Reoccupation of Shadowdale

After the blast of dismissal echoed out from the Twisted Tower and the delivery of the news that a lich had struck with an army to the east, alighting the woods Bryanna moves to take charge of Shadowdale again.

The remaining defenders... Helmites, Chaunteans, Lathandrites, mercenaries, and militia all are gathered and issued their orders.

1.) The are north of the river is to be evacuated south over the river.
2.) A strong point is to be established at the northern bridge over the Ashaba, and the strongpoint at the Western bridge and crossing manned again.
3.) The men are split into four equal groups. One quarter is to man each of the three entrances to the town. They're instructed to pitch new camps near their posts and work in eight hour shifts with one third of each quarter on duty.
4.) The remaining quarter of the defenders are given direction to patrol the town streets and give assistance to the commoners as they can. Order is to be mantained but minor transgressions are for now to simply be settled without arrest as men can't be spared for guarding or escorting prisoners. Any major transgressions are to be thrown outside of the gates and denied re-entry.
5.) The officer in charge of each chokepoint is given a signal horn, the extra quarter of the militia working on other tasks are ordered to respond to the horns while the ones at other checkpoints are ordered to hold their positions should the horns be sounded.

The next call is for able-bodied volunteers from among the common people. The following requests are made of them.
1.) Anyone willing and able to use weaponry is asked to arm themselves and assist the defenders in securing the town's perimeter against re-incursion by the worms or other threats.
2.) Anyone unwilling to take up arms, but still able is asked to assist in building defensive works up at the choke points.
3.) Anyone unwilling to take up arms and unable to do heavy labor is asked to begin going door to door, checking in with neighbors and families and organizing communal cooking and housing inside the town proper until the out-lying areas can be swept and re-secured.
4.) Surviving elders of the town are asked to take task to the work of ensuring that the surviving townspeople are reunited with their loved ones; hopefully staving off the chaos of everyone trying to find each other on their own.

The third call is for the healers and sensors that were previously working in the quarantine area. They are asked to do the following...
1.) Establish posts for themselves at each of the 3 militia camps and work in cooperation with the militia to screen anyone entering and anyone already inside the town for the creatures.
2.) Establish a post at the center of town for re-checking those who pass by.
3.) To organize themselves into shifts so those who need rest the most can do so immediately and begin rotating shifts as soon as everyone is able.

The final call is for adventurers (PCS) who are asked to assist in the following ways:
1.) Organize in GROUPS to begin searching the outlying areas for survivors from the town. Each group needs to have someone able to detect the work creatures as well as a number of others to guard that person as they look for missing townspeople.
2.) Assist the militia and clerics of the town in protect against a new incursion.
3.) Provide the commoners and militia with assistance in any way that is reasonable and needful.
4.) Find the bodies of the Town Councilmen/Elders and Mayor Glamerie.

Lastly notice is posted at the Crossroads that any banned individuals wishing to assist the township can do so by scouting the surrounding lands and giving written reports to the militia at each of the town's entrances in addition to helping groups of survivors from the town find their way back to the checkpoints.


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Bryanna herself works where is needed, providing assistance to all three groups and keeping herself as available as possible until someone arrives to either take over in Shadowdale for her or return to Myth Drannor in her behalf and begin organizing the return of the refugees from the City of Song. If anyone questions why she's barking orders she simply states that with the Mayor dead she has taken charge of the town for now. If anyone questions her actions with the militia she simply states she was granted the authority to do so by Commander Taeron.







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The three chokepoints she seeks to establish...

Position One:

Position Two:

Position 3:

The following day Bryanna makes a circuit checking up not only on the new positions the militia were asked to take up around the town, but also in other areas of note around town. She looks for unusual signs of passage, either coming or going. Imesah walks with her, the two discussing a number of things as Bryanna checks and searches on her rounds. ((Survival on a Take 10: 23, any DM can feel free to roll if they want to with her +13 mod))

On their return they also come across Cleophus. The three talk about the Lathandrite presence. Cleophus explained some concern about having too much military presence, and wanting to make sure the humanitarian presence is strong. Bryanna simply states that all assistance is welcome, and that she is more concerned about making sure the people remaining in town are safe and the area is secured. She is not concerned about what it may look like to others for the Lathandarites to have a large number of their warriors there and welcomes the aid they would provide.

(Screenies of the Trip))

Mark is working on escorts back from Myth Drannor to Shadowdale until there are no more refugees or further notice, in which case he would begin to search around for individuals.

Bryanna spends no few hours working about town and meeting with concerned parties still working at getting everything organized, finding solutions to problems, and when necessary doing grunt work herself. Unlike past days, she remains armored, taking a page from Vincent's book that the time has come to be prepared to fight in the town's defense at short notice for now.


One particular conversation she has is with Dacius and Leander about the state of dead bodies in Shadowdale and the general area. After some discussion she asks Dacius to move forward with his idea. Dacius is asked to gather the bodies of the fallen into the empty field in West Shadowdale. The bodies are to be covered and guarded from being violated by vounteers for the duty. Leander, the young Kelemvorite is asked to do what he can to prevent further decompensition.. to buy more powerful priests the time to do work with the bodies, and give the families times to come say goodbye to any loved ones who can't be raised.

*After the boat usually docked at the crossroads dock disappeared a few days ago, some had wondered what had become of it and its owner. In the early morning light of this day, those questions were answered where the river passes through northern Shadowdale. The boat moors as close to the bank as possible and citizens begin making their way along the gang plank to the South bank where they meet up with members of the militia. By the number of people, the boat must have been pretty packed. Any talk of where they had been is answered with Ashabenford and other small communities along the river. As soon as the boat is unloaded, it heads back to the crossroads dock and the charming inn keeper quickly ties it off and makes his way back to town without a word.*

Bryanna's next action after delegating the issue of the dead bodies to Dacius and Leander is to seek out messengers to carry letters East for her. She finds what she needs in the form of Piak and Kasia.

*Jonah takes a special note to keep watch for the little girl Anabelle, and her family. Apparently, the patriarch of the household was among the militia slain in the battle, and he takes it upon himself to find her again once the women and children begin arriving again*

After a few more circuits around the town, Bryanna comes up with another problem she didn't foresee before. Bumping into Amatria in a fortunate turn of events she recruits the elf maiden to help her with the problem. She asks Amatria to set up a public kitchen near the hospital that Laura and Jonah are running. She asks Amatria to manage it and work at making sure that hungry defenders and the displaced are getting reasonable meals.

Jonah welcomes Amatria's help, and grants her anything she needs to get the warm meals prepared as quickly as possible

Amatria takes on the task, glad that she is able to help with something. She quickly gets to work to open a stall across from the auction house. She would ask some of the local women for help with the cooking, managing the distributing of the food herself or with the help of those who wish to. Having learned the Sense Life spell from Karovir a few days beforehand, she will be able to look over the people standing in line for food and those around the stall.
She keeps a polite and pleasant demeanour, greeting everyone with kindness. When there's time for it, she sings and plays flute to keep the spirites high, a mixture of joyous melodies filled with hope, and soothing melodies meant to comfort and calm the people.

The spot for the stall:

DrunkenSolamnic wrote:

Bryanna's next action after delegating the issue of the dead bodies to Dacius and Leander is to seek out messengers to carry letters East for her. She finds what she needs in the form of Piak and Kasia.

As requested, Kasia and Piak delivered the letters to Clan Ironhouse (where it was received by elder Grendel), the Coronal of Myth Drannor (given to an Akh Velar guard by the barracks) and the Kendra or anyone else in charge of the refugees at the Morning farms (handed out to the Dawnbringer in the Dawnspire).

After searching for Julia, Bryanna spots her heading into the House of Plenty. Joined by Jonah, Bryanna approaches Julia for assistance on a number of subjects. First dealing with the dead that are being found around the township, Julia agreeing that the Chaunteans should take over final rites duties from Dacius and Leander as they gather the dead in the West of Shadowdale. Second Julia agrees for the Chaunteans to take under management supplying Amatria's public kitchen with foodstuffs for her to continue dispensing meals to the displaced and defenders. Finally Bryanna has a long talk with Julia about the other threats facing Shadowdale, at long last getting more information on a number of them.

With Jay's timely arrival at the end of the talks with Julia, Bryanna thanks him for his work around Shadowdale so far. Following some commentary Jay makes in regards to his skills at temporary housing she asks him to take charge of the current housing situation in Shadowdale proper. Jay accepts the charge and Bryanna notes that anyone having trouble finding a place to stay should see Jay for assistance as he'll be working with the Ilmateri and Chaunteans to get everyone appropriate accommodations.

Jonah sets Jay up with the former pavilion tents he used for the Overflow area, when things were at their worst. There is leftover bedding and supplies to get things started as well.

Taeron can be seen walking through the town, taking over the command of the militia.

Bryanna's distribution of the men is mostly maintained, but the entire remaining militia is divided into three groups. One guards and patrols, the second one plants crops or helps with farming duties and the third one rests. (Men can switch shifts between guards and planting as long as they find anyone willing to swap with them - so there might be men who serve double guard shifts and others who serve double farming shifts.)

If questioned, Taeron would just answer: "This town is a farming community first and foremost. Spring is upon us and I may not know much, but I know that if they don't plant the crops now, they will have nothing to harvest. There are threats outside, but the men are well trained and they carry their weapons to their homes. If there is an urgent need, we can call them to arms at a moments notice."

Taeron then talks to the men, telling them that they will need to work harder than ever before and that the community will now look up to them - and they need to set an example.

The barbarian also makes sure the town is well covered by spellcasters who can sense life - using these as a precaution against an invasion. He uses the spell himself whenever opportunity presents itself.

He can also be seen tending to the wounded, healing the sick and using his priestly powers to attempt to bring back the dead.

The strange part is that Taeron doesn't talk much. He gets his job done, he makes himself visible, but he doesn't talk as much as he used to.

Heard of the evacuation of all the citizens from the northern part of the town, Lucent reaches the House of Plenty to offer the former banite site as temporary place for accommodating people after having personally checked the terrain and calculated how much space it would be needed.

Terrain examination:

Having lived aboard a caravan all his life long, Lucent knows that not everyone is going to enjoy sleeping outside and while setting the temporary camp he would make sure to hand tips to make the whole experience more comfortable. His tasks also would include:

• registering those who arrive to collect names and family names
  
  
• appointing a billboard so to help citizens to keep track of the status of their dears
  
  
• making sure no one is infected by casting the sense life spell
  
  
• sending children who arrive alone to the orphanage as agreed with Julia
  
  
• sending the weakest and elders to stay at the temple for there are several empty beds
  
  
• sending the sick to the hospital of the Illmaterians
  
  
• contacting Amatria to get to know her plans about the kitchen
  
  
• contacting the Mage Guild to ask help with the wet terrain to be solved by casting floating disk under each tent
  
  
• contacting his mate Cleophus to ask if it's possible have a few priests and paladins always stationed at the camp
  
  
• contacting Gethein to ask him to keep the people's spirit up by performing every now and then
  

Lucent would work extensively staying at the registration desk and offering smiles and jokes. He would point out to everyone that in case of need his camp is on the other side of the river, in Shadowdale West. During the evenings he would sport his lute (the refinished one, not the one he often used in battle) and would play it while seated around the tall bonfires with the others, not failing to mention Selune in his songs.

Not for the first time, Cleo moves from house to house in the Northern Vales, aiding those who need it, always taking names, always giving information, always [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

He seems at home here, where he'd spent most of his days in months after Battle for Shadowdale, where he guarded the wells from further poisonings, where he first got to know the man who would become his mate--a man he'd seen but rarely in during these days of crisis.

Fitting, then, that Cleo stood at the very tent where they used to camp, guarding the wells, when the runner arrived with a message from Jay.

coincidence:

Cleo smiled, reassured, talking to himself. "He'll make a proper place for these folks. After all, he made one for me."

Only now does Cleo begin to take the evacuation effort seriously, using his persuasive abilities to urge people to go, and armed with knowledge that may help him persuade them. ("You know, your Uncle Krump and his family are already down there...")

(((diplomacy mod 23 )))

He then writes a little note ordering ((with Imesah's agreement and DM approval)) 3 Dawn Knights to patrol the encampment, along with any Dawn Greeters in the area, and another note requesting that Keshala assist in aiding the encampment.

Bryanna takes a closer look at the destruction of the twisted tower... thinking to herself "hmm.. this will make a great quarry for the walls..", though she makes no orders or plans just yet until she sees how everything else settles.

Many people have gathered their few possessions and stop at the hospital to be checked before joining the caravans to the Lathander Farms. It seems only those who attually own land in Shadowdale are willing to stay many of the common people are leaving town. Priests from the church are requesting to go with them.

Whispers are heard about the many tragic things that happened in town behind closed doors. How the "Priest" Travis raped many women even in front of their husbands and fathers under the threat of death to loved ones. As the houses are searched a few people are found to have killed themselves with either poison or hanging themselves.

Taeron wrote:

Taeron can be seen walking through the town, taking over the command of the militia.

Bryanna's distribution of the men is mostly maintained, but the entire remaining militia is divided into three groups. One guards and patrols, the second one plants crops or helps with farming duties and the third one rests. (Men can switch shifts between guards and planting as long as they find anyone willing to swap with them - so there might be men who serve double guard shifts and others who serve double farming shifts.)

If questioned, Taeron would just answer: "This town is a farming community first and foremost. Spring is upon us and I may not know much, but I know that if they don't plant the crops now, they will have nothing to harvest. There are threats outside, but the men are well trained and they carry their weapons to their homes. If there is an urgent need, we can call them to arms at a moments notice."

Taeron then talks to the men, telling them that they will need to work harder than ever before and that the community will now look up to them - and they need to set an example.

The barbarian also makes sure the town is well covered by spellcasters who can sense life - using these as a precaution against an invasion. He uses the spell himself whenever opportunity presents itself.

He can also be seen tending to the wounded, healing the sick and using his priestly powers to attempt to bring back the dead.

The strange part is that Taeron doesn't talk much. He gets his job done, he makes himself visible, but he doesn't talk as much as he used to.

Bryanna goes seeking Taeron to talk to him. When she finds him she asks about the changes he made to the militia rotations.

"Taeron.. are you sure its wise to put the men on double duty like this? They've had a very trying time and there may be a battle ahead of us. Do you think it is possible to let the men who have chosen not to fight.. or at least the ones who are not going to be doing militia duty see to the planting while the trained men rest and focus on security duties? If the first crop is weak this year.. we have the second crop and enough money in the treasury to import foodstuffs from Myth Drannor and Cormyr. Aye?"

Gethein hasn't been seen around Shadowdale since pole-vaulting his way out of town, giggling and singing about "That wonderful thing!"

The men have no drills, they are not required to take part in plowing the fields nor are they required to help with construction work. Most of what they do is simple work that requires very little physical effort.

In the last few days, they have seen their loved ones be killed, some might have even be forced to kill people they loved. The more work they have, the less they dwell on things. Nothing I ordered them to do will exhaust them to the point where they are unable to fight. It will keep them occupied, it will give them a sense of usefulness, but it will not tire them out.

You can't keep looking at the military power of this town and keep ignoring the morale. Right now, with the proper method, you could completely dissolve the army of Shadowdale without even starting a battle. That must change.

If the first crop is weak this year, morale will drop even lower. If it's strong, it will boost the morale of the town and it might persuade many people to return. For these people - the crops are more important than you'd think...

Taeron wrote:

The men have no drills, they are not required to take part in plowing the fields nor are they required to help with construction work. Most of what they do is simple work that requires very little physical effort.

In the last few days, they have seen their loved ones be killed, some might have even be forced to kill people they loved. The more work they have, the less they dwell on things. Nothing I ordered them to do will exhaust them to the point where they are unable to fight. It will keep them occupied, it will give them a sense of usefulness, but it will not tire them out.

You can't keep looking at the military power of this town and keep ignoring the morale. Right now, with the proper method, you could completely dissolve the army of Shadowdale without even starting a battle. That must change.

If the first crop is weak this year, morale will drop even lower. If it's strong, it will boost the morale of the town and it might persuade many people to return. For these people - the crops are more important than you'd think...

Alright Taeron, it makes sense when you put it like that. Do you agree with trying to get the children, their mothers, and anyone not willing to help defend or secure the area to Myth Drannor? I'm doing my best to make sure there's escorts for those already wanting to leave, but I haven't gone out of my way to encourage anyone to do it.

I honestly think it would be best to get them out of harm's way.. but with what you say about morale... well now I'm not sure and since you're the only person we have since before all this happened, I think the decision needs to come from you. Same for the fate of Sheriff Jacob.

ADM_Specters wrote:

As the houses are searched a few people are found to have killed themselves with either poison or hanging themselves.

Dacius and the sellsword Leander would be seen moving the bodies to Shadowdale West, but not before they had Jonah and Laura confirm their deaths do not share any similarities to the dead farmers found in Northern Shadowdale.

ADM_Specters wrote:

Many people have gathered their few possessions and stop at the hospital to be checked before joining the caravans to the Lathander Farms. It seems only those who attually own land in Shadowdale are willing to stay many of the common people are leaving town. Priests from the church are requesting to go with them.

Bryanna seems to be making no efforts to force any of the commoners to stay in the town. She simply encourages them to wait long enough to travel to Myth Drannor under escort for their own safety. To priests wishing to leave however she has a bit different of a message.

"Faithful of Chauntea,

Your faith, your church, has been the backbone of this community for years. I understand your desire to leave and go to Myth Drannor with the people. I understand you've all been through horrors untold, and seen things that no mortal should ever be asked to experience. I must ask you though, if you go now who will tend the people here? Those traveling to Myth Drannor will be going into the arms of the Lathandrites, our friends and allies. Those who remain here will need you more than ever before though.

I ask you, please reconsider making your exit from the town. At the least.. please wait to leave. Please delay your exit until the final groups are departing. Your presence is needed here to comfort the people, your skills are needed to care for and protect them. You, each of you, are still needed here. If you chose to go now, I will understand but I truly hope you change your minds so your faith can continue to inspire and bolster Shadowdale."

((Bryanna's diplomacy modifier is somewhere between +27 and +32, I can't sign in to check right now.))