Cast: Party, Elle, Martos, Tal, Refugees
Setting: Road to Brenner’s Fields
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Nearly a hundred refugees will be killed by Nebiat’s assault before the undead can be brought to bay. This badly damages morale to an already weakened, starving, exhausted people. They continue trudging forward, but the life seems to have gone out of them.
The bad weather returns, with a steady drizzle making the road into a morass of mud and drenching the poor townsfolk.
By midmorning they can see the walled city of Brenner’s fields, which is surrounded by rusted cages in various stages of decomposition. These were first used for slaves and later for livestock, but now they stand empty and forlorn.
The town itself is ringed by a 30 foot wall of redwood planks with bristling wooden spikes atop it. The southern gate is open, but closes as the group approaches.
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Events
- When the PCs approach a guard atop the wall will call out for them to state their business. He’s not willing to let anyone inside the walls and will insist that the PCs stay out. Elle will stride forward to negotiate, explaining succinctly the situation the refugees are in. She will explain that they have coin and wish to purchase food, blankets and possibly tents.
- The guard looks slightly confused, then tells Elle to wait there. He is going to fetch the mayor. The PCs are left alone for several minutes to discuss things while they wait.
- After a short wait the doors creak open and the mayor walks out. He introduces himself as Brand and asks who is in charge. If no one else takes the lead Elle will step forward. Have her make a diplomacy roll. Assuming she wins Brand is willing to deal. He will take the 5 Hasran Golden Eagles, and in exchange will offer a week’s worth of food for 900 people. He’ll throw in 450 blankets as well if Elle rolls really well, but will not allow any Hasrans inside the town.
- Brand heads back into town to make the arrangements, leaving the citizens to sit in the rain. The PCs will have a good two hours to kill, and can do anything they like during that time. At the end of it the doors will creak out, but instead of the mayor two dozen women of various ages will come out. They will distribute blankets, cloaks and freshly baked bread. They escort three carts worth of goods, all given freely.
- Not long after a second group will leave the gates, this time it’s the mayor with the promised goods. He seems rather chagrined by the women’s freely given gifts, but holds fast to the deal he struck with Elle. He provides additional blankets, clothing and the food as promised. He also agrees to give up three carts and horses to pull them, which will help the people carry their new supply of food.
- The mayor wishes the party well. They have a common enemy in the dreadlords, and he is alarmed to hear that they are back. He hopes the people make it home safely, and wishes there was more he could do.
- The women and mayor head back inside and the gates swing shut. Elle suggests guiding the refugees north, back to the shore of the river Eldinore. If no one else mentions it she will point out that they will need axes to cut down trees to make rafts. This will probably prompt a ‘what are we going to do when we get there’ discussion.
