Thirteen 2 session 30

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Session

Session date: 2023-02-12

Welumque makes plans with Kylliki Satusdottir to help people get off Sisawinak

<Narrator> I believe we left off last time just into the second day of the siege, when several of you have heard Emira al-Amwad's forces are gearing up for an assault on the fort. Is anybody doing anything in particular?
<Lucas> (well, I was going to report what I learned to Skalla, but idk if we need to play that out. otherwise I was going to check on how Chemames was doing. those were my things anyway.)
<Skalla> Yes - I was going to go check in with Thekla, who had been getting peope together to maybe fite >.>
* NPC1 is now known as Chemames
<Welumque> (I guess I want to know how well prepared I / we are in case folks need to get out of the city. Like, I know I have many wiles, but how equipped am I to set up a mini-exodus of people who need out? I'm not personally planning on leaving unless things are dire.)
<Narrator> Who all are you trying to get out if it becomes necessary?
<Welumque> Well ... Lexkweyok people if they want. But also, escaping slaves, political refugees, etc.
* NPC2 is now known as Thekla
<Welumque> At two days, the siege is not going to be dire for food. But that will change quickly if this goes a while.
<Narrator> Yeah, if you talked to Lucas or Skalla who've been to the fort, they had the sense that the Black Guard forces are pretty well-stocked for a siege, whereas reports are saying the Emira's forces are significantly less so. Though they can be resupplied by sea, and supposedly are going to be.
<Narrator> Steve, why don't you roll me Contacts real quick, and then we'll go to Lucas checking in with Chemames.
<Narrator> Heather, I've got Thekla in #thirteen02
<Welumque> !roll 4d3-4
* @Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 1 3 3 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
<Narrator> Welumque, everyone is obviously on edge and a lot of commerce has slowed in the current instability, so you've gotten some of your local friends and contacts to be ready with whatever boats or ships they have available to move people across to the mainland if it becomes necessary.
<Welumque> (OK, cool, and then there are resources once we get off the island to get them away? Like horses, carts, whatever? or who would I need to talk to to ensure that was available?)
<Narrator> (That'll take a little more doing. Gathering some carts/wagons isn't too terribly difficult, but getting them in place may prove more of an issue since the island is still somewhat locked down at the moment. You'll need to talk to a contact of yours from Fastning Irena (the actual military outpost, not just the town in which you live that shares the name) named Kylliki Satusdottir who might be able to help.
* Welumque will have arranged to meet with Kylliki somewhat covertly, or at least not make a big deal of it.
* Kylliki can be found at the docks, directing some soldiers who are arranging some war materiel. She's an big bear of a human woman in her early forties, a quartermaster sergeant from Stordam's holdings in Birkala.
<Narrator> You should be able to catch her eye without attracting too much attention.
* Kylliki waves and will head over to talk to you.
<Welumque> Kylliki, good to see you.
<Kylliki> Good to see you, Welumque. How're you and yours holding up?
<Welumque> Well enough, for now. My people are no strangers to strange times.
* Kylliki nods.
<Kylliki> Mine too.
<Kylliki> What can I do for you?
<Welumque> I'm working to secure a pathway out of here, for those who need to leave.
<Kylliki> All right...
<Welumque> Those from here, who need to leave urgently. And others, who are inspiring the Emira's officers to leave their posts.
<Welumque> Folks will need a place, off Sisawinak, and a way to get there.
<Kylliki> I think that's fair to say, yes, but officially I don't know anything about it.
<Welumque> Of course.
<Welumque> I can get them off the island, I think.
<Welumque> What might not be so clear is what happens next. We can't simply send a bunch of colonials unsupplied into the forest and hope they survive.
<Welumque> I'm looking to establish safe transport and provisioning for once they get away.
<Kylliki> Ah, okay, I begin to see why you came to me.
<Kylliki> What're you thinking?
<Welumque> Well, it's more a question of what's feasible.
<Kylliki> Hmm.
<Kylliki> I can probably get some basic supplies to get lost in the shuffle of things.
<Kylliki> But supplies is something I know you can pretty easily secure. I'm guessing you came to me about the transportation part, so that kids and elders don't have to walk all the way to where they're going.
* Kylliki rubs her chin.
<Welumque> That's the tricky part, yes.
<Kylliki> How many people are you imagining you'll need to transport like that?
<Welumque> I can't rightly say.
<Welumque> Part of me hopes it's none, because this will all blow over. Part of me hopes it's dozens, if many of the Emira's officers give up.
<Welumque> I know you need most of what you have here, for moving goods.
<Kylliki> Well, I hear the governor is considering offering safe haven to the officers if it comes to that, though she's also hoping it won't.
<Kylliki> Her big fear is what happens if the Guard manages to hold out, or even win.
<Kylliki> That's...not something I think a lot of people are exactly prepared for.
<Welumque> Right.
<Welumque> Well let me put it another way - what can I do for you? Is there some use to you in having something set up on the mainland, for folks here?
<Kylliki> Hmm, that's an interesting question.
<Kylliki> How about this? We've contracted with you plenty for supplies before. Why don't I lend you some wagons to take some supplies out to one of our inland outposts? It'll be easy enough to make sure they're marked as received, which they will be, and it won't really matter to me by whom, so long as I get my paperwork in order.
<Welumque> Right.
<Welumque> And then we will keep them near the shore, until and unless needed.
* Kylliki nods.
<Welumque> We will of course be discreet in all of this.
<Kylliki> Of course.
<Kylliki> No need to draw attention to a routine supply run.
<Welumque> Naturally.
* Kylliki reaches out her hand to shake.
<Kylliki> Stay safe out there, yeah?
* Welumque shakes her hand.
<Welumque> Can't promise that.
<Welumque> But I'll be careful.

Lucas checks in with Chemames, and tells him more about who he really is

<Narrator> Lucas, we'll say you can find Chemames in the Takoong’oto neighborhood near the docks, currently just fishing, but it doesn't look like he's particularly engrossed in it.
<Lucas> hi...
* Lucas approaches him shyly
* Chemames looks up after a beat and smiles.
<Chemames> Oh, hey, Lucas. Come have a seat.
* Chemames pats the patch of grass next to him.
* Lucas will come and sit down beside him
<Chemames> What brings you over in this area?
<Lucas> I wanted to see how you were doing. With everything that's happening...
<Chemames> Yeah, it's a lot.
* Chemames looks out over the water for a moment.
<Chemames> I'm...worried it's all starting up again.
<Chemames> The riot was bad enough, but battle here on Sisawinak...
* Lucas nods
<Chemames> How are you feeling?
<Lucas> Scared, I guess. I... it brings back a lot of bad memories.
* Chemames leans over to bump his shoulder against Lucas's.
<Chemames> I can imagine. Or maybe I can't, but I do understand.
* Lucas looks down
<Chemames> Hey, it's okay. It'll be all right.
* Chemames will move to put an arm around Lucas's shoulders comfortingly.
<Lucas> I don't know if you do. There's...a lot of things I haven't told you. I guess because I wanted you to like me, and I was worried that if I told you everything, you wouldn't anymore.
* Chemames pauses.
<Chemames> What...kinds of things?
<Lucas> things I did in the war. things about.. who I used to be.
<Chemames> Who you used to be?
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> I guess you know my name isn't really Lucas. it isn't even really Lek'hwánwi.
* Chemames frowns a little, but more out of curiosity you think.
<Lucas> I made that name up for myself after I...ran away.
* Chemames nods.
<Lucas> when the war started - the last war - I was... chosen. I had visions. I knew things that would happen before they came to pass. My elders saw importance in that, and before battles they would let my words guide the warriors.
* Chemames listens intently.
<Lucas> then, there was a spirit that I was bonded with. To make me stronger. My powers stronger. Rattlesnake.
* Chemames frowns more precipitously.
<Chemames> I was curious about your eyes, and how that's the only spellscarring you have...
<Lucas> He wanted things from me... for me to take enemy lives in his name. And I did. I killed people. Prisoners. Injured soldiers. I took their lives and I used them for fodder.
* Lucas is barely audible at this point
<Chemames> Why? How? That doesn't sound like you at all.
<Lucas> I... I thought it was the right thing. For my people, and my spirit. I was young but I was respected, powerful...
<Lucas> I know it was wrong. I know it now.
<Lucas> and it didn't even work. we lost. I had to hide, run, so no one would find me, or I knew they would kill me.
<Chemames> Can you blame them?
<Lucas> no
<Chemames> ...I'm sorry. That's not fair.
<Lucas> I tried to... tried to do it myself. but I couldn't.
<Lucas> Welumque found me after that and took me with her, and I didn't tell her who I was, and I changed my name, and changed everything about myself that I could.
<Chemames> Welumque doesn't know about all this?
<Lucas> I think she does, maybe... she suspects? Maybe she knows more than I've told her.
<Chemames> She's pretty smart.
* Lucas nods
<Chemames> Why are you telling me?
<Lucas> I don't know. I didn't want to keep lying to you. If you hate me now, it's all right.
* Chemames looks out over the water again.
<Chemames> I don't hate you. I know you too well for that. I don't entirely understand, but...I don't hate you.
* Lucas gives a sigh of relief
<Lucas> I know that I can't repair what I did. I try to help people when I can... but it will never make up for that.
<Chemames> ...I guess that's all you can really do.
<Chemames> You saved my life. That's got to count for a little, at least.
<Lucas> mmm.
* Chemames pauses a moment, then bumps his shoulder against Lucas's again.
<Lucas> I saved your life by sacrificing another's. Or... not exactly. But I had to pick, there were two of you badly injured, and I picked you.
* Lucas looks guilty
<Chemames> Why me?
<Lucas> you were young... you were like me. I couldn't stand to see you die.
<Chemames> Well, I can't say I'm entirely sorry for your choice.
<Chemames> Who was the other person?
<Lucas> A dwarf man, older... I don't know his name.
* Chemames frowns.
<Lucas> did you know him?
<Chemames> If it's who I'm thinking of, yes.
<Chemames> I don't know how to feel about this.
<Chemames> I'm grateful to be alive, but...
* Chemames shakes his head.
<Lucas> that's how things were... sort of tangled up, when you were recovering.
* Chemames nods.
<Lucas> I'm sorry. maybe I shouldn't have told you that.
<Lucas> you shouldn't have to carry that burden too.
<Chemames> No, I'm glad you told me.
<Chemames> It *should
* be mine to carry, too.
<Lucas> even when I try to do something good, it hurts someone else.
<Chemames> What you did before...I don't know about all that.
<Chemames> But this...you're a healer. Sometimes you have to make choices about who you can help.
<Lucas> yes... I'm glad I saved you.
* Lucas leans against him
* Chemames will put his arm around Lucas reassuringly.

Jerk stops in to check up on Hildie

<Narrator> What is Hildie doing right now? Just general overseeing the Stormsvallvag guards preparations?
<Hildie> (Yes, and making preparations for different eventuallities, like having to retreat from the compound or dig in)
* Jerk will call upon the Stormsvallvag household late in the morning of the second day of the siege.
<Narrator> (Where would Hildie be at this point?)
* Hildie will be in the guardhouse going over rosters
* Jerk knocks on the doorframe.
* Hildie looks up and then raises an eyebrow in surprise.
<Hildie> Jerk?
<Hildie> What are you doing here?
<Jerk> Good morning. Your aunt said I'd find you out here.
<Hildie> I mean... not that I'm not glad to see you
* Hildie nods.
<Jerk> Visiting, I guess? Everyone's so on edge, I wanted to get out of my house for a while.
<Jerk> Not that it's necessarily different here, but it is different scenery and better company.
* Hildie smiles and puts down the papers she was reviewing.
<Jerk> How're things over here?
<Hildie> As you said, tense. We're bracing for the worst.
<Hildie> I don't know what Skalla's move is going to be, but I need to be ready regardless
<Jerk> Skalla's move?
* Hildie shrugs.
<Hildie> We're family, and I trust her. She hasn't steered me wrong so far.
<Jerk> Right, of course. Just, you said her move, not, say, your family's.
<Hildie> ...I guess I did.
<Hildie> Huh.
<Jerk> Does that mean you think she's going off on her own for something?
<Hildie> No... I don't know. The family isn't exactly a united front right now. Right now my concern is just keeping everyone safe.
<Hildie> What about you? Are you safe at your house if things go bad?
* NPC3 is now known as Snek
<Jerk> We're pretty well-situated. We have our ships if things get really bad, but there's little chance things are going to come west.
<Jerk> The worst we'll likely have to deal with is being asked to put up some of the Emira's officers or something.
<Hildie> I hope that's the case.
<Hildie> So... am I gonna have to start a rebellion every time I want to get you to visit?
<Jerk> Hey now, from what I hear, you were back from your trip, what, a couple of days before you took off for Talat Kabira?
* Hildie grins.
<Hildie> That's fair, I have been running all over the place.
<Hildie> Never a dull moment
<Jerk> You do seem to lead a pretty busy life. Is that what you pictured when you left the army?
<Hildie> No, not at all. I thought I was gonna get pensioned out to sit on some farm somewhere that I wasn't any use to anyone.
<Jerk> That doesn't seem like it would be particularly appealing to you.
<Hildie> No... that's not me.
<Hildie> At least here I can make a difference.
<Hildie> Maybe.
<Jerk> I think you're going to have plenty of opportunity.
* Hildie nods.
<Hildie> Careful what I wish for, I guess.
<Jerk> This thing with Khalijan and Ilhatan...that's not going to be the end of it.
<Hildie> You think it will spread?
<Jerk> I think...that a lot of people have more in common with the Black Guard than they do with our rulers back home.
* Hildie sighs.
* Hildie nods.
<Jerk> Obviously I don't have anything to do with politics, but I hear things.
<Hildie> What have you heard?
<Jerk> I spend time at Charlotta's, and I can read Karl Kaldrgaldr's pamphlets as well as anybody.
<Jerk> I hear people say maybe we're not Stordamsk anymore. Maybe we're Vinmarkers now. Callidoran.
<Hildie> They wouldn't just let us go.
<Jerk> It never occured to me they would.
<Jerk> But I can't help but notice you said 'they' and 'us'.
* Hildie considers.
<Hildie> Let's say it does come to that. And let's say that somehow the colonies even manage to win... then what?
<Jerk> Well, I'm not likely to have much say...
<Hildie> Not directly, maybe, but I've come to learn that there are often other ways to make a difference.
<Jerk> I guess I'd hope we could achieve and maintain peace with our homeland and our neighbors. Make a freer, more just country than the one we've left behind. Find what unites us, instead of what divides us.
* Jerk shrugs.
<Jerk> That may just be one man's wishful thinking.
* Hildie smirks.
<Jerk> Hey, a guy can dream.
* Jerk winks.
<Hildie> It's a good dream.
<Jerk> I'm glad you think so.
<Jerk> Now, I think it's getting to be about lunch time. If you're wanting a bit of a change of scenery as well, maybe we can ride into town for something to eat?
<Hildie> I'd like that.
<Hildie> And Jerk...
<Jerk> Hmm?
<Hildie> If there is a revolt... it will need people like you. A revolt without a dream is just a tantrum. With a dream... maybe it can be something more.
* Jerk gives a wry smile at that and offers his arm.
* Hildie will take it.

Skalla checks in with Thekla to see how she might be of service

* Thekla will have been running around organizing and recruiting, but you manage to catch her at her family's estate, loading up a wagon with materiel.
* Thekla smiles when she sees you approach.
<Thekla> Skalla! I'd been hoping to run into you.
<Skalla> Well, here I am. How are things going? YOu look well-enough supplied...
<Thekla> That's the hope. I'd been laying the groundwork for this since all this started, but I'm still concerned it's not enough. Who knows what all this ends up as?
<Thekla> Al-Amwad seems to have committed all her forces to this assault.
* Thekla looks concerned.
<Skalla> I've heard they're planning something bigger soon
<Skalla> like, very soon
* Thekla nods.
<Thekla> That's what I'm hearing, too.
<Thekla> It's not going to be pretty.
<Skalla> I don't want to just stand by.
<Thekla> Well, that's why I was hoping to run into you.
<Thekla> I've got some people together who are planning to help the Guard when the time comes.
<Thekla> I was hoping you'd want to be one of them.
* Skalla nods
<Skalla> I know a lot of the soldiers don't want to be there
<Thekla> That's definitely something to take into consideration in the aftermath, but I'm not sure we, or more to the point, the Guard, can afford to hold back.
<Skalla> no...
<Thekla> Hey, I don't like it any more than you do.
<Skalla> I was thinking about more who we can target
<Skalla> before they really know what to expect
<Thekla> What are you thinking?
<Skalla> I'm not completely sure.
<Thekla> I'm open to ideas, but we have limited time and we're skirting the Bluebacks as it is.
<Skalla> but maybe... if were careful, we can cut off whatever it is they're planning before it gets really started.
<Thekla> How so?
<Skalla> I dn;t know what you were planning exactly
<Skalla> but maybe a small group with good aim could get closer....
<Thekla> That's...hmm.
* Thekla furrows her brow in thought.
<Thekla> We'd have to get *pretty
* close.
<Skalla> I know.
<Skalla> It would be pretty risky
<Thekla> And ideally we'd need someone on the inside, or a spotter of some kind.
<Skalla> I can maybe arrange that
<Skalla> Maybe...
* Skalla sighs
<Skalla> I don't know, it might be too much to ask.
<Thekla> We're already a volunteer group, so I'd just ask for a second round of volunteering...
<Thekla> I'm willing to consider it.
<Skalla> I'm in either way
* Thekla nods.
<Thekla> How long would it take you to set up what you have in mind for the spotter? I get the sense we don't have a lot of time.
<Skalla> depends on if I can find him
<Skalla> give me an hour?
<Thekla> That's...sooner than I would have thought. Godsspeed.
<Skalla> where should I find you?
<Thekla> We're meeting up at Bäcksjön.
<Narrator> (A small pond about two miles from the fort)
<Skalla> okay. I'll meet you there.
* Thekla gives you a decisive nod.

Skalla goes to see if Lucas can help them, and he makes a counter offer that gives her pause (but not paws, that's Svald's deal)

* Skalla will see if she can fne Lucas, sho she tlked to not that long ago
* Lucas will probably be back at his boarding house trying to get some rest, I'm not sure he's slept in a day or so.
* Skalla is The Worst, and will knock at your door
* Lucas sighs, opens the door and sees Skalla there
<Svald> (lol)
<Lucas> is something wrong?
* Lucas assumes immediately
<Skalla> nothing specific, more than it has been for the past day
* Lucas nods
* Skalla looks uncertain though
<Skalla> You look pretty exhausted though - maybe I shoudln't bother you.
<Lucas> it's all right.. did you want to come in?
<Skalla> briefly.
* Lucas steps aside so you can enter, then
<Skalla> thank you
<Skalla> I wanted to ask you something, but also - I'm not expecting you to say yes.
<Lucas> what is it?
<Skalla> I had a thought that - maybe we coudl avoid things becoming worse here if we could take out some of the officers before they get their plan in action
<Skalla> They're the ones who serve the Emira directly. We know the troops aren't all committed, or woudn't be if they had a choice
<Lucas> take out how?
<Skalla> honestly - probably kill them, but at least take them out of comission some how. I'm open to suggestions.
<Skalla> I'm not asking you to do that
<Skalla> but we would need someone in the camp who can point out who they are
* Lucas looks uncertain
<Lucas> I can get in and out of the camp, I think. I've been healing soldiers, they probably recognize me by now.
* Skalla nods
<Skalla> It would have to be...very soon.
<Skalla> Do you know if there is anyone else I could ask, who has been doing something similar?
<Lucas> No... I don't know.
<Lucas> I can do it.
<Lucas> is there a way to do it without killing them, though?
<Skalla> I don't know
* Lucas will think about that for a moment
<Skalla> maybe with a *really
* good shot
<Lucas> poison, maybe. but I don't know how we would just target the officers.
<Skalla> yeah...
<Lucas> unless there's something that only they eat or drink.
<Skalla> or if there was some other thig in the camp that would cause as much chaos, but I din't think thy have a lot o supplies with them
<Skalla> I don't thik we can get our hands on any poison in time
<Lucas> >.>
<Lucas> I could
<Lucas> depending on how much you needed, and how soon...
<Skalla> ...what kind of poison? How much?
<Skalla> if we're taking about something that can debilitate and *not
* kill, then maybe we don't need to focus on the officers only
* Lucas draws Snek out of his sleeve.
<Skalla> but they might figure it out too quickly
* Skalla looks at the spirit and falls quiet
* NPC3 (webchat@68-235-164-162.gvec.net) has joined #thirteen02
* NPC3 is now known as Snek
<Skalla> I don't think people are ready for that.
<Lucas> do people have to know? >.>
<Lucas> or do you mean *you* aren't ready for that
<Skalla> I'm not sure.
<Skalla> I would have to tell them something
<Snek> (to Lucas, so only he can understand) What are you talking about? The bad people?
<Lucas> (s) yes... the leaders of the enemy soldiers. whether we could do something to hurt them or make them unable to fight.
<Lucas> (s) I don't want to kill them if I don't have to.
<Lucas> (I'm not sure if Skalla can tell I'm talking to the snek or if it's entirely internal communication, but anyway)
<Narrator> (For funsies I'm gonna say it's verbal, kind of Parseltongue-ish)
<Lucas> (OK)
* Skalla looks between Lucas and the snake, wary
<Lucas> he was asking what we are talking about.
* Lucas explains briefly
<Skalla> okay...
<Lucas> tell me what you want me to do.
* Skalla looks at the snake again.
* Snek looks at Skalla with an impossible to read expression.
<Skalla> This feels more risky than what I'd ment to ask...
<Skalla> and less certain.
* Skalla says to Lucas
* Lucas nods
<Skalla> But... we can try it... if you're sure.
* Lucas turns back to Snek again
<Lucas> (s) do you think you can help with that?
<Snek> (s) You want to hurt some of them, but not enough to kill them?
<Lucas> (s) yes. and it has to be soon and fast. if it takes too long, they will realize.
<Hildie> `
<Skalla> We can still get in place so we can take control of the situation if it works. But if it doesn't... we'd still be there >.>
* Lucas nods to Skalla
<Snek> (s) Is this a right thing to do?
<Lucas> (s) well.. if we don't do this, Skalla will kill them. and if we do nothing, more people will be hurt and die.
<Lucas> (s) so I think if we can do this without as much harm to people, it is a good thing.
<Snek> (s) If you say I should do this, I will do it.
<Lucas> Is there time for me to talk to Welumque first? or we need to go right now?
* Lucas asks Skalla, a bit uncertain
<Skalla> There's not time. But if you're not sure, we won't do it. Any of it.
<Lucas> Skalla, I trust you more than I trust myself in this. I have made... wrong decisions about things like this before. When I thought what I was doing was right, for my people to win. I can't trust that what I'm suggesting this time is any better.
<Lucas> I think it is, but that's what I would say if I wanted to convince you, or the others. So.. I let you decide. I can try to take them out and I think it will not kill them, my way. Or I can guide you and let you do it your way.
<Skalla> I can't ask you to do this. I'm sorry I brought it up.
<Skalla> Is there anything you can tell me abbut the camp, or the officers, though?
<Lucas> I have been talking to the soldiers, the wounded. Many of them do not want to be there. I think I convinced some to leave. Maybe I could get more, if there was a way out for them.
<Lucas> maybe they would come to our side if we took them in.
<Lucas> (is there anything else I can say about the camp or the officers, Josh?)
<Skalla> Only the fort defenders can really offer them much shelter right now.
<Skalla> they might takr them though, if they could
<Narrator> (There's several small camps, close enough to support one another but far enough apart to encircle the fort. They've got oversight on the fort, but their cannons are concentrated on the eastern side from what you've heard. The officers, the free ones at least, are spread throughout the camps to maintain discipline.)
* Lucas will relay that
<Skalla> thank you.
* Skalla will kneeel down to give him a hug
<Skalla> Go back to bed.
<Lucas> you don't want me to help?
<Skalla> I want you to get some rest and take care of yourself.
<Skalla> It's not right for me to decide anything more for you.
* Lucas nods a bit uncertainly
<Lucas> be safe, please
<Skalla> Welumque woudl have my hide.
<Skalla> I have to go.
<Skalla> I'll do my best
* Skalla will head out to meet back up with Thekla's people
<Narrator> (Okie doke. Are you going to let anyone know where you are/are going? Hildie, Svald, etc.?)
* Lucas will try to go back to bed, but possibly fail
<Skalla> (I thought Svald was already Lost in the paws)
<Narrator> (That was the night before. They're recovered now.)
<Narrator> (For the time being.)
<Narrator> (Also, I'm not sure if Skalla knows that specifically. ;) )
<Svald> (lmao)
<Skalla> (Oh right. I shdul check in with them, at least)
<Skalla> (I can check their studio)
<Skalla> Svald?
<Svald> Yes? Come in...
<Skalla> oh good.
* Skalla will do so
<Skalla> I can't stay long - but are ou okay?
* Svald nods...
<Svald> Hand's feeling better.
<Svald> I thought I might do some painting today...
<Svald> Or maybe go out to see what I can see.
<Skalla> I'm going out to meet up with some others from town who can't just sit by and watch
<Svald> ... What are you going to do?
<Skalla> Fight, at least.
<Svald> How many are going?
<Skalla> Im not sure. Thekla's been recruiting in town
* Svald nods slowly, uncertainly.
<Skalla> I'm supposed to meet her soon.
<Skalla> I'm not sure exactly what our plan is at this point
<Svald> Do you... want me to go?
<Skalla> thast's up to you
<Svald> The spirit would probably like that...
<Skalla> I'd be happy to have you, but I feel liek you're already doing a lot
* Svald chews their bottom lip a bit.
<Svald> I don't want to leave you on your own... I mean... I know you aren't by yourself. But... still
<Skalla> I'll be okay
<Svald> The spirit was awakened night before last. I don't know, if I go with you, if there's more chance of it being connected to you...
<Skalla> well. I'm willing to takw my own risks, put it that way
<Skalla> I understand
<Narrator> (You get the sense the spirit would definitely like to go)
* Svald closes their eyes and sighs.
<Svald> I am torn...
<Skalla> I feel like that wold be more dangerous for you, if others find out
<Svald> I feel like I should go, to bear witness. And the spirit wants to fight.
<Svald> But the risk
<Svald> ...
<Skalla> YOu know I'll stand by you.
* Svald nods hesitantly
<Skalla> I can't decide for you
<Skalla> But I do need to go
<Svald> ... I'll go.
* Svald says finally, because their player wants in on the action
<Skalla> okay, then come on
* Svald shrugs off their painter's smock.
* Svald very deliberately puts on their coat and scarf.
<Svald> Alright.
* Skalla will tak Svald to go meet Thekla then

Lucas seeks Weumque's advice after Skalla turns him down

* Lucas will fail to get back to sleep and will go to Welumque's home
* Welumque is busy with someone, and sort of waves at you as you enter, as she finishes up her conversation, and her friend leaves.
<Welumque> Sorry about that, mem. Busy times here.
<Lucas> it's all right
<Lucas> can I talk to you, though? if you have time?
<Welumque> Yes, of course, child.
* Lucas seems troubled
<Welumque> What's the matter?
<Lucas> Skalla came to ask me for help - to help take out some of the officers before they were able to make a big attack
* Welumque sighs.
<Lucas> and I said I could. I know I could do what she wanted to do.
<Welumque> Well. Of course you could.
<Lucas> But I didn't know if it was right.
<Welumque> You know as well as anyone, from the last war, that in times of war, the question of right or wrong is very muddy indeed.
<Lucas> but I don't know if I made the wrong decision. I feel like... I can't trust myself to tell what's right.
<Welumque> No, no, child. That's not what I mean at all.
<Welumque> You can *only
* trust yourself. Or rather, if you can't trust yourself, you shouldn't trust anyone else either.
<Lucas> she's going to do it anyway
<Lucas> but maybe if I had helped, I could have done it ... so they didn't have to die.
<Welumque> Many, many people are going to die in the coming days. It's just a question of who, and how many.
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> or maybe she won't do it, I'm not sure. maybe she has other ideas.
<Welumque> I have been giving much thought to the question of those who support the Emira, both her troops from Talat Kabira, and anyone here who would do the same.
<Welumque> There are many who simply have not yet developed the capacity to reflect. You, I think, during the last war, you might have been so.
<Welumque> Should they die, because they have been misled by a madwoman?
<Lucas> I have been among them, as a healer. I can get in and out without them paying attention to me.
<Lucas> I tried to get some to desert their posts, to leave... I think I convinced a few.
<Welumque> Hmm.
<Welumque> So what exactly is Skalla planning?
<Lucas> I'm not sure, now. What she asked me was to point out their officers. If I'm not doing that, then I don't know what her plan is instead.
<Lucas> I told her what I could about the layout of the camps and what I'd seen there.
<Welumque> And you're worried you're shouldn't have? Or worried that you should be doing more?
<Lucas> both?
<Welumque> Hmmm.
<Welumque> Well, you should be more worried about Skalla, frankly.
<Lucas> I am! I'm worried about all of these things! I don't know what I should be doing and even if I did, no one will trust me.
<Welumque> Look, Lucas, what I can't tell you is whether it's a good idea, strategically, what Skalla is proposing.
<Welumque> My role in wars is a different one.
<Welumque> What I can tell you is that your heart is in the right place, now, to minimize harm and destruction.
<Lucas> is it?
<Lucas> I thought that before and I was wrong.
<Welumque> I believe so.
<Lucas> can I help you? is there anything I can do here?
<Welumque> I'm trying to keep lines of movement open here, to the south and west. If people need escape, I want to be there.
<Lucas> if I can get more soldiers to desert, where do I send them?
<Welumque> To me, child. I can get them off the island, and I'm meeting with a friend soon, to make sure we can get them further away than that.
* Lucas nods
<Lucas> I'll see what I can do.
<Welumque> I'd tell you to keep yourself out of harm's way, but I don't imagine that's really possible.
* Lucas sighs, nodding
<Lucas> I will do my best
* Lucas hugs Welumque

Skalla and Svald meet back up with Thekla and send word to the fort about their plans to try and disrupt tomorrow's planned attack

* Thekla and her people are gathered at Bäcksjön, in a wooded area on the pond's shore. The cannons are obviously even louder here, but that helps cover any noise you all might make. Thekla's gathered what looks to be about a hundred or a bit more people, most of whom Skalla would recognize as local hunters and trappers.
* Thekla is walking around the area, talking to folks and making sure everyone's good to go.
<Skalla> Hi. I couldn't get it together, so on to the next plan I guess
<Svald> ... Get what together?
<Thekla> Skalla was trying to find some way to help without hurting anyone, or at least without killing anyone.
<Skalla> or at least... making it less bad.
<Svald> . Oh.
<Skalla> their camps are string out and they have the emira's officers dispersed among them to try and keep order
<Skalla> I found out that much
<Thekla> Interesting.
<Skalla> so even one person in the camps wouldn't be enough, I don't think, to target them, which is what I had been thinking.
<Skalla> I wish we had a claerer idea of what they're planning
<Thekla> I mean, we can pick out an officer's uniform well enough, but it's getting sight of them and getting a shot, without it alerting them to what we're doing.
<Thekla> Well, we have a little better idea of that.
<Skalla> oh?
<Thekla> From what we've managed to suss out, it sounds like they're planning a full assault just before dawn tomorrow.
<Skalla> okay...
<Thekla> Their forces can't sustain a siege for too long, with their troops loyalty in question, so they're going to try to force it now while they're at their strongest.
<Thekla> Even so, it's definitely risky for them.
<Thekla> I heard they already lost a captain last night to...something.
* Skalla nods
<Svald> >.>
* Skalla does not look at Svald though
<Skalla> well, maybe they can still lose more...
<Thekla> That's the idea.
* Skalla nods
<Thekla> We don't have a lot of numbers, but we do have some crack shots, and they're not expecting anything from this direction.
<Thekla> We're hoping to disrupt the attack tomorrow just before it happens, at least on the west side. That seems like the best we can do to tip the scales in the Guard's favor.
* Skalla nods
<Thekla> They don't have cannon stationed on this side, and we're not looking to fully engage.
<Thekla> Just disrupt and occupy their attention.
<Skalla> maybe we can get word into the fort...
<Skalla> or do you thik they're expecting it already?
<Thekla> I don't know if they're expecting it specifically, but they are prepared for an assault.
<Thekla> Were you thinking of some way of warning or coordinating with them?
* Svald listens attentively and hopes the spirit is also paying attention :v
<Narrator> The spirit is very much wanting to go after some officers. :P
<Narrator> (Roll me Rapport)
<Svald> (IF THIS IS FOR THE SPIRIT CAN i USE ANIMAL AFFINITY?)
<Svald> (oops caps)
<Narrator> (I think no? I feel certain this has come up before.)
<Skalla> I know Svald could summon a creature that we coudl sentd the them with a message. We've done that before. It would be pretty inobtrusive
* Svald nods.
<Thekla> That's workable. I didn't have any galdr on hand, so you're a big help.
<Svald> !roll 4d3-4
* @Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 2 1 2 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Svald> (it has I just wasn't sure if I might be rolling on... Thekla, idk)
<Svald> (Can I have a larger bird hold a smaller sized message inside its beak so it won't be recognized as a carrier and get shot?)
<Narrator> Svald, you get the sense that, as much as the spirit is anxious to go after the officers, and it's not always super careful about collateral damage, obviously, it does seem like it bears no ill will towards the soldiers, and won't actively go after them.
<Narrator> (Yeah, I think that's possible.)
<Narrator> (It's not necessarily a bigger bird, but there's definitely like seagulls and stuff around here that won't be particularly noticed.)
<Svald> (seaguls have a decent sized beak, sounds good)
<Narrator> (Okay, so you're wanting to send a message to the fort? What would you like to send?)
<Skalla> (Let them know the timing of the attack, and our plan)
<Narrator> (All right, that's easily within Svald's normal capabilities, so they can call out for a messenger and get a little seagull fren to appear and take the message for you.)