Strategy against the Orc-Goblin Coalition

Inside a residence located at the heart of Summit's Crest, there was a mansion that stood as a looming symbol of opulence amidst the modest homes of the townspeople. 

The sprawling estate was surrounded by well-manicured gardens and a wrought-iron fence, creating an imposing barrier between the owner of this mansion, Davian Vinespine, and the rest of the town.

The mansion itself was an architectural marvel, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences that showcased the wealth and extravagance of its owner. 

Tall, arched windows with stained glass panels adorned the front façade, allowing sunlight to filter into the ornate interior. The exterior walls were made of imported marble, a symbol of Vinespine's willingness to spare no expense for his own comfort and vanity.

As Vecna's arrival in Summit's Crest had created ripples of concern and anticipation, Vinespine awaited the news in his lavishly appointed study. He reclined in a high-backed leather chair behind a grand mahogany desk that was adorned with intricate carvings of vines and grapes, a nod to his family name.

Davian Vinespine himself was a man in his early 50s, his salt-and-pepper beard impeccably groomed to accentuate his perceived wisdom and authority. His rotund figure, encased in a finely tailored burgundy velvet waistcoat and matching coat, bore witness to his indulgent lifestyle. 

A gold chain hung from his vest pocket, showcasing the elaborate pocket watch that he kept as a symbol of his punctuality and devotion to the art of timekeeping.

His fingers, adorned with rings bearing various precious stones, tapped rhythmically on the polished surface of his desk as he awaited the latest developments. 

His deep-set, calculating eyes scanned a map of Summit's Crest that lay spread out before him, highlighting the strategic locations of his underlings and the information network he had cultivated over the years

The room itself was a testament to Vinespine's decadence. Richly patterned Persian rugs covered the polished hardwood floors, and the walls were adorned with oil paintings of landscapes and portraits of esteemed ancestors. A chandelier of crystal and gold hung from the ornate ceiling, casting a warm, flattering light across the room.

The window behind Vinespine offered a commanding view of Summit's Crest below, allowing him to keep a watchful eye on the town he sought to control. Outside, his manicured gardens featured meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flowerbeds that were a stark contrast to the modest gardens of the townsfolk.

The evening sun cast a warm glow across the room, but Vinespine's expression remained cold and calculating.

His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the letter he had just received. It bore the seal of the town's watchman, indicating urgent news. With a flick of his pudgy fingers, he broke the seal and read the contents, his thin lips curling into a malicious smile.

"Good," he mumbled to himself, "it seems our 'esteemed' adventurer has arrived in Summit's Crest."

Davian Vinespine, once a childhood friend of Reginald Thornfield, had forsaken their past camaraderie for his own ambitions.

His wealth had elevated him to a position of influence, and he was determined to ascend even higher.

"Tell me," he said, addressing his smirking reflection in the ornate mirror behind him, "what price could that ignorant Thornsfield possibly offer this adventurer?"

Vinespine's voice dripped with contempt as he contemplated Reginald Thornfield, the man he now considered his greatest obstacle. The Thornfield family's prestige was waning, and Vinespine saw an opportunity to seize power and status for himself.

The woman who had reported about her encounter with Vecna, a conniving spy working for Vinespine's interests, stood by his side. She, too, was motivated by greed and ambition, and her loyalty to Vinespine knew no bounds.

"He's a cold, cruel man," the woman reported, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and admiration. "He didn't hesitate to use force to quell the protests. The townsfolk we gathered are terrified of him."

Vinespine's thin lips curled into a wider grin, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. "That's precisely what I want to hear. Fear can be a powerful motivator."

Another man, one who had also witnessed the encounter, stepped forward, his voice quivering with trepidation. "If we were to spend more money, my lord, we could potentially buy this adventurer's loyalty. His power could be invaluable to our cause."

Vinespine's eyes gleamed with avarice as he considered the possibilities. "Ah, yes. Money can buy many things, including the loyalty of mercenaries. Write a letter to this adventurer. Tell him we are willing to offer a substantial sum for his services."

The man nodded and hurriedly left the room to draft the letter, eager to please his powerful master.

Davian Vinespine leaned back in his ornate chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "Summit's Crest will be mine," he whispered to himself, his voice dripping with malevolence. "And from there, I will climb even higher, into the graces of Her Grace, Basara."

With a malicious grin, he added, "If only we could reach that Orc animal and instruct him on how to finally breach the walls our men have weakened. It would make my life easier. Warchief my ass, only a barbarian animal who can't comprehend my good intentions for him."

The man who had been sent to draft the letter returned, holding a parchment with carefully chosen words. Vinespine took it with a nod of approval.

"Send the letter to the leader of the mercenaries," he ordered.

"As you wish, my lord," the man replied, bowing before hurrying out of the room.

Left alone in his luxurious office, Davian Vinespine continued to scheme and plot, his ambition and greed driving him to new depths of treachery. The fate of Summit's Crest hung in the balance, and Vinespine was determined to see his malevolent plans come to fruition.

Meanwhile, in the Town Hall of Summit's Crest, Vecna, Maribel, Elysia, Mayor Reginald Thornfield, and Mr. Norwood gathered in the mayor's office. The Goblin Scout, Rax, was bound and seated in a corner, his eyes filled with fear as he watched the proceedings.

Vecna sat casually in a chair, crossing his legs and sipping from a glass of wine. He exuded an air of authority and confidence that demanded attention. His attire was a mix of noble and practical, a reflection of his unique status as a vampire lord.

Maribel, with her fiery red hair and fierce demeanor, couldn't hide her skepticism. She stood tall, arms folded, 

Elysia, the elven woman, observed the proceedings with a serene expression, her elegant robes adorned with intricate magical symbols.

Rax, compelled to cooperate, spoke in a slow and awkward mix of the Goblin tongue and common language that the humans could understand. "My tribe... we not friends with Orcs. Forced to serve... serve as scouts and vanguard against humans."

Vecna listened silently, his crimson eyes fixed on Rax. Maribel, on the other hand, couldn't help but comment, "So, you Goblins were content being the lapdogs of the Orcs. Not surprising, considering your kind's greed and cowardice."

Vecna remained quiet, allowing Rax to continue under Mayor Thornfield and Mr. Norwood's interrogation.

"Then, you make sure to tell us the location of your Goblin Tribes. Similarly for the Orcs." said Reginald Thornfield, focusing his gaze on the small, green-skinned creature.

Rax's response was unexpected, a mixture of defiance and despair.

"... I-I refuse. I'll rather have you people kill me."

The room hung heavy with tension, and Captain Eldric Thornfield, who was steps away from entering the Mayor's Office overheard this decline. 

Stepping inside the room, he drew his sword with the intention of ending the Goblin's life to protect his homeland. His blade gleamed menacingly in the dim light of the room as he moved closer to Rax.

But before he could strike, Vecna, the mysterious vampire, raised his hand, stopping the Captain in his tracks with a single gesture.

"He's my toy. I didn't give you any right to kill him."

Captain Eldric Thornfield halted, his sword still poised to strike but held in check by Vecna's authority. His gaze shifted between Vecna and the defiant Goblin, torn between his duty to protect Summit's Crest and the command of the enigmatic newcomer.

"Eldric, at ease. Listen to your old man." mentioned the Mayor, at the hot-headed Captain, a close relative of his who had great aptitudes to become a Red Knight in the future if he strived hard.

"Alright, but if this rat doesn't comply with us. There's no reason to keep him alive." replied Eldric to Reginald as he retreated to the corner of the room, closer to the door, as if to keep watch over Rax's attempts at escaping.

On another hand, Vecna's piercing gaze remained locked on Rax as he continued to address the Goblin, his tone both inquisitive and menacing.

"Impressive, Rax. I listened quietly to your story. Your heart quickened a lot while you responded to the questions. Nervous about your lies?"

Rax stammered in response, his fear evident in his voice. "Lies? I haven't lied… Rax just nervous."

Vecna leaned forward, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It would be a shame to kill you, Rax. I'd waste a lot of time storming the Goblin Tribes and the Orcs. But I have a proposition for you."

Rax, still bound and vulnerable, listened intently, curious about what Vecna had to offer.

Rax's eyes widened with curiosity, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease emanating from Vecna.

Vecna continued, "You tell me the location and weaknesses of the Goblin Tribes that your tribe has enmity with, and I'll let you return to your home."

Rax hesitated, torn between his fear of the unknown and the prospect of freedom. Hesitating for a moment, the goblin asked cautiously, "You... not lying? If Rax tell everything, you let him go?"

Vecna's crimson eyes seemed to glow with a sinister allure as he made his next proposal. "Yes, I can also offer you another deal."

Rax's desire for power and prestige had been stoked, and he leaned forward, his green eyes gleaming with avarice, his dread over the monster in human skin overshadowed by those new impulses.

"What deal?"

Vecna's crimson eyes bore into Rax's soul. His voice took on a seductive tone as he dangled the promise of power before the Goblin.

  "I can make you the Chieftain of your tribe. Imagine the honor and fame among the Goblin-kind. You could unite the tribes and become a legend among your people."

He could guess that this person wanted to destroy first the other Goblin Tribes and weaken the powers of the Orcs. Similarly, there were also plans for his own Tribe, but he could assume that if he worked for this man, his homeland would be fine. 

If not, they could take over the other tribes and unite the Goblins. 

The honor and fame among the Goblin-kind would make him into a Legend akin to the ancestors of a bygone age.

Rax's desire for power and prestige battled with his fear of Vecna, who exuded a sinister aura. Ultimately, his greed won out. "If... if you keep your word, Rax will tell everything he knows."

Vecna leaned back in his chair, satisfied with Rax's response. His grin widened, his fangs glinting in the dim light of the office. "Good. Now, tell us everything about the other tribes."

As the night wore on, Rax cooperated with the interrogation, providing valuable information about the Goblin Tribes and their alliance with the Orcs. 

He provided crucial information in a mix of goblin-common tongue and the human language that the gathered individuals could understand. His voice quivered with a hint of fear as he spoke about the situation on the other side.

Rax scratched his green-skinned head nervously and began, "The tribes... the tribes not friends. We fight among ourselves. But when Orcs come, they make us work for them. Serve as scouts and vanguard against humans." His words were hesitant but clear.

Vecna, still seated casually, observed Rax closely. "So, infighting among Goblin Tribes until the Orcs arrive. Typical."

Maribel couldn't resist a snide comment, "And you're willingly acting as their cannon fodder? Couldn't you guys scheme like you always do to kill that Warchief? You have 6 Goblin Chieftains against one Orc. How pathetic."

Vecna silenced her with a glance, and Rax continued under Mayor Thornfield and Mr. Norwood's questioning.

Rax began to recount what he knew about the other Goblin Tribes and their alliance with the Orcs. "There are five Goblin Tribes, excluding mine. We all have rivalries and conflicts, that's why we can't fight the Warchief."

"The Orcs lead us, but they are not friends. They call themselves the 'Bloodmoon Alliance.' And the Orc Warchief is called... Gorruk Bloodmaw."

Captain Thornsfield started massaging his temples while complaining. He was growing weary from the weight of the impending battle, and couldn't help but express his frustration.

  "That's for sure a lot of enemies Summit Crest has to fight. No wonder, they wouldn't give up each time we pushed them back."

Eldrid added another observation as he contemplated the war against the Orcs, "And yet, I haven't seen this Gorruk Bloodmaw in action. You sure aren't lying green rat?"

Rax lowered his head, sensing the Captain's killing intent. He quickly clarified, "My superiors told me that Warchief Gorruk is waiting for the Human Lords to arrive to stop his Horde. The ones wearing Red Armor."

Captain Thornsfield scoffed, "Heh, that pig is overestimating his abilities if he thinks he can face the esteemed Red Knights. He'll be nothing but dead meat. Fortunately for these creatures, the Red Knights of the Empire are busy with more important tasks."

Vecna nodded in agreement, though concern lingered in his eyes. "Still, the fact that this Warchief hasn't acted yet means he doesn't view Summit Crest as a significant threat. And his mention of waiting for the Red Knights suggests a level of confidence."

Mayor Thornfield turned to Vecna, seeking guidance. "Should I send another letter to appeal for support from Her Grace?"

Vecna dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "No need. With my companions and me here, I am confident that we can handle the enemy."

Captain Thornsfield inquired, "Then how should we proceed, sir Vecna?"

Vecna contemplated for a moment before giving his orders. "Captain Thornsfield, I want you to continue drilling the militia and recruit more soldiers." 

"I believe it's best for us to go on the assault this time. I'll give you one week to prepare your army. In the meantime, I will make my moves to destroy the Goblin Tribes and put Rax in the Chieftain's seat."

Captain Thornsfield's expression was a mix of determination and concern as he acknowledged Vecna's instructions. He understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of their impending battle.

However, Vecna's casual address to Rax couldn't go unchallenged. "You have Ruling Seats, as Goblins, brat?" Vecna questioned, his tone dripping with a hint of mockery.

Rax shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the conversation on his small shoulders. He responded, "Man, speaking with Rax? … Yes. The Chieftain Hut is the largest in the village. Not as large as the Human Hut, but big for us Goblins."

Vecna silenced Rax with a stern glance, not wanting to waste more time on the topic. He redirected the conversation with a sense of urgency. "Quiet. Do we have a plan, gentlemen?"

Mayor Thornfield, showing his trust in Vecna's judgment, nodded in agreement. "I agree with sir Vecna. It's better if we prepare the soldiers before engaging in any fights."

Vecna turned his attention back to Mr. Norwood. "Now, I would like to hear about the recent events in the town square. Mr. Norwood, would you mind explaining? Perhaps I can help put an end to this problem."

Mr. Norwood cleared his throat and began to narrate the complex web of events that had unfolded in Summit's Crest, events that were intricately tied to the complicated relationship between Mayor Reginald Thornfield and the influential Magnate, Davian Vinespine.

"Sir Vecna," Mr. Norwood began, his voice steady but laden with concern, "the issue with Davian Vinespine has deeper roots than it appears."

"I'm not in a rush, so take your time."

"He and Mayor Thornfield go way back, back to their childhood. They were inseparable, best friends. Davian's family, the Vinespines, were known merchants in Summit's Crest for generations. The Thornfields, on the other hand, were a respected noble family that has its roots steaming from the Valoria Region. 

Lord Reginald Thornfield, even as a child, showed promise and leadership qualities."

"Stop it, Aldread… Don't make it sound as if I'm some great lord, especially in Sir Vecna's face. This would be insignificant for him."

Vecna dismissed Reginal's attempt to have Norwood stop boasting about his achievements, and let the older butler continue.

Vecna listened intently, understanding that he was delving into a tale of personal history and intricate relationships.

"Despite their differing backgrounds, Davian and Reginald remained close friends," Mr. Norwood continued. "As they grew older, their bond only strengthened."

"When Reginald ascended to the position of mayor, he turned to Davian for advice on economic matters. Davian, with his family's wealth and connections, helped boost Summit's Crest's economy significantly."

Vecna could see the deep connection between the two men, one that extended beyond mere friendship. It was a partnership that had benefited the town for years.

'That's an interesting plot for sure. Now I can see how this town looks so well-off compared to other towns and cities on the boarder of the Empire.'

'Both Reginald and Davian should be A or S-tier Administrators. Makes me want to have them as my Servants.'

"However," Mr. Norwood's tone grew somber, shifting Vecna's attention back to the story. 

"Things took a turn when Davian's ambitions began to overshadow his loyalty to Summit's Crest. He became more focused on his personal wealth and influence, often at the expense of the townspeople."

"He manipulated trade deals to his advantage, driving smaller businesses to bankruptcy. He hoarded resources, causing shortages and price hikes for essential goods."

'Hehh, this merchant is the real deal.'

Vecna could sense the frustration in Mr. Norwood's voice as he continued. "The breaking point came when Davian attempted to acquire a piece of valuable land that was traditionally used by the townspeople for farming."

"This land was crucial for Summit's Crest's food supply, and the townspeople vehemently protested against Davian's acquisition."

"Mayor Thornfield," Mr. Norwood glanced at Reginald with a mixture of sympathy and disappointment, "struggled to find a middle ground between his childhood friend and the angry townspeople. He attempted negotiations, but Davian was unyielding in his pursuit of the land."

Vecna could see the weight of the situation on Reginald Thornfield's shoulders, torn between his loyalty to an old friend and his duty to the town he governed.

"Protests escalated into clashes in the town square," Mr. Norwood continued. "The townspeople demanded that Davian Vinespine be held accountable for his actions, while Mayor Thornfield hesitated to take drastic measures against his friend. It has created a rift within Summit's Crest, and the tensions are reaching a breaking point."

Vecna took a moment to absorb the gravity of the situation. The rift between Mayor Reginald Thornfield and Davian Vinespine ran deep, fueled by a complex history of friendship and loyalty, but also marred by greed and betrayal.

"Now," Mr. Norwood concluded, "we find ourselves at an impasse. Mayor Thornfield wants to believe there's a way to resolve this peacefully, but I fear Davian's greed and lust for power may be insurmountable."

"We are in dire need of a solution, and your offer of help may be our best chance at ending this turmoil."

"Thank you for sharing this with me, Mr. Norwood," Vecna responded with a solemn nod. "I understand the delicate nature of this issue."

"It's evident that Mayor Thornfield is conflicted, torn between his friendship with Davian and his responsibilities to the town. Given the current circumstances with the impending Orc threat, I suggest we focus on addressing that first."

"Once the immediate danger has been averted, Mayor Thornfield can then decide on the best course of action regarding Davian Vinespine. My services are still on the table in case this merchant decides to backstab you while we are fighting the Orcs."

Mayor Thornfield appeared relieved by Vecna's words, as if a great weight had been temporarily lifted from his shoulders. He gave a grateful nod to Vecna.

"I appreciate your understanding, sir Vecna," Reginald Thornfield replied. "And worry not. After the clash against the Orcs has been resolved, I will personally deal with Davian Vinespine and his actions."

"I hope that a peaceful resolution can still be achieved, but I will not let his actions harm Summit's Crest any further."

Vecna respected the mayor's decision and nodded in agreement. "Very well, Mayor Thornfield. Let us focus on the imminent threat for now. We shall deal with Davian Vinespine when the time is right."

With the matter of Davian Vinespine temporarily set aside, Vecna turned his attention to Rax, the goblin who had provided valuable information. He knew that goblins were often seen as pests and troublemakers, but Rax had cooperated willingly and had been of great help.

Vecna gestured toward Eldric Thornfield, the mayor's nephew, who wore a malicious grin as he motioned to Rax. It was clear that Eldric intended to put on a show to scare the goblin, a demonstration that he was a human and not a beast.

"Take Rax into custody," Vecna ordered, his voice firm but not unkind. "Place him in the stockades for now. His time to shine in our plan hasn't come yet. In one week, you'll be free like the goblin you are."

Eldric Thornfield eagerly carried out Vecna's instructions, and with a few menacing words and theatrical gestures, he escorted Rax toward the stockades.

With the immediate matters addressed, Vecna rose from his seat, giving a final nod to Mayor Reginald Thornfield. "Very well, Mayor Thornfield. I shall take my leave for now. We have much to prepare for in the days ahead."

Mayor Thornfield offered a grateful smile. "Thank you for your assistance, sir Vecna. We are fortunate to have you here. Rest assured, the people of Summit's Crest are behind you."