Session 10: The Greywall Militia Report

Faint rays of pale light pierced the shadows between buildings as a new day slowly dawned. The party stirred awake and began to gather among the first floor tables. Ballisar spoke with Azidael about another round of terrible visions and dreams, Calista and the Wayfarer went outside to tend to horses, and Orin prodded a bowl of thick wheat meal. Yet, not everything was so good-natured in Tharsis. Auron departed from the others and descended into the lower tiers of Tharsis in search of the militia. People were already on the streets tending to their morning rituals at the time, so that cloth, filthy, and wretched bodies filled the ancient streets. Auron cut a corner and slipped down a side avenue where people were few. Yet, he made himself conspicuous to the militia by keeping his wealth exposed and staring down those he met. Street to street he travelled, and in time found a group of six armed men walking the sleepy avenues speckled with sunlight. They seemed to be patrolling or inspecting the city. Auron approached them and stated that he had information for the leader of the Greywall Militia. The men eyed him suspiciously, but the lead one among them bid Auron continuing explaining his purpose. In reply, Auron told him that he possessed information regarding the Astorians, and the Lord of the Dramana. This interested the lead men, who told Auron to follow him toward the militia’s captain. 

They navigated the trackless collection of houses, ruins, stalls, and trash moving eastward. In the distance loomed a large tower, once part of the collapsed second ring of defenses built during the period between Zoridas and Astoria. Auron was led inside, and took note of the wretched interior. Beggars and prostitutes lined the narrow hallways each extending their hands for coins. Dirty looking soldiers passed between them, carrying cruel looking weapons or unruly criminals in their hands. Up they went through the heart of the tower, and at each level the state of decay decreased. Supplies and well-garbed servants occupied the upper levels, along with crates of food and weapons. At the very top was a chamber dedicated to the captain. A large rug dominated the floor and the walls were hidden by shelves burdened by numerous tomes. Five of the six men settled into chairs around the room, while the sixth sat behind a large table near the vast viewing port that extended the length of the outward wall. He introduced himself as Rorid Elmore, Captain of the Greywall Militia. He and Auron spoke about the information. Auron told Rorid about Ballisar and their coming attempt to negotiate, along with some other things. Rorid was pleased with this unexpected source, and told Auron he’d pay dolns for more valuable intelligence.

He returned later in the morning, around the time that the party prepared to begin their day. They gathered together and all travelled to Fornladur, where Ballisar wished to speak with the garrison captain and Azidael wished to conduct some research. After a lengthy walk they arrived at the central tower and meet with the guardsmen. After a brief conversation confirming identity, they are lead through the tangled mess of ornate halls and chambers toward the upper spire among the many spires. When they reach the door, Zenas and some stranger are speaking in edged voices. Stepping inside, the party learns that Zenas was arguing with a man named Orin Eddenvas, who is a diplomat from Everos working on behalf of Lord Oswin Garlen of the Lornish Realm. Zenas tells Orin that no information regarding Cesstecia or Pyrgoros has arrived, and that he would have to wait. On cue, Ballisar steps forward and fills the gap with his account of events. Orin is intrigued by this wild tale, and offers to remains with the party for a duration until the completion of his diplomatic mission. He must speak with Cesstecia, and there seems to be no better way to achieve that end.

The expanded party returns to the upper city inn and settles for the night. They discuss their methods with Orin and plot out a plan of action… somewhat. Whatever the case, nothing much happens for the remainder of the night.

On the following day, the party descends into the lower levels of Tharsis in search of the Greywall Militia. Auron remains silent and makes no effort to guide the party along. They are a large group, however, and soon catch the attention of commoners and soldiers alike. Before long, the same group of six patrolmen approach the party that approached Auron the morning prior. Ballisar tells them that he needs to speak with the captain of the Greywall Militia. Rorid, who is neatly disguised among the soldiers, spies Auron in the group and smirks at how well things came together. He tells the party that the captain is very busy, but if their terms are important then he can lead them. Rorid takes the party to the same tower headquarters as Auron, and leads them up to the highest floor. They originally believe him to be nothing more than a common guard, but are surprised when he announces himself as Rorid Elmore. Sitting at the table and turned toward the open window, the captain asks the party for their terms.

The party unfortunately does poorly in their early negotiations. Orin is quiet silent and people are generally intimidated by the demeanor of Rorid. They bumble on for some time before Calista impresses him by ‘speaking sense’ regarding his unstable position between Syrgus and Cesstecia. He dismisses everyone from the room except for her, and they speak a bit about the party’s intentions and what he might expect.

Meanwhile, the Wayfarer wanders the halls of the tower, brushing past the unsavory folk gathered around it. While taking in the scenery, he saw two large men stumble past carrying an armored body in their arms. He follows them along to a small chamber which smells like the horrid stench of death. Scattered around are pieces of armor. The Wayfarer, curious of the sight, offers to ‘help’ them with whatever they’re doing. The two men reluctantly agree and they draft the Wayfarer to strip corpses and hurl the bodies out the port window in nothing but linens. The opening, which was once the doorway onto the now shattered walls, leads down to a large pile of bodies rotting at the bottom. It looks to be where the Astorian soldiers ambushed and killed are discarded. The Wayfarer is horrified, but among the ruins he spies a small slip of paper which was dropped by the latest victim. It is intelligence regarding Vioden troops spotted to the northeast of Tharsis, east of Illidost. He tucks it into his armor for safe keeping. He also manages to secure some old Astorian scale mail as a ‘gift’ for his services.

The rest of the party goes back into the room to finish negotiations. They work out a deal where Rorid will become lord of his portion of Tharsis, yet have no direct control over the upper section. It will, however, be open to his men. He will be paid 300 dolns a month, payable once the war is over. Rorid will cease attacks on the Astorian garrison of the city. Rorid will share critical wartime information he has gathered to the benefit of Empress Cesstecia. Rorid will receive formal apology from Zenas. Rorid will gain positin of advisory with Cesstecia, or some man in his place. Rorid will get 50% of all supplies in and out of the city. No Tharsite soldiers will be drafted for the war effort, but can volunteer. Rorid will keep the city secure from enemy threats, lest the threat be too great.