Does Sir Gendar know about this spy and how the last message may be at Fort Arazarm? Or does he only think he's supposed to relieve the fort? We just need to know what is okay to talk to him about and what is not."
I'm certain he does.
"Who in Sir Gendar's entourage know about the spy and the message? Should we talk to Gendar alone?"
Probably. I'm not sure who else knows.
"Do you have any clues where in Fort Arazarm these messages might be, or who might have them? Do they have any special markings or seals?"
I don't know that.
"Do you know of any secret ways into or out of Fort Arazarm?"
They were digging one a few years ago, but I don't know where it comes out. I haven't been up there in a year or so.
"Are there any surviving wizards at the fort?"
Possibly, Siggara is the ranking wizard there, but he had several apprentices.
"What can you tell us of conditions between here and Spinecastle? I fear we may actually have to journey there and would like to know what to expect."
There are lots of mixed mercenary bands, small and large, who seek their fortune there, so you won't be automatically attacked just for being 'human' or whatever. Having the dwarf in the party could be a problem and a small group like yours will probably have to fight a lot. You'll encounter a lot of depravity and conditions you feel will require action. Taking that action may make your journey very difficult.
How many halfogres? I don't know, but I've seen dozens of them at once.
As for me--I'll be back off with my gnomish comrades, making sure the Bone March doesn't try to send troops west of the river. We will meet again, I hope.
We will thank Ebbers and make our farewells. Then we will cautiously make our way back to the pack animals.
Thaddeus and Belric will confer on which of the smithy tools would yield the most value for the least amount of weight. We will then pack 50 pounds of the most valuable tools on the mules.
Our group will then make its way back towards the army. Jacques will be on point at a distance where our noise won't disturb his stealth - at least 100 yards, if not more.
Should we reach the army without being intercepted, we will greet the pickets in a friendly manner, and make our way to the packmaster to retrieve our other pack animals and warhorses. We will then catch up to the command section to receive new assignments, leaving a meeting with Sir Gendar for the evening when camp has been made.
@Belric: We do have spies in the area as well and you may find unexpected help in unexpected places. Several of my band are embedded with your sister's group. I'm going to pass along word about where your group is headed--to a trusted associate only. You will hear from us again....I just can't tell you more in case you are captured.
Ebbers takes his leave
+1 hour: now about lunchtime Flocktime 28
You're catching up with the army, albeit slowly. Sometimes Jacques spots a dust cloud that indicates they're about an hour ahead of you. Since Belric can't walk as fast as the rest of you, you probably won't catch up with them until nightfall.
Jacques and others spot occasional aerial traffic far in the distance. One time Jacques thought it might be a wyvern, another time maybe a hippogriff. It does look like someone is watching the troops' approach, but that isn't unexpected.
+3 hours
Staying out of sight of the river, during a late afternoon break, Jacques climbs a tree to look around the area. He spots more river traffic heading south--barges loaded with what looks like troops, probably humanoid from their haphazard appearance. Dozens of troops on about ten barges.
The rest of us will stay well out of sight of the river, under cover of the trees if possible to avoid detection by air. Jacques will remain motionless in the tree to get a count and type of humanoids, as well as any heraldic markings that would tell us which clan or tribe they belong to.
When the barges are well past we will resume towards the army under the previous marching order. Any future breaks will be taken in places likely to avoid being seen by the aerial scouts.
+3 hrs. Dusk, Flocktime 28.
By nightfall, you are about 20 miles north of Knurl on the west bank of the Harp river. The river banks tend to be more cliffs at this location, with occasional draws leading down to small beaches. Pine and mixed trees mingle with rocky outcroppings. Knee high wild grass and grains are everywhere, as are thorny bushes and deer paths.
Jacques heard occasional sounds of camp up ahead and you all smelled cooking fire smoke, but moving carefully in the fading light you haven't made it to the camp yet.
Jacques halts the group. Light sources aren't needed yet, but soon they will be. Jacques heard the sound of of metal on metal and a slight crack from up ahead and slightly to the east, towards the river.
Moving that way carefully, he crawls between some bushes and spots a giant of some sort. Over 10' tall, ugly and wearing a dingy looking chain shirt, the creature is sitting on top of a mud bank, peering down a game trail, a massive and surpringly well crafted looking longbow in his grimy paws. He is looking away from Jacques, but Jacques also spots a dire wolf crouched beyond the giant, probably a pet or ally. The giant is about 60 feet away from Jacques and the party is about 200 feet behind Jacques.
Map will follow tomorrow
Unwilling to take on a both a dire wolf and some kind of giant by his lonesome, Jaques returns to the party to let them know what he has discovered. He points out that a giants bow could be very dangerous if our spell caster is easily spotted, and suggests we concentrate an attack on the giant, and simply deal with the wolf when the giant goes down. He asks Thaddeus if there is any possibility at all that this giant would be non-hostile?
When Jacques asks if the giant could be non-hostile, or even friendly, Thaddeus will think for a moment and shake his head. Knowledge/local roll (1d20+10=26) "No, I sincerely doubt it. I have heard that there are giants that tolerate or even act in concert with humans, but we don't have any around here. Such a giant would have been much storied in Knurl, especially given the evil that stalks these lands. I am sure this giant is a part of that evil."
He will think a moment more. "Let us leave our mules here and stalk this giant. We must take care to approach from downwind, lest his wolf take our scent. I can make us all invisible for a time, but can do nothing to mask our sound. Belric, would Moradin have graced you with a silence spell today?"
"Let me tell you how my spell works. I can make everything within ten feet of Jacques invisible. But you must stay within ten feet of him, or you will become visible again, and can not go back! You will be able to see me and each other - do not let this vex you, for the giant and his wolf will not see you. They can still smell you, which is why we must approach from downwind, and can still hear you, which is why I hope Belric has a silence spell today. They can also see the grass and branches move when you brush them, so take care to tread in open areas where there is little to give away your position."
"I will cast my spell on Jacques, Belric will cast his, and then Jacques will guide us either behind the giant, or through open areas in the brush and grass, depending on the direction of the wind. Jacques, make your steps sure, for you will have a bit less than five minutes to get us to the giant! When we are close enough for Belric to run up to the giant, both he and Agathon will do so. This will make you both visible, so make haste! When you attack, I will loose an orb of acid at the giant. Jacques, you will still be invisible until you attack - you can finish off the wolf and then attack the giant, if you like."
"Everyone, make ready and gather close to Jacques! I will begin my spell now.", Thaddeus will pluck out an eyelash and intone the spell, passing his hand over his eyes and touching his hand over Jacques' eyes. Agathon feels the hairs on his arm stand on end, as if he was in a meadow during a thunderstorm. DC10 spellcraft roll (1d20+14=20)
Thaddeus casting DC10 spellcraft roll: orb of acid, lesser as 6th level caster (1d20+14=26)
orb of acid, lesser: on the giant (1d20+5=24, 3d8=15)
Belric AC 22 36/36
Bless 1 round/5 minutes
Magic Stone 30 minutes or discharged on 3 stones that have sling range 50ft +1 to hit, each stone 1d6+1 .
“Ach Laddie, Dem big gobbers be a dwarves bread n butter! Let me at em, while ye take yon duggie doun! Keep ye enchantmunt as loong as ye think it be working. But let mae enchant some stones for Jaques sling.” Belric will cast magic stone on three pebbles and hand them over to Jaques “Ye know what these be for”. He will take a deep breath, and state “Ready lads, I will ask ma Lord’s favor for this battle”
Belric will hold his holy symbol A Warhammer upright with an anvil in the background, up right and it flares with the holy light of his deity, “Moradin, Soulforger bless us before battle tae slay our foes in yer name, by the Hammer and Tongs!”
By Moradin's beard! This surely be unnatural! Ach cannae see ma own self! I dinnae like this invisibility stuff! NAE! NOT AT TAL!
Approving of the plan, Agathon will present the group with his best lopsided grin as Belric pours out his eagerness to attack the giant as if it were water from a well bucket.
As Thaddeus explains the function of the spell, Agathon once again marvels at the power of his comrades…
”I didn’t know he could make the whole lot of us invisible! Amazing!” As Thaddeus weaves his magic, Agathon will involuntarily wince as the wizard plucks one of his own eyelashes out as part of the incantation. As the hairs on his right arm stands up, he will inwardly shudder… ”What mystical forces are coursing through my being right now? Oh, Pelor! Aid my friends in their ways and guide their thoughts and powers to do what must be done! Allow me to smite these evil foes upon the trail under the blaze of your countenance… But, deny me the pleasure of the kill as you teach this leads to dark paths even under the Sun…”
For a moment, he thinks that Thaddeus has failed and almost moves to far from Jacques to question the wizard! He can clearly see the others and himself. “I thought that we were to be invis…” At Jacques’ ‘weren’t you just listening, moron…’ look, Agathon will remember the young wizard’s description of the spell’s work and just smiles back at the smaller man… As group slowly gets under way, Agathon will visibly flinch with every crunch and scrape of Belric’s foot falls.
”Well, nothing to be done about, I suppose…” he will think to himself.
After a moment, Agathon will recall his other Barkskin potion. He will drink that potion now .
A Hide roll (+20 due to Invisibility Sphere) and a Move Silently Roll: (1d20+23=37, 1d20+4=12)
Keeping his sword in it’s sheath and moving with the greatest of care, Agathon will concentrate on keeping within 10 feet of Jacques as the group moves toward the Giant and the Dire Wolf…
Jacques returns unharmed.
+2 minutes
Thaddeus confirms that this type of giant is probably hostile. Spells are cast and the group sneaks up invisibly.
+10 minutes
Coming up on the giant from the north, the group had to move a bit slower. It's dark now and everyone's invisible and it is taking much too long. Belric in particular is a bit perplexed and stumbles over a root, falling down and making a ton of noise. The giant was not visible at this point, but Jacques estimates that he's just beyond the line of trees up ahead.
After Belric rights himself and everyone stops to find him in the invisibility circle, Jacques can hear the distinct sound of a growl from up ahead, about 40 yards maybe. A deep growl and the creaking sound of a big bow being drawn.
You see nothing yet. Initiative wouldn't be inappropriate though.
Thaddeus hears the creaking and assumes it is not the giant's knee joints. Initiative (1d20+7=21)
Thinking quickly, he takes an MA to get to cover - a large tree or rock, or at least a leafy bush that will conceal him if hard cover is not available.
He will then cast mirror image on himself as a 6th level caster (to get the extra image): DC10 spellcraft check (1d20+14=16). Total images: images created (1d4+2=3). Images are AC 13.
Trusting in Thaddeus’ magic to keep them unseen, Agathon will strain his eyes in the darkness (not really knowing that his Darkvision only allows him to see 60 feet away)…
Hearing the bow creak and the sounds from the Dire Wolf, Agathon will tense a bit getting ready for a sudden rush…
An initiative Roll for Agathon: (1d20+8=13)
As he tenses for combat, Agathon will quickly look over his comrades to be sure of their own readiness while also straining to determine the direction of the sounds from the Giant and the Dire Wolf.
A Spot Check to notice that Jacques can no longer see now that his potion has finished: (1d20+5=20)
A listen check to determine the direction of the sounds we have heard: (1d20=13)
Whispering to Jacques and Belric, Agathon will say, “We must remain close… Move toward the bow creaking… That way…” Agathon will indicate the direction as best he knows it.
A hit in case an enemy presents itself this round: (1d20+11=31, 2d6+7=16)
Hit to confirm the critical (for X2 Damage= 32 points): (1d20+11=27)
So, if something rushes forth, I will smack it after executing a 20 foot MA with the invisible group. If nothing rushes forth, then the invisible group will move 40 feet (2 MA).
Belric AC 22 HP 36
Initiative 1d20+2=16
Belric grimaces in apology when he regains his feet, as he moves up with the others he cringes with every crunch and snap of a twig he makes
Ach Belric ye bumbling fool, I know that giant gobber cannae see us yet, but he surely can hear you, let ma give him something else tae shoot at
Belric will pick up a fist sized rock and pick out an area where there are lose stones, or a large boulder anything that will give off good sound and throw at it
I hope that causes thae bugger tae shoot elsewhere!
Blast it, the potion wore off, I have to do this by sound again. I really must find something more permanent. Jaques note Thaddeus's quick slip to the cover when the creak is heard, and moves to stay close enough to the wizard to intercept anything coming in for melee. He listens intently anticipating the need to slap aside a large incoming arrow.
Thaddeus takes cover.
Belric throws his rock.
The giant steps out from behind a small ridge line about 30 yards up ahead. His bow is drawn and he looks around intently. His wolf's hackles are up and he's sniffing the air. He takes a knee and swiftly fires his bow at Belric, hitting him for 12 points of damage. He then puts the bow away with practiced ease.
Agathon spots them both, but he's not in range. He sees no other targets at this time.
Jacques sticks with Thaddeus.
Belric Hp 24 (at the beginning) 33 at the end of the round.
AC 22 (ranged and v doggie) 26 v giant in melee.
Belric moves 20 feet heading for cover while taking out a clw potion, stops behind the cover drinks his potion.
1d8+5=9
ugh that hurt!
Seeing the Giant’s position, and his arrow bury itself into Belric, Agathon will advance 20 feet or so to keep pace with Belric to be certain that the dwarf is all right. As he moves, he will pull out his Potion of Haste.
Finding what cover he can, he can’t help but grin with relief at the priest’s muffled curses as a few drops of the curing potion dribbles into his beard.
“We must run for it, brother Belric!” Agathon will whisper encouragingly. “We must both engage yonder giant! This is knife and axe work!”
With that, he will once again glance around their cover to espy the giant as he drinks the potion from the little odd shaped jar that Thaddeus told him was a Haste Spell…
Thaddeus watches approvingly as Agathon downs the haste potion. He will stay with the larger man as he moves to Belric, knowing that Jacques will stay with him. Thaddeus will use the rest of his move action to get to partial cover.
Agathon is going to charge and will be in melee with the giant soon. I cannot risk the acid orb spell then; I will have to do it now. That makes me a target, but the mirror image should work.
Thaddeus casting DC10 spellcraft roll: orb of acid, lesser as 6th level caster (1d20+14=26)
orb of acid, lesser: on the giant (1d20+5=24, 3d8=15)
Jaques decides to let fly a sling bullet before his darkvision fades completely. every little bit helps... I think I recall some kind of story about a giant being killed by a sling stone once...
Thaddeus' spell connects and the giant bellows in pain.
Belric finds cover and drinks his potion.
The giant moves towards the party with his axe out. He stops after 10 yards and zings a head sized rock at Thaddeus with his free hand, eliminating one of the mirror images, 2 images left.
The wolf is sniffing the air suspiciously and moves towards the dwarf. He leaps over several boulders and stands menacingly above Belric, ready to pounce next round.
Near the dwarf, Agathon and Jacques prepare to drop the invisibility when they attack.
At the end of the round, the giant is 10 yards away from Belric and Jacques and Agathon, 30 yards from Thaddeus. The wolf is just 10 feet away.
Belric Hp 33 AC 22
Bless for all 4 minutes 8 rounds
“Here doggie” Belric taunts the fanged beast, timing his attack for when it leaps
Initiative, attack and damage (1d20+2=15, 1d20+8=17, 1d10+4=6)
He will use his shield to keep the wolf’s mouth away while slamming his enchanted war ax into the creature’s chest!
ach joost a glancing blow! Ay haftae kill this mutt quickly tae help oot with da big gobber!
Feeling the Haste Potion fill his body with a growing heat… Agathon will smile and bolt after the giant…
Running aside so as to give the Dire Wolf a wide berth, Agathon will power his way uphill to the giant…
Pulling the great sword on the run, Agathon will hardly note the foul stench of the wolf as he passes well out of its reach to bury his sword in the giant’s left side.
A hit on the Giant (+2 to his due to Bless and Haste effects): (1d20+13=27, 2d6+7=15)
Seeing a small spark of green light from the blade as it enters the giant’s body, Agathon will be inspired as to a possible name for his new weapon… Flash.
Ignoring what might be happening between his friends and the beast behind him, Agathon will yank hard on the sword so as to swing it around again for his next attack…
Help Belric. That was the plan. And anyway it will free him up to fight the giant. If Belric doesn't at least get to swing his axe at the giant, we'll never hear the end of his grumbling.
Thaddeus will unsling his crossbow and take a snap shot at the wolf: light crossbow shot at dire wolf (1d20+7=24, 1d8+1=7)
He will then reload and move as necessary to keep Belric between himself and the wolf.
Thaddeus hits the dire wolf.
Belric attacks it and connects as well.
The giant charges towards the party, reaching Belric, but he cannot attack. That's where Agathon meets him and hits him for heavy damage.
The dire wolf howls as he runs away out of reach, behind the ridge. His howls are answered by another and then another....about a mile away or further.
Jacques steps back out of the giant's reach and zings him with a sling bullet, hitting him as well.
Feeling fast as lightning, Agathon will flash the sword around to strike the giant.
To hits on the Giant due to Haste Potion effects: (1d20+13=21, 2d6+7=13, 1d20+13=28, 2d6+7=16)
Agathon amazes himself as he manages to hit the great beast twice in the time normally taken for a single mighty blow with the large blade.
“Ha! Takethatyoufilthydarkworshippingbugger!”
Running his words together, Agathon grins as he realizes that he’s so fast he can barely understand himself!
”Oh Great Light! If only I could move like this all the time!” He will pray in his mind…
Belric Hp 33 AC 22 (26 v giant)
Bless for all 4 minutes 7 rounds
Cowardly cur!
“Ach so ye wish tae taste o me axe do ye? Well coom an git it ye oversized goblin!” Belric will take a five step to try and get into flanking position with Agathon.
“Nice hit Laddie!” Belric will compliment Agathon while slashing at the giant’s knees
Seeing his beloved axe bite deep into the giant’s leg, Belric will give Agathon a smug look, just to say Ach see Laddie, ye aren’t the only one who can deliver some pain
Those answering howls sounded about a mile off. We should have time to deal with the giant before the rest of the pack gets here. I doubt I can catch the wolf - the only one with a chance to catch it is Jacques. Anyway it's gone so it's time to focus on the giant.
Thaddeus will begin casting magic missile as a 7th level caster in order to get the extra missile. A nearby clump of weeds spontaneously bursts into flame and his hands take on an orange glow as he completes the spell. DC20 spellcraft check (1d20+14=29)
The tiny globes leap forth at the giant as a sound like tearing paper fills the air. All four impact the giant squarely in the belly. Magic missile as 7th level caster (4d4+4=15)
With his remaining MA, Thaddeus will reload his crossbow and keep a wary eye out for the wolf.
Thaddeus' magic missiles hit the giant.
The critical hit from Belric staggers him.
The giant attacks Belric...both attacks hit! Total damage 36 hit points!
He whistles at the dire wolf and it bolts.
Belric goes down.
Agathons vicious hasted attack bites into the giant, drawing massive wounds.
Jaques fires another sling bullet, again hitting. The giant goes down, dead.
everyone LEVEL UP
The hill giant's satchel contains not much of interest. His bow is a giant sized +1 composite long bow, however. He also has 38 sp, 15 gp, 24 arrows.
AC 20 -3/42 unconcous
feeling his blade bite deep, Belric notices Thaddeus's magical energy slam into the Giant just as he sees stars and hears a loud ringing when all goes black!
Hit Point roll for leveling up Agathon to 2nd level Ranger (6th level over-all): (1d8+3=8)
As the Giant swings and connects with Belric knocking the cleric flat, Agathon will shout, “NOooo!” cutting off his cry as it is punctuated by the loud ‘crack’ of the dwarf’s helmet on the rocky ground.
After the final blow causes the giant to fall as well, Agathon will immediately drop to his knee besides the downed priest and dig out one of his curing potions. Seeing his friend take in a ragged breath, Agathon will relax a bit and gently pour the elixir into Belric’s mouth…
A Cure Light Wounds potion poured down Belric's throat: (1d8+5=11)
As Belric sputters back to consciousness, Agathon will say, “There, my friend. It is my turn to heal you! But I see Pelor’s light upon your face and Moradin’s power in your eyes… Arise friend sluggard… and let’s prepare to set upon more of the enemy! Now is not the time for rest, for there is work yet this night!
With a big lopsided grin, he will aid the dwarf to a sitting position and will turn to look about. Still able to see in the dark through the magic potion, he will attempt to determine the track upon which the Dire Wolf ran (as he most probably did not actually see the creature run while he fought the giant)…
A Survival Roll as Agathon attempts to Track the Dire Wolf: (1d20+6=12)
“Thaddeus, what shall we do now? Follow the wolf and meet its friends (and whoever might hold tight to their leashes)? Or, should we retire from the field and mend our wounds? Brother Belric seems to be rightly hurt despite my potion’s work…”
6th level hit points for Thaddeus: 6th level hit points (1d4+1=4)
Seeing the giant drop, and Agathon tending to Belric's wounds, Thaddeus will cautiously approach the ridgeline where the wolf was. He is in time to see the wolf's retreating, abeit bloody, backside.
Agathon's words come out in a blur and it takes the wizard a moment to parse what was said. "I really think we should retire and move to rejoin the army. Belric is badly hurt and my magicks are depleted. Let us conserve our remaining potions - no one else is hurt and Belric can heal himself a bit more with the power of Moradin. There will be priests with the army that can heal him the rest of the way. If the wolves attack us, we will deal with it."
Jaques squints, as he peers into the darkness in the direction after the wolf. "My darkvision is gone now. I fear I'll be little help unless an enemy comes in close to us. We should check for anything of value or intelligence off the body of the giant, and retreat to a more secure location for the remains of the night".
CY 577 1st day of Wealsun
You rejoin the army in the morning. They are moving out rapidly. Now that you know over half of the troops are illusions, it's easier to spot. Sir Gendar believes you will reach the ford to cross the river by tomorrow afternoon. He believes it will be contested.
"We are being watched all the time, from the air and from the ground. I fear the worst when we arrive."
Thaddeus plods along numbly behind Agathon, the party having walked through the night in an effort to rejoin the army. Agathon stops when Jacques signals, and Thaddeus very nearly runs into the warrior. "We've found the army!", Agathon says, beaming through his own fatigue. Why shouldn't he be happy? It's not every man who can say he killed a giant.
Spying a wagon, the wizard will hand his pack mule off to the load master. With a final burst of energy he will heave himself into the wagon, pleased to find it laden with tents, rope, and sacking. When one of Gendar's aides approaches to shoo him away, Thaddeus cuts him off. "Would you please let Sir Gendar know that we've returned? There was little of interest to report from the monastery. We dispatched a couple more Bleeding Eye orcs, a troll, and a shadow. Two river barges laden with humanoids passed us in the afternoon. Oh, and we killed a giant by the river bank."
"We'd be much obliged if Sir Gendar would allow us to sleep until mid-afternoon or so; we walked all night to catch up to you. And send a healer for Brother Belric, would you?" Thaddeus helps Belric into the wagon, finds a comfortable spot and is asleep almost instantly.
Later that day, when speaking to Sir Gendar...
"There was one thing I neglected to tell your aide this morning. We ran into Karl Hammersmith before we spotted the river barges. He seems like a decent sort - Ebbers thinks well of him. Apparently he's scouting for Nyrond. In any event, is there a way we can get across the river ahead of the ford? If we can flank the defenses on the other bank, combined with a strong frontal attack, we may be able to effect a crossing. What say you, sir?"
Pushing on through the long night march, without the benefits of the darkvision potion, Jaques focused on stretching his other senses, searching for advance warning he could share with the party. His recent experience fighting the giant in the dark, informs his thoughts, and during the long hike, he comes to a greater understanding of his teachers lessons in sensing the changes ones opponents make in the environment, without having to actually see them. He steels himself against the fatigue, willing his body to make adjustments to compensate and continue both alertness and reduce the need for rest. By morning, with the column, he feels strangely energized, purged of impurities and ill humours. He only knows he needs sleep intellectually, rather than actually feeling it. He watches the others, Belrics grumbling about the wounds, and worse, the marring of his armor without a proper forge to burnish it back up. Agathon's tired, but happy grin, like a terrier exhausted after play. Thaddeus imperious manner as he flops into the wagon (but sparing a sly grin to Jaques, letting him in on the joke). For the moment, before the next battle, Jaques is as content as he's ever been. His thoughts drift to Shirana...
3rd day of Wealsun, CY 577: Now almost 60 miles north of Knurl, the company crosses the Harp river at a known ford. Your flanking and scouting shows goblin and orcish scouts, some mounted on wargs, shadowing the contingent, but there is no serious contest of the crossing.
Fort Arazarm is 20 miles inland. The hills are gentle here, with many paths crossing between the low inclines, but heavy brush, fern and conifer trees make the trek difficult.
The contingent stays on the known path. Speed is of the essence. Occasionally someone snipes at the company with crossbow bolts and the occasional wyvern overhead reminds everyone that it may be a long day yet.
By nightfall, the company is about 3 miles inland. It takes about 2 hours for them to make camp, posting guards, traps and spells.
They expect attack tonight. Any special arrangements the party wants to make?
1 Wealsun 577
Thaddeus flickers awake in his bed. The feeble rays of the early spring sun do little to chase night's chill from the air. The servants have not yet poked up the fire, but the bed with its furs and linen sheets is comfortably warm. His bedmate, Kendra, is also agreeably warm, her blond hair still mussed from the previous evening. Thaddeus' morning want stirs and his hands move towards her -
tap tap tap Master Thaddeus! tap tap tap
Sodding servants! Always underfoot at the most inconvenient times. Perhaps I can at least go back to sleep -
tap tap tap Master Thaddeus! tap tap tap
Thaddeus flickers awake in a wagon full of tents and rope, lurching north. A corporal had been rapping his spear on the side of the wagon but now returns it to port arms. "Begging your pardon, sir. Sir Gendar said it was time to wake you lot and that you should report to him after dinner for debriefing." The wizard acknowledges the order and turns to survey his companions. Jacques is awake and alert did he just wake up? while Agathon and Belric are still very much out.
Let them sleep..they've earned it. Glad we got Belric healed up though.
"Do you know where we are?", he asks Jacques in Suelish. The monk shakes his head. Thaddeus is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn his family's language from this strange man, and practices every chance he gets. So much of what his grandmother said and the songs she sung to him when he was small made sense now.
Thaddeus shrugs and pulls out his spellbook and a piece of dried fruit, memorizing spells over an impromptu snack. When complete he turns to the pages containing the spells he has been trying to piece together on his own. One of them, reverse arrows, has been particularly vexing. Now he thinks he has it down. downtone on the third syllable. Chopping motion with the left hand while the right pantomimes nocking an arrow. yes! Satisfied, he commits the spell to memory for the day.
The debrief with Sir Gendar goes routinely and the night passes uneventfully. The day of 2 Wealsun goes uneventfully as well.
3 Wealsun: "I think we should go with 2-man watches tonight. Jacques and I can take the first watch, Belric and Agathon the second."
"Agreed". Jaques checks his gear to make sure all is in place in case of a night attack.
1st of Wealsun
Awakening from a dreamless sleep, Agathon will sit up from his splayed position taking up a good portion of the front of the wagon. Stretching to remove the kinks caused his strange position and the gear beneath the padding which was his bed this night, he will notice that Thaddeus and Jacques are not to be seen, he will question a soldier as to the location of the horse master as he reaches over to thump Belric on the boot to roust the priest.
Shaking his head as he realizes that he just questioned an illusionary soldier, Agathon will dismount from the wagon, scratch for a bit and head off in search of his horse and mule. As he wends his way through the camp, he will smile at the smells of the fires mixing into the powerful musk of the animals all about. Pausing and taking it all in with a deep breath, he allows a bounce in his step as he finds and soothes Trouble Sox and Paco.
After making certain that the horse master is not an illusion as well and that the animals have been well tended, he will share a bit of dried apple from his saddle bags with Belric’s beasts as well and brush them down uttering calming tones in his best (although not very good) imitation of the dwarf…
Agathon will spend a great portion of the day walking through the host and discovering (with great fascination) who is illusionary and who is not. He could swear that some of these illusions were among the crowd shouting him and his song down when they left the castle… He will attempt to speak to them with no result. ”Who is controlling this magic? Sir Gendar? Amazing power!”
He will relate his experiences to his fellows and will silently endure the expressions on the faces of Thaddeus and Jacques (offering a grin to Berlric who alone seemed to express a gentle understanding to his youthful reverie). He will ask Thaddeus, “Can these incantations fight? Or is this all just a ruse with the small human company within the magic to suffer the most extreme hurt once the enemy’s wizards remove this falsehood?”
When the wizard confirms his fears, he will lapse into silence and contemplate their situation. He agrees to join Belric in the late watches of the night.
2nd of Wealsun
After an uneventful night of watching the trees sway and enjoying a spirited whispered talk on the ways of Moradin the Strong with Belric that lasted well past sun up and into the striking of camp, Agathon will spend the day focusing on the periphery of the company looking for tracks along the route. He will volunteer to scout ahead with Sir Gendar’s scout team and will concentrate on what might be seen in small hiding places along the route (remembering the small chronicler they encountered in the wild some days ago).
3rd of Wealsun
With the tensions in the company slowly mounting, even Agathon can sense some coming doom. All this day, a feeling of hardness overcomes him. As he continues to scout ahead and on the flanks with his fellow scouts, he finds himself drinking in the clues from the ground like water and with as little actual thought. Each depression in the leaves, each upturned stone, each snapped twig has a story to tell and Agathon finds a great deal of surprise in himself as he absorbs it all.
Returning to the company periodically as ordered to render any and all findings, he will find a grim happiness in facing the shadow ahead. After the fight with the giant and reflecting thoroughly on his adventures of the last month, the over flying wyverns and the eyes among the leaves no longer wield terror in the back of his mind. They instead impart a sense of purpose…
”Oh Great Shining One... and… Great Strength of the Earth… Pelor and Moradin! Allies of Light and Strength! Hear me! Your wisdom and command of the fates have brought to these lands for a purpose, though I know not your thoughts and desires in this regard… I swear again that I will find that purpose and that I will be worthy of it. I will stand here and play what role you wish of me in freeing these lands of the filth that is grabbing for its soul. The women of Great City have a saying that they say to the warriors who venture forth into foreign lands to do the Lords bidding… ‘Carry your shield and its device proudly to victory or be brought back through the gates upon it…’ Great Gods of Sky and Earth!!! I carry no shield. I have not a gate to be carried through… So, I will stand. For Knurl!”
Not revealing his prayers and personal oaths to the others, he will settle in for another night watch with Brother Belric at his back and smile at the darkness…
The company spreads out in a fairly defensible area of low hills, scrub land and many trees. The illusionary troops
form the outer circle. Their campfires are real, making the illusions harder to spot. Inner circle consists of the
real troops and the party. The party camps on the edge of good sized pond, with some 7-10' tall rocky outcroppings
behind them, at the edge of a grassy shore.
Real sentries drift out and take up positions near the illusionary camps. The company's thirty or so wardogs know
their role--sniff out enemies. They find hidden spots near the sentries, their quiet discipline helped by an
occasional tap on the head by a sentry.
Gendar stops by and chats with the party. "We'll be near the fort in 3 days. We can make about 10 miles per day. I
really don't know what's going to happen when we get there. As you may have figured out, we are a diversion. If
the fort has fallen, I'm taking the company below ground. There is a hidden entrance to the Deep under the fort.
I'm telling you this because you have proven yourselves several times now. The entrance is buried beneath the
stables. We'll fight our way in and move underneath. There are hidden supplies there. We will then move through
the Deep as a guerilla force, popping up and tearing up the humanoids' supply lines. They would never expect
humans to go underground. The cavern system leads far into the March, close to Spinecastle itself. It is a route
that we have used to get messages to sources in and around Spinecastle that have allowed KNurl to survive all these
years. If I fall or if you get lost in these passages, seek out the deep gnomes.
But hopefully the fort still stands and we can relieve our comrades and evacuate them back to Knurl."
That night, as Jacques and Thaddeus pull guard duty, Jacques is surprised by the sudden strike of a large, long tongue that hits him for 1 point of damage. It is attached to a giant toad that managed to crawl up on him undetected.
Initiative! Remember it's 1d10 now. No dex bonus unless you have a special initiative bonus that carried over from
3.5
Feeling as secure as one might in the current setting, Agathon will sleep a restful sleep… His dreams shifting to Margarette and a moment when she was clearing the board after a meal and the torch light from behind revealed her full shape beneath her frock…
A Wisdom Check to wake up: (1d20+1=13)
As he sits back in his seat at the table, Agathon will further appreciate the shadowed curvature of Margarette’s breasts through the back lit cloth as she softly turns her head toward him and loudly shouts, “Stop looking at my breasts you stupid oaf! Something is amiss!”
With a loud snort, Agathon will blast out his sleep and sit up violently shaking his head casting a bit of drool into the darkness. In the low firelight of the camp, he sees Jacques under attack by a rather freakishly large frog… Tilting his head in dismay, he will frown in losing the dream and pull his sword from its sheath and himself to his feet in one quick (if a bit sleep-clumsy) movement.
An initiative roll: (1d10+5=8)
New Post under C&C rules
HP 36/36 or 42/42 depending if he was able to keep his original HP from 3.5
“Lord Gendar, I thank ye for having ma aches n pains taken care of” Belric will bow sweeping his beard across his hobnailed boots. “If I may be of service tae the troops, let me know and I will heal hurts, an create clean food and water as needed.”
Belric will puff up his chest, hem and haw a bit, stroke his beard, and add “Also, if ye or ye advisors can think o what I might be needing in the way o prayers from Moradin tae help just ye let me know and I will pray tae his Lordship for them”.
Blushing slightly due to his war campaign ignorance Belric will snort, squirm some more then gruffly state “Ach well there ye hae it, so I also would like tae know as if ye hae been in tooch with Master Ebbers, and do ye know if he mae be joining us soon?”
Belric will listen to any campaign advice and make sure he has the correct spell components to be able to cast his spells.
Once done speaking with Sir Gendar, Belric will first ask his party members if they have any black diamonds, tourmalines, onyx, agates, sapphires, or star sapphires
If the party has none he will seek out the other spell casters in the war band to try and get some. Belric will first look for the folk of correct stature, Dwarves and gnomes (no Halflings they cannae cast spells as far as they can stretch!)
Once he finds a spell caster he will approach with his best behavior…..
Seeing a mage shuffling through his pack, Belric will notice that the
man has a scratch on his face, probably from a branch or some such elvish trickery .
“Hurrumph” Belric will break the ice, “ Ach ma eyes see ye hae a bit o pain tae ye. Let ma Laird’s power cure that ach, so ye can properly study ye magic!” Belric will look at the human and offer his flagon of ale, “Of course ye must partake o me Laird’s Holy Water tae speed thae healing!”
Belric having completed his business will return to his companions.
“Lads, I thank ye for taking care o me as I lay at thae mercy o our foes, I hae some good dwarvish ale I was saving, boot I think ye are deserving o haeing a cup!”
While sharing the campfire with his boon companions, Belric will care for his gear, cleaning and polishing, and honing as needed. He will remove his magical banded mail and put on his magical studded leather that he had in his saddlebags. ach this leather surely be more comfy tae sleep in than that banded!
Belric will look about the campsite, and spots a nice flat rock that would be a great pillow! When he tries to move it, he finds out that it is a part of a larger rock that has a light covering of dirt, but has the perfect dimensions of a Dwarvish cot! He bids his fellows good night.
Wis check to hear and wake up, initiative for when he does. (1d20+3=17, 1d10=3)
As Belric dreams of little hairy women and ale, he is awakened by a disgusted exclamation of “EWWWWW!”. Sitting up he looks around for the source of disturbance, and notices Agathon’s last dreaming moments. “Hands raised above his prone form, squeezing and moving in circular motion”. hmm, the lad surely be having himself some sort o battle! I think he was some sort o body warrior like Jaques o some such!
After Agathon lurches to his feet, (wiping his sleep drool away) Belric gets to his knees and sees the opponent!
ach, that be one big arsed toad that ma eyes hae ever seen!
Belric will grab his shield and ax, and plan the best approach to the creature, while looking about for any more freakish amphibians.
Thaddeus will listen intently to Sir Gendar's words. It's a solid plan, but...
"Sir...we have noted a high degree of specialization and organization among the humanoids. One group collecting coal and water, another collecting food, and so on. Their defenses are reasonably thought out and are in depth. All of this goes against what we have been led to believe about humanoids. You have been fighting them for years - what do you think?"
When he is certain that no one but the party can hear, Thaddeus will ask another question: "Ebbers told us that one of the Count's agents was located at the fort, and that the last message from...somewhere else...may be there. Is there anything you can tell us that could help us determine the identity of the agent, or what form the message takes? Looking for someone and something in a fort when you don't know who or what you're looking for is a mighty task indeed."
On watch:
Thaddeus strains his eyes and ears against the night. Presently the soup and small beer he consumed at supper exerts its pressure on his bladder, and he stops his patrol to water a tree. This has the effect of masking the gentle thwap of the toad's tongue. Listen check (1d20=5)
If Jacques raises any alarm, Thaddeus will pass the alarm along, and move to investigate. If he has a clear shot at any enemies he will take it, but will not waste a shot firing into melee. Light crossbow shot (1d20+5=13, 1d6+1=5)
Iniative order: Jaques, Thaddeus, Agathon, Toad, Belric
Jaques smacks the toad that attacked him as the toad's tongue tries, but fails to wrap around him to pull him in. Toad takes 8 points of damage, but is still up. Jaques shouts an alarm, as he sees more toads hopping through the grass towards you just yards away.
Thaddeus wakes up and fires at Toad #3, which is coming up behind him. His shot misses.
Agathon awakens and readies his weapons
Toad #1 misses Jaques. The tongue is like a small mace and sounds like a bola going by Jaques head.
Toad 2, 3 and 4 are in the positions as indicated on the map.
Sounds of alarm come from the camp about 20 yards to the northwest. In the shimmer of torchlight you can see more toads and some humanoid shapes that look like a couple of lizardmen.
Belric wakes up and is ready to fight.
None of the other spellcasters in the warband have any gems as Belric seeks.
"Oh, Ebbers told you that, hah! Well, yes, there is an agent in Spinecastle and his messages travel the subterranean road I discussed. They are encoded scrolls that go directly to the fort commander. They are usually in bone scroll tubes sealed with wax and written on very thin vellum, so they are small. Where the commander keeps them I don't know but I imagine in his office somewhere. I intend to look for them when the opportunity arises. Ebbers probably wanted you to know as a backup in case we get seperated or falter. Our hope is that the enemy's plans are revealed in his last message. The organizations of the Bone March humanoids is disconcerting. They may very well overwhelm us this season. We thought we had more time. Finding those messages are more important than the men or the Fort itself, actually. Please keep this confidential, obviously. The Count and Ebbers trusted you all, so I do as well."
Jaques continues to press his attack on toad #1. Oh this is a curious thing, I wonder why they attack?
Belric 42/42 AC19
Belric closes with the nearest toad TO hit and damage (1d20+7=12, 1d10+4=7)
Seeing the Lizard Men and knowing not what they are, Agathon will shout, “Yonder Monster Men must be commanding these beasts!’
”Gads! What devilry could make such a simple creature into such a horror!?” He will think to himself as he launches himself into action.
Agathon will move to attack the one between him and the water
Flashing his blade around in a great arc, he will find himself a bit off balance as he tries to set it upon the animal with all his might…
A hit on Toad #2: (1d20+9=12, 2d6+4=11)
Thaddeus will cast flaming sphere, starting on toad #3. Flaming sphere, round 1 (2d6=7)
With any remaining movement, he will back up towards Belric.
Jaques appears to injure the toad attacking him.
Thaddeus spell hits toad 3, who deftly jumps aside, but still takes some singe damage.
Agathon misses
Toad 1 flees, hurt badly. Toad #2 misses Agathon. Toad #3 attacks Thaddeus and also misses. Toad #4 attacks Agathon and hits for 2 points of damage.
You hear alarms being raised all around you and hear the sounds of battle and screaming. Thaddeus sees the distinctive flash of a fireball from the camp to your southwest.
Belric steps up and attacks toad #3 instead to protect Thaddeus, but misses.
Snapping his left leg into a better position as the enormous toad snaps his side with its tongue; Agathon will use the weight of the sword to slide his weight onto his left foot regaining his balance. And, he swings the heavy blade around for another strike:
Another swing at Toad #2: (1d20+9=25, 2d6+4=10)
As the pain from the lash starts to register, he finally becomes fully awake. And buries his weapon deeply into the animal… He will contemplate this in thought: ”The wound is already throbbing! It could be a poison of some sort…” Agathon’s mind will automatically flash to the Simbewe weeds and the creeping oak fungus he saw around and on the trees, and wonder if there is enough to leech the poison from the entire company…
Shaking his head clear of such distracting thoughts, he will once again focus on the battle at hand and worry about poisons later…