From Gorna, the City of Colors, the journey into the foothills of the Barrier Peaks requires three days. The mountains live up to their namesake, their jagged, ice shrouded heights forming what appears to be an impassible wall, rather than a collection of summits. Although some hardy plants thrive in the hard soil at the base of the enormous ridge, they are few and far between. Even those within the company that are accustomed to traveling in such country recognize that it requires a group of very determined souls to create a life in such a forbidding area.

A road, traveled enough to have cut a winding groove through the foothills, leads the adventurers into the northwest, the cold of the mountains tightening its grip on each of the champions as they venture higher. Toward noon on the third day of the trek, the company comes in range of Baron Domnall's stronghold. Their ears are aware of the stout community before their eyes sight the Baron's tower, and the rough stone walls that encircle it. Above the soft moan of the wind sweeping down from the Barrier Peaks, the din of battle can be heard. Shouted commands, the clanging of steel, screams of the injured, and loud crashes, the noise of destruction, cut through the misty air.

Rounding a bend in the road, the adventurers see the tall entrance gate to Domnall's stronghold, which has been caved in, the iron of the portcullis a twisted ruin. From within the walls, the sounds of battle intensify.

Azad tightens his grip on his staff and looks up at the riven gates. "I knew our arrival wasn't going to be greeted with strewn flowers and trumpets, but this is far worse than I anticipated. We must hurry and lend aid where we can!" He flicks the horses' reins, urging them to pull the wagon a bit faster.

"I couldn't agree more," came Salenth's urgent reply as she gave Azad a nod of agreement. Tightening her grip on the sides of the wagon, Salenth felt the wind rushing against her ears as Azad urged the horses to go faster. Her own heart beat in rhythm with the horses steady gallop towards the Baron's stronghold and to calm herself, she whispered a prayer to St. Cuthbert to grant the defenders of the stronghold strength to hang on and fight.

As they approach the gate, Herodian positions himself near the center of the group.

"Lumwik," he calls to the dwarf. "How'd you like to make a big impression on whatever caved that gate in?"

Lumwik trots his pony up next to Herodian.  "Aye.  Even if it means I havta get meself a bigger pony."

"Whatever we're doing, we need to do it quickly." Ella kicks her horse to the front of the group, galloping ahead of the wagon and drawing her sword.

Cal spurs his horse into a gallop along with the others and draws his sword as he approaches the gate. He's clearly intent on being one of the first ones into whatever fray is happening inside the keep. "Keep an eye on our flank and rear in case whoever attacked has reinforcements." he cautions the group on the wagon.

"Stash the wagons and supplies to the side. We must make haste towards the gates and aid in the battle." Ranzarth states as he nimbly jumps off his steed and ties it to a near by tree. He draws his sword and begins to move forward.

Azad nods, and puts both hands on the reins to steer the wagon to the side. "Get up there! I'll catch up!"

Wandreck draws his sword and gladly watches the rear as he keeps a steady hand on the reins.  Somebody had to survive this, and he figured it might as well be him.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

Horses were never his forte and as such his gallop had less force.  Muttering to himself about bad omens, he bears down and attempts to keep with the group as best he could.  With no visible signs of wheel marks, he doubted a siege device had been used.  Given their altitude, he expected something big.

Venturing to the destroyed gate, the party sees chaos in the street beyond the walls.

Several homes and craftsman’s shops line the avenue just inside the walls’ protection. A few paces east of the opening, the adventurers can see an enormous hole in the ground, soil thrown violently from its sides in every direction; clearly the point where a huge, burrowing beast emerged from beneath the earth.

The company does not need to search to find the brute. A short distance west of the gate, a number of uniformed soldiers are locked in battle with the massive creature. It stands roughly the height of a war horse, but is easily three times as wide. Most of its body is covered in thick, armor like scales that are blue gray in color, and each of its thick legs end in three toed feet that bear long, curving talons. A beak like maw is filled with jagged teeth. The shafts of two spears jut from the monster’s back.



Four dead soldiers lie in the dust nearby, each one crushed or bearing terrible, gaping wounds. The monster lets out an enraged roar. A dark haired, bearded man in ornate plate armor urges the soldiers to press their attack as he slashes at the creature with his sword. ”Do not yield! Keep fighting! We are all that lay between it and the innocents!”

OOC: The creature’s attention is currently fixed on the soldiers that are engaging it, so the party has the opportunity to act before initiative is determined. The areas of the monster that carry its natural armor provide it an AC of -2.

Lumwik strides forward, trying to draw the beasts attention. he swings his axe with brutal efficiency.


ooc:
23:06, Today: Lumwik rolled 24,10,25,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+5,1d20+5,1d8+5.

Hits AC -2 for 10 (+6 for Enlarge/strength)
Hits AC -2 for 7 (Natural 20) (+6 for Enlarge/strength)
Plus whatever bonuses for being large.



edit: added STR bonus to damage
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Wed 07 Aug 2019.

Wandreck dismounts and then rushes around the creature, preparing to backstab it while it’s distracted.

01:50, Today: Wandreck rolled 13 using 1d12+3.  Dam.  (52 pts if I can backstab)
01:50, Today: Wandreck rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  To hit w/longsword.  (Not including +4 backstab bonus)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:51, Wed 07 Aug 2019.

As Lumwik moves to engage the creature, Herodian traces a sigil in the air in front of him. He completes the gesture and says "Gedeng Ente!"

Lumwik begins to grow larger with each step he takes. By the time he makes another attack he will have nearly tripled in size.

---

OOC: His size and weight are increased by 180% and his strength is increased to 19 for 9 turns.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 12):

Ranz approached the creature with nimble steps moving towards what looked to be a vital spot, he stabbed forward with his shortsword, but the beasts armoured hide deflected the blow harmlessly.


OOC:
23:48, Today: Ranzarth rolled 11 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 8.  Attack with Short Sword, add +4 if considered rear attack.

Ella vaults out of the saddle and charges the rear of the massive creature, pulling out her sword as she runs. If nothing else, maybe their arrival will take the creature's attention away from the guardsmen. "Ignis!" With a word, the weapon bursts into flames, leaving a trail of fire behind as it moves. On her approach, she drops low, cutting and slashing at what she hopes is the less-armored underbelly of the creature as much as she can.

08:34, Today: Ella rolled 18,11,12,10 using 1d20+5,1d12+5,1d20+5,1d12+5 ((13,6,7,5)).
Hits AC -5 for 11
Hits AC  1 for 10

Azad parks the wagon and jumps out of the seat, running to keep up with the others. As he comes up to the battle, he draws out a rough-hewn, crystalline wand from within his sleeve. With a sweeping gesture, he says, "Dos di xarzith," and the ground in front of the behemoth suddenly turns cold. In the span of a couple seconds, the air in an arc around the creature crystallizes and solidifies, forming a barrier made of jagged shards of ice.

---

Invoking my wand to create a wall of ice, forming a half-circle with the critter in the middle. It's just under 25 feet radius, eight feet tall, six inches thick. Placed so that it completely blocks the street, but still gives us and the militia room to fight it.

If necessary, I can create a diagram that shows how big it is.

Keeping pace with the rest of the party, Salenth unhooks her holy mace from her weapon's loop and throws the shield around to her front and gripped the shield's enarmes. Upon catching sight of the large creature and the trodden soldiers, Salenth gritted her teeth and braced for the fight.

There would be time to take care of the wounded after the beast was dealt with. And so, she charges in together with the melee fighters.

OOC: 15:33, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Attack.

While not familiar with them personally, he had heard tales of such creatures.  He knew little about fighting them but most anything he had ever faced obeyed certain rules.  Pulling the horse in and dismounting, he begins to unpack and ready his crossbow.  His gaze never once leaves the animal as he studies its movements, looking for signs of weak points.

OOC: He is actively trying to look for an unplated, or what he thinks is unplated, region of the creature and then making a called shot once the crossbow is prepared.  If he can locate no such region, he will refocus his aim for the mouth when it opens.

Along with the other frontliners, Cal dismounts and draws his sword. Before charging the giant creature, he advises Azad, Harkmur and anyone else staying at range, "Keep your eyes open for others. If that thing came through the hole, something ELSE came through the gates."

Then he charges in and adds his own efforts to the melee. Slicing at the creature's exposed flanks.


2 hits. 33 damage total
16:38, Today: Sir Cal rolled 13,20 using 1d12+12,1d12+12.  damage for 2 hits.
16:38, Today: Sir Cal rolled 25,26 using 1d20+9,1d20+9.  to hit, THACO13.

The wall of ice at their back, the soldiers move to press their attack, clearly emboldened by the company’s timely intervention. But their blades are unneeded. The party’s attacks on the already injured beast cut it down in a matter of moments, the monster bellowing in pain as it slumps to the street, succumbing to its wounds.

As the beast’s blood begins to flow between the cobblestones, the man clad in ornate armor finds his voice. ”There’s another. It came through the gate and...”

As if summoned by the soldier’s words, a second armored monster, the same species as the fallen one, emerges from between two buildings that directly face the broken gate, what appears to be the leg of a halfling jutting out of one corner of its mouth. It immediately spots the carcass of the first creature and lets out a furious roar.

09:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

09:14, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Monster.

The beast springs with remarkable power, its leap carrying it almost eight feet in the air. It lands alongside the dead creature, lashing at those nearby with its claws as it descends.

Both Ella and Lumwik are able to anticipate the creature’s strikes with its rear feet. The dwarf turns aside the the sharp claws with his shield, while the priestess sidesteps the descending blow.

10:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack - Claws.

10:14, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d20.  Attack - Claws.

The monster slashes at the soldiers’ leader, aiming its other blow at another of the uniformed warriors. The leader’s shield bears the brunt of the attack aimed at him, shuddering with the impact. The other soldier scrambles out of the way of the beast’s assault, momentarily losing his footing.

10:16, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20.  Attack - Claws.

10:16, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack - Claws.



OOC: Way to be observant, Sir Cal!

It is the party’s turn to act.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

With his crossbow cocked and loaded, Harkmur slowed his breathing and steadied himself. Carefully raising the heavy conglomerate of wood, metal and leather into place, he squares his vision down the length of the bolt.  Waiting patiently, he spies an opportune moment and takes his shot.  With a loud *THUMP* the bolt is sent whistling through the air...

14:28, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 15 using 1d20.  Aimed Shot.
14:28, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Bolt Damage.

Azad takes a step back at the newly-arrived monster's sudden leap, even though he is nowhere near the path. He quickly tucks his wand back into his sleeve, then raises his hand with two fingers outstretched. He breathes in, loudly drawing air between clenched teeth, then expels his breath with a loud choom sound.

Darts of pure magic, gleaming white, spring from his fingers and arc through the air, leaving traceries of light in their paths. They veer under the creature's carapace, striking it repeatedly until the fifth dart drives into the resulting wound.

---

Casting magic missile, striking the beast for 19 points of damage.

16:21, Today: Azad Rola rolled 19 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile damage.

The titanic dwarf again swings his great axe, the weapon set to cleave deep into the creatures flesh, it's armor little able to slow the blade.  "Give room! He calls, directing the baron's men to get clear of harm's way. "Ye done yer part, ye can step back."  He strives to keep the beast attention focused on him.  "Come here, ya overgrown turtle."  He follows with a second skilled strike.



ooc:
16:37, Today: Lumwik rolled 27,16,28,13 using 1d20+8,1d8+11,1d20+8,1d8+11.

Easily hits AC -2 for 16
Easily hits AC -2 for 13 (Natural 20)

Ranzarth rolls to the side at the new beast emerging and leaping into their midst. He begins an incantation, tracing a arcane rune before him that glows and he splits into multiple images of himself.


OOC: Cast Mirror Image, lasts for 27 rounds.


14:51, Today: Ranzarth rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  # of Images.

Seeing the effectiveness of her earlier tactic, Ella calls out to her companions. "Try to get under the armor! They're softer on the belly!" She weaves and ducks, trying to avoid the beast's claws as she slashes low again and again, her blade weaving a path of fire and steel.

Ella rolled 9,16,12,6 using 1d20+5,1d12+5,1d20+5,1d12+5 ((4,11,7,1))
Hits AC 4 for 16
Hits AC 1 for  6

Herodian extends his right hand toward the creature as it moves to engage the others.

"Sihir Shirak Anak!"

Upon uttering the phrase five glowing bolts of force energy streak from his hand and arc to strike the creature's soft underbelly.

---

OOC:
15:26, Today: Herodian rolled 15 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile damage.

Having positioned himself, Wandreck backstabs the vile creature.  (Or tries...)

17:32, Today: Wandreck rolled 31 using 4d12+12.  Damage(?).
17:32, Today: Wandreck rolled 11 using 1d20+7.  To hit w/backstab.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

"Aye." Cal says calmly to Ella, almost detached, as he ducks his way past the beast's thrashing and makes precise slices with his sword. The narrow blade slips through the joints in the giant beasts's armored hide, drawing blood several times.


two hits, but got the lowest damage I could roll... 26

21:54, Today: Sir Cal rolled 13,13 using 1d12+12,1d12+12.  damage.

21:53, Today: Sir Cal rolled 21,25 using 1d20+9,1d20+9.  attack 2nd bulette.

As soon as the first creature fell, another one almost immediately took it's place and Salenth  rushed into the fray without hesitation. She had worked with her companions she before on previous missions and knowing how everyone performed helped in coordinating everyone's attacks. The Priestess of St. Cuthbert felt confident and assured that this battle was theirs to win.

OOC: 13:26, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Attack.
13:29, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Damage.

The soldiers, several of them wounded, watch in awe as the company surrounds the second beast. The monster is momentarily transfixed as numerous images of Ranzarth bloom in the air before it, its senses unable to discern which of the elves is real. Its confusion is short lived as the adventurers rain down a series of precise strikes upon it, bolstered by bolts of arcane energy hurled by two of the mages at the beast. Shrieks of pain fill the street before the armored terror slumps onto its side, bleeding profusely, its rampage at an abrupt end.

OOC: Combat over.

The leader of the soldiers returns his blade to its scabbard and approaches the company. ”I am thankful for your coming.” He gestures to the men behind him. ”We all are. Were it not for you, I am certain those beasts would have overcome us and killed many more innocents.”

“I am Domnall, Baron of Geoff. Are you those that the Grand Duke sought for aid?”

Being further back, and not being the biggest on conversation, Harkmur begins edging towards one of the beasts, eyeing the thick plates surrounding it.  Looking this way and that, he feels the thickness and density of the pieces.

"Some of these pieces might make for some extra shielding, if they don't weigh too much.", he mutters to no one in particular.

Ella watches the beast fall, quickly glancing around for another. Seeing the threat apparently ended for now, she gives a quick flourish of the flaming sword, then extinguishes in and slides it into its scabbard. Approaching the apparent leader of the guardsmen, she extends a hand in greeting. "We are. I am Ella Greene, Matriarch of the Church of Joramy."

She gestures to each of the companions in turn. "These are Azad, Salenth, Herodian, Sir Cal, Wandreck, Ranzarth, Harkmur, and the large one over there is Lumwick. We're here to help with your monster problem."

Ranzarth bows slightly at the mention of his name "Greetings Baron Domnall. We are happy to have arrived in time to help with these beasts."

Wandreck closely examines the great armor plates behind the bulettes’ heads.  He has heard that they are very useful in constructing superior shields...

Azad steps up to join the others, then bows to Domnall. His hands are held before him, thumbs and index fingers joining in a circle, with the other fingers spread outward -- a gesture mimicking the symbol of the Circle of Eight. "Azad Rola, apprentice to Leomund. Mind that wall, I wouldn't advise trying to break through it. What can you tell us about the recent attacks?"

"Well met, all of you," he tells the gathering as Ella introduces them.

Shaking his head, he says, "These beasts. My sage tells me they are called bulettes. She claims that they're quite rare. That they are solitary hunters, but on a few occasions, a mated pair may be found together."

He presses his mouth into a thin line. "Those are the second pair that have attacked this stronghold in the past week. The elven scouts finished off the first two by raining arrows down on them. Had to use fire. Burned down four homes in the process."

"Before that, it was some accursed thing that resembled a water buffalo. Had a mace for a tail. A catoblepas it was called. Killed some of my soldiers just by looking at them. Its head is in a chest in my tower's cellar."

"Before that? An enormous winged worm that swallowed three men whole. So heated up on the inside, we melted a dozen swords striking its back. I have been told that those never venture out of the arctic wastes. No reason at all for it to have traveled here."

Turning to one of his soldiers, the Baron orders him to ensure that the dead are seen to and that preparations are made for their burial. "They will be honored. They gave everything to protect us."

Returning his attention to the adventurers. "What we have faced...well, it seems as though we have fallen prey to a number of creatures that have never traveled these foothills before. I have fought my share of monsters since settling here. But nothing such as these."

"The scouts, the elves. They should be here by nightfall. They have seen more. Metal golems taking prisoners. Burning one of the watchtowers with bolts of fire. They are convinced it is all the work of a mage. That somehow, these monsters are being summoned, or created, and sent out to destroy us. Possibly as a precursor to something. An invasion perhaps."

Harkmur and Wandreck find scales on each of the vanquished bullettes that could be fashioned into shields. But given the hardness of the creatures' armor, it would require the efforts of a master smith to do so.

Azad draws the crystal wand from his sleeve. Aiming it at the wall of ice, he focuses his attention at it, and the wall collapses into a rapidly-melting pile of crystals. Tucking the wand back into its place, he says, "We have been sent to determine the nature of this threat and, if possible, stop it. If I may speak for the others, consider us on-call until we have a chance to speak with the elves. Our blades and spells are yours, for the time being."

“You are fortunate that the creatures have visited you in small numbers, instead of coming all at once.  That is how I would attack you if I were an evil wizard.”

Metal golems? he muses.  A daunting prospect, to be sure.  But there was the old saying: the bigger they are, the harder they fall...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

Together with the combined prowess of the her companions, the battle ended as swiftly as it started for Salenth. Now, the priestess took a short moment to survey the carnage and gritted her teeth at the sight of the many wounded.

Normally, she would not hesitate to rush to their aid, but Baron Dormnall had found his way to their group and greeted them. Now, she listened to the information about the past attacks with equal parts curiosity and horror for attacks from such creatures was unheard off till now.

"Unfortunately, I'm not a trained tactician and thus cannot offer much insight into what I think is going on. But my strengths lie in helping your wounded," Salenth said.

Perhaps till the elves arrive with more information, Baron if you will allow it, I will help your clerics with getting as many men back on their feet as you will probably need it. Judging by the pattern of attacks, another one seems imminent," Salenth offered. Even as she spoke, she was already looping up her long hair into a bun to keep strand strands from her face and was already backing away to join the healers in battlefield.

Placing the scale securely upon his mount, Harkmur makes his way towards the group.

"I know little of summoning but I can tell you this much, it sounds to me like there's something wrong in the north.  In the high plains, during the winter seasons, you will often see herds of small animals, all various species, running en masse.  I've often found the culprit is a new predator in the area.  Either way, to either control or terrify things of this size or greater, that spells something bad for certain, let me tell you."

In reply to Harkmur of the Granite (msg # 42):

Cal adds his voice to the conversation. "I agree with Harkmur. It sounds as if something is driving the monsters south. Cold comfort. Anything powerful enough to frighten away such monsters is powerful indeed."

Ranzarth nodded as he surveyed the damage "Can you repair the gate? Or should we use a few wagons to get things in place?"

Herodian's brow furrows in thought.

"You may be right," he says. "A new predator invading their territory certainly could have driven them here. I'm not sure that explains the unprovoked attack on this stronghold, though. Fear generally only makes beasts aggressive when they're cornered."

“Something so great and terrible that bulettes and other powerful monsters flee from it like frightened rabbits?  We might be in over our heads.”

Wandreck hopes the others appreciate his gift for understatement.

Lumwik lets the others postulate with the Baron.  While the spell that make him a giant still lasts, he starts butchering the bullettes for disposal, and any other heavy works that need done. Idle chatter did not suit his disposition.

Domnall nods solemnly at Azad’s words. ”Thank you. I am certain we will all rest more easily knowing you are present.”

“We would be most appreciative of your aid, Priestess,” the baron tells Salenth. Looking to one of his soldiers, he says, ”See to it that she is accompanied to the tower once the wounded are tended to.”

He looks to the ruined gate, a wearied sigh escaping his throat. “We have the means to barricade the opening until the smiths are able to repair it. I fear my soldiers will be required to set extra watches until the work is complete.”

Addressing the company, he says, ”Come. Follow me to the tower. No doubt you are weary from your journey and from battle. I will see to it that you are well fed and have quarters to rest in. I wish to hear more of your thoughts regarding what might be behind this turmoil.”

That evening, the adventurers find that the Baron’s table is generous, but the fare is simple, evidence of the hardship his holdings have faced in recent weeks. Domnall orders casks of ale and wine brought up from his cellars for the company’s enjoyment. His demeanor is humble, his gratitude for the party’s intervention evident. He listens with solemn interest as the theories of what might be transpiring within the Barrier Peaks are discussed.

As the meal nears its conclusion, the sentries outside call out, heralding the arrival of the elves. Domnall seems relieved at the news of their safe return. After a few moments, a female elf clad in studded leather armor enters the hall, a quiver of arrows cinched to her back, a longsword hanging from her belt. Her left bicep is wrapped in a bandage and she bears a recent cut on her forehead. Domnall rises to meet her and after she greets him formally, the two speak quietly for a moment.

Turning her attention to the gathered adventurers, she says, ”I am called Trisvyre. I am the leader of the scouts that serve the Baron here in northern Geoff. I am glad of your coming.”

“I am to guide you to the cave where we believe these monsters have come from. I and my fellow scouts just traveled here from that place. It remains...dangerous.”

"Are you referring to the monsters attacking the city, or the scarier monsters who are driving them to attack the city?"

Either way, he was preparing himself for a real splatter party.

"I speak of the creatures that have attacked this stronghold and others in the foothills," the scout replies. "We believe we have found where they originate from, but those of our number that have ventured into that place to learn more have not returned. We do not know who, or what, sends these monsters forth."

Speaking softly in elven "How many did your scouts number when you ventured near and around that place? How many souls have been sent to the evergreen forests?" He seemed concerned with those lost.

It’s the quality, not the quantity, Wandreck thinks, but says nothing.

"Six, all told," she answers quietly.

"Beyond leading you to the cave where these creatures have come from, I intend to accompany you within. I desire to see this slaughter ended and to know the fate of my fellow warriors."

Azad bows slightly, again making the sign of the Circle of Eight. "You are welcome to accompany us." He addresses the others. "What is the plan for the day? Help the patrols, secure the gate, aid the wounded? Or press forward and seek the source of the problem?"

"These other creatures you speak of.  Can you describe them?"

"We should rest and heal up tonight, gather what supplies we need and head out in the morning. I will take a watch on the gates to keep an eye out for any other odd creatures along with your guard." Ranzarth replies as he finishes a small amount of the food on the table

Trisvyre relates to Harkmur the account of the monsters that she has encountered alongside her fellow scouts while searching for the cave where she believes they have originated from. Most mirror what the Baron has described, though she also indicates that the elves did battle with a hideous creature with a large, squat body, an enormous maw, and tentacles that Harkmur and several of his fellow adventurers recognize as an otyugh. The fight is notable because it took place within the forest at midday and otyughs are known to be subterranean scavengers.

"I will make ready for us to depart at first light," the scout tells the company, hearing Ranzarth's suggestion. "We have fresh mounts for any that have need of them."

"I have some additional supplies that may be of help to you," Domnall informs the group, "I will be sure they are ready for you when you depart in the morning."

OOC: Please let me know if anyone has any additional business to see to at Domnall's stronghold prior to me moving the game ahead to the next chapter. Spellcasters, please go ahead and refresh your lists of memorized/prayed for spells for the following day.

Ella nods to the scout, then turns to the Baron. "Please tell me where the wounded are being kept. Before we leave, I would give my goddess's aid to your people as much as I can." She uses her remaining spells after the dinner to aid the injured of the stronghold before making ready to leave the next morning.

Wandreck is glad he’s no mage... he sometimes has trouble remembering the names of members of his own family.

After seeing to the wounded and dying in the immediate aftermath of the battle, Salenth welcomed the dinner. It was a good relief and reprieve from the horrors of war. Now, as she listened to her companions ask the Baron their questions, Salenth couldn't help but wonder how much more the city could take before it crumbled. As it is, their able bodied were falling swiftly as the frequency of battles intensified.

When Trisvyre was introduced, Salenth offered the elf a nod of respect. The elven scout had seen much of the horrors first hand and there was no better guide than her.

"Thank you for your hospitality Baron and nice to meet you Trisvyre. I believe there is still much to do in the infirmary, but I suppose some rest before the journey tomorrow is most welcome," Salenth said. With that, the Priestess of St. Cuthbert retreated back to the quarters assigned to her for the night to pray to her god for His blessings and prepared herself for the coming day.

"Yes," Herodian says when Ella excuses herself to go check on the injured. "I should offer what aid I can to the injured, too. I will see the rest of you in the morning. Sleep well."

With that, he gets up from the table and goes with her to the infirmary. After healing as many of the guards as he can he retires to his room. He takes a sheaf of parchment, a jar of ink, and a quill from his pack and turns the little dining table in the corner of the room into a makeshift writing desk. While the scout's report and the events of the day are still relatively fresh in his mind he commits them to ink and paper. When he is finished writing, he blots the ink and puts his supplies back into his pack, leaving the page he penned on the table to dry. He would be able to add it to the pack safely in the morning.

Finally, he ended his day with the ritual of prayer and study that filled him with the divine and arcane energies that were his to command.

Ranzarth gathers his items and moves to the wall as he takes part in the watch for part of the evening before he retires to the quarters assigned to rest well and prepare for the next day.

Having little interest in tending to the wounded, Wandreck heads to his quarters where he intends to count gem-encrusted sheep until sleep comes like a loyal mistress.  With mead wishes and platinum dreams.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

Loading himself down heavily with the offerings, Harkmur stays at the table, losing himself in the firelight.  Gently nursing another cup of wine, he tries to make sense of the day.  The appearance of beasts from the north, the strange actions of the Otyugh.

"Something is very wrong.", he mutters to himself.

He winces and reaches towards his right knee as a bolt of pain raises through it.  An old injury he suffered from a fall, it has become his bird of ill-omen, appearing when times ahead are sure to become rough.

The watches pass without incident. Dawn finds Domnall’s stronghold quiet and undisturbed.