Exodus

Background for Sunday's battlegames

A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd huddled in the basement of the modest villa in the capital city of Airedale. A dozen men and women, all loyal to the King, had congregated to discuss the latest proclamation of Duke Rodrick of Palmyra. The proclamation read:

To All Citizens of Palmyra!

Let it be known that the King is truly dead.

He has left no heir to the throne.

Therefore, we have no recourse but to assert our  own authority.

Henceforth, the Duchy of Palmyra shall be a free and independent state.

Anyone expressing loyalty to the so-called King 

shall be considered a traitor to the Ducal Crown

and subject to all due penalties.

Duke Rodrick I

The crowd wondered: would he really follow through with this threat?

At that moment, the door was flung open. The group recoiled in alarm, but then relaxed when they saw who entered. It was Brother Kayfin, leader of the Paladins of Palmyra - defenders of the King's people.

"'Tis true, my friends. The Duke has begun to make arrests. We need to escape from Airedale."

"Where shall we go?" One of the elders asked.

"Brother Rhobrynd and I have scouted out the southern regions," Kayfin replied. "We found a good spot. It lies upon the banks of a secluded lake. The passage to it runs through swamps and woods. The Duke shan't find us there."

The party agreed that it sounded perfect - a veritable oasis in their time of need.

"Will Rodrick allow us to leave?" asked one of the elders.

"Likely not," Kayfin acknowledged. "We must flee in secret. Spread the word through the community - gather your things and prepare to depart tonight. We leave for our Oasis."