It was a simple assignment; they said all you had to do was skulk around the Orc encampment and see what there to be seen and hear what’s there to be heard. Simple right? Wrong, wrong! Now you have to be running for your lives, lest you be captured. It was a simple coincidence, that hunting party returning to the camp just when you were leaving. Simple and uncomplicated; happenstance really but it could ruin everything.

 You had seen Orc berserkers and a priest in the camp. They had gone off a ways to speak amongst themselves and it had been the easiest thing to get close to enough to hear them. A simple spell had allowed you to understand what was said. Those words chilled you the bone. According to the priest, there were many other camps like this one all around the region. That was no secret, for months now there have been reports of increased monster activity. The region had been crawling with Orcs and Goblins and Bugbears and all manner of miscreants, in fact the Hordewatch keep had put out a request for mercenaries and adventurers to bolster there defenses. You had answered the call hoping to earn a little gold and snatch some loot of course.

 But the priest, he said that this was the beginning. Soon a great Horde led by the God king would swoop down on the unsuspecting and devour everything in its path. He had said that first they would destroy the keep and its meddling adventurers who kept disrupting the God King’s plans. Then he had named dates and places that would fall for the glory of the God King. They had gone mad then, whopping and hollering like drunken sailors while they danced around the campfire, the priest chanting all the while.

 After that, all hell broke loose. At the moment the forest around you is quiet and you seem to shaken your pursuers. You have a moment to catch your breath and take stock of the situation, you are still moving but this looks like a good place to rest for a minute but you have to make it back to the Keep before you are captured or at least get word to them with your intel before it is too late…

Andredi bent and put his hands on his knees, the elf wasn't the hardiest of souls and right now his chest felt aflame with all the running. After a moment he straightened, let us keep moving, it wouldn't do for those bastard orcs to catch up with us...

The priest huffs and puffs along with the elf, "I seem to remember I did this with this elf before..."

"Agreed.  ::huff:: Let's keep moving.  ::puff:: We should only stop when we are ready to lay down and die."

He grabs the silver coin on his chest, hold it to his heart and chants,

"kylaennar taliriel."

the coin glows softly with warm blue light, and his feet and legs seems to have received another round of energy.

[Private to DM Darkchylde: Casting Longstrider with Divine Spellpower added.  Taking 10 on the Divine Spellpower Turn check, making additional +2 CL ro Longstrider, making it last for 5 hourss.  +10' movement]

-K

Even though she was in excellent shape, Jyslyn's heavy armor made it hard for her to run such long distances.  She breathed heavily, her grey skin tinged pink with exertion.  The drow did not speak.  Instead, she kept looking back behind her and her friends, worried about losing ground to their foes.

Isiah breathed heavily, not at all used to this much running, and decided he would rather it stay that way, as well.  At least the fact that Jyslyn couldn't run very fast in her platemail, meant that the group couldn't move as quickly as possible, and he would not leave her behind.  Had it just been him, the wizard would have easily cast a spell to double his speed, letting him slip away from the orcs easily, but that was not an option here.  Well, at least nobody had caught them. . .  yet.


[Private to GM:
The spells Isiah would have prepared:

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯Spell Lvl 0¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Detect Magic
Daze
Daze
Mage Hand
Message

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯Spell Lvl 1¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Mage Armor
Expeditious Retreat
Comprehend Languages,
Charm Person
Sleep
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯Spell Lvl 2¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Hideous Laughter
Hideous Laughter
Hideous Laughter
Glitterdust
Scorching Ray

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯Spell Lvl 3¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Deep Slumber
Dispel Magic
Hold Person
Lightning Bolt
]

The four spies stop for the briefest moment to catch their breath. Kanas used this respite to cast a spell that will aid his flight from your vicious pursuers. In a moment the party is off again, moving at a pace that is comfortable to all, yet still fast enough for them to make good time back to the village.

The weary, spent spies soon slow to a walk, not because it was safe, but simply because they were flesh and blood and they could not hope to keep the pace they had set. They had been walking now for nearly a half an hour with aching calves, thighs and chests, when they heard the baying of wolves some ways behind them. It seemed that their pursuers had picked up their scent and would soon be on their heels again. All you saw the dire wolves the Goblins and Orcs kept as mounts. Dire Wolves that could track by scent alone. It was not far to the town now, but would they make it before being overtaken?

OOC: You are all fatigued at the moment and it is less than an hour to the village. The wolves arent that far behind you, it is difficult to say if you will get to town before they get to you. Take moment to decide on your course of action and then let me know what you will do.

"OK, I have to throw away some stuff to lighten my load.", the cleric opens his backpack, and shakes it upside down to emptie it to the side of the road behind bushes.  You see lantern, ration, and bunch of other things thrown away.  He go through the pile to pick up the scroll case and a silver coin and put them back into the backpack.

"Let's keep moving.  We should dump anything we can replace at the villege so we can move faster.

-K

Andredi, who normally travelled light, found that his backpack was exceedingly heavy. He dumped out a rope and a grappling hook out of his bag. He waited till the others had lightened their load and then continued on breathing heavily the whole way.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Sat 08 Sept 2007.

The party quickly disposes of the extraneous gear, making their load lighter, allowing them to travel a little easier. They could have done it before but such blatant clues to their whereabouts would have had their pursuers on their trail in minutes. It didn’t matter much now that the wolves have picked up their scent. All that remained was fight or flight and their information was too important to risk capture.

So you press on toward your goal. Travel through the forest is inconvenient at best but you make good time and soon the village wall comes into view through the trees. It’s an easy five minutes from here on out. Relief washes through you and lend you new strength as you near the end of your flight.

[Private to Andredi: You here something big but stealthy rustling through the bushes some where behind you. It's close, withing 30 feet or so of your position.]

Andredi turns and draws his twin short swords off his back, I heard something attemptiing to sneak up on us, he backs away still heading to the village but not taking his eyes off the way they came.

OCC: Spot check 17
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Tue 11 Sept 2007.

The priest grabs a scroll case and takes a scroll out.

"It could be Keep outer scout or something.", the priest gets tense, but he keeps moving forward with the group.
[Private to DM Darkchylde: taking out a scroll of Mass Aid out of the backpack as a move action.  But move 40' with the standard action to keep pace with the group.]
-K

PM: [Private to Andredi: You Spot a Large wolf creeping through the brush towards you. The details are indistinct because of the foliage, but it’s definitely Large and definitely coming straight towards the party. It is about 25 feet south east of the group.]

 As the Keep comes into view through the tree’s (the thick foliage had kept it hidden until now), and the weight of dread lifted from Kanas shoulders. The spell he cast earlier was still in effect and he knew he could easily sprint to Keep for aide and back in a matter of minutes. But Andredi’s pronouncement stopped him cold.

As the Elf drew his blades a great wolf leapt from the underbrush, no longer concerned with stealth, yet quiet none the less. Even as Kanas spoke it bore down on the Elf, charging through the brush to attack. On its back rode a little goblin warrior; fierce and wild looking, wielding a javelin like a lance, it tip aimed at Andredi heart. But the nimble elf crouched low; the goblins attack went over his head, wolf swept pass.

That was the only chance they got as the rest of you react the presence of the evil beast and its rider...

Initiative if you please?

Andredi ducks and lashes out at the wolf as it runs past.

11:45, Today: Andredi rolled 14 using 1d20+4. init.
[private to DM Darkchylde: Not sure if the wolf provoked an attack of opportunity or whether that was just some fluff before the battle started. So disregard the AOO if anything
11:45, Today: Andredi rolled 3 using 1d6. damage.
11:45, Today: Andredi rolled 17 using 1d20+8. AOO just in case.
 ]

14:22, Today: Kanas rolled 3 using 1d20. Initiative.

". . . Or, maybe it's one of their advanced scout.", the priest rolls his eyes, with his hope of the noise being a friendly face completely wrong.

-K

"It's just one goblin on a wolf - I think Waukeen shall see us through, so we may strike favorable bargains in the future," the wizard stated with some degree of confidence.  Undead, constructs, and powerful wizards, he could fear.  A goblin atop of an overgrown dog?  In Thay, a goblin could concider itself lucky to be a slave, and even at that, a puny one.  Still, Isiah reached for a wand of his, just in case. . .


21:23, Today: Isiah rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Init- can't do worse than Kanas, heh! :D

Jyslyn did as always, moving into a position that protected Isiah mostly, but also Kanas and Andredi.  Her ferocious battle face slipped into place and she shouted at the goblin to get its attention focused on her and away from the others.

16:15, Today: Jyslyn rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Init. 

Andredi slashes the beast as it springs pass, drawing a yelp from its savage throat. But the beast continues on, stopping between the party and the town some 15 ft from Andredi. It growls and barks fiercely, snapping at the air, but doesn’t move to attack. The goblin aboard pulls the horn of some wild beast and puts it to his lips. He blast a piercing note and smiles cruelly at you as it is answered by others nearby. Nearer still; the baying of the other wolves tell you that they fanned out to cover more ground but stayed close enough to answer the call when you were found.

First round actions please.
Game Speak
The horns that answered are about a minute or more away, but the wolves will be there in a matter of rounds...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:38, Fri 14 Sept 2007.

Andredi moves towards the wolf and attacks with his sword.


[private to gm: The attack is actually 21. I forgot that I'm fatigued and cannot charge. and -2 from dex further reduces my attack roll by 1
20:10, Today: Andredi rolled 3 using 1d6-1. damage.
20:08, Today: Andredi rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Charge!!!!. ]

Posting on Isiah’s behalf.

Isiah stares down the goblin with a calm expression. He throws back his hood so that his tattoo is prominently displayed and gestures at the goblin, while incanting a spell> his chant is soft and captivating, his fingers moving in a complex pattern. The goblin’s expression turns slack and it appraises Isiah with new expression; one of adoration.

Come now friend, let us pass. We are weary and would like to rest and eat. Won’t you allow us to go pass to our home, my good friend?

[Private to DM Darkchylde: 15:19, Today: Kanas rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Spellcraft.

I'm guessing I picked up what Isiah casted.  Let me know which spell it was.]
"Yes, you must be mistaking us with someone else.  You might want to go tell that to your friends.", the priest appears to have picked up on Isiah's plan.

-K

PM: [Private to Kanas: I need you to make a Charisma check, it should be Isiah but he isnt here and I dont want to make on his behalf in this acse so you try and convince him. Oh it was Charm Person.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Tue 18 Sept 2007.

Andredi surrepetitiously sheathed his weapons and spoke to the goblin trying, Yes, I think you should let us go friend... The ones who you are looking for are over that way.

[private to gm:
14:49, Today: Andredi rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Bluff/diplomacy.
wasn't sure what i'd have to roll but the mod is the same.]

[Private to DM Darkchylde: Meh :(
15:51, Today: Kanas rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Charisma.
So, what was the spell?  Figured it was something like Charm person…but I'm just guessing here :P]
The preist puts the scroll away, and shows open palms in the gesture of non-aggression.

-K

PM: [Private to Kanas: Yeah I just added that to the earlier post LOL it was Charm Person.]

No yous must comes wid me. Warlord wants you so I brings you. Don't worry, I no hurt you, just follow me. He walks the wolf towards you and reins it in when it tries to spring forward. He fights with the reins for a moment, screaming at the wolf in Goblin before it throws him. It snaps at him and he blocks it with his spear haft.

Help. Help. It wails pathetically as it tries to keep the large wolf at bay, giving you a moment of reprieve…

You can take a standard action but it is nota  surprise action so niether is flat-footed. Remember the other wolves could be here any second.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:06, Tue 18 Sept 2007.

"OK then.  We gotta go get the thing Warlord wanted first.  Come.  Follow us.", the priest gestures to invite the goblin to follow along with everyone else, and starts trotting down the street towards the fortress.

-K
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Wed 19 Sept 2007.

OCC: I dont think he will follow us Kanas, he happens to be being attacked by a wolf at the moment.

OOC: Oh, I thought the wolf was just being finicky and just not coorperating.  Didn't realize it was actively attacking the gobbo.  Lemme chenge the action then.  Sorry gobbo #1.  None of us has much animal skills.  You are on your own.

The priest looks and makes an eye contact with the elf and shrugs.

"Well, looks like you are busy, sir.  We really ought to get going.  Try some of those dried wild boar meat.  Your wolf might calm down with a little bit of chew.", the priest casually waves at the struggling goblin, and starts to walk away.

-K

Andredi not too casually heads back to town a well keeping a look out on the backtrail. just in case....

"Right, let's hurry it up, shall we?  No need to wait around for this 'warlord', eh?" Isiah remarked, and followed the others, motioning for Jyslyn to come with them, hoping she would not feel too guilty about leaving the goblin to deal with the wolf - it was a goblin, after all, and so it likely deserved no better, anyway.

Jyslyn hesitated, the goblins’ cries pulling her heart strings. But she reminded herself why it was there and why the wolf attacked it. Was Isiah’s spell any different from her sword? She had been ready to cut it down a moment ago after all. The sounds of wolves snarling and large creatures crashing through the underbrush prompt her forward and she flees after you, the vicious snarls and snaps of the wolf haunting your steps as it finishes off the goblins whose screams have turned into a sick gurgle.

Your breath rasps in your throat as you struggle for the strength to run on. Suddenly you break through the undergrowth, into a clear field. The townsmen had cleared away hundreds of square feet of the forest immediately around the town, using the wood in construction while creating a killing ground between the wall and woods. A moat surrounded the wall, it was man made riverlet from the river that ran along the towns northern border. The river provided the traffic that sustained the small town and keep. Overland travel was froth with danger.

One terrifying heartbeat later you realize that the gates are shut and there was no glint of amour to tell you that the walls are manned at full capacity. Shouts erupt as you clear the tree line and a moment later the gate creeps ajar and a guard steps out.

Half way there.

You see the guard beckon you to run faster, waving frantically. Then the sounds of the wolves are coming from behind; they have left the tree line and they streak across the open ground at an alarming speed. A might hobgoblin atop a massive dire wolf leads the way. He surges ahead of the pack and bears down on you. The distance between you and I shrinks as the keep looms closer. Just as you stomp unto the drawbridge, he gets within striking range and pushes his beast onward to charge the last of you. But a dozen arrows from the wall propelled him from his saddle and a score more pin cushion his beast. It dies immediately and the momentum of its flight sends its body sliding half way across he bridge as though it chased you even in death. Archers had sprung from hiding a last moment and fired. They had only caught one of the enemies with their ruse, but it was enough.

You make it to the gate and the howls of wolves and cries of the goblinoids are all that follows you inside as it slams shut. Those cries are filled with a pain and loss that will haunt your dreams for months to come and you know that the horde lost more than just a handful of spies that day. It was a loss they would repay in kind a dozen times over in the weeks to come.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:35, Thu 20 Sept 2007.

The priest pants slightly but otherwise makes it in OK shape as the door slams shut behind them.

"Quickly, we must prepare for more incoming enemies.  They were getting ready when we saw them, and I'm sure they know we know they are, and probably will be coming this way before we can reinforce the Keep.  This is their first intended target.  We must call for reinforcement as soon as possible."

The cleric quickly checks the state of the companions.

"Is there another healer among us?  We could use some infusion of energy.  The fleight from the horde camp good all of our breath."
[Private to DM Darkchylde: <translation>"Hey, I want someone to get rid of our fatigue."</translation>]

-K

Andredi collapses as he enters the grounds. HE lay on the floor panting and trying to catch his breath. He rolled unto his back and managed to get out, I never want to run again, ever.

The guard steps up to you with a bottle of water and offers you a drink. A few more struggle to lift a heavy log in place, barring the gate.

By the hand of Helm, that was close! We already sent for a healer, he should be here soon. He says as looks you over with a practiced eye. I think you’ll live though.

An officer comes striding up to the group with an air of urgency. He salutes everyone there and his men return the salute.

Come with me please, we would have your report immediately; those buggers are all over the woods, we had to withdraw our patrols and retreat to the safety of the keep. What in the nine hells did you discover?

While you speak; men hustle all about the keep and town with provisions and weapons as they make ready to defend the keep. It seems as though every man between 12 and 50 is present, you can hardly see through the throng. A healer appears out of the crowd and approaches the group. He is a cleric of Tyr by his dress and after a cursory examination, he selects a wand and uses its magic to refresh your body.


OOC: You are refreshed now at can function at 100% capacity. YOu can stay here and chat a bit while the healer does his work or we can proceed directly to the Keep proper. I shoudl let you know that I am using this as the Prologue for the adventure, to let you get a feel for what things will be like.

"Thank you.  We should get going and get ready.  This will be a long day, and we should be prepared.", the cleric stands up and get ready to move.

OOC: I'm fine with moving on, although we should consider changing our extra equipment here and there if we have time/resource.  We have a good idea what we are going to face, and should pick up things to target goblins and animals, barserkers and priests, and so on.  Any chance we can go pick up scrolls and stuff at this point?

-K

OOC: Its a small village but the army maintains the keep and so it well stocked. Everything in the PHB is available. If you need anything else, you would have to send up teh river for it.

High Warden Rodden sat behind his desk as he watched the Red Wizard, Elf scoundrel, Drow Knight and Human Templar walk into his office. It was a stark, utilitarian room with a desk littered with reports, a couple of chairs and a cabinet. The walls were adorned with maps of the area and a banner with Helm crest hung on the wall behind the desk, facing the door. He dismissed his Aide and considered the group an unlikeliest band of heroes he had ever laid eyes on. As an impressive man who was well into middle years, Rodden thought that he had seen everything; but a Red Wizard of Thay and a Cleric of Tymora traveled with a Moon Elf thief and a Drow Paladin. It was as though north, south, east and west had all decided to go in the same direction. He was glad that direction led to his keep.

Now I have seen everything.

A request had been sent out far and wide for assistance, promising gold and even land if one answered the call and served in militia. Men and women who sought adventure, gold and the hope of owning land had started trickling in. The savage tribes to the north had been acting up in the recent months and Hordewatch Keep was woefully undermanned. Without the aid the summons would bring, it could not hope to truly patrol the area and keep the tribes from ranging farther south. But even the patrols were sorely tested by the tenacity of the Goblins and Orcs who pressed south, who got more organized and bolder with each passing week. He had sent this group behind enemy lines to gather intelligence. Something wasn’t right, he could feel it. He had been Warden here for almost 20 years and he had never seen the tribes so determined before.

  Good day, I’m glad to see that you made it in alive. That was a close thing, a close thing indeed. I’ve never seen them chase anyone to the keep before. And that hobgoblin was most determined to have you. So I can only presume that you a most interesting story to tell. What have you learned?.

He listens to your story without interrupting and a few hours later when you are done; he asks you a few a few questions to clarify details and even pull out answers you didn’t know you knew. Afterwards; you sip wine in silence as he considers what you have said, a troubled expression marring his face.

So they plan to send a force here to bottle us in while they move their main army south. Then sack each town along the river, thereby securing their rear and establishing a clear line communication open. They could supply or retreat as easy as you please. We can’t allow that. He shouts for his Aide and the young man comes in and salutes, open palm held forward, fingers pointing straight up, facing his commander.

Summon the commissioned officers and the militia. Tell the NCOs to prepare for a siege.  Evacuate the civilians, starting right now, send them down the river to warn the other towns. We’ll accept volunteers for Militia of course.

He bids to wait while the Aide rushes to carry out his orders. Few minutes later his officers are all in attendance as is the only other member of the militia aside from you. A lone Dwarf stands by the wall. He is Grom, a shield Dwarf from the nearby mountains. He arrived while you were out on reconnaissance and the High Warden briefly introduced you to him and the rest of his officers. He brings them all up to speed and then relays his orders.

All is not lost. For one, we are behind stout walls and I am sure the ancient enchantments still stand. We have nearly four hundred soldiers who we will split into a day watch and night watch. We can be reinforced via the river, the cliffs will protect our rear and we have enough provisions to last. The mariners will guard the river and there are several wizards and clerics who we can depend on to stay. The rest will provide protection for the evacuees. That is all for now. High Warden Rodden said gravely. If his officers were surprised by his vague orders they showed none of it. Hey saluted and left to attend to their business.

You five will have the most dangerous job of all. I want you to be my strike team. To go where ever I send you and win each and every battle. Failure is not an option; much will depend on your actions. But relax for now, there’s no pressure. He says to you with a wry smile.

---

Gorak quailed before Rika Lionsbane, Walord of the13 tribes of the north. He had been sent to seek and destroy the spies that had infiltrated their camp a few days ago. He had failed, but that was not the issue. He had lost Raka, her youngest son on the raid and Raka had been the one of the only two deaths; the second one being a stupid goblin that got eaten by his wolf.

Gorak had never before seen the look that he saw on her face today. He reported everything as it happened and knew that Raka had died because he was foolish. Gorak had urged him to stay with the pack but he had laughed saying that walls were deserted, that he could kill them at their doorstep and be away before the keep could counteract. He was young and inexperienced, young and stupid and now Gorak would die because of that.

On your knees! Rika screamed in his face. He complied immediately without conscious thought, power behind her command compelling his body to move on its own accord. Unsheathe your blade and offer me your heart as payment for the life o my son.

And he did; he fought his body, willed it to stop, willed his mouth to scream, and willed his les to move. But in the end Rika overpowered him with the strength of her magic and he did what he was told. She summoned her second in command, an Ogre Mage who once lead half the region. Her orders were terse and filled with menace, a bloody prize clutched in her hand.

This keep, I want it obliterated. Send everyone.

Kaz'UKharat respected Rika as a military leader, powerful sorcerer and brilliant tactician. She did not speak in riddles, her orders wee always clear. He waited for her to say more; to tell him what bands se wanted to attack and creatures would support them. Was it to be the original strike forces or more? And what about their new allies, they cold provide air support. How would she redistribute the troops to begin the campaign? What was she thinking? He noticed then that she was beginning to glare at him, a sign that it pass the time for him to depart. He hesitated and decided to seek clarification.

Everyone Mistress? He asked hoping that she would give him specifics.

EVERYONE!!! Her scream rocked the night and sent him scurrying like a cowering goblin. By noon the next day the entire horde was on the move, its original battle plan forgotten. A new one had taken its place; vengeance.

Grom nods his head at the group when the Warden introduces him to the others.  His features are rigid and stone-like at the mention of the goblins and orcs.

Oh, how he'd like to do battle with the greenskins!  Blood for blood! he thought.

"Greetings, everybody.  Nice to meeet you'all", he says stiffly and without warmth.  "I look forward to fighting beside you all.  "You can count on me to be loyal, trustworthy and my waraxe is at your disposal", he says.  Readying his armor and heft his wadaxe.



Edit for spelling
This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Wed 26 Sept 2007.

Andredi nods to the dwarf, Your axe is welcoime friend Grom, May you hew many orc necks

"Well, I hope you don't mind messing your waraxe with some orc blood, my friend.  We saw them everywhere, and they are all coming for us.  Your axe will have to work extra hard., the cleric reaches his hand out for a handshake.

-K

Good. Now that we are all acquainted. We have a few days to get our act together before they get here. It will take time to organize and move a force of any size, so we will have some time. I want you to do what you have been doing and spy on them. There’s no need for all of you to go so I will send Grom, Andredi and Kanas. Isiah and Jyslyn can stay here with me and help fortify the keep. He says gravely.

Get some rest, in the morning you can visit the Quarter Master and sign out some weapons and provisions if you need to. Oh you get mounts this time around so you don’t have to literally run from the enemy. Nasty business that. You answer only to me but that does not mean you can order my soldiers around. Do you have any queries?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Wed 26 Sept 2007.

Grom is hesitant at first to shake hands with the cleric.  In his experience, life was cheap and it didn't pay to make very many close friends.  However, considering that everyone was facing the same threat at the moment, it might be wise to make a few friends this day.  There was no telling what the next few days, or even weeks might bring.

Grom takes Kanas' hand and grips it firmly.  "'tis glad to meet ye.  Me axe has been bloodied a time or two.  Grom fight hard and well.  Grom no like Orcs or their kin", he says.  His eyes seem to be looking inward, his thoughts on the past.  A scowl crosses his face and he frowns, irritated with himself for not being able to get over the deaths of his family's kin a the hands of such foul creatures.  Then, a new resolve comes over him and he brightens up a bit, a mirthless grin curls his lips.  "Aye, let 'em come", he says harshly, gripping his axe and shield tighter.

The cleric walks into the armory, and starts going through the weapons.

"I need something long and pointy.  Something to stab the greenskins from over the walls, and ones on the wolves."

He also notices a crossbow hanging high on the wall.

"Hey, I could use that.", and he looks for a ladder to get up there to grab the light crossbow.

Later he sticks his head in with the temple inside the keep, and madly runs around yelling, "Protection from Evil scrolls!  Protection from Evil scrolls!  More more more!" and starts bugging the scribers.

-K

Oh gods, he's gone mad! Exclaimed one Prelate.
Quick summon the guards! Cried another.

The others laughed and one of them hands over four scrolls ushers you out the door, with an admonishment not to disturb them in such a fashion while they worked.

Andredi sat on the steps leading up to the battlements sharpening one of his short swords. The weapons were very well made and he knew he'd be needing them soon.

Jyslyn did not speak and tried her best to keep herself from making any threatening moves during the audience with the warden.  But when they were released, she tried to find somebody who did not appear frightened or distrustful of her.  If she was going to be a part of the defense, then she would need some ranged weaponry with which to fight unless the walls were breached or she left the safety of the walls to join in battle out in front of the walls.

The day after you returned to the Keep, the High Warden summons you again. He wears a mythril breastplate and greaves and has a short sword sheathed on his hip.

Good day, I wish to inform you that we begin training today for the siege. I expect you to be a part of that training unless you have pressing business. It will only be for a couple hours everyday and it will enable you to fight efficiently with the soldiers stationed here. He begins. But first I would like you to dissuade an advance scouting party one of our Rangers discovered north east of here from advancing any further. Three Orcs, 6 goblins and an Ogre make up the band. Do you think you can handle that?
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:25, Fri 05 Oct 2007.

Andredid scoffed, Is that all? I thought you had a challenge for us ccommnader! Jyslyn could probably handle them all herself. he added with a smile. In truth though commander, it is not a matter of whether we can handle it. We must handle it, so we will.

"Well then, shall we go smack them around?", the clerics looks itchy for action.  He probably shouldn't have had three cups of the wide-awake-all-night tea.

Turning a surprised, pleased, and very pretty smile onto Andredi, it was obvious that the drow had not expected such high praise, even though it was likely mostly some teasing, from him.  Hearing it, no matter what his reasons were, made her even more resolved to do whatever it took to keep him and the others from getting even the slightest scratch on them.

"Before we go anywhere, I would like to make a request - that a letter be brought to the nearest Thayan Enclave.  I would assume we could use whatever magical assistance can be sent our way, and I might be able to help bargain down prices some, as well.  Alternatively, if a Sending-scroll can be obtained, I could make contact much quicker, and we might receive aid sooner," Isiah suggested, having been up late the night before writing just such a letter, marking it with his personal insignia, identifying him as a Red Wizard.

Grom nods his head at the Warden's words.  "Aye, I think we're up to the task," he says solemly.

They don't usually come this close to the keep and we believe it is a routine scouting mission. The small number and the ogre lead me to believe we may be working with an experienced team so be careful. He says. head north from the keep until you get to the Split Tree; its a massive oak that was struck by lightning and split down the middle. The tree is huge; it towers over the other trees in the area so you have no trouble finding it. They would be scouting the way for an army so they have only two options to get here. I will send the Ranger Scout to show you the way. Strength and honor.

He salutes you at the end and dismisses you with wave of his hands. The ranger scout is waiting for you outside. He armed and armored and has a light warhorse by his side. He salutes when he spots you and walks over.

G’day, I’m Cpl. Flit. The High Warden says you’ll be taking care on yon beasties. I will show you the way. Can any of you ride? He asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:04, Wed 10 Oct 2007.

Grom looks the ranger up and down and grins, "Nearly born in the saddle, me was.  Aye, a pony's saddle 'tis true, still..."

"By ride if you mean I can hang onto the horse's neck and not fall off while it strolls easy and straight, then yes.  If you want me to do anything other than sitting on the horseback, then the answer is no.", the priest makes a slight aw-shucks face at the Corporal.

"But we just need the horses to get to the split-tree place, right?  No problem.", he gives his right thumb up.

-K

That could be arranged. If you would like to scribe it now, I have quill and ink here. We do have sending scrolls, I think we could spare one for the task, any help would be appreciated. He replies.

Then we should see the Stable Master to get you some mounts. I wouldn't want to leave you behind it things get rough. He replies to Grom, eyeing his short legs. He chuckles at Kanas and says, Well come one, I'll tie you on good'n'proper if I have to.

He leads the way to stables and helps you to procure a light warhorse for each of you. The stable hands adjust the straps and saddle to fit it to your specifications with military efficiency. Once you are mounted, he leads you out of the keep at canter while he talks.

So you guys are what? Some kind specially trained unit? I mean, begging your pardon miss but I thought your kind didn’t venture out under the sun. And to see you with him, well that fairly amazing isn’t it. So do you think you’ll need my help? I am fairly good with a bow from horseback but my orders state I should observe and report, not enter the fracas, but I won’t let you have all the fun, har har har.

(+2 Circumstance bonus to ride checks.)

"No, I have a scroll penned up already.  If you think it will be possible for one of your riders to get it there in time, then that will be best, though if we have heard nothing in a few days, we might want to employ one of those scrolls."

As they left the keep Andredi rode his horse with a mixture of delight and trepidation. While riding was a relatively new experience for him (he'd only been on a horse a handfull of times in his life) he found that he took to it naturally his natural agility helping him to stay on the beasts back. Now,if only he could get the creature to go where he wanted it to...

"Well, in fact, this is a comrade in arms by chance.  I am still not sure how we came about to be chosen, but we were invited to some interesting dinner together.", the priest hops onto the saddle awkwardly, even after the bit of the training.  "We certainly enjoy you crashing our party with the Orc advanced scouts, but make sure you don't stick your neck too deep in.  Your orders were observation, and I don't want ARGH!", as he tries to straighten himself on the saddle, his foot comes off and he falls off the horse.  He pats the dirt off of himself and climbs back up again onto the horse, "I mean, I don't want your superiors to think we dragged you into it and got you into trouble."

-K

Jyslyn's face fell slightly at the mention of her heritage, but she did not hold it against the man.  She was a curiosity, she knew that and even understood it.  But it didn't keep her from wishing that it did not matter.  She was just Jyslyn.  Not Jyslyn the drow.  Just Jyslyn.  Perhaps Jyslyn, paladin of Eilistraee.  Or maybe Jyslyn, friend of Zed and Isiah.  That she was a drow didn't have to matter...but it did.  And it wasn't the man's fault.  It was the fault of the drow, but she wasn't a drow, not in spirit.  Only in blood and appearance.  Saying nothing to anyone, more than happy to let the others do the talking for her, Jyslyn followed along silently.

I could dispatch a rider, but I am loathe to send even one man from the keep and one rider would not gaurantee success in these dangerous times. I would prefer to use the scroll. He replies with a smile, not sad, not happy, just a smile.

Right them, when it comes to fighting I think I shopuld keep the horses with me and you approachh the nemy on foot. He says with a chuckle. I will come charging in with them if things get hairy and you have to run. I can cover you with my bow as well. We will there soon, I saw them just a few hours ago so they should be in the region of the split tree by now.

Grom, even with his limited riding skill requires several attempts to mount even the smallest horse.  His face red with anger, the air filled with dwarven curses, he finally gets up on his mount and arranges his equipment and weapons.  He then guides the horse along behind the rest of the party once they are underway.

"The scroll will just have to work, then. . .  give it to me, and I'll think of the right twenty-five words to say as we ride," Isiah told the High Warden, before hurrying to catch up with the others.

Getting on a horse was unfamiliar to the wizard, but to his surprise, once he was up there, the rest came naturally to him, and soon, he had caught up with the others, riding next to Jyslyn.  "What did I miss?" he whispered to her, and smiled.

The drow smiled at the Red Wizard's approach and replied, "Nothing that I know of, Isiah."

"So, nothing apart from that enchanting smile of yours, then?" Isiah replied with a wink, though his mind was busy at work trying to figure out which twenty-five words would be the best. . .

"Well, shall we, then?", the priest goes around in circles, repeating the training exercise they went through earlier with the horses to keep himself loose.

-K

Jyslyn's smile grew so she lowered her head, covering her face with her hair in her signature move to hide her face though it was usually to hide her dark grey skin and violet eyes.  While staying hidden she replied simply to the cleric, "I daresay we shall."