Alice will ask local druids, assuming there are(?), to grow thorny vegetation at choke points where none are yet.
She will familiarize herself with the quickest routes between the points. If possible, could she rent a horse for that day? To quickly move between those locations.
Yes I am sure there is a Grove of druids. They are likely to be in the Nalmarches but do come into town once in a while.
Hot Dog and Vandomir get left in the dust as most of the groups ride elks as others ride their own mounts. They likely slow down after realizing and keep at a slow pace to keep the group together.
Alice shows the druids the utmost respect and will happily engage in conversation about the beauty of the landscapes she has seen in her travels.
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At Tazylford they listen and then begin working on making thorny growth.
The elks do move at 80 feet.
After a few hours of travel Jorne slows down his elk and walks it slowly into a meadow. At the center of the meadow is a large orange glowing crystal. Obviously drawing his attention.
The crystal slowly begins to turn off and you see a squad of black shifting figures and several large elk grazing.
This man walks from the crystal towards Jorne and your group, about 50 feet away he shouts, "Come along Jorne we got the map prepared!"
Coming into their basic camp you can see a large, 20x20 foot, scroll with the map of the Nalmarches including the town of Tazylford and many flags to the North of it. He explains, "As you can tell they are at least a day away if not more. They are the flags. We are the seal.Should I call another squad of elks to expedite your group forward?"
Chizzlall rides his animal companion, staying back near Rocinian and Vandomir until the leaders realize they are falling behind and slow down. As they lope along, he clucks to himself, wondering if he has made a mistake. "Chizzlall is now-in-war, after promising never-to-war. Hoping the-goddess thinks this is-ookie-dookie."
Zsófia looks around the camp with enthusiasm and a little trepidation, though she tries not to show it. She is anxious to get to work defeating the army that (at least in her mind) is invading her lands, but she is wary of stepping on the Councilmembers' toes. So, she decides she must act obsequious and helpful, like an advisor rather than a leader.
"It seems to me," she says with a friendly smile, "that the question hanging here is whether we want to approach the opposing army while they are traveling, or if we would prefer to set up an ambush or defenses here and let them come to us. Both plans have merit, but which we should choose may depend upon our objectives. Are we hoping to waylay the army's commander? If so, it may be easier to for us to find Baron Drelev if we actively seek him out, and possibly lure him to a place where the less, ahem, stealthy of us can strike!"
She looks at the map curiously. "Do we know for sure that the baron is leading his army? He could be back at his Demesne, guarding his prisoners. If that is the case, and what we are doing here is a delaying action to harry the army and weaken it before it reaches Tazlford, then I think traps or some kind of ruse to split their forces might be best. Then we can take on part of the army while our friends back at the town defeat the rest." She looks at Quince. "What do you say, milord?"
Jorrast hops down from Rocinian and changes back to his Kitsune form. "We need more information on the army before making those kinds of plans. If we ambush or attack the army out here we need to destroy it completely. If there are survivors, especially the commanders, they can retreat, recruit more forces, and attack again. If Baron Drelev is with the army he is likely surrounded by the strongest of the forces. It may be difficult to reach."
Quince looks at the map. Quietly puzzled for a moment. He sighs, "I assume we see their path a head pretty easily. We have already started making their journey troublesome between fey allies, our own forces laying traps and so on. We can certainly do more. But I think that our best bet is going to hit them at their camp. Stealth and spells could decimate even a sizable camp."
Zsófia nods with some satisfaction. "Excellent!" she says. "Let us see what means of stealth we have available to us. Just give the word when you're ready to depart for the enemy's lines." She goes over to confer with Chizzlall.
Hot Dog and Vandomir get left in the dust as most of the groups ride elks as others ride their own mounts. They likely slow down after realizing and keep at a slow pace to keep the group together.
Xandarian, Boffy and Tammi struggle to keep up with the trained elks. Luckily the caydenite paladin has travel companions in 'Hot Dog' and Vandomir.
Astride one of the more powerful horses available, Ulricha notes the great speed and power of the elk, their bearing majestic, if a bit delicate seeming. She imagines a sturdier specimen would be quite the mount to ride into battle.
"Striking had and fast at the enemy when they are unprepared is the best way to take advantage of the advance warning we have. We know they are coming, they do not even know we exist."
He relays solemnly, "The baron is not leading this rag tag scouting party. He is likely back a Demesne. I don't recognize any of the leaders. Oh I am sorry for the lack of ettiquette. Introductions should be made. I am Stalker Spymaster of Greenwatch. This brigade are my Wraiths. We do our best work at night and in the shadows. Quince, Jorne, Kendryl good to see you. I see you have brought along a group of fresh faces. Will they be the spear that routes this threat?"
With a good bit of merriment in his voice he states, "It is good to see you Stalker, you have been on the road for about a week even before being sent out here, right? That is the plan Stalker we will be the hammer we just need an anvil. Any land forms between them and us that would give us an advantage?"
Zsófia nods with some satisfaction. "Excellent!" she says. "Let us see what means of stealth we have available to us. Just give the word when you're ready to depart for the enemy's lines." She goes over to confer with Chizzlall.
"I am rather good at hiding in the forests, whereas Rocinian is not quite as stealthy. Her sort rarely are."
He replies with a bit of emotion, "Yes that is right, checking the roads and checking in with contacts. The forests are always a good advantage, if we had a wall of some sort or obstacle I would want to funnel them to the gulley here, it's only a few hours ride for most. Anyone have such a spell? Hippogriffs don't need to hide they can fly!"
He asks with determination, "Lord Commande do you want to use the lamp or fight in the forest? If the forest I can swing back to Tazylford to collect any that are ready to join." He casually flips a coin along his knuckles.
"The forests are always a good advantage, if we had a wall of some sort or obstacle I would want to funnel them to the gulley here, it's only a few hours ride for most."
Chizzlall looks around at the others, as if reluctant to speak, but Zsófia gives him an encouraging (and perhaps slightly impatient) nod. "Chizzlall was-just-saying to rose-lady that he can-cast spell-to-summon-mist-that-covers-up-sight-to-area. Also can-cast spell-to-see-through-mist-that-covers-up-sight-to-area. Not-many can-see from spell, only five-at-most, but rose-lady and me-and-Rumbles could-hide-in-mist and stab-hurt anyone who try-to-pass-through?"
"Thank you for letting us know. Those spells could be useful sooner than later. Anyone else? "
With interest he asks, "How far would the mists be able to stretch?"
If no one comes up with an option he excuses himself and goes to talk with a Wraith on the far side of the camp. He comes back with a smile on his face and states, "We will make the Gulley work! Come along we will be there shortly."
Within two hours you find two tall hills that break from the forest with sheer stone cliffs.
"We will stick around and be your support if you need it. I suggest your snipers setup on the cliffs. We will be back here with our bows."
The gulley has a small stream that has likely been cutting through for hundreds of years. Most of the main part of the gulley is slick with moss and lichen. The water drops down boulders and rocks alike. It is between 10 feet and 30 feet wide, though mostly 20 feet. Not many trees or other vegetation grows in the gulley.
There is plenty of rocks to collect of all sizes.
He ventures up along the West hill alone though anyone could tail him easily enough.
With interest he asks, "How far would the mists be able to stretch?"
Chizzlall scratches his head. "Chizzlall not-sure what unit-of-measurement is best." He points to his animal companion, who glares at him flatly with his ears laid back. "This is Rumbles. Picture Rumbles is-filling a cube, yes? Then you is-picture more-cubes around it, all the same size. Four circles-of-cubes, yes? All mist. Not last too-long, only a-few-minutes, but Chizzlall is-thinking that is enough-time to possibly make some-armies-persons swerve toward-funnel."
Jogging through the forest towards the enemy, Hot Dog sings a merry song
fight my enemies
because thats what I´m paid to do
I never hesitate to act
or even think it through
Id retire any day
But I spend too much on swords and whores
I aint gonna raid no more
Refrain:
Glory Glory
What a hell of a way to die
Gory Gory
I am good to be alive
Glory Glory
I just wish theyd pay me more
I guess Ill raid once more
Refrain ends
The people that were fighting
Are them Chelish through and through
I ask for reinforcements
but they said "that would be you".
I wait for them to sue themselves
Thats what Im praying for
I aint gonna raid no more
Refrain
My Battleaxe is broken
And my War-Skald`s jaw is gone
The other day I saw them turn
My best friend into ham
For dinner I shall eat some things
That I found on the floor
I might not raid once more!
Refrain
I got all kind of blessings
And my abs are fully blinged
I like to throw my axe at them
to hear my own ears ring
Every single Raid I swear
its my big score
I guess Ill raid once more!
Refrain
My family is buried
and my hometown is ablaze
I do not see the irony
as one more town I raze
I lost sight of all revengeance
creeds and the oaths I swore
I just wanna raid some more
Refrain
The clients didnt tell us
what we would be fighting for
and all I know for certain
is that I wont die from "poor"
In other words I´m just another
f++#ing dog of war
Ill glady raid once more!
Refrain
Never trust them Chelish
or anything they say
Theyll always stab you in the back
Just to get their way
The only thing that worse
Is their shit substandard pay
So Ill have to raid once more!
Refrain
Inspired by the half-orc's song, Xandarian pulls out his masterwork mandolin and does his best to accompany Hot Dog's tune, and he guides Tammi with his knees.
Jorrast takes fox form again and runs through the gully. His best attacks were from short range but needed to be from hiding. There weren't many places that he could see where he could hide. Maybe he'd just have to join the archers up above? Or wait at the outlet in case any of the enemy got through?
Ulricha rides along in silence waiting for the moment when the battle is joined, the enemy before her to be laid low.
She quietly follows the group holding back, upon the elk. She brushes its neck and it glad of its wondrous grace. As Xandarian begins to play his mandolin she steers her elk to be closer, eventually riding beside him.
The West hill explodes likely by a fireball or some kind of decent sized evocation spell. Smoke begins to rise into the sky from the location.
Zsófia raises an eyebrow when the west hill erupts in flame, and looks to Jorne, Stalker and the Wraiths to see if there is any indication of surprise on their faces, suggesting that it was the enemy. Deciding that it merits investigation in any case, she turns to Chizzlall and gives him some quick instructions. "I am going to see what happened. My friend, you must scout the area at the mouth of the gully and find a good location for us to divert the enemy with your obscuring mist spell-- preferably on one side of the entrance. Once that is done, dig pits on the other side, and then come back here to help with the barricade. I will meet you here after I return from the eastern hill." She looks around at the others assembled. "Who is with me? Shall we go see what that was and what damage it did?"
Chizzlall shrugs, and prepares to depart with Rumbles. "Yes, rose-lady-boss, Chizzlall will scout ambush-place, dig foe-catcher-pits, come back-here and help with wooden-logs-to-provide-cover. Be careful as you go; Chizzlall not-wanting to have to dig extra-pit for to be burying you."
Not missing a beat, Markus starts diging a cozy (meaning spike filled) ditch, replete with punji spikes
Shovel Shovel Shovel
our foes we disembowel
We all knows whose the GOAT
our loyal trusty MOAT
He then puts some green looking paint on the spikes to make them look poisoned.
Tyranna, not realizing that everyone else had left, has just been setting up her single sniper. She'll be very confused when she goes to look for everyone else and finds none of them.
When they will take their leave, she takes a more leisurely 2nd walk.
She sees the cat woman in the distance.
"Excuse me, cat lady! It seems we're the only ones still in town? I haven't seen any of the others around. Would you fancy a beverage and a slice of cake at that shop over there?"
Vandomir quickly responds, "I am glad to accompany you Zsófia"
** spoiler omitted **
"I can't find any of them, so it must be the case. Bit rude to scout without us. But it is what it is. If you're buying, I'll gladly take a drink and some cake. Though why cake? Kind of odd to eat cake before battle. Eh, we can have our cake and eat it too. Tyranna, by the by."
If Alice leads, Tyranna will follow. There were a lot of humans in their little expedition. Made sense. It was a mostly human kingdom.
Vandomir quickly responds, "I am glad to accompany you Zsófia"
"So will we!" Xandarian responds with Boffy nodding affirmative.
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"Can anyone do a fly-by to see where that fire attack came from? Whoever did it might just spot movement and blast the site again. What's the range of a fireball? Probably should fly above that!"
I can't find any of them, so it must be the case. Bit rude to scout without us. But it is what it is. If you're buying, I'll gladly take a drink and some cake. Though why cake? Kind of odd to eat cake before battle. Eh, we can have our cake and eat it too. Tyranna, by the by
Alice puts forth her hand to shake.
"I'm Alice, nice to meet you Tyranna.And why cake? Why not cake? A little sugar gives some energy, and something tasty puts me in a good mood. Optimistic, some say.
And sure, i'll treat you."
"Or would you suggest mere buttered slices of bread to suffice?", she adds with a smile.
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Quince smiles, "Yes Jorrast we can manage a fly-by." He chuckles.
He pulls out a leather rolled up tool kit and moves to a spot to unroll it.
"I was waiting to give this to Kendryl. He has been trying some spell casters from the university to become . . . areomancers like himself. Hopefully they will where more clothes."
As the leather kit unrolls it reveals 25 wands. "This is 5 sets. There are a few of us we can spread the buffs around and figure out how we are going to rain down the fire and lightning and anything else we think works." He points to the wands in turn, "This can make you, or a target fly. This walls of fiery conflagration. Fireballs . . . we had a war with trolls . . . this is always gonna make the cut. This summons a thunderstorm that will let you call down lightning. And this lets you stay invisible while you drop all that damage from on high."
Zsófia raises an eyebrow when the west hill erupts in flame, and looks to Jorne, Stalker and the Wraiths to see if there is any indication of surprise on their faces, suggesting that it was the enemy. Deciding that it merits investigation in any case, she turns to Chizzlall and gives him some quick instructions. "I am going to see what happened. My friend, you must scout the area at the mouth of the gully and find a good location for us to divert the enemy with your obscuring mist spell-- preferably on one side of the entrance. Once that is done, dig pits on the other side, and then come back here to help with the barricade. I will meet you here after I return from the eastern hill." She looks around at the others assembled. "Who is with me? Shall we go see what that was and what damage it did?"
Jorne is gone.
He ventures up along the West hill alone though anyone could tail him easily enough.
"Can anyone do a fly-by to see where that fire attack came from? Whoever did it might just spot movement and blast the site again. What's the range of a fireball? Probably should fly above that!"
The East and West hills do diverge the farther they rise. At the top there is likely a hundred foot gap. The gap starts at about 20 feet and grows every 10 or 15 feet. Yes if you are on the opposite hill you can see the explosion much easier.
As a good portion of the group is going to investigate you find: Soon enough you find bodies upon bodies of goblins. It takes a few minutes to get past all the goblin bodies finding their likely home which is burning and scorched. The bodies are piled high here.
Those walking around here a voice but don't see anyone, "Just sorting out the rabble." A goblin body lifts off the ground and is thrown on the pyre. Then Journe becomes visible next to the fire, blood splattered but you think unharmed.
"That is a lot of goblins," Zsófia says with another raised eyebrow. "Are there more of them, perhaps underground? Not to say you don't have this under control, just we are here if you would like some backup steel."
Jorrast starts to reach for a wand but stops about a foot short. "No. The wands should go to the actual casters. I can activate them, sometimes, better than half of the time anyway. But I'll use my own flying for short distances, and then find cover to hide in and snipe the enemies with acid. Or if I have to I'll use my rapier...."
He casually replies to Zsofia, "Thank you for the offer, I have fast healing which luckily means I dont drain precious resources of healing. You are more than welcome to look in their tunnels."
Jorrast starts to reach for a wand but stops about a foot short. "No. The wands should go to the actual casters. I can activate them, sometimes, better than half of the time anyway. But I'll use my own flying for short distances, and then find cover to hide in and snipe the enemies with acid. Or if I have to I'll use my rapier...."
"You know friend Jorrast, I might have 1 more Winged Cloak I could spare ... you could fly with the Air Corp this day. We would welcome it."
" ... and it isn't that you cannot wear clothes, in fact, I could too, but why?"
Upon arriving at the gully, Ulricha dismounts, taking in the surrounding area as a part of where they would do battle, a place where much blood would be shed. Collecting rocks and dirt, water, lichen, moss, and wood, the barbarian builds a small shrine, kneeling in the dirt and paying her respects to the spirits of the land, apologizing for the chaos they were about to bring here, and beseeking their aid, un understanding the terrain, that the knowledge of the land might grant her an edge against invaders.
Jorrast accepts Kendryl's offer with a grin. "Sounds like fun. I love flying!"
The paladin looks to swashbuckler. "We have your back, Lady Zsófia."