Re: Hordewatch Keep
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.
