DM Greg's Red Hand of Doom

Game Master Algar Lysandris

Fi'dho would cautiously head toward the dead body that flames are generally aimed toward.

He'd try to drag what remains of the creature back toward the town.

(He can drag 1,125 lbs., but the creature weighs well over 4,000.)

Unable to do so, he calls, "Swirls mist! It is dead!"

Looking at him, realizing his pain, "Please, help me find something useful for those who are hurting - or go assist those who need help." He includes Swirls mist in that list as well.

He plans on then disassembling the creature for any useful parts that he can give to bereaved villagers, and presenting the heads to the town. Any useful hides, scales, etc. There might not be much left, but if not, he'll at least collect some teeth and claws as 'vengeance tokens' for the bereaved. If nothing is left he'd shrug and head back.

This accomplished, or not, he'd head right back to the group to help.

Aid Another on any Heal checks.

EDIT: to fix a sentence and clarify.

Rigo lays there in the gore of the ape, and his own body.

6/22 hp

"It has occurred to me, that proximity to the entity known as Swirls Mist is hazardous to the health of any ally in said proximity." Rigo comments, ignoring orders to go help people for the moment. "I do believe I will need to renegotiate my contract if I am to be paired with someone obviously cursed by the gods." He looks over at the ape that was rent into pieces. "Yes, I am fairly certain that proximity is hazardous duty."

Eventually he forces himself to his feet. "I have no training in healing. If you wish me to provide healing, you'll need to provide a wand of curage." He looks over at Borrum. "Perhaps this will instill the surviving populace with the resolve necessary to evacuate. At the very least, there is now sufficient proof of outlandish creatures. Also, my thanks for the potion."

There are no building damage, only dozen dead villagers or so. Marru, you can certainly hack to pieces the creature but the only thing out of the local ordinary is the lion's head and the serpentine one

At Maru's urging Swirls Mist pauses his attack on the corpse, flames flickering off his scaled hands "You, are right." the lizardfolks sighs pained and weary.
"My anger will be better served on other targets... He was my companion for only a small time but he served well. I..I will see if I can help those still here."
the lizardmans rage drains and seems mostly gone before he hears Rigo the catfolks words whirling in place and stalking toward the man.

"I have a hard time believing you would say such things when you are still drenched in the blood of my companion.
My lady granted me an ally and you say I am the one cursed by the gods? I sent my companion forward, knowing that if I did not that creature would have rent you asunder like the villagers on this hill.
I could have left you there to die, but I didn't." The lizardfolk states darkly, grinding anger in his voice. "Now the ally granted to me by my god is dead so that you might live."
Swirls mist looks to rigo, anger and pain obvious on the lizardmans face. "Remember that before you speak ill of me again."
Swirls mist takes a few steps back, before moving toward the hurt and dead Something else to focus on, I think I will need such a distraction for now.

Swirls mist is angry and vulnerable, Rigo's words while likely sarcastic in nature would not be taken very well by the grieving druid. He has overreacted some here, and I think it will be interesting to see where that little thread ends up taking us.

No worries, I expected him to be angry. Rigo's very much the gallows humor type, which was on display in the council meeting where he agreed with the idiot and expanded on his idiocy to show everyone else he was an idiot. Rigo has a lot of force of personality. And he does nothing to tone it down. He's one of those people that always leaves an impression. Usually a mixed one.

Rigo looks down at himself, and nods. "Good point, I should clean this stuff off before I begin attracting rats." He looks at the dwarf. "I'll be right back." He trots off at a steady clip to track down a wizard or sorcerer in town, asking around until he finds an apprentice, and pays the apprentice to clean him up with a prestidigitation spell.

As he walks back with ground eating strides, he pulls a small black wand from his belt and touches it to his arm.

UMD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Cure Light: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

UMD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
UMD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

"Bahh.. I'll deal with you tomorrow." He shoves the stick back into his pouch angrily.

8/22 49 charges on wand

Mean while Captain Sorana and 10 guards with bow in hands come. As soon as she sees the menace has been dealt with she quickly gets to works.

Her soldiers gather the bodies of those who are dead, asses the damage (none to any building) and sends a few messengers to the different outpost.

After a few minutes she will dispatch a few guards to the neighboring houses and comes over toward the party.

Be ready in case that was just a diversion or just a scout. she says as she gets ready to leave again.

Borrum turns to the captain, "How many people still remain on da utter side ah da river? If dis was ah distraction, den doze people need ta get their arses movin'. Eyes will head back across da ferry ta help guard dat area."

hundreds at least, one doesn't evacuate a town of at least one thousand people over night. I have 1/2 of my forces currently stationed on the other side. she turns to one of the soldiers escorting her. take him accross if you please.

The guard nods sure captain. and stands at the ready to leave with borrum

Easily done Rigo...

Galdamor made a short prayer for the soul of the dead then turned to the captain and said

How many men with bow did you have ? How many horn did you possess ? How many horses and men able to ride ? This attack was a surprise and we need to be prepared for the next time.
We need more lookout and ways to mount a counteroffensive.

Now what do you suggest for a counteroffensive ?

Lookouts on the highest part of the town with a horn. A code for where and what is the danger.
For exemple, one long is for danger not yet determined, two is for a flying danger, three for a marching one.

Mounted troups with bow and lance, we need horses to be able to go hastily anywhere.

i do not have horses and there are currently 3 active sentry pearched on different places. On top of the 3 entry point that currently have two dozen men. she replied

So what now heroes ?

I am only seeing a few building and many fields on the westside of the river. If the crops are even remotely close to being harvestable (i.e. up to a month), burn the fields. The westside should be evacuated first, so get people from the eastside to help if need be.

Other when that, Borrum is ready to get on with this adventure.

Was under the impression that Swirls mist would be approached if needed as he was kind of off mourning the death of his brand new ally.
Do you want to attempt some of the stuff we had discussed relating to town defense? Or would it be better to save such things for when we reach a city to break the army at rather than delay it?
Regardless of the Drellin's ferry defenses I intend to finagle ways to relay information to the rest of the towns in the Valley as described in the Discussion.

As an unfortunate by-product of such a swift attack and an even swifter counter attack swirls mist wandered for a small time only to discover there was genuinely nothing to be done for those on the hill. The creature had been strong enough that just one strike stole the life from a man. So still bubbling with suppressed anger Swirls mist returns to his allies hoping to find something to do.
"there was nothing to be done for the villagers of Drellin's ferry. Any struck heavily enough to fall on the hill died." The scaled one's voice breaks a slight amount at the end as he looks to the hill
"But mourning the dead now will only permit or foes to move even closer." he turns to look to the captain
"Captain, if you have a halfling who considers himself brave I intend to assume the form of a great hawk and seek the army I can carry a light passenger.
Also I am in possession of a ritual that permits me to speak through plants at great distances, another that permits me sight in the same way. I need to know of anyone in the town with relatives or fiends in the town of Denerim If I can get one of them to aid us we should be able to reach the ears of the valley leaders. Someone with many allies in the town who could reach the ears of leaders would be best"

Rigo get's cleaned up, and watches them look over the corpse of the creature that attacked. He wonders if the town council will wave off this creature as just a 'coincidence'. It appears, however, that even morons can be counted on to see a blade if you hit them with it hard enough.

"Alright, when we've done all we can, we can head out, or we can stay here and continue guarding. Your choice. I'd suggest anything we can do to slow down the advance would give them more time to escape, but it's not my decision to make." The catfolk says as they ponder what steps to take next.

Swirls mist looks to the catfolk, still clearly displeased by the creature presence. but he provides a point that needs considering
I could instead take the form of a great badger and provide the city of drellin's ferry with an expansive number of earthen defenses and traps.
It would mean someone else would need to scout the army as I am only blessed with one form from my lady each day."

Rigo shrugs. "That's what I do, scout. Not quite as fast as a bird, but I also don't stick out like an archer's target either."

the few halfings that live in town are either merchants or wizard so all in all not really looking forward to act as scout, but i'll have them asked the question

Denying the attacking greenskin as much resources as possible is in the plan outlined by Captain Soranna during the meeting.

Not many in drelin's ferry have the ear of the ruling council of Brimdol. I have meet a few times on the the officers of the Lion's of Brimdol and i have sure that Serentien the wise know the residing wizard and that Brother Derny was introduced to the Shining Servant of Pelor. Now i am sue people here do have relatives living there but most likely none that are influential she replied to Swirl Mist

"The catfolk could easily scout, where as he would suffer greatly if he were to attempt to dig earthen works." the druid considers

"As to those of Brimdol, I simply require the attentions of someone who will be taken seriously if they say a talking plant just informed them that the vale is in danger. Hrmm.. perhaps the God-Servant or the wizard would be the best options."

Borrum continues working on the west side of the river.

Just mentioning, I really don't know what else Fhi'dho can do, at present. His skill set is not the largest. He can scout, stealthily, but he'd be at risk to do so, and I don't want to force the party to wait for him to either succeed at assassinating a few creatures, or die in the forest alone while the GM effectively runs a side-adventure for me. Hence, my relative silence. In general, he'd Aid Another, wherever needed.

Borrum continues working on the westside of the river.

With no further things for her to do immedialty and having lots of work to do she Turns after saying

You might as well ask them directly

and the captain soranna leave to attend to her duties.

So what now heroes ?

Continuing to work on the west wide of the river, until something changes.

Since nobody else has any ideas, Rigo will go scouting and see if he can figure out how long the town has before the enemy hits. He'll take his time on the way out and sneak the entire way. Once he's scouted some of the enemy, he'll bring back word on the attack time estimate.

Who are we supposed to ask about what? I'm a little lost on that.

Swirl mist wanted to know who was influential enough in drelin's ferry to know some of the important people in Brimdol. The answer is the wizard and the local priest of Pelor.

Early evening each of you is ask to head over to Captain Soranna's office.

Once there you are ushered in the office. Sitting in from the the Captain is a black haired woman, her face streaked with the dust of the road. She wears a soldier's tunic of blue and white over a shirt of mail, with the stylized image of a golden lion over her hear.

The captain nods as her as the last of you arrive

I ride in the service of the Lord of Brindol. I was part of a patrol sweeping up the old Rhest Trail. Five days ago we ran into a roadblock. Hobgoblins and ogre waylaying any travelers heading into or out of the vale from the North. They were too strong for us and we had to retreat. My captain sent several of us riding off to warn Folk across the Vale to avoid the Old Rhest Trail. So here i am. Captain Soranna gave me a written report of the situation here for Brindol I Will leave in the morning but i wanted to meet you and hear what you had to add before. she says nodding formaly toward the captain

Rigo shrugs. "The enemy has large flying lizards, be the dragons or not. They also have three headed monstrosities that breath lightning and fly and kill people in one swipe. Adding in your roadblock, that makes for much worse than a small band of greenskins that aren't a danger." He says with an eye toward the Captain, remembering the crying and hand twisting in the town council meeting. "Beyond that, you'll need to ask tall scaled and bristly over there, he had the best view of the enemy forces from the air, I only recently was hired as a scout to replace some lost bodies."

A flash of anger can be seen trough her eyes as she goes to answer she is cut off by Captain Soranna

I have had a report by Serentien the wise about that last creature. It was a Chimera. He says a few can be found living in the hills at the base of the Myrmsmoke mountains

The black haired woman close her mouth and says nothing

I am Galdamor Graak, follower of Hextor. Be His blessing upon you soldier.
Thanks to our comrade Swirl Mist, and our own observations to Borrum and I and our knowledge of war and armies we are certain that there is an army on the move. My believes are they are sending several scouts to took foot on this side of the river and to began taking control of strategic point and supply routes, in hope to cut communication and supplies.
They seem to have several flyng creature at their disposal, to do hit and run tactics, destroying supplies or instilling fear and chaos.
My suggestion soldier, is calling the Banner.
They are organized, ruthless and numerous.

"Please ignore the sharp edges catty fellow." the Rather scruffy-looking Halfling in a scarf says. "He's bad with people and bad with recognizing the greater picture. Really fast on his feet, and a solid warrior, though."

He pulls out the notes he made with Swirls mist's help.

"Also, you'll be hard-pressed to get direct numbers from the scaled one, noble, brave, and powerful as he is. However, he was the one who saw the forces - greenskin forces, Rigo, meaning they could well be and , in fact, likely are, linked - and so I worked out this with him, when when talking it over."

He shows her his notes, including the map with too many dots to count easily.

"Each dot here represents a number of them. Think of the dots more as campfires than critters, and you'll have the gist of what he saw." explains Fi'dho.

"You're telling us greenskins waylaid you. They ran into an army of greenskins on the march. You want to crush a foe, the best way is to start with his people. I would not casually dismiss the two incidents."

"Oh, and you should know: in addition to greenskins, they've got manticores, a chimera, worgs, and at least - according to these fellows - they had one dragon, or creature like enough to count in my book. This is far larger than a single blockade. I just don't think they're necessarily as unrelated as they seem. This has just convinced me, though: our foes aren't brutes simply going by numbers. Well, they're brutes, but they're canny. They're working on strangling other areas: paving the way for their army. They've been quiet and subtle 'til now. The description of events you gave was of a hobgoblin fanatic enough to fling himself onto a flying mount off a really tall tower rather than get captured or go down fighting. Call themselves the "Red Hand" so something, I think you said, Galdamor? Anyway, it bears presuming the worst: they're clearly organized, fanatic, and deadly - let's also presume they're clever and the incidents are connected."

He looks at the woman. "You alright, m'am? Need anything? Water? Food? You did your duty well. Thank you for telling us. The name is Fi'dho, by the way. What's yours, m'am?" Fi'dho asks.

EDIT: NINJA'D by Galdamor. I'll stick with what I wrote.

Borrum listens to the other's words and has nothing to add to thier reports and observations. He does though pull out his map of Elsir Vale and asks, "Can yous shows us where dis roadblock ah yours is at, lass? Ah few hobgobs an ogres should beez quick ta kill, so utter refugees can escape ta safetey."

Rigo looks at Marrulurk. "Yes, the greenskins army, the creatures, and the blockade are related. That was my point. That was why I said it makes for more than a handful of greenskins, which is what half the council tried to argue in spite of the evidence bleeding on their table." He shakes his head, wondering if everyone around him is brain damaged or just hard of hearing. He looks at the soldier who got mad. "That dig wasn't directed at you, girl. Half the council the other day tried to argue that there was only a handful of greenskins causing problems, and evacuating the city was stupid and wasteful for such a small threat. The dig was at the idiots, and the Captain knows it. Damn fool politicians, more worried about their guts than the people they purportedly make decisions for."

The scruffy halfling looks at Rigo, grins, and looks back at the captain and soldier.

"See? Bad with people. Or at least words."

He scribbles something rapidly in his notebook in an odd tongue, muttering to himself, "Be... less... diplomatic..." then winks at Rigo.

"In any event, it seems that we're in agreement. We need to get more forces, more organized, and quickly. I suspect your superiors will want to know. Is there any way around the blockades? Or do we need to fix it?"

if you look at the map of elsir vale the blockade is on the road heading North of the town of Witchcross just before it splits heading to Rhest (Rhest is a ruined that was burned about 200 years ago)

The captain turn to the young woman, her tone of voice is of someone who is talking to an elite fighter

What the town council was disagreeing is if we are talking of over 1 000 invading green skins. So far in the last year the clans have been at war with each other as much as they have been raiding us. Less than that number we can handle with great losses depending on their numbers. Over that and we don't stand a chance. That is was the council was debating before they came to an agreement to abandon the town and take shelter in Brindol until this fight has been settled

The black haired woman answers
I am Teyani Sura of the Lion of Brindol. We are the Elite fighing force in service to Lord Jarmaath. I will take all that information to my commanding officer who will turn it over to him

"You are a brave and excellent solider, and we thank you." says Fi'dho. "I've heard of the Lion's. An extremely elite unit. You must be tough indeed. I'm sorry for your losses." says Fi'dho.

Note: I haven't heard of the Lion of Brindol, but it sounds like a force that Fi'dho would have heard of, and respected. Hence, the statement above.

Holy crap. I was right!

Rigo snorts. "I'm fine with people. I just don't lick their tail tufts is all." He nods at the woman. "Heard good things about the Lions. I was with the Cairn Hills Millitia, Blackwall Keep Regiment. Mustered out about a year ago, been a sell sword since then." The catfolk says, new respect showing in his tone for the woman in armor.

Seeing the location of the blockade indicated on the map, "Dat would take us ah couple ah days ta get dare. We collapsed da bridge at Skull Gorge, so knot sure if day will travel back into da Wyrmsmokes or try ta ford da river. If day go ta da mountains, some gaints may have ah welcome fur dem."

Looking at the two women, "Yous got any things yous want us ta do?"

Galdamor bow to the warrior and said

I'm honored to meet with such a member of this Elite force. If our group could be of any help, we will be honored as my friend Borrum said.

Teyani replies I am heading straight to brindol she looks at the captain and salute's her

Captain, With you permission i would like to pray at the shrine of Pelor before heading to bed as i will ride at first light

The captain return's her salute

You have it and good luck on you're mission. I will have a more detailed report for you before you leave

she turns to you as the other woman leave nodding to you all as she heads out.

While you are free to do what ever you want, it will take you more than a couple of days if you go on foot toward that blockage. And if possible i would like you to remain here in case we get attacked as people get ready for the evacuation

Swirls mist stays silent for much of the conversation unsure what he can contribute, as the proclaimed 'Lion' is leaving he considers something.
"Warrior Teyani Sura before you are to leave I have one thing for you to know, I have a ritual prepared today that would permit me to speak to a person regardless of distance as long as I can find a large plant that they would be near at the time. Even if this is of no use I have another of whispering dust, which would permit me to attune a number of focuses with the ability to speak messages to other focuses.
The Whispering Sands require at least one pound of dust, sand or silt to be carried on the person for the spell to work. Inform your lord and important war leaders to carry such an object and I will be able to link five individuals I know the names of who carry the focus. They would be able to speak regardless of distance for a little under an hour."
The druid states looking steadily at the new woman.

"Beyond this information my allies have provided all I can say, in the last three suns I have seen my companion of more than a year slain, a green scaled monster slew him and we ensured the creature died as well.
just before you arrived the companion my Lady saw fit to bless me with was rent unto death by yet one more monster defending an ally, I am now bereft a part of my soul again. The dead on this day are significantly less than they could have been because of him. The druid states gesturing to the ape on the hill, body still looming in death.
I have yet to see the leader of this 'army' but he commands enough respect that all manner of goblin-blood follows him as do flying beasts stand under his totem.
This is no meager raiding party seeking minor riches."
Nodding the druid looks to his allies, though studiously ignoring the catfolk of the group.
"If we have nothing else to be done then I shall see to the rituals for my companions passing. Following that I will either Scout or prepare more defenses for the city as desired."

Just before the woman exit's she turns and replied to the lizard folk I will pass along those request and information. Lord Jarmaath has also access to magic if need be. she nods again to all those in the room and then leave for the inn.

The captain picks up yet an other report starts to read it and then in the middle of it looks to you all and simply say

The evcuation should be completed in three to four days. there is already a caravan leaving tomorrow in the early after noon and then resume reading her report.

One of her aid de camp is ushering the party outside of the office.

It is diner time

You meal has been ordered and is waiting for you at the inn. he says

No one is giving you orders or things to do for the moment Swirl mist so what you do for now is up to you :)

Rigo stretches. "Damndest thing I ever saw, paying people to do nothing while you dither. Gotta admit, cushy job, when it's not getting you eaten by fabricated monsters." He looks around. "Well, if you don't got nothing for me, I'll eat and go do another half-day scout run, make sure nothings closed in."

The evening passes by with no more incident the town is rather quiet after the bussy day.

As the morning of a new dayof June 13th is upon everyone and the party goes to eat breakfast the town of drelin's ferry starts to be rather noisy again

So what for today heroes?