Lothalian, seeing Ordrud attempt a diplomatic solution, will also try to persuade them. My friend is correct. There are those pursuing us that will foul your waters more. We have slain many of them to free these innocent people, yet they continue to pursue us. We are making all haste to leave your waters and we ask that you indulge us. Won't you please, Friends?
The creatures talk to themselves briefly in a language that no one understands, then the one who originally spoke, "we let you pass friends. We stop those who follow from crossing here" and the four creatures flow back into the river water and let you continue.
Even with Esgalwathel and Lady Galekin searching for food, none is found this day, and by the end of the day, everyone is hungry. During the night, no one sees nor hears of any drow. It seems the creatures at the streams kept their word.
Morning comes to a hungry bunch of folks, and while there is grumbling from a few, the rest of the villagers, merchants and travelers understand that being hungry is better than being dead. You continue south, and finally come to the Galekin Estate by the end of the day.
The Galekin Estate is a small country manor, only a single story tall and clearly intended to house no more than a half dozen people comfortably. A low stone wall encircles the property and while some areas are in visible disrepair, it remains high enough to keep out passing wildlife.
Approaching the estate, a few armed men come out and seeing their Lord and Lady they seem quite happy. Food is brought out and the estates head man tells you that their is enough food and supplies to last this many people for up to ten days.
The Estate
The walls around the grounds are two and a half feet high and six inches thick. The eastern wall has partly collapsed, leaving a three-foot wide section only one foot high. The grounds contain two large trees and a small garden.
The stables have room to stable six horses and a small carriage (it is currently empty.)
The kitchen has enough preserved food to last this many folks for ten days.
The estate has six bedrooms, one of which has been recently converted one into a bunk for eight soldiers, creating bedding to make serviceable sleeping arrangements for twenty people. The soldier’s bunk also contains eight masterwork longswords, eight masterwork longbows, and eighty arrows. The other five bedrooms can be used to sleep most of the folks.
The estate’s dining room is furnished with a simple table and a half-dozen chairs. In the corner is a trapdoor leading underground to a small wine cellar.
Harek happily drops his heavy pack and spare supplies near the entrance to the manor house. Taking his loaned javelins back, he scouts the perimeter of the grounds. With many a grunted dwarven curse and muttered complaint about the condition, he stomps and notes all the deficiencies.
"Lady and Lord Galekin, I've a few suggestions as to the situation here, if yer willin' ta listen." Harek broaches the topic rather gruffly that evening.
"Way I see it, ye ain't too well situated as fer food nor defense here. Ye gots plenty o' workforce now, and I'm guessin' yer guardsmen are pretty decent fighters. At least a couple a' these folk we rescued will serve as hunters or scouts, and the rest kin certainly patch things up, carry stones, and the like."
He looks at the two of them closely before continuing, hoping they don't take offense to his delivery, "Those damned dark-elves ain't goin' nowhere, so they're gonna be trouble sooner or later. And that house o' mercs is probably gonna have to be removed eventually. How long and how far are ye willin' to take this fight? Dig in here and get yer defenses prepped up good, and I bet ye can live here just fine. Build up them walls, bring in some pigs and chickens, and this place'll do. Ain't no shame in takin' off, though. No-one'd blame ye for cutting yer losses here, 'specially with those dark-elves and their damned spiders running loose."
He looks at the rest of the party and shrugs, "I'm game ta help, however ye choose to play it."
"Thanks Harek. I agree. Lord and Lady Galekin need to improve the defenses and prepare to support everyone until we can eliminate the drow threat. They know their home and lands better than anyone." Ordrud replies.
"For us," the half-orc looks at his companions. "I suggest we stay at least a day or two to protect the hunters, so we can increase their stores. At the same time, we can see if the drow are following. When this estate is better prepared to protect itself, we need to go hunting drow. Then, we should negotiate safe passage with the mercs, in order to escort the villagers home. When we have a clear path, we can return to collect the villagers. What do you think?"
I agree Lohalian says. I can also take a watch as long as its not in the morning.
"My friends, first I want to thank you for rescuing my husband and the others.
As far as this estate is concerned, it is our winter home. We have a place further to the north on the Island where we grow crops and stay the spring, summer and early fall. If we have to, we will abandon this place and move into Rybalka for the winter with our children and retainers.
This has not been a problem. The drow and barbarians have only recently been a problem. I do not know why they are all here, but hopefully we will be able to survive this and drive them away."
"Err, begging yer pardon Lady, but I can answer that question on what the Drow elves are doing here. I am from the Dwarven city of Embla, in the Darklands. Something significantly changed over the last few months as relations with the drow became strained before being cut off altogether. This happened right around the time the drow of House Gullion took power as the new ruling party in the city of Holoth. One by one, all of the Underworld races withdrew from their treaties and severed ties with the dwarves. I suspect that the drow of House Gullion are to blame for these new changes; I believe they are planning something, but I am unsure of exactly what that might be because shortly after the isolationist policy started, Drow began to raid dwarven caravans meant for other locations in the Underworld. In order to maintain our food supply and economy, the dwarven town of Embla had to delve deeper and establish new relations with distant races. This angered the drow, who responded with force, killing or capturing every dwarf they came across, along with hijacking or looting caravans. As far as I know, the dwarves who survived the attacks were enslaved and dragged back to the drow city of Holoth as none have returned. By now Embla has nearly run out of able warriors and is sitting virtually defenseless while the drow city of Holoth grows ever stronger. As I have relations in the Upperworld I was sent to meet with my cousin Quorron and request help from the tall ones. You Upworlders may be our last hope. Asking for assistance from them is a first for Embla and I truly hope that I am acting in a right-and-proper manner when requesting assistance. I cannot promise anything up front but nevertheless I beg you for your help and pledges that Embla will be indebted to them for their efforts. I wish to return home as soon as possible, but after we get these folks to the safety of the village where we can meet my cousin.
I suggest that we stay here for the night or two and see if the Drow follow us here. With this many men and at least some fortifications we should be able to damage them severely, perhaps wiping them out. With those spider riders it could be devastating for us on the road."
"Dwarven cities underground besieged by those dark-skinned elf bastards? I'm more than game ta take the fight ta them skinny spider lovin' mother humpers!"
Harek takes a few moments to calm himself from anger against the drow before continuing.
"I agree about the fortifications here. We keep an eye out for them elves and take 'em down here hard and fast. Then we get to steppin' on fightin' them drow fer real!"
"Miah, I'm sorry for the tragedy that has befallen you and your city. After we have returned the villagers home, then we can discuss the situation with your cousin." Ordrud solemnly replies.
"Then a day or two is agreed, but after that do we want to take the villagers on the road? Don't we want to destroy the drow and secure the path past the mercs, before bringing the villagers away from a fortified location?"
I am sure they have families that miss them and they would be safer in Rybalka than here. He looks at the Galekins. No offense he'll say to them before continuing. It sounds like there are others that need our aid. The Elf says not looking forward to spending time in the darklands.
"Thank you all. We can talk more about this back in Rybalka with my cousin Quorron. For now we need to protect these people and get them back to the safety of the village." Miah then looks around at the various folks, and shakes his head in resignation. "Ordrud, Harek, what do you think we should do? Besides the five of you, myself, the six retainers, Lady Galekin and the few hunters in the group the rest of these folks will only get hurt in any assault on this estate."
"Miah, please take one of the good longswords, and anyone who can use a bow, please take one of the good longbows and some arrows. I believe that we should have watches over the night, and then perhaps get a day and another night of rest before we head to Rybalka. What do you folks think?" And she directs that question to the group as a whole.
"During the day, these drow are unlikely to try anything. They seem to like the dark and gloomy bits more than anything. If we can get that collapsed wall shored up, and maybe string some trip-wires in the less commonly used chokepoints, that could help."
Harek thinks about the manor as a defensible position and plans out how he would attack it.
"We've a decent amount a' ranged support from these hunter types, and yer footmen got adequate gear and weapons. When it comes to the battle, we post the archers up high and rain shafts down on 'em." Harek points out the spots where cover can be had while affording them an opportunity for line of sight.
"All yer non-combatant types should hide deep in the back a' da house. Stay outta da way and keep outta sight. Yer footmen hold the doors in pairs, and watch our backs."
"We act as yer speartip, rangin' out and takin' the fight ta da drow. When they crop up, we swarm, down 'em, and pop back ta cover. If they rush up, we fall back and cut 'em ta ribbons while they try ta infiltrate."
"I'd say we take this time ta familiarize ourselves wit' da house. Learn the hallways, doors, whatnot. The drow ain't gonna know the ins an' outs, so that's another advantage fer us. Only big issue if if'n they try ta burn the place down," Harek looks to Lothalian here. "But our priestly frien' here Lothalian kin prepare da' make water spell. Toss a coupla gallons on any hot spots and we kin nip flames in the bud!"
Looking at the rest of the group, Harek takes a satisfied draught from his tankard. "Anythin' I missed?"
"Good idea, Red. I'm gonna sack out after a bit a' walkin' round this house. Figure I ought a' be up come night time, seein' how I kin see in da dark."
Harek does just that, walking through the house, counting paces between doorways and stairs and the like. Once satisfied he has the lay of the land, he takes his armor off and sacks out.
Lothalian goes over to one of the bows and gives a low whistle as he feels the tautness of the string and the finely carved wood. Thanks Milady! Lothalian says as he gives Lady Galekin a small nod to show his gratitude.
Lothalian listens to Harek and can understand why dwarves have the reputation as formidable foes. I do not have that spell today, but I can have it tomorrow The Elf adds.
The soldier’s bunk also contains eight masterwork longswords, eight masterwork longbows, and eighty arrows. The other five bedrooms can be used to sleep most of the folks.
Ordrud concurs, "Aye, that's a good plan Harek."
Ordrud does not take a bow or arrows. He prefers his sling if he must. While scouting the estate before resting during the day to be ready for his night watch like Harek, he looks for nice sling bullets to replenish his stock.
Lothalian and Sirasa stand the first watch. Lothalian and one of the retainers make a pair, and the other retainer and the hunter make the second pair as they walk around the house, with Sirasa standing by the door, ready to wake up the rest if something occurs. Thankfully the first watch passes uneventfully.
Harek wakes from his nap, and he and Ordrud each pair with a retainer and they circle the house, with the hunter taking door duty. As the first watch nothing occurs.
With Harek staying up for the rest of the night, he and Miah pair with the next set of retainers with Esgalwathel and the hunter standing watch at the door.
An hour before dawn, as Harek and the retainer are making there way around to the front of the estate, both he and Esgalwathel notice eight shadowy figures approaching from the south. Four of them spiders and four of them cloaked and hooded drow.
Harek UP
Harek: 19 (63/63, 20) 3/3
Lothalian: 16 (45/45, 15) asleep
Sirasa: 12 (35/35, 12/16) asleep
Foe(s): 8
Esgalwathel: 5 (42/42, 19)
Ordrud: 2 (60/60, 20) 2/2 asleep
Galekin: NPC asleep
"Clever bastards, waitin 'til the crack a dawn ta strike. Les' teach 'im what for, eh?"
Harek downs his potion of bull's strength and moves to wake up Esgalwathel. His shield is readied but his axe remains slung on his belt.
"Wake up, Es! We got comp'ny!"
HEn - Drow creature "name", ranged = ranged attack; ES - Esgalwathel, HA - Harek, RE - Retainer, etc.
The four man sized spiders quickly move, climbing the wall as needed and end up next to Esgalwathel, Harek and the retainer.
The four drow move up about twenty feet and each of them fires an arrow, one at Esgalwathel, two at Harek and one at the human retainer, with each arrow hitting its intended target. The hunter next to Esgalwathel says, "I will wake up everyone, starting with your fellows" and he takes off to the bedroom with Ordrud, Sirasa and Lothalian, waking the three of them as he runs and hollers and shakes the three of them.
Esgalwathel UP
Foe(s): 8
Esgalwathel: 5 (34/42, 19)
Ordrud: 2 (60/60, 20) 2/2 waking up
Harek: 19 (40/63, 20) 3/3
Lothalian: 16 (45/45, 15) waking up
Sirasa: 12 (35/35, 12/16) waking up
All NPCs: asleep
"Flank da archers! Take 'em down quickfast!"
Esgalwathel UP
Esgalwathel: 5 (34/42, 19)
Ordrud: 2 (60/60, 20) 2/2 waking up
Harek: 19 (40/63, 20) 3/3
Lothalian: 16 (45/45, 15) waking up
Sirasa: 12 (35/35, 12/16) waking up
All NPCs: asleep; except for 1 retainer and 1 hunter
Foe(s): 8
Harek steps to his right, his axe practically leaping into his hand, and chops at the spider next to him. (Due west?)
to hit; damage
Lothalian was dreaming of a peaceful forest. It was a full-moon and the animals were out and about. He heard crickets chirping and lightning bugs dancing in the air-and drow? Lothalian was confused when the chirping of the crickets suddenly was replaced by the word 'Drow' over and over again. A sharp jolt to his leg caused the Elf to open his sleepy eyes. It was then that he noticed that it wasn't the crickets saying ‘Drow’, but a human man running around kicking people awake. The realization they were under attack woke the Elf up fast and he quickly grabbed his bow and prepared to join the fray. It would take too long to put his armor on, so he will leave it behind.
Ordrud had been hunting Drow when he heard the call to arms. He springs awake and looks longingly at his heavy armor. He stands up and grabs his longsword and shield.
He thinks to remember to ask the Lord and Lady if they have a spare set of Chain Shirt pajamas.
vs AC 14
vs AC 14
vs AC 23 + poison
vs AC 23 + poison
vs AC 23 + poison
The four drow continue to shoot arrows at the three visible targets. One misses Esgalwathel, one hits Harek even with the spider in the way, while one misses. The final arrow hits the retainer and he falls to the ground, bleeding out. The three spiders all attack Harek but are unable to penetrate the dwarfs defenses.
Harek switches to the next spider and chops down on its thorax with his axe.
to hit, bull's strength, power attack; slashing damage.
Seeing the creature fall beneath his blade, he grins at the archers.
"Ye should'a brought some bigger beasties, ye daft dark-skinned underdark bastards!"
Ordrud hustles to join the defense.
Lothalian rushes to the door and casts Stabilize on the fallen retainer.