Episode 3
Unhallowed Ground
Twilight is deepening into night by the time you reach what must be the ruined watchtower on Stonty’s map.
You have traveled hard all day. You made the road quickly enough (a dirt path traversing hill and dale, heading roughly west), and quickly enough afterwards the crested eagle marked your position, circling a thousand feet or more overhead, well out of bow range.
Of course, Atrek was not the only one with an aerial spy; Wijk’An was able to spot and empathically relay the approximate position and numbers of your pursuit; some fifteen or so men on horse and foot, at least six miles behind you by the end of the afternoon – not moving as fast as you, although occasionally a pair of riders would range closer.
Never close nor careless enough for an ambush, nor were there many suitable locations near the road.
Two hours back, you passed a small fort on top of a hill south of the road, a steep narrow trail leading up to it. No one tried to bar your way, though you presume you were watched – smoke could be seen from a chimney, and a fluttering flag flying Lichford’s colours from a tower.
You continued on – the fort looked too well positioned for an attack, and dealing with it may have allowed Atrek and his men to catch up.
Now, at the end of twilight, you are well into the highlands. The lights of Lichford and the ribbon of the river just visible far below and behind you. Ahead, the road continues into craggy, forested hills, but here is a fairly flat plateau, with a single, rounded hill rising up to the north of the road. Atop the hill is the ruined shell of a stone tower – nowhere are the remaining walls more than about four feet high. Stone blocks are strewn atop and down the sides of the hill. A fairly steep trail leads up from the road to the base of the ruined tower. The scar of an old landslide mars the hill’s western face.
Around the base of the grass covered hill is a circle of standing stones (though many are fallen and some missing) of dark weathered rock, each about five foot high (where still standing and intact). These stones look far older than the remains of the tower.
It is cold, and the wind calls mournfully through the ruin. The darkening sky is clear, though dark clouds hang on the northern horizon; Laithe thinks there will be cold rain, or light snow sometime on the morrow, or even in the night.
Around mid-afternoon, Laithe pauses for a moment at a small bush at the side of the road baring a few small berries. He picks those that are ripe and holding them in the palms of his cupped hands, whispers a few words of prayer. He then hands them out, 1 to each of his companions, and one for himself. "Eat these; they will sustain you and also help with some of your minor wounds."
Around the base of the grass covered hill is a circle of standing stones (though many are fallen and some missing) of dark weathered rock, each about five foot high (where still standing and intact). These stones look far older than the remains of the tower.
It is cold, and the wind calls mournfully through the ruin. The darkening sky is clear, though dark clouds hang on the northern horizon; Laithe thinks there will be cold rain, or light snow sometime on the morrow, or even in the night.
Arriving at last at the tower, Laithe immediately surveys the tower and the surrounding land-scape carefully, looking for any signs of occupation or danger. Given evidence of a landslide at some point, he pays particular attention to try and determine if there are other areas where a landslide may be possible, as a danger or else to be used as a tactical advantage.
Turning to the others he asks "What say you gentlemen; do we make our stand here? It won't be much of an ambush mind you, with that cursed eagle watching our every move. There is also a level of uncertainty around the circle of stones at the hill base. Such circles have proven magical in the past," he adds, alluding to the stone circle just outside of Barg.
Arriving at last at the tower, Laithe immediately surveys the tower and the surrounding land-scape carefully, looking for any signs of occupation or danger. Given evidence of a landslide at some point, he pays particular attention to try and determine if there are other areas where a landslide may be possible, as a danger or else to be used as a tactical advantage.
There appears to be no signs or sounds of habitation amongst the hill-top ruin or the surrounding area.
The hill is shaped like the top of an almost perfect sphere protruding from the ground, apart from the mar of the ancient looking landslide. It looks pretty stable.
The rubble strewn down the western side might be a result of the watchtower falling, or the collapse of some underground chamber, rather than a landslide per se.
Turning to the others he asks "What say you gentlemen; do we make our stand here? It won't be much of an ambush mind you, with that cursed eagle watching our every move. There is also a level of uncertainty around the circle of stones at the hill base. Such circles have proven magical in the past," he adds, alluding to the stone circle just outside of Barg.
"We'll have to confront Atrek sooner or later... else, we may as well keep running for the rest of our lives... and I tire of running. I suppose we should scout the remains of the tower first, to make sure that it contains no surprises... at least, none that might harm us." Keildrithe dismounts and groans as he does so, evidently saddle-sore from the long hours of riding. He tries to stretch, winces, gives up, and then starts walking up toward the top of the hill, popping in his mouth the berry that Laithe gave him.
"We'll have to confront Atrek sooner or later... else, we may as well keep running for the rest of our lives... and I tire of running. I suppose we should scout the remains of the tower first, to make sure that it contains no surprises... at least, none that might harm us." Keildrithe dismounts and groans as he does so, evidently saddle-sore from the long hours of riding. He tries to stretch, winces, gives up, and then starts walking up toward the top of the hill, popping in his mouth the berry that Laithe gave him.
Laithe nods, following suit and dismounting from his horse. "We've got a 6 mile lead or so; assuming they push on and don't stop to camp themselves. We should use the time wisely to prepare."
He looks around the group assessing the severity of wounds currently carried. "I have a little healing magic for those who need it, as well as a spell which will help us heal as we rest. Is anyone carrying any particularly nasty wounds?"
Laithe then follows Keildrithe up towards the top of the hill leading his horse behind him.
NIcholai accepts the berry from Laithe with a smile. He pops it into his mouth and chews it carefully. He 'Hmmm's thoughtfully for a moment, and smiles at Laithe again wistfully.
"Thank you Laithe. Not bad at all. You can have my turn when it comes to cooking!" He quips as he dismounts, grimacing at his own riding sores. He 'Hmph's' again and looks up at the ruined tower as Laithe scouts the area around the hill.
"Well, it's not the fanciest place I've ever stayed. But it's not the worst either!" He says, indicating the ruins above them. He also eyes the standing stones askance.
"I don't know much about those kinds of things,..." Nicholai admits after a few moments. "Perhaps Kajetan has read something about these or similar stones?" He asks, looking over his shoulder at the mage as he dismounts his own horse.
"I am concerned about the obviousness of this place as either a campsite OR a defensive position. Atrek isn't that far behind us, so we haven't a lot of time to prepare. And If Wij'kan is right, and he IS highly intelligent, 15 men is a lot to try and take on at full strength, much less still carrying signs of our last struggle and Kaj' having expended much of his energy." His eyebrows narrow as he contemplates the hillside.
"I wish we could explore further, but digging isn't my strong suite,..." The dandy mutters, brushing the road dust from his jacket.
"What if we set an obvious trap, and let him take control of that while he walks into the REAL trap?" He inquires with a raised eyebrow.
"Let Kajetan and myself make camp up there in the tower, or better yet, Maybe in the standing stones. With a campfire and all. You all take your horses and ride on for a little bit, as if you've passed it by, and then circle around in the woods and take positions up there. When Atrek and his friends come investigate us, you can either attack them, or wait for them to ride on and we can follow THEM and take them from behind!"
NIcholai shakes his head and blows out a low breath. "Either way, 15 men,... we are going to need some serious strategy, and luck, to defeat that many in a straight fight." He looks at the others with a wry grin.
"Hey, I'm a lover, not a fighter!" He declares smugly with a raised eyebrow.
"Seriously, we need a way to take large numbers of the group out of the fight while we deal with the rest. The nets maybe? Perhaps Kajetan can charm one into being his friend, or he and Keildrithe can otherwise take out a few for a few seconds at least? ANYthing so that we aren't facing 15 warriors at once!"
Pharris lets the others plan.
Meanwhile she wanders the stone ring, looking for suitable spots to defend.
DM
After Pharris spends some time trying to befriend her troublesome horse.
Kajetan practically falls off his horse, his buttocks and thighs burning from long ride. "That horse hates me," he comments while glaring at it.
He crunches down on the berry, amazed at the feeling of contentment that flows from his stomach, removing most of the burning from the trip here.
"I don't suppose we could poison them?" he asks, "not to kill them, but to give them all stomach gripes and the sweats?" He looks at the others, "I am sure we could find some natural poison out here to pop into there water supply or rations if they also camp for the night."
"I read about a queen doing that to her enemy when she was out numbered in a book I once read."
He takes to studying the stone ring as the others discuss plans.
The first part of the path up the hill is quite steep; horses can be led up with some coaxing, but it would take a skilled rider to stay in the saddle and get his horse up. As the path approaches the top of the hill and what is left of the tower, the slope becomes far less steep.
The ring of stones that was once the tower is about thirty feet in diameter. Little more than a broken shell of stone remains. For the most part, the circular wall rises to between three and four feet high, with a gap about five feet wide on the south side where a door once stood, and another part about ten feet wide facing the north-west that has collapsed more than the rest, leaving only a pile of rubble a foot or two high. There are plenty of broken stone blocks around, both within and without the tower.
The ground within the tower-shell is paved, though covered by a layer of dirt and rubble. There is the remains of an old camp fire in the middle of the space, but it looks like it has not seen use in months. It is very cold up here, exposed to the wind, though the ruin offers some shelter.
Grass grows on the hillside, and small weeds, but little else – no trees or substantial bushes, though there are scattered copses of short pines and gnarled, leafless trees nearby on the plateau.
Pharris:
DM
Pharris:
Laithe survey's the ruins, trying his best to think tactically, something not really ingrained in the Druid. He listens to suggestions by Nicolai and Kajetan, nodding thoughtfully at each. "There does appear to be plenty of spots to hide and lay an ambush; though the concealment would have to be good to avoid detection by Atrek's men and particularly his bird. Nicolai, bear in mind though that the bird has not doubt reported our numbers back to Atrek; I think it would be fairly safe to assume he would know that you and Kajetan ride with us."
Speaking of the eagle, he once more scans the sky for any signs of it. Seeing none, he speculates "Another option might be to take the fight to them? If they have stopped to camp, perhaps we could head back and spring an ambush on them at their camp, in the dead of the night. They probably won't expect it; we've been fleeing them all day, and they outnumber us more than 2 to 1. It might be out best chance of taking them by surprise, considering Atrek's eagle can track our movement by day."
Looking around at the group once more, and knowing that he himself is still not fully healed from the battle at the Were-rat den he says "Then again, if they have given up the chase for tonight, maybe it would be wiser to take the opportunity to heal up a little further and replenish spells and the like. We can also prepare the coming battle field to our advantage."
He turns to Nicolai. "Either way, it would be nice to know if they are still following and will attack tonight or if they have camped. Is Wij'kan able to make another pass behind us to see what he can see? If you think this would put him in danger, then I don't want to risk it mind you."
"I prefer to spend the night here, where we have higher ground and good defensive options to work with. If Atrek's men come this night, I may be able to reduce some of their numbers with... how shall I call them... potent lullabies I learned from my grandfather? In a recent dream, grandfather also taught me words that might enable me to make 'friends' of Atrek's men. But mark my words... last time, we made the mistake of letting Atrek live when we defeated him... this time, I won't give him that luxury..."
Kajetan is half listening to the others as he studies the ring and keep, lost in thought, he mutters "those that battle monsters had best beware in case they become one them self." in response to Keildrithe's vow.
*Knowledge (Arcana)= 25
*Knowledge (Planes) = 30
*Knowledge (History) = 14
*Knowledge (Religion) = 22
*Knowledge (Local) = 8
*Knowledge (Geography) = 24
*Knowledge (Dungeoneering) = 24
*Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) = 22
*Knowledge (Nature) = 10
*Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) = 18
Haering that we are probably staying, Pharris curls up beside her leaning greatsword and goes to sleep. Her thick red hair flops all over her face and cheeks as she quickly falls into deep breathing.
DM
Her last mumbled words are, "wake me by midnight."
Haering that we are probably staying, Pharris curls up beside her leaning greatsword and goes to sleep. Her thick red hair flops all over her face and cheeks as she quickly falls into deep breathing.
Her last mumbled words are, "wake me by midnight."
Nicholai grins at the warrior woman as she makes herself a spot and drifts to sleep with practiced ease.
"Of course M'lady." He responds softly. Still smiling, he turns to the others, though his grin diminishes as he listens to everyone talk. He shakes his head at Laithe's request.
"He could, but it wouldn't do much good. In the daytime NO one can beat Wij'kan's eyes, but at night he's as blind as I am." A look of uncertainty crosses his face for a moment.
"Report our numbers back to,... You think the hawk is intelligent? Like Wij'? I just presumed that Atrek was using him to track us, like an arial bloodhound. I never considered,... " He looks quickly to the trees at the bottom of the hill, where Wij'kan is resting. Nicholai relaxes and almost grins at the sleepy thoughts he receives from the golden eagle.
"I'll have to tell Wij' to be more careful." He mutters, then turns back to the others, and smiles at the sight of Kajetan intently studying the tower and surrounding hillside.
"Well, as much as I would enjoy the irony of turning the tables on your 'friend', I'm not sure that stumbling around in the dark looking for their campsite is a good idea. We will probably have more luck letting them come to us. I still think that we should at least try the 2-man distraction first, with all of you hiding in wait. Even if he doesn't buy it, it should distract them and give you a chance to strike first, from ambush." NIcholai suggests.
"Other than that, well, I'm no strategist. But I'm fairly clever. With enough time I'm sure I could come up with something resembling a plan. But I generally tend to make it up as I go. Good for talking yourself out of tight spots, probably not the best way to plan a battle." He admits wryly.
Laithe nods at the group's concensus to stay and await Atrek's arrival, feeling it is probably the wiser of the options. He also nods at Nicolai's suggestion of remaining unconcealed to try and draw Atrek and his men into a trap.
"I know not is Atrek's bird is as intelligent as Wij'kan, but it can certainly understand reasonably complex commands; outside of Barg it was stationed at the trail, awaiting our return, and reported back to Atrek as soon as we appeared. Your plan remains a good one; just do not underestimate Atrek. He is ruthless and probably under pressure for allowing us to escape from Barg, and for failing to find us at Lichford. He may have no interest in talk, so be wary. Needless to say, we will stay close and come to your aid if things go poorly."
As Pharris bids her good nights, Laithe turns to the others and suggests they talk tactics. "We need to control the battleground as best as possible. Nicolai, if you and Kajetan are keen to remain unconcealed, then that gives us an opportunity to pick where the fight will take place."
"Being up against superior numbers, then it would seem wise to focus our magical efforts on countering their numbers; I have magic that will cause vines to rise from the ground and grapple their men, and of course, I can call the allies of nature to appear and fight by our side. This may give us a good opportunity to even the odds. What think you? Or are there other magics that might compliment your own better?"
"We will all need some time to prepare our magics, and of course we will need to keep a close watch; both for the approach of Atrek's men during the night, and I fear on the stone circle, let is spring any surprises at us."
Kajetan is half listening to the others as he studies the ring and keep, lost in thought, he mutters "those that battle monsters had best beware in case they become one them self." in response to Keildrithe's vow.
Keildrithe casts a fiery glare at Kajetan. "And if the hunted does not kill the hunter, then he can be sure that he or his loved ones will end up dead sooner rather than later, especially if they are Karands... I'm willing to take my chances, scholar... It's clear that you don't know what it means to be oppressed, that you have never worn the yoke of the Artonites... and I hope you never do, my friend."
NIcholai listens to Laithe with an unusually solemn expression on his face.
"I try to never underestimate anybody. Which is probably why I am still here, and not in a church prison somewhere." He remarks wryly. He gives a quick shake of his head, and resumes his usual pleasant smile.
"Well, let's me think. Between your own ability to summon vines to impede them, and creatures to fight them, which will certainly help to even the odds, and Keildrithe's ability to place some under a magical slumber, perhaps Kajetan can also cast a charm of slumber? Unless you have a scroll handy, I'm afraid that I cannot aid in that category. But I can always create a fog to confuse them and aid in our ambush or escape. And my flame spell can catch more than one at a time, but they have to be dangerously close for it to be effective, as you saw with the rats."
He eyes the slope of the hill warily, then grins.
"But, I think I have a way to enact a quick escape for myself, and possibly one other, if things go awry." He says with a smile that usually means someone is about to try something,... clever.
ONly spoilering for a surprise for the others.
My idea is, (I had this earlier during the devil-battle) that I and possibly Kajetan can RIDE my force disk down the hill to escape enemies!
I want to clear it with you first, but you can command it to go wherever you want, if you concentrate on it, so you could stand on it. And I have read of others who ride their disks instead of walking. SO I'm thinking to ride it down the hill, thereby gaining possibly speed, but at least the ability to NOT trip and fall on the way down! (Think surfboard, Skateboard or toboggan!) I actually got the idea from watching Back to the Future 2!
Keildrithe casts a fiery glare at Kajetan. "And if the hunted does not kill the hunter, then he can be sure that he or his loved ones will end up dead sooner rather than later, especially if they are Karands... I'm willing to take my chances, scholar... It's clear that you don't know what it means to be oppressed, that you have never worn the yoke of the Artonites... and I hope you never do, my friend."
Laithe lays a calming hand on Keildrithe's shoulder and explains to Kajetan "Our people have suffered greatly at the hands of the Artonites, Kajetan, making it difficult enough for us to show sympathy towards them. Yet we managed at Barg, offering Altrek mercy when we could have killed him or left him to die. He has repayed that kindness by hunting us ever since."
Laithe looks at the others. "Having said that, their is wisdom in Kajetans words. Atrek my not deserve mercy, but those who ride with him may do. Nicolai, if you get the opportunity, perhaps you should offer them the chance to ride away and give up their chase? You know our story well enough, and know we are innocent of their accusations." He looks back at Kajetan "However, I agree with Keildrithe that we should assume and prepare for the worst, and if they do not choose to take our offer, then it will be their own folly that sees them killed rather than any unjust action on our parts."
NIcholai listens to Laithe with an unusually solemn expression on his face.
"I try to never underestimate anybody. Which is probably why I am still here, and not in a church prison somewhere." He remarks wryly. He gives a quick shake of his head, and resumes his usual pleasant smile.
"Well, let's me think. Between your own ability to summon vines to impede them, and creatures to fight them, which will certainly help to even the odds, and Keildrithe's ability to place some under a magical slumber, perhaps Kajetan can also cast a charm of slumber? Unless you have a scroll handy, I'm afraid that I cannot aid in that category. But I can always create a fog to confuse them and aid in our ambush or escape. And my flame spell can catch more than one at a time, but they have to be dangerously close for it to be effective, as you saw with the rats."
He eyes the slope of the hill warily, then grins.
"But, I think I have a way to enact a quick escape for myself, and possibly one other, if things go awry." He says with a smile that usually means someone is about to try something,... clever.
"Good" Laithe nods, satisfied. "I simply wished to ensure you were fully prepared."
He listens to Nicolai's suggestions, and nods again at the sense in them. "Chances are you will be closer than any of us to them, so your magical flames will be handy in that event. About concealment; how can we best ensure that we are close to you, but remain hidden. The boulders offer some cover, yet with 15 men on their side, I fear they alone will not be enough to hide us. I have some magic that can help, but only enough for one or two at most. We could shape the terrain a little to hide us; dig shallow hollows with the turf still entact for example. Or will your trick enable you to come to us - perhaps inside the tower itself?"
"I would also prefer them to have to dismount" he adds half to himself. "I wouldn't like unnecessary harm to come to their horses if it can be avoided..."
Pharris murmurs to herself in a deep sleep. Her fingers flex and twist briefly like the movements of a casting.
Then she snores. Gently.
Keildrithe casts a fiery glare at Kajetan. "And if the hunted does not kill the hunter, then he can be sure that he or his loved ones will end up dead sooner rather than later, especially if they are Karands... I'm willing to take my chances, scholar... It's clear that you don't know what it means to be oppressed, that you have never worn the yoke of the Artonites... and I hope you never do, my friend."
Kajetan turns in horror the colour draining from his face, "I..I.. didn't mean any offence... I was quoting a saying that my people have.... I.. I'm sorry, I mean Altrek."
Laithe lays a calming hand on Keildrithe's shoulder and explains to Kajetan "Our people have suffered greatly at the hands of the Artonites, Kajetan, making it difficult enough for us to show sympathy towards them. Yet we managed at Barg, offering Altrek mercy when we could have killed him or left him to die. He has repayed that kindness by hunting us ever since."
Kajetan jumps as Laithe touches him, "Yes, yes, that is what I meant, Altrek, I think he has become the monster because he hunts us, I am fairly certain that he has some magical power himself, I am no animal expert, but his hawk is too well trained for that not to be the case."
Kajetan looks equally worried and nervous and turns back to studying the ruins, taking some etching of any important looking engravings.
Kajetan:
From what is left of the tower, the style and type of stone work indicates that it was probably built about two or three centuries ago, and is most likely Thuringian. It may well have been destroyed in a conflict between local lords, or even in a battle associated with the invasion of Thuringia by the Atuscan Empire; although this watch tower would have been quite a sturdy structure, it would not have lasted too long against siege weapons such as catapults. Of course, it is also possible that it did not topple in battle, but due to being built upon poor foundations.
The hill that the tower stands upon is almost certainly not a natural geographic feature. Whilst hills are obviously common in the area, this is a very different shape and type to those around, and its form is too regular to be entirely natural at such a scale. It was most likely formed by someone, a long time in the past.
There are several reasons why people might build a hill. One might simply be to provide raised land to build a tower or fort atop of; however, this seems unlikely in this case given the many natural hill-tops around. Another reason might be as shelter, to live under. There are several cultures (both human and non) that have built artificial hills over their dwellings, but unfortunately such have not been your area of study. A third reason, might be to cover a tomb, a sort of cairn.
If this last reason is the case here, the size of the hill would suggest a sizable tomb structure beneath. It is probable that such a large tomb would be the final resting place of an important person; a king, chieftain, warlord, hero or such. Such personages would probably be buried with at least some of their wealth, probably their personal arms and armour, and quite likely people or animals important to them in life; personal guards, wives, servants, pets, favoured mounts … depending on the culture and time period, these might be represented by clay or straw effigies, or else sacrificed and buried with their lord, or even entombed alive. If the person entombed were a military or leader type who fell in battle, they may also be buried with members of their army or war-band who fell with them.
The collapse on the western side of the hill is probably due to some underground chamber (part of the dwelling or tomb or whatever it is) collapsing at some time in the past.
Any structure beneath the hill is likely to consist of a number of connected chambers, possibly over more than one level (given the height), set out in a roughly circular formation. More important chambers are likely to be located towards the middle.
The stone circle around the base of the hill was erected much earlier than the tower on top. It is hard to say whether it was before, after or at the same time that the hill was built.
Such stone circles are built by a number of ancient races and cultures, and can serve many different purposes. Broadly, such a circle might serve a social, scientific, religious or arcane purpose (or more than one).
The circle may simple mark an important place, or form a decorative or symbolic element to a tomb (for example, the circle of standing stones, roughly human height, might represent guardians around a tomb).
Such circles can be used as calendars or clocks or star charts, though the formation of this one, and the positioning of the hill in the middle of it does not suggest any of those purposes to you.
Sometimes, circles of stones are used as outdoor temples (especially in druidic traditions) or to mark places of religious significance or power. However, such circles are mainly either built on flat ground, or on top of a hill, rather than circling one.
Arcane uses for stone circles are many. They may mark an area of mystical power, simply to note it, or to enhance that power, or suppress it. They may be used an as anchor for a spell, or to make magic (either in general, or of a specific type) stronger or weaker within the circle. They may cause some magical effect. It is difficult to know just by the type of circle, type of stones and arrangement exactly what the purpose may be. Something about this circle suggests to you that if it does have an arcane purpose, it may have something to do with protection, or warding, or guarding … but you can’t say for sure, or whether the magic (if any) is still active.
If an arcane stone circle is broken (such as this one is) with stones missing or fallen or broken, that would usually weaken or destroy the power of the circle. In some cases simply restoring the stones might restore the magic, whilst in other cases that would require some spell or ceremony.
Of course, another major arcane purpose of many stone circles, is to mark a weak spot between worlds, and in some cases to either act as a gate to other places or a ward against any travel between them. Often, the weak place in reality might lead to the Otherworld of Faerie, but not always; there could be a connection to the Astral plane, the Ethereal, the Shadow world. In rare cases, such a circle could even be a gate to Heaven or Hell (although you would expect such a one to be far more elaborate than this).
Thinking on this, the thought occurs to you that rounded hills, such as these, sometimes also indicate a connection to Faerie. Such places are known as faerie mounds, and legend has it that one can gain access to a faerie mound (and often the land of Faerie) at certain times and under certain conditions. For example, if one were to walk three times widdershins around a faerie mound whilst whistling a certain tune at twilight on the night of the autumn equinox, one might find ones-self in Faerie … of course, such things are not an exact science, and the trigger conditions vary from site to site.
Nicholai frowns at Keildrithe's harsh words, and starts to say something, but Laithe beats him to it. He listens, his features softening as Laithe explains more details about their history with Altrek.
Kajetan jumps as Laithe touches him, "Yes, yes, that is what I meant, Altrek, I think he has become the monster because he hunts us, I am fairly certain that he has some magical power himself, I am no animal expert, but his hawk is too well trained for that not to be the case."Kajetan looks equally worried and nervous and turns back to studying the ruins, taking some etching of any important looking engravings.
"It's alright Kaj'. We understand what you meant. But your saying is still good advice. If your willing to go to any lengths to punish a person for their misdeeds, no matter how well deserved that punishment may be, at some point you cross a line that you didn't even realize was there."
Nicholai gently shakes his head. "If it does happen once, it doesn't make you a monster. I'm imaginative enough to see possibilities where such a situation may HAVE to happen, or even SHOULD. My history tutor once told me that none of the villains of history considered themselves evil. Most thought they were doing the right thing, or at least the best they could in their circumstance, even when they did things that we find despicable! All I'm saying is you should be wary. Or one day you may wake to find that not only have you crossed the line, you don't want to go back." He says solemnly, fingering his wooden Artonite holy symbol. You get the feeling that he might not even be talking to you anymore, but continuing another conversation from long ago.
"They're not all bad,..." He says softly. Then looks up, smiles, and slaps his gloved hands on his legs as he rises from the low section of wall he was leaning against.
"And speaking of bad. The possibility of this Altrek possessing mystic power concerns me greatly. Our plans for dealing with his men may be for naught if he can do the same to us, or counter our mystic attacks. I'm not very good at it, but I might be able to block a spell he casts, if it's one of the ones that I know. But I can't cast any spells myself if I'm trying to block another's."
Nicholai scratches his cheek thoughtfully, and frowns at the stubble he finds there.
"What if he's not a mage? Laithe, I've heard tales of woodsmen who travel with wild animals like friends. Is there any truth to those tales?"
Mothman, is the incline up the hill sufficient enough to make riding difficult? Are there any other natural features that may offer a difficult approach for the horses? How difficult would it be to dig shallow hollows (perhaps a foot deep, 6 long, 2 wide) while leaving the turf above intact?
The surface under the grass covering the hillside appears to be earth and clay rather than rock, possible to dig, though you’re not sure how far down that extends. As for digging a hole whilst leaving the turf on the surface intact, I’m willing to hear ideas on how to achieve that.
Where would you dig these holes? The hill is something like 350 to 400 feet in diameter; there is a faint worn trail up along the south face between the road and the ruined tower, but it would be just as easy (or hard) to ride or climb up the hill at any other point as well as this path; the grassy slope is not particularly difficult terrain to traverse.
The hill stands near the middle of a relatively flat plain, approximately 1000 feet across. The road runs across this plain, fairly straight, east to west. To the east of the plain (back towards Lichford) the ground and road slope gradually downwards back towards the river valley. The terrain in that direction consists of rugged grasslands and scrub, occasional small hills and scattered woods.
West of the plain, the ground begins to rise quite sharply upwards to high, rugged hills, their slopes covered in pine forests, sometimes broken by barren vales or almost sheer rocky cliffs.
Apart from the rounded hill, the terrain of the plain consists of grasslands broken by occasional boulders, small clumps of scrubby bushes or stunted pines, and here and there lone trees.
The hill is about 350 to 400 feet in diameter (as described before) and about 150 feet above the surrounding plain at its crest. Standing at the top of the hill gives a relatively good vantage of the plain and the road for about half a mile to the east (where it curves away out of sight behind another hill).
The hill is grass covered with occasional small bushes and plenty of broken blocks of stone from the collapsed tower at the peak. The first thirty feet or so up the hill would require a DC 0 Climb check or a DC 5 Ride check to traverse, after that the slope is not severe enough to slow down movement, though someone up hill of their opponent may gain a higher ground bonus in combat. A circle of about sixty feet diameter at the crown of the hill is for all intents and purposes flat.
A strip of land about forty feet wide on the western slope of the hill consists of uneven ground, sink holes, chunks of rock and blocks of fallen stone. It counts as difficult terrain.
The hill is located about eighty feet north of the road, a worn trail leads north from the road, up to the ruined tower at the top of the hill. This trail may be the most obvious route to traverse, but conveys no particular advantage over ascending the hill at another location.
A ring of standing stones circles the hill at its base. The stones are tapered rectangles, about three feet wide at the base, tapering to two feet at the top. They average about six feet tall. Dozens of the stones stand, their edges rounded and weathered by centuries of wind and rain. A dozen more have toppled or shattered. The stones are spaced about ten feet apart. If they ever bore any markings or runes, these have long since been worn away.
Alton sighs wearily, aimlessly wandering the hilltop as he looks for something, anything to help them.
Sighing, he sits on a worn stone and looks back towards Lichford 'Fifteen is too many. Especially drained as we are.'
"I doubt he'll make camp; he seems far too determined to catch us. If he does camp for the night, it will be a brief stop; only a few hours before he continues the pursuit.
What if we keep moving? If his bird is unable to track us at night, than that might give us a few hours in which we could go an unexpected direction?"
Alton sighs wearily, aimlessly wandering the hilltop as he looks for something, anything to help them.
Sighing, he sits on a worn stone and looks back towards Lichford 'Fifteen is too many. Especially drained as we are.'"I doubt he'll make camp; he seems far too determined to catch us. If he does camp for the night, it will be a brief stop; only a few hours before he continues the pursuit.
What if we keep moving? If his bird is unable to track us at night, than that might give us a few hours in which we could go an unexpected direction?"
Laithe considers the diminutive swashbuckler's words and nods slowly. "We could continue moving and like you say gain some distance under cover of night. But personally, I am somewhat eager to end this chase now. I get the feeling Atrek is a more than competent tracker, and with the eagle also on the look out for us, we have little chance of evading them for long. I would vote for staying, perparing as best we can, and meeting Atrek on our own terms."
To Nicolai's question he adds "I know of those among our people who befriend animals and form bonds with them. But I know not whether Atrek is one such as this, or if he has a more magical bond, like that of which Kajetan has described."
"Ok, might I make a suggestion. Nicolai and Kajetan, if you are keen to meet them, then I suggest you set up camp in a spot that will force them to dismount to approach you; perhaps in the ruggard section on the west side of the hill. The rest of us can conceal ourselves about the place, ready to leap to your aid if you need. If they refuse your offer, we can spring the trap on them, using magic to take some of their numbers out of the fight and even up the battle field?"
"The other option might be to make a stand in the tower, where we can at least use the remaining walls to prvent them from entering on horseback."
Nicholai nods thoughtfully.
"I also vote to stay and meet him here. BEsides sounding thoroughly unpleasant, he seems to be more than competent to pick up our trail again, all we would have gained is a little more time, and we'd meet him with no rest and even wearier than we are now."
"I say the tower, gives you all more places to hide in the shadows and ruins, and gives us something at our backs! Better a short wall than no wall to hide behind!"
"KAjetan, why don't you follow the lovely lady's example and catch some rest? If you can get the chance to recover the use of more powerful magics that would help. Even being able to turn some of the others invisible would be an enormous boon! They could stand right next to us and be ready without having to hide!" The dapper man grins.
Nicholai waves off the idea of resting,... for now. "I've only cast one minor enchantment and a simple spell today, the horse did all the rest of the work! I can wait until we've finalized our plans." He says with a sniff. Although he can;t disguise the fact that he looks as weary as anybody else.
"Though except for a few minor details, like where and how the rest of you can hide, I think you've summed it up nicely Laithe. If Kaj can regain enough strength to cast a few more spells, that will tip the balance slightly in our favor. And we should definitely remember to use all our skills to narrow down the numbers advantage they have first, before they can close!"
Nicholai nods thoughtfully.
"I also vote to stay and meet him here. BEsides sounding thoroughly unpleasant, he seems to be more than competent to pick up our trail again, all we would have gained is a little more time, and we'd meet him with no rest and even wearier than we are now."
"I say the tower, gives you all more places to hide in the shadows and ruins, and gives us something at our backs! Better a short wall than no wall to hide behind!"
"KAjetan, why don't you follow the lovely lady's example and catch some rest? If you can get the chance to recover the use of more powerful magics that would help. Even being able to turn some of the others invisible would be an enormous boon! They could stand right next to us and be ready without having to hide!" The dapper man grins.
Nicholai waves off the idea of resting,... for now. "I've only cast one minor enchantment and a simple spell today, the horse did all the rest of the work! I can wait until we've finalized our plans." He says with a sniff. Although he can;t disguise the fact that he looks as weary as anybody else.
"Though except for a few minor details, like where and how the rest of you can hide, I think you've summed it up nicely Laithe. If Kaj can regain enough strength to cast a few more spells, that will tip the balance slightly in our favor. And we should definitely remember to use all our skills to narrow down the numbers advantage they have first, before they can close!"
Laithe nods; "I'll need a little time in communion also to replenish my spells. I will then help prepare the battle ground as best as possible. In the meantime I might suggest we dig in some wooden stakes to set in the ground and at least protect the gaps in the wall at the South and North-west from easy horse entry. It may also be worthwhile giving the ruins a thorough search; to make sure there are no other surprises or possible assets we have not yet uncovered."
"For the moment though, I need everyone to gather in close for 10 minutes. I ahve a spell which will enhance any rest we get over the next 24 hours, but it takes some time to cast, and you need be nearby until it is complete." He chooses a spot next to Pharris' already resting form and sits down. Once the others have gathered around, he closes his eyes and begins a gentle, rhythmic, peaceful chanting.
"Let the Water wash, sooth and flow,
The Wind breath, swirl and blow,
The Earth offer its strength below,
And Fire warm with it's gentle glow,
Then healing and peace you will know."
Anyone nearby hearing it begins to feel tension and muscle soreness ease, and generally feel more relaxed. The chanting continues for about 10 minutes, until his voice slowly fades away. After a minute he rises and says quietly. "The spell is complete; hopefully we will get enough rest to benefit from it"
Once done, Laithe finds himself a spot sitting on the edge of the tower wall, looking out to rest and commune.
Laithe:
What is Briar Web? How does that one work?
Mothman:
Briar Web (Complete Divine)
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Med (100ft + 10ft/level)
Area: Plants in 20ft radius spread
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Reflex negates (see text)
Spell Resistance: No
Causes grasses, weeds, bushes etc to grow thorns and then wrap around creatures in the area. Those who make their save are unaffected, but move at half normal speed within spell area.Failing a save leaves you with 3 option: Stay still, try and break free, or continue to act normally.
- Stay still: -2 to attacks, -4 to Dex.
- Break free: spend a full round action trying to break free allows for another saving throw. If successful you take no damage but still suffer half move within spell area. Failing the save deal 2d6 thorn damage and you remain entangled.
- Act normally (attack, cast spell with somantic component, move etc) take 2d6 damage (concentration check required to cast.
The plant provides cover: 5ft away you have cover, 20ft away you have total cover.
After about an hour of quiet reflection, Laithe rises from his perch on the wall and returns to the others to aid with any other preparations. He begins moving small to medium boulders into position along the North-west gap in the wall, hoping to make it a little higher and more difficult for mounted warriors to get through.
While he works he explains his line of thinking to the others. "I figure we need to do as much as we can to shape the terrain to nullify their numbers; and in particular their ability to charge us from horseback. The wall offers some such protection from that at least. My thought is to block up the North-west gap as best as possible. We can then arrange sharpened stakes around the main South entrance in order to disuade approach by horse from that direction."
He moves just outside the South entrance to test the ground. "Ehlonna has blessed me with a spell which will change this hard-packed earth into loose sand, or even slippery mud if we are lucky" he says, nodding towards the storm clouds gathering in the near-distance. "That should hopefully force the riders to dismount in order to approach from this side."
"I am also able to create fields of entangling vines which I'm hoping to use to take some opponents from the fight or at the very least make big sections of the wall inaccessible to them. This will hopefully even up the odds a little. I may also be able to call on some of the creatures of nature to aid if things are getting out of control."
He gestures to the nearby wooded region. "I'll need to collect some suitable wood to fashion into stakes. Does anyone have a hatchet or other suitable blade I can use? Alton, perhaps the enchanted blade you we found in the Valley of the Snails?"
Nicholai smiles as Laithe explains his available prayers and plans.
"Very nice! That should help slow down the rabble quite nicely! I wish I could arrange for different knowledge at times. But unfortunately my abilities are rather,... set."
"Your defenses seem more than adequate, considering our precarious position. The only factor I can see is if we are going to be able to get enough rest while also trying to fortify ourselves. I presume with these defenses we aren't even going to try to convince them that Kaj and I are alone? Or deceive them with the 'you attacking innocent travelers' story?" NIcholai asks with a raised eyebrow.
He goes to help gather sticks, but is unable to control his yawn. He looks at Laithe apologetically.
Kajetan having learned what he can from the stones, imparts that information to the others as he settles down for a nice sleep.
He shivers under his winter blanket and constant tosses and turns.
Nicholai's eyes widen slightly as as Kajetan begins expounding on the possibilities, and probabilities, of the hill they are on top of. By the time Kajetan is finished, Nicholai has sat down to digest it all.
"Wow. I' must admit I've never heard of anyone building a hill before. But while the possibilities are very intriguing, and I would love to explore the possibility later, unless we plan to excavate an entrance and hide inside whatever structure is below us, I don't see how it is going to help us out of our current predicament. Unless the magic of the stones IS defensive, and you read how to reactivate it?" He adds hopefully, but jokingly, to Kajetan with a grin.
"Ah well, it was a thought!" He smiles.
"Very nice! That should help slow down the rabble quite nicely! I wish I could arrange for different knowledge at times. But unfortunately my abilities are rather,... set."
"Your defenses seem more than adequate, considering our precarious position. The only factor I can see is if we are going to be able to get enough rest while also trying to fortify ourselves. I presume with these defenses we aren't even going to try to convince them that Kaj and I are alone? Or deceive them with the 'you attacking innocent travelers' story?" NIcholai asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Hmmm; yes the stakes in particular would make that option a little more difficult. However, we could forgo the stakes and proceed with building up the North-west gap, and turning the ground to mud before the south entrance. That way, you could still proceed with your idea, with the rest of us being hidden in or around the tower. Someone other than yourselves could have moved the rocks, and the area of mud could be explained away by the weather. The other defences can be called if and when they attack, after you have had an opportunity to talk with them."
Nicholai's eyes widen slightly as as Kajetan begins expounding on the possibilities, and probabilities, of the hill they are on top of. By the time Kajetan is finished, Nicholai has sat down to digest it all.
"Wow. I' must admit I've never heard of anyone building a hill before. But while the possibilities are very intriguing, and I would love to explore the possibility later, unless we plan to excavate an entrance and hide inside whatever structure is below us, I don't see how it is going to help us out of our current predicament. Unless the magic of the stones IS defensive, and you read how to reactivate it?" He adds hopefully, but jokingly, to Kajetan with a grin.
"Ah well, it was a thought!" He smiles.
Laithe, too, listens with interest at Kajetan's description of the possible purposes of the man-made hill. "Is it worth looking for an entrance to this tomb, if indeed one lies beneath?" he asks. "It may provide an alternate defensive option to use against Atrek? At the least I would suggest a good search of the tower and immediate suroounding hillside might be worthwhile before we turn in."
With a few hours work you can gather enough stone blocks and rubble to fill up the gap to about the hight of the surrounding walls (3-4 feet). Doing the stakes might take a little bit longer, as there are no trees on the hill, but if you head over into the wooded area you would no doubt be able to find suitable timber.
Now, where are you setting up your camp (up on the hill within the remains of the watchtower? Or elsewhere?) and are you standing watches during the night?
With a few hours work you can gather enough stone blocks and rubble to fill up the gap to about the hight of the surrounding walls (3-4 feet). Doing the stakes might take a little bit longer, as there are no trees on the hill, but if you head over into the wooded area you would no doubt be able to find suitable timber.
Now, where are you setting up your camp (up on the hill within the remains of the watchtower? Or elsewhere?) and are you standing watches during the night?
"We may as well camp in the tower; it offers some protection and if we are beset upon during the night we will be in position." Laithe picks a spot for the fire towards the South-East edge of the tower. Nodding to Nicolai and Kajetan he suggests "If you both bed down towards the tower centre, then the others can bed down under cover of the wall, giving them a greater chance to remain hidden from view."
once the camp is made and the fire burning, he says "You may as well get some rest while I work on the wall", Laithe says to the others. "I can keep a watch while I work and then once done I will wake one of you for the next watch."
He sets about filling the gap in the wall, stopping every 10 minutes or so to listen and scan the surrounding area, outside the circle of light cast by the fire. Assuming nothing happens on his watch, he will wake one of the others once the wall is complete and try and get some rest.
Pharris sleeps on as darkness falls.
After communing with his goddess, setting a camp fire and helping to shore up the gap in the wall of the watch tower, Laithe settles in for the first watch. The hours pass without incident, although the night grows very cold, and the continued mournful call of the wind past the old tower is quite unsettling.
After several hours, Laithe wakes Pharris, who seems well rested enough after her five or so hours of sleep.
The warrior woman’s watch also passes without her noticing anything odd, and after several hours she wakes the last watcher, though she stays awake with him in the hours through to dawn.