"I'll walk with yall also" says Ava, "maybe I can be of some help with the townspeople too."
hmm these flasks dont look big enough to be a fire bomb <counts the flasks> though I suppose the caster <nods> could have enhanced the fire with magic after it got started.
well, we are dealing with the Snake Clan or followers of the snake as it were by their markings; that is good; at least it isnt Broken Toe clan and their fanatic dervishes or the terrible Red Mushroom Clan and their drug induced raging ravangers. I wonder which snake they follow though, hmm, totems of tribes usually mean stuff so watch for poison; maybe we should pick up some herbs to aid with drawing out poison if we continue.
grimaces, well how is the brave wolf; I saw him take a terrible hit much like myself?
init 11 +2 = 13
Back at th copse of trees, Erian begings hauling the goblins to put on Sherwyn. The horse whinnies in displeasure, but allows the little humanoids to be stacked on his saddle. The ranger then looks to those gathered, "Well, we've got just a few hours, I'd say, to get this town to believe they're about to be attacked and then prepare for said attack. We'd best get moving quickly. We need to get in touch with the decision-makers of the city quickly, lest we get bogged down in underlings trying to make sure what's what."
"Bearing in mind the danger to the town, could we ALL return to Erian's Glen?" asks Lady Janas.
"I know Ava, Erian, myself and Aradove are, what about the rest of you? I suppose you could stay out here to face the goblin leader, Malaug, and his horde as some kind of early warning system but......"
I will follow the group or the druid if she splits off; limping along with a grimace; looking to the knight for leadership.
I will follow the group or the druid if she splits off; limping along with a grimace; looking to the knight for leadership.
Aradove listening to Lady Janas and Dinpel stops and thinks for a moment. She notices that Dinpel seems to be in a little pain and seems to be moving slower than the rest. "I agree that there is danger coming towards this town but getting all of them to believe us is quite another thing. What would all of you say if Dinpel, Ethelwulf and I stay back and scout around a bit to see if anything else seems to be out of place, or if there are some advantage points that we can place a few people. I can tell Ethelwulf to come and find you Erian to let you know if we are in trouble. I think having two group will be a better idea than having all of us go in and start spouting off about the danger that is about to come and have the town come up against us. What do you think Memnon?"
Erian frowns, but does not speak. As several are looking to Memnon for his guidance, it's likely he's reserving his comment to hear the knight's thoughts. He instead sets about the task of recovering his arrows, inspecting both he's fired for damage then discarding one who's head has been cracked.
Lady Janas shakes her head then gets something small out of her belongings and waits.
"Me be thinksin' it be bein' very wise fer us all to be stayin' together, and bein' off to back inside the walls. Strikes me plenty odd dat dese horrors managed such as this nigh in sight of da walls. Methinks the watch may be af'er gettin' soft from lack of practice."
Memnon stares at the ground as his mind runs though all his options and after several moments he looks up.
"As far as injuries go mine are pretty superficial so I am willing to go after this leader the goblins are talking about but I agree that we should probably stay together."
"I am not very good with strategy but I was thinking since the goblins have the advantage in the dark maybe we could set a trap inside the city walls for them since we know they are coming. Hopefully in the city walls we can use the terrain to our advantage."
Memnon looks at everyone and thinks to himself 'I don't know if I like being the leader here but it's a challenge I am willing to step up to.'
"What does everyone think?"
Nodding in agreement, Erian states, "We were lucky in this encounter to face a small group. In the dark, against a larger organized force, the goblins' superiority in darkness would likely lead to one or more deaths. Especially if we do not have the advantage of us all being together. I agree with sticking together, traveling back to the city both to warn them of the attack and also set up a trap of our own, then going after this leader. Goblins are a chaotic lot by nature, so I believe striking at whatever force is organizing them will be the best long-term solution."
The young man pauses, looking at Memnon, then adds, "What we truly require is a focus to bring the group together. You showed exceptional courage and self-sacrifice in what you did to save Estra, both qualities that lend themselves to leadership. I'd support you in such a role, and will always be ready to lend advice, or bow and sword, as needed."
I suppose I will head back to the church and rest and report; it was nice workin with you all...(as the gm is canceling the game, I dont see any point in upping my toon to level 2; happy for utak; sad for us)
well, I am all fer going after dem goblins and putting it to em, of course, but still need to stop back at the church were I met yea and deliver a message.
Memnon looks at everyone and thinks to himself 'I don't know if I like being the leader here but it's a challenge I am willing to step up to.'"What does everyone think?"
"Well then I guess that it is settled. We are all going back into town together and Dinpel will report to the church. Furthermore I think we need to address this trap that Memnon talks about once we get a better look at the center of town and see what advantages and disadvantages we have." Aradove looks at her companions waiting for a response, she feels nervous standing here doing nothing with such little time left.
"I agree with Ardove. We should figure out this trap while we still have time. I think we need to hurry back to town." Ava slowly scans the surrounding area.
Heavy clouds roll in to extinguish the silvery sheen of the moon. The dark of night now encroaches on you and threatens to grab at your throat. It is Darker still while under the canopy of the trees in the copse. You can now only estimate that the full moon will reach its zenith in about four hours.
The Lady looks around and mentally weighs up the options.
The South Gate is further but the guards may be ready to ambush anyone entering the broken gate
She looks at Memnon and the rest to await their decision.
"We have saved Estra and must bring her back to her father without delay. She may need the longer term attention of a healer, as well. I therefore agree that we should return to town, share our observations with the authorities, and weigh our options. And if such is the will of the party, then I, too, would be honoured to have a Knight of the Far Walker as leader... but that leader would do well to heal his wounds, before we go hunting goblins in the dark."
"Fine it seems we need to hustle back to the city, I can get my wounds healed there."
Memnon runs and grabs his javilen and walks up to the poor girl, "Come stay in between us and we will help you walk if you need it."
He starts walking towards the city walls.
Outside the relative barrier of the copse, the wind blows steadily along the plains that lead back to the safety provided by Erian‘s Glen. Looking up at the sky, a mixture of dark and light clouds swirl through the sky. The occasional glimpse of the full moon can be spotted briefly as it dives in and out of cloud cover. In the distance, the silhouette of the southern wall of Erian’s Glen stands proud and determined.
As you close the distance, you can now see the faintest outline of guards patrolling from the ramparts. Approaching the south gate, a Katu Lady Janas recognizes as Sergeant Nug, shouts down from the wall, “We have been expecting you.” A moment after he says this the gates open inward to allow passage.
When the gates open, three men in yellow robes, designated as Clerics of Pelor by the sun faced amulets worn as part of a necklace around their necks, hurry forward and tend to everyone’s injuries. They leave behind an almost nine foot Goliath standing in the middle of the south end of Erian’s Way. He is dressed in customized full plate armor and a large sword attached to his back extends above his shoulder.
Once everyone is healed and Estra is cared for and carried off, the Goliath steps forward. On his breast plate, over his heart, are military designs and the hilt of his weapon showing above his shoulder is covered in runes. In a hard, deep voice he declares, “I am Lieutenant Commander Farris Eurus. I understand you have discovered a breach in our wall, saved one of our civilians, and took out some goblins lurking in the shadows of our fair city. For this, I thank you. I would like to learn more though. Would you all follow me to answer some questions? I need to know more.”
Once everyone is healed and Estra is cared for and carried off, the Goliath steps forward. On his breast plate, over his heart, are military designs and the hilt of his weapon showing above his shoulder is covered in runes. In a hard, deep voice he declares, “I am Lieutenant Commander Farris Eurus. I understand you have discovered a breach in our wall, saved one of our civilians, and took out some goblins lurking in the shadows of our fair city. For this, I thank you. I would like to learn more though. Would you all follow me to answer some questions? I need to know more.”
The half-elf strains his neck to look at the face of the towering goliath. "Of course, Commander. We would be glad to share what little knowledge we have... anything to save Erian's Glen and its residents from potential harm..."
The search of the goblins gave no new information.
The Goliath, setting a fast pace with his long strides, takes you to the guard stables near the very center of Erian’s Glen. Outside the stables, several boys and young men are preparing horses with saddles, bits, and barding while harder looking men are donning armor.
Ferris Eurus walks past the horses and nods at the squires and preparing soldiers as they salute him. “I am too big for the barracks. I keep my living quarters and an office here,” the Lieutenant Commander explains as he leads you into the stables. The smell of hay and feed is strong, but there is only the faintest smell of animal refuse in the building. Moving to the left, he opens a large door and enters a room complete with a large GoldLeaf Oak desk and chair. Several cabinets line the wall on the right. Above these cabinets, mounted on the wall, are an assortment of fine weapons. Against the left wall is a bare table, and above the table, mounted on the wall, are pictures of landscapes bordering a large map of Rutania, the Voyager‘s Ocean, and the Skyward Mountains.
The Goliath moves behind his desk but remains standing. “I would offer you seats, but I have none to offer. I usually only meet with soldiers in my office, and they are not given the option,” he says with a knowing grin. Then his slight smile disappears and he is all business. “First, I must thank you again. I have just returned from our community building where we are questioning the captured goblin. Good job in that. He wasn’t talking at first, but with magic, we learned a lot.” He pauses for a moment to take a breath. Then he steps from around his desk and walks to the large map on the left wall before he continues. “This goblin is an important and discouraging sign. See, we have several goblin tribes in the area. His tribe is not one of them. We have heard of his tribe before, but their territory is here in the east.” He takes a large finger and circles an area on the map hundreds of miles east of Erian’s Glen, southeast of Isen’s Barrier. He then looks down at you, “As you can see, they are far away from home. From what we gathered from the goblin, they are here in force and planning an attack. Now you hampered this assault by stopping a preplanned sabotage and sneak attack. Good job! You all have proven yourselves capable and Erian’s Glen will need your help tonight. Can I count on you?”
"We may be as after tradin' questions and answerings all the night away, but lest your knees be growing lips, we need to be finding a sit down for to do it. And dare nary we be after sittin' for to the long for the horrors of the night nay have finished with their thumping of the walls and slitting of the tall faolks throats, er, well heels fer you tall the tallest, lord of the sowrd, and guardian protector... er... yer name again, fer all I can be thinkin' to be callin you is mountain."
That may decide what we do about the bodies. However with an attack imminent I think that for the time being the bodies will be left to gather flies.
Before leaving the area Aradove and Ethelwulf cover the bodies with leaves and sticks hoping to conceal them enough so that they may not be noticed by a passerby.
“This goblin is an important and discouraging sign. See, we have several goblin tribes in the area. His tribe is not one of them. We have heard of his tribe before, but their territory is here in the east.” He takes a large finger and circles an area on the map hundreds of miles east of Erian’s Glen, southeast of Isen’s Barrier. He then looks down at you, “As you can see, they are far away from home. From what we gathered from the goblin, they are here in force and planning an attack. Now you hampered this assault by stopping a preplanned sabotage and sneak attack. Good job! You all have proven yourselves capable and Erian’s Glen will need your help tonight. Can I count on you?”
Shepherd Veirax can't help but smile at Dardin's comical remarks to the goliath. "Master Eurus, we are grateful for your trust. But as my companion suggests, it might be wise to find a place to sit down and exchange further information, so that we may make a carefully considered plan together and reach mutual understanding on how we might assist one another most effectively. Did the goblin give any hint as to why his tribe has moved west, so far from their customary territory, and why they would plan an assault on Erian's Glen?"
Erian looks between Ferris and Veirax. "Well, I'm not sure we've got the time to plan out some elaborate strategy. Goblins aren't the greatest timekeepers, so they could attack early...In any case, I'm thinking we've got two major things to accomplish before they arrive--scout out their forces to see what we're up against and secure the considerable area covered by Erian's Glen. I'm not much for the logistics of securing a bunch of non-combatants, but I'd be more than willing to do a bit of scouting. Even under duress I should be able to get you a serviceable map of their positions--if we know which direction they're coming from, we can better secure the community in that area."
Erian pauses, snaps his fingers, then points to Ferris, "And we could try a little sneakiness of our own...the goblins planned on coming in from the back-side and trapping the town between two fronts. Suppose we make the attacking force think the plan is working by starting a fire near the mill using scrap wood. If we can draw whatever force they planned on executing their strike in between two readied forces, we could crush them between us."
The Goliath looks down on the miniscule Halfling and raises an eyebrow. Then turns his head to regard Shepard Veirax and nods his head in understanding of the concerns. “Ah, questions. This is good. This means you are interested.” Then his head shifts to regard the group as a whole. “I will share everything I know with you, but there is very little time. I have my officers making preparations, but I must see to the defenses personally. When we questioned the captured goblin, through magic he told us that his tribe is here in force because his masters want something inside Erian’s Glen. He did not know what this was; therefore, we do not either. We do know that he is from the tribe called Ehyvb Tozqua. This is loosely translated into Followers of the Snake. Now, their main attack is coming from the west. They plan on striking our west wall and breaching our west gate. The group you encountered had an important role to play. They were to strike the mill and set it ablaze. This fire was supposed to distract the guards on the east and south walls while the attack at the west gate was supposed to distract the bulk of our army thus allowing a smaller force, but large enough to still be forceful, to gain access through the broken river gate that you all discovered. Once in, this force’s task was to take out the minimal resistance at out southern gate, carve a path to the western gate, and attack us while our backs were turned. This plan had the potential to cause mayhem. We might have been pinned from both sides and Erian’s Glen could have eventually been overrun.” The Goliath then pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath as Erian chimes in.
Then looking at the Ranger, the Goliath goes on to stay, “This is on the lines of what I was thinking. If you choose to do some scouting, be careful. There is not much time. The benefit of learning the size of the secondary force would be most helpful, but if you were seen, we might loose the advantage we now have of ‘us knowing’ and ‘them not knowing that we know’. Starting a fire using scrap wood is a good idea. The fire at the mill was supposed to be the signal for the secondary force to enter. You all seem capable and proved it. My plan, if you agree, is to have you guard the river entrance and take out the secondary force. My men will take care of seeing the civilians to safety and protecting the walls and stopping the main force at the west gate. Now that we know their plan we will be ready for them. Of course, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Now, I ask again, can I count on you?”
"Master Eurus, I can only speak for myself... But you can most certainly count on me. The Far Walker has arranged for our paths to cross at this critical time, and I believe that this was purposeful. I will go with Erian and will assist in the town's defence as per your instructions, to the best of my ability..."
Shrugging his shoulders, Erian adds, "This town and I share a name--my father wouldn't think too highly of me abandoning it to goblins! We'll see to that gate, lieutenant. And with surprise on our side this time I'm betting the goblins flee in terror!" Erian's youth shows through somewhat in his bravado--the words of a young man that has never actually seen armies at war and the resulting devastation.
"Can you tell me whether you want either of the town's mages, Kolli and Ol' Gifre, approached to help defend everyone, Commander?"
asked Lady Janas of the goliath.
"I could do this for you if you wish?" she adds, looking ever so slightly vunerable to hopefully improve the hard-nosed soldier's answer.
<gm> I would like to have Dinpel slip away from the party once I see which building that the Goliath is taking them to so that Dinpel can go to the church and give a report on the goblins and check in there and give over any news that I may have brought from the church that I trained in as I may have letters or whatnot if you decide such a thing which was my original reason for going to the church when we started.
move silent: 20
hide: 23 plus any dark bonus for time of day
spot: 14
I hope to rejoin the party before they leave the Goliaths office, but if not then will seek them or find a place to hold up and rest.
The Goliath, looking down and inspecting Shepherd Veirax, nods his head and says, “Your presence is most welcome, and I am sure your ability will more than suffice. Another representative of The Dweller on the Horizon will surely help our defenses. I thank you for your commitment.”
Then looking over at Erian, “Ahh, good lad. Courage and confidence is all well and good but overconfidence has brought defeat in the past. Stay strong, courageous, and ever vigilant, but never take this enemy for granted. We will be hit hard tonight. This tribe is determined, and their original plan was quite tactical. I fear we have a long night ahead of us. But also fear not, come morning, as long as we stick together and keep our heads on our shoulders, we will be standing, and our enemies will be fleeing.”
After a short silence, the Lady Janas then speaks up and queries the Goliath. After listening and determining a proper response, he says, “My Lady, Erian’s Glen might encompass a large area, but trust me when I say, we are a small community. And when the community is in trouble, we all step up and help. We all have a role. We know it, and we fill it. I know for a fact that Gifre is already supplying the lines with healing potions and other magic oils. And Kolli? Well, messengers have been sent to the residential district and preparations are being made. I am sure that Kolli is making preparations of his own to protect himself and The Glen. If you feel the need to approach him, then do so, but it is my belief that you all as a group seem to work well together, and I would hope to keep you all as a cohesive unit throughout the battle. Is there anything in particular that I should know about that would give more aid to us or something that you could offer Kolli. If so, then speak up.”
He then pauses for a moment and looks around to see if others have any questions or declarations. Then he goes on to ask, “It was my understanding that there were eight of you. I count seven, not including the wolf. No offense.” He says this last bit to Aradove. Then he goes on to ask, “Is there someone missing?” You all notice that Dinpel is no longer with you.
After entering the town, Dinpel follows the group north until the Goliath stops and enters the stables. Dinpel stays back and fades into the dark, making his way back to the church. During his journey, soldiers on foot and horse rush past. Many are shouting out orders or confirming orders received. You can cut the tension with a knife. Upon approaching the church, it is no less quiet. Priests and Clerics are moving at a fast pace making preparations for battle. While some are holding last minute ceremonies blessing soldiers, others are donning their own armor and testing their weapons. It appears that the coming battle is taking everyone’s attention. You feel that this may not be the best time to investigate the location of your contact.
"Yes we seem to be missing our gnome companion but I am sure he will show up again, I think he wanted to deal with some stuff before the attack."
Memnon looks to Erian "You plan seem sounds so I think we should get started getting everything ready."
"I am relieved by what you say, Commander. If our unit has the task of guarding the gate, then perhaps we could be issued with one or two of these healing potions and magical oils."
"Remember Memnon and the rest have already fought once this evening and our resources may be depleted. Also the task you have set our unit means that those magicks may become vital to us as the night wears on."
Lady Janas keenly watches the capable goliath for his response.
“Ah, my Good Lady. Did you think I would send you to battle with nothing? I was waiting to confirm that you were the type of people I needed.” At this, he walks back behind his desk, opens a drawer, and lifts out a folded rectangular cloth. He sets the cloth on the table and unfolds it, revealing 8 rings. Then he says, “Now these rings are a special design found only here in Erian’s Glen. They are a special collaboration of talent between Gimm, our local jeweler, and Gifre, our potions master and local lead mage. Please take one each.”
He gives you a moment to look over the rings. They are made of silver with three shiny crystals inset on the top. An inscription on the inside reads G&G accompanied by magical runes. “These our healing rings,” he explains. “These are yours to keep. Every soldier in Erian‘s Glen is given one. They have saved countless lives. Once worn, with but a thought, you can receive the healing magics that are held in them. Also, if you receive severe wounds, but are still revivable, the ring will automatically bestow its magics on you. As long as one of the crystals shine, it has magic for the wearer. Once the magic is spent, it is gone unless brought to Gifre. He has a way to restore the spent magics.” He then turns to Memnon, “This party looks to you. Please take the remaining ring and give it to your missing companion should he return to you. Now, if there are no more questions, I must see to the preparations at the west wall. I have a soldier outside who will accompany you to the river gate. He will see to your needs there.” He then pauses for a moment to see if there are any more questions, then walks out from behind his desk and to the door, “Follow me then.”