Ceol will stay, also helping to tend to the wounded, unless he is needed in the mount-retrieval team.
As his vows keep him from accumulating much in the way of treasure, he will gladly donate much of his share of the loot to helping the locals.
Ceol will stay, also helping to tend to the wounded, unless he is needed in the mount-retrieval team.
As his vows keep him from accumulating much in the way of treasure, he will gladly donate much of his share of the loot to helping the locals.
Bitur will help retrieve the horses as well. And he's fine with the division of gold.
Aside to Sir Thoroncir: "You are in command for the present - a Knight of Gondor should be given responsibility commensurate with his talents, and all the more for one who stands well with the King."
Those retrieving the horses have little difficulties with plenty of scouts to lead the way out of the swamp. The fort is well subdued and those injured are well on the way to healing by the time the party returns. Every member of the party leaves the fort a 1000 gp richer. The Mask was successfully destroyed by Deor.
The party begins the journey to the second fort. This is listed as 1 on the map. From what I know and what we learned from some of the ex-guards, the next fort is a strong stone fort standing 40' tall and a 60' square with 10' walls on the north side of a low hill. It probably has some underground passages and perhaps many.
Luzi leads the dangerous party out of the swamp and to a safe camp site back in the woods.
Thoroncir takes Gil-Gandel aside and asks, "My friend and Elf-captain, did you mean to relinquish your command and have me lead the entire party until you decide to resume authority, or to take command of just that portion of our party recovering the horses until we return?"
Mulligan and Rorimac start trying to work out the best way to get into a stone fort while staying invisible in an area that seems to really dislike invisibility.
The party sets out for the fort. They make good time and happily have a small escort for the dangerous prisoners back down to Raj in the form of Guards led by Gonung and his brother. Gonung wishes you luck and thanks you for his freedom. He warns you, the fort your headed for is rumored to have a dread guardian of elemental fire though perhaps your wizard can deal with that problem.
How does the party plan to break into a solid stone tower fort?
Captain Sir Thoroncir will be glad to be corrected, but takes it from the otherwise recently uncommunicative Gil-Gandel's remarks that the Sea-knight is, at least for the moment, to lead the party now. Accordingly, we will advance in our usual careful order. Our magic users will, on the way, kindly brush up on spells that might be useful against a fiery foe, and our treasure-finders will prepare for invisible scouting upon our arrival at the tower fort. Any other suggestions are, as ever, welcomed.
"Well given the amount of paranoia in this area, I would guess most of the methods will be pretty ineffective for anything involving magic. Skills unknown to them would stand a better chance."
Mulligan ponders the fort in the distance.
"Initial thoughts, brief scouting overhead from a great height by Drindoleth to espy what may be in the fort. It would be good to get an idea of what is inside. As it's standing on a base with tunnels and secret entrances, I would suggest we look for them to being with. Either detecting such magic as is used to hide them, or watching the dwarves find them with keen insight. It might be worth me trying to get over the walls invisibly, but I don't think that will work any better than it did in the last town."
"I'd be willing to aid with the search for secret tunnels or entrances, but seeing as forts rely on few ways in and out so that enemies are forced into choke points, I don't expect us to find any. That said, if they were silly enough to make one, all the better for us. Just don't expect it to be free of resistance."
As the party gets closer they see at a great distance the tower fort.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...rFort40x60.jpg
A flyover by Drindoleth reveals the tower is roofed over but the roof is actually large wooden beams. The tower itself is stone but not of the greatest construction as the Dwarves report even from this distance.
Do we have a sense for the number of guards / soldiers stationed at this fort? Is it comparable in manpower to the last one?
Less guards and more mystery.
Could Drindoleth or an invisible flying hobbit peek through some windows with a fair chance of not being detected?
"It's a shame we didn't bring a catapult with us. Hold on the flying for the moment, we can move invisibly up there and hopefully Mulligan can see any magic before it sees us." Rorimac starts looking for the best way to go up the hill. "We might want to also find somewhere close by, we can leave the horse safely before the ensuing conflict."
Mulligan puts her glasses on and looks up "We will be back soon, hopefully without incident and with information."
"Be safe, my friends." Ceol gives Rorimac and Mulligan a brief blessing of Eonwë before they depart.
It is around 11am on a nicely sunny day.
Mulligan Finds the entire tower radiates a protective magic and a detection magic.
Rorimac discovers that the hill is pretty easy to go up and the better mounts could easily charge up the hill if desired.
How far off the ground are the lowest windows? If the picture is an accurate depiction, and that's a door centered on the left (sunlit) face at ground level, the windows would be oversized but well over our heads, even if mounted. Is that right?
"Ok, so although we could charge up the to the tower, they could probably sit behind the walls and have that fire beast attack, leaving them free to mop up what's left. But we do know where the magic detection and protection starts. Although it appears heavy." Mulligan reports back.
"It might be worth having look round to see what other tracks there are in the grounds, see if I can find a different entrance." says Rorimac, "Otherwise, some of you get to charge up to the tower, make a lot of noise and retreat, pulling the cultists out so the rest of us can slip in and cause trouble."
The windows start about 11' up.
The windows also narrow in from the outside to allow defense but a wide arc of fire.
The protections start at the wall and detections 10' out.
Gilraen recalls, "Dear Ghan-Buri-Ghan explained how Druids are quite fireproof against anything but huge dragons. Perhaps Drindoleth would be willing to be a major part of the distraction."
The tracks all lead to the doors.
"Umm, how do you stop a dread guardian of fire?", asks Mulligan, "is there anything actually there to damage?"
"Perhaps there is some magical means of quenching its fire?" Thoroncir says. "Dwarves tend to be resistant to fire, as well. Perhaps Ceol, Bitur and I can appear at the front door and challenge the castle's master to come out, or at least draw their attention, while Drindoleth and Mulligan land on the roof and see what sort of defenses the foe has there. We need not necessarily fight our way from the ground up as with our past attacks on towers of this sort."
"I'll do what I can to help defend us from this. My usual approach of using fire as an act of aggression will probably be rather ineffective, but I may be able to dispell, deflect, or otherwise neutralize some of what is brought against us. I'll prepare with that in mind."
1: Comprehend Languages, Identify, Detect Magic, Feather Fall
2: Web, Knock, Detect Invisibility
3: Fireball, Fly, Invisibility 10' Radius
4: Ice Storm, Wall of Fire
5: Wall of Force
"So, the direct approach then. I guess challenging them is probably better than going and asking for help and seeing if we could sucker some of them outside. If anyone can protect against their arrows, it might be a good idea to do that before you go up and say hello."
Gilraen wonders if the Druid has any spells that might help?
I doubt that any fire creature would want to be caught in an ice storm, and my lore suggests that any creature animate enough to move about of its own volition may well be susceptible to weapons of great workmanship and dweomercraft. I also know the druidic secret of protecting myself from fire, although one of Deor's best fireballs would singe me (and erode my defence until I had time to prepare it afresh).
Welcome back, Malacandra! See post 422, and issue any new orders you wish.
No new orders from me - Gil-Gandel is giving Thoroncir a turn at the reins and has no intention of undermining his authority.
The Sea-knight captain clenches his jaw and says, "Right, then. Unless our magic users would like to rest for the night in order to have new spells on the morrow, Ceol, Bitur and I will advance to the front door and challenge the castle's master to come out, or at least draw their attention, while Drindoleth and Mulligan land on the roof and see what sort of defenses our foes have there. Deor may also fly up and lift someone along with him. If those above can exploit the situation to the party's advantage, they should do so. Those remaining on the ground should be prepared to rush forward if Ceol, Bitur and I are able to gain entry to the tower below. Any other thoughts or suggestions, my friends?"
"Hmm, I wonder if Drindoleth can carry me up there without requiring a Fly spell, then Deor could use it on another. Otherwise, I'm ready."
"I'll be close by hidden to snipe at anything else other than giant fire creatures." says Rorimac
Ceol nods in agreement at Thoroncir's plan. "It does seem as though most of our foes have been ready for a direct assault, but our less-than-direct allies should be able to catch them by surprise."
"So I'm to be bait, eh?"
*Pulls out his axe and shield.*
"Works for me. Let's go."
You will have a skilled archer to cover your back, never fear. almost imperceptibly nods approval to Sir Thoroncir
Ceol gives Bitur a wry smile. "Fear not, friend Bitur...if bait we be, we shall give the fish tremendous indigestion all on our own."
"Don't misunderstand, I do not fear our enemy. If anything, they should fear us. I'd actually feel sorry for them with what's coming if I thought they had any humanity left."
I'm still not sure what the plan is and maybe someone should nudge the Druid.
See post 429.
:: nudges the Druid ::
The Druid responds. "Flying Mulligan and myself to the roof to check defenses seems a good plan to me." Can Drindoleth handle Mulligan's weight without a Fly spell as suggested, or will one be necessary first? In either case, Drindoleth is prepared to change to the Eagle and begin.
Soooo, are we taking this place apart or what?
Thoroncir's plan seems quite suitable to me.
Agreed. And as mentioned, if we find ourselves in trouble with a fire-creature, I can hold it for a short while.
Gwaelur offers to join the the distraction party.
The rest stand ready as the 4 approach the door. Thoroncir, Gwaelur, Bitur & Ceol walk forward.
Gwaelur has some excellent resistance to fire from his helm and quaffs his Fire Resistance potion.
Bitur looks like and armored tank.
Thoroncir & Ceol are taller and look like good targets.
Three arrows fly down are each of the men. Thoroncir is hit once for 5 points and Ceol 3 times for 16 points
Then a fireball engulfs the 4. It does horrendous damage to them, searing their flesh and ruining some of their equipment. Ceol takes another 32 points for 48 total. Ceol also has his pouch damaged and will eventually find he lost a Super Hero potion.
Thoroncir fails an takes 64 for 69 of 84. He is fortunate that most of his equipment survives though his large +4 shield warps and breaks.
Bitur's dragon helm means he takes only 16 points of damage and all of his Dwarven made equipment is unaffected.
Gwaelur is wearing Rilthol and has fire resistance and takes the least. Only 8 point of damage.
They see a fiery creature in the doorway of the tower only 90' away. What does the party do?
Meanwhile Drinoleth lands Mulligan on the roof. The roof is empty and there is an obvious wooden hatch 3'x5' in the roof.
I am assuming things like strong bows and arrows were not carried towards the tower by the men.
Cursing himself for being so slow, Deor will prepare to try to counterspell any further Fireballs. He only hopes he isn't already too late...
What does the fiery creature look like, more specifically? he asked through cracked and blackened lips.
The creature looks like a 10' manlike creature on fire.
"They probably know we are here already, although hopefully they will be concetrating on the others down below. I really hope they have the sense to get out of there after that blast. Oh and you might want one of these" Mulligan hands a vial to Drindoleth. "It will allow you to see clearly through the smoke clouds I'm going to be using if I need to." Then she puts her specs on to check the trap door for magic and traps.
At the base of the tower, Rorimac will be looking for where the arrows and fireball came from in the tower to see if he can mark any of those inside.
Mulligan sees the door radiates the same magic as the tower but has no traps.
Rorimac sees an archer getting ready to fire from every front window. He sees it would hard to hit them. Also he sees Thoroncir looks terrible.
Drindoleth will return to his Man form once they're on the roof, as that will be a more useful form for now, and accepts the vial from Mulligan.
If my keen Elf-eyes spot movement near the arrow-slits, I will aim a song of fear at this side of the tower. At a rough guess it looks as though I can just hit all six arrow-slits and if this is so I will apply the "Opponents save at -2" enhancement, but if I guess it is necessary to opt for the "Increased area" enhancement I'll do that instead.
But if I've not glimpsed the archers, I'll loose off some of the dwarven +3 arrows at the fire-creature: they have excellent item saving throws and may be enchanted enough to hurt it (they would be more than enough for a fire elemental).
Throroncir rasps, "I fear I must withdraw, my friends; come back with me, or press on, as you see fit. I'm sorry." He will stagger back out of harm's way as best he can.
Ceol is not quite as badly injured as his fellow knight, but is seriously burned, all the same. He staggers backwards, grunting in pain. When he sees how badly wounded Sir Thoroncir is, he instinctively moves in the Sea-Knight's direction, and uses the blessings of Eonwë to heal his friend (lay on hands).
"Hmm, looks like the protection detection wards are on the trapdoor, although we have probably tripped any detections by now. Let's get it open and see what we have." Mulligan will open the trap door.
"Oh and out of curiosity, perhaps you can answer this Drindoleth. The Fire beast, would there be something being used by the cultists here to control it?"
Given that they are likely to need some healing potions and that the tower is likely to be protected, Rorimac will head across invisibly to leand some aid to Ceol and Thoroncir.
Thoroncir, staggering back to (relative) safety, would appreciate any assistance that is offered. He's hurting.
Ceol has healed his friend 12 points and now he is down 57 and in terrible pain. Gilraen is rushing forward to her beloved. She beats Rorimac to the pair.
Gilraen will be casting a Cure Serious shortly as Rorimac offers what potion to Ceol?
Drindoleth does think it is likely the cultist have some item or spell to control the fire beast.
Gil-Gandel sings a song that makes a panic rise in the archers and 3 of them flee in fear dropping their bows as 2 more just shiver in horror. One is ready to fire though unless someone does something to stop them.
Meanwhile what are the Dwarves doing?
Bitur quaffs a potion of Superheroism and says to his gravely injured companions:
"Go! You are of little use to us this injured, and there is no glory to be gained in staying here to die. Gwaelur and I will hold to at least give you time to escape."
With that being said, he nods at Gwaelur and attacks the foe with even more determination than before.
Rorimac will use his extra healing potions curing 3d8+3 offering them to both Ceol and Thoroncir as they are going to need it.
Mulligan will open the trapdoor in the roof.
"Yes, I believe the cultists quite likely have a spell or item to control the Fire Beast," Drindoleth agrees.
Ithilneth puts a Protection from Evil 10-ft Radius on Bitur, and then sends as many of her best arrows into the fire spirit as she can.
Ceol will drink the potion given to him by Rorimac. "Thank you, my friend."
He will then look for a defensible position.
Gwaelur, who has been uncharacteristically quiet recently, continues his silence. He nods to Bitur, glowers and with a grunt rushes forward to the attack.Quote:
Originally posted by Hoopy Frood
That last archer can have a Stunning Discord all to himself he has to be 6th level to get a save; fail or N/A and he's KOd for 2-8 rounds if he's 7th level or lower. Then the fire beast gets the arrows as noted before.
Gilraen cures Thoroncir 42 points as she leads the men away from the battle. He is only down 15 now. He drinks the potion from Rorimac and is full.
Ceol quaffs the proffered potion and heals 18 points. He is down 30 now.
The Dwarves charge forth, Bitur benefiting from his potion having him act at 11th level with 39 extra hit points. They cross the distance at a charge just after the Protection from Evil 10-ft Radius goes up on Bitur. Their axes chop deep into the flames as their shield stop the flaming blows. It reels from the unexpected blows. Bitur takes 2 more points for 18 total now.
Ithilneth sends 6 +3 arrows toward the fiery foe. She hits 6 times. By the end of the round the Dwarves hit again and the creature as taken a lot of damage and is backing off.
Gil-Gandel uses Stunning Discord to finish off the archers. He drops instantly.
Mulligan can use a hand opening the door as it is very heavy but with Drindoleth's help it is no problem. Looking into the top floor a steep wood stairs lead down and startled looking lady looks up at the sudden addition of light. She is dressed in silken robes of purple and green and appears to be in her 20s with long dark hair. At her waist is a sharp thin knife. She is chanting over a Pentagram and a fiery brazier.
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Gilraen calls Ceol over to cure him. By the end of the round he will be full.
As the Dwarves drive the foe into the tower, Sala slips in avoid the flames. He sees a man in black robes and makes short work of him with blades moving nearly to fast to see.
Rorimac espies a man just beyond the battle in the doorway appearing to be ready to cast. Deor also sees him. Ithilneth moves up and sends more arrows streaming into the foe. The axes of the Dwarves seem to be causing the creature great anguish.
Thoroncir takes a round to clear his head but he is ready by the end to return to battle.
What do Mulligan and Drindoleth do?
Thoroncir gives Gilraen a quick kiss of thanks and love, draws his longsword and returns to the fray, in full support of the Dwarves. He is now of course without a shield, and knows his armor and accoutrements will need more work later.
Ceol bows to Gilraen. "Thank you, milady. Your skills in the healing arts are a true blessing to us."
He then averts his gaze when Thoroncir kisses Gilraen, then draws his swords as he accompanies Thoroncir back to the melee.
"We have a score to settle with these evil ones, Sir Knight. Let us hope that our friends have left us one or two." He flashes a brief grin to his friend.
Deor will entangle the enemy mage with a Web.
This is why Mulligan handed Drindoleth a vial. She throws one of her smoke bombs into the enclosed room, hopefully before the woman has a chance to react and then leans back out of the way to swig down the vial which lets her see through the smoke. Next turn, she will be down there with a drawn dagger to cause havoc and stop her spell casting.
Admittedly the woman may have stopped spellcasting due to the coughing fit she is about to have.
Rorimac fires at the mage through the door with his bow, knowing full well that he is likely protected somehow.
Drindoleth downs the vial he'd been handed and moves in behind Mulligan. Since the hobbit has already drawn a dagger, he'll focus his attention on the brazier to see if he can determine what sort of spell-casting was being done. Does it feel evil? Does it seem likely to be controlling the Fire Beast?
Thoroncir says, "Judging by the size of this tower, and the fiery reception we had upon our arrival, I suspect there will be no lack of foes to meet our blades, brave Ceol."
"Thanks to your lady's skill, we are both ready to resume the fight. Let us meet these foes with honor and bravery, and let them be very certain that the sons of Gondor and Rohan cannot be so easily deterred."
Thoroncir bows. "I could not have said it any better than that, my friend. Come, then, and let us do deeds about which songs may long be sung!"
Rorimac's arrow flies and shockingly the magical +4 arrow hits the caster solidly. Then he is engulfed in the Webs of Deor's spell.
The Dwarven Axes chop into the main foe as arrows for Gil-Gandel & Ithilneth pour into it. The Dwarves both find themselves giving the ancient war cry of their people, "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" or as Gil-Gandel at least knows is "The axes of the dwarves! The dwarves are upon you!" The beast falls with Bitur taking another 2 points of damage. But this is off his magical bonus from the potion.
Sala is engaging a half armored foe and winning but gives cry, "To me warriors, to me, I hear the foes coming quickly."
Thoroncir and Ceol charge into the tower to lend aid.
The Druid is sure the caster is using a spell to control the element of fire. Something he himself should be able to do eventually.
Mulligan slips in behind her and stabs her doing 28 points of damage. She falls forward but is still breathing from what Mulligan can see.
Does Drindoleth feel confident it should be safe to physically interrupt the elements of this spell? Does he think that dismantling the elements of it might end the spell itself? If so, he would do so.
Drindoleth suspects disrupting the spell will release the elemental but it could either continue to fight, turn on those that summoned it or cause it to leave swiftly.
If there are no targets, I will follow Thoroncir and Ceol to see what is troubling Sala.
"Given the amount of protection on this place, I was thinking I would have to dodge it on the way back." Rorimac grins and goes up to make sure the mage is no longer a threat to the rest of the group.
Mulligan has a brief look around the room through the smoke to make sure they are undisturbed, then proceeds to subdue and tie up the mage. If she struggles, point out to her how very dead she will be if she continues to struggle.
Drindoleth weighs his options carefully, then decides to disrupt the spell.
Hearing Sala's cry, Bitur addresses Gwaelur:
"Hurry old friend! Further glory awaits!"
Bitur runs to Sala's aid.
Sala is standing at the bottom of a broad staircase leading up. Armored men are rushing down. The Dwarves start to head that way and then see the flames of torches coming up from stairs leading below ground. They head that direction to hold the stairs.
Thoroncir and Ceol followed by Gil-Gandel are swiftly inside. They head for Sala and go to either side. Gil-Gandel has time to bow or spell.
Rorimac sees the mage is trying to free himself from the magic webs.
Drindoleth disturbs the brazier and rubs out part of the pentagram. Nothing bad happens to Drindoleth.
Mulligan quickly ties up the caster and then sets about making sure the knots will hold.
Luzi Mati, the scout, shouts to Deor and Ithilneth, "We're safer inside then outside now."
Sir Thoroncir, who feels good despite his armor still being more than a little crisped around the edges, looks about alertly. He will charge with his longsword any foe who crosses his path.
"We are here, friend Sala! For Eonwë! For Rohan!" Ceol's swords are ready, as he stands with Sala and Thoroncir at the foot of the stairs.
Rorimac looks at the struggling mage wondering if he could be understood. Unfortunately, getting too close to the Webs would be counterproductive. If Luzi Mati does come past ask her to tell the mage to stop struggling.
Once Mulligan has finished securing her prisoner, she will look around to see what exits there are and what trouble may be coming this way.
If there is a group of foes suitable for another Stunning Discord, Gil-Gandel will treat them to one, but if enemies pop up one or two at a time then archery will do very well.
"...well, hopefully that didn't make anything worse," muses Drindoleth. The Druid will follow Mulligan's lead in seeking out exits.
Mulligan and Drindoleth spot the door out of the room. It is of heavy wood planks and iron and barred and locked from their side. Apparently the sorceress was not to be disturbed.
Gil-Gandel looks at the men coming down and decides to send some arrows into them. Ceol, Thoroncir & Sala are ready for the rush. The first two down are well armored in banded mail of fine quality. Sala is thankful they have only caps and not full helms. He lets Ceol and Thoroncir take the brunt of the attack with their heavy armor. On a charge, a spear is blocked by Thoroncir and a Hand & a Half sword glances off of Ceol's chain mail.
Thoroncir strikes true with Arcirist and does 16 points. This is the man that Gil-Gandel already put a +3 arrow into for 13. Thoroncir then hits a second time as a second arrow strike this foe. He is trying to block Thoroncir with his spear. Gil-Gandel misses once but his last arrows strike through the opponents shoulder. 69 points down. He looks pained.
Ceol hits with both weapons on his off-balanced foe. He does 31 damage. Sala strikes with his rapier and cuts the man cheek. Ceol hits again with his Long Sword and Sala strikes twice more. The man drops, probably dead.
The Dwarves form a shield wall to stop those coming up. They are surprised to see the ones coming up appear to be Orcs. The first 4 Orcs up the stairs are cleaved, bashed, chopped and spiked to death swiftly and the rest seem to be in no hurry to come up against this pair.
Luzi relays Rorimac's message but the man does not stop struggling.
Ithilneth, Deor and Gilraen are inside.
Ducking inside, Deor brandishes his wand and prepares to flame anyone necessary.
"Well done, my friends!" Thoroncir says. "I suggest, O Elf-captain, now that our entire party is inside, that we have a contingent hold this entryway, while the rest of us go below and clean out that nest of orcs. Then we may all ascend the stairs and meet up with our friends above."
There are more men coming down the stairs.
"Deor, how long will those webs last for?" shouts Rorimac and to Luzi Mati, "Stay here, guard him. If he starts coming free, then restrain him if you can, kill him if you can't. If you need a hand, yell." He notches an arrow to his bow and goes to support the others.
~~~
"Time to leave, Drindoleth and see what more havoc we can cause from behind. Oh, I don't like leaving live enemies behind me, and as the others disapprove of wanton killing, I guess we had better take her with us. Think you can carry her down?"
If the door is not wizard locked or have other magic on it, Mulligan will unbar and unlock it. Chances are the sorceress has a key on her. Then it will be quietly move down the stairs and deal with any in the next floor down, if there are any.
Ah, thanks. I thought it was just two from above, and the orcs below.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Thoroncir will stand and fight all comers.
Assuming there isn't anything to prevent him from doing so, Drindoleth will pick up the sorceress and follow Mulligan once they have an open passage.
After Mulligan relieves her of her keys, Drinoleth throws the sorceress over his shoulder and follows Mulligan. They proceed out the door and Mulligan carefully looks around. She hears some commotion from the floor below and sees the stairs heading down. She also sees 2 stunned archers laid out on the floor near the front arrows ports.
Deor does not answer Rorimac's question but stands ready to support the Dwarves.
The orcs are not willing to advance until a scream of agony is heard from below and then they surge forth all at once. It must be at least 10 foes. They are greeted with killing flames from Deor's wand. The first 4 run in 13 points of fire damage. Two of them drop and the Dwarves quickly finish off the other pair and halt the rush killing 2 more. The orcs keep coming pulling their fallen out of the way. One gets a lucky spear thrust into Gwaelur for 7 points of damage but the poison on it fails against Gwaelur's constitution. Exceptional even among Dwarves. Gwaelur strikes back with his axe and drives him backwards and dead with his shield. Bitur injured his foe. A large orc who cannot cleave the Dwarven plate. The last 2 orcs are short work for Rorimac, the Hobbit Ranger's +4 arrows.
Two more men are coming down towards the Ceol & Thoroncir. Before they reach the arrows of Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth each hit these fresh foes. Thoroncir and Ceol are a bit harder pressed. This pair is more highly skilled and the one on Ceol has what is probably a magic Long Sword. Ceol is struck soundly for 16 points but gives back a strike with both Long & Short. They are both pained.
Thoroncir is missed and strikes a mighty blow with Arcirist doing 44 points with a blow to the man's neck. Another arrow for Gil-Gandel hits him and he falls dead. Ceol is hit again (29 total) but hits again with his Long followed by an arrow from Ithilneth and a strike by Thoroncir and Sala. The man dies.
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The Dwarves are left without foes.
Thoroncir and Ceol hear some shouting above them. Then oil comes pouring down the stairs in a fair large quantity.
Deor can use a Wall of Force to hold the oil back and keep the oil down here separate from the oil above if the enemies above fire it.
Ceol, who had been preparing to back away from the oil, nods to Deor. "Good thought, my cousin. I'd rather not be lit aflame twice in an hour." He then takes a moment to catch his breath, and thanks Eonwë for his blessings.
Thoroncir flinches for just a moment as the oil comes down, but then, impressed, says, "Many thanks, Deor! Can you divert or throw the oil off to one side?"
If Ceol cannot heal himself, the Sea-knight suggests he step back from the line of battle for Gilraen to attend to his wounds.
Thoroncir wonders if an orc-serjeant or chieftain spurred the reluctant orcs to attack. Can any more foes be seen below?
Mulligan will tie and gag the two downed archers, while gesturing at Drindoleth to watch the stairs down in case of company. They are probably a little less dangerous than the sorceress we are carrying around.
Eyes and ears open for any fresh developments...
To Gwaelur:
"I think we should aid our friends on the upper side of the stairs."
*Starts walking backwards up the stairs, keeping an eye out for any more surprises from the lower levels.
Drindoleth will move to watch down the stairs while Mulligan ties up the archers. He'll move down a bit, cautiously, to see if he can get a view or better idea of what's going on below.
The Wall of Force blocks the oil and shortly after the flames that followed it. Going up is blocked for a bit, Deor can say at least 19 rounds.
Drindoleth hears some shouts from below. No one is coming up though, the shouts seem to moving further away.
"Those upstairs are going to be choked pretty badly by the smoke and heat coming upwards at them from this burning oil. If we can capitalize on that, we should be in great shape."
Shall we go down for the moment, then, and clean out the basement?
Once the archers have been restrained, Mulligan will move to join Drindoleth and head down the stairs to find out what is going on. Invisibly, of course.
~~~~
Rorimac will volunteer to head down the stairs first, and see what is below.
"I heard some shouting, but it sounded as if they were moving away," Drindoleth explains to Mulligan, before continuing down the stairs cautiously.
"It does look as though the stairs leading up will be impassible for our opponents for the time being. Let us deal with those below."
So Rorimac starts down ahead of the pair of Dwarves.
Who is next after these 3?
Rori is silent in his boots & invisible in his cloak. As he nears the bottom of the stairs Kkosalbane suddenly detects undead. He then sees a skeletal looking figure that must somehow still be human. He is dressed oddly in a light blue tunic and green pants. He appears to be casting as Rorimac sees him.
Mulligan & Drindoleth head down and find stairs continuing down and doors leading to the outer halls and a door leading to the interior. Voices can be heard below.
"Mind the stairs down Drindoleth, while I check the door and see if anyone is in there." Mulligan goes to listen at the door, although she is expecting it to be quiet.
~~~
Rorimac looks across and immediately thinks, this is one for Gilraen. He will hurry back and inform the dwarves of what he has found before they stumble into what could possibly be a trap.
Thoroncir is right behind Rorimac and the Dwarves, longsword in hand, ready for anything.
Thoroncir is in charge, he should order the others into a swift marching order.
"Where would you like us, Sir Thoroncir?".
The young Sea-knight captain hesitates for a moment. "Let us wait for just a moment for Rorimac to return, my friends, to see what tidings he brings us. Then, as we go downstairs:
Gwaelur and Bitur
Thoroncir and Ceol
Gil-Gandel
Deor and Gilraen
Sala and Luzi Mati
Ithilneth
If the passage becomes too narrow, the second individual in each line will drop behind the first. Unless there are any other suggestions?"
He wonders how Drindoleth and Mulligan are getting on, and hopes they are well.
Drindoleth guards the stairs and keeps hold of the sorceress, listening and watching for anyone's approach while Mulligan investigates.
Mulligan hears nothing at the door and when she drops down the steps she sees no foes but begins to smell smoke, oily smoke at that. The voices below sounded agitated now.
The sorceress looks fearful. She is mumbling trying to communicate through the gag.
The party descends down.
Gwaelur Bitur
Thoroncir Ceol
Gil-Gandel
Deor Gilraen
Sala Luzi Mati
Ithilneth
The Dwarves see the horrible visage of the skeletal figure dressed in a light blue tunic and green pants. He has clearly completed his casting as dozens of shadows are now moving to attack the Dwarves. Gilraen holds aloft her bauble and says, "A Elbereth Gilthoniel o menel palan-diriel, le nallon sí di-nguruthos! A tiro nin, Fanuilos!" The Bauble flares with light of the morning star and the Shadows shriek in pain and fear but not all are destroyed and the figure has conjured up a darkness that protects himself and many of the Shadows.
Gwaelur urges Bitur, "Let's charge this grim figure and let the Axes of the Dwarves do their work." He charges forth and has Rilthol blast light out doing 6d6 damage to undead in 30’r. The Caster brings his arm up, disbelieving the assault of light through even his own spell and suffering some damage from it as does his remaining shadows.
I'll join you in a bit old friend. One thing I have to do first.
*Bitur pulls out Liquid Light and puts a dose of it on his axe, and then starts hacking through the shadows.
Thoroncir will make for the skeletal figure, if there's room, and attack with his longsword. Elendil! His heart soars as he feels the glow of his true love's enchanted bauble.
Ceol will hold his longsword upright in front of himself, channeling the power granted to him by Eonwë, in hopes of turning undead against these foes, before following Thoroncir to face the skeletal figure.
Deor draws his Wand from his sleeve with a slashing motion, ready to send a gout of flames at any shadow that ventures within his range. He'll hold off on casting standard spells unless it looks like the party can't handle this without, as he's low on spells for the day.
Aah, Shadows, this should be good, thinks Rorimac.
With a loud shout surprising for one so small, "BELETHIL", as he turns the light from his ring up to max.
He then will wade in using both swords.
~~~~
Mulligan sniffs the air and looks at Drindoleth. "Please tell me they didn't set light to the tower? It may be stone outside, but it's also wood inside. Not to mention having the sorceress who was probably supposed to control it over your shoulder."
She thinks for a moment. "Crap, I think we are going to need another way out of here"
Looking at the sorceress, "No, I don't understand what you are saying, but I think its time to get out of here."
"I think all the windows are arrow slits aren't they? I could probably get through but I'm not sure about you. Not to mention her and those archers upstairs, and no, I'm not leaving them behind either seeing as they can't move anywhere."
"Depending, I might be able to escape in my eagle form but, no, the sorceress and the archers wouldn't make it." Drindoleth considers that, then looks to their gagged prisoner, since she's trying to speak. "Do you have something to say that might save lives?"
Ceol successfully causes 6 of the Shadows to cluster very close around the caster and his darkness.
Gwaelur and Thoroncir are upon the caster as Bitur beats several Shadows to oblivion. The Liquid Light from Linwen allows his axe to chop straight through the injured Shadows. Rorimac's finger is glowing nearly as brightly as Gilraen's Bauble as his swords clear more Shadows from the duo's path. Gwaelur's Axe & Shield with Arcirist glowing green in Thoroncir's hand rise and fall and beofre a minute has passed the caster has fallen, dead, onto the ground.
Deor sends flames blasting from his wand at a stray Shadow. It turns and runs looking very ragged.
Gil-Gandel and Ithilneth see their arrows do nothing to the Shadows. This is new to both of them.
Sala sees how effective the Liquid Light is and prepares to apply it to his Rapier. Luzi is unsure what to do but shocked the undead are the ones in fear.
Upstairs the Sorceress looks uncomprehending on Drindoleth's statement.
Mulligan hears the sound of someone in heavy armor running up the stairs towards them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Gilraen again Commands the Shadows to go back beyond this world and activates her Silver Belt so she glows like one of the Elves of the Light as her Bauble glows unopposed by the evil caster's darkness and 24 Shadows simply cease to exist. It leave but 9 shadows and they are fleeing. Sala decides not to use the Liquid Light.
Thoroncir is filled with love for Gilraen as, aglow with beauty and a holy grace, she puts these malign beings to flight. If he can pursue and cut down any of the fleeing shadows, he will.
Meanwhile, what of this clanking armoured person?
That's up where Mulligan and Drindoleth are. We wouldn't know about that.
And my reading comprehension used to be so good, too.
I just put it down to Gil-Gandel's excellent hearing :p
So are the shadows allowed to flee or is anyone attacking them?
What are Mulligan and Drindoleth doing?
Bitur aids Thoroncir in cutting down the fleeing shadows.
Rorimac lends his aid in getting rid of the remaining shadows.
~~~
Mulligan considers the options. "Let's not get trapped between two groups shall we. We should head back for the roof. I may have enough rope to go over the side and down to the ground if needs be. And we can lock the door behind us."
It is short work to destroy 6 more shadows as 3 escape down a dark hall. Mulligan & Drindoleth head for the roof with the Sorceress carried. Leaving those archers for their own men to worry about.(?)
Does the party regroup or forge ahead?
"Agreed." Drindoleth will start backtracking up the stairs towards the roof.
I'd say let's turn around and ascend the stairs, if the aftereffects of the burning oil have cleared by now.
It is a matter of moments to ensure that the door to the tied up archers is opened so they are visible, while we retreat to the top of the tower and lock the top door firmly behind us. It will give us some more time as any pursuers will stop to find out what has happened.
Then from the roof we can look down and see if the tower is on fire and if we can get down by rope, or in Drindoleth's case, fly down.
A look upstairs show that the defenders' plans have backfired, quite literally. The room above is engulfed in flames and black smoke. The Wall of Force is doing its job, though one burnt defender lies dead or unconscious at the base of the stairs.
Gilraen says, "can we not drop the wall and see if that poor man can be saved?"
Way upstairs, Mulligan and Drindoleth are back on the roof. Mulligan sees smoke pouring out a few windows on the side of the tower.
Ceol nods to Gilraen. "If he can be saved, I agree, we should do so. Compassion to one's fallen foes is a virtue."
"By all means," Thoroncir says, "let us drop the magical wall if we safely can. Then let us press forward in our usual marching order, with Gilraen pausing to heal the man under guard from Sala and Luzi Mati, while the rest of us continue upstairs to slay or capture any other foes in this tower, and with luck then link up with Mulligan and Drindoleth."
"It's burning badly and unless we have some way to put it out through water or wind, it's going to spread up the tower and Mulligan and Drindoleth are likely still up there." Rorimac stops and looks around, "This is probably a dumb question, but was anyone guarding the mage by the gate and will those Webs have worn off by now?"
~~~
"It's burning badly and unless you have anything that can put out a fire Drindoleth, it's time to go. I'm betting anyone else alive will be up here soon even if they have to knock the door down."
Mulligan fastens a rope around one of the crenellations and then fastens it around the waist of the sorceress. "We can lower her down first, then you fly and I'll go down the rope. I hope the others are around somewhere."
I have a hithlain rope if we need a second way down. As Ghan-buri-ghan might have put it, "no matter what the cause of a quarrel, if you are indoors and a fire breaks out, you should drop the quarrel at least in the short term and concentrate on getting out safely instead, as a house fire is likely to burn winner and loser alike, which is hardly something the wise man would want to happen".
The fire continues to burn on the other side of the Wall of Force. The man is probably nearly beyond hope now.
Those on the roof start their descent.
(Can someone page Appleciders please)
"Mulligan; Drindoleth", shouts Rorimac up the stairs wondering if they can hear him.
~~~
Mulligan starts to lower the sorceress down the building. The sounds of panic on the stairs and the crackling fire filling her ears and trying to waver her concentration.
Thoroncir will also shout in hopes that Mulligan and Drindoleth are within earshot.
Drindoleth helps lower the sorceress down. If nothing further interrupts them, he'll then change to the Eagle for the final time this day.
Is there any chance he might hear the shouts of the rest of the party before changing? Or after, for that matter?
Perhaps Glinras might be heard at this distance, at least to get their attention?
"I've got Feather Fall prepared, and it's no great hassle to cast. I can send as many as four of us down very easily."
"Deor, we are down here at the bottom of the stairs, Mulligan and Drindoleth are up there", says Rorimac, "Give me some cover" He starts to rise up using his Boots of Levitation.
Gilraen runs out to Deor, "Please drop your wall, the tower is on fire and that one man at the bottom has just expired from the fire and smoke."
Drinoleth does indeed hear the voices from below that are outside the tower.
I will lower any who need it - fire will not harm me for a while as I still have 84 points of immunity even if the fire is hot enough that I am not categorically immune to it.
Done.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Thoroncir shouts upstairs, "Do you need help, my friends? Can you come down safely?"
So confusion seems to the main issue on the ground floor. Those above are working their way down. Rorimac rising up to help. Suddenly a loud rumble and crack is heard at the top. Mulligan is sure it means they are through the doors.
Gil-Gandel retrieves the very seriously injured man from the fire, he knows immediately it is too late for this man.
Gil-Gandel pities him, for whatever his crimes, burning to death is a heavy penalty. Does anyone else need help?
With the sorceress lowered to the bottom, Mulligan had started making her way down as she heard the door giving. She speeds up hoping Drindoleth can get to the others at the bottom to pass the message on and hoping those above decide to descend rather than cutting the rope.
~~~
Rorimac floats up looking for any sign of the pair through the smoke.
Thoroncir, sword drawn, goes up a few steps to see what he can see.
Since he can hear them, Drindoleth will attempt going after the others to tell them that Mulligan is now climbing down and they're both safe for the moment.
The flames are far too much and he cannot go up. Bitur realizes from sounds he is hearing that tower is no longer safe and might collapse.
Those on top have made it down safely with a little help from Rorimac. They have a potentially valuable prisoner. Drindoleth sees a plume of flame is pouring out of the 3rd floor window now in the rear. The fire must be huge already.
Drindoleth will continue his flight to look over the area, trying to catch sight of any of the others to let them know that he and Mulligan have escaped.
Thoroncir calls to the others above the roar of the flames, "Let us leave immediately and go outside, my friends. We can neither proceed upwards, nor remain where we are. We must hope that Drindoleth and Mulligan have made their way to safety."
Having made it safely to the bottom with their prisoner, Mulligan will keep an eye out to see if any of the other soldiers inside try to escape down the rope. Rorimac will drag the prisoner back to a safer distance
Getting to ground level as quickly as possible, Gil-Gandel passes on Sir Thoroncir's message by sounding "Regroup" as loudly as possible on Glinras.
Bitur will spur the party on to use as much haste as possible in getting out of the tower.
Hearing Gil-Gandel's call, Rorimac and Mulligan move round to them. If 50' of rope want to come down, now would be a good time if it isn't being used.
One soldier falls off the rope choking from about 25' up. He may have broken a leg in the fall.
Everyone in the party is out and from the tower an explosion is heard. The Dwarves continue to urge the party away from the tower.
Does anyone try to rescue the man that fell?
The quality of mercy is not strained. Seeing Rorimac and Mulligan coming, Gil-Gandel goes to help the injured man.
Gil-Gandel gets the man and throws him over his shoulder, he realizes it will be rough on the broken leg but fears there is little time for care.
Gilraen immediately attends to the man. She calls for help to straighten the leg so she can heal him.
Assuming Drindoleth can see where the others are regrouping now, he'll go to them and change back to his Man form.
Thoroncir will go to Gilraen's aid as she heals the unfortunate soldier.
Gil-Gandel says "This will stop the pain while our healer sees to you," and mercifully renders him unconscious for a few minutes with a Stunning Discord, first waving Gilraen and Thoroncir aside. Stand clear of the gurney!
As the others help the injured solider, Ceol will keep looking back at the tower for any sign of other fleeing individuals, while maintaining a good retreat.
Given the sounds coming from the tower, Mulligan and Rorimac retreat to a safer distance and wait for everyone to regroup and decide what to do next.
Rorimac turns round with a horrified look, "What happened to that mage who was webbed to the front door?"
The party pulls back. The fate of the webbed magician is unknown. One man makes it down the rope coughing and starts haltingly running away.
Sala calls from the other side of tower, I have 2 over here and both are burnt. There's a hole in the tower on the far side.
Bitur is sure the tower will collaspe and probably soon.
"If we want to save those guys, we'd probably better move them first. This thing's going to implode very soon."
*Bitur runs over to Sala to and begins to drag the 2 to a distance clear of the tower's collapse.*
Thoroncir will ensure that Gilraen is safely away from the tower, and go back to help save any who remain.
Webs are much more inflammable than flesh and blood, so I imagine the mage would be free shortly after the flames reached him, though what he would do then is more than I can say.
Drindoleth will go back with Thoroncir to see who can be saved before the tower collapses.
In all the party and 4 foes escape the ruin of the tower that does indeed collapse. Luzi suggests that bringing the sorceress back to the capitol should now be the highest priority. She probably holds a wealth of information.
All right. I presume we'll have to keep her bound and gagged so that she can't cast any spells along the way? And are the other three foes just spear-carriers?
They are just guard types. Minions at best, probably just hired hands.
Sir Thoroncir, I am willing to interview these three at length, and if I am satisfied that they are indeed just hired men-at-arms then I move that we turn them loose with a strongly-worded hint to be careful as to their choice of employer in future - and indeed a suggestion of where they might find more honest work in the light of our recent endeavours in these parts.
"Yes, please do, gallant Gil-Gandel, with my thanks." And if one of our magic users would like to Detect Alignment on them, that would be useful. Anyone who's not out-and-out evil is, I think, a good candidate for release. If we need to wait for tomorrow for a MU to load the spell, we could keep them in custody until then.
Gilraen casts a Know Alignment and is surprised to find the Sorceress is Lawful Neutral as are 2 of the men. The 3rd is Lawful Evil. He is the man with the broken leg.
"The guard with the broken leg will slow us down if we bring him along with us, but I tend to agree that I'd be reluctant to simply release him. I would be willing to help you, Gil-Gandel, with the interviews, and gather what I can of the nature of this guard's evil inclination."
Rorimac offers to scout round the area to make sure we are not disturbed and see if anyone else did get away, either from the fort or from onlookers in the area.
"We may simply have to find a way to bring the wounded guard with us, even if he does slow us down, unless we can release him into the custody of someone," Drindoleth comments.
Maybe we could make a crude sledge to tie him to and drag along behind us. It shouldn't slow us down too much.
"Or, perhaps, tie him into the saddle of one of our horses."
Deor doesn't have any spells that would be helpful, unfortunately. He'll walk if we need a spare mount.
"Yes, Rorimac, please scout around," Thoroncir says.
Proceed with the interviews. The man's broken leg could be easily healed; that in and of itself shouldn't drive our decision as to what to do with him.
Gilraen asks Gil-Gandel, "Could you not charm him to keep him cooperative as we bring him back?" Then to the party, "Once we are sure no one is worse off, I can mend his leg with a Cure Serious spell."
Rorimac spends some time scouting around and finds signs of a limping man moving downhill recently and away from the party. From his vantage Rorimac should be able to see anyone walking upright so the man is either lying down behind the scatter scrub and bushes or invisible.
Gilraen has a spare horse with the horses. Scout is along for just such a need. We have two to being back though. Someone will need to take the sorceress also. Leofwin should be up to carrying two and Ceol as a Holy Knight should be ideal for guarding her. Everyone in the party had their own mount so this should be a minor issue.
The interview with the men-at-arms goes smoothly, they are honest men for hirer and the pay was good. They wonder if the party has need of a pair of guards in fact. They know where a dozen good horses are stabled nearby for the tower.
How are the evil man and Sorceress interviewed or are they?
Rorimac reports back from scouting around. Also, he and Mulligan can double up as well if a spare horse is required.
I can try the bardic charm on Gilraen's suggestion; it has the Harp to enhance it.
Who are our best trackers? Luzi Mati? Ithilneth? They should look for the limping man, please.
Thoroncir will interview the sorceress and the evil man separately, with Gilraen using her Rod of Kanotir to determine if they're telling the truth. Gil-Gandel can help, too. The Sea-knight captain will ask each:
* What is your name?
* What were you doing in the tower?
* What did you intend to accomplish?
* Do you have a lord, lady or other superior whom you must obey?
* What god or deity do you worship?
If anyone has other suggested questions, please let me know.
I believe Rorimac the Hobbit Ranger is our best tracker, it takes him very little to realize the limping man is probably making for the stables.
Luzi suggests we might want to get out of here fist and interview later. Gilraen reminds Thoroncir that the Rod is of little use when I cannot understand them.
Very well. Let's have Rory, Gil-Gandel and no more than two other volunteers head for the stables and capture the man. The rest of us will move a few miles back the way we came, away from the ruined tower, and meet you there. We'll regroup, rest a little, guard the prisoners and defer the interrogations for now.
If one of the two men-at-arms can point out what to look for when trying to find the stables, Rorimac is quite happy to lead the chase to try and get there before the limping man tries to get away. With luck, they will be bringing back both horses and another person with them.
One man volunteers to go with them if he can keep a horse and be staked 10 silvers.
Luzi suggests that she keeps going with one person to ready our own mounts. Ithilneth should be best suited to keep up with me quietly and stealthily.
"Three should be enough for us, however, the man in question should go back to the capital along with the others to confirm a few things." says Rorimac
"Agreed, Rory, and thank you," Thoroncir says. "Luzi and Ithilneth, please go forward as you suggest."
The hunters overtake the limping man only 200 yards short of the stable. He looks back and looks disgusted and collapses to the ground.
Luzi and Ithilneth go off at a jog.
Gilraen asks, "Who can speak the tongue of these men and the lady?"
Sala, "I can talk to them."
Once we have removed a few miles away from the ruined tower and set out guards, we will make camp on defensible ground for the night, and Thoroncir will question the prisoners separately as noted above. Any other suggested questions?
Rorimac will keep an eye both on the limping man and the guard who came with us, while Gil-Gandel calms the horses to give us a ride back to the camp.
I hope they find shelter for a dozen horses somewhere.
Bitur will aid in guarding the prisoners as well.