Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Ninth Adventure – Against the Cultists

So what is the plan?

How many people are moving around in the courtyard or is it fairly quiet. I think most of the party should head to the main building, find the leader and take him down.

If someone wants to provide cover from the tower, Mulligan and Rorimac can provide invisible ground cover to tidy up any issues that may occur.

Mulligan will also be keeping an eye on Gorung, perhaps not quite ready to trust him fully and also wanting to make sure he doesn't either raise the alarm by accident or cause a riot in the fort.

I am no good to a silent assassination party, I make too much noise. I will happily help lay down cover from the tower.

The dwarves and knights aren't likely to be able to maintain stealth for much further, but I agree, hitting the main building quickly seems like a good plan.

Ithilneth proposes that she and Deor provide cover from the tower, the hobbits can help keep the courtyard clear (maybe making it difficult to open some doors?) and everyone else storms the center building.

I think that having the stealthy ones infiltrate the main building could lead to problems, since most of the resistance is going to be in there. We have the element of surprise right now, so I think we should take advantage of it by sending the frontliners in as the main assault, backed up by the spell slingers, and the ranged attackers provide general cover.

Thoroncir agrees with Ithilneth's proposal, but would like to know which plan Gil-Gandel favors.

Let's not take any risks here. Maybe the hobbits can scout the place invisibly?

The hobbits have been scouting around. Itilneth's plan seems to be sound though.

Gorung says, "The fight will be in the main building. Leaving people outside with do you little good. You want the shamans not the guards, don't you?"

"Let me get close that central building and see if I can see inside, get an idea of what awaits us.", says Mulligan.

"Gorung, once we start into the main building, the alarm will go and the guards will come running. If we take the shamans down, will the guards surrender at that point?", asks Rorimac

Gorung thinks for a moment and replies, "Most will I think, yes, most will but some won't. Many are semi-forced into working for the cult like me. If they see the cults power shattered they will be happy to at least flee or surrender."

"A strong and effective show of force, as at the occupied fort, may be just what the occasion requires," Thoroncir says. "Let yield all those who will do so; slay those who will not."

"Then it should be all hands take the central house and take down the shaman. After all, we don't intend to let them escape for their crimes do we?"

"There is one door on the far side from the tower, probably a couple of hundred metres away from the bottom of the tower. I would suggest everyone heads for there, except for Itilneth to provide cover and Mulligan to clean up out side and keep it quiet while we move", says Rorimac. "When we get to the door, Bitur use his lockpick and we take the place."

"I shall ensleep those soldiers who enter the courtyard," says Ithilneth to Gorung. "And reserve my arrows to those who respond with violence."

Let us do as Ithilneth says. Those who don't fall asleep may find my Stunning Discord discomfiting, and I, no less than Ithilneth, will have a sharp response to those still disposed to fight.

The party heads into the courtyard with Ithilneth & Gil-Gandel in the tower. Mulligan will guard the grounds.

The party moves swiftly to the far side of the central tower and make for the door. Bitur sees the door is shut and notices strange and dark symbols on the door itself. Deor recognizes them as dark magic. Gilraen will attempt to dispel them and warns all to be ready to move fast for they will probably know we are here once I do this.

She carefully summons her magic and uses a few of her trinkets and the brilliant glow of her bauble and the symbols melt off the door with a loud cracking noise.

Bitur makes short work of the door and the party can head in.

The door looks into a large chamber, there is a large 5' wide pillar in the middle and a wooden stair case wrapping around it up to a second floor or down below. The room appears empty of people but the entire outer wall is comfortable looking furniture. Chairs, couched and lounges.

What is the order?

Mulligan will be heading round and locking or blocking as many doors as possible into the courtyard.

Rorimac will be providing cover to the party from behind until they have made it into the tower.

Ceol will quickly look around for any particular sources of evil before we enter.

Unless Gil-Gandel objects Thoroncir will go upstairs, sword drawn, with anyone who cares to join him.

No objection here, Sir Thoroncir. I shall follow so as to keep you in bowshot, if there's room; otherwise any of the heavy infantry take priority. Any sound I am aware of?

Thoroncir starts up followed by Gil-Gandel. Ceol notes there is evil radiating from below. Bitur and Gwaelur realize the stonework is a bit off. Probably magical in nature to some degree. They cannot determine the age of the work either.

Drindoleth senses something wrong with the building. A foulness to it that is hard to define.

Bitur will follow up, axe at the ready.

Deor will bring up the rear, ready to cast as necessary. He'll check ceilings in particular, just in case there are traps.

Hmmm. The magic which Ceol notes is from a basement of some kind, or from the first (ground) floor as Thoroncir and the others ascend to the second?

Gwaelur will proceed with Bitur. Two axes are better than one.

Drindoleth will pause a moment to try to identify the foulness. Is there anything in particular it reminds him off?

As the group begins to head upstairs, Ceol signals for them to wait a moment. "I sense evil, but it seems to be below us, not above. Perhaps we should head downstairs instead?"

Drindoleth can not identify it but feels it is a force basically inimical to life and nature.

Thoroncir is far enough to see a pair of startled young men trying to get into their armor on the upstairs. The have maces nearby.

Gil-Gandel could get clear shots with ease.

It appears the upper floor is a dormitory for younger cultist.

The entire party is inside at this point except the Hobbits and Ithilneth. What do these 3 do?

Sir Thoroncir points his longsword Arcirist at the men and says loudly, "Stop! Yield, and you won't be harmed!"

Mulligan will be staying outside and keeping an eye on the courtyard from above. If Itilneth casts a sleep down there, she wants to be out of the way.

Once they get into the tower, Rorimac will join them and look to try and bar the door or lock it as firmly as possible.

Ceol, who was looking for some entrance to the lower level, glances in the direction in which Thoroncir is pointing. "They may not understand your words. Do you need a hand?"

Ithilneth scans the courtyard plus windows and doors. She is primarily concerned about attacks coming from the latter. She will try not to have an especially exposed profile, if possible. Her plan is to sleep any group that does not pose a direct threat to her. She will send arrows at anyone who launches projectiles or spells at her.

The men stop briefly, one grabs his mace and charges. The other appears to begin casting.

Ceol sees the stairs spiral down also.

So far the courtyard is still free of potential foes, though Mulligan has something to do with that.

Rorimac is inside and seeing to the door.

Thoroncir strides forward to fight the man with the mace, calling back to the others in the party as he does, "If there's anyone in earshot who speaks the local tongue, please repeat what I just said."

Deor will drop a Web on the caster- this one might be worth interrogating.

Before shooting, I'll reiterate Sir Thoroncir's appeal in my best approximation to the local language.

Ceol will move to the staircase, but not ascend (or descend) just yet. He keeps an eye out for whether Thoroncir needs help, as well as to see if anyone is coming up from the lower level.

Hearing Gil-Gandel speak in what is clearly not Elvish, Thoroncir will stop and give the man a chance to comply. He will be braced for the man's attack if that comes, however.

Bitur prepares to aid Thoroncir if the attacker doesn't yield.

Deor's web stops the one foe, the other drops his mace but starts yelling. "Foes, We are attacked, Foes!"

I should've known this would happen, Thoroncir thinks. He steps on the mace's handle to keep the man from picking it up again, and says, "Be silent, and yield, or you may be in even greater danger."

*sigh* Very well, you did the letter of what you were told, while flagrantly disregarding the spirit. As you do, so shall you be done by, the tales tell. But for now, refrain from fighting and we shall see what may be done.

*Prepares to greet any arrivals first with a Stunning Discord and then plenty of arrow fire.

Hearing the sounds of shouting from inside, Mulligan groans inwardly and starts looking round for those who might answer its call from outside.

Having secured the door, Rorimac moves to gain line of sight down the stairs for those who might come up with bow at the ready.

Since it appears subtlety has failed, Bitur prepares for the full assault that will no doubt be coming soon.

At least we seem to have gotten the drop on them somewhat. They probably won't be nearly as prepared to fight us from already inside their defenses than we would have been had we alerted them upon entering the fortress.

Charging up the stairs are two brutish looking pale monstrosities. The are using strangely glowing 5' swords that appear black as night. The light appears to be getting sucked from the around them. They are evil as are the swords.

Gilraen sings her song and lifts her bauble and its glow is enough to counter the strange swords.

Stunning discord has no effect on these oddities.
Gilraen cannot turn them.
Rorimac's +4 arrows do bite their unholy looking flesh. He hits 3 times as Bitur and Ceol brace to meet these odd foes. Gwaelur is ready to assist. Axe, Shield, Holy Sword and short sword clash with the odd blades.

Ceol hits twice on the injured one and Bitur strikes the same with his Axe and blocks the blow from the other's sword.
The injured one strikes Ceol for 12 points of regular damage and an additional 22 points of soul wrenching agony for 34 points total. . Ceol strikes again feeling physically ill but hits with the Holy Sword. Bitur again hits with his Battle Axe and the creature is reeling. He fends off another blow. Ceol evades a blow. Gwaelur strikes down with a great chopping blow on the healthy one and draws a deep and bloody gash.

Thoroncir is subduing the captives?

Drindoleth is free to do something.

Deor can move down to try to assist.

Sala is looking for a chance to dance in and strike.

If Thoroncir can see what's going on with the two pale monstrosities, he'll turn around and go at once to Ceol's and Bitur's aid, hurriedly saying to Gil-Gandel as he passes, "Mind these two captives, please, my friend."

If he can't see it, he will order the captives to lie down on the floor with their hands behind their heads and bind them with any strips of strong cloth or chain that are close at hand. He will then advance further down the hallway to see if anyone is coming out of any doorway in response to the mace-wielder's call of alarm.

"Belethil" growls Rorimac under his breath, as he draws both swords and moves to flank the monstrosities that have appeared.

Mulligan is floating above the roof of the main building, looking for trouble.

Covering the two captives with bow drawn, but if I get any clear shots at the enemy I will cut loose at them with the best ammunition I have.

Hearing the sounds of battle from within, Ithilneth remains ever vigilante from the tower.

There isn't an obvious way for Deor to help, so he'll hold off for the moment and make sure that these creatures are not reinforced by their allies.

Ceol grits his teeth, focusing on his devotion to Eonwë as he attempts to fight through the agony and nausea which are wracking his body. He murmurs a prayer as he braces himself, in case his foe is able to strike again.

Drindoleth will begin changing to his bear form to help fight back the pale monstrosities. Since he can still cast some in this form, it will hopefully not prove to be too much of a hindrance.

The two opponents are coming up the stairs so flanking in of the question. However the swords seem to grow less in the light of Belethil .

Ceol's swing drop the injured foe and the axes of the Dwarves do serious harm to the other. His sword bites deeply through Bitur's armor though and does 10 points of regular damage and an additional 11 points of soul wrenching agony for 21 points total.

Gil-Gandel sends 5 +3 arrows through this foe and finishes him off. The monster tumbled backwards down the stairs as a horrible bloodcurdling howl is heard.

Gil-Gandel pales a bit and know immediately, Werewolf! Horror of the past. Dread offspring of Draugluin. This was not expected. Sala soils himself and flees up the stairs. Luzi also flees higher.

Gilraen has rushed to Ceol and uses a Cure Serious Wound and heals him completely.

Seeing that Gil-Gandel is otherwise engaged, Thoroncir will stand his ground, guarding the two prisoners. He would welcome Sala and Luzi's help, so that he might turn his attention to any other doors upstairs.

Seeing as the main fighters are being patched up, Rorimac draws his cloak about him, steels himself and heads down the first few stairs to see below and to give warning should anything come up the stairs.

"Back up, give everyone room should whatever that is down there come up."

A werewolf! It would take a singer of Tom's own calibre, or Princess Luthien herself, to soothe one of those. I believe extreme violence will be necessary. Deor, stand ready with your fiery spells. I will Faerie Fire it on sight and if my arrows then seem to have no effect, I will flame my two swords and go to hand-to-hand with a Mirror Image on me. And the sooner Sir Thoroncir is relieved of his charges and able to join us here, the better.

Ithilneth's ears crawl from sound of the evil beast. She hopes her companions can handle such a thing and wonders if the courtyard needs guarding after all.

Ceol nods to Gilraen. "Thank you, milady. The wound inflicted by that...being...was most foul, and shook even my resolve for a moment. But, with your help, it is now naught but a passing memory."

He steps back a bit from the stairwell, and girds himself for the expected onslaught by the werewolf.

Will Fireballs light the building on fire, or cause too much collateral damage? Deor will ready them, but may be limited to Burning Hands. In any case, he'll cast Protection from Evil 10' Radius to cover the whole area and all of our fighters.

If Sala and Luzi will guard the prisoners, Sir Thoroncir will move to join Gil-Gandel and find out what just happened.

As the sword hits Bitur, his first thought is to simply shrug off the minor wound. This, however, is followed closely by quite possibly the worst pain he's ever encountered in his long years as his very essence seems to be rended. But his resolved is steeled as he hears the howl of the wolf. The enemy will not take him out of the fight so easily.

From outside Mulligan hears the howl and wonders what manner of creature is held there. Her hand strays to the bullets that were so effective against the Wargs and wonder what use they might be against such a foul entity.

Luzi agrees to guard for both as Sala appears to be shaken very badly. He is mumbling in his native tongue, "Not again, oh lord, not again."

Fireball should be safe if thrown lower. The building is stone and not wood.

Gilraen encourages Bitur to back up a bit so she can cure him. When he backs up two steps she uses a curelight for 18 leaving him down only 3 points.

Thoroncir quickly takes post at the top of the stairs with Ceol, the Dwarves and Rorimac. They form a defensive wall against this fresh horror.

Deor, Gil-Gandel, Gilraen and Drindoleth are ready behind the lines.

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With an rush too fast to react to the werewolf lunges up the stairs. It seemingly beelines for Thoroncir and bowls him over, shredding his flesh in a horribly swift fashion, Gilraen shrieks even louder than Thoroncir who is on the ground and unable to defend himself.

Gil-Gandel sees that faerie fire will be of no help this time and sends his +3 arrows into its hide. He is relieved when the first bites deeply. Two more also strike true.
Rorimac strikes twice in all and has the beast bleeding.
Bitur's Battle Axe cuts deeply once and shallow the second time. His shield seems to be of little affect.
Gwaelur's hits once with his axe and once with his shield.
Ceol's Holy Sword removes an ear and leaves his front left paw lame. His short sword also strikes once.
The wolf is taking a beating but so is Sir Thoroncir.

Something more is coming up the stairs and fairly fast.
Deor sees only magic missile could safely strike the wolf but a fireball might discourage the creatures following the fiendish wolf.

Discourage them? I'll block them-- Wall of Force ought to hold them back.

While the others fight the werewolf, Drindoleth will attempt to dive down and pull Thoroncir free since he cannot defend himself.

Ceol attempts to interpose himself between the werewolf and his fallen friend. He does not recall having ever before faced such a fearsome foe. Seeing that his holy sword seems to be particularly effective, Ceol focuses on attacking with it, using his short sword more for parrying.

"For Eonwë! For Rohan and all goodly people!"

Thoroncir will do his best to push the werewolf off, hack at it with his sword, stab it with his dagger, or simply protect his vital organs.

Rorimac moves round behind the werewolf and starts trying to impale both swords in its back. "Bitur, Gwaelur, shield push him off Thoroncir."

Hearing Gilraen scream, Mulligan swoops down to a ground floor window. If its not open she will smash one open.

If its open, and she can see the fight, she will snap off a long range shot with one of the silver bullets, otherwise she will fly in and ready a shot for the next turn.

Lindorn thrums like a toccata on the bass harp-strings, pumping every +3 arrow Gil-Gandel has into any square inch he can see of the loathsome beast, his elvish skill with rapid fire straining to the utmost!

Gwaelur goes back for the attack with his axes and shield, doing his best to put himself in between the beast and Thoroncir.

The Wall of Force is perfect and isolated the werewolf. Drindoleth weighing now more then the werewolf and most of the fighters together barrels into the wolf and pushes it back. He takes some nasty wounds but give two deep rakes himself. Gilraen pulls Thoroncir back with the strength of panic and then quickly calms herself with a low chant and begins to clean the wounds and prepares to heal him.

The fighters hack and slash at the beasty. Arrows pierce his ancient hide and soon the wolf is downed and then beheaded. The Axes of the Dwarves bit deeper then the wolf today and the Swords of Man and Hobbit proves most grievous to this foe. Blood is pouring from Thoroncir and Ceol realizes this might be filled with disease.

What can we see through the Wall of Force? What do the beasts down below look like?

Thoroncir grits his teeth against the agony of his wounds and slips into unconsciousness, his last sight the sweet face of his beloved Gilraen, striving to heal him.

If there is no imminent threat, Ceol moves to where Gilraen is tending to Thoroncir.

"Milady...I fear that the bite of the werewolf may have infected Sir Thoroncir with disease, in addition to the gravity of the wounds themselves. Eonwë has granted me the ability to cure such infirmity, and I would gladly use it here."

There appears to be some fierce looking undead on the other side of the Wall of Force .

Gilraen looks up at the Knight of Eonwë and replies, "Yes, please." As Ceol drives out the diseases Gilraen casts a Cure Serious for 37 points of healing. She then casts a second for 33 and his two major wounds are healed over. Thoroncir is now down only 12 points.

The Wall of Force has bought the party much time from what should be the worst this place has to offer.

At this point in the courtyard, guards are trying to force open doors and some start coming out windows.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...hMarshFort.jpg

Inside, Deor sees a figure on the other side of the Wall of Force casting. He strongly suspects the figure is attempting to dispel the wall.

He wants to dispel the Wall? Let him. The instant it falls, Deor will drop a fireball on the caster. He takes his staff in his left hand, his Ruby in his right, and prepares a Fireball of maximum damage. (If I'm calculating that correctly, that's 11d6+11 maximized, or 77, damage to everyone within the rather confined radius of the blast.) That might knock out the walking dead or the caster, but it's worth keeping an arrow nocked to finish the job.

After using Cure Disease on Thoroncir, and seeing that Gilraen has healed most of his wounds, Ceol says a prayer of thanksgiving. He then stands, and takes up his blades once more, preparing for the next assault.

"You know Thoroncir, perhaps we should put you at the back." Rorimac smiles as the Knight stirs.

Mulligan heads back out and starts flying around the courtyard. Anyone putting themselves out of a window is likely to get clubbed back through the window by an invisible hobbit.

"You know Thoroncir, perhaps we should put you at the back." Rorimac smiles as the Knight stirs.

Mulligan heads back out and starts flying around the courtyard. Anyone putting themselves out of a window is likely to get clubbed back through the window by an invisible hobbit.

Heroes fight at Gondor's need
Ne'er to fight in vain;
Though a mortal foe indeed,
Yet the Wolf is slain.
Come the folk of magic fell
Learned at dreadful altar:
Black though be their Morgul-spell,
Hearts shall never falter!
Drawn our sword and ready bow,
We, by Valar gifted,
Stand prepared to lay them low -
Courage be uplifted!
Songs of power shall strengthen all,
Prayer our cause shall favour:
Hearken, Gondor's heroes tall,
None were ever braver!

Follow the Bardic chant with a blast on Glinras, and when the Wall of Force goes, the first human-looking enemies through the door can be treated to a song of Fear.

Bitur will instruct the frontliners to form up a shield wall (or two depending on how close the quarters are) and once the wall drops and the fireworks start to mop up the remains and keep a barrier between the caster/archers and the enemy.

Thoroncir returns to consciousness with a start. His spirits are lifted both by Gil-Gandel's rousing song and Gilraen's lovely face, as she beams in joyous welcome. He clambers to his feet, aching and a little unsteady, and kisses the princess's hand. She quickly tells him what happened, and he says, "Thank you, my lady, and stalwart Ceol, for healing me, and thank you, Gil-Gandel, for your inspiring tune, of which I am surely unworthy. The Valar have indeed favored me, far beyond my merit, and I am indebted to you all yet again."

He takes up his sword and his shield, looks down at his damaged armor and replies to Rorimac's jest, "I will go where our Elf-captain thinks best, but as ever, would prefer to be at the front."

The wall comes down but just as quickly Deor's fireball blasts them and destroys several and leaves the rest injured. He also disrupts at least one spells being cast back.

Bitur and Gwaelur form a shield wall with Ceol and Thoroncir ready to aid. Gil-Gandel's Fear song sends one human running and stumbling down the stairs. The wave of undead pushes up and his fought off well and safely. 4 horrid charred foes fall.

Outside Mulligan is harassing well and Ithilneth sleeps 5 that came pouring out.

Rorimac will be using the ring to shine a light in dark places and disadvantage the undead that come forth.

Mulligan will continue to harrass outside unless she sees Gonung trying to get to safety with any other guards.

Thoroncir, just glad to be alive, will guard the Dwarves' flank and lay on with his longsword as needed. Elendil!

Pleased with himself, Deor readies himself, hoping to conserve spells but ready to cast another Fireball if really necessary. Otherwise, he'll simply fight defensively if he can't disengage entirely.

Ceol nods to his cousin. "Well done, Deor...that took much of the fight out of them."

Still looking for archery targets, especially anyone who's looking like a "tall poppy", but if not, then anyone really...

Still in his bear form should it be needed, Drindoleth will aid in guarding the Dwarves' flank as well.

Ithilneth is cheered by the news brought by Gil-Gandel's song and is happy to provide a rearguard to the troop.

The undead cannot get through the wall of shields, axes, swords and bear claws. Gil-Gandel is ensuring the living are distracted if the peer around the stairs.

Outside, Mulligan is relieved to see Gorung exiting a building with one that must be his brother. He begins to shout in the local language. "Cast off the yoke of the dark ones, time to be free, dare to be free!"

Ceol senses another great evil is approaching.

"Something new is coming...something strongly evil. Let us be wary!"

Thoroncir tightens his grip on his longsword Arcirist and, with a glance at the lovely Gilraen, prepares for whatever draws nigh.

Following Gorung's cues, Ithilneth will refrain from sleeping anyone who is not openly hostile to him.

Drindoleth prepares for the next onslaught.

Mulligan will leave Gonung alone and anyone else answering his call. If anyone looks like attacking him, Mulligan will run interference.

Rorimac checks to make sure everyone is alright and hands out a healing potion if necessary, easy than asking Gilraen to waste her spells when they may be more necessary later. After that, prepare to face the oncoming evil, Belethil gleaming brightly.

Deor will hold his fire, scanning for the approach of this evil that Ceol warns of. If something worthwhile shows up, he'll let loose with spells if it seems necessary.

Something very heavy is trudging slowly up the stairs. The only sound from it is the thumping and groaning of each step as it creaks heavily under a weight nearly too great.

"Does anyone have a spell that could warp, weaken, or destroy the wooden stairs that the beast is walking on?"

"Somehow, I don't think covering the steps in oil is really going to affect something that large", remarks Rorimac.

"It might if it falls twenty feet onto stone. Even an injury on something that nasty is worthwhile."

Drindoleth will begin casting Warp Wood on the stairs, intending to focus it so that the supports under the beast will give way.

As Drindoleth focuses his spell, a large rock like creature of flat surfaces and sharp angles comes into view. The Warp Wood completes and the stairs splinter and send the oddity tumbling down. Some poor soul screams in agony as a ton or more of rock lands on him. The stairs are shaky looking and have a 5' gap in them. As the were circular they are largely unusable.

"Huh. That's probably better than fighting the thing. What should we do about it now?"

"Wow, I guess wood beat rock, because looking at it, rock was going to beat axe......umm, perhaps I'll just go downstairs and take a look at who or what is left. Perhaps someone might want to finish off upstairs" Rorimac draws his cloak about him to vanish and starts to levitate down the gap.

Ithilneth grows concerned upon hearing the large crash.

Thoroncir will carefully walk closer to the stairs' edge and peer over.

From outside, Mulligan hears the crash and wonders what is going on. Given the general lack of screaming and fighting from her friends, it should be ok.

Hopefully Gonung is begining to get some support.

*searches memory for any mention of such a creature in tales*

Does it look anything like the Pukel-men figures of Druadan Forest?

This seems like nothing Gil-Gandel can recall. Though the story of the Wose that helped protect the house of a tall men in the first age does come to mind.

What can Rorimac see as he levitates carefully down the stairs?

Yes, that Wose story surely came up in a fireside chat with Ghan some time. From what I remember, it's possible that there's a magician about the place with some sympathetic injuries now. We'll find out soon enough, I'm sure.

When we need to get back down, I still have my hithlain rope to help us.

Drindoleth is rather concerned about that scream and who may have been injured--or, most likely, killed--in the fall of that beast. He'll also go to the edge of the stairs and look down.

Peering down the party sees confusion and dust. The rock creature is laying on a broken man with several others trying to help him out using long levers. But as Rorimac starts down a creature of death stares hungrily at him ignoring the invisibility. This gets the attention of several others.

Outside Gonung has indeed rallied a large part of the men. It seems their service was not completely willing in most cases or at best opportunist and the wind appears to be blowing poorly for the cult.

Is there any other way back downstairs that Thoroncir can see?

These stairs were the only way down.

"Huh. Should I burn them? They're kind of sitting ducks, and we'll never get down there successfully if we're opposed. Can we issue an ultimatum? You know, 'Surrender or face the consequences?'"

From upstairs someone shouts down, "Burn them, they are evil as evil can be!"

From upstairs, where our party is? Thoroncir looks around to see who shouted that.

"Well there are still a few of them down, there, but they are not getting up here any time soon, stairs are wrecked. Oh, and the can see me despite being invisible, or at least something down there can." Rorimac floats back to the ground floor.

"My guess is anyone who might want to surrender will killed by the others anyway, but there is no harm in giving them the option."

Ceol also looks around for the source of the shout (was it in a language we all could understand?)

It was probably Sala on the upper floor, most of the party is on the main floor.

"I agree that we should destroy them. If they didn't surrender after we destroyed the werewolf, they are unlikely to ever do so."

"So be it. Stand back; I'm going to do this quickly."

Did Rorimac see anyone who looked like the Head Evil in charge, or was he the one under the creature.

Rorimac moves back from the broken staircase, "I'll let you know what's happened after you cast it."

Ceol stands back from the edge, as well, to let Deor cast.

Deor's Fireball causes screams of pain and Rorimac can report that confusion is strong and the stairs are on fire this time.

"Whew! I'm parched. I've burned through a lot of spells quickly here, so I may not be much help for a few minutes."

Deor will retreat from the edge, crouch down, catch his breath and consider his next available moves.

Sir Thoroncir isn't sure what he can do from his present location, but he stands ready for any threat to him, to Gilraen or to his other companions.

Mulligan is outside ensuring that any fighting in the town is going to go Gonung's way. Hearing the sound of another Fireball going off seems to indicate, the rest have it in hand and that whatever menaces had appeared have been dealt with.

From inside, Rorimac looks back over through the smoke of the stairs to below to see how many of the cultists and if the creature survived Deor's blast.

Low chanting is heard from below.

"My friends," Thoroncir calls out to those of Gil-Gandel's Fellowship still on the ground floor, "can you not stop whoever is chanting? I suspect it may be a dark mage, who ought not to be allowed to finish whatever spell he is casting."

The Sea-knight will then turn and explore more on the second floor. What does he see?

"Do we have any other spells which we can send down there? I would rather not risk sending members of our party."

"That sounds ominous, anyone recognise what they are saying?" says Rorimac currently floating above the stairwell. "Someone really needs to shut them all in one go."

Looking down if he can see any of the cultists, he will start firing at any chanting to see if he can put them off from whatever they are doing.

Still waiting for anything to shoot at - though if there are any burnables we could drop down there, we might inconvenience them that way.

"I have some squibs we can throw down there. They won't do much damage, but they might do enough to distract the enemy."

Ceol will ready his bow, and start firing down at chanters, if he has a clear shot.

The squibs fly down and Rorimac drops down and starts spraying arrows. This gives Gil-Gandel a chance to drop down a few steps and fire off a volley and retreat.

What they see is chaos of injured, undead charred and a would be caster now filled with 4 arrows. The rock creature is however back on its feet but the man he landed on is not moving. It is trying to pull down the stairs Gil-Gandel is on.

"Powerful magics must animate that stone creature. It is possible that their motivator has been killed or destroyed and only remnants still cause it to move, but that is unlikely. I believe that either a warlock or possibly an inanimate focus drives this... thing... and our best chance to defeat it is to destroy its focus."

Could be. Does the rock creature have any obvious object on or about it?

Better make ready to spring clear...

"What does a focus look like?" Rorimac starts peering down to see if he can see anything which would fit the description. Probably something big, obvious and shiny.

"Could be anything. May be dozens or hundreds of feet away. I wonder if there's another way down?"

Thoroncir stands ready to help Gil-Gandel, if he needs any assistance getting back off the stairs. Would his Numenorean longsword likely have any effect against a rock creature, or would it just dull the blade?

Gil-Gandel before leaping back to solid floor sees the rock creature actually has odd runes etched into the top of its head.

"Huh. Those runes are probably animating the thing. No one's carrying Stone Shape, are they?"

"While I'm keeping an eye on that monster down there, does everyone else want to make sure that the rest of the house is clear, perhaps let those outside know what is happening. They might like to know of the demise of the cultists down there."

Rorimac continues floating above the stairwell, staying out of reach, but keeping the creature occupied.

I do not have Stone Shape prepared. Drindoleth?

Drindoleth nods to Gil-Gandel that he does have Stone Shape prepared. Since he would need to touch the stone to cast it, how close can he currently get to the creature? Would he have to drop down onto it?

Thoroncir still wonders, would his Numenorean longsword likely have any effect against a rock creature, or would it just dull the blade?

Seems like more of a job for a hammer or pickax rather then even a magic sword. As far as stone shape, timing will be everything but touch is required to actually shape the stone. Though a very large bear would have a pretty long reach.

"I'm not well equipped for this today, but I can offer a Fly spell if it will help."

It sounds rather uncertain, but with their options limited Drindoleth indicates he'll take Deor's offer. If he can remain as the Bear and fly within reach to cast Stone Shape on the runes, it seems the safest plan so far.

So with the fly spell on Drindoleth, he casts his spell and hovers down to reach for the head of the creature and shapes away the odd runes. The creature topples and falls to the ground and actually shatters into dozens of pieces. While this was happening, Rorimac and Gil-Gandel and others took shots at any of the foes that exposed themselves. There are but 6 foes left in the basement.

Good work, Drindoleth. This seems like the time to call on the few cornered foes remaining to give themselves up.

Neatly done! If those foes won't surrender, I imagine a flying bear will make short work of them.

Well done indeed, Drindoleth. Thoroncir will turn to see if any foes remain on the second floor.

With the foes in the basement apparently no longer a threat, Ceol stows his longbow, re-draws his swords, and scans the area for any additional strong sources of evil.

"We've still got to clear the basement. Maybe Rorimac and Drindoleth could handle it, supported by archers from up here? Could our archers and slingers surround the pit to have maximum coverage?"

If someone who can speak their language would like to tell them to surrender or else, we can be finished here all the quicker. It might be worth getting Mulligan in from outside, as I'm sure she will enjoy flying around and causing havoc down there."

The archers start plugging the foes as the flying bear causes panic and death. This battle is soon over. The very evil foes are dead. Outside is chaotic but far more of the men have surrendered or even taken off at a run to escape their service. There are roughly 16 men left in the compound.

Any more left on the second floor? If so, Thoroncir will repeat "Surrender or die" in the local dialect; if not, he'll climb down to the ground level and do the same for any he finds there.

"Let's clear the outside of the building and be done with this."

Agreed.

Only the dead are left on in the building.

The party heads outs and sees chaos but little danger.

We should round up any remaining resistance and give them the option of surrender.

"Let's finish this up. I trust that flying bears and invisible swords-hobbits will strike sufficient fear into our enemies' hearts?"

Rorimac cracks a smile at Deor's question. "They'll never see it coming."

Mulligan will have spent her time ensuring that there is little danger outside and assisting Gonung to subdue any trouble.

Ithilneth remains vigilant from her high position, but apparently the situation is under control.

Thoroncir will go downstairs, make sure that the Princess Gilraen is all right, and see what he can do to help with the mopping-up.

Ok, time to see if theis place contains more than just evil artifiacts. If we can pass some money back to the locals here, they may not be so interested in joining dangerous cults if their life is a little bit better.

Then we need to go and find the next fort.

Since the might of the Bear seems to no longer be needed, Drindoleth will return to his Man form to ease communication.

The search is simple for a change. A very obvious strong box which has been Wizard lock both to keep closed and to be anchored to the floor is in the basement. It radiates magic of course and there is also magic radiating from inside of it. There are no traps on it but there is no hope of opening with anything but magic.

How convenient that Deor has Knock prepared, then! He'll proceed to unlock the chest, but will let a more competent treasure-hunter actually open the thing, just in case the traps are on the inside.

Mulligan will be only too happy to do something more interesting than flying around striking terror into her foes hearts

Is there any aura of evil around the strongbox, or just magic?

Ceol will head down to the basement (by rope, if needed, since the stairs are gone), and scan the box and the surrounding area for any evil aura.

Working down by rope, the party finds there is evil within the box. The was a cleverly hidden trap that Mulligan made short work of after Deor kindly Knocked the strongbox. Inside is largely large reddish gold coins and a single black mask of obsidian that is radiating magic and evil.

Ceol will point out that the mask is tainted. "I feel that we should destroy it as soon as possible. It seems likely to me that it is some sort of foul tool of these necromancers."

"All evil, eh? Oh Well, I'll leave it to the experts to dispose of it", says Mulligan. "I think I will have a quick look around the rest of the house, for valuable non-magic items, maybe some gems, jewellery, herbs, spices and other knick-knacks."

"We need to Identify the mask before we dispose of it. We should at least know what it is that we're getting rid of."

"Fair enough, cousin. Doing so might give us more insight on their activities."

Thoroncir will watch Mulligan's back while the hobbit is checking out the loot.

"If there is not much else to find, and if there is Mulligan will find it, then we need to start moving towards the next fort as quickly as possible before news of what occured here makes it there. I'm worried that some of the men who fled might try to do just that." Rorimac ponders what should occur next.

"Perhaps Luzi Mati can tell us how long it will take to get there?"

As things settle down it is determined that he mask is used in communications with other Shamans but it also would effectively eat the face of a good person and even most non-goods that tried to wear it. It would probably be susceptible to magic fire or lightning or weighing it down and sinking it in a deep part of the marsh.

All in all after an energetic search, a total of nearly 22,000 in valuables are found. Mostly right in the strong box.


Luzi Mati figures we could pick up the horses and arrive at Fort #1 in 2-3 days. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...Farharad-1.jpg

Yes, let us be off, after destroying the mask and ensuring that the fort is held by those no longer hostile to us.

"I would prefer that the mask be destroyed, rather than simply sunken in the swamp. If we do that, it might someday be recovered and used for evil once more."

"Magical fire will destroy it, and that happens to be a specialty of mine. I'll do that before we leave."

"I'd suggest spreading a little of this wealth to the plain soldiers here to help them on their way,. Don't forget we still have a captured party back out in the forest that need taking care of one way or another." says Rorimac.

"Also, while we are here and safe for the moment, who feels like a hot meal after that victory", asks Mulligan?

"Yes, we should return a substantial part of this wealth to the soldiers and people of the area. Some of it was undoubtedly stolen from them originally," advises Ithilneth. "And I think a victory feast for ourselves and the newly freed would be heartening."

"Yes, these sound like excellent ideas. Let's see to it that some hearts are lifted."

Sir Thoroncir is concerned that every minute spent tarrying here, however well-intentioned, will give those in the next enemy stronghold more time to prepare for our arrival, but he will yield to the will of the majority if Gil-Gandel concurs. Does Gilraen have an opinion in the matter?

Gilraen likes the idea of the feast as it gives her time to tend to the hurt. A sadly high number of the ex-guards have whip & burn damage.


What is the distribution of the money? Keep 1000 per party member and divide the rest?

Both Gilraen's suggestion and the proposed distribution of the money suit Deor.

No objections here.

"Ok, so let's secure the fort have a little food and head off again." Mulligan starts organising the cooking, while Rorimac will scout the local area, if anyone else would like to help out.

Division of the gold is fine by both hobbits.

Do we leave today and try to get back to where the horses are for camp, or do we fetch them and spend the night here before moving on at first light?

The latter option, I'd suggest. Thoroncir will go, as he can speak to the horses. He would be glad to have anyone else along.

Rorimac is happy to accompany Thoroncir to retrieve the horses.

Deor will help Gilraen attend to the wounded.