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Post by Mad-Manx on Aug 11, 2019 22:26:15 GMT -6
Eshana vagabond | vindicator "Strong but exhausted."
Post: #7 | Word Count: 363
Eshana felt her heart drop as the army came into view.
It was an effort to keep her breath flowing normally, all too tempting to allow for the hitch in her throat. Her eyes flickered warily over her two kirin companions then back to the approaching army, forcefully preventing her muscles from tensing as they came into view. It was immediately clear that there were far too many to fight; if this confrontation came to blows, they would not stand a chance.
Yet perhaps, for once, luck was on their side. Eshana murmured a greeting in return to the commander's welcome, giving a dip of her head in thanks for their accommodation. Her heart hammered frantically in her chest, but just as quickly as they had appeared, the army was gone- and their little group was no worse for wear. An expression that was a cross of bewilderment and utter relief graced her features as the others hauled themselves from the water.
She allowed herself a brief bark of laughter at Damianus' comment, more so out of relief than anything else. It was true, she had been bracing for the worst, but never in her dreams would she have expected to be welcomed back into Eithne. The kirins must truly be doing damage to Aodh, if they were so trusting as to not question a group of travelers for their papers.
As soon as the others rejoined them, she set off at a brisk pace towards the road the Chevalier army had pointed out to them. Sure enough, little time passed before the pseudo city came into view, the bustling of volunteers and refugees unmistakable. With a jolt she realized she recognized one of the Chevaliers in the crowd, aiding in handing out supplies. Her eyes pointedly strayed away from the unicorn, as though even meeting their eye would draw attention to her true nature.
"We can cut through the crowd to get closer to the city. I'm not sure we'll stand out here," Eshana murmured as she glanced around. Travel had left them weary and their supplies and clothing a little battered; no different than most that walked the refugee camp now.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 6:49:00 GMT -6
You follow Eshana’s lead, moving through the crowded camps, doing your best to act natural and as if you belong there. Although no one is paying you any special attention right now, there are enough people around to discourage any inherently suspicious discussions or actions - this many people, even civilians, are dangerous if frightened.
As you walk through the crowds, you update your estimate on the number of refugees. It must be ten thousand, more. Perhaps even tens of thousands. Countless tents, fireplaces and even just mattresses laid under the open sky litter your journey, and it only seems to get more packed as you move closer to the city.
You see displaced families, people tending to horrible wounds sustained in their escapes. A pegasus wearing ash is herding around a group of small children, asking around for their parents.
As you pass one tightly packed group of refugees, you hear the following fragment of quiet discussion:
“No, I told you already, it won’t work! My cousin lives in the city, and he said that the Chevaliers blocked the secret tunnels months ago. Burned parts of the tunnel system, too. Apparently it’d been used by people for a lot of illegal activity, I don’t know… But either way, there is no making it into the city through the sewers. Even if we did unblock the entrance, the exists are barricaded or guarded.”
That is… Not good news. It is those tunnels that you had trusted as your way into the city, the tunnels that have previously given you access to everywhere from the Dark District to the palace.
But now they have been discovered.
Still, perhaps you can gain entry to the city another way. The Chevaliers seemed relaxed enough.
The refugee camp seems to get dirtier, more packed and more desperate the closer you get to the city walls. These tents look older, more worn - these are the people who have been there the longest.
Gazing up the great walls of New Valore, you see the ballistae. They are like massive crossbows, perched on the walls, and they are many. You see Chevaliers patrolling the walls.
Still, the ballistae aren’t aimed at you, so you continue on towards the city gates.
There is a line.
A great line.
And, at the gate, numerous chevaliers. Enough to subdue unhappy citizens - more than enough to kill your small band.
They are taking papers at the gate, you realize. You get in close enough to hear them.
The Chevaliers seem to be requesting citizenship papers and proof of employment and accommodation from each one who desires to enter. They also have a great book of their own, a book that by the sound of it contains higher class citizens vouching for specific people so they may enter.
Most are turned away. A few are detained on suspicion of being non-citizens. You can hear a shout from within the walls: “Hey, Julius, come over here for a bit.”
Drat.
You have realized that while getting to the refugee camp was easy, there is no real way into the city. The tunnels you have been using are blocked, and even if opened, would likely lead you to an unpleasant end.
The city gates are heavily guarded, and papers checked from everyone wishing to enter. Even citizens don’t get in without proof of having work and housing within New Valore - and you certainly don’t have any of those papers.
Then there’s Julius. That answers your question about whether he was a traitor or not.
Backing off from near the entrance to avoid a chance of Julius seeing you, it’s time to think about what to do.
You could try to fight your way in, but the numbers are overwhelming, and even if a couple of you made it in, what then?
No, you are restricted to the refugee camp.
Looking around, you see a few labor slaves hard at work, trying to clean the camp.
Perhaps if you are inconspicuous and don’t get too greedy, you can lead a few away from camp into freedom.
You certainly don’t want to attract attention to what you are doing. If this mass of civilians panics, it’s likely you will all die - and so will countless Aodhian children and infirmary who won’t be able to get out of the way.
You can lure away and rescue up to 4 labor slaves. You must do so without attracting too much attention. Fighting or trying to bust out all the slaves in the camp is out of the question.
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Post by foalish on Aug 13, 2019 23:30:20 GMT -6
Cecilia
It was almost...uncanny, just how little attention, everyone paid them. Up ahead, there was some horses checking for papers for the city. Murmurs of a blocked sewer. And a few other things that overwhelmed her senses in the chaos that was the refugee camp.
It was so off putting though - she’d been told to expect to be on guard. They’d had to be ridiculously careful getting here, avoiding patrols and remaining alert and cautious. And then when they got there, no one seemed to give them a second glance. Yes, she understood why, but it was almost funny in a way.
A small part of her remarked that the strict entrances and lack of way into he city would make their job a lot harder. And that if the armies marched on Valore, like they probably would, Soleil and her army would be catastrophic to these makeshift settlements that would be right there, in the way to the city.
She didn’t think about that last part too hard, for her own sanity, instead turning back to glance at Abel.
And then she looked around her again, probably not the only one from the group, noticing the slaves - a small group, but even a glance, inconspicuous enough to be forgotten about in the chaos.
”I don’t think they’re being watched,” she muttered lowly, hoping other horses had by now spotted what she was talking about, ”think we can?” Would it even be a smart thing to do? Perhaps not.
But the right thing?
Perhaps...
WC: 258 | Post 6 |
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Post by notadonkey on Aug 15, 2019 2:22:55 GMT -6
Reuben Vindicator | Explosions Expert
His heart thrummed in his chest when the troops came into view, his eyes trained on Eshana and the two kirin as he waited for signs of distress. He couldn't exactly make out what they were saying, but felt relief wash over him when the Chevaliers marched on. With an audible sigh, the mule lifted himself out of the water and slung his saddle pack over his shoulders.
Gods, he was tired.
Securing his supplies and shotgun in place once again, Reuben followed along with the rest of the Vindicators and closer to the city. It wasn't long until they finally arrived. Though he was not expecting the sheer amount of refugees that were spread out before them. Tents as for as the eye can see, all kinds of horses everywhere. Some injured, some scared. Chevaliers dotted all through out. He kept his eyes trained forward, avoiding any eye contact with the troops. It felt odd to hide in plain sight like this compared to their more...assertive entrances. Still, he kept his senses on high alert.
The bits and pieces of the conversation made his ears flick. Reuben's eyebrows knitted together at the news. He himself had broken through those sewer gates countless times, and to hear that this wasn't an option anymore made him snort in frustration. His eyes gazed over to the large crossbows atop the looming walls and back down to where Chevaliers were thoroughly checking papers at the gates. It was clear there was no way in from where they were standing.
Hearing Julius' name almost sent Reuben on a rampage. Just behind this gate was the traitor himself, and what he would give to bust in there and shoot that scumbag's face off. Clearly...that would be a death sentence. But gods, for a split second it would feel good.
Instead, he turned to the large camp before them. The Vindicator did not come all this way for nothing. Reuben scanned the crowd, looking at each labor slave he could spot and eventually landing on the small group Cecilia had seen. "It might be too risky to lead a whole group of them away all at once," Reuben murmured. He commended the teenager's enthusiasm, but it could bring too much attention to them. Just then, he spotted one young stallion that was attempting to fix a rather worn and broken tent a few paces away. The slave was somewhat alone- at least nobody was paying him any attention.
Reuben began to walk towards him and as he did, he caught Eshana's eye, silently telling her that he was going for the slave. He broke away from the group and eventually stood next to the slave. "Hey. There's a mess further down there that I'm going to need your help to clean up," he spoke somewhat loudly in case anyone in earshot could hear.
The slave only looked to him and nodded, wordlessly following as Reuben turned back towards the entrance to the camp and eventually, to the stallion's freedom.
WC: 504 | Post #4
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Post by Mad-Manx on Aug 15, 2019 21:27:40 GMT -6
Eshana vagabond | vindicator "Strong but exhausted."
Post: #8 | Word Count: 476
Eshana's ears shifted in slight movements as they paced ever closer to the walls of Valore, listening intently to the gossip that rang in the air. It was quickly becoming apparent that their usual means of entering the city had been compromised. Future missions to Eithne would clearly require ingenuity- and perhaps just a dash of luck.
The information was frustratingly scarce, and it took a great deal of mental effort not to begin to question if this trip had truly been worth leaving the young one behind in the village. What had been done was done, and now their only remaining option was to make the best of the situation. If nothing else, the knowledge of the barricades and patrols could potentially save the lives of the next squad that stepped into Valore.
She tensed as she heard the familiar name, instinctively stepping forward in her unfamiliar form to block the view of the rest of her party. Fury rose in her chest as she recognized the individual that had left them with an impossible choice, forcing them to abandon the home many of them had known for years. Eshana knew the others likely had similar feelings of contempt towards the one who had betrayed them, and quickly began to herd them away from the gate.
Cecelia's words reached her, and Eshana gave an almost imperceptible nod as Reuben caught her eye, glancing around at the remaining group. The young kirin was right; they didn't have to leave alone today, and perhaps with the chaos of the refugees they would be able to free a few of the slaves from their bondage.
"Do your best to find someone who actually wants to get away," Eshana whispered beneath her breath, remembering all too well the labour slave that had nearly gotten them captured with her desperate attempts to alert a guard. "We'll meet back here."
With her eyes darting at their surroundings, wary of any onlookers, Eshana found herself lost once more into the sea of refugees. It didn't take long to spy the telltale signs of a labour slave; with a shaven horn and an imbued bridle clamped tightly around their head. Her heart constricted as they stumbled, clearly exhausted by their labours in the hot sun. With one last glance around them, she approached the slave.
"You," she commanded confidently, "we need some more help over here. Follow me."
It looked, for half a moment, they were ready to protest; yet suddenly their face fell blank and they gave a dull nod in response. Red hot anguish flowed over her, and it took all her will not to apologize as she began to lead the slave away, maintaining her facade of importance.
She had known that life, what it was like. And she could only hope the one they offered was a better one.
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Post by foalish on Aug 15, 2019 22:35:08 GMT -6
Cecilia
Thankfully, to the very least of her doubts, the others were - or had - seeing the slaves. Some were quick to react - one of the Vindicators moving very quickly to pick one out and draw them away.
And a second later, Eshana was making her way over to them, and almost like she’d done it a few too many times before, leading one away with almost practiced ease, if Cecilia had to describe it.
Her eyes narrowed, she turned to Abel, lightly flicking her tail. A long look, and most of her remaining frustration at him disappeared. She gesture for him, ”Abel, play along,” she turned back to face the horses with little more warning for what she was setting Abel up for.
She stayed where she was for a moment longer - hoping to leave a few moments between other’s approaching the slaves to try and keep suspicions low. But she didn’t waste long, a slow, but determined walk towards one of the remaining Labour Slaves.
”Hey,” she tried to speak confidently, her tone almost flat, ”Would you mind coming help my friend and I set up camp? We need an extra hand. He’s the other Kirin over there,” she gestured with her nose towards Abel.
She could see the exhaustion in their face, the mild annoyance that flashed through their expression. They probably just wanted a nap - which frankly sounded appetizing. But that was for another time; a few seconds later, she was a few paces off from the heels of the horse.
WC: 259 | Post 7 |
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Post by Rhaenera on Aug 17, 2019 1:32:09 GMT -6
Damianus;Vindicator Soldier
Raise your glass to Freedom
Damn. Damianus thought, idly listening in on the conversation about the tunnels. There went their only way out of the city, and the Smugglers' only way out. Of course, there could be other ways.. but those options were riskier and their current group wasn't equipped for that sort of an attack.
Traveling further into the camp didn't prove any more helpful with finding a way to fulfill their mission. It seemed all they were met with was more security and the glistening deadly balliste the guard outside the refugee camp had 'reassured' them with.
He had to admit being this close to Aodh's gates in plain sight was a little intimidating. He couldn't recall a time he'd been this close to a chevalier without trying to be killed or subdued by them, much less seen as a Citizen of Eithne.
However, it didn't seem like that guise was going to hold its ground to the mass of guards at the gates. If the lack of Papers wasn't enough, Julius' traitorous name was called from somewhere beyond the wall, not only a spy for Aodh but a Chevalier himself. Damianus snorted as they were forced to retreat from the Gates. It was no doubt if they were seen be him what little advantage they had here would be lost. With Aodh desperate for Slaves, Damianus had no intention to risk getting caught.
With no other way into the city this mission was botched and from where they were standing so were several future attempts on both sides. With the Tunnels discovered he wondered about the smuggler's fate. He thought about the Kirins quickly closing in a city that actually believed they could withstand them, the Slaves that would get caught in the literal line of fire.
He was quick to agree with Cecila and then the rest, they could leave here with more than just information. They were vindicators, after all, they'd save them one by one if they had to.
Like the others, he dispersed and scanned the area for a ragged bridle and tired eyes. As much as he hated the thought, the more tired they were the less likely it was they wanted to stay. Soon he found his mark and moved in with the feigned vigor of an Aodhian, his native accent filling where the facade had lacked.
"Slave," Damianus wanted to flinch at the context the word fell from his lips. It wasn't a term he ever wanted to utter with such conviction. "Come with me, I need your help with some supplies."
He didn't watch the slave for very long after they complied with his mock command. He couldn't. He couldn't stare at the body that was ready to collapse and the eyes that just wish it would. Instead, he turned with a toss of his head back the direction he'd came, focusing on the light that would return to their eyes when the bit was removed and they were given their freedom.
WC: 498 | Post #6 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2019 6:41:35 GMT -6
Quietly and discreetly, you break into the crowd to find laborers to rescue a few. It’ll attract less attention to take them one by one, and you make your choices carefully.
No one too well guarded. No one surrounded by too many attentive eyes.
Each slave you have to pass by breaks your heart, but you can’t help anyone if you die here.
You have to keep reminding yourself of that.
Finally, you meet back up outside the camp, in the treeline. No one seems any the wiser, and with how many people there are, you know the missing slaves won’t be noticed until nightfall when they are brought in for a headcount.
By then, you plan to be far away from here.
Bridles are broken and chains cracked. The slaves are scared of the prospect of crossing Eithne, but they trust you, their saviors.
And that can warm your hearts, at least.
As you are heading out, a young horse suddenly appears in front of you. They must have been watching you from the trees.
“I know who you are”, the youth says: “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you were here.”
They step closer, and hand each of you a piece of weapon or armor. They all are of good make, and just of your size and preference.
“There are still those who believe in you”, the youth says, and then they skip away towards the camp.
Well, at least the trip wasn’t for nothing.
Congratulations!
You have completed Vagabond 803: Road Less Traveled!
Feel free to post ending reactions or start the long trek towards home.
You walk away from New Valore with 4 new recruits, and each character is also able to claim a weapon/armor piece of their choice from the SA-Shop. Just link this message as proof when claiming. <3
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2019 4:15:29 GMT -6
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