Our tale begins with the newly formed companions out on the road, a week out from the free city of Tarlof, where they met one another in a sewer.
Coming from an array of backgrounds you all had come to the conclusion that you'd rather live free than live under the tyranny of the minions of Ultruu and his armies of sin. Whispered rumors reached your ears naming Tarlof as a budding safenest for a growing underground resistance some were calling The Consortium of Light. If rumor reached the wrong ears however, that city would swiftly come under more scrutiny, and scrutiny is the last thing any underground organization needs.
It was in the dank sewers of Tarlof where you all met for the first time, advised by one contact or another to congregate there. It was there you met others like you--strangers in a harsh world from all walks of life with one thing in common - a will to make a difference.
Few names were exchanged that night. You all agreed that anonymity was best for the time being. News was exchanged, lost friends were mourned, old hopes were rekindled.
It was there when you knew you were part of something bigger than yourselves. It was there that you joined the Consortium of Light.
-Some sort of initiative was being spearheaded to organize a plan to shift the momentum away from Ultruu's minions and back to the mortal goodly folk of the realm. This initiative was taking the form of a council of leaders and heroes, congregating in the little town of Archdale toward the northern tip of the Frostfang mountain range.
-The township of Sojourn which rests on the northeastern edge of the Everwood, has been freed from hellish control for the first time in a century! (Sojourn is on the way from Tarlof to Archdale)
-Ultruu has rumored to have taken the next step to obtaining godhood. Rumors speak of a jet black scaled monstrosity, that eats children in the night, that disappears into shadow, that leaves behind shed scales that pulse with a black warmth.
-The Elven city of Toria is splitting into factions-- some wanting to remain in isolation, others wanting to aid the war effort.
-The port city of Haven is said to be under attack by a large army of hellish minions and mortal collaborators. Rumors indicate that the defense effort does not go well.
You heroes, now nearly a week north of Tarlof, are nearing the little town of Sojourn. You've had the tall pines of the Everwood to your left for the last few days of travel. The farther north you travel, the more hilly and steep the countryside becomes. You eyes are constantly drawn to the Everwood's beautiful rugged hills, building up to small mountains covered in soaring cliffs and evergreen trees.
When the road you have traveled on has finally turned northwest and veered you toward the now visible Sojourn, an early snow begins blanketing the countryside. In the warm red light of the setting sun you see smoke rising from the town and your first thoughts are of warm meals and warmer beds, the smell of cooking fires and fresh baked bread.
To your horror, you quickly realize those columns of smoke are too numerous for comfort. Even from your distance there is a sense of foreboding. A fortunate shift of the wind carries the potent stench of rotting flesh.
It appears the rumor of Sojourn's liberation was either false, or short-lived.
To your horror, you quickly realize those columns of smoke are too numerous for comfort. Even from your distance there is a sense of foreboding. A fortunate shift of the wind carries the potent stench of rotting flesh.
You think you see carrion birds in the sky, and lining what is left of the town walls. There appear to be black-armored men...or creatures...standing guard here and there.
It appears the rumor of Sojourn's liberation was either false, or short-lived.
You also saw movement of several humanoids and the flash of sunlight on steel at the edge of the Everwood, nearly 500 yards from the perimeter wall.
Chezarion says, "We've got problems. The town is in ruins and it looks like there's a bunch of hell spawn there. There's also an armed group in the woods near the town. I'm not sure if the second group is hell spawn or not. I suggest we find somewhere to hide until we can figure out what's going on. Might not be a bad idea if we just took to the woods ourselves and were real careful."
Their numbers are hard to make out, as they appear to be fading deeper into the woods, into the hills of the Everwood.
Side knowledge, as an elf you know that the elven city Toria lies much deeper in the Everwood, past all the small mountains and hills that lie on this side.
Gromff stands stoically, watching the smoke with suspicion.
Dinnae take too long for those damned redskinned devils to take that city back. I ain't one to run from no fight but if the city proper is lost there be no point. I'm with the elf on this one.
"The forest sounds like a better choice." she says in agreement with Chezarion & Gromff. "Stealth would be a good option here. Who should we send to scout ahead?"
Gromff looks at his girth and his clanky armor and then back at the female-elf, or was she half-elf. Bah, but who cares.
Stealth? Right. Hope ye ave a better plan than stealth.
You all are on an open road, one that you've been taking almost straight north until the last few hours when it curved the northwest somewhat.
The countryside is hilly, but there are long stretches of land that are visible in all directions if you get to a hill top. You have come around a bend and can see past a hill when Sojourn's walls, buildings, and columns of smoke come into view.
Regarding stealth, you don't have any specific reason to believe you've been seen yet, but logic dictates that if you can Sojourn, Sojourn can see you.
Chezarion looks the situation over and says, "I think we should move back behind this bend in the road and then head straight for the woods. Once in the woods we make a wide circle around Sojourn and then head for Archdale. If nothing else the people gathering in Archdale are going to need to know Sojourn was taken.
Tessandriel can take point in the woods because she's better at navigation than I am. I'll take rear guard. Everybody else can sort themselves out in between us."
Chezarion readies his longbow and prepares to move out as suggested.
|
I’m starving! Can’t wait to get some hot bath and warm food. It’s like ages since I had a proper meal and slept in a proper bed! I’m looking very much forward to this town!
She was naïve enough to think good things would happen to this dammed place, and the news from her companions, were devastating.
Guess this is my destiny. Lord of flies and smelly body. Dear god, I really need a bath.
”I am not sure of what to do in those situations. I will follow you and aid you in anything you think is the right choice.”
Gromff has to cock his head and lift an eyebrow at that comment.
Lass, this ain't the kind o' world ye can survive without a spine so ye best grow one quick. Then to Chezarion. Not a fan o' the forest but its better'n try'n'a just walk on past.
Roland just follows along emotionless up to this moment. It's clear he's not the talking type. "If you say so, dwarf. But I disagree." Although he looks like a simple brute, carrying a lot of stuff and a large weapon, he seems to have the answer for the question he proposes. "Tell me, don't you think they saw those elves from the city?"
Mundarion replies to Gromff, "Yep, and once we get far enough into the forest the fact that your armor is a little noisy won't make much difference. They won't hear it in Sojourn."
Chezarion replies to Roland, "I'm not sure who that other group was. Maybe they were elves, maybe they were people fleeing Sojourn, maybe they were something else entirely. Based on the little bit that I saw the hell spawn did not seem to be interested in chasing them. But it could be that I simply didn't see enough.
The only thing I know for sure is that if we try to skirt the town without going into the woods we will almost certainly be spotted. Maybe the hell spawn would just ignore us, but that's not something I'd bet money on. Our best bet is to go through the woods and try to hide from everybody. With Tessandriel on point we've got a fair chance of being able to pull that off."
"Ok then. The way I see it, either they are demons and we need to kill them, or they are allies and we could move after them knowing the demons won't follow. If they do, well, all the better." He shows a confident smile. "But sure, let's go to the woods."
I think we can assume that after your initial clandestine introduction to members of the Consortium in Tarlof's sewers, you later you all decided to travel north together. Either then or at some point along the road you must have shared names with one another.
With bow drawn, Chezarion urges the party off the road toward the edge of the steep hills of the Everwood.
In roughly 30 minutes of hustling, you have come to the last hill lined with small trees to provide cover. The last couple hundred feet to the woods is an open grass plain with nothing to block the line of sight to the town walls, but based on Chezarion's beckons you seem to dart for the woods at an opportune moment. This appears to be the area where the spear-wielding group passed into the woods.
There are clearly many footprints here but the falling snow is covering them quickly. You would estimate 15-20 individuals passed this way. Their trail leads up the steep hillside where displaced rocks, fresh turned soil, and bent branches clearly show you their path.
There are clearly many footprints here but the falling snow is covering them quickly. You determine there are 25-27 individuals that passed this way, mostly human with 3 or 4 elves.
Their trail leads up the steep hillside where displaced rocks, fresh turned soil, and bent branches clearly show you their path. Based on the orientation of specific tracks, you believe one person is struggling a great deal to climb and is being assisted repeatedly.
In order to go deeper into the wood to avoid being seen by anyone in the town, you'll need to do some hiking. The terrain is fairly rugged and steep at some points, but you all can manage without too much difficulty.
"Fifteen, maybe twenty people."
Roland keeps an eye open, and is ready to follow the group in case they want to meet the elves. He has no weapon drawn.
Chezarion says, "I wouldn't want to follow them if for no other reason than they may be jumpy enough to attack first and ask questions later. Let's just go deep enough into the woods to safely skirt the town and move on to Archdale."
|
|
"Shame we cannot talk to them. But let us try not making this a habit." she looks to the party before continuing ”Assuming that everyone we encounter are enemy is a bad thing to do. It is bad for the heart, some would say. I know, however, that the circumstances are odd in this case. Us against twenty-five…” No matter how strong we consider ourselves, that can’t be good for us… ”around the city, it is, right?”
"25-27 humans with 3 or 4 elves I'd say. Someone appears to be struggling a great deal and is being assisted."
Tessandriel glances at Catcher when she speaks.
"Bad for the heart?" Tess scoffs. "Girl, we will be traveling a lot more than you realize, now and in the future. The wilderness is my house. Where I lay my head is home." she says with satisfaction as she looks at the forest around her.
Roland looks at Tessandriel, but then he realizes she is not kidding. From his current position he looks once more at the tracks, twisting his head trying to see more than he did before, but nothing has changed. He looks again at Tessandriel, wondering how did she see that, but gave up, for now. "What was it? Old, injured, or prisoners?"
Gromff crosses his hands with a conflicted look on his face. After a moment of mumbling he shakes his head.
I canno let this go. If they've got wounded they be movin slow and whatever took Sojourn'll take them too. I say we catch up to them afore the devils do. We got a lot o enemies nearby and if we're found afore we get to Archdale we'll be glad for a few extra fighters. I'm sure Archdale will too.
So I see a couple votes to skirt the city completely, a couple neutrals, and one firm vote to pursue the group in the woods. I will wait for further group discussion before narrating your journey further.
If their burnin Sojourn the hostiles ain't out here. And I ain't never heard of a devil helpin another devil. If what the elf says is true they ain't enemies.
"I'm for helping, though when we catch up to the group we still need to be cautious. I'll not rush in blindly. We still don't know if they are friendly to others. Just because they are not the devils doesn't mean they will be happy to see us."
Chezarion says, "Ok, I'll go ahead and back Gromff on this one. If they aren't moving that fast it shouldn't take too long to catch up to them. Just be careful when we make contact."
I was sorta hoping to see that roleplayed out :) But that's fine if you both want to assume it is already known.
I know I didn't give you all the "our adventure starts in an inn..." which gives opportunities for initial RP. I do enjoy that sometimes, but it is rather cliché. This time I wanted to get things started on a different note.
If you feel like you missed out on that initial RP experience to get to know one another, I encourage you all to make chit-chat often and do it while traveling.
While watching your back for any sign of pursuit, the party makes their way up the rocky tree-filled hillside. Sharp fresh scents of pine and wet earth have dispelled the rank stench of war that you left behind, outside the town of Sojourn. Wildlife is abundant- Squirrels skitter up tree trunks as you pass by. Beetles, spiders, and other bugs scurry with every footfall. Beautiful birdsong fills the air.
With Tessandriel at the lead, you have no problems tracking this group's ascent. Your biggest obstacles are your own fortitudes, and you find yourselves stopping to catch your breath as you trudge up into higher and higher altitudes where the air feels thinner.
After about an hour you catch sight of your quarry. It looks like the tail end of the group making their way over a ledge that blocks your view of their whole group. The few that are visible appear to be commonfolk and carry no weapons.
You see two human men aiding what appears to be a pregnant woman. They're hefting her up and onto the next ledge. You imagine this would be a difficult hike indeed for a pregnant mother-to-be.
You see two human men aiding what appears to be a pregnant woman. They're hefting her up and onto the next ledge. You imagine this would be a difficult hike indeed for a pregnant mother-to-be.
Not 20 feet from you, you notice an elf woman hiding in a patch of foliage, blending in with excellent proficiency. Her eyes are upon you, and she has an arrow knocked, ready to draw.
Chezarion says, "Gromff, I hope you're good at delivering babies. Looks like they've got a pregnant woman with them. Depending on when she's due she could be traveling slowly for a while."
Tessandriel half-turns: "Hold!" she says sharply to the group.
Stopping, she calls out to the hidden woman in the Elven language.
"Hello there! We are travelers and noticed your band moving this way. Based on your tracks it looked as though you had injured among you and came to help. I am Tessandriel." she says with her hands wide, palms up in a non-threatening manner. "These are my companions." she adds, moving her head in the directing of the party.
Roland still does not see the woman, but it seems the Half-Elf got everything covered, so he just waits, trying not to look like a threat.
To Chez: Not unless the babe has a beard. Healing magic works on all livin folks though and I can conjure water forever.
To the group of refugees and the elf: You folks from Sojourn?
Chezarion had his bow ready as he had been rear guard watching for problems from that direction. Hearing what Tessandriel was saying though, he would go ahead and put his bow up and the arrow back in his quiver.
|
|
Blissfully unaware of anything, Catcher is only paying attention to her own tiredness. Each step is harder than the last. The brief breaks, she gladly enjoys, slumping to the ground, catching her breath. One would say that she is not fit for this kind of adventure. The girl itself seems rather contradictory.
She is probably the youngest member of the party, on her back, she carries a greatsword and it is easy to see she do not know how to use it. Catcher is not a sure-footed person. More than once, you saw her falling to the ground and smiling as a little child as she get up, cleaning her clothes.
Always curios, whenever someone is doing anything out of the common routine, she is sure to be there watching.
When the half-elf tell then to stop, she is by surprised.
”Ow… is that a bad thing?” she says looking around trying to figure what is going on.
Then they talk about babies and beards. What is going on here!
Then the woman starts speaking in the elven language. She knows that there is someone out there, hidden. She checks her sword and her dagger, and curse silently for not having a crossbow. However, she tries her best to do not look dangerous or hostile.
The elf woman stands and puts her arrow back in the quiver. She approaches your group. She wears a fine set of leather armor embossed with designs of stylized animal forms. She has branches and leaves strategically placed on her shoulders and hair to help her blend into the surroundings. You get the impression that she would be beautiful if not for several large scars on her face that elongate the profile of her mouth and right eye.
In elven, "Greetings Tessandriel. You speak our tongue well for a half-human."
In the common tongue, "Greetings. I am Meldara. The birds told me of your arrival so I came to see for myself who was following us. You have just traveled from Tarlof?
Come with me, let us catch up with my group and I can answer more of your questions."
She leads you up an alternate climb that brings you all to the ledge you so recently saw the group passing over. A beautiful flat glade comes into view as you reach the top of this small mountain. An open field lies before you that stretches out for a mile at least before meeting more steep inclines and hills. With hardly a tree, this expanse almost feels out of place. You see a herd of deer alerted to your presence, quickly bounding away out of sight.
Meldara bids the party follow her and within a short time you have caught up with your quarry.
There are 26 in total. Most are commonfolk, several are bandaged and appear injured, all look exhausted. There is a pregnant human woman who has taken a breather on a large rock.
Two human men and one half-elf woman wield spears and observe you closely as you approach. Their grip on their spears lightens when they see Meldara is with you.
It appears the group is taking a few moments to rest and eat here on the open plain, surrounded by a gorgeous crown of pines and rocky mountain peaks.
Gromff takes in the beautiful sight, the light wind, the flowing grass, the small heard of leaping deer, but instead of feeling relaxed he seems to be even more agitated.
What are ye doin ye stupid elf? This is no place to rest. If ye're caught here and have to move ye got no cover till them cliffs. Get these damned lazy folk movin. And if'n that women is too far along to walk make a sled and carry or drag her. I can fill yer waterskins and fix some bandages along the way and you can tell us what happened.
He ends with a loud harumph and moves to get people up and gone.
"Oh just shut it will you?" Tessandriel thinks as she gives the dwarf a mildly irritated look. She then goes over to the pregnant woman to check up on her.
"Hello, I'm Tessandriel. I'd like to check up on you and the baby. Will that be ok?" She says as she walks up. Tessandriel will wait till the woman gives approval before physically checking on her condition. "How are you feeling?"
Chezarion walks over to the small group of armed people who seem to be the guards of the party and says, "Hello. My name is Chezarion. We were on our way to Archdale and thought we might stop in Sojourn for a night's rest. That obviously isn't going to happen. Don't mind the dwarf too much, he's not happy unless he's putting both of his feet in his mouth. He is a cleric though and he wields healing magic well.
So, other than having been rudely evicted from your homes, are there any details of your situation you would care to share?"
I heard that, elf, and will put my boot wherever I want, including your bony backside. If people aren't going to move then he will gather as many near him as possible and cast channel energy and help re-apply bandages.
As the power of Moradin flows through him, he lets explode outward making everyone nearby feel much better.
Gromff takes in the beautiful sight, the light wind, the flowing grass, the small heard of leaping deer, but instead of feeling relaxed he seems to be even more agitated.
What are ye doin ye stupid elf? This is no place to rest. If ye're caught here and have to move ye got no cover till them cliffs...
Meldara gives a stern look toward the armored dwarf, and nods in approval. "Our dwarven friend has the right of it. We musn't stay out in the open. I know you are all tired but we must at least get to the tree line" she points west toward the rising mountain "...before we stop again for rest."
At the mention of waterskins, many faces perk up and look toward Gromff. You quickly determine that there are few waterskins in their possession due to a hasty withdrawal. A handful of mugs, waterskins, and cupped-hands are filled several times with cool fresh water as Gromff displays his symbol of Moradinn and prays. Some water is used to wash wounds and newer make-shift bandages are placed where needed.
Tessandriel examines the woman with a gentle nature but observes her closely. You can tell this woman is in pain. Her knees, back and shoulders are all under a great deal of stress from carrying the extra weight and being forced into a climb. She is likely to have the baby within the week.
At Chezarion's request the townsfolk begin to describe their recent liberation. They say how they'd been used to the dark army's presence because it was all they'd ever known; Sojourn had been under hellish rule for nearly a century. Nearly a month ago however a garrison of about 50 Silvermane foot soldiers and cavalry stormed the town walls. Moments after the assault was launched, a flurry of arrows and magic spells rained down on the occupying devils and human collaborators from the nearby woods. A contingent of Torian elves had joined the fray!
There weren't many enemy occupiers to hold the small town, and in under an hour the town had been liberated. The joy was short-lived however. The peace lasted for less than a month.
Others chime in with stories of a black-armored warband approaching with a Hellskin ogre leading their charge. By this time most of the Silvermane soldiers had departed and the Torian elves had returned to the woods. We had our walls and our pride though, and we believed that we could hold off this attack. That is, until these scarlet red little winged devils appeared out of thin air and killed the gate guards, then opened the gates wide for the oncoming group of foot soldiers.
Anyone wielding a weapon was slaughtered. The rest of us knew we must surrender, so we threw down our arms and armor.
This Hellskin ogre, Grolmgor, is a cruel one. His pet hellhound is kept chained in a pit near the south wall. He feeds him what's left of his victims of interrogation and torture.
They all show frightened looks as these events are described.
Meldara chimes in, "We linger too long. I want everyone up and moving."
She ushers her refugees westward and tells them she will meet them at the wood's edge later tonight.
The scarred elf looks to the party "Come with me. We have things to discuss and work to do." She then turns back the way you came, back toward Sojourn.
Roland looks surprised. "I was about to tell you that we are not seeking refuge, but it seems you know that..."
He follows Meldara.
For someone receiving praise and thanks for providing fresh water, Gromff maintains a surprisingly gruff attitude the whole time.
"And don't stop till ye find a more easily defended position," he yells at the refugees as they make their way across the field. He then nods and turns back to follow Meldara. "Least someone's headin the right direction. We stormin the place or ye got a plan cause I'm one for hearin it."
Something in the dwarf's behavior urges Roland to say something against his comments. "It would be stupid to just storm the place. They've got the walls, flying minions and probably more arms than we do. As long as they have backup and a reason to stay in the city, it will be useless to try."
Chezarion joins the group heading back towards Sojourn. As he does so he readies his bow. He says, "We don't necessarily have to storm the place to make their lives miserable. Besides, if we don't do something that could divert those flying minions they'll find the refugees all too easily."
"That's the spirit!"