Malthir Al Dagon |
"We ride together, as fast as we can - we accomplish nothing by dividing our strength."
Agreed! with that Malthir thunders off yelling at Kalev to follow the tracks as best he can at speed and if he loses them that they all just keep riding as fast as they can towards Kardas.
If the horses start to lag he produces a wave of healing that washes over them to keep them going....his only thoughts hinging around the future of Kardas and his beautiful wife Vaysh....
Kip Bendybrook |
Kip climbs upon his pony and joins the others in their furious ride to Swordhaven...
DM Alexander Kilcoyne |
Gah! I'm away from home until Monday, just as it's getting really exciting. I've got a new phone that stays logged into the boards long enough to make a post, though, so I won't be completely out of touch.
I thought with Jacob being busy preparing for round 2 and everyone being quite busy it would be a good time for some cinematic scenes from the DM, as well as showing you a very low CR style mass combat. I considered allowing you to make the rolls for Kesten etc. but I think it will add unnecessary time and complexity to the whole affair.
A short time after setting off, Malthir receives a reply from Vaysh.
Kesten formed militia, two hundred. Plan to hold troll's at Kardasholme. Jhod sent to Red Eyes. Trolls are almost here. Two headed troll. Come quickly.
Ricter Vorsk |
Ricter rakes the flanks of his steed hard enough to draw blood, forcing it to keep pace with the less encumbered mounts of his allies. He recalls the words of the Lictor, spoken twelve months and a thousand miles ago when he first donned his helmet:
When you face the most powerful monsters of disorder, bind your fear for whether you prevail or die your armour and your order will endure. When you face a lawbreaker vainly defending his loved ones from just punishment, bind your arrogance for even the weakest man can strike with deadly force when he has nowhere left to run
Those in swordhaven had nowhere to run. Many of them would die, but the city was certain to hold until the Guardians bought the hammer down.
Kesten Garess aka DM AK |
Meanwhile in Swordhaven...
The screams of the townsfolk drowned out the guttural laughter and battle cries of the rapidly approaching troll army. Over a dozen trolls with multiple trollhounds were fast approaching the castle from the west; and not all of the civilians were going to get clear in time. Here and there, an unlucky citizen was trampled or torn apart by the rabid green giants and their cruel dogs; and though some put up a fight, their efforts were inevitably and invariably in vain. Others seemed determined to hide in their homes and hope the trolls passed them by, and in many cases they were right. Others however, were not so lucky. Troll's would tear the roofs off of houses and dismember the inhabitants, sometimes eating them. Kesten Garess answered Vaysh's unspoken question as tears ran down the Baroness' cheeks, her eyes pleading.
Vaysh... I'm sorry, but if we sally out we'll simply be overwhelmed- and even more good people of Kardas will die. I know its hard; but this is the only way. We're almost ready; once we launch our first volley, their attention will be on us I am sure.
Scanning the western half of the city from his vantage point on the walls, Kesten took comfort in that only a very small number of people had been caught by the trolls despite the haste in which they had to leave their homes; those dying now didn't deserve it, but in many cases they had delayed to bring material possessions with him. They were paying the toll for that decision now. Kressle and the men assigned to her had done a fine job in getting the majority of the civilians away from danger; and he could still see the fiery warrioress guarding the rear in case any of the trolls got hungry for easier prey.
In addition to the main host of trolls, there were two clear members of the upper leadership hierarchy of the enemy. One was clearly the troll lord that Kardas had heard whispers of- Hargulka.
The war leader marched ahead of his troops confidently, indomitably; sweeping any resistance aside with brutal efficiency, swinging a wooden morningstar with expertise and the strength of a dozen men. The massive weapon occasionally created a thunderous sound as a small shockwave of force seemed to reverberate from it from time to time. Hargulka was a little larger than the other trolls and with a darker green pallor to his skin that perhaps hinted of a more advanced age. The leader was dressed in tough looking hide armour and sporting some kind of large animal's skull as a crude bracelet upon his right wrist, and also sported an ornate necklace; further marking him out from the mostly unarmed and unarmoured members of his band.
In contrast to the disciplined deadliness of this leader, was the monstrous and powerful brute that he had somehow gained the allegiance of. Standing at a massive thirty five feet, the huge, two-headed troll was an abomination beyond any that Kesten Garess had ever seen; beyond what any soldier on the walls had ever seen. Such monstrosities were only hinted at by the Guardians and their fine tales of adventure, such as the legendary Owlbear. It too wore an amulet, but it was much plainer than Hargulka's. The beast bore no weapons or armour but judging from its claws and teeth, each longer and deadlier than the swords his men bore, and its thick, muscular frame- it needed none.
Kesten did his best to swallow his fear, and tried to rally his men's spirits.
Free men of Kardas- there is your enemy! Mark their ugly, pox-ridden faces well, and know that we must hold them here, for the sake of our families, for our oaths of loyalty to our Baron, and for the honour of this great, noble nation! Reinforcements are coming
I hope...
and they will be here in time to assist us! String your bows now and light your arrows- lets see them march through a volley of fire only to die at our walls! Focus your fire on the masses and their puppies!
Leading by example, Kesten raised his own hand-crafted longbow, lit an arrow from one of the many torches positioned along the walls and fired; his arrow was a prophet that heralded the firing of just over two hundred more, sailing through the air towards the slavering, monstrous beasts running towards Kardasholme.
The Battle of Kardasholme- Round One
Tactics Phase-
None of the armies know any tactics.
Ranged Phase-
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Offence Check VS Main Troll Force
No damage inflicted.
Kesten had been so hopeful as the arrows and bolts sailed through the air- his own lodging into one of the hound's front paws, sizzling its flesh. However, the majority of his recruits were completely green and in all honesty, some were so scared their hands shook as they took their shots. A few well-aimed or lucky shots hit the approaching trolls but the volley did little more than get the troll's attention.
Which, I suppose, was the aim of our volley. Kesten thought to himself grimly.
Jhod, Malthir- you had better get here as quickly as you can my friends...
The defenders of Kardasholme had time for a few more clumsy volleys as the troll's relentlessly approached, but they had little more impact than the first. Kesten threw down his bow and drew his blade- a gift from the patron of house Garess. The fine steel longsword would no doubt have its edge dulled by troll flesh by the end of the day. He then took up his torch in his left hand, and many others along the wall followed his example. Kesten could see Kundal standing fearlessly on top of the upper edge of the wall, designed to protect someone standing upon the wall proper from arrows. Kesten shook his head, not sure whether to be amazed or disgusted.
Ex-Lycanthrope or not, something is not quite right with that fellow... But hes probably worth a troll all by himself. No time to reprimand him anyway. Not like I can force army discipline on a militia organised in less than an hour.
Kesten passed the word along the wall to focus defensive efforts on the main troll force. He wasn't sure his militia would even be able to defeat the huge two-headed beast or Hargulka; but he was confident they could probably keep them from gaining a foothold on the wall. They had to try and break the majority of the trolls as fast as possible. Somehow.
With bestial roars and cries of fury, the trolls hit the walls, the incredibly powerful footsteps of the two-headed troll sounding like a battering ram upon a wooden gate. Gouging their own path up the stone wall with powerful blows from deadly claws, the trolls began to climb as the men rained down stones, arrows and bolts down on them and tried to force them back down by stabbing them with longspears, fighting with fire and steel any who reached the top.
Melee Phase-
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Nagrundi-
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Hargulka-
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Kardas Militia-
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Offence Check VS Troll/Trollhound Army
No damage inflicted.
There is something to be said for men fighting for their home, regardless of their military experience. Kesten thought to himself in awe as over the course of half an hour's intense fighting, none of the troll's had quite made it up the wall or made any progress with the front gate. Hargulka himself had managed to get all the way to the top before being shoved off the wall by Kundal and a dozen men supporting him, relentlessly bashing the giant until he plummeted. The two-headed brute was not having a great deal of luck trying to open the north gate by kicking it. To be completely honest, it seemed somewhat dim-witted.
However, it was clearly too early to celebrate. Hargulka and his troll's easily weathered the pitiful effects of the spears thrusted their way and the projectiles that occasionally hit hard enough to penetrate their tough skin; even the fall from the walls only gave them bruises that were healed long before their next tumble. The beasts didn't seem to tire; and although his men were still relatively fresh and unharmed, Kesten knew they wouldn't have the stamina to keep this up as long as the trolls did. The castle was their greatest asset, making the fight against the trolls a fairly even fight, so far. Kesten would have been sceptical of their chances if he wasn't sure reinforcements were coming.
Kesten Garess aka DM AK |
Meanwhile, at the battle of Kardasholme...
Round 2-
Hargulka seethed in fury as he was forced off the wall yet again. The veteran warrior idly fingered one of the beads in his amulet, contemplating using it to soften up the defence.
Not yet, my pet... came her soft voice, and with it the stabbing, blinding pain that heralded one of her commands.
I have acquired information- their paltry force of militia has access to healing potions. Continue the assault and prove you are worthy of my affection...
The pain in his skull subsided and was replaced with a warm, soothing feeling. Hargulka relished, basked in it and the power it gave, before roaring at his troops to battle harder, increase the pressure on the defenders and to show no mercy. He leapt at the stone wall with renewed vigor, knowing that eventually- the defenders would fail to dislodge him in time. And when that happened- he would wreak havoc among the frail humans.
Strategy changed to Aggressive.
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Kesten urged on his men, and noted the increased tempo and viciousness of the attacks as the troll leader urged them on. To compensate, Kesten encouraged his men to fight defensively, conserve their strength and worry more about forcing the troll's off the walls than killing them. They just needed to hold out long enough...
Strategy changed to Cautious.
My lady, they have seen you clearly enough now; please retreat into the keep. Akiros, seal the doors and make a barricade. If we fall here, you must hold on as long as you can; and try to get her to safety.
The former Paladin was stained in the blood of trolls, his heavy blade having done more than its fair share. He nodded solemnly, gripping Kesten's wrist in a traditional fareweel between warriors, and led Vaysh away. Kesten resumed his place on the walls and thought of his wife and child; before burying such thoughts into the void.
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Melee Phase-
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Nagrundi-
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
4 damage inflicted!
Hargulka-
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Kardas Militia-
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Offence Check VS Troll/Trollhound Army
7 damage inflicted!
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Incredibly, it seemed the tide was really turning. The militia, emboldened by their successes in holding off the trolls for half an hour, had overcome their fear; and the troll army paid a terrible price for the second phase of their assault on the walls. Over the next twenty minutes, thrown torches scalded their flesh and flaming arrows made the cuts from their blades and the heavy bruises from falling from the walls into gaping wounds; and both Kesten and Kundal had managed to deal a horrendous wound to two trolls that approached the top- Kesten severed an arm at the shoulder with his sword while Kundal decapitated a troll whose ugly head had appeared before him, having almost finished the climb. The troll army was badly bloodied, and even their legendary regeneration was struggling to keep up with the Kardas militia's frenzied counterattack. Noleski "Troll-Blooded" laughed in contempt at their foes, jeering at them from the top of the wall, and many of the men laughed with them, some simply smiling in relief that they had scored such a decisive counter-attack.
But then, to Kesten's horror, the monstrous two-headed brute suddenly changed tactics; and the defenders on the wall had almost forgotten about it in their exultation. The first victim was Noleski, massive claws tearing through him as he collapsed onto the wall, face turning pale and blood streaming from the hideous gashes in his chest. Hastily raised shields, futile attempts at driving the beast off and even flaming arrows seemed to be able to do nothing to stop the brute's onslaught as it tore through the ranks, its massive claws cleaving through stone and flesh alike. It had no need to climb the walls, the hunched beast being tall enough to simply attack by rising to its full, formidable height; and even in the hideous bloodshed that followed Kesten couldn't help but be reminded of a child playing with a dollhouse, as the destructive beast wreaked havoc across his lines. Panic ensued, and the men were close to breaking.
Just hold on, men! Kesten cried desperately as he saw the first telltale signs of a rout; a few here and there, overcome by the shock and fear of the attack, beginning to flee.
Morale check to not rout from being on 1HP.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 DC15 (Success)
But it seemed words were not enough; he needed once more to lead by example. He gazed at the monstrous beast before him, skin tougher than steel and surely as strong as any giant.
Think if you want to stay alive. Fear will kill you if you don't control it. It is better to be the hammer than the nail.
Gulping in trepidation and trying to swallow his fear, Kesten took several steps back, ran as fast as he could at the ramparts, vaulted onto them as though the heavy armour he wore was a mere shirt and leapt through the air- plunging his sword into the right eye of one of the two massive heads, and smashing the sharpened edge of his shield into the other eye repeatedly for good measure, hanging on to the brute by the imbedded sword. It roared in fury and pain and after a few seconds, Kesten felt sharp claws tearing through his armour and into his flesh; the magnificent mail he wore prevented the claws from imbedding further, but he knew he was grievously wounded nonetheless. As the claw retracted to slash him again he pushed off the beast's face with his metal boots, launching himself back onto the wall; landing on his back as the wind was knocked out of him and his wounds opened up even more.
Grandfather's sword... Damn...
His foolhardy action had been just enough to inspire his men. Many of them rallied around him, awe in their eyes as the two-headed beast staggered back to recover half of its sight.
H... Healing potions. Get the acolytes up here. Those who aren't wounded hold the...
For Kesten Garess, everything went dark; his eyes drooped shut and all the strength left in him faded.
DM Alexander Kilcoyne |
Meanwhile, in the Narlmarches...
You have been pushing your mounts to the very limits of their endurance, frantically racing through the woods to reach Swordhaven. Now, each of your six animals is fatigued; tiring from the pain of the breakneck pace.
Each mount has 1 point of non-lethal damage that will need to be healed before the fatigue is removed.
Casimir |
As soon as the beleaguered city comes into view, Casimir blows his signal horn, clear notes of defiance signaling to the defenders that help is on the way, that they only have to hold on for a few more minutes.
"Hopefully this will take some of the pressure off the walls. It may cost us a bit of the element of surprise, but the trolls know we are coming, and our friends need hope and courage more than we need a slight tactical advantage!" he bellows to the other Guardians over the thunder of hooves against earth. He then puts the horn to his lips again and blows another challenge to the trolls.
The report of a signal horn can be clearly heard (Perception DC 0) up to a half-mile distant. For each quarter-mile beyond, Perception checks to hear the horn suffer a –1 penalty. Casimir will continue to sound the horn at regular intervals as the Guardians advance - take 10 Perform (wind) check.
Casimir |
You have a while before your approaching the city yet but noted :). Your still in the forest at the moment.
Kalev suspects you'll need to heal the horses twice more before you reach the city, are you relying on Malthir's channeling to do it all?
I'm pretty confident that Malthhir intends for us to keep going at full speed, and use his channels as needed.
Malthir Al Dagon |
As the horses lag after the first hour of flight back to the city, Malthir's healing washes over the horses and the group, he didn't care what it took to get them back to the city as soon as they can...as the next hour passed and they still seemed far from SwordHaven he realizes that facing the trolls again with almost none of his healing powers from Iomedae could cost them the Kingdom, and that was even more important than Vaysh...it cost him much to come to this realization...
He knew full well that the Guardians would be fighting what was left of the entire troll army...he must save some of his resources for the coming battle. They would just have to heal their mounts as soon as they started to lag using some of their other magic's...it would only cost them a few seconds...precious as they are...what if those seconds cost him everything?
Gahhhhh!!!!! Malthir yells out in frustration...
We stop for a few seconds to heal our lagging mounts...we must be on our way as soon as we can. Eat quickly now, we can't get their and collapse before the trolls! the seconds pass seem like an eternity...
Red Eyes |
Realised I either interpreted the "-3 damage" incorrectly last round or i'm now house-ruling how it works this round; either way I believe the "-3 damage" of the defensive strategies should refer to how much less damage is taken and "+3 damage" of the offensive strategies should refer to how much extra damage is dealt. This keeps them equivalent to one another, rather than being stacked heavily in the favor of offensive strategies VS defensive strategies.
Meanwhile, at the battle of Kardasholme...
Round 3
By the time Kesten had got back up to his feet, unsteady but recovering as the healing potion forced down his dying throat worked wonders with his body; the men's spirits had picked up, for a reason he did not immediately fathom. Healing potions were being distributed to the worst of the wounded and acolytes were attending them while the rest of the men held the line against the assault. But there had been a few men killed outright by the two-headed brute and the militia had almost routed. He didn't understand the men's relief until he stood up and looked to the north and felt his own relief at what he saw.
Wolves.
Over a hundred of the deadly pack hunters, charging the troll ranks from the rear, led by Red Eyes; the large, ebony, worg-like creature named for his distinctive pupils. Atop the mighty beast was Jhod Kavken, High Priest of the nation; keeping the pack as healthy as he could with bursts of healing power as they systematically targeted individual trolls. The attacks on the horde appeared to be merely a feint though, as the wolf pack seemed to be trying to draw the attention of the two-headed troll in particular, to give the militia some temporary reprieve.
Good work Jhod...
Men, focus purely on defensive efforts; keep them off the walls while we give our wounded a chance to catch their breath.
Kesten was painfully aware that no counter-attack meant that the main force assaulting them would also heal some of their wounds, but he had little choice. His men were far more frail than the giants.
Strategy changed to Defensive. The Kardas militia forfeit their attack this turn to heal 2HP using healing potions.
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Hargulka cursed at the arrival of the predatory wolf pack. The resolve of the castle defenders seemed about to give when they had arrived, and now the commander found himself fighting on two fronts. He shouted orders in Giant to those under his command, ordering his main force to redouble their efforts and not give the defenders respite and ordering Nagrundi to accompany him as he moved to engage the wolves, with a little more wariness in their gait than when assaulting the keep.
Strategy of main troll force changed to Reckless. Hargulka and Nagrundi strategy changed to Standard.
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Melee Phase-
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
No damage inflicted.
Nagrundi-
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Offence Check VS Wolf Pack
0 damage inflicted.
Wolf Pack-
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Offence Check VS Nagrundi
10 damage inflicted!
Hargulka-
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Offence Check VS Wolf Pack
1 damage inflicted.
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Kesten watched the battle unfold below him with satisfaction. Although Hargulka was wounding and killing wolves with his mighty morningstar, only a small portion of the reinforcements engaged him. The rest threatened to overwhelm Nagrundi; huge as the two-headed beast was, the bites of dozens and dozens of his smaller foes wore him down; eventually the brute broke away from their attack but it was clear that he would be out of the fight for some time. Hargulkas disciplined attack threatened to overwhelm the wolves flank, and Nagrundi's pursuers turned to support the rest of their pack.
Malthir Al Dagon |
As they ride towards Kardas he prays silently,
Iomedae...protect those who can not protect themselves.
Give courage to those who face the darkness and the chaos.
Strike fear into the hearts of the evil that prays upon your flock. Give us strength to defeat this scourge upon Kardas, this kingdom rising in your light! he takes his hand off his sword as he finishes his prayer...
Later at the next short break, Fenna, can you please unfurl our Banner? I wish to attach it to my lance, so that the enemy can see our purpose, see our resolve, and fear our coming!
Kesten Garess aka DM AK |
Meanwhile, at the battle of Kardasholme...
Round 4-
With more of his men up and fighting, Kesten Garess breathed a little easier, although his ribs still ached unless he took shallow breaths. Noleski was back up and fighting and the grizzled Kundal had been among the few that hadn't almost routed, the barbarian covered in the blood of both sides but refusing a healing potion.
Kesten ordered the defence to continue and had the second batch of healing potions administered to the remainder of the wounded. Assuming the defence held, his fighting force would be back in relatively good fighting condition within half an hour.
Make them count men; thats the last of them. That monstrosity is recuperating away from the battle so things should be a little easier on us now.
No change to Strategy. The Kardas militia forfeit their attack this turn to heal 2HP using healing potions.
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Hargulka redoubled his efforts, whirling and spinning to strike at his many attackers, relishing in their howls of pain as his morningstar crushed flesh and shattered bone. He risked a glance at the battle for the walls- it still looked like the defenders were holding their own, playing for time, not risking anything in a counter-attack. He was sure his warband would overwhelm them eventually- were it not for their armoured leader perhaps they would have broken already.
Why are they buying time? Could their "Guardians" already be on the way? Hargulka wondered, as another wolf leapt for his throat and he swatted it aside contemptuously.
Mistress... he sent the thought to her with force of will, clutching the lock of hair.
The stabbing sensation came back, staggering him for a moment; a sympton of her irritation as she read his thoughts.
Yes, they are on their way Hargulka; Kargadd sought to preserve his own life rather than die misleading them as you asked. I have far more important matters to attend to here than to watch over you- if you think yourself a mighty war leader then prove it to me. I want this upstart nation gone from my lands!
The mighty troll felt the connection with her wane, and then sever. He realised that in this endeavour, he could no longer count on her support.
Roaring in fury, he rushed the wolf pack once again, seeking to slay the human and the large worg he rode into battle.
Hargulka's strategy changed to Aggressive
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Jhod dismounted several dozen feet away from the troll warlord, bowing deeply to Red Eyes while Sootscales stood impatiently to one side. Jhod addressed the magical beast in the tongue of the wolves-
You have my thanks- and the thanks of Kardas, old friend. Old Deadeye willing, we'll see each other again soon in happier times. Kesten will need me on the walls and I fear for Lady Vaysh's safety.
Jhod holstered his longbow back on his shoulder and turned to look at Sootscales.
I am ready he said simply, and the wily Kobold and his leutenant Mikmek began to lead him to a "secret entrance" to access the castle. Jhod was sceptical that such a thing even existed, but had long ago learned the wisdom of not questioning the kobold's methods in earnest.
Red Eyes himself focused the pack's assault on Hargulka, meeting his charge with one of his own, supported by dozens of his pack.
Come, king of the Twitches-When-Dead; I will tear out your throat.
Red-Eyes strategy changed to Aggressive.
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Melee Phase-
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
1 damage inflicted.
Wolf Pack-
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 Offence Check VS Hargulka
6 damage inflicted.
Hargulka-
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Offence check VS Wolf Pack
7 damage inflicted. Army destroyed.
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At first, the two seperate fronts seemed evenly matched- but slowly, the trolls began to gain footholds on the walls, an occasional giant managing to get up onto the wall and wound several before being forced down once more. The two hours of fighting had made the defenders tired, and with their fatigue they made more mistakes. A fair proportion of Kesten's men were badly wounded, and several killed outright. There was little more they could do for the wounded than try and keep them stable and have an infirmary set up in one of the more spacious castle wings.
Despite his lingering wound, Kesten was constantly wherever the fighting was thickest, borrowing a fresh sword from a member of the militia who was too wounded to fight on. Although the trolls never gained a firm foothold along the walls, the damage they had wreaked among the defenders was telling. The line was thinning- and it had been much too thin to begin with.
In the streets of Swordhaven, Red Eyes and Hargulka were engaged in a ferocious battle, with the former's loyal wolves frequently taking blows to protect their liege. Despite Red Eye's fierceness and clear status as the alpha wolf of the pack; it was becoming clear to all that he was no match for the troll, even with his wolves supporting him. Hargulka killed at least two of the animals with every fast, powerful swing of his morningstar, and his tough skin and enchanted hide armour were more than enough protection against the teeth of his foes. The wolves tried to bring him down with their pack tactics but the troll lord was canny and tactical in his defence; and far too quick and strong to be tripped or torn to the ground even by Red Eyes himself. Hargulka was wounded during the clash, particularly by a ferocious pounce by Red Eyes himself that tore open his throat; but ultimately the warlord left too many wolves broken, dead or dying in a pile around him. As one, the few survivors of his onslaught finally broke and fled back towards the Narlmarches; Red Eyes himself struck a final, mighty two-handed blow from the morningstar that sent him flying across the street only to slam forcefully into a wooden house, shattering it with the force of his landing. The strange magical beast tried to rise and keep fighting, but collapsed in a pool of its own blood, his spine broken.
I'm sorry Vaysh...
Sorry that last one took a while, on account of Paizo going down JUST as i'd finished it...
DM Alexander Kilcoyne |
1d100 ⇒ 13
Two hours of hard riding has you still in the Narlmarches, crossing the Skunk River at one of the fords; you know the forest edge is only a few miles from here.
Just as you finish crossing, you realise the horses are once more spent.
Need to know if that's another channel or six wand charges/spells; please specify.
You set about to healing them and Fenna takes the opportunity to unfurl Kardas' banner.
Kip Bendybrook |
I marked the charges off.
Jhod Kavken aka DM AK |
Aiming to be a little less verbose now as Jacobs almost done with his round 2 submission and it won't be long before Fenna can post more again.
Meanwhile, at the battle of Kardasholme...
Round 5-
The jubilation of the men at the arrival of the wolves and their outright cheer as they almost killed Nagrundi had given way to grim despair as the troll leader brutally scattered the brave creatures and appeared to kill Red Eyes, Kardas' oldest ally in the forest. Little was said, but Kesten could see what they were thinking.
How can we hope to face such a foe?
Hargulka was moving back over to join his horde in assaulting the walls; a horde that still bore scorches and wounds but had clearly done a great deal of regenerating while Kesten ordered the men to recuperate.
It was at this low point in the mens morale that Jhod Kavken made his way up one of the flights of stairs and up onto the walls; and the stench he and the black-scaled Kobold accompanying him made sure they were given a wide berth to reach Kesten.
Don't ask. Please. Jhod said sullenly at Kesten's enquiring eyebrow, noting that his fine vestments were covered in filth and excrement.
Bring me the wounded; I still have some energy left before I am spent. Once i've done what I can for them... Hand me a longbow.
No change in strategy. Jhod Kavken heals 1HP of damage but is now out of channels.
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Hargulka stowed his morningstar and began the climb up the walls alongside his troops, still hurt from the large worg's efforts in defeating him but confident in his regenerative powers. The beast had been tougher than most animals he had faced up against, but no match for a veteran fighter like himself. Hargulka decided there was little he needed to say to encourage his giants.
They were getting hungry.
Hargulka's strategy changed to Reckless.
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Melee Phase-
Hargulka-
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
2 damage inflicted.
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
0 damage inflicted.
Kardas Militia-
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17 Offence check VS Hargulka
6 damage inflicted.
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Kesten had realised that his men were more than capable of holding off the majority of the trolls. Although strong, they were clumsy and easy to dislodge from the walls; the militia's greater numbers and two hours of endlessly learning the best ways to defend against the tireless giants meant they were able to defend themselves against the assault with a great degree of success- particularly now that Jhod's keen eye with a bow was on their side; the High Priest proving that spending most of his time in the past few years preaching and administrating hadn't dulled his hunter's instincts.
The monstrously powerful Hargulka was a different matter altogether. The deadly troll had managed to get a foothold on the walls and had wreaked havoc among his lines; a few dozen men had been killed single handedly by the beast and although longspears and his and Kundal's best efforts were keeping him at bay after some initial heavy losses they had failed to dislodge him from the walls. Hargulka had paid for every inch of ground he had gained with his foul blood and there were several visible, unhealed wounds on his flesh; but Kesten surmised that the damn troll's heart (or whatever the foul giant had in its place) must be producing more to replace it. The blood of Kardas' fallen, spilt over the flagstones of the ramparts, could not be replaced so easily.
DM Alexander Kilcoyne |
Meanwhile, at the battle of Kardasholme...
Hargulka was hurting badly, although to look at his disciplined and grim visage, an onlooker would struggle to see it. He began to fight in a less furious manner, seeking to buy himself time to regenerate. He could heal and risk another powerful attack once his innate regeneration took care of his many wounds.
The defenders had no such luxury- but seeing Hargulka apparently ease off and pay attention to his defence, Kesten gave the order for a firm counterattack on the troll horde, still attacking recklessly and relentlessly.
Hargulka strategy changed to Standard. Kesten strategy changed to Cautious.
Round 6-
Melee Phase-
Hargulka-
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
0 damage inflicted.
Troll/Trollhound Army-
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 Offence Check VS Kardas Militia
0 damage inflicted.
Kardas Militia-
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Offence check VS Troll Horde
13 damage inflicted- Troll Horde destroyed!
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Hargulka was like a dangerous, cornered animal; far too dangerous for anyone to get close to but far too cunning to be lured into a false opening or be impaled upon the longspears of the Kardas militia. The battle looked set to turn into another long stalemate, with the militia of Kardas being slowly ground down by the now fully healed troll warband.
I'm taking complete liberty over the range the horn should be able to be heard here, but I have a way to justify it if I must ;).
Then came the sound- faint, but somehow audible, as though coming from a great distance- a horn, blowing in the distance. The blessed sound promised reinforcements and it promised hope- the militia were invigorated by it as it brought the fire of courage back into the hearts of Kardas' defenders, replacing the dread of the inevitable.
The militia launched its counter-attack on the troll horde with gusto- dozens of wounds were scored in a matter of seconds on the wall-climbing monstrosities and every flaming arrow seemed to fly true; Jhod's small squad of archers in particular seemed to have the blessings of Old Deadeye in a very tangible manner; and the High Priest's hands were a blur as he loosed deadly shafts that unerringly struck their targets.
Hargulka looked on in shock as several of his trolls plummeted to the streets of Swordhaven, flesh aflame; and did not rise up once more to fight. The rest of the trolls began to break and run from the walls, seemingly fleeing north.
Weaklings. I'll finish this myself, I just need...
With a wicked grin, Hargulka shouted orders in Giant. No one on the walls was entirely sure what was said, but the recovering two-headed giant gathered the trollhounds, who had been sitting behind a nearby noble's villa, useless in scaling the walls. The massive troll began to move, heading north; pausing to rip the heads off any fleeing troll he could catch up with. The hounds were only too willing to feast on their former masters; meat is meat, after all.
Meanwhile, at the edge of the Narlmarch Forest...
Just as the six of you emerge from the Narlmarch forest within six or seven miles from Swordhaven, you realise your latest burst of speed has once again all but crippled your mounts- but your city is finally within your sight!
Its difficult to make out what is happening in your capital city, but here and there running into the forest, wolves seem to be fleeing. One of them passes close to you and you recognise the familiar features of Fang, your old friend- the wolf makes a beeline for you and is close enough to converse with in mere moments.
Casimir begins to blow his horn; and you are all shocked by the volume of the signalling musical instrument- it seems twice as loud as it should be and you can't help but wince at the sheer noise of the thing.
The one thing you can make out from this distance is a shape- something as tall as the walls of the castle itself, leaving the city from the north side as though coming to meet you.
Malthir Al Dagon |
Malthir grabs out a potions as the are healing the horses and gives it to Fenna. It is a potion of bless, as soon as we have a direct line of sight on the Giant, smash it on your saddle and its effect will wash over us so you don't have to try and cast while riding! Who knows how many trolls will be supporting it....
he says knowing that he won't be able to do anything of the sort with his Lance in hand.
as soon as the few seconds pass after they heals the mounts,
For Kardas, for victory!!! an charges off...
Kip Bendybrook |
6 charges marked off. Sorry busy day with the kids... I'll post more tonight.
Fenna Thistleswade |
Taking a brief moment to attune herself to the language of the wolves as Fang approaches and Malthir passes her the potion, Fenna calls across to the wolf, "What can you tell us of the battle, my friend? Do the walls still hold?"
Kip Bendybrook |
Kip points to the large form moving in the direction of the Guardians, It looks like something is coming to greet us. Most likely to delay our arrival to the castle. Should we attempt to bypass it? Or perhaps some of us can engage it while others race past to reach the castle?
If we split up now and come at Kardasholme from two directions, it can't intercept all of us.
Malthir Al Dagon |
We don't know what what the situation is Kip, if we split up all might be lost. The Castle might already be gone as far as we know. As Casimir said earlier we should stay together until we know what we are up against... he yells towards Kip as they ride full speed towards the Castle and the towering figure moving towards them....
Kip Bendybrook |
Believe you me, I am fully in favor of wiping these things from existence! While sooner may be desirable, it may not be prudent. My concern is only for those that have been suffering the assault in our absence.
At what cost to those within the castle do we delay our arrival there to deal with that which moves against us here?
It is your decision my Baron, and I will do as you ask. I only seek to provide you council...
Kip spurs his pony to keep pace with the others charging towards the city.
DM Alexander Kilcoyne |
As the horses are healed, Fang has time to reply to Fenna.
Red Eyes is lost and our pack is defeated. The walls still hold, but now they have the full attention of all of the Twitches remaining forces.
The wolf continues to flee into the forest.
You keep up your frantic ride towards the castle. As you get a mile or two closer to it its still hard to tell whats happening on the walls.
You do get a better look at the situation with the large form that was heading towards you, though. It has veered away from both you and the casle towards the east, moving towards what appears to be the majority of Kardas' citizens; who are moving much slower than the two-headed giant giving chase with what seem to be trollhounds. It doesn't appear the citizens have any defences.
Chasing after the giant (who has a head start on you) will cost you some time in arriving to the castle but if not pursued, will no doubt cost the lives of hundreds if not thousands of your citizens. On the other hand, if the castle is still holding out, any delay could cost the remaining defenders their lives; as well as any statkari who remained to defend it...
Its moral dilemma time! Bwahahaha......
Malthir Al Dagon |
You may be right Kip! as he sees the giant veer off
Maybe you and one other member of the Guardians should go after the Giant with the purpose of harrassing and slowing them down while the rest of us continue on to the Castle? Your Blinds and Entangles might be pretty useful against them?
Kip Bendybrook |
I was thinking more like you, Ricter and Fenna to the castle and myself, Cas and Kalev to the giant? You rally the defense of the castle and we harass and delay the giant! What do you think?
Malthir Al Dagon |
I...I am unsure. Kalev doesn't have your spells to go invisible or harass them from a distance. If you plan to fight and destroy the giant then yes I would take him with you. We are going to be in a straight up fight with their leader and whatever forces are at the walls, if you are not planning to fight the giant head-on then he should probably go with us. We must decide now though...
Kalev, Casimir, make your choice...
Kip Bendybrook |
Seems like a no win situation to me. :(
Does not change Kip's suggested course of action.
I ride for the defenseless citizens of Kardas upon the road! If I can buy them time to flee... then I will do whatever I can, regardless of the cost to myself. Who is with me?
Malthir Al Dagon |
To clarify, it looks like the giant will reach the civilians a little before you catch up to him at any rate, so trying to harass and slow him before he gets there won't be an option.
Based upon that information I would suggest that they split as Kip has said....
Ricter Vorsk |
Ricter is relieved to see the giant veer off, leaving the way to the castle clear. He cannot believe his ears when it is suggested they follow it.
"What are a few hundred lives compared with the survival of Kardas!? Dividing ourselves at this late stage is madness! Everything hinges on the fate of that castle!!"
Kip Bendybrook |
Kip returns Ricter's incredulous look. A few hundred lives?!? Versus the fate of a pile of stones?!? I couldn't give a rip about the castle! Now the inhabitants within it? That I do care about! That is why we split our forces! For no other reason!
I value those within the castle, as equally as I do those who didn't happen to find refuge within it! We ride to save the lives of Kardas' citizens, both high and low!
Do you really think the purpose of this attack is to somehow seize control of the castle? It is madness to believe that trolls would be successful in such an en devour, would strive to such a goal, or be able to retain control of Kardasholme at any rate! That castle is NOT Kardas! Kip points to the people fleeing the giant. Those PEOPLE are Kardas! Just the same as those in the castle. What message do you send by turning your back upon those we are sworn to protect! We are in a tough spot no doubt about it, and we do not have the luxury of choosing the circumstances of this encounter. What we do have, is how we react when faced with such adversary! If need be I for shall forfeit my life fulfilling my duty as a Guardian of Kardas!
Your intentions are clear Ricter! You ride for the castle and the apparatus that is "kingdom", I ride for the people! If my fear is correct, the loss of a significant number of our citizens will do more harm than anything we can conceive of. Do not think that I, or the people of Kardas, shall forget your actions here this day when you petition on behalf of your order!
Casimir |
I'm with Kip. We HAVE to protect those people. The castle will have to hold, they have better defenses and the walls are manned by armed warriors. But I say we all go take down the giant - The trolls have divided their strength - let us not make the same mistake. That brute will fall swiftly before our combined might, and then we will face Hargulka TOGETHER!
Whatever Malthir decides, Casimir is going after the giant with Kip. Oh, and please check the OOC for a Superstar announcement.
Kalev Lehola |
I too can't let the giant slaughter the civilians. That group is the majority of our people, and the longer we tarry, the more will die. But someone with magical abilities should go to the castle, especially if they can get in unseen. Their powers could buy us and the defenders precious time...
Malthir Al Dagon |
Malthir's shoulders seem to slump alittle with the weight of the decision...The Castle will have to hold on it's own, the people must be protected at all costs...
With that Malthir changes direction and rides towards the Giant and the people it is endangering.
Cas, sound your horn towards the giant, if he knows we are coming he may turn to meet us and buy a few more people their lives.
Ricter Vorsk |
"A pile of stones!? If the trolls sack the castle - even if we retake it - it will be clear to every prospective immigrant, every merchant, and even your Swordlord patrons themselves that Kardas is vulnerable! They'll see it's only a matter of time before it becomes another victim of the stolen lands, and they will shun it! You're building something wonderous here, and you're going to let it all unravel!"
As Malthir begins to change direction and the rest of the guardians follow suit, the gap between them and Ricter begins to grow.
"What news will reach the other kingdoms? That trolls damaged Swordhaven but were repelled or that trolls stormed Swordhaven Keep and KILLED IT'S BARONESS?"
I'm not going to convince them. Everything sounds justified if it's for 'the people'. Even lynchings beneath the Final Blades.
Malthir Al Dagon |
A castle can be re-built Ricter, if we do not protect our people, we are nothing. That was the reason why we built the castle to protect the good people of Kardas. That is the reason they hold it now, to give the people a chance to escape the slaughter.
I will not let so many die for the sake of what others think. The people will know that their Statkari hold their lives above all else!
As Ricter starts to lag behind, Chose your path carefully Ricter, you are either with us or you are not...
Kip Bendybrook |
Apparently Kip's speech was too effective. ;) He really wanted some to go to the castle and some to the giant. :P