The Ruined Farmers

//From a big DM Umbra event:


The vicious fights against the marauding orcs who had dragged farmers out of their villages, ravaged and murdered them and set all alight so that black plumes of smoke streak the skies for leagues around.

These orcs were part of the army of the great White Wyrm who was attacking Castle Krag. Let loose to pillage and weaken and cause fear, they were doing so. The ground -down farmers of the Dale had lost so much in the last years, and now some of them had lost the rest and then their lives.

The Orcs might come again and destroy the rest of the farmsteads. The people had hung on and hung on through the last many months but if they came, it was almost certain death. Even if they survived if they lost their crops and livestock then they had nothing left for sewing the crops next year.

----

Sergeant Unterminox' servant, fine dark robes draped over her armour and veiled in black, requests permission of him for a certain matter.

After that she moves among the less brutal of the adventuring folk who wander in an out of Shadowdale, quietly speaking to them.

"The Orc attacks have killed quite a few farmers in the Northern Dale, their wives and families and livestock and fired the crops. They're still about and might attack the rest of the farms. For now the Sergeant has given permission for the survivors to come into Shadowdale and live as refugees. Would you be willing to help them move here and maybe even to find a few tents? Also to help bring some of the crops that remain. If they all get used up then they'll have nothing to plant next year.

She waits nearby the barn for any who are willing to come and help move the farmers and their valuables.



///hoping for a little bit of forum and maybe IG rp from this so if you'd like to take part please post here or pm me

*anastasia watches the scenes quietly till she see's the black robed figure talking to people on the matter her expression grim of late with the actions happening*

the orcs did similar things within cormyr girl....the best course of action is to purge the creatures.....but if needs be i will assist in providing for the farmers with what i can till the army can deal with them.

*she could then be seen assisting mostly survivors with children into the town walls finding them quiet places to settle across from the temple of bane*

As Vincent makes his way through town, helping the Beggars and doing his usual duties he see's the black robed figure speaking of helping these folk. He perks a brow and if possible tries to have a quiet word with her to the side.

/// Interested, though would like to do the RP IG if possible ^_^

Skumfang walks over to the robed figure, giving her a small greeting in the form of a slightly confused sniff. Seemingly unsure about something, he presses on instead to the business at hand, greedily surveying the situation.

"Skumfang do it iffy ge's paid." The small Grey Orc nods sagely, seemingly oblivious that the last thing many of the farmers would want to see now would be another Orc.

Charity does what she can, when she can and where she can - be it helping to carry oats and seeds or setting up a tent, be it passing out supplies from the House of Plenty or pressing a few gold coins into hands and grieving with the farmers for what has been lost.

The shrouded young woman backs away from the orc "Thank you for the offer, I'll keep it in mind". She doesn't get back to him.

But she is delighted to see and to hear Chance again.

Seeing Charity's efforts, she asks her to get hold of some tents if she can. In her mind is to ask if they can bring in food and grain from one of the other dales. She mentions it to the woman to see if it's something she might be interested in organising if it turns out to be needed. [ Shadowdale, the whole dale, is very short of food til harvest comes [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Then she approaches her master.

"Sergeant Unterminox, might it be permitted to put some tents by the pond in Central Shadowdale and some even on the hill opposite the Twisted Tower? "

Having spoken to a young woman shrouded in black in the shadow of the general, Korithian pulls his hood over his head and moves northinto the farms of the Dales. Glancing over the burnt buildings and where just before had lain raped and murdered citizens of the Dales. The farmers had suffered much in this war and these raids were likely the limit many of these folk could take, but more important that their wellbeing the crops were needed elsewhere. Without them the Dales offered little more than elves and drow in abundence.

Moving among the farmsteds Korithian offered coin and assistance to the farmers to get them moving into the city and purchase what supplies they can while they weather the coming battles inside the relative safety of the walls of Shadowdale. Making a note of those unwilling to go peacefully for forceful extraction should that be necesary and then moving on to the next farm.

((OOC: if a DM wants to remove upto 20,000 gold from Korithian in gifts to the farmers. After that the greedy scum are on their own ))

*Hearing about the recent attacks, Taeron sets his patrol route around Shadowdale - trying to stay away from Zhent patrols, but looking out for orcs. He is trying to become the first line of defense of the helpless - ready to take on smaller patrolls or even larger platoons, unless they have a significant archery support. When he meets the hooded female, he asks plainly:*

Is there anything else that can be done? Just say the word.

*In case the barbarian walks into any farmers or refugees, he offers his aid and even provides them with gold to help them survive. He never gives too much - not to draw the attention of the taxhungry Zhentarim, but he always provides enough for the families to survive long enough to start a new life*

///When you meet me in game, take the appropriate sum from my char. Thanks

To make matters worse on the farmers , it seems that the occasional chicken seems to go missing from their livestock. While a small note in the grand scheme of things , any skilled tracker following it up will find the corpses tripped apart, flesh stripped from them and judging by the gore and blood splatter, eaten raw. Anyone familiar with anatomy of farm animals would find the cause of death being the chicken's necks violently snapped .

(( if anyone bothers to follow up on this shoot me a pm! If not, the omnomonom continues))

The hooded female sees Taeron and she can't help it, she reaches out and touches his forearm gladly.

" It's been so long. Oh it is good to see you! how are you? "

She talks a little; but soon her voice is a little raised in tone, upset as the barbarian speaks to her sternly. In the end she turns away and leaves towards the next farmstead, her steps dispirited but determined.

.


-------------


That night she goes with Korithian to bring the first of the farmers into Shadowdale, relying on Charity's efforts to set up tents and basic supplies for them. They go to one of the most likely incursion points to try to persuade the farmers. Very skilled in the art of the silver tongue by now, she uses all her efforts to get them to at least send their families away from the isolated farms, if they will not leave themselves, and to try to hide some of their belongings or get them safely hidden.

--------

She also leaves a note for Vincent Blake-Aseph, perhaps hesitantly, that she will be offering to escort more out the next day, from one of the next most likely incursion points.

----

In these circumstances, missing chickens are completely overlooked.

Daoinvel who visits Shadowdale rather often can be seen singing songs about dragons who burn everything down. It is obvious his intention is to sing sad songs though for some they may just sound ridiculous.
He can also be seen talking to homeless farmers quietly. The homeless people he talks to will hear him offering to escort them to a place where refugees are always welcome.
If he is not singing or talking he can be seen running around and trying to catch homeless chicken. No one knows why...

As the darkly-clothed woman speaks to him, Sergeant Unterminox nods. "Bring them to these sites; just outside the town's core is where they will be safest, in the shadows of the Temple of Bane and the Twisted Tower.

"Any who think to leave the dale, ask them: would they really be safer travelling days on end through woods infested with drow and the orcs themselves, or behind the city's walls?"

.............................................................

His servant gone, he would later speak to his Vanguards, instructing them to bring the farmers the same message. Most, the smart ones anyway, would see the wisdom in his words and come willingly - those who still insist on leaving are to be brought to the town by force of arms for their own good.

Should he hear these rumors of the Zhentarim working with the orcs and their dragon master, he would laugh heartily until his damaged vocal chords strain and he begins to cough. "Tell them these are the speculations and lies of simple-minded fools. Why on Toril would we work with those attacking the farmers? Do they think we occupy this town for its fresh air and scenery? The Zhentarim rely on the farmers and the crops they raise - this is no secret - and it is not only in our best interest but in fact our mission to keep them alive and bringing in the harvest when the time comes."

Later she asks him, a thought begun by another's comment

" master, they will be able to return to their own farms won't they?"

*Should any of the farmers use Fidheliss's argument, Taeron would arch a brow*

Need I remind anyone that the Zhents stood idly when the purple plague spread across the dales? Or the fact that the cure wasn't found by the followers of Bane?
They have shown their true intentions. They sided with the Shadovar who caused it.
If these words are actually the words of the Zhentarim, they admit that they -occupy- your land. And have you ever heard about such an occupation to end well for the natives?
Let me ask you this: How long will the crops last on the fields without you tending to them? Because you can't tend to them from under their tower or from inside the city walls. What will stop the orcs from setting flame to the fields? The Zhents certainly don't seem like they wish to fight them. Have you seen a single warparty being dispatched against the marauders? If this continues, there will be no harvest.
You just said that Zhents rely on the farmers for the crops. Do you really think that they will share their rations during winter, after the crops on the fields die? Have they -ever- shared -anything-?

If you wish to go, the Bastards will protect you. If you wish to stay however, the choice is yours to make.

*If this does not convince the farmers, Taeron just shrugs and heads off, doing what he did till that moment*

Songbird wrote:

Later she asks him, a thought begun by another's comment

" master, they will be able to return to their own farms won't they?"

"Of course they would. What good would they be to the Zhentarim or to themselves staying there indefinitely? We've done much to counter this threat, from facing the orcs head-on, putting our own lives at risk - despite what others who weren't there may say - to gathering them within our walls. What food can be spared will be rationed among them - we all go hungry in these difficult times, Zhentarim and peasant alike, but we will keep them alive as best we can; we obviously have no need for dead farmers. We will do our best to protect those who willingly stay; those who rule in Bane's name protect those who serve them well."

"There is one more thing, Helen: I want the names of any provocateurs you've seen trying to lead farmers from the dale."

a robed figure moves quietly and carefully amongst the refugees quietly spreading word " the servants of bane have failed you, they promised protection but side with the enemy when they are too filled with their precious fear, perhaps one day you will find yourselves licking the boots of their new orcish allies, and still you believe they will help you? no my goodmen and goodwives, you are truly on your own, but their is another who will help, we can show you how to claim that which was taken and in the dead of night you will make those who brought this suffering down on you pay for their arrogance and they will fall to the hidden blade that waits in the dark" the cowled figure gives those who heed him and seem interested in his promises a few coins and the promise of a better way of life for those who convert to Cyric and serve their new church by informing their immediate cell leader of all zhent activity and movement, the homes of those who convert are watched from the shadows by stealthy killers waiting for the chance to ambush any who might cause the residents harm, be they orcish or zhentarim armed with poisoned crossbow bolts and daggers, their instructions are to hit the intruders and run, being captured is a greater liability than the loss of a few lay worshipers, however we must appear to be trying harder than the banites, which shouldn't be hard......

Kara walks quietly among the people speaking to them in low tones.

She tells them that they don't need to stay here and be at the mercy of the banites or their drow allies.

There are many people willing and able to help them escape.

The journey is dangerous true but not as dangerous as trusting the banites. And there are people who can protect them on the journey.

The next time Taeron heads to the farms he finds Valtore and four other Irnohouse dwarves waiting on the road foe him. Their armor shined and eyes clear. Val greets him with a nod, telling him that they will help him escort those who wish to travel to the Lathnder farms. They have healing potions and plenty of supplies to make the trip. Once the group is gathered the dwarves fall in around them following Taeron's lead. If one of the refugees starts to fall Val hands his shield to his clansman and carries him the rest of the way.

A man covered in soot and dirt from travelling round the farms and aiding where he can to dig through the rubble of ruined homes and farmsteads to retrieve lost valuables for their owners address the groups of farmers as he goes.

"People of the Dales, I implore you to travel to the safety of the city while the Zhentarim deal with this threat. Your lives and those of your family must be kept safe and the wilds are plagued with monsters, drow, bandits and barbarians who care for nothing more than spilling your blood. As I have travelled the Dales I have seen the soldiers of the Zhentarim patrolling the borders of the Dales, I have seen these warriors lying dead having given their lives in defence of you and your farms. I have seen soldier and farm lie side by side dying at the hands of raiders to defend your families. I have personally witness soldiers of the Zhentarim charge the lines of these raiders to hold them back to give families a chance to get to the safety of the walls". His voice rising to higher levels " Don't have them make these sacrifices in vein you must make it to the safety of the city walls!"

Casting a glance to the eyes of each of the gathered famers, wifes and children. "I am sure some of you may be considering this is a good time to leave the Dales and it is true that you have little left here. But farms can be rebuilt and crops regrown, what cannot be replaced are your lives. And if you must leave travel to the south and travel on once these raiders have been defeated. To the North lies freehaven where arriving poor and without papers you will be sold into slavery while to the east lies the Elves who care nothing for human affairs. You will be seen as a burden and locked away in their camps for your own safety. Your own safety as if you were children or idiots not the brave stock of the Dales! The Elves own the forests they will not allow you to till the earth or to raise livestock. You will be placed in their camps to ekk out what pathetic existence they will let you have till they decide human affairs are human business and you are given to their drow allies to die on their altars!" A low blow but on the whole elves stuck with elves and humans stuck with human it took very little play on such beliefs and fears.

"So please travel to the city walls and allow the soldiers of the Zhentarim to destroy this threat before making any decisions to travel on".

Keeping an eye out for any trouble makers or those speaking out, he moves on with coin and aid to the next farms to repeat his well-rehearsed speech. He couldn't help wonder why do I do it, their contribution could be much more efficiently done by Golems and slave labour, and I feel almost no connection to these people or infact the Dales themselves. He had once no doubt when he had been a sell sword trying to make enough coin to eat. But now he had out grown such things, the curse of having nothing in common with such people. To them these Dales were their lives all they would likely ever see or know and that made him feel little more than disgust for them. As he approached the next farm he cast such thoughts from his mind, back to play the game.

Songbird wrote:

Seeing Charity's efforts, she asks her to get hold of some tents if she can. In her mind is to ask if they can bring in food and grain from one of the other dales. She mentions it to the woman to see if it's something she might be interested in organising if it turns out to be needed. [ Shadowdale, the whole dale, is very short of food til harvest comes [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Charity is more than happy to go through efforts to have tents sown and raised, purchasing material and such - and is even happier to try to coordinate supply trains from surrounding Dales to help with the famine.

Still a little unnerved by a comment or two she heard and by the encounter with Taeron, Helen discusses with her and then asks her master

" Master, may I try to find a reliable and presentable trader and mercenaraies to protect him to bring in food for the farmers and their livestock? The stock needs it too or they'll die and then teh farmers will be even poorer. I have about fifty thousand gold spare. "

She also unobtrusively goes to find Marisa the Ilmatarian and ask her to work with the displaced to ease their burdens. Without mention of her God, of course.