Galdamor & friends.
( i am going to script the combat): On the following action you are still to far to heal Rigo as the beast attack him again bringing him down and hide again under the water. The ape goes wild and tries to go after the beast seeing all hell break loose you decided to make a run for it with Miha. The beast and the ape and the ape go at it but the beast superior intelligence and combat easily bring him under also.
After a few more hours you are both exhausted but you make it to the road
In the late morning you are woken up by the spell phone. Swirl Mist give you a brief summary of what is going on. At the mention of his dead ape he goes into a shock and prostrate himself
As Borrum completes his sentence, the flap of the tent is pushed aside and an elf dressed in scale mail armor with runes across his face colored in green enters the tent. His leggings are simple colors which would enable one to blend into the swampy lands of the area.
He surveys the newcomers with a disapproving eye and turns to the Speaker, "My Lady, I was informed that we had visitors here. I wished to see for myself what they had to say, I hope I am not intruding on something", his tone seems to indicate that he is not worried about intruding on something.
The high speaker replied Yes they indeed came from the vale and have brought news that they are under attack, but as you very well know we do have our own trouble and concerns to attend to, and yes you are intruding she replied to him smiling
she levels her face back to the party
Amadar is rather straight forward and brash but it is a quality that i like in him. Should he temper himself a bit more and mind his manners, one day he will make for a fine Keeper of the Green she says still smiling
Borrum looks back to the High Speaker and asks, "So is Amadar an' Erlmander da ones yous gonna let come wit meez ta check out dis lake ruin? Eyes need da get back ta meez utter compainions, if yous can take care ah Swirls Mist fur meez."
"Oh, yous said Eyes could borrow some boats ta navigate in da Fens, can yous have some one hide a couple some place Eyes can get dem later from? Some place along da path Eyes will half ta take ta get from da road ta da Lake Ruin."
With a quick turn to the the other two elves, he continues, "Do either ah yous got any questions fur meez? If not Eyes lookin' forward ta another blind ride in da air. Anyone see where Killiar Arrowswift got off ta?"
Amadar smiles at the Speaker, "Hopefully I will make a fine Keeper of the Green anyway".
He looks to the dwarf, "I am sure I will have many questions for you master dwarf but I do not wish to keep the Speaker occupied any longer she has important duties to attend to, we can discuss on the way to wherever it is your think we should be going".
"Yes, by all means lets get going. Who knows how far the army has travelled!"
They have their own right to decide their fate and to choose their responsabilities Borrum. I will take care of the comatose druid and try to find out what is wrong with him in the meanwhile. Arrowsift will have a few boats hidden for you all to use and will give the location markers to Amadar and Erimander.
As the interview is over and everyone leave the speaker signal both elves to say
The party leave the Elves. The non elves are once again blindfolded for the first part of the Owl trip and after a few short hours the Giant owls find Galdamore and the rest of the team
Nervous, Galdamor welcome Borrum with relief, weapon in hands, never looking at the elves, but searching for Swirls Mist.
Happy to see you back and healthy my friend. he said to the dwarf. Where is Swirl ? I don't see him with you ?
"He thrust his mind inta dat jar ah dirt he liked ta carry once too often. He started talkin' an' den he was on da ground floppin' like ah fish, den he just lay dare." Borrum explains.
"Eyes explained da situation ta da elves leaders an' day say day can not provide large forces ta aid against da Red Hand, as day have utter problems ah dare own. Some dragon an' gobo have taken up residence in da Lake Ruins ta da north, an' got da lizard peoples all worked up an' supportin' dem. Eyes suggested dat we take ah look an' maybe clear dem out, den day, da elves, could help against da Red Hand. Day said day might beez able ta assign ah flight ah dem great big owl."
"When Eyes asked Swirls Mist about how he felt about killin' some ah his kin, he weren't da happiest, an' he wanted ta talk ta ah bunch ah yous through his dirt. Den he started floppin'."
"Da elves did allow volunteers ta join us, an weez got des two, Amadar and Erimander. Ones a finger wiggler an' da utter is ah Keeper ah da Green. Eyes think dat means another druid. But day can explain demselves better den Eye."
"Oh an' da elves are providin' some boats so weez can get around in da Fens easier an' get to the Lake Ruins. Eyes think dat about covers everythin'. Eyes figure if weez clear dis Lake Ruin, weez get two things out ah it, some allies an' ah nutter ride on dem owls wit out ah blindfold." He finishes his last statement with a grin, like a child in a candy store.
As Amadar arrives with Borrum to meet with the rest of the group he stays silent, only nodding and listening to what is said between the companions.
May be our ennemies have found a way to target us through our communication channel ? If this is the case, we are in great trouble.
It's one less reliable companion as Rigo gave his life to save ours.
We were attacked by the strange creature we found earlier but this time he took the life of one of us.
Galdamor seemed less concerned by Rigo's death than Swirls' strange illness.
After a short silence he added bitterly.
So, again, we will fight for other not able to spare some troups.
Nevertheless, the job must be done as we can't let the Red Army took advantage here.
As for the lizardmen's tribe we will try to be diplomatic, in Swirls' memory, may the Lord give him strength to get back from his state.
I would think we would know each other somewhat, however Erlmander has been away from the group for some time, and only the Speaker knows what mission he was on. This is the first you knew of his return.
Erlmander smiles as the dwarf speaks in joy of his ride on one of the tribe's owls.
"Indeed, if we succeed you will get our help against those Red Hand creatures, and I am sure we can arrange another ride for you....this time without the blindfold!."
He then turns to his new companions and bows.
"I am Erlmander, wizard and adventurer. I have recently returned from a long journey to discover some special magics, which I hope will assist us against the menace within the swamp, and also against the Red Hand. If you have any questions, please ask them now, otherwise let us mount these skiffs and go speak with these lizardmen."
The Elen rangers wave you goodby and fly off again.
Assuming you head back into the blackfen Amadar guides you and after a few hours of traveling trough that swamp you arrive at a small hideout with the promised hidden boats.
"I think the Lizardman may have fallen into his state due to his connection to his animal companion and not fell magics of your foes. I can guide us into the marsh but before I do so I would like to discuss further your aims here. I have heard rumors of this Red Hand but I know little as my duties keep me traveling the length and breadth of our territories. What I have heard troubles me, I believe that the Speaker should help as it could be trouble which effects our people as well but to convince her, she will need her own people to see with their own eyes and warn her of the danger".
"Hmmm... Our Aims... Stop da Army ah da Red Hand from wipin' out da Elsir Vale so dat dare will be a local populace dat will be greatfull ta da Lord ah Battles champions. Let da blood ah da Vales vanquished enemies help consecrate a new Church ah da Iron Fist, so dat da Elsir Vale will half a steadfast protector fur his congregation."
"Ta help achieve dis goal, rally da populace ah da Vale ta da banners ah Lord Hextor. Fur da Elves ah da Fens, clear da Lake Ruin ah da infestation dat has rooted itself within, so dat da Elven warriors can help fight da Army ah da Red Hand."
"Dat purrty much explains it."
Galdamor smiled at Borrum's explanation and added
What my friend said. Lord Hextor send us to show the people of Elsir Vale the need for a strong army and strong rules that only Hextor could provide.
Our goal is to defeat once and for all this Red Hand Army and establish a new church of Hextor, here in Elsir Vale.
By rallying under His banner the people of the Vale we will be able to root this army.
As for the Army itself, numerous creatures formed it. Creatures such as manticore, or even what some calls "Dragons", ogres but the core army is made of hobgoblins, well trained and well equiped.
This is not a simple horde, ready to destroy all on her way, but an army of conquest. With aerial support and a tactics.
"I fear I am not very familiar with the Gods or this Lord Hextor so I cannot say whether I would support your raising of a church to his name. I can support the routing of this Army of Red Hand as you call it. What I have seen scouting near the areas they claim has disconcerted me. Tell me, is our purpose to scout them and bring word of their danger back to rally the local populations of elves, lizardmen and humans to the same banner?
It would take such a grouping perhaps to destroy this threat you have described. Do you instead seek to hit and run trying to strike at their leadership and bring them from an army to a disorganized mob?
I think that it is important to know what our goals are before we set out. One must know where they are going if they ever wish to arrive at their destination".
We want to crush them. To find evidences of the coming invasion.
So far, we found none.
We want to rally everyone, elves, humans, lizardmen and even giants against the Red Hand Army and for that we need to prove ourselve and to find proof of the RHA's true plan.
"Da immediate goal iz ta deal wit da Lake Ruin an' den get support ta defend da Vale from da Elves ah da Fens. Dis iz da second time Eyes said dis," Borrum says with just a hint of frustration with having to repeat himself.
"Az far az da whole ah da Red Hand Army, like Galdamor just said, find proof ah da Red Hand Army's true plan. Once weez know dat, weez can make ah decision on what ta do wit dat knowledge."
Amadar frowns at Borrum, "Master Dwarf. You propose the five of us clear these Ruins without reliable information on their numbers?"
Amadar pauses for a moment the implication dawning on him, "You sought to have the Speaker rally all of my people to assault these Ruins".
He looks to Erlmander with concern etched in his face,
"Now I understand your frustration Master Dwarf. You expected many elven bows and instead you have a few outsiders of the people along to assist. My people take the long view of life in our response to problems. The Speaker will only act at a threat on our very doorstep and this one is simply not close enough to compel her to action".
He looks at Marrulurk but does not speak strange this one has been quite silent on the matter.
He turns back to Galdamor and Borrum, "Have you scouted these Ruins at all? As we close reconnaissance will be in order, this is something I can assist with. I and Yamil".
Amadar calls out to his animal companion and the Owl descends landing gently on his shoulder shaking its feathers in irritation at having to move about by day.
Like Borrum, Galdamor found exhausting to repeat the same things over and over and to find people "seeing the long view for their people" rather doing something.
He respond to the newcomer
look ! For you is may be your home, but for us it's just a s!&@ty damp ! How could we have made reconnaissance with flying elves forbidding us to continue our path and a killing "dragon" !
We came back here waiting for Borrum and Swirls return. But only one returned and we lost one of us during our trip back.
I hope you will be helpful as we need to hurry. We lose enough time and good people, it's time to act.
Please, lead the way.
Erlmander stands to one side and listens to the conversation. Having seen the destruction in the wake of the Red Hand, he is very much in favor of helping these people, but for now he remains silent.
Amadar remains cool, "Direct your frustrations out on the foe not me. If you have not done so, I am offering to do so once we get closer". Amadar opens his mouth to say something further but thinks better of it and remains silent.
Borrum throws back his head in wonderment.
"Never did like my oatmeal thick, an' Eyes expect all weez will have is da consistency ah old dry glue fur awhile."
Borrum take a deep breath and then says slowly, "Let meez see if Eyes can say it ah nutter way. Yours Speaker told meez about da problem wit da Lake Ruin, an' dat she could knot offer any aid while dat problem was sittin' on her doorstep. Eye offer ta get wit my companions ta clear da Lake Ruin, if she wood den beez able ta offer aid ta da Vale. Knot sure when anyone but yous Elves may half scouted da Lake Ruin before now, but Eyes half not had ah chance yet."
"Az far az scoutin' the Lake Ruins now, weez should all try ta work on scoutin' it toget'er. Da last druid thought he was da world's answer ta all thin's, an' he is layin' wit his mind all mixed up. Eyes ain't sayin' yous doughnut have skills, but weez can't help yous if yous off by yoursself. "
Amadar shrugs, "As you wish".
Erlmander looks over to the druid and comments.
"The threat is real and deadly. I saw much of the devastation on my way back here, and could only imagine what would happen if that army reached our camps. Lets us work together with these others for the betterment of all our peoples, for I do not think this army of evil will go easy on any of us. Now then, lets be off to this ruin shall we!"
June 23rd
It takes the rest of the day for the party to make it close to the shores of the make.
It is a large dark lake that broods in the marshland, measuring nearly two miles wide. The cloying reek of decaying vegetation and swamp ooze is thick in the air, and countless frogs and insects and marsh birds chirps and corak and call to each other.
Out near the middle of the lake, dozens of decrepit stone buildings just from the black waters. In most cases, these buildings sag and lean treacherously, the windows of their upper stories now even with the still lake's surface. Two buildings that seem to have survived relatively intact draw your attention.
One a large stone tower, about a quarter mile from the southern shore, and the other a large stone building near the lake's center. Both structures have rickety wooden walkways ringing them at water level. These look like recent additions. It would seem that someone has made an attempt to settle down here
Amadar turns to his new companions and shifts ahead a few feet, "I and Yellin will shift forward a bit to see what we can see" He heads forward to a rocky outcropping no more than 30' from the rest of the group and inspects the Ruins more closely with his feathered friend.
Spot Amadar
Spot Yellin
Amadar returns to the group.
"Lizardfolk move amongst the huts, at least half a dozen. The tower out in the lake has a hobgoblin sentry walking the parapet. I think any combat with the lizardfolk will alert the hobgoblin to our presence. I can tale the form of a lizardman to blend. I should think we stealth forward avoiding the lizardmen if we can and cross to the island under the cover of darkness. Thoughts?"
May be we could try to talk to the lizardmen ?
As for stealth, it is not my strong suit.
As for darkness, Borrum and I could see in the dark, do you ?
"Not at present but that is easily rectified. Are the lizardmen compromised or will they parley do you think? Certainly I can take the form of one which would assist in meeting with them".
I have no idea. But If they are here, walking peacefully with the hobgoblins of the Red Hand Army I think they are compromised. But, if there is even a slight chance to make peace with them I will take it.
Better to have as many allies with us than none.
As I speak Draconic, I will be able to speak to them in their native tongue.
"I too think speaking to the Lizard folk is worthwhile. I also have the language of dragons, and that of the goblins as well. My spells are chosen for maximum damage, as my training is in offensive magics. But if the night is clear, then I should have no problem moving about in the dark, but if needed I can create light."
Amador will Wild Shape into a Lizardman. "Now or under cover of darkness then I suppose makes no difference if we seek to approach them peacefully"
Go then.
And with the last comment Amador turns into a lizardmen
"Be careful, and if they are working with the Red Hand, get back here a swiftly as you can and we will have to plan for a more...forceful approach!"
Amadar nods to Erlmander, "I will".
Amadar heads towards the huts as nonchalantly as possible looking to communicate with one of the Lizardmen. Right before I approach one I cast Guidance.
"Greetings I have not been in this area in many moons. I see Hobgoblins on the far shore. What has happened here, why are they allowed to stay?"
This slightly crooked hut leans on rickety wooden stilts out over the black waters of the lake. About 20ft in diameter, the hut has wooden walls and a roof of sticks and branches, all covered over with copious amount of dark gray, rancid smelling mud. The hut's floor is about 3ft above the surface of the water and its single entrance can be reached by a crude ladder made of brokken branches lashed together with reeds
You see the lizard men, guarding the hut, look at you in a funy way. The small camp contains about half a dozen warrior some females, children and elderly
If you haven't been here in many moon were are you from ? he says leveling his spear at you. The somewhat aggressive defensive stance automatically raise some concern among the other lizardfolk. You imagine it will take less then a minute for the warriors to grab their weapon and surround you
Because we don't go to the center and disturb Regiatrix for small trouble. Have you come to offer your tribe to Faristus he ask
I am Galdamor Graak, follower of the Mighty Hextor, The Herald of Hell, Scourge of Battle, Champion of Evil. We hope to talk to your chief as we want to make him a proposal.
Said Galdamor.