Over the hour following the battle all of the companions make their way into the inn as Hadrik's men pick make sure of the dead and post a guard upon the roof.

Eldor returns with both his men in good shape - though he himself is rather pale from several nasty cuts, and almost out of arrows.

Thomas brings back his horse, Belryk and co, and looks like he, too has been in a fight.

Karl and Brejgun are tired and windburned but none the worse for wear otherwise.

Adonis and Brakkus have sustained some minor scuffing but nothing serious.

Of the four sturdy Athelstanes conceded by Thane Snurkel, one is unconscious from loss of blood but seems to have no fever and the bandages applied by Beren have stopped the bleeding.  Two others are wounded but not sorely.  And Bjorn has nary a scratch on him.

...and... Harou is standing there grinning slightly, somewhat thinner than before his fever, but otherwise clear-eyed and healthy-looking.

Hadrik has the girl serve broth and insists that you immediately set to catching up on sleep in shifts.  In fact the night passes uneventfully and in the morning you all join in building a pyre to incinerate the corpses left behind by the wolf pack.

"Let 'em see the smoke - aye and smell it too! bellows Hadrik.  We are a dozen-and-a half fighting folk now, and that is enough o' this pilly-paddlin'.   I hae sent out Creldo wi' Belryk on the horses tae carry word to the Jarl, but we need no' wait fer them!

A' the trouble seems tae be comin' fae the north, Ettryck way.  Now each one of you - tell me yer news.   Unless I hear owt surprising, tomorrow we march up that road and ask the folk there some questions".

He looks around expectantly.

 Sir Adonis Campbell spends a few minutes cleaning and sheathing his dagger (which of course is so named for the best targets on an armoured knight, as well as the general shape of the handle), recovering his sword and shield and generally cleaning up, though he's favouring his shield-arm heavily and the multiple injuries he's already suffered are obviously starting to slow down even the seemingly unstoppable Knight, thus disproving the working hypothesis of 'no sense, no feeling'.

 In fact, once his armour is removed and the extent of his injuries become apparent there might well be some rethinking about his just riding on out on the part of those who do have more sense than courage.

 ---

 Four hit points left. Ouch. ^_^

"Alas, I remember nothing," says Harou, "But I am glad I was able to at least kill one of the toothy mutts, and I'm eternally grateful to those that cared for me in my ill health."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Wed 03 Mar 2010.

Beren woke up, wiping some thick sleep from his eyes. "This journey is going to kill me," he said.

He then proceeded to dispense some quick healing to those who had taken the worst wounds - Adonis first.

[OOC: I'm going to use 2 lesser healings on Adonis. I'd rather spare my remaining magic and spend it just before next midnight, but if the Athelstane give me strange looks, I'll apply one to the soldier. Any other wounded PC comes first though.]
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Thu 04 Mar 2010.

Thomas says to Hadrick, "We took the crofter South as asked. We encountered some horrible beast which got bigger with each strike. It was slain and the crofter delivered."

That ends Thomas's report of the patrol to the south. He finds a seat to consider where the innkeep would have hidden his gear. It would require someplace fairly sizable since it was armour and his weapons and pack. It was not within the inn, of that he was pretty sure.

After thinking for a few more moments. He rises and announces, "I need to try and find my armour and arms." With that, he sets out to explore the area directly around the inn, other buildings and even the grounds close by. He may have stashed the stuff someplace close in a hole or some such.

As he limps into the Inn, another scratch from the wolf-fight richer, Brejgun greets familiar and unfamiliar face alike.

He listens to the reports of the others and notes the words of the Thane.

Eldor, freshly bandaged and fed stands" We followed an old woodsman's path as we patrolled and came upon a group of woodcutters. They were rather angry at the situation here about and they had not many kind words for you my lord. They blamed you and your men for not protecting common folk."

The elf took a sip of his water, " we questioned them a bit but finding them of no real danger to us let them about their business we intended to camp at the woodcutters hut for the night then continue on."

"Minutes after the woodcutters left there was a commotion in the direction they went. Upon investigating the noise we found the woodcutters set upon by goblins. We fought them off but not without loss. One of your men suggested that the woodcutters might belong to a village in the area that may have gone into hiding in the woods. I understand that is the practice here about in times of trouble."

"The woodcutters, those that were left continued on their way. We intended to follow them at a distance but due in some part to my injuries I lost the trail and felt it important that we come back and report the goblin movement."

He looked round those gathered " I'm glad we made the right decision and were able to help fend off the wolf pack that attacked the inn."

He then made eye contact with the two men how had accompanied him "My Lord may I also add that my two companions conducted themselves in a way that would have made you proud. Not only did they take orders well but also thought for themselves in a tight situation. They have the beginnings of being two very good scouts and ask that if I were to go on another mission like this that you allow me to take them with me."

 He might not have any great use for the uncanny, but the way Beren's muttered incantations close over the wicked little half-healed stab in his side and ease the ache of his viciously wrenched arm bring Campbell's other hand up and around in a firm and approving smach against the sorcerors shoulder, which is duly coupled with a "Well done sir!" that rings out in a way that's far too hearty for the hour before turning to address the others, not even seeming to mind that the fairy-fellow spoke before him (the knight is his equal after all) since he was busy. Generous of him, what?

 "Nothing so exciting for us I'm afraid - we headed off along the road, ran into a pack of bandits. Well, the message seemed more important than a scuffle just then so we picked off one as a prisoner and evaded the others, during which I think the good master scholar and his friend there." - he gestures vaguely towards Brakkus - "Found themselves a tomb with ancient magic on it we can take a look at later."

 "Meanwhilst we headed on, carrying our prisoner and delivered him to Thane... Thane..." - he looks to Creldo for a helping hand, and then assuming one is given goes on - "Then we headed straight up here. There was some movement in the woods we didn't investigate, and one of the little thorpes on the road was abandoned - and had seen recent soldiery, but we had no encounters until we got here, and well - I think you know the rest."

Brakkus thanks Harou for his aid and then sits down gratefully. He closes his eyes and lets the conversation roll over him, as his third eyes settles down into his body. Brakkus moves his consciousness to his bruised arm, encouraging his body to repait itself and many times its natural rate. His arm feels much better, but the effort has exhausted him and the old hermit falls asleep on the chair, snoring gently.

Creldo interjects during Adonis' speech "Thane Snurkel, my lord.  He sent us these four sturdy fellows, on one condition which perhaps Sir Campbell might explain further".


As for Eldor's recountings, Hadrik appears greatly troubled by them, almost sad, but does not comment, merely coughs.

When everyone has spoken he says... "as for us... we found something awful strange out their on the high moors.... Borensson, hae ye still got that sack?"

"Here, my thane."

Karl brings the sack gingerly to Hadrik.

"I'm hoping that this thing's not going to be moving about any more. It seems like there's no activity going on in the sack."

Beren, curious about the contents of the sack, leaned over as much as politeness allowed to get a glimpse of what lied inside.

The sack falls open and you see a pale, battered head - which suddenly opens its eyes! Groggily they flick from face to face. 

Hadrik explains that they captured the thing out on the moor, even there it seemed to be in poor shape.  "can it talk, think yous?"

Harou takes a step back.  "It's bad luck to bring such an unnatural thing into a dwelling."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Sat 06 Mar 2010.

Beren scratched his head. "I might have read a few things about those, but the details elude me at the moment... Does it ring a few bells to you, Brakkus?"

]

"I think it can talk. How will we make it's tongue wag looser?" asks Karl

 "Mmm? Oh yes! - Thane Snurkel expects the same aid from you in tracking down the miscreants we encountered on the road, tit for tat so to speak - it seemed a fair enough agreement all around I do hope you don't mind." states Sir Campbell cheerfully, apparently having needed the nudge in order to remember little details like what he was doing yesterday - he seems perfectly happy with the world however, right up until the sack is opened, the head is rolled out and he shouts "Penhaligan!" and reaches for his sword with an expression utterly devoid of fear (or indeed, higher brain functions).

Hadrik notes the worried expressions provoked by the living head and strides over to it, grabbing it by the lank hair.

"Talk, ye bastairt!" he shouts.

The head continues with eyes drowsily half-closed.  Hadrik whips out his dagger and in one swift movement hacks off its left ear.  The head opens its mouth and yowls in pain - then appears to control itself and talks in good Visic - "I'll talk, surely I will, no need for that, o mighty Thane."  If it had legs it would be grovelling.


"Right then, that's handy" says Hadrik, wiping his dagger on his trews.

"We hae at least three days afore my lads get back fae the Jarl at Castle Ely - let's use them wisely.  Cause after that we go north and we don't come back until we get some answers.

 Sir Campbell - would ye kindly organize some practice drills for all the fighting lads.  Sword against sword, sword against spear, spear against spear, I'm sure you can imagine the combinations.  The Keith, and Brejgun here shall help ye, if it suits.

 Beren and the lad Karl - see that everyone is stitched up and as well as they ever might be by the time we march out.

 Auld Brakkus - you and Bjorn are tae take this damn foul head beastie and kick whatever shite out ae it yous need tae, to find out all he knows about a' the wild stuff happenin' around here.

 Eldor and Harou - you shall train the fellows in woodcraft whenever they are not practicing the fighting".

[ooc: please each team agree between themselves (aka via PMs) and then post here summarizing what their tactics are.  Give me a 2d10 roll with that post and I will then decide how successful you are.

 In addition, the chance to have so much training from warriors and scholars of different backgrounds, plus the almost unfamiliar feeling of safety now that there are so many of you at the inn, allows everyone to hone his skills a little.

You may each add a few XP as follows: roll 2 separate d6s and take the HIGHER roll.  You can add this value to your XP total - just PM me the value so that I can note it down as well.]

Beren and Karl set to healing and stitching, Beren the more experienced warriors, Karl the rank and file.


OOC - 16:32, Today: Karl Borensson rolled 8 using 2d10. Success over the next 3 days.

Thomas growls at the head and smirks in some small satisfaction as the ear gets cut off from the abomination. He says to Hadrick in his limited Visic, "Good Thane, this thing stole my kit from me while I sleep. Ask it, where it hid it.

He nods about helping the Campbell but waits to see if the thing will cough up the location of his armour and arms proper.

Hadrik nods to Brakkus at Thomas' question - "aye then - ask the fiend that an a'!".
.

[ooc: so, Thomas, you will get your answer in a couple of days when the interrogators have finished]

Brakkus looks at the head with distaste, then marshalls his thoughts and put on a stern tone, laced with a touch of sympathy. "I have no wish to hurt you, but if you do not tell me what I need to know I will have to turn you over to people who will surely cause you great anguish before you die. Now, to show good faith, tell us where you hid the good knight's belongings"

Eldor and Harou set up a training system for the soon to be scouts. Eldor will go out into the nearby woods leaving a trail for them to follow.

The first few times he will make it simple for them to allow Harou, who acompanies them to assess their abilities. As the trails get harder they will be able to wittle the group down to the chosen few.

At the same time as this is going on Harou will impart his knowledge for wilderness survival to these men as both Eldor and Harou believe that following a track is only a small part of being a good scout. Independance and the ability to survive alone for long periods of time is important too.

Harou will also give lessons in treating wounds in the field while Eldor will instruct the scouts on herb lore.


20:27, Today: Eldor Leaf-fall rolled 2 using 2d10. for scout training.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Mon 08 Mar 2010.

d10: 10
d10: 3
total: 13

"There is more to being in the wild than finding food and water," lectures Harou to the trainees.  "Especially if you have a town to provide it.  There are other things.  Making a soft bed of grass and leaves, for example.  Keeping flies away.  Removing ticks.  Which areas are important to keep clean, and which can be safely neglected.  All of these are important.  Less one: how to chew grass!"

 Well, either Eldor or me have royally screwed up by the numbers. ^_^
 13:28, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 20 using 2d10. Training the dudes.

 ---

 The training of the guardsmen is a fairly simple process - quite early on in the discussion between the two knights and the northman they seem to agree that new weapons aren't going to be forthcoming and there's not much point trying to drastically improve individual skill, instead they work on teamwork exercises, splitting up the comfortable groups and working Athelstane against Hadrick, alongside them, against knights, in pairs.

 Eventually they settle on three basic combat routines, based on the possible scenarios that might face them when they march out:

 A shield wall formed of Athelstanes men with Hadricks light soldiers using spears over the top of it and his heavier men holding the flanks forms the basic tactic to a fight on the road or across any moderately crowded space, freeing the two knights and the Northman to form a small but extremely vicious flying wedge, with the added opportunity (put forth by Brejgun) to have the spearman fan out and either lengthen the wall or fall on enemy flanks.

 The warriors fighting in pairs in rough terrain - the sort of thick, tangled undergrowth that hampers sword-swings and breaks formations, each man keeping close in to his partner and the pairs doing their best to remain in support of one another, the pairs being selected by how well the men seem to operate during the skirmishes (done with fire-wood staves instead of live steel).

 And finally for anything that's somewhere between the two extremes, the two groups either remain in their original teams (Brejguns preference) or are mixed up a little (Sir Thomas's) in order to fight in two roughly-equal groups, covering one anothers backs or in more offensive operations.

By the third day after the slaughter of the wolves, Hadrik begins to get anxious waiting for the return of his men.

[ooc: still waiting for some XP roll values]

Brakkus reports on the information he has discovered, in front of Hadrik, Creldo and several others of you.
 .the head only took over the inn a week or two before the adventurer's first arrived
 ..it did kill the serving staff, whose bodies you found in the wood locker
 ...it really does not seem to know anything about the list of written names which you found hidden in the innkeeper's bedroom
 ....it also does not seem to know much about the recent escapades of wolves or goblins.  it seems to be very old and knows their species, but regards them as nuisances to be avoided wherever possible
 .....regarding Thomas' equipment, it says that his armour was buried in the ground somewhere around the inn, so as not to attract suspicion from visitors.  It can't remember where as it places little value on such things.  As for the sword, it cannot remember at all.

The head has gone almost grey in colour and got a parched look since you last saw it.  Its unnatural life seems to be slowly fading from it...

Eldor pulls Thomas to one side "if you would like I could look at the ground around the inn for any signs of desturbance to try and locate your last items."

Thomas is more than a little annoyed by this turn of events. His family blade is lost and his armour is buried in the ground somewhere close to the inn. He nods to the tall, lithe man. "It would be a boon if you would. I shall help as it is my legacy that this thing has stolen."

With that, he sets to looking around the inn grounds for signs that someone has dug in the ground, an irrgular raise in the ground, or a depression where the dirt has settled some.

Beren and Karl's ministrations seem to have some effect.
[ooc: any wounded person may roll 1d3 - that is how many HP they recover, over and above natural healing].

Thomas sets about digging up the grounds while Eldor follows a few paces behind him making strange gestures with his staff.

Eldor watches Thomas scratching about in the as he settles himself onto the ground.

Placing both hands to either side palms down and flat on the earth he closes his eyes. Taking a few deep breaths he gathers his essence into the middle of his chest. Feeling it build up into the familiar rush of power he lets it run down his arms and through his finders into the ground.

It was an unusual feeling connecting to the earth, he could feel the creatures that lived in it as his power spread out from him like ripples in a pond.

His mind concentrated on locating anything out of place within the earth in a bid to find the young warrior's armour.



After what seems like hours to Eldor he pulls his power back into his body. Frustrated that he was unable to help find the armour but realizing if he continued he would be putting his life in danger and thus possibly those around him he had to give up the search.

Getting to his feet, he staggered slightly with the strain of what he had just tried to do " I am sorry my friend" he side to Thomas " but my powers are not as strong as they should be with the injuries I have recently sustained. I will rest for a few hours to gain my strength and try again if you have not located your possessions by then."


With that he walked slowly back to the inn to find a quiet place to sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:49, Thu 11 Mar 2010.

In reply to Eldor Leaf-fall (msg #30):

 [ooc: sorry for the slowdown: having a horrendous week at work]

The soldiers have been trained hard by Adonis et al.  Perhaps too hard - in one of the practices a nose was broken, and there is some bad blood now between the Athelstanes and Hadrik's men.  Hadrik has to bang a few heads together to quiet them.

Now as the sun goes down, Hadrik outlines his plans:
"I cannae very well march right up tae Ettryck's keep.  But that wee village on the border - I'm thinking if I were tae take a nigght's rest there wi' my patrol - well perhaps anyone who has somethin tae hide might sneak out the back way! Now if you folk were tae take the Athelsham boys and cut through the moors round behind - we might just snag a few eejits.

Now' how is it yous will divvy yersels up? We need one lot to the east and one to the west o' the main road."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Thu 11 Mar 2010.

 You can't make an omelette without breaking a few noses, and Adonis at least encourages playing as hard as you mean to fight, but since he's also perfectly willing to be right in there giving and receiving some of the pumelling things probably could have gone worse...

 ...though it's hard to see how just at the moment, a valid note for the future would seem to be to keep the young knight busy working out tactics (which he has a gift for) and the hell away from training the soldiery.

 Just where he's going to end up seems to be almost a matter of indifference for him however (and he manages to disguise for at least the moment his confusion over the talk of a keep, which he'd largely either missed in the first place or forgotten about altogether), but he does rather amiably suggest that "I suppose we could draw straws or flip a coin or some such... for myself I'm not much of a one for subtlety I'm afraid, very much more the point and charge sort."

Brejgun is felling fully fit for the first time in days, and he's all chipper for it.

"Lord Thane, I can go the way of the moors. I tink that some of your lads are perhaps the most suited for that kind of march, so I could go with perhaps half of those - and perhaps ... Thomas and Harou? Beren or Brakkus might join us also ... ?", he finishes looking around to the others.

Brakkus watches over the head dispassionately, waiting patiently for the abomination to die but alert for any last minute trickery.

In reply to Brakkus the Hermit (msg #34):

"Well then, you shall take the left flank over the high moors where we found the head.  The Campbell shall take the right along with Eldor who took that way some days hence.   The rest of you split up as you see fit - a couple o' the Athelstanes will go with each party.  You must leave early i' the morning to get a start. On the afternoon o' the second day I will be arriving at the village  in all pomp and we shall see what rats come skiting out"

[ooc: please let me know who goes in which group]

As Hadrik finishes speaking, the sentry on the roof whistles a caution.  Riders are approaching from the east.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:11, Sat 13 Mar 2010.

Brakkus approaches Beren. "Perhaps the two of us should take some men and investigate the cave" he suggests.

Beren's ears would have perked up like a cat's, had they been able to. "Oh yes, with all those cuts and bruises and scratches to mend I had all but forgotten about the cave! Of course, we will investigate it, but I'd rather have some additional muscle, how many men do you think Hadrik would let us borrow?"

"Thane Hadrik. Shall we see who these riders are?"

 "Aye, well that strikes me as sensible eno..." Sir Campbell begins to reply before the thunder of approaching drumbeats upon the earth rolls out and he rises, turning his head towards the oncoming sound and reaching to lay a hand upon the hilt of his sword (though sensibly not drawing it) before moving to see what might be seen of the oncoming group (and to try and get a sense of their numbers).

Hadrik nods at you to spread out.  From the sound it seems the riders are indeed moving fast.

ELdor comes awake at the sound of movement around him and finding out the situation grabs his bow and heads up to his familiar position on the roof.

Out of the mouth of the Ely road bursts a single rider - it seems to be one of Hadrik's men.  He is urging his horse forward but it seems to be almost blown, its eyes rolling with fear and spittle foaming around its mouth.

He hails Hadrik "we are being chased my lord... the others... back there".

 And that's good enough for Adonis, who promptly gives a stentorian bellow of "To Arms!" just in case anyone has missed the riders arrival, then sets to chivvying people into some sort of order while Hadrick decides what is to be done about the news.

"Good!  Some combat!  I was getting tired of recruits whining about being forced to eat ants."  Harou gets his bow.

Brejgun flips his sword to hand, and looks beyond the rider for a sense of what might be coming ...

Brakkus hurries upstairs and takes station at one of the windows overlooking the road, bow at the ready with an arrow nocked.

In reply to Brakkus the Hermit (msg #46):

Hadrik's man pitches to a halt a few yards forward and slides stiffly from his horse.  Hadrik rushes to meet him, and their words carry over the still night air.  It seems his fellow was doubled up with a new man sent by the Jarl, and the horse gave out.  For the last league they were being pursued by a strange howling from behind.  The others dismounted about a mile back to retreat with weapons out.

Hadrik calls for volunteers to form a rescue party.  They will have to move fast on foot.

 "Aye, I may be clad in stout Albish steel but your good armsman Creldo will vouch that I am no sluggard afoot!" declares the Campbell, stepping forwards and quite plainly prepared to out and out start jogging down the road here and now, the moment a few others are at hand to join him or alone if that seems to be the need.

Beren rejoined Brakkus near the window.

When he heard Hadrik's call for volunteers, he sighed. "I might have been with them, but with my magic half-depleted, I won't last long in there, especially if this is the same demon wolf we saw before."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Sun 14 Mar 2010.

Eldor gets into position on the roof facing the way the rider had come from. Using his elf vision he surveys the land below hoping to see what the enemy was and how many.

In reply to Eldor Leaf-fall (msg #30):

Thomas nods to Eldor as he continues to search for his missing armour and the rest of his kit.

Thomas tries four different spots and at the last - his fingers blunt themselves against steel!  Carving at the soil with his dagger he excavates the top of a shoulder plate...  however in the gathering dark it is hard to make out more.

Once he found the armour, he was elated and as he began to dig the call to arms brings him up short and he rises from his digging to get the great sword from near the inn and turns to confront whatever is coming their way.

"I'll go out to the rescue - there may be men in need of healing." says Karl.

"If that is your wish, my thane?", he checks.

Hadrik nods at Karl "aye, go on lad".

Adonis leads the way onto the eastern trail at a steady jog - he is followed by Thomas, Karl and Harou.  Creldo brings up the rear with a savage grin on his face.

 Sir Adonis Campbell might well be dimmer than a campfire in the morning, a terrible drill sergeant and an absolutely awful companion in the early hours of the morning, but when it comes to an enthusiasm for his vocation he's right up there with the best of them and aside from a glance over his shoulder at the men coming up behind him, seems content to meet what foe arises.

 Well, until the first dozen or so yards passes, at which point he cheerfully suggests that Harou and Thomas arrange themselves either side of him in a flying wedge to best use their swords while Karl remains in the middle as their medic and Creldo... well... Sir Campbell is beginning to suspect that giving orders to Creldo is largely a waste of breath, as like the very best of armsmen he'll just turn up in the right place at the right time without bothering to worry his 'betters' about the process.

Thomas nods and takes up a position to the other knight's flank with his great sword. He was not as effective without his armour but he knows his business and his heart is also elevated by the thought of combat. His wounds mostly healed he would not be the lame duck has has been for the past several days.

Where Sir Adonis was surly and vitrious as a drill sergeant, Thomas was the softer hand so that men would not break under the harsh lash of the other knight.

In reply to Thomas Keith (msg #57):

Thomas and Adonis move into formation as they jog.

...

meanwhile Hadrik summons Beren, Brakkus and Eldor for a whispered conference.

Karl takes the centre as suggested.

[OOC: assuming I have not access to spells or rituals outside what is in the old books, if not feel free to correct me. Also, sorry for taking time, RL has been a chore these days.]

]

The armed party jog now in formation, the trees closing around them on both sides.  As the track narrows they can only manage two men - or one Adonis - abreast.  After about five minutes a howling begins to be heard far ahead.

...

[ooc: Beren, I am willing to be somewhat flexible - partly because I have always found DW magic a bit too rigid, and partly because the Rules Companion I am working on, includes rules for this kind of stuff.  So.. use your imagination, within reason.]

 And that's about all Sir Campbell needs to call back, "Follow me - and form a line if the path widens!" as he accelerates rapidly, making about as much noise as you'd expect a man draped in most of a kitchens worth of tin plate to make, but in a way that very definitely says 'man coming through, get the hell out of the way!'

PM

Eldor looked at the men left in the house " I maybe able to aid our friends" With that he closed his eyes and concentrated.

Feeling his power raise within him he focused on the image of the road the rescue team were on. He felt the trees on either side and asked their spirits to help him protect his friends.

He sent images to the tree spirits showing them what he wished for them to do. When he was satisfied he clapped his hands together and those around him could feel a slight ripple in the air.

The warriors quicken their pace and ready their swords.   A minute later they are forced to either side as a horse streaks past, riderless but with a brand fixed high in its saddle.  Its eyes are full of fear.

Now one can hear the chink of metal overlaid with snarls - the battle must be close.

[ooc: actions/rolls assuming you engage next round]

...

meanwhile Eldor is kneeling by the mouth of the eastern track, his fingers dug into the earth and his head bowed in concentration.  Beren and Brakkus stand alert behind him.

Eldor continues to focus his energy into the surrounding countryside.

Sir Thomas glances back as the horse charges off into the distance. They would have to find that later. Horses seemed to be rare here and any one they could lay their hands on would be precious. He looks to Sir Adonis to nod he is ok and begins to move down the path once again towards the sounds of battle.

 A glance back to make sure that the others are with him and the rasp of steel clearing its scabbard come together with the downright boyish grin flashed towards Sir Keith before Adonis swings back towards the fray and gives voice to the family cry of "A Campbell, A Campbell!" both to dishearten the foe and warn the unhorsed rider that aid is mere heartbeats away.

Karl draws his sword and runs toward the fray.

The rescue party have now gone about three-quarters of a mile and as they round a bend they see a couple of figures with wolves now swarming about them.   One is standing but appears to  be wounded - the other is on his back with a wolf atop him.

Their bloodlust appears to have dulled the pack's senses and you feel surprise run through the air as you charge down the last dozen yards.


...

To the west Eldor slumps to the ground at the mouth of the trail, exhausted.  The night seems strangely quiet now, even the leaves seem to have stopped rustling..

 Charging with rather more enthusiasm than accuracy, Sir Campbell gives another battle-cry and charges squarely into the fray, aiming more or less directly for the downed man struggling for his life and attempting to draw the attention of the wolf - and as many other wolves as he can attract - away from their bleeding prey with wild swings and plenty of noise.

 ---

22:31, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 19 using 1d20. A rescue, a rescue!.

 Doubt that'll hit much. ^_^

Brakkus takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and begins to concentrate.

Beren, his sword unsheathed, scanned his surroundings nervously.

Karl moves as near the wounded man as possible, swinging at any wolf that comes his way.

Thomas comes roaring in with the rest of his compatriots swinging the great weapon in a wide arc.

17:49, Today: Thomas Keith rolled 12 using 1d20. Strike the Wolf!.

Sir Adonis, astonishingly, fails to hit anything but the shock of his heavy-footed arrival does push the wolves away from the fallen soldier.

Thomas and Karl together slay one wolf, and Harou and Creldo put paid to another.  However you realise that there are a LOT of the creatures, more than on the previous night, and they appear to be coming out of the trees on all sides - if you are not careful they will cut off your retreat.

The standing man is a slim blond-haired fellow, looking like he has already had some stuffing knocked out of him.  On the ground lies one of Hadrik's men, still conscious and bearing his weapon but with a nasty leg wound.  He shouts something about the moon and getting the f*ck away from here...

[ooc: actions/rolls for round 2 please...]

...

Beren is keeping an eye out and is joined by the Athelsham men who make a circle with shield and spear.  Further back Hadrik's men have their bows ready.

Brakkus wipes his brow, trembling a little.

 Once firmly grounded over the wounded man, Adonis swings again with rather more in the way of vicious accuracy, giving forth his battle-cry of "A Campbell, A Campbell!" once more with obvious gusto before gaining just enough clearance to refine things a little, as he snaps to the man who had been fighting "You fellow, help your friend to his feet, stay in the centre of us - we'll fall back on the Inn!"

 ---

 01:19, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 3 using 1d20. Choppy choppy.

Thomas does not need to be told twice and begins to help cut a path out of the circle of wolves. He swings the sword in a murderous arc at any wolf crazy enough to close on them.


OOC: 21:01, Today: Thomas Keith rolled 13 using 1d20. Cut a path out for the injured.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

"What ails you, Brakkus?" Beren asked. "Did you sense... something?"

The thin fellow seems to understand Adonis' shout and half kneels to haul his companion to his feet.  With his other hand he whips a long, thin sword deftly in the faces of the advancing wolves.

There are almost a dozen wolves close around you now and a couple attack each one of the humans.  With Thomas' help you manage to start moving back along the path before they can completely encircle you.

Adonis sword cuts a huge gash in a wolf that was already bleeding and it slumps to the ground.  Creldo stabs another through the heart.  No-one else manages to land a solid blow.  Meanwhile Karl takes a nasty bite to the leg  as does the nameless thin chap.

At least now you are moving and the wolves cannot single out any one of you.

[ooc: actions/rolls for round 3 please]

 "Back to where the path narrows, then we hold them as we fall back!" shouts Adonis, retreating step by grudging step as his blade lashes back and forth before him, less singling out any individual wolf for attention and more seeking to keep the others from pressing closely enough to break up the defensive line that's the only thing keeping the humans alive just now, in the press of such overwhelming numbers.

 ---

19:26, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 14 using 1d20. Hack n' Slash.

Thomas backs down the path keeping close to the group and takes a swing at any wolf fool enough to come into his reach.

OOC: 14:28, Today: Thomas Keith rolled 20 using 1d20. Slash any wolf fool enough..

Not that I will hit the wolf fool enough...

Karl backs down the trail, slashing at any wolf that comes near.

Haro, who had been following the whole time, fires his bow at any wolf that separates from the pack.

d20: 9

In fact the path does narrow as Adonis had spotted and as you move back it becomes harder for the wolves to swamp you with your numbers.  Also it may be that the trees are growing thicker here for the wolves seem to desist from trying to cut around your flanks.

Karl despite his wound manages to ram his shortsword down the throat of a wolf as it leaps at him - and Harou's arrow strikes true, sending another animal whining away from the fight. Creldo helps defend the skinny lad as he gets the wounded soldier into a jog.

[ooc: assuming the following battle order as the path narrows.  A frontage of 4 wolves versus 2 ranks of 3 humans.  Adonis, Thomas and Creldo in the front, with the rest behind.  Remember you are walkiing backwards.

Actions/rolls for round 4 please]

...

Back at the mouth of the path, something strange is happening.  The ground seems to shimmer and move, though no sound issues.  Brejgun grins admiringly at Brakkus and Beren, then nods for them to step back.   The big Thane passes his shield to a retainer and unlimbers his great axe.  He begins to stamp his feet and mutter to  himself.     Beside him Brejgun also readies his weapon

 Almost between one sweep of his blade and the next, Adonis pulls it back in for a viciously executed stop-thrust against the nearest wolf, forming a solid center to the defence as the line pulls back into the relative cover of the trees with another cry of "A Campbell!" before the realisation that they're going to need some way to break contact in due course occurs to him and he hunkers down behind his shield to call behind him, "Harou - an eye to our rear as we fall back. The rest of you, does any man have flint and tinder?"

 ---

 22:22, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 1 using 1d20. Choppy choppy.

"Of course!"

D20: 13

As the group backs up and Thomas gets a rhythym going with Adoins he brings the great sword down in a heavy overhand chop on a wolf as it strays too near.

OOC: 15:12, Today: Thomas Keith rolled 2 using 1d20. Attack wolf coming close.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

Eldor pulls his fingers out of the dirt with an effort. Being connected to an element could sometimes be hard to come back from.

He stands and staggers slightly using his bow for support he leans forward and taking a deep breath of cold air straightens.

Eyes now clear and with a slight smile on his face he pulls up his bow. Planting 3 arrows in the ground in front of himself he notches a fourth one in the bow bringing it up to align down the path ready to give the rescuers covering fire as soon as they break clear of the trees.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

Brakkus steps back behind the warriors and readies his bow.

And Beren stepped behind Brakkus who was behind the soldiers, holding his sword...

The retreat is gathering a reasonable rhythm now, you manage to move backwards at almost a trot.

Adonis slays a wolf outright while Thomas and Creldo between them make short work of another.   One fanged mouth finds a loose spot in Adonis' armour but otherwise no one is harmed. 

From the rear rank the thin fellow is using his free hand to throw pebbles with surprising accuracy, hitting a couple of snouts in the process.  Harou fires another arrow which strikes a wolf but the creature does not seem in any way deterred by the pain.

[ooc: actions/rolls... and Adonis' cunning plan for next round please]

...

At the mouth of the trail Hadrik is now cursing in old Mercanian and his eyes are rolling somewhat.  Eldor and Brakkus have their bows at the ready and Beren... is forming a third line of defence.

 Plate armour of proof is strong stuff, but it's by no means invulnerable to attack, as it ably demonstrated when one of the wolves ducks in low to fastens its jaws about Adonis' right ankle, wrenching his leg painfully before he's able to bat it away with a too-late sweep of his shield, though the southron knight limps visibly from that point on as he continues to hold the centre of the retreat, blade lashing back and forth to keep the wolves from pressing in to overwhelm the thin line of human warriors.

 "They've no fear of man 'nor blade, try fire upon them!" he calls with his usual stentorian bellow, "Else we needs must seek what base coward drives the poor beasts onto our steel!"

 ---

00:26, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 2 using 1d20. Choppy choppy.
00:26, Today: Sir Adonis Campbell rolled 2 using 1d6. Shield!.

Thomas keeps at his making hay with the wolves but is largely ineffective at hitting anything on this moment having to recover from his last strike.

OOC: 20:36, Today: Thomas Keith rolled 19 using 1d20. Attack any wolf closing with us.

PLs

d10: 4
d10: 1
2d10: 5

The wolves seem to be losing a little of their vigour - Adonis and Creldo jointly send one to the afterlife, and in return none of them are able to bite through armour.

Harou and the slender man manage to light a pitch-dipped torch and it quickly flares up, the many pairs of eyes in the pack glinting like a sea before you.

...

Back at the entrance, you can begin to hear the sounds of growling and clashing metal, it seems the others are not far away.

Just across the entrance, the ground begins to darken and sink, as though the earth itself is draining away into the netherworld.

[ooc: ok, gentlemen, you are on the last lap of this little race, some dramatic posts s'il vous plaît]

 The brief gap in the press of the attack that the death of yet another wolf opens up gives room for Adonis to swing back and hand his honourably-wielded steel to the nearest man and instead extend it for the pitch-soaked brand with a call of "Quickly, another if you have it!" before he turns once more to drive it at the wolves with a sharp yell of "Back into the night dogs!" as he tries to add volume and aggression to the mound of their own dead in an effort to break the spirit of the attack rather than the flesh.

Thomas seems to have noticed that the ground is beginning to collapse where Adonis has not. He grabs the knight by the shoulder and urges him on. "We need to go now!!! the ground sinks and it will take us with it if we remain!"

He begins to back up with alacrity staying onguard for any wolf which would dare to close with them.

In reply to Thomas Keith (msg #99):

PLs

Karl backs up, backing away from the throng of wolves. "Cursed bloody creatures!"

Squinting, Brakkus looses a shaft against the lead wolf, but the arrow falls short.

Holding his sword at the ready, Beren squinted to make out what was happening in the ground...

]

Eldor looses and arrow and notches the first of the three he'd placed before him ready to let fly a second.

20:02, Today: Eldor Leaf-fall rolled 15 using 1d20. bow attack.
 

More PLs to answer the questions.

[ooc: I will be away all of easter weekend, we are hopping over the border to Swaziland - so those who were waiting for answers please try and post today.  I have my next post all lined up...].

The line of wolves wavers and then holds back as the flaming brands are shoved harshly in their faces.

Heeding Thomas' warning cry, the rescue party quicken their pace and finally turn away from the fangs to run almost at a sprint through the dissolving ground to the entrance of the trail.

Everyone who can wield a weapon is there waiting to close ranks against the hunters.

The wolves only take a few moments to recover their nerve as they see even Adonis' huge figure pounding away from them.   However the four-legged beasts are are not quite fast enough and they pull back, snarling at the edge of the deep rift that has opened in the path.  The surrounding trees rustle and whisper - the wolves seem unable to cut between them and as the seconds pass their eyes crowd in ever greater numbers on the other side of the gap.  Eldor's shot flies into their midst and is followed by a half-dozen others.

The rescuers and the men they saved have sunk to their knees in the mud, gasping to catch their breath once more, when there is a collective howl and the eyes part in the middle - down the path comes a great growling and three large wolves leap the gap and bound down into the torchlight of the waiting defenders.  Almost at the moment they start their leap, Hadrik starts forward with the foaming chops of a berserk and as the first one lands he is swinging his axe in a huge arc.  The wolf springs up again for his throat but time is not with it - the axe takes it in the side and cuts it open lengthways.   On the backswing Hadrik crushes the hip of the second wolf but his axe is buried in its bone and then the last and mightiest wolf is upon him.

Hadrik is knocked onto his back but as he goes his massive fist grabs for the beast's throat and those closest clearly see his dagger thrust upwards for the killing stroke.  And yet... the knife turns aside from the hairy coat and flies from his hand.   Undeterred he reaches up for a wrestling hold but the wolf shrugs and throws the big man aside almost contemptuously.   Now the others are beginning to react but the closest man-at-arms is not quick enough to drop his bow - the wolf strides past him and tears his throat out with a raking paw.

A second is knocked to the ground but before the beast can take his throat it is struck a great blow from behind - Brejgun is there, shouting in anger.  He swings his sword and lands a second blow - which like the first lands true and draws a gout of blood.  The creature turns on its tail with lightning quickness and sinks its teeth into his arm.  Crying in pain he grabs his blade with his bare hand and stabs it into the creature's eye, dimming the feverish yellow light.

A moment later Hadrik and several others are at his side, hacking and slashing - but their blows seem to have no effect - only a minute later does the beast sink silent to the ground.  The pack marooned on the other side of the mysterious gap set off a howl of anguish but then, bit by big, retreat into the night.

Brejgun is laid out beside the wolf and his face has gone a deathly grey.  His useless arm leaks blood that will not be staunched and his body seems to be sinking away from the world before your eyes.

[ooc: anyone have some noble actions to perform before we close this scene?]

 [ There doesn't seem to be much point since it's all been decided. I suppose we might as well just move on. ]

[Nope, I am good at this moment.]

[OOC: Sorry for the lack of posting, been busy this weekend. Nothing more to contribute.]

Hadrik is clearly exhausted as the berserk leaves him, and shaken by the blow from the wolf.  He picks up Brejgun's sword and looks at it in wonder.

"Well laddie it seems ye have slain Fynach - luck was wi' us that he attacked before the full moon."   He hands the sword to Thomas and starts issuing instructions.
"Keith that is no ony wolf.   Quarter it wi Kregnasson's blade... Then Master Beren here must burn it wi strange fire that it never walk again.

Sir Campbell would  ye speak wi Brejgun as his spirit passes. He has the venom o Fynach in his veins which no man can withstand.  Help him tae go peacefully"

Hadrik then makes the count of his men and their wounds.

Bjorn approaches Eldor.

Beren warily approached the few wolf's body, whispered a short phrase - "Drakontheios aasmos!" - and summoned his magical flames to burn it to a crisp.

Eldor seeing the creatures run off picks up his remaining arrows and moves forward to cover the retreating men.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Mon 05 Apr 2010.

In reply to Eldor Leaf-fall (msg #112):

PL

 Sir Campbell, whose part in the grand finale to the days events was curiously slight for someone who seems to have an absolute knack for throwing violent body-checks at the least hint of adventure that crosses his path offers a nod to Hadrik and then settles down beside Brejgun, reaching out with a gauntleted hand to do his best to stem the flow of blood from the ravaged arm before throwing a disbelieving look at Hadrik as the man deprives Brejgun of his blade in the moments before death.

 Smoothly then, he draws his own sword of good Albish steel and sets it in the hand of the dying man before propping him up across one leg and lowering his head to Brejguns ear, knowing well the words even if his own faith is a different one, helping the man of the ship-folk through a prayer that was old even before Gatanades was born with his deep and resonant voice "Lo, There do I see my Father." he begins, encouraging the other man to take up the words, "Lo, There do I see my Mother and; My Brothers and my Sisters. Lo, There do I see the line of my people back to the begining."

 He has to search a little in his memory for the remainder, but despite his often willful stupidity and blunt manner it's rare that Adonis will forget something that was well-thrashed into him as a youth and so he goes on without faltering when the words come "Lo, They do call to me. They bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla. Where thine enemies have been vanquished. Where the brave shall live Forever. Nor shall we mourn but rejoice for those that have died the glorious death."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Mon 05 Apr 2010.

Seeing that the fight was over and the wolf pack fled Eldor walked over to Hadrik's side.

"My Lord a word if I may." He looked down at the burning body "If this is the dread Fynach that has been slain then I fear we are in dire trouble. My mother the witch Olga once told me the story of Fynach and Grynach and how they hunt every seven years at the coming of Spring."

He looked off in the direction the pack fled "About 3 years ago my mother warned me not to enter the woods one night the forest had told her that two beasts were on the hunt. If those two were indeed Fynach and Grynach then some one or something has disturbed their sleep for them to have awaken again 4 years early."

Eldor slung his bow over his shoulder as he talked "I am no expert in the area of myth and legend but I know from living with a witch that this person or thing would have to be of great power to pull the spirits of these great beasts out of their slumber."

He crouched and studied the body "It would also seemthat from this attack and the one before that these beasts are possibly being controled and sent to attack us specifically. The stories I've been told have never mentioned them being so coordinated in a hunt, and this was not a hunt this was an attack."

He looked Hadrik in the eye "I fear for our lives if not our souls if we cannot defend ourselves and the inn from the next attack."

He then turned and walked back tothe inn "And there will be another attack ...I can feelit in the wind blowing through woods. I suggest we start making this place secure as soon as possible."

Hadrik has been conferring with the slim man who was rescued from the wolves.

When Eldor comes up he considers the woodsman's words thoughtfully, then summons all of you around and speaks loudly "I too ha' heard that tale... and I reckon it more than just a tale.  But I willnae sit here and wait nae longer.   We ha' lost Kregnasson and puir Jerkyls.  E'en so, we march on Ettryck lands tomorrow at dawn.    We'll keep a good watch but for the rest ae us.... catch all the sleep yous can.

Sir Campbell, you will take the east way wi' Beren here and Harou - and the three the Athelstanes wha are hale and strong.

Sir Thomas, the west way with Karl, Eldor, auld Brakkus and Bjorn.

I will take my men up the main path and leave the two wounded tae guard the inn.

At noon three days hence we shall meet in the middle o' yon scheming hamlet, come what may!"

[ooc: west group please continue posting here: link to a message in this game
      east group here: link to a message in this game
 ]

In reply to Sir Adonis Campbell (msg #114):

Brejgun hardly seemed to recover his senses all through Adonis' farewell - however just for a moment he raised his head and fixed the knight with a lucid stare, gripping the man's sword hand with his good hand for what seemed like minutes.  Then his eyes drifted closed for the last time, and somehow the young Huscarl's expression set peacefully.