[RPG] [FEI] A Night in Palnasos

[Jeff Guillot]

A hastily scribbled note is delivered to Valius.

Lord Valius,

I have not heard any response from you about it, but I must sadly
delay my invitation for dinner together. For now there is a battle to
be fought, and pleasure to be found in the simple and noble contest of
war - sword to sword, man to man. We can reschedule after the battle,
where we may feast to our victory.

I will see you on the walls. I and my Hedon guards will be holding the
main gatehouse and portcullis. It would honor me if you would join me
there in its defense.

Yours,
Adrahil, Lord Palnasos

------------------------------

Adrahil is seen hurrying along the walls of the city - double checking
the defenses, making sure every man is where he is supposed to be.
Extra arrows have been stored, cauldrons of flammable pitch have been
filled, a trench has been dug running along the wall and been filled
with sharpened stakes, and in every battalion there is at least one
man with a greataxe to cut away the ladders.

Yet for all the preparations of death, all the grim business of war,
Adrahil is upbeat and happy. He strides about wearing brightly colored
robes - the same ones he might wear to a feast, or one of his hedonist
orgies - over his elaborately engraved armor. Wherever he goes, he
lightens the mood of the men.

Ending his routes at last at the main gatehouse and portcullis,
Adrahil assembles his devoted Hedonist Guards - their ranks filled
with both longtime followers from Beluaterra, and newly converted
souls from Palnasos. Working the men into a cheer, Adrahil hoists his
personal banner - a nude goddess in a sea of flowers - above the
ramparts. Having done that, he uncorks a bottle of wine, pours some to
the gods, and drinks. It is here that he will make his stand.

It is here that he will fight, spill blood, and take life. For here in
this moment, nothing will give him greater pleasure. That is what he
lives for, as a Hedonist. And today, to Adrahil Cuthalion, the thrill
of battle is better than sex.

And if he should die...? He cares not. "Eat, drink, and be merry, for
tomorrow we die." Well, thinks Adrahil with a smile... he's done his
eating, he's done his drinking, and he's certainly made very merry. If
this is tomorrow, and dying must be done, so be it.

Adrahil unsheathes his sword and waits, humming softly to himself. His
new adventure has been quite pleasing so far.