Blood in the Streets (Under Harrow's Rule - Open)

[ziglerrobertson]

Jed smiles and shakes his head at the large man. "Naw, I be no' Ziggy, but there be a beer with yer name on it o'er here by the bar."

As Anvil's men replace chairs and generally clean up after themselves, Jed goes over to the bar and sets them up for the ogre.

[Carneth]

The Clan Hall buzzes with dwarven chatter, not all of it complimentary. Many of the Clan had to leave their responsibilities in order to attend this meeting, and dwarves were not known for their patience.

Carneth looks at his assembled brothers. Though he knew most everyone, he didn't know that many of them terribly well. He had now lived in Mittelmarch for about two years, but he didn't have the connections Baethor had. He hoped that was one of the few ways he and his friend differed.

The noise level was increasing gradually, and the Duk'rik's chair was noticeably still vacant. Carneth decided it was time to get their attention.

"Bri'Ak-Duraz!" he bellowed. The noise stopped, and all eyes turned toward the golden-bearded dwarf. "I know we're all waiting for Baethor to appear, but I'm here t' tell ye that he won't be joinin' us. Not for a little while."

Concerned muttering broke out immediately as Carneth paused for a breath. He spoke out again over their murmurs. "For those of ye who don't know, Baethor has left the city. The other citizens of Mittelmarch were accusin' him o' being part o' the killin's. So he's hidin' out 'til this goes over, and he's left me in charge." Carneth held up his hand, showing the Duk'rik's ring that Baethor had given him. "This is only fer now," he added. "When Baethor comes back I'll step down. Relieved." This got a chuckle.

"Now most o' ye know me an' I hope ye all feel ye can trust me. I'll be doin' what I feel's best for us, an' that's why I'm sayin' we'll be keepin' out o' this mess. I already made sure Sir Nichtmar an' the other leaders know this. We need t' look after our own."

"The other thing I want t' do is start diggin'. We need tunnels from here t' every important buildin' in Mittelmarch. I want us t' be able t' get t' anywhere we want t' go, and it's not safe t' be on the streets."
The gathered dwarves were nodding their approval of this plan. He had their support. "Any of ye interested in tunnelin' should meet up with me here."

The larger crowd dispersed, though a significant group of dwarves stepped forward to hear the rest of Carneth's plan. "Here's the places I want us t' be able t' reach: The palace, the defender's place, the prison..." He continued, listing off several notable locations. At the end: "an' I want one under the old Silvermoon, so we can hear what the bastards are plannin'," he added. The dwarves smiled at him, and then set off to do their work.

Carneth then turned to Zigler. "An' if it's alright with ye, brother, I want a tunnel goin' to Cedric's too. Could be mighty useful these next few weeks."

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler nods to Carneth. "Aye laddie, perhaps it be time to add 'nother entrance ta me cellar. Lord knows the sewer's be smelling ta high heaven come nightfall." All the dwarf's laugh at this, though a few cast suspicious eyes at the Inn Keeper, for they hadn't known of an entrance to begin with other than the front door.

Zigler strokes his bear for a few seconds before pointing at one of the younger, remaining dwarves, "I'll grab young B'Sid here an' explain ta him where and how I be wantin' things placed." With that the older dwarf claps the younger on the shoulder and the two head towards the exit. But before Carneth turns his attention back to the others he overhears Zigler bend the young lads ear with, "an after the work, let's say we go have a lil fun afterwards...."

[Anvil]

Anvil starts off toward his encampment within the city. He and his men formed a wedge and pulled their shield around as they headed toward the human side of the city. He gave a quick glance up to the roofs and confirmed that he still had a few archers in place on some of the roofs.

"When we get back find Storm and tell him to start assembling the troops. Get some of the trappers to set more perimeter alarms and traps, and send a rider to the woodland camp to let them know what is going on."

Anvil's mind was racing with plans and counter plans, if he and the knight could do this the city would be back to a somewhat normal pattern and he would be higher in the hiearchy of the city. If we get lucky we can dispose of some undersirable people while we set the city arights he thought to himself. As he passes a flyer proclaiming the troublemaker for king he reaches out and tears it down as the party passes by.

[Burz Bonehammer]

A rumbling chuckle escaped from Burz's lips. The audacity that this human possessed: the thought that Devias could possibly harm him with this needle he carried, amused him. He let it slide.

"Come then. I have something to show you."

They walked to the end of the alley and look out into the street, careful not to be seen by onlookers. The Mittelmarch garrison could be seen over the inner walls of the keep. Across from it was the Manor and Forum. Burz spoke slowly and with deliberation.

"Beyond lies our common enemy: those that wish us to sit idly by while our citizens are picked off by an unknown killer."

Harrow glanced doubtfully to Burz, who intoned, "Maybe they weren't your humans, but they were Mittelmarchers nevertheless." He continued.

"Their incompentance has continued long enough. Now maritial law has been put into motion to throttle our resistence. Their removal is necessary, as you well know. Neither us of possesses the force to expel them though... not alone."

Burz and Harrow withdrew back into the alley once more.

"You and I will never be friends, Devias. That much is sure. But there is enough reason between us to form an alliance against our oppressors. I have men inside the keep that will allow us entry, should we need it. They await my order."

Harrow still appeared unconvinced. "Our forces outnumber them 5-to-1, even considering the rangers that have been roving lately. Their 'authority' will soon be at an end. We shall be their arbiters, Devias."

"With your addition, we plan to move as soon as tomorrow night. My people will make their stand with or without you, but I still must know your stance. Are you with us?"

[Devias Harrow]

The question hung in the air with a hint of a threat to it. If Harrow refused, he wasn't sure he would escape the alley unharmed. Harrow's men were waiting nearby in order to provide assistance, if necessary, but Burz did not look like a fool. He probably had his own troops in reserve as well.

In truth, Harrow was nothing if not more interested in this orc. He wasn't, however, about to ally with some random band of monsters.

"Who are you, Burz, that I should want to ally with you?" he asked. "As you say, we will never be friends. So for what reason do you believe it would be beneficial for me to join my forces with yours?"

[Burz Bonehammer]

Burz let out an exasperated sigh. "Then you do not know me as I thought you did."

Somehow his stature rose to meet the question, towering over Harrow and casting a long shadow over the man's face, as he began reflectively.

"I am Burz Bonehammer, the widely appointed leader of the non-humans still within these walls. My history is long and full of blood, strife and hardship, but my men and myself have made our way in the world. When I was a younger orc I fought in a five-year war against this very city, serving in the army of Grish'nak. Shortly before Grish'nak fell, some of my fellow recruits deserted the army out of a conflict of ideas. Of those deserters, I became their leader, forming a mercenary band that now has several races in its employ. When enough time had passed, we made our way to Mittelmarch and have operated from here ever since."

He paused to center his focus on Harrow again.

"Now our home and operations are in jeopardy and we will stand against anyone who will will mock our concerns about safety. Those who make promises of comfort and security and do not uphold them will soon find themselves subjected to the fear we have felt."

"Now," he said with more than a little annoyance in his voice, "since I have answered your question, you will answer mine. What is your decision, human?"

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar sits there as everyone leaves. He smells his armpit and shrugs. "Thanks." He says to the bartender. He tells one of the soldiers there to post the words that Anvil spoke of around town. He takes his ale to a booth, slams it down, leans back in the booth and takes a nap.

[Devias Harrow]

Devias considered the orc carefully. Burz's words rang of truth. This was disconcerting because it meant that this burly monster held the same position of authority that Harrow did, but on the other side. Even more problematic was that Burz looked much more the part of General than Harrow ever would. Despite this, Harrow was confident he was smarter than this orc. I am. I have to be, he thought. I could outmaneuver this Burz, I know I could. But he may still be useful...

"You can count on the Humans to do their part, Burz Bonehammer," he said deliberately. "Just be sure you do yours."

"You will see it's not us you need to worry about, human," Burz said. "But since we've formed this alliance, here's the plan..." Burz outlined his plan to Harrow, and the man was impressed with how well-organized the attack would be. If there was a fault, it was that Burz seemed to underestimate the Flock's strength, but that suited Harrow just fine. When Burz was done speaking, Harrow said "I approve of this plan. We attack tomorrow then, when the guards are scheduled to change." Burz nodded and both leaders turned and left the alley.

Harrow reunited with his men not far from the meeting point. They formed a tight formation around him, though all the men kept the hoods of their cloaks up as to not be identified. They made it back to The Goblin's Head without incident. Harrow turned to his lieutenant.

"I am glad I did not have to call you lot in," Devias said. "We would have lost a couple of men taking down that brute." He chuckled, but his lieutenant did not seem amused.

"We would have lost more, my lord," he said. "Bonehammer had archers posted on the rooftops."

"More orcs?" Harrow asked. The man shook his head and said "From what we saw, mostly elves."

"So he did tell the truth then, interesting," Harrow remarked. "There is no doubt about it then. Burz is both a formidable opponent, and dangerous ally. On the plus side, it means the Crown will fall tomorrow."

"Not to doubt you, my lord, but you seem very sure of this allegiance."

"I am, lieutenant. I control half of the population, and Burz controls the other. The Mittelmarch Crown cannot stand if the entire populace demands new leadership. So ready the Flock. We have work to do."

[Sir Nichtmar]

“Sir!” A soldier tries to wake up Nichtmar. “Sir!” the ogre grumbles in the booth that he was sleeping in at Cedric’s.

“Yawn…What… What do you want, Daek?”

“Sir, I've been hanging around Harrow's group like you asked Sir, so I came to find you as soon as I heard. Harrow and the non-humans have joined forces…”

Nichtmar sobers quickly. “What?”

“They want to overthrow the crown!”

“What crown?!” The pissed off Ogre yells.

“So after months of them killing each they want peace all of a sudden. And they want the crown…”


Later….

Nichtmar has ordered all of the Mittelmarch guard to leave the city and meet at a secret location. The gate from the main city to the empty Lord’s house is opened. Nichtmar stands alone, with no weapon drawn, waiting for the two leaders of this rebellion to come forth.

[Anvil]

Anvil is standing looking over a map of the city when a guard enters with a letter. As Anvil scans the letter his face darkens.

"Change of plans boys and girls, move the rest of the refugees we've been keeping here out to the forest camp in the next 30 minutes. recall all scouts and rooftop archers from the city. I want half the remaning force we have here to secure the tower behind our position here and prepare for battle and possible quick withdrawal from the city. The other half will be split into 2 groups, one group will take all the mounts outside the city and wait to pick any of us up that need it in case of the worst case. the second group will come with me to the Lords house to check something out before I decide what to do next. All troops are now on high alert and will be in full battle gear."

The room erupts into choas as defenders start to scatter to carry out the orders. As the last few leave the room and a couple remain to start packing up Anvil yells out.

"And somebody find out where Harrow is!"

[Duke]

Duke looked once more over the grim words the letter contained. It had been humorous watching the little goblin approach the camp carrying a huge white flag and yelling, "Messenger!" at the top of his lungs. The contents of Sir Nichtmar's letter quickly changed the jovial mood of the camp, however.

Duke led a small contigent of Dragoons from the Northern Steppes to the aid of Mittlemarch. They had been outfitted as light infantry so they could make better time. Another group, more heavily equipped, should be following along in a few days time, providing everything remained quiet on the homefront and no big contracts came up.

The squad had stopped a short while to rest their horses and stretch tight muscles. But now it was time to move. The mercenaries mounted up and with a determined look they set out for the city. Duke hoped they would make it in time.

[Anvil]

In the early grey light of morning a large caravan of refugees and Defenders start toward the gates, people in carts, wagons and on foot and mounted alike. The Defenders make a protective circle around the people headed to the forest camp. A few toughs slink off after seeing the look on the faces of the warriors, this will be a day of no excuses, cross a line and you drop where you stood.

The ramada of horses are bringing up the rear with plans for them to wait a short distance outside the gates for a quick escape in case the Defenders remaining need it.

After the last person leaves the compound Anvil mounts up and followes the ramada with the group going with him to the lords house. He glances up at the tower now full of defenders and hopes he is making the right decision.

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar leans against the wall under the gate. He starts walking out to Anvil as he approaches on his horse.

"My Lord, there is no need for warriors today. I'm giving these fools Mittelmarch. And I'm just waiting for them to show up so I can tell them. You are more than welcome to wait, but as you know I'm heading to the Silver Meadow afterward. I'm done with fighting in circles over this place. I'll let this Harrow person have a shot and see if he doesn't end up with his head on a pike by some other enemy."

[Anvil]

Anvil smiles at the knight's last statement.

"You don't mind if we just sit by and watch the show do you? Besides you never know how these fools are going to act when they get here."

Anvil and his men dismount and form a loose group off to the side.

[oof]

Oof watches as the last of Helvarin's personal items and the histories contained in the library are brough to the guild safe house. One of his men steps up "sir, the guards have all fled"

Oof grins "then it's time. Gentlemen it seems we are alone with a city to plunder. We're not warriors, but this battle won't be a conventional one. Send out messages to those we protect to keep their heads down and we will do what we can."

He leans back and addresses on of the guild members
"An old acquaintance of mine still roams the forest. He has expertise in this sort of fighting. Go find Raze, the dark elf, he and Helvarin used to have meetings once a month so he should be at this location." Oof hands the man a map with the location marked.

Oof stands to address the guild entire. "Tonight we let the alliance do what it wants, keep your heads down and stay alive. Tomorrow we begin to embrace that oldest of tools of thieves and assassins, misdirection"

[Devias Harrow]

Harrow looked out over his Flock. It had started out small, but now had become a routine that every morning the Flock would gather and listen to him speak. He liked how it had turned out, how every member of the Flock saw him every day. The best part was that people came willingly. He had never made attendance a requirement, and still people came day after day.

"My friends, my words today must be brief. We have an important mission to carry out this day. It's the day we've been waiting for. Today we will control our beloved city of Mittelmarch!" The Flock cheered, and despite the gravity of their business Harrow let them go on a minute before quieting them with a gesture.

"Remember my friends, this will not be a transaction of violence on our part. It is our peaceful demand that the Crown and it's guards leave our city. So let us keep swords sheathed and arrows in their quivers. We, the people, will not be in the wrong today."

"But my Lord Harrow, what about this alliance with the monsters?" a man asked.

"You must trust me, my friend. You must trust me. Things will work out for the better. Do not mistake me, our mission is not complete after today. We will still have much work to do. But things will work out favorably for us in the end. Now stay silent, all, and we march to the palace."

His Flock was in control now. Their faces grim, but righteous. The marched to Main street, where they met up with Burz' group. Side by side, the two unlikely allies and their armies made their way to the the palace. But instead of finding their way blocked by gates as they expected, they found them sitting wide open, with Sir Nichtmar in the middle. Men from both generals' armies broke off to side streets, trying to determine if an ambush lay in wait. While Burz and Harrow awaited their return, Harrow addressed the ogre.

"Sir Nichtmar! Mittelmarch has come to speak it's mind! We've lost faith in your abilities to lead us, and we've decided to lead this city ourselves! What say you? Will you leave peacefully?"

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar, with the look of a weathered warrior, steps up to Harrow. He sizes him up. Never realizing how puny and soft this little man was, but his words like lighting changed this city.

"It's yours..." Is all he says to Harrow. He walks past him to Burz and looks him into the eye. "Where's your leash, dog?"

He snickers to himself as he walks through them and heads for the gate.

[Anvil]

Anvil watches the ogre leave and sighs.

He steps out of the shadows and calls out,
"Harrow, what is your plan now that you have the city? Can we the citizens hear your grand scheme and how we will fit into it?"

[Sir Nichtmar]

The air is crisp and cold in the Silver Meadow, but that doesn't keep the men from doing work around the meadow, feeding the horses, sparring, and other chores. The mood is angry about just walking out of Mittelmarch. Nichtmar is now focused on strengthening his and Runes group of Dragoons. Some of the guard have joined the black and white ranks, others are just staying to see where all the dust settles. Nichtmar doesn't mind. The Silver Meadow is a haven for all in need.

[Devias Harrow]

"Now that the control of the city is in the proper hands, Ranger, we can address that," Harrow said to Anvil, then raised his voice so everyone gathered could hear. He gave a rough outline of the plan he and Burz had worked out at their meeting. "The future of Mittelmarch is a bright one indeed, my fellow citizens! Between Burz Bonehammer and I, Devias Harrow, you shall have united, strong leadership! We vow to always take care of you, the people of Mittelmarch, and to always protect our home!"

The crowd cheered, and midst the clamor Harrow smirked at Burz and said "As long as you and your lot keep up your side of the deal."

[Burz Bonehammer]

Burz turned his head at the challenge.

"There will be a biumverate. My people will stay our weapons in the hope that our city will be safe again. "

He stepped closer to be sure Harrow heard him clearly.

"But know this, Devias. This alliance is a fragile one indeed. You will not be the only one watching."

Burz turned and led his contigent of men away from the gate, towards their accustomed sections of the city. One of his lieutenants, a Duergar named Ur'thak, spoke gravelly from under his thick hood as they made their way.

"I do not know what you want from this Burz. You and I both know it won't end well."

Burz looked down on his companion somberly. "We are protecting the closest place to a home for us. Without it's people, we have no home. You know that as well as I. Besides, if things do end badly, there'll be plenty of practice for all of us again."

Under his hood, Ur'thak lips broke into a rare grin. He resumed his tone.

"And the human?"

Burz's eyes held a glint of anger, only briefly.

"I do not hate humans. They can be just as reasonable as we."
He turned his head to look back at Harrow, who was still speaking jubliently to his audience.

"But I do hate that one."

He sighed and kept the group moving. "We will hold ourselves accountable to this city, even if we are the only ones."

"And remind me to relieve that ogre of his teeth the next time we meet," he growled audibly.


OCC: Mittelmarch is now under the Biumvirate established by Harrow and Burz. While tensions remain, there is no open conflict. Please post accordingly.

[Anvil]

After listening to as much of Harrow's speech as he could stand Anvil motions for his followers and they mount up and ride back through the streets.

"Go and have our troops return to the compound and send word to the camp about what has happened. Keep our men in that tower until someone from the new goventment comes and tells you to leave."

Anvil and two others pull off as the others leave to their duties.

"Let's go find Ziggy and see what he knows of Burz, and why those two would alley together"

[Duke]

Duke and his small troop of Dragoon soldiers made their way up the path to the Silver Meadow. It had been fortunate that they had come across a caravan of people leaving Mittlemarch. The news they had received confused him. If the story was true, then the city guard had abandoned Mittlemarch without a fight. Duke had decided not to enter the city, but to seek out Sir Nichtmar at his home outside the city. It would not be good to sully his first command by re-igniting political fires within the city, without explicit orders to do so.

The Meadow seemed to be rather busy. Duke approached a low stone fence bordering a field at which a couple men were restacking some stones that had fallen.

“Gentlemen, if one of you could direct me to where I might find Sir Nichtmar, it would be greatly appreciated.”

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar drops off buckets of water at the house as he hears his name mentioned by the entrance to the meadow. He sees the familiar black and white and knows friends are here.

He jogs up to the lot.

"Forgive my guard, they aren't to trusting these days."

Nichtmar shakes Duke's hand and embraces a brother, "Duke, it's good to see you. I see you got my message. Those goblins are pretty handy."

They all start to walk in the meadow toward the house.

"Men make room where you can, the barn, the stables, not much room left in the house!"

Nichtmar says to Duke, "You can have my spot in the house."

"The men have been busy building bunks and a barracks, but until then hay and the floor are our bed. Come inside and warm up I have a man on the stove cooking meat."