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Bhaalspawn Union 9 - The Counterplot


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#1 Guest_Maidros_*

Posted 14 November 2003 - 06:27 PM

Bhaalspawn Union 9 – The Counterplot

Balthazar had ordered a couple of his monks to remove the halfling from the dining hall and guard him until further notice. With the halfling gone, the group began to discuss the ways of countering what the mercenary captain was planning – or more correctly what they assumed that Azrith had in mind for them. They had no clear, much less concrete knowledge of the bandit’s intent, but they were keen on discovering them and thwarting them if it happened to be hostile.

Balthazar was rather grey with anger and mortification. His mercenaries had already begun betraying him and had caused him to lose immense face before the other Bhaalspawn. Secretly Balthazar had been yearning for control over all these Bhaalspawn himself, for he was as much the natural leader of the group as Inglor. But this occurrence was one that potentially damaged his standing among the Bhaalspawn. It marked him as one who could not control his own underlings and he fervently wished that he had been able to deal with the problem himself without these others interfering in this business. He suggested, “I think we should summon Azrith here and ask him to give an account of this entire episode. He shall hang for his insolence”

Inglor remarked, “Do you really assume that he will obey your summon?” Seeing that Balthazar was looking at him almost demandingly, he added, “This mercenary already fears that we are negotiating among ourselves and that it will be to his detriment. He sent in one of his best spies to check on what we were doing not half an hour after we got into Amkethran. He suspects your motives thoroughly now, and his commission is at risk. This is one of the troubles when you deal with the mercenaries: they have little loyalty to aught but gold. Do you think he will simply walk into this trap if you send for him?”

Sendai seconded Inglor. Having been raised among the drow, she was skilled in the art of betrayal. She had seen plenty of treachery among her kin and she knew how the drow dealt with treason – to her it was the best, perhaps the only way of ensuring her authority. She rasped out, “The darthiir is correct. This human will never come into the fortress willingly. We must go out, take him and hang him.”

Inglor smiled, “I applaud your courage and decisiveness, Sendai. But has it occurred to you that there are nearly four hundred mercenaries there and that it is impossible for us to fight them all directly? He has probably alerted his mercenaries and they are, I assume, ready for battle now.”

Imoen countered, “The halfling did not know of any alert issued to the mercenaries. He would have spoken of it if he knew.”

Sendai answered, “Certainly he would have told us had he known. But like all wise commanders, this Azrith tells people no more than they need to know”

An impatient snarl from Abazigal drew attention to him, “Are we to sit cooped up here against those lesser folk? I shall fry them alive.”

Yaga Shura agreed him, his blood lust awakened by the anticipation of the battle, roaring “We can crush them all before they have a chance to fight back.”

Inglor snapped back, “I have no doubt you can try to accomplish that, but even for you it is a very hard task. All those mercenaries were readied to fight an entire horde of drow and they will certainly be able to overwhelm one dragon. And in the unlikely event that you do manage to overcome them, you will probably also end up destroying more than half the town. This is the one of the best fortresses in Tethyr and Calimshan and to maintain it, we need this town, which is our only source of supplies. A pitched battle is inadmissible.”

Gromnir sulked, “This is what comes of following foolish counsels. First I was betrayed by Melissan and now I am to be betrayed by my siblings.”

A cold wolfish smile played on Illasera’s lips, “We could assassinate this Azrith from a distance. I could add his head to my collection”

Imoen returned, “He will not be foolish enough to show himself directly outside. He will push his men to attack us while he stands back and reaps the profit after the conquest.”

“We cannot attack them directly” Jaheira spoke calmly. “All our spells are exhausted, the fighters are very weary and even we would be wiped out on the plain before the gates by the mercenaries. Those wolves have had little battle for a long time and I presume that they are thirsting for our blood.”

Hesitantly and tremulously, Aerie questioned, “Why do we need to fight them now at all? Can we not simply rest until morning when we shall have our spells and be able to fight them wherever they choose?”

Sendai it was that answered again, “If his spy does not return in half an hour, he will suspect that we are hostile and will strike at the fortress itself.” She looked sarcastically at Balthazar and said, “I hope your rivven show better discipline and courage in the siege that will begin than they did in guarding our meeting.” Balthazar looked furious but before he could retort, Inglor had crushed the incipient quarrel,

“Will you both please cease these recriminations? This is more serious than just this mercenary business. There is a Tethyrian army on the way to Amkethran and they will probably be here before nightfall tomorrow. We cannot endure a long siege; nor can we face both enemies at the same time.”

All the party members looked at him and it was Sarevok who spoke, “I suppose the army you spared at the oasis is on its way to massacre us? This is what comes of your showing mercy to everyone. When will you ever learn that the best way to deal with an enemy is to eliminate him?”

Inglor returned coolly, “You personally may yet come to agree with my views on the subject. As for the present, little use is served in recrimination. As such, I have a plan to deal with the mercenaries. It will need the cooperation of all.”

Yaga Shura laughed harshly, “You think you can command Yaga Shura?! What do you intend to do if Yaga Shura does not intend to obey your orders?”

Inglor realised that the challenge to the authority he hoped to wield had begun and he had suddenly turned icy, disdain and cruelty etched deeply on his face. His voice had grown frosty and he seemed to radiate an aura of cold round him, freezing the blood of the others. He remarked calmly enough, “Superfluous question, Yaga Shura. You know what happens to soldiers who disobey orders.” This was a gamble on his part and he knew well the consequences of its failure, but he had a notion that the fire giant would not begin with so obvious a betrayal, at least not on territory unfriendly to the fire giant.

Yaga Shura had gone red with fury. He roared, “Puny elven worm! Do you think you can command a fire giant? One bite and you are gone. Hah!”

Inglor steely voice returned, “You have tried your ‘bites’ twice and failed. If you disobey my orders on the battlefield, axe or cord shall punish the treachery. Whether it is in hot blood or cold, I will have all things done according to my will during an operation.”

Red faced, Yaga Shura seemed even more furious, and he thumped the table with his mighty fist. One part of the heavy oaken table crumpled like cardboard beneath his fist and he seemed about to do something more violent, when Balthazar cut in coldly, “Let us hear his plan, before we decide on anything else. Pray tell us what you intend to do, Inglor, and how you expect to retrieve the situation.”

Inglor began to explain the scheme he had in mind. Fifteen minutes later, operation was set to begin. Yaga Shura, and Gromnir had shown themselves none too eager to proceed with the plan, but when the others had voted in favour of Inglor’s idea, they did not dare oppose it directly. The Bhaalspawn had begun their first concerted action.

#2 Guest_Domi_*

Posted 16 November 2003 - 12:55 AM

Bhaalspawn Union 9 – The Counterplot


Balthazar had ordered a couple of his monks to remove the halfling from the dining hall and guard him until further notice. With the halfling gone, the group began to discuss the ways of countering what the mercenary captain was planning – or more correctly what they assumed that Azrith.


Hmm...I think that this sentence was left unfinished.

Balthazar was rather grey with anger and mortification. His mercenaries had already begun betraying him and had caused him to lose immense face before the other Bhaalspawn. Secretly Balthazar had been yearning for control over all these Bhaalspawn himself, for he was the natural leader with Inglor. But this occurrence was one that potentially damaged his standing among the Bhaalspawn. It marked him as one who could not control his own underlings and he fervently wished that he had been able to deal with the problem himself without these others interfering in this business. He suggested, “I think we should summon Azrith here and ask him to give an account of this entire episode. He shall hang for his insolence”


I am not sure, but "to lose immence face" sounds a bit strange to me, maybe "to lose face immensely"?

Balthazar sounds like a very hard person in you story. I like it. He was really a fascinating character, one with more personaliuty than other Bhaalspawn, I think in the game.

Sendai seconded Inglor. Having been raised among the drow, she was skilled in the art of betrayal. She had seen plenty of treachery among her kin and she knew how the drow dealt with treason – to her it was the best, perhaps the only way of ensuring her authority. She rasped out, “The darthiir is correct. This human will never come into the fortress willingly. We must go out, take him and hang him.”


Ah, she sounds mild enough for a drow :twisted: No tortures?

Inglor smiled, “I applaud your courage and decisiveness, Sendai. But has it occurred to you that there are nearly four hundred mercenaries there and that it is impossible for us to fight them all directly? He has probably alerted his mercenaries and they are, I assume, ready for battle now.”


Oh, that is an old argument I keep having with myself about the efficiency of PC and Co against armies... To me the whole idea of ToB (a group of six against 4 armies) is very difficult to accept.

An impatient snarl from Abazigal drew attention to him, “Are we to sit cooped up here against those lesser folk? I shall fry them alive.”


That is one fine Bhaalchild attituide!


Hesitantly and tremulously, Aerie questioned, “Why do we need to fight them now at all? Can we not simply rest until morning when we shall have our spells and be able to fight them wherever they choose?”


Ah, but the main strategical trick apparently is to make enemy to do what you want, not what they chose...

All the party members looked at him and Sarevok it was who spoke, “I suppose the army you spared at the oasis is on its way to massacre us? This is what comes of your showing mercy to everyone. When will you ever learn that the best way to deal with an enemy is to eliminate him?”


I think it will be better as "it was Sarevok who spoke..."

Yaga Shura laughed harshly, “You think you can command Yaga Shura?! What do you intend to do if Yaga Shura does not intend to obey your orders?”


Oh, lovely.

Inglor realised that the challenge to the authority he hoped to wield had begun and he had suddenly turned icy, disdain and cruelty etched deeply on his face. His voice had grown frosty and he seemed to radiate an aura of cold round him, freezing the blood of the others. He remarked calmly enough, “Superfluous question, Yaga Shura. You know what happens to soldiers who disobey orders.” This was a cold gamble on his part and he knew well the consequences of its failure, but he had a notion that the fire giant would not begin with so obvious a betrayal, at least not on territory unfriendly to the fire giant.


I liked the description and the way you build the scene using the coldness, icy etc. The "cold gamble" though I think can be just "gamble".

Yaga Shura had gone red with fury. He roared, “Puny elven worm! Do you think you can command a fire giant? One bite and you are gone. Hah!”


Not very smart, YS, but he is not there for his wits...or charm

Red faced, Yaga Shura seemed even more furious, and he thumped the table with his mighty fist. One part of the heavy oaken table crumpled like a tin can beneath his fist and he seemed about to do something more violent, when Balthazar cut in coldly, “Let us hear his plan, before we decide on anything else. Pray tell us what you intend to do, Inglor, and how you expect to retrieve the situation.”


I always feel jittery about using "tin can" in Faerunish ff...It is a rather common paladin tease at Attic, but iirc, tin cans were not really invented till 19 th century. I think the image is a bit too modern to be used. Also imagery-wise it is not easy actually to crumple a tin can. Maybe somethjing more fragile is better used?

Inglor began to explain the scheme he had in mind. Fifteen minutes later, operation was set to begin. Yaga Shura, and Gromnir had shown themselves none too eager with the plan, but when the others had voted in favour of Inglor’s idea, they did not dare oppose it directly. The Bhaalspawn had begun their first concerted action.


"had shown themselves none too eager with the plan..." I think ther eis a verb missing...

I am guessing that Part 10 will shed some light on the plan - I'd like to see what it is that Inglor came up with inm this difficult circumstances. ;)

#3 Arcalian

Posted 16 November 2003 - 04:07 AM

I like the dynamics here. But I wonder that Yaga Shura and Abazigal won't last long. Too much muscle, not enough consideration.

It also interests me with Balthazaar worrying about losing face. Having lost to Inglor already, it's a minor wonder that he has any face left. But he has a solid core to him, and is wise enough to know what's going on.

While I appreciate Inglor's caution, I do think they could take the mercenaries out fairly easily. My in game parties never had much problem with them. I always go through them rather than deal with Saemon or the couple with the crypt key. But then, for a story, that wouldn't be half as interesting. :twisted:
The road to the abyss may be paved with good intentions, but it is those with bad intentions that race down that road as fast as they can.

#4 Guest_Dorotea_*

Posted 16 November 2003 - 04:11 AM

With the halfling gone, the group began to discuss the ways of countering what the mercenary captain was planning – or more correctly what they assumed that Azrith.


has already set in motion?

or something of a kind, I think you cut the sentence here and forgot to finish it after editing.

Secretly Balthazar had been yearning for control over all these Bhaalspawn himself, for he was the natural leader with Inglor. But this occurrence was one that potentially damaged his standing among the Bhaalspawn.


I think you added ths part - I have not seen it, and it sounds incomplete.

he was as much of a natural leader as Inglor, perhaps

And yes - it does explains his motives somewhat and puts another twist into the plot

An impatient snarl from Abazigal drew attention to him, “Are we to sit cooped up here against those lesser folk? I shall fry them alive.”


;) Somehow the verb 'cooped' when used related to Abazigal made me chuckle like crazy (chicken coops for dragons? )

And yes - you write him very well - I never thought he was particularly bright or gentle. :)

Sendai it was that answered again, “If his spy does not return in half an hour, he will suspect that we are hostile and will strike at the fortress itself.” She looked sarcastically at Balthazar and said, “I hope your rivven show better discipline and courage in the siege that will begin than they did in guarding our meeting.” Balthazar looked furious but before he could retort, Inglor had crushed the incipient quarrel,


Somehow she is the most rational and sympathetic of all Five - but then you have collected quite a crowd of killers!

Inglor realised that the challenge to the authority he hoped to wield had begun and he had suddenly turned icy, disdain and cruelty etched deeply on his face. His voice had grown frosty and he seemed to radiate an aura of cold round him, freezing the blood of the others. He remarked calmly enough, “Superfluous question, Yaga Shura. You know what happens to soldiers who disobey orders.” This was a cold gamble on his part and he knew well the consequences of its failure, but he had a notion that the fire giant would not begin with so obvious a betrayal, at least not on territory unfriendly to the fire giant


You know I especially loved this paragraph - if only because of all the cold metaphors used against the Fire Giant! Yaga must be shivering by now. :twisted:

It was a nice way to push the plot forward and at the same time portray more of each individual character of the Five and their hidden motives. I especially liked Abazigal, Baltazar and Yaga-Sura.

Sendai too - but she is getting her separate little chapter I see.

Cheers!

#5 Guest_Maidros_*

Posted 16 November 2003 - 07:03 PM

Bhaalspawn Union 9 – The Counterplot


Balthazar had ordered a couple of his monks to remove the halfling from the dining hall and guard him until further notice. With the halfling gone, the group began to discuss the ways of countering what the mercenary captain was planning – or more correctly what they assumed that Azrith.


Hmm...I think that this sentence was left unfinished.


Heavens! Yes, you are absolutely right. I added it at the last moment and this is what happens when I do something like that. Thanks for pointing it out. It has been corrected now though.

I am not sure, but "to lose immence face" sounds a bit strange to me, maybe "to lose face immensely"?


I will check that tonight and see.

Balthazar sounds like a very hard person in you story. I like it. He was really a fascinating character, one with more personaliuty than other Bhaalspawn, I think in the game.


He is a hard and stern man, but not cruel or evil. I liked Balthazar as well. He is very useful in the game, especially if you have the Ascension mod. You are right about his having a lot of personality and you really get to know his motives for doing what he was doing, which is more than can be said for the rest.

Ah, she sounds mild enough for a drow :) No tortures?


Well, she kills quickly and is not fond of tortures really. She is ruthless and harsh, but not wantonly sadistic like the priestesses of Lolth. And as you see in the other chapter, she is not a priestess of Lolth.

Oh, that is an old argument I keep having with myself about the efficiency of PC and Co against armies... To me the whole idea of ToB (a group of six against 4 armies) is very difficult to accept.


Yes, I know. It was plain illogical. To be able to wipe out entire armies is too much even for the PC. I have decided to drop those parts and make the PC a little more human and mortal. There should be limits to everyone's powers.

That is one fine Bhaalchild attituide!


He is rather disdainful of the 'lesser races' and is also incredibly greedy.

Ah, but the main strategical trick apparently is to make enemy to do what you want, not what they chose...


Yes, but she has a point in that once they have their spells back, they will have more powers than the mercenaries out there. But you are right about the strategy being able to choose your own time and place for the battle.

I think it will be better as "it was Sarevok who spoke..."


Yes, you are right. I will change it.

Oh, lovely.


He has reasons for being rebellious.

I liked the description and the way you build the scene using the coldness, icy etc. The "cold gamble" though I think can be just "gamble".


You are correct. I shall change it.

Not very smart, YS, but he is not there for his wits...or charm


Not at all smart to try to fight on the wrong turf.

I always feel jittery about using "tin can" in Faerunish ff...It is a rather common paladin tease at Attic, but iirc, tin cans were not really invented till 19 th century. I think the image is a bit too modern to be used. Also imagery-wise it is not easy actually to crumple a tin can. Maybe somethjing more fragile is better used?


Heavens! I quite forgot about the paladin part and you are right. It does sound very like that description. I have changed it to 'cardboard'.

"had shown themselves none too eager with the plan..." I think ther eis a
verb missing...


I will check and see. Thanks for pointing it out.

I am guessing that Part 10 will shed some light on the plan - I'd like to see what it is that Inglor came up with inm this difficult circumstances. :wink:


Not quite, but it is coming up soon.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Regards,
Maidros

#6 Guest_Maidros_*

Posted 16 November 2003 - 07:16 PM

I like the dynamics here. But I wonder that Yaga Shura and Abazigal won't last long. Too much muscle, not enough consideration.


Both Yaga and Abazigal are not easy to fit into the group. I agree absolutely with that part. Yaga Shura is very intemperate and brutal and Abazigal is self centred, disdainful of others and most importantly greedy.
But they have not many places to go, with their army destroyed and many hunting for their heads.

It also interests me with Balthazaar worrying about losing face. Having lost to Inglor already, it's a minor wonder that he has any face left. But he has a solid core to him, and is wise enough to know what's going on.


That is a change I have made in my story. I followed the Ascension mod and Inglor and Balthazar did not fight; they made a pact and faced Melissan. Now with the formation of the Union, Balthazar sees himself as one of the natural leaders of the Union. This mercenary revolt has hurt his pride rather badly and he is upset.

While I appreciate Inglor's caution, I do think they could take the mercenaries out fairly easily. My in game parties never had much problem with them. I always go through them rather than deal with Saemon or the couple with the crypt key. But then, for a story, that wouldn't be half as interesting. :shock:


I agree about the mercenaries. They are none too great a threat and they can be taken down without too much difficulty. But at the moment, the party has no spells left (they just returned from the Throne of Bhaal) and is exhausted from the battle with Melissan and the Five. Also, Inglor is unwilling to risk a pitched battle with the mercenaries since he is afraid that it will destroy the town and he needs the town to ensure proper supplies to the fortress. It is a very good fortress and he is not willing to abandon it. And as you mentioned, from the story point of view, it is not good to have a battle directly.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
Regards,
Maidros

#7 Guest_Maidros_*

Posted 16 November 2003 - 07:24 PM

With the halfling gone, the group began to discuss the ways of countering what the mercenary captain was planning – or more correctly what they assumed that Azrith.


has already set in motion?

or something of a kind, I think you cut the sentence here and forgot to finish it after editing.


Groan! This is what happens when I try to add sentences and forget about them. Thanks for pointing it out. I will correct it.

I think you added ths part - I have not seen it, and it sounds incomplete.

he was as much of a natural leader as Inglor, perhaps

And yes - it does explains his motives somewhat and puts another twist into the plot


You are right. It does sound strange. I will correct it. Thanks for pointing it out.

And yes, he is rather self righteous and he wishes to have control over the Bhaalspawn himself (at least to some degree).

:roll: Somehow the verb 'cooped' when used related to Abazigal made me chuckle like crazy (chicken coops for dragons? )

And yes - you write him very well - I never thought he was particularly bright or gentle. :D


He is rather disdainful of all the lesser races and also excessively greedy. Thanks for the complement.

Somehow she is the most rational and sympathetic of all Five - but then you have collected quite a crowd of killers!


She always struck me as a cold blooded, stern and ruthless leader but not wantonly cruel. Remember she says the PC would have made a great ally when the PC invades her lair? I think she is a pragmatist.

You know I especially loved this paragraph - if only because of all the cold metaphors used against the Fire Giant! Yaga must be shivering by now. :shock:


Well, it will be an interesting confrontation. Yaga Shura and Inglor - fire and ice face to face. But Yaga is not easily browbeaten.

It was a nice way to push the plot forward and at the same time portray more of each individual character of the Five and their hidden motives. I especially liked Abazigal, Baltazar and Yaga-Sura.

Sendai too - but she is getting her separate little chapter I see.

Cheers!


All of them have their selfish motives, except for Jaheira (even she has a motive since she loves Inglor). And all of them will get separate chapters in the coming episodes.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
Regards,
Maidros




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