Nikolai nods and takes Bors's lead, ready to help the man when and how he can.
Moving closer to the table, What more kin ye tell us o' tha situation. Our information be 'ours old, any news would be greatly appreciated.
Captain Lowry offers a handshake and a smile. ”Thank you, Bors, we're happy to have you and your men...errrrr...band. Unfortunately, I don’t have any new information. I was advised to expect an attack from a force over 50 soldiers from the west. I’ve been helping some of our villagers leave town and posting guards in town. I have at my disposal and obviously at your disposal, 15 trained men and an odd number of farmers too stubborn to leave their homes, who are staying to fight. I used to have 30 men, but a few deserted and I had to send five with the caravan heading east for protection. I wanted to send some scouts into the woods to determine the size and strength of the opposing force, but unfortunately, no soldiers were brave enough to do and I cannot blame them. These men, most no older than 20, have never seen battle in these neck of the woods. The most they’ve ever faced is a town drunk or a rampant boar. But I stand by them. How can we help?”
You see how dire the situation the village faced in the Captain's eyes, but now, with your appearance, you begin to see a glimmer of hope.
Elisen nods at the greeting from another servant for a good deity. "Pleasure to make your acquaintances. I think the best spot for you men might be staying here at the village to pepper any who get by us with arrows. Assuming they get through our attack, it would be best for the villagers to stay out of direct combat with them."
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"I would agree with Elisen on this. Also, may I suggest, you set your men to dismantling the bridge, once we have crossed to the far side. It has been discussed, by myself and these good warriors, and we feel it would be a good idea to remove the crossing, pre battle, to slow the enemy down. Captain Lowry, what does this city have in terms of Defense? Perhaps a Catapult or a Ballista? Anything that would come in useful when they reach the far side of the river? Do your men know how to dig pit fall traps? Can they raise a palisade, around the river end of the village"
"No, unfortunately, our quiet village has no siege engines, such as a catapult or ballista. But you propose good ideas. We can set up barricades around the open gaps in the village's wall, overturn wagons, barrels, wood, and place some sharpened poles/spears. We can dig pits and trenches to slow the enemy down. Great stuff. Ron, Llewelyn, come here now!" Two of the guards that escorted you into the village and have been waiting outside come in. Captain Lowry orders them to start barricading the gaps in the wall and digging trenches and they rush off. "Yes, let me give you a quick tour of town. It may inspire more ideas."
"This obviously, as you might have imagined, is town hall and residence of the mayor." -
"Straight ahead, we have our tavern, famous for the stuffed Tatzlwyrm on the wall." -
"To the left if the River Run alehouse, our brewery." -
"Up ahead is Kole Jhargee's smithy."
"That is Gnori's Gems, owned by our resident halfling gemcutter, but he split town with his valuables."
That large building is our village library/school for children."
"And back around, we have Able's inn, where visitors usually stay when in town passing through."
"That over there is the general store."
"Of course to the west is Skunk River bridge, a wooden bridge but sturdy and safe."
"And across the bridge, we have the Lodge to the north, sacred to Erastil, where she holds services and we hold town meetings, and Thrillseekers to the south, gambling house and pleasure emporium, if you know what I mean."
"Well, that's the copper piece tour. We can't wait behind the walls of our village. We want to help as much as possible. There is no way Latricia will leave her lodge and I will fight at her side, till the death." You obviously sense that his feelings toward the priestess are more than platonic.
Do ye hae an idea o' which way these troops be coming? I'd like ta scout tha area fer potential ambush spots, hit an' fade spots ta harry an' slow the approach.
Bors pauses a moment, looking over the map. He looks over to Capt. Lowry, quizzically,Ye were advised 'bout tha approaching force. Visions, dreams, er something a wee bit more tangible? Hae any o' yer people actually seen these invaders?
Cap'n if it's been hysteria like that village along the Stone line. Civillians an' war zones dinnae make life easy fer me.
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Zalana smiles softly, as she stares down at the map on the table. "We need to do some scouting it seems Bors. Perhaps you and I, and whoever else is up to it, should go hit the paths soon, see what we can find. Natural traps and pitfalls would be ideal. Perhaps there is an overhang, yonder, that could be enticed to collapse?" Frowning softly, the young woman chews her lip in thought.
"You have farmers you say? Do your farmers employ Cattle Dogs, to aid them in their work? Are they trained to attack, to stave off wolves? Can they be ordered to attack humans or other humanoids?" She idly taps her brass knuckles against her hip as a look of intense concentration crosses her face. She begins to pace as she speaks.
"Historically, the use of trained animals, and natural traps and chokepoints, have been the key tool to the survival of small pockets of civilization. If we can emulate the practices of old, traps, ambushes and animals, this settlement should he safe!" She frowned softly then started out of her own mind with a little jump.
Smiling sheepishly she stares at the ground before her feet. "Forgive me. Too long studying scrolls!"
Hrafen raises an eyebrow.
"I thought the intelligence that we had received pointed towards this force coming from the West?"
When the Mayor mentions that Latricia will be unwilling to leave the Lodge, Hrafen shrugs.
"If the force is coming from the West, from a tactical perspective, it would make sense to clear-out from the buildings across the river, and then rig the bridge to collapse, thereby making the rest of the village more easily defensible."
He then sighs.
"However, since it seems... unlikely... that this will occur, can I suggest clearing the trees and brush from around the buildings across the river, and using them to form a palisade? That way, we can have a killing ground for the archers, and for Nikolai and myself to unleash our magics. We need to do this, so that we can thin their numbers before they move to engage our forces in melee."
Hrafen pauses briefly to let that sink in.
"If we do not, there is, currently, nothing to stop them from simply rolling over those buildings under cover of the forest."
He then continues.
"Of course, I agree, we should no ignore the other defenses. There is already a significant amount of cleared land around the main town, which will provide a decent killing field. To capitalize on that, we should continue to close-up any gaps in the barricade, dig trenches, and post archers on the roofs of nearby houses, so that they get cover, and good vantage points from which to take shots."
Captain Lowry’s face lights up at your ideas. ”Yes, yes, all of this sounds good. All I heard was the forces would be coming from the west and that this was confirmed by magical means. Archers on the roof, I myself had thought of that. Especially, as the forces cross the bridge in 2x2 formation. That should be a good killing zone. Excellent idea, Miss, as to the animals. Latricia, you have any magic that could sway the animals in the village and forest to our side?” The priestess of Erastil responds, ”Yes, I have some magics that will aid us. Erastil’s servants will gladly join our cause.” ”Excellent!” is the Captain’s response. “We’ll get men to start clearing the area around the lodge. It would certainly help to know when exactly these forces planned on getting here. But for now, there’s a lot of work to be done. Anything else before I run to join my men? Oh and I will give instructions that my men are at your service, feel free to post them as you see. I will defer to your experience in these matters.”
Cap'n, any chance o' borrowin' a trooper, one what kin see at night, ta guide me and Lady Zalana mayhaps an hour or three out long tha trail approach? I'd like not ta waste much time, an we dinnae know tha enemy won't approach at night. Mae well see tha land in tha light we mae defend it wit.
”I can definitely give you a guide, but he can’t see in the dark, if that’s what you said. With your accent, it’s a little hard to understand. He can guide you if you bring the light source, such as some lanterns or torches. He knows the forest well and I’m sure with your company, his spirits and courage will be raised. Llwellyn, come, your services are needed!” The guard appears and under orders from his Captain, he guides Bors and Zallana into the dark forest.
Bors has an Everburning Torch, if needed, though the lantern may be more useful.
Llwellyn leads Bors and Zellana out into the dark forest. You make chit-chat conversation with the guide telling you he has lived his whole life (19 years) in Tatzlford and that the village gets its name from the stuffed Tatzlwyrm in the tavern. He also tells you he used to go hunting in these woods with his father when he was young, before he died of pneumonia. He sent his mother to Grayhame to be safe with his 10 year-old sister but he stayed to fight for his home. He also hopes that your arrival will save the village. You quickly notice that Llwellyn chats a lot to calm his nerves and not give away how scared he is about the whole situation.
Though darkness and the threat of danger looms over every corner of the forest, you encounter no problems after one hour of scouting. You calculate you have traveled about 2-3 miles in that time.
'While the y go on their excursion, I think its a good time for me to learn that fireball spell from you Hrafen, if you wouldn't mind old bean. Its better for large scale suppression than my own lightning based spells.' Nikolai fetches his own spellbook, and various magical inks and such, looking at the elf expectantly.
Hrafen nods to Nikolai.
"Of course, by all means. The more 'large scale suppression' we can muster, the better."
I'm filming with a friend of mine, filling in some body space, etc. Have a good week!
In the darkness, you really can't tell which are the ripe spots for ambush, moving 20-30' at a time. Bors and Zalana scout one more hour before returning back to Tatzlford. Captain Lowry is disappointed that you did not gather more intel but he commends you for trying. His men work in shifts through the night on the barricades and pits.
Dawn comes and thankfully no attack came during the night. You are awakened by shouting from the guards. Elisen, who is up completing her daily prayers is the first to the scene, with the rest sure to follow. You see two village guards carrying a semi-conscious woman, dressed in warrior's gear, and filthy with dirt, grime, and sweat. She has green eyes and dark black hair, braided in the back. As you approach the guards, they tell you "We found her on the western edge of the village, nearly passed out. She says she has information on the pending attack. We're taking her to Captain Lowry's."
By the time, the rest of the party is dressed and armored, there is a congregation of town leaders, including Captain Lowry, the mayor, and Latricia. The woman is sitting at a chair, sipping some warm tea and eating some hot rolls. When you come in, the Captain says "Thank you for joining us, we were just about to begin. In honor of your positions as representatives of the King, why don't you take the lead here?"
"What have you seen, my dear," Elisen asks the scout in a soothing voice. [b]"Are our enemies on the move toward us?"[/[b]
Between sips of her tea, the female looks up and says and with some clear signs of good upbringing, ”I am Kissandra Numesti. I come from the Drelev manor, west of here on the far side of Hooktongue Slough – it was established by Baron Hannis Drelev of Brevoy. My father is Lord Terrion Numesti, a knight who once served the baron but then went against him and was thrown into the dungeon as punishment. It is Baron Drelev’s troops, along with a group of Tiger Lord barbarians, who marches against Tatzlford. I joined their ranks under cover of disguise to learn of their true intent and when I did, I tried to slip away and warn you, but my ruse was discovered and I had to flee. I’ve been running all night. I nearly passed out from exhaustion upon arriving here. The troops will be here in less than 4 hours!” She stops to take another sip of tea and the look of fatigue in her face and eyes is clear. You see worried looks on the faces of those present, as the threat to the village has been confirmed.
"Oh and they also travel with trolls, some enormous trolls, bigger than I have ever seen or heard of. Four of them I believe." You can hear the gulps in the room at the mention of the "trolls".
Captain Lowry clears his throat, "Bors and friends, I am sure you know the capacity of men is being tested to the limit here, but there is no way they can handle trolls, enormous or any other kind. They'll piss their pants if they see them! I hope it is not too much of an assumption on my part that the five of you will handle the trolls." A nervous smile covers the Captain's voice.
"Heroes might not be the right word," Elisen looks around sheepishly, "...but we will do our very best to make sure none of those survive our strike. What sort of magic did the troops seem to have? Were there evil clerics or wizards that you were able to make out?"
Kissandra responds: "None that I could see. Just warriors with swords and bows and the barbarians, of course. They're a mean scary bunch!"
"Well, that is a bit of a relief. It sounds like the trolls are the most pressing issue. I say we head out, find those, blow them up and figure out what to do after that."
Hrafen arches an eyebrow.
"So they march without magical support? They must believe this town to be poorly defended indeed!"
He then smiles coldly.
"I, for one, would be happy to teach them the error of their ways..."
At the mention of trolls, Hrafen shrugs.
"I am certain that we can handle them; my own specialty is something of an anathema to them..."
At Elisen's suggestion, Hrafen shakes his head.
"Under tree cover, it will be too difficult to make sure that we get all of them, and if this Baron has truly turned traitor, it would probably be best if we did not allow any of his 'war party' to make it back. From a tactical perspective, it would probably be best to wait for them to arrive, and then throw down Fireballs behind them, to roast the back ranks, and force the rest into our prepared defenses."
I agree wit' Lady Elisen. We should engage tha force as far from tha village as be possible. If'n we kin 'it 'em quickly, we should be true ta take a wee troll or three down a'fore needin' ta 'ead back. It mayhaps slow 'em down some, an' allow tha village more time ta bolster an' prepare tha defenses. Plus, any reports o' our success will ta improve tha morale, an' show tha folks these beasties can, an' will, be defeated.
Latricia looks up and in anger says, ”You’re leaving us? Please don’t take offense, Ambassador, but is it more important to you to seek glory in vanquishing over 50 warriors and a few trolls or to defend our village? What were your orders exactly?” Captain Lowry steps in, ”Calm down, Latricia, they’re just trying to help. “ The Captain stands at attention, ” If that be your plan, our village will continue its defense, sirs, should any of the rascals get past ye! “ The Captain grabs his men and a map of the village. ”Men, let’s go over the plans, I want you archers here and here.”
The mayor clears his throat. ”Yes, well, let’s not dismiss that little point if the enemy gets past you. It’s a big forest and I doubt they will be marching in a straight line toward us. And what if, the gods forbid, they split up their ranks, to attack, say from the north and the west. Remember, they know this little honey here, Kissandra, got away to warn us. My interest is in the safety and preservation of this village. I agree with your wise elf here, let them arrive and you all can roast ‘em! Just try not to hit too many of our wooden buildings, but if you have to...” The mayor smiles, waiting for a consensus.
"I still say we take the fight to the army. If we remain here, even if we defeat them, the town will be destroyed in the process. Eliminating some of the force might keep the destruction to a minimum."
Nikolai grins widely. 'Sounds like a plan to me. However I beleive I once heard that Trolls recover from wounds faster than other men. If we attack them, we must apply all force to them toensure they truly die before moving on, or we will have come out the worst of that gambit.'
Nikolai stands and stretches, limbering up his sword arm, and making arcane gestures with his hands.
I have an alternate plan, sorry, but I also have a list of questions. The plan will keep us all at the village, but will give us a chance, I think, to fight the enemy and save the village with minimal losses of man and property.
1) How many important villagers can we muster and what are their classifications. "Low level fighter, mid level druid, etc." I know we have roughly 15 archers and half dozen armed villagers.
2) Will the villagers, archers, and leaders follow non-suicidal orders? Without much question?
3) Can we get bear traps, boar snares, spikes or similar items in town? If not, then...
4) Can we make a few deadfalls, trenches, and pits along the approach we envision the enemy taking? Not really to stop the enemy, but slow or funnel them in the general direction of our choosing. To arriving east of 8, north of 5?
5) Are there any catcalls or tokens we can use to enrage the barbarians, to get them to charge when we want?
6) Any info Kissandra might provide on how loyal the troops are to Drelev, or to his commander here? Anything we might use to rile up the commander? Who is the commander and what can we learn about him?
7) What areas can be seen, line of sight, from Rooftops 6, 9, 10, and 11. How many persons can make each said rooftop? Specifically I am considering sighting areas before 5, to the immediate north of 5, and the open areas between and around 5, 6, and 10.
8) Can we close off the open walls around 4, 6, and 10. Enough to slow troops at least. Doubt we can wall out the trolls for long. Can stone shape help raise stone for walling efforts?
9) Are the leader(s) recognizable? Can we ID them to target with Admonishing rays towards the end of the fight? Take them alive for questioning and trial?
For the group, how adverse are you to buffing Bors into a tank to hold the mob in place for you to decimate with spellfire? Aid, airwalk, protection from arrows, protection from energy - fire.
Also, let it be know Bors is very tired of villagers and ingrates questioning his honor and integrity at the very time he is putting his life on the line for their miserable arses.
Elisen will cast Air Walk, and then True Seeing just before engaging the army.
With preparations made for war, the young soldiers take their positions, be it behind barricades or on top of sniper’s perches, ready to defend the village. Likewise, 5-6 villagers grab a club, crowbar, hammer, or whatever is available and stand in the doorways of their structures, ready to spill their blood over their homes. The party members, likewise, take their positions and await the enemy.
First wave:
20 minutes later, various horns from the eastern section of the forest sound, announcing the arrival of the invading army! Spells of protection go off and minutes later, the invaders appear among the forest. At first, barbarians, raging, with foam frothing at the mouth, run headlong toward the bridge and village walls, handaxes in one hand, battle axes in the other. Behind them follow soldiers, garbed in studded leather, with bows and short swords at the side try to provide covering fire for the barbarians. Fireball spells from the flying Hrafen and Nikolas go off; the animals of the forest (2 bears and a wolverine) appear at the behest of Latricia; and the snipers target the barbarians on the bridge.
The invaders are totally unprepared for the party's defenses and the first wave of attackers is either burned to a crisp, ripped apart by the animals, or perforated by arrows. Amazingly, no village soldier loses his life.
Second wave:
The army continues advancing, sending another wave of 25 soldiers and barbarians, now fully aware of the villlage's defenders. The warriors with bows shoot at the snipers, while the barbarians unleash handaxes and power attacks with their battle axes.
Despite their determination and grit, the party's area effect spells devastate the warriors. The loss of life is heavy on both sides. 5 village soldiers and all of the forest animals die in the battle. Despite this, Captain Lowry rallies his men to continue holding their positions, as the mass of the army's bodies pile up.
Third wave:
More fireballs fly, roasting the archers. The last of the Tiger Lord barbarians and warriors rush over the bridge and penetrate the village, cutting down 5 more soldiers and 2 villagers, before Bors and Zallana finally end their threat with their swords and fists.
The wounded soldiers/barbarians try to flee and 3-4 manage to get away. The village has been saved! The survivors rejoice but mourn their losses. Before the party can decide to pursue the fleeing combatants, six immense trolls crash through the forest from the North, with a human garbed in black studded leather in between them. He looks very angry, as he sees the piles of bodies of his army's men!
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