to put through the Joining, they'll die during the ritual.)

Marquise Effiloche Bouffon will be a gracious host and very thankful for the team's efforts. She will call everyone involved noble a lot, and refer to herself as humble and devout; there will be some apparent truth to that, as her personal home is small and sparsely decorated, for an Orlesian noble's estate. She'll allow the team to stay there if they desire and feed them well. Once the darkspawn have been driven away, she will be particularly eager to see the team leave the town without lingering or asking any further questions. She will permit them to stay at most an additional day before insisting that they leave.

Comments

Traveling - OTA

[sunshinethroughgrey]

The journey to Val Garmond is sadly, not as uneventful as some of the other journeys lately, but that is only to be expected. More bandits on the road, Red Templars wandering here and there, and of course who can forget all those lovely bears?

There are also several nights at camp, which gives most the time to rest, relax, and heal if something happened on the road. Bethany herself is pouring over the map of Val Garmond itself, trying to figure out the best way to defend the village, without letting it become overrun.

[circleprodigy]

Between bandits, bears and Red Templars, Inessa will take the latter every time. Not because they are any easier, as they certainly present their own challenges. But anyone observing her during battle might notice her usual sense of calm slipping a little as she battle the tainted beings, giving them absolutely no quarter. She tends to remain tense for a while afterward, silent and plagued with memories from before.

Once settled at camp, she sits quietly and sips at her tea while Garahel stretches out at her feet. That's only done after healing is needed, of course. Battle or not, travel can be wearying and she'll welcome a chance to just sit and relax.

At some point, she'll glance over to Bethany and raise an eyebrow. "A copper for your thoughts?"

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany looks up from where she is peering at the map, before one corner of her mouth lifts up wryly. "I could ask you the same thing. Did one of the bandits call you a bad name? You seemed very ... intent on smacking them right off their horses."

Still, Inessa isn't the only one who looks slightly strained. Bethany's still pouring over the map, trying to take in all the defensive positions she can think of, without getting innocent people in the way. It is not as easy as it looks.

[lifeofendurance]

Smacking around aggressive interruptions en route doesn't prove excessively difficult, nor unexpected. Not that Aleron comes away from such exertions entirely unscathed, but no injuries beyond scrapes and bruises which are easily enough healed. Not even the bears are too surprising, though they put up less of a fight than the stray Red Templars. Which says plenty about both, he feels. At least with the bears they can be skinned and then butchered for meat to last the journey.

Still, the comfort of settling in by the fire at the end of the day is welcome. As is the opportunity to spend additional time with his sweetheart. She's the lead for this foray and he's happy enough to have her take point, though it's hard to miss that he's still close enough by to almost be hovering. Almost.

More than one evening as the map comes out for inspection, he attends to examining it, attempting to parse together a sound strategy to employ on their arrival. Sight unseen, it won't be foolproof as there's no indications on the map as to the strength or state of repair of the walls.

[in_death_sacrifice]

It's not too bad at all. Kain ends up a bit bloody after all the fighting is said and done, but his skills just wouldn't work as well without it. Inessa is always quick to throw healing his way afterward, at least, so he's not in any danger of passing out or anything. Some wounds are more stubborn than others, so those are bandaged up.

He wanders around camp once the patching up is done, stretching a little bit and keeping an eye on things overall. He pauses as he approaches Aleron. Now, where does he know him from... he's been trying to place him the whole trip. "I don't believe we've formerly spoken yet. I'm Kain Ventfort. I believe I've seen you around the Warden house..." Probably elsewhere too, he's sure of it. As for Kain, his Orlesian accent is unmistakable.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany usually joins him at some point as he is pouring over the map himself. She slips next to him, whereever he is sitting, and then slips her arm through his, so she can lean her head on her shoulder. Hovering is not something that Aleron gets to claim, all on his own. Or, almost hovering.

One of those evenings, when they are closer to Val Gamord, she frowns as she taps on the road leading into the town. "So this is the main way in, and out. I'm not much on war machines - but could we cut off the road temporarily? See if we can divide and conquer, then follow the darkspawn back to their source?"

[fightorfright]

Amélie is intimidated by the Seeker, but in all truthfulness, it would be easier to write a list of people who don't intimidate her. Still, she's been admiring his handiwork for several days now, and one evening she even manages to muster up the courage to approach him and ask the question that's been on the forefront of her mind. "How do you do that? With the bears? I take it you've had a lot of experience in fighting them."

[fightorfright]

Here Amélie had thought she was finally getting the hang of this 'adventuring' thing, but she had not been expecting the bears. Maker, the bears. She hadn't encountered any, really, on her way through the Marches to reach the Inquisition, and she was grateful for that because she's not sure she would've known what to do had she been on her own.

When they make camp, Amélie can be approached for the healing of any minor injuries, or to discuss bears for anyone who may care to vent about them, although they will notice that her eyes light up suspiciously despite her stated distaste for the creatures.

[doneisdone]

Teren is happy to take point when dealing with bandits, rarely even giving them a chance to get their threats out before she's impatiently running them through or hamstringing them from behind. She's getting too old for this bullshit.
The Red Templars give her a bit more pause, since she's come to find that handling anything even slightly magic-related gives her the heebie-jeebies. But she's still a trooper, and she said she'd help Bethany, so she does what she must.

When they get into camp, she defaults to resting first and then taking the first shift of night watch, an arrangement that more or less ensures she won't be caught up in too many social dealings.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain stabs his sword straight downward into the massive bear's hide, grunting with the effort. The creature finally shakes and goes still. Panting with the exertion of the battle, Kain yanks at the sword, pulling it out. They've been having quite a time of it over the course of the last couple hours, between all of the attacks. It shows in how blood-covered Kain is, both his own and that of various opponents.

"Do you think that will be the last of the bears?"

sorry I'm late!!! ):

[dalishious]

As usual, Merrick takes up scouting ahead of the group to dispatch encroaching danger, taking anyone lying in ambush by complete surprise. He's silent, working alone, happy to defend the group at a distance.

When back at camp, he takes hunting duty, killing whatever game he can find to feed the group. He sits casually near the fire, skinning a rabbit with one of his curved knives, hands covered in blood as he chews absently on a bit of grass.

Re: sorry I'm late!!! ):

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany comes up to him on the night, dropping down next to him with some interest at the rabbit he has caught. "Merrick -- did you catch those using a trap?"

She knows Teren probably knows a thing or three about traps - but she hadn't thought to ask Merrick. An oversight, on her part.

Up The Narrow Path - Into the Village

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The path itself is nothing to sneeze at. Barely wide enough for a horse, one tip to the right and one might find themselves tumbling down a rather steep ravine to the river below. Not to mention having to look out for any darkspawn that might have just wandered off from the main attack to see what was coming up around the bend.

Once they reach the inside of the village, safety is guaranteed, but the people inside are more than just worse for wear. Gratitude shines through exhaustion, and any help that can be given with someone guarding the front gate, or seeing to healing those not affected with the Blight? Would be most welcome.

[circleprodigy]

As soon as they reach the village, Inessa will do her best to see to any healing. She isn't more than a battle healer, with her magic and basic knowledge of poultices, but hopefully it will be enough. Garahel will remain quietly at her side or try to raise morale through being adorable, depending on the energy level of the patient. Only after all are tended to will she offer to help guard the front gate. The villagers haven't seen rest and neither will she while the Inquisition's presence is needed.

[ichaer]

Ciri is happy to reach the village after the slow trek up the narrow path. She makes sure Kelpie is happy and fed before heading out to look over the village. Although tired, she can see the gratitude on the faces of the villager despite the fear and it helps to bring back her energy.

Not having much in the way of healing magic or anything beyond simple first aid means she is happy to guard at the front gate. Her hand rests atop the hilt of her sword as the other idly plays with a flask of one of her alchemical mixtures, bright blue and almost icy in appearance as she paces.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Some of the village boys, those with barely enough whiskers on their faces to be men, are standing guard as well. One fellow, egged on by the others, edges towards Ciri and gives her a crooked mouth smile.

"Hello, miss. Are you - are you a Grey Warden?" It is respectful, to say the very least.

realized them interacting is overdue! they'd probably know each other from weisshaupt/griffon wing!

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain has no place with healing at all, and once he's sure there's no danger in the village itself, he heads off toward the front gate to see what guarding might be needed. There may yet still be darkspawn out there just waiting to attack, after all.

As he approaches, he sees that Ciri has had the same thought. "I take it that it's been quiet out there so far?"

[doneisdone]

Teren brings up the rear, knives out, her senses on high alert for any encroaching darkspawn. She's quick to react to any small sound, and is, on the whole, very cranky about having to traverse a path so small, so it's quite a relief when they reach the village.

There she proceeds to help stand guard, mostly silent and ever watchful.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany mentally sighs as Teren ... well, is very much like Teren. Once they've arrived, she has her horse taken care of, speaks briefly with the Marquise herself, then moves to join Teren on the wall.

From there, she whispers, "You're scaring everyone more than the darkspawn."

Meeting with the Marquise

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany herself leads her group up to the small, private home of the Marquise, a tall woman of stately manner, dressed all in black to mourn her late husband. She is more than willing to put them up, but promises nothing extravagant. She asks to meet with them once they are settled, so she can bring the Wardens, and their companions, up to speed on the situation itself.

Once everyone has claimed their space, they will meet in her dining room, where she has laid out a simple meal for them, and rises as they enter.

[ichaer]

Behind Bethany, Ciri follows without much in the way of noise. Her focus is on whatever might lay beyond the village, underground and waiting to strike but so far there is nothing that stands out to her which is concerning. She tries to shake it out of her head for now and watches as the woman, the Marquise, raises to meet them.

Her eye flicker to the food laid out and notes the simplicity out of it before greeting the woman with a nod of her head. No doubt due to the restless attacks by the darkspawn. It was good they arrived when they did... she could only wonder how long they would have lasted.

At The Walls - Bethany, Inessa, Kain and Merrick

[sunshinethroughgrey]

It is before the sun rises, that Bethany sends out Teren and her team through the narrow passage. She only waits a few minutes, because they need to engage the darkspawn fully to give them as much cover as possible. As she turns to those left with her, she gives her orders firmly but quietly.

"Kain, I want you and Merrick on the moving barricade ... and Merrick? If you have any tricks up your sleeve, now would be time. I will give you the signal once Inessa, the archers and I have managed to push back the darkspawn enough to get you through the gate without them overwhelming you both."

She pulled her staff from behind her back, looking over at Inessa. "You to the left flank, I to the right. I will be hitting them with fire and ice, so whatever else you have up your sleeve? Today is the day to use it."

No smirk passed her lips - in fact she seemed utterly focused as she climbed up the ladder to the top of the walls. She nodded to the archers waiting for her, as she took her place on the right flanking wall around the gate.

Lifting her staff high, she looked down into the near gloom at the darkspawn who continued to clamor at the door, and she slammed her staff down, to send a fiery inferno crashing right at the front of their lines. With a whoop, the archers opened fire, moving to take those on the front out of the way of the front gates.

The battle had begun.

[circleprodigy]

"Garahel, go with Kain. He'll need you more." There's a soft whine from the mabari, but some brief pets seem to reassure him and he heads over to join his friend.

Inessa casts Barrier over everyone as Bethany finishes giving her instructions and nods solemnly to the suggestion. They can return to friendly banter later; for now, there are darkspawn to defeat. At the left flank, she takes advantage of that fiery inferno, concentrating on her rift magic and creating a tiny rift to yank darkspawn into the flames with painful speed.

Teren, Aleron, Amelie, and Ciri

[sunshinethroughgrey]

The path that had led them into the city was no less narrow than it was before, but without horses and additional equipment, it is a great deal easier for those chosen to flank the dark creatures in silence than pull attention to themselves.

They are aided by the sounds of fighting emerging from the front gates - a blast of fire illuminates the early grey light, and the screams of burning darkspawn fill the air. There's a window here, to cut off the creatures now, while they begin to swarm, but only if they hurry.

Time is of the essence now.

[doneisdone]

The mage seems the skittish sort and the Seeker is... one of Those, but Teren is reassured by the presence of a second Grey Warden, aka the only other reliable tracker of darkspawn. As Bethany's chosen Captain of Team Sneaky, the Senior Warden has directed Ciri to take Aleron around to the opposite side of where the enemy has clustered. She keeps Amelie nearby so she can keep an eye on her and, if necessary, prevent any of the creatures from getting too close.
Never mind that Amelie's a mage-- the Inquisition's lousy with the damn things, and all one can do is hope they know how not to murder their allies.

Crouching behind the cover of a half-rotted stump, Teren's gaze darts from the darkspawn making their way toward the fracas, and the other side of the road, where she expects Ciri to take position at any moment. ...with the Seeker. He knows to cover his nose and mouth in a darkspawn fight, one hopes.

"Stay behind me," she mutters to Amelie, "...call out if you need cover, and stay out of our bloody way when there's close contact. If you catch the Blight it'll be on your own head, so keep it on your shoulders."