Riders of the Storm

Type: Adventuring Party / Military Order / Marshals of the North
Alignment: Heroes of Odessia, Eagle Faction
Base: Stormhold Keep (Official deed granted Session 26)
Founded: Early campaign (Sessions 1-5)
Current Status: Active, commissioned as Marshals of the North

Current Status (Session 32)

Leadership Structure

Military Forces (Updated Session 32)

Total Strength: 732 troops + 1 healer

Command Structure:

• Knights promoted to Commander rank (Session 26)
• Notable Commanders: Ser Oldric the Stalwart, Ser Garet of the Wildlands
• Captains promoted as appropriate
• Authority to promote within ranks granted

Resources:

• Official deed: Stormhold Keep (Session 26)
• War chest access: Treasury funds with approval
• Supply lines: All masonry/reconstruction costs covered
• Military advisor: Ser Silvar Glinnan

Current Mission: Marshals of the North

Primary Objective: Rally northern territories for Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade

Orders:

1. Unite undecided northern nobles under Eagle faction
2. Secure eastern border (Eastern Citadel fallen silent)
3. Kill/destroy anyone in open rebellion
4. First target: Neverwinter (Duke Vallandor Firebloom)

Strategic Guidance (Eldrin Oakenhart):

• Neverwinter = center of northern region, biggest settlement
• Duke Vallandor Firebloom = highest-ranking northern noble
• Key to uniting entire north
• Approach: Diplomatic or military (party's choice)

Secondary Concerns:

• Eastern Citadel silence (strange creatures attacking settlements)
• Eastern border security (dead lands threat)
• Rally uncommitted nobles
• Counter Falcon faction influence

Session 28 Updates:

• Troop count increased to 732 (20 new footmen recruited at Stormhold Keep)
• Base operational status verified: walls under construction, main keep renovated
• Mock battle conducted against Ser Silvar's force - party soundly defeated
• Key tactical lesson learned: avoid leaving openings that allow enemy to surround and isolate forces
• Sylobelle investigation identified as next immediate mission (fisherman found dead, bodies missing)

Session 31 Updates:

• Sylobelle murders solved (Earthbound Dire Wolf defeated)
• Lady Isolde of the Silver Rose appointed mayor of Sylobelle
• Seraphine recruited as healer/apothecary for Stormhold Keep
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian departed for Nolunia
• Party traveled from Sylobelle toward Thalas'Miriel (cathedral town)

Session 32 Updates:

• Encountered Iron Finch Company and Crimson Pike on road (both heading to Neverwinter)
• Stopped at Crossroads Inn for rest and resupply
• Elvva Beltavar won bareknuckle boxing championship
• Accepted Spud Quest (potato crop investigation)
• Discovered Moth Queen Cavern entrance
• Current location: Crossroads Inn (heading east to Thalas'Miriel)

Immediate Priorities (Session 32)

1. ACTIVE: Spud Quest - Investigate Moth Queen Cavern (potato crop raids)
2. URGENT: Visit Bane Watcher Citadel (Elvva's advanced corruption, Elik'r's active curse)
3. CRITICAL: Rally Neverwinter (first strategic target, two mercenary companies hired there)
4. HIGH: Investigate Eastern Citadel (fallen silent)
5. MEDIUM: Deploy 712 troops effectively

Core Information

Purpose & Goals

Public Mission:

• Serve Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade and Kingdom of Odessia
• Rally northern territories against Falcon rebellion
• Secure borders and maintain order
• Defend realm from external threats

Secret Mission (Bane Watchers):

• Hunt The Bane (world-ending threat)
• Investigate Bane presence in Belendar
• Prevent corruption from spreading
• Balance public duties with Bane hunting

Dual Nature:

• Must operate publicly as Marshals of the North
• Secretly serve as Bane Watchers (can't openly discuss)
• Conflicting priorities (political vs existential)
• Time-sensitive on both fronts

Philosophy & Code

Leadership Style:

• Collective decision-making
• Lady Odonia holds military authority but party decides together
• Creative problem-solving valued
• Loyalty to each other first, kingdom second

Combat Doctrine:

• Adaptable tactics
• Use terrain and magic creatively
• Protect civilians when possible
• No unnecessary cruelty

Values:

• Truth and self-knowledge (Bane Watcher principle)
• Sacrifice for greater good
• Protect the innocent
• Stop threats before they spread

Active Members (Level 6)

Organization-Specific Notes

Elvva's Corruption Crisis:

• Advanced stage (sprite manifestation Session 26)
• Co'narr warned: "You're further along than I thought"
• Can overflow and take over host
• Can shorten lifespan
• URGENT Citadel visit needed
• Affects combat readiness (temporary petrification risk)
• Must take Warlock level 2 next (DM requirement)

Dual Mission Challenge:

• All members are Bane Watchers (secret, initiated Session 18)
• Balancing public Marshals duties with Bane hunting
• Cannot openly discuss Bane Watcher membership
• Time conflict: Rally north vs hunt The Bane vs Citadel visit

Political Influence:

• Odonia elevated to Royal Advisor (left of throne)
• Direct Crown Princess access
• Tessell formally knighted
• Military authority over northern campaign
• Can influence policy and strategy

Compromised Capabilities:

• Dormant Bane commands in ToooAh (kill Tessell) and Odonia (kill Co'narr)
• Elik'r's psychological curse ("It's your fault")
• Elvva's petrification risk (main DPS vulnerability)
• Recent trauma affecting multiple members

Former Members

Ser Pas Rata

Status: Deceased (~1 month before current session) Details: Death certificate found in Balthazar's diary (accurate date)

Squires & Companions

Note on Avicia:

• True identity: Rightful heir to throne (superior legal claim)
• Secret known only to party + Patriarch Siegfried
• Party sworn to protect identity
• ToooAh acts as adoptive parent
• Educational decision pending (continue mage training vs accompany party)

History & Development

Formation (Sessions 1-5)

• Party came together through various circumstances
• Named "Riders of the Storm"
• Established base at location that became Stormhold Keep
• Began taking on regional threats

Early Achievements

• Secured Stormhold Keep
• Solved Sylobelle regional issues
• Competed in royal tournament events
• Won bareknuckle boxing championship (Elvva Beltavar)
• Chariot race against Emperor Vladier Drakonhart

Bane Watcher Initiation (Session 18)

Critical Turning Point: All members initiated into Bane Watchers

The Ritual:

• Drank dragon blood mixture
• Constitution saves (varying success)
• Unconscious 4-20 hours
• Shared prophetic vision
• Gained Bane Sense ability

Consequences:

• Now secretly hunt The Bane
• Dual mission (public + secret)
• Compromised when Bane manifests
• Cannot openly discuss Bane Watcher status

Tournament & Political Rise (Sessions 19-21)

• Competed in Grand Tournament
• Ser Tessell Highfrost squired in previous tournament
• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade revealed as Eagle Knight
• Party aligned with Crown Princess

Crisis Period (Sessions 22-24)

Session 22 - Coordinated Attack:

• Town square ambush
• Elvva Beltavar killed
• Guy (squire) killed defending Elik'r Stormswallow
• Ser Silvar Glinnan's mansion destroyed
• Forced into Bane Watcher safehouse

Session 23 - Resurrection & Revolution:

• Elvva Beltavar resurrected (necromantic ritual)
• High King Everglade assassinated by Thalas
• Civil war erupted
• Bane commands planted (ToooAh, Odonia, Patriarch)
• Party leveled to 6

Session 24 - Palace Siege:

• Defended palace ramparts
• Avicia's identity revealed as rightful heir (secret)
• Four siege wyverns attacked (one destroyed)
• Tavern safehouse defended
• Black Knight led Falcon forces

Session 25 - Throne Room Battle:

• Elvva Beltavar temporarily petrified (recovered)
• Patriarch Siegfried Wildner recovered with power increase
• Multiple wyverns destroyed
• Continued defense

Marshals of the North (Session 26)

Major Session - Transformation:

Throne Room Victory:

• Thalas revealed as Elincia Flowers (triple identity)
• Elincia escaped via fire teleportation
• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade saved
• Eldrin Oakenhart survived
• Palace and city secured

Honours & Elevation:

• Ser Tessell Highfrost formally knighted
• Lady Odonia of Galantri elevated to Lady of Sylobelle
• Lady Odonia of Galantri appointed Royal Advisor (left of throne)
• All members granted military ranks (Generals)
• Company officially chartered

Military Commission:

• Commissioned as Marshals of the North
• Granted 636+ troop reinforcements (total 712)
• Official deed to Stormhold Keep
• War chest access authorized
• Authority to promote subordinates

Strategic Assignment:

• Rally northern territories for Crown Princess
• First target: Neverwinter (Duke Vallandor Firebloom)
• Secure eastern border (Eastern Citadel silent)
• Kill/destroy anyone in open rebellion

Bane Crisis Escalation:

• Elvva Beltavar's corruption reached advanced stage
• Green sprite manifestation observed
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian warned: "Further along than I thought"
• Urgent need for Citadel visit
• Can overflow and take over host
• Can shorten lifespan

Affiliations & Relationships

Primary Allegiance: Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade

• Serve Eagle faction in civil war
• Lady Odonia of Galantri = Royal Advisor
• Commissioned as Marshals of the North
• Granted military authority and resources
• Tasked with rallying northern territories

Secret Allegiance: Bane Watchers

• All members initiated (Session 18)
• Hunt The Bane (world-ending threat)
• Cannot openly discuss membership
• Must balance public/secret duties
• Elvva Beltavar needs urgent Citadel intervention

Allied Organizations

• Eagle Faction - Crown Princess's forces
• Bane Watchers - Ancient order (secret membership)
• Kingdom of Odessia - Serve the realm
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian - Mentor, ally

Hostile Organizations

• Falcon Faction - Ser Alvar Flowers, Elincia Flowers
• The Bane - World-ending threat (Bane Watcher mission)
• Gnome Army - Revenge plot (Barry shot by Odonia)
• Immortal Draconic Empire - Emperor holds grudge
• Elincia's Network - Mysterious powerful allies (skull-faced man, etc.)

Uncertain Relations

• Northern Nobles - Must rally for Crown Princess
• Duke Vallandor Firebloom - First diplomatic/military target
• Eastern Citadel - Fallen silent, unknown status
• Crimson Pike - Mercenaries (no allegiances)

Notable Achievements

Military Victories

• ✅ Defended Palace/Throne Room (Session 25-26)
• ✅ Destroyed 2+ siege wyverns (Sessions 24-25)
• ✅ Secured Belendar for Eagle faction
• ✅ Defended tavern safehouse against siege
• ✅ Revealed Thalas/Elincia Flowers identity
• ✅ Saved Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade (multiple times)
• ✅ Saved Eldrin Oakenhart from death

Political Achievements

• ✅ Commissioned as Marshals of the North
• ✅ Lady Odonia of Galantri elevated to nobility + Royal Advisor
• ✅ Ser Tessell Highfrost formally knighted
• ✅ Granted 712 troops and war chest
• ✅ Official deed to Stormhold Keep
• ✅ Authority over northern campaign

Quest Completions

• ✅ Moth Queen Cavern cleared
• ✅ Sylobelle regional issues resolved
• ✅ Competed in Grand Tournament
• ✅ Bane Watcher initiation survived
• ✅ Elvva Beltavar resurrected successfully

Personal Milestones

• ✅ All members reached Level 6 (Session 23)
• ✅ Discovered Avicia's true identity (rightful heir)
• ✅ Sworn to secrecy (protect Avicia)
• ✅ Bareknuckle boxing championship (Elvva Beltavar)
• ✅ Found death certificates (Balthazar's diary)

Current Challenges

Critical Concerns

1. Elvva's Bane Corruption: Advanced stage, sprite manifestation, urgent Citadel visit needed
2. Civil War: 50/50 split, must rally north against Falcon faction
3. Eastern Citadel Silent: Unknown threat, strange creatures attacking
4. Elincia Escaped: Whereabouts unknown, promised revenge ("war has only just begun")

Tactical Challenges

1. Troop Deployment: 732 troops need effective organization
2. Neverwinter Approach: Diplomatic vs military with Duke Vallandor Firebloom
3. Time Management: Multiple urgent missions (Citadel, rally north, secure east)
4. Dual Mission Balance: Public Marshals duties vs secret Bane hunting
5. Formation Discipline: Mock battle exposed coordination gaps, need training (Session 28)

Strategic Concerns

1. Northern Nobles: Many undecided, need convincing
2. Falcon Faction: ~50% kingdom support, large southern army
3. The Bane: Still at large, strong Belendar presence
4. Elincia's Network: Multiple powerful enemies (skull-faced man, axe fighter, etc.)

Personal Struggles

1. Elik'r: Psychological curse, Guy's death, young age (17)
2. Elvva: Advanced Bane corruption, temporary petrification risk
3. ToooAh: Dormant command (kill Tessell), Avicia's safety/education
4. Odonia: Dormant command (kill Co'narr), assassination secret
5. Tessell: Targeted by ToooAh's command, necrotic hand wound

Military Doctrine & Tactics

Command Structure

• Strategic Command: Lady Odonia (General of the North)
• Tactical Field Command: Ser Tessell (General of the Left)
• Frontline Command: Elik'r (General of the Right)
• Mobile/Scout Command: ToooAh (Chariot General)
• Fire Support: Elvva (magical specialist)

Combat Roles

• Tank/Frontline: Elik'r, Tessell
• Healer/Support: Tessell
• Main DPS: Elvva (when not petrified)
• Scout/Mobility: ToooAh (flight 50ft)
• Ranged/Versatile: Odonia (bow/blades, warg ability)

Tactical Advantages

• Aerial reconnaissance (ToooAh)
• Powerful healing (Tessell)
• Main DPS capabilities (Elvva)
• Warg ability (Odonia - infiltration/espionage)
• Bane Sense (detect corruption)

Known Weaknesses

• Elvva's petrification risk (trauma-triggered)
• Dormant Bane commands (could activate)
• Psychological vulnerabilities (trauma, curses)
• Cannot openly use Bane Watcher abilities
• Time-split between missions

Tactical Lessons Learned (Session 28)

Mock Battle Analysis - Decisive Defeat:

Critical Failures:

• Tessell: No assigned troops, completely exposed
• Elik'r: Pushed too far forward, isolated
• Formation gaps: Enemies exploited openings to surround forces

Key Lesson: Don't leave openings to be surrounded; maintain formation integrity

Tactical Weaknesses Exposed:

• Overconfidence in individual prowess over coordinated tactics
• Insufficient communication between field commanders
• Aggressive charges without adequate support
• Commander positioning needs refinement (Tessell requires assigned troops)

Training Priorities: Formation discipline, inter-unit coordination, commander-unit cohesion

Resources & Assets

Military Resources

• Troops: 712 (620 footmen, 200 archers, 48 knights+squires)
• Base: Stormhold Keep (official deed, defensible position)
• War Chest: Treasury access with approval
• Supply Lines: Reconstruction costs covered
• Authority: Promote subordinates, requisition supplies

Magical Resources

• Infinite Radiant Bow (Odonia)
• Dragon's Tear gem (Elvva - mysterious)
• Crown of the Skie Rune (Tessell)
• Psychic Link Rings (Tessell & Elik'r)
• Twin Blades of the Serpent (Odonia)
• Magical tea (ToooAh - d100 effects)
• Steve the rock (Elik'r - spirit guide)
• Permanent Lockpicks (Tessell - locks permanently)

Information Resources

• Bane Sense ability (all members)
• Death certificates (Balthazar's diary)
• Book of names (party listed)
• Tales of the Lost Princess (possible Avicia connection)
• Royal court access (Odonia = advisor)
• Strategic guidance (Eldrin Oakenhart)

Political Resources

• Crown Princess's favor (direct commission)
• Royal Advisor position (Odonia - left of throne)
• Knight status (Tessell - formally recognized)
• Noble title (Odonia - Lady of Sylobelle)
• Military ranks (all members - Generals)

Reputation & Fame

Public Perception

• Heroes of Odessia
• Defended palace during siege
• Saved Crown Princess multiple times
• Marshals of the North (commissioned)
• Known for creative problem-solving
• Tessell: Famous for face-planting charges
• Elik'r: Cape caught fire during Belendar parade
• ToooAh: Terminal velocity experiments
• Elvva: Bareknuckle boxing champion
• Odonia: Shot gnome in eye (Barry's revenge)

Military Reputation

• Elite combat capabilities
• Defeated siege wyverns
• Throne room victory
• Defended against coordinated attacks
• Survived overwhelming odds repeatedly

Political Standing

• Trusted by Crown Princess
• Royal Advisor (Odonia)
• Commissioned for critical northern campaign
• Granted significant military authority
• Access to royal court and resources

Secret Reputation (Bane Watchers)

• Initiated members (all five)
• Hunt world-ending threat
• Cannot discuss publicly
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian trusts completely
• Citadel leader knows of them (presumably)

Ongoing Threats

Immediate Enemies

• Elincia Flowers: Escaped, whereabouts unknown, triple identity revealed
• Ser Alvar Flowers: Leading southern rebel army
• Yavanna Lightwhisper: Alvar's twin, whereabouts unknown
• Mysterious Skull-Faced Man: Elincia's ally, whereabouts unknown
• Unknown Axe Fighter: Powerful warrior, whereabouts unknown
• Mysterious Skeletal Soldier: Teleported in eerie green light
• Black Knight (Warhammer): Departed in brownish light

Long-term Threats

• The Bane: World-ending evil, strong Belendar presence
• Gnome Army: Barry's revenge plot, tracking party
• Emperor Vladier Drakonhart: Personal grudge, hostile empire
• Bane Corruption: Progressive, advancing in Elvva
• Dormant Commands: Could activate (ToooAh, Odonia, Patriarch)

Existential Threats

• Civil War: Kingdom split 50/50, could lose
• Elvva's Corruption: Could overflow, take over host
• The Bane: If not stopped, destroys world
• Eastern Threat: Unknown creatures, Eastern Citadel silent
• Purple Dragonborn: Calls to Elik'r, unknown intentions

Future Objectives

Immediate (Session 27+)

1. Visit Bane Watcher Citadel (URGENT - Elvva's corruption)
2. Rally Neverwinter (First strategic target)
3. Investigate Eastern Citadel (Fallen silent)
4. Deploy troops effectively (712 need organization)
5. Decide Avicia's education (Continue training or bring with party)

Short-term

1. Rally northern nobles for Crown Princess
2. Secure eastern border
3. Counter Falcon faction influence
4. Master Bane Sense abilities (Citadel training)
5. Remove dormant Bane commands (if possible)

Long-term

1. Win civil war for Eagle faction
2. Hunt and stop The Bane
3. Resolve Avicia's succession claim
4. Defeat Elincia and Alvar
5. Secure Kingdom of Odessia

Ultimate Goals

• Save the world from The Bane
• Restore peace to Odessia
• Protect Avicia (rightful heir)
• Fulfill Bane Watcher oath
• Survive with party intact

Related Information

Related Quests:

• Quests - Active#Rally the North (PRIMARY MISSION)
• Quests - Active#Secure Eastern Border (SECONDARY MISSION)
• Quests - Active#Visit Bane Watcher Citadel (URGENT)
• Quests - Active#The Bane (WORLD THREAT)
• Quests - Active#Avicia's Education Decision (PERSONAL)

Related NPCs:

• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade (patron, ruler)
• Lady Odonia of Galantri (member, General of North, Royal Advisor)
• Ser Tessell Highfrost (member, General of Left)
• Elik'r Stormswallow (member, General of Right)
• ToooAh (member, Chariot General)
• Elvva Beltavar (member, advanced Bane corruption)
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (mentor, Bane Watcher leader)
• Eldrin Oakenhart (advisor, strategic guidance)
• Avicia (rightful heir, ToooAh's adopted child)

Related Locations:

• Stormhold Keep (base, official deed)
• Belendar (capital, recently defended)
• Bane Watcher Citadel (URGENT destination)
• Neverwinter (first strategic target)
• Sylobelle (Odonia's lands)
• Eastern Citadel (fallen silent, investigate)

Related Organizations:

• Bane Watchers (secret membership)
• Eagle Faction (serve Crown Princess)
• Falcon Faction (enemy - civil war)
• Kingdom of Odessia (serve the realm)
• Elincia's Network (enemy - mysterious)

Last Updated: Session 26 Next Session Priority: Choose mission order (Citadel vs Rally North)