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Assuming it appears safe to move away from the spell casters and leave Hound as added protection for them, Drindoleth will begin transforming to his eagle form so that he can take to the air for a broader view of what's happening and where aid is most needed.
Drindoleth takes to the air and is almost immediately struck by another lightning bolt which he ignores. The sender of said bolt has arrows bouncing away from him almost immediately. Drindoleth can reach him swiftly though and probably make short work of a mage type as a bear.
The Knights continue fighting, hampered by trying to subdue and not kill. A tough knot of heavily armored pikemen approach but Deor dispatches 5 of them with another Sleep spell. Ithilneth follows with her own Sleep dropping 6. This does much towards breaking their formation.
Mulligan and Fely drop down behind the lines begin to cause havoc and confusion. Elfstan is not involved at first. Mulligan is knocking fighters over from behind and making a general nuisance of herself as Fely is parrying and disarming foes to his best ability while the swords and scimitars of Raj fail to penetrate him despite the apparent lack of armor. Those few that find Mulligan long enough also find their blades turned easily. Suddenly in rough Quenya Elfstan calls out, Ropes are rigged, help me trip a bunch. Mulligan makes out the gray silky Hithlain ropes cross low the alley. She sees Elfstan had a few blocks or pulleys available to aid him. Mulligan makes some noise and draws a few fighters and then a few more back from the front line and then disappears and races over to Elfstan to help draw the ropes.
Elfstan calls out “Bitur, a good push now!”
He and Mulligan haul on the ropes and Bitur, Sala and their companions shove the line back in a fierce display. They use shields and the flats of swords mainly and great strength from several of them. Fely pushes out at the same time and then pulls himself up the wall like a spider or monkey to the surprise of the men he was fighting. Men are tripping and falling and confusion is maximized. Those taken by Gil-Gandel’s song just stare confused mainly.
Rorimac has injured many trying to get past Gwaelur. Gwaelur is a firm rock that Bren and others are working well with. Bren seems unskilled at not hurting his foes. He himself has taken several wounds. Gwaelur has a single bolt in him.
Hlíf the Engineer of Erebor and Plate mailed veteran is holding well his line. As hardened as Bitur and of even greater skill nothing is getting past his shield and a pile of men with knee, gut, groin and ankle injuries are forming a wall in front of him. Gilraen is tending to the injured that are down and not in the immediate battle.
Ceol attempts to take full advantage of the confusion and chaos, striking at those who are still attempting to hold their line.
Ah, perfect. Drindoleth will do another circle to see if he can get any other mages to reveal themselves. If any more are seen, he'll make note of where they are for later. Then he moves toward the mage, beginning his transformation to his bear form as he gets back to the ground. His goal is to incapacitate the mage and stop him from attacking, but hopefully not cause any injuries that could kill.
Drindoleth is taking some risk here in betting both that his lightning resistance can overpower everything that these mages can dish out and that they'll keep choosing to use lightning spells here given his visible immunity to them. It's a high-risk high-gain scenario, basically, so Deor will slip on his ring, vanishing from sight, Levitate up off the ground, and drop Fireballs on any mages that are revealed by Drindoleth.
If I don't need to keep singing any longer, I'll close in on the battle and try to thin the ranks a bit with a Hypnotic Melody - and if we're dealing with opponents weak enough to be put to Sleep, I'll use the power of the Harp to boost area of effect. But if the people charmed by our song are likely to snap out of it if I stop playing then I'll keep it going for now. At the moment they're largely safe and mostly harmless, which is just as we want them.
Thoroncir continues to work with Ceol, using the flat of his sword where possible, but striking hard blows against any who make a determined effort to hurt him or his companions.
The shaft sticking out from between Gwaelur's armor serves only to anger him. Fire flashes in his eyes. It's all he can do not to mow down everything in sight. "Restraint," he mutters to himself.
Mulligan grins to Elfstan. "I love it when a plan comes together. Come on Fely, let's go cause some more havoc elsewhere. There are probably still some mages around to stop."
Rorimac will continue supporting Gwaelur and the front line.
Elfstan gulps, “sounds good”. Fely says, “Let’s take to the rooftops and drop down behind another group.”
Bitur’s group is tying up people as he keeps guard. They should be free in a few minutes to help elsewhere. Sala soon tells Bitur to help others, he’ll hold here.
Rorimac and Gwaelur are doing fine. Bren has taken another bolt and might have killed one guard. He knows he killed another but that one was evil at least.
Hlíf is holding his area. This would be the group the stealthy folks would likely come up behind.
Ceol is confronted by one that is evil. Does he switch to deadly force or try to subdue this one too?
Thoroncir is doing quite well. He has drawn blood but does not believe he has killed anyone yet.
Gil-Gandel is fairly certain that song has done its job and switches to Hypnotic Melody which combined with another Sleep from Ithilneth thins the front line by the Knights considerably. Most now retreat or surrender.
Drindoleth circles and does draw a deadly cone of cold. He at least makes his save but takes 23 points of damage and with the ice on his feathers finds all he can now do is a controlled dive. He cannot reach the original target but is dead on to the new one. He changes into a bear as he dives and then to his full size and the mage goes down in a heap as Drindoleth takes another 16 points on the crash as a Bear. He quickly puts the injured mage into a non-crushing but extremely restrictive bear hug. There is a very foul feel to this one and his fallen rod is tipped by a human skull. There is also some nasty lizard trying to bite through Drindoleth's very tough hide.
Deor sees the Eagle struck by a Cone of Cold but sees he crashes into that foe. He still has the first mage in sight and tosses a Fireball on this mages instead. Using his various items causes a maximum damage fireball doing +1 dam per die and at +3 levels. But he feels a thrill of power go through his Ring as the opponent tries to turn the spell. The opponent fails his turn attempt and his familiar dies. The Mage took 39 points plus the loss of 8 hit points from the death of his familiar and he drops unconscious at best.
Further into the town some additional battles are playing out. Folca spies for Deor that a few of the other party is hitting the keep from the roof and the main doors.
"Come on Elfstan, you get to rig the ropes again as you did such a good job last time." Mulligan heads towards the rooftop
Rorimac keeps an eye on the fighters ahead. If any evil mages do pop their heads out, they get to be choice of target.
Ithilneth will keep a sharp eye out for Colonel Marn or Mage Olarvi. Especially for persons peering out of the central keep.
That awful feel from the mage coupled with the evil looking rod convinces Drindoleth he isn't dealing with an innocently mislead or bespelled ally. He'll increase the constriction of his bear hug to crushing strength. If necessary, he'll use the mage's body to knock the lizard away from himself.
Deor, having given away his position, will try to move out of it as quickly as possible. He'll continue to use maximum force against mages and leave others untouched or merely Asleep.
Ceol will, at least at first, attempt to subdue the evil individual. (It might be good to have someone to interrogate, after all.) He notes to Thoroncir, "Possibly a leader," as he presses the attack on that man.
Bitur nods at Sala in acknowledgment and starts working his way through town knocking out all that stand in his way.
Thoroncir calls to the evil man opposing Ceol, "Yield at once or die, man of Harad!" If the man will not yield, the knight-errant will attack with full strength.
Nearly all the men near the gate are now sleeping, friendly, confused, knocked unconscious or on the ground in pain. Looking around the evil warrior opposing Thoroncir and Ceol drops his weapon despite not understanding Thoroncir. The fight up front basically ends at this point.
Bitur joins Gwaelur to help push that side and Ithilneth drops one more sleep there suddenly leaving them facing only 3 foes. One of the men of Raj calls, “Cease fighting, we’re here to free your leaders from the Necromancers! Yield!”
Hlíf is still doing fine. Bren seems to be improving at neither getting hit nor giving grievous wounds. Suddenly behind them the 3 stealthy ones appear and bring chaos. A leader type drops to Mulligan’s dagger of sleep. Fely knocks one out and then disarms a pair and Elfstan as become and invisible object to trip backwards over.
Rorimac sees the need for an archer here is gone. He could go to hand to hand or head elsewhere or perhaps climb a building for a better archery platform.
Deor drops moves swiftly and then levitates upwards again. In this time Folca has spotted a new target. A lady in white robes is casting from the north east tower top of the inner wall. It is impossible to say what she is casting but casting is clearly the intent.
Drindoleth crushes the mage with great ease and then uses his body to beat the lizard creature to death. Two men started to charge out to attack the huge bear but at a roar from Drindoleth they seem to have thought better of it and raced back inside. One even thoughtfully left his shining scimitar behind apparently as a gesture of goodwill or perhaps in panic, who can say.
Gil-Gandel’s songs continue to effect the opponents.
Rorimac will look to climb to the roof tops to snipe on any mages who put thier heads above the parapet.
"Fely, Elfstan, nice work again. Let's try the walls and towers as I think everything down here is under control", says Mulligan
Ceol will nod to the surrendering warrior, and sheathe his blades. He says to Thoroncir, "I sense evil in this one, which I did not sense in the others which we fought. Keep an eye on him, as I bind him. I suspect he may be one of the ones behind what has been going on in this town, and perhaps we might learn something from questioning him. We may, however, need a translator...it didn't appear to me as if he understood you."
White robes? What did the robes of the Necromancers we've already seen look like?
Not one Necromancer has worn white. Purples and Blacks being most common but at least one in Red.
Ithilneth tries to hear her words and/or melody. Can she recognize her face, or race?
Ithilneth's sharp eyes make out that she is human and indeed Southron looking. Specifically looks like the locals. She is too far away to hear though.
Well, since this mage is wearing white, I think we can safely conclude that she is not a Necromancer and Deor should leave her alone or she is a particularly powerful Necromancer, entitled to wear different robes, and Deor should blast her immediately. Great. Deor will err on the side of empathy and not attack her, but he might counter her spell if he thinks she is attacking the party.
Sir Thoroncir keeps his longsword at the ready as Ceol binds the evil warrior. If there is a nearby allied man-at-arms who understands both the local tongue and Westron, Thoroncir asks him to translate: "In the name of Elessar, High King of Gondor and Arnor, you are my prisoner now. Resist, try to escape or refuse to answer my questions, and it will not go well for you. Peacefully comply, and you will survive the day."
As Deor debates the situation with himself, she completes her spell and disappears from sight. A large figure crashes out through a door he must of wrecked and is swinging a bloody two-handed sword all about himself. 3 slims arrows soon find home in him and he stumbles and goes down. The Lady in White is nowhere to be seen.
Otherwise things have now settled down. Sala, Rorimac or Gil-Gandel can translate for Thoroncir.
Still no sign of those that entered the keep.
Excellent. Thoroncir will ask Sala for his assistance: "Please ask this man his name, his title, the name of his lord or lady, what is going on in this city, why they wished to trap or harm our party, who or what the lady in white is, and who just entered the keep. Ask just one question at a time." With a bow and a warm smile to Gilraen, the knight-errant adds, "And perhaps my lady would care to use her Rod of Kanotir to determine if our prisoner is being truthful...?"
Gwaelur keeps a sharp eye out for any further aggression.
Gilraen is very busy with healing the wounded on both sides. But Ceol is fairly good at detecting lies though he would need a tongues or comprehend languages spell. Ithilneth has the latter.
Ceol will willingly help out with detecting if our prisoner is lying, if he has the assistance of a spell to comprehend the man's words.
Rorimac will continue across the rooftops to areas which may contain enemies scouting around to see what is there.
Mulligan will lead Fely and Elstan to the walls to get a better view.
Ithilneth will certainly help with the language.
Meanwhile let's get all the temporarily-disabled, charmed, slept and otherwise incapacitated enemies safely corralled, settled down and generally made aware that there's to be no more fighting today.
Bitur will aid with the rounding up of the incapacitated.
We need to keep pressing on! The whole battle isn't over, only this little skirmish of it. We need to press through and break the magics holding the town hostage and we need to do so before they can be reinforced or their executors can escape!
Hlíf listens to Deor and says, “Aye the lad is right, Gwaelur, Bitur lets form up and escort the Mage to the keep. Anyone else that wishes to go too. The knights and locals can handle the roundup. We could use some burglars.” He bellows, “Fely, Elfstan, Pippin’s niece PLEASE REPORT!” A little softer, “Gil-Gandel can you join us? I suppose the healers need to stay put.”
Rorimac finds little on the rooftop but sleeping foes and one young lad with a wicked looking knife trying to hide behind a chimney. He is barely taller than Rorimac.
Mulligan leads Fely and Elstan to the walls and sees things seem to be well handled. It appears any leader types are afraid to expose themselves to attack now. They then hear Hlíf’s bellow.
Drindoleth is very visible to the 3 as he is still on a rooftop in his uber-bear form.
Ithilneth casts comprehend languages on Ceol.
Sala will asks Thoroncir’s question in 2 to 4 ways to increase Ceol’s chance of seeing if the foe is lying.
The questions:
Q: “What is your name and your title?”
A: “I am Captain Krenvin”
Q: “What is the Name of your lord or lady?”
A: “My Lord is Lord Grensin but I am here serving Tresnik the speaker to the dead?”
Q: “What is going on in this city and why they wished to trap or harm our party?”
A: “We are defending the town and kingdom from a force from the north that already beguiled the King and much of his council.”
Q: “Who or what the lady in white is?”
A: “I am not sure, she is local and I am not but she appears to be a young mage and a confident of the Lady Perna, Colonel Marn’s wife.”
On those that entered the keep, that meant the bulk of the other party who invaded the keep.
I will be glad to accommodate you, Hlíf - business is done here for now.
The knight-errant rubs his chin thoughtfully. Does Ceol think the evil man speaks the truth? Does anyone else in the party have any questions you'd like to ask?
Rorimac moves carefully to bring the young lad into view. He gestures for him to come forward and carefully put the knife down while lowering the bow. It's still ready if he is attacked but less threatening than actually ponting it at him.
Pippin's niece?. Mulligan stops for the moment not quite believing what she just heard.
Pippin's niece!. Having spent a few years not being Pippin's niece, being Mulligan and earning her own way in the world, she is not happy, not happy at all.
Actually, she's furious.
10...9..."Ok, we are in the middle of a battle..."
8...7..."He may not actually remember my name..."
6...5..."He is probably old, stupid and senile..."
4...3..."Let's finish here first and then bring it up with him..."
2..."But we have been travelling for a while..."
1..."He can remember other people's names, but I just rate Pippin's Niece..."
"PIPPIN'S NIECE"
Deor lands next to Mulligan, slips off the ring, and gestures toward the keep. "Can we argue about names later? Mulligan, I need your help indoors."
Getting a hold of her temper. "Certainly Deor, I'll talk that addle-pated rat-bearded goblin-sniffer later on.
Ceol was able thanks to the multiple questions from Sala determine they heard the truth.
Hlíf is happy when the 3 burglars show up. "Ah lass, forgive me, we've barely talked and I recall you having a few names but don’t recall any of them now. Was it Murrigan? Morgana? No, that’s just isn’t right. What was it?”
Up on the roof Rorimac faces the child, the child says, “Please don’t shoot”, he tosses the knife a few feet away and puts his hands out palms up. “You’re spells appear worse than the Necromancers why have you come to destroy our town?”
So a small group led by the Dwarves in a V shape with Gil-Gandel and Fely at the rear head for the keep.
With Sala's and Ceol's help, Thoroncir will ask additional questions of the prisoner, under the same conditions as before:
"You say Tresnik is 'the speaker to the dead.' What does that mean?"
"Is there anyone else of exceptional power or skills here?"
"How many troops are in this city, how are they armed, and what are their dispositions?"
"What else were you told of our party, and by whom?"
"Tell me more of Lord Grensin. How did he become your lord? Is this his city?”
"Tell me more, please, about Colonel Marn, and the Lady Perna, his wife. What is their relationship to Lord Grensin?"
Does anyone have any additional questions to ask?
Who told you that the force from the north had beguiled the King and his council? Where is Colonel Marn? Where is the Speaker to the Dead?
Due to the wounds he suffered in flight and battle, Drindoleth will return to his man form. Any major wounds that weren't healed by the shape change will be tended, but his main concern will be moving on to heal those more gravely injured.
Mulligan bites down on any sharp retort, looks Hlif square in the eyes. "It's Mulligan, just Mulligan, please don't forget it. Now, you need a castle broken into and that's why we are here. Shall we go now?"
Rorimac lowers his bow and replies back to the boy without realising he may not understand. "I won't harm you. We are not here to destroy the town, just to stop the Evil plaguing this land, that is all."
The questions:
Q: "You say Tresnik is 'the speaker to the dead.' What does that mean?"
A: “His powers are tied to speaking to the dead and he is a senior in this order, fear and knowledge is their greatest weapon.”
Q: "Is there anyone else of exceptional power or skills here?"
A: “There were several other necromancers. But I do not know how many.”
Q: "How many troops are in this city, how are they armed, and what are their dispositions?"
A: “There are several hundred, but only 30 came in with us. The main part of the defense force appears laid out right here. You have seen the weapons and they were largely useless. Tresnik was very wrong this time, apparently his allies of the other realm did not know how strong you’re group was.”
Q: "What else were you told of our party, and by whom?"
A: “Rumors abound but we were given information that could be ‘relied on’ only from Tresnik. It was said that you were probably in league with the wood spirits though. I suspect this part is true.”
Q: "Tell me more of Lord Grensin. How did he become your lord? Is this his city?”
A: “He is the lawful lord of Grennic, a town south of the lake. I have served him all my life.”
Q: "Tell me more, please, about Colonel Marn, and the Lady Perna, his wife. What is their relationship to Lord Grensin?"
A: “Col. Marn is assigned by the King himself to rule over this fortified town and protect the Great North Road. He does not have much of a relationship with my lord beyond occasional courtly meetings. Marn is military from a lesser noble house and my Lord is from a long line of nobles of high order. Lady Perna is also of this higher class, she was quite the beauty in her day and still a handsome woman.”
Q: “Who told you that the force from the north had beguiled the King and his council?”
A: “It was Tresnik.”
Q: “Where is Colonel Marn?”
A: “I believe he is in the keep.”
Q: “Where is the Speaker to the Dead?”
A: “He is in the keep.”
Hlíf nods to Mulligan, “My apologies Mulligan, I will not forget again” Then he says to Deor, “Come now laddie, you’re the one that urged action and haste.”
Rorimac speaks to the child but the child does not understand. The kid slowly walks out though, palms up and arms out.
Drindoleth is in good health as a human and on return to his Eagle form he will only be down 10 points and in bear form only 4. He sees no living in his immediate area. But there is a door the two men started to charge out but instead departed through in great haste.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../Farharad2.jpg
Ithilneth urges the group to carry forward to the keep. "Our true foe is still unmet."
Agreed. No time like the present.
I presume that all of the prisoner's answers were deemed true.
Sir Thoroncir will, with Sala's help, ask some of our allied men-at-arms to keep a watchful eye on the prisoner. Then he picks his shield back up, draws his sword and makes ready to proceed as our Elf-captain thinks best.
Rorimac gestures for the child to follow him and leads him back to the others where someone can speak the local language.
Mulligan ponders, "Well, I haven't broken into a castle for a while, let's get started. If the gates are shut, it will be the upper floor windows again."
The party now heads out as a whole with the additions of Fely, Hlíf and Elfstan. Fely agrees that a group of them should go up and in as the rest enter through the main doors. "Gil-Gandel will you join us and Elfstan can work with ground troops?"
The party makes it to the keep. The front door is open and there is fighting heard within. A body lies in the threshold of the inner door but it is oddly bandaged and tied up. A quick check shows the soldier is still breathing and in a deep sleep. A loud crash is heard above. You see someone peak around the corner, it is Nico, the young archer from Meriadoc's party. He has an arrow notched and ready but sees the Dwarves and refrains.
Mulligan buries her head in her hands. "They kicked the front door in, oh grief, they just kicked the front door in."
She waves at Nico by way of acknowledgement. "Ok, I'm heading up. Who wants to join me and who is going to secure the ground floor."
Drindoleth considers his options and that door. Thanks to his new belt, he's able to change shape more often than before, expanding his options. Rather than remaining separated from the others, he transforms back to an eagle to seek out the rest of his party. Even as an eagle he'll do more good there than on the wall now.
"It would seem unlikely that stealth will be needed at the moment, as those who went before us seemed to use main force of arms. I will join you, Mulligan."
I'll stick around down here. Let's search this level thoroughly, both for enemies and for hidden and trap doors.
I'll give Mulligan some archery support - also I cover the ground quickly and can call on the rest of you quickly with a blast on Glinras. Stay alert!
I'll stick with those making sure the ground floor is secure.
Thoroncir will go at once to wherever he hears fighting.
"I'll stay down here and provide some more options in case we have any more locked doors they haven't vandalised or Bitur decides he would rather open them with his lockpick." syays Rorimac
"Right, in which case let's head up and see what's assistance we can lend." Mulligan shouts across, "Nico, what news and where can we help?"
Nico reports, “I was told to hold the front hall, I’m glad to have some support. They’ve gone up to the second floor. One of them was able to um locate Capt Mun’s scimitar and I think his cloak using um a um locate object? Maybe you could leave me one person and explore this floor with the ground troops.”
Elfstan says, “I’m here to help with locks, I don’t climb as well as Mulligan though Fely offered to carry me up.”
Ceol will have a hard time going up the way the treasure finders did. But he and Thoroncir run up the stairs to where they hear some fighting. Ithilneth follows a bit more cautiously.
Bitur, Gwaelur and Hlíf begin to explore the passage. Elfstan checks for traps. Deor supports there effort.
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Mulligan, Gil-Gandel and Fely easily climb to an upper floor window on the east side. They are joined by Drindoleth who flies in as an Eagle.
This room is part of a hall along the outside wall. They see a guard with a crossbow looking down over the entrance of the town. The other direction reveals only a door on the south side.
On the ground they find 5 doors in all. The first in bashed open with 3 trussed up guards in a guard room for the front door. Another is for the stairs going up. The other three have one that is locked and all three are closed. None are trapped.
Who is willing to stay with Nico?
Ceol, Thoroncir and Ithilneth come up behind 3 men at arms wearing banded armor and carrying spears that are charging towards a broken door where the sounds of fighting is coming from.
Rorimac offers to stay behind with Nico to lend some support with both bow and sword.
Mulligan says, "I'll check the door on the South side, does someone want to take care of that guard with the crossbow?"
Ithilneth shouts, "Stop! Who are you?" as she nocks an arrow.
The three men stop, turn and look confused by the incomprehensible command and the two strange men with the even stranger female archer behind them.
If they are not immediately aggressive, she'll give a friendly smile and gesture to them to drop their arms. Otherwise, she'll draw the bow, aim at the center one, and command "Surrender!".
Is the Comprehend Language spell on Ceol still running? If so, he'll encourage Ithilneth to continue talking to them, hoping to hear them answer.
Thoroncir will briefly wait for this laudable attempt at communication to play out, but is ready to attack if the soldiers do not promptly yield.
Two of the three hesitate, the third barks out in Rajien, "Get them! I'll help the Colonel" He turns to run for the open door.
The pair look uneasy and then drop their weapons and in Rajien, "We surrender, We surrender." As they extend their hands palms up in front of them.
Mulligan finds the door is lock with a simple key mechanism. She can pop it open in seconds. She finds no traps and hears no noise behind it.
Mulligan does so then and opens the door carefully to see what is behind it.
Mulligan finds a hall leading in directly to the spiral stairs going down and it has 2 doors to each side of the hall.
Ceol shouts, "Stop that one!"
Thoroncir pushes past the two surrendering soldiers to get the third. "Halt or be slain, man of Raj!" he shouts.
While Gil-Gandel and Fely disarm and deal with the guard with the crossbow, Mulligan will go and listen at both doors. Drindoleth can provide backup to whoever needs it.
Rorimac, will start asking Nico what happened and hopefully find out how the broke into the keep.
Gil-Gandel and Fely sneak down the hall. Fely grabs him high and covers his mouth and Gil-Gandel takes him low. The man has no chance to resist or yell warning.
Mulligan begins to check the 4 doors. she here's sound of fighting from below coming up the stairs but nothing behind the doors.
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Thoroncir pursues the man. He follows him into a chamber where Lindar is fighting a foe in charcoal gray plate mail using a viscous looking 2 handed sword. Bjorn (at least Thoroncir thinks its Bjorn) has Col. Marn is a tight bear hug. Mírégol is working a spell on Capt. Mun who is tied up lightly and a 10' long giant version of her black cat Warrior appears to be eating a strange demonic monkey on top of a very dead human mage type. The monkey is screeching in pain and agony.
The man at arms runs directly for Mírégol with spear lowered.
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What are the Dwarves and Deor doing on the ground floor?
Nico is unsure how the door was opened, he thinks Bjorn ripped it off though after Mírégol or Lindar did a knock spell. After than things got confusing, Mírégol and Lindar slept a bunch of foes and proclaimed 'that Capt. Mun was upstairs, stay and hold the ground floor Nico' and they were off.
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Haldreng & Meriadoc come out into the passage where Ithilneth and Ceol are. Haldreng looks bloody, Meriadoc does not. "What's the commotion?"
"These Men have surrendered to us. Thoroncir chased a third ahead." Ithilneth replies. Speaking and gesturing to the captured men-at-arms, "Leave your weapons, leave this keep, no harm will come to you."
Good work, Fely.
To the prisoner: I seldom have recourse to bare-hand combat. Don't make me regret settling this without the use of something sharp. We have no ill-will to men of peace.
Deor, with the Dwarves' help, will begin searching for trap doors and other secret hiding places for either enemies or objects. The spell binding the town may have a material focus of some kind.
Thoroncir is a bit taken aback by the bizarre scene, but shouts at once, "Mírégol, beware!" He will still try to cut down the man-at-arms from behind.
Ceol gives Haldreng a quick glance. If it looks like a significant amount of that blood is his, Ceol will heal him (using lay on hands); otherwise, he'll follow Thoroncir and back up his fellow knight.
Ceol sees Haldreng is bleeding from several slashes. He heals him 12 points by laying on hands.
Thoroncir charges the man charging Mírégol. Mírégol dodges the spear man but her spell is disrupted. Thoroncir hits the man from behind as Warrior finishes off the demonic monkey thing. Soon the man is fully engaged with both Thoroncir and Warrior. Some flames erupt from the spear but strangely dissipate without doing any harm. Thoroncir finds the foe tough to hit. The man hits Thoroncir for 9 points of damage but Thoroncir strikes back for 18.
Warrior does not seem to be able to help but is distracting the man by weighing down his back now.
Thoroncir strikes with Cirist again and Mírégol hits him with her powerful magic missile spell. He stumbles under the weight of Warrior and his wounds.
Mírégol says, "Help Lindar please".
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Meriadoc says, "Quick I still here fighting." and he rushes to help Lindar and the others.
The pair of men agree to surrender, drop their weapons and flee down the stairs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Gil-Gandel's prisoner replies, "That's me a man of peace, I gladly surrender. I don't even know what's going on, the Colonel is acting very odd if you ask me. Yep, peace, peace sounds good."
Fely continues around the outside hall.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Elfstan suggests a Detect Magic would be useful as he checks each door for traps and locks. The Dwarves note nothing special about the doors.
================================================== ========
Thoroncir charges over to help Lindar as Haldreng & Ceol follow Meriadoc into the room. The fearsome foe in charcoal gray plate mail is swiftly killed. No subduing this one. His sword practically pulsed with evil.
Still to the prisoner: If something is wrong with your colonel, we will put it right if we can. I will not speak too much of what we suspect for now, but your news comes as no great surprise.
With his longsword, Thoroncir will ensure that all of his foes are truly dead, and then listen for more fighting elsewhere in the keep.
Ceol points to the sword of the man who wore the charcoal-gray armor. "That weapon is strongly evil. Once we are certain that the fight has been won, we must see to destroying that blade."
"You will hear no argument from me, my friend," Thoroncir says. If any other Sea-knights or allied troops have followed us into the keep, I will assign two to stand watch over the sword, ordering them very strictly not to touch it or to permit anyone else to, either.
Mulligan will let Drindoleth know about the fighting coming this way and then peer behind each of the doors just to make sure no-one is hidden in the rooms.
The battle is pretty much over. Mírégol, Bjorn and Lindar work together and remove the charms from the Colonel and Capt. Mun.
Gilraen and others work hard at healing those injured.
It appears Tresnik the speaker to the dead, has escaped somehow. The citizens and soldiers of the town begin to awaken from their magical sleep and all those charmed are found and slowly the charms are broken. The Lady in White, a young Mage visiting from Tresti is actually Belinda, the niece to Lady Perna is very helpful in breaking the charms. Both Bards also show great skill in this area. Working together with Mírégol and Belinda, those charmed are freed.
Linwen did use a small army of mice and chipmunks and squirrels to overwhelm the magic detection of the city.
"That went much better than I dared hope," remarks Ithilneth. She will look for any lingering enchantments or hidden spells with detect magic.
Bitur will aid in any reconstruction of the town that might be needed from the attack.
Thoroncir will ask the fair Gilraen to kindly heal his injuries.
How shall we destroy the very evil blade?
Ceol will assist in healing the injured, to the best of his ability. "I am glad that we showed restraint in this combat, even more so now that we have learned that the soldiers here were enspelled."
Perhaps we should find the rooms that the necromancer was in and look them over. See if they have left any details behind.
The Necromancer left little behind of value. Some ashes of what were probably notes. There were some small items of no real value.
Bjorn flies out after resting from healing to locate King Elessar. He does suggest that the sword be secured and on the next rainy day, Drindoleth tries to destroy it with call lightnings.
The Colonel declares this a great victory and proof of the good will of the far north and the ill will of the order of Necromancers.
The town needs some repairs and the aid of the Bitur is appreciated. Mírëgol uses a few Walls of Stone
Spells to provide some fast building material. It seems to gather up rubble and rocks into well made stone.
Ithilneth finds the town is loaded in enchantments. It has been carefully enspelled over decades of time. She cannot easily determine new for old and fair from foul.
Captain Meriadoc reminds everyone, “We need to be ready to leave soon and start north. Our job is to meet the King and escort him to the King of Raj. The town is in good shape and thanks to the suggestions of Gil-Gandel’s party much tragedy was avoided. They should be able to rebuild with ease. Let’s make plans to be off by tomorrow is possible.”
Deor will do what he can to help the townsfolk rebuild. Though we come here with good intentions, surely the townsfolk can't help but dislike outsiders coming in and attacking locals, regardless of how evil those locals are. We're a huge disturbance here, and we should step as lightly as we can.
Agreed.
Thoroncir will help and guard Gilraen as she goes about her work. Deep down, he's a little nervous at the thought of meeting her father, and considers what he will say when he meets the King.
Mulligan will spend a little time testing out against the enchantments to make sure they all work properly.
Honest.
Colonel Marn is very thankful and wishes to present the participants with Medals of Honor. There is a big ceremony and feast in their honor. He seems to be doing everything possible to play up the potential new alliance and to make the necromancers into enemies of the state, of course as he personally experienced their treachery, it is not much of an effort.
December 20th: is a hot partly cloudy day.
By the next morning the many items found along the way and in the battle are identified. The Colonel makes swift awards of several of the items and then hands 3 more to each party for their own division though the parties can do further trading in the future of course.
Thoroncir: +5 Halberd ancient Númenórean, as the only Halberd user and I understand you are Númenórean.
Mulligan: Knife +4 hold one dose of poison and a chit for 5,000 gold at the Capitol.
Deor: Silvery Robe AC 2/D also give extension effect to Prot vs. Normal Missiles: Works 3T/Level instead and stops magic arrows also.
Rorimac: Boots of Levitation: The speed of ascent is 20’ & descent is 40’ per round. No usage limitation. Weight allowed is 420 pounds.
Gil-Gandel: I noticed your harp and my niece Belinda reminded me of these ancient strings. 8 unbreakable harp strings that she said should aid your spell-singing. Your cures will do 50% more and your charms and sleeps with have a 10% bonus and you should now be able to work the tumblers on locks with your songs like a knock spell. (Must memorize Knock as a 2nd level spell though).
Ithilneth: We have collected a dozen +3 arrows for you and a chit for 5,000 gold at the Capitol.
Ceol: Please accept this +3 helm that will once per day allow you to comprehend languages for 1 hour + 10 rounds / level.
Gwaelur: We have something very useful for you. A wand of light that stores up to 100 light spells which can be used for 50 recharges of your helm. This wand is currently sitting at 56 charges.
Bitur: We have nothing to offer you here but a chit for purchases at the Capitol for 10,000 gold. It is enough to buy a Permanent Strength increase as an example with money left over.
Gilraen: We have little to offer a Princess but we have an ancient treasure said to come from over the waves. It is a beautiful Necklace of Pearls on what must be a very fine Mithril chain. It enhances Gilraen’s beauty and will give her a bonus on charm spells.
Drindoleth: There was a Cloak of +4 protection recovered that cannot be worn with armor, it seems perfect for you.
Sala: We have a +3 Spike (short rapier) to replace your +1 Spike if you like. Also a +1 belt of protection.
Capt. Mun was awarded a captured set of Banded armor +5.
The others were also rewarded.
Bjorn flies out to find the King while this is happening. He returns fairly fast with some excellent news. "The King and his escort are only 17 miles out. The King’s party is 100 strong, King Elessar is leading with Prince Éomund, General Haldon, Legolas and Gimli. 9 Rangers of Ithilien are led by Prince Caramir, 10 Elven Archers of Ithilien follow Legolas. Kalian of Dol Amroth a Wizard of 12th level is along. From the house of healing is Lady Ariella of Estë. There are 20 Knights of Rohan and 50 knights of Gondor (Dol Amroth & Minas Tirith primarily), Also 3 Dwarves, Láki, Páll & Rúnin."
Colonel Marn leads 120 mounted men to ride with the War Party to meet the King. Bjorn and Drindoleth are asked to Fly High Guard the entire time. At 11:00 AM both groups meet but Drindoleth notices a large ambushed being prepared by about 30 foes.
Ithilneth is surprised and bemused by the Medal of Honor. She is thankful for the arrows.
She prepares for action against the failed ambush and awaits direction.
Wow! What a lovely robe, and such a beautiful, close weave... A real treasure, and I am quite grateful.
Deor, as usual, will prepare to open our counter-ambush with a Fireball on Gil-Gandel's cue.
Mulligan is gracious when accepting the knife and even though she doesn't use poison, there are other mixtures that can be used. Heart of hearts, she is eyeing up the Boots of Levitation that Rorimac received and remembering what it was like to fly.
Rorimac replaces his current boots, which probably won't fit anyone else in the party, but would make good spares for either him or Mulligan.
Also as usual, form up the heavy foot troops to the centre, the lancers to either side of them, the casters behind them, the archers in skirmish order to either side, and I'll be looking to flank the enemy relying on my good Cúran to keep me out of hand-to-hand range while I look for key targets - leaders, spellcasters and archers for preference. The cue to open hostilities will be a loud blast on Glinras, but I'll Mirror Image myself just before sounding off.
*Upon receiving the chit:*
"Thank you Colonel. May your city be safe from here on out."
Bitur looks forward to getting to the capital again. But for now he prepares himself for the upcoming battle.
Ceol bows to the Colonel. "This is a most gracious gift, sir, thank you. I shall pray that Eonwë and all the gods shall watch over this city."
Thoroncir also bows and warmly expresses his gratitude. "Your generosity does you credit, Colonel, and I thank you. I have always enjoyed the use of halberds, despite having little opportunity to do so of late; when I was at sea in years past I found them to be particularly useful and effective weapons." Although he does not say it, he suspects he would be too heavily-encumbered if he were to try to bring it along on a march or ride of any great length; but he will put off any decision as to its eventual disposition for now.
The knight-errant is pleased to see the fair Gilraen don her new necklace, and thinks she wears it very well indeed, although in truth he knows of nothing which might enhance her beauty. She is already quite flawless in his eyes.
He will, with shield at the ready and lance in hand, prepare to charge the knavish fools who would dare strike at his king and liege lord.
Ceol, astride Leofwin, prepares a charge beside Thoroncir.
"Let us demonstrate to them how the knights of the North fight," he says quietly.
Drindoleth graciously accepts the robe. "A wise and generous gift, sir. I thank you. May your city prosper."
As it comes time to counter the discovered ambush, Drindoleth grimly prepares himself.
December 20th is a hot partly cloudy day. It is around 1pm.
King Elessar only takes enough time to allow the stealthy members of the army to be made invisible by the Invisibility in a 10’ radius spell. He allows Thoroncir, Ceol, Haldreng to lead the Sea Knights in a charge as Prince Éomund leads the Knights of Rohan to the left flank and the King leads the Knights of Gondor to the right flank. The Elves under Legolas ride to the rear right and Linwen’s group takes the rear left flank.
The ambush party scatters early as the riders set out. They must have their own spies. The swiftest groups of enemies spread out but are soon pursued by Mírëgol, Lindar and Haldreng and many of Legolas’ Elves. Then two groups of 12 and 13 split up. Gil-Gandel rejoined by his party pursues the 12 with 6 of the swiftest Knights. Captain Meriadoc and Prince Caramir join with Legolas and Gimli and the rest of the Elves of Ithilien in pursuing the 13.
Bjorn is flying high guard over this group and calls, “Drindoleth, please guard your group from the air.”
More to come a little later ...
Drindoleth changes to his eagle form and takes to the air to guard his group. He pumps his wings to climb to a great height, then soars there on the air currents to get a wider view of the region. He's looking out for areas to cast entangle on and give them another advantage, or perhaps other natural features they might be able to use for defense. As he looks, he catches sight of a large group. Far larger than the scattered men they'd pursued.
He makes careful note of what he sees before swooping down before his own party. Crying out in eagle form might get their attention, but he worries about important details being lost. Changing to his man form, he begins to speak.
"We're moving toward over a hundred men. There are at least five garbed in dark robes, gathered round a silvery basin. It reminded me of the Druid's Scrying Pool spell," he warns. "We may have been meant to see the 'ambush' before."
He'll call his owl to him, in preparation of sending word to the other group.
Zuul, is this information the DM has provided to you?
Added by What Exit: Yes
Yes, he told me to share it.
OK, thanks.
Be the enemy 30 in number or 100, Thoroncir will attack with his fellow Sea-knights, if the way seems clear.
"Based on what Drindoleth reports, I strongly suspect we are being led into a trap."
"A trap is only good enough if it can hold what it is meant to contain. It's no good if it is to weak or if someone decides to set it off before it is ready." says Rorimac. "Will that spell spot the invisible and if not, who fancies wrecking a trap?"
"Ok, as no-one has said otherwise, I'll go and spring the trap with the 100 or so people in it." says Rorimac.
Drindoleth is unsure if they can detect or see invisible but it does seem likely they can.
Deor can say, “Expect a full 120 yards for the range of said detection for the camp.
Sala says, “A hundred plus is very strong for just 18 of us to take on in additional to the dozen we pursue. Perhaps more help is needed. I doubt not your bravery but this seems very dangerous.”
There is still an excellent chance to intercept the 12 before the reach the hundred. Perhaps your fastest riders could slow them down? Their horse may sadly be the key to this endeavor.
Ithilneth will loose an arrow or few if any of the escaping riders are within range.
Sadly, yes. I do not like to shoot horses, but if there is no help for it... What is the range? If it's 80 yards or less then an Entangle would be an option.
With the speed of Cúran, Gil-Gandel could get ahead of them and cast an Entangle or two for them to run into. This would clearly allow them to be caught.
The owl makes it to Drindoleth.
That sounds like a workable and humane alternative - let's do it.
Drindoleth will send his owl off to the main camp to relay what has been discovered.
Unless ordered otherwise, Thoroncir will pull up his reins and halt his fellow Sea-knights with a raised gauntlet, and wait a moment to see how Gil-Gandel fares.
Ceol will wait with Thoroncir and the other knights, until given the signal to resume the charge.
One of the Knights says, “We need to keep racing to close the gap.” And he spurs on his horse.
Gil-Gandel gets ahead of the dozen fleeing, dismounts and has his horse drop down to hide in the scrub and tall grass. Gil-Gandel casts his first Entangle and waits to see if they hit it and how many and prepares his second if needed. He sees that most are about to strike but 3 will be to the north of the entangle and casts a second Entangle to slow these foes.
The spells work beautifully and 10 horses are entangled and 2 slowed. 8 riders fall off their horses at least partially caused by the extreme and unexpected breaking and all 8 are entangled. 2 are trying to get their horses out and helping by slashing the grasping plants and the 2 on horses only slowed are just trying to escape.
The rest of the horses come thundering up.
Ithilneth opens by sending arrows at the pair still moving. Of her first 6 arrows, 5 strike home for 43 points and this man looks badly injured.
Please state if you are using magic arrows and which types.
Ithilneth will continue to loose arrows at any riders still escaping. She will reserve her magic arrows for magic users and greater undead, who are both more likely to be unaffected by normal arrows.
Thoroncir can't help but admire the knight's headstrong impetuosity (a fault, or quality, of which he has himself been accused), but shouts after him, "Hold, good knight, and return! I have ordered a halt. We shall charge when I order it, and not before."
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...hoftheKing.jpg
Clearly I have failed to convey the situation. Lets try a picture.
So Gil-Gandel has stopped or slowed the foes. You are fairly far from the large camp. The Knights stopped charging though. I don't know where much of the party are.
Fully appreciating the situation now, Thoroncir points ahead and says, "Forward, men, to the aid of Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth!" He then lightly gives the spurs to his warhorse Baygir.
Call on the entangled enemy to thrown down their arms and surrender - as they can see, they are covered by superior archers and there is no way for help to come to them. But if we don't see very prompt compliance, we will have to make good on the threat.
Bitur addresses the melee fighters clustered with him:
"I think we should charge those in the entangle shouting 'Surrender or Die'. If they don't throw down the weapons, we assume they've chosen the second option."
Rorimac will lend aid to Bitur, while Mulligan will stay with the spellcasters to provide any protection should it become necessary.
Ok, so those Entangled are being approached by the Knights, Dwarves and Rorimac coming to the aid of Itilneth and Gil-Gandel. Mulligan and the other mages are off to one side out of trouble.
The other ambushed group riding away fast are being pursued by some from the King's Party.
Given that there is a large camp of enemies about a mile away, with a set of evil mages watching what we are doing, we might want to speed this up. It would also be worth finding a secure location, so that if they do decide to try and attack us, we can do so from a more defensive position.
Is there anywhere around that meets that criteria, perhaps Drindoleth saw something while flying around.
Drindoleth can report the most secure location is being setup back near the road by the King. Other than that there is a small wooded rise between us and the enemy camp. It is roughly 150’ long and 60’ at the most. Not overly dense but offering some protection.
The men in the entangled area hesitate and a few more arrows fly at those not entangled. The one man drops and the other is injured as the Knights and Warriors ride arrive charging and shouting in their foreign language. Weapons drop swiftly. Only Gil-Gandel can enter the entangled area though he could try sleeping or charming them with his songs.
As this is being pondered and the next step, a third golden eagle and 3 hawks fly near. The eagle swoops down and lands, “Greeting friends, it is I Ghân-Buri-Ghân, I was with the King and translated the owls message for him and then flew up to scout. The other party is nearly done and know to head this way. The King is sending a strong force to assist you against the hundred. He himself is staying behind but said, ‘I have a surprise for those spying wizards they won’t expect, tell the other parties to wait for some panic among the enemy camp before you attack.’ Though he did not give details.” He takes a breath, preens a wing feather and continues, “What can I do to help? Should I just scout with Drindoleth and the birds or do something behind the camp with my few magics?”
Those that are with me, hold your fire; I will indeed try to sing some of these foes to sleep. Then we had better wait for the reinforcements to reach us from the King.
"If you could cause some confusion from the back of camp, Ghan, that would probably be best. Having an opponent tied down in crossfire is a great thing. Making them merely think they are can be almost as effective."
Sir Thoroncir is very pleased. He says, "Ghan, is that really you, old friend? It's good to see you again - even though it is, at least for the moment, in eagle form. How are you?"
He will heed the Elf-captain's words and order his men to halt once more, and in the meantime will inquire as to the name and record of the headstrong knight who disobeyed his orders earlier.
"I don't think those trapped really understand us.", says Rorimac, "Can someone who can speak their language, let them know that they should surrender. I think they have the general idea, but it would be good to make sure they truly understand."
"Ghan", hails Mulligan, "it is good to see you again. I don't believe you have just a few magics at your command, but anything you could do to disturb them further and make them think that all is not within their control would be useful."
Gil-Gandel lulls 4 of the men to sleep and settles down all the horses. Weapons have been dropped. The one man is bleeding from several arrow wounds of course.
Ghân greets his friends, "My tongue has improved in this form, I have spent much time serving the Stone City King, Father to Gilraen scouting as an Eagle."
Gil-Gandel and Sala both speak the language of the captives and they have surrendered now.
Send the captives to the rear under guard of a couple of knights, and await the arrival of the reinforcements sent by the King. Once they get here, we'll form up in the usual order - heavy foot to the centre, casters behind them, heavy cavalry flanking the heavy foot and skirmishers out wide. As usual in open battle, I'll be looking to speed and horsemanship to keep me out of hand-to-hand while skirting round to the enemy side and rear in pursuit of spellcasters and leaders.
A hawk flies swiftly to Drindoleth. "The men in robes at the pool are shouting orders, they appear to be preparing for an attack from the north but none are coming from that direction."
Mírëgol come riding in swiftly. Her marvelous steed not looking at all tired. She reports, “The rest of my party is will be here shortly. I came ahead. Bjorn said he will disrupt their plans right before the attack. Deor, perhaps you can prepare a fireball for them? I plan to use my sleep spell with the largest area. I recommend we attack with spells first reducing the support troops and let the Knights and Warriors take out the wizards and their best warriors free from problems. Nico, Meriadoc and Legolas will be taking out any archers they have. Gimli wishes time to lead all the Dwarves to a spot where they are fairly close before the attack. Lindar said he can provide a distraction to cover their approach.”
She hears the hawk’s message and says, “Perhaps Lindar does not need to provide a distraction.”
The other party arrives as you discuss plans with Mírëgol. Then a hawk arrives with a hastily written message, “The King is controlling their scrying to fool them.” The hawk also reports that Prince Éomund is leading the Knights of Rohan and will be here shortly.
Finally Linwen arrives, “Hail and well met, what is the plan? What can we do to help?”
Ithilneth keeps her bow out and awaits a command.
Rorimac will hope to be standing by his father trying to take down the enemy archers. He may not be as good as Meridoc and Legolas (well who is), but he is going to be part of it.
Mulligan doesn't really want to get caught up in a major battle and will stay with the casters, just in case, someone on the other side tries something sneaky.
Thoroncir holds his men at the ready, and asks Ceol to remain with him. He looks around to see if he recognizes the headstrong knight who disobeyed his orders earlier.
Drindoleth will transform to his eagle form once again in order to watch from above, both for scouting and to best ascertain where he'll be needed. He will leave his wolf Hound to give additional protection to the casters.
I will stick to my previous plan of looking for archery targets from flank and rear. Although I have an area-effect spell that can hypnotise a number of enemies indefinitely, I do have to keep up my own concentration on it, which would preclude my helping out in any other way.
The over enthused headstrong Knight was Gareth. Orodreth reports he is not normally lacking in discipline. Pelendur agrees.
The camp of the necromancers has quickly reorganized to prepare for the attack from the north.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ingThecamp.jpg
Gimli leads the sturdy by small force of Gwaelur, Bitur, Hlíf, Láki, Páll & Rúnin to the southern front. The 7 should be able to charge and thoroughly distract the enemy. All are extremely well armored and great and hand to hand fighting. Láki is the least experience in battle and is worth a squad of human infantry as Gimli says.
Lindar has cast up a largish illusion from the distance of what looks like the dust and noise of a cavalry charge.
Linwen is taking the North East flank.
As the spellcasters and archers get in position, a large hedge appears behind the camp (to the east) this is surely Ghân’s surprise.
The 100 or so knights and riders are ready for their deadly charge into the heart of the wizards.
Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth have plenty of time to approach from the south east flank.
Deor is readying a fireball of course, he plans to wreck the day of those in front of the Wizards. Mírëgol will sleep a large number guarding the north flank. Legolas, Merry, Nico and Rorimac should see if their arrows will hit the Wizards around the mirror and if failing strike those between the Wizards and the Knights.
More to come …
Mulligan pulls out a couple of the few remaining smoke bombs. It might be a good time to use them to slow down any charge that may occur.
Rorimac will be using his finest arrows to see if the wizards can be taken down, otherwise switch to those targets that will go down.
For those with excellent sight, the Necromancers around the pool seem to be raising some dark spell when the pool erupts in a splash of water. It is as if their spell was broken and broken sharply.
In this confusion a horn blows to the north and the army charges in fast with great thundering.
It is now that Bjorn flies directly over the six central necromancers and a several soldiers and one dark robed necromancer have a variety of odd reactions. One soldier attacks the closest person looking berserk. 3 stand up looking confused and 2 drop down into slumber. The necromancer though just wanders off a bit.
Arrows fly from the guards on the northern edge of the camp and a few lightning bolts go off in the ranks of those charging at the enemy. It is now that Mírëgol’s sleep drops 18 of the lesser fighters. On the northwest of the camp.
Deor drops an oversized Fireball onto the fighters in front of the necromancers at the pool. It is place just to the northwest and injured or kills 11 foes.
Legolas sends an arrow at one of the remaining Necromancers at the remains of the pool but it veers away, he says quickly, “Leave the dark ones for the Knights.” He then starts sending arrows into the closest wizard on the north side. His speed of firing is frightening to behold. Mulligan is nearly memorized by it but then launches a two Glass Smoke Bombs into the gap between the pool and the southern weak front that the Dwarves are attacking with the party’s Elves supporting. Meriadoc and his son Rorimac send arrows at the one wizard on the south side and swiftly drop her. Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth begin dropping the foes closest to their position.
The Dwarves let loose cries of the far north. “Khazad-dûm” and “Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mânu!” meaning "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!” Soon they crash into the 7 southwestern foes and swiftly overcome them.
Nico is dropping the remaining warriors to the southwestern side of the pool clearing the path for the Knights. The knights are now thundering in for real.
A flurry of arrows flies from the northeast and dozens of foes drop on the north east side.
A second hedge crops up to the south of the first one.
The Necromancers just have time to realize the battle is lost before it is begun.
Thoroncir, Ceol, Haldreng, Orodreth and Pelendur lead the crash into the 5 necromancers trying desperately to toss up spells before they are struck. One gets a magic missile spell off and does 25 points to Baygir , Thoroncir’s steed. Then the knights crash into the necromancer and several waves ride these foes down. The knights led by Prince Éomund make short work of the northern flank.
Lindar races down on his shadowy steed and runs down one of the northern wizards. The entire Northern attacking army disappears as he attacks.
Many men in armor are running but face the hedge. Drindoleth is now a man behind the hedge and throws up and entangle as they try to cut through. In but three minutes the battle is over. 7 have surrendered and many are sleeping. All the necromancers and wizards are dead but one and he is drooling and has a blank look.
Merry whispers to the pair of Hobbits, “Did you like what happened to the pool? I believe that was the King with the Stone of the Orthanc. No mere scrying spell can compare to his control with that stone now. Who are they compared to the Dark Lord. Pippin’s fascination is most handy.”
...Thus resolving all doubts as to whether I should toss my poor magics but about to improve with the impending level-ups into the mix. Well, but this battle was hardly worth a song - in another place and another age they might speak of it as an altercation by the side of the highway.
Ceol will give a prayer of thanksgiving to Eonwë for the decisive victory. If there are those of our forces in need of healing, and no other healer (such as Gilraen) to help them, he will do so; otherwise, he will do what he can to heal Baygir. As a Knight of the Mark, it grieves him to see a noble steed in pain.
Sir Thoroncir dismounts as soon as he is safely able to do so, and (if Ceol is otherwise occupied) asks Orodreth to bring Gilraen or some other healer as quickly as possible to attend to his badly-wounded warhorse. He speaks to the magnificent animal in the Horse language, stroking its neck and saying, "O brave steed, noble Baygir, have patience, and be at ease! I have summoned a healer, and with luck we will not have long to wait. May I ease your suffering in any way until then?" In his heart he fears that the horse may be fatally injured, for he also lost his previous mount Seafoam to evil magic in battle not so long ago.
He focuses on his responsibilities and orders five of the other Sea-knights to also dismount, and to immediately ensure with their swords that all of the fallen enemy nearby are well and truly dead.
In this battle, the horses took more injuries then the men. Bjorn is particular is very skilled in healing animals as are the other Druids. They are happy for Thoroncir’s and Ceol’s help. Gilraen and Lady Ariella attend to the injured men with the aid of the many rangers.
Baygir is surprisingly stoic; not even the great steeds of Rohan are normally this calm with great injury. He replies, “I have confidence that I will pull through, it helps I am not bleeding from this magical injury. It hurts and I am not fit for travel but you will get me healed.”
An eagle lands next to them. It morphs into Bjorn, the high Druid and he casts a single spell that fully heals the brave war horse. He says some comforting words and gives praise and asks the two horse friends to assist him further.
The healing does not take all that long and in the meantime the foes are secured and also healed and the belongings can be searched. Fely begins this process swiftly and Elfstan who has been invisible with little to do joins him.
Although pleased with outcome of the battle, Ithilneth still feels unsettled. "Let us scout more carefully. Perhaps the next trap prepared against us is more clever."
Thoroncir thanks Bjorn for his assistance, makes sure that Gilraen is all right, and leaves Baygir to rest for the moment, while he assists Bjorn in seeing to other injured horses.
Ceol bows to Bjorn. "I am quite impressed with your healing skills."
He turns to Thoroncir. "Baygir is truly a noble steed. Horse and rider are well matched."
He then continues to assist with the other injuries, both man and steed.
"Thank you, Ceol, for your kind words, and for your willingness to help," Thoroncir says, bowing in turn. "I confess that I'm relieved that Baygir will likely fully recover."
Mulligan, possibly with Deor's assistance will be dealing with any implements the evil wizards may have. Those specs really come in useful.
Have no fear of Morgul-spells;
Strength and courage quickly tells.
If any of the garnered items look worth a scholar's study, I will look them over.
Dec 21 to 28th: The King and his escort along with both parties and Sea Knight and Linwen’s scouts travel to Bozisha-Dar.
They take a path through the northern woods and along the way the Mage Telemum joined them. There are a few encounters but nothing serious. The force is too powerful and the collection of hero types may not have been collected together in such quantity since the days of the First Age. Ghân however is not among them. He is flying north as swiftly as his Golden Eagle form will take him to deliver several important messages. He is relaying the knowledge of the Entwives to the north for Drindoleth. He is also carrying many well memorized messages north to the Queen and the Prince for the King.
Along the way the King explains, “I hope to forge a solid alliance with the Kingdom of Raj. They are powerful and civilized and have the only remaining powerful Navy on the west coast of Middle-Earth. They are mercantile and thus somewhat easy to understand. I brought some of both our own and one of the Dwarves best merchants with us. The people of Raj are not overly aggressive and by use of delaying tactics managed to defy even Sauron during the War of the Ring and never made it North to fight us. The main problem is the school of Necromancy and their allies in the cults of Morgoth and Sauron.”
There are a few gasps at the use of these names few dare to speak even today.
He continues, “King Kralji Slú Carlon appears to be both open to peace and especially interested in eliminating the foul presence of the Necromancers and Dark Shamans and Priests. By reports, he is a good man and his closest advisors are good, so we should attempt to make friends and trading partners with them. I would rather our Navy be used to escort merchants then to make war upon the coasts. Eventually, between Gondor and the Rajian Navy I think this can become true. With a powerful ally to the south, I think we can end the threat of Harad sooner rather than later. It would be good to retire from campaigning and I hope to turn over Kingdoms in peace to my son and heir.”
There is some spontaneous cheering at this last.
“Finally, as the way to the hearts of these people is through trade, I wish to give you a reward for the work already done and as a share from this last battle a sum of 4000 gold pieces each to spend in Bozisha-Dar in addition to whatever else you choose to spend. I hope to encourage the people of Raj that alliance with Gondor and Arnor will profit all.”
Dec 29-30th: Reach Bozisha-Dar. The Kings meet for both of the two days with many important figures from North and South. Gimli, Legolas and Prince Éomund and several councilors represent the north. As this is happening, the Mage Telemum works with those people with Detect Lies to interview the mages and illusionists. Three high tailed it out.
In the end, the rough plan for alliance is made. It depends on the North aiding Raj in this critical moment to rid itself of its own self-created problem. The Necromancer’s School and power must be destroyed. The Cults must be eradicated.
King Elessar will ride against the school itself with support from the most trusted of the Rajian commanders and wizard types.
Capt. Meriadoc’s party will scout vs. Necromancer/Morgoth lairs near Necromancer School in the south. 2 Elves of Ithilien will join, Cumegil & Nanthil (both 9th) good vs. undead, Drazil 11th level Wizard with Star Sapphire & Baobab he specialized in Turning spells and dispelling and Prot vs. Evil. Ghaida Mage 12th Fire Staff topped by a Ruby, She has tongues via a silver tongue medallion.
Linwen’s group will go investigate the School and Town of Tresti. This is where the Oliphants are trained and where one of the schools of magic is located. With them will go the Mage Telemum and several other wizards and Prince Éomund leading his 20 Knights.
Gil-Gandel’s group will go by Sea to assault a stronghold of Cultist of Morgoth. This is to the north of the delta just above the woods of Suza Sumar. The Elendil will speed you to a land route that will take you to a great brine marsh where it is believed the Cultist stronghold is. The undead will be thick here and your group should be well suited to the battle. Linwen even has a gift for you. A strange concoction of what she calls Liquid Light. Each protected glass flask hold enough for 4 sword uses or 20 arrow tips. In each case the first strike will inflict double damage on any of the undead that live partly in the wraith world. It will do even more to Shadows if you should encounter them. She gifts a bottle to every member but Gilraen who does not need such.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../Farharad2.jpg
You have two days to trade and buy goods.
Thoroncir is awestruck to be in the presence of his King (as well as the father of his beloved), to say nothing of Legolas and Gimli, former members of the Fellowship of the Ring and both near-legendary figures in their own right. Upon being introduced to his liege lord, the knight-errant bows deeply and says in Quenya, "Ela Ingaran Ondonóreo ar Arnanóreo, Elessar, Aracorno Arasornion, ingwe Núnatanio, Hesto Liyúmeo Númeno, Mahtar Andúrilo, Túrea mahtalesse, yeo mát antat envinyatie!" ("Behold the High King of Gondor and Arnor, Elessar, Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dunedain, captain of the Host of the West, wielder of Anduril, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing!").
As for the money, he is grateful for the reward, but his needs are few. He will arrange with reputable Gondorean Navy or merchant ship captains for a quarter to be sent to the Order of Sea-Knights, a quarter to be sent to his parents in Linhir, a quarter to be sent to the hospital Gilraen established in Port Hatha, and a quarter to be given to several worthy charities here in Bozisha-Dar (where it will, in due course, reenter the local economy).
Mulligan seems quite happy about the liquid light and inquires if it will be usable in the Injection Dagger. Also, Mulligan will be on the lookout for more Chalcedony stones or other similar anti-undead bullets for her sling.
Also, perhaps they might have some of the wizards powder that created the smoke bombs and would they be skilled enough to create some more of them. Could they also create something that would reveal invisible creatures in a cloud as well, once it has dissipated?
Rorimac will be looking for something magical that can repel insects if we are going to a marsh. Also would Itilneth like a repayment for her generosity, otherwise he may go for that infravision visor again.
Bitur will purchase a potion of permanent strength increase with his chit from earlier. With the remaining 2000 credits from that, plus the new 4000, he'll buy 2 better speed potions, 2 fire resistance potions, 4 climbing potions, 2 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion.
This leaves him with 75 gp to spend, which he will give to anyone in the party who needs it.
Ceol thanks King Elessar, and Linwen, for the gracious gifts, which he promises to put to good use.
For Mulligan: The Liquid light will work in the dagger. No Chalcedony stones are available here. There are some silver sling bullets for one use that will do triple damage with a +3 to hit. They will cost 2000 each though unless you buy the set of 6 for 10000.
The alchemists can help you with a potion of billowing magical obscuring smoke. This smoke will cause minor choking and for the amount they can fit into a glass ball it will cover a 20’ diameter going about 12’ high at the center and 6’ at the edges. Duration is 5-10 minutes and affected by breezes of course. Better yet, they have a companion potion that would let the drinker enter the smoky area and operate normally. Duration is 31-50 minutes.
The balls would cost 200gp per or a dozen for 2000gp and the companion potion costs 200gp per or a dozen for 2000gp.
An alternate powder bomb can be made that will stay visible as it clings to the invisible but not against those that are invisible via the wraith world. Only those invisible by spell. This is a very common item actually thanks to the paranoia caused by Linwen a century ago. Something sling bullet size would expose a 15’ diameter or more commonly 3” diameter ball for throwing will expose an area with a 30’ diameter. Either would cost 100gp per. A dozen for 1000gp.
For Rorimac: The Infravision visor is still going for 3500gp. There are many potions to repel insects. Even Drindoleth and Deor could probably whip up something effective with a little time. A gallon of repellent which is good for 64 Hobbit applications or 32 human applications is only 128gp. It comes in a large leather protected tin flask.
Quietly persuaded by Gilraen that he really ought to spend all the money locally, Thoroncir will look at various options for magical horseshoes, saddles, etc. for his great warhorse Baygir.
By far the best items that Thoroncir can afford with the Halberd +5 and reward in trade are the Horseshoes of Trosci.
These horseshoes allow the horse to travel at double speed nearly tirelessly. They will not fall off and give +2 to attacks and damage with double attacks and a +2 to AC and saves. The horse will leave no tracks and may move across calm water at full speed and choppy water at normal walking speed. Endurance is enhanced to 12 hours without rest.
With Deor's approval as consulting wizard, and if Baygir is willing (as I suspect he is), Thoroncir will do just that. Thanks.
King Elessar held court in a great pavilion in a meadow near the city. Gil-Gandel's Fellowship was gathered there, as were many other lords, generals, courtiers and officers of the realm. Over the pavilion snapped an ebon banner emblazoned with the White Tree, Seven Stars and Winged Crown.
The King said from his throne, "Sir Thoroncir, my daughter tells me that you have faithfully served her as knight-errant through great peril, and for that you have my thanks, as well. I see the sword which now hangs at your side; is that the blade with which you have rendered such notable service to the realm?"
"It is, my lord," Thoroncir said.
"Let me see it, please," said the King. Thoroncir at once drew his sword and, kneeling, offered it hilt-first to the King.
Elessar, no stranger to the accoutrements of war, took the sword and looked it over with a practiced eye. "A fine weapon indeed, straight and true, with Elven magics laid upon it but recently, I think. It is Numenorean, is it not?"
"Originally, yes, my lord, but reforged by Curunauth in Rivendell. It is called Cirist, 'Ship-blade,' in Sindarin."
The King nodded. "Already you have been knighted, Thoroncir, and deservedly so, by my son, the Crown Prince Eldarion. Now, behold, I rename your sword: let it be known henceforth as Arcirist, 'Noble-ship-blade,' in recognition of your noble service to my daughter, the Princess Gilraen of the House of Telcontar. May it, and you, never fail in that duty." He stood and raised the sword high, in honor, then returned it to the knight-errant.
Thoroncir rose, deeply moved, and took the sword and bowed. "Thank you, my lord. Let it be as you say; but call it what you will, it could have no nobler purpose than protecting your royal daughter and keeping your lawful peace."
Princess Gilraen steps forward, curtsies and says, "My father and my King, you have surely heard by now how I have captured the heart of Sir Thoroncir, who is truly your captain, and mine. But this happy captivity is mutual, for I love him as much as he loves me. I hope you will bless our future union, O gracious lord, and humbly ask that you do so." She looks to be on the verge of tears at the end. Her face, shining with hope, is beautiful indeed as she stands there in the fair grey raiment of Estë. Thoroncir cannot take his eyes off her, even as he awaits her father's reply.
Aragorn looks surprised and thoughtful. He ponders in silence for awhile, finally broken only by Elfstan's too-loud whisper to Mulligan, "Surely, he'll say yes?"
Aragorn laughs at this point, joining many of those gathered. He replies, smiling, "My daughter, I would not thwart your will. I know your love is strong, and in truth I think you have chosen wisely... but you are young, too young as yet, I think, to make such a decision now. Know this: I will not tread upon your and Sir Thoroncir's hopes, and I will bless each of you separately, but I will also set a task before both of you ere you may wed. My royal forebears did likewise to those who would wed their daughters, as of course did your own mother's sire."
He pauses and then says, "Gilraen, I wish you both to wait a few more years before fulfilling this union. Though Thoroncir has done much already, it is my royal will that he further prove his mettle. For I believe there is a terrible and dark power now at work against the Kingdoms. I believe you are already aware of this unknown power. After your time here, you are to set about with whatever help you can raise to find this menace, and either destroy it or, if overmatched, provide the means and intelligence by which others may then do so."
Another pause, and the King says, a little wryly, "Now, I cannot have a princess of the realm adventuring, without a chaperon, in the company of a suitor whom she herself desires. Rorimac Brandybuck, son of the great Captain Meriadoc the Magnificent, and Angelica Mulligan Took, niece to Peregrin Took who was both a soldier to Gondor and my representative in the Shire, I now ask you both to take on the task of chaperoning my daughter." He turns more serious, and looks directly at each of them. "I also ask for your declaration, here and now, before this very throne, that they have acted with honor thus far.”
With a thank you to Elendil's Heir for editing the post
With the 4000 gold pieces plus a small sum from his own purse, Drindoleth will purchase two Extra-Healing potions, one Water Breathing potion, two Fire Resistance potions, two Better Speed potions, and two Climbing potions.
Bitur does some looking for clockwork parts for to keep in practice at his craft.
The men of Raj do not seem to be on par with the Dwarves for technology. You find them woefully behind even the standards of Gondor. More on par with Rohan.
On the other hand they have many small magics and some might prove very useful. Tiny little gems that produce small illusion. A tiny magic harp only 3" tall that plays up to 5 songs though not loudly or in great quality, actually about on par with a dwarven music box but less charming in some ways. Fastening devices that open and close on simple command. Etc. In fact he then comes across something that might intrigue, some small magical jeweler's tools. The small pouch would cost 1500gp but does many marvelous little things. Drivers for any small threaded hardware. Chisels that stay sharp. a Jeweler's eye for precise vision while working on small things. etc. This set would probably give Bitur a +10% in toy and miniature making.
Such a treasure as this would be passed from father to son among the Rohirrim for generations. Deor strongly agrees.Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Deor will happily work to produce potions for Rorimac and will likewise try to help Mulligan out with anti-Invisibility potions and sling bullets, if such is possible and practical. He has a couple of ideas related to his Invisibility 10' Radius spell. Now, if only he can invert the eldritch symbols, and shred the iris petals from right to left instead of the usual left to right, it might even work! Finally, Deor is happy to let Mulligan carry his share of the Liquid Light; it would seem more effective in her dagger than in his pocket.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
For himself, Deor will purchase that potion of Shapechanging for the shark form; last time it was available at 1800 gp. Possibly he can get a better deal if he goes into the shop with Bitur, to translate and negotiate, and save them both a little for making such a large purchase. Afterwards, Deor will spend about 1200 on other, minor items that relate to making his staff, and offer the remaining 1000 to Gilraen as the first installment of payment on his debt, assuming that she can find enough items to purchase this time that the money will be spent. Otherwise, he'll invest it in kahve and hope to pay her in full when they return to the North.
Captain Sir Thoroncir bows to the wizard of Rohan. "I am much obliged to you, Deor, and will of course purchase the horseshoes."
I'll shop for another eight +3 arrows. Much though I'd prefer to make my own if we had the leisure time, and someone to craft the points for me, I'll have to settle for ready-mades - and I need them, since I now shoot rather faster than before.
Bitur will change his shopping list to be 1 better speed potion, 2 fire resistance potions, 2 climbing potions, 1 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion, plus the magical jewelers tools.
This still leaves him 75 gp free to donate to anyone who needs it in the party.
Also, how much are the illusory gems?
The Gems range from 10gp to 2000gp. They are as simple as a 3D image in a fairly cheap gem to a Star Sapphire that produces the image of a dog playing.
Apologies for the delay, I'm on hols
"You Majesty", replies Mulligan, "allow me to speak for both of us, when we accept your charge to chaperone the couple. I have long been aware of the feelings between the pair and have seen truly the love which has flourished between them. I can also say that they have both acted with honour and propriety."
Mulligan coughs slightly.
"Of course, knowing that such love would flower and that there will always be those who would caste aspersions against such true love and seek to cast doubt on their honour, I have spent a fair while chaperoning them already, perhaps without their knowledge and can honestly say that they should be held above reproach, for their actions have always been honest, dignified and respectful of each other and the positions they hold."
Rorimac remains silent and nods along with Mulligan, only affirming at the end that what she has been saying is true.
Seeing the star sapphire, Bitur decides it would be a perfect addition to making his own music box, one that would produce the image of the dog while music plays upon lifting the lid.
So with the tools and the sapphire, Bitur will change the potions to include 1 better speed potion, 2 fire resistance potions, 2 climbing potions, 1 levitation potions, 2 Extra-Healing potions, and 1 water breathing potion.
During down time when he's got nothing else going on, he will begin to craft it. He looks around the city for a nice carved wooden box that would be appropriate to use as the shell.
Thoroncir smiles gratefully at Rorimac and Mulligan, and bows again before the throne. He says in Quenya, "Taura herunya, ómu uin valda sen túra melme olostie imbe selyelya Gilraen i aranel ar inye, ar merimme verya auresse, lavielyanen ar arwe aistielyo." (My sovereign lord, although I am unworthy of her, your daughter the Princess Gilraen and I have fallen deeply in love, and we [indeed] wish to someday wed, by your leave and with your blessing). I am your humble servant and loyal knight, eager for your command. I will do my utmost to accomplish any task you set before me, true to my oath, and true to the fair maiden who has come to mean more to me than life itself."
The party is later called into a small meeting with the King, Legolas, Gimli, Meriadoc and several other advisers and the Mage Telemun and 3 strangers. The one stranger looks weather worn but fit and is clearly armed. She has dark hair and dark skin and wears a silver medallion in the shape of an odd looking fish. Her cloak is gray but seems to have greens, browns and tans in it from certain angles. Her leggings appear to be of similar material. She has a pair of scimitars at her waist. It is hard to judge her age and she is by no means a beauty.
As mentioned briefly before, the King would like your party to go just north of the Kingdom of Raj and destroy the Cultists of Morgoth who have apparently built up a force of undead. They might even have orcs as allies.
“We can speed you there on the Elendil and Luzi Mati (pointing to the unknown woman) knows the area as well or better than anyone and has some skill in fighting the dead. She also is carrying an item to allow her to communicate with most of you. I understand there might be a few exceptions.”
Luzi says and all but Bitur, Gwaelur and Gimli hear perfect Westron, “Greetings, I am grateful for aid you people are giving us and I wish to do my own small part to aid you in return. I can hunt if needed, warn of natural dangers, leads you through the trackless marshes as needed and help in the fight itself. I have been a scout and spy for Raj for most of my life and I am perhaps older then I look.”
The Dwarves in general just hear her talking in the local language.
"Are there any questions or concerns?"
Rorimac asks, "How many Orcs and cultists, how far into the marshes and is there anything else in the area we should watch out for?"
Luzi replies to Rorimac, "Not sure on the orcs, only rumors of them, but I was informed your group and especially you in particular knew how to handle orcs. As to the Cultists, we are fortunate, they don't actually work well together and there are 12 known rival groups. For the marshes; we may be as far as several miles deep over paths that shift but take us close to 10 miles of travel. We need to watch out for giant reptiles that are up to 22' long and fierce carnivores. Very intelligent wild cats of a fair size, maybe 120-200 pounds. Ratlings, a strange savage humanoid group that often works with a different type of huge lizards. These though are mostly in the arid areas. The ratlings themselves are on the small size, closer to Hobbit size. Then there are just nomadic tribes that probably won't bother us but might."
Ceol bows deeply to King Elessar. "I am honored to serve."
"Greetings, Luzi, and welcome to our group. This sounds like a wild place, and we will be grateful for your knowledge of it. It is good that the cultists are fractured, though I wonder if our presence might not give them cause to join together. Do you know how big these groups are? Do you know what sorts of undead they have been able to raise?"
The Mage Telemum answers, "The groups will eventually work together so you must strike from stronghold to stronghold as swift as you can. As to types of undead, many ghouls, ghasts, lesser wraiths and one has built a small force of lesser ghouls up. Another has brought the very shadows of the swamps to unlife apparently. One group though may be in league with a ancient Black Numenorean Sorcerer who has preserved his unnatural life through magics and potions. We don't believe any individual group is all that strong though. Their spells are not as overtly powerful as a mage or necromancer and their greatest weapon is fear."
...and surprise?
We have an abundance of courage to those who would assail us with fear, and for the rest, we will do what strength, skill and lore may allow.
"I don't mean to be rude, but can someone who understands what our new companion is saying please translate for those of us who don't?"
"Kind of the usual for us, isn't it? Opposing a force that's stronger than us in aggregate but not individually, so we have to bring overwhelming force to bear on a single point and break the whole thing. Not to mention that's it's more undead and evil spellcasters, which are kind of our specialty."
Mulligan smiles and fills in the dwarves with the general meaning of what Luzi Mati said.
Rorimac responds to Luzi Mati, "I'm looking forward to working with you and perhaps swapping some ideas of travelling through marshes and dealing with Orcs."
Luzi, "Marshes I know, especially these, fighting orcs I do not. I've heard they are some twisted creation of the dark lord. Half Man and half beast from whom the soul has been ripped and given to only the basest emotions. Is this true?"
"There are many legends about the creation of orcs, and from whence they came, but all the legends agree on one thing -- that it was the Dark Lord who caused them to become what they are."
Thoroncir bows to Luzi, introduces himself and says, "Welcome, friend. We are grateful for your help, and I'm sure we will come to rely upon your scouting and tracking skills. Do you have particular preferences or habits of which we should be aware? And is there anything you would like to know about our band?"
There is one last minute change. Luzi is worried about spies, she instead hires an old friend to transport the Party and herself and their mounts to slightly different landing location. She has the party turned invisible by Telemun and leads them over at 4am. Telemun also casts and Infravision spell for Rorimac and he will be good for the next 4½ days.
And so the party boards a sturdy looking trade galley. The horses remain on the deck but a glamour is cast over the boat to look like a load of trade goods of low value. The horse connoisseurs of the party note that she rides a gray mare with very nice lines. She should be a fast runner with good endurance.
The trip itself in uneventful. They arrive on shore by 10am and mount up without issue. They are now just east of the river on the North Side of Suza Sumar. Luzi knows some trails that lead along the river and the woods to the first goal. She will shortly share a map of the known targets but part of what we need to do if find leads to the other lairs.
Next adventure thread: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...t-the-Cultists