Shadowdale defenders

The next few days, Taeron focuses his drills on various ways of taking advantage of the surroundings and the terrain. He discussed well defendable places in Shadowdale with the men, as well as various techniques of raising barricades.
He usually discusses these things with Mara, before having a drill.

Taeron could be seen around the Twisted Tower more and more often. Sometimes, he has company - sometimes he's alone.

Soon after that, a group of his men starts working on the debris, while another squad stands guard. At all times during the work, Taeron is present. The guards around the tower are strengthened.

After taking the time to watch the drills take place day in and day out Giah would finally approach Taeron as he was staring at the Twisted tower. "Taeron, sir." He said with a jovial tone. The light of the sun reflecting from his finished, lightly golden tinted armor. A symbol of Lather emblazened on the front. Introducing himself as a DawnKnight of the Order of Aster. "Commander Taeron, If you would have my assistance I would like to give what I can to helping this fair town. The down trodden need hope. It is my duty to give the displaced people of this town that wish. For the rays of the sun shine down day in and day out and the people here know only strife. Would you have this assistance?" he asked. A beaming smile never moving from the blonde "mans" face and any sort of motive could tell he was sincere in his words.

I will take any help I can.

However - you might want to reconsider who you're applying to. The militia is the army of Shadowdale. We don't meddle with the lawmakers, we just protect the city from outside threats. We face gnolls, bugbears, drow, zhents... But we are not always in position of power inside the city itself.

Perhaps you wish to employ your talents as a Sheriff. They make sure the law is upheld.

Are you sure you wish to join the army, lad?

// And I have no idea how I missed your post, sorry

Taeron leads yet another drill. The soldiers seem far more experienced now, they get into formations faster, move as a unit and the higher ranking soldiers seem more decisive and swift in their decisions.

The barbarian then gathers the officers and discusses something with them. Anyone listening might hear the phrase "transfer of leadership" being used.

Rwolf sends a report on the Shadow Druid attack to Taeron (will send PM )

Taeron spends quite some time in the militia camp during daytime, preparing stockpiles of holy water.

The double-night-watch period would also be extended for the next two weeks.

During a regular drill, Taeron would have the men assemble and line up.

He would then call out Guardsman Colbert and Guardsman Jean and commend them both in front of the assembled unit.

"Well done. Your hard work is paying off. Your town is proud of you."

After that, he'd make the men continue the drill and head to the commander's tent. He would file in an order to pay out a small bonus to both men - if needed, he'd pay it from his own pocket.

Colbert's and Jean's unit would also get a special treat during dinner (to make sure they don't feel left out and to underline the principle that they are together through thick and thin).

Valtore sends a letter to Taeron;

Honored Taeron,

I have placed an order for one Iron Golem to be constructed and sent to Shadowdale to aid you with defense of the town. It will take a month or more to be constructed however. The costs have been covered.

Valtore

*Taeron sends a letter back to Valtore.*

"Honored Valtore,

Your gift is rather generous. I believe the people of Shadowdale will sleep better knowing that a mighty construct is watching over them.

And please don't see this as an insult, but I'd like to know if there is anything at all I can do for you in return. You know I prefer to keep my debt slate clean. And I feel like I owe you a lot.

Taeron"

"Taeron,

Knowing that the golem will aid in protecting the town, as well as it's mere presence my deter some harm to the good people of Shadowdale is payment enough. That you and others may get back to a more normal and fruitful life then was possible during the years of war we all endured is all that I truely wish for.

Valtore"

Taeron can be seen discussing something with the elven rangers - pointing out places on a map.

Two small and swift units of elven rangers leave the town shortly after - one heading southeast and one heading straight north into the hills.

Taeron then returns to the military camp, assembles the men on duty and holds a rigid defense drill.

*Onyx, the Earth Genasi that has been helping the House of Plenty, walks towards the camp early in the morning and asks about helping the militia.*

Taeron makes sure the militia is well equipped and has a stockpile of holy water still ready. If needed, he spends his mornings creating new supply of holy water and he makes sure at least the northern guards are equipped with one or two flasks.

Having faced the undead in battle, he informs the militia of their prowess, the spells they use and the weapons they carry. Daily drills are still held to improve the fighting capabilities of the militia.

A detailed report about the undead is also sent to the elven commanders.

Once more goblins are seen attempting to creep out of the barn at night. A few farmers come to Taeron complaining of missing chickens.

Taeron sighs at the reports of the goblins.

"We should eradicate those vermin before they swarm out in numbers too large for us to handle..."

When the farmers come complaining about the chickens, Taeron surprisingly takes it with all seriousness and assigns the task of investigation to a small group of militia and scounts.

He also inquires among the Auxiliary troops to find out if any of them are interested in either of the two missions.

Tearon may or may not see Ravossel in Shadowdale once again, buying materials for some thing. At any rate If Ravossel spots Tearon, he'll get a overly exighted hi, with a hug like normal. This time she is really bubbly, and happy.

One of the guards asks Taeron;
"Why we don't try to collaspe the barn and close off the opening? With all the powerful magic users, clerics, and druids running around surely someone might know how to do it."

Taeron can be seen patrolling the streets once again.

He seems lost in thoughts most of the time - yet still aware of his surroundings. The man spent considerable time drilling the soldiers - so much in fact, that he wasn't seen outside the training grounds for several weeks.

However - it seems this part of the militia training is over, as the giant once again walks the roads of Shadowdale. Very often can he be seen at the eastern gate, just staring into the distance...

DM_Sapphire wrote:

A letter is delivered to Taeron via a young messenger boy. He seems excited. This being said, it's likely he's getting coin out of this and learning the beauty of 'work'. The letter has a wax seal with the official seal of Shadowdale.

Taeron sighs as he reads the letter - the morning drill due to start in a few moments. He goes through the letter - his frown cracking a bit.
He looks up at the boy, then checks the seal on the letter.

It takes him a moment to realize what this means. He gives the boy a coin, then smirks when he believes no one can see him.

"It was about bloody time..."

With that, he heads back to the camp and starts packing his belongings.