"As much as I dislike it, we may need to make a tactical retreat. We still don't know who our foe is or what they want. Which means we have no knowledge of strengths, weaknesses, allies, or enemies. We need information."
Sarrissa stood and swung the heavy blanket free from around her sending tiny fragments flying all around her. She looked around and quickly spotted the group of others elves. Wasting no more time she began heading in their direction. As she approached, her eyes caught sight of the dancing lights of the flames beginning to roar to life inside the tavern.
"We cannot stay here" she said aloud, more to herself than to anyone else. "These foes made it into the heart of this sanctuary and struck a blow without being deterred. They seem to be organized and we seem to be fragmented. We should leave, while we can. To fall here and now would be a waste of more life."
Hearing that the general plan is to leave, Nivian helps Elohir to his feet and makes sure he is okay to evacuate the area. She keeps glancing back at the smoke hoping more people (on the good side) will make it out too, but she knows that it isn't likely.
Pero's face is grim but he nods at those around him, no need to let his emotion override his good judgment, after all, he's not human. There will be another time and on that day these foes will pay...
"A shame we can't grab at least one but it's unlikely any but the leader would know why they are here anyhow. Let us go before emotion clouds my reason. Goodbye, old friend".
" I agree we should leave. We can always seek revenge later. For now, let us gather our strength from the moonlight while we can." Nehama states as she starts to walk off in what she assumes is the right direction. If someone points out it is not, she blushes and mutters about how any direction was better than going inside the burning building.
Still helping Elohir, Nivian follows Nehama as they evacuate the area.
"Let's go quickly, then. The sooner we're clear, the better."
The seven travelers assemble together beneath the light of the burning inn. An early snow falls, floating feather-like in the air, sparkling in the light of the full moon. With a silent hush, they run from the inn, Elohir in their midst. He looks back for a moment and gasps in shock, the rest turn, and see the Dark Knight raised a clenched armored fist. For a moment, nothing happens, and then, the dead rise! Elf, orc, brigand alike, they all stand and turn towards doors. Only Myrrin gasps and scrabbles backwards. Wounded, but, somehow still alive, forgotten in the chaos of the evening. The Dark Knight points towards the open door and locks eyes with the Seven. Somehow, they know he sees them, and he has always seen them. The corpses stalk towards the Seven, moving with a speed that zombies should not normally have.
Without waiting further, the Seven turn and run. The dead are fast, but the travelers are, mercifully, faster as they run across the open stable yard and into the small village that surrounds the Halfway Inn. Somehow, the village remains impossibly silent, as though no one is aware of the slaughter wrought tonight. The Seven dart through sleepy streets, past shuttered windows and darkened doors as the seek to outpace the undead on their heels.
They head west and north, away from the safety of Evereska and towards the wilderness that lays beyond. Fear gives them speed, desperation gives them strength. They run into the morning, long after the sun has risen. A thick fog rises, as they come to a rest in a small copse of trees, exhausted.
You are about 20 miles northwest of the Halfway Inn, at the very edge of the Forgotten Forest.
You also can figure that the zombies and Dark Knight will follow you, although the fog will probably slow them down.
Nivian is grateful for a chance to rest. Where are we headed? Does anyone have a plan? or ideas?
Breathing heavily, Henris merely shakes his head, completely unfamiliar with the area and not really knowing where they are.
With her back against a tree, Sarrissa collapsed against it and slid to the ground. Her branched spear toppled over on to the ground, her hand no longer able to maintain her grip on it. She closed her eyes for a moment and images of the battle flashed through her mind. The orc in her room, Iym laying unconscious in his own blood, the knight in dark armor, the dead rising, the smoke billowing out into the night air.
So much death Jerr-Dann, so many bodies rising.
His thoughts echoed in her head. I know young one. I know. You handled yourself well. You should be proud. Your mother would be. You not only saved yourself, but others as well.
"My body aches and my head hurts so much that I have no idea where we are. I'm afraid I don't have any food but I can fill waterskins. Just uh...let me a rest, a few minutes, and I should be able to find something edible."
Pero sees Myrrin and his heart is light at least knowing his friend lives though the dead are so many...
Pero looks at his surroundings and comments, "We are about 20 miles northwest of the Halfway Inn, at the very edge of the Forgotten Forest.
As they do not need to rest the zombies and Dark Knight will likely follow us, the fog will probably slow them down for the purposes of tracking.
However, we should not tarry here overlong unless we wish to ambushed in our sleep once more".
Pero turns to Elohir, "Can you tell us what that was all about friend Elohir?"
Puffs out her breath. She looks about the group, checking on the wounds anyone has and offering words of encouragement. She had no idea what they needed to do, but she knew they needed to move. She also takes the time to change into her armor, suggesting " Ladies, let us step over here. We can put on our armor without some of the prying eyes of those who have less honorable thoughts." For an elf, that seemed oddly prim, but she would step out of sight of them men before donning her armor. From the hidden position, she would call out, " I believe we shall try to find a place to rest, but also someone to help out, or at least delay them so we can rest a bit better. I doubt we can take on the undead and that knight. Only a strong spellcaster can raise zombies, and not a good one either."
Herrnarrell will step off to the side of the group in order to keep an eye out on any immediate pursuers or other threats. "Did anybody recognize the knight's armor? Any insignia or standard that might give us an idea of who our foe is? Does anybody have the ability to repel such a mass of undead? Is there anybody we can turn to for help who might be able to answer either of my previous questions?"
Offers up, though she was unsure how helpful it would be, " Any church, even mine should be able to help. But finding one is the issue. Where is the closest place we can find a decent guard at?"
"We can't lead them to Evereska," Iym said. "Where in the Realms is the Forgotten Forest?" Iym said. "And can it be near to a n'tel'quess temple crawling with priests?"
Elohir sighs and rests against a tree. He's sorely wounded, although he'll live. "I do not know. My companions are searching for lost elven ruins--to protect, not plunder. We find ancient magics and artifacts lost during our long history and return them to those who would best safeguard them." He coughs, leaving a bit of blood on his clenched fist. "I've thought I felt eyes on me and mine for ages. Always lurking. Always waiting in the dark. But, we've never seen them. Certainly, we've never seen that Dark Knight." He clutches at his cloak for a moment and then sighs in relief. "I have never seen his like."
He shrugs. "I have no idea where to go. or where would be safe. Finding a temple to hide may be wise, but we would bring that army, and their commander with us. We may do great harm."
The Forgotten Forest is pretty much due west of Evereska. A straight line northwest will bring you to the Graypeak Mountains. Follow the foothills there for 120 miles, the travelers will come to the trade road out from Llorkh which eventually connects to the Black Road across Anauroch.
A little over 120 miles due south are Skull Gorge and the Hill of Lost Souls. Turning west will take you to the River Reaching and, eventually, Scornubel. The trek will be nearly twice as long again.
The landscape of this region of Faerun is speckled with ancient elven ruins from recent year sand, perhaps, even as far back as the Crown Wars or before. One of them is bound to be in the Forgotten Forest. (A separate DC 15 geography/history check can tell you where it is). You can make survival checks after that to find your way there.
"Wait, I remember this. There are ruins of the People all about here. This used to be one of our realms. Many times over."
It isn't exactly civilization, but I know where the ruins are. Is that where you guys want to go?
Finally catching his breath, Henris says, "I remember seeing several ruins marked on maps of this area in my father's study, but I don't remember the exact location. If Nivian knows the location of some, we may find shelter there."
"I am all for finding a place to rest safely, and take stock of what we were able to pull out of the fire with us. It will give us some time to clear our heads and think about our next move. We will have to take into account, of course, that our pursuers may track us not only into the Forest but into any ruins inside. Depending on their competence, it may give us some time, but not much."
Elohir nods grimly. "Is that it, then? We're to go into the forest to find a ruin to hide in? Tonight? Or, do we take our time, resting in these woods and then lose them in the ruins on the morrow?"
"I agree with the consensus, we should go now and then rest. If they catch us while sleeping again it would not be favorable, at least in the ruins we can control the battlefield better than here in the open".
"I agree with the consensus, we should go now and then rest. If they catch us while sleeping again it would not be favorable, at least in the ruins we can control the battlefield better than here in the open".
"You're right," Iym said. "Reverie can wait or we may not experience it again."
The weary travelers gather their belongings and press on. On foot, they struggle deeper and deeper into the dense tangle of the Forgotten Forest. The snowfall thickens, even finding its way through the boughs of the vast blueleaf trees above. The faint light from the trees casts the world into an ethereal blue that would be beautiful if the travelers were not running for their lives.
You need to make a DC 16 survival check with a -4 penalty because of the snow.
You can modify this as follows:
A DC 20 geography, history, local, or nature check will exactly pinpoint an elven ruin to go to, reducing the survival check to a DC 10.
Reasoning:
Geography-- you've seen ancient maps that name Mindin Oglirahith (the Tower of Song and Mist) within a few hours walk east of the border of Forgotten Forest. It's in a small vale, surrounded by a rocky outcroppings, and constantly enshrouded in mist, even on a bright summer day.
History-- you know that a watchtower for the Old Kingdom of Miyertiar built during the Crown Wars to guard the eastern border of the kingdom was placed in the region that became known as the Forgotten Forest. It had turrets that played melodies as the wind blew, both as a warning to approaching armies, and as a beacon to those seeking safety in the increasingly chaotic times.
Local--legends tell of crumbling ruins in the area; a collapsed tower, little more than a central room and a few flights of stairs enshrouded in blue-glowing mists. It's largely ignored by adventurers, most believe it to have been picked over long long since. Just keep heading west, you can't miss it.
Nature--judging the flights of birds and animals, an old ruin could be found a few miles in from the border of the forest. It could also just be a really big rocky outcropping. Either way, it'll have shelter.
you can totally aid another on this
Pero keeps an eye and ear out for danger. This is a part of the environs of Evereska with which he is not intimately familiar.
Survival
"This way. It's just ahead."
Sarrissa had no idea where she was going. Luckily, she wasn't the guide. Brief flashes of the surrounding area played through her mind, as if she was watching someone else's memories.
Are you sure you know the way Jerr-Dann?
The male voice echoed through her mind. Don't worry young one. I have been here before. I once slept under the leaves of that very tree.
Had never been this far out, and so while she would help point out nature signs, she was unsure where this outcropping lead to.
" I do hope we can rest soon. I am unsure how many more wounds I can heal today. Does anyone ever remember the old stories containing so much snow?"
Sarrissa, as though guided by an invisible hand, leads the travelers through a trail in the woods. It once may have been a road in millennia passed, Nehama spots a few worked stones peaking out beneath the grass. The group presses on, deeper, deeper into the forest, snow quickly filling their footsteps behind them. The path takes them around a bend that opens suddenly into a small clearing. A rocky outcropping creates a small dell that holds the remnants of a once grand tower flanked by a still pool of clear water, not yet iced over by the freezing cold. The snow glows blue and white beneath the full moon and the azure warmth of the blueleaf trees. The tower, little more than a cave formed by a collapsed ceiling and floors above, looks safe enough to rest the night.
There's enough loose rubble that the travelers could build a blockade in the doorway.
Also, there's a door behind some of the rubble that looks fairly sturdy. The walls look fairly stable, too.
Perception .
"We should also cover our tracks to this place". Pero attempts to do just that while also creating a false set of tracks towards water if possible. It's something he's done in the desert before, snow of course, is a bit different.
Survival
He shakes his head as he returns to his companions, "Eh, that was not my best work I am tired and cold, that's what I'll blame it on. Still though, look at the rubble, we can and should build a barrier, it'll slow down the zombies if not the living".
"Perhaps we should clear the rubble from that door while we're at it. There may be better shelter in there." Regardless, Henris will set about working to use the rubble for a blockade.
Herrnarrell is more than happy to let Sarrissa take the lead towards the ruins as Herrnarrell quickly discovers why the Forgotten Forest is called so - almost immediately, he is completely lost amongst the snow and trees, every dozen feet looking exactly like the dozen prior.
"If we're going to use the rubble to close us in for the night, make sure only to use loose rubble. Don't want to accidentally pull out a keystone and bring the whole place down on us. In the meantime, I'm going to take a look around and try to find a viable lookout point."
As a few of them started clearing the rubble, Sarrissa briefly contemplated summoning Jerr-Dann to assist. She thought better of it though, deciding that it would not be nice to burden her friend with manual labor. It was also probably not the best time either.
She began to assist with moving some of the smaller rubble when her stomach grumbled loudly, almost echoing off the walls of the confined space. She blushed before asking "I'm sorry, would anyone have anything to eat? I...I didn't think to bring any rations."
Nods and checks her pack as Sarrissa mentions food. She swore she had some left in it, but when she looks, it seems as if she had left that part of her pack open and they had dropped out. " I will go see if I can find something to eat, for I can not find any of my rations. I will be back." And with that she would go off in search of food.
"Wait, I'll go with you. You shouldn't go alone" Sarrissa called after Nehama.
As he is clearing and reorganizing rubble Pero sighs, "Damn, I was going to reprovision before heading back to the Guard once more, I've no rations at all". He shakes his head at his own lack of foresight but keeps working nonetheless.
"I've got a few days worth of jerky and hard tack in my bag - not enough for everyone, but its something if needed."
Sarrissa and Nehama go out into the dell to find food as the others work to build a small barricade. They dare not venture far, but, beneath some newly fallen snow, they find some edible chrysanthemums, turnips, and mushrooms. It's not a lot, but it's enough to feed the travelers for the night. On the way back, Nehama finds a small apple tree with a few fruit still on the branch.
They make their way back to the ruin, just as the snow began to thicken, quickly burying their footprints. The wall finishes soon after.
As the two searched for food, the others searched the floor of the tower. The wooden door is wedged shut, but a good slam forces it open on rusted hinges. The door was enchanted to withstand the passage of time, but the magic has faded in the millenia since the fall of Miyertiar, and now it preserves only the wood. Beyond, is a landing with a room with a small fireplace and the remains of a rotten table. This was probably a guard room for the foyer outside. A ruined stair curves up a short flight at the back of the room before breaking off half-way up to the now collapsed second story.
It would be foolish to build a fire in this room, but it'd make a decent holdout to wait out the storm.
[spoiler=Bob the Builder and his merry elves!]
DC 15 craft (building) or engineering check will make the wall look like it's actually part of the tower (or just plain piled up rubble from the collapse), and not something you guys made.
Sarrissa and Nehama go out into the dell to find food as the others work to build a small barricade. They dare not venture far, but, beneath some newly fallen snow, they find some edible chrysanthemums, turnips, and mushrooms. It's not a lot, but it's enough to feed the travelers for the night. On the way back, Nehama finds a small apple tree with a few fruit still on the branch.
They make their way back to the ruin, just as the snow began to thicken, quickly burying their footprints. The wall finishes soon after.
As the two searched for food, the others searched the floor of the tower. The wooden door is wedged shut, but a good slam forces it open on rusted hinges. The door was enchanted to withstand the passage of time, but the magic has faded in the millenia since the fall of Miyertiar, and now it preserves only the wood. Beyond, is a landing with a room with a small fireplace and the remains of a rotten table. This was probably a guard room for the foyer outside. A ruined stair curves up a short flight at the back of the room before breaking off half-way up to the now collapsed second story.
It would be foolish to build a fire in this room, but it'd make a decent holdout to wait out the storm.
DC 15 craft (building) or engineering check will make the wall look like it's actually part of the tower (or just plain piled up rubble from the collapse), and not something you guys made.
"Once Sarrissa and Nehama get back, we should see if we can get the door closed - it would help provide some additional protection from the elements. Could that table be sturdy enough to help barricade the door?"
Nehama and Sarrissa return with enough provisions to last at least the night. Henrys and the others craft a perfect seal to the tower and then the travelers hold up in the room, bracing the door with the table. As they eat by the light of conjured lights, Elohir sighs.
"Thank you, all of you, for coming to my aid. I have no doubt that my companions are fallen.. and risen again as his monstrous slaves." He shudders.
"You are most welcome. Do you know what such a foul evil could be seeking, that he would risk the notice of Evereska to attack the Halfway Inn?"
Herrnarrell quietly sits near the fire and eats the bare minimum portion that will comfortably sustain him for the rest of the night. "More to the immediate point, do you know who or what he his?"
Elohir sighs. "I don't know. The Dark Knight a legend. They say he has traveled these lands from the Moonsea to the High Moor for thousands of years. He brings wherever he goes. He is unstoppable. All who face him, die. I know he hates the elves. He is always seen destroying our most ancient of works."
"Tomorrow, we will need to move again. Perhaps we can circle around him and move back to the Inn and see who is still among the living. Or perhaps we can find something out here to rid the People of his presence for good...
I get the sense there was something you were holding back last night Elohir, this is the time to tell us what you and your friends discovered in your travels".
In between bites of an apple, Sarrissa introduced herself. "Forgive me but I'm not sure that I met all of you last night. My name is Sarrissa and I...uh, don't know what to do next. I'm told this place is safe, but I would have thought the Halfway Inn to be just as safe. I don't know where to go next but I am exhausted."
She found herself leaning up against the wall for support. The cool touch and support of the stone helped to keep her awake. "They'll have a hard time trying to track us through this weather without magic, but I suppose it could be done" she said as she continued to snack on the apple.
"Do the legends mention a way to kill him?"
Elohir shakes his head. "The legends only say that those who fought him, die. Only witnesses, hidden from sight, or too cowardly to fight, have lived to tell the tale. They say swords shatter against his armor."
After being silent for most of the conversation, ask softly " What about prayers? Surely beseeching a deity would have some affect? Nothing is without a flaw, otherwise we are surely outclassed and should just give up hope. You can't win against that you can not kill." Not used to being always on watch during her sleep, Nehama was clearly a bit shaken by the turn of events.